This is one of the central townships in the tier which forms the eastern limit of the county. It is six miles long and six miles wide, its area, therefore, being in round numbers 23,040 acres. It is bounded on the north by the township of Delaware, on the east by a portion of Randolph County, on the south by Perry Township, and on the west by Center.
The surface is generally level, broken only by the valleys of the streams which traverse it. These streams are, with one or two excep tions, unimportant brooks or branches, tributaries of White River, which flows in a westerly course across the southern portion of the township. None of them are of sufficient magnitude to afford propelling power for machinery, and during very dry seasons their course across the township is only recognizable by their deserted beds. When the opposite extreme prevails, and there is an abundant rainfall, their narrow beds are quickly filled, and for the time being, these little streams, usually so insignificant, become roaring torrents, rushing impetuously toward their respective outlets, the Mississinewa and White Rivers.
These periodical overflows were the cause from which arose the malarial diseases which, half a century ago, were so common. In these later days, however, scientific farming has opened up a medium of egress for the water left in the depressed places by the receding streams, and the modern system of underdraining has been both the means of conveying away the waste water and redeeming lands otherwise useless. The soil in the vicinity of the river is of a sandy nature, but in other places it is ahnost wholly clay. It is quite rich and well adapted to the successful cultivation of all the varieties of fruit aml grain common in this latitude.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settler in a region as wild as this was in the earlier part of the present century was one who deserved the praise which has been accorded to the pioneers of the West, by a grateful posterity; but it is a fact much to be regretted that, while our early settlers were carving enduring monuments to their memories from the forests among which they began their labors, they viewed the importance of their task so lightly as to leave no records from which a history of their settlement and movements might be made, and the information touching this subject can only be gleaned from the storehouses of memory.
At least sixty years have now elapsed since white men first began settling within the limits of Liberty; but the first were "squatters," whose only mission was the extermination of the game then so abundant.
They owned no land and did nothing that identified them with the history of the township, and their names passed from memory as their forms passed fom this locality before the advance of civilization, which followed the advent of our pioneers a few years later.
The first tract of land was entered at the Government land office at Fort Wayne, by William Blunt, Sr., on the 9th day of December, 1822. The land then entered was a portion of Section 28. Mr. Blunt was probably the first permanent settler in the township. He cleared and improved a large farm, and was long a valued and useful member of the community. On the 16th day of December, 1822, Wilder Potter entered a tract of land in the same section (28), and cleared a portion of it. The remainder he sold to settlers who came to the township at a later date. The east half of the southeast quarter of Section 22 was entered by David Branson, December 11, 1823. Alanson Ashley and Henry Bolton entered land in Section 30, May 31, 1823. Both were industrious and respected members of the community. Mr. Ashley afterward became identified with other localities. James Jackson, formerly a citizen of Portsmouth, Ohio, entered a tract of land in Section 21, October 1, 1827. His farm was the east half of the northeast quarter of this section, and upon this farm he made his home until death. His
children were Araminta, Temperance, Maria, Sarah., Malon and Roswell, all of whom survive him. David Stout settled at Smithfield in 1828, and erected the first mill in the township, and about the same time John G. Deeds settled at the same point, and erected the second mill.
In 1829, Samuel Simmons came from the adjoining township of Perry, where he settled in December, 1824. He came to this county from Clark County, Ohio, accompanied by his wife and seven children, viz., Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jane, James and Rebecca, four of whom survive him and reside in this county. About the year 1830, his daughter Rachel was born, and was one of the first white children born in the settlement. He improved the farm which he had entered, making it his home until death. In November, 1830, John Moore came from Portsmouth, Ohio, and entered the body of land lying partially in Center and partially in Liberty. To this he added another tract, by purchase, making his possessions several hundred acres. His journey from Ohio was accomplished by the usual method of travel in those days, i. e., in wagons, containing the family and household goods. The children who accompanied him were Cynthia, William J., Philip, Levi, Jemima, J. Spencer, Charles Wesley, Joseph and Milton. His son Enos was born February 15, 1831. His uncle, John Moore, had preceded him, having located here in 1829.
A copy of the tract-book, now in the Auditor's office at Muncie, gives the following names as the purchasers of the several sections of land in the township, together with the date of entry. Some were not actual settlers, and for this reason we omit their names from what is designed as a list of pioneers.
Section 3. James H. Neal, May 12, 1831;; John Givan, February 6, 1837; Moses E. McCommll, April 30, 1837; Melker Shroyer, October 25, 1837.
