USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Indiana : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 37
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EARLY ROADS.
About the year 1830, the Strawtown and La Fayette State road was sur- veyed and cut out across the towoship, from east to west. It was then a route that had long been traveled by cmigrants going West, but, until the dato above named, no measures had been adopted for its improvement. It became one of the principal highways of the time, and merchants and tradesmen derived a lucrative patronage from the travelers over this route. The various county roads were surveyed at different times, in response to petitions from the resi- dents of the neighborhood in which it was desired to have them located.
SCHOOLS.
The private school taught hy George Bosley was the first educational institution in the township, and the only one, until 1838. In that year, a Full- scription was secured for the purpose of conducting a school during the winter, and Mrs. Pierce was employed as teacher. The schoolhouse was a log cabin which stood on land then owned by Mr. Jessup, of Hendricks County, Ind. After this date, schools were taught at various places in the township every winter, the money for their maintenance being secured by a tuition fee charged for cach scholar. This method was in vogue until after the passage of the school law of 1851-52, under the provisions of which the township schools are now conducted. The first building under the new regime, was erected at Boxley in 1854, and during the following year, similar buildings were erected in other school districts of the township, the trustees erceting buildings according to the enumeration of children, until each district was supplied. In 1874, the members of Spicewood Meeting, feeling an interest in the cause of public edu- cation, erected a high school, at an expense of $1, 400, to which they gave the name of " Spicewood School." S. W. Cook, Jesse Milis and Paris Cox were the Trustees. It was conducted as a private institution until 1878, when it was purchased by the Township Trustee, J. B. Bradfield. The school ia now austained by the public money of the township, with the addition of a guar- antce fund, made up hy those interested in educational mattera. ' Prof. John l'ennington is the Principal for the ensuing term.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal .- In the year 1837, the Methodiats first began to hold meetings in the township, and one of the first places of meeting was the house of Eber Teter. Ministers of the church came to this locality at irregu- lar intervals, and there was no organization. In the year 1838, however, a meeting was held at the house of Samuel Baker, and the first class in the township was organized on this occasion, with about a dozen constituent mem- bers. The class was attached to Noblesville Circuit, and the ministers in charge of that circuit conducted services at the homes of the various members, about once a month. After a few years, they transferred the meeting-placo to n schoolhouse in the town of Bexley, and from this organization emanated the Boxley Methodist Episcopal Church. This, however, was not erected until the year 1852, by which time the original class had almost lost its identity hy the death of some of its old members and the removal of others. .
The church at Boxley was built in 1852, and dedicated by Rev. William Il. Good in the summer of 1853. Mr. Good was then Presiding Elder, and Rev. Thomas Stabler was l'astor in charge of the cirenit. During the succeeding years, the congregation increased, and the organization has been successfully maintained. The church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. A. M. Pat- terson.
Carmel Church .- The class waa organized in the winter of 1838, by Rev. L. P. Berry, then in charge of the Noblesville Circuit. He visited the class at regular intervals, and preached at the house of Robert Cutts. Several years later the class was divided-a part meeting at the house of Mr. Cutts, and the balance at the house of Daniel Smith. This arrangement was made for the convenience of members who lived at a distance from the former place of roceting.
lo 1845, Willis Atkins, donated a lot upon which they erected a hewed- log house of worship, which they occupied for a number of years. Finally, however, it hecame too old for use, and was abandoned. Meetings wero con- tinned at a neighboring schoolhouse, and occasionally at private hons a, uotil about the year 1871, when they erected their present church, under the min- istrations of Rev. T. II. C. Beall. The church has continued prosperously since it+ organization. It is now under the pastoral care of Rev. A. M. Patterson.
