USA > Indiana > Boone County > Early life and times in Boone County, Indiana, giving an account of the early settlement of each locality, church histories, county and township officers from the first down to 1886 Biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and women. > Part 31
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THE PREACHERS OF EAGLE VILLAGE FORTY YEARS AGO.
I attended a revival meeting not long ago in this county, when a young woman arose in a speaking session and said : " I do not recollect the time when my parents' home was not ' the home of the preachers; when there was no altar there." This is true with many of us. It is certainly true with me, and I early formed a good opinion of preachers. I loved to see them come, for preaching at the time of which I write, did not occur every Sunday, by any means, and when it was given out. that there would be meeting at the house of a neighbor, it was the signal for an outpouring of the people. Yes, I have a good opinion of preachers in general, though there is one occasionally turns up to disgrace his calling. I can't help thinking that of those of whom I write about to-day. and who have gone to their reward, were good men and are enjoying the repose of the land of the blest.
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Thomas Lockhart was one of the first preachers I ever saw. This was about the year 1840. He came once a month to hold meeting. He was always well received, and considering the sparse settlement, had good attendance. He was then in his prime, and an earnest worker. I read recently of his death at some town in Hendricks County, at the age of ninety- two years. What a grand life he spent ! What a grand crown he must wear ! Don't say all the preachers are bad men. Mr. L. was a Christian preacher.
Hugh Wells, that grand old man, for he is yet living, or was recently, often preached at our house and in the vicinity. He lived at that time, baek in the forties, near Augusta. He was formerly a Methodist, but late in life joined and labored for the Lutheran Church. He was not a finely educated man, but thoroughly in earnest and commanded the respect and esteem of all. He was a fine looking man in person, with a gleaming countenance when thoroughly lit up with the fire of a zealous worker, as he was.
D. F. Straight was sent to the Augusta circuit about the year 1842. He was then a young man ; had not been preach- ing long. He is yet living, and has nearly got back to where he was preaching forty-three years ago-not far from Allison- ville. He must now be near seventy-five years of age. What throngs of people he has spoken to! What numbers he has warned to flee from the wrath to come, and what a vast mul- titude has gone on before that has listened to him in years past.
James McCoy, a Presbyterian preacher, came to the village in 1844. He was a polished man, a born preacher and fine singer. . He was very popular for years. If living, he must be eighty years of age, for he was at his best at the time spoken of, of medium size and always went well dressed. I do not know where he went after leaving the village ; in all probabil- ity he has gone to the goodly land. One of the ablest ser- mons ever preached at the Augusta camp meeting was preached by him. This, too, when such men as W. H. Good, Joseph
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Marsee, J. H. Hull, Augustus Eddie and others preached in their best days. All have preached at Eagle Village.
Madison Hume, a Baptist preacher, lived eight miles north of Indianapolis. He was an occasional visitor at the village, and none were more welcome than he-a noble man and a good speaker. He labored and built up the Crooked Creek Church near his home, where he was loved and respected for his work. His brother was at my house two years ago, and said Madison died at Indianapolis ten or twelve years ago and was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery. Will not some keep his grave green ?
R. H. Calvert, I think, succeeded Straight on the Augusta circuit in 1844. He was a thorough Methodist and had some fight about him-that is, in a war of words He was quite able in debate or fireside argument, which was his delight. Father had made arrangements for a talk or chat between him and Matt Council at our house in 1844. Council was a Camp- bellite, or Christian preacher of some note, and was also a "fighter." The time came and both were on hand, eager for the fray. Father introduced them, when the fun began, and lasted till very late. This was the first debate I was ever at, and perhaps the first in or near the village. Mr. Conncil has been dead many years. Calvert's whereabouts I do not know anything about. In all probability he is dead. If living, he is near eighty years of age.
Among other local preachers of that day were William Gauge, Joseph Lanner, Joshua Wright, George Bowman, George Duzan, Mr. Sims, Wm. Patterson, Matt Council, Mr. Dodson and George Morgan.
SAMUEL HARDEN'S RECOLLECTIONS OF AN EARLY VISIT TO LEBANON.
