History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 99

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954

USA > Indiana > Orange County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 99
USA > Indiana > Washington County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 99
USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 99

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).

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS.

Portions of Jefferson Township, from the earliest settlement, have been noted for thoroughness in what are now called the common school branches. Of the many coming from the Walnut Ridge, who came to Salew to pursue higher studies, every one came well prepared in the lower branches, and of the pupils so coming there never was a single failure. In early days, on the Ridge, there was a large Covenanter set. tlement. To educate their children well was a matter of conscience with them. Their systematic catechetical exercises established in each house- hold a species of home-school. Such people will have schools, whether or not. the State may pay the bill. As already stated, John I. Morrison began his illustrious, Indiana teaching work in this Covenanter neigh- borhood. What amount of teaching the Rev. Robert Lusk, the Cove- nanter minister of early days. did, cannot be stated with any degree of certainty, but he was such a positive friend of education that he would either teach himself, or have the work done by some one else. Among the long ago teachers of Jefferson Township were Robert Louden, Rob- ert Tippen, Isaiah Tippen and Harvey Thomas. Mr. Louden was an Irish Covenanter and made teaching the main business of his life. It is said that bis penmanship was really beautiful. Of early schools in other parts of the township nothing can be safely stated.

BROWN TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS.

In Brown Township efforts to sustain schools were made in a very early day. Many of the first settlers were from New York and New Eng- land. Most of these people had enjoyed the advantages of a good com- ton school education. Hence. they demanded schools whenever and wherever they could find a cabin in which to place their children and crowd in a teacher. In that "elder " day Yorkers and New Englanders were all " dubbed" Yankees, and settlers from other points, Tuckahoes. The Yankees would have schools, and their first was in the "Hop " set- tlement. Somebody thinks that Parson Jenkins was the teacher. The matter is somewhat in doubt. Another early school was taught by Rob. ert L. Fleming near what is now called Cavetown He is reported teach- ing a number of terms. He was a young man of fine personal appear-

Dky zedby Google

844

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

anos. In this township of later years, Campbellsburg is the noted center of educational operations. Education received appropriate attention in the early bistory of the town. In 1855 a joint stock company was orgen- ized, which resulted in the erection of a hall 2Pz40 feet. The ball was designed for holding school, church, politienl meetings, debating socie. ties, etc. The first teacher employed was Miss Mary Overman. In 1800 a frame building, 20130 feet, was built at the expense of the township. and R. C. Woods was the first teacher engaged. In 1809 thie bouse was burned. In 1972 the Township Trustee built the present bouse at a cost of $1.500. The building la fitted for three departmenta Heretoforo Campbellsburg has been a point of considerable note in educational mat. tem. At one time Prut. William H. Crataingor aronsed great interest and built op a large school. He had quite o number of boarding pupils. From October 1, 1877, to June 1. 1879, James G. May sustained n class- ical school, in which a number of young men were prepared for college, and for teaching. At present Frank Martin is Principal, Frank Dris- keli bolde the Intermediate Department, and Minnie Robinson is in charge of the Primary.

VADISOS TUNSSHIP M IDOLA

In Madison Township, long ago. Livonia was noted for its educa. ticenl facilities. These old facilities medo the people of Livoosn very intelligent. Livonia's classical school of fifty years ago made the people of to-day emphatically a reading people. In 1818 Rev. William W. Martin became pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Livonia On bin settlement there the educational conditions of the community tere aot ap to bis standard. Consequently be promptly undertook the work of establishing a good classical school. Speedily bis laudable efforts were crowned with success. A comtpodions house of hewn logs was erected. Many young men and women from this and other counties entered his school. The pupile, not satisfied with the less imposing nume academy. following the example of the pupils of a long-syno Pennsylvania school, called Mr. Martin's school. "The Log College." In the days of yore, sach was the educational condition in Madison Township.

