MORGAN COUNTY INDIANA
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

 
THE FIRST  SETTLEMENT

    WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP is the largest civil division of the county, being composed, as nearly as can be estimated, of sixty square miles of valley and upland. There are several very beautiful views, one being from the bluffs near the county seat down the river valley until sky and timber meet at Gosport, fifteen miles away. The upland is not good for agriculture, but there is no richer or more productive soil in the State than in the river valley and along the smaller streams. The first settlement in the township was made by the Cutlers, who located their land in the fall of 1819, and in the early spring of 1820 brought their families out for permanent residence. It is uncertain who came next, but within a few months several other families arrived, among them being those of Joel Ferguson, John Gray, Samuel Scott, John Case, Joshua Taylor, Joseph Townsend, George Matthews, Benjamin Freeland, Benjamin Holfman, Joshua Gray, Thomas Jenkins, John Sims, Chester Holbrook, Alexander Rowand, Norman Reed, Issac Hollandsworth, Pressley Buckner, Samuel Elliott, Jonathan Williams, James Reynolds, James and Charles Clark, and a little later George and Morris Baker, Christopher Parker, Simon Bishop, Philip Burns, Moses Voyles, Philip Bass, William Seals, James Burk, William Townsend and many others whose names cannot be learned. After the county seat had been located in 1822, the settlement in the vicinity was rapid. The southern part of the township did not settle up until in the thirties, at which time almost all the land there was entered, a portion of it by capitalists at Martinsville or elsewhere. Almost the whole township was covered with a heavy growth of the choicest native forestry, through which many wild animals roamed. It is stated by William Taylor that a man named Perry Jones, who lived a short distance north of the county seat, in one day killed five bears, two of them being cubs. The last one was wounded, and attacked the hunter, who killed it with his gun barrel. This occurred just south of town. It is told of Pressley Buckner that he saw several animals lying in the leaves in the woods one day, and at first thought they were wolves. He fired and killed one, whereupon the others ran. The hunter was astonished to find that his wolf was a big panther. This also occurred near Martinsville.
MARTINSVILLE

    The town of Martinsville had its origin in the act of the State Legislature, which brought the county of Morgan into existence. This act was approved by the Governor on the 31st of December, 1821, and provided that James Borland, of Monroe County; Thomas Beazley, of Lawrence County; Phillip Hart, of Owen County; John Milroy, of Washington County, and John, Martin, of Washington County, should meet at the house of John Gray on the 1st day of March, 1822, to locate and permanently " set the stake" of the new county seat. It is not certain that all the Commissioners appointed convened as provided in the act, though, if not, a majority met on the day specified at Mr. Gray's residence. There were two or more rival locations in the county for the county seat, one being at Martinsville, another near Centerton, and another, it is stated, at Waverly. The latter's pretensions were easily evaded, owing to its location in the extreme eastern portion of the county. Centerton had every advantage of location ; but sufficient influence could not be brought to bear upon the locating Commissioners, owing to the fact that there was scarcely a settler in that vicinity. On the contrary, while Martinsville was south of the center of the county, there were four or five intelligent and prominent men living in that vicinity who offered valuable donations of land, and perhaps other property, to secure the prize. Accordingly, after viewing the various rival locations and other portions of the central part of the county, and after weighing all the tendered donations, the locating Commissioners permanently fixed the seat of justice at Martinsville.
    It must be noticed, however, that up to this period, there was no sign of a town at what is now Martinsville. The land was covered with a rich growth of native forestry, and numerous pits or holes dotted the surface. An old Delaware trail ran across the town site from northeast to southwest, passing near the southeast corner of the public square, and also near the large spring of water in the hills northeast of the town.
    It is not positively known how the town came to be called Martinsville. The most reasonable among several ways mentioned is that it was named from John Martin, of Washington County, the oldest of the locating Commissioners. But this origin of the name must not be regarded as positively established. The location was completed the first week in March, 1822. The site selected was upon the line dividing Townships 11 and 12 north, Range 1 east, of the Second Principal Meridian, the township line passing across the public square.    The site was also upon Section 4 of the former township, and Section 33 of the latter. The following entries on these sections had been made:


NAMES TOWNSHIP RANGE SECTION ACRES DATE LOCATION
John Gray 11 1 4 75.85 September 4, 1820 E. 1/2 N. E. 1/4
John Gray 11 1 4 75.85 September 4, 1820 W. 1/2 N. E. 1/4
Joshua Taylor 11 1 4 76.27 September 4, 1820 E. 1/2 N. W. 1/4
Samuel Scott 11 1 4 76.27 January 9, 1821 W. 1/2 N. W. 1/4
Joel Ferguson 12 1 33 80 September 5, 1820 E. 1/2 S. E. 1/4
Joel Ferguson 12 1 33 80 September 5, 1820 W. 1/2 S. E. 1/4
Jacob Cutler 12 1 33 80 September 5, 1820 E. 1/2 S. W. 1/4
Jacob Cutler 12 1 33 80 September 5, 1820 W. 1/2 S. W. 1/4

    In the immediate vicinity of these sections, the following men had also entered land
John Connor, Larkin Reynolds, Thomas Jenkins, Jacob Cose, Reuben Mast, Alexander Rowand, Allen Gray, Jacob Lafaver and others, as will be seen from another chapter of this volume.
DONATIONS  AND  SALES   OF TOWN   LOTS

    As a consideration for the location of the county seat thereon, the following donations of land were made to Morgan County: By Joel Ferguson, thirty seven and one half acres on the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 33, Township 12, Range 1 east; by Jacob Cutler, thirty seven and one half acres on the west half of the southwest quarter of the same section ; by John Gray, forty acres on the west half of the northeast quarter of Section 4, Township 11, Range 1 east; by Joshua Taylor and Samuel Scott, forty acres on the east half of the northwest quarter ; in all, 155 acres of good land.
    So far as can be learned, this land was the only donation, except the large spring northeast of town, which was forever granted to the use of the town of Martinsville by Joel Ferguson in April, 1822. The locating Commissioners did not lay off the town ; they fixed the county seat, secured the donations, and then transferred all further action to George W. Preston, County Agent. During the latter part of May, the new town was surveyed and platted under the supervision of the County Agent, by James Gattelly, County Surveyor, assisted by Benjamin Hoffman, Larkin Reynolds, Jonathan Williams and others. A total of forty two blocks was laid off on the donated land, seven blocks east and west, and six north and south, together with a row of undivided out blocks or lots, extending entirely around the town proper. The forty two blocks were subdivided into lots, except Block 18, which was reserved for the public square. The old plat shows Water, Sycamore, Jefferson, Main, Mulberry, Marion and Cherry streets extending east and west, beginning on the south, and Highland, Harrison, Pike, Morgan, Washington, Jackson, Columbus and Walnut streets extending north and south, beginning on the east.
    The first public sale of lots occurred in June, 1822, and unfortunately a full account of this sale cannot be given. Another took place in August, and still another in November, the total receipts of the sale footing up to $364.02. Several public sales took place in 1823, and several during subsequent years, until all the lots were disposed of, which did not occur until about thirty years. The names of the buyers can not be stated.
THE  FIRST  AND  SUBSEQUENT  BUILDINGS

