Aberdeen, Indiana, Level 4 Ghost Town With a Meteorite in a Local Cemetery, Abandoned

www.HistoryInYourOwnBackyard.com
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812-623-5727
As mentioned, Aberdeen, Indiana is a Level 4 Ghost Town located about 8 miles southwest of Rising Sun, Indiana which is located in the smallest County in the state....Ohio County. Aberdeen has a population of less than 50 people and Cass Township where Aberdeen is located only has a population of about 700 people.
The Settlement of Aberdeen was established around 1819 when Dr. Robert Gillispie came here with his family who were originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. Apparently they decided to name this crossroads after their hometown in Scotland and the name stuck.
During the 1800s and into the early 1900s quite a few businesses sprang up in and around Aberdeen and Cass Township including at least 3 general stores, an appliance store, a post office, two gun smith shops, a blacksmith shop, a buggy shop, 8 one room school houses, a saw mill, a broom shop, a coopering shop and a barber shop. Most of those businesses were run right out of the homes of the owners but now all of the businesses are gone.
Information is kind of sketchy as most of the people who lived here in the 1950s and before are dead now but I’ll do my best to cover what still exists in Aberdeen & Cass Township. If I miss anything or get anything wrong, please let me know in the comments below.
The Lute Lotton General Store was located at the northeast corner of State Route 56 & Cass Union Road. It opened in 1907 and changed hands throughout the years with the last two owners being the Phillips family from 1932 to 1963 and the Kelley family from 1963 until it closed sometime in the late 1970s. The store included gas pumps out front and stocked everything from guns to clothing, shoes, paint, groceries, ice cream, kerosene and even had a Hukster wagon fashioned from an old school bus that would be used by Mrs. Kelly twice a week to deliver much needed groceries and staples to residents throughout Ohio & Switzerland Counties. A post office was located in the store from 1852-1880. It’s reported that the Aberdeen Pate Water Company operated had an office in this building from 1965-1969. The store and the owners house connected on the backside. Unfortunately both were demolished around 2020.
The block building directly across Cass Union Road sold TVs, refrigerators and other appliances I’ve been told. The house next to it at the corner was built between 1886 and 1892 and was demolished in 2000.
Cattycorner from the Kelly Store sat Jenkins Store at the southwest corner of the intersection. At some point the store closed and became a pizza parlor. I heard there was a fire in the building but I don’t know if that was before or after the pizza parlor. Either way both buildings have been demolished leaving only the concrete steps at the corner and one back wall giving any evidence to the former store.
The Satchwell Shell Service Station sat at the corner of Allensville Road and State Route 56. The original building was still standing in 2015 but appears to have been demolished and replaced as of 2024.
Palmer’s Store & feed mill was located about 3 miles north of Aberdeen and sat on the west side of the road. The owners home was to the far left, the general store was in the center with gas pumps out front and the feed mill was to the right. Although the gas pumps are gone, the buildings still stand in 2024.
McPherson’s had a general store in town beginning in 1911. However I’m not sure if this picture is looking north on Cass Union from Aberdeen or looking west on Aberdeen Road from Aberdeen. The building originally housed a blacksmith shop operated by Willard Tyler before it became a general store.
Jimmy Rand had a broom shop in Aberdeen in the 1800s. The broom making machine can now be found at the Ohio County Historical Museum in Rising Sun.
The Aberdeen United Methodist Church was organized in 1897. The Independent Order of Abstainers decided to deed this two story building to the church where they could hold services on the first floor. Unfortunately I haven’t found anyone who knows where that building was located. If you know anything about it, please leave a comment below. Later a church was built for the congregation at the corner of Allensville Road and State Route 56.
GPS Location: 38º54'19.3"N 84º59'15.0"W
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[@user-bj2mb1rn7e]

That barn is my grandparents' farm. My family has lived there since the 1950s.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I'm guessing I spoke to your father about it a few days ago??? I actually stopped at his house to ask him about the old Murray One Room School House location when he suggested that I drive further back the road to look at the barn. Definitely one of the most impressive barns I've ever seen!

