Hamilton County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter XI - Cities And Towns 1901
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Book Title: A History Of The Formation, Settlement And Development Of Hamilton County, Indiana

CHAPTER XI.
Cities and Towns.

Noblesville.

   The city of Noblesville is the county seat of Hamilton County. It is situate
on the east bank of White River and on the west half of the southwest quarter of
section 31, township 19 north, of range 5, east. It was laid out by William
Conner and Josiah F. Polk in January, 1823. There were twenty-six squares in the
original town plat, exclusive of fractional lots. The lots were 66x132 feet. The
alleys were 16 1/2 feet. Additions to the town have been made from time to time
by different persons to meet the demands for lots.

   After the town had been laid out Josiah F. Polk, one of the proprietors and
who was at the time engaged to a Miss Noble, of Indianapolis, asked the
privilege of naming the town. This was granted and he named the town Noblesville
in honor of the lady to whom he was engaged. This was before Noblesville was
chosen as the county seat.

   In March, 1824, a majority of commissioners appointed to select a site for
the county seat of Hamilton County, to-wit: Martin M. Ray, Benjamin J. Blythe
and John Sample, after examining all the sites offered as well as inducements
offered, except Strawtown, located the county seat at Noblesville, since which
time Noblesville has remained such. As an inducement to such location Conner and
Polk donated one-half of the lots owned by them to the county to aid in the
erection of county buildings. They also donated all of the fraction of land
lying between the original plat of the town and White River to the county upon
which to erect county buildings. They also donated the public square.

   A postoffice was established in Noblesville in 1823. John D. Stephenson was
appointed postmaster. His successors up to the year 1865 m their order were as
follows: F. W. Emmons, Catesby Dale, James G. Brown, James Springer, John H.
Butler, Joseph A. Messick and T. W. Oliphant. The establishment of the
postoffice was the first business done in the town.

   Joseph Willison soon after that time opened a blacksmith shop on the corner
of Eighth and Cherry streets. Dr. John Finch located on the last lot on the
south side at the west end of Connor street. J. D. Stephenson and J. F. Polk
lived at Noblesville. In 1824 F. B. Cogswell settled in Noblesville. The lot
upon which his cabin and tan yard stood has been described. John D. Stephenson
was married to Lavina Ross in 1824 or 1825 and settled in Noblesville about this
time. Dr. H. W. Clark settled here. His cabin was erected on the north side of
the square.

   In the year 1827 George Shirts, Sr., opened the first tavern in town. It was
situated upon the lot south of the Hotel Wainwright on Eighth street. A part of
the building is still standing and is occupied by George Hollenbach as a barber
shop. Other early tavern keepers were Bethel Dunning, James Grovers, Joshua
Cottongham, [sic] A. Thompson, Thomas Demoss and Mr. Good.

   R. L. Hannaman taught the first school in a log cabin on the corner of Maple
avenue and Eighth street. A Mr. Thompson taught the next school in the same
cabin. The next school house was a cabin on the corner of Tenth and Clinton
streets.

   One Mr. Simpson taught school in this house for several years. The next
school house was a frame building situate on what is now Sixth street. It is now
occupied by Jack Smith (colored). The next school house was the brick on East
Logan about two squares from the court house. The next was the seminary. Simpson
was succeeded as teacher by T. J. Kane and he by P. C. Lawyer.

   Among the early blacksmiths were Joseph Willeson, William Finch, Israel Finch
and John Pontius. At that time the blacksmith from an iron rod forged and turned
all the horseshoes and forged and turned all the horseshoe nails used by him. He
pounded iron and manufactured from it all bolts and taps used. In like manner he
made log chains and all other things incidental to his business.

   Among the early shoemakers were George Shirts, Jabez Ross, Joseph Messick,
Nathan Messick, Ebenezer Ridgeway, Joseph Messick, Jr., and L. N. Granger. They
were compelled to manufacture the pegs they used in the following manner: A
stick of sugar tree was taken from the wood pile and sawed into blocks the
length of the pegs to be used. These were split into pieces the width of a peg.
They were dried by the fire, then taken in bunches and held in the left hand.
With the right hand the point of a shoe knife was inserted in a lap board, the
handle remaining in the hand. The material held in the left hand was then placed
on the board immediately under the knife blade. The knife was worked with the
right hand splitting the material into pegs. They also manufactured the wax used
in such trade.

   Some time in the early fifties a mill with two rims of burrs, one for wheat
and one for corn, with carding machine, was erected by W. W. Conner on the
corner of Conner and Sixth street. The mill was a custom mill. The factory did
all kinds of custom work, carding rolls, spinning rolls into all kinds of yarn,
flannels, jeans and frilled cloth blankets of every variety were manufactured.
This mill was operated by different persons until some time in the sixties. In
about the year 1855 J. L. Evans and W. N. Evans erected a steam mill on lot 8 in
block 8 of the original town. This mill was constructed for three rims of four
feet burrs, each of which was put up in first class style, according to the
mechanism of those days. In August, 1856, a few days before this mill would have
been ready for operation, it was consumed by fire, evidently the work of an
incendiary. The loss was about $11,000, being without insurance. Undaunted,
however, Mr. J. L. Evans immediately after this disaster began the erection of a
new mill using the engine and boilers that had passed through the conflagration,
overhauling them to serve the purpose. In 1861 Mr. Evans sold the milk after a
successful operation of it for about four years, to Messrs. Sohl and Wild, who
as a firm continued business for about three months, when Mr. Levi Sohl was
admitted as a partner and about three months thereafter Mr. Wild retired,
Messrs. N. and L. Sohl continuing until about six months afterward. At that date
they sold a one-third interest to William Harvey. This arrangement not proving
satisfactory, a further change took place some ten months later. Then by
purchase from Mr. Harvey A. J. Sohl became the possessor of a one-third interest
in the establishment. In the course of time Messrs. Sohl and Sohl sold a fourth
interest to Leonard Wild, formerly one of the proprietors. This occurred in
1864, at which time the firm took the name of L. Sohl & Co. The firm of L. Sohl
& Co. continued to operate this mill until 1865, when L. Sohl disposed of his
interest to Wild and Sohl, the firm remaining unchanged. About six months after
this sale these gentlemen transferred one-third interest to John C. Conner,
operating-still under the same name. Not long afterward Messrs. Wild and Sohl
sold a third of their interest to N. Maine. After the lapse of four months N.
Sohl was again admitted into the partnership, the business being conducted as
before. Next Mr. Maine disposed of his one-third interest to Hugh Smith and at
the same time William Spotts purchased a third interest. This change made the
firm of Smith, Spotts & Co., N. Sohl retaining an interest.

   Among the early tailors of the town were Mr. Cottingham, father of W. H.
Cottingham; Stinson Massey, Jesse Sparks, Emery Powell, A. J. Passwater and
William Granger. Among the early physicians were John Finch, Jr., H. W. Clark,
Amos Palmer, T. T. Butler, Dr. Perry, Dr. Shaw, Dr. Westerfield, Dr. Hull and
Dr. Haines. Among the early merchants were William Conner, J. D. Stephenson, F.
B. Cogswell, R. J. Conner, Moses Massey, J. K. Learning, R. L. Hannaman, J.
Lutz, Joshua Cottingham, A. P. Casler, Ross, Cole, Evans, McDonald, Mahen,
Thompson, Kingsberry, J. F. Cottingham and others. The early harness makers were
Mr. Guy and Charles Swain. J. M. Mallery operated a turning lathe, manufactured
chairs and all the kinds of furniture in use in those days. In connection with
this business he did the undertaking of the town and vicinity. Other furniture
manufacturers were Ross and Martin. The Wainwrights were the pioneer tinware,
stove and agricultural implement merchants. They first located in a frame
building on the corner of Conner and Eighth streets on the west side of Eighth
street. More than half a century has passed since Wesley Hare established a
wagon and buggy manufactory in a small log building then situated on the site
now occupied by George Heylmann. Mr. Hare commenced this business in a small
way. All of his work was done by hand. There was then no machinery to help him.
With his broad axe, mallet, chisel, augers and like tooU he did his work. It was
slow business, but he persevered. Gradually his business increased and it became
necessary for him to have more room, so he removed from the old log building
into a frame building on the corner of Connor and Tenth streets. * After this
removal his business increased more rapidly than before. He did good, honest
work and soon acquired a reputation that assured success. Some time in the
fifties J. G. Heylmann was associated with him under the firm name of Hare &
Heylmann. This firm continued to do business for a number of years and built up
a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Hare has continued in business in one line for
a longer period than any man in Hamilton County.

