Shelby County Indiana History, Town of Morristown

Towns of Shelby County Indiana

Morristown

Hanover Township History
Hanover Township Map

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, August 29, 1962
Page 13
----------
MORRISTOWN NEWS
by Esther Lewis
----------
-- Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Billman, Brookville, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sterin, Lansing, Michigan, were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Billman.
-- Mrs. Garland Agans hosted the Crazy 8 Bunco Club. They celebrated Mrs. L. Max Sleeth's birthday. Mrs. Louis Boomershine, Mrs. Sleeth and Mrs. Ernest Hall won prizes.
-- Mrs. Larry Hewitt hosted the Country Cousin Bunco Club. Mrs. Paul Boring was a guest. Prizes won by: Mrs. Jesse Hickman, Mrs. Boring, Mrs. David Hickman. Next hostess: Mrs. Melvin Everhart.
-- Mr. and Mrs. James Nugent went to Danville, Illinois, with Mrs. John Nugent and her son, where the latter live.
-- Mr. and Mrs. Danny Ernstes moved into the home of Robert Carlton, Gwynneville. The Carlton's now live in a new home north of town.
-- Mrs. Riley Keaton hosted her bridge club. Prizes: Mrs. Charles Hunnell, Mrs. R. A. Kennedy, Mrs. Beryl Tracy. Guest: Mrs. Robert Lewis.
-- Trip to Chicago for baseball game: John and Charles Nugent, Larry Guffin.
-- Birthday dinner for six-year-old Lorie Lynn Buis: Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hickman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Buis of Greencastle, Mr. and Mrs. David Hickman and family of Whiteland, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Buis of Whiteland.
-- SP4 Donald Roberts came from Germany to visit wife and family; en route to Fort Bragg, NC.
-- Birthday party for Hauser Gordon of Knightstown at Kopper Kettle given by his mother, Mrs. Montie Gordon.
-- Mr. and Mrs. Junior Mix, Middletown, and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Waggoner and family were supper guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hickman.
-- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shepherdson and family were guests at the home of her brother, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nugent in Indianapolis.
-- Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Brewer and daughter Cleoria and Miss Sandra Anderson are vacationing in Florida.
-- Mr. and Mrs. Howard Talbert have returned from Miami, Florida, trip. Visited Rev. and Mrs. Harold Cowen and family in Jacksonville, Florida.
-- Attended premiere of "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" at the Indiana theater: Miss Clare Jackson, Mrs. Myrtle Gordon, Mrs. Mary Layden, Mrs. E. A. Tracey, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Steffey of Arlington, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Kennedy, Dr. and Mrs. John Jean and family.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

A Shelby County Newspaper
Friday, April 18, 1952
-----O-----
          Mrs. Wendell Arnett and daughter Sara Mae have returned after spending a few weeks in Indianapolis visiting Mr. and Mrs. Joe Theobald and her parents Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Banks . . . Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Mann had as their Sunday dinner guests Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Mann and son Bobby of Hudsonville, Ill. . . . Mrs. Harold Talbert and Mrs. Wayne Wood are visiting the latter's husband. A/3c Wood who is stationed at Amarillo, A.F.B., Amarillo, Tex. Mrs. Wood will remain there with her husband.
          Mrs. Nellie Myer entertained recently with a birthday dinner in honor of her mother Mrs. Emma Wicker. Guests were Mesdames Alfred Campbell and Roy S. Hyson of Indianapolis; S. A. Thomas of Greensburg; Lowell Hutchinson of Arlington; Bertha Kemp, Blanche Kelley, Lettie Billman, Darrell Myer, Vira Wicker, Herbert C. Myer and Glen Myer and Mrs. N. J. Moon and daughter Jean Alyea, and the Misses Rose Robbins, Jayne McMurray, Doris Wicker and Sue Ann Wicker.
Contributed by Anne Ruby