    The log house of Jacob Cutler, erected a short distance north of the northeast corner of the public square, was the first on the town site, and was built in 1820. It was the first county court house, and was the office of George H. Beeler, the first Clerk and Recorder of the county, Mr. Beeler being a son-in-law, it is stated, of Mr. Cutler. Among the early buyers of lots were G. H. Beeler, Jared Olds, John Morrison, Jacob Cutler, Joel Ferguson, John Gray, Samuel Scott, Joshua Taylor and James Clark. About six families located in town in 1822. In the fall, Joshua Taylor opened the first tavern a short distance south of town. John Sims was the first store keeper, so far as known, and began selling from a small stock of notions in the spring of 1823. His stock of merchandise was probably worth less than $100. He obtained his license to sell liquor and a few goods and notions and keep tavern the following fall, and paid $10 for it for one year. Joshua Taylor's tavern paid a license of $10 per annum. Taverns in those days almost invariably contained a bar, at which excellent whisky and other liquor could be obtained for the money. The early taverns at Martinsville were no exception to the rule.
    In the spring of 1824, G. W. Preston became tavern keeper, and a little later in the same year John Sims renewed his license for the same occupation. In the autumn of 1824, Noah Allison brought to the town a small stock of general merchandise, probably about $600 worth, and was no doubt the first genuine store keeper of the place. At this time, the town contained about sixteen families, and was quite a thriving little place. Carpenters, coopers, blacksmiths, and other useful artisans and mechanics were present plying their crafts. Mails were received daily, the route lying from Indianapolis, via Bloomington to Madison. Jonathan Williams was the carrier about this time and later. It is likely that Christopher Ladd kept tavern in Martinsville at an early day, though this is somewhat uncertain. It is positively known that he was a resident of Port Royal early in the twenties. A school had been started, preachers had come in to expound the faith as they understood it, and a county court house and a county jail had just been erected. Altogether, Martinsville was a thrifty town.
    In 1825, John Sims, Benjamin Cutler, Jacob Cutler and John McKinney sold liquor. The Cutlers had erected a distillery at the big spring, and were furnishing quite extensively for that day an excellent article of corn whisky. It is said they rectified no small amount of the liquor, and it is also said with a significant smile and shake of the head that no such whisky is seen in these days of degenerate drinks. Noah Allison renewed his store license in 1825, and increased his stock in size and quality, as is proved by the higher license paid by him. Larkin Reynolds sold liquor in 1826, as did also James Clark, the Cutlers, Samuel Wick and perhaps others. The number of liquor sellers was the result of the universal custom of drinking. Men,, women and children took their potations regularly, and it is asserted by old settlers, who ought to know, that there was less drunkenness then, than now. In 1826, Jacob Cutler opened with over $1,000 worth of general merchandise. He also began to buy and pack a few hogs, and buy wheat and corn for shipment, and the latter largely for manufacture into whisky at his distillery. It is stated that he sent the first boat load of pork from Martinsville down the river to New Orleans. He obtained groceries at that point, but his dry goods were obtained largely from the southern part of the State. In November, 1826, G. H. Beeler also opened a small store of general merchandise. A tannery had been started as early as 1824, by John Sims who, it is said, conducted it continuously until his death, in about 1842. This tannery in early years was one of the important industrial features of the town. The big distillery at the spring was another. It is said that Abraham Kiddy was the first blacksmith in town. Mr. Anderson succeeded him. Benjamin Bull was the first resident attorney. Larkin Reynolds also had a strong passion for the calling of Blackstone. A man named Samuel Drake, was connected in business with Mr. Sims in 1829 and later. The latter gentleman, Dr. John Sims, was a man of good brain and education, and was the first resident physician. He practiced over a circuit of sixty miles, being occasionally called to see a patient thirty miles away. He had several fine horses of the St. Charles breed, the great race-horse stock of that day, and in his long and rapid rides was always accompanied by an old pair of leather saddle-bags which contained his medicine cases. He knew well how to bleed and purge and dose with herbs and quinine and snakeroot and ipecac, as was the custom in those days.
    Noah Allison, John Sims and G. H. Beeler were the merchants in 1827, and Jacob Cutler, John Cutler and several others the liquor sellers. Chris Ladd was tavern keeper about this time, if reports are reliable. The town remained about the same in 1828. In 1829, Sims & Drake, G. H. Beeler and Washburn & Co. were the merchants, and John Hurst and John Craig the liquor sellers. In 1830, the merchants were the same, except that G. A. Phelps had taken the place of Mr. Beeler. Robert Worthington and John Hurst sold liquor. In 1881, the merchants were Phelps & Co., Washburn & Co., James Cunningham and John Sims. In 1832, John Sims, Phelps & Co., James Cunningham and James M. Mitchell, the latter having been formerly connected with the firm of Washburn & Co. in the capacity of clerk. James Dickens, R. D. Worthington, J. J. Graham and others were selling liquor. In 1833, John Sims, J. & L. D. Cunningham and J. M. Mitchell were the merchants. In 1834, John Sims, James Cunningham, J. M. Mitchell, William Scott and William Sheerer sold goods. Giles Mitchell kept tavern where the Mason House now stands, beginning in 1834 or 1835. In 1831, a caravan of wild animals exhibited at the county seat for $5 license. Benedict & Eldred's circus exhibited there in 1833, and J. T. & J. P. Bailey's circus and menagerie in 1835, and Frost, Husted & Co.'s circus in 1836. In 1835, the merchants were Hite & Parks, William Scott, James Cunningham, J. M. Mitchell, William Sheerer and John Sims; in 1836, Cunningham, Mitchell, W. H. Craig, Joseph Dawson, P. M. & N. Parks, Mitchell. , At this time, the population of the town was about 200. From the foundation of the town up to 1837, among the residents had been the families of John Sims, P. M. Blankenship, G. H. Beeler, Isaac D. Sheppard, J. M. Mitchell (single), James Lankford (colored), Benjamin Sweet (a carpenter), Dr. H. R. Stevens, Joshua Taylor, P. M. Parks, P. B. McCoy, Jacob Cutler, Benjamin Cutler, Jonathan Hunt, Benjamin Bull, G. A. Phelps, James Gallatly, James Ray (carpenter), John Eckles, Dr. Matheny, James Jackson, Dr. Huff, W. H. Craig, James Crawford, Edward Talbert, James Epperson, Jacob Crumback, J. J. Graham, Ed Warren, Joshua Taylor, Allen Gray, John Gray, Sr. and Jr., John Moran (a cooper), Jacob Vansickle, Mr. Gardner, Andrew Rose, Hewitt Nutter (hotel keeper), John Glessner (a shoemaker), Robert Worthington, William Sheerer, Giles Mitchell, James Cunningham, William Cox, Noah Allison, Joseph Dawson, William Story, George Mahoney (a blacksmith who was killed by lightning), B. F. Barnard, Thomas McClure (a blacksmith), W. J. Brag (same), Jacob Ellis (cabinet-maker), A. T. Whiteman, and many others, including those mentioned a few pages back.
THE EARLY PORK AND GRAIN TRADE

