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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 26, 2006 0:04:00 GMT -5
My Great, Great Grandfather's Recount of Bartholomew County from 1821 to 1887 printed in the Edinburg Courier Newspaper November 3, 1887"
He speaks of his father and families before himself, and a comprehensive recount of the the hard days of the settlers. He lived in Bartholomew County for about 15 years he says. He states the first mill in the county was built by Isaac Rains on the Flatrock River. He was born in 1801 and died in 1889. It is a little long, but an enjoyable trip of reading if you haven't read it before. His recount provides approximately 185 years of some Bartholomew County information and over 205 years of pioneer life and more. Keep in mind as you read this that Bartholomew was organized in 1821 and had only 3 or 4 cabins and General Tipton had departed. In 1830 the County had 5,480 settlers. Enjoy his adventures:
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EDINBURG COURIER E. M. Hardy, Editor and Proprietor. Terms of Subscription: The Subscribers living in the County; per Annum................$ 1.50 To Subscriber living Outside the County, Per Annum................$ 1.65 Always in Advance Entered at the Postoffice in Edinburg, Ind., as Second Class Matter. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1887. The Only All Home Print Weekly Paper in Johnson County!
REMINISCENCES OF HAPPY DAYS A LONG TIME AGO. An Interesting Sketch of Pioneer Days by a Venerable Reader of The Courier The editor has asked me to relate, as I have seen it, the story of "Ye olden time."
I thought I could best do this by giving a sort of connected narrative of my father's and my own experience in primitive Indiana.
My ancestors came originally from Wales, and what is peculiar of them they were all red-headed. Grandfather lived in Delaware during the stormy period of the revolution, and wagoned for the American army seven years. My father was born in Sussex county, that State, in 1760. A few years after grandfather crossed the Chesapeake into Pennsylvania. But he soon became dissatisfied, and, packing up his horses, he with several companions followed the trace of Braddock's memorable march across the Alleghaney to what was called the Laurel Hill. All goods they took with them were carried on horseback, and for this purpose a pack saddle was used. This was made taking two limbs shaped something like the letter V., inverting them and nailing clapboards across them to make the sides. A board nailed at right angles with ends of the limbs, formed a rest for whatever they wished to carry, and the thing was complete. My grandfather and his companions formed a settlement at the foot of Laurel Hill. Here was built the first mill in that part of the country. They were compelled to go ten miles to find a suitable place for the mill. They built it on a little stream known as "Shirtee." My grandfather did the millwright work. Stones for the burrs were procured from the neighboring hills and dressed down by him. An old axe was driven in a stump and on this was forged all the mill irons. At first only corn was ground on this mill, but afterward a bolt was made and flour made from wheat. The surrounding country was very wild and the Indians troublesome. One day my father was sent on an errand. He came to the house of a neighbor which had been attacked by Indians. On entering he found that the whole family, excepting the wife and small child, had been tomahawked and scalped. They carried away the wife and child and when she became so fatigued she could no longer carry it, they caught it by its heels and dashed its brains out against a tree. The mother afterwards escaped and returned to the settlement. Along the little stream "Shirtee" were a great many sugar trees, and one spring several families camped up and down this stream in order to take advantage of the sweet flow and convert the sap into the next year's supply of sugar. The sugar season was nearly over, but there came one night a hard freeze, which started a fresh "run." The man in the camp lowest down the stream wished to borrow a gimlet with which to freshen his trees and started to the camp above him to get it. On arriving at the camp he discovered that the whole family had been tomahawked and scalped by the Indians. He run on to the other camps and found them all in the same condition. It was a horrible sight to look upon. They had been dead several days, and dogs had torn some of the bodies. The man returned to his camp, procured aid and went and buried those who were killed. They were buried without coffins for they had none.
Grandfather remained in this settlement until my father was 18 years old, when he moved to Lexington, Ky. He descended the Ohio by means of a flatboat to the mouth of the Licking KY, and from thence he proceeded to Lexington by means of packhorses. From here he moved to Washington KY, a little frontier. Indians here were very bad. They came across the Ohio river and stole the settler's horses and took them back with them. In order to protect themselves from these raids the whites organized a company of horsemen who were always to be on the look out for Indians and ready to give them chase at a moment's notice. In this way they often succeeded in overtaking the Indians before they reached the Ohio, and in getting back their horses. On one of these occasions all but two of the Indians had gotten across the river. One time they went nearly a hundred miles into Ohio, near to what is now Chillicothe. Here they found the camping ground of the Indians, made a raid upon it and recovered many things that had been stolen from them.
