Ice found just what he was looking for in northern Henry County, just 16 years after Indiana became a state. This was only 56 years after his father, Andrew, fought in the Revolutionary War that gave America its freedom and a mere 20 years after he, hims lf, had served his young country in the War of 1812.

“He settled here in 1832 and by 1836, had 440 acres,” said Richard Ice, a great-great grandson of Jesse Ice.

Eighteen years later, on July 11, 1854, a place Jesse Ice called Mount Summit, scenically situated on the highest elevation in Henry County, was born.

For many years afterwards, the town grew, homes and churches were built, roads were constructed and trains rolled through. But there was not a single mention of the man who started it all – until now.

Drive through town today on U.S. 36 and look toward the Mount Summit Community Building on the north side and you’ll see a statuesque stone with Jesse Ice’s name on it. At long last, the town founder is recognized.

Recently, members of the Ice family gathered at the spot where the marker now stands. Richard, who carried on his family’s deep military tradition by serving as a medic in World War II, stood next to his wife, Joan, whom he met in England while serving there. This November, they will celebrate a 67th wedding anniversary.

Their three children – Jennifer Bell, Jill Cook and Joe Ice – were alongside them, happy that a part of their family tree is now shared by the town generations of Ices have served and loved.

“I think it’s very important that the town knows where it all started from,” Jennifer Bell, a daughter of Richard and Joan Ice, said.

“It’s an honor for us to have that stone out there and carry on the Ice name,” said Jill Ice Cook, Jennifer’s sister. “It’s a piece of local history that needs to be known.”

“We thought something should be done,” said Joan Ice, Richard’s wife.

Jesse Ice fought for his country in the War of 1812, just as his father, Andrew, had done in the Revolutionary War decades before. Just as his great-great grandson, Richard, would do in World War II. Today, the love of this local land continues in the Ice family, as Jill’s son, Christopher, farms part of an original parcel, just like Jesse Ice did generations before him.

Mike Burch, the former Prairie Township trustee, said the boulder that now honors the Ice family is a great thing for the town. Helping make the project a reality was one of the last things he did in his long tenure as trustee.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Burch said. “I’ve known members of the Ice family all my life. I’m glad Richard got to see his ancestors remembered in this way.”

One street in town carries the name “Williard” in honor of Williard Ice, but few know it. Burch said the boulder – taken from the land Jesse Ice once farmed – is an even better tribute than the process of renaming a town street after him.

“Everybody would have had to change addresses if the town had done that,” Burch explained. “The cost was too high and it just didn’t fit right. I’m real happy with what we did. This way, people can be reminded of the town founder every time they walk into the post office or attend a community function. I’m so proud that’s there for the family.”

Family descendants with the name “Ice” are dwindling. Only one young male, Jordan, a son of Joe Ice, is left in the lineage at this point.

But because of what was erected here in front of the community building, the “Ice” name and the history that goes with it will be frozen in time as long as there are soldiers like Andrew, Jesse and Richard Ice and Red Cross volunteers like Joan Ice to serve their country. As long as there are aspirations as high as elevations. As long as there are places like Mount Summit.

More information on local history can be found at the Henry County Historical Society. The society’s website is www.henrycountyhs.org. Darrel Radford is a staff writer for The Courier-Times. Follow him on Twitter @DKRadford.