Federal Writers’ Project
Indiana
The American Guide
History of
Brookville – Franklin County
Manuscript submitted
By
Alfred Smith
District #4
February 8, 1936
Reproduced 2003 by Franklin County Historical Society
Ross F. Lockridge, Director
Federal Writers’ Project
217 N. Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana
Brookville
References:
A – History of Franklin County, A.J. Reifel, B.F. Bowen and Company, Inc.,
Indianapolis, 1915.
B – Rev. Hugh Staud, O.F.M., Oldenburg, Indiana.
C – Virgil Davis, Clerk of Franklin County, Brookville, Indiana.
D – Mr. Will Huffman, Laurel, Indiana.
Brookville, the county seat of Franklin County, is situated near the center of the
county. Lying between the East and West Forks of the Whitewater River, just above the
junction of two streams. It is located amid a scenic beauty unequalled anywhere in the
state. The population of the town, according to the 1930 census is 2,148.
The town of Brookville was platted on August 8, 1808, by Thomas Manwarring,
and was given its name by one of its proprietors, Jesse Brooks Thomas, whose mother’s
maiden name was Brooks. At first, the town was called Brooksville, but soon the s was
dropped and has been Brookville ever since. All of the town sites were owned by Amos
Butler and Jesse B. Thomas. Butler paid the greater part of the purchase money for the
tract on which the town was laid out, but Thomas, who seems to have been sort of a
trickster, succeeded in having the patent issued in his name. A lawsuit was necessary to
bring about a compromise by which Butler was given a deed for part of the land.
Thomas, later, went to Illinois and became U.S. Senator from that state. He was author
of the famous Missouri compromise. (A)
To Amos Butler belongs the honor of entering the first land of which the town of
Brookville stands, and to him belongs the honor of being the first settler. (A)
The plat was recorded January 8, 1812 and in May 1812 was re-surveyed by S.C.
Vance.
The first person to engage in a business enterprise was James Knight who
operated a tavern at the corner of what is now Main and James Streets. The building in
which Knight had his store and tavern was originally built as a Blockhouse in 1808.
Later the Knight tavern was remodeled and renamed the Yellow Tavern. The county jail
now marks the place where this famous tavern stood (A)
The moving of the land office, established in Brookville in 1820, to Indianapolis
in 1825, caused a blow that was felt for a long time, for had it remained at Brookville, the
vast amounts of money would have been invested there instead of the western lands. (A)
At the close of 1812 there were but ten or twelve houses in Brookville. In July
1817, there were upwards of eighty buildings, exclusive shops, stables and outbuildings.
There were twenty-four business enterprises, five taverns and seven stores. (A)
The ten years, which elapsed between the time that the land office was moved to
Indianapolis and the Whitewater canal was projected, were critical years in the history of
Brookville. Among the prominent citizens who sought the new counties and the new
state capitol were Harvey Bates, Noah Noble, David Wallace, Stephen C. Stevens,
Thomas Noble, Robert Breckinridge and Charles Test. Hundreds of the county’s best
farmers entered land on the new counties and ruin seemed imminent. The prospect of the
canal down the Whitewater, together with the great German immigration of the early
thirties brought a new lease of live to Brookville. (A)
Preparatory steps were taken to incorporate Brookville on the first day of
September 1838, but this actual incorporation did not materialize until March 4, 1839.
(A)
In her earlier history, Brookville was classed as a great industrial center. Mills of
various kinds could be seen in operation as well as numerous other enterprises, but the
failure of the Whitewater canal and the poor facilities of transportation has been the
reason given for the total lack of industrial plants in Brookville today. There is only one
factory, the Brookville Furniture Company, which can be noted as remaining here. It is
not in operation, but could resume work in a short while, having intact is machinery and
equipment. The owner, Mrs. John C. Shirk, plans some day to reopen the plant. (B)
Brookville has two schools. The parochial school of St. Michaels and the public
grade and high schools of Brookville. (C)
There are seven churches in Brookville. The Christian, Lutheran, Methodist,
Presbyterian and United Brethren being the protestant churches and the Catholic church
of St. Michaels. (D)
Most of the buildings in Brookville are of the modern style, there being only
enough of the colonial and other earlier types to offer a pleasing contrast to the casual
eye. (D)
A few of the many distinguished people may well be mentioned in this article.
