Shelby County Indiana History, Town of Little Marion or Noah

Shelby County Indiana
Populated Areas

Little Marion / Noah

Marion Tw\ownship
Township 13, 14 North, Range 7 East

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday October 13, 1947
Page 3 column 2
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YOUR TOWN OF MARION
By Hortense Montgomery
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Marion, Our Country’s First Settlement
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We suppose that every student in Shelby county goes out of high school or perhaps even the grades, with the story indelibly impressed on his mind of the Government Land Office at Brookville, the famous Whetzel Trail leading from Brookville into our county, and the first tiny log cabin built by Shelby county’s first pioneer, James Wilson. Or do they? We didn’t know this until long after we were out of school; we know its boundaries, its principle products, its rivers, population, its county seat, for we were sitting in it, and a few other ‘et cetera’ things.
Between our years of five and eleven we loved to take the ride down to Grandpa’s on Flat Rock river, over the roads that were then gravel pikes, stop at the toll gate which was closed ‘til you paid the toll’ and breathe the sweet-smelling smoke of the burning sugar-tree stumps in the clearings along the highway for the farmers were still clearing the land for future grain fields and pasture lands.
Following the Whetzel Trail James Wilson stopped where the village of Marion now stands and built the first cabin in the county. If you look as you pass through the village you will see the marker where the cabin stood, placed there by the Shelby County Historical Society.
This was in 1819. When he had his cabin completed he sent for his family to come on. Indians and wild animals were their first neighbors, but soon two others families, that of Richard Thornburry, 18 miles away to the east and the other that of Jacob Whetzel, 30 miles to the west, built their homes.
Before long there were so many homes with their families those old settlers decided to make their community into a town and steps were taken at once to make their decision a reality. The services of a surveyor were secured and Mr. Wilson and another pioneer, Mr. John Sleeth, ancestor of Morris Sleeth, Shelbyville mortician, decided on the location. The town was platted December 27, 1820; streets and alleys and a central tract for a public square, were laid out, and lo! Shelby county’s first village came into being — Marion, so named in honor of General Francis Marion, a Revolutionary hero. Mr. James Wilson, first in nearly all things, conducted the first store in the county.
We learn as we study its history, as you would if you had its history before you, that those pioneers whose hard labor brought forth the beginning of Shelby county’s progress included the names of David Fisher, John Porman, Balsar Fox, James Grier, Benjamin Hodges, Benjamin Kaster, Bennett Michan, Adam Rhodes, John Sleeth, Caleb Sleeth, William Sleeth, John Smith, Abel Somers and of course James Wilson, names which are continued in the families of the community’s farmers.
Almost immediately after Marion was platted, 1820, other little settlements sprang up in the territory and knowing that only where one person ‘liveth unto himself alone’ is there no need for law, the settlers petitioned the state legislature, meeting them in Corydon, to constitute and organize them unto a county. The Hon. Jonathan Jennings, first governor of Indiana, approved the act. This was followed by the appointment of five commissioners, January 31, 1821, to select a site for the county seat. These were George Bentley, Benjamin J. Blythe, Amos Boardman, Joshua Cobb, Ebenezar Ward. Then they met July 1, 1822, to select the site there were four sites offered. Since Marion was quite near the center of the county and had been the first in almost everything it was hoped to be chosen. The second site offered was by Mr. Isaac Lemasters—40 acres of his farm. Mr. John Walker also offered 40 acres northeast of the other farm. But three men pooled their gift— Major John Hendricks 40 acres, Hon. John Walker 10 acres and James Davison 20 acres making 70 acres in all. This drew the prize. The story of how Marion lost and how Shelbyville-to be-won, is one of the exciting bits of Shelby county history; by a little change in the wind destinies are determined.
And so Marion, first village was left to its own tranquil way, left to become what is called in the West, a ghost town. The selection of another site grieved the villagers greatly and some criticized it severely. Not even the church is used that was built on the Square and the first school house has been supplanted by a fine new consolidated school building, located on ground just north of the Square.
