RER
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Post by RER on Dec 19, 2007 14:29:50 GMT -5
Traveling the Traces & National Highway to Bartholomew County in 1820 Before Bartholomew County was declared a county and well before it was Columbus Indiana 1800s ImplementsDuring early 1820 much land was released by the United States Government for sale in the future county called Bartholomew County. The state capital of Corydon was operating in the Southern part of the state and court proceedings and much documentation was filed and transacted in the Jeffersonville area. During 1820 the state was small in size; but the thrust of movement of pioneers was inching its way toward Indianapolis using the crude traces and later named national highway system. During 1820 there was a total of 162,400 acres sold to settlers in the entire available state land. The next year of 1821 Bartholomew County was officially an Indiana county a total of 264,000 acres were sold statewide. The struggles of the using the road traces to travel was compounded by sickness of yellow fever, malaria and ague diseases. However, as we know they sustained their determination to settle in a fresh land of rich soil, wilderness and animal game. The painted picture of pioneer’s movement from the Ohio River to Bartholomew County was a mixed method of travel choices. The settlers mostly used oxen to pull the wagons and at times a mule or horse was used. Some traveled by horseback, but the poorer folks had to walk through the terrain of mud holes, water, bumps, tree stumps and the like. From today’s Madison area to Columbus area was a well established route or trace. Numerous families traveled in groups and trains of wagons, oxen, horses and footmen. Droves or herds of cattle, sheep and hogs made the trips over-viewed and attended by younger children for guidance. The terrain was not forgiving, nor the exposure to disease and inclement weather. Hundreds would pass going both ways in route to their destination of Bartholomew County and further. Some would return to the Madison, Jeffersonville, and Corydon areas because of disappointments or family desires. So, the pioneer’s struggles through time of undeveloped wilderness and traces are an example of the very strong will and determination of our American and Indiana heritage. Their toughness, firmness, morality, ingenuity, craftsmanship, and skills built the web of life for generations to come. Without their tireless and endless work days we American wouldn’t be at this juncture of life today. Partial Sources: Centinel publication 1820, Journal of Tour of United States 1820s, family writings of old, and Indiana History, Volume X.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 28, 2007 10:15:09 GMT -5
Indiana Traces & Road History 1st Indiana Seal 1801 Official State 1816Settlers on Ohio River Dates Explained Below Bartholomew County Official 1821This history summary is in two parts and quotes from publications dated 1818 through 1849. There is no mis-information in these documents presented. The full depth of Indiana history traces, Indian trails and roads are and integral part of the pioneer development of Indiana. To continue:PART ONE: The pioneers of Indiana from the South pushed on to White River at Spencer and Gosport. By 1820 the Squatters reached Greencastle, and by 1824 they had reached "Big Flat Woods" as far as Crawfordsville. Another, branch of the influx of settlers followed the Driftwood from Vallonia and Brownstown, founding places called Haw Patch, Jonesville, and Flat Rock settlements in Bartholomew County before 1820. Land lots were sold before 1820 and mostly in early 1821 signed by the President of the United States. Filings of this sales were recorded in the established Southern Indiana Courthouses. The Indiana immigrants came across following the Whetzell Trace and an old Indian Trail leading to the mouth of Kentucky and Ohio. Along these trails and traces came Jacob Whetzell and John Vawter, the earliest settlers of Johnson County, the former Franklin County and later Madison. The pioneers of Marion, Johnson, Shelby and Bartholomew Counties reached the Ohio River by three routes. PART TWO:Important trace trails (later to be called roads) led from Yellowbanks, North through Spencer County, Dubois to Washington. Also, from Troy to Paoli; from Leavenworth to Paoli. Then there was Mauck's Ferry (Mauxferry) via Corydon, Salem, Vallonia, Columbus, and Franklin to Indianapolis. Also, from Madison to Columbus and from Madison to Greensburg and lastly from Cincinnati (whitewater road) to Indianapolis. Much later the National Road was utilized. With the exception of the National Road and Vincennes Road all the roads mentioned above were traces through the rough forest terrain. A stranger most of the time might count himself fortunate if he were not "lost" half the time. Summary Bottom-line: Present day State of Indiana Highway 7 is located from Madison to Columbus and interconnects with State of Indiana Highway 46. Road 7 goes North and South and Highway 46 goes East and West. All were important traces, and trails prior to development of towns after 1819 and forward. General Tipton wasn't happy with Bartholomew County and Columbus because his name was abandoned. The Driftwood River and Flatrock River join in Columbus to form the East fork of the White River. Mauck's Ferry (Mauxferry) Road was one of the most traveled and vital road systems developed by the pioneers. Mr. Jacob Whetzell, an ex-revolutionary soldier, cut a path through the woods from Brookville to the bluffs on White River, and passing through the center of Shelby county. In November 1818, the trace crossed the Blue River. There he determined to settle, and began at once to erect a log cabin, into which his family entered in the month January, 1819. In further response, the Ohio River travel mode was utilized to help settle and build all of Indiana, not just one specific road as suggested to a developing village. Without, flatboats, rafts, boats and the tremendous drive of immigrants nothing would have been developed. Keep in mind the Bartholomew County area was not freed of Indians until the New Purchase Treaty of 1818. Ohio River Drawing 1783 to 1801: The drawing provides a realistic picture of the busy Ohio River separating Kentucky and Indiana during that period before Indiana was opened for pioneer settlements. The drawing shows the transportation modes of flatboats, rafts, and boats. This is in harmony with the river and traces from the river banks to further development of Indiana all the way to Bartholomew County Indiana. The picture is actually Limestone (now renamed Maysville Kentucky). Many Columbus and Bartholomew County immigrants used Maysville as stepping stone into the state. The Mauck’s Ferry Road (Mauxferry) originally started at the edge of the Ohio River in Mauckport Indiana, through Corydon (the capital), Salem, Brownstown, Columbus, Franklin, Greenwood to Indianapolis Sources: Madison Indiana Republican, October 17, 1818; Western Sun, May 16, 1818; Journal of a Tour to the United States 1823; Centinel April 15, 1820, Indiana Gazetteer, 1849. Lastly, Indiana professor 1918 Indiana University, and Brant & Fuller (pubs) History of Bartholomew County Indiana (Chicago 1888). Picture from family document published in year 2000.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 28, 2007 10:28:54 GMT -5
