USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Indiana : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
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Wesleyan Methodist .- The Wesleyan Methodist denomination first organ- ized at Westfield, in January, 1844, under Rev. J. L. Pfaff. M. D. Mr. Pfaff was sneceeded by Rev. Alexander Heywood, and after him came a num- ber of ministers, warm in their advocacy of the Anti-slavery canse. This was also the sentiment of the congregation, whose principles were bravely main- tained, notwithstanding some violent opposition. The kindness of its members nod their coadjutors will be remembered by many a poor fugitive slave who owes his life to the "underground railway," which, at Westfield, had one of its important stations, and numbered among its most cordial conductors the Wesleyans and some of the Friends of that town.
Within ten years after organization, the Wesleyan congregation received large accessions to its membership, so that the private houses were no longer capable of affordling the necessary facilities for conducting publie worship. In 1856, they erected their present house of worship, at a cost of 81,500. During the intervening years, the membership of the church has experienced some fluctuations from denth, removals and the usual causes of alternate inercases and rednetions in religions congregations. It is now under the pastoral care of Rev. E. Teter, and has a membership of fifty.
The I'nion Christian Band .- This society was organized in the year 1859, at Schoolhouse No. 11, near Eagletown, and continued to conduct serv- ices at that place about a year. At the end of that period, they erected a house of worship, half a mile east of Eagletown. It was denominated the " Union Blue." Within a few years, the principal members moved to other places, and the numbers became much reduced. There were scarcely enough left to maintain an organization, and the church building was donated to the I'nited Brethren, reserving its use for meetings of the Christian Band when wanted by them for that purpose. The building was moved by the latter denomination to its present location at Eagletown, where noion meetings are conducted at regular intervals,
United Brethren,-The I'nited Brethren organized in 1819 or 1850, and in the same year erected a log church, half a mile south of Eagletown. There were about twenty-five members at the date of organization, and Revs. Ham- ilton, Winsett and Sherrill were the early ministers,
About twelve years later, they removed their building to Eagletown, and continued to worship in the log church for several years. From the usual canses, their membership became greatly reduced, but they still maintained their organization ; and subsequent revival meetings, conducted at various times by Elders Nye and Brook, and Rev. Forbes, resulted in large areasions and increased membership. The church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. George Wiley, and has thirty-eight members. A union Sabbath school is conducted in the building. under the superintendence of E. E. Neal. Aver- nge attendance, thirty scholars.
Congregational,-In 1855, the Congregational Church was organized at Westfield, by Rev. Jubez Neal, and several years later, a house of worship was erected, at an expense of 81,500, and $300 additional for the hell. The church prospered for several years, and its membership increased ; but finally its members became scattered, and other untoward events so militated against its interests that the organization could no longer be maintained ; and, during the late war, it was abandoned.
Methodist Episcopal .- In 1865, Rev. J. V. R. Miller, Presiding Elder. sent Rev. John Smay, to Westfield, for the purpose of organizing a class of the Methodist Episcopal denomination at that point. There were twenty-Pve constituent members, who met at private houses until 1866, in which fear they purchased the house of worship erected and formerly occupied by the Congregational society. In 1867, Rev George Havens succeeded Hev. Smay au l'astor of the church. He continued os such until 1868, when he was sue- ceeded by Rev. I. R. Smith. In 1869, Rev. F. A. Fish was the Pastor, assisted by Revs. O. Il. Harrison and A. N. Cottingham. In 1870, Rev. Samuel Lamb was Pastor, and Rev. William Brown, assistant. Mr. Lamb was succeeded in 1871, by Rev. MeCnig, who was followed by Rev. William Peck, in 1872. Rev. William Blake was his successor in 1974. Hev. A. M. Kerwood was the Pastor in 1875, and was followed by Rev. Eli Ramrell, who continued in the pastoral relation during the years 1876-77-78. llis successor was Rev. William P'arr, the present Pastor.
The church now has a membership of seventy-five.
THE TOWN OF WESTFIELD.
