Daniel’s genealogical family

Events

Parents

Families

Attributes

Pedigree

1. Parks, John
   1. Sharp, Mary
      1. Parks, Sarah
      2. Parkes, Benjamin
      3. Parkes, Milly
      4. Parkes, Susannah
      5. Parks, Samuel
      6. Parks, George
         1. Reed, Catherine
            1. Parks, Hannah
            2. Parks, Meredith
            3. Parks, Alfred
            4. Parks, Curtis
            5. Parks, Sarah
            6. Parks, Rebecca
            7. Parks, Carlton
         2. Davis, Millicent
            1. Parks, Samuel
            2. Parks, James Lafayette
            3. Parks, Pleasant
            4. Parks, Benjamin
            5. Parks, Nancy
            6. Parks, Millicent
         3. Rainey, Jane
            1. Parks, Elizabeth

Ancestors

Source References

1. Revolutionary War Pensions at Fold3
   1. • Page: Page 41 - Revolutionary War Pensions
      • Citation:

        http://www.fold3.com/image/25837147?xid=1945

2. Ancestry.com: U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970
   1. • Source text:

        Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
        Birth place: Virginia
        Death date: 7 Dec 1837
        Death place: Monroe, Indiana
        Residence date:
        Residence place: United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=sarmemberapps&h=338218&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Page: Volume: 283; SAR Membership Number: 56565
   3. • Source text:

        Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
        Birth place: Virginia
        Death date: 7 Dec 1837
        Death place: Monroe, Indiana
        Residence date:
        Residence place: United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=sarmemberapps&h=338218&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   4. • Page: Volume: 283; SAR Membership Number: 56565
   5. • Source text:

        Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
        Birth place: Virginia
        Death date: 7 Dec 1837
        Death place: Monroe, Indiana
        Residence date:
        Residence place: United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=sarmemberapps&h=338218&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   6. • Source text:

        Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
        Birth place: Virginia
        Death date: 7 Dec 1837
        Death place: Monroe, Indiana
        Residence date:
        Residence place: United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=sarmemberapps&h=338218&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   7. • Page: Volume: 283; SAR Membership Number: 56565
3. Ancestry.com: 1790 United States Federal Census
   1. • Page: Year: 1790; Census Place: , Wilkes, North Carolina; Roll: ; Image:
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1790
        Residence place: Wilkes, North Carolina, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1790usfedcen&h=205138&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Page: Year: 1790; Census Place: , Wilkes, North Carolina; Roll: ; Image:
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1790
        Residence place: Wilkes, North Carolina, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1790usfedcen&h=205138&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

4. Ancestry.com: 1800 United States Federal Census
   1. • Page: Year: 1800; Census Place: , Burke, North Carolina; Roll: ; Page: ; Image: .
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1800
        Residence place: Burke, North Carolina</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1800usfedcenancestry&h=305296&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Page: Year: 1800; Census Place: , Burke, North Carolina; Roll: ; Page: ; Image: .
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1800
        Residence place: Burke, North Carolina</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1800usfedcenancestry&h=305296&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

5. Ancestry.com: 1810 United States Federal Census
   1. • Page: Year: 1810; Census Place: Morganton, Burke, North Carolina; Roll: 39; Page: 312; Family History Number: 0337912; Image: 00206.
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1810
        Residence place: Morganton, Burke, North Carolina, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1810usfedcenancestry&h=354340&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Page: Year: 1810; Census Place: Morganton, Burke, North Carolina; Roll: 39; Page: 312; Family History Number: 0337912; Image: 00206.
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1810
        Residence place: Morganton, Burke, North Carolina, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1810usfedcenancestry&h=354340&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

6. Ancestry.com: U.S. Pensioners, 1818-1872
   1. • Source text:

        <line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=pensioner1818&h=21523&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Source text:

        <line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=pensioner1818&h=109760&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

7. Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana
   1. • Source text:

        <line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=flhg-amrevburialsin&h=284749&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

8. Ancestry.com: 1830 United States Federal Census
   1. • Page: Year: 1830; Census Place: , Monroe, Indiana; Roll: ; Page: .
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1830
        Residence place: Monroe, Indiana, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1830usfedcenancestry&h=1024141&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Page: Year: 1830; Census Place: , Monroe, Indiana; Roll: ; Page: .
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1830
        Residence place: Monroe, Indiana, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1830usfedcenancestry&h=1024141&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

9. Ancestry.com: 1820 United States Federal Census
   1. • Page: Year: 1820; Census Place: , Monroe, Indiana; Roll: M33_14; Page: ; Image: .
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1820
        Residence place: Monroe, Indiana, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1820usfedcenancestry&h=1364937&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

   2. • Page: Year: 1820; Census Place: , Monroe, Indiana; Roll: M33_14; Page: ; Image: .
      • Source text:

        Residence date: 1820
        Residence place: Monroe, Indiana, United States</line><line />

      • Citation:

        http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1820usfedcenancestry&h=1364937&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

10. Ancestry.com: Web: Indiana, Find A Grave Index, 1800-2011
    1. • Source text:

         Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
         Birth place:
         Death date: 7 Dec 1837
         Death place: </line><line />

       • Citation:

         http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=websearch-3902&h=104405&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

    2. • Source text:

         Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
         Birth place:
         Death date: 7 Dec 1837
         Death place: </line><line />

       • Citation:

         http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=websearch-3902&h=104405&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

    3. • Source text:

         Birth date: 5 Aug 1759
         Birth place:
         Death date: 7 Dec 1837
         Death place: </line><line />

       • Citation:

         http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=websearch-3902&h=104405&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

11. Ancestry.com: North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000
    1. • Page: Book Title: Lineage Book : NSDAR : Volume 108 : 1914
    2. • Page: Book Title: Lineage Book : NSDAR : Volume 108 : 1914
    3. • Page: Book Title: Lineage Book : NSDAR : Volume 108 : 1914
12. Wilkes County: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Bastardy Bonds and Records, 1773-1911
    1. • Date: 2 June 1788
       • Page: 2 Jun 1788, George Parks
       • Source text:

         BASTARDY BOND, 100 pds. GEORGE PARKS stands charged with Bastard child begotten on Jane Rainey; said Parks to Indemnify the County by Maintaining said child &amp; keeping it from becoming chargeable to said County — Bondsmen: Benjamin Cleveland &amp; Samuel Becknall; Benj. Herndon, presiding Justice; Wm. Lenoir, C. C.

