USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 40
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > History of Lawrence and Monroe counties, Indiana : their people, industries, and institutions > Part 40
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
There was one hand mill in the settlement. But the corn was so soft that it would neither beat nor grind, until it was kiln-dried. I made a scaffold up in the chimney and dried mine; then I had my choice to go to a hand mill a mile away, or to pound it."
Mr. Parks continues his narrative in a very entertaining and instruc- tive way, telling of the early hardships and difficulties in obtaining meat. He spoke of the Indians of the county, the Delawares and Pottawatomies, who, with their squaws and papooses, often spent the night at his house.
Some of the early settlers of the township in 1816, the entries being made at the land office at Vincennes, were: John Ketchum, on section 1; Jonathan Lindley, Roderick Rawlins, Asa Osborn and Joseph Evans, on section 2; Lewis Noel, section 4; Jonathan Gilbert, section 8; George Cutler and George Sharp, section 9; James Parks, section 10; Archibald Wood and James Goodwin, section II ; Samuel Caldwell, section 13; John Bigger, James Parks and Samuel Elliot, section 14; Ambrose Carlton, section 15; Archibald Wood and Samuel Caldwell, section 17: Jacob Cutler and William Bradford, section 18; Joseph Harris, section 21 ; John Simons, section 22; Ambrose Carlton and Asa Coltrin, section 23; Christopher Eslinger and John Gordon, section 24; John McCormick, section 26; Jonathan Lindley and John . Simons, section 27; Solomon Bower, Joseph Kennedy, William Thornton and Abel Bigelow, section 28; David Johnson, section 29; William Baker and John Fullen, section 30; John Perishaw, section 31 ; Daniel Zincks and David Sears, section 32; Edward Archer, Abel Bigelow and William Oliver, section 33; Joseph Taylor and Thomas Hodges, section 34; Benjamin John- son and Samuel Rogers, section 35: Fred Smoyers and David S. Chambers, section 36. In 1817 entries were made by Henry Kirkham, Henry Wampler, Coleman Puett, William Latherlin, Joseph Reeves, Samuel Hazlett, Eli Lee, John Armstrong, T. R. Harley, Joseph Kennedy, Joel A. Dyer.
In 1841 there were one hundred and sixty-one poll tax payers in the township, 18,8041/2 acres of land, which land was valued at $133,938, carry- ing a total tax of $1,230.47. Several small mills were operated during the early days, most of them run by hand. A small quantity of whiskey was manufactured in the township, but several persons, among them being the Mayfields, of Richland, and the Allisons, of Van Buren, opposed the con- sumption of spirituous liquors. In 1818 William Rawlins and Mary Sharp were united in the bonds of matrimony, which was the first wedding in the township. David P. Edmundson was the first child born in that locality, and Lucinda Puett was the second.
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
ELLETTSVILLE.
Although at present the most important town in the township, Elletts- ville was not the first. Edward Ellett kept a tavern at the present site for many years before it was even considered a village. He also conducted a rude saw mill. George Parks owned the first grist mill; it was run by hand and was very primitive in every respect. A man named Kirkham operated a horse mill about 1820.
In February, 1837. John Sedwick, county surveyor. was employed by Reuben Tompkins to lay out fourteen lots in section 9. The village thus founded was named Richland. In the same year an effort was made to obtain a postoffice for Richland, but there was another of the same name in the state, hence the town's name was changed to Ellettsville, in honor of Edward Ellett. Alonzo Beman laid out seventeen additional lots at the town, and opened a general merchandise store, with a stock valued at one thousand dollars. F. T. Butler soon went into partnership with Beman, having been in business "himself at Mt. Tabor. A liquor store was opened in the town in 1839 by Jefferson Wampler, and in 1838 Ellett & Barnes started another general merchandise store. Thus, in 1840, there was one liquor shop. one blacksmith shop, one grist mill, one saw mill, two stores, a post- office, and about five whole families. Others later identified with the com- mercial interests of the town were James Whitesell, Johnson Stites, Isaac Wampler, H. R. Seall. Mr. Manville, S. E. and O. A. Harris, Emanuel F. Faulkner, Parks & Coffey. John H. Reeves, Harris & Dean. Dowell & Moore. and Parks & Puett. The McCallas, of Bloomington, also conducted a branch store there.
During the early days of Ellettsville there were many mills. of grist and saw variety, scattered around the village. The town became quite a com- mercial center and business was thriving. Woolen factories were also built later, spoke factory and a planing mill. In 1850 the population of the village was about 60 ; in 1860, near 250: in 1870, about 450; in 1883, about 625; and in 1913. approximately seven hundred.