Westfield was laid out by Ambrose Oshorn, Simon Moon nod Asa Bales, on the fith day of Muy, 1834. The original plat contained forty-eight lots, 82} feet front, and 1562 feet deep. The first addition was made by Asa
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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Bales, April 5, 1837, consisting of eighteen lots, cach 822x1561 fect. The second addition was made by Mr. Bales, Angust 22, 1837, and the third by Levi R. Bowman, September 24, 1853.
EARLY MERCHANTS.
Aca Bales opened the first store in Westfield, in 1832, before it was Inid off into town lots. He conducted a successful business, and kept n good stock. The veteran merchant of the town is Mr. I-aac Williams, who is still con- ducting a successful business in the building in which he began thirty-five years ago. He came to Hamilton County in the fall of 1833, and entered a tract of land in Section 35, Township 19, Range 3, n portion of which he cleared, and was engaged in farming until 1845. In that year, he embarked in the mercantile business with Mr. L. R. Bowman. At that time, they were the only merchants in town, although there had been others, and new stores were established within a very few years after. Subsequently, Mr. Williams purchased the interest of Mr. Bowman, and became sole proprietor of the store. In 1853, he associated B. W. Williams with him as partner. This relation continued for two years, when the latter gentleman retired from the firm Mr. Williams again became sole proprietor, nud has since continued to conduct the business alone.
The firm of Bowman, Kenyon & Poe, were prominent among the early merchants of the town, and kept a large and well-selected stock of goods in 8 building on the corner now occupied by the store of W. Il. Conklin.
THE BUSINESS OF 1880.
The following is a list of the firms now doing business in Westfield : Gen- eral merchandise, Isaac Williams and 11. J. Heatherington & Son ; drugs, William IT. Conklin and Oliver H. Brown ; groceries, Davis & Pennington and James A. Williams; undertakers and furniture dealers, J. W. Iliatt and Raphael Ballard ; boot and shoe maker, Samuel Carson ; wagon-maker, B. F. Pfaff ; blacksmiths, John C. Pfaff, G. W. Stont, Dwigins & Pfaff, William Dwig- ins; carpenters, James Yow, William Millis, S. Byers ; Painter, Wesley Millis; harness and saddle maker, Oscar Brown ; tinuer, Robert Brown ; meat mar- ket, Haworth & Wells ; hotels, M. Northam, Thomas Pfaff ( Pfuff' House); . milliners, Miss Phehe Bowman, Mrs. M. J. Pfaff, Mrs. M. J. Ballard ; nursery, James Sanders ; barbers, Nelson Phillips, John Burtwell ; physicians, Drs. J. L. Bowman, B. F. Coffin, C. Ellis, S. C. Dove, J. B. Pettijohn, J. M. Kane.
V. M. Arnett is one of the oldest blacksmiths in the county, and certainly the aflest in Westfield. He came to this town in 1851, and lighted the fires of his forge in the building adjoining the wagon-shop of B. F. Pfaff. Here be worked industriously for many years, and forged not many an implement of agriculture for his pioneer neighbors ; but age has laid its hands upon him now, and, although his hotel still fashions the metal, and the fires still burn in his forge, his anvil does not ring as it did twenty-five years ago, when the sledge was brought down upon it with all the vigor of a man in his prime.
WESTFIELD INDUSTRIES.
Westfield Flouring JUill .- This mill was erceted in 1818, by Isaac Will- inms & Co., and was operated by this firm until 1854, at which time J. L. Semans purchased the interest of Isaac Williams. Mr. Semans purchased a greater interest from time to time, until he and Peter Rich hecame equal partners in the mill, owning one-half each. In 1855, Peter Rich soll his interest to Jonathan E. Pike, who, in 1837, sold to Micajah C. White & Co. About n year later, White & Co. soll to Joshua Wilson, and in 1858, Mr. Wilson sold his interest to J. L. Semans, In 1862, Mr. Semans attached an addition to the building and fitted it up with the necessary machinery for a woolen-mill. In 1864, Mr. Seumans sold a half-interest to Jabez Neal, and three years later, sold the other half to Abner Atkison. Thomas Stout par- chased the interest of Jabez Neal in 1868, at which time, the establishment was refitted with a new boiler and engine. In the same year, Abner Atkison sold his interest to Stephen Harvey, and Mr. Stout did likewise in 1871. J. L. Semane held n mortgage against the mill, which, up to this time, had not been paid. Snit was accordingly instituted, and a judgment obtained against the mill, and Mr. Semans purchased it at Sheriff's sale, in May, 1871. He took possession in March, 1872, since which time, he has conducted it nlone.