The first time I visited Lebanon was in the spring of 1847, during the session of the circuit court. It was al-o the first court I was ever in. Judge Peasley was on the bench, with
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Samuel Cason and Nash Pitzer as associates. The little, old- fashioned court house looked big to me, and the lawyers, it seemed, were superior beings. Among them were Hiram Brown, Hugh O'Neal, Abraham A. Hammond, William Quarles, of Indianapolis, L. C. Daugherty, W. B. Beach, S. S. Strong, Mr. Hamilton, Joseph Hockett and others, of Leb- anon. It was a very muddy time and the streets were in a terrible plight. There were no walks, either plank or gravel, but I was raised in the mud and did not expect anything bet- ter. The town looked large to me, for it was about the largest one I was ever in up to that time. There was a sign on the north side of the square I call to mind. I think it was in front of a hatter's shop. It was a coon and a hat. A man by the name of Olive, I think, made hats for the natives there in an early day. Wm. Zion was then in business on the cor- ner of the two main streets. A. H. Shepard kept tavern, and a good one for the times. It was known far and wide as "Shep's." There was a young man from Jamestown that spring, asking to be admitted to the bar. His name I do not recall. He was the butt-end of all the jokes of the season. He was a big, two-fisted, good-natured fellow. Judging from surroundings, he would have made a better "Jehu " than a disciple of Blackstone. But we can't always sometimes tell how a man will turn out.
When in your city last July, I thought of the ones referred to above. All, or nearly all, are dead now. The muddy streets present a different appearance. The old court house is gone. Time has brought changes. The sparkling, light eyes of Quarles are closed forever. The powerful voice of Brown is hushed. The quick retort of O'Neal is indulged in no more, and the pleasant smile of Daugherty has passed away forever. Judge Peasly has been summoned to a higher bar, where a Judge that knows no erring is presiding, and where no appeals are taken.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
THE ODD FELLOWS' PICNIC AND OTHER MATTERS AS SEEN BY MR. S. HARDEN.
The Odd Fellows' picnic here on last Thursday was one of the best I ever attended. First, the day was all that could be desired-no dust, and in the beautiful grove of William Heck- athorn it was delightful. The people came, and I judge nearly three thousand persons were present, all well behaved and well dressed. Never was there better order at any out-door meet- ing than at this. The committee was successful in procuring good speakers. Hon. Will Cumback spoke in the forenoon, and it was one of his best efforts, too. He was listened to with close attention while he spoke the golden words of truth. Dinner was then in order, and, oh, such a repast as was spread out on the hillside on the snow-white tablecloths, covered with the grandest dinner one could imagine. An hour or two was spent in feasting and general social greetings, after which B. F. Foster spoke for about an hour. It was a rare treat to listen to two such speakers on such an occasion. Rev. Atkins, of New Ross, spoke fifteen minutes, and acquitted himself well. The Lebanon juvenile band was on hand, and rendered some good music, as it always does. The vocal music, by the Jamestown choir, was good. It was a gala day for Jamestown and Odd Fellowship-a day well spent.
To canvass a community when there are seven threshing machines at work, besides the making of hay, cutting oats. and other work going on at the same time, is not a very de- sirable job, especially when the thermometer is in the nineties. Among the older citizens called on during the past week were Elijah Jackson, Bart Miller, G. W. Shockley, Peter Deweese, J. H. Kibbey, Milton Young, W. H. Coombs, and J. M. Sandy. All are interested in the early history of Boone. Among the younger men called on were J. M. Ashley, Thos. Ashley, J. M. Emmert, Stephen D. Emmert, Ephraim Kibbey,
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D. H. Shockley and W. H. Ashley, all very intelligent young men, a majority of whom are teachers. W. H. Ashley and Ephraim Kibbey are candidates on the National county ticket. Should they be elected they will fill the offices with eredit to themselves and their constituency.
The finest grove of timber to be seen anywhere is on the farm of Mrs. Ashley, two and one-half miles northeast of Jamestown, and in sight of the Lebanon road. But one has to be in it to behold its beauties-one hundred and forty pop- lars and as many oaks standing on eight or ten acres. It is a great sight now, and would in time to come, if preserved, be- come more so. It is worth thousands of dollars, but it would be almost a sin to cut down those monarchs of the forest, tow- ering over their surroundings. While looking at those grand old trees I thought of the lines :
" Woodman, spare that tree," etc.
I am told that much of the land in Jackson was originally covered with the choicest walnut, poplar and oak timber. I saw a poplar stump on the land of W. H. Coombs that meas- ured nine feet through. Some who read this may have seen the tree when it was standing. But those grand old trees, like the first settlers, are only found here and there, and will soon be known only in history; and as we measure the stumps of trees, their names will be measured by the good they have done.
