In a message dated 2/24/2008 2:50:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
donnelly(a)one.net writes:
First, thanks to everyone who has been so helpful on the Jennings County,
Indiana email list. I want to know if it is possible to zero in on an area
in which a farm was located, based on census records. I am looking for the
farm of John and Mary Dardis and their foster son Thomas Donnelly. In the
1860 census they are family # 817 in Spencer Township, Vernon Post Office,
in Jennings County, IN, and John was a laborer worth $200. In the 1870
census they are family # 103 in Spencer Township, Six Mile Post Office, in
Jennings County, IN, and John is a farmer worth $325. If I make a visit to
Jennings County, where would I go to find the actual Dardis farm or the
general area of the farm? Is Six Mile now Hayden?
Here is a little information on Hayden & Six Mile. Six Mile Creek was named
by John Vawter when he was surveying the county. He had traveled six miles
from Vernon when he came to the creek's banks. Many settlers from Europe
developed farms throughout the Six Mile valley. Buena Vista was a small town that
grew at the crossroads of section 15, 16, 21 and 22. This area is now called
Four Corners. Hayden was actually originally called Hardenburg but because
hay was one of the main crops of the area and there were large Hay barns there
owned by a Jackson Kendrick, the railroaders began to call Hardensburg the
Hay Den. The townsfolk liked the nickname and in 1890 petitioned the Jennings
County Commissioners to offically change the name of the town from Hardenburg
to Hayden, the change was approved on June 4, 1890.
Be sure to visit the Hayden Museum when you are in the area, I am sure
they can help you pinpoint where the actual Six Mile Community was. The
recorders office in Jennings County is across the street from the Courthouse in
Vernon in the Annex building, since you have dates and neighbors names from the
census you should be able to locate the property.
Sheila
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