From the History
of Vigo and Parke Counties, together with Historic Notes on the Wabash
Valley, by H. W. Beckwith. Chicago: H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Publishers,
1880.
page 403 to 410
Riley township is situated
on the eastern side of the county, its boundaries being Lost Creek township
on the north, Clay county on the east, Pierson township on the south, and
Honey Creek township on the west. It contains thirty-six sections of magnificent
land, fenced off into large and carefully cultivated farms, and is thickly
dotted with handsome residences and commodious farm buildings, while numerous
droves of cattle, sheep and hogs roam in rich pastures, the whole forming
a picture of taste and wealth unexcelled in the county. The township is
well watered by the stream known as Little Honey creek, and its tributaries
which flow in a southwesterly direction through it; it consists of equal
portions of timber and prairie land, though little is now left of the former
but small groves, which have been retained for fencing and firewood.
The
earliest settlers located in the timber and upon the highest land, avoiding
the prairie on account of its marshy nature and consequent unhealthiness,
in fact at that time it was not considered possible that it ever could
be settled upon as farming land. The only way in which it could be utilized
in their mind was as pasture land. The first settlement within the boundaries
of this township were made near the southern line in 1818, when Samuel
John and William Ray arrived with their families, being accompanied by
John Pierce, Caleb Trueblood, and William Harris. At this time the Indians
were still in possession of the country. On arriving here the Ray family
erected a kind of stockade to guard against the surprise by their aboriginal
neighbors until they got their cabin erected, and slept with their rifles
at the head of their beds. On one occasion Grandfather Ray got up in night
to look after the horses which were making some noise, and on returning
stumbled, and woke his son, William, who, thinking that the Indians were
entering the camp, jumped out of bed, seized his rifle and demanded who
was there. The old gentleman being somewhat flurried with his fall did
not make immediate reply, and William was in the act of pressing the trigger,
when the thought flashed upon him that it might be his father or brothers;
so he hailed again, when to his horror he found that he had been within
an ace of killing his father. The Indians, however, did them no harm beyond
frightening them, yet all were well pleased when they moved away, the women
folks particularly being glad of the exodus, as they lived in dread of
some of the children being carried off, two little boys having been kidnapped
from the Prairieton neighborhood sometime before [family tradition says
one of these little boys was my ggg grandfather, James G. Strain who was
recovered without harm].
Soon
after 1818 Deacon Jackson and family arrived, accompanied by his son John
and his family. The next to settle were Samuel and James Thompson, who
arrived in 1822, and were shortly followed by Thomas Green, Isaac Pierce,
John Harkness and Ferrill. At a later period arrived the members of the
settlement east of where Lockport now stands, among whom were David S.
and Nathaniel Lee, John Reece, George Armstrong, Davis Toby, Reason T.
Mattox, David Holston, and George and William Brill.
The
settlers in the northern division began to immigrate about 1830, among
the earliest being John Rector Stephen Hawley, John McGriff, Thomas and
Benjamin McWhinney, Joshua and Elisha Wyeth, Martin Bratt and Phillips,
the majority of them hailing from Ohio and eastern Indiana. The first deaths
which occurred in the township were those of John Ray (uncle to Mr. John
Ray, at present residing here) and his son Elias. They had gone to a neighbor's
two or three miles off to grind their axes and grubbing-hoes. The day being
cloudy and threatening storm, they did not notice that it was so late until
darkness settled upon them before they had got far on their way home. The
storm of snow and sleet which had been hovering around all day broke at
last, and the driving snow blinded them so that they lost their way and
wandered aimlessly around until exhausted, when the terrible cold finished
the work. Next day they were discovered frozen to death by their sorrowing
relatives and friends. We are unable to give the date of the occurrence,
as our informant, Mr. Ray, was very young at the time it took place. It
was, however, shortly after their arrival here.
