Scott township occupies a central position in the south tier of townships of Montgomery county. It has an area of thirty-six square miles, and is known as T. 17 N., R. 4 W. It is bounded on the north by Union township, on the east by Clarke township, on the south by Putnam county, and on the west by Brown township. The eastern and southeastern portions of the township are watered by Big Raccoon and Cornstalk creeks, while the western and northwestern are drained by Indian and Rattlesnake creeks. The soil is a yellowish or brown loam of great fertility in the east or southeast, but changing in composition and variable, though still rich, in the west and northwest. A system of underground draining has been going on for some time, and is tending to greatly enhance the value and productiveness of this beautiful township, so admirably adapted to grazing and general farming. The veil of the grave has shut us out from many points, interesting, instructive, of the earliest history, but still the honored faces and cheering countenances of many sturdy pioneer characters are left as milestones, in the town's journey of progress, to point the stranger to its usefulness and its history.

Jacob Shuck was in all probability the first pioneer who braved the dangers and inconveniences of frontier life in this portion of Montgomery county, whom it is reported reached here as early as 1820, which, however, we think improbable, as the county's earliest settlements are not reported to have been made prior .to 1821. Mr. Shuck was nevertheless an early toiler among the tall timbers of Montgomery. He settled on Sec. 31, no doubt on account of the delightful and almost famous springs of clear, cold water located on this section. Soon after locating he was followed by his brothers, who made the land where Parkersburg now stands their home, but immediately after the close of the Black Hawk war they moved to Iowa. These were followed by John Danner, the Lemmonses, George Goyer, Jacob Winters; following close in their wake came Thomas Faithful, who was one of the first justices of1 the peace, John B. Wren, and Joshua Swank. In 1828 William Frame came from Kentucky and purchased the claim of Joshua Swank. Near the same period John Drennon came and located where A. W. Armstrong now lives, the latter having reached here in 1829. About this period many others came and helped to convert the then wilderness into one of the most delightful regions of the state. In 1833 Noble Welsh and family reached here from Kentucky, and settled upon the farm previously occupied by Christopher Shuck, on Sec. 32. Near this time Jacob Winters, one of the township's most ancient landmarks, walked to Iowa and visited the Shuck family. The fertile, rolling prairies of the Hawkeye State were an inspiration even to so aged a pioneer. He returned with five yoke of cattle and two wagons, which served to transport his household and goods to that state, which was his future home and whose bosom to-day holds his ashes. James Faster, Daniel Arnold, Samuel Greyhill, William Frame, George and Daniel Watkins, W. N. Gott, David Hastetter, J. Myers, Samuel Gill, R. Lafollet, T. V. Ashley, A. S. Byrd, M. M. Henry, Rev.. K. H. Miller, and the Souther- line, may also be mentioned in connection with the pioneer days of Scott township. Peter Warbritton claims to have settled in the township in 1825. This, however, is disputed by many of his friends and neighbors, who are inclined to think it was at least a year later. He became the father of thirteen children, every one of whom is living. Mr. and Mrs. Warbritton are still living and enjoying excellent health, and from all appearances will enjoy many years more of this world's goods and pleasures, mingled with its sorrows and disappointments. The presidential election of 1828 was held at the house of Robert Harrison, who came to the town in 1828 and located on the N.W. £ Sec. 23. The township at that time comprised all within its present boundaries, as well as all of Clarke. In the spring of 1834 the first post-office was located in the township. Nathaniel Parker was the last citizen of Swanksville, Putnam county, Indiana, and desiring to change his place of residence, moved to what was then known as Shucktown. It, however, was laid out in 1829 by Jacob and Christopher Shuck, under the name of Somerset. Mr. Parker being the last citizen of Swanksville, and postmaster, did not desire to see this branch of governmental affairs left in the wilderness, so he put the affair in his pocket and here it remained until he was thoroughly established in his new home. Here he opened the identical post-office of Putnam county's deserted village, and declared himself again ready to carry on this branch of " Uncle Sam's " work. No sooner was it known that " Uncle Nate," as he was familiarly called, had stolen a post-office of Putnam county, than some of the influential citizens in the vicinity of the dead Swanksville strongly objected to such proceedings, and forwarded a remonstrance to the post-office department at Washington, D. C., and demanded that the wrong should be righted. Strange as it may seem, it did not stir the department to its center, nor give the remonstrators a new office, but were compelled to acknowledge " Uncle Nate " as a political power in a new country. In 1835 the town was platted by Noble Welch, Thomas Arnott, and Thomas Faith, and given the name of Parkersburg in honor of its distinguished postmaster. This new name nevertheless created some dissatisfaction, and it seems as if Mr. Faith petitioned for a new name. This request was granted, and our troublesome child was known as Faithville for a couple of years, when it received its old name, Parkersburg, which it still retains. Mr. Parker held the office until about 1840, when he resigned his commission in favor of Robert Ramsey, who officiated many years. George W. James is the present postmaster.

