History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 36

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

USA > Indiana > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Indiana > Part 36

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).

INDIANS.

At the time the first settler made his appearance in Salt Creek Township the Indians had practically abandoned this territory, although they were occasionally seen in small bands, and not un- frequently called at the cabins of the settlers for the purpose of obtaining ammunition.

This it is said was at one time a favorite hunting spot of the Piankeshaw tribe, and many of their implements of warfare and of the chase have been found here. For a few years after the first settler came to this county, detached bands wandered up

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and down the streams of this section, locating for short periods where the game was most abundant. But these few were soon driven beyond the Father of Waters, and later were compelled to find homes in the Rocky Mountains, where they are fast dis- appearing, and will soon be entirely extinct.

WILD GAME.

At the time of the coming of the first settler wild animals were very numerous. Bears were often seen, and frequently killed. Deer were almost as numerous as hogs, and could be shot from the doors of the cabins. The distressing and mournful howling of the wolves was no uncommon sound. Turkeys were as numer- ous as quails are to-day, and their meat, in sweetness and flavor, far surpassed that of the tame ones-so says the old hunter. Squirrels were so numerous that companies were organized for the purpose of destroying them, in order to protect the cornfield. Hogs not unfrequently went wild, and when attacked were as savage and ferocious as the bear or panther. The deer were quite plentiful in this township for many years, and in fact they have been hunted and killed within the last few years.

FIRST SETTLERS.

One of the first to settle in Salt Creek Township was John Lutes, who built a small log-cabin a half a mile north of Houston. George Wagoner settled a quarter of a mile east of Houston; Joshua Brown a mileto the west, and William Winkler and Samuel Stockdell were in the same neighborhood. A few years later came James Acton and George Gable, James Mulkey, Michael Rudolph, Solomon Cox and Joseph Young. Contemporaneous with the settlement made at Houston, which was some time prior to 1820, other settlements were made on "Muddy Fork " and at Finley's. At the former were Joel Jackson, Phillip Highnote, Thomas Scott, John Scott, Arthur Martin, John Blerings, Silas Mahuron, Jesse Isaacs and Squire Sims. At Finley's were Will-

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iam Elkins, Drury Elkins, James Stephens and the Fleetwoods. The other names that deserve mention among the pioneer settlers are James Russell, Joseph Johnson, Richard Johnson, William Johnson, Elisha Monroe, Conway, Thomas King, Elias Arthur, Simon Franklin, Frank Stephens, John Dobson, John Hill, Will- iam Tabor, Jesse Burrell and William Colyer. But few of the above are yet living, and their children are now the old settlers of the township. All have passed the meridian of life and many have lived out their three score years and ten, and are fast approaching the end. ·

LAND ENTRIES.

The following were the only land entries made in Salt Creek prior to to 1825. Elisha Moore, 1821; John Lutes, 1823; Michael Rudolph, 1821; George Wagoner, 1821; Leonard Hous- ton, 1824; Joshua Brown, 1821; William Winkler, 1821.

WITH DANIEL BOONE.

It is told by Uncle Johnie Isaacs, now a resident of Courtland, that while Daniel Boone was returning from North Carolina to his El Dorado in Kentucky, in the year 1773, he was joined at Powel's Valley by several families, and among those were Polly Hannon and Jesse Isaacs, the latter at that time but a few months old. While they were crossing the Cumberland Mountains, they were attacked by a large force of Indians and several of the party killed. This so discouraged the adventurers, that they retreated to a settlement on Flinch River, Tenn., but Mrs. Hannon could not be persuaded to stop until she had reached her home in North Carolina, and with Jesse Isaacs then a babe in her arms, she traveled day and night through the dense forests filled with wild beasts and savage men, with nothing to guide her but the compass. After days and nights of persistent travel, she reached the old home in safety.

With her children she came and settled in Salt Creek Town-

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ship, but her race was then run, and in a few years she passed away, and is said to have been the first white person buried be- neath the sod of Salt Creek Township.

EARLY ENTERPRISES.

The first settlers of this township got their corn ground at Leesville, now in Lawrence, there being no mill in the township at that time. It is said that the first mill built in the township was the Bales Mill, located about four miles below Houston in the latter part of the twenties. A few years later one of the Luteses built a horse-mill at Houston. This was succeeded by a water-mill on the Taber Branch of Salt Creek. About the year. 1835 Daniel Cummings built & mill below Freetown, on the Muddy Fork. A steam-mill was built at Lower Houston by a man by the name of Callback, followed by Cole and Setzer. A mill was operated by Henry Lutes and John Cross in the sixties. Prior to this mills were operated by Finley and Fleetwood in the lower part of the township. Richard Acton built a mill half & mile northeast of Freetown in 1859, with a saw-mill attached. This was sold to Scott Bros. in 1863, and from them it was bought by the present proprietor.