Sec. 4. George Barton, May 10, 1836; Samuel McKinsley, June 8, 1836; John Morrison, February 6, 1837.
Sec. 5. William Brownfield, October 27, 1834; Joseph Houry, September 10, 1835; William Bradick, March 12, 1836; William L. Gough, June 8, 1836; Willis Ball, June 8, 1836.
Sec. 6. John Kingsley, June 7, 1836; Reuben Preston, June 16, 1836.
Sec. 7. Charles Points, June 18, 1833; Joseph Rash, January 22, 1835; Willis Hance, October 28, 1835; Henry Phillips, August 19, 1836.
Sec. 8. Eli Babb, May 27, 1831; John Robinson, May 27, 1831; James Barton, October 31, 1833; Roswell Barton, March 9, 1835; Peter Clark, June 2, 1836; Thomas Sweetman, August 19, 1836.
Sec. 9. Aaron Stout, January 20, 1836; John Neer, April 8, 1836; Gilbert Winsett, October 8, 1836.
Sec. 10. Isaac Barns, January 26, 1836: John Neal, June 9, 1836.
Sec. 12. Peter Clyne, August 19, 1836. (The remainder of this section was purchased by non-residents, and by persons heretofore mentioned
in this list. The same is true of Section 11).
Sec. 13. Lewis Kendall, and others.
Sec. 14. Benjamin Plants, August 9, 1836; Daniel Elabarger, August 15, l836; Eleazer Coffeen, August 19, 1836; Lewis Shroyer, November 6, 1837.
Sec. 15. Chester SearIs, January 21, 1836; Aaron Marshall, June 28, 1836; Henry Elabarger, August 9, 1836.
See. 17. Joseph Humphrey, March 23, 1833; William Payton, Jr., June 27, 1833; Frederick Goings, February 21, 1835; David Goings, November 1, 1835; Alexander Addis, January l, 1836; John Morgan, June 2, 1836; John Morris, MareIx 9, 1837.
Sec. 18. Elijah Casteel, August 24, 1829; Washington Downing, March 2, 1830; David Hamer, August 27, 1832; Joseph Mulkins, October 13, 1832; Jason Fielden, May 2, 1834; John Guthrie, October 19, 1835.
Sec. 19. John Moore February 2, 1831; Jacob Payton, Jr., June 27, 1832; Joseph Dungan, May 16, 1833.
Sec. 20. James Truitt, December 31, 1831; Lewis Smith, January 2, 1832; Thomas Hamilton, June 18, 1833; Asahel Thornburg, August 21, 1833; William N. Rowe, August 21, 1833; Elisha Dewitt, May 26, 1837; John S. Goff, May 26, 1835; David Rench, October 5, 1835.
Sec. 21. James Jackson, October1, 1827; David Stout, June 30, 1828; Parker Truitt, December 7, 1829; Andrew Collins, March 22, 1830; John Trout, December 7, 1832.
Sec. 22. Morgan Thornburg, June 6. 1823; David Branson, December 11, 1823; Thomas Cox, January 30, 1824; William Wier, October 6, 1829; John Richardson, July 9, 1836; James Bush, July 26, 1836.
Sec. 23. John G. Deeds, January 9, 1824; John Stout, April 28, 1829; Solomon Stout, April 28, 1829; Levi Bowlsby, October 13, 1829; Christian Life, June 9, 1836; Landum Rash, June 8, 1837; Thomas Rash, June 28, 1837.
Sec. 24. John Conner, September 11, 1829; Michael Moyer, June 7. 1830; Thomas Wallace, May 25, 1835; James Barr, December 17, 1835; Joseph Lewis, February 18, 1836; Samuel Croy, July 27, 1836; Lewis Shroyer, November 16, 1837.
Sec. 25. John Fowler, April 4, 1825; John B. Bailes, November 27, 1832; John Gardner, September 19, 1834; Henry Cline, February 6, 1836; Isaac Cline, August 19, l836; John Pennington, March 26, 1836; Henry Dye, June 8, 1836; William M. Clark, November 4, 1836.
Sec. 26. Loring A. Waldo, August 24, 1831; Joab Thornburg, August 21, 1833; Samuel Williams, January 16, 1836.
Sec. 27. Peter Halsted, September 1, 1830; William Williams, Sr., March 3, 1836; Jonas Hammer, March 3, 1836; Francis Coffeen, August 18, 1836; George Turner, Jr., September 14, 1836; Joseph Shields, November 11, 1836.
