Greene County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter XVI Beech Creek Township 1884
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Book Title: History Of Greene And Sullivan Counties, Indiana

CHAPTER XVI.
BY PROF. J. W. WALKER.

BEECH CREEK TOWNSHIP—SURFACE FEATURES—TIMBER—MINERALS— EARLY SETTLEMENTS—EARLY
SETTLERS—THE FIRST SCHOOLHOUSE— MR. GASTON'S LETTER—SETTLEMENT IN THE
NORTHEAST—OTHER SETTLERS—SOLOMON WILKERSON'S VILLAGE—BEARDS AND
POLITICS—ADDITIONAL PIONEERS—LIFE IN THE WOODS—OLD METHODS OF FARMING— VILLAGE
OF SOLSBERRY—ITS CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS—NEWARK—MURDER OF OSBORN AND SICKERS—LYNCH
LAW—CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.

BEECH CREEK TOWNSHIP originally embraced the northern half of the territory now
included in the eastern tier of townships. At that time its southern boundary
was Jackson Township, and its area was seventy-two square miles. It derived its
name from the creek that flowed through it. The creek received its name from the
numerous beech trees along its course. The area of the township was reduced to
forty-eight square miles when the present boundaries of Center Township were
established. The present township occupies the northeastern corner of the
county, its boundaries being Owen County on the north, Monroe County on the
east, Center Township on the south, and Highland Township on the west. It is
well watered by numerous streams, the most important of which is Richland Creek,
so called on account of the richness of the soil through which it flows. It
enters the township near the northeast corner, and after several meanderings
leaves it near the southwest corner. The surface along its course is undulating,
and in several places exceedingly broken and picturesque. Near Ooley's mill, the
hills rise to a considerable height. In the southwestern corner of the township,
the bottom lands are quite valuable, owing to the fertility of the soil. Much
corn is raised, and a few excellent meadows abound. On leaving the creek, the
soil becomes less fertile. Owing to imperfect ideas of farming, much of the land
has become quite sterile. For many years the sturdy farmer devoted himself to
the raising of corn and the breeding of swine. On almost every spot of land fit
for cultivation, corn was grown to be devoured by the hogs, the farmer's chief
stock in trade. The average farmer seemed to think that agriculture embraced but
little else. This idea prevailed until the tide of immigration from the East
began. New modes of cultivating the soil were introduced. Attention was given to
the raising of wheat, oats, hay, cattle and sheep. The current idea among the
farmers of the township is that the lands are best adapted to pasturage and
orchard products.

TIMBER.

   The township was originally covered with a growth of heavy timber; of course
much of this has disappeared during the progress of settlement and cultivation.
The sturdy oak, the mammoth poplar and the fine black walnut have been
manufactured into lumber and transported to the great lumber markets. Even the
proud city of Boston has received and utilized much of the valuable timber grown
on the soil of this humble township. Future generations will not hear the
ringing of the axes in the forests, the falling and crashing of the giant timber
in wild disorder, and the exclamations of the lumbermen; for then none but the
most common trees, such as the elm, white walnut, ash, hickory, oak, maple and
beech will compose the forest.

   Concerning the mineral resources of the township, but little can be said. If
there are any important mineral deposits, they are yet undeveloped. Large
quantities of limestone exist, and in some parts an excellent quality of
sandstone. No important quarries have been opened.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

