USA > Indiana > Carroll County > History of Carroll County, Indiana : With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 70
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Section 21- John Givens, December 27, 1830: Benjamin Un- ' those trunks deprived of their limbs they sowed their crops, re.
derwood. March 11. 1831; Malachi Prood, March 12, 1831: Mich- ael Kite. December 21. 1833: Jacob Tanner, Jamary 22. 1834: Pollard Baldwin, December 3. 1834.
Section 22-Jonathan Gillam. October 21. 1829: Albert G. Hanna, October 28, 1830: Joseph W. Hanna. September 24, 1832: Robert Grillam. September 27. 1832.
Section 23-Aaron Cooley. November 30, 1829: James Mark. January 29. 1830: A. G. Hanna, October 28, 1830: Hachaliah Vredenburg, June 13. 1831: William Gillam. October 27. 1832; Benjamin Rothrock. Jannary 8, 1834: William Stranathau. An. gust 21, 1835.
Section 24 -Robert Gillam, October 7. 1829: John Wilson, September 27, 1832: William Gillam, October 27, 1832: Samuel MeAbee, March. 14, 1835: Joseph Hiestand. May 16, 1835: . the land now owned by. the heirs of Joseph Maxwell. in Section David Hiestand, May 16, 1835: Sylvanns Crowell. August 31. ! 1836.
Section 25 -- Joseph Hiestand. May 16. 1835: David Hiestand. May 16. 1835; William Nice, February 22, 1836; Samuel Woa- ver, February 27. 1836; Sylvanns Crowell. Angust 31, 1836: Jacob Beck. August 27, 1836.
Section 26-William Stranathan, August 31, 1835: George Whisler, March 28, 1836; Jonas Mooney. August 31. 1836: John E. Comer, September 9, 1836.
Section 27- Wesley Williams. November 23. 1832: Charles Spring. Jannary 26, 1835: H. S. Hay. December 15. 1835: George Whisler, March 28, 1836: David M. B. Patton, March 25, 1836.
Section 28 -- Peter Webb. September 20. 1833; John Jenkins. November 25. 1833; Henry Jenkins. November 25, 1833: Philip Ensminger, March 14, 1836; Henry Ensminger, March 14. 1836.
Section 29 --- Charles P. Russum, September 21, 1833: John Burgett, February 20, 1835; Samuel Cornell, May 22, 1835: Benjamin Satterthwaite, June 20. 1835; Levi Lukins, June 20. 1835.
Section 30-William Davis, March 3. 1835; Christian Bum- gardner, May 9, 1835.
Section 31-Moses Kelley, July 17, 1835; Samuel Wagoner,
February 20. 1836; Jame- H. Patton. March 1, 1836: Esther Wagoner, April 26. 1836.
Section 32 Benjamin Satterthwaite and Levi Lukins, June 20. 1835: Charles Sowards. March 7, 1836.
Section 33- Henry Ensminger (the entire north half of the section), March 14. 1596.
Section 34-Rouben St. John. January 4. 1836; Jethro Ne- ville. Jr .. Jannary 13. 1836; John Dehmer, April 9. 1836.
Section 35-M. H. Winton. E. Barroll and Ethan Michael (the entire north half), April 14. 1836.
Section 36 - Amos Thompson. December 20, 1830; Richard McFerrin. October 27. 1835: Mathias Inso, January 13. 1836.
THE EARLY SETTLERS.
The first actual settlers within the present limits of Madison were the Gillams, who took up their abode here during the year 1829. Thomas was the first of the family who located here. He entered land in Section 13. in 1829. and was followed by Jona- than. David. Isaac, Robert and John M. Gillan, all locating in the same neighborhood. They began at once the labor of pre- paring ty cir lauds for cultivation, and adopted a singular method climb to the top with their axes and ent away the projecting limbs, in order that the sunlight might reach the ground. Among moving the trees in time. The Gillams were all industrions. eu- terprising mon, and linked their names inseparably with the his- tory of the township by the active part they took in its devolop- ment and improvement. Jonathan died before he had been many years in the township, and before he had succeeded in im- proving his farm to any great extent. His brothers contiuned to resido here for come years afterward, and were always foremost in enterprises for the public good. Jonathan and Thomas, sons of Jonathan Gillam. are the only members of the original fami lies now living in the township.
Some time during the year 1830, Aaron Cooley and Jantes Marks came to the township. and wore the first to strike hands with the Gillam- in the work of the pioneer. Mr. Cooley entered 23. and James Marks entered am adjoining fract in the same sec- tion. Both cleared and improved farms, and both were prominent and highly respected citizens. Mr. Cooley sold out and removed to Iowa in later years, and Mr. Marks also moved away. but his destination is not known.
