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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP-THE ERA OF SETTLEMENT-ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS-EARLY EVENTS-A PIONEER WEDDING-TEA-TABLE ROCK INCIDENTS-COTTON CULTURE-DISTILLERIES, TANNERIES, ETC.-COUNTRY SCHOOLS-EARLY MINISTERS-JOHN O'BANYON-THE SHAKERS-OLD POINT COMMERCE-MERCHANTS, TRADE, ETC.-DECLINE OF POINT COMMERCE-EARLY RESIDENTS OF WORTHINGTON-DEVELOPMENT-PRESENT BUSINESS MEN-SUNDRY EVENTS-SECRET SOCIETIES-THE PORTER RIFLES-SOLDIERS RE-UNION-THE TELEPHONE-INCORPORATION-ORDINANCES-OFFICERS-THE SCHOOL BONDS-BANKING-THE PRESS JOHNSTOWN-W ATSONS-SCHOOLS OF POINT COMMERCE-SCHOOLS OF WORTHINGTON-CHURCHES, ETC.


IT is not certainly known who was the first permanent settler in what is now Jefferson Township,nor can the exact date of the first settlement be ascertained. The very first settlers were Edmund Jean, Thomas Smith, Richard Wall and Samuel and Edward Dyer. Wall and Dyer both entered old Eel River Township in the spring of 1817, partially cleared small tracts of land already nearly destitute of timber, and planted small crops of corn and vegetables, and remained there during the summer to care for the fields. During their stay, they erected small but substantial and comfortable log cabins, and the following autumn moved out their families. But little is known of Edmund Jean, as he soon left the neighborhood. He was quite an intelligent man, and was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the county. Smith located on or near White River, and as early as 1818 had established a ferry, which became famous not only for its long continuance, but for the vast numbers of travelers who crossed on their way from the eastern and southern portions of Indiana and the southern part of Ohio to the prairie country of Illinois, and to the rapidly settling country in the vicinity of Terre Haute. Within the next few years, the following settlers, among others, arrived: George Griffith, Caleb Jessup, Jonathan Osborn, Thomas Clark,William Dunnegan, old man Winters, John Sanders, Alexander Craig, Benjamin Huey, Benjamin Shoemaker, James and Thomas Stalcup, Eli Dickson, John Craig, Joab Wicher, William Lemons, John Jessup, John Stanley. Hiram Hicks, Henry Littlejohn. It is said that John Sanders " entered " the first land —that is, purchased the first land from the Government. This was in the year 1817, as can be seen in the "tract book" at the county seat. As a matter of fact, however, the " tract book " shows that David and Jonathan Lindley purchased land in 1816, probably at the first land sale at Vincennes. Benjamin Shoemaker bought land in 1817. It is said that Richard Wall and Samuel Dyer raised the first crop of wheat, and the grain was beaten out With a flail on a quilt in the door-yard. Part of it, a little later, was ground into flour at the Craig Mill. It is asserted, and is probably correct, that Edmund Jean built the first log cabin in old Eel River Township; this was certainly as early as 1816. Richard Wall brought with him from the Carolinas about a quart of apple seeds in his saddle-bags, and planted a portion of the same on his farm and gave the remainder to the Sanders, Jessups, Arneys, Newsoms, Clarks, Dyers and others, and from this seed came the first orchards. Eli Dickson had the largest and most productive of all the early orchards. The old man was very kind, and gave the early settlers permission to take apples when they wished.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.

Before the creation of Greene County in 1821, the present Jefferson Township was a part of Sullivan County, and before the creation of Sullivan County in 1816-17 was apart of Knox County, to which it was attached immediately after the Indian title was extinguished in 1809. While attached to Sullivan County, it was part of Jackson Township. It is said that the Lindleys and Mr. Jean were officers at this period, and made their reports at Carlisle, then the county seat of Sullivan County. As soon as the county of Greene was created, the present townships of Highland, Jefferson, Smith and Wright were organized as one township under the first name. In 1828, all west of White River was called Smith Township, and at the same time Eel River Township was created. About the same time or a little later, Jefferson was created. The first elections under old Highland were at the Lindleys, and after,Highland was separated in 1828 the elections were at the Dayhoffs'. The first officers of Eel River Township were Henry Littlejohn, inspector of Elections; Jonathan Besheers and Alexander Watson, Fence Viewers; Caleb Jessup and John Sanders, Overseers of the Poor; and elections were ordered held at the house of Mr. Sanders. The second set of officers for Eel River Township were Ephraim Owen, Inspector; Richard Wall, Road Superintendent; G. W. Hayton, Road Superintendent; John Archer and Caleb Jessup, Overseers of the Poor; Henry Smith and Herbert Sanders, Fence Viewers. In 1881, old Eel River Township was re-attached to Jefferson.

PIONEER EVENTS.

It is said that William Dyer brought the first sack of seed wheat to the northern part of Greene County. He was a boy, and brought the seed from the southern part of Monroe County. This was in 1818. From this seed was grown the first wheat crop in the settlement. The flour was bolted by Mary Wall through a sieve made by fastening buckskin over a hoop and piercing the same with many holes. The Shakers who came from Shaker Prairie on the southern boundary of Sullivan County brought the' seed from which were grown the first peach or chards in the settlement. Among the first children born were John Archer, Rachel Wall, William Wall, Anna Osborn, J. Osborn and children of the families of Sanders, Jessup and Clark. On the 9th of August,. 1821, Rev. Hugh Barnes married Isaac Jackson and Elizabeth Griffith. On the 25th of October, 1821, Edmund Jean, Justice of the Peace, married David Smith and Mary Bryson. Phillip Silver and Sarah Lindley were married on the 10th of January, 1822, by John B. Kelshavi Justice of the Peace. John Fires and Patsey Craig were married by Mr. Jean on the 19th of May, 1822. Eli Duncan and Rebecca Stephenson were married by William Clark, Justibe of the Peace, in July, 1822. Other early weddings were Payton Owen and Rachel
Griffith, Richard Wall and Mary Dyer, Herbert Sanders and Jessie Jessup, Samuel Dyer and Celia Arney, Aquilla Walker and Elizabeth Dyer, William Foley and Jane Osborn, Ira Danley and Olive Jessup, Joseph Smith and Sallie Jessup, William Huey and Sally Stanley, John Stanley and Mary Ball, Abram Shoemaker and Maria Morris, Obediah Winters and Hannah Duncan, Thomas Huey and pasta Steward, Joshua Duncan and Maria Shoemaker, William Smith and Mary McKee. The following is by Baber concerning one of these weddings:

THE FIRES-CRAIG WEDDING.

" One of the most remarkable wedding parties that ever assembled in the western part of Indiana met at the mouth of Eel River, when John Fifes and Martha Craig were married at Alexander Craig's, on Sunday, September 30, 1819. On that day, about noon, while the young people of this neighborhood were enjoying themselves and having a very good time generally, a tribe of Indians, numbering about 200 strong floated down White River, from near Indianapolis, and landed their bark canoes at the mouth of Eel River, camped over night, and all the wedding party and many of the neighbors went to see the Indians, and the Indians passed through and took a curious look at the many workings of Mr. Craig's new mill. One young brave who had recently married a young Indian squaw, offered to make a wager with Mr. Fires, and leave it to the crowd to say which had the best and prettiest squaw, but it has been said that John Fires crawfished. Within a few days after that time, about 300 Indian warriors and their chief passed down the old Indian trail and crossed over Eel River, at the old gravel ford, on horseback. The old ford and Indian camps, where they made sugar, is on the east bank of Eel River, just west of Henry Newsom's. Those were the last Indians that camped in this locality" .

TEA-TABLE ROCK.

