Maggie SHIRLEY petitions to modify divorce decree (1901)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 46 (December 1900 - October 1901), in January 1901 Maggie Shirley (formerly Maggie Reitzel) petitioned the court to modify her divorce decree from Emmett Reitzel (case #6938). The decree had given her custody of their child, Clifford Reitzel, with Emmett Reitzel allowed to take the child 1 day a week as long as he returned him by bedtime. Maggie's petition asked for exclusive custody and no visitation rights; Emmett filed a cross-petition asking for exclusive custody. The judge ruled that the previous order was to stand and ordered both parties to pay their respective court costs.

Hiram EVERT granted divorce (1901)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 46 (December 1900 - October 1901), in March 1901 Hiram Evert was granted a divorce from Hattie Evert (case #6998). Hiram was also awarded the custody of their children Grace Evert and Stella Evert, while Hattie was given the custody of their children Burlie Evert and Jessie Evert.

Henry Fay AYERS adopted (1901)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 46 (December 1900 - October 1901), in October 1901 Henry Horatio Ayers and Mary Viola Ayers of Indianapolis filed a petition to adopt Henry Fay Ayers, who was born on September 19, 1897 and was 4 years old. The father of the child, Amos Dickson Ayers (who gave his residence as being near Royalton, Boone County, Indiana) gave his consent to the adoption. The child's mother, Delilah Jane Ayers, was deceased.

Mary (MILES) MURPHY of North Salem dies (1934)

[NOTE: Thank you to Karen Zach for sharing this obituary]

source: Crawfordsville Journal-Review (Crawfordsville, Indiana) - issue of 22 March 1934 - page 11:

North Salem, March 22 - Mrs. Mary Miles Murphy, wife of Elbert M. Murphy, well known and highly respected woman of this community, passed away Tuesday night after an illness which began over two years ago, with a heart affliction. Her condition became critical only Sunday. Funeral services will be conducted in the Methodist Church at two o'clock Friday afternoon by Rev. Stanley Hall and interment will be at Fairview Cemetery. The body will lie in state from one o'clock until the funeral hour. Mrs. Murphy was the daughter of John Henry and Roseanna Miles and was born March 11, 1862 near Southport, where she spent her early life.

She was married to Mr. Murphy in 1884 and to this union was born one daughter, Gladys who died in infancy. She was a devoted member of the ME Church which she joined at Glenn's Valley in 1882 and faithfully performed her duties in the ME church here as long as her health permitted. Surviving with the husband are two sisters, Mrs. Roseanna Ballard of Westfield and Mrs. Etolia Strum of West Newton and two brothers, William Miles, of Louisville, Ky. and John H. Miles of Glenn's Valley.

Bertha THOMPSON granted divorce (1901)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 46 (December 1900 - October 1901), in May 1901 Bertha E. Thompson was granted a divorce from Elmer L. Thompson (case #7037). William Merritt was given the custody of the couple's child, Bernice May Thompson, until she turned 21 - if Merritt died before she reached that age, then Elmer was to be given custody. Both Bertha and Elmer were to be allowed to visit their child at Merritt's house.

Salaries of Hendricks County government officials (1933)

The Indiana General Assembly passed a law in February 1933 (Acts of 1933, Chapter 21) establishing what the annual salaries were of the various officials in county government. The salaries were based on what each county's population was, with officials in larger counties receiving the larger salaries.

These were the salaries of Hendricks County officials:

Hendricks County Auditor - $2,160
Hendricks County Treasurer - $1,840
Hendricks County Clerk - $1,840
Hendricks County Sheriff - $1,840
Hendricks County Recorder - $1,200
Hendricks County Surveyor - $950
Hendricks County Assessor - $1,080
Hendricks County Superintendent - $1,720
Hendricks County Commissioner - $320

Emily MELLINGER granted divorce (1901)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 46 (December 1900 - October 1901), in March 1901 Emily Mellinger was granted a divorce from Jacob Mellinger (case #6973). She was also awarded custody of their children - John Mellinger, Lucinda Mellinger, William Mellinger, Arthur Mellinger and Theodore Mellinger.

Index to Hendricks County 1850 mortality schedule added

An index of the 1850 mortality schedule for Hendricks County has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The 1850 mortality schedule was a supplemental schedule to the 1850 federal census, and it recorded information about those who had died between 1 June 1849 and 31 May 1850.

