USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 75
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 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112
780
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
B. Westlake, John Monjar. Mat Kellum, Edward Eickman, Pearl Gilson, Otto Scliramm, Gustav Letchle, George J. Richman, Roscoe Andrews, Charles Waggoner, C. E. Gundrum, Harry Short, Fred W. Claffey, Harry Garver, Ed Schreiber, I. C. Schlosser and Evert Short. Another band was organized a few years later, which played for a short time.
In addition to the brass bands, Charles Ballard has on several occasions organized orchestras, which have played a good grade of music. Ballard's orchestra appeared at various celebrations during the eighties, such as the opening of Vansickle's new hall on September 23, 1884, and the dedication of the school house at New Palestine in 1884.
HARVEST PICNIC.
One of the greatest social events in the life of New Palestine and its vicinity was a harvest picnic, on August 8, 1895, which had been promoted by the business men of New Palestine. It was held at Gundrum's grove. about three-quarters of a mile northeast of New Palestine. The Indianapolis Military Band was present during the day. The people were entertained and amused with mule races and contests in which the boys climbed greased poles, etc. There were baby shows and other features of the program in which people were interested. This picnic probably brought together the greatest number of people ever congregated at one time in that vicinity.
PROGRESS CLUB.
There is one literary club at New Palestine. the Progress Club. The organization of the club was suggested by Carrie D. Arnout. Its purpose is "intellectual improvement and social culture." The club was organized on September 13, 1910, with the following charter members: Julia Waters, Myrtle Elliott, Anna Geisel, Daisy Eikman, Carrie Arnout, Myrtle Schreiber. Hazel Mitchell, Levanche Conklin, Jessie Rogers, Anna Waltz.
The first officers elected were Mrs. Carrie Arnout, president : Mrs. Jessie Rogers, secretary : Mrs. Myrtle Elliott, treasurer : Mrs. Daisy Eikman. assistant secretary and treasurer. The first program committee was com- posed of Myrtle Schreiber, Levanche Conklin and Daisy Eikman. Meetings of the club are held fortnightly. A free lecture is given each year, to which the public is invited. Social evenings and a yearly picnic are the diversions. The club at present is composed of the following members : Clara Arminger, Eliza Ball, Indiana Ferris. Anna Geisel, Emma Herrlich, Mary Herrlich. Bessie Herrlich, Eva Hittle, Nancy Huber, Grace Mace, Lucile Madison, Mattie Merlau, Maud Parish, Blanche Schlosser and Margaret Williamson.
781
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
GEM.
No survey was ever made of this town and consequently there is no plat. The postoffice was maintained until 1902, when the rural routes were started from Greenfield. Nicholas Stutsman established a store in 1871, and he and his successors have kept stores there from that time to the present. Among the people who have helped make Gem what it is are J. Townsend, Burk & Son, William Gladden & Son, Chris Fink and Snyder Brothers. Jesse Sny- der is the present owner of the store.
The Stutsmans, and later, Chris Fink, operated a saw-mill and planing- mill at Gem from 1871 until 1902. Isaac Stutsman had a blacksmith shop for a number of years prior to the middle nineties. Joseph Coon also had a shoe shop for a number of years. At present there is a store and a grain elevator at Gem. The elevator is operated by Fred Thomas.
GEM METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Gem Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the fall of 1904 during a revival conducted by the Rev. F. M. Waggoner, pastor on the Phila- delphia circuit. The following were the charter members: Rosa Cly, Samuel Cly. Pearl Domanget, Maud Grigsby, Mabel Grigsby. William D. Gladden. Flora Gilson, Rosa Gladden. Elzy Grigsby, Emily Grigsby, Mary E. Hawk, Theresa Harbaugh, Martha Kuhn, Delores Kuhn, Vania Kuhn, Laura Mills- paugh, Blanch Reasoner. William Riser, Nellie Rodewald. Della Reasoner, Florence Reasoner, George Rodewald. Margaret Spilker. William Spilker. Estella Spilker, Elizabeth Spilker, George Stutsman, Nancy Spilker.
The little frame church was built by Henry C. Spilker, and was ded- icated February 26, 1905. \ Sunday school has been conducted in connec- tion with the church ever since its organization. Christian Fink, who has since joined the church, takes an active interest and is one of its financial pillars of support.
HEAVY TAXPAYERS.
