F CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104606235 COU]^TIES OF PORTER ^^'LAKE INDIANA. Historical and Biographical, ILaLaUSTRATB.D. Weston A. Goodspeed, Charles Blanchard, Historical Editor. Biographical Editor. CHICAGO : , ■;, <'J\ P. A. BATTBY & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1882. /,i;v!~! ^/ L 5 Xld^'.'^ j/j ( 1/ ■ ^'\ ; , . 1 ) , i PREFACE. THIS volume goes forth to our patrons the result of months of arduous, un- remitting and conscientious labor. None so well know as those who have been associated with us the almost insurmountable difficulties to be met with in the preparation of a work of this character. Since the inauguration of the enterprise, a large force has been employed — both local and others — in gath- ering material. During this time, most of the citizens of both counties have been called upon to contribute from their recollections, carefully pre- served letters, scraps of manuscript, printed fragments, memoranda, etc. Public records and semi-oflBcial documents have been searched, the news- paper files of the counties have been overhauled, and former citizens, now living out of the counties, have been corresponded with, all for the purpose of making the record as complete as could be, and for the verification of the information by a conference with many. In gathering from these numerous sources, both for the historical and biographical departments, the conflicting statements, the discrepancies and the fallible and incomplete nature of pub- lic documents, were almost appalling to our historians and biographers, who were expected to weave therefrom with any degree of accuracj', in panoramic review, a record of events. Members of the same families disagree as to the spelling of the family name, contradict each other's statements as to dates of birth, of settlement in the counties, nativity and other matters of fact. In this entangled condition, we have given preference to the preponderance of authority, and while we acknowledge the existence of errors and our inability to furnish a perfect history, we claim to have come up to the standard of our promises, and given as complete and accurate a work as the nature of the surroundings would permit. Whatever may be the verdict of those who do not and vyill not comprehend the difficulties to be met with, we feel assured that all just and thoughtful people will appreciate our eflbrts, and recognize the importance of the undertaking and the great public benefit that has been accomplished in preserving the valuable historical matter of the counties and biographies of many of their citizens, that perhaps would otherwise have passed into oblivion. To those who have given us their support and encourage- ment, and they are many, we acknowledge our gratitude, and can assure them that as years go bj' the book will grow in value as a repository not only of pleasing reading matter, but of treasured information of the past that becomes a monument more enduring than marble. December, 1882. THE PUBLISHERS. CONTENTS. PART I— HISTORY OP PORTEB COUNTY. FAOE. CHAPTER I. Antiquities 13 Authors 24 Bailly Town 20 Birth, The First 18 Circuit Court, First Session of 20 Coffee Creek, Origin of Name 17 Court House and Jail 20 Geology 11 Hoosier's Keat, Song, Descriptive of. 19 Insurrections and Invasions 14 Jurore, The First 19 Kankakee Talley Drainage Association 23 Mail Route, The First 16 Markets, The Early 21 Memorable Sensation 23 Murder Case 23 Murder .Trials, Late 24 Plank Koad 21 Pnblic Buildings, Early 22 Public OfBceis 25 Bailroads, The Early 22-23 Sensational Trial 22 Settler, The First White 16 Settlers of 1833 17 Stage Line 17 Statistics 29 White Occupants 13 OHAPTEK II. Action of First Board of Commissioners 38 Acts of Commissioners 49 Agricultural Society 60 Alterations in Boundaries 54 Anti-Horse Thief Societies 67 County Library Association 48 County of Linn 56 County Press 67 County Seminary 53 Creation of County 31 Elections, The First 31 Election of 1836 36 Election Statistics 72 Fair, The First 62 Jurors for 1837 60 PAGE. OHAPTEK U.— Continued. Land Entries 34 Location of County Seat 41 Morgan Township, First Election in 32 Old Settlers* Association 65 Organization of Present County 35 Poor Farm, The First 59 Politics of County 71 Railroad and Telegraph 58 Recapitulation ofTaxes, 1880 77 Roads ...W.- 43 Ross Township, First Election in 32 School Oommissionera' Report for 1836 52 Treasurers' Report, The First 41 Waverly Township, First Election in 31 CHAPTER III. Appeal tothe Germans 87 Battery, The Fourth 93 Battery, The Twentieth 93 Cavalry, The Fifth 93 Cavalry , The Seventh 93 Cavalry, The Twelfth 93 Feeling During the War 97 611 Pierce's Song SB In the Field 85 Infantry, The Ninth 90 Infantry, The Fifteenth 91 Infantry, The Twentieth 91 Infantry, The Tw'enty-uinth 91 Infantry, The Thirty-fourth 92 Infantry, The Forty-eighth 92 Infantry, The Sixty-third 92 Infantry, The Seventy-third 92 Infantry, The Eighty-sixth 92 Iqfentry, The Ninety-ninth 92 Infantry, The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 92 Infantry, The One Hundred and Thirty-eighth 93 Infantry, The One Hundred and Fifty-first... . 93 Military Statistics 88 Old Soldiers 78 Roll of Honor 94 Sundry Corps ^. 94 War of the Rebellion 79 war Meetings and Enlistments S3 TOIVNSHIP HISTORIES. PAGE. CHAPTER IV. Yalfabaiso and Centre Township 102 Banks 127 Centre Township.. 104 Churches 139 City Taverns and Hotels 130 Collegiate Institute 128 Early Tradesmen of Yalparaiso 116 Elections, The First 107 First Buildings in Valparaiso 114 First White Settlers The .' 104 Incorporation of Valparaiso 127 Lakes, Streams, Etc 102 Marriages and Deaths 108,139 Mills and Industries, The Early „ 110 Normal School 134 Physical Description 102 Professional Men 126 Population 112 PortersviUe 113 Retrospective 149 PAQB. CHAPTER IV.— (OmHniierf). Schools 132 Secret Societies 125 Temperance Crusade 129 Trails and Roads 109 Valparaiso 112 Valparaiso Mayors 129 CHAPTER V. Westchesteb Township 160 Ancient Cemetery 155 Bailly Family, The 150 Birth, The First 155 Churches 156 Death, The First 186 Early Elections 166 Early Events 156 Early Settlers 155 Homicide....; 161 Industries 165 Marriage, The First 165 Vlll CONTENTS. TOWNSHIP HISTORIES— (CouUnued). CHAPTEE lY.— (Continued). Schools 166 Societies 166 Stage Line, The Old 156 Villages 162 t CHAPTER VI. Boone Township 166 Birth, The First .' 167 Business Pursuits 169 Churches 173 Death, The First 167 Election, The Firet 166 "Free Press," The 172 Hebron Village i 171 Indian AdrentureB 168 "Local News," The 172 Marriage, The First 168 Permanent Settlers, The Firet 167 Schools 169 Secret Organization 177 CHAPTER VII. Wabhinoton Township 1"^"^ Churches 18^ Early Homes 1'^ Election, The First 1"9 Enterprises, Various 181 Indians 1"^^ Industries, Early 180 Organization 1"^^ Prattville Village 181 Schools 183 Taxation 181 CHAPTER VIII. Morgan Township 185 Burial, The First 191 Cemeteries 191 Churches 1S9 Early Incidents '. 185 Growth of Township 192 Industries 188 List of Early Settlers 185 Officers, The Early 187 Origin of Township 185 Schools 190 Tassinong Village 187 CHAPTER IX. Boone Township 192 Accidental, Criminal, Incidental, etc 195 Creation of Township 192 Elections 194 Facts of First Settlement 193 Hoosier's Nest 197 Milling and Merchandizing 199 Origin of Name 192 Physical Features 192 Schools and Secret Societies 199 Wheeler Village , 200 CHAPTER X. Jackson Township 201 Churches and Cemeteries 204 Early Events 202 Elections, The Early 205 Mills, The Early 202 Origin of Name 201 Physical Characteristics 201 Schools and Teachers 202 Settlers, The First 204 Villages 203 CHAPTER XI. LiBERTT Township Early Settlements Elections, Early Forest Productions Indian Incident Industries, Early Land Sales of 1835 Pioneer Experiences Post Offices Roads, Early Schools Secret Society Stores Water Supply Worship, Places of. CHAPTER XII. Portage Township Churches Crisman Village Early Conditions First Settlers and Elections.. Future Prospects General Description Mills, etc Old Stage Line Origin of Name Schools and Teachers Taverns Wild Animals CHAPTER XIII. Pleasant Township Churches Crime Early Events Fatal Casuality First Election Industries Kent's Village List of Early Settlers.. Officers, Present Origin of Name , Schools CHAPTER XIV. PoETHa Township Churches Early Election Early Events Formation , Mound, Pre-historic , Origin of name Post OfSces and Stores Reminiscences Schools Settlers CHAPTER XV. PiNH Township A Mystery Firet Settler, The Fish Lake Formation Industries Origin of Name Roads Schools Settlement Stores Surface Features BIOGRAPHICAI. SKETCHES. Boone Township 314 Centre Township 280 Jackson Township 355 Liberty Township 363 Morgan Township 347 Pine Township 392 Pleasant Township 374 Portagpi Township Porter Township Union Township Valparaiso, City of Washington Township... Webtchester Township . CONTENTS. IX PORTRAITS. FAQE. Barnard, Nelson 81 Campbell, T. A. E , 27 Green, H 99 O'Keilly, Michael 117 Forbea, J. T 63 VIEAVS. Besidence of G. W. Merrill 45 ] BeBidence of Albert Hankins . PART II— HISTORY OF IiAKE COUNTY. CHAPTER I. PAGE. Bouadaries 415 Early Occupants 405 Land Kntriea, Table of 411 Landmarks 404 Land Sales at La Porte.. .„ 410 Ixjcation and Dimensions 401 Mail Routes 416 Physical Features 401 Settlers 405 "Squatters' Union" 406 Statistics 417 Streams and Lakes 402 Surface and Soil 403 Swamp Land Speculation..... 412 Wabash Canal Land Entries 414 CHAPTER II. ' Agricultural Society, Organization of 434 Agricultural Society, Fairs of the 435 County Suildings. 437 County Offices 428 County Officers (1837 to 1880).... 444 County Seat, First Location pf 426 County Seat, Relocation of. 427 Early Proceedings of CommisBioners 420 Erection of Township 418 Formation of County 419 Legislative Acts 430 Licenses, Early Tavern and Other 425 Officers before Present Formation 4L9 Old Settlers' Association 444 Political Features 445 PoorFaim 431 Press, The County 439 Recapitulation of Taxes, 1881 450 School Fund, Receipts and Expenditures (fii'st five years) 424 Tables of Election Returns 447 CHAPTER III. Bounty and Relief Fund 471 Calls for Troops 472 Companies, First Enrolled , 457 Death of Lincoln 467 Draft Officers 467 Enrollment Table for 1862 463 Fourthof July, 1862 , 461 Fourth of July, 1863 463 Jubilation 466 Mexican War, The 452 Muster Roll of Company H, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry 453 Old Militia System 451 Rebellion, The 456 Becruiting, General 461 Roll of Honor, Lake County's 473 Roster of Officers of Lake's Four Companies... 471 Soldiers' Aid Society '. 469 Volunteers, Table of. 458 War Meeting, The First 457 CHAPTER lY. Crown Point and Centre Township 475 Acts ofi Crown Point Trustees 499 Additions to Crown Point 488 Attempts at Settlement, First 476 Bank, The First National 498 CHAPTER TV— (Continued). page Churches; 501 Claim Seekers of 1834r-35 482 Crown Point 479 Death, First at Crown Point 485 Educational Enterprises, Private 492 First Election of Crown Point Offlcei^ 498 Incorporation of Crown Point 498 Indufatries, Etc .^ 486 Land Entries 484 Marriage Licenses, Early 484 Permanent Settlement 479 Pioneer Experiences 480 Population of Crown Point 601 Postmaster, First 483 Present Business of Crown Point 500 Professions, Etc 486 Schools 489 Secret Societies 494 Trades, Etc 486 White Persons, The First 475 CHAPTER V. Cedab Creek Township 505 Business of Lowell in 1882 516 Churches 519 Creston Village 518 Early Events 508 Formation and Name 505 Industries, Etc 509 Lowell Village 512 Outlet Post Office 517 Pioneer Life, Incidents of. 506 Press of Lowell 517 Railroad 518 Schools and Teachers 510 Secret Orders 521 Settlers, Early 506 Stores, Etc 509 CHAPTER VI. HoBAHT Township 522 Baxter's Addition to Chicago 531 Churches 528 Early Settlers 532 General Description 523 Growth of Township 530 Hobart Village 525 Industries 527 Lake Station 528 Liverpool Village 523 Name and Boundaries 522 Railroads 626 Schools and Teachers 530 Secret Orders , 529 Settlement 523 Shaw's Subdivision 531 CHAPTER VII. North Township 532 Boundaries 532 Churches 537 Lakes and Streams 535 List of Taxpayers in 1839 533 Physical Features 534 Progress of Education 536 Tavern and Other Licenses 533 ToUeston Club 542 Towns and their Industries 538 CONTENTS. PAOE PAGE. CHAPTER Vlir. Boss Township 542 Civil Offlcere 649 Early Bventa 644 Merrillville 646 Miscellaneous 550 Organization .'. 543 Bedsdale 548 Schools 648 Settlements and Villages 545 Settlers, Early 544 Soil, Productions, Etc 543 Boss Village 647 Water Supply 643 Wood's Mill 647 CHAPTER IX. Hanover Township ^^^ Brunswick Village °°;- Erection of Township °°' Hanover Centre rik Klaasville Village ™^ Pioneers, The Earliest ^^i Pottawatomie Indians ood Privations of Pioneers "?J Religious Growth ??* Eesidents of 1837 664 Schools ■■ ™° Statistics of Township Fund in 1858 Obi Taxed Settlers of 1839 S54 Villages 561 CHAPTEE X. Sj. John's Township 568 Dyer, Industries of. 569 Dyer, Town of 568 Incidents 575 Industries of Township 574 Large Farm 575 Organization 668 Origin of Name 568 Schererville, Town of 572 Schools and Churches 572 Settlers, Early 576 St. John's, Town of 571 CHAPTBB XI. 5V6 Eaoie Cbeek Township ,.' 680 Birth, TheEiret ' 580 Churches. =80 Early Items "76 Formation of Township 577 Game, Indians, Etc '' 580 Industries v ; 579 Kankakee Marsh, Draining ol gg(, Marriage, The Eirst sgo Post Office, Early 680 Schools •• 676 Settlers, First and Early j^g Timber Thieves CHAPTEB XII. 582 West Cbeek Township -j;";' roo Anecdotes and Incidents, Early om Churches "85 First Events 684 Formation andName ooi Industries 684 Schools 585 Settlers, Early 682 CHAPTEE XIII. WiNFiELD Township 589 Cemeteries 596 , Churches 595 Creation of Township 590 Death, First 592 Incidents of Early Days 59^ Indian Keljps 591 Leading Products 089 Mounds 596 Occupations 593 Pioneer Hardships 591 Pottawatomie Indians 591 Eoads 596 Sanitarv Condition 695 Schools 594 Settlement 690 Surface and Soil 589 Town Officers 594 Valuation 597 Villages 593 BIOGRAPIIICAIi SKETCHES. Cedar Creak Township 637 Crown Point and Centre Township 599 Eagle Creek Township 738 Hanover Township 719 Hobart Township 666 North Township 687 Ross Township 704 St. John's Township 726 West Creek Township 762 Winfleld Township 761 PORTRAITS. GrifBn, Elihn 477 Miller, H. F. C 513 Pettibone, Harvey 531 Wood, John, Sr 459 Wood, T.J 495 PAET I. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. CHAPTER I. BT HUBERT o. SKINNER. Geology— Evidences of Glaciation— The Drift— Topography— Wateb- CoiTRSES— Pre-Histokic Eemains— The French and Indians— The Bailly Family — Summary View of County Settlement— The First Court- Public Buildings— Capital and Other Crimes— The Plank Road— Railways- County Authorship— Statistical Tables— Pub- lic Officers. THE geologist who delights to enrich his cabinet with fossils gathered from the paleozoic rocks, will find nothing in Porter County to reward his search ; but to one who is interested in the study of glaciation and its effects, this region presents a most interesting field for investigation. The floor of Porter County was laid in the Devonian age, and below us lie myriads of fossilized organisms of this " age of fishes." But these are hidden by the vast deposits of glacial drift, and could be reached only by excavations of great depth. The strata of drift are at least 170 feet in thickness, and there are no outcroppings of the original rock -bed. Upon the surface we find occasional fragments of limestone, crinoids and other traces of the Silurian age ; but they were brought hither from regions far to the north. Upon the surface, and sometimes beneath it, we find granitoid bowlders of various size scattered through the county ; and in the beds of all our streams are innumerable pebbles, worn smooth by the constant action of the water. These, likewise, are not native, but were transported to our borders from the distant northland. So complete are the evidences which support the glacial theory, that it is unnecessary here to present any arguments in its favor. It is sufficient to give the conclusions at which scientists have arrived, upon the most careful study and investigation of the subject. Formerly the lake, which beats upon our northern shore, was a part of the great ocean ; and, even now, fragments of marine Crustacea are 12 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. found by dredging deep into its bed. At the close of the Mammali^-n *g^^ was ushered in the glacial epoch. There was then an elevation crust in the northern latitudes, which was followed by a period oi i cold. Immense masses of ice were formed, and the procession oi g moved southward from their mountain home. Over Porter County passe a sheet of ice which extended hundreds of miles in width, which reare its head 400 feet above the surface, and which extended in an unbroken mass a thousand miles in length. Firmly clasped in its icy embrace were immense bowlders and masses of sand, clay and gravel. Huge masses of rock were ground to powder by its action. The water, which flowed beneath this river of ice, deposited its sediment in its course. Far to the southward, the glacier wasted away, and, melting, formed the Ohio River. As the glacial epoch waned, lesser glaciers passed down to the rock barriers of the Wabash region, and, dying, gave birth to the stream. In the glacial drift, we find the remains of animal and vegetable life. Some of the bones of the mastodon were found a few years since upon our eastern border, near Wanatah. Fossilized fragments of trees and of fruits have been discovered. Geologists rarely estimate in years the duration of the geological periods. However, it may be of interest to know that the lowest calculation places the duration of the ice age at 50,000 years, and the time of its termination is thought to have been 175,000 years ago. After the glacial epoch, came the lacustrine period. The northern regions, which had been raised to such an elevation, subsided, or were deeply eroded, and the lakes were formed. This subsidence or erosion, extended to about the center of Porter County, where the water-shed now extends in an irregular line. The water no longer flowed in from the ocean, and the inland sea became changed into fresh water lakes. The line of sand hills upon our northern shore has no counterpart in the known world. Other lakes have ranges of sand hills, but none a iange like ours. The combined action of the winds and waves through untold ages, has reared these beautiful ridges to a height of one hundred and fifty^sometimes two hundred — feet. In color, they are a bluish white, and from afar they glisten in the sun with an unearthly beauty, contrasting with the deep blue of the lake that dashes upon the beach! On our southern border, the sluggish Kankakee pursues its sinuous course little changed in its appearance and natural surroundings through a lone- lapse of ages. Porter County contains about a dozen small lakes. Th most considerable of these are Flint and Long Lakes, north of Valpara' and Longinus, Mud and Fish Lakes, near the northern shore Tb ' Calumet River flows in a westerly direction through the northern its principal aflluents being Salt and Coff'ee Creeks. Sandy Hook a rl HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 13 Crooked Creeks flow southward through the southern part of the county ; the former discharges into the Kankakee, while the latter is lost in the extensive and low marsh adjoining the river. While not remarkably rich in antiquities, Porter County contains many objects of interest to the archaeologist. It was once occupied by that strange and problematic people — the Mound-Bailders — who have left numerous traces of their occupation. The Mound-Builders are com- monly supposed to have been a great people, who occupied the Mississippi Yalley, and who migrated to the southward. The Spanish accounts of the Aztecs, Toltecs and Chichemecs, the ruined cities of Mexico and Central America, and the inscriptions found in these have been carefully studied for a solution of the mystery in which this race is involved. But the mystery is yet unsolved. Numerous earth mounds are found in Porter County ; but there are no fortifications or other works of any great mag- nitude. In the mounds have been found human bones, arrow heads and fragments of pottery. Scores of stone ax-heads, and thousands of arrow- flints have been collected from the prairies and from the banks of streams. There is a most interesting earthwork to be found near Deep River, at the western border. Here is a mound of earth, reared by human hands, and rising to the height of twenty feet. It is shaped like a flat-iron, and regularly built, the principal sides measuring each twenty feet in length from the apex. Near the latter, there is a well, which was formerly of enormous depth. The excavation is circular, and has a diameter of eight or nine feet. Into this well, the early settlers threw the dehris of their clearings, with the intention of filling it up ; but the capacity has been So great that it remains yet unfilled. Numerous small excavations in the adjacent soil and rocks have led to the conclusion that this was once a "water-cure" establishment, and resorted to in ancient times for its baths. The. First White Occupants. — It is not known when Porter County was first visited by white men. The supposition is that French explorers and traders occasionally passed through this region from about the middle of the seventeenth century. The first Europeans whose visits were recorded were fathers Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon. These famous missiona- ries landed upon the lake shore, and traversed the country to the Kankakee River, inspecting the natural features of the land, and becoming acquainted with the natives. In the summer of the following year, 1673, Father Jacques Marquette returned from his Mississippi expedition, and with his six followers paddled up the Kankakee to its source. Here the party crossed the marsh, carrying their boats to the St. Joseph, and continued their journey down the river and up the lake to Green Bay. In 1679, a celebrated company passed down our winding river. The leader of the 14 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. expedition was Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle ; the lieutena the Chevalier De Tonti. Father Hennepin and the Sieur de la .^ were among the number. This band of about thirty men P* light canoes down the Kankakee and Illinois. The next year, spring, La Salle passed through our territory on foot, with three " ^^ ions, on his march to Frontenac (now Kingston). In the last ay 1681, he returned and passed westward over our lake border with a con- siderable company of followers. In 1711, many of the natives ot this region came under the influence of the missionary Chardon, who was stationed at a post upon the St. Joseph, and many were baptized in the Chris- tian faith. The next year, 1712, many of these natives repaired to De- troit to assist the French against the Fox Indians. A friendly feeling between the French and the natives was the result. Traders resorted to the post and carried on an extensive traffic in furs and corn. A conse- quence of this traffic was a demoralizing indulgence in " fire water," the baneful effects of which were noted by the missionary Charlevoix. In 1759, our territory, together with that of all Northern Indiana, passed into the hands of the British. English and French traders, between whom existed a deadly hatred, now traversed the lake shore. The French had the advantage of their rivals since they enjoyed the confidence of the natives, and understood their language. The Pottawatomies of this re- gion assisted in the capture of the post on the St. Joseph in 1763. This was a part of the general insurrection planned by Pontiac ; and the suc- cess of this expedition was rendered valueless by the failure of the at- tempts elsewhere. The overthrow of Pontiac led to a long peace. In 1781, our territory was invaded from an unexpected quarter. The Spanish commander, Don Eugenio Pierre, came from St. Louis to seize the lake shore in the name of the King of Spain. A force of sixty In- dians from the West accompanied the Spanish troops. The march was made very early in the year, amid the storms of winter. Don Pierre probably followed the old Sac trail which led from Twenty-mile Prairie through the site of Valparaiso to the eastward. Over the soil of Porter County had now waved the flags of England, France and Spain, and now a fourth power was to claim the territory. The treaty by which England acknowledged the independence of the United States, at the termination of the Revolutionary war, was signed in 1783. The British, however, continued to occupy Detroit and to claim this region until 1796, at which time the territory of Porter Countv became in reality a part of the American republic. Among the lo 1 Indian legends, the most noticeable is that of the Boundary war wa d by the natives of this region, and a tribe adjoining upon the west Th former possessed themselves of the ford of the Kankakee at Eton's Cr HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 15 ing, as a rendezvous. A battle was fought at the north end of Morgan Prairie ; and the invaded tribe, simulating terror, fled from the field. The second battle was fought near the rendezvous. Those who had before appeared to fear the intruders, now effected their complete rout. The victors pursued the foe to the Chicago River, where the boundary was adjusted satisfactorily. Evidences that some such struggle actually oc- curred have been found upon the prairie and at the river ; but no date can be assigned to it, and it must remain simply a subject of legend and not of history. The troops of Col. John H. Whistler, of Detroit, com- missioned to erect a fort upon the lake shore, at the mouth of the Chicago River, passed through our territory in 1803. Col. Whistler made the journey from Detroit in a Government vessel, the " Tracy," which was the first ship that ever entered Chicago harbor. In the spring of 1804, the fort was completed, and named in honor of Gen. Dearborn. An ex- tensive trading post was here established ; and from the first, Fort Dear- born exercised an extensive influence over the region of Porter County. Trails leading thither became roads of regular travel, and men were to be seen at all times passing to and from the fort. Native trappers and hunt- ers resorted to the shores of the Calumet and the Kankakee, and gath- ered large quantities of valuable furs ; corn was raised in abundance upon the prairies, and carried to the fort for sale. Transportation was con- ducted by means of canoes upon the lake, and also by means of ponies with pack saddles of bark. One of the leading spirits of this region at that time was Alexander Robinson, a remarkable man, in whose veins were mingled the blood of the English, the French and the Indian. He was in the employ of John Jacob Astor, and was stationed at the fort, but made numerous journeys to our territory, purchasing and transporting corn and furs. Another prominent man of the time was Joseph Bales, or Bailie, a Frenchman who was associated with Robinson in the fur agency. Eventually, he became widely known as a pioneer of Northwestern Indiana, and was the first white settler of Porter County. Capt. Heald succeeded Col. Whistler in command of the fort. Lah- wasika, the " Prophet," and brother of Tecumseh, sent his emissaries to the tract lying north of the Kankakee to secure aid in his intended war upon the whites. Aid was promised and given. The battle of Tippe- canoe was fought in 1811. At the time of the conflict the shores of the Kankakee were thronged with women and children, the aged and the helpless. Those who returned from that battle were enraged and embit- tered against the white people of Indiana Territory, and were divided in their feelings toward the garrison of Fort Dearborn. Many were disposed to be friendly with their neighbors of the Northwest ; but the influence of 16 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. u • rlpfeat fore- British emissaries and the thirst for blood aroused by their ob boded danger to the garrison and village on Chicago River. ^ nning ing in August, 1812, Wirinemeg, an Indian messenger, was seen """^^^^^^ nimbly along the beach and over the sand hills of our ^°^^^^^\^^^ ^^ He came from Detroit, and bore the fatal message to the '=0'"'"*" .^^g ^f Fort Dearborn. Capt. Heald called a council, in which ^^^^^^^ -^^^^ this region participated. About the same time, Capt. Wells, o Wayne, accompanied by fifteen Miamis, hastened over the trail in e en- deavor to protect from danger his sister, who was at the fort, i he mas- sacre of Fort Dearborn occurred on August 15. Two noble-hearted In- dians, Winnemeg and Wabansee, endeavored to save their friend, Gapt. Wells, but in vain. He fell in the massacre, bravely fighting. For four years but few white faces were seen in our territory. The fort lay in ruins ; traders feared to mingle with the perpetrators of the massacre. At length, in 1816, the fort was rebuilt and garrisoned. Indiana was now admitted into the Union as a State. The Government purchased from the natives a strip of land ten miles in width, extending across the north end of the State. In 1822, the first white settler made his home at the place now known as Bailly Town, in Westchester Township. This was Joseph Bailly, or Bailie, of whom mention has been made. Mr. Bailly established a store, and built up a very considerable trade with the natives. He had married an Indian woman, and was thoroughly acquainted with the habits, cus- toms and language of her people. Madame Bailly spoke French fluently, and adopted many of the customs and refinements of civilized life, but always retained the dress of the aborigines. The settlement at Bailly Town became widely known ; travelers, traders, adventurers, mission- aries and Government officers made it their rendezvous. It was the lead- ing place of assembly for religious exercises ; it was an important center of trade ; it was a place of safety in time of danger. Mr. Bailly pur- chased a sloop in order to navigate the great lakes, and gave his daughters the advantages of travel and Eastern education. In 1831, a road was cleared from Detroit to Fort Dearborn. It passed through what now constitutes Jackson, Westchester and Portage Townships. It was a wild, rude pathway, fatiguing in its roughness abounding in dangers, and often uncertain in its course. Over this road a mail line was established between Detroit and Fort Dearborn, the mail being carried in knapsacks upon the backs of soldiers, two of whom were regularly detailed for this purpose. In 1832, the entire Northwest was thrown into great consternation bv the tidings of outrage and massacre committed by Black Hawk in the regions near the Mississippi. The territory of Porter County, with its HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 17 single white inhabitant, had little to fear, but the natives were much ex- cited by the events. Government troops were immediately dispatched to the scene of war, and passed over the Detroit and Fort Dearborn road. Alexander Robinson, of whom mention has been made, was now chief of the Pottawatomies, having been chosen to that office in 1826. He was known among the natives by the name of Chechebingway. He convened a great council of the tribe at Fort Dearborn, and successfully used his influence to establish a lasting peace with the whites. Within this year, the Government purchased the Indian title to all the lands of Porter County lying south of the old Indian boundary established in 1816. The year 1833 was an important era in our history. A stage line was established, and coaches ran from Chicago to Detroit, making three trips per week. The first contractors of this line were Messrs. Converse & Reeves. At a season of high water, the mail carriers lost a sack of coffee in a large, swollen stream, which incident gave to Coffee Creek its name. With the establishment of this stage line, commenced the actual settlement of Porter County by white families. The Morgan brothers, Jesse, William and Isaac, natives of Monongalia County, Va., arrived early in this memorable year. Jesse settled in what is now Westchester Township, on Section 6. The Chicago and Detroit road passed through his farm, and invited him to assume the character of "mine host." He accordingly christened his home the " Stage House," and had no lack of guests in his hostelry. Isaac and William Morgan chose locations upon the fair and extensive prairie which bears their name. Late in April, Henry S. Adams, of Jefferson County, Ohio, arrived at the prairie, ac- companied by his mother, his wife and three daughters, and encamped for a time on what is now Section 9, Morgan Township. In May, he erected a dwelling and otherwise improved his farm. George Cline, of Union County, Ind. ; Adam S. Campbell, of Chautauqua County, N. Y., and Reason Bell, of Wayne County, Ohio, arrived in June and located upon the prairie. Other settlers joined these pioneers, and soon a very considerable settlement of hardy, sober, industrious pioneers grew up in what had been an almost unknown wild. In May, the site of Valparaiso was visited by Thomas A. E. Camp- bell, then a young man of twenty-two years, who accompanied his uncle, Adam Campbell, in his explorations previous to the settlement of the latter upon the prairie. On the evening of the 21st, these gentlemen arrived at the new home of Isaac Morgan, and on the next day they arrived at the banks of Tishkatawk, the stream now known as Salt Creek. Thomas selected a site for his future home, and returned subsequently to take possession. Jacob Fleming, the Colemans, Ruel Starr and others removed hither within the same year. In the fall, an Indian trading 18 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. • tor Peter post was established near the Stage House, and its propriew ,^ ^^^^ Pravon^, was successful in money making. He disposed ot e j^ur- rels of " fire water " in a single winter. One of his customers wa dered in a drunken revel, and it is a matter of surprise that tnei ^^^.^^^^ greater effusion of blood. As a rule, the pleasantest relations su ^^^^ between the early settlers and the natives, and the pioneers, exemp the horrors of border wars, lived without fear of molestation. Early in 1834 came J. P. Ballard, who erected the first house upon the site of Valparaiso. It was in the valley of the stream which crosses Morgan street, and in the grounds south of Judge Talcott s present resi- dence that this first cabin was constructed. A. K. Pame settled in what is now Jackson Township, and built the first dwelling in that locality. Jesse Johnston took up his residence near the old Indian town of Chiqua, near Valparaiso. Thomas and William Gosset selected farms in the northern part of the county. Jacob and David Hurlburt repaired to the borders of Twenty-mile Prairie, which then appeared like a lake filled with islands. Theophilus Crumpacker, Jerry and Joseph Bartholomew and Jacob Wolf, arrived within the year ; also, William Frame and Abram Stoner. On the 11th of January, the first white child was born within the pres- ent limits of the county — Reason Bell, whose father, Reason Bell, Sr., resided on what is now Section 15 of Washington Township. Hannah Morgan, daughter of Jesse Morgan, the first native white daughter of this region, was born at the Stage House, February 11. John Fleming, of Union Township, was born within the same year. The Government surveyors, Messrs. Polk and Burnside, ran the lines and divided the lands into sections. John J. Foster laid off a town to the east of the " Stage House," and christened it " Waverly," but the enterprise did not prove a success. The number of immigrants was considerably increased in the follow- ing year. Among the new-comers were Putnam Bobbins, David Hug- hart, E. P. Cole, Hazard Sheffield, Allan B. James, Peter Ritter, G. W. Patton, the Baum brothers, George Z. Salyer and David Oaks. The town of Porterville was laid out on the site of the old Catholic cemetery, but did not prosper. In 1835 was the sale of public lands. This sale was conducted at La Porte, then a town consisting of a few log cabins. Our early settlers were present, almost to a man, and there were a num- ber of Eastern capitalists present who made large purchases. The Hoosier's Nest was a settlement on the old Sac trail, and was established by Thomas Snow. It contained a frame house, built of lumber hauled from La Porte County. It was this place that was described in the once popular poem of John Finley, running : HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 19 I'm told, in riding somewhere West, A stranger found a Hoosier's Nest ; In other words, a Buckeye cabin Just big enough to hold Queen Mab in. Its situation low, but airy. Was on the borders of a prairie ; And fearing he might be benighted, He hailed the house, and then alighted. The Hoosier met him at the door ; Their salutations soon were o'er. He took the stranger's horse aside, And to a sturdy sapling tied ; Then, having stripped the saddle off. He fed him in a sugar trough. The stranger stooped to enter in, The entrance closing with a pin ; And manifested a strong desire To sit down by the log-heap fire, Where half a dozen Hoosieroous, With mush and milk, tin-cups and spoons, White heads, bare feet, and dirty faces, Seemed much inclined to keep their places ; But madam, anxious to display Her rough but undisputed sway. Her offspring to the ladder led And cuffed the youngsters up to bed. Invited shortly to partake Of venison, milk and Johnny-cake, The stranger made a hearty meal. And glances round the room would steal. ' One side was lined with divers garments, The other spread with skins of varmints : Dried pumpkins overhead were strung. Where venison hams in plenty hung. Two rifles hung above the door, Three dogs lay stretched upon the floor — In short, the domicile was rife With specimens of Hoosier life. The host, who centered his affections On game, and range, and quarter sections, Discoursed his weary guest for hours 'Till Somnus' all composing powers, Of sublunary cares bereft 'em. And then I came away and left 'em. The following men were summoned to appear as jurors at the first term of the Circuit Court of Porter County : Grand Jurors — William Thomas, Samuel dinger, William Gosset, Joseph Wright, Samuel Havi- land, James Walton, Asahel Neal, James Spurlock, John Bartholomew, Thomas Adams, Reason Bell, Peter Cline, Royal Benton, William Clark, 20 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. William Trinkle, Robert Wilkinson, J. Todhunter and W. Snavely- Petit Jurors— William Downing, Elijah Casteel, Asahel K. Paine, Jesse Morgan, Henry S. Adams, Lewis Comer, John Jones, Charles ^^^^^^ David Bryant, Solon Robinson, R. Frazier, Joseph Willey, Richard Henthorne, William Brim, Theophilus Blake, Wilson Malone, Isaac Mor- gan, Warner Winslow, Adam S. Campbell, Jesse Johnston, William Frame, Abraham Stoner, James Ross and John McConnell. The first session of the Circuit Court was held in October, 1836, at the house of John Saylor. Judge Samuel C. Sample seated himself with great dignity behind a deal table, on which were placed a few law books, and court was declared to be in session. The first cause was called, and went by default, as the plaintiff did not put in appearance. The Grand Jury strolled out of the small, close court room, and held their deliberar tions under a large oak tree, on the site of the T. Q. Miller Block. The rain commenced to fall, but they were tolerably well protected by their canopy of leaves. A fire was built, and imparted warmth and cheer to the dismal session. In 1837, a subscription paper was circulated to secure the funds necessary for building a court house and jail. The subscription reached $1,250. A frame court house was built west of the square in Valpa- raiso, and completed late in the fall. Until this time, court was regu- larly held in the house of John Saylor, on the site of the Empire Block, but was henceforth held in the large room above the post office until the erection of the brick court house in 1853. The county jail was built of logs, on Mechanic street, to the southeast of the square, in 1888. The settlement of Bailly Town by the French trader Bailly, in' 1822, has been mentioned. This interesting locality and .the remarkable fam- ily which possessed it deserve more than a passing comment. For eleven years, Monsieur Bailly was the only white inhabitant of the region of Porter County. His influence over the natives was unbounded, and his traffic in furs yielded him an almost princely revenue. His home would more properly have been termed a rendezvous than a town, for it owed importance to the large gatherings of the natives for the con- sideration of every important matter, and for the purposes of trade and of religious worship rather than to any considerable resident population. This, indeed, it never possessed ; and, with the departure of the Indians to the new reservations in the West, its importance departed forever. One of the most interesting characters among us in the forties was the good Bishop of Vincennes, Maurice de St. Palais. This untiring apos- tle was accustomed to travel on horseback from Vincennes to Bourbon- nais Grove, a French Catholic settlement near Kankakee, 111., and from that point to Bailly Town. On his arrival at Bailly's settlement he was HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 21 always greeted by a vast concourse of the Indians, in whose presence he ofiBciated at the solemn sacrifice of the mass. Thomas A. B. Campbell, traveling once through the woods to Bailly Town upon a white horse, was seen by the Indians at a distance and mistaken for the good Bishop. Instantly and eagerly the word was passed along, " The Father is com- ing," and Mr. Campbell on arriving at the trader's house met a large and disappointed company of natives. The home of the trader pre- sented an anomalous appearance in the forties. It was a singular compound of the barbarous and the refined, the rudely simple and the tastefully luxurious. The trader had one son, mention of whom is made elsewhere. In education as well as in wealth his daughters were far more favored than those of the most fortunate white families of the county. Capable of adorning any circle of society, they yet preferred the seclusion of their home to association with the families of the immi- grants. Hortense, the youngest, won universal admiration wherever she appeared. She was remarkably beautiful in feature and graceful in form and movement. Mentally, she was bright and quick of perception. She frequently rode to the county seat upon her favorite pony, a beauti- ful snow white animal, in which she took great pride. She was always accompanied by her dog, to which she seemed equally attached. Her dress was simple, but of a richness of which other misses in the county would not have dreamed. A cloak of rich velvet, a cap of silk, with a long, soft plume or a jaunty eagle feather, a severely simple dress, foade of some costly fabric brought from the East — this was the garb of our Pocahontas. She transacted with the county officers the business upon which she came, and amused herself by playing with her dog and pony in the square until after the heat of the summer day had lessened, then, alone and fearless, rode silently away to her solitary home. In all the early history of Porter County, Michigan City was the great market for produce and supplies. This city dates from 1831. Its young life was full of promise. Vessels sought its harbor, and the farm- ers of the tributary region, extending far to the east, the south and the west, gave it their almost undivided patronage. People reckoned the distance of every point in our county from "the city." Twenty-mile Prairie took its name from the measure of distance which separated it from this port. The roads which led to the city were generally very inferior, and sometimes almost impassable — entirely unequal to the de- mands of transportation. Late in the decade, a grand project was under- taken. It was the construction of a plank-road from Valparaiso to Michigan City. The outlay necessary to thd construction of such a road was immense, considering the sparseness and comparative poverty of the population in that day. But the people demanded that it should be 22 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. built, and -when the people are in earnest, they are apt to ha^® way. They looked upon this road as something for the future—- thing that would endure forever — and their vision could descry no future ages, however distant, when the wheat and corn of Porter • 1 A Tt was would not be carried to market in wagons over this plank-roaa. commenced in 1850, and partly finished in three years. The expec e cost was 1128,000. A number of citizens of this county were stock- holders of the plank-road company. Money was scarce, and much ot the cost of construction was paid in orders. The use oi tnes , in a measure, illustrated the English idea that "a national debt is a na- tional blessing." For a number of years, the orders of the plank-road company were in circulation as currency, and formed a large portion of the circulating medium in the hands of the people. While this road was in process of construction, a greater work claimed and occupied the attention of the people. Railways were pushed through to "the city " and to Chicago. Through Pine, Westchester and Portage Townships, and over the border of Jackson, lay the course of the rails. The Lake Shore road and the Michigan Central appeared at our borders almost simultaneously. They crossed near Calumet, a village which had grown up north of the old "Stage House," and which has since become the town of Chesterton. From this time. Porter County was brought into direct connection with the outside world. From the county seat a rapid drive in an easy coach over the smooth plank floor brought one to the railway, where he might enjoy the luxury of travel in "steam cars." The first goods received in Porter County by rail were sent on a con- struction train from Michigan City in 1851, and landed upon the prairie at Old Porter. They were sent to Hubbard Hunt, then a Valparaiso merchant. They came by way of the Michigan Central. The Lake Shore road was then in process of construction, but the work was not so far advanced as that of the Central. The mails were henceforth carried far more rapidly than hitherto. The public buildings of the public square at Valparaiso were com- menced in 1850. They consist of the court house and two other build- ings for the county offices. The court house was not completed until 1853. Its cost was about $13,000. It was of a style similar to that of La Porte, and had north and south entrances. It had a brick floor and the seats were ranged in tiers. At the time of its construction, it was one of the best in the State. The delay in its construction was due to alleged fraud in the use of unsuitable building materials by the contract- ors. Part of the wall in which these materials had been used was torn down and rebuilt before the work could be approved. In 1856, the new court house was the scene of a very sensational trial. