USA > Indiana > Grant County > Fairmount > The making of a township, being an account of the early settlement and subsequent development of Fairmount Township, Grant County, Indiana, 1829 to 1917, based upon data secured by personal interviews, from numerous communications > Part 39
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Captain Jared Mansfield, U. S. A., succeeded Rufus Putnam, the first Surveyor-General, in 1803. It was.necessary for him to survey the Vincennes Indian Grant of 1795, confirmed in 1803. But as the tract was surrounded by Indian lands, cut off from the other sur- veys and remote from the Ohio river, he was at a loss as to how to proceed. If he tried to survey the tract in conformance with the lines east of the Greenville Treaty line, he felt sure that when the lines were connected after the Indian title to the intervening land was secured there would be great confusion, and if he merely surveyed the tract as a unit he would destroy any uniformity of surveys in the Indiana Territory. He therefore decided to base the surveys upon great lines which could control all future surveys in that region. To this end he ran the Second Principal Meridian through the northeast corner of the cession. For a base line he used a line running from the westernmost corner of Clark's grant on the Ohio-the nearest surveyed land.
This was the beginning of the combination of principal meridians and base lines which have been used in all later surveys. Both had been used before-Mansfield perfected the system and applied his brilliant talents to the astronomical location of the important points from which surrounding surveys could be made. The Second Principal Meridian governed the surveys in Indiana and those in Illinois to the western boundary of the fourteenth range. West from that line to the Mississippi and Illinois rivers the surveys have been based on the Third Principal Meridian, which runs from the mouth of the Ohio river.
The north and south lines are run by the true meridian, and the east and west lines at right angles therefrom, as far as practicable, in closing. But as the east and west lines are made the closing lines of the sections or townships, they frequently vary a little from those points, being run from one section or township corner to
463
tot
The Making of a Township.
another. The lines are well marked by having all those trees which fall in the line notched with two notches on each side where the line cuts, and all or most of the trees on each side of the line and near it blazed on two sides, diagonally-or quartering towards the line.
At the section corners there are posts set, having as many notches cut on two sides of them as they are miles distant from the township boundary, where the sectional lines commenced. At the township corners the posts have six notches made on each of the four sides facing the lines. Wherever a tree falls exactly in the corner, it supplies the place of a post, and is marked in the same manner. The places of the posts are perpetuated thus: At each corner the courses are taken to two trees in opposite direc- tions as nearly as may be, and their distance from the post meas- ured. These trees are called "bearing trees" (witness trees) and are blazed on the side next the post, and one notch made with an axe in the blaze. But in prairies, or other places where there are 110 trees within a convenient distance for bearings, a mound of earth is raised at each corner, not less than two and a half feet high, nor less than that in diameter at the base, in which the mound- posts are placed.
At the section corners the numbers of each section, together with the numbers of the township and range, are marked with a marking iron (such as are used in mills and warehouses) on a bearing or other trees standing within the section near to the corner, thus: A blaze large enough for the purpose is made on the tree. and on the blaze the letter R is made, with the number of the range annexed ; below this the letter T, with the number of the township ; and under that the number of the section, without any letter to denote it. To the number of the township the letter N or S is added, according as the township lies north or south of the base- line ; and to the number of the range the letter E or W as the range may be cast or west of the principal meridian. By proper attention to these numbers and marks a purchaser is enabled to know the quarter and number of the section he wishes to enter, and the num- ber of the township and range in which it lies.
The quarter-section corners are established in the same manner that the section corners are, but no marks are made for the numbers of the section, township and range; "1-4 S" only is marked on the post.
465
Appendix.
