Walnut creek is a small branch rising in the eastern part and meandering in a southeastern and northeastern direction, passing out of the township in Sec. 7. It received its name from the great quantities of valuable Walnut timber growing along its course. At the first election in the township, which occurred about 1831, Jesse Goben, an old and respected citizen, suggested the same name for the township.
In the same year the territory comprising a congressional township was organized. Walnut township is a generally level tract, bounded on the north by Franklin township, on the east by Boone county, on the south by Clark and on the west by Union townships.

Sixty years ago no sound was heard save the weird howl of a wolf, occasional scream of a panther, perhaps away from his native region, the discordant noises of other animals, or the harmonies of the feathered myriads, and these were one another's audience. Dense was the forest and deep the mud and surface growth of vegetation. Besides Walnut, Sandy and Spring branches carry the surplus water till they empty into Walnut. Cornstalk branch, so named from the chief of an Indian tribe that spent his time largely in these regions, begins about Sec. 22 and passes out at Southwest part of Sec. 32. Across the northeast part passes the Boulder Dyke, Moraine of Ancient Glaciers, where the " Niggerhead " tells of a foreign home. In this wilderness of " green " James Berry is said to have trapped, prior to the war of
1812, in which war he took part, leaving here in time to tight the battle of Tippecanoe September 10, 1811. But men seem to have been born suited to all kinds of circumstances — men who were made with muscles of steel and hearts that knew no failing. The first character of the kind that settled in what is now Walnut township was most likely Jesse Welch, yet Henry Long could not have been long behind.
There were numerous entries made prior to their settlement, which must have been about 1824. As early as September 22, 1822, Mary Winter entered, or caused to be entered for her, the ,S.W. 1/4 Sec 24, being the first entry made. In 1823 John Ellmore is accredited with the W. 1/2 of N.W. 1/4 Sec. 7. In 1824 Joseph Streatch entered the W. 1/2 of S.W. 1/2 Sec. 8, and John Kimble the W. 1/2 of S.W. 1/4 Sec. 7. Cealey Oxley entered the E. 1/2 of N.W. 1/4 Sec. 7 in 1825.   In that same year Stephen Williams with his wife and seven children came from Wayne county, Indiana, whither Mr. and Mrs. Williams had emigrated from North Carolina to Montgomery county and settled five miles east of Crawfordsville, within the present limits of Walnut township. The children were Bryant, Jonathan, Jane, William, John, Mary, Martha, and George, the last born after their arrival.   They lived about six years northwest of Fredericksburg, then moved to Union township, and there Stephen Williams died in the spring of 1875, having been preceded in death by his wife several years.   Mr. Welch had built the first cabin erected in the township.   This " mansion " of the woods was about 18x24, with a chimney in the corner.   There was an attic also, in which he kept his choice grain, and perhaps worked in somewhat.   It is said that when neighbors bought shelled corn of him he required them to pour it out of the measure, after shelling, then scoop it in again so it might be loose in the bushel.   We must suppose he measured corn's value according to the labor required to produce it. Mr. Welch's house stood a mile or so north of Mace, on the Johnson property, and was torn down but a short time ago.   Stephen Williams, above mentioned, built the second cabin in the township.   In 1826 Matthew Huston entered the W. 1/2 of N.W. 1/4 Sec. 19, T. 18, R. 3 E. In July, 1827, Cyrns Crain entered the, E. 1/2 of N.W. 1/4 and the W. 1/2 of N.E. 1/4 Sec. 17, T. 18, R. 3. E., and erected the third cabin in that township. This abode was eighteen feet square, round logs, a hole cut for an entry, no door, no floor but that " not made with hands," and which woman need not scrub, and no window, when in October following his family arrived.   In the Crain family were Cyrus and wife Hannah, and five children : Mariah, Jehial, Eliza, Charlotte, Permelia. Cyrus Crain died in 1846.   He was Baptist local preacher and the first to settle in the township.   His wife lived till 1870.   The children are all deceased but Eliza, who is in Kansas, and Jehial still living in Walnut township.   He owns 109 acres of the original entry.   About 1827 Harvey Crain also entered land. Jerre West emigrated in October, 1827, to Walnut, but leaving his goods in Crain's house he went to Shawnee prairie.   He returned shortly, entered land in S.E. 1/2 Sec.7, and built the fourth cabin of Walnut township.   Henry Long, who had no doubt been here before, entered the W. 1/2 of N.E. 1/4 Sec. 7, in February, and Ebenezer Kake entered the E. 1/2 of S.E. 1/4 Sec. 21.