Congressman John Test, David Wallace, John A. Matson, James Tyner, Lew Wallace,
Governor Ray, Reverend Jos. Tarkington, James Noble, Gov. Noah Noble and Amos
Butler are some of the past residents of whom Brookville may boast. Even yet, there are
numerous descendents of the early settlers in Brookville. Among the prominent present
day residents we find are Mrs. John C. Shirk, Chas. Samoniel, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Dietz,
Mrs. C. Winscott, Mrs. Edna Roackafellar, Mr. Ernest Showalter, and Geis families, A
Popper, F. Charni, M. Stoops, Mr. Rodgers, J. Goodman, J. Fieber, Frank McClure, Miss
B. Kidney and the Fries family, all of whom can claim kinship to the early settlers. (D)
Brookville has a large fairgrounds located in the valley, containing a spacious
baseball park, which the Brookville club, of the southeastern Indiana league, uses as its
grounds. (D)
In the public square of the county courthouse may be seen the monument erected
to the memory of General Hackleman, who was born near Brookville. General
Hackleman was killed in the Civil War.
There is a well-equipped library in Brookville that is maintained thru a tax
system. A third of the books are for children and the other two-thirds are of interest to
adults.
Brookville was always the logical location for the county seat, due to being
situated near the center of the county, but no courthouse was erected until April 1812.
The previous courts were held in the tavern owned by James Knight. A log courthouse
was erected during this time on the present public square, but within two years need was
felt for a new structure. This building was begun in 1815 and completed in 1817, James
Knight and Martin Jameson being the contractors. This building was burned in the fire of
February 22, 1852, and the present courthouse was then built, being altered and repaired
into the handsome structure of the present time. (A, p. 102-109)
The business establishments of Brookville, that have remained intact during most
of its history, are the Pioneer Hardware Company, owned by a new proprietor, but
maintaining the same building and the same policy of business as the old company, and
the three high class drug stores: Meyers, Citizens and Kings (Hermansdorfer). A newer
drug store of the same high class is the Swazee Drug Store. (D)
There are three hotels, American style in Brookville, quite capable of caring for
the needs of all who might care to use them. There are also eight tourist homes in
Brookville, and two high-class A.A.A. tourist camps. Three summer resorts, the Mound
Camp, Magnesia Springs and the Hearthstone are within easy reach of Brookville. For
high class restaurants are to be found in the business district. Ten grocery stores on Main
Street and two near the outskirts of town have well provided stocks of staple and fancy
goods.
Two A.A.A. garages, the Riverside Service Station and the Kirschbaum Sales
Company have twenty-four hour service for the accommodation of tourists. (D)
Brookville has two newspapers, The Brookville Democrat and The Brookville
American, of which she can be justly proud. (E)
There is but one religious order in Brookville, the Knights of Columbus, who are
active in the social life of the town. (D)
As there are no industries in Brookville, the majority of the people depend on the
business enterprises, together with the farming district, for a livelihood. The summer
months are particularly profitable as Brookville is favorably situated upon U.S. 52 while
Indiana 101, Indiana 1 and 252 terminate there. Indiana 121 unites within U.S. 52 ten
miles to the west of Brookville. All these roads contribute to Brookville’s business
success. (E)
Points of Interest in Franklin County
Of the many points of interest in Franklin County, some are of interest only to the
communities nearest them. To the general public, therefore, a discussion of such places
would be of little interest and with this thought in mind, the following list has been
compiled as worthy of mention. The Points of Interest are grouped into the various
townships where they are located rather than in order of their importance to simplify their
location. (Writer)
Brookville Township
Indian Boundary Line – This line intersects U.S. 52 as the line crosses Franklin
County through Brookville Township on a northeast-southwest direction at a point about
one and one half miles west of Brookville. The intersection is marked by a road sign.