    From 1835 to about 1850, Martinsville did a large business in shipping pork and grain by boat to New Orleans or other Southern, points. The principal men engaged in this business during that period were John Sims, W. H. Craig, James Cunningham, P. M. Parks and J. M. and S. M. Mitchell, nearly all of whom owned separate warehouses or slaughterhouses. Mr. Parks and the Mitchells were engaged in the business some what more extensively than the others. It is stated that during some seasons in the forties, not less than 9,000 hogs were slaughtered at Martinsville, and shipped on flat-boats down the river. The stock was purchased over a large section of country, driven to the slaughter houses, killed and packed by from five to fifteen men, and the following spring loaded on flat-boats sixty or one hundred feet long and floated down the river to market. This extensive business called into existence many coopers to make barrels, and brought to town many men of means who were attracted by the activity and extent of commercial transactions. Much of the pork was not packed in barrels, but was shipped in bulk. Upon the arrival at New Orleans, the cargo, which had been consigned to some commission house, was delivered and the boats sold for from $50 to $150. The return as far as Madison, was made by steamboat, a stock of foreign groceries usually being brought up. The remainder of the trip was by wagon, until railroads came into use early in the forties, and after that the journey by wagon was from Franklin Experienced pilots, men who followed the business, more or less constantly from year to year during the shipping seasons, were put in charge of the helm on the flat-boats, and four strong men would ply the oars. The pork trade alone did much to build up the county seat. The shipments of grain were not so extensive. Corn was fed to hogs, and the wheat did not greatly exceed the home demand. As high as 15,000 bushels of those two grains and oats were shipped some seasons. The business of general merchandising was also an important industrial feature of the town late in the thirties, and during the forties. For years the leading merchants were the Cunninghams, Parks & Hite and the Mitchells. As high as $25,000 worth of goods was often in some of the stores, the annual sales amounting some seasons to 840,000. The Cunninghams were then, and have been since, among the most enterprising, influential and public spirited citizens of the county seat. It would be pleasant to say the same of certain other wealthy citizens of the town, but facts forbid. The sale of goods was largely on credit, for men had but little money Commercial exchanges were largely effected by barter. So much butter was worth so much sugar; so many bushels of potatoes were worth so many bushels of salt; so many dozen eggs were worth so many yards of calico. Even balances were settled with commodities. Merchants were forced by the fiat of events to take every class of farm production for their wares. Goods were purchased twice a year usually, and upon the receipt of new stocks a rush was made to secure the choice. Years sometimes elapsed ere payments and settlements were made. A much greater percentage of sales was had than now, and merchants calculated on this when they established their percentage of profit. Swine were the great production of Morgan County in early years. They were easily kept during the winter on the rich mast which covered tie forest grounds. Their slaughter was one of the leading industries. The conveyance by boat to market, though surrounded with perils to the cargo and toil to the boatmen, was a rich and varied pleasure. The songs upon the boats at night, the sparkling and swiftly moving current, the shifting scenery, the passage of rapids, towns and steamboats, and the novelty of the transactions and scenes at the Southern markets were akin to the tales of rich romance. The old boatmen love to narrate their experiences. William Cox, the present Town Marshall, was the pilot for a score of boats, and knew all the bends and shoals of the rivers down to New Orleans. William Taylor was another.
LATER  DEVELOPMENT  OF  THE TOWN

    The growth of the town was quite rapid during the forties, the population in 1848 being over 400. At this time almost every department of business was represented. Only the leading or more important features can be noticed. Among the merchants in 1848 were the Cunninghams, the Mitchels, Parks & Hite, S. D. Ruckle, Hunt & Barnard, W. H. Craig, A. S. Griggs, A. Wiggingham, Isaac D. Sheppard and others, the latter two having harness, etc. Drug stores were not apart from apothecaries or doctors' offices until about this time. W. F. Todd opened the first drug store in about 1850. The celebrated drug house of Tarleton & Wampler was opened soon afterward. F. P. A. Phelps, one of the most eminent attorneys ever at the Morgan County bar, engaged in the drug business about the year 1854. William Duncan, Mr. Zuerhurstand J. A. Lewis were engaged quiet extensively in the cabinet business late in the forties, or early in the fifties. Hayward & Co. dealt in agricultural implements in the fifties. In 1855 and 1856, or near those years, Hunt and Stafford, the Cunninghams, the Mitchells, Parks & Hite, George F. Watton, C. F. Sims, W. H. Craig, W. J. Sparks, Stafford & Moffatt, M. W. Coleman and others were dealing in dry goods, clothing and notions. J. P. Wilson was the daguerrean artist. A. C. Marine sold boots and shoes; J. S. Roff manufactured furniture, including coffins and fancy household bric-a-brac. Of course Isaac D. Sheppard was manufacturing harness, saddles, etc. This has been his constant employment in the same room, from 1833 until the present a period of over fifty consecutive years. The county seat secured its first newspaper, except the little sheet started by Richards, early in the fifties, and in 1856 its second. Under Mr. Callis, the Gazette was an important factor in the development of Martinsville. Samuel Tucker dealt in furniture in the fifties, as did W. W. Tippins; W. H. Sailors was a saddler. This is only a partial list of a large business activity. 
 
