PERRY is the southeast corner township of the county. Liberty Township bounds it on the north, a portion of Randolph County on the east, a portion of Henry County on the south, and Monroe Township on the west. Its dimensions are five miles north and south, by six miles east and west, its area being, in round numbers, 19,200 acres.
The surface is generally an undulating upland, broken by picturesque little hillocks in the western and southern portions of the township. The soil in these localities is principally a clayey loam. with a substratum of sand or gravel. Toward the central and eastern portions, the surface is more level, and the predominating variety of soil is the black loam, intermixed with sand.
The water-courses are White River, which crosses the northwestern portion of the township, draining quite an extensive area of fertile lands; Prairie Creek, which flows north through the township, joining White River near the boundary line between Perry and Liberty; Stony Creek, flowing through the northeastern part of the township, finding its outlet in Little White River, in Randolph County. In addition to these. there are one or two unimportant tributaries of Prairie Creek, one of which has long been known as "Shave-tail"--the name having been bestowed to commemorate the shaving of the tails of some horses, whose owners came to participate in a wedding which took place here in an early day. It is said that the aggressors in the ease were some young ladies, who came near having to pay for their fun at a Justice's Court. The suit, however, was compromised, and the young ladies escaped with nothing more serious than a bad scare.
The usual varieties of timber grew here prior to the settlement by white men, consisting of oak, black and white walnut, beech, sugar, etc. There was a small proportion of prairie land, but the general aspect was a formidable array of timber. It was a brave, hardy class of people who came to subdue this wilderness, and, through their trials and privations, the township was brought, step by step, to its present state of excellence.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first white men who entered the township with a view to its improvement came in April, 1820. They were Cornelius Van Arsdall, James Lee, William Blunt, David and Aaron Richardson. The party forced their way slowly through the deep forest, their wagon drawn by four yoke of oxen, and themselves compelled to precede the wagon, cutting away the timber, removing obstacles and bridging streams, in order to make a passage. Near the present site of New Burlington, a tree which they were attempting to remove fell upon one of the oxen, and simultaneously three Indians emerged from the thicket, offering their assistance in removing the tree. They were the first Indians the settlers had met, and the latter regarded them at first suspiciously. But their friendly actions soon re-assured them, and they received the hearty gratitude and good will of the white men, who had come to cultivate their former hunting-ground. These Indians were White Beaver, Wapach and Jefferson, and probably belonged to the Delaware tribe.
The sight of the red faces became, in the course of time, very common, and inspired little or no dread, and they did not abuse the confidence of their white neighbors. Their various disastrous meetings with the army of Gen. Wayne, had had the effect of subduing them, and making them quiet and peaceable toward the settlers.
One of the first acts of our pioneer party was the erection of rude cabins for the shelter of their families. Within a few days after their arrival, four new families joined them. Mr. Van Arsdall, with the hospitality characteristic of the times, took them into his own cabin, there to remain until they could erect homes of their own. His house was about fifteen feet square and the inconvenience of having five families in such narrow quarters may be better imagined than described. Two weeks elapsed ere the inmates of his house completed their respective abodes.
The winter following their arrival was marked by some severe trials. They had partially succeeded in raising a crop of corn during the summer; but, just as it was ready for the harvest, it was blighted and ruined by frost, early in September. Provisions of all kinds were scarce, and fish almost constituted the diet of the settlers during that winter. The next season was more prosperous, and they did not again have the same difficulty to contend with.
Indians passed their cabins nearly every day, and, on one occasion, Mr. Van Arsdall incurred the displeasure of one of them by refusing to cross the river with a party to which he belonged. The water was very high and swift, and Mr. V. feared the capsizing of the canoe. Upon his refusal to ferry them across, one of the Indians declared he woud kill him, and was only prevented from doing so by the interposition of one of the party known as "Old Jake." In spite of his misgivings, Mr. Van Arsdall finally agreed to take them over, and they had scarcely reached the middle of the stream when the current whirled them around and capsized their craft, precipitating its occupants into the stream. Every man then swam for life, and one of the Indians climbed a tree which grew in the river, where he sat and crowed like a rooster until Mr. V. had righted the overturned canoe and relieved him from his position. The rescue dispelled his previous ill feeling, and, upon reaching the opposite bank, he bade Mr. Van Arsdall good-bye, and, clasping his hand, warmly said, "We swim together."
