HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Sheriff's Residence and Jail Museum in Noblesville, Indiana. Also known as the Hamilton County Historical Society. More than a JAIL Engage History, Embrace Today, Empower Tomorrow What's happening? Mission To preserve and interpret the history of Hamilton County, create an interest, awareness, and appreciation of our history, and be a clearing house for county-wide historical preservation. Vision HCHS will be the trusted, welcoming hub for Hamilton County history connecting residents and visitors to accurate stories, strong collections, and meaningful partnerships while strengthening the Sheriff’s Residence & Jail Museum as a must-visit destination. OUR HOURS Fridays and Sa turdays 12 p m - 5 pm We schedule tours for groups other days of the week. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to schedule a tour if we are available. Email us at: info@hamiltoncoinhs.com CONTACT US Thank you. We will be in conctact soon. Submit Home: Contact

2026 Events Indiana Peony Festival - May 17, 2026 Buzz on the Square - June 5-6, 2026 The event was sponsored by the Hamilton County Historical Society US250 - Local History Fair - June 20, 2026 The event was sponsored by the Hamilton East Public Library

Annual Meeting 2025 David Heighway, Hamilton County Historian Emeritus Jessica Layman, President 6 years Quilt of Valor Wreaths Across America

Minutes of our Meetings We provide minutes of our Board meetings for you to view. 2023 Board Meeting Dates* January 2023 Minutes March 2023 May 2023 July 2023 September 2023 February 2023 Minutes April 2023 June 2023 August 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023 OCT - NOV - DEC 2022 Newsletter JAN - FEB - MAR 2023 Newsletter APR - AUG 2023 Newsletter

The Trial of DC Stephenson T he trial of DC Stephenson took place in Hamilton County Indiana 100 years ago. This was one of the most significant legal trials in our county’s history. DC. Stephenson felt he was above all laws due to his leadership of the Klan in Indiana and the support of many politicians. He was charged with rape and murder of Marge Oberholtzer and it was her detailed testimony before her death that was instrumental in the outcome of the trial. We acknowledge that at the time of the trial, there was significant local support for the KKK, but when justice was in the balance 12 men found Stephenson guilty ushering in the collapse of the KKK. The Hamilton County Historical Society and many other organizations are providing educational programs for our current citizens; providing educational programs not to celebrate but to examine a difficult history and reflect on how far we have come in the last century and how much further we still need to go. Hamilton County https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hamilton-co-historic-jail-and-courthouse-guided-tour-stephenson-trial-tickets-1111621031429?aff=oddtdtcreator The Hamilton County Current Article*The Hamilton County Historical Society condemns the actions and beliefs of the KKK. One hundred years ago, a trial took place on our grounds, and thanks to the citizens of Hamilton County, a horrific hate organization was dismantled and lost its grip on Indiana. We are providing spaces for our current citizens not to celebrate, but to examine a difficult history and reflect on how far we have come in the last century and how much further we still need to go. We are working with the Current and asking them to correct this and future stories on this subject. 2025 EVENTS Annual Meeting - December 7th, 2025 2:00 - 4:00 Noblesville Presbyterian Church Hamilton County and the Civil War Presenters: Kevin Yaney- Civil War Expert and Novelist Jason Shonkwiler - Civil War Expert and Civil War Reenactor We will be serving: Smoked meat [pork and beef] vegetables, fruit and cake Kevin Yaney SRO Jason Shonkwiler March 9th, 2025 2:00 PM - This event has passed. The Orphan Trains and who they brought to Noblesville in 1929 Come join us at the Hamilton East Public Library to learn about the fascinating history of the Orphan Trains and the impact they had on Noblesville in 1929. Discover the stories of the children who were brought to our community and the lasting legacy they left behind. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to delve into a lesser-known chapter of our town's history October 3rd and 4th 2025 - Haunted Jail - This event has passed. The Hamilton County Historical Society relies on the generosity of our community to thrive. If you enjoyed the Haunted Jail, we invite you to contribute a donation using one of the following links: $5 Donation $10 Donation $25 Donation Oct 21, 2025 - Homstead at Fieldgate Farm - This event has passed.

