SALEM is the southwest corner township of the county. It is seven miles long,
east and west, by five miles wide, north and south, embracing an area of about
22,400 acres.
Mount Pleasant Township bounds it on the north, Monroe on the east, a portion
of Henry County on the south, and a portion of Madison County on the west.
The surface is generally of an undulating character, or what is denominated
"rolling land." This feature is especially marked in the vicinity of
the streams, where the land is broken into gentle hills. The only important
deviation from this general rule, occurs near the western part of the township,
where there is a stretch of prairie, several miles in length, and only a few
rods in width. This, in early days, was a source of vexation to the settlers,
and it was almost constantly covered with water. In later years, however, a
system of drainage was adopted, by which the land was redeemed, and large
portions of it are now annually sown in wheat, and other portions used for
pasture.
Tho soil is almost uniformly a rich, black loam, excepting in portions of the
prairie, where it is a white clay, and covered with oak timber. Agricultural
pursuits form the principal industry of the township, the soil being especially
adapted to the successful prosecution of this calling.
White River enters the township at the northwest corner of Section 31, and
flowing nearly south for a distance of one mile, changes its course, amd
flows southwest, leaving the township at the northwest corner of Section 12.
Town 19 north, Range 8 east. Sly Fork waters the southwestern portion, flowing
west through Sections l9 and 24, and leaving the township at the southwest
quarter of the latter section. Bell Creek rises in the southeast corner, and
flowing northwest for a distance of two miles, changes its course to the
northeast, continuing in this direction throughout the entire width of the
township, finally forming a confluence with Buck Creek, in the adjoining
township of Mount Pleasant. Williams' Creek is a tributary of Bell Creek, and
in addition to this, there are several important streams, or branches.
SETTLEMENT.
From information given by David Vanmeter, it appears that William Dilts was the
first white settler who ever became identified with the township as a permanent
resident. The date of his arrival is stated as being late in the year 1823, or
early in 1824. It is probable that there were white men here at an earlier
date, but they cannot be classed among the settlers of the township, as they
did nothing in the way of improvement. They were hunters and trappers, and, in
some cases, constructed huts in which they dwelt during the hunting season.
Several of these huts were still standing when the first actual settlers came
to the township, but beyond these, there were no traces of their occupants. Mr.
Dilts came, originally, from Ohio, and settled at Middletown, Henry Co., Ind.,
where he erected a log cabin. From there he went to Chesterfield, in Madison
County, and finallly to this township, where he has cleared and improved a
farm. He was a prominent citizen of the township for a number of years, but
afterward removed to Chesterfield, where he died. His descendants now live in
Madison County. In March, 1825, David Van Matre came to the township in search
of a location, and, in November 26, entered the southwest quarter of Section
21. He received his patent, signed by President John Q.
Adams, and, in the spring of 1827, came with his wife and ten children
to live on his land.
While he was erecting his cabin, three new families joined the settlement in
one day. These were the families of Thomas Windsor, John McCulloch and Lawrence
Wilson, who leased some land in the school section.
Mr. Van Matre still resides on the land which he then entered, and which he has
cultivated successfully during the intervening years. In the early years of his
residence in the township, he was a robust, hearty man, and was always present
at house-raisings and log-rollings, and rendered cheerful assistance to his
neighbors in their eflbrts to build their homes and improve their farms.
Of the chlidren who came to the township with him, four are deceased. His wife
is still living.
Thomas Windsor and Lawrence Wilson continued to cultivate their leased farnm
until they were able to purchase land in the township, which both subsequently
did. Windsor entered land in Section 9, in May, 1830, and after clearing this
farm, lived upon it for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to the State
of Illinois, and at a later date came back, and settled in Henry County, Ind.,
where he died.
Lawrence Wilson, it appears, occupied his lease for a longer period than his
neighbor, Windsor, as the record of land purchases shows that he did not enter
land in his own name until the 11th day of October, 1834. If he resided upon it
prior to that date. he had no other title than that of possession, otherwise
denominated the "squatter's right." He did not live long enough to
associate his name very prominently with the improvements of the township, but
came to a sudden and violent death within a few years after he became a
freeholder. On one occasion, he and a friend started on an errand to the
residence of a Justice of the Peace, several miles distant. Both men were
mounted on one horse, and rode through the woods at a rapid rate. Passing under
a tree, Mr. Wilson was struck by an overhanging limb and knocked from his
horse. The blow and fall resulted in his death, and his companion was seriously
injured.
In 1825, Acquilla Davis came to the township with his family. His was reared
near Harper's Ferry, W. Va., and removed from there to Licking County, Ohio. He
was accompanied by his wife and eight children, and two were born after his
arrival here. Abraham was born in the fall of 1825, and Samuel was born four
years later, Rachel, daughter of William Dilts, was the first white child born
in the township, and Abraham Davis was the second. Both were born in 1825.
Mr. Davis was a man of prominence, but was too unselfish to accumulate much
property. He felt an interest in the settlement of the township, amounting
almost to anxiety, and made practice of piloting new settlers to their lands,
and showing choice locations to prospective settlers. He died in the year 1842,
after having cleared and improved a farm. His wife survived him eight years.