Evi Martin, who was born in 1796 and who is still living in 1880, came from Miami county, Ohio, to Montgomery county, Indiana, landing at his father's house in Union township November 26, 1827. He soon entered a farm, being the S. 1/2 of S.W. 1/4 Sec. 7, and the N. i of N.W. 1/4 Sec. 18, T. 18, R. 3. E. of Walnut township.   About the middle of December of that year Mr. Martin erected the fifth log house, or building, in the township. One post, two poles, two auger holes, and a few clapboards, constituted their first bedstead in their now home, into which they moved February 4, 1828. Here.they toiled for ten years without buying a nail, and then paid 12J cents a pound, $8 a barrel for salt, and got 60 cents a bushel for wheat, and couldn't get anything for butter and eggs.

In 1828 Samuel Cornell entered the W. 1/2 of S.E. 1/4 Sec. 6. He brought his wife Hannah (McLaughlin), and was accompanied by his brother William. Samuel Cornell was a thorough temperance man, and opposed to the use of intoxicating liquors at log-rollings, house-arisings, harvesting, etc. Accordingly he announced his principles, and when the time came to raise his house no one appeared, while on such occasions the neighbors for miles around were wont to gather together the men and lads to work in daylight, and the women to talk, and at night the lassies and laddies to dance and make merry. A good old quaker hearing of the staunch temperance man, soon rallied help and the house was raised. The influence of this man finally triumphed over intemperance, and whiskey at such gatherings became a custom of the past. Mr. Cornell died December 2, 1846, leaving a wife and two children. In 1828 John Young, William Wilson, Samuel Schooley and his son John, Moses and Joseph Stewart, Ebenezer Kake, William B. Handley, Moses Williams, Solomon Beck, took out patents for land. On the land of the last named, Beckville afterward became a short lived hamlet. The year 1829 brought others, seeking homes cheap and new, among whom were William Coddington, John Watts, James B. Kenyon, John Furgeson, H. F. Beck, Jesse Goben.

Up to 1829 all the settlement seems to have been in the northwest especially, and the northeast parts of the township. In 1829 the stage of action enlarges southward, and history chronicles the arrival of Wilson Browning and wife, and James B. Jessee, wife and babe. Mrs. Browning being disabled for duty, Mr. Browning requested Mr. Jessee to abide with them the first winter, that Mrs. Jessee might perform the domestic duties. Mr. Jessee having arrived in the new country with but $8 in pocket, and almost destitute of life's where-with, gladly consented. By the united efforts of the two men a cabin of hewn logs was built, and the two families took possession. In the following year, 1830, Mr. Browning having suffered from illness, desired to visit an Indian doctor, Dudley, in Kentucky. Accordingly Mr. Jessee, his nephew, set out with him for that purpose. Arriving at Indianapolis the sick man was unable to go farther, and there died in September, 1830, and was there buried. This was most likely the first death from Walnut township. His widow married and moved away. James B. Jessee built a cabin where now the flouring-mill stands, and there kept an occasional traveler, charging him the usual fare. He also made a pair of shoes, or did anything that offered itself. In a short time he received $60 from his brother in Virginia, a debt due him. To this he borrowed $20 at Crawfordsville, paying interest at the rate of 20 per cent. The $60 and the $20, added to the little he had saved, purchased his first eighty acres of land, on which, in three or four years, he built and occupied. He began to have company in the "wilderness," and succeeded in adding a little land till he owned 240 acres. In those early days Mr. Jessee hauled wheat to Chicago, sold at $1.25 per hundred, and went to Attica for salt, paying $8.50 per barrel.   In 1829 John Kelley entered land here.

In 1830 John Rouck, David Stewart, Andrew B. Jones, Joseph Caraway, George Watkins, William N. Yowell, Nathan Crawford, Anthony Beck, William Beck, Jephtha Beck, and H. F. Beck, entered land in this township. This formed the Beck settlement, which gave rise in later years to a post-office, known as Beckville.