The old " Indian Tea-table " just above the mouth of Eel River, on the west side of White River, is the Plymouth Rock of the settlement at Point Commerce. It is nearly 100 feet high, and is a notable spot over this stone are the names of three or four generations of citizens, with dates ranging over a period of sixty-five years. The name of an old trapper is scratched in with a bear knife or tomahawk near that of a modern belle, scratched in with a pen-knife or a gold tooth-pick. Names of those are there who have been for half a century dead. The old `Tea. table " could tell an interesting story if it could speak. Indians stood there long before America was discovered, and perhaps thousands of years before that the Mound-Builders, whose bones were lately found in the mounds at Worthington, gathered there to worship their god of the sun as he descended behind the western hills, clothed in russet and purple and gold. Here their sacrifices were offered, as their god reached his meridian and, poured translucent floods of cheerful light and life-giving heat upon the domain of the " Sun Worshipers." Long before that, this old rock witnessed the land locked in ice, saw the fierce Boreas, whose breath withered the bright-hued, tropical vegetation of the preceding age, descending from the north, slept under its mantle of ice and frost through toiling ages, saw the sun ascending and the ice transformed into myriads of rivulets, which crept sparkling away to the ocean, and at last lifted itself above the waves to drink in the warm sunlight and scent the fresh gale.

INCIDENTS CONTINUED.

Thomas Smith's house stood southeast of Worthington, on the hillside. It is likely that his was the first ferry across White River, in Greene County."In the fall of the year 1819, the Indians set fire to the prairie around the Dixon Grove, just south of the fair ground, and within less than half a day one old Indian killed sixteen fine, fat deer. After the Indians had left here and gone west to Arkansas, the old settlers in Jefferson Township were called the Pottawatomies, and the white people over in Eel River Township were called the Delawares, besides many other nick names—such as North Carolina Shabs, Tuckeyhoes, Buckeyes, Corn-crackers, Suckers and Hoosiers. When the first white families came to Jefferson Township, the nearest mills were about forty miles distant, being located on the Shaker Prairie, above Vincennes. Afterward, one known as Ketcham's Mill went into operation near Bloomington, Monroe County, and another called Rawley's Mill, on Eel River, at the old hill near the old reservoir.
"Before Welton and Col. Fellows built their mills on Richland Creek, and for a few years before Craig's mill was built on White River, the first settlers raised plenty of corn and garden vegetables, and had to live on sweet and Irish potatoes, lye hominy, beat meal and deer meat. In fact deer skins and venison hams were almost a " legal tender" on all little debts at William Smith's store, which was located a little south of Willis Watson's brick house, and bears the name of being the first store house in Worthington. Mr. William Smith also established the first tan-yard in town, and it was located opposite the " Swamp Tavern," on the Terre Haute road. Old John Padgett bought the farm where Uncle Johnny Myers now lives, of old Benjamin Shoemaker, and Mr. Padgett lived there on the old Terre Haute State road for many years, and established the first drinking saloon, and kept a grocery in a big sycamore gum. At all the corn-shuckings, cotton-pickings, wedding parties and other public gatherings, a " spiritual greeting" was sent out from that big sycamore gum."Old William Winters built a house and set out those apple trees near the canal, on what is now known as the furnace place, north of Worth. ington. John Craig, entered thetland, built the house, and set out the apple orchard at the old Anderson Harvey place, just northwest of Worthington. William Lemons built his house and settled in the grove on the south side of the creek, a little north of where Eli Stalcup now lives, and the stream of water was named Lemon's Creek for him. The Black Swamp was named by the old pioneer hunters, and so called by all the old road wagoners from Louisville to Terre Haute. In early times the names of New Albany, Salem, Wood's Ferry, Smith's Ferry, Black Swamp, Scaffold Prairie, Lone Tree, Splung Creek and Terre Haute were all very familiar household words. The names of all those old road wagoners will yet be given. John Craig built the first distill-house, in the branch east of where John B. Poe's chair factory now stands; and then Benjamin Huey built another distill-house, at the Fuller Spring, on the Terre Haute road, three miles from Worthington, where he made whisky.

THE COTTON FIELD.

" Old Benjamin Huey removed the cotton gin from Craig's mill, and made a tramp-wheel cotton gin and a little horse mill on the hill, at the Fuller place, in this township. The land on which. Worthington now stands was a large and beautiful cotton field, of nearly fifty acres of choice cotton, in full bloom about the 1st of August, 1824. This cotton field was cultivated by Benjamin Shoemaker, William Winters, William Huey, Jehu Inman, John Craig, Thomas Stalcup and a few others; and that cotton field in bloom was said to be the nicest place and the prettiest crop in the western part of Indiana. A great number of young folks from other localities came to the mouth of Eel River to look for work and were soon engaged in picking cotton." It must not be understood that fifty acres where Worthington now stands were wholly in cotton. Covering about fifty acres were numerous small fields of cotton, of from one-half to five acres. When this was ripe and white and when the picking was in process, it was a beautiful sight—a familiar one in the South.
"Richard Wall made a pure article when he made whisky and brandy. It was not the kind that kills 200 yards, off-band. The first mills were band mills and hominy mortars. Old Alexander Craig built the first water mill, at Point Commerce bluff, on White River. He also built a cotton gin to pick out cotton seed in that mill. Squire Tommy Clark built a little tub mill on Clark's Creek, and ground corn into meal for the first settlers on that creek. James Jessup and Daniel Ingersoll built the Junction Mills on Eel River, at the Rock Ford at Point Commerce. Ira Danely, Amos Owen and Orrery Talley built the old White River Mills, just above the mouth of Clark's Creek, about thirty years ago; and White River changed its channel there, and left the mill site and mill pond in a patch of willows on the sand-bar.

DISTILLERIES, TANNERIES, ETC.

Old Mr. Shintaffer located in Jefferson, in 1819, and Col. Adam Boerback located at Point Commerce. The Jonathan Osborn Ferry was about three miles above Point Commerce. Col. Stokely located at Johnstown in 1819. He was an old bachelor, and owned a field glass with which he hunted bees. George Griffith was the blacksmith of early times. Benjamin Shoemaker was a very strong man and was a great fighter. His son died while hunting in the woods north of Worthington. William Smith's distillery stood a few rods southeast of the Christian Church in Worthington. He operated i small tread mill which supplied his distillery with ground grain. He obtained water about a half a mile distant at a spring on the hill. A long wooden pipe was made by jointing together many short pieces and burying them, and this conveyed the water to the distillery with a fall of about ten feet. The capacity of the distillery WRS about three barrels per day. Smith started a store, very small at first, but afterward increased to $1,000 worth or more. Of course hit, traded for skins, furs,venison hams, corn, etc., which he sold in Louisrine when he went there to get his supplies of goods. Craig's distillery st,)od on the bank of the river, near where Darnell's mill now is. It was
started in 1819, and ran to about 1825. In about 1824, the first sheep were broiight from Lost River by a man named Black, who disposed of them in small flocks to the settlers. Samuel Miller and George Phipps each bad small stores in Eel River Township. Socks were often made br mixing wolf or fox hair with cotton. William Smith owned a small tanyard in connection with his distillery. Jonathan Osborn was a powder-maker. He could make an excellent article from the usual materials—alkali, charcoal,
sulphur and saltpetre. It was run through a sieve to make it fine; it was not quite as quick as the powder of today is.

THECOUNTRY SCHOOLS OF THE TOWNSHIP.

The first school in what was Eel River Township was taught by George Baber about the year 1821 in a little log house which stood not far from the residence of Caleb Jessup. A man named Sargent was the second teacher; Ephraim Owen, the third; Luke Philbert, the fourth; —Bray, the fifth; Joseph Saddler, the sixth; and Amos Roark the seventh. Nearly all the early families of the township sent to these early schools. I schoolhouse was erected near Jessup's, where school was taught for many years; another was built at the graveyard, near John Sanders'. Campbell and Armstrong were the first teachers in the southern part of Jefferson. A schoolhouse was built as early as 1826, on Section 21, which was used for eight or ten years constantly. Several of the early township election's were held at this house. The Craig Mill was also used for the early elections. Campbell taught in the schoolhouse on Section 21, and had a large school; among the scholars being John H. Dixson, Pryor Dixson, William Dixson, Merritt and Ham Jamison, Joseph and Maria Fields, the Stalcup boys, Frank and Verlin Jessup, Harrison, Benjamin and A. J. Huey, Levi and Maria . Shoemaker, Robert and Alexander Craig and several of the Winter's, Inmans, Smiths, Crances and others. In 1830, there were hve or six schoolhouses in Jefferson and Eel River Townships. As early as 1822, Eli Dixson was appointed Superintendent of the 16th Section, Township 8 north, Range 5 west, which was offered for sale by him, and as fast as the land was disposed of the fund was used to support the public schools. This, however, was but a small pittance. Among the pioneer preachers were the old Revolutionary soldiers, High Barnes, Elder James Armstrong, Rev. Eli P. Farmer, of Monroe County; Rev. Abraham Kearns, Rev. Obadiah Winters. The first camp-meeting was held in the woods, north of old Fairplay, and there many famons ones were afterward held.