The first sermon preached in what is now Parkersburg was by Rev. John Secrest, an Indian missionary, who was traveling in this section of country in 1825. In the fall of 1834 the first store was opened in the place by James Secrest. Robert Ramsey followed with another in partnership with Jacob Durham. Benjamin Wasson also kept store in the village in its younger days. In later years the trade was carried on by the Jameses, who ares till merchants of the place. Nathaniel Parker was the first gentleman to trade for and buy feathers, wool (which he carded himself), furs, chickens, turkeys, and the like. These he hauled with a team to Chicago, and there exchanged them for such goods as were demanded by the settlers. The trip generally occupied about three weeks' time. In 1847 a store and stock of goods, together with a harness and saddle shop and two dwellings, were consumed by fire. Between the years 1840 and 1850 the village was at the height of its prosperity. Three dry-goods stores graced its streets. Four blacksmith shops were doing a thriving trade. Two wagon shops were constantly busy. Two cabinet shops were kept busy in their manufacturing, having many customers from Illinois and distant parts of Indiana. One harness shop supplied every want in that line, and the weary traveler could have his choice of two hotels. John Gray- bill started the first of these blacksmith shops, while the second was built by James E. Welch, in 1841. Ho is still pounding at his forge, and is a most excellent gentleman, from whom many interesting points of early history have been received. Noble Welch was proprietor of the first hotel, while Win. Dale is the mine host of to-day. The pioneer saw-mill was operated by Mrs. John Hawkins and John Adams. The power was a strong man at each end of a whip-saw. This was superseded by a steam mill built by Wm. Rogers and J. J. Wren. The first grist-mill was run by John Herington, as proprietor. The motion was a horse-power. At this place his eldest son was killed. The first school house said to have been erected in this township was built about 1830, and although opinions are conflicting, a majority believe the first session was taught by John Goodbar, although a Miss Anderson taught here in an old settler's vacated cabin before the school-house, or school-cabin, was completed. The first school in the southeastern portion of the town was taught in a vacated cabin of Robert Harrison by Wm. Bruce, in 1829 and 1830. A few years after the citizens built a log-cabin school-house on what is now the center line of Scott township, one mile and a quarter east of the center stone. Here for many years were held all the public meetings of the town of every nature, as it was the best house in the community at that time. The town has recently finished a fine building, 30x40, two stories high, for such purposes, which is an honor to the town and a credit to all connected. Miss Anderson, who is given up to have been a noble, conscientious teacher, died while teaching, and it is believed to be about the first death that occurred in this little cluster of early settlers. She was buried near the cabin school-house, and was followed in her resting place by a few others who succumbed to the fiat of death before the unfolding of the exquisite beauty and wealth of this section of Montgomery county. Willis Bridges finally gave the public a picturesque knoll upon which they might bury their dead, situated about a quarter of a mile east of the village. To this place all those previously buried in another place were removed save Miss Anderson. There are other burying-places in the township where private families inter their dead. One is situated on the Joseph Wasson farm, about one mile north of town. This was laid out by William Frame. The James graveyard is located just south of the present town-house.

Nothing gives us a clearer insight into a people than a study of their religious energies and tendencies. Depend upon it, a town or community devoid of churches and religious meetings cannot be taken as the highest type of civilization and prosperity, and should those glorious institutions and religious influences be taken from us, it would need only time to land us in a period equal ,to the dark ages. The missionary and pioneer Christian are indeed heroes. They plant the seed and lay the foundation, and with a community, as with a child trained up in the way it should go, in old age it will not depart wholly from it. Scott township takes a front rank in religious enthusiasm. Many denominations have a following, but all are zealously working for humanity's good.

David Swank is believed to have been the father of Methodism in this portion of Montgomery county. He was an honest, earnest, and active worker, whose power as an organizer is seldom equaled even at this advanced day. He soon connected himself with William Frame, a native of Kentucky, whose name is synonymous with the struggles of pioneer religious history. He was a class-leader and exhorter of unusual ability, in his native state, and his energies were only quickened in his emigration to a section ripe for sound religious instruction. These two names are the nuclei around which the present society has ever thrived in its growing. The organization of the Methodist church was formed between the years of 1825 and 1880. With Rev. Joseph White as an early instructor the company soon became a lever of much good. The first exercises were attended with many hardships and inconveniences. During cold weather, the cabin where the first meetings were held was warmed by a log being fired in the center of the building in a bed of sand. While the attendants seated themselves around the burning logs they listened to that simple, earnest, religious teaching which leads to a reformation many whole-souled pioneers.

