Fountain County IN Archives History - Books .....History Of Van Buren Township 1881
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Book Title: History Of Fountain County

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.

   To write the history of this township will preserve for present and future
generations' perusal the names of Fountain county's first settlers, the deeds of
her most noted pioneers, the early progress, development of civilization, and
moral culture, not only in this township, but in Fountain county. It will also
embrace the history of the most energetic and prosperous township of the county,
— a people whose hospitality cannot be called in question; a people whose
reverence for the memories of their pioneer fathers and mothers, who laid the
foundation of their present prosperity through privation and want, is worthy of
commendation to the yet unborn generations; the history of a people who, even
from their first settlement here, have been loyal to themselves, their neighbors
and their country.

DESCRIPTION.

   Van Buren township is eight miles in length from north to south; the northern
boundary from east to west is five miles long; the south boundary but three
miles. It embraces an area of thirty-five sections nearly. Coal creek flows
south through the center of the township from east to west till one mile south
of Veedersburg, when it bends to the west and leaves the township. Coal creek
branch, or south fork, flows into the township on Sec. 17, and into Coal creek
on Sec. 7. Dry Run enters the township on the north half of the east side, and
flows south west and into Coal creek above Chambersburg.

   There are some considerable hills along the former stream, but the country to
the brink of those hills is level. There is but little bottom land. Coal creek
and its bottom land presents the results of erosion, begun ages before. The two
remaining streams named afford nothing different.

   The township, taken as a whole, is well adapted to farming and grazing. In
the north and west part is a small prairie, called Osborn's prairie. Lop's
prairie extends down into the township from the north, both of which have a
superior soil for agricultural purposes.

EARLY HISTORY.

   Van Buren township originally was a part of Cain, Shawnee, Richland and Troy
townships. In 1841, through the energies of John G. Lucas, Dr. Isaac Spinning
and Daniel Glasscock, its present territory was organized into a township. The
name, Van Buren, was imposed upon it very much to the opposition of the members
of the old whig party.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

   The first settlement in the township, also said to be the first in the
county, was made in the spring of 1823, in the month of February, by three
families, Jonathan Birch, John Colvert and William Cochran. In 1822 they came
and purchased land after having made explorations. Then they cut out a road
connecting with the old Terre Haute road, and made some preparations toward
erecting houses, in the latter part of the year. Birch is said to have raised
the first cabin in the county, half a mile east of what is now Stone Bluff,
where J. M. Meeke now lives. Colvert erected the second, where his son, Dr.
William Colvert, resides. Cochran located one mile southeast of the present town
of Veedersburg, where his son, William L. D., resides. This was the settlement
of Fountain county, and Van Buren township began. Jonathan Birch is said to have
made the first wagon track in the township and county. These three families
formed a company for their mutual benefit, as to assisting each other in the
making of their homes in this then trackless wilderness, and brought with them a
young man named Peck, who remained with them but a short time. William Birch,
the oldest of his father's family, and this young man Peck, were left to care
for his father's goods while he returned for the rest of the family. Before he
returned there came a storm and much snow fell. A half-frozen Indian came into
the cabin, which scared William almost out of his wits. The dusky savage, upon
becoming warm, inquired for fire-water. Being assured that they had none, he
arose and said, "White man, get thee gone! — this Indians' land !" Wherenpon
Peek showed him that the land was not his. The Indian went his way contented.
The next morning a party of warriors, squaws and dogs came around their hut.
Then it was that the fun began. The Indians were anxious to see Birch's big dog
and their little dogs fight. Birch's dog disabled several of them, and then
there was a general stampede among the Indians' dogs, and William Birch set out
for the woods. When he came back there was a general big laugh and pointing of
fingers at William by the squaws, which he failed to appreciate.

   The Miama and Delaware Indians came frequently to the cabins of these
settlers till 1828, but did them no harm.

