USA > Indiana > Carroll County > History of Carroll County Indiana, its people, industries and institutions > Part 7
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The first saw-mill was built in 1826 by Henry Robinson. He erected a merchant mill on Deer creek in 1830. To this structure was added in later years, by the owners, a large addition, which was known as the "Red Mill," which was burned down four years ago. The Wabash railroad was built in 1857 and 1858, and then the canal soon went out of business.
Among the first settlers of this township were Henry Robinson, Abner Robinson, John Carey, B. D. Angel, James Odell, Sr., John Ballard, Daniel
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Baum, David Baum, D. F. Vandeventer, Isaac Griffith, R. Manary, R. Mitchell, Dr. E. W. Eweing, James H. Steward, William Hughes, Thomas Gillam, William Bishop and others.
DEMOCRAT TOWNSHIP.
Democrat township was organized by the board of county commission- ers in May, 1835, and William Dawson was appointed inspector of elec- tions. The first election was held at the house of James McNeil in 1838. (The first school house was a log building erected in 1833.) The villages were Prince William and Lexington, and later the town of Cutler was established. Cutler is located on the Vandalia railroad. The Presbyterian and Baptist denominations were the first to organize churches. At Cutler, Wild Cat lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized in 1864; and Cutler Lodge No. 571, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized in 1879.
The oldest mill was the Adam's mill, located on Wild Cat creek, east of Cutler, in 1831. Mr. Adams erected a flouring-mill in 1835. Samuel Weaver operated a carding-mill, also manufactured linseed oil, and later operated a woolen-mill at Prince William. A tannery was operated by a Mr. Campbell from 1835 to 1840. Lexington was laid out on land of Eli Patty in 1835, and was a good trading point. Prince William was noted in early times as a popular place for the holding of political meetings. Considerable business was transacted at this place during the palmy days of the "Plank Road" existence. Wild Cat creek is the principal stream in the township, having several branches in the southeastern part of the town- ship.
The laying out and building of roads occupied the people during the first years of the township organization. The township trustees had charge of the management of the public schools and establishing school districts. Dr. R. D. Herron was the earliest physician in the township. Jacob Watson and family were the first settlers of this township. David Motter was a close second.
Among the early settlers were Isaac Watson, David Simpson, Andrew Gee, John Gee, Benjamin Gee, John Adams, Henry Tinkle, George Sheets, William Chatham, James McNeil. Phillip Rinker, Jacob Shaffer, David T. Wyatt, William Wyatt, George Lowman, Alston Wyatt, W. Seawright, Anthony Wilson, Daniel Cleaver, Jesse Daniel, John L. Ritter, John Jack,
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James Chittick, Robert Simpson, Anthony Burns, Bolton Smith, John Black, Joshua Craner, Jacob Watson, Jeremiah Ashba, William Mustard and others. All of the above named settled in this township prior to 1833.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Jackson township was organized by the board of county commissioners in August, 1830, and Moses Allridge was appointed inspector of elections. The first township election was held at the house of Enoch Allridge on the third Monday of October, 1830, and Jacob Humerickhouse was elected jus- tice of the peace. James Allridge was elected constable. The first log school house was built on the land of John Odell, in 1830, and George C. Sanderson was the teacher. It accommodated all the children of the town- ship. In 1831 the township was divided into school districts, and on the 22nd of October, 1831, a vote was taken and adopted to raise a fund by taxation to support free schools This system prevailed until 1852, when the new Constitution went into effect.'
The early ministers were circuit riders, and held religious services at the school houses. The German Baptist church was organized in Camden in 1829. The Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized in 1830. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1831. Camden Meth- odist Episcopal church was organized in 1846. Paint Creek Baptist church was organized in 1832. Camden Baptist church was organized in 1834. St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1846. Camden is the only town in this township, and is located near the center of the town- ship. It was laid out and platted in 1836. It maintains a high school, has two banks, fine churches, good stores and improved streets. Its population is about one thousand. It is an incorporated town. The Vandalia railroad runs through this town.
