Randolph County, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Randolph County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Indiana
. As of 2010, the population was 26,171. The county seat
is Winchester
.
The Indiana General Assembly authorized the formation of Randolph County from Wayne County in January 1818 to take effect in August 1818. The county was almost certainly named for Randolph County, North Carolina
, where the area's first settlers came from. That county was named for Peyton Randolph
, the first President of the Continental Congress
under the Articles of Confederation
.
Between 1820 and 1824, the county's territory extended to the Michigan boundary; consequently, the plat for the town of Fort Wayne (now a city) is recorded in Randolph County's Recorder's Office. Randolph County's population grew rapidly in the early years of the nineteenth century. It was also known as a progressive community. As a home to a large number of members of the Society of Friends (Quakers), education and abolitionism became important movements. The county was home to three famous settlements of free African-Americans. The most famous, the Greenville Settlement, in Greensfork Township, was the site of Union Literary Institute, one of the first racially-integrated schools in the United States.
Randolph County has been a Republican-stronghold since the 1850s. As such, the county produced two Governors, one Congressman, one U. S. Senator, three Indiana Secretaries of State, and one State Superintendent of Public Instruction between 1858 and 1931. The county's population growth slowed after 1880.
Randolph County answered the problem of rural decline in the early twentieth century by embracing much of the "Country Life Movement." The major act was the movement to consolidate the county's rural schools. This was done under the leadership of Lee L. Driver, a county native who became the nation's leading expert on rural school consolidation. Randolph County became the exemplar of the movement and was the subject of many publications and visits from officials from as far away as Canada and China.
In recent years, residents in Winchester, Union City, and Farmland have sought to revitalize the county through a renewed focus on historic preservation, tourism, and the arts.
Randolph County is the point of origin for the White River
and Whitewater River
.
Nettle Creek (Losantville) and West River (Modoc) Townships were combined to form Union Township.
Mrs Wicks Pie Factory and Restaurant (tours of the facilities available for groups) Located in Winchester
Silvertowne (one of the largest privately owned coin shops in the United States) Located in Winchester
Wilson Wines (local winery near Modoc with tours and special events)
McVey National Forest (Located North of Farmland approximately 6 miles on State Road 1)
Farmers market during the summer time on the Winchester Square
Labor Day Marathon Softball Tournament (Winchester city Park and draws teams from all over the United States to play softball and celebrate the last holiday of Summer. Winchester's population nearly doubles for this weekend)
Madi Gras held annually each fall in Winchester during October
, and by the Indiana Code
.
County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county maintains a small claims court
that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
, coroner
, auditor, treasurer
, recorder
, surveyor
, and circuit court clerk
Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Randolph County is part of Indiana's 6th congressional district
and is represented in Congress by Republican
Mike Pence
.
, Randolph Eastern School Corporation, Randolph Southern School Corporation, and Monroe Central School Corporation.
of 2000, there were 27,401 people, 10,937 households, and 7,798 families residing in the county. The population density
was 60 people per square mile (23/km²). There were 11,775 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.06% White
, 0.26% Black
or African American
, 0.18% Native American
, 0.15% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 0.59% from other races
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.22% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 33.3% were of American
, 25.6% German
, 11.5% English
and 9.2% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 10,937 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples
living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,544, and the median income for a family was $40,855. Males had a median income of $30,951 versus $20,634 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,954. About 8.30% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.70% of those under age 18 and 8.30% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. As of 2010, the population was 26,171. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Winchester
Winchester, Indiana
Winchester is a city in White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 4,935 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Randolph County...
.
History
Randolph County, North Carolina
-Notable people:*Naomi Wise, murder victim*Richard Petty - Nascar driver.*Lee Petty - Nascar pioneer. Richard Petty's father.*Kyle Petty - Nascar driver. Son of Richard Petty*Adam Petty - Nascar driver. Kyle Petty's son...
, where the area's first settlers came from. That county was named for Peyton Randolph
Peyton Randolph
Peyton Randolph was a planter and public official from the Colony of Virginia. He served as speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses, chairman of the Virginia Conventions, and the first President of the Continental Congress.-Early life:Randolph was born in Tazewell Hall, Williamsburg, Virginia...
