Jackson township was formed in February, 1817, by the first board of
county commissioners under the first state constitution. It then
probably contained about one-sixth of the area of the county, or upward
of 60 square miles. By the several alterations of its bounds, in the
formation of new townships and of adjoining counties, it has been
reduced to about 28 1/2 square miles, and to a shape not easily
described. it is 6 miles wide on its west line, and 3 miles of its
east end is but 1 1/2 miles wide---- its entire length 8 miles. The
National road and the Indiana central Railroad run on nearly parallel
lines, about 60 rods apart, east and west, nearly through the whole
length of the township.
The earliest settlement in the township appears to have been made in
the eastern part. In 1809, or soon after, John Shortridge, from Ky.,
settled near and south of East Germantown. He was the father of John
Shortridge who was shot by an Indian, as elsewhere related. Wm. G.
Reynolds, from Ohio, with his brother-in-law, Isaiah Drury, came in
1811. Reynolds served in the Indian war under Col. Taylor, afterward
general and president of the United States. Reynolds and Drury moved
in 1855 to Illinois, and died there. George Shortridge, a son of John,
Sen., settled where Joseph Vinton lives, near the depot. He afterward
laid out the town, mostly on his own land, and called it Georgetown.
The name not being generally acceptable to the inhabitants, it was
changed to Germantown.
East of Germantown, John Lacy, of N. C., settled where Henry Shisler
lives, and owned also where John W. Steffy resides. _____ Vance early
owned the land south side of the road where Pennville is. James
Personett, from Ohio, settled in 1819 on land now owned by ________
Houck, of Centerville, and Henry Whisler. Jacob Waltz, of Pa., in
1823, on land previously owned by Jesse Frazier, who was a Christian
preacher. Joseph Boyd, from Ky., about 1814, in the east part of the
township, near the National road. Richard Wharton, from Ky., in 1814,
settled where Joseph Rothemal and Henry H. Bruce reside. Wm. G.
Reynolds, on land now owned by Cyrenus Wysong and Wm. Long. Aaron
Mannon from Ky., on the turnpike; land now owned by John Jacobs. Peter
Lacy, about 1812, where Andrew Eliason lives. patrick Beard, from N.
C., about 1811, settled near the east line of the township. He was a
member of the constitutional convention of 1816, and was since elected
twice to the senate.
Jacob Brooks, from Ky., settled on land still owned in part by himself
and by the _______ Austin, and has removed into center township.
At a later period, Pennsylvania Germans began to settle in the east? part
of the township; and the immigration continued many years. John
Huntsinger, Frederick Waltz, Henry Leonard, and others, natives of Pa.,
came from Ohio, about the year 1820. Huntsinger settled a mile
north-west of Germantown, and the others near the town. Joseph Schock,
from Pa., about 1823, settled near the south-west corner of the town,
and still resides on the farm, a bachelor, at the age of 73 years. He
bought of the Shortridges. George Shaffer settled south of the town,
and resided about twelve years ago. Charles Morris, from N. C., settled
in or about 1824 where _______ Boughner now lives. Morris now
resides in town. About the years 1837 and 1838, came Jacob, Michael,
and Wm. Gipe, and Jacob Sowers, Jacob Heist, and still later, Mahlon
Boughner. Peter Jamison, in 1838, settled 2 miles east of town; was a
school teacher, moved to town, taught the first school in town. He
died in Dayton, Ohio, in 1850.
Jacob Vanbuskirk, from Ky., settled about 2 miles east of Germantown,
and was a blacksmith, probably the first in the east part of the
township. Henry H. Bruce, a blacksmith, settled near town in 1824;
married Polly Wharton in 1825, and removed to where he now resides, 2
miles southeast of town.
Town of Germantown
The town was laid out by George Shortridge, proprietor; John Beard,
surveyor. It was named Georgetown, and the plat was recorded Aug. 1,
1827. The name was afterward changed to Germantown, and recorded under
that name Sept. 14, 1832. The name of its post-office is East
Germantown, to distinguish it from an earlier one named germantown in
this state; and the town also seems to have taken the name of East
Germantown. Several additions have been made to the town: By
Frederick Johnsonbaugh, Oct. 11, 1837, recorded in 1839; by Jacob
Rieman, Oct. 11, 1837, recorded Jan. 23, 1841; by Jacob and John Baker,
Jan. 1846; by Charles Morris, March 7, 1853.
Dr. Trout, from Ohio about 1834, was the first Physician in town. He
remained but a few years. The second is supposed to have been Dr. E.
Licket; the third, Dr. Hittel, from Ohio. present physicians are
Joseph Weeks and Daniel Carpenter. George Negley is said to have kept
the first Tavern, about 1836, then in the west part of the town. The
next was kept by Jacob Waltz, who built a house in 1836 or 1837, and
opened it in 1838. It was afterward kept by John Berry and others,
and later by Jacob Gipe, who sold it some six or seven years ago to
Charles Morris, who sold it to Wm. Goldman.
Wm. Anderson was the first Merchant in Germantown, about 1834; the
second, it is said, was John Binkley. In 1840, Wm. Lawrence and Lackey
& Johnsonbaugh had stores here; in 1841 and 1842, F. & M. Johnsonbaugh;
in 1843-4, and perhaps later, John S. Wolf. In 1844, Jacob Gipe opened
a store where H. T. Jamison now trades. Mr. Gipe has since been in
trade at different times with T. J. Riley, H. T. Jamison and _______
Goldman, retiring finally in 1857. Business is continued by Jamison.
______ Sowers, who commenced in 1856 with T. J. Riley, has since, as
partner in the firms of Schoff & Sowers, Sowers & Brother, and Sowers &
Riesor, been in the business, with the exception of one short
interval, until May 1871, when the store was purchased by its present
proprietors, Riesor & Rhule.
The first Blacksmith in the town probably was Jacob Stevens, from Pa.,
about 1834. John Condo, from Pa., early bought of John Crum, on the
state road near Germantown, forty acres of land with a blacksmith shop.
