NCHSfamhistorydiv

The Family History Division serves as the publishing arm of the society, as well as the group of volunteers who assist with inquiries regarding family histories.
Several books have been republished over the years by the Family History Division of the Newton County Historical Society that cover several topics regarding local history, fact and fiction.

Newton County History - Fact and Fiction - Books For Sale

Beaver Lake, Bogus Island and Indian Encampments

“Beaver Lake, Land of Enchantment.” Written by Elmore Barce in 1938 after his visit with Alexander Lanier Barker near his cabin, east of Sumava Resorts. Barce listened to his inimitable tales of Beaver Lake and the surrounding area and felt that after a life of seventy-six years, “Ned” Barker, the stories and traditions that came from this visit were worthy of publication.

“Ralph, The Story of Bogus Island.” Originally written by Jethro Hatch as a serial for the Newton County Enterprise, this romantic tale of old Beaver Lake country and the island that stood in its midst captures the essence of the era when the banditti made the island their home. Interwoven is a tale of a boy who was orphaned, raised by a family who lived near the lake, searches for the truth about who he is and where he originated, meets a girl, falls in love and the resulting adventures of his quest.

“Hoosier Hunting Grounds, or The Beaver Lake Trail.” Written in 1904 by Bill Bat, aka John Alter of Union Township, Jasper County is a work of fiction, based on fact, which depicts the life of trappers, horse thieves, counterfeiters, Indians and the wildlife of our area in 1840.

“An Archaeological Report On Newton County.” Written by Joseph E. Hiestand in 1951, and published originally by the Indiana Historical Bureau. There are more than 45 Indian villages and 51 campsites identified and described in this reprint of the original publication.

Local History, Post Cards and Coloring Books

“The Morocco Sesquicentennial Historical Collection.” Over 400 pages, 200 photographs and 13,000 family names are included, as well as articles written by local historians featuring the earliest settlers, businesses, community organizations, churches, friends and neighbors and are complimented with photographs.

Postcards of Newton County Series includes 7 different views of the current and past Courthouse, one view of Bogus Island.

The Newton County Historical Coloring Book, volume one and two available! Line drawings suitable for coloring with captions using Newton County Landmarks drawn by local artists and a must for anyone interested in Newton County History. Suitable for youngsters and adults alike, this unique view of the county is informative, educational and a delight to view.

Historical Landmarks of Newton County

In observance of the Sesqucentennial of Newton County in 2010, the society put together a pamphlet that listed several locations in the county that were observed as historical landmarks. In conjunction with publication of this pamphlet, the county officials had a new county map commissioned, with the location of these markers highlighted on the map. This map also includes cemeteries and other sites of signficance. It can be used with our pamphlet for taking a driving tour of our county. The maps are free and are available at the Resource Center in Kentland, as well as the public libraries in the county.

The following is a list of the townships and sites marked with signage as well as included in the pamphlet with documentation of its historical significance:
                Lake Township: the Big Ditch; the Conrad Bridge; Sumava; and Conrad.
                McClellan Township: The Morgan-Tracy Cemetery; Beaver Lake; Bogus Island.
                Beaver Township: The Government Center; The Blann Cabin; Turkey Foot Grove; Bull Foot Grove; The Scott-Lucas Home; The Cowichan Matrimonial Totem Pole; Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area.
                Washington Township: The Old Log Church; Birthplace of First White Child; The County Home.
                Jefferson Township: Home of John and Adeline Ade: the Birthplace of George Ade; The Second Newton County Courthouse; the Third and Present Courthouse; The Home of Former Governor Warren T. McCray; Arlan T. “Tom” Gott (pamphlet only); Newton County Stone Quarry.
                Grant Township: Orchard Lake Stock Farm; McCray’s King of the Herfordshire: Perfection Fairfax; Eddie Condon (pamphlet only).
                Iroquois Township: Birthplace of Warren T. McCray; The First Courthouse in the County; 1839; 51^st Indiana Civil War Memorial Tablet; Hazelden – the Home of George Ade; George Ade’s Golf Course.
                Jackson Township: Pilot Grove; the Amish Cemetery.
                Colfax Township: Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure.
                Lincoln Township: The American Chestnut Tree; American Eagle Flight 4184 Crash Site; Indian Gardens; The Original Site of the First Thayer Post Office; Natural Gas Wells; Crude Oil Wells; Diana Hunt Club; Fogli Hotel.
                A history of the organization of the county; information regarding the platting of the towns; and other Newton County points of interest are also included in the pamphlet.

To order any of these publications, please contact the society by phone, 219-474-6944, r email newtonhs@ffni.com. They are also available at the Resource Center located at 310 E. Seymour, Kentland and Tri-County True Value in Roselawn.

Mission Statement: It is the hope of the volunteers and members of the Newton County Historical Society will bring together those people interested in the history of Newton County, and will promote an understanding and appreciation for the people and community of Newton County through research, preservation, restoration, education and publications.