Many
were the vicissitudes, dangers and privations experienced by those pioneers,
often without bread, in fact biscuit or flour bread was rarely seen, while
coffee and tea were the rarest luxuries, only indulged in on great occasions,
and were articles to dream and talk about. Owing to the distance to mill,
and the lack of roads, even cornmeal was a rarity, the greater portion
of the time their bread was made from corn which had been pounded in a
mortar. The great difficulty was in getting sieves; the best substitute
they had being a piece of deer skin, with the hair off, stretched upon
a hoop, and punched full of little holes with a hot wire. The finer particles
which passed through this were used for baking purposes, while the larger
were boiled and eaten like rice. After a year or two they obtained a small
grinder which was operated by hand. This was an improvement on the mortar,
but at the best was a slow process. The most of the settlers here being
religious men, would not grind on Sunday, so Saturday used to be a day
of hard work, and the little grinder was kept in constant operation from
"early morn to dewy eve" to get enough meal to last till Monday. At that
time the nearest mill was twenty-five miles off, and no roads but bridle
paths to reach them. The nearest trading point was Terre Haute, at that
time in its infancy, and giving no promise that it would ever attain to
its present greatness, only consisting of a few log cabins and a log gaol.
The
first children born in the township were John Pierce, William McCaw and
William Ray, while the first weddings were those of Richard Brock to Ann
Maymard, and Felix Evans to Elizabeth Perkins, which occurred about 1822,
the ceremony being performed by William, father of Mr. John Ray, who was
the first justice of the peace in the township.
The
educational interests of the rising generation were early looked to and
provided for by the pioneers, by erecting log school-houses in which the
rudiments of knowledge might be imparted. The first of those halls of learning
was erected on Sec. 19, shortly after the arrival of the first settlers,
and here the young Rays and their youthful companions were marshaled under
John Dickie, to whom belongs the honor of being the first teacher in this
township.
In
the northern settlement, which was later in being peopled, we find the
first school-house to have been constructed in 1834. It, like all the other
public buildings of that date, was a log structure, in size 16 x 16 feet,
primitive in style and furniture, and was situated on the Clay county line,
the sessions held therein being presided over by Eleven Woolan and George
Rector, who taught the first and second terms respectively. The second
school building in the neighborhood was a hewed log one erected in 1840,
one and a half miles west of the McWhinney place.
The
mills to which the citizens of this neighborhood had access were Rolla's
mill on Eel river, which was simply a corn-cracker, the journey to which
had to be generally performed in the night to avoid the constant swarms
of green-head horse-flies which infested the long prairie grass through
which they had to pass. Another mill which they patronized was Markle's,
on Otter creek, and sometimes they were compelled to take their grists
to Roseville and to Raccoon, the latter journey occupying two days and
two nights.
RELIGIOUS
The forefathers of
the people of Riley were religious men in every respect, and held Christianity
as the great civilizing power, without a recognition of which the country
would not be fit to live in. Consequently, we find that on their arrival
here they began holding services of public worship, such as they had been
taught and trained up in the part of the country from which they had emigrated.
They early secured the services of the pioneer preachers, those grand old
characters whom nothing daunted while in pursuit of their mission, and
to whose teachings and labors must be attributed the present high state
of religion and morale in this community. The first of those gospel messengers
to arrive here was Brother Hamilton, who was shortly followed by Joseph
Baker. The former preached the first sermon in the township, and constituted
a society of Methodists, numbering six persons, shortly after the advent
of the pioneers, 1820. The services were held in the houses of the settlers,
in the school-houses, and in the open air, the first meeting-house of this
congregation not being built until 1857. In that year they erected Hamilton
chapel, in size 36x46 feet, at a cost of $1,500, it being named after the
organizer of the congregation. The first trustees of the church were John
Ray, Joseph Johnson, Samuel Robinson, Caleb Jackson and John Cumming. Those
now in charge are David Joslin, Solomon Franklin and John Ray. The chapel
was dedicated by Rev. William Dailey, and under his care and that of other
preachers who have been in charge at this point the society has grown and
flourished. The present membership is sixty, now under the care of pastor
William Davis, with Solomon Franklin as class leader.
The
first meeting-house erected in the northern settlement was a log building
situated on Sec. 1, which was put up by the Methodist society organized
at this point at an early period under the preaching Elijah Long, who constituted
several other societies in the county. In 1872 the society, which now numbers
over one hundred members, erected a handsome brick church, costing between
$5,000 and $6,000, and being the finest church building in Bloomington
conference outside of Terre Haute. It is known as Plymouth chapel, and
has a live Sunday-school in connection with the meeting, with an average
attendance of thirty. Henry Lawson, superintendent; Etna Lawrence, class
leader.