Mauxferry Road (Mauck’s Ferry) History Overview Road expansions North after 1820s Camp Atterbury Mauxferry RoadMauxferry Road is one of the oldest pioneer roads in Indiana history. The name has been changed many times and called various names. It originated in present Mauckport Indiana that is located South on the Ohio River. Mauckport is South of the original state capital of Corydon Indiana. Historically, the insert of the word “ferry” into the word Mauxferry is derived from ferrying boats and flatboat activities probably from Kentucky and in general from the Madison Indiana area to the more developed road to the North in Indiana. The road has been called the “Mocks Ferry Road, The Madison Road, Mauck’s Ferry Road and the Mauxferry Road." In any event it dates back before 1820s and was a main artery road to immigrants going north. The Mauck’s Ferry Road (Mauxferry) originally started at the edge of the Ohio River in Mauckport Indiana, through Corydon (the capital), Salem, Brownstown, Columbus, Franklin, Greenwood to Indianapolis. In more developed years, Mauckport was known as the “steamboat landing” for ferries and boats. The Mauxferry Road in today’s viewing would be mostly State Road 135 in general, with some deviations. The pioneer road directions crossed over present State Road 46 which is on the West side of present I-65. Its route surfaced Brown County and the Army Base of Atterbury. It continued from the Columbus area into the Franklin Indiana terrain, and eventually linked up to present US 31 somewhere around Franklin and Greenwood road terrain. Historically once in the Indianapolis area it was called the Madison Road and in fact the Madison Street of Indianapolis is named after its road history. The pioneer road was of course unpaved for many decades and was utilized by immigrants, oxen, horses, wagons, stagecoaches, marching American war veterans returning from the Mexican War. As the years progressed the road in general has lost its natural dirt texture and has yielded to the asphalts, concretes and automobiles of today. Stories of past indicated the wild life observances of deer, rabbits and the like were numerous for the settlers to enrich their appetites, during the drive and construction of immigrants settlements. Picture & some details: Provided by my brother
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 29, 2007 10:34:16 GMT -5
Confirmation of Traces/Trails and Roads North From Ohio River (Mauxferry Road)Additional Comments Added At Bottom of Page Map is 1828 from Mauckport (Mauxferry) to Indianapolis in Yellow There have been some questions and possible doubts, about the validity of settlers movement from the Ohio River going North in Indiana. I have researched separate publications or sources to provide this view of the struggles of their endeavors to reach and settle in Bartholomew County during 1819 and 1820 time frames. The information is available in books and articles which provides the reinforcement of what was stated in 1800s Historical Message Board Posts numbers 161 and 162. First, for simplicity the word “trace” was a path/trail made by either Indians or adventurous immigrants. All “roads” in the early 1800s were referred to as a trail or trace and later called a road. In general they were dirt traces and paths without bridges. Historically, traces and paths were recorded in sizes of 18-48 feet at times in places. There were three main traces (later called roads) from the Ohio River leading north, which included Bartholomew County Indiana sealed by name in 1821. Prior to the establishment of the county these three traces were used by pioneers to establish their settlements. The three routes were: (1) From Mauck’s Ferry (Mauxferry) via Corydon, Salem, Vallonia, Columbus and Franklin to Indianapolis. (See note A below) (2) From New Albany, via Salem, Orleans, Bedford, Bloomington, and Gosport to the Walbash or to Indianapolis. (See note A below) (3) From Madison to Columbus and also Madison to Greensburg. (See note A below) Also, there was a trace (road) used from Cincinnati-Whitewater to Indianapolis. Much later the National Road was utilized which was improved from the crudeness. A separate source of confirmation: Quote: “Some immigrants followed Driftwood from Vallonia and Brownstown to Haw Patch, Jonesville, and Flat Rock settlements in Bartholomew County before 1820.” End Quote. (See note B below) Sources and note legend: (A) D. D. Banta, A Historical Sketch of Johnson County; History of Indiana pg. 276 Logan Easrey PhD, Prof. Indiana University (B) Into The Hills, Indiana History Volume I dated 1924 Comments: The above Map of 1828 reflects some trails and towns from the Ohio River. I compared this 1828 Map to a larger Indiana Trail/Trace Map dated 1834 and found that the yellowed area above is very close to the written described Mauxferry Road from Mauckport (Mauxferry) Indiana en-route via Corydon, Salem, Vallonia, Brownstown, Columbus, Franklin and on into Indianapolis. Keep in mind that Maps of this age are somewhat crude compared to todays very defined maps, but it is the best estimate I could find and put together. If anyone has a better detailed map of this subject please post it or contact any of the board members or posters. It is noteworthy that the road went West of Seymour and very close to Jonesville and curved back up to the West side of Columbus. Additionally, the road entered present day US 31 below the core of Franklin and seemed to continue on using the present day US 31 road.
