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CHAPTER XVI.
BY PROF. J. W. WALKER.

BEECH CREEK TOWNSHIP—SURFACE FEATURES—TIMBER—MINERALS—EARLY SETTLEMENTS—EARLY SETTLERS—THE FIRST SCHOOLHOUSE—MR. GASTON'S LETTER—SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTHEAST—OTHER SETTLERS—SOLOMON WILKERSON'S VILLAGE—BEARDS AND POLITICS—ADDITIONAL PIONEERS—LIFE IN THE WOODS—OLD METHODS OF FARMING—VILLAGE OF SOLSBERRY—ITS CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS—NEWARK—MURDER OF OSBORN AND SIGNERS—LYNCH LAW—CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.

BEECH CREEK TOWNSHIP originally embraced the northern half of the territory now included in the eastern tier of townships. At that time its southern boundary was Jackson Township, and its area was seventy-two square miles. It derived its name from the creek that flowed through it. The creek received its name from the numerous beech trees along its course. The area of the township was reduced to forty-eight square miles when the present boundaries of Center Township were established. The present township occupies the northeastern corner of the county, its boundaries being Owen County on the north, Monroe County on the east, Center Township on the south, and Highland Township on the west. It is well watered by 'numerous streams, the most important of which is Richland Creek, so called on account of the richness of the soil through which it flows. It enters the township near the northeast corner, and after several meanderings leaves it near the southwest corner. The surface along its course is undulating, and in several places exceed. ingly broken and picturesque. Near Ooley's mill, the hills rise to a con. siderable height. In the southwestern corner of the township, the bottom lands are quite valuable, owing to the fertility of the soil. Much corn is raised, and a few excellent meadows abound. On leaving the creek, the soil becomes less fertile. Owing to imperfect ideas of farming, much of the land has become quite sterile. For many years the sturdy farmer devoted himself to the raising of corn and the breeding of swine. On almost every spot of land fit for cultivation, corn was grown to be devoured by the hogs, the farmer's chief stock in trade. The average farmer seemed to think that agriculture embraced but little else. This idea prevailed until the tide of immigration from the East began. New modes of cultivating the soil were introduced. Attention was given to the raising of wheat, oats, hay, cattle and sheep. The current idea among the farmers of the township is that the lands are best adapted to pasturage and orchard products.

TIMBER.

The township was originally covered with a growth of heavy timber; of course much of this has disappeared during the progress of settlement and cultivation. The sturdy oak, the mammoth poplar and the fine black walnut have been manufactured into lumber and transported to the great lumber markets. Even the proud city of Boston has received and utilized much of the valuable timber grown on the soil of this humble township. Future generations will not hear the ringing of the axes in the forestal_ the falling and crashing of the giant timber in wild disol-der, and the exclamations of the lumbermen; for then none but the most common trees; such as the elm, white walnut,. ash, hickory, oak, maple and beech will compose the forest. Concerning the mineral resources of the township, but little can said. If there are any important mineral deposits, they are yet undevel oped. Large quantities of limestone exist, and in some parts an excellent quality of sandstone. No important quarries have been opened

EARLY SETTLEMENTS


Concerning the first settlers and the date of settlement, statements are conflicting and unsatisfactory. Man is mortal, and his memory is weak and uncertain; hence, much of the history of this township is buried in eternal oblivion. No authentic accounts of any permanent settlements prior to 1822 can be obtained. On the 22d of November of that year, Hugh Gaston, a native of North Carolina and an emigrant from Kentucky, spread his tent on the bluff of Richland Creek, in Section 30, Town 8 north, Range 3 west. His family consisted of his wife, one daughter and three sons, the two youngest being twins. Robert, the eldest, had a wife and one child. John Bullock, the son-in-law of Gaston, also had one criild. What is now known as the Keys farm was settled by Hugh Gaston, who entered upon the work of felling timber with a firm good will. He planted one of the first orchards of the township, and doubtless felt that he was making a wilderness blossom as the rose. He was far more happy than when trying to make a living from the sterile and stony soil of a State in which the poor had to struggle against the adverse influences of slavery. He was a liberty-loving citizen, and was proud of the fact that he possessed a home in a land which had been dedicated to freedom by the ordinance of 1787. He reared eight children, who grew to he men and women. His life seems to have been tinged with disappointments. Having spent several years of his life in North and South Carolina, he came to the conclusion that it was useless for him to continue his efforts for a livelihood in a country in which the poor had to struggle in vain. About the commencement of the century, he and his wife went to Knox County, Ky., and located on the north side of the Cumberland River, about six miles below Barboursville. After living there about twelve years, he lost his land by not having the oldest right tq it. He moved twenty miles northwest and took up his abode on Laurel Creek, in Laurel County, about six miles south of the county seat. Realizing no hopes of prosperity there, he emigrated to Indiana.

OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.

John Bullock began to hew out his fortune in the fall of 1822, on the old Larne farm. Soon becoming dissatisfied with his slow progress, he sold his improvements to Joshua Dover and returned to Kentucky. Robert Gaston settled on the old " precinct farm" in the fall of 1824 or 1825. His brother, James M. Gaston, was eighteen years.old at the time his father emigrated to the wilds of the township. He soon became the star of the family.

THE FIRST SCHOOLHOUSE.

In the summer of 1825, a little log but was erected by the neighbors for a schoolhouse near where George Axtell now lives. It was announced that James M. Gaston would teach spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic in the new schoolhouse. The announcement was hailed with delight. Young Gaston became the center of 'attraction. When the school began, he had in attendance three pupils from his father, six from William Lambs', four from John Dovers', two from the Widow Dover's, and four or five from Joe Burch's. This was the first school taught in the southwest part of the township. At the same time, a school was taught in a small but near where the Greene County Chapel now stands. The name of the teacher has been forgotten. The builders of the but first mentioned, being anxious for more neighbors, converted their schoolhouse into a dwelling the next fall after its erection. It was occupied by Jacob Stinson and wife, who had just moved from Kentucky. This new-corner, after clearing a few acres of land, sold his claim to John Arthur, and sought a more congenial place of abode. The young man who had imparted the rudiments of learning so successfully was regarded with great favor. For many years, he was looked upon as the leading light of the township. He filled various official positions, and in 1853-54 taught his last School, which was in District No. 9, Section 26, Township 8 north, and Range 4 west. Soon after he came to the township, he was married to Miss Mary P. Bryan. They began to strive for a livelihood on the farm where they now reside. Eleven children have been born to them, four boys and seven girls. Three of the boys are engaged in agricultural pursuits, and one in the profession of medicine. Mr. Gaston was born June 10, 1804. He has been a close reader and a practical observer. He has figured largely in the politics of his township. At one time he was a Whig; but when the Whig party ceased to exist, he joined the Republican party. He was once a candidate for Sheriff, but was defeated by William J. McIntosh, one of the pioneers in the early settlement of the county, and an entertaining stump speaker. This defeat seemed to silence his aspirations for any county office. Ever after this, he seemed perfectly satisfied with the honors of his township. Although radical in politics, he is liberal in his views concerning religion. He is undoubtedly a believer in the largest possible freedom to man consistent with the principles of truth and justice. He prefers to base his opinions concerning the goodness of a man upon his daily walk rather than upon his public professions. The following letter, which was written July 5, 1876, portrays his peculiar notions of early and present customs of society. It was inspired by an address delivered by Rev. Alfred Connet, at Newark, July 4, 1876. The speaker had spoken very pointedly about the morals of the pioneers. Mr. Gaston's letter is as follows:

MR. GASTON'S LETTER.

"MR. CONNET I admit that you gave a pretty true sketch of the morals of the first settlers. They worked hard through the week; on the Sabbath they would take their gun and dog and go a-hunting deer or their stock, or to trade with their neighbors. If they had any business that called them from home, they would wait until Sunday to perform it. If a neighbor got behind-hand with his work, or got his fence burnt, or corn rooted up, his neighbors would turn out and repair the damage. If a neighbor or his family got sick or out of provisions, his friends would visit him each with a joint of venison or a mess of potatoes. They would go after dinner and leave before supper. Now, if a neighbor gets his house burnt, he has to repair the damage in dollars and cents. Now, if a man's family gets sick, his neighbors all visit him and leave pothing. They are sure, to go just before dinner, and leave just after supper; or they will go just before supper and leave just after breakfast. In the first settling of the country, the preacher would not take pay for preaching, but now they won't preach without pay. " Now, sir, I send you this bunch of papers to do as you see fit with the same. I admit it is badly wrote and worse worded; but you, I hope, will excuse me, as I am over seventy-two years of age.