   Concerning the first settlers and the date of settlement, statements are
conflicting and unsatisfactory. Man is mortal, and his memory is weak and
uncertain; hence, much of the history of this township is buried in eternal
oblivion. No authentic accounts of any permanent settlements prior to 1822 can
be obtained. On the 22d of November of that year, Hugh Gaston, a native of North
Carolina and an emigrant from Kentucky, spread his tent on the bluff of Richland
Creek, in Section 30, Town 8 north, Range 3 west. His family consisted of his
wife, one daughter and three sons, the two youngest being twins. Robert, the
eldest, had a wife and one child. John Bullock, the son-in-law of Gaston, also
had one child. What is now known as the Keys farm was settled by Hugh Gaston,
who entered upon the work of felling timber with a firm good will. He planted
one of the first orchards of the township, and doubtless felt that he was making
a wilderness blossom as the rose. He was far more happy than when trying to make
a living from the sterile and stony soil of a State in which the poor had to
struggle against the adverse influences of slavery. He was a liberty-loving
citizen, and was proud of the fact that he possessed a home in a land which had
been dedicated to freedom by the ordinance of 1787. He reared eight children,
who grew to be men and women. His life seems to have been tinged with
disappointments. Having spent several years of his life in North and South
Carolina, he came to the conclusion that it was useless for him to continue his
efforts for a livelihood in a country in which the poor had to struggle in vain.
About the commencement of the century, he and his wife went to Knox County, Ky.,
and located on the north side of the Cumberland River, about six miles below
Barboursville. After living there about twelve years, he lost his land by not
having the oldest right to it. He moved twenty miles northwest and took up his
abode on Laurel Creek, in Laurel County, about six miles south of the county
seat. Realizing no hopes of prosperity there, he emigrated to Indiana.

OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.

   John Bullock began to hew out his fortune in the fall of 1822, on the old
Lame farm. Soon becoming dissatisfied with his slow progress, he sold his
improvements to Joshua Dover and returned to Kentucky.

   Robert Gaston settled on the old "precinct farm" in the fall of 1824 or 1825.
His brother, James M. Gaston, was eighteen years old at the time his father
emigrated to the wilds of the township. He soon became the star of the family.

THE FIRST SCHOOLHOUSE.

   In the summer of 1825. a little log hut was erected by the neighbors for a
schoolhouse near where George Axtell now lives. It was announced that James M.
Gaston would teach spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic in the new
schoolhouse. The announcement was hailed with delight. Young Gaston became the
center of attraction. When the school began, he had in attendance three pupils
from his father, six from William Lambs', four from John Dovers', two from the
Widow Dover's, and four or five from Joe Burch's. This was the first school
taught in the southwest part of the township. At the same time, a school was
taught in a small hut near where the Greene County Chapel now stands. The name
of the teacher has been forgotten. The builders of the hut first mentioned,
being anxious for more neighbors, converted their schoolhouse into a dwelling
the next fall after its erection. It was occupied by Jacob Stinson and wife, who
had just moved from Kentucky. This new-comer, after clearing a few acres of
land, sold his claim to John Arthur, and sought a more congenial place of abode.
The young man who had imparted the rudiments of learning so successfully was
regarded with great favor. For many years, he was looked upon as the leading
light of the township. He filled various official positions, and in 1853-54
taught his last school, which was in District No. 9, Section 26, Township 8
north, and Range 4 west. Soon after he came to the township, he was married to
Miss Mary P. Bryan. They began to strive for a livelihood on the farm where they
now reside. Eleven children have been born to them, four boys and seven girls.
Three o£ the boys are engaged in agricultural pursuits, and one in the
profession of medicine. Mr. Gaston was born June 10, 1804. He has been a close
reader and a practical observer. He has figured largely in the politics of his
township. At one time he was a Whig; but when the Whig party ceased to exist, he
joined the Republican party. He was once a candidate for Sheriff, but was
defeated by William J. McIntosh, one of the pioneers in the early settlement of
the county, and an entertaining stump speaker. This defeat seemed to silence his
aspirations for any county office. Ever after this, he seemed perfectly
satisfied with the honors of his township. Although radical in politics, he is
liberal in his views concerning religion. He is undoubtedly a believer in the
largest possible freedom to man consistent with the principles of truth and
justice. He prefers to base his opinions concerning the goodness of a man upon
his daily walk rather than upon his public professions. The following letter,
which was written July 5, 1876, portrays his peculiar notions of early and
present customs of society. It was inspired by an address delivered by Rev.
Alfred Connet, at Newark, July 4, 1876. The speaker had spoken very pointedly
about the morals of the pioneers. Mr. Gaston's letter is as follows:

MR. GASTON'S LETTER.