   About the year 1830 the first jail building, heretofore described, was moved
to the northwest corner of the public square. In 1832 the brick building known
as the recorder's office was erected on the southwest corner of the public
square. About this time the frame court house was removed to the public square.
Between the years 1830 and 1840 a number of cabins were erected in various parts
of town by persons moving in and were used as residences. Business rooms were
also erected at different points around the public square. In about the year
1835 B. F. Cogswell sold his tan yard, heretofore described, to Pleasant
Williams. He then built a frame building, part residence and part business room,
on the north side of the square. Mr. Williams removed the log cabin and erected
a frame residence upon the lot, which residence is still standing. About this
time Albert B. Cole erected the first brick residence in town. It was a
one-story building situate on the corner of Eighth street and Maple avenue and
is yet occupied as residence property. About the years 1840, 1842 and 1843 the
frame business rooms now standing on the west side of the square were erected
respectively by William Conner, T. T. Butler, Guy, Daubenspeck and W. Wooster.
In 1848 or about that time Daniel Hare erected a frame business room on the
corner of Conner and Ninth streets, in which he did business until his death in
1850. In about the year 1850 the brick building now occupied by the Old Corner
Drug Store was built by Dr. Shaw, and about the same time a frame business room
was built on the corner where the Citizens' State Bank is located, by J. L. and
W. N. Evans. The timber and lumber for this building were sawed and framed at
Augusta, in Marion County, and hauled from that point to this on wagons. A brick
building about this time was erected on the corner of Ninth and and [sic] Logan
streets on the west side of Ninth. A brick building was also erected by Conner
and Massey on the corner now occupied by Carlin & Peck. The building still
stands. Other brick buildings were afterward erected on at least three sides of
the square, the dates of which I cannot now give.

   In the year 1850 L. N. Emmons, on his way from Washington City to his home in
Noblesville, was attacked by the cholera. He died in a few days after his
arrival. As soon as it became known that Mr. Emmons had been attacked by the
cholera fear and consternation overcame many of the good citizens of the town.
Some of them made their way as soon as possible to the country; others remained
away from where they supposed they would be likely to be infected. Especially
did they remain away from the stricken district and from those who were infected
by the disease. There were, however, many noble men and women who gave aid and
comfort to the stricken ones during all their days of sorrow and trouble. Among
those who succumbed to the disease I recall the following: Mrs. Ross, mother of
Mrs. Joseph Messick, and her brother; Daniel Hare, wife and mother; Mr. A. Hare
and one of his children; Andrew Passwater, Eliza Garver and two children. The
citizens of Noblesville were again attacked by cholera in 1853, but the attack
was not so fatal. It was a long time before the people recovered from the shock.
Aside from the fearful loss of life, the town suffered in the loss of trade. It
was a long while before the people of the surrounding country could be induced
to visit Noblesville.

   In 1851 the Peru & Indianapolis Railroad was completed (flat bar) to
Noblesville. Prior to this time the farmers had been compelled to haul their
wheat to Lawrenceburg or Lafayette and sell it for 37 1/2 to 40 cents per
bushel, and their hogs and cattle were either driven to Cincinnati or sold to
men who did drive them to that market. Our merchants also, prior to that time,
had been compelled to employ teamsters to haul their goods in wagons from the
Ohio River. In expectation of a change in this business, warehouses were erected
by the business men of the town in sufficient numbers in which to store all
grain that would be likely to come to this market, ready for shipment over the
line of this road and its connections. Some of the men who early engaged in this
business were: J. L. and W. N. Evans, Lawyer & Hall, Philip Stoops & Sons and
Leonard Wild. J. L. and W. N. Evans were also engaged in the shipment of hogs
and cattle. Soon after the arrival of cars to this point the business of buying
and shipping corn and wheat began in earnest. Grain was brought to this point
from almost all parts of the county. The Evans brothers erected in 1854 a large
merchant flouring mill in the town. The flour was shipped to the Eastern
markets. From this time forward Noblesville had a gradual but healthy growth in
almost every way.

   Pursuant to an act of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana,, approved
January 15th, 1851, Noblesville was incorporated and known by the name of the
"Corporation of Noblesville" and as provided by section 2 of that act an
election was held for the purpose of determining the favor with which the
proposed incorporation was received and for the further purpose of electing the
necessary corporation officers. The vote for incorporation was 54, while the
opposition vote was only 2. For corporation officers the result of the election
was as follows: Mayor, David Moss; Councilmen, J. M. Mallery, J. B. Loehr, Jesse
Lutz, J. D. Stephenson, William Bauchert; Treasurer, John J. Cox; Secretary, J.
J. Patterson, who subsequently resigned, and E. R. Cole was appointed; Marshal,
Emery Powell; Street Commissioner, Joseph A. Messick. On the fifth day of April
following the first meeting was held, at which no other business was transacted
than perfecting the organization and appointing a committee to draft ordinances
composed of the following persons: J. D. Stephenson, Jesse Lutz and David Moss.
On the 21st of April Douglas Dale was appointed town engineer, and on the 8th of
May the committee on ordinances reported and their report was adopted. At the
meeting of June 26th Jesse Sparks was appointed sexton of the burying ground,
and Elijah Cottingham was appointed Town Engineer. Ordered also that the regular
meetings of the Council be held on the first Thursday in each month at the
office of David Moss. May 21st, 1853, it was resolved that the town of
Noblesville be henceforth incorporated in accordance with an act passed by the
Legislature of Indiana entitled "An act for the incorporation of towns, defining
their power providing for the election of officers thereof and declaring their
duties," approved June 11, 1852. May 28th the board met at the court house and
adopted a seal. Under this incorporation trustees were chosen instead of
councilmen.

CHURCHES.

First Baptist Church.

   The first meeting place for the members of this church was at the house of
John Finch, Sr., at Horse Shoe Prairie, in the year 1820. They continued to meet
at this place until 1832, at which time John Finch removed to Wayne Township.
After this period the members met at the house of Dr. John Finch, in
Noblesville, and at other private residences until the year 1827, when William
Conner donated to the Baptist Church the lot on the corner of Ninth and Cherry
streets. Upon this lot a log cabin was built and in the same year an
organization was effected on the second Saturday of December as follows:

   "The undersigned brethren and sisters met, having previously requested help
from the Lick Creek and Indianapolis churches, and did adopt the within covenant
and articles of faith; and in token of our love to each other and to God, have
given ourselves in a church compact.

(Signed)                     "ISAAC HURLOCK,
                             "ANN HURLOCK,
                             "CAREY W. HARRISON,
                             "ROBERT COLBORN,
                             "MARGARET FINCH,
                             "MARY HEATON,
                             "JORDAN PAYTON."

   "Whereupon from Lick Creek Church came Elder Abraham Smock, Deacon Archibald
C. Reed, James M. Laughlin and Henry Bowland, who were cordially received and
invited to a seat in the council, and upon mature deliberation and examination,
had according to the gospel, did proceed to give the right hand of fellowship,
and thus constituted them a church.   (Signed) Abraham Smock, moderator;
Archibald C. Reed, James M. Laughlin and Henry Bowland."

   Organization being completed, C. W. Harrison was chosen clerk and Isaac
Hurlock, moderator. The church was without a minister. On the 8th day of May,
1830, Nathaniel Richmond was called to preach once a month.

   In the month of August, 1834, John Jones and Chauncy Butler preached the new
doctrine called the "reformation" in the frame court house in Noblesville. At
this meeting Garret Wall, Nancy Wall, his wife, Albert B. Cole, Michael Reveal
and Elizabeth Wall made confession and were immersed on the 8th day of November,
1834. Jones and Butler preached again, after which the above named persons,
together with Jordan Payton, Purity Payton, his wife; Stephen Carey and wife and
Margaret Byron, who had been previously immersed, associated themselves together
and organized a Christian Church. Payton was selected to act as bishop and
Colburn to act as deacon. A. B. Cole was chosen church scribe.

   On the 5th of August, 1835, the Baptist Church appointed a committee to
examine the rules and inquire as to the faith and practice of the Christian
Church with a view of uniting with them. Isaac Hurlock, a member of the Baptist
Church, and also a member of the committee, was given full power, if the
investigation wras satisfactory, to transfer the property of the Baptist Church
to the Christian Church. On September 13, 1835, this committee made formal
application for the admission of the members of the Baptist Church into the
Christian Church, and as the basis of the proposed union was entirely consistent
with the doctrines of the Christian Church, the proposition was accepted.
Whereupon Isaac Hurlock, Anna Hurlock, his wife; C. W. Harrison and Matilda
Harrison, his wife; Robert Colborn, Ebenezer Hurlock, Joanna Granger and Mary
Wood, of the Baptist Church, being present, presented themselves for membership
and were received into the Christian Church and thus the Baptist Church was
merged into the Christian Church and completely lost its identity as a Baptist
Church.

Methodist Episcopal Church.

   The members of this church residing in and near Noblesville prior to the year
1828 met for worship at the residence of George Kirkendall, very nearly five
miles southwest of Noblesville. The first quarterly conference that included
Hamilton County was held at Wise's school house in December, 1828. This school
house was in Delaware Township, six or seven miles from Noblesville. It was
called the Fall Creek Circuit. Its boundaries included Madison County on the
east, the Indiana reserve on the north, the Michigan road on the west and
included a part of Marion County on the south. At this time Allen Wiley was
presiding elder, Charles Bonner circuit preacher, Jeremiah S. Williams local
preacher, Stephen Masters and Thomas M. Pendleton exhorters, Thomas M. Pendleton
circuit supply, and Charles McCarty, James Vest and William Bell class leaders.

