The Historical Society has a whole history of its own; At 135, few in the state can match Henry County’s zest in recording the past | New

The author made a frank admission regarding the many past attempts to create such an association, “but it always failed because it did not attract enough popular interest”.

The editorial detailed a recently proposed new four-section plan that would make “the work of preserving and perpetuating our ancient and fleeting history… not only a duty we owe to posterity, but a most enjoyable entertainment.” and most profitable.

Elliott’s words were taken to heart by Benjamin Parker, a lawmaker, local leader and former editor who also wrote poetry.

“Benjamin Parker stood out for his interest in and appreciation for the preservation of knowledge about Indiana pioneer life,” wrote historian Herbert Heller.

On March 14, 1867, the New Castle Courier published a letter to the editor written by Parker. Elwood Pleas, the editor at the time. titled the letter “The Old Folks” because Parker is “advocating for support in organizing some historical society in the county or state”.

“One by one they fall,” Parker wrote, referring to early settlers in Henry County. “Quickly, the white heads disappear under the grass. The stories of toil and danger that delighted our childhood are seldom repeated. We quickly forget that these old men fought and won our beautiful land against the wild forces of nature and against wild men and wild beasts. They lived through perilous times. They worked when life was synonymous with toil, danger and constant hardship. It was their axes that cleared the forests and built the first cabins. Their continued energy transformed swamps and weeds into smiling fields and rolling meadows. Their hands, hard and knotted with toil, built the first crude schools, thus founding our great western empire on the sure foundation of education.

Parker said Henry County should follow the historical example of people from other parts of the country, some of whom have migrated here.

“The New Englander never tires of telling the story of the Pilgrim Fathers…the Virginia Cavaliers and Southern Huguenots are remembered in history, biography, and song,” Parker wrote “Our fathers are- they less worthy?

“We let our old men die and go to the grave without recording their experiences,” Parker continued. “Our country is full of young cities and smiling towns and villages. Who founded them, who arranged them? Can anyone tell?

“Are our rise and our progress uneventful? Parker asked. “Were the Indiana pioneers all ignorant louts, mere Indian killers and wolf hunters unworthy of memory? Indeed, they were not. Brave men and noble women, who, while prostrating themselves in sacrificial labor, did not forget the divine essence, the immortal spirit, but laid in the desert the foundations of better things than we have not yet reached. They are worth remembering. We owe it to them, we owe it to ourselves, we owe it to those who come after us that a record be made of their lives. Above all, the men of Eastern Indiana should see to it that a more permanent means of perpetuating the memory of the past be established than that which now exists.

Events called “Old Settler Reunions” had taken place regularly, but in Parker’s eyes, these were just pleasant social events. The story demanded something more.

“These annual gatherings called ‘Old Settlers’ Gatherings’ provide a pleasant reunion for old people, but for historical reasons they are almost worthless. Boston would encase these old stories in the best binding, we let them into the weekly, and the weekly is peeped and torn, so that in six months you can hardly find a copy, and complacently hug the idea that we have done much to commemorate the good old days and keep the love and memory of the old alive.

“Can we not do anything more dignified? I hope someone will suggest something better, something, not at least, under contempt.

Now, over 135 years later, General William Grose’s home is a resounding answer to Parker’s call. This is where the Henry County Historical Society continues to tell the stories that Parker believes need to be told.

Thanks to Parker and others who rallied behind the establishment of the historical society here, Henry County has earned an impressive distinction. In his three-volume books “Historic Henry County”, the late historian Herbert Heller wrote that the Henry County Historical Society “may well lay claim to being Indiana’s oldest county society”.

“The American Association of Local and State Societies directory lists only historical societies in Wayne and Vigo counties formed prior to Henry County,” Heller wrote. “However, the continuity of their meetings does not match that of the Henry County organization.”

When visitors pass through the annex doors of the historical society museum, a plaque with the names of the founders greets them. The list includes Joshua H. Mellett, Eugene H. Bundy, Nathan H. Ballenger, John R. Millikan, Daniel H. Stafford, Benjamin S. Parker, Martin L. Bundy, Elwood Pleas, Thomas B. Redding, and Mark E. Forkner . .

They came from all parts of Henry County. Mellett was from Springport; Redding, Elliott and the two Bundys of New Castle, Ballenger of Knightstown, Parker of Hopewell, Millikan of Liberty Township, Pleas of Dudley Township; Stafford of Greensboro and Forkner of Liberty Township.

Their diversity included in professions as well as locations.

“Virtually all of these men have had more than one occupation in their lifetime,” Heller wrote.

Most of them, at one time or another, had also practiced agriculture, although only five of them – Ballenger, M. L. Bundy, John Millikan, Stafford and Pleas – had done so extensively. .

Five of the founders were ready to practice law: Mellett, Redding, ML Bundy and Forkner.

Seven of these men had taught at one time or another in their lives, but only Rogers continuously.

Five had been journalists. In most cases they were editors of the New Castle newspapers – TB Redding, WH Elliott, Adolph Rogers and Parker as well as Elwood Pleas, who had edited three different newspapers.

“Most startling,” Heller wrote, “is the picture revealed by a study of the ages of these founding fathers.”

They were relatively young by today’s standards.

Four of the men were in their 40s. The youngest, at 40, was EH Bundy. Three of the men were in their 50s. Four of the men were in their 60s and only one, John Millikan, was 72.

“Parker’s proposal predated the formation of the Indiana State Historical Society and the Henry County Historical Society and it was quite possible that it had an influence on the organization of both groups,” Heller wrote.

After the death of General William Grose in 1900, the historical society moved into the 1870 Italian-style Victorian house and has been there since 1902. The General could be pleased to know that it has stood the test of time, has endured a Great Depression, two World Wars and even a pandemic. It is still operating today, just as it was in 1902. The Henry County Historical Society is still active today, just as it was when it was founded in 1886.

The “Smiling Young Towns and Towns,” as Parker called them in his letter to the editor, are much older now, but you can find out who founded them here. Stories of founding fathers – and mothers – are told here.

As Henry County continues to celebrate a 200th anniversary, the Good General’s House welcome mat is open. Call 529-4028 and schedule a visit. Amazing stories from history are still waiting to be told.