William and Rachel Lockridge were natives of Augusta county, Virginia, and were there married.   They emigrated to Indiana in 1830, and settled in Walnut township.   They brought seven children : Eliza, Harvey, John, James, Isabella, Margaret, and Rebecca. After building, and clearing about sixty acres, William Lockridge died, July 26,1846.   He had served in the war of 1812, and his father was wounded at the battle of Cowpens, in the revolution.   His wife died about 1843.   John Lockridge, son of the above, is one of the best farmers of the present day.   Joseph Spohr, Frederick Long, William Brooks, James Bridge, Robert Hamilton, Jere Caldwell, John Smith, Caswell Mabery, Joshua Evans, James Lee, John Graves, Peter Binford, and Hannah Halley made entries.   John Linn entered land, but perhaps did not settle till a few years after.   He was born in 1800, in Pennsylvania.   He spent some time in Ohio.   He was a mason by trade, and a man noted for energy and push.   At his death he owned 580 acres of land.   He was justice of the peace several years, and class-leader in the Methodist church.   He died in 1858.   As these hardy men and women enrolled themselves as pioneers, the country became a vast workshop, yet laborers were in demand.   Each succeeding year brought others to spy the land and seek a home. The year of 1831 witnessed the arrival of Henry Miller, Gerardus R. Robbins, Aaron S. Stewart, John Kiser, William Adair, Andrew Stewart, David Chambers, John Pottenger, John Poage, and others who made entries: 1832 brought John H. Pogue, William Bratton, James C. Scott, Littleton Fender, Jonathan Fender, Richard Kumler, Moses Kumler, James Strain, John Walkup, Jonas Winter, Godfrey Van Scoyoc, Jesse Winter.

David Spohr and wife Selena (Foster) made their advent in 1832, bringing two children, Nancy Jane and John. He entered the E.1/2 of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 10, the patent being signed by Andrew Jackson. They same in a four-horse Virginia scoop-bed wagon ; another family, William and Mary Foster, with three boys, accompanying them in the one vehicle. Mrs. Spohr rode, for hours together, on the off horse, carrying her baby, John. A trip of 700 miles landed them at Joseph Spohr's, who had preceded them two years. They then sold their wagon and all their horses but one, in order to pay for some land. For many years they worked with one horse and without a wagon. Mrs. Spohr wove and spun to pay for a heifer calf. The calf became a cow and gave birth to a calf; this grew to cow hood and Mrs. Spohr traded the one for the wood-work of a wagon and the other for ironing the "old time buggy." This wagon stands in the barn a relic of hard work, poverty, durability, and frontier life generally.

Bainbridge Hall, who had settled in Brown township in 1830 or 1831, entered about 400 acres of land in the southwestern part of Walnut township in 1832, which came into the possession of his sons, Henry H., Samuel Q., and William Hall, and on which the two former live, while William is a bridge-builder and carpenter in Clinton, Illinois.

In 1833 came David Buchanan, Samuel Imel, George Imel, and others. Samuel Imel and wife Susan did not settle their land till two or three years after the date of entry. The year 1834 made Bennett Ferguson, Samuel N. Bell and others land owners. Samuel N. Bell and wife Sallie A. (Bowman) moved to Montgomery county in 1832, but leased for two years near the head-waters of Walnut Branch. In 1835 a few entries were made but mostly by those who had settled years before. Wm. Bowman, Samuel Hipes and Dickerson Groober were perhaps new settlers. Even in 1836 the forests were not much broken. Small patches had been cleared and tilled, yet there were no surplus crops. In 1836 George G. Armistead entered eight hundred acres in twelve lots for speculation.

