USA > Indiana > Madison County > History of Madison County, Indiana, from 1820 to 1874 : giving a general review of principal events, statistical and historical items, derived from official sources > Part 15
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In the year 1873, John Blazier, of Fall Creek township, died under suspicious circumstances. After being buried several days his remains were taken up and his stomach sent. to Cincinnati, but nothing was disclosed to indicate poison.
In 1864, the bridge over White River, at Anderson, was built at a cost of $11,000.
In 1871, the Stilwell House at Anderson, was built at a cost of $40,000.
In 1850, the United States Hotel was built in Anderson by Alford Makepeace.
In 1873, the walls of the new brick building of Seth Hinshaw, in Alexandria, fell, causing a loss of $2,000.
In 1873, the iron bridge over Fall Creek, at Pendleton, was built, superintended by J. B. Lewis.
In 1870. Jacob Stilwell was found dead in his garden. He- was the father of Colonel Stilwell.
In 1874, Henry Rector was found dead in Adams town- ship, supposed to have been sun-struck.
In 1867, Thomas Davis, near Pendleton, was found dead in his woods. He was an old citizen, aged near seventy years
In 1867, the Commercial Block, at Pendleton, was built. About the year 1850, the brick business and dwelling house, in Chesterfield, was built by George Makepeace.
In 1865, the barn on the poor farm, south of Anderson, was struck by lightning and consumed.
About the year 1852, the seminary was built at Anderson.
In 1859, Arnold Drury eut his throat with a razor, near the south line of Fall Creek township.
In 1871, five brick school houses were built in Anderson township, by Samuel Myres, trustee.
In April, 1872, J. T. Swain's house was consumed by- tire, near Huntsville; loss $2,000.
In 1866, a son of W. W. Noland, aged eighteen years,
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fell out of an up-stairs window in Anderson, and was killed.
In 1873, the brick school houses of Markleville and New Columbus were built at a cost of $1,200, by John J. Jus- tice, trustee.
In 1866, E. J. Culipher committed suicide at his home in the east edge of Fall Creek to inship, aged sixty-five years.
In 1867, William Sloan, jr., undertook to ride a horse over the railroad bridge at Anderson. The result was that he fell through and broke his leg, and Jay there until the fol- lowing morning. The first passing train carried the poor horse over the bridge. It need scarcely be added that William was somewhat intoxicated.
In 1829, Moses Whetstone was appointed justice. The same year Moses Surber was appointed justice of the peace for Adams township.
In 1830, Thomas MeCallister was elected justies for Adams township.
In 1831, James P. Irish was elected coroner.
In 1834, William McKain was elected justice of the peace.
In October, 1834, R. N. Williams was elected clerk and recorder.
In 1830, Hiram Burch acted as justice of the peace for Adams township.
In 1825, Elijah Ellis was appointed county surveyor.
In 1824, Samuel Cory was commissioned the first sheriff in the county.
In 1825, Saul Shaul was commissioned coroner.
In 1823, Ansal Richmond was appointed elerk for a per- iod of seven years.
In 1827, James Campbell was appointed county sur- veyor. The following were commissioned as justices in the year 1826: Elisha Chapman, Abram Miller, Jacob Hiday, Richard Kinnaman, John Snodgrass; and in 1827, A. Makepeace, William Young, Charles Clark, Daniel Wise, Daniel Hardesty ; and in 1828, William Curtis, S. Penn.
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In 1829, James P. Irish was appointed surveyor.
In 1829, James Scott was commissioned probate judge.
In 1826, John Busby was commissioned justice of the peace.
In 1823, Moses Cox was commissioned the first clerk of the county.
In 1834, Hugh Gillmore was killed near New Columbus while falling a tree for the purpose of clearing the ground for a grave yard. He himself was among the first to be buried there. He was the father of Morris Gillmore, spoken of in another place.
In 1874, the brick school house was built in Fishersburg. In 1874, J. R. Silver built his residence near Pendelton.
In 1872, Decatur McCallister shot himself on his father's porch in Adams township and died immediately, and was buried by the Masonic fraternity at Pendelton. His age was twenty-two years.
The first ferry over White river at Anderson was kept by a man by the name of Klutter. It was afterward kept by G. T. Hoover.
The bridge over White river was swept away by high water in the year 1848.
The south side of the public square was burned in 1852.
James Tharp was killed by Edward Cox by a blow over the head with a gun, at a shooting match just east of Ander- son, in the year 1847.
T. J. Langdon, the first printer in Anderson, edited a small paper called the Federal Union, in the year 183.4.
The Court House was built in 1838 by Ballard Craw- ford.