VERNON TOUSSHIP SCHOLA

In Vernon Township schools were maintained as early as 1824 At the source of Twin Creek, the Friends bad erected a meeting house and Damed it Mount Pleasant. In this bouse both winter and summer terms of school were tangbt. The summer termos were generally taught by females. The mala teschern were Jacob Mendenball, Jease Stanley sad John Nixon. Anna Coffin was one of the female teachers. Mount Pleas- ant had its literary society. For a time this society was full of life. Often the boys sought to be eloquent. They talked in thrilling speech.

Doitrorby Google

845

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of Demosthenes and Cicero, Pitt and Funmet, Rittenhouse and Otin. The active members of the society were Lavi Knight, George Knight, Samuel Coffin. Edom Cos, John Bash, Jobn Nixon, Jamen G. May. Jeme Stan. Jey. James Manillin and Nathan Maudlin. The work of the society began in 1525. In the Hnugnto settlement, cset of Livonia, schoule wers supported at quite an early day. Jousthan Prosser, to whose school- manter life attention has already been dirveted, wrought in teaching efforts when men now old were little boye Jnese Martin did teaching work long to be remembered, and the veteran minister, William McCoy, filled the office of Howsier actualmaster. There, too, Jeune Hnagute, ut the early age of sixteen, played ths part of a grave pedagogno,

In very early years, Howard Township ww crowned with log cabin. puncheon floor schoolbouses There were the Rainchart-Hatis School- house, the Bock bill Schoolhouse, the Voyles Schoolhouse, and many Diher houses where Welnter's bleved old spelling book sod the limber birch had an abiding place Soms of the teachers were: Dempeey Wright, David Beck, James Watts, Josoph Marshall, Richard Davis, Aos Davidleno, Lather Pitman. Simon P. Gresham, Ellis Boorb, William Hatfield, George Etzler, Philip Sutherland and others. It is good to bens venerable men and women who in childhood enjoyed the instruction of theen pioneer schoolmasters, speak of them as nuble men in their tenching trade Que esid of Richand Davis, he was & good man and an excellent tracker Another, who is now gliding down the western slope of life, rwenarkel of Dempsey Wright that his pupils all loved bim. be was so kind to thein and strove so earnestly to advance them in useful kunwledge. According to the traditions of the old men and wonen now living, Howard Township may Justly boast of early odocationnl zonl.

MMET TUTTIEIF SCHOOLLL

Purey heure the name of n noted Territorial Gowruce, and aconrd- ingly the pioneer of the township should rank in corly devotion to odn rational intervala. It ban boen claimed that the first school taught in Washington Connty was held in a deserted cabin not a great dietance from Fredericksburg. The Posey Township rall of teachers in long, and, AN siromly elsted, teaching work bad an early date. Among the people the old " peregrinre" of the schoolmaster trade often monght amploy- ment. Of this class a few made their "mark " The symbols of an ele- gast pentonn will retain for a century to come. Now and then, a beat pen drawing hidden away between the leaves of an old family Bible may be found. Eumilinl among the instructors of Pomy Township ara: George Trabue Simon P. Gresham, Thomas Andrew, Maggia Swansy, Rebecca Bringle, Nim Hudson, Levi Pennington, Josoph Cromer, Jamen

846

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTT.

