History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 31

Author: Brant & Fuller
Publication date: 1886
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 759

USA > Indiana > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Indiana > Part 31

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).

EWING.

Ewing is a thriving little town of about 500 souls, located on the line of the Ohio & Mississippi Railway, about one mile west of Brownstown. It was laid out May 14, 1857, by William H. Ewing, with a view to securing the location of the depot. In this he was successful, and Ewing at once began to assume the attitude of a town. Before the completion of the railroad a small house about 14x14 feet had been built and was used for tavern. This house was built by C. L. Wayman, and stood near where the Ewing Hotel now stands. This was the first house built after the town was laid out. William H. Ewing's residence stood on Lot No. 1, and in one room of this house he kept a considerable stock of goods. John Dowing, who for a short time was in partnership with Ewing, built a store, which was the first brick building. The first blacksmith and wagon shop was by Baker &

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Johnson, Charles Wayman built a saw-mill and corn cracker some time in the sixties. The town now began to grow, new mer- chants came and either displaced the old ones or built other houses. The following is a partial list of those who have done business here since 1860: E. A. Rodman, Bales & Clarke, George V. Benton, W. L. Benton, Elisha Lewell, Charles Rosembaum, Oscar Allen, Charles O'Haver, Dr. Rodman, Henry Rodman, Ewing & Tidwell, Frank Long, J. R. Miller, Moses Utterback, William Samples, O. C. Chambers, S. D. Hamilton, Young & Wayman, T. W. Bland, Henry Mullen, Phillip Zabel, M. Rosenbaum, George Smallwood and Edward Huges. The last named is the proprietor of the Ewing Hotel, and in that connection runs a livery stable.

MANUFACTORIES.

The prosperity of the town is largely due to the manufactur- ing enterprises that have been established there; and owing to the many natural advantages afforded, besides the shipping facilities, it is especially adapted to this class of enterprise. The first manufactory was a tannery, which was built some time in the sixties, and stood just south of the Ewing Flouring-mill. It was first owned by a man by the name of Wiles, then by James S. Ewing, who died, and the property passed into the hands of McMullen & Shields who did an extensive business until 1870, when the buildings burned. It was rebuilt but burned again in 1872. Otto Sontag and August Hatker did some business in the same line a few years later. The Ewing Mill, which is the only one of any consequence in this township, was built in 1881, by W. R. Bolles, John Scott, C. A. Robertson and J. W. Wayman at a cost of about $15,000. The mill is well equipped with all the late improvements necessary for the production of the best grades of flour and meal. Their capacity is about eighty barrels per day. Besides supplying the home demand they ship large quantities to many of the large cities. In 1881 the Ewing Manu-

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facturing Company began the manufacture of oak and hickory ' spokes, and owing to the extensive growth of that kind of timber in this section, it would seem that there would be many advan- tages in this location. The capacity of this factory is about 700,000 spokes annually. A stave factory was built in this place in 1883, by J. T. Jackson, but after the successful operation of about eighteen months business was for a time suspended. The cooper shop of W. R. Bolles & Co., is one of the leading enter- prises of the place, and gives employment to nearly a score of men. In this connection a stave dresser is also operated. A large two-story brick planing-mill was erected in 1880, by Tid- well Bros., and from its inception has done a thriving business. In this connection we mention the name of Philip Zabel, who has for the past four years been engaged in the manufacture of furniture. John E. Newby's saw-mill is another important enter- prise worthy of mention.

THE HANGING OF RODMAN.

During the dark days of Jackson County, while lynch law held undisputed sway, a man by the name of A. E. Rodman, whose name is mentioned above as one of the early business men of Ewing, met with the fate that was so common in those days. Rodman at the time was accused of no crime, nor was he guilty of any crime for which he deserved punishment under the law, but was regarded as a desperado, and at the time had by some means terrorized the whole community, and so great was the con- sternation of a few of the citizens that the following plan was devised by which they might dispose of him. Rodman had gone to Jeffersonville to attend a congressional convention, and know- ing that he would return on the midnight train they sent a man, whom Rodman supposed to be a friend, to meet him there. He alighted, and, in company with his supposed friend, started home; but before they had gone far they were confronted by a mob of

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four or five men who assaulted and quickly disabled Rodman, after which they dragged him to a little railroad culvert a few feet below the water tank, and there hung him to a cross tie. His body was discovered on the following day, and the coroner's verdict was, that he had met his death at the hands of a mob.