Sheridan Church .- In the winter of 1867-68, Rev. R. A. Newton organ- izcil the class nt Sheridan. They held meetings in the schoolhouse until 1870, and after that date at private housea. In the spring of 1873, they purchased two lots of Caswell Boxley, in Sheridan, and in August of the same year began the building of their prescot house of worship. The financial crisis of 1873 caused the Trustees to suspend work until the following summer. The build- iog is 36x50 feet, 18 feet between floor and ceiling, and the spire 77} feet from ground to top. The house is valued at 82,400, and the lot at $150. The dedicatory sermon was delivered by Elder J. V. R. Miller, after which a subscription of $1,200 was accured, to fice the church from debt. The church was built in a very liberal spirit, and has always been open to the religious denominations of the town ond vicinity. It is now under the pastoral care of Rev. A. M. Patterson.
105
ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
Society of Friends-Spicewood Church .- This congregation held its first meeting at a house on the land now owned by Elijah Jay, one-half mile west of Spicewood, in November, 1865. The preparative meeting for business was hell July 26, 1866, in a log cabin on the land of Amos Conk, one-half mile south of Spicewood. Jesse Mills, Elijah Jay, Patty Formas and Lydia Ann Cook constituted the committee then appointed. Christopher Spray and Eunice Furnas were the first permanent Clerks, and Samuel W. Cook the first Treasurer.
The first persons who joined the meeting were Amos Harry and family, Carey Linton and family, and William Embry and daughter Ollie. In the fall of 1869, the society erected their present house of worship, at a cost of $910. Spicewood Monthly Meeting was first convened for business October 26, 1871. It then had no minister, but at present has four, viz. : John Conk, Eunice Furnas, Marian Simons and Charity Reagan. John B. and Mary Foulke are the present ('lerks.
Westryan Methodist-Botky Church -About the year 1811, the first . class of this denomination was organized in the schoolhouse at Boxleytown, under the leadership of Eher Teter, who was afterward recognized as one of the lending spirits in the church. During protracted meetings, they were granted the use of the log church owned by the Christian denomination at Boxley, but on ordinary occasions they hell their meetings at the schoolhouse for about two years after organization. Mr. Teter then donated them a lot in the town of Boxley, upon which they ererted a small frame church. This building is still used by them for a house of worship, and the church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. William Talbert.
Liberty Church .- In 1969, a class of the Wesleyan denomination was organized at a log cabin on the farm of John Jessup, under the ministrations of Rev. Jesse W. Hliatt. In 1871, they Greeted their present church, at a cost. of 81,200. Rev. II. C. West succeeded Mr. Hiatt as Pastor, and remained about two years. Rev. John Fall was his successor, and was followed by Rev. Eber Teter. Dr. Teter was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. William Talbert.
SOCIETIEA.
Fidelity Lodge, No. 309, A., F. d. A. M .- Was instituted at the town of Boxley May 26, 1854. Prior to receiving the charter, the following gentle- men met nad signed the constitution : C. B. Austin, E. Hammack, J. N. Hamonek, William Hicks, H. W. Ross; J. S. Collings, Samuel Dow, Right Cook, II. D. Batler, A. T. Harvey, R. M. Ritchie, Samuel Harbaugh, A. N. Dasa nod Cyrus Burrows. The first officers were : C. B. Austia, W. M .; Right Conk, S. W. ; Ephraim Hammack, J. W. ; II. D. Butler, Sce .; J. N. Hammack, Treas. ; A. T. Harvey, S. D. ; William Hicks, J. D. ; R. M. Ritchie, Tiler. In July, 1878, the lodge was removed from Boxley to Sher- idan, and the first meeting in the present lodge-room was hehl on the evening of the 20th of that, month. The lige-room is situated in the building owned by J. A. Cox, where the regular meetings are hehl on Saturday evening, on or after the full moon. The officers for the present term (1880) are : L. D. Wyatt, W. M. ; J. B. Bradfield. S. W .; W. E. Williams, J. W. ; IT. Emmons, Sec. ; William Shapley, Treas. ; George Good, S. D. ; A. . I. Moore, J. D. ; James Etenburo, Tiler ; T. IT. Irick and Joseph Shoe, Stewards.