While living here my father was married to Elizabeth Elrod, of Virginia. Ten years afterward he moved into what is now Pike county, Ohio. Here I was born in 1801. He built the first mill ever built in that part of the country. He moved twenty-five miles west into an entirely new country, now known as Brown county, Ohio. Here he built another mill. When the settlement had grown he had his mill enlarged and did what was considered a big milling business. He remained here until 1821, when he moved to Bartholomew county, Indiana. He resided here until his death in 1850.
I was about 20 years old, when father came with me into Indiana. It was March, and it either rained or snowed every day of our journey. The roads we had then; were quite different from what we now have. Simply clearing a way through the underbrush and fallen trees, and marking it by "blazing" the trees along the way made them. Such a road was called a "trace" and was given the name of the person who first opened it. We followed these "traces", One of them, called Wetzel's, led past what is now Franklin. We left this "trace"and followed the banks of Flatrock. We crossed the river and camped near what was known as the "big clearing," one mile northeast of the present town of Edinburg. The "big clearing" consisted of 50 acres of ground that had been cleared and fenced with a brush fence." This had been cleared by several, among others George Cutsinger, an uncle of the proprietor of the starch works. Here we bought enough corn to last us a year. The tent in which we staid was an odd one. It was made by driving forked stakes into the ground, laying poles across these and then covering the whole with bed quilts. We raked up leaves for our bed, and with a big fire in front lived with more comfort than might be thought possible. We staid here one week and built a cabin for my brother. When it was finished the remainder of us pushed on farther south, following the range line to what was known as the "Bozell neighborhood," a point a few miles east of what is now Taylorsville. Here we renewed our camp. It was in the spring, and winter still lingered. On the 20th day of April snow fell to the depth of four inches, and it was very cold. As soon as possible we built a cabin to shield us from the rain, snow and cold. This cabin was indeed a primitive affair. It was built of logs; clapboards formed the roof and doors; the windows were holes in the sides of the house made by cutting out a part of a log. This opening was covered with greased paper, and the window was complete. The floor was made by splitting logs and laying them flat side up. For a bed we made benches and laid boards across.
The woods in this section of the country were thick and heavy and were full of wild game, such as wolves, deer, turkeys, coons, etc. Thousands of birds sent forth their sweet strains to cheer the lonely settler. Snakes, also were abundant. Near my father's cabin was a treeless tract of some eight or ten acres, which was known as the prairie. It was covered thickly with grass and my father cut off each year for hay. One year while mowing it 25 black-rattlesnakes and copper-heads were killed. The black-rattlesnake is not found here now. Its average length was two feet. Although small it was much dreaded because of its extremely poisonous fangs.
While living in this settlement I was married to Miss Elcy Harvey. The girl who thus became my wife, and who was to help bear my griefs and share my joys, was born in New York, but had come to Indiana from New Jersey.
Wife and I settled in Bartholomew county. I cleared a farm of 160 acres, built house, barn and stable and planted an orchard. A near neighbor was the venerable Van Meter, who now lives in Iowa. While living here a child of this VanMeter died. In these primitive days no hearse could be had and the coffins were home-made. I made the coffin for this child. For lumber I used plank, my loft. These were cut into something of the shape of the modern coffin and then nailed together. The lid was not fastened on until the body was in position, then it was put on and nailed down. To-day that would be heathenish, but then it was the best that could be done. When the child had been placed in the coffin; the last look had been taken, and the lid fastened down, the father took the box on horseback to the graveyard where it was deposited in the ground there to await the coming of the last day.
The first mill on Flatrock was built in Bartholomew county by one Isaac Rains. This mill would be a curiosity to the present generation. At a certain point the river made a bend in the form of a great horseshoe, the water flowing around a body of land and then returning almost to the point of starting. Across the narrow neck of land thus formed he dug a large ditch, and turned a part of the stream into it. It had considerable fall and flowed with great force. Across this ditch he placed a log into which he had inserted paddles. These paddles reached down into the waters and the force of the current pushed each one on as it dipped into the water. Anyone who has seen the cornstalk flutter mills that boys place in small streams will readily understand how this mill was made. To one end of the log he attached a wheel and his power was complete. With this pair of home-made stones he ground flour enough to feed the settlers. The second mill built on Flatrock was built by Ithamar Drake, near what is now Girton's mill.