W. Adama, John B. Cromer, B F. Overton and wien, Benjamin Cravens, William Cheover, J. Crawford Weir. Sac Lafollett, J. B. Cheover, Mine Funk. Henry Gregory, Sanford Schingley, James G. May, Mi. Sieg, John & Beck, Robert Dovie, Mr. Buchanan, E. B Curese, A. A. Cravens, Sam- uel EL. Mitchell and Robert B. Mitchell. The foregoing list, by no means, completes the roll. It Is said that George Trabue taught the first in the vicinity of Hardinsburg, about a mile south of town in a double log house, one end of which was used for a church by the Methodist people. A writer af early history says: "Shortly after there was another school taught in an old log cabin, which now stands on the farm of William Mitebell." The first school in Hardinsburg was taught in 1840. by William Cheerer, in an old log house The following year, J. B. Cheever opened a school in the house in which the Hoffmans now live. In subsequent years schools were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the Cravens Schoolboase. In 1950 or in 1531 the people, at their own expense, erveted their prosent school building. In this house active efforts, on the part of several teachers, have been made to do successful teaching work. For the time, these efforts were very prom- ising Excellent results attended the labors of E. B. Caress, Samnel H. Mitebell, Robert Mitchell and others. Closing examinations proved that much good teaching had preceded. At Fredericksburg quite a number of important terms have occurred. Many pupils bare tando commend- able advancement in what are appropriately termed high school branches. During the winters of 1880 and 1881 a series of literary and scientific lectures was delivered by different professional men. The sigus then were that Fredericksburg would sustain a permanent school of a high order. Such are the people of that community that a persevering teacher of the right atamp could build up and sustain a model high school.

HERCE TOUXSLIP SCHOOLA

The roll of ancient teachers for Pierce Township is not lengthy. The names are: Edward Langdon, William Sill, Solomon Shreeve, Thomas Dias and Pesaby MoWilliams. Some of these names appear in more than one township All In their day were pronounced good, industrious workmen. The pupils nt Dias, Langdon and Sill call them excellent workmen. In no part of Pisarce has any udurt been made to establish an seademy or high school. Still, as students of other schools Pierce bas given the world some good scholars and enterprising men.

JACROUS TOWNSHIP SCHOUL".

In order, Jackson, the name that three score and ten years ago " sounded loud and barsh as thunder," comes next. In this township the number of santes employed in the ancient tenobing work is not impos- ing. John Martin, Sr., standa first Then come his sons, Stephen and

Djailed ka/ Google

847

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Euoch Martin, also Juwre Bishop, Martin Crim, Williano P. Dickson, Dandridge Overton, B. F. Overton, Jama Crim, R. W. May. In late reare Allwet Denny did unmuderable touching in Martinaburg. Long agn, Dandridge Overton is credited with having tanght many terms of school. The extent of his scholarship is not reported. John Martin. Sr., Was a remarkably solid man. Whatever he poder ook in the way nl instruction. he strove to do well. Jemse Crim is reported to have tanght much, and it is further maid of bim that he sought to prove him. orif n workman worthy of wages Io Jackson Township little effort ban Pter heen male to) maisblish an academic acbuol

In Polk Township the first teacher remembered was a Mr. Cooper. Ilew well or baw lang he taught no trustworthy report can be obtained. Ilo calor, be taught. ati he went. The host name in order is John Elhett. As a teacher br dul gol write hne name on the scroll of fame, hat he n.mdle su rubch impression on ope mind na to since the presossor et ilint min.I tos protaminee him a good toucher and a good como Larkio Puebw.nul's name is rorolha in silence. He taught, not an Suerates, l'Into re Pythag ires In memory he won neither the staff, the cup nor The ijne first." Delupsey Trowbridge stood op is one of the good man in ciely He was always willing to try. He wished bis pupils to try- Hoe woff Daniel Sullivan Jul in the sebordmaster hue is not reported.

wurlit. Tiw inf mmant pronounced bim n capital tascher

Among the carb -rttlemy af Franklin Township there was a strong JP1. 019 - 9-1 1 -russel & curelui catocholical child-training. in banat bug che lley for the children would answer for schoolhouse aromageler nt. The thing wanted was nolidl, practical teaching The f.bning last includes the nature of the early teachers: Elijah Swarm, That. 4 Every Man Por, Sr. Juba Scott, Thomas G Dias, Madre Applicare. Delsper Trabulge. Alvan Poor, Jr. Medat Witwe. Mr. M'a b. Mr V ares, Ambele Fitzpatrick Conversations with the old Det und wenn wir wore pugile of thew early teachers show how touch

ti -* *** 1 wa- we musel Troshanna maan of signal ability -ona .1 . vare bent srl mordap wonat påner him in the first rank in nny SHE Is, 'DA 42 -lavish . | atus to the intasienting bowl romdered lu-+ ffitte 1 learn se in 2 rinkliu Township nimost utterly useless Ao . Miely -ru .. Kade. b .jeak highly enough of the lerthing work of