Order of Chosen Frivmls,-This is a recently organized order, and its objects enn bo best made -koown to the public by a quotation from its coasti- tutinn and by-laws, as follows :
I. To unite io honds of fraternity, nid and protection to all necepta' le persons of goed character, atendly linbits, sound bodily health, reputable enlling, and whe believe in n supreme, intelligent Being, the creator and preserver of the universe.
HI. To improve the condition of its membership, morally, socially and materially, by timely counsel and instructivo lessons; by encouragement in business, and by Assistance to obtain employment when in need.
111. To establish a relief fund, from which members of this organization, who havo complied with all its raley nod regulations, may receive the benefit of a som not exceeding $3,000, which shall be paid ns herenfter provided, upon either of the follow- ing conditions, viz. :
1. When a member reaches the age of seventy-five years.
2. When, by reason of ilisense ar necident, a member becomes permanently dis- abled from following hta usual, or some other, occupatioo.
8. Upon satisfactory ovideoen of the death of n member.
Charity Council, No. 5-Was organized at Sheridan, December 22, 1879, and ie now working under dispensation. Its first officers wero Hamilton Emmons, P. C. C .; Marion Cropper, C. C .; Mrs. Eva Cropper, V. C .; T. M. Butterfield, Sce. ; Mrs. J. W. Faocher, F. S .; William A. Davis, Treasurer. The above-named officers were installed on the last night of the . terin of 1879, and, consequently, only served one evening.
At an election held one week later, the following officers were chosen to serve until June 30, 1880: Marion Cropper, P'. C. C .; Mrs. Eva Cropper, C. C. ; Rev. Mendroball, V. C .; William Davis, Secretary ; William A. Davis, F. S ; T. M. Butterfield, Treasurer; Mrs. J. W. Fancher, W .; Augustus Venable, P. ; W. E. Williams, G .; Richard Fristow, S. ; Dr. J. W. Fancher, Medical Examiner ; A. Aleon, Marion Cropper and Andrew Gabert, Trustees. The bulge now has a membership of thirty-two.
Sheridan Lodge, No. 995, Knights of Honor-Was organized March 28, 1878, at Sheridan, and received its charter six months later, working, in the meantime, under dispensation. The charter members were William W. Moore, E. Thistlethwaite, .I. W. Faacher, J. W. Baker, Warren Brooks, William L. Daugherty, J. F. Moore, Alfred Shaoooo, H. E. Davenport, ii. C. Davis, J. J. Baker. There were just enough members to fill the offices ; William W. Moore was the first P. D .; Warren Brooks, D .; Dr. Il. E. Davenport, V. D. ; E. Thistlethwaite, A. D. ; Williato L. Daugherty, R .; II. C. Davis, F. R .; J. F. Moore, Treasurer ; Dr. J. W. Faucher, Chaplain ; Dr. J. J. Baker, Medical Examiner ; Alfied Shuanon, Guardian ; J. W. Baker, Guide. The first meeting was held in the roam still occupied by the lodge. The regular meeting night is Saturday. The lodge aow hns an active membership of forty-six. The present officers are W. Reisen, D .; Dr. J. W. Fancher, P. D .; W. A. Wainscott, V. D .; William l'arr, A. D .; P. B. Stout, Treasurer ; T. S. Spencer, R .; W. B. Davis, F. R .; M. Cropper, Chaplain ; Dr. H. E. Davenport, Guide; J. Y. Green, Guardinn; Jacob Waller, Sentinel ; Dr. II. Moore, Medical Examiner ; William Kennett, Jesse Lovell and C. B. Mann, Trustees.