The Shelbyville News
Saturday December 27, 1947
Page 7
----------
YOUR TOWN — MORRISTOWN
By Hortense Montgomery
----------
One of the most interesting characters of Morristown’s later history was Mrs. Florence Johnson Rock, who passed away only a month or two ago at the age of 97. Mrs. John E. Harper, historian for the Morristown community, published an attractive brochure of her life as presented by her to be given out at the annual Old Singers meeting last summer. Her recital of the early days of the village and its pioneers is romantic and a true history of the business, social and religious file of the community.
Mrs. Rock’s father, Samuel M. Johnson, graduate of Asbury College, now DePauw University, became a teacher and successful farmer of the community. Her mother was Zelda Spurrier. Mrs. Rock etched her recital with many personal stories and so gave her memory noted interest.
Rev. Sluter says that as early as 1819 Joseph Hewitt and Firmin Smith came from the neighborhood of Brookville and began clearing away the dense forests. And the first four wheeled wagon in Shelby county of which we trace can be found was owned by Mr. Hewitt.
            Col Rezin Davis, great grandfather of John E. Harper entered the land of which Morristown stands on October 1820. Those who were pioneers with him at that date were John Wilson, William Johnson, Benjamin Cole, William Griffin, Eleazer Burham, Nathan Davis, F. Lucas, S. M. Cole, K. Kitchell, Josiah Glover, Joseph Hewitt, Firmin Smith and Michael McCord.
At this early date there was a rift between the North and South over slavery. Col Davis had freed his slaves before coming North but one old Mammy followed the family, found a good home with them and was buried on an acre of ground which Col. Davis set aside on his farm for a burial place; this was the beginning of the Davis graveyard.
Morristown was laid out by Col. Davis and Samuel Morrison May 3, 1828, the third town organized in the county. It was surveyed and platted by Meridith Gosney, with 48 lots, each 60x132 feet; the streets were 60 feet wide and the alleys 20 feet wide. The principle street, called Main street, was Road 52 or the Brookville Road. An addition, the Rezin Davis Addition was mapped July 3, 1840, with 24 lots. Morristown was named by Mary Davis, widow of Col. Davis, in honor or Samuel Morrison, a much-honored minister of the town.
            R. A. Toal, first merchant, opened his store with a small stock of goods in a log cabin, this was enlarged until it became the principle business house in the town. Other merchants were Seth M. Cole & Son, W. B. Cole, Joseph Stafford, Isaac Miles and Alexander Hargrove.
The building of the Knightstown railroad in 1848 and then the C.H. & D. in 1866 gave opportunity for increased business and other advantages. The Knightstown Road did not last many years. But the start made increased with the years and Morristown has remained a busy town. By 1887 almost every industry flourished there. The first pottery in Shelby county was located one mile east of the town and here the potter, Lewis Johnson, made crocks, jars, and earthenware vessels. Mrs. Clary was the community’s carpet weaver and specialists industry made community barrels, brick, lumber, shingles and coffins.
This vicinity has always been characterized by a desire for learning and culture. A night school for the children was the first attempt at schooling. Lamps not being in general use the children cut their light wood during the day to study with at night. The first teachers were Levi Young and Moses Kitchell. The first school building erected was Old Union and its first teacher was John M. Wilson. In 1853 the Morristown Academy Association built with the Masonic lodge, a three-story building, the first two stories to be used by the academy and the third floor for the lodge.
For a number of years the same buildings served the schools and churches. Morristown became quite famous for its Singing classes and the Missouri Harmony Classes organized in 1835, meeting in the Old Union church. About this time a young physician, Dr. David S. McGaughey came to the village. He was well educated in music and had a good voice and the young people had fine times coming together in the homes for their singing class. When the class became 100 large for the small homes they came together in Asbury Chapel, which was erected in 1839. About this is the Asbury Cemetery in which many soldiers from one who died in the war of 1812 through the last World War are buried. The later duties of married life served to bring the Missouri Harmony Class to a close but the spirit was brought to life with the famous Diapason Singers. The teacher was Stephen D. Dugan and his instrument the fiddle. Mrs. Rock says ‘the folks had lots of fun at these classes.’
In 1872 Dr. McGaughey re-organized the Old Harmony Class for the fourth Sunday in May and the reunion was so successful that it came to be known as ‘Old Folks Singing Day’ and this has been continued up to the present with great crowds visiting Morristown for the event.
In 1884 a four-room brick school building was erected and George H. Campbell was the first principal. Now the students are all housed in Hanover township’s consolidated school which is located in Morristown.
Morristown’s motto could be "Improve" for it is ever moving toward; it is a lovely place with its many business interests, its school, its churches, and a community building of which any town could be proud. This was a gift to the town by Margaret Dodd, one of the women who showed her interest in her community all through her life. The building is known as the Dodd Memorial.
The town is scenically well situated, the upper part is known as The Hill and the lower part situated in the valley below. It has a population of something like 950 to 1,000 persons,
The women of the village have always been interested in social and cultural clubs and have had many fine programs and taken part in fine welfare work. The Lions Club, organized only about a year ago by the men, has come to be the organization through which the men carry on many civic projects.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, April 29, 1936
Page 2
----------
MORRISTOWN AND
COMMUNITY
----------
          Mrs. Julia Kinner is nursing Mrs. Anne Cook, who is ill at her home.
          Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cowing, of Rushville, spent Sunday afternoon visiting with his niece, Wilna Cramer, and family.
          Malbrook Allender, a member of the 1936 graduating class of the Morristown high school, has completed his twelve years of elementary and high school work without having missed a day of school and without being tardy. Mr. Allender entered the Morristown schools in 1924. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Allender, graduated from the local school in 1910 and 1912.
          Dr. and Mrs. C. V. Patten attended the home show at Indianapolis Sunday afternoon.
          Cora Jayne Trimble, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Trimble, is confined to her home suffering with the scarlet fever.
          Mr. and Mrs. Russell Eck and son, Millard, of near Fountaintown, and Malbrook Allender spent Sunday afternoon visiting in Indianapolis.
          Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Irvine, the Misses Bertha Woolridge and Erma Bell Smith, of Indianapolis, attended the twenty-sixth annual alumni banquet Saturday night.
          Sunday guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Lane were Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Steven and daughter, Susan, of Rushville, and J. W. Lane, of Hamilton, O.