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Post by RER on Dec 30, 2007 12:34:23 GMT -5
The Three Main Trails and Roads Leading To Bartholomew County IndianaThis review correlates to post replies 161, 162 and 163 within the section “Life in The 1800s”. Previously, we reviewed briefly three main pioneer travel directions to arrive in the Bartholomew County area. The map below is the trails/traces and later to become roads somewhat from the early 1820s in this conversation. For ease of following in this presentation I have used additional colors on the map with explanations and a brief story. The Legend of colors and explanations are below the map. The map is only a partial of Indiana because we are reviewing mostly the settlers migration paths to the Ohio River and across into Indiana and finally to the future Bartholomew County settlements. Black Line: This weaving (snake like) is the Ohio River. Below the black line is Kentucky and above the black line is the portion of Indiana in discussion. The Ohio River was used by flatboats, rafts, boats, ferry and the like to travel from the far Eastern Ohio River even from Pennsylvania. Some settled in Kentucky as we know and many pushed on into Indiana either earlier or later. Yellow Line in Kentucky: This yellow line shows the trace and path next to the Ohio River. The pioneers used this direction all the way south/west and arrived across from Muackport (Mauxferry) Indiana. Please note that the trace/trail direction did not show crossing the Ohio River in general until the immigrants arrived across the river from Mauckport Indiana. The closest Kentucky town today at that location would be maybe Brandenburg Kentucky. This confirms somewhat that the pilgrims used the Mauxferry Indiana ferry boats to cross the Ohio at that location. Teal Small Dot on Kentucky Side: The teal dot is the present day Louisville Kentucky area. Orange Line near Ohio River Indiana Side: This is the location of Mauckport Indiana where the ferry boats provided transportation up and down the Ohio River area. It is assumed it provided transportation from Kentucky locations to designated docking areas. Mauckport Indiana was the primary docking location and control area. Orange Line at Top Indiana Side: This is the Columbus Indiana area and the future Bartholomew County area. Yellow Line in Indiana: Yellow Line in Indiana: The yellow line running South to North is the Mauxferry Road from Mauckport to Bartholomew County Indiana. Keep in mind this map portion is dated 1834, so we are not talking Rand McNally Maps here. Pink Lines in Indiana: The left lower pink line is a trace/trail from New Albany Indiana area connecting to the Mauxferry Road. The other pink line to the right of the other pink line is the trace/trail from Jeffersonville Indiana connecting to the Mauxferry Road. Teal Line in Indiana: This teal colored line is showing the trace/trail from Madison Indiana to Bartholomew County Indiana. Now keep in mind here this map is drawn in 1834 not 1828. So this trace/trail’s age is unknown in a time period of establishment. Remember, previous post referred herein indicated that there was a trace or roads leading to Columbus and Greensburg. This is only showing the relationship of Madison to Columbus area trace. ________________________________________________ Comments: Now this year of 2007 there is much deviations of the the original traces, trails and pioneer roads. It becomes clouded in areas, but some places have footprints of the past as you travel in southern Indiana. Some traces, trails and roads have portions of there establishment and some have disappeared some like Army Atterbury. I have tried to place what I call my "guesstimate" or best guess to what roads of today may, and I repeat may relate to some of the three mentioned in this post. So, for my best guess try this because it might be close to actuality. One: From Mauckport Indiana State Road 135 is more or less mostly the Muaxferry Road direction until you reach Brownstown and then it deviates North and comes out on the West side of Columbus. Two: From New Albany Indiana using US Highway 150 linking up with State Road 135 looks mighty close to the connection going North. Three: From Jeffersonville Indiana using State Road 60 up to State Road 135 looks mighty close to the connection North. Four: From Madison Indiana using State Road 7 to Columbus is mighty, mighty realistic and close. In any event we are talking about the early 1800s and pioneers and our families in many cases. It is very difficult to analyze and present what we have here, but this is very close to my readings of many hours in books, articles, newspapers and family writings. I only hope you enjoyed the compressed reviews of the last four posts relative to traces, trails, and roads "of olden days".