, the first President of the Continental Congress
President of the Continental Congress
The President of the Continental Congress was the presiding officer of the Continental Congress, the convention of delegates that emerged as the first national government of the United States during the American Revolution...
under the Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, formally the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was an agreement among the 13 founding states that legally established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution...
.
Between 1820 and 1824, the county's territory extended to the Michigan boundary; consequently, the plat for the town of Fort Wayne (now a city) is recorded in Randolph County's Recorder's Office. Randolph County's population grew rapidly in the early years of the nineteenth century. It was also known as a progressive community. As a home to a large number of members of the Society of Friends (Quakers), education and abolitionism became important movements. The county was home to three famous settlements of free African-Americans. The most famous, the Greenville Settlement, in Greensfork Township, was the site of Union Literary Institute, one of the first racially-integrated schools in the United States.
Randolph County has been a Republican-stronghold since the 1850s. As such, the county produced two Governors, one Congressman, one U. S. Senator, three Indiana Secretaries of State, and one State Superintendent of Public Instruction between 1858 and 1931. The county's population growth slowed after 1880.
Randolph County answered the problem of rural decline in the early twentieth century by embracing much of the "Country Life Movement." The major act was the movement to consolidate the county's rural schools. This was done under the leadership of Lee L. Driver, a county native who became the nation's leading expert on rural school consolidation. Randolph County became the exemplar of the movement and was the subject of many publications and visits from officials from as far away as Canada and China.
In recent years, residents in Winchester, Union City, and Farmland have sought to revitalize the county through a renewed focus on historic preservation, tourism, and the arts.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 453.31 square miles (1,174.1 km²), of which 452.38 square miles (1,171.7 km²) (or 99.79%) is land and 0.94 square miles (2.4 km²) (or 0.21%) is water.Randolph County is the point of origin for the White River
White River (Indiana)
The White River is a two-forked river that flows through central and southern Indiana and is the main tributary to the Wabash River. Via the west fork, considered to be the main stem of the river by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, the White River is long.-West Fork:The West Fork, long, is...
and Whitewater River
Whitewater River (Indiana)
The Whitewater River is a tributary of the Great Miami River in southeastern Indiana and southwestern Ohio in the United States. It is formed by the confluence of two forks, the West Fork and East Fork....
.
Adjacent counties
- Jay CountyJay County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 21,806 people, 8,405 households, and 6,017 families residing in the county. The population density was 57 people per square mile . There were 9,074 housing units at an average density of 24 per square mile...
(north) - Darke CountyDarke County, OhioAs of the census of 2000, there were 53,309 people, 20,419 households, and 14,905 families residing in the county. The population density was 89 people per square mile . There were 21,583 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile...
, OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
(east) - Wayne CountyWayne County, IndianaWayne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,917. The county seat is Richmond.-History:...
(south) - Henry CountyHenry County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 48,508 people, 19,486 households, and 13,971 families residing in the county. The population density was 124 people per square mile . There were 20,592 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile...
(southwest) - Delaware CountyDelaware County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 118,769 people, 47,131 households, and 29,692 families residing in the county. The population density was 302 people per square mile . There were 51,032 housing units at an average density of 130 per square mile...
(west)
Transportation
U.S. Route 36U.S. Route 36U.S. Route 36 is an east–west United States highway that runs for from Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado to Uhrichsville, Ohio. The highway's western terminus is at Deer Ridge Junction, an intersection in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, where it meets U.S. Route 34. Its eastern...
U.S. Route 35U.S. Route 35U.S. Route 35 is a north–south United States highway that runs northwest-southeast for approximately from northern Indiana to the western suburbs of Charleston, West Virginia. The highway's northern terminus is in Michigan City, Indiana, at U.S. Route 20. Its southern terminus is in Scott...