In the fall of 1836 Thomas E. Harris bought ninety-live acres in the N.W. 1/4 Sec. 25. Even at this late day, though nearly all the land had been entered, he says he found here and there a little log cabin. Some had cut the wood partly from their dooryards, and cleared an acre or so for corn.   After purchasing his land Mr. Harris erected a house 16 x 18,7 feet to the eaves from floor, roof of clapboards fastened
down by poles (nails cost too much), small round poles for joist and on these riven or split boards for floor, two half logs sawed out of the side of the house for a window two feet wide and fifteen inches deep. In winter this hole in the wall was covered with greased paper, wood and clay chimney, and fire-place five feet wide. Mr. Harris lived in this house six years, and this was his court-room. He was elected  justice of the peace soon after his arrival, and he held court at home. Within those walls Ben. F. Ristine, of Crawfordsville bar, made one of his first speeches if not his maiden speech.   An important case was to be tried at the Harris court of justice. One Kellison had assaulted one George Tipton with a knife, and Kellison was arrested for assault and battery, and Ristine was employed as defense, while Harris acted for plaintiff. Witnesses were examined and the rising attorney, with the pomp the profession alway gives its practitioners, in language most emphatic, no matter how argumentative, made his oratorical effort. How different the surroundings from the lawyer! The plea was made, the evidence weighed by the magistrate, and defendant bound over to the circuit court. But just then a whisper ran through the court-room that the assault occurred over the line in Boone county. This whisper reached the ear of the dispenser of justice and put a damper on all proceedings. Tipton, the plaintiff, acknowledged the report to be true, and as the jurisdiction of .that court did not extend beyond the Montgomery line, the prisoner was dismissed. The lawyer returned to the city and the judge resumed his farm duties. No six years of his life has squire Harris enjoyed as those lived in that log cot. But success wanted a change, so a new hewn log dwelling was erected, 18x24, brick chimney, the brick of which he molded and burned himself. He got some lumber and partitioned this, making two rooms. It also had an upstairs. This was his abode for sixteen years.

James H. Harrison came to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1830, and lived with his father in Clarke township. In 1836 Mr. Harrison held the first election in Clark township, the name of which he proposed to the commissioners in honor of Capt. Clarke, of an early day militia. He was also a member of the legislature with Congressman Orth and ex-Governor Williams (deceased).

The last lot of land entered in Walnut township was by John J. Eddinfield in 1837, the lot being the E. 1/2 of S.E. 1/4 Sec. 28. Many different families have moved in since then, taking the places of the departed, and a new generation enjoys the land prepared for them by the heroes of the past,— ' " Whose years were well spent, Whose work was well done, Whose death's but the victory That gave them a crown."

As has been said, Wilson Browning entered the E. 1/2 of N.E. 1/4 Sec. 35, and the W. 1/2 of N.W. 1/4 Sec. 36, in the fall of 1829. His death gave the land to his heirs. When the eldest son, John A. Browning, reached his majority the land was divided, John A. getting his share and buying more. He built a log house not far from his father's cabin, and afterward erected the residence now owned by William Inlow, on the highest piece of land in that region. About 1853 a railroad, called the Cleveland, St. Louis & Air Line, was surveyed and graded through this land, and John A. Browning immediately laid out a town which received the name "Valley City." Browning was a blacksmith and had built a shop about 1841, when he became of age. The shop he kept till he moved to Kansas, in 1868. He was the first postmaster of Valley City, keeping the mail in his shop. In 1866 Wm. J. Inlow located in Valley City, then a place of about seven poor, squalid cabins. There stood a shed, owned then by Dr. Dunbar, on what is now the lot belonging to Mrs. Ira McLaughlin, just east of the " Brick Block." This shed Mr. Inlow rented and engaged in " merchandising," and the people for miles around, having long been in need of a near place of trade, liberally patronized the town grocer. In October, 18G6, Mr. Inlow began the erection of a suitable store-room, 26x40, and in February following moved his goods into this building, and did an extensive trade till August 1873. The building is owned by James B. Jessee, and occupied by Mr. C. Bowers, the druggist. In 1836 or 1837 a post-office was secured in Walnut township and George Dorsey, an early and respected citizen, was postmaster, keeping the mail at his house for many years. The office was known as New Ross post-office. Matthew F. Bowen was postmaster a short time, then John Hodgins. George Dorsey lived about one mile west of where Valley City was, and about 1868 or 1869 the office was moved to Valley City, and for convenience the village adopted the name of the office. The postmasters have been Dr. Dunbar, Win. J. Inlow, and Dr. Homer Bowers. About 1869 the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad was finished from Crawfordsville to Indianapolis, and made it probable that there would be a crossing here at some future day, as the road already mentioned, but now known as the proposed Anderson, Lebanon & St. Louis railroad, might be built. The hamlet grew till it is now a pleasant little village.   The anvil has been represented from 1841 down by John A. Browning, Philip Johnson, Samuel Chambers, Walters, Norman, George Gathwright, and George Teraplin.   In 1858 or 1859 a saw-mill was built by Arthur Thrall. In 1870 John Jones built a saw-mill. About 1870 the stave and head factory was built by A. C. May and father, and is under the supervision of T. C. Munhall. A flouring-mill was built by Bell and Click. The first grocery store was kept by John Hodgins, dry-goods store by Oliver Wilson & Co., about 1866, and W. J. Inlow in 1866, afterward Inlow & Hewlitt. About 1870 Eli Frazier built and stocked a store. Most of the town has grown since 1870.

