USA > Indiana > Madison County > Historical sketches and reminiscences of Madison county, Indiana : a detailed history of the early events of the pioneer settlement of the county, and many of the happenings of recent years, as well as a complete history of each township, to which is added numerous incidents of a pleasant nature, in the way of reminiscences, and laughable occurrences > Part 20
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This church occupies the site of the first court house erected in the county.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The school enumeration for the present year shows that the number of persons in the township eligible to the privi- leges of the public schools is 928, of which 465 reside with - in the corporate limits of Pendleton. The enumeration also shows that there is but one colored child of legal school age in the township. The township has eleven school houses and thirteen teachers exclusive of the corporation of Pendle- ton, which has two buildings and employs nine teachers. The
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. INDIANA.
buildings at Pendleton are eligibly situated, and besides being commodious are supplied with everything necessary for the comfort and convenience of pupils. For many years Pendle- ton had but one school building, a two-story brick structure, known as the Pendleton Academy. This building was erected in 1864 upon the site of the second school house built in the town. The first school house stood just east of the Big Four railroad near the present thoroughfare known as Tariff street. The new building erected in 1895 is modern in every respect and one of the handsomest in the county.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
The first lodge of any order instituted in the county was Madison Lodge No. 44, F. and A. M., at Pendleton, on the 10th of February, 1841. A meeting of Master Masons had been held, however, previous to this for the purpose of taking the initial steps necessary to the organization of a lodge. This meeting was attended by Henry Wyman, William Roach, J. L. Bell, J. H. Cook, S. D. Irish, Thomas Adamson, W. H. Mershon, Thomas Silver and Archibald Cooney, the origi- nal promoters and members of the lodge. Henry Wyman pre- sented the petition for a dispensation authorizing that, organi- zation of the lodge to the Grand Master, and .on the above stated date the lodge was organized. The first officers were, James L. Bell, W. M. ; W. H. Mershon, S. W. ; S. D. Irish, J. W. ; J. H. Cook, Sec. ; Thomas Silver, Treasurer ; Joseph Chittwood, S. D. ; Thomas Adamson, J. D., William Roach, Tyler. This was not only the first lodge in the county, but among the first north of the old national road and the parent of nearly all the Masonic lodges in this portion of the State. Bernard Thomas was made a Mason on the 15th of May, 1841. by this lodge, being the first person in the county initi- ated into the mysteries of the order, The early meetings of the lodge were held in the second story of a dwelling house owned by J. II. Cook.
Madison Lodge has experienced many vicissitudes since its reorganization, but to-day is one of the strongest lodges in the county, financially and otherwise, owning one of the finest temples in the State. This building was completed and dedicated in February, 1893. It is situated on west State street, is constructed of brick and stone, and is three stories ' high. It will stand for years as a monument to the enterprise · of the membership of Madison Lodge.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
I. O. O. F.
Pendleton Lodge No. 88, I. O. O. F., was instituted on the 11th of September, 1850. The first officers were : G. W. Bailey, N. G .; James Beck, V. G. ; W. N. Lummis, Secretary : George Brown, Treasurer.
The lodge was organized in the hall of Madison Lodge F. & A. M., and continued to hold its meetings there until the Masonic Fraternity' completed its lodge building on State street, when an arrangement was made by which both lodges occupied the same hall for a number of years. In 1880 the Trustees purchased lot 12 (original plat) as a site for a new hall. A two-story brick building was erected on this site in 1890 and in January, 1891, the new home of the lodge was dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies. The lodge is in a flour- ishing condition, having an active and constantly increasing membership.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Sicilian Lodge, No. 234, was instituted December 19, 1889. It has a large membership and is in an excellent con- dition financially. The meetings of the Lodge are held in the hall formerly occupied by the Masonic Fraternity.
1. O. R. M.
Oconee Tribe, No. 159, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted November 26, 1892. The Lodge is in a fairly pros- perous condition. The meetings of the Order are held at pres- ent in Cook's hall.
U. A. O. D.
Pendleton Grove U. A. O. D., No. 20, was instituted April 5, 1895. This was the first lodge of Druids organized in the county. The membership is active and the Lodge is in a flourishing condition.
J. O. U. A. M.
Pendleton Council, No. 18, Junior Order United Amer- ican Mechanics, was instituted October 8, 1892. The Lodge is growing.
