An Old Mill. — The first mill in the township was erected by Richard Browning, about 1832. Prior to this settlers patronized the Anthony or Negley mill on Pigeon creek, erected in 1814. Mr. John Sansom thus tells of the first work of this mill: "I assisted in getting out the timbers for Browning's mill-a tread-mill at first. I remember very well the day we first attempted to run that mill. All things being ready we thought we would grind our grist. The grain was put in the hopper, the team started, the mill went round, but not the smallest particle of meal made its appearance. We were puzzled. After trying in vain to discover the reason why, we acknowledged ourselves beat, and Mr. Browning concluded to send for George Linxweiler, who was then, or had been, in charge of Negley's water mill, and let him, if possible, unravel the mystery. In a few hours Linxweiler put in an appearance. Imagine our amazement when he looked at the arrangement and quietly informed us, in his German idiom, that we had been trying to grind flour by running the mill backward! A more foolish, stupid-looking lot of lads probably never existed than that set of mill hands for a little while, when convinced of our mistake."

         Towns. — On April 26, 1819, John Ingle laid out Sandersville. The plat covered 160 acres of land; and a public square 266 feet each way, was provided. An effort was made to build a town, but the project did not succeed. A number of small houses were put up, a store, a blacksmith shop, and such other conveniences as a farming community might demand were located there, and a postoffice was established. In a few years its projectors abandoned their hopes, and their supporters went to more promising localities. By 1830 the houses had all fallen into decay except the postoffice, which remained as a monument of departed glory.

         Inglefield, a station on the E.&T.H.R.R., is on the site of the ancient Sandersville.

         Darmstadt, a small place in the southwest corner of the township, has not been platted or incorporated, though for thirty years it has been in existence. It has a few country stores, a doctor, is the headquarters of the German churches in the neighborhood, and enjoys considerable business as a trading point.

         Earle, on the Petersburg road, near the southern township line, is without importance except as a supply depot for a limited agricultural district. Christ Stock is the only merchant. A small store was established here by John Grant, as early as 1850, which he subsequently sold to John Earle (an English settler who came about 1828), for whom the town was named.

         Churches. — The pioneer preachers early pushed their way into the new west and, regardless of all hardships and difficulties, with untiring zeal and devotion, worked in the Master's cause. Often on foot, clad in the plain garments of the huntsman, with rifle or gun on his shoulder, the preacher sought the hospitable roof of some lowly cabin and there with a thrilling description of the ineffable joys that awaited the saved, or a vivid picture of the never-ending torments of a literal hell, which would be the sure portion of the damned, sought to persuade or frighten his few hearers to flee from the wrath to come. All denominations sought for supremacy, and in man}' cases the war waged between the advocates of different Christian sects over theological dogmas and doctrines, was fiercer and far more bitter than that waged against the common enemy. The Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists all struggled for a foothold. The house of John Ingle was an early preaching place for all denominations. The doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church were more generally accepted and became more firmly rooted in the minds of the people of this township than those of any other sect. The eloquent John Schraeder was the first to lift up his voice in behalf of Methodism. The first organized class of Methodists in this township was probably that made in the Hilliard neighborhood, under the leadership of John and William Hilliard, and those beloved men, Joseph and Mark Wheeler, in 1824, which flourishes to this day, having now about sixty members. At first the little congregation assembled for the purpose of worship at the humble houses of its members, and at length raising a log cabin, set it apart and consecrated it as a house of God. About fifty years ago this little structure gave way to a commodious frame building, more suitable to the demands of the growing congregation, which remains in use. In early times among the preachers here, wrere: Revs. Joseph Wheeler, Mark Wheeler, Robert Parrett, Enoch G. Ward, Ravenscroff, Hensler, and Tower. The church is on the Blue Grass circuit, now in charge of Rev. Samuel McNaughten. The Sunday school, superintended by Mr. Arad McCutchan, is one of the best in the district.

         Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, located near Inglefield, was built in 1867 at a cost of about $1,800.00, chiefly through the instrumentality of John Ingle, William Ingle, Joseph Shaw, and George Browning. This church is also on the Blue Grass circuit. The membership is now small, having been reduced by deaths and removals from the neighborhood, but regular services are held.

         Noble's Chapel, on the Petersburgh road, near the township border, though in Gibson county, which is attended by many of the citizens of this township, was built in 1860, at a probable cost of $1,000, chiefly through the instrumentality of Thomas McCutchan, Thomas Smith and Isaac Murphy. The society was formerly in a more prosperous condition than at present. It is in the Blue Grass circuit.

         In the north part of the township an Episcopal mission was once formed by some of the best citizens, which, after flourishing for a period, was abandoned.

         German Lutheran. — The followers of Martin Luther organized a church, more than a quarter of a century ago, at the village of Darmstadt, and erected a frame house of worship. It was chiefly through the zealous work of Rev. Wile, who served the congregation as pastor for many years, that this church was founded and built up. The church now has regular preaching and a good membership. In late years when the congregation had become too large for the old church, a new edifice, handsome and commodious, was erected.

         German Evangelical. — On the old Hornbrook farm stands a good sized, neat, frame church built by this denomination, about forty years ago. The church has prospered, now has a large membership, and is doing good work in the Master's cause.

Source:
History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana
Brant & Fuller, c.1889
Pages 581 - 583