William Myres' house was burnt down in Anderson in 1865.
Jacob Hubbard had an arm blown off at a ratification meeting, by the premature discharge of a cannon, at Ander- son, on July 10th, 1868.
In 1825 Caroline Holliday was lost in the woods, four miles southwest of Pendleton. It was the occasion of a great excitement throughout the neighborhood. This little
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girl, aged four years, proved herself a heroine. After spending the night surrounded by howling wolves, she responded calmly to a call of her frantic mother on the following day.
Mrs. Larcher died in Markleville, in 1873, aged ninety- five. She was buried at New Columbus.
Elizabeth Boram died at Markleville, in 1874, aged ninety. She was the mother of George, John and Gideon Boran.
In 1826 a terrible tornado swept over a portion of our county, three miles south of Anderson. Its track is yet marked by a growth of small timber, the larger having been all swept away.
The first brewery was started at Anderson in 1865, by Doxey and Craycraft.
The saw mill between Huntsville and Columbus was built in 1839, by Brown and McAllister.
The three first blacksmiths at Anderson were Bane, Reed, and Blodgett.
In 1856, Loran Beeman was killed at the raising of W. G. Atherton's warehouse at Anderson.
The tan yard at Chesterfield was started in 1830, by Osborn and brother. It soon fell into the hands of Amisa Makepeace, who conducted it for many years. It finally passed into the hands of Mr. Williams, and in 1870 ceased to exist.
The tan yard at Pendleton was started in the year 1827, by Thomas McCartney. It has since been owned by Charles Mitchell, Aaron Shawl, Mr. West, H. Neal, A. M. Ulin, A. E. Russell, James Thomas, and Neal Hardy and J. O. Hardy, and in 1863 went down.
In 1852, Griffith Jackson was prosecuted for obstructing the railroad near his house, and a short distance north of Pendleton. There being no positive proof, he was released.
In 1863, Harvey Craven was accidentally shot in the arm by H. Bates. A company of soldiers had come from Indianapolis to demolish his whisky shop, and Mr. Bates fired at them and hit Mr. Craven, who was walking on the opposite side of the street.
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In 1872 H. J. Brown, postmaster, was shot in the mouth by A. C. Davis, in a politictal quarrel. Mr. B. was but slightly hurt.
In 1867 Dr. Walker, of Pendleton, was hit with a stone by Robert Traster, while engaged in a dispute with H. D. Thompson. Mr. W. was severely hurt.
In 1863, a sanitary meeting was held at Anderson to raise money for the sick and wounded soldiers. This meeting was addressed by Chaplain Losier, and $1,400 were promptly raised. A beautiful flag was presented to the delegation from Adams township, for being the largest. The presenta- tion speech was made by R. N. Clark, Esq., of Anderson.
On the 29th day of May, 1873, the Moss Island Mills were consumed by fire. They were owned by W. B. Allen, and valued at $10,000.
On October 10th, 1874, the grist mill of J. T. Adair & Co., at Elwood, was burned with a loss of $8,000.
A grand ratification meeting was held at Anderson, on October 19th, 1874, over the election returns of the thir- teenth. Bonfires and illuminations, and speeches were the order of the evening. The speeches were made by W. C. Fleming, Col. Berry, William Roach, W. A. Hunt, J. S. Falkner, A. C. McCallister, James McConnel, and D. B. Simms.
Jackson's mill, one mile above Anderson, on White river, was built by Andrew Jackson, in the year 1836. It is now owned by David Jackson, and is valued at $6,000.
The Michener Machine Works, on the north end of Jack- son street, Anderson, was started in 1870. Incorporated into a company, on August 1st, 1872. The capital stock is $30,000. D. W. Swank, President; James Hazelett, Geo. Nichol, Samuel Kiser, Abe Michener and James Michener, compose the company. These shops employ twenty-five hands.
In 1863, J. E. D. Smith was killed near Hamilton, by a saw log rolling on him. He was a highly respected citizen of Anderson.
W. Edwards was killed near Anderson, in 1866, in the
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same manner. Mr. E. lived two miles south of Anderson.
Just as we go to press a shocking murder has been dis- covered two and a half miles south-east of Anderson. A young man by the name of Albert Mawson was accidentally found in an old well. He had been thrown there, it is sup- posed, in June, 1874, about three months previous to his discovery. Great excitement of course followed such a dis- covery. His mother and brother were both arrested. While undergoing a preliminary trial, Mrs. Mawson took poison and terminated the matter so far as she was con- cerned. Thomas, the brother, at this writing, is confined in the county jail awaiting a final trial, on which occasion there will be facts developed which at this writing we know not of. Before this is in print discoveries may be made which will present the subject in a new phase. Hence, we will not make any further comment, and await a full develop- ment. With this brief statement, we will close our History, which brings us to October 20th, 1874.