Bicentennial Gallery Revisit 45+ Events Across Hamilton County's Nine Townships Historical photos provide a rich perspective of our history that words simply can't capture. During Hamilton County's Bicentennial, photographer Daniel Grose crisscrossed the county to photograph hundreds of people at Bicentennial happenings. From our opening celebration at The Palladium in Carmel to our closing Bicentennial Bash in December 2023, grant-funded programs welcomed an estimated 15,250 attendees.

Victorian Era Bedroom Set to approximately 1890 The Victorian age saw the end of the rope bed, and beds were now supported by wooden slats. Coil springs came about in 1865. Beds were made from metal or wood. They were usually high off the ground, due to cold drafts that were near the floor area. Beds were smaller then, not due to height or the myth that people slept sitting up, it just how they were made. Furniture changes over time as people’s taste changes. Reference: https://blogs.libraries.indiana.edu/wyliehouse/2018/01/18/sleep-tight-dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite-a-myth-debunked/ This spinning wheel is an example of an early nineteenth century “walking wheel” made specifically for spinning wool.  The role of the spinning wheel in early homes is a big part of an often told story of the American past. When we see a spinning wheel, it raises images of a time when the country was young and life was very different from today. Most of us can imagine an image of a woman in an old-fashioned dress sitting by a cozy fire with her spinning wheel, spinning the yarn for her family’s clothes. Reference: https://huntington.org/educators/learning-resources/spotlight/object-story-spinning-wheel White Sewing Machines From the late 1800s until the 1950s, White machines were a common sight in countless homes across the US, particularly in the South. In 1858, Thomas White created the very first White models, which are still in use today. The young inventor, who was just twenty-two years old, found himself forced to sell his creations one by one in order to get the components necessary to build another! In a very short time, this enthusiastic young entrepreneur established the White Sewing Machine Company. Sears Roebuck & Co. and the firm created a partnership in the 1920s that led to the company being their only sewing machine manufacturer. Reference: https://cottonandcloud.com/white-sewing-machine/

The Kitchen This kitchen was not only the heart of the home, but also of the jail. The sheriff had a small staff, some of them were only part time. The sheriff depended on his family to help with the jail house's duties. The sheriff’s wife was a staff member and received a stipend. She had to prepare meals for the inmates and her family. If there were women or children in the jail; she was also the matron for them. The sheriff’s children helped when they were needed. Children had chores to do, including cleaning and upkeep of the yard. The children were expected to help in the kitchen. Early days required that there always be firewood in the kitchen so that they could have a good hot stove to cook their meals on. The children were called upon to deliver trays at mealtimes. The prisoners were served three meals a day. Breakfast was usually simple and consisted of a biscuit, an egg, usually boiled and some coffee. Lunch was also a simple meal, and they had a sandwich, soup, and bread. Lunch varied depending on the seasons, what was available, and sometimes what community members and businesses in the area had and shared with the jail. More than once, a prisoner said that he loved the cooking and the meals that he had here at the jail. Depending on whether ‘Dad’ was home for the meal, decided on where they ate. If he was away from home, they would eat here in the kitchen. If they were lucky to have Dad home for a meal, then that would sit at the dining room table. Family members of the sheriff who have been interviewed, told us that at holidays, sometimes a long table was set up in the Foyer. They played wiffle ball outside, had pets, and the courthouse square was their playground. There was a swing in the tree outside the west porch. The sheriff’s children were allowed to have friends sleep over. The attic was a favorite place to pla y, as well as the downtown square. The Majestic Manufacturing Company, sometimes called the Majestic Stove Company, produced about two million ranges between the 1880s and the 1940s and was one of the ten largest stove producers in the United States prior to World War II. Many of their ranges are still in use today, and they are very commonly found in stove restoration shops. We have a majestic stove here at the museum. Source: https://stoves.com/2011/10/great-majestic-cook-stove/#:~:text=The%20Majestic%20Stove%20Company%20produced,prior%20to%20World%20War%20II. McDougall was one of the early manufacturers of a Hoosier cabinet. An advertisement from 1919 identified the McDougall as "the first kitchen cabinet". George McDougall began the McDougall Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, sometime