EARLY MEETINGS AND CHURCHES.

It is claimed by the settlers of Muddy Fork that the first re- ligious meeting was held at the house of John Blevins, in the year 1823. William Mahuron was the expounder of the faith on that occasion, and it is said that every settler of Muddy Fork was present and took part in the exercises. The first church organ- ized was a Methodist, and the meeting for that purpose was held at the residence of Joshua Brown, one mile southwest of Hous- ton, in the year 1824. The members were Joshua Brown and wife, D. Elkins and wife, Samuel Stockdell and wife, the Hills and Actons. The first minister was Rev. Armstrong, who was a terror to the evil doer, and served his Master with energy and

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enthusiasm. There was no house built by this denomination un- til 1842, when a hewed log church was built one-half mile north- east of Houston. This was long ago succeeded by a large frame building. A Christian Church was organized at Elisha Brown's in the year 1834, and a church house was erected one mile west of Houston in the year 1844. Robert Foster was the first Chris- - tian minister.

The Dunkards were organized here at an early day. The principal members were Leonard Houston, the Rudolphs and Wagoners. A New Light Church was organized at Flat Top some time in the forties. The United Brethren built a log church at Freetown, about the year 1855. The Methodists were organized at Finley's Mill at an early day, and near the same spot where the Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church now stands. The only church house now standing in Freetown was built by the Methodists in the year 1864, and is a large and well constructed frame building. The Christians built a log church near Freetown in the latter part of the fifties. Nearly all these old houses have now rotted down and passed away, and nothing save the hallowed memories of those who worshiped there remain. But there are those who can look to the little building and give thanks that it was within those sacred walls that they first knew what it was to feel the Divine forgiveness. Where these old houses once stood others have been erected in their stead, and it can now be truly said that Salt Creek is the township of many churches.

DISTILLERIES AND TANNERIES.

The only whisky manufactured in the township was by John Lutes and David Bowman, who built a log still-house a quarter of a mile below Houston in 1836 or 1837. This was successfully operated for about ten years, then discontinued and the retail- ers have since been compelled to go beyond the limits of their own township to procure their stock. In 1857 or 1858 James

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Mann and Cyrus Hunter commenced tanning the skins of wild as well as those of domestic animals. This tannery was sold in a few years, and has since been operated by Boone Wright. Lu- ther Highnote built a small tannery on the road leading from Freetown to Houston; his tanning was done, it is said, by the "hog-trough method," and his annual product was necessarily small.

VILLAGE OF HOUSTON.

This little village is constituted of Upper and Lower Houston. The former was laid out by David Bowman in 1853, and the lat- ter by Hiram Noe in 1853. It was named in honor of Leonard Houston, one of the early settlers of that section. Merchants: Hiram Noe, C. Durland, David Bowman, John Cross, William Rodman, John Brown, Ira Cornett, - Houghland, Hester & 1 Tigert, Harrison Harbaugh, H. F. Noe, Lutes Bros., Charles Ros- enbaum, Jonathan Dodd, Hise & Foster, Dr. G. W. Gibson. Blacksmiths: S. J. Owens, Thompson & Henry, and Caleb Selzer. Physicians: Drs. Thompson, Wort, Moneghan, Rodman, G. W. Gibson and D. J. Cummings.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

Houston Post, No. 136, G. A. R., was organized in 1882, with the following most prominent among its members: Dr. D. J. Cummings, G. W. Gibson, C. W. Thompson, William Hill, M. Cross, W. Ingle, Andrew Thompson, Richard Pruett, James Smith and Eli Thompson.

FREETOWN.