Among the first settlers were Moses Allridge, Elisha Brown, Adam Porter, Jeremiah Ballard. John Ballard, John Little, William Armstrong, John Odell, Thomas Sterling, David Harter. William Hance, John Lenon, Levi Lenon, Samuel Lenon, David Fisher, F. G. Armstrong, Phillip Hewitt, Levi Cline, James Martin, William Martin, Jacob Humrickhouse, Hiram Gregg, R. G. Mundy, P. M. Armstrong, Enoch McFarland, John Shanks, Daniel Blue, Z. Lake, Thomas Lenon, George Julian, Peter Replogel, J. E. Snoebarger, William Wilson, John Kuns, David Wise, Samuel Wise, John Musselman, John Bunker, Charles Bowman and others.
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A JACKSON TOWNSHIP FAMILY, 1863.
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
. Jefferson township was organized by the board of county commission- ers in May, 1836, and Joseph Williamson was appointed inspector of elec- tions. The first township election was held in 1839, at the house of Robert Mitchell. The first school house was built in the year 1834, on the farm of Moses Grandstaff. Nathan C. Gillam was the first school teacher. In 1856 the first school tax was levied by the trustee. The average length of time of schools was one hundred and twenty-five days.
The gospel was preached in this township, as in other townships, in the early days. In 1855 the Methodist Episcopal and the United Brethren denominations erected churches. The first saw-mill was built on the Tippe- canoe river in 1834, by Anthony Sheets, and he afterwards added buhrs to grind wheat and corn. This mill was located at what is now known as "Oak Dale." The villages of Yeoman and Patton are situate in this town- ship, on the Monon railroad.
Among the first settlers were John Hornback, Samuel Goslee, Jonas Elston, Robert Gillam, Robert Million, David Lucas, Samuel Moore, John Lynch, James Dalzell, William Carson, David Carson, John E. Mikesell, Jacob Baum, Henry Tedford, David Overly, Peter Prough, John Scott, R. P. Scott. Robert Mitchell, Thomas Patton, A. Shultz, Peter Pence, J. H. Newman, B. Price, W. S. Montgomery and others.
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Madison township was organized by the board of county commission- ers in March, 1837, and Joseph Hanna was appointed inspector of elections. The first election was held in 1839, at the house of Peter Tanner, and Michael Kite was elected justice of the peace. 'The first log school house was built in 1837, which served as well for church purposes for a number of years. Nelson Gillam was the first school teacher. ) Much of the time the people were engaged in building roads. The towns of Radnor and Ockley are in this township, and are located on the Monon railroad.
Among the first settlers were Thomas Gillam, John M. Gillam, John Thompson, Michael Kite, Albert G. Hanna, Robert Gillam, Amos Thomp- son and others.
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
Monroe township was organized in March, 1840, and Isaac Price was appointed inspector of elections. The first election was held on the last
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Saturday in June, 1840, and James C. Todd was elected justice of the peace. ' The first log school house was built on the farm of Amos Ball, in 1833. The Dunkard church was established in 1831. Other church denom- inations followed as the population increased.
Flora, an incorporated town, has a population of one thousand six hundred, and is located on the Vandalia railroad, in this township. Bring- hurst is a town of about six hundred inhabitants, situate in this township and on the Vandalia railroad. Flora and Bringhurst each have fine high school buildings. These two rival towns are only one mile apart.
Among the early settlers were Thomas Ross, Samuel Ross, Joseph Beckner, Amos Ball. John Flora, Jacob Zook, George Cline, Jonathan Barn- nard and others.
ROCK CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Rock Creek township was organized by the board of county commis- sioners in May, 1828, and an election ordered for the township, to be held at the house of Isaac Atkinson in 1833. Isaac Atkinson was elected justice of the peace. The first school was taught in 1830 in a log school house. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1836. A year or two later other religious denominations organized churches.
The town of Rockfield is located in this township, also the town of Burrows. The Wabash railroad runs through this township, and the towns mentioned are situate on this line of railway and on the Ft. Wayne and Northern Indiana traction road. Rockfield has a bank, as has also the town of Burrows. A fine school building is located in Rockfield. The Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 301 is located in Rockfield and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 495 is located in Burrows. The first saw-mill was erected in 1831 by Emanuel Flood, on Rock creek. Later, on the same site, a flouring-mill was built by John Mullendore in 1848. This mill was known in later years as the "Dougherty" mill.
Among the first settlers were John Kuns, Aaron Merriman, Jacob Kuns, Christopher McCombs, John Farneman, John Corder, George Kuns, Eman- uel Flora, Samuel Williamson, Thomas Millard, Lewis Neff and William Atkinson.
TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP.
