USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Indiana : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 43
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Isaac and Moses Martz first came to occupy their respective farms in Sep- tember, 1838. The land which they entered is situated in what is now the suburbs of Arcadia, where both still reside.
Henry Willits came in the spring of 1837, aul purchased a portion of the land entered by Elihu Pickett. He lived two years in the town of Deming, how- ever, before he purchased this land. In 18:17, he erected a tannery at Dewing -the first in the township-and operated it about fifteen years. He still resides on the farm which he parchased in 1839, south of Deming. In 1839, William Neal settled at Cicero, where he still resides. About the same time (or perhaps in the year 1838), settlements were made by Michael Winders, Henry Gascho, John Buscher, Christian Kauffman, Joseph Waltz, George S. Jacobs and Jacob O. Bartholomew. In 1835. Mienjah Waldon, a colored freeman of North Carolina, came to the township and purchased & tract of land. Soon he was followed by others of his own race, viz .: Dolphin and Stephen Roberts, Henry Wilson, Elias, Jonathan and Hansel Roberts, who came in the same year ; Guilford Brooks and Bryant Waldon, who came in 1836, and Harry Winburn, and Jameson White, who came in 1838 and 1839, respectively. In 1841, they erected a church of the Methodist Episcopal denom- ination, on land donated for the purpose by Elias Roberts. It was used as a church and schoolhouse, and services were conducted by ministers of the West- field Circuit. About 1861, a new church was erected on the same lot, and ot a later date the congregation united with the Wesleyans, by which denomina- tion the church is now controlled. Rev. Talbert is the present l'astor. They assisted in the maintenance of the subscription school of those days, and their children enjoyed the benefits. They proved themselves sturdy pioncers and skillful farmers, and have kept pace with their white neighbors in the march of improvement.
EARLY ROADS.
In the early days of emigration, the most direct line between two stations was the object sought by the cmigrant, and Strawtown was, perhaps, tho most noted point on the line usually traveled by emigrant trains. Here they could find the provisions to replenish their supply and last until they could reach the settlements on Wild Cat Prairie, in Tippecanoe County. The most direct route between Strawtowo and the latter point was indicated by an Indian "trace," which in time became a well-defined road, from the frequency with which it was traveled, but its course was rambling and irregular, ss the driver would often he compelled to make a circuit in order to avoid a mud- hole. About the year 1830, this road was surveyed by order of the State, ond was afterward known as the Neweastle and La Fayette State road. About the same time, a road was surveyed at the expense of the State, on the line dividing Townships 19 and 20 north, and running west to Thorntown. It was known as the Cicero and Thorntown State road. The Indianapolis and Peru State road was surveyed about a year liter. It traverses the eastern portion of the township from north to south. In the course of time, these all became good roads. or at least good enough to admit of travel without danger to the oceu- pants of vehicles who traversed the routes. They placed Cicero in communien- tion with the outside world, and played no inconsiderable part in establishing the early prosperity of the town, for a location on the great public highways of that period was scarcely less beneficial to a town than s location on one of the railroads of to-disy.
Between the several neighborhoods of the township, roads were cut out through the woods to serve in facilitating communication between the neigh- bors. Subsequent surveys changed the course of some of these roads ; some, however, remaio nearly as at first located.
EARLY MULLS.
To supply a want long felt in the settlement, William Taylor erected s rude mill at on ently day. 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 a coarse flour. Liko " the mills of the gods," it ground slowly, but it differod from those mythical institutions in the fact that it did not
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
" grind exceeding fioc." Although primitive in construction, and limited in capacity, it nevertheless proved a benchit to the settlers, for which they were duly thankful. Prior to this, they were compelled to make long journeys to mill, often occupying ao entire week in the trip.