848

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Moffatt. Sbe says that "his pupils all loved him. and that be wan no kind and attentive to the little ones." The pupils of Alvan Poor, senior and junior, bestow then excellent mames. The «nme is true of several other names. Surely. "a good name le rather to be chosen than great riches, " Intermingling with the old men and women of this day telle bow valuable the teaching of fifty years since was. Many of the children taught then nro intelligent, reading old men and women now. Perhaps no effort was over made in Franklin Township to establish an academy or high school, but in that far buck day almost every Inmily in the township was the recipient of a weekly newspaper. The neighborhood arbool created the taste for rending. Some of the early teachers were men of quite limited education; others were superior classical scholars.

01280X TOWASHIF SCHOOLS.

Gibson Township, for almost half a century, bas borne the imposing cugnoten " State of Gibson." How the name was carued is somewhat amusing. During the memorable canvase of 1940, two young Salem lawyers had a joint debate at what is now Kossuth. A noted local poli- tician of Gibson, during the debate, undertook to hold up the hands of his man. A reporter of one of the Salem papers, calling himself Capt. Josiah Spanks, in his report named the debate a great battle, pronoune ing one of the young lawyers n Seventy five Pounder, and the Gibnon Township politician, Chiel Guaner from the State of Gibson, Ever since the publication of the despatch of Capt. Josiah Spanks, that township has been called the " State of Gibson." In educational matters. " The State of Gibson " ia not bebind other townships In the past twenty-siz years Gibson has been noted fue the number of bright, intelligent young men who have sought and obtained a good education. & careful inquiry after the early teachers of Gibson Township reveals the following Dames: Thomas Luster, Leonard Harbold, Cornelius Mitchell, Henry MeDaniel, Thouse G. Dias, James W'. Sciters, Chester P. Davis, Joseph Still and Jefferson Stout. Perhaps a still more diligent search might add other names. Again appears the name of Thomas G. Dins. It is not necessary to repeat the names of the townships in which he taught. Wherever ha wrought he was pronounced a good workman. A goodly norober of the names were called good teachers. As # strong ori- dence of good, early teaching work in Gibson it is only necessary to refer again to the large number of young who have sought higher attain- ments in the educational life The okl teachers urged them onward and upward. When the names of Theina- Leater and Cornelius Mitebell are mentioned in the presence of older residents of Gilson, the meertion is certain to follow: "They were good tearliera " More than once. in later days, laulable efforts have been made to sustain a good high school at Little York. Rer. S. P. Chambers, who afterwards held a

Dlg zedby Google

849

HISTORY OF WASILINGTOX COUNTY.

poution in one of the New Albany high schooln, made an earnest strug. gle in that direction. Others made the trial. If these allempte did fail, still the trial had a salutary influence on the people of Gibuon. A desire for higher culture har boun inspired, and many persons go else- where to obtain what can not be had at home. In later years a oven- mebduble spirit, has motw thau unce shown itself among the common school teachers of Gibson. Several times have they banded themselves together under the resolution to tenke the schools of that township equal, if not superior, to the schools of any other township in the county.

PREVENT PRITATE ANDOOL ESTERFLIREL.