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Post by richard on Dec 30, 2007 13:17:58 GMT -5
This picture is in the Book, ‘Bartholomew County, Steps Through Time’, which is still for sale by The Republic, however, the published picture is cropped. The book states that this barn was built in 1888 so I’ve placed it in the 1880's thread. I believe this round barn was one of the most photographed scenes in this area. I do not recall seeing the names of the man and girl at any time. My research is that the man in this picture is Mr. Edward May. Ed May was born November 29, 1878, the son of Thomas and Martha Seward May about two miles north of Petersville Indiana. Edward May married Adelle Petree in 1900 and he is who built this round barn. The girl in the picture is Martha Mildred May who was born in 1902 and was named after her daddy’s mother. I’ll let you guess the age of Martha Mildred to date this picture! Over the years, most people thought it was Pat Hickey in the picture as he and Zora Stuckey Hickey lived there for many years. For some unknown reason Ed May took his life on June 2, 1918. His widow Adelle Petree May and daughter Martha Mildred, moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Adelle remarried to Frank Denton and they lived in Manitou Springs, Colorado which is a few miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Martha Mildred May married Horace S. Polly Jr. and also lived in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Martha Mildred May Polly passed away in 1970 with cancer. This barn was located on the west side of State Road # nine, just south of the first East and West running road South of the Junction of State Road # nine and State Road # forty-six. This picture and information, Courtesy of Charles Snyder
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Post by richard on Jan 4, 2008 17:53:19 GMT -5
This picture is of the birthplace of Mr. Edward May, owner of the round barn. See reply # 165 in this thread. This home was owned by Ed May’s father, Thomas May and mother Mrs. Martha Steward May. This house and barns are no longer standing. They lived on 968 acres on what is now Bartholomew County Road 575 East Northeast of Petersville. This picture and information, Courtesy of Charles Snyder
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RER
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Post by RER on Jan 7, 2008 12:50:44 GMT -5
The Strong, the Tough, the Compassionate, the Charitable, the Ingenious, the Ingenuities, the Spiritual, the Rough, the Man, and FamilyThese words describe the make-up of pioneers traveling from the Ohio River to settle in all parts of southern Indiana during 1821 and earlier. By analysis of each word a person can sit back and related the whole person or family and their basic characters and personalities during those struggles to protect, provide and sustain life. Conversely, today’s make-up of these elements have sustained themselves to a degree, but not as profound as the forefathers. The settlers believed and practiced community work and efforts, but there was an individual score kept. For example, a man who didn’t help his neighbor roll logs for clearing his farm received no help in return. The only exception it seems, would be for charity or personal injuries by someone; yielding him incapable of labor. It has been recorded that folks of that period were more charitable than any time in history. Settlers would borrow and loan with the greatest freedom; everything from a team of horses, wagons down to a set of pewter spoons. However, in contrast little partnership was shown in the ownership of property. Each family lived to itself in general and had no urgent desire to have close neighbors. The pioneers in general including Bartholomew County settlements located their home preferably on a hillside near a river or creek for water supply. All of southern Indiana was well supplied with springs and water sources for house development. The pioneer’s house depended greatly on the man’s arrival time and his character. The man usually came to the chosen settlement area ahead of his wife and family. He planted his crop and proceeded to build his home. The community worked together in team style to overcome the burdens of single labor accomplishments. Initial shelter consisted of “half-faced” camps with logs placed in three sides and the opening normally of an animal skin. The opening normally faced south and the floor was covered with furs and skins. This makeshift shelter was the first until the log cabin was started or built. The families moved to the settlement timed by the man’s decision and his pre-accomplishments. In 1820 only 10 percent of Indiana settlers/families had a cook stove. By 1840 approximately 20 percent of the pioneers had cook stoves. The immigrants that trudged through the terrain from the Ohio River (or even Northeast) were fortunate, if he got through with a skillet or a pot. A “spider skillet” and sometimes with a lid and earthen clay pots were more common family items. The meat was cooked on mostly a spit on an open fire. Practically, all bread was made of meal. All cooking was done over coals taken from the fireplace. Cornbread was very common and baked in the large skillet, if the family had one. If no skillet then “Johnnycakes” were baked on a wooden board. If there was no board then the farm hoe handle would be taken off and the metal covered with corn dough and cooked. This was known in history terms as the “hoecake”. So, by seeing the examples just conveyed you can appreciate the title above: The Strong, the Tough, the Compassionate, the Charitable, the Ingenious, the Ingenuities, the Spiritual, the Rough, the Man, and Family.