About the year 1836, Jonathan Arnold erected a mill on Cicero Creek, two miles below the town of Cicero. A dam was constructed across the creek and the water utilized to furnish power for the mill. The latter was operated until its machinery was worn ont, when it was abandoned. George Tucker erected a mill in 1837 or 1838, on the north line of the township. It also received its motive power from Cierro Crerk, nod was operated'as a grist and saw mill. Portions of the frame still remain, but the mill has long since passed out of existence.
SCHOOLS.
The town of Cicero was the first seat of learning in the township. Here the first school was taught, probably as early ax 1834, in n little log cabin, which then stond in the woods-for the town of Cicero was theo a thing yet to be. On the farm of William Taylor, a similar schoolhouse was erected in the next year.
lo 1810, a bewed Jog schoolhouse was erected on the farm of Moses Martz, and, about three years later, n similar building was erected on the farm of Jacob Stehman.
These schools were all sustained by private subscriptions-the teachers receiving 81.50 for each pupil, and the term extending over a period of three months.
In 1811, a schoolhouse was erected in the western part of Cicero, for which purpose the Trustees received 850 from the public funds. Mterward the money derived by the township from this fund was appropriated toward the support of the district schools, A teacher was engaged for three months, and, ux the public money was barely sufficient to meet the expenses of opr-third of the term, the balance was made up by subscription.
In 1852, the first school under the school law of 1851, was erected in the town of Cicero, and within a few years thereafter each school district of the township was similarly provided for. The public schools have proved a blessing undisguised to the community, by whom they are cheerfully supported.
Cierro High School .- The building was erected by the Corporation Trust. ces, in 1870, at a cost of $15,000. It was not completed until 1876, although school was taught in the meantime in the first and second stories. The school was first graded in the fall of 1876, at which time O. 11. Blacklidge was engaged as Principal ; S. T. Dunham, Tencher of the Grammar School ; Miss Lilian Taylor, Internasliate, aod Miss Anna Bray, Primary. The second term began September 15, 1877, and closed in March, 1878. The teachers for that term were Dallas Sisson, Principal ; 11. A. Cummings, Grammar School; Miss Lizzie Commons, Intermediate, and Miss Lillian Taylor, Primary. The third term began in September, 1879, and closed March 5, 1880. Mr. Sisson was ugain chosen Principal, and was assisted by S. T. Dunham, Grammar School Mrs. Lizzie Sisson, Intermediate, and C. Il. Dale, Primary. The high school courer comprises two years of three terms each, divided as follows:
First Year-First Term-Algebra, rhetoric and physical geography. Second Term - Algebra, rhetoric and astronomy. Third Term-Algebra, rhet- orie and general history.
Second Year-First Term-Geometry, natural philosophy and English literature. Second Term-Geometry, natural philosophy and natural history. Third Term-Trigonometry, chemistry, gramomar (reviewed) aud arithmetic (reviewed ).
The school is free to all resident children ; non-resident pupils are charged a small tuition fee-from 81 to 81.75 per month.
Arcadia Graded School .- In 1869, the Township Trustee erected one story of the present building at Arcadia, and o stork company added the sre- and story, thus making four large, commodious schoolrooms. The first term was taught in the fall of 1871, with C. T. Ships as Principal, in which rapne- ity he neted for two years. His successor was U. B. MeKinzie, who remained three years. J. A. Williamson was next engaged as Principal, and had charge of the school ono yeor. Ilis successor, E. Il. Boudabush, also taught one yenr. M. Shields took charge in the fall of 1879, nod conducted the school until the close of the termo, in the spring of 1880.
The school building is n neat brick structure, 3.1x10 feet, with a vestibule 10x20 feet. The cost of the building was 85,000. The average nttendance of scholars is 150.
Buena Vista Graded School,-Tko Ilnepa Vista public school building is a brick odifico, 50x60 feet, and is situated in the southwest part of .the
town. It was rreeted in 1875, at an expense of 83,300, and contains four schoolrooms, with seating capacity for 250 scholars. In the fall of 1875, M. P. Goodykoontz taught the first term, assisted by Mrs. Ebsie Boys, in the lower departiurnt.