The mill building is a frame structure, 37x40 feet, three stories, and has n manufacturing capacity of sixty barrels of finur per day.
The woolen-mill has not been in operation since 1873, but enjoyed a good trade prior to that time.
Steam Saw Mill .- 4. C. Barker & Bros. embarked in this business at Westfield, in the spring of 1877. The machinery of their establishment con- sists of'n boiler and engine, thirty-horse power, and one eight-gauge circular saw. The mill building is frame, 22x80 feet. They saw an average of 5,000 feet of lumber daily, and employ four men.
Tunnery .- A. E. Funderburgh and Joseph Conklin began this business in 1859, in a building situated on Penn street. During the Inte war, Mr. Conklin sold his interest to Mr. Funderburgh, and enlisted in the Union army. lle was killed at Atlanta, Ga., in 1863. Soon after his retirement from the firm, Mr. Funderburgh sold a half-interest to J. F. Yow, and moved the establishment to its present location, in the west end of Westfield. This building was erected by Mordacui White, and operated by him as a tannery. It has twelve vats, and the goods manufactured are sold exclusively in the home market.
Wagon Shop .- This building, situated in the northern part of Westfield, was created by James Antrim, and occupied as a hotel. It passed into pay- session of various parties, and, in 1861, was purchased by John Maulsby and converted into n wagon and carriage shop. Its present proprietor, A. L. Barker, was then serving in the Union army, and, at the expiration of his term of enlistment, returned home and formed a copartnership with Mr. Maul-by. The latter subsequently enlisted in the Union service, and starved to death in Libby Prison. Mr. Barker then purchased the interest of Mr. Maulshy, and has since conducted the business alone. He manufactures enr- riages and spring wagons, making a specialty of repairing and trimming, em- ploying from three to five men.
SOCIETIES.
Westficht Lodge, No. 115, 1., F. d. A. M .- Was organized under dispensa- tion in June, 1850, with the following charter members: G. W. White, Na- thaniel White, John Scott, B. H. Williams, S. S. White, J. L. Semans and William Haines,
The lodge worked under dispensation until the session of the Grand Lodge in 1851, when a charter was granted. The first officers were as follows : George White, W. M .; Nathaniel White, S. W. ; John Scott, J. W.
The first meeting was held in a building then occupied by Talbert & White. Afterward the meetings were held in a building owned by the fraternity, cast of their present lodge-room, until 1853. In that year, they purchased the property upon which their lodge-room is situated, and have since continued to holl regular meetings at this place. The lodge is in good working order; and financially prosperous. The present number of members in good standing is twenty-nine. The following-named gentlemen are the officers for 1880: Thomas J. Lindley, W. M .; J. A. Williams, S. W. ; J. M. Kane, J. W. ; B. F. Hershey, Treasurer ; Isaac W. Huby, Secretary ; A. E. Funderbure, S. D .; J. R. White, J. D. : Joshua Copeland, II. Barker, William Millis, Stew- ards.
Pontious Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F .- Was organized February 23, 1855, with five charter members, viz. : G. F. Wainwright, S. R. MeCole, W. A. Wainwright, S. G. MeMurtry, H. G. Kenyon.
