History of Hamilton County Indiana, her people, industries and institutions, Part 16

Author: John F. Haines
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051

USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County Indiana, her people, industries and institutions > Part 16

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A FRIENDLY INDIAN.

The Indians had not all left the township when the first settlers came. Abraham Helms, one of the pioneers, had some sort of business that called him away from home one winter day, requiring him to leave his wife and children alone. During his absence a very severe snow storm came upon them. While the storm was raging a tall Indian, "armed to the teeth," with rifle, knife and tomahawk, appeared at the door of the Helms' cabin. By signs he made Mrs. Helms understand that his cabin was far away, and that he desired to shelter in her cabin till the storm was over. In modern par- lance Mrs. Helms was "up against it," but, like most pioneer women, she was very brave and while hoping for the best she prepared for the worst. The extended eaves of the cabin formed quite a shelter and so she ordered the Indian to place his gun there, which he did. While the aboriginal was disposing of his rifle Mrs. Helms secured the family watch dog, a very fine animal, and placed him in the hands of her son, Wesley, with orders to release the dog at her signal. Hastily she armed herself with a long-bladed, sharp- pointed knife, which she slipped into the sleeve of her dress. Then she invited the Indian into the cabin. The man stalked into the cabin, took a seat as indicated by Mrs. Helms and sat motionless until the storm abated. He then arose, making signs of thanks to his unwilling hostess and departed as he had come. The relief with which the good woman "sped the parting guest" may well be imagined.

PIONEER HIGHWAYS AND INDUSTRIES.

The first road in the township was surveyed along Fall Creek from In- dianapolis to Pendleton before the township was settled. This road fol- lowed the course of the creek, but in later years fell into disuse as a shorter

Digitized by Google

170

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

route was surveyed between the two points. James Davis was the pioneer store-keeper, he having opened a store on the Arnett farm in 1835. As there was very little cash in the country at that time, he received farm produce in turn to restock his store. Samuel Arnett opened a store in 1837-38 and soon after Wesley Helms went into business near the village of Olio. Samuel Harrison owned the first blacksmith shop in 1834. In addition to his labors as a farrier he manufactured hoes and sharpened plows. James Patterson was the first carpenter. He erected several barns, which stood for many years. Mr. Thomas Arnett was a pioneer in more ways than one. He erected the first frame house in the township. The neighbors saw how much superior this house was compared to their primitive cabins and it wasn't many years until frame houses were the rule rather than the exception. Mr. Arnett introduced a new and improved breed of swine, somewhat similar to the Poland China stock. Prior to that time the hogs most common in this section were called "long-nosed grazers," or "elm peelers," and were very inferior to the present-day stock. David Jones built and operated the first grist mill in 1834. It was a frame structure, and was supplied with the best machinery available at that time. After being operated for several years and passing through the hands of several owners it fell into decay. A new and larger mill was built near the site of the first one. The first saw mill was built on Thorpe creek by Abraham Helms and Mr. Kinnanman. This was the first mill that sawed timber on the shares, or where lumber could be purchased. The people naturally were very proud of these two industries. In 1841 John Doran established the first card mill near the site of the Jones grist mill. He carded wool but manufactured no goods. Also, in 1841, Benjamin Murrer operated the first threshing machine. It was of the class known as chaff pilers and only separated the wheat from the straw, after which it was necessary to run the grain through a fanning machine. This machine was vastly super- ior to the old method of threshing by hand. The first bridge over Fall creek was built in 1836, near the Hamilton-Marion line. It was erected by Jacob Lingel, John Brown, Samuel Brooks and Robert Fousit. It was used till 1847, when it was washed away by a freshet.

A SENSITIVE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

Mr. Shirts tells of the first justice of the peace, as follows: "Abraham Helms was the first man elected justice of the peace, but he soon resigned his office. He was conscientiously religious, and it was said that while he acted as justice, he also attended the house raisings and log rollings and on these occasions he heard more or less swearing. As he interpreted the law it was

Digitized by Google

171

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

his duty to cause the arrest of all persons using profane language, but as these men were his neighbors he did not wish to do this, nor did he wish to evade the performance of his duty as he understood it, so he resigned. L. M. Ogle was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by this resignation."