This more famous of the three treaty lines that crosses Franklin County was established
by the Greenville Treaty of 1795 and served as the western boundary of white man’s
migration for many years. (C)
The Boulder House – Although of no historical value, as far as can be ascertained,
yet this house and grounds attracts the attention of all who pass it because of its unusual
appearance. The house, bridges, walls, paths, etc., are all formed of small vari-colored
boulders and present a study in workmanship and art. Its owner, a retired candy
manufacturer from Cincinnati, is constantly adding new structures of the same material.
It is located to the north of U.S. 52 about three miles west of Brookville. (C)
Governor Ray Mansion – This house, built by Gov. Ray when he was
campaigning for the Governorship, almost caused his defeat because of the ornate
window built into the second story. The building of this house, or so it has been stated,
almost impoverished Gov. Ray. It is now used as the parsonage for the Christian Church
and stands immediately behind the church. It is located on Tenth Street, just across the
street west of the Brookville High School. (C )
Site of Old Brookville College – The new High School and Lew Wallace
Auditorium stands on this site on Tenth Street. This old college was one of the few
schools of higher learning of which Franklin County could boast. It was supported by the
Methodist churches for many years. (C ) (A, p. 381)
Old Land Office Site – The United States established a Land Office on this site in
1820 and maintained it for five years. Many of the western lands of Indiana were sold
through this office. It is located on Main Street, between Eighth and Ninth Streets, and is
occupied by the Brookville Pioneer Hardware Company. A marker is on this building.
(C )
Site of Old Yellow Tavern – The Franklin County Jail, just south of the
Courthouse in Brookville, stands on this site. The Tavern gained historical value through
the reported fact that William Henry Harrison was first proposed as a candidate for the
Presidency of the United States there. (C )
Birthplace of Gen. Lew Wallace – The site, located on Third Street, past the
Catholic church, is marked by a boulder in the yard of the residence of Mrs. Chas. Reifel.
(C )
The Old Noble Home – Noah Noble, one of Indiana’s Governors, and James
Noble, one of Indiana’s first United States Senators, came from this home. The house
stood where no stands the parsonage of St. Michael’s Parish on Third Street but has been
moved across the street to the west of the Sisters of St. Francis Home. (C )
The Hermitage – At the foot of Eighth Street, on the banks of the East Fork of the
Whitewater River is located the Hermitage, the one-time home of J. Otis Adams, who
maintained an art studio there. This house was once the first home of Amos Butler,
founder of Brookville but was remodeled when purchased by Mr. Adams in 1887. (C )
The Old State Bank – This old building, located on Long Street, between Seventh
and Eighth Streets, was the first financial institution of southeastern Indiana. No
alterations of great magnitude have left this old building as it once was.
The Old Seminary – This old seminary building, one of the first seminaries in
Indiana, was located on the southeast corner of Fifth and Mill Streets. It is now used as a
dwelling place. (C )
Little Cedar Baptist Church – This old church building was erected in 1812 by the
Baptist congregation of the Little Cedar district. The Historical Society of Brookville
(now extinct) obtained this old building and it stands today as the oldest church in
Franklin County. It is located three miles south of Brookville on U.S. 52. (C ) (A p. 435)
Whitewater Township
Manwarring and Rockafellar Taverns – These two old taverns are located in the
village of New Trenton, near the southeastern part of Franklin County. The Manwarring
Tavern was erected in 1810 by Thomas Manwarring and here he served both the whiskey
of his own make and the Gospel on the Sabbath to his customers. This tavern building
still stands near the center of the little village and I used as a general storeroom. The
Rockefellar Tavern was erected even before the Manwarring Tavern and was one of the
popular “stopping-places” in the Whitewater Valley. It is located at the northern edge of
New Trenton and is used as a residence by the descendents of the builder, Samuel
Rockafellar. Both taverns are directly along U.S. 52. (A. p. 129-132)
Springfield Township
Birthplace of Mary Louisa Chitwood – Mary Louise Chitwood was born at Mount
Carmel, a village eight miles east of Brookville on Indiana 252. The house is marked by
a marker placed there by the D.A.R. of Brookville. (C )
Fairfield Township
Birthplace of Maurice Thompson and Ida Husted Harper – Seven miles north of
Brookville and a short distance west of Indiana 101, is located Fairfield, birthplace of
Maurice Thompson and of Ida Husted Harper. The birthplace of the former is marked by
a sign furnished by the D.A.R. of Brookville. In Fairfield, too, is to be seen the public
square that was intended for the location of the Franklin County Courthouse. (C ) (A p.