Without business enterprises of industries Marion is still the center of a fine farming community and the spirit of the old pioneers still remains with its farmers. Names of the old pioneers are still extant in the neighborhood and some have found a place in the business and professional life of the county seat which cost its early disappointment. In talking to our city librarian, Miss Bertha Bowlby, we learned that one new cottage has recently been built in the little village; we were also surprised to learn that she was born and went in her childhood to school there. Her father, Dr. Bowlby, was the community physician there for a number of years.
Not finding the name of Marion in our Shelby county map we were curious to know why in its place was the name of Noah; we learned that when it was a post office town the post office department gave it the post office name of Noah to avoid having its mail confused with the larger Marion ALSO in Indiana.
Contributed by Barb Huff

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M A R I O N.

As previously stated Marion was the first place platted in this county, the date being December 27, 1820, while this county was yet a part of Delaware county. It was laid out by John Sleeth and James Wilson and was originally filed in Franklin county at Brookville, the seat of justice. The original town had fifty-six lots. The early inhabitants of Marion were persistent in their efforts to have the county seat of Shelby county located there. The location is excellent, beautiful and high. After the county seat was lost the place went into decay and part of the town lots were vacated and reverted back to the original owners, or to their legal heirs.
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.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, September 14, 1908
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MARION MUSINGS
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George S. Billman visited the capital city last week.
Mr. and Mrs. John Rhodes spent last Thursday and Friday at the State Fair.
Mrs. T. H. Tadlock and sister, Mrs. Appolis Williams, spent Friday at the State Fair.
A. C. Baas and wife visited Mr. and Mrs. James M. Linville Sunday.
A couple of Mormons visited our little town Tuesday night. About a dozen persons gathered at the store to hear them talk. We think our little village can do very well without their presence in the future.
Uncle George Helm remains about the same.
Several from this community will attend the races at Shelbyville.
Mrs. T. H. Tadlock and daughter Fannie and Mary, attended conference at Shelbyville Wednesday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Shelbyville, Ind.
Friday, January 27, 1899
VOLUME XXXII
Page 1
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MARION.
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Robert Gordon is suffering with the grippe.
Little Frankie Fox, who was sick, is able to be in school.
Mrs. Taylor Gordon is reported as being very sick with la grippe.
Ary Nigh and wife were the guests of Miss Nora Bass Sunday.
Jesse Rhodes, of Shelbyville, attended church at this place last Sunday.
John Rhodes and family were the guests of Charles Rhodes, Sunday.
Kenneth Devening was visiting his teacher, Clancy Bassett, Saturday and Sunday.
Jesse Rhodes, who has been a victim of la grippe, was able to be at church Sunday.
Little Venice, son of John and Belle Rhodes, is very dangerously sick with lung fever.
Joseph Carter, of near Morristown, was visiting his uncle, Charles Rhodes, several days last week.
Our protracted meeting under the direction of our efficient pastor, Rev. Merlotte, is progressing nicely. The weather has been fine and the attendance good.
Miss Lena Billman, who is attending school at DePauw University, Greencastle, was fortunate enough in capturing the first prize of her class. This will be pleasant news for Lena's many friends.
Quite a number of our young people were at the festival given at the Bass school house last Friday night. The festival was given for the benefit of Blue River Chapel. A large crowd was out and the affair apparently was a success.
The Young Men's Congress, of this place, met in open session last Wednesday night. The mondy question was discussed in a very able manner. Joseph Chez and Mr. Boger, of Shelbyville, were present and displayed their oratory in favor of free silver.
The official board of the M. E. Sunday school met last Thursday for the purpose of reorganizing the Sunday school. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year. Superintendent, Alonzo Rhodes; assistant superintendent, Maggie Deprez; secretary, Ollie Jackson; treasurer, Charles Rhodes; organists for the Sunday school, Fannie Tadlock and Blanche Sleeth; organists for church, Mrs. Taylor Gordon and Lizzie Schoeppel.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, October 21, 1898
Page 1
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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MARION.