The third grade was added in the winter of 1876-77. M. T. Shiel was the Principal at that time; M. E. Phillips taught the Intermediate Department, and J. C. Sterrett, the Primary. During the term which closed in the spring of 1879, M. T. Shiel was Principal, assisted by J. A. Matthews and J. C. Sterrett. The next term began in October, 1879, and closed in March, 1880. The teachers during that term were : J. C. Sterrett, l'rincipal ; J. A. Matthews, Intermediate, and Henry Roads, Primary.
The school is divided into three grades, viz., gratomar, intermediate, and primary. The average nttendance is ninety scholars.
CHURCHES.
Mount Pleasant Mettoutist Episcopal Church .- The class was organized in March, 1838, at the house of Wilson Barker, with the following constitu- ent members : Jesse Gangh, JJames Bishop and wife, Joseph Sanders and wife, Elijah Roberts and wife, Micajah Waldon and wife, Hansel Roberts and wife, Wade Roberts, Harry Winburo and wife, Wilson Barker and wife, Thomas Fitzpatrick ood Lee Fitzpatrick. The class-meetings were held at the houseg of the various members for several years. Subsequently, they erected a log church on land donated by Joseph Sanders, on the bank of Taylor's Creek, and the services of the church were conducted in this house ontil 1867. In that year, they erected their present house of worship on the farm of B. F. Noble. The church is in Cicero Circuit, and since its organization has never been without a regular pastor. It is now under the pastoral care of Rev. W. 11. M.Kaig. A Sunday school was organized in connection with the church about the year 1814, and is now conducted during the winter.
Vicero We thentist Episcopal Church -The Methodists organized at Cicero in 1813, with forty-three constituent members. The meetings were held in a house that had been erected for a residence, but subsequently fitted up for a church by Dr. William Clifford. This building is still standing, on the corner of Buckeye and East streets. The class worshiped in this building for a period of four or five years, then at private houses, and later at the school- house. In 1854, they erected their present house of worship, at an expense of 81,500. Rev. J. V. R. Miller organized the class, and Rev. M. P. Arm- strong was the Pastor in charge when the church was hegne. He, however, was transferred to another field prior to the completion of the building, which was dedicated by Rev. Samuel Lamb, then Presiding Elder. Since the organ- ization of the class, the following gentlemen have served as Pastor, in addition to those mentioned heretofore : Revs, Milton Wayman, Hezekiah Smith, J. IL. Tansy, Nelson Gillam, Jacob Cozzad, Michael Hack, J. C. White, - Boback, Samuel C. Swazey, - Richmond, Michael Johnson, Thomas Stabler, J. C. Metzker, N. D. Shackleford, J. B. Shackleford, - Jackson, Charles Disbro, J. W. Dieffendorf, T. 11. C. Beall, F. A. Fish, - Frecuman, D. D. Powell. The church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. W. H. MeKaig.
Arcadia Methodist Episcopal Church .- In 1868, the Methodists organ- ized a class nt Areadia, under the ministration of Rev. J. W. Dieffendorf, and io 1869 purchased their present house of worship. This building was erected abont 1864, by the Evangelical Association, from whom it was purchased hy the Methodists. Rev. Charles Disbro was the first circuit preacher. He remained two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Curry. The Rev, T. H. C. Beall followed Mr. Curry and continued in charge of the church for three years. Rev. Freeman, his successor, remained two years, and was succeeded by Rev. W. II. MeKaig, the present Pastor.