MANUFACTURING  INTERESTS

    The early manufactories included asheries, cooper shops, distilleries, saw mills, wagon shops, hatteries, harness and saddle shops, furniture shops, woolen factories, etc. J. M. Mitchell soon secured the old Cutler distillery, and conducted it profitably for a number of years. It is said that at one time early in the thirties, there were eight distilleries in Washington Township, the greater number of which did a profitable business. About the year 1845, Talbert & Grilpin erected a two storied frame house near the southwest corner of the square, placed therein a set of machinery and began carding wool. No spinning or weaving was done. A good business was done until early in the fifties, when the establishment was destroyed by fire. In 1855, W. J. Sparks obtained possession of the old brick County Seminary and transformed the building into a woolen factory. A full outfit of machinery, including two looms, one jack of 180 spindles, a set of 48 inch manufacturing cards, a double roll card, a picker, a napper, a dresser,, a fuller, a scourer, and an excellent engine, was placed in the building at a cost of several thousands of dollars, and a large business of carding, spinning, weaving, dressing, fulling and dyeing was begun. The manufactures included yarns, flannels, satinets, jeans, full cloths, cassimeres, etc. It is stated that as high as 40,000 pounds of wool were manufactured into divers articles during some years. About 1860, the factory was removed to High Rocks on White River, and after running there for four or five years was totally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of about $30,000 to the owner, and proving his financial ruin. Crawford & Grilpin also conducted a woolen factory during these years. A planing mill was started by DeTurk, Lewis & Co. about twenty years ago. It is yet operating successfully and is owned by Hubbard & Turner. Joseph Grurley erected a carriage factory about 1863, which he conducted successfully until his death about five years later. He manufactured, it is said, as high as fifty carriages and sulkies per annum. His family conducted it for a few years after his death. George Geyer began the same business about ten years ago, and Nutter & Gurley a year or two later, each of the two establishments doing a fair business. Stine & Krider began the same business in the old Methodist Church about two years ago. John Moffitt took the old Sims tannery soon after the death of John Sims. John Shields succeeded him late in the fifties, and a few years later the present owners, Schaub & Snyder, took possession. This is probably the oldest business establishment of the town. Early in the fifties, Fred Axt erected a tannery, which he conducted with profit for about twenty years. In about 1860, Baldwin & Olds erected a grist mill at considerable cost, which after operating actively for about five years was burned to the ground. About three years later, Clapper & Hardrick built and equipped the Branch grist mill at a cost of about $15,000. After a few years, Mr. Clark bought out Clapper, and in about 1877, the Branch Brothers purchased the entire property and fitted it with improved machinery. A large business was done under their management. In 1883, the entire structure was burned down, but the loss was partly sustained by insurance. The destruction of the mill was a serious loss to the owners, the town and the community. The Branch Brothers are now erecting a grain elevator of 100,000 bushels capacity. They will also rebuild the grist mill. About ten years ago, Thornburgh & Small erected a large grist mill, the entire cost, including machinery, amounting to about $15,000. They are yet the owners, and are running night and day. Charles Peabody started a saw mill early in the seventies. Mr. Philbrooks owned an interest later. Blair & Hamilton are the present owners. Prather Brothers started a saw mill about two years ago. These mills are in active operation. Parks, Henderson & Harrison erected a large brick pork packing establishment south of town in 1873, at a cost of about $15,000. They have since slaughtered and packed on an average during each season since, about 15,000 hogs, employing many men in the various departments. This has not been a profitable investment, according to reports. Moran & Hunt opened a small foundry about a year ago. Ed Meran started a planing mill and saw mill on Pike street about a year ago. These have been the leading manufacturing establishments. The dates given must be regarded as only approximate.
PRESENT  BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL  INTERESTS

The present business and professional interests of the town may be summed up as follows:
Dry goods
Cunningham,  Bowlinger & Phelps, Branch & Huff, Lewis & Guthridge, Kennedy & Co., E. M. Woody, Jacob Green, S. M. Mitchell & Son, J. M. Mitchell & Sons.
Groceries 
Elliott & Tilford, S. S. Griffitt, W. H. Webb, L. B. Mathews, Alexander Lockhart, William Schneider, Horton & Bishop, Heinbarger & Shireman, Frank Lloyd, A. H. Caldwell, A. Wigginton, Thorny.
Hardware 
W. H. Miller & Co., Pierce & Mars, George Branham.
Drugs
W. S. Hemrick, J. H. Hart, B. W. Tilford, Tarleton & Tarleton, J. P. Baldwin, Norman & Brother.
Boots and shoes
Ousler & Pruitt.
Clothing
Dessauer & Brother, L. Hatry & Co.
Jewelry
W. H. Crumrine.
Milliners,
Mrs. P. B. Warner, Mrs. Jesse Burgett, Miss M. E. Armstrong.
Cigars,
George Kelso, Jasper Miller.
Barbers,
C. W. Schreder, J. J. Fertig, Samuel Lewis.
Restaurants,
C. Harvey, C. Hill, Mrs. Givens., Lewis Strondebeck.
Harness,
I. D. Sheppard, Jesse Brandon, Bishop & Horton,  Sthair, W. S. Falkner.
Gristmills
E. F. Branch & Brother, Thornburgh & Small.
Saw mills
Blair & Hamilton, Prather.
Planing mills and lumber
Hubbard & Turner, E. L. Moran.
Agricultural implements
S. M. Guthridge & Co.,Julius Keifer, George S. Geyer, W. S. Cramer.
Carriage factory
Henry Stine.   
Tanneries
Schaub & Snyder, Frederick Axt. 
Saloons
Max Dessauer, Alexander Lockhart, Padgett & Brother, Kennedy & Shields, John Frieze.
Hotels
Mason House, Faulkner House, Eureka House.
Notion stores
George Frieze, Jacob Green, Eugene Shields.
Livery stables
F. M. Warner, John Fuselman & Son, Mr. Colwell.
Foundry
Hunt & Moran.
Butchers
G. A. Oeftering, John Lewis, Sthair & Co.
Furniture
H. J. Hinson, Lewis & Guthridge, Mr. Schmidt.
Marble dealer
W. S. Barnett.
Contractors and builders
Hubbard & Turner, A. Rogers, Gregory & Son, F. D. Rundell, Mr. Carver.
Pork packing
Parks, Henderson & Co.
Grain buyers
Branch Brothers, Thornburgh & Small.
Bank
First National.
Gunsmith
K. K. Mann.
Photographer
Mr. Collins.
Churches
Methodist Episcopal, Rev. Ketchum, pastor;
Presbyterian, Rev. Furguson, pastor;
Christian, Rev. Bowles, pastor;
Catholic, Father Stanislaus, priest.
Tailor
E. Brown.
Stave dealers
Vansickle & Co., John Wilcox.
Spoke dealer
A. B. Walker.
Live stock dealers
Cunningham & Asher.
Lawyers
F. P. A. Phelps, Mitchell & Cox, Davis & Steele, Adams & Newby, A. W. Scott, Ferguson, Smock & Renner, Harrison & McCord, Grubbs & Parks, J. J. Hilton, Shirley & Ray, A. M. Cunning, Jordan & Mathews.
Doctors
Daniel P. Kennedy, R. H. Tarleton, S A. Tilford, B. E. Tilford, U. H. Farr, H. C. Robinett, B. D. Blackstone J. J. Johnston, C. M. Gravis, E. V. Green, W. E. Hendricks, H. W Cure.
THE  OLD   RACE  TRACK