Matilda Coffee, a daughter of Hiram Coffee, was the first white child born in the township. John T. Kinnanman set aside one acre for a cemetery, the first interment in the same being that of the body of a child named Mary Moon, about five or six years of age, in 1836 or 1837. John T. Kinnanman, the donor, was the second to receive interment, his death occurring in 1843. Other early burying grounds were the Butterfield cemetery, the Rager ceme- tery and the Arnett cemetery.

PIONEER SCHOOLS.

The first school was taught in a cabin on the farm of Samuel Holliday about 1827-28. Robert Fausit, son of Jacob Fausit, who settled in Fall Creek township in 1829, stated that this school was in operation when his father settled and was being taught by Jacob Kimberlin on the subscription plan. The first cabin built especially as a school house was never completed, although a summer school was taught there by Smith Goe. One of the early school houses was situated on the Arnett farm. There is no high school within the limits of the township. However, upon their completion of the common school grades, many students go to Noblesville or Lapel to take the high school course. Arza Kinnanman, the present trustee, has built up the schools by prudent management and care in the selection of teachers.

PIONEER CHURCHES.

The pioneers of Fall Creek were, as a rule, church-going people. Itiner- ant preachers came in the early days and preached to the people in their homes first and later in houses of worship built for the purpose. Among the first preachers visiting the neighborhood were John Redmond, Baptist; Nathaniel Barnes, Methodist; Benjamin Legg, Christian, and Mr. Stuart, United Breth- ren.

In 1841 or 1842 the first church edifice was erected by the Methodist de- nomination. It was a log building erected on the land of Peter Staats and known as the "Staats church." Later the congregation joined with the Fort- ville church and the log church was torn down.

There are no towns within the limits of Fall Creek township and just one village, Olio.

Digitized by Google

CHAPTER IX. JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY.

Jackson township was organized in November, 1833, in which year com- missioners divided the county into nine townships. It was formed from the territory originally in White River township. It is the central one of the northern tier in Hamilton county. The surface is generally flat, but is well drained by four streams, viz. : Big and Little Cicero, Hinkle and Taylor creeks. Originally this township was covered by dense forests and a thick under- growth, making the clearing of the land a very difficult task. The soil is a rich black loam with a substratum of clay which produces abundant crops. At first the township was dotted with depressions which formed numerous ponds, consequently the first settlers had to fight chills and fever until these ponds were drained. But they were brave, hardy men and women and no amount of chills and fever or forest and undergrowth could turn them from their new homes and self-imposed tasks.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement was made near the vicinity of Cicero in 1828 by three men, Henry Jones, James Taylor and Mr. Blanche. Henry Jones settled three miles west of Cicero on the road leading from Strawtown to Lafayette. He erected the customary log cabin, which he soon converted into a tavern to accommodate travelers and emigrants on their way to and from the points above named. Which of these three men was the first to settle in the township is not known, as all came in the same year. Taylor settled four and one-half miles west of Cicero and Blanche on the bank of Cicero creek, one-half mile west of the present site of Cicero. He subse- quently removed to Howard county.

In 1831 Elijah Redman, Dennis Pickerell and James Freel settled within the present limit of Cicero, the town being laid out later by the two latter of the men named. Other early settlers in this vicinity were the Hall family,

Digitized by Google

173

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

William Jones, Adam B. Wildes. William Rollings, John Clark and John Harbaugh. German immigrants of the name of Mapes, Nicholas Zelt and the Gardeners settled in this neighborhood. These families proved an excellent addition to the new settlement, as they were industrious and thrifty men and women.

In 1833 several families, including David Anthony, Jesse Beals, Jacob Hadley, William Ramsey, Mr. Pickett, Levi Cook and Elihu Pickett, settled near the present site of Deming. Later in the same year a settlement was made near the present site of Arcadia by the Jones and Bishop families. In the years immediately following came the Wells family, Phillip Bowser, 1834; John Miller, 1836, and Moses and Isaac Martz, 1838. The Martz brothers entered land in the suburbs of what is now Arcadia, where both resided during the remainder of their lives, clearing and converting into fine productive farms the wilderness tracts which they had entered.