Four men arrested for murder of Wilson HAYNES (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, December 26, 1901 - page 1, column 4:

IN JAIL
Four Coatesville Men Charged With Haynes Murder
The alleged murderers of Wilson Haynes are in jail. Thursday afternoon Charles Hampton, Fred Cassity, Obe Hampton and Frank Stewart, Jr. were arrested. Two of them are confined on the south side and two on the north side so that they cannot communicate with each other. Sheriff Figg, Deputy Sheriffs Sears, Marshall and Charles McCurdy gathered them in. Charles, or as he is better known, Jack Hampton, was arrested in O'Brien's drug store where he clerks. Fred Cassity was arrested in the country and Obe Hampton and Stewart were arrested in the country together. They made no attempt to resist arrest.

The names of these men have been used in connection with the murder almost from the first. Jack Hampton has been clerking in O'Brien's drug store. Cassity works on the section. Obe Hampton has only one arm and cannot do a man's full work. Stewart teams and does odd jobs. Obe Hampton has served a term in prison for being implicated in stealing a barrel of whisky from a car at Coatesville and he lost an arm under a train. About a year ago Fred Cassity was struck by a train near Clayton but not seriously hurt.

Very properly, the state is not giving out the information on which the grand jury returned its indictment. It may be said, however, the grand jury believes that the murderer of Wilson Haynes is one of the four. It is not thought that all are equally guilty but that some of them are implicated by assisting in covering up the tracks of the guilty after the deed was done. The grand jury sifted the whole matter and heard both sides of the case. Most of the witnesses were before that body twice and a singular fact is that the stories of these four differed in essential details on the different occasions on which they appeared before the grand jury.

The evidence is entirely circumstantial, but very strong, and it is thought possible that one of them may turn state's evidence before the trial is completed. All the evidence before the grand jury was taken down by a stenographer and it is believed this will be valuable at the trial. There is a feeling that Haynes was not struck in the shed where his body was found, but that his body was carried there. The instrument which caused his death is thought to have been a sling-shot, a long leather pouch, one end of which was filled with shot.

The grand jury was an excellent body of men of good judgment. It was composed of J.K. Little, Charles E. Hadley, John Leachman, John Snipes, Martin Long and Robert Westerfield.

Anna BARKER granted divorce (1902)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 47 (November 1901 - October 1902), in March 1902 Anna M. Barker was granted a divorce from Franklin H. Barker (case #7103). She was also awarded custody of their children - Emerson N. Barker, Ethel Barker, Edith Barker and Ruth Barker. Franklin was allowed to visit his children for at least 3 hours once every 60 days, provided he gave Anna 2 days prior notice. Anna was also to permit Franklin to write to the children.

Peter DAVIS arrested for murder of Sam FLETCHER (1902)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, July 17, 1902 - page 1, column 6:

A MURDER
Southern Hendricks the Scene of a Fatal Stabbing
Hendricks County was the scene of another murder yesterday. Peter Davis stabbed Sam Fletcher to the heart, the latter dying instantly. The affray was about 100 yards north of the Center Valley school house and was the result of an old feud.

Fletcher was at Comp Johnson's store at Center Valley talking with a party of young people. Davis went by riding on a hayrake. Fletcher followed him and words passed between them. Fletcher left his buggy and with his whip in his hand ran after Davis who had dismounted from the hayrake. Davis drew his knife and when Fletcher came near, Davis struck at him, the blade penetrating Fletcher's heart. He died in the road. Both were about 21 years old. The affray occurred at 4:30 p.m.

Great excitement was caused in the community and some of Fletcher's friends breathed vengeance against Davis. He became alarmed and hitched up his buggy and started to Danville, bringing Emory Johnson along for company. They reached Danville near ten o'clock and finding Watchman Bryant, David asked him to lock him up. Sheriff Figg and Deputy Sears had gone to Center Valley after Davis. Mr. Bryant took Davis to jail, searched him and found nothing, and then put him behind the bars.

Mr. Johnson, who came with Davis, said that Fletcher struck Davis several times with the whip before Davis used his knife.

Mary RUSSELL granted divorce (1902)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 47 (November 1901 - October 1902), in April 1902 Mary C. Russell was granted a divorce from James W. Russell (case #7138) after he failed to appear for the trial. She was also awarded custody of their children - Amanda May Russell, Milton M. Russell, Michael E. Russell and Franklin C. Russell.