MAJOR HENRY POST,
Major Henry Post, No. 230, G. A. R., was organized August 28, 1883. This Post was named in honor of the gallant Major Henry, who was murdered by guerillas in Mis-
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
souri, an account of which is given elsewhere in this work. The Post has a membership at this time of about 25. W. H. H. Benefiel is the present Commander.
MANUFACTURERS AND OTHER INTERESTS.
For many years the milling interests created a great deal of business and attracted a large and profitable trade to Pendleton. The mills at the Falls, flour, saw and woolen, had an extensive patronage and it was not uncommon to see as high in number as 50 wagons waiting to discharge a load of grain or wool or to receive a grist or load of lumber, when they were in operation. As stated elsewhere, there is but one mnill now at the Falls. The busy scenes that once gave to that locality an air of thrift and industry have vanished and the patronage that was con- centrated there so long has been diverted to other places.
Pendleton at this time has three glass factories, one a bottle works and the others window glass establishments. The Pendleton Window Glass Co. was the first organized after the discovery of natural gas. B. F. Aiman is at the head of this company. The factory is situated across Fall Creek, north of town and when in operation employs a large number of hands. The Indiana Window Glass Factory and Bottle Factory are located south of town. Besides these industries there is located here one of the largest tile and brick factories in the county, a wire fence factory, the Star flouring mills and .elevator. a saw-mill, one planing-mill and three grain elevators.
PENDLETON BANK.
In 1872 A. B. Taylor & Son organized the Pendleton Banking Company and after doing a safe and profitable busi- ness for a number of years sold out to E. P. Rogers, who subsequently disposed of an interest to T. M. Hardy. In 1891 Aaron Morris, of Milton, Ind., purchased an interest in the institution and has been identified with it ever since. On July 1st of the present year Mr. Rogers retired.
This institution buys and sells exchange and does a gen- eral banking business. Its cash capital is $25,000. It is "conducted on safe. though conservative, business principles, and enjoys the entire confidence of the public.
HOTELS OF PENDLETON.
Jacob Mingle was the first man in Pendleton to entertain the traveling public. His house was situated on the south
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
side of West State street. His patrons were principally im- migrants to the " new country." About the year 1835 Jesse Boston erected a two-story frame house on the south side of State street, west of Main street, where he furnished " accon- modations for man and beast." This hotel (or tavern) was known as the Madison House, and was the favorite resort in early times of the lawyers who "rode the circuit." Mr. Boston died in 1837, and his widow conducted the business until her decease several years later. After her death the property was closed, but in the course of time was leased and re-opened as a hostelry by D. R. Franks, who afterward dis- posed of it to D. S. Clark.
THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL.
This hostelry stood on the north-east corner of State and Main streets. It was built by James Gray and occupied by him as a residence and place of business until his death, after which it passed into the hands of James II. Smithers. Many different proprietors had charge of the property in its day, among whom were A. K. Rockenfield, J. Hixon, Amos Birchfield, J. H. Badley, F. E. Ireland and Mrs. Tallie O'Toole, the last named being the proprietor July 7th of the present year, when it was entirely consumed by fire.
Back in the '50s and early '60s Hezikiah, better known as " Daddy," Bates was proprietor of a hotel that stood on State street, where George Ireland's harness and saddlery shop is now situated. This hotel was known as the " Bates House," and under the management of Mr. Bates enjoyed a full share of the public patronage.
"Daddy " Bates was a blacksmith by trade and at the time he engaged in the hotel business was reputed a good one. He was a man of unquestionable courage and in his younger days capable of holding his own in feats of strength with men even of much larger mold. He was naturally of equable dis- position, but when imposed upon, a dangerous man. Bates had a bar connected with his hotel and was probably the first man to sell intoxicating liquors in Fall Creek township under a license. Shortly after the breaking out of the Civil war three men, who had just enlisted in the service, made a " raid " upon his saloon. Bates ran for his shot-gun and the men ran out into the street and tried to escape the vengeance of the infuriated proprietor. Two of them succeeded in get- ting away, but the third, a man of the name of IIankins, was
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
shot in the side and dangerously wounded. The man recov- ered, however. Bates was tried upon a charge of shooting with intent to kill, but was acquitted on the ground of self- defense.