Sec. 28. William Blunt, Sr., December 9, 1822; Wilder Potter, December 16, 1822; William Pollen, March 12, 1831; William Barnes, February 1, 1832; Samuel Cecil, May 11, 1835; James H. Cecil, January 16, 1836; Hervey Bates, March 4, 1837.
Sec. 29. William Stansberry, December 7, 1830; John Richey, July 27, 1831; John Smith, August 11, 1832; Thomas Wilcoxon, October 10, 1832.
Sec. 30. Alanson Ashley, May 31, 1823; Henry Bolton, May 31, 1823; Thomas Crawford, March 6, 1830; Jacob Payton, August 17, 1832; Samuel Hutchings, October 10, 1832; Samuel Cecil, January 30, 1834; Samuel Simmons, 1829.
Sec. 31. Lewis Reese, November 11, 1822; Garret Gibson, January 21, 1820; George Ribble, March 7, 1830; Cornelius Van Arnsdoll, October 25, 1830; Thomas Hackett, January 19, 1831.
Sec. 32. Daniel Thompson, July 7, 1828; Aaron Cecil, August 15, 1831; John W. Cecil, September 14, 1831; David Ribble, February 1, 1832.
Sec. 33. Jacob Marshall, October 26, 1828; Martin Keasling, Janury 19, 1831; Isaac Jackson, December 12, 1835; William Poff; March 12, 1836.
See. 34. This section was purchased by Michael G. Carver, Abel Robinson, Hilda Adkins and Sarah Holloway, none of whom were settlers in the township.
Sec. 35. Was also purchased by persons who did not settle on their lands.
Sec. 36. Martin Dye, February 22, 1836. The remainder of this section was held by capitalists, who sold it out to later settlers.
The early settlements were made near the river, in the southern portion of the township, and for several years the rush of emigrants was to that point. The northern portion was very sparsely populated until about the year 1837-38. There were several early settlers who came after the desirable lands had nearly all been purchased. David Ribble was one of this number. He came from Montgomery County, Va., in September, 1830, and purchased 400 acres of land of Wilder Potter, subsequently entering a small tract adjoining. He was accompanied to the new home by his wife and six children, viz., Elizabeth, Martin, Christopher, Nancy, William and John, all of whom survive him. He was an industrious farmer, and a good citizen, and occupied the postion of Representative in the State Legislature, besides minor local offices. He died in February, 1839.
William Duncan Sr., settled on Section 22 in 1829. and John Cline settled on Section 26 in 1826.
In the north part of the township one of the earliest permanent settlers was John W. Baughn, who came in the year 1886 and purchased the farm upon which he still resides, in the northeast corner of the township.
Later in the same year William Wood purchased and settled on a tract of land west of Mr. Baughn, and Alexander Thorp purchased and settled on a farm in the same section.
Joseph and Samuel Orr were among the early settlers of this township. Their father, James Orr, Sr., purchased land and settled in Delaware Township in 1838, and, in the same year, his sons purchased land in Section 34, Liberty Township. Samuel served in the Union army during the late war, and made a noble record as Lieutenant Colonel of the Eighty-fourth Regiment. He had previously been elected to the State Legislature, in which capacity he served with honor to himself and credit to his constituency. He died in 1876, and his son, Capt. James H. Orr, now occupies the old homestead.
Joseph Orr was a man of sterling qualities; a good citizen and a successfull farmer, and universally honored and esteemed. He occupied the farm until the date of his decease, in April, 1881.
Samuel and Philip Lewellen settled near him in the same year. There were many more who settled here in the years intervening between 1835 and 1840, but their names are not now at hand.
Among the early events that occurred in this township it is probable that none were more interesting than the fact that the first election in Delaware County was held here. This was the Presidential election of 1824, when Adams and Jackson were the opposing candidates. At this time Delaware County had no distinct civil existence, being still within the territorial area of Randolph County. The election was held at the cabin of William Williams, and a Mr. Sample, of Georgetown, Randolph County, acted as Inspector of the election. Samuel Simmons, the Deputy Sheriff at that time, carried the ballots and tally-sheets to Winchester, the seat of justice. The total number of votes, it is said, did not exceed twenty. The house where the election was held was also a post office, and in its appointments was quite in harmony with the rude times in which it flourished. A rough box nailed to a tree was the receptacle for the mail matter, and Harvey Fitzpatrick, the post-rider, carried the mail in a pair of saddle-bags.