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RER
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Post by RER on Jan 10, 2008 15:49:26 GMT -5
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Post by RER on Feb 1, 2008 19:05:06 GMT -5
Establishment Of Income & Homestead Struggles 1820s ForwardA. Tross was the last of the Columbus Pelt Processors Fur CoatSettlers in general established their homes in and around Bartholomew County mostly “empty handed.” While clearing and planting crops was a big job for them, they had to survive and have an income to pay for the land they had claimed legally. Many of the pioneers paid for their land with money they obtained from selling animal pelts and hams of deer venison. The struggling settler’s utilized dogs, traps and flintlock rifles to satisfy their catch for food, trade and money. The Indiana woods and forests were overwhelmed with wild game for their enrichment and support. Deer, bears, turkeys, pigeons and ducks were plentiful. When the corn grew to maturity the deer would be found in droves. Settlers that were fortunate to have sheep and hogs were constantly on the lookout for preying wolves. Believe it or not one of the last places in Columbus Indiana that bought animal pelts was A. Tross located on Washington Street, across from the Bartholomew County Court House. Mr. Tross bought the pelts and in turn would have a company in other location make furred gloves and hats for sales in his store. The reason I am aware that A. Tross was probably the last of his trade to do this was because my father sold on the side from his main job, pelts to Mr. Tross in the rear of his store. So, from the early 1820s forward the hunting of wild game was commonplace in and around Bartholomew County. It can be determined that many businesses probably bought and processed animal pelts for clothing wear. However, A. Tross was still buying animal pelts in the 1940s as confirmed by my father. So, in summary game food was the norm for many years as was animal pelt sales. Animal skins and furs processing in the County area sustained itself for at least 120 years, and maybe more. Additional Information Within: A. Tross's building was built around 1880. Mr. Aaron Tross (A. Tross) started his business around 1920 and died in 1954. Nanc has written a good summary about Mr. Tross at: Re: A. Tross & Sons « Reply #5 on 6/3/06 at 9:28 ». You can use the search feature of this web site to find more information about A. Tross. Picture source: Partial picuture of Richard's A. Tross building picture
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 3, 2008 10:29:24 GMT -5
Indiana Book With Mauxferry Road Details Longest State Road During Construction Between 1823-1824
This is an older book called "The Atterbury File" and within the pages are 4 pages that provide the history of the Mauxferry 125 mile road. The book has 376 pages of mostly Atterbury information, but references the historical road.
The book was written by students of the Custer Baker Middle School Franklin Indiana in 1983. The book is very hard to find and a relative purchased it used for about $45 several months ago.
Apparently, the road from the Ohio River area was destined to arrive in the new Capital of Indianapolis Indiana during those early years.
Traces of the road and its history are tough to find. Traces of Mauxferry Road are still found today West of Columbus and on Camp Atterbury; then North of the camp going toward Franklin Indiana. Google Earth traces the road from Camp Atterbury to a connection on present day US Highway 31 going north.
Interesting in the book is that my grandmother and one uncle were interviewed discussing the road. Their memories were related before the camp was built in 1942. Many families moved from that property to yield to the Army Camp construction. My brother several years ago visited the camp and was toured by the commander at that time. He states that at that time, there were still road signs saying Mauxferry Road.
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Post by RER on Feb 4, 2008 18:00:48 GMT -5
How Much Indiana History Has Been Buried or Lost?Azalia of Bartholomew County Was The State Capital For One NightAs some of you readers have observed I have written things about the early paths, traces and road systems of Indiana from the Ohio River edge going North toward present day Indianapolis. Another gentleman named Jay (that has posted on the board herein) has spent about 4 months trying to find Indiana road history in many books. I have been into the Congressional files and Library of Congress to dig out any information relative to the road system from 1820 to 1824. It seems somewhere in that page of history it is not there; because the page almost draws a blank. I further went to the Indiana Historical Society and another blank fell out of the blank book of history. Now, Mr. Jay (I will refer to him) says he has worked trying to find the history of the oldest road in Indiana. He and I believe that the Mauxferry Road ( or spelling Mauck's Ferry, Mauckport Road) is the oldest in the state. He emphasizes that the road was built during 1823 and 1824 which confirms what little I have found. Now, the kid's project from the Custer Baker Middle School of Franklin Indiana seem to know more about the road than Indiana History Books. Now, today I went back to the Library of Congress files and found in the House of Representatives, a brief mention of allocating money that was collected from Indiana land sales for construction of roads to Indiana. However, this was not a confirmation of appropriations for the Mauxferry Road to Indianapolis. You know, I have troubled thoughts at times when history is re-written to satisfy the writer and a few history elites, but this is a puzzle. You probably say "so what" well that is the easy way out of the missing history question or mystery. Jay has indicated that he insists that the Mauxferry Road was built during the period above to reach the newly on-going construction of Indianapolis. It was built because the Capital was moving from Corydon. He expresses that the road was not just for settlers use, but better terrain for freight wagon and movement of material necessary for the building of the new Capital of Indiana. Lastly, Jay says the Mauxferry Road is older than the National Highway of 1838 and the Michigan Highway of 1832. So, I ask you and anyone that is a history buff: What happened to the details of the oldest road in Indiana? As Jay said to me in closing. "If the first Indiana Road is not in our history books, it makes me wonder what else should be in them? I can suppose if more information had been available throughout Indiana History on this subject, at least some historical sign might have been placed in West Columbus providing the significance of the Mauxferry Road. Then again maybe someone will come up with a comprehensive or composite review of the lost history. There is a story out there but I can't confirm it. Some things you read of course says General Tipton was upset with Bartholomew County and the Columbus area and directed a road to by-pass it. Who knows? History Comment: When the State Capital was moved from Corydon Indiana to Indianapolis Indiana, the State Records stayed for the night (during 1825), north of Azalia making that location a temporary State Capital for one day. This would be far from the Mauxferry Road. Why did they go off the path of Mauxferry Road or did the road go through Azalia? Don't know the reason.Picture source & comment: Partial of George's posted picture of Mauxferry Road at Atterbury. Photo taken by Eric Wertz (8th grade). George reminded me of the Azalia State Capital thing.
