Shelby County Indiana Genealogy, History

Shelby County, Indiana
Populated Areas

London

Moral Township
Shelby County, Indiana
Township 14N, Range 5E, Sections 25 & 36

The Shelbyville News
Saturday December 13, 1947
Page 3
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YOUR TOWN — LONDON
By Hortense Montgomery
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The village of London, Indiana U.S.A.-never was a very large settlement, and now it has dwindled to a very small place. But the settlement was interesting and it has had many interesting people in the community. And such connections and interrelations! We almost fear to put our pens to paper lest we get the family lines crossed incorrectly.
F. H. Prichard now living in Shelbyville, but native to London gave us a start historically for he went further back than either of the published histories; he tells us that the land about London was entered by John House of near Frankfort, Kentucky. In the early 1830’s the land grants being issued by President Andrew Jackson and we understand Mr. Prichard still has the documents in his possession.
And Mrs. Carl Schloesser, "our Mrs. Schloesser" but now belonging to her native heath of London, tells us that her grandfather Nehemiah Means, also took out land grants under President Jackson.
Following the death of the above John House, the son Aaron purchased the interests of his brothers and sisters, and at the time of his death owned 350 acres in the vicinity. Mr. Prichard is the only member of the House family owning any of the original entries; the last portion one-half mile south of London came to him through his mother, a daughter of Aaron House.
Frank House and his brother, Fred, living for more than sixty years in Shelbyville, are the sons of Abel House, brother to Aaron House, there was another brother to Aaron, who was named Masten.
Abe House was one of the trustees of Moral township.
London was platted by Aaron House in July 1852, the land was surveyed by J. M. Elliott and John Dargin. In 1850 the railroad between Cincinnati and Indianapolis known as the Big Four, was begun and in 1852 was completed. London is situated on the road.
Among the earliest settlers one finds the names of the aforesaid House and Means, Crum, Fancher, Smith, McKay, Hoop, Reeves, Sarber and Holton. We here disclaim any authority for names of pioneer settlers but get them from other sources than our own and if any are missed who should be included the omissions be laid to those who are now where they cannot be hurt with criticism.
Jesse Oakes is named as the first merchant of the village but soon sold to McDonald and McKay who had a prosperous business, they sold to Oliver Means. Mr. Chadwick says that perhaps the most successful merchant in the town history was Thomas Francis.
In 1880 London had two stores, a large grain trade, several blacksmith shops, a railroad station, a post office, a school and one church. This, it seems, would indicate that the tiny village was a rather busy place.
In 1856 a large building was erected for the purpose of establishing a girls seminary, but this did not prove a successful project and after a few years was discontinued.
In the year the town was platted Aaron House and his wife Margaret C. were instrumental in establishing the Methodist church there. This resulted from a prayer meeting service in their home. These cottage prayer meetings were the way in which the pioneers met the need for worship until churches could be built. "This church," says Mr. Prichard "and the railroad are the only two institutions that have been a continuous existence to this city."
The building of the interurban there perhaps had some effect in adding to the business of the village, but when it went out whatever advantage it had was removed. Rapid means of transportation and travel have had a deteriorating effect on the small towns for folks go now in less time to more distant but larger centers to trade. There are now a grocery and filling station combined, a post office and telephone exchange.
The father of Mrs. Schloesser was Willard Means, son of the pioneer, Nehemiah Means, above mentioned, and her mother was Estella House, granddaughter of Aaron House, so now you see how the Means and the House are all mixed up. Mrs. Schloesser is of the very grass roots of her native heath. With her family she has gone back to her family homestead to live. They have bought the land where the school building, now demolished, stood and which adjoins the home. Mrs. Schloesser now holds the important position of editor of the Indiana Parent-Teacher, official magazine of the Indiana Parent-Teacher Association.
The children of the village now go to Moral township consolidated school. We have said little about the schools in our sketches because we expect later on to give them a full story.
Dr. O. H. McDonald, also a grandson of Nehemiah Means, and native of London, was a practicing physician there until he moved to VanBuren township. B. F. Means and Mrs. Carrie Neal, of Shelbyville, are natives of this community. We fear to go further in relationship for they seem to extend to the end.
We hoped we might find an interesting story as to why London was so named, but we find none. Perhaps those sturdy and hopeful pioneers felt a name of so much distinction might give zest to future growth and prosperity; perhaps it was some sentiment on the part of the founder for past family connections.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, April 29, 1915
Page 7 Column 4
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LONDON NEWS
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Miss Mabel Smith was in Indianapolis Thursday.
M. E. Sunday school attendance, 82, collection, $1.85.
R. S. Levenson made a business trip to Indianapolis Monday.
Mrs. Lou Rawlings was visiting relatives in Shelbyville Wednesday.
Miss Rachel Tucker of near Bethel, was calling on friends here Friday.
Mrs. Earl Hibbler and daughterv Opal spent Wednesday in Shelbyville.
Mrs. Kate Crum, of Indianapolis, was the guest of Mrs. Mary Graham this week.
Mrs. Edna Levenson and babe were visiting relatives in Indianapolis a few days this week.
Mrs. Edna Pritchard and daughters, Louise and Frances, spent the day Monday in Indianapolis.
Irene and Edgar Crum were visiting their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Crum, of Fairland, Tuesday.
A number of people from this place attended the funeral of the late G. W. Showalter at Acton Sunday afternoon.
Miss Hattie Fansler and Mrs. Stella Means attended the funeral of the late J. W. Powers at Fairland Wednesday.
Mrs. Della Willsey and son and Miss Emma Pfendler, of Pleasant View, were guests of Mrs. Alice Crum Friday afternoon.
Mrs. Kate Crum, of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Mary Graham, of this place, were guests Tuesday of Mrs. R. P. Crum, of Fairland.
Mr. and Mrs. George McKinney and daughters, of Shelbyville, are spending a few days here with Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Mease.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Mahley, of New Palestine, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Weaver, of Acton, were guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Sheaffer.
The members of the Willing Workers' Club were entertained by Miss Mabel Smith at her home Saturday afternoon. Following the business session refreshments were served by the pleasing hostess.
Miss Theresa Walker entertained a number of friends Thursday night at her home. Music and games furnished amusement during a part of the evening Miss Walker served refreshments. Those present were the Misses Mary Britton, Mabel Smith and Madge Means, and Messrs. Merrit Crum, Alva Collier, Fred Tucker and Roy Britton.
A merry crowd of little girls spent Saturday afternoon with Miss Margaret Pritchard and helped her celebrate her twelfth birthday anniversary. She received a number of presents and all spent a pleasant afternoon. Those present were Helen Lago, Lucile Meechem, Grace Swails, Mary Smock and Wallas Montague of Acton, Roberta Means, Irene Crum, Helen Walker, Helen and Lucile Jordan, of this place.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, January 25, 1906
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LONDON.
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The roads are in an extremely bad shape.
John Davis, of near Acton, was in town today.
John Small made his usual call Sunday evening.
Harry Harrell was a passenger to Indianapolis Tuesday.
Dr. O. H. McDonald and Rol Means were passengers to Shelbyville, Tuesday.
Manuel Mease, after several weeks stay in Edinburg, has returned to his home here.
Mrs. Willard Means and mother, Mrs. Charles House, called on relatives in Fairland last Friday.
Mrs. Tony Ashton went to Greenfield Monday to visit her daughter, Mrs. Feaster. Miss Claudine accompanied them.
Mrs. Carrie Ashton entertained at supper last Friday evening, Miss Stella Small of Shelbyville and Rev. M. S. Brown.
Mrs. Mayme B. Means and her mother, Mrs. Brant, entertained Rev. H. S. Brown and the Misses Mease .... [My copy ends here. - pmf]
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
February 13, 1897
----o----
LONDON.
          ---- The corn trade is very brisk here at present.
          ---- G. W. Crum, who has been sick with lung fever, is slowly recovering.
          ---- London is anticipating two weddings. Hurry girls, while your chance is good.
          ---- Mrs. Tighlman Graham, who has been dangerously sick for seven or eight weeks is slowly recovering but is not yet out of danger.
          ---- Mr. Hugh T. Graham is giving his full attention to a Miss Rose. That is right, Hugh, there is nothing like a rose, but look out for the thorns.
          ---- A little child of Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Crum, sixteen months old, accidentally fell into a tub of boiling hot lye, recently, and was so badly scalded before it could be rescued that its life is despaired of
          ---- P. A. Graham, who, it was thought, would be compelled to have his foot amputated is once more going about, and on that same foot. He has had several applications from various establishments to furnish him with a cork leg, but has not bought one yet.
SORROWFUL.