The lodge was instituted by John Pontious, D. D. G. M., assisted by sov- eral brothers from Noblesville. On the night of institution, petitions for mem- bership were received from William 11. Jackson, George White, Jonathan E. Pike, M. D. Stoneman, A. V. Talbot, Charles Kenyon, William A. Pfaff, William Haines, Selburn White and M. C. White. Business was then sus- pended, and the candidates were initiated, with the exception of M. D. Stone- man, who was then absent from town. The degrees were conferred upon George White, W. Il. Jackson, William A. Pfaff, William Haines, Charles Kenyon and S. White. The following gentlemen were the first officera of the lodge: II. G. Kenyon, N. G .; S. G. MeMurty, V. G .; William A. Pfaff, Secretary ; W. II. Jackson, Treasurer.
The first meeting was held in the hall of Westfield Lodge, No. 115, F. & A. M., which continued to be the place of meeting for several years. In the meantime, the membership inerensed, and the lodge purchased Lot No. 3, in the town of Westfield, in the spring of 1865, and remodeled the building which stood upon it, converting the same into n lodge-room.
The lodge is in good financial condition, with assets valued at $1,600. It has an netive membership of twenty. The officers for the present terin are as follows : James A. Williams, N. G .; William M. Millis, V. G. ; D. M. Jones, Secretary ; A. E. Funderburgh, Treasurer.
Westfield Literary Club .- The Westfield Literary Club was organized August 6, 1877, with the following charter members: F. G. Brown, Ernest
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
M. Kane, Elmer E. White, Charles Heatherington, William Mendeshall, D. S. Byers, R. C. Ellis.
The club was organized for the benefit of the young men of Westfield and vicinity, and its nicely furnished hall and fine library make it a pleasant resort for its members, of whom there are now nineteen. The present officers are as follows : C. Kenyon, G. A. ; Charles Heatherington, G. B. ; Frank Benson, S. ; Ernest M. Kane, M. ; Thomas Heatherington, M. U.
INCORPORATION.
Westfield was incorporated in Inne, 1818, and an election for officers was held in July 24, 1518, resulting in the choice of the following-named Trustees ; William H. Jackson, First District : William Haines, Second District ; George White, Third District; Ansom Rayle, Fourth District; Nathaniel White, Fifth District.
Following is a list of the P'residents and Town Clerks from 1853 to 1880: Presidents-1853, George White ; 1834, William Haines; 1855, John Beals; 1856, Benjamin Wheeler ; 1857, Benjamin Wheeler, 1838, Benjamin Wheeler ; 1-59, Benjamin Wheeler ; 1860, Benjamin Wheeler ; 1961. Benjamin Wheeler ; 1862, James F. Vow ; 1863, Benjamin Wheeler ; 1864, A. E. Funderburgh ; 1865, J. W. Hiatt ; 1866, V. M. Arnett; 1867, V. M. Arnett; 1868, Thomas Stont ; 1869, Thomas Stent; 1870, R. L. Fisher; 1871, Calvin New : 1872, J. A. Williams ; 1873, 1. B. Pettijohn ; 1873. I. B. Pettijohn ; 1875, J. B. Pettijohn ; 1876, J. B. Pettijohn ; 1877, J. B. Pettijohn ; 1878, A. L. Symonds ; 1879, William Millis : 1850, William Millis, Clerks-1853, J. F. Breves ; 1834, George White ; 1835, J. F. Reeves ; 1856, 0. F. Brown ; 1857, John Wade; 1858, John Wade: 1859, Wiley Robb; 1860, Wiley Robb; ENG], A. P. Howr : 1862. V. M. Arnett ; 1863, V. M. Arnett; 1864, V. M. Aroett : 1865, Enoch Lamb ; 1866, S. 11. Wicker; 1867. A. P. Howe ; 1868, James Baldwin ; 1869, William Porerl ; 1870, G. N. Hollis ; 1871, G. N. Hollis: 1872. G. N. Hollis; 1873. G. N. Dollis; 1874, O. L. Fisher : 1875, O. L. Fisher; 1876, O. L. Fisher; 1877, B. C. Sherick ; 1878. A. L. Barker ; 1879, A. J. Harker ; 1880, A L. Barker.