In 1836 Michael Shiel came to the county and settled near the present site of Atlanta. Allen Sumner and George Tucker settled near the Shiel cabin on the opposite side of the line later followed by the Lake Erie & Western railway. Later comers included James Thompson, Alexander Smith, John Ehrman, Frederick Smelce and Caleb Sparger. Sparger's land joined Shiel's on the west. Later both Sparger and Shiel laid out a town, calling them, respectively, Spargerville and Shielville, which towns later were merged into one called Buena Vista, and which at present is called Atlanta. Other settlers included the following: Phillip Roads, Peter Miller, Daniel Smith, Daniel and William Haskett, John Harrington, John and Jacob Crull, George Illyes and Jacob Whistler.

The colored neighborhood, today known as the "Roberts Settlement," was settled in 1837 by John Roads, Micajah Waldron, Bryant Waldron, Harry Winburn, Dolphin and Stephen Roberts and Elias, Jonathan and Hansel Roberts, all colored. These colored men were peaceable, hard-work- ing, law-abiding men, who came to Jackson township to make homes for themselves and their families as did their white neighbors. They purchased their lands, cleared and tilled them and soon were prosperous farmers. They later built a church and a school house. At first they assisted in the payments for a white teacher and enjoyed equal privileges with the white people. Later a school was maintained exclusively for the colored children and they were usually taught by a colored teacher. This school was abandoned in 1914, as the number of colored children was insufficient longer to maintain the separ- ate school. But there are today a number of colored families still living in

Digitized by Google

174

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

the Roberts settlement, which is the only settlement in the county entirely composed of colored people.

Jackson township is unique in one respect, as it has within its limits more towns and settlements than any other township in Hamilton county. Cicero, Arcadia and Atlanta are about equal distance apart, along the eastern part of the township, with Deming, a village in the southwestern part, and the Roberts settlement slightly northwest of the center of the township.

PIONEER HIGHWAYS.

Most of the important early roads were surveyed through this town- ship. Long prior to these early surveys, however, there was the old Indian trail, before mentioned, running from Strawtown to Lafayette. This trail became in time a well defined road, owing to the frequency with which it was traveled, but its course was of necessity irregular and rambling, the driver perforce being often compelled to turn out of the direct course to avoid the ponds and mud holes so numerous at that time. In 1830 this road was sur- veyed by the state and thereafter was known as the Newcastle and Lafayette state road. At about the same time the Cicero and Thorntown state road was surveyed, running west to Thorntown on the dividing line between townships 19 and 20 north. The Indianapolis and Peru state road was sur- veyed the next year, 1831 or 1832, and traversed the eastern portion of the township from north to south. In due course of time all these roads evolved from the blazed trail stage to fairly good roads. They put Cicero in com- munication with the big world outside of Jackson township and gave to the town many advantages which aided materially in its early development and importance. For a town to be situated on one or more of these early high- ways was as great an advantage to it as it is today to be located on a railroad or interurban line. Neighborhood roads, distinguished from the state roads by the manner of "blazing" the trees, were cut through the woods for the convenience of the various settlements. Later the location of some of these roads was changed, but some of them remain on almost the identical lines on which they were first blazed through the forest.

EARLY MILLS AND INDUSTRIES.

An early historian says: "To supply a long felt want in the settlement (Cicero) William Taylor erected a rude mill at an early date. It was operated by two or more horses hitched to levers in such a manner as to turn the stones as they traveled around, grinding the wheat into coarse flour. Like the 'mills

Digitized by Google®

175

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

of the gods,' it ground slowly, but it differed from those mythical institu- tions in the fact it did not grind exceedingly small. Although primitive in construction, and limited in capacity, it nevertheless proved a benefit to the settlers, for which they were duly thankful. Prior to this, they were com- pelled to make long journeys to mill, often occupying an entire week in the trip." Jonathan Arnold built another mill on Cicero creek, from which it derived its motive power, in 1836. This mill was operated until its machinery was worn, when it was abandoned. In the northern part of the township George Tucker erected a mill in 1837-38. It was operated both as a grist and saw mill and, being situated on Cicero creek, received its power from that stream. Portions of the old mill stood for many years after it had outgrown its usefulness.

