USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 43
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STREAMS.
The principal water-course is Indian Creek, from which the township de rives its name. It traverses the entire township, from northwest to south :- east, dividing it diagonally into almost equal parts, the northern being the larger portion. This creek has numerous tributaries. Of these three are in the south and flow mainly westward until they mingle their waters with those of Indian Creek. In the north central portions of the township are numerous nameless branches that flow south and southeast, all finally dis- charging their waters into the creek already described. The northeaster !: part of the township is drained by several small streams that are tributary to the Cuivre, the more important of which is one called Lick Creek, ilow. ing south and finally bearing to the east before its junction with the larger stream. These streams, taken together, furnish excellent drainage and afford an abundant supply of water. Timber is still plentiful along these water- courses, both for fuel and for building purposes.
EARLY SETTLED PLACES.
Among the earliest settled places in Indian township may be mentioned the James Love place, which is now owned by James II. Fry, and the Townbs place, also in the central part of the township, and owned at this time by John F. Chamberlain. On the south fork of Indian Creek is a very old! place, probably settled by Compton Kilby. James L. Kilby now resides upon the farm settled by himself at a very early day. Jonathan Oyler and William Irving both came into the township with the first settlers, and located in the western part of the township. Another very old place is in
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INDIAN TOWNSHIP.
the central part near New Harmony, settled by Fred Branstetter. Perhaps the finest orchard ever started in Indian township was planted and culti- vated on this place. The farin last mentioned is now owned by Mr. B. F. Barrett. Henry Branstetter, who was killed in Louisiana by a hogshead of tobacco rolling off the skids and falling upon him, settled very early on a farm just west of New Harmony. Charles Atkinson, a Virginian, settled south of New Harmony on a place now owned by S. T. Atkinson. The father of Daniel Goodman settled the place now owned by Peter Hanson. Adam Branstetter, an old settler, had a horse-mill and distillery on the farm How owned and occupied by James N. Orr.
The first town in Indian township was known as upper St. Louis. It was situated on the farm now owned by Marshall Royalty. It consisted of a shanty used as a store, a blacksmith shop, and a treadmill for grinding corn. A. and M. S. Branstetter were the proprietors of upper St. Louis. At this time there is little danger of confounding it with (lower) St. Louis, since every vestige of the "upper " city has entirely disappeared. At this time New Harmony is the only town in Indian township. Once there were two stores, a saloon, two blacksmith shops, wagon shop, and mill. It has, how- ever, suffered seriously from the encroachments made upon its trade by Curryville and Vand ilia. There is one store at Farmersville, conducted very successfully by Mr. Moses Farmer, the proprietor. Thomas Hughlett was the first settler of New Harmony. Theron Ives, Sen., who built the mill was next to Hughlett. After these came M. S. Branstetter, who started a hotel. The first practicing physician in the township was Dr. Nathan Vannoy. Dr. William E. Henry, who resided with R. T. Jones on the farm now owned by A. J. Butler, was most likely the second practitioner in the township. Dr. Henry subsequently removed to New Harmony, and was the first physician who ever located there. . Drs. C. R. Bankhead, now of Paynesville; F. C. Wicks, of Spencersburg; G. A. Lec, of Bowling Green; and R. H. T. Gatewood, of Andrain county, have all practiced their pro- fession at New Harmony, and in its immediate vicinity. Dr. Matthews is the present physician of the town of New Harmony. He is also druggist, postinaster, and preacher.
TEACHERS.
Among the first teachers of Indian township were oll Father Barbee and Garland T. Henderson. Following these were Lewis and R. T. Jones and Stephen Hayden.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
JUSTICES.
James L. Kilby was among the very first justices of the peace. Dans, Goodman, A. J. Davis, and Findley Branstetter also served the people in this capacity at an early day in the history of the township.
RESIDENCES.
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All of the early honses were built of logs; first, the cabin of round log-, then those built of hewn logs, usually a story and a half high, with a pass. age and an L. At this time the houses are generally frame structures, Hent and comfortable, and as large as is necessary for the use and comfort of the family. There are good barns in many places, and the improvements are generally of a very substantial character.
The township has neither gravel nor railroad, but the northern and north- western portions are at no great remove from the Chichago & Alton Rai !- way, which passes through Spencer township in Pike, and also through An- drain county. The dirt roads of the township are usually straight, run in direct lines from north to south, or east to west, and are kept in good and! safe condition.
Apart from wheat, corn, and other staple products, the people in Indiau township raise considerable quantities of stock, which is annually shipped to market, or sold at home. to those who are engaged in this line of trade.