The land upon which he settled is now owned and occupied by Sanford Bowers. His
son, Samuel Davis*, was born on this farm, and grew to manhood in the township.
He has held various offices of honor and trust, and is now serving as County
Commissioner from the district in which he resides. *(See portrait of Samuel Davis in OldTyme Photos - Official Group-Delaware County.)
In 1826, the settlers were John Van Matre and Robert Williams. Van Matre
entered the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 20, in November,
1826, and in January following, brought his family to the land. The tract
adjoined that purchased by his cousin, David Van Matre. He cleared and improved
this land, and made it his home until 1871, when he died. His sons, Joseph P.
and William J., now own and occupy the homestead. Robert Williams entered the
east half of the southeast quarter of Section 22. He was an industrious man
and a good farmer, but only resided on his land for a short time. He removed to
the State of Illinois, where he died.
In 1827, James Marsh came to the township with his family, and entered 160
acres in Section 20, where he cleared a small tract of land. Subsequently he
sold out, and removed to Henry County, Ind., and, at a later date, removed to
one of the Western States.
In the year 1829, Ralph Heath, John Tomlinson and John Lain, brothers-in-law,
came to the township, and, in the month of December, Heath removed his family
to a rude cabin on his land, twelve by fourteen feet. This cabin was without a
floor or doors. The family lived in it, however, until the following spring,
when Mr. Heath, with the assistance of nearly all the men in the township,
erected a better and more commodious dwelling.
His family at that time consisted of himself, wife and five sons--Albert, John
W., Jacob W., James W. and George A., all of whom grew to manhood in the
township. James W. and George A. are both dead. The former was a minister of
the Gospel. Albert is now a resident of the State of Missouri; John W. resides
at Chesterfield, Madison County, Ind., and Jacob W. is in business at Muncie.
The mother died at Muncie in 1876, aged seventy-eight years. The father died at
the old homestead in May, 1861. He was a public-spirited man, and did much to
promote the township. He was the first man who worked at the carpenter's trade
in the northwestern part of the township, and gave up a portion of this farm
for the first cemetery in that neighborhood, making the coffins for the
interment of the deceased members of the community.
The orchard set out by him in 1830 was probably the first in the township.
Soon after his settlement here, he was compelled to take his team and make a
trip to Wayne County, Ind., to mill. During his absence, the streams became
swollen by heavy rains, and as there were no bridges, his return was
necessarily postponed for several days. Meanwhile his wife was left at home
with the care of a family of small boys exposed to the dangers of the forest,
in a cabin which, in lieu of a door, was defended against attacks from the
outside by a blanket or comfort, stretched across the opening. The wolves came
at night, and she could see their wicked little eyes glaring through the
darkness. They would pounce against the blanket across the door, but the fire
on the hearth kept them at bay, and they did not enter the cabin. The woods
were full of panthers and bears, in addition to the wolves, and the dangers in
an unprotected cabin were by no means slight. The nearest neighbor at that time
was William McConnell, whose cabin was three miles distant. It was necessary
then to place the young pigs in a pen for safe keeping at night, as the
wild-cats entertained a special fondness for young pork, and committed serious
depredations upon such pig-sties as were not carefully guarded. Game was
abundant, and the larders of the settlers were never wanting for meat. Jacob W.
Heath relates that, one morning, his father went out to hunt his horses, and
found two large bucks fighting. He killed them both and took them home, and Mr.
Heath says that they were very fine, weighing fifty pounds to the quarter.
On the south end of the land entered by Ralph Heath, and near the present
residence of Alfred Heath, there was a cabin which was supposed to have been
the abode of an Indian. It remained there for several years after his
settlement, and a tree near the cabin was hacked with a tomahawk. On the
premises of John Lain, adjoining the farm of Mr. Heath, there was a pen made of
poles and tied down with hickory withes. In this inclosure, it was supposed,
the remains of some chieftain of the tribe had been consigned to rest; but it
contained no visible traces of human remains at that time. Their knowledge of
the Indian mode of sepulture was what led the settlers to this conclusion. The
pen was left undisturbed for a number of years.
It is stated by Jacob W. Heath, that the south part of the tract entered by his
father is rich in iron ore, and that it lies so close to the surface as to
impede the progress of the plow. He says that he has known pieces as large as a
half-bushel measure to be overturned by the plowshare, and that copper has been
discovered on the same farm, one piece weighing seven and a half ounces, and
very pure, having been unearthed in the cemetery. No steps have ever been taken
to develop the mineral resources of the township, and it is not known how
extensive they may be.
John Tomlinson was, perhaps, more prominent in the serttement of the township
than any other member of that pioneer community. He possessed qualities that
placed him at once in the position of a leader among his fellow-pioneers, and
his judgment was consulted in all matters affecting the welfare of the
community, and many in which only individuals were concerned. He was born in
Guilford County, N. C., in 1759, where he grew to manhood and was married. On
Christmas, 1828, he moved to Wayne County, Ind., and, early in the following
year, came to Delaware County and settled in Salem Township. On the l8th day of
June, 1829, he purchased of the Government a tract of land upon which he
founded a home for his family, and cleared a farm. His family at that time
consisted of himself, wife and four daughters--Nancy, Sarah, Gilla and Amanda.
