Greene County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter XXIV Center Township 1884 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com May 11, 2006, 1:50 am Book Title: History Of Greene And Sullivan Counties, Indiana CHAPTER XXIV. CENTER TOWNSHIP—OLD BURLINGAME TOWNSHIP—THE FIRST ELECTIONS AND OFFICERS—FIRST ENTRIES OF LAND—THE PIONEERS—BEAR HUNTERS—HISTORICAL SCRAPS—VILLAGE OF JONESBOROUGII—MERCHANDISING—INCIDENT OF THE FEATHERS—CINCINNATI—BRIDGEPORT—TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS—PREACHERS AND CHURCHES. THIS township was not created until long after the organization of Greene County. On the 6th of April, 1821, at the first meeting of the County Board, the township of Burlingame was created with the following limits: "Beginning at the northeast corner of Township 8 north, Range 3 west; thence south with the east line of Greene County, to the southeast corner thereof; thence west with the south line of said county to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 6 north, Range 4 west; thence north with the section line dividing 34 and 35 to the northwest corner of Section 2, Township 8 north, Range 4 west; thence east with the township line dividing 8 and 9 to the place of beginning." It will thus be seen that the township of Burlingame comprised the present townships of Beech Creek, Center and Jackson. ELECTIONS AND OFFICERS. The election of two Justices of the Peace was ordered held at the house of Abel Burlingame, who was appointed Inspector. Mark Dugger and Leonard Nicholson were appointed Overseers of the Poor, and John Storm, Garret Gibson and Adam Morrow, Fence Viewers; Mark Dugger, Constable. Abel Burlingame was one of the Justices of the Peace elected at the first election, and John Gardner the other. The following year he was Township Lister. David Storms was Constable in 1822, as was Hugh Dobson also. Robert Smith succeeded Burlingame as Inspector. John Storms and Julius Dugger became Overseers of the Poor, and Isaac Lindsey, Leonard Nicholson and Wesley Smith Fence Viewers; The township elections for several years continued to be held at the cabin of Abel Burlingame. In the month of May, 1829, the township of Burlingame was divided into two equal townships—Beech Creek and Jackson—the southern half of the present township of Center being a part of Jackson, and the northern half a part of Beech Creek. Hugh Dobson was made Road Superintendent in Beech Creek, as was John Burch also. Samuel Hite became Inspector of Elections; John Gardner and George Burch, Overseers of the Poor; William Edwards and Robert Gaston, Fence Viewers: and elections were ordered held at the house of Robert Gaston. Elections later were held first at the house of Isaac Storms, in old Jackson Township, and then at the house of Thomas Storms. In November, 1841, the township of Center was created with its present territory, no change having occurred from that time to this. It received its name from the circumstance of its being between Beech Creek and Jackson, out of which two it was created. FIRST PURCHASE OF LAND. The first land entries in Center Township were made as follows: John Storms, on Section 36 (in the southeastern part), in October, 1816; Isaac Storms, on the same section, in December, 1816: William Carter, on Section 25, in December, 1817; Abel Burlingame, on Section 35, in August. 1818: Daniel Rollins, on Section 1 (in the northeast part), in 1820; John Gardner, on the same section, in 1820; Garret Gibson, on Section 10, in 1S22; and Joseph Burch, on Section 9, in 1826. These were the only early entries—or entries prior to 1826—in Township 7, north, Range 3 west. THE PIONEERS. Isaac, John and Joseph Storms, William Carter, Abel Burlingame and Stephen Riddle came to what is now Center Township in the year 1818, but who came first and built the first log cabin cannot be stated with certainty. There is evidence that the Storms settled in the township in 1817, and if this be true they were doubtless the first permanent settlers. There was scarcely any large portion of country where, previous to the first permanent settlement, families of professional hunters had not lived in hastily prepared log, or even bark, cabins—often no better than wigwams—and had lived in their wild, precarious, though enchanting way. Cabins of this character were found on Beech Creek and Indian Creek at the time of the first settlement of Center. Among: the others who came to reside in the township quite early were Jesse Rainbolt. Thomas Oliphant, George Burch, William Brummet, Edmund Bingham, Frederick Bingham, William Cole, William Stone, Enoch Stone, Joseph Shelton, Enoch Shelton, Harden Warren, Beverly Bays, Henry Fulk, Isom Johnson, James Burch, Joseph Burch, Thompson Brenham, Robert Hegwood, William Briscoe, William S. Bays. John Gallon, Peter Luntsford, Abraham Young, Abner McHergue, Lawson Oliphant, Ephraim Jackson, Ralph Martindale, David Bullock, James Bullock, John Fodrell, John Harthash and A. Harthash. BEAR HUNTERS. As in all other portions of the country at that time, wild animals were very abundant and often very dangerous. Wolves were numerous, and when pressed with hunger in the dead of winter, when sources of food supplies had become very scarce, would often attack domestic animals, such as calves, hogs, etc. Those who kept sheep were obliged to place them at night in high pens that could not be climbed by the ravenous creatures, and guard them by day when they were in the woods feeding on the boughs and buds. It is said that one of the Storms failed to get up all of his