ELIZABETHTOWN.

Elizabethtown was at one time a place of some little business importance, especially during the operations of Crane's Mill, of which mention is elsewhere made. It was situated in the north- east part of the township between the Ohio & Mississippi Rail- road and the old Indian boundary line, and was laid out by Asa Crane November 12, 1836. Besides Crane's Mill, which was the most important enterprise that was ever conducted here, goods were sold by Asa Crane, Henry Knost, Crane & Wheaton, Will- iam Wacker, Meyers Bros., Joseph Elliott and a few others. At one time there were as many as twenty that resided there. The only church house ever erected there was by the Baptists. This was a frame building that was in later years removed to Browns- town, where it is still in use by the same denomination. Charles Wayman and Thomas McCallum were among the first men who had charge of this congregation. The Cranes, Elliotts, Wheatons and Youngs were prominent among the early members.

SHIELDS AND NORTH BROWNSTOWN.

Shields is a small station on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, four miles above Ewing, and at a place where a splendid county bridge spans White River, thus making it easily accessible to the farmers living in the southern part of Hamilton Township. The town was laid out by L. L. and William H. Shields April 29, 1866. About this time a dam was constructed across White River, and a grist-mill built, but after a few years, burnt down. Another mill was built on the same site, and it too was burned. The following are the names of the merchants who have sold goods 5

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at this place: William Wacker, Quade, Henry Knost, Murphy & Knost, Elisha Sewell, M. R. Coffman, Dr. Bergk and Harmon Sitlerding. North Brownstown was laid out in the northeast cor- ner of Section 11, on the line of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, by Samuel P. Mooney and Asa Woodmansee. A strong contest was made for the location of the depot at this place, and when defeated by Ewing, all hope for the future of the town was lost. There was a store kept here at one time, although but little busi- ness was done.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

Gordon Tanner Post, No. 159, G. A. R., was instituted in the year 1883, at Brownstown, but has since been moved to Ewing where its meetings are now held. The first officers were W. L., Boyatt, Commander; Frank Fassold, Sr. V. C .; D. B. Vaine, Jr. V. C .; W. F. Handcock, Adjutant; Charles A. Knight, Officer of the Day, and Phillip Gossman, Officer of the Guard. The post was organized with a membership of twenty-four, and at present has about forty active members.

GRAVEL ROAD.

The Brownstown & River Valley Gravel Road Company was incorporated in the year 1875. The authorized capital stock was $10,000, of which but $7,800 was subscribed. Some of the largest stockholders were George V. Benton (who had a con- trolling interest), Ralph Applewhite, W. L. Benton, Wright Ver- milya, Frank Emerson, W. C. Benton, James H. Finley, A. E. Robertson and Capt. John Scott, They at once commenced the construction of a gravel road leading from Brownstown to Ewing and thence westward. The main line is four miles long with a branch two miles, making six miles in all. Toll is charged at the rate of 2g cents per mile for a wagon with two horses, and 2 cents for a one horse vehicle. The gravel with which the road was built was taken from the Driftwood Fork of White River. So

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far the profits of the company have been applied to the repair of the road.

CHURCHES.

In the early days of Brownstown Township religious meetings were held more frequently than at present. There were not so many church houses nor such large congregations, but seldom did a Sabbath pass without a gathering in each neighborhood to attend some kind of devotional exercises. For many years all such meetings were held at the residences of the church mem- bers. In fact but few church houses were ever built in this township outside of the towns. The Methodist Church organized a class at what is now known as Pleasant Grove many years ago, and some time in the forties built a large frame house, 30x40 feet, which is still standing. William Smith, J. E. Stillwell, James C. Richard, Henry Buetman, the Brownings and Jacob Cross were prominent among the early members. In the south- western part of the township a class of United Brethren has been organized, and hold their meetings in an old log house.

A notice of the churches of Euchretown will be found in the history of Grassy Fork Township.

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CHAPTER V.

CARR TOWNSHIP-EARLY SETTLEMENT-LAND ENTRIES-LIFE IN THE WOODS-RELIGION-EARLY ENTERPRISES-FERRIES-SPARKSVILLE AND WEDDLESVILLE.