Judge Tomlinson was peculiarly fitted for public life. He was a finished
scholar and an accomplished lawyer, but never practiced this profession. About
the year 1832, he was elected to the office of Associate Judge, and was
subsequently elected Probate Judge. He also represented this district in the
State Legislature. He was a Whig of the most pronounced type, and was
identified with that party during his life. He was known as a peacemaker, and
many unpleasant difficulties between his neighbors were submitted to his
arbitration, his judgment always being accepted as final. On the 16th day of
April, 1833, he died full of years and honors, and deeply lamented by those who
had known and loved him in life. His wife survived until 1873, when she died at
the ripe age of eighty seven years. Of the children who came with him, all grew
to maturity, married, and settled in this county, and all are now deceased save
Sarah, widow of the late Thomas Kirby, Esq., now residing with her daughter,
Mrs. Hamilton, in Muncie.
Campbell Dale was also one of the prominent early settlers of the township, and
his name is perpetuated in the village of Daleville, which was founded by his
heirs. On the 10th of January, 1827, he entered the east half of the northwest
quarter of Section 12, and, in March of the same year, entered the southeast
quarter, and part of the northeast quarter of Section 1, in Township 19 north,
Range 8 east.
In November, 1827, John Suman entered a tract of land in Section 6, where he
cleared and improved a farm. He reared a large family, some of whom are now
prominent citizens of the township.
There were no arrivals in 1828, so far as can be ascertained. The settlers of
1829, in addition to those previously named, were Thomas Fastnacht, Isaac
Carpenter, Daniel Shawhan and John Perdieu. Thomas Fastnacht settled in Section
12, and Isaac Carpenter settled on an adjoining tract in the same section.
Daniel Shawhan settled in Section 15, purchasing the east half of the southwest
quarter of that section, and John Perdieu purchased the west half of the
northwest quarter of Section 22. They were all men of industrious habits, and
cleared and improved fine farms.
After the year 1829, immigration increased rapidly, and that the settlers of
the ensuing years may receive proper notice, the tract-book has been consulted
for the names of those by whom each section was settled, and the result is
given as follows:
TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST.
Section 1 was purchased by Campbell Dale, March 30, 1827; Jason Hudson, April
7, 1831; Frederick Bronnenburg, October 12, 1835; and John Bronnnenberg,
November 2, 1835.
Section 12 was purchased and settled by Thomas Fastnacht, June l 1, 1829, and
Isaac Carpenter, May 2, 1829. There was a large portion of this section
purchased by capitalists, who never became settlers.
The lands in Section 13 were purchased by Robert L Bartlett, July 21, 1833;
Joseph Dipboye, March 31, 1835; Lewis Rogers, March 26, l 836; Urbena Doubt,
May 21, 1836.
Section 21 was purchased and settled by John Fleming and Peter Miller, May 5,
1831; Jonas Gallahan, February 3, 1832; Joshua Hurley, December 25, 1833;
William Fleming, January 23, 1835; Abraham Dipboye, March 31, 1835; William
O'Brien, September 19, 1835; and Benjamin Bartlett, October 22, 1835.
In the eastern division of the township, otherwise known as Township 19 north,
Range 9 east, the various sections were purchased and settled by the following
persons:
Section I. John Lain, June 18, 1829; James McKinney, April 4, 1832; Asa Bishop,
June 21, 1832; James Knott, January 12, 1835; Thomas Perdieu, May 7, 1836;
William Simpson, November 25, 1836; James Jones, July 23, 1836.
Sec. 2. Robert Heath, January 1, 1830; John Adams, Jr., November 1, 1831; Adam
Campbell, October 9, 132; Samuel G. Sunderland, October 23, 1834; Francis
McNairy, February 7, 1836; William McCollister, February 22, 1836.
Sec. 3 was purchased almost exclusively by speculators. Theodore R. Lewis was
the only actual settler in this section, who purchased his land directly of the
Government. The date of his entry was February 6, 1836.
Sec. 4 was also purchased by speculators, and by persons whose names have
appeared in connection with the settlement of other sections.
Sec. 5. Haden Makepeace, October 9, 1834; John Knoop, June 30, 1835; John
Stewart, September 3, 1835; William Stewart, September 24, 1835; Jacob
Saunders, September 27, 1835; Tandy Reynolds, July 18, 1835; William Finwick,
February 10, 1836; Jonas Shoemaker, February 12, 1836.
Sec. 6. John Suman, November 6 1827; Ransom Makepeace, September 17, 1831;
Justin Steele, September l, 1832; Samuel Rogers, October 1, 1833.
Sec. 7. James Finwick, November 7, 1833; Michael Gwenendyke, November 19,
1834; Abraham Pugsley, June 6, 1835; Stephen Rogers, September 29, 1835; Henry
Rogers, November 23, 1835.
Sec 8. Morgan Vanmeter, September 22, 182; Matthias Furrow, May 17, 1834;
David Strickler, October 29, 1834; John Fessler, November 6, 1834; Henry
Richman, June 26, 1835; Jesse Windsor, November 30, 1835.
Sec 9. Thomas Windsor, May 10, 1830; Henry Miller, May 17,
1834; Lawrence Wilson. October 11, 1834; William C. Windsor, October 30, 1835;
William Price, November 6, 1836.
