USA > Indiana > Madison County > Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison County, Indiana: A Detailed History of the. > Part 82
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from the saddle and lay upon the ground in a badly mangled condition. His companion by this time had reined up his horse, dismounted, and picking Bronnenberg up discovered that he was still alive, but unable to speak or move. He was taken to his home but a short distance off and medical aid immediately summoned. It was ascertained that he was most frightfully battered and bruised. His jaw was broken and other serious injuries sustained. It was thought for a while that he could not recover. His jaw was set in shape and a modern appliance placed in his mouth holding it in position until the bones knitted together, during all of which time Mike had to be fed through a hole in the wooden bandage.
After his recovery he sold his racers and has never done much in that line since.
Mike is now away up in his seventies. His jaw is a little crooked from the mishap in the horse race, but his tongue and faculties are all right, and there is not a livelier old man in the United States or one who enjoys himself better than he does. Since writing the above Mr. Bronnenberg died, on the 22nd of October, 1896.
BURNING OF SIMS GARRETSON'S BARN.
One dark night away back during the days of the Rebel- lion, when party strife ran high ; when one neighbor eyed and scrutinized every act of another; when to do a crime was more lightly thought of than now, on account of the turmoil and strife going on throughout the country, it was, perhaps, the year 1863, the heavens became aglow with the flash of fire north of Anderson. An investigation of the matter disclosed the fact that the large barn owned by Sims Garretson, upon Killbuck, on the Alexandria pike, was on fire. How did it get on fire? Was it the work of an incendiary? If so, what could be the cause of it? Sims Garretson was an honest, upright citizen, without a known enemy in the world. The neighborhood was soon aroused and came to the scene of the conflagration, but no aid on earth could save the barn and its contents from destruction. As the crowd gathered two dark objects, supposed to be men, were seen to disappear across the small swamp or low grounds in front of the Garretson homestead toward the old canal that ran toward Alexandria. Pursuit was made and in due time the persons were captured. They proved to be Saul Nelson and William Howard, who lived farther north in this county. They were placed under
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arrest with the charge of arson against them. The grand jury indicted them and they were tried in the Madison Circuit Court. Howard, before the trial was ended, weakened and "turned State's evidence," thereby saving himself, but let Nelson go over the road. He was convicted and served a long term in the State's prison, while Howard escaped.
It was shown at the trial that they had been to Anderson together and got drunk. Going home that night they reached Garretson's place, and, without any cause whatever, touched a torch to the barn that soon doomed it to the flames.
They never had any grievance against Garretson, and why they should burn his property was a mystery to all at that time. Many tried to make politics out of it, attributing the cause to that, since Garretson was an open-out Republi- can, an old-time Abolitionist and a strong war man, and not in the least reserved about making his views known to his political opponents. But the men who did the burning were not men who took stock in the politics of the country and were not in the least interested in that way. It was urged at the time that they were put up to it by the Democrats, but that was evidently a mistake as no such things were developed on the trial, and had not the fever of war been ripe in the country and friends and neighbors arrayed against each other through political excitement, no such thought would have entered people's heads. It was purely a drunken freak that took possession of the men, who would in sober moments never have dreamed of such an act.
Time has effaced and obliterated all hatred and ill-feel- ing between people who lived in those stormy times, and now those who were deadly enemies for political causes are the best of friends.
REMINISCENCES-WHERE DAVID T. THOMPSON THREW HIS QUID OF TOBACCO.