Kring's Chapel ( Buena Vista) .- The Methodists had a class at Buena Vista prior to the year 1867, and held meetings at the Union Church until that building was sold. They had, however, no regular pastor. In 1870, Rev. Curry was assigned to this charge, and, during his relation with the church, the membership increased from fifteen to seventy-five. When the Union Church was sold to the Lutherans, the Methodists received one-third of the purchase money, and Philip Kring, one of their members, suggested that they build a church of their own. A lot was purchased of George W. LoRey, and work was begun nt once. Citizens of the town contributed liter- ally toward the building of the church, and 8400 of the indebtedoess was paid by Mr. Kring himself. The total cost waa $2,035.50. The architecture is similar to that of Oliver Presbyterian Church, at Indianapolis; the scats are of ash, neotly finished, and arranged in a senti-circle, so that the entire congre-
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
gration sit facing the minister. The church was completed in the carly part of 1877, and in March of that year, was dedicated by Elder J. V. R. Miller. Rev. T. HI. C. Beall was the Pastor in chirge at that time. His successor, Rev. D. D. Powell, remained two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hathorne, the present Pastor.
Deming Church .- The Methodists erected their present house of worship nt Deming in the year 1865. The class was organized several years prior to this date, and met in a neighboring schoolhouse. They have no regular paster, but are visited every fourth Sunday, by n minister of the church, who con- ducts the services.
Mount Pheasant Erangelical Lutheran Church .- ' More than half a crn- tury ago, a mmuber of Lutherans settled in Jackson and White River Town- ships. Rev. Abraham Reck and Rev. John Gaver, residing at Indianapolis, came on horseback to visit this people, and preached for them in private houses. Bring zealous in the cause of the Master, they met with favor, and their labor was crowned with success. In the month of November, 1837, a Lutheran congregation was organized, consisting of fifteen regular members. A Church Council was elected, composed of Peter Achenbach and John Miller, Ellers; Jacob Bartholomew and George Klarpfer, Deacons, and Rev. John Gaver, Pastor. During the first year, five new members were added to the number, and the minister received $15 or $20 for his services,
Arrangements were made for building a house of worship, the absence of which was severely felt. Peter Achenbach donated a lot, situated near Cicero Crook, two miles east of Arcadia. The land was cleared, and a neat little frame church was erected during the second year of Mr. tlaver's ministry. In May, 18:39, the Pastor, assisted by Rev. A. Rock, dedicated this church to the wor- ship of God, confirmed a class of right catechumens, and administered the Lord's Supper to the members, who had then increased to twenty-right in uminher.
At the close of his second year, Mr. Gaver resigned the charge of this congregation, and Mr. Heury Sedehmeyer, who was a theological student under Rev. A. Reck, officiated as Pastor. March 29, 1810, Rev. Rock, assisted by his student, administered the Lord's Supper to thirty-eight members.
Many of the members were German, and the preaching was chiefly in that language for a mmuber of years subsequent to the organization. Their Pastor came from a distance, as the church was unable to support one, and they had many changes. Rev. Frederick Hartman served them several years, and also servei the church af firere, Ahunt the year 3855, Rev. Ambrose 11. Scherer, of' Sharpsville, Tipton Co., Ind., became Pastor, and was sureerded, in Istill, by Rev. David Smith, of Noblesville, who continued with the congregation for a number of years, He submitted a new constitution, which was unanimously adbejdedl. By its provisions, the old organization was abandoned, and a new one formed, under the name of the English and German Evangelical Lutheran ('imreh.
The first house of worship had by this time become ton small to acromio- date the increasing membership. Mr. Scherer adopted plans for the building ยท of' a new church. These plans were carried forward, and the church com- ploted by his successor, Rev. J. H. Hoffman. It is a frame building, ample and substantial, and is situated wear the site of the old building. After Mr. Hoffman came Rev. W. H. Fariss, who still resides at Cicero, aod is the Pas- tor of the church at that town.
The congregation of Mount Pleasant Church grew rapidly, but was seri- only weakened by the withdrawal of the German members, who ererted a church of their own. The present condition of the congregation is flattering ; preaching is well attended, and a flourishing Sunday school meets every Sab- bath morning. Rev. Adam R. Height, who resides at Arcadia, is the present Pastor.