The organization was effected by members from the Swank family, the Frame family, the Westfall family, Frank Evans and wife, Edward Grimes and family, a portion of the Alloway family, Parker and family, and Abraham Adams and family. Services were conducted for many years in the old log school-house at Parkersburg. David Swank acted as leader for some time, and was followed by William Frame. In 1841 the society built a plain frame church, about 30x40 feet. This was erected by the surrounding neighborhood, every man contributing work and material until its completion. In 1862, during the summer, the trustees sold this building and fixtures, and a new and more commodious structure was immediately completed. It is 36x4:6 feet, and surmounted by a large, clear-toned bell, which can be easily heard each Sabbath morning in the vicinity, near the time for service. This building was finished at a cost of $1,550, and is quite an ornament to the township. The organization now has a membership of sixty persons, with Joseph Wasson as class-leader. The year 1827 marks the advent of the Providence Baptist church. It was organized under the leadership of Jonathan Keeney, a stalwart, religions character, whoso unswerving Christian life imbued his associates and admirers with many commendable traits and desirable qualities. Their first meetings were held in tho cabin of Isaac Jones, but in 1828 their first church was built near the center of the south side of the township. Mr. Keeney continued his labors about two years, and was followed by Rev. John Cleminons, who continued as pastor for several years. In 1835 John Case became pastor, and held it, working with unabated energy, until about 1860. In 1849 they completed their present church, a frame building conveniently arranged, and a substantial house. Isaac Jones and family, Charles Bruce and family, William Bruce and family, Jonathan Keeney and family, L. Baldwin and-family, Mrs. David Henry, Robert Harrison and family, and Abraham Byrd and family, were those who assisted in organizing the society.

Rev. John Thompson, of Crawfordsville, was the leading power in the organization of the Presbyterian church of Scott township, November 1, 1836. His co-workers were John Hester, Margaret Hester, Jane Shannon, David Hostetter, Sarah Gilbert, Elizabeth Lockridge, Ann M. Hester, Eleanor Adams, Mahala J. Adams, John Westfall, and Rachel Westfall. In November, 1837, arrangements were made with Samuel G. Lowery to become their pastor. Here he labored with unparalleled success until 1841, when the pulpit was filled by Rev. Moody Chase, as supply from Brainbridge. He soon became grafted into the hearts of his congregation, and formed such an attachment for the people of the town that he soon purchased a farm here, and settled in Parkersburg. He continued his ministrations until 1854, when his health failed and compelled him to refrain from his noble work. Rev. Samuel G. Lowery now became pastor a second time, for two years, at the expiration of which time he was followed by Rev. E. C. Johnson, who occupied the pulpit until 1860. From this time until 1868 services were held by Rev. Caleb Mills, and Rev. E. O. Hovey, both of Wabash College. James H. Johnson and others were also occasional ministers. In 1868 Rev. William N. Steel was presented a call, which he accepted and held until 1871, when Rev. Amos Jones began a pastorate of two years, and was followed by Rev. Steel one year. Rev. Jones and Rev. Caldwell then officiated one year, and were succeeded by Rev. John Hawk, who continued his work two years. Rev. V. N. Yergin then preached a year, as did Rev. Walter H. Baugh. In 1879 Rev. N. D. Johnson received a call, and is the present pastor. This society first worshiped in the old log school-house in Parkersburg, but in 1839 they commenced a church which was not completed until 1844. June 24, 1866, the board of trustees, consisting of Robert Cleveland, Adarn Hester, Dr. J. W. Straughan, James Cleveland, and Rev. M. Chase, decided to build a new house of worship, and commenced immediately to raise funds to carry out their resolves. In June, 1869, the building was commenced, and the following December witnessed its completion and dedication. It is a noble structure, 36x56 feet, above which swings an excellent bell, and was finished at a cost of $3,600. The society is now in a thriving condition, with a membership of seventy-seven persons. Its Sunday-school is one that can worthily be praised and visited with pleasure and profit. Rev. Joseph Davis, of Thorntown, was the founder of the Christian church in the township. It was organized in the fall of 1869, and in the same year a church, 36x46, at a cost of $2,200, was finished.

Rev. Oliver Wilson was one of their first ministers, and continued preaching about three years, when he died. At the organization the society had a membership of thirty-six persons, among whom were P. J. Johnson and family, J. E. Welch and family, Ambrose W. Armstrong and family, Richard Boone and family, and William Armstrong. A Sabbath-school was also organized at the same time, which was conducted the year round with great enthusiasm until about two years ago.