For a number of years during the latter part of the life of Dr. Pau! Espey, at New Palestine, he was the heaviest taxpayer in the township, with Benjamin Freeman second. Since that time George Lantz. Ernst W. Faut. Anton Schildmeier, Sr., the Schramms, and probably others have paid larger installments than either Espey or Freeman. A number of men now living pay taxes in the county exceeding the sum of one hundred dollars. Among them are : Jasper Allen and wife. $100.944; William .A. Brier, $119.86; Will- iam C. Black, $178.96: Amanda M. Barnard, $158.03: Heinrich Borgman,
-82
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
$116.86: Jane Brandenburg, $105.24: E. O. and Marcella Brandenburg. $101.92; Joseph Everson, $139.11' Emma L. Freeman, $144.25; Christian Fink, $280.64: H. G. and C. E. Gundrum, $119.85 ; Frederick Hack, $152.30; Edwin C. Huntington, $199.86: Worth B. and Viola Harvey, $1 35.46; Louis H. Jacobi, $331.94: Louise Knoop, $179.61: William G. Lantz and wife. $769.41 : Henry M. Lantz and wife, $203.35: Fredrick C. Landworher, $132.48: Charles L. Manche, $202.86; Jobn M. AAshcraft. $468.00: James Burns, $111.05: George Bottsford, $136.12: Emma E. Bardoner, $182.27: Robert A. Briles, $151.06: John W. Brun, $105.25; James E. Barnard ( estate ). $416.78: Van B. Cones, $103.22: Benjamin G. Faut and wife. $047.66: Edward Fink, $588.65: Walter Faut, $233.20: William J. Geisel, $261.13: John H. Hittle, $123.50; John M. Hall, $125.33: William Hutton, SI12.81 ; C. M. and E. L. Jackson, $1 15.37: Louis Lantz. $153.55; Henry M. Lantz. $185.60: August Langenberger, $114.21 : John Manche, $510.47 : Henry Merlan, $197.04: Lonis H. Merlan, $112.39: William .A. F. Meier. $134.46: Henry C. Nichols, $166.33: Henry Ortell. $227.75: Pleasant F. Parish. $103.92: Anton F. Rabe (estate), $154.88: Frederick Rhodenbeck and wife, $165.81: Anton Schildmeier, Sr., $1,648.38; Otto Schramm, $202.86; John Schlosser, $143.26; Frederick Sanders and wife, $105.08; Catherine Weber, $253.65: Ernest H. Faut, $115.44: Christian Geisel, $161.07: John Huber, $101.64; William H. Larrabee and wife, $180.37 ; William Merlau. $120.03: John Moore (estate), $144.92: Charles A. Oster- meier, $132.80; Henry Ostermeier. $288.51; Louis F. Richman, $142.59: Julia L. Rushhaupt, $173.47: William Rodenbeck and wife, $204.51: Anton F. Schildmeier, Jr., $251.16: Velasco Snodgrass, $163.68; Anton William Spilker, $214.31: Emilee Schramm, $154.88; William G. Schildmeier, $126:83: Fredrick Wampner, $115.88; Henry Fralich, $252.43: Geisel Brothers, $170.73: John F. Kirkhoff, $160.08; John W. Waltz, $207.90.
CHAPTER XXI.
VERNON TOWNSHIP.
Vernon township was first organized at the May term of the board of county commissioners, in 1836. I was made to include all that it now com- prises, also a strip seven miles east and west and one mile north and south, lying south of the present township line or immediately south of the line dividing townships 16 and 17 north. At the September term, in 1838. Union township was made to include three square miles off of Vernon township, being sections 1, 2 and 3. in township 16, which are now included in Center and Buck Creek townships. On March 1, 1853. all that part of Vernon township which lay south of the line dividing congressional townships 16 and 17 north was made a part of Buck Creek township. Since that time it has had its present boundary. Its greatest length is seven miles east and west, and its greatest width, five miles north and south. Eight square miles, or a strip two miles wide off of the west end of the civil township lie in con- gressional township 17 north, range 5 east : the remaining part of the civil township lies in congressional township 17 north, range 6 east.
