Copywright USGenNet Inc., 2004, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 1884 CHAPTER III Long before any white family became permanent residents of Washington County, and even before Indiana Territory waw organized to say nothing of the State Government, and while the Indians and wild animals were sole owners of the soil, hunters, prospectors, adventurers and squatters visited its borders. This carries the reader back to the year 1800 and earlier, for it is certain that soon after that date permanent settlers located here, and they were always preceded by that semi barbarous nomadic class of human beings known as squatters. It is doubtless true that inasmuch as permanent settlers followed hard after the year 1800, squatters lived and thrived here prior to that date. While this is reasonable to conclude, and is undoubtable true, detailed statements cannot be given, as the squatters had no reliable historian and their public achievements accordingly will sleep in eternal oblivion. The first settlers found evidence of human occupancy at Royce's Lick and at other places along the principal streams where living springs poured their welcome streams from the cool caverns of the ground. Small Indian villages were to be seen in a dozen places in the county, and the heavy forests, broken here and there by small tracts of prairie were full of deer, bears, wolves, coons, panthers, wild turkeys etc. etc. Settlement in Washington Township The name of the first permanent settler cannot be indicated with certainty. George Brock, a hardy German, came from the Old Dominion and located in several places in what is now Washington County, in 1807, living upon the game killed in hunting. He was a good hunter and was prospecting with a view of bringing his family out for permanent location. The following year he came out and settled on Section 8. With him came his son George Brock Jr., and sons-in-law Adam Barnett and Frederick Neidiffer. Jesse Spurgeon came about the same time as Brock, and some accounts fix his date of settlement at 1805. He first squatted near Canton and later located near Harristown. Judge Godlove Kemp located above Salem in 1808, and his son William born February 17, 1811, was probable the first child born in the township, if not the county. In 1809 Col. Henry DeWalt, Roger Thompson, William Gordon, Andrew Pitts, P. Wright, William Netherton and Benjamin Brewer settled in the township. DeWalt settled on section 14. Thompson located near Canton. His cabin was of round logs, was 16x18 feet, one room, stick and clay chimney, no windows, except a port hole, one door of slabs. Gordon, afterward a merchant in Salem, located north of that town. Mr. Wright settled where his grandson Adam H. now lives. Brewer entered the land where Salem now stands. After 1809 the settlement in the vicinity of Canton and all over Washington Township was rapid. Micajah Calloway was one of the earliest, and was quite a celebrity, owing to his bloody dealings with the Indians. Others were James Davis, William Wright, Andrew Little, Isaac Miller, Jacob Miller, John Neidiffer, Henry Carter, James Young, Martin Putoff, Caleb Trueblood and Thomas Hodges. Samuel Lindley located in Sections 9 and 10 in 1811. Joseph Reyman came from Kentucky in 1811 and settled two miles north of Salem where William L. now lives. John W. Coffey located near Harristown the same year. Henry Wilson, Elisha Hobbs, James Overman, Nicholas Harrison and John L. Menaugh came about the same time. A little later about 1812 or 1813 cane William Grace, C.W. Jones, Josiah Spurgeon, Isaac Overshiner, Samuel Denny, William Spurgeon and many others. Still later came Adam Cauble, Peter Zink, Jonathan Lyon, Matthew Coffin, Nathan Trueblood, James Trueblood, Abel Trueblood, Lewis Woody, Zachary Nixion, Lewis Crowe, Mr. Hensley, Mr. Hicks, Mr. Smith, William Pitts, Thomas Pitts, Alexander Little, Arthur Parr, John Flennor and many others. By 1815 the township was quite thickly dotted with log-cabins and clearings. The following men who voted at Salem in 1828 were yet living in the county in 1879. Catalouge of Old Settlers Peter Zink, Solomon Beverly, Henry Snyder, Henry Plowman, L. Herthel, G. Van Meter, A. Colglazier, P. Mann, Daniel Dawalt, John Spear, L.J. Reyman, Adam Cauble, Elias Davis, J.H. Callaway, W.G. Warriner, D. D. Hamilton, Charles Cauble, Z. King, Robert Logan, David Voyles, L. Overshiner, John Hardin, Aaron Anderson, George Trabue, H. Rutherford, John Cravens, William Robertson, Samuel Hinds, James G. May, J.W. Reyman, T. Cutshaw, Norval Peugh, William Spurgeon, John Gilstrap, John Sloan, James Wilson, Henry Johnson, William Baker, Zach Collier, Robert Harrison, Luke Barrett, John Green, Joseph Wells, M. Flynn, John Wire, John Grimes, Hiram Hosea, Abram Wells, Samuel Nichols, William Curtis, William Dowlin, J. Loekenour, a. Mundin, Benjamin Moore, William Shultz, B. Childers, David Patton, J.L. Anderson, Jacob Horner, Abram Herring, Joseph Walton, N. Underwood, Isaia Coulter, R. Sullivan, Evans Wright, William Walker, William D. Clark, Levi Knight, Joseph Hodgen, Jesse Stanley, Samuel Huston, Ed Turner, M. Huston, W.P. Trueblood, James Trueblood, John Harned, Thomas Green, Eli Stalker, Hiram Kyle, A. Johnson, Thomas Williams, John Cane, William Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Aaron Martin, Thomas Tatlock, Elijah Stanley, J. Winslow, Rolla Martin, S. Redfield, Benjamin Stephenson, Charles D. Green, John Huston, F.W. Martin, Stephen Martin, John Kedlin, N. Hamilton, W. T. Holmes. Country Industries The first mill in the township was one generally known as the Samuel Lindley horse-mill, and was built the spring of 1811 by a man named Hoggatt, near where the Friends' Meeting House now is on Section 8. It was operated by horse power, and when the wheat was ground it was bolted by sifting it into an ash trough. Lindley afterward got it and did a big business for years. James Young built a horse-mill on his farm, also very early 1814 and operated it for many year. George Brock Sr., and William Gordon operated the first distilleries, each only having one copper still. Matthew Coffin entered on Section 9 in 1819, but did not come out until 1815, but his three sons-in-law James Overman, Henry Wilson and Elisha Hobbs, came out previous to the war of 1812. Coffin started the first tannery, although previous to this time the settlers would do their own tanning in a wooden trough. Probably Andrew Weir, who did not come in until about 1824, built the second tannery, and it was the most extensive one in the township. It was located almost adjoining Salem on the north. The first saw-mill in the township was built by William Lindley, Sr. about a mile north of where Salem now stands, in 1812. It was a sash saw, and operated by water power from the Lick Fork of Blue River. Hunting Incidents A singular incident occurred in 1814. Mr. Netherton was on his way to the raising of William Gordon's hewed-log-house, and when on the farm now owned by Joseph M. Reyman he discovered a big bear. His dog began to bark at and bite the bear, so that the animal climbed a big ash tree, and when up about forty feet laid himself squarely between the fork of the tree. The noise aroused those at Mr. Gordon's and after one or two shots had been fired by the boys old Micaijah Callaway stepped back, and taking careful aim shot the bear through the