   " MR. CONNET—I admit that you gave a pretty true sketch of the morals of the
first settlers. They worked hard through the week; on the Sabbath they would
take their gun and dog and go a-hunting deer or their stock, or to trade with
their neighbors. If they had any business that called them from home, they would
wait until Sunday to perform it. If a neighbor got behind-hand with his work, or
got his fence burnt, or corn rooted up, his neighbors would turn out and repair
the damage. If a neighbor or his family got sick or out of provisions, his
friends would visit him each with a joint of venison or a mess of potatoes. They
would go after dinner and leave before supper. Now, if a neighbor gets his house
burnt, he has to repair the damage in dollars and cents. Now, if a man's family
gets sick, his neighbors all visit him and leave nothing. They are sure to go
just before dinner, and leave just after supper; or they will go just before
supper and leave just after breakfast. In the first settling of the country, the
preacher would not take pay for preaching, but note they won't preach without pay.

   "Now, sir, I send you this bunch of papers to do as you see fit with the
same. I admit it is badly wrote and worse worded; but you, I hope, will excuse
me, as I am over seventy-two years of age.

                                                " JAMES M. GASTON."

    When the Gaston family pitched their tent near Richland Creek, the township
was almost a wilderness. Beech Creek lay on the south of them about two miles.
Near the junction of the two creeks, there were two settlers—Isaac and Abram
Workman. The next settler on Beech Creek was old man Harnes, on the Ralph
Martindale farm. Farther up the creek, near where John J. Combs now lives,
Stephen Lankford made a settlement. Just above him on the Widow Bingham farm
lived James James. Joshua Dover and Garret Gibson also lived on the creek. The
above-named persons were Gaston's nearest neighbors. Hugh Dobson was a recent
settler about one and a half miles southwest of Stanford. He had the best
improved farm in the new region. In the course of twelve or fifteen years, he
sold his farm and went to Iowa: but not being satisfied with his new home he
returned and bought land in the woods about one mile northwest of his old
homestead, and soon had another nice farm. It was not long until he disposed of
his property and moved West again. This time he lost his wife and was soon
reduced to straitened circumstances. He returned to Indiana and has been married
twice since. East of the Dobson farm lived John Gardener. John Whaley and his
son Joseph lived near where the Greene County Chapel now stands. Zeb Alexander,
son-in-law of Mr. Whaley, also lived in the same locality.

SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTHEAST.

   In the northeast corner of the township there were a few settlers, the Raper
family, James Dyer and a Mr. Mason, being the principal ones. Old man Raper died
at the age of ninety, and his wife at ninety-seven. The members of the Raper
family usually lived to an advanced age. Andrew Raper has been closely
identified with the best interests of the township. For several years, he served
as Trustee, and be it said to his honor the schools were materially benefited.
He secured good teachers, because he was willing to give a reasonable
compensation for services rendered. He is the father of fifteen children. In
politics, he is an ardent Republican. In religion, he is a faithful adherent to
the principles of the Christian Church. While Deacon in that church, he in one
day baptized about fifty persons. At this time, he is living with his
son-in-law, Henry L. Smith, in Nebraska.