After two years it was destroyed by fire; and Condo built a shop in
town. A year or two after, it passed into the hands of Adam Condo; and
the business was carried on by Adam and Peter Condo, near where the
latter now carries on the blacksmithing and wagon-making business, at
the east end of the town.
The manufacture of Cast Steel Plows was commenced many years ago, by
Adam Condo, an early resident of Germantown. The business was
afterward carried on by A. Condo & Son (Daniel Condo). New buildings
of brick were erected in 1870; and since last winter the business has
been conducted by A. Condo and Jacob Spence, his son-in-law (A. Condo & Co.)
The establishment has 10 forges, employs about 15 men, and is
capable of making about 2,000 plows a year.
The Lutheran Church and congregation at East Germantown, composed
mainly of Germans from pennsylvania, was formed about the year 1824.
Among their early members were the Waltzes, Condos, Keplers, and
others. Meetings were for several years held in the log school-house.
Their minister, Rev. Gruber, lived in Ohio, but came over at stated
times to preach and perform other pastoral services. Two acres of
ground, a short distance north of town, were purchased at $11 an acre,
comprising the sites of the present house of worship, parsonage, and
cemetery. The meeting-house was built in 1833. There being among
these Pennsylvania immigrants members of the German Reformed Church,
they joined with the Lutherans in building the house, and called a
pastor of their won, S. Zumpey. The ministers preached alternately to
the united congregation. This union continued but a few years, since
which time the congregation has been solely under a Lutheran pastorate.
After Mr. Gruber, they were served for a time by missionaries, Henkel,
Heinaka, and perhaps others; and since by regular pastors, beginning
with Schultz, who was succeeded by Eisency. They preached only in the
German language. Next, Julius Stirewalt and Isaac Hursh, who preached
in German and English alternately. M. J. Stirewalt, the present
minister, preaches exclusively in Englis. About ten years ago, the
church edifice was thoroughly repaired, and a a gallery at one end, a
steeple, and bell were added.
Another church, called Evangelical, and distinguished more particularly
by the name of Albright, was organized about the year 1835, and built a
a meeting-house about 1842. Among its early members were Adam Condo,
charles Knecht and wife, Barbara, wife of Jacob Gipe, John Dill and
wife, Samuel Cochran, Jacob Rieman, William Clingenhagen and wife,
Henry Erkart and wife. Early ministers, Absalom B. Shafer, ________
Augenstein. Present minister (1870), James Wales.
Settlement about Cambridge
The lands at and in the vicinity of the site of Cambridge city were
settled early. John Hawkins, from Kentucky, a native of South
Carolina, entered, in 1813, the north-east quarter of section 27, which
included the site of the old town of vandalia; but he did not live to
occupy it. The land descended to his son, William Hawkins, who took up
the fractional quarter west of it; the two quarters embracing nearly
all of the site of Cambridge. Simon Powell, from Kentucky, also a
native of South Carolina, entered the quarter north of the present farm
of General Meredith, extending to the old State Road. He, too, died
without settling on his purchase. His family settled on it in 1813 or
1814, the eldest son having nearly attained to manhood. Their cabin
stood on the east bank of the river, south of East Cambridge. Jesse
Symonds, North carolina, bought north side of the State road, adjoining
Hawkins's, but, without settling on it, sold to Josiah Draper. Nathan
Symonds, from N. C., settled north of and adjoining Jesse's, and
afterward sold to Wm. Conwell. These lands are now owned by John
Callaway. Henry Crull settled early on the north part, and George Ish
on the south part of the present farm of Gen. Solomon Meredith. They
sold to Ira Lackey, who, in or about the year 1836, built the house
(since enlarged) where Meredith now resides. Wm. Hawkins bought,
besides the lands already mentioned, the land where his son Nathan S.
resides, near and north-west of the town. Samuel Charles, from N. C.,
on land east side of Hawkins's, forming a part of the tract north side
of town, owned by John Callaway. _______ Vanbuskirk, on the land now
owned by Alfred B. Williams, and perhaps the lands of Henry and John
Ingerman and others. Henry Palen, from N. C., on land now owned by
John Morris. Palen had resided a short time 7 miles north from
Richmond.
Josiah Draper, about the year 1820, built, north side of the State
road, a Grist-mill and a Saw-mill, which were sold to Benj. Kirk, who
built the grist-mill below, which he sold to Wm. Conwell, who added a
saw-mill. The grist-mill was sold to John Cockerfair, who put into it
a Carding Machine and other machinery, and who still owns the
grist-mill.
The Town of Vandalia was laid out by Wm. Hawkins, survey recorded June
1, 1824. Wm. Conwell opened a Store there in April, 1828, and Hudson
Cannon about 1830, who two or three years after remvoed to Milton,
where he died. Benj. Conklin, who had been from the beginning a clerk
of Conwell, bought the store, and continued business there until 1838.
After the construction of the National road, business was attracted to
the line of that road. Ira Lackey opened the first Store in East
Cambridge as early as 1835; some say 1833 or 1834. Others soon
followed him, among whom were Elliott, Hannah & Meredith, and J. & I.
Pennington; and in 1838 Benj. Conklin removed his store from Vandalia
to the large two-story building he had erected for a store and
dwelling, on the south side of the road, a short distance east of the
bridge. But the business career of East Cambridge, though commenced
with flattering prospects, was of a short duration.
Cambridge City
This town was laid out in 1836; Ira Lackey, Sandford Lackey, George
Graham, Thomas Tyner, Williams Petty, Wm. Hawkins, propietors. The
plat was recorded Oct. 26, 1836. Several additions have since been
made by Wm. Conwell, Wm. Hawkins, Thomas Newby, Jonathan Hawkins, and
in 1867 by Charles H. Moore and Benjamin Fulghum.
After the incorporation of the town, business tended rapidly to the
west side of the river. Sandford Lackey opened the first store in the
new town, on the east corner of the block east of the canal, south side
of the street, in the present brick building erected by him for a
store. He afterward built the house on the opposite corner, now
occupied as a hotel.