David Thompson, Marshal of Anderson in 1872-3, was one of the boys. He was what might properly be called "a rough diamond." A better heart never beat within a human breast. He would get up at the dead of night to attend a sick friend, and would do anything in his power to relieve distress or help his fellowman. He was rough in his manners and seemed to take delight in his uncouth way of addressing peo- ple, but that was all that was bad about him. The writer has seen him stand beside a dead friend and weep like a child, his
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tears coming from real sorrow and not for show. He was raised near Prosperity, in Richland township, near where Uncle Sims Garretson lived. Uncle Sims was a local preacher and a great success at a prayer meeting. A protracted meet- ing was being held in the neighborhood. Uncle Sims was one of the leading spirits. One night the house was crowded to suffocation. Uncle Sims was leading in prayer. He had a habit of swaying to and fro when praying. On this occasion he was rolling from side to side, his voice was at its highest pitch, and the deacons and elders were chiming in with loud amens ; his mouth was wide open and he was just uttering the words, " beyant the grave, ah," when David Thompson, who was present, could not stand the temptation, took a large quid of tobacco and tossed it down Uncle Sim's throat. This stopped the prayer, as well as the meeting. Uncle Sims coughed and sneezed, and rocked and tossed, but prayed no more. Many of those present saw Dave throw the tobacco, and he was now in the closest place of his life. A prosecu- tion was commenced against him. His only way out was through mercy. The next night he attended church again, was converted and joined the congregation, got happy and became one of the leading members. He was diligent in his devotions to the church for a period of two years, when he publicly informed the brethren that two years had now elapsed, the statute of limitations barred any action against him and he would now bid them good-bye. Dave stepped out into the cold world and never afterward belonged to any church, but in his goodness of heart and kindness to the sick and dis- tressed, did many acts that would be a credit to any Christian.
THOMAS THORNBURG AND THE LIGHTNING ROD PEDDLER.
Old Uncle Tommy Thornburg, who recently died in Anderson, was one of God's noblemen. He was honest as the day is long, lived for what life was worth, was cheerful with his family, and hospitable to the outside world. The writer has many times gone out to Uncle Tommy's on Sunday, for the sole purpose of getting a good dinner and a whiff of his hard cider. He was droll in his ways and at all times " up to snuff." It was a very slick citizen that took him in on a wild scheme. One time a lightning rod peddler called at his house. He por- trayed all the good qualities of his rod, and explained its superiority over all others. Uncle Tommy listened very atten- tively, with an occasional " yes, yes." The peddler said he
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had put one on the court house and many private houses in Anderson. While explaining the benefits of lightning rods, he said they would protect buildings for three miles around. About this time the dinner bell rang. Uncle Tommy kindly invited the peddler to dine with him, and had his horse put up and fed. After eating a good dinner and smoking a cigar, the peddler thought he had Uncle Tommy solid. " Well, Mr. Thornburg, I guess we might as well put up this rod, had we not?" " Let me see, how far did you say it would draw the lightning?" " Three miles," said the peddler. " Well, I guess that one you put on the court house will do for me, as it is only two miles and a half from here," chimed Uncle Tommy. This settled the whole business, and Uncle Tommy went on through the journey of life without any lightning rods on his house.
Among the many old-time people produced by Madison county, William Shelly, who used to live at Prosperity, the capital of Richland township, was as good as the best of them. William was " an old soldier with a wooden leg," but he could run, jump and hop in about as lively a manner as though both his legs were flesh and blood. William's great forte was horse trading. The man who traded horses with Bill Shelly never died rich, especially if he kept it up any length of time.
Bill had many odd ways about him, but was, on all occa- -sions, equal to the emergency. After " doing " every one in his own county in the horse trading line, he sought other fields and pastures green-other foes to conquer, being for a long . while absent, as you might say, without leave. His neigh- bors did not know where he was. Many supposed he had mounted the pale steed and flown to the fields of the long here- after, until some one from Madison county happened in Wash- ington City, and was looking through the capitol building, when who should he run across but Bill Shelly, standing guard in the treasury department.
The meeting of the two old Madison county acquaintances, of course, was very cordial. Bill told his story of how he got there about as follows :
" I was roving around, out of a job. I came to Wash- ington as a matter of sight-seeing, more'n'any thing else. I, of course, took in all the sights. I strolled into the depart- ments looking around. I concluded I would like a job as one of the guards. I tackled our Indiana congressmen, but did not seem to do much good. They put me off from time to
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time, giving me taffy, until I was disgusted with congressmen as well as myself.
"Hon. John Sherman was Secretary of the Treasury. One day I saw him coming down the hall and I thought I'd tackle him, ' make or break.' I hustled up to him; saluting him, I tackled him for a job. He looked at me and wanted to know what I could do.
"I said, 'turn that big two-legged loafer over there out and let me have his place. I can do that job as good as he can,' pointing to a two-hundred pounder standing guard at the treasury department. My manner seemed to strike him.
" 'What's your name?'
" 'Bill Shelly.'
"'Where do you live?'
""'Out in Indiana.'