163)
Metamora Township
Whitewater Canal Aqueduct – This aqueduct was built in 1848 over Duck Creek
but was extensively repaired in 1991. Much of the original material, however, was
replaced in the rebuilding. This aqueduct is at the eastern limits of Metamora and its
location is marked by a road sign. The picturesque Whitewater Canal follows the
windings of U.S. 52 across the entire width of this township. (C )
Laurel Township
Laurel Mound – This mound has been classed as an artificial mound. Legend has
it that an opening into the mound once existed and that boys have explored it. No trace
of an opening can be discovered, however. This mound is located near the northern
limits of Laurel and is on ground used as a park and tourist camp site. It is directly upon
Indiana 121. (D)
Old White Hall – A popular tavern during the canal days. It was popularly
supposed to be “haunted” and its proprietor did not permit the sale of alcoholic beverages
in the tavern. It is located one square east of Indiana 121 and one square north of Main
Street. (D)
Birthplace of Charles Murray – This house is located one square north of Main
Street, directly along Indiana 121 and is on the northwest corner. Murray’s first shows
were given in an old barn directly back of this house. (D)
Laurel Academy – this building was erected in 1852. The school, when the new
building was put in use, became known as the Laurel Collegiate High School. This
school was the only school of higher learning in this part of the county. It is located on
the south side of Main Street one square west of Indiana 121. (D)
Home of Elizabeth Conwell Smith Willson – This house is located two squares
north of Main Street and one square west of Indiana 121. Diagonally across the street, to
the northwest, stands the house where she was born, or so it has been stated. Oliver
Wendall Holmes stopped at the home when he made his pilgrimage of homage to the
graves of the Willsons and procured a drink from the well. (D)
Laurel Cemetery – In this cemetery is buried Forcythe Willson, Elizabeth C.
Smith Willson and their little son, Dolphie. The cemetery lies at the northwest limits of
Laurel along Indiana 121. (D)
Site of Somerset Tavern – This tavern site, marked by a road marker, lies at the
southern limits of Laurel, on what was once Somerset’s Main Street. From this tavern,
Jacob Whetzel began his famous trace to the western counties of Indiana. (D)
William’s Mound, Feeder Dam of Canal and Indian Village Site – These three
points of interest are grouped because of their proximity. The natural mound may be
seen from Indiana 121 at a distance of about a mile and a half south of Laurel. The
Indian village site lies to the east of the mound, with the feeder dam immediately north of
this site. It has been estimated that more than three wagonloads of Indian relics have
been picked upon this site. (D)
Derbyshire Falls – Derbyshire Falls is one of the natural attractions of Franklin
County. Within a mile radius of these falls are several others. The Falls was near one of
the large stone company’s quarries and the ruins of the “Hi-Dry” spur may be seen just
below the falls. These Falls are located about four miles southeast of Andersonville on
U.S. 52. A sign is placed at the road leading to the Falls. (D)
Ray Township
Oldenburg – Here is located the Franciscan Brothers’ Monastery and the Convent
of the Immaculate Conception. These schools attract countless visitors because of their
picturesqueness and charm. The convent and monastery are directly along Indiana 229.