Comment: Mr. Eric Wertz is still active today promoting the book printed several times by the school.
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Post by RER on Feb 9, 2008 23:56:10 GMT -5
The Name Joseph Hart Is Not The Youth Camp Hart FamilyAmerican Revolution War Member Joseph Hart 200 Year Memorial Placed Near 2nd & Jackson StreetThis Joseph Hart fought in the American Revolutionary War. Web Site For This Joseph Hart: hart.paintrock.net/docs/chap1.htmThere are 18 names on the memorial including Joseph Hart. At the bottom of the brass plate it indicates that the Daughters of the American Revolution had a Chapter in Bartholomew County under Joseph Hart name. As you can see Mr. Lowell Engelking's name is at the bottom as the donated person. Comment: Anyone with family names and relations on this Revolutionary Memorial are eligible for induction in the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution. The paperwork is a considerable amount of work and rejections several times is common until satisfied.Brief On Engelking Name:Mr. Lowell Engelking had a Corporation located at 1537 Hutchins Street Columbus Indiana. It was listed in the 1953 business directory and is remains in business today, I assume. Sometime in 1958 Mr. Lowell Engelking family donated 40 more acres to the Youth Camp complex. Then at some point Lowell Engelking provided the Bartholomew County Courthouse lawn with a memorial dedicated to the Bartholomew County American revolution Soldiers buried in the County. Once again, don't confuse the two Hart names, they are different but in the same time period of coming to Indiana. I apoligize for any confusion. Youth Camp Hart Family (not related): The Isaac and Joseph Hart's of Youth Camp came to America in 1780 from Ireland. The last Revoutionary War Battle was in Kentucky in about 1782. The Joseph Hart mentioned on the brass plate came from Scotch-Irish background in 1735 to America. I have always been told the two families were not related, but whom am I to say. Interesting that in Camden South Carolina (a revolutionary battle field area) that a Hart Family history sign is posted downtown. Picture Source: Kindly provided by Richard. This post was revised today to try to put history in th right direction.
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Post by RER on Feb 16, 2008 15:59:11 GMT -5
John George (J. G.) Schwartzkopf Columbus Business Man, Innovator & CreatorOwner of Opera House, Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, Wagon Factory & SalesLived & Worked Downtown Columbus For Fifty Years (1859-1909) Population in Columbus 1860 Was Less Than 2000 Citizens 1835-1909J. G. Schwartzkopf came to Columbus in 1859 and started a Wagon Factory & Blacksmith Service on Jackson Street. He was born July 27, 1835 in Wissgoldingen, Germany, and came to the United States in 1851. Mr. Schwartkopf was apparently a man of fine opera of the arts and established the "Schwartkopf Opera House" per David Sechrest's research. During his life in Columbus he built his house on the Mount Tipton area near the end of 3rd Street before any bridge over the White River was ever constructed. His Wagon Factory and Services were established within walking distance from his home on Jackson Street between 2nd and 3rd Street. My research reveals his business sold wagons and plows. That comparable business location in the 1950s was the Oldsmobile Vehicle Dealership of the past. The 1868 Bartholomew County Business Directory places the business on Jackson Street. The 1879 Atlas provided by David Sechrest within this board reflects the partial birds eye view drawing below. The drawing has been enlarged for your viewing and further understanding. The colors below are highlighted to draw your attention to the relationship of his home and business on Jackson Street. The far left yellow was his home. The right direction yellow was the Wagon Factory and Blacksmith services. The Blue color is to show the the relationship of the business to the backside of the Bartholomew County Court House. The orange color is Washington Street. Comment: I had the privilege of knowing Paul Schwartzkopf during all of my high school days. He was a fine person and a friend as soon as you talked to him. A personality plus, and a National Honor Student. I suspect these folks are in his family history. For More On Schwartkzopf (David Sechrest's Info): www.historiccolumbusindiana.org/schwartzkopf/schwartzkopf.htmSources: Research, Bartholomew County Business Directory 1868, Atlas dated 1879 David Sechrest, pictures research and sized for posting. History of Columbus Indiana. The 1868 Directory shows a Schwartzkopof saloon on 3rd Street (called Tipton Street at the time).