C YARR TOWNSHIP is located in the southwestern part of Jackson County, and is bounded on the east and south by the East Fork of White River; on the west by Lawrence County, and on the north by Owen Township, Jackson County. The sur- face is diversified, that portion along the course of White River being level or undulating, while the greater portion of the town- ship is broken, the hills in many parts rising to the height of from 300 to 400 feet, which with the deep gulches make the scenery quite picturesque. There is quite as much diversity in the soil as in the surface. In the eastern and southern portion the soil is very fertile, and in this portion large crops of corn are raised and excellent meadows abound, while on the hills the soil is sterile and poorly adapted to agriculture. The township was originally covered with a dense growth of forest trees, which by the woodsman's ax has largely disappeared. The giant oak, the mammoth poplar and much of the most valuable timber has been manufactured into lumber and transported to the lumber markets of the world.

Carr Township was named in honor of Thomas Carr, who was at the time of its creation a member of the board of county com- missioners and one of the most intelligent and highly esteemed citizens of the county.

The first settlement was made at Leesville, now Lawrence County, which was at the time a part of Washington County, but

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was afterward included within the limits of Jackson and remained a part of this county for several years. The settlement was made by the Flinns and Guthries, and the township in which the set- tlement is located is "Flinn," taking its name from the family who made the first settlement. Flinn Township at one time included a considerable portion of what afterward became Carr, and for many years the people in the central and western part of Carr Township did their trading and marketing at Leesville.

The first settlement made in the territory now included in Carr Township was about 1810 or 1811, by Daniel Beem, who settled on the place since known as the John Durham farm. John Craig, who was afterward elected sheriff, settled near Heighton Hill, on the farm now owned by Allen Goss. Daniel Woods settled further down the river, in 1812. Stephen Sparks made a settlement at what is now Sparksville as early as 1812, and established a ferry, which, on account of the convenience of its location, being situated on the principal line of travel between the settlements of Washington and Lawrence Counties, became quite important. Michael and others of the Beem family moved across the river from Driftwood Township as early as 1814. This was one of the most prominent families in the early history of the township. Both Richard and Michael were distinguished for their bravery in the war with the Indians; both were participants in the battle of Tippecanoe, and both fought with Gen. Tipton in the battle of Tipton's Island. Daniel Peck, John Allsup, Joseph Lanning, Joseph Goss and John McKinney settled in the eastern part of this township at an early day. Thomas Carr, the father of Hon. George Carr, came to this township in the early part of 1818, and settled on the "Ridge," which was long known as the Carr Settlement. Other early settlers in that community were A. Phelps, Leonard Houston, James Brown, the Richard family, the Sawyers, and others. Soon the log cabins could be seen in all directions, standing as monuments of industry; the . sonorous

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sound of the woodman's ax rang through the forests from the rising of the sun till the going down of the same; the song of the busy housewife, accompanied with the hum of the spinning wheel, were all suggestive of the means of livelihood in those pioneer days.

Puncheon floors were a luxury not to be found in every house, as in many the native soil was both the floor and carpet. The long winter evenings were spent in conversation over the events of the day, or in the recollections of events of the old homes in the East or South, from which they emigrated. The sunshine of literature did not circulate very freely. The whole library con- sisted of a Bible, an almanac, Pike's Arithmetic and Webster's Spelling-book. Tallow dip furnished the only artificial light.

The clock and the watch were novelties in that day; the pioneer marked time by the approach of the shadow of the door to the sun mark, or the cravings of the stomach for its ration of corn- bread and bacon.

EARLY LAND ENTRIES.

James Brown, 1817; Samuel Shearer, 1820; John Weddle, 1817; George Richards, 1820; James A. Bryan, 1817; Robert Millsage, 1817; Stephen Sparks, 1821; John Hoover, 1820; Richard Ferguson, 1820; John Porter, 1819; George Richards, 1817; Michael Beem, 1820; Samuel Gathner, 1819; James Huffington, 1820; Charles Reynolds, 1825; Samuel Gwathney, 1821; David Fauts, 1820; A. Speer, 1822; Norman B. Boothe, 1825; James Huffington, 1821; Richard Ferguson, 1820; William Gough, 1821; M. Jackson, 1825; Jacob Debolt, 1822; Daniel Peck, 1825; Enoch Beem, 1824; Isaac Harrell, 1824; Daniel Beem, 1821; Daniel Woods, 1825; Henry Gregg, 1824; Joseph Allen, 1820; Thomas Carr, 1821; John W. Goel, 1824; Vincent Chambers, 1817; Richard Cochran, 1820, and Joseph Lanning, 1821.

