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 6
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MADISON COUNTY.
SKETCHES OF HUNTSVILLE.
THIS town is situated on Fall creek, one mile northeast of Pendleton and seven miles southwest of Anderson. Among those who first settled here were John Montgomery, John Jones, Enos Adamson, William Hunt, the latter from whom the town derived its name, Dr. McCain and William Wright. Coming soon after, about the year 1834, were Thomas and J. T. Swain, Abel Johnson, Benjamin Snod- grass and B. F. Gregory. Its principal merchants have been Dr. McCain, Benjamin Snodgrass, Simeon Lewis, William Johnson, John Tillson, Benjamin Lukens, Nathan Wilson, Warren Campbell and Horace Lewis. The first physician was Dr. McCain. The first school teachers were William Curtis and Alfred Killgore. The first hotel was kept by Mr. Antrim. The first postmaster was David P. Hazleton. The postoffice was afterwards kept by J. W. Roberts for a period of sixteen years, who was said to be one of the best postmasters that was ever in the county. Its principal mechanics have been : Carpenters, J. T. Swain, B. F. Gregory, P. R. Maul and John Cook. Tan- ners, Wm. Wright, Horine & Mullendore, A. K. Rocken- field, Frank Wright, George Harden and Miles Rozell. Its blacksmiths have been Z. Rogers, J. W. Wirts, Ezra Crain, Charles Harden and Mr. Mc Vaw. Its physicians have been Dr. McCain, John Hunt and Joseph Weeks, W. P. Brickley, E. C Prigg, Dr. Davidson and Walter H. Lewis. The shoemakers have been J. W. Roberts, Jacob Wirtz, E. G. Mostler and Andrew Welch. Its wagon makers have been Philip and John Harden, ¿William Smith, A. R. Dalong, Benjamin Cockayne and Lineberry & Bro. Hunts- ville at one time was a flourishing village, but on the com- płetion of the Bellefontaine Railroad through Pendleton its trade has gradually decreased. It is pleasantly located on the north bank of Fall creek and contains about two hun- dred inhabitance. There is here an excellent saw mill and grist mill, spoken of in another place. The mercantile
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business of Huntsville is now conducted in one room under the management of Horace Lewis. The school house in Huntsville is a two story frame building, built in 1872 by J. B. Lewis, who was Trustee at the time. Huntsville is a quiet village, not contaminated with the wickedness that attaches to more pretentious cities.
SKETCH OF HAMILTON.
THIS town is situated six miles west of Anderson, on the Strawtown road and on the south bank of White river, and in the southeast corner of Jackson township. It was laid out in 1838, by Henry Devlin, of Milton, Ind. The first merchant was William King; the first doctor, William Godell; the first blacksmith, John Ashby ; the first shoe- maker, Lewis Snell ; the first school teacher, J. M. Garrett- son, now of Perkinsville. The present postmaster is G. C. Moore. This town is one of the precincts of Jackson township, and contains a population of seventy-eight. It is located in one of the very best parts of the county. Large and beautiful farms extend up and down White river. Near it on the east side is the saw mill of P. Epperly, and on the south is an extensive tile factory. Adjoining the town on the northeast is the finest grove in the county. I am indebted to Marion Davis for the above information.
MARKLEVILLE.
THIS town was first laid out by John Markle, from whom it derived its name, in 1852. The town is situated on the Pendleton and Newcastle turnpike, seven miles east of Pen- dleton and fourteen west of Newcastle, two miles from the
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MADISON COUNTY.
Henry county line and eleven and a half miles southeast of Anderson. Its merchants have been Newton Busby, E. B. Garrison, Ralph Williams, David Johnson, J. W. Shimer, H. H. Markle, John W. Blake, G. W. Stevenson, H. Coon, Sebrell & Blake, and Hardy & Lewis, who are now in business here. The last firm spoken of has, perhaps, done the largest amount of business of any mentioned, hav- ing in 1873 sold goods to the amount of $30,000. They have just completed a large store room, twenty-four by seventy feet, finished in good style.