   About fifteen days previous to the arrival of Hugh Gaston. Edward Bryan and
John Todd had begun to prepare habitations on the farms now occupied by John and
James McDaniel. Mr. Bryan and wife had seven children, three boys and four
girls. One of his daughters, Mary P. Bryan, was married to James M. Gaston. John
Bryan, one of the sons, was married to Mary Ann Turley over fifty years ago.
Nine children, eight girls and one boy, were the fruits of the marriage. Being
of an economical turn of mind, Mr. Bryan secured a handsome living. His death
occurred a short time ago, and his remains now lie in the Newark Cemetery. His
body was first interred in the Philpot Cemetery, but after the lapse of several
months was exhumed and removed. During its removal the body seemed to be
unusually heavy. This furnished sufficient grounds for a first-class sensation.
The foolish report, that the body had petrified and its weight was 700 pounds,
was so thoroughly circulated that it found its way to the columns of the
Cincinnati Enquirer and other papers. Tilman A. Bryan, the only son, lives about
one mile southwest of Newark and owns part of the farm his father made.

   John Arthur is the pioneer who purchased the claims of Jacob Stinson. He
entered the land, made the farm, and set out the old orchard on the farm now
owned by George Axtell.

OTHER SETTLERS.

   In 1833, Solomon Wilkerson, a native of North Carolina, was married to Miss
Polly Anderson, a native of Kentucky. In 1835, he erected and moved into a house
near where the stable he built now stands. This was the first house erected near
where Solsberry now stands. His father, William Wilkerson, born January 5, 1736,
was a soldier in the American Revolution. He lived one year in one apartment of
his son's house. He died in Brown County, Ind., in the summer of 1842, at the
advanced age of one hundred and six years, six months and one day. The day he
was one hundred years old he split one hundred rails on the hill now occupied by
the dwelling built by Dr. Axtell. He delighted to tell of his patriotism during
the Revolutionary struggle, and in his extreme old age would sing for the
amusement of his friends the familiar hymn, "I would not live alway, I ask not
to stay."

SOLOMON WILKERSON's VILLAGE.

   In 1856, a village was laid out by Solomon Wilkerson, and named in honor of
himself. He was a Justice of the Peace for several years, and was held in high
esteem by his neighbors. Several years ago, his life was brought to an abrupt
termination, he being thrown from a horse near the Bateman Ford, on Richland
Creek. He had not quite reached his hundredth year.

BEARDS AND POLITICS.

   Jesse Sullivan, aged seventy-six, was born near Goldsboro, Wayne County, N.
C. He has had two wives and fifteen children. He first settled on the farm
adjoining James M. Gaston's. He is familiarly known as Uncle Jesse, and is a
faithful adherent to Democracy. Politicians always enjoy his eccentricities. In
1860, he ceased to shave, because of the triumph of Lincoln, and declared that
he would never allow the beard to be removed from his face until a Democratic
President was elected and inaugurated. His emphatic declaration has never been
violated, except at the time that he received news of Tilden's election. He then
permitted only a small part of his beard to be removed, concluding it was best
to await further developments. He still wears his long gray beard, and is living
on a large farm in Centre Township.

ADDITIONAL PIONEERS.

   Among other pioneers whose name deserves a place in the history of the
township, may be mentioned James Turpin, Edward and Charles Beasley, Frederick
Hendricks, Nathan Hogan, Joel Burks, William Sanderpher, Robert and Frank
Chaney, William and Noah Reeves, James Crockett and William Watkins. James
Turpin built the first house on Lick Creek in the north end of the township,
near the farm of Peter Livingston, the well-known distiller. Uncle Jimmy will
long live in the memory of those who have survived him. The homely and
substantial chairs which he manufactured are still found in many a humble
dwelling. Edward Beasly, a Whig, was Sheriff two terms, and was once defeated
for Representative by Andrew Humphreys. His brother Charles owned a distillery
in the southeastern part of Highland Township. He is still living, and is a good
citizen. William Reeves and his boys first settled the farm now owned by Edward
Walker. William Sanderpher built the house, entered the land, made the farm, and
set out the apple orchard at Cross Roads, on the old Spencer State road, three
miles north of Solsberry. James Crockett was born in Tennessee. He raised ten
children, six boys and four girls. William Watkins, a native of Tennessee,
reached the George Axtell farm New Year's Eve, 1834. The next spring he went to
Johnson County, and remained there three years. He then returned to the
township, and after a short stay went to Missouri. He was not yet satisfied; for
in 1843 ho returned to the township. This time he remained. In the spring of
1863, he died. He raised five boys and three girls. His son Abraham has figured
somewhat prominently in the affairs of the township. He is a man of positive
convictions, strongly attached to his family and friends, possesses a vast fund
of valuable information, and is interested in anything which concerns the
welfare of the community in which he resides. In politics, he is a Republican.
Moses Ooley, a son-in-law of James Crockett, built the old Ooley water mill on
Richland Creek. Besides being a miller,he was an expert marksman, and was very
fond of hunting. At one time, when he and his father-in-law were out hunting
about six miles from home, they found an old she bear and her three cubs. The
cubs ran up a tree, and Mr. Ooley, leaving Mr. Crockett at the base of the tree,
returned home to get an ax. When Mr. Ooley returned next morning, one cub was
captured, and the other two and the old bear were killed.