In May, 1875, it was voted to incorporate, under the State Incorporation Act. June 1, 1875, a town board was elected, which met June 4. There were present Win. H. Van Cleave, Wm. T. McGuffin, George W. Day, and H. B. Hulett. George W. Day was chosen chairman pro tem., and H. B. Hulett secretary, or clerk, pro tern., both of whom election confirmed. James N. Jessee was appointed treasurer, Abraham Frazier, assessor, Joseph Hosier, marshal. The town officers  at present writing are T. T. Munhall, president; D. N. Turner, C. L. Myers, trustees; George Shepherd, marshal; John Inlow, treasurer; R. B. Green, clerk since his first election.

The original Valley City contained fifty lots. Since 1875 W. J. Inlow has made five additions. Where the first cabin stood is now the neatest house, owned by James Everson, and small store-rooms are giving way to brick blocks, etc.


The first school kept in the south half of Walnut township was taught by Christopher Walkup, about 1835 or 1836, in a log cabin built by James B. Jessee, about fifty yards west of the present site of
the Bell & Adkins flouring-mill. Mr. Jessee's eldest child, Martha, and a few others composed the school. A log school-house was built soon after on the northeast corner of Sec. 35, and was first occupied by
James Stephenson. Squire Routh also became " brisk wielder of the birch and rule " in that early day. As children became more numerous it was necessary for a new school-house, so a frame building was
erected where the grist-mill stands. This soon proved too small. In 1871 or 1872 the present two-story edifice, with two departments, was completed, which likewise must, in the near future, give way to a
larger house. The school, under the able management of Prof. Tilghman A. Brown and wife, manifests its influence on the town. The village, free from all saloons, fosters well its schools and churches.


Rev. Thomas J. Brown was the earliest Methodist minister to preach the gospel in this region. As early as 1832 he made his appearance. He was a native of Lee county, Virginia, and a highly respected gentleman. His first meetings were held at John Brown's cabin, in Clarke township, then at the log school-houses. Very soon a log meeting-house was built in Boone county, and called "Brown's Chapel " in honor to the preacher. This gave way to a better building. Rev. Brown preached till 1860, when he died. Other early ministers were Daniel De Motte, Rev. Hargreave, John S. Smith, and Joseph White. Early members were the Browns, Kelleys, Jessees, and others. As the country became settled those of the faith living in New Ross and vicinity decided it inconvenient in this day of progress to go so far to church. As early as 1874 a movement was set on foot to build in New Ross. In 1878 a brick house of worship was built, but was not dedicated till 1880, when Dr. Godfrey preached the dedication sermon. This church is 36x60, and cost about $3,000. It received the name "Brown's Chapel." The trustees were J. B. Jessee, J. J. Wren, B. F. Walkup, Dr. B. F. Adkins, and George T. Dorsey.

Prior to 1870 those of this belief of the Christian church had worshiped in what is known as the Hashberger school-house. This being inconvenient, it was decided, in 1869, to build a church in New Ross.
A committee consisting of Jacob Stoner, J. H. Routh, J. H. Helley and W. J. Inlow let the contract to Agee and Wren to build a house 36x60, frame, at a cost of $2,500. It was completed in the fall of 1870, and dedicated by Elder Warren, assisted by Oliver Wilson, in February 1871. The membership at organization at New Ross was eighty-five. The officers were W. W. Mills, elder, also Matthew Bowen and J. H. Routh Sr. The deacons were Allen Morrison, Abraham Inlow, and T. M. Stoner. The ministers have been Oliver Wilson, Peter Martin, William Anderson, and Abraham Plunkitt. The present numerical strength is ninety-five, the house well furnished, and church in good condition. Sunday-school was organized in 1871; A. J. Routh, superintendent.