brain. Down it tumbled, dead. It weighed about 400 pounds and after skinning it the flesh was divided up into an equal number of pieces with the heads of the families present. Joseph Reyman turned his back, and William Gordon would put his hands on a piece, and say to Reyman, "Whose piece is this?" Reyman would answer with the name of someone present, and thus the bear was amicably divided. Jacob Miller was a great Hunter. In about 1825 a large bear was started up in the cemetery at Salem, where it had gone probably to speculate on death. A posse of citizens was soon in hot pursuit, and finally after a hard chase it was overtaken and killed by F.D. Badger. It was hauled to Salem on a sled, and weighed when dressed over 400 pounds. Over 100 persons ate of its flesh. The Saline Reserves The only two section in the county reserved for saline purposes were 15 in Township 2 north, Range 4 east, and 28, in Township 3 north, Range 4 east. The latter became know a Evan's Lick and the former as Royce's Lick. Efforts were made in early years to manufacture salt, though without success in greatly paying quantities. The land was leased to residents by super intendants appointed by the Governor. In the thirties the land was sold, and the proceeds were turned over to the Common School Fund. A store was established at Royce's Lick probably as early as 1808 by Dr. Simon Lamb, who did considerable trade with the Indians. The salt of the wells was, poor though it was in great demand. It sold as high as $12 a bushel, it is said. The statement is made that the Lick was named for a squatter named Royce, who located there to barter with the Indians as early as 1800. A Dreadful Railway Disaster In 1884 a shocking accident occurred at the Blue River railway bridge in this township. A sudden and unprecedented flood had washed beneath and undermined the middle pier of the bridge, through this weak structure the morning express train from Chicago was precipitated without warning while under rigid speed. The news flew like wild fire, and a large crowd soon collected. The entire train took fire, and was consumed. Seven persons were killed, as follows: Charles Sanford express messenger; C.B. Thompson, of Canton, this county; Rev. Jacob Helfrich, of New Albany; Andrew Echler, of Louisville; Mr. Saylor of Orleans; Allen Slayton, of Orange County, and an unknown man. Besides these there were about fifteen injured. Settlement of Posey Township Thomas Polson was probably the first settler in this township. He settled near where Fredicksonburg now is, in 1805. Martin Royse, with his sons, John, William and Martin, came about the same time, or at least not later than 1806 and settled where the village now is. Charles Bailey and Elijah Harriman settled near the in 1808, and John Butler the same year, and a year later Benjamin King. Jacob Doan located on Honey Creek where a squatter had previously been, in 1809. He was the first permanent settler on that creek. Jacob and Abram Colglazier settled there a little later about 1810. James McGrew located on the creek about 1811 or 12. John Chenoweth settled in 1815 on the same creek. William Dennen a bachelor, squatted on the land a year or two previously. Aaron Rollins settled south of Hardinsburg about 1815. Jacob Horner came in 1816 and bought out a man named Linthecum, paying him $25 for his claim. He lived on the place where Thompson Horner now lives. He kept a tavern, and after the pike was built moved up to it. William and Isaac Lofton came probably before 1810. The former settled where Alexander Lofton now lives, and the later at the forks of the river a short distance from Fredericksburg. Peter McMickle, Thomas Bently and Evans Hinton were also early settlers at Fredericksburg. McMickle came first. He was a shoemaker. He went from house to house making shoes, as was the custom. Peter Ollis in 1818 settled on the place now owned by Mr. Richards. Widow Andrews, a mother in law of Samuel Horner came about 1818. Her husband died while on the way to the county. Hepner, father in law of Linthecum, before mentioned, lived on the place opposite him. John Dollins also lived on the same place. E.C. Hunter who came as early as 1816, settled about one half mile below McPheeter's Mill. John Gregg, who was an influential man at the time, and who was elected Magistrate, settled about 1817 on the place where George Bailor now lives. Samuel Haines in 1816 lived on the Wadkins place. Jacob Harris and William Cathcart also settled before 1816 below Fredericksburg. John McPjeeters anmd John Rue were also early settlers. Early Township Industries John Royse built a girst-mill on Blue River about one and on-half miles below Fredericksburg about 1814. It was twice burned, and rebuilt both times. It did a very good business for those days. A few years later Elijah Harriman built a mill a little lower down the river. John McPheeters built a mill on Mutton Fork of Blue River, one mile and a quarter east of Fredericksburg, in 1813. There is a stream saw and a girst-mill on the same site now operated by McPheeters & Crim. About 1832 Samuel Hogan built a mill on Blue River below the town. It changed hands several times and is now in disuse. Benjamin Radcliff had a water-mill and distillery on Honey Creek, where it makes its appearance on section 14. They were in operation in 1830. Peter Peyton also had a distillery and water-mill near Hardinsburg at about the same time. Nicholas Smith had a distillery at the Mitchell Spring. James Ferfuson had a distillery in operation in 1820 at Fredericksburg. William Lofton operated one on Salem Fork of Blue River. Edwin C. Hunter owned one near McPheeter's Mill, between 1820 and 1830. John McPheeters also had one at his mill. Joseph Horner bought McPheeters' distillery and moved it to his place. He kept a tavern and made whiskey mainly to supply his guests. William Lofton owned a tan-yard where his distillery was. It was only a small one, and for a joke the boys used sometimes to call to him at night and tell him to take it in as it was going to rain. Joseph Harris had one in old Fredericksburg which did a good business for that time. It was in operation in 1816. At about the time the pike was made 1838-39 horse racing, was a favorite amusement. A quarter mile straight track was graded on Alvin Grove's farm, now owned by N.H. Cadle. Settlement of Brown Township It is quite certainly established that the Driskell family were the first permanent settlers of Brown Township. They came from Kentucky and settled on the Horner farm in the spring of 1810. William Robertson, John Grahm, John Hammersly, Elijah and Elisha Driskell were early settlers. Hammersly built the first grist-mill in the township, and soon added a distillery, and both have beeen conducted to a greater or less extent since under various owners. The location is now known as Clifty Mill Section 14, and the property is now owned by Henry Robertson. By and early act of the Legislature Twin Creek was declared a public highway for boating and was ordered to be worked (cleared of logs etc.) under a super intendant as roads were managed. Dr. Alexander Clark was an early physician and had the first and probably the only tannery in the township. Settlers did their own tanning largely. The first doctor was Ezra Child, father of Dr. Child, of Claysville, who settled in about 1817. He was also an exhorter of the