   The second company of emigrants who came to Van Buren township settled on
Osborn's prairie, west of Coal creek, the following year, or in the latter part
of 1823. This settlement, like the first, was a company formed for mutual
assistance. Gen. Gessee Osborn was the prime leader. He and his company cut a
road through the forest west from Crawfordsville. They remained in the
wilderness for some time before they were aware but that they were the first and
only white settlers for miles around, till they heard the sound of axe and maul
from the east. This was music to their ears, more sweet than the finest trill
they ever before heard. The first that these two companies of settlers saw of
each other was upon the banks of Coal creek.

   1824 brought new emigrants in search of homes, among whom were William White,
Hiram Jones, Abner Rush, John Simpson, John Course and Leonard Loyd. Of those
who came and settled in Van Buren township between 1824 and 1830 are the
following names: Elijah Board, Jonathan Osborn, John and Frederic Dice, Enoch
Bowling, Fielding Smith, James Stevens, James Button, William Hoabler, Joseph
Coats, William Riley, John Walker, Callinis Smith and John Butt. Not one of
these is now living. Their children, that were mere lads and lasses when they
emigrated here, are now old men and women. The leading characteristic of these
settlers, says one, was that they were strictly honest in the fulfillment of
their promises one to another, and that for a number of years following their
settlement here it was taken as an insult to ask a man for a note. They were an
industrious and economical people. They came principally from Ohio, Virginia and
Maryland, a few emigrating from Delaware. It has been said that everyone has an
influence in the community where he lives, and that that influence will live
long after him in that community. Present manifestations assert that this is
true of the first settlers of Van Buren township.

   The first laid out road in the township was the state road leading from
Crawfordsville to Covington. This was first established from what is now
Veedersburg to Covington on an old route blazed through by William Cochran for a
merchant who was transporting goods from Cincinnati to Covington across the
country.

   The first mill built in Van Buren township was erected about 1824, on the
south branch of Coal creek, by John Course, on the opposite side of the stream
to where Hind's mill is now located. This at first was a corn-cracker only. The
first flour made here was bolted by means of a hand-bolt. The same authority
says that Course told his neighbors if they would help him to build the dam,
they, such as gave him their assistance, should have their grist ground without
regard to who was before them.

   The first religious service held in the township was in the tent of William
Cochran, before he had yet been able to erect a log cabin, by William Cravins, a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Only three families were present,
those of Cochran, Colvert and Birch. This meeting is regarded as the
establishment of the Methodist Episcopal church in Van Buren township.

   Chambersburg, located on Sec. 6, is the first laid out village in the
township, and accorded to 1829 or 1830. Frederic Dice was its founder. The first
goods sold in the township were kept here by John Walker. He was succeeded by
Joseph G. Lucas, in 1825, who carried on the mercantile business here till 1870.

   The first school-house was built near Coal creek, not far from Chambersburg,
in 1825. It was a log building, with split timber for seats, greased paper for
window-glass, and the ground for a floor. It had not the accustomed big
fire-place. A bank of earth was thrown up against one side, inside the building,
and a fire built by that, the smoke escaping by means of an opening in the roof.
In these times teachers were not so attentive to their business as now, and
frequently had some outside work to do. W. L. D. Cochran says that when
attending school his teacher was engaged in the wool business, and spent the
hour at noon, and often a couple of others, washing his fleeces. The boys
becoming tired of this deserted the school-room and went to their homes, which
put an end to wool-washing as a noon exercise.

   Jesse Birch, born in 1823, son of Jonathan and Catherine Birch, was the first
male child born in the township and county. Catherine Smith (now Mrs. J. G.
Lucas) was the first female white child born in the township and county.

   Isaac Spinning, of Yan Buren township, cast the first vote in the county.

   First death in the township was Eramos Greenley, in 1824; yet it is said that
a grave was found some time prior to this date, which was supposed to be that of
a soldier or traveler who had either died from disease or been killed by Indians.

   The first post-office in the township was located on the Covington and
Crawfordsville road, south of the present town of Veedersburg, and was kept by
Jacob Styar. It was first moved east on the same road a short distance and back
to the same place, and then to Chambersburg, between the years 1857 and 1861. At
its location in the last-named place John Boden was appointed to the office. He
was succeeded in 1864 by George S. Zook. In 1872 it was moved to Veedersburg and
Mr. Zook retained as postmaster.