We find the physicians who have practiced here to be Daniel Cook, William Hendricks, William Swain, Dr. Wear, William Harter, Jacob Harter, John Windell, J. C. Smith, B. L. Fussell. The postmasters have been John Markle, Samuel Harden, William Swain, David Johnson. S. F. Hardy is the present postmaster. The blacksmiths are James Fulton, B. Fort, David Judd. Shoemakers, Ed. Poor, Oliver Alice, Elijah Wright, Frederick Heater and William A. Lynch. Harness maker, Samuel Harden. Wagon makers, Robert Markle, John Gipe, Albert Cochran. The town contains about one hundred inhabi- tants, a neat frame church, brick school house, two physi- cians, two blacksmith shops, one shoe shop, one store, one circle saw mill, two millinery establishments and post office. There is in connection with the above mentioned saw mill a shingle factory.
NEW COLUMBUS, ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
THE above town was laid ont in the year 1834. Its loca- tion is on the south bank of Fall creek, six miles south of Anderson, and near the east line of Adams township. Its site is on a hill, some thirty feet above low water mark. Among the first settlers, we find Hiram Birch, William Miller, Henry Armstrong, J. M. Zeak, and Dr. Horn. The
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first merchants were Hiram Birch and William Miller, fol- lowed a few years later by J. M. McClanaham. The first physician was Dr. Horn. The following physicians have practiced there, in the order named : Drs. Parry, Smiley, Hildreth, Joel Pratt. W. B. Cooper, W. B. Bair, Samuel Troy, S. W. Edwins, D. H. Rider, and D. H. Myers. The last two named are now practicing there. Its postmasters have been William Miller, James Peden, Joseph Peden, Hiram Peden, G. W. Hodson, Noah Trayer, and Levi Pat- terson. The present merchant is Mr. Branson. The black- smiths are William Rumler and John Woods. The car- penters are Levi Patterson and McDonald Purdue. Colum- bus contains a Masonic hall, a Lutheran Church, and a brick school house. Formerly it was a place of consider- able trade, but of late the trade is principally done at Ander- son. The society here in early days was nothing to brag on, as regards morals. Whisky was sold here in abund- ance, and it was the scene of many rough-and- tumble fights. Election day was looked forward to as a big time, when sundry disputes were to be settled. This day, however, we are glad to say, is passed away. Its citizens will compare favorably with any other town in the county ; the elections .. pass off quietly ; there is no more fighting in the streets, and the church bell summons, on every Sabbath morning, the children to the Sabbath school.
OSCEOLA.
THIS is a small place, situated in the northwest corner of Monroe township, and five miles northwest of Alexandria. It was laid out in the year 1855. Its site is on a level plain. Its prospect for any considerable growth is not very flattering. The first merchant was E. M. Trowbridge ; the first physician, Dr. Eppard ; first postmater, E. M. Trow- bridge ; first blacksmith, David Perry ; first wagon-maker,
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MADISON COUNTY.
John Raines, and first shoe-maker, Abslom Webb. The present merchant is Elijah Ring, who, also keeps the post- office. The present physician is Dr. C. Free. There was formerly a steam saw mill, but it is not now in opera- tion. One mile north, is the Christian Church, spoken of in another place. Osceola contains an excellent frame school house, with two departments, well arranged, and supplied with ample blackboards. It was built under the supervis- ion of David M. Scott, who was then trustee, and cost $2,000. Adjoining town, on the west, James Gordon is building one of the finest barns in the county. What Os- ceola derived its name from, the author is unable to say, un- less it was from the famous Indian chief of that name.
SKETCH OF PENDLETON.