   The financial report during this quarter was as follows: Strawtown class, 75
cents; Noblesville, $1.50; McCarty's, $1.00; Vest's, $1.48; Anderson's, 25
cents; public collections, $2.95 2/4 ;total, $7.93 3/4. Out of this Bonner was
paid traveling expenses, $1.50; for wine, 37 1/2 cents; A. E. Wiley, P. E.,
quarterage, $1; O. Bonner, P. C., $6.06 1/4; total, $9.93 3/4; total received as
support of the ministry for the fiscal year, $68.69; of this Wiley received
$10.73 1/2; Bonner received $57.62 1/2.

   Allen Wiley served two years as presiding elder, for which he received as
quarterage $21.24, while the preacher in charge for the two years received
$115.20 1/2. Fall Creek Circuit thought the circuit was strong enough to support
two preachers. James Armstrong and William Evans and Charles Bonner were the
preachers in charge.

   During this conference year James Armstrong received $8.00, William Evans
$38.57 3/4, Charles Bonner $31.50 3/4.

   In 1835 the name of the circuit was changed from Fall Creek to that of
Pendleton Circuit.

   The first quarterly conference of the Noblesville Circuit was held on the
12th day of December, 1835. James Havens was presiding elder and J. C. Harbin
circuit preacher. The following is a partial list of the officials at that time:
Silas Igo, local preacher; William Perkins, local preacher; Thomas Hare, Jacob
Mahen, Henry Shetterly, Jonathan Carey, George Foland, Bethel J. Dunning,
Pleasant Williams and John Lutz.

   In 1853 Noblesville Held its first quarterly conference. The officials were
John Hall, presiding elder; L. W. Munson, local preacher. The presiding elders
from 1853 to iS62 were John N. Hull, Augustus Eddy and H. A. Barnes.

   The church buildings of this church have stood and now stand on the corner of
Tenth and Clinton streets in Noblesville.

   This church has for many years successfully maintained a Sunday-school.

Presbyterian Church.

   Pursuant to the notice given from the pulpit of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, a meeting was held on the 20th day of December, 1848, at which time a
number of persons favorable to the organization met after a sermon by Rev. W. H.
Rogers, who acted as moderator at that time. The following persons formed
themselves into a Presbyterian Church at this place: Curtis Mallory, Joseph
Carlin, John T. Carlin, Robert T. Carlin, Margaret Carlin, J. S. Lower, Sabina
Lower, Abner Jones, Nancy Jones, W. F. Wagoman and Mrs. Dun-lap. J. S. Lower was
chosen secretary and Curtis Mallory and Joseph Carlin ruling elders. Afterwards,
on the 14th of February, 1849, Mrs. A. H. Rogers and Rachel Potts were received
as members, and later J. R. Gray, Margaret P. Gray and Peter Bare were received.
On the 3rd of March following James G. Lane, Elizabeth Lane and Rhoda A.
Cottingham were received. Subsequently meetings were held regularly by Rev. Mr.
Rogers until October, 1854, when he closed his labors.

   On the 18th of July, 1856, Rev. James McCoy commenced, the church being
without a pastor in the interval. On March 4th, 1859, the record of the church
was examined by Rev. Edward Schofield and approved. March 23rd, 1863, the
following persons were elected trustees: J. A. Garver, Peter Bare, Abner Jones,
J. T. Carlin and R. T. Carlin. Then on motion it was resolved that the Rev. L.
P. Webber be authorized to sell the bell belonging to the church for not less
than $100.00, the money to be appropriated to the painting of the church and
fence. Mr. Webber was the minister in charge at the time.

   On the 4th of December, 1865, it was further resolved that if a purchaser
could be found the church be sold for $1,250.00. This church building was
situate on Ninth street, one square from the court house. At that time services
were held regularly each Sabbath. Connected with and under the control of the
church was and is an excellent Sunday-school.

Christian Church.

   In the month of August, 1834, John Jones and Chauncy Butler preached the new
doctrine called the reformation in the frame court house in Noblesville. At this
meeting Garret Wall, Nancy Wall, his wife; Jonathan Colborn and Jane Colburn,
his wife; Albert B. Cole, Michael Reveal and Elizabeth Wall made confession and
were immersed on the 8th day of November, 1834. Jones and Butler preached again,
after which the above named persons, together with Jordan Payton, his wife,
Purity Payton; Stephen Carey and wife and Margaret Byron, who had previously
been immersed, associated themselves together and organized the Christian
Church. Jordan Payton was selected to act as bishop and Jonathan Colburn was
selected to act as deacon. A. B. Cole was chosen church scribe. From this time
forward the members met for worship at the court house as often as possible.
There was preaching at intervals and new members were added to the number above
named.

   In August, 1835, the Baptist Church was merged into the Christian Church, as
recorded in the foregoing pages.

   Isaac Hurlock, Ebenezer Hurlock and Robert Colburn being the acting trustees
of the Baptist Church, were now made trustees of the Christian Church. Social
meetings were kept up and there was preaching at intervals until 1837, when the
subject of erecting a new church building was discussed. A committee was
appointed to submit a plan and probable cost of a new building. This committee
reported favorably in 1838 and the building now standing on the lot first
referred to was erected.

   The members met regularly for social worship and to attend to the ordinances
of the church. There was preaching occasionally until 1849., when Rev. Hushaw
was employed for eight months. The first regular preaching by the year was done
by Rev. Hopkins. He was employed to preach at Noblesville and Cicero for one
year, for which he received $300.00 and his house rent paid.

   In 1855 the lot on the east side of Ninth street, where the Christian Church
building now stands, was purchased and a brick building erected thereon. A
Sunday-school under the management of this church has for a number of years been
well attended.

African Methodist.

   This church was organized about March, 1862, by Mr. Indicutt, a local
preacher of Indianapolis. For the purpose of so doing he used the old log school
house situate three and a half miles northwest of Noblesville, on the southeast
corner of the Pleasant Evans farm. Thirteen members joined this organization.
Mr. Indicutt continued doing pastoral service for this church about three years.
He was then in succession followed annually by Elders Langford, Brown and
Depugh. During the administration of Elder Henrv Brown a very large, interesting
and successful camp meeting was held in the woods near the old school house. At
the termination of his services the church was in a very prosperous condition.

African Baptist Church.

   This church was organized in September, 1853, at the public school house in
Noblesville by Rev. Jesse Young, of Indianapolis, with a membership of fifteen.
Meetings were held every Sabbath. Although preaching was held only once a month,
Rev. J. Young remained as pastor for the congregation up to about the fall of
1859. Regular services were then discontinued until about September, 1865, when
Rev. J. Young, at said school house, again succeeded in getting this church to
organize. Rev. Zachariah Roberts assisted much in the reorganization.

   At the retirement of Rev. Young in 1859 this church was made up of seven
communicants, and here it is worthy to record that those faithful seven
constituted the membership in 1865 at the reorganization. As formerly, preaching
was held only upon days of the sacrament or once a month until a church building
was erected.

Masonic Order.

   On the 29th day of March, 1828, the Free Masons met for the first time in
Noblesville. The record shows that this meeting was at their lodge in the
building then occupied and used by George Shirts as a tavern, and was situate on
the west side of Eighth street, where Hollenbach's barber shop now stands. The
record recites that the following named persons were present: Jeremiah Leaming,
worshipful master; William Conner, senior warden; Nathan' D. Shoemaker, junior
warden; brothers present: Francis B. Cogswell, George Shirts, John D. Stephenson
and James Hall. Visiting ^others from Center Lodge, No. 23, Bethel Dunning an
entered apprentice. The lodge was opened in ancient form in the first degree of
Masonry. On motion of Brother William Conner the dispensation from the Grand
Lodge of the State of Indiana, empowering them to hold a lodge was accepted,
which was ordered recorded. On motion, John D. Stephenson was elected secretary,
Francis B. Cogswell treasurer, Daniel Heaton senior deacon, George Shirts junior
deacon and James B. Hall tyler. At the second meeting those present were
Jeremiah Leaming, W. M.; William Conner, S. W.; Nathan D. Shoemaker, J. W.; John
D. Stephenson, secretary; Francis B. Cogswell, treasurer; J. B. Hall, S. D., pro
tem.; George Shirts, J. D., and tyler pro tem., and Bethel Dunning as a visiting
member. The minutes of several subsequent meetings show the same officers
present. The lodge, on November 26th, 1828, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of
Indiana, F. and A. M., and Jeremiah Leaming, W. M.; William Conner, S. W., and
Nathan D. Shoemaker, J. W., were named in the charter as the principal officers.
This is the last entry and so far as appears from the records it was the last
meeting until May 28th, 1847, when a reorganization of the lodge was effected,
the charter bearing the last named date, and was called Noblesville Lodge, No.
57, F. and A. M. The records and charts of the first organization were preserved
by the last named lodge. An interesting feature of the meetings of this early
lodge is that in the winter the lodge met at 5 o'clock P. M. and in the summer
at 6 o'clock P. M.

