Friday, March 4, 2016

Coatesville: Part 10

Before we turn the literary curve onto Walnut Street, let's travel back to Heavin. There were just a few families there in the 1950s. The Noble Bowen family was the next home on the north from Lineberrys. He was born in Putnam County in 1830 and died in Plainfield, Indiana in 2009. He was married to Ruth Marley and had children: Rick, Randy, Patty, Pam and Sandy.

I remember Rick and Patty from the bus ride. Both were quiet, but friendly. We played behind their house in the McCloud woods and occasionally wandered over to play games. Croquet is the most memorable. Noble was well known in the community and respected as well. It's hard to tell tales on this upright family. If anyone has any to tell I would be surprised. The Bowens were part of peaceful Coatesville far distant from the gas station and park crowd.  I have few, but all good memories of them all.

On the other side was the Lindol Creech family, especially the pretty red-head Linda who was one year older than I. We rode the bus together and I would find reason to walk by her house occasionally speaking with her. Of course since she was a year older, I was of little notice I'm afraid. The family moved to Fillmore about 1959 or so.

Lindol M. Creech worked for IBM, was born in 1914 and died in 2000 in Florida where he had moved after his retirement. His father had moved from Wolfe County, Kentucky and was in Hendricks County before he married in 1909. Lindol's wife was named Ruth and I believe they had a son Lindol, Jr.  Ruth also born in 1914 died in 1976.

Joanna Runnells married and moved to the corner of SR-75 where Dave Wingler now lives. Time has consumed memories of her husband. Her sister, Roberta, was mentioned before (in the Hathaway residence on Milton St.). Bobbi married Augustus "Pete" Kelly in 1969.

I believe there was another family on the north and two on the south side of Heavin Street.

Now, the trip down the memories of Walnut Street will resume. The first home on the north was Ronnie Smith and Barbara Awbrey. Barbara lived with Art and Esther Awbrey in school. I suppose she was their daughter although their age was such that she could be their granddaughter. We always accepted that she was a daughter.

I have much empathy for Barbara now. I wasn't as understanding at a young age, but she surely had a hard life. Barbara was overweight and it caused her much physical difficulty and people weren't as kind to her as she deserved. Ronnie Smith married her when I was still in high school. Ronnie also was a "big" guy to put it gently, but he wasn't as encouraging to Barbara as he could have been regarding her weight.  Barbara was born in 1942 and died an early death in 1978. Ronald was born in 1940 and died in 2002. I believe Ronnie lived in Clayton before his death.

Upon reviewing old tax records I realized that Coatesville has "additions" even in the 1950s! For instance, you can see the Walton Additions and Phillips Additions on the plat map (Figure #16).

The Jocko Sanders family lived in the green composite shingle house next door or perhaps one house away from the Smiths.  We were in competion! Who had the hardest time? Jocko worked at the grain  elevator and Marie at various jobs. Later in her career she was a truck driver for Aircrast Electronic Specialties for several years.

What I remember about Marie, though, is that she was a worker. I remember her at auctions bidding on things for the family and perhaps to resale for a profit.  Ethel Marie Annon was born in Ohio to Reason Annon. I would assume that her birth mother was Ora Davis, but I'm not certain. Census lists Marie as "black" on occasion and "white" at others. However, her siblings and parents were always listed as white. "Reason" is listed as her father on her birth records. Larry Sanders reports that his adoptive other's other, Ora, was of mixed race.

DeVee and John Sanders was born and lived their early childhood in Alton,IN.TheirFather was Laud DeVee Sanders ,he was born and raised in FT Mitchell ,KY He delivered supplies to the store in Alton owned by the Holcroft's this is how Laud and Maude met They married and stayed in Alton until he was shot and killed on the river .The murder is still unsolved , It is believed to have been over a woman Maude,Devee and John totally disappeared for like a 10 year span .And eventually showed up in Danville with David Jenkins ,I believe David and Maude plotted his murder .Devee and John had no use for him ,and it was a subject that wasn't talked about DeVee worked on the farm just west of Danville on the north side of 36,the last time I was there it is still a farm.Devee got a job at the elevator in Coatesville and moved there .Originally they lived in the 2nd house north of Walnut St on the west side of the street ,and Devee ended up buying the house on Walnut St.
  Ethel Marie was born in Washington Courthouse ,Ohio ,Reason Annon was married and divorced in the 20's due to an affair by Ora ,since race was brought up ,she was mixed black .She was married to Ben Newlin and the marriage was short lived ,she had a son that died at an early age .She moved to Indiana ,and got pregnant by Bud Finley ..She was hired by DeVee to be a live in house keeper ,and ended up getting married ,DeVee adopted Jerry ,I was born in the house on Walnut St and was adopted neither is my biological parent .Marie had 3 more sons .James is the only biological son of Devee .
  DeVee was struck by a car in Clearwater ,FL and died in the hospital there from massive head injuries .Marie had a massive stroke and was paralyzed on one side and blind for several years and died in what was Clarks Creek in Plainfield .John spent several years in the nursing home east of Danville before his death ,John suffered from spastic paralysis form birth .,I was told his Mother fell down a flight of stairs during pregnancy He sold Rose Bud salve for years . (Per Larry Sanders). 

I suppose it's time to discuss what is now in vogue to discuss; race relations. Marie was partially of the black race who lived in a white world because 1950s Coatesville was not a mixed community. In 5th grade we had Phyllis Johnson from rural Amo who attended Coatesville School, but they moved out of the community early on. Some of Jocko's children had attributes like their mother and some did not. I never remember anyone making a difference in how they treated this family any different than other of us poorer families in town; and that was good!