LIFE IN THE WOODS.

   The experiences of these hardy settlers form a story of trials, privations
and sufferings, and a picture of heroism and triumph, which never' has been and
never will be adequately portrayed. While distant from their native homes and
out of reach of every civilized comfort, they transformed patches of woodland
here and there into bearing fields, and yielded to nothing but protracted and
blighting disease and death. The rude log cabins in which they lived were
utterly devoid of ornament or adornment. The half of one side of the only room
was devoted to the fireplace, at which the members of the family toasted their
shins, the good wife meanwhile cooking the simple meal of corn cakes and wild
meat at the same fire. The one room was the parlor, kitchen, dining-room and
bed-room; and, in the coldest weather, some of the few domestic animals were
kindly given a night's shelter from the storm.

   The furniture consisted of a few splint-bottomed and bark-bottomed chairs of
the plainest and roughest sort, made by the use of a hatchet, auger and
jack-knife; bedsteads and table of a light character, and a scanty set of
cooking utensils, the most important of which were a skillet and a pot. There
were no pictures on the walls, no tapestry hung at the windows, and no carpets
were on the puncheon floors.

   The ornaments of the walls were the rifle and the powder horn, bunches of
beans, medicinal herbs and ears of corn for the next planting, suspended from
pegs driven into the logs of which the walls were composed. The windows needed
no curtains, as they were made of a material which not only kept out the strong
sunlight and the fierce winds of winter, but admitted a sufficient amount of the
former for all practical purposes. In this matter, the pioneers displayed an
amount of ingenuity that could be called forth only by the mother of
invention—necessity.

   Sheets of paper were procured and soaked in hog's lard, by which process they
became translucent, and these, pasted to some cross sticks placed in the opening
for the purpose, constituted the window of the early log cabin. Puncheon floors
were a luxury not to be found in every house, as in many the native soil was
both floor and carpet. The long winter evenings were spent in conversation over
some personal events of the day, or of recollections of events of the old homes
in the East or South from which they had emigrated. The sunshine of literature
did not circulate very freely. The whole library consisted of a Bible, an
almanac, and a few school books. A tallow dip afforded the only artificial
light. In 1830, a clock or watch was a novelty, and the pioneer marked time by
the approach of the shadow of the door to the sun mark, or the cravings of the
stomach for its ration of corn bread and bacon.

   Daytime was devoted to labor, and great was the toil. The shouts and
exclamations of the gangs as they rolled and piled the logs preparatory to
burning could be heard for miles around. Corn huskings, grubbings,
flax-pullings, and other gatherings were also sources of enjoyment. Night
brought its compensations in the form of the social gathering when all the
neighbors would crowd into a narrow cabin to crack jokes and tell stories, while
the voiceful catgut gave forth enlivening strains of music, and four and
eight-handed reels even round till the break of day.