MOBBING OF HON. FREDERICK DOUG- LAS AT PENDLETON, IN 1843.
One of the most disgraceful scenes enacted within our county was the mobbing of Fred. Douglas. This was in the year 1843, at Pendleton. Mr. D., and a number of other dis- tinguished men, had been sent out West by the Anti-Slavery Society, on a lecturing tour, visiting many points in the West and North. Their meeting at Pendleton was held out doors, and was attended by a large concourse of people. The place selected for the meeting was on the north side of the creek, and just west of where J. O. Hardy now lives, and a short distance below the Falls. The meeting had progressed perhaps some thirty minutes without interruption, when one John Rix walked up to the stand, took up the pitcher of water, setting it to one side, at the same time saying, " Boys, I
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see there is nothing to be done unless I make the start." This man, Rix, seemed to give an impetus to the move, for several became emboldened. Among those who were fore- most were Peter Runnels, Duke Scott, Thomas Collins, and others, whose names do not now occur.
Mr. Douglass, it seems, at once became demoralized, and in attempting to git over the fence was hit with a stone and otherwise hurt. He was taken to the house of Dr. Edwin Fussell, who lived near George R. Diven's residence in Pendleton. By this time the excitement was high. It was reported that Dr. Fussell's house would be mobed on that night, and to offset or counteract or prevent any further violence, the friends of humanity and good order rallied and formed a guard around the doctor's house. In the mean- time Mr. Douglass's wounds were dressed and he was cared for by Dr. Fussell. Among others who were active in pro- tecting Mr. Douglass were Neal Hardy, Isaac Busby, Joel James, John J. Lewis, and Dr. Fussell. About night-fall the guard sent out a delegation on the New Columbus road to see if there were any signs of the mob returning. They came back and reported the mob was coming. This caused some stir, and it is said some of the guard returned to more healthy quarters. The rumor, however, proved with_ out foundation, and all was soon quiet. Some of the lead- ers of the mob were arrested and lodged in jail at Anderson, when a cry went up for their release. What! put in jail for mobing a negro? This would never do. They must be released.
The day was set, New Columbus was the headquarters, the leading spirit was Thomas McCallister, who had been raised in Virginia, and was somewhat prejudiced against the negro, besides having great influence over his neighbors. The day came. Early in the day an excited crowd gathered at New Columbus-started to Anderson. They, however, stopped before reaching the town with the wagon containing guns, ammunition, etc., and a delegation sent in to demand the surrender of Peter Runnels and, perhaps, others who had been arrested. For a time hot work was imminent. In the
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meantime the friends of law and order were not idle. Cap- tain Berry and W. B. Allen were among those who were foremost in sustaining the law. Good counsel, how- ever, at last prevailed ; and what seemed, a short time pre- vious, as the worst of consequences was averted. The release of Peter Runnels soon followed, the mob disbanded, and soon all was quiet. Mr. McAllister, though active in having Mr. Runnels released was not slow in using his influence to stay the approaching trouble that was fast brew- ing, and it was mainly through his influence that the mob was disbanded. Thus we have hastily passed over the main features of this disgraceful scence that never has occurred but once in our county, and we hope it will never again. What a change has come over us. Mr. Douglass could not only lecture in our midst now, but a crowded house would await him, though an admittance fee were charged at the door.
Mr. Neal Hardy, many years after the above occurred, received a letter from Mr. Douglas, thanking him for his protection, and interest he and others took in his welfare on that occasion. We are glad to note a change in Pendleton ; not that a negro may speak amongst us, but the grand prin- ciple-the right to speak our sentiments throughout our country ; the freedom of the press and speech-this senti- ment must live if we would succeed as a free, independent people.
Doubtless those living and taking part in the above mob, will hardly endorse to-day free press and free speech. The contrary of this, in fact, was the cause of our late civil war, which has so greatly injured us as a nation. Its results, though dear, have been glorious; but all have to respect our rights, though black he may be, and our future will be bright.
CEMETERIES OF THE COUNTY.