Figure #16 Walnut Street
In the early 1960s the Jose Briones family moved in from Texas. We did things really insensitive in those days. All referred to him as "Mexican Joe", not in derision, but to acknowledge this particular "Joe" while his last name "Briones" was becoming familiar. Joe had ten children and a nice wife. They lived out on Milton at the triangle with SR-75 at that time.

Joe later leased land and grew tomatoes. I worked for him often, not only picking, but sitting on the planter feeding the wheel which delivered the young plants to the willing ground as they were inset and watered at the same time.

Joe and I were great friends. To this day I still have an affinity for immigrants from Mexico because of the genuineness of the Briones family. My only regret is that they never taught me Spanish! At times I was the only Caucasian in the field. I missed a golden opportunity!

Joe Briones later worked construction. He was working on New Winchester silo when he fell off and broke his back. When he was well I kidded him "Joe, I bet you never do that again!" He did. Joe died in another fall a few years later. Jose was born in 1923 and died in 1973. I believe members of his family still live in Coatesville.  Joe made a great impression on me! He was motivated, industrious, loving and a great father and husband. I remember him fondly and his ready smile!

I'm making a point! The Briones and some of the Sanders were different from most of us, but they were readily accepted. In those days we were taught to be "the melting pot", but with progressive thinking, it's now "celebrate our differences". I'm a firm believer in looking beyond our differences and at our sameness. In these early days of the civil rights movement commencing in 1962, we were way ahead of the times. We accepted those different than us without paying much attention to those differences. With time we have unfortunately become separated because now who we are must always be defined!

I never even one time heard a racial epitaph used in derision. Sometimes the vernacular was different in those times, but I don't remember any racial hate.

Tongue-in-cheek I often say "Don't call them vandals, because I'm a Vandal and proud of it! because my ancestors were Viking Vandals. Yes, I'm a Vandal-American since some insist we identify our genetic composition.

With all that said, Marie was different and she was the first one to tell you. She was proud of her difference and had a right to be so. A picture in later years is below (from Ancestry.com; Figure #17):

Figure #17: Ethel Marie Sanders
Coatesville didn't prepare  me for the world. It was fairly monolithic and when I hit the big city in 1967, race riots were underway. Flint and Detroit were a hotbed of violence and malcontent. My thoughts were "What's the big problem?" We're all people, why can't we live together?

You see in my life there were two worlds. I had never been taught to hate. My churches taught to love everybody. Then reality set in. Outside "Stepford-like" Coatesville was urban rage; rage which has yet to subside. I remember Marie and Jocko just as I remember Jose; good people who fit in.

Ethel Marie Annon was born in 1924 an died in 2003.  Jocko and Marie were married in New Winchester in 1949. She had children older than that and perhaps Jerry and another were by a previous marriage?  She is listed on the Social Security roles in 1988 as Newlan for some reason, and later as Ethel Marie Sanders again. Larry said that she had been married to Newlin, but divorced and that Marie had been Jocko's housekeeper before they were married.

Marie had children:  Jerry Sanders, James, Greg, Charlie, and Larry Sanders, My memory is mostly of Jerry and Larry, both of whom rode my school bus. Larry was adopted.

My guess is that Marie's father came to live with them in later life because Reason Annon is buried in Coatesville Cemetery, dying in 1960.

Jocko was well known, but not enough that his real name was a household word! He was always at Coatesville elevator with a hat and a smile. His name is Dee Vee Rice Sanders, no wonder he went by "Jocko"! He was born in 1907 and died in 1990.  Marie was his wife at the time of his death.

Dee Vee was the son of Land D. Sanders and Maud H. Hollcroft coming from Crawford County, Indiana. His brother John Franklin Sanders lived with his mother and stepfather David Jenkins on Rockville Road for a time, but with Jocko most of his adult life.

John was born in 1918 to the same parents and lived in Coatesville until he died in 1993. He was affectionately known as Johnny. Johnny had a crippling disease. I'm not sure it was from birth, but perhaps multiple sclerosis. His legs were twisted and his speech had a slight impediment which troubled him. He was a small man compared to Jocko who was likely near six feet.

Johnny left an indelible impression on me, not because he was successful, handsome, brilliant or popular, but because he was sincere. He loved to visit!  He had a spark in his eyes which impediment failed to dim. Before automation Johnny propelled with his twisted hands, that old wooden wheelchair all over town selling black salve which was common for whatever the ailment was at the time!  It wasn't charity which he sought, but profits from his labors! Because of his drive, I'm motivated. It's for him that I wrote the poem Ode to Johnny Sanders and had it published because he deserves being remembered!

You see, Johnny still lives in my memory as he surely does yours as well. His "work ethic" and "genuineness" is filed there with  the word "cripple" for a legacy to the ages. I thought it unfair that Johnny would be forgotten so I saw fit to immortalize him!

Johnny was a fan of Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz series of books. He had them all! They were well-read and soiled, but he loaned them one at a time to me as he had surely done many others over his lifetime. He was my library on wheels who tucked the book in his knapsack in his rickety chair and  hand delivered it. You could tell it was precious because of the gleam in his eyes!

I read them all! They are still my favorites outside the Bible and Nicholas and Alexandria, but at that time they were tops!  Robinson Crusoe was tough competition I remember because I read Defoe's book five times. It took me for a time away from Coatesville and put me there on my own island with my man Friday.

If the Sanders family still had those books and they were in great shape, they would be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Johnny wasn't wealthy while he lived, but ironically is rich in death!

Johnny's black salve reminded me of so much. I still have black salve in my medicine cabinet. It feels left out with my aloe vera and antiseptics, but it still has its uses!

My family seldom went to the doctor, let alone the dentist! I went once to Franklin because they suspected the 1950s plague which was feared by all. Thanks to Jonas Salk the young have never felt the scourge of poliomyelitis "polio", but it was feared more than the low flying bombers overhead as the world got close to five-minutes to midnight which we again approach after 7 more minutes of reprieve after socialism was wiped from the Soviet Republic.