ROADS.
One of the first steps taken to secure the advancement of the township's interest was the location of public highways. The first road that traversed the township was the State road from Windsor, in Randolph County, to Muncie, in a course nearly due west. This road was laid out, and in fair condition for travel, when Samuel Simmons first came to the township in 1829.
Another early laid-out road was the one from Windsor, through Smithfield, to Muncie. It was surveyred and located at the expense of Randolph Counties, on the south side of White River. From this road another branched off near the Parker Truitt farm, running in a northwesterly course to the town of Grnaville, in this county.
The State road from Greenville, Ohio, through Winchester and Muncie to the west, was also one of the early roads, and one by means of which a large tide of emigration sought the settlements of the Western States. It was extensively traveled as early as the year 1830.
The road from Muncie to Marion, Ind., was laid out soon after the early settlement of the township began, and from time to time, as occasion required, roads were located from one point to another within the township, to facilitate local travel and communication. In later years several of the principal roads were converted into turnpikes which have proved of great benefit in seasons when the other roads have bee almost impassable. The Smithfield and Albany Pike runs through the central part of the Township, from Smithfield through Selma, terminating at the town of Albany; the Junction Pike traverses the entire length of the township in an east and west course, and forms the boundary line between Liberty and Perry; the Smithfield and Burlington Pike runs from Smithfield in a southerly course, to New Burlington, in Perry Township, and another pike leads from Smithfield to Muncie.
EARLY MERCHANTS.
Jeremiah Fenner kept a stock of general merchandise at Smithfield at an early day. He was probably the first merchant in the township. He remained four or five years, and finally sold his stock and good will to Mr. Garrison. Thomas Leonard opened a store a few years later, and remained in the village until his decease, after which William Lewis engaged in business at the same stand.
At Selma, Joseph Babb kept the first store, and after a short time sold out to Wm. J. Moore, who continued the business for a number of years.
Smith & Ribble kept a store at Selma, and William Lewis, Thomas and Allen Lewis were among the early merchants at that point.
CEMETERIES.
Probably the oldest cemetery in the township is one which is located about half a mile west of the site of Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church. The deed to this land has been either lost or mislaid, and we are unable to give the donor's name.
About the year 1840, the bodies were removed from this place, and re-interred in the cemetery previously donated for the purpose by John Guthrie and William Payton, at the point where Mount Tabor Church was subsequently erected.
About the year 1839, a young son of John W. Baughn died, and was buried on the home farm in the northeast part of the township. About a year later, Mr. Baughn donated that portion of his farm for a public burial-place, for which purpose it has ever since been used. Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church was erected on this ground
at a later date.
SCHOOLS.
Much progress had been made in other directions before even a partial system of public education was adopted in this township. As late as the year 1831, the township was still without schools, and in that year William J. Moore was sent by his father to Wayne County, Ind., where his uncle resided--the object of his visit being to attend one of the schools of that county. Upon his arrival, he found the school closed, and was compelled to trudge home through the mud, "no wiser than he went." How far this circumstance was instrumental in the inauguration of public schools we do not know, but it is certain that the first school was founded by his father, John Moore, within a short time after the return of his son. A short time previously, he had purchased of William Downing an eighty-acre tract of land adjoining his own, upon which there was a rude log cabin. The latter he removed to the south end of the tract, and converted it into a schoolhouse, and a subscription was made up by parents whose children attended the school. Samuel Collier, of Muncie, was the first teacher, and remained two months.
In the winter of 1832-33, a cabin on the farm of Asahel Thornburg was converted into a schoolhouse, and Anderson R. East taught there during that and the suceeeding winter. In 1839, Amos Meeks taught in a cabin in the northeast part of the township, near the Albany road.
The earlier schools were taught by subscription, and the first steps toward the establishment of free schools were taken by appropriating the Congressional fund of the township for the maintenance of public instruction. When these proved insufficient to meet the expenses of a term (which was not unfrequently the ease), private contributions were raised. After the passage of the public school law of 1851-52, the Trustees of Liberty availed themselves of its provisions as soon as practicable, and disbursed the apportionment of the public fired allotted to the township, for the maintenance of free schools. For a nmnber of years, the old buildings were made to do duty under the new regime, until the accumulated funds warranted them in erecting new and better houses. These appeared one by one, until all the districts were finally supplied. A better system of instruction was the result, and the schools have had a marked effect for good upon the moral health of the community.