Mr. Van Arsdall remained many years in the township, and was long identified with its best interests. He was a successful farmer, and a leader in public improvements. He was almost as prominently identified with the early history of Liberty Township, as with this. Probably the first right to these homes was secured by pre-emption, as the land was not placed in market until the year 1822. In the meantime, several other families joined those already located here, and held their claims by the right of "squatter sovereignty," in lieu of a better title, each purchasing the land on which they located as soon thereafter as practicable. The east half of the southwest quarter of Section 1 was entered at the Fort Wayne Land Office by John Conner, on the 31st day of October, 1822. Mr. Conner was not a settler in the township, but purchased the land with a view to financial profit, and sold it to settlers who came at a later date.
The west half of the southeast quarter of Section 12 was entered by Jacob Branson November 6, 1822. He was a man of industrious habits, and cleared a large farm, upon which he resided for a number of years. James Bryson entered the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 4, on the 2d day of December, 1822, and was long identified with the history and improvement of the township.
In October, 1822, Lewis Rees purchased the farm in Section 31 upon which his son Borter now resides. He was a valued and influential citizen, and was connected with many of the public improvements of the township. He died on the farm where he first settled.
Leonard Stump was also an early settler, and lived in the township several years before he entered his land according to law. The date of his arrival was probably about the year 1823 or 1824, and his farm contained some valuable improvements when he made the formal entry, in September, 1829. His farm was the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 4, containing a fraction over eighty acres. He continued to cultivate this estate for a number of years, and added to it, from time to time by purchase. He was an honest, industrious man, and possessed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
Solomon Sanford entered the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 17, June 17, 1823, and, during the next three years, immigration seems to have come to a stand, as there are no records of land entries during the interim. The next tract entered was the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 4. This was entered by Daniel Thompson October 9, 1826. During the years 1825 and 1828, there were no further land entries; but in 1829, immigration seemed to receive a new impetus, if we may judge froin the number of farms then purchased. William Underhill purchased and settled on the west half of the northeast,quarter of Section 4, on the 17th day of January; Stephen Bunnell purchased the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 9, June 2; Benjamin Walker, the entire southeast quarter of Section 12, June 12; Solomon Johnson, the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 8, July 27; Aaron Richardson, the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 8, August 26; and Robert Templeton, the west half of tile southeast quarter of Section 23, October 14. Aaron Richardson had then resided on his land for a period of nine years, and it is not improbable that some of those who entered their farms in 1829 may, like him, have maintained their claims up to that time by the right of possession. The date of purchase is the only authority at command fron which to establish the date of their settlement.
In February,1830, Joseph Walling entered a tract of land in Section 3, and, ten days later, Mahlon Branson entered a tract in Section 19. During that year, the following persons purchased farms in various portions of the township: William W. Bunnell and Harvey Bates, in Section 17; Peter Halsted, Joseph Walling, David Hoover and Samurl Halsted, in Section 3; John Hill and George Ribble, in Section 4; Joseph Keesling, in Section 6; William Power, in Section 9; John Thornburg, in Section 12; Isaac Thornburg, in Section 13; Mahlon Branson, in Section 19; and Joseph Cowgill, in Section 21. William N. Rowe came probably as early as the year 1828. He located on the farm now owned by Alexander Cunningham, and cleared up a portion, upon which he resided for a number of years, He served as Justice of the Peace, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He finally sold his farm to Benjamin G. Cunningham and removed to one of the Western States.
Goldsmith Gilbert settled in the northern part of the township at an early day, but, as his name does not appear on the tract-book in connection with the early land-sales, we have no positive evidence of the date of his settlement. It is said by William A. Scott, an old settler of the township, that he came probably as early as 1822 or 1823.
There was an increase of immigration in 1831, and, in that year, land was selected and entered in various portions of the township by the following persons: William I. Cecil, in Section 4; James Cecil, Section 6; Eli Hoover and William Baltimore. Section 9; Joseph Fifer, Section 10; Daniel Kessler, Section 21; Eli Fox, Section 22; John Lennington, Section 23; Peter Derr, Section 35.
In October, 1831, Aaron I. Cecil came to the township and purchased 160 acres of the tract entered by Daniel Thompson in 1829. In addition to this, he entered a tract adjacent, containing 146 acres. The Thompson tract was pre-empted, or at least occupied, by Samuel Simmons, who afterward became identified with the history of Liberty. Mr. Simmons had made some valuable improvements on this land, not the least of which was a good hewed-log house. Thompson entered the land, regardless of the justice of Simmons' claim, and sold it to Cecil. The cabin erected by Mr. Simmons became the home of Mr. Cecil's family, which then consisted of his wife Ann, and seven children, viz.: John S., Sarah Ann, Zachariah W., Elihu, Samuel, Rebecca and Mary. His son Gordon was born in the township in October, 1832, and died on the home farm in 1872. Rebecca and Mary are also deceased, and the surviving children, with the exception of Sarah Ann, are residents of the county. The elder Cecil was a man of fine character, and, until the time of his death, in 1860, was an active worker in the public interests of his township. The old homestead is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Susan E. Cecil.