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Miss May Stiers is on the sick list.
Mrs. E. D. Macy is sick of erysipeias.
Clarence Bruce was seen on our streets last Sunday.
Aunt Elizabeth Rhodes is at this writing seriously ill.
The Sunday school Rally day was postponed until Oct. 30.
What's the matter, Mr. Editor, with us having a query box?
Misses Belle and Nora Foutz have returned from Greenwood.
John Mohr, of Union township, visited friends of this place Sunday.
Mr. Hyland Pollitt and family, of Shelbyville, visited Clarence Stiers, of this place, last Sunday.
Quite a number of our citizens have been before the "answer, and testify to such questions, etc.," this and last week.
The young man who found the "pocketbook" had better return same to the owner as a public exposition might be embarrassing to him.
Quite a number of young people from Shelbyville, who came to attend the Rally day exercises, were disappointed because of postponment[sic].
We understand that a fierce fight took place near the Jerico church, in which a fellow by the name of Snyder was cut considerably with a knife ehld in the hand of Harry Goulding.
Obituary for Claude Billman.
SLASHER
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, October 21, 1898
Page 1
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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NOAH.
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Mrs. Charles Linville was visiting her parents, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Carney, Sunday.
Miss Carrie Phares, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Lon Rhodes, has returned home.
Our new blacksmith, Ed Hodson, who has rented the shop owned by Mrs. Josie Sleeth, will be here in about two weeks.
Miss Grace Rhodes is the happy recipient of a handsome new piano. Her parents presented it to her as a birthday present.
Teachers' Institute will be held here in the school building Saturday, Oct. 22. All who are interested in school work are invited to attend.
On account of the fueral having been held at the church last Sunday, rally day exercises were postponed till 9:15 a.m. Sunday, October 29.
William Wilson, of Shelbyville, was visiting our schools last Thursday,. Mr. Wilson will teach in Union township in the new building when it is completed.
Last Sunday Rev. Marlatte filled his first appointment at the M. E. church. A large and attentive congregation was present and no doubt many went away feeling that they were better for having been there. The sermon was interesting and highly instructive.
On Saturday morning of last week the messenger of death came to the little cottage home of Mr. and Mrs. George Billman and plucked from their bosom the little bud of promise which had grown to be so beautiful and ... [The entry continues but my copy stops here; I assume this an obituary for Claude Billman.]
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, October 7, 1898
Page 1
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N O A H.
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Joseph Addison is on the sick list.
B. S. Sutton was seen on our streets Sunday.
Messrs. Cliff and Harve Macy have purchased the Shepple saw mill.
Charles Fox has moved on his father's farm in VanBuren township.
Jerry Stiers, of Shelbyville, visited his mother in this place Sunday.
S. H. Stiers and wife spent Sunday with Trustee Branson of Union township.
Charles Linville and wife, of Little Blue, visited the latter's parents here Sunday.
Misses Katie and Maud Gaunt have returned from an extended visit to Greenwood.
George Fontz has been visiting friends and relatives at Lyon's Station, Fayette county.
E. D. Macy, who fell last week and sprained his hip, is able with the aid of crutches to be out.
Mrs. Addison Fox, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Charles Unger, has returned home.
S. H. Stiers has moved into his new store room, where he will proceed to dish out first class groceries in the old way.
"Oklahoma Jack," the far famed western cow boy, passed through here last week with a herd of ponies bound for the east.

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(By another Correspondent.)
The truant officer was seen in our village last week.
Lena Billman was the guest of Mrs. Spencer Bassett, Sunday.
Miss Lecta Hauk, who has been sick for some time, is convalescing.
John Hauk, who has been sick with typhoid fever for quite awhile, is now better.
