USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Indiana, from its earliest settlement by the "pale face," in 1818, down to 1882 > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
Vote and Polls .- The vote for 1860 was 189; for 1870, 217 ; and for 1880, 357. The vote for President in 1880 stood as follows : Republican, 166 ; democratic, 178 ; inde- pendent, 13. Polls for 1881, 279.
Value of Real and Personal Property .- The number of acres of land assessed for taxes for 1881 is 22,620, val- ued at $528,895 ; improvements on the same, $37,545; value of personal property, $160,830 ; total, $727,270.
Taxes .- Total amount of taxes assessed against her for 1881, to be paid in 1882, $646,326. Of this amount, the following men pay $40 and upward :
Arnett, Jane. $56 71 Huntington, S. $ 56 28
Boyd, D. D 48 o8 Herr, Kasper 17 46
Craig, Sabie. 95 00 Parker, G. W. 5° 54 Campbell, J. W 44 So Steel, Samuel 106 39
Crump, C. F. 42 08
Steel, Ebenezer. 151 36
Duncan, J. W. 56 38 Steel, Hance heirs IIO 35 Eastes, John C. 42 78 Steel, Frank. 243 º3
Fink, Henry .. 54 So
Stoner, Daniel. 51 86 Griffith, Owen 41 45
Smith, Wm. sen 168 90 Hanna, E. D. 96 24 Sanford, F. M. 46 72
121
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Hanna, T. J. 59 28 Thomas, Ephraim 68 56
Harvey, O. O 49 61 Wright, Joseph. 78 74
The levy for each one hundred dollars in this township is seventy-eight cents .*
Ex-County Officers. - Buck-creek was the home of Bazil G. Jay, ex-county auditor ; Mordecai Millard. ex- sheriff: and John Collins, ex-commissioner ; all deceased. but green in the memory of the older citizens. On her fertile soil and broad plains still flourish Joshua W. Shelby, ex-sheriff, and Ephraim Thomas, ex-commissioner, prom- inent men well-known throughout the county.
Productions .- Buck-creek is almost wholly an agricul- tural and grazing territory, there never having been any manufactories in the township, save a tile factory, saw- mill, and a hominy mill, which did only a local business. Owing to the great abundance of burr oak in this section, it is probable that when the new I., B. and W. Railroad is completed there will, for a time, spring up a lively trade in lumber for staves, heading, etc. There is also an abun- dance of white elm poles, used in making hubs, which will probably be used.
Physicians .- There being no located physicians in this township at present, the northern part of the township, for medical skill, call on the physicians of Fortville and Mc- Cordsville ; the eastern and southern part go to Greenfield and Philadelphia ; and the western to Cumberland and the above points. Dr. J. W. Hervey, of Indianapolis, named in the foregoing as one of the pioneer physicians, still has considerable practice among his old friends in the western portion of the township. The old citizens say that at one time nearly all the practice of the township was done by the said Dr. Hervey and the following physicians from Greenfield, viz. : Drs. Lot Edwards, B. F. Duncan. N. P. Howard, and R. E. Barnett.
*To ascertain the assessed valuation of a man's property, real and personal, divide the tax by the levy, which will give the number of hundreds.
9
122
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Fustices of the Peace .- Though the people of this sec- tion are quiet and peaceably disposed, it has been neces- sary, in compliance with law and the needs of the com- munity, to have disciples of Blackstone to settle the petty differences arising between people ; and for this purpose, the following justices of the peace have been appointed from time to time in and for said township, to-wit :
Morgan Brinegar. . . . I831
T. J. Hanna.
IS60
Owen Jarrett . Unknown
Wyatt Denney. Unknown
W. C. Wray. I S6.4
Esq. Peas. Unknown
Allen Scotten
William Arnett.
Joseph Wright IS65
Bazil G. Jay. IS41
James McKean
IS67
William Arnett IS.45
Joseph Wright
1 869
John Eastes. IS49
Mordecai Millard. IS52
R. A. Dunn. IS53
J. W. Shelby IS56
Wm. McConnell
ISSO
Joseph Wright 1 856
The present acting judges of law and equity, in which township officers have jurisdiction, are Esquires Rose and McConnell.
Township Trustees .- In the early history of the county trustees were scarcely more than mere nominal officers, having but few duties, subject to various changes. The following are the names of those acting, with dates of election, from the time their duties were enlarged, and their powers so increased that they could levy a local tax :
Ephraim Thomas. 1859 O. O. Harvey.