OLD SETTLERS.
Indian township was mainly settled up by immigrants from Kentucky, and Virginia. These pioneers of course brought with them the religion. the customs, and manners of their ancestors. If they brought with then the prejudices and even faults that belonged to the people of the older states, and even of the "Old Dominion," there is abundant evidence even tu- day that they did not leave behind them the sterling virtues of their fathers or the kindly hospitality that is so deplorably lacking in some of the more northern states.
Among these early pioneers, who cleared away the forests and erected their rude log cabins in this wild country, were the Branstetters, "whose name is legion." Frederick Branstetter had entered a piece of land as early as 1821, but finding it rather lonesome returned to Kentucky where he and his brother Peter both married sisters, and thus reinforced for the conflict of life set out for Pike county. This was perhaps as early as 1823. James L .. Kilby, who was here in 1326, remembers also an Adam Branstetter who was
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a hatter by trade and manufactured silk and fur hats of first-class workman- ship that were in great demand in the St. Louis market. It seems that some of the Irwins eame in 1821, or soon after. It is related that Wil- liam Irwin was rather prosperous and succeeded in making something of a fortune but has had trouble in keeping his money, which he was in the habit of concealing in the earth. Abont three years ago four or five men blacked themselves and hung this old man until nearly dead, with the hope of forc- ing him to reveal the places in which he had concealed his earthly treasures. They were not after all successful, and it is even suspected that the old gen- tleman himself has forgotten the places in which he hid his money.
About the year 1828 a large number of settlers came in and made for themselves permanent homes in what is now Indian township but which then belonged to Cuivre. Among the more enterprising of this class were J. M. B. Chamberlain, who-is still an active member of the community and to whom the writer is indebted for many facts relative to the early settlers. Coming here in 1828 his home was made within six miles of his present residence. He remembers distinctly the names of many who were here when he came. Some of the dates of their arrival were furnished by James L. Kilby, who came in 1826.
Mr. Chamberlain makes mention of Melcher Duncan, the father of J. W. Duncan, who now resides near the northern boundary of the township but in Spencer. Melcher came to the county in 1828, but did not make his permanent home in Indian township until 1844. He came originally from Logan county, Kentucky. Mention is also made of Robert Irwin who was here in 1828 but may have come as early as 1821: of Nathan Vannoy, who was here in 1828, coming from Tennessee; Andrew Barnett, who came in 1826; and John Daniel, who came the same year. Both of the latter were en- gaged as farmers, but Barnett in addition to farming was employed as a wheelwright. Samuel Willis came in 1831, and also James Davis, father of A. G. Davis. R. P. Fox did not come until ten years later. or 1841. from Madison county, Kentucky. He mentions as early settlers such men as George Smith, Johathan Oiler, George Williams, John, James, and Find- ley Branstetter, William and Andrew Vannoy, and Samuel Willis.
VOLUNTEERS.
Among those who volunteered for the Black Hawk War were James L. Kilby, Colonel John Turpin, John Hughlett, James MePike, John and William Shaw, Robert Barnett, as remembered by Mr. Kilby, though some did not belong to what is now Indian township. Adam and John Mase were officers in this war, the former being the captain of a company.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
MILLS.
According to Mr. Kilby's account the nearest market in those days wa. Louisiana, then a very small village and there was not a little trouble in getting grinding done. The only mills were horse-mills, of which Nathan Vannoy had one on Indian Creek, and William McPike, another on North Cuivre, and Merrimon Moore still another on Lick Creek.
EARLY DAYS.
After all, these were happy days for more reasons than one. Neighbor- were neighbors, and friends were friends. When help was needed it was at hand, assistance of every kind being cheerfully granted. Mutual wants called not in vain for intnal assistance. and mutual assistance did not fail to strengthen the bonds of mutual friendship, and thus the members of this happy community lived together in peace and harmony, always ready to lend a helping hand at a house-raising or corn-husking, when the old and young would exchange kindly greetings. It is also claimed ou good anthor- ity that some excellent " sparking " was indulged in on these occasions. The style in which this was done was peculiar to the times and places, and might not stand the test of the rigid rules of modern etiquette, yet it was very satisfactory at the time and yielded better results than are now achieved by our more modern methods, as indicated by the number of divorce suits then and now.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This church is located at New Harmony, and is a very commodions building. seating at least 300 persons quite comfortably. It was erected about the year 1862, at a cost of $1,346, and by September, 1863, there was owing on the editiee only 8116.65.