Sec. 10. Obediah Meeker, August 16, 1832; John Davis and Asa French, June 1,
1835; William Tomlinson, October 6, 1835; Samuel Dusang, June 12, 1836.
Sec. 11. Evan Pitser, September 26, 1831; William Summers, June 11, 1832;
Lambert Moffett, October 15, 1833.
Sec. 12. John H. Taylor, March 11, 1830; Bailess E. Jones, November 5, 1830;
Abner Perdieu, July 7, 1832; Samuel Clevenger, May 27, 1833; William Miller,
January 7, 1834; Daniel Miller, September 10, 1836; Abraham Hale, September 26,
1836.
Sec. 13. Thomas Kidd, January 3, 1831; Reese Carter, June 19, 1833.
Sec. 11. John Tomlinson, June 18, 1829; John Pitser, September 26, 1831;
Acquilla Davis, March 23, 1831; Alsabado Watkins, November 19, 1832.
Sec. 15. Daniel Shawhan, July 30, 1829; Christian Wall, August 17, 1832; Isaac
Pitser, September 3, 1832; Willam Parent, October 27, 1835.
Sec. 17. John Simpson, February 25, 1833; Ephriam Cole, October 23, 1834;
David Crist, October 24, 1834; Samuel Stephens, November 22, 1834; William
Schofield, November 23, 1834.
Sec. 18. Francis Lonsdale, October 6, 1835; John Graham, October 20, 1835.
Sec. 19. John Grove, January 4, 1831; Zachariah Clevenger, October 17, 1832;
Lemuel Fleming, May 23, 1833.
Sec. 20. John Vanmeter, November 1, 1826; James Marsh, May 19, 1827; William
Summers, May 10, 1831; Joseph Chapman, July 24, 1834; John Rinkle, 1835.
Sec. 21. John Vanmeter, November 1, 1826; David Vanmeter, November 1, 1826;
Samuel Johnson, June 9, 1827; Alexander McCallister, June 23, 1831; Mathias
Pitser, September 26, 1831.
Sec. 22. Robert Williams, November 14, 1826; John Perdieu, August 14, 1829;
Francis Colburn, November 1, 1830; Edward Sharpe, November 15, 1831; Rufus
Perdieu, April 15, 1831.
Sec. 23. John Myers, May 19, 1830; William Sharpe, November 20, 1830; Abraham
and Samuel Davis, November 14, 1831; Enoch Nation, December 10, 1833.
Sec. 24. Edward Davis, November 14, 1831; Timothy Ives, October 3, 1832; Enoch
Wilt, August 28, 1835; Christian Sowerwine, October 13, 1835.
By the year 1836, all the Government land in the township had been
entered, and this properly closes our period of early settlement, as the
arrival of new families had, by that time, ceased to be an object of
much interest to those already established. Then, too, many improvements had
been instituted and carried out, and there was a reasonable
degree of prosperity, so that the locality was no longer regarded as a
backwoods settlement. During the early days, while there was still a
large amount of rank vegetation. the climate was quite unhealthy, and
the settlers were subjected to various malarial maladies, the most
troublesome of which, probably, was the disease known as "milk
sickness." One of the early victims was Asa Bishop, who settled in the town
ship about 1835, and the death of his child, from the same cause, followed
closely upon his own.
At that date there were no regularly established cemeteries, excepting,
perhaps, that portion of the Ralph Heath farm, set apart for that
purpose, and the deceased members of the settlement were, in many
cases, buried on their own farms. The first death of a white person in
the township was probably that of the child of Jeremiah Washburn,
who died in 1828 or 1829.
ROADS.
After settlements were effected in the township, and sufficient land
to produce the necessaries of life had been cleared, the settlers next
turned their attention to the construction of public highways, and each
man in the settlement contributed voluntary and cheerful assistance in
their construction. Perhaps the earliest laid-out road was one which,
in 1831, was begun in the east part of the township, and continued
across its entire length, diverging toward Chesterfield, in Madison
County. It was surveyed in 1831, and a portion of it cleared in that
year; but it was not in condition for travel until 1832. In the latter
year, the second road in the township was surveyed and opened at the
expense of the county, running from Muncie to Middletown, and, two
or three years later, the Muncie and Pendleton State road was surveyed
and located. During the summer of 1832, a county road was located,
beginning at the farm of Judge Tomlinson, and running east to intersect the
Muncie and Middletown road. Shortly afterward, another road was opended,
beginning the same farm and running south and west, intersected the Muncie and
Middletown road at the McCallister farm.
About the year 1839, a county road was surveyed from Yorktown, passing through
this township, and terminating at Middletown, in Henry County, At the junction
of this road with the Muncie and Middletown road, there was a store and
blacksmith shop. The former collapsed after a brief season, but there has ever
since been a blacksmith-shop at this point.
At a still earlier date, perhaps as early as 1836, there was a road surveyed
through the township running from Middletown to Muncie, by way of Bell Creek,
and about the same time a road was laid out on the north side of the White
River, running from Daleville to Killbuck Creek, in Mount Pleasant Township.
About 1840, a road from Daleville to Middletown was surveyd and laid out.