The society of German Baptists, or, as they are sometimes called, the Dunkards, was organized in the neighborhood of Ramp creek, just across the line between Montgomery and Putnam counties, in 1826, with the following members, with William R. Smith acting as pastor (he and his wife had formerly been residents of Preble county, Ohio): Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Smith, Jacob and Hannah Rouk, Henry and Frances Moss, and Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts. For many years this organization held their meetings in the log cabins of the members throughout the early settlement. In 1833 Mr. Daniel Miller took charge of the society as pastor. He was also from Ohio. In 1828 Jacob Rouk and Alexander Smith were elected deacons. With a will and determination, by God's grace the little band of Christ's followers held together, and kept the faith through the pioneer period, and were as the star which wise men in the east saw, for many good people came from Virginia and the eastern states and settled around this little society, whose numbers are now counted by scores. Between 1830 and 1840 the Harshbargers, the Peffleys and others were added to the church. In 1837 Rev. Francis Myers was called to the ministry. In 1847 Bishop William Gish came from Virginia and administered to the spiritual wants of the people, who chose to assemble with this congregation until 1854. In 1850 the society built a comfortable frame church on the banks of Cornstalk creek, in Scott township. Here they worshiped until 1870, when the membership became so large, and residing more in a northerly direction, that they built their present fine brick church "Bethel," 40x70, and capable of seating 800 people, in the northeast part of Scott. Their membership now numbers about 150. After the pastoral services of Bishop Gish, in 1854, Rev. Mathias Frantz was called to take charge of the church as their pastor. In 1858 Rev. Robert Miller became pastor, and continued serving his congregation with signal ability till the fall of 1880, when he was elected president of the college of this denomination at Ashland, Ohio. Since the removal of Rev. R. Miller, Rev. William R. Harshbarger has become pastor, being called to the ministry in 1867. He became the assistant pastor of the church, and now, under the management of such men as him and Mathias Frantz, the denomination is likely to prosper. In 1854 their old pastor, Rev. Daniel Miller, removed to Iowa, and in 1858 died of old age. In 1852 another of the pioneer preachers of this church moved to Iowa, and died of smallpox in 1863.

The first marriage said to have occurred in the township was at what was then known as " Shucktown " (now Parkersburg), the parties being Martin Shuck and Miss Rebecca Jones.

The history of this township would not be complete without a short sketch of the terrible tornado that visited a portion of it a few years ago, spreading devastation and death, in its course. At 7 o'clock in the evening, March 20, 1866, the awful hurricane rushed into the township three quarters of a mile north of the southwest corner, and swept through in a diagonal direction like a mighty sickle of death. The current was about a mile in width. The wind was terrific; the sound was hideous. The noise of the wind and thunder could be heard for miles. The breaking and twisting of timber, the crashing of buildings, and the unearthly cry of animals of every species, tilled mankind with horror. In its mad, angry course huge logs and strong structures were as feathers before it. It completely demolished new a dwelling just finished for Dr. Straughan. crushed a house belonging to M. F. James, and tore to pieces a building belonging to H. A. Foster. All the buildings of John Frame were unrooted, and hundreds of dollars' worth of his best timber destroyed. A child of M. F. James was killed outright. H. A. Foster's wife was found dead, and two children killed. Dr. Straughan had a child blown 100 yards and most seriously wounded. Many were more or less injured. After its passage birds, rabbits, and many other small animals were found dead in its track. One corn field of twelve acres in shock on the farm of A. W. Armstrong was so completely cleaned of the fodder that not a thing was left to remind one of its having been a corn field save an occasional stubble. At the approach of the fearful storm Mr. H. A. Foster was at his sugar camp, and although the air was filled with dust, dirt, rubbish, and timbers, flying in all directions, his life was spared, but upon returning to the spot where his home once was he found the sad condition of affairs above related. Pieces of buildings, machinery, garments, and various articles were carried miles away. A sheet was left hanging in the top of a tall tree for a year afterward. A feather bed was found under the trunk of a large oak tree. Clothing belonging to men and women was found miles away from the owner's house. Mr. M. F. James claims that a part of the roof of his house was found fifteen miles distant in the track of the storm, and that it was known to be the roof of his house from the fact that his was the only pitched roof in a line of the hurricane between where it was found and Terre Haute. A bureau drawer was found eight miles from where it belonged. A tin wash-boiler was found in the forks of an oak tree thirty-five feet from the ground. The buildings of Jacob Lidikeny were all unroofed, and much of his stock killed. A huge barn made of heavy logs was demolished, and its parts scattered quite a distance from where it stood, injuring the horses and cattle of George Heckathone a good deal. This is by far the greatest tragedy of Scott township, and one that man is permitted to look upon but once in a life-time; but once seen, its impression can never be erased or its horrors forgotten.

Source: History of Montgomery County, together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley By Hiram Williams Beckwith, P. S. Kennedy, Davidson, Thomas Fleming