USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Indiana, from its earliest settlement by the "pale face," in 1818, down to 1882 > Part 29
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We have traveled six hard days' march towards the City of Mexico. and will have some ten or twelve more before we get there, as it is very laborions moving a large army. The whole country through which we have passed is hilly, moun- tainous and rocky, but looks romantic, and in some places very pretty, as the trees are now covered with blossoms, but there is but little fruit. There is but little danger here, or indeed do I think there is but little danger any place in this country, as we can hear of no army any place in the government. There are a few guerrillas along the road, but dare not appear or show fight. I saw one who had just been killed, and some of the boys say that they saw six or eight more. I was out hunting and saw a few black fellows, but they run like devils, and I got no shot. There was but two of us, A. Pauley and myself, but it appears as though one can chase a dozen. There is still no immediate prospect of peace.
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BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES.
On the ascent from Vera Cruz to Mexico the climates suc- ceed each other as it were by stories, and in our travel we have passed through every variety of vegetation. The tropical plants are succeeded by the oak, and the salubrious air of Jalapa replaces the deadly air of Vera Cruz. The sky is generally cloudless, and but very little rain, and a succession of hills, seemingly at some day the boundary of lakes, are now the limits of extensive plains or rolling prairies, but the rocks or stones all very near the surface. The country is barren because it is very dry and stony, but every stream is accompanied with some fertile land. The snow is in sight on the mountains, and contributes much to cool the air now, as it is cloudy ; and it is said to be the coldest day ever experienced in this country. It would be called cold in our country in May. The coffee bush grows here. The berries are now ripe, and is a small red berry. very juicy, and as poisonous as can be.
The timber is low and crooked. I have seen no tree in the country that would have made a rail cut. Everything, weed. bush and tree, except the scrubby oak and orange bush and coffee bush, has thorns on. The thorns resemble the thorn on the honey locust, but they are more crooked, and as thick as they can grow from top to bottom, leaf and all.
JOSEPH CHAPMAN.
ROBERT SMITH
was born near Abbington, Virginia, January 26, 1808. In 1818 he moved with his parents to Indiana, first settling in Clark county, afterwards in Rush, and in about 1830 came to Hancock, entering the farm on which he lived and now owned by the family. With his own hands he cleared away the dense forests, the home of the deer, wild turkey. and wild hog that at that early day could be found on almost every farm in our county. His father coming with him to this county, entered land, and was one of the early pioneers of the county, and served at one time as County Commissioner.
Mr. Smith's opportunities for acquiring an education were limited, as school-houses were then few and terms of school short, yet he was ever a firm friend of schools, and
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always sought to give his children " a better bringing up than he had had," and he lived to see most of them receive a good education. He was married March 9, 1840, to Mary Power, with whom he lived pleasantly until his death, which occurred July 22, 1877, at his residence.
Mrs. Smith, his widow, still lives, and is enjoying fair health. Her teachings and her Christian example had much to do in directing both husband and children in the right way, and to that mother is due, in a large degree at least, the present standing of her children in society.
Mr. Smith in politics was a Democrat and in religion a Methodist. In Mt. Lebanon Cemetery a suitable monu- ment is found marking the last resting place of Mr. S .. a devoted Christian and a good citizen.
CEMETERIES OF THE COUNTY.
It has been said: " The past has taught its lesson, the present has its duty, and the future its hope."
We often hear of the sad and neglected condition of the cemeteries of the different sections of our country, but nowhere could this painful fact be illustrated better and in all its most repelling features than in this county, the home of intelligent, liberty-loving American people. I need not say, as Anthony said, " Ye who have tears prepare to shed them now," but you who have yourselves seen the shame- ful condition in which the last resting places of friends who are loved by you, can you not but reflect a moment and say to yourself, this must be changed. I must pay more respect to those who were near and dear to me. When you pass along and behold the fences decaying, rotten and falling down : when you see the bushes and briers which are covering the graves ; when you see the beasts of the field treading unmercifully through the inclosure : when you see what were once tombstones broken and scattered into fragments upon the ground, can you feel anything but a shudder come over you, and that you have not done your duty or shown any more respect to dear departed kindred
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BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES.
than you would show to the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air?
Our cemeteries, like our office-seekers, are too numer- ous, and some must be neglected. One of the worst features in the case is the many private burial grounds. What think you, dear husband, of burying your wife where the cows and sheep will be pastured in years to come? What think you, noble, kind-hearted mother, of burying your dear children where the plow will hereafter turn up the soil from over their heads, and leave nothing to show where was their resting place? Yet this is done, and has been done frequently, in our county. Everything must change, and lands must change owners. Do you think that a man, knowing nothing of the parties buried on his place, no difference how near and dear they may be to others, will show them any respect? He will not, and he will not hesitate to desecrate them. Then, my dear friends. as the past has taught its lesson, profit by it : as the present has its duty, come forward and do it. You are not all expected to erect monuments, but lessen the number of your cemeteries, and give what few that remain more attention. Think that if you were there, would it not be better to show some mark of attention and respect. . We are all swiftly gliding down the stream of time, and the places which now know us will know us no more, but our bodies will be consigned to similar abodes to those of dear friends who have passed before."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
GENERAL TOPICS.