W'm. L. Harvey 1 863 Wm. M. Wright. 1876
Henry R. Clayton
1865 John C. Eastes ISSO J. W. Shelby IS67
Remarks .- The needy poor of this incorporated por- tion of the county look to John C. Eastes for assistance in the day of adversity ; the farmer calls on him for pay for .
John II. Murphy ISIS
G. W. Parker
I872
Joseph Wright
IS73
G. W. Parker
IS76
Edward Rose.
ISTS
Joseph Wright I S60
123
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
?
his sheep killed by the hungry hounds ; and the faithful' teacher pays him a visit at the close of the term (if neces- sity does not prompt an earlier call) to receive remunera- tion for his services.
Families .- Buck-creek is the home of the Steels, Park- ers. Wrights, Shelbys, Easteses, Dunns, Smiths, Harveys, Craigs, Collinses, Grists, and Arnetts ; all prominent, well- known families.
It was once the home of Professor A. C. Shortridge, ex-superintendent of the Indianapolis public schools, and late president of Purdue University.
Upon her fruitful soil once trod the veritable Lorenzo Dow, the " Quaker Methodist" itinerant preacher, who had more than a national reputation for his zeal, industry and peculiarities. Here he entered land, a fuller account of whom will appear elsewhere.
Here lived, in his peculiar style, the eccentric John D. Hopkins, and still lives the industrious Mrs. Sabie Craig, perhaps the most extensive, successful, industrious, prac- tical lady farmer in the county.
Murder and Suicide .- Here occurred the Kennedy tragedy, in which Thomas Kennedy killed his own daugh- ter, the wife of George Hudson, for which he was sen- tenced to the penitentiary for life ; but was in the course of a few years, through the intercession of his attorney. T. D. Walpole, pardoned, after which he returned to his own neighborhood, where he remained till his death. which occurred only a few years since.
It was in this township that James Norman became tired of terrestial scenes, and determined to put an end to his earthly pilgrimage, which he accomplished by hanging himself in the south-east part of the township, in about the year 1861.
With this brief outline, we close the general review of the township. A more specific account of many of the matters mentioned herein will appear in the next chapter.
124
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
CHAPTER IX.
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP-Continued.
HOPEWELL M. E. CHURCH
was organized about the year 1836, and was originally known as Sycamore Chapel. Among the first members were Thomas Craig and wife, Hiram Crump and lady, John Cochanhour and helpmeet, Miles Burris and wife. Jeremiah Beach and wife, Obadiah Eastes and lady, A. Cooper and family, and Mother Burris.
The first ministers were Revs. Edwards, Landy Havens, Morrow, George Havens, J. B. Birt, and Millender, some of whom are still living as valient soldiers of the cross.
Meetings were originally held, before the building of the Sycamore church, at the private residences of Daniel Skinner, Thomas Craig, and Obadiah Eastes.
In 1840, the first church building was erected, and con- tinuously used till 1863, when it was burned. The society was without a place to worship till 1870, when it erected the present building, a neat frame, at a cost of $1,000, and known as Hopewell Chapel.
This organization has upon its church rolls but few members. and is, consequently, not strong, and have preaching only semi-occasionally.
PLEASANT GROVE M. E. CHURCH
was organized by Rev. C. Harvey, in the year 1872. Among the first members were the said Harvey and wife, Samuel S. Smith and wife, D. D. Boyd and wife, William Vest, Jackson Apple and lady, and William Horton and family.
This society had no building in which to meet for the first two years of its existence. In 1874, it erected a neat, handsome church building, at a cost of $1,450. Dedicated by Dr. Robison.
125
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
The trustees are D. D. Boyd, Hamilton Welling, and Samuel Smith.
The first minister in charge was Samuel Lamb, fol- lowed by Freeman and John Cain ; they by Freeman and R. H. Smith ; the last of whom served till 1875, when the Fortville circuit was divided and the Pleasant Grove church attached to the McCordsville circuit. Since which time the following divines have led the flock: R. B. Powell, T. J. Elkin, and G. N. Philipp, the last of whom is the present minister.
UNION CHIAPEL.
The United Brethren perfected an organization in Buck-creek township about the year 1856, and held their meetings in private residences and log school-houses till the year 1858. In January of this year, Washington McConnell, Thomas Preble, and Jackson Price were elected by the Quarterly Conference as trustees to build a church, to be called Union Chapel. At this time, D. Stoner was presiding Elder and Thomas Evans preacher in charge. The circuit was called Pleasant View, and belonged to White River Conference.
The first sermon preached in the building was on Christmas evening, 1858. On the following day (Christ- mas) the funeral of John Underwood, senior, who donated the ground on which the church stood, was preached.