Washington Township high school holds its first commencement (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, April 4, 1901 - page 1, column 3:

[Avon news]
The first annual commencement of the Washington Township high school was held in the M.E. church Thursday evening. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion with flowers, the class colors, white and purple, and large flags for the background. That our citizens realized that this occasion meant that Washington Township has taken an advanced step in the direction of higher education for the masses, was shown by the large and attentive audience that filled the church. Besides the graduates, Supt. Hostetter, Rev. Riley, Trustee Miller and Prof. Kirby occupied seats on the stage. The music was furnished by the Demarcus orchestra and it was an enjoyable part of the programme. Rev. Riley gave the invocation and benediction. Miss Nora Long's subject was "Golden Deeds" and her oration was excellent. Miss Lulu McCalment spoke on "Joan of Arc" and she held the rapt attention of her hearers. Alva Rice eloquently spoke on "Will, the Greatest Element of Success." Miss Minnie Montgomery gave an interesting talk on "What Constitutes a Good Education." Charley Montgomery and William Simmons also graduated but sickness prevented their speaking. Prof. Kirby presented the diplomas and Supt. Hostetter gave a short, interesting talk.

Waymon SPANGLER sent to Indiana Boys School (1903)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 48 (November 1902 - December 1903), in September 1903 Waymon Spangler was committed to the Indiana Boys School in Plainfield for "instruction and discipline" after Louisa Spangler made a complaint.

Tillman SPARKS arrested for murder (1902)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, October 16, 1902 - page 1, column 6:

CHARGED WITH MURDER
An echo of the Merlin Moon murder at Cartersburg in July, 1900, has been heard this week. Tillman Sparks who went with Fred Okeley to arrest Moon was arrested in Indianapolis by Constable Clements on a warrant sworn out by Moon's mother charging Sparks with the murder. It will be remembered that Okeley and Sparks went to Moon's house to arrest him for assault. Moon saw them coming and arming himself with a shot gun announced he would kill the first man that entered the house. Okeley and Sparks both fired at Moon and Moon ran out of the house and died in a few minutes. Okeley had fired once and Sparks twice. Okeley's shot struck a chair. Both of Sparks' shots took effect, one in the breast, one in the hip. Okeley used a 38-caliber gun, Sparks a 32. There was some flurry at the time of the affair but both were exonerated by the coroner. Sparks is now in jail.

Jeptha D. WEST charged with trying to kill his wife (1902)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 48 (November 1902 - December 1903), in November 1902 Jeptha D. West was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill his wife Sarah West (case #4309). The judge released him from county jail on his own recognizance, provided he sign an affidavit agreeing to leave the state of Indiana and stay away from the state so long as his wife lived, and to abstain from drinking intoxicating liquor.

Bert ANNADELL arrested after attempted elopement (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, September 5, 1901 - page 1, column 5:

DID NOT SUCCEED
Attempted Elopement Lodges the Man in Jail

There was an attempted elopement Sunday evening. The principals were Bert Annadell and Mabel Johnson, daughter of Lon Johnson, who bought the Bodenhamer farm a few months ago.

Annadell has been working for Mr. Johnson and an attachment sprang up between him and Mr. Johnson's daughter. Annadell is twenty-one and the girl is in the neighborhood of sixteen. Sunday evening she and her sisters went after the cows and at the edge of the pasture they met Annadell. Miss Mabel and Annadell directed the sister to drive home the cows while they started on their trip by walking to Danville. When the sister arrived home she told her father and immediately search was made for the couple. Valuable time was lost in going to Clayton for them. Then Mr. Johnson telephoned to Danville and came here himself in company with his son, Clifton, and Ira Martin.

In Danville, they learned that a couple had secured arig and a driver and left town, presumably for Bridgeport. The three were joined by Sheriff Figg and the four started in pursuit, young Johnson and Martin going to Indianapolis and Mr. Figg and Mr. Johnson going to Bridgeport where Annadell's mother lives. The Indianapolis party found no trace of them and came back via Bridgeport where they found Mr. Figg and Mr. Johnson with the couple, they having been found at Annadell's mother's where they had represented themselves as having been married. Annadell was lodged in jail and the girl was taken home. Monday an affidavit was filed against Annadell charging him with seduction.