    Soon after the county seat was established, the sporting characters for miles around effected an organization which met every Saturday in the town to run horses, drink whisky and have a good time generally. A track was established east and west along the north side of the square, the starting point being several hundred yards east, and the terminus west. Mr. Phelps, then a small boy, remembers distinctly seeing many of these races. There was a low place along the north side of the square, which in the spring of the year contained considerable water. Mr. Phelps enjoyed seeing the horses, whipped down to the race, splash through this pond. After a few years, the public safety demanded a cessation of races in the town, and the track was removed about a quarter of a mile south, where for years the owners of fast horses enjoyed their sports with no one to molest or make them afraid. The liquor dealers enjoyed a large and lucrative trade at these races. J. M. Mitchell made considerable money at the detestable liquor business. In fact he owned the distillery near the big spring where the liquid hell was made.

INCORPORATION  OF  MARTINSVILLE

Attempts were made to incorporate the town during the fifties certainly, and possibly during the forties, but without success. The Gazette, under Mr. Callis, was an earnest and constant advocate of the measure; but the men of money were sufficiently strong to prevent successful results until 1863, when an election held to decide the matter declared a decided majority in its favor. The first meeting of the first Board of Trustees was held on the 29th of June, 1863.The first year was mainly employed The writer acknowledges his indebtedness to F. P. A. Phelps, John Ray, William Taylor and others for much of the material contained in this chapter. A few refused to impart any information. They seemed to want to be subsidized.   They were among the oldest and wealthiest citizens, in drafting suitable ordinances for the town. The first seal was adopted at the second meeting. The following were the first metes and bounds of the incorporation:
Beginning 68 poles and 17 links east, and 80 poles and 12 links south of the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 11 north, Range 1 east, at a stone corner; thence running north 5 degrees and 20 minutes west 175 poles; thence east 6 degrees and 15 minutes north 160 poles; thence south 5 degrees and 20 minutes east 175 poles; thence west 5 degrees south 160 poles to the place of beginning. This territory was .divided into five wards. The Town Treasurer's report for the first fiscal year was as follows:
RECEIPTS
Taxes    $365.39
Theaters          4.00
Shows and peddlars          6.00
Fines          2.00
Total    $377.39
EXPENSES
Embezzled    $170.88
Delinquent tax       132.00
Error                   .70
Total     $303.58
Receipt balance          73.81

Active work was soon begun on the streets and sidewalks. In 1866-67, the ordinances were revised and multiplied, strict regulations being adopted for the sale of liquor and for public behavior. Street lamps thirty in number were ordered erected early in 1876, pursuant to the prayer of a petition signed by about two hundred citizens. The lamps cost about $8.65 each. The number has since been added to as the wants demanded. In September, 1879, one hundred and fifteen citizens petitioned the board to construct water works for the town from the large spring the property of the town mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. A competent engineer, employed for the purpose, reported the following facts: The spring was 88.44 feet above the square, and flowed 23,171 gallons of water per day. A reservoir, 80x80 feet at the surface, 12 feet deep, and 40x40 feet at the bottom, would hold about 300,000 gallons. The water pressure at the square would be 88.27 pounds, and the total estimated cost of the works would be $13,000. One hundred and ninety votes were polled for the water works, and 148 against the same. The vote was made upon the basis of the above estimated cost. Before the contract for the pipes, etc., could be closed, iron rose nearly 50 per cent in value, largely increasing the cost of the works should the enterprise be continued, and rendering the vote null by reason of increasing the cost. The project was wholly abandoned, and has remained so until the present- In 1881, one hundred rubber fire buckets were purchased for about $l65. The above are the principal events since the incorporation of the town. The following is a complete list of the town officers since 1863:
OFFICERS  OF  THE  CORPORATION

