USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Indiana, from its earliest settlement by the "pale face," in 1818, down to 1882 > Part 30
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On motion, Henry Newby, Samuel Heavenridge and Joshua Meek were appointed as the committee to examine and report upon suitable grounds for the association, and to receive proposals for the sale of the land. A unanimous report of the committee appeared December 8, 1860, and on April 5, 1861, the society purchased eight acres of land of Samuel M. Milroy for the sum of $500. Here for years was held the fair of our county : here appeared the best blooded horses, the best sheep, the best cattle, hogs and live stock of all kinds which our section of the country was capable of producing : here were people from all parts of our county to see the stock of other sections, and thereby improve their own. In 1871 the floral hall was destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt. The society flourished until 1879, when debt, jealousies and lack of enterprise caused its natural demise.
PAPERS OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
It has been well said that there are three great educa- tional motive powers, viz: the press, pulpit and school : and indeed it would be useless in this highly enlightened age to waste words upon the power and influence of the press.
While the pulpit may furnish a higher grade of moral instruction, the press reaches a far greater number, and does more towards forming the opinions of the masses of mankind.
Bacon says that "' Reading makes a full man." Schuyler Colfax says of reading, that "It is one of the great sources of information."
In about 1844 to 1846, James H. Hunt started a news-
441
GENERAL TOPICS.
paper in Greenfield called " The Reveille." the first paper published in the county. In 1847, Mitchell Vaugh estab- lished . The Investigator," which he edited for about six months, when he failed, and R. A. Riley became the edi- tor for another six months, after which Thomas D. Walpole started " The Sentinel," a weekly paper, which was pub- lished for about four or five years, being edited for a time by William Mitchell. In the year 1859, Noble Warrum, David S. Gooding, William R. West, and George Y. At- kison started " The Hancock Democrat," which was edited for a time by D. S. Gooding, followed by William Mitchell, who soon became and is still the editor and sole proprietor. About the year 1864, one Wright started a native Ameri- can paper, the " Family Visitor," which, after running for a time. was transferred to Mr. Hinshaw. In 1867 " The Greenfield Commercial" was started and edited for a while by Amos C. Beeson. afterwards by L. E. Rumrill. The next paper that made its appearance was " The Greenfield Vewes," edited by Will T. Walker, succeeded by Walter Hartpence. "The Greenfield Republican," by T. B. Deem, next made its appearance, but ceased after twelve issues. In July, 1878, R. J. Strickland started " The Hancock fef- fersonian." a weekly paper which is still published. He also continued the publication of . The Odd Fellowes' Chron- icle," which he had been publishing at Centerville for a number of years. In August, 1880. "The Greenfield Re- publican" was started by Robison & Cooper, and after running for a time was transferred to the Republican Com- pany, by which it is still published. In the fall of 1879. Drs. Boots and Marsh commenced the publication of " The Independent Medical Investigator." In 18SI. " The Home and School Visitor" was started by Aaron Pope as publisher and Lee O. Harris as editor. The present pro- prietors are Harris and Goble.
Recapitulation .- The first paper published in Hancock county was in 1844. The numbers published from time to time are numerous. The kinds published, medical, miscel- laneous, educational, lodge. literary and news. The papers
29
442
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
now published in Greenfield are four in number, three news and one educational. The proprietors are William Mitchell. R. J. Strickland. The Republican Company, and Harris and Goble.
TABLE OF DISTANCES.
INDIANAPOLIS.
21
Greenfield.
15
10
New Palestine.
21
13
161, Fortville.
2)12 S1.
10
2112 Charlottesvile.
3112 15
2512
13
912 Warrington.
16
10
5
21
1512 McCordsville.
25
IS12
6
7
9
Eden.
2712 612
1612 1912
2
S
22
15
Cleveland.
17
4
612
1212 19
1112 1212 11
Philadelphia.
10
S
4
16
117
2312 IS
7
15
612 Carrollton.
27 12 612
1 2
1015
7
13
2212 15
5 12
10
Westland P. (.
10
1C
S
IO
12
IO
1
13
6
S
'14
15
Willow Branch P. O.
2)12 13
23
0
13
1
13
4 211
17
212 1112 18
Milner's Corner P. O.