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 23 A man named Lovering, by profession a school teacher and minister, was convicted of theft, and sentenced to four years' imprisonment. Three years later, a murderer was brought into court, but, owing to popular fury, was granted a change of venue. It was John Mcintosh, who murdered an old gentleman, Charles Askam, in Pleasant Township. Other changes of venue were obtained, and the murderer escaped conviction through a legal technicality, being set at liberty at South Bend, two years later. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway was laid through Porter County in 1858. John N. Skinner and Ruel Starr were the prin- cipal contractors. The road passed through Valparaiso, where a large grain depot was built, and brought a great deal of trade to the county seat. In 1869, Henry Andrews was murdered by Philip Schaffer, in a saloon, at Valparaiso, and the murderer was sentenced to two years' im- prisonment for his crime. Among the legislative acts in the sixties was that under which the Kan- kakee Valley Draining Association was organized. The assessments made upon the lands to be benefited by the draining of the Kankakee region were regarded as excessive and unjust. Very bitter feeling was aroused against the company, and vigorous denunciations and threats were uttered at numerous indignation meetings. The scheme as contemplated was never carried out. The new jail was built in 1871, opposite the southeast corner of the public square in Valparaiso. It cost somewhat more than $26,500, and is a fine piece of architecture. For some years the county had been with- out a jail, and the prisoners had been taken to La Porte County for safe keeping. Notwithstanding the apparent security of the new prison, there were several "jail deliveries " which startled the community and per- plexed the officers. The famous monte man and desperado known as "Texas Jack " was confined here in 1876. His preliminary trial was held before Mayor Skinner at the court house. Dense crowds thronged the court room, and large numbers of people visited the prisoner at the jail. He was held for trial. His pals and supporters in Chicago were determined to elFect his rescue if possible ; and though a close watch and eflScient guard appeared to be maintained, he disappeared one night, hav- ing been aided by accomplices in his escape. A memorable sensation was caused in 1872 by the discovery of a mur- dered man, or a suicide, hanging from a tree a short distance southwest of the county seat. The circumstance is a mystery which has never been satisfactorily explained. The Peninsular Railway reached Valparaiso in 1874. A station was established near Prattville and named Malone. It is near the site of the old Indian village called by the aborigines " Skeenwa's Town." The Balti- 24 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. more ( I & Ohio Railway was completed at about the same time. In the lal , there was a serious riot at Crisman Station, in Portage Township- Baltimore road was resisted by the Michigan Central in its attempt to cross the track of the latter. Hundreds of men arrived at the scene, lire- arms were obtained, and, for a time, a fierce and bloody battle seeme imminent. Wiser counsels prevailed, the difficulty was adjusted and tne track was laid. The next year the town of Sumanville was laid out as a station upon this line in Jackson Township. A strong, substantial bridge was constructed over the Kankakee River near Mayville, Capt. De Oour- cey being the engineer. The Chicago & Lake Huron Railway, formerly the Peninsular, passed into the hands of the Grand Trunk, and arrange- ments were made to extend the line to Chicago, which work was com- pleted the next year. In 1881, the line of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis was extended through Porter County to Chicago. The Chicago & Atlantic Railway line was also surveyed through our county, and the work of construction vigorously pushed. The first of these lines passes through Valparaiso, and the last crosses the Pan Handle line at Kout's Station. Court continues to be held in the old court-house of 1853, which has been so greatly changed since its construction as to be scarcely recogniz- able as the same building. A new building is contemplated by' the au- thorities, being greatly needed at the present time. The only murder trials of late years were those of Charles Stevens, in 1879, and Brainerd Taft, in 1881. The former was acquitted of the crime alleged ; the latter was found guilty of the murder of John Dutton, and sentenced to the penitentiary for four years. While not famous as the home or resort of any large number of authors, Porter County has numbered among her citizens several who have achieved some distinction as writers. Doubtless the most gifted and polished author among Porter County's sons is Col. Gilbert A. Pierce, formerly Secretary of the United States Senate, and later editor of the Chicago Inter Ocean. His " Dickens' Dictionary " is recognized as a standard work in Great Britain as well as in the United States, and has received high commendation from the reviewers of both nations. His novel, "Zachariah, the Congressman," is a charming story, charmingly told, and having a well-arranged plot. Of Col. Peirce's lectures and addresses, that entitled " To Laugh or To Cry," is very popular, and places him in the front rank of American humorists. Hon. Worthy Putnam, of Michigan, was formerly Professor of Elo- cution in the V. M. & F. College, at Valparaiso, and published a large, admirable work under the title of " Putnam's Elocution." The treatise as well as the selections, showed ability and taste in the authorship and com- HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 2& pilation. Prof. A. T. Moore, an instructor in the V. C. Institute, wrote the "Life of Schuyler Colfax," a well-prepared and interesting biography of the Indiana Statesman. Rev. Dr. Sims, now Chancellor of Syracuse University, is the author of the "Life of Dr. Eddy," an interesting biography in Dr. Sims' happiest style. Miss Frances R. Howe, a grand- daughter of the first white settler, Monsieur Joseph Bailly, of Bailly Town, is the author of "A Visit to Bois d'Haine," a charming narrative of European travel, in which she describes her visit to Louise Lateau, the Belgian Stigmatica. Dr. E. W. Fish, a former practitioner of this county, and sometime Professor of Chemistry at Pulte College, Cincin- nati, is the author of a large and carefully prepared text-book on chem- istry. Rev. J. Milton Kennedy, a Methodist pastor, formerly stationed at Chesterton, is the author of a highly commended book of Poems. Mr. A. G. Hardesty wrote and published a brief but most interesting his- tory of Porter County in 1876, in connection with his' admirable atlas of the same. J. W. Holcombe, of the Normal, is the author of a text-book entitled "The Latin Sentence," published in 1876. It is a valuable work of a finished scholar and a practical teacher. Mrs. Lizzie Newell, of Fargo, D. T., formerly of Valparaiso, is the author of the " Silent Counselor," a beautiful and ingenious work of Scriptural and poetical compilation. Prof. 0. P. Kinsey, of the Normal, is the author of an admirable little work entitled " The Normal Debater." Mrs. M. Elna W. Haverfield, M. D., has written a work entitled "Enlightened Woman," on subjects of special interest to her sex. Scientific and tech- nical compositions have been written' by Harlowe S. Orton, President of the Law College of Wisconsin State University ; Orpheus Everts, M. D., Superintendent Indiana Asylum for the Insane ; Wooster Beman, Pro- fessor of Mathematics at Michigan University, and other former residents of Porter County. Of musical composers and publishers, J. William Sufi'ene, J. W. Ruggles and Prof. Straub, of Chicago, have been connected with institutions of musical instruction at Valparaiso. The Congressional speeches of Congressmen Calkins and De Motte would form a large volume. These gentlemen resided for many years at Valparaiso, and the last mentioned is now a resident of that city. Oounty Oommissioners. — Noah Fowts, 1836 ; Benjamin Spencer, 1836-37 ; John Seffon, 1836-87 ; J. Y. Wright, 1837-38 ; James Wal- ton (who is an 1812 pensioner and lives in Michigan, where he went with his son in 1872), 1839 ; Jonathan Griffin, 1838 ; John Jones, 1838 ; Joshua Hobart, 1839 ; John H. Whistler, 1839-40 ; Reason Bell, 1840- 48 ; Thomas J. Field, 1843 (appointed by Probate Court to fill vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Col. Wj^stler) ; Jesse Morgan, 1841- 42 ; John Dinwiddle, 1841-48 ; Russel Dorr, 1843-44 ; Nathaniel Saw- 26 HISTOET OF PORTEE COUNTY. yer, 1843-45; Richard W. Jones, 1844-46 ; Samuel Olinger, 1845-4 ; Isaac Morgan, 1846-48; J. Dinwiddie, 1847-50; Walker ^''^'f ' 1848-51 ; Azariah Freeman, 1849-50 ; Ruel Starr, 1850-55 ; Asa Cobb, 1850-53 ; Alexander Chambers, 1851-53 ; Ira Cornell, 1853-57 ; H. ^. Woodruff, 1854-57; Asa Cobb, 1857-60; John Hardesty, ^^^^~ '' William Williams, 1857-58 ; Eli B. Lansing, 1858-62 ; W. Stoddard, 1860-61; L. A. Cass, 1861-62; S. P. Robbins, 1862-65 ; A- B. Price, 1862-63 ; William Stoddard, 1863-67 ; Edward C. Osborn, 1865-68 ; T. B. Cole, 1867 ; A. B. Price, 1867 ; A. V. Bartholomew, 1868 ; S. P. Robbins, 1868; Andrew J. Harrison, 1874; L. P. Scott, 1876; Fred- erick Burstrom, 1880 ; Nicholas Pickrell, 1880. Common Pleas Judges.— First, H. Lawson ; second, William C. Tal- cott ;' third, Hiram A. Gillette. Office abolished in 1872. Judges Oircuit Court. — First, Samuel Sample, of South Bend ; sec- ond, E. M. Chamberlin, of Goshen ; third, Robert Lowry, of Goshen ; fourth, Thomas Stanfield, of South Bend ; fifth, Andrew Osborn, of La Porte ; sixth, Hiram A. Gillett, of Valparaiso ; seventh, Elisha 0. Fields, of Crown Point. Treasurers.— W\\\\a,m Walker, 1836-39 ; T. A. E. Campbell, 1839 ; resigned ; G. W. Salisbury, appointed in his stead, 1839-40 ; John W. Wright, 1840-43 ; T. A. E. Campbell, 1841-44 ; Elias Axe, 1844-47 ; E. Campbell, 1847-51 ; John Ball, 1851-53 ; William Wilson, 1858-55 ; 0. L Skinner, 1855-59 ; Warren Dunning,; 1859-63 ; S. W. Smith, 1863-67 ; F. F. B. Coffin, 1871-75 ; J. W. Felton, 1875-79 ; J. W. Cruinpacker, 1879; Auditors. — George W. Turner, 1841, appointed ; Philander A. Paine, 1841-43, resigned ; Ellis E. Campbell, 1843, appointed-; Ruel Starr, 1843; S, W. Smith, 1843-58; Reason Bell, 1858-66 ; Z. B. Field, 1866-70 ; ,Jleason Bell, 1870-78 ; William B. Brown,. 187,8. Sheriffs. — Benjamin Saylor, appointed by Governor 1836 ; George Cline, 1837; Charles G. Merrick, 1838-43 ; John W, Wright, appointed, 1843 ; Moses Trim, Richard W. Jones, Vincent Thomas. 1850-52 ; Thomas G. Lytle, 1852-56 ; Thomas B. Cole, Stephen L. Bartholemew, Henry Binamon, Robert Jones, 1872-76; James Malone, 1876-80; Charles Dickover, 1880. Judges, Probate Court.— 1st. Jesse Johnson— Seneca Ball and James Blair, Associate Judges. 2d. George W. Turner— Enos Thomas and John Herr, Associate Judges. 3d. Nathaniel Campbell — H. E. Wood- ruff and Benjamin N. Spencer, Associate Judges. 4th. William Talcott 5th. John Jones (appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resiena- tion of Judge Talcott, who remained on the bench about six months till the office was abolished in 1852). HISTORY OF POKTER COUNTY. 29 Olerks.— 1st. George W. Turner, 1836-43. 2d. John C. Ball, 1848- 50. 8d. William W. Jones, 1850-55. 4th. 0. Dunham, 1855-59. 5th. B. J. Jones, 1859-67. 6th. S. W. Smith, 1867-71. 7th. R, P. Wells, 1871-79. 8th. John Felton, 1879—. Beeorders. — 1st. Cyrus Spurlock, 1836-39. 2d. George W. Salis- bury, 1839-41 (appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Cyrus Spurlock) ; Obediah Dunham, 1850-55 ; Edna L. Whitcomb, 1855-59 ; Thomas Jewel, 1859-67 ; Henry Stoddard, 1867-75 ; Thomas C. Shepard, 1875-79 ; William C. Wells, 1879—. Senators. — In 1837, our Senatorial District was composed of the counties of La Porte, Newton, White and Pulaski. Our State Senator was Charles W. Cathcart, 1837-70 ; Sylvanus Everetts, 1840-43. In 1842, the district was changed so as to contain only La Porte, Porter and Lake. Joseph W. Chapman, 1842-45 ; Andrew L. Osborn, 1845-49 ; Abraham Teegarden, 1849-51 (no record for 1852) ; Samuel I. Anthony, 1853-57 ; Morgan H. Wier, 1857-58. In 1859, Porter, Lake and Jas- per — Senator, David Turner, 1859-61. In 1863, Porter, Lake, Jasper and Newton — Senator, Ezra Wright, 1863-65. In 1869, Porter, Lake and Newton — Senator, Erwin Church, 1867-69. In 1871, Porter and Lake— Senator, Richard Wadge, 1871-75 ; D. L. Skinner, 1875-79. Thomas Wood, 1879—. Representatives. — In 1836, Porter and Newton Counties composed our Representative District. Representatives : Benjamin McCarty, 1836 ; Jeremiah Hamil, 1837 (no report for 1838-39). In 1840, Porter and Lake, represented by Seneca Ball, 1840-41 ; Lewis Warriner, 1841 ; Adam S. Campbell, 1842-43 ; Alexander McDonald, 1843-44 ; Samuel I. Anthony, 1844-45 ; Alexander McDonald, 1845-46 ; Harvey E. Woodruff, 1846-47 ; Alexander McDonald, 1847 ; Benjamin Spencer, 1848 ; Lewis Warriner, 1849-50 ; William H. Harrison, 1850-51. In 1851, Porter County was formed into one distinct district, and repre- sented by Gideon Brecount, 1851-53 ; Artillus Bartholomew, 1858-55 ; Andrew B. Pierce, 1854-57 (no record for 1859) ; Robert A. Cameron, 1861 ; Levi A. Cass, 1863-65 ; Firmin Church, 1865 ; John F. McCar- ty, 1865-67 ; Gilbert A. Pierce, 1867-69 ; William H. Calkins, 1869- 73 ; Theophilus Crumpacker, 1873-78 ; S. S. Skinner, 1878—. MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS. Amount of money in County Treasury May, 1882 $53,895.97 Amount of permanent school fund of county May, 1882 $43,037.91 School enumeration of county May, 1882 5,496 Number of schoolhouses — 26 brick, 68 frame, May, 1882 94 Value of schoolhouses, grounds, seats, etc., May, 1882 $124,230 Value of school apparatus May, 1882 $3,317 Number volumes in township libraries May, 1882 460 Population of County.— In 1840, 2,156 ; 1850, 5,229 ; 1860, 10,295 ; 1870, 18,903 ; 1880, 17,229. j5 30 HISTORY OF POETEE COUNTY. FARM PRODUCTS. WKKT POTATOM, 1881. Meadow and Hat, 1881. IBIBH Potatoes, 1881. B TOWNSHIPS. §,„■ n ■s 1 h n 1 1 i m 1 955 1239 952 713 595 813 696 659 4632 14S4 1321 1 2 1 I' 1 1 1* 955 2478 1190 713 892 1626 695 659 3474 1434 1981 66 109 326 129 160 444 150 60 185 186 305 20 50 67 40 15 20 26 50 30 26 25 1320 6450 21842 5160 2400 8880 3750 2500 5550 4625 7625 Porter 7 25 175 681 H 908 107 2217 2487 35 3745 Total . 13689 9994 ij 17005 32 72847 170890 7 36 25 175 Total last year 15347 1 2625 WHEAT IN 1881. OOEN IN 1881. OATS IH 1881. TOWNSHIPS. -3 ft ■s 1 i i Bush, per Acre. 1 ■S •S 1 1 n 1 ■i Centre 817 1,351 2,271 2,716 1,684 1,136 1,340 1,642 1,206 698 2,620 1,103 5 8 9 8 6 5 10 8 6 12 5 9 4,085 10,808 20,439 21,720 10,104 6,675 13,400 12,336 7,236 8,376 12,500 9,927 1,466 1,840 2,679 1,680 1,249 1,197 1,174 2,687 2,661 2,228 3,937 716 20 25 27 26 20 20 5 20 15 15 25 32 30 35 "35" 30 25 30 "25" 30 44 29,480 45,360 72,333 42,000 25,295 24,210 6,210 55,040 39,915 20,820 98,815 16,018 837 802 1,174 618 284 986 467 1,205 2,074 939 2,730 382 26 30 26 25 25 25 20 25 25 30 30 26 20,92& 24,060 30,524 15,450 7,100 24,650 9,340 30,125 Washington Jackson Westchester Pleasant Porter...;. Boone 51,850 28,170 Pine 81,900 9,932 Total 18,382 25,015 136,606 377,775 23,463 35,816 475,496 1,097,061 12,498 12,875 334,026 397,890 Total last year HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 31 OHAPTEK II. ET WESTON A. GOODSPEED. Ceeation of Poeter County— Its Existence tjndek La Porte Jurisdic- tion — Early Subdivisions and Election Returns— French and In- dian Land Claims— Sale of Public Lands— Organization of the County — Proceedings of the Commissioners — The County Seat — Public Highways- The Library Association— The County Semi- nary—The Bible Society— Township Boundary Alteration— Linn County— Temperance Organizations- The Poor Parm— The Agri- cultural Society— Old Settlers' Association — The County Press —Politics— Statistics. THE County of Porter had its first political existence in the month of March, 1835, at which time the County Commissioners of La Porte County, then having jurisdiction over the soil now comprising the counties of Porter and Lake, ordered that all the territory west of the La Porte Cojunty line and attached to that county should be laid off in election districts or townships as follows : The township of Waverly to be bounded on the north by Lake Mich- igan, east by the La Porte County line, south by the line between Town- ships 35 and 36 north, and west by the line through the center of Range 6 west. The township of Morgan to be bounded on the north by the south line of Waverly Township, east by the La Porte County line, south by the Kankakee River, and west by the line through the center of Range 6 west. The township of Ross to include all the attached territory west of the line through the center of Range 6 west. At the time of the creation of these townships, an election of two Jus- tices of the Peace and other officers was ordered held at the house of Isaac Morgan for Morgan Township, at the town of Waverly for Waverly Township, and at the house of Cyrus Spurlock for Ross Township. John J. Foster was appointed Inspector of the election in Waverly Township ; Isaac Morgan, of the election in Morgan Township, and Benjamin Mc- Carty, of the election in Ross Township. The following is the result of the three elections, with the number of votes polled for each can- didate : Waverly Townghip. — Justice of the Peace, John J. Foster, 18 ; Eli- jah Casteel, 11 ; John Sefford, 7. Constable, Owen Crumpacker, 15 ; Jacob Beck, 14. Superintendent of Roads, Eli Hendricks, 16 ; L. G. Jackson, 5 ; Abraham Snodgrass, 11. Overseers of the Poor, Jesse Mor- gan, 16 ; William Frame, 16. Fence Viewers, Alexander Crawford, 14 ; 32 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Edmund Tratebas, 14. Inspector of Elections, William Gosset, 1; °^ J. Foster, 1. Total number of votes polled, 32 ; the following ^Z^^^^j. only names which appear upon the records : Jesse Morgan, "^ • ' ' William Conant, Lemuel G. Jackson, S. N. Clark, William Gosset, Clark Waldriss, Owen Crumpacker, Elijah Casteel, Peter Ritte^ Mere- deth Bravlock, William Downing, Jacob Beck, Isaac Mossey, Pressley Warnick,"'Abraham Snodgrass, Daniel W. Lyons, William Calhoun and Thomas J. Wyatt. _„ _ Morgan Township.— Justice of the Peace, Adam S. Campbell, ^b ; George Cline, 26. Constable, T. A. E. Campbell, 25 ; Jones Frazee, 25 ; William Morgan, 1. Supervisor of Roads, Henry Rinker, 21 ; R. C. Brayton, 19. Overseers of the Poor, Reason Bell, Sr., 25; Jacob Cole- man, 25. Fence Viewers, Jacob Coleman, 24 ; Benjamin Saylor, 24. Inspector of Elections, Isaac Morgan, 26. Total number of votes polled, 26, by the following persons : Henry Rinker, Benjamin Saylor, Henry H. Williams, White B. Smith, James Blair, Jonathan Moulton, Jacob Fleming, John Coleman, James Frazee, William Morgan, William Bill- ings, James Laughlin, Jeremiah Bartholomew, Reason Bell, Adam S. Campbell, George Cline, Warner Pierce, Jacob Coleman, Edmund Bill- ings, Peter D. Cline, Russel Brayton, Stephen Brayton, Robert Walters, Isaac Morgan, T. A. E. Campbell and Reason Reed. Boss Township. — Justices of the Peace, James Turner, 29, William B. Crooks, 28 ; Constable, George W. Turner, 27, John Huntley, 13, John G. Forbes, 14 ; Overseers of the Poor, Benjamin McCarty, 5, The- ophilus Blake, 22, John G. Forbes, 24 ; Superintendent of Roads, Daniel Turner, 18, Richard Clark, 7, John Huntley, 9 ; Fence Viewers, Moses Wilson, 25, James Walton, 25 ; Inspector of Elections, Benjamin Mc- Carty, 14, Samuel Haviland, 2. Total voters, 29, as follows : Richard Clark, William D. Wolf, Theopilus Blake, John Lyons, Michael Young, Moses Wilson, David Spurlock, John Spurlock, Stephen Spurlock, Cyrus Spurlock, George Spurlock, Barzilla Bunnel, Knighton Parrott, John G. Forbes, Benjamin McCarty, John Huntley, Samuel Haviland, Wright P. Taylor, George W. Turner, Burton Blake, William B. Crooks, Daniel Turner, Noah Fouts, Pascal Coghill, Jesse Pierce, James W. Turner, Ja- cob Hurlburt, John Wolf and Mason Randle. It must not be thought that the above men were the only ones resid- ing in their respective townships ; for it will be observed that votes were polled for men who were absent, or the names of all present were not re- turned upon the tally sheets by the officers of the election. The follow- ing vote polled in August of the same year shows a population but little heavier. The returns of Waverly Township could not be found : HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 33 Representa- 8TATI! Bepresent- Associate County OoTjNTT Com- Odnqress. Senator. ATITE. JtJDGB. Becorder. missioner. TOWNSHIPS. i 1 ■.^ a I 1 i d 1 4^ ^ ii « ^ n m 1 6 w 1 S 3 h3 d o a Q 1 1 1-9 1 m 4 ft &^ -sj d m 1 h; 5 ^ ^ a 1 a o l-s o -< Morgan 51 s 3 4 4fi 48 2 fi 45 5 46 7 1 44 47 Ross 34 1 19 6 6 4 18 13 1 17 9 1 5 2 7 1 6 Wayerly Total 85 4 22 10 51 52 20 19 46 22 9 47 11^ 9, 8 44 1 53 As the three townships — Morgan, Ross and Waverly — had no exist- ence except as a part of La Porte County, the returns of this election were counted in with the general vote of that county ; and but two of the candidates voted for, so far as known, resided within the limits of the ter- ritory now comprising the county of Porter. These men were John J. Foster and Benjamin Spurlock. At that period in the history of what afterward became Porter County, partisan lines were not strictly drawn, and political ambition was scarcely known. The empty honor of official position was regarded with indifference, as no profit was to be seen, save the stern discipline associated with the self-denial incident to a life lived within the salary received. As such profit was regarded as a burden, and as it was abundantly found, the early settlers were not anxious that it should be increased. With the exception of a few accidentally favored positions, the pay of office was merely nominal, and possessed no attrac- tion to those who were fortunate in owning a goodly share of this world's goods. The few county offices which afforded suitable recompense for time and labor, were as seduously sought as at the present day. Money in this new country was so extremely scarce, and the investments to be made with it were so filled with promise, that men of every degree of in- telligence and responsibility sought eagerly for any employment which would yield financial returns. The settlers were a motley collection of the representatives of every State in the East, and of many European nations, with habits of life and views of public polity diametrically opposed ; and, from the start, the clashing of settled conviction, and the unfavorable in- fluence of personal prejudice were forcibly felt in every public gathering until the waves of disunion in thought were hushed to silence and har- mony. The only unison in views was upon the subject of the accumula- tion of property. Speculators appeared with prodigious pocket books, and founded their fortunes. The impecunious and unscrupulous sought by art and intrigue to accomplish what their conspicuous lack of funds pre- vented. The billows of speculation of that inflated financial period swept over the county ; and unbounded faith in sudden transitions from poverty ?4 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. to wealth took possession of every breast. Notwithstanding the lac money in this new country, commercial transactions were conduc e reckless prodigality. Debts were contracted under the insane de usion that their ultimate liquidation would be the careless pleasure ot some future day. Counterfeiters overran the county, offering tempting baits o the unwise or unwary. Every commercial transaction or relation became filled with the wind of false promise, and was distended out of all propor- tion. Many of the settlers of the years 1834, 1835 and 1836 invested their last dollar in land at spots which, to them, seemed the most likely to become important, and even went so far as to borrow money on the security of their land to devote to the same insane purpose. Scores of mortgages were given under the fancied security that the lifting of the same was an afterthought of no moment or consequence. The result is a matter of history. The distressing financial crash of 1837 produced a chaos. Money, which had so long represented inflated values, fell pros- trate to the basis of actual worth. Men who, the day before, had counted their ducats by the thousands, now sorrowfully counted them by hun- dreds, or even by dozens. The distress was universal, is well known, and need not be detailed. The hard times were gradually overcome ; and the lesson that prosperity is often as dangerous as adversity was taught by wretched experience, and will not be forgotten. Land Entries. — The following tracts of land were the first entered in Porter county, and all that were entered prior to January 1, 1884, in- cluding the Indian and the French reservations that were made at the treaty of October 16, 1826, when that portion of the county north of an east and west line through the southern point of Lake Michigan, became the property of the Government by cession from the Pottawatomies and the treaty of October 27, 1832, when all the county south of such line became the property of the Government, except, of course, the reserva- tions which were not approved by the President until 1836 : PUKCHASBR. Joseph Bailly Old Man Macito. Chop-i-tuck M. A. Bruner Kesis-shadonah Lemia-shadonah Mia-sink-quo-quah Peter Lauglois, Jr.. Mas-coh Layette AUins Pa-peer-kah Louis Burnett Section. William Burnett 14 27 23 17 13 22 5 36 37 33 34 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 Kange. 640 159.80 661.41 640 160 578.24 320.33 640 320 160 160 640 592.44 S. E. J. nIeVj! i'T.::: N. W. } N. E. \. Date of Entry. By treaty Oct. 16, 1826; approred 1837. December 1,1880.' By treaty Oct. 27, 1832 approred 1836. Same. Same. Same. Same. Same. Same. Same. Same. Same. Same. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 35 PUKOHASBB. Section. Town. Kange. Acres. 12 36 5 640 18 36 5 632.36 25 36 5 140 31 36 5 651.34 36 36 5 640 17 36 6 640 34 36 7 640 36 37 6 61.10 34 37 6 112.65 27 37 6 80 28 37 6 160 28 37 6 79.50 33 37 6 138.61 34 37 6 6.12 25 37 6 80 36 37 6 61.54 25 37 6 80 25 37 6 160 30 37 5 80 Date of Entry. Nas-wau-bees Francis Se Jeans Polly Griffiths We-saw Mis-no-quis TJrsule Duquindres Che-apo-tuckey John Brown aid Isaac Morgan, Joseph Bailly Same Same Same Same Same William Gosset James and Ira Morgan James and Josepb Morgan. John Brown William A. Welsh.... Same. Same. Same. E. h N. E. J S. frac. N. E. J.. W. J N. E. \ S. E. \ E. JS. W. I N. frac N. frac. N. E. J. W. J S. W. J W. JN. W. \.... E. JS. W. i S. E. i W. ^ S. W. \ Same. Same. Same. Aug. 13, 1833. Aug. 15, 1833. Aug. 15, 1833. Aug. 14, 1833. Aug. 15, 1833. Oct. 21, 1833. Oct. 21, 1833. Nov. 7, 1833. Dec. 18, 1833. Deo. 18, 1833. Dec. 26, 1833. Deo. 30, 1833. During the year 1834, there were entered in the county fifty-nine tracts of land, representing an aggregate of 5080.75 acres, all of which, without exception, was in Townships 36 and 37 north. In 1835, 938 tracts were entered in the county, as this was the year that the land south of the old Indian line running through the southern point of Lake Michi- gan was thrown into market, and there was a great rush into the new county by speculators and by those who expected to become residents. During this year, 1835, nearly 90,000 acres of land in the county were entered at the Government price of $1.25 per acre. Eight thousand and eighty acres of Wabash & Erie Canal lands were located in Porter County, the first sale of the same occurring in 1843 and the last in 1862. This land was confined to Townships 34 and 36, Range 7. Three thou- sand two hundred acres of Michigan road land were also sold in 1835. The State has derived no little income from the sale of the swamp lands in Porter County, that were donated by Congress. The splendid systems of drainage, both county and State, have reclaimed large tracts of land that in early years were very wet or covered with water. There has been spent in the county for open and underground drainage not less than $200,000. The first great ditches began to be built between 1850 and 1860, and since then many others have been added at high expense. The Kankakee Drainage Company flourished for a time at the very zenith of pleasurable anticipation, but the citizens were too wise to be caught by these Shylocks, and therefore did not have to pay a pound of flesh nearest the heart. Creation and Organization of Present County. — No other changes were made in the civil division of what, in 1836, became Porter County, than those made by the Commissioners of La Porte County as 36 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. above described, until the winter of 1835-36, at which time the following enactment was passed by the State Legislature : Section 1.— Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, T * ™ _ and after the first day of February next, all that tract of country included m the o ow ing boundary lines shall form and constitute the county of Porter, to wit : Commencing the northwest corner of La Porte County, thence running south to the Kan a , thence west with the bed of said river to the center of Range 7, thence north to the a e line, thence east to the place of beginning. And all that part of the country that lies north of the Kankakee River and west of the county of Porter within the State of In- diana, shall form and constitute a new county, to be known and designated by the name of Lake County. Sec. 2. That the county of Porter shall, from and after the first day of Febru- ary next, enjoy and possess all the rights, privileges, benefits and jurisdictions, which, to separate and independent counties do, or may properly belong. Sec. 3. That Joel Long, of Kosciusko, Andrew Wilson, of Fountain, Mathias Daw- son and Judah Leaming, of La Porte, and William L. Earl, of St. Joseph, Counties be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners agreeably to the act entitled "An Act fixing the seat of justice in all new counties hereafter to be laid off." The Commissioners afore- said shall meet on the first Monday in June next, or any day thereafter they may agree upon, at the house of Thomas Butler, in the said county of Porter, and shall proceed im- mediately to perform the duties required of them by law, and it shall be the duty of the Sheriff of the county of St. Joseph to notify said Commissioners, either in person or by writing, of their appointment, and for such services, said Sheriff shall receive such com- pensation as the board, doing county business of Porter County, may deem reasonable. Sec. i. The Circuit Court and Board of County Commissioners shall hold their ses- sions as near the center of the county of Porter as a convenient place can be had until the public buildings shallbe erected. Sec. 5. The county of Porter shall be attached to the Eighth Judicial Circuit of this State for judicial purposes. Sec. 6. The board doing county business may, as soon as elected and qualified, hold special sessions not exceeding three days during the first year after the organization of said county, and shall make all necessary appointments, and do and perform all other business which may or might have been necessary to be performed at any other regular session, and take all necessary steps to collect the State and county revenue, any law or usage to the contrary notwithstanding. Sec. 7. This act to be in force from and after its passage. Caleb B. Smith, Speaker of the Souse of Representatives. Approved, 28th of anuary, 1836. N. Noble. David Wallace, President of the Senate. During the same session of the Legislature that the above creating enactment was passed, provision was made for the organization of Porter County by the appointment of Benjamin Saylor, SheriiF, with full power to order an election of two Associate Judges of the Circuit Court three Commissioners, one Clerk of the Court, and one Recorder, and to trans- act other necessary business. Accordingly, an election of such oflBcers was ordered held on the 28d day of February, 1836, and resulted as fol- lows : HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 37 ASSOCIATB JUDflBS. THBEB C0MM16BI0NEBS. BECOEBEB. * OLEBE. HOUSE WHERE HELD. 1 1 a a 1 1^ g 1 d i4 .S o d 1 a i3 1 P 1 CO "(3 03 N ti d •E S and a donation of forty acres of land — part of Section 20, Township 35, Range 6, and donations of money, for a more particular description of which you are referred to the bonds filed herewith. Your Commissioners then proceeded to the said southwest quarter of Section 24, and located the county seat upon said quarter section, and stuck a stake which is half-way between the northwest corner and the northeast corner of the public square, on the north side of said square, and which by a line run with » compass was found to be south 53 degrees east 29 chains and 10 links from the half-mile post on the west side of Section 24. The donations made for said point were upon condition that said site and public square shall be located as they are above described, and for which bonds are filed in the name of different individuals with the Commissioners of Porter County. 42 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. And the county seat of Porter County, as hereby established by the undersigned ^'"'*.|°^ Commissioners, is on the site as above described ; and the stake, having the eari g above, is on the north line of the public square, and the alternate lots are to be ai by the donors on said site— the southwest quarter of Section 24, Township 35 nor , Range 6 west. W. L. Earle, Mathias Dawson, JuDAHr LeAMINO, JPNE 9, 1836. Locating Commmioners. The amounts of the bonds that were given for the payment of the money that was donated to Porter County by the proprietors of the county seat, for the erection of county buildings, with the names of the obligors, are as follows : Bond No. 1, $500, Benjamin McCarty, John Walker, John Saylor, Enoch McCarty, L. L. Hillis and William Walker; Bond No. 2, |50, James Hutchins ; Bond No. 3, $100, George Cline ; Bond No. 4, $76, A. S. Campbell ; Bond No. 5, $100, Isaac Morgan ; Bond No. 6, $25, Charles Gr. Minick ; Bond No. 7, $100, Thomas But- ler ; Bond No. 8, $100, G. Z. Salyer ; Bond No. 9, $50, Isaac Morgan ; Bond No. 10, $100, Ruel Starr. These several amounts pledged by the proprietors of the county seat, together with the various town lota that were donated to the county, furnished, for many years, quite an important source of revenue. From time to time the anthorized county agent, to whom was intrusted the disposal of the lots, sold the same to citizens or new settlers, usually taking notes for the consideration, due with interest at a future day. As the pressure for means for the first few years after the county was organized, to aid in the construction of bridges, roads, public buildings, and in the payment of public functiona- ries was very great, the town lots and the bonds were converted into money by the Commissioners as soon as possible ; but even the amounts thus obtained were not sufficient to satisfy the clamor for the collection and expenditure of sums that would render the public highways servicea- ble, and the Commissioners, under the stricture, levied heavier assess- ments, and thus, like Oliver Twist, were guilty of the unpardonable offense of asking for " more ; " but, still further, like Oliver, were pressed into the measure by others as hungry as themselves. At the May term of the board, 1836, A. S. Campbell and George Cline, Justices of the Peace, paid to the County Treasurer $3 fines which had been imposed by them for theft and assault. An election of an addi- tional Justice of the Peace for Centre Township was ordered held at the house of C. A. Ballard. For Centre Township, Charles G. Minick was appointed Constable ; Robert Wallace, Supervisor of Roads ; J. R. C. Brown and P. A. Paine, Overseers of the Poor ; Abraham Stoner and James Buel, Fence Viewers. For Washington Township, Adam S. Campbell and Reason Bell were appointed Overseers of the Poor ; Peter HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. 43 Cline, Supervisor of Roads ; George Cline and John Shinabarger, Fence Viewers. For Boone Township, Isaac Cornell was appointed Supervisor of Roads ; William Frame and John Robinson, Overseers of the Poor; A. Neil and John Downing, Fence Viewers. For Bryant Township, Simeon Bryant, Constable; Payne Bryant, Supervisor of Roads ; David Bryant and Thomas Childers, Overseers of the Poor ; David Chandler and Lyman Wells, Fence Viewers. For Clark Town- ship, Richard Fancher, Constable ; William Clark, Supervisor of Roads ; Solon Robinson and Peter Steinbrook, Overseers of the Poor ; C. H. Paine and J. W. Holton, Fence Viewers. C. A. Ballard was allowed $2.50 for house rent for the County Commissioners for five days, and Reason Reed was allowed 75 cents for making returns of the election in Washington Township. Roads. — At the June session of the board, the first petition was received for a county road extending from Portersville (Valparaiso) by " the best and nearest route to the new crossway between Andrew Tay- lor's and James Blair's, thence to the county line, intersecting a road leading via Cathcart's Grove to La Porte." Wilson Malone, Morris Witham and James W. Turner were appointed Viewers. At the same time a road was ordered viewed from the northeast corner of Section 24, Town 36 north. Range 5 west, thence west to E. Casteel's mill on Coffee Creek, thence west to William Gosset's mill on Salt Creek, thence west to the county line ; Peter Ritter, Samuel dinger and William Thomas, Viewers. In July, 1836, a county road was established from the quarter post on the north line of Section 30, Town 35, Range 5, to Sherwood's Ferry on the Kankakee ; Jesse Johnson, Joseph Willey and Samuel G. Jackson, Viewers. In September, 1836, a county road was established from the southwest quarter of Section 12, Town 34, Range 7, to Liver- pool, but this road was not built. At the same date as last a road was ordered viewed from Portersville (Joliet road) to the county line near the mouth of Taylor's Run ; Isaac Morgan, Reason Bell and Andrew Taylor, Viewers. One from Portersville to Sherwood's Ferry was viewed, but reported on adversely. In September, 1836, a road was established from the northeast corner of Section 22, Town 33, Range 7, to Portersville ; Isaac Morgan, Henry Rinker and John Shinabarger, Viewers. This road was soon altered somewhat. Other roads established in 1836 were as follows : From Portersville to Thomas Snow's store by a circuitous route ; from Portersville to Elijah Casteel's mill ; from Portersville to Athens, near Gosset's mill ; from Isaac Morgan's on the north side of Morgan's Prairie to intersect the State Road from Portersville to Michi- gan City, but this was not built ; from the new bridge on Calumet River at the mouth of Salt Creek, to Deep River, at crossing of Hickory 44 HISTOEY OF PORTER COUNTY. county road, John Walton, Preston Blake and John Forbes, Viewers-; from the southwest corner of Section 12, Town 34, Range 7, to Liver- pool, same Viewers as last ; from the southeast corner of Adam Camp- bell's land (Section 20, Town 35, Range 5), to intersect Michigan Oity and Barleytown road (southeast quarter of Section 18, Town 37, Range 5), Viewers, Bnos Thomas, John Sefford, A. S. Campbell, White iJ. Smith and Eli Hendricks ; from Portersville to Michigan City (Septem- ber, 1836), John Taylor and Asahel Neil, Viewers ; from Michigan City (November, 1836), west through Porter and Lake Counties to the State line, Benjamin McCarty, Viewer. The following is from an act entitled "An Act Relating to State Roads," approved February 6, 1837 : Seo. 9. That Daniel M. Learning, of La Porte County, William Frakes, of Porter County, and WilUam,Hattou, of Lake County, be and tliey are hereby appointed Com- inisBioners to view, mark and locate a State road from the town of La Porte, in La Porte County, on the nearest and best route to the town of Valparaiso, in Porter County, thence west by the way of the seat of justice of Lake County to the Illinois State line, in the direction of Joliet, in the State of Illinois; Provided, however, That if the seat of justice in the said county of Lake shall not be located at the time of the location of the said State road, the Commissioners aforesaid will proceed to locate said road on the nearest and best route from the town of Valparaiso west to the State line in the direction of Joliet, in said State of Illinois. By an act of the Legislature, approved February 18, 1839, Philander A. Paine and William C. Talcott were appointed Commissioners to locate a State road from a point on the Valparaiso and Sherwood Ferry road, thence by Ruel Starr's, thence to a county road running north on a line dividing Sections 19 and 20, in Township 35, Range 5, to extend such road to City West, and the county road was declared a State road. By enactment also William C. Talcott and A. S. Campbell were appointed to lay out a State road from Portersville west to intersect a State road at Preston Blake's or James Grafton's. Also, by enactment, William 0. Talcott was appointed to lay out a State road from Valparaiso via Enos Thomas' mill to City West. Also, by enactment, William K. Ta,lbot and Henry Rinker were appointed to view a State road from, at or near Pa- gan's Mill, in La Porte County, thence to the center of Section 17, Township 37, Range 5, thence to City West, thence to Long Lake, so as to intersect a State road near the head of the lake. Various State roads were laid out across the county, while the same remained attached to La Porte County. By suitable enactments, the Legislature provided what was called the " 3 per cent fund," apportioning such fund to the several counties throughout the State, and appointing Commissioners to expend the same in the construction of roads. This relief to the early settlers was fully appreciated. The County Commissioners levied as heavy a tax also, as the settlers could bear, to carry on the same work. From that HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. 