On the 4th of June, 1530. Thomas Hight entered land in See- tion 13, upon which he located soon afterward -probably before the close of that year. Albert G. Hanna entered land in Section 23 in the same year, and located upon it shortly afterward. His father, Joseph, who came with him. purchased the land entered by Mr. Hight, who then removed to Monroe Township. From there he removed to the State of Wisconsin, where he died.
Pollard Baldwin and Noah Sandifur came to the township soon after Hight and the Hannas, late in 1830 or early in 1831. Mr. Sandifur located upon the farm now owned and occupied by Oliver S. Burns, but subsequently removed to Deer Creek Town- ship, where he now resides. Mr. Baldwin sottled in Section 21, and, after clearing and cultivating his farin for a munber of years, finally removed to the town of Pittsburg, Carroll County, where he remained until death. These four men, Baldwin. Hight and the Hannas, were always regarded as the leading men in the settlement, since they always took an active part in all public
322
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
matters. Albert Hanna was Colonel of the local militia. and was : to a considerable number. particularly in the vicinity of Sugar subsequently chosen as the Representative from this county in i Creek, where the principal settlements were made, and where the the State Legislature, and the other gentlemen referred to. while ; best lands were to be found. Yet. for several years subsequently. they did not hold auy official positions, were nevertheless promi- nent citizens.
Early in 1831, John Kite and his brother Michael came to the township and located in Section 20. where Michael. the younger of the two, entered land. They proved themselves to be indns- trions citizens, and the result of their labors in the forest was a fino farm, which they enliivated m common for many years. John still resides on the farm where he first settled. Michael died during the past year (ISS1).
Early in 1832. John Burgett. formerly from Tennessee, located upon a tract of land in Section 29, which he entered in 1835. Mr. Burgett was an energetic man, and for many years was iden- titied with the growth and improvement of his township. Ho cleared his farm, and cultivated it until his death. which took place a Few years ago.
John Jenkins came in 1833. and entered land in Section 25. He was more a hunter than a farmer, and took great delight in pursuing the game then so abundant around him. When not thus engaged. he would chop down a few trees, and. by degrees, made a little clearing on his land. large enough to raise the coru and other crops necessary for the maintenance of his family. He died about the year 1839. and his family subsequently removed to another locality.
The farm now owned by Abraham Shaffer. in Section 21 was entered by Jacob Tanner, who came here in 1533. He was a good citizen and an industrions and successful farmer. Ho cleared a portion of his land. and cultivated it for several years. but finally sold his estate to William George, who came here in 1536. After selling his farm, he removed to Jasper County. Ind.
Later in the year 1533. Daniel Baker settled in Section 19. : Hanna was appointed Inspector of Elections, and the house of He cleared and improved a farm, npon which he resided until death. Benjamin Underwood came late in 1533 or early in 1834. He entered land in Section 20, in March, 1835, and here cleared and improved a farin. He was a local preacher of the Methodist ; new township of Madison. At the expiration of that term, he Episcopal Church, and conducted some of the first meetings held by that denomination in the township. In later years, he re- moved to one of the Western States, having sold his property here.
In the fall of 1535. James Thompson came to the township and purchased a portion of the Gillam land, in Section 22. Ho died three years later. leaving the work of clearing the farm to be , ever since. W. H Calvert was elected in 1867, and is still sery-
done by his son. Francis, by whom the homestead is now owned and occupied. Mr. Thompson was an energetic. industrious citizen.
In 1835, William Stranathan came to the township and on- tered land in Section 24. and William Moore came in the same year and purchased the John M. Gillam land. Both were good citizens, and both were identified with the interests of the town- ship for many years. Preston Calvert came in the same year (1536). and settled upon the land which he still occupies, in Sec- tion 17. He has lived to witness many important changes in the township, and has taken an active part in the public improvement inaugurated within its limits. Renben St. John and Joseph Hoff- man were also among the settlers of 1836. St. John entered land in Section 34, upon which he resided until death. Hoffman pur- chased the land now owned by Ozro Bates, in Section 33, but re- moved to the State of Iowa after a few years.
By the year 1836, the population of the township had grown
; other settlers continued to arrive, and were confronted with all the difficulties and hardships that beset those of an earlier date. Both to the north and south of Sugar Creek, the land is low and level. and these localities were left unsettled. to a great extent. as long as land conld be obtained along that stream. It was many years before these low lands were thoroughly settled, and many more before they were improved by the process referred to at the beginning of this chapter. Those who located npon them were indeed pioneers, and. were it possible, we would gladly make in- dividual mention of each one. But onr sources of information in this township were limited, and. while we have given gnite a complete list of those who were the advance pioneers, it will be necessary to omit the namesof those who came in later years, and yet carly enough to be identified with the township before the work of civilization was completed.