PROGRESS OF OUR SCHOOLS.
Among the things most noteworthy which distinguish modern from ancient civilization is the progress which all classes have made in regard to education. Our intelligent and energetic forefathers early saw that a system of educa- tion must be established to protect freedom, to create enterprise and to establish institutions, of which the world may well feel proud, but we must observe that the progress has been slow, and we notice as it has passed along it has gained a steadfast footing at every step.
In Hancock county the first school-house was erected in 1823 in Blue-River township. A similar building was established in Greenfield in 1824. School buildings were erected in Jackson, Sugar Creek and Harrison (now Center) in 1830, and in 1836 in Green and Brown, and in Vernon a little later. And what kind of buildings do you think they were? Structures which, in dimensions, were sometimes twenty feet square, constructed of logs and poles, cracks daubed with mud, but not excluding the cutting blasts of wind ; a fire-place of huge dimensions occupied a prominent position, which admitted logs that required the muscular power of the large boys to be brought into action : desks without backs, and seats made out of split saplings, which ever now and then precipitated the occupants to the floor, to the delight of the rest of the school ; oiled paper for lights and a puncheon floor. Two pins over the teacher's desk held the only needful appara- tus (at least so they thought at that time) to make a good school. The supply of switches was always abundant,
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and the master improved every opportunity to use them. The saying was, "Spare the rod and you spoil the child."
The schools were then organized by subscription, last- ing through a period of thirteen weeks, the teacher receiving $25 or $30 for the term. Then the light of science had not dawned upon the people, and school was held from early in the morning until late in the evening, allowing five minutes in the morning and evening for recess and one hour at noon. Oh, how these energetic "lads and lasses" longed to breathe the fresh and pure air without such a dilapidated inclosure. Think of the idea of sitting on backless poles for ten hours a day.
The men who came forward to instruct and cultivate the minds of the rising generatien were not always men of culture themselves, coming from England, Ireland and other countries and engaging in the profession until they could find a more suitable calling. Then another class of unsuccessful business men came forward to instruct the most brilliant minds in our country. How could it be possible to have a competent corps of teachers when the examinations and qualifications was a matter of minor importance, the great requisite being the ability to use the " rod" unsparingly on all occasions. But we can not but admire their feeling in regard to morality ; strict in morals and of unquestionable integrity, spurning an insult, and not afraid to stand by what they considered their rights and privileges. Frequent fights on this account often occurred, and it was hard to tell who was the innocent party.
"Loud schools" were held throughout the country, and it would be interesting to hear a school preparing their lessons ; and this plan, although having its defects, prob- ably had some advantages. Examine their methods of instruction, teaching what they called the three R's, " Readin', Ritin' and Rithmetic," giving very little instruc- tion on any branch, but allowing their pupils to use their own energy if they desired to succeed. Books of all kinds and in every condition were used, and classes were numer-
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ous and very small until 1857, when all were required to obtain a certain class of books suitable for their instruction, and they were ready to engage in a more methodical and orderly way of learning, and it has truly been said that "Order is the first law of God."
Our county seminary was established in 1842 at Green- field, and continued to flourish until 1852, when the law effecting all similar buildings was passed and abolished the institution.
The public policy of our nation has always been for the advancement of the interest of her people, and in this she has been followed by the States. Virginia, although she has probably in after times made blunders, came nobly and majestically to the front and donated to the General Gov- ernment the vast domain of which our State is a part. The people of Indiana should ever feel grateful to Virginia for her unexcelled patriotism and devotion. The ordinance made in regard to this vast domain, in 1787, showed on its face that this section was destined to have a happy and glorious triumph in the future; for in the third article it was declared that "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to the good government and happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Section sixteen in each Congressional township was reserved for school purposes, and this has assisted greatly in establishing our grand school fund.
In 1816 superintendents were appointed to lease the lands, but not for more than seven years. In 1824 a new law took effect, and established three trustees to look after the educational interests of each township. In 1836 the county school commissioner was created, and in 1843 the State Treasurer performed the duty of Superintendent of Public Instruction, but how different were their powers from what they are at present. Like the articles of con- federation, a great many things might be suggested, but very few enforced.