A charter, I.O.O.F., No. 397, was granted May 24, 1872, on petition, to a company of twelve men. At the organization J. J. Wren was elected N.G.; B. F. Adkina, V.G.; G. G. Myers, Treas.; M. A. Conner, R.S.; D. A. Myers, L.S.; J. J. Agee, Warden; J. W. F. Brant, Cond.; Win. Emmert, R.S.S.; W. W. Lockman, L.S.S;; Z. Williams, O.G.; J. Werts, I.G. G. W. Lewis was also a charter member. The officers were installed and several candidates initiated on the same evening. The lodge met in B. F. Adkin's hall till 1878, then for a time in Grange hall, one year. They then purchased their present hall, 19x30, in the brick block, which they have neatly furnished. The lodge has received into its membership seventy-five. Some have moved away, and three deaths have occurred. Those dying are Wm. Webb, Garret Vanhorn, and James L. White. The membership is at present thirty-two. They are linked to one another in "Faith, Love and Truth."

A meeting of those interested in the organization of a lodge of Freemasons was held February 25, 1878. A meeting under the dispensation was convened June 25, 1878, and the dispensation was dated May 27 of same year. The charter was granted May 25,1880, and the lodge strong. In 1875 a Good Templars lodge was organized, with a membership of about fifty, by J. W. Patch. F. M. Packer was elected worthy chief, and Kate Inlow, worthy vice-templar. In 1877 on account of lack of interest the charter was surrendered. On October 11, 1878, Rev. I. P. Patch delivered an eloquent temperance address, and an effort was made to reorganize. Forty-four persons signified their desire to so do, and organization Was immediately effected by the aid of Morning Star lodge. Hope Lodge, No. 151, then held an election, which resulted in the choice of W. F. Edwards, W.C.T.; Virginia Davis, W.V.T.; A. R. Peterson, W.S.; Wilson Jessee, W.F.S.; Buolla Adkins, W.T.; C. L. Shaver, W.M.; Mary Heaths, W.I.G.; C. M. Benson, W.O.G.; A. R. Peterson, representative to the grand lodge. Officers were installed by W. P. Griest. The lodge is prosperous.

In August, 1877, the farmers of New Ross vicinity held an exhibition of the products of the soil, both field and garden,, in the woods south of New Ross. Among the members were R. F. Bruce, Geo. Sanford, B. F, Wm., and Christopher Walk up, W. H. Steward. No premiums were offered or awarded. This was the germ destined to grow to large proportions. An effort was set on foot to organize an agricultural association. Shares were made $25 each, and thirty buyers found, and organization effected in 1878. Twenty-eight acres of land were leased for ten years of J. B. Jessee, dating from March 15, 1879.
Officers elected were J.N. Dooly, Pres.; Perry Yelton, Vice-Pres.; W. H. Steward, Treas., and W. W. May, Sec, also a board of fifteen directors. They have their grounds fenced and in repair. They have
held four exhibitions, counting the first or germinal display in the woods. Sixty-one shares have been sold to fifty-seven stockholders, and have over $4,000 improvements on the ground. In 1880 a most
successful fair was held. The gate receipts were over $4,000. No entry fees were charged. They have one of the finest half-mile tracks in the state, and good accommodations. In their last exhibition there were 2,000 entries, forty of which were for sweepstakes on horses and thirty-two for mares. One clause in the constitution which commends itself is that no intoxicating liquor shall be allowed in the grounds.
The officers for 1880 were John Lockridge, Pres.; T. A. Adkins, Sec.; D. M. Turner, Treas.; J. II. Hashbarger, J. S. Byrd,and I. N. Miller, executive committee. instituted under the charter July 21, 1880. The officers were Joseph Cooper, WM.; John Bell, S.W.; John Spohr, J.W.; M. E. Clodfelter, J.D.; J. J. Wren, S.D.; Wm. McVey, Treas.; J. S. McLaughlin, Sec., and Calvin Walker, Tyler. The lodge now numbers seventeen members. It is young, but prosperous. Its officers in 1880 are Joseph Cooper, W.M.; John Bell, S.W.; J. R. Etter, J.W.; I. W. Jessee, S. D.; M. E. Clodfelter, J.D.; Wm. Minick, Sec.; Wm. McVey, Treas.; C. L. Newkirk, Tyler.