13
115
13
3
2312 14
2
7
212 11
17
2212
61. 13
1412 Woodbury.
Gem P. O.
26
15
13
C
10
15
7
712 9
13
72
C
0
8
15
1 2
Binwood.
5
5
13 2 10
1012
3
11 2 9
13
1112 9 1
1 6
S
10
12
Funct'n
-
KEY TO ABOVE TABLE .- To find the distance between any two points in the county or from any village or post-office therein to Indianapolis follow the columns of each to where they intersect, and note the numbers at said point of intersection, which is the required distance. To illustrate. for instance : To find the distance between Greenfield and Junction, follow the vertical column beginning below Greentield to the lateral column beginning opposite Junction, and the distance is found to be only five miles. The distance from New Palestine to Westland is ascertained by the same method to be twelve miles ; Gem to Junction, twelve miles ; Westland to Willow Branch, nine miles. and thus the distance from any two points is readily learned. It is proper here to remark. however, that the above distances are such as are necessarily traveled in taking the most direct wogon route. For example, the distance given above from Indianapolis to Warrington is thirty-one and a half miles, while to travel the distance with the cardinal points of the compass, passing through Greenfield, would be thirty-six miles, but by taking the most direct wagon route, passing through Eden and McCordsville, thence south-west on the pike direct to Indianapolis, the distance necessarily traveled is, as above stated, thirty-one and a half miles.
1
7
1
13
1512 22
9
1512 1312 3
1312
17
20
9
1
0
12
1612 Mt. Comfort P. O.
5
13
1612
31
20
443
GENERAL TOPIC'S.
POST-OFFICES IN THE COUNTY.
On the preceding page will be seen a full list of the post-offices in the county, commencing with Greenfield, the first, and closing with Binwood, the last established, being seventeen in number. Indianapolis is not in the county. but, being our State capital, and one of our chief business points, and so intimately connected with our interests and history, that it properly appears on the table of distances. Junction is only a tiny village, and not yet a post-office. It is a new place, at the junction of the Pendleton pike and I .. B. and W. railroad, five miles north of Greenfield .*
We contemplated another table of post-offices alone. arranged alphabetically, with names of postmasters, sala- ries or pay received, when supplied with mail, whether daily, weekly, semi-weekly or tri-weekly, number of papers and periodicals passing through the office, the money-order offices designated, and various other matters of interest, all the facts of which are of record in the Post-office Department at Washington, and the writer once had the pleasure of seeing the whole plan, but on writing for the desired information we received the following reply, which is self-explanatory :
POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT, 1 OFFICE OF FIRST ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL. WASHINGTON. October 10, ISSI.) SIRS : In reply to your communication of the 5th October, requesting to be furnished with information as regards post- offices, postmasters, &c., in Hancock county, Indiana, you are informed that, in consequence of the insufficiency of the present clerical force in this office. it will be impossible to comply with your request.
Many of the clerks are now and have been compelled to work extra hours in the discharge of their regular duties, and the Postmaster General considers that to impose additional labor upon them, under such circumstances, would be inexpedient.
While such information as you request has been heretofore
* All of the post-offices and villages are definitely located and described in their proper places, as shown by the index and table of contents.
444
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
given when practicable, the Department is now under the necessity of declining all such applications.
Very respectfully.
JAMES A. MAN.
Acting First Ass't P. M. General.
To KING & BINFORD, Greenfield, Hancock Co. Ind.
To GRANTEES AND MORTGAGEES OF REAL ESTATE.
Many persons who have not given the subject special attention suppose that in buying real estate or accepting a loan on the same that all the precaution necessary is to see that there is a perfect chain of title, and that there are no mortgages, judgments nor delinquent taxes, but such is not the case. These are a few of the important things to be looked after, but not all by any means. It would be wise and only an indication of business tact on the part of those interested not to purchase or make a loan upon real estate until they are certain that the records show the title to be without a flaw, and free from liens of any kind or character whatever : and it is not always safe in so impor- tant matters in dealing with all classes of mankind to trust to " friendship," " honor," or anything outside the official records. To avoid any risks in the matter. have the title tested and the liens examined by a competent attorney, or better require an abstract by experienced, responsible par- ties ; and do not for a moment suppose that simply an abstract gives you a good title, as some have erroneously thought, but, on the contrary, a good and complete abstract shows the kind of title. whether good or bad, and the liens. if any. on the realty. Then, to be more specific, we would caution parties as a general rule before buying or loaning not to fail to see :
1. That the grantor or mortgageor has an unbroken chain of title from the United States down.
2. That there are no unsatisfied mortgages of any kind or amount that would be a lien on the same.
3. That there are no mechanic's or vendor's liens.
4. Nor liens from judgments, decrees or transcripts of record in the county clerk's office.
445
GENERAL TOPICS.