Trustees, First Ward, Oliver J. Grlessner; Second Ward, Abraham DeTurk; Third Ward, Abram A. Barrackman; Fourth Ward, Harvey Satterwhite; Fifth Ward, Henry Sims;   also  Marshal and Treasurer, Adam Howe ; Clerk and Assessor, Cyrus F. McNutt.    Howe was soon succeeded by Charles W. Wells, who was removed in January, 1864, for malfeasance in office, and P. F. Douglas was appointed.    The officers elected the following year (1864) were James M. Baldwin, Cyrus F. M Nutt, George W. Crawford, Adam Howe and Harvey Satterwhite, Trustees; James V.   Mitchell,   Clerk and Assessor; Henry Sims,  Marshal and Treasurer. Mr. Sims did not qualify, and James Davidson was appointed, but he soon resigned and Isaac S. Johnson was appointed. Mr. Mitchell removed from town in April, 1865, and Samuel S. Griffitt took his place.    The officers of 1865 were B. D. Blackstone, I. D. Sheppard, T. E. Lister, J. H. Mitchell and Charles Day, Trustees; Harvey Satterwhite, Treasurer; G.  W.  Warner, Marshal; S. S.  Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor; Aquilla Wigginton succeeded Blackstone in June.   The officers of 1866 were George W.  Clapper, Alfred Ennis, James E. Goodhue, James V. Mitchell and Charles Day, Trustees; John K. Elliott, Marshal; Harvey Satterwhite, Treasurer; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor. In August 1866, T. B. Mitchell took Goodhue's place as Trustee. The officers of 1867 were W. R.  Harrison, James A.  Lewis, John G. Crawford, Joseph Reese and James C. Craig, Trustees: George W. Warner, Marshal; Harvey Satterwhite, Treasurer;  Samuel S. Griffitt Clerk and Assessor.  In 1868, the officers were Thomas Morrison, Salem A. Tilford, A. R. Chase, P. F. Douglas and Jonathan H. Henry, Trustees; William Killian, Marshal; Henry Satterwhite, Treasurer; Gainford F. Ennis, Clerk and Assessor. In 1869, the officers were Thomas Morrison, Harvey Satterwhite, A. R. Chase, P. F.  Douglas and S. S. Griffitt, Trustees; G. W. Warner, Marshal; John K. Mitchell. Treasurer; R. McBride, Clerk and Assessor.    In 1870, the" officers were: N. T. Cunningham. J. A. Lewis, H. T. Craig, J. W. Piercy and J. R. Elliott, Trustees; Calvin F. Sims, Marshal; John K. Mitchell, Treasurer; J. D. Whitted, Clerk and Assessor; Lafayette Sims, took Craig's place in November. In 1871, the officers were:  William B.  Taylor, James A. Lewis, Noble F. Davis, Benjamin Hayward and Salem A. Tilford, Trustees; C. F. Sims, Marshal; T. H. Parks, Treasurer; A. McCracken, Clerk and Assessor. McCraken soon resigned and S. S. Griffitt was appointed.    G. W. Preston soon took Sims' place, and G. W. Warner soon took Preston's place. In 1872, the officers were: W. B. Taylor, James A. Lewis, Noble F. Davis, Benjamin Hayward and S. M. Tilford, Trustees;  G. W. Warner, Marshal; T. H. Parks, Treasurer; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor.    In 1873, the officers were: W. B. Taylor, S. H. Schofield, George Crawford, W. P.  Clark and John R. Elliott, Trustees; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor; Stephen McCracken, Treasurer: Absalom M.   Bailey, Marshal. In 1874, the officers were: John Hardrick, Joshua Davis, George A. Danley,  Abraham DeTurk and John Forgey, Trustees; James A. Lewis, Treasurer; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor; Andrew H. Ellis, Marshal. A. B. Douglas took Danley's place in August. L. S. Hatley succeeded Ellis, and G.  W. Warner succeeded Hatley.    In 1875, the officers were: Samuel J. Mandeville, Joshua Davis, T. B. Mitchell, Abraham DeTurk and Sylvanus Barnard, Trustees; James A. Lewis, Treasurer; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor; G. W. Warner, Marshal. E. F. Branch soon took Lewis' place. "In 1876, the officers were: S. J. Mandeville, Joshua Davis, T. H. Parks, A. DeTurk and D. D. Cramer, Trustees; E. F. Branch, Treasurer; S. S. Griflitt, Clerk and Assessor; G. W. Warner, Marshal. In 1877, the officers were: S. J. Mandeville, G. W. Egbert, T. H. Parks, A. DeTurk and D. D. Cramer, Trustees; Calvin A. McCracken, Treasurer; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor; William Cox, Marshal. In 1878, the officers were: James E. Barton, W. W. Kennedy, A. B. Douglas, J. M. Blair and J. H. Jones, Trustees; E. E. Riley, Treasurer; S. S. Griffitt, Clerk and Assessor; G. W. Warner, Marshal. In 1879, the officers were: S. J. Mandeville, J. Williams, E. P. Ritchey, A. S. Mitchell and J. H. Henry, Trustees; E. E. Riley, Treasurer; Preston Graver, Clerk; William Cox, Marshal. In 1880, the officers were: John Stevens, John M. Clark, William M. Crider, Julius C. Keifer and John R. Elliott, Trustees; Preston Graver, Clerk and Assessor; E. E. Riley, Treasurer; William Cox, Marshal. In 1881, the officers were: John Stevens, C. A. McCracken, H. E. Branch, F. M. Warner and L. P. DeTurk, Trustees; Preston Graver, Clerk and Assessor; A. S. Mitchell, Treasurer; William Cox, Marshal. In 1882, the officers were John Stevens, J. E. Toner and T. A. Parks (McCracken and Warner held over), Trustees; Preston Graver, Clerk and Assessor; A. S. Mitchell, Treasurer; William Cox, Marshal. In 1883, the officers were: W. C. Barnett and E. V. Mitchell (Stevens, Toner and Parks held over), Trustees; Preston Graver, Clerk and Asseesor; A. S. Mitchell, Treasurer ; William Cox, Marshal.
The following is the town Treasurer's report for the year ending April 16, 1883:
RECEIPTS

On hand April 17,1882    $1,764.14
Taxes        2,111.25
Fines        28.55
Liquor license        455.00
Billiard tables            70.00
Peddlers        29.00
Auctioneers        5.00
Hawking goods        5.00
Patent medicine venders        2.00
Throwing balls        6.00
Shooting gallery        2.00
Striking machine        8.00
Shows and theaters        18.00
Hite& Parks hall        25.00
Total     $4,528.94