Methodist Church. Abner Mather was a blacksmith. Old Col. Lemon was an early settler. Eliab Sayless was an early blacksmith, and was widely known as an excellent edge-tool maker. Michael Willfong was an early settler, as were also David Boyden, Mr. Jenkins, Elijah Nicholson and Asher Wilcox. The latter built a corn cracker and had a carding machine very early. Early settlers would pull their corn off the stalks with the husks on and would pile it up by the crib, invite in the neighbor boys, and the woman would ask in the neighbor girls to quilt and all would put in the day working, with plenty of whiskey as a stimulant. At night a dance or kissing bee would be the reward and probably a fight or two to enliven the monotony. Log rollings were conducted on a simi lair plan. Ezra Davis came in 1819. Joel Caulkins, a resident of York State, hearing of this country, determined to emigrate. He heard that hops were in great demand in the new Eldorado, and accordingly sold his farm, taking the entire pay in hops to be sold at a good profit to the country distilleries. On arriving here he learned that he was misinformed, and he lost his farm for little or nothing. He settled on Section 4, in about 1819 and owing to his hop transaction, the neighborhood in time became known as the "Hop Neighborhood", and later the "Hop School District". On the consolidation of the Thompson District above with the Hop District below it became as the "Hop-Thompson District", by which it is yet designated. Ruel Barnard, a wheelwright and chair maker by trade, and brother-in-law to Mr. Caulkins, also settled in about 1819. Among the first saw mills was that of Joseph Hemmersly and a brother below the Clifty Mill. It was on Clifty Creek, whose water furnished power to a sash, or "up and down" saw. David Boyden a pioneer, laid out a town on the farm now owned by Wesley Woodward in about 1824, and named it Boydenville. It never rose higher than a "paper town". A Fight with a Bear a Deer etc. John Hammersly and three brothers-Isaac, Abram and Andrew came from New York at a very early day. Isaac was a celebrated hunter, and oftentimes with "Betty" his pet gun, would do wonderful deeds. One one occasion, with his two ferocious cur dogs, "Old Ike," as he was universally called, started out on one of his expeditions, and before going very far discovered a big bear on a chestnut tree. The animal was comfortably seated on a large limb browsing in the surrounding boughs and gorging himself on the tender nuts which grew in great profusion. The range was point blank, and at the crack of the rifle the bear fell with a crash to the ground and being but slightly wounded, made a furious dash at "Old Ike", who stood his ground bravely and endeavored to beat off the animal with his gun stock. The dogs immediately joined in the fray, and proved themselves devoted to their master by courageous attacks on the hind quarters of the Bruin. With one stroke of the paw Old Ike's gun went flying through the air and he began to feel as though his last days had passed. With a paw on each shoulder the bear crushed him to the ground, but being so terribly lacerated by the dog's fangs did not stop to complete the work of destruction, but with a snort started to run with the dogs nipping his hind quarters in a very unpleasant way. He soon was compelled to ascend another tree, when Old Ike, who had not been seriously hurt, reloaded and taking better aim shot him dead and carried off his hide as a trophy. At another time he was out hunting during the deer mating season, and found a big buck in the woods. With a quick aim he drew bead and fired. The buck with an angry shake of his head started for him, and if on open ground would have proven a formidable enemy. There was a large tree that had fallen over leaving enough room underneath for him to crawl, but not large enough for the deer to do so, and too large for it to jump. For thirty minutes the deer would run around only to find Old Ike on the opposite side, and then finding hen could not reach him evidently became disgusted and started off for good, leaving Old Ike out of breath gladly watching his departure. Again he had wounded a buck which had started for him, and for a long time chased him around a large tree. The old man, after innumerable trials and failures, managed to reload his rifle on the run, but had to do so without patching. Gaining a little on the deer, he suddenly turned and like a flash fired. The bullet pierced the deer's head and it dropped dead. At one time Old Ike with "Betty" and his two dogs were out and while looking around his attention was attracted by a tremendous racket two hundred yards distant, between his dogs and some animal, he could not see what. Creeping cautiously up he beheld a large panther, or "painter" as he called it, in conflict with his dogs. The panther would whip the dogs by reason of his superior agility, but on attempting to climb the tree the dogs would grab him, pull him back, and again resume the fight. After doing this for a time the panther succeeded in getting up, and stretching out on a limb, was licking his wounds when Old Ike shot him dead. An Early Courting Adventure Christian Prow, who is now living in Campbellsburg, related a good story on himself, but with strict injunctions not to have it published. It is to rich to be forgotten, and as it relates to olden time, it is here repeated for the benefit of the rising generation. In about 1835, when he was seventeen years old, he made an appointment with a neighbor's daughter to see her on a certain Sunday night, but on asking his father's permission to spend the evening with the girl's brother, the old gentleman not only withheld his consent, but emphatically forbid Kit to go, as he wanted him up early to do big work the next day. There was his appointment with his sweet heart and there was his father's command. What should he do? After debating the matter over of course he determined to be with his girl at all hazards. As the shades of night drew space he stealthily got the barn between him and his father's eye and than made a dash for the mansion of his inamorata's father. He there basked in her smiles until the "wee small hours, and on starting for home discovered it was misting, and as dark a night as he had ever seen. He continually stumbled against some tree or underbrush and after traversing about half the distance met with an incident in which to this day he declares that for the space of sixty seconds he believed he was in hell. He had been walking with head down trying to see through the gloom, when on looking up he beheld within ten feet a gigantic being, that the longer he regarded the larger and more horrible it appeared. It assumed the shape of an enormous man with arms, legs, body and head of fire and was so frightful in appearance that young Prow had to hold his hat on with his hand. Could he have run he would have done so, but in the thick darkness it would have been certain death. After a while he summoned up sufficient courage to determine what he should do, and finding a stout club he threw it at the being with all his might. Horror of horrors! The fire poured from it's eyes and mouth in a torrent, and the hat on Prow's head again assumed a desire to rise up. After waiting he seized another club and began advancing slowly, in readiness to brain the monster if it should start