Peter Dragoo settled in the southern part of the township in 1831, and, after selecting a tract of land situated in Section 19, began the work of improving it. He was not molested in his right of possession, but, to guard against such a possibility, he entered the tract at the Fort Wayne Land Office, January 8, l 833. He still lives on his farm, at an advanced age, the twilight rapidly closing around a life expended in honest toil. He was in the prime of manhood when he first settled in the township, and was accompanied by his wife and five children on the journey from Virginia to the "El Dorado" of the West.
The year 1832 witnessed other valuable additions to the settlement. William A. Scott settled, in that year, on the land which he subsequently converted into a fine farm, and where he now resides, on the "shady side" of an honorable, and useful life.
Land was entered in that year by Nelson Thayer, in Section 2; Calvin Cecil, in Section 8; Paul Way, in Section 11; Abraham Lennington, in Section 24; Ira Main, in Section 35. In the same year, Thomas Whitney settled in the north part of the township, where he still resides. His life has been marked by uprightness and honesty, and he has ever possessed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. A neat marble shaft in his door-yard reminds the passer-by of the fate of his two brave sons, who fell in defense, of the Union during the war of the rebellion.
In 1833, Thomas Edwards entered a tract of land in Section 10; and Martin Hoover entered an adjacent tract about two months subsequently. Benjamin Cart and Alexander Thornburg entered land in Section 13; Abraham Stover and William P. Matthews, in Section 20; Thomas J. Keener, in Section 21; Isaac Blunt, in Section 23; and Joel Drake, in Section 36. Among other settlers who came about this time were Jesse Chalfant and family, several of whom still survive, and are well known in the county; and Ezekiel McAllister, who settled here about the same time.
The land purchases of 1834 were made by the following persons: John Kirkpatrick, in Section 7; Moses Hodson, in Section 11; Charles Miller, in the same section; Elijah Harrold, in Section 18; William Lindsey, in Section 21.
The year 1835 was marked by a largely increased immigration, and the following land purchases were made: Norris Fleming, in Section 1; John Brooks, in Section 2; Samuel Cecil, in Section 6; John Vanausdall, in the same section; John Buck, in Section 10; John Lewis, in Section 19; Morgan and Jonathan Thornburg, in Section 18; Isaiah Templin, in Section 14; William Heaton, in Section 20; James Lindley and Hosea Sisk, in Section 21; and John Beckelshymer, in Section 24.
The purchasers of land in 1836 were: Martin Dye, Alexander Nisbet, Henry Dye, James Barr, David Stephens, William Baird, Robert R. Barr, James Warren, James Lennington, Robert Hindman, William Locke, Michael Wolfe, Jackson Brewer, William P. Ball, James Hart, Henry Hart, Jesse Pugh, Jonathan Warren, Seth Warren, George Holloway, Solomon H. Way, Samuel Rooks, Evan Jay, Ephraim Eramens, Edward Thornburg, Isaac W. Beeson, John A. Locke, Jesse Jackson, Martin Galliher, Isaac Branson, Joseph Cheesman, Robert Franklin, John Armantrout, Isaac N. Delany, William King, John Fetters, B. Bales, Thomas Clevenger, Andrew McAllister, William Dilts, William M. Clark, Henry Mulkins, David Robinson, William Drum, Isaiah Gandy, Samuel Hutchings, Joseph R. Pratt, James Carey, Ephraim Carey, Almon Spencer, William Hmmnel, David Tetrich, Elias Burket, Henry Riggs, Charles Lindley, John and Ebenezer Elliott, Calvin Ball, Robert Worrell, Hugh McCune, William C. Swan, Isaac Wrightson and Samuel Bidwell.
In the following year there were but two tracts of land entered in the township, both situated in Section 2. They were entered by Joseph Whitacre and Henry Way, respectively; and, in 1838, the last tract remaining unoccupied, or unclaimed, was entered by John Helms. A period of nearly a score of years had then elapsed since the advent of the first white settlers, and the interest that once marked the arrival of a new family in the settlement had long since subsided. Our chronicle of arrivals (the tract-book) closes with the year 1838, and the names of later purchasers cannot be obtained with sufficient accuracy to warrant further mention.
One of the old settlers of this township is Boyd Linville, who now resides on a farm in Section 18, redeemed from the wilderness, improved and cultivated by his own hand. In November, 1829, he first came to to Delaware County, having driven a four-horse team from North Carolina for his uncle, Johnson King. He was accompanied by his wife and six childen, and located first in Center Township. Subsequently, he removed to Monroe, and finally to Perry, where he has lived for upward of half a century, an honored and esteemed citizen.