EXPENSES

Paid on orders     $2,788.41
Paid on roads           354.50
Balance on hand        1,386.03
Total    :        $4,528.94
BANKING   ENTERPRISES
In 1860, P. M. Parks & Co. founded a private bank at Martinsville, under the old State banking law, with a capital of $50,000. Milton Hite was one of the company, and J. J. Deakins was Cashier. The bank was in the Parks & Hite building on the east side. In 1865, so prosperous had been the bank during the feverish times of the war, the capital had a little more than doubled itself. At the latter date a National Bank was organized under Congressional enactment, the following persons being stockholders: P. M. Parks, Milton Hite, N. T. Cunningham, 0. R. Daugherty, Henry Sims, J. J. Johnson, Clement Nutter, Jackson Record, Cyrus  Whetzel, W. R. Harrison, T. H. Parks, Jacob Adams, H. Satterwhite, Robert Smith, Mrs. Julia Egbert, O. J. Glessner, Eb Henderson and Franklin Landers. The capital was $100,000. P. M. Parks was President; Milton Hite, Vice President, and H.. Satterwhite, Cashier. P. M. Parks died in 1867, and Milton Hite became President; A. E. Graham, became Assistant Cashier. Mr. Hite died in September, 1877, and T. H. Parks became President. The bank charter will expire in 1885. The following was the statement of the bank on the 22d of June, 1883:
RESOURCES
Loans and discounts.......................................$147,747.22
Overdrafts...............................................................2,474.43
U. S. bonds to secure circulation.......................50,000.00
Due from approved reserve agents.....................8,589.37
Due from other National Banks    ......................24,648.47
Real estate, furniture and fixtures.....................27,300.O0
Current expenses and taxes paid.......................1,701.78
Bills of other banks...............................................5,110.00
Fractional paper currency, nickles and pennies.....56.36
Specie.................................................................20,638.00
Legal tender notes...............................................3,200.00
Redemption fund with United States Treasurer
(5 per cent of circulation)....................................2,250.00
Total...............................................................$293,715.63
LIABILITIES

Capital stock paid in..................................$100,000.00
Surplus fund.....................................................25,000 00
Undivided profits.............................................21,138.53
National Bank notes outstanding..................45,000.00
Individual deposits subject to check..............51,985.40
Demand certificates of deposit    .................50,591.70
Total..............................................................$293,715.63
The Mitchells are doing a limited banking business in the town.

EDUCATION  AT  THE  COUNTY   SEAT

    But little can be learned of the early schools of Martinsville. No school was probably taught until 1823, and might have been as late as 1824, but at that date there was certainly a school taught during the warm months on the porch of an old Louse on the west side of the square, by Dr. John Morrison. The names of all the early teachers cannot be stated. After that date, school was held more or less every year, in private dwellings, in houses that had been vacated by the owner, and in the old log court house on the southwest corner of the square. Some have said that the first school at Martinsville was taught by James Cunning, in a barn northeast of town, said to have been the property of Samuel Scott. Amy Magee was an early teacher also. In 1827. an old vacated log building on the square was used for school purposes. All these schools were supported by subscription, the parents paying from $1 to $2 for each of their children for the term usually of three months. About the year 1833, a small frame schoolhouse was erected near the present residence of Mr. Branch, which was used continuously until 1839. Two of the teachers in this house were William Lee and a Mr. Welch. It is stated that a man named Hiram Lamb taught in the town as early as 1828 or 1829. His name is one of the earliest that can be mentioned. He taught reading in the testament, writing on rude pamper with a quill pen, and "ciphering" from Pike's arithmetic. Welch -taught several terms, and was a man of considerable learning. He was .a strict disciplinarian, and flogged his pupils on the least provocation with a long hickory gad well seasoned in the hot embers of the fire. Mr. Lee was club-footed, and also had some peculiar deformity of his hands or arms. He knew how to whip. The old "dunce cap " was a favorite institution of his, and many a time and oft did it grace the heads of offending pupils.
    In about 1839, the first school was taught in the county seminary by an eccentric Irishman named David Anderson. He was well educated for that day, and was an accomplished instructor and disciplinarian. As the seminary was an institution of the county, it was well attended from the start, not only by the young men and women of the county seat, but by others from distant portions of the county, the latter boarding in town during each session of school. The smaller children of the town were largely excluded, and were provided for in the old frame schoolhouse and elsewhere. The educational center, however, was the seminary. Excellent schools were held, many of the higher branches being taught there from the first, and a thorough preparation for college being furnished a few years later. The present common school system of to-day was unknown then. All the ordinary schools were sustained by private means, and by the proceeds from the sale of the sixteenth section in Congressional townships. The advocates of popular taxation for the support of public schools were regarded as fanatical and wholly unjust in their views. Then the burden fell upon the parents of large families, who, owing to their poverty, were the least able to educate their children. Citizens in good circumstances, but without children, escaped the burden. The county seminary scheme was quite popular, as it furnished an education higher than could be secured at the subscription, schools. But as time passed public sentiment was molded in favor of making property the basis of taxation for the support of public schools and not the number of children. This led eventually to the adoption of the foundation of the present free public school system, first in 1843 and later in 1852. During the forties, the steady decadence of the seminary system transpired. That institution in Morgan County lost favor, and gradually became a school for the county seat and vicinity, and not for the whole county.
The attendance from abroad steadily decreased until in 1846 the institution was no longer one for the whole county. After 1853, school-houses, built and supported by taxation upon property, sprang up in all portions of the county, and the seminary was ordered sold, and the proceeds became part and parcel of the common school fund. The old seminary did good service in its day.
    About the time the seminary was sold, two or three small frame school houses were erected in Martinsville, one in the southern part, one in the northeastern, and one in the northwestern. They were not built, however, at the same time, but at intervals during the fifties. Why one large building with two or three rooms was not built is not clear. But the novelty of the common school system, and the prevailing ignorance of its practical working, prevented it for a period of years from excluding the old private or subscription schools, which had formerly been the universal source of education of the masses from the town, and accordingly during the fifties numerous private schools were taught, a strong demand existing for the higher branches. In 1855, M. L. Johnson opened the " Martinsville Female Academy," in the rooms over Mr. Crary's store. Several terms were taught, and considerable energy was manifested, but the institution did not sustain the hopes of its founder. Various other schools of a similar character were conducted for short periods about the same time. In about 1860, the old Baptist Church, which had stood unused for some time, was transformed into a high school building under the private control of Dr; Snoddy, who, if reports are correct, conducted a select school of great excellence for about two years. He was succeeded in 1862 by Miss M. F. Jones (now Mrs. Wigginton), who taught with universal favor for three consecutive years. In 1865, R. V. Marshall succeeded Miss Jones, and had as assistants A. M. Cunning and Miss Comer. Marshall was a capable man, having been educated at the State University at Bloomington. In 1867, the front part of the present high school building was constructed at a cost of about $13,500, William Orner being the contractor. About one third of the cost was paid by Washington Township. As yet, the town, though incorporated, was one of the common school districts of the township. Mr. Marshall, with two assistants and with a salary of $1,000, was employed to commence the school in the new building, which he did, continuing for about two years. His successor was Prof. Webster, who remained but a short time. In 1870, the town became an independent school district, and immediately purchased for $4,000 the interest which Washington Township owned in the high school building. In 1877, a fine addition to the building was erected for $6,000. Mrs. Stanford succeeded Prof. Webster, and was in turn succeeded by Prof. French. The present Principal, Prof. Starkey, took charge of the school about six years ago. Under his management the usefulness of the school has been doubled. He is a man of fine talent and culture. The school is one of the best of the kind in the State. In July, 1883, the town Trustees purchased an entire block in the southeastern part of town for $2,000, upon which a temporary frame school-house is to be erected. This was rendered necessary by the inefficacy of the present house to meet the wants of the town. After a few years, the frame building to be erected will be converted into a janitor's residence, and a fine brick school building will take its place. This is glancing ahead, however.
RELIGION AT THE COUNTY SEAT