`The first shoemaker of the Atlanta settlement was Peter Miller. He used cowhides, tanned in a country tanyard, for all kinds of shoes, both for boys and girls. His work, as well as the shoes he turned out, was rather crude and coarse, but feet that trod the rough ways of that far-away time, needed to be shod with heavy and coarse shoes to stand the wear and tear imposed upon them.

PIONEER SCHOOLS.

The first school taught in the township was in 1834 in a log cabin in the woods at or near the present site of Cicero, for that was before the town was laid out. The following year, 1835, a school was taught in a cabin erected on the farm of William Taylor. Both these schools were subscrip- tion schools, the teacher receiving $1.50 for each pupil for a term of three months. In 1840 the first school house in the vicinity of Arcadia was erected on the farm of Moses Martz. This school was a log-hewed building. Three , years later a similar building was erected on the farm of Jacob Stehman. In 184I a school house was built in the western part of Cicero, for the cost of which the trustees were allowed fifty dollars of the public funds. A teacher was engaged to teach, but the public money barely paid one-third of the expenses, so the remainder was raised by subscription.

The first schools near Atlanta were taught by Wiley Watkins, Jacob Whisler, George Howard and Henry Sowers. These schools were taught in log cabins having puncheon floors and slab seats with no backs and, as for a desk, this latter was an unheard-of luxury in those pioneer schools.

Following the enactment of the law of 1852 schools were built all over the township and high schools were later established in the towns. At present there are several district schools in the township and a high school

Digitized by Google

176

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

at each town, Cicero, Atlanta and Arcadia. In recent years Jackson township has done wonderful things in an educational way. Manual training and domestic science are being successfully taught, not only in the graded schools but in the one-room district schools. Township fairs are held, where won- derful displays of work of all kinds, products of the farm, the garden and the school are on exhibit. Township supervision has been tried and proved successful to a great degree in Jackson township. These are all comparatively new things in an educational way, and in adopting these modern methods Jackson township has set an example which other townships could follow most profitably. The schools are treated more fully in another chapter. Mr. Jacob Kepner, the present trustee, has favored every forward movement in education.

PIONEER CHURCHES.

In most pioneer settlements various homes or a school house were used as the first places of worship, but Jackson township, like the Babe of Bethle- hem, chose a stable for the birthplace of its churches. This was a barn on the Shearer farm and was used by early settlers of the Dunkard denomination as a place of worship. The first Christian church was organized southwest of Arcadia. Among the first preachers were C. W. Harpison, Lockhart and Stinson. The first church service by the Methodists was held at the home of Samuel Caylor, three miles west of Arcadia, about the year 1832, Thomas Luther being the first preacher. The first Lutheran church was established northeast of Arcadia, John Keffer being the first preacher. About 1835 another Lutheran church was established, many settlers of that faith having settled in Jackson and White River townships. The Reverends Reck and John Garver, both of Indianapolis, came on horseback to preach for these people. In 1837 a congregation of fifteen members was organized, Rev. Garver being the first regular preacher. He received twenty dollars for his services for one year. The following year a frame church was erected near Cicero creek east of Arcalia, where services were held for many years. In 1841 the colored people in the Roberts settlement built a church and a school house.

Not only along educational and church lines has Jackson township forged ahead, but in business enterprise and excellent farming methods it also is very much up-to-date. Factories and thriving business interests are found in the towns and the fertile, level acres of its farms are cultivated with modern tools in a modern way. The beautiful homes, both in town and rural districts, give further evidence that the prosperity of Jackson township is second to none.

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

RAILROAD BRIDGE OVER WHITE RIVER. NOBLESVILLE

15108

SCENE ON WHITE RIVER

Digitized by

Google

--- --

CHAPTER X.

NOBLESVILLE TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY.