" JAMES M. GASTON."

When the Gaston family pitched their tent near Richland Creek, the township was almost a wilderness. Beech Creek lay on the south of them about two miles. Near the junction of the two creeks, there were two settlers—Isaac and Abram Workman. The next settler on Beech Creek was old man Harnes, on the Ralph Martindale farm. Farther up the creek, near where John J. Combs now lives, Stephen Lankford made a settlement. Just above him on the Widow Bingham farm lived James James. Joshua Dover and Garret Gibson also lived' on the creek. The above.named persons were Gaston's nearest neighbors. Hugh Dobson was a recent settler about one and a half miles southwest of Stanford. He had the best improved farm in the new region. In the course of twelve or fifteen years, he sold his farm and went to Iowa; but not being satisfied with his new home he returned and bought land in the woods about one mile northwest of his old homestead, and soon had another nice farm. It was not long until he disposed of his property and moved West again. This time he lost his wife and was soon reduced to straitened circumstances. He returned to Indiana and has been married twice since. East of the Dobson farm lived John Gardener. John Whaley and his son Joseph lived near where.the Greene County
Chapel now stands. Zeb Alexander, son-in-law of Mr. Whaley, also lived in the R rn A Menial,

SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTHEAST.

In the northeast corner of the township there were a few settlers, the Raper family, James Dyer and a Mr. Mason, being the principal ones. Old man Raper died at the age of ninety, and his wife at ninety-seven. The members of the Raper family usually lived to an advanced age. Andrew Raper has been closely identified with the best interests of the township. For several years, he served as Trustee, and be it said to his honor the schools were materially benefited. He secured good teachers, be. cause he was willing to give a reasonable compensation for services rendered. He is the father of fifteen children. In politics, he is an ardent Republican. In religion, he is a faithful adherent to the principles of the Christian Church. While Deacon in that church, he in one day baptized about fifty persons. At this time, he is living with his son-in-law, Henry L. Smith, in Nebraska.
About fifteen days previous to the arrival of Hugh Gaston, Edward Bryan and John Todd had begun to prepare habitations on the farms now occupied by John and James McDaniel. Mr. Bryan and wife had seven children, three boys and four girls. One of his daughters, Mary P. Bryan, was married to James M. Gaston. John Bryan, one of the sons, was married to Mary Ann Turley over fifty years ago. Nine children; eight girls and one boy, were the fruits of the marriage. Being of an economical turn of mind, Mr. Bryan secured a handsome living. His death occurred a short time ago, and his remains now lie in, the Newark Cemetery. His body was first interred in the Philpot Cemetery, but after the lapse of several months was exhumed and removed. During its removal the body seemed to be unusually heavy. This furnished sufficient grounds for a first-class sensation. The foolish report, that the body had petrified and its weight was 700 pounds, was so thoroughly circulated that it found its way to the columns of the Cincinnati Enquirer and other papers. Tilman A. Bryan, the only son, lives about one mile southwest of Newark and owns part of the farm his father made. John Arthur is the pioneer who purchased the claims of Jacob Stinson. He entered the -land, made the farm, and set out the old orchard on the farm now owned by George Axtell.

OTHER SETTLERS.

In 1833, Solomon Wilkerson, a native of North Carolina, was married to Miss Polly Anderson, a native of Kentucky. In 1835, he erected and moved into a house near where the stable he built now stands. This was the first house erected near where Solsberry now stands. His father, William Wilkerson, born January 5, 1736, was a soldier in the American Revolution. He lived one year in one apartment of his son's house. He died in Brown County, Ind., in the summer of 1842, at the advanced age of one hundred and six years, six months and one day. The day he was one hundred years old he split one
hundred rails on- the hill now occupied by the dwelling built by Dr. Axtell. He delighted to tell of his patriotism during the Revolutionary struggle, and in his extreme old age would sing for the amusement of his friends the familiar hymn, " I would not live alway, I ask not to stay."

SOLOMON WILKERSON'S VILLAGE.