The plan of the couple was to go to Cincinnati Monday morning and be married.

[NOTE: According to Hendricks County marriage records, Bert Anadell and Annie Mabel Johnson were married on 17 November 1901]

Sarah WOOD granted divorce (1903)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 48 (November 1902 - December 1903), in March 1903 Sarah E. Wood was granted a divorce from John G. Wood after notices were published in the Plainfield Progress newspaper notifying him of the case. She was also awarded custody of their children - Earl Wood, age 19 and Tressie Wood, age 15.

John and Frank SHIPMAN drown in Morgan County (1908)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, August 6, 1908 - page 1, column 5:

DROWNED
John and Frank Shipman Meet Death in White Lick
John and Frank Shipman were drowned in White Lick near Centerton Saturday afternoon. Their bodies were brought to Avon for burial. The funeral was held at Wesley Chapel Monday afternoon, interment following.

They were sons of S.D. Shipman who formerly lived in Washington Township but now lives south of Martinsville. John Shipman and wife who live in Indianapolis, had been visiting in Morgan County and John left his father's house Saturday morning to return to his work in Indianapolis. On his way to Martinsville he changed his mind and decided to visit his brother, Frank, who worked for Wallace Pointer near Brooklyn. Another brother, Harry who works for William Leathers, joined them and they planned to go to Bethany Park but concluded to take a swim before going to the park.

They entered the water and after playing about they started to go around a deep hole when one of the boys said that they could swim it. Harry started across ahead of them and in a few minutes he heard one of them say: "Don't go so fast." Looking back he saw they were sinking. He tried to aid them but failed and began to call for help.

About 250 feet away some men were working on a bridge. They heard the cries and ran to his aid. Harry was clinging to the willows. He told them what had happened and securing a boat the men found the bodies, that of Frank about twenty minutes after he had gone down and John's ten minutes later. They lay in water about ten feet deep.

The Shipman family has been sadly afflicted. The drowning of the two boys brings the death roll up to five in recent years. Three years ago a son, Lester, was killed by an explosion on the battleship, Missouri, off Pensacola, Fla. Two daughters have died in the last few years.

John Shipman was 22 years of age and had been married eighteen months. Frank was not quite twenty.

Index to Hendricks County 1860 mortality schedule added

An index of the 1860 mortality schedule for Hendricks County has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The 1860 mortality schedule was a supplemental schedule to the 1860 federal census, and it recorded information about those who had died between 1 June 1859 and 31 May 1860.

Lotta HARRIS granted divorce (1903)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 48 (November 1902 - December 1903), in April 1903 Lotta B. Harris was granted a divorce from John W. Harris after he failed to show up at the trial. She was also given custody of their children - Ruth Harris age 10 and Clifford Harris age 4.

Joseph WOODS commits suicide (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, April 25, 2901 - page 1, column 6:

SHOT HIMSELF
Joseph Woods Takes His Own Life Tuesday
The community was shocked Tuesday to learn of the suicide of Joseph Woods, a prosperous farmer, northeast of town. The act was committed about eight a.m. He had just been talking with his wife in the kitchen. She passed into another room. He took a shotgun, removed the trigger guard, placed the muzzle to the left side of his head and presumably kicked the trigger with his foot. His head was blown open and he died instantly.

His wife ran out instantly and saw his lifeless body. She called her daughter and rang the bell for help. The coroner was called and his verdict was suicide.

Mr. Woods was an excellent citizen who by industry and economy had prospered. He was justly held in high esteem by his neighbors. The fatal deed was done in a moment of temporary insanity. Early last winter, he had an attack of grip from which he did not fully recover. He went into the coal business in Danville but business life seemed to unnerve him and he soon sold out. During the icy weather, he fell and injured his head. Lately his manner has caused comment among friends and they feared he was losing his balance. A widow, a daughter and three sons survive. The funeral was yesterday afternoon at Bartlet's Chapel with burial at Cartersburg.

Letha SELCH granted divorce (1903)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 48 (November 1902 - December 1903), in February 1903 Letha Selch was granted a divorce from Frank Selch (case #7223) after he failed to show up for the trial. She was given $300 in alimony and custody of their children - Charles Selch, Dee Selch and Maud Selch - plus $12 a month in child support. She was also awarded $30 to reimburse her for her court costs.

