History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 34

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

USA > Indiana > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Indiana > Part 34

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).

RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.

The chastening and hallowed influences of the gospel followed

Digitized by Google

410

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

close upon the footsteps of the pioneers. The settler's cabin was scarcely completed before an itinerant was there with his Bible and hymn-book gathering the families for devotion around the altar in the wilderness. The first settlers were an intensely earnest people; they manifested no half-way religious feeling, but worked for their Master as they worked for themselves, with loud shouts and heavy blows. The first sermon was preached by Charles Crabb, at his own residence. He was of the regular Bap- tist faith, and some time in the twenties organized a church at a schoolhouse about one mile south of Courtland. The Threlkelds, Days, Wamsleys, Wheatleys and Brookses were prominent mem- bers. J. R. Tinder and Isaac Bell were early ministers. The next church organized was by the Campbellites, or Christians, some time in the thirties. Jacob Wright was the first minister. To this church belonged the Browns, the families of Andrew and George Robertson, James Day and others.

The first services held by the Methodists were in an old store- room at Courtland. The first ministers of that denomination were Rev. Pruett, Rev. Fish, F. A. Huring, T. A. Whitted and Rev. Brace. These early organizations first met at the cabins of the settlers, later in the old schoolhouses; but as the country became more densely populated, and the settlers became inspired by a spirit of progress, church edifices were erected. So in 1857 the Methodists, Baptists and Christians united in the erection of a union church building. This was built at a cost of about $1,400. All sects are allowed to use this church when they do not conflict with either of the above denominations. The United Brethren have an organized class at this place, although the mem- bership is comparatively small. Nearly all the leading families of Courtland and vicinity are connected with some one of these organizations. Church organizations are sustained in nearly every neighborhood of the township, which fact alone speaks for the character of the inhabitants.

-Digitized by Google

411

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

JUDGE LYNCH.

The soil of Hamilton, like that of many other townships of Jackson County, has been stained with the blood of a victim of mob law. However, the credit or discredit, whichever it may be, belongs to the citizens of Salt Creek Township. In the latter part of the sixties the store of George Matlock, a merchant of Houston, was burglarized by two young boys by the name of Stewart, in company with a negro. Search was instituted, and a portion of the stolen goods found in possession of the above named. The Stewarts were arrested, and a large party of citizens went in pursuit of the negro, who they supposed had fled toward Seymour. After twenty-four hours' search the negro was arrested, and on the way back to Salt Creek, where the preliminary trial was to be held, they were intercepted by a mob, and the negro was hung to a dogwood tree. The following day an inquest was held, and the body buried on the hill-side, near the Isaacs Schoolhouse. The body, it is said, was exhumed by a member of the medical profession, and doubtless contributed no little to the science of the age.

COURTLAND.

Courtland is situated four miles east of Seymour, on the turn- pike leading from Seymour to White Creek. It was named in honor of the birth-place of Hon. Cyrus L. Dunham, who was a member of Congress at the time the postoffice was established. The first house ever built within what is now Courtland was by Jacob Brown, in the year 1821, and stood but a short distance from where he now lives. The second was by James Wilson, early in the thirties. Next came Samuel W. Holmes and Benja- min F. Hopewell. Jacob Brown was first postmaster, and kept the first store. The goods were bought at Madison, Ind., and were transported by means of the four-horse wagon. People thought nothing of hauling their produce to Cincinnati, and bring back a load of goods. Prominent among the other business men

Digitized by Google

412

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

were B. F. Holmes, Brown & Wamsley, C. C. Isaacs, Holmes & Krewel, Shepherd & Holmes, William McIsaacs, R. D. Hayes, G. H. Isaacs, Gassett Bros., W. M. Holmes, C. J. Attikisson, J. T. Pruden, etc.

Physicians: Robert Cavender, Haws & Ennis, James Shields, A. L. Rice, Burns, G. O. Barnes, Woodward, Cooper, Freeman, Sanderson, Rains, Kyle, Davis and V. H. Monroe.

Digitized by Google

413

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP-FIRST SETTLEMENT-LAND ENTRIES-PIONEER LIFE -INDIANS-EARLY PASTIMES-RELIGIOUS-ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR -NEW FARMINGTON.