after the Civil War. The company's products were pie safes and kitchen tables. H oosier cabinets were more than just a cabinet; they were a must-have in most homes. The cabinets not only stored kitchen staples like flour and sugar, they also held workable utensils inside. Most Hoosier cabinets housed flour sifters, Lazy Susan's for spices, bread boxes, and even meat grinders. The typical Hoosier cabinet had a large base, sometimes on casters, with a pull-out work surface and several drawers. The top was narrower and had several cabinets and drawers and usually one compartment had a roll-top or tambour. Most were made of oak or other solid wood. The Hoosier cabinet began to decline in popularity after World War II when more modern appliances began to emerge. Source:https://www.americanantiquities.com/Journal%20Articles/who%20made%20it.html#:~:text=McDougall%20was%20one%20of%20the,pie%20safes%20and%20kitchen%20tables. The hand pump may seem like an antique to us, but the sheriff and his family were thankful to have “running water” in their home. Before the luxury of the indoor pump, they had to bring their water in from the outside well. Hand pumps are one of the most ancient water-lifting devices that have been used for thousands of years. In recent centuries, these devices were often installed over community water wells in the days before piped water supplies. During the Industrial Revolution (1760 – 1840), hand pumps became a common sight in Europe and North America. They were used for a variety of applications, including pumping water from wells, cisterns, and water tanks. A hand pump works by creating a vacuum that draws water up from a well or other water source, such as a borehole. The pump has a piston or plunger that moves up and down inside a cylinder, creating suction that draws water up through a valve at the bottom of the cylinder. As the plunger is lifted, water is drawn into the cylinder through a one-way valve at the bottom, and when the plunger is pushed back down, the water is forced out through a spout or outlet. This process is repeated until enough water has been drawn up or the desired pressure has been achieved. Source: https://www.aymcdonald.com/en/news/2023/May/get-a-handle-on-the-history-of-hand-pumps--304#:~:text=Hand%20pumps%20are%20one%20of,days%20before%20piped%20water%20supplies. Antique iceboxes , in principle, work similarly to the modern refrigerator. Simple, yet practical. Given the limitations of the 19th century, the icebox got the job done. The icebox itself was hollow and lined with zinc or tin. This lining kept the internal temperature cooler longer. An ice block was placed in the top compartment near food that needed to stay cold. The ice would typically last about two days with the exception of the hot summer months. The design of the icebox and the humidity circulated the cold air in the device. Source: https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2019/03/icebox-exploring-states-of-matter-using-historic-photographs/ This is the first CROCK POT A piece of home cooking history! The Ideal Cooker by The Toledo Cooker Co. was an early version of today’s crock pot or slow cooker. The spacious metal lined well within the wooden housing was designed as a new style of cooking, advertised as economical in fuel saving and in keeping the kitchen cool in warm months. The lid has a supporting hinge and securing latch. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/846324954994313974/ THE TOLEDO COOKER CO. Ideal Cooker History of our braided rug - with a tuxedo woven in ! Our braid rug history – with a tuxedo woven into it. Braided rugs can be traced back to the 1700’s. They started as all things did back then, of necessity. We wanted to cover our bare wood floors. Wooden floors were not smooth like they are now. Straw mats were first used. Wool was preferred over straw mats as they were more durable and prettier. Hand braided rugs continue to be a favorite with many, even today. Noblesville native Denzel Hufford loved many things, besides her main love of gardening, Mrs. Hufford also caned chairs and braided wool rugs. She was a longtime member of the Huckeepudler Rug Hooking Association. We are fortunate to have one of her rugs donated to us at the Historic Sheriff’s residence and jail on the square in downtown Noblesville. Most of everything that Denzel was involved in she always threw in a little bit of fun with it. Our kitchen rug is no different. Denzel was married to Marvin ‘Red’ Hufford, who was a very well-known big band leader in the 30’s and 40’s in Indiana and surrounding states. Denzel used some of Red Hufford’s tuxedo’s that he wore as a band leader to make the rug that we have in the kitchen of the sheriff’s residence. All the black fabric is from his tuxedo’s. Recently at the historic sheriff’s residence and jail we took some time to repair the rug in the kitchen. Board members, Nancy Massey, Janet Phillips, and Sandra Lynch. During our ‘sewing bee’ we began to wonder about the history of this rug, and we wanted to share that story.