This town is situated in Fall Creek township, on the south side of the creek of the same name, and on the Belle- fontaine Railroad, seven miles southwest of Anderson. It is the second place of importance, and contains about eight hundred inhabitants. It derived its name from Thomas Pendleton, who was one of the early settlers of the town- ship. Among its first merchants were Lewis Bordwell, James Gray, William Silver, and Palmer Patrick. The first physicians were Lewis Bordwell, John and Corydon Richmond, John H. and Ward Cook, and T. N. Jones. Among the first postmasters were Lewis Bordwell and James L. Bell. Among the first ministers, were Jan es Reader, Edwin Ray, and Nathaniel Richmond. Although Pendle- ton is one of the oldest towns in the county, it never as- sumed much importance until the completion of the Belle- fontaine Railroad, in 1851. Since which time its business has gradually increased, until it now annually amounts to near $400,000. Its railroad facilities, its excellent water power, and the highly cultivated country which surrounds it, will 6
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serve to keep it in its relative position in the county. Its future prosperity may be regarded as a certainty, because it is founded upon a rock. Pendleton contains three churches, a brick seminary, a Masonic hall, and an Odd Fellows hall. It is the terminus of five pikes. The following are among the principal business firms and mechanics: Dry goods merchants, Silver & Morris, W. T. Stewart, Todd & Taylor; Grange merchants, Benjamin Lukens & Co .; gro- cers, J. O. Ireland & Bro., Cole & Bro., G. W. Campbell, A. C. and L. C. Taylor ; grocer and baker, Isaac Brown ; hardware merchants, Diven & Talbott, F. S. Tyler; drug- gists, J. J. Rogers & Son, Ira Irish ; shoe merchants, H. Craven & Co., Heffer & Bro. ; jeweler, E. W. Collis ; bank- ers, A. B. Taylor & Sons ; publisher, T. B. Deem ; millin- ers, Ange Beeson, Mrs. A. J. Scott ; hotel keeper, D. A. Clark ; grain dealers, J. O. Hardy, A. B. Taylor & Sons, E. O. Chapman; livery keepers, J. W. Luark, William Walker ; butchers, Stephen Hair, Samuel Fussell; tinner, Taylor Whitmer, attorneys, Harvey Craven, C. L. Henry ; harness makers, Demmy & Son, Heffer & Bro., Albert Ire- land; shoemakers, J. D. Johnson, Price Rinewalt, Freder- ick Heffer, C. Craven, John Welch ; blacksmiths, John Ireland, George Bryant, John Reed ; painter, J. W. Hard- man ; cooper, John Reed; physicians, Ward Cook, Joseph Stephenson, T. G. Mitchell, O. W. Brownback, N. David- son, J. II. Harter, Ellen Rogers, Ira Irish ; railroad agent, J. R. Page; postmaster, W. F. Morris ; minister, C. G. Hudson; telegrapher, Ed. Myers. On the 24th day of December, 1853, an election was held in Pendleton upon the question of incorporating the town, which resulted in a vote of thirty-seven for and three against the proposition. N. Richmond, G. M. Rogers, T. G. Mitchell, inspectors.
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MADISON COUNTY.
EXPORTS FROM PENDLETON.
TABLE OF EXPORTS FOR NINE MONTHS, ENDING JUNE 30, 1874, AND OTHER INFORMATION.
Among the counties of Eastern Indiana, there have none made such astonishing progress in improvement, either socially, materially, or in education, than Madison county. Situated in a central location, surrounded by other coun- ties, unsurpassed in the State for fertility of soil, and facil- ity for cultivation, for many years she lay without any nota- able effort being made to render her productive, or place her in competition with her neighbors. An old county, she is yet a young county so far as determined effort at improve- ment is concerned. But however slow she has been in tak- ing up the implements of reform and advancement, she has not been slothful in making good use of her resources since the need of it became apparent. The wonderful prductive- ness of her soil, the mild and equable temperature of the climate, combined with the stirring energy of her citizens, have within a short time placed her in advance of most of the counties of the State, and unsurpassed by none. With a view to showing something of the advancement which has been attained, together with the resources of the county, we have prepared a statement of the amount of different kinds of farm products which were raised and husbanded within the county during 1873, as returned by the Assessor, and endorsed by the Board of Equalization.