       • Citation:

         “pds” - currency, in North Carolina pounds; “C. C.” - “Court Clerk”

13. Charles Blanchard, Ed.: Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana: Historical and Biographical
    1. • Page: p. 496-500
       • Source text:

         A very large portion of this township, comparatively, was entered in 1816, as soon as the land was thrown into market, and this circumstance reveals the fact that not only was the first settlement before that time, but it was very rapid when thus begun. In 1816, the following entries of land were made at the land office at Vincennes: John Ketchum, on Section 1; Jonathan Lindley, Roderick Rawlins, Joseph Evans and Asa Osborn, on Sections 2 and 3; Lewis Noel, on Section 4; Jonathan Gilbert, on Section 8; George Cutler and George Sharp, on Section 9; James Parks, on Section 10, also James Wright on the same; Archibald Wood and James Goodwin, on Section 11; Samuel Caldwell, on Section 13; John Bigger, James Parks and Samuel Elliot, on Section 14; Ambrose Carlton, on Section 15; Archibald Wood and Samuel Caldwell, on Section 17; Jacob Cutler and William Bradford, on Section 18; Joseph Harris, on 21; John Simons, on 22; Ambrose Carlton and Asa Coltrin, on Section 23; Chris. Eslinger and John Gordon, on Section 24; John McCormick, on 26; Jonathan Lindley and John Simons, on 27; Solomon Bower, on 28, also on the same section Joseph Kennedy, William Thornton and Abel Bigclow; David Johnson, on 29; John Fullen and William Baker, on 30; John Perishaw, on 31; David Sears and Daniel Zincks, on 32; Abel Bigelow, William Oliver and Edward Archer, on 33; Thomas Hodges and Joseph Taylor, on 34: Samuel Rogers and Benjamin Johnson, on M; Fred Smoyers and David S. Chambers, on 36. In 1817, the following entries were made: Henry Kirkham, on Section 1; Henry Wampler, on the same; Coleman Puett, on 4, William Latherlin on the same; Joseph Reeves, on 9; Henry Wampler and Samuel Hazlett, on 25; Eli Lee, on 26; Samuel Rogers, on M. Jonathan Gilbert bought on Section 5 in 1818; John Armstrong, on Section 1 in 1819; T. R. Harley, on Section 6 in 1820; Joseph Kennedy, on Section 28 in 1824; Joel A. Dyer, on Section 7 in 182^. These were nearly all the entries previous to 1830. After the rush of 1816, the sales were few for many years.
         It is difficult to state who was the first permanent settler in this township. Several tracts were purchased in 1816, as will be seen from the above, but so far as can be learned only one family came out that fall to reside in the township during the winter. In about October, 1816, William Edmundson, without owning the land, located within a short distance of Ellettsville, erecting there a small, round-log cabin, in which he domiciled his family. He did not enter his land—the northwest quarter of Section 9—but after a number of years bought it of the man who did enter it—probably George Cutler. During the winter of 1816-17, Mr. Edmundson cleared about five acres for the coming year's crop. No other family is now known to have lived in the township during this winter. However, James and George Parks, George Sharp, Coleman Puett, Lewis Noel and two or three other heads of families erected rude log cabins on their respective farms late in the fall of 1816, or during the winter of 1816-17, and the men lived in the same (" breached ") all winter, clearing in the meantime land for the crop of 1817. Early the next spring the families of these men arrived and became residents in the log cabins. Among those who came in 1817 were the families of the Parkses, George Sharp, Lewis Noel, Coleman and Joseph Puett, William Milligan, Jonathan Gilbert, Joseph Reeves, Samuel Ellett and probably half a dozen others. Johnston Sharp, yet living, says this was the first settlement of the township. James Parks, Sr., then about thirty-six years old, was the leading man of the settlement. He lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and one years and over, dying but a few months ago. The following, written by him in his ninety-seventh year, will be read with interest:
         "I was born in Wilkes County, N. C., near the Yadkin River, September 26, 1781. My grandfather, John Parks, moved from Virginia to this place before the Revolutionary war, but how long before I do not know. My grandfather was of Irish descent, and my grandmother of Dutch. They raised to be men and women fourteen children; seven boys and seven girls.
         "My father, George, was raised and married in the same settlement. My mother's maiden name was Milly Davis. They had six children; all lived to have families except one. I lived in that neighborhood until I was fifteen years old, when my father, with his family, moved to Burke County, N. C. I lived with my father until I was about twenty-five years of age, when I married Nancy Moore on the 30th of November, 1806. We settled and lived in Burke County for several years. We had ten children, all of whom lived to be men and women except two. Nancy, my wife, died June 26, 1828, and I married Frances Kendrick August 27, 1830. By her I had one son, James.
         "Now, for some of the incidents of my early life. Commence ninety years ago, just after the close of the Revolutionary war. I remember grandfather had a roan horse. He went for his horse one morning, to find that he had been stolen. Great lamentions followed, but a few mornings afterward the old horse stood at the gate well-rigged out with new saddle and bridle—all complete.
         "When grandfather's property was sold, after his death, a family of his slaves were exposed to sale, which, by his will, were not to be sold out of the family. That was humane in those days. Father bought a boy named Moses, and he and I were raised together. The people of those days were thrown upon their own resources. No labor-saving machinery. All came out of the ground—both eating and wearing. The men would raise cotton and flax; the women would card, spin and weave clothing for themselves and children. They had dresses of different colors and stripes. They got their colors from indigo of their. own raising, copperas and various kinds of blossoms. The first calico dress I ever saw father bought for my sister, then about sixteen years old. He gave a three-year-old steer for six yards, which completed the dress. I suppose if the ladies nowadays were confined to six yards for a dress, they would think it rather tight.
