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? Click here to complete Textile Exhibit Entry Form NOBLESVILLECREATES.ORG/LEVISON-FAMILY-WALKING-TOUR/ 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

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

The mission of the Hamilton County Historical Society is to preserve and interpret the history of Hamilton County, create an interest, awareness and appreciation of our history and be a clearinghouse for county wide historical preservation. Board of Directors President - Jessica Layman Vice President - Scott Southard Treasurer - Toni Dickover Secretary - Deb Musselman Lorenz Board Members At Large Dan Dunham Bryan Glover Stephen Craig Janet Phillips Stanton Renner Nancy Massey Dale Unger Dottie Young Kate Murray Director Emeritus - Diane Nevitt Museum Director - Sandra Lynch Hamilton County Historian - David Heighway Hamilton County Genealogist - Nancy Massey Listings of Historical Societies in Hamilton County and Indiana Carmel Clay Historical Society https://carmelclayhistory.org/ Fishers Historical Society https://fishershistory.com/ Sheridan Historical Society https://www.sheridanhistoricalsociety.net/ Westfield Historical Society https://www.wwhs.us/ Nickel Plate Express https://nickelplateexpress.com/ Hamilton County Parks https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1302/Koteewi-Adventures Indiana Historical Society https://indianahistory.org/ Indiana DNR https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic-preservation/ Indiana Landmarks https://www.indianalandmarks.org/?s=landmarks

