The History of Boggstown Indiana

Sugar Creek township in Shelby County was founded in 1823.  Boggstown was planted in 1867.  It was named for Joseph Boggs, who established the tobacco factory which made plug tobacco, which was peddled by wagon through Central Indiana, Eastern Illinois, and Western Ohio.  As the town grew, besides tobacco, there was a general merchandising firm that became well established and sent their merchandise throughout Central Indiana.

The Boggstown Band, circa 1900

Historically speaking, Boggstown's "claim to fame" came when the town fathers, (after much debate, which was a favorite pastime of that era) passed a resolution to secede from the Union in the event of a Civil War.  (This was on February 16, 1861)  While the resolution was considered merely a statement, and after the advent of the war actual loyalty and support of the townspeople and surrounding area was given to the North, the resolution made quite a stir through the publicity given to it in Southern and Western newspapers.  In 1961, a suggestion was made to rescind the resolution; however it was felt best to leave the resolution as it stood.

The Red Mills in Boggstown, photo circa 1930s

Marjorie Main

The most well known person from this area was actress Marjorie Main (1890-1975).

Her real name was Mary Mae Tomlinson and she lived her teenage life on the first road north of Boggstown  (300 N); however she attended the Fairland school, rather than Boggstown. 

 She made 82 pictures, including Meet Me in St. Louis and The Women. She was best known as Ma Kettle.  You can read more about her in the biography  Marjorie Main: The Life and Films of Hollywood's Ma Kettle by Michelle Vogel