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LIFE IN THE WOODS.

The experience of those early settlers form a picture of hero- ism and triumph that no pen can ever portray. Far away from their native homes, and out of reach of comforting influences of civilization, they transformed the woodland into bearing fields. The rude cabins which protected them from the chilling blasts of winter were utterly devoid of everything that would contribute to the comfort of the inmates. One side was devoted to the fire- place around which the interesting group would circle. The same room was the parlor, the bed-room, the dining-room and the kitchen, and not unfrequently some of the domestic animals were sheltered beneath the same roof. The bark-bottomed chair, the bedstead constructed out of the undressed poles, the loom, the spinning-wheel, the cooking utensils, the most important of which were the skillet and pot, constituted the furniture. The orna- ments of the walls were the rifle and the powder horn, which al- ways hung above the door, bunches of medicinal herbs, red pepper and the dried pumpkins, which were always suspended from the joist just above the fire-place. The windows needed no curtains as they were made of material which kept out the strong sun- light and the fierce winds of winter.

CHURCHES.

The forefathers of the people of Carr Township had a high regard for religious interests, and held Christianity as the great civilizing power, without the recognition of which the country would not be fit to live in. Consequently, we find on their arrival they began holding services of public worship, such as they had been taught and trained up in, in the part of the country from which they had emigrated. They early secured the services of pioneer preachers-those grand old characters whom nothing daunted while in pursuit of their mission, and to whose teaching

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and labors must be attributed the present state of religion and morals.

Early in the twenties, if not before, the settlers in the vicinity of the Lanning School began to look after their souls' salvation, and accordingly organized a class, of the Methodist denomina- tion, which was put under the care of such pioneer preachers as William Shanks, Calvin Ruter, Rev. Woods and Hurlbert. Soon a church house was built, not far from the present site of Medora, where it still stands, although no longer used for church purposes. The Lannings, the Talberts and the Wilsons were some of the first members. In the western part of the township the Brown meeting-house was probably the first, and was erected about 1834. It was controlled by the Baptists, but any sect was permitted to worship there. Early Baptist ministers: Thomas Robinson, A. Allen, R. M. Parks, and Capt. Crothers. Christian: Jacob Wright, J. A. Weddle and John Mathews. Some of the early members who worshiped at this old church were Major Cum- mins, Benjamin Newark, Moses Sparks, Polly Carr, Samuel Foster, Thomas Dixon, Thomas J. Plummer, William Dixon, John Kirk, David Boyles. A Methodist class was organized, and a house built about one mile west of Weddleville, some time in the thirties. To this class belonged the Houstons, Pooles, Potters, Weddles, John F. Carr and Vincent Chambers. A large frame church house was built at Sparksville, late in the fifties, and is still used for church purposes. Some of the divines whose pious teachings have been listened to by the good people of this com- munity are David M. Brown, Leonard Martin, Jackson Mathews and Rev. Scammehorn. Peck's Church and Eshom's Church were built by the Methodists at an early day, but have long since been abandoned. For many years camp-meetings were held at the Lanning camp-ground, where thousands of people would gather, and many souls were saved. Some of the moving spirits were the Pecks, Lannings, Talberts, Miligans, Tanners and Stilwells.

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EARLY ENTERPRISES.

In the early history of Carr Township tanneries were one of the most common enterprises. Not being able to import a suffi- cient amount of leather for the manufacture of boots, shoes, pants and other articles of apparel, it became necessary to estab- lish tanneries to supply that local demand. Edward Talbert was probably the first to embark in this enterprise. He built a tan- nery, at a very early day, on what was known as the Martin place. In the year 1828, John and George Carr built a tannery on the farm now owned by Hon. George Carr, and besides supplying the home demand, shipped small quantities to the adjacent counties. Distilling was also an important industry in the early history of this township-serving the double purpose of furnishing the people with a market for their corn, and supplying them with whisky, which was considered one of the necessities of life. Daniel Brown was one of the first to engage in the manufacture of ardent spirits. His distillery was located near what was known among the early settlers as Shewmaker's "defeat." Shewmaker was an indolent, worthless character, and to rid society of him the neighbors visited his house one night and, in the contest, defeated him. Hence the name.