ORGANIZATION.
By the year 1837. the population within the original limits of the township of Clay was sufficient, in point of numbers, to war. rant a division of the territory and the creation of two distinct civil jurisdictions from that township as it then existed. And to this effort. a petition was presented to the Board of County Com missioners, at their session of March. 1837. In response, they ordered that a new township should be organized, comprising the north half of the original township of Clay. and described as fol. lows: "Commencing at the northeast corner of Section 13, Township 21 north. of Range 2 west, th ure south three and one. half miles: thence west six miles, theuce north three and one- half miles. thence east six miles to the place of beginning." Joseph Peter Tanner designated as the voting-place. In 1836. Michael Kite was elected as Justice of the Peace for the township of Clay, and. by virtue of his commission, acted as the first Justice in the
was re-elected, and servel continously until 153. William George was elected to the same office in 1537, and served until 1841. In 1854. David Heistand was elected as the successor of Michael Kite, and hell the office. by re-election, until IST. Jonathan Gillam was elected in 1867. and has served continuously ing.
It does not appear that a Constable was elected at the time of man, and. while he lived, was a prominent and highly respected : selecting the first Justice of the Peace. The first bond on file is
that of Silas Jack, who was elected in 1542. His successors in this office were: George Burgett, elected in 1846: Oliver H. P. Hanna, 1547: J. M. Virgin. IS48; Elias Harner, 1551; Samuel Dawson, IS54: Joseph Shigley. 1856: John Q. Miller, 1857; William D. Schnepp, 1860; Joseph W. Swain, IS61; Moses Swain, 1862; John Morrison, 1864; D. H. Schnepp, 1867 to 1575; Eli H. Moore, 1878; Lewis Clawson and Charles Sheets. ISSO-82. Other township officers elected were the three Trustees, Clerk and Treasurer; but there are no records of their election, and no sources from which the succession of officers could be obtained.
The organization of the township had a marked effect for good npon the public highways, since it became necessary then for the' citizens to pay a stipulated amount of road tax, either in cash or labor. As the former was not very plenteous in the days of which we write, this demand was generally satisfied by the labor of the
323
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
men, who turned out in force, at certain seasons of the year. for the purpose of clearing and opening new roads through the woods, or leveling and repairing those already opened. The country is low and wet, and it was no easy task to make a road at. all passable, without recourse to ditching and grading. The first roads were merely wagon-tracks cut out through the woods by the settlers who first located here. In a few cases, these routes served for the location of public highways, and were widened and improved under the direction of the Supervisors. Later, a grand improvement was made by a company, who constructed a plank-road from Delphi to a point in the adjoining county of Clinton. This road traversed the entire length of the township. from north to south, and proved a blessing to those who were compelled to travel much. A free turnpike is now in process of 1 construction along the line of this road. County and neighbor- hood roads were located at various times, in response to petitions presented to the Board of Township Trustees, and by reference ; to the map it will be seen that these petitions resulted in a tine and convenient system of public highways.
Under the old organization, the Trustees, Clerk and Treasurer had control of the civil affairs of the township, as well as the management of the schools. This continued to be the rule until 1859 or 1860, when the law was so amended as to retire the Clerk, Treasurer and two of the Trustees from service, placing their duties in the hands of one Trustee. The present incum- bent of this office is John Maxwell.
SCHOOLS.
In the southern extremity of Deer Creek Township, a cabin of round logs was erected at an early day, as a house of worship for a class of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, known as the " Gillam Class," and, as was customary in those days, it was made to serve the double purpose of church and schoolhouse. Probably the first time it was used for the latter purpose was in the year 1837, at which time a winter term of three months was taught; and from that time until 1853 or 1854, it was used as a , wood Class." Rev. Hachaliah Vredenburg, a circuit preacher of school whenever the services of a teacher could be secured. There . the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated in the capacity of pas. tor. Aaron Cooley and Thomas Gillam, Jr., withdrew from the Gillam class and united with the class at Underwood's, and, in a short time, other accessions to the membership were received. Some time during the year 1831. they erected a log house of wor. ship on the Underwood farm, having previously conducted their meetings in private houses. About the year ISa5, they erected a Frame church ou the land of William Maxwell, to which they gave the name of " Palestine Church." In the meantime, the congregation increased and the church prospered. and in 1870 or 1871 the present house of worship was erected ou the farm of Thomas Gillam. The church is in the Bringhurst Circuit. and is under the pastoral care of Rov. Mr. Smith, of Bringhurst.