U.S. Route 27U.S. Route 27U.S. Route 27 is a north–south United States highway in the southern and midwestern United States. The southern terminus is at US 1 in Miami, Florida. The northern terminus is at Interstate 69 in Fort Wayne, Indiana...
Indiana State Road 1Indiana State Road 1State Road 1 is a north–south state highway in the eastern portion of the U.S. state of Indiana. Its southern terminus is at U.S. Highway 50 in east-central Dearborn County, just east of Lawrenceburg. Its northern terminus is at U.S...
Indiana State Road 28Indiana State Road 28State Road 28 is an east–west road in central Indiana in the United States that crosses the entire state from east to west, covering a distance of about and passing about to the north of the state capitol of Indianapolis.-Route description:...
Indiana State Road 32Indiana State Road 32State Road 32 in the U.S. State of Indiana is an east–west highway in central Indiana that crosses the entire state, covering a distance of about .-Route description:...
Indiana State Road 227Indiana State Road 227State Road 227 is a north–south highway at the eastern edge of the U.S. State of Indiana. It is nearly parallel with the Ohio state line.-Route description:...
Incorporated
- FarmlandFarmland, IndianaFarmland is a town in Monroe Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,333 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Farmland is located at ....
- LosantvilleLosantville, IndianaLosantville is a town in Union Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 237 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Losantville is located at ....
- LynnLynn, IndianaLynn is a town in Washington Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,097 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Lynn is located at ....
- ModocModoc, IndianaModoc is a town in Union Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 196 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Modoc is located at ....
- Parker CityParker City, IndianaParker City is a town in Monroe Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,419 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Parker City is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land...
- RidgevilleRidgeville, IndianaRidgeville is a town in Franklin Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States, along the Mississinewa River. The population was 843 at the 2000 census.- Geography :Ridgeville is located at ....
- SaratogaSaratoga, IndianaSaratoga is a town in Ward Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 254 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Saratoga is located at ....
- Union CityUnion City, IndianaUnion City is a city in Wayne Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 3,584.Union City was a stop along the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad, a forerunner of the Pennsylvania Railroad that connected Pittsburgh to...
- WinchesterWinchester, IndianaWinchester is a city in White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 4,935 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Randolph County...
Unincorporated
- CreteCrete, IndianaCrete is a small town in Greensfork Township, Randolph County, Indiana about 3 miles east of the town of Lynn.-People from Crete:Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple cult, committed mass suicide in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978, was born in Crete in 1931....
- DeerfieldDeerfield, IndianaDeerfield is an unincorporated town in Ward Township, Randolph County, Indiana....
- Harrisville
- HuntsvilleHuntsville, IndianaHuntsville is an unincorporated town in Union Township, Randolph County, Indiana....
- New PittsburgNew Pittsburg, IndianaNew Pittsburg is an unincorporated town in Jackson Township, Randolph County, Indiana....
- SpartanburgSpartanburg, IndianaSpartanburg is an unincorporated town in Greensfork Township, Randolph County, Indiana.-Geography:Spartanburg is located at ....
Townships
- FranklinFranklin Township, Randolph County, IndianaFranklin Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,375.-External links:* *...
- GreenGreen Township, Randolph County, IndianaGreen Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,098.-External links:* *...
- GreensforkGreensfork Township, Randolph County, IndianaGreensfork Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,201.-External links:* *...
- JacksonJackson Township, Randolph County, IndianaJackson Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana, USA.-External links:* *...
- MonroeMonroe Township, Randolph County, IndianaMonroe Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,819.-External links:* *...
- Stoney CreekStoney Creek Township, Randolph County, IndianaStoney Creek Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,082.-External links:* *...
- UnionUnion Township, Randolph County, Indiana- Cemeteries :Union Township has 9 cemeteries.*Buena Vista Cemetery*Huntsville Cemetery*Little Creek Cemetery*Nettle Creek Baptist Cemetery*Riverside Cemetery*Salem Cemetery*Scott Cemetery*Union Baptist Cemetery*Union Chapel Cemetery-Noteworthy Residents:...
- WardWard Township, Randolph County, IndianaWard Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,218.-External links:* *...