. I was always aware that our cemeteries are, to a great extent, neglected, but not until going over the county was I
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aware to what extent. I have necessarily been in and passed by many of them during the summer just closed. My attention has been called to them more directly, per- haps, than one carelessly passing by, and it may be that I will say something that will grate harshly on the ears of some that have friends buried in those neglected spots. Some are but little better than black berry patches, sheep pastures or the homes of wild beasts, or as the poet has expressed it, " "Tis the vulture's abode, where the snakes in the nettle weeds hiss." I am glad that there are some honorable exceptions and that there are a few cemeteries where the hand of care has been and where beantiful flow- ers bloom on the graves of loved ones departed. This is as it should be. While they can no longer care for themselves it is fitting that we should care for them. The cemetery at best has but few charms and especially few if overgrown with briers and brush, where hooting owl and other kind- red spirits hold midnight revelry. Reader, have you some dear friend now lying in yonder lonely, but yet dear spot, now half grown over with brushes and with, perhaps, no fence to keep out intruding stock ? If so resolve to make amends, and though you may not be able to furnish a monument to pierce the air, you are perhaps able to clear away the offending brush. Plant a vine or something that will live in winter and will be a lasting tribute to their memory. We have by far too many cemeteries-that is, there are too many private burying places. This is all well enough while the immediate friends live to care for them, but thess inclosures may pass into other hands and the fences be fallen down and the tombstones broken. The result is that the plow-share will soon upturn the turf that covers their remains.
Our cemeteries should be selected with care, should be well fenced and incorporated. This course would be better than to have so many lonely spots which serve for ceme- teries throughout the county. The cemetery at Frankton, from its neglect, has been the cause of comment in our county papers. I doubt its being worse than many others
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in the county. Let us look to our cemeteries remembering that we too are hastening to this final resting placs, whether it be fitting or not. While writing, my mind recalls that immortal poem by Gray which has no superiors and few equals in the English language, and from which we quote the fifteenth stanza as it seems in point :
"Some village Hampden that with dauntless breast The little tyrant of his fields withstood, Some mute, inglorious Milton here may rest, Some Cromwell guiltless of his country's blood."
PERSONAL SKETCH OF JOHN ALLEN.
MR. A. son of William Allen came to the county with his father in 1820 when eleven years of age. He located two miles east of Anderson, where he has resided ever since. Mr. A. has served as lieutenant in the Military Ser- vice or Militia which was common many years ago.
He has served as coroner and was justice of the peace from 1840 to 1845. He has served as township trustee ten years. He owns a fine farm of two hundred and thirty acres-part of which he entered in 1830. Mr. A. is per- haps the best posted in pioneer history of any man now liv- ing in the county. Fifty-four years has elapsed since he came to the county, a mere lad, and he is now an old and white headed man, bent with the cares of time. He has lived to see the Indians retreat, the dense forest cleared away and Anderson built up. School houses and churches dot our county, his early associates are scattered-his compan- ion summoned away, and early privations replaced by mod- ern conveniences. He bas witnessed a few score of pioneers develope into a prosperous community of twenty- five thousand. His wife died June 2, 1873 and is buried at the cemetery belonging to the United Brethren Church, one mile west of Chesterfield.
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PERSONAL SKETCH OF PHILIP P. ANSHULTZ.
Mr. Anshultz was born in Ohio, in 1834, came to Switz- erland county, Ind., in 1838, and moved from there to Stoney Creek township in August, 1849. He was elected justice of the peace in 1865, and is now serving his third term. Mr. A. has acted as trustee one term, and has taught school sixteen years. He was a soldier in the war of Seces- sion, in Company K, 8th Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He volunteered in July, 1861, as a private ; was promoted to corporal and was in the battle of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black river, and seige of Vicksburgh. Mr. A. is a member of the Christian Church at Forest Chapel, and an Elder in the same. He is an active Republican, and resides near the centre of the township, about a mile and a half north of Shanklin's Mill.
PERSONAL SKETCH OF ENOS ADAMSON.
The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1827, and located one mile east of Huntsville on the farm now owned by George R. Diven. He lived there but a short time, removing to Huntsville, where he engaged in the milling and mercantile business. The mills were consumed by fire in 1848, causing him considerable loss. He rebuilt the mills, sold them to Wilson and Cockayne, and removed to Missouri, and died their about the year 1850. His wife died and was buried at Huntsville a few years previous to his removal. They had four children, whose names were Thomas, John, Elizabeth, and Louisa Jane. Mr. Adamson was regarded as a very honest man and will be remembered as a great help to Huntsville, the home of his manhood, where his best days were spent. He was, at one time, worth a great amount of property, but it is understood that he lost
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the greater part of it by his removal West. I never saw Mr. Adamson, and can give no sketch of his personal appearance. Some who read this will call to mind his form and doubtless many kind acts which were characteristic of the man. Of his children there are none living within the county and their place of residence is unknown to the writer. Here we leave this interesting family as any further account would not be of general interest.