ROADS.
Perhaps the oldest road in the township is the Richmond and Muncie State road, which here has a diagonal course from southeast to northwest, passing through the present village of New Burlington. It was evidently laid out at a very early day, for Peter Dragoo states that, at the date of his arrival in the township, its course was very distinctly traceable through the woods, and that it bore evidences of having heen extensively traveled, even in that early day.
Many of the settlers in our northern and northeastern counties came, originally, from the older county of Wayne, and it is not improbable, that the tide of emigration from that quarter suggested and furthered the location of that road by the State. The accessibility of lands in the vicinity of this road was a consideration in determining the location of a number of the early settlers in this and other townships through which it passed. Mahlon Branson, Samuel Poff and Peter Dragoo all reached their respective farms by this road, while, at a later date than this, Elijah Harrold, Isaac Branson, and the Thornburgs lived in its vicinity. Many of the early settlers at and near New Burlington traversed it, too, and, after diverging from its course, hewed their way through a dense forest to the sites which they had selected for homes. In a number of instances, these by-paths, hacked out for temporary convenience, became roads, and, with some corrections, brought about by subsequent surveys, are traveled day by day by busy men and happy children, heedless of the circumstances which first led to their location, and half-forgetful of the pioneers whose axes felled the first tree to make an opening in the woods, that they might reach a spot previously selected, and almost secluded from the world, whose children will never know the full extent of the hardships they endured in their early efforts to inaugurate civilization in the wilderness, to penetrate the haunts of savage beasts, and scarcely less savage men, with the light of progress, and prepare a way for the culture and happiness that characterize the present, and reflect upon the past a light in which glitter the achievements and memories of the forefathers; a light in which they stand out from a dark background, the benefactors of a race.
About the year 1834 or 1835, the old Richmond road was improved and widened, and, in later years, a joint-stock company conceived the project of grading and graveling that portion of it which passes through this conuty. It is now known as the Muncie & New Burlington Pike.
Roads were surveyed and road districts established, at various times, until the township was finally supplied with all the necessary highways for the transportation of its products to convenient markets.
The State road from Windsor to Muncie was one of the early laid out roads, running along the north line of the township.
TAVERNS.
On the Winsor & Muncie road, near the present site of Taylor Duncan's residence, Richard Bush entertained the traveling public with the best the country then afforded. His house was an ordinary log cabin,
and the menu not such as would be appropriate to a first-class hotel of
the present day; but the robust and hearty wagoners who stopped with him devoured the repasts set before them with evident relish. His guests were principally emigrants, on route for some of the settlements farther west, and generally his house was crowded. He opened his tavern, it is thought, about the year 1833. Some years later, Mr. Stiffler kept a tavern on the farm now occupied by his son John. At New Burlington, Charles Mansfield opened a tavern about the year 1840, and continued as its proprietor for a number of years. Joseph Parsons kept a similar establishment in the eastern part of the town about the same time, or perhaps a little earlier. Teamsters hauling goods from
Dayton and Cineimntti made his tavern one of the regular stopping places on their route, both going and coming.
This enterprise, so far as this township is concerned, is a thing of the past. To-day, not even the village of New Burlington boasts a boardinghouse or hotel. Private houses, however, are not closed to the hungry and weary sojourner, and only it moderate fee charged him for his entertainment.
MERCHANTS.
Probably the first stock of merchandise ever exposed for sale in the township was that opened by John Newcomb about the year 1838. His store was located in the then recently laid-out village of New Burlington, and he remained in the trade for several years. He sold out to Charles Mansfield, who conducted the store in connection witll his tavern. The building in which Mansfield held forth was a two-story frame, and is still to be seen, opposite Masonic Hall, in a dilapidated condition. Mansfield sold his stock and good will to John Kyger, who conducted the store successfully for a number of years.
PHYSICIANS.
It speaks well for the health of the settlement that there were no resident physicians included in its population in an early day, or that the general outlook did not justify one of that profession in locating among them and depending upon his profession for a livelihood.
In extreme cases, Dr. Dynes, of Smithfield, and Dr. Kerr, of New Castle, were called to administer to the physical needs of the residents. and their lot was by no means an enviable one. They were compelled to ride on horseback over terrible roads, and often through the wilderness, where not it sign of a road was visible. There was a marked scarcity of cash, and, in the earlier days, at least, their occupation was scarcely more profitable than pleasant.
Dr. Haines was also an early practitioner, and a physician of more than ordinary skill. He fell a victim to what was designated by the settlers "black-tongue" erysiplis, at a time when that malady was unusually prevalent. He was the first resident physician of the township. The next was Dr. Davidson, who practiced successfully for three or four years, and finally removed to another locality. His successor, Dr. S. V. Jump, is still in the midst of an extensive, and successful practice, and is well and favorably known.