The incorporation of the village was first mentioned in the year 1866, and met with a storm of opposition. In June of that year a petition was presented to the county board asking that the village might hold an election, to decide whether or not Ellettsville be incorporated. All of the influential residents signed the petition, which comprised a plan for two hundred and two acres. By order of the county board, an election was held on June 16.
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
1866, and the result was in, favor of incorporation. In September, Elletts- ville was officially incorporated by the county board, and officers were elected. These elections were held for several years, then discontinued, but finally interest in them revived, and the town at last reverted to municipal govern- ment again.
BUSINESS INTERESTS OF 1913-
There is a progressive atmosphere around the hill-bordered town which augurs well for the inhabitants, among whom there is a very strong brother- hood and co-operative spirit.
The town officers of Ellettsville are: Robert Digel, Will C. Reeves and E. M. Parks, trustees ; W. R. Coffey, clerk, and D. F. Burk, treasurer.
In the various commercial lines, Ellettsville has an excellent represen- tation. The grocery interests are managed by John M. Berry, J. K. Phipps, S. P. Krutsinger and Dos. Hite, and each of the stores has a profitable trade with the townspeople. Hunter & Son and Thomas Harris have hardware stores, and Guy A. Mccown runs a clothing and general furnishing store. Maner & Williams and Fletcher & Scully own blacksmith shops; Hollis Hall and Charles Anderson are barbers : J. M. Rice manages a very complete drug store; William Bastin runs a dray line: O. E. Fletcher is a jeweler ; E. E. Faulkner has charge of a lumber business: William Wampler and Charles Stimson have meat markets: Jake Starnes deals in live stock: Harry Rice and Elmer Keen conduct restaurants; J. S. Brown & Son have an auto and horse livery. The Ellettsville Milling Company handle the grain and feed for the farmers of the township, and also for surrounding townships. The stone industry is represented in Richland township with several excellent firms, among them being Alexander King & Company, Perry Stone Company. Matthews Brothers, and Thompson & Sandy Company. Dill & Brown also deal in grain. The newspaper of Ellettsville is conducted in a very able man- ner by W. B. Harris: the sheet is styled The Form, and is a seven-colunin quarto, published weekly. There are three physicians in Ellettsville, namely : Drs. W. W. Harris, O. K. Harris and I. N. Presley, but there are no dentists. The banking interests of the town and community are controlled by the Peo- ples State Bank. a reliable and accommodating institution. Two telephone companies furnish service to the people of this town, and connection may be had with any point in the world covered by the Bell system.' There is no town hall in Ellettsville.
Fraternally, Ellettsville has about every lodge in the country either
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
represented with a lodge or else several members. The blue lodge of Masonry is here, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias also, and each has over a hundred members. The Rebekahs and Pythian Sisters are also strong here, in connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
There are four churches in Ellettsville, the Methodist, the Baptist, the Christian and the Presbyterian. The buildings of worship are unusually handsome for the size of the town, and would do credit to a city. There is a distinct church loyalty among the good people of the town, and there are very few Sunday morning loafers.
The Peoples State Bank of Ellettsville, above named, was established February IJ, 1905. by F. J. Hermes and other stockholders. The capital stock was the same as now, $25,000. Its first officers were: W. P. Sandy, president ; F. J. Hermes, cashier ; W. B. Harris, vice-president ; F. I. Owens, Fred Matthews, W. P. Sandy, directors. The bank has done an excellent business and now has a surplus and undivided profits of $7,225. Its officers in 1913 were: Fred I. Owens, president; Guy A. Draper, cashier; W. B. Bennett, vice-president; F. I. Owens, W. B. Harris, B. G. Hoadley, Fred Matthews, J. R. Harris, directors.
CHAPTER XXIV.
SALT CREEK TOWNSHIP.
This township received its name from the stream which flows southward across it, also from the great industry of manufacturing salt which is con- ducted within the borders. The township was organized in 1825. Through- out the township there are many salt springs, principally along the course of Salt creek, thus giving the waters of the stream a high saline quality. The deer gave rise to their discovery by white men, the animals coming to the stream in great numbers to drink. Many of the beasts were killed at these "deer-licks," as they were easy prey then. As salt was a valuable and scarce commodity in those days, the pioneers resolved upon an idea of evaporating the water and obtaining the salt for their own consumption. In 1822 and 1823 Henry Wampler, Thomas Literal and others bored down on section 12 and found an abundance of brine. They constructed huts at the place and procuring several iron kettles, began the manufacture of the mineral. Their product was in great demand, and during their period of activity it is said they got at least eight hundred barrels from the ground. The county board was petitioned in 1823 to construct a road to the works, as the travel hence was becoming very large. This was done accordingly. In later years numerous other wells were sunk within the township, and the industry be- came very lucrative to the operators.
