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 5
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The time for the execution was fixed at a distant day ; but it soon rolled around. The gallows was erected on the north bank of Fall creek, just above the falls, at the foot of the rising grounds you may see from the cars. The hour for the execution had come. Thousands surrounded the gallows. A Seneca chief, with his warriors, was posted near the brow of the hill. Sawyer and Bridge, Sr., ascended the scaffold together, were executed in quick succession, and died without a struggle. The vast audience were in tears. The exclamation of the Senecas was interpreted-" We are satisfied." An hour expired. The bodies were taken down and laid in their coffins, when there was seen ascending the scaffold Bridge, Jr., the last of the convicts. His step was
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feeble, requiring the aid of the Sheriff. The rope was adjusted. He threw his eyes around upon the audience and then down upon the coffins, where lay exposed the bodies of his father and uncle. From that moment his wild gaze too clearly showed that the scene had been too much for his youthful mind. Reason had partially left her throne and he stood wildly looking at the crowd, apparently uncon- scious of his position. The last minute had come, when James Brown Ray, the Governor of the State, announced to the immense assemblage that the convict was pardoned. Never before did an audience more heartily respond, while there was a universal regret that the executive mercy had been deferred to the last moment. Thus ended the only trials where convictions of murder were ever had, followed by the execution of white men, for killing Indians, in the United States.
SKETCH OF ANDERSON.
ANDERSON, the county seat of Madison county, is located on the south bank of White river, some sixty feet above low water mark. It derived its name from an Indian chief of the Delawares, and was originally an Indian village of some note. It was consumed by fire by order of General Har- rison in 1813. Near it were the lodges, or villages, of Bucktown, Nanticoke and Greentown. About the year 1819 or 1820 a few pioneers arrived here and found quite a remnant of the above tribe of Indians. They also found an almost unbroken wilderness and but little to encourage them to remain. Among those who first arrived were William Allen, John Berry, Alford Makepeace, Samuel Corry, N. Berry and William Curtis. This infant band was joined in a few years by the following : Joseph Howard, G. T. Hoover, Dr. Wyman, R. N. Williams, J. M. Zeke, C. D. Henderson and Andrew Jackson. About the years 1828
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MADISON COUNTY.
and '30 they were joined by W. G. Atherton, W. B. Allen, Oren Toddhunter, John Davis, William Beard and Dr. Ryan. In 1838 the town was incorporated, and about that time the county seat was permanently located here, and a bright future was then manifest for Anderson. When the Bellefontaine Railroad became a fixed fact in 1851, it began to improve rapidly; and now in 1874, Anderson ranks among the most rapidly increasing county seats in the State.
With its two finished railroads and others in progress, numerous pikes, water power, productive country, fast mul- tiplying machineries, and steady increase of population, we may well be proud of our county seat. The population of Anderson in 1840 was three hundred and fifty ; in 1850 it. was three hundred and eighty-two; in 1860 it was one thousand one hundred and sixty-nine; in 1870 it was three thousand one hundred and twenty-six; in 1874 estimated five thousand. Among the first merchants were Connor Makepeace, Willis G. Atherton, H. and R. Woster, and Calverton Craycraft. The first hotel was kept by John Berry. Among the first physicians were Henry Wyman, Andrew Robb and J. W. Westerfield. The first black - smith was