In the early part of the sixties, Daniel Henderson built a large still-house in the central part of the township, and did a successful business for many years.

MILLING.

After the hominy block, the grate, the hand-mill, and all the devices of the pioneer days had passed into oblivion, Stephen Sparks erected a tread-mill at Sparks' Ferry, and all who patron- ized it were compelled to loan the use of their horses or oxen to furnish the power to do the grinding. Lewis Lanning built a sweep-mill, which was run by horse-power, and one of the condi- tions was that the customers should furnish the power. This was

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a frame building that stood a short distance below Medora. An- other horse-mill was erected by Michael Hinderlider, on the land of J. W. Holmes. Vincent Chambers, in the year 1851 or 1852, built a large, steam flouring-mill at Weddleville, but owing to the inconvenience of the location it was not sufficiently patronized and in the early part of the sixties it was moved to Vallonia. Saw- mills were operated at different times by Hall and Sanders, Daniel Wood, one of the Wrights, Vincent Chambers, J. W. Holmes and many others.

FERRIES.

The first ferry that was run on either the White or Muscata- tauk Rivers, was doubtless of so little importance that its location has been entirely forgotten. Among the first, however, was the Beem Ferry, located at the mouth of Cedar Creek; was on an im- portant line of travel, and was established about the year 1815. Stephen Sparks built a ferry a short distance below the present site of Sparksville, which was largely patronized for many years. Another was built near the mouth of Wood Creek, by Daniel Kindred. Peck's, afterward Huffington's, crossed the river a half mile below the mouth of the Muscatatauk. Woody's Ferry suc- ceeded Beem's, and many others were operated at different times on the rivers bordering this township.

The following are the ferry rates fixed by the board of com- missioners: Loaded wagon with five horses, 75 cents; unloaded wagon with five horses, 50 cents; loaded wagon, four horses, 62g cents; unloaded wagon with four horses, 37} cents; loaded wagon, two horses, 37} cents; cart with one horse or ox, 25 cents; man and horse, 122cents; footman or horse, 62 cents; cattle per head, 4 cents; hogs and sheep, 2 cents.

SPARKSVILLE.

The little village of Sparksville is situated in the southwest- ern part of Carr Township, on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad.

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It was laid out by Charles J. Rosenbaum, and platted, June 18, 1857; consisted of forty-two lots, and was surveyed by Thomas Carr. Charles Rosenbaum was probably the first to do business of any consequence. Wesley Abbot, Clarke Richards, Meyers & Beck, and A. J. Lee are the principal merchants that have sold goods at that point.

WEDDLEVILLE.

Weddleville was laid out August 15, 1855, by John A. Wed- dle, Claiborne Weddle and Gabriel Osborne, and located in Section 29, Township 5 north, and Range 3 east. It consisted of seven- ty-two lots, with North, Main, Center, and High Streets running north and south, and Weddle, Walnut and College Streets run- ning east and west. The principal business done here was by John A. Weddle, L. Sullivan, Gabriel Osborne and John Nelson. There has been no business done there for more than twenty years, and the town is now entirely extinct.

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CHAPTER VI.

DRIFTWOOD TOWNSHIP-FRENCH SETTLEMENT-WHITE SETTLERS-CON- FEDERATES OF AARON BURR-INDIAN DEPREDATIONS-STRUGGLES OF THE PIONEERS-GRIST MILLS-LAND ENTRIES-WILD ANIMALS- BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS-CHURCHES-VALLONIA, ETC.

" Once o'er all this favored land, Savage wilds and darkness spread, Sheltered now by Thy kind hand, Cheerful dwellings rear their heads."

T THERE is no history that is perfect, and the writers would do themselves an injustice should they claim that this work is either without errors, or complete in detail. In recording the recollections of the aged and wavering memory, we do not seek to reconcile discrepancies, but to embody in these pages the names of deeds and privations of those whose like can never more be seen in this or any other country. Children, grand-children and great-grandchildren succeed to the blessings of happy homes, the foundations of which were laid by their fathers in a wilderness beset by the dangers incident to pioneer life. The reckless undertaking of establishing homes in a land filled with wild and savage beasts, and still more savage men, was not that the founder might live to reap the rewards or enjoy the blessings, but in order that their children might be better provided for in life.

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History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 31

Author: Brant & Fuller Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Number of Pages: 759

Author: Brant & Fuller
Publication date: 1886
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 759