          Mrs. Lottie Myer, of near Morristown, and daughter, Mrs. Warren Correll, were callers Sunday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Delcena Winton, of near Freeport, who is confined to her home with illness.
          Mr. and Mrs. Russell Trimble and sons, Billy and Bobby were Sunday dinner guests of   Mr. and Mrs. Donald Martin and family, of near Gwynneville.
          Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Pollard and son, George, and Alpha Pollard and M. Thompson, of Indianapolis, spent Sunday as the dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Pollard, of near Morristown.
          Mr. and Mrs. Leslie McLaughlin and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Duncan, of Indianapolis, were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Zike and Mrs. Tammie Duncan.
          Mr. and Mrs. Morris Toner and sons, Thayer and Spencer, of Shelbyville, were Sunday guests of Mrs. Orlena Warble.
          Miss Thelma Nichols is the guest of Miss Velma Talbert, of Indianapolis.
          Mr. and Mrs. John B. May had as their Sunday guests Mr. and Mrs. Omer K. Miller, of near Freeport, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Carpenter and family, of Glenwood.
          Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sechrist and son, Bob, of Indianapolis, were the Sunday visitors of Mrs. Fannie Skillman and children.
          Mrs. Lon Gardner and sons, Keith and Jimmy, of Manilla, were the week-end guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Pitts and family.
          Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Myer had as their dinner guests Sunday Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Myer, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Limp and Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Myer and daughter, Barbara Kay, of near Morristown.
          The Misses Patricia and Mary Jane Rafferty, of near Morristown, were the week-end guests of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Rafferty.
          Mr. and Mrs. Ross Moore, of Indianapolis, Mary J. Hines, Mrs. Rena P. Warner and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cowing, of Rushville, were Sunday afternoon callers at the home of Mrs. Daisie Ferguson.
          Mrs. Jane Talbert had as her dinner guests Sunday Carl Talbert and daughter, Velma, of Indianapolis, and son, Hugh, of Gary.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday, February 3, 1936
Page 3 column 2
----------
MORRISTOWN and
COMMUNITY
----------
A. H. Morrison and son, Wayne, were Sunday visitors at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Morrison, of near Fairview.
W. D. Moran has returned to his home in Edenton, N. C., after spending several days with James P. Mahan on business.
Mr. and Mrs. Denzil Shackle< of Greenfield, were Sunday afternoon visitors at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Adeline Heck.
Francis Wilcoxon, of Indiana Central college, at Indianapolis, spent a few days last week as the guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Z. Wilcoxon and family, near Morristown.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyall Wortman and family had as their dinner guests Sunday Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Connaway, of Gwynneville, and Mr. and Mrs. John Wortman.
Miss Mary Ann Harper, who has been visiting several days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Harper and family, returned to her studies at Indiana university at Bloomington, Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dugan were Sunday afternoon guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Stone of Indianapolis.
Mrs. Dorothy Nigh and daughter, Virginia, were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Rodgers and family of Lebanon.
Mr. and Mrs. Fay Moore were the Sunday dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Talbert, of near Milroy.
Mr. and Mrs. Denzil Shackle, of Greenfield, and Mrs. Bernard Hilt and Mrs. ADeline Heck were visiting with friends and relatives in Greenfield Sunday afternoon.
Ora Clayton, of near Morristown, has returned to Indiana Central college after spending a few days' vacation with relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Nigh, of near Gwynneville, had as their dinner guests Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hull and Mrs. Mary Hull.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Land and daughter, Donna Jean, of Milroy, were the week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Talbert and family. Mr. and Mrs. Talbert accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Land to their home Sunday evening.
Mrs. Homer Havens of Connersville is visiting at the home of her father and sisters, C. T. Williams and family, for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Harcourt visited Mr. Harcourt's brother, Ertle Harcourt, at the Methodist hospital in Indianapolis Sunday afternoon.
Mrs. Everett Meyer and daughter, Bernice, and Mrs. J. M. Kemp visited Sunday afternoon with James M. Kemp, who is confined in the Major hospital at Shelbyville.
M. L. Lee of Plainfield was calling on friends in Morristown on Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Talbert and daughter, Martha, and son, Teddy, visited Sunday night with Mrs. Talbert's parents. Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Gunning, of Union township. Mr. Gunning is rapidly improving from an attack of bronchitis.
Mrs. Wayne Morrison spent last Sunday as the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Nance and family, of near Morristown.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, March 4, 1935
Page 5
----------
MORRISTOWN AND COMMUNITY
--------
Mrs. Dorothy Brown of Indianapolis is spending a few days with her mother, Mrs. Mae Arnett and family.
Miss Ruth James spent the week-end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glen James and family of near Spiceland.
Miss Velma Talbert, of Indianapolis is spending a few days with her grandmother, Mrs. Jane Talbert.
Mr. and Mrs. William Willson entertained at a bridge party at their home Friday night. Those present to enjoy the evening were Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Cox, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Hite, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Meier, Mrs. Mary Unger and Ray Cory. The hostess served dainty refreshments.
Mrs. E. O. Carney and son, Joe, of Greensburg, spent Friday with her mother, Mrs. Mary Buckingham.
Frank Stine of Indianapolis was the Friday night guest of Noah Genth.
Arthur Talbert and son, Merrill, of Vero Beach, Fla., who was called here on account of the death of his brother, the late Earl Talbert, spent Saturday with Mrs. Mary Buckingham and other relatives before returning to their home on Monday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
June 18, 1934
Page 5
----------
MORRISTOWN AND COMMUNITY
----------
          Mr. and Mrs. Walter Buckingham, Walter, Jr., and Clay Thompson, Mrs. E. O. Carney, Joe Carney and Miss Kathryn Crane spent Friday visiting at the Cincinnati zoo.
----------
          Miss Ruth Carney, of Greensburg, was the guest Friday with Mrs. Mary Buckingham.
----------
GIVEN DEGREES.
          Earl Talbert, Earl Bennett and Clyde Goodwin received the Entered Apprentice degree Friday evening at a special meeting for the local Masonic order.
----------
          Mesdames Margaret McKay and Emma Wooten, of Gwynneville, were Thursday guests with Mrs. Mary Roan.
----------
BIRTH OF GRANDSON
          Mrs. Vincent Holding received word Saturday of the birth of a grandson. The parents are Mr. and Mrs. Carl Oliver, of Indianapolis. Mother and babe are both in a serious condition oat this time.