Some time after this, a temperance mob made an attack upon his place of business with the intent of destroying his stock of liquors. The mob was in front of the hotel, the doors of which were securely bolted, when Col. Hervey Craven happened along on the opposite side of the street. Curiosity led him to join the crowd and just as he stepped into the outer circle of the excited throng, Bates fired a rifle from an upper window, inflicting a painful, but not serious, wound in the Colonel's left arm. Bates was arrested but Colonel Craven refused to prosecute him, insisting that it was an unlawful assembly and that he had no business there.
HUNTSVILLE.
This town was laid out May 24, 1830, by Eleazer Hunt and Enos Adamson, both of whom were early settlers in this locality. It is situated about one mile north-east of Pendle- ton, on the south-west quarter of Section 15 and the south- east quarter of Section 16. Among other prominent early settlers here were the Swains, Thomas and J. T. ; Abel John- son, John Montgomery, B. F. Gregory, John Jones, William Wright and Dr. McCain. A spirit of rivalry existed between Huntsville and Pendleton until the completion of the Belle- fontaine Railroad to the latter town, when it gradually began to die out.
For many years the township elections were held here, but in 1838 a petition was presented to the Board of Commis- sioners, asking that the place of voting be changed to Pendle- ton. This petition was strenuously opposed by the people of Huntsville, but after due consideration it was granted. The election laws were changed in 1890, the Australian system being adopted by the State Legislature, and there are now four polling places in the township, Huntsville being one of them.
FIRST MANUFACTORIES.
As remarked elsewhere in this work, every village at an early day had a tannery and Huntsville was not an exception, A. S. Underwood having established an industry of that char- acter in 1830, on what is now known as Main street. This tannery afterwards passed into the hands of many different
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
proprietors, and finally was abandoned in 1863. Eleazer Hunt also started a tannery during the year 1831 and operated it for six years, when he sold it to Isaac Wright. This tan- nery was abandoned during the ownership of John and Will- iam Hunt.
In 1830 the first grist-mill was erected by Enos Adamson. The mill was located on the north bank of Fall creek, in the southwest part of the town. Mr. Adamson afterward in- creased the capacity of the mill by adding new machinery. He also operated a woolen mill and an oil mill in connection with it. The property was destroyed by fire in 1848.
Not long after the destruction of the property Nathan Wilson, Jonathan Wynn and Thomas Kocuin erected the present mill. This mill, together with a sawmill just east of it, was operated by Cook & Aimen for a number of years, and in 1872 Mr. Aimen became sole proprietor. Extensive im- provements were made to the property by Mr. Aimen, who subsequently sold out to the present owner, Mr. George Phipps. This gentleman is one of the most prominent busi- ness men in the township, progressive in his ideas and thor- oughly reliable. The first distillery in the township was erected on the mill race at Huntsville in 1831, by Robert Childers. This enterprise was short lived, as it was abandoned in 1833. The village had a hatter in the person of James Hackney, who opened a shop in 1831 and continued in busi- ness until 1838, when he removed farther west.
The first shoemaker in the place was Joseph Hair, who opened a shop on Main street in 1831.
John Conrad was the first tailor to locate in the village - 1831. He was elected Justice of the Peace and took an active part in securing the location of the Bellefontaine railroad.
Among the early carpenters, if not the first, to locate at Huntsville, were Thomas and J. T. Swain. The first black- smith was William Maul.
The first store in the village was owned by Benjamin Snodgrass. Other merchants of early times who did business here were Simeon Lewis, Dr. McCain, John Tillson, Benjamin Lukens, Nathan Wilson, H. Lewis, and William Johnson. The late William Roach, of Anderson, so well and favorably known to the older residents of the county, was once a resi- dent of the village and clerked for Mr. Snodgrass.
There was a post-office at Huntsville it one time, but the people now receive their mail at the Pendleton office. The 47
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
first postmaster was David P. Hazleton. He was succeeded by J. W. Roberts, who held the position for sixteen years. Horace Lewis was the last postmaster. Among the prominent physicians who have practiced at Huntsville are John Hunt, Joseph Weeks, W. H. Lewis, E. C. Prigg and W. P. Brickley.
MENDEN.
Save the United Brethren church, one residence and a cemetery, there is nothing at this place to remind one of the Menden of long ago. It is situated at the intersection of two country roads, three miles south of Pendleton. A post-office was located here at one time, but was abolished in 1851. Thomas Jordan established a store at this point at an early day, but subsequently sold out to Morgan Drury. Mr. Drury was appointed postmaster and served for a number of years. He was succeeded by John Pyle, and Mr. Pyle by Jonathan Wiseman, who was the last postmaster at this place.