Mr. Bane. The first lawyers were C. D. Hen- derson, R. N. Williams, Seth Smith, John Davis, N. R. Lindsday, William R. O'Neal and Richard Lake. Ander- son contains five churches, three hotels, two depots, two brick seminaries, and Masonie and Odd Fellow lodges. The following are among the principal business firms and mechanics : Dry goods merchants, Lee M. Trees, A. A. Siddall, S. M. Hodson & Co., W. H. Learned, Wm. Bell, Scott & Williams, D. C. East. Grocers, D. H. Pat- terson, R. M. Burns, (grocer and baker, Martha Shinn), Kline & Sharp, E. H. Seward, J. W. Ware, E. B. Hart- ley, P. & M. Skehan, N. Berry, O. W. Huston, D. W. Campbell, (grocer and baker, Charman & Lee), Neph Coffin. Druggists, Brandon & Lee, G. W. Brown, Henderson & Scarl, Elden Pearce. Hardware merchants, Makepeace & Nichol, John P. Barns. Agricultural 5
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dealers and agents, B. F. Alford, Wagoner & Fisher, E. B. Falkner. Banks, Crim & Co., Citizens' Bank, Madison County Bank, (the particulars given in another place). Jeweiers, John Awalt, James L. Bell. Photo- graphers, James McCuen, W. H. Wallace. Boot and shoe dealers, T. Ryan, L. M. Cox, Charles Lipfert, A. C. Franklin, A. J. Griffith. Harness makers, Clark & Hod- son, John Keoinninger. Book dealer, C. C. Thompson, Publishers of Anderson Herald, Stephen Metcalf, of Ander- son Democrat, Todysman & Pyle. Livery keepers, Harry Blessford, Ross & Penniston, A. E. Russell. Merchant tailor, S. Modzel. Milliners, Wolf & Forbes, Mrs. Wright. Pump makers, Platter & Foreman. Flour merchants, G. D. Schalk, J. M. Dickson & Sons. Grain merchants, Alford Walker, B. F. Jackson. Wagon and carriage makers, H. H. Conrad, Quinn & Son, George Mathis. Clothiers, Samuel Gates, Joseph Stein, Lewis Lobe. Stove and tin- ware dealers, W. P. Newman & Co., J. P. Barns. Butch- ers, Beneville Rhoades, Huston Begein, George Begein, John Seward. Blacksmiths, B. F. Whitlock, W. H. Ben- nett, J. H. Hill, James Battrell. Proprietor of sawmill, George R. Deering. Proprietors of planing mills, Bos- worth & Bro., Armstrong & Bro. Gunsmith, W. H. White. Hub and spoke manufacturers, Chittenden & Sisco. Furniture dealers, Conrad & Woodward, H. Raber. Tanneries, D. W. Swank, M. M. Rosell. Stone cutters, Mitchell & Bro. Shoemakers, R. Constantine, Mat. Tobin, R. V. Atherton. Telegrapher, D. A. Rank. Hatter, J. H. Crider. Express agent, B. C. Harter. Wholesale whisky dealer, M. Eckhonse. Foundry, Hill & Shelley. Foundry and machine works, Michener & Co. Dentists, Macomber & Garner, R. C. Reed, Mrs. Alice Bushong. Proprietor of United States Hotel, George Griffith. Agent of Singer Machine Company, H. L. Jordan. Revenue Collector, J. F. Wildman. Music teacher, Mrs. R. M. Harriman. Lumber dealer, M. Atherton. Barbers, David Carpenter, George W. Johnson. Below will be found the names of the physicians, past and present ; also the names of the attor- neys ; also a statement of the city officials.
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MADISON COUNTY.
CITY OF ANDERSON.
Anderson was organized as a city in the year 1865, by electing Robert N. Williams Mayor, and the following mem- bers of the Common Council :
First Ward-John D. Mershon and Stephen Noland. Second Ward-Eli B. Goody Koontz and George Nichol. Third Ward-Winburn R. Pierce and Benjamin Sebrell. Clerk -Calvin D. Thompson. Treasurer-Joseph Fulton.
Marshal-M. N. Harriman.
City Prosecutor-E. V. Long.
1866.
Mayor-John C. Jones. Councilman-John D. Mershon.
Councilman -- P. Kirlin.
Councilman-E. B. Goody Koontz.
Councilman-G. W. Kline, resigned.
Councilman-H. D. Thompson.
Councilman-Jacob Saunders.
Clerk-B. B. Campbell. Treasurer-Joseph Fulton.
Marshall-M. N. Harriman.
Councilman vice Kline resigned-A. A. Siddall.
1868. Mayor-Wesley Dunham.
1870. Mayor-Simeon Martindale.
1872. Mayor-William Roach.
1874. Mayor-William L. Brown.
COUNCILMEN AND OFFICERS FOR 1874.
Councilman-C. T. Doxey.