Sheridan Lodge, No. 2.12, Knights and Ladies of Honor ( D. of P'.), was organized in December, 1879, with eighteen constituent members. H. C. Davis was the first I' .; Mrs. Sadie Scott, V. P .; A. C. Scott, P. P .; Cyrus Maan, Chaplain ; W. A. Scott, Secretary ; A. C. Scott, F. S .; Mrs. M. A. Davenport, Guide; Mra. M. A. Fancher, Guardino ; William Parr, Treasurer. Dr. J. W. Faucher was installed Deputy Grand Protector and Medical Exam- iner, and still holds these offices. The lodge meets every Friday evening, in the hall of the K. of IT., at Sheridan. It is in fine working order, nad ita financial standing is good. The present membership is twenty-two. T'ho present officers are Mrs. Sadie Scott, I' .; Mrs. Eva Cropper, V. P .; W. A. Scott, P. P' .; Mrs. M. A. Davenport, Chaplain; Mra. M. A. Fancher, Guide; Will A. Scott. Secretary; A. C. Scott, F. S .; William Parr, Treasurer; Marion Cropper. Guardian ; Dr. Il. E. Davenport, Sentinel.
Sheridan Grange, No. 662, Patrons of Husbandry - Wasorganized in Feb- ruary, 1873, at Sheridan Schoolhouse. About a year later, they removed to their present lodge-room, which they occupy jointly with the Knights of Ileanr. The first officers were: Charles Boxley, M. ; William A. Davis, O .; John S Kercheval, Secretary ; A. Eudaly, Lecturer ; N. J. Davis, Trensurer ; M. McKinzie, Assistant Steward; Elijah Boxley, Gate Keeper; Mrs. Sallio Roxley, Ceres ; Mrs. Mary loxley, Lady Assistant Steward ; Mrs. Jano Kercheval, Florn.
The membership, at one time, was thirty-six, but at present it is reduced to eighteen. The Grange is in good working order and financially prosperons. The present oficers are : Caswell Boxley, M .; John S. Kercheval, O. ; James Emery, Steward; William Kennett, Assistnat Steward; David Linton, Scere- tary ; N. J. Davis Treasurer; John Stahl, Chaplain; William A. Davis, Lee- turer; Elijah Boxley, Sentinel; Mrs. S. Boxley, Pomona ; Mrs. Lizzio Linton, Ceres; Mrs. Rebecca Kennett, Flora.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,
In order to encourage a system of good farming, n anmber of citizens of this township united and formed this organization. No cash premiums are awarded, but the best specimens of live-stock and farm produco receive the ribbon of the society to designate them, and to secure this token of superiority there is always a good-natured, friendly rivalry manifested by tho competitors for the prize, and in this the object of the society is attained. The organiza- tion was formed in the sununer of 1875. Benjamin Hadley was chosen Pres- ident ; Ellis Hutchins, Secretary; Robert Kercheval, Treasurer, and Benjamin Elwards, General Superintendent. They held their first fair in September, 1875, on land looked of Eber Teter, ono mile north of Spicowood. They held three fairs at that placo subsequently, after which, Robert Kercheval gavo them tho uso of an adjoining tract of land for an indefinite period. No ndmis- Rioo fee is charged, and they have no spoed ring. The present officers are: Bonjamin Hadley, President; Thomas S. Kerchoval, Secretary ; Robert Drake, Treasurer ; Samuel Cook, Gonoral Superintendent.
10G
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
LOKAL INDUSTRIES,
Flouriny Mills .- About the year 1867, Hubert Drake erected a saw-mill nt Boxley, and subsequently added a grist-mill. The Intter is a two-story frame building, and has two runs of buhrs.
Mr. Drake operated the mill for several years, then sold it to Hiley Wilson, by whom it was sold to linkle & Harper, several years later. In 1878, Henry Kerns purchased the interest of Mr. Hinkle, and the firm became Harper & Kerns. On the 13th day of February, 1879, Mr. Kerns met a violent death. While codeavoring to adjust a belt io the mill, he was caught in the machinery, and so badly mangled that he died on the evening of that day.
The mill is still owned by Mr. Harper and the heirs of Mr. Kerns, and rented by Smith and Ryker, by whom it is now operated. During the ownership of Harper & Hinkle, the saw mill machinery was removed, and replaced by a set of heading machinery. The latter was operated until the winter of 1879, when it was also removed.