The lands surrounding Menden are among the most fertile in the county.
POPULATION AND TAXABLES.
The population of Fall Creek township in 1850 was 2, 128, in 1860 it was 2,117, in 1870 it was 2.483, in 1880 it was 2,479, and in 1890 it was 2,544, including Pendleton and Huntsville. The population of Pendleton in 1880 was 614, and in 1890 it was 996.
The total amount of taxables in the town of Pendleton this year (1896) is $518,390; the total amount in the town- ship, $1,101,445.
REMINISCENCES.
Thomas M. Pendleton, who is still remembered by Mrs. Alanson Russell, of Anderson, and others, is described as a rather courtly gentleman, who did not take kindly to modern customs, particularly in dress. He wore the continental frock coat, knee breeches, low-cut shoes with silver buckles, and a queue. Thomas or " Major" McCartney also wore a queue and continental frock, but did not affect knee breeches. These gentlemen were the only persons in the county who adhered to the continental style of dressing.
THE FIRST COOK STOVE.
In 1832 Palmer Patrick purchased a cook stove at Cin- cinnati, brought it to Pendleton and presented it to his wife.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
But few of the pioneer women of the locality had ever seen a cook stove, and when they learned that Mrs. Patrick was the proud possessor of one a great many called to see it. Mrs. Russell, a daughter of Mrs. Patrick, to whom the authors of this work are indebted for much information contained herein, says that the stove was regarded as a wonderful ap- pliance, and that the women who called to inspect it expressed a great desire to have one like it,
A PIONEER BULLY.
Nearly every locality at an early day had its "best man," or " bully, " who was always present at every meeting of the militia or other gathering to defend his title. These men were not always desperadoes, nor of ugly disposition. They simply prided themselves on their strength and ability to en- dure punishment and would fight simply for the " glory " of whipping their man. Fall Creek township had a character of this description. He had, however, a vicious disposition and became very offensive, both in language and conduct upon the slightest provocation. His principal business was running horses, racing in that day, as in this, being very popular. His associates were men of like character, not so notorious as Rick, perhaps, but equally bad and reckless, Rick had been so successful in his fights that he had become " a terror." But his downfall came just as it always does to men of his class. He got into a controversy on a certain occasion with a Mr. Cottrell, a man much older than himself and wholly unable to cope with him in a fight. He used very abusive language to Mr. Cottrell and among other things applied to him a vile epithet. James Cottrell, a nephew of the insulted man, heard of the affair and one day met Rick whom he asked about the name he had called his uncle. Rick admitted that he had ap- plied the epithet and at once prepared to whip Cottrell on the spot, an undertaking that resulted in curing him of fight- ing forever afterwards. Young Cottrell got hold of Rick and before he let loose of him beat him almost into insensibil- ity. It is said that Rick never attacked a man after this affair ; his spirit was crushed and he was no longer a bully.
Among Rick's intimates was a man of the name of Joseph Snodgrass, whose character in the community was equally as bad, if not worse, than that of his friend. Counterfeit money had been placed in circulation, and suspicion pointed to Snod- grass as the counterfeiter. He was closely watched, and
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
when sufficient evidence of his guilt had been secured to war- rant his arrest, Sheriff William Roach and a deputy went to Fall Creek township and placed him under arrest. Snodgrass went along with the officers quietly until he came to Fall creek, which he crossed in advance of the Sheriff and his deputy. After getting across the stream he turned round, said " good-by " to the officers and dashed into the heavy underbrush and was gone. If he was ever heard of afterward by his friends it was kept very quiet. Certain it is that he was never again seen in the county. It was also noticed after his disappearance that counterfeit money did not circulate so freely in the township.
AN OLD AND PROMINENT CITIZEN.
William Cox, of Fall Creek township, ex-county commis- sioner, while not a pioneer of this county, is in every sense of the word an old-timer. He was one of those men who was built on the old-time style-came forth in a day when a man's word was considered as good as his note. Uncle Billy prides himself on always making his word good. He is as punctual as any man in the wide world in the performance of any agreement he makes. He came to this county fully forty years ago from what is called Blue Rock, Colerain township, on the Colerain pike, not far from Cincinnati.