47 time onward, through the years 1837, 1838, 1839 and 1840, and until the present time, roads were laid out in all directions through the county, at enormous cost in the aggregate, but of indispensable use to the citizens. At a special session of the board on the 16th of November, 1850, the following petition was considered : To the Honorable the Board of Oommisaioners of the County of Porter: Your peti- tioaeTS, the Board of Directors of the Valparaiso & Michigan City Plank Road Company, would humbly represent to your honorable body that a company has been organized for the purpose of constructing a plank road from Valparaiso to Michigan City, making a point on the Buffalo & Mississippi Railroad at or near the place where the line between Ranges 5 and 6 crosses the same. That the nearest and best route for the construction of said road would probably be to run on the road from Valparaiso to Michigan City between Valparaiso and the above-named point on the railroad, and thence running part or all the way to Michigan City on the road that leads from the above point to Michigan City, as far as the eastern line of the county of Porter, near Michigan City. Tour petitioners, therefore, ask your honorable board to grant to said company the right of way on said road or roads from Valparaiso to the eastern line of the county of Porter, near Michigan City aforesaid, or to so much or such part of said road or roads as you may deem expedient and right. W. P. Ward, President of the Board of Directors. Attest : George W. Tckneb, Secretary. November 16, 1850. Whereupon the Board of Commissioners Ordered, That the right of way be granted to the Valparaiso & Michigan City Plank Road Company to construct a plank road from Valparaiso to Michigan City on, over, along or across any or all State or county roads which they may desire. The road was never built as had been designed, as much of the route over which the plank were to be laid was a compact sandy soil, which, three-fourths of the year, furnished almost as solid a foundation as the plank would. Some two or three miles of plank were laid just south of Chesterton, and about the same just north of Valparaiso, but between these sections of road none were laid, though toll was collected both at Chesterton and at Valparaiso. The stock of the company was largely owned by wealthy men in Michigan City, who were the founders of a private bank there, and the issuers of a paper money, which, from com- mencement to end, unlike the usual wild-cat bank issues of that day, was always at par with coin, and redeemable at any time upon demand. It is stated that a man, on one occasion, becoming greatly scared by the ap- palling depreciation in private bank issues, and having in his possession some $30,000 of the Plank Road Bank bills, presented himself in Michi- gan City and demanded the redemption of the paper of the bank in his pos- session. The gold was paid him, whereupon, becoming satisfied that the bank was solid, he asked to have his gold deposited again, but was posi- tively refused, and, as that was the only bank in the city, he was obliged to cart his coin home with him. Toll was collected on the road a few years and then the company collapsed. 48 HISTORY OF PORTEK COUNTY. In 1851, another association was formed to construct a plank road from Valparaiso to La Porte, and permission was granted the same to use the roads of the county for that purpose. About seven miles of plank were laid, partly in Porter and partly in La Porte Counties, and toll was collected over this route for a few years, but finally the whole matter was abandoned. While the original plan was to extend the road from Valpa- raiso to La Porte, this design was changed, and, in 1852, the termini of the road were Henry Clyburn's in La Porte County and Beeche's Corners in Porter County. Library. — As early as the summer of 1838, in pursuance of an act of the State Legislature, approved February 17, 1838, subscriptions to the amount of some sixty-odd dollars having been pledged, a meeting of the citizens was called to elect Trustees and other necessary officers, and to in- corporate the Porter County Library Association. Books were purchased and added to from time to time, as subscriptions were paid, until at last, in about 1850, some 500 volumes were owned by the association. In 1855, the books were distributed to the townships as follows : One set to Centre, one to Jackson and Washington, one to Westchester, Pine and Liberty, one to Portage and Union, one to Porter and Boone, and one to Morgan, Pleasant and Essex. These libraries were added to by the State for several years, but finally they were not replaced, and were soon de- stroyed or lost. It was Ordered by the Board acting as Trustees of the County Library, That the Librarian be allowed the sum of $10 per annum for his aerTioea as such Librarian ; that aaid Librarian be required to procure a strong book case for the use of said library, and that the follow- ing by-laws be adopted : 1. That none but subscribers shall be allowed to read the books, or draw any of them from said library. 2. That any volume of 300 pages or under may be drawn for one month by any sub- scriber. 3. That any volume over 300 pages and under 500, may be drawn for two mouths by any subscriber. 4. That any volume over 500 pages may be drawn for three months. 5. That the Librarian shall mark each book, showing the length of time said book may be drawn. 6. That any person keeping a book over the time marked as the period for which it may be drawn, shall forfeit the sum of 5 cents for every week it may be kept over said time, and that any fractional part of a week shall be considered as a week, and the fine collected accordingly. 7 That no person shall draw more than one volume at a time, and after a subscriber shall have drawn a book, he shall not be allowed to draw any more until he shall have duly returned said book, and paid all fines and forfeitures due said library from him 8 That the Librarian shall examine all books upon their return, and if any shall have been damaged or disfigured more than reasonable wear, he shall assess a fine unon said subscriber drawing the same, and said subscriber shall never after be allow J Z draw any book until he shall have duly paid such fine. 9. That said Librarian shall purchase a blank book at the expense of aaid library, in HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 49 ■which he shall keep a full list of all suhsoribera, the time subscribing, the date each shall draw a book and return the same, and the amount of fines assessed to, and paid by, each subscriber, and of all other matters of interest to said library a complete and full report he shall make of which at each term of the County Commissioners' Court. Miscellaneous Acts of the Commissioners. — In June, 1836, the board appointed Samuel Olinger County Agent, with Peter Ritter, B. Saylor, George Cline and Wilson Malone, sureties. They deducted $60 from the levy made by John Adams and George Cline, Assessors, upon the personal property of those families which had been assessed for "bed and bedding." It was ordered that, for the year 1836, a levy of two and one-half per cent be made on all personal property and real estate, and a poll tax of 75 cents be imposed, for county purposes ; but in July this order was rescinded, and in lieu thereof one half of one per cent was levied. The board ordered paid to Peter Ritter $20, to John Adams $26, and to George Cline $22, for services as County Assessors. A road tax of one per cent was levied in July. In May, 1836, a tavern license was granted Samuel Haviland, of Westchester Township, for one year, at $10. A license was granted Andrew Ault to vend foreign and do- mestic groceries. Same with merchandise to Ebenezer Clark, of Porters- ville, and license to sell liquor to Francis Willey, of Bailly Town. Ex- penses of catching W. C. Maley, a horse-thief, were paid by the board. Samuel Haviland was granted license to keep a ferry across Deep River at Liverpool, and to keep a tavern and sell liquor there. Saylor & Reed, a license to sell merchandise in Valparaiso ; same to Solomon Cheney. As early as January 4, 1836, a license was granted Hamell & Hening by the Commissioners of La Porte County, to vend merchandise in Mor- gan Township. This was at Valparaiso, or Portersville, which was then in such township. John B. Turner was granted a license to sell grocer- ies, 1837 ; same, merchandise, to George Bishop ; Seneca Ball, same ; Jeremiah Hamell, same ; Marshal & Bigelow, a tavern at City West. David Oaks, of Washington Township, was granted a license to retail merchandise. Leveret Bradley, licensed to keep a tavern and sell liquor at City West. Palmer & Andrews, licensed to sell merchandise in Boone Township, April, 1838. W. P. Ward, licensed to keep a tavern and sell liquor in Westchester Township March, 1839. In 1843, W. A. Hins- dale and Edmund Woodman were licensed to keep separate taverns in Westchester Township. In 1837, a premium of $1 was ordered paid for scalps of prairie wolves over six months old, and 50 cents for those of wolves under that age. Same ordered paid for the scalps of gray wolves. After that, from time to time, the premium on w;olf scalps was gradually increased until, finally, a number of years ago, as high as $15 was paid for a single scalp of the gray wolf. At present the premium is $10. At the September term, 1836, John Saylor was appointed Commis- 50 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. sioner of the 3 per cent fund, which was applied in the construction of public highways. Specifications for a county jail were drawn up in de- tail, the building to be 14x28 feet, timbers one foot square of oak, build- ing to be completed by September, 1837 ; payment for the same to be in installments, one-third when the timber was all delivered on the ground, one-third when the house was raised and covered, and one-third when the work was completed. Bids from contractors were called for. In Novem- ber, Adam S. Campbell became County Agent. The rates of ferriage across Deep River at Liverpool were fixed as follows: Each footman, 6 cents ; man and horse, 12 J cents ; horse and Dearborn wagon, 25 cents; two horses and wagon, 37J cents ; for each yoke of oxen or span of horses over and above one yoke or span, 12J cents. No person was taxed with ferriage who was crossing with his team and who paid the above rates for such team. The ferry across the Kankakee, which had been formerly known as Sherwood's Perry, and upon which no license had been paid, was advertised to be let to the highest bidder, the rates to be as follows : Bach footman, 6J cents ; man and horse, 12J cents ; horse and Dearborn wagon, 25 cents ; two horses and wagon, 37|- cents ; one yoke of oxen and wagon, 37J cents ; four horses and wagon, 50 cents ; two yoke of oxen and wagon, 50 cents ; any higher number of animals to wagon, 50 cents; each head of cattle, 6 J cents; each sheep, 3 cents; each hog, 3 cents ; each horse, 6 J cents ; asses and mules, each 6 J cents; and when the water was high, so that the ferry would have to run up to the head of the canon, three times the above rates were charged. In January, 1837, it was ordered by the Board that the following persons should serve as Grand Jurors at the April term, 1837, of the Por- ter County Circuit Court : Wilford Parrott, Robert Wallace, John Say- lor, Eli Hendricks, George Spurlock, Joseph Willey, John P. Noble, Edmund Billings, White B. Smith, David Hughart, Henry Adams, John Sefford, G. Z. Salyer, Abraham A. Hall, John Adams, John G. Forbes, Sr., William Walker and William Bissell. The following persons were selected to serve at the same time as Petit Jurors : Thomas L. Hyatt, John B. Turner, Enos Thomas, Jacob Beech, James Laughlin, A. K. Paine, Robert Fleming, William Morgan, Newton Frame, Henry Rinker, George Shigley, Jefierson Tenor, Abraham Cormack, Benjamin Saylor, Sr., Isaac Cornell, Lewis Holton, Barzilla Bunnell, William Malone, P. A. Paine, Henry Herrold, Luther Jefferson, Jaines Baum, William Eaton and Barrack Dorr. John Saylor reported that he had received of the Treasurer of State $1,926.86 of 3 per cent fund due Porter County. This amount came to the county in good time, and was immediately ap- plied toward the improvement and construction of public roads. In Jan- uary, the board again took up the county jail question, and new specifi- HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 51 cations were prepared, the building to be a very strong frame structure, 17x33 feet, with two rooms below — one for debtors, and the other for criminals — and two above. At the same time, specifications for a court house were prepared, the building to be a frame structure, 20x48 feet. In March, 1887, a license to keep the old Sherwood Ferry across the Kankakee was granted Joseph Stearns and John Ship, the license being |9. S. Campbell was paid $85 for his services as Assessor of Porter County in 1887. Cyrus Spurlock was appointed Seminary Trustee of Porter County. A levy of 1 per cent on all real and personal taxable property was levied for the year 1837. At this time (May, 1887), the project of building the Erie & Michigan Canal, or of assisting in the building, began to receive attention from the Commissioners, who made preparations to turn over the 8 per cent fund on hand for that purpose. In September, 1837, the Commissioners met at the house of Jeremiah Hammell. From this period on, for several years after, the board con- tinued to appoint officers for the various townships. At this term, it was "ordered that Thomas Randall be appointed Commissioner of the 8 per cent fund for Newton County (or the territory attached to Porter County called Newton County), and that he come forward and qualify himself accordingly." It was also "ordered that all the territory attached to Porter County that is called Newton County, shall form and constitute a township to be known by the name of Marion, and that there shall be an election held at the house of John Price, on October 25, 1837, to elect one Justice of the Peace, and William Donahue is appointed Inspector." At this time the county was pushing, in the construction of its highways, to its utmost, and every penny was faithfully applied. The bonds which had been given as a guarantee for the payment of the money which had been donated by the proprietors of the county seat, fell due, and the money was collected and applied upon the roads. The amount of county revenue, for 1836, was $522.29. In November, 1837, the court house was com- pleted by the contractors, Solomon Cheeney and others, and accepted by the board, after examination. The following appears upon the records : To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of Porter County, /niZ.:— The following i« a list of fines imposed by me on account of Sabbath-breaking : Reuben Meadows, %\, and Leonard H. Coghill, $1. Given under my hand and seal this Ist day of January, 1838. (Signed) John Adams, J. P. Since that period. Sabbath-breaking has multiplied, and fines for the same have divided. The following fines were assessed in the Circuit Court for 1837 : Michael Ault, assault, $20 ; G. W. Coghill, assault, $10 ; David Cook, retailing without license, $2 ; Ashbal Goodrich, retailing without license, $2 ; Moses Wilson, assault, 1 cent ; Aaron Lewis, retailing without license, $2 ; J. Bartholomew, assault and battery, $2. G. Z. Salyer's report as Seminary Trustee was as 52 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. follows : Received of William Billings, $6.50 ; of G. Z. Salyer, $4 ; of G. W. Turner, $38 ; total, $48.50, which had been loaned at 10 per cent per annum. The County Clerk was ordered to procure a set of law- ful weights and measures, to be kept in his office, and also an iron seal with the letters P. C. S., which should be stamped on all lawful weights. A pound was built for Valparaiso, in 1838, by William Eaton. SCHOOL commissioner's beport, portee county, 1836: Received from B. Saylor, CoUeotor of State revenue I 8 65 Received from the sale of Section 16, Township 35, Range 51 360 85 Received from money loaned 205 00 Paid Isaac Morgan interest 205 00 Received State revenue 1 08 Received Surplus revenue 27 77 Loaned interest money 360 85 Paid for notice of sale in Michigan City Gazette 2 50 Received surplus revenue from Seneca Ball, Commissioner 224 40 Received from the sale of Section 16, Township 35, Range 6, with Interest 91 78 Paid for books 11 50 Money loaned 50 99 Paid John McConnell interest 144 67 Paid John McConnell surplus revenue 30 06 Paid John McConnell State revenue 1 14 Paid G'azeMe for notice of sale 2 25 Received from sale of Section 16, Township 36, Range 5, with interest 24 20 Money loaned 18 00 Paid Phineas Hall surplus revenue 28 67 Paid Phineas Hall State revenue 1 06 Paid Michigan City Gazette 2 25 Received from Treasurer of State amount of poll-tax due for school purposes for the year 1836 35 60 [Signed.] Ruel Starr, School Commissioner. The following appears upon the record : Notice. — A copartnership has this day been formed at Valparaiso, Porter County under the laws of the State regulating limited corporations, for the purpose of dealing in all things relating to trade in merchandise, bonds, notes, exchanges, etc., the business to be conducted by E. Brown Bishop as general partner, who is authorized only to sign for the company; and the name and style of the company will be E. Brown Bishop, and the ifoUowing-named persons will be special or limited partners : Sylvanus Evarts, La Porte County, Ind., has given bonds to pay in specie or good Eastern paper, when demanded $1,000 00 John Bishop, Porter County, same 2,600 00 Jesse Johnson, Porter County, same 300 00 Henry Dillingham, Porter County, same 1,000 00 Samuel Shingley, Porter County, same 300 00 George Axe, Porter County, same 300 00 Jonathan Herold, same 500 00 -ot'^l $6,000 00 The copartnership is to commence the 1st of June, 1838, and continue for one year from such date, and to be renewed from year to year by advertising. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 53 What became of this corporation or what was done cannot be learned with certainty. It did not continue long, however. In the autumn of 1838, Newton County was attached to Jasper County, and the Collector for that county turned over his funds and was discharged. In October, 1889, William Eaton was licensed to keep the ferry over the Kankakee, where John Ship and Joseph Stearns had formerly been. In September, 1840, the board advertised a bounty of $1.50 on each scalp of full grown prairie wolves and $3 for each scalp of full grown gray wolves. The following order appears upon the records : Ordered by the Board, That from and after the 1st day of April, 1841, the door of the court house shall be shut against preaching by any denominations of Christians, and that the Sheriif of Porter County is required to procure a lock for the door at the foot of the stairs in the hall, and place said lock permanently on said door, and keep the same locked against all denominations of Christians from and after said 1st of April, 1841, without respect of persons ; and that the Sheriff is further ordered to give public notice of the passage of this order immediately. For a time during 1841, the county paid $5 and $3 for scalps of gray and prairie wolves respectively. In February, 1842, it was " ordered by the Board, that the Methodists, Presbyterians, Mormons, Universalists, Baptists, Campbellites, Associate Reformers, Infidels and all other de- nominations be allowed to hold meetings in the court house, provided they do not interfere with the business of the courts of the county and political meetings." In June, 1842, John W. Wright reported that $106.87 had been received from the seminary fund. In December, 1842, it was "ordere"d, that John Mcintosh be appointed Inspector of flour, beef and pork for the county of Porter for the term of three years." County Seminary, etc. — A legislative enactment of February, 1838, made provision for the maintenance of county seminaries throughout the State by the appropriation of certain fines and penalties, such as for break- ing the Sabbath, for assault and battery, etc., etc., and it was made the duty of the Board of Commissioners in each county to appoint Trustees, who were to constitute a body politic with general powers and liabilities in the founding, controlling and maintaining of a county seminary of learning. Such Trustees were appointed in Porter County as early as the autumn of 1838, to whom were paid the funds designed for the jfbove purpose until, in 1849, the amount collected had reached over $2,000, when the project of erecting a seminary building was instituted, but not carried into eifect, for some reason unknown, until the year 1851, when grounds were purchased in the eastern part of Valparaiso and a building erected thereon, the total cost of house and lots amounting to about $2,- 300. The two-storied frame building was furnished with three rooms above and two below, and was not fully completed in the autumn of 1851, when the first school therein was taught by Ashley M. Pierce, Principal, 64 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. and Miss Eliza J. Forsyth, now Mrs. William Wilson, Assistant. The session was held in the upper story, the lower not having been finished nor furnished. About 120 students were in attendance during the win- ter, but the following year, when the new school law came into existence, the County Commissioners, in pursuance of legal requirements, offered the seminary building and the grounds upon which it stood for sale, one- tenth to be paid down and the balance in nine equal annual installments, the proceeds of the sale to go into the common school fund of the county. The sale was advertised by the County Auditor in June, 1852, the day of sale being fixed for the fourth Monday of July, 1853, on which day the building was purchased by the School Trustees of Valparaiso for $1,200, and transformed into the " Union School of Valparaiso." Thus ended its existence as a county institution, three terms only having been taught within it while it remained as such. The building was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1857. As early as 1850, there was organized the " Porter County Bible So- ciety," a corporate body, whose mission was to place in each citizen's cabin a copy of the "Book of books." In 1853, the Treasurer of the society reported the sale of $3,200 worth of Bibles. At this time D. Crawford was President, and J. C. Brown, Secretary. The society sur- vived some five or six years and then disbanded, as its mission had ended. Alterations in the boundary of the various townships have been fre- quent, and some townships have been wholly blotted out of existence and others erected in their place. At the second session of the board, the northern boundary line of Pleasant Township was extended west to the great marsh, thence south with the center of the marsh to the Kanka- kee.* At the same time, the eastern boundary of Boone Township was fixed at a point on the west side of the marsh. In 1837, the western half of Section 29, Washington Township, was attached to Centre Township. In March, 1838, Boone Township was confined to its terri- tory south of the line dividing Townships 33 and 34, and, at the same time, all of the territory of Porter County west of the marsh dividing Horse and Morgan Prairies, and between the line dividing Townships 33 and 34, and the line dividing Townships 34 and 35, was organized as Fish Lake Township. In March, 1839, the west halves of Sections 17 and 20, Washington Township, were attached to Centre; but, in May, 1840, they, with the west half of Section 29, were re-attached to Wash- ington Township. Prior to this, in June, 1836, the citizens of Lake and Waverly Townships petitioned the Board, setting forth the inconven- ience of the boundaries of their townships, and praying that the same might be united, which was accordingly so ordered, and the new town- *ThiB marsh was the one diTlding Horse and Morgan Prairies. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 55 ship was named Westchester. In March, 1841, all of Township 37, Range 5, and fractional Township 38, Range 5, were stricken from West- chester and created into a new township to be called Berry, and an election of township officers was ordered held at the house of Orson Petty, with George W. Rice Inspector. In June, 1841, the following petition was presented to the County Commissioners : To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners of Porter County, Ind. : We, the undersigned petitioners and inhabitants of Westchester Township, most respectfully represent to your honorable body, that the division heretofore prayed for at your March term, 1841, to be injudicious and uncalled for, and is inconvenient for the citizens of your township generally, and that we pray your honorable body to set aside all divisions, and continue the said township of Westchester as it originally was before any alteration at your March term last, and the place of holding elections as before. And in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray. Enos Thomas, John Miliakd, W. P. Ward, William Coleman, GUFFIN HULBEBT, DatID PrIOE, William Knapp, William P. Jacobs, Bbazilla Millard, Rufus Pieeoe, Joseph Claek, Daniel Hulbekt, Henbt Haqeman, William Thomas, John Thomas, James Thomas, Thomas Fraziee, Samuel Wheelbe, Edmund Teateeas, Vincent Thomas. Allen Blaib, Ordered, That the above petition be granted, and that the order for the division of West- chester Township, and for the establishment of Berry Township, made at the March term of this board, 1841, be rescinded, and that the elections hereafter be held at the former place. In June, 1841, Fish Lake Township became Porter Township, and at the same time the division line between Pleasant Township and Boone and Porter Townships was established to commence at the northwest cor- ner of Section 2, Township 34, Range 6, thence south to the squthwest corner of Section 14, Township 33, Range 6, thence west one mile and thence south to the Kankakee River. In August, 1843, Pleasant Town- ship was divided, and Morgan Township was erected from the territory north of the line running east and west between Sections 29 and 32, Township 34, Range 5. During the year 1836, in pursuance of a peti- tion from Solon Robinson and William Clark, the boundary of Clark Township (Lake County) was changed as follows : All that part of Town- ship 35 lying south of the center of the same in Lake County, and Sec- tions 1 and 2 in Township 33, Range 9, were added to Clark Township. In February, 1847, Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in Township 36, Range 5, all of Township 37, Range 5, and all of Township 38, Range 5, were established as a new township called Calumet. At the same time it was ordered that Township 37, Range 6, and the east half of Township 37, 56 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Range 7, in such township, should constitute Westchester Township. Jackson Township was constituted as it is at present, except Sections 3 and 4, which then belonged to Calumet. In June, 1847, all that part of Westchester Township lying west of a line dividing Ranges 6 and 7, and Sections 29 and 32 in Township 37, Range 6, were attached to Por- tage. In February, 1850, Sections 29, 30, 31 and 32, Township 37, Range 6, and Sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36, Township 37, Range 7, were attached to Portage. In February, 1847, Liberty was constituted as it is at present, except Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4, now forming the south- ern part of Westchester, which then belonged to Liberty. In February, 1850, Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, and the east halves of Sections 2, 11, 14, 23, 26 and 35, Township 34, Range 5, forming a part of Mor- gan Township, were erected into a new township called Essex ; but some- time afterward (the exact date could not be found) a strip the same width as the township (one mile and a half) was severed from the east side of Morgan and attached to Essex, making the latter six miles long and three miles wide ; thus the Township remained until 1880, when, upon the petition of sixty-seven citizens of Essex and Morgan , Townships, the former was merged in, or united with, the latter. In June, 1852, Westchester Township was divided by a line commencing at the souths west corner of Section 5, Township 36, Range 5, thence running north on the section line to Lake Michigan, and all the territory east of such line was constituted Pine Township, that west of the line remaining West- chester Township. Sections 2, and 11, Township 33, Range 6, were at- tached to Boone, in June, 1852. In December of the same year. Sec- tions 1, 2, 3 and 4 were severed from Liberty and made a part of West- chester. In March, 1855, Sections 14, 23, 26 and 35, Township 34, Range 6, were attached to Porter. In March, 1864, the east half of the east half of Section 30, Township 35, Range 5, was taken from Centre and attached to Washington ; but upon petition of S. A. Campbell and others, it was re-attached to Centre in December, 1868. In September, 1864, Sections 3 and 4, Township 36, Range 5, were stricken from Pine and added to Jackson. In August, 1848, an attempt was made by peti- tion to create a new township from portions of the present townships of Jackson, Liberty, Westchester and Pine ; but there was too much oppo- sition to the measure, and the board refused to issue the order. In December, 1859, a petition, or rather a series of petitions, was presented the County Commissioners, praying that a committee of three be appointed, empowered to confer with a similar committee from La Porte County, for the purpose of laying ofiF and establishing a new county to be called Linn, from territory belonging to Porter and La Porte Coun- ties. This was an attempt made by the citizens of Michigan City, to ac- HISTORY OF POKTER COUNTY. 57 complish a result for which that municipality had vainly struggled for a long series of anxious years — its transformation into a county seat. It had long before given up the oft-baffled attempt of wresting from La Porte the coveted boon, and by a dexterous, and perhaps desperate, policy, sought to effect, by new and novel methods, what it had failed to effect by re- peated and skillful attempts with the old. Upon the petitions were the names of 2,017 citizens living within the limits of the territory to be erected into the new county, and this long array of names called for sober consideration. After mature deliberation, the Commissioners refused to appoint the committee, or to give their approval to the attempt, for the following reasons : 1. The spoliation of Porter County, specified in the petitions, would reduce its territory below the Legislative limit of 400 square miles. 2. The County Commissioners have no power to create new counties, and therefore cannot delegate such power to committees. 3. The new county would not be of the form required by law. The Commissioners of La Porte County disposed of the question in a similar summary manner, and the plan was abandoned. ^Societies and Other Matters. — The following is taken from the Com- missioners' records, 1859 : Whekeas. — J. N. Thompson and others, citizens of Centre, Morgan and Washington Townships, in the county of Porter, have formed themselves into an association for the apprehension of horse-thieves and other felons, to be known as the Morgan Prairie Anti- Horse-Thief Society, and Wherras, The Secretary of said society has notified the Board of Commissioners of the county of Porter of the existence of said society, and the names and residences of the members, and has furnished them with a copy of its constitution, by-laws, or articles of association ; it is therefore. Ordered, That the objects for which such association is formed, and the laws gov- erning the same, be approved. At the September term, 1861, the following appears : In the matter of the Lake and Porter Counties Anti-Horse-Thief Society, now comes Isaac Hardesty, Secretary of said society, and shows to the board the articles of associa- tion, the by-laws, and a list of the members of said society, and on its behalf, asks that the same be approved, and after due inspection thereof, the same are in all things by the board approved. In 1861, an attempt was made by sundry petitions to change the boundary line between the counties of Lake and Porter, but the scheme, from the outset, met with cold reception, and, after being considered by the proper authorities, was rejected. In June, 1866, a committee consisting of R. A. Cameron, Joseph Peirce and A. Gurney, appointed by a mass meeting of the citizens of Valparaiso, petitioned the board to aid in building and establishing upon the public square suitable water works or reservoirs for the use of the 68 HISTOKY OF POETER COUNTY. citizens ; whereupon it was ordered that, when such works were completed in a fitting manner, $1,316 should be paid the Treasurer of the city of Valparaiso. This amount was paid in March, 1867, upon the comple- tion of the works. The articles of association of another Morgan Prairie Anti-Horse- Thief Society were approved by the Board in 1869. In June, 1880, the Board was petitioned by the citizens of Valparaiso and vicinity to take $20,000 stock in the Joliet & Valparaiso Railway Company ; but before definite action was taken, the project was abandoned or postponed. In July, 1852, there was great excitement among the citizens of Val- paraiso, and indeed throughout the whole county, in response to the report that the " Ohio and Indiana Railroad Company " had out its sur- veyors, and the line of the projected road was sure to pass across the county. The prospect of connection by telegraph with the outer world was very encouraging, especially to the editor of the Observer, who en- deavored by notices in his paper to excite the citizens to the pitch of substantial help to the railway and telegraphic enterprise. When the projection of the road through Valparaiso became a certainty, that little town could scarcely contain itself, but indulged in bonfires, bell-ringing, drum-playing, gun-shooting, and general noisy, public rejoicing. Soon after 1840, the citizens of the county became deeply interested in the temperance movement, which was sweeping throughout the entire country on its mission of mercy. The Observer appeared with strong editorials, declaring for total abstinence, and drawing artistic pen-pictures of the numerous sad cases of the work of alcohol, which came under its observation. In about the year 1850, the movements of temperance co- workers in Valparaiso and throughout the county began to assume for- midable proportions ; and the determined attacks upon what in former years was regarded as one of the " necessaries of life," grew bitter and protracted. But the citadel of King Alcohol was not to be taken so easily. People who had been educated to its use, and who had inherited an appetite for it, could not, or would not, forego what they regarded as the luxury of its use. The result was a protracted siege, longer than that of old Troy, and even more hopeless. In 1846, a strong temperance union league was organized at Valparaiso, with branches in some four or five other places in the county. Dealers were besought to relinquish the traffic, and consumers were urged and prayed to quit its use. The churches took -up the matter, and lent their powerful aid to the move- ment. In June, 1847, in pursuance of ap act of the State Legislature passed during the session of 1846-47, it was submitted to the citizens of the several townships throughout the county, whether a license to sell spirit- HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 69 uous liquors should be granted, each township being called upon to settle the question within its own borders. The citizens of the townships of Centre, Liberty, Jackson, Porter, Morgan, Washington and Portage re- fused, some of the townships by substantial majorities, to grant such licenses ; while in the townships of Union, Boone, Calumet, Westchester and Pleasant, the people declared for license by small majorities. In 1851, the board established the liquor license, in those townships which had voted it, at $100. But this was found no cure for the evil, as liquor was watered and weakened in indirect ratio to the increase in the price of the license. If this did not produce satisfactory results, the price of liquor was increased, or the measure rendered smaller, in any case the loss falling on the unfortunate buyer and consumer ; or, was it his gain ? — as the poorer and weaker the infernal liquid, the less damage it did, and the sooner the money of the debaucher was gone without bringing the curse of inebriation. On the 7th of June, 1855, the County Commissioners purchased of William C. Pennock, for |3,000, the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 26, Town 35, Range 6, and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 27, same town and range, and Mr. Pennock became, by appointment, the first Superintendent of this, the first poor farm owned by the county. Upon this farm was a respectable dwelling, which, for a short time, did duty as a home for the county poor. Prior to this, the care of the county paupers had been intrusted to such responsible persons in the county as were willing to assume the charge, at from $1 to $2 per week, each person. There was not a township that did not have, in its time, some pauper in the care of its citizens. Physi- cians contracted to furnish all county paupers with suitable and necessary treatment, at so much by the year. At length the board felt able to furnish the poor and helpless with that home and care not obtained when parceled out among divers widely scattered individuals. Mr. Pennock rented the Poor Farm of the Board, conditioning to retain two-thirds of the productions, the county getting the remaining third, besides which he was to board the paupers at $1.50 each, per week, exclusive of the expense of sickness. The care of the poor continued in about this shape until 1855, when a contract was entered into with George C. Buel, to erect a frame poor house, 32x45 feet, for $2,482, $500 to be paid on the 1st of the January following, $1,000 on the 1st of March, 1866, and the remainder in county bonds, to be issued on the last date, payable in one year with 6 per cent interest, the house to be ready for occupancy Sep- tember 1, 1866. The building was immediately constructed, and is yet in use, though additions and improvements have been added. In March, 1866, the board purchased for $3,200 the west half 60 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. of the southeast quarter of Section 26, Township 35, Range 6 west, as an addition to the poor farm. In September of this year, there were fourteen inmates. On the 16th of June, 1875, the Commissioners pur- chased of W. C. Hannah, for $1,200, all that part of the northeast quar- ter of Section 35, Township 35, Range 6, which lies north and east of Salt Creek and south of a line drawn parallel with the north line of said quarter, and distant seventy rods and thirteen feet south therefrom ; subject to this year's (1875) taxes ; the same to be an addition to the poor farm. On the 9th of June, 1876, the Commissioners purchased for $1,200 the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 27, Township 35, Range 6, except ten acres off the south side, and this was also made a part of the poor farm. On the 14th of June, 1851, a mass meeting of the citizens of Porter County assembled at the court house for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society. Aaron Lytle was made Chairman, and George W. Turner appointed Secretary, and a committee, consisting of the fol- lowing citizens, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws : "William C. Talcott, David Hughart, W. W. Jones, H. E. Woodruff and Aaron Lytle. The constitution provided that, upon the payment of $1 into the treasury by a citizen of the county, such person became a mem- ber of the Porter County Agricultural Society. In September, the following men became the first Board of Directors : W. A. Barnes, W. C. Talcott, Azariah Freeman, H. E. Woodruff, H. A. K. Paine, W. W. Jones, A. B. Price, Walker McCool and Ruel Starr. At this time, sixty-five citizens had appended their names to the constitution and paid their dollars. It was decided to hold the first fair on Wednesday, the 29th of October, 1851 ; to offer $80 in premiums ; and a specifica- tion of the premiums to be paid was made out and published in the Practical Observer, a Democratic county paper edited by William C. Talcott. As, of course, the society had no ground of its own at that time, the fair was announced to be held at the court house. Premiums were offered for horses, cattle, swine, sheep, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and farming implements. The 19th was a rainy, disagreeable day ; yet, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, about four hundred citizens assembled at the court house. Ruel Starr, H. S. Adams, H. G. Hollister, Isaac Miller, Samuel Burns and T. A. E. Campbell took premiums for draft and blooded horses ; T. Beach and J. J. Caswell, for cattle ; Ruel Starr, for sheep ; A. B. White, for swine ; H. E. Woodruff and W. Barnard for fruit and vegetables, and T. Beach and H. E. Woodruff for dairy products. The fair, though on a small scale, was regarded as highly successful and encouraging, and accord- ingly it was decided to hold another the following year. No man HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 61 did more to encourage this enterprise than William C. Talcott, the editor of the Observer. Every few weeks, articles appeared in the columns of his paper, urging the citizens to become interested in an enterprise such as the county fair, that would so well repay them for the trouble. The citizens mentioned above were also active. In November, 1851, the fol- lowing certificate was presented the County Auditor by the ofiScers of the society : In accordance with Section 1 of an act of our Legislature, approved February 14, 1851, and entitled " An Act for the Encouragement of Agriculture," this is to certify that there has been paid into our treasury (as fees) the sum of $61, and we therefore ask for the amount in our County Treasury donated our society by said act. WiiLiAM A. Barnes, President. AzASiAH Fkeeman, Treasurer. Section 1 of the act referred to in this certificate is as follows : Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That whenever thirty or more persons, residents of any county or district embracing two counties of this State, shall organize themselves into a society for the improvement of agriculture within said county or district, and shall have adopted a constitution and by-laws agreeably to the rules and regulations to be furnished by the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, and shall have appointed the usual and proper officers, and when said society shall have raised and paid to their Treasurer, by voluntary subscription, or by fees imposed upon its members, any sum of money not less than $50 ; and whenever the President of said society shall certify to the respective County Auditors the amount thus paid, attested by the oath or affirmation of the Treasurer before a Magistrate, it shall be the duty of said County Auditors embraced within the district in which society shall be organized, to draw an order on the Treasurer of his respective county in favor of the President and Treasurer of said society for whatever amount of funds there shall have been received during the previous year for all licenses issued to persons exhibiting menageries, circuses, or theat- rical performances, or other shows ; Provided, said order shall not exceed the amount raised and paid in by said society by voluntary subscriptions or fees, and it shall be the duty of the Treasurer of said county to pay the same. Accordingly, the Auditor paid to the officers of the society $25, which had been received as stated in the section above. The fair of October 14 and 15, 1852, was even more successful than the first; $100 were paid in premiums. Charles R. Luther, of Washington Township, was paid |10 for the best managed and cultivated farm in the county ; second best, H. B. Woodruff, |5 ; third best, Azariah Freeman, |3. Mr. Woodruff took first premium for the best acre of wheat. H. Bates, Ruel Starr, James Dye and Isaac Miller took premiums on horses; E. West, J. C. Paine, Lewis Connor and T. A. E. Campbell on cattle ; H. A. K. Paine, L. A. Cass and Ruel Starr, on sheep ; Nelson Malone, A. B. White and W. Bartholomew, on swine; Mrs. Phoebe Starr and Mrs. H. E. Wood- ruff, on butter ; Mrs. Isabella Farrington, on cheese ; H. E. Woodruff, Ruel Starr and G. W. Finney, on fruit; Mrs. Eliza Aicks, on bed-quilt, and Mrs. J. J. Fifield, on rag carpet. A long, excellent address was de- livered by President Barnes. The report of the general awarding com- 62 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. mittee was long and interesting. In 1853, over $300 were paid in premi- ums, and the establishment of the fair was permanent, or would have been under all ordinary circumstances. During this year, President Barnes was authorized to invest $50 belonging to the society in an agricultural library. He soon reported that he had purchased twenty-nine volumes of standard works, treating of farming, gardening, stock-rearing, domestic economy, horticulture, floriculture, etc. From this time onward until the year 1862, inclusive, the society continued to hold fairs annually, and to prosper, growing stronger in numbers and means, and offering higher, better and more numerous premiums and other inducements. The fair was held in the court house and court yard until October, 1859, and, after that and until October, 1862, on the "old grounds" west of the present woolen factory. Upon what terms or conditions the society used the "old grounds," cannot be definitely stated. If the property was purchased, the deed was not recorded, but this is probably the fact in the case. It is probable that the society purchased the grounds, deferring payment until the future ; and, when the war came on, and after it had continued two and a half years, draining the financial resources of the county, and filling the minds of the citizens with almost everything except agricultural interests, it, was found impracticable, if not impossible, to hold fairs after the autumn of 1862 ; and the society did not even make the atteihp'tj but mutually resolved to wait until the dawn of peace before renewing their interest and association with the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. After the war had closed, and peace had come, there also came such a stringency' of money ^matters, and sb universal a shrinkage in values, that the fair question, which required, to be made suc- cessful, a considerable outlay of money ajid no little sacrifice of time and labor, was almost wholly overlpoked. At, last,, on the 4th of Oct^ober, 1871, thirty-two citizens met a,t, the. Auditor's office, and after electing A. V. Bartholomew, Chairman, ; and appointing .Reason Bell,. Secretary, resolved that there be organized the ." .Porter County Agricultural So- ciety." A committee, consisting pf Gyrus Axe, D. F. Jones and J. C. Barnes, was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of defraying the expense of conducting a fair, which was fixed for the 19th and 20th of October, two weeks after this meeting. Milan Cornell was elected President of the society; G. W. Bartholomew and Theodore Crum- packer. Vice Presidents ; Reason Bell, Jr., Secretary, and M. L. Mc- Clellan, Treasurer. S. S. Skinner, E. Zimmerman and C. W. Dickover were appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. Milan Cornell A. C. Stanton, Isaac Cross, N. A. Kennedy and A. C. Coates were appointed to prepare a list of premiums. Upon this short notice, with but two weeks before them to prepare everything, the members were so \ y, ^^ a 1 ? a 1 I g" 1 s § 1 Ph 1 A e a s 1 i A t if A 1 ■3 1 1? n S S 22 A' J a i ? m Portage 28 1 9 18 3 11 18 13 26 12 5 9 125 28 9 24 1 1 8 18 ...