Benj. Conklin, the last merchant who left East Cambridge, removed to
the building then owned by Wm. Hawkins, now occupied by Felix Conklin
as a hardware store. About the year 1845, Post & Enyeart built the
"Mammoth Store," and for two years carried on an extensive wholesale
grocery trade. The Whitewater Valley Canal, which was completed in
1846, contributed vastly to the trade of Cambridge City. This soon
became the central point of trade of an extensive territory. It was
the grand depot for the produce of the country, brought here for
shipment, and for the delivery of merchandise. The merchants of
Indianapolis received for a time their goods at this place. Large
quantities of wheat were floured here. The present brick
flouring-mill, then newly built by Benj. Conklin, had in it, at one
time, 90,000 bushels of wheat, or 5,400,000 pounds.
That this extraordinary prosperity, the result, in great part, of a
peculiar juncture of circumstances, should be enduring, was hardly to
expected. The completion of the canal to Hagerstown, and the
construction of railroads, have virtually established a mart of trade
in every town, and measurably narrowed the sphere of the trade of
Cambridge; yet this being the convergin point of so many railroads, and
being surrrounded by a fertile county and a wealthy population, it can
hardly fail, with an enterprising population, to maintain a large and
prosperous trade.
Among the earlier Merchants, besides those already mentioned, were
Harvey & Newby, Andrew and Frederick Johnsonbaugh, Williams Petty, John
Hosea, Casper Markle, Edgerton & Taylor, Somon Clackner, Bloomfield &
Petty.
Present merchants: Dry Goods ---- W. S. T. Morton, Adam Epply, Hyre &
Shroyer, C. B. Elliott, Henry Hoover, Jackson, Ayler & Knott. Grocers
--- J. P. Smalley & Co., J. W. Marson & Co., Israel Morrey, Frank
Ebbert, J. & D. Drischel, J. T. Baily, Theodore Frohnapel, N. Carey &
Son, M. C. Jay, Robert Griffin.
In 1845, the first Hardware Store in Cambridge City was established by
Nathan H. Raymond and his son Charles H.
In 1855, Edward, brother of Charles, became a partner--firm, C. H. & E.
Raymond; afterward, E. Raymond and Co. until 1867; then, C. U. Raymond
and Co.; present proprietors Charles U. and John U., sons of Charles H.
Raymond. A second hardware store was established by Henry M. Conklin
in 1853 or 1854, from whom the establishment passed, in 1859, to Felix
Conklin, its present proprietor.
The first Drug Store, it is said, was established in West Cambridge, by
Thomas D. Whelan, in or about the year 1840. It is also said that, a
year or two afterward, Dr. Samuel T. Sharp started a drug store east of
the river, which "was really the first regular drug store." After his
death, his store was sold to J. Milton Sanders, which was kept but a
few weeks. The next druggist was Leander Hurd, from Cincinnati. He
and his wife both died in 1847; and the stock was purchased by C. H.
Hood, who kept the store a year or more. Before Hurd's death, Dr. J.
N. Cowden opened a drug store on the west side of the river, which
after his death in 1849, passed into the hands of Nathan Raymond, who
kept it until 1871, when it was purchased by George W. Shults, Jun.
Present Druggists-- L. S. Tibbals, S. P. Hoshour, James McCaffrey, Will
H. Conover, George W. Shults, Jun.
Boot and Shoe Stores and Manufacturers in Cambridge City are Gauze &
Peters and J. Mattis & Co. Samuel Ford, boot and shoe maker.
Saddlers and Harness-makers are Bradbury & Brother and Hiram Craig.
Among the early Physicians in Cambridge City were Samuel T. Sharp, who
came in 1837 or 1838, and died there in February, 1846; and Dr. Nathan
Johnson, who came in February, 1839, still living there, but too infirm
to practice. Dr. Joel Pennington, who had settled in Milton, in 1825,
came to Cambridge a few years after Dr. Johnson, and remained about two
years, and returned to Milton. Dr. James V. Wayman came in Oct. 1842;
John H. Wayman in 1846, and went to California in 1851. Dr. John Sim
came, it is supposed, in 1847; he resides there now, and is county
treasurer. He was a major in the 36th Indiana regiment in the late
war, and was wounded at Chickamauga. The present physicians are James
V. Wayman, Lemuel R. Johnson, who began practice here in 1855, John
Wall, William Kissell, W. E. Carnahan, homoeopathist.
Early Lawyers were David Macy, in 1839 or 1840; Nimrod H. Johnson,
1842, for several years; George W. Whitman since State Controller of
California; and David W. Reed. Present lawyers, Wm. S. Ballenger,
George A. Johnson, Lafayette Develin, James H. Stewart, David N. Berg,
Robert Fletcher.
Cambridge City Bank was established in the spring of 1853, under the
Free Banking Law, with a capital of $100,000. John Hunt was its first
President, but was succeeded, after about three months, by Williams
Petty; and he, a few months after, by John Marsh, who held the office
until its close. John W. Burson was Cashier from its commencement
until 1856. It then passed into the hands of Isaac Myers, J. D. Skean,
and others: Isaac Myers, President; Thomas Newby, Cashier. In 1862,
John Callaway became President. In December, 1863, it was organized
under the National Banking Law, as the First National Bank of Cambridge
City, with a capital of $50,000, which has since been increased to
$100,000. Its present proprietors are John Callaway (Pres.), Thomas
Newby (Cash.), Wm. Lemberger, Jacob Vore, and Milton Thornburg.
The Public Hall is a spendid one, surpassed probably by few in the
state outside of Indianapolis. It is to the citizens of Cambridge a
thing of great convenience and utility, and highly creditable to its
proprietor, Mr. Joseph Morrey. it will seat 600 people; its lighted
with gas, has dressing-rooms, drop curtains, and scenery, all complete.
The hall is 40 feet wide and 90 feet long, ceiling 26 feet about the
floor, and the stage 25 feet deep; and the whole is beautifully
frescoed. The hall is in the large brick block, completed by Mr.
Morrey in 1868, for store-rooms and offices. The cost of the buildings
is about $20,000.
Cambridge City Car Company, for the building of railroad cars, was
organized in 1868, and chartered under a general law of the state
legislature, with a capital of $100,000. Its officers were, Wm.
Mercer, president, and Wm. Dunham, secretary and treasurer; George L.