World's Fair 1934 Punch set for metal Look at us - Indianapolis Monthly Magazine this month ! Page 22 - Thank you for the mention Indianapolis Monthly!

Past Events in 2024 Front Porch Music Festival June 7th, 2024 Emma Clouse a museum volunteer and docent performed on our front porch for this June 2024 event. She was wonderful ! A Day at the Barn June 9th, 2024 Sid Davis welcomed the Historical Society members and guests to visit his barn. Mr. Davis is an avid collector of Hamilton County items and we were honored that he shared them with us. Mr. Davis shared some Forest Park pictures and an amusement ride. He told us of the many items that he had gotten from the ground using his metal detector. Some items date back to the Civil War. Prints from local artist Rodney Reveal of the Blue Ribbon Dairy and the Rainbow Roller Rink. The crowd of over 30 people were glad to see his collection and hear his stories.

Use the provided link to donate to the Hamilton County Historical Society or pay for gift shop items. Donate The Hamilton County Historical Society relies on the generosity of our community to thrive. We invite you to contribute to our mission of preserving local history and making it accessible to everyone. Your support is vital to our ongoing efforts to preserve and share our community's rich history. Any contribution, large or small, will make a significant difference. Button Donate By clicking the 'Donate Button' you will be redirected to our safe and secure Square donation site. All transactions are secure and encrypted. You will choose the amount of your support. It will also take your name and contact information for us. Our most sincere thanks for any donation that you can give to us.

Sheriff Marcus Passwater Jr. 1959 - 1966 Mark Passwater in the jail office Marcus “Mark” Passwater Jr. served as Hamilton County Sheriff from 1959 to 1966. Mark was the son of Marcus Elijah Passwater Sr. and Eva Randall. He was born in Wayne Township, Hamilton County on 9 September 1920. His parents were living with his grandparents on his father’s side, Corydon Whetsel Passwater and Clara Belle Mowrey. Mark’s father was working on the family’s farm. When Mark was nine years old, his father was a farmer in Delaware Township, Hamilton County and Mark attended the schools in that area. Mark’s grandmother, Rosa Randall, lived with them. She was a widow. Between 1930 and 1940, the family moved to Noblesville Township, Hamilton County where Mark Sr. farmed and Mark Jr. worked as carpenter for a contract company. Mark was 19 years old. On 16 February 1942, Mark registered for the World War II draft in Noblesville. He was 21 years old and stated he worked for the Delco Remy Company in Anderson. When asked for physical characteristics that would aid in identification, Mark stated he had a scar over his left eye. Mark and Marjorie on a date On 17 October 1942, Mark married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Marie Clark, daughter of John Herbert Clark and Edith Emily Bale, at her aunt’s home in Westfield. After their honeymoon, they settled in Noblesville with Mark working for the Delco Remy Company in Anderson and Marjorie working for the Public Service Company in Noblesville. Marjorie and Mark Passwater 1944 WWII pilots wore wings prior to flying overseas. Their first son, Alan Clark Passwater, was born on 20 July 19 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana. By this time, Mark was serving as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Corp. Mark and Majorie’s daughter Judith Ann was born 27 May 1946 in Noblesville. Their second son, Steven H. Passwater, was born 1948. By 1950, the family was living in Wayne Township, Hamilton County. Mark was the manager and part owner of the Stony Creek Gravel Company from 1946 to 1951. In 1951, Mark decided that a change in jobs would be good and he was hired by Roland Guilkey, Hamilton County Sheriff at the time, to serve as his Deputy Sheriff. This began Mark’s law enforcement career. 1953 Plymouth with red lights, siren, and spotlight L-R: Passwater children: Judy, John, Alan (rear) and Steve Interestingly, Sheriff Guilkey and his new deputy had to design and create their own uniforms from old WWII uniforms. They had a shield on the arm sleeve. The state had not yet issued state mandated uniforms. They also had to buy their own guns and drive their own family cars. They fitted the cars with sirens and flashing lights. It was not until about 1957 the state had to provide at least one car for a sheriff’s department and standard uniforms for the sheriff and his deputies. Their third son and fourth child, John Mark Passwater, was born in 1952. Tragedy hit the family when Marjorie was diagnosed with polio in 1952. Her youngest child, John, was just two months old. Her son Steven suffered a mild seizure of infantile paralysis. A few days later, Marjorie was struck with the disease leaving her completely paralyzed and wholly