   The first township officers in Van Buren township were Harva Applegate, John
Wertz, and Judge Joseph Coats, trustees; J. G. Lucas, treasurer; Jacob Turner,
Esq. The above named three trustees organized the township into school districts
as they now exist, and located the present sites occupied by the school-houses,
except the school building in Veedersburg. To Dr. Joseph Fowler, though not an
officer at the time the school districts were laid out, is due as much credit
for this work as any of the officers.

   In 1825 the Shawnee Indians were reported to have gone on the war-path, which
created great excitement. The first impulse was to build a fort or blockhouse.
Fortunately, the report proved to be false.

   John Simpson was the great hunter of the township in early times. Once when
he had just cut several bee-trees and secured their contents an Indian called,
placed his fingers upon his lips, and said to Simpson, "Hungry! honey!" The
candor of the savage is to be admired, but his cheek would hardly be tolerated now.

THE NATURAL RESOURCES.

   The great natural resource of Tan Buren is its timber, which in the first
settlement of the country was very thick, but at the present is very much
culled. This resource, till the introduction of railroads and machinery, proved
an outlay to the settler. Along the banks of Coal creek are considerable
deposits of coal of a very good quality, but the veins are too thin to make
mining very profitable.

   Originally game was very plenty; now only a few squirrels, quails and rabbits
abound. The deep snow of 1834 was very destructive to the deer and turkey.
Previous to this time it was with great difficulty that the deer, turkey and
other game were prevented from destroying the crops while they were maturing. On
the prairies in the north part of the township the prairie-chicken formerly
abounded in great numbers, now not one is to be seen.

PROGRESS.

   Previous to the building of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad
the people of Van Buren township were necessarily obliged to market their
produce and buy most of their goods elsewhere, which not only was a weight
retarding their progress, but a stimulant to the surrounding market towns. Thus
unequally balanced in trade and location, her early progress was necessarily
slow compared with those townships possessing greater advantage in trade and
location.

   The people could not farm on an extensive scale and become stock drovers and
shippers, because most of the land must be cleared of its timber. They were
poor, and must do this work by their own industry, which required years of
patient toil. The pioneer settlers, and most of those who emigrated here for
many years, came only with money enough to purchase a small piece of land and a
meager supply of household goods, and tools with which to work. A greater number
were without wagons even than can be found now without buggies, in proportion to
the population, and a few were even without teams of any kind. The few who
located here with money to invest in land, and were then able to wait the
development of the country, have amassed considerable fortunes, and many have
become what is usually termed wealthy farmers. The opening of the canal at La
Fayette afforded a market for their grain and pork, such as they had to sell,
and supplied them with a few of the necessities of life; but the introduction of
railroads was the key that unlocked the treasures pent up in forest and field.
Since their introduction the surplus in agricultural products has doubled many
times, and still is on the increase. That the present population may more fully
understand the great difficulties under which the early inhabitants labored, it
may be well to relate a few instances to show how the transportation was carried
on, and what in time and money it cost. For many years the great trading points
were Louisville and Cincinnati. To bring goods or take produce across the
country cost fifty cents per hundred. To take a load of pork to Cincinnati, and
bring back a load of groceries, four-fifths of what the pork would bring in
Cincinnati would be consumed in transportation. To go by water in winter was
dangerous, and one could better reckon the time required to travel from
Covington to Cincinnati when he had made the trip than when he first came in
sight of the latter place, which the following incident, as related by J. G.
Lucas, will illustrate. Says Mr. Lucas: "I bought in Cincinnati, in December
1835, a bill of general merchandise which was shipped immediately, and after
being frozen up, after waiting for a rise in the river, and having been sunk
once, reached Chambersburg the May following." Frequently produce was taken to
New Orleans by means of flat-boats. This required considerable skill to prevent
being capsized, and the parties were usually obliged to make their way back on
foot. This time and cost of transportation must be paid for by the consumer.

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, AS IT NOW APPEARS.