Up to this time very little had been done in the way of advancing education. Now a new light seemed to appear
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GENERAL TOPICS.
before the minds of a portion of our honored citizens. The schools had mostly been carried on by private means, and in a rude manner. The system of free schools was begin- ning to be discussed, but public sentiment seemed to be against it. The people had not yet been brought up to view education in its proper light. The voters of Hancock county, in convention, advanced fearlessly to the front and denounced a system of free schools, with all of its proposed advantages, yet it had its supporters, and in 1852 the law establishing the free schools triumphed over its foes, and soon won most of them to its support. How great the progress in education. Schools and colleges were estab- lished and comfortable buildings supplied the places of the worthless and neglected log pens.
In 1852 the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board were established. In 1865 teachers' institutes were established in all the counties of Indiana, and at the same time the State Normal at Terre Haute. Both of these have been of great advantage to our teachers. Pre- vious to this time, in 1834, our State University was established at Bloomington. Thus we have the advantage of learning in all its branches of knowledge. In 1873 the county superintendency was established, and at the same time the county board and township institute, all of which tend to better prepare the educators of our county.
Our common school fund, which exceeds that of any other State by $2,000,000, is from the following sources : Congressional township fund, which, as has already been described, from the sale of lands ; the bank tax fund, said bank being established in 1834. Twelve and one-half cents was deducted from the dividends of each share of stock, to be set apart for the school fund, amounting to $80,000. During Jackson's administration all debts were paid, and left a large surplus in the treasury, which was distributed among the several States, Indiana's portion being $860,254. Our Legislature set apart from this amount $573.502 96 for school purposes. This is known as the Surplus Revenue. At the same time that the bank
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
was established, in 1834, the act also provided that after the indebtedness, principal and interest, had been paid, the remainder, to the amount of $5,000,000, passed into our school revenue. This is known as the Sinking Fund. The Saline Fund, arising from the sale of the lands in salt districts, not exceeding thirty-six sections, obtaining for educational purposes $85,000. Deriving also from the sale of swamp lands, which were not otherwise set apart by our Government, what is known as the Swamp Land Fund. In 1852 all of our county seminaries were disposed of, and the remainder, after deducting expenses, is known as the Seminary Fund. Then last we have our Contingent Fund, under which we have the fines of courts, forfeitures, escheats, &c. These immediately increased the school fund of the noble State of Indiana, of which Hancock is a part, and whose people are, directly benefited thereby. These several funds swelled our school revenue to the sum of $9,000,000, which may be increased, but never diminished.
Now, my dear readers, let us for a moment look at the condition of things to-day as compared with the schools of thirty years ago, when our present school system was established. Pass through our townships and you will see substantial buildings instead of mere huts. In those build- ings you will find competent and energetic men and women, for women are now standing side by side with men in the profession, and indeed surpassing him in many cases, a thing supposed to be impossible thirty years ago, for then within that structure of learning must be kept a vast amount of " beech tea," which was issued in liberal doses to the applicants, the quantity being beyond the intellect or judg- ment of woman to determine. Now we have comfortable seats and desks : not split poles. Then we were able to have a goose-quill pen : now the skill of man presents us with a better and more useful instrument. Then our only apparatus was the rod ; now we have suitable maps, charts, globes, &c., for the explanation of things necessary for every boy and girl in our land. Now teaching is a profes-
JOHN POPE.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
sion, and the man deserving honor receives it. Our teachers thirty years ago were few in numbers, and their literary attainments were very questionable ; now they are numerous, and some of them educated men. School buildings are now within a convenient distance of every child in the State; then our children walked two or three miles, through sleet and snow, rain and mud, to attend a school, where they scarcely received any instruc- tion. Then we had but a handful of children ; now we have a grand army of nearly a million young warriors. ready to engage in the great battle with ignorance and superstition. Now a uniform system of grading and exam- ination exists, and many applicants fail in passing through the trying ordeal ; then the answer to one or two simple questions was all that was required to qualify a man to give instruction. Our progress in this respect has been so great that it is almost beyond cur power of comprehension, and still we are advancing, and will continue to advance in time to come, until the American people will lead the world in the number and importance of her institutions, in religion, morality and education.
GROWTH AND EARLY INCIDENTS.
In going back to our early history it almost seems as if it would be impossible to have made such progress and now to rank among the leading counties of Indiana. Go back to sixty years ago and you will find a wilderness, a dense forest of undergrowth so thick that it was almost impossible for man to pierce, water covering a great por- tion of our now fertile and productive soil. See the pioneer wading and struggling to find his way through the depths of the forest, surrounded on all sides by the savage red men, who were ever eager to take his scalp or destroy his property. We who live in the midst of civilized life, sur- rounded by everything which man could desire, can it be possible for us to imagine their sufferings, their privations and trials, the Indians harassing their journey at every
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GENERAL TOPICS.