The deputy surveyors are required to note particularly and to center in their field books the courses and distances of all lines which they may run; the names and estimated diameters of all corner or bearing trees, and all those trees which fall in the lines, called station or line trees, together with the courses or distances of the bearing trees from their respective corners, with the proper letters and numbers marked on them; all rivers, creeks, springs and smaller streams of water, with their width and the course they run in crossing the line, and whether navigable, rapid, or otherwise ; also the face of the country, whether level, hilly or mountainous ; the kinds of timber and undergrowth with which the land may be covered, and the quality of the soil ; all lakes, ponds, swamps, peat or turf grounds, coal beds, stone quarries; uncommon, natural or artificial productions, such as remains of ancient fortifications, mounds, precipices, caves, etc., all rapids, cascades, or falls of wa- ter ; minerals, ores, fossils, etc .; the true situation of all mines, salt licks, salt springs, and mill-sites which may come to their knowl- edge. From the returns of the surveys thus made a complete knowledge of the country may be obtained, and maps thereof drawn with the greatest accuracy. The field notes of the surveyors, to- gether with the plats and descriptions, made out therefrom, are filed in the office of the surveyor-general of the United States, or of the principal surveyors for the territories of Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri.
Some Old Recipes. (From The Medical Investigator, 1847.) . For Cholera Infantum.
Take a double handful of dewberry roots, a double handful of the root of cranesbill and two gallons of witchhazel leaves, boil these articles separately till the strength is all extracted; then strain, and pour the whole into one vessel, and boil down to a quart; add a pint of the best French brandy, and a pound of loaf sugar. Dose, from a tablespoonful to a wine glassful; repeated according to circumstances, and continued until the action on the bowels is fully checked.
466
The Making of a Township.
Tincture of Lobelia.
Fill a jar with green herb, well bruised and pressed. and for every quart which the jar will contain add three or four pods of common red pepper, then pour on good whiskey enough to cover the herb, and let it stand for use. The longer it stands the stronger it becomes. This forms an excellent remedy in phthisic, croup. whooping-cough, bad colds, and all catarrhal affections, and is per- fectly safe in its effects on all ages and conditions of persons.
For Yellow Jaundice.
Take a double handful of wild cherry tree bark, of the roots; the same quantity of yellow poplar bark, of the roots ; of sarsaparilla roots; of the bark of the red sumach roots; half the quantity of bitter root. Boil these ingredients in two gallons of water until it is reduced to half a gallon ; pour off and strain the liquid. Then boil or simmer down to one pint ; add this to one gallon of hard cider : shake it well ; then add two ounces of garden madder, or the madder of the shops. Commence with half a wine glassful three times a day, increasing the dose gradually to half a teacupful or even more in bad cases. When you have drunk half, add another half-gallon of cider.
Opening of the Wabash and Erie Canal.
( From the Indiana Journal, July 31, 1835.)
Canal navigation in Indiana has now fairly commenced. Thirty- two miles of the Wabash and Eric canal, extending from the dam across the Little St. Joseph river to Huntington on the Wabash are now completed and boats are regularly running thereon. This interesting event was celebrated in a becoming manner on the 4th inst. On the 2nd three boats left this place for Huntington for the purpose of bringing up such citizens of the lower end of the line as might wish to attend the celebration. The arrival of these boats in Huntington was hailed with the liveliest demonstrations of joy.
The next day the boats returned to Ft. Wayne, and were met and saluted by a detachment of militia, under the command of Capt. Rudisil; the salutes were returned by Capt. Fate's artillery, who
467
Appendi.v.
came from Huntington with the boats. On the morning of the 4th a procession was formed in front of the Washington Hall and pro- ceeded to the canal, where they embarked on the boats prepared for the occasion, and took a trip to the Feeder dam, seven miles distant. No less than 500 individuals, including a large portion of the fair sex, were present on the occasion. Among the guests were Gen. Tipton, of the U. S. Senate, and Col. Stansberry, of the U. S. Topographical Engineers, who was one of the party who first sur- veyed the route of the canal. Governor Noble was prevented by ill health from attending. Governor Lucas, of Ohio, was invited, but was prevented by the pressure of official business from being present.