         "Education was quite limited. Our schoolhouse was made of round logs, with a dirt floor. Split logs with legs put in served for seats. Large cracks were left to admit the light. Our books consisted of, first, a primer, then Dike's spelling book, then Dilworth's, then Webster's first edition, completed one list of spelling books. Our first reader was called a Psalter, some old English concern, then the Testament and Bible. These completed our reading books. No grammar, geography nor history was in use that I ever heard of till my education was completed. I learned to cipher as far as the rule of three, and some in fractions; could write a tolerable hand, and was considered a fair scholar for those days. Our schoolhouse was also used for a church. When young people walked to meeting together, the girls would tie their shoes and stockings in their handkerchief, and carry them on their arm until within sight of the church, when they would put them on, and so march up in style. (We boys were spared that trouble, from the fact we had none). The girls' dress in winter was of woolen goods called linsey; in summer, cotton stripe. Boys' dress for winter was buckskin breeches and shoes—no boots. The custom was for almost every farmer to tan his own leather, and make shoes for himself and family. Our diet was hog and hominy for breakfast, vegetables for dinner, and a hearth full of roasted sweet potatoes for sup
         fjr. Sugar and coffee for only special occasions. Fruit abundant, each brandy and honey tolerably plenty; whisky scarce. There were very few drunkards. No doctors or lawyers. I never saw either, that I know of, until I was fifteen years old.
         "Soon after the war of 1812, when things had somewhat settled, my father and family with enough others to make a right smart colony, concluded to emigrate to some new country.
         "The Territory of Indiana was the place chosen, and we landed in Lawrence County, on the East Fork of White River, October, 1815. The land was not yet in market, but was surveyed off ready to be sold. We chose our lots, and settled on them, built our cabins, and cleared a considerable amount of land. As the sale was to come off the next season at Jeffersonville, a dozen or more of us went down. The land was to be sold to the highest bidder. When the sale took place, a man by the name of Bulslitt, had a longer pole than ours, and 'knocked the persimmons,' sweeping the entire settlement. Not the first man saved his land or improvements. So we marched home, feeling as if we had lost a friend. I had about eight acres cleared, surrounded by a good fence. The part of the territory where we now live did not come into market until the next season, so we concluded to make another trial. So we moved and again selected our Iota,' The next sale took place at Vincennes in October, 1816. By this time we became somewhat acquainted with fever and ague. I was the only one able to attend the sale, and I took the .-hills while there. I purchased for nearly the entire colony—about a dozen
         • Thu (election wu In the praeent Blchltnd Townihip, near EllettHllle, u described (bore.
         lots in all. After the sale, we went that winter and built cabins on our lots, and cleared some ground. I got in about six acres of fine corn, which was our sole dependence for the year. But lo! in October there came a frost, which bit the last year (so with the whole settlement)! Then we were in a fix! We had no mills to grind our corn, so we were compelled to pound it into meal. There was one hand mill in the settlement. But the corn was so soft it would neither beat nor grind, until it was kilndried. I made a scaffold up in the chimney and dried mine; then I had my choice, to go a mile to the hand mill, or to pound it. Many a time I have worked hard all day, and at night taken one-half bushel of corn to the hand mill and ground it.
         "I had myself, wife and five children to feed. That would be thought pretty hard these times. Nevertheless, we never suffered from hunger. I was considered a good shot. In a few hours I could bring in venison or turkey. We also had plenty of milk and butter. So we passed through the season safely. When we first moved here, Delaware and Pottawatomie Indians were plentiful. They were quite friendly, and would often come with their squaws and papooses to stay all night with us. They had a trading house within a half mile of where I now live. In early days we had grand times at log rollings. When we got our ground ready for rolling, we would invite our neighbors to the frolic. Choosing our captains, they would in turn choose their hands, and at it we would go. If ever you saw logs come together, it was about that time. Before we commenced work we had to take a little of the 'critter!' It is not worth while to say we did not feel what we drank, for that was what we drank it for! We had none who might be called drunkards, but such a gathering nowadays might all be counted as drunkards. Such was the custom of the country at that time. Oh, what a thing custom is when rightly considered, whether good or bad.
         '• The year after we moved to the Territory, delegates were elected for the purpose of forming a State constitution. Counties were then laid off and established. Before Monroe County was organized, an election was ordered to choose three Commissioners, a Clerk and a Sheriff. B. Woodward, Michael Buskirk and myself were elected Commissioners. We proceeded to organize the county. We purchased a half section of land, where the court house now stands. We laid off the public square, and had a court house and jail built thereon. Lots were surveyed and sold, bringing a considerable revenue. We were now ready to hold court, and the county machinery ready for action. It now became necessary to have a School Commissioner. I offered my services and was elected.
         "In order to put the school in operation, it became my duty to sell all the sixteenth sections to the highest bidder: By this means, a large fund was raised, and the school placed upon a firm basis (I have to make long strides on account of my records being burned up). In the year 1832, I offered for the Legislature (Lower House), and was elected. I served my time at $2 per day, and boarded myself. Finding that there was not much money in such warfare, and perhaps less credit, I would not offer any more. Some years afterward, I was again elected School Commissioner for the county. At the expiration of my term of office, I retired from public life. (I never was beaten for any office I offered for.)
         „ "The first President I ever voted for was Thomas Jefferson for his second term of office, I have been a straightforward Democrat ever since —voted for all the candidates for office except Greeley. I thought the Democrats got off the track there, and I would not follow them. I have lived on the farm where I now live sixty-two years I have been the ancestor of eleven children, fifty-six grandchildren, eighty great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, thus being, at this time, the representative of five generations.
         "I joined the Baptist Church in North Carolina about the year of 1807. I was one of the charter members of Old Vernal Church, the first congregation organized in this county, Monroe, and was Deacon of the church for quite a number of years.
         "I have endeavored to live peaceably with all men, and to live in accordance with the will of my heavenly Master, to the best of my knowledge. I have fought the good fight, have almost run my race, and am now patiently waiting for the good Lord to call me home, where there is a heavenly mansion prepared for me not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. James Parks."