[@user-bj2mb1rn7e]

That is my cousin.

[@ericstewart706]

who was your grandparents if you don't mind me asking

[@user-bj2mb1rn7e]

@@ericstewart706 Ralph and Willowdean Niccum

[@caseyrayls6234]

I have an original (documented) cap lock rifle that was built in Aberdeen by Gillespies. Complete with original accoutrements.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Really! Can you send me a picture of it? I've never seen one. [e-mail]

[@supercuda1950]

Thanks for explaining some of the history that goes along with this area. I have spent many hours touring this area in my Slingshot.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

There's so much to be discovered out there, no matter where to travel. Glad you liked the video.

[@robkoons1891]

Grew up and worked for farmers areound aberdeen. My great Grandfather drove schoolbus for Cass Union School and had cousins that actualky lived in the school affer it closed. Palmer store was hands down an amazing place. Great people and the best place to grab a coke and a sandwich at lunch! Thank you for this great video

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked the video. I never had the chance to see the Palmer Store when it was still operating. When did it go out of business?

[@robkoons1891]

@historyinyourownbackyard2363 I believe it went out of business in the late 80s but could of been the early 90s. I left flr the navy in 1985 so much of what happened after I left I never heard about

[@wiscpoi]

I just came across your channel. I love it! Thanks.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you like it!

[@ervincrawford3730]

Please and thank you kindly in advance.

[@ervincrawford3730]

I remember hearing life stories from my elders about things that have happened way back when I was just a lil guy, I didn't pay no mind then because I didn't appreciate history and art like I do now as an adult. Kinda wish I had because this town is really a nice place. There be one missing place from my childhood and that would be the Farrar residence(owned by my grandfather originally Ervin Lloyd Farrar until he came home from the 2nd world war added to it and got hitched to my grandmother Carolyn Shoaf) located at North and Clay where there's a empty lot they working on now. Used to be a long PINK&WHITE house guys!!! But sadly it's all a memory now. This town is full of hidden gems and history I just know it. Help us guy, will ya?

[@wiscpoi]

@@ervincrawford3730 thank you sir for the additional information. I myself am finding history more important and fascinating since I am older now.

[@ervincrawford3730]

@@wiscpoi youre welcome. It's really sad we don't appreciate history til we are well older.

[@darrellpotter4807]

You mentioned the Claybank School House. I grew up there and have family members still living there. It is visible on the left of your video at the 25:52 mark. It has been heavily modified with several additions built on over the years. Sometime after it was closed, the entire building was rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise. I have no idea why. I may have a picture of it before it was turned, but if I don't my sister does. The only part of the building with the original flooring still intact is the hallway, and if you look close, you can still see marks on the floor where the desks used to sit.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Cool! I think your sister contacted me several months ago and said the same thing.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome Ghost Town video of Aberdeen Satoli! The level 4 Ghost Town is my favorite because theres still hope some of the buildings will be restored and preserved. I love looking at the old buildings and imagining them in their heyday. Beautiful little town and history! Awesome then and now pictures!Thanks for sharing it with us!👍

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

This video was a lot of fun. Just wish I would have came up with the idea of covering small towns 30 or 40 years ago when there was still a town left.

[@alanfan8941]

There are several of these towns along the Ohio River. Two that I have stopped in is Bethlehem, IN(3-4) and Brooksburg, IN (3).

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Exploring, isn't it great!

[@johnswigler6512]

I'm glad to see you're back, Satolli 🧢🇺🇸 Great video

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I never left! LOL! :)

[@charlesjohnson-qc6hj]

That was Pam's Pizza... No word about the Aberdeen gang lol... I can't recall all my old friends from there,,, it was back in the 80s,,, most were around 14 years old then...

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

So did the fire happen before or after the Pizza Restaurant?