A complete list of the Marshals could not be obtained. Terry Templin was the first who served the town in that capacity, and those whose names appear on the record since that time are as follows : John S. Conklin, John C. Maulshy, Joseph Conklin, George Fisher, John Kerr, John Patterson, Frank Hollis, John C. Pfaff and David Honk, the present incumbent.
THE WESTFIELD POST OFFICE.
The Westfickt Post Office was established in 1837, and Isaac Williams was appointed Postmaster. The office was kept in a building which stood on the lot naw occupied by the residenco of II. G. Kenyon. An idea of the postal business in n pioneer town may be gained from the first report, which is as ful- lows: "From May 10 to June 30, 1837, postage on unpaid letters received from other offices during this quarter, 81.197 ; postage on paid letters sent from this office during this quarter, 35 cents; aggregate, 81.33; revenne of Post- master for this quarter, 39 ; cents."
Mr. Williams kept the office nutil July, 1853, when he was succeeded by George White, who moved the office to a Imibling which stood on the corner now ocenpied by the store of W. H. Conklin. Harrison Goodwin was the next Postmaster, and move I the office to the building now occupied by J. W. Hliatt. B. T. Miller was appointed by President Buchanao, and kept the office in the building now occupied by Barker's wagon shop. He was succeeded by Nathan Overman, and the office was moved to the corner now occupied by Brown's drug store. He was soreceded by A. V. Talbot, who kept the office in the same building. JJohn Wade, the next Postmaster, moved the office to the building now orenpied by James A. Williams' grocery. Joel Denny was his successor, and kept the office in the same building, He was succeeded by Mrs. Evelyn Conklin, and the office was moved to the lot now occupied by the res- ideece of James A. Williams. Henry Wieker succeeded Mrs. Conklin, and kept the office in the building now oreupied by Haworth & Wells. Caleb Mills was the next Postmaster, and kept the office in the same building. It was removed by his successor, Oliver HI. Brown, to his store on the corner, where it remained until 1877. In that year J. W. Davis was appointed Pest- master, and still fills that position. The office is now kept in the store of Davis & Pennington. The following is an extract from the Postmaster's report for the quarter ending December 31, 1879: "Amount of postage stamps, pos- tage due stamps, stamped envelopes, postal enrds, etc., on hand at close of last quarter, 8111.87; amount of postage stamps, due stamps, stamped envelopes,
ete, received from the department this .parter, 8246.70; amount of postage stamps, due starops, stamped envelopes, ete , sold this quarter, 8144.90."
The first money-order was issued from this office August 4, 1871. The amount was 815. The largest order of this year (1880), was issued March 3, for 84,077.
EAGLETOWN.
The town of Eagletown is laid out on the land of Jesse Waller, in Section 4, Township 18 north, Range Feast, and the land of Ephraim Stout, in Sec- tion 33, Township 19 north, Range 3 Past. The original plat contains four- teen lots numbered from one to fourteen inclusive. It was laid out by Jesse Waller and Ephraim Stoot March 21, 1848. To November, 1850, an addi- tion of eighteen lots was made by Jesse Waller, and a second addition was made by Elijah Davis, in 1853. The only business-house in the village is the general merchandise establishment of W. C. Vance.
EAGLETOWN INDUSTRIES.
Engletown Flouring Mille .- The building was creeted about the year 1865, by N. White and Samuel and Joseph Cloud, who operated the mill about four years, then soll it to Imri Hunt. About two years later, Mr. Hunt sold to Henry Deer, who operated it about three years, and sold it to George Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton removed the machinery to Fisher's Station, in Del- aware Township, and sold the building to Inman Brothers in the spring of 1874. They retitted it with new machinery, and now conduct it as a first -class custom mill.