One of the finest farming communities to be found any- where is located around Old Union Church. With its splen- did growing eorn and already harvested wheat fields it is a grand sight to take in the church and one of the finest located cemeteries to be found in the county. It is to be hoped that when the pike is made, in place of going through it may be made around on the north side and give all this hill to the use of the cemetery, as the road now passes through or near the center of the hill. It is none of my business, but to a stranger it looks like this would be about the right step.
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The people of Jackson should be, and I think are, a happy, contented people, with good farms and houses, and plenty on every hand, with good roads and prospects of getting better all the time. It certainly is a desirable place to live. My short stay with the people here has, on my part, been pleasant. In the future I hope to call up many kind faces and incidents that naturally came up while canvassing Jackson Township.
THE GARDEN SPOT OF BOONE.
After having been over Jackson Township in the interest of my work, " Early Life and Times in Boone County," and being liberally patronized, I wish, in a general way, to thank those who so kindly and well have assisted in the work. Forty years ago I heard Dr. Rodman, formerly of Eagle Village, now of Oregon, say Jamestown was the garden spot of Boone County. It was many years after that when I first saw this part of the county, and not until quite recently was I at all acquainted with the people or township. All strangers must be forcibly impressed with Jackson Township, who have been over any considerable portion as I have been. My feet have become somewhat familiar with the roads and by-paths, its houses, streams, churches, cemeteries and citizens. I have no desire to dispute what Dr. Rodman said.
Among the persons called upon were: Ammon Heady, Simon Emmert, Peter Deweese, Wm. Reese, J. M. Nicely, Dr. Burk, Johnson Heath, Sol. Searing, J. M. Shelley, J. M. Martin, William Nicely, Wash. Emmert, W. H. Coombs, J. H. Kibbey, Elijah Jackson, Wash. Shockley, W. C. Crump, W. H. Hostetter, and others.
To all the above and others I am nnder lasting obligations. In after life it will be a pleasure to call up those with whom I . have become acquainted in Jackson Township. Its cosy homes, rolling hills, pleasant valleys and the grandest forest (Mrs. Ashley's) I have ever seen in any county. Although 1
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saw many of your citizens under unfavorable surroundings, harvesting and threshing, I have usually found them gentle- men. I can call up no one who in the slightest way turned the cold shoulder. Should this continue throughout the county I will never regret having undertaken to write its early history. I found as a rule good farming, as the threshing now going on attests, corn well tended, and in fact everything denoting good husbandry. As a lady remarked to me recent- ly, and one who had traveled extensively, that any one who could not make a living here could not any place. This state of things I hope may long continue to the people of your township, and the bountiful harvest just being gathered may never be less.
ON THE WING.
MR. HARDEN RESUMES HIS WORK IN HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
There is in this locality two things that strikes one favor- ably ; the vast prairies and good school houses, and, 1 might say, its many churches. No township of its size has so many houses of worship-seven, if I count right. I was lucky in finding such a good place to stop as George W. Scotts' and his pleasant family, who so kindly entertained me under unfavorable circumstances (the wheat threshers being here at the time) .. George is one of the old settlers in Harrison. I called on Flemming Dickerson in the southeast corner. He has been here nearly fifty years; is well informed in pioncer matters; is seventy-five years of age, and is keeping up remarkably well. I am thankful to R. B. Zimmerman and wife for a good dinner. They have a splendid brick house, good farm, and live at home. They know how to act when a stranger enters their home. In this locality I found two old Mexican soldiers-J. L. Smith and J. W. Letcher, both well informed men, looking over the hill, the slope of which, let us hope, leads to a better place.
Near the west line I found the Worly boys, who are very
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intelligent gentlomen. They are interested in the pioneer life of Boone. William Higgins is well located here. He has fine buildings, is among the best farmers, and his wife, as well as Mrs. Zimmerman, are the daughters of Daniel Stoner, of Hendricks County, and who at one time owned nearly 1.000 acres of land in Harrison Township, and yet, I think. owns some land here. Seth Goodwin is one of the old citi- zens here. I believe I spoke of him and Daniel Turner in a former letter. Don't fail to see them when in Harrison. There are many tasteful residences here, among them those of James B. Shirley, Zimmerman, Higgins, William Lindsay, George Shirley and William Black. Isaac Smith keeps the store and postoffice at New Brunswick. W. H. Crouse is the wagon maker. He is one of the pioneers, and is in my respect a thorough gentleman. In a former letter I mentioned 'Squire Johnson, 'Squire Boyd, and the Dinsmores.