       • Citation:

         http://books.google.com/books?id=vyqC5iVmYtYC&pg=PA496

    2. • Page: p. 496-500
       • Source text:

         A very large portion of this township, comparatively, was entered in 1816, as soon as the land was thrown into market, and this circumstance reveals the fact that not only was the first settlement before that time, but it was very rapid when thus begun. In 1816, the following entries of land were made at the land office at Vincennes: John Ketchum, on Section 1; Jonathan Lindley, Roderick Rawlins, Joseph Evans and Asa Osborn, on Sections 2 and 3; Lewis Noel, on Section 4; Jonathan Gilbert, on Section 8; George Cutler and George Sharp, on Section 9; James Parks, on Section 10, also James Wright on the same; Archibald Wood and James Goodwin, on Section 11; Samuel Caldwell, on Section 13; John Bigger, James Parks and Samuel Elliot, on Section 14; Ambrose Carlton, on Section 15; Archibald Wood and Samuel Caldwell, on Section 17; Jacob Cutler and William Bradford, on Section 18; Joseph Harris, on 21; John Simons, on 22; Ambrose Carlton and Asa Coltrin, on Section 23; Chris. Eslinger and John Gordon, on Section 24; John McCormick, on 26; Jonathan Lindley and John Simons, on 27; Solomon Bower, on 28, also on the same section Joseph Kennedy, William Thornton and Abel Bigclow; David Johnson, on 29; John Fullen and William Baker, on 30; John Perishaw, on 31; David Sears and Daniel Zincks, on 32; Abel Bigelow, William Oliver and Edward Archer, on 33; Thomas Hodges and Joseph Taylor, on 34: Samuel Rogers and Benjamin Johnson, on M; Fred Smoyers and David S. Chambers, on 36. In 1817, the following entries were made: Henry Kirkham, on Section 1; Henry Wampler, on the same; Coleman Puett, on 4, William Latherlin on the same; Joseph Reeves, on 9; Henry Wampler and Samuel Hazlett, on 25; Eli Lee, on 26; Samuel Rogers, on M. Jonathan Gilbert bought on Section 5 in 1818; John Armstrong, on Section 1 in 1819; T. R. Harley, on Section 6 in 1820; Joseph Kennedy, on Section 28 in 1824; Joel A. Dyer, on Section 7 in 182^. These were nearly all the entries previous to 1830. After the rush of 1816, the sales were few for many years.
         It is difficult to state who was the first permanent settler in this township. Several tracts were purchased in 1816, as will be seen from the above, but so far as can be learned only one family came out that fall to reside in the township during the winter. In about October, 1816, William Edmundson, without owning the land, located within a short distance of Ellettsville, erecting there a small, round-log cabin, in which he domiciled his family. He did not enter his land—the northwest quarter of Section 9—but after a number of years bought it of the man who did enter it—probably George Cutler. During the winter of 1816-17, Mr. Edmundson cleared about five acres for the coming year's crop. No other family is now known to have lived in the township during this winter. However, James and George Parks, George Sharp, Coleman Puett, Lewis Noel and two or three other heads of families erected rude log cabins on their respective farms late in the fall of 1816, or during the winter of 1816-17, and the men lived in the same (" breached ") all winter, clearing in the meantime land for the crop of 1817. Early the next spring the families of these men arrived and became residents in the log cabins. Among those who came in 1817 were the families of the Parkses, George Sharp, Lewis Noel, Coleman and Joseph Puett, William Milligan, Jonathan Gilbert, Joseph Reeves, Samuel Ellett and probably half a dozen others. Johnston Sharp, yet living, says this was the first settlement of the township. James Parks, Sr., then about thirty-six years old, was the leading man of the settlement. He lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and one years and over, dying but a few months ago. The following, written by him in his ninety-seventh year, will be read with interest:
         "I was born in Wilkes County, N. C., near the Yadkin River, September 26, 1781. My grandfather, John Parks, moved from Virginia to this place before the Revolutionary war, but how long before I do not know. My grandfather was of Irish descent, and my grandmother of Dutch. They raised to be men and women fourteen children; seven boys and seven girls.
         "My father, George, was raised and married in the same settlement. My mother's maiden name was Milly Davis. They had six children; all lived to have families except one. I lived in that neighborhood until I was fifteen years old, when my father, with his family, moved to Burke County, N. C. I lived with my father until I was about twenty-five years of age, when I married Nancy Moore on the 30th of November, 1806. We settled and lived in Burke County for several years. We had ten children, all of whom lived to be men and women except two. Nancy, my wife, died June 26, 1828, and I married Frances Kendrick August 27, 1830. By her I had one son, James.
         "Now, for some of the incidents of my early life. Commence ninety years ago, just after the close of the Revolutionary war. I remember grandfather had a roan horse. He went for his horse one morning, to find that he had been stolen. Great lamentions followed, but a few mornings afterward the old horse stood at the gate well-rigged out with new saddle and bridle—all complete.
         "When grandfather's property was sold, after his death, a family of his slaves were exposed to sale, which, by his will, were not to be sold out of the family. That was humane in those days. Father bought a boy named Moses, and he and I were raised together. The people of those days were thrown upon their own resources. No labor-saving machinery. All came out of the ground—both eating and wearing. The men would raise cotton and flax; the women would card, spin and weave clothing for themselves and children. They had dresses of different colors and stripes. They got their colors from indigo of their. own raising, copperas and various kinds of blossoms. The first calico dress I ever saw father bought for my sister, then about sixteen years old. He gave a three-year-old steer for six yards, which completed the dress. I suppose if the ladies nowadays were confined to six yards for a dress, they would think it rather tight.
         "Education was quite limited. Our schoolhouse was made of round logs, with a dirt floor. Split logs with legs put in served for seats. Large cracks were left to admit the light. Our books consisted of, first, a primer, then Dike's spelling book, then Dilworth's, then Webster's first edition, completed one list of spelling books. Our first reader was called a Psalter, some old English concern, then the Testament and Bible. These completed our reading books. No grammar, geography nor history was in use that I ever heard of till my education was completed. I learned to cipher as far as the rule of three, and some in fractions; could write a tolerable hand, and was considered a fair scholar for those days. Our schoolhouse was also used for a church. When young people walked to meeting together, the girls would tie their shoes and stockings in their handkerchief, and carry them on their arm until within sight of the church, when they would put them on, and so march up in style. (We boys were spared that trouble, from the fact we had none). The girls' dress in winter was of woolen goods called linsey; in summer, cotton stripe. Boys' dress for winter was buckskin breeches and shoes—no boots. The custom was for almost every farmer to tan his own leather, and make shoes for himself and family. Our diet was hog and hominy for breakfast, vegetables for dinner, and a hearth full of roasted sweet potatoes for sup
         fjr. Sugar and coffee for only special occasions. Fruit abundant, each brandy and honey tolerably plenty; whisky scarce. There were very few drunkards. No doctors or lawyers. I never saw either, that I know of, until I was fifteen years old.
         "Soon after the war of 1812, when things had somewhat settled, my father and family with enough others to make a right smart colony, concluded to emigrate to some new country.
         "The Territory of Indiana was the place chosen, and we landed in Lawrence County, on the East Fork of White River, October, 1815. The land was not yet in market, but was surveyed off ready to be sold. We chose our lots, and settled on them, built our cabins, and cleared a considerable amount of land. As the sale was to come off the next season at Jeffersonville, a dozen or more of us went down. The land was to be sold to the highest bidder. When the sale took place, a man by the name of Bulslitt, had a longer pole than ours, and 'knocked the persimmons,' sweeping the entire settlement. Not the first man saved his land or improvements. So we marched home, feeling as if we had lost a friend. I had about eight acres cleared, surrounded by a good fence. The part of the territory where we now live did not come into market until the next season, so we concluded to make another trial. So we moved and again selected our Iota,' The next sale took place at Vincennes in October, 1816. By this time we became somewhat acquainted with fever and ague. I was the only one able to attend the sale, and I took the .-hills while there. I purchased for nearly the entire colony—about a dozen
         • Thu (election wu In the praeent Blchltnd Townihip, near EllettHllle, u described (bore.
         lots in all. After the sale, we went that winter and built cabins on our lots, and cleared some ground. I got in about six acres of fine corn, which was our sole dependence for the year. But lo! in October there came a frost, which bit the last year (so with the whole settlement)! Then we were in a fix! We had no mills to grind our corn, so we were compelled to pound it into meal. There was one hand mill in the settlement. But the corn was so soft it would neither beat nor grind, until it was kilndried. I made a scaffold up in the chimney and dried mine; then I had my choice, to go a mile to the hand mill, or to pound it. Many a time I have worked hard all day, and at night taken one-half bushel of corn to the hand mill and ground it.
         "I had myself, wife and five children to feed. That would be thought pretty hard these times. Nevertheless, we never suffered from hunger. I was considered a good shot. In a few hours I could bring in venison or turkey. We also had plenty of milk and butter. So we passed through the season safely. When we first moved here, Delaware and Pottawatomie Indians were plentiful. They were quite friendly, and would often come with their squaws and papooses to stay all night with us. They had a trading house within a half mile of where I now live. In early days we had grand times at log rollings. When we got our ground ready for rolling, we would invite our neighbors to the frolic. Choosing our captains, they would in turn choose their hands, and at it we would go. If ever you saw logs come together, it was about that time. Before we commenced work we had to take a little of the 'critter!' It is not worth while to say we did not feel what we drank, for that was what we drank it for! We had none who might be called drunkards, but such a gathering nowadays might all be counted as drunkards. Such was the custom of the country at that time. Oh, what a thing custom is when rightly considered, whether good or bad.
         '• The year after we moved to the Territory, delegates were elected for the purpose of forming a State constitution. Counties were then laid off and established. Before Monroe County was organized, an election was ordered to choose three Commissioners, a Clerk and a Sheriff. B. Woodward, Michael Buskirk and myself were elected Commissioners. We proceeded to organize the county. We purchased a half section of land, where the court house now stands. We laid off the public square, and had a court house and jail built thereon. Lots were surveyed and sold, bringing a considerable revenue. We were now ready to hold court, and the county machinery ready for action. It now became necessary to have a School Commissioner. I offered my services and was elected.
         "In order to put the school in operation, it became my duty to sell all the sixteenth sections to the highest bidder: By this means, a large fund was raised, and the school placed upon a firm basis (I have to make long strides on account of my records being burned up). In the year 1832, I offered for the Legislature (Lower House), and was elected. I served my time at $2 per day, and boarded myself. Finding that there was not much money in such warfare, and perhaps less credit, I would not offer any more. Some years afterward, I was again elected School Commissioner for the county. At the expiration of my term of office, I retired from public life. (I never was beaten for any office I offered for.)
         „ "The first President I ever voted for was Thomas Jefferson for his second term of office, I have been a straightforward Democrat ever since —voted for all the candidates for office except Greeley. I thought the Democrats got off the track there, and I would not follow them. I have lived on the farm where I now live sixty-two years I have been the ancestor of eleven children, fifty-six grandchildren, eighty great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, thus being, at this time, the representative of five generations.
         "I joined the Baptist Church in North Carolina about the year of 1807. I was one of the charter members of Old Vernal Church, the first congregation organized in this county, Monroe, and was Deacon of the church for quite a number of years.
         "I have endeavored to live peaceably with all men, and to live in accordance with the will of my heavenly Master, to the best of my knowledge. I have fought the good fight, have almost run my race, and am now patiently waiting for the good Lord to call me home, where there is a heavenly mansion prepared for me not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. James Parks."