With the exception of the lowlands and slopes, the ground of Benton township is not of tillable value. The good soil is scattered about in small tracts, but these, nevertheless, are made to produce to their utmost. On the hilltops and uncultivated land the native timber is left. Hard water springs abound, and there are also many sulphur springs whose waters are of high medicinal value as a blood purifier. Salt creek, of course, is the main source of irrigation. The stone in the township is not quite so easy of access as in other portions, but by persistent effort very good specimens may be ob- tained. Lime is manufactured on a small scale, also brick and tile.
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
SETTLEMENT.
Moses Williams, on the 19th of September, 1817, purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of section 7, this being the first purchase in the town- ship; he later entered land in section 22, and in 1821 and 1824, on section 12. Lowe and Lee bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 10 in 1818, ยท and on August 2, 1820, Elisha Pollard settled on section 18. Henry Wamp- ler bought land in section 23 and 27. John Huff and Elisha Pollard also purchased, the former in section 27 and the latter in section 6. James Mat- lock entered in section 27 in 1822; John W. Lee on section 11 in 1824; J. O. Howe on section 12 in 1826. Howe also bought eighty acres on section 2 in 1824. and John Barnes on section 10 in 1828. Alexander Owens purchased ground on section 10 in 1832, and in the same year William Boruff entered on section 10, and Jacob Stephens on section 2 in the following year. The men who entered land during 1836 were: Samuel Smith, section 3: Finney Courtney, section 4; Henderson Myers, section 4; Aquilla Rogers, Ambrose Miller and William Martin, section 6; John McKissock, section 7; Andrew Harshberger. section 8; J. O. Howe, section 11 ; Edward Walker and John Huff, section 15; Jonathan Huntington, section 17; George Johnson, section 18; Thomas Ferguson, section 19; Archibald Wilson, section 31; Reuben Clark, section 27: Samuel McCalla and George Johnson, section 28; William Taylor and Thomas Ferguson, section 30; David Killough and Michael Wampler, section 31 ; Jamies Wakefield, section 32, and Daniel Butcher, Archi- bald Wilson and Aaron M. Wilson, on section 34. In 1837 there were: W. W. Duncan, section 4; W. D. Maxwell, section 4; Garret Moore, section 7; Isaac Bolinghouse. section 9; Edward Walker, section 15; Alexander Miller, section 15: John Cherry and John Armstrong, section 15 : Michael Wampler and James Wakefield, section 31. In 1838 there were: Charles M. Cun- ningham, section 6; Samuel Curry, section 7: Daniel McCaughan, Daniel Kilpatrick and James Gordon, section 8: John Barnes, section 10: Hamilton Gray, section 21. In 1839 there were: Lankston Brummet. section 4; Alexander Kerr, section 6; Samuel Latimer, section 8; Jonathan Huntington, section 9: William Cabot, section 17; George Johnson, section 28; also David Johnson; John Campbell, section 31; and John Lucas, sections 33 and 34.
CHAPTER XXV.
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.
Van Buren township was settled earlier and more rapidly perhaps than any other township in Monroe county, with the exception of Bloomington. The soil of the locality is rich and productive, hence the influx of settlers began at a very early period, most of the pioneers being from the Southland, and bringing with them all the chivalry and courtesy of their ancestors.
The surface of Van Buren township is not so hilly and rough as various other townships; the land approaches a fair level, and is well watered and drained. Numerous small streams and clear springs are scattered over the country, enriching the alluvial qualities of the surface soil. Valuable timber at one time covered the land, but has been mercilessly destroyed by the in- roads of commercialism. The trees included black and white walnut, maple, oak, elm, chestnut, poplar, beech, sycamore, ash, cherry, gum, dogwood, sassafras, spicewood, etc.