Walter S. DAVIS becomes history professor in Washington State (1907)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, July 11, 1907 - page 1, column 4:

PROMOTED
Son of Hendricks County Receives Call from Far West
Prof. Walter S. Davis, son of the late Walter Davis, of Eel River Township, has accepted a call ot the chair of history in Puget Sound (Washington) University. He goes from the Richmond high school where he made a record as a most popular professor, placing his department among the best in the country. It is said that he was the most popular teacher in the Richmond schools.

Prof. Davis was born in this county, is a graduate of DePauw University where he was an honor student. He has done post-graduate work in Clark University and in the University of Chicago. He has traveled extensively, visiting the principal battlefields of America and Europe.

Gideon HEAVENRIDGE attends Butler University (1858)

According to Northwestern Christian University's annual catalog for the 1857-1858 session, among those students attending was Gideon Heavenridge of Stilesville - he was in the College Preparatory Course.

NOTE: Northwestern Christian University later changed its name to Butler University. It is in Indianapolis.

Results of first election for town of Plainfield (1904)

According to an entry in Hendricks County Circuit Court Book volume 49 (which covers January 1904 to February 1905), on Friday, June 24, 1904, the town of Plainfield held its first election, having recently been incorporated. The following residents were elected:

Town Clerk - Charles R. Harvey (defeated Claude Shane)
Town Treasurer - P.W. Raidabaugh
Town Trustee, 1st Ward - N.W. Frazier (defeated David Douglass)
Town Trustee, 2nd Ward - I.A. Johnson (defeated James P. Cope)
Town Trustee, 3rd Ward - John L. Gunn (defeated B.F. Ellis)
Town Marshal - Jacob Wickliff (defeated Jesse Wood, Woodson Bryant, Ed Robison, John Atwood, Joseph Alexander and Jacob White)

Former Hendricks County Recorder J. Lee BROWN dies in Iowa (1906)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, June 14, 1906 - page 1, column 3:

FORMERLY RECORDER
J. Lee Brown died at his home near Chariton, Iowa, May 24, of pneumonia. At his funeral services Col. Bartholomew paid a touching tribute to his memory. Mr. Brown was recorder of Hendricks County from 1866 to 1870 and upon leaving his office moved to Iowa. He was elected county auditor there three times and in 1883 was elected auditor of state. He became involved in an altercation with the governor and was impeached. Upon trial he was acquitted and reinstated in his office. He was a native of New Jersey, coming to Indiana in 1859. He served in the 70th regiment and at the battle of Resaca received a wound that necessitated the amputation of an arm. His wife who was Miss Esther Templin survives with nine children. The Chariton Herald pays him a marked tribute as a good citizen.

Ida (SERVIES) HADLEY granted divorce (1904)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 49 (January 1904 - February 1905), in April 1904 Ida F. Hadley was granted a divorce from Harry F. Hadley (case #7402). She was to receive $300 in alimony and allowed to resume using her maiden name, Ida F. Servies. Custody of their children, Blanch Hadley and Gladdis Hadley, was given to the children's grandfather, William C. Hadley, with Ida allowed to have the children visit her for 2 months each year - specifically, the months of July and August, when it would not interfere with their attending school.

Murder charges against William RAGAN dismissed (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, April 11, 1901 - page 1, column 6

INDICTMENT NOLLIED
The indictment against William Ragan, charged with the murder of one Mackey at North Salem in the fall of 1899 has been nollied. Ragan has had two trials, the jury hanging in each instance. There is a general feeling that he never could have been convicted. Mackey received two wounds. One may have been caused by Ragan. It is certain that the other was not. No post mortem examination was held to determine which would was fatal. In the absence of evidence on this point, there was always room for doubt.

Maggie NEWMAN granted divorce (1905)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 50 (March 1905 - February 1906), in June 1905 Maggie M. Newman was granted a divorce from Clinton V.G. Newman (case #7568). She was to receive $1,300 in alimony and was also awarded custody of their children - Emma Newman, Edith Newman, Luther Newman, Albert Newman and Lillie Newman. Clinton was to pay her $300 a year in child support, to be paid for 10 years in a row.

Edgar HAYS commits suicide in Lafayette (1908)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, March 19, 1908 - page 1, column 5

SHOOTS HIMSELF
Former Danville Boy Ends Life Saturday at Lafayette
Edgar Hays, son of John T. Hays, southwest of Danville, fatally shot himself Saturday at Lafayette. The body was brought to his father's home Sunday and was laid to rest in the East Cemetery Monday afternoon.