       • Citation:

         http://books.google.com/books?id=vyqC5iVmYtYC&pg=PA496

    3. • Page: p. 496-500
       • Source text:

         A very large portion of this township, comparatively, was entered in 1816, as soon as the land was thrown into market, and this circumstance reveals the fact that not only was the first settlement before that time, but it was very rapid when thus begun. In 1816, the following entries of land were made at the land office at Vincennes: John Ketchum, on Section 1; Jonathan Lindley, Roderick Rawlins, Joseph Evans and Asa Osborn, on Sections 2 and 3; Lewis Noel, on Section 4; Jonathan Gilbert, on Section 8; George Cutler and George Sharp, on Section 9; James Parks, on Section 10, also James Wright on the same; Archibald Wood and James Goodwin, on Section 11; Samuel Caldwell, on Section 13; John Bigger, James Parks and Samuel Elliot, on Section 14; Ambrose Carlton, on Section 15; Archibald Wood and Samuel Caldwell, on Section 17; Jacob Cutler and William Bradford, on Section 18; Joseph Harris, on 21; John Simons, on 22; Ambrose Carlton and Asa Coltrin, on Section 23; Chris. Eslinger and John Gordon, on Section 24; John McCormick, on 26; Jonathan Lindley and John Simons, on 27; Solomon Bower, on 28, also on the same section Joseph Kennedy, William Thornton and Abel Bigclow; David Johnson, on 29; John Fullen and William Baker, on 30; John Perishaw, on 31; David Sears and Daniel Zincks, on 32; Abel Bigelow, William Oliver and Edward Archer, on 33; Thomas Hodges and Joseph Taylor, on 34: Samuel Rogers and Benjamin Johnson, on M; Fred Smoyers and David S. Chambers, on 36. In 1817, the following entries were made: Henry Kirkham, on Section 1; Henry Wampler, on the same; Coleman Puett, on 4, William Latherlin on the same; Joseph Reeves, on 9; Henry Wampler and Samuel Hazlett, on 25; Eli Lee, on 26; Samuel Rogers, on M. Jonathan Gilbert bought on Section 5 in 1818; John Armstrong, on Section 1 in 1819; T. R. Harley, on Section 6 in 1820; Joseph Kennedy, on Section 28 in 1824; Joel A. Dyer, on Section 7 in 182^. These were nearly all the entries previous to 1830. After the rush of 1816, the sales were few for many years.
         It is difficult to state who was the first permanent settler in this township. Several tracts were purchased in 1816, as will be seen from the above, but so far as can be learned only one family came out that fall to reside in the township during the winter. In about October, 1816, William Edmundson, without owning the land, located within a short distance of Ellettsville, erecting there a small, round-log cabin, in which he domiciled his family. He did not enter his land—the northwest quarter of Section 9—but after a number of years bought it of the man who did enter it—probably George Cutler. During the winter of 1816-17, Mr. Edmundson cleared about five acres for the coming year's crop. No other family is now known to have lived in the township during this winter. However, James and George Parks, George Sharp, Coleman Puett, Lewis Noel and two or three other heads of families erected rude log cabins on their respective farms late in the fall of 1816, or during the winter of 1816-17, and the men lived in the same (" breached ") all winter, clearing in the meantime land for the crop of 1817. Early the next spring the families of these men arrived and became residents in the log cabins. Among those who came in 1817 were the families of the Parkses, George Sharp, Lewis Noel, Coleman and Joseph Puett, William Milligan, Jonathan Gilbert, Joseph Reeves, Samuel Ellett and probably half a dozen others. Johnston Sharp, yet living, says this was the first settlement of the township. James Parks, Sr., then about thirty-six years old, was the leading man of the settlement. He lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and one years and over, dying but a few months ago. The following, written by him in his ninety-seventh year, will be read with interest:
         "I was born in Wilkes County, N. C., near the Yadkin River, September 26, 1781. My grandfather, John Parks, moved from Virginia to this place before the Revolutionary war, but how long before I do not know. My grandfather was of Irish descent, and my grandmother of Dutch. They raised to be men and women fourteen children; seven boys and seven girls.
         "My father, George, was raised and married in the same settlement. My mother's maiden name was Milly Davis. They had six children; all lived to have families except one. I lived in that neighborhood until I was fifteen years old, when my father, with his family, moved to Burke County, N. C. I lived with my father until I was about twenty-five years of age, when I married Nancy Moore on the 30th of November, 1806. We settled and lived in Burke County for several years. We had ten children, all of whom lived to be men and women except two. Nancy, my wife, died June 26, 1828, and I married Frances Kendrick August 27, 1830. By her I had one son, James.
         "Now, for some of the incidents of my early life. Commence ninety years ago, just after the close of the Revolutionary war. I remember grandfather had a roan horse. He went for his horse one morning, to find that he had been stolen. Great lamentions followed, but a few mornings afterward the old horse stood at the gate well-rigged out with new saddle and bridle—all complete.
         "When grandfather's property was sold, after his death, a family of his slaves were exposed to sale, which, by his will, were not to be sold out of the family. That was humane in those days. Father bought a boy named Moses, and he and I were raised together. The people of those days were thrown upon their own resources. No labor-saving machinery. All came out of the ground—both eating and wearing. The men would raise cotton and flax; the women would card, spin and weave clothing for themselves and children. They had dresses of different colors and stripes. They got their colors from indigo of their. own raising, copperas and various kinds of blossoms. The first calico dress I ever saw father bought for my sister, then about sixteen years old. He gave a three-year-old steer for six yards, which completed the dress. I suppose if the ladies nowadays were confined to six yards for a dress, they would think it rather tight.
         "Education was quite limited. Our schoolhouse was made of round logs, with a dirt floor. Split logs with legs put in served for seats. Large cracks were left to admit the light. Our books consisted of, first, a primer, then Dike's spelling book, then Dilworth's, then Webster's first edition, completed one list of spelling books. Our first reader was called a Psalter, some old English concern, then the Testament and Bible. These completed our reading books. No grammar, geography nor history was in use that I ever heard of till my education was completed. I learned to cipher as far as the rule of three, and some in fractions; could write a tolerable hand, and was considered a fair scholar for those days. Our schoolhouse was also used for a church. When young people walked to meeting together, the girls would tie their shoes and stockings in their handkerchief, and carry them on their arm until within sight of the church, when they would put them on, and so march up in style. (We boys were spared that trouble, from the fact we had none). The girls' dress in winter was of woolen goods called linsey; in summer, cotton stripe. Boys' dress for winter was buckskin breeches and shoes—no boots. The custom was for almost every farmer to tan his own leather, and make shoes for himself and family. Our diet was hog and hominy for breakfast, vegetables for dinner, and a hearth full of roasted sweet potatoes for sup