SHAKERS AND JOHN &BARYON.

The statement is made that there were three unsuccessful attempts tx found a village at Point Commerce, before success was achieved Whether such attempts were really made, or whether the fact of the arrival there of three separate collections of home-seekers gave rise to this belief, it is not a matter of great importance to inquire; but it is a fact that three groups of settlers arrived at that point, disembarked, and prepared to found permanent homes. The first of these was the four or five families which came in 1818 from Ohio down the White River and up Eel River, the leading man being John O'Banyon. They built. two or three cabins on the present site of Point Commerce, but within a few months scattered, and this settlement became non est. In the same year (1818), Alexander Craig, a devout Shaker from Busseron Creek, Sullivan County, accompanied by his own and five or six other families, came to Point Commerce for permanent settlement. Of course, the place was not then known as Point Commerce. It was regarded, however, as an important site for future commercial enterprises. Water, then, was the great channel for floating the products of trade, and settlements sprang up along the streams. The point at the junction of White and Eel Rivers was high and dry, and the rivers both navigable for all kinds of water craft of that early day. Among the very first to live at Point Commerce were AleLander Craig, John O'Banyon, John Inman, Charles Inman, Benjamin Huey, James Smith, Henry Littlejohn, — Nichols, Herbert Sanders, John Craig and others. It was not a village. A mill was there —a grist mill owned by Mr. Craig, also a cotton gin and a distillery and a blacksmith held forth; these, with half a dozen families scattered over a quarter of a mile could hardly be called by so important a designation as " village." The Shakers had scarcely arrived there and become comfortable before John O'Banyon died. There was no saw mill within many miles where lumber could be obtained with which to make the coffin. Accordingly, Henry Littlejohn, Jehu Inman, Herbert Sanders and John Craig took a large poplar log about eight feet long, and, after splitting off a huge slab on one side, cut out a hollow large enough to contain the body, after which the slab was replaced, and fastened down with pins, and then this back-woods coffin was conveyed to a spot a short distance east of the brick chapel of Point Commerce and buried. This was the first death and interment in the township. In about 1823-24, four or five more families arrived at one time, all coming from a common locality, and first stopped at Point Commerce. This was the third and last unsuccessful attempt to form a village there, if such was really the attempt.

OLD POINT COMMERCE.

Immediately after the passage by the State Legislature of the Internal Improvement bill of 1835, the project of constructing a canal down White River and another down the Wabash River was put on foot, and a survey was ordered and made; whereupon it was found that the best place to join the two canals was at the mouth of Eel River. This was the report of the survey of the engineers. At this time, J. M. H. & J. F. Allison were in business at Spencer, Owen County. They were shrewd business men, and they instantly saw that the junction of the two canals to be built would become an important
commercial center, and they accordingly came to the mouth of Eel River, bought a tract of land, and on the 22d of April, 1836, laid out thirty five lots on fractional Section 21, Township 8 north, Range 5 west, and named the town thus begun Point Commerce, in anticipation of what was expected of the place. J. F. Allison, himself, did the surveying. At the same time they built a large frame store building, 22x40, obtaining the lumber at Littlejohn's mill in Owen County, and floating it down the river. The Allisons immediately put in a large stock of general merchandise, comprising everything needed at that early period in the country. They bought their goods in the East at New
York, shipped them to Pittsburgh, thence down the Ohio to Louisville, thence hauled them by wagon to Point Commerce. The town began to grow rapidly. Blacksmiths came in; carpenters, shoemakers, coopers, tanners, doctors, hotel-keepers, speculators, milliners, gunsmiths, etc., etc., erected shops and began to ply their specialties. The Allisons built the famous old Junction House and installed Dr. Shepard as landlord. Robert Leach was the blacksmith; Dawson was the tailor; Maj. Eddy opened a tin-shop; Calvin Spooner started a tannery. Samuel Miller before this had started a wool-carding mill operated by tread power; but later the factory was moved to the river, where water from a dam was used as the motor. W. C. Andrews came in 1839 and soon started a store. Joseph Miller also engaged in the mercantile pursuit. Rapidly the town sprang into life. The Allisons did business under the firm name of Allison & Allison. C. J. Barrackman opened a store soon after the town was founded. Ingersoll & Jessup built a large grist mill on the river, and operated a saw mill with it. In a short time Andrews and Topping formed a partnership in the general mercantile business, and continued with large and increasing success a few years, and afterward Andrews & Barrackulan opened out at Worthington. A distillery was started about 1839-40. Dayton Topping commenced selling goods about 1839. The Allisons did a very large business in packing and shipping tobacco, pork, grain, etc., down the river. It is said they sent as high as fifteen flat-boats down the river in one season (late in the decade of the forties). Frank and Verlin Jessup were in business there early in the forties. Others sent out flatboats besides the Allisons. Andrews & Topping boated quite extensively. It is said that for a period of over ten years the Allisons shipped out an average of ten or twelve boat loads annually. Pork was extensively shipped out, though it seems that the butchering was done by the farmer. About this time, also, Samuel Miller was operating his carding and fulling mill on quite a large scale. Jack Newsom owned the grist mill later. In 1839, there were about thirty families residing in this busy little town.

MERCHANDISING, TRADE, ETC.

Money was very scarce, and for convenience and to effect exchanges, people were forced to barter. The merchants carried a large credit, and made calculations to lose a certain percentage of their sales. With this object in view—the object to cover all losses occurring in that way they sold their goods a slight percentage higher than they would otherwise have done. They took every conceivable article of farm production—pork, beef, corn, wheat, rye, oats, deer and other skins, vegetables, beeswax, butter, beans, etc., etc., in exchange for their store supplies, the demand regulating the values, and sent all down the river to market, where it was disposed of and the proceeds used in laying in new supplies of general merchandise. It is said they often had in store, late in the forties, not less than $40,000 worth of goods. The trade of the town extended over a vast tract of country, people coming from twenty and thirty miles distance., Andrews & Barrackman formed a partnership in about 1844, and soon had a business second only to the Allisons. The merchants, including the Allisons, uniformly lost on their produce, and soon Andrews & Barrackman avoided that trade as far as possible, in. vesting their profits in land where Worthington now stands. In 1844, they bought 200 acres, and in 1846, 200 more. In the end, this proved .to be a wise investment. Miller & Smith sold liquor and groceries in 1838 and later. Barrackman was in business alone at first, but was afterward joined by Mr. Andrews, who had been in partnership with Mr. Topping. David Johnson was in business in the forties. Late in the forties, the Allisons seemed to have formed partnerships with Farmer & Howe, though they still ran their big store. It was not long after the town started that steamboats began to come up the river for loads of produce. In about 1848-49, when Point Commerce was at the height of its prosperity, the population numbered about 500. It was called the " White Town," owning to the cheerfulness of the place and the white-painted houses. It is said to have had very few liquor shops, and was moral and " high-toned." The old Junction House was " good enough for Philadelphia." A lodge of Washingtonians was organized there, which did much to root out all objectionable features from the town. The Allisons, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Topping, and, in short, all the substantial men of the place, belonged, and worked for the good of the town. The lodge meetings were greatly enjoyed, and such songs as this were often rendered:

" The shouts of Washingtonians
Are beard on very gale,
They're chanting now their victory
O'er cider, beer and ale."