Tippecanoe township was organized by the board of county commis- sioners in the year 1830. The Tippecanoe river runs through the western side of the township, and the Wabash river is its boundary on the south.
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PUBLIC SCHOOL, ROCKFIELD, IND.
A SOURCE OF LOCAL PRIDE.
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Pittsburg is located on the Wabash and dates its settlement to the year 1825. The town of Sleeth is situate in this township, on the Monon rail- road. The Associate Presbyterian church was the first church to organize in this township. Other denominations organized in later years. At one time Pittsburg did a large business in produce shipping, had a foundry, a tannery, a woolen-mill, a flouring-mill and a saw-mill. A canal was taken out on the north side of the river, above the dam, and it was used to ship on canal boats the products to Toledo.
Pittsburg was laid out by Merkle & Kendall in 1836. Bolles & Colton, Spears Brothers, T. Donavan and Merkle & Kendall were the principal buyers and shippers. In February, 1882, the Wabash dam was blown out with dynamite. After this affair the canal soon ceased to be a water high- way. Deer Creek. prairie lies on the west side of the Wabash river and was land reserved to A. Burnett by Indian treaties.
Among the first settlers were John Burkholder, Daniel Vandeventer, Robert Gibson, John Lindsey, Graham Roberts, John Anderson, John Smith, James L. Johnson, Charles Angel, Greenup Brothers, George Malcom, James Malcom, John Brookbank. John Benham, Richard Sibbitt, Abner Robinson and others.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. By Effie Guickin.
Washington township was organized by the board of county commis- sioners in 1835. The first election was held in 1836, and John G. Treen was elected justice of the peace. Washington township is situate in the north- east corner of the county. It contains nineteen thousand two hundred acres of land. The principal creeks are Rock creek, Deer creek and Paint creek. This territory was heavily timbered and the land is generally level. The soil is mostly black and after drainage is very productive. The public lands in this township were all taken up by the year 1836.
The first school was taught in a log cabin on the farm of Moses Stanley by Amanda Huston in 1838. The teacher was only sixteen years of age at the time, but was well qualified and was. successful. The follow- ing is a true description of the first, log cabins that constituted the homes of the early settlers. It was built of round .logs, fourteen feet by eighteen feet, one room, a large fireplace in one end of the house; two windows, one door, floor made of puncheons, roof made out of clapboards four feet in length; the joists were smooth round poles, wooden pins in place of nails; the chimney made out of slats, mortar placed between ; a crane placed in the
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mouth of the fireplace, made to swing out, with hooks to attach the pots. "Johnnycake" was baked before the coals on the hearth. The cabin was used for a parlor, sitting-room, dining-room, bed-room and kitchen. By the light of tallow candles or a lard lamp the family ate their evening meal, and the children studied their leessons. They were a happy and contented set of people and there were none their right to dispute.
There was an incident occurred in this township that did not occur in any other township in the county. About the year 1840 two Mormon mis- sionaries came into the township to proselyte for members of the Mormon church. They procured a cabin to hold their meetings and were very saintly and soon had not only large congregations, but converts to their religious views. After securing about one hundred converts, and after baptizing them by cutting the ice in Rock creek, they made propositions to their followers-as being a part of their religious duty-to sell all their property, place the proceeds in their hands, as representatives of the church organized by Joseph Smith, and pack up their personal goods and go with them to the West to the Mormon people. This was too much, the people showed their displeasure, and as a result the Mormons left unceremon- iously.
Deer Creek is the principal town in the township, situate on the state Michigan road, and during the time of the building of this road was quite a lively place. The various church denominations have their organizations and fine schools are found in this township. Improved roads and per- manent iron bridges make this township a model one in the county.
Among the first setlers were Moses Stanley. J. G. Treen, Daniel Dun- ham, Anthony Brown, J. G. Cohee. W. McClain. Thomas Trimble, R. Cornell. C. Hinkle, V. D. Cohee, James Cooper. Jacob Shusser, Aaron Cline, William Mills, William Wright, J. Yenkis, J. Shank, J. Tipton, L. West, J. Lake, R. Harris, A. Stipp. William Crocket, A. Hardy, William Cox. James Newer and others.
COUNTY INFIRMARY.
