Hello, I am Susan Neff, Historian at the Dr. James Ford Historic Home in Wabash, Indiana. We are preparing an exciting new exhibit to become open to the public this summer, and I am in need of some research assistance from someone knowledgeable of the early history of the central portion of Hamilton county.

Here's what I'm working on: Dr. Ford was a founding commissioner of the North Western Christian University (now Butler University) in its original location in what is now downtown Indianapolis. According to his 1888 autobiography, during the period from 1850 to the outbreak of the Civil War (11 years) Dr. Ford made three to four trips per year on horseback from Wabash to NWCU for meetings. About the travel to these meetings, he says:

"Two and one-half days were spent on horseback in going, and as many in coming, and two in the University, making one week spent each trip, cost me in money spent, and time lost from business, over fifty dollars for every trip that was made. It was not regretted then, and is a source of pleasure now. Man should not live for self only!"

According to early maps that I've acquired and analyzed, I believe it entirely possible that Dr. Ford would have stayed overnight in the Noblesville area (or central portion of Hamilton county) many times during this 11 years. I am now seeking information about hotel/inn accommodations and livery stables in this area during the 1850's and would be most appreciative to hear from someone knowledgeable. Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.

Susan Neff, Historian
The Dr. James Ford Historic Home, Wabash, Indiana
www.jamesfordmuseum.org