TT is pleasant yet sad to recall the scenes of the past. Pleas- ant, because we see the faces of the dear ones; sad, because the picture is unreal and will vanish like the mists of morning. The old landmarks are passing away with those who reared them, and must be noted before they are gone. A few objects here and there along the pathway of life are preserved and cherished; but the greater number have been allowed to perish. There are many important facts connected with Jackson Township in early years that have passed beyond the hope of recovery. Concerning the first settlers and dates of settlements, statements are conflict- ing and unsatisfactory. Man is mortal, and his memory is weak and uncertain, hence much of the history of the township is buried in eternal oblivion, and a complete account of the first settlement of this township could not be obtained.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The first settlement made in Jackson Township was by a man by the name of Kitchell, in 1813 or 1814. This was made in the southern part of the township, and it is believed was not permanent. It is not known whether he was related to a family of the same name that settled in the county a few years later or not. The first land entry was made by Joseph Kitchell in 1814. A. Arnold made the second in 1815. In 1816 Thomas Newby and Caleb Elliott, both natives of North Carolina and both

Digitized by Google

414

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

Quakers, settled about two miles south of Seymour, near where Caleb Elliott, Jr., now lives. John, William and others of the Ruddick family, settled further east, and became one of the most prominent families of the county. The Crabbs, who were also among the earliest, settled further to the west. William, Jacob and Patrick Sullivan, three brothers of Irish extraction, came in 1816, and devoted much of their time to hunting. Joseph, Na- than and Robert Newby, Moses Parker, Solomon Cox, were among the first. James Shields, of whom mention is made in connection with the early history of Seymour, was also an early settler of this township, and for considerable time was agent for the Government. Samuel Stanfield settled where Mr. Foster now lives. Joshua Morris located in the southwestern part of the township, in what is known as the Crabb settlement. Jacob White, Jonas Crane, Mr. Brisser, the Lancas- ters, David T. Harrison, were all here prior to 1820, and had built what they considered comfortable log-huts, and cleared a small piece for corn.

FIRST LAND ENTRIES.

Joseph Newby, 1821; Benjamin Draper, 1821; A. Arnold, 1815; Caleb Elliott, 1817; Thomas Newby, 1821; Enoch Crane, 1825; Aaron Lancaster, 1821; Barnabas Coffin, 1817; Mor- decai Ruddick, 1817; Solomon Cox, 1817; John S. Shaner, 1821; Hiram Littleton, 1821; C. Albertson, 1821; Levi Thomp- son, 1824; John Sweaney, 1823; Benoni Morris, 1820; Joseph Bowman, 1820; Richard Watts, 1820; William Cusand, 1820; S. R. Tate, 1820; Jacob Franks, 1820; Randal Smith, 1821; Charles Crabb, 1824; Jonas Crane, 1818; Joseph Richett, 1817; John Weathers, 1820; William Sullivan, 1819; Jacob Sullivan, 1820; Jonathan Stathe, 1820; J. and O. M. Crane, 1819; Isaac Holman, 1822; Jesse Dixon, 1818; Joseph Kitchell, 1814; Walter Benton, 1822; Moses Parker, 1825; Henry Benton, 1821; James

Digitized by Google

415

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

Strunkield, 1818; James Thompson, 1820; John Ruddick, 1816; Niles White, 1819; Robert Newby, 1819, Nathan Newby, 1816; Hiram Ross, 1820; Joshua Trueblood, 1821; James Shields, 1820; Sansom Perry, 1820; I. N. C. Schirick, 1818; Jacob Mor- ris, 1820; John Cox, 1820.

PIONEER LIFE.

Having after innumerable hardships, such as cutting every foot of the way through the dense woods, reached his future home, the first thing to engage the attention of the pioneer was the building of a cabin. This was constructed after the follow- ing manner: Round logs, undressed, chinks in the cracks, daubed with mud, puncheons hewn with the broad-ax; the roof, clapboards, and fastened with weight poles. The chimney was made with puncheons at the bottom, sticks and clay at the top, with pounded dirt jams and packed mud hearth. The door was made of thin hewn puncheons, with wooden hinges and latch. The furniture was, generally, rude and hastily constructed. A "bedstead " was constructed in the corner by fastening a part to the floor, and to this two poles placed at right angles were at- tached, while the other ends passed through the walls, The frame thus formed was covered with thin puncheons, upon which was placed a straw bed. This constituted the principal part of the furniture.

INDIANS.