Dad's medicine was onion tea for a cold, caster oil for the appetite, black salve for skin damage, soda for heart burn and to brush our teeth and an occasional 7-Up to delude us into feeling better!

Cavities were my nemesis. My earliest memories are of continual toothaches because we had never heard the word "dentist"! When I was twelve I bummed a ride from my brother Carroll to see Dr. Trippett in Greencastle. I had heard that he charged $3.00 per tooth for extraction. I had never even heard about fillings and he didn't tell me. He pulled three decayed molars for a total of $9.00 and I still have those spaces of which rib-eyes often remind me! But gaps were better than the alternative!

Before Trippett tripped all over me, my recesses at school were spent lying in pain with gauze in my cavity, tempered with the smell of red toothache medicine. Each bottle cost 25 cents and when I worked I saved enough to always have a bottle in my pocket. If I had spent less money on bubblegum, then I could have saved on this red elixir. I learned prevention too late, but still have my teeth. Coatesville made me a lover! I love dentists who drill, file and fill. It's heaven to know that toothache pain was left far behind.

I have few memories of the Sanders boys and none of the girls. They were always well behaved and friendly. Jerry was  noted for his leather jacket and combed back curly hair and his auburn complexion. Larry was also of the same countenance and polite and nice. Memories of them have frozen them in time. May they be there forever!

The next family is the Delps. Because they are many and the stories more, the next intstallment will start with them. In the meantime  it struck me that some history might intrigue the reader and there is much to learn! Outside of having no idea of where the village of Mimosa was in Hendricks County, although Pecksburg and Springtown, are known, I learned much. Perhaps the reader will as well.


From The People's guide : a business, political and religious directory of Hendricks Co., Ind.; 1874.  I have extracted the men of Clay Township from Reno and Coatesville for this occasion.