I lived in Bartholomew county about 15 years. The county was wet and consequently there was much malarial sickness, so much so, that I concluded to leave for a more healthy locations, and accordingly I moved agin into woods in the southwest corner of Shelby county. Again I set to work to clear away the forests and kept at it until I had the timber cut off of 160 acres. Here I have lived ever since in peace and quietude.
Now a little more as to how we lived and what we enjoyed in these pioneer times. As son as possible we had schools. The school house was built of logs. For a window one log was taken out the full length of the house, and over the opening thus formed greased paper was pasted to keep out the cold. To make the desks pegs were driven into the wall and then boards or puncheons were laid on these. Benches, for seats, were made by splitting a tree through the middle, dressing off the flat side of these pieces, and putting legs into them. These seats, of course, had no backs and at best were very tiresome. With a big fireplace across one end and a desk for the teacher, the house was ready for business. The schoolmaster was not licensed, but taught what we would now call a subscription school. His qualifications needed not be great. If he could successfully teach "readin", "riten" and "rithmetic," he was eligible to the office of schoolmaster. Such were the beginnings of that great system of common schools of which Indiana may well be proud.
The food of those early times was cornbread and meat. We had pork and wild meat, bread was baked in ovens before the fire. Stoves had not been introduced. After a while the settlers began to raise wheat, but the first crop could not be used. It was called "sick wheat," from the fact that when eaten it caused the person eating it to become sick and vomit. On account of the richness of the soil the wheat dried up or blasted before it ripened. Hominy was a daily dish. Potatoes were introduced later. For our clothing we raised wood and flax, and sometimes a little cotton. These were spun and wove into cloth by our wives and mothers. The linen cloth made of the flax was worn in summer, but in winter we wore a heavier cloth known as "linsey," which was made by mixing wool along with the flax. No underclothing was worn, and overcoats were seldom seen. But many had what was called a "hunting shirt," a large, loose sort of a coat, made of "linsey" and worn over the other clothing. For our feet we had shoes our own make. Boots were never heard of. We not only made our shoes but often we tanned the leather. Deerskins were used in making moccasins. I remember seeing a preacher in the pulpit wearing a pair of these deerskins moccasins. Our summer hats were made of straw which we plaited with our hands, but for winter wear we either bought a fur hat from the store or made a cap of coon-skin.
We amused ourselves by jumping, running, wrestling, throwing handspikes, etc. On the 14th of February the young people celebrated St. Valentine's by gathering together and "drawing" valentines. This was done by writing on little slips of paper the names of all the boys and girls in the party. The slips on which the boy's names were written were placed in one hat, and those on which the girls' were written, placed in another, and the two hats passed around. The girls drew from the hat containing the names of the boys, and the boys from the hat containing the names of the girls. The boy who drew one girl's name three +different times must send her a valentine. These valentines were cut from paper, and had written on them some few lines of poetry. Here is a sample, it being merely rhyme:
On the fourteenth of February It was my lot to be merry. Lots were cast and one I drew, kind Fortune says it must be you."
The lot of the pioneer was a hard one. The forests had to be cleared away, and the roots and stumps dug out. The implements we had with which to do this were poor concerns. Our plows had wooden mold-boards, our harness was made of ropes, out food was simple, our clothing scanty, our advantages few, our knowledge limited to the things around us, and yet we were happy.
Wm. P. Records
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 26, 2006 0:06:03 GMT -5
"Earliest Log Cabin Schools In Bartholomew County German Township"
PIONEER DAYS
Settlement of German Township
How the People Worked, Eat, Slept and Lived, With Names of the Old Settlers.
[Clipping from the Columbus Republican, Bartholomew County, Indiana, April 10, 1886] QUOTE:
About 1824 or 1825 there were two log school houses built in the townships. The floors were made of huge puncheons and the lofts of clapboards five feet long. A log was cut out of one side of the house and greased paper pasted over the opening, this served as a window.