Emanuel Church-Was created about two miles east of Arcadia in 1848, by the German members whe withdrew from Mount Pleasant Church. The lot mjuin which the church is situated was purchased of Nicholas Zelt, and the first church was a small frame building, which was destroyed by fire about the year 1853. It was succeeded, about a year later, by the present frame house of worship, which was completed with a cash outhy of $600, the members having contributed their labor in its construction. The church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Bethke, and is in a prosperous condition.
Bethel Church .- The Lutherans organized at Cieern, in the year 1857, with about thirteen members. The first meeting was conducted by Rev. A. 11. Scherer, of Arendin, in a schoolhouse at (cero, where meetings were after- ward hehl until 1862. lo that year, the society erected ita prescat house of
worship, at a cost of $1,500. This is a neat brick edifice, 32x 18 feet. Mr. Scherer continued in the relation of Pastor until some time in the year 1862, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. D. Smith, Mr. Smith remained until 1867, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. J. 11. Hoffman. Rev. W. IT. Paris, the successor of Mr. Hoffman and present Pastor of the church, took charge January 1, 1870. The church now has a membership of almut one hundred souls. The church officers are : J. W. Applegate and Willsam Sowerwine, Elders; S. T. Dunham, M. E. Sherer and I. A. Kep- ner, Deacons ; S. T. Dunham, R. R. Miller and David Gerber, Trustees.
remlia Christian Church .- Rev. Thomas Lock hart was the first minister of this denomination who conducted services at Arcadia, but his visits were at irregular periods, and the church was not organized. The first organization was effected by Rev. Carey Harrison in 1845. There were ahont twenty-five members in the original organization, and Rev. Mr. Harrison remained in charge for a number of years. In 1850, Isaac Martz donated a lot, upon which a building was soon after erected for a church and schoolhouse, and in this Imild- ing they worshiped for a period of nearly sixteen years. About the year 1866, they erected their prosent house of worship, on Main street, at a cost of 82,300. Rev. Harrison conducted services once every month. Rev. Charles Austin, of Noblesville, was also one of the early ministers of this church. Rev. Mordacai MeKinzie, of Clinton County, Ind, is the present Pastor, and preaches oore a month. The church now has a membership of sixty.
The Sunday school, which was organized in 1869, has an average attend- ance of fifty scholars. Peter Bryan is the present Superintendent.
Christian Chapel ( Buena Vista) .- The society was organized October 11, 1871, in the I'nion Church nt Buena Vista. There were forty-six mem- bers, and Rev. B. M. Blount was the officiating l'astor. On the 8th of June, 1575, a meeting was hell at the house of A. G. Walton, at which a Board of Trustees was elected, and steps taken toward the ercetion of a church. Enos Almond, S B. Negley and A. G. Walton were the trustees elected at this meet- ing. They purchased a lot of lacul Fritz in the southeast part of town, at an expense of $200, and at once began the preliminary work of construction. Before the close of that year, the church was completed. It is a next frame eilifice, handsomely finished inside. The seats are ash, trimmed in walnut. The church cost 82,500, the bell $150. Rev. B. M. Blount preached the dedicatoty sermon in December, 1875, and continued in the pastoral relation until October, 1879, when he resigned and was succeeded by his brother, Rev. .J. B. Blount, who is the procent Pastor. The present membership is one hundred. The Sunday school in connection with the church has an average attendance of eighty scholars, Heury Roads is the present Superintendent, The present officers of the church ure: Silas Blount, Christian Kring, John Kauffman and A. G. Walton, Elders ; Henry Roads, J. M. Whisler, S. Il. Negley und W. E. MeMunn, Deacons; J. M. Whisler, Clerk.