for him. As he was about to deal it a blow the ground seemed to suddenly open, and head foremost he fell while fire from the monster covered him. For thirty seconds Prow declares he had no idea but that he had been killed and the inhabitants of Tophet were heaping coals of fire on him. Breathing he began to think perhaps he was yet alive, and with an effort he assumed a standing position. Than he discovered that years previous a hurricane had blown down a big tree and in doing so had torn up the ground where he stood, so that it left a hole six feet deep. The roots of the tree were covered with fox fire, and the excited imagination of the boy conceived all else. Young Prow continued on his way with thankful heart that he was yet alive and in crossing a foot-log across a run he tumbled off in water that was four and one half feet deep. To add to all this misery he was awakened next morning by his father, who led him out and made his posterior extremities very intimate with a tough hickory switch. For two years Prow never kept company with another girl. Settlement of Jackson Township Probably the first permanent settlement made within the present bounds of this township was that of Henry Wyman who came with his family in 1807 and settled on the farm now owned by Wiley Elrod, in the north part of the township. In 1808 Leonard Carnes settled on the farm where Catharine Carnes now lives. Peter Carnes who is probable the oldest native resident now living in the county, was born in 1810, two years after their settlement. During 1808 Ephriam Gross settled on the farm now occupied by Isaac Heistand. During the same year Charles and Samuel Busey settled on Bear Creek. John Green also came in 1808 and settled on the farm now owned by Harvey May, and Aaron Wilcox came and settled near the county line about two miles south of Martinsburg. Daniel Bush came about 1810. In 1814 John Lewis, Abner and James Martin all brothers settled in what is now the vicinity of Martinsburg. Stephen Elrod probably came about the same time and located near Wyman in the north part of the township. Between this time and 1819 Robert Stram settled on Blue River, John Heistand and Jacob Urmy near Martinsburg, Phil Stucker in the south part of the township, a Mr. Brown, father of Robert Brown, in the northwest part. Daniel Grimes in 1819 settled on the farm still owned by his sons near Martinsburg. There were probably several others previous to 1820. Stores Postoffices Etc. Christian Prow opened a store on the road near where C. Shirley's house now stands, about 1837. He ran it until his death in 1845; about a year later his son reopened the store and continued ten or fifteen years. Prow was the first Postmaster in the township, appointed about 1844 or 1845. About 1857 Elkano Craycraft built a store at Rush Creek. It changed hands several times; was used for a time as a dwelling. In 1869 it was bought by W.G. Williams, who is now doing a good business in general merchandise. Rush Creek Valley Postoffice was established in 1871 with Mr. Williams as Postmaster. In 1871 a store was built at Holeysburg by David Holey. It is now run by his son J.E. Holey;does a small business. There have been four homicides committed within this township. Interesting Incidents In the fall of 1817 Richard David and Catharine Chambers were to have been married on a certain day. The guests were assembled and waiting for the bridegroom, when a messenger came and announced that the bridgroom had been bitten by a rattlesnake an died the day before. The entire party then went to the funeral on the same day the marriage should have taken place. In the spring of 1834 Martin and George Goings had a rolling of about twenty or twenty five acres of heavy timber. There were about fifty present consisting of an unusually large number of strong men. About 8 o'clock they gathered at the field. Wesley Denny and George Barnett were chosen captains, they being the largest and strongest men present. They then choose their men. William P. Enochs was the first choice of Denny, and Lindsey Keller was chosen first by Barnett. The captains divided the field and the two parties went to work. Of course whiskey was frequently passed, and before night most of the number were feeling as stout as a "four horse team with a big dog under the wagon." Many boasts were made, and at last, in answer to a challenge William Enochs and Wesley Denny lifted against George Barnett and Lindsey Keller. The two former were successful. One Sunday night when on his way home, William P. Enochs met with a little experience with the shape of a bear chase, with the chase all on the side of the bear. He had been to see his best girl, and unlike young men of the present day (?) had remained until a rather late hour. It was a clear moonlight night and as he was walking along thinking of the "taffy" Mary had given him he ran suddenly upon a big bear in the middle of the road. The road was narrow, and the bear did not seem disposed to let him pass. He did not want to go back for fear Mary (now his wife) would think him a coward. He endeavored to frighten the bear by throwing stones and clapping his hands, but he could not make him move. He at last concluded to attempt to "run the blockade." Getting even with the bear he made a spring, and fairly flew along the ground never looking back until he reached his father's house. The bear disapeared. Settlement in Howard Township This township was named by the County Board in honor of Gov. T. A. Howard, of Indiana George Beck and family came to this portion of the county from North Carolina in November 1807. The family cut their way through the woods to the township, and during the winter occupied a shanty of the most primitive kind, and the next spring built a substantial log cabin. The boys were John, George, Andrew, William and Jacob. In December John and George went coon hunting, and came back with reports that they had found the head waters of Blue River. They had heard the sound of the water at the spring. Here it was that the famous old Beck Mill was built the following year. It was constructed of logs, was 15 X 15 feet, with an overshot wheel and one pair of small buhrs. But settlers as far up north as Gosport came here for flour. For years it was a famous mill. The Becks raised a corp of corn the summer of 1808. A saw-mill was added to the girst- mill late in 1808. In 1825-26 a larger building took the place of the old Mill, and in 1864 the present frame was constructed. The mill has ever been operated by water run in spouts from the spring. In 1837 a carding mill was started and is yet operated. The saw mill is yet running also. The Becks have been the owners of all the Mills, since 1808, except for a short time, when others had a interest. Mrs. Susan Elliot and family came to the township about the same time as the Becks. Moses and Daniel Voyles located in the township in 1811 on Section 35. William Townsend also came about the same time. Royland Voyles came in 1813. William Green came and made permanent settlement in 1809. Rev. Amos Wright, of the Baptist Church, located east of Beck's Mill in 1809. Benjamin Davis and Richard Wright made settlement in 1810. Gen. Marston G. Clark lived early in the township, George Nugent was born in Beck's Fort in 1811, being the first birth in the township. David Beck's death in 1811 was the first. Mills Distilleries