T.B. Adams; carpenter; 1 m e Coatesville , born in N.C. 1831; settled in H.C. 1857. Dem. Protestant
E, W, Allen ; telegrapher; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1848; settled in H. C. 1870. Dem. Baptist.
Isaac Baughman; hotel; Coatesville;. Born in Pa. 1830; settled in H.C. 1864. Dem. Protestant
Joshua F. Bohannan; farmer; Reno. Born in Ky. 1824; settled in H.C. 1870. Dem. M. Baptist
Joshua Brown; farmer; 1.2 m e Coatesville. Born in Ind. 1843; settled in H.C. 1863. Rep. Friend
George W. Brown; merchant and trader; Reno. Born in Ind. 1836; settled in H.C. 1871. Rep. Methodist
Newel Brown; shingle manufacturer; Reno. Born in Ind. 1839; settled in H.C. 1868. Rep.
Virl Brown; works at will; Coatesville. Born in H.C. 1846. Rep. Methodist
James Brown; boot and shoe maker; Coatesville. Born in N.C. 1819; settled in H.C. 1866. Dem.
J,W, Brown; farmer and trader; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1834; settled in H.C. 1872. Rep.
Daniel Brewer; Coatesville; Born in Holland 1784; settled in H.C. 1852. Rep. Baptist.
Thos. Branson; farmer; Coatesville; Born in Ohio 1833; settled in H.C. 1862. Rep. Friend.
Alford Bundy; farmer; 2 m s Coatesville; Born in Tenn 1793; settled in H.C. 1858. Rep.
J. B. Bundy; carpenter; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1844; settled in H.C. 1856. Dem. Methodist.
D.W. Campbell; merchant; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1844; settled in H.C. 1868. Dem. M. Baptist.
Loyd Campbell; milling and farmer; Coatesville.
John Cassady; farmer; 1-1/2 m s e Coatesville.
James Christy; farmer; Reno. Born in Va. 1814; settled in H.C. 1838. Methodist.
J. M. Christy; farmer; Reno. Born in H.C. 1846. Dem. Independent.
J. A. Christy; farmer; Reno. Born in H.C. 1841. Dem. Methodist.
Robert Christy; farmer and trader; 1 m n Coatesville. Born in H.C. 1848. Dem. Methodist.
John F. Crews; merchant and trader; Coatesville. Born in N.C. 1830; settled in H.C. 1851. Indp. M. Baptist.
William Crews; stock dealer; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1807; settled in H.C. 1851; Dem. R. Baptist
M.T. Crews; farmer; 5 m n e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1836; settled in H.C. 1851. Dem. M. Baptist.
James Crews; trader; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1821; settled in H.C. 1850. Dem. M. Baptist.
Suel Crews; huckster; Coatesville. (Has Ratlif got back) Born in N.C. 1838. Dem. Methodist.
A. J. Crews; farmer; 2 m s e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1828; settled in H.C. 1852. Rep. Methodist
Darius Crews, trader; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1831; settled in H.C. 1851. Rep. M. Baptist.
W. F. Crews; trader; Coatesville, Born in N.C. in 1833; settled in H.C. 1846. Rep. R. Baptist.
John F. Crews; trader; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1820; settled in H.C. 1849. Dem. M. Baptist.
S. B. Edwards; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in H,C. 1847, Rep. Friend.
Joshua Edwards; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in N.C. in 1820; settled in H.C. in 1830. Rep. Friend.
C. W. Elrod; woolen mills; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1833; settled in H.C. in 1838. Rep. Methodist.
J. F. Elrod; farmer and stock raiser; Coatesville; born in N.C. in 1824; settled in H.C. in 1838. Rep. Methodist.
E. R. Ellis, harness maker; Coatesville, born in Ind. in 1844; settled in H.C. 1868. Dem.
Price H. Fellows; merchant and trader; Coatesville; born in Ind. in 1834. Settled in H.C. in 1865. Rep. Friend.
Joseph Freeman; railroad carpenter; Coatesville; born in Ind. 1837; settled in H.C. 1868. Dem. Methodist.
J.D. Flinn; farmer; 4 m n Coatesville; born in H.C. 1841; Indp. Methodist
Ed. Fry; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1845; settled in H.C. 1852. Dem. M. Baptist.
P. H. Fulp; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; born in N.C. 1831; settled in H.C. 1856. Dem. M. Baptist.
J. B. Gambold; merchant; Caotesville; born in H.C. 1839. Rep. Methodist.
Eri Gambold; farmer; 1 m n e Coatesville; born in H.C. 1833; settled in H.C. 1836. Rep. Methodist.
S. Godson; works at will; 2 m s Coatesville; born in H.C. 1828. Dem. Protestant.
James Greenlee; farmer and trader; 1 m n e Reno. Born in H.C. 1835. Rep. Protestant.
James Greenwood; farmer; Reno; Born in Ind. 1838; settled in H.C. 1870. Dem. Protestant.
Frank Gross; farmer; Reno; Born in Tenn. 1830; settled in H.C. 1842. Rep. Methodist.
W. R. Harris; farmer; 4 m n Coatesville;. Born in H.C. 1852. Dem. Gentile.
John Harris; farmer; 1-1/2 m e Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1844. Dem. Protestant.
B. F. Harlan; farmer; 3/4 m s e Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1851. Rep.
Lewis Hays; school teacher; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1848. Dem. Methodist
Russel Hodge; farmer; 2-1/2 m s Coatesville, Born in Ky 1813; settled in H.C. 1824. Dem. Protestant.
W. E. Harvey; farmer; 2-1/2 m s w Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1851; settled in H.C. 1872. Rep. Methodist.
M.E. Hadley, 1 m n e Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1828. Rep. Friend.
T. Hunt; physician; Coateville, Born in N.C. 1838; settled in H.C.1866, Rep. Friend.
Nich. Harris; farmer and stock raiser; 4 m n Coatesville; Born in KY 1810; settled in H.C.1834. Dem. Protestant.
Henry Hale; engineer; Renp; Born in H.C. in 1852. Rep. Friend.
William Hockett; saw milling; Reno; Born in Ohio in 1840; settled in H.C. in 1870. Rep. Friend.
Asa Hockett; saw milling; Reno; Born in 1840; settled in H.C. 1870. Rep. Friend.
P.F. Hall; farmer; 1 m s Reno; Born in N.C. 1813; settled in H.C. 1844. Rep. Friend.
Amos Hibbs; farmer; 1/2 m w Reno; Born in Indiana 1832; settled in H.C. 1869. Rep. Methodist.
Augustus Johnson; farmer; 1 m s e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1828; settled in H.C. 1851. Rep. M. Baptist.
William P. Jenkins; blacksmith; Coatesville; Born in N.C. in 1829; settled in H.C. 1860. Indp. Protestant.
H. B. Kendall; ag't Greencastle pump and material; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1840; settled in H.C. 1865. Rep. Methodist.
C.C. Kesterson; engineer; Coatesville; Born in 1843; settled in H.C. 1871. Indp. Methodist.
Garison Kelso; railroad carpenter; Coatesville; born in Ky 1835; settled in H.C. 1854. Rep. Christian.
John Kilroy; farmer; Coatesville; Born in Ireland 1848; settled in H.C. 1868; Dem. Catholic.
John A. Knight; farmer and carpenter; 2 m s e Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1850; settled in H.C. 1863. Rep. Methodist.
Thomas Knight; railroad carpenter boss; Coatsville. Age about 48. Rep. Methodist.
Wm. King; farmer; 3/4 m w Reno; Born in Ind. 1831; settled in H.C. 1836. Dem. Protestant.
George Latin; postmaster; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1795; settled in H.C. 1861. Rep. Methodist.
W. A. Lawdack; farmer; 2 m e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1846; settled in H.C. 1848. Dem. Protestant.
J. H. Long; farmer; 2 m n e Reno; Born in Va in 1827; settled in H.C. 1837; Rep. M. Baptist.
D. Masten; farmer; 1/2 m s Coatesville; Born in N.C> 1817; settled in H.C. 1833; Rep. Universalist.
Melville Masten; farmer; 1/2 m n Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1853; Rep. Protestant.