At the date of the first settlement in Jackson Township, the Indians had almost entirely disappeared. A straggler was occasion- ally seen, but he was peaceable and gave the settlers no cause for alarm. No depredations were ever committed by them in this township. It is said that a scalp dance, in which as many as twenty-five Indians participated, was witnessed by two white men- Huffman and Rodgers. This was in 1813, and occurred in this township not far from the line dividing Jackson and Brownstown.

Digitized by Google

416

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

The scalps were supposed to be those of Buskirk and Sturgeon, who had recently been killed; captives were burnt in effigy. The scalp dance was usually carried on after the following plan: "A pole is planted in the center of an open piece of ground, to which the captives taken in war are bound and burned. Each brave participating in the dance is provided with a sharp pole, upon which are strung the scalps he had taken. When all is ready the faggots around the captives are lighted, and the dance begins. The scalps are lighted, scorched and burned, and thrown in the faces of the tortured captives, and the poles are lighted, and while burn- ing are thrust repeatedly against their burned and blackened bodies. The braves move slowly around the fire, dancing up and down, first with a short hop upward with one foot (while the other is raised as high as the knee), and then with the other, interspers- ing all with a wild succession of scalp halloos, made at first by a quavering of the hollowed hand upon the lips, but ending with a force that made the forest ring."

EARLY ENTERPRISES.

Of all the enterprises of a new country, the grist-mill is the most important; meat is easily obtainable; vegetables would grow almost without cultivation, wherever there was a cleared spot large enough to admit the rays of the sun. The tedious process of get- ting bread by grating the corn or grinding it in the old hand-mills, did not continue long before the grist-mills run by horse or water- power were located in what they considered convenient places. This township, however, was not supplied with enterprises of this sort, and in consequence they were compelled to go to Rockford or Elizabethtown, the two points most convenient for the settlers of this township. No mill of any importance was operated in this township until the Collins Bros. built at New Farmington. No distilleries worthy of the name were ever located within the bounds of this township. It is said, however, that a very good

Digitized by Google

417

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

quality of whisky was manufactured in small quantities by an old resident of Stringtown. There were no other manufactories of sufficient magnitude outside of Seymour or New Farmington, to deserve special mention.

EARLY GATHERINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

We might imagine from the nature of the surroundings, that the pioneer settlers seldom engaged in any kind of social inter- course. However strange it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that the opportunities were greater then than they are to-day. The log-rollings, house-raisings, corn-huskings, bean-pickings, wool- pickings, quiltings and apple-parings, while attended with hard labor, were never without their social elements. The night following such a gathering was spent by the young folks in dancing. Such social gatherings were known as the "frolic " or "shin-dig," and not the German or the ball. The young gallants would gather in for miles around and bring their "gals," and it was not uncom- mon for them both to ride the same horse. When a sufficient number had gathered, the voiceful fiddle would send forth its in- spiring strains and the dance would begin. Some would dance the double-schuffle, while others would "cut the pigeon wing," or other high vaulting figures. Those happy days are gone, and with them many of the old forms of amusement, which for true enjoyment far surpassed the formal social gatherings of to-day.

CHURCHES.

It is probable that the first church services held in Jackson Township were in what was known as the "Stringtown Neigh- borhood." At first they would meet at the residences, but soon an old log schoolhouse was erected near where John Owens lived, and for several years religious meetings were held there. A few years later a log house was built near the site of the old ceme- tery north of Seymour. This was used both as a schoolhouse and church. A Quaker Church was organized at a very early

Digitized by Google

418

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

day near New Farmington, and meetings were held long before a house was built. This was one of the earliest "Societies" or- ganized in southern Indiana. Some of the early families who belonged to that church were the Elliotts, Newbys and Coxes. This society flourished for many years, although the resident membership was small. There are but one or two families now left, the others having moved away or died. A comfortable frame building still standing about half a mile west of New Farmington, has been almost entirely abandoned. The Friends as a class were devout Christians, honest in all transactions with their fel- low-men. They had yearly, quarterly, monthly, preparatory and indulged meetings. The monthly and quarterly meetings are subordinate to the yearly meetings, and in their reports are re- quired to answer eight questions. Third question: "Do Friends endeavor, by example and precept, to educate their children, and those under their care, in the principles of the Christian religion, and in plainness of speech, deportment and apparel ? Do they guard them against pernicious reading, and from corrupt conver- sations ? Are they encouraged to read the holy Scriptures dili- gently ?" Fifth question : Do Friends maintain a testimony against priests' and ministers' wages ? Against slavery, oaths, bearing arms and military service, trading in goods taken in war, and against lotteries ?" Seventh question : "Are Friends care- ful to live within the bounds of their circumstances, and involv- ing themselves in business beyond their ability to manage, or in hazardous speculative trade ? Are they just in their dealings, and punctual in complying with their contracts and engagements, and in paying their debts seasonably ?"