Sheridan Mils .- In 1866, Egbert Higbec erected the flouring-mill at Sheridan, and the building remained unocenpied for two years. In IS68, Mr. Higher associated with him as partners, Cyrus Jessup, Eliel Jessup and 3. O. Pearson. The machinery was then put in, and the mill was operated by the firm of Higbec, Jessup & Co. About eight months later, Cyrus and Eliel Jessup suld to J. P. Pearson, and the firm became Highee, Pearson & Son. Almmt a year later, Anthony Baker purchased the interest of Mr. Hig- bec, and the mill was operated for a time by Pearson & Baker. Mr. Baker subsequently Rold his interest to J. (). Pearson, since which time the mill has been operated by Pearson & Son.
When Higher, Fessup & Co. adjusted the machinery for the grist-mill, they ererted n shed, back of the main building, in which they placed a large cir- rular saw, and combined the flooring and saw mill imhistries, In 1872, mother frame building was attached, and supplied with the machinery for n planing-mill. W. E. Panean was a member of the firm at that time, but only interested in the planing-mill. He sold his interest to d. O. Pearson in 1877.
The flouring mill is a two-story frame buikling, 28536 fort, and has two runs of buhrs. It is conducted as a custom-mill, and the flour sold in sucks in the home market.
The planing-mill is 40x80 feet, and contains one planer, one edging-saw, one resawing machine and attachments. In the saw-mill the average amount. of timber sawed per day is :1,000 fect. The average number of men employed is six.
Nur- Mill ( Sheridan) .- In 1879, the firm of Owen & Brother erected the present building at the west end of Sheridan It is a frame building, 20x80 fret, containing one double circular saw, boiler and cogine, one edging-saw, one cut-off saw and vac heading-saw. They saw an average of 3,000 feet of timber per day, nod from 5,000 to 8,000 picees of healing.
Cheese Factory .- Tho Adams Township Cheese Manufacturing Company erected their present establishment, one and a half miles south of Boxley, in the spring of 1879. It is a two-story frame building, thirty-one fret square, wod contains one boiler and engior, ono 600-gallon Barclay patent vat and six presses, with a manufacturing capacity of 500 pounds of cheese per day. They make n full-cream cheese, by the Cheddar process; the milk is not skimmed, the whey is removed. and the curd thoroughly cooked at a tem- prature of 98º Fahrenheit. This is the only enterprise of its kind in the county, and the proprietors have a good demand for their products in the home market.
.
THE TOWN OF LOXLEY.
Io 1836, Addison Boxley founded this town, by dividing a portion of his property into towo lots and selling the same. It was originally known as Boxleytown, but in later years the name was abbreviated, and it is now more familiarly known as Hoxley. Here the first store in the township was kept, by Addisuo and Thomas P. Boxley. Here, too, the first post office was estab- lished, and Dr. Thomas P. Huxley served as Postmaster for a number of years. Here, in 1837, the first towoship election was held, resahing in the choice of Reuben Tansey as Justice of the l'eace. Within a few miles of this towa, Vintoo Spencer, the first white native of the township, was born in 1830, and, in 1833, the first marriage was celebrated, the contracting particu being Stephen Blevens and Miss Elie MeKinzie. It was a prominent point in the days of overland cmigration, being on the direct route from Strawtown to the Wabash. Addison Boxley kept the first tavern here, and received a liberal patronage from the emigrants and drovers over this route. The following-named firms constitute the representative business houses of the town at present : General merchandise, T. P. Boxley, Smith & Rodeman, J. M. Richardson ; physicians,
Dr. T. J. MeMurtry, Dr. J. C. Newby; wagon-maker, Goorgo Palmer ; blacksmiths, J. R. Ogle and Steffey Bros.
SHERIDAN.
Business Directory .- General merchandise, Thistlethwaite & Bros., H. J. Thistlethwaite, Hamilton Emmons; drugs, P. B. Stout, David Foight ; clocks, P'. G. Pearson ; physicians, Dr. I. E. Davenport, Dr. J. W. Fancher, Dr. II. Moore; shoemaker, J. Y. Green; milliners, Mrs. W. Clemans, Mr. M. Emmons; andertakers, Mace & Sackinan ; saddle aod harness maker. Juhus l'earson ; wagon-makers, blacksmiths und painters, Wainscott, Maon & Cropper.