Matthias Masten; farmer; 1/2 m n w Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1834. Rep. Friend.
Reuben Masten; farmer; farmer; 1 m s Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1806; settled in H.C. 1833;. Rep. M. Baptist.
Jesse Masten; farmer; 1 m s Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1848. Rep. M. Baptist.
Manwel Masten; farmer; 2 m s Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1825.
I. Z. A. Mason; merchant; Coatesville; Born in Indiana 1828; settled in H.C. 1865. Rep. Methodist.
Isaac Mendenhall; fur trader; 1/2 m s Reno; Born in H.C. 1850. Rep. Scattering.
N. C. Mendenhall; farmer; 1/2 m s Reno; Born in N. C. 1833; settled in H.C. 1833, Rep. Friend.
James H. McClure, druggist; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1853. Rep. Independent.
W. P. Monnett; wagonmaker; Coatesville; Born in 845; settled in H.C. 1867. Rep. Methodist.
Isaac Monnett; farmer; 1/2 m s Reno; Born in Ind. 1849; settled in H.C. 187. Dem. Protestant.
Benj. Nance; tilemaker; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1845; settled in H.C. 1863. Rep. Methodist.
Jonathan Newman; farmer; Coatesville; Born in H.C. in 1845. Rep. Friend.
J. L. Newman; farmer; 1 m s w Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1820; settled in H.C. 1838. Reform Protestant.
John Newman; farmer; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1807; settled in H.C. 1839. Rep. Friend.
O. S. Newton; carpenter; Coatesville; Born in Indiana 1815; settled in H.C. 1824. Rep. Christian.
Owen Newton; carriage and fancy painter; Coatesville; Born in 1940; settled in H.C. 1862. Rep. M. Baptist.
Joseph Noble; physician and surgeon; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1846. Dem. Gentile.
William Newkirk; carpenter; Coatesville; Born in Ohio 1838; settled in H.C. 1863. Rep. Methodist.
J. F. Nichols; merchant and trader; Coatsville; Born in Ind. 1843; settled in H.C. 1872. Dem. Protestant.
Robt. Oliver; farmer; 3 m n Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1848; settled in H.C. 1872. Rep. M. Baptist.
W. E. Parker; harnessmaker; Coatesville, Born in Indiana 1855; settled in H.C. 1868. Rep. Protestant.
L.A. Phillips; real estate agent; Coatesville' Born in H.C. 1838. Rep. Methodist.
M. Perry; clerk in store; Coatesville; Born in Indiana 1841; settled in H.C.  1873. Indp. Protestant.
Thomas Pierson; clerk in store, Coatesville; Born inInd. 1841; settled in H.C. 1871. Rep. Methodist.
Joel Phillips; Coatesville, Born in Ind. 1833; settled in H.C. 1837.
Levi Phillips; farmer' Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1806; settled in H.C. 1834. Rep. Protestant.
B. H. Pierce; tailor; Cpatesville; Born in Pa. 1827; settled in H.C. 1866. Rep. Protestant.
J.W. Pierson; carpenter; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1844; settled in H.C. 1869; Dem. Protestant.
J.W. Phillips; stock trader; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1836. Rep. Protestant.
Cyrus E. Philips; livery feed and sale stable; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1845. Rep.Methodist.
Tilman Pierson; school teacher; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1848. Dem. Protestant.
David Pike; farmer; 2 m s w Coatesville; Born in Oh 1833; settled in H.C. 1834. Rep. Methodist.
John Pierson; merchant and stock dealer; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1832; settled in H.C. 1865. Rep. Methodist.
Jonathan Philips; farmer; 1-1/2 m s e Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1840; Rep. Methodist.
David Pierson; engineer; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1833; settled in H.C. 1870. Rep. Methodist.
L.W. Quillan; farmer; 1 m s Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1828. settled in H.C. 1872. Protestant.
John S. Roberts; cabinet make; Coatesville; Born in Ky 1820; settled in H.C. 1839. Rep. Christian.
J. H. Rudd; farmer; 1/2 m e Coatesville; Born in Ky 1829; settled in H.C. 1843. Rep. Methodist.
John Rudd; carpenter; Coatesville; Born in Ky 1835; settled in H.C. 1845. Rep. Protestant.
A. E. Redpath; druggist; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1849; settled in H.C. 1869. Rep. Protestant.
S. Roach; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in 1801; settled in H.C. 1857. Dem. Protestant.
J.C. Reed; farmer; 1 m n  Coatesville; Born in Ky 1845; settled in H.C. 1869. Dem. Protestant.
George Sharp; farmer; Coatesville; Born in Tenn. 1807; settled in H.C. 1854. Dem. M. Baptist.
C. L. Stanley; farmer; Coatesville; Born and raised in Clay Twp.; Born 1831. Rep. Methodist.
Wm. Sacre; farmer; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1843. Democrat.
Benj. Sacre; farmer; 1 m n e Coatesville; Born in Ky 1797; settled in H.C. 1826. Dem. Methodist.
C. P. Smith; farmer; 1 m s Coatesville; Born in Ky 1847; settled in H.C. 1869, Rep. Methodist.
O. F. Sanders; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1837. Rep. Methodist.
L.S. Smith; school teacher; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1851. Rep Protestant.
J. Smith; farmer; 2 m n e Coatesville; Born in Tenn. 1813; settled in H.C. 1838. Rep. Methodist.
Lewis Shaw; grocer and stock trader; Coatesville; Born in Ohio 1841; settled in H.C. 1872. Dem. Protestant.
Ben. Short; farmer; Coatesville; Born in Ky 181; settled in H.C. 1871. Dem. Methodist.
J. M. Stanley; carpenter; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1837; settled in H.C. 1852.  Rep.
William Stanley; painter; Coatesville; Born in Indiana 1839; settled in H.C. 1852. Rep. Protestant.
M. Sullivan; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1837; settled in H.C. 1867. Dem. M. Baptist.
R. M. Sullivam; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in N.C. in 1816; settled in H.C. 1855. Dem. Missionary Baptist.
R. F. Swain; farmer; 1 m e Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1836; settled in H.C. 1853. Rep. Friend.
William A. Stears; carpenter; Coatesville, Born in 1830; settled in H.C. 1865. Rep. Protestant.
Joel Tinder; school teacher; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1845. Dem. R. Baptist.
J.N. Tinder: farmer; 2 m s e Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1852. Rep. Protestant.
H.A. Wise; farmer; 1 m w Reno; Born in Ky 1809; settled in H.C. 1834. Indp. Methodist.
David Walker; milling and stock raising; Coatesville' Born in N.C. 1810; settled in H.C. 1833 Rep. M. Baptist.
Zimiri Warren. boarding house; Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1824; settled in H.C. 1865. Rep. Protestant.
Joseph Williams; plasterer and brick mason; Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1839. Rep. Methodist.
T. M. Willson; farmer; Reno; Born in N.C. 1816; settled in H.C. 1872. Rep. Friend.
Henry Wisehart; farmer; 2 m n e Coatesville; Born in Ind. 1838; settled in H.C. 1868. Rep. Methodist.
R.D. Willson; sawyer; Reno; Born in Ind. 1834; settled in H.C. 1869. Rep. Methodist.
John A. Wright; teamster; Reno; Born in Ind. 1834; settled in H.C. 1862. Rep. Protestant.
Albert Wise; farmer; 1/2 m s Reno; Born in H.C. 1845. Dem. Protestant.
W. R. Wright; railroader; Coatesville; Born in N.C. 1818; settled in H.C. 1864. Rep. Methodist.
Edom Wise; farmer; 2-1/2 m n w Coatesville; Born in H.C. 1844. Dem. Protestant.