MILLS.
About the year 1834 or 1835, Andrew Roekenfield erected a saw-mill on the branch of Prairie Creek that has since been known by the name of "Shave-tail." Reckonfield operated the mill for several years, and finally traded it to John Polsley. From him it passed to Jacob Hackman, and finally B. G. Cunningham purchased the farm and abandoned the mill, which, by that time, had outlived its usefulness.
In 1838 or 1839, Ephraim Carey erected a grist-mill on his own farm, on Prairie Creek, and operated it perhaps as long as twelve years. The parties to whom he then sold it added a carding-mill, and, after operating it for a few years, sold it to Thomas Ice and James Carey. Jonas Harris was the next owner. It is thought the mill was still in his possession when it was finally abandoned, more than twenty years ago. The farm upon which it stood is cultivated by Ezekiel Stanley.
R. Jenkins erected a saw-mill in 1841 or 1842, and, after operating it for a few years, sold it to William Seldenridge. John Kyger was the next owner, and made some important improvements, among which were the addition of a circular saw, and a run of buhrs for grinding wheat. Mr. Kyger continued to operate the mill until it was worn out, and he abandoned it some time subsequent to the late war. The location of this mill was on the Samuel Weidner farm, now owned by the heirs of the late B. G. Cunningham.
SCHOOLS.
It is a fact very much to the credit of the early settlers of Perry that the importance of educating their children was so early recognized, and steps taken to secure its consummation. It may be possible that classes for the instruction of children were formed at an earlier date than 1827, at Muncie, but it is a well-established fact that, in that year, was erected the first schoolhouse in Delaware County, and that it was erected in Perry Township. It was built, on the land then owned by Aaron Richardson, near the present village of New Burlington, and nearly opposite the present residence of Dr. S. V. Jump. In architectural design, it was in harmony with the style then prevalent, i. e., of round logs. Its building involved nearly all the men then living in the settlement, who turned out cheerfully and contributed their labor in its construction. The seats were split puncheons, arranged along the sides of the building. At one side, a board was fastened, and inclined in such a manner as to form a writing-table. This was for the girls. On the opposite side of the room, there was a similar desk at which the boys wrote their copies. The fire-place occupied nearly the whole of one end of the building, and at one side of this sat the "master," perched at his desk, while on a high stool near by stood a bucket of water and a tin cup. In lieu of glass, greased paper admitted the light through an aperture from which a log had been removed for the purpose. The building was used as a schoolhouse for a few years, and was left standing, a solitary relic of the past, until the Iand was purchased by Mr. Samuel Weidner, when it was torn down to make room for his residence. In later years, it became an object of historic interest as the parent institution of its kind in the county, and, from the description of the structure, a model was made by Mr. Carpenter, a pupil of the Muncie High School, which was pronounced an exact likeness. From this an engraving was made. The latter was borrowed, and appears in the report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for 1880, as a representation of the first schoolhouse in Vanderburgh County, while in reality, it is a picture of the house of which we write.
As to who was the first teacher, there is a great variance of opinion. Some of the old citizens maintain that it was William Rowe, while others are equally positive that it was Aaron Richardson, on whose land the house stood. This is substantiated by Mrs. Christopher Ribble (nee Martha Van Arsdall), who attended the school, as she thinks, in the first year of its existence, and says that Aaron Richardson was her teacher. Though very young at that time, she remembers the circumstances very distinctly, as they were impressed upon her mind by seeing the scholars carry paste and paper from their homes to make lights for the windows. William Rowe certainly was one of the very early teachers in this township, and may have been Richardson's immediate successor.
Among the surviving pupils of that school are Thomas Hackett, John, Mary, Ellen and Martha Van Arsdall (Mrs. C. Ribble), David Bowen, Lewis and Morris Reese. Jacob Powers was also a pupil of this school, and a promising young man. He became teacher in after years, and conducted a very fine school in the township where he had been educated. A custom was prevalent in those days (and, among some of the more conservative rural communities of Eastern States, still prevails) by which it was made obligatory upon the teacher, at the Christmas season, to give a holiday treat to his scholars. This Powers refused to conform to (whether from prejudice or pecuniary considerations will never be known), and turned to leave the larger boys of his school, who were pressing the matter. Seeing them follow him, he started to run. He was pursued and overtaken, and when the boys had led him to the brink of Prairie Creek, they offered him one more chance to avert the "ducking" that must follow a further refusal. He would not yield, but explained to them that he had but the day before had a tooth extracted. and that the consummation of their design would jeopardize his life. His explanation availed nothing, however, and his firmness only incensed the boys, who proceeded to throw him into the water. His words seemed
prophetic. The cold bath gave him lock-jaw, from which he died in a
few days.