- WashingtonWashington Township, Randolph County, IndianaWashington Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,288.-External links:* *...
- WayneWayne Township, Randolph County, IndianaWayne Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,703.-External links:* *...
- White RiverWhite River Township, Randolph County, IndianaWhite River Township is one of eleven townships in Randolph County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 7,661.-External links:* *...
Nettle Creek (Losantville) and West River (Modoc) Townships were combined to form Union Township.
Local Attractions
Winchester Speedway (one of the worlds oldest and fastest high bank half mile tracks in the world) Located approximately 2 miles west of Winchester on State Road 32Mrs Wicks Pie Factory and Restaurant (tours of the facilities available for groups) Located in Winchester
Silvertowne (one of the largest privately owned coin shops in the United States) Located in Winchester
Wilson Wines (local winery near Modoc with tours and special events)
McVey National Forest (Located North of Farmland approximately 6 miles on State Road 1)
Farmers market during the summer time on the Winchester Square
Local Festivals and Events
Mom, Baseball and Apple Pie Festival (Held in Winchester during August annually)Labor Day Marathon Softball Tournament (Winchester city Park and draws teams from all over the United States to play softball and celebrate the last holiday of Summer. Winchester's population nearly doubles for this weekend)
Madi Gras held annually each fall in Winchester during October
Airports
- Randolph County Airport (newly expanded in 2010 and 2011)
- Lynn annual lions club fair including a tractor pull, games, and a wiffle ball tourney
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in Winchester have ranged from a low of 16 °F (-8.9 °C) in January to a high of 83 °F (28.3 °C) in July, although a record low of -26 °F was recorded in January 1994 and a record high of 102 °F (38.9 °C) was recorded in September 1953. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.63 inches (4.1 cm) in February to 4.34 inches (11 cm) in June.Government
The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of IndianaConstitution of Indiana
There have been two Constitutions of the State of Indiana. The first constitution was created when the Territory of Indiana sent forty-three delegates to a constitutional convention on June 10, 1816 to establish a constitution for the proposed State of Indiana after the United States Congress had...
, and by the Indiana Code
Indiana Code
The Indiana Code is the code of laws for the US State of Indiana. The contents are the codification of the all the laws currently in effect within Indiana...
.
County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county maintains a small claims court
Small claims court
Small-claims courts have limited jurisdiction to hear civil cases between private litigants. Courts authorized to try small claims may also have other judicial functions, and the name by which such a court is known varies by jurisdiction; it may be known as a county or magistrate's court...
that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
Circuit court
Circuit court is the name of court systems in several common law jurisdictions.-History:King Henry II instituted the custom of having judges ride around the countryside each year to hear appeals, rather than forcing everyone to bring their appeals to London...
.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
, coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, auditor, treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
, recorder
Recorder of deeds
Recorder of deeds is a government office tasked with maintaining public records and documents, especially records relating to real estate ownership that provide persons other than the owner of a property with real rights over that property.-Background:...
, surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
, and circuit court clerk
Court clerk
A court clerk is an officer of the court whose responsibilities include maintaining the records of a court. Another duty is to administer oaths to witnesses, jurors, and grand jurors...
Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Randolph County is part of Indiana's 6th congressional district
Indiana's 6th congressional district
Indiana's 6th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. The district takes in a large portion of eastern Indiana, including Muncie, Anderson, and Richmond, as well as the suburbs of Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.The district is currently represented...
and is represented in Congress by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Mike Pence
Mike Pence
Michael Richard "Mike" Pence is the U.S. Representative for Indiana's , and previously the , serving since 2001. The 6th district covers much of Eastern Indiana. He is a member of the Republican Party....
.
Education
Public schools in Randolph County are administered by the Union School Corporation, Randolph Central School CorporationRandolph Central School Corporation
Randolph Central School Corporation is the largest public school district in Randolph County, Indiana. It serves students in Franklin, Ward, and White River Townships and includes the City of Winchester and the incorporated towns of Ridgeville and Saratoga...
, Randolph Eastern School Corporation, Randolph Southern School Corporation, and Monroe Central School Corporation.
