USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Indiana : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 47
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" Drunkenness and quarrels were frequent. Among the residents of the place at this period, was a notorious character, rejoicing in the name of Shin- tapper,* who was the owner of a ' gin mill,' situated on the north side of the river, near the fort. His place was the headquarters for many of the highest people of the region around, and the Indians were among his most frequent customers. Upon one occasion, an Indian who had become intoxicated and loitered around his place, incurred the displeasure of the saloon-keeper, who, maddened, threw the almost helpless Indian into a large fire, and, despite his yells, allowed him to remain there until death relieved his sufferings. He was of the Pottawatomic tribe, and, learning the fate that had befallen him, his brother Indians determined at once upon revenge. Late one afternoon, in April, some eight or ten Indians, armed with tomahawks and clubs, were seen emerging from the woods to the northeast of the fort, and bearing down quickly and stealthily toward the house of Shintapper. Their movementa were noticed hy none mare earnestly than Shintapper himself, who, divining their purpose, hastily called in five or six whites near by, and immediately placed his house in a state of defense. Among the white men was numbered Mr. Benjamin Fisher, father of Mr. Charles Fisher, who is well known to the readers of the Democrat. * * *
* The Indians, immediately upon arriv- ing at the house, demanded that Shintapper should come forth, and, being refused, sought entrance. A general fight was now opened-the Indians with tomahawks, and the whites with clubs, stones and anything that could be readily used. The white men soon emerged from the building, when tho Indians heat a retreat, and were followed for a short distance, losing one of their number ( who was killed in the first engagement ). They soon rallied and attacked the whites with redoubled fury, during which time, Mr. Fisher, who was somewhat in advance of the others, was seized hy an Indian, struck down with a tomahawk, and scalped before assistance could be rendered him. The Indians immediately fled, and. knowing the feeling that would be aroused by this tragedy, retreated in the direction of Fort Wayne, and were never seen afterward in this locality.
" On the night following the tragedy, Shintapper, who had been the direet canse of it, hastily placed a few articles of his plunder in a ennoe and, seizing nars, departed, to be seen no more.
" A amali mound in the cemetery at Strawtown marka the last resting. place of Benjamin Fisher-one of the hewers of wood and drawers of water io the pioneer days."
SCHOOLA.
The first school in the township was taught in the winter of 1822. The schoolhouse was a little log cabin which stood on the farm of Michael French, opposite Strawtown, and the funds for its maintenance were contributed from the seanty means of the residents whose children shared the benefits of the institution.
The second school was taught on the farm of William Dyer, in the winter of 1826-27. The teacher, James Steel, was a man of fair educational attain- ments, superior, at least, to the average school-teacher of that period, and bis .The orthography of this name cannot be reliably established. It is spelled Shintapper and Shintaffer, as choice may dictate
132
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
services were retained for another term. Before the eluse of the second term, however, the schoolhouse was destroyed by fire. This cabin was the first house erected especially for school purposes, and the current expenses were met by the ordinary method of subscription. In later years, the money from what was known as the " Congressional find" was appropriated for the maintenance of the schools, and, while this fond lasted, tuition was fire. This, however. was only sufficient to maintain the schools for a month, and a subscription was raised to meet the expenses of the remaining two months of the term. Within a few years after the passage of the public school law of 1851-52, free schools were established in the various districts of the township, and a new era inaugu- rated in public instruction. The number of schoolhouses in the township at present is sixteen
CIH ROCHES.
Methodist Episcopal .- The first Methodist Episcopal class was organized alemnt the year 1827, and held meetings at the houses of Jonathan Carry, William Ahoan, William Peck and others. Later, a schoolhouse on the farm of William Peek was adopted as the place of meeting, and continued as such until the class united with the church at Perkinsville. The Methodists were the pioneer religions society of the township, but did not crest any houses of worship until comparatively recent years.