The company landed at the dam, where salutes were fired by the military and some toasts were given. On the health of the canal commissioners being drunk. D. Burr, Esq., returned thanks, and in a short but animated address depicted the difficulties which our infant State had encountered in the commencement of a work of such magnitude as this canal, and the advantages that might rea- sonably be anticipated from its speedy completion. Gen. Tipton being called upon, delivered a short speech, in wihch he contrasted the present appearance of this section of country-where cultivated farms and cheerful villages meet the eye in every direction-with what it was at the time the canal was first contemplated, when the whole country from Lake Erie to the Wabash was one unbroken wilderness.
The company then returned to Ft. Wayne, where the Declara- tion of Independence was read by L. B. Wilson, and an oration de- livered by Hon. H. McCulloch. A large company afterwards par- took of a public dinner prepared for the occasion. The day was un- commonly fine, and nothing happened to disturb the harmony and good feeling which were manifested by all.
The Irish were observed by the citizens to be in the habit of nightly assembling in the secluded places in the woods; and all who could in any way procure arms were providing themselves with them. Three kegs of powder were forcibly taken from a wagon on the highway; the houses of some of the citizens were entered and the owners compelled to give up their guns; and the lives of others were threatened who refused to give up their arms. Several outrages were committed by these deluded ruffians upon each other; and Mr. Brady, a canal contractor, was fired at, but fortunately without effect, by a wretch named Sullivan, who, we are
468
The Making of a Township.
informed, took a prominent part in the disturbances in Maryland last year, and is also deeply implicated in the murders committed at Williamsburgh, Pa., four years ago.
The contest was intended to have taken place on the 12th inst., the anniversary of the battle of the Boyne. On the 10th the "Cork- onians" assembled at Lagro, to the number of about three hundred, most of whom were armed; at the same time about two hundred and fifty armed "Fardowns" advanced to Wabash, seven miles from Lagro, on their way to attack their adversaries. D. Burr, Esq., canal commissioner, and some other citizens of the neighborhood, succeeded in inducing the two parties to suspend their intended fight for two days, in order to give them an opportunity of making some amicable arrangement. In the meantime expresses were sent to Fort Wayne and Logansport, requesting assistance to suppress the disturbances and protect the citizens from the dangers to which they would be exposed if the two parties should come in contact.
The express arrived here (Fort Wayne) on Saturday the 11th, and the appeal was promptly responded to by our citizens. The drum beat to arms, and in two hours a company of sixty-three men, well armed and furnished with ammunition and provisions, were on their march for the scene of action. Col. J. Spencer was elected to command the expedition; Adam Hull was elected first lieutenant. Samuel Edsell second lieutenant, and H. Rudisil ensign. The company embarked in a canal boat and arrived at Huntington about midnight; next morning they marched forward on their route, reinforced by a company from Huntington, under the command of Capt. Murray.
On hearing of the arrival of the volunteers, the Irish dispersed into the woods, and the next day most of them returned to their work, fully satisfied that they could not trample on the laws of the State with impunity, and that if they attempted to proceed any fur- ther in their mad career they would inevitably meet with the punish- inent due to such lawless proceedings.
Lincoln in Indiana.
(From the Indianapolis Daily Journal, February 12, 186[.) (Lincoln's Speech at the State Line.)
Gentlemen of Indiana: I am happy to meet you on this oc- casion, and enter again the State of my early life, and almost my
469
Appendix.
nativity. I am under many obligations to you for your kind re- ception, and to Indiana for the aid she has rendered the cause which I think eminently a just one.
Gentlemen, I shall address you at greater length at Indianapolis, but not much greater. Again, gentlemen, I thank you for your warm-hearted reception.
Leaving the crowd, amid the firing of cannon, and the waving of flags and handkerchiefs, the train left the State line. It was greeted by similar crowds at Attica, and other points on the road.
(At Lafayette.)
When the train arrived at Lafayette another monster crowd wel- comed the incoming president, and while the trains were switching preparatory to transferring passengers and baggage, Mr. Lincoln made a short speech in response to the loud cries of the assembled multitude.