The road known as the "Ridge Road" was located as early as 1835. It
began at the crossing of the Muncie and Middletown roads, and running thence
along the west bank of Bell Creek, terminated at Muncie. In 1839 or 1840, the
Daleville and Bell Creek road was surveyed, and the residents of each
Supervisor's district cut it out and improved it.
Beginning at Daleville, it runs east to Bell Creek. where it intersects
with the Middletown road. In 1867 and 1868, a stock company graded
and graveled this road for a distance of three miles out of Daleville,
making it a toll�pike.
Numerous roads were located in later years in response to petitions.
and nearly every section in the township is now bounded by public
highways.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
As prosperity increased in the settlement, and money came to the
settlers, they began to look upon their mud and stick chimneys with a
feeling akin to disgust, and certainly amounting to dissatisfaction.
Several brick kilns were constructed were constructed and burned between the
years
1836 and 1840, by private individuals, the products of which were used in the manufacture of chimneys, and, in one or two instances, in the erection of brick houses. These kilns, however, were generally destroyed as soon as their purposes were served, and the manufacture of brick never became an industry of any considerable importance in the township. The kiln burned by Ralph Heath, Harvey Heath, and John Lain, in 1835, was probably the first.
The earliest saw-mill of which there is any account was erected in 1835 by Judge Tomlinson. It was operated by water-power, and sawed the lumber of the first frame houses in the township.
About the year 1845, John Thomas erected a tannery on the bank of Bell Creek, which he conducted with varied success for several years.
Grist or flouring mills were not among the early institutions of the townships. At Muncie on the north, and at Middletown on the south, there were flouring-mills in operation at an early day, and the settlers from this locality went to one of these points with their grain, although often at great inconvenience to themselves.
There were several attempts at merchandising during the earlier years of the settlement, but they were not attended by any flattering degree of success. As early as 1832 or 1833, John C. Gustin opened a small stock of goods at the crossing of the Muncie and Middletown road with the Yorktown road. He remained but a short time, and finally returned to Madison County, whence he came.
The only flouring-mill in the township at the present time is situated at Daleville. It was erected about the year 1864, by James Turner, and was then situated about one mile above its present location on White River.
It was operated in connection with a saw-mill, and both derived their power from the stream on which they were situated.
From Turner the mill passed to the ownership of Peter A. Helvie, and from him through the hands of various owners.
In 1875, it again reverted to Mr. Helvie, and the machinery was removed to Daleville. It is now owned by the heirs of Mr. Helvie, and operated by J. P. Rogers.
EARLY MERCHANTS.
After the discouraging reception of Gustin's establishment, no one, it appears, cared to repeat the experiment soon. About the year 1838, however, William and Erasmus Moffett opened a stock of goods at the same corner. The "Cross Roads" had, by that time, become a locality of some note, and had been made the voting precinct of the township. The Moffett store was supplied with a much better stock, and was more extensively patronized than it predessor. They continued the business here for several years, and finally closed out the stock.
About the year 1838, Abraham Dipboye opened the first store at Daleville. The site was a frame building at the west part of the village. Dipboye continued in business here for about two years, and, like his predecessors, finally closed out his stock. In 1858 or 1859, Newman & Underwood opened a store in the building which stood upon, or near, the ground now occupied by the water of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway. Their venture was not profitable, and, in May, 1861, they made an assignment for the benefit of their creditors.
Shortly afterward, Ezekiel McCall opened a store in the building now occupied by J. M. Gray. In 1862, Mr. Gray became a partner, and the firm was then know as McCall & Gray. Subsequently John Shoemaker purchased McCall's interest, and took his place in the firm. In March, 1864, this relation was dissolved, and, in the winter of 1865, William Boyle took the place formerly occupied in the firm by Mr. Shoemaker. Subsequently Mr. Gray purchased the interest of Mr. Boyles, and has since conducted the business alone, or in partnership with his son.
SCHOOLS.
It is evident that the early settlers of Salem were alive to the interests of their children, and that they were determined to afford them whatever educational advantages their surroundings would permit, for, as early as the winter of 1828-29, we find a school in progress on the farm of David Vanmeter. Elza B. Watkins was the teacher. Whether he came to the settlement to bear his part, as a settler, in the transformation scene then going on in the wilderness, or whether he came with a view to the no less important mission of spreading intellectual light among the younger generation in the forest, is a question that, perhaps will never be definitely settled. It is certain, however, that he was a man of superior culture, as compared with the pedagogues of the period, and that he conducted a fine school.
During the winter of the following year, the services of James Perdieu were secured, to continue the good work begun a year before by Mr. Watkins. The cabin in which his school was conducted was situated on the farm of John Vanmeter. This was the first house ever erected in the township especially for school purposes, and as such deserves special note. It was of the regulation pattern of backwoods architecture, constructed of round logs, with puncheon floor, stick chimney, daubed with mud, and a fire-place as wide as the building itself--in short, a faithful specimen of the cabins in which so many of the bright minds of the present century received their earliest training.
There were, as yet, but a limited number of settlers in the township, and as the existence of the school was conditional upon the amount subscribed by those whose children shared it benefits, the salary of the teacher must have been limited indeed.
It is due to the teacher to say that his school was ably conducted, and that it offered better educational advantages than were usually to be found in a pioneer school.