Etc. The Beck saw and girst-mill was the first in the township as well as the first in the county. This family also operated and early distillery. Thomas Elliott started a distillery about 1817. Andrew Beck built another in 1833. David Miller also followed the same occupation. The Beck Mill is run by water from Organ Spring, so named from the fancied music made by the dripping water of the cave. The water pours out of the cave a distance of 200 feet from the mill, and is conveyed to the turbine wheel by wooden spouting. A dam at the cave mouth collects water for the head or fall. A Bear Killed At a very early day the dogs of Mr. Beck had been for some time in the habit of barking at the mouth of the cave, and the family thought they had chased a wolf there and paid them not attention, until one morning when the boys were out hunting they resolved to investigate and see what the dogs had brought to bay, and accordingly with torches and guns held in readiness, entered the cave and groped their way forward, keeping careful watch for game, and had not gone far before they became aware of the presence of bears, as the cubs could be heard crying, thus showing also the location of the bears if any grown ones were in the cave, which fact proved to be the case; and when this became a certainty, after a consultation had been had by the boys, it was thought best to make proper calculations of the location of the old one, and then to fire upon her in the dark, trusting that an accidental shot would either kill her or cripple her so that she could then be dispatched, and according both of the boys fired where the animal was supposed to be and were fortunate in killing a large mother bear at the first round. It was quite a prize to the Beck family - this mother bear and her cubs - and the boys received no little laudation for the deed. As early as 1808 the Becks killed an old bear and two cubs which they found on a large tree at the mouth of Mill Creek. These animals were almost a God-send to them at that time, and were eaten. The oil was used for lamps and to make bread. Settlement of Pierce Township This township was named in honor of President Pierce, and was organized in March 1853. It coincides with the Congressional Township 1 north range 4 east. It is stated that John Moore squatted on the Goss farm as early as 1806, though this is disputed by several. At least Moore was in the township very early. Soon after him came Archibald Scott, Peter Fisky, John Mozier, John Wilson, Jesse Lucas, Thomas Evans, John Evans, Thomas Knot, John Stewart, Rober Brooks. Michael Smith entered the first land in 1809, on Section 32 Henry Wyman bought a tract in 1811, and Jacob Motsinger and Henry Ratts the same year. Jacob Miller bought in 1812; Christian Mars and Elijah Wright in 1813; Matthew Coffin, Amos Wright, Philbrt Wright and William Hitchcock in 1814: James S. Wilson, John Fouler, William Wright, John Moore, Richard Gilstrap, John Duval and John Coffman in 1815; David Motsinger, John Newland, Jesse Lucas, George Gloss, David Alvis, Samuel Baker, John Strong and George Casely in 1816, and C. Monical, J. Marvis, John Peugh, Rhodes Meads, Robert Evans, P. McGarvin, William Watts, Lewis Martin, William Green and Charles Schultz in 1818. Othe Items of Value The first blacksmith was John Mozier. John Peugh started a hattery as early as 1815, and for several years manufactured hats from furs principally, but also from what little wool he could get. Sheep could not be well kept, owing to the prevalence of ferocity of wolves. Henry Ratts also followed the occupation of hatting. Almost every early settler raised cotton from seed brought from the south, and on new land this crop did well. Valentine Baker conducted a cotton gin to meet the demand. In several instances in this township nettles were gathered, allowed to rot, were then broken and manufactured into a respectable article of cloth. Early stores were opened by Christian Bixler, Green & Watts, John & Jacob Peugh and John Dover. In about 1825 John Dover undertook the difficult task of rearing silk worms and manufacturing silk. After a year or two the business was found to be very uncertain and unprofitable, and was abandoned. The Dovers were from England, and brought with them the first piano in the county. They lived on Section 23. John Aley operated an early tannery; Dover and Henry Wyman manufactured salt on Section 34. It is claimed that this township was the birth place was the man who gave to Indianians the appellation of "Hoosier" His name was Short. Why he was permitted to live after the christening has never been satisfactorily explained. A Cave Adventure On one occasion, later than the first settlement, David Voyles, Robert Phillips, Mr. Fogleman and others started a bear which took refuge in a cave on Section 29. Here with dogs and guns they kept it caged for two or three days, and no one dared venture in far enough to get a shot. John and George Beck, who had had considerable experience of this kind, were sent for to enter the cave and kill the bear, which they agreed to do for a liberal share of the spoil. Accordingly the brothers, with torches and rifles, and accompanied by Fogleman and several others, boldly entered the cave, and groping cautiously forward soon discovered the bear's wallow, where there were two cubs, guarded by their mother, one of the largest of her kind. While coming in Fogleman had accidently fallen into a hole about six feet deep so suddenly that he evidently thought himself in the bears clutches, for he yelled lustily, frightening those on the outside, and causing them to believe that those within were having a hand to hand conflict with the bear. Approaching the animal cautiously, one of the Becks killed her at fist shot. The retort of the rifle was like a cannon. The carcass was dragged out, and it and the cubs were divided among those present. Settlement of Polk Township One of the first permanent settlers was Samuel Gray, who located on Section 29. In the summer of 1811 he came to the township, selected a farm and began the erection of a cabin, but on account of Indian troubles returned to his former home. The next year he came with his family and settled on the farm already entered. A squatter by the name of Joseph Elliott had preceded him and lived for a time upon the land. There were several other squatters at that time but their names are now forgotten. George Preston and Thomas Flowne came in 1813. One a sort of hermit, by the name of Giles, lived in a kind of tent or wigwam in the knobs, very near the line between Nash and Clarke Counties. He lived a very secluded life having as little communications as possible with other residents. He would absent himself from his wigwam for several days and then suddenly make his appearance again. Naturally many strange stories were told regarding his former life, the most of them agreeing that he was an ex- pirate; another that he had served with Napoleon Bonaparte. At the close of the war of 1812 the settlement went on very rapidly, and many families came within the next two or three years. Jedediah Carter settled on Section 19; in 1814 Jacob Bierley settled on Section 31 a year later. In 1816 John and Jacob Tash settled on Blue River near where Pekin now lives. A year or two before that Isaac Davis settled on the quarter Section upon which Pekin is located. The