cattle one night when snow was on the ground but before the frost had penetrated deep into the earth, and when he went the next morning to find it he discovered that it had been mired down in a small "lick" where it had gone to drink and had furnished a midnight repast for the wolves. The Hatfields killed many deer in the township, and a few bears. One day Emanuel Hatfield was hunting with his dogs in the township, when, in passing on the bluffs near Indian Creek, he saw below him a bear which had not yet perceived him. He advanced down toward it as fast as he could go, and soon his dogs were in full pursuit and close upon it. After running about half a mile, it took to a tree and was shot there when Mr. Hatfield arrived. Old Abel Burlingame was a prominent man in early years. He was Justice of the Peace, and elections were held at his house and he was regarded as the leader in that part of the county. He was not much of a hunter, but had an adventure with a panther which is handed down in tradition. He had gone to a neighbor's on some errand and darkness had set in before he started to return; but he was not afraid, and proceeded on through the woods, following the obscure path, then the only road. Suddenly, out at one side, at a considerable distance, he heard a panther scream, which scared him immeasurably and urged him into a run to escape the beast if possible. He had no gun and no doubt made good time along the obscure path. Again he heard its cry nearer than before, and after a little time again still nearer. A little later, as he ran panting along, he heard the beast bounding over the leaves at his side and could now and then see its eyes shining like yellow diamonds in the dark. He had gathered up a stout stick, which he now held ready for a stroke should the panther approach him, but the animal, after passing to leeward, left him and continued on out through the woods uttering its peculiar cries until lost in the distance. No doubt the settler was greatly relieved when he reached the cabin. SCRAPS OF HISTORY. The first murder in Greene County occurred in Center Township, at the house of Stephen Riddle. A full account of this will be found in the history of the courts. The first marriage was Simon Leakey to Mary Burcham, by Abel Burlingame, Justice of the Peace. Other early marriages were Abner McHergue to Mary Riddle; William Doolen to Eliza Bingham; John Uland to Polly Bays, and William Stone to Matilda Chaney. Old Frederick Bingham was one of the earliest millers at Rock Bluff. Dr. Targleton built and conducted an early horse mill on the old Bloomington road. Old man Oliphant also built and conducted a horse mill on the Nellinger farm. Mr. Gannon operated the same kind of a mill in the township at an early day. Charles Shelton started the first distillery. He owned a small copper still, and obtained his meal at the horse mills and, it is said, made a superior article of corn whisky and fine peach brandy. He found a ready and anxious market for all his liquor. JONESBOROUGH. It is said that McGill & McGill were the first men to open a store at Jonesboro, but Ephraim Jackson and Charles D. Rader conducted stores in this portion of the county, beginning a few years before. The McGills began the business about the year 1839. Late in the same year, William Dorch opened a grocery there, wet and dry. About this time, John Gardner was fined before a Justice of the Peace for retailing liquor without a license. This was not at Jonesborough, however. In 1840, McGill & Dugger were associated together in business in the town, as was also McGill & Davis. A few families had located there, and a blacksmith, carpenter, etc., had appeared. In about 1845-46, Lawson Oliphant opened his store and continued many years with increasing patronage and profit. John P. Gainey also opened a store there in 1840. Oliphant had a good store. George Wolfe & Co., seem to have established a store there about 1841, which they conducted a few years. Mr. Dugger sold large quantities of whisky. AS LIGHT AS FEATHERS. A man named Dory was an early merchant in the town. He bought large quantities of farm products, among which were feathers. He had a very large sack reaching from the upper story to the lower, in which he poured his feathers to keep them aired, and to keep the wind from carrying them away. One day he fell into this sack and came near smothering to death before he was taken out. Mr. Oliphant early started a carding mill in town, which he conducted with profit for a series of years. He built the first brick house in the township, and was a man of much broader views than the average. His son, J. T. Oliphant, was for a number of years the leading merchant of the town. It is said that a pottery was conducted in town for a number of years. The present merchants are Bingham & Holtsclaw, and Michael Deckard; both firms are doing a good business. The former firm has general merchandise, and the latter drugs; the latter distills about 2,000 gallons annually of pure peach and apple brandy. The post office is called Hobbieville. The name Screamersville is sometimes applied to the town. The town of Cincinnati was founded at an early day. John W. Carmichael was the first merchant, and continued for many years. In about 1857, he erected a large steam flour mill in town, which is yet in operation, owned by John Carter. It has two sets of buhrs—one for wheat and one for corn—and is doing a lucrative business. The present merchants are Richard W. Yoho and J. B. Vanmeter, both of whom have excellent stores and trades. Mr. Vanmeter has