An important geological feature of the county is Puett's cave, in the northwestern portion. The cave is of unknown depth in places, and is characterized by many winding passageways, stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and other rock formations as curious as well as beautiful.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The name of the first resident of the township is not on reliable record. It was doubtless one of the men whose names are enrolled as land buyers in 1816, namely : Arthur Patterson, on section 1; David Matlock, Jacob Cutler, Daniel Sears, James Parks, James Matlock, section 2; John Cutler, section 4; Archibald Wood bought three hundred and twenty acres on section 10; John Allen and George Matlock, section II, the latter also on section 12; Jonathan Rains, John Carr and John W. Lee, section 13; John Allen, James Borland and John Carr, section 14; Archibald Wood, Michael Wood, David Matlock, section 15; John Collins and Joseph Berry, section 21; William Wilson and William Newcomb, section 22; John Harvey, Jonathan Nichols and Arthur Patterson, section 24; Solomon Green and Archibald Wood, sec-
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tion 25; Levin Lawrence, section 26; Adam Darling, section 27; Joseph Berry, Adam Bowen and John Briscoe, section 28; Jesse Tarkington, Arthur Patterson and John Sadler, section 31; Arthur Patterson and Joseph Berry, section 32: the latter also on section 33; John Storm, section 34; Thomas McCrang, section 35; Jolm Johnson, Josiah Jackson and Joseph Richardson, section 36. In the year 1817 the following entries were made: David Mat- lock, section 2; Francis Charlice, section 11; James Matlock, section 12; Eli Lee, section 14: William Newcomb, section 15; Pierre Chacun, section 22 ; Solomon Phillips, section 23; Joseph Gerrard and James Parsons, section 26; Adam Kern and Isaac Rogers, section 27; John Berry, section 33; Joseph Berry, section 34. In 1823 Austin S. Reeves made entry on section 9, and Littleton West on section 21; Vincent Lindsey settled on section 1 in 1824, and in the same year Eli Farmer bought on section 2; John Mahala on section Io in the same year ; John M. Berry, section 29; Lemuel Lyons, section I in 1825; George Moss, section 5 in 1829; Thomas Snoddy, section 6 in 1826; John Watson, section 8 in 1828; Robert Dice, section 9; Henry Sanders. section 10 in 1827; William Deskins, section 10 in 1828; George Milam, section 12 in 1827; Isaac Rogers, section 21 in 1825; Joseph Berry, section 21 in 1825: Gaspard Koons, section 26 in 1825; William Morris, section 29 in 1829; John H. Bunger and Orion Crocker, section 33 in 1829. Several men brought their families here in 1816. There are many who believe that there were white families living in this township as early as 1815, although there is no definite proof of this.
There are others who came to this locality early, accompanied by their families, and a few of them were James Gentry, Absalom Baker, Robert B. Givens, Andrew Gray, George Grubb, Samuel Grabeal, Solomon Green, Seth Goodwin, William Gray, Andrew Gray, Lewis Harman, Jasper Koons, Felix Landers, Matthew Legg. Benjamin Neeld, William Neeld, the Prices, Hiram Pauley, Solomon Phillips, Rebecca Rawlins, the Renshaws. Benjamin Rice, Robert Rice, William Rice, John Sadler, Henry Sanders, L. G. Shryer. James G. Sparks, Noble Stockwell, James Shipman. John Shipman, Thomas Snoddy. John Tarkington, W. C. Tarkington, Sylvanus Tarkington, Samuel Turner, Reuben Ward, Luke Ward, Booker Wit and others.
STANFORD.
This very small village was platted and laid out by Jesse Tarkington in the late thirties. James Crane soon afterwards opened a general merchan- dise store there, probably about 1839. Kemble, Klein & Company, Zachariah
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
Catron, Sylvester Dory, Nicholas Dillinger, Victor Dory, Odell & Walker opened up places of business during the forties and were very prosperous. In 1850 there were four general stores, two or three blacksmiths, a saw mill, several grist mills, and a population of one hundred and fifty. In 1885 the number of people in the town was estimated at two hundred, and in 1913, one hundred and twenty. The business consists of a store, a few shops and a postoffice.
THE BLUE SPRING COMMUNITY.
The organization of the Blue Spring Community in Monroe county in 1826 was the result of a movement which extended over the whole of the United States. In this country, during the years from 1820 to 1860, there was much dissatisfaction in the educational and moral systems in vogue for the development of a community. Accordingly people began to co-operate, to form groups and consolidate their wealth and influence to promote a better system of teaching. They would live together, work together and eat to- gether, and were controlled by a common set of by-laws and a constitution. Such eminent men as Horace Greeley, Charles Fourier and the Owens of Posey county, Indiana, were in sympathy with the scheme and used their efforts to build up these communities in every part of the country.
In Monroe county the members of the newly-formed community as- sembled at a place later called Harmony. They built their homes, placed their property in common, built a few stores, and erected an excellent school, all on a public square. Despite the abuse and ridicule they were subjected to by their neighbors, the first year was very successful. Their ideals were high and their intentions were of the best, but the inevitable was bound to creep in. No matter how a community may be formed, such familiarity will lead to trouble, caused probably by one or more individuals. When the bitter winds of winter commenced to sweep down on the gathering, many returned to their former homes. The spring of 1827 came, but a continuation of the community was abandoned. Such is the frailty of human nature.