----------
          Hugh Talbert, who has been spending some time with his grandmother, Mrs. Jane Talbert, returned to Indianapolis Saturday.
----------
          Mr. and Mrs. Walter Buckingham were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Shiel, in Indianapolis Saturday.
----------
SHOW FINE ATTENDANCE
          After the first week of classes, the vacation Bible school being conducted at the Morristown Christian church is progressing in a fine way. Under the direction of Mrs. L. V. Hauk, superintendent, the school has fifty-two pupils enrolled. The school began its classes Tuesday of last week with only twenty-nine present the first day. Bible training is conducted by the teachers of the various classes and handiwork and craftsmanship are taught by the various instructors. Projects of handiwork to be sen the St. Louis hospital were completed last week and new projects will be started when the classes meet again Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock. All children of the ages of 4 and up, who have not as yet enrolled in the Bible school are urged to do so early this week.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Blue Door Inn, Morristown, Indiana
This establishment was located near the Kopper Kettle.
Many people visited the Blue Door for drinks before or after dining at the Kopper Kettle.
Photograph contributed by David Craig

A Shelbyville, Indiana, newspaper
March 22, 1912
-------------
OVER TWO SCORE OF WIDOWS
Many of Them Are to be Found in Morristown.
----------
Recently Waldron took a census of the widows within its boundary and there were found to be thirty-five. Since that time other small towns have followed Waldron's example, Morristown being among the number. That place is found to be the abiding place of forty-nine widows, seventeen old maids, nine widowers and nine bachelors. The town will establish a matrimonial bureau.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The original town plat of Morristown was laid out by Rezin Davis and Samuel Morrison, May 3, 1838. It was surveyed and platted by Meredith Gosney. It consisted of forty-eight lots sixty by one hundred and thirty-two feet each. The streets are sixty feet in width, and alleys twenty feet. The main street was laid out on the Brookville State Road. Rezin Davis' addition to the town was made July 3, 1840, and comprised twenty-four lots immediately east of the original plat. Other additions were subsequently made. This place is situated within Hanover township. One of the first merchants of this place was R. A. Toal, who opened a stock of goods in a log house near where Dr. Salisbury's residence later stood. Soon a frame addition was provided and his stock greatly increased. For many years this was the principal business house of the town, and was occupied by many of the pioneer dealers, one after another. Seth M. Cole and W. B. Cole, were among the early men to handle merchandise there. Others were Joseph Stafford, Isaac Miles, Alexander Hargrove and James Osborne, who were among the class justly known now as pioneer factors of Morristown. In fact, the business there was quite limited until the building of the Edinburg & Knightstown Railroad, constructed in 1848. Again in 1866, when the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad was finished, a new life and vigor set in at Morristown which has never been retarded much. By 1887 almost every branch of trade and industry was there found in a prosperous condition. Even so early it was the third shipping point in importance on the entire line and its population was "about seven hundred souls", says documents of the date of 1886. Masonic, Knights of Pythias, and Odd Fellows lodges were then flourishing at that point, as they are today. (See history of lodges elsewhere.)
Of Morristown in 1909 it may be recorded that from the best obtainable information it consists of one thousand people, of the hustling, bustling, wide-awake type, who always make things move to the fore-front. The current telephone directory gives the number of patrons at Morristown as three hundred and eighty, which shows that the people there have frequent communications with themselves and side towns, to a degree only second to Shelbyville.
The first pottery in Shelby county was located one mile east of Morristown, as early as 1830.  Here Lewis Johnson made crocks, jars, etc., for some time.
In April, 1909, the following business firms, churches, lodges, schools, etc., were in a prosperous condition at Morristown:
The Union State Bank, with a capital of $25,000. The cashier is C.T. Williams.
Hotel, by Mrs. Elmer Porter.
Grain dealers, C.S. Patten and Joseph Zike in one firm and M.C. Burk operates the other elevator business.
Lumber, Green-Wilkinson Lumber Company.
General dealers in merchandise, W.A. Bodine, who was traded there over forty-two Grocers, S.V. Hinds, who also handles hardware and farm implements; Workman & Myers, and they also handlemeats; C.P. Zike, exclusive groceries; Reece & Means, groceries and meat market.
Furniture dealers, O.O. Frazier, also handles stoves and hardware; J.F. Hargrove also handles implements.
Hardware stores, People's Supply Company--hardware, buggies, etc; Matt Hendricks,
hardware, implements and automobiles.
Livery barn, L.M. Talbert & Son.
Embalmer and funeral director, C.A. Lewis.
Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, by Edward H. Chadwick, B.A., assisted by well known local talent, B.F. Bowen & Co, Publishers: Indianapolis, IN, 1909, page 274-275.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Friday, February 20, 1903
Page 6 Column 3
----------
MORRISTOWN, INDIANA R.R. NO. 1
----------
Lee Boren and Harry Logan were in Shelbyville Friday.
H. B. Crute, sr., and wife, have moved to Connersville.
Mrs. Clem Correll, of Morristown, is visiting Mrs. Mellisa Mellis.
D. L. Miller and family called on John Thompson and family Sunday.
Miss Maud Mellis is spending a few days with her aunt, Mrs. Emma Hill.
Mrs. Ollie Morris, of Anderson, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Charles Justus.
Little Vina Howery is the guest of her aunt, Mrs. John Boren, of Freeport.
Mary Enos has returned from an extended visit with her aunt, Mrs. Elsie Schaffer, of Milroy.
O. C. Enos and A. B. Cherry, agents for the Osborne farming implements, are doing a rusing business.
School is not very well attended. Several of the pupils are not able to attend on account of being vaccinated.
Mr. Orville Nigh and lady friend, Miss Clara Kepley, of Jericho, spent Sunday with the former's sister, Mrs. Herbert Myers.
Married, at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Minerva, of Freeport, Wednesday evening, February 11, 1903, by Rev. Reeder, Estella M., to Oscar Alexander, of Fairview. Only ....
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
December 20, 1894
Page 2 column 1
----------
MORRISTOWN.
----------
Special Correspondence of the Democrat
Morristown, Ind., Dec. 17, '94.
----------
Otis Frazier has about decided to embrace Methodism, or at least a small part of it.
Rev. Ivan Webb, an old resident of this section is on a visit here from his home in Delaware county.
Frank Morris has a "Paine" in his heart. It is not likely to result seriously unless marriage is a failure.
Leonard Hines met with a painful accident while unloading logs. As a result he now walks with a bandaged foot and a crutch.
The teachers' institute was held Friday at the school building. Mr. Patten, of the Morristown school, presided and the session was one among the best.
A Christian Endeavor society of nineteen members was organized at the Christian church Sunday by Mrs. McHargue and Charles Harrison, of Shelbyville. Mr. C. H. Beych is president.
Messrs. S. B. Graham and Kizer are here making an effort to organize an A.O.U.W. society. Trustee-elect Wm. Patterson will have the matter in charge. The field seems to be promising for that order.
The funeral of the father of Ad. Addison, who drowned himself in Blue River, ovvurred at this place Monday. The reamins were brought from Greenfield, where he lived. The Rev. Barclay delivered the funeral discourse.
Elder Smith, of the Christian church, has severed his connection with that body and will accept a position at Fairland, where he has just closed a very successful series of meetings. His connection here has been pleasant in every way.
Say to "Gid" we heartily concur in the suggestion he makes to the staff of the Democrat. The idea of a coterie of distinguished literati as we are and representing the great and metropolitan paper we do, should not be benqueted and feasted and feted! Perish the thought!
Mr. Addison, whose remains were interred at Asbury cemetery Monday, was remarkable for his posterity. They are twelve living children, sixty-four grand-children, sixteen great grand-children, and three great great grand-children, and he is neight a nonogenarian nor a polygamist.
Among the posthumous writings of Chas. Swain, who died recently of typhoid fever, is a letter addressed to his friends in which he says: "If my life was to be lived over, I should make more of it." He confessed to his career of sinfulness and warned his friends of the mistakes he had made.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