For a writing desk we had a large puncheon placed on pins driven in the wall. We had writing paper but little better than ordinary wrapping paper now, ink was made from maple bark and pens from goose quills, such a thing as a lead pencil was unknown. For seats a log would be split open, the flat side turned up, and legs put in it.
A large wooden fire-place and chimneys were built at one end and plastered with mud, the mud being mixed with straw or hog's hair to make it stick. The fire place would be filled with logs six feet long, which would burn nearly all day. The pupils would burn their shins and freeze their backs at the same time.
There were only two or three months of school in the year and not many attended who were old enough to work. We did not have free schools then, as now, nor any money to hire a teacher. If a man could be found who would teach and take his pay in "truck," sheep, a piece of linen a few bushels of corn, etc., they would hire him and when he had taught the amount would quit.
Webster's spelling book was about the only book we had to study. The young folks would meet at each other's houses and have spelling schools and learn a good deal and have much fun. How would our young folks now like this plan of getting an education.
William P. Records (1801 -1889) [/size]
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RER
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Post by RER on Aug 26, 2006 9:42:07 GMT -5
Stage Coach To and From Columbus
Prior to trains we should talk about the Stage Coach to and from Columbus in 1828. Columbus became a recognized tract in 1820 and the first lots were sold in 1821. "The first transportation to and from Columbus was the Stage Coach in 1828. The Coach used the trails of the pioneers. Among the first schedule coach runs to and from Columbus started from Madison and Indianapolis. The Stage Coach left Indianapolis at 7a.m. Thursdays, reached Columbus Via Franklin at 5 p.m. Fridays, left there at 7 a.m. Saturdays and arrived at Madison Via Vernon at 5 p.m. Sundays. The fare or cost was 6 1/4 cents per mile with 15 pounds of free baggage.
Reference For Data: A History of Indiana (from its exploration to 1850) by Logan Esarey, PHD, Professor Indiana University printed in 1918.
Note: This was transferred from the Interurban Line because of the relationship of this Thread.[/i]
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Aug 26, 2006 13:19:52 GMT -5
Note: This was transferred from Trivia About Columbus Indiana Tread to place it into the proper years relationship. ____________________________________________________ "Pioneer Days 1819 - 1825"
The list below has been recorded and printed in the Columbus Republican Newspaper, Bartholomew County, Indiana April 10, 1886. This list provides the earliest pioneers in the township during the dates sited.
The following is a list of those who settled in the township between 1819 and 1825:
Thos Wells/ Wm Beatty Jno Pence/ John Steenbarger Henry Steenbarger/ John Steenbarger Reuben Steenbarger/ Fred'k Steenbarger, Sr. John Van Norman/ John Harper Valentine Miller/ Jos H Van Meter Wm S. Jones/ David Hall Benj Irwin/ James Blair Thomas Harker/ Henry Bozzell, Sr. Henry Bozzell/ Legran Bozzell Soloman Steenbarger/ Isaiah Steenbarger Henry Mogert/ Jos Swisher, Sr Levi Lowe/ Jos Swisher, Jr Jacob Barlow/ John Conner Jerry Barlow/ Edward Carven John Lays/ David McCoy James McCoy/ Nathan Kyle John Wilson/ Wm Depew John Taylor/ Wm Records Laban Records/ Jas Marr Henry Mogart/ Benj Pence Geo Pence/ Job Pence John Ensley/ Jos Taylor David Webb/ Jno Thomas Henry Picard/ Densey Scott Wm Williams/ Jos Norman David Mogart/ Geo Bozzell Samuel Williams/ Jos Lee Robert McKibbons, Sr/ Jeff McKibbons S. H. Steenbarger/ J. S. Steenbarger Scrauder Bozzell/ Francis Hartman D Stoner/ Wm Lunback Brice Summers/ Henry McKibbon Samuel Smith/ Nelson Smith Gideon Steenbarger/ Henry Sarvin Joseph Chambers/ William Schooler Wm Lard
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Aug 26, 2006 13:24:44 GMT -5
Note: This was transferred from Trivia About Columbus Indiana to place it in an applicable time period. _______________________________________________________
" A Few Columbus Businesses Downtown 1868, (138 Years Ago)"
This is not a complete list but a small portion of businesses with interesting names and services offered. _________________________________________
Wagons & Carriages
One store listed at an unknown location.