CHAPTER XXVI.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
In the year 1829 Washington township was originated, and named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is a full congressional township, comprising thirty-six sections, and is township 10 north, range I west, of the second principal meridian, and is one of the four townships of Monroe county which is crossed by the old Indian boundary. This boundary was drawn at the treaty between the Indians and Gen. Will- iam Henry Harrison at Fort Wayne, on September 30, 1809, at which time all of Washington township, and all of Monroe county south of the boundary, was received from the tribes. The north portion of this township was in- cluded in what was termed the "New Purchase," and was ceded to the gov- ernment by the Indians at the treaty of St. Mary's, Ohio, on October 3, 1818. This land north of the boundary was not open to entry until all Indian title had ceased, and the ground had been surveyed by Thomas Brown in the summer of 1819. William Harris and Arthur Henrie surveyed the land south of the boundary in 1812, and it was opened for entry in 1816.
The timber of the township was of excellent quality. Red, black, white and chestnut oaks, black and white walnut, maple, poplar, cherry, chestnut, bech, elm, hickory, sycamore, sassafras, dog wood and gum trees con- stituted the forests of the township. Knob stone and the Keokuk groups were the main rock beds of the locality, and excellent specimens of these stones were shipped in large numbers. Traces may be found also of the great glacier which swept down from the north eons ago. Fossils of all kinds, crinoids and geodes are in the deposits in various places in the town- ship.
SETTLEMENT.
Within the borders of the present Washington township the first pur- chase of land was made on September 12, 1817, by James Bennington. He made the deal at the land office in Vincennes, while Monroe county was yet a portion of Orange county. His purchase included the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter
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LAWRENCE AND MONROE COUNTIES, INDIANA.
of section 30, township 10 north, range I west of the second principal meri- dian. John Patterson bought the second tracts in the township on August 11, 1823, the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter, and the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 31. The third entry was by Hugh Corr on section 14, on January 30, 1824. Andrew Smith, on section 6, and Jehu Buckner, on section 12, were purchases made in 1826. Samuel Gaskins purchased eighty acres of section 28 in 1827, and Lee Brown equaled his pur- chase in the same section on the following year. Other settlers during the days of formation were: William and J. Millikan, section 30 in 1828; John Turner, section 33, in October, 1829, and in the same year Wylie Burns, section 13, and Richard Colier, section 3; Isaac Gillaspy, section 34 in 1830; Robert Walters and Jehu Buckner, section 28, and John Weaver, section 5. in 1831 ; Thomas J. Nance bought land on section 3 in 1832; John Bales, section 12; James Mulky, section 29; Allen Sims, section 32: John Turner, section 33, and A. B. Anderson. In 1833 came Goalson Steppe, on section 2; John Weaver and Andrew Smith, section 5; Job Johnson, section 14; John Neal, section 17: John Bales, section 19: William McNeely, section 29; Henry Putman, section 31. In 1834 were Jehu Buckner, section 3; John Neal, section 17; Thomas Gillaspy, section 21; James Gaskins, section 28; David Paddock, section 28; Lee Brown, section 32; Isaac Gillaspy, section 33; Andrew S. Tate, also of section 33; Benjamin Marshall, on section 34; 1835 witnessed the following entries: Job Jolinson, section 14: William Gas- kins, section 20: Daniel Ray, section 29: Emsley Wood, section 31 ; Allen Sims, section 31 ; and Daniel Ray, section 33. Numerous entries were made in 1836, and they were: Jeremiah and Levi Colier, William Tate and William Carlton on section 16; Richard Colier, section 17; Solomon Langwell, sec- tion 18: Benoni Denny and William Carlton, section 19; Alexander W. Le- land, section 19: Stephen Gaskins, section 29: William Scott, William Mc- Neely and William Carlton, also on section 29: Alexander W. Leland, section 30. in 1836; Emsley Wood and Jacob Millikan. section 31: A. W. Leland and A. M. Poe, section 32: Solomon Langwell and A. B. Anderson, section 33. William Scott entered land in section 16 in 1837. Washington Smith on section 33, and David Browning on section 34 in the same year. Caleb Colier bought on the school section in 1838, Benjamin Ridge, section 31, and Isaac Gillaspy and William Scott, section 34. Thomas Gillaspy bought on section 16 in 1839. These entries were all made prior to 1840 and were those of the earliest settlers. The government land was rapidly taken up after- ward, in the forties and fifties.
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