Councilman-Jonathan Bins.
Councilman-Townsand Ryan.
Councilman-W. M. Waggoner. Councilman-Michael Ryan.
Councilman-Benjamin F. Ackerman. Clerk-James M. Jackson.
Treasurer-Armstrong Taylor. Marshal-C. Daugherty. Prosecuting Attorney-A. S. McAllister.
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS-CLAIMS FILED-RETRENCHMENT OF THE ORDER OF
THE DAY-COUNCILMEN DOXEY, HUNT AND BURR OFFR THEIR SER- VICES TO THE CITY FREE-WAGONER SAYS "NAY "-REPORTER GOES TO SLEEP AND CAUSES ADJOURNMENT OF COUNCIL.
December, 1873.
Our city fathers congregated at the Council Chamber, at the usual hour, on Monday evening, for the transaction of regular business. All the officers and members were present.
The Treasurer submitted his report for December. His report for November was concurred in.
The Treasurer was directed by the Council to prove the claim of the city against the First National Bank.
He was also instructed to pay off the indebtedness of the city held by the First National Bank of Muncie. The amount is about $500.
NEW CLAIMS FILED AND REFERRED.
John M. Burke, street work $20 50
Hugh Kanahan, street work. 4 50
B. Thomas & Co., stone flags 7 50
John Mulveyhill, street work 4 50
As all the above claims were certified to by Patrick Ryan, First Ward Supervisor, Dr. Burr expressed the opinion that the time had come for the Council to inquire into the power of the Super- visor to employ men to work upon the street. He understood that they only had authority to work ont the two days' privilege, and beyond that they could not go without transcending the limitations imposed upon their offices. Bills are continually being presented to the Council which he believed were not right. Every claim should be carefully scrutinized before it is allowed.
Dr. Hunt concurred in this view of the case.
Mr. Wagoner said that as these bills were for work performed some time ago, they should have been presented earlier. It was always more difficult to get reliable information in regard to the justness of an account after it had run three or four months.
The following additional claims were presented and referred:
R. J. Hunt, boarding city prisoners. $22 00
A. D. Williams, City Engineer, twelve days at $3 50 42 00
A. D. Williams, Deputy Marshal 55 00
A Taylor, Treasurer, fees for three months ending December 31, 1873. 33 13
C. A. Henderson, fees, City Clerk 25 60
Benj. Harter, coal stove, Mayor's office 12 00
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MADISON COUNTY.
John Mulveyhill, three loads boulders.
O. P. Stone, sixty-six loads of gravel, at ten cents 6 60
Jere Sullivan, street work 6 00
H. Coon, Deputy Marshal 18 00
C. Bryan, street work 3 00
Wm. Black, Jr., hauling. 6 00
Wm. Black, Sr., street work 18 00
P. Kelly, resetting curbing. 6 82
Pat. Burke, culverts and ditching 7 50
Martin Gibbons, one-half day's street work in November, 1872 .. 1 50
As the last bill was read, Mr. Doxey sprang to his feet and sug- gested that if anybody else owed anybody anything, it would be proper for that anybody to bring in a claim against the city for the amount of the debt. He insisted, with a good deal of earnestness, that too many accounts were being brought in, and mildly hinted that there was a disposition on the part of certain individuals to organize a corner on city orders. He was in favor of the immediate suspension of all street work, the sale of the look and ladder appa- ratus, and that Councilmen should give their services for half pay or gratuitiously. If we kept on at the present rate the City Treasury would soon become bankrupt, and the city would be compelled to put her bonds on the market at seventy-five per cent. discount.
Marshal Stone explained that the work being done under his supervision was ordered by the Council, and that it was being done as cheaply as it could be. It was all necessary work.
Dr. Burr said that the Claims Committee were a little relax in examining the bills referred to them. He accepted Doxey's propo- sition to work without pay.
Dr. Hunt was willing to work for nothing, but he wished it dis- tinctly understood that the plan was not accepted by him as an elec- tioneering scheme.