In 1833, James Jones donated the cabin in which his family first lived after their settlement in the township, and, during the winter of that year, a school was conducted by Rev. Abner Perdieu. Mr. Perdieu brought to bear in his work the attainments of a fine scholar, and his pupils progressed finely under his instructions. Among the surviving pupils of this school are Michael Thompson, David Campbell, Mrs. Sarah Kirby, David W. and James H. Jones, Jacob W. and John W. Heath.
During the winter of 1833-34, a cabin on the land of Henry Miller was used for a schoolhouse. The old log building stood near the site now occupied by Schoolhouse No. 7. Ever since Mr. Miller donated this lot to the township, it has been occupied by a school. The first log building was destroyed by fire, and was succeeded by another, of like construction, which was destroyed in the same manner. In 1846, several members of the community proposed to erect a brick house on this site, but the measure was opposed by others. The public funds were limited, and private donations were resorted to, to carry out the proposition. John Shoemaker, one of the leaders in the movement, donated $25, and James Stewart donated an equal amount. Minor sums were conributed by others, and these, added to the public or Congressional fund of the township, enabled them to complete the school.
After the adoption of the present free-school system, this house was the first in which school was taught under the provisions of the Law of 1851-52. Afterward all the old schoolhouses in the township were converted into free schools, and new ones were erected in idstricts before unprovided. There are now twelve school districts in the township, each supplied with a substantial building.
The following abstract from the Township Trustee's report exhibits the status of the schools for the year ending August 31, 1880:
Number of white pupils admitted within the year, 463; average attendance, 325 3-10; length of term (days), 109½; number of teachers employed, 12; average compensation of teachers per day, $1.912/3; number of brick schoolhouses in the township, 8; number of frame schoolhouses in the township, 3; estimated value of schoolhouses and grounds, $9,000; estimated value of school apparatus, $100.
ACCOUNT OF REVENUE FOR TUITION.
Amount on hand September 1, 1879....................$1,418.38
Amount received in February, 1880.......................1,259.90
Amount received in June, 1880...............................1,788.23
Total.........................................................................$4,347.51
Amount expended since September 1, 1879........$2,481.25
Amount on hand at date of report..........................$1,866.26
ACCOUNT OF SPECIAL SCHOOL REVENUE.
Amount on hand September 1, 1879......................$ 451.69
Amount received for sale of old schoolhouse............ 19.00
Amount received within the year.............................1,092.04
Total........................................................................$1,562.73
Amount expended since September 1, 1879..........$ 963.31
Amount on hand at date of report............................$ 599.42
The teachers in the various districts, for the term of 1880-81, are as follows:
White Oak Schoolhouse, District No. 1, A. W. Jones; Pikes' Peak Schoolhouse, District No. 2, John T. Brandon; Goodpasture's Schoolhouse, District No. 3, D. A. Lambert; Daleville (Upper) Schoolhouse, District No. 4, Joseph Painter; Daleville (Lower) Schoolhouse, District No. 5, James Moffette; Walnut Grove Schoolhouse, District No. 6, William Bowman; Center Schoolhouse, District No. 7, P. F. May; Moffett's Schoolhouse, District No. 8, Marion Stewart; Davis Schoolhouse, District No. 9, B. F. Childs; Cross Roads Schoolhouse, District No. 10, B. C. Bowman; Mount Healthy Schoolhouse, District No. 11, William H Hickman; Warner Schoolhouse, District No. 12, William Young.
CHURCHES.
The first organization was effected about the year 1831, at the house of Judge John Tomlinson. The society was of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and the constituent members were John Tomlinson, Dolly Tomlinson, Ralph Heath, Mary Heath, John Lain, Sarah Lain and Ella Price, all of whom are now deceased.
Judge Tomlinson was the leader of this class for a period of fourteen years, during which time it received a largely increased membership. It finally devloped in the Mount Zion congregation, a more extended account of which will be found in the history of Montroe Township.
The Christian Church at Daleville.--About the year 1845, the first society of this denomination was organized at the barn of Maj. John Hupp, two miles east of Daleville. Among the constituent members were John Quick and wife, John Hupp and wife, Jonas Shoemaker and wife, John Shoemaker and wife, James Stewrt and wife, and Mahala Murphy.
The meetings were held at the house of Maj. Hupp, and subsequently at the brick schoolhouse already mentioned. At a later date, this organization was disbanded, and the members united with the church at Middletown.
In 1869, they began the erection of the church at Daleville, and, on the first Sunday in January, 1870, it was dedicated by Elder Geary, of New Castle, Ind. Elder Jacob H. Vincent was chosen Pastor, and held that relation for a term of two years. Since his withdrawal the church has had no regular Pastor.
Since the year 1870, the Sunday school has been regularly maintained. It has an average attendance of sixty scholars at the present time. W. A. Shoemaker is the Superintendent.
Richwood's Evangelical Lutheran Church.--The society was organized in 1865, by Rev. P. G. Bell, at Schoolhouse No. 7. During the earlier years, the Lutherans residing in this neighborhood worshiped at the church in Henry County, and were identified with that church, until the present organization was formed.
Among the constituent members of this society were George Young and wife, Josiah Cromer and wife, George Bowers and wife, Samuel Sayford, wife and three daughers, John M. Shiry and wife, Joseph Shiry and wife, Adam Wiene and wife, and Jackson Bushong and wife.