         fjr. Sugar and coffee for only special occasions. Fruit abundant, each brandy and honey tolerably plenty; whisky scarce. There were very few drunkards. No doctors or lawyers. I never saw either, that I know of, until I was fifteen years old.
         "Soon after the war of 1812, when things had somewhat settled, my father and family with enough others to make a right smart colony, concluded to emigrate to some new country.
         "The Territory of Indiana was the place chosen, and we landed in Lawrence County, on the East Fork of White River, October, 1815. The land was not yet in market, but was surveyed off ready to be sold. We chose our lots, and settled on them, built our cabins, and cleared a considerable amount of land. As the sale was to come off the next season at Jeffersonville, a dozen or more of us went down. The land was to be sold to the highest bidder. When the sale took place, a man by the name of Bulslitt, had a longer pole than ours, and 'knocked the persimmons,' sweeping the entire settlement. Not the first man saved his land or improvements. So we marched home, feeling as if we had lost a friend. I had about eight acres cleared, surrounded by a good fence. The part of the territory where we now live did not come into market until the next season, so we concluded to make another trial. So we moved and again selected our Iota,' The next sale took place at Vincennes in October, 1816. By this time we became somewhat acquainted with fever and ague. I was the only one able to attend the sale, and I took the .-hills while there. I purchased for nearly the entire colony—about a dozen
         • Thu (election wu In the praeent Blchltnd Townihip, near EllettHllle, u described (bore.
         lots in all. After the sale, we went that winter and built cabins on our lots, and cleared some ground. I got in about six acres of fine corn, which was our sole dependence for the year. But lo! in October there came a frost, which bit the last year (so with the whole settlement)! Then we were in a fix! We had no mills to grind our corn, so we were compelled to pound it into meal. There was one hand mill in the settlement. But the corn was so soft it would neither beat nor grind, until it was kilndried. I made a scaffold up in the chimney and dried mine; then I had my choice, to go a mile to the hand mill, or to pound it. Many a time I have worked hard all day, and at night taken one-half bushel of corn to the hand mill and ground it.
         "I had myself, wife and five children to feed. That would be thought pretty hard these times. Nevertheless, we never suffered from hunger. I was considered a good shot. In a few hours I could bring in venison or turkey. We also had plenty of milk and butter. So we passed through the season safely. When we first moved here, Delaware and Pottawatomie Indians were plentiful. They were quite friendly, and would often come with their squaws and papooses to stay all night with us. They had a trading house within a half mile of where I now live. In early days we had grand times at log rollings. When we got our ground ready for rolling, we would invite our neighbors to the frolic. Choosing our captains, they would in turn choose their hands, and at it we would go. If ever you saw logs come together, it was about that time. Before we commenced work we had to take a little of the 'critter!' It is not worth while to say we did not feel what we drank, for that was what we drank it for! We had none who might be called drunkards, but such a gathering nowadays might all be counted as drunkards. Such was the custom of the country at that time. Oh, what a thing custom is when rightly considered, whether good or bad.
         '• The year after we moved to the Territory, delegates were elected for the purpose of forming a State constitution. Counties were then laid off and established. Before Monroe County was organized, an election was ordered to choose three Commissioners, a Clerk and a Sheriff. B. Woodward, Michael Buskirk and myself were elected Commissioners. We proceeded to organize the county. We purchased a half section of land, where the court house now stands. We laid off the public square, and had a court house and jail built thereon. Lots were surveyed and sold, bringing a considerable revenue. We were now ready to hold court, and the county machinery ready for action. It now became necessary to have a School Commissioner. I offered my services and was elected.
         "In order to put the school in operation, it became my duty to sell all the sixteenth sections to the highest bidder: By this means, a large fund was raised, and the school placed upon a firm basis (I have to make long strides on account of my records being burned up). In the year 1832, I offered for the Legislature (Lower House), and was elected. I served my time at $2 per day, and boarded myself. Finding that there was not much money in such warfare, and perhaps less credit, I would not offer any more. Some years afterward, I was again elected School Commissioner for the county. At the expiration of my term of office, I retired from public life. (I never was beaten for any office I offered for.)
         „ "The first President I ever voted for was Thomas Jefferson for his second term of office, I have been a straightforward Democrat ever since —voted for all the candidates for office except Greeley. I thought the Democrats got off the track there, and I would not follow them. I have lived on the farm where I now live sixty-two years I have been the ancestor of eleven children, fifty-six grandchildren, eighty great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, thus being, at this time, the representative of five generations.
         "I joined the Baptist Church in North Carolina about the year of 1807. I was one of the charter members of Old Vernal Church, the first congregation organized in this county, Monroe, and was Deacon of the church for quite a number of years.
         "I have endeavored to live peaceably with all men, and to live in accordance with the will of my heavenly Master, to the best of my knowledge. I have fought the good fight, have almost run my race, and am now patiently waiting for the good Lord to call me home, where there is a heavenly mansion prepared for me not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. James Parks."