1892-93 Directory, Morristown

The Shelby Democrat
July 17, 1890
Page 3
----------
MORRISTOWN.
----------
Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
Morristown, July, 14 1890.
----------
Gus Muth of Cincinnati is out on the farm.
Our farmers are now busy cutting their oats.
Johnnie Harper is dangerously sixk with inflamation of the bowels.
The Morriston[sic] cornet band has rented C. T. Williams' new Hall to practice in.
Dr. D. W. Henry, after several weeks' absence, returned to this place Monday.
Here it is the middle of July and the population of Morristown is yet unknown.
Our butcher shops changed hands again Monday by George Nichels taking an interest.
L. P. Good, of Commercial bank, caught an unusually fine string of bass last Sunday.
Cort Morrison and wife, Lafe Spurrier and Joe Dalrymple were down from Indianapolis Sunday.
A real lively crowd from Indianapolis beered, danced and picknicked at Blue river park Sunday.
Link Cole is improving very fast from the injuries he received by falling from a load of hay last night.
Loory Sally carrys the mail daily now from Freeport to this place and back. He has the contract for one year.
Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Johnson have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement from the loss of their little boy.
The races at Link Cole's track last Saturday proved a very tame affair, L. B. Osborn carrying off the honors in the first and Link Creek, with his fifteen year old gray horse, beat the much-blowed up trotter of Wrenick's easily in the second, which created considerable surprise and made the squealers squeal. div align="right">JUNIUS. Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday, March 26, 1889
Page 1
----------
MORRISTOWN.
----------
Special Correspondence of the Democrat.

MORRISTOWN, March 26, 1889.