The school building at Selma was erected in 1868 at a cost of $6,000. It is a brick building, 30x60 feet, two stories high, with a vestibule in front, in which the stairway is built. It contains four rooms, fourteen feet high, and thirty feet square, but the rooms on the ground floor are all that have, as yet, been occupied for school purposes. Clayton Murray was the first Principal of the school, and served in that capacity one term. He was succeeded by Daniel K. Shields, who also served one term. Noah Branson served one term, A. J. Wells, two terms, ______Sourhard, one term, and William McDonald, one term, when A. J. Wells was re-appointed and served one term. Jacomiah H. Jackson succeeded Mr. Wells, and served one term. Levi G. Saffer, the present incumbent, has occupied that position for four consecutive years, He is ably assisted by Miss Mollie Spangler, who has attained great success in the introduction and successful practice of the Grube
Method of teaching arithmetic.
The following report by the Township Trustee, for the year ending August 31, 1880, exhibits the condition of the schools at that date:
Number of white pupils admitted within the year, 469; average attendance, 288; length of school term, 118 days; munber of white teachers employed--male, 9; female, 3; total, 12. Average compensation of teachers per day--male, $1.92; female, $1.70; number of brick schoolhouses in the township, 11; estimated value of schoolhouses, grounds, etc., $14,000; estimated value of school apparatus, $300.
ACCOUNT OF REVENUE FOR TUITION.
Amount on hand September 1, 1879 ................................ $2,812 94
Amount receiwd in February, 1880 .................................... 1,115 86
Amount received in June, 1880 ...........................................1,051 12
Total ..................................................................................$4,979 92
Amount expended since September 1, 1879 ................... $2,721 15
Amount on hand at date of report .......................................$2,258 77
The following are the school-teachers for the term of 1880-81: Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse, District No. 1, Lewis Sparks; Orr Schoolhouse, District No. 2, William Danner; Maple Grove Schoolhouse, District No. 3, Minnie Spangler; Graham's Schoolhouse, District No. 4, Thomas Harrington; Selma Schoolhouse, District No. 5, Levi G. Saffer, Mollie Spangler; Mud Valley Schoolhouse, District No. 6, S. N. McClintock; Friedline Schoolhouse, District No. 7, J. W. Kimbrough; Smithfield Schoolhouse, District No. 8, Oliver Carmichael; Tabor Schoolhouse, District No. 9, Arthur Cecil; Snow Schoolhouse, District No. 10, Emma Shroyer; Knoxville Schoolhouse, District No. 11, Joseph O. Lambert.
CHURCHES.
In the early days when religious privileges were the exception in this locality, little attention was given to denominational preferences. The traveling ministers, who came at rare intervals, were always greeted warmly by the entire community, and heard with that appreciation that can only be known to the sincere Christian, long debarred from the offices of his church.
Probably the first religious meetings were conducted by ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, some of whom visited the township as early as the year 1829, preaching at private houses. Ministers of the Evangelical Association, or "New Light," denomination, were also among the early visitors, and usually preached at the house of Cornelius Van Arsdoll.
The organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church was accomplished almost imperceptibly. The Methodist ministers came, more frequently than those of any other denomination, and the members of this church naturally drifted together, and were banded in what may be termed an indefinite organization. Even when there were no ministers to conduct the public services, private prayer meetings were held at the homes of some of the members, and thus the class was formed without any preliminary formalities. They worshiped at private houses until 1842. A short time prior to that date John Goff settled in the southern part of the township, and began at once to erect a house of worship for the society, and was assisted in felling and dressing the logs by several young men of the neighborhood. When the house was completed he presented it to the society, and it was dedicated by Rev. John Burt. It was known as Goff's Chapel, in honor of its founder. It was occupied as a place of public worship for a period of ten or eleven years.
In the meantime the congregation increased, and a larger house became necessary. A lot was donated for a new church about a mile south of the site of the log building, and upon this was erected the frame house of worship now known by the name of Mount Tabor Church. This organization has been maintained, and the church now has a large and increasing membership. Services are regularly conducted by the Pastor, Rev. Mr. Carey, of New Burlington.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Smithfield--The society assumed its first, permanent organization some time between the years 1830 and 1832, but there are no records extant from which this date can be established. Thomas Leonard, a local preacher and resident in the township, organized the class, and the meetings were held at his residence for several years. In 1842 or 1843, the society erected its first house of worship. This was a frame building, and stood just north of the village. Several years later, the building was destroyed by fire, and they were compelled to return to the primitive mode of worship at private houses, until sufficient funds could be accumulated to erect a new house. This occupied a period of three or four years, at the end of which time the present frame church was erected at Smithfield. Services have been conducted ever since, and the church is now in a prosperous condition.
Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church-- As early as the year 1837 Rev. Wade Posey held religious services in the northeastern part of the township, but there was no organization. The first Methodist Episcopal class in this locality was organized in the year 1839, under the leadership of Rev. John Hull. The meetings of the class were held at the houses of William Wood and other members for several years. In the meantime (1839), John W. Baughn, one of the members, donated to the society one acre of ground for a cemetery and building lot, and, in 1842, they erected their first house a log structure--on the south side of the public road, in the cemetery lot. This building was used until 1864, when the present frame church was erected on the opposite side of the road. The church has prospered steadily since its organization, and now has a membership of more than a hundred souls. Services are conducted every two weeks, by Rev. M. A. Teague, of Selma.
Selma Methodist Church.--The class was organized about the year 1850, and worshiped at a schoolhouse at Selma until 1856, when they erected their present church. This is a frame building, quite plain in exterior appearance but handsomely furnished within. The parsonage is also a part of the church propertv, and is valued at $2,000. The organization of the church at Selma drew largely from the membership of the Smithfield church, as, prior to that date, the majority of Methodists at Selma were identified with that church. Selma Circuit was formed in 1853, and included the church at Smithfield, both of which are still supplied by one Pastor. The present membership of the church at Selma is eighty-five.
The Pastor in 1855 was Rev. Michael Black, who was succeeded in the following order: Rev. N. A. Phillips, Rev. Clark Skinner, Rev. J. B. Birt, Rev. S. H. Rhodes, Rev. Thomas Barnett, Rev. J. F. Pierce, Rev. S. H. Rhodes (re-appointed), Rev. F. A. Sale, Rev. E. S. Preston, Rev. T. Sells, Rev. B. A. Kemp, Rev. William H. Pierce and Rev. M. A. Teague.
The Sunday school, of which Nathan Shroyer is the present Superintendent, is in a prosperous condition, with an average attendance of 100 officers and scholars.
Olive Branch United Brethren Church.--This house was erected in 1853, upon a lot in the town of Selma, purchased of William J. Moore. The ground was purchased and the church erected by the Methodists and United Brethren jointly, and was occupied alternately for religious purposes by each denomination, until the former were prepared to erect a house for their own use. The Trustees, at the time the church was erected, were John Bortsfield, Sr., Jacob Dickover and Christian Sholty. Among the earliest United Brethren ministers was Rev. John Smith, who was followed by others at irregular intervals. The church was dedicated by Rev. Daniel Stover, Presiding Elder. The present Trustees are J. F. Jackson. John W. Bortsfield and Edward Shull.
The White River Missionary Baptist Church.--This church is located one mile east of Selma, on land donated for the purpose by Samuel T. Shrack. The house cost $l,200, and was dedicated by Rev. C. B. Kendall. A.J. Bullock, J. A. Fowler and D. C. Winget are the Trustees at the present time.
SOCIETIES.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Selma Lodge, No. 189--On the evening of June 25, 1837, Special Deputy Grand Master John C. Helm, with the other grand officers, meet for the purpose of instituting this lodge, which was duly chartered by the Grand Lodge of Indiana May 21, 1857. The members named in the charter were: John Truitt, S. J. Williams, J. Lewellen, J. W. Friar, F. H. Brown, M. Study, L. Smith, J. C. Imley, W. J. Moore, A. J. Gissell. S. A. Smith, N. W. Black and W. Hannah.
After the transaction of some routine business, the following officers were nominated, and, as there was but one candidate for each office, they were, upon motion, elected to the respective offices for which they were nominated. John Truitt was elected N. G.; F. M. Brown, V. G.; W. G. Moore, Secretary; and John W. Friar. Treasurer. The Noble Grand then appointed the following officers: SamueI J. Williams. W.; Josephus Lewellen. C.; S. A. Smith. I G.; N. W. Black, R. S. N. G.; John Simmons, L. S. N. O.
In 1860, a private stock company erected a lodge-room over the drug store now owned by Eugene Johnson, and rented it to the lodge. From time to time, however, portions of this stock were purchased by the order, until the lodge finally owned the hall, in which its regular meetings are held every Saturday evening.