Dottie Young: A Life Rooted in Hamilton County Mark Passwater in the jail office By Nancy A. Massey, Hamilton County Historical Society, Board Director Two days before her birthday, Sandra Lynch and I sat down with Dottie Young at the Hamilton East Public Library for a conversation about her life and her reflections on living in Hamilton County. The interview was part of the Hamilton County Historical Society’s ongoing oral history initiative—an effort to preserve the lived experiences of longtime residents whose stories illuminate the county’s past and guide its future. Dorothy “Dottie” Jane Zeiss Young was born on August 7, 1946, in the old Harrell Hospital on 9th Street in Noblesville. Her early morning arrival marked the beginning of a life deeply interwoven with the land, people, and traditions of Hamilton County. Raised in Clarksville—a small community nestled between Noblesville and Pendleton—Dottie’s childhood unfolded in a world of barns, bicycles, and neighborly trust. She fondly calls it “a golden time.” Dottie’s family roots in the area stretch back to the 1830s. On her father’s side, the Zeiss family came from Tiffin, Ohio, traveling by train with their livestock and even their dog to settle in Wayne Township. Her mother’s lineage includes the Careys, Paulsels, and Lehrs—names etched into the cemeteries, church rolls, and civic records of Hamilton County. Her great-grandfather Carey fought in the Civil War and later cared for orphans in Westfield. Her grandmother was born in a log cabin on Hinkle Creek and attended the Quaker church in Noblesville. Dottie’s early years were filled with freedom and imagination. “We’d ride our bikes, play hide-and-seek in barns, and explore abandoned buildings,” she recalls. “Nobody worried. You just had to be home for supper.” She remembers the Mexican families who moved into an old lodge building, how the children taught her Spanish, and how her father ran electricity from his shop to help them. The local church pitched in with food and support. “It was a beautiful time,” she says. “We didn’t have much, but we had each other.” The Clarksville Masonic Lodge—once the second-longest continuously active in Indiana—played a central role in the town’s social calendar, especially during its legendary December oyster suppers. Dottie fondly remembers the pump organ tucked in the corner. The lodge was a place of fraternity and charity. Its furniture was eventually moved to Noblesville, where it lives on—restored, repurposed, and preserved. Her family home sat across from the historic residence of Abraham and Sarah Nicholson, the town’s founders. Over time, it became a gas station, then a beloved neighborhood landmark. “We lived on Highway 38, now the Bataan Memorial Highway,” Dottie says. “I always joked I’d name my life story ‘My Life on the Bataan Highway… or How Can I Get Off This Road?’” When one of the two general stores burned down in the 1950s, Clarksville had no fire department. Locals formed a bucket brigade from the Masonic Lodge pump in Clarksville. “It was like a scene from an old movie,” she recalls. Her father’s shop, once a blacksmith shop built in the 1840s to attract tradesmen to the territory, stood as a symbol of Clarksville’s working-class resilience. Dottie’s father, Richard, was a cabinetmaker and a self-taught artist with extraordinary talent. From Roman-themed illustrations for the 1929 Noblesville Shadow yearbook to advertising murals for theaters in Bloomington, Omaha, and Davenport, his legacy shines in photos and ink. Dottie inherited his creativity—and his conviction that art gives dignity to history. Her mother, Thelma, worked as a nanny before marrying and later took a position at Butler University alongside her husband as caretakers of Ross Hall. Dottie attended Durbin Elementary School, where kindergarten didn’t yet exist, and completed eighth grade in Wayne Township. At the time, the township didn’t offer high school, so students had to choose between Noblesville, Lapel, or Walnut Grove. Dottie chose Noblesville, following in the footsteps of her parents, grandparents, and siblings. She became a cheerleader—an unexpected honor for a girl from Durbin—and took the role seriously. “There were only five of us,” she says. “We had a cheer block. It was organized and passionate—not like today’s squads.” After high school, Dottie worked at RCA in Indianapolis to save money for college. She attended Indiana University, working multiple jobs to support herself, including scheduling appointments for Kirby vacuum sales and working in Bloomington schools. Her determination and work ethic were shaped by her family’s example—her father worked three jobs to put her brother through Purdue’s chemical engineering program. Dottie’s professional life included teaching in Indianapolis Public Schools and raising her daughter, Emily. But her heart remained in Hamilton County, where she became a tireless advocate for historical preservation, community service, and civic engagement. She joined the Hamilton County Historical Society in 1973 during the county’s sesquicentennial and has served in nearly every leadership role since, except treasurer. She helped launch the Flower Faire, organized teas and style shows, and traveled across the county collecting oral histories from service veterans and donations. Her involvement extended to the Cemetery Commission, where she worked to protect and restore neglected burial grounds. “I hate to see vandalism and neglect,” she says. “We led the way for other counties.” She’s also been a longtime member of Tri Kappa, a philanthropic sorority that allowed her to serve others even when resources were tight. “It’s a wonderful sisterhood,” she says. “You get to help people in meaningful ways.” One of Dottie’s proudest achievements was helping save the Sheriff’s Residence and Old Jail from demolition in the 1990s. “They wanted to tear it down for parking,” she recalls. “Irvin Heath threatened to chain himself to the porch. People thought it was just old—but it was historic.” The building was eventually restored, including its tower, which had been destroyed by a tornado in 1948. She remembers stories of girls avoiding the 8th Street side because prisoners would yell crude things through the windows. Former inmates have returned to show their children where they once stayed—some of their drawings still visible on the walls. At a recent museum open house, a woman said, “This is beautiful... and I wanted it torn down. Was I crazy?” Dottie reflects, “Some people can’t see the potential beneath age and wear. But if enough of us do, we can change minds.” Her reflections on Noblesville’s growth are tinged with both pride and concern. “I remember driving with my mom and seeing the lights from Indianapolis. I said, ‘Maybe someday they’ll come here.’ She said, ‘I hope not—too many people.’” Dottie has watched subdivisions replace cornfields, historic homes vanish, and barns collapse. She mourns the loss of landmarks like the Opera House and the Armory, where she once cheered at county-wide basketball tournaments. “We need to slow down and think before we tear things down,” she says. “Maintenance matters. Appreciation matters.” Dottie’s passion for preservation is matched by her love of storytelling. Her family photos—colorized portraits, snapshots in galvanized tubs, church gatherings, and memento mori images—tell stories of resilience, humor, and heartbreak. She speaks of her grandmother who died of tuberculosis, her cousin who drank disinfectant, and her great-grandfather who was kicked by a horse and lay by a fence post for three days before dying. “History isn’t perfect,” she says. “But it’s ours.” Some family photos hint at deeper stories: a possible memento mori photograph of a layered ancestor, haunting and serene. Others spark laughter—like her grandfather’s sleigh tipping in the snow, rolling out a very round passenger who simply laughed, got up, and rode on. She’s especially concerned about the loss of cursive writing. “If kids don’t learn it, they won’t be able to read the letters their ancestors left behind,” she says. “I tried to share a letter my cousin wrote to my mother when she was dying. My children couldn’t read it.” Today, Dottie lives in Noblesville, watching the landscape change and remembering the people who shaped it. She speaks with reverence about her neighbors, her teachers, and her family. Her message to future generations is clear: Appreciate the past. Preserve what you can. Ask questions. Stay curious. “I used to think everything was perfect,” she says. “But we’re made of people. Not all of them are perfect—but we keep striving.” “History isn’t flawless, but it’s ours to reckon with. That’s why I believe so strongly in preserving and knowing our past—good, bad, and complicated.” In sharing her story, Dottie Young has given Hamilton County a gift—not just of memory, but of meaning. Her life reminds us that history lives in barns and bridges, in handwritten letters and family photographs, in laughter and loss. And most of all, in the voices of those who remember. With stories like hers, Hamilton County doesn’t just remember its past—it learns from it. Mark and Marjorie on a date