Freetown or Freeport assumed the dignity of a town March - 15, 1850, at which date the plat was recorded and acknowl- edged by James Ireland, as proprietor. The first goods were sold by George Rosenbaum, who was the only merchant until 1853, when Richard Acton began merchandising. Those that followed were Charles Knight, R. W. Hudson, Henry Cook, John

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Wilson, Jesse Browning, T. M. & S. Wheeler, Michael Motsinger, Cross & Lucas, Wheeter & Wilkie, Acton & Denny. Blacksmiths and wagon-makers: Manuel Bros., S. A. Thompson, Cross & Son, G. W. Wheeter, staves, spokes and headings.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

The only secret society now in existence at Freetown is the Freetown Post, No. 153, instituted a short time after the organi- zation of Houston Post. The following is a partial list of mem- bers: Isaac Smith, John Brock, Wilbur Acton, J. N. Culbertson, W. H. Taylor, W. M. Scott, John Sprague, John Gorbel, Eli Bower, Jesse D. Lucas, George M. Lucas, L. M. Cross, Samuel Reedy, William S. Bell, B. F. Harbaugh and William Stockdell.

SPRAYTOWN.

Spraytown is located in the northeast portion of the township, and was named in honor of a man by the name of Spray, who was the first to sell goods there. The second merchant was B. F. Auld, who was followed by John Louster, now a merchant of Sey- mour, who was extensively engaged in buying and shipping stave and spoke timber, besides keeping a small stock of goods. G. W. Wheeler was also engaged in the timber business. Wilkerson Croucher kept & general store. M. England was the blacksmith. A man by the name of Gough owned a mill, and R. M. Coffman a saw and heading-mill.

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CHAPTER XIII.

VERNON TOWNSHIP-GENERAL FEATURES-FIRST SETTLEMENT-MILLING ENTERPRISES-RELIGION-EARLY PREACHERS-NEWRY AND OTHER HAMLETS.

"Gather we from the shadowy past The straggling beams that linger yet, Ere o'er those flickering lights are cast The shroud that none can penetrate."-Spencer.

F ORTUNATELY this work was begun before the few old landmarks, which still remain, had gone on to join the companions of pioneer days. A few years more and all would have been lost, and even now many important facts have passed beyond the weak and uncertain memory. Although a per- fect history is impossible, and, doubtless, many errors of omis- sion have been made, yet most of the important events have been recorded.

Vernon Township lies in the richest portion of Jackson County, and when first seen by white men the surface was clothed with thick forests of oak, hickory, beech, and other growths indigenous to this section. Lying as it does between the east and west branches of the Muscatatauk River, the surface is low and level, and was originally covered with water from early spring till midsummer. But, with the modern methods of draining, these ponds and marshes have been converted into fine farms, and now produce abundant crops of all the cereals.

FIRST SETTLERS.

The first settlement made in Vernon Township was in the extreme northern part, not far from the site of the little town of Newry. The first settlers were Luther Beadle, who was said to

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have been present at Pigeon Roost massacre; Hughes Hall, set- tled near State Ford; Robert Jillaspy, who made the second land entry in the township, 1820. Hiram Marling, who is one of the oldest now living, came at an early day. John D. Neal made the first land entry in the year 1819. The McDonalds and Ballards came at a very early day. John Bell entered a small tract of land in 1820, and Samuel Spaul in 1821. Moses Houghland, James King, and the Owenses are also classed among the pioneers. Set- tlements were made further south by George Langdon, Albert Nelson, the Riders, Blunts and Mitchells. About one mile west of Crotherville, Hugh Hall and Jacob Garrett settled, the latter part of the twenties. The Drapers and McKnights, Barrack- mans and Applegates, came a few years later. Starling Vaughn entered land in 1825. Of these old families and their descend- ants the oldest now remaining are Hiram Marling, the Beadles, Albert Nelson, and John McDonald. The last named is now & resident of Seymour. There are scores of other names that might be classed among the pioneers, but a lack of space will not permit us to extend the list.

PIONEER CUSTOMS.

No sooner had the pioneer made his appearance in the wilder- ness than he at once began to clear a spot on which to build his cabin. When the cabin was built a field was cleared, and while the men worked early and late planting and harvesting, the women were spinning and weaving and cooking. They made their own clothing, and this gave the mothers and daughters employment. Socially they were all on an equal. There was no aristocracy in the pioneer days. When a cabin was to be raised, or logs to be rolled, all were ready to lend a helping hand. Then at the eve- ning gatherings, where all appeared in the homespun and engaged in the pioneer sports with a hearty good will, there was no one insulted because of some breach of etiquette or informality.

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EARLY ENTERPRISES.