were no school districts in those days, and this school received quite a liberal patronage from settlers in Madison, whose chil- dren were among its pupils. Nelson Gillam tanght here in 1837, and several terms subsequently. About the year 1838, a howed- log schoolhouse was erected on the land of Michael Kite. and school was taught there in the winter of that year. It served its purpose until after the introduction of the tree school system. and was finally succeeded by a frame building. This was the only schoolhouse within the limits of the township until 1815. In that year, a frame building was erected for school purposes on the farm of William Stranathan, and to this school came sov. eral scholars from Delphi, and some from Tippecanoe County, who boarded in the neighborhood during the term. These schools were conducted on the old plan of a per capita tuition fee for each scholar. and this rule continued in force until 1852 or 1853, when a tax was levied, agrecably with the law then recently en- acted, for the purpose of sustaining the schools at publie expense, and making their benefits free to all classes alike. The two honses we have mentioned were still occupied, under the new regime, until they became old, and it was necessary to replace them with new buildings. The building on the Michael Kite farm was succeeded, in 1857 or 1858, by a substantial frame house, and shortly afterward, a similar building, known as the " Hiestand Schoolhouse," was erected on the Stephenson farm, in the eastern
part of the township. As years advanced, new schoolhouses were erected. one by one, in the several districts of the township, and their history is one of progress. At the present time, there are in the township six schoolhouses, three of which are brick. and three frame, buildings. The total estimated value of school property, including houses, grounds, school apparatus, etc., is $3.700. During the school year of 1880-81, the average attend. ance of scholars was 130, out of a total enrollment of 227, the average length of the school term being 120 days. The financial exhibit of the schools is set forth by the Trustee in the following report:
ACCOUNT OF REVENTE FOR TEITION.
Amount on band September 1. 1880. $1.102 99
Received in February, 1881. 1.443 06
Total $2.546 05
Amount expended since September, 1880. 1,410 00
AAmont on hand $1.106 05
ACCOUNT OF SPECIAL SCHOOL REVENUE.
Amount on hand September 1, 1880. $ 473 41
Amount since received.
Total. . $1.131 23
Amount expended since September 1. 1880. 654 11
Amount now on hand $ 45 2
CHURCHES.
The log building known as the " Gillam Meeting House " was erected in the edge of Deer Creek Township, and within its walls were held the earliest religious meetings of this neighborhood. The class, of which the Gillams, Cooleys and others were mem. bers, was organized perhaps as early as 1830 or 1831. Still, as the church itself was beyond the line of this township, its history does not properly belong here. Not many years subsequently, a class of the same denomination was organized near the center of the township. at the house of Benjamin Underwood. Mr. Under. wood was the leader, and it received the name of the " Under-
Among the early ministers who visited the township wore some representing the Baptist denomination, and at intervals, the adherents of that church had the pleasure of listening to one of their own ministers. Preston Calvert and George Hartinau, with their families, were the prominent early Baptists of the township, and took an active part in organizing a society of that denomina tion about the year 1850. For several years after organization. the few members of this society met at temporary places for the purpose of conducting publie worship, but, in 1854 or 1855, erected a frame church in the west part of the township, where they have ever since continued to hold services.
Ministers of the United Brethren Church visited this town-
324
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
ship at irregular intervals, the first services by this denomination being conducted about the year 1815. About the closeof the late war-probably in 1865-a class was organized, and. for several years subsequently. held meetings in a log building, which was erected shortly after the organization of this society. and used by them and the Protestant Methodists alternately. In 1873. they erected their present house of worship: which is known as " Forest Chapel." It is a plain. neat brick building, and is sit- uated on the farm of Ozro Bates. in the southern part of the township. The church is now under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Martin.
The Protestsut Methodists and other denominations held serv- iees in the township at various times, but did not maintain any permanent organization, and the only religions orders represented here by church edifices are those named in the foregoing para- graphs.
INDESTRIM. PURSUITS.
The chief industry, outside of agricultural pursuits. in this township, has always been the saw mill enterprise. During the days of the early settlement. a large amount of really valuable timber was wasted, since there were no mills in operation to con- vert it into available shape, and no railroads for transportng it to market. With later years, however, came a demand for timber of all kinds, and a steam saw-mill was set in operation on the land of Daniel Baker. This, however, was only a temporary affair, and. after a few years, was removed to another locality. The first mill of a permanent character, was established by John Shaffer. in 1862. This was a steam saw-mill. erected on the farm of Mr. Shaffer. in the north part of the township. He continued to operate it during his life. sometimes associated with partners. bnt principally alone: and after his death it was purchased by Frank Burgett. by whom it is now operated. This, and the steam saw-mill owned and operated by John A. Black. are the only mills now in the township.