Mr. Wagoner said that he was decidedly opposed to giving his ser- vices free. The city was able to pay its officers a reasonable compen- sation for their services. He would not examine the claims that came before the Council each evening for less than $2.
Mayor Roach informed the Council that the fees of officers were not impoverishing the Treasury. It was the multitude of little claims for work that were coming in. All unnecessary work should cease. He had recommended economy from his first introduction into office, but his advice had not been heeded. Men were at work now upon the streets, when, from the condition of the weather, they could not put in full time.
Mr. Stone seemed to think these remarks were aimed at him. The Mayor replied that they were not, unless the shoe fit him.
Stone said that he would pay for the work done under his super- vision if not satisfactory to the Council, all of which the Mayor remarked was simply " bunkem," whatever that is.
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Further discussion was had, during which the reporter was charmed to sleep by the eloquence of the speakers, whereupon Major Doxey moved that the Council adjourn, which was carried.
P. S .- Marshal Stone did not resign.
SKETCH OF ALEXANDRIA.
THIS town is situated a little to the east of the center of Monroe township and eleven miles north of Anderson. Whether it derived its name from the man who, it is said, wept because there were no more kingdoms to conquer, or from the ancient city of that name, we are not advised ; be this as it may, we have a modern Alexandria. Though it may not compare with the ancient Alexandria, it is, never- theless, a handsome and thriving little town. The site was well chosen, on an elevated piece of ground, on the north side of Pipe creek, and on the land originally belonging to Connor and Stephenson. It was laid out in the year 1835. Among its first citizens we find the names of David Pick- ard, N. Berry, Mr. Stephenson and Joseph Finnemore. The first physicians were W. F. Spence and David Perry. The first hotel was kept by David Pickard. The first tanyard was started by Aaron Williams. From the Indiana Manual of 1846 we gain the following information : The merchants were Cottingham & Son; the physicians were W. F. Spence, David Perry and Cyrus Westerfield ; the attorney at law, P. H. Lemon ; the postmaster, N. E. Tomlinson. Among the principal business firms of the present are : Merchants, N. E. Tomlinson and S. B. Hinshaw. Drug- gists, E. H. Menefee and D. K. Carver & Co. Shoe- makers, Nathan O'Brian and John Silcott. Hardware merchant, W. G. Kelly. Grocer, Gideon Keiper. Grocer and baker, R. Zimmerman. Harness maker, A. Birtche. Blacksmiths, Finch & O'Kain, Finch & Fritz, and J. L. Humes. Wagon maker, Thomas Shepherd. Furniture dealer, J. P. Condo. Carpenters, Perry & Painter. Phy-
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MADISON COUNTY.
sicians, J. E. Inlow, Brakston Baker, Wayne McMahan, John Sullivan and C. H. Cullum. Attorneys at law, Charles Nation and Floyd S. Ellison. Millers, John E. Young & Co. Proprietors of the planing mill, Perry & Painter. Tanner, Frank Sparks. Alexandria contains an excellent brick M. E. Church, Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, a splendid grist mill, some of the finest business houses in the county, and several handsome residences. It is the third town in importance in the county and contains a population of six hundred. It is on the line of the Lafayette & Muncie railroad, and when this road is com- pleted Alexandria will become a town of no small impor- tance. The proposed railroad from White Pigeon, Mich., to Anderson will doubtless pass through this town. Alex- andria has an extensive trade, amounting in the aggregate to $300,000 ; and, on the completion of the above roads, its trade will be thribbled.
ALFONT.
THE town of Alfont was named after William Alfont, an old settler in this county. Although the town is older than the railroad on which it is situated, its history may properly be dated at that period, which was in 1851, the railway serving as a stimulus to this town, which was heretofore of but little importance. This town is situated on the south bank of Lick creek, near the Hancock county line, six miles south of Pendleton. For the first few years, after the introduction of the railroad, considerable business was done here, a warehouse established, a large amount of wheat was bought and shipped, the trains nearly all stopped, and for a time bid fair for a town of some importance. Fort- ville, however, springing up, took the lead in trade and injured the future prospects of this town materially. We find among the first settlers here William Alfont, C. P.