Carroll county has been the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land three miles southeast of Delphi for more than seventy-five years. It has been known as the "Poor Farm," as the "County Asylum," and it now bears the name of "County Infirmary," a term more appropriate for the purposes intended. In 1910 the board of county commissioners, on the 5th of April, contracted with Carl J. Horn, of Logansport, to present plans and drawings for a modern building to be erected on the south side of the farm,
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for an infirmary. On May 3, 1910, the architect filed plans and specifica- tions. On June 7, 1910, the board ordered the county auditor to give notice to contractors of the letting of a contract to build an infirmary building, according to the plans and specifications on file, and that bids would be received until June 25, 1910.
At a special session, held on July 25, 1910, the board awarded the contract for the plumbing to Linton & Graf for the sum of $2,155. The lighting system was awarded to A. P. Flinn & Company for the sum of $1,294.60. On October 3. 1910, the board awarded the contract for a heating plant to Wallace Brothers, of Lafayette, who constructed the build- ings. On May 15, 1911, the board contracted with Mahlon Rohrabaugh to build a barn on the farm, for the sum of $1,900.
The main building when completed presented a beautiful appearance externally, and internally was arranged for comfort and safety, and is sani- tary throughout. The buildings cost $40,000. The superintendent, Fred Furling. has been in charge of the infirmary and farm for four years, at a compensation of $650 per annum. The county furnishes everything for the superintendent. The average number of inmates is eighteen a year. The farm is self supporting, leaving a surplus to the credit of the county.
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CHAPTER IV.
JUDICIARY-STATE SENATORS-COUNTY COMMISSIONERS-REPRESENTATIVES AND COUNTY OFFICIALS.
JUDICIARY.
The first term of the Carroll circuit court was held at the house of Daniel Baum, May 8, 1828. The. house was situate west of the present location of the Wabash railroad, and about thirty rods north of Deer creek. Bethuel F. Morris, judge of the fifth judicial district, presided. D. F. Vandeventer was the clerk, Isaac Griffith and Christopher McCombs were the associate judges. The court adopted the seal, with the words inserted within, "Carroll County Seal." Jacob Kuns was appointed guardian of Rosana Heistand. The court was in session one day. The grand and petit juries were selected by the board of county commissioners. There were no resident attorneys. The foreign attorneys present at the session of the court were James Raridan, S. Smith, William Quarles and Andrew Ingram, who were duly admitted to practice law.
The next session of the court was held at the same place on November 6, 1828, the same officers present as on last adjournment. The grand jury was empaneled and Judge Morris appointed Andrew Ingram special pro- secuting attorney. One judgment was rendered for debt. At the May term, 1829, the court met at the same place on May 18, 1829. Same pre- siding judge and associate judges. The grand jury was impaneled. Andrew Ingram was appointed prosecuting attorney. One judgment entered for debt. The court moved up to the school house in Delphi. The grand jury ' returned six indictments for affray, six for assault and battery and two for fornification. The court adjourned after a session of two days.
At the November session, 1829, W. W. Wick presented his commis- sion as prosecuting attorney. The previous indictments came on for trial. Some of the defendants could not be found, and the indictments against
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them were dismissed. One defendant was present and stood trial on a charge of affray. He was fined two dollars and costs. Parker McGriff, charged with assault and battery, was arraigned and the following is a copy of the proceedings had :
"Comes now Wick, who prosecutes the pleas of the state, and the defendant also comes, and being arraigned upon the said indictment saith he is not guilty as charged and for trial puts himself upon the country, and Wick for the state doth the like; and the said defendant also files his plea of former conviction, to which prosecutor files his replication conclud- · ing to the country, to which the defendant adds his simitter-wherefore let a jury come by whom the truth may be made known, and the Sherriff as he is commanded brings into court the jurors of the jury to-wit: Stephen Miller, John F. Metcalf, John Gillam, Samuel Williams, William Hughes, Daniel McCune, John Crook, John Reed, Daniel Lenon, Jacob Mitchell, James Cummins and William Hicks, twelve good and lawful men, house- holders of the county, who being elected, tried and sworn the truth to speak upon the issues aforesaid do say, we of the jury find the defendant guilty and assess his fine at three dollars and fifty cents. It is, therefore, con- sidered by the court that the defendant do now make his fine to the state of Indiana for the use of the Carroll county seminary in the sum of three dollars and fifty cents and that he pay the costs of this prosecution, and it is ordered that the said defendant stand committed in the custody of the Sherriff until said fine is paid or replevied and that execution be had for costs." The judgment was replevied.