Liberty Baptist Church, which was located three miles east of Seymour, was organized June 29, 1839. The constituent mem_ bers were Laban Brown, Damaris Brown, John Swaney, Cath- arine Swaney, Ebenezer Bunton, Ruth Bunton, William R. Bun- ton, Nancy Bunton, James M. Swaney and Elizabeth Bunton.

Google

Digitized by

T -

419

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

They were organized by a council composed of members from Bethany, Ebenezer, Indian Creek and Union Churches. Rev. Jesse Robinson was moderator, and Samuel Story was clerk of the council. The meeting for the organization was held in the woods. The church continued to meet in the woods in pleasant weather, and in the schoolhouse near when the weather was in- clement, until the erection of a large hewed-log house, in which they worshiped until 1859. Jesse Robinson was the first pastor, and Laban Brown and John Swaney were the first deacons. The church grew rapidly in numbers, and exerted a most salutary in- fluence upon the community for a period of twenty years. About the year 1858 this church was moved to Seymour. It is said that all the constituent members of this church are now dead, and all but one of the early ministers too have passed away.

ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR.

In the early days of Jackson Township wild animals were abundant, and at times gave the settlers considerable trouble. The bears were not so numerous, but were often seen and some- times encountered. The bears, however, would seldom attack a person unless in defense of themselves or their young.

In the early winter of 1817 a man by the name of Sullivan, who lived near the present site of old Rockford, started out early one morning to kill a deer, as the supply of meat at home was nearly exhausted. He sauntered through the dense forest until he reached the present site of Seymour, where he discovered two cub bears playing by the side of an old log. He shot, severely wounding the larger one, and had started toward it with his hunt- ing knife in hand when he was confronted by the mother bear, having been brought to the scene by the cries of the cub. Sul- livan retreated, pursued by the vicious animal, and while trying to climb a tree was caught and pulled to the ground, and in the encounter that followed he stabbed the bear to death by the use

Digitized by Google

420

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

of his hunting knife, not, however, until he had been crippled for life. He laid there till next morning, when the family became alarmed at his continued absence, and with the assistance of the neighbors instituted a search, which resulted in finding him on & spot that is believed to be within the present limits of Seymour.

NEW FARMINGTON,

This is a station on the line of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, located at the junction of the old State road leading from Brownstown to Madison, and the one leading from Rockford to Sages' Ferry on the Muscatatauk River. The town was laid out July 30, 1852, by William O. Lancaster, and .

consisted of twenty lots. Gardiner's Addition, which was made a few years later, consisted of twenty-one lots. Never since it was laid out has Farmington been without a store where the farmers might exchange their produce for almost any article of merchan- dise. Ruddick,Stephens, Gibson, P. L. and H. H. Carter, Henry Bawldin, Joel Littler, Parsley & Carter, B. Love and a few oth- ers have sold goods here. Collins Bros., mill ground both corn and wheat, and was most extensively patronized. B. Love also owned a mill, which he operated for a few years. Saw-mills were run by Joel Littler, Sol Cox and Samuel Standfield. The last named also owned a grist-mill.

Digitized by Google

421

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.

OWEN TOWNSHIP.

OWEN TOWNSHIP-SURFACE AND SOIL-EARLY SETTLERS AND FIRST EN- TRIES OF LAND-PIONEER INDUSTRIES-CHURCHES OF THE TOWNSHIP -HANGING OF CLARKE BY A MOB-BROOKS AND TALLY-CLEAR . SPRING.