Mrs. H. B. Cole is able to ride out.
The winter term of school closed last Friday.
W. E. Morrison went to Indianapolis Sunday.
J. W. Roberts will soon begin the erection of a new business room on Main street.
Rev. J. W. Mellender, of Glenwood, held services at the M. E. Church last Sabbath.
Mrs. C. T. Williams and son, Paul, visited relatives in Union county the fore part of the week.
The travelling grocerymen who are canvassing this country are meeting with poor success, so they say.
Frank Rigglesberger shipped two of his log teams to Tennessee Monday morning. More will follow soon.
L. C. Crute severed his connection with the dry goods house of M. Myers last Saturday and will probably locate at Connersville.
Universal sentiment is decidedly in favor of W. A. Bodine for Collector of Internal Revenue for this district, and it is to be hoped he will receive the appointment.
JUNIUS
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Wednesday, January 20, 1886
-----------
MORRISTOWN.
----------
Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
----------
Morristown, Jan. 19, 1886
----------
Mrs. W. F. Handy is reported quite sick.
          Omer Ludlow is suffering from a severely cut hand.
          James L. Keaton is confined to his home with "biles."
          Charley Rigsbee returned from his Kansas trip Saturday.
          Johnny Ryan visited his house at Brownsville over Saturday.
          Jesse Wolf has formed a co-partnership with   William Towns in the butchering business.
          Our friend Zip has been suffering with a severe cold the past week, but is better at this writing.
          D. W. Place will probably move his restaurant in the room which Mr. Harned will soon vacate.
          The wife of J. G. Wolf, our jolly miller, presented him with a thirteen pound boy baby Friday evening.
          The elevator had to shut down the fore part of the week on account of the bursting of the sheller, Saturday.
          A Mr. Magee, of Rushville, was here Monday prospecting for a location for a boat. This should be encouraged.
          A. B. Harned has decided to move his stock of hardware to Lewisville, Henry county, about the first of next month, where he will continue in the same business. We are sorry to loose Mr. Harned from our midst, and our best wishes go with hi for his future prosperity.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Evening Democrat
----------
W. S. RAY --- Editor and Proprietor
===================
Tuesday, January 20, 1885
===================
MORRISTOWN MELANGE.
----------
Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
MORRISTOWN, Jan. 20, 1885
----------
---Business is improving.
          ---Our schools are progressing finely.
          ---Mrs. J. H. Wrennick is improving slowly.
          ---A. C. Handy is quite sick with bilious fever.
          ---Lafe Spurrier is now boss hostler at Young's livery stable.
          ---J. M. Tyner has been laid up with a a severe cold the past week.
          ---Hey Beckner is preparing himself for a position as mail clerk.
          ---Charley Beckner, of Texas, was here last week visiting relatives.
          ---George Handy has resigned his position at the corner drug store for one week.
          ---Uncle Joe Talbert and John Carter west to Indianapolis Monday with a car-load of stock.
          ---Frank Rigglesberger will leave next Thursday for New Orleans to visit the World's Fair.
          ---From present indications the farmers will be blessed with a large yield of wheat this year.
          ---Wheeler Gordon, formerly of this place, but now of Missouri, was called here to see his sister, who has been dangerously ill.
JUNIUS
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Evening Democrat
Wednesday, January 23, 1884
Page 1
----------
H A P P E N I N G S
----------
    In Various Part of the County
----------
MORRISTOWN MELANGE.
----------
Special correspondence of the Democrat.
            Morristown, Jan. 21, 1884.
    -- Frank Spurrier, of Indianapolis, is in town.
    -- Chas. Muth, of Cincinnati, was noticed hear Friday.
    -- Wm. Wolfe has a grandson visiting him from Illinois.
    -- W. A. Bodine and wife spent Tuesday in Rushville.
    -- El Tyner, of Greenfield, was doing this town Tuesday.
    -- Jack Dalrymple, of Greenfield, is visiting relatives in town.
    -- Miss Ella Myers will attend high school in Hamilton Ohio.
    -- Miss May Kemp spent a few day in Indianapolis last week.
    -- J. L. Smiley has moved into the room vacated by the bank.
    -- Gertie Wrenick and Nannie Hull will visit in Carthage this week.
    -- L. B. Cole was visiting relatives and friends in Reedville [Hancock County] Sunday
    -- Rev. Chappel filled the M. E. pulpit Sunday morning and evening.
    -- Dr. McGaughey, who has been ill for some time, is slowly recovering.
    -- Furnished rooms for rent. For further particulars inquire of Wm. Six.
    -- Mrs. Johnson and son, of Boggstown, spent a few days here last week.