The first tile factory, and perhaps the only one in the town- ship. was erected by Francis Thompson in 1869. He built the shed and kiln on his own farm. and was engaged in the man -. facture of tile for eleven years. He abandoned the enterprise in 1570, and has since had no successor in this undertaking.
Aside from the establishments above referred to. agricultural ; pursnits engage the attention and occupy the time of the citizens of this township, which is essentially rural in all its features Its soil is rich and fertile, and its agricultural statistics make it compare, favorably with other townships of the county. During the season of ISS1. there were 1.925 acres of wheat in the town- ship. from which were gathered 32. 725 bushels. an average of seventeen bushels per acre: 1,700 acres planted in corn yielded 43, 132 bushels: 360 acres of oats yielded 7.560 bushels: 365 : those words ringing in his ears, young Miller left home. They acres of meadow yiekled 547 tons of hay; while 14 acres of Irish potatoes yielded 504 bushels.
ADAM BLIN.
Adam Blin is of German descent. and was born in Warren County. Ohio. on the 25th day of March. 1832. His parents. George Blin and Susannah (Kisling) Blin, were also natives of Ohio. In 1853, on the 13th day of October. the subject of this sketch was joined in marriage to Miss M. J. Miltonberger. Two years later. in 1855, they emigrated to Cass County. Ind. In 1862, after a happy union of nine years. blessed by the birth
of one child tat present the wife of Nathaniel Wild) Mr. Blin had the misfortune to bee his wife by death. January 28. 1864. he was again married: this time to Miss H. J. High, a resident of Cass County - a union which has resulted in seven children. Soon after his second marriage. Mr. Blin removed to a point near the center of Madison Township. Carroll County. and took : up his residence on the, farm which he still owns and resides npon. In 1866. he was elected Trustee of Madison Township. and. faithfully and capably serving the first term, he was re. elected in IS6S, ocenpying the position. in all, five years.
Mr. Blin and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In polities; he is a Democrat. but. to use his own apt expression, in his political opinions he is not " hide-bound." He has always followed the landable vocation of farming, owning to. day a body of the choicest land in the country. mumbering 324 acres.
Mr. Blin is a man of sobriety and industry. By the simple Torce of his upright conduct. he exerts in his neighborhood a wide moral influence. Toward his family he has always exhih- ited the utmost kindness and devotion. Without pretentious- ness. he is at the same time a respected and worthy citizen.
JOHN Q. MILLER.
John.Q. Miller was born in Fairfield County. Ohio. December 21. 1826. His parents, Christian and Martha Miller, were both reared in that county. having emigrated thither with their par. ents. His Father was a farmer, and followed that occupation at the old homestead until death. He died in September. 1872. .his wife having died several years previously.
John. their sou. grew up under circumstances not the most onconraging. His educational advantages were limited, and he was compelled to depend. in great measure, upon his own resources For whatever knowledge he obtained. The farm was small. and each of the sons contributed his labor in the home economy. At the age of eighteen. each of the boys, in turn. became appron- ticos at some mechanical trade, and one of the elder brothers sub- sequently erceted a blacksmith shop on the home farm. With this brother Mr. Miller began to learn the trade, at the age of eighteen. Ho-remained with him three years, during which time he acquired proficiency as a blacksmith. At the end of his ap- prenticeship. he desired to go abroad and earn his living by the practice of his trade: and. lacking a little of his majority. he asked his father's consent to the project. The latter did not ro. fnse to let him go. but intimated that he was not competent to . earn his way in the world, and said. among other discouraging things. " You will come home barebacked in a short time." With stimulated his ambition and fired his determination; and who can know how much they had to do with all his after life? In Han- cock County. Ohio, he at once found employment with a black. sinith. for whom he worked at the rate of $10 per month. After a short time, work grew scarce, and Mr. Miller suggested to his employer that he would like to attend school. if the latter would board him for such work as he coukl do before and after school hours. This proposition was accepted. but he was only permitted to attend .school for sixteen days. as the shop was then full of work, and his services were again in demand. At this juncture. he formed a partnership with his employer. which continned for nearly two years. In the meantime. he lived well. but not extrav- agantly. and at the same time saved money. He procured a fine
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