The surface of Vernon township, like that of Buck Creek township, is exceedingly level except along the creek in the northwest corner, above Fort- ville, where it is rolling. Sugar creek crosses the extreme southeast corner of the township. Flat Fork creek rises near the southeast corner and flows in a northwesterly direction south of Fortville. Buck creek rises near the center of the township and flows in a southwesterly direction. Both Buck creek and Flat Fork creek, however, are simply large open ditches. The difficulty of draining Buck Creek has been discussed in the history of Buck Creek township. A Flat Fork drainage company was also organized in 1874 for the purpose of improving the outlet of Flat Fork creek. Many covered ditches have been constructed since that time, and at present the township is well drained.
The first land entry was made by George Crim who entered the east half of the southwest quarter of section 29, township 17, range 6. on Novem- ber 16, 1826. The tract book in the recorder's office shows that represen- tatives of a large number of families still residing in the county entered land in Vernon township. Among them were: Robert Hanna, Henry Bolander .. John Apple, William McCord. Andrew Bolander, John Cory, David Harper, ' David Fisher, Joseph Winn, Charles Doty, Charles Snodgrass, Joseph Jen-
783
784
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
kins, George Prichett, John Vanzant, Joshua Ellingwood, John Warren, William Cauldwell, John Jackson, Alfred Amick, Shadrach Chappel, John Hines, James Thomas. Enoch Olvey, John Denny, John Stringer, John Roney, George Beaver, Daniel Bolander, William Apple, Parmelie Vanlaningham, Daniel Apple, Zimri Vanlaningham, Isom Boyd, Thomas Jenkins, Lawson Fuqua, John Snodgrass, Thomas Cushman, Samuel S. Faussett, Jacob Smith, Thompson Murrer, Charles Evans, Samuel Arnett, Jacob Shultz, Archibald Gardner, Benjamin Jackson, Isaiah Jackson. Henry Manifold, John G. Lewis, Levi Dobbins, Jehu Denny, Samuel Henry, Thomas J. Hanna, Peter Emery, George Pickle, Sarah McCord, Larimer Vanlaningham, John H. Robb, Christopher Apple, Simon Martin, Willis Wisehart, John Rash, Calder Snod- grass, Samuel Wisehart, Martin Fisher, George Davis, James Murrer, Francis Ellingwood, Bazalie Thomas, James B. Fred, William Amick, Lucinda Hines, Jamies Jackson, William Thomas, George Chappell, Isaac Helms, Richard Stokes, Thomas Arnett and David S. Gooding.
MILLS, FACTORIES, SHOPS, ETC.
On account of the lack of water power, no water mills were ever estah- esablished in the early history of the township. among which were the following :
Saw-mill, built by Noel & Company, at Fortville, in 1849. Grist-mill, built by 'Noel & Company, at Fortville, in 1853. Grist-mill, built by Elias H. McCord, at MeCordsville, in 1854, and operated until the latter seventies. Grist- and saw-mill, built by Hooker & Son, at Woodbury, in 1854. Grist- mill, established at Fortville by Andrew Hagan, probably during the seven- ties. It has been owned by several parties and changed to an elevator, now owned and operated by MeBane & McBane. Saw-mill, established at Mc- Cordsville during the early history of the town by Elias McCord. Another portable mill was established there by William Driffel in the latter seventies. Saw-mill. established at McCordsville about 1880 by Arch Newman ; later sold to Ringer & Pressley. Operated for a number of years. Flax factory, estab- lished at Fortville in the latter seventies by Andrew Ilagan, and operated until during the early eighties. Tile factory, established on the southeast quarter of section 31, township 17, range 6, by Aaron Littleton and operated during the seventies, probably later. Elevator, established at Fortville about 1882 by Andy Moore and Lee Roberts. An elevator has been operated on the site by several parties since that time. . \ building burned less than two years ago, and in 1915 the present elevator was constructed, now operated by W. D. Springer. The Grasselle chemical factory, established at Fortville
785
VERNON TOWNSHIP.
in 1894. manufactures silicate of soda and employs about forty men. Grain elevator, established at MeCordsville about ryto and owned since that time by A. B. Cohen & Company.
SCHOOLS.