"Looking me all over he took my address. In a day or two Sherman sent for me to come to his office. He gave me this job and I've been holding it down ever since. I've wit- nessed the count of the money in the treasurer's vaults several times since I've been here. Once when Arthur put in a new man, and when Cleveland changed the treasurership, and it all came up to a cent, I guess they run it pretty near on the square in there."
Bill was still on duty the last heard of him. His ever- lasting self-assurance and general good knack of getting at a man " soaked in" whenever he applied it. His good luck in getting this place was his own exertion. Well, why not let Bill Shelly, with one leg off, stand guard over Uncle Sam's money bags as well as any one else? He'll be as faithful as old dog Tray, and nothing will ever be missed by any of his connivance or neglect. This is a lesson for all horse traders. No telling what they may come to if they try.
WHITMILL STOKES AND HIS DITCH ASSESSMENT.
When Jacob Bronnenberg was County Commissioner, he was always on the alert as to county expenses. If anything ever went through the Commissioners' court that was against the interests of the tax payers, if he knew it, it was done over his protest. His eye and ear were always open to "catch on" to all that was going on around him. During his term, nearly every free pike in the county and a great many of the public ditches were made. Mr. Bronnenberg was opposed to the law on general principles, because he thought it was a burden
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upon the people; that it was severe in its mode of taking from the tax-payers, the assessments, without a sufficient scope for redress. The people, generally, understood his position on the question, and looked to him to help them out. One of his neighbors, Whitmill Stokes, an old man with only forty acres of ground, had two assessments against him at the same time- one for a pike and the other for a ditch; both were up for hearing. The old man was the picture of despair, when the lawyers brought the case up. His heart sank within him when he thought of the monstrous bills he would have to pay on his little farm. He took his place beside Mr. Bronnenberg, sit- ting as close as he could get to him, from the time the case was commenced until it ended. He watched every move that was made. The pike assessment was finally passed upon, Mr. Bronnenberg took exceptions as to the amount against Stoke's land. "That's right, 'Squire ," chimed in Whitmill. Finally the ditch case came up. Stokes kept his seat as close as he could, keeping an eye on every move that was made. The assessment was duly fastened onto Stokes, whereupon he raised up in open court, with fire in his eyes, and clinched fists, and proceeded to lacerate every one in the whole outfit, from petitioners down to court and attorneys, winding up by saying : "If you d-d rascals take my land for that infernal pike assessment, I'll be damned if ever I'll ditch it. Would you, 'Squire?" He looked at Bronnenberg and brought his fist down on the table, upsetting a large bottle of ink in Uncle Jake's lap. The assessments, however, were made just the same. While it was a hardship at the time, it has added many hundred dollars to the little farm in value.
MURDER AND SUICIDE.
One of the most horrible murders and suicides that has ever taken place in Madison county occurred in Richland township on Monday, the 22d day of November, 1886, in which Ethan A. Maynard was the principal actor, William H. Biddle being his victim. Maynard, after shooting Biddle four times, left him in a field to die, and returned to his own home, where he was met by his wife, who had heard the pistol shots, and after embracing her told her to give the alarm by ringing the bell, after which he bade her good-bye, saying that he was going to Anderson. He went to the barn as though he was getting his horse, but instead of that he was on altogether a different mission. Mrs. Maynard had hardly time to gather
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her wits, after the first shock of the shooting, until a sharp re- port rang out from the stable. She knew too well what it meant, and hastened to the spot, where her fears were real- ized. There, weltering in his own blood, was the lifeless body of her husband. She hastened to the house and rang the farm bell, and in a short time the whole community was aroused. The news soon spread, and it was but a short time until newspaper reporters, doctors, lawyers and business men from Anderson were on the scene of the crime. The Coroner, Dr. William A. Hunt, was soon on the ground, and an inquest was held. Biddle was very poor, and his wife had left him through the connivance of Maynard, and the sight that met the view of those who beheld the scene will never be forgotten by them. Biddle was lying on the bare floor with his little orphaned children surrounding him, they being only half clad, and with the appearance of being poorly fed, some of them too young to realize their condition. This atrocious crime was the result of an illicit love affair between Maynard and Mrs. Biddle that had been going on for some time before the crisis came. Maynard left a young and handsome wife, who is yet living, but has since remarried. This is another instance of there being "no telling for taste," as there was absolutely nothing prepossessing about the Biddle woman, while Mrs. Maynard was rather handsome, and is said to have been very kind to her husband. Biddle's children were taken to the Or- phans' Home, and afterwards provided with homes. Biddle was forty-two years old. His remains were buried at Wesley chapel. Maynard was buried in the Anderson cemetery.