THE DECADENCE OF POINT COMMERCE

The building of the canal, the founding of Worthington, the failure to construct a steamboat lock at Newberry, and the financial crash of the Allisons, were the signal for the decadence and ultimate death of.. Point Commerce. The extension of the canal on the west side of the river induced Andrews & Barrackman, who owned land there, to lay out Worthington, which began to grow rapidly at the expense of Point Commerce. The rivalry became severe, .and the hostilities engendered endured for many years. Point Commerce expected, as it had before, to have the benefit of steamboat trade on the rivers: but the failure to construct a lock large enough at Newberry (which had really been the contract) was a severe blow to the hopes of the town, and a source of joy to Worthing ton. The canal was an eyesore to Point Commerce, and was the aortic artery of Worthington. But the latter never realized its hopes in the canal, except, perhaps, that it owes its existence to that source. Had it not been for the canal there would now be no Worthington and Point Commerce would have the population of both. The Allisons were unlucky in their business, beginning about 1849. They lost heavily on goods and produce shipped by ocean and gulf from New York to New Orleans or vice versa, by wrecks, having little or no insurance. These and other unsuccessful ventures and the depreciation of property and the big fire in Point Commerce in 1854, caused their failure. The town lingered on for many years, slowly dying, the business men and families resident growing fewer, until the town is now a suburb of Worthington. It may be termed the Washington Heights of Worthington.

EARLY RESIDENTS OF WORTHINGTON.

In April, 1849, when the canal became a certainty at what is now Worthington, Andrews & Barrackman, with commendable energy and forethought, the owners of several hundred acres there, employed a surveyor and laid out on both sides of the canal *94 lots on the soutuwest quarter of the northwest quarter, and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 21, Township 8 north, Range 5 west. They erected the old and renowned Franklin House, of which Dayton Topping was so long landlord, and for a time used one part of it as a store room. Andrews & Barrackman moved their store over from the Point in 1850. Buildings began to go up in all directions. In 1853-54, the following were residents of the town: W. C. Andrews, C. J. Barrackman, M. L. Deal, William Wilkins, Godfrey Shryer, C. B. Osborn, Isaac N. Morrison,•Stephen, H. Lock-wood, Samuel Motz, S. B. Harrah, G. R. Taylor, Joseph Bland, John Willey, Abram Spainhower, Ernest Ehrsom (the first storekeeper of the township), Philander Burr, R. E. Andrews, M. H. Shryer, Carpus N. Shaw, M. P. Eddy, Henry F. Blount, Frank Blount, Robert Warnick, Rollin Blount, Leonard Ferris, G. W. Langworthy, M. J. Overstreet, Dayton Topping, Lafayette Burnam, Samuel Burnam, George Start, Clark Start, C. C. Howe, Marcus Holliday, Robert Howe, James Beach, Dr. W. C. Smydth, L. M. Baird, Dr. J. H. Axtell, Dr. S. M. Wright, Theodore Scheepers, John Harritt, J. T. Smith, 3. J. Hochstetler, James Smith, Robert Warren, G. H. Burgett, Black, Jesse Crull and others. The town was named after Worthington, Ohio.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN.

By 1854, the population is said to have been about 500. Deal Sr Morrison founded the Advertiser in 1853, a full account of which may be seen further on in this chapter. The Starts built a large grist mill about 1850, on the canal, which had a large trade and patronage. John TAFT tractors and builders—J. M. Dyer, John Myers; churches—Episcopalian, ldethodist Episcopal, Protestant Methodist, Christian, Baptist, Presbyterian; doctors—L. P. Mullinnix, Thomas Aydelotte, Samuel Gray and Dr. Brouillette. The present woolen factory was built by Mr. Miller in about 1871, at a cost of about
$6,000. He employs eight or ten hands during the busy season. He also buys grain. His elevator, erected about four years ago, cost $1,500. A hub and spoke factory ran for a short time in 1870. Ephraim Brighton had a furniture shop before the I. & V. R. R. was completed to the town. He then put in a planing mill and manufactured furniture. The Daniell Planing Mill was started about the same time, and is running yet. A saw mill is connected with it. The Saffader Grist Mill was built about five years ago by Carnahan & Signer, at a cost of about $4,000. Allen, John Dixson and Fisher have been connected with it. The mill has lately been refitted with new and excellent machinery, and is now valued at $15,000. The Start & Newsom Mill, built about 1868, did a good business at first. Considerable flour was shipped. In about 1873, Browning & Co. obtained possession, and have since refitted several times. At the present writing, the best roller machinery is being put in. The mill will be worth $15,000. Pratt, a Yankee, started the first saw mill in Worthington in about 1852. Poe owned it later; also C. C. Howe. Prosser & Baker conducted one about the war time. Wilbur took Prosser's place in about 1873. The mill became defunct a few vAars ago.

THE RAILROADS.

In August, 1869, the I. & V. Railroad was finished to Worthington, and a crowd, estimated at from 4,000 to 8,000, was present. Mr. Morrison avers that up to that time one-third of those present had not ridden behind a locomotive, and many had never before seen an engine or a train of cars. It was a memorable day to the town. In 1879, ten years after the completion of the I. & V. road, the Terre Haute & Southeastern was finished as far south as Worthington. This was the occasion of another gathering to celebrate the good news. These two roads give the town first-class shipping facilities.

POSTMASTERS, CONFLAGRATIONS, POPULATION, ETC.

The Postmasters of Worthington have been M. P. Eddy, R. E. An- drews, S. H. Lockwood, E. R. Buckner; I. N. Morrison, 1860 to 1865; William Wilkins; L N. Morrison. 1869 to 1879; A. S. Helms and C. IL Pering. The town has been visited by several disastrous fires: The old Franklin House was swept away. The block between First and Second streets was burned in 1872, entailing a loss of about $12,000. The Taylor Block was burned in 1874; loss about $9,000. Among the first physicians of the town were Smydth, Hutchinson, Jayneson. The popula Padgett lived upon the town site when the lots were laid out. Edward H. Topping also lived near by. Mr. Newsom was interested in the Starts Mills. The first boat on the canal came to town in 1850. A large crowd gathered to celebrate the event, and to take a free ride up to Terre Haute and elsewhere. Andrews & Barrackman bought large quantities of grain to be shipped to market on the canal. K. B. Osborn also bought considerable, besides others. The Starts and Newsoms were later buyers. Andrews & Barrackman bought as high as 15,000 bushels of wheat in one year. K. B. Osborn was Canal Superintendent. Godfrey Shryer, a very prominent man and a most excellent citizen, who is yet a resident of the town, began business in 1851. Soon after this, William Wilkins came in. The town has no better citizen. Shryer bought out Ernest Ehrsom. G. R. Taylor established his store a little later, and prospered. His sons are the leading dry goods merchants at present. Andrews & Barrackman had the largest early store. Mr. Andrews is well advanced in years, well respected and well preserved, yet lives without an enemy in the town he founded thirty-five years ago. Dr. W. C. Smydth opened an early drug store. He sold to C. C. Howe before the war. Squire & Mullinnix came in with a big stock of drugs after the war. Start & Wilkins sold merchandise early, as did also the Switz Brothers. Samuel Motz had owned a tannery on the town site before the lots were laid out. This was continued under various ownerships for ten or twelve years. Mr. Lang-worthy came in early with goods, has continued since, and now has a large fine store. C. A. Osborn is one of the oldest business men; also Mr. Burr, S. B. Harrah, and others. Shryer, Cressy & Co., L. M. Baird, Burnam Brothers, Blount, Harrah, Miller & Co., Philander Burr, John H. Groves, Andrews, Miller & Throop, T. S. Haviland, John Peck, W. S. Bays, M. Haas, Zechariah Miller, Taylor Brothers (1865), C. N. Shaw & Co., W. M. Morrison, Moses Overstreet, M. Gard, were business men of the town at later dates.

PRESENT BUSINESS MEN.

The present business of the town may be summarized as follows: Dry goods—Taylor Brothers, P. Burr, Langworthy & Son, W. B. Squire; hardware—Harrah & Shaw, McKee Brothers; drugs—W. B. Squire, H. C. Clary, J. A. Austin; groceries—Cooper & Foster, John Berridge, C. A. Osborn, Page & Co. ; boots and shoes—William Little, John Keyser and all dry goods stores; restaurants—George Reath, 0. B. Cressy, C. A. Osborn, Mrs. Hineman; harness shops—Cole, Bruner, Ward and Beach; photography—Beck & Reese; millinery—Mrs. John Middleton, Mrs. C. W. Spooner, Mrs. B. Beaver; saloons—William Wolf, Charles Roth, T. J. Miller, William Mullenbeck, Ernest Ehrsom ; livery—J. L. Harris, M. J. Goff; grist mills—Browning & Son, Kaffader & Co.; saw or planing mills—I. M. Darnell, Jean & Heaton; carding factory—J. E. Miller; Worthington Exchange Bank—William Wilkins, President; population of Worthington in 1849, was 0; in 1853, about 500; in 1860, about 700; in 1870, about 900; in 1880, was 1,185, and is now (1884, March) about 1,300.