Fritz Schoeppel is making preparations to build a new house and barn on his farm.
Mrs. W. V. Fox has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Charles Unger, of Morristown.
Clifton and Harvey Macy have purchased the saw mill belonging to Fritz Schoeppel.
It is reported that we are to have a new blacksmith, also a new store keeper in the near future.
Charles Rhodes and family were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Rhodes, of Shelbyville, Sunday.
Miss Ersia Bassett, who has been sick with typhoid fever, has recovered and is able to be in school again.
Miss Lucy Degelow, of Shelbyville, spent Thursday of last week in visiting the schools here. She will teach in Brandywine township this winter.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

THE SHELBYVILLE DEMOCRAT
February 10, 1898
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MARION'S MANE MEANDERING'S
Special Correspondence to The Democrat
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Marion, Ind., Feb 9, '98
H. W. Macy has moved his household goods to Fairland.
George Billman, who has been sick of la grippe, is convalescing.
The condition of W. V. and Hard Fox at this writing remains unchanged.
The way the anvil rings in the shop of T. H. Tadlock is a token of a busy spring for the farmers of this vicinity.
Quite a number of our young folks attended the social given by Miss Lottie Fisher, on last Saturday evening.
Jesse Town while harnessing a horse last Friday was kicked on the leg by the animal, which makes "Slowfer" use a cane.
Rev. Jewett preached another of his remarkable sermons here last Sunday morning. Text, Matt. 6:14 Con text Matt. 18th chapter.
The Sunday school review on last Sunday, in charge of Mr. Jesse Thrasher, was very interesting. Mr. Thrasher did himself credit.
All lovers of literary work are cordially invited to attend the meeting of the debating society next Friday evening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The singing under the leadershp of W. C. Adams at the M.E. church was very beautiful. This is a move in the right direction, Will, let the good work go on.
Charles Thrasher, of Indianapolis, was visiting friends and relatives here Sunday. His face was a wreath of smiles as he mingled with the gentler sex on Sunday evening.
There has been organized here a Bachelor's Club, known as the "Jolly Five," with Perry Booher as President, and Cliff Macy, Secretary. Look out ladies for some fun in the future.
Chester Macy, our home talented musical director was seen on our streets Sunday. The professor is preparing to further guide the M.E. Church choir through the mysteries of music.
EXORCIST.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming.
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This town is the oldest in the county, it was laid out by John Sleeth and James Wilson, December 27th, 1820. It was surveyed by H. P. Wilson, a surveyor from Franklin County. Said plat shows that it was originally recorded January 15th, 1821, at Brookville, the county seat of Franklin County, which then included Shelby County within its territory. In 1876, a copy of the recorded plat of said town, was procured from the said record of Franklin County, and the same was copied and recorded in our records. The town originally consisted of 56 lots, each marked 30-100 A., and a public square containing 120-100 acres. Said town plat was acknowledged by but one of the proprietors, viz.: James Wilson, January 15th, 1821, before Robert John, J. P., of Franklin County. And the acknowledgment of said James Wilson states, that each lot is 4 chains in width, by 8 chains in length, which would make them equal to 4x8----32 square chains----3.2 Acres----3 1-5 Acres. It also states that the streets are 2 chains in width, which would be equal to .8 rods or 132 feet in width. Rather large lots and wide streets. There is obviously a "Comedy of Errors" right here in this acknowledgment, for we presume that rods were meant instead of chains, and that the lots are 4x8----32 square rods----.2 Acre---- 2-10---- 1-5 Acre in area in each; and that the streets are 2 rods in width perhaps. The variation of the needle is marked at 7 degrees 20' which was probably taken from the Government Surveyor's field notes, at that time. Sleeth's full name is not given on the plat, but I have ascertained that it was John Sleeth, from the venerable Isaac H. Wilson, now living in Shelbyville, at the advanced age of eighty years, who was one of the original inhabitants of Marion, his father being the said James Wilson who signed the acknowledgment of the town plat before the aforesaid Squire, Robert John. The measurement of the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 9, in Township 13 north, Range 7 east, on which the town is located is on the plat, as the east and west lines of the half quarter section, each 40 chains----160 rods. While the north and south lines are each marked 20, 50 chains. Furthermore, each lot on the plat is marked 30-100, when it should be 20-100. In conclusion, we have this to say: We do not know who is responsible for so many errors and absurdities both in the plat and in the acknowledgment, but it is fair to assume that all such egregious mistakes have been cured by the lapse of time, it being now about sixty-seven years since the little town was located and laid out.