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CHAPTER LXXVII.
STONY CREEK TOWNSHIP.
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.This township derives it name from Stony creek, a small stream that flows through the north-west part of the town- ship. It has an area of twenty-eight square miles, and, not- withstanding the axe and saw have been busy in the for- ests since its first settlement in 1823, there is yet considerable timber left, more, perhaps, than in any other township in the county. The township is bounded on the north by Jackson township, on the east by Anderson township, on the south by Fall Creek and Green townships, and on the west by Hamil- ton county.
In 1828 D. E. Studley, Thomas Busby, John Ander- son, George Reddick and two or three others settled along Stony creek, near the present site of Fishersburg. They were followed by Benoni Freel and Henry Studley, the former settling on Section 21, near the present home of David Con- rad, and the latter on Section 28, on what has since been known as the Hoffman farm. Each built a log cabin and began the arduous task of clearing up a farm. Mr. Freel came from Ohio and first settled in Jackson township, oppo- site the present site of Perkinsville, in 1828, when he moved to the vicinity of the present site of Lapel. He had in the meantime married the widow of Benjamin Fisher, who had been killed by the Indians, while chopping down a tree, near where Strawtown now stands. Besides his wife, he left sev- eral children, among whom was Charles Fisher, who is still living and a resident of Lapel. Mr. Fisher is the oldest resi- dent of the township and one of the oldest in the county, hav- ing been born in Ohio in 1819.
In 1831 John Fisher, of Clermont county, Ohio, settled on the tract of land lying between Fishersburg and Lapel, that is now owned by Charles Fisher. About the year 1835 James and Jesse Gwinn, of Virginia, settled on section 23, and in 1836 W. A. Aldred located in the same neighborhood. About this time Arbuckle Nelson located on what is now
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
known as the Bodenhorn farm. Other early pioneers were Peter Ellis, Newton Webb, Isaac Milburn and Noah Hunt- zinger. Many of the descendants of these men reside in the township and cultivate large farms.
THE FIRST ROAD.
The first public road through the township was laid out in 1882. This road was laid out from Strawtown to Pendle- ton, and that portion of it passing through the township after- wards (1865) became the Fishersburg and Pendleton pike. It was purchased by the county in 1888, and is now a free gravel road.
CHURCHES.
The Methodists in this, as in the other townships of the county, were the first to organize a society. It is thought that the first religious society in the township was organized about the year 1836, and afterwards became a part of the Noblesville circuit. The first meetings were held at the homes of the membership, but after the erection of a school house at Fish- ersburg the meetings were held there until 1848, when the society built a small building. This place of worship was occupied for about thirteen years, when a more pretentious building was erected and dedicated, free from debt. Among the early ministers were Mr. Miller in 1838, Lucien Berry in 1840, W. Smith in 1842, and James Scott in 1846. This church is in a prosperous condition.
Rev. Nathaniel Richmond organized a Baptist society here in 1848 and a year afterwards built a small house of wor- ship in Fishersburg. The society was never strong in num- bers and after a period of about twenty years passed out of existence.
In 1860 Forest Chapel Christian church was organized with a membership of sixteen and in the following year a neat little place of worship was erected on Section 32. Rev. B. F. Gregory was pastor here for sometime, but the society did not prosper and regular services were discontinued.
THE SCHOOLS.
The first schoolhouse in the township was built in 1835, and was situated near Stony creek, a short distance southeast of the present site of Fishersburg. There are at the present time nine schoolhouses in the township, including Lapel, and a total school enumeration of 633. The school at Lapel is
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
graded, and three teachers are employed. The principal of the school is Absalom Knight.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES-FISHERSBURG.