„. 5 14 115 1 21 6 27 1 8 10 7 11 23 2 11 rl 13 109 29 "28" 1 6 8 21 '"5" 6 14 28 9 4 7 10 32 7 16 7 16 27 9 6 8 11 35 "i" 16 6 3 24 8 10 4 27 8 133 9 7 13 33 2 35 9 26 3 11R 4 21 8 14 28 1 21 6 22 14 140 22 1 "19" ..„.. 2 76 ..„.. 17 "23" 6 14 2 67 17 1 20 Pleasant Morgan WestoheBter... 1 19 1 10 20 3 1 Clark 24 11 26 3 126 25 6 19 1 122 26 10 29 16 160 1 Jackson) 2 2 8 12 16 Centre Liberty 49 1 3 42 1 Total 118 111 2 16 42 21 36 16 33 17 (D.), Democrat; (W.), Whig. Bryant and Clark Townships were of Lake County, as was also Township, the records of which could not be found. The records of HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 73 Washington Township were also missing, the remainder of the county being represented in the table under a different arrangement of townships than as they are constituted at present. The following table illustrates the decided Democratic tendency of the county in August, 1847 : PABTIES AND CANDIDATES. a ^ ■£ i i bo c I 1 5 1 1 i § n 1 95 37 47 12 12 21 20 26 56 38 21 n 14 30 39 14 12 9 12 38 31 35 'X 2 33 41 10 11 1 50 2 31 16 77 12 19 19 24 89 17 35 43 19 12 10 13 45 37 36 91 37 44 12 12 20 24 4 55 41 10 75 16 33 39 19 12 5 34 38 27 48 9. 7 12 91 37 41 13 20 20 16 54 44 28 74 1 15 35 40 18 12 9 21 41 26 23 ? 4 11 98 38 50 12 21 21 23 49 37 18 66 15 27 42 19 11 8 15 44 31 36 9. 4 12 92 37 43 12 16 20 24 55 39 21 74 15 32 39 19 16 9 14 39 31 KO 95 37 47 13 12 19 18 24 56 39 14 71 15 30 39 19 13 8 14 38 31 35 2 7 For Congress: Charles W. Cathoart (D) . . Daniel W. Pratt (W) Robert Stewart (L) For Reprumlative: Alexander McDonald (D).... Harlo S. Orton (W) FoT Commissioner: John Dinwiddle (D) Samuel Van Dolson (W) .. Truman Stoddard (L) For Associate Judge: H. E. Woodruff (D) Wilson Malone (W) Tainter (L) William Barnard (L) Collector and Treasurer: E. E. Campbell (D) William Cheney (W) W. H. Pifield (L) For Assessor: A. Freeman (D) T. Freeman (W) For Coroner: J. Morgan (D) A. D. Cole (W) Orrin Service (L) 415 306 17 333 356 350 346 376 314 1 6 378 314 6 371 818 374 313 9 (D), Democrats; (W), Whigs ; (L), Liberty or Abolitionist. The following returns of October, 1854, show the superior strength of the new (Republican) party : PAETIES AND CANDIDATES. i 1 a P I a S 1 i 1 1 1 1 a S 1 I i 1 6 § n 1 248 78 59 64 30 63 21 19 74 40 9 6 52 753 202 11 21 26 92 39 18 66 54 19 8 20 39 604 243 78 58 64 28 50 19 19 67 40 9 6 52 733 204 11 22 25 92 43 21 66 61 19 8 20 33 615 140 76 57 64 29 49 19 19 66 40 9 6 60 604 291 13 23 25 92 43 '21 56 61 19 8 20 41 713 229 76 57 64 32 55 20 19 69 39 10 6 51 727 213 10 21 24 90 37 20 57 63 18 7 20 37 617 For Congress: Schuyler Colfax (R) , Norman Eddy (D) , Prosecuting Attorney. M. H. Weir (R) D. J. Woodward (D) , District Attorney: Martin Wood (R) , J. A. Thornton (D) Representative: A. V. Bartholomew (R) E. E. Campbell (D) 149 118 109 110 74 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. PARTIES AND CANDIDATES. County Commissioners: John Hardeaty (R) Philip HaU (D) Collector and Treasurer: O. 3. Skinner (R) William Wilson (D) Sheriff: T. G. Lytle (R) A. W. Rose (D) Surveyor: John Garia (R) T. C. Sweney(D) Coroner: R. W. Burge (R) Isaac Hutchins (D) 239 204 268 181 250 191 241 204 237 205 27 92 29 92 22 99 21 100 11 111 53 51 51 720 626 727 632 705 628 714 641 707 641 1 I 94 95 77 73 66 (R), Republican ; (D), Democrat. The following continuous exhibit illustrates the political situation in the county from 1836 until the present time, and shows the electoral vote at each Presidential election since the organization of the county, except where the same was unobtainable : NOVBMBBB, 1836. November, 1840. HOUSES WHEBE HELD. WHIO. Harrison and Granger. DEMOOBAT. Van Buren and Johnson. TOWNSHIPS. WHIG. Harrison and Tyler. DEUOOBAT. Van Bum and Johnson. William Walker's ... 59 14 14 45 18 6 Centre 149 3 11 7 11 20 19 137 Jacob Wolf's Union 19 George W. Turner's William Clark's Jackson 9 Liberty 6 87 fifl Total 13 Boone 10 Total 220 194 NOTEMBER, 1844. TOWNSHIPS. Centre Union ....... Washington Jackson Liberty Portage Westchester Pleasant .... Porter Boone Morgan Total ... d a s M « rt 62 30 36 18 13 22 12 11 39 43 25 311 57 30 38 16 10 16 14 33 40 40 11 305 14 November, 1848. TOWNSHIPS. Centre Union Washington Jackson Liberty Portage Westchester Pleasant .... Porter Boone Morgan Total ... d « S w ^ a 75 29 36 28 24 19 10 17 34 343 100 33 43 16 13 16 24 33 55 39 29 401 >3 S 2 9 3 22 5 21 10 5 77 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. November, 1852. 75- TOWNSHIPS. ^11 . a It s P TOWNSHIPS. in i| s 33 30 15 21 13 46 13 17 13 44 3 30 3 Porter 46 32 46 54 40 30 10 Jackson Boone 14 Morgan Total 236 257 60 November, 1856. TOWNSHIPS. BEPDBLI04H. Fremont and Dayton. Buchanan and Breckenridge. AMBBIOAN. Mlmore and DonelBon. TOWNSHIPS. BEPUBLIOAH. Fremont and Dayton. DEMOOEAT. Buchanan and Breckenridge. Centre 270 121 65 91 204 23 60 16 Porter 110 86 86 24 19 57 71 47 18 17 3 4 3 Pine Libertv 73 69 40 23 123 53 Westchester Total 1054 712 10 Pleasant November, 1860. TOWNSHIPS. BEPTOBMOAS. Lincoln and Hamlin. Douglas and Johnson. Breckenridge and Lane. Bell and Everett. Centre Union Washington. Jackson Liberty Portage , Westchester, Pleasant Porter Boone Morgan Pine Essex Total... 412 160 77 125 72 84 117 54 124 127 112 39 26 313 44 36 13 44 40 92 42 93 72 56 SO 14 15 5 1529 889 28 November, 1864. Novembee, 1868. TOWNSHIPS. BEPUBLIOAN. Lincoln and Johnson. DEMOOBAT. McClellan and Pendleton. TOWNSHIPS. EEPOBLIOAN. Grant and Oolfax. DEMOOBAT. Seymour and Blair. 424 152 65 139 80 81 110 50 106 116 107 18 21 300 30 33 63 42 40 101 54 77 91 43 45 17 ■ 646 144 77 175 109 105 201 78 133 167 92 43 22 406 57 Washington Washington 49 69 Liberty Liberty 72 48 Westchester ... Pleasant Westchester ... Pleasant 106 81 88 Boone 147 44 Pine 69 Essex 28 Total Total 1269 936 1892 1264 November, 1872. NOVEMEBB, 1876. TOWNSHIPS. Centre Union Washington. Jackson Liberty Portage Westchester.. Pleasant Porter Boone Morgan Pine Essex EEPDBLIOAK. Grant and Wilson. LIB. BEPUBLIOAN OB DEMOOBAT. Greeley and Brown. DEMOOBAT. O'Connor and Adams. 436 122 65 144 105 105 257 64 117 147 97 28 18 345 44 42 54 44 30 88 58 57 111 89 59 17 3 1685 978 3 TOWNSHIPS. Centre Union Washington. Jackson Liberty Portage Westchester.. Pleasant Porter Boone Morgan Pine Essex Total 2082 1577 682 152 105 168 107 140 233 113 131 196 97 33 25 < a « H ® 589 53 72 114 92 65 133 96 93 154 46 85 37 November, 1880. TOWNSHIPS. BEPUBLIOAN. Garfield and Arthur. DEMOOBAT. Hancock and English. QBEENBAOE. Weaver and Chambers. Centre 666 173 108 180 105 186 249 112 148 202 119 45 567 70 71 84 74 69 125 94 93 169 83 89 Union 5 Washington 1 Jackson 3 Liberty 12 Portage 21 Westchester 7 Pleasant 64 Porter ... Boone Morgan Pine Tnfol 4 2243 1578 117 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. h3 O !2i w-aMoioocowoiWi-1-aQ .JOiOOcoboc;it^»f>-4Cnocooc>«< . 3 *fc oo as CO 00C0ffit3O00»(kWOOCD0l OOtObOCCOC7iCnb3)->WI>3COa) OOOCOVWOOibOCOCOtOtS «0«li-'0»0i-IO0i|--l-'Ot»CD 00>OlOOC)0-a(^ O 3CnOtO)f>C00003tO i?o-^oo»(^-40300t)^oaaiU3-4 WiOtOOOOOWCOiOiOi t>00itfi.-Jt00lKi'Mrf!>-W0»O N)-ja:tou300Qooacoweo C0OieDC0tf^O00t0-Il-'O(D OI-»Wt005D«Ot»Ci3-SCCrfifc ooooowcnoiuitnocn )_irft.bS^tSI->tOtOCOCOCCrt -.*. 3^ ?i*x ?i^ Ti-i ^rt (**■ J— \ f-.^ ri» fc.»^ r' CJiC^iOOOWOlOWOCnO CO to oo OC000OC9OiC000)fk0>)^0>t0 l-'C»t0OCiC0C0l-'l-'OTC3 OO'tOOOh-iaitOtOOOl— -»Ol OOOOOOOOCnOiOOO SI-1 to >- CO hJ MC Oi-JtOr-iCOCOt^t^Ci)- 4 o 5 5 B 2. IB ^ BBSS' fa SB Bg,i §So SB"" t?^:^ Sg5 <3"5 o hE o B o "i crj o Oo B 77 Si 1^ d !> 1^ c3 M o !zi o 1=1 (> 1^ CO o 1^ H o K| o H Hi ;> 00 QO o 78 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. CHAPTER III. BY REV. KOEEBT BEEK. Military Histoby of the County— Soldieks or the Earlier Wars- War OF THE Rebellion— Political Situation in 1860— Calls fob Troops- Fall of Sumter— War Meetings— Newspaper Comments- Volunteers— The Boys in the Field— Drafts— Facts and Figures - -Muster Eoll— Public Feeling after the Close. THE territory comprised in this county has been, within historic times at least, the scene of no invasions, sieges or battles. Its settlement having been begun nearly fifty years after the close of the war of the Rev- olution, not many of the survivors of that war could be expected to find homes or end their days here. So far as known to the writer, the only soldiers of the war of Independence who have ever resided in the county were Henry Battan and Joseph Jones. Of the personal history of these but little is now known. The name of the former is found on the poll books of an election held at City West not long after the organization of the county, from which it is inferred that he was a resident of Westchester Township at the time. From the records of the Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso, it appears that he was received as a member of that church at its organization, on the 3d of July, 1840, and upon evidence of his good standing in the Presbyterian Church in the State of Virginia. Sev- eral of the old citizens of Valparaiso remember him as a Revolutionary pensioner residing here with a daughter, but have no recollection of what he may have said as to his services. From the records of the same church, it appears that he died on the 1st of February, 1845. His pas- tor. Rev. Dr. Brown, in an anniversary sermon preached in November, 1859, speaks of him as " Old Father Battan, at once a soldier of the country and of the cross. At ninety-four he gained the victory and the crown." Of Joseph Jones only these things are known, viz., that before com- ing to this county he had resided for some time in Holmes County, Ohio ; that he was married to the grandmother of the present Mayor of Val- paraiso, the Hon. Thomas G. Lytic ; that in the spring of the year 1841, he removed to this county and settled at Boone Grove ; that after a few years he died at a very advanced age and was buried in the Cornell Grave- yard, where his place of repose is unmarked by any monument. Mrs. Susannah Fifield, the widow of a Revolutionary soldier, came to this county from Enfield, N. H. The writer is able to state only this, HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. 79 that she was received by letter into the Presbyterian Church of this place August 22, 1852, and that her pastor says of her in 1858 : " Out of her -Revolutionary pension, she annually gave me $10 for Foreign Missions. A godly woman, at an advanced age, she recently crossed over Jordan." Isaac Cornell and Robert Folsom, soldiers of the war of 1812, were buriedln.the Cornell Graveyard. John Curtis, who went from the State of New Yor-k.as a farrier in the same war, came to this county in 1836, settled near Wheeler, and died there in 1865. Eliphalet D. Curtis, an- other soldier of that war, enlisted in New York, came to this county in , 1838, settled near Porter Cross Roads, and died in the spring of 1865. . Myron Powell enlisted in Vermont, moved subsequently to the Western Reserve in Ohio, came to Porter County, Ind., and died here in 1865. The only soldiers of the Black Hawk war who ever resided in this county, as far as learned, were Ruel Starr and James M. Buel, the former now deceased, the latter is a resident of Chicago. No company was organized in this county to serve in the Mexican war, but Joseph P. Smith, of Lake County, at the time holding a county ofBce, resigned and enlisted a company to serve in 1846. After the ex- piration of their term of service, they re-enlisted to serve from 1847 to 1848. About thirty persons from Porter County enlisted in that com- pany, among whom were William Unruh, Ezra Wilcox, Peter Mussel- man, two men named Aley, two named Patterson, Mr. Brown, Mr. Risden, Mr. Preston, Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Wells. It is believed that the only survivors of that company, now in the county, are William Unruh, of Tassinong, and Jacob Aley, of Hebron. It was the duty of this company, while in Mexico, to guard wagon trains, and the climate proved to be very deadly in its influence upon them, as out of 119 men who went out, only thirty-six returned. In addition to these, Samuel Meekam, now of Valparaiso, Clinton Frazier, a man named Briggs, an- other named Hesser, and still others from this county, were soldiers in that war, but in what organization they went out is not known. The War of the Rebellion. — The political campaign of 1860 waxed warm in this county. The great majority of the Democrats voted for Mr. Douglas, though there were some votes cast for Breckenridge. On the one hand it was charged upon the Republicans that they were responsible for all the dangers that threatened the country, and on the other that the Democrats were in sympathy with Southern secessionists. In reality, until the Southern States began to pass their ordinances of secession, none really believed that the issues between the two sections > of the country were to be tried upon the field of battle, much less that four years of blood and horror were soon to follow. After the election of Lin- coln, when the alarm had become general at the threatened insurrection 80 HISTORT OF PORTER COUNTY. in the South, when conservative men of the North and South were en- deavoring to avert the calamities of war by timely compromise, the gen- eral opinion of the Republicans in this part of the country, as evinced by the press, was decidedly against any compromise which might bind more closely the fetters of the slave or recognize the institution of slavery as National in its character. The Republic of that day, then published in Valparaiso, was very decided in opposition to the Crittenden and all other compromises, the tendency of which would be to surrender any vantage- ground that had hitherto been gained in rescuing territory from the domination of the peculiar institution. All who are old enough can remember the peculiar feelings which prevailed at that time. There was a class of politicians at the South called fire-eaters. They had always been given to bluster and hifalutin. The people of the North had become accustomed to threats of the dissolution of the Union, and they had list- ened to that kind of talk until they supposed it might go on 'ad infinitum, and nothing ever come of it. Yet things were certainly looking more serious than ever before. South Carolina had seceded. Mississippi had seceded. It looked as though all the cotton States would go out. They did go out, one after another, in rapid succession. Men who had been elected to the legislatures of their several States as Union men were either persuaded or terrified into voting for secession. Twiggs proved a traitor and turned over his forces so far as he could to the cause of disunion. Pensacola and Mobile, with their fortifications, fell into rebel hands. But still the feeling was strong in many minds that all this had been done by a sort of collusion with thei administration for the purpose of terrifying the North into compromises whicb would forever perpetuate the slave power in the Union, and set it, in unassailable control. It wa,8 believed there were too many friends of the Union in the South ever to suffer the fire-eaters to sunder the bonds of the States. The old Whigs, who had no sympathy with that sort of thing, would assert themselves, and the sober second thought of the people would be for bearing their present ills rather than to fiy to others which they knew not of. And then, suppose they did rebel ? What of it ? The North is stronger than the South, and whatever may come we will not submit to have slavery enthroned over the whole land. We will not sufi'er men to bring their slaves into the free States and there hold them. So the RepuUic, voicing the feelings of one party, said emphatically, "No compromise." The opposition paper, on the other hand, was saying in effect : " See how mad you have made the Southern people by your abolitionism. We always told you this was what you would bring the country to. The only way now to escape dis- solution and the horrors of war is to submit to what the slaveholders demand for their security, and let us take charge of affairs. It is no Cly^^ (^aJt^-iyL^cJi^L HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 83 wonder that the South should rebel at the election of an Abolitionist for President." But when the memorable day came, after all the uncer- tainty and suspense about the Star of the West, and about what would come of it all, that the flag was fired upon and that the South had invoked the arbitrament of war, all the talk of compromise ceased. The great majority of all parties said, The Union must be preserved. Over the wires came the proclamation of the President for 75,000 men to serve three months. In the South it was received with derision. There it was known far better than here that 75,000 raw volunteers would not be able to put an end to a conspiracy so vast. With the Mississippi River, Gal- veston, New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Savannah, Charleston, Wil- mington and Richmond in their possession, and with sympathizers in Kentucky and Maryland and Missouri, it was childish to suppose it could all be ended in ninety days and by soldiers the majority of whom had never smelled gunpowder in their lives. But who can describe the thrill of patriotism with which that message was received in the North ? Sev- enty-five thousand men ! They would overawe all opposition. When the South saw that the North would fight rather than surrender all, that would end the matter. Each volunteer then felt strong, and with the almost unanimous current of feeling it was thought by many that they would have a kind of holiday, would play at war for awhile, and then return home when the Union had been restored to receive the plaudits that would await them. It was an era of hallucinations. None foresaw the future, none in the North and none in the South. The Southern fire- eaters had utterly miscalculated the spirit of the North, and the terrible earnestness of the Southern fire-eaters was not understood in the North. On Sunday, April 14, the telegraph carried the news of the firing on Fort Sumter. On Monday afternoon, the 15th, the following call was issued for a meeting at the court house. Americani ! Union Men 1 Rally. The war has begun. Fort Sumter has fallen ! Our flag has been insulted, fired upon and struck to traitors ! A Pelican and Rattlesnake banner floats in its stead ! Let it be torn down and the stars and stripes float in its place, or let us perish in the attempt. Davis, the traitor, says that next the Secession flag shall wave over the Capitol at Washington! Shall it be so ? A thousand times No ! Then to- night let us rally at the court house, burying all party names, and come to the rescue of the Republic against its mortal enemies. We are beaten at Sumter, but not conquered, and must rally to preserve the inheritance left us by our fathers. Come one, come all who love their country 1 To-night let us pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor to the defense of the proudest flag that ever waved over a free people 1 War Meetings and Enlistments. — The court house was crowded early. The following are the official proceedings of the meeting. " On motion of R. A. Cameron, M. D., editor of the Republic, Dr. E. Jones was called to the chair, Messrs. B. R. Chapin and Alanson Finney chosen as Vice Presidents, and J. F. McCarthy, Esq., and J. A. Berry, editor of E 84 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. the Starhe County Press, chosen as Secretaries. The object of the meet- ing having been fully stated, on motion of Dr. Cameron, a committee of five (Messrs. Cameron, S. S. Skinner, J. N. Skinner, Jacob Brewer and M. L. De Motte) were appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The Committee retired, and after a short absence re- turned and reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were received amid deafening applause. (Here follow preamble and resolutions of the most patriotic character.) " The meeting was addressed by Messrs. De Motte, Cameron, Lytle, Jones, Rock, Pierce, Putnam and others. Democrats and Republicans,, who, heretofore differing widely politically, were a unit on sustaining the Government, protecting the honor of our flag, and rebuking the thieves, murderers and traitors of the South. At the opening of the meeting, two American flags, emblems of our nation's glory, were brought in and suspended over the stand occupied by the President and Vice Presidents, which were hailed with long, loud and enthusiastic raptures of delight by the large audience present, to which additional excitement was added by the presence of the Union Band, that discoursed a number of national airs, such as ' Hail Columbia,' ' Marseilles Hymn,' etc. At the close of the meeting, an opportunity was given those who desired to register their names as volunteers, when a number of gentlemen came promptly forward, enrolled their names, expressing the sentiment that it was not for glory, hut to jight." The same number of the Republic contains general orders numbered one to twelve from Lewis Wallace, Adjutant General in regard to the organization of military companies, a proclamation of Gov. Morton call- ing for the organization of troops, the account of the bombardment of Sumter, and also a proclamation from Gov. Morton convening the Legis- lature in special session on the 24th of April. The following number of the Republic (April 25) was issued with the name of E. R. Beebe as associate editor, R. A. Cameron having gone to Indianapolis with his company, and the first editorial correspondence, dated at that place, appears. Henceforth, correspondence from the scene of active operations made up a large part of each issue. Letters poured in, not only from the editor, but from Gil Pierce, who even then wielded the pen of a ready writer, De Witt C. Hodsden, J. F. McCarthy and numerous others. On Thursday, April 18, a meeting had been called at the court house (in the afternoon), to which the citizens came en masse, without distinction of party. Joseph Peirce was Chairman, G. Bloch, Secretary. Speeches were made by Messrs. Morrison, Hodsden, W. Bartholomew, J. N. Skinner, Rev. Gurney, M. L. De Motte, I. C. B. Suman, Charles Gurney and G. Bloch. Among the resolutions adopted, HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 85 was this : " That if it is found that there are Secessionists in our midst. we will not encourage violence and bloodshed at home, hut we will with- draw from them our social relations, and if business men, we will not favor them with our patronage." After the adjournment of the regular meeting, those who had signified their willingness to volunteer for the defense of the stars and stripes, whenever and wherever called, remained to organize and elect officers. The following were elected ofHcers : R. A. Cameron, Captain ; Lieutenants — First, I. C. B. Suman ; Second, G. A. Pierce ; Third, 0. H. Ray ; Ensign, J. F. McCarthy, etc. On Friday, the excitement was still unabated. Numbers enlisted, and the ofBce of the Republic, where the lists were opened, was crowded most of the day. In the evening another meeting was called at the court house, presided over by T. Gr. Lytle. Some 200 blankets were donated by the citizens for the use of the soldiers, and $40 were raised for the purchase of a flag for the company. On Saturday afternoon, the Union Band presented, through M. L. De Motte, their beautiful flag, which had a short time before been presented to them by the ladies. Speeches were made in behalf of the company, by Cameron, McCarthy and Rev. S. C. Logan. On the Sabbath, a sermon was preached to the company by Rev. A. Gurney, and on that evening the company took the train for Indian- apolis, many of the citizens accompanying them as far as Wanatah. In the Meld. — Arrived at Indianapolis, the company, which num- bered 130, was divided and the overplus joined with the over- plus of another company from Ft. Wayne, formed a new company under the command of Capt. Comparet. In this company, J. F. McCarthy and 0. II. Ray were Lieutenants. On the 29th of May, the Ninth Regiment, Col. Milroy, in which the Valparaiso boys constituted Company H, left Camp Morton for Virginia. The first trial the boys had of actual conflict with the rebels was at Philippi, on the 3d of June, where all the Indiana regiments were engaged. The rebels were taken by surprise, and a large amount of arms, horses, etc., was captured. On Saturday, June 22, a meeting of the citizens of the county was held for the purpose of obtaining recruits. Speeches were made by James M. Lytle, F. Church, S. L. Bartholomew and Mr. Bartlet. On Monday, June 24, the volunteers met to effect their organization. The meeting was presided over by E. J. Jones, D. L. Skinner, Secretary. The officers of the company were chosen as follows : Captain, James M. Lytle; Lieutenants, Galbreath and Carr. Capt. Lytle gave his life on the field of battle. A mass meeting was held on the Fourth of July, to bid farewell to the company, as they were to leave on the evening of that day for Camp Tippecanoe. In the Repuhlio of July 19th appeared this song, composed by a 86 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTV. member of the Ninth Indiana Regiment. (It was forwarded by Gil Pierce, and doubtless be was the author) : •' On Sumter's proud ramparts a traitorous hand, Has torn from its staff the bright flag of our glory ; And blessed be God, who inspires our bold band, That flag we'll replace though the ramparts be gory. And the ' Bloody Ninth's ' name, and the ' Bloody Ninth's' fame Shall shine in our history in letters of flame. And the Star Spangled Banner, once more it shall wave O'er our country united, the home of the brave. " Shall we shrink from the contest, brave comrades ? Oh, no ! Let us fight while one stripe of that banner is waving, Or fall with each face bravely ' turned to the foe ' — To the traitors who fight for their country's enslaving ; Contented to die, if that flag waves on high, But never before the base rebels to fly ; For we've sworn that the Star Spangled Banner shall wave O'er the Union again, or the ' Bloody Ninth's' grave. " Let them come with their Beauregard, Davis and Wise, The ' Ninth' will be there with their Colonel to lead 'em, And while that proud banner is floating the skies. With him they will fight for their Union and freedom. The foe we'll destroy, and the name of Milroy Shall sound through our country in p^ans of joy. While the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." On July 24, the " Bloody Ninth " reached Indianapolis from the seat of war to be re-organized for the three years' service. The Twentieth Regiment, Col. W. L. Brown, with Capt. James M. Lytle's company, from Porter County, left Indianapolis for Washington on the Slst of July, just ten days after the Bull Run disaster. October 24, 1861, this delicate compliment is paid in the Republic to Secretary Cameron: " A number of horses, numbering 250, were sent this regiment (First Regiment Northwestern Cavalry in which was Capt. Buell's Company) from Pennsylvania, Secretary Cameron's State, and twenty-five of that number and only twenty-five were found fit for service, 227 being rejected as unsound and deficient in almost every conceiv- able manner. This is a fair specimen of Pennsylvania swindling, con- nived at by officials high in power. Let the West furnish her men with their equipments and horses, and Pennsylvania retain her old broken- down hacks for her own use, if the Secretary insists upon using all the ring-boned, spavined, windgalled, blind, stump-tailed, lamed, knock- kneed, worn-out broken-winded scrubs first." In Company Gr, of that Cavalry Regiment, were forty-seven Porter County men, of whom the Adjutant General's report of Indiana takes no notice. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 87 The capture of Fort Donelson, on Sunday, February ] 6, 1862, vras one of the bright spots in the history of the war, and gave rise to great re- joicing in Valparaiso as well as in other parts of the land. On Monday evening the court house was packed with the " chivalry and beauty " of Valparaiso. The ladies were out in full force, although it drizzled rain. Dr. Newland was called to the chair, and speeches were made (after prayer) by Gurney, Mattingly, Church, Bartholomew, President Sims and A. L. Jones. Of course a resolution was adopted. What would a meeting in the United States of America be without at least one resolu- tion ? This was one of " unbounded confidence in the wisdom and patri- otism of our military leaders," etc. Of course, with 15,000 rebel prison- ers just taken, they could afibrd to have a little confidence in the men who took them. In the Republic of March 20, 1862, is a detafled account of the devastation wrought to the frigates Cumberland and Congress, by the rebel ram Merrimac, in Hampton Roads, on March 9, written by Capt. Lytle, whose regiment, the Twentieth, was engaged during the fight, to- gether with the repulse of the Merrimac by the iron-clad Monitor. On the 15th of April, seventeen or eighteen men of the Ninth Regiment, who had been wounded in the engagement at Pittsburg Landing, were re- ceived at Valparaiso, and were kindly cared for by the citizens. In that engagement, David Thatcher, James Mitchell and David Armitage, be- longing to Company H, were killed, and twenty-nine others were wounded. It began indeed to be the "Bloody Ninth." Sixty-two ofiEcers and men went into the action and thirty passed through it unscathed. May 1, 1862, a meeting was held at the residence of Rev. S. C. Lo- gan, to devise means of sending relief to the sick and wounded of the Indiana regiments. A sanitary commission was appointed at a meeting held at the court house which issued an address to the people of Northwestern Indiana. The commission consisted of S. W. Smith, A. J. Buel, Elias Axe, Joseph Peirce, M. A. Salisbury, B. J. Jones and R. Bell, Jr. On the 28th of April, the following patriotic appeal was made to the Germans of Porter County : An die Deutschert von Porter County. Der Unterzeichnete ist bereit Beitrage ziim Ankaufe eiues Landgutes faer Major General Fbanz Siqel anzunehmen. Komme yeder uud gebe aeiu echerflein zu einem so noblen Unternehmen. Dr. Met. Max Hoffman. The cry of " fight mit Sigel " was taken up in Porter County. On the 29th of May, 1862, was issued a call for a non-partisan con- vention to send delegates to the Union State Convention, which was to meet in Indianapolis on the 8th of June, and to appoint a Union County Central Committee to act for the year. 88 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. July 10, 1862, there appeared the following letter: Columbia Hospital, Washi'nqton, D. C. Mt Dear Mrs. Larned : This morning, for the first time, I am able to write you a short note. I was shot in the left side and the left thigh, and the right wrist (slightly the latter). Three shots pierced my coat, so you see I was very fortunate to get off at all. There are no bones broken, and I am improving rapidly. My folks at B. come over to see me, and I will go home with them as soon as I am able to ride. I think it will be from four to six weeks before I could think of venturing West, but will go as soon as possible. Of my own brave boys, fifteen are gone and five are here wounded. They did their duty to a man. God bless them; but we all did so. Lttle. This was Capt. James M. Lytle, of the Twentieth. He was wounded in front of Richmond. July 17, 1862, this item appears, " We regret to learn that the Rev. Dr. Brown, Chaplain of the Forty-eighth Regiment, is lying critically ill at Padueah. His wife was telegraphed for on Saturday evening last, requiring her to repair to his bedside as speedily as possible. She started for that place on the first train. The Presbyterian Church of this place, of which he was formerly pastor, appointed A. J. Buel, Esq., on its behalf on Sab- bath to visit him. Mr. Buel left with his lady that evening." The Republic of the following week published the obituary of Dr. Brown, who died July 14, and the gallant Lytle passed away after long suffer- ing, on the 20th of August following. Thus were the people tasting of the horrors of the war, and learning at what a price the Union was to be restored. The order for the first draft for 300,000 men to serve for nine months was issued August 4, 1862. There was also a call for 300,000 volunteers. Both these calls were met with thanks on the part of the people. On Monday, August 10, a mass-meeting was held at the court house, which was addressed by Hon. C. W. Cathcart, of La Porte County. Dr. L. A. Cass was chosen as President of the meeting, and Thomas Jewell, Secre- tary. The purpose of the meeting was to raise $25 bounty for each man enlisting from the county. By the 14th of August, two full companies had gone into camp at South Bend. Not less than three hundred and fifty men had enlisted under the call for 600,000 men. The subscrip- tions were liberal and numerous, ranging from $1 to f 100. But it would be impossible to follow up that eventful' history to its close, and necessity compels us to summarize the work done by Porter County in suppressing the rebellion. Military Statistics. — It is impossible to ascertain just how many men from Porter County were engaged in the war. The reports of the Adjutant General are very imperfect, omitting the names of some persons who served in Indiana Regiments, even those of some commissioned offi- cers, and of those who enlisted in the regiments of other States he has HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 89 given no account. We have seen how many there were in a single regi- ment of cavalry which went from Illinois, and there were many who enlisted in the gunboat or naval service, or in Tennessee and Kentucky regiments. Many also were wounded or killed of whom these records preserve no account. The names of Porter County soldiers are found upon the rolls of twenty-nine regiments of infantry, four regiments of cav- alry and two batteries of artillery which went from this State. But these names are chiefly to be found in the Ninth, Twentieth, Seventy-third, Ninety-ninth, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth and One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiments of Infantry, and in the Fifth, Seventh and Twelfth Cavalry and the Fourth Battery. Of those whose names are found in the Adjutant General's report, 156 were honorably discharged on account of disabilities from wounds or sickness, or for other reasons not given. Five hundred and thirty-nine were mustered out at the expiration of their term of service, or at the close of the war ; twenty-five were promoted from the ranks to be com- missioned officers ; sixty were wounded in battle, of whom fourteen died ; twenty-seven were killed in battle ; fifty-eight deserted ; in some cases the same person deserted twice ; even one who had served three years and had re-enlisted as a veteran deserted before the close of the war ; 106 died of sickness. The mere reading of this shows how imperfectly the report of the Adjutant General was made out, when we remember what befell Company H, of the Ninth, at Pittsburg Landing, and Capt. Lytle's company in the battles before Richmond. It must strike all readers as strange that there should have been fifty-eight desertions and only twenty-seven killed in battle. The terms of service of the several Indiana regiments containing Porter County men were as follows : The Ninth, three months; for three years. Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thir- teenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-second, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-ninth, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-eighth, Fifty-ninth, Sixty-third, Seventy-third, Ninety-ninth, One Hundred and Twenty- eighth ; for one year, the One Hundred and Forty-second and One Hun- dred and Fifty-first ; for 100 days, the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth. The various calls for troops were as follows : First call for 75,000 men, three months, April 15, 1861 ; second call for 42,000 men, for three years. May 30, 1861 ; third call for 300,000 men for nine months, August 4, 1862 ; fourth call for 100,000 men for six months, June 15, 1863 ; fifth call for 300,000 men for three years, October 17, 1863 ; sixth call for 500,000 men for one, two and three years, July 18, 1864 ; seventh call for 300,000 men for one, two and three years, December 10, 1864. Porter County paid for bounties during the war $65,227.50. For 90 HISTORY OF PORTEE COUNTY. relief, that is for sanitary and Christian commissions, and for the families of soldiers, $54,606.33. For the draft of October 6, 1862, T. G. Lytle was Draft Commissioner, W. S. Dunning Marshal, and J. H. Newland, Surgeon. Only nineteen men were drafted at that time. The second draft was on the 17th of October, 1863. The total credits by enrollment and draft to July 18, 1864, were 686. Total to be furnished by second draft, sixty-nine. Under the draft ordered for December 19, 1864, there were 145 recruits ; drafted men, seventy ; total, 215. The revised en- rollment, according to the Adjutant General's report, showed a total en- rollment of 1,136 from Porter County. It would be impossible, in the limits assigned, to give a history of the encampments, marches, battles, sieges, imprisonments, etc., of all the regiments having soldiers from this county. They made a gallant record, endured great hardships, and are deserving of the gratitude of their coun- trymen. As they returned home they were welcomed at Indianapolis and at Valparaiso, and since that time many of them have enjoyed public honors, and many have been entered upon the pension rolls of the nation. These things are worthy of mention : That ninety- nine re-enlisted as veterans after serving full three years. Nine are reported to have died in prison ; two were dishonorably discharged. Of those who are reported as deserters, the writer, after a residence of seventeen years in the county, can say that he does not know one of them. The names are not familiar, and they have evidently sought other scenes. The following is a list of officers from Porter County who served in the war of the rebellion : Ninth Infantry. — Robert A. Cameron, Captain of Company H, three months, commissioned April 22, 1861; mustered out at expira- tion of term ; re-entered service and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Nineteenth Regiment, July 29, 1861 ; transferred to Thirty- fourth Regiment February 3, 1862 ; promoted Colonel, June 15, 1862 ; appointed Brigadier General United States Volunteers, August 11, 1863 ; appointed Major General by brevet, March 13, 1865 ; resigned July 22, 1865. I. C. B. Suman, First Lieutenant Company H, April 22, 1861, three months ; re-entered as Captain Company H, August 29, 1861 ; promoted Lieutenant Colonel, August 20, 1862 ; promoted Colonel April 17, 1863 ; appointed Brigadier Gen- eral by brevet March 13, 1865. G. A. Pierce, Second Lieutenant Company H, April 22, 1861, three months; appointed Assistant Quartermaster August 3, 1861. W. H. Benny, Second Lieutenant Company H, August 29, 1861 ; Adjutant May 30, 1862 ; resigned November 24, 1862. Stephen P. Hodsden, Second Lieutenant Company E, September 1, 1861 ; promoted Adjutant March 3, 1863 ; promoted HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. 91 Captain Company H, August 1, 1864. La Fayette Burr, Adjutant August 1, 1864 ; Quartermaster February 18, 1865 ; promoted Captain Company G ; resigned April 5, 1865. Zaccheus B. Fifield, Second Lieu- tenant May 30, 1862; promoted Adjutant March 31, 1865. Harry Smith, Chaplain, November 17, 1863 ; resigned July 28, 1864. John K. Blackstone, Captain Company E, September 1, 1861 ; promoted Assistant Surgeon, November 15, 1861 ; resigned March 11, 1862. Max F. A. Hoffman, Assistant Surgeon, September 25, 1863 ; Surgeon One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, March 8, 1864. George W. Bloom- field, veteran, First Lieutenant, February 4, 1865. De Witt C. Hods- den, First Lieutenant Company H, August 29, 1861 ; Captain, August 20, 1862 ; died July 27, 1864, of wounds received in action. Robert P. Drulinger, First Lieutenant Company H, September 29, 1862 ; mustered out January 24, 1865. William Turner, First Lieutenant Company H, March 16, 1865. John W. Brown, Second Lieutenant, March 16, 1865. Fifteenth (three years) Infantry. — John F. McCarthy, Second Lieu- tenant Company C, April 21, 1861; promoted First Lieutenant March 25, 1862 ; resigned July 23, 1862 ; appointed Assistant Surgeon, Twenty-ninth Infantry January 29, 1863 ; Surgeon December 9, 1863. Oliver H. Ray, First Lieutenant Company C, April 21, 1861 ; resigned March 23, 1862. Twentieth Infantry — Erasmus C. Galbreath, First Lieutenant Com- pany I, July 22, 1861 ; promoted Captain August 20, 1862 ; Major, June 6, 1863 ; mustered out October 19, 1864 ; appointed First Lieutenant reg- ular army, February 23, 1866 ; now (1882) Captain. James M. Lytle, Captain Company I, July 22, 1861 ; died of wounds August 19, 1862. Lorenzo D. Corey, Second Lieutenant Company I, August 20, 1862 ; First Lieutenant, March 25, 1863 ; Captain, June 6, 1863 ; mustered out. William T. Carr, Second Lieutenant Company I, July 22, 1861 ; First Lieutenant, August 20, 1842 ; dismissed March 20, 1863. Will- iam W. Stearns, Second Lieutenant Company I, March, 21, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, June 6, 1863 ; mustered out October 10, 1864. William S. Babbitt, Captain Company C, September 16, 1862 ; honorably discharged July 22, 1863. Anthony W. Smith, Second Lieutenant Company D (re-organized). May 16, 1865 ; mustered out as First Sergeant with regi- ment. Orpheus Everts, Surgeon, July 23, 1861 ; transferred to Twen- tieth Regiment at re-organization ; mustered out with regiment. W. E. Brown, Commissary Sergeant at re-organization ; Adjutant One Hundred and Fifty-fifth, 1865 ; Quartermaster, April 18, 1865 ; declined July 19, 1865. Twenty-ninth Infantry. — J. F. Heaton, Assistant Surgeon, June 15, 1865. Samuel E. Wetzel, First Lieutenant Company F, May 17, 1864 ; t)2 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Captain, June 1, 1865. Anson Goodwin, Second Lieutenant Company I, September 10, 1861 ; resigned January 11, 1862 ; Captain Company B, One Hundred and Fiftieth, February 20, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment. Thirty-fourth Jw/awirt/.— Stephen L. Bartholomew, Quartermaster, September 20, 1863 ; resigned December 4, 1863. S. C Logan, Chap- lain, September 20, 1863. Forty-eight Infantry.— J a,mea C. Brown, Chaplain, 1862; died in hospital at Paducah, Ky., of sickness contracted in the service. Theo- philus Matott, Second Lieutenant Company D, November 1, 1862 ; First Lieutenant, January 23, 1863 ; resigned September 18, 1863. Sixty-third Infantry.— B.enry 0. Skinner, First Lieutenant Com- pany B, July 1, 1864 ; Captain, August 18, 1864 ; mustered out May 20, 1865. Seventy-third Infantry.