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London, Moral Township, Shelby County
          The village of London is principally located in Section 25, of Moral Township. Before the building of the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad early in the decade of the fifties, there was nothing attempted at its present site in the way of merchandising. Soon after the completion of that important highway of commerce, Jesse Oaks began doing a small retail business in a building he had erected for that purpose. It was the first building erected on the present site of the town and it still stands for the accommodation of business. Oaks remained but a short time when, on account of failing health, he sold to McDougal & McKay, who did a prosperous business for some time. McDougal had formerly been in business at Pleasant View, and after about two years he sold his interest to his partner who continued for several years. This same store building has nearly always been occupied by merchandising, the present merchant being Oliver Means. After the railroad had been completed a few years, Joel Crum and John Jeffries began business under the firm name of Crum & Jeffries. For a while, they did a good business. Their store stood on the site now occupied by the new building of Wesley Crum. The most successful merchant that has ever been in trade at London was Thomas Francis, who succeeded Crum & Jeffries. There have been others in business here at various times, but the importance of the place as a trading point has decreased much in the last few years. Various other enterprises have been started but all alike have disappeared. About the year 1856, a large building was erected for the purpose of holding a seminary, but after a few years the school was discontinued, and the house is now occupied as a dwelling. Nathan Earlywine was the earliest village blacksmith, and the business has been represented from his time to this. Thomas Rubush is the present physician. London is now llittle more than a dexaying village, and excepting in name can have no hope of rivaling its namesake the renowned metropolis of the British Empire.
          The town with its additions was laid out by Aaron House, July 21, 1852; surveyed by J. M. Elliot, June 30, 1852...(Deed Record T, 405 and New Plat Book No. 1, page 23, plat 4)
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago, Brant and Fuller, 1887, page 445.
Copied by Judith Lucero