Meetings have been continuously sustained since its organization, notwithstanding the building was burned in 1880.
The circuit has been presided over from time to time by the following Elders :
A. King, A. E. Evans,
J. Myers.
A. Ilanway, John Vardeman.
R. B. Beatty,
Wm. Nichols,
Halleck Floyd.
R. B. Beatty,
WV. Wit, W. C. Day,
Lewis Crawford.
D. O. Ferrell,
Halleck Floyd,
J. Pruner,
Milton Wright, M. Cabrich,
W. C. Day,
D. Stoner.
Thomas Evans,
Alexander Carrol.
126
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
C. Smith.
A. B. Dary, William Hall.
P. S. Cook,
Alexander Carrol,
Monroe Gronendike,
Thomas Evans.
Amos Han way,
T. II. Halstead,
A. E. Evans, D. Stoner,
J. M. Ware,
D. Stoner.
Thomas Evans,
A. Davis.
Simon B. Irvin, Henry K. Muth,
The preachers in charge for the time were William Gossett, Irvin Cox, A. C. Rice, I. Tharp, and Henry Huffman. I. Tharp preached but one sermon till he was thrown from his sulky and had his leg broken, and Henry Huffman finished out his term.
The present Elder is Milton M. Wright, and the minis- ter in charge F. M. Demunbren. The charge is attached to the Warrington circuit.
The more marked revivals were during F. Evan's first year, T. H. Halstead's ministry, and William Gossett's supervision, when there was quite an ingathering of souls.
This society was doubtless established through the instrumentality of J. B. Collins, local preacher, since gone to his long home, and of precious memory to many.
[We are indebted for the above facts to James H. Mur- phy, an obliging, Christian gentleman. ]
JOHN D. HOPKINS,
an exceedingly eccentric man, came to Hancock county about the year 1843, and built a pole shanty in the woods of Buck-creek, about four by seven feet, covered it with dirt, and daubed it inside thoroughly to the exclusion of all light and air, save at the small entrance, about fifteen inches wide and five feet long, which was closed by a sin- gle blue board called a door. The furniture consisted of a rude stool, on which he sat, made by his own hands ; a primitive writing table, at which he spent much of his time : and a small sheet-iron stove, which he carried on his shoulder from Richmond, Indiana, and at the same time, under his arm, the fancy door for his contemplated rustic home.
Mr. Hopkins was a single man, and lived alone, not so
127
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
much from choice, perhaps, as from force of circum- stances. Physically, he was large, strong, and vigorous, weighed two hundred pounds and upwards, of florid com- plexion, and had sandy hair, inclined to redness. Men- tally, he was truly sui generis, loved sport, courted flattery, inclined to poetry, and imagined himself the " preacher, poet, orator and philosopher of the age." He spent much of his time in writing hymns, poems, and political songs, which he would sing on seasonable occa- sions. He has been denominated a monomaniac on the subject of religion. He termed himself a " good gather- ing preacher," and did finally succeed in gathering a half dozen or more joiners in the township to his little band, which he termed " The good gathering army." To this little " army" he preached for some time, composing his own hymns and texts, never adopting anything, know- ingly, from even the best authors. Of him it may truly be said that he was never guilty of plagiarism. His poetry was not classic nor polished by any means, nor was it faultless in meter and figure ; but was like much of the early spring poetry, mere doggeral.
He courted a certain prominent young widow of energy and means and portly appearance, and for a time appar- ently received some encouragement, which prompted him to compose a number of songs expressive of his feelings relative thereto.
During the political campaigns he was especially an object of interest. For ten cents he would make either a whig or democratic speech, it was immaterial which. In- deed, for a dime he would make a public speech on the street on a goods-box, or any public place outside of a house, on any subject, political, religious, or scientific, or sing a campaign song, adapted to either party, or sing a " sabie song," which was one of his love effusions. After singing one of his ballads, he would pass through the au- dience and offer them for sale. A single dime would pay the bill for the entire lot, which he had been at the trouble and expense of having printed.
128
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
In dress Mr. H. was not less odd than in other respects. He seldom wore a hat, coat, or boots, save in the coldest weather, and his pants he had usually rolled up to the knees. He was exceedingly strong and active, and prefer- red jumping a fence to opening a gate. Mr. Samuel Harden says that he saw him, a few years since, in Ander- son, and invited him home with him for dinner, which he accepted, ate heartily, took his departure, and leaped over the fence rather than open the gate, though it was con- venient and in good working order.
The last seen of Mr. H., in Greenfied, was about three years since. Of his present whereabouts we are not relia- bly informed. We heard that he was located in Missouri. on a good farm of his own, doing well, which, if true, he will probably remain there for some time.