In 1856, a village was laid out by Solomon Wilkerson, and named in honor of himself. Ho was a Justice of the Peace for several years, and was held in high esteem by his neighbors. Several years ago,. his life was brought to an abrupt termination, he being thrown from a horse near the Bateman Ford, on Richland Creek. He had not quite reached kis hundredth year.

BEARDS AND POLITICS.

Jesse Sullivan, aged seventy-six, was born near Goldsboro, Wayne County, N. C. He has had two wives and fifteen children. He first set-tied on the farm adjoining James M. Gaston's. He is familiarly known as Uncle Jesse, and is a faithful adherent to Democracy. Politicians always enjoy his eccentricities. In 1860, he ceased to shave, because of the triumph of Lincoln, and declared that he would never allow the beard to be removed from his face until a Democratic President was elected and inaugurated. His emphatic declaration has never been violated, except at the time that he received news of Tilden's election. He then permitted only a small part of his beard to be removed, concluding it was best to await further developments. He. still wears his long gray beard, and is living on a large farm in Centre Township.

ADDITIONAL PIONEERS.

Among other pioneers whose name deserves a place in the history of the township, may be mentioned James Turpin, Edward and Charles Beasley, Frederick Hendricks, Nathan Hogan, Joel Burks, William Sanderpher, Robert and Frank Chaney, William and Noah Reeves, James Crockett and William Watkins. James Turpin built the first house on Lick Creek in the north end of the township, near the farm of Peter Livingston, the well-known distiller. Uncle Jimmy will long live in the memory of those who have survived him. The homely and substantial chairs which he manufactured are still found in many a humble dwelling. Edward Beasly, a Whig, was Sheriff two terms, and was once defeated for Representative by Andrew Humphreys. His brother Charles owned a distillery in the southeastern part of Highland Township. He is still living, and is a good citizen. William Reeves and his boys first settled the farm now owned by Edward Walker. William Sanderpher built the house, entered the land, made the farm, and set out the apple orchard at Cross Roads, on the old Spencer State road, three miles north of Solsberry. James Crockett was born in Tennessee. He raised ten children, six boys and four girls. William Watkins; a native of Tennessee, reached the George &sten farm New Year's Eve, 1834. The next spring he went to Johnson County, and remained there three years. He then returned to the township, and after a short stay rent to Missouri. He was not yet satisfied; for in 1843 he returned to the township. This time he remained. In the spring of 1863, he died. He raised five boys and three girls. His son Abraham has figured somewhat prominently in the affairs of the township. He is a man of positive convictions, strongly attached to his family and friends, possesses a vast fund of valuable in. formation, and is interested in anything which concerns the welfare of the community in which he resides. In politics, he is a Republican. Moses Ooley, a son-in-law of James Crockett, built the old Ooley water mill on Richland Creek. Besides being a miller,he was an expert marks. man, and was very fond of hunting. At one time, when he and his father-in-law were out. hunting about six miles from home, they found an old she bear and her three cubs. The cubs ran up a tree, and Mr. Ooley, leaving Mr. Crockett at the base of the tree, returned home to get an ax. When Mr. Ooley returned next morning, one cub was captured, and the other two and the old bear were killed.

LIFE IN THE WOODS.