Mills
There were four mills located corner of Washington and Madison, near Jefferson Railroad and the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad.
Restaurant
Only one located on Washington
Tailors of Clothes
Approximately six all on Washington and one on Brown.
Blacksmiths
Five located on Walnut, Washington, Jackson and Tipton (not sure where Tipton was).
Brewery
One listed named Schreiber August, located on corner of Jackson and M & I railroad.
Hotels
Three Hotels are shown. One near Jefferson Railroad, One Washington and M & I Railroad and the last on Washington.
Dry Goods Stores
Around 13 stores listed on Washington, Walnut and Tipton.
Groceries and Provisions
Around 16 stores listed located on Washington, Jackson, Tipton and one near White River bridge.
Saddles and Harness
Around 3 listed and they were located Washington & Walnut, and Tipton Square.
Livery Stables
Four are listed all in and around Walnut and Washington.
Books and Paper
Two located on Washington
Plow Handles
One listed at Walnut. I suppose they sold new ones to replace broken ones.
Postal Services
One Postmaster listed and his name was Joseph Whitten.
Saloons
There were about 14 around town. Located mostly around Washington, Tipton, Jackson, one near courthouse and east of M & I railroad.
Wagon and Plow Shops
Three listed at Jackson, Harrison, Chestnut and Tipton
Railroad Agent
One shown named J. R. Woodfill located at depot of M & I Railroad.
Furniture
Two furniture stores of unknow locations.
Clothing Stores
All three on Washington.
Footwear Shoes & Boots
Eight locations including Jackson, Tipton, Washington and unknown places.
Photography
One shop I guess owned by C.W. Mangrum at the corner of Washington and Walnut. Perhaps, they were still using gun powder taking those pictures in those days. Not, sure on that comment.
Dentists
Two on Washington upstairs.
Drug and Medicine Stores
Four on Washinton and one was on corner of Walnut and Washington.
Butchers
Four located on Washington and one near M & I Railroad.
Banks
Two named First National and the other McEwen & Jones location assumed on Washington.
Bakery
Two and both located on Washington.
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Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 4, 2006 10:40:00 GMT -5
"Columbus In 1868"
Columbus had five Blacksmiths ( located mostly on Jackson, Washington and Walnut Streets) and one Foundry and Machine Works on Jackson Street called "Pyne & Busch."
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 4, 2006 11:31:09 GMT -5
"Let Us Belly Up To The Bar or Shoot Billiards In 1868"
Interesting that a saloon among many was titled Swiss Hall and the owner listed was A. Louis Stadler located on Washington Street in Columbus. The establishment also had billiard tables.
I was wondering if A. Louis Stadler was a one of the original Stadler members that started Stadler's Meat Packing. I knew many Stadler family members in my younger days, but have no idea if A. Louis Stadler was in that family tree.
Interesting, that it was called the Swiss Hall because I believe the Stadler family was of German descend, and may I insert a wonderful family.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 4, 2006 19:48:07 GMT -5
Lotions, Commotions, or Was It Notions ?
Before and after 1868 there was always a need to have those pants, shirts or coats fixed or altered for both genders. That year there was one known location on Franklin and Walnut Street. The store went by the label "Notions" as many did in those early days. The small sewing shop was operated by Fred Ulrich.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 4, 2006 19:59:22 GMT -5
Laying The Ground Work For Pigs
Perhaps before 1868 and thereafter until an unknown closure; there was a Pork Packing House not far from the now Columbus Bartholomew County Court House off Jackson and Washington Streets. It was called Adams Hayfield & Co.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 5, 2006 12:50:31 GMT -5
"It Wasn't FEDX (Federal Express) But An Express Company"
Before, during and perhaps after 1868; Columbus had what they called an Express Company titled American. The agent on duty during 1868 downtown Columbus was named William Hogue.