The chorus to one of his songs used to run thus :
" John D. Hopkins always remains the longest Where the pot boils the strongest."
. JOSHUA SHELBY
is a native of Union county, Indiana, and dates his earthly career to June 16, 1815. He is the oldest son of Joshua Shelby, sen., who came to Sugar Creek township in 1835. and died there in 1839.
The subject of this sketch was married to Nancy Dunn. sister of Wm. A. Dunn, in 1839, who was also an early settler. He served in the capacity of trustee and justice of the peace in his township for six years-two in the former and four in the latter. He was elected county sheriff in 1852, over G. W. Sample, a popular candidate, and after serving thirteen months, he resigned for the more congenial, healthful pursuit of agriculture. He is a fearless, staunch democrat ; but as a whig was elected to the above office.
Mr. Shelby and his amiable companion were pioneers in the wild woods of early Buck Creek, and, as such, en- dured many privations and hardships incident to pioneer
129
-
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
life. The following are the names of their children : Catharine F., Samuel N., Sarah J., Lydia, Elvira and John F., six in all.
Mr. Shelby is not a member of any church, for reasons best known to himself. Though rough in speech and ex- terior, he is social, kind-hearted and well disposed.
GEORGE W. PARKER, ESQ.
was born November 13, 1842. He was married to Mary C. Coleman (whose parents came from South Carolina). January 7, 1856. Mr. P. was elected to the office of jus- tice of the peace in 1872, and held the position for eight years, with general satisfaction to his fellow citizens. Mr. P. is also a teacher of some considerable experience in the schools of his township, and prides himself on being an unflinching democrat. Mr. P. is especially possessed of the distinguishing characteristics of the family industry and economy, and has, thereby, succeded in accumula- ting considerable means for a young man, owning a fine farm under a good state of cultivation. The following are his children's names : Clinton, Dora A., Mary J., and William ; four in all.
SHADRACH H. ARNETT
was born September 3. 1819. in Franklin county, Indiana. He came to this county with his father, William Arnett, in 1831, and settled in Buck-creek township, where he lived. bearing a good name, till his death, which occurred February 13, 1879. His last remains peacefully rest beneath a stately monument erected by loving hands. The deceased was an active, influential member of the Masonic order, in which he took the greatest delight. Early in life he was a member of the Baptist Church ; but at the time of his death was not associated with any relig- ious order. Mr. A. filled creditably the office of trustee for several years; and, also, that of "enrolling officer " during the late civil war. By industry, good habits, and
SHADRACH H. ARNETT.
O
O
O
131
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
economy, he succeeded in acquiring a large estate. In appearance Mr. A. was large, portly and athletic, weighing two hundred pounds, and of fair complexion. Unto his kind oversight were committed the following children : Sarah A., Mary. Isabelle, Elizabeth, Lucinda, and Wil- liam H. His widow, still living, resides on the old home- stead.
JOSEPH WRIGHT.
a distant relative of Ex-Governor Joseph Wright, is a native of the " Keystone State," beginning his earthly career in 1810, December 27. He came in early youth with his parents to Butler county, Ohio, where he remained a few years ; thence to Wayne county, Indiana, where he remained till the year 1832, when he was married to Eliza- beth Stephens, of that county, and afterwards removed to Buck-creek township, Hancock county, Indiana, where he has since resided. Mr. Wright is the father of Auditor Henry, and Deputy Auditor William M. Wright. IIe served in the capacity of justice of the peace in his town- ship for twenty years. When Mr. W. first came to the township it was one vast wilderness, inhabited by wild animals ; but by determined hands and a strong will he has succeeded in making a commendable transformation. Amid all these changes and vicissitudes of life Mr. W. has been encouraged and strengthened by the companion of his bosom, a noble woman. God bless her! Mr. W. is an uncompromising democrat. yet accords to others what he claims for himself, the right to vote his sentiments. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and no good brother ever knocks at his door without receiving admit- tance. Unto him were born the following children : John W., Mary, Henry, Isom S., Celia, and William M. : all of whom are still living, save John W. and Celia.
BARZILLA G. JAY
was a native of North Carolina, born in 1794, where he lived till 1837. In 1822 he was united in the holy bonds
132
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
of wedlock to Miss Jane Mccullough, of the same state. In company with his companion he emigrated to Hancock county, Indiana, and settled in Buck-creek township, in ₡837- Mr. J. was from birth and education a democrat unwavering ; and, as such, was elected to the office of county auditor in 1855, which position he held creditably and satisfactorily for four years. Mr. Jay also served as justice of the peace for some years, with credit to his judg- ment and good sense. He was a man of firm character, honest and conscientious, and was an influential member of the Masonic order, by which he was buried June 17, 1860, at the Hodge cemetery, in Buck-creek township. where, by his side, the companion of his life was laid in February, 1876. His children were Eliza A., Mary J., Margaret C., John II., Martha A., James W., Susan F .. and Amanda A.