dependent on an iron lung to live on for weeks at a time. Already dangerously ill, Marjorie contracted double pneumonia and was near death for weeks. Mark never gave up hope that his beautiful wife would survive and overcome her paralysis. Marjorie Passwater 1958 About 1955, the family moved into a new home on Indiana State Road 32, east September 1952 of Noblesville. The Passwater family home was designed by Mark to help his wife perform household tasks from her wheelchair. The kitchen and dining area were left open so Marjorie could move about freely. Electoral outlets were installed at chair level. To help his wife iron clothes, Mark fitted an ironing board with pulleys so Marjorie could raise and lower it while she was seated in her wheelchair. The kitchen cabinets were lowered so that Marjorie could reach them from her wheelchair. The winter sheriff's uniform first showing of the Star badge. 1966 About 1957, the state provided standard uniforms for the sheriff and his deputies. The shield badge that Sheriff Guilkey and Deputy Passwater created was changed to the standard Star badge on the arm sleeve. The sheriff’s department received its first state prescribed car. It was a Plymouth with red flashing lights, a siren, a spotlight, and a two-way radio. In January 1958, Marjorie was named Indiana’s “Polio Mother of the Year.” Through the help of her family physician, the Shrine Horse Patrol, and the Hamilton County Chapter of the Infantile Paralysis, Marjorie was able to visit the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation which was originated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Marjorie underwent additional therapy, intensive treatment, and was fitted for new braces in hopes that she would be able to walk. Her courage and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her. Mark and her children strived to help her live as normal a life as possible. Marjorie Passwater polio lift assist with son John. On Easter day in April 1958 after a three-month stay at Warm Springs, Marjorie stood on her feet erect for the first time in six years. She was aided with special shoes, braces, and crutches. It was a strenuous battle, but Majorie preservered through encouragement from her family and friends. When she returned home, her children were eager to be with their mother and besieged her with questions about her stay at Warm Springs. It was customary for a barber to come to the jail to trim the hair of the prisoners. When it was his turn to do this, Don Mosbaugh, a Noblesville barber, went to the jail in 1958 for that purpose. Whether it was a gag or for real, Sheriff Guilkey forgot about the barber and left him locked up. A few hours later, he remembered Don and went to free him. He found Don playing pinochle with the prisoners. When Roland Guilkey ended his term as the Hamilton County Sheriff, Mark decided to campaign for the open job in May of 1958. He came to the campaign with three qualifications for the job: He combined youth with experience. He was 37 years old with eight years in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff. Although reared on a farm, he was also a businessman having managed a gravel company. A Sheriff in Hamilton County needs such diversified experience. Born and reared in Hamilton County he was a good citizen. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U. S. Army Air Corps. He served his country well. He was involved in a variety of civic activities. He served as a precinct chairman and voted in every election. He was a member of the VFW, Clarksville Masonic Lodge, and the Sheriff’s Association. He was a member of the Bethel Methodist Church. In addition, he was a family man with four children. In the May 1958 primary, Mark received the biggest vote (5251 votes) although he had three competitors. He would become the next Hamilton County Sheriff in 1959 taking over his “boss’s” job when Roland Guilkey left at the end of 1958 to serve as the County Clerk. When Clifford McCory resigned as an Indiana State Trooper, Mark immediately appointed him as 1st Deputy Sheriff. Cliff and his wife Frances moved into the Sheriff’s Residence with their two sons, Murray (17) and Jerry (7). Since Marjorie was physically unable to serve as the prison matron, Frances became the official matron of the jail. Mark and his family continued living in their specially designed home in the Durbin area. With the appointment of Cliff McCory, the sheriff’s department had six officers: Donald Swails Jr, Lewis Smith, Donald Perkins, and Leo Porter. Roland Guilkey served as a special deputy while also serving as the Clerk of Hamilton County. In February 1962, Mark filed to run again for Hamilton County Sheriff. Unlike his last run for office, he faced only one competitor, Edwin Beery of Washington Township, in the May primary. He won that primary so that he ran under the Republican ticket. Grayson “Bizz” Thistlewaite in the 2nd floor courthouse office