One of the first school houses in Vernon township was located at the northwest corner of section 36, township 17, range 5, or just one mile south of McCordsville. It was known as school district No. 1. Another was located where Fortville now stands. School No. 9 was located at the north- west corner of the southwest quarter of section 16, township 17, range 6, or just one mile south of Fortville. School No. I stood at the northeast cor- ner of the northwest quarter of section 14, township 17, range 6: school No. 5. at the southeast corner of the west half of the northwest quarter of section 23. township 17, range 6: school No. 4. on the east side of the Greenfieldl and Fortville pike, near the south line of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 26, township 17, range 6; school No. 3, at the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 28, township 17, range 6: school No. 2, at the southwest corner of section 29. township 17, range 6: school No. 7. at the southeast corner of section 18, township 17, range (. All of these schools have been abandoned at this time except school No. 4. known as Denny's, and another school known as Cook's, which stands on the west side of the Greenfield and Fortville pike near the center of section 22. township 17. range 6. The pupils from the other districts now attend either at McCordsville or Fortville.
The first graded school was established at McCordsville in 1874. It was a two-story, four-room brick building, and was used until it burned, on April 14. 1877. After the fire the school term was completed in the Meth- odist church and at the dwelling of Mark Thompson. The walls of the building had not been damaged very much and were used again in the con- struction of a similar building. This building was used until 1893, when it was condemned and torn down. A third building was at once constructed, which burned during the winter of 1001-2. the term being finished in the Universalist church and at the residence of Thomas R. Pentecost. In 1902. during the trusteeship of John D. Cory, the present high school building was constructed.
Peter Hinds, one of the teachers of the township, has been teaching in the McCordsville schools since 1892. He was out during the winter of 1902-3. but, with this exception, has now been in the school continuously for twenty- four years.
(50)
780
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
In 1876 a normal was conducted by Superintendent W. H. Motsinger for the benefit of applicants who wished to write upon the teachers' exam- inations. Another such normal was conducted by J. W. Jay in 1890. More or less high school work was also done at different periods, but a systematic high school course was not introduced until in the fall of 1889. during the principalship of J. W. Jay. Since that time a regular course has been fol- lowed, and in 1896 the school was granted its first commission. The prin- cipals who have had charge of the high school since its organization have been, J. W. Jay, 1889: W. B. Stookey, 1895; R. L. Modesitt. 1904; O. W. Jackson, 1906; Leonard M. Luce, 1912.
The manual training department was installed in the school in the fall of 1913 and a kitchen for domestic science was fully equipped in the fall of 1914.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Vernon township, including Fortville, has a population of 2,447, as shown by the census of 1910. There were enumerated in the township, not including Fortville, in the spring of 1915, 354 children between the ages of six and twenty-one years; of these, 212 were enrolled in the schools of the township, not including the pupils of Fortville or those of the township who were transferred to Fortville: 26 were in the high school and 186 in the ele- mentary grades. The average daily attendance in the elementary grades was 154: in the high school. 25. The total cost of maintaining the elementary schools during the year was $8.245.62; the total cost of maintaining the high school. $3.200.96. The total amount paid teachers for the year was $6.824.08. The estimated value of all school property, as shown by the report of the trustee made August 1. 1915, was $16,000. The total assess- ment of taxables in the township, as reported by the assessor in 1914, was $1,524.930. The transportation of pupils cost the township $2.498.50 for the term closing in the spring of 1915.
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES.
The following men have served the township in the capacity of trustee since the creation of the office in 1859: Perry J. Brinegar, 1859; Levi Thomas. 1861-1863: G. W. Stanley, 1863: Andrew Hagan. 1866; Stokes Jackson, 1876: Samuel Arnett, 1880; Calvin Jackson. 1882-1884: J. P. McCord, 1886-1888: Richard Sample, 1890; J. W. Trittipo, 1894: James P. McCord. 1900; John D. Cory. 1902; Quincy A. Wright, 1904: R. C. M. Smith, 1908; W. C. Vanlaningham, 1914.
787
VERNON TOWNSIIIP.