The wheat harvest just threshed is fine, and will average some twenty bushels to the acre. The corn looks well, but is certainly cut short on account of the drouth. The county ticket recently nominated gives good satisfaction here among the Democrats. George W. Scott, I think, will carry his party straight in full, as he is well liked.
I passed the spot where the Logan cabin stood in early times. It was among the first in Harrison Township, and was opposite where 'Squire Acton now lives. It was then a dreary looking place-fifty years ago. Mrs. Logan, after stopping a short time in this pioneer cabin, went to visit her folks in an old county, and never returned to Boone again. Harrison will contribute its part to the early times in Boone, and its citizens have given me a very generous support in sub- scriptions and other matters, looking to the publication of the work. There is one thing about Harrison I do not like, that is its rattlesnakes, or its reported ones. One man said seven were killed in one oat field. I dreamed of snakes when down there, but did not see any. I went too fast across the prairie.
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
SAMUEL HARDEN'S OBSERVATIONS
WHILE CANVASSING WORTH TOWNSHIP FOR HIS FORTH- COMING BOOK.
A year ago when I thought of writing up the early life and times of Boone, I thought when in this township it would be a pleasure to call on 'Squire Lucas, at whose house I staid all night forty-two years ago. But I learned of his death, which occurred in Putnam County a few months since. Henry Fairchild is another old friend, who is yet living but not here. Revs. Good, Rudasill and Henkle were among the early preachers of this township, all of whom I have heard speak. All are now dead. Forty-two years has brought changes not a few-some of a sorrowful nature; others quite the reverse. Beautiful farms are now where then an almost unbroken wil- derness existed. On inquiring I learned that most of the first settlers are either dead or moved away. Some of the Neeses, Ben Booher, Solomon Burk, the Laughners, Isen- hours and Dulins are found. North of Whitestown you will find G. B. Dulin and Samuel West, who have been here a long time. They are well located on the pike. A night at each place was pleasantly spent. West, A. M. Laughner, Jacob Ottinger, Lewis Hauser, Isaac Isenhour, Andrew Laughner reside here. I am under special obligations to Isaac Isenhour and family for kindness while at their house; also to Jacob Ottinger. A. M. Laughner has a fine location on the railroad, and it is said that near his house is the highest point on the road between Indianapolis and the lakes. South, about two miles, you will find George Hauser, ex-county clerk. He lives at home, and has a fine farm. Thanks to him for favors. A. Neese, one mile south, is well located, has been here some forty years. Opposite is Ben Booher, one of the old pioneers. He has a large farm and splendid house.
Dr. Hardy, in town, has a good practice. He has come to stay. H. Roberts keeps the hotel. He was a soldier in the
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late war. Rev. Barb is the pastor of the Lutheran Church at Whitestown. The school house here is all that is required, and children are all well dressed, and flocking to this as well other schools in the township. Samuel Good, the trustee, has everything in good shape for the winter campaign. F. M. Moody is here attending the "click" of the telegraph, and other duties of the station. I find The Pioneer on many tables throughout. One man told me he could hardly keep house without it. All of the above take interest in our work, and to one and all I am thankful for favors.
While here I learned of the nomination of my old friend, B. F. Ham, for congress. Thirty years ago I first got acquainted with him in Madison County-met him in his cabin home, and later in the better house, and yet later in his brick mansion ; all the time the same gentleman, hospitable almost to a fault. Ben is well qualified for the place; well posted on state and national matters; a friend to the people and an enemy to monopolists. Should he be elected he will represent the people well. May write you again from Worth.
OLD SETTLER'S DAY.
WHAT MR. HARDIN HAS TO SAY OF THE MEETING AT JAMES- TOWN.
The annual meeting of old settlers was held here Thursday last. Jamestown has been fortunate the past summer in hav- ing fine weather for its celebrations. If a day had been ordered for the above meeting a better one could not have been obtained, no mud nor dust, not too hot nor too cold, but everything combined to make the meeting a success. It was held in the beautiful grove of Anderson Trotter, adjoining town. Nature has done much here in her gift of beauty. It seems it was especially fitted up for meetings of this kind. Plenty of shade and water. It should be kept as a yearly re- sort for the old people of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery
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counties, to meet and rehearse the old, old stories of bygone days. At about 10 a. m. the meeting was called to order by the president, Dandridge Tueker. Prayer by D. W. Jessie.