Just a few notes on the rise of Coatesville and the pattern of immigration. This information is from 1874, There were several events which brought people to this town. The opening of the land in the state and the mass immigration to Indiana circa 1830, the period before the Civil War when southerners were leaving slave states for social and religious reasons, the period after the Civil War when people from the south were starting a new life after their losses, and then the opening of the railroads here in central Indiana. Of course there were other reasons, but these are some of them. Others came because their professions were demanded here or because the land is fertile! It's much easier to grow corn in the loam of the prairies of Indiana than the rocky hills of Kentucky and Tennessee.

This pattern of migration continued after  1874. Jobs after WWII brought many from the southern states to Indiana in mass around 1950. My own family came from the hills of Shopville  in Pulaski County, Kentucky to a land which promised jobs in 1953. Dad made the trek first as a tomato picker and farm hand, then was blessed when the far away wars caused Allison to produce much of the military hardware needed to fight evil throughout the world. After the Korean War a military production downturn occurred after the cease fire (we are still at war officially with North Korea), and Chevrolet Motor Division on White River Parkway in Indianapolis took many of the no longer needed Allison employees. Dad transferred there in circa 1963 and worked at Chevrolet until his retirement at age 65. Many of those families in Coatesville at that time had much the same story!

For those who lived in rural Coatesville and were farmers, the information above approximates location. For instance "1 m s e Coatesville" means "1 mile south east of Coatesville".

For religious affiliation "R. Baptist" means "Regular Baptist" and "M. Baptist" are the "Missionary Baptists".

There are patterns. For instance most northern Methodists were Republicans. This is because of the "social justice" and anti-slavery fever of that denomination. Of course there were anti-slavery Democrats and some did go the the Methodist Church.

On the other hand most Democrats were Baptists or at least Protestants. Today Methodists are considered "Protestant", but their independence from Catholicism came a different route through the Church of England. Likewise, the propensity of people from the south was to be baptists for their growth was from the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky to Indiana. This era was barely a hundred years removed from "State Churches" and the avoidance of those state churches were what brought many west.

Baptists were always connected to independence and independent minded people were restless. This restlessness motivated many to migrate. Religion brought many northward.

Those who are designated "Christian" were usually of that denomination. They too came from the south as Kentucky was most prominent in the origin of  the Christian "denomination" with the ministry of Barton Stone and his alliance with the Campbellites.

Those who claim "Protestant" were either unaffiliated or Calvinists who worshiped at home or with similar denominations. There doctrine was more Primitive Baptist or Regular Baptist and some perhaps Presbyterian, of which there were no churches in Coatesville. "Friends" were what we then and now colloquially refer to as "Quakers". The development of Indiana at that time was done by many "Friends", as Davidson pointed out, of whom many of the Hadleys represented.

You can see from the information that Coatesville was a thriving town at the time this information was recorded. It had merchants, farmers of course, traders, grocers. druggists, etc. many who occupied buildings which are still extant!

Many of you have ancestors in this list. It may not be those who are paternal, but never forget your mother nor your mother's mother. Your blood likely flows from many of the veins of these early settlers in Clay Township. I would encourage you to seek more because each of us are composites of who preceded us! Some of you are of the same fabric of those in this list. Some of you Hoosiers, even the ones who ridiculed us later transplants, have bluegrass and ridge top waters flowing through your veins. You each may have a Lincoln in you and not even be aware of it!

Some old farmers and their families were listed in the following publication. Some are familiar; others less known. Consider the following adventurers of 1919. I have abstracted those of Coatesville who supplied the needs of the community and places beyond.


Hendricks County, Indiana, Farm Directory (1919)

FARMERS AND BREEDERS, HENDRICKS COUNTY

Abbreviations Used in this Directory

a— Acres; Ch — Children; O— Owner; T — Tenant or Renter;
R — Rural Route; Sec — Section; Maiden name of wife follows
directory name in parenthesis ( ); figures at end of informa-
tion — year became resident of county. Star (*) indicates
children not at home. Name of farm in quotation marks fol-
lows names of children. In case of a tenant, the farm owner's
name follows the figures giving size of farm.


Appelgate, Sanford E. (Cora Christy) Ch Lawrence, John; "Pleasant  Clover Farm" Amo Rl Franklin Sec 7 045a (1917) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Bowen, Lee R. (Roxie Hunt) Ch Zellia, Forrest; Coatesville R2 Franklin Secl6 O50a (1919) Coates-
ville Tel. Coatesville

Bowen, Thomas W. (Nancy E. Hollenworth) Ch *Ida R., *Lee lR.; Amo Rl Franklin Sec l7 084a (1888) ICoatesville Tel. Coatesville

Bridges, Charles W. (Dela Phillips) Ch Thaddius; Coatesville R.A Clay Sec32 l60a (1902) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Buds, Alonzol .(Violet McCammack) Ch *Lesta; Coatesville R2 Clay Sec5 08a (1904) Home Tel Coatesville

Cash, Isaac (Clco Lisby) Ch Ora R.,  Delbert F M Lorena; Coatesville R.A Clay Sec CE T 90a Charles Elroy (1917) Tel. Coatesville

Cassidy, John (Phoebe Martin) Ch ♦Luther, ♦Fred, ♦Manuel, ♦Lena; Amo Rl Clay Sec5 066a (1863)
Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Chandler, Luther M. (Bessie R. Hinkle) Ch James Morris; "Pleasant View Farm" Coatesville R2
Franklin Sec7 022#a (1877)  Bridge Tel. Bridge