   About three-fourths of its area is under a good state of cultivation. The
once primeval forest has been made to blossom as the rose with beautiful farms
adorned with elegant improvements. Chambersburg, the only trading point in the
township prior to 1872, is now deserted by all business, and is fast going to
decay.

   Veedersburg, on the west side of Coal creek, at the junction of the
Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western and Chicago & Block Coal railroads, has 800
inhabitants, and a trade in lumber, produce, general merchandise, etc., is
second to no place in the county. It was laid out in 1871 by P. S. Veeder,
Christopher Keeling, and W. L. D. Cochran. The former, after whom the town was
christened, was one of Fountain county's most prominent business men. He not
only opened business here in connection with Marshall Nixon that the town might
prosper, but donated $5,000 to be used in the erection of a school building in
Veedersburg, providing the people of the township would add to it another
$5,000. This they have not yet complied with.

   Veedersburg is not so much a collection of inhabitants as it is a collection
of live business men. P. S. Veeder and M. Nixon opened the first warehouse and
lumber-yard, and sold the first agricultural implements, in 1872. The same year
E. M. and E. B. Osborn erected the first planing-mill, Wesley Gray built the
first storehouse, and Henry Trinkle opened the first blacksmith shop, in
Veedersburg.

   The present prominent business men and firms in the town are M. Nixon, whose
business has increased since 1S72 from $10,000 to $100,000 annually; J. W.
Gookins, dry goods; A. M. Booe & Glasscock, dealers in hardware; Samuel McIrvin,
grocer; Dr. McClelland, druggist; Jas. Sullivan, grocer; Harper, Osborn & Son,
furniture dealers; E. B. Osborn, sole proprietor of the planing-mill, and the
firm or corporation under the name of "Trade Palace" composed of a number of Van
Buren's first-class farmers, among which are William Wertz and W. B. Coats, and
a few other business firms.

   Veedersburg has a first-class grist-mill. It was built in 1876 by A. Michnes,
by whom it has since been run, at a cost of $6,000. Owing to various
improvements that have been added, it is now valued at $7,500. Size of building,
30x40, with engine-room 30x20. Its capacity for a day of twelve hours, twenty
barrels of flour and 200 bushels of meal. It has four sets of buhrs.

   The hotel of the town is the Keeling House, now run by L. N. Hetfield.

   The first paper was established in Veedersburg by James Sterns, in 1875,
under the name of Veedersburg "Review," neutral in politics. In 1876 G. W.
Snyder succeeded the former editor, and changed the name to Veedersburg
"Reporter." The paper, under the management of G. W. Snyder, has a circulation
of 400 copies. In politics it is decidedly republican.

   Among the other institutions of Veedersburg worthy of note are the societies
of Masons and Odd-Fellows.

   Veedersburg Lodge, No. 523, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1876, with John
Lightle, Samuel Gallaher, Edmund Cochran, George Isler, John Wade, Herman Alborn
and Wilkinson Crane as charter members. First officers installed were John
Lightle, N. G.; George Isler, V. G.; Samuel Gallaher, Sec.; Edmund Cochran,
assistant Sec.; John Wade, Tr. Present officers F. J. Booe, N. G.; Thomas
Fisher, V. G.; G. W. Paul, Rec. Sec.; Herman Alborn, Cor. Sec.; S. R. Brook, Tr.
George Isler was the first of this society to die. Present number of members is
twenty-five. The society meets regularly on Saturday evening of each week. It
has a nice hall well furnished. The lodge is in a flourishing condition.