The inhabitants of Marion, in 1822, made a persistent effort to secure the location of the county seat on the site of their town, by urging upon the commissioners of location, the beautiful, high, and dry characteristics of the soil within and contiguous to the town site; but failed to secure it by reason of the more central situation of the site proffered by the county seat at the mouth of Little Blue River, which was finally selected by the commissioners, and which became the present city of Shelbyville. A large portion of the lots, in the south part of Marion, was some years afterward vacated, and reverted back to the original proprietors or their heirs.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, pg 445-47.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Thursday, January 28, 1886
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M A R I O N.
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Special correspondence of the Democrat.
MARION, Jan. 26, 1886 [typo?]
Our current band is a thing of the past; it is to be regretted as the boys are all good blowers and nothing tends to enliven the monotony of village life so much as a good brass band.
The schools in this township will close about the second week in February. Then is some lone spot far away from the haunts of the mischievous kids, let the poor pedagogue rest his aching head.
The teachers of the township will on next Friday night give a literary entertainment. Recitations and the reading of selections will be the order of the evening, after which a debating society will be organized.
Forrest Kennedy has moved to Indianapolis, where he will engage in business. "Forry's" friends here regret to loose him. He is a first class gentleman, and the writer joins his many friends in wishing him every success.
Ras Macey's mills, under the management of uncle David Flynn, are daily grinding and turning out large quantities of flour. Mr. Flynn is an excellent miller and all those desiring good flour and meal should call and see for themselves.
In about two weeks the steam from the various sugar camps throughout the township may be seen ascending through the tops of the forest trees. Boys also may be seen in the dark hours of night wending their silent and lonely way to said camps with pockets full of eggs and a stolen fowl under each arm.
Next Sunday being the day set apart for the Republican mass convention at Shelbyville, Bob Wells will be seen early on the grounds pulling the wires for re-election. The Republican would do well to rebuke this chronic excresence by inviting him to accept and retain a back seat until some time in the far distant future. Robert means well, but is not like Caesar's wife, "above reproach." His natural inclinations are to do right, but then he is very, vary frail.
"Anonymous," the correspondent of the Republican from Marion, now has a partner whose "propensity for lying is equal to his own. This new star sails under the nom de plume of "Agnes." To say that the denizens of this benighted township are proud (?) of that elegant couple does not half express it; nay, they are more than proud; they are completely stunned and paralyzed with the wonderful things ideas that emanate from their brilliant intellects. Such sparkling wit, such profound thought and such startling truths have been seldom displayed, seldom equaled, and never surpassed. Their genius deserves the highest admiration and respect that a cold world is capable of expressing. Take off your hats, ye vulgar herd, and worship at their shrine, lest ye suffer disgrace and contumely. Rats!
On last Monday evening W. A. Shroyer, who lives near Freeport, on his way home from Shelbyville, attempted to pass John Colclazier, a consequence of which they became engaged in a free-for-all race through this place. Whether Shroyer won the race or not, has not yet been learned but one thing is certain, he came back the next day at the earnest solicitation of Squire R. S. Wells, and deposited with him five dollars for the benefit of the school fund, also $5.70 for cruelty to animals, making $10.70 in all. For some time, parties living north of here have been in the habit of filling their hides full of whisky while at Shelbyville and on reaching Marion have fairly made "Rome howl" with their demoniac yells and fast driving. The citizens of this place have reached a state where "forbearance ceases to be a virtue," and have concluded to put a stop to such festive sport. So take notice.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
March 12, 1885
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MARION MUSINGS.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
MARION, IND., March 10, 1885.