It has continued to prosper since its organization, and is now in excellent working order, free from debt. with a comfortable surplus in the treasury. It has an active membership of fifty-four, and a dormant membership of twenty-six.
The officers for the present term are: James Moody, N. G.; C. S. Moorman, V. G.; L. R. Black, Treasurer; W. H. Williams, Secretary: John Simmons, P. S.; T. E. Harrington, D. D. G. M.
Selma Encampment, No. 64, is now working under a charter granted May 15, 1 860. The petition for charter was signed by John Truitt, S. J. Williams, J. Calvert, H. Marks, Job Swain, Joshua Truitt and C. P. Streator. The officers for the present term (1850) are: E. J. Pemberton, C. P.; W. N. Scott, H. P.; James L. Hutchings, S. W.; T. E. Harrington, J. W.; M. M. Moody, S.; E. C. Goff, T.
The encampment has a membership of thirty at the present time.
Free and Accepted Masons, Selma Lodge, No. 299, was organized under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the State May 25, 1864. The officers named in the charter were: Clark Skiff, W. M.; John H. Payton, S. W.; and Andrew H. Hoover, J. W. The meetings were first held in the second story of the building now occupied by C. W. Moore's boot and shoe store, but, at a subsequent date, the lodge erected the building in which its meetings are now held. It is in good working order, and financially prosperous.
The officers for the present term are: John W. Current, W. M.; D. M. Ribble. S. W.; Clark Shroyer, J. W.; Samuel Shroyer, S. D.; James Truitt, J. D.; John F. Dynes, Secretary; William Hannah, Treasurer; Samuel Dickover, Tiler.
Selma Cornet Band.--The first band in Selma was organized February 22, 1867, with the following members: Dr. C. Skiff, A. J. Wells, E. B. Patrick, S. G. Williams, D. M. Ribble. C. E. Skiff, J. N. Orr, J. W. Clark, T. E. Harrington, Samuel Fielder, C. W. Moore and W. A. Goings. Dr. Clark Skiff was their leader, and continued in that capacity for more than a year. After a few years, the band began to suffer from the withdrawal of some of its members, and, in October, 1878, it was re-organized, or, rather, its present organization was effected.
At the band tournament held at Muncie June 4 and 5, 1878, this band was the successful competitor for one of the cash prizes awarded for superior execution, etc., and they have succeeded in keeping up an excellent organization ever since.
The following are the members in April, 1881:
E. B. Patrick, E flat; N. A. Felton, E flat; G. W. Fertich, alto; Jacob Jones, alto; J. W. Skiff, baritone; J. E. Fertich, bass drum; S. J. Williams, B flat; D. M. Ribble, B flat; John W. Clark, tenor: J. N. Orr, tenor; C. E. Skiff, tuba; John Boots, snare drum; Frank Scott, cymbals.
VILLAGES.
Smithfield is the oldest village, and therefore entitled to the first place in this article. The name was given to a small collection of houses wich stood here long before the town was surveyed and laid out into town lots by the original proprietors, David Stout and William Duncan.
It is pleasantly situated on a level upland overlooking White River, which here meanders among shady woods and fertile fields, making a picture charming to the eye. A substantial iron bridge spans the river at this point, on the pike leading to Burlington.
Smithfield is one of those quiet hamlets so often seen at this age, which have relapsed from a more favorable condition; for this was once a point of some consequence, well known to emigrants of earlier days. Its merchants had a good trade, as had also its blacksmiths and other mechanics. But time diverted its trade to other centers, and it became the quiet village that we see to-day. At the present, its mercantile interests are represented by one store, kept by J. K. Norris; Daniel Williams is the village blacksmith, and William Miller is the proprietor of a flouring-mill, situated on the bank of White River, its machinery being propelled by power front that stream.
Selma is a station on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway, and is in all respects a thriving village. It is the principal trading-point for a large scope of country, and its stores are usually thronged with purchasers.