During the administration of Calvin Jackson as trustee he deposited the township funds with the Indiana Banking Company, at Indianapolis. On August 9, 1883, this bank failed, while holding on deposit $1,999.70 of the funds of Vernon township. Of this amount $410.70 was later recovered by the trustee, leaving an actual loss of $1.589.00, which was paid to Vernon township by Mr. Jackson from his private funds. While the Legislature of 1885 was in session a large number of the citizens and taxpayers of Vernon township petitioned the general assembly for a special act to relieve Mr. Jack- so11 from said loss. Such a law was approved April 11, 1885, and the trus- tee of Vernon township was directed to pay to Mr. Jackson the sum of $1.589.00 to reimburse him for the loss he had sustained.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The local courts of the township have been presided over by the follow- ing men since the organization of the township in 1836: John S. Apple, 1837- 1841 ; Jchu Denny, 1838 ; William Caldwell, 1840-1855; Walter Denny. 1845; William R. McCord, 1846; Jesse Cook, 1850-69-78; Elias McCord, 1852: Azel Hooker, 1856; Thomas R. Noel, 1857; Smith McCord. 1860-1868; Solomon Jackson, 1860; William Anderson, 1864; William H. Foley. 1866; Emil Lenz. 1869-78: William G. Scott, 1871; Dennis Tobin, 1872: J. B. Galbreath, 1872-76; Lewis Chappell, 1874; Jacob Denny, 1878; O. P. Hast- ings, 1878; James W. McCord, 1880: Cicero Vanlaningham, 1880: Oliver P. Ilastings, 1883-84-88; Charles P: Thomas, 1884-88; Robert F. Cory, 1884; Thomas R. Noel, 1888: William J. Simmons, 1888; Levi J. Cook, 1888; William Huston, 1890; John Hervey, 1890; Henry Shore, 1892; Monroe Shore, 1895; John R. Smith, 1895-98; Alvin Greer. 1902: Albert H. Kinna- man, 1902 ; James L. Vail, 1902-06; John J. Sims, 1906-10; Elsworth Stottle- miyer, 1906; Nathan Prather, 1910: Ira M. Collins, 1910: Peter A. Kinnaman, 1915.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
Among the citizens of Vernon township who have served as county officers are: John Myers and James Mannix, as auditor ; Andrew Hagan. county treasurer ; U. S. Jackson, sheriff; Ira D. Collins and John T. Rash, county recorder; Amasa Cohee and William E. Chappell, county assessor ; Elias McCord, Resin Perry, David Caudell. Andrew Hagan, Robert G. Wil- son and William H. Albea, county commissioners; Smith McCord. repre- sentative ; Simon P. Yancy. senator, and Charles N. Warren, road superintendent.
788
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
IIE.WY TAXPAYERS.
Among the older families of the township and the town of Fortville are the Apples. Brokaws. Bells. Caldwells. Chappels. Cushmans, Dennys. Jeffreys. Ellingwoods. Forts. Cottrells. Crossleys. Kemptons, Ferrells. Hagans, Bolan- ders. Humes, Herveys. Hidays, Jacksons, Kellys, Kingans, Lains. McCords. Merrills, Noels. Rushes, Shores, Shultzes, Stokes, Stottlemeyers, Stuarts. Thomases, Tobins. Trittipos. Vails, Vanlaninghams, Corys and Wiseharts. Following are also the names of those who paid taxes in sums exceeding one hundred dollars in 1915: Samuel B. Apple. $120.56; Jehu C. Apple. $256.46: William H. Albea. $195.98: Madison Brooks ( estate ), $902.37 : Brooks & McCord. $221.56; John Boucher. $171.12; James E. Barrett, $308.34: George W. Bratton, $110 ,0: Elizabeth J. Brooks, $190.98: William Cook (heirs) $122.08: James M. Cook, $569.86 : Maggie Cushman, $277.94: Marion Chappell, $143.44: Thomas E. Crossley, $110.40: Mary Denny. $157.40: Meredith Davis, $133.42; Hiram Dunham. $247.86: John M. David- son. $380.36: Carl Emery, $148.56; Fred and McCord, $233.48: John P. Finn. $160.12: Annie Giroud, $164.38: Emerson Gentner. $184.10: James H. Helms. $129.28; Peter Hinds, $108.22: Sherman E. Helbert. $11 3.24: Calvin J. Jackson, $172.00; Lenore F. Jackson. S:53.36; W. W. and La Verne Jackson, $145.62: John Lain, $1 32.00: James M. Morris, $197.08: Seymour Morrison, $221.70: Elhanon McCord. $139.74; Arabella McCord. $100.10: Charles L. Pope, $150.20: Silas W. Apple, $106.82: Oscar E. Apple, $161.86; Mary .A. Bolander, $116.42: Marion Brooks, $173.10: Henry Boucher. Jr .. $172.22: Nicholas and Mary \. Brandle, $119.68: Louis .