This society was organized on the 15th of June. 1843. Elder T. Ford was present and assisted in the organization.
The first names that appear upon the record as the constituent members are the following: Richard P. Fox, Findley Branstetter, Richard T. Jones. Lucretia Branstetter, Simon Branstetter, Jane Branstetter, Joseph Duncan. Melcher Duncan, Elizabeth Vantioy, Polly Woodsen, M. A. D. Hames, and Elizabeth Hughes.
During the years 1843 and 1844 there were the following additions: Su- san Fox, Kitty Irvine, Wesley Hamline, Jare Vannoy, and A. J. Dennis
From 1844 to 1863 the records are not very explicit as to the progress of the church from year to year. Doubtless, like most other churches, there
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were some irrgularities and interruptions during the first two or three years of the civil war. In 1563 Elder T. Ford, who had been one of the leading spirits in organizing the church just twenty years before, entered into con- tract with the church as evangelist for one year at a small salary, showing that he was still willing to make great sacrifices for the sake of promoting the cause he hed espoused. llis services extended through the year 1864, according to the records.
In 1863 David Cluster and R. P. Fox were called to the office of deacon and installed, being ordained as elders the following February. At this time Wilson C. Williams was serving as clerk and took pains to keep a good record of the proceedings of the church, something that had been for some time sadly neglected.
Besides the services of Elder Ford there was preaching by Elders Livy Hatchett, W. J. Mason, and J. L. Brooks. More recently W. W. Hook, W. T. Salee, E. R. Childers, and Il. Branstetter officiated as ministers. The latter is the present incumbent, and divides his time between teaching and preaching, having taken the pastorate care of the church in April, 1882.
BIBLE CHAPEL.
The principal society that worships in the edifice known as Bible Chapel is a congregation that styles itself Christians, but is better known by the appellation of New Lights, or Stoneites. This body of believers holds sub- stantially the same theological views as the Unitarians touching the trinity, but is rather liberal as far as the test of membership is concered.
The congregation of this sect at this place is due to the labors of Josiah G. Bishop, a young minister from the state of lowa. It seems that as long ago as 1555 or 1856, before he was ordained as a minister, this young man visited the county of Pike and married the daughter of James L. Kilby. one of the pioneers of Missouri, and returned to Iowa, but repeatedly visited Missouri. Finally, about the year 1859. he returned as a minister of the faith of the New Lights, remaining until 1962, when he again returned to. Iowa. Finally, about 1866. he re-visited Pike county and preached at dif- ferent points, his labors resulting in the establishment of a church at Trow- er's school-house, September 30, 1869.
This church was donbtless composed in part of members who withdrew from the Smyrna Church. The bond of union was as follows:
"We agree to receive the inspired scriptures as our only authoritative rule of faith and practice, allowing the privilege of individual interpretation. also to accept the name Christian as our name, and to make Christian char- acter our only test of Christian and church fellowship."
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
The following persons entered into this agreement and became the con. stitnent members of the church: Robert J. Trower, Permelia M. Trower, Elizabeth Trower. Nancy Reading. A. J. Kilby, Julia Ann Kilby, Those S. Kilby, Gennetta Kilby, Mary Williams, Louisa Smith, Nannie L. Bishop, and J. G. Bishop. The last name on the list was that of the pastor himself; who, by mutual consent took upon himself the care of the infant church.
R. J. Trower was made a deacon of the organization, while E. W. May- well was elected to the same office the following year, J. L. Kilby serving as clerk.
Elder Bishop resigned in December, 1872, and Elder S. T. Noel becasne the pastor in charge, January 1, 1873. Heremained about seven years anl was sneceeded by Elder C. J. Thomas, who preached with more or less reg. ularity for the next three years, when Elder H. M. Brooks, the present pastor, came.
The church building was erected abont the year 1872, at a cost of about $1,600, including its furniture, and was dedicated free of debt. Several de- nominations worship in this building at specified times. Among these is
THE M. E. CHURCH,
which was organized about the year 1830. Frederick Leach and James _11- vis were the first preachers, the services being held at private houses of such friends as Mathew Smith and James L. Kilby, the latter joining the church about 1830. Much interest was taken in this religions movement and steps were taken to provide a house of worship. James L. Kilby gave the ground and furnished the timber gratuitously. It was a log structure and still stands, though long since abandoned. Near by it is the cemetery. in which about 330 are interred. Here this society worshiped until 1844. when the M. E. Church divided on the subject of slavery, at which time a majority went with the Church South. The property was deeded to them finally, and the organization perpetuated for a number of years longer, the house having been at last abandoned.