Another
Methodist church is located in the township on Sec. 4. This is known as
Christie's chapel, the congregation having been organized about the same
time as Plymouth chapel, and by the same preacher, Elijah Long. In 1862
they erected a frame meeting-house 24 x 30 feet, in which they worshipped
until 1873, when, finding it too small to accommodate the large congregations
which assembled there, it was sold and the present one erected. The one
now in use is 36x42 feet, cost $2,000, and was dedicated by Rev. Mr. McCormick.
The congregation, which has lately fallen off in number, is now in charge
of Rev. Ashberry.
On
Sec. 33 is Liberty Christian church (Disciples), which was organized about
1840, south of Lockport, but, not doing well, the place of meeting was
moved four or five miles south, and in 1864 it was again changed, when
the building, 36 x 46 feet, which is now in use, was erected on Sec. 33.
It cost about $1,000 in money, and a great deal of labor and material was
donated. Among the early preachers who taught here were Job Coleman, Joseph
Wilson, father of present preacher, Andrew Wilson, and Robert Allen, and
here also came the venerable Benjamin Franklin, one of the great pioneers
of the modern reformation, and held meeting for some time. The present
elders are Mr. Wilson and Warren Neet. A live Sunday-school which is conducted
by the brethren here is doing a good work.
About
a mile east of Lockport is Simpson's chapel, a Methodist meeting-house,
the congregation of which was organized about the same time as the other
societies of this denomination in the township. The house was erected in
1840. The Rev. Mr. Ashberry is the present preacher.
On
Sec. 1, beautifully situated on the S. E. corner of the N. W. 1/4, on rising
ground, is the McWhinney cemetery, deriving its name from the original
owner of the land. It contains one acre of land neatly fenced and tastefully
laid out, and bearing evidence of careful attention being bestowed upon
this, the resting place of the loved ones. Numerous beautiful and expensive
monuments are here situated, tokens of love and respect to the characters
of departed friends and relatives.
Oakhill
cemetery, situated on the S. W. corner of S. E. 1/4 of S. E. 1/4 of Sec.
14, comprises three acres of land, and is the most beautiful cemetery in
the county with the exception of those in Terre Haute. It was laid out
July 20, 1871, by the late Dr. H. D. Lee, of Lockport, the original trustees
being P. H. Lee, Fred Lee and T. H. Hartley. The first mentioned having
died, William H. Connelly was chosen to fill the vacancy. To effect an
interest in the cemetery the trustees drafted articles of association by
which it might be governed and its rules carried out according to the statutes
of Indiana. The grounds are under the care of J. B. Richy, who takes great
interest and pride in having them in good order, and to him must be ascribed
the orderly and tasteful appearance of the grounds. There are 404 lots
in the yard, of which 186 have been sold, and since the date of opening
214 interments have taken place. The large number of expensive monuments
and tablets which mark the graves add greatly to the appearance and beauty
of the cemetery.
The
construction of the Wabash and Erie canal through the township helped to
develop its resources greatly and opened up a direct communication with
the eastern markets for the products of the farms. On the close of this
commercial highway business languished, but was again revived on the construction
of the Terre Haute & Worthington railroad through the township.
LOCKPORT
Lockport, the only
village in the township, was laid out and settled during the construction
of the Wabash and Erie canal, on which it was located. The land on which
the town stands was originally owned by Nathaniel Donham. The first stores
were opened by Manning, J. W. Penn and Samuel Dodson, the former dealing
in groceries and whiskey and the others in general merchandise. During
1847- 48 - 49 and '50 an enormous business was carried on at this point,
and in fact up to the close of the canal this was considered one of the
best trading points. Business was quiet for a year or two until the Terre
Haute & Worthington railroad opened a station here, and the town is
now making rapid strides forward. The business now in operation here are
three general stores, a drug and shoe store, two saloons, two blacksmith
shops, a saw-mill, and the Tyron Hotel. The town has suffered greatly in
her business interests from fire, three mills and a tannery having fallen
a prey to the destroying element. In 1865 a large flouring-mill was erected
by Fred Rotman and run by him until his death. The mill was then sold to
Henry Brand, who controlled it until 1875; when he disposed of it to Whitten
and Toby, and three months after the change of proprietors it took fire
and burnt down. There had been $3,500 insurance on the building, but payment
was refused on account of the policy not having been changed to the new
firm. The matter is still before the courts. The tannery of Mr. Nattkemper
was burnt down in June 1878, and shortly afterward rebuilt, when he run
it six months and then changed it into a grist-mill. As a mill it was in
operation until June 1880, when it caught fire and was entirely consumed.