   The society known as the Free and Accepted Masons, Veedersburg Lodge, No.
491, was organized in 1873, with the following per sons as charter members:
James E. Stevens, Mound Lodge, 274; John M. Rynearson, Richland Lodge, No. 205;
Frank H. Miller, Lodiville, No. 172; Robert Mitchell, Fountain, No. 60; George
Roland, Huntington, No. 53, West Virginia; George W. Berry, Gold Rule, No. 16;
D. H. Shear, Rantoul, No. 470, Illinois; James M. Feree, Hunting, No. 314; James
Songer, Fountain, No. 60; Solomon Hetfield, Richland, No. 205: Joseph Blackburn,
Hillsborough, No. 385; Samuel Vanfleet, Vermilion, Illinois, No. 265. (The above
are the names and places where the charter members belonged, prior to the
formation of the Veedersburg lodge.) This society operated under the provisions
of the Grand Lodge from 1873 till August 26, 1874, without a charter. The
constitution of the society, says a member of the Lodge of Indiana, was a day of
interest to Veedersburg. The society, in company with fifty visiting brethren,
formed a line of march and repaired to the Christian church, where the society
of Veedersburg received its charter from the Grand Lodge.

   The following were the first officers installed: James E. Stevens, W. M.;
John M. Rynearson, S. W.; F. M. Miller, J. W.; R. M. Mitchell, T.R.; G. Rowland,
Sec.; G. Berry, S. D.; D. H. Shear, J. D.; G. S. Zook, T. R.; James Songer and
Joseph Blackburn, stewards.

   The following are the present active officers: James E. Stevens, W. M.; O. P.
Grigson, S. W.; E. R. Bonebreake, J. W.; Samuel McIrvin, Tr.; James Songer, Sec;
William Cronk, Tiler. The lodge holds its meetings in Nixon's Hall. Throughout
its course it has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. Its history is such as to
make it commendable both to the members and the community.

   Sterling, located one-half mile east of Veedersburg, on the east bank of Coal
creek, was laid out by J. H. Patterson and J. H. Orear in 1871. The location for
a town is fine, but owing to the fact that the railroad crossing was put at
Veedersburg, it fails to attract any permanent institutions of business.
Patterson, one of the founders of the town, opened the first store here. At the
present time G. C. Marwell is running a store of general merchandise in
Sterling, with a good run of custom.

   The Methodist Episcopal brethren of Sterling in 1873 built the only
church-house at this place,—a neat frame,— at an outlay of $2,000. J. H. Orear,
Thomas Birch, L. H. Lucas, H. C. Voorhees, and J. H. Patterson, were the
building committee. First minister in charge was Thomas Birch. Present minister,
S. O. Stellard. The Sunday-school in connection with this society has been
prosperous. The present acting superintendent is James H. Cook. The number of
active members connected with the church is twenty-five. Stone Bluff Station is
located on the Chicago & Block Coal railroad, four miles north of Veedersburg.
It was laid out in 1873 by George Shanklin, notary public, on land then owned by
Howard Crane, Nancy Boord, Samuel Morgan, and John M. Meeker. It supports one
store, has a post office, and a warehouse owned by Samuel Morgan.

   One-fourth mile distant, west of the station, is located the Stone Bluff
mill, built in 1844 by Jonathan Crane. It is now owned and run by William
Mallett. The mill, though old, has been several times refitted, and does good
work. It combines the two — a grist and saw mill.

   One-half mile north of the Stone Bluff mill, on the same stream (Coal creek),
stood the old Dotinite mill, built by Oliver Osborn in 1829, and was the first
mill in this part of the country. This mill was so named from a society of that
name in that section. Their motto was: "Lend without expectation of the articles
or implements being returned "; or, in other words, give to whoever shall ask.

   Sugar Grove woolen mills, located one mile south of Veedersburg, on the main
branch of Coal creek, were erected in 1854 by Solomon Hetfield, Robert Mitchell,
and James Car, at a cost of $1,500. In 1860 there was added $4,000 worth of
machinery; since, at various intervals, there has been added other machinery.
The present valuation of the mills is $9,000. The present proprietors are
Richard Hetfield, Isley, and James Songer.

   The Hetfield mill, opposite the Sugar Grove woolen mills, was the second mill
built on Coal creek, in Van Buren township. The proprietors were Aaron Douglas
and Joseph Campbell.

   The present mill at this place is the second erected here. The first was
erected in 1828, the present in 1840, and was built by Thomas Patton, and is now
owned by R. Hetfield, James Songer, and Isley. In addition to the water-power,
steam-power has been added. This is one of the first mills of Van Buren township.