Now, just for thought here they didn't have airplanes, no automobiles. However, as we all know they had oxen, horses, wagons, and boats. Perhaps, their express mail was geared more through use of Stagecoaches and Pony Express or horses, so to speak.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 5, 2006 13:03:22 GMT -5
"Mom, I Am Tired Of Eating Rabbit, Squirrels, Pork, Venison, and Beef"
Then son walk down to Jackson Street to the Fish Market. Tell owner and operator George W. Pearse that we would like some catfish or whatever he has fresh. Oh, and son tell him to put it on our tab (bill) and we will pay him in a few days. Mom, one last thing can you tell me what year this is ? Yes, son it is 1868.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 6, 2006 9:09:42 GMT -5
It Wasn't ReMax, or Century 21 or Coldwell Bankers Reality But It Was A Real Estate Company
During the middle of the 1800s around 1867 to 1869 or so. There was at least one Real Estate office upstairs in one of the brick buildings on Washington Street. The agent's name was John A. Keith.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 6, 2006 11:05:21 GMT -5
"Life In The 1800s Includes Family Poems of Joy, Love and Respect"
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This poem was written before the death of my Gr. Gr. Grandfather that died in 1889. His name was William Parker Records or referred in this wonderful poem "Uncle Billy." Rachel Quick Buttz wrote this poem in the 1800s and was published in the Indiana Magazine of History, Volume IVII, No. l March 1921. Enjoy it's richness of love, joy and respect for the relatives within the family circles. _______________________________________________________ The following poem was written about her Uncle Billy
Uncle Billy's
When we were children and used to ride With parents along the country side To visit aunts, uncles and cousins gay, Who lived from our home some miles away, Of all the places under the sun We had the most and the best of fun ----At Uncle Billy's
A neat white farm-house under the trees, Where a low, wide porch caught the sweet south breeze, And made it a pleasant place to stay On the afternoon of a summer day, An old-fashioned sitting room, clean and sweet, Re-echoed the patter of many feet ----At Uncle Billy's
But, Oh in the kitchen, large and square, What cakes, pies, pickles and jellies rare, Were made by Aunt Elsie's skillful hands To gratify constant and keen demands Of the children who played, and laughed, and cried In the dear old yard, so green and wide ---- At Uncle Billy's
Then there was the orchard, where pears and plums And apples and peaches twixt fingers and thumbs Were held so tight that the rich juice dripped From hands and mouths, as we munched and sipped, The luscious fruit, and I never knew Such royal clusters of grapes as grew ----At Uncle Billy's
Sweet Jonny-jum-ups, in early spring That open their eyes when the first birds sing, Grew just inside of the garden gate; And all sorts of good things, early and late, Were ranged in rows by the paths that led To the edge of that wonderful melon-bed ----At Uncle Billy's
The years have come, and the years have gone, They have left their impressions plain upon Each rosy daughter and stalwart son. They have married, and gone away, one by one, Until all of them now have homes of their own ----At Uncle Billy's
But still, in their happy, hale old days, They walk together in chosen ways, Together, they plant their early seeds, And he hoes the garden, free from weeds, While she, does the flowers around the door, Keeps fresh and blooming, as of yore, ----At Uncle Billy's
A few more years, and the snowy locks, Of his head bow low as he tends his flocks, Now, too, he leans heavily on his staff, While she is not as strong by half As she was a very few years ago, Attending her duties, to and fro, ----At Uncle Billy's
They cheer each other with feeble smile, And say: "Tis only a little while Till the dear old home to strange hands must go, And no more our loving care shall know: But we shall find those mansions fair, Which Jesus said: 'I will prepare' ----For Uncle Billy
Note: William P. Records life span (1801-1889). Uncle Billy and wife Elcey had 12 children. The author was related to Judge Tunis Quick (Quick School House mentioned in these historical pages under schools).
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 6, 2006 20:12:51 GMT -5
"Before Columbus Was Columbus From 1825 to 1835"
When Indiana was admitted into the Union of States it had about 65,000 settlers running around in the southern part of the future state mapped.
There were 2 main roads the led to Indianapolis, one from Madison and the other from Centerville.
Most of the goods or freight was hauled by oxen teams, because the roads were so bad and almost impossible for wagons. Stagecoaches were running as was mail as shown at other posts herein.
Source: Logan Esarey, Ph.D. Indiana University 1924
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 6, 2006 20:36:54 GMT -5
"Mail Stages Working Toward A Place To Be Called Columbus Indiana In The Future Around 1818 to 1833"
Around 1806 Congress passed a bill for a survey to expand the National Road. The road from Cumberland Maryland to the Ohio River near Wheeling Ohio.