following all came previous to 1817: Ramson Dudley settled on the upper part of Blue River ; Richard Morris settled on a quarter section adjoining Isaac Davis; Allen Peeler settled on Section 10 ( he brought out a family by the name of Haberson ) John Jeffs and Jesse Wilson settled on land bought by the latters father. John A. Hurst an Irishman, settled near Flower's Gap: John Morris settled where John Gill now lives; Frederick Louders settled on Section 18; James Wilson on southwest quarter of Section 7; John Lochenour located on the northwest quarter Section of the township; a man by the name of Newton located on an adjoining quarter; John Skelton settled on northwest quarter of Section 7; Leonard Sides located on Section 12; Elisha Allen on Section 21; Floyd Low, John Russell and John Wilson were also among the early settlers of this period. Milling, Distilling, Etc. The first Mill was a horse-mill built by Fred Lowe about 1820. He sold it to Ramsom Dudley, who ran it for several years. John Louders built a new girst-mill on Blue River in about 1832. It was afterward owned by William Jackson and Harris Carter. The dam was at last washed out and the mill fell into disuse. Joel Wilson had a saw-mill further up the river It was built between 1830 and 40. The only tan-yard ever opened in this township was a very small affair, owned by John Skelton as early as 1820. Paul Akers, had a distillery between 1830 and 35 on Section 22. Joseph Carter, also had one about 1830 on his farm. Richard Morris had one near Pekin as early as 1820. County Stores and Postoffices The fist goods sold in this township were sold by Alexander Wilson who had a store in a little log house on Section 14, on Blue River, about 1830. Harris Carter had a store about 1835, on the place now owned by Eli Elrod. Among the later store-keepers was John Mottsinger, who had a store east of Farrabees Station. He carried this on for several years. He quit the business about the close of the war. Joel Wilson at about the same time had one near Zoar Church. Butler Wyatt has a store at present and is also Postmaster at Blue River Postoffice. The first Postmaster at this office was Joel Wilson. Settlement of Vernon Township Among the first settlers of this township was David Colglazier, who located in Mill Creek near the Baptist Church, about 1810. In 1811 or 1812 Chris Purkhieser settled in the south-east part of the township. Both Colglazier and Purkhieser were from Ohio. Nathaniel Robbins settled where John Stevenson lives about 1812. In 1814 John Collier entered and settled upon the land where Marcus Hungate lives. Robert Smith entered adjoining land the following year. During 1815 Barnett Chastain entered land owned by his grandson, Peter Chastain. Borland Brown also came in that year. Jessie Elgin settled in 1814 or 1815 at Claysville; about the same time Jacob March settled on the place now owned by William Knox. Several years previous though the exact date could not be determined, John Frakes entered land at the head of Lost River. About 1815 or 16 Mark Maudlin entered land where squatters had previously settled. His sons Nathan and James settled near him. James McGrue came in 1813 or 14, and Samuel Linn about 1818. Elisha Pollard bought Nathaniel Robbins' farm in 1816. Among other early settlers were the Hoars, Starks, Arnolds and Linns. Several squatters settled in this township, but the names of only two were obtained. They were Andre and Mounts. Pioneer Industries Probably the first Mill built was one by a man named Arnold, on Lost River. It was in operation in 1815. About 1818 Jacob Stark built a saw-mill further up the river. David Colglazier built a water-mill on Mill Creek, about 1820. It was in use only a few years. A few years later Andrew Knight had a little grist-mill, run by water power, at Cave Spring. Richard Ruberson built a mill on Lost River, about 1840 or 45. Robert Hoar, and Englishman, built an oil-mill on land now owned by his son Isaac. He manufactured considerable oil from flax seed. The first tan-yard was that of Samuel Linn. It was sunk about 1818 or 1820, and was run ten or twelve years. It did only a small business. Deer skins were tanned here in considerable numbers. William Bates and William O'Jeter sank one near Clayville, which did considerable business and was run until about thr time of the late war. There were several distilleries. Jonas Lucas operated one on the North fork of Lost River, about a mile north of Claysville. Charles McGrue had one between 1820 and 30 on land owned by Mark Maudlin. Stephen Stark had one on Section 22. All made pure brandy and whisky from corn, and found a ready market at home. It is said that many times men stood around the still with cups catching and drinking the lizuor as fast as it was made. Settlement of Gibson Township The first settler was John C. Thompson, who came in 1810. Simeon Garriott came soon afterward, locating on Elk Creek. There were several others who came about this time. Other early ones were: Murphy D. Still, Matthias Mount and William Garriott, who settled on Section 26; Alvin Poor who settled at Goose Port. David Owen and Hugh Cathcart also came during that year. The former was a great hunter. In 1817 Phillip Zaring settled on upper Elk Creek. Between 1818 and 20 came Samuel Blunt and Samuel Dukes, who settled on the farm now owned by John Franklin. James Scifers settled near where York Grove is now. George Ryder located where John Carthcart lives; David Sayles where Reese William lives; Henry Hawn where his grandson George Hawn lives; McCullough on the placed owned by David Franklin. Henry Harbolt and James Owen, also settled during that time. The names of others will be found in the history of Little York. The first white child born was probably Mary, a daughter of Mathias Mount, born in 1817. In 1821 Polly Owens was married to David Hepson. It was probably the fist marriage. Early Mills, Factories, Distilleries, Etc. Daniel Winslow and Joseph Johnson built a saw and grist-mill on Elk Creek in Section 11 in 1833. It changed hands several times and was run until about 1868. Joseph Johnson and John F. Price, Sr., built a steam saw and grist-mill in 1854. It is now owned and operated by the later, and in its day has been an important industrial feature of the township. Simeon Garriott conducted a distillery between 1820 and 30 on Elk Creek in Section 26. Joseph Johnson built a distillery and made whisky until the internal revenue was put on it. He has some brandy since. Hezekiah Thomas sunk a tanyard about 1836 in Section 1. He ran it only about three years. Alfred Pringle had one about the same time on southwest 40 of Section 10 Neither of them did a large business. Uriah Gaddy sank a yard on Section 16 about 1872, but it operated only two or three years. Isaac and Brnjamin Lockwood had quite an extensive tannery which they built about 1835 on Section 36. They ran it several years and sold it to Dias and Mitchell. It is now in disuse. Isaac Vaughn had a small yard on Section 26, built about 1820. He ran it several years. Sold to Simeon Garriott. On Section 34 Jacob Garrett and William Pringle, between 1825 and 30, discovered a cave containing saltpetre. They leached the soil and boiled down the liquor and obtained a very good salt, but it was worked only a short time. Jerry Wilson was the first man to sell goods in the township. His store