HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FACTS What You Need to Know IS IT FREE? We are a donation-based organization, so we do not have an admission fee. IS THIS APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS? We have kids come in all the time! The exhibits and jail cells are appropriate for children. Some graffiti in the juvenile cell block is graphic, however, it has been blocked from view. IS THIS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE? WHAT WILL I SEE HERE? The first floor of the museum is wheelchair/stroller accessible, with a ramp at the side door into the kitchen. However, the upper floors of jail cells and house are only accessible by stairs. We have so much to offer for all ages and all interests! Our building was the Sheriff's Residence and Jail for Hamilton County from 1876 to 1977. Check out our "Our History" page to see more details. PARKING Parking is free around the square with a three hour time limit during the week - Monday through Friday. If you will be in town for longer than three hours, we suggest you park in the Levinson parking garage, just one block south of our museum. Four hour free parking in there. https://www.cityofnoblesville.org/department/division.php?structureid=294 WHAT KINDS OF MATERIALS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR COLLECTION? We have many items relating to Hamilton County history, including genealogy, veteran records, old photographs of locations throughout the county, school yearbooks, sheriff information, and more! We collect artifacts as well as paper documentation, and we have a library with many resources for you! Contact us with questions. FAQ: FAQ

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.

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

Research Resources Did the Bicentennial pique your interest in history? Great! We've collected resources here to help you research your township, family or topic of interest. Enjoy digging into Hamilton County's past. 1 The Indiana Room Visit online or in person inside the Noblesville Library The Indiana Room , located on the second floor of the Noblesville Library, houses a special collection dedicated to preserving and providing local and state history, genealogy and more. Access databases (including many of those included on this Research page) and books to help you. Plus, library staff are on hand to help. While the Indiana Room is housed inside the Noblesville branch, you can access many Indiana Room resources on the library website. Visit the Indiana Room online for more information and helpful links. 2 Primary County Histories Available Online Get access to the old standards and lots of details These are ideal if you have a specific need and know what you're looking for. 1880: History of Hamilton County, Indiana , by T.B. Helm. Peruse illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the county’s prominent men and pioneers, to which are appended maps of its several townships. 1901: A History of the Formation, Settlement and Development of Hamilton County, Indiana , by Augustus Finch Shirts. From the year 1818 to the close of the Civil War, this local lawyer and writer’s authoritative history includes lots of lists. (If you've heard of the so-called Great Squirrel Stampede of 1822, this is where it can be traced.) 1915: History of Hamilton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions , by John F. Haines. A great source of biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families. Reminiscences of the Long Ago , by Zina Warren. This “historical sketch” covers “the early settlement of Bethlehem, now Carmel and vicinity … with … an account of the Indians and of the doings and makeshifts of the early pioneers who have passed away with a partial list of their names … and … a list of the dead of Bethlehem-Carmel … an account of merchandising and other branches of business, accidents, suicides, shootings, fires, etc. up to 1911.” 3 Books from Arcadia Publishing Drill down and get community specific with recently produced works by local authors Arcadia Publishing prides itself on reconnecting people to their community, neighbors and past by offering a curbside view of hometown history and often forgotten aspects of American life. Several local authors have penned works about Hamilton County cities and towns through the publisher. (Most links below lead to complete texts.) Hidden History of Hamilton County, Indiana , by David Heighway (2021). Hamilton County's past harbors sundry strange tales, many of them lost to time--until now. (Heighway is also a contributor to the Hamilton Co. Bicentennial book.) Wicked Fishers , by Robert Bowling (2021). Fishers is one of the safest places to live in the United States, but it was once a lawless town where anything could happen. (Bowling is also a contributor to the Hamilton Co. Bicentennial