THE ODD FELLOWS.

On the 16th of November, 1853, Worthington Lodge,No. 137, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted at Worthington with the following charter members: Marcus L. Deal, J. J. Hochstetler, K. B. Osborn, Godfrey Shryer, L. A. Stark, J. G. Stephenson, M. S. Wines and S. H. Burgett, Mr. Shryer being the only one now living. The charter was not granted until January 18, 1854, and before that the lodge worked under a dispensation. The first officers were M. L. Deal, Noble Grand; J. J. Hochstetler, Vice Grand; G. H. Burgett, Secretary; and K. B. Osborn, Treasurer. From that early day to this, the lodge has steadily prospered, and now owns the upper story of the " Odd Fellows Building," has about $3,000 in surplus funds and has a large member. ship at present. The officers at the last election were: J. C. Cutsinger, N. G.; W. J. Hale, V. G.; J. D. English, Rec. Sec.; John Myers, Per. Sec.; W. J. Ward, Treasurer. The Worthington Encampment, No. 130, was instituted February 5, 1875, while the charter bears the date May 19, 1875. The charter members were W. A. Hays, Julius Voit, J. E. Tliroop, J. H. Groves, S. H. Carnahan, George Wills, S. R. McKee and T. H. Hollis. The first officers of the Encampment were: W. A. Hays, C. P.; Juluis Voit, H. P.; S. H. Carnahan, S. W.; J. H. Groves, J. W.; J. E. Throop, Scribe; R. S. McKee, Treasurer, and the present officers are: F. N. Miller, C. P.; W. J. Ward, S. W.; John Myers, J. W.; J. E. Throop, H. P.; W. S. Hays, Scribe; and Godfrey Shryer, Treasurer. In August, 1883, Esther Lodge,No. 229,Daughters of Rebekah, was organized with the following membership: J. E. Cutsinger, Mrs. E. C. Cutsinger,. James Carroll, Mrs. Jane Carroll, A.. N. Middleton, Mrs. M. A. Middleton, F. M. Ridge, Mrs. Rebecca Ridge, W. L. Hastings, Mrs. E. J. Hastings, W. J. Ward, Carrie A. Ward, S. S. Cantwell, Josephine Cantwell, John Aydelotte, L. E. Aydelotte, J. M. Beach, Maggie Beach, W. J. Newsom, Ellen Newsom, William Coke and Sarah E. Coke. All departments of the Odd Fellows Lodge are flourishing.

KNIGHTS OF HONOR.

Evergreen Lodge, No. 2344, Knights of Honor, was instituted January 3, 1881, with the following charter members: W. H. H. Welch, W.L. Hastings, George F. Allison, J. M. Beach, George Reath, Thomas Aydelotte, Thomas W. Fox, John W. Middleton, George P. Stone, J. L. Harris, William Johnston, J. A. Keith, Thomas Fires, F. M. Fagaly - and Fred Myers. This lodge is prosperous, with the following officers: William Coke, D.; Allen Runner, V. D.; George Reath, Treasurer; J. A. Keith, Reporter; J. L. Harris, Guide; John Cookerly, Guardian.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

On the 23d of March, 1882, Worthington Lodge, No. 100, Knights of Pythias, was instituted by Occidental Lodge, No. 18, of Terre Haute, with the following charter members: R. Bryson, William Johnston, George G. Dyer, George P. Stone, J. J. Summerlot, C. M. Dagget, J.L. Harris, A. S. Helms, C. K. Pering, J. M. Davis, R. Slinkard, L. P. Mullinnix, C. T. Calhoun, J. J. Wright, George Reath, W. B. Dyer, W. B. Squire, L B. Harris, A. J. Fulkerson, James Campbell, John W. Andrew, John Bolinger, Thomas W. Page and Ed Coffey. The lodge is prcisperous, with a present membership of about forty-eight, and pays $6 per month rent for the use of the hall. The present officers are: T. W. Page, P. C.; A. S. Helms, C. C.; C. K. Pering, V. C.; Benjamin Stalcup,
Prelate; G. G. Dyer, K. of R. and S. ; T. C. Owen, M. of F.; W. E. Johnston, M. of E.; W. B. Dyer, M. of A.; M. Fillion, I. G.; R. Paxton, 0. G. The first officers of the lodge were: L. P. Mullinnix, P. C.; W.B. Squire, C. C.; R. Slinkard, V. (3.; A. S. Helms, Prelate; G. G. Dyer, K. of R. and S.; J. M. Davis, M. of F. ; William Johnston, M. of E.; W. B. Dyer, M. at A.; T. W. Page, I. G.; C. K. Pering, 0. G.; George P. Stone, J. J. Summerlot and I. B. Harris, Trustees. The property of the lodge is valued at about $500.

GRAND ARMY POST.

On the 6th of September, 1882, Worthington Post, No. 91, Grand Army of the Republic, was instituted by David Agness, of Vincennes, Assistant Mustering Officer of the Department of Indiana. The following were the charter members: T. A. Brown, M. C. Taylor, D. A. Foster, J. W. Middleton, G. P. Stone, C. G. Sanders, S. S. Sharp, J. W. Padget, T. J. Fires, A. N. Middleton, Ephraim Harrell, T. J. Miller, J. A. Keith, R. C. Haton, D. W. Soliday, L. P. Mullinnix, W. J. Newsom, J. M. Parsley, Peter Westmore, W. N. Darnell, J. W. Detrick, William Anderson, W. G. Hutton, James Carroll and P. G. Sanders. The first officers were: A. S. Helms, P. C.; M. C. Taylor, S. V. C.; C. G. Sanders, J.V. C.; S. S. Sharp, Q. M. ; L. P. Mullinnix, Surgeon; George P. Stone, Adjutant; J. A. Keith, 0. of D.; J. W. Padget, 0. of G.; J. W. Middleton, S. M.; D. A. Foster, Q. M. S.; J. W. Middleton, A. D. C. The present officers are: A. S. Helms, P. C.; C. G. Sanders, S. V. C.; R. C. Hayden, J. V. C.; 3. W. Middleton, Adjutant; a. F. Cantwell, Q. M. S.; L. P. Mullinnix, Surgeon; J. A. Keith, 0. of D.; J. W. Padget, 0. of G.; Daniel Soliday, Q. M.; William Coke, S. M.; J. H. Johnson, Post Inspector; M. C. Taylor, A. D. C. The present membership is fifty-three, and the Post meets in the hall on the South Side. At a very early day in the history of Worthington, a Masonic lodge was organized, which for a number of years was the strongest secret society in the town. Mr. Wilkins, the banker, was a member of this lodge. The lodge flourished for many years, but, not long ago, owing it is said to serious financial losses, it surrendered its charter and has not since been revived.

THE PORTER RIFLES AND THE SOLDIERS' RE-UNION.

In June, 1883, a militia company was prganized at Worthington with the following officers: A. S. Helms, Captain; C. G. Sanders, First Lieu. tenant; M. D. Ellis, Second Lieutenant; J. A. Keith, Orderly Sergeant. In July of the same year, uniforms were obtained, and a short time before a full set of fine breech-loading Springfield rifles was obtained from the State. The company was named "Porter Rifles," in honor of Gov. Porter. On the 11th, 12th and 13th of September, 1883, a re-union of soldiers was held at Worthington, on which occasion from 2,000 to 4,000 people were present on each day. Four companies, including the Porter Rifles and two companies from Terre Haute, were
present, en-'camped on the fair ground west of town. Two pieces of cannon were brought from Indianapolis to be used in the sham battle on the third day. The four companies participated in this battle, and covered themselves with gl—ory. A running race of ponies, a trotting race of horses, a shooting match for beef, were some of the attractions. After the citizens had gone to great expense in preparing for the re-union, bad induced companies to be present, and had shipped cannon and other supplies from the capital, the people seemed to expect that entrance to the show should cost nothing, and when it was found that all were required to pay for admittance, many. angered at the fact, left the town in disgust. The re-union, as a whole, was not up to expectations, though a good feeling and much enthusiasm prevailed among those who were willing to " pay something for something."

THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.

In 1879, W. B. Harrah and J. D. Myers took up a collection, and with this had constructed the telephone line to Bloomfield. The following year they sold out to a Chicago company who yet own the line. It has been gradually extended until it now has stations at Switz City, Newberry, Lyons, Marco, Vincennes, etc. "Hello!" is the popular sal•utation. The line is found to be very useful, and for the small sum of 25 cents business 10 minutes long can be transacted. The line is not well enough supported, but pays a small dividend each year.


INCORPORATION OF WORTHINGTON.

In the spring of 1870, a petition was circulated at Worthington and largely signed, addressed to the County Commissioners, and praying that an election might be held to decide whether the town might have the privilege of municipal government, and in response to this petition the County Board ordered the polls open and the citizens to decide in accordance with their petition. This election was duly held, and a majority of votes cast for the incorporation. A total of ninety-three votes was cast, The Commissioners then formally declared the place to be " The Incorporated Town of Worthington." An election of officers was called for the 25th of June, 1870, on which occasion the following resulted Abraham Spainhower, F. D. Conant and Enoch Dean, Trustees; D. W. Soliday, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor; A. Runner, Marshal. The board first met on the 5th of July, and appointed A. G. Sanders, Fire Warden and Street Commissioner, and D. W. Soliday Prosecuting Attorney.

ORDINANCES.

The first ordinance passed was the useless order fixing the incorporated limits of the town, a matter wholly within the province of the County Board. The limits thus fixed were as follows: Beginning on the section line dividing 20 and 21, Township 8 north, Range 5 west and 68 rods south of the northeast corner of said Section 20, it being tike southeast corner of Margaret Topping's land; thence west 25 chains and 90 links; thence south 5 chains and 68 links; thence east 15 chains; thence south 41 chains and '79 links; thence east 41 chains and 96 links; thence north 16 chains and 42 links; thence east 9 chains and 86 links; thence north 20 chains and 38 links; thence east 1 chain and 3 links; thence north 16 chains; thence west 34 chains and 73 links; thence south 6 chains and 22 links to the beginning. Immediately after this for several meetings, various and necessary town ordinances were adopted for the government of the corporation. Sidewalks were ordered constructed, hitching posts planted, the canal filled up, stagnant water drained and nuisances abated. In August, Allen Runner resigned his position as Marshal, and Josiah Corbin was appointed to succeed him. On the 3d of September, a town jail was ordered built, the structure to be 10x16 feet, one storied, eight feet high, and to be very strongly built of heavy timber, and to be finished November 5. Isaac Pugh contracted to put up the building for $150, and complied with his contract.

OFFICERS.

The officers of 1871 were C. C. Howe, Philander Burr and James A. Minick, School Trustees; A.Spainhower, F. D. Conant and Enoch Dean, Town Trustees; John A. Bays, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor; and Obed Mercer, Marshal. The latter resigned in December, and was succeeded by Jacob Schrank. Trustee Spainhower resigned in March, 1872, his successor being A. G. Sanders. In 1872, the officers elected were A. a Sanders, Leonard Ferris and Samuel Folsom, Trustees; B. S. Henderson, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor; Samuel Holmes, Marshal; B. S. Henderson, Prosecuting Attorney. In June, 1872, $5,000 worth of cor poration bonds were ordered issued, to be used in erecting a new Schoolhouse, bit before action could be taken on the order, it was rescinded. Dr. W. C. Smydth was appointed School Trustee, vice C. C. Howe, de. ceased. Henderson Moved from the town, and J. S. Bays became Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor. In 1873, the School Trustees were W. C. Smydth, Willis Watson and William Wilkins; Town Trustees, George Elliott, Daniel Riggs and I. M. Darnell; Clerk and Assessor, F. O. Wadsworth; Treasurer, John Myers; Marsha:, A. B. Alexander. ha October, 1873, William Wilkins, School Trustee. resigned, and S. S. Haviland took his place. Jacob Geckler succeeded Alexander as Marshal in January, 1874. S. G. Chapman took Elliott's place as Trustee, and and J. S. Bays took Wadsworth's place as Clerk and Assessor. The elected officers of 1874 were I. M. Darnell, S. J. Heston and L. G. Chapman, Trustees; John Myers, Treasurer; D. W. Soliday, Prosecuting Attorney; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; G. W. Cox, Clerk and Assessor. In October, W. C. Andrews became Clerk. Some time before this the Town Board had by ordinance ordered that within certain limite no frame buildings should be erected. Efforts were made at this time to secure the abrogation of this ordinance, but without avail. In February, 1875, C. C. Howe's First and Second and Avondale Additions were admitted to the corporate limits; or, more correctly speaking, the limits were extended to include them. Willis Watson became his own successor as School Trustee.

THE SCHOOLHOUSE BONDS.

On the 3d of April, 1875, a special ordinance was passed by the Town Board, authorizing the issue of $16,000 worth of nine per cent corporate bonds in denominations of $500 each, $4,000 payable in seven years, $5,000 in fourteen years and $7,000 in twenty years, all payable at the bank of Winslow, Lanier & Co., New York. A. short time before this, the board had decided to erect a large school building, and when the bonds were ordered issued, the work on the structure had already been commenced. The bonds were printed and put on the market for sale, rating at a few cents' discount, and were finally bought by Eastern capital. ists. If the periods of the bonds were changed from the statement above, such fact could not be learned. For several years, the interest continued to be paid regularly on the bonds when due until 1881, when the town ran behind, and the following year suit was brought in the United States District Court, at Indianapolis, by J. E. Norton, bond holder, to recover the overdue interest. The matter was finally coin-promised upon the following terms: 1. The sum of $1,000 to liquidate all overdue coupons; 2. All bonds to bear five per cent interest instead of nine per cent; 3. Bonds No. 1 to 8 inclusive, now matured, to be paid on or before the 3d of October, 1886; 4. After the payment of the first eight bonds, any others may be paid on the 3d of April or the 3d of October of any year prior to maturity; 5. Principal and interest to be paid at the office of J. E. Norton, in Portland, Me.; 6. The failure to pay interest within ten days after maturity will be punished by increasing the interest cu the remaining bonds to nine per cent; 7. The costs of the present suit to be paid by the town. Since this, the interest has been promptly paid, and a sinking fund should be steadily created to be used in paying the principal.

OFFICERS CONTINUED.

'Early in 1875, the addition of Willis Watson was attached to the corporation. The officers of 1875 were: I. M. Darnell, L. G. Chapman and S. J. Heston, Trustees; Benjamin Stalcup, Clerk; John Myers, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; J. S. Bays, Attorney; Leonard Ferris, Fire Warden; Willis Watson was continued School Trustee.
ohn Myers was Assessor; 50 cents on each $100, and $1 on each poll, were levied to pay school bonds and interest. Willis Watson negotiated the sale of the bonds. S. S. Haviland was School Trustee in 1875. A license of $100 was levied upon liquor dealers. In April, 1876, the town bought $58 worth of street scrapers, etc. The officers of 1876 were: W. C. Andrews, S. J. Heston and W. B. Squire, Trustees; Benjamin Stalcup, Clerk (he received all votes polled, 154); Levi Fellows, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; J. S. Bays, Attorney; Leonard Ferris, Fire Warden. E. L. Webber, School Trustee of 1876, resigned in December, his successor being J. E. Throop. The officers of 1877 were: W. C. Andrews, S. J. Heston and W. N. Dean, Trustees; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; Levi Fellows, Treasurer; J. D. Myers, Assessor and Clerk. The report of the Treasurer for the fiscal year 1876-77, was as follows: On hand at the beginning of the year, $390.49; receipts of special school tax, $1,637.49; total receip&, $3,336.22; interest paid on bonds,
$1,447.22; on hand in cash and paper, $1,085.05. A tax on dogs was levied in 1877. In May, 1877, J. E. Throop was appointed School Trustee for three years. John Laverty was School Trustee in 1877.

OFFICERS CONCLUDED.