   During the year succeeding reorganization under the new charter, the lodge
gave promise of more than usual prosperity, the record showing that the number
of its members had been increased by twenty-two initiations, of whom seventeen
had passed and raised, making an aggregate of thirty-nine. The year following
was almost equally satisfactory, showing that eleven had been initiated,
thirteen passed and raised, one admitted to membership, one withdrawn, four
rejected, two suspended, one died and one reinstated, showing an aggregate of
forty-five members. Jesse Lutz, W. M., represented Hamilton Lodge in the grand
body from May, 1849, to May, 1850. The working activity of the lodge was
diminished but little, nine having been initiated and passed and eight raised to
the master's degree. During this period, however, some dissatisfaction having
arisen, from what cause does not now appear, fourteen of the members withdrew
and subsequently asked for a dispensation empowering them to work as a separate
body, which was granted under the name of Noblesville Lodge on the 13th of
February, 1850, to Jesse Lutz, W. M.; Joseph Lutz, S. W., and James G. Brown, J.
W., as the first officers. To them also a charter was given by the Grand Lodge
on the 29th of May following with the suggestion that "it may be that the wants
of Noblesville require two lodges, but, as a general rule, it evidences to your
committee when a lodge divides in a town of that size that brethren are not
dwelling together in unity. We hope, however, better things of Noblesville,
though we thus speak." This new lodge took the number 103. On the roll the
following are the names of the members of the Hamilton Lodge, who, having
withdrawn on the 4th of February, 1850, became the original members of
Noblesville Lodge, No. 103: Jesse Lutz, Joseph Lutz, James G. Brown, James M.
Jamison, Thomas J. Lindsey, John P. Patterson, John T. Cox, H. G. Finch, John
Beal, Pleasant Williams, B. W. Royer and Gardner Perry. This new lodge
notwithstanding the suggestion made by the Grand Lodge committee before cited,
after a career of less than three years, ceased to work and surrendered its
charter and the members in part subsequently affiliated with Hamilton Lodge.
Aside from this disunity the lodge has enjoyed success. A chapter was organized
in 1850.

I. O. O. F.

   Noblesville Lodge was organized on the 24th of January, 1853. On that night
the following named persons were present: George F. Wainwright, Peter Bare,
George Statts, H. W. Clark and E. C. Long. They were found qualified and
Noblesville Lodge, No. 125, was declared constituted and the following persons
were initiated: W. W. Conner, Levi Farley, W. A. Wainwright, John Pontious,
Daniel Kemp, J. Cox, Wesley Daubinspeck. I. L. and W. S. Davenport were admitted
by card. The following named persons were elected as officers: G. F. Wainwright,
N. G.; Levi Farley, secretary; H. W. Clark, treasurer; Peter Bare, warden; E. C.
Long, conductor; Henry Garboden, guardian; W. A. Wainwright, host. On the second
night trustees were elected as follows: G. F. Wainwright, John Pontius and H. W.
Clark. On the third night the following persons were initiated: Jesse Auburn and
S. R. McCole. The meetings were then held in the Shaw Block. At the end of the
first term the lodge numbered thirty-three members. During the second term of
the first year there were three initiations, three admissions by card, two
expulsions, one for improperly communicating the pass word and one for drunkenness.

   In January, 1854, the lodge was moved to the north side of the square over
the Evans Building, as it is now known. April 19th, 1861, a meeting was held to
grant traveling cards to brothers who had enlisted in the service of their
country under the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men. Cards were
granted to John D. Evans, C. J. McCole and W. A. Wainwright.

   On the 29th of April, 1861, the lodge was moved into the Masonic Lodge room.
This began a career of renewed prosperity.

   About the close of the year 1865 the trustees were empowered to purchase the
present hall from Dr. Miesse. In 1866 the hall was formally dedicated.

   On the evening of February 17th, 1853, a special meeting of the lodge was
called for the purpose of conferring the degree of "Rebekah" upon eligible
subjects. A goodly number of members and visitants were present -to receive and
to witness the conferring of this degree with its beautiful ceremonial and
appropriate lessons. The services were conducted by W. W. Wright, of Capital
Lodge, Indianapolis, and many brothers and their wives were conducted into the
solemn mysteries. At the meeting held on the 16th of March following, the lodge
subscribed for $100 worth of Grand Lodge Hall stock, an investment with fair
promise.

George Brown Encampment, No. 4 4.

   On the 26th of June, 1855, a number of partriarchs from Metropolitan
Encampment No. 5, and Marion Encampment No. 35, met in Noblesville for the
purpose of instituting George Brown Encampment No. 44, I. O. O. F. D. D. G. P.
William Wallace was in the chair and made the following appointments pro tem.:
Joseph K. English, P. H. PH. P.; Jonathan W. Harvey, P. C. P. S. W.; I. P.
Haughey, P. C. P. Scribe; Edward Laurence, P. H. P. J. W.; Ed. S. Tyler, P. C.
P. Treasurer; Benjamin McCord, P S. W. Inside Sentinel. The following persons
presented cards: J. W. Harvey, Joseph K. English, E. S. Pope, E. M. Laurence, W.
W. Wright, J. G. Waters, E. S. Tyler. The following persons were the Past
admissions in Golden Rule and Royal Purple degrees: E. S. Tyler, E. S. Pope, I.
G. Waters, H. W. Clark, W. A. Wainright, John Pontious, Eli Cohn, M. S.
Davenport, George F. Wainwright, A. J. Ferguson, S. R. McCole, William Haines,
Charles Swain. Of these the following were elected permanent officers: John
Pontious, Chief Patriarch; G. F. Wainwright, High Priest; I. S. Davenport,
Senior Warden; W. A. Wainwright, Scribe; S. R. McCole, Treasurer; M. S.
Davenport, Junior Warden; Eli Colin, Sentinel; W. H. Clark, Guide; A. G.
Ferguson, First Watch; W. Haines, Second Watch; C. Swain, Third Watch; George
Brown, Fourth Watch. The receipts of the evening were $132.

Strawtown.

   Woodville and Strawtown are situate on the south bank of White River in White
River Township, seven miles northeast of Noblesville. Woodville was laid out by
Jesse M. Wood, July 23, 1829. Woodville was situate on the bank of the river
south of the bridge now spanning the river at that point. The first taverns were
kept by Wood, Carey, Wallace and Cole, all in Woodville. The first merchants,
grocers and saloon-keepers received their license for Woodville. Bicknell Cole
was the first man who started a general store. This was in Woodville on the 27th
day of July, 1836.

    Strawtown was laid out bv Bicknell Cole and William Conner immediately west
and adjoining Woodville. Gradually the town of Woodville lost its identity and
the town thereafter was known as Strawtown. Among the first settlers in
Strawtown and vicinity were the following named persons: Zenas Beckwith, Henry
Foland, Lambert and Jerry Heath, A. Johnson, Jacob Hyer, John Shintaffer and
Caleb Harrison. The latter was a soldier in the war of 1812, was in the battle
of Tippecanoe, assisted in firing the first alarm guns on that occasion and had
a bullet shot through the top of his hat. He was a relative of Col. Harrison of
the 39th Indiana Regiment in the war of 1861, and also a relative of R. W.
Harrison of Lebanon. He died at Strawtown in 1833, leaving three or four sons,
all now deceased. Some of his grandchildren yet live in Hamilton County.

   It has been asserted by the reminiscence writers that John Shintaffer's cabin
stood within the present limits of Strawtown. This is not true. The Shintaffer
cabin stood on the first hill from the river north of Strawtown near the brick
house afterwards erected by Dr. Grubbs.

   Dr. Palmer was the first physician in Woodville or Strawtown and was there
before Woodville was laid out. J. K. Leaming was of the pioneer band of
merchants. His store was kept at his farm below Strawtown on the river. The
merchants who suceeded [sic] Bicknell Cole were Conner & Cole, Conner &
Stephenson and Cole & Ross. Strawtown by reason of its location was at one time
a strong rival of Noblesville. It was situated on one of the lines of emigrant
travel from the east to the Wild Cat prairie on the Wabash. The farmers on both
sides of White River sold the products of their lands to the emigrants and did
their trading at Strawtown. When this trade ceased the prominent merchants of
the town moved to Noblesville. There was a lack of enterprise among the
citizens. The town finally settled down to the position of a country village
with its store, post-office, blacksmith and wagon shop, hotel, saloon and
district school house. Southeast of Strawtown and near thereto was an addition
to the town called the "Neck of the Woods." This addition was never laid out
regularly, but was for many years known as an annex. A few cabins were erected
at and near the "Neck." The occupants lived by hunting and fishing. Among the
attractions at Strawtown in the early days was the race track near the
distillery, operated by Jacob Hyer, where whisky could be had at any and all times.