       • Citation:

         http://books.google.com/books?id=vyqC5iVmYtYC&pg=PA496

    4. • Page: p. 496-500
       • Source text:

         A very large portion of this township, comparatively, was entered in 1816, as soon as the land was thrown into market, and this circumstance reveals the fact that not only was the first settlement before that time, but it was very rapid when thus begun. In 1816, the following entries of land were made at the land office at Vincennes: John Ketchum, on Section 1; Jonathan Lindley, Roderick Rawlins, Joseph Evans and Asa Osborn, on Sections 2 and 3; Lewis Noel, on Section 4; Jonathan Gilbert, on Section 8; George Cutler and George Sharp, on Section 9; James Parks, on Section 10, also James Wright on the same; Archibald Wood and James Goodwin, on Section 11; Samuel Caldwell, on Section 13; John Bigger, James Parks and Samuel Elliot, on Section 14; Ambrose Carlton, on Section 15; Archibald Wood and Samuel Caldwell, on Section 17; Jacob Cutler and William Bradford, on Section 18; Joseph Harris, on 21; John Simons, on 22; Ambrose Carlton and Asa Coltrin, on Section 23; Chris. Eslinger and John Gordon, on Section 24; John McCormick, on 26; Jonathan Lindley and John Simons, on 27; Solomon Bower, on 28, also on the same section Joseph Kennedy, William Thornton and Abel Bigclow; David Johnson, on 29; John Fullen and William Baker, on 30; John Perishaw, on 31; David Sears and Daniel Zincks, on 32; Abel Bigelow, William Oliver and Edward Archer, on 33; Thomas Hodges and Joseph Taylor, on 34: Samuel Rogers and Benjamin Johnson, on M; Fred Smoyers and David S. Chambers, on 36. In 1817, the following entries were made: Henry Kirkham, on Section 1; Henry Wampler, on the same; Coleman Puett, on 4, William Latherlin on the same; Joseph Reeves, on 9; Henry Wampler and Samuel Hazlett, on 25; Eli Lee, on 26; Samuel Rogers, on M. Jonathan Gilbert bought on Section 5 in 1818; John Armstrong, on Section 1 in 1819; T. R. Harley, on Section 6 in 1820; Joseph Kennedy, on Section 28 in 1824; Joel A. Dyer, on Section 7 in 182^. These were nearly all the entries previous to 1830. After the rush of 1816, the sales were few for many years.
         It is difficult to state who was the first permanent settler in this township. Several tracts were purchased in 1816, as will be seen from the above, but so far as can be learned only one family came out that fall to reside in the township during the winter. In about October, 1816, William Edmundson, without owning the land, located within a short distance of Ellettsville, erecting there a small, round-log cabin, in which he domiciled his family. He did not enter his land—the northwest quarter of Section 9—but after a number of years bought it of the man who did enter it—probably George Cutler. During the winter of 1816-17, Mr. Edmundson cleared about five acres for the coming year's crop. No other family is now known to have lived in the township during this winter. However, James and George Parks, George Sharp, Coleman Puett, Lewis Noel and two or three other heads of families erected rude log cabins on their respective farms late in the fall of 1816, or during the winter of 1816-17, and the men lived in the same (" breached ") all winter, clearing in the meantime land for the crop of 1817. Early the next spring the families of these men arrived and became residents in the log cabins. Among those who came in 1817 were the families of the Parkses, George Sharp, Lewis Noel, Coleman and Joseph Puett, William Milligan, Jonathan Gilbert, Joseph Reeves, Samuel Ellett and probably half a dozen others. Johnston Sharp, yet living, says this was the first settlement of the township. James Parks, Sr., then about thirty-six years old, was the leading man of the settlement. He lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and one years and over, dying but a few months ago. The following, written by him in his ninety-seventh year, will be read with interest:
         "I was born in Wilkes County, N. C., near the Yadkin River, September 26, 1781. My grandfather, John Parks, moved from Virginia to this place before the Revolutionary war, but how long before I do not know. My grandfather was of Irish descent, and my grandmother of Dutch. They raised to be men and women fourteen children; seven boys and seven girls.
         "My father, George, was raised and married in the same settlement. My mother's maiden name was Milly Davis. They had six children; all lived to have families except one. I lived in that neighborhood until I was fifteen years old, when my father, with his family, moved to Burke County, N. C. I lived with my father until I was about twenty-five years of age, when I married Nancy Moore on the 30th of November, 1806. We settled and lived in Burke County for several years. We had ten children, all of whom lived to be men and women except two. Nancy, my wife, died June 26, 1828, and I married Frances Kendrick August 27, 1830. By her I had one son, James.
         "Now, for some of the incidents of my early life. Commence ninety years ago, just after the close of the Revolutionary war. I remember grandfather had a roan horse. He went for his horse one morning, to find that he had been stolen. Great lamentions followed, but a few mornings afterward the old horse stood at the gate well-rigged out with new saddle and bridle—all complete.
         "When grandfather's property was sold, after his death, a family of his slaves were exposed to sale, which, by his will, were not to be sold out of the family. That was humane in those days. Father bought a boy named Moses, and he and I were raised together. The people of those days were thrown upon their own resources. No labor-saving machinery. All came out of the ground—both eating and wearing. The men would raise cotton and flax; the women would card, spin and weave clothing for themselves and children. They had dresses of different colors and stripes. They got their colors from indigo of their. own raising, copperas and various kinds of blossoms. The first calico dress I ever saw father bought for my sister, then about sixteen years old. He gave a three-year-old steer for six yards, which completed the dress. I suppose if the ladies nowadays were confined to six yards for a dress, they would think it rather tight.
         "Education was quite limited. Our schoolhouse was made of round logs, with a dirt floor. Split logs with legs put in served for seats. Large cracks were left to admit the light. Our books consisted of, first, a primer, then Dike's spelling book, then Dilworth's, then Webster's first edition, completed one list of spelling books. Our first reader was called a Psalter, some old English concern, then the Testament and Bible. These completed our reading books. No grammar, geography nor history was in use that I ever heard of till my education was completed. I learned to cipher as far as the rule of three, and some in fractions; could write a tolerable hand, and was considered a fair scholar for those days. Our schoolhouse was also used for a church. When young people walked to meeting together, the girls would tie their shoes and stockings in their handkerchief, and carry them on their arm until within sight of the church, when they would put them on, and so march up in style. (We boys were spared that trouble, from the fact we had none). The girls' dress in winter was of woolen goods called linsey; in summer, cotton stripe. Boys' dress for winter was buckskin breeches and shoes—no boots. The custom was for almost every farmer to tan his own leather, and make shoes for himself and family. Our diet was hog and hominy for breakfast, vegetables for dinner, and a hearth full of roasted sweet potatoes for sup