New Ross is noted for sobriety.   The temperance element is very strong. In 1875 a Good Templars lodge was organized, with a membership of about fifty, by J. W. Patch. F. M. Packer was elected worthy chief, and Kate Inlow, worthy vice-templar. In 1877 on account of lack of interest the charter was surrendered. On October 11, 1878, Rev. I. P. Patch delivered an eloquent temperance address, and an effort was made to reorganize. Forty-four persons signified their desire to so do, and organization Was immediately effected by the aid of Morning Star lodge. Hope Lodge, No. 151, then held an election, which resulted in the choice of W. F. Edwards, W.C.T.; Virginia Davis, W.V.T.; A. R. Peterson, W.S.; Wilson Jessee, W.F.S.; Buolla Adkins, W.T.; C. L. Shaver, W.M.; Mary Heaths, W.I.G.; C. M. Benson, W.O.G.; A. R. Peterson, representative to the grand lodge. Officers were installed by W. P. Griest. The lodge is prosperous.

In August, 1877, the farmers of New Ross vicinity held an exhibition of the products of the soil, both field and garden,, in the woods south of New Ross. Among the members were R. F. Bruce, Geo.
Sanford, B. F, Win., and Christopher Walk up, W. H. Steward. No premiums were offered or awarded. This was the germ destined to grow to large proportions. An effort was set on foot to organize an
agricultural association. Shares were made $25 each, and thirty buyers found, and organization effected in 1878. Twenty-eight acres of land were leased for ten years of J. B. Jessee, dating from March 15, 1879. Officers elected were J.N. Dooly, Pres.; Perry Yelton, Vice-Pres.; W. H. Steward, Treas., and W. W. May, Sec, also a board of fifteen directors. They have their grounds fenced and in repair. They have
held four exhibitions, counting the first or germinal display in the woods. Sixty-one shares have been sold to fifty-seven stockholders, and have over $4,000 improvements on the ground. In 1880 a most
successful fair was held. The gate receipts were over $4,000. No entry fees were charged. They have one of the finest half-mile tracks in the state, and good accommodations. In their last exhibition there
were 2,000 entries, forty of which were for sweepstakes on horses and thirty-two for mares. One clause in the constitution which commends itself is that no intoxicating liquor shall be allowed in the grounds.
The officers for 1880 were John Lockridge, Pres.; T. A. Adkins, Sec.; D. M. Turner, Treas.; J. II. Hashbarger, J. S. Byrd,and I. N. Miller, executive committee.

Fredericksburg, or Mace Post office, was named from Frederick Long, an early and respected citizen of Walnut township, who laid off the town about 1838 or 1840. The town grew but little till 1870. The first
blacksmith was-Butt, and John Hanley next.   David Crain was the first wagon-maker, about 1845. Elias Crain long ago kept a cobbler's shop. J. F. Watkins was an early merchant. Thomas Holloway
and Jesse Williams have been merchants. Later merchants have been Watkins & Edwards, Edwards & Martin, Martin & Perry, Martin, Martin & Hutchings, and James G. Johnson.

The earliest physician was Dr. Parsons, then Dr. Irwin. Drs.Hogsett, Jones, and Eddinfield are the physicians of the day.

The first school-house in this region, and first in the township, was built about 1828, and taught by Maria Crain. As the people have developed the country, better schools have supplanted the old. Fredericksburg has a good building, employing two teachers.. The building is two stories, the upper room being owned by individuals.