drugs, which he commenced with in 1883. Mr. Yoho has general merchandise, valued at $3,500. The post office is Cincinnati. Many persons get this town confounded with one of the same name in the southern part of Ohio, on the Ohio River. The latter will no doubt soon alter its name to avoid the confusion. Ridgeport was named for its location on the high ridge which separates Beech Creek from the streams farther south. It has never been properly laid out and recorded, and has never had a post office. The present merchant is Robert Johnson, who is driving a profitable trade. THE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS. The early settlers of this township were very slow in commencing their first schools, and even then did not evince as deep an interest, apparently, as in other portions of the county. The time came, however, when the schools had to be founded or the township would lose the expected influx of population, for later families seeking homes in the wilds of Indiana were careful to locate in good neighborhoods where there were good citizens, good schools, good mills, good stores and good churches. It is said the first school in the township was taught near William Carver's, in about the year 1826, by a man named Mill. It is also said that a school was taught in the cabin of Abel Burlingame as early as 1824, but as there are no reliable accounts of this it cannot be stated with certainty. Mill is said to have taught a good school in the rudest of rude log cabins, where there was no window but greased paper, no floor but clapboards and no seats nor desks but slabs. Of course the scholars sat upon the softest, side of the slabs. This man Mill taught many years in the township, and was a good disciplinarian if not a competent scholar. Scholarship was not a test in that day of a teachers merits. If he was capable of using the rod upon offenders, big and little, and if he did it when occasion required, and could read, write and cipher, and argue on religion and national political matters, he was regarded as a paragon of learning and perfection, and was continued in charge of the school as long as he desired, and perhaps his wages were raised from $10 to $12, or possibly $15. He was not paid by the month, however, but received so much from each scholar for the term. Another early school was taught in the southern part by a man named John Tilley. One of the first schools was taught in the southwestern part and another in the northwestern part. Two other early teachers were Ralph Martindale and Jacob Young. In 1830, there were four or five schools. and in 1846 there were eight. In the thirties, the school fund from the sale of the sixteenth section began to be realized, which proved a great advantage notwithstanding the limited amount at first. Now the township has as good educational facilities as any other township in the county. RELIGION IN THE TOWNSHIP. Among the earliest preachers in the township were Revs. Thomas Oliphant, Joseph Wilson, Samuel Doty, George Burch, Richard Wright and Eli P. Farmer. These men were the first to preach within the township limits. As early as 1824, the Methodists in the southwestern part, and in Richland Township adjoining, organized a class composed of the families of Hansford Stalcup, David Watson, Jeremiah Doty and others, and arrangements to build a church on Section 27, Township 7 north, Range 4 west, were made as early as January, 1826. The first church built in Center Township was what became known as the Beech Creek Baptist Church, and was erected not far from 1831, though the class was organized a few years before in private dwellings. George Burch was the first pastor of this class, and later were James Burch, Davis Burch and John B. Vanmeter. The membership was largely from the old Hebron Church in the edge of Monroe County, and among the first were George Burch, Martha Burch, Elijah Burch, Meretta Burch, Mary Burch, James Burch, Elizabeth Burch, Nancy Campbell and Joice Gibson The old church built by this class is yet standing. The Methodist Church at Jonesboro was organized not far from the year 1840. Elder Forbes and William Butts were leaders in the church; E. E. Rose was one of the early preachers. Rev. M. Hawk is the present pastor. The old church is almost in ruins, and the class meets in the schoolhouse. The Hopewell Baptist Church was founded in the northwestern part in about 1845, John Pitts donated land for the church to be built on Section 11. This class is yet in existence. The Sylvania Church, organized first as a Methodist Episcopal, was established in the southern part at an early date, and the church building was erected mainly by the individual means of Isaac Hamlin, a zealous Christian and a local preacher of that faith. After the last war, the organization died, but was revived as a Protestant Methodist under Rev. S. Baker. They worship yet under the pastorate of Rev. William Lamb. A frame church was built in Cincinnati (not in Ohio, but in Greene County, Ind.), about the year 1874 for all denominations, if accounts are correct. The only organized religious class now occupying this building are the Congregationalists who do not, however, have regular preaching. Center Township has had several religious organizations in schoolhouses, and since an early day has been well supplied with moral influences. 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. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/greene/history/1884/historyo/chapterx41nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/infiles/ File size: 17.1 Kb