To 1860, Egbert Highee laid off a town on the south side of the pike run- ning east and west, to which he gave the name of Millwood. Upon applica- tion for a post office at this point, several years Inter, it was found that there would necessarily be a difference between the name of the former and that of the latter, as there was already a Millwood post office in the State. On the north side of the pike, Caswell Boxley laid out an addition to the town, and, to harmonize the respective names of the town and post office, both were united under the name of Sheridan.
The first business house in Sheridan was the barness-shop of P. tì. Pear- son, opened in 1866; and the first stock of merchandise was sold by Dr. Il. Moore, in the building now occupied by 11. J. Thistleth waite.
ELIJAH 8. PHILLIPS.
Elijah S. Phillips is a decendant of English and Scotch ancestors. Absolom Phillips, the father of our subject, was n native of North Carolina, He was born wear Carthage in 1790. He was reared a farmer, and pursued that calling through life. In 1812, he was married to Frances 11. Thumas, the daughter of John Thomas, a farmer of the same place. He remained on his farm in North Carolina until 1811, when he sold out, and, with the intention of seeur- ing better homes for himself and children, came North, and settled in Indiana, in the township of Gregg, Morzan County, where he remained until 1850, when he removed to Hamilton County and settled in the Township of Adams, on a new farm recently purchased by him, This became his permanent home, where he resided until his death, in 1872, at the age of eighty-two years. The death of his wife occurred previously, in 1865, at the age of seventy years.
They were the parents of fourteen children, five of whom died in early childhood and infancy. The remaining nine grew up to manhood and woman- hood, and were named as follows : James S., Thomas S., Enoch L., Martha E., Elijah S., Absalom D., Charles C., Emily F. and Amanda M. Of this large family, all at this time are living, except Enoch L. and Amaoda M. All were born at the old home in North Carolina.
Elijah S. Phillips was born on the 8th day of September, 1826, and was a lad of sixteen years when the family emigrated to Indiana. In the carly boyhood of our subject, there were no free schools in North Carolina, and his opportunities for obtaining oven the rudiments of' an education were very lim- itell After their arrival in Iodiana, he went to school at intervals for a short time, until he was nineteen years of age, when he entered the shep of his brother Thomas to learn the wagon and carriage maker's trade. He remained with his brother until he was twenty-three years of age, all that time making his home with his parents. During this time, he had formed the acquaintance of Miss Rebecca A. Carter, of the same place. This acquaintance resulted in courtship and marriage, nod they were united on the 2d day of November, 1818. After his marriage he commenced business for himself, and set up a shop for the manufacture of wagons and carriages, in the Township of Jack- HOD, Hamilton County. He continued this business until 1851, when he engaged in the millwright business, and, for the next fifteen years, was cu- gaged in crecting mills and putting up machinery at various places in Hamil- too and adjoining counties. Since that time, he has resumed his former occu- pation, and up to this time has been engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages, etc. In 1865, he purchased a part of the home farm of' his father in the township of Adams, which is still in his possession, and is managed and carried on by the sons of Mr. Phillips. In politics, he was originally an Old Line Whig, but, on the disruption of that party, he became an active and zealous Republican, with which party ho has ever since voted. Mr. Phillips, by a long course of upright and honorable dealing, has become widely and favor- ably known to the citizens of Hamilton County, and is regarded as a man of superior judgment and marked ability. The citizens of his own township have, for many years, availed themselves of his services, in various positions, such as
ELMER E UNDERWOOD
ALVARETTA E UNDERWOOD
UNDERWOOD
WILLIAM E UNDERWOOD
CARRIE M.UNDERWOO0.
LEWIS UNDERWOOD
MRS.SARAH B.UNDERWODO
FAMILY GROUP.
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