In 1868, they began the erection of the present church, which was dedicated June 20, 1869, by Rev. Reinmond. It is a brick bulding, 36x48 feet, and cost $3,000.
Rev. Bell continued as Pastor of the church for a period of five years, and was succeeded by Rev. Ross, who remained but a few months. Rev. John Link was the next Pastor, and remained three years. Rev. J. C. Myers succeeded him, and remained two years, at the end of which time Rev. C. S. Sprecher was called to the pastoral office. One year later, Rev. P. G. Bell again became the Pastor of the church, and remained two years. Rev. A. R. Height came next, and remained one year. He was succeeded by Rev. A. E. Wagner, the present Pastor.
Daleville United Brethren Church.--About the year 1850, the society from which grew the present church was organized at the house of John Rink, and held their meetings at his house and at the Daleville Schoolhouse, until the competion of the present church in 1861. This is a frame building, and was completed at an expense of about $1,200.
The church has continued to prosper since its organization, and has at present a large membership. Rev. McNew is the present Pastor.
As early as 1837, a class of this denomination was organized at the house of Thomas Groenendyke, by Rev. Wiley Jones. They never erected a house of worship, but maintained their organization until during the late war, when it was abandoned.
SOCIETIES.
Daleville Lodge, No. 329, I.O.O.F., was chartered May 20, 1868, and instituted June 6, 1868, by D. S. Crickenberger, D.G.M. The charter members were L. D. Richman, S. H. Shoemaker, J. H. Tuttle, William H. Miller, Samuel Dusang and P. M. Rudy.
The membership being small, there was no opposition to the nominations for officers, and the following gentlemen were declared elected: P. M. Rudy, N.G.; L. D. Richman, V.G.; William H. Miller, Secretary; Samuel Dusang, Treasurer.
The lodge has now an active membership of twenty-seven; is in good working order and good financial condition. The several offices of the lodge are filled by the following gentlemen at the present time: James Thomas, N.G.; John Bender, V.G.; Dr. W. W. Cornelius, Secretary; Carey Fenwick, Treasurer.
Richwood's Lodge, No. 490, Knight of Honor, was organized February 28, 1877, with the following charter members: D. R. Armitage, Samuel Drum, W. H. Neff, C. C. Heath, T. W. Tuttle, W. F. Andes, S. C. Moffett, H. H. Reed, George W. Lykens, A. M. Heath, S. F. Heaton, William Miller, Isaac Lake, Samuel Clevenger, B. F. Childs, G. W. Bates and J. R. McLain.
The first officers were: S. Drumm, P.D.; D. R. Armitage, D.; W. H. Neff, V.D.; C. C. Heath, A.D.; T. W. Tuttle, Chaplain; A. M. Heath, Guide; S. C. Moffett, Rep.; H. H. Reed, F. Rep.; George W. Lykens, Treasurer.
The first meetings were held in an up-stairs room in the residence of J. W. McKimmey, near Tabor Post office. The present lodge-room is a well furnished second story room, 20x40 feet, with two ante-rooms. It is situated in the eastern extremity of the township, at the junction of the Range Line with the Middletown and Muncie Turnpike.
The lodge is in good working order, with an active membership of fourteen.
The present officers are: T. W. Tuttle, D.; D. R. Armitage, V.D.; A. M. Heath, A.D.; H. H. Reed, Rep.; C. C. Heath, F. Rep.; George W. Lykens, Treasurer; S. W. Heath, S.; D. R. Armitage, M.D.; Medical Examiner.
Daleville Cornet Band.--The first band at Daleville was organized September 8, 1877, with twelve members. One by one they withdrew, until only two were left. In April, 1878, the remaining memebers, W. H. Campbell and Joseph C. Dale, secured the co-operation of others, and organized the present band of thirteen pieces. Recently they have secured the services of Mr. B. Castetter, of Middletown, Ind., and are making good progress.
The members are: W. H. Campbell, First E flat; Jacob Campbell, Second E flat; George R. Makepeace, First B flat; George Richman, Second B flat; John Rader, First Alto; Charles E. Helvie, Second Alto; Joseph C. Dale, First Tenor; William Vanmeter, Second Tenor; L. C. Vanmeter, Baritone; Eldridge Vanmeter, First E flat Bass; Byron Gibbs, Second E flat Bass; Samuel Makepeace, Bass Drum; John Dolan, Snare Drum.
THE VILLAGE OF DALEVILLE.
Daleville was founded by the sons of Campbell Dale. The original plat was located in the southwest corner of Section 1, Township 19 north, Range 8 east. Here, in 1845 or 1846, Abraham Pugsley erected a two-story frame building in which he kept tavern. The old building is still standing at the crossing of the main street of the village, with the Daleville and Muncie road.
Great things were expected of Daleville, and great advantages were to accrue to it, in the earlier years of its existence, from the fact of its location upon one of the arteries of commerce--the canal. But the canal collapsed, and the town went to sleep, only to be awakened by the whistle of the engine upon the completion of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway.