In the fall of 1864 Rev. W. DeMotte organized a small society under the auspices of the M. E. Church, proper, and in the following spring W. W. Witten became their circuit preacher. The years 1865 and 1866 witnessel quite a revival of religion and resulted in a hundred or more additions to the church. Though there were some seasons of discouragement afterwards experienced in the history of this church its organization was heroically per- petuated in the face of difficulties until the present time, and the society now number about seventy members who worship in the Bible Chapel al-
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ready described. At this time the Rev. II B. Barnes serves them as cir- enit preacher. Among the more energetic members of the church is Daniel Goodman, who has for many years been a steward and class-leader, and of great service to the church in promoting its interests generally.
SCHOOLS.
The public schools of this township have about the same general charac- teristics as the schools of other townships, and need no minute description. They, too, began as subscription schools and were conducted at first with- ont any general plan or definite system: Those who taught them as a rule did not make teaching their exclusive occupation, nor did they remain long in the profession. Each teacher was a law unto himself and adopted such methods of governing and imparting instruction as to him seemed best adapted to the purpose, taking into consideration the peculiar circumstances that surrounded him. Such a thing as rigid classification was not dreamed of on account of the woful lack of uniformity in text-books, and hence each student pursued his work and recited his lessons alone. In the course of time here as everywhere else an egnitable amount of the public school fund was received, and this was increased by means of general taxation. Thus the schools became gradually more efficient as improved methods were adopted. At this time there are six schools in the township, familiarly known as New . Harmony, Staley, Vannoy, Kilby, Cross Roads, and Liberty. All these have pretty good frame buildings and most of them are comparatively new, showing that popular education is rapidly gaining ground.
Liberty school-house was built in 1873 on a tract of land belonging to G. Windom, but for some reasons not without considerable opposition. The trustees at this time are Daniel Goodman, Nathan Vannoy, and Nathan Massey.
William Tully was the first teacher, followed by T. K. Cluster, who taught two terms. Edward Kinnen, Miss Kate Newland, G. P. Moore, R. J. Ball, Edward Cluster, George Wood, and Miss Emma Moore all taught here in the order named. or nearly so. Many years ago the Rev. Lewis Downing, now editor of the Clarksville Sentinel, taught in a log school-house near the Kilby Church.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
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INDIAN TOWNSHIP.
R. J. Ball, stock-raiser and dealer, post-office . Vandalia. Promine !: among the young and enterprising citizens of Indian township is the enb. jeet of this sketch, who is a native of Fauquier county, Virginia. He was born Jannary 4, 1850, and was the son of Franklin and Harriet (Glasscock) Ball. His father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia. His parents came to Missouri in 1858, settling in Marion county until 1865, when they went to Ralls county, where our subject was reared. He received his edu- cation in the common schools and at New London. He commenced to teach at the age of eighteen, teaching some five years, with marked success as a teacher. He was married September 11. 1881, to Miss Victoria E. Wright, daughter of J. F. Wright, one of the prominent pioneers of Indian township. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are the parents of one son, Claud. Mr. Ball is located on a fine farm of 260 acres of as good land as the township affords. which is under a good state of cultivation. well improved and fenced; also has a good house and out-buildings. He is engaged in stock-raising and dealing in stock. Though but a young man he has acquired a good stand- ing in the community, both socially and financially. He is a man of genial. social qualities. and the writer of this can vouch for his hospitality.
William M. Biggs, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vannoy's Mill. Among those born and reared in Pike county is the subject of this sketch, born November 22, 1841, and is the son of William Davis and Nancy (Red- ding) Biggs, daughter of William Redding, deceased, a prominent pioneer of Pike county. Our subject was the eldest child of the family. When he was a babe his father was killed in a well. "Seven years after the death of his father his mother married B. F. Downing. This union brought to them five children. Our subject lived at home until he arrived at mature age, receiving but a limited education at the common schools of the county. After leaving home he followed farming in Buffalo township for some three years. In 1869 he bought 100 acres of wild land, which he improved. and afterwards sold. He then bought his present farm where he has since lived. He is the owner of 157 acres of as good land as the township affords, which is under a high state of cultivation. He has a fine two-story resi- dence, on a fine building site, built in 1880, where he has the comforts of a good home. He was married in the fall of 1866 to Miss Nancy Jane Wright, daughter of Thomas Wright, of Pike county. This nuion has
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
brought to them five children, three living: William Thomas, Augusta Jane, and John Farmer; two deceased, May Lees, and a babe not named. Mr. Biggs is a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is numbered among the best citizens of Indian township.
