Middlefork, Clinton County, Indiana Explained

Official Name:Middlefork
Pushpin Map:USA Indiana Clinton County
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Indiana
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Clinton
Subdivision Type3:Township
Subdivision Name3:Warren
Coordinates:40.4156°N -86.3925°W
Elevation Ft:817
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:46041
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:18-48960[1]
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:449695

Middlefork is an unincorporated community in Warren Township, Clinton County, Indiana. It is named for the Middle Fork of Wildcat Creek which runs along the north side of the town.[2]

History

Middlefork was founded along the Michigan Road, an important early Indiana thoroughfare, but the site never gained a railroad line and remained a small social and business center for local residents. The town's first store was operated by William Sims, then by John Evans. Its first postmaster was John Purdum.

Several lodges and fraternal organization operated at Middlefork, including the Masons, Red Men, Odd Fellows, GAR and the Independent Order of Good Templars, the latter being dedicated to temperance work. The Templars "bought out the only saloon keeper in the place and emptied his stock of liquors into the street, after which there was no further sale of intoxicants in the village."[3]

A post office was established at Middlefork (spelled Middle Fork in early years) in 1836, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1907.[4]

References

  1. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. 2008-01-31.
  2. Book: Claybaugh , Joseph . History of Clinton County, Indiana. 1913. A. W. Bowen & Company. Indianapolis. 32.
  3. Book: Claybaugh , Joseph . History of Clinton County, Indiana. 1913. A. W. Bowen & Company. Indianapolis. Warren Township.
  4. Web site: Clinton County . Jim Forte Postal History . 30 August 2014.