O WEN is one of the three townships forming the western portion of Jackson County and bordering on Lawrence. The township was named in honor of the Owen family, which at the time the township was organized was the largest family within its borders. The surface is broken and hilly, and the soil com- paratively unproductive, and probably best adapted to grazing, It is often a matter of no little astonishment to the casual observer of to-day that many of the first settlements in a new country were made in that portion where the surface was rough and broken, and the soil sterile, rather than select the rich lands of the valleys and river bottoms. But when we are told that the constant decay of . an exuberant growth of vegetation, together with the pools of stag- nant water which stood in the river bottoms almost throughout the year, produced so much malaria that it made life perilous, we are not so much astonished at their action. The exact date of the first settlement made in this township is unknown. It is remem- bered by some of the oldest settlers that a squatter whose name has been forgotten was the first to locate within the present limits of Owen Township. The first permanent settlement was made some time previous to 1816. Among the first was David Kindred, who settled on the land now owned by Mrs. Richard Black, where he built a small log hut. Jacob Wells, the father of Colonel and

Digitized by Google

422

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

Dr. Wells, settled on the farm now owned by Christian Branna- man, in the year 1817. Benjamin Scott settled on land now owned by Oregan Wray, as early as 1818. Adam Zallman and Andrew Dodds settled in the same neighborhood at a very early day. After the first settlement others followed in quick succession, and we find that the following persons had entered land, and many of them made settlements in this township prior to 1825: The first entry made in this township in 1816 by William Sullivan, who at the time was a resident of what is now Jackson Township. Other entries were made by Jacob Wells, 1818; Bartheny Barney, 1823; Benjamin Scott, 1818; Adam Zollman, 1821; William Flinn, 1823; John Stevenson, 1824; Thomas Turpin, 1821; Michael Woolery, 1820; Jacob Woolery, 1822; Leonard Houston, 1818; Asahel Phillips, 1821; Joseph Henderson, 1821; Jonathan Stevens, 1820; John Vandervort, 1820; John Kindred, 1820; Abraham Brannaman, 1824; Joseph Goss, 1822; John Wendle, 1821; James Sims, 1822; Joseph Hanna, 1820; James Wood- mansee, 1820; B. Vawter, Joseph Hanna, Walter Owen, William Cornett and D. Rodgers were also early settlers.

EARLY INDUSTRIES.

In the early days of Owen Township the milling was all done at Leesville, now in Lawrence County. In a few years the home demand was sufficient to induce Jacob Wells to embark in this enterprise, and consequently built a horse-mill in the early part of the twenties. This was doubtless the first mill built in Owen Township. It was built of logs and stood on land now owned by Christian Brannaman, and was for many years the principal mill in this section of the country. After this other mills were built in various parts of the township. A water-mill was built some time in the thirties by Daniel Cummings, on the Muddy Fork of Salt Creek. For a time this mill did quite a prosperous business, grinding both wheat and corn. Another horse-mill was erected

Digitized by Google

423

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

by Samuel Davis, about two miles and a half east of Clear Spring. This was succeeded by a water-mill that was built and operated by James Mahan. It stood on Guthrie's Creek about two miles southwest of Clear Spring. Other small mills were at different times operated in this township.

Tanneries and distilleries have never been abundant in this township, and none of any particular importance were ever oper- ated here. At a very early day one or two old settlers were known to manufacture some whisky and apple and peach brandy of a very excellent quality. Several years later a man, whose name we will not mention, was rather extensively engaged in the manufacture of whisky near the line dividing Owen and Browns- town Townships. It is said that his operations were unknown to a majority of his nearest neighbors, although he frequently bought large quantities of grain from them. He was eventually raided by revenue officers and the machinery and a small quantity of whisky found, but for some unknown reason no arrest was ever made.

CHURCHES.

One of the first church organizations of this township was that of the Dunkards, a peculiar religious sect that is to-day entirely absent from this section. They never erected a church building, in this township but held their meetings at the residences of the members. Two ministers, Carleton and Hostettler, are especially remembered by the old settlers. The Prathers and the Scotts were the most prominent families. In the early settlement the Baptists had no church building in Owen Township, but were members of Guthrie's Creek and Gilgal, classes which are now in Lawrence County. When the settlements in the different parts of the township had a sufficient number of church members, a minister was frequently brought to the neighborhood and services held in the log-hut residence; then the schoolhouse was used, and finally two or three log churches were built; but those old edifices

Digitized by Google

424

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

are now gone. A large per cent of the early settlers were mem- bers of the Baptist Church, and it is in consequence the strongest church organization in the township at present. A Baptist Church was organized in the neighborhood of Clear Spring about 1847, and their meetings were held in an old log school- house. Some of the most prominent families were the Branna- mans, Hamiltons, Hinkles, Owenses, Kindreds, Johnsons and Boyatts.

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.

History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 34

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

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