   But Strawtown will, at least, be an interesting relic of the past, if the
future has in store for it nothing better. Here were enacted some of the early
scenes in the settlement of Hamilton County and nearly every foot of the area is
historic ground. Here, too, an ancient race of people made their abode and left
the traces of their handiwork, with no other traces of their existence, their
nationality or their destination. These people were the builders of the mounds
near Strawtown, of which none, not even the Indian tribes who dwelt near by,
could give the date by tradition or otherwise. Here, too, in the early days, the
establishment of groggeries attracted an unenviable element of society and for
years the moral atmosphere was bad. Not a single church building was ever
erected in Strawtown until the year 1865 and probably later. Those wishing to
attend church were compelled to go elsewhere. Many good men and women were to be
found in and near here, but it appears that the bad element was in the majority.

   One of the evidences of the state of society as late as 1849, was shown in
the murder of a man by the name of Davis by John Murphy. Davis and Murphy had a
quarrel which did not at that time result in a fight. Murphy was a clerk in a
store in the town. Davis afterwards came to the store. A quarrel ensued and
Davis was stabbed by Murphy with a knife, causing his death. Murphy was indicted
by the Grand Jury for murder in the first degree. He was tried upon this charge
at the October term of the Hamilton Circuit Court. The jury failed to agree. It
was reported that all of the jurors favored conviction. The jury was discharged.
Murphy asked for a change of venue from the county, which was granted. The case
lingered for a long time in another county and was either dismissed or tried,
resulting in an acquittal. Murphy was prosecuted by G. H. Voss and defended by
Stone and Garver at the first trial.

Cicero.

   Cicero is situated six miles north of Noblesville, on the line of the Lake
Erie & Western Railroad, and was laid out by Dennis Pickerill and James B.
Freel, January 15th, 1835. The first stock of merchandise was exposed for sale
at this point in 1835 by Duncan Hannaman. His trade was lucrative and he
continued in the business for about three years. At the end of that time he sold
his stock to Ira Kingsbury and moved to Illinois. After a short time Mr.
Kingsbury sold the stock to Jesse and Ellis Evans. The firm of Baird and Beasley
sold their stock to Jesse and Ellis Evans and retired from the business. The
firm of Ellis & Ellis continued in business until 1843, when they retired with a
competency. Ellis remained in Cicero until his death. Jesse removed to Illinois.
Wooster & Loehr bought the Evans' stock and continued the trade for about three
years. Other merchants of Cicero up to the close of the year 1865, were as
follows: Robert Forkner, John Threlkeld, John D. Cottingham, Neal & Thompson,
Thomas Leonard, Jesse Lutz, W. H. Pickerill, Daniel Kemp and Good Brothers. In
1845 a tannery was established by Mr. Buskirk. He subsequently sold it to Henry
Martz, who operated it until his death. The yard was then purchased by George Ross.

   On December 7th, 1833, the first election in the township was held in Cicero,
resulting in the choice of Elijah Redman and Elias Evans for Justices of the Peace.

   The first post-office in the township was established at Cicero about the
year 1839. Henry Jones was the first postmaster and held the office for several
years. His successors for a number of years were as follows: Jesse Evans, John
Criswell, William Neal, John D. Cottingham, Samuel Bussel and Edward Reeves.

   The early physicians of Cicero were Drs Van Buskirk, A. P. Finch, Clifford,
Cook, Newby, Williams, Collins, Dewey and Warford.

   William Neal and Hildebrand were the first lawyers.

   The first train of cars on the old Peru & Indianapolis Railroad reached
Cicero on the first day of March, 1853.

   The first warehousemen and grain dealers were Cottingham and Pickerill.
William Neal, Hall and Samuel Bussell were the pioneer saw mill men. Dr. Warford
was the pioneer drug man.

   In 1841 a school house was erected in the western part of Cicero by the
trustees. They received $50 from the public fund which was used for the support
of schools. In 1852 the first school building under the new school law was erected.

Churches.

   Members of the Christian Church met at private houses and at school houses,
as early as 1840. They continued to meet in this way until about the year 1851,
at which time a church building was erected in Cicero.

   The Methodists organized at Cicero in about the year 1843, with forty-three
members. The meetings were held in a house that had been erected for a
residence, but subsequently fitted up for a church by Dr. Clifford. The class
worshiped in this building for four or five years, then at private houses, and
later at the school house. In 1854 they erected a house of worship at a cost of
about $1,500.

Bethel Church.

   The Lutherans organized at Cicero in the year 1857, with about thirteen
members. The first meeting was conducted by Rev. A. H. Scherer, of Arcadia, in a
school house in Cicero, where meetings were afterwards held until the year 1862.
In that year the society erected its present church at a cost of $1,800. This is
a neat brick building, 32x48 feet.

   Cicero Lodge., No. 199, A. F. and A. M., was organized in June, 1854, with
fifteen members and worked under dispensation until May, 1855, when it received
its charter signed by Sol D. Bayless, G. M. The first officers of the lodge
were: Jesse Lutz, W. M.; G. B. Grubb, S. W.; Thomas Chapel, J. W. The first
meeting was held in a room in the unoccupied building of C. W. Harrison. This
room was fitted up by the order and occupied as a lodge room until 1861. In that
year the building, together with the records and regalia of the lodge, was
destroyed by fire. Another room was furnished to serve until the lodge should be
able to erect a hall of their own, which was done in 1873. This was the only
secret order or society organized in Cicero until after the close of the year 1865.

Westfield,

   The town of Westfield is situated six miles west of Noblesville on the
Noblesville and Lebanon Gravel Road. It was laid out by Ambrose Osborn, Simon
Moon and Asa Beales, on the 6th day of May, 1834. The original plat contained 48
lots. But additions to the original plat have from time to time been made to
meet the growing demand. Asa Beales opened the first store in Westfield in 1832,
before it was laid off into town lots. He conducted a successful business and
kept a good stock for that time. Isaac Williams was a clerk in Beales' store for
a number of years, after which he opened a store of his own. At one time
Williams was engaged in the mercantile business with L. R. Bowman, but Williams
purchased the interest of Mr. Bowman and became sole proprietor. In 1853 Isaac
and B. W. Williams became associated together in business and this relationship
continued for two years, when B. W. Williams retired from the firm. The firm of
Bowman, Kenyon & Poe was prominent among the early merchants of Westfield.

   Nathan Parker and a Mr. Rains were the pioneer blacksmiths of that place. A
man by the name of Washburn opened a pottery and conducted that business for
quite a number of years. Mr. Shy was the pioneer shoemaker. A Mr. Jackson
operated a hatter's shop and a man by the name of Hunt manufactured spinning
wheels.

   In about the year 1836 a man, whose name cannot be learned at this time,
manufactured the first cast mould board ploughs ever sold in the county, at
West-field. Nathan Beales did the wood work. V. N. Arnett, who is still living,
opened a blacksmith shop in Westfield in the year 1854, and he has worked at his
trade longer than any one else in the town. At the time Mr. Arnett came to
Westfield. B. F. Pfaff was engaged in the repairing and manufacturing of wagons.

   A. E. Funderburg and Joseph Conklin began the business of tanning on Penn
street before the war of '61. Conklin sold his interest to Funderburg and
enlisted in the army. He was killed at Atlanta, Ga., in 1863. Soon after
Conklin's retirement from the business, Funderburg sold a half interest to J. F.
Yow. The business was then moved to the west side of Main street, running east
and west. This was the property owned prior to that time by Mordecai White.
Tanning was a great industry at that time.

   The first wagon shop in Westfield was situated in the north part of town, and
was erected by James Antrim, the building being used prior to that time for a
hotel. In 1861 it was purchased by John Manlsby and converted into a wagon and
carriage shop.

   The Westfield post-office was established in 1837, and Isaac Williams was
appointed postmaster. The first report made by Mr. Williams showed that from May
10th to June 30th, 1837, postage on unpaid letters received from other offices
during this quarter was $1.10%; postage on paid letters sent from the office was
35 cents for the same time. The revenue of the postmaster for this quarter was
39% cents. Mr. Williams kept the office until July, 1853, when he was succeeded
by George White. White was succeeded by Harrison Goodwin, then B. F. Miller,
Nathan Overman and A. B. Talbott each held the office.

   The Westfield Flouring Mill was erected in 1848, by Isaac Williams & Company,
and was operated by this firm until 1854, at which time J. L. Seamans, who is
still living, purchased the interest of Isaac Williams. Mr. Seamans purchased
from time to time of his partners until he and Peter Rich became equal partners.
In 1855 Peter sold his interest to Jonathan E. Pike, who, in 1857, sold to
Micajah C. White & Company. About one year later they sold to Joshua Wilson and
he to Seamans. In 1862 Seamans erected an addition to the building and fitted it
with the necessary machinery for a woolen mill. In 1864 Jabez Neal bought a half
interest in the mill. The building it occupied was a frame structure three
stories high and was 37x40 feet. It had a capacity of sixty barrels of flour per
day, which was considered a large mill in those times.

   The first election held in Westfield was at the house of Asa Beales on the
7th day of December, 1833, for the purpose of electing two justices of the peace
and other township officers.

   The town of Westfield was incorporated in June, 1848, and an election for
officers was held July 24th, 1848. The following persons were elected as
trustees: William N. Jackson, for the first district; William Haines, second
district; George White, third district; Anslom Rayle, fourth district, and
Nathaniel White for the fifth district.