German Baptist .- As early as the year 1884, services were held by ministers or elders of this denomination, who came through this settlement en route for other points. In 1850, Eller Eli Caylor came from Noblesville to preach, but the society was not theo organized, and these meetings were hell at irregular intervals io private honses. The society first assumed organ- ization, under the ministry of Mr. Caylor, at a meeting held at the house of David Bright, near Arcadia. There were then forty-five members. In 1866, they erected their present house of worship, three-quarters of a mile enst of Arcadia. I'ntil this time, they had met in private houses. Mr. Caylor, their first Elder, still serves the church in that enparity, and is assisted by Elder D. S. Caylor. The present number of regular members is about eighty.
SOCIETIES.
Cierro Large, No. 199, A , F. d. A. M .- Was organized in June, 1834, with fifteen constituent members, oud worked under dispensation until May, 1835, when it received its charter, signed by Sol D. Bayless, G. M. The first, officers of the lodge were: Jewe Lantz, W. M .; G. 1. Grubb, S. W .; Thomas Chapel, J. W. The first meeting was hebl in a room in the moceu- pied building of C. W. Harrison, at Cicero, and this room was fitted up by the order, and ovenpied as a lodge room wotil 1861. To that year, the building, together with the records and regalia of the lodge, was destroyed by fire. Another room was furnished, to serve until the lodge should be able to ereet n hall of their own, which was accomplished in 1873. From this lodge have gone some of the members who constituted the lodges of Fidelity, Perkins- ville Hinkle and Buena Vista. Their withdrawal reduced its membership, which, however, is inerensing from time to time. The lodge now has an netive
. Froin a sketch by the Pastor, Hoy. A n Height
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
membership of thirty-three, and is in gool working order. The following are the officers for the year 1880: James M. Little, W. M., 1. N Hammach, .J. W .; W. Il. Fariss, Scc. ; George Kreag, J. D .; W. E. Tiller, S. W .; Baily Hall, Treas. : John R. Harbaugh, S. D. ; B. R. Miller, Tiler.
Olive Branch Chapter, No. 13, 72. 8 -Was organized in the ball of Cicero Lodge, No. 199, in 1875. There were about thirty charter members, and the following officers were elected: Mrs. Grace Reeves, W. M. ; Mas. Hannah Neal, A M. ; Mrs. Rebecca Wiggs. A. C .; Mrs. Amanda Good, See .; Peter Scott, W. P. : Mr- Maggie Qorar, C. : Mra Pauline Taylor, T. ; Mrs. George Krvag, W. The meetings of the Chapter are held each Thursday evening on or before the full moon. The present membership is thirty-four. The officers for the year 1850 are as follows: Mrs. Maggie Quear, W. M .. Mrs. Mary A. Good, A. M .. Mrs. E. Tuller, A C .; William Neal, W. P .; Mis. M Il. Little, C .; Mr- Rebecca Works, Treas. , Charles Quear, Sec.
Buena Vista Lesby. No. 552, .A. F. d. I. M .- Was organized at Buena Vista August It, 1875, and worked under dispensation until May, 1879, at which tina it was duly chartered by the Grand Lodge of the State. The first officers were James A. Bacher, W. M . E. Almond, S. W. ; Christian Kring, J. W .; Joseph Lafever, See., W. A Niedhamer, S. D .; Jesse Pearce, Tiler. The present lodge-room, in the second story of Goody koontz's Hall, was rented by the lodge at the time of its organization, and meetings have since been reg- ully held Saturday night, on or before each full moon. The present mem- bership is thirty-one. James A. Barker, the present W. M., has been re- clerted at the expiration of each term, and still serves his lodge as pre-iling officer. The remaining officers for the present year ( 1880 ) are as follows: W. A. Niedhamer, S. W. ; W. C. Kiing, J. W. : A. L. Bogan, Treas .; W. M. Vilase, Sce ; W. P. Ferguson, & D ; J. W. Russell, J. D. : J. C. Sterrett, Tiler: J. B. Devaney and Henry Roads, Stewards.
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