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 17, 2008 13:14:58 GMT -5
The "Brockman" Name In Early Columbus IndianaIn 1860 There were A Little Over 1800 Folks Living Around Columbus"Shall we endeavor to build our city to bigger things?"Interesting history surrounded the Brockman name during the early years of Columbus development. There is a sequence of family relationships and businesses that stemmed from this not as famous name. Here is what I have found: -During the early 1860s there was a Planing Mill Company, located on 3rd and Pearl Street called Perkinson & Brockman Company. Planing is the procedure of smoothing or leveling of wood/lumber with a plane. -Listed in 1878 there was a a Brockman & Tompkins Company that performed construction and contracting work. They also sold wooden doors, sashes and wooden blinds. They were located on the corner of 3rd & Pearl Street. -Also shown in 1878 was a Keller & Brockman Company lumber yard adjacent to the railroad tracks at the corner of 3rd and Lafayette Streets. -That same year a huge area was shown on maps located at 1st and Pearl Street. An assumption can be made that this was equipment and lumber storage for the various businesses related to construction in and around the early city of Columbus. With the convenience of offloading railroad hauled lumber at one area and storing large loads near by, the business had life. In this sequence the only name that keeps surfacing is "Brockman" then partnerships with names like Perkinson, Keller and lastly Tompkins. Th reasoning here is that these names were instrumental in construction of homes, businesses, and sales of wooden products and lumber. Within a Negro or African American web page the Brockman & Tompkins construction and contracting company apparently provided employment to these citizens. Bartholomew County was one of several counties during that period that had a small population of the black culture according to my research. AdvertisementComment: I am pleased to see they "dressed" the lumber in those days. Smile please! Legend of colors below: Pink (left) Washington Street, Orange is present day Lafayette Street, Long blue or Teal line (right) is Pearl Street of today, Top blue (teal) color square is Irwin house and gardens, and yellow middle left is Keller & Brockman Lumber, next to it on corner of 3rd and Pearl Streets is yellow Brockman & Tompkins Company and last at lower right in yellow is Keller & Brockman. Map Partial 1879Comment: If anyone has additional information on anything posted here, it would be nice to hear from you. Also, if you know anything about the other names connected to the Brockman businesses it would be greatly appreciated.Sources: Indiana Historical Society Indianapolis, 1868 Columbus Business Directory, Atlas 1879 map partial of David Sechrest's research within this historical postings.
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 17, 2008 18:34:13 GMT -5
More On Keller & Brockman Company (The Brockman Name) Located 3rd and Lafayette Streets & 1st and Pearl StreetsYear For This Construction 1875National Register of Historic Places Lists Keller and Brockman as the Architects, engineers and builders of this famous house on Jonesville Road Columbus Indiana.Bartholomew County National Register Places:Aikens, David, House (added 2001 - Building - #01000621) Also known as Old Manse 2325 Jonesville Rd., Columbus Indiana Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering Architect, builder, or engineer: Keller and Brockman Architectural Style: Other, Italianate Area of Significance: Architecture, Agriculture Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924 Owner: Private __________________________________________________ Also interesting is the name James W. Perkinson. There was a company with the Brockman name called Perkinson & Brockman Company. Not sure if the James W. Perkinson below was the same in that company, but if so the house below is also in the National Register. Newsom--Marr Farm (added 2002 - Building - #02000195) 4950 S 150 E, Columbus Indiana Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering Architect, builder, or engineer: Perkinson, James W. Architectural Style: Other, Second Empire Area of Significance: Agriculture, Architecture Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 1900-1924 Owner: Private _________________________________________________ Go here to read the Bartholomew County places on the National Register: www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/IN/Bartholomew/state.html
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 18, 2008 10:08:00 GMT -5
Old City Hall & Garland Brook Cemetery Have "Brockman" Name Connections, Also Tompkins Name Arrives On The Historical Construction Scene Remember the Brockman & Tompkins Company @ Previous PostsCompany Located on 3rd & Pearl Street Long AgoApparently, the Old City Hall which is now the Columbus Inn Bed & Breakfast was constructed by three names and they are Brockman, Tompkins and Louden. Design engineer is probably a little more presented in history names and that was Charles F. Sparrell. The building is posted on the National Historical Register. The Columbus Inn has 29 rooms and five suites. All rooms have a period style wall covering and upholstered fabrics that are reproductions of the documented designs. The Brockman, Louden, and Thompkins suites are named after the builders. They are furnished in American Empire decor. There are five suites. The Sparrell Suite, named after Charles F. Sparrell (The Architect who designed the building), is a 1200 square foot suite with one and one half baths and a queen bed. All the furnishings in the suite are original antiques except the desk. Built in 1895Brockman Name Garland Brook Connection: Historically, the Brockman name relates to the Sextons at the cemetery. Also, Mr. William Brockman was the treasurer at some point of the cemetery development. Garland Brook Address: 922 North Gladstone Columbus Indiana Sources: Knowledge from my brother, Columbus Inn web site, Richards picture of stone at cemetery, and building picture stored in files. Interesting it took 3 people in three different states to put this story together. Thanks all!