Scontoen Methodist Episcopal Church .- This building was completed in the spring of 1870. The class was organized in the winter of 1868, at the Strawtown Schoolhouse, and continued to meet at that place until the church was completed. The latter is a frame house, Fatih feet, and was finished at a est of about 82.200. Rev. Ramsey took charge of the church after its col- pletion, and was succeeded by the following gentlemen : Rev. Di-bro, Rev. Curry. Box. Beall, Hev. Rhodes, Box. Albright, Rev. Elkin and Rev. J. S. Smith. Box. Smith is the present Pastor The church is in the Perkin-ville Cirenit, and has at present a membership of twenty-five.
Society of Friends .- The Friends organized at the village of Aroma, in the northeast part of the township, in 1837. There were eleven families in the original organization, viz. - Caleb Harvey and family, Solomon Cook and family, Jacob Griffin and family, Harvey Collin and family, Fielder Brown and family, Nathan Cook and family, Mul Elliott and family, Jehial Williams and family, Jeremiah Mills and family, Richard Ridgeway and family, John Ridgeway and family.
The first meeting was held at the house of Caleb Harvey, and, later in the same year (1837), the society erected a log house of worship, in which they met until 1870. To the spring of that year, they purchased the district school. house, which they converted into a house of worship. The society was origi- bally attached to the Westfield Quarterly Meeting, but became a part of the West tirove Quarterly Meeting wym the formation of the latter. The present meinbership is abont sixty souls. The Ellers are Jehial Williams, Sarah Williams and Malinda Harvey.
Bethany Christian Church-Was erreted in 1863. hy a number of members who were formerly connected with the Kinderhook Congregation, of Tipton County, and is, virtually, a branch of that congregation. The church is a frame building, 361,50 feet, and was erected at a cost of $1,350. Rev. B. M. Blunt was the first Pastor, and remained in charge about two years. His succesors have been Rey, Warren, Rev. Phillips, Rev. Walker, Rev. Jacob Blunt, Rev. Hudson and Rev. White. The church now has about a humired members, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. B. M. Blount. The church officers are as follows : Joseph Lavey, Jefferson Edwards and Valentine Kock, Stewards ; G. W. Ilill, J. W. Briant and Nelson Merritt, Deacons.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Congregation-Was organized about the year 1810, by llev. Backlen. Meetings were held at the houses of Angustin Buscher, Sr., Mr. O'Mabany and other members of the congregation, until the year 1863. In that year, John Buscher donated to the society a lot upon which to creet n church, which was completed in the same year nt a cost of 81,100, not including the services of the members, by whom the principal part of the labor was performed. Services are now conducted in the church by Rev. Lans, of Tipton, Ind.
LOCAL INDUSTRIES,
Pioncer Mills .- The first mill in the township was built by William Foster. It was begun toward the close of the year 1821, and completed and put in opera- tion in March, 1822. It was located on White River, two miles below Strawtown, and was operated as n saw-mill, with a corn-cracker attached. Mr. Foster sub- sequently sold the mill to John Stoops, during whoso ownership it was washed away by an ice-gorge. The dum remained for years afterword, but the site was never again occupied by a mill.
The first prist-mill was erected on White River in 1827, by Isane Stephens. It is said to have been a good custom mill. Mr. Stephens operated it about two years, and sold to Daniel Kemp. During Mr. Kemp's ownership, the dam broke, and the mill was then abandoned,
Planing and Saw Mill .- In 1872. Saul & Jones erected a saw-mill one mile north of the village of Aroma, where it was operated until 1876. 10 that year, it was removed to its prevent location, at the west end of the village. In September. 1878, the planing-mill was ererted. Both buildings are frame, the saw-mill 23x50 fret, the planing-mill 16x38 fret. The machinery con-isty of our planer and one double circular -- aw. The average amount of lumber sawed jur day is 3,000 feet. This is made up into flooring, siding, door-frames, etc., and sold in the home market.