   The fields of the first settlers were not very extensive, and consequently
their crops were not very large. In fact, during the first few years they had no
incentive to raise more than was required for home consumption, as there was no
market for surplus products. The flail was the first implement used to thresh
the grain with, but was not so popular as that of tramping it out with horses,
which method was adopted later. The grain and chaff were separated by the wind,
or by a sheet in the hands of persons. The four-horse ground hog, as it was
called, eventually supplanted the old methods. It was a rude affair in
comparison with the improved machines now in use.

OLD METHODS OF FARMING.

   The mowing scythe, hand rake and wooden pitchfork were the implements of the
hay harvest. The grain scoop was not known for several years. In cribbing corn,
it was either thrown with the hands or pushed out of the end of the wagon-bed
with the foot. Iron scoops did not come into use until emigration set in from
the East. In the cultivation of corn, the hoe was largely used. "Plow shallow
and hoe well" was the prevailing rule.

   We might continue our description of early modes of farming, customs and
habits to almost an endless length; suffice it to say that, in all the
departments of life, a corresponding simplicity was the rule. How different we
find things now! It is useless to attempt to enumerate all the comforts and
modern conveniences now in use. Things unthougrht of by the old pioneers abound
everywhere. Industrious hands and active brains have been at work, and we behold
on every hand a wonderful, a rapid, a happy change.

VILLAGE OF SOLSBERRY.

   Solsberry is situated south of the central part of the township, near the
southern boundary line, and on the water-shed separating the waters of Richland
Creek on the north from those of Beech Creek on the south. It is also nearly
equidistant on the main thoroughfare from Bloomfield •to Bloomington. It was
named in honor of Solomon Wilkerson, who had the site divided into town lots.  
 It is a pleasant little village, having a population of about 100, and is noted
for the intelligence and sobriety of its citizens. Prior to the civil war, it
was a center for political agitation. The question of slavery was discussed pro
and con, and much bitter feeling was engendered. The leader of the anti-slavery
element was George Richey. He emigrated from Ohio, and soon became an agitator.
He founded the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Solsberry, and soon began to bid
defiance to all the minions of darkness. When in the pulpit, he assailed the
great evils of Southern society; he declaimed against drinking, gambling,
horse-racing and slavery. This provoked dangerous opposition, and his life was
threatened. But he was as bold as a lion. With Christian intrepidity, he sent
his appointments to these who awaited his coming with vengeance in their hearts,
never failing to meet his engagement at the stated hour, nor to utter with
unshaken firmness his daring sentiments. He did what he conceived to be his
Master's will, and counted not the cost. He finally returned to Ohio. After an
absence of several years, he came back to pay his friends a visit, It was soon
discovered that he was an anti-Mason. The downfall of slavery being an
accomplished fact, he seemed to consider it his duty to assail secret
organizations, particularly the Masonic fraternity. He denounced the institution
in the most scathing terms. Many of his statements were so extravagant that they
bordered on fanaticism. Within a few weeks, the effect of his teachings were
plainly visible. Religious intolerance became a disturbing element in the
Methodist and Congregational Churches. The anti Masonic sentiment predominated.
Resolutions were adopted declaring that no church member should be an adherent
of any secret organization. This caused several members to sever their
connection with the church. Some left the Methodist Episcopal Church and
connected themselves with the Congregational Church and vice versa.