The experiences of these hardy settlers form a story of trials, privations and sufferings, and a picture of heroism and triumph, which never has been and never will be adequately portrayed. While distant from their native homes and out of reach of every civilized comfort, they transformed patches of woodland here and there into bearing fields, and yielded to nothing but protracted and blighting disease and death. The rude log cabins in which they lived were utterly devoid of ornament or adornment. The half of one side of the only room was devoted to the fireplace, at which the members of the family toasted their shins, the good wife meanwhile cooking the simple meal of corn cakes and wild meat at the same fire. The one room was the parlor, kitchen, dining-room and
bed-room; and, in the coldest weather, some of the few domestic animals were kindly given a night's shelter from the storm. The furniture consisted of a few splint-bottomed and bark-bottomed chairs of the plainest and roughest sort, made by the use of a hatchet, auger and jack-knife; bedsteads and table of a light character, and a scanty set of cooking utensils, the most important of which were a skillet and a pot. There were no pictures on the walls, no tapestry hung at the windows, and no carpets were on the puncheon floors.
The ornaments of the walls were the rifle and the powder horn, bunches of beans, medicinal herbs and ears of corn for the next planting, suspended from pegs driven into the logs of which the walls were composed. The windows needed no curtains, as they were made of a material which not only kept out the strong sunlight and the fierce winds of winter, but admitted a sufficient amount of the former for all practical purposes. In this matter, the pioneers displayed an amount. of ingenuity that could be called forth only by the mother of invention—necessity. Sheets of paper were procured and soaked in hods lard, by which process they became trauslecent, and these, pasted to some cross sticks placed in the opening for the purpose, constituted the window of the early log cabin. Puncheon floors were a luxury not to be found in every house, as in many the native soil was both floor and carpet. The long winter evenings were spent in conversation over some personal events of the day, or of recollections of events of the old homes in the East or South from which they had emigrated. The sunshine of literature did not circulate.very freely. The whole library consisted of a Bible, an almanac, and a few school books. A. tallow dip afforded the only artificial light. In 1830, a clock or watch was a novelty, and the pioneer marked time by the approach of the shadow of the door to the sun mark, or the cravings of the stomach for its ration of corn bread and bacon. Daytime was devoted to labor, and great was the toil. The shouts and exclamations of the gangs as they rolled and piled the logs preparatory to burning could be heard for miles around. Corn huskings, grubbings, flax-pullings, and other gatherings were also sources of enjoyment. Night brought its compensations in the form of the social gathering when all the neighbors would crowd into a narrow cabin to crack jokes and tell stories, while the voiceful catgut gave forth enlivening strains of music, and four and eight-handed reels even round till the break of day. The fields of the first settlers were not very extensive, and consequently their crops were not very large. In fact, during the first few years they had no incentive to raise more than was required for home consumption, as there was no market for surplus products. The flail was the first implement used to thresh the grain with, but was not so popular as that of tramping it out with horses, which method was adopted later. The grain and chaff were separated by the wind, or by a sheet in the hands of persons. The four-horse ground hog, as it was called, eventually supplanted the old methods. It was a rude affair in comparison with the improved machines now in use.

OLD METHODS OF FARMING.

The mowing scythe, hand rake and wooden pitchfork were the implements of the hay harvest. The grain scoop was not known for several years. In cribbing corn, it was either thrown with the hands or pushed out of the end of the wagon-bed with the foot. Iron scoops did not come into use until emigration set in from the East. In the cultivation of corn, the hoe was largely used. " Plow shallow and hoe well " was the prevailing rule.
We might continue our description of early modes of farming, customs and habits to almost an endless length; suffice it to say that, in all the departments of life, a corresponding simplicity was the rule. How different we find things now! It is useless to attempt to enumerate all the comforts and modern conveniences now in use. Things unthought of by the old pioneers abound everywhere.
Industrious hands and active brains have been at work, and we behold on every hand a wonderful, a rapid, a happy change.

VILLAGE OF SOLSBERRY.