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Thursday, January 28, 1886
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L O N D O N.
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Special correspondence of the Democrat.
                      LONDON, Jan. 25, 1886
   Frank Mason, of Indianapolis, was visiting our place last week.
   Edward Harrell, our school teacher, is seriously ill with lung fever.
   Mrs. Mollie Graham, who has been sick for quite awhile, is again out with us.
   G. W. House shod a horse complete in fifteen minutes. G. W. is a plum good one.
   D. L. Powers, of Indianapolis, was in our place last week working up the music business.
   Miss Lula Grubbs, a dashing belle of the capital, was visiting her many friends here last week.
   William Coons made a flying trip to Indianapolis last Thursday and laid ina fine lot of groceries. Coons is ever awake.
   Owing to Edward Harrell's illness the schools was conducted by Prof. McBales for some time. Mc Gave general satisfaction.
   Robert Deerman left our burg last week and accepted a position at the capital in a wholesale book and stationery department.
   It is rumored that Dr. Wray will in the spring move to Hartsville and follow his profession. the Doctor will leave quite a number of friends here.
   There were services at the M. E. Church Sunday by the pastor, A. Jameson. He made known the fact that he would hold a protracted meeting here soon.
   I have been unable to find any Democrats in Moral township who are Magill men. They are all opposed to him. My advice to Jimmy is for him not to offer.
   Miss M. A. B., the organist for the glee club of this place fills her position with great ability and is well liked by all the members of the choir and on the many occasions they have furnished music they have given perfect satisfaction.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Wednesday, January 20, 1886
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LONDON.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
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London, Jan. 19, 1886
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Moral township has positively soured on Magill.
   Robert Deerman is going to school at Pleasantview.
   Almeda Gould has rented her farm to High Murnan.
   Robert Rush, who has been sick for some time, is better.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Thursday, December 27, 1883.
Volume XVIII.    Number 44
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London News.
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                            LONDON, Dec. 24, '83.
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   Sleigh riding.
   Neith church or Sunday school last Sunday.
   M. Garthwaith has made a clean slate of his slighs.
   James Barlow limps, because he froze one of his feet while out a few nights ago.
   The Democrat announced that George Crumm had sold his farm. George says no, and that the real estate agent will not get his expected $50.
   Squire Crumm was recently arrested and taken before Squire Culbertson at Fairland on two charges; profanity and provoke. Fined $4,50.
   Friday afternoon our school had a good time. The afternoon was devoted to reading essays and having a visit from Santa Claus. This is Thos. Smith's second term. He is very popular.

The Shelby Volunteer
Thursday, January 10, 1878
Page 3
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London Items.
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          The citizens of our burg met at the school-house, Thursday evening, and organized a Literary Society. G. B. Morgan was elected President; and E. R. Arnold, Vice-President; and F. M. Power, Scretary. The question to be debated, next Thursday night, is the following: "Nature proves the existence of a God."
          At this writing, the weather is decidedly cooler than it was on New Year's Day, when the boys here went into Sugar Creek to bathe. This is a fact, strange as it may seem, and brings out in sharp contrast, the sudden climatic change which mark this section.
          London is improving since the late Festival. Hitch-racks, something long needed, have been put up at the church.
          Hunting has been the chief occupation of our citizens this winter, the chief cry being "rabbit."
          On account of the bad roads or something else, corn is no longer quoted in our market.
OCCASIONAL
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Plat of London

This is a true plat of a town laid out by me, upon my land, in Section 25 and 36 of Township 14, Range 5 in Shelby County Indiana. The In Lots are each four rods wide, by ten rods deep. Out Lot No. 1 is situated forty feet from the center of the Rail Road and is Ten rods in front by sixteen rods deep. Main Street runs North 54 ½ West. The cross Streets at right angles to it.
Signed: Aaron House
Transcribed by Melinda Moore Weaver

1868 London Directory, USGenWeb Archives

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