The judges who presided from the organization of the court in 1828 to 1852 were as follow: B. F. Morris, J. R. Porter, J. W. Wright, G. A. Everts, Isaac Naylor and Horace P. Biddle. The following judges have presided in this court since 1852 to 1915: John U. Pettit, 1853-4; John Brownlee, 1854; John M. Wallace, 1854-60; Horace P. Biddle, 1860-72; Dudley H. Chase. 1873-4; B. B. Daily, 1875-6; J. H. Gould, 1877-88; A: W. Reynolds, 1889-94; T. F. Palmer, 1894-1906; J. P. Wasson, 1907-15.
PROBATE COURT.
The probate court had jurisdiction over estates, and held two sessions annually. The first term was held at the house of Daniel Baum, May II, 1829. The second term was held in the Delphi school house, in November, 1829. The presiding judge was John Carey, and the associates were Isaac
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Griffith and Christopher McCombs. The probate court continued until 1850. The presiding judges were John Carey, John Grantham, Thomas Gillam and G. C. Sanderson.
COMMISSIONERS COURT.
The commissioners court was organized pursuant to the Act of the Legislature of January 7, 1828. The members of the court had been elected in April, 1828, the first term was held at the house of Daniel Baum, May 12, 1828. The members of the board were Jacob Baum, Aaron Hicks and Graham Roberts. This court laid out the town lots of the county seat, laid out the various townships, ordered elections in the townships for the elec- tion of justices of the peace, appointed road viewers and overseers of the poor, laid tax assessments, granted licenses, ordered the erection of public buildings, appointed road supervisors, fixed bonds of public officials, drew the grand and petit juries and appointed constables and revenue collectors. A list of the commissioners of this court will be found in the list of county officials.
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COMMON PLEAS COURT.
Under the Constitution of 1852 the Legislature had the power to, provide for additional courts. The Act of the Legislature, approved May 14, 1852, provided for a common pleas court. The judge thereof was elected by the people at the annual election of 1852, and every fourth year thereafter. The state was divided into districts. This district was com- posed of Tippecanoe, Benton, White and Carroll counties. The court had original jurisdiction and exclusive jurisdiction in all matters relating to the probate of wills, granting letters of testamentary, of administration, and of guardianships, and all matters relating to the settlement and distribution of decedent's estates. The circuit and common pleas courts had concurrent jurisdiction in all actions against heirs, and sureties of administrators and guardians. The Act of March 6, 1873, abolished the common pleas court. The circuit court took jurisdiction over all matters that had been assigned by law to the common pleas court. The judges of this court were D. P. Vinton, J. L. LaRue, R. P. Davidson, Alfred Reed, J. C. Applegate and B. F. Schermerhorn.
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JUVENILE COURT.
The Act of the Legislature of March 10, 1893, and Acts amendatory thereto, provides that the circuit judge shall have power and exclusive jurisdiction in all matters relating to children delinquents, truants, etc., except for offenses punishable with imprisonment for life or for which the penalty is death. Children may become wards of the state by this court.
In concluding this article on the judiciary of Carroll county, it is meet to say that many of the judges who honored the bench, in after life filled some of the highest positions of trust and profit in the state and nation. John Petit, a judge and United States senator; David Turpie, United States senator ; D. D. Pratt, United States senator; and a number of other attor- neys who practiced in the Carroll circuit court were sent to Congress, to state offices and to the General Assembly.
STATE SENATORS.
Carroll county has been represented in the state Senate since 1829 by a joint senator. The following list gives the various counties in the district in the respective years :
1829-Joseph Orr, Putnam, Montgomery, Tippecanoe and Carroll counties.
1831-O. L. Clark, Tippecanoe, Carroll and Cass counties.
1836-Samuel Milroy. Carroll and Clinton counties.
1837-Aaron Finch, Carroll and Clinton counties.
1840-Horatio Harris, Carroll and Clinton counties.
1843-Andrew Major, Carroll and Clinton counties.
1846-Phillip Waters, Carroll and Clinton counties.
1849-Thomas Kennard, Carroll and Clinton counties.
1854-J. F. Suit, Carroll and Clinton counties.
1858-James Odell, Carroll and Clinton counties. 1863-L. McClurg, Carroll and Clinton counties. 1867-F. G. Armstrong, Carroll, Howard and Clinton counties.
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