A large settlement of the "Blue Rockers" in an early day removed to this and Henry county to seek their homes and fortunes, prominent among whom were the Williams, Hughes, Runyans and Coxes. Mr. Cox has mingled some- what in politics, always being victorious in every race he has made for office. He is a Democrat from " away back" and loves the teachings and traditions of that grand old party.
He is the founder and owner of Billy Cox's famous drum corps and martial band, which has done service in every cam- paign for the last thirty years ; all of his sons are musicians of more or less prominence. When campaign year comes around you can safely rely on Billy Cox's band being " in it." Billy has the distinction of doing an act that he may well be proud of as long as he lives. There are but very few men in the world who would have done what he did under the cir- cumstances. He is entitled to the honor of making Hon. Joseph E. McDonald a Senator from Indiana in 1874.
In the spring of 1874 the Senatorial district, then com- posed of Madison and Delaware counties, met in joint con-
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
vention and nominated William Cox, of Madison county, as a candidate for State Senator, which honor he accepted and set about to fix up his political fences in order to win the fight. This was the Granger year-when the Grangers and Independents came nearly sweeping the two old political par- ties from the face of the earth. Soon after the nomination of Mr. Cox, the Grangers met in convention and placed in nomi- nation Robert H. Cree, of Monroe township, a very popular farmer, formerly a prominent Republican. The Republicans nominated Rev. Cornelius Quick, of Frankton, as their can- didate. So it became a three-cornered fight. The Republic- ans, as a rule, were very hostile toward the Grangers, as the organization drew more largely from their ranks than from the Democracy. The situation became plain to politicians that in case Mr. Cox could be induced to withdraw from the race there was a fighting chance to win the fight, with Cree in opposition to the regular Republican nominee. An agree- ment was secretly entered into between Cree and the Demo- cratic leaders in the district, that in case Cox would withdraw and Cree be given a clear field, if elected, he should vote for a Democrat for United States Senator. A committee waited upon Mr. Cox and laid the case before him, and after consid- ering the matter, although he had a good fighting chance him- self of going to the Senate, like a hero gave up his place on the ticket and Mr. Cree was substituted in his stead. Mr. Cox and all his friends did valiant service in the campaign and were largely instrumental in bringing about Mr. Cree's elec- tion.
When Mr. Cree was elected it was ascertained that he held the key to the situation ; he was an " Independent." By his assistance the Democrats could control the organiza- tion of the State Senate and send a Democrat to the United States Senate. In order to make assurance doubly sure, Mr. Cree was given the privilege of naming any officer of the Senate, for which he in return and by reason of former pledges made, cast his vote for Joseph E. McDonald, making him a Senator for the term of six years. Mr. Cree dictated the or- ganization of the Senate that year.
. James Buchanan, the editor of the " Independent" organ of the State, was made Principal Secretary; all the balance was made up of Cree's friends in Madison county-all Demo- crats. Edwin P. Schlater was Assistant Secretary ; Dr. E. H. Menefee, of Alexandria, was Sergeant-at-arms; Major Edgar
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Henderson was Assistant Door-keeper; Charles L. Sherman was Postmaster, and several other offices of minor importance were filled by Madison county Democrats. It was called the Madison County Legislature. The Republicans never got done cursing Cree, while the Democrats praised him. George Harding, in the Indianapolis Herald, never missed an oppor- tunity to scorch Cree on every hand. So you see Uncle Billy Cox's pure patriotism and self-denial gave the Democracy in that campaign a grand victory and sent a great man to the United States Senate.
ISAAC BUSBY, AN EARLY SETTLER.
Among the early settlers of the southern part of Madison county, Isaac Busby was a prominent character. He was the father of a large family of children, many of whom yet reside within the county, and are prominent as farmers and business men, and all thoroughly respected by the communities in which they live.
" Isaac Busby was born in the State of Virginia on the 10th of March, 1796. He came to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1818, and was married to 'Sallie' Willetts, October 14, 1819. He made his residence in Wayne county until 1825, when he came to Fall Creek township, where he entered a fine tract of land, which was afterwards known as the Swain farm. One circumstance in connection with the entering of this land from the Government is spoken of by a writer on this sub- ject. Martin Fever, who had also come from Wayne county, had bought the land owned by S. A. Rogers and Charles Rogers. This was a tract that had been occupied by Brazel- ton Noland, who had ' squatted ' there without purchasing the same from the Government, trusting to luck for the means with which to pay for it in the future.
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