In 1873 there were produced in Madison county, 500 bushels of lime, 445,733 bushels of wheat, 1,503,958 bush- els of corn, 13,744 bushels of rye, 70,832 bushels of oats, 9,125 bushels of barley, 952 bushels of clover and grass seeds, 12,310 bushels of flax seed, 24,585 bushels of fruit, 3,914 tons of hay, 4 tons of hemp. These several artieles were produced from 39,274 aeres of wheat land, 62,753 aeres of corn land, 5,573 acres of oat land, 12,695 acres of meadow land, 57,667 acres of wood land, or a total of 169,- 631 aeres under cultivation.
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Besides these there were produced 488,149 pounds of bacon, 118,123 pounds bulk pork, 144,727 pounds of lard, 27,790 pounds of wool, 11,160 pounds of tobacco, 1,751 pounds of maple sugar, 23 barrels of pork, 25,964 gallons of cider, 9,837 gallons of vinegar, 60 gallons of wine, 3,826 gallons of sorghum molasses, 938 gallons of maple molasses.
The number of live stock in the county has increased very materially within the last few years, and the standard of quality has been raised in like proportion. Much attention has been given of late years to the importation and breeding of the best stocks of cattle, horses, sheep and swine, and many of our farmers boast as fine herds and flocks as roam the fields of England or the Eastern States. The assess- ment rolls give the following figures for live stock : Num- ber of horses, 7,586, mules 855, cattle 18,073, sheep 16,000, hogs 68,455. Among the cattle thorough-breds of Durham and other short horns are becoming popular, of sneap Cottswold, South-down and Liecester, of swine Ches- ter White, Berkshire and Poland China decidedly predom- inate. Many of our farmers have stocked their farms direct from Pennsylvania, imported animals.
Much attention has been devoted of late years to the sub- ject of draining, and the enactment of the ditch law by the Legislature a few years ago, (to whom the county is largely indebted to our distinguished fellow citizen, Judge Harvey Craven,) many valuable aeres have been added to the fertile tillable land of Madison. The fact is, though a number of tile factories exist in various parts of the county, all of whom are doing a heavy business, the supply this spring was wholly inadequate to the demand. Besides the ordin- ary drains extending through farms, there are in many localities large open ditehes controlled by corporate bodies, created under legislative provisions. We regret that we have no date at hand showing the amount of lumber annul- ally produced, used and exported from the county, but from the amount of clearing of lands, and the excellent quality of the timber, it must be immense. From the shipping point
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MADISON COUNTY.
of Pendleton, alone, the number of cars loaded entirely with lumber, during the nine months closing on June 30th, 1874, were one hundred and eighteen. At the same ratio the yearly exportation would exceed 150 cars, and this, out- side of the home consumption, which for the past year must also have been quite a considerable item.
Among some of the articles in use in the county which would seem to indicate a highly cultivated state of society, might be mentioned, 160 pianos, 90 melodeons, and 125 organs, while 1,944 sewing or knitting machines distinguish us from barbarians.
In summing up the miscellaneous statistics, then, we should say the populatian in 1870 was 22,770, the number of polls 3,748, the value of lands $6,868,346, average value per acre $24.22, being an increase of six per cent. within ten years. The value of improvements in the county in ten years has been $1,750,153, and the total value of taxables in her borders aggregates $11,830,103. The number of miles of railroad track in the county is 58, with a valuation of railroad property aggregating $643,625.
In point of intelligence and education, Madison county ranks equal to any in the State. Her school system is excellent, and the corps of officers and teachers are admir- able. The school property of the county forms a very con- siderable exhibition of the prosperity of the county. According to the statement of the County Superintendent the number of children over the age of six years, who can not read, does not exceed one thousand.
In religious training and moral character our citizens are far above the average, and the numerous church organiza- tions scattered over the county speak volumes in corrobora- tion of the statement. The Sunday school work is under the control of the best men in the county, and has already been productive of much good.