Thomas, car builder. They manufacture freight cars only. The number
built yearly is about 500, of the average value of about $700.
Connected with the establishment is a foundry, in which the necessary
castings are made. The president died early in 1871. (The
establishment at present is not in operation.)
The Cambridge City Manufacturing Company had its origin in the
manufacture of Adams' Queen Washer, by Caleb M. and James Peelle, in
August, 1867. In 1869 they were joined by Albert W. Fletcher and
Edward peelle (firm, C. M. Peelle & Co.); and to their business was
added the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds, and of building
materials generally. In October, 1869, they obtained a charter as a
joint stock company, styled the Cambridge City Manufacturing Company,
with a capital of $35,000.
The Flax Mill of Joseph Morrey is an important manufacturing
establishment in Cambridge City. it converts annually about 500 tons
of flax-straw into tow for the manufacture of bagging; and the article
is shipped quite extensively to Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo.
This establishment affords steady employment to about 20 hands.
The Marble Works in Cambridge were established in 1857, by James W.
Carpenter, with a stock of $200 worth of unwrought marble, bought at
Indianapolis wholly on credit. In 1863, he took into partnership
thomas C. Vickrey, now of Richmond, who retired for the concern after
two years; since which time Mr. Carpenter has continued the business
alone. About two years ago he began to import the Scotch granite.
This business has been constantly increasing, and now extends to
several of the Western states, and forms the most important part of his
trade. The monuments are all manufactured in Scotland to order; and as
Mr. C. is himself a partner in the manufacture in that country, where
he has recently been to effect the arrangement, he is enabled to supply
orders at lower prices than are charged at other establishments in the
West. His sales, during the first year, amounted to about $500; the
last year, $100,000. Several of the imported monuments were sold for
$2,500 each.
The Flower and Plant Nursery in the west part of the town has been
established and matured by Joseph W. Vestal, who, in 1855, commenced
vegetable and truck farming. In 1860, he commenced the green-house
cultivation of flowers, and made about 300 square feet of glass
covering, to which he has annually made additions, until he now covers
nearly 10,000 feet with glass, and cultivates aout 3,000 varieties.
His plants are sold into nearly every state in the Union east of the
Rocky Mountains. His business during most of the year is the supplying
of nursery men, florists, and dealers with stock for retailing, or with
new plants from which to propagate stock. He also deals in sweet
potato and other early plants. Plants and flowers are sold by retail
to customers from several townships of the county. Sales amount
annually to about $8,000 to $10,000.
Schools.----- An Academical School was established in Cambridge by
Prof. Samuel K. Hoshour, who came to this place in 1839, from
Centerville, where he had acquired a high reputation as teacher and
principal of the Wayne County Seminary. The Academy building was on
the east side of the river. Prof. Hoshour continued his school for
about seven years, when the building was destroyed by fire and the
school discontinued.
The new Public School House, which stands in the east part of West
Cambridge, is a fine building, equaled in size and the style of its
architecture by few in the county. The town is consolidated into a
single district; and the course of instruction embraces all the
branches of study, from primary to academical.
Religious Societies. --- The Presbyterian Church of Milton and
Cambridge was formed at Milton, August 14, 1837, by Rev. Messrs. Graham
and John A. Meeks, appointed by Oxford Presbytery. Its first members
were, Samuel, Margaret, and Alex. Brand, Julia Ann Walker, John
Lincoln, George W., Catharine, and Susannah Snyder, Henry Shull, David
T. and Isabella Hileman, and Alenor Allen. Henry Shull, David T.
Hileman, Samuel Brand, and George W. Snyder were chosen elders.
Meetings were held for two years at Milton, after which the place of
meeting was changed to Cambridge, where, for many years, only
occasional preaching was had; and meetings were held in the churches of
other societies and in school-houses. In 1853 the name of the
Presbytery was changed to Whitewater; and the same year the name of the
church was changed to Presbyterian Church of Cambridge City. The
present house of worship was built in 1858, on the corner of Railroad
and Green streets, on a lot given to the society by Charles H. and
Nathan Raymond. Since the first election of elders, Nathan H. Raymond
was chosen to that office, June 21, 1846; Henry B. Dinwiddie, Janurary,
1847; Edward Raymond, 1852. names of ministers who have supplied the
congregation are the following: _______ ________ commenced his labors
in 1847, and served two years; J. J. Scott, 1852, one year; Isaac W.
Monfort, 1854, three years, one-fourth of the time; 1857, A. McFarland,
one-half of the time; H. M. Shockley, pastor, 1859 to 1861. Rev. Mr.
Patton, late minister. The present one not ascertained.
The Congregation of the Christian Church in Cambridge City was
organized November 12, 1839, (?) by Prof. Samuel K. Hoshour. Joel
Collins and Mr. Hoshour were chosen elders; John Crume and Ebenezer
Finney, deacons. The number of members was about thirty, among whom
were the following: Corbin Jackson, Samuel K. Hoshour, Moses Powell,
Benj. Berry, Evan Young, Levi Lakey, David Crull, and Joel Collins,
with their wives, John Crume, and Ebenezer W. Finney. Also Jacob H.
Jessup and Joel Pennington and their wives were early members. June 9,
1858, Ebenezer W. Finney, Thomas Newby, and David Crull were chosen
trustees of the society. Their first preacher was Rev. Samuel K.
Hoshour, who served the church for many years. John Kinney came in
1864. Preachers since, D. R. Van Buskirk, John Marshall, Frank W.
Parker, Wm. Griggsby, and ________ Thompson, the present pastor.
Meetings were held several years in the Seminary building, which was
afterward destroyed by fire. The society has since built a house of
worship.
A Baptist Church was formed about the year 1835, of whose history
little has been learned. It, however, maintained a rather feeble
existence until 1859, when it was superseded by a new organiztion, as
stated below:
At an adjourned meeting held in the Methodist meeting-house in
Cambridge, February 2, 1859, a new Baptist organization was completed.
Ministers present on the occasion, M. G. Clark, of Indianapolis, M.