5. That there are no judgments nor decrees from the District or Circuit Court of the United States in and for the district wherein the land is situate.
6. See that there are no liens from tax sales, ditch. gravel road or street assessments, nor from delinquent taxes.
7. That there are no life estates nor dower interests outstanding.
8. If the property has ever been sold at sheriff's. executor's, administrator's, commissioner's or guardian's sale, see that the proceedings were regular, for there is no warranty in any of these sales, and such conveyances are only equivalent to quit claims.
9. If ever devised by will. see that the same was duly probated.
10. Provide against any unrecorded deeds. mortgages or leases for or upon the lands.
11. See that the owner is neither principal nor surety upon any recognizance or official bond, which, by the law of Indiana and consequently of Hancock county, is a lien upon the premises. Our statutes provide that every recog- nizance shall bind the real estate of the principal from the time it is taken, but shall only bind the real estate of the surety from the time judgment of forfeiture is rendered.
12. See that the deed, which may be regular and absolute upon its face, is not counteracted and changed in nature by outstanding cotemporaneous defeasances.
13. Ascertain whether the deed is for a legal consid- eration or simply as a security for a debt. If for the latter. it is in effect and reality only a mortgage, and may be foreclosed as such. Our courts hold that where a deed of conveyance of real estate, though absolute on its face, is executed and intended simply as security for the payment of a debt owing from the grantor to the grantee. it amounts to a mortgage only, and confers no title upon a person who. having notice of such fact, obtains a conveyance of such real estate from such grantee.
+46
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
14. See that there are no other liens or defects (of which there may be several) of any kind or character whatever.
15. Lastly, know that the instrument of conveyance or security contains a definite and correct description of the lands, and is properly executed, signed, sealed, acknowledged and timely recorded.
Remarks .- It will be seen from the above that instead of there being but three or four points for grantees and mortgagees to look after, there are nearly forty, all essen- tial and of vital importance.
By the statutes of 1852, dower is abolished, except such rights as had already vested, but the section of the statutes of 1843, providing for the assignment of dower, was con- tinued in force in the statutes of 1852, and is still in force.
Our Supreme Court has held that "a surety upon an official bond, as well as the principal, is a debtor, within the meaning of the statute," which provides that " judg- ments on official bonds, payable to the State of Indiana, shall bind the real estate of the debtor from the commence- ment of the action."
Under the Statutes of Indiana now in force, every con- veyance, mortgage and lease for more than three years must be recorded in forty-five days from the execution thereof in order to be good as against any subsequent purchaser, lessee or mortgagee, "in good faith and for a valuable consideration. *
Many persons very erroneously suppose that the " war- rant" in deeds and mortgages to be ample security for any overlooked liens that in the future may be discovered, but the warranty, like any other security, is available and valuable after the purchase money is paid, only in case of responsible parties. Again, the grantor may be good and
* The main facts in the above article I have heretofore furnished some of the papers over my full name, but, considering the subject of such vital importance to the common reader. I have revised and rewritten the entire article. and trust it will not be considered out of place in a county history as the law of Indiana, and consequently of Hancock county.
J. II. BINFORD.
447
GENERAL TOPICS.
perfectly responsible at the time of the conveyance, but perhaps in a few years, when some defect is observed or lien is to be enforced, he is dead, moved away or insolvent, hence it is not always advisable to rely on the warranty, however good at the time.
COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
An auxiliary of the American Bible Society was organ- ized in this county in the year 1837 by Rev. Richmond, the prime mover in the charitable enterprise, and the first president thereof. Among those who have since filled that office we may note Joseph Mathews, John Rarden, H. B. Wilson, D. S. Gooding, George Barnett, F. M. Gilchrist and G. W. Dove, the latter of whom is the present chief officer. The object of this organization is to promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, without note or com- ment, among all classes, and especially the poor and neglected. The recipients are expected to pay a part of the price of the sacred volume, where they are able and can be induced to do so, in order that they may be more highly appreciated, and secondly, that the finances of the society may be the most advantageously and economically used, yet none are to be denied on account of their poverty. There being no money consideration for the keeping of the records of the society, we are unable to find any relia- ble account of its sales, donations and doings, but for these facts have to rely on the memory of the older citizens.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GREENFIELD).
About the year 1850 several families moved from Ken- tucky, chief among which were the Sebastians, Branhams, Offutts and Rainses. Most of these were members of the Christian Church, or had been indoctrinated before leaving Kentucky. As early as 1840, ministers of the Christian Church occasionally visited this place, and held meetings in private houses, county seminary and the old M. E. Church. and sometimes at the court-house. Soon the
448
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
court-house was sold and torn down, and the members accepted an invitation from the Methodists to again occupy their house. After the new court-house was erected, the society occupied it for a time. In the spring of 1854. April 4th. an organization was affected in the M. E. Church, at which time thirteen names were enrolled as original members, viz: William and Elizabeth Sebastian,
JONATHAN SMITH.
Joseph Clayton, Humphrey and Eliza Offutt, Benjamin and Hannah Porter, Elizabeth Phillips, Stephen Dicker- son, Amanda Branham, Lewis Sebastian and Mrs. Amos. After the organization, the meeting was continued for several days, increasing the membership to about forty. when the necessity of a house of worship was felt by all.
449
GENERAL TOPICS.
A. K. Branham, though not a member at that time, soon secured a six-hundred-dollar subscription, donated himself thirty-five feet of the lot on which the church now stands, and induced Col. Tague to donate ten more. He and Lewis Sebastian then bought the old court-house for two hundred and fifty dollars, and when it was torn down he ordered the masons to begin work, agreeing to pay them three dollars and a half per thousand to put the brick in the wall .. When the work was begun there was yet not a dollar collected, but he succeeded in paying the workmen every Saturday night, not knowing on Monday morning where the money was to come from for that week. With the same persistent effort with which he started out he continued, until it was under roof, expending about six hundred dollars more. In about two years the building was completed, except the wash-boards, with a cost of two thousand dollars. The church was organized in the spring of 1854 by Mr. Thornbury. Among those who pointed out the way of life and salvation to the little flock are Elders Thornbury, Littleton, Raines, New, Edmonson, Hobbs, J. C. McCollough, George Campbell, Thomas Lockhart. James Sloan, Dr. Thomas and William Anderson. The pastoral work of the church has been mainly done by four men, Raines, Hobbs, Sloan and Thomas. The numbers added by these men were respectively one hundred, one hundred and nine, seventy-five and fifty-seven. About $11,000 have been paid out for preaching and $6,000 for other expenses. Resident membership, one hundred and seventy-five : non-resident members, fifty. William J. Sparks is superintendent of the interesting Sunday-school in connection therewith.
CHAPTER XXIX.
PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES.
JUDGE DAVID S. GOODING,
son of Asa and Matilda Gooding, and grandson of Col. David Gooding, a captain in the war of 1812, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, January 20, 1824. In the fall of 1826 or 1827 he came with his parents to Indiana, and settled in the green woods of Rush county. In 1836 they moved to Hancock county and settled in Greenfield.
Mr. Gooding's early education was received in Rush and Hancock counties, after which, he entered Asbury University at Greencastle, where he continued his studies for about two years, but his finances being very limited, health poor, and finally the death of his father, compelled him to leave college before graduation. At the age of fifteen he united with the M. E. Church, and was after- wards licensed an exhorter, which license was renewed for tive consecutive years. He was several years superin- tendent of the M. E. Sunday-school, and also for five years president of the County Bible Society.
In 1847 he represented the county in the lower house of the Legislature, being elected by a majority of forty- two votes over Dr. J. W. Hervey, now of Indianapolis. In 1848 he was elected County Prosecuting Attorney. In 1851 he was Circuit Court Prosecuting Attorney in the Indianapolis Judicial Circuit, composed of Marion, Boone. Hendricks, Johnson, Shelby and Hancock counties. In 1852 he was elected Common Pleas Judge, and in 1856 State Senator. In 1851 he was again elected Common Pleas Judge.