step, some of our noble forefathers falling by the tomahawk of the merciless savages and enduring every privation. When we think of their hardships we must feel a thrill of admiration run through our veins for their heroism, a sin- cere regard for their patriotism and a feeling of sympathy for their suffering. Those who were successful in passing through the many privations now began the construction of their rude cabins, not palatial residences, where wealth was exhibited in any of its forms, but just something to protect the brave pioneer from the howling winds and storms, the fierce animals which were prowling in the forest, and the treachery of the original inhabitant of this now glorious country, " the home of the brave and the land of the free." Examine his household utensils and you will find nothing but a rude bed, pots, skillet and some minor things of less importance. What a contrast with the present, when we have everything that art and skill can invent. They were men of energy and determination, having very little to subsist upon but hominy and the meat of wild beasts, going twenty and thirty miles to get their corn or wheat ground in a rude way by machinery which would now be of little benefit to mankind. Tree after tree has been felled and log after log has been rolled, piled and burnt, and the farmers, by great difficulty, prepared the soil. At that time there were no idlers, and the daughter of the sturdy pioneer came forward and engaged nobly in the work of raising the crops for their sustenance, thinking nothing of fine dress, the piano being something heard of, but not seen. How different from the girl of to-day. What does the dear old grandmother think of her grand- daughter as she sits in the grand parlor of her father. and, with nimble fingers, passes over the keys of the piano-forte, sending forth sweet and melodious music that calls for praises from the attentive listeners? What does the old, gray-headed man, bending under his many years of life and privations, think of the man of to-day with his many machines and inventions to assist him in his work? And stop and think for yourself, when the soil was turned, not
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
by a steam or an Oliver Chilled Plow, but by a wooden mould-board, attached to which were horses or oxen, having on harness constructed of ropes and the roots of trees, not having any particle of leather or iron in their composition. Some of these were known as the famous " kicking plows," which, in coming in contact with an obstruction, rebounded with such force that they were " said to kick a boy over the fence." Year after year in our history, the improvement in our plows having continued to advance, until we now have them in almost a perfect condition.
Wheat in early times was cultivated with great diffi- culty, and carried or hauled long distances to market, very often bringing to the seller twenty-five to forty cents per bushel. Then appeared no self-binders to save to the producer a vast amount of time and labor ; then the sickle was the prominent machine by which to reap the waving fields of grain. Afterwards the scythe and cradle came forward, saving to our sturdy farmers time and labor. Improvements in this respect, like in the plow, have con- tinued from time to time. Hundreds of acres may be slain now while one was cut in former times. Then the flail was in use to thrash the grain ; then also horses were used to tramp it out. In 1856 the first thrashing-machine was introduced into this county, not a machine to thrash twelve or fifteen hundred bushels of grain in a day, as may now · be done by our magnificent thrashers, but a machine which was a great improvement on the older methods.
As we now look around us and behold the giant iron horse running at the rate of forty to sixty miles per hour : when we see our beautiful fields of grain placed in a con- dition for thrashing in a few hours, which before would require as many days ; when we see that agriculture is now studied as a science, and the great improvement in all our lands ; when we see the railroads all over our country ready to carry our productions to market ; when we observe along these lines of railway telegraph poles and wires ready to convey messages as quick as lightning to all
GENERAL TOPICS. 439
sections of the country, we can not help but acknowledge that our advancement since the brave old pioneers settled this country has been marvelous, and we can also say, "Truly we are a happy people."
In 1850 this county was still almost a wilderness, and since that period our improvement has been almost as rapid as a current of our swiftly-flowing streams. Eminent men have arisen from among us who, by their own exertions. have gained distinction and success. Our educational interests have sprung up like the trees in the forest, and we have sent forth men to the field of action whose fame shall ever live and be cherished by the American people.
"If we could but live as of old, For a thousand long years, What things might we know. What things might we do, And all without hurry and care."
HANCOCK COUNTY FAIR.
The first fair in this county was held in 1856, east of Greenfield, on the north side of the National road, near the present flax tactory. A. T. Hart was the first presi- dent. This was a successful agricultural meeting, but the next year the place of display was changed, and the fair held east of Brandywine and south of the railroad, on the land of Samuel Milroy. Here it continued to be held annually until the fall of 1860, when the proprietors reor- ganized and formed a society of stockholders, dividing the stock into shares of $10 each, when the name of the organization was changed to the Agricultural Society, differing in name but not in character. So far the fairs were well attended, and held an equal rank with similar corporations in the surrounding counties. Thus the holders of stock in the new organization looked forward to bright prospects in the future. New officers had been elected and a new constitution and by-laws had been formed which differed materially from the old method. At the
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annual meeting of the Hancock Joint Stock Association, held in Greenfield, at the court-house, on the 10th of November, 1860, the following persons were chosen as officers for the ensuing year: Robert E. Barnett, Presi- dent : John Hinchman, John P. Banks, Vice Presidents : James L. Mason, Secretary ; John HI. White, Treasurer.
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