William McGregor

Today, we bring you one of Sylvia Henricks’ “Remembrances.” You can read more of Sylvia’s columns weekly in The Franklin Township Informer, or in her book From The Ash Grove (available directly from the FTHS, and via the web site). 


We can be sure that a road of some kind, named or unnamed, ran in a westerly direction from Acton. We see it on early maps. The road or trail followed the creek (Wildcat Creek, on one map) staying on its north side. Then it cut in a northwesterly direction , perhaps through a wooded acres, to a point where it again went due west.

William McGregor, for whom the road was ultimately named, was not a pioneer settler of Acton. According to a brief biography of him, reprinted in the Society’s Historic Treasures (p.87), originally taken from “The People’s Guide, a business, political and religious directory of Marion County, Indiana, published in 1874,” he was born in 1828 near Madison, Indiana. His mother died early, and his father had trouble providing for the family. William and one of his brothers moved to Madison and learned the blacksmithing trade. William moved to Greenwood where he opened a shop. He added another fire in 1851, another in 1852, and a wagon shop. In 1858 he sold his shop at a profit and bought land in Missouri where he moved his family.

His daughter’s health caused him to return to Acton, where he bought a house and lot. He built a shop with five fires where he made plows, buggies and wagons, working five blacksmiths, seven woodworkmen, two painters and a trimmer.” William McGregor directed his prosperous business until 1866, then bought 88 acres of land from Joseph Fitzgerald for $84 an acre. He added several more parcels of land until in 1893 he owned 215 acres of which 150 were cleared. Mr. McGregor was a trustee of the Missionary Baptist Church.” The McGregors had nine children, two of whom died in infancy.

What a surprise it was several months ago when our Society received an email and a framed photo of the house from a woman who lives in Ames, Iowa. (I am quoting Marlena’s “Remembrances” of March 28, 2012.) “She had bought it at an estate sale among other items, and rather than give it to the Goodwill, she decided to contact us first. And we’re so glad she did! Of course, no one knows how the picture got to Ames in the first place. . . ” We wrote her, thanking her for the photo, which had arrived safely. It can be seen on display at the Meeting House.

According to the Society’s Franklin Township Area Old Houses (1982) p.67,the house is believed to have been built around 1887. Harold Mutz bought the property in 1954 and did extensive restoration, adding a family room and kitchen. Other previous renters or owners have been The Faulconers, Dore and Edith Nolting (1935-47, Littletons and Ralph Burge. Mr. Mutz sold it to Dr. Paul Walton, who has also made restorations.