Jesse Huntsman story

Probably the most notable event in the history of Springfield was the establishment of semi-communistic colony in 1844 by some of the best and most prominent citizens. The society was organized somewhat in the plan created by the eminent socialistic votary Charles Fourier. A charter was granted by the legislature and prominent among others who became members the first year were Jesse Huntsman and others. They located on the farm owned by Benjamin Jones but gradually increased their community farm to 1045 acres. After an existence of three years it was disbanded and the property divided among its member in 1847-48. The thoroughfare meandering through Turkey Creek Valley and for many years known as Creek Road was seventy or more years ago called Brain Street, because some of the most talented and intelligent men of LaGrange County lived along the road. Prominent among these was Jesse Huntsman.

Opposition was aroused by the orthodox and they were denied the use of the school house and other buildings in which to assemble so a meeting has held May 3, 1858, in which Jesse Huntsman was present. They formed a volunteer association for religious, scientific, and benevolent purposes and gave it the name of "Friends of Religion, Freedom and Reform." In 1829 Jesse Huntsman took possession of the only piece of prairie land in the township of Van Buren.

(Taken from LaGrange County Centennial History 1828-29, p. 122, by John H. Harren – LaGrange Publishing company)

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