    -- Ross Keaton has bought a farm near Reedville. Looks suspicious Ross.
    -- Sam Bennett, of Arlington, has moved three miles north of this place.
    -- Mrs. Mollie Handy, nee McGaughey, returned home Friday for a visit.
    -- Mrs. C. T. Williams' sister, of Connersville, will spend a day or two with her.
    -- Rev. McCare, of the M. E. Church is holding protracted meeting at Spring Hill.
    -- Dr. Fitch has recovered from a severe cold, which kept him indoors for a few days.
    -- The trustees have purchased the seminary bell of Rev. Shipp for the new school building.
    -- Very few attended the unveiling of the [Oliver Perry] Morton monument last Tuesday [Indianapolis] from this place.
    -- Fannie and Alice Wrennick have returned from Carthage where they have been visiting relatives.
    -- Miss Nellie Johnson has returned home from Boggstown; her many friends will gladly welcome her.
    -- The Missouri Harmony Singers have a very pressing invitation to sing at Greenfield on Feb. 22nd.
    -- Mrs. Stine, near Freeport, was called to Illinois Saturday to attend the funeral of her son, Rufus Pollit.
    -- J. D. Robins, like the passers-by, became disgusted with the telephone and to-day moved back in the Shipp block.
    -- Rev. Wilson preached the funeral of Mrs. Williams at the Christian church Sunday. Deceased was a sister of Elias Johnson of your city.
    -- There are several cases of chickenpox in town, while they are considered to be in a very mild form. Thornton Shipp says they are the regular game chicken kind.
    -- The following officers elected at the Christian Sabbath-school last Sunday: Jesse Robinson, superintendent; Dr. Fitch, assistant superintendent; Will Six, secretary; Ross Katon [Keaton?], treasurer; Miss Minnie Spurrier, organist.
    -- A certain young man went to Rushville Saturday evening, regardless of a pass. Will you had better retrace your steps ere it is too late for once in the foils of a pretty maid, you are a "gone Coon."
OLIVER.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
February 13, 1879
-----o-----
(Special Correspondence of the Democrat.) Morristown, Ind., Feb. 10, 1879.
---- Rev. Doddridge, of Manilla, delivered an excellent sermon at Asbury Chapel on the 2d inst. He is a fine speaker, an earnest and faithful worker, and is accomplishing a great deal of good in this community.
---- A few good looking, intelligent young widows, having a desire to "commit matrimony," would do well to take up their abode in Morristown for awhile, as we have several widowers who are each considered "quite a catch."
---- What has become of our school teachers? There were only two or three out at the last Institute. There surely ought to be a larger turn-out. Hanover township should be able to boast of as interesting an Institute as its neighbors. Wake up, ye teachers, and come out. It will be good for your minds as well as your pocket-books.
---- Some of our enterprising citizens have inaugurated a movement to secure the services of Mr. Edward Chadwick, of Freeport, to deliver a lecture about the first of next month. Mr. Chadwick is a fine scholar and a man of rare intellectual endowments. If he comes, our citizens should turn out en masse and give him such a reception as may induce him to favor us again.
---- I frequently hear Shelbyville, Franklin, Columbus and other places boasting of their pretty girls, and I don't feel like letting our enterprising little village "go by the board" in that respect. If you want to see some pretty girls, ye bachelor editors, ye gallant Shelbyvillians, just come up here. There's our lively little musician, Miss Yettie M., a bonnie little blonde whose blue eyes have played havoc with many a manly heart; and our Alma W., the belle of Morristown, with her quiet, demure, lady-like ways, jet black hair and eyes, and a dainty little mouth suggestive of sugar plums. Then there's her vivacious little sister, Aggie. Who does not like Aggie, who is always brimming over with fun and mischief? And then comes neat little Lottie H., whose toilette and coiffure are always arranged to perfection; and Minnie and Elva S., two sparkling brunettes, who come in for their share of admiration, and our sprightly little coquette, Cora B., for whom a new face, like a new dress, soon loses its gloss, and who, Alexander-like, sighs for a new heart to conquer; and last, but by no means least, is mischievous Fannie M. But she is "done spoke for," and I would not advise any one to bestow their affections upon her. There are others living in and near our village who are equally as good-looking, intelligent and popular as those I have mentioned, but fearing, Mr. Editor, that I have already encroached too much on your crowded columns, I desist.
SIGOURNEY.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Thursday, August 23, 1877
===========
From Morristown.
----------
          Some sickness -- mostly flux.
          Farmers are engaged in breaking for wheat, of which there will be a large crop sown.