Hervet & Clark are the proprietors of the dry goods store; D. M. Ribble is the dealer in hardware; L. R. Black & Co. have quite an extensive stock of drugs; John W. Goings is the proprietor of a dry goods store, while Joseph Orr has a stock of dry goods and groceries; N. Patrick deals exclusively in groceries; T. E. Harrington is the proprietor of a restaurant; C. W. Moore deals in boots and shoes; N. E. Black has a carriage-shop; and W. N. Scott is the proprietor of the steam saw-mill. The physicians are Dr. C. Skiff, Dr. F. R. Stiers and Dr. A. H. Good, Z. L. Simmons and Henry C. Knapp are the village blacksmiths; John H. Hoover, cabinet-maker and undertaker: Samuel S. Dunkel, brick manufacturer; Samuel Dickover carpenter; E. P. Boots, pump manufacturer; L. C. Roseboom, boot and shoe maker; Mrs. Maggie Black is the village milliner; and James L. Simmons, William Miller and William Goings are the grain-dealers. Josiah Meeks is engaged in the purchase and sale of live stock, and James L. Simmons is Postnmster, railroad agent and operator.
POPULATION.
TOWNSHIP EXPENDITURES--1879.
Amount expended on roads .............................................. $275
Amount paid Supervisors ..................................................... 80
Amount paid for building new schoolhouses ............... 2,517
Amount paid for repair of schoolhouses ......................... 388
Amount paid for fuel ........................................................... 226
Amount paid to teachers ................................................. 3,902
Amount paid Trustee for services .................................... 222
Amount paid for all other expenses ................................. 252
Total ........................................................................... $7,862
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS--1879.
Wheat, 3,010 acres, 59,200 bushels; corn, 4,570 acres, 190,270 bushels; oats, 650 acres, 19,380 bushels; rye, 70 acres, 1,020 bushels; Irish potatoes, 65 acres, 6,450 bushels; flax, 850 acres, 299 tons fiber, 8,210 bushels seed; meadow, 1,250 acres, 1,345 tons of hay; pasture land, 4,030 acres.
was born in Hagerstown, Washington Co., Md., February 17, 1822.
He acquired a limited education at the Hagerstown Academy; but the opportunities for educating, during his youth, were very different from those enjoyed under the present free-school system, and John, of course, was a sufferer thereby. His parents poor, and tuition expensive, they were unable to prolong his attendance at school, and hence, at the age of seventeen, he was apprenticed to a tailor in the village of Hancock, of his native county. Serving full time in that situation to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, he went forth among strangers as a journeyman tailor.
Wending his way westward, finally, in 1846, he found himself in Butler County, Ohio. About that time, a call being made upon Ohio to furnish three regiments for service in Mexico, young Holbert responded by enlisting as a private soldier in the First Ohio Volunteers, Capt. John B. Weller's company, Second Rifles. Serving his term of one year, he was honorably discharged at New Orleans, and returned to Butler County, Ohio, in the fall of 1847.
Here, in the village of Monroe, he associated himself with the order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 89, State of Ohio. He wedded Miss Mary M. Fadely still his companion-April 7,1848, having obtained his license at Lebanon, in the adjoining county of Warren. He now opened shop for tailoring in the neighboring village of Blue Ball, continuing the same until late in the year 1850. Moving then to Smithfield, Delaware Co., Ind., he renewed his vocation and continued to pursue the same up to the fall of 1863, when he enlisted in Company K (Capt. Williams), Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Joining his regiment at the front, he was in active service until March 25, 1865.
Upon that, to him, memorable day, in the engagement at Hatchet's Run, near Petersburg, Va., he lost his left leg--the same being amputated upon the field. Following this, he was conveyed to City Point, where he was placed on board ship and transferred to Philadelphia for treatment. Finally, in August following, he was discharged, at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Pennsylvania, and returned to civil life and to the enjoyment of his family.
By reason of this loss of limb, our noble Government has pensioned Mr. Holbert for life, granting him, in quarterly payments, at the rate of $24 per month; and for its generous beneficence he feels deeply grateful. At the re-unions of the old Nineteenth Regiment, since the war, Mr. Holbert has, on two occasions, been chosen Vice President of Company K--thus conferred as an act of respect by his old army comrades.
In 1866, the year succeeding his return to Selma and to civil life,
the good people of Liberty elected him Township Trustee, continuing him as such, without opposition, for six successive years, and with entire satisfaction to his constituency. In 1872, the Republicans elected him Treasurer of Delaware County by a satisfactory majority, and, in 1875, they re-elected him to the same position, by a majority equally satisfactory.
He is still a member in good standing of the order of Odd Fellows; has passed all the chairs, both in subordinate and encampment lodge of Selma; elected representative to the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of the State of Indiana, being a member of both; has a comfortable home in the west part of Liberty Township; is a good citizen, and esteemed by all who know him.