MACEDONIA CHURCH
of United Brethren was organized, about the year 1860, on the land of William Shaffer, but was afterwards moved farther south, on the opposite side of the road, where it now stands. The society was organized by Thomas Evans, followed by Rev. Hanway.
The following were among its first members: John and Isabelle Parker, Isaac Wilson, Thomas Price, James Wilson and wife, William and Margaret Wilson, Lewis Barnard, Mary Barnard, James Wallace, Sarah A. Wal- lace, and Cynthia Barnard.
The following are the present trustees : John Parker. James Wilson, and Thomas Price.
The society is not very strong in numbers, and have services only once a month. The house is a log, and wholly insufficient for the demands of the audience and the times, and the society contemplate building, at an early date, a new house near the residence of G. W. Parker.
LORENZO DOW.
Last, but not least, of the prominent men and remark-
133
BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP.
able characters of this historic township is that of the Rev. Lorenzo Dow. Not until recently, when the dusty records and the earliest inhabitants were being consulted for mate- rial out of which to make this history, and some of the discoveries were made public through the paper, was it known but by a few that this truly pious, eccentric, and remarkable man ever set foot on Hancock's fertile soil, or owned land within her borders ; but such is the the case. A. T. Hart and, possibly, others testify to having heard him preach in Greenfield. R. A. Smith says his father heard him in Rush county. Dow, in his journal before us, which we have twice read, speaks of passing through the " New Purchase,"* and of being next at Louisville, Ky.
The "entry book" in the recorder's office shows that Lorenzo Dow, in 1826, May 8, entered the north-west quarter of section thirty-five, in township sixteen north, in range five east, containing one hundred and sixty acres. This was then, of course, a part of Madison county. The land is now located in the south-west part of Buck-creek township, section thirty-five, of which it forms a part. being the corner section. The land is now owned by Spencer Huntington, and lies on the Marion county line. Dow died in Georgetown, D. C., February 2, 1834, and his second wife, Lucy Dow, on the 13th day of Decem- ber, 1838, deeded the same land to Hector H. Hall, and in the deed says : " It is the same land owned by my: deceased husband, the Rev. Lorenzo Dow, situated in Hancock county."
It is authoritatively reported that Dow lived on his new entry for a short time ; and a place is pointed out in a cer- tain bank, about ten or twelve feet high, on the farm where Dow dug a cave and spent a portion of one season. Auditor Wright says he has authority for saying that a number of children in the vicinity were named Lorenzo D. in honor and memory of him, occasioned by said residence.
*This section of country was at that date termed the " New Purchase."
134
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
History is full of apparent contradictions, which are often difficult to explain owing to our lack of sufficient information. I well remember a glaring contradiction in U. S. History which claimed my attention while pursuing the study. One author stated that there were one hun- dred of the Puritan Fathers on the May Flower, and another asserting that she bore up a precious cargo of one hundred and one souls. Why this discrepancy? I queried, there being no note of a death ; and I determined to look it up. A number of authors were examined before I dis- covered the explanation which harmonized the statements of the apparently conflicting authors. The number was one hundred on starting, but on the way was increased to one hundred and one ; and I have since had the pleasure of seeing the cradle in which that extra pilgrim was rocked on the briny deep. I first read Dow's journal in the back- woods of Arkansas about thirteen years ago, and then observed a little laughable contradiction, which I am still unable to satisfactorily explain. Lorenzo Dow, on page 212 of his " Journal," says he and Peggy were married on September 3. 1804. Peggy Dow, in her "Journey of Life." 12th edition, page 610. says that she and Lorenzo were married late in the evening on September 4, 1804. The query is how that could be. Future generations in Hancock county may be equally puzzled over the real cost of our present jail and sheriff's residence. The records show that it was contracted to be built for $32,900. Wc say that it cost $75,000 ; but it has otherwise gone down in history as costing over $100,000. Why this discrepancy? Possibly owing to adding interest to the original cost in one case and not doing so in the other.
After fully examining and weighing all the evidence. parol and written, we are of the opinion that the veritable Lorenzo Dow twice preached in Greenfield, and entered land in Hancock county, which, after his death, there being no other legal heirs, his wife deeded to said Hector H. Hall.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.