— Robert W. Graham, First Lieutenant Com- pany I, August 5, 1862; Captain, October 20, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel, February 13, 1863 ; resigned March 9, 1863, from disability. Emanuel M. Williamson, Second Lieutenant Company I, August 5, 1862 ; First Lieutenant, October 20, 1862 ; Captain, February 13, 1863. Rollin M. Pratt, Captain Company I, August 5, 1862 ; re- signed October 19, 1862. William C. Baton, Second Lieutenant Com- pany I, October 20, 1862 ; First Lieutenant, February 13, 1863 ; Cap- tain, March 1, 1864; mustered out. Adolphus H. Booher, Second Lieutenant Cftmpany I, February 13, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, March 1, 1864 ; mustered out with regiment as Second Lieutenant. Charles S. Arnold, Second Lieutenant Company I, March 1, 1864 ; honorably dis- charged June 10, 1865. John L. Brown, Company E, Sergeant ; pro- moted First Lieutenant. Eighty-sixth Infantry. — Nicholas E. Manville, Chaplain, January 8, 1862 ; resigned April 9, 1863. Ninety-ninth Infantry. — Fred W. Drawans, First Lieutenant Com- pany C, March 2, 1862 ; resigned January 1, 1865. William Harmon, Second Lieutenant Company C, October 25, 1862 ; resigned March 1, 1864. Jacob Brewer, Captain Company C, August 18, 1862 ; resigned August 4, 1863. Charles R. Loux, Second Lieutenant Company C, May 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment. One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry. — William H. Calkins, Quartermaster, December 8, 1863 ; promoted Major Twelfth Cavalry, March 4, 1864 ; mustered out with regiment. John E. Cass, First Lieu- tenant Company E, December 19, 1863 ; resigned March 25, 1865. John Fitzwilliams, Second Lieutenant Company E, June 1, 1865 ; dis- charged as First Sergeant. Benjamin Sheffield, Captain Company E, December 19, 1863"; honorably discharged December 10, 1864. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 93 One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Infantry. — Thomas G. Lytle, Captain Company D (100 days), May 13, 1864; mustered out. Homer A. Goodwin, First Lieutenant Company D, May 13, 1864; mustered out. One Hundred and Fifty-first Infantry. — John B. Marshall, Second Lieutenant Company B, February 20, 1865 ; mustered out. John E. Moon, First Lieutenant Company B, February 20, 1865 ; mus- tered out. Aaron W. Lytle, Captain Company E, February 23, 1865 ; mustered out. Charles E. Youngs, First Lieutenant Company E, Feb- ruary 23, 1865 ; mustered out. Orlando R. Beebe, Second Lieutenant Company B, September 10, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment as First Sergeant. Fourth Battery. — Henry J. Willetts, Second Lieutenant, Light Artillery, July 2, 1863 ; mustered out October 6, 1863 (term expired). Mark L. De Motte, First Lieutenant, September 15, 1861 ; resigned March 8, 1862 ; commissioned Assistant Quartermaster by the President April 14, 1862 ; resigned January 12, 1864. Augustus A. Starr, Second Lieutenant, September 15, 1861 ; resigned July 1, 1863. Twentieth Battery. — Warren C. Gilbreath, Second Lieutenant, March 16, 1865 ; mustered out with battery. Fifth Cavalry. — Arthur M. Buell, First Lieutenant, September 3, 1862 ; resigned December 1, 1862. Seventh Cavalry. — John C. Febles, Captain Company A, August 15, 1863; Major, October 27, 1863; resigned February 28, 1865. Aaron L. Jones, Quartermaster, June 24, 1864 ; transferred to Resid- uary Battalion as Quartermaster. John R. Parmelee, First Lieutenant Company A, August 15, 1863 ; Captain, October 27, 1863 ; mustered out as supernumerary. Henry S. Stoddard, Second Lieutenant Com- pany A, September 1, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, October 27, 1863 ; resigned November 25, 1863, as Second Lieutenant. John Douch, Second Lieutenant Company A, October 27, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, November 26, 1863 ; transferred to Residuary Battalion, Company C. John C. Harmon, Second Lieutenant Company A, November 26, 1863 ; resigned August 13, 1864. Charles H. Gleason, Second Lieutenant Company A, August 14, 1864 ; transferred to Company C, Residuary Battalion. Twelfth Cavalry. — James H. Claypool, Chaplain, April 22, 1864 ; resigned January 5, 1865. William Bissell, First Lieutenant Company M, January 9, 1864; mustered out with regiment. Lewis Stoddard, Captain Company M, January 9, 1864 ; honorably discharged Novem- ber 4, 1864. James M. Buell, Second Lieutenant, January 9, 1864 ; mustered out with regiment. 94 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Sundry ftirjos.— Alfred H. Laing, First Lieutenant Company E, Residuary Battalion Thirtieth Regiment, December 19, 1864. Ambrose Y. Moore, Hospital Chaplain, August 6, 1862. Henry Monroe Buell, Captain Illinois Cavalry. PORTER COUNTY ROLL OF HONOR. Seventh Infantry. — Jesse Kindig, die.d at Nashville, Tenn., Decem- ber 4, 1862. Eighth Infantry. — Henry Powers, died January 4, 1863, of wounds received at Stone River. Ninth Infantry. — David Arvin, died near Marietta, Ga., January, 1864; John Ablet, died at Paducah, Ky., April, 1862, of wounds received at Shiloh ; David Armitage, killed at Shiloh April 7, 1862 ; Elias J. Axe, died September 24, 1863, of wounds received at Missionary Ridge ; William D. Brown, killed at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863. James Bullis, killed at Chickamauga ; George Beebe, died July 19, 1865 ; Ham Gibbs, died January 24, 1863 ; Charles Gould, died July 5, 1864 ; W. H. H. Howard, died July 25, 1864, of wounds received at Kenesaw Mountain ; Benjamin F. Huntingdon, killed at Buffalo Mountain, De- cember 31, 1861 ; Lewis Keller, died of wounds received at Shiloh ; Thomas R. Mackey, killed at Buffalo Mountain December 31, 1861 ; Henry Pratt, died February 2, 1862 ; Abner Sanders, died at Cheat Mountain January 3, 1861 ; Levi 0. Spafford, died at Bvansville, Ind., April 28, 1862 ; Manford Thatcher, killed at Resaca May 14, 1864 ; David Thatcher, killed at Shiloh April 7, 1862 ; Joseph Turner, killed at Chickamauga September 20, 1863. Seventeenth Infantry. — Asahel G. Carmen, killed at Selma, Ala., April 2, 1865 ; Thomas W. Maxwell, killed at Selma April 2, 1865. Eighteenth Infantry. — Charles Allen, died at Bellaire, Ohio, Feb- ruary 13, 1862, of wounds. Twentieth Infantry. — John H. Cook, killed at Gettysburg, Penn. ; Duane Ellis, died at Andersonville Prison September 5, 1864 ; Anton Fuller, killed at Chickahominy ; John Torpy, killed at Gettysburg ; John Shaffer, died at Washington December 2, 1862 ; Thomas Vanness, died at Washington June 6, 1864. Twenty-ninth Infantry.— Wavren Babbitt, died at Andersonville Prison September 15, 1864 ; Fred Kocher, died at Andersonville Prison August 10, 1864; John Oliver, killed at Corinth May 9, 1862 ; Charles F. Skinner, died at Nashville. Thirty-fifth Infantry.— GharleB C. Gaylord, died at Bull's Gap ; Henry Granger, died at Nashville ; George Miller, killed at Stone River January 2, 1863 ; Moses Spangle, died at Indianapolis. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 95 Sixty-third Infantry. — Preston Bauhm, died of wounds June 18, 1864; Jacob Jones, died of wounds June 2, 1864. Seventy-third Infantry. — Andrew Black, died at Gallatin, Tex., February 9, 1863 ; George J. Bradley, died at Nashville, Tenn., Decem- ber 5, 1862 ; N. B. Blachley, died at Silver Springs November 16, 1863 ; Samuel Conner, died at Summersville, Ky., March 11, 1863 ; William Crisman, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 9, 1863 ; Curtis Dorsey, died at Nashville, Tenn., November 28, 1862 ; Nelse A. Erickson, died at Scottsville, Ky., November 11, 1862; Josiah B. Fox, died at Bowling Green, Ky., February 27, 1863 ; Robert Fluellan, killed at Decatur, Ala., October 27, 1864; Asa Glazor, died at Louisville, Ky., December 8, 1862; George N. Gunter, died at Nashville, Tenn., March 28, 1864; Lester Hitchcock, died at Danville, Ky., December 8, 1862 ; John Hine- line, died at Scottsville, Ky., November 17, 1862 ; Theodore R. Hall, died at Camp Chase, Ohio, June 8, 1863 ; John Hawkins, died at Camp Lebanon, Ky., October 29, 1862 ; William H. Hendee, killed at Stone River December 31, 1862; Robert Jackson, killed at Day's Gap, Ala., April 30, 1863 ; Andrew Johnson, died at Indianapolis, Ind., October 23, 1863 ; Daniel Kouts, died of wounds January 18, 1863 ; Charles Munson, died at Silver Springs, Tenn., November 18, 1862 ; David G. Maine, died at Nashville, Tenn., November 30, 1862 ; Harlow Marsh, died at Danville, Ky., May 15, 1865 ; James McNally, killed at Stone River; James E. Piper, died at Louisville, Ky., March 17, 1863; Charles S. Spear, died at Stevenson, Ala., December 7, 1864; Thomas ShoU, killed at Stone River; Alexander Smith, died at Murfreesboro July 23, 1863 ; Charles Stinchcomb, killed at Stone River ; Edward S. Squires, died at Danville, Ky., October 20, 1862 ; John A.'Tidball, died at Louisville, Ky., November 9, 1862 ; Stephen Thornton, died in hos- pital January 24, 1865 ; William H. Underwood, died at Nashville, Feb- ruary 19, 1863 ; Elias Wheeler, died at Gallatin January 28, 1863 ; Wesley Watson, died at Danville, Ky., October 19, 1862 ; Hiram W. Walton, died at Nashville, Tenn., February 19, 1863. Seventy fourth Infantry. — Chancy R. Coulson, died at Jeffersonville, Ind., February 1, 1865. Ninety-ninth Infantry. — Justice Bartholomew, died at Anderson- ville, Ga., August 22, 1864 ; George W. Biggs, died at La Grange, Tenn., January 19, 1863; Benjamin Biggs, died at La Grange, Tenn., March 16, 1863 ; George W. Birch, died at Scottsboro, Ala., April 21, 1864 ; Hiram A. Case, died at La Grange, Tenn., March 10, 1863 ; Wallace L. Depance, died at Black River, Miss., August 27, 1863 ; Ira Doolittle, died at Snyder's Bluflf, Miss., July 9, 1863 ; James Foster, killed at Atlanta, Ga. ; John L. Kesler, died' at La Grange, Tenn., Feb- 96 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. ruary 25, 1863 ; George W. Livingood, died at La Grange, Tenn., Feb- ruary 25, 1863 ; Charles Sleeper, died at La Grange, Tenn., March 7, 1863 ; John W. Taylor, died in Kentucky, November 17, 1862 ; Harvey White, died at La Grange, Tenn., March 11, 1863 ; William Wooster, died at Camp Towler, Tenn., February 4, 1863. One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry.— A.xq.os Coleman, died at Knoxville, Tenn., April 1, 1864 ; William Coleman, died near Mari- etta, Ga., August, 1864; Giles E. Cole, died at JefiFerson Barracks, Mo., December 12, 1864; Thomas Dolan, died at Michigan City, Ind., March 22, 1864 ; Samuel Furgeson, died at New Berne, N. C, March 14, 1865 ; George W. Hunt, wounded, supposed to be dead ; Frederick Keene, died at Nashville, Tenn., April, 1864 ; John B. Millard, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 5, 1865 ; William Marshall, died of wounds at Calumet, Ind., January, 1864 ; Oliver P. Quinn, died at Alexandria, Va., June 12, 1865; Myron S. Robinson, died at Cleveland, Tenn., August 1, 1864 ; Chris. S. Sholer, died near Kenesaw, Ga., June 23, 1864. One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Infantry. — Edward J. Garwood, died at Tullahoma, Tenn., September 16, 1864 ; Frank Johnson, died at Tullahoma, Tenn., September 15, 1864. One Hundred and Fifty-first Infantry. — Elb ridge Clark, died at Louisville, Ky., August 11, 1865 ; Reuben Clark, died at home March 5, 1865 ; Edgar Field, died at Tullahoma, Tenn., May 18, 1865 ; John P. Jones, died at Nashville, Tenn., June 30, 1866 ; George Lansing, died at Jeffersonville, Ind., April 7, 1865 ; Luther Smith, died at Deep River, Ind.; Ambrose S. White, died at Nashville, Tenn, July 19, 1865. Fifth Qavalry. — John R. Alyea, died at Florence, S. C; John Billings, died at Indianapolis ; Daniel C. Bagley, died at Cleveland, Ohio, May 22, 1864 ; Homer 0. Cadwell, died in rebel prison, Florence, S. C, in January, 1865 ; Isaac L. Downes, died in Andersonville Pris- on September 29, 1864 ; Leander Lightfoot, killed at Marrowbone May 26, 1863 ; Edwin W. Shumaker, died in Andersonville Prison August 12, 1864 ; James Southward, died at Knoxville, Tenn., October 13, 1863, of wounds ; William Terrica, died at Knoxville" September 23, 1862 ; Philip Walters, died at Kingston, Tenn.; Jacob Walters, died at Andersonville Prison October 28, 1864; Lewis Walters, killed at Re- saca Ga., May 15, 1864. Seventh Qavalry. — Stephen Adams, died at Memphis, Tenn., March 13, 1864 ; John L. Babcock, died May 24, 1864 ; Edward Carpenter, drowned in the Mississippi River ; Samuel P. Dunn, accidentally shot January 3, 1864 ; John Johnson, died at Andersonville Prison January 28, 1864 ; Henry Miller, died at Memphis, Tenn., May 4, 1864 ; Isaac HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 97 Margeston, died at Andersonville Prison August 14, 1864 ; John Marsh, killed at Guntown, Miss., June 10, 1864 ; Cornelius O'Neil, died at Cahawba, Ala., March 16, 1864 ; Clark S. Williams, died at Indianapo- lis, December 31, 1863 ; Alvin Welsh, died on hospital steamer August 15, 1864. Twelfth Cavalry. — Isaac Beam, died at Huntsville, Ala., July 3, 1864 ; John H. N. Beck, died at Edgefield June 13, 1865 ; W. B. Dor- rance, died at New York Harbor April 19, 1865 ; Charles Friend, died at Nashville, Tenn., February 13, 1865; Ira Green, died at Huntsville, Ala., July 24, 1864 ; James Garrison, died at home ; John S. Gillman, died at Huntsville, Ala., July 22, 1864; William H. Huntly, died at Indianapolis August 5, 1864; Erasmus J. Jones, died at Vicksburg March 22, 1865 ; Benjamin 0. Jones, died at New Orleans ; Seth P. Sherman, died at Valparaiso, Ind., July 9, 1864 ; Arza B. Spencer, died at JefFersonville, Ind., August 27, 1864 ; Thomas Welch, died at Stark'a Landing, Ala., April lO, 1865. On record, but not properly assigned. — Thomas Buchanan, died June 13, 1862, of wounds received at Shiloh. Popular Feeling. — During the progress of the war, there were in Porter County as in every other part of the country, those who either were from the first, or who afterward became disaflfected. There were those who were always discouraged and engaged in discouraging others, continually predicting disasters and the ultimate ruin of the country. There were those who were always criticizing the conduct of the war, not making allowances for the fact that as a people, we were unaccustomed to warfare, greatly destitute of experienced leaders, and that the work to be done was gigantic. There were those who were deeply grieved at the proclamation of emancipation, and many who thought, in 1863 and 1864, that the war should be ended and peace procured at any price. But it is to be said to the credit of Porter County, that her citizens never thought of making resistance to the power of the Federal Government ; that within her borders there were no treasonable organizations. Nine-tenths of her citizens would at any time have joined in hearty efi"orts to put down any treasonable practices or attempts in their own midst. Men, indeed, be- came bitter in their feelings, because of reckless charges made against them of sympathy with secession, charges that often emanated from malice or from selfish or designing purposes. When the news came of disaster, deep was the feeling of sorrow on the part of all. If there were any who rejoiced, and it has been charged that a few did rejoice at the tidings of disaster, it was in secret. The power of party prejudice is often strong, and whatever may have been seen on such occasions to indicate a want of sympathy in the common feeling of horror at the defeats of which 98 HISTORY OF PORTER OOUNTi'. sometimes there was news, it should have been attributed rather to gratifi- cation felt that their own predictions and forebodings had been verified, rather than to any sentiments of disloyalty to their country, or sympathy with those who were attempting its destruction. It was the feeling that so often prompts the " I told you so," when we hear of calamities of any kind which we have predicted. When, just in the midst of the intense joy that was felt over the capt- ure of Richmond and the surrender of Gen. Lee, there came the news of the assassination of President Lincoln, there was an almost universal ex- pression of horror. An incident somewhat remarkable took place in Valparaiso at that time. F. W. Hunt had a clerk in his employ who had been in the habit of voting the Democratic ticket, and who was some- times accused of not being in sympathy with the prosecution of the war. In the midst of the excitement caused by the assassination, and when the people were ripe for thoughtless revenge, the assertion was made by some one, that he had heard this clerk expressing joy at the death of Lincoln. Immediately, without any inquiry into the truth of the charge, the report spread from mouth to mouth, and for a time the life of the young man was in danger. He was deeply hurt, soon after left the place, and, it was said, never recovered from the effect produced upon his mind by the affair. Within a year of the time, perhaps, he sank disheartened into an early grave, having returned to his home in the Bast. In the mean time, his accuser removed to the far West, and the matter had almost passed from the minds of men, when he, being upon his deathbed, confessed, with deep repentance, that the charge which had cast a blight upon the repu- tation of another, and had caused his life to wither, had been an inven- tion of his own, not planned in express malice, perhaps, but in reckless- ness, and in the desire to add to the excitement, and to bring himself into some prominence and notoriety. At that time, public meetings were held, the usual resolutions were adopted, appropriate sermons were preached in the various churches, and the appointed fast observed with due solemnity. At length the cruel war was over, and Johnny came marching home, and nearly every Johnny had friends to give him a glad welcome. The men who had been over Dixie from the Island No. 10 to Galveston, following Sherman on his march to the sea, or fighting "mit Sigel " on the Rappa- hannock, made the grateful change from the wild trade of warfare to the tamer pursuits of peace in agriculture or trade, and by industry and thrift, have helped to build up the nation's wealth with their own. The record of Porter County during the war, whether as to the number and the valor of her troops in the field, or the loyalty and liberality of her citizens who remained at home, is an honorable one. To the women of Porter County not less than to the men, praise is due for the loval ^/^V^^^-^^^^ HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 101 spirit that prevailed and the earnest efforts that were made to succor the wounded, and minister to the wants of the suffering heroes of the county. Since the close of the war, there have been occasional re-unions at Val- paraiso which have called forth the battle-scarred veterans to recount their adventures in camp and prison and conflict, and to laugh over their an- cient jests retold. On these occasions, the citizens have taken pleasure in furnishing the needed refreshments, not only for the soldiers, but for their families. For Johnny is now not so much of a son and lover as he is husband and father. The boys, many of them, are turning gray-beards, and after the saving of the nation, are now helping to develop and con- trol it. They are the Road Supervisors, School Directors and Town- ship Trustees. Some of them have held county offices. Some are in the employ of the General Government in various departments. At least two of them write M. C. after their names, and more of them would be willing to. Nor has the national custom of honoring the heroic dead by annual visits to the local cemetery been forgotten. Large numbers of the people assemble for these rites, and leave upon the graves of deceased soldiers coronals and bouquets of evergreens and such flowers as this northern latitude produces on the 30th of May. No effort, however, has been made to perpetuate or develop the warlike spirit in this commu- nity by military organizations. There has not been, since the war, a military company or battalion or squad in the county, and hence neither drill nor encampment, nor parades. But the spirit of patriotism that abides in the hearts of the people is strengthened by the remembrance of the treasure and blood which our country and her institutions have cost. May God grant us perpetual and honorable peace, and bring in the day when swords shall be beaten into plow shares and spears into pruning hooks, and the nations learn war no more. Amen. 102 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. OHAPTEK IV. BY KEV. KOBEKT BEBBi Physical Desceiption-Mineeals-Eablt Settlement of Centke Township— Indian Incidents— Statistics— Industrial Pursuits— FlINTVILLE— POETBRVILLE AND POBTEESVILLE— THE LAND COMPANY -Porter County Seat-Thb Public Square— First and Subse- quent Houses— Merchandising and Manufacturing— Professional and Business Men— General Growth of Valparaiso— Secret Organizations— Incorporation— The Woman's Temperance Cru- sade—Public AND Private Educational Enterprises- The Noe- mal~Religious Recoed— Concluding Anecdotes. rr^HE Main Branch of the stream known as Crooked Creek, -L which empties into the Kankakee, and is one of the few consider- able streams in the county, has its origin at the southeastern part of Flint Lake, running in a southeast direction to the Washington Township line. Another stream rises near the southwest corner of Section 3, runs in a northwest direction through Section 4 to the extreme northwest cor- ner of the township, and presently empties into Salt Creek, in Portage Township. Upon this creek Henry's Mill is located. The northern branch of Salt Creek also rises in this township, having its origin near to Round Lake in the southeast corner of Section 13, runs in a southeastern direction through Sections 24, 19 and 30, when it barely cuts the line of Washington Township, on the Starr fa.rm, whence it runs in a south- westerly and westerly direction, through Section 30 to Section 25, whence, after leaving Sager's Pond, it runs in a northwesterly direction to its junction with the main branch, thus making at least two- thirds the circuit of Valparaiso. On this branch is Sager's Mill, having one of the best water-powers in the county. The other branch, which rises in the south- western corner of Washington Township, and makes a circuit of about three miles through Morgan Township, enters Centre Township at the southwest corner of Section 36, runs in a northwesterly direction through Sections 35 and 26 to the junction near the southwestern corner of Val- paraiso, whence the united stream runs in a northwesterly direction to the line of Union Township. On this main stream, at a distance of three miles northwest from Valparaiso, is McConkey's Mill. Round Lake, with a reef of pond lilies surrounding its deeper parts, is a small but deep and clear body of water, as nearly circular as possible, from which feature its name is derived. It is one of those lakes whose depth, according to the belief of all the small boys and of some men, has VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 103 never been measured. It is nearly two and a half miles northwest of Valparaiso, on the west side of the Chesterton road. Flint Lake, the most considerable body of water in the township, is a little more than three miles in a northeasterly direction from Valparaiso ; is nearly circu- lar in shape ; is about forty feet in depth, and is depended upon as the future source of water supply for Valparaiso, its water being very pure and free from all mineral substances. It covers an area of nearly 200 acres, abounds in black bass of the large-mouthed variety, and in fine speckled bass and perch, and is a great resort for boating and fishing. Long Lake, so named from its shape, extending from north to south, is north and west of Flint Lake, into which ^t empties its waters by a connecting ditch. It covers nearly the same area as Flint Lake, but is of less depth. About one-third of it lies in Liberty Township. In the neighborhood of Salt Creek are peat bogs of considerable extent. In general, the water which percolates through these bogs is strongly impregnated with iron, and underlying them in many places are considerable layers of bog ore. There are also occasional deposits of pyrites of iron, and various kinds of iron ore in the hills about Valparaiso, and it is no uncommon thing to find clays highly colored with oxide of iron. These are the only minerals of importance in the township so far as known. An unsuccessful attempt was made at boring for petroleum in the neighborhood of Valparaiso about the year 1864. The signs of iron ore are so abundant as to lead to the conjecture that at some not very distant day that substance may be found in such quantities as to warrant the establishment of smelting works at Valparaiso. No use has been found for the peat, as it is not of such quality as to render its use for fuel economical. There are also deposits of marl in the Salt Creek Valley, and it is said that it was once used in the township for the production of lime. In the neighborhood of Flint Lake are cranberry marshes, but not of great extent. From Valparaiso to the northeast, Morgan Prairie, a sandy loam, lies south of the La Porte road, with the " thick timber " to the north of it, and from Valparaiso to the southwest, Horse Prairie, a rich mold with subsoil of blue clay, extends along the south side of the Hebron road, while on the north of it are clay knobs with oak timber. Originally, about three-fourths of the township was covered with timber. Around Valparaiso, to the south and southwest, and to the northwest, are hills and ravines. From the high grounds to the north of the city, the valley of the Salt Creek presents a prospect of rare beauty, while from a point on the farm of James Fulton, about four and one-half miles north- west from Valparaiso, may be seen, on a clear day, the sand hills which skirt Lake Michigan. Going west from Valparaiso on the Joliet road, 104 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. the soil is of alternate sand and clay, while to the north of Valparaiso, the soil is largely a stiff clay. The original forests were chiefly of the different varieties of oak, white predominating, though there were also con- siderable quantities of hard and soft maple, beech, black walnut, butternut, hickory, basswood, white ash and several varieties of the elm. Wild flowers are found in abundance from early spring till after the heavy frosts of autumn. In the lakes, there is an abundance of the white pond lily, and it would take a botanist to name all the flowers of wood and marsh and field, from the modest violet of the springtime, to the glorious golden rod of September. The prairie soils of the township are well adapted both to grains and grass, while the clay soils, with proper drainage and culture, will well repay the husbandman, either for dairy purposes or crops. The larger fruits have proved ve^y uncertain, failing more frequently than they succeed. Grapes have not ripened well for several years past. Black- berries are liable to suffer from severe winters, while raspberries more frequently succeed. The strawberry is here on its native heath, and is not only productive but of excellent quality. Several attempts have been made to cultivate the cranberry on our marshes, but without success, while the native marshes yielding that fruit have been more profitable than any equal quantity of farming lands. The cultivation of the potato and other esculent roots has generally been profitable. All the ordinary domestic animals and poultry of the Northern States do well here. The black and fox and red squirrels, which were once abundant, have almost disappeared. Gophers are found in considerable, but not in annoying numbers. Ground hogs are still sufficiently numerous to foretell the speedy coming or delay of spring, for such as care to or can observe. From the earliest settlement of the township until within two or three years, wild turkeys have annually been killed in its northern parts. From the sand hills of Lake Michigan to the " islands" of the Kankakee was the original paradise of the wild deer, nor had they entirely disappeared from the northern part of the township until within the last twenty years. Centre Township is six miles north and south by five miles east and west, being four miles in width on the east side of Town 35j Range 6, and one mile in width from the west side of Town 35, Range 5. It was or- ganized by the first Board of County Commissioners at their first session, which was held April 12 and 13, 1836, and was so named from its geo- graphical position, the round house of the P. Ft. W. & C. R. R., at Val- paraiso, which is about a half mile south of the center of the township, being as near as may be the center of the county. The first white set- tlers in this region found, on the west side of the southeast quarter of Section 19, Range 5, a little north of the La Porte road, a small Indian village of perhaps a dozen lodges, which was called Chiqua's town, from VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 105 an Indian who had been a chief of a remnant of the Pottawatomies, the former owners of the soil, but who had been degraded from his chieftain- ship after a big drunk in which he had participated, and during which his cabin had taken fire and his wife had been burned to death. He was, however, still regarded as a man of some importance in his band. These Indians were not permanent residents of the village, but often absented them- selves to spend a considerable time in their favorite hunting and fishing grounds on the Kankakee. For a few years after the first settlement of the township, they would occasionally return to that spot and spend the time in feasting and dancing, dog meat being their favorite dish. G. W. Bartholomew once told the writer of an invitation he had to one of these feasts on fat dog at some place not far from the Kankakee. An Indian named Wap-muk had aimed and fired ofi' bis gun in such a way as to take off the top of the head of another brave. Of course, according to the In- dian law, the life of the slayer was forfeited, but the matter was compro- mised by his paying to the widow the estimated value of the dead Indian. This was the more feasible, from the fact that the deceased had been a drunken and worthless fellow, and hence, judged to be worth little either to his family or the band. This happy ending of a deplorable affair was celebrated by killing the fatted dog and an invitation to young Barthol- omew to participate. The pioneers, in selecting their claims previous to the Government survey and the land sale, took their course from Door Prairie westward along the line which divided the thick timber from the prairie, so as to have the advantages offered by each, and the last comer built his cabin just a little beyond that of the previous one. In the fall of 1833, this border land of wood and prairie, had been claimed to the very eastern edge of Centre Township. Adam S. Campbell, with his family, having come from the State of New York, it was their hap to light upon the last piece of unoccupied land in Washington Township, lying upon that highly- favored line of wood and prairie. This was in May, 1833. His son, Samuel A. Campbell, now resides at the same place. There were, at that time, no settlers in Centre Township. Shortly after Mr. Campbell had set his stakes, there came a man named Seth Hull, who passed over the invisible boundary into Centre Township, made his claim on the site of Chiqua's Town, where is now the residence of the venerable Judge Jesse Johnson, and built himself a cabijji there. He did not remain long, however, but it is said went farther West into Illinois, having sold his claim, to Selah Wallace, who became the purchaser of the tract at the land sale in 1885. He was, however, the first white settler of the township. In the fall and winter of 1833, Thomas A. E. Campbell, a young man, and the nephew of Adam S. Campbell, 106 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. made a claim and built a house between Wallace's and A. S. Campbell s. He never perfected this claim, but went back soon after making it to ■Chautauqua County, N. Y., and did not return to this county till 1835. From that time, however, until his death, a few years since, he resided continually in the township and was the recipient of numerous honors at the hands of the citizens of the county. After his return, he soon pur- chased of Philander A. Paine the northeast quarter of Section 23, where he made his home during the remainder of his life, and where his widow now resides. Selah Wallace's father made a claim on what is now the S. S. Skinner farm and about one mile east of Valparaiso, and came there in the spring of 1834 to live. He was the fourth resident of the township. In 1834, a man named Nise settled on the northwest quar- ter of Section 24, and about three-quarters of a mile northeast from the public square in Valparaiso, but either sold his claim or abandoned it. Theodore Jones made a claim, and occupied it, on the southwest quarter of ' Section 19, just west of the elder Wallace's place. This was in 1834. His brother Levi kept bachelor's hall with him. They stayed about a year. Isaac Morgan made the first improvement on that land. A man named Paine, the father of Philander A. Paine, in 1834 or 1835, located on the east side of the Joliet bridge over Salt Creek, built a log cabin and commenced building a saw-mill, which was never completed, though logs had been hauled from a considerable distance to be sawed. He also sold to T. A. E. Campbell. Charles Minnick located on the northeast quar- ter of Section 24, after its abandonment by Nise. He obtained the east half of that quarter on easy terms. At the sale of lands in 1835, he had not the money to purchase his claim, but a man named Walker, who was interested in the location of the county seat, in consideration of the sur- render of the west half of his claim, gave him the money to buy the east half. This Minnick was a Dutchman, and was subsequently Sheriff of the county. During his term, the Hon. Gustavus A. Everts, of La Porte, frequently had business as an attorney in the Porter County Courts. The name was more than a mouthful for the Sheriff, who always, at the court house door, called for him as Grustavivus A. Everts! Samuel Shigley, in 1835 or 1836, built a saw-mill on the site now occupied by William Sager as a flouring mill ; that is to say, on Salt Creek, one mile south of Valparaiso. When Adam S. Campbell was on his way to the West, he was met in Elkhart County by a wandering and eccentric char- acter, known as " Bee hunter Clark," who advised him to locate where he did. This Bee-hunter Clark did himself locate in 1834, in the extreme northwest part of the township, at the present site of Henry's Mills. Benjamin McCarty located on the southwest quarter of Section 22, on the Joliet road, in 1834. VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 107 Mr. C. A. Ballard built a house on the northwest quarter of Section 25, near a spring and stream, on grounds now belonging to W. C. Tal- cott. This was not earlier than 1834 or 1835. The place was just south of the land afterward laid out as Portersville. Ruel Starr settled on the eastern side of the township in 1834, and resided in or near the township till his death in 1875, received honors from the people, and acquired a considerable estate. Alanson Finney settled west of Starr's place in 1835. Henry Stoner, Abraham Stoner and a man named Bil- lups came in 1835, and settled in the southeast part of the township. The first election held in the township was in February, 1886, for county oflScers. The next election was held at the residence of C. A. Ballard, April 3, 1836, for one Justice of the Peace. At this election, thirteen votes were cast, and Ruel Starr, G. Z. Salyer and John McCon- nell being candidates, the first-named received nine votes and was elected. May 28 of the same year and at the same place, G. Z. Salyer received eight votes for Justice of the Peace out of a total of fifteen. In August, 1836, at C. A. Ballard's, thirty-three votes were cast for State Senator. On the 7th of November, 1836, at the Presidential election, out of 105 votes polled, Harrison received fifty-nine and Van Buren forty-five. That was held at the house of William Walker in Portersville. August 7, 1837, at the State election which was held in the court house, David Wallace received 101 votes for Governor out of a total of 126. April 2, 1838, the following township officers were elected : Constables — J. W. Wright, I. Allen, H. G. Hollister ; Inspector, G. W. Salisbury ; Supervisor of Roads, William Eaton; Overseers of Poor, Charles G. Minnick, Robert Wallace; Fence Viewers, Thomas Butler, William Bingham. At the State election, August 3, 1839, Tighlman A. How- ard received ninety-two votes out of a total of 166 for member of Con- gress. August 3, 1840, Samuel Bigger received 102 for Governor against 100 for Tighlman A. Howard. Henry S. Lane received 103 for Member of Congress, while for State Secretary, Sylvanus Everts received 100 against 101 for Charles W. Cathcart. August 22 of the same year, at an election for Associate Judge, there were 158 votes cast, and the result was a tie between John Herr and Peter D. Cline. November 2, 1840, out of 287 votes for President, Harrison received 149 ; Van Buren, 137. November, 1844, for President, Polk and Dallas, fifty-seven ; Clay and Frelinghuysen, sixty- two; Birney and Morris none, though a few votes were cast in the county for the Abolition candidates. August 4, 1845, for Member of Congress, Samuel C. Sample, sixty-four; Charles W. Cathcart, seventy-one. For Representative, Aaron Lytle received sixty- six, Alexander McDonald, seventy. August, 1846, for Governor, James Whitcomb, seventy-seven; Joseph G. Marshall, eighty-three. State 108 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. election, 1847 : For Member of Congress, D. D. Pratt, seventy -two ; C. W. Cathcart, ninety-five. From the first, the people of the township devoted themselves to agri- cultural pursuits, lived in a very plain way, as they still do, and were fairly prosperous in temporal affairs. The monotony of farm life was varied by an occasional visit to the county seat, especially on show or election days, and frequently the question was decided as to which of two was the better man by seeing which could stand the most punishment with- out crying "Enough." The wheat, as it was threshed, was hauled to Michigan City, and the farmers had to be satisfied to receive no more than 50 cents for it there. Corn was generally fed, as it did not pay to bring it to market. As late as 1860-61, corn sold in Valparaiso for 15 cents a bushel, the pay being in currency, worth on an average about 85 cents on the dollar. Pork sometimes brought no more than $1.50 per hundred. At an early period, wild game was abundant, such as deer, wild tur- keys, grouse, quail, squirrels, and the salt pork of the settler was relieved by frequent feasts procured by the rifle or shot-gun from the forest or prairie. At a certain dancing party held in a country cabin, an immense dish of squirrels was the chief attraction at supper. Frequent reference to a bottle of corn-juice had rendered host and guests less squeamish than usual, so that an accident by which the dish was upset on the puncheon floor proved to be only a momentary interruption, but a subse- quent deposit in it of guano by the poultry roosting overhead proved to be more than they could stand, and supper was forthwith ended in dis- gust. Disorders, however, were rare, for the population was for the most part moral and industrious and not given to spreeing or riotous proceed- ings of any kind. The inhabitants were at the first generally natives of the United States, being from more southerly portions of Indiana, from Athens and Wayne Counties in Ohio, from New York, Pennsylvania, and from Virginia. Until mills were erected in the township or county, the people resorted to Union Mills, La Porte County, for flour, and for some time received their groceries, iron and merchandise generally from Michigan City. The first birth in the township is uncertain. The first marriage was that of Richard Henthorne and Jane Spurlock, May 5, 1836, by Cyrus Spurlock, who was a Methodist minister and also Recorder of the county. The marriage of William Eaton to Susannah Ault, by Elijah Casteel, on June 4, 1836, was probably in Portersville, this township, and the mar- riage of Rev. W. K. Talbott to Sinai Ann McConnell, on July 13, 1836, was doubtless in Centre Township. Of the first death and burial within the limits of the township, no authentic public records have been kept, VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 109 and the recollection of the early settlers is indistinct. It is thought that a number of infants or very young children had passed away before the death of any adult. The first woman of whose death we have any cer- tain account was the mother of John N. and S. S. Skinner, well known in the political and business history of the county. Her death occurred in April, 1839. She was buried on the slope just above the Valparaiso Paper Mill, whence her remains were removed some years since to the cemetery. Solomon Cheney, who came to Portersville in the winter of 1836-37, died in November, 1839. His funeral sermon was preached by Elder Comer, and his remains were interred on the west side of the hill in the old cemetery, the original ground of which was donated by the Cheney family for a burial place. His sister, the wife of John Herr, died a few weeks afterward in January, 1840. Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. James C. Brown, and she was buried near her brother. There is of course great similarity in all the pioneer history of the West during the same period. There were the same log-rollings, house- raisings and amusements that prevailed in the other new settlements, and diversified with occasional indulgence in distilled spirits and personal ren- counters, resulting in disfigured features, though the residents of Centre Township have borne a reputation for peacefulness even in those days. No serious alarms were experienced from the presence of the Indians, though they were not very agreeable neighbors. No such encounters with bears and wolves as one reads of in the lives of Boone and Crockett took place here, though the old hunters of that day could entertain you by the hour with their tales of the pursuit of deer. The barking of the prairie wolf was a familiar sound, but carried with it no alarm, save for the safety of the pigs and calves. The new-comers had followed from La Porte County the Indian trail to the southwest, which skirted the border land before spoken of. Where Door Village is in that county, there is an opening between forests on the north and groves of timber to the south, giving it some resemblance to a door or gate between that portion of the prairie on the east and that on the west of it. Whatever may have been the Indian name of it, the gap received the French appellation of La Porte, which was given also to the prairie, and afterward to the county. The names of village and prairie have been anglicized, and are now called Door. Through that gap poured the stream of emigration following the path before marked out by the red men to where Valparaiso now is. At this point, the trail con- tinued to the west across Salt Creek in the direction of Joliet, while another diverged to the northwest, running in the direction of Fort Dear- born. Along the high lands between Crooked Creek and Sandy Hook, there had doubtless been from immemorial times a trail from Lake Mich- 110 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. igan and the head-waters of the Calumet to the Kankakee. This ran either through or just east of the site of Valparaiso. It is said that the intrepid La Salle 200 years ago passed northward over this trail when returning weary and disheartened from his expedition down the Kanka- kee. These oboriginal engineers were wise in marking out the paths by which their white successors were to go, but the wagon roads overlying these paths have not done much honor to the present possessors of the soil, since both for want of material for improving the highways and the desultory and reckless employment of means for that purpose, their con- dition has been such as to reflect no credit upon the people of the town- ship. The building of a plank road from Valparaiso to Michigan City by a company organized for that purpose (1850-53), and a present attempt to improve the streets of Valparaiso by overlaying them with gravel, being the only efforts at bettering the public highways worthy of mention, since the organization of the township. There being no rivers or large streams in the township, the building of bridges has been an insig- nificant item in the construction of roadways, and this leads to the re- mark that the great water-shed between the Mississippi system and that •of the great lakes, passing, as it does, through this township southward to the west of Long Lake, and thence southeasterly, making a circuit through Washington and Morgan around the course of Salt Creek, and re-entering Centre Township at its southwest corner, is a very sure protection of this region against any serious devastations by floods. We read of farms and cities and whole valleys being inundated, and of bridges and houses and crops being swept away by swelling floods, but here the people can sit in quiet security while torrents descend from the skies, assured that the floods cannot overflow them. The writer has never heard of any country taverns kept at an early day along the lines of travel for the shelter and refreshment of wayfarers. Doubtless, the latch-string of the settler was " out " for the hungry, weary or belated, and the rude cabin, or more comfortable home, afforded the accommodation which there was no wayside inn to give. The only public houses of the township have been in Valparaiso, and will be spoken of further on. The first attempt at the erection of a saw-mill has been spoken of. A little later, a mill was put up and run for several years for carding wool by a man named Kinsey, about one and a half miles south of Valparaiso, just below the hill that skirts the valley of Salt Creek. The water flowed from a large spring, and was carried through a hollow beech log to an overshot wheel of great diameter. Attached to this power, was also a pair of buhrs, said to have been about the size of a half bushel measure, which were used for grinding both wheat and corn. On Salt Creek, half VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. Ill a mile above Sager's mill, Jacob Axe a little later erected a cardlng-mill, which was used for several years. In 1841, William Cheney built the flouring-mill now owned by William Sager. This subsequently came into the possession of M. B. Crosby. Since coming into Mr. Sager's possession, it was, in 1864, greatly enlarged and improved. Subsequently, there was built the flouring-mill owned since 1866 by William McConkey, formerly Eglin's mill. In 1852, William Cheney and Truman Freeman built a small flouring-mill just south of the corporate limits of Valparaiso. The power is furnished for the most part by springs flowing from beneath the bench of land that skirts the southeastern and southern sides of the city. This mill passed into the hands of the present owner in 1861. In 1855, Samuel Haas and M. B. Crosby built a steam floui-ing and saw mill within the limits of Valparaiso, on the present site of Kellogg Broth- ers' machine shops. Its cost was $15,000. On the 7th of June, 1861, S. P. Robbins and a Mr. Cronin, of Chicago, having become interested in it, it was burned with all its contents, involving the owners in heavy loss. The timber of the county being nearly all north of Valparaiso, we must look in that direction for its manufacture. There being no water- power north of Valparaiso, a steam saw-mill was put up at Flint Lake, at a date now uncertain, by a man named Allen. It was subsequently owned by Capt. Hixon, and was sold by him to Aaron Lytle, and after- ward owned by the latter and his son Richard W. It was bought by T. A. Hogan about 1861. It had two twenty-eight-foot boilers, forty-four inches in diameter. In 1863, the end of one of these boilers blew out, and the boiler was lifted up bodily and carried a distance of twenty-five rods into the marsh at the lower end of Flint Lake. In 1867, the mill was sold to Richard W. Lytle, and afterward the boiler was removed to the paper mill then being erected in Valparaiso. The date of the erection of Mr. Henry's mills, in the extreme northwest corner of the township, is unknown to the writer. About 1878, John McQuiston built a saw-mill at Flintville, which was burned in 1881. In connection with the steam saw-mill at Flint Lake, Daniel Depew, agent for certain parties living at Sycamore, 111., carried on for a number of years quite an exten- sive stave factory. All the timber available for such uses having been consumed, the work was abandoned about 1867. J. G. XJpdyke, after the completion of the Peninsular Railroad, built a saw-mill near the depot of that road, which, after being operated for a few years, was removed to Section 8, in Washington Township. The first tannery in the township was built by a Mr. Hatch in 1843, south of the corporate limits of Val- paraiso at the time. Afterward, a small tannery was carried by John Marks south of the present line of the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and just east of Franklin street. About 1860, a Mr. Gerber built a 112 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Steam tannery on grounds south of the Fort Wayne Railroad, and on the east side of Washington street. In 1865, it passed into the hands of George Powell and John Wark, and, in 1868, into the hands of William Powell and John Wark. In 1871, Wark sold to Powell. In 1874, it was burned to the ground, and the tanning business ceased in Centre Township and Valparaiso to this day. The population of the township, including Valparaiso, was, in 1850, 1,012 ; in 1860, it was 2,745 ; in 1870, it was 4,159 ; in 1880, it was 5,957. The population of the township, outside of Valparaiso, was, at these several decades, 492, 1,055, 1,394, 1,497. The foreign born popu- lation in the whole township, in 1870, was 872. Of these, 272 resided outside of Valparaiso. They are chiefly from Germany (more especially from Schleswig-Holstein), Ireland and Canada. Among the latter, are quite a number of Canadian French. The census reports for 1880 not being published as yet, the number of foreign birth cannot be given here. Valparaiso. — It is seldom that a county having its resources and population, has within its borders so few villages of any pretensions as Porter County, Ind. And Centre Township has from the first been virtually without any village or city except Valparaiso. Flint- ville, laid out in 1875 by Wheeler Goodman et ah, near Flint Lake, on the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 6, Town 35, Range 5 west, is a little hamlet having a few residences, a blacksmith and wagon shop and a small saw mill ; while Emmettsburg, laid out by S. I. Antho- ny and T. A. B. Campbell, December 8, 1868, is merely a suburb of Val- paraiso. Some towns have grown up where they are, from the very nature of things. A water power or a crossing of roads gives rise to a factory or a little store, and by gradual accretion there comes to be an assemblage of houses and an increase of business which, at length, necessitates the lay- ing out and incorporation of a village. Other towns have their origin in the speculative minds of men. Thus it was with the town of Portersville. In the early settlement of this State, and its organization into counties, there were wide-awake men who found it to their interest to be on hand at these organizations, and to have a hand in the location of the county seats. This was of course perfectly legitimate, if pursued without cor- ruption. A man named Benjamin McOarty, who had settled on what is now known as the Hicks place, west of Valparaiso on the Joliet road, became the legal owner of the southwest quarter of Section 24, in Town 35, Range 6. It was on the road from La Porte to Fort Dearborn and Joliet, and at the point where that road forks, in order to reach the two places named, the new county having been formed with tte territory of Lake attached, but with the understanding that that was soon to be or- VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 113 ganized as a separate county, that particular quarter section belonging to Mr. McCarty was also at the geographical center of the county, as it was to be. It appears that before the meeting of the Commissioners of the new county in June, 1836, there was in existence the Portersville Land Company. The plat of the town of Portersville bears date July 7, 183fi, and was recorded October 31, 1836. It consisted of forty-two blocks, with the intervening streets and intersecting alleys, bounded on the south by Water street, on the east by Morgan street, on the west by Outlets, 15 to 20, inclusive, while the northern limits consist of Blocks 1 to 5, inclusive, being a strip of four rods in width lying north of Erie street. How the Land Company had its origin is now a matter of conjecture. Its members were J. F. D. Lanier (then a resident of Madison in this State, but afterward a distinguished banker and financier of New York City, and recently deceased), Benjamin McCarty, Enoch McCarty, John Walk- er, William Walker, James Laughlin, John Saylor and Abram A. Hall. Whether the other members of the company bought their shares from Benjamim McCarty, or whether they were a gift to them in order to secure their influence, is not known. There were three other sites press- ing upon the Commissioners their several advantages. One of these was at Prattville ; another was at Flint Lake, in which the Fletchers, of In- dianapolis, were interested, and the other was a mile and a half northwest of Valparaiso, on the Chicago road. The last was owned by W. K. Tal- bott, with others, perhaps, interested. Mr. Talbott was a Presbyterian preacher, a school teacher, a Freemason, a politician and something of a speculator. There was not a house in the town of Portersville, and there was, therefore, nothing to hinder its being seen. From the records of the Commissioners, it appears that their dealings were with the Por- tersville Land Company and not with the legal owner of the land, and that company was able to show a fairly handsome site, to prove that their town was in the very center of the county, and, therefore, most conven- ient to the population that would come in ; and, furthermore, they pro- posed to give to the county Block 23, and ninety-six lots in blocks num- bered 11 to 35, inclusive ; that is, half the lots in twenty-four blocks. In addition to this, they proposed to donate to the county $1,200 for the erection of public buildings. There is no evidence that they paid, or offered to pay, anything to the Commissioners, personally, or even that they treated them to brandy or cigars. There is no sign of corruption in what was done, but everything to show that the Commissioners had a single eye to the good of the county. It is evident now that Portersville was the right place for the county seat. Only this, the Land Company was fortunate in owning the right piece of property. This munificent offer having been accepted by the Commissioners, they instructed the county 114 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. agent, Mr. Samuel Olinger, to receive the gift in behalf of the county. The whole of Block 23 (now the public square), was given to the seat of justice of the county. As it is expected that the Commissioners will soon erect a new court house, it has been freely suggested that it would be well to build it on some lot facing the public square, and that that should be reserved as a public park. In view of this, it may be well to refer here to the conditions of the original gift, which are fouod recorded on page 101 in Deed Record A, in the Recorder's office of Porter County, and are in the words following, viz. : Therefore, in consideration of the seat of justice as aforesaid being and remaining permanently fixed as located by said Commissioners at or near the southwest quarter of Section 24, Township 35, north Range 6 west, in the La Porte Land District, the said Benjamin McCarty being the legal owner of said southwest quarter of said Section, have by virtue of said location and in consideration of the county seat remaining perma- nently fixed upon the public square, as laid off at or near the center of said quarter section and the public buildings erected thereon, have granted, donated and confirmed unto the said Samuel Olinger, agent appointed agreeably by law for said county, and to his successors in ofiBice, block or square No. 23, in the town of Portersville, county and State aforesaid, as the public square and seat of justice for said county of Porter, it be- ing the ground chosen by the said Commissioners for the county seat of said Porter County, * * * and each alternate of 192 lots laid off around the public square, and numbered, etc. Who was the Brst to obstruct the vision of the beautiful town of Por- tersville by the erection of a house ? In the " History of Valparaiso, by a Citizen," published in 1876, it is stated that as soon as the struggle between the rivals for the county seat had " fairly begun, building enter- prises began in the east town, as it seemed to win confidence from the the start." " In the spring " — evidently meaning the spring of 1836 — " a rough board structure was erected by Cyrus Spurlock, the first Re- corder of the county, on the site of the Academy of Music." But the testimony of the old settlers seems to be about unanimous that at the time the county seat was located there was not a building of any kind within the limits of the town as laid off. What's the odds who was the very first to set a stake or drive a nail when quite a number began to build nearly about the same time? that is, when the lots had been offered for sale after the location of the county seat. In the latter part of the summer of 1836, as seems most probable, the work of building began, and went forward, not as it now does in an oil or mining town, but with considerable energy. From one who came here in December, 1836, and has resided here ever since, the writer learns that he saw on his first arrival these buildings : 1. A one-story frame building on Lot 7, Block 28, in two rooms, built by William Eaton, who, with his family, occupied one room, while the other was taken and occupied in January, 1837, by two families, aggregating eleven persons. It was only boarded up oq VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 115 the outside. 2. There was also a log cabin on the north side of Rlain street, on Lot 7, Block 20. 3. On Lot 3, Block 27, south side of Me- chanic street, was a log house occupied by Cyrus Spurlock, and there, doubtless, the Recorder's office was kept. 4. There was also a frame building on the site of the Academy of Music, where two sons of " Bee- hunter " Clark sold notions and liquor. 5. Dr. Miller Blachley lived on Main street, opposite the public square, on the west side of Lot No. 6, Block 18, where the shoe store of A. J. Pierce & Bro. now is. 6. On (corner) Lot 5, same block, was a"^ chair-maker, a single man, who kept a shop, and who afterward sold to a man named Stotts. 7. William Wal- ker had a house on the south side of Monroe street. Block 31 (Talcott. property), in which Hatch, the tanner, afterward lived . 8. John Saylor had a house where Dillingham Brothers' store now is, that is, on Lot 7, Block 18, opposite the court house. There the first court was held in October, 1836, Judge Samuel C. Sample administering, with the other officers and the aid of a grand and petit jury, such justice as the times called for. In December of that same year, the courtly Jeremiah Hamell was found keeping a store in the front part of John Saylor's house afore- said. Mr. Saylor lived in the back part of the house, and sometimes entertained travelers there, for at that time there was not a tavern in the place. Mr. Hamell had not a very large stock of goods on hand, but he could not have been more affable if he had been in charge of Marshall Field & Co.'s establishment. A lady from the southern part of the county, then young and fond of a joke, having called in and made a purchase, was addresised by the proprietor with, " Madam, is there any- thing more I can show you?" "Mr. Hamell, I think I'll just take the rest of your stock home in my saddle-bags, select what I want and send the balance back." No man was a more important figure in the early history of the county than Jeremiah Hamell. Energetic in business, pleasing in manners, intelligent in public affairs, a Whig in politics and with the prospect of many honors before nim, respected, honored, beloved, he passed away from earth in early manhood. His death occurred March 14, 1846. It is generally believed that Mr. Hamell had the first stock of goods in the place, then John Bishop, and then Dr. Seneca Ball, another prominent character in our early history. He came from La Porte, put up the frame building in which Mr. Porter now lives (south- west corner Franklin and Jefferson), on the northwest corner of Main and Franklin streets. In the front part of that he kept store and lived in the back part of it. The goods kept by these merchants and those that followed them for a good many years were varied in character — hats and caps for men and boys, ladies' bonnets and ribbons, calico, broad- cloth, linsey-woolsey, iron, nails, rakes, hoes, grain cradles and sickles, 116 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. tin pans and iron kettles, blue vitriol, indigo, madder, saffron, annotto, logwood, sulphur, red precipitate, spices, sugar, coffee, tea, harness, buckles and black strap. When their goods came on from the Bast, as they did twice a year, they had a "heap of nice things." to exhibit to their customers and tempt them to extravagance. The list of store- keepers since their day is too long for repetition. Some came and put out their flaring show-bills and trumpeted their own praises for a little while as the Mw York Store or the Philadelphia or Boston House, sold their goods and their customers, and after a brief season of noto- riety quietly packed up their goods and stole away. Others came to stay, and held on their prosperous way. Abel Isham was one of the first to engage in harness and saddlery trade. He afterward turned his attention to books, stationery, etc., and met with repeated misfortunes, his stock and building burning up, without insurance, in 1866-67. He subse- quently built the brick storeroom now occupied by Peirce's shoe store, and in his old age is shut out from the sight of day. He has been well known and honored.. After him, many others engaged in the harness trade, among them were William Mann, the Vanattas, father and son, and those at present in the trade. About 1853, John Dunning and his son Warren sold stoves and tin- ware. Nearly about the same time, Joseph Whit more engaged in the same business, and, being a practical tinner, from time to time set up in the trade until, after the death of his wife, his family became scattered, and he departed to other fields. Joe was rather a peculiar character ; goodhearted and industrious, but of peculiar notions, and somehow fail- ing, like many a worthy man, to get on in the world. Henry Bickford was engaged in the hardware business about 1857 ; was succeeded by Carpenter & Parke, in 1859 ; they by Carpenter & Febles, in 1861 ; they by Hawkins & Freeman, in 1862 ; they by Hawkins & Cornell, in 1870 ; Hawkins & Haste, 1871 ; Hawkins, Haste & Co., 1874 ; James B. Hawkins, 1877. Whitmore & Brewer, in the same business, were succeeded by Hubbard Hunt in November, 1859 ; sold to Wilson & Fel- ton in 1863 ; afterward William Wilson. Gr. A. Sayles came from Ohio and bought into a small stock of hardware in 1855. Being a prac- tical tinner, has had as partners at various times I. D. Marshall, William Wilson, Horace Foot, 1858 ; J. C. Pierce, 1866 ; Eobest Jones, 1877 ; James McFetrich, 1879. Of dealers in drugs, there were Joseph Lomax, about 1845-46 ; Lomax & Treat, 1848 ; Lomax sold to Treat in 1849 ; he to Porter, Porter to William Harrison ; Bryant & Harrison, spring of 1851 ; S. R. Bryant drew out in the fall of 1851, and established the Old Line Drug Store, and continued the business for many years. Other druggists VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 119 have been Aaron & T. G. Lytle, about 1853 or 1854 ; Hiram Loomis, about 1855 or 1856, burned out a second time January, 1866, and retired from tbe business. Also R. A. Cameron, both before and for a short time after the war. Others have been Frank Commerford, Com- merford & Marshall, W. P. Wilcox, McCarthy & Dunham, Rowley & Son and Rowley &^ Letherman. Who can tell who was the first shoemaker? Let him rise and speak. The first shoe store was kept by William Wilson ; then Wilson & Hawk- ins. There have been many others since, among whom were C. Bloch, E. T. Isbell, Isbell & Kennedy, Kennedy & Peirce, George Flake, etc. The manufacturers and dealers in fmrniture have been N. R. Strong, in 1848 or 1849 ; A. Kellogg & Sons engaged in the manufacture of cabinet work in connection with their foundry and machine shops about 1857, and others have been the Le Pells, father and sons, starting about the same time as the Kelloggs, and continuing the business in the family to this day. Samuel Le Baron, furniture and agricultural implements, 1865 to 1867 ; succeeded by J. M. McGill, and be by George Babcock, agricultural implements only ; C. W. Zorn, furniture and repairing and carriage building and trimming. In blacksmithing, wagon-making and wooden manufactures, there have been the following : In 1839, the brothers George C, A. J. and H. M. Buel, commenced blacksmithing and wagon-making on Lot 2, Block 24. James M. Buel also worked in the wood shop. George left the business after a. few years, then H. M. retired, and Andrew Jackson Buel continued the business with energy and success till his lamentable sickness and death, July 3, 1868. He was a most estimable citi- zen, and for many years an earnest Christian. Jacob Brewer & Bros, also engaged in the business about the same time on Main street. Oth- ers in the business have been the Barrys, Thomas and Michael, begin- ning work with Jackson Buel, but going into it for themselves in 1864, and carrying it on separately since 1874. They have carried on the trade in all the branches of blacksmithing, horseshoeing, making, repair- ing wagons, and carriages, etc. Henry Williams, T. B. Lauderback, Thomas, Lorenzo Russell and Israel Trahan, Shrop, Spry, McGee, have also been in the wagon-making business. T. A. Hogan has at various times been engaged in the manufacture of wagon stufis, bent wagon fel- loes, buggy felloes, shafts and poles, plow handles and beams, sled timbers, cheese boxes, etc. Daniel White and one of the Kellogg boys went into the planing busi- ness in connection with the old foundry about 1858. Daniel White built shops for the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds on Main and Monroe streets in 1864 ; sold to Wasser & Vastbinder in 1868, who have been 120 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY, succeeded by Alonzo Smith, A. Freeman and John D. Wilson. White, Hunt & Co. engaged in the lumber trade about 1866, and started their planing mill in 1869 or 1870. They commenced selling hard coal in 1870, being the first dealers in the place. Not more than eight or ten car loads were sold the first year, while the present annual trade is nearly 4,000 tons. W. J. Acker & Co. established a lumber-yard on the north- west corner of Mechanic and La Fayette streets, now on the southwest corner of Washington and Monroe, and the firm. Acker & Hoyt. After the building of the Peninsular railroad (now G. T.) a man named Barrin- ger, of Michigan, started a lumber yard at that depot ; and Messrs. White & Bell are keeping one at the same place. The undertakers have been Strong, Wilbraham, the Le Pells and W. Noel. William Quinn began business here as a cooper in 1856, and though once burned out continues in the trade, and is alone in it, though numerous other establish- ments of a like character have flourished from time to time, chief among them having been the Unruhs. The first brickyard in the place was started by John Saylor on the northeast corner of Outlet No. 1. Others have been carried on at the present site of the paper mill at Round Lake, south of Crosby's Mill, and on either side of the road leading to Sager's Mill, by Moses Frazier, Charles Briggs, A. W. Lytle, Mr. Bhymer, Dickover & Weaver, Char- tier & Dumas, the Durands and others. The present production is about 4,000,000. A brewery was started about twenty years ago, now owned by Korn & Junker, and producing over 2,000 barrels per annum. An- other was carried on for some time on the present site of the gas works, but came to an end about 1865. Cigars have been manufactured here for many years by Bernhard Rothermel, Urbahns and H. C. Krayer. The production is small. Mr. Rothermel is also engaged in the manu- facture and bottling of soda water. Market gardening and the cultiva- tion of small fruits have been carried on for the supply of the local demand and for the Chicago market. N. R. Strong, Nahum Cross, George Por- ter, Wells, Dodd, Myers, De Hart, Brown and numerous others have followed it with more or less success. An attempt was made by Mr. N. R. Strong to produce grape wines during the war, and for some time thereafter. Though a very fair wine was made, the enterprise did not result favorably. Mr. Strong went to California, and the enterprise has been virtually abandoned. Mr. W. H. Holabird, about 1871, began the manufacture of shooting suits, and a year or two afterward established the enterprise here. His suits attained a wide notoriety, and the sales became large. His health required him to engage in other pursuits, and the business is now in the hands of Upthegrove & McLellan, who employ on an average fifteen VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 121 hands, and have a large trade. The Valparaiso Paper Mill was built in 1867. Capital, $20,000. Makes straw wrappers. Consumes 1,000 tons of straw per annum, and produces 700 to 800 tons of paper, worth $30,000 to $40,000. Monthly pay-roll, |550. Don A. Salyer, pro- prietor. The Valparaiso Woolen Manufacturing Company was organized in 1866, with a capital of $60,000. A good building was erected and ex- cellent machinery procured. The enterprise started the following year. Julia" A. Powell, George and William Powell, A. V. Bartholomew, Hollis R. Skinner and others were stockholders. It was a bad time to begin. Building and machinery were very expensive, prices were from that time until about four years ago on the down grade, the water at the mill was not suitable, and these things, with other causes, combined to render the enterprise unprofitable. The Powells subsequently became possessors of all the stock of the campany at a low figure. The goods manufactured had been common knitting yarns, jeans, flannels and occasionally blankets and other fabrics. In 1872, arrangements were made with three brothers, Fontaine, skillful machinists and inventors, for the establishment of the National Pin Factory, in place of the woolen works. This was put in operation in 1872, and discontinued in 1875, the Fontaines having made arrangements for the formation of a company for the manufacture of pins in Detroit. In the meantime, the manufacture of yarns, etc., had been given up for the time, and the manufacture of shoddy was introduced in 1873, and continued till 1877, under the management of H. H. Capa- magian, a native of Armenia, in Turkey, and a man of energy and ca- pacity. In the year last named, he removed to Chicago, and had just perfected ingenious machinery for the manufacture of shoddy when be came to a sudden, untimely end by being caught in the machinery of his mill. The present machinery was put in the woolen mills in 1876, and the works started anew, under the efficient superintendence of J. D. Par- tello. Germantown yarns were made almost exclusively, until 1881, when the knitting of hosiery was added, and in May, 1882, a branch of the knitting department was started at Chicago, where employment is given to 100 hands. The present firm consists George W. Powell and William Powell ; value of buildings and machinery, $60,000 ; annual products $250,000 ; 500,000 pounds of wool are consumed yearly ; 250 hands employed in all ; monthly pay-roll, $3,700. The principal market for the manufactured goods is Chicago. Since 1868, A. W. Lytle has been engaged in putting up ice for the local trade at Flint and Round Lakes. Product, 1,200 tons per annum. Other parties put up ice for their own uses. Bakeries have been carried on for many years by George Franklin, 122 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. Mr. Hutchinson, Griswold & Frazier, Alex Greyson, J. S. Lauderback, John W. Wood, W. G. Windle, C. Fernekes, Hunger & Le Claire and J. R. Smith & Son. The production is large for the population, since all the boarding houses connected with the Normal College use baker's bread. The clock, watch and jewelry business has been carried on by H. S. Isham, now of Chicago ; Abellsham, now retired and infirm ; Aaron Rog- ers, a famous hunter of snipe ; W. H. Vail, Lyman Jones (died in early manhood) and Messrs. Budd & Bell. As to the dfy goods, clothing and grocery trades it would be impossible to name those who have engaged in them from time to time, in the space allotted. The fourth store kept in the place was probably by G. Z. Salyer (deceased since 1860), and the fifth by Mr. 0. B. De Wolf, who used to live where Joseph Gardner now resides, and is responsible for the majestic pines that surround the place. He now lives in Michigan City. He is a wealthy capitalist, and is still the owner of a large amount of land in this county. Other dry goods mer- chants have been F. W. Hunt, Bartholomew & McClelland, H. Dillenbeck, T. T. Maulsley, Don A. Salyer, Charles Osgood, Osgood & Berry, Quatermass Brothers, Emerson Quatermass & Company, George Quater- mass, Joseph Steinfield, G. Bloch, G. Silberberg, Strauss & Joel, L. D. Bondey, Max Albe, A. V. Bartholomew, etc. Tailoring has been car- ried on by John Herr, 0. Dunham and many others, and merchant tail- oring by Henry Andrews, Charles McCloskey, Robert McNay, David Maxfield, the Beaham Brothers and others, as well as by leading dry goods firms. In the book and stationery trade have been Abel Isham, M. A. Salis- bury, E. G. Salisbury, Cline & Sloane, J. N. Sloane, B. F. Perrine. Valparaiso has been for some years not only a good place to sell books but a good place to buy them, and the trade has been very heavy for the population. A prosperous trade has also been carried on in music and musical instruments by M. A. Salisbury, W. Huntington, R. A. Heri- tage and others. When the first band was started — who knows ? But in the Porter Democrat of October 14, 1858, is an advertisement of the Valparaiso Union Band, De Motte and Salyer, Conductors, and purpos- ing to blow music out of $500 worth of new instruments, for conventions, political meetings, etc. Surely these be none other than our genial Con- gressman and our substantial manufacturer of paper. The first Postmaster of Portersville was Benjamin McCarty, and for a time John C. Bull was his Deputy. There was some dissatisfaction, growing out of the fact that Mr. McCarty did not reside in the village, and in 1839 T. A. E. Campbell was appointed. During his term, the office was kept in the southeast corner of the court house, and behind that Mr. Campbell kept bachelor's hall. He was at the same time Deputy VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 123 Clerk of the Court for George W. Turner. In 1841, he was elected Treasurer and Collector of the county, and G. W. Salisbury was appointed Postmaster, and held the oflSce during the administrations of Harrison and Tyler. The office was then kept in his house on the south side of the public square. From 1845 to 1849, during Polk's administration, Joseph Lomax held the oflBce, and it was kept where his business was, being for the most part on Main street, north side, and west of Washing- ton. When the Whigs again came into power in 1849, G. W. Salisbury was again appointed, and held the ofiSce for a time, until he* left Valpa- raiso for Oregon, when John Dunning was appointed, and held the office till the accession of Franklin Pierce in 1853. Then S. R. Bryant was appointed, and kept the office through the administrations of both Pierce and Buchanan, till the accession of Lincoln in 1861. M. A. Salisbury was then, appointed, and held the office till the fall of 1866. The office then " Johnsonized," as it was called, and J. Beekman Marshall, now of Kan- sas, became Postmaster till he was succeeded by C. C. S. Keech, on the 20th of April, 1867. Mr. Keech held the office for a very short time, but was a most efficient officer, giving general satisfaction. He had not sufficient influence to retain the position, but gracefully yielded it on the 17th of June, the same year, to Dr. J. F. McCarthy. On the 24th of April, 1882, Dr. McCa,rthy yielded the place to Col. I. C. B. Suman, after having held it fourteen years and eleven months, being by far the longest incumbency since the establishment of the office. According to the tendency in the postal service, many improvements took place during Dr. McCarthy's term. In the increasing duties of the office, he was ably assisted by Mrs. McCarthy and by J. R. Drapier. Hon. Jesse Johnson received the first letter ever delivered at the Portersville office. The name of the village and office was changed in the winter of 1837-38 to Valparaiso. As showing how the business has increased since the days when 37 J cents postage was paid on a single letter from Madison, Ind., to this place, which sum was prepaid July 19, 1841, by Jesse D. Bright, on a letter addressed by him to T. A. E. Campbell, concerning the com- pensation of the latter for taking the census in this county the preceding year, the following statistics are presented : The amount of domestic and foreign money orders paid at the Valparaiso Post Office during the year ending June 30, 1882, was $66,079.60; number of money orders issued for the year ending June 30, 1882, domestic, 2, 379 ; foreign, 92. During the same year the receipts for the sale of stamps, stamped enve- lopes, postal cards, etc., were $10,308.18 ; for box rent for same period, $1,109 ; registered letters sent, 1,102 ; registered letters delivered, 2,573 ; registered letters in transit, 64. Various additions of territory have been made from time to time to 124 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. the original plat of the village, as follows : Original town laid out July 7, 1836, and recorded October 31 of same year. 1. Haas's Addition, April 8, 1854, and 2, Peirce's Addition, April 18, 1854, the former consisting of one and one-half blocks north of Outlot 20, the latter the same amount of land north of Block 42, original survey. 3. West Valparaiso, which con- sists of a triangular plat of ground, bounded on the east by Outlets 18 and 19 (Mrs. Hamell's), on the north by Third street, and on the south by First street and the Joliet road. May 13, 1854. 4. WoodhuH's Addi- tion, which consists of thirty-six blocks of land lying east of Outlets 1 to 7, original survey, April 5, 1856. 5. Smith's Addition, bounded on the south by the Fort Wayne Railroad, west by the old cemetery, north by WoodhuH's Addition, and on the east by the street on the east of college grounds, July 18, 1859. 6. North Valparaiso, being ten blocks bounded on the south by the original survey, on tbe west by Calumet street, on the north by Elm street, and on the east by Valparaiso street. May 9, 1859. 7. Powell's Addition, bounded on the north by lands of Skinner & Beach, east by , Calumet street, south by original survey and Haas's & Peirce's Addition, and on the west by Campbell's farm, July .28, 1860. 8. Institute Addition, three blocks north of Joliet road, and west of Fort Wayne Railroad, March 30, 1864. 9. Southwest Valparaiso, nine blocks, and six lots of peat marsh, south of Fort Wayne depot and south- west of woolen factory, November 2, 1864. 10. First addition to North Valparaiso, twenty-eight blocks north and east of North Valparaiso, May 10, 1869. Other additions have been surveyed, bat are not as yet included in the city limits. The report of population in 1840 is not accessible to the writer. la 1850, it was 520. In 1860, 1,690. In 1870, 2,760. In 1880, 4,460, or about nine times what it was in 1850. If the increase should be in the same ratio in the future, the population in 1910 would be over 35,000. The small number of stores in 1836 to 1839 have increased to a mul- titude, and stocks of goods that could almost be loaded on a good-sized wagon have grown to a value of $12,000 to $20,000, and the annual sales, which could hardly have exceeded $10,000 for all the establish- ments during the first year, have now mounted up to $60,000, $90,000 and $100,000 for single firms. Valparaiso has, at this time, the follow- ing business houses : Liquor saloons, eighteen ; cigars and confectionery, six ; restaurants, four ; railroad eating-houses, two ; groceries, fourteen ; bakeries,, five ; dry goods, clothing, etc., nine; varieties and notions, one; trimmings and fancy goods, one ; millinery and fancy goods, five ; hard- ware, etc., four; agricultural implements, two ; books, stationery, etc., four; leather and findings, one ; lumber yards, three ; planing-mills, two ; foundries and machine shops, one; brick yards, three; woolen manufac- VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 125 tory and knitting works, one; paper-mill, one; feed stores, three; lime, etc., two ; cigar manufactories, two ; National banks, two ; banking houses, one ; furniture, three ; undertakers, two ; gunsmiths, one ; hotels, six; drugs, etc., four; jewelry, three; boots and shoes, seven; merchant tailoring, three; hats, caps, etc., two. As an instance of the prosperity attending business even in hard times, M. S. Harrold came to Valparaiso in 1864, with a few hundred dollars, and engaged in the grocery trade, and he has since then secured a comfortable competency in the carrying-on of a legitimate business, while the firm in which he is the principal partner sells annually more than $90,000 in groceries and ships 250 car loads of grain. The first Blue Lodge of Freemasons was constituted about 1840 or 1841. The charter members were Jonathan Grifiin, James Luther, Ruel Starr, John E. Harris, John Curtis, John Wood, Arthur Buel, Adam S. Campbell, W. K. Talbott and Cone. After a few years, this lodge (No. 49) went down for want of money and a room to meet in. About 1850, George C. Buel, Isaac Bowman, 0. I. Skinner, John Wolf, N. S. Fair- childs, John Woods, John E. Harris, Andrew Hopp, George Z. Salyer, were charter members in the organization of Porter Lodge. Of the first lodge organized John E. Harris was W. M., and George C. Buel W. M. of Porter Lodge. Since the organization, the order has been very flourishing, and has kept itself very pure. A number of years since a Chapter was formed, and still later an Encampment of Knights Templar. The Chapter house and Encampment occupy the upper story in the fine building on the northwest corner of Main and La Fayette streets. Che-queuk Lodge of Odd Fellows was instituted December 2, 1848, the charter members being Joseph Lomax, E. Ellis Campbell, Robert G. Flint, John Dunning and William Harrison. The officers of the lodge at its organization were Joseph Lomax, N. G.; E. Ellis Campbell, V. G.; John Dunning, Secretary; William Harrison, I. G.; Robert G. Flint, Treasurer, and were installed by the Grand Officers, Col. Hathaway, G. M., Luther Mann, G. C, and other officiating officers from La Porte, also Dr. Dunning, of La Fayette, and some other notables. The lodge in- creased from that time weekly from the best citizens. Difficulty was ex- perienced in finding sufficient lodge-room until a brick store was erected, where Dr. Edmonds' store now stands, the third floor of which was ob- tained and occupied until it burned August 13, 1859, with all the lodge furniture and costly regalia. In two weeks from that time they opened up again in Hughart's Hall (now William Wilson's). Before the rebellion broke out, the lodge had been established on a solid basis. Most of the members who enlisted had their dues remitted, and the charitable dona- tions were continued. As the lodge prospered, it contributed to the relief 126 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. of the sufferers by the great Chicago fire, and later to sufferers by the Michigan fires. Obligations have been kept to pay all sick benefits, to to visit the sick, bury the dead, provide for the orphan and the widow, and all like Christian obligations. This year (1882), the lodge has erected a fine hall for their accommodation, which will, in a short time, be com- pleted and furnished for occupancy. The lodge is flourishing, and new members are being added weekly. Since 1860, an average of $200 per annum has been paid by the lodge for the education and support of or- phans, the relief of widows, funerals and sick benefits. The Thousand and One order has also flourished at times in Valpa- raiso, and has numbered among its members leading men in business, and the legal and other professions. It is said that the initiations have been of thrilling interest. The meetings have usually been held in the Acade- my of Music. The first physicians who located in Valparaiso were Miller Blachley, Seneca Ball, Gr. W. Salisbury, Dr. Bobbins and Dr. Kersey. They rep- resented various schools of practice. Since that time, the number has been great, many staying long enough to make an unsatisfactory trial, and others — -charlatans — staying long enough to bleed numerous victims and then going off to fresher fields and newer pastures. Of regular phy- sicians, there are now residing here Drs. J. H. and A. P. Letherman, J. H. Ifewland, J. F. McCarthy, H. V. Herriott, H. M. Beer ; of eclectics, J. H. Ryan, H. C. Coates and W. A. Yohn ; of homoeopaths, M. F. Sayles and W. 0. Cattron. Among the earlier dentists, the one who stayed longest and attained the greatest success was Dr. George Porter, who died of consumption previous to 1870, and whose family still reside here. There was also Dr. B. M. Thomas, a skillful practitioner and honorable gentleman, now of Santa F^, N. M. Dr. Boyd succeeded him in practice, and has but lately re- tired with a competency, on account of ill health. The resident dentists at present are J. H. and Mrs. M. E. Edmonds and H. D. Newton. The first member of the legal profession who came to this place was Josiah S. Masters, said to have been of a good family in the State of New York. He did a very little business in his profession, and taught the first school in Portersville in a house on the northwest corner of Mechanic and Morgan streets. Samuel I. Anthony came and was admitted to the bar in October, 1839. Harlowe S. Orton, now of Madison, Wis., came a little before that time. George W. Turner, who had served one term as Clerk of Court, began the practice of law probably about 1845 or 1846, and left in a peculiar manner in 1856. M. M. Fassett and John W. Murphy came afterward. M. L. De Motte came early in 1855. T. J. Merrifield came July 5, 1855. C. I. Thompson was here from 1859 to VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 127 .1865. From the organization of the court in 1837 to 1855, the business was largely done by attorneys from South Bend and La Porte, notably by Joseph L. Jernegan, Joseph W. Chapman, John B. Niles, John H. Brad- ley, James Bradley, Roberts Merrifield, W. C. Hanna and others. Joseph L. Jernegan was the first prosecutor. The resident attorneys at this time are Thomas J. Merrifield, J. M. Howard, A. D. Bartholomew, Edgar D. Crumpacker, William Johnson, Thomas McLoughlin, John E. Cass, W. E. Pinney, Hiram A. and John H. Gillett, John W. Rose, J. Hanford Skinner, A. L. Jones, M. L. De Motte, Frank P. Jones and Nelson J. Bozarth. The city hall was put up, in 1878, on the south side of the public square, and is not of any particular order of architecture, unless it be the Hoosier. The city bridewell was put up in 1881, just to the rear of the city hall. Valparaiso was incorporated as a village by special act of the Legis- lature in 1850. The Town Council usually met in the office of the County Recorder. It consisted of six persons, and elections for Councilmen were held annually. No business of great moment was transacted by them. They voted away the money of the people sparingly, and undertook no great public improvements. They had no bonded debt resting upon the town when it became a city. This was in 1865. The Fourth of July was habitually celebrated, and the older inhabitants will not forget the mar- shaling of the processions on those days. Valparaiso boasted a citizen who in form and spirit was designed to wear the marshal's sash and ride upon a charger. He has since become the most noted of Valparaiso's military heroes. It was he who headed the preachers, the Sunday schools and citizens as they filed into the public square to the sound of the old iron cannon to eat the Fourth of July dinner and listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the annual oration. In 1880, the Western Union Telegraph Company established a city office in addition to those at the depots. The Bell Telephone Company estab- lished an office and commenced business here in 1882. F. W. & H. Hunt, after carrying on the dry goods business from the fall of 1846, be- gan banking in 1855. They dissolved partnership in 1856, and the business has since been carried on by F. W. Hunt. The articles of association of the First National Bank were signed May 20, 1863, with twenty-one stockholders. Levi A. Cass, Jr., A. V. Bartholomew, W. C. Talcott, S. W. Smith, B. F. Schenck, Joseph Peirce and Thomas S. Stanfield were elected Directors July 15, 1863. Levi A. Cass, President, and M. L. McClelland, Cashier. Capital, |50,- 000. Issue, $45,000. First did business on the east side of Washington street, where express office now is. Surplus, July 1, 1877, $43,606.76, 128 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. after having paid 10 per cent dividends yearly. The first loan was made December 12, 1863, and first certificate of deposit issued ,to Mrs. Mary B. Brown November 30, 1863. B. F. Schenck, President, January 12, 1864, to July 1, 1864; then L. A. Cass to January 12, 1869 ; then S. S. Skinner to January 16, 1878, when D. F. L. Skinner was elected. M. L. McClelland was Cashier till March, 1881. In 1866, C. V. Culver, of New York, owner of 100 shares, and with whose house the bank kept its Eastern balances, being in the oil speculation, failed. The 100 shares of stock were purchased of the Third National Bank of New York at $80 per share, and sold to William Powell for |120.50 per share. With $4,000 profit on this transaction, the stockholders had no reason to feel bad over the failure. The bank went into voluntary liquidation May 29, 1882, and was immediately succeeded by the new First National Bank with a capital of $100,000. Removed to present building on the south third of Lot 2, Block 4, in the fall of 1874. The Farmers' National Bank of Valparaiso was organized in Novem- ber, 1878, to succeed the private bank of Joseph Gardner, and com- menced business February 1, 1879, with a capital of $50,000. The Board of Directors first elected and serving at present are Joseph Gardner, A. V. Bartholomew, W. P. Wilcox, J. M. Felton and Joseph R. Hill, who represent nine-tenths of the capital stock of the bank. The deposits of the bank at its commencement as a National Bank were about $70,000. Since February 1, 1879, they have gradually increased until at the present date they are $230,000. The average deposits of the bank are $200,000. It has paid semi-annual dividends of 6 per cent since its commencement, and has accumulated a surplus fund at present of $14,- 300. The capital was increased May, 1882, to $70,000. The bank at present has a capital and surplus fund of about $85,000. Joseph Gard- ner, President ; G. F. Bartholomew, Cashier. Under a general act of the Legislature which permitted towns of 2,000 population or over to put on city airs, an enumeration was had in the fall of that year, and the necessary population was found, or declared to be. By a vote of the citizens Valparaiso became a city, and learned how much it costs to put on style. In 1866, water works (so-called), were put up with some help from the county, supplying several cisterns and occa- sionally a fountain (so-called) in the public square. While it is ridiculous to call these waUr worhi, the people "could hardly get along without them. The same year the city incurred a debt of $50,000, bearing 10 per cent interest, to bring the Peninsular Railway here. Grounds for a new cemetery were purchased in 1868, more than two miles southeast from the court house. In 1870, the city purchased for $10,000 the build- ing and grounds of the Valparaiso Collegiate Institute, the proceeds of VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 129 which were distributed among the stockholders. Bonds were issued for the erection of a school building, which was put up and occupied the fol- lowing year. The building presents a sightly appearance on the outside, but for the purpose it is used for is faulty in design and construction. Thus the city had a bonded debt of more than $70,000 upon it. Thomas J. Merrifield was Mayor of the city from its organization till May, 1868. Then Thomas G. Lytle till May, 1872. He was succeeded by John N. Skinner, a man of such remarkable, mold that he continued to preside over the destinies of the city till his death, this present year, 1882, just before the city election, he being then a candidate for re-election for a sixth term, and was twice a candidate for Congress during the same period. During the latter year of his first term, in the winter of 1873-74, occurred the temperance crusade carried on by the ladies, with watching, prayer, singing, producing intense excitement and feeling throughout the com- munity, and attracting no little attention from abroad. Valparaiso then had eight saloons. It has eighteen now ; but the population has well nigh doubled. While the interest was at its height, the Mayor issued the following : PBOOIAMATION ! Whekbas, For seyeral days last past, large numbers of persons have been engaged in assembling on and about the premises of citizens pursuing a lawful business, and re- maining on said premises against the will of the owners thereof, and for the avowed pur- pose of interfering with their business ; and Whereas, Many of said persons declare their intention of persisting in such conduct. Now, therefore, all such persons so assembling and remaining, are hereby notified that such conduct is unlawful and against the ordinances of the city of Valparaiso, and they are admonished as good citizens to desist from the same, and that it is the duty of the authorities of said city and of all law-abiding citizens in the interest of public peace and order, to enforce the said ordinances and disperse such assemblages. Valpakaiso, February 23, 1874. John N. Skinner, Mayor of Valparaiso. In a few hours after the appearance of the proclamation, the ladies responded with the following manifesto, which was posted up and freely dis- tributed upon the streets. Both documents are historic, and in some houses they are to be seen hanging up framed side by side. Why do the Heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing ? The Kings of the Earth set them- selves, and the Rnlers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying— Let us brealE their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from ua. He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh 3 the Lord shall have them in derision. — Psalm 2, 1-4. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, aor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them. Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God. judge ye. — Acts, 4, 18-19. We ought to obey God rather than men. — Acts, 5, 29. To THE Public. — In the temperance movement we have undertaken, we have had no purpose to violate the laws of the State, or interfere with the rights of any citizen. We have malice in our hearts toward none, but charity toward all. We believe we have the right to persuade men to cease Irom strong drink, and to plead with the liquor seller to cease from his traffic. Believing, too, that God has called us to the high duty of sav- ing our fellow-men, we will not cease to pray and labor to this end. It is our solemn 130 HISTORY OF POETER COUNTY. purpose, with love in our hearts to God and man, to go right forward in the work we have undertaken, and if the hand of violence be laid upon us, we make our humble and confident appeal to the God whom we serve, and to the laws of the State, whose faithful citizens we are. Mes. A. V. Bartholomew, Mks. L. C. Buckles, Mrs. E. Skinner, Mrs. a. Gurnet, Mrs. E. Ball, Executive Committee. In behalf of the ladies engaged in the temperance movement. The succeeding city election was hotly contested, but Mayor Skinner was re-elected. At the end of William Fox's term of ofi&ce as City Treas- urer, 1872-74, he was found to be a defaulter to a considerable amount. In 1876, the fire department of the city was organized, and there are now three small hand- engines with hose carts and ladders, one of the fire com- panies being composed of Normal students. The present Mayor of the city is the Hon. Thomas G. Lytle. A word should be said about the early taverns and later hotels of the place. In the fall of 1836, Jimmy Laughlin had built the frame of the building now used by Hans Bornholdt as a meat market. It then stood on the alley opposite the court house, east side of public square. John Herr and Solomon Cheney bought and finished it, and kept tavern there from the spring of 1837 till the fall of 1888. This was the first tavern in the place. The American Eagle House was built at the southeast cor- ner of Main and Franklin, by Abraham Hall, beginning in 1838. In 1839, he opened a tavern there. Herr & Cheney had kept a bar, and had some raspberry brandy which had been well tested by the La Porte lawyers, always good judges of things spirituous, and had been pro- nounced good. Abe Hall thought he must have some of the same when he opened out- When he and another returned from Michigan City with the first load for his bar, they having already well partaken, the barrel of raspberry brandy was taken from the wagon, a hole bored into it and a portion of the contents removed. A high (or low) time followed, and the barrel was forgotten. There were hogs in that back yard, sleeping in piles of shavings. They smelled the raspberry brandy, tasted it and pro- nounced it good. Their opinion coincided with that of the legal gentle- men aforesaid. After midnight, Herr & Cheney, then living in the house built by John Saylor, were awakened by strange noises from Hall's back yard, and, arising, they beheld a stranger sight. The hogs were cavor^ ing, acting for all the world like any drunken hogs, only they were more amusing than the other kind. In the morning, out they came from the tavern with a tin pail for a fresh supply. The writ was returned non eat inventus. The barrel was empty and the hogs were helplessly drunk and sick, and had nothing to taper ofi" on. For awhile, the air was blue. In VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 131 that house subsequently David Oaks kept hotel, greatly improving the building. Then came John Dunning and others. There Austin R. Gould first kept public house in Valparaiso. In 1845, Elizabeth Har- rison (from East Tennessee) built a tavern where the Central House now stands, the property now belonging to her descendants, and enlarged it in 1849. About 1855, A. R. Gould moved into it from the American Eagle, and kept it continuously till his death a few years ago, when he was succeeded by his estimable widow until the building was taken down in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Gould became favorably known from New York to San Francisco. What a history is connected with every old hotel, and could the remains of that old house give up their secrets, what pathetic and amusing events they would disclose ! Here is one of the latter : Less than a year before his death, the late Hon. D. D. Pratt, of Logans- port, United States Senator and afterward Solicitor of Internal Revenue, told the writer the following : It was in 1860. He had been at the National Republican Conven- tion at Chicago which nominated Mr. Lincoln for the Presidency. Mr. Pratt was a man of gigantic frame and stentorian voice. For these rea- sons he was chosen Secretary of the convention. Wearied with the labors of that convention, he came to Valparaiso, where, on the following day, he was to be pitted against some of the ablest legal talent in the northern part of the State in a case involving an Indian title to a large quantity of land. When the usual hour arrived, needing rest, he retired to bed and had his own thoughts, etc., for company. He was restless. The hour of midnight came and passed. Just opposite the hotel was a warehouse or grocery and a great pile of salt barrels, and thither at that hour came to- gether all the cows of Valparaiso. There were white and black and brindled cows, dun-colored oows and spotted cows ; there were cows with bells and cows with bellows, and they were having a regular picnic there. In the Gould House all was still. Even Mrs. Gould had gone to bed to get her accustomed four hours oT rest. The music made by the cows was a sweet lullaby to the denizens of Valparaiso. They were used to it, and couldn't get along without it. But with Mr. Pratt the case was entirely different. He could get along without the ding-donging of the cow bells or their plaintive lowing. He couldn't get along at all with it ; and it wouldn't stop. He got out of bed. He tried to " shoo" the cows away from his window, but they wouldn't "shoo." He came "down and out," sans hat, sans coat, sans trousers, and stood "in flowing robes of spotless white " on the sidewalk, under the bright moonlight, and tried to scare the "critters" away. They wouldn't scare. He hunted around for something to throw at them, but they stood their ground. At last he lost his temper, picked up a board and made a charge upon the enemy, and at 132 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. last they went in dire dismay with tails erect and a clamor that exceeded all they had made before, and then the dogs awoke to a sense of their duty, and from Frank Hunt's to Sam Campbell's, and from Sager's to Artil Bartholomew's, there was a simultaneous baying and barking. It was, so to speak, as though a certain place had broken loose. Mr. Pratt thought it was time for him to disappear from the scene, which he pre- cipitately did. Hardly had he got into bed, when a cow bell was heard out at the salt barrels, and in a little time the cow carnival was renewed. But the exercise had been beneficial, the legal gentleman's nerves were quieted, and he was soon as oblivious to the noises as though he had been born and brought up in the place. He awoke in the morning refreshed, and, after a hot contest of several days, won his case. The Gould House has passed away, and the Central has taken its place. The Excelsior Block, on the southeast corner of Mechanic and Washington, was built in 1858 — originally designed for a hotel, but used for years for private families and a place where rooms were to let — and at length served its original design by becoming the Winchell House, and now, since 1875, the Merchants' Hotel, with the genial T. T. Maulsby as landlord. The first school taught in the township was on Section 7, by Miss Mary Hammond, and was in the summer of 1835 ; therefore, before the county or township organizations, and when Valparaiso was yet a wilder- ness. The first school taught in the village was, as we have seen, by Masters, and in 1837. The first lady teacher in the village was Miss Eldred, a sister of Mrs. Ruel Starr. The schoolhouse was a very diminu- tive building, which Dr. Ball had erected on the rear end of his lot, and which was subsequently moved to Lot 1, Block 18, and many will re- member having seen it long used as a woodhouse on Dr. Ball's residence lot, and fronting on Jefierson street. The public records, in regard to school matters, are .in such condition that it is impossible by them to trace the history of the organization of the districts, the names of teachers, the wages, etc., and tradition in regard to such things is an uncertain quanti- ty. But it appears in the proceedings of the County Commissioners that on the 10th of June, 1841, they sold to the Trustees of School District No. 1, Lot 8 in Block 14, present residence of David Jones, for $5, for the purpose of securing the erection of a permanent school building in that district. The order was rescinded the following day, and another order passed to sell a lot equally eligible for the same purpose and on the same terms. Harvey E. Ball, of Lake County, and Sylvester W. Smith were afterward teachers in that same little building on Dr. Ball's lot. Later, the Rev. James C. Brown opened a school for young ladies on Lot 3, Block 19, which was taught by himself, by Rev. W. M. Blackburn VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 133 and lastly by S. L. Bartholomew. In 1849, the County Seminary was built on Jefferson street and Monroe, north side, Outlet No. 1. Ashley L. Peirce once taught school there. In 1857, through some carelessness, it was burned to the ground. The following year, Ashley L. Peirce opened a school with Rev. Horace Foot as Assistant, nearly opposite the present residence of A. V. Bartholomew. In 1859, the Methodists began the erection of the Valparaiso Male and Female College, the main build- ing of the present Normal School. The first term of the college was opened September 21, 1859, under the Presidency of Rev. C. N. Sims, since widely known as an eloquent preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The attendance of students the first year was 157. Other teachers in the school were F. D. Carley, Miss Moore, Mrs. Loomis and Mrs. Hall. The school was continued with a fine patronage, under sev- eral presidents. In 1867, the east wing of the building was erected. The building, however, was a little too far from the center of population to attract all the local patronage which it might otherwise have enjoyed, and when the public schools were opened in the present large building, it was deemed inexpedient to continue the V. M. & F. C, but it had, in the twelve years of its active existence, done a good work. Shortly after the inception of this enterprise, the Presbyterians of the place organized the Valparaiso Collegiate Institute, purchased the grounds now pertaining to the public school buildings, and on the 16th of April, 1861, opened the school with Rev. S. C. Logan, Principal, and H. A. Newell, Assistant. As soon as the institute building was finished, the school was moved into it, and continued until the sale of the buildings and grounds to the city. In the year 1864, Benjamin Wilcox became connected with it as princi- pal. James McFetrich and Miss Sophie B. Loring were assistants. These all remained in the school while it continued. After the sale of the prop- erty to the city, Mr. Wilcox went to South Bend, where he became Principal of the High School, and continued in that relation till his death, which occurred some years after. He was a teacher of long experience, and has never been excelled by any in the place. The necessity for the erection of the present public school buildings was manifest and pressing. The only buildings in the place fot that purpose were four small school- houses, capable of accommodating in the aggregate not more than 240 pupils. On two occasions, it became almost a matter of necessity on the part of the Trustees to avail themselves of the room afforded by the Ro- man Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian school buildings by hiring the teachers of those schools ; so that while they went on without any change of administration or influence, they were supported out of the public school fund. Technically, perhaps, this was done according to law, but in violation of its spirit. The schools under the present graded system 134 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. were organized in 1871, with an enrollment of about 400. This included a number of German children, who were afterward taken out and sent to the Lutheran school. For the school year of 1878 and 1879, the total enrollment was 720, since which time there has been but little increase in the attendance. In 1881 and 1882, the enrollment reached 742, but owing to the prevalence of epidemics the attendance maintained was only 466. Number of teachers the first year, 10 ; present number, 15. A curious phenomenon occurred in connection with this graded school, namely, the accumulation of a surplus tuition fund, which, in the space of three years, amounted to about $15,000, and that without the levying of any special tuition tax. Inquiry into the cause of so strange an accu- mulation of funds led to the conclusion that the enumerator had probably, by some oversight, taken the names of the children from abroad, who were attending the normal school. It is now understood that such mis- takes will be carefully guarded against hereafter, the custody of so much money causing no little perplexity to the Board. Rev. M. O'Reilly has also greatly encouraged the education of the Roman Catholic children, and has been very successful in building up schools in connection with his church. St. Paul's Academy and the school under the care of the Sisters of Providence are each attracting an annually increasing number of students. The buildings are favorably located on the southeast corner of Outlet No. 20. The German Lutherans have also given attention to the education of their children, as will elsewhere appear. The Normal School deserves a more extended mention, not only be- cause of its extent, but on account of its influence upon the prosperity of Valparaiso and the surrounding country. It was established by Mr. H. B. Brown, who was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, and attended the common schools, where his parents resided, until he was fifteen years of age, and then successively more advanced schools at Fremont and Delaware until he was twenty-one years of age, the winter months being spent in teaching. He afterward spent two years in attendance on the school at Lebanon, Ohio. After leaving Lebanon, he spent two years as a teacher in the North Western Normal School at Republic, Ohio. In June, 1873, having heard of the vacant buildings of the V. M. & F. C, at Valparaiso, he conceived the idea of starting a school of his own, and having made arrangements for the occupancy of the buildings, he opened his school on the 16th of September of that year with thirty -five students in attendance, thirteen of whom had come with him from Ohio. Mr. Brown alone had any idea of the vast results that were to follow his taking that step, and they have even exceeded his own great expectations, but in his mind he had conceived the plan upon which he has ever since VALPARA.ISO, AND CENTEE TOWNSHIP. 187 carried forward his undertaking. When as yet the number in attendance was no more than 200, he informed the writer of his expectation that in a few years the number would reach 1,000, and would probably not go be- yond that. The first teachers were H. B. Brown, Miss Mantle E. Baldwin, M. E. Bogarte, B. F. Perrine and Ida Hutchison. Mr. Per- rine had charge of the boarding department. The plan of Mr. Brown seems to have comprehended these things : 1. By reducing expenses of all kinds — tuition, board, room rent, fuel, books, etc., to tiie lowest pos- sible figure, to make an education possible to thousands who otherwise would be practically debarred from it for want of means. 2. By hard work on his own part and that of his teachers to impart to the instruc- tion given that quality which would secure for the school a good reputa- tion, and at the same time reduce the number of salaries. There have been times when nearly all the teachers were engaged with their classes ten hours daily. It was more economical to pay one teacher $1,500 per annum for teaching ten hours, than it would have been to pay three teachers $800 each for teaching three hours. 3. By the free investment of money in advertising to let everybody who would be likely to attend school know that there was a school here and the advantages it offered. His plan was not to depend upon newspaper advertising alone, but especially upon sending circulars direct to such persons as were engaged in teaching in the common schools. This was done at very great ex- pense, but the result has shown that the money was wisely invested. 4. By requiring hard work on the part of the students to accomplish the greatest amount in the shortest time. 5. To afford facilities by which young men and women could receive a practical training for various de- partments of business. With this in view, special attention has been given to the classes for training teachers, to the commercial department, and to instruction in telegraphy, phonography and penmanship. 6. To govern the school by making it a working school. Students have no time for hazing who must put in six or eight hours a day in hard study, besides their recitations, or fall irretrievably behind. There has never been a rebellion in the school, though Mr. Brown is an autocrats- It should also be mentioned that arrangements are such that students can advantageously enter at any time and fall right to work like the hands in a factory, and it is also understood to be their privilege to leave at any time when their needs may require it to engage in teaching or other em- ployments. From these ideas, energetically carried out, there has grown up a school which has not only attracted students from the most distant parts of the country, but has set other educators to inquiring into the secret of its remarkable success. The number of students went up by hundreds every year, until it became a matter of the utmost difficulty to 138 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. find room for them in the town. Many of the most wealthy citizens for a time incommoded themselves and opened their homes for the reception of students that none might be turned away, and the best feeling has always prevailed between the students and the citizens. The facilities for rooming and boarding students is now such that it is safe to say that if 2,500 should present themselves at once, it would be much easier to provide for them than it was to provide for 800 a few years ago. The school is a private enterprise, and not under the patronage of the State, nor of any denomination. Until 1880, it was the sole property of Mr. Brown, since which time Prof. 0. P. Kinsey has been jointly inter- ested with him in it. There was a time when Mr. Brown suffered severe financial embarrassment. The increasing attendance made necessary a very large outlay for the erection of buildings and the purchase of appa- ratus, in addition to the constant, heavy drain of the system of advertising adopted. At that time, according to the provisions of the State law, he received aid from the county to the amount of $10,000, and the city bought from him the college buildings for f 12,000, giving him the privi- lege of redeeming the same in ten years without interest. Never was money more profitably invested by the county or city. It would be impossible to estimate the benefit which the college has been to the city and surrounding country in a pecuniary point of view. To it the present prosperity of Valparaiso is largely due. The erection of buildings on college hill has given constant employment to a large number of workmen, and their furnishing has afforded a large trade to dealers in furniture, hardware, carpets, etc. The patronage of the grocers, bakers and meat markets has been vastly increased by the boarding houses on the hill. The average number of students has been 800 per term since the beginning, and they spend in the place an average of $50 per term, or at the rate of $200,000 per annum, which, for the nine years, would foot up a grand total of $1,800,000. It is estimated that not less than 200 buildings have been erected in consequence of the location of the college here, the aggregate value of which is very large. Nor has the college been less a source of prosperity to the surrounding country. The demand for eggs, meats, butter, vegetables, wood, etc., has been such that much of the time the market has been bare, and the prices have always kept up to a rate highly advantageous to the producers. In addition to the teachers mentioned, there have been W. A. Yohn, Lillian Bogarte, Annie McAlilly, Lodema E. Ward, C. I. Ingerson, J. W. Holcombe, G. Bloch, C. K. Bitters, C. W. Boucher, Lizzie Boucher, H. N. Carver, 0. L. Gregory, A. A. Southworth, Mrs. A. A. Southworth, R. A. Heritage, 0. P. Kin- sey, Sarah Kinsey, H. A. Gillett, Mark L. De Motte, Will F. Strong, G. A. Dodge, G. L. Durand, M. G. Kimmel, U. J. Hoffman W. J. VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 139 Hell, E. K. Isaacs, Frank Nihart. The college buildings are now valued at $75,000. An annual sum is appropriated from the profits of the insti- tution for a library and reading room for the use of the students. Mr. Brown has no wife as yet except the college ; but it is understood that several young ladies would be willing to accept the vacant situation if an offer were made them. The enrollment for the spring term in 1880 was 2,143 students. In Centre Township there are, in addition to the schools in Valparaiso, nine districts. The amount paid teachers in these schools in the year 1860-61, was $546.84 ; for expenses including repairs, $163.96 ; for the year ending September, 1881, the tuition fund was $1,825 ; special school, $871.36. In each of these districts, school is kept nine months in the year ; wages to teachers, $25 per month for the spring and fall terms, and $35 for winter. From the records in the Clerk's office, it appears that marriages were solemnized in the county by not less than four ministers of the Gospel during the year 1836. It has been generally said that the Rev. Alpheus French, a Baptist minister, preached the first sermon in Valparaiso. But the writer has been informed, by one who should know, that, as early as 1835 or 1836, a Baptist Church was organized in the township by the Rev. Asahel Neal, of which Benjamin Saylor and wife and a Mr. Bill- ings and wife were members ; and further, that this organization, and perhaps another, lapsed before the present organization of the Baptist Church was effected. It is claimed for Mr. Neal that he also preached the first sermon in Valparaiso, the service being held in the house of William Eaton. Two Methodist ministers were in the county in 1836, Rev. Cyrus Spurlock, County Recorder and a resident of Portersville, and Rev. Stephen Jones. Rev. W. K. Talbott, a Presbyterian, was also a resident of Centre Township. The Rev. Alpheus French was well advanced in years when he came to this county. He was the father of Mrs. Hatch, and grandfather of Mrs. Orson Starr, of this place. He was born in 1769 or 1770, and lived to be more than ninety. The stone that marks his grave may be seen on the east side of the carriage- way in the old cemetery. The First Baptist Church was organized June 10, 1837. Constituent members, John Bartholomew, Drusilla Bartholomew, Edmond Billings, James Witham, John Robinson, Rebecca Witham, Charity Billings, Warner Pierce, Adelia Pierce and three others. First Deacons — John Robinson and John Bartholomew. First Clerk — Jacob C. White. Trustees — Warren Pierce and James Witham. The name was changed to First Baptist Church of Valparaiso, February 8, 1840. First Pastor — Elder French. Served five years. Second Pastor — H. S. OrtoD. 140 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Third Pastor— W. T. Bly, chosen in 1844, and served three years. Elder A. Nicheron succeeded Elder Bly, and served the church five years. Dur- ing his ministry the former church was built at a cost of $2,200. It was dedicated March 17, 1853. Elder Harry Smith became Pastor in 1854, and continued six years. Elder G. T. Brayton succeeded Elder Smith in the pastorate from March 11, 1860, to March 11, 1861. Elder J. D. Coe succeeded Elder Brayton from May 12, 1861, to May 12, 1862, one year ; Elder I. M. Maxwell, from November 8, 1862, to July 17, 1864, one year and eight months ; Elder M. T. Lamb, from 1864 to 1865, about one year; Elder R. H. Tozer, December 9, 1865, to February 18, 1866, three months ; M. T. Lamb, from 1866, to July 13, 1867, about one year ; Elder Otis Saxton, from October 12, 1867, to October 1, 1868 ; Elder Harper, from October 10, 1868, to about May, 1869 ; Elder W. A. Cap- linger, from 1870 to August 10, 1872, two years and six mouths ; Elder W. A. Clark, from April 1, 1872, to December 1, 1864, one year and nine months ; from December 1, 1874, to October 1, 1875, the church was without a pastor ; Elder E. S. Riley entered upon his pastorate Octo- ber 1, 1875, and is still the pastor; Elder Harry Smith's pastorate was very prosperous. Under the ministry of Elder Maxwell, the church was prosperous. During this time the church purchased a bell, was free from debt, and increased in membership. During Elder M. T. Lamb's minis- try, fifty were added to -the membership. During W. A. Clark's pasto- rate the parsonage was built at an expense, with the chapel, of $2,000. During the present pastorate, which commenced October 1, 1875, 193 have been added to the church, and the present membership is 202. Dur- ing this time, the present bell was purchased at a cost of $175, and the present house has been built at a cost of $7,000. The value of the present church property is about $12,000. At this time, the church's indebtedness is about $1,000, with a reliable subscription, which is now being collected, which equals this amount. By the 5th of October, at the annual meeting, it is expected to have the larger part of this collected. The church has enjoyed great harmony in its work during the entire time of the present pastorate, and closes the seventh year with brighter prospects than at any former period of its history. From 1835 to 1844, the territory of Porter and Lake Counties was included in one pastoral charge, called first Deep River Mission, then Kankakee Mission, and afterward Valparaiso Circuit. It was served by Revs. Richard Hargrave, Aaron Wood, William H. Goode, Charles M. HoUiday, John Daniel and John L. Smith, Presiding Elders ; and Ste- phen Jones, Jacob Colclazer, Hawley B. Beers, Samuel K. Young, Will- iam J. Forbes, Isaac M. Stagg, William F. Wheeler, Wade Posey and VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 141 Warren Griffith as pastors. In the fall of 1844, Lake County was set off into a new charge, and Valparaiso Circuit was confined to Porter County, and remained so until the fall of 1852, when Valparaiso was set off as a separate pastoral charge. During this time it was served by C. M. Holliday, J. Daniel and J. L. Smith as Presiding Elders, and J. Cozad, T. C. Hackney, S. T. Cooper, William Palmer, W. G. Stonix, J. G. D. Pettijohn, L. B. Kent, Franklin Taylor, David Dunham, Abram Gary and Samuel Godfrey, as pastors. The preaching places were Valparaiso, Salt Creek or Gosset's Chapel, Twenty-mile Grove, Indian Town (now Hebron), Melvin's, Lee's, White's and Pennock's. The appointments increased until, when the station was set off, they numbered fourteen, namely, Valparaiso, Morgan Prairie, Kankakee, Ohio, Hanna's Mill, City West, Jackson Centre, Griffith's Chapel, Horse Prairie, Hebron, Union Chapel, Twenty-Mile Grove, Salt Creek and Louis Pennocks'. In 1852, the station was organized, J. L. Smith, Presiding Elder, and David Crawford, pastor, who continued two years. Since the organization of the station, the following Presiding Elders have served the district, sometimes called La Porte, and at other times Valparaiso District : J. L. Smith, W. Graham, B. Winans, James Johnson, S. T. Cooper, W. R. Mikels, R. D. Utter and F. M. Pavey. The pastors have been D. Crawford, two years ; A. Fellows, one ; W. Hamilton, one ; G. W. Stafford, two ; S. T. Cooper, two ; A. Gurney, one ; B. W. Smith, one ; C. A. Brooke, one ; T. S. Webb, three ; N. Green, two ; G. M. Boyd, three ; L C. Buckels, three ; T. Meredith, two ; W. Graham, two ; N. L. Brakeman, three (he dying in the middle of his third year, and W. B. Stuts filled out the time) ; and G. M. Boyd, now in his second year. The first class in the city was organized in 1840, by W. J. Forbes, now a superannuate, and living here respected and loved as a Christian minister by all his neighbors. The only remaining mem- ber of that class is Mrs. Xenia Salyer, now advanced in years, but rich in faith and zealous in good works. Thfr house of worship was commenced in 1848, under the pastorate of W. G. Stonix, and finished under the labors of J. G. D. Pettijohn, in 1849. The same year a parsonage was purchased for $475, on the corner of Franklin and Monroe streets, but was after four years sold, and a new one erected in the rear of the lot on which the church now stands, at a cost of $900. Both church and parsonage have been enlarged and other- wise improved, and the charge is now one of the most desirable ones in the conference. From the commencement the members and congregation have done their full share in the benevolent work of the church, compared with other churches of equal strength financially, besides meeting their own expenses, which may be safely estimated for the last thirty years 142 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. as follows: Salaries, $21,000; incidentals, $4,000; benevolent claims, $4,000; church building, $4,500; parsonage and repairs, $2,500; Sunday school expenses, $2,500 ; add to this several thousand dollars donated to the college building now occupied by the Normal College. The number of the membership is now 245, and 20 probationers. Previous to the winter of 1839-40, there had probably been several sermons by Presbyterian ministers in the county, and possibly in this township. But on the 4th day of December, 1839, Rev. James C. Brown, then a young man, and only a licentiate, began a ministry which lasted continuously for more than twenty years, by preaching a sermon in the second story of the court house, the text being Luke, x, 42. It was about Martha and Mary. Having in the meantime been ordained to the ministry, he in company with Rev. W. K. Marshall, of La Porte, organized the Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso, July 3, 1840, with ten members, viz.: James Blair, Isabel Blair and Elizabeth Martin, their daughter, Nancy Buel, Elizabeth Marshall, Bathsheba E. Hamell, Abby Salisbury, Mary B. Brown, Henry Battan and M. B. Crosby. James Blair and M. B. Crosby were elected Elders. Judge Blair has been dead many years. Mr. Crosby has been an active Elder in the church since the day of its organization, now more than forty years. Jeremiah Hamell was elected Trustee. In the fall or winter following, the Sabbath school was organized by Mrs. Brown, and a brother of the pastor, Hugh A. Brown. It was a union school of eighteen pupils, and embraced every child of suitable age in the neighborhood. The services were held in the court house till the spring of 1841. Then a house was hired for the purpose on the southeast corner of Lot 8, Block 19, where the church worshiped two years. In 1842, they purchased Lot 7, Block 13, but the Methodists having purchased the adjoining lot six months later and declining to make any other choice, it was deemed best to re- linquish that, and a church was erected on the lot where Prof. Boucher's residence now is. The building was 35x45, and cost $750 in money, and a large amount of labor by pastor and people thrown in. It was not till 1849 that the pews and bell were furnished, though it was occupied from 1844. Numerous revivals attended the ministry of Dr. Brown, the most notable occurring in 1847 and 1854, Mr. Avery an evangelist assisting. Dr. Brown was a man of such piety, zeal, activity and self-denial as to make an impression never to be forgotten by those who knew him. His character may be judged from the fact that when the church was to be built, he shouldered his ax and went out to Barthol- omew's woods with the f est of the people to cut and hew the timbers and during the whole of his ministry, he not only taught in the Sabbath school and preached in Valparaiso morning and evening, but preached in VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 143 the afternoon at Tassinong, Salem, or Twenty-Mile Prairie. In 1857, the church building was moved to its present location on Lot 3, Block 18, the lot having been deeded to the church by Dr. Brown, and at the same time, twenty-five feet were added to its length, making it 35x70. Additions have since been made in the rear of a lecture-room, 24x31 feet, and of an infant-class room, 18x24 feet. At present, a subscrip- tion is in circulation for the building of a new church, and more than $8,000 has been pledged for the purpose. In 1867, the Lot 1, Block 4, with the dwelling on it was purchased for $2,500, to be used as a parson- age, and has since been improved. Dr. Brown closed his pastoral con- nection with the church September 4, 1860. In 1862, he was appointed Chaplain of the Forty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and on the 14th of July of that year died in the hospital at Paducah, Ky. He had received during his twenty years ministry here and at Crown Point, Salem, Tassinong and Twenty-Mile Prairie, 475 members. He was succeeded as pastor by Rev. S. C. Logan, now of Scranton, Penn., Oc- tober 14, 1860. His pastorate lasted through the trying scenes of the war. In July, 1865, he resigned. He was an able minister of the Word. He was succeeded on the 17th of December of that year by Robert Beer, the present pastor, whose ministry has lasted continuously from that time. During the pastorate of Dr. Logan, there were 134 additions to the church. From the beginning, much attention was given to Sunday school work. This department of labor was carried on most effectively under the superintendency of Hon. H. A. Gillett, which lasted from 1864 to 1877. From its organization to April 1, 1882, there have been received into the church a total membership on examina- tion and by letter of 1,068. Of these, 459 have been received during the pastorate of Mr. Beer. Number of communicants at last annual report, 236. To April 1, 1882, the total amount raised for congregational pur- poses was $58,459. There are no reports of amounts paid for congrega- tional purposes for the first ten years. These would doubtless increase the total to more than $58,000. The benevolent contributions of the church have been as follows : Home Missions, $1,916; Foreign Missions, $4,292 ; Education, $6,311; Publication, $300 ; Church erection, $688 ; Ministerial relief, $413 ; Freedmen, $329 ; Miscellaneous, $4,311. Total benevolent, $18,560. Add Congregational, $58,000, and the grand total is $76,560. Missionary societies have been organized as follows : Women's Foreign Mission Aid Society, 1871 ; Children's Mission Band, 1874 ; Women's Home Missionary Society, 1878. Any attempt to incorporate even a brief outline of the history of the Catholic Church in Porter, in a general history of the county, must be largely defective. The writer, therefore, confines himself to Valparaiso 144 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. and those places at any time depending on it for Catholic services. St. Paul's Church, Valparaiso, received its name through Rev. Father Gillen, C. S. C, in honor of the great apostle of the Gentiles. The Holy Sac- rifice of mass was first offered in or about Valparaiso, according to the most probable statements, very close to the center of the northwest quar- ter of Section 15, Township 35, near where the residence of Mr. P. T. Clifford now stands. The name of the priest is not remembered. For several years after, a few Catholics were found to be in Valparaiso. They were occasionally attended by the priests of the society of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Ind. Amongst the names of clergymen still re- membered by older residents, are those of Father Curley, 0. S. C, Father Cointet, C. S. C, Father Kilroy, C. S. C, and Father Paul Gillen, C. S. C. Through Father Paul, as the people called him, St. Paul's Church build- ing was begun and partially erected. The " groves were God's first temples," and they, too, served for the first Catholic Church near Valparaiso. The first class of children pre- pared for Holy Communion was instructed by Father Paul, under the large oak trees then standing on what is now Bmmettsburg. Some of the members of that class still reside in Valparaiso. When the State of Indiana was divided by cutting off the diocese of Fort Wayne from that of Vincennes, Valparaiso naturally fell in the diocese of Fort Wayne. Immediately the newly appointed Bishop of Fort Wayne, Right Rev. J. H. Luers, D. D., attempted to locate a resident pastor in Valparaiso. We are told that the first resident pastor was Rev. Father Clarke, who- remained here but a few days. After him came Rev. George Hamilton, who was one of the ablest priests ever in this diocese. He remained but a short time ; Valparaiso was then unable to afford board and lodging to a resident pastor. A large number of Catholics in and about the place, about this time, were composed of that thoughtless, wild class of persons who follow public works. Others, more prudent and wise, remained, pur- chased lands, and thus became the founders of what will yet be one of the best Catholic congregations in the State. We next hear of Father John Force, who died here. He was a man of rare literary ability, and an able preacher, but did not live long enough to organize a congregation ; after him came Rev. A. Botti. This priest was a man of great learning, but totally unfit to be a pastor. The nat- ural consequences were troubles upon troubles. Unfortunately the records of the Porter County Circuit Court show more of the history of the church during his administration than the records of the church. Father Botti was constantly in " hot water " with his people, and at length with his bishop. We are glad to learn that in time he saw his mistakes. He VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 145 secured the bishop's pardon, and died, we hope a peaceful death, in the Sisters' Hospital in Fort Wayne. After Father Botti, the present pastor. Rev. M. O'Reilly, was sent here immediataly from college, after his ordination to the priesthood. For twenty years he has presided over the constantly growing congregation of Saint Paul's ; with his advent here the organized congregation of Saint Paul's properly begins. When Father O'Reilly came to Valparaiso, he found the affairs of the Catholic Church in the worst state possible — the church, poor as it was, closed under an injunction; law suits pend- ing on every hand ; debts unlimited to be paid ; a bitter division of sentiment amongst the members of the congregation ; no pastoral resi- dence ; no school for the youth. In a word, nothing that could give the least encouragement toward the important work of organizing a congre- gation. However, in the face of all these difficulties he went to work. He walked through the deep snows of January, 1863, from house to house, and told the people as far as he could find them, that he was here to be their resident priest, and that he was determined to stay. He rented " Hughart's Hall," now the upper story of Wilson's hardware store, for $2 per Sunday. Here he celebrated mass on an extemporized altar, preached and taught the few children he could gather together. For mass on week days he went from house to house, as people who knew his wants might invite him. After a very unpleasant series of law-suits, on Easter Sunday, 1863, he first secured the use of the old church. Before this building was ever finished, it was allowed to run into partial decay. The first step was to repair it, so that it could be used. As soon as the church was rendered habitable, the pastor at once opened a day school in it. This was the beginning of the present St. Paul's Schools, which from that time to the