SCHOOLS.

   Much might be said and many interesting occurrences related concerning the
pioneer schools more than has been said of the old log school-house with
greased-paper windows. In that age muscle was the article for which demands were
imperative, and but little interest could be shown in the direction of mental
culture compared with the interest demanded from all at the present. Among the
early teachers well to remember are Jacob Furr, Calvin Cheney, Wm. Keeling, John
Jack, Scholds, Bell, Drollinger and Dr. Moses S. Fowler.

   There are now eleven school districts in Van Buren township, and thirteen
teachers. The eleven school-houses were built at an average cost of $500 each.
The annual expense for teachers is about $2,700. Other expenses $850. Number of
pupils 600. The school in the town of Veedersburg is divided into three
departments. A. N. Higgins is present active principal. (For these statistics we
are indebted to John Wade, trustee.)

CHURCHES.

   As has been seen from the beginning of settlement in Van Buren township, the
people manifested an interest in Christianity. This interest has continued to be
augmented in intensity and capacity as the population has increased. Though the
first settlers were Methodists, it was but a short time till most of the popular
Protestant sects were represented.

   For several years they held their meetings at the residences of the members
and in the school-houses. At present there are nine church societies in the
township.

   The Methodist Episcopal was the first to organize. Thomas Birch says that
early in the spring of 1823 William Cravens found his way through the wilderness
to the settlement now Van Buren township, and preached the first sermon at the
cabin of Johathan Birch. Early in the summer of this year the first society was
organized with eight members: John Colvert and wife, William Cochran and wife,
Johathan Birch and wife and Hiram Jones and wife. Johathan Birch and William
Cochran, at whose houses the meetings were held principally for several years,
were appointed class-leaders. The first pastors of this society were Cord Emmet,
Rev. Beggs, and Elder Strange. In 1830 their number in Van Buren township was
increased by the following families: William Riley, Stephen Voorhees, Robert
Farmer, John Lop, and others, and their preaching places appointed, with the two
already mentioned, one at Farmer's.

   The first Methodist church-house in Van Buren township was built about 1838
at what is known as Birch's Corners, one-half mile east of Stone Bluff. It was a
log structure, with good slab seats. It was built mainly by Johathan Birch and
John Colvert. It was dedicated by Revs. R. Hargrave and H. Barnes. Among the
first ministers here were Revs. Cooper, Johnson and Barnes. This society
continued to hold its regular meetings at this place till 1852, when, because of
many changes, the society was disbanded. From 1852 to 1872 there was no society
of this faith in Van Buren. During the latter year Thomas Birch, the minister in
charge at Hillsborough, in the adjoining township, organized at Sterling a
society and Sunday-school, which led to a prosperous society, which erected, in
1875, a neat and commodious church-house at a cost of $2,000. J. H. Orear, H. C.
Voorhees, J. H. Patterson and Thomas Birch were the prime leaders. The edifice
was dedicated July 4, 1875, by Dr. Granville Moody, of Ohio. First minister in
charge, Rev. Thomas Birch. The society now numbers fifty active members. S. O.
Stellar is present pastor in charge, and the society is in a flourishing
condition. The Sunday-school connected with this society has, since its
organization, been a decided success. James Cook is the present acting
superintendent. The society embraces in its membership many of the leading
citizens of Van Buren township. For this history of the above church we are
indebted to Rev. Thomas Birch.

   The United Brethren in Christ. This sect made its appearance in Van Buren
township at a very early date. Says Rev. John Hoobler: "I organized the first
society in Van Buren township in the winter of 1826 and 1827, in the south part
of the township, in the Bonebreak neighborhood, with nine members, and in my
neighborhood, in the vicinity of Chambersburg, a class of sixteen members."
These were the first societies in the township. The first church erected in Van
Buren township by this sect was located in the old town of Chambersburg about
the year 1838. Among the most prominent members were John Walker and J. G.
Lucas. This building was a log structure, modeled after the pioneer fashion. It
was used for church purposes ten years or more, when it was moved away, and a
large, commodious frame building erected on the same site. This last building
still stands, a perfect wreck of the ravaging hand of time. The society has not
held any regular meetings here for a number of years.