The Cook and Abbott flouring-mill was erected and cost $7,000, in the fall
of 1879, and was only in operation a short time when, in April 1880, it,
too, caught fire and was a thing of the past. The town is now left without
any manufacturing interests, and is dependent on the grain trade as its
attraction. Three grain merchants purchase and ship the produce of the
farms, and have made this quite a noted market, in which large quantities
of all kinds of grain and stock are handled annually.
There
is but one church in town: the Lockport Christian church (Disciples), which
was built in 1879, and the congregation organized the same year. The building
is a very handsome frame edifice, 36 x 48 feet, and cost $1,500. It is
tastefully fitted up and comfortably seated with chairs. The trustees are
Jerry Tyron, N. Rumley, I. E. Woodruff and William Crossley. The preacher
under whom the congregation was organized was Elder A. Elmore. Its membership
is now over 125, is in good working condition, and alive to the interests
of the cause it represents. The present preacher is Mr. Laudermilk.
The
I. O. O. F. have a lodge in this town known as Lockport Lodge, No. 500.
It was instituted August 14, 1875, and received a charter from the Grand
Lodge of Indiana, November 18, 1875. The first officers and members were:
N. G., John Hathorn; V. G., E. A. Foulke; secretary, J. B. Wallace; permanent
secretary, G. J. Smith; treasurer, John Fox; H. W. Smith, H. D. Milus,
Samuel Hathorn, J. P. Fowler, G. R. Shultz, John Schumacher, Fred Nattkemper,
George Hathorn, and J. W. Rumley. During its existence the society has
initiated seventy-five members, some of whom have moved away, some dropped,
some expelled and one died, leaving the lodge with its present membership
of forty-five. It is in splendid working order and great interest is manifested
in the objects of the society by all the members. It has done a great deal
of good among the resident and sojourning brethren in relieving cases of
distress among them, every member acting manfully up to his obligation
in this matter. This is one of the finest lodges in the county, and under
its present efficient officers is still progressing. The officers are:
N. G., Paul Romas; V. G., Elijah Staggs; secretary, J. P. Fowler; treasurer,
H. W. Smith.
Riley
Lodge, No. 390, A. F. and A. M., which meets at Lockport, was granted a
dispensation in June, 1868, a charter being issued by the Grand Lodge of
Indiana May 25, 1869. The charter members are: J. M. Sankey, S. J. W. Forster,
S. Hedges, J. A. Gibson, S. K. Bundy, J. M. Hull, I. Lake, Benjamin Deal,
W. A. Connelly, William Curry, G. W. Hickson, W. H. Pearcey, and T. C.
Wilson. The first officers of the society were: W. M., J. M. Sankey; S.
W., S. J. W. Forster; and J. W., Simeon Hedges. In the few years which
have elapsed since the granting of the dispensation the society has made
a rapid growth, having now a membership of 112. Its financial affairs are
in a prosperous condition, peace and harmony prevailing among the craftsmen
at this point. The lodge owns and has full control of the third story in
the handsome brick school building in which their lodge and anterooms are
situated. W. P. Foulke is the present presiding officer.
This
township has nine school districts with eleven school-houses, all of which
except one have been erected by the present trustee. The handsome school
building situated at Lockport, in the center of the township, is a substantial
three-story brick structure, which was erected at a cost of $9,000, the
township paying five-eighths, and Riley Lodge, A. F. & A. M., the remaining
three-eighths, of the expenses. The institution was planned and carried
to a successful termination through the enterprise and energy of Dr. C.
W. Russell, then, as now, trustee of the township. The third story is owned
and controlled by the Masonic fraternity, the first and second stories
being the property of the township, and are divided into three grades for
school purposes. The contractors were Messrs. Teaney & Wilson, of Terre
Haute. About eight months per annum is the length of the school year, in
which the wages vary from $2 to $3 per day.