   Westfield was settled largely by members of the Friends Church; in fact, for
many years the place was known as a Quaker town. They very early took a decided
stand in favor of education and were against slavery and the use of intoxicants
as a beverage. In about the year 1835, they employed a teacher and a school was
taught in the old log meeting house of the Friends. This and all other schools,
until the adoption of the constitution and the passage, of the school law, in
1852, was conducted on the subscription plan, except what they may have received
as their share of interest on what was known as the seminary fund. In about the
year 1837, some men of means in and near Westfield donated lands to be sold and
the proceeds to be put on interest for the benefit of the schools. Considerable
money was raised in this way, the interest alone being used. This move was made
in the interests of the Monthly Meeting school house, which was, in fact, the
foundation of Union High. To this fund, however, was added many other donations.

   The High School building in the town of Westfield was erected by the trustees
of the town in 1858. It was a frame building, 30x40 feet, two stories high. The
first term began in September, 1858, with A. P. Howe as teacher. The upper story
was not then completed and the school had but one department. In the fall of
i860, it was first organized as a graded school. Another teacher was employed
and another department added. Mr. Howe was made principal and had charge of the
higher grades or the Grammar school. It continued then with the two grades for
about twenty years.

The Union High School.

   The Union High School was organized in 1861 by the Society of Friends at
Westfield. It was to be a permanent institution of learning, where students
should have an opportunity of preparing themselves for college and where those
wishing to teach could get the proper training. It was also to be a school where
those who were unable to take a college course could get a practical education
that would fit them for usefulness in life, and at the same time surround them
with excellent moral and social influences at little expense. Although this
institution was under the care of the Friends' Church, yet the money for the
purchase of the ground and erecting and furnishing the school building was
largely made up of private subscriptions. It was obtained with much difficulty,
often in small sums, but the donations were made with willing hearts. Prominent
among the early Friends of the institution were Calvin Hunt, David Baldwin and
Levi Pennington. These three gentlemen frequently filled the office of trustee
of the school. They watched the progress of the institution as time passed, they
cared for its interests, prayed for its prosperity and rejoiced in its success.
The first board of trustees was appointed in May, i860, and they immediately
proceeded to erect a substantial brick building, two stories in height, with
three rooms on each floor, which were neatly furnished. The school opened under
the care of John R. Hubbard, A. M., and with his wife, Susan Hubbard, as
associate principal. Those, in part, who succeeded to the position of principal,
were Enos Doan and Martha A.Doan; Zenas Carey, Jr.; Lewis A. Estes and wife
Hulda. But the scope of this work will not permit me to follow these
institutions farther. I have devoted this much space to this institution of
education because of its prominence in educational circles in the county, and
because for years it was regarded as one of the leading high schools of the State.

Churches.

   The first religious services ever held in Westfield were conducted by the
Society of Friends, they having formed themselves into an organization in 1834.
They met that year at the home of Ambrose Osborn, south of Westfield, and
perfected an organization. The original membership consisted of ten or twelve
families and meetings were held at their homes until some time in the year 1835,
when their first meeting house was erected. This was a log building, 24 by 48
feet, and contained two rooms, each twenty-four feet square, and separated by a,
log partition. It was erected by the members of the society and cost but very
little. It was used until 1848, when it was replaced by a frame building costing
near $1,000. It was 56 by 60 feet and in it was held the quarterly of all the
monthly meetings in the county. On each Sabbath before the regular meeting a
children's meeting or Sabbath school was held.

   The denomination of Wesleyan Methodists first organized at Westfield in the
year 1844, under the management of Rev. J. L. Pfaff, M. D. Pfaff was succeeded
by Rev. Alexander Haywood, and after him came a number of ministers warm in
their advocacy of the anti-slavery cause. These people held their meetings at
private houses until the year 1856, when they erected a house of worship at the
cost of $1,500.

   In the year 1855, the Congregational Church was organized at Westfield by the
Rev. Jabez Neal, and a few years later a house of worship was erected at an
expense of $1,500 and $300 additional for a bell. This church prospered for
several years and its membership increased, but they became scattered and others
events, especially the Civil War, caused them to disband.

   John Smay came to Westfield in the year 1865, and organized the Methodist
Episcopal Church. There were twenty-five faithful members who held their
meet-ings at private houses until they purchased the building formerly occupied
by the Congregational Society.

Fraternal Societies.

   The Westfield Lodge, No. 115, A. F. and A. M., was organized under
dispensation, in June, 1850, with the following charter members: G. N. White,
Nathaniel White, John Scott, B. H. Williams, S. S. White, J. L. Seamans and
William Haines. They worked under dispensation until the session of the Grand
Lodge in 1851, when a charter was granted them. The first officers were as
follows: George White, W. M.; Nathaniel White, S. W.; John Scott, J. W. Meetings
were held in the building occupied by Talbot & White until the year 1853, when
they purchased the property upon which their lodge room is now located. Their
membership increased until they became financially prosperous.

   Pontius Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F., was organized February 23d, 1855, with
five charter members, viz.: G. F. Wainwright, S. R. McCole, W. A. Wainwright, G.
S. McMurty and H. G. Kenyon. The lodge was instituted by John Pontious, D. D. G.
M., assisted by several brothers from Noblesville. On the night of the
institution petitions were received from William H. Jackson, George White,
Jonathan E. Pike, M. D. Stoneman, A. B. Talbot, Charles Kenyon, William A.
Pfaff, William Haines, Selburn White and M. C. White. Business was suspended and
the candidates were initiated with the exception of Stoneman, who was absent
from town. The following men were the first officers of the lodge; H. G. enyon,
[sic] N. G.; S. G. McMurty, V. G.; W. A. Pfaff, Secretary; W. H. Jackson,
Treasurer. They met in the hall of the Westfield Lodge of A. F. & A. M., until
the spring of 1865, when they purchased lot No. 3, in the original town of
Westfield, and remodeled the building thereon into a lodge room. The lodge was
at that time in good financial condition.

Boxleytown.

   Boxleytown was laid out in the year 1836 by Addison and Thomas P. Boxley. The
first election ever held in Adams Township was held at the home of Thomas P.
Boxley in this village in the month of October, 1836. Also the first store
opened in the township was opened here by the two Boxley boys. Thomas P. Boxley
also being the first postmaster, in which capacity he served for a number of
years. Reuben Tansey was the first Justice of the Peace in the township, being
elected at the election herein spoken of. In 1830, and within a few miles of
Boxleytown, Vinton Spencer, the first white child, was born. The first marriage
in the township was also celebrated here, the contracting parties being Stephen
Blevens and Elsie McKinsey. Addison Boxley kept the first tavern in Boxleytown,
which was the first in the township. In an early day this was a prominent point,
as it was in the direct route from Strawtown to the Wabash. Mr. Boxley did a
good business in his line.

   No mill was built in or near Boxleytown until the year 1861, when Robert
Drake erected a saw mill and subsequently a grist mill. Among those who have
been in business in Boxleytown are Thomas P. Boxley, Smith and Rodeman, George
Palmer, J. R. Ogle and Steffy Brothers. Some of the physicians were J. M.
Richardson, T. J. McMurty and J. C. Newby.

   In about the year 1837, the Methodists first began to hold meetings in the
township. A class was formed and attached to the Noblesville circuit. The
meetings were held at private houses until a school was erected at Boxleytown,
when they met there. From this was organized the Boxleytown Methodist Church,
but they did not erect a building of their own until the year 1852. The Society
of the Christian Church was organized at an early day and for some time they had
the only church building in the town. About the year 1844, the first class of
the denomination of the Wesleyan Methodists was organized at the old school
house in Boxleytown, under the leadership of Eben Teter. During protracted
meetings they were granted the use of the church by the Christian society. In
1846 Mr. Teter donated a lot upon which they erected a church.

   Fidelity Lodge, No. 309, A. F. & A. M., was instituted at Boxleytown on May
26, 1854. Before the charter was received the following persons met and signed
the constitution: C. B. Austin, E. Hammock, J. N. Hammock, William Hicks, H. W.
Ross, J. S. Collings, Samuel Dow, Right Cook, H. D. Butler, A. T. Harvey, R. M.
Richie, Samuel Harbaugh, A. N. Dunn and Cyrus Burrows. The first officers were:
C. B. Austin, W. M.; Right Cook, S. W.; Ephraim Hammock, J. W.; H. D. Butler,
Secretary; J. N. Hammock, Treasurer ; A. T. Harvey, S. D.; William Hicks, J. D.;
R. M. Richie, Tyler. This lodge was afterward moved to Sheridan.

Deming.

   The village of Deming is situated in the southwest corner of Jackson
Township. It was laid out by Elihu Pickett, Solomon Pheanis and Lewis Jessup on
August 10th, 1837. Elihu Pickett opened the first store in the town, and Joseph
Hadley the second. Hadley was succeeded by Davis & Stanley. A Mr. Williams came
next, then B. F. Holliday. Holliday was the first blacksmith and Allen Meek the
second. A tan yard was also operated at this time by Milton Stanley.