Chatham, Marion E. (Mattie E. Wilson) Ch Leonard, Ray, Roy;  Coatesville  Rl Marion Secl9SW Ol06a (1889) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Chatham, Ray (Mary J. Hollingsworth) Coatesville R.A Marion  Sec7 Tl33a W. F. Wilson (1894)

Cline, Silas A. (Lizzie Buys) Ch Hershel, Frank, Ilda, * Herman; Coatesville Rl Marion Scc20SW
Ol76a (1850) Farmers Tei. Coatesville

Cornett, Henry (America Dohanan)ICh ♦Anne; Coatesville Clay Sec28 022a (1844) Coatesville Tel.
Coatesville

Duthridge, William W. (Flossie Goff) Ch Jiles, Jull, Harold; Coatesville Rl Franklin Sec20 T80a Roscoe Broadstreet (1918) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Edwards, John L. (Inez Ghcrc) "Willow Brook Farm!" Coatesville Rl Marion Secl7 O40a (1004)
Farmers Tel. New Winchester

Ellett, Sylvester (Rose E. Stierwalt) Ch John Q., Edith, Freda, Ruby, Kern, + Lena E.; Coatesville Clay  Sec3lE 067a (1010)

Elrod, Claude H. (Clova Hurst) Ch Frank H., Lucille; "Homestead Farm" Fillmore R2 Franklin Secl9
Tl40a W. H. Elrod Est. (1881) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Gans, William H. (Mary Clevenger) Ch Edith; Danville R.C Marion Scc2lSW Or,7^a (1881) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

George, John (Rena Parker) Amo Rl Clay Sec29 O40a (1917) Tel. Coatesville

Glover, Frank (Elsie Mitchell)  Coatesville R2 Franklin Sec20 Tl60a Mrs. Minie Masten (1873)

Goodrich, Ira (Emma Lape) "Beech Grove Farm" Coatesville Clay" Sec5 054a (1911) Farmers Tel.
Coatesville

Greenle-, Tames W. (Etta Chatham) Ch Rollie, Loyd, *Ethel, *Hershal. *Erbin. *Vallev; "Steep
Roof Farm" Danville R.C Marion Sec20 T98a F. M. Chatham (1859) Farmers Tel Coatesville

Greenlee, Tilghman A. (Verna A. Owens) Ch Harter, Grace, Marion, Doris, Lydia, Loraine, Howard,
Maxine; Coatesville Rl Marion Sec20SW Tl40a John Gross (1870) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Grimes, Oliver N. (Fannie L. Oursler) Ch Mary O.; Coatesville Rl  Clay Sec29 T80a John F. Gross
(1854)

Gross, James R. (Dora J. Brown) Ch Silva, Renzo, Marley, Hammel, Lorena; Coatesville Rl Clay
Sec30 Oll7a (1887) Home Tel. Coatesville

Harris, Nicodemus (Rose Edwards) Cli Hulda, Fred; "Cornland Farm"  Coatesville Rl Marion <Secl8 Ol43a (1851) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Harris, William R. Coatesville R.A  Marion Secl8 OlOOa (1852)

Hendricks, Thomas IR. (Susie Hargraves) Ch Charles; Coatesville Rl •Marion Secl9SW Tl35a Frank
Pruitt (1908)

Hodson, Henry D. Ch Jessie F.; "Beach Crest Farm" Fillmore R2 Franklin Scc7 OlOOa (1885)
Coatesvillc Tel. Coatesville

Hunt, Ora (Cora M. King) Ch Ruby; Coatesville Rl Clay Sec30E 034a (1872) Home Tel. Coatesville

Jackson, Willis M. (Etta McCray) Coatesville R2 iClay Sec6E Ol8a  (1919) Home Tel. Coatesville

Frank Johnson (1909) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Johnson, Frank (Mamie E. Newman) Ch ♦Clarence; Coatesville Rl Franklin Sec7 Tl20a (1858) Coatesville Tel. ICoatesville

Keck, Robert H. (Belle McHargue) Ch Debbie, Dale, Ruby, ♦Loney, ♦William, ♦Hifam, ♦Lee, *Kenneth, ♦Pearl; Coatesville Rl Marion Sec7  TlOla E. Heaven (1916)


Keeney, Roy R. (Frances F. Neace) Ch Ralph, Kenneth; Coatesville Rl Marion Sec8 OS8a (1018)

Kelly, William (L. E. Hunt) Ch Jewel, ♦Forrest, *Glenden, ♦Wayne, "Hunt Homestead" Coatesville Rl Marion * Secl9SW 0213 2-3a (1862) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Layman, C. W. (Minnie Kanaman) .Ch Andrew, Louise, Laura, Bernice, Ames, Forrest, Clyde; Amo
Rl Clay Sec28 091^a (1908) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Long, Preston T. (Eliza J. Gross) ICh ♦Luna, ♦Alice, + Mary, ♦Alva; "Woodside Farm" Danville R.C Marion Scc20SW Ol31a (1851) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Masten, Arthur (Elizabeth Powers) Ch Mildred K.; "Spring Valley Stock Farm" Coatesville RA
Franklin Sec8 T80a Arthur Masten (1913) Sears Tel. Sears

Masten, Clyde R. (Jennie Shsuster) Ch Lcowona; Coatesville Rl Franklin Sec8 Ol04a (1895)
Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Masten, Hezzie, Qoatesville R.A Franklin Sec20 T300a Martha E. * Masten (1910) Coatesville Tel.
Coatesville

Maston, E. E. (Minnie Wise) Ch ♦Earl, ♦Ocie; Coatesville Rl Clay SecOE O40a (1877) Home .Tel.
Coatesville