Crowds greeted the train at every station between Lafayette and Indianapolis, and at every place where it stopped Mr. Lincoln showed himself on the platform of the cars and spoke a few words to the people.
(At Indianapolis.)
When the train came in sight of this city its arrival was an- nounced by the roar of artillery. Thirty-four rounds were fired in honor of the thirty-four States of the Union.
At five o'clock the train stopped at the crossing of Washington street, where it was met by members of the legislature, the officers of State, the City Council, the military company of the city, the Fire Department of Indianapolis and thousands of men, women and children on foot, in carriages and on horseback. Every part of the State was represented, and every political party, by hundreds and thousands of persons.
(Reception of the President-Elect.)
When Mr. Lincoln left the cars and made his appearance where he could be seen, deafening cheers arose that sounded above the roar of the cannon and the loudest blasts of the bands playing in the vicinity. The President-elect was welcomed by Governor Morton in the following speech :
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The Making of a Township.
(Governor Morton's Speech.)
Sir: On behalf of the people of Indiana I bid you welcome. They avail themselves of this occasion to offer their tribute of high respect to your character as a man, and as a statesman, and in your person to honor the high office to which you have been elected.
In every free government there will be differences of opinion, and these differences result in the formation of parties; but when the voice of the people has been expressed through the forms of the Constitution, all patriots yield to it obedience. Submission to the popular will is the essential principle of Republican govern- ment, and so vital is this principle that it admits of but one excep- tion, which is revolution. To weaken it is anarchy; to destroy it is despotism. It recognizes no appeal beyond the ballot-box; and while it is preserved, Liberty may be wounded but never slain.
To this principle the people of Indiana, men of all parties, are loyal, and they here welcome you as the Chief Magistrate-elect of the Republic.
When our fathers framed the Constitution they declared it was to form a more perfect union, establish justice, and to secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity, and for these considerations we proclaim our purpose to maintain that Consti- tution inviolate as it came from their hands.
This Union has been the idol of our hopes; the parent of our prosperity ; our shield and protection abroad, and our title to the respect and consideration of the world. May it be preserved is the prayer of every patriotic heart in Indiana, and that it shall be. the determination.
(Reply of the President-Elect.)
Governor Morton and Fellow Citizens of the State of Indiana :
Most heartily do I thank you for this magnificent reception, and while 1 cannot take to myself any share of the compliment thus paid, more than that which pertains to a mere instrument, an ac- cidental instrument, perhaps I should say, of a great cause, 1 yet must look upon it as a most magnificent reception, and as such most heartily do I thank you for it. You have been pleased to ad- dress yourself to me chiefly in behalf of this glorious Union in which we live, in all of which you have my hearty sympathy, and, as far as may be within my power, will have, one and inseparably, my hearty consideration ; while I do not expect, upon this occasion,
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Appendi.r.
or until I get to Washington, to attempt any lengthy speech, I will only say that to the salvation of this Union there needs but one single thing, the hearts of a people like yours. (Applause.)
The people, when they arise in mass in behalf of the Union, and the liberties of their country, truly it may be said, "The gates of hell can not prevail against them." (Renewed applause.) In all trying positions in which I shall be placed, and doubtless I shall be placed in many such, my reliance will be placed upon you, and the people of the United States-and I wish you to remember, now and forever, that it is your business, and not mine ; that if the Union of these States, and the liberties of this people, shall be lost, it is but little to any one man of fifty-two years of age, but a great deal to the thirty millions of people who inhabit these United States, and to their posterity in all coming time. It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union and liberty for yourselves, and not for me.
I desire they should be constitutionally performed. I, as al- ready intimated, am but an accidental instrument, temporary, and to serve but for a limited time, and I appeal to you again to con- stantly bear in mind that with you, and not with politicians, not with presidents, not with officeseekers, but with you, is the ques- tion : Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generations? (Cheers.)
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The Making of a Township.
Indiana.
(From Indiana's Gift to the Battleship Indiana ; poem by James Whitcomb Riley, 1896.)