   At the present date the United Brethren church has three distinct societies
in Van Buren township: one southeast of Veedersburg, known as Bonebreak's
chapel. The building is a brick structure, erected not far from 1850. It was
first used for both a school-house and church. This society, since its
organization in 1828, has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity, and is now in a
flourishing condition.

   The cemetery connected with this church-house deserves a special notice. Here
sleep some of the pioneers. Among the first of these, so far as can be learned,
whose remains were interred here are the names of Eliza Glasscock, died in 1844;
Daniel Glasscock, died in 1844; James Reed, died in 1841. On the west side of
the cemetery, in one cluster, sleep the dust of the heroic dead of this vicinity
who sacrificed their lives in the late war for the preservation of the country
and its laws, among whom are the following names: Joseph W. Thompson and David
E. Crowley, of the 63d Ind. Vols.; William R. Mendenhall, William H. English and
Daniel T. Myers, of the 51st Ind. Vols.; William Dearing and Augustus
Bonebreake, of the 54th Ind. Vols.; William Bell, of the 154th Ind. Vols.;
Corbin D. Teague, of the 77th Ind. Vols., and David Palmer.

   The second society of the United Brethren church holds its meetings in the
Methodist Episcopal church at Sterling. This class proper is the one that
formerly held its services in Chambersburg. It is prospecting for a new church
building to be built in Veedersburg. The society is in an active working
condition. The third society is at Stone Bluff. This society was organized at
this place in 1860. The prominent members were Samuel Morgan and Francis
Markham. The prosperity of the society has usually been good. It now has under
progress of erection a new frame church 32x48, which, when completed, will be
second to none in the township. The present trustees of this society are George
Dice, Samuel Morgan, and John Simpson. It numbers fifty active members. The
Sunday-school connected with the society is in a live condition.

   The United Brethren church societies of Van Buren township embrace a
membership of over 200 members.

   The Christian church. This sect is divided into two branches, which, for the
sake of distinction only, are designated by the terms "New Lights " and
"Disciples," the latter being the direct followers of Alexander Campbell, or of
the scriptures as taught by him.

   The second society constituted in this township under the name "New Light"
christians, was on Osborn's prairie, near the present church, Osborn's chapel,
about 1838, by John Dudley and James McKinney. These people, many of whom were
of the first settlers here in 1823—4, previous to 1838 held their meetings
neither regular nor at any particular place. Some time between 1835 and 1838 a
permanent organization was effected here, and a church-house erected in 1838,
and christened Osborn's chapel, which name it still retains. The edifice first
erected here was a brick structure, which is still occupied by the society. The
following are the names of some of the first members of this society: Liddy
Lease, Hulda Osborn, Abagail Coffing, Jonathan Crane, Elijah Boord, George Leas,
Abraham Jenkins, Samuel Boord, Kesial Warrick, William P. Bowling, Jinsey Lange,
Isac M. Romine, and others. The first minister of the society was Elder Joel
Thompson. Other ministers, Z. M. Wilkins, Absalom Jenkins, T. C. Smith, and
Thomas Barns. The society now numbers 123 active members. J. T. Phillips is the
present acting pastor. A Sunday-school was organized in connection with this
society in 1855, which has been kept in good running order since that time.

   The cemetery, a delightful place in which to lay the dead to rest, was laid
out at the time the church was located here. Here the names of many familiar in
the early history of the township and county are found embossed upon the pale,
cold marble. The first person buried here was Mrs. Mary Blue, daughter of
Johnathan Crane. Oliver Osborn was the second. The remains of James McKinney
rest here, one of the founders of the society here.

   The first society of New Light christians in the township was organized in
1828 at Cool Springs, where it now has a large and interesting congregation.
This society built the first church at this place, a hewed log-house, which it
occupied till 1835, when the greater part of the society organized under the
title "Disciples." The names of the prominent early leaders in both the society
of "New Lights" and "Disciples " at this place appear in the history of the
"Disciples " society.