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History Books Delve into Hamilton County history! Build your own bundle of books for just $30 -Visit us today! While visiting the museum, please browse through our selection of books and gifts. Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change On the occasion of Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary comes an updated history of one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change builds on past histories of the county while introducing new stories, people, photography, and art to modern readers. Buy your copy at Nickel Plate Arts, All Things Carmel, Conner Prairie or from the Hamilton County Historical Society (Saturdays, 12-5 p.m.). (Please contact the individual retailer to confirm operating hours.) Hardcover Book $42.50 Explore neglected corners of Hamilton County history Hamilton County's past harbors sundry strange tales, many of them lost to time--until now. In 1867, a groom disappeared just before his wedding, presumably running away on cold feet. Four decades later his remains were discovered buried under a shed in a mystery that remains unsolved. In the 1870s, the Sheriff marshaled a seven-man posse, including two local African Americans, to deal with "desperados'? in an isolated corner of the county. Their heroic efforts swiftly liberated the local populous from the yoke of banditry. A giant wave of ravenous squirrels descended on Central Indiana in 1882 to feast on crops, to the shock and dismay of new settlers. Paperback $22.00 Join county historian David Heighway for a tour of all things odd and forgotten. Since 1824, Noblesville has served as the county seat for Hamilton County, Indiana. Located on the White River just north of Indianapolis, Noblesville grew from rural beginnings, changing as businesses and industry moved into the area, which was encouraged by the discovery of natural gas. This book documents the history, community life, and growth of Noblesville using stories and photographs collected from local residents, historians, church archives, the Hamilton County Historical Society, and the Hamilton East Public Library. These photographs bring the daily life of this Midwest community vividly into view. Paperback $22.00 Noblesville's transformation from small town to one of Indiana's largest cities is a fascinating story. From the earliest settlers struggling for survival on Horseshoe Prairie in 1819 through the heady times of the 1880s Gas Boom era to today, the city thrived with uncommon personalities and landmark events. Discover the stories of former slave Reverend Barney Stone, daredevil Earl "Lucky" Teter and renowned fashion designer Norman Norell. Delve into the account of the Great Flood of 1913 and the origin of the nation's first independent telephone company. Join authors Paula Dunn and Nancy A. Massey on a journey through Noblesville's unique history. Paperback $22.00 Local Historian Joe H Burgess Included are Civil war stories from Hamilton County families. Stories from the drummers to front line battles and the Hamilton County soldiers who were a part of this history. Hardback book $15.00 Floyd Hopper Print $35.00 Wooden Display $15.00 Blue Sun Catcher $15.00 Maroon Sun Catcher $15.00 Note Cards Packs for $5.00 By Local Artist - Sarah Kenley 8 x 11 Prints $10.00 by Local Artists

Genealogy Classes at Hamilton East Public Library Visit the Crossroads Discovery Center at Hamilton East Public Library One Library Plaza Noblesville, IN 46060 317-773-1384 Hamilton East Public Library Indiana Landmarks 1201 Central Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46202 Do you have an historic house and want to know more about it? Indiana Historical Society Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202(317) 232-1882 Check out our exhibits, events, programs and workshops! From biking scavenger hunts to cursive camps for kids, family history for all levels, book signings, lectures and more, we're sure you'll find what you're looking for. To register or buy tickets for a specific program or event, click on the event below for details and links. And don't forget, parking is free with paid admission. You can access our lot from New York Street.

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.

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!

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

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.