Sie-mill .- In 1865. F. Smock and J. Johnson created a saw mill at the village of Omega. In the following year, the building was destroyed by fire. and was immediately succeeded by the present mill. In 1867, Mr. Smock purchased the interest of Mr. Johnson, and has since continued as sole pro- pictor of the establishment. The building is a frame, 24x 100 fort, and has one double circular-saw, and a ron of bubr- for grinding corn. The motive power is furnished by an engine of twenty-four-horse-power. The average amount of lumber sawed at this mill is 3,000 feet per day. The number of men employed i- four.
Houding Factory .- G. B. Moore embarked in the manufacture of heading in the spring of 1890. The building, but recently created, is a frame, and con- tains a Gaar & Scott engine of ten-horsepower, one heading-saw and one out-of. The establishment has a manufacturing capacity of 1.000 sets of heading jer day. Mr. Moore employ- four men at the nall, and abont as many more in the woods, entting timber.
THE VILLAGE OF AROMA.
This is a quiet little hamlet on Section 8. Its name is derived from the post office, and the village has never been laid off in lots. It contains one store and part ofice, kept by J. F. Rannuel. and one blacksmith shop, by J. W. Babbit.
OMEGA POST OFFICE
is situated in the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of Section 10. The business of the village is represented by two general merchandise stores, kept by Clark & Hebble and William Carrol respectively, and one wagon and black- smith shop, by Bartlow & Ault. Dr. G. B. Moore is the resident phy- sician.
STRAWTOWN.
The best historical authorities mention this as being originally a Delaware town of some consequence, from the fact that it was located on one of the principal routes from the White River towns to the ancient capital of the Miami nation at Ke-ki-ong-a. Subsequently occupying a position on the leading route of travel from the older settlements in Wayne County and vicinity neross the State to the Indian towns on the Wabash and Lower Tippernune, it carly acquired notoriety as a convenient stopping-place for travelers along that route, which, during the period of the first settlements along the Wabash and other points west and northwest, acquired the name of the "Strawtown Route." because of its greater directness and other advantages.
As early as the year 1821, there were those at Strawtown who raised erops with a special view to trafficking with emigrants en route for other points, the majority of whom stopped here to replenish their stores of provisions, knowing that no similar opportunity would be presented until they reached Wild Cat Prairie, in Tippecanoe County. Bicknell Cale was the first who engaged in mercantile pursuits at this point, though Jerry K. Leaming had kept a store a short distance below the town several years previously. Shiutaffer ond Jacob Ilyer were Indian traders, but had little or no trade with emigrants. Jesse M. Wood and Jonathan Carey were the first tavern-keepers in the town.
The name Strawtoin does not appear to have been the Indian name, but was "derived," says the author of Chamberlain's Indiana Gazetteer (1850), " from a house in it, thatched with straw." The writer has been unable to find a more significant origin for this name-none more probable or plausible. Prof. Cox, however, says : " Strawtown, so named after an Indian chief." * * * * * Mr. Charles Fisher, an old resident of the place, attributes the deriva- tion of this namo to the fact that one Strawbridge was the chief of the band who inhabited the old village.
It has been frequently stated that Strawtown was one of the rival points in the canvass for the location of the State enpital. Prof. Cox says : "Strawtown
1858.
RES. OF JOHN COY. WHITE RIVER. T.P. HAMILTON, CO. IND.
3
JACOB STEHMAN
RES. OF JACOB. STEHMAN, WHITE RIVER. T.P. HAMILTON, CO. IND.
RES. OF FINLEY SMOCK , WHITE RIVER. T.P. HAMILTON, CO. IND.
1
@Marion à Lynch
Elizabeth @. Synch
RES. OF MARION A. LYNCH, WHITE RIVER , TP. HAMILTON, CO. IND.
RES,OF AMBROSE ANDERSON, WHITE RIVER. T.P. HAMILTON, CO. IND.
RES. OF J. W. M. CLINTICK, WHITE RIVER. T.P. HAMILTON, CO. IND.