\. Browne and wife. $304.65: Jesse P. Cook. $207.10: Harvey Cauldwell. $444.50: John F. Cushman, $224.76: Conrad Il. Crossley, $175.92; Enoch H. Dobbins, $253.20: Isom W. Denny, $726.47: Harrison C. Davis, $120.88: Daniel Durick, $224.98: James H. Emery. $128.84: Thomas M. Enoch. $103. 12 ; Charles F. Fred. $122.84: Elizabeth Gaskin, $114.24: Oscar Groves, $229.95: Nelson Gaskins, $119.90: Margaret Humbles, $174.40: Franklin L. Hanna, $186.60: Nellie Iliday. $196.20: Jessie G. Jackson, $152.38: Susanna Jack- son, SI11.40: William Kelly, $220.40: Samuel Kingen. $139.08: James J. Maroney, $112.92; Charles P. L. Merrill, $137.56: Ratie MeCord. $2.17.86 : Henderson MeFarland, $131.89: Patrick McMahan and wife. $106.60: Chris- tian FF. Pope and wife. $123.60: George W. Shultz. $163.50: Theodore E. Smith, $121.64; Arnos W. Saville, $214.52: Hiram and H. C. Stottlemeyer. $171.34; David J. Thomas. $184.86: The Grasselle Chemical Company. $638.74: Charles N. Warren. $138.10: Mary Wilson. $273.80: Robert H.
789
VERNON TOWNSHIP.
Wilson, $120.78; A. B. AAyers and wife. $217.83 : Emerson F. Cahen. $167.08 ; Jesse P. Cook, $160.28: Larkin W. Crouch, $106.53: Amanda Dickey, $104.30; Fortville State Bank, $742.53: John W. Hudson, $156.59; John F. Johnson, $242.46; McComas, $200.56; William R. Rash, $179.05: First National Bank of Fortville. $707.86; W. P. Williams, $107.95; John K. Rash, $102.34: James Shultz, $430.13: Lesley J. Smith, $128.72; Henry C. Shore, $120.78; Charles E. Springer, $156.96; William W. Snider. $110.42: Samuel Cal Trittipo, $181.16; Aaron Vail and wife, $176.58; George L. and Eva M. Vail, $182.23 ; Robert G. Wilson. $244.38; Henry S. Adams, $312.28 ; Charles Bargner. $122.74; James M. and Jesse F. Cook. $268 .; 1; E. L. Crouch & Company, $120.84 : Edwards Lodge No. 178, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, $100.17: Kasper Herr, $341.87; George McCarty. $364.24; Randall & Randall, $113.20; Henry Shaffer, $312.29; Oliver Voorhis, $149.78: Andrew J. Whetsel. $182.22.
HIGHWAYS, RAILWAYS, INTERURBANS.
Vernon township has had to meet some of the difficulties in road con- struction that were discussed in the history of Buck Creek township, although gravel was more accessible to some parts of Vernon than to Buck Creek township. Vernon township has also taken advantage of the Three-Mile Road law to procure better roads. In 1908-09 eleven roads were constructed. at a cost of $86.580.00. Of this amount. however. $30.480.00 was paid by the township for the construction of the Thomas W. Gardner road, which is the brick street through Fortville. The township has one railroad and one interurban line.
MT. CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was erected in 1863 at the southwest corner of the south- east quarter of section 11, township 17, range 6. The congregation had been organized many years previous. As early as 1837 meetings were held at the home of James Denny and others of the thirteen members who com- posed the early congregation. Later, services were conducted in a little log church that stood immediately north of Fortville. AAmong the early pastors were Thomas Jenkins, Morgan McQuery and J. F. Johnson. . \ later pastor. David Caudell, was for many years one of the best known men in the county. A short address of his is given as a part of the history of the early settlers' meetings.
In 1887 the Baptist church throughout Indiana and Kentucky divided on the question of predestination. This question also divided the Mt. Carmel
790
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
congregation, and as a result of the division another church was erected on the Greenfield and Fortville pike at the south edge of Fortville. Among the members of this congregation are the Cushmans. Mrs. Bolander, William Denny and wife, Henry Shore and wife. Mr. Jeffries and others. The wing of the church that still worships east of Fortville subscribes to the theory of the absolute predestination of all things from time eternal; the branch worshipping at the church south of Fortville does not take this view of the question. Each of the congregations has a membership of probably twenty or twenty-five.
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.