An account of its earlier merchants has been given in a preceding part of this chapter: The following firms are now doing business in the village: James M. Gray & Son, and Charles E. Helvie are the respective proprietors of the dry-goods and grocery houses: S. B. Garett and John Dusang deal in drugs and groceries; George Cock is the proprietor of the only exclusive grocery in the village; Henry Rader and James Brown are the village blacksmiths; and John Bender is the village shoemaker. John V. Stewart manufactures wagons, and deals in agricultural implements. J. M. Gray & Sons, and J. P. Shoemaker are grain dealers.
TABOR POST OFFICE
is situated at the eastern extremity of the township, and is familiarly known as "Sockum." It contains one store, kept by Lory Snell, who also the Postmaster, and one wagon and blacksmith-shop, of which John D. Modlin is the proprietor.
POPULATION.
In 1850, the population of Salem Township, according to the United States census returns, was 843. During the next ten years, there was an increase of 443, the same authority showing the population in 1860 to have been 1,286. In 1870, it was 1,413, of which number 1,370 were native Americans, and forty-three were of foreign birth.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS--1879.
Wheat, 3,473 acres, 77,978 bushels; corn, 4,642 acres, 182,690 bushels; oats, 260 acres, 8,645 bushels; Irish potatoes, 61 acres, 4,913 bushels; sweet potatoes, 3 acres, 75 bushels; tobacco, 1 acre, 600 pounds; flax 823 acres, 300 tons fiber, 5,083 bushels of seed; meadow, 843 acres, 1,290 bushels of seed; clover, 177 acres, 375 bushels of seed; pasture land 1,618 acres.
TOWNSHIP EXPENDITURES--1879
Amount expended on roads......................................$ 247
Amount expended for road inmplements................... 45
Amount paid Supervisors............................................. 32
Amount paid for building new schoolhouses....... 2,200
Amount paid for repair of schoolhouses.................... 20
Amount paid for fuel.................................................... 240
Amount paid to teachers.......................................... 3,110
Amount paid for transportation of paupers.................. 5
Amount paid for sheep killed....................................... 88
Amount paid Trustees for services........................... 208
Total......................................................................$6,195
was born April 18, 1808, in Montgomery County, Penn. He was the fifth child in a family of five brothers and four sisters. His parents, John and Elizabeth Shoemaker, were also natives of Montgomery County, Penn.
Mr. Shoemaker's early school advantages were scanty--limited to the meager opportunites afforded poor boys of his time. He is a man, however, of much general information and intelligence; having acquired the same by studious reading, by attentive observation, and by actual experience.
Always a farmer, he has been successful in that vocation to a goodly degree. His business qualifications, too, insure him prominence in the circle wherein he operates. Has practical, safe judgment, and is clear in his calculative faculties. In the ties of matrimony, has was united November 15, 1832, with Miss Maria Myers, of Franklin County, Penn., she, too, being a native of the Keystone State. They are the parents of thirteen children--seven sons and six daughters. Eleven of them grew to manhood and womanhood, while seven still survive. Their beloved Christian mother bade adieu to the endeared family circle and all things earthly, to pass to the horizon of time, July 24, 1874. But, surely, what has been their irreparable loss has been her infinite gain. Her pure exemplary life in this world, indeed, insures a life of eternal sunshine in the realms beyond the river.
As was his sainted companion, too, Mr. Shoemaker is a member in good standing of the Christian Church. Their connection with the church dates back upward of forty years, and that entire period has been marked by unquestioned evidence of Christian fidelity and uprightness.
Upon the question of temperance, also, Mr. Shoemaker is radical in his profession and consistent in his every-day life. In politics he is an ardent Republican. Has never aspired to public favor or preferment. But rather has been prompted to abide the honest convictions of duty and right. Three of his sons--Henry, John P. and Joseph R.--joined the patriot army during the dark days of the late rebellion, in helping to maintain the honor of our flag and the perpetuity of the Union.
Mr. Shoemaker moved to Delaware County in the fall of 1836, settling in Salem Township, where he has since lived. He is indeed one of the venerable citizens and pioneers of Delaware County. Is a man of independent means, and has obtained it honestly and honorably. In fact, the name of Shoemaker in Salem Township, is a synonym of honor and universal esteem.
was born in Guilford County, N. C., in the year 1821, and came to Delaware County, Ind., in 1828, with the family of his father, Ralph Heath, locating in Salem Townshp. He received a liberal education at Cambridge, under the instruction of Professors Hushour and Estabrook, eminent educators of their day. After completing his studies, he taught school at a salary of $15 per month, boarding from house to house among the patrons of his school. In 1847, he married Lydia Painter, and moved to the home farm to take care of his parents in their declining years. He took an active part in educational and religious interests, and was the stanch friend of public improvements, contributing liberally to the support and furtherance of public enterprises. Although too modest for a politician, he was elected to the office of Trustee of his township, and re-elected for several consecutive terms. He was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a zealous worker in the cause of the Master. By an upright, honorable and consistent life, he endeared himself to all who knew him, and was known as a worthy citizen. He died at his home in the city of Muncie, May 10, 1875.
He reared a family of three sons and one daughter, all of whom grew to honorable and useful maturity. Charles and Alfred are highly repected farmers in this county, and Sylvester W. is Principal of the public schools at the village of Cowan. He was formerly Principal of one of the schools at Muncie.