Our Land-our Home !- the common home indeed Of soil-born children and adopted ones --- The stately daughters and the stalwart sons Of Industry :- All greeting and godspeed ! O home to proudly live for, and, if need Be, proudly die for, with the roar of guns Blent with our latest prayer .- So died men once.
Lo, Peace ! As we look on the land they freed- Its harvests all in ocean-overflow
Poured round autumnal coasts in billowy gold- Its corn and wine and balmed fruits and flow'rs,-
We know the exaltation that they know Who now, steadfast inheritors, behold
The Land Elysian, marveling "This is ours !"
1
HIY OFFICERS, IKUM THE ORGANIZATION OF GRANT COUNTY, IN 1831, UP TO THE PRESENT TIME ( 1917)
473-474-476-476
Date
Circuit Judge
Associate Judge
Associate Judge
Prehate Judge
Clerk
Auditor
Recorder
Sberitť
Circuit Prosecut-
Treasurer
Ing Attorney
COMMISSIONERS
Charles H Tent
Samuel McClure
Caleb Smith
Surveyor
1831
Coroner
Jesse Vermilya
Jesse Vermilya
Benjamin Knight
First Distriet
Seeund District
Third District
1832
Charles H. Test
Samuel MeClure
Caleb Smith
Caleb Smith
Itlley Marshall
Riley Marshall
Benjamin Knight
Davic Branson
[David Branson
Benjamin Berry
Benjamin Berry
(V)
Jeremiah Sutton
Reason Malott
David Adumson
183:
Charles H. Teat
Samuel MeClure
Alley Marshall
Riley Marshall
Benjamin Knight
Jehn Beard
Jeremiah Sutton
Stins Overman
Solomon Thomas
1834
Charles Il Test
Samuel MeClure
Caleb Smith
Itiley Marshall
Riley Marshall
Benjamin Knight
Ell Orerman
William J. Barnett
H. Gregg
Charles Hummel
Stas Overman
Sulumen Thomas
1836
Charles H. Test
Daniel James
Caleb Smith
Daniel James
Caleb Amith
Riley Marshall
Riley Marshall
Benjamin Knight
Frederick Eltzroth
William J. Barnett
William J. Barnett
William J. Brown
William J Brown
Charles Hummel
Charles Hummel
Silas Overman
Solomon Thomas
1836
Samuel BIKger
Klley Marshall
Riley Marshall
Benjamin Knight
Frederick Eltzroth
William J. Burnett
William J. Brown
James Barnett
William Roberda
Solomon Thomas
·1837
Samuel Bigger
William Masary
Caleb Smith
Caleb Smith
James Trimble
Riley Marshall
Frederick Eltzroth
Willlim Monauy
Riley Marshall
Benjamin Knight
Eb G. Carey
W'il Ium Itoberds
Thomas Kirk wood
1838
Samuel Bigger
James Trimble
William Massey
Caleb Smith
M. Jones (a)
Morton Jones
Morton Jones
S. W. Parker
John James
1839
David Kilgore
Ianac Bedsaul
Eb G. Carey
S. W. Parker
James Burnett
Thomas Kirk wood
B. C. Hoglu
J. Trimble
E. G. Carey
William 1. Jones
E. G. Carey
Thomas J. Neal
Isaar Bedsaul
Henly James
J. T. Elliott
James Barnett
W'm. E. Hendricks
Jamea Sweetser
John Russell
184
David Kilgore
William Massey
Caleb Smith
James Sweetser
Samuel N, Woolnat
B (. Hogin
E. G. Carey
E. G. Carey
Themas J. Neal
George W. Webaler Henly James
J. T. Eillett
Wm. E. Hendricks
1184!