Solsberry is situated south of the central part of the township, near the southern boundary line, and on the water-shed separating the waters of Richland Creek on the north from those of Beech Creek on the south. It is also nearly equidistant on the main thoroughfare from Bloomfield to Bloomington. It was named in honor of Solomon Wilkerson, who had the site divided into town lots. It is a pleasant little village, having a population of about 100, and is noted for the intelligence and sobriety of its citizens. Prior to the civil war, it was a center for political agitation. The question of slavery was discussed pro and con, and much bitter feeling was engendered. The leader of the anti-slavery element was George Richey. He emigrated from Ohio, and soon became an agitator. He founded the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Solsberry, and soon began to bid defiance to all the minions of darkness. When in the pulpit, he assailed the great evils of Southern society; he declaimed against drinking, gambling, horse-racing and slavery. This provoked dangerous opposition, and his life was threatened. But he was as bold as a lion. With Christian intrepidity, he sent his appointments to those who awaited his coming with vengeance in their hearts, never failing to meet his engagement at the stated hour, nor to utter with unshaken firmness his daring sentiments. He did what he conceived to be his Master's will, and counted not the cost. He finally returned to Ohio. After an absence of several years, be came back to pay his friends a visit. It was soon discovered that he was an anti-Mason. The downfall of slavery being an accomplished fact, he seemed to consider it his duty to assail secret organizations, particularly the Masonic fraternity. He denounced the institution in the most scathing terms. Many of his statements were so extravagant that they bordered on fanaticism. Within a few weeks, the effect of his teachings were plainly visible. Religious intolerance became a disturbing element in the Methodist and Congregational Churches. The anti Masonic sentiment predominated. Resolutions were adopted declaring that no church member should be an adherent of any secret organization. This caused several members to sever their connection with the church. Some left the Methodist Episcopal Church and connected themselves with the Congregational Church and vice versa. In the spring of 1874, a select school was organized by Prof. R. A-Ogg, a graduate of the State University. There were twenty-seven students in attendance. The next spring, Prof. Ogg began a second term of school, with fifty students in attendance. During both terms the students came mostly from within a radius of two miles. He who is acquainted with the character of the school cannot find words to describe adequately its real worth. The time through which the school extended was indeed a very fruitful period. Great influences were set in motion. This was due to the fact that the elements brought together were suited to accomplish this. The teacher was deeply in earnest, and the students went there with a zeal, not simply for what the teacher could give, but for what they could get; not simply for knowledge but for power. Hence they worked and the teacher had but to supplement their work and harmonize their efforts. Free thought and free expression of it was the law. On the sultry days, the study was largely a discussion under the trees in the school yard. Frequently all would go to the class heated with arguments. There was no effort at compulsion in study; none was needed. While work was thus done, the hours for recreation were not disregarded. The various games were entered into with wonderful zeal, attesting the hearty spirit of those engaged. The literary society must not be forgotten. It was remarkable for the effort it forth by many, especially in debate. When a question of policy arose, the struggle for the mastery would have done credit to an assembly of far greater pretensions. At the close of the second term, each member of the school planted a tree in the school yard. Many of these are alive and thrifty. Of the students who have reflected honor upon the school, much could be said. Trained to be intelligent and good, they have discharged their duties as citizens wisely and well. Prof. Ogg is entitled to the proud satisfaction of reflecting that his was the influence that gave strength to their mental activities and guided their tottering footsteps along the pathway which conducted them to honor and success. " The farmer is pleased in contemplating his growing crop, or the fruit of his industry well harvested; the mechanic experiences a just pride in gazing upon the results of his own workmanship; the artist feels a thrill of joy as he communes with the forms of beauty he has traced upon the dull canvass, or the beating pulse and heaving bosom he has evoked from the cold, dead marble; but none of these can realize that high pleasure which the teacher enjoys who properly educates men and women and sends them out to bless mankind." Of Prof. Ogg it can be said that " He, where'er he taught, Put so much of his heart into his act, That his example had a magnet's force, And all were swift to follow whom all loved." There is but one church edifice in the town, and that is used by the Methodists and Congregationalists. The two societies have connected with them a Union Sunday School, which is in good working order. This school is said to be the best in the county. Its attendance is remarkable. Every Sunday the young folks hold a prayer-meeting. It is well attended and has accomplished much good. There is also a temperance organization, which does much to aid the cause of Christianity. A radcial temperance sentiment has prevailed for several years. Soon after Rev. George Richey came to the county, he delivered a temperance lecture on the site now occupied by the church edifice. This was in 1854. The doctrines proclaimed by the 'enthusiastic advocate of temperance fell upon his auditors like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. They were struck with astonishment at the boldness of the speaker and the strange doe. trinehe taught. Astonishment gave place to anger, and threats of violence were boldly uttered. At that day, the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage was a prevailing custom in almost every family throughout the township, hence temperence lecturers were regarded as disturbers of the peace.

VILLAGE OF NEWARK.

Newark is a village of over 100 inhabitants, and is situated west of the central part of the township. John Edwards had its site surveyed by Thomas Axtell, who named the village after Newark, Ohio. After the close of the war, it became a good trading. point. Crawford & McIntosh sold large quanities of dry goods, and were engaged in pork packing. A large flouring mill was built, and other improvements followed. For awhile, business was rather brisk. There are now three dry goods stores, owned respectively by Young & Shields, McIntosh & Sons, and Oscar McDonald. Above the store of Young
& Shields is the hall occupied by the I. 0. 0. F. The lodge is in fair condition. There are two church houses, and a schoolhouse, containing two apartments. The town is on the mail route between Solsberry and Freedom, and has daily mail.