book.) A History of Westfield, Indiana: The Promise of the Land , by Tom Rumer (2015). Founded in 1834 by a small group of Quakers protesting human slavery in the South, Westfield and Washington Township served as an important home station on the Underground Railroad. Noblesville , by Nancy A. Massey and Carol Ann Schweikert (2013). Since 1824, Noblesville has served as the county seat for Hamilton County, Indiana. This book documents the history, community life, and growth of Noblesville using stories and photographs. (Massey is also involved in the Hamilton Co. Bicentennial book.) Carmel , by Terri Horvath (2007). Carmel started as a small trading post and farming community in 1836 but has long been regarded as a gateway to Indiana's capital city. The nickname "North Gate of Indianapolis" was adopted by Carmel's centennial committee, reflecting the town's appreciation of the big-city association. 4 County and State Maps Online Explore who owned what and how land has changed hands Property ownership is important. You can research a larger-acreage property, a commercial property or the your home. TIP: Start with finding names of people associated with a property, and then you can further your research. (Researching an individual residence often requires a trip to the Hamilton County Courthouse.) Also, Newspapers.com is available without a fee at all Hamilton East Public Library branches, and is a great resource with a robust, user-friendly search function. The Library of Congress holds historic maps that show the area of Indiana and Hamilton County going back to 1753. The first map that shows the county was created in 1825. (One curiosity: There is strong evidence that William Clark came through in 1791, but it has never been proven. Maps of the area are deemed inaccurate until the until 1830s.) Original purchasers map – Created by the Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office from land records. 1866 map – First detailed map of the county. It shows property ownership and the layout of the towns. 1876 state atlas – Detailed maps of some of the towns. Maps of the county at the State Library can be found online in a few different ways: Indiana State Library maps - You may access lists of maps, atlases, and plat books by clicking on the link to the desired county Or browse by county here. Sanborn maps - Created for use by fire insurance companies and give an extremely detailed plan of the buildings in a community. These are for Hamilton County towns for several years: Noblesville 1883, 1887, 1892, 1898, 1905, 1914, 1922, 1933, 1947 – click here Arcadia 1896, 1902, 1909, 1915, 1933 – click here Atlanta 1902, 1909 – click here Sheridan 1896, 1902, 1909 – click here 1922 plat map - Track the ownership of a property. Other 20th century plat maps - Track the ownership of a property from maps available through the Surveyor’s Office. Library of Congress Maps — Here’s a link to get started with a search of maps available from the Library of Congress. 5 Online Directories of Names Dig into a rich ‘who’s who’ of Hamilton County residents Enter a name and see what you can find in these directories of Hamilton County residents. In the 20th century directories, you can go street by street to see who lived where. (If you need more, come to the Indiana Room for non-digitized directories.) 1874 Hamilton County directory 1893-1894 Hamilton County directory 1907-1908 Hamilton County directory 1920 Noblesville directory 1929 Noblesville directory 6 Interesting & Offbeat Sources More ways to think outside of the box SURVEY SAYS! - The first survey of the area was made in 1820. These are their notes . Technically speaking, using this source requires knowledge of surveyor’s terminology to make heads or tails of. For some layman's context on the survey , check out David Heighway's piece (page 22, Hamilton County Business Magazine). The article provides some background on the original survey talks about how Cicero Creek got its name. GO “UNDERGROUND” - Hamilton County was a part of the Underground Railroad. Information can be found in the Wilbur Seibert Underground Railroad collection . CHASING PATENTS - The first known patent issued to a Hamilton County resident was in 1853. There were around 243 issued between then and 1950. Most can be found at the Google Patents website by using the phrase “in the county of Hamilton” and “Indiana” like here . GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY - The state created a soil map of Hamilton County in 1912 . It’s much like a topographical map except that it shows soil types rather than physical features. The soil map gives you an idea of size of city, location of buildings, etc. Plus, get a report to go with the soil map. HILLS & VALLEYS - Topographical maps of Hamilton County going back to the 1950s can be found at this U.S. Geological Survey web page . KEEP TABS ON THE DECEASED - The cemetery map was created to keep track of burial sites around the county and to make sure that they were not disturbed. HIGH WATER - White River has had several dramatic floods in the time since the county was founded. Read all about historic floods in this article by Hamilton County Historian David Heighway. And get information on historical crests for the White River at Noblesville. SANFORD COX RECALLS: Sandford Cox described a family trip along the Lafayette Trace (the early trail running from the Ohio River to the Wabash River) through Hamilton County in 1824. Dig into Recollections of the early settlement of the Wabash Valley by Sandford C. Cox (1860). FICTIONAL WESTFIELD - James Baldwin wrote a fictionalized version of his growing up in Westfield prior to the Civil War. Browse the pages of In the Days of my Youth: An Intimate Personal Record of Life And Manners in the Middle Ages of the Middle West , by James Baldwin (1923). 7 Photograph Collections of Hamilton County Scenes A relevant picture is worth a thousand words We all love looking at old pictures, but for historical research, photos aren’t the place to start. As you research, keep relevance top of mind. Earl Brooks collection at HCHS and HEPL Joe Roberts Collection at HEPL Indiana Album Indiana Historical Society

The Jail The jail itself has seen many changes over the years. When it was originally built, there was only one floor in the mens' area. The cells were around the outside of the room, Common Area was in the middle of the room. There was a catwalk above the cells so the staff could look in the cells without having to go into the cells. 1883 Indoor plumbing was added in the jail and the home. 1898 Electricity and gas heat was added to the jail. 1931 Original cells were removed and sold for scrap metal. 1941 Metal Stairway in the back was added to get to the women's cells and for future when they added the second floor of mens' cells. 1941 Men's cells were updated. Cells were moved to the middle of the room with hallways along the sides for the deputies. 1977 The new jail on Cumberland Road was completed and they moved to the new facility. The last Sheriff to live in the jail was Larry Cook, 1971-1977. Main door to the jail area. When the jail was active, this door was usually closed and locked. Cell Block A - First Floor and to the Left Hall to Cell Block A Cell A1 Cellblock A - Common Room Cell A2 Cell block B First Floor and to the right. Exterior Hall to Cell Block B Hall to the cells and common area Cletus Knorr and Samuel Banta were successful in breaking out of the jail in September of 1940.. They took advantage of a broken cell and banged it against the concrete wall. After the first blow, the were confident that the staff was out of the building and they continued until they squeezed through the broken wall. and out the kitchen door. The pair were never caught. They were wanted in several states and the Sheriff received a letter from J Edgar Hoover about them and their crime spree. The locking mechanism made by The Fries and Son Steel Company of Covington Kentucky. You could open the cells or the common rooms, or the exterior doors from this unit. Common Room Cellblock B Cell B2 Visitation Window Cell Block C - Second Floor Stairs leading up to the Second Floor mezzanine and cells. Cell C1 Cell Block C Exterior Hall Steps leading into the second floor juvenile cells and also for adult overflow. Cell C2 Cell Block C common area Jail - 3rd Floor The cells on the third floor have seen the least amount of change. These are the Victorian cells. These were used to house women. Occasionally, they would have housed those that needed to be away from the main jail population. This would most likely have included D.C. Stephenson when he was in this jail during his trial and hearings. Juveniles may also have been housed up here before the second floor cells were added. When the jail was built, you could only access this floor through the residence. The back stairs were added in the 1930's and at that time, the entrance through the home was closed. Stairs that lead up to the 3rd floor Victorian cells. Sun shining through the bars. This chair was in the courtroom during DC Stephenson trial. There was a bathroom on the third floor. What the cell may have looked like when he was in our jail. Many books have been written on DC Stephenson, Madge Oberholzer, and the trial. These are two that our visitors have recommended. When he was 15 years old, Charles Manson was held in our jail as a runaway. He was here for several days until staff from the Plainfield Boys School came up pick him up and take him back to the reform school. The third floor shows some graffiti as well. To preserve the graffiti, the walls have not been painted in these cells. These cells were bigger, but they did not have a common area to go to.