--- Tom Tadlock is able to be on the streets again.
--- Mr. Macy's flouring mill is in running order again after a long rest.
--- Alfred Sleeth is preparing to erect a large wagon and blacksmith shop.
--- I notice my old friend George Copple wearing a black eye. What now?
--- Born, to Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, on last Friday, a boy. Call him Joseph Mc.
--- Mr. Forrest Kennedy is smiling around on his old friends again. Welcome home, Forrie.
--- Sugar making is the order of the day, as all those owning sugar camps have commenced work.
--- Mr. Jacob Fox is the father of a bouncing girl baby, which made its appearance a few days ago.
--- Mr. William Stover and Henry Pond, both teachers of this township, closed their school last week.
--- Mr. John Fox, Jr.'s school will close on Wednesday of this week. John is teacher at Windfall.
--- Mr. Al. Maple's school at Marion will close to-night with a grand exhibition. Admission free to all.
--- Mr. George Miller moved from Freeport to Marion last week where he intends to satisfy the farmers with their plows.
--- The farmers in this locality are all in a manner done breaking stalks, and getting ready to break their ground for corn and oats.
--- Jakie Wickliff moved from Jesse Rhoades's farm to Jacob Howery's, where he will remain until fall. From there he is going to his farm in Tipton county.
MARION.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Daily Evening Democrat
Shelbyville, Indiana
November 28, 1883
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MARION MUSH
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Dished Up Red Hot--Our Correspondent
Turns His Nose in Various Directions for
News, and Where He Sees a Head Stick-
ing Up He Hits It Just for Luck.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
MARION, IND., Nov. 27, 1883.
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---- Our farmers are just about half done gathering corn, and are preparing to eat turkey and give thanks on Thanksgiving.
---- Dr. J. Bowlby has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice up here. He thoroughly understands his profession.
---- Hiram Fox has just completed his new house west of Marion. It is a very comfortable dwelling.
---- Morgan Robins, well known to many of your readers, will start a grocery store here at an early day, and we are all glad to hear of it.
---- Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sleeth have a handsome boy baby at their house; weight, nine pounds.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
May 8, 1879
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MARION.
(Special Correspondence of the Democrat.)
Marion, Ind., May 7, 1879
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--- Marion is to have a strawberry festival soon, when another attempt will be made to raise sufficient money to purchase a bell for the church. Our ladies have worked hard in the past to accomplish this object, and I think they will succeed this time as they will have a new committee to look after the funds. Dr. J. M. Adams and Leander Kennedy are men of high character and known honesty and would make excellent members of the committee for the coming festival. If my advice is followed in this respect there will be no complaint, as I simply write in behalf of a large number of people in this township who are, and have been for some time past, grumbling about the manner many of our public entertainments have been conducted. I am glad to know that my articles have been carefully read and approved.
--- I see from THE DEMOCRAT of last week that the correspondent from this place wants to know what has become of that much abused individual, "A. K. Nard," and I hasten to inform him that I still live and keep a sharp lookout for all the frauds in this neighborhood. I succeeded in cally attention to the bad conduct of certain parties who had the finances of a festival in charge. I did this in the hope of breaking up a very bad practice long continued. Recently I interviewed quite a number of our citizens on the subject of the report of the finance committee, and they were all in favor of a thorough sifting of the matter.
Rev. Peter Hinds says that the charges made should be taken in hand by the church directors and the truth shown to the world. [Let no guilty man escape.]
Leander Bass says he would not rest without a clear statement of receipts and expenditures.
Alfred Fox thinks that a clear report is due the public.
James M. Bassett says there should have been an itemized report made to the church of receipts and expenditures.