with Cliff McCory answering the jail radio in 1962 In November of this same year, Mark won a second term to serve as sheriff defeating James L. Nolton. In Mark’s second term, Cliff McCory became chief deputy. Grayson B. “Bizz” Thistlethwaite, a WWII Coast Guard veteran and the marshal of Sheridan, joined the department. Max Truesdel, another WWII veteran, who was serving in the Carmel Police Department brought the number of deputies to three in Mark’s second term. In 1959, the General Assembly set a limit number of deputies that counties can have. Three deputies were permitted in counties with a population between 29,999 and 39,999. Among a multitude of duties, the sheriff’s department handled investigations of county traffic accidents, served court papers, and transported prisoners to state institutions. In 1965, fabricated jail cells were installed on the second floor of the old jail. These were made by inmates of the Michigan City Penitentiary. Paint made by inmates of another prison was used to paint the bars and floors of the newly installed cells. Huge cans of food prepared by inmates in other prisons were used to feed the Hamilton County prisoners. Sometimes, food was also donated by local restaurants at the end of the work day. At the end of his second term, Mark stepped down from the Sheriff’s Department to begin his service as the County Health Sanitarian. In 1967, Cliff McCory took over as the new Hamilton County Sheriff. Marjorie Passwater passed away on 21 December 1973. Mark Passwater passed away on 3 December 2006. Both are buried in Crownland Cemetery, Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana. The Passwater family legacy in Hamilton County is deeply intertwined with a history of service, resilience, and community impact. Marcus "Mark" Passwater Jr., who served as Sheriff from 1959 to 1966, left a lasting imprint on the county through his dedication to law enforcement and civic engagement. His wife, Marjorie, recognized as the State's Polio Mother of the Year in 1958, embodied strength and grace in the face of adversity. Their children, Alan, Judith, Steven, and John, grew up in the Sheriff's Residence, surrounded by a unique blend of law enforcement culture and community life. Playing with other law enforcement families and engaging in activities around the square, they experienced firsthand the responsibilities and challenges of their father's role as Sheriff. Marjorie's battle with polio and Mark's unwavering support and innovative solutions, such as adapting their home for her wheelchair accessibility, exemplified their commitment to overcoming obstacles together. The family's move to a new home designed by Mark to facilitate Marjorie's daily tasks showcased their unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The Passwater family's involvement in civic activities, church, and community events underscored their deep-rooted connection to Hamilton County. Mark's military service, civic leadership, and dedication to his family left a lasting impact on the community, shaping the values and principles that defined the Passwater family legacy. Today, the Passwater family's story serves as a testament to strength, compassion, and service, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of integrity, community engagement, and familial bonds that defined the legacy of Marcus and Marjorie Passwater in Hamilton County. Mark and Marjorie Passwater family L-R: Mark, John, Judy, Marjorie, Steven, Alan 1958 What was it like being the son of the Sheriff? Steve and John Passwater shared stories of playing with the Guilkey and McCory kids in the Sheriff’s Residence. They would play wiffle ball outside and basketball with a basketball hoop in the basement on rainy and winter days. There were lots of toys to play with on the second floor and a black and white TV to watch in the room which is now decorated as the parlor. When in high school, they would walk to the jail and stayed there until their dad got off at 6pm to take them home. They also walked around the square and visited the existing stores. Kids at school knew their dad was the sheriff but didn’t make too big a deal about it. It was something that was just known. Since the family car was used as the patrol car, they sometimes rode in it when an emergency occurred calling the sheriff to action. When the state began to provide licensed standard patrol cars, they sometimes rode in those but not as often. When at the jail during lunch time, they would deliver the meals prepared by Frances McCory to the prisoners. Steve recalled delivering a lunch tray to a prisoner when he was 10 or 11, a young kid. After pushing the food tray into the cell, the prisoner said something unintelligible to him. He told the officers on his way back to the kitchen for another food tray. The officers told him that he was very drunk and just not making sense at all. They told him not to worry about it. The next day, Steve learned