Hazen, of Posey, and J. B. simmons. Among the members at the time of
the organization were Samuel Hervey, Harvey Clark, Wilson Jackson,
Avery gates, John Marson, John Christian, Edward Webb, and their wives,
Mary Hervey, Sarah Scott, Sarah Heritage, Minerva Williams. Avery
Gates and John Marson were chosen deacons; Edward Webb, Clerk; Wilson
Jackson, treasurer. The first pastor commenced his labors in December,
1859; Caleb Blood, December, 1860; and after an occasional supply of
the pulpit by Samuel Hervey, A. S. Ames came in May, 1866, and served
two years; J. B. Sharp, June 1868; Henry B. Rupe, 1869, one year;
Joseph H. Sedgwick, March, 1870 was called and declined.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambridge is supposed to have been
organized soon after the town west of the river was laid out, or about
the year 1837. But as no records of a date anterior to 1847, or about
that year, have been found, its early history can not be given from a
church record. Nor, after much inquiry, has an early settler been
found, who could give any reliable information respecting the formation
of the society.
Lodges.---- Cambridge city Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons, was
chartered May 28, 1844. Charter members: A. Goodenough, W. M.; J.
Fisher, S. W.; Thomas Hutton, Sen. Officers elect the present year:
N. R. Bennett, W. M.; Kos Whelan, S. W.; F. Swiggett, J. W. Number of
members, about 150.
A new Lodge, the Thomas Newby Lodge, No. 434, commenced work under a
new charter, dated May 25, 1871. Officers: Levin Siggett, W. M.; D.
N. Berg, S. W.; I. N. Drury, J. W.
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 9, 1848, James Whitcomb, G. H. P. Officers: S.
Reed, H. P.; J. W. Maxwell, K.; T. Owen; E. S. Hoser, C. H.; W. W.
Tyler, P. S.; E. Barrow, R. A. C.; S. McCain, M. 3d V.; J. W. Wolf, M.
2d V.; E. S. Wiggins, M. 1st V.; C. H. Raymond, Secretary.
The above charter was surrendered December 29, 1852; and the Chapter
rechartered November 20, 1855, on petition signed by the following
named Royal Arch Masons: H. B. Sinks, J. Pennington, J. Marsh, E.
Southwick, E. B. Newman, W. B. Enyeart, M. D. Leeson, John Callaway, A.
B. Claypool, I. N. Beard, C. H. Raymond, Williams Petty. Officers for
the year 1871: W. B. Enyeart, M. E. H. Priest; James McCaffrey, King;
Nathan Jones, Scribe; D. A. Berg, P. S.; M. H. Franklin, R. A. C.; M.
C. Roberts, M. 3d v.; G. W. Shults, Jun., m. 2d v.; C. McCoy, M. 1st
V.; Kos Whelan, Secretary.
Connersville Commandery of Knights Templars, No. 6, was chartered
December 27, 1855. Charter members: Wm. Peelan, Eminent Commander;
Martin Fryberger, Generalissimo; Joshua Leach, Captain General. The
Commandery was removed to Cambridge City, April, 1868, and the name
changed to
Cambridge Commandery, at a meeting of the Grand Commandery, in April,
1868. Officers for 1871: Levin Swiggett, Eminent Commander; R. A.
Patterson, Generalissimo; O. H. P. Little, Captain General.
Cambridge Council of F. and A. Masons.---- Officers: N. R. Bennett,
Thrice III. Gr. Master; Frank Swiggett, Dep. Thrice III. Gr. Master;
Silas Canfield, Prin. Conductor of the work.
Wayne Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F., instituted at Cambridge City, Oct 14,
1844. Charter members--- Aaron Reisor, Casper Markle, J. M. Hiatt,
David G. Kern, Charles J. Graham, J. Price, E. P. Justice, Robert
Gordon, Chris. Taylor, Jun., O. T. Crider. First officers -- Aaron
Reisor, N. G.; E. p. Justice, V. G.; Casper Markle, Treas.; J. M.
Hiatt, Sec'y. present officers ---- Robert L. Ramsey, N. G.; Frank G.
Epply, V. G.; Israel Morrey, Treas.; E. L. Spencer, Sec'y.
Hormah Encampment, No. 11, instituted at Cambridge City, July 14, 1848.
Charter members---- P. G. K. Richards, Casper Markle, James Hughes,
John F. Youse, Francis Hills, George M. Dipboye, James V. Wayman.
First officers --- P. G. K. Richards, C. P.; John F. Youse, H. p.;
Casper Markel, S. W.; Francis Wills, Scribe; G. M. Dipboye, Treas.;
James Hughes, J. W. Present officers --- E. L. Spencer, C. P.; James
Griffith, H. P.; John Adams, S. W.; Nathaniel Cary, Treas.; Richard A.
Taylor, Scribe; W. E. Carnahan, J. W.
Cambridge Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias. Instituted at Cambridge
City, August 17, 1870. Charter members ---- O. H. P. Little, N. R.
Bennett, Max Pracht, D. A. Smalley, Robert L. Ramsey, E. L. Spencer, R.
A. Taylor, S. B. Elliott, Lee Pittman, W. B. McKenna, W. B. Enyeart, R.
L. Kevil, J. F. Huber, Jesse Poff, Frank mosbaugh, Gusta Britton, J.
Bobb, Henry c. Meredith, Casper Little, Geo. O. Doll, Alfred Cox,
George L. Weast, Frank G. Epply, R. c. Wilson, James Bowstead, W. B.
Williams, J. M. Wisengarber, W. E. Carnahan, M. D., Mike Rink, Frank
Stobaugh, J. V. Richardson, Louis Wingate. First officers ----- O. H.
P. Little, v. P.; N. R. Bennett, W. C.; Max Pracht, V. C.; D. A.
Smalley, R. & C. S.; Robert L. Ramsey, F. S.; E. L. Spencer, B.; R. A.
Taylor, G.; S. B. Elliott, J. S.; Lee Pittman, O. S. and Host. Finance
committee --- J. V. Richardson, R. A. Taylor, F. G. Epply. Trustees---
J. V. Richardson, F. G. Epply, H. C. Meredith. present officers ----
Frank G. Epply, W. C.; John M. Ray, V. C.; R. A. Taylor, V. P.; James
W. Richardson, R. & C. S.; E. C. Collins, F. S.; Israel Morrey, B.;
Frank Stobaugh, G.; R. L. Kevil, J. S.; Lee Pittman, O. S. and Host.