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HISTORY OF
Miller, William Snodgrass and Nathaniel Blackburn. The first merchant was William Molden, who was also the first postmaster. The first blacksmiths were John Ross and William Coterell. The first shoemaker was Mr. Lyman. The present postmaster is JJoseph Cohen, who keeps the only store in town. He also acts as railroad agent. The first railroad agent was William Molden. The present blacksmith is C. V. Hardin ; present wagon maker, Thomas Hall. A small water saw mill was erected here in 1835 by William Alfont. It was consumed by fire in 1847. After the railroad was constructed a steam saw mill was built, served its day of usefulness, and is now reckoned among the things of the past. Lick creek is here spanned by one of the finest railroad bridges in the county. It is two hun- dred feet in length and thirty feet in hight from low water mark. From this place the creek flows west and empties into Fall creek near the Hamilton county line.
ANDERSON CROSSING.
THIS point, from its remoteness from Anderson, is deemed of sufficient importance to form a separate and special notice. Its existence might properly date from the introduction of the Cincinnati & Chicago Railway, when houses sprang up and real estate in the vicinity commanded high prices. In the year 1864 the highest point was reached, when the Bellefontaine Railroad Company built both a passenger and a freight depot. All trains on both roads stopped here, and the place assumed quite a business appearance. Grain depots were built, a hotel and eating houses, and, it was said, if a person watched their chance, they could get something to drink. But everything must have its day, and the crossing is a thing of the past, as far as business is concerned. The hotel was burned in 1866, and the Noland warehouse met a like fate soon after. The
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MADISON COUNTY.
Bellefontaine Railway Company transferred its business to the new buildings, three-fourths of a mile west and imme- diately south of the city. The steam saw mill, erceted in 1864 and lately converted into a heading factory, and owned by J. S. Isley & Co., was consumed by fire in July, 1874. Thus stripped of all its advantages, the crossing is left to reflect on its past prosperity. Possibly there may be a bright future for the Crossing, on the completion of the Anderson & St. Louis Railway.
SKETCH OF CHESTERFIELD.
THIS town is among the oldest in the county, dating back to about the year 1827. Those who first located in the immediate vicinity were Allen Makepeace, William Diltz and Bronnenberg and Daniel Noland. Chesterfield at one time was prosperous and bid fair to rival Anderson. It had an extensive trade and was a place of considerable importance. It has, however, lost its prestige, and many of its houses are untenantable. It now has a new church and a new brick dwelling, just completed by Quincy Make- peace, which is one of the finest residences in the township. It also contains the residence of the late Allen Makepeace, whose widow still resides here. Its principal merchants have been Allen and George Makepeace, Jacob Shimer, J. M. Diltz, Carter & Bro., and Trueblood & Dusang. Its principal physicians have been Drs. Goodwin, Benninggall, William Cornelius, L. Killgore and William H. Pratt. The first postmaster was Amasa Makepeace. The present one is W. T. Trueblood. Chesterfield also contains a Masonic lodge and a school house. On the south side of the town is the Bellefontaine Railroad, where we find a neat depot, warehouse and steam flouring mill. The site of Chester- field is beautiful. It is on the south bank of White river, in Union township, near the Delaware county line. Its inhab- itants number near two hundred.
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HISTORY OF
SKETCH OF ELWOOD.
THIS town is on the Cincinnati & Chicago Railroad, fif- teen miles northwest of Anderson, in the northwest corner of Pipe Creek township and on the south bank of Duck creek. The town was formerly called Quincy, but changed about 1870 on account of another town of the same name in the State, which caused some confusion among postmasters. It is a comparatively a new place, but a town, however, of considerable business. A large amount of lumber and heading and stave material is shipped from this place. It contains an M. E. and a Christian church, a brick school house, a railroad depot, a good hotel, a livery stable, a tan- yard, a flouring mill, and several neat and tasteful private residences. Among the business firms are Burriss & Quick, J. M. Deherty & Son, H. C. Calahan, R. Free, and A. Chanless & Dwigins. The druggists are F. M. Hunter, J. F. Mock & Hunter and Waymire. The harness makers, T. Samuels & Bro. Shoemakers, James Pearson, William Hopenrath and John Buchanan. Wagon makers, J. M. Overshiner & Co. Blacksmiths, George Barns & Son, and James Hannah. Lumber dealer, Justice Creamer. Saw- yers, Cochran & Sons. Miller, J. T. Adair. Postmaster, F. M. Hunter. Railroad agent, Perry A. Taylor. Elwood contains a population of four hundred.