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 19, 2008 17:13:55 GMT -5
Caldwell & Drake Iron Works CompanyColumbus Indiana Forgotten Company of Columbus Indiana that Most Have Never Heard Of During Our LifetimePersonally, I had never imagined such a huge company in Columbus and branches nationwide during the late 1800s. They built many homes, hotels, courthouses, and several large building for the 1904 World Fair in Louisiana. They started businesses in Columbus Indiana in 1887 and forward into the 1900s. Researching this company was a little tough, but I will try to bring at least a small overview of this large company. I went to David Sechrest's other historical site and found no written words about this place. I have never seen anything on the company and the names connected to its successes in business in Columbus articles or books. It makes you wonder for what reason? The primary names behind this company and a few others are George W. Caldwell and Lester Drake of Columbus. The success of any company is a person with motivation, drive, education, ingenuity, creativity and self-satisfaction among other words we could add I suppose. Mr. Caldwell was born in August 16, 1860 on a farm near Sunbery, Ohio. His family apparently migrated from Pennsylvania. The story flow of the family is long so at the end of this post I will post the web site you can read. Mr. Caldwell came to Columbus in 1887 involved in insurance and real estate businesses. He supposedly had the largest insurance and real estate business around. The Columbus Maple Grove housing development was largely handled by him as the story goes. He formed a partnership with B.M. Hutchins in real estate, contracting and construction for about three years. During that period the company constructed 147 houses and made a profit of $85,000 (sizable amount in those days). Mr. Hutchins retired after the 3 year surge and Mr. Lester Drake joined with George Caldwell to continue in business adventures. At some point the two started Caldwell & Drake Iron Works of Columbus Indiana. They also opened the same named company in St. Louis, Missouri and Mr. Caldwell's brother was the primary director of that branch of the business. See Note 1The Caldwell & Drake Iron Works Company built two very large buildings for the Louisiana Purchase World Fair. Here are the two buildings:First Picture Is: Palace of Horticulture (World Fair) Second Picture Is: Palace of Agriculture (World Fair) Builder Caldwell & Drake Co. Columbus In. Builder Caldwell & Drake Co. St. LouisRead Comprehensive Overview Here:ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/in/bartholomew/bios/caldwell389nbs.txtGo Here Pictures Of Owners & Company:www.historiccolumbusindiana.org/bcd1903-1904/cover.aspNote 1: Directory Bartholomew County Indiana 1903-1904. I suppose if you looked in this book it may give a overview of the company.
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 25, 2008 1:02:09 GMT -5
Change Of Hart Or Was That Heart? Hart Family Connection To Columbus Youth Camp Grounds
Sorry, but I had to change some Columbus Youth Camp history today in the 1800s posts. I try to keep the history I write as accurate as I know and research. If you review the 1800s Youth Camp you will find some posts have changed in a small way. The family "Big House" of the camp related to the Isaac Hart family has not changed much, it was the certificate of President James Monroe could not be totaled verified by the same "Hart" family. The certificate may have been the Hart family near Clifty Creek of Columbus which was not related to the Youth Camp Hart family.
However, the Evening Republican newspaper article quoted in one post says President James Monroe as the person that granted the land at Youth Camp. Further, family members during my younger and later years said the same of President James Monroe' actions. Being this is 2008 and all persons that really knew the story are deceased, it becomes cumbersome to write something over 177 years ago. You can read letters and books which I have, and it becomes somewhat clouded on a clear day.
I apologize if I am incorrect in my writings; if I am truly incorrect. Conversely, I do try to be accurate in what I write on these Historical Message Boards.
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 25, 2008 11:03:11 GMT -5
The "Brockman Name" Is Dropped On Historical Building TopThe Brockman name historically related to real estate and construction as I have written before under the 1800s.The Zaharoko's Confectionery and Soda business known as the "Greeks" is housed in the Brockman building at 329 Washington Street Columbus Indiana. The building was built during the latter part of the 1800s. The "Greeks" have been in the building since 1900 and is no longer under the Zaharoko ownership, but is scheduled to reopen to my understanding. Here are two pictures to show the deletion of the upper facing of the buildings over a span of 108 years. Comment: The 1953 Directory still listed Frank P. Brockman under the same address of 329 1/2 Washington Street indicating Real Estate. The removal of the F.P. Brockman name and the date is unknown. Colored Picture: Furnished by Richard and we thank him.
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