The order of Knights of Pythias is in a nourishing condition. It was organized in 1874. D. W. Kennedy was elected P.C.; Wm. F. Edwards, C.C.; J. M. Crain, V.C.; J. L. Smith, Prelate; E. T. Linn,
H .E.; G. W. Eddinfieid, K.R. and S.; M. J. Faust, M.A.; D. A. McDay, M.F.; C. C. Crain, I.G., and D. F. Beck, O.G. Other charter members were J. T. Chad wick, W. A. Dice, John E. Knox, D. D.
Berry, J. Peterson, E. Meiser, G. A. Myers, T. Hunt, A. Linn. The lodge has given a welcome to forty-nine candidates. It is out of debt, and over $200 in the treasury, regalia and furniture paid for. The
lodge has aided many in sickness, but has lost none by death. Present officers are Frank Cornell, P.C.; W. A. Dice, C.C.; W. V. Linn, V. C.; John Angelheim, Prelate ; 0. H. Jones, M. of Ex.; J. T. Chadwick, M. of F.; John Peterson, K. of R. and S.; M. J. Faust, M. of A.; John Ward, I.G.; Wm. Everson, O.G. The lodge numbers twenty-eight.

Fredericksburg has a flourishing lodge of Good Templars, known as Morning Star Lodge. It was organized September 28, 1874, with thirty-six members. F. Cornell was first worthy chief templar, and
Meranda Martin worthy vice-templar; C. L. Brotton, W.C.; Jacob Martin, W. Sec; Louisa Edwards, W.A.S.; W.C. Poage, W.F.S.; James F. Quillen, W.T.; John W. Linn, W.M.; Lydia Finch, W.D. M.; Ella Loop, W.I.G.; G. W. Linn, W.O.G.; Jennie Bratton, W. R.H.S.; Jennie Abbott, W.L.H.S.; W. F. Edwards, P.W.C.T.

A Methodist class was organized in an early day in this section. A general frolic was made when all the citizens turned out with their axes and built a log church 20x24 on the 6pot now occupied b}' Geo.
Chadwick's barn. J. E. Hunt was the first to shoulder his axe and strike a blow and is the only one living of the first clause.

Rev. Wilote, Thomas Brown, and Rev. Hargreaves were pioneer preachers; John Linn, Jonathan and Littleton Fender were class-leaders; Ephriam Hunt was steward. About 1854 a new church 30x40,
with seating capacity for three hundred, was erected. There are about two hundred members. Curtis Edwards, W. C. Loop, W. W. Ward, John E. Hunt, are trustees; W. C. Loop and W. W. Ward are stewards; Rev. John Harrison is minister in charge.

August 30, 1834, at an humble school-house, gathered a company of men and women for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian church. There were present Joseph Henderson and wife Hannah, and
daughters Elizabeth and Matilda, Rebecca Porter, John H. Poage and wife Jane, and daughters Hannah and Catharine, Delila Shanklin, Joshua McDonald, Wm. Yonel and wife Jane, John Porter, Rachel
Porter, Silas Poage and wife Elizabeth, D. D. Berry and wife Elizabeth, Mary Ann Foster, Margaret Crawford, Margaret Evans, Wm. Y. McCutcheon, Wm. Zimmerman, Nathan Crawford, and Eliza Lockridge, twenty-four names. On the following day the number was made twenty-six, a most promising prospect for a strong church. Joseph Henderson, John Poage and Wm. Youel were elected olders. Joseph Wright, John Porter, Wm. Youel and Nathan Crawford were ordained elders March 20, 1836. At different elections since, James Touel, Wm. and David Watson, Joseph Watkins, and David Crain, were chosen. The church grew the first year to forty-nine, next year seventy-five, then eighty-four, ninety-one, ninety-seven, one hundred, one hundred and eighteen. In 1858-61 additions had been made. Immigration increased the membership, but its growth became slower in later years. Early ministers were James and John Thompson, Eastman Taylor, Cozad, Piatt, and White. The church now numbers about forty  members. During its life three hundred and sixty-seven persons have been brothers and sisters; one hundred and twenty-eight children have been baptized. The first trustees were Wm. Bratton, John Walkup and John Foster. As the writer reverts to 1831 when, at the first election held in Walnut township, but twelve votes were cast although many times twelve men had entered the land, and then shifts the curtain and views the present township, he can but exclaim how great the changes of time ! While his pen could not save all the history of this one spot in space alotted, yet the little dug almost from
oblivion will grow in richness as the years produce other changes as marvelous as those of the past.

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