Upon the stage were the following aged persons: George Threldkeld, Madison Erskin, Dr. Burk, Samuel Penry, James Evans, Mr. Strickland, William Elder, Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Ragsdale, Mrs. Whiteman, Mr. and Mrs. William Nicely, Elijah Day, Wm. Williamson, Wesley Peck, George Snider, William Sellors, Dr. Orear, John Edwards, Henry Airhart and Elward Chambers.
After some good music by the Jamestown band the follow- ing spoke, occupying from ten to fifteen minutes each, compar- ing the past with the present of early times, hardships en- dured, toils passed by. Some of the speakers were quite old, bent with age, yet there was noticeable a flash of youth of the eye as they referred to matters fifty and sixty years ago. They were listened to with great attention throughout. First, Will- iam Elder, Christoph Walkup, J. H. Davis, Dr. Porter, Rev. Lawhon, John Edwards, Noah Chitwood, Mr. Peck and others.
Some old-time relics were shown, such as books, Indian trinkets, from the field of Custer's defeat, etc. The meeting throughout was of deep interest to all. It was noticeable that the greetings were of that earnest kind that we hope will con- tinue to take place here annually for time to come. Keep them up; don't let the old fires of fathers go out; keep alive the deeds they did in the morning of our now grand day.
I noticed on the ground the following candidates: Dr. Porter, W. C. Crump, Nat. Titus, J. S. LaFollette, Mike Keefe, C. M. Wynkoop, J. S. Harrison, J. H. Kelly, Jacob Miller, T. J. MeCann, Dr. Reagan, F. M. Moody and John Huber, the " Flying Dutchman," who was at home, and well did he come to the front in setting a splendid table, presided over by his estimable wife, and this table gathered not only Democrats, but Republicans and Greenbackers, all in the best .of humor, plenty for all and as free as the air.
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After the speaking the following officers were elected for the next year: President, Dr. George L. Burk; vice-presi- dents, Christopher Walkup, S. Davidson and George Wren ; secretary, Isaac Palmer. After the conclusion of the ceremo- " nies the people were loth to quit the ground, lingering to shake hands and say good by. About 1,000 persons were present, all well dressed, and the best order prevailed.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
MR. HARDEN CONTINUES HIS WORK IN THE LAND OF OLD
PEOPLE.
Sampson Bowen, one of the pioneers of Jefferson, you will find one mile southeast of Dover, pleasantly located ; is a good talker, well posted on early life in Boone County. Mrs. B. is a sister of Dr. Burk, of Jamestown, and daughter of the late . Samuel Burk, of this township. I was kindly cared for at their hospitable home.
Samuel Hollingsworth, living in the north part of the township, has been here a long time. He and his aged com- panion are enjoying the repose of life after having battled with the early life in Jefferson.
Mrs. Cain, a lady of some seventy years, is living with her son William, just south of Hazelrigg Station. She has been citizen here fifty years. Her husband has been dead a few years.
Mrs. Harris, another pioneer lady, just north, has been here over fifty years, and is well informed in the early events of the locality.
Manuel Heistand, one of the early settlers of Jefferson, has been here forty-two years. He has a good farm and enjoys life; is one of those clever gentlemen you meet only ocea- sionally.
Van Riggins, who was recently hurt by falling off of a
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wagon, has one of the finest locations in the county, splendid orchard and everything denoting thrift.
J. F. Routh, just north, has a fine house, good farm, and is a good farmer. He was in the late war.
South you will find Sylvester Reveal. He came from Hamilton County a few years ago, settled in the woods, and has forty acres of tip-top land.
Adjoining is James McDuffy, a retired school teacher, quietly farming. He reads The Pioneer, and is posted on things in general.
John Kramer, eighty years of age, lives near the Mount Zion Church. He lives with his two interesting grand- daughters.
Mount Zion Church, one of the landmarks, is being torn down and will be replaced with a more modern structure.
George Farlow, of Dover, another octogenarian, to use his own expression, has been through the flint mill. His wife is also a sister of Dr. Burk.
Wash Irwin, just west, is living on the old homestead where his father lived many years, but now lives in Dover. The two old men, Mr. Farlow and Mr. Irwin, are highly re- speeted in and about Dover.
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