Trustees---- O. H. P. Little, R. L. Kevil, Israel Morrey.
Newspapers
(The following historical sketch of the newspapers of Cambridge City
was prepared too late for the insertion in the history of the newspaper
press of the county in preceding pages.)
In the summer of 1845, James H. Hunt, who had published a paper at
Greenfield, Hancock Co., Ind., removed his office to Cambridge and
started the Cambridge City Reveille, which he continued until 1850;
after which, it was published about a year by Robert O. Dormer. After
a short suspension, it was revived by Mr. Hunt and his brother Jonathan
H. Hunt, and after a few months removed to Portland, Jay Co. The
editor (Hunt) having, on his death bed, directed it to be removed to a
warehouse, the person employed dumped the types promiscuously into a
dry goods box. The Reveille was Whig in politics.
In 1850, Wm. and Charles Daily removed the Chronicle press and types
from Connersville to Cambridge City, and published the Cambridge City
News, a Democratic paper, during the years 1850 and 1851. During the
two succeeding years, it was published by Lafayette Develin; in which
time the earlier poems of Louisa Chitwood, then, and until her death, a
poet of rare promise, made their first appearance in its columns.
In 1852, Whelan & Pritchard, havng purchased the office of the Western
Reformer at Milton, removed it to Cambridge, and used it for some time
as a Job office. Wheeler & Ryder then started the Cambridge City Item,
edited by Samuel K. Hoshour, whose name apperared at the head of the
paper as "Conductor," along with that of the Kos Whelan as "Engineer,"
and that of N. W. Carey as "Pugilist."
After a few months, by arrangement with Develin, the two papers were
united, under the name of Cambridge City News and City Item, neutral in
politics. After it had been published nearly a year, Whelan,
Buckingham, and Waltz, in 1855, published the Daily Item, a small
sheet, foolscap size, devoted to news, fun, and gossip, which is
survived only a few months. The office was then sold to R. J.
Strickland, who removed it to Centerville. A part of the material is
said to be still used in the office of the Radical in Richmond.
In the autumn of 1856, George B. Seig established the Cambridge City
Bulletin, a weekly Republican paper, and published it for two years.
It was then published for one year by Kosciusko Whelan. In 1860, the
establishment was purchased by Whelan, Kellar, and Leib, who started a
new Republican paper, named "The Flag of the Free." On the breaking
out of the war, nearly all the employes went into the army, and paper
stopped. The office was sold, and, after passing through several
hands, the press and types were taken to Little Rock, Arkansas.
In 1864, R. J. Strickland remvoved the establishment of the Wayne
County Chronicle to Cambridge City, and issued the cambridge City
Journal, a Republican paper, for a year or longer. The office was then
sold to John C. Lutz and Lafayette Develin, who issued, Jan. 8, 1866,
the first number of a Democratic paper, named Western Mirror. This had
a larger circulation than any paper previously published here. Mr.
Lutz died March 15, 1868, and the paper was conducted by Mr. Develin
until May 13, 1869, when the office was purchased by Henry C. Meredith,
who that day commenced the Cambridge City Tribune, a Republican paper,
which is still published there. From June to August, 1870, W. D. Haley
was associated with Mr. Meredith; and since Dec. 22, 1870, W. P.
Harding has been associate editor and propietor. The paper has a large
circulation.
Soon after the sale of the Mirror to Meredith, L. L. Dale, of
Newcastle, removed his paper, the Democratic Times, to Cambridge City,
where it was issued some eight or nine months, when he returned to
Newcastle.
After Mr. Dale's departure, T. G. McCaulay, of West Salem, Ohio,
published the Cambridge City Chieftain, a Democratic paper, which,
however, after a few weeks, was discontinued.
In the south-west part of Jackson township were the following named
early settlers--- though not all of them the first---on the lands on
which they respectively settled: Aaron Morris, in 1822, settled 1 1/2
miles south-east of Dublin, on land now owned by Eli Henby. John
Morris, his son, on land adjoining, west, now owned by his sons Eli and
Thomas B. Morris. In 1829, Samuel Morris, also a son of Aaron,
north-west of his father's where he still resides. Gideon Myers, where
Michael Myers lives. Levi Hopper, perhaps the first, on land now owned
by Joseph Gray, Jun. Wm. Kersey, on land lately owned by J. W. Wilson,
now by Michael Myers, 1/2 mile west of where the latter resides.
Francis Hestor, where Wm. Adair lives. John Cook, afterward Richard
Gordon, where Robert Parker lives. Joseph Newton, on the present farm
of Joseph M. Cox. Daniel Mills, later John Hiatt, on the farm now and
for many years owned by Joseph Cox, at the extraordinary age of 93.
Benj. Reynolds, south-west corner of the township; land now owned by
Josiah T. White, lately by Thomas Gronendyke, now by Nathan Morris.
Wm. Butler, from Va., settled south-west of Dbulin, on land now owned
by Joseph Thoms, who resides west of the county line. James Griffin,
where Robert S. Pretlow lives, near town. Benj. Griffin, where Samuel
Sivey lives; land adjoining town. Joseph Newby, from N. C., where
Jacob Vore resides, west side of the town. Josiah Bell, from N. C.,
came with his father, John Bell, who settled a mile south from
Cambridge. Josiah afterward settled near Dublin, where he still
resides. Thomas and Alexander McGreer were the first owners of the
land where Dublin stands; Thomas, of the north part, and Alexander of
the south part, including the farm lately owned by Bennet cox, now by
Daniel Stanton. Hugh McGreer, a brother of Thomas and Alexander,
bought north of and adjoining the town. paul Custar settled early near
the east end of Dublin, and kept a tavern about the year 1823, in a
hewed log house, sign of the "Black Horse."
In the west part of the township, north of the old State road, most of
the early settlers were the following: John Hough, where John Bond
lives. Hugh Allen where Charles Hood now owns. John Elliott, from N.