These straggling and disconnected statistics will serve to show, in a few particulars, that in the great march of mat- ter and of mind Madison county has nobly done her part, and displayed an earnestness of purpose and an energy of action which rivals any of her contemporaries.
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Vive la Madison county.
Leaving the county, and confining our remarks to the southern part of the same, we have still more flattering evi- dences of a high condition of civilization and material prosperity.
South Madison county is the garden spot of Indiana. In no other region does the soil furnish sustenance to more bountiful vegetation, in no other place is the average yield of cereal crops greater, in no other place does the stock bear more marked evidences of care and attention, or such a thorough breeding, in no other place do the farms show & higher state of cultivation, or thrift and prosperity become more fully personified. And last, but not least, there is scarcely another town in the State which-in proportion to its size-possesses a larger import and export business than is done in Pendleton, the metropolis of South Madison county.
Located in the valley of Fall creek-a valley unsurpassed in richness-surrounded by a fertile country that knows no bounds to productiveness ; the habitation of a wealthy, gen- erous, prosperous and high-toned population-mostly from the Eastern and Middle States-Pendleton occupies a proud and enviable position among the corporations of Indiana, and is entitled to the consideration of capital and labor seeking a location.
The limits of the trade of Pendleton extend over consid- erable portions of Madison, Hancock, Henry, Rush and Hamilton counties, and Indainapolis, even, has been com- pelled to recognize its merits as a trading post-as evidenced by the numerous agencies from the Capital City now estab- lished here. Our stores compete with those of Indianapolis in prices, and our mechanics enjoy an uninterrupted mon- opoly, broken only by competition among themselves. Pendleton's manufactories-planing, saw and flouring mills, flax, barrel and furniture factories, hay, stock, grain and produce markets, shipping and commission houses, her schools and churches, her magnificent residences and com- modious business blocks ; and above all, and beyond all, the
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MADISON COUNTY.
stirring, energetic, indomitable spirit of her citizens renders Pendleton a desirable place to locate, either for business or a residence.
Through the kindly favor of Mr. J. R. Page, agent of the Bee Line Railroad Company, we are enabled to present some statistics in support of the claims above set forth. These figures, in part, show the amount of the export trade of Pendleton during the nine months immediately preceding June 30th, 1874. It will be observed, however, that this list only includes the full cars of the articles mentioned, and has no reference to the mixed freight wherein more than one class of articles were shipped in a car. The report shows a considerable increase over the corresponding months of 1872-3, and is a most flattering exhibit of our manufacturing and industrial enterprise : Lumber, sixty-six car loads; saw logs, twenty-four car loads; heading and stave bolts, twenty-eight car loads; stone bowlders, thirty- six car loads ; building stone, seven car loads ; draining tile, five car loads; flax tow, twelve car loads; hay, twenty-two car loads; grain, one hundred and five car loads; flour, nineteen car loads; cattle, twenty-seven car loads ; sheep, two car loads; hogs, one hundred and thirty-three car loads ; wool, three car loads ; making a total of four hun- dred and eighty-nine car loads within nine months. Mak- ing an estimate from this for the remaining three months we would have a yearly export trade by this one line, of more than six hundred full car loads. No town in the State, of twice its size, can make a better exhibit.
SKETCH OF PERKINSVILLE.
THIS town derived its name from William Perkins, who came to the county in 1825. The site of the town is good, being on the north bank of White river, near the Ham il- ton county line. The population in 1850 was one hundred
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and fifteen, and in 1860, three hundred and fifteen, and in 1870, three hundred and eighty-five. It is one of the oldest settled places in the county. It now contains an excellent school house, churches, mills, stores and manufactories. The following are among its merchants and mechanics: T. L. Beckwith, Warren Cole, A. J. Applegate and Luther Lee, merchants; Fisher Bonner, Daniel Lee and - Webb, blacksmiths ; Daniel Rewark, wagon-maker; Moses Jenner, harnessmaker; Gideon Richwine, J. W. Etsler, A. F. Armstrong, and Samuel Sinkle, shoemakers; Samuel Garrison, gunsmith, and Christopher Hemm, cabinet makers, Its physicians are C. N. Branch, J. M. Garretson, J. S. Houghman, and Charles Diven. Among its first merchants were T. L. Beckwith, and Hedrick & Bristol. The first physicians were Dr. Douglass, T. L. Carr, Dr. Clark, and Thos. Cook. Its first and only postmaster is T. L. Beckwith. There are also Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges at this place, a separate account of which will be given in another part of this work ; also, of its churches and mills. There is at this writing, 1874, a bridge being erected over White river, on the county line, just at the western part of the village, the expense of which is to be borne equally by the two conn- ties. The work is being superintended by T. L. Beck- with.