Another early schoolhouse was that erected on the Stouder farm in the year 1828 or 1829. Not so much interest clusters about it, however, as about its predecessor, for others were soon after erected in different parts of the township. Among these was one on the land of Daniel Thompson, in which Samuel Campbell taught during the winter of 1830-31. He had then recently come to the settlement from the State of Virginia, where he had enjoyed a liberal education, and consequently conducted a school superior to the average school of that period.
In 1839 or l840, a cabin on the land of George Ribble was occupied for the same purpose, and John Dragoo conducted an excellent school during the winter of that year.
About this time, the Congressional funds of the township began to be appropriated for the maintenance of the schools, but were only sufficient to meet the expenses of a part of the term.
In 1853, the first free school was erected, in District No. 4, under
the provisions of the school law of 1851 and 1852. It was a frame
building, and Miss Jane Branson taught the first term.
On the 13th day of May, 1853, the Trustees met the voters of the township at an election called to decide the question of levying a tax for the purpose of building schools. Fifty-two votes were cast, of which twenty-eight were in favor of the proposition, and twenty-four against. Fortunately for the free-school system, the measure was carried by the four men whose public spirit, and sense of right rose equal to the occasion. The tax levied was 50 cents on each $100 valuation of real and personal property, and 50 cents on each poll. With the funds thus derived, frame houses were erected in each of the nine school districts of the township, and the regular school fund appropriated to the salary of good teachers. In time, the frame buildings began to show signs of decay, and, in each instance where such was the case, they were succeeded by neat and substantial brick buildings. At the present time, there are nine of this class in the township--one in each district. The average cost was $1,500 each.
The condition of the schools is summarized in the following report of the Township Trustee for the year ending August 31, 1880:
Number of pupils admitted within the year, 341; average attendance, 237; length of school term in days, 90; number of white teachers employed, 9; average compensation of teachers per day, $1.91½; number of brick schoolhouses, 9; estimated value of schoolhouses, grounds, etc., $12,060; estimated value of school apparatus, $250.
ACCOUNT OF REVENUE FOR TUITION.
Amount on hand September l, 1879 ................................ $726 08
Amount received in February, 1880 .................................. 742 70
Amount received in June, 1880 .......................................... 819 85
Miscellaneous receipts ...........................................................82 80
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Total ................................................................................$2,370 88
Amount expended since September 1, 1879 .................. 1,551 50
Amount on hand at date of report .......................................$819 88
Amount on hand September 1, 1879 ................................. $350 67
Amount received within the year ......................................... 752 96
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Total ..................................................................................$1,103 63
Amount expended since September 1, 1879 ...................... 636 92
Amount on hand at date of report ....................................... $466 71
TEACHERS, l880--81.
H. Thornburg, District No. 1; David Yockey, District No. 2: Nancy Dragoo, District No. 3; W. E. Daugerty, District No. 4 (Burlington); J. W. Dragoo, District No. 5 (Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse); Nancy Whitehead, District No. 6; Elma Brooks, District No. 7; Robert Lindsey, District No. 8; N. B. Driscoll, District No. 9 (Center Schoolhouse).
CHURCHES.
Cornelius Van Arsdall conducted the first, religious services, soon after the arrival of the little colony mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. His house was the temple in which they assembled for worship, and denominational preferences were forgotten in the interest each one felt in hearing the Gospel expounded in a region so lately the home of darkness.
Perhaps the next preacher was a half-breed, who then resided near Yorktown. Elijah Martindale, Joshua Hickman, and Mr. Boyd were also among the early preachers, and their example was always for good.
At a later date, the settlement was visited occasionally by ministers from other localities, who were sent out as missionaries, or supplies. As the population increased, the several religious denominations began to have a following, and their organization was accomplished as each acquired a sufficient number to form a society. They were all weak in point of numbers, but prosperity attended their organization, and the societies formed in the wilderness are, almost without an exception, flourishing congregations to-day.
The Christian Church.--The organization of this society was effected in the house of Cornelius Van Arsdall, about the year 1830. Mr. Van Arsdall was the first minister, and it was probably he who organized the society. Samuel Poff was also one of their early leaders, and Rev. Mossburg was the first minister formally installed.
The society worshiped at private houses for several years, and then erected log church near the site of their present edifice, on land donated by Charles Miller.