At present in Washington County there are few private educational enterprises Eikosi Academy. st Salem, in the only one of note. Prot. W. W. May. A. M. commenced operations in January, 1878. The design involves a purpose of bigh order in academle education, Latin and Greek reaching through the enpbomore year in the State University. French, algebra, grumostry, surveying, rhetoric, United States history, gruntnar, geography, physiology, general history and English liters tom Nineteen have graduated in the regular coura. The school is in · prosperous condition. Benide the preparation of students for college, grent caro in taken to prepare young men and woww for thorough teach. ing work in the common schouls. Connected with the nendemy in a very hvely old fashioned debating club

Dlaneeds/ Google

PART VI. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

BENJAMIN ALBERTSON, « descendant of one of the old pioneer Iatailies of this county, of which he is a native, was born Mareb 17. [4339. His father, Calkay Albertson, was born in the Old Nurtb Stata April 21, I>w, and there married Martha Comand, who was a nativa of the nosun state an her husband, her barth occurring April 4, 1810. They caton to Washington County when it was yat now, pasand through many of the inconveniences and hardships of backwoods life, and Mr. Albert son lied in Howand County, this State, a man of many friands and low ubwinie Min Alletout is yet living, and resides with her mon in this Points. Benjamin Allertab ban pasund bis notire life na a resident of bis antive cuunty February 28, 1472, he Jod to the matrimonial altar Mit Tantinh Tycker, daughter of Jamm and Sarah (Haston) 'Tacker, an.] bay lor is the father of tien chillres, who are samuel Zella, Reheres, Elmutual, Uhver P. and Jimeph W. The mother is a member of the I'mosbytorian ('burch Mr Allerton is a number of the Society of Friends in It Republican in politics, and the owner of a avce form of 135

JOSEPH W. ALLEN secondi father of Heber Allan, editor of the Salvem Pera, win a native of Sales, and was born October 4, 1531, being the oblomtid a family of bine children born to Thommy W. sod Annie Heinkiny : Alien ahn were nativenot Marylowland Kentucky, Our subject Perunitel at lacittar wutil be bail attained the age of sixteen years He then woLl to Ine with H. F Husten, who was a carpenter und joiner. for the purpose of learning thut trade About the year 1810 he engaged in mocr. cantile lite, martitig the first store handling groceries exclusively. in Sario, runtruling in that Ingajiems until the year 1590; ba then entered into the tiem of Camptell, Allen & Co. in the cotton and woulen milla bere, nod nt the breaking uut of the Help-llwu thay devotel thair eutiro altrottun to the marsfacture of moulen guorts, which he continued up to the tune of his deutb. Dec-waber 72. 1852, hte marriage with Sarah J. Baston took place lo which union four children were boru, of which theer tore are now living Thocuan F who married Lucy N Daly, sud wrb+ is at present lisic; in Sulera, this State, Charles A, whose wile was Lizzi- Nangie why ia a resident of Salem: Hober H . editor of tha Salein Press, whose wife is Julin MeRee The subject ut thia aketch. Frugt filet bal attained a very goal education for bindlay, in early life.

852

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

He was a very energetic business man. He was a member of the Masonie fraternity at Salem, belonging to both the Blue Lodge and Chop. fer. He also belonged to the Presbyterian Church, being chorister in that eburch. In politics he was # stauch Republican. and took quite au active part in the advocation of that party's principles. May 25, 1865, be died. Date of birth of children: T. Frank, June 13, 1554; Charles A , Novem. ber 28, 1856; Heber H., July 8, 1801. Mms Allen, widow of subject, is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. At the date of his death be was pari owner of the woolen mill now owned by Me. Sinclair He was highly respected by the community, being a man of high integrity.

ROBERT W. ALLEN, grocer, was born in Solem. Ind., December 29, 1545, and is the youngest in a family of uine children born to Thomas W. and Antie (Brinkley) Allen, the former boru in Maryland in 1904 and the latter in Kentucky, Both the Allens sod Brinkleys were among the pioneers of this counts. Thomas W. Allen came to Salem in 1822, and worked at cotton spinning for n time. He then look charge of the cotton spinning factories bere, and continued in charge until 1934. He then engaged in farming until his death. in May. 1906. His widow died in 1974. Robert W. Allen remained with his parents until sixteen years old, and when but little past that age he enlisted. in 1802, in Com- pany E. Fifty-third Indians Volunteer Infantry. In 1903 hin father took bim from the army against bis will, but he could not resist aiding his country when it was in danger, and accordingly he re enlisted, being assigned to Company A. One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment. He continued in the service until the close of the war. He then returned to his native county, and sodo afterward established bis present buni- Desa. Mr. Allen is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic, K. of P. and G. A. R. fraternities, and the Presbyterina Church. In 1870 he married Mim Cementiao Trotter, who died Doremaber 13, 1881, leaving three children: Ralph W., Claude and Fred. For his present wife Mr. Allen married Sarab E., daughter of Robert R. and Elizabeth (Folmer) Shanks, Angust 14, 1854.