SUMMITVILLE
THIS town is located in Van Buren township. It was laid out in the year 1868. The first merchant was Henry Roby, who continued in business four months. He was suc- ceeded by Aquilla Moore, who is at present one of the mer- chants. A. M. Williams commenced business in 1872. Both keep general assortment stores. The first postmaster was John Kelsey, the present one is Aquilla Moore. J. D. Marsh established a drug store in March, 1874. It has a
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MADISON COUNTY.
Hlouring mill, built by Williams, Moore & Dove. Its cost was $4,000. It is now owned by Bratton & Finnemore. The first blacksmith was Jasper Webb. The present smiths are Webb and Hacker. The first shoemaker was R. Snelling. The first doctor was C. V. Garrett, who was fol- lowed by John Wright, W. V. McMahon, and M. L. Cranfield. The present harnessmaker is Aaron Williams. There is a tan yard owned by A. M. Williams, and a wagon shop by Charles Ray. Summitsville, though a new place, is quite a lively town. There is no town near to injure its local trade. The prospective railroad from Marion to An- derson, will doubtless make this a station, when it will make a town of some importance. It already contains some tasteful private residences. The population at present is about two hundred. It has an excellent school room, and at this writing a school is being taught by W. M. Croan. Summitville is a pleasant place, and we wish for it a bright future.
SLY FORK STATION.
THIS place was formerly a station on the Cincinnati and Chicago Railroad, and is in Union township. It sprang up on the completion of the above road and flourished for a short time. The cars, however, do not stop there at the present time. It contained at one time a store, kept by Beninggall & Tucker; a ware house, kept by James Ross, which was consumed by fire April, 1871, and a postoffice, kept by G. W. Tucker, which has been discontinued. The store room referred to above was consumed by fire, contain- ing goods belonging to Burr & Windell. At this writing there is nothing here to indicate a town, except a few empty houses, and it may be numbered among the things of the past. A sad accident happened here in the year 1863, in which a young man by the name of Judd lost his life in attempting to get on the cars. The station is about mid-
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way between Anderson and Middletown, and three miles south of Chesterfield. It is located in a very good part of the county, but as a town and station it has proved a fail- ure. A short distance northeast Sly Fork and Mill creek take their rise. The former flows south into Fall creek, the latter north into White river near Chesterfield.
LETTERS FROM PROMINENT MEN THROUGH- OUT THE COUNTY.
We will now introduce the number of letters received from different parts. Those letters have been written by request, thinking they would lend an additional interest to the work. They are given here as they were presented, and each speak for themselves. And we think we will not be presuming too much, when we say they will be read with interest. In each case the writer's name will be given. In making this request, the Author was particular, in writing to none except those who had considerable experience in the early history of which we write. They will be recognized at once as intelligent and worthy men. The reader will be assured that he is not reading fiction, but facts, as they occurred. A place is gladly given in this work for these letters. The writers of these incidents will soon pass away. It is fitting they leave a line behind, telling of the hardships of by-gone days. Some of these may not live to see these letters in print, as our pioneers are fast passing away. Even since the Author commenced the preparation of this Book, the following have died, viz: Isaac Busby, J. T. Swain, B. F. Walker, R. N. Clark, Judge Marshon, Thomas Silver, David E. Studley, and Moses Maynard, all of which will have an appropriate notice elsewhere.
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