C., on the lands now owned by Henry Binkley, and others. Isaac Miller,
on land now owned by Moses Myers. Jehu Burkett, where now Charles T.
Gough lives. Jacob Elliott, from N. C., where Exum Elliott and
Harrison Cook live. Benj. Beecham, from N. C., on land now owned by
Thomas Hammond. David Shidler, where he still resides. Nathan Jessup,
on land now owned by Harrison Cook.
David Caylor was probably the first settler where Rudolf Ellenberger
lives, on the township north line. John Dill on land now owned by J.
S. Dill's heirs. John M. Lawson, part of section 16, probably bought
of the township. David Burkett, from N. C., where he still resides, at
the age of 88 years. Thomas Bennett, probably the first, where he now
lives. Amos Humberd, from N. C., on land of which Wm. Mason owns a
part; also, John Ritter and Solomon Bowman, heirs of Humberd. Henry
Ritter, on land now owned by Jacob Ritter. David Johnsonbaugh was an
early settler where Isaiah Howard owns. Jacob Moore, where Nathan
Stonecipher afterward owned. Stonecipher settled where John Ritter
lives. Adam Shaffer has lived for 30 years where he now is. David
Berg, from Pa. in 1829, settled where Israel Hardman lives. Samuel
Heiny, from Pa., settled on section 9; land now owned by Abraham Heiny;
also owned where Abraham Heiny lives.
Along the valley of the river, and east of it, north of Cambridge, were
the following: Benj. Bowman, where David Keller lives. Jacob ______,
on land now owned by T. Keplinger. Gabriel Newby, lands now owned by
George Raresheid and one or two others. John Newby, from N. C., where
his widow lives. Caleb Morris, on the land now owned in part by Caleb
J. Morris, and a part lately owned by Henry E. Peelle. Abraham Miller,
where A. D. Bond's heirs live. Johnathan Morris, on land now owned by
his son Elias Morris, who resides in Cambridge. Samuel Hepley, where
Abraham Copeland owns. Manasseh Myers, west side of the river on land
taken up by Amos Humberd, now owned by George White. martin Myers,
east side, settled early wher he now lives. Moses Myers settled where
Adam Bertsh owns. Jacob Heiny, Where he now lives. Hiel Erwin, a part
of section 2, on which Heil and L. Erwin live.
Along the National and old State roads, where the following: Hugh Allen
settled early on township west line, on land lately owned by L. L.
Lawrence, now by Charles Hood. John Hough, where John Bond lives.
Samuel cripe, on the quarter now owned by John and Lindley Miles and W.
Shaffer. John and Wm. Addison, on land now owned chiefly by Charles T.
Hough and Jacob White. John Burkett, of Ohio, south of the State road,
where Rudolf Burkett lives. David Cochran (perhaps not first) where
John Huddleston resides.
The first School in the west part of the township is said to have been
kept in a log house, half a mile from Dublin, on the State road.
John Stump (1815) was one of the earliest Blacksmiths in the township.
The Religious Societies outside of the towns are the following:
A church, known as the Albright Church, somewhat similar in faith and
polity to the United Brethren and the Methodists, was formed in or
about hte year 1832, 2 miles north of Dublin. Daniel Hart, John M.
Lawson, John Dill, Jacob and Samuel Dickover, John Richwine, James
Iliff, and their wives, were early members. Their first preacher was
Burnett Fryar, who formed the class.
The Friends (orthodox) formed the Bethel Meeting, about the year 1823,
a mile south of Dublin. Another Bethel Meeting was formed by the other
branch of the Friends (Hicksites), whose meeting-house is near and on
the south side of the town.
A United Brethren Church has just been organized, and built a house
about 3 miles north of Cambridge City.
Town of Dublin
The town of Dublin was laid out by Harmon Davis. The original plat,
made out and signed by him as proprietor, was recorded Jan. 29, 1830.
Additions have since been made as follows: First, by Robert Murphy and
Eli Brown, trustees for Dempsey Boswell & Sons; in 1846, by Albertson
Chappell, Abraham Symonds, Jacob Custer, Benj. Griffin, John Whippo, J.
P. Creager, Caleb W. Witt, Wm. McKimmey; in 1837, by C. W. Witt; in
1838, by Samuel Schoolfield; in 1868 by Samuel Pierce and Mark H.
Perkins. When the town was first laid out, there was not a building on
the ground. The first house was a log house built by Isaac King, on
what is known as Cook's corner.
Of the early Merchants, the first three came the same year (1831). the
first, it is believed, was Samuel Nixon, who had bought the goods of
Dempsey Boswell, who, as has been stated, had a store near town on the
State road. The next was Thomas Owens, from Richmond, who had been in
trade there, and who bought the little store building of Boswell, and
moved it into town, on the lot now occupied by J. Bradway as a stove
store. He was compelled, from ill health, to quit in a few months;
returned to Richmond, and died soon after. In December, Jacob Vore
commenced his long mercantile career in Dublin. Nixon soon sold out to
Boswell & Sons, who traded but a short time. Among the later merchants
were James Vanuxem & Son, Benj. and Josiah Reynolds, E. H. Vanuxem, J.
& B. Kirk, John Lebrick. Present merchants: Dry Goods---Dillon &
Hill, Jesse Hiatt & Son, Thomas J. Layman, John G. Camony, Jacob V.
Hoffman. Grocers--- Jacob & Wm. H. Vore, W. H. Kenworthy.
Hardware---J. H. Hull. Druggists--Dr. John M. Bell, Hottendorf & Hale.
The first Physician in the town was John Beatty, in 1831 or 1832,
afterward (1834) Caleb W. Witt, and about the same time, Lazarus E.
Jones, and later, James Elder, Dr. Farnsworth, John M. Bell, John W.
Smith, and others. Present physicians: John M. Bell, Samuel S. Boyd,
Aurelius P. Taylor, Livingston B. Taylor, John W. Smith, and , it is
believed, another, whose name is not furnished.
The first Tavern in Dublin was kept by Samuel Schoolfield, from Va.,
his sign bearing the motto: "Our country, right or wrong."