[@jeffs5093]

That was an amazing video, thank you for sharing it

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked it Jeff.

[@chuckmadden2251]

Rally enjoyed this, thank you.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked it!

[@jackwalsh1468]

I was getting concerned there would be no Chrissy, Jacquelyn and or "I'm Satolli" this week... Then a full 47 minute episode. . Oh yeah,, It was awesome Satolli. Cheers, Mate.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

This was a big project so it took awhile. But have no fear, I have over 250 more videos to edit so we still have a 5 year supply of documentary videos to send your way. :)

[@jackwalsh1468]

@historyinyourownbackyard2363 I look forward to viewing them all. Hopefully one on Saylor Park is in the offing?

[@TheGeno1966]

Well done as usual!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks! I need to get back up your way and do some more work.

[@fastsetinthewest]

Nice history video. New subscriber. I was raised on a family farm in Venice Township, Shiawassee County, Michigan. It was hard work. We primarily raised hogs, corn, and finally just crops on 1400 acres. I was drafted into the Army in 1967 and trained on the Bell UH-1 and the Hughes OH 6A helicopters. I couldn't believe my luck. It was like a vacation after the farm. We got up late at about 10 A.M. We were attending 2nd shift class. My luck ran out. I was sent to the Republic of Vietnam in 1968 and I served as a crew chief on the OH 6 Cayuse. We couldn't get helicopter parts. My M-16 jammed. They gave me wrong size shoes and told me to like it. I spent a fortnight in a field hospital. I never went back to the farm. I got all those fancy degrees. I interned under the crook Governor Jimmy Carter '74. He over-sprayed Georgia with fire ant poison among other evil deeds. He had me visit Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia. It was a commune. I got a job with the government. My first meeting in DC was with a drunk Senator named Talmedge. The congressman I worked with went to jail. I left the government after 2 years. I now live in a suburban area making 8 grand per month retired.

[@allencutter5496]

I LIVE ON DOWNEY. ON MY ROAD WAS THAYERS GAS STATION & GENERAL STORE. FARMHOUSE BUILT 1870 I WAS TOLD IT WAS A POST OFFICE BEFORE 1900. AN PAST SOUTH FORK ON DOWNEY WAS A SCHOOL HOUSE CLOSE TO THE KNIGGA HOUSE WHERE MY DAD ATENED WHEN HE WAS A KID. THERE IS A CEMERTARY ON DOWNEY ON THE OLD HAYS FARM & ONE ON SOUTHFORK CALL THE DOWNEY CEMERTARY ON THE WORKS FARM.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I believe some of that is mentioned in the video.

[@bananabob2185]

What and who is the background music in the cemetery part (at ~16 mins in)? And the one after (driving tour to Cass). 👍🏼 Oh hell! ALL tracks! 🤷🏻‍♂️ (great traveling music!)

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

At 16 minutes that would be "Don't Look" by Silent Partner which is Royalty Free Music from KZbin. The Driving Tour would include again "Don't Look" "The Emperor's Army" "My Train's a Comin" and "Sunspots" all KZbin Royalty Free Music.

[@davedesigns4667]

It was a really great video overall, although in my opinion, toward the end, it fizzled out because you just drove around for almost 20 minutes. Not saying anything the first part of the video is really awesome because you're explained everything and gave such detail dates and information that would have been nice if you spoke to people who lived there in the past are current people that still live there. It'll be interesting to see like where they shop or what they do for a living. How far they have to drive stuff like that. And is there a city hall or who takes care of the infrastructure? When is there any hope for revitalization? All and all it was a great view. I just wish you would have divided all back together at the end or close it out personally

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're right, I agree.

[@robkoons1891]

Anither great ghostown is very close and that is Hartford. Once was a stop on stagecoach line in 1800s wnd was a thriving small community.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I did a video about Hartford a few months ago. Here's a link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5mQYqd8n8-KpLs

[@robkoons1891]

@historyinyourownbackyard2363 great video. Never saw it before you gave the link.