    Circuit riders of various religious denominations came to Martinsville early in the twenties, but if any attempt was made to found a class it resulted in nothing but failure. Late in the twenties, however, a small class of Methodists was partially organized, the greater number of the few members living outside of the town. This small class of Methodists was organized at the old log court house in 1827, among the earliest members being G. A. Phelps. James Epperson, John Craig, Edward Talbot, Noah Allison, Benjamin Bull, Dr. Francis A. Matheny, Jacob Harryman, Archibald
Cramer. Ered Gardner; and their families and others. Late in the thirties and early in the forties, the class met at the house of Mr. Gardner for worship. Ministers of the Presbyterian, Christian, Baptist and other denominations appeared and preached to motley assemblages of citizens in the court house and the schoolhouse. The second permanent class organized in the town was that of the Cumberland Presbyterian. It was fully organized in 1841, by Rev. Elam Me Cord, with the following membership : Isaac D. and Thurzea Sheppard, John Taggart and wife, William Morgan and wife, James Maxwell and wife, Robert Hamilton, Grandmother Bothwell, Polly Ray, Mrs. John Cox, Mrs. Anna Williams, Mrs. Franky Wilson. It was organized in the court house. Soon after this, Mr. Sheppard circulated a subscription list to raise means to build a church. He soon had about $600 subscribed. The few Methodists and Christians in the town about this time discovered what Mr. Sheppard had accomplished, whereupon members of those denominations, not to be outdone, also circulated subscription lists, but were met with the objection that it was out of the question to try to build three churches in the town at that time, and the attempts by these denominations were abandoned for the time. The Presbyterians were so active that their church, a small brick structure yet standing in the town, was constructed by James Crawford the following year, 1842. The total cost was about $1,500. Additions later cost $500. Rev. McCord served the class for seven consecutive years from 1840, when he first visited the town, to 1848. James Ray, William Orner, Samuel Downing, Benjamin Sweet, carpenters, worked out their subscriptions on the building. This old church was used until two years ago, when the present fine brick structure was erected by the same class at a cost of over $6,000. The class has been prosperous since the start, and has had a Sunday school the greater portion of the time. W. H. Miller, a most excellent man for the place, and a leader of the church, is the present Superintendent. The missionary work done by this class is said to be the largest in the conference. This is largely due to Mr. Miller's efforts and management.
    The Methodists, as has been stated, had an organization at the county seat as early as 1827. The Grays, Crawfords and Warrens belonged later. The church was not built until about 1848-49. It cost about $1,000. Among the members at this time were Jacob and Catharine Harryman, Charity Gardner, Mr. McCormack's family, A. D. Rose, Susan Rose, Thomas Downing, Nancy Downing, William Downing, E. T. Harryman, John Edwards, Elizabeth Barrickman, Hester Barrick-man, Mathew Whetstine and wife, Mr. Elliott, Martha Orner, W. W Wilson, and those mentioned above, and others to the number of about forty. The frame church was used until 1873, when the new brick structure was built at a cost of nearly $17,000. Among the ministers have been Tinsley, Williams, Dorsey, Clifford, Powell, Dane, Wharton, Lathrop, Smith, Sutton, McCan, Culmer, Grim, Asbury, Thompson, Chapman, Hayes, Binkley, Talbot, Brant, McGinnis, and the present minister,. J. H. Ketcham. The church has a membership of about 300, and has had a prosperous Sunday school for many years.
    The Christian class was organized early in the forties, and a church was built about 1846. Among the members were P. M. Parks, Perry Blankenship, Benjamin Sweet, James Jackson, John Sims, William Major, John Hastings, Joel Wilson, W. H. Craig, Samuel Tucker, Thomas Hess, Allen Hess, Jackson Warner, W. J. Sparks and others, including the families of the above. The class has been one of the most prosperous at the county seat. The same building, to which many improvements have been added, is yet in use. A Sunday school was organized at an early day, and has endured until the present with a large increase in the membership. The Tuckers have been prominent in the church since the first.
The Baptists organized at Martinsville as early as 1850. A. B. Alsip, the Frinks, and others were members. The brick church was built about 1857, but for some reason was not finished. The leading Baptists removed from the town, and the building was transformed into a school-house, being thus used until after the last war, when it was purchased by the Catholics for $700, and has since been used by them. Father Gillig was the first priest. Among the members who have belonged are B. Gillig, George Frisz, Mrs. Magee, Mrs. Singleton, Mrs. Woods, Pat King and family, Peter Miller and family, Mrs. Lockhart, Mrs. Maxville, Peter Rooney, Mrs. Gillig, George Estling, Charles Schrader. The priests since Father Gillig have been Father Snell, Father Erceneus, Father Victor and Father Stanislaus, the present priest, who visits the class once a month.
POPULATION
In 1823, there were about ten families at Martinsville.
In 1830, the population was about 175 ;
in 1840, about 400; in 1850, about 525;
in 1860, about 700 ; in 1870, about 1,350 ;
in 1880, about 1,943; and in 1883, about 2,300.





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