that the prisoner killed himself that night. How does the current jail differ from the way the jail was in 1959-1966? In the past, the room layout was quite different. What is currently the kitchen used to be an office. Prisoners would pass through this office on their way to the courthouse. The space was bustling with officers working, lawyers meeting clients, and people stopping by for various reasons. The area that now serves as the gift shop was once the kitchen. Frances McCory, the jail matron, prepared meals there for the prisoners. She went the extra mile, creating special dishes for Thanksgiving and even treating juvenile prisoners to special treats. Steve recalled one instance where a young child received a banana split before being transported to a juvenile detention center. After enjoying it, he fashioned a ship from sticks and left a heartfelt note for his mother, expressing his love. Frances made sure the note reached her. Over the years, Frances must have prepared thousands of meals for Hamilton County prisoners. As for what is currently the first responders’ room, it used to be Cliff and Frances McCory’s bedroom. Additionally, there was a garage for working on patrol cars and an area dedicated to fingerprinting and booking prisoners. Behind the jail, where the memorials now stand, was a parking lot. What types of crimes were committed by the prisoners? Usually, the crimes were intoxication, domestic abuse, burglaries, non-payment of child support, and such crimes of a similar nature. One man was charged with disorderly conduct when he continually had conversations with the prisoners while he was outside on the lawn. Now and then, prisoners charged with murder were there awaiting transportation to court when there was a change in venue. Marcus “Mark” Passwater Jr Served 1959-1966 This Oral History was written by Nancy Massey Hamilton County Geneologist Board Member Hamilton County Historical Society Family photos supplied by Steve Passwater Sources: Oral Interviews with Steve and John Passwater on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in the old jail. Year: 1930; Census Place: Delaware, Hamilton, Indiana; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 2340325; household of Marcus Passwater Sr. Ancestry.com Year: 1940; Census Place: Noblesville, Hamilton, Indiana; Roll: m-t0627- 01050; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 29-19; household of Marcus Passwater Sr. Ancestry.com Year: 1950; Census Place: Wayne, Hamilton, Indiana; Roll: 5141; Page: 27; Enumeration District: 29-33; household of Marcus Passwater Jr. Ancestry.com Marcus Passwater Jr birth certificate Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, Indiana; Birth Certificates; Year: 1920; Roll: 016 Ancestry.com Marcus Passwater Jr death certificate Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 2006; Roll: 34 Ancestry.com Marcus Passwater and Marjorie Marie Clark marriage "Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXP5-8DF : 3 August 2022), Marcus Passwater and Marjorie Marie Clark, 17 Oct 1942; citing Hamilton, Indiana, United States, Marriage License, Indiana Commission on Public Records, Indianapolis; FHL microfilm 004186017. FamilySearch.org WWII draft for Marcus Passwater National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Indiana, 10/16/194003/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 596 Ancestry.com “Marjorie Passwater Named State’s Polio Mother of the Year,” The Noblesville Ledger Noblesville, Indiana, Tuesday, January 7, 1958 · Page 1 Newspapers.com “Stands Erect First Time in 6 Years,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Monday, April 7, 1958 · Page 1 Newspapers.com “Obituary for Marcus Passwater Jr.” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Friday, December 8, 2006 · Page 2 Newspapers.com “Marriage notice for Passwater and Clark,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Saturday, October 24, 1942 · Page 6 Newspapers.com “Obituary of Marjorie Passwater,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Saturday, December 22, 1973 · Page 16 Newspapers.com “County Inmates to Have a Traditional Turkey Dinner,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Wednesday, November 24, 1965 · Page 1 Newspapers.com “Remodeling of County Jail Gets Underway,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Friday, June 25, 1965 · Page 1 Newspapers.com ‘New Cell Block Being Installed at County Jail,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Friday, June 25, 1965 · Page 1 Newspapers.com “Arrested for PI, Jobless Painter Hangs Himself,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Monday, June 22, 1959 · Page 1 Newspapers.com “Mrs. Mark Passwater Stricken with Polio,” The Noblesville Ledger, Friday, 26 September 1952, p. 1 Newspapers.com “Sheriff’s Dept. To Get New Car From Don Hinds,” The Noblesville Ledger, Noblesville, Indiana, Tuesday, November 13, 1962 · Page 1 Newspapers.com