133
WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
* was, in an early day, a noted ' trading-post,' directly on the route from the Ohio to the Indian towns on the Wabash River. It was always one of the sites mentioned as a suitable location for the capital of the State." The writer has been unable to find any evidence corroborative of this belief, arl, after an examination of the journal of Gen. John Tipton, one of the Com- missioners who made the selection, and the written statements of others con. neeted with it, we are unable to agree with those who claim anch a notoriety ; lit they may be correet, notwithstanding, for this belief can scarcely be set aside as purely legendary, and evidently has a foundation in fact, Io Hollo- way's History of Indianapolis, we find the following item bearing upon this point : " On the 11th of January, 1820, the Legislature appointed the follow- ing Commissioners to make the selection. * *
* * * * But five of them accepted their appointment or acted upon it. These five traversed White River Valley, making examinations as they advanced, and very naturally reached conflicting conclusions. But three points were prominent above all others: this (called the Fall Creek location), Conner's and the Binffs of White River. The discussion, upon meeting at Conner's, was warm, if not worse; but the month of Fall Creek won the day against the Bluffs by three rotes to tico."
Gen. Tipton, oor of the Commissioners, in his journal (speaking of the Bluffs), says : " We found the Bluffs in Town 15 north, of Range 2 cast, in Section 13. The bluff is ahout one hundred and fifty feet above the river, but very uneven ; the water good. * * * * * Out of this bluff issue n number of fine springs, one of which, some distance back from the river, has nearly twenty fert fall. Back of this bluff was a beautiful creek. They (the bluffs) front on the river nearly one mile. If they were level on top, it would be the most beautiful site for a town that I have ever seen." In the journal of Gen. Tipton, Strawtown is nowhere mentioned, and whatever influences were brought to bear in its favor in the race for capital honors, were overcome by its more favored or more formidable rival, and the ambitions of its citizcos met their first great defeat.
Again, in the rivalry for the location of the county seat, the claims of Strawtown were presented and strongly urged ; and again a rival claimed the victory. The committee appointed at the special session of the Board of County Commissioners in March, 1824, returned the following report : " We proceeded to examine the different sites offered for fixing thereon the permanent seat of justice of Hamilton County, with the exception of Strawtown, which we thought not necessary, it being at so great a distance from the center of the county."
But Strawtown will, at least, be an interesting relic of the past, if the future has in store for it nothing better. Dere were enacted some of the earliest scenes in the settlement of Hamilton County, and nearly every foot of its area is historic ground. Here, too, an ancient race of people made their nbode, and left the traces of their handiwork, with no other index to their existence, their nationality or their destination. Here, in an carly day, the establishment of groggeries attracted an unenviable element of society, and for years the moral atmosphere was extremely bad. One of the old citizens said, ie conversation with the writer : " We had our ' groceries,' which were little more than low drinking-saloons, and some good men were ruined by their evil surroundings.
We had some bad citizens, and there was a lack of enterprise; other towne outgrew us, and, by the time we had relieved ourselves of the lawless clement, and good citizens had taken control, we awoke to the fact that the business which formerly came to Strawtown had been diverted to other points, aod our loss was beyond retrieve."
This town, whose reputation was once almost national, is now a quiet haus- let, known in this county by its former greatness, and abroad hy ne occasional mention in reminiscences of pioneers in our Western States.
The business of to-day is of a local character, and is transacted by the fol- lowing firms : Coy & Ross, post ofice and general merchandise ; Samuel Sperry, groceries ; I. D. Feuley and A. Knapp, blacksmiths ; Dr. J. S. Brown aed Dr. T. J. Smith, physicians.
AMBROSE ANDERSON, ESQ.