The membership continued to increase each year, and the permanence of the organization was assured. In 1876, they completed a neat brick church on the lot; occupied by the log building, and in close proxintity to the site of that structure. The new church was dedicated in June, 1876, by Rev. Brandon, and services are now regularly conducted by the Pastor, Rev. Newhouse.
The Methodist Episcopal Church.--The Methodist was the second denomination organized in the township, but for a number of years their meetings were hold at private houses. One class met at the house of Louis Smith, and another at the house of Jesse Jackson. They kept no records, or, if ever kept, they are now out of existence, and we are unable to find any documentary evidence bearing on the early history of the respective classes. The facts herein set forth have been gleaned from the statements of old members from each society, and are substantially correct. During the greater portion of the time, the services were conducted by one of their own members, and it was only occasionally that they were visitedl by ordained ministers of the church. Finally, these charges were attached to the Muncie Circuit, and ministers came at intervals of two or three weeks.
In the meantime, the Presbyterians had organized and erected a church at New Burlington, and, in 1856, the two Methodist classes were united through the efforts of Rev. Jacob Colelazer. It was suggested and arranged that they should make the village of New Burlington their permanent place of meeting, and the Presbyterians granted them the use of their church. Services were then held at alternate times by the respective congregations, and, in the course of a few years, the Methodists were left as the only occupants of the church, through the decline and ultimate disorganization of the Presbyterian congregation, the remaining members of which united with the Presbyterian Church in the southern part of Liberty Township.
The Methodists continued to worship in this church until it became old and unsafe, and then erected a frame building, in which their services were held until 1872. That year witnessed the completion of their present neat brick church, at a cost of $2,500, and its dedication by the Presiding Elder of the district, Rev. Holstock. The church has ever been prosperous, and is still in a spiritually healthy condition. Services are regularly conducted by the Pastor, Rev. A. J. Carey.
Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church.--From 1835 to 1839, the United Brethern held informal and regular meetings in various portions of the township the result, perhaps, of a limited number of adherents of that denomination. In 1839, however, they met at the house of Daniel Rector and effected an organization, assisted by Rev. Lyman Chittendom. A short time subsequently, Rev. William Ogborn was installed as the regular Pastor, and services were held at Jonathan Rector's and other private houses for a period of nine or ten years.
Their first church was a log building, was was located near the site of the present edifice. Its walls resounded to the voices of the Revs. John Smith, John Griffith, John T. Vardaman and John Rutledge, as well as others, whose identity with the early history of the church in this county was equally marked. Accessions to their numbers from time to time suggested the erection of a new and more commodious church. This church was completed in the year 1860, and within its walls the meetings of the society are now held. The present membership is between sixty and sixty-five souls. Rev. Cyrus Smith is the present Pastor; Philip Oxley, Hezekiah Shuttleworth and J. H. Jackson are the Trustees of the church; and A. McConnell is the Secretary.
SOCIETIES.
Free and Accepted Masons, Whitney Lodge, No. 229.--The meeting for organization was held March 4, 1857, at the office of Dr. S. V. Jump. Of those present at this meeting, the following became charter members of the lodge: Thomas Whitney, John S. Hutchings, Abel Gibson, William Quigley, B. G. Cunningham, Samuel Weidner, and S. V. Jump, M. D., all from the lodge at Muncie, and Jonas Harris, of Hagarstown Lodge, No. 49. Thomas Whitney, John S. Hutchings and Dr. S. V. Jump were appointed a committee to procure a suitable lodge-room, and petition the Grand Lodge for a dispensation. At the second meeting, June13, 1857, this committee reported having discharged the duties assigned them, and handed to the proper persons a dispensation given under the hand of Solomon D. Bayless, Most Worthy Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana.
In May, 1858 the membership was between twenty and thirty, and steps were taken to secure a more commodious hall and a permanent place of meeting. Their charter came to hand in June of that year, signed by Solomon D. Bayless, G. M.; Frank Emerson, D. G. M.; M. D. Manson, S. G. W.; and John R. Coffroth, J. G.W. The officers named in this charter were: Samuel V. Jump, W. M.; Jonas Harris, S. W.; and Thomas Whitney, J.W. The last step toward organization was now completed, and the individual interest manifested by the brethren was of itself a guaranty of the permanence of the lodge, and thry felt warranted in erecting a building of their own A lot was purchased, and upon this, in 1859, they erectcd the two-story frame building, in which the regular meetings are now held, on Saturday evening, on or before each full moon.
The lower story is occupied as a store, and the entire upper floor devoted to the lodge-room and its appointments.
From this lodge have gone the charter members of various Masonic Lodges in this jurisdiction, and its membership, which was at one time bordering closely upon 100, has suffered materially by their withdrawal. The lodge, however, is still in a flourishing condition, and financially prosperons. The officers for the present term are: John Linville, W. M.; Jacomiah S. Hutchings, S.W.; Marion Cunningham, J. W.; Wellington Rees, Secretary; and George Shroyer, Treasurer.