   The Sunday-school connected with the present society here is second to no one
in the township in point of interest. Superintendent, H. C. Voorhees. The
church-house now standing here, occupied by the "New Lights," was built by the
"Disciples " in 1838, and was refitted by the "New Lights " in 1875.

   The cemetery is one of the oldest in the township.

   The Christian Disciples. This order, under this name, first made its
appearance in Van Buren township in 1835, at Cool Springs Church, where it
remained a successful society till 1874, when it removed to Veedersburg,
erecting at that place a handsome frame church-house at a cost of $2,000. Among
its first prominent members are the names of Daniel Osborn, Isac Spinning, Aaron
Death, John Jack, John Deth, Harvy Applegate, and William Osborn. A great part
of these united, under the name of Disciples, at Cool Springs Church, in 1835.
This society, now located at Veedersburg, is one of the most active in the
township. Rev. Martin is the present officiating clergyman. Prominent among its
members are John McClure, Watson Clark, D. C. Smith, Oliver Osborn, E. M.
Osborn, D. K. Smith, and Harvy Young. The society now has fifty members; the
Sunday-school has an attendance of 112.

   Progressive Friends Church Society. This society was first organized in 1851
in Richland township by Simon Brown and David Wright, formerly elders in the
United Brethren church. The name first appended to this organization was
Congregational Friends. Prominent in this society besides its founders are
Adison Newbor, Joshua Orren, Samuel Payshay and Daniel Porter. This sect has
frequently been misrepresented. It requires no test of fellowship except moral
christian character, which is the basis of the organization. They believe in a
strict adherence to the precepts of the scriptures. They require no particular
form of worship, each member worshiping God as his conscience tells him is
right. In 1863 the name of the organization was changed to Progressive Friends.
The first officers under this new title were John M. Galloway, trustee and
treasurer; Jacob Romine, trustee and clerk; Elijah Pugh and Joseph Crane,
trustees; Simon Brown, assistant clerk. This society held its meeting in Shawnee
township till 1864, when it erected its present church-house in the northwest
part of Van Buren township, 26x36, at a cost of $1,500. Its present officers are
John M. Galloway, Henry Crane, and Jacob Romine, trustees, and Sorra Galloway,
president. This society has connected with it a literary society for the
diffusion of general knowledge among the young people, which is under the
jurisdiction of the church society; the result of which is the members of this
society, both young and old, are all well posted. The church has forty-two
active, working members. The meetings of the society are free to all who wish to
take part in them. No creed is permitted in the society. Its house is free to
all when not in use by themselves.

   Predestinarian Baptists. As early as 1835 there was erected in Van Buren
township, near where the Progressive Friends church stands, a church of this
order, but all traces of the building and its members have passed away, save the
few who sleep in the graveyard opposite the Friends church.

   The Presbyterians have a society in Veedersburg, holding their meetings in
Nixon's Hall.

   Considering the spectacle presented by Van Buren township fifty-eight years
ago, when it was a wilderness, and now, the progress of American civilization
and art is a question too patent for discussion. The mollifying oil of
Christianity, the sturdy muscle, and potent, progressive brain power combined,
have metamorphosed the wilderness into a community of fruitful farms, occupied
by citizens who possess the strongest regard for their church as literary and
other institutions.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY OF FOUNTAIN COUNTY,

TOGETHER WITH
HISTORIC NOTES ON THE WABASH VALLEY,

GLEANED FROM EARLY AUTHORS, OLD MAPS AND MANUSCRIPTS
PRIVATE AND OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE, AND OTHER AUTHENTIC, THOUGH, FOR THE MOST
PART, OUT-OF-THE-WAY SOURCES.

BY H. W. BECKWITH,
OF THE DANVILLE BAR; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF
WISCONSIN AND CHICAGO.

WITH MAP AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

CHICAGO: H. H. HILL AND N. IDDINGS, PUBLISHERS.
1881.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/fountain/history/1881/historyo/historyo162nms.txt

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