(B)
Virgin Forest – This tract of virginal timber is all that remains of the dense forests
of Franklin County. Plans are under way to preserve it as a lasting memento. It lies on
the Oldenburg-Enochsburg road about three miles northwest of Oldenburg. (B)
Old State Road Tavern – This old tavern building is located on Water Street in
Oldenburg. It received its name from the fact that the Old State Road, from Cincinnati to
Indianapolis ran past its door. It was a favorite resort for the drovers who drove their
cattle and hogs to the river markets of this route. (B)
Shrine of the Sorrowful Mother – This wayside shrine is located about a mile and
a quarter south of Oldenburg along the new gravel road known as Brockman’s Road.
This shrine has an interesting history and a colorful legend is related about it. (B)
Tour of Franklin County
As Brookville is the largest, as well as the oldest town in the county, it is perhaps
best to list the points of interest within its limits as a separate group. To do this bulletin
entitled “Brookville, in Beautiful Franklin County” was used as a reference. (A)
Brookville, located on the Whitewater River, is one of the oldest towns of the
state, and is intimately connected with Indiana’s history. Its points of historical interest
are numerous, but unfortunately many of them are, as yet, unmarked.
As one comes into Brookville on U.S. 52, from the west, turning south onto Main
Street, he passes a site occupied by a large, red brick building. This building, located on
the southwest corner of Tenth and Main Streets, occupies the grounds where stood the
home of John Test, a Congressman from Indiana. From this home, Elizabeth Test went
forth to become the wife of David Wallace. Immediately south of here is the house
erected by John A. Matson, a Whig candidate for governor before the Civil War. This
house has been well preserved.
Just east of the Test home, on Tenth Street, and across from the Brookville High
School building, is the old church called the “Little Brick Meeting House.” This church
was built by the Methodists, sold to the Presbyterians and later to the Lutherans,
sometime near 1855. This church stands amid the old cemetery, where many of the older
generations of Brookville’s residents, rest. The mother of Miram Powers, America’s
greatest sculptor, lies there.
The new Brookville High School building and the Lew Wallace auditorium stands
upon the site of the old Brookville College. This old college was founded and maintained
for many years by the Methodist church. (A, B)
Just west of the cemetery is the Governor Ray residence. This house was built
during the governor’s candidacy for office, and reports of its magnificence almost
defeated him. The Indianapolis papers published an account, along with a photograph of
a window, as an example of his extravagance.
Going back to Main Street and continuing south down that thoroughfare, we come
to the old Tyner home, at the northwest corner of Ninth and Main Streets, where James
Tyner, former Postmaster General of the United States, was born. Farther down the street
we come to the sites of the old Land Office, and Indian Trading Post. The former ground
is now occupied by the Pioneer Hardware Company building and the latter by Hartman’s
shoe store. These lots have markers to distinguish them from the other lots.
Almost across the street from the Pioneer building is one of the oldest houses in
Brookville. It is the red brick house utilized as an insurance office and barbershop. (A,
B)
On the south side of the courthouse and on the site of the present county jail,
stood the old Yellow tavern, which was the first tavern in Brookville. It was in this
tavern in 1836 that William Henry Harrison was first proposed as a candidate for the
presidency of the United States (A, B).
Near the foot of the jail hill, as one goes east toward Mt. Carmel, on Indiana
Highway 252, is the site of the former home of Rev. Joseph Tarkington, grandfather of
Booth Tarkington.
Coming back, again, to Main Street, we continue down past the old Valley House
and Courthouse to Third Street. Turning east on Third past the Catholic school we come
to the site of the former home of David Wallace, where his famous son, General Lew
Wallace was born. This site is marked by a boulder in the yard of the residence occupied
by Mrs. Chas. G. Reifel and family. This marker was placed by the Kiwanis Club of
Brookville October 19, 1924 and the unveiling ceremony was conducted, very
appropriately, by Mrs. S.S. Harrel, one of Brookville’s oldest citizens and historians. (B)
Next door to the Reifel home, and on the site of the parsonage of St. Michael’s
Parrish, stood the Noble home. James Noble, who became one of Indiana’s first U.S.