Edgar Hays was 42 years of age and grew to manhood in this community. He was of peculiar disposition and had before attempted to kill himself. For some years he was a saloon keeper in Indianapolis, his place being known as the "Mystery," he keeping a small menagerie.

He was a carpenter and had been recently building a house for a Lafayette man. The house was nearing completion and he had been told by the owner that on account of his heavy drinking he would have to leave the job. Saturday morning the owner and his wife went to the house. As they approached, they heard a shot. Going upstairs they found him fatally wounded.

Mr. Hays' wife died some years ago leaving a daughter, now Mrs. Hadley. He talked of another wife but his intimate friends claim never to have seen her.

Rosa ROGERS granted divorce (1905)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 50 (March 1905 - February 1906), in October 1905 Rosa Rogers was granted a divorce from Willis A. Rogers (case #7607). She was also awarded custody of their child, Clarence Rogers, and Willis was to give her $2 a week in child support.

Infant Mary PAGE burns to death (1908)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, January 23, 1908 - page 1, column 5

FATALLY BURNED
Mary, daughter of Wallace and Annie Page, was fatally burned last week. While Mrs. Page was busy at her house work Wednesday the child was playing around the house with a little broom. It is thought her clothes caught fire from the stove and when her mother reached her upon hearing her cries, she was too late to be of help. The little one was almost two years old. She was born near North Salem, Jan. 20, 1906. After funeral services at the home Friday morning the little body was laid away, the services being conducted by E.C. Bybee and J. Rice. The bereaved family have the sympathy of all while they realize that although she is missed in the home she is a bright light on the other shore.

Hendricks County divorce index 1901-1906 added

An index to divorce cases in Hendricks County from 1901 to 1906 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. This index was compiled from entries in the order books of the Hendricks County Circuit Court (1901-1906).

Fred HERBSTER charged with fathering illegitimate child (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, April 25, 1901 - page 8, column 3

IN JAIL
Fred Herbster, formerly of Pittsboro, was brought out from Indianapolis Saturday where he has been employed at the Parry Buggy works, and lodged in jail on [a] charge of bastardy.

Amanda TROTTER granted divorce (1874)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 14 (February 1874 - December 1874), in December 1874 Amanda Trotter was granted a divorce from Fayette Trotter (case #1070). She was also given custody of their children - Lemman Trotter and Lucy Trotter.

Ephram PACE and Lillie CARBAUGH jailed for living in sin (1908)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, December 10, 1908 - page 4, column 2

IN JAIL
Ephram Pace and Lillie Carbaugh are in jail laying out $50 fines on account of their plea of guilty to living together as man and wife. They have been living on Gilbert McClain's farm. It is claimed they are from Blackford County and that he has a wife and eight children and she a husband and two children.

Eliza BENNETT granted divorce (1874)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 14 (February 1874 - December 1874), in November 1874 Eliza D. Bennett was granted a divorce from Jonathan A. Bennett (case #1113). She was also given custody of their minor child and $100 in alimony.

Former Hendricks County Commissioner William LEWIS judged insane (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, April 25, 1901 - page 1, column 5:

ADJUDGED INSANE
William Lewis, former commissioner, was adjudged insane Monday and has been taken to the asylum. He had been in a sanitarium at Indianapolis last week and came home Saturday in bad condition. Saturday night and Sunday he was violent, exhibiting homicidal tendencies. This is a most sad ending of Mr. Lewis's condition which has been a serious matter for some months. A few weeks ago he was in this office and seemed in fair health and expressed his confidence that he would soon be himself.

Elvira HENDERSON granted divorce (1874)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 14 (February 1874 - December 1874), in November 1874 Elvira M. Henderson was granted a divorce from Lindsey M. Henderson (case #1134). She was also given custody of their daughter Alma Henderson.