When Hamilton county was organized, in 1823, it was originally divided into only two townships, White River on the north and Delaware on the south. These boundaries continued in effect until May, 1827, when the com- missioners re-divided the county into townships. This was done by dividing the southern area into three parts, namely: Fall Creek in the southeast corner of the county, Delaware west of it, in the southwest corner, and Noblesville township occupying all the center from White River township on the north to Fall Creek and Delaware on the south. On November 6, 1833, the present boundaries of Noblesville township were prescribed by the commissioners. It occupies the central position of the nine townships comprising the county and has forty-nine square miles. The soil is rich and productive and has excellent drainage, being crossed partially or entirely by the following streams : White river, Cicero creek, Hinkle creek, Stony creek and Dry branch.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The early settlement of the township has been fully described heretofore, the first settlement in the county being at Horseshoe Prairie by the Shirts, Finch, Bush and Willason families, William Conner already being in the county. Besides the early settlers already named, the following came two or three years later : John D. Stephenson, Jonathan Colburn and wife, Josiah F. Polk, Curtis Mallery, David Osborn, William Goe, William Ridgeway, Isaac Cottingham, Edward Dyer and George Wise. The Stoops, the Dales and the Cottingham families, with their many connections, were all early settlers.

Stephen Wall came to this township from Fayette county, Indiana, in 1824 and settled one-half mile east of Noblesville, on what is known as the Conrad farm. Twelve days after leaving Fayette county he crossed Fall

(12)

Digitized by Google

178

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

creek at the place where a bridge now spans the creek on the Noblesville and Greenfield pike. Soon after crossing the stream he came to a cabin and, it being toward night, he stopped and asked a night's lodging. He was in- formed by the occupant of the cabin that he might spread his bed on the floor of the cabin. He took advantage of this offered hospitality, such as it was, and slept on the floor of the stranger's cabin. Before leaving the next morning he learned his host's name, which was Bridge. This same man participated in the murder of two Indians near Pendleton just one month later than this, for which crime he later forfeited his life by hanging.

The west side of Noblesville township was not settled until the year 1830. About two miles from town a settlement was formed by the Walls, Carey and Metsker families. Mr. Shirts says: "To the northwest all was woods and swamps. As late as 1830 the wolves came at nights to the first hill west of town and frequently kept up their howling until late at night."

Mr. Beaty bought land east of town from one of the Dales and lived upon it until his death. John Gascho and wife and family of nine children came in wagons from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He purchased the above named land from the Beaty heirs and added to the original purchase from time to time until, at the time of his death, he owned in all six hundred acres of land extending from the eastern corporation limits nearly two miles on each side of the road. John Gascho and his sons were all farmers, making agriculture their life business. They devoted their.whole attention to farming and the wealth and influence of the family give ample testimony regarding their success. Neither John Gascho nor his heirs would sell their land bor- dering on the city limits for town lots, though it is understood some very flattering offers have been made for their land. The Gascho family preferred to see the rustling corn or the waving wheat field near their door to town lots with modern homes thereon. Evidently it was never a problem for Mr. Gascho "to keep his boys on the farm."

EARLY CHURCHES.

The first church in the township was of the Baptist denomination and was organized at Noblesville on December 8, 1827. Subsequently other de- nominations were organized, all of which are considered elsewhere in this history.

The history of the township is so closely related to that of the city of Noblesville that it would be but a repetition to give the events connected with Noblesville at this time.

Digitized by Google

CHAPTER XI.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY.

Washington is the center one of the western tier of townships of Hamil- ton county. It contains fifty-six square miles, being one of the three largest townships, Jackson and White River having the same dimensions. Wash- ington township was set apart at the November session of the commissioners in 1833. At the same time an election was ordered to be held at the home of Asa Bales on December 7, 1833, for the purpose of electing two justices of the peace and other township officers. The surface of this township is gen- erally level and the soil rich and productive. It is drained by Little Eagle, Cool creeks and several smaller streams. At the time of the first settlement the entire township was densely wooded and traveling from one place to another was almost impossible.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hamilton County Indiana, her people, industries and institutions, Part 16

Author: John F. Haines Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1051

Author: John F. Haines
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051