TOPOGRAPHY


    In the center of Hendricks county is located the township of Center. it is in townships 15 and 16 north, ranges 1 east and 2 west, comprising about forty six square miles. It is bounded on the north by Union and Middle townships, on the east by Middle and Washington, on the south by Liberty and Clay, and on the west by Clay, Marion and Eel River townships. The west fork of White Lick creek, its tributaries, and Mill creek drain the land within the bounds of this township, supplemented today by a very efficient system of artificial drainage. With the exception of the deep, precipitous valley worn through the center of the township by White Lick, the nature of the land is undulating and level The highest elevation of land in the county is in Center township, gradually sloping away to the border) Woodland once covered this territory, but it has now been reduced to a minimum. It embraces a body of land unexcelled for grazing and of very high rank for fruit and grain production

EARLY SETTLEMENT AND ELECTION

    It is recorded that the earliest settlement was made in Center township in the year 1823. Very few people ever lived in this portion of the county until after the platting of the town of Danville, from which time it began to grow. There was a general election held in Center township on August 7, 1826, votes being cast for congressman, senator, representative, sheriff and coroner. There were about two hundred people in the township at that time and sixty six persons voted. The list of voters was as follows: Francis Barbee, Thomas Hinten Richard Christie, Elijah Thompson, Dickison Thompson. James Thompson, Jeremiah Cutbirth, Thomas Nichols, William Moore, George Moore, Thomas Shelton, Jonathan Wyatt, Nathaniel Kirk, Thomas Irons, Ezekiel Moore, William Crane, George Moore, Jr.. Moses Williams, William Moore, Sr., John Green, Samuel Gwinn, John Bryant, John Ristine, Martin Cooper, David Downs, Eli Townsend, Samuel Harriman, Thomas Howell, Thomas J. Walker, John Hanna, Thomas B. Clark, David Adams, Robert Cooper, Lemuel Hopkins, Joseph Dunn. George W. Pope, William lierron, Stephen Cook, Jesse Cook, Silas Bryant, Abel Stanley, Levi Kindman, Eli Morris, Job Osborn, Daniel Clark, William Pope. B. Dunn, Andy Clark, John Dunn, John Calor, James Downard, Preston Pennington, Nimrod Harrison, James Logan, John Moore, John Downs, James Williams, David Matlock, Stephen Annel, Thomas Walker, Jefferson Matlock, P. S. Dickens, David McDonald, Levi Jessup, George C. Brightman and Erasmus Nichols.

CENTER TOWNSHIP TODAY

    Because of the location of Danville, the county seat, Center township today occupies in some respects the foremost place among the twelve townships of the county. In richness, in agriculture and kindred vocation, she is not superior to all of the townships, but holds a high position and is deserving of much credit. The taxpayers are loyal and willing to support any movement for the good of the township and consequently civic pride and intelligent interest in the country has gained a prominent place. The land surrounding Danville is very good farming ground and a visit to the numerous estates will convince the critic that the most modem and efficient methods are used by the farmer in the cultivation of his soil. The homes dotting the broad farms are attractive and equal to the home of the man with urban advantages, something which twenty years ago would have been believed impossible. Telephones, excellent roads, railroads and interurban lines, all contribute to the easy communication with all parts of the county and the state capital. Distance has ceased to be a factor in present day life. The schools of Center township are of the first class, the religious life is pronounced, and behind all there is a spirit of good fellowship, progress and industry which prophesies greater and greater things to come.

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