Senators, came from this home. Noah Noble who became a governor of Indiana also
came from this same home. The original house has been moved across the street west of
the home of the Sisters of St. Francis. (A, B)
In the east valley may be found more points of interest. At the foot of Eighth
Street stands the first home of Amos Butler, grandfather of Amos Butler of Indianapolis.
This building was sold in 1897 to J. Otis Adams, an artist who was well known. He, with
his wife and William Forsythe established a studio. This studio, named the Hermitage,
became an art school and for several years was very successful. Such artists as Otto
Stark and T.C. Steele used the Hermitage as headquarters during this period. (A, B)
On Long Street, between Seventh and Eighth, stands a very ancient building, that
was once very important in Brookville and Indiana history. This building, the Old State
Bank, has been altered but very little since the time when it was the only financial
institution in southeastern Indiana. (A, B)
On the southeastern corner of Fifth and Mill Streets stands the Old Seminary, one
of the first in Indiana. It is now used as a dwelling. This, with the old Brookville
College, constitutes the only institutes of higher learning of which Brookville could
boast. Further information may be obtained from Mrs. Edna Rockafellar, Brookville,
Indiana. (A, B)
South of Brookville, on the south side of the main river, was located the cabin in
which was born General Pleasant A. Hackleman, the only Indiana general killed in the
Civil War. A monument to his memory stands in the Brookville Courthouse yard.
Using Brookville as a point from which to start our tours, we continue south on
U.S. 52 for about three miles. Here we find the Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church, that
was erected in 1812. The church is the property of the Brookville Historical Society,
who until recently was active in the recording of historical data. (A, B)
This quaint old brick meeting place, with its plat of nameless graves testifying to
the spiritual and poverty-stricken lives of our pioneers, is well worth the time spent in
viewing it. The only gravestone in this plat was erected to the memory of Elizabeth, wife
of Wm. Tyner, who died in 1810. (A, B)
Continuing our tour along U.S. 52, we find the quaint little village of Cedar Grove
a distance of six miles from Brookville. John Connor built a trading post near this
village. He later became the founder of Connersville, Indiana. (A, B)
Still farther eastward along U.S. 52, the village of New Trenton may be found in a
setting of natural beauty. The Manwarring Tavern stands near the center of this village, a
reminder of pioneer days when the settlers, for miles around, came there for supplies and
amusement. New Trenton also was prominent in the early days of Franklin County. (A,
B)
Returning to Brookville, and journeying eastward on Indiana 252, toward the
Ohio state line, we find Mount Carmel at a distance of eight miles. Here was born Mary
Louisa Chitwood, one of Indiana’s gifted poets. She was buried in 1855 in the old church
cemetery but her remains have since been removed to Greensburg, Indiana. At a distance
between four and five miles from Mount Carmel may be found a little place named
Peoria. Although it is not on Indiana 252, lying somewhat to the west of this road, it
must be mentioned because of the Peoria Academy that at one time flourished there. The
academy was built in 1852 and was in use until 1865. The building is now used as a
business place. (A, B)
Three miles north of Brookville, on Indiana 101, may be seen a log cabin that was
erected in 1808, giving an excellent example of how well our pioneer forefathers built.