   The Methodists at an early date organized a class in Deming and for some time
met for worship in the school house. In 1865 they erected a church. The Wesleyan
Methodists erected a church west of Deming on the old Foulke farm. When the town
was first laid out a mill, one half mile east, was erected on Hinkle Creek. It
was called a corn cracker. No other mill was erected until 1865.

   Hinkle Lodge, No. 310, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1863 by the Grand
Lodge of Indiana. The first officers of the lodge were: M. White, W. M.; C.
Davis, S. W.; William Peacock, J. Wr.; W. R. Thomas, Treasurer; Jabez Neal,
Secretary; M. Workman, S. D.; F. Baldwin, J. D., and B. F. Holliday, Tyler. In
1865 the order erected a lodge room over the Methodist Church.

Bethlehem, now Carmel.

   This town was laid out on the 13th day of April, 1837, by Seth Green. It is
situated four miles south of Westfield on the road leading from Westfield to
Indianapolis. This road at this point is on the dividing line between Clay and
Delaware Townships and a part of the town in each. The original town consisted
of fourteen lots but a number of additions have since been added. The first
dry-goods store was opened by a firm by the name of Boggs & Boggs, the store
room being an old log cabin. The second store was also opened in a log cabin by
a firm whose name cannot be learned. They did not remain long, but were
succeeded by Haines & Harvey. The firm was succeeded by Elijah King. In 1846
Mess, Wesley & Little of Indianapolis were associated with King. During this
partnership the old log cabin was torn down and a substantial frame building
erected to take its place. After the withdrawal of Wesley & Little, King, Drum &
Anderson associated themselves together and carried on the business. This firm
was succeeded by King, Carey & Jessup; then King & King. The following men were
also among the early merchants: Elam & Brown, in 1850; succeeded by Mendenhall &
Stanton; succeeded by John Kenyon in the year 1857. The Griffin Brothers, in
1860, succeeded by Alfred Brown, succeeded by Randall, who sold out the stock.
James Stanley then opened a drug store in the room vacated by Randall. Carey &
Simons succeeded Stanley in the drug business; then Warren & Kinzer had the
store and from them it went to L. J. Small. At an early date David Kinzer opened
up a variety store. The first blacksmith shop was run by the Hunt Brothers.
Other blacksmiths were Harrold & Haines, Binford & Stuart, Joseph Hilcher, John
Patty and Richard George. Hilcher was succeeded by Isaac Roberts. A wagon shop
was opened in 1850 by Benjamin Ball. In the year 1854, John Patty and Simeon
Hawkins erected a wagon shop. They continued in business for about one year,
when Hawkins sold his interest to Patty. Patty was succeeded by D. W. Patty and
W. C. Kane, who were succeeded by D. W. Patty. David Connell, some time in the
fifties, opened a carriage and blacksmith shop and continued in the business
until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he enlisted and died in the
service. Caleb Harvey opened a tan yard in or near Carmel when the town was
first laid out, and continued in the business until his death. The business was
conducted by his sons and Isaac W. Stanton and was finally abandoned. Other
business men were: M. L. Long & A. Peacock, shoemakers; R. Craven & Isaac W.
Stanton, harness makers; Harrold & Green, tile manufacturers; Blanchard &
George, livery stable, and Calvin Bond, the first undertaker.

   The first dentist was William Frost. The physicians were Drs. Carey and
Campbell. The post-office was established in 1844, and the first postmaster was
Joseph Macy, succeeded by I. W. Stanton, who was succeeded by Elam Brown and he
by A. T. Jessup and Jessup by Zina Warren.

   The Methodist Episcopal Church was first organized in Carmel in 1848, the
membership consisting of about twelve members. Services were at first held in a
log house which had formerly been used as a blacksmith shop. In 1850, a frame
building was erected, which is still in use. A Sunday-school was organized
before the church.

   The first meeting of the Society of Friends' Church ever held in the county
was a little north and west of Carmel, in 1830. A meeting house was erected
about the year 1833. It was called Richland. The name was given it by Benjamin
Mendenhall, who had moved from a meeting of the same name in Green County, Ohio.
Richland belonged to the Fairfield Monthly Meeting, which was located in
Hendricks County. It was at first an Endulged Meeting, but in 1833 a Preparative
Meeting was established by the Fairfield Monthly Meeting. In 1835 Richland
Preparative joined with Westfield Preparative, and the Westfield Monthly Meeting
was .established by the White Lick Quarterly Meeting, held in Morgan County. The
committee appointed to attend this monthly meeting were Eleazer Beales, Robert
W. Hudson, John Carte, Jr., Richard Day, Elizabeth Mendenhall, Ann Beales, Ester
Newlin and Asenath Moore. These persons were all present with the exception of
Richard Day and Elizabeth Mendenhall. The Westfield Yearly Meeting was held
alternately at Richland and Westfield. In 1840 the Richland Monthly Meeting; was
set off from Westfield by the White Lick Quarterly Meeting. Those appointed to
attend the opening of the Richland Monthly Meeting were Samuel Spray, Robert W.
Hudson, William Whitson, James Kersey, Samuel Millhouse, Ester Spray, Rhoda
Carey, Asenath Moore, Margaret Coffin and Lydia Tomlinson. The first clerks of
the Richland Monthly Meeting; were Levi Haines and Lydia P. Cook. In 1868 the
Richland Quarterly Meeting was established. It was composed of Richland, Poplar
Ridge and East Branch Monthly Meetings. In 18— the name of both Monthly and
Ouarterly Meetinsr was changed from Richland to Carmel.

   The first child born among the Friends was Elizabeth Ann Stanton, daughter of
Benjamin Mendenhall. The first marriage according to their discipline was that
of William Hiatt and Mary Moon. Education early claimed the interests of the
Friends in this vicinity. Union High School at Westfield received a great deal
of aid from the Monthly Meeting at Carmel. In fact, the schools at Poplar Ridge
and Carmel were under its control for some time.

   Not among the least items of interest in connection with the work of the
church, was the growth and recognition of the Sabbath School. The first preacher
that belonged to this Meeting was Samuel Stafford, who settled there in 1836.
The first minister recorded was Asaph Hiatt, in 1841. The first church building
erected after leaving* the cabin was a log house, 18x20 feet. In 1835 another
room, about the same size as the first, was added. The next building was a
frame, commenced in 1843 and finished in 1845. The first frame house in Carmel
was erected by Thomas Mills. The first grist mill was operated by Carey &
Roberts. It stood on the west side of the road near the north line of Carmel.

Nicholsonville.

   Nicholsonville, now Clarksville, is situated five and one-half miles
southeast of Noblesville on the Noblesville and Pendleton Road. It was laid out
by Abraham Nicholson on the 18th day of September, 1849. The first stock of
goods for sale was opened by the proprietor of the town. 'He was the only
merchant here for several years and was the first postmaster. Besides this, he
operated a tannery. One Mr. Commons, father of J. A. Commons, who now resides
near Clarksville, opened the first blacksmith shop in the town. Abraham
Nicholson was succeeded in the mercantile business by Conner and Massey, Henry
P. Crull and Henry Heiny. Mr. Nicholson was succeeded in the tannery business by
his son, William Nicholson, and Garret Wall. Among the first physicians in the
town was Dr. P. P. Whitesell. Henry Heiny was probably the first Justice of the
Peace. Benjamin Heiny was a pioneer saw mill man. The early schools for
Clarksville were taught three-fourths of a mile west of Clarksville.
Subscription schools remained in vogue until about the year 1854. The present
system of free education was then inaugurated and a district school building was
erected under this system; but it was not erected in Clarksville. The first
school building in Clarksville was erected in 1867.

   Members of the Methodist Church, residing in and near Clarksville, belonged
and worshiped at Bethel Church, one and a half miles west of the town.

   Members of the German Baptist denomination, residing in and near Clarksville,
worshipped at the church built by that denomination, one and three-quarter miles
west of Clarksville. An organization was effected in 1851, but their church
building was not erected until i860.

   The Christian Church at Clarksville was organized in i860 by Rev. Thomas
Burnau. Their first meetings were held in school houses or private residences
until their present church building was erected in the town.

   Clarksville Lodge, No. 118, A. F. & A. M., was organized in January, 1850,
and worked under dispensation until the following May, at which time it was duly
chartered by the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The charter members of the lodge were
six in number, viz.: Hiram G. Finch, Abraham Nicholson, Samuel Nicholson, Jacob
Crull, Francis G. Reynolds and Peter Passwater. The first officers were Hiram G.
Finch, W. M.; Abraham Nicholson, J. W.; F. G. Reynolds, Treasurer; Samuel
Nicholson, S. W.; Jacob Crull, Secretary, and Peter Passwater, S. D. The lodge
building is the property of the fraternity and was erected prior to the
organization of the lodge at a cost of $1,600. The office of W. M. was filled
for a number of years by the following named persons: Samuel Nicholson, Hiram G.
Finch, Dr. P. P. Whitesell, S. P. Jones, J. J. Cottingham and J. W. Boone.