SKETCH OF FRANKTON.
THIS town is situated on the Cincinnati & Chicago Rail- road, nine miles from Anderson, in Pipe Creek township, and on the south bank of Pipe creek. It was laid out in 1837 and contains a population of near five hundred. It is rather a neat town and the streets and sidewalks are well grav- eled. It contains two good churches, Methodist and Chris-
.
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MADISON COUNTY.
tian, and a two story brick school house, also Masonic and and Odd Fellow halls, a steam grist mill and saw mill, and many tasteful residences. The principal business firms are C., Quick & Co., H. C. Brown, Bennett & Bro. and John Hannah. The druggists are Richwine & Kimberling and Van Winkle & Layne. The hardware merchant, Mr. Coffman. Harness maker, S. B. Edson. Shoemakers, Cramer & Mayes and J. H. Van Valkenburgh. Black- smiths, B. F. Davis and Cluckner & Spenser. Wagon maker, G. B. Hartley. Carriage maker, B. F. Davis. Physicians, Wm. Snman, Robert Harvey, W. M. Sharp, S. W. Edwins and John Canada. Postmaster, C. A. Star. Railroad agent, Mr. Johnson. Miller, John Townson. Sawyer, W. H. Cochran. Frankton is the fourth town in importance in the county. Its citizens are wide awake elever people. The business house of C. Quick & Co. is worthy of special notice. It is ninety feet in length and has but few superiors in the county. The names of this enter- prising firm are C. Quick, W. H. Quick and John Sharp.
SKETCH OF FISHERSBURG.
THIS town is situated in the western part of Stoney Creek township, near the Hamilton county line. It was laid out about the year 1830, and was named in honor of the elder Fisher, father of Charles Fisher. It is ten miles west of Anderson and seven miles northwest of Pendleton. The town is pleasantly situated on a hill on the northwest bank of Stoney creek. It contains a commodious M. E. church and a brick school house just erected. Its merchants and mechanies are as follows : George Dunham, dry goods and general assortment store; Lewis Elston, groceries ; Daniel Barnhiser and Oren Elston, blacksmiths; Clinton Welch, wagon maker. The following are the physicians : Daniel Cook, Ifiram Fisher, J. W. Hillegoss and J. M. Fisher.
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The postmaster is George Dunham. This town contains a large business house with two rooms below and a hall above now used as a Grange lodge. This building was erected by Daniel Cook in 1868. The town also contains the parsonage of the Fishersburg circuit. The Fishersburg folks are noted for their church going antecedents, and if they are not moral it is not for the want of admonition.
FLORIDA STATION.
THIS station is in Lafayette township, on the Cincinnati & Chicago Railroad, six miles from Anderson and four from Frankton, and is within a few rods of the geographical cen- ter of the county. It was originally called Clark's Station in honor of T. G. Clark, who lives here. The first merchant here was Henry Hendrick, and the present merchant is Enos Mustard. The first postmaster was George Craig- head ; the present one Enos Mustard. The first physician was Thomas B. Fortner ; the present one is J. S. Guysinger. There is a steam saw mill here owned by Vanwinkle & Co. Florida also contains a neat M. E. Church, of which an account will be given in another part of the book. Nearly all the trains stop here, and they have a daily mail, which is of no little importance. The first warehouse was kept by James Vanwinkle. The blacksmiths have been Isham Webb, B. F. Davis and Mr. Coffman. Florida Station, notwithstanding its central position in the county and its railroad facilities, is not a town of much importance ; neither does its future look encouraging on account of its nearness to Anderson, which must always affect materially its trade. Just north is the Center, or Keller School House, which is the precinct of the township.
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