MURDER OF OSBORN AND SICKERS.

The most notable events that have transpired in its history are two murders. The first occurred in 1862. Baws Blankenship, a soldier at home on a furlough, was in town on the day citizens were enlisting as volunteers. The war feeling ran high. Thomas Osborn, an impulsive individual, shouted for Jeff Davis as he was crossing the street. He was followed by Blankenship, who struck him with a dog-wood club. The wound inflicted proved fatal. Blankenship fled to the army and thereby escaped punishment.
The second murder occurred in 1871 or 1872. Daniel Sickers, of Cleveland, Ohio, had been in town several months spending part of his time with his relatives, the Corneliuses,and the other part was engaged manual labor. He had a quarrel with a Mrs. Rose over some neighborhood gossip. When the son of Mrs. Rose returned home, be learned of the difficulty and felt that his mother had been mistreated. He at once resolved to resent the insolence of Mr. Sickers. It was not long until be performed the rash act. Mr. Sickers was attacked by John Rose, who struck him on the head with an ax, fracturing his skull. Sickers was carried to the house of his friends, where he lingered two or three days and died. Rose was arrested in Greencastle and taken to Bloonafield and placed in jail. When his trial was heard, he was convicted and sentenced to pass the remainder of his life in the penitentiary. He did not remain there long, as he secured a pardon.

LYNCH LAW.

About one year prior to this, another notable event occurred. James Pickard, druggist, took a trip to Orange County, where it is alleged that be assisted in the robbery of Mr. Fisher, a wealthy farmer. Lewis Ton-gate, who lived near Newark, was with Mr. Pickard. Soon after their arrest, they were taken by a mob and suspended from a +bridge across Lost River. Isaac Pickard, brother of James, witnessed the appalling sight, and remained at the bridge the rest of the night. In the spring of 1877, Theodore Jackman, a farmer living south of town, committed suicide. He had been attending a Methodist protracted meeting at Newark, and had become impressed as usual. He was an enthusiast on religious matters. Being financially embarrassed, his mind was so burdened that he concluded to take his own life to escape the sorrows of this world. His body was found suspended from a leaning sapling. His funeral was preached loy Rev. L. S. Knotts.
McVille, a small village in the northeastern part of the township, and named in honor of Squire McHaley, has a post office. But little business has ever been done there.

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.

The forefathers of the people of Beech Creek Township had a high regard for religious interests, and held Christianity as the great civilizing power, without a recognition of which the country would not be fit to live in. Consequently, we find on their arrival they began holding services of public worship, such as they had been taught and trained up in in the part of the country from which they had emigrated. They early secured the services of the pioneer preachers, those grand old characters whom nothing daunted while in pursuit of their mission, and to whose teachings and labors must be attributed the present state of religion and morals. The pioneer preachers were Revs. George Burch, Sammy Doty, Joseph Wilson and Elder John Wilson. In the early days of the township, there was no system of public instruction; the means for acquiring an education were very limited and discouraging. Then a few settlers joined together and erected a log cabin, in which was a fire-place extending several feet across one end. In this the fire for warming the house was built of logs its entire length, requiring several boys to carry each log into the house and place it in position. A log was sawn out of each side of the building, and the spaces were closed with paper, which had been oiled with lard; this oiled paper served as windows. The seats were of logs split into halves and supported by round sticks; the writing desks were of similar pattern, and the door was constructed of split logs, fastened together with wooden pins, and hung with wooden hinges. In the construction of these pioneer seminaries, not a nail was used. It was not unusual for boys to travel three or four miles through dense woods to school, blazing their way the first time going over the route. Those seats of learning are now gone, and the recollection of them is rapidly fading from memory. Wonderful, indeed, are the changes and advances made within the last sixty years. The township has now a system of free schools of which any people should feel proud. It is divided into fifteen districts, and in each is located a comfortable and substantial schoolhouse. Among the pioneer teachers may be mentioned James M. Gaston, Benjamin Williams, Jonathan Stamper and William H. Corlett.
Those who have served as Trustee since the present school has been established are James M. Gaston, Thomas Axtell, Jonathan Stamper, James Crawford, Andrew Raper and Joseph G. Smith.
 

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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 12/14/10 03:38:02 AM -0800