Four miles farther along this road, the little town of Fairfield is built, having as its bid to
fame, the birthplace of Maurice Thompson, the author of the famous classic, “Alice of
Old Vincennes,” and also of Ida Husted Harper, who was prominent in the early struggles
of women to obtain equality in society. This town , too, is prominent in the early Indiana
history. (A, B)
Returning to Brookville, we again follow U.S. 52 but to the westward. As it
traverses the county, parallel most of the way to the Whitewater River, the winding of the
road reveals the scenic spender of the surrounding countryside. About a mile and one
half from Brookville we reach the Boundary Hill. So called because at this point the
Greenville Treaty Line of 1795 crosses the road. As there is no marker at the spot it is
uncertain just where the actual crossing may be located. (A, B)
There is an interesting house, constructed of boulders of varied hues, to be seen
about a mile farther along the road. The builder has also devised numerous other
buildings, fences, bridges and other structures of this same material. The combination of
natural beauty and artistic workmanship offers a pleasant picture to attract the interest of
the passing motorist. (D)
Along the U.S. 52 to Metamora, the old historic Whitewater Canal may be seen as
it wends its way to Brookville.
At Metamora, the aqueduct where the canal flows over Duck Creek and the locks,
recently used to provide power for a flour mill, may be viewed by turning to the left just
below the village.
Since the flour mill burned the enormous water-power of the canal is not utilized
in any way. (D)
About two miles above Metamora, Indiana 121 unites with U.S. 52 and to visit
Laurel, one must leave U.S. 52 and follow Indiana 121 for a distance of about four miles.
An interesting side excursion may be taken by viewing the Derbyshire Falls. These falls
may be reached by going on foot from Midway Farm, owned by Lon Masters. His farm
is on Indiana 121 about two miles north of U.S. 52. The watercourse, to the left of this
road must be followed to locate the falls. There are two other falls within a short distance
of the above-mentioned one.
There are a number of old stone quarries within this vicinity that might prove of
interest to the sightseer but it is not necessary to locate them. (D)
Laurel’s main bid for lasting fame lies in the past that it has seen. Here can be
viewed the waterway of the once great Whitewater Canal, now dry and becoming
indistinct. A feeder dam, about a mile below Laurel, supplies the canal below that point
with water. Several of the old locks are still standing, on either side of Laurel.
The White Hall, a place of great interest, may be viewed by turning one square
east off Indiana 121 and one square north of Main Street. This building served as a
tavern during the days of the canal but is now a private dwelling house.
The general store built in 1855 by James Conwell, the founder of Laurel, is still
standing. It is on the corner across from the Big Four depot, one square east of Indiana
121 on Main Street. This is a hotel at the present time. (C)
The old Franklin Mills cooper shop, occupied by Chas. Weir with a woodworking
shop is about a square south of this building, along the Big Four railroad. (C)
Although the old stone barn and the stone jail are not as old as some of the other
structures, they are a reminder of the days when Laurel was well known as an industrial
center. These buildings may be seen at the rear of the business block, a half square east
of Indiana 121.
The Laurel Academy, built in 1852, was intended for a two story structure but
was built into the present building with the aid of the Masonic Order, who maintains
lodge rooms on the third floor. The building was judged unsafe after the change in plans
but is still used for various purposes. This building may be found one square west of
Indiana 121 on Main Street. (C)
Two squares north on Indiana 121 and a square east brings us to the house where
Charles Murray, the motion picture star, is said to have been born. Two of our oldest
citizens claim that it is the truth but no records can be found to substantiate their word.
This dwelling house was also the first Methodist parsonage of Laurel. (C)
Back to Indiana 121 and a square farther north we find on the side street a
dwelling where it is believed that General Ambrose Burnsides lived at one time. This
house is located on the north side of the street, second house from the corner residence.
(C)
Where the water tower of Laurel waterworks stands at the top of the hill, may be
seen the Laurel Mound. It is said by the older residents is that this mound is hollowed
out, but no opening is visible at the present time.