PERSONAL SKETCH OF W. B. ALLEN.
Among the early citizens of the county we find Mr. Allen. He was born in Kentucky, in 1809, and came to the county in 1828. He was a collector of the county revenue in 1828 and '29. At one time he was elected coroner, and another was sheriff. From 1841 to 1845, during the excite- ment of the mobbing Frederick Douglass, he used prompt measures to restore order. Mr. A. has been closely identi- fied with the interests of the county, and has partaken of its fortunes and of misfortunes, to some extent. In other words, he has been, financially, on the mountain top and in the valley below. He has, quite recently, in May, 1873, lost $8,000 by the burning of his mill, two miles west of Anderson. He has, however, since rebuilt his mill, and it is now in running order. Mr. Allen, with the exception of John Allen, a distant relative, is, perhaps, the best posted in early history of any man in the county. Mr. A. is the father of Captain Ethan Allen, who is well known through- out the county, and of Mrs. Marshal Bonner, of Anderson. Mr. A. is low, heavy set, of a light complexion and careless of his dress.
PERSONAL SKETCH OF WILLIAM ALLEN.
THE subject of this sketch was among the very first to set- tle in Madison county. He was born in Philadelphia, in 14
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1791; removed to Ohio in 1816; and from there to two miles east of Anderson, in 1821. He was justice of the peace; taught school in 1824, and was a correspondent of the war department for John Berry in regard to Indiana troubles, that gave our pioneers so much perplexity about that time. He was the first assessor in the county, and the first election was held in his house. He also acted as county commissioner. In religious belief, he was a New Light. He served in the war of 1812. His land was entered June 19tlı, 1823. His wife died in 1840. They had ten children, six of whom are dead. Mr. Allen had the first whip-saw in the county, and sawed the lumber for the old Makepeace mill at Chesterfield, assisted by Abel Bodle. Mr. Allen was first burried at the old cemetery at Ander- son ; but was removed to the new cemetey by his son, John Allen, spoken of in another place. In person, Mr. Allen was tall and slim. He died in 1829, when the country was comparatively new ; and was not permitted to see it devel- oped to any great extent. He was a man well informed, and of good business qualifications, which were appreciated at that early day. At the time of his death, he was in his sixty-second year.
PERSONAL SKETCH OF RANDALL BIDDLE.
MR. B. came with his father from North Carolina in 1829, and settled near Columbus. He was elected trustee of Adams township in 1862, and served eight years. He was elected justice of the peace, but did not qualify, as he removed. to Missouri soon after. He returned after one year's absence. Mr. B. is a Democrat, and is a committee- man from Adams township at this time. He has served as Master of Ovid Lodge for a period of eight years. He is the son of Caleb Biddle, one of the early settlers of the county, and brother of James Biddle, living near Columbus.
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PERSONAL SKETCH OF WILLIS G. ATHERTON.
MR. A. was born in Kentucky, in 1799. He was the second merchant in Anderson, and continued in business for a number of years. He built the first brick house in Ander- son. It is yet standing and is known as the Atherton cor- ner. This house was built in 1837. Mr. A. was a member of the Legislature in 1840. He ran against Dr. Henry Wyman. He was elected as a Whig, having always acted with that party. In religious belief and profession he was a Presbyterian. He was the father of Mort. and R. V. Atherton and Mrs. G. W. Bowen, all of Anderson. Mr. Atherton removed to Iowa in 1860, and died there in 1871, Mr. Atherton formerly lived near Indianapolis, perhaps as early as 1825. In person, Mr. A. was 5 feet 8 inches in hight, of fair complexion and light hair.
PERSONAL SKETCH OF JOHN BERRY.
THE subject of this sketch came to Madison county March the 4th, 1821. Entered land on the present site of Anderson, and was among the very first settlers. He donated sixty acres of land for the town with the reserva- tion of some choice lots. He was strongly in favor of mov- ing the county seat from Pendleton to Anderson, and labored to that end. He was elected one of the first justices' of the peace in the county ; ran for associate judge, but was defeated. He kept the first tavern stand in Anderson, known far and wide at that time. Mr. Berry was born in Pennsylvania, 1777, and died in 1835, while at Hunting- ton, Indiana, with a drove of hogs, and was buried there. He is the father of Ninevah Berry, sketched in another place. Mr. Berry was large and of commanding appear-
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