Frederick Branstetter (deceased). He was born March 16, 1795, in Sullivan county, Tennessee, and was the son of Peter Branstetter, who was of German descent. He served one year in the War of 1812 under Gen- eral Jackson. He was at the battle of Mobile. When quite young he moved to Illinois, and in 1820 he came to Pike county and bought a claim of James Thair, in Cuivre township. He resided there two years, then went to Barren county, Kentucky, where he married Susan Branstetter, a cousin of his. They were nited in the winter of 1823. He then returned to his farin in this county where he lived until his death. There was a family of ten children: Mary, Elizabeth, Peter L., Adam G., Simon M., Fred S., de- ceased, Thomas Benton, Benjamin F., J. Cyntha, and Louisa. Mrs. Susan B. died in 1844, and in March 1845 he married Sally Young of this county. They had three children, Nathan D., Cordelia Ann, and Sarah F. He died April 10, 1873, and his widow in September, 1873. He was a member of the Regular Baptist faith.
James Branstetter (deceased), son of Frederick Branstetter. He was married in 1834, to Elizabeth Branstetter, a cousin of his, a daughter of Adam Branstetter. They were the parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom they raised: William J., Rachel J., Henry A., Mary M., Julia A., Tobitha D., Sarah C., Martha M., Susan T., James B., Dr. E. S., and Carrie A. James Branstetter and wife came to Pike county in 1834, settling in Indian township near New Harmony. He died in March, 1881. He was a member of the Christian Church .. .
Rev. Henry A. Branstetter is a son of James and Elizabeth Branstet- ter. He was born January 6, 1839. His early life was spent in assisting on the farm and attending school at the common schools and Watson Seminary at Ashley. He resided at home in the care of the farm until he arrived at mature age. Ile was married April 9, 1863, to Miss Mary S. Duncan, of Indian township. This union has been blessed with eight chil- dren: Jenny J., Neilie, Sally, Susan C., Willona, Thomas F., William H., and James I. He is owner of sixty-six acres of good land, which is well improved, with a comfortable house and good orchard. He first em- braced religion at the age of twenty-one, uniting with the Christian Church. He was ordained in 1573 by the authority of the church. He is the pastor of the New Harmony church. He has done much work for his Master. He
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
has held revival meetings in Jefferson county for the last nine years wit !: good success. He has done much for the morals of the community in which he resides.
Rev. Peter L. Beanstetter, post-office Curryville. Among the pio- neers of the Indian township. our subjeet is probably better known than any other man in the township. He is a native of Pike county, born February 11, 1825, and was a son of Frederick Branstetter. His youth was passed in working on his father's farm. November 22, 1843, he was married to Missouri Ann Henderson, daughter of Cornelius D. Henderson. He then came to his present farm, which was at that time wild land. In the spring of 1850 he started for California by ox team, leaving a wife and three children at home. He was on the road four months and four days. He remained there until July, 1851. engaged in mining with good success. He started to return on July 4, 1851, with innles, riding one and the others carrying the packs. He arrived at home September 14, 1851, to the great joy of his wife and children. Mr. B. has been twice married. By his first wife, Mary, ten children were born to them: Susan Parthena, Frederick Davis, Sarah Eliza- beth, Mandy Ann. Charity Louisa, Wm. P., Martha J., Cyntha, Sterling Price, and Mollie Lee. Mrs. Missouri B. died Angust 17, 1867. He was married again April 22, 1868, to Sarah F. Elmore, of Lincoln county. This union brought nine children: Ida Alice, Jenny, Frank Turner, Leona Fran- ces, Enoch HIall, Aun Eliza, Peoria Laura, Lewis, and Peter. Mr. B. first em- braced religion in 1941, and was licensed to preach in 1860, by the Regular Baptist Church, since which time he traveled through different states preach- ing the gospel. He has been a zealous worker in the Master's canse. He has taken an active part in the organization of several churches. He takes a high stand in the cause of Christianity and morality, and is ever ready to assist in whatever tends to elevate the morals of the people. No man in the township has done more for religion and education than he. Mr. B. is the owner of one of the best farms in the township, consisting of 420 acres of land, which is under a high state of cultivation. He has a good residence. large barn, and the conveniences necessary on a farm. He received but a very limited education in his youth, but by study at home, he has gained a good education, showing what energy and perseverance can accomplish.
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