[@DianaTate-zm3xp]

Actually you did pass a one room school house on Cass Union rd. It is located after turning onto Cass Union Road, towards Aberdeen, and Palmers store. It is located on the left hand side of the road. Before the s curve going towards palmers. Why it is not easily recognizable is because it now a family residence. And in the 1940’s was turned one quarter turn. For what reason it is not totally clear. My parents have lived there for over six decades. Starting with my great grandmother Mable Corson Potter. My parents moved here in the late 50’s early 60’s. It was originally built in 1881 and closed in 1940’s after the school on the corner was built. Would you like to know which one room school house it was…..as it is the last standing one in Ohio County in Cass township. It’s (drum roll please) Claybank School. You drove by it several times, and didnt know it. It’s 143 years old and if you look closely at the roof you will see a slightly indented spot, that’s where the bell once stood. Any questions please feel free to contact me. So in the short of it you passed one, an didn’t know it.

[@DianaTate-zm3xp]

I also have a picture of the original school.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I would love to know exactly where that school is located, address or GPS location. I had it on my map from 1869 but could never find it. Thanks for letting me know and yes, please send me the address and photo. Thanks! [e-mail]

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Is it what with a green tin roof? @@DianaTate-zm3xp

[@DianaTate-zm3xp]

Well my parents had to put a new roof on, I believe in 2008, when the straight lines winds from hurricane Ivan passed through the area.

[@DianaTate-zm3xp]

So yes it is the home with the green tin roof

[@bertvosburg558]

Did anyone else catch the misspelling of "cemetery"?(Aberdeen- "cemetary")

[@TongueCutOutByYoutube]

Just found your channel, have you ever seen a "Brushy Prairie" near Shipshewana I think? Is it any more than those 2 houses on the hill with wheat fields?

[@TongueCutOutByYoutube]

What the heck just now I hear u mention Brushy Prairie! I'll give u a sub 👍 love me some history vids

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Here's the video I did on what is now Brushy Prairie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGWldXqvi85rgqM @@TongueCutOutByKZbin

[@TongueCutOutByYoutube]

@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 thanks! I'll watch it now

[@TongueCutOutByYoutube]

​@@historyinyourownbackyard2363 ok do you know Hamlet, IN? Think it's just off highway 6 near the old KOP?

[@TongueCutOutByYoutube]

​@@historyinyourownbackyard2363btw KOP is interesting you should check it out if you haven't... Sry haven't watched all your vids yet

[@DianaTate-zm3xp]

Do you have an email to which I can send you the original picture from the 1930’s.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Can you please tell us the age of that magnificent 4 story barn?

[@user-bj2mb1rn7e]

That barn is my grandparent's farm. My family has lived there since the 1950s.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I don't know the exact age but I'm guessing it dates back to the late 1800s to the early 1900's.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

@@user-bj2mb1rn7e What do you know about its history? Like when was it built?

[@user-bj2mb1rn7e]

@rosemcguinn5301 it was built in 1940, additional work in 1949 and the milking stanchions installed in 1980.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks for the information! Just curious, how did you find out when it was built?@@user-bj2mb1rn7e

[@joeanderson9852]

👍👍

[@markheckman3987]

I live in Gary Indiana

[@ervincrawford3730]

Another sad ghost town of it's formerself being the birthplace of 2 very famous Hoosiers David Letterman, and Micheal Jackson.... Would think the states government would come in and fix it up instead of ruining our natural resources in this state

[@allenschmitz9644]

Thats jesus and amish stomping grounds in green bean fields.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

LOL!

[@user-ye2xm4kt7t]

Soy bean fields

[@godisgood678]

Not too far from Whitewater Christian Service Camp, in Vevay. 🤗 I’m from Versailles, also not too far from Aberdeen.

[@allenschmitz9644]

Vevay is a cool town.@@godisgood678

[@fastsetinthewest]

Amen brother. Jesus is real.