         fjr. Sugar and coffee for only special occasions. Fruit abundant, each brandy and honey tolerably plenty; whisky scarce. There were very few drunkards. No doctors or lawyers. I never saw either, that I know of, until I was fifteen years old.
         "Soon after the war of 1812, when things had somewhat settled, my father and family with enough others to make a right smart colony, concluded to emigrate to some new country.
         "The Territory of Indiana was the place chosen, and we landed in Lawrence County, on the East Fork of White River, October, 1815. The land was not yet in market, but was surveyed off ready to be sold. We chose our lots, and settled on them, built our cabins, and cleared a considerable amount of land. As the sale was to come off the next season at Jeffersonville, a dozen or more of us went down. The land was to be sold to the highest bidder. When the sale took place, a man by the name of Bulslitt, had a longer pole than ours, and 'knocked the persimmons,' sweeping the entire settlement. Not the first man saved his land or improvements. So we marched home, feeling as if we had lost a friend. I had about eight acres cleared, surrounded by a good fence. The part of the territory where we now live did not come into market until the next season, so we concluded to make another trial. So we moved and again selected our Iota,' The next sale took place at Vincennes in October, 1816. By this time we became somewhat acquainted with fever and ague. I was the only one able to attend the sale, and I took the .-hills while there. I purchased for nearly the entire colony—about a dozen
         • Thu (election wu In the praeent Blchltnd Townihip, near EllettHllle, u described (bore.
         lots in all. After the sale, we went that winter and built cabins on our lots, and cleared some ground. I got in about six acres of fine corn, which was our sole dependence for the year. But lo! in October there came a frost, which bit the last year (so with the whole settlement)! Then we were in a fix! We had no mills to grind our corn, so we were compelled to pound it into meal. There was one hand mill in the settlement. But the corn was so soft it would neither beat nor grind, until it was kilndried. I made a scaffold up in the chimney and dried mine; then I had my choice, to go a mile to the hand mill, or to pound it. Many a time I have worked hard all day, and at night taken one-half bushel of corn to the hand mill and ground it.
         "I had myself, wife and five children to feed. That would be thought pretty hard these times. Nevertheless, we never suffered from hunger. I was considered a good shot. In a few hours I could bring in venison or turkey. We also had plenty of milk and butter. So we passed through the season safely. When we first moved here, Delaware and Pottawatomie Indians were plentiful. They were quite friendly, and would often come with their squaws and papooses to stay all night with us. They had a trading house within a half mile of where I now live. In early days we had grand times at log rollings. When we got our ground ready for rolling, we would invite our neighbors to the frolic. Choosing our captains, they would in turn choose their hands, and at it we would go. If ever you saw logs come together, it was about that time. Before we commenced work we had to take a little of the 'critter!' It is not worth while to say we did not feel what we drank, for that was what we drank it for! We had none who might be called drunkards, but such a gathering nowadays might all be counted as drunkards. Such was the custom of the country at that time. Oh, what a thing custom is when rightly considered, whether good or bad.
         '• The year after we moved to the Territory, delegates were elected for the purpose of forming a State constitution. Counties were then laid off and established. Before Monroe County was organized, an election was ordered to choose three Commissioners, a Clerk and a Sheriff. B. Woodward, Michael Buskirk and myself were elected Commissioners. We proceeded to organize the county. We purchased a half section of land, where the court house now stands. We laid off the public square, and had a court house and jail built thereon. Lots were surveyed and sold, bringing a considerable revenue. We were now ready to hold court, and the county machinery ready for action. It now became necessary to have a School Commissioner. I offered my services and was elected.
         "In order to put the school in operation, it became my duty to sell all the sixteenth sections to the highest bidder: By this means, a large fund was raised, and the school placed upon a firm basis (I have to make long strides on account of my records being burned up). In the year 1832, I offered for the Legislature (Lower House), and was elected. I served my time at $2 per day, and boarded myself. Finding that there was not much money in such warfare, and perhaps less credit, I would not offer any more. Some years afterward, I was again elected School Commissioner for the county. At the expiration of my term of office, I retired from public life. (I never was beaten for any office I offered for.)
         „ "The first President I ever voted for was Thomas Jefferson for his second term of office, I have been a straightforward Democrat ever since —voted for all the candidates for office except Greeley. I thought the Democrats got off the track there, and I would not follow them. I have lived on the farm where I now live sixty-two years I have been the ancestor of eleven children, fifty-six grandchildren, eighty great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, thus being, at this time, the representative of five generations.
         "I joined the Baptist Church in North Carolina about the year of 1807. I was one of the charter members of Old Vernal Church, the first congregation organized in this county, Monroe, and was Deacon of the church for quite a number of years.
         "I have endeavored to live peaceably with all men, and to live in accordance with the will of my heavenly Master, to the best of my knowledge. I have fought the good fight, have almost run my race, and am now patiently waiting for the good Lord to call me home, where there is a heavenly mansion prepared for me not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. James Parks."

       • Citation:

         http://books.google.com/books?id=vyqC5iVmYtYC&pg=PA496