J. Marsh Wilson says he was not at the festival and does not know the true inwardness of the affair, but thinks an itemized statement should have been prepared and published in all the county papers.
Alfred S. Tucker says he would not rest under the insinuations made by divers persons for the best farm in the county.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
March 5, 1879
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News and Gossip Picked Up on the Fly,
By Our Vigilant Reporters.
-----0-----
ALL ALONG THE WAY
----0----
Marion.
(Special Correspondence of The Democrat.)

MARION, IND., MARCH 5, 1879.
---Morgan Robins is repairing and fitting up a hall here, which is a much needed improvement. Morgan is preparing for the campaign of 1880.
---A gentleman from Morristown, with blue glasses and auburn locks, will this week take away one of or fair damsels. I feel bad over it, as my ambition was in that direction.
---"A. K. Nard," the correspondent of THE DEMOCRAT from this township, knows entirely too much. I know of several persons who would scalp him if they could only find him. His articles have attracted considerable attention, and I understand there is a movement on foot to investigate his insinuations.
SMART ALECK.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Thursday, August 23, 1877
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From Marion.
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Conference of the U. B. church at Blue River chapel last Sunday was well attended. Emma, Eunice and Jim had a good time.
A number of our citizens attended camp meeting last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Will A. Stover are expected to return from Virginia the last of this week.
Mr. Oliver came very near having a runaway on Sunday evening, while returning from Conference.
The "yaller boquette" is causing considerabel commotion in these parts.
We advise those two young men to quit going the back way into orchards, or their names might be made public.
Nearly every family has one representative down with the shakes.
Bill Pond is having his old buggy fixed up. Going to pot in style.
Rain in sufficient quantity to lay the dust; cause the corn to grow well and to dampen the ground thoroughly.
Fall breaking about finished but no wheat sown as yet.
Jesse Rhoads threshed one hundred and fifty bushels of oats from four wagon loads, in the bundle; about as much oats as straw.
Farmers are selling off all but what is necessary, of old corn, and expecting a good crop this fall.
The prodigal will get some old clothes pretty soon.
We have a man in our part of this "vale of tears," who has a terrible hankering for the law, either to be engaged in a lawsuit or else to be on a jury; he has only six suits on docket (in his mind), and a large prospect for more, besides, at least, one term in a jury box.
Camp meeting and U. B. Conference very nearly depopulated the city of Marion last Sunday.
A. (S) J. says he has got all of his opponents scared new, and will pop 'em through. We're one "op," but not scared.
Question -- Why was the temperance meeting last week a failure?
Answer -- too much answer -- or in other words, too little of the essentials of a success of any kind; don't let the boys run t altogether; let some one speak that can speak from experience and not too much of this oratorical display that should not be wasted out in the country, but that should be expended in the court house where it is calculated to be heard by an audience that can appreciate it -- by going to sleep. Won't some real live temperance lecturer give this place a call, and not and not send any more boys; we need a good rousing up on this point, and we're too old to let the little boys of Shelbyville to do it.
It is said that you can't see or hear a chicken within one mile of the Kingdom chapel -- 'cause why?
We think that if the Legislators could live here for one week, they would give us a law that would relieve the county of an enormous lot of dogs.
Messrs. Leonidas Gordon, J. G. Wagner, M. G. Murdock, Wm. Kinsley and others have just finished grading and intend graveling immediately the road that runs north from the Michigan pike, on the line between Marion and Brandwine townships for about two miles north of the Michigan pike. It is their intentions to hold a meeting at the residence of Mr. Wagner, on his farm, next Friday, at two o'clock, p.m., to ascertain whether they will make assessments and gravel and then have a free road; or if not, get a permit from the Commissioners of the county, and then erect a gate at the junction of the two roads. This is certainly as pretty a grade as we ever saw, and is an enterprise that is not often found originating in this county. Let us have more such men.
J. D.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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