Saw Mill .- Henry Coach began the erection of the Eagletown saw-mill in the latter part of the year 1877, and first put it in operation January 1, 1878. The building is frame, 26x110 feet, containing a stationary boiler and engine (twenty-horse-power), a double circular saw, and the usual appliances of a saw- mill. The amount of Iumber sawed daily averages 3,000 feet, principally oak and ash. The number of men employed is ten, including teamsters,
Mr. Couch came to Engletown in 1873, and embarked in the enterprise of buying and selling fine Norman and Clydesdale horses, and formed a copart- nership with S. IT. Smith in the fall of 1879. They have made a success of their enterprise.
JOLLIET
is a small village in the western part of the township. The business mien are as follows: Lewis Bowers, dry goods and groceries; A. J. Garnett and O. N. Herron, drug stores.
HENRY IL. HODGIN.
The origin of the numerous families of this mme in the United States dates back to the emigration of two brothers of that name from England, and their settlement in one of the English colonies at the South.
Joseph Hodgin, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of North Carolina, where was married, and, in after years, emigrated from that State with his family, and settled in Randolph County, Ind., where he resided and died at an advanced age. He was the father of seven children-James, Elins, Nathan, Benjamin, Tilnias, Asrnath and Rachel. Of these, the only ones now living are Elias, Nathan and Benjamin.
Elias was born at the old North Carolina home in 1802, was reared and educated a farmer, which has been his occupation through life. To his young manhood, he was married to Matilda Perkins, of the same place. He remained in North Carolina until 1848, when, owing to his disgust and hostility to the institution of slavery, he determined to sell out and remove North into a free State. He decided to joio his father's family in Indiana, who had previously left North Carolina for the same cause. On his arrival in Indiaan, he at first settled in Wayne County, and, after a few years, he purchased a small truet of land in the township of Washington, Hamilton County, on which he sct- tled, and has ever since resided in that vicinity. Some years later, he was bereaved in the death of the wife and companion of his youth. She was the mother of seven children-Lavina, Erastus, Asenath, Joseph, Minerva. John and Henry H. Of these, all are living, except Joseph and John, and all are married and reside in Hamilton County. Subsequently, Mr. Elias Hodgin was married to Miss Mary Bates, a native of Virginia, by whom he had no children. At the time the family first settled in Indi- ana, they were in very limited circumstances, but by gord management, economy and persevering industry, the entire family is at this time in tho enjoyment of comfortable homes, and n liberal competency of this world's goods.
139
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
The old gentleman, although at this time in his seventy-eighth year, is as netive and bright as most men at forty-five, and attends to his own business affairs with the same shrewd judgment and ability of his younger years. Ile, as well as the whole family, on his father's side, as far hack as the history can be traced, have been worthy members of the denomination known as Friends or Quakers,
Henry 11. Hodgin, the youngest of this family, was born on the 3d day of December, 1840, at the old North Carolina home of his father, and was about eight years of age when the family came to Indiana. The days of his boy- hood and youth were passed in attending the winter terms of the common schools, and the balance of the time in working on the farm, chopping, logging, burning and clearing off the timber from the new lands of his facher. His education was acquired in the common schools, and from home reading and study, until he reached his majority, when, on the 3d day of April, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann C. Baldwin, danghter of David and Mary Baldwin, old residents of the same township. Shortly after his mar- riage, he settled on the same farm on which his father first settled in Wash- ington Township, where he has continued to reside ever since. Mr. Hodgin, while managing his farm, bas, at various times, also been engaged in dealing in stock, and in the purchase of large quantities of black walnut timber and lumber for shipping. He owns a fertile and productive farm of 126 neres, with a fine residence and comfortable ont-buiklings.
For the last ten or twelve years, Mr. Hodgin has been a close student of the Bible, and has given much time and attention to the Sabbath schools in his vicinity, and in 1877, he commeored in the ministrations of the Gospel as a preacher, under the authority of the church or Society of Friends, and at this time is still studying and perfecting himself for that work. In the spring of 1878, he was placed in nomination by the Republican party, and in the following October was elected one of the Commissioners of Hamilton County. lle and his excellent wife are the parents of three sons-Ellis, Albert and Everett. The portrait of Mr. Hodgin is to be found in the group of county officials on another page of this work.
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