was located in the south part of the township. About 1862 or 64 Vachiel Cravens opened a store at Goose Port. He had a stock of $800 or $1000. Was in business about three quarters of a mile from Goose Port. Law Violations No crimes more serious than the occasional stealing of a horse have ever been committed in this township. Rumors of the discovery of a small band of counterfeiters with whom Axan and Jams Newby were accused with being in associated, were at one time current; but no arrests were made and nothing definite was known. At any considerable gathering fights were common occurrences and in fact it was considered a rather tame affair unless one or more were indulged in. At a muster about 1832, at Little York, John V. Garriott and Madison Still had a fight over some old grudge. Joseph Carthcart was the former's second and B.R. Still the later's. It was a terrific fight. After their "honah" had been duly vindicated they were separated by the seconds. In 1875 the Legislature declared Elk Creek navigable, and ordered it cleared of logs for the passage of boats. Settlement of Franklin Township It is probable that William McKnight was the fist settler in this township. He was a native of the Emerald Isle and came from Mercer County Ky., in March 1809, and located on Section 8. A small crop of corn was planted on cleared land the following autumn the family was brought out. The old house is yet standing. Aman named Hensley was in the township in the fall of 1809, and settled on Section 7. Charles Blythe located on Section 8 late in 1809. Daniel Gray settled on Section 9 in 1810, and about this time came James Rodman, Jacob Garriott, and soon afterward Alexander Huston, Samuel Huston, David Fouts, Solomon Bowers and many others. The settlement of the township was slow until after the war of 1812, except in the northeastern part. By 1815 there were probably twenty families in the township, living of course in rude log-cabins. Samuel Taylor built on Section 26 about 1816 and John Robinson located near him. James Rodman bought a farm on Section 18 about 1815. His son Thomas was born there. The later was precocious and was sent to West Point, from which institution he graduated with high honors. He afterward became the inventor of the famous Rodman gun. Samuel Blankenbaker became a resident in 1815. Before him were Zachariah McAlister, Mr. McGill, Thomas Hodges, Enoch Parr, Tart Fordyce, Robert Sellers, John Hartley, James Hartley, Samuel Hartley, a blacksmith and others. Pioneer Industries Anthony Head was the first blacksmith and gunsmith; he lived on Section 7. William Lakey was the first chair-maker. Richard Lockwood had a tannery at New Philadelphia in 1831. William Hamilton started another there later. Charles Kendall started one in the fifties. John Raybell owned and conducted an early tannery. Benjamin Rodman conducted another. John R. Vance and Caleb Lockwood ran an early one also. Isaac S. Bloss was another early Tanner. In an early day the manufacture of tubs, barrels, etc. was conducted quite extensively, John Markwell, Jacob Garriott, Anthony Hinkle, John Robinson and others conducted early distilleries. Hawrtley the blacksmith was a famous auger-maker. A Mother Bear and Cubs Early in the year Samuel Blankenship was in the woods near his cabin and seeing a bear, which did not see him, fired and brought it to the ground dead. Jacob Garriott, when hunting near South Boston at a very early day, came upon a mother bear and two cubs. He fired a t the former, but succeeded only in temporarily blinding her. The cubs took to a tree. The hunter was so close to the old bear that she attacked him, scratching him and tearing his clothing, and in the struggle spraining his ankle. She then joined her young in the tree. Jacob reloaded, and in succession, beginning with the old one, shot all three. He could scarcely reach home owing to his ankle. Settlement of Monroe Township The first settlers of what is now Monroe Township were Thomas Denny, Dempray Rice, Jacob Hattabaugh and William Logan, who came in 1819. Adam Houch, Jacob Zink, Michael Ring and George Hattabaugh settled the next year. At the close of the war of 1812, the settlement went on more rapidly. From 1814 to 1818 came Kenneth Blake, Matthew Robinson, James Williams James Williams, James and Woolman Winslow, Joseph Goodson, John Early, Benjamin Hamilton, Anthony Blackford, Charles Duncan, Larkin Nicholson, Garret Jameison, William Nicholson, Stephen Akers, Charles Carter, George and Levi Rinker, Abram Rue, John and William Bowman, Henry Crittenden, Adam Bowers, Howard Gordon, Bartlett Woodward, Michael Downing, Thoma May, Milo Payne and James Rowland, the first teacher in the township. Manufacturing Enterprises Matthew Robinson in 1817, built a saw and grist-mill on the place owned by Thornton Calloway, on Delaney's Creek; it was run about thirty years. John DePauw in 1819, built a saw and girst- mill on the Muscatatuck at Millport. It was run as a water-mill, until about 1850, when the dam was washed out. The people above objected to its being rebuilt, and he erected a large steam-mill at the same place, which he operated for several years. James Winslow and son built a saw-mill on Delaney's Creek in about 1835. It was in operation fifteen or twenty years. Joseph Goodsou also had a saw-mill on Delaney's Creek. Andrew Housh sank a good tanyard on the road, between Platsburg and the Millport, about 1816. James and John W. Winslow had one on Delaney's Creek about 1820. It changed hands several times, and was last owned by Josiah Winslow, son to the later. It did quite a large business. Zero Cole(a mormon) had a tannery which he ran for several years. It was opened in 1850. At about the same time Jams Coffey opened one on land now owned by George McCaney. He soon sold it to Henry Bottorff, who ran it for several years. Two others, one owned by a man named Moore, and the other by Herron, were in existence a short time. Stores, Distilleries, Postoffices, Etc. Thomas Denny opened a store about 1830 on the place where Joseph Denny Sr., now lives. He carried only a small stock of groceries and dry goods. Two or three years later he moved it to Plattsburg. Jacob Prince opened one in 1833 or 34 where William Barnet now lives. In about a year he moved it to Kossuth, and soon after sold it to Botts & Logan. John DePauw had one at Millport , managed by Jessie Patterson. The distilleries in operation between 1820 and 30 were very numerous. Dempsey Rice had one where F.M. Godfrey lives; William Logan, one near Kossuth; George and Phillip Hattabaugh, one each at Plattsburg; Samuel Brown had one on the place now owned by Dempsey Rice; George Housh one, John Elliot's place; Ezekiel Logan one, George Peugh's place; Thomas Densey one, Joseph Densey, Sr.'s place; William Lane, William Wariner, Rueben Shields, Matthew Robinson, one each on Delaney's Creek. The first Postoffice was called" Walnut Ridge," and the first Postmaster was Thomas Denny. Between 1850 and 53 another office was established called Kossuth, with S.B. Peugh as Postmaster. Dempsey Rice was Postmaster at Walnut Ridge Postoffice at this time. The two offices were soon after consolidated with Rice as Postmaster, and called Kossuth. Franklin Peugh is the present Postmaster, It was formerly on the Jackson County side of the river. It was transferred to this side, and Jesse Patterson