Mr. Amlerson was the son of Jobn and Nancy Anderson, who were natives of New Jersey. The father was born there in 1803, and the mother in 1804. Their marriage occurred in their native State in 1824, after which, they went immediately to the State of Ohio, settling in Clermont County, where Ambrose, the subject of our sketch, was born in 1827. Coming to this State and county in 1832, gave young Ambrose very poor opportunities for education. A short term in winter in the log schoolhouse was the extent. None but those who participated could now realize the inefficiency of such privileges,
Having an inclination to read, however, as he grew to manhood and since, he has become n close observer of passing events, and informed, to quite an extent, on the general topics of the day. For two years subsequent to reaching his majority, he continued with his father. Ile then took up the carpenter's trade, following the same in connection with sawing lumber, about six years ; he commenced improving the home where he now lives, having bought eighty acres of the same the year previously.
Mr. Anderson has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Eliza Aldred, to whom he was wedded December 16, 1852. This companion died May 29, 1854. Three years later, October 1, 1857, he was again married, to Miss Micha MeClintick, a native of White River Township, this county, and a daughter of a prominent pioneer here. She was the second daughter and fourth child in a family of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of seven children-three sons and four daughters-all of whom yet bless their social, hospitable home. Their names are as follows, viz .: Orville M., born September 5, 1858; Jolin W., August 10, 1861 ; Nancy E., Jan- uary 5, 1863; Sarah C., July 15, 1865; Florence E., January 29, 1868; Samuel S., September 28, 1869; Anna M., October 17, 1874. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Anderson having been con- nected with the church nbout forty years, and his wife ahout thirty years.
The entire family take a deep interest in the prosperity of their Sunday school. In politics, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat, but ant n zealous partisan. Temperate and industrious in his habits, he has nequired a nice property and a pleasant home. Honorable in his dealings, he enjoys the esteem of a large acquaintance.
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334
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
LOCATION AND BOUNDARY.
WATASHINGTON is the central township of the tier forming the western boundary live of Hamilton County, and contains an area of fifty-six square miles. It was first set npart as a separate township by the Board of County Commissioners, nt the regular session of that body, held in November, 1833. The bonndaries nssigned it were as follows : " Beginning at the southwest corner of Section 16, Township 18 north, of Range 4 cast ; west on the section line to the west line of Hamilton County ; worth to the perthwest corner of Section 18, Township 19 north, of Range 3 cast ; cast to the northwest corner of Section 16, Township 39 north, Range .I cast ; south to place of beginning."
At the same time, it was ordered by the board that an election be held at the house of Asa Bales on the 7th day of December, 1833, for the purpose of clecting two Justices of the Peace, and other township officers.
THE FIRST WHITE SETTLER
Late in the year 3831, or early in 1832, Harmion Cox, n native of North Carolina, brought his family and settled in the southeast part of the township (which, at that time, was attached to Delaware), and it is generally conceded that he was the first white man who began the pioneer work within the present limits of Washington Township. Ile remained in the township during the remainder of his life, and long enough to witness many of the changes and improvements which followed in the course of a few years, and in consequence of the determined efforts of the pioneers by whom the township soon became peopled.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS,
On the 29th day of September, 1832, Simon Moon with his family came from Hendricks County, Ind., and settled on Section 25. In April following, he entered the northwest quarter of this section. Here he cleared and im- proved a farm, assisted by his sons Riley, Simon and William, who are still residents of this county. He was long identified with the best interests of the township, and took a prominent part in many of the measures instituted for its improvement. He served as Inspector at the first election held in the town. ship. During the year 1832, Aca Bales, Aaron Sanders, Jesse Reese, Zacha- riah Reese and William Reynolds settled in the township.
Isaac Baldwin came in August, 1833, and entered the cast half of the southwest quarter of Sretion G, Town 18 north, Range 3 cast, where he cleared and improved the farm upon which he now resides.
David Baldwin settled on an adjacent tract in the saine ye.r. and still resides upon it.