By 1818 it reached closure to the future Indiana development and in 1833 it reached Columbus Ohio (not Indiana but Ohio).
Culverts and bridges were built of cut stones, trees removed and the ground graded. The old historical Braddocks trail was the main use and direction.
Once, at the Ohio River banks it was Indiana's development in the sights of the government and settlers. Two 6 horse teams would race the roads abreast. The roads were sometimes 80 feet wide.
There were about 6 to 12 independent stage lines operating on the National Highway system once refined and leveled for ease of travel.
The coach operators were young men's idols of the day. The driver usually courted the young men's admiration and would ask the boys to sit with him on the coach. The story goes the boy's paid the coach driver in apples and cider for the opportunity to sit in display with the coachman. This was considered an honor in their young minds.
Southern Indiana was still fighting Indians and trying to develop the land. Flatboats around the rivers and oxen by land was a big mover of people and goods and personal property.
NOTE: Go to my post above about stage coaches around 1821 for the Columbus area. It will merge in thought with what is written here somewhat. It is within the 1800s Life In Columbus Section at this Historical Site.
Source: Indiana Magazine of History, III, 58 seq. Indiana Journal, July and Sept 1827 History of Indiana by Logan Esarey, PH.D. Indiana University 1924
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 14, 2006 17:13:51 GMT -5
"Barbershop of Hair Cutters & Not Singers"There were two known Columbus Barbers in the 1860s and both had separate shops to cut hair and perhaps provide a shave. They were housed on Washington Street but the actual address is unknown. The two hair cutters and beard shavers were named Jacob Piffer and John Lay. Pull out that razor strap (cow leather strip) and sharpen up that strange razor, and lather up that face. Now lay back and don't move, or he might cut your face if you are lucky. No electrical clippers or hair dryers in those days, just towels, scissors, combs and local men's gossip and stories. Bob
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Sept 14, 2006 17:45:33 GMT -5
"Three Hundred Beers On The Wall, Three Hundred & One and The Song Goes On"Columbus had a brewery in the middle 1800s located on corner of Jackson and next to the M & I Railroad Station. The name of the Brewery was Schreiber August. This sounds and looks like a German descendant that owned and operated it. I spent 4 years in Germany and it looks like a German name. Anyway, here is a toast to the past of Columbus beer that is long gone today. Oh, well go have a Budlight........... Bob
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Sept 15, 2006 8:59:46 GMT -5
'Build Them "Th-air" There Wagons'Azalia a very small community of Bartholomew County was the home of a hand full of merchants during the mid-1800s. Azalia is just a few miles East of Columbus. Azalia had a wagon builder that constructed to the desires of the locals and perhaps for Columbus residents as well. The maker was Mr. C. H. Overman. He also had another business that served the small community of Azalia. Rollin, rollin, rollin..........keep those wagons rollin..........Rawhide........get-tee up.....nowBob
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Margo CHS Class of 55
HCI Forum Board Member
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Sept 15, 2006 20:58:08 GMT -5
Bob May I gently correct your spelling ? It is AZAILA. My daughter BETH had a girlfriend there with the last name Lykins. Cannot remember her first name . Of course now most of the community's residents are either a Lykins or related to one. They have a very active Church listed below. Famous for their Fall Hog Roast and Quilt Sale.
This farming community still receives their mail through Elizabethtown.
Sandcreek-Azaila Friends Meeting (WYM) -- 13275 S. 350 E. -- Elizabethtown, IN 47232 --
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Sept 16, 2006 6:54:38 GMT -5
MARGO.....May I gently, gently and lightly correct your statement about my spelling, please.
In the 1850s, 1953, 1960 it was spelled Azalia and in the current 2006 Rand McNally Road Map it is spelled Azalia. This indicates that I spelled the word (oh there that word is again) Azalia correctly.
I went to my ole Republican Newspaper paper clippings when I played basketball at Clifty School in 1953 and it also was spelled Azalia.
Is it possible that they changed the spelling recently or some spell it in different variations ? Edinburg also had another spelling if I recall like Edinburgh and Edinborough or something like that.
Another Source: Sandcreek Township is located in southern Bartholomew county, with Jackson County at its southern boundary, and Jennings County to the southeast. Sand Creek Township communities include: Azalia and Elizabethtown.
Bob
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