In the year 1863 he volunteered in the pursuit of the
451
PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES.
rebel forces under Gen. John Morgan in their raid through Indiana, and was severely wounded, while marching in line of duty, near Lawrenceburg, which ended his career as a Union soldier.
In 1864 he resigned his office as Judge of the Common Pleas Court and accepted the position assigned him by the Union State Convention at the head of the Lincoln and Johnson Presidential Electoral ticket as Elector at Large. He thoroughly canvassed the State, was elected, and cast his electorial vote for Lincoln and Johnson.
In 1864 President Lincoln nominated Judge Gooding to the Senate of the United States for a United States Judgeship in New Mexico, which (at the request of said Gooding) the President withdrew, but not until after the proper committee had directed a report recommending his confirmation.
In June, 1865, President Johnson, without recommenda- tion or solicitation and on his own option, telegraphed Mr. Gooding asking his acceptance of the United States Mar- shalship for the District of Columbia, which position he accepetd, and entered at once upon his duties. He soon become the only executive officer of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia ; also of the Supreme Court of the United States.
In January, 1866, Mr. Gooding was unanimously con- firmed by the United States Senate as such Marshal. He held the full confidence of President Johnson to the end of his term, and immediately after the inauguration of Presi- dent Grant he personally tendered his resignation, which was accepted, though not to take effect until a successor was duly appointed and qualified. He soon after returned to his old home, and resumed the practice of law in Green- field in 1869.
Referring to his early history, he was licensed to prac- tice law in the year 1845. In 1867 he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States on the motion of Hon. Henry Stansburry, Attorney General of the United States. He was reared a Whig, and was a
452
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
great admirer of Henry Clay, adhering to the principles of the Whigs until 1850, when he withdrew from his old party and united with the Democracy. Differing from the leaders of his party, he opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and in 1860 was for Douglas and Popular Sovereignty. When the Great Rebellion threatened this country with destruction Mr. Gooding came forward for the defense of the Union. His war speeches aroused enthusiasm among the people, and in co-operation with Wright, Douglas, Johnson and many other war Democrats he continued to stir the people to action.
Since 1866 he has been in full sympathy with the princi- ples of his party, and has had great influence in conducting its campaigns. He is strongly opposed to the national banking system, and is in accord with the rights and interests of the people. His extensive work for the people and in politics has made him one of the leading political men of Indiana. He prides himself on the canvass of ISSo for General Hancock, and seems inclined to close his political life with that campaign.
Mr. Gooding's success as an editor was marked, having the management of The Hancock Democrat for several years.
Judge Gooding is the first Democrat of this county ever elected State Senator. County Prosecuting Attorney, Cir- cuit Court Prosecuting Attorney. Common Pleas Judge. and the only citizen of the county ever a Presidential Elector for the State at large or a United States Marshal for the District of Columbia.
JAMES SAMPLE
was born in Greenbrier county, in what is now known as West Virginia, on the 17th day of April, 1794. In 1815 he was married to Miss Mary Barrett, a sister of the Revs. Joseph and Samuel Barrett. In 1827 he came on horse- back to the wilds of Indiana prospecting for a more suitable place of abode. Blue-River township attracted
453
PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES.
his attention, and in 1828 he and family came over the seldom-traveled route and settled in the green woods of this county. Soon a rude cabin, without chimney or floor, was erected to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather. Their furniture was of the rudest kind, and their prospects not very bright, still they bore their trials bravely. hoping for better times in the future. The sound of the loom and ax could be heard early and late for years. Churches had not yet been erected, but the rude cabins furnished a place to worship God and sing His praises. James Sample was always an energetic worker at these meetings.
Mr. S.'s mother came to this county, and lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and two. being the oldest person buried in the old Gilboa Cemetery. " Grandmother Sample," as she was usually called, could read fine print without glasses for sometime before she died, and the most remarkable circumstance occurred just three or four months before her death. As perfect a set of teeth as ever filled the mouth of any person came through her gums. Strange but true this rare circumstance.
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