   In the spring of 1874, a select school was organized by Prof. R. A. Ogg, a
graduate of the State University. There were twenty-seven students in
attendance. The next spring, Prof. Ogg began a second term of school, with fifty
students in attendance. During both terms the students came mostly from within a
radius of two miles. He who is acquainted with the character of the school
cannot find words to describe adequately its real worth. The time through which
the school extended was indeed a very fruitful period. Great influences were set
in motion. This was due to the fact that the elements brought together were
suited to accomplish this. The teacher was deeply in earnest, and the students
went there with a zeal, not simply for what the teacher could give, but for what
they could get; not simply for knowledge but for power. Hence they worked and
the teacher had but to supplement their work and harmonize their efforts. Free
thought and free expression of it was the law. On the sultry days, the study was
largely a discussion under the trees in the school yard. Frequently all would go
to the class heated with arguments. There was no effort at compulsion in study;
none was needed. While work was thus done, the hours for recreation were not
disregarded. The various games were entered into with wonderful zeal, attesting
the hearty spirit of those engaged. The literary society must not be forgotten.
It was remarkable for the effort put forth by many, especially in debate. When a
Question of policy arose, the struggle for the mastery would have done credit to
an assembly of far greater pretensions. At the close of the second term, each
member of the school planted a tree in the school yard. Many of these are alive
and thrifty.

   Of the students who have reflected honor upon the school, much could be said.
Trained to be intelligent and good, they have discharged their duties as
citizens wisely and well. Prof. Ogg is entitled to the proud satisfaction of
reflecting that his was the influence that gave strength to their mental
activities and guided their tottering footsteps along the pathway which
conducted them to honor and success. "The farmer is pleased in contemplating his
growing crop, or the fruit of  his industry well harvested; the mechanic
experiences a just pride in gazing upon the results of his own workmanship; the
artist feels a thrill of joy as he communes with the forms of beauty he has
traced upon the dull canvass, or the beating pulse and heaving bosom he has
evoked from the cold, dead marble; but none of these can realize that high
pleasure which the teacher enjoys who properly educates men and women and sends
them out to bless mankind." Of Prof. Ogg it can be said that
      "He, where'er he taught,
   Put so much of his heart into his act,
   That his example had a magnet's force,
   And all were swift to follow whom all loved."

   There is but one church edifice in the town, and that is used by the
Methodists and Congregationalists. The two societies have connected with them a
Union Sunday School, which is in good working order. This school is said to be
the best in the county. Its attendance is remarkable. Every Sunday the young
folks hold a prayer-meeting. It is well attended and has accomplished much good.
There is also a temperance organization, which does much to aid the cause of
Christianity. A radcial [sic] temperance sentiment has prevailed for several
years. Soon after Rev. George Richey came to the county, he delivered a
temperance lecture on the site now occupied by the church edifice. This was in
1854. The doctrines proclaimed by the enthusiastic advocate of temperance fell
upon his auditors like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. They were struck with
astonishment at the boldness of the speaker and the strange doctrine he taught.
Astonishment gave place to anger, and threats of violence were boldly uttered.
At that day, the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage was a prevailing custom
in almost every family throughout the township, hence temperence lecturers were
regarded as disturbers of the peace.

VILLAGE OF NEWARK.

   Newark is a village of over 100 inhabitants, and is situated west of the
central part of the township. John Edwards had its site surveyed by Thomas
Axtell, who named the village after Newark, Ohio. After the close of the war, it
became a good trading point. Crawford & McIntosh sold large quanities of dry
goods, and were engaged in pork packing. A large flouring mill was built, and
other improvements followed. For awhile, business was rather brisk. There are
now three dry goods stores, owned respectively by Young & Shields, McIntosh &
Sons, and Oscar McDonald. Above the store of Young & Shields is the hall
occupied by the I. O. O. F. The lodge is in fair condition. There are two church
houses, and a schoolhouse, containing two apartments. The town is on the mail
route between Solsberry and Freedom, and has daily mail.

MURDER OF OSBORN AND SICKERS.

   The most notable events that have transpired in its history are two murders.
The first occurred in 1862. Baws Blankenship, a soldier at home on a furlough,
was in town on the day citizens were enlisting as volunteers. The war feeling
ran high. Thomas Osborn, an impulsive individual, shouted for Jeff Davis as he
was crossing the street. He was followed by Blankenship, who struck him with a
dog-wood club. The wound inflicted proved fatal. Blankenship fled to the army
and thereby escaped punishment.