Mclntyre, Jesse I. (Agnes Osburnc) Ch Jeanette, Osburnc; "Lone Pine Farm" Danville R.C Marion
Sec2lSW 045a (1898) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

McNinch, Daniel A. (Rhoda Wilson) Ch William, *John F., *Gcorgc D.. ♦Dora M., *Maudl; Coatesville R.A  Clay SecfiE O20a (1850) Home Tel. Coatesville

Montgomery, Leonard E. (Edna A. Dow) Ch Mildred M., Pauline Wabury M.; "Flowing Waters
Farm" Coatesville R.D Marion Sec8-7 O80a (1871) (Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Nelson, Rollie (Julia McCammack) Ch Wayne, Dennis, Avis, Eldon, Vcn'etie, Louise; Coatesville Rl
Franklin Sec20 Tl80a Ira Masten (1019) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Newman, John B. (Eva Hankins) Ch ♦Arthur, ♦Marie; Coatesville R.A Franklin Sec7 O80a (1890)

Newman, Jonathan L. (Flora Beeson) Ch ♦Jonathan R., ♦Ethel; Coatesville Rl Franklin Sec7
Ol59a (1890) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Newman, J. C. (Elizabeth Morgan) Ch William, *Ethel, + Agnes, ♦Everett; Coatesville R.A Marion
Secl8 OllSa (1866) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

O'Neal, Frank H. (Neva Noland) "O'Neal Homestead" Amo IRl Clay Sec32 Tl08a J. E. O'Neal (1887). Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Parish, Artie (Lela Coffey) Ch Edna, Mildred, *Jessie; Coatesville R2 Franklin Sec8 033a (1919) 
Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Phillips, Olney W. (Hazel Figgs) Ch Agnes, Frank; "Homestead" Amo Rl Clay Sees Tl50a Mirs. M. Phillips (1880) Tel. Coatesville

Pierson, Harley R. (Murl Allen) Ch Donald; Coatesville Rl Marion 5ecl7 'Manager T .108,1 IT H. Underwood (1919) Farmers Tel. New Winchester

Pritchett, Isaac (Geneva Aubrey) Ch Russell; Coatesville R2 Franklin Secl7 T75a Jack Gambold (1918) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Quick, Jacob P. (Ellen E. Elrod) Ch Donald E.; Coatesville R.A Clay Sec25NE 0211a (1887) Cartersburg

Sharp, James A. (Martha M inter) Ch ♦Clyde, ♦Cecil, ♦Edith; Coatesville IRl Marion Secl8 062a (1848)

Shelton, Amos C. (Etha E Hcavin) "City View Farm" Coatesville R.A Marion Sec8 O80a (1873) Farmers  Tel. New Winchester

Shields, Lon (Eva Purcel) Coatesville Rl Clay Sec3lE O80a (1881) Home Tel. Coatesville

Shields, William H. (Zula A. Newman) Ch Stella, Callie; Coatesville R2 Franklin Secl8E Ol60a (1016)  Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Smith, Ernest (Gay Turner) Ch Mavourneen, Alta, Dona; Amo \Rl Clay Sec32 061J^a (1018) Farmers  Tel. Coatesville

Smith, Virgil C. (Sylvia Slagle) Ch Lowell, Ella; Amo Rl Clay Sec3<3 TlOOa Oscar Mann (1017) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Stanley, Sirius (Christine Edwards) Coatesville Rl Franklin SeclOE TlGOa Oscar Stanley (1010)
Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Stephenson, Robert M. Coatesville Rl Marion Scc8 T80a G. II. Stephenson (1901) Farmers Tel. New
Winchester

Stuart, Melvin O. (Luna Long) Ch Carol', Beryl, Arlo; "Echo Dale Farm" Danville R.C Marion
Sec2lSW O80a (1860) Farmers Tel. 'Coatesville

Sutherlin, Maurice H. (Tessa L. Gowin) Ch Howard S., Irene; "Railroad View Farm" Coates* 
ville Rl Clay Sec30E Ol28a (1010)  Home Tel. Coatesville 

Underwood, Samuel J. (Dora V. Canada) Ch Irene; "The Star Farm" Coatesville Rl Marion Scc7 O70a T250a N. Underwood (1884) Farmers Tel. New Winchester 

Vice, William F. T. (Cornelia E Christy) Ch *Eva, *Waltcr R M ♦Lillie P., *Clarcnce R., *Lonnic; 
Coatesville R.A Clav SecfiE Or,l)4a (1870) Home Tel. Coatesville 

Wallace, Mrs. Florence Ch Mary J.. ♦Irvin S.; "Maple Lawn "Farm" Coatesville R2 Franklin Sec33 
0.61a (1'808) Stilesville Tel. Stilesville 

Walls, Hollis (Bernice Wood) Ch Wilma, Charles; Coatesville R.A Marion Sec20 Tl25a M. R. Eggers (1802) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Walters, James R. (Mininie Cheneworth) Ch Otho, Mary, Josephine, Gertrude, James; Coatesville Rl 
Marion Sec20SW Tl60a W. N. Lakin (1004) Farmers Tel. Coatesville

Wilson, Weden F. (Mary J. Pearson) Ch *Mattie; Coatesville R.A Marion Sec7 Ol33a (1884) Coatesville

Wise, George R. (Myrtle G. Eads) Ch Charles, Loda, Eugene; "Pleasant View Farm" Fillmore R2 
Franklin Sccl8 OGa (1909) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville

Wise, Reginer Ch Bertha B., ♦Marie W-, George R., ♦John M., ♦Flora E.; "Old Homestead" Amo 
Rl Franklin Seel 8 W 024a (1880) Coatesville Tel. Sears 

Woods, Frank (Hazel Lydick) Ch Thelma, Waldo; Coatesville Rl Franklin Sec7 Tl58a John Shields 
(1916) Coatesville Tel. Coatesville 




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