Eagletown.

   Eagletown is situated ten miles west of Noblesville on the Noblesville and
Lebanon road. It was laid out on lands owned by Ephraim Stout and Jesse Waller,
March 21, 1848. Cyrus Bowman and F. Wells were the pioneer merchants of this
town. In later years, William Vance conducted the only dry goods and general
store in the town. Barker and White were pioneers in the drug business. Nathan
Pike was probably the first blacksmith of the town.

   In about the year 1865, N. White and Samuel and Joseph Cloud erected a
flouring mill at this place. They were succeeded by Imri Hurst and Hurst by
Henry Deer.

   The Union Christian Band was organized in the year 1859 at school house No.
11, near Eagletown. It conducted services at that place about one year, at the
end of which period they erected a house of worship a half mile east of
Eagletown. It was denominated the "Union Blue." Within a few years the principal
members moved to other places and the membership became much reduced. There were
scarcely enough left to maintain an organization and the church building was
donated to the United Brethren, reserving its use for meetings of the Christian
Band, when wanted by them for that purpose. The building was moved to Eagletown
by the latter denoimination, [sic] where union services are conducted at regular
intervals.

   The United Brethren organized in 1849 or 1850, and in the same year erected a
log church half a mile south of Eagletown. There were about twenty-five members
at the date of their organization. About twelve years later they removed their
building to Eagletown, where they continued to worship.

   In 1841 or 1842 the Friends organized near Eagletown in a log cabin, which
stood on the land of Ephraim Stout. There were about fifteen members in this
congregation and meetings were held in the same cabin for two years, when a
house of worship was erected. This congregation was composed of members who were
radically anti-slavery in sentiment and had withdrawn from the Westfield Monthly
Meeting on that account and firmly united with the anti-slavery Friends. In 1855
they reorganized at Eagletown and erected a comfortable house, in which meetings
have since been held every alternate month. The membership has increased to over
one hundred. A Sabbath-school was organized by this society with good results.

New Britton.

   New Britton is situated four miles south of Noblesville on the Peru &
Indianapolis, now the Lake Erie & Western, Railroad, and was laid out by William
Brandon, March 18th, 1851. Soon after that one Mr. Brozier opened up a stock of
merchandise at that place. A blacksmith shop was also soon after opened at this
point, but I have been unable to get the name of the proprietor. Dr. Cyrus was
the first physician to locate at that point. Mr. Brozier was succeeded in the
goods business by Samuel Trittipo, who also bought grain. He did a large and
profitable business. The postoffice was kept by Brozier during the time he was
in business and by Trittipo at the time he owned the store. In about the year
1862 Sydney Cropper bought a farm adjoining the town on the west. He opened up a
blacksmith and repair shop which he conducted for a number of years. He also
acted as justice of the peace.

   The school house was one mile east of the town. The Methodist Episcopal
Church organized a class as early as 1852 and met for worship at the school
house above named. New Britton has never improved much. At the beginning it was
a country village with its store, postoffice, doctor, blacksmith and justice of
the peace. It will have its place in the history of the county by reason of the
fact that two of the five commissioners appointed to locate the capital of the
State voted to locate the same upon what was called the Conner Bluff, on the
east bank of White River, not more than one mile west of New Britton.

Ekin.

   This village is situate about four miles west of Atlanta on the line dividing
Hamilton and Tipton counties. This is a thriving little village, with its
stores, its blacksmith shop, physicians, school and church. It is situate in a
good farming community, but the products of the farm for sale go to some point
on the railroad. The same is true as to stock raised on the farm.

Mattsville.

   This is a small village situate on the south bank of Cool Creek eight miles
southwest of Noblesville in Delaware Township. It has one store, one blacksmith
shop and a postoffice. The nearest church building is White Chapel, east of
Mattsville, and the nearest school house is near the church referred to. There
is quite an amount of trade and business done at this point, but not much
prospect for improvement.

Atlanta.

   This city is located on the north line of Hamilton County on the line of the
old Peru & Indianapolis Railway, now known as the Lake Erie & Western. Caleb
Sparger owned land in an early day west of the present line of railway. He laid
off a town on his land and named it Spargersville. He sold a few lots, kept a
store for a short time and then sold his land and moved away. Michael Shiel was
the owner of land east of Sparger. He laid out a town and named it Shielville.
He also sold a few lots. On the 21st day of March, 1851, Andrew Tucker laid out
and platted the town of Buana Vista. The name has been changed to Atlanta. So
Spargerville, Shielville and Buana [sic] Vista combined is known as Atlanta. At
the time Buana [sic] Vista was laid out the country all around it was new, the
land wet and swampy and covered with a heavy growth of timber and underbrush.
The first merchant was Caleb Sparger, the second Michael Shiel. The third store
was opened by Bicknell Cole. The fourth firm was the Eshleman Bros. This was the
first firm to sell goods in a frame building. The next was E. S. Tyler, from
Indianapolis. The next was William Rooker. The next was John S. Wolf. This store
was afterwards owned and operated by Wolf & Walton. Shielville was laid out in
1839. Its plat was never recorded, but the postoffice bore the name of
"Shielville Postoffice." No great improvement was accomplished until the
completion of the railroad to that point. Messrs. Walton & Whetstone at or about
this time formed a partnership for the purpose of carrying on the lumber and
timber business. They commenced purchasing timber, which was sold in the log,
made into lumber, staves and heading stock. In this undertaking they were very
successful. Mr. Walton retained his interest in the stock of goods during all of
the time he was in the lumber trade. In 1865 Mr. Walton and Mr. Niedhammer,
under the firm name of Walton & Niedhammer, erected a flouring mill at a cost of
$16,000. Among those who engaged in business in Buana [sic] Vista subsequent to
those I have named were: Dry goods, drugs and groceries: Busher & Daniels,
Martin Roads, Joseph Lefever, W. N. Jackson; physicians: W. M. Glass, J. C.
Driver, A. C. Freeman, Mrs. Dr. Roads; boots and shoes: Essig & Fritz, W. B.
Pierce, C. E. Albert; saddler and harness maker: J. G. Dunn; stoves and tinware:
W. P. Winfield; blacksmiths: S. N. Matthews and Nicholas Warford; wagon makers:
C. C. Phillips and E. J. Rogers, undertaker and furniture dealer.

   The first church building in Buana [sic] Vista was built by all denominations
and by contributions from those not members of any church and was called Union
Church. It was used by all denominations harmoniously. The building was used for
other purposes, such as public meetings and the like. The schools did not
advance very rapidly up to 1865. Under the school system of 1852 better progress
was made than had been made prior to that time. No other church building other
than the Union Church heretofore spoken of was erected in Buana [sic] Vista
until after the year 1865.

Arcadia.

   The town of Arcadia was laid out by Isaac Martz in 1850. It was situated on
the Peru & Indianapolis, now the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, nine miles north
of Noblesville. Between that time and the close of the year 1865 the town
attained a position of mercantile importance and was and is recognized as a good
trading point. It is surrounded by a good farming community composed of
enterprising men. In 1852 the first stock of merchandise was opened for sale by
Josephus Mundle. Two years later he disposed of his stock of goods at auction
and Isaac Martz opened a store in the same building. This house was occupied
from the time Mr. Martz vacated up to the year 1859 by Mr. Myers, G. B. Scribner
and Seth Maker. In the fall of 1859 J. S. Carroll and brother rented the room
and opened up a stock of goods. This firm continued in business about two years.
They then sold out and J. S. Carroll and John I. Caylor formed a partnership. In
1864 Mr. Carroll erected a new business house and associated W. T. Smith with
him as a partner.

   In the year 1864 the Evangelical Association erected a house of worship in
Arcadia. Four years later this house was sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Arcadia Christian Church was organized by Carey W. Harrison in 1845. There
were about twenty-five members in the original organization. Mr. Harrison
remained in charge for a number of years. In 1850 Isaac Martz donated a lot upon
which a building was soon after erected for a church and school house. Services
were held in this house for about fifteen years. About 1866 they erected a new
church building on Main Street.

   After the passage of the school law of 1852 the people of 'Arcadia took great
interest in the promotion of education. The school fund under this law did not
for a few years accumulate rapidly and progress was slow.

   The Arcadia flouring mill was erected by Isaac Martz in the year 1863. In
1864 he added a saw mill to this grist mill. The building is frame, 30x40 feet,
the main building being two and a half stories high. It has three runs of buhrs
and is conducted as a custom mill. A steam elevator was erected by W. B. Gentry.
It was a frame building 40x90 feet, having a storage capacity of 8,000 bushels.
The grain bought at this elevator was shipped to Eastern markets. A steam saw
mill was erected by Niedham & Tucker. The main building was 35x90 feet and was
two stories high. Furniture was made at this mill.



Additional Comments:
From:

A HISTORY OF THE FORMATION, SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF
HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA,
FROM THE YEAR 1818 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR.
BY
AUGUSTUS PINCH SHIRTS.
1901.



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