David Kligore
William Maasoy
Benjamin Morgan
Joseph B. Allen
Caleb Smith
B. C. Hogin
William Maxney
Caleb Smith
N. G. Carey
David Kilgore
John Gilbert
Thomas J. Neul
Reddeo Chance
Witam 11. Smith
1842
William Massey
Caleb Smith
13. C. Hegln
E. G. Carey
Renly James
Jeremiah Smith
David KAgora
B. C. Hegin
John Gilbert
Thomas J. Neal
Reddea Chance
E. (. Carey
Henly James
John M. Wallace
W'm. K. Hendricks
184
Stephen D. Hall
Benjamin Morgan
Thomas Dean
Greenup F. Holman Thomas Dean
184
William Massey
Caleb Smith
John Gilbert
Thomas J. New!
Iteddeg Chance
David Kilgore
J W. Goldthalt
E. G. Carey
George F. bunn
John Gilbert
Thomas J. Neal
Jehn Hodge
John M. Wallace
B. W. Ruley
John Hodge
John Davis
Stephen D. Hall
Greenup F. Holman Thomas Deun
Stephen D. 11a/1
1815
David Kilgore
Benj. F. Furnish
Coleb Smith
Greenup F. Holman Thomas Coleman
George F. Dunn
A.
Steele
(c)
1846
Jeremiah Smith
Benj. F. Furninh
Caleb Smith
George F. Dunn
John Gilbert
Themas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
A. Steele
John Hedge
John Davis
James Brownlee
Thomas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
John Hodge
Joseph S. Buckles
Samuel Duyle
Thomas Wall
Thomas Coleman
1847
Jeremiah Smith
Benj. F. Furnish
Caleb Smith
George F. Dunn
A. Steele
James Brownlee
Thomas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
Zimri Reynolds
Ephraim Smith
Joseph S. Buckles
Samuel Doyle
Thomas Wall
Thomas Coleman
1848
Jeremiah Smith
Benj. F. Furnish
Caleb Smith
Benj. F. Furnish
Caleb Smith
Frederick P. Lucas
A. Steele
Inmes
Brownlee
Themas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
Zimri Reynolds
Isaiah M. Hurlon
Ephraim Smith
Samuel Duyle
Robert Griffin
J. 1 .. Dolman
1845
Jorrmiah Smith
Frederick P. Lucos
A. Steclo
James Brownlee
Thomas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
Zimri Reynolds
Ephraim Smith
Ianlah M. Harlun
Jehn Ratliff
Robert 11. Lenfesty Robert Griffin
Robert Il Lenfest; Robert Griffin
1. 1 .. Doiman
185
Jeremiah Smith
Benj. F. Furnish
Caleb Smith
Robert Wilson
Frederick P. Lucas
J. W. Brown
James Brownlee
Thomas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
Zimri Reynolds
Isalah M. Harlan
WJohn Ratliff
Spencer Heoder
18G
Jeremiah Smith
Benj. F. Furninh
ltenly James
Frederlek J'. Luces
lobert 11
Lentesty William C. Miles
Sponcer Reoder
$1×62
J. Anthony
Benj. F. Furnish
Hlenly James
J. W. Browa
James
Brownlee
Thomas J. Neal
B. W. Ruley
Alexander Buchanan David Mess
Frederick I, Luras
J. W. Brown
B. W. Ruley
John Ratliff
Robert
11
Lenfesty William (. Miles
Spencer Reeder
J. U. Petit
James
Brownlee
Thomas J. Neal
Alexander Buchanan Silas Colgrove
Itobert B Jones
Superior Judge
Robert H!
Lenfest> Willam + Miles
1. IT. Prilt
Waller March
J. W. Brown
James
Brownlee
Daniel Morris
Jacob Whisler
Alexander Buchanan J. M. Conhell
Joshua Canon
Walter March
J. W. Brown
I. M. Harlun
Robert B. Jones
Robert 1[
Lenteaty Robert Griffin
1854
.l. Brownleo
James Brownlee
Daniel Morria
Jacob Whisler
Alexander Buchanan 1. M. Harlan
Willum Neal
Daniel Goleman
.J. M. Wallace
itobert Hl. Lonfesty Rulært Griffin
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