The History of Hanckock County
Hancock County was established in 1828. Its county seat is Greenfield. Hancock County is named after John Hancock, who was president of Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. Hancock County is currently made up of 9 townships, which are:
Blue River Township
Blue River Township was formed on April 7, 1828 as one of the first three townships in Hancock County.
The first settlers in Hancock County settled in the area that would later become Blue River Township. Andrews Evans is said to have built the first log cabin in 1818, followed by a blacksmith shop built by Thomas Phillips in 1822 and a general store built by Elijah Tyner in 1833. The first school teacher was Lewis Tyler. The school was built in 1823.
Brandywine Township
Brandywine Township was organized on April 7, 1828 and was one of the original three townships that made up Hancock County.
The first settlers of Brandywine Township made there home there in 1820, shortly after the arrival of the first settlers of Hancock County.
Brown Township
Brown Township started as part of Blue River Township. It was later separated from Blue River Township and made into Green Township. In September of 1836, Brown Township was given its name and current size.
Buck Creek Township
Buck Creek Township was formed in May of 1831. In May of 1836, it was reduced to its current size.
Center Township
Center Township was organized in May of 1831.
Settlers came to Center Township a few years after Blue River Township was settled. This was between 1819 and 1820.
Green Township
Green Township was formed in September of 1832 from the Northern parts of Jackson and Harris Counties.
Green Township was named after John Green, who was one of the Township’s earliest settlers.
Jackson Township
Jackson Township was formed in May of 1831. Its area originally included what is today Jackson and Brown Townships. In September of 1832 Green Township, which included all of what is today Green and Brown Townships, was organized. This left Jackson Township at its current size.
Sugar Creek Township
Sugar Creek Township was laid out as one of the original three townships in Hancock County on April 7, 1828.
Vernon Township
Vernon Township was formed in May of 1836. It received its present size on March 11, 1853. It was the last township to be added to Hancock County and contains the town of McCordsville.
Continue on to: The History of McCords Place or The History of McCordsville
