Jay County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter IX 1896
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Book Title: Reminiscences Of Adams, Jay And Randolph Counties

CHAPTER IX.

    Ruth A. Headington, wife of Col. Nim Headington, but known and loved far and
near as "Aunt Ruth," is one of the pioneer women of Jay County. Of the women
identified with the earliest history; of Portland, she alone remains; and Hon.
Robert Huey, who will soon celebrate his 86th birthday, is the only man now
living who was here when she first came to this place.

    Mrs. Headington's mind is stored with many interesting reminiscences of the
earlier settlrs; of Portland and vicinity. When she first came to Portland our
populous little city could boast of but two houses. One of these was a log
house, occupying the ground where the Silvernale store now stands. It was used
as a court house, and the hickory trees stood so close that in the fall the nuts
beat a lively tattoo upon the clapboard roof. The other house was a long, double
log house, and stood where the Miller & Huston building now stands; this was the
residence of Christopher Hanna.

    In building the first hewed log structure in the town, it took all the men
within five miles two days to raise it and several gallons of whiskey to keep up
the steam. This building afterward became famous as "Hickory Hall."

    The first frame house was built by Dr. Dixon Milligan, where the "Trade
Palace" now stands. The lumber was hauled from Richmond with oxen, and it often
took seven or eight days to bring one load. This eventually became the first
tavern in the town. The first store of any note was started by William Shull,
and was afterward transferred to William Brandon.

    It was a common thing to see a "log rolling" in what are now the streets of
Portland, and it was a long time before there was any kind of a bridge over the
Salamonia river. Sometimes there would be weeks and weeks that they could not
ford the river and often had to swim horses across.

    It would be a pleasant task to go on recording the many and varied
recollections and experiences of Mrs. Headington, but space will not permit. Her
career has been identical with the growth of Portland, and its ever increasing
prosperity must be a gratifying feature for her contemplation.

    Aunt Ruth's life is a beautiful example of noble womanhood. The laurel
wreath of fame lured her not, yet she has made herself a name more to be desired
than fame and far above rubies.

    Her church duties and acts of benevolence furnish her an ample field for
usefulness. She has a kind word of encouragement for the weak and a sincere
prayer for the erring.

    Her home has that attractive restfulness and comfort which even palaces do
not possess, where the magical touches or the true home-maker are about, and her
bright, cheery face is sure to beam a welcome to all who cross her threshold.

    Having no children of her own, she has made for herself a place in the
hearts of many of earth's helpless ones, and to them ner memory will ever be a
sweet fragrance of tender thoughts and pleasant recollections of kindly deeds
and loving words. One of these whom she thus befriended, in deepest gratitude
and loving tribute, signs her name.                ADALYN.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Reminiscences of Adams, Jay and Randolph Counties

Compiled by Martha C. M. Lynch

Ft. Wayne, IN: Lipes, Nelson & Singmaster

Circa 1896

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/jay/history/1896/reminisc/chapteri545gms.txt

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