The officers of 1878 were: W. C. Andrews, S. J. Heston and S. H. Carnahan, Trustees; J. D. Myers, Clerk and Assessor; Levi Fellows, Treasurer; J. H. Greves, School Trustee; Jacob Geckler, Marshal;
J. S. Bays, Attorney. A town hall (the old schoolhouse) had been secured some time before this, and in March, 1879, a bell was placed thereon, obtained of G. F. Allison for $15. The officers of 1879 were: J. M. Foster, W. A. Hays and S. if Carnahan, Trustees; J. D. Myers, Clerk; James E. Miller, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal. Mr. Howe became his own successor as School Trustee. The Marshal's salary for the year Was fixed at $180. D. N. McKee had been School Trustee before this. In October, W. C. Andrews succeeded J. M. Foster as Town Trustee. Howe, School Trustee, resigned in April, 1880. The officers of 1880 were: J. D. Myen, William Hays and Henry Gastineau, Trustees; W. H. H. Welch, Clerk; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal. In June, 1880, S. J. Heston succeeded McKee as School Trustee. The Treasurer's Report for the fiscal year 1880-81 was as follows: On hand, $1,256.41; from saloons, $600; special school tax, $779.22; total receipts, $2,C)77.58; interest paid on school bonds, $600.75; on hand, $1,575.52. The officers of 1881 were: George P. Stone, Carpus Shaw and P. Burr, Trustees; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; M. Stark, Clerk; J. D. Welker, School Trustee. J. J. Hochstetler soon succeeded Stark as Clerk. The officers of 1882 were: G. P. Stone, William Hays and D. P. Fort, Trustees; D. N. McKee, Clerk; T. J. Fires, Marshal; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; T. H. Hollis, T. D. Welker and S. J. Heston, School Trustees. The officers of 1883 were: C. G. Sanders, George Reath and William Hays, Trustees; J. M. Beach, Clerk; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; J. L. Harris, Marshal; Dr. L. P. Mullinnix, School Trustee. S. J. Heston soon succeeded Welker as School Trustee. This brings the list of officers and their important acts up to the present.

THE BANKS OF WORTHINGTON.

In 1872, the Worthington Bank was founded by P. McKissick, Henry Grim, Aden G. Cavins, E. Dean, Philander Burr, A. J. Newsom and J. N. Newsom, who were the stockholders of $20,000 of capital. Putnam McKissick was President, and E. Dean, Cashier. Under this management, a fair private banking business was done until 1875, when a re-organization occurred, with the following stockholders: P. McKissick, W. C. Andrews, Henry Grim, F. M. Dugger, D. S. Whitaker, C. N. Shaw, C. Start, A. G. Cavins, A. 3. Newsom, J. N. Newsom, William Wilkins, W. B. Squire, McKee Brothers, Lucian Shaw, A. M. Cunning, Charles Roth and J. F. Ballard. The officers were: W. C. Andrews, President; C. N. Shaw, Cashier. The capital under this organization was $50,000. A good business was done. In 1878, a second re-organization occurred, at which time many of the stockholders retired, and the name was changed to the Worthington Exchange Bank. No new stockholders came in. The officers were: William Wilkins, President; C. N. Shaw, Cashier. The present stockholders are W. C. Andrews, William Wilkins, C. N. Shaw and Charles Roth. Mr. Wilkins is President, and Mr. Shaw Cashier. The bank has a capital of $50,000, and a surplus of $20,000, and enjoys a paying patronage and the unlimited confidence of the public. It has been since the founding a private bank. Dr. E. Dean is said to have done the first banking business in town.

THE PRESS OF WORTHINGTON.

The first newspaper established in Greene County was at Worthington in 1853. Marcus L. Deal and Isaac N. Morrison, who had been publishing a paper at Salem, Ind., came to Worthington at the solicitation the citizens, and, with a full office outfit brought with them, issued the first number of the Worthington Advertiser about the 1st of November, 1853. The sheet was a six-column folio, subscription price $1.50 per annum, and was strongly Whig in politics. The canal had a short time before been established through the county, and Worthington had sprung into active and vigorous life, and the citizens felt the need of a , newspaper, and felt that they could support one, and accordingly gave the publishers a flattering list to begin with. The prevailing sentiment was for a Whig paper. The Paper was issued under the name Advertiser just one year, and was then sold to a stock company which had been formed to prevent the loss of the paper to the town, which event seemed probable, as the subscription had fallen to the bottom and the advertising and job work patronage was reduced to a minimum. The leading mem- bers of_ this stock company were as follows: Dr. J. H. Axton, S. B. Har- rah, L. M. Baird, Langworthy &. Blount, W. C. Andrews, R. E. Andrews, Dayton Topping. K. B. Osborn and others to the number, all told, of about twenty. Before the purchase of the office by the stock company, the entire concern had been owned by Mr. Deal, with whom Mr. Morri- son was associated in the capacity of a compositor.

THE "HOOSIER BLADE."

The Worthington Press Company immediately after the purchase of the paper from Mr. Deal leased the office to " Lord Byron " Conway, who commenced issuing an independent sheet under the name, the Hoosier Blade for one year with indifferent success, when the office was sold to Isaac N. Morrison for $350, just one-half the amount paid by the company to Mr. Deal. Mr. Morrison, with years of experience as a newspaper man, with an energy that knew no such thing as defeat, the most rapid compositor ever in the county, an ardent and uncompromising Whig, and a citizen of more than average enlightenment, honor and enterprise, commenced issuing the paper on his own responsibility in the autumn of 1855. Under his judicious management, the TVhite River Valley Times at once became popular. Mr. Morrison was his own editor, publisher and compositor, and composed both sides of his paper, often at the case. His rapidity enabled him to dispense with the services of a compositor, which fact largely contributed to his success, as at that time the subscription list was small, and other patronage largely lacking. He continued to issue the paper until the political campaign of 1856, when the citizens of the town asked that he advocate the election of John C Fremont to the Presidency, but this he refused to do, though a Whig on the American ticket, but consented to permit the Republicans to use the paper during the campaign. This he did, stepping down and out, whereupon John Mentzer took editorial management and issued a spirited cam paign paper in the interests of the Fremont ticket. At the conclusion of the campaign, Mr. Morrison resumed the issue of the sheet, which was yet known as the White River Valley Times. For a time, John T. Smith was his assistant. This was issued with satisfactory success, with a con.. stantly increasing patronage in all departments, until March, 1860, when the office was sold to E. E. Rose, who moved the material to Bloomfield, and began issuing the first Democratic paper of the county called the Greene County Times, full account of which will be found in the chapter on Bloomfield accompanying this volume.

THE PAPER DURING THE WAR.

In May, 1860, Mr. Morrison bought a new outfit and commenced issuing the Worthington Gazette, a republican paper, advocating the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency. It was a six-column folio, and soon had a comfortable list of subscribers. During the war, this paper. under the management of Mr. Morrison, was so ably edited and so resolutely loyal that more than one attempt was made to mob the office, cast the material in the canal and do personal injury to the outspoken editor. It was found necessary to guard the office with something more effective in defense than fists or clubs, and in this way the dark years of internecine war were passed. The paper contributed more than any other element in the county to the encouragement of volunteering and to dispel or allay the prevailing disloyal sentiments. Its efforts in this respect cannot be too highly commended in view of the results accomplished, and Mr. Morrison can have no prouder epitaph than his accomplishment through the columns of his paper during those bloody years of sorrow and war.

THE PAPER AFTER THE WAR.