A School---perhaps not the first in town--was early taught by Mary
Schoolfield, now Mrs. Dr. John M. Bell.
A Female Seminary was established in 1835, by Caleb W. Witt, John
Whippo, and Jonathan P. Creager; and Sarah Dickinson was employed as
principal teacher for several years.
The Dublin Academy was established in 1837, by a joint stock stock
company. The building was afterward occupied as a public school-house.
In 1867 it was taken down, and athe present house built, which was
dedicated January 1, 1868. Its cost was about $15,000. Scholars
enrolled, about 450.
Among the early Mechanics of Dublin were, John Crill, the first
blacksmith, in 1831. Early carpenters, Robert Way, Charles Morgan,
Albertson Chappel, Axum Elliott. Anselm Butler cme in 1834, a
wagon-maker; is now a pump-maker. The present carriage-maker is Samuel
P. Herrington. Harness-maker, Oliver Gilbert. The first
cabinet-makers in Dublin are said to have been Peck & Matthews, as
early as 1829, who sold to Eli Pittman. Thomas Allen commenced
business in 1832. Jesse Pike, who came that year, worked for him, and
afterward started for himself, and still continues the business. Pike
married a daughter of Samuel Schoolfield.
William B. Reed, a blacksmith, came from Ohio to Dublin, in 1838, where
he has carried on the business to the present time, excepting an
absence of four years at Cambridge, and one or two years at
Centerville. He is a justice of the peace. Two sons, Joseph S. and
Alonzo W., served in the late war.
The first Tannery in Dublin was established by Reese Ridgeway in 1832,
who sold to Benj. Griffin in 1833, and he to Axum S. Elliott. The
present tannery was established by Benj. Kirk, about the year 1844, and
is now owned by Hammond, Brown & Co.
Samuel Nixon built a Carding-machine near the present residence of
Caleb W. Witt, but it was not long continued.
A steam Flouring-mill was built in 1866, by Jacob Vore, Jesse Hiatt,
and Paul Barnard. January 1, 1867, Hiatt sold out to Wm. B. Mitchell;
April 1, 1867, Vore sold to his son, Wm. H.; July 14, Barnard to Wm. H.
Vore and Mitchell. In February, 1870, the sold to ________ Cox, who
failed to make payment, and the mill again (November, 1870,) came into
the hands of its present proprietors, Jacob and Wm. H. Vore.
The principal Manufacturing Establishment in Dublin is the Wayne
Agricultural Works, Which may be said to have originated in 1837, in a
foundry established by John Whippo and Caleb W. James Witt, near the
site of the present tannery of Hammond, Brown & Co. In 1839 Caswell
and Pleasant Witt bought out Whippo; and in 1840 the four Witt Brothers
built the present foundry and machine shop on the National road
(Cumberland street.) In 1845 they sold to James W. and Lovell L.
Lawrence, who, a few years after, sold to Caleb W. Witt, Norton Davis,
and Wm. Hollingsworth. After two or three years, the concern passed to
Samuel Binkley, L. L. Lawrence, and N. Davis. Binkley sold his
interest to Wilson Jones. Since then the firm of Davis, Lawrence & Co.
has remained to the present time unchanged. they manufacture reapers
and mowers, wheat drills, scales, hay rakes, etc. On the 1st of
January, 1871, the concern was changed to a stock company. Its
officers are Norton Davis, president; L. L. Lawrence, vice-president;
Wilson Jones, actuary; A. L. Davis, secretary; E. Lawrence, treasurer.
The number of hands employed is from 60 to 75. Amount of sales, about
$150,000 annually.
The first Justice of the Peace was Nathaniel Malin; 2d, Levi Eastridge;
3d, Jacob Chappell, a shoemaker. Wm. B. Reed, a blacksmith, is the
present justice.
The cause of Temperance here found an early and powerful support. Its
friends, by united and persevering effort, succeeded in putting an end
to the liquor traffic. Drunkards are not made in Dublin. There is not
a drinking saloon in it. To this, mainly, is to be attributed the
general morality or its inhabitants.
The population of Dublin, according to the census of 1870, was then 1,076.
Religious Societies.---The Methodist Episcopal Church in Dublin was
formed in 1834. Among the first members were Alfred Pierce and his
wife, Mary Grove, Margaret Faulkner, Abigail Misner, James Bradshaw.
Their first preacher is said to have been Robert Burns, followed by
________ Kimball, Freeman Farnsworth, and others. Their meetings were
first held at the house of Wm. Faulkner, a local preacher. They built
a frame meeting-house in 1837 or 38; their present brick house, on
Dublin street, in 1853-54.
The United Brethren formed a church in 1837. Among the members of the
class were Caleb W., Caswell, James, and Wm. Witt, John Whittington,
and the wives of some or all of them. Their meetings were held for
several years in a room fitted up in the Dublin Foundry. They built a
brick house in 1846, which was destroyed by fire in 1856; and in 1857,
their present house was built.
The Christian Church of Dublin was organized January 11, 1866. Amos
Tredway, Jacob Knipe, Lewis C. Wilson, Enoch Nation, and their wives,
Landell Bowen, Susan Boyd, Ruth Boyd, Sarah Scott, were among the first
members. Their first preacher was Daniel R. Vanbuskirk; 2d, John B.
Marshall; 3d, F. W. Parker; 4th, Wm Grigsby, the present incumbent.
meetings were first held in other churches and the town hall. In 1869
they built their neat frame house on Dublin street. Their first elders
were Enoch Nation, Lewis C. Wilson, Daniel R. Vanbuskirk.
The Universalist Church was organized in 1842; and reorganized in 1863.
Members at the first organization were, John Whippo, Paul Custer,
Jacob Custer, Gideon Myers, Edmund Lawrence, and others. Their
meetings were first held in the Academy building. Their first preacher
was John C. McCune, who officiated at the organization. His successors
have been Wm. W. Curry, Benj. Foster, their present preacher. Their
house, which is on Milton street, was built about 1848.
The Friends (Orthodox) lately formed a new meeting, called Dublin
Meeting, and meet for worship in the public hall.
History of Wayne County, Indiana
Andrew W. young
Pages pg 243-266