As in all the new settlements, first came the corn cracker, which was to be found in nearly every settlement, and from this the pioneer secured his first meal. These were supplanted by the horse or water-mill, at which both wheat and corn were ground. The first erected in this township was Pear- son's, located at Stateford, on the Muscatatauk, and was built some time in the twenties. This mill stood for many years and was considered one of the best mills in that section. About the same time a mill was built at Newry, a small town near the northern boundary of the township, and it is claimed by a few that this was the first mill in the township. A few years later Asa Carter built at the present site of New Jersey. This was succeeded by a steam saw and grist mill, by a man by the name of House. Many other saw-mills have since that time been oper- ated in this township. John Wilson owned a tannery which was located about one mile and a half northeast of Crothersville. For other milling enterprises, see the history of the villages.

RELIGION.

The first religious meeting, it is claimed, was held at the residence of Luther Beadle. This was followed by others held in the same neighborhood, and soon there was a sufficient number to organize a class. A small log church was erected just east of the old Beadle graveyard. This was used by both the Method- ists and Baptists, to one of which belonged the Beadles, McDon- alds, Kings, Coys, Ballards and many other early families. Rev. Bussy, Dennis, Fisher, Freeman and Willey were prominent among the early ministers. This house long since crumbled to the ground and others have been erected in its stead, viz .: New Hope, Grassy Fork, Uniontown. The above named were Bap- tist Churches, have built large and commodious houses and are well supported. The Uniontown Baptist Church was organized

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September 1, 1859. Since its organization there have been nearly 300 received by baptism. At present the membership is about 225. The Bethany Baptist Church was organized in 1867, and in 1884 had a membership of 118. The house is located two miles and a half southwest of Crothersville, and is a large frame edi- fice erected at a cost of $1,000. These are the oldest organized churches in the township and have exerted a salutary influence in every community. Other churches have been organized at & more recent date, and to-day the churches are almost as numer- ous as the schoolhouses.

NEWRY.

The first town in Vernon Township, or the first point at which a store was kept and goods sold was Newry, a little village located on the Vernon branch of the Muscatatauk River. It was never platted or laid out, but for many years there was considerable business transacted.

RETREAT.

Retreat is a station on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indiana- polis Railroad, about four miles north of Crothersville. It had its beginning in the location of a saw-mill at that point by a man by the name of Willey. Goods were sold there as early as 1850. A postoffice was soon established, but after a short time was discontinued and the effects moved to Crothersville. The town was platted and laid out by John Gasaway, and consisted of twenty- nine lots. Gibson & McDonald manufactured staves at this point for a short time. There has been some kind of business tran- sacted here ever since the town was laid out.

UNIONTOWN.

This little village is situated in the north central part of the township, and was founded by George King and Cornelius Con- way, by whom it was laid out and platted March 1, 1859. Goods have been sold by Jacob King, George King, Josiah Cobb & Son,

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- Lee, James Garrett and a few others. A saw-mill, corn cracker and brick kiln constitute the manufacturing enterprises.

NEW JERSEY.

The first house built at what afterward became the village of New Jersey, was a saw and grist-mill in the thirties by Asa Car- ter. Next came a man by the name of House, who bought out Carter. Then followed W. M. Williams, N. Morgan, Henry Williams, Alexander McDonald, - Fish. About the time the railroad was completed, Fullenlove & House erected a substan- tial building and embarked in the banking business. They issued money in fractional denominations, but, failing to secure the con- fidence of the people, the enterprise failed.

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CHAPTER XIV.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP-SOIL AND SURFACE SETTLEMENT-LAND ENTRIES-EARLY CHURCHES-PANTHER HUNTING-DUDLEYTOWN- CHESTNUT RIDGE-LANGDON.

A PLEASANTER task can scarcely be conceived than that which devolves upon the chronicler of early history, could he but reproduce the scenes of one hundred years ago with all their natural surroundings. They would present a series of tab- leaux, in which the reader might see the unhewn log hut, its crev- ices filled with clay, the stick chimney, the broad fire-place, the rough unseemly furniture and the small clearing. Such pictures were most familiar to the pioneers, and yet under all these uncomfort - able circumstances, they were happy and contented, and enjoyed life to the utmost. They knew nothing of railroads; they had heard of no locomotives nor dreamed of the grand system of im- provements we have to-day. Steam thrashers, sulky plows, mowers and reapers, were alike unknown to them, and are inven- tions far beyond their most extravagent expectations. The old wooden plows drawn by a yoke of oxen, the scythe and cradle and reap hook, were implements with which they were better acquainted. To note the changes and improvements which have been in the eighty years that have come and gone since the first settlement of the county, is the most interesting part of the writer's work.

