300-Plus Acres on the Lincoln Highway

Late in the summer of 1922, F.F. and A.M. Pierce left their homes in California to return to the Ainsworth area for the first time in 47 years. They were "two of four brothers left heirs to the Wheeler Pierce farm of 386 acres lying on the old Joliet road, now the Lincoln Highway, that was purchased by the pioneer Pierce nearly 80 years ago."

Looking at the 1874 Plat Map, we can see that Wheeler Pierce once owned a great deal of land at the intersection of the Sauk Trail (now 73rd Ave.) and the section road that is now Colorado Street.


(Click on image to enlarge)

The week after the Gazette reported on their visit, the News carried this item:

For Sale — On the Lincoln Highway, 383 acres farming land two miles east of Merrillville; also 40 acres of timber. For particulars call on Simeon Bullock, Hobart, Ind.

By 1922 there was no Bullock land on the Lincoln Highway, so Simeon must have been acting for someone else. My guess is the Pierce heirs.


Sources:
♦ "Are Here to Sell Old Farm." Hobart Gazette 8 Sept. 1922.
♦ "Wants — For Sale, Rent, Etc." Hobart News 14 Sept. 1922.