This village was laid out in May, 1837, by Rev. Fletcher Tivis. It is situated on Section 28, on the west bank of Stony creek and near the Hamilton county line. Z. Rogers built the first house in the village. It was constructed of logs and stood near the point where the Anderson road joined the Pen- dleton and Fishersburg pike. William and Benjamin Sylves- ter were the first merchants in the place, having brought a stock of goods here in 1844. They afterwards sold out the stock to Charles Fisher, who increased it and conducted a gen- eral merchandise business for about ten years. In 1853 a post- office was established here and Charles Fisher was appointed postmaster. He was succeeded by W. A. Fisher ; he by J. W. Fisher ; he in turn by J. W. Taylor and he by George Dunham in 1867, who held the office for a number of years. Christopher Bodenhorn is the present postmaster. Considera- ble business was done here previous to the completion of the Chicago & Southeastern railroad to Lapel in 1876, since which time its trade has been absorbed by the latter place. At this time there is but one store in the village, that of Bodenhorn & Son. Among the professional men who have lived here have been Drs. Daniel Cook, J. M. Fisher, J. A. Aldred and L. P. Ballinger. Dr. Cook is the only physician now in the village. Dr. Fisher resides between Fishersburg and Lapel and cannot be said to be a resident of either place.
LAPEL.
This town was laid out April 27, 1876, by David Conrad and Samuel E. Busby, and incorporated January, 1893, the first officers being O. C. Shetterly, James Armstrong, E. R. Rambo, Trustees, and J. C. McCarty, Clerk. It is situated three-fourths of a mile southeast of Fishersburg, on the Chicago & Southeastern Railroad, and is one of the prettiest towns in the county, the residences of a number of its citizens being as fine and neat as can be found on the fashionable thoroughfares of any of the cities in the county. For several years after it was laid out the town consisted of a few scattering houses, but since the discovery of natural gas it has grown rapidly, having an estimated population at the present time of 1200.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
INDUSTRIES.
Lapel is supplied with two large flouring mills, a flint bottle factory, planing mill, tile works, pump and gas regula- tor factory, and several other industries of minor importance. These manufactories give an air of thrift and enterprise to the little city such as but few places of equal population can boast. It is surrounded by a fertile country, its people are moral and industrious, and there is no reason why the place should not continue to grow and prosper.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
There are three churches in Lapel, the Methodist, United Brethren, and Friends. The Methodists have a large congre- gation and a handsome place of worship. The membership is growing and the church is in a prosperous condition. This may also be said of the United Brethren society.
·FRATERNAL ORDERS.
The following fraternal societies have been instituted at Lapel : White Oak Camp, No. 29, Woodmen of the World; Knights of Pythias ; Onaway Tribe, No. 50, I. O. R. M. ; also a Pocahontas Council. Besides these orders there is Hiram G. Fisher Post, G. A. R., with a membership, at this time, of twenty-five.
Among the leading professional and business men are Drs. Jones and Moore ; Woodward & Woodward, millers ; G. E. Bird & W. J. Huffman, hardware; Oliver, Thomas & Shetterly, millers ; David Conrad, general business ; N. W. Clepfer, grocer and postmaster.
STATISTICAL MATTERS.
The population of Stony Creek township in 1850 was 291; in 1860 it was 597; in 1870 it was 1,082; in 1880 it was 1,483, and in 1890 (including Fisherburg and Lapel) it was 1,483. The last assessment made for taxes shows the value of lands to be $527,880; lands and improvements, $588,995; total amount of taxables, $798,495.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The first marriage in the township was that of Samuel Shetterly and Jane Freel. The event occurred on the 8th of July, 1834, and was solemnized by Ancil Beach at the resi- dence of the bride's father, Benoni Freel. The first death in
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the township was that of George Shetterly, who died about the year 1830.
A TRADITION.
There is a tradition that the lands of Stony Creek town- ship were once the favorite hunting grounds of the Indians, not only of the county, but of the tribes living to the north along the Mississinewa, Wabash and Eel rivers. Excavations made in recent years have discovered bones and other remains indicating that the red men were at one time numerous in this part of the county. It was in this township that the " Dis- mal" was situated, a tract of land several miles in extent that was noted for its dense underbrush and dark, dismal appear- ance. During the early settlement of the county and for many years after Anderson had become a town of considerable im- portance, the " Dismal " was esteemed the best hunting ground in this part of the county. This locality that was once so forbidding is now one of the fairest and most productive portions of the county.
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