   The second murder occurred in 1871 or 1872. Daniel Sickers, of Cleveland,
Ohio, had been in town several months spending part of his time with his
relatives, the Corneliuses, and the other part was engaged in manual labor. He
had a quarrel with a Mrs. Rose over some neighborhood gossip. When the son of
Mrs. Rose returned home, he learned of the difficulty and felt that his mother
had been mistreated. He at once resolved to resent the insolence of Mr. Sickers.
It was not long until he performed the rash act. Mr. Sickers was attacked by
John Rose, who struck him on the head with an ax, fracturing his skull. Sickers
was carried to the house of his friends, where he lingered two or three days and
died. Rose was arrested in Greencastle and taken to Bloomfield and placed in
jail. When his trial was heard, he was convicted and sentenced to pass the
remainder of his life in the penitentiary. He did not remain there long, as he
secured a pardon.

LYNCH LAW.

   About one year prior to this, another notable event occurred. James Pickard,
druggist, took a trip to Orange County, where it is alleged that he assisted in
the robbery of Mr. Fisher, a wealthy farmer. Lewis Tongate, who lived near
Newark, was with Mr. Pickard. Soon after their arrest, they were taken by a mob
and suspended from a bridge across Lost River. Isaac Pickard, brother of James,
witnessed the appalling sight, and remained at the bridge the rest of the night.

   In the spring of 1877, Theodore Jackman, a farmer living south of town,
committed suicide. He had been attending a Methodist protracted meeting at
Newark, and had become impressed as usual. He was an enthusiast on religious
matters. Being financially embarrassed, his mind was so burdened that he
concluded to take his own life to escape the sorrows of this world. His body was
found suspended from a leaning sapling. His funeral was preached by Rev. L. S.
Knotts.

   McVille, a small village in the northeastern part of the township, and named
in honor of Squire McHaley, has a post office. But little business has ever been
done there.

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.

   The forefathers of the people of Beech Creek Township had a high regard for
religious interests, and held Christianity as the great civilizing power,
without a recognition of which the country would not be fit to live in.
Consequently, we find on their arrival they began holding services of public
worship, such as they had been taught and trained up in in the part of the
country from which they had emigrated. They early secured the services of the
pioneer preachers, those grand old characters whom nothing daunted while in
pursuit of their mission, and to whose teachings and labors must be attributed
the present state of religion and morals. The pioneer preachers were Revs.
George Burch, Sammy Doty, Joseph Wilson and Elder John Wilson.

   In the early days of the township, there was no system of public instruction;
the means for acquiring an education were very limited and discouraging. Then a
few settlers joined together and erected a log cabin, in which was a fire-place
extending several feet across one end. In this the fire for warming the house
was built of logs its entire length, requiring several boys to carry each log
into the house and place it in position. A log was sawn out of each side of the
building, and the spaces were closed with paper, which had been oiled with lard;
this oiled paper served as windows. The seats were of logs split into halves and
supported by round sticks; the writing desks were of similar pattern, and the
door was constructed of split logs, fastened together with wooden pins, and hung
with wooden hinges. In the construction of these pioneer seminaries, not a nail
was used. It was not unusual for boys to travel three or four miles through
dense woods to school, blazing their way the first time going: over the route.
Those seats of learning are now gone, and the recollection of them is rapidly
fading from memory. Wonderful, indeed, are the changes and advances made within
the last sixty years. The township has now a system of free schools of which any
people should feel proud. It is divided into fifteen districts, and in each is
located a comfortable and substantial schoolhouse.

   Among the pioneer teachers may be mentioned James M. Gaston, Benjamin
Williams, Jonathan Stamper and William H. Corlett.

   Those who have served as Trustee since the present school has been
established are James M. Gaston, Thomas Axtell, Jonathan Stamper, James
Crawford, Andrew Raper and Joseph G. Smith.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES,
STATE OF INDIANA,
FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC.

ILLUSTRATED.

CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1884.

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