The following is a list of the other carly settlers, as shown by the tract- book of Hamilton County, embracing the date of entry, and the purchasers' DaDies,
William Anthony, Sept. 8, 1832; John Pierson, Jan. 23, 1833; Mary Hawkins, Jan. 9, 1833; Isaac Williams, Dce. 17, 1833; John Stout, Nov. 26, 1833; Gideon Newby, Sept. 9, 1833; Joseph Hadley, March 13, 1833; Edward Bray, Dec. 13, 1833; John Johnson, Sept. 22, 1833; Archelaus Gibson, Sept. 22, 1833; llepry Couk, Dec. 9, 1833 ; James Ritter, Dec. 17, 3833; Nathan Pickett, Nov. 26, 1833; Hepry Woodruff, Dec. 7, 3833 ; Isaac II. Jones, Feb. 35, 1831; William M. Jones, Fcb 35, 1834; John White, Feb. 15, 1834; Joel White, Feb, 15, 1831; David M. Anthony, Feb. 7, 1834; William Macey, Feb. 30, 1834 ; Josiah Hodson, Feb. 28, 1834 ; Moses Coffin, Jan. 13, 1834 ; Martin Summer, March 24, 1834; Joseph Roberts, March 24, 1834; Nathan Bond, Jun. 27, 1834 ; Judah Roberts, March 24, 1834; Jacob L. Kimberlin, March 24, 1834 ; Asa Peacock, March 17, 1834 ; Enoch Jewsup, April 2, 1834; Christopher Williams, May 20, 3834 ; Jona- than Hadley, May 17, 1834; Isaac Stanbrough, June 9, 1834; William Stanbrongh, June 9, 1834; Levi T. Pennington, June 13, 1834; William Rich, Oct. 20, 1834; John Mullina, Nov. 14, 1834; Robert Cutta, Nov. 14, 1834 ; Robert Mullins, Dec. 21, 1834; Lucy and Elizabeth Jessup, Dec. 21, 1834; Evan Stanbrough, Jan. 21. 1835 ; Ephraim Stout, Jan. 8, 1835; Elizabeth Staubrough, Jan. 21, 1835 ; Cephas Clearwaters, Jan. 22, 1835; Ahimaz Kendall, Feb. 28, 1835 ; Elizabeth Mendenhall, Feb. 28, 1835;
Absalom Mendenhall, Feb. 3, 1835 ; Talbott Garretson, Feb. 3, 1835; Jacob Elliott, March 26, 1835; Jonathan Haworth, April 25, 1835 ; Solomon Men- denhall, April 25, 1835 ; Asaph Hollingsworth, May 23, 1835 ; Sidney Smith, June 12, 1833; John Gray, July 17, 1835; Gubi E. Kendall, Aug. 29, 1835; Daniel S. Pritchard, Ang. 19, 1835 ; James R. Atkins, Sept. 22, 1833; Henry Johns, Sept. 25, 1835 ; Elias Braifield, Oct. 9, 1835; Levi Neugen, Oct. 8, 1835; Daniel Smith, Oct. 11, 1835 ; Parrett Chance, Oct. 21, 1835 ; Jonathan Elliott, Oct. 20, 3835 ; Eleazer Hockett, Oct. 28, 1835; Lewis Ilockett, Oct. 28, 1835; Nathan Newby, Oct. 23, 1835; Aaron Lindley, Oct. 23, 1835; Jesse Pickett, Oct. 31, 1835; James Bullinger, Oct. 21, 1833; Jonathan Roberts, Oct. 21, 1835; Conrad Starna, Oct. 27, 1835 ; Obediah Mendenhall, Nov. 3, 1835 ; William Thistlethwaite, Nov. 6, 1835 ; Caleb Harrison, Dec. 18, 18:15; George Harden, Jan 14, 1836; James Ilawkins, Jan. 18, 1836; Zenas Carey, Feb. 8, 1836; Robert Ogle, March 29, 1836; Thomas Moore, June 17, 1836; Robert Bond, Aug. 16, 1836; William Miles, Aug. 18, 1836; Atnelle Chance, Ang. 19, 1836; James Walker, Oct. 26, 1836; Isnac Coppock, Oct. 31, 1836; David Milla, Jno. 13, 1837 ; Jonathan Chance, Jan. 18, 1837; Ira Ramsey, March 21, 1837; Robertson Atkins, April 12, 1837.
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