There are a number of interesting buildings in this little town, that could be
mentioned, but it is impossible to discuss them all at this writing. (D)
A mile and a quarter north of Laurel, on Indiana 121 can be seen the one-time
home of James Conwell, the founder of Laurel. This building was originally built about
an eighth of a mile west of its present location, but was rebuilt as nearly as possible, like
the former structure. This building is owned by Carl Raham and can be seen for a goodly
distance either direction as it is built upon a bluff, overlooking Indiana 121. (C)
On the route back to Brookville, the Tee Hill Care and the cavern known locally
as the Gar cave might be visited. To reach these places of interest, one must leave
Indiana 121 about a mile southwest of Laurel, and turn right to follow the Seine Creek
Road. At Frank Warner’s farm, a half mile up the Sein Creek Road can be seen the creek
called Dry Branch. The Gar cave is to be found up the water course of the creek. (D)
To visit Tee Hill Cave, a further journey up the Sein Creek Road is necessary. An
automobile can be driven to the first of the cliff where the path leads upward to the cave,
but it would be advisable to leave the car and continue the journey on foot. This cave is
well worth the effort it takes to reach it. (D)
The Old Stone schoolhouse is another point of interest the average tourist is
interested in. This old building is midway between Laurel and Andersonville, on the road
connecting Indiana 121 and U.S. 52. This road connects with Indiana 121 at the Wiley
bridge, a mile south of Laurel. (D)
In returning to Brookville, an interesting excursion remains to be taken toward the
southwest, over a winding road, up hill and down glen through St. Mary’s of the Rock to
Oldenburg. St. Mary’s of the Rock is of interest because of a very beautiful grotto that
has been constructed at the rear of the church. (A)
Oldenburg is also an interesting town, due to the large convent located there. This
is the motherhouse of a community of over six hundred sisters of St. Francis. In
connection with the convent is the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, a secondary
school and a junior college of high academic rating. The St. Francis monastery is also at
Oldenburg. (A)
While there are countless old buildings and landmarks throughout the entire
county, it is impossible to name or locate all of them due to the limited space and the
small allotment of time given the writer. (D)
Points of Interest
Reference:
A – Mr. Harry Manley, Laurel, Indiana.
#1 – The Laurel Mound – Located at Laurel, Indiana, near the northern limits of the
village, on Indiana 121. It is used as a park and playground, also as a tourist camp site.
Reference:
A – Mr. Will Hoffman, Moster Funeral Home, Laurel, Indiana.
#2 – Indian Cemetery – Located in section 32, southwest quarter, T.12.N., R.12.E.,
Laurel Township. A monument of stone once marked the cemetery but all that marks the
site now is a pile of stones. To reach this cemetery, turn south off U.S. 52 at Jackson’s
Corner and follow Stipp’s Hill Road a distance of about one and three-quarter miles to
the Alex Davison farm home. The cemetery lies directly north of this house, a distance
of perhaps an eighth of a mile.
Reference:
A – Mr. Alex Davison, farmer of Salt Creek Township, Laurel, RR #2.
#3 – Site of Indian Killing – Site where last two white men to be killed by Indians in
Franklin County were slain. It is located one and three-quarters miles south of U.S. 52 on
the Stipp’s Hill Road, and a few feet to the east of the road. It is in the northwest quarter
of section 4,T.11.N., R.12.E., Salt Creek Township.
Reference:
A – Mr. Will Hoffman, Moster Funeral Home, Laurel, Indiana.
#4 – The Coulter Cemetery – An abandoned cemetery, located in the northwest corner of
the northwest quarter of section #4, in Salt Creek Township. It contains sixteen graves
and is in a pastureland at the present time. It lies to the right of Stipp’s Hill Road,
opposite the site of the Indian killing.
Reference:
A - Mr. Charles K. Muchmore, Druggist, Laurel Indiana.
#5 – The Old White Hall – A popular tavern, in the old canal days, that did not sell
alcoholic beverages at any time. Located on Lot 1, block 2, in the original plat of Laurel,
Indiana. One square east of Indiana 121, and one square north of Main Street, on
northeast corner of square.
Reference:
A – Mr. Chas. Bryson, Justice of Peace, Laurel, Indiana.
#6 – Birthplace of Charles Murray. This building, birthplace of Charles Murray, famous
movie star, is located on Indiana 121, one square north of Main Street, Laurel, Indiana. It
is located on the northwest corner of the square, and faces the old Red Man’s Hall, across
on the south side of the street.