was made Postmaster. In 1871 a postoffice was established at Delaney's Creek, with E. H. Peugh, the present incumbent Postmaster Miscellaneous Items of Interest Delaney's Creek took its name from an Indian named Delaney, who remained two or three years after the others of his tribe had gone. He had a cabin or wigwam on the bank of the creek. The first crop after clearing the ground was usually corn. The soil was very rich, and on account of stumps etc., was difficult to work. The weeds would grow as high as the corn. In the fall the farmer would get on a horse and ride through the corn and sow wheat. A drag was then run between the rows to brush the weeds down. In the summer the wheat was cut with a sickle, and threshed with a flail. A riddle was then made with a little wooden bottom bored full of holes. The Chaff was blown out with a sheef. Between 1820 and 25 a band of counterfeiters had their headquarters in a cabin now owned by C.G. Jamison. It has been reported that at that time several prominent men in the township were implicated, and that two of them were taken across the Orange County line, and then severely whipped by a band of Regulators. The band soon after suspended operations. Present Business Interest Thomas Lockwood, general merchandise, Kossuth, began business May, 1869, by the purchase of the store and stock of goods of M.L. Ribelin. He does a good business and carries a large stock of goods. The store was first opened by Stuart & Elliott, in 1856. M.L. Ribelin, general merchandise, Kossuth, opened his store in a building erected by himself, in 1870. E. H. Peugh general merchandise, Delaney's Creek, began business in connection with his brothers in a building erected by them in 1871. He is the sole proprietor at present. E. H. William and David Peugh, saw , grist and flour-mill, Deleny's Creek. The mill was built by S.B. Peugh, in 1860. He operated it until 1874, since which his sons, the present proprietors, have run it. The latter, also operate a tile factory, which they built in 1874. There are three good blacksmith and wagon -shop owned by John Elliott, Charles T. Shepard and Peugh Bros. respectively. Settlement of Madison Township The first settlement in Washington County was made in the extreme south part of this township, about one mile north of Hardinsburg, in 1803, by Thomas Hopper, from North Carolina. Hooper possessed considerable property, and entered in this , Orange County and other counties, about 10,000 acres of land. He was followed there by others, who came in considerable numbers. From 1808 to 1815, the settlement was very rapid, and at the later date probably two-thirds of the land in the township had been entered and settled, and the pioneers were prosperous, with good schools, mills and churches. Robert Hollowel lived on the place now owned by William Harned. Alexander Ralston, an Irishman and a store keeper settled on the farm now owned by Gen. Cravens. George S. Trabue, who was a clerk at Ralston's store, also settled on the same farm. Aaron Hardin entered land where his son Aaron now lives. Sampson Palton settled in the southwest quarter section of the township, in 1812. He died in 1814. His wife and son David then removed to the place where the later still lives. In 1813 Jacob and Harry Trinkle settled in the southwest part of the township; also John Onstot and Paul Kester. Robert McIntyre who was at one time a member of the Legislature, settled on Section 15, now the center of the township. In 1811 David McKinney entered the quarter Section upon which the northeast part of the town lies, and his son James settled on it the same year. At about the same time David McKinney entered the quarter Section just south of the above and leased it to James Ferguson. Borland Brown, about 1815, entered and settled northwest quarter of Section 3. Elias Williams a year later, settled the quarter Section just north of the last named. These four quarters last mentioned include all of Livonia. Besides those mentioned, the settlers in the north part of the township previous to 1816 were: John Wible, James McPheeters, Daniel Westfall, Abraham Rife, (who lived in what was known as the Poplar Cabin and kept store), Adam Wible, Alexander McPheeters, David Colglazier, Alexander Cockerel and his father (who was the first person buried in the old cemetery near Dr. Pattons'), John Simmons, Peter Chastain, Alexander Mckinney, Shadrach White, Samuel Wible and William McGill. In the vicinity of Sinking Spring, besides those already mentioned, were Joel Redus, James L. Archer, William Young and Absalom Sargent. Interesting Early Anecdotes In 1812 Alexander McKinney came with his family from Kentucky. He brought with him a large six-horse wagon and a large drove of hogs and cattle. Alexander, his son, drove the wagon in which Mrs. McKinney and the younger children rode. Alexander, Sr., David McKinney and a man named Waller, drove the hogs. McKinney's two daughters, Polly and Elizabeth, drove the cattle. The men with the hogs were ahead, and as they neared their destination, it being nearly dark, they thought to push on ahead, in order to prepare the camp for the night. On reaching the forks of the road, near where Livonia now is, they took the wrong road, and did not discover their mistake until too late to turn back that night, so they camped where they were with the hogs. The girls, who were some distance ahead of the wagon with the cattle, on reaching the forks of the road, were at a loss to know which to take. They resolved to "wait for the wagon," but the wagon met with a accident and could not proceed. So the girls were compelled to sit under a tree without supper, and without a fire, with the wolves and "painters" howling all round them, until morning. The men, with the boys, thought they were with the wagon, and those with the wagon thought they were with the men. On one occasion, John McKinney, a long, awkward youth of about fourteen, was sent about dark for the cows. It had been reported that an old bear and her cubs had been seen on the hill where the cattle were grazing. About the time John got his cows together, ready to start for home, he heard something come tearing through the bushes. He looked around and saw a large dark object making straight for him. Not waiting for a second look he started for the house as fast as his long legs would carry him. At last finding the bear was gaining on him, he decided to try to dodge it around a large poplar tree. He made the attempt, when the bear stopped and - bleated, and he recognized his neighbor's black pet lamb. John seemed furious that it was not a bear, for in his anger he came near killing the lamb in the bushes as a sacrifice. Early Industries Etc. Absalom Sargent had a horse-mill at Sinking Spring as early as 1815. He attempted to run a water-mill at the Spring but failed. Daniel Sherwood had a horse-mill where William Crane, Sr. lives. The flour was bolted by hand. Aaron Hardin, Sr., carried on a cheese factory, probably as early as 1835, on the place owned by Gen. Cravens. Alexander Ralston, on the same Section of the township, built a horse-mill and distillery about 1818. He also carried a store there. Joseph Ash had a distillery on John Onstot's land between 1820-30. A church was organized at Sinking Spring as early as 1815. It was organized by Rev. Pope, and was of the Regular Baptist Church denomination.