VILLAGES.
The village is situated on the farm entered by George Ribble, who was the original proprietor, and first laid it off into town lots. The first house erected here was put up by a Mr. Goudy about 1838, and was a round-log structure of primitive style. Almon Spencer erected the first frame house, in 1839.
George Parsons was probably the first blacksmith in the village, and Frank Edwards the first carpenter. He settled here sometime between 1828 and 1830.
Here was established the first Post Office in the township. Benjamin Pugh, the first Postmaster, served a number of years, and at a later date Dr. S. V. Jump was appointed, serving twenty years or more. He was succeeded by George W. Shroyer, the present incumbent.
The first cemetery was established here, near the presbyterian Church.
Mount Pleasant is a thickly settled neighborhood in the southwestern part of the township, containing three cooper-shops and a number of dwelling-houses. Its close proximity to Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church probably explains the derivation of its name.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Perry is altogether a rural township, and the cultivation of its soil is the chief occupation of its inhabitants. The peculiar fertility of the land, and its adaptability to the raising of all crops usual in this climate, have placed it among the foremost townships of the county as a productive region. Wheat is the principal crop, and the one upon which is bestowed the greatest care and attention. Good crops of corn and some varieties of fruit are also raised. The only manufacturing establishment of any kind is a tile factory in the northeast portion of the township, whose proprietors find a ready market for their products in this and adjoining counties. In the northeast part of the township, there is a steam saw-mill, owned and operated by William Bailey. It has a circular saw, and cuts an average of 2,000 feet of timber per day. About two miles south of New Burlington, there is steam saw-mill owned and operated by William Felton, containing one circular saw, and sawing an average of 2,000 feet, daily.
was born June 27, 1822, in Kent County, Delaware. 
His father, Isaac Jump, was a good and pious man, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1832, and, in the following year, the mother, with her daughter, Elizabeth, and her sons, Samuel V. and Reynord, removed to Indiana and purchased a farm near Richmond. The elder son, Charles, had married and settled in Wayne County, Indiana, one year previously, and a daughter, who was also married, took leave of her mother's family after accompanying them as far as Ohio, in which State she settled with her husband. The removal of the family to Indiana was probably due to the request of our subject, as he had thus early formed a favorable impression of this State, and expressed a determination to settle here, with or without his mother and brothers.
During the summer seasons, after his removal to Wayne County, he worked on the home farm, and during the winter attended the district school. At the age of sixteen years, he went to Franklin County, Indiana, and accepted employment in a stone-quarry there, saving from his earnings enough money to enable him to attend a school at Richmond, taught by James N. Poe. After attending this school for about two years, he began teaching and attending school alternately. He attended the Friends' school at Richmond, taught by Barnabas C. Hobbs, for two terms, teaching in the winter, and, after finishing the course in that school, began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John Pritchett, at Centerville, Wayne Co., Ind. He pursued his studies under the guidance of this able preceptor until October, 1847, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College. In the spring of 1848, he located at the village of New Burlington, in Delaware County, where he very quickly built up a successful practice, which has increased as years have added to his experience and popularity. In the winter of 1858, he left his practice in the care of a competent physician and attended a second course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, graduating at the end of the course. He returned to New Burlington and resumed his practice, to which he has since devoted his undivided attention.
In July, 1848, he was married to Miss Letitia K. Allen in Wayne County, Indiana, and in 1856 his wife died. Two children blessed this union--Isabella, now deceased; and Elizabeth, wife of John Gates, of this county. He was married to his second wife, Miss Rebecca Cecil, daughter of Aaron Cecil, in December, 1857. The children of this union were Anna, Emma, Frances and Agnes, all of whom survive their mother, who died in 1870.
In l871, the Doctor was united in marriage to his present companion, Miss Sophia Gilbert, daughter of O. J. Gilbert, of Mount Pleasant Township. Four children have blessed this union, viz.: Gilbert, Julia W., Clara V. and Charles A.
Dr. Jump was one of the first resident physicians in Perry Township, and throughout a residence of nearly thirtythree years, has
maintained a fine reputation as a skillful and successful practitioner. He is highly regarded throughout a wide circuit over which his practice extends, and has gained many warm personal friends by his kind and winsome disposition, and his sterling qualities.
In 1869, he was chosen to represent this district in the State Legislature, but has held no other public positions, save that of Postmaster at New Burlington. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of Whitney Lodge, No. 229, F. & A. M., of New Burlington; also of Muncie Chapter, Muncie Council and Muncie Commandery.