In about June, 1865, Mr. Morrison sold the paper to Benjamih F. Cavins, a very promising young man of Bloomfield, son of Samuel R. Cavins, who removed the office to the county seat. An account of this enterprise may be read in the Bloomfield chapter. In 186'7, Mr. Morrison bought the office, and after issuing the Greene County Times at the county seat until 1868, moved the material back to Worthington, in consequence of the arrival there of the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad, and the strong demand for a newspaper. Here the paper became the Worthington Times. In the spring of 1870, W. J. Ward became associated with Mr. Morrison in the ownership and management of the paper, and under this partnership the issue was continued until February, 1873, when the entire outfit was sold to Fred M. Miller, of Worthington, who conducted the paper nearly two years under the same name. In 1875, the office passed to the ownership of a stock company, consisting of N. Morrison, Dr. W. B. Squire, C. N. Shaw, A. L. Blue, E. L. Webber and J. E. Miller. The paper was continued as the Worthington Times, under the editorship and management of Morrison & Blue, who were paid, or rather they received what they could make. Thus the sheet was con-tinned until about April, 1879, when the stock company sold out to A. S. Helms, who conducted it with associates, one of whom was W. J. Ward, until December, 1882, when the Morrison Brothers, sons of the veteran editor, Isaac N. Morrison, bought the office, and have since issued the paper. The brothers are Charles E. Morrison and Frank Morrison, who have a circulation of a little less than 1,000, and an excellent job and advertising patronage. The paper is, of course, Republican. Strange as it may seem, yet it is a fact, that no money has been made out of newspaper enterprises at, Worthington except by the Morrisons—father and sons--and the latter would no doubt experience -serious difficulty were it not for the practical advice of the former. It is said that while Mr. Morrison was Postmaster of the town he set up both sides of his paper himself, besides managing the affairs of Uncle Sam. Industry and skill, like blood, will always tell.

OTHER NEWSPAPER VENTURES.

In 1874, William H. Osborn began issuing an independent paper, called the Worthington Sun. The sheet met with reasonable success, and became the organ of the Greenbackers, by whom its appearance was welcomed with anthems of praise. In about 1876, it was sold to John S. Bays, who took up the editorial quill and held it for about a year, when the paper became non est. The Democratic Press, Our Little Folks, School Journal, Localizer, National Banner, and Greene County Register have been short-lived papers at Worthington.

JOHNSTOWN AND WATSON'S STATION.

When the canal was built, a small town was begun at what is now Johnstown. Hubbel built a mill there as early as 1830,which became well known. The first flat-boat sent down Eel River was built at Old Brunswick, above Johnstown, early in the thirties, by Dr. Jonathan Ray, who loaded it with pork and grain belonging to scores of settlers. He took it to New Orleans, sold all, and deposited the proceeds in Brandon's bank of that city. The following night he was roused by loud cries on the street, and listening, he heard the words uttered again and again: " Brandon's bank has failed; Brandon's bank has failed." Thus was all swept away as surely as by fire or flood—all the year's crops of -the early settlers. Much trouble was had over the dam at Point Commerce, which backed water up to Johnstown. Litigation was indulged in, and at last the trouble ended. Howe started a store there in 1849-50, and later Joseph Now succeeded. him. Watson's Station came into existence with the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad. It is a small place, where con-considerable shipping is done.

THE POINT COMMERCE SCHOOLS AND LYCEUM.

It is not certainly known who taught the first school in Point Corn. merce. A small brick building was built in about 1838, for a combined church and schoolhouse, and was used continuously for ten or twelve years or more. This was built almost or wholly by the Allisons. Mrs.Harrah taught in this house in 1846. Her school, like all over which she presided, was a model of excellence. In about 1840, a lyceum was established in town, with which all the leading men connected themselves. It soon became a great resort, large crowds packirg the schoolhouse to listen to the proceedings. When the bill was before the Legislature to change the practice in regard to the legal right of women to inherit, that question was announced for discussion before the Lyceum. Mrs. Harrah, then -in charge of the school of young men and women, with a few of the leading citizens, led the debate in favor of the bill; but the feeling against a change of that kind was so strong that an opposite decision was forced upon the house. In 1850, the big brick church and schoolhouse was constructed, the Allisons alone giving $3,000. Rev. John Laverty was induced to comp on and found an academy of the Methodist Persuasion in this building, which he did with a flattering beginning. His assistant was a gentleman named Henry. But the school was destined to die slowly, and within two years after it was founded ceased to exist.

THE SCHOOLS OF WORTHINGTON.

Miss Julia M. Taylor probably taught the first school in Worthington, in a building that had been built for and used for a time as a dwelling, not far froin the year 1851-52. Prior to this the children had gone to the school at Point Commerce, and to the log schoolhouse on the Worthington site. The first schoolhouse erected in town was a one-storied frame building, 24x50 feet, built about the year 1854. It is yet standing, and is now a dwelling. After a short time, it was found necessary to erect another, and at a later date still another, one of them being a brick structure, and all of them one-storied buildings, located best to accommodate the patrons. Among the early teachers of Worthington were Miss Whiting; P. Burr; Romeo Andrews; Carlin Hamlin, who conducted an academy in his own residence; Misrs Whiting taught the classics; Miss Emma Topping; Miss Kittle
Andrews; Miss Josephine Dorfeuille; Miss Julia Taylor, wife of Col. A. G. Cavins, of Bloomfield, Miss Ola Wadsworth and others. In 1871-72, Prof. Henry conducted a " Conference Academy " at Point Commerce, and was assisted by Miss Wadsworth. This school was not denominational. In 1875, the present fine brick school building was erected at a total cost of about $18,000.-,-f, This building is a credit to the town, but—it has not been paid for. The Scott brothers were the contractors. In 1874, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized. A crusade was commenced and continued for some time, and much good was accomplished. Mrs. S. B. rrah was at the head of the movement. Blue, Red and White Ribbon Clubs were organized.

CHURCHES OF POINT COMMERCE AND WORTHINGTON.

The Methodist Church, built at Worthington early in the fifties, is vet occupied. The class is the same that was organized at the house of Mr. Griffiths in Eel River Township about sixty years ago. The Sanders family belonged; also the Jessups, the Spooners, the Archers and many Others. IN hen Point Commerce was founded the class was moved then to the combined church and schoolhouse erected by the Allisons. The latter became the leading members. The class grew and prospered, and finally their large. church was built at the Point in 1850. Soon after this, the members began to meet at Worthington, and the present church was built at a cost of about $1,800. S. B. Harrah, Robert Scott, S. H. Lockwood, M. Hays, were leading members. The church is prosperous. The Episcopal Church was the first built in Worthington, about 185152. Among the first and leading members were W. C. Andrews, Dayton Topping, Philander Burr, Romeo Andrews. Fairs wore held to raise the means to build the church, which cost over $1,000. A rectory was built later at a cost of about $1,200, and a chalice' was added soon after the church was built. The rectors have been Abram Reeves, Daniel Shaver, H. H. Hollis, C. Easton, Mr. Eichbaum, Mr. Reeves. The present membership is about thirty-five. The Protestant' Methodists organized a class just before the war and luilt. a neat frame church at a cost of about $1,000. Samuel Motz was a leading member, as was William Ward. The lot upon which the church was built was donatedby Mr. Motz, who obtained it free of charge from Andrews & 136.rrackman. The class has prospered and now has quite a respectable membership. The Baptists next organized after the war and built a frame church in town at a cost of about $900. The Keiths were prominent in this church. Within a short time after they organized, they numbered over thirty members. Much of the means to build their church was obtained as the other churches
obtained theirs, by subscriptions, donations and fairs. The class is prosperous.
The Christian Church was built after the war. This is the only brick church in town. It is a small, fine building, and is said to have cost about k1,300. Among the leading members were the Howes, the Watsons and others. The class almost died out at one or more times, but was revived and still are prosperous and assemble regularly. The class of Presbyterians was organized about the time the Baptists started up, and erected their church about the same time also. The McKees were leading members, as were also the Conants. The 'church is frame, and cost about $1,000. This class also almost died out more times than one, but is still in existence, with excellent prospect for long life.
 

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This information is the research of many people across the United States and may contain errors. It is presented as the best information to date. Like all of those whose work I have incorporated herein, my research is a work in progress and subject to change without notice. A special thanks to Marlene Ricci of CA, Dwayne Meyer of CA, Jacqueline Bean of TX, Debbie Dick of IN, Milus Miller of IL, Carol Hendricks Miller of IN, Clarence Miller of IN, and Harold Glen Miller of IN. There are numerous others too; many of which are unknown, but their findings and stories are still much appreciated. Much of this would not have been possible with out their information. Also this website includes historical facts gathered from Washington County History, Indiana History, Rowan County and Salisbury North Carolina Historical sources and other US Historical sources.

James A. Miller- Great -Great -Great -Great Grandson of Adam Miller and Hannah Sheets.

©2007 The Millers of Washington County

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  Last Updated 07/04/07 08:26:54 AM -0700