High schools
- Union High School (Modoc)Union High School (Modoc)Union High School a.k.a UHS is a small high school located in Union Township, Modoc, Indiana. Although the official name is Union Township High School. It is one of five high schools in Randolph County, Indiana. In 2004 Union High School was named an Indiana Four Star School by the Indiana...
- Modoc-Union School Corporation - Randolph Southern High School - Lynn-Randolph Southern School Corporation
- Winchester Community High School - Winchester-Randolph Central School Corporation
- Union City High School - Union City - Randolph Eastern School Corporation
- Monroe Central High School - Parker City - Monroe Central School Corporation
Junior high/middle schools
- Union Jr. High SchoolUnion High School (Modoc)Union High School a.k.a UHS is a small high school located in Union Township, Modoc, Indiana. Although the official name is Union Township High School. It is one of five high schools in Randolph County, Indiana. In 2004 Union High School was named an Indiana Four Star School by the Indiana...
- Randolph Southern Jr. High School
- Driver Middle School-Winchester
- West Side Middle School-Union City
- Monroe Central Jr. High School
Elementary schools
- Union Elementary SchoolUnion High School (Modoc)Union High School a.k.a UHS is a small high school located in Union Township, Modoc, Indiana. Although the official name is Union Township High School. It is one of five high schools in Randolph County, Indiana. In 2004 Union High School was named an Indiana Four Star School by the Indiana...
- Randolph Southern Elementary School
- Deerfield Elementary School - Winchester
- Baker Elementary School - Winchester
- Williard Elementary School - Winchester
- North Side Elementary School - Union City
- Monroe Central Elementary School
Nationally-known Notable residents
- Congressman Thomas M. BrowneThomas M. BrowneThomas McLelland Browne was a U.S. Representative from Indiana.Born in New Paris, Ohio, Browne moved to Indiana in January 1844.He attended the common schools.He moved to Winchester, Indiana, in 1848.He studied law....
. - John R. CommonsJohn R. CommonsJohn Rogers Commons was an American institutional economist and labor historian at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.-Biography:Born in Hollansburg, Ohio, John R. Commons had a religious upbringing which led him to be an advocate for social justice early in life...
, nationally-known economist. - Governor James P. GoodrichJames P. GoodrichJames Putnam Goodrich, , a Republican, was the 29th Governor of Indiana from 1917 to 1921. His term focused on reforming the operations of the state government and overseeing the state's contributions for World War I. He nearly died twice during his term, and spent a considerable time bedridden...
. - Governor Isaac P. GrayIsaac P. GrayIsaac Pusey Gray was the 18th and 20th Governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1880 to 1881 and from 1885 to 1889. Originally a Republican, he oversaw the forceful passage of the post-American Civil War constitutional amendments whilst he was a member of the Indiana Senate...
. - Wendell M. Stanley, Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry.
- Senator James E. Watson.
- Robert WiseRobert WiseRobert Earl Wise was an American sound effects editor, film editor, film producer and director...
(1914–2005), Hollywood directorFilm directorA film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, was born in Winchester. - Jim JonesJim JonesJames Warren "Jim" Jones was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple, which is best known for the November 18, 1978 mass suicide of 909 Temple members in Jonestown, Guyana along with the killings of five other people at a nearby airstrip.Jones was born in Indiana and started the Temple in...
(1931–1978), 1970s cult leader, founder of JonestownJonestownJonestown was the informal name for the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project, an intentional community in northwestern Guyana formed by the Peoples Temple led by Jim Jones. It became internationally notorious when, on November 18, 1978, 918 people died in the settlement as well as in a nearby...
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 27,401 people, 10,937 households, and 7,798 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 60 people per square mile (23/km²). There were 11,775 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.06% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.26% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.18% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.15% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.59% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.22% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 33.3% were of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 25.6% German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 11.5% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 9.2% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 10,937 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,544, and the median income for a family was $40,855. Males had a median income of $30,951 versus $20,634 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,954. About 8.30% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.70% of those under age 18 and 8.30% of those age 65 or over.