DAVID M. ALSPAUGH. of the legal firm of Alspangh & Lawler. was born September 11. 1842. in Crawford County. Ind., and is one of three living children in a family of eight born to Solomon and Emaline (Carry) Alspangb. Both parents were natives of Orange County. Ind .. and of German. Irish descent. David M. was raised a farmer's buy, and by hard stady pued a creditable examination, and wna licensed to teach when seventeen years old. After teaching oue term he responded to bia country's call, and August 5, 1841, enlisted a private in Company F., First Jodiann Cavalry, Twenty esgbth Regiment. For three years he was in active service and hesiden numerous skirmishes was in the battles of Fredricktown, Round Hill, Helean, Little Rock and Pine Bluff, at the Intter piace receiving a severe gun shot wonad in the left knee. Septem- ber 12, 1564, he wes discharged, and having helped roernit Company F. for the One Hundred and Forty-fourth, in January 1945, he was nomugin- sioned First Lieutenant by Gov. Morton, and as anch served in the Shenandosb Valley until he was honorably discharged with his company at the close of the war. On returning he atten led the seminary at Paoli eighteen months, then for one year real law with Simpson & Mavity. Graduating from the law department of the State L'niversity, be located at Salem early in 1865, where he is recognized as que of the county'e lust attorneys. He is a stalwart Republican, a Mason, and in 1884 was

Dieedby Google

#53

WASHINGTUY TOWNSHIP

a ilelegate to the Chicago Convention that bocuinated Binine and Logen. Mise Ionuna Brown became bis wife July 22. 1504, and these children were born to them: Homer C , Robert R . Ora. Emma (docensed), an infant that died nunamod, Florwnon, David l'anl ant Thomas.

DAVID ALVIS ideceasedi, a pioneer of Washington County, wma trwa in nhont the your 1754 in the Old Dominion, which was also the huttse State of his parents, Jeme and Mary (Mallory) Alvin Joann Alvin uns un old Revolutionary war soldise, and in abont 1906 moved to Shelby County, Kentucky, where David Alvin, in 1512, married Ellou Mr Kinter, amit from whence he emigrated with his family. In February. 15|ii, tu wbut in now Washington County, Ind , settling near Pekin ou the South Fork of Blue River. In after years David returned to Ken fitcky and brought with bim on his return his aged parenta, who ever afterward" monde Indiana their home The Alvie family anw much of the bnrdnbips and inconveniences of pioneer life, and in some way have been Kleblibird with the prosperity of the county froin ite organization to the present Mir. Elleu Alvin died in 1968, followed by ber bumbaod in Isis, both members of long standing in the regular Baptist Church, and loth unening awny on the old farm they Gret coteral from the Gorero- ment in 1418 Perbape the most widely known of their children in W. M Alvin, who was born in Pierce Township. September 6. 1828, and ban lupin tunde Washington County his home. Much of ban life bas been pmsand in teaching school. and for eight years he has served as Treasurer of the county, being elected to that office four different times. Mums C. D. Lapping became his wife in 1830, and J. Albert and J. D. were their rbildiren, the Intter bring the only survivor. The mother dying in IN5A. Mr Alvis married Mins A. M. Motainger in 1858, and two children, A. C. mand Charlie 54., have been born to them.

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 Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 99

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 199-?] Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.] Number of Pages: 954

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954