By the traditions handed down through the past generations, he sees the "wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose," the sav- ages and wild beasts disappear, the log cabins changed into the comfortable and luxurious homes, and thus, in the great trans- formation presented, witnesses the culmination of civilization and refinement.

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SOIL AND SURFACE.

Washington Township was named in honor of the " father of his country," a name that is dear to every American heart. The township lies between Brownstown on the west and Vernon on the east, and is comparatively regular in outline. Its external appearance is varied, presenting a surface from level to rolling, and from rolling to broken and hilly, the latter covering but a small portion lying in the north, known as Chestnut Ridge. This por- tion of the township is not so well adapted to agriculture as hor- ticulture, which has in the past received considerable attention. Peach and apple orchards were numerous, and the production large. Vineyards have also been planted by the farmers of this section, and from the grapes a very excellent quality of wine has been made.

Leaving Chestnut Ridge, the surface becomes level or undu- lating, and some of the finest farms in the county may be found. The timber still standing consists of oak, ash, beech and other varieties peculiar to this climate. The township is well watered by the west fork of the Muscatatauk River and its tributaries.

SETTLEMENT.

The precise date of the building of the first cabin by a white man is obscured in the shadows of seventy years, and we are left to conjecture, to a considerable extent, as to its first settlement by the whites. The first families that came were the Loves, Coxes, Kellars and Dudleys. It is said that no white man had settled in the township before the latter part of 1816, or the early part of 1817, and as to who was the first no one claims to know. The Kellars settled near Dudleytown-Abraham on the first or second farm north, Jacob west, and the farms of George and Isaac joined on se north. John Love settled further north in what is still known as the "Love neighborhood." He is long since dead, and his descendants are now old men. Abraham Love and Hiram

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Love are also classed among the pioneers. Nathan Cox settled in the northern part of the township. William Cox, Andrew Cox and others of the Cox family were among the very first. William Dudley built near the present site of Dudleytown. James Dud- ley, the son of William, entered land near Dudleytown in 1820. He is said to have been the first resident physician of the town- ship. The Blairs were there at an early day. John Moore and Joshua Moore located south of the present site of Dudleytown, and Joseph Brown was still further south. Thomas Catlins, William Briner and William Marshall were in the same neigh- borhood. The last named was Indian agent for a short time. James Shewmaker moved from Driftwood Township and settled on Chestnut Ridge. The Andersons and the Franklins built near Dudleytown. Tobias Crumb came a few years later, and settled about one mile east of Dudleytown. Edward Ballanger located on the farm afterward owned by Nathan Cox. The Brammers- Thomas and Robert-entered land one mile south of Dudleytown.

LAND ENTRIES.

The following are all the land entries made prior to 1825: James Crane, 1817; G. Shipman, 1822; Resin Redman, 1820; S. White, 1820; Moses Holman, 1819; Thomas White, 1818; I. Moore, 1819; A. Johnson, 1820; Caleb White, 1821; William Cox, 1821; Joseph Hiat, 1818; Nathaniel Cox, 1825; Ebenezer Johnson, 1821; Isaac Kellar, 1821; Reuben Rucker, 1820; James Dudley, 1820. Many have questioned the correctness of the tract book with regard to first land entries. It seems unreason- able that with such a large number of early settlers that so few entries were made.

LATER SETTLEMENTS.

More than forty years ago the Germans began to settle in this township, and the number has steadily increased, and at present four-fifths of the entire population are Germans. Many of them

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came directly from the old country, while others came from Cin- cinnati, Louisville and the older German settlements in the south- eastern part of Indiana. They possessed all the characteristics of their people-hardihood, indomitable perseverance, frugality, and a strong determination to prosper. They now have comfort- able homes and large and well-improved farms. By economical living and industrious habits they have now placed themselves in easy circumstances. They were in the beginning inclined to be clannish, but they are now thoroughly Americanized, with Ameri- can ideas and in sympathy with American institutions. The leading German families of the township are descendants of these old families, who came here when the country was yet new and sparsely inhabited, and filled with various wild and dan- gerous animals. The children of- to-day are educated in the free schools of the township, where both the English and German languages are taught; besides, they have parochial schools, where the children are required to attend one or two days of each week during the school term. They sustain two church organizations within the township, in which the serv- . ices are conducted in the German language. As a rule, the Ger- mans are uncompromising in their devotion to the tenets of the denomination to which they belong. All the leading German families of the township are members of one or the other of these church organizations.

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History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 36

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

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