Inmates released from Hendricks County Jail (1906)

From a record book of inmates at Hendricks County Jail (1871-1908), which has been digitized and is available on the Archives section of the Hendricks County government website:

Isaac Mendenhall, Hendricks County Sheriff, kept a list of inmates that were discharged from the county jail from January 1, 1906 to December 31, 1906:

Released for good behavior: Cecil Brackett, Jacob Caylor, Harry Parker, Ducky Rankin, Lewis Riggs

Sent to Indiana State Prison at Michigan City: William Allee, Lewis H. Keefawer, James Ross

Sent to Indiana State Reformatory at Jeffersonville: George Dempsey, Ora Haibe, Walter Shelley

Sent to Indiana Boys School at Plainfield: Carl R. Runion, Roy Runion

Sent to Central State Hospital for the Insane at Indianapolis: Clarence Hornaday, Frank Mitchell, Andrew W. Rodgers

Maggie WILSON paralyzed at a party (1908)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, March 19, 1908 - page 1, column 3:

UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT
Miss Maggie Wilson, a young lady living north of Rainstown, is suffering from a peculiarly unfortunate accident. She was at a party a few evenings ago and with other ladies was seated on the floor. Behind her was a lady in a chair. Someone playfully tilted the chair and the lady on it fell upon Miss Wilson's shoulders and the back of her neck. Her head was forced down upon her beast and the spinal cord ruptured. As a result she is totally blind and a part of each day is unconscious. Her recovery is doubtful.

Pearl (JORDAN) DENNEY Files For Divorce (1915)

From the Danville Gazette (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, January 14, 1915 - page 1, column 3:

MRS. DENNEY ASKS DIVORCE
Pearl Denney Alleges That Life is Unbearable with Wm. Denney and Wants Separation

The expected divorce suit of Pearl Denney against William T. Denney has been filed in the Circuit Court. The couple separated about the first of December and it has been currently talked since that time that the couple would not be able to patch up their differences and that a divorce suit would be filed. Mrs. Denney engaged the Harvey law firm to take the steps necessary to obtain a divorce decree.

The couple married on May 9, 1898. Plaintiff alleges that the defendant formed the habit of cursing her, and that he made fun of her religion. He frequently derided her, she says, because she sometimes spoke at church. She further alleges that her husband is addicted to liquor. He would bring it to the table and use it regardless of the fact that company might be present. She says she gently remonstrated, but that he told her he would use liquor when and where he pleased.

Plaintiff further alleges that the defendant was guilty of acts other than those set out which caused their married life to be an utter impossibility. She says that they parted several times and that she returned upon his promise to treat her better.

Besides a divorce the plaintiff wishes her name restored to Pearl Jordan.

Rioting Case (1847)

Jacob Thorp, Seth Guinn, Noah Fitemaster, Aquilla Jordan, Benjamin Snodgrass, James Care, John Litzman, Milton Guinn, Robert Toles and Richard Arnold were charged with rioting on 1 October 1846, specifically with tearing down the chimney and moving a certain house on the land of Elizabeth Walker. William P. Walker and John Liztman were the witnesses to the grand jury, which convened in March 1847.

Dates of death from Hendricks County estate cases 1915-1918 added

An index to the dates of death from estate cases listed in the Hendricks County probate docket and fee books for the years 1915 through 1918 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site.

ABOUT THESE RECORDS: A docket and fee book contains a brief summary of a probate case, with notations of when the case was opened and closed as well as references to other record books. For more information on an estate case, you should consult probate order books and the probate packet itself (aka "loose papers").

The Hendricks County Government's Archive has digital files of the probate docket and fee books for the years 1912-1945.

Pittsboro Sun Newspaper (1893)

Recently found in Hendricks County probate records was this letterhead from the Pittsboro Sun, a newspaper published in Pittsboro, Indiana. The letterhead (dated 1893) lists Earle C. Weaver as being the publisher.

PHOTO: Unknown BAILEY (1890)

The woman in this photo is unknown - the back of the photo says "Grandma Bailey". It was taken by a Danville photographer about 1890.

Thanks to Janet Warren Tretter (DnJTretter@aol.com) for sharing this photo.

PHOTO: John W. Figg and Family near Amo (1908)

This photo is of John W. Figg and family at his home near Amo around 1908. John W. Figg (holding ??) is on the left; John's half-brother Ed Warren is in the center; Osie Figg (holding Lucille Warren) is on the right. The boy seated on the bottom-most step is Charles Warren; the 2 boys sitting on the top step are unknown - they may be related to the Figgs.

John W. Figg was a schoolteacher and later become superintendent of the Plainfield schools. He died in 1927. This house's address today is 4489 West County Road 300 South, Danville.

Thanks to Janet Warren Tretter (DnJTretter@aol.com) for sharing this photo.