          Mr. Jay has made quite an addition to his stock -- ready made clothing and notions.
          Mrs. J. Tyner keeps the boss boarding house of Morristown.
          Mr. Cyrus will teach school at the Darmer school house this winter.
          Mr. Clark, of Rush Co., and Miss Conner, of Freeport, will teach the Morristown school this fall and winter.
          Croquet playing is indulged in by a number of Morristowners.
          G. W. Johnson has sold his farm to Mrs. A. J. Riggsby. Wonder if he is going into the grain trade again?
          Elbert Tyner has gone into the livery business. Something Morristown has long needed.
          Cyrus Barnard has bought out Mr. Guynnes saw mill, two miles and a half east of here.
          B. H. Darmer has sold his farm and is prospecting in Alabama with a view to emigrating there.
          G. F. McGaughey is walking on crutches. He has a carbuncle on his limb.
M. Myers is the heaviest stock dealer we have.
Mr. Jay is doing a good business in the grocery line, Clint is the clerk -- he's popular.
The boys who robbed Mrs. Thornbury's bees, were not from Brandywine. You can't play off in that way.
We understand that B. Darmer has sold his farm and is going to Alabama, and that four or five of his friends will accompany him. M. B. is a clever gentleman, and we regret to loose him from our community.
H. S. is the boss straw stacker of Hanover.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
March 4, 1876
Shelbyville, Ind.
======================
MORRISTOWN ITEMS.
A success --- the Teachers Institute.
Scott Morris teacher in District No. 1, closed his term on Friday last. The closing scenes were of an affecting character, many of the pupils being moved to tears by the reading of the valedictory, which was prepared by the teacher, and read by one of the pupils. this speaks well for "Scott."
Dr. O. F. Fitch is again in our midst, having been compelled to close his school at Millroy, on account of sickness, one month sooner, than was expected. The Doctor is quite feeble.
Deaths are still of frequent occurence. This week we record the deaths of Morgan Baty, of hernia, John Rafferty, of lung fever, and Archibald Mellis, of pneumonia. They were all good citizens and will be missed in our community.
There are on the sick list at present, Mr. Chancey Butler, Harris W. Thornburg, Sol. P. Holding, and a son of Temp. Ballinger. Dr. D. S. McGaughey has been confined to his room for some days, but is out again to his practice.
A Literary Society has been organized at Hanover school house. Exercises are miscellaneous.
the Rev. Mr. Conn, pastor of the Methodist Church here leaves the work, and Rev. John Hine supplies the pulpit.
P. E. D.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
March 25, 1875
Page 2
---------
MORRISTOWN ITEMS.
----------
The sick list is still full, Warren W. Wolfe, and Jas. R. Johnson's child are reported among the convalescents.
DEATHS:--- Two death are recorded among the events of last week. Mrs. Jones -- wife of Samuel Jones -- and Miss Eliza Parvis, were buried since last writing.
LECTURE: ---The temperance lecture given by Col. Hoy is said to have been a success. A Lodge of Good Templars was organized after the lecture success to the enterprise.
GONE AGAIN: ---Our Livery stable has taken wings and flown to Freeport. The proprietor Windfield Kinsley having purchased an interest in the Woolen mill formerly owned by Mr. Mellis deceased.
SOLD; ---M. B. Chadwick has sold his hogs, and, according to promise, I will give you the weights which no doubt will be of interest as we understand that a correspondent of the Volunteer, wrote quite a windy article upon the merits of Mr. C's hog raising proclivities and his "stupendous hoggishness". Some of the aforesaid hogs were large it must be admitted, but, as the average was spoken of, we give below the average of a few "lots" shipped from this place, which we think compare favorably with these 'parallelopipedous' of the Volunteer. Mr. Chadwick shipped seventy three head, which were fed seven months, the average weight being 354-1/2 lbs. Peter Miller his neighbor shipped 30 head fed 2-1/2 months average weight being 340 lbs. Mr. Elbert Tyner shipped 40 had average 320 lbs. so much for the average. Now as to wearing the belt. A Gentleman in our community bought a sow a year ago for $8.00 and sold of the increases as follows.
     4 head average weight 410 lbs....1640
    11 "    "       "    2761 lbs....2751
  The original female hog............. 420
  Making a total of.........4821
of pork from one $8. investment; who wears the belt now?
P. E. D.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Nancy and Owen Davis Addition to Morristown

Contributed by Melinda Moore Weaver

Shelby County in the Civil War
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Morristown Canning Factory

Towns Index Township Map Main Page

For current email addresses of researchers listed above, use the Surname Index