present were never closed one single day of the scholastic year. As soon as Father O'Reilly saw the possi- bility of establishing a congregation, he quietly purchased an acre of land in Outlot No. 20, where he determined to erect all future buildings for the use of the congregation. In due time, he erected St. Paul's School without any encouragement, as he received direct donations for that purpose only the small sum of $35. The building cost at that time about $8,000, as it was built during the time of the war of the rebellion, when gold carried its highest premium. The school was immediately opened with three teachers. During this time. Father O'Reilly lived in different rented houses, with great inconvenience, often quite far from the church and schools. He now determined to erect a pastoral residence. This was done with much labor on his part, but with far more assistance from the congregation. To continue the schools with secular teachers, 140 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. as a larger number were required, was found to be very expensive, so he took steps to secure the services of a religious order of teachers, who could not only serve the congregation at less expense, but also teach music, drawing, painting and all styles of needlework. To this end, he secured the Sisters of Providence ; but first he was obliged to provide a dwelling house for them. This was done with very liberal assistance on the part of the congregation. The Sisters opened school on the first Monday of September, 1872. As the schools increased, further improvements were required. A music hall was soon erected. The school is now conducted in four depart- ments and five divisions, requiring the services of six teachers. The pupils number about 250. No school in Porter County has sent out a larger number of good teachers, for its number of pupils enrolled, than St. Paul's. Besides the buildings erected, a large parish bell and a very fine pipe organ have been secured. During the time of Father O'Reilly's pastorate, he has baptized about 1,700 persons in his congregation. The total num- ber of communions administered in St. Paul's Church is about 5,600 per annum. The regular Easter communions are about 700, which indicates that the Catholic population of the congregation is about 2,100 souls. The congregation is composed of several nationalities — Irish, Amer- icans, German, French, English and Polanders. All live in harmony, and their children are educated together in St. Paul's Schools. Steps were begun in 1880 to erect a new church. The plans already approved show that the church will be Gothic, 153 feet long, ninety-five feet tran- sept and sixty-five feet nave, with a steeple 198 feet high. The building to be of hard brick trimmed with cut stone. In a few years, this beauti- ful building will be completed, and be an ornament to Valparaiso. St. Paul's cemetery, purchased from the city of Valparaiso in 1872, and consecrated by the present Bishop of Fort Wayne, Rt. Rev. J. Dwenger, D. D., in the same year, is the best laid out and handsomest cemetery in the county. The following places received the services of the pastors of St. Paul's, chiefly in the beginning of their organization as congregations, i. e., Plymouth, Chesterton, Hobart, Pierceton, La Crosse, Lake Station, Walkerton, Otis, Bourbon and Hebron. These places have now churches. Besides, several small stations have been at some time attended from here — such as Morgan, Cassello, Marshall Grove, Wheeler, Tollestone, Clarke Station and Horse Prairie. Regular services have been discontinued at present in these places. At present, the following places are attended from Valparaiso, i. e., Westville, Kouts' Station, Wanatah, Wellsboro, Hanna Station, Whiting, Edgmore, and such other places wherein one or more Catholic families may be found. The organizied societies of the congregation are : The Altar Ladies' Society, eighty members ; Young Ladies' Sodality, 125 members ; Young VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 147 Men's Sodality, fifty members; Holy Angel's Society, sixty members, and Confirmation Sodality, 160 members. The secular societies are : The Columbian Society, thirty members, and St. Paul's Cornet Band, fifteen members. The Christian Church was permanently organized in Valparaiso in 1847, by Peter T. Russell, with about eight members, although there was preaching before by Lewis Comer and others, but no organization. Since that time, the church continued to meet on every Lord's Day, with few exceptions. The meetings, for a time, were held in private or hired rooms, sometimes in the court house, and several years in the first brick schoolhouse built in the town, purchased by one of the brethren, and used for that purpose till it became unfit. Then the church rented a house built by the Germans, and occupied it about two years, and in 1874 built the brick house which the church now occupies. The house and lot cost $3,200. The preachers have been P. T. Russell, Lewis Comer, Charles Blackman, W. W. Jones, W. Selmser, Lemuel Shortridge, R. C. Johnston, W. R. Lowe, I. H. Edwards, H. B. Davis and others. The church now numbers 120 members. In the year 1852, the first Germans settled at Valparaiso. Their number increased rapidly to 1856, until in about 1865 there were about fifty families of Germans in and around Valparaiso, the most of whom were Lutherans. In 1862, Mr. W. Jahn came from Holstein, and was engaged by the Germans as their pastor. A division occurred in the congregation, a number going to the Reformed Church, but a respectable congregation remained Lutheran, and employed Rev. J. P. Beyer pastor to fully organize the church. Beyer came on, and after four months (dur- ing which time he preached here, and also, several times. Rev. Tramm, from La Porte) — the Lutheran congregation sent a call to Rev. C. Meyer, in Bainbridge, Mich. Having accepted the call. Rev. Meyer arrived in November, 1864. Until 1865, the services were held in a rented schoolhouse. Then a frame building was erected on the north- west corner of Pink and Academy streets, to be used for services and school also. In 1872, after Rev. Meyer had resigned. Rev. W. J. B. Lange, at that time in Defiance, Ohio, received a call, and arrived in August, 1872, and resides with the congregation up to the present time. It is customary with the Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States, to which both the before-named ministers belong, to pay special attention to parochial schools in every congregation. In conformity with this, Rev. C. Meyer started a school soon after his arrival, of which he was the teacher himself for three years. By that time, Mr. C. Peters, who had finished his studies in the Teachers' Seminary, at Addison, 111., took , charge of the school, which numbers at present 130 scholars. As the 148 HISTORY OF POETER COUNTY. number of members increased every year, and the school enlarged also, the congregation found it necessary to provide themselves with more room and convenience in their church, so they intended to buy a lot and build a new church, when an offer was made to them to buy the Unitarian Church, which was to be sold on Sheriff's sale. This was done in 1880, so they have a pleasantly situated, newly refitted church for services only, while the former frame church is exclusively used for a schoolhouse. Last year the congregation also bought the dwelling house of Mrs. Ur- bahns for their minister, which is on the same lot with the church. At present the congregation numbers about eighty families which are mem- bers, and about fifty more as guests. At the present time, there is no organization of the Protestant Epis- copal Church in the township or county, but on the 2d of June, 1861, Bishop Upfold was present at the organization of a church, services having been held every other Sabbath for some time previous. The name of the organization was the " Church of the Holy Communion." The membership was small, and during the changes caused by the war and the visitations of death, it soon became extinct. Messrs. Fables and Thompson, lawyers, with their wives, were among the members. Subse- quently, as appears from the history of the Lutheran Church, elsewhere given, an effort was made to organize a German Episcopal Church. This effort was subsequently continued as late as 1865-66, but on the occasion of a visit from Assistant Bishop Talbott, in the winter of 1866-67, for the purpose of organizing the church, he deemed it not advisable to do so. For a short time, there was also a German Reformed Church, whose services were held in the building now owned and occupied by the Lu- therans, but they discontinued their efforts about 1871, and all the Ger- mans who attend church are now connected with the Lutheran organiza- tion, except such as are found in the German Methodists, an organization which has existed here for more than twenty years, and which has a com- modious church building and a good parsonage. The Unitarians formed an organization in 1872, and bought the building of the Reformed Church. They have been ministered to by Revs. Powell, Carson Parker and others ; but at present are not active, and the church building is owned by the Lutherans. There is also a Reformed Mennonite Church, which was organized in 1850. Ten years ago or more, they purchased one of the brick school- houses owned by the city and located in Powell's Addition, where services are held every other Sabbath, and the Lord's Supper is administered twice a year. Their present membership is about thirty. They have no resident pastor. Since 1878, there has been an assembly calling themselves Believers VALPARAISO, AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 149 or Brethren, and commonly known as Plymouth Brethren, who hold services every Sabbath morning and evening, their meetings being held at present in a room in the third story of the store building owned by S. S. Skinner, on Main street. It is forty-eight years since the history of the township under its white inhabitants began. Since that time there has been advance all over the Christian world. It would be impossible to note these as they have taken place, in the space allotted. The majority of the original settlers are now in their graves, and the remainder are hastening on to that end. Many that have been born here since 1835, have grown up through boy- hood and maidenhood to be the staid members of society. These joyous days of youth were passed here before the day of railroads and telephones. But they enjoyed life nevertheless. Some amusing tales are told, by those who participated in them, of merry doings that were transacted by some who are not yet too grave to enjoy a good laugh at the practical jokes then played upon them. A long time ago Valparaiso was frequent- ly visited by an apostle of phrenology, a very worthy man, and, like all phrenologists, he was of imperturbable good nature and boundless self- complacency. On one occasion he said, "Gentlemen, there have been only three great heads in America." " Whose were they ?" " One was Benjamin Franklin, and the second was Daniel Webster." " And whose was the third ?" "Gentlemen" (with a bow) "modesty forbids me to ■ say." Once the boys arranged with him to give a lecture on phrenology in the old brick schoolhouse that stood just east of Mrs. Hamell's residence. The price of admittance was one shilling. Mexican shillings, well worn, were then in circulation. A tinner was kept busy coining shillings that afternoon. In the evening the Professor was at the door, hat in hand, to take in the money. The house would scarcely hold the audience. At length the Professor came to the desk, turned over the hat and took a look at his receipts. He picked up one shilling and looked at it and felt it, and then another and another. He surveyed the pile, and then exclaimed, " Gen- tlemen, close that door ! There's been a fraud committed here !" In a quarter of a minute the Professor was alone with his tin shillings to sigh over " man's inhumanity to man." Another time he was to lecture at Malone's Schoolhouse, and the boys were in force with a supply of cigars. He was soon almost invisible amid the cloud of smoke, and being an anti- tobacconist he broke for the door, for once almost losing his urbanity. .We have among us a venerable banker and capitalist, who, by "accom- modating " his friends and building houses to rent, has made a kind of local Astor of himself. He came here thirty years ago, " from the East," you know, and the boys took especial pains to show him round. He heard them tell wonderful stories about catching snipe, and was interested. He 150 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. wanted to catch some. They took him out about two miles to some lovr grounds through which ran a ditch. There were not less than a score in the crowd. As they approached the place where one of the number had seen " an acre and a half of snipe " that morning, they all provided them- selves with clubs for driving snipe. The novice was unanimously chosen to hold the bag. This he declined to do on account of his not being acquainted with the kind of snipe that grew in this country, but agreed to hold it the second time. Another was appointed in his place to first hold the bag, and he, being urged to provide himself with a club for driv- ing snipe, went into a thicket to cut one, and as soon as he was hid from, view, lit out for town leaving them to finish the game. He arrived in town about an hour before the rest, and occupied a good position from which he could hear their comments on the expedition. The same banker once started an oyster saloon which was largely patronized by the "Jeunesse doree" of Valparaiso, and their patronage resulted largely to his profit. If you wish to know how, ask him, for he enjoys telling it. CHAPTER Y. BY G. A. GABARD. Westchester Township— An Inteeesting First Family — The Pioneer Piano— First Place of Worship— List of First Settlers— Early Items— The Stanes Murder— Schools— Secret Societies— Churches -Justice— Villages— Chesterton— Industries. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP is the historic ground of Porter County. Here the first settlement was made. Here civilized and savage joined hands and trod together the paths of peace. Here white and red were blended under the azure sky that bends its dome over all races and nations. In 1822, a solitary "pale face" was seen by Indian eyes as he wended his way through the wilderness round about Lake Michigan. He walked without fear, for the red men knew him as a friend. Safety and a warm welcome were before, while weary leagues stretched away behind him toward his white friends. In his pocket was the following : To All Ofpickbs Acting Under the United States: Detroit, 15 March, 1814. The bearer of this paper, Mr. Joseph Bailly (Ba-y6), a resident on the border of Lake Michigan near St. Josephs, has my permission to pass from this post to his residence aforesaid. Since Mr. Bailly has been in Detroit, his deportment has been altogether cor- rect, and such as to acquire my confidence ; all officers, civil and military, acting under- the authority of the American Government will therefore respect this passport which I accord to Mr. Bailly, and permit him not only to pass undisturbed, but if necessary yield to him their protection. jj. Btitler Commandt. M. Territory and its Dependencies, and the Western. District of U. Canada.. To all Officers of the A. Government." WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 151 During the war of 1812, the person to whom this passport was granted was taken prisoner by both the United States and the British soldiers, but did not enlist in either army. In his wanderings, he sought safety and opportunity to trade with the Indians. As the Indians slowly retired before the " Star of Empire " rapidly rising in the Bast, Joseph Bailly, the French Canadian trader, followed. In 1822, he halted on the north bank of the Calumet, in what is now Porter County. On the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 27, Township 37, Range 6 west, upon a beautiful bluif he constructed of unhewn logs the first cabin that was raised in the county. The Calumet here is clear and has high banks. It is here very unlike itself throughout the greater part of its course; for little more than a mile farther down begin the marshes and morasses, through which it creeps for the remainder of its sluggish and crooked course. Here this solitary settler drew around him the natives from whom he purchased furs and other articles, for which he paid them articles of use and ornament. His business increased and his buildings multiplied until, in 1833, there were six or eight log cabins clustered about the first one that was built. The place is spoken of in "A Winter in the West," by a New Yorker, published in 1835. Monsieur Bailly had wooed and won an Ottawa maid and brought his bride to reside at the post on the banks of the Calumet. Here they reared a family of four beautiful and accomplished daughters. Eleanor, the eldest, "took the veil" and was for a number of years Mother Supe- rior of St. Mary's in Terre Haute. The second daughter married Col. Whistler, a resident of the county ; the third married Mr. Howe, a Chi- cago banker, and now, a widow, resides with a maiden daughter upon the old homestead. Hortense, the youngest, married Joel Wicker, who was the first merchant at Deep River, Lake County. They had besides these four daughters, a son, who was born in 1817, and died in 1827. The whole family were devout Catholics and maintained their worship in the wilderness. For ten years, Joseph Bailly* and his hired Frenchmen were the only white persons in the township. The trading business was a species of barter, for the only money of the frontier was the skins of fur-bearing animals. A mink skin was usually $1, and raccoon, muskrat and other skins were some fractional part of a dollar. The values were, as they everywhere and always are, relative, and the various kinds of skins fluctuated in value as paper money does. The furs and other articles bartered from the Indians were transported to the lake and coasted to Mackinac in what were called Mackinac boats. These were row-boats, usually about thirty feet long. In " Wau-bun, or The Early Day in the Northwest," by Mrs. J. H. Kinzie, these boats are described as having * This name is often incorrectly spelled Bailie. 152 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. in the center a framework of alight posts supporting a cover of canvas, with curtains at the side that could be raised or lowered after the fashion, perhaps, of those of a modern summer car. These small craft were run by man power and were forced to follow the sinuous shore line. A day s travel in one of them was from river mouth to river mouth, whether the distance was short or long. As prosperity followed industry, Mr. Bailly found means to gratify to some extent the refined tastes that had so long feasted upon nature un- aided by art. In 1830, a guitar added its mellow notes to the orchestra of nature, and, in 1836, the pioneer piano found its way with much diffi- culty to this frontier home. This instrument is still in existence. Mr. Bailly bought a large amount of land and planned to found a city. In 1834, the first lots were surveyed and some of them sold ; but the death of Mr. Bailly in 1835, followed by the panic of 1837, caused the plan to be abandoned by his heirs. Bailly Town is now known only in history and tradition. The old homestead is preserved with great care by Mrs. Howe and her daughter. Miss Frances R., who live a life of refinement upon the sequestered spot, surrounded by the antique and the picturesque. Miss Frances R. Howe, and her sister Rose, who died some years since, have devoted their lives to the church, and their religious writings are quite widely read by Catholics. Here the family chapel that was built about 1826, and used for some years as a kitchen, is kept as a sanctuary and repaired to daily by mother and daughter for purposes of worship. The bell is rung as if a congregation were to convene at its call ; and here the " two or three gather together " to feel the presence of the Spirit. This chapel is of logs, and by its excellent state of preservation indicates that it is able to stand the storms of half a century yet. Here stands the old home, built in 1834 of logs, but now looking younger than it did years ago to the casual glance, because of the mask of weather- boarding that it wears, and with which the "mistress of the Manse" seeks to save it from the ravages of time. Standing near are other build- ings hoary with age, among which is a log hut in which the Indians used to store their property for safe keeping in the care of Mr. Bailly. Many heirlooms are here carefully preserved, among which are a bread pan or bowl made of the knot of a tree which has already seen its threescore and ten, and still seems "just as good as new;" a number of carved wooden ladles showed the Indian eye to beauty as well as use ; a hexagon patchwork quilt sixty years old and bright enough to grace a " spare bed," attested alike the industry and frivolity of our grandams. Half a mile north of the house is the family cemetery in which are interred the Catholic members of the family. Here, in 1827, Mr. Bailly buried his only son, a lad of ten years, and to his memory " he erected a huge cross WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 155 of oak timber some thirty feet high, and which towered above the sur- rounding forest; inasmuch as it was on a knoll or knob of land. Trav- elers used to see this cross in the wilderness, and often it was the first indication to them of the vicinity of civilized persons." Beside this cross, he built a small log cabin which he called " the chapel," to which he obliged all the family to repair on Sundays for prayer, for the purpose of forming in them the habit of going somewhere out of the home for worship, so that when churches came to be established they would not feel like staying away from services. The above-mentioned cross bore this inscription: "To-day, my turn; to-morrow, yours;" and also "Jesus Christ Crucified; have mercy upon us." For almost ten years, Joseph Bailly was the only white settler in what is now Westchester Township. In 1833, Jesse Morgan and his family came. In 1884, came William Thomas, Sr., and family, William Gosset and family, Jacob Beck and family, John Hageman and family, John I. Foster and family, William Frame and family, Pressley Warnick and family, Elhanan Ranks, Alfred Marvin, Mr. McCoy, William Coleman, and Mr. Abbott. In 1835, a mulatto named Landy Gavin, who had paid $600 for his freedom, and who moved later to Michigan City, came and settled here. In the same year, Eli Hendricks, R. Cornell and others came. In 1833, a French fur trader located at what is now Sand Creek, or Morgan's Schoolhouse. His currency was of the liquid form known among the Indians as " fire-water." Of this, it is said that he bartered away eleven barrels in one winter ; and it is further stated that only one death resulted directly from this large quantity of liquid fire. This death was the result of an affray. The first birth of the township was in the Bailly family. The first child of unmixed Caucasian blood was Hannah Morgan, who was born in 1834. The first death among the whites was that of the son of Joseph Bailly, in 1827. The second death was probably that of the father, who followed the son ten years later. The first place of worship other than the fireside and the groves, was that already spoken of as being erected in 1827 by Mr. Bailly upon the death of his son. Mr. Bailly here gave religious instruction every evening for a time to some Christian Indians, translating to them from the French a history of the Bible. The book that he used is still in existence. The first marriage was probably that of Esther Bailly and John H. Whistler, which occurred in 1836. They were married in Chicago, but came here to live. The second was Samuel Thomas and Lucille Hale. There was a tradition among the Indians that at a remote date, Marquette, or some other of the early French explorers, had a trading post near the mouth of Fort Creek or Wau-caw-gi-ink, as they called it. Here, in 1834, could be seen a burying-ground, and the indi- 156 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. cations of a battle that may have been fought years before. Here the old stage line crossed, and it is said that a stage sunk in the quicksand here, in 1836, and never was taken out. Here, in 1833, Mr. Joseph Morgan witnessed a funeral dance and feast of the Indians. It was upon the occasion of the death of the wife of Ching-wah (Lightning) one of the principal chiefs. About one hundred Indians assembled and danced and feasted in such style as, according to their ideas, befitted the occa- sion. Up to 1833, Western travel kept to the beach of the lake, fording the mouths of the streams. In 1831, a mail route was established from Detroit to Fort Dearborn. This ran through Jackson, Westchester and Portage, or rather through what now constitutes those townships. The mail was carried in knapsacks upon the backs of two soldiers until 1833, when stage coaches began to run over this line tri-weekly. Converse & Reeves were the first contractors on this route. Jesse Morgan settled on this route on Section 6, and kept the Porter County Stage House. In 1832, the soldiers going to and from the Black Hawk war passed over this route. The first election of this region, then a part of Waverly Township, was held on Saturday, April 30, 1836, in the town of Waver- ly, with William Gossett as Inspector. As already intimated, this region was formerly a part of Waverly Township. Schools, Societies, Churches. — The first school was a private one held in the home of Jesse Morgan, in the winter of 1833-34. The teacher was some one who was traveling through and wanted to stop for the winter. The first school held in a separate building was in a vacant trading-post on Section 5, Township 36, Range 5, during the winter of 1836. In this rude log cabin, greased paper was used for windows, and travelers who wished to rest for awhile were employed as teachers. Districts were formed as the population increased. The first ones formed built log houses ; these gradually gave way to frame and brick. At present there are nine districts and nine houses, all of which are in fair condition. They are all frame except the one at Chesterton and the one at Hage- man ; these are of brick. The Chesterton Schoolhouse was built in 1879 at a cost of $6,000. It is a two-story brick, more noted for convenience than comeliness. The following is an incomplete list of the teachers of the township for some years. As the records are lost or destroyed, a complete list cannot be given. The name, year, and price paid per week are given. In District No. 1 — 1866, Bertha Cronin, $1.75 and $2 1867, S. D. Crane, $2 ; 1868, J. M. Yokey, $1.75 ; 1869, Andrew Case, $2 ; 1870, Sister Eugene, $1.83 ; 1877, R. A. Murphy, $1.50 1878, R. A. Murphy, $1.50. In District No. 2—1866, Alice J. Parke $1.25, Angle Bay, $1.25 ; 1867, Angle Bay, $1.25 ; 1868, J. N. Thomp^ son, $1.75, John C. Coulter, $1.66 ; 1869, C. D. Pelham, $1.50 ; 1870, WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 157 0. D. Pelham, $1.89 and $2 ■ 1871, Hattie A. Heaton , $1.50, C. D. Pelham, $2.30; 1873, J. N. Thompson, $2.12 and $2; 1874, J.N. Thompson, $2, G. D. Pelham, $1.50 and $1.75 ; 1875, C. D. Pelham, $1.75; 1877, M. Furness, $1.50, F. G. Howell, $2; 1878, F. G. How- ell, $2. In District No. 8—1867, Mrs. S. B. Realf, $1.25 ; 1868, Cora B. Butler, $1.50 ; 1869, Cora E. Butler, $1.50, Ella Morse, $1.88 ; 1870, Ella Morse, $1.82, John C. Coulter, $2 ; 1871, John C. Coulter, $2, Kittie L. Peterson, $1.66; 1872, Lucy Furness, $1.66, W. L. Haight, $2; 1873, Angle M. Sawyer, $1.58, S. D. Hawthorne, $1.66 ; 1874, S. D. Hawthorne, $1.66, W. M. Winters, 1.75 ; 1875, Angie Saw- yer, $1.75 ; 1876, V. E. Frisbie, $1.58 ; 1877, C. F. Schell, $2, John W. Rose, $2. In District No. 4—1867, Caroline Teed, $1.25 ; 1868, Caroline Teed, $1.38, Cora E. Butler, $1.50 ; 1869, Celia Cary, $1.25 ; 1870, Celia Cary, $1.25, Laura Harper, $1.50 ; 1871, Laura Harper, $1.50, Mary Cary, $1.25; 1872, Cecelia Cary, $1.33; 1873, Zerilda J. Gosset, $1.50; 1774, E. S. Butler, $1.75, Cecelia Cary, $1.50; 1876, Lou B. Buck, $1.50, Celia Cary, $1.87 and $1.53 ; 1877, Celia Cary, $1.57, Mary Cary, $1.57. In District No. 5—1866, 1868-69, Caroline Teed, $1.25 ; 1869, Helen M. Pelham, $1.25 ; 1871-72, Hattie A. Heaton, $1.50 and $1.66 ; 1873, Lou B. Buck, $1.25 and $1.50 ; 1874, Martha Case, $1.75; 1876-78, F. G. Howell, "$2.25 and $1.50. In District No. 6—1866-67, John G. Princell, $1.25 and $1.66 ; 1868, J. TeUeen, $1.60, John C. Coulter, $1.60 ; 1869, Celia Johnston, $1.50 and $1.66; 1870, John J. Fredein, $1.66, Fred F. B. Coffin, $1.25; 1871, Emma Dolson, $1.66, A. Darling, $2 ; 1872, A. Darling, $2, W. L. Haight, $1.87 ; 1873-74, 0. A. Swanson, $1.75 ; 1874, Lou Fur- ness, $1.50 ; 1875, Lou Furness, $1.75, L. B. Buck, $1.75, C. W. Hoffman, $2; 1876, Fred F. B. Coffman, $2.25; 1877, C. F. Scheldt, $2.25. In District No. 7—1866, E. Owens, $1.75 ; 1867, Mr. Mc- Cormack, $1.75 ; 1868, Mary Miller, $1.50, J. N. Thompson, $1.75, Cecelia Cary, $1.50 ; 1869, Cecelia Cary, $1.50 ; 1870, Sister Mary Angelia, $1.50, Helen M. Pelham, $1.50 ; 1871, Bliva White, $1.50, Helen M. Pelham, $1.50 ; 1872, L. N. Gosset, $1.25 ; 1873, Samuel Rundquist, $1.33; 1874, C. Gaylord, $L50 ; 1875, C. Gaylord, $1.50 and $1.25 ; 1876, Annie Ericson, $1.50; 1877, Martha Furness, $1.50. In District No. 8—1874, Angie Sawyer, $1.50 ; 1875, Winnifred Fur- ness, Dora Morrical and Mary Cary, $1.50; 1876, Mary Gary, $1.50 and $1.58, Martha Coffin, $1.50 ; 1877, Martha Coffin, $1.50. In Dis- trict No. 9—1876, Martha Furness, $1.25 and $1.58; 1877, Martha Furness, $1.58. The teachers of the township for the school year 1880- 81 were : John Gonding, of Porter Station ; John Nickols, at Hageman ; Monroe Brown, at City West ; Annie Ericson, at Morgan's ; Miss Lou 158 HISTORY OF PORTEE COUNTY. Buck, at Bailly Town ; Miss Alice Castlemant, at Salt Creek ; M. L. Brummitt, at Furnessville ; and M. L. Phares, at Chesterton. In 1882, the same corps is employed in the schools of the township except two, and in their places are Miss Lettie Bedell and August Gundering. The public schools of Chesterton begin the school year of 1882--83 with the following teachers : M. L. Phares, Principal ; Miss Maria Brummitt, intermediate ; and Miss Rose Murphy as primary teacher. This is an iacrease of one teacher over past years. The school, with an enrollment of 125, under the administration of Mr. Phares, is prospering finely. There is at Chesterton the Che-gu-mink, I. 0. 0. F., No. 161. The organization was effected July, 19, 1856, at least that is the date of the charter. The following is a list of the charter members : J. B. Ander- son, M. W. G. M.; A. H. Mathews, R. W. D. G. M. ; J. H. Staily, R. W. G. W. ; James E. Blythe, R. W. G. N. ; J. B. McCheney, R. W. G. L.; George B. Jocelyn, R. W. G. C. ; John Caldwell, R. W. G. G. ; P. A. Hackman, G. R. G. L. W. S. ; C. Woolsey, G. R. G. L. W. S. ; Milton Horndon, P. G. M. ; Enos Hoover, P. G. ; Benjamin Smith, P. G. ; James DeRiggs, D. D. G. M. ; Daniel Moss, G. R. ; I. A. Crane, P. G. ; H. G. Bosker, P. G. ; James Hook, P. G. The present mem- bership is fourteen, and the ofiicers are : H. H. Tillotson, N. G.; C. D. Jackson, V. G. ; David McHenry, Secretary, J. F. Taylor, Treasurer ; J. P. Morgan, I. G., and H. Greene, R. S. to N. G. They own property val- ued at $1,500. Calumet Lodge, No. 379, of Masons, located at Chester- ton, bears date of May 27, 1868. They commenced working under a dispensation March 9, 1868. The charter members were : George Raw- son, W. M. ; Benjamin Little, S. W. ; John A. Harris, J. W. ; L. B. Osborn, John C. Coulter, F. F. B. Cofier, Abram Fuller and John Thomas. The present officers are : John C. Coulter, W. M.; William Brummett, S. W.; Herbert Miles, J. W. ; F. Michaels, Treasurer; Frank J. Templeton, Secretary ; Delos D. Marr, S. D. ; N. D. Curtis, J. D.; David McHenry, Tiler; Homer Tillotson, and Benjamin Little, Stewards. The property of the lodge is valued at $400. The present membership is forty-four. There has been so far as known, but one death in the lodge, that of John A. Harris, one of the charter members. One of the mem- bers, F. Michael, has taken the highest degree of the order. Besides these societies, there have been organizations of the Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, and the Grange in Chesterton. The first place of worship has already been spoken of. The first reg- ular church was erected in 1857, at Chesterton, on the north side of the railroad by the Catholics. Rev. Father Kilroy organized the church. Much assistance was received from the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad when the church was started. Father Kilroy was succeeded WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 159 by Father Flynn of the order of the Holy Cross (C. S. C). He came to minister to the small congregation but a few times before the well-known Father Paul Gillen (C. S. C), took charge of the church. Then for some years Calumet Church had no priest from Notre Dame. It was next supplied by Rev. Father Lawler, who then was resident Catholic clergyman of La Porte, and came once a month to this church. Thus the church struggled along without any resident pastor until 1867, when they requested the Right Rev. Bishop Leurs to send a priest into their midst. The request was granted. They purchased a house and lot on the south side of the railroad, where the present property stands. In 1868, Rev. John Flynn became resident priest, and labored faithfully and zealously here and at Westville, until August 1, 1870, when at the age of twenty-eight he was called from his labors to his reward. He was highly esteemed not only by Catholics, but by all who knew him, and those who knew him best loved him most, and can never forget his words of wisdom. During Father Flynn's ministry, there were thirty baptisms, twenty-nine deaths, two marriages, and forty-three received confirmation. Father W. F. M. O'Rourke, who had come during Father Flynn's sick- ness, now took charge of the work. He was noted for his eloquence and learning, and many came to St. Patrick's Church from a distance to hear his sermons. Father Timothy 0' Sullivan, present pastor of May wood, 111., and brother of P. O'Sullivan, of the Valparaiso Herald, now at- tended Saint Patrick's congregation as a mission, and Calumet was again without a resident pastor. Father P. Koncz was the next priest, and now the town became known as Chesterton. By this time the little frame church was too small, and as Father Koncz was a Polander and unable to speak English or German fluently. Rev. M. O'Reilly, of Valparaiso, came to Chesterton on several occasions to assist in raising money with which to build a brick church. This was begun by the congregation, but finished by Rev. John F. Lang, present Secretary of the bishop of Fort Wayne. In the words of Father Kroll, " Father Lang, though small in stature, was nevertheless a man of great ability, and soon impressed the Chestertonians with the truth of the old adage ' precious articles are done up in small parcles.' " During his ministry, there were fifty-two bap- tisms, fifteen deaths, three marriages and thirty-nine confirmations. His health failing him. Father Wardy, a Frenchman by birth, and then at the advanced age of sixty-eight, took charge of the church. He was not long able to discharge the arduous duties that devolved upon him, and on the 21st of July, 1879, Rev. H. F. J. Kroll took charge. During Father Wardy's ministry there were twenty-three baptisms and sixteen deaths ; during Rev. Kroll's there have been fifty-five baptisms, twenty-four deaths and eleven marriages. In 1870, the value of church property was 160 HISTOKY OF PORTER C"UNTV $500 ; in 1882, it is $13,000. A fine parsonage, that is to cost about $3,000, is now being erected under the supervision of the present efficient priest. The present church was built in 1876. The present membership is about sixty. The Swedish Lutherans organized at Bailly Town in 1857, with about thirty communicants. The first minister was A. Audrain, the second Rev. Sjoblom, the third Rev. Nyquist, the fourth Rev. Sodergrim. None of these stayed more than four years. Andrew Challman, the present pastor, has been in charge seven years. The communicants now number 250. The present church edifice was erected in 1863, at a cost of 52,000. They own a nice parsonage valued at $1,000, besides school property valued at $1,000. . The church at Chesterton was organized in 1879 by those who had formerly attended at Bailly Town. They at onoe built a fine brick church at a cost of $5,000, to which many of other denominations and those not members of any church contributed very liberally. This church is not yet completed. The number of commu- nicants at first was 125, while now they number 227. Rev. Andrew Chall- man has had charge of both congregations, and as he is a genial and scholarly man, as well as a zealous minister, his efforts are well received at both places. The Swedish Methodist Church of Chesterton was organized Janu- ary 26, 1879. The church was built in 1880, at a cost of $600. The present value of all of the church property is $1,000. The first minister was C. J. Hisson, the second Martin Hess, the third H. L. Linquist, the fourth Andrew Farrell, who is the present pastor, and has had charge two years. The Presiding Elder, John Wigren, organized the church. At first, there were twelve members, now there are forty-five. All of these are Swedes, except Mrs. John B. Lundburg. The following is a list of the first members : John B. Lundburg, Swen, Johan Hjelm, Maria Charlotte Hjelm, August Victor Peterson, Anna Christina Peterson, Os- car A. Peterson, John Hylander, Anna Carolina Hylander, A. F. Gus- tafsen, Charles Jacobson, Christian Jacobson, Charles Hyden, August Melin, William Lawrence and Paulina Lawrence. The first Trustees of the Church were John B. Lundburg, August Melin and August Peterson, and these gentlemen are Trustees at present. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Chesterton was started about the time that the war of the rebellion broke out. The structure was begun, but was allowed to stand unfinished for about two years. It was then completed at a cost of about $2,000. The following persons gave liber- ally toward its erection : D. N. Hopkins, Albert E. Letts, William Bar- ney, John Whitman, Gilbert Morgan, 0. Johnson, H. Hageman, J. W. Stewart and others. The present membership is eighty-two and the value of the church property is $2,000. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 161 The German Lutheran Church of Chesterton was begun in the fall of 1880, and finished in April, 1881, at a cost of $2,000. The following is a partial list of those who contributed to the building fund : William Slont, Fred Lendermann, Charles Warnhoff, Henry Dorman, Mrs. Fri- day and Miss AUbright, $50 each ; Charles Bankey, $40 ; Fred Lawrentz, $25, and others gave according to their means. The membership at first was twelve, now it is forty-five. Mr. Hammon was the first, as he is the only minister who has had charge. The pulpit is not filled at present. There is at Furnessville a Methodist Society that holds its meetings in the sch«olhouse. At the same place there is a Society of Christians or Disciples organized by Rev. William H. Furness in 1869. They also use the schoolhouse, where, at stated times, there assembles quite a large congregation. Homicide. — In 1838, occurred the " Stanes murder." Francis Stanes and John Pelton were working at a saw-mill near Arba Heald's, in La Porte County, and, staying at a place of bad repute, kept by a man named Palmer. It seems that Stanes had become involved, and to avoid his creditors, had concluded to leave the locality. So he started West with John Pelton as a guide. Before starting, he remarked that he had $101 of good money, besides the horse he was to ride. Subsequently, not far from Jesse Morgan's place, an Indian boy found in the woods a bundle of clothing tied in a handkerchief The boy's father came up to the spot and thinking that something must be wrong, began to look around, and soon saw in a hollow made by an up-turned tree, a boot protruding through some brush. Closer inspection revealed a dead man concealed in the cavity by means of brush and the water that had collected. The Indians in alarm, reported the discovery to the Indian camp, from which the news was carried to the whites. An inquest was held. John Pelton was one of the Coroner's jury, and remarked, during the inquest that, " The man who did that ought to be hung." The eye of suspicion was cast upon him ; he was arrested and arraigned for trial. He had been tracked from the scene of the murder, at least the tracks corresponded to his ; a split hoof helped in following the horse ; he was seen at the " Old Maid's Tavern " cleaning his saddle, and soon afterward was seen with a new one ; a knife found in his pocket showed a nick corresponding to places upon the club that was cut for the purpose of finishing the foul deed. It seems that Stanes was shot from his horse by a ball fired from behind; was shot once after falling, and then beaten over the head with a club. Pelton, when asked where he had left Stanes, stated a place far beyond where the body was found, and the tracks showed that the horse which Stanes had been riding, had not gone beyond the place where the body was found. Such a strong chain of circumstantial evidence was forged 162 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. about Pelton that he was found guilty, senteuced and hung, although he protested his innocence to the last. This is the only instance of capital punishment that has ever occurred in the county. Villages.— In the spring of 1835, the town of Waverly was laid out by John Foster, Surveyor, on land owned by William Gosset. This was about two miles northwest of the site of Chesterton and not far from the location of Baillytown. As the original Baillytown was no more than a location, Waverly may be considered the first town in the township and county. It is said that as much as $10,000 was expended in improve- ments. In 1838, the town was swept by a forest fire and never rebuilt. About 1836, City West was started at or near the mouth of Fort Creek. Then travel was confined to the beach, but as the route was changed the town went down to start up farther from the lake, but it never became a place of any importance. Porter, now called Old Porter, was started when the Michigan Central Railroad was built to this point. The first house was built by John Richards for a store ; his son occupied it for a short time, when a man named Charles La Hyne bought it and used it as a dwelling. After this it changed hands a number of times before it was bought by Joseph Swanson, who used it as a storeroom until 1880, when he built his present building, which he now occupies with a general stock of goods. The second house was built by Fred Michael for a store and dwelling ; it still stands, and is used as a dwelling. The third house was built by Fred Michael for a dwelling ; it is now used as a stable. The large frame storeroom now occupied by Mr. Michael was built by him in 1864. In this country store he keeps a general stock of from $6,000 to $7,000. We speak of this as a country store, for the reason that the station was moved to New Pofter or Hageman in 1872, and there are only a few families living in the immediate vicinity. A. B. Whilten held the post oflSce from the time that it was established up to 1872, the time of its removal to Hageman. From that time for about a year Porter was without a post office. In 1873, it was re-established with Fred Michael as Postmaster ; he still handles the mail. This is often called Baillytown, but not properly so called. The town of Hageman was started by Henry Hageman in 1872. It was regularly laid out by William DeCourcey, surveyor, in 1880. The post office was established in 1873 with Mr. Manhart in charge. He held the office for two years, when Henry Dalbert took charge of it and has held it since. The town has at present two stores (one kept by Davert and the other by Pillman Brothers), a blacksmith shop, a millinery store kept by Mrs. Howe, and a boarding house kept by Mrs. McDonald. The population is about two hundred and fifty, most of whom are engaged directly or indirectly in carrying on the extensive brick-making estab- WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 163 lishments found here. Since the station is called Porter and the post office Hageman, with Porter Post Office but little over a mile away, much confusion arises in mail and shipping. It is earnestly desired by the cit- izens that a change be made so as to avoid this confusion. A post office was opened at what is now known as Furnessville July 9, 1861, with Edwin L. Furness as Postmaster. His commission was signed by Mont- gomery Blair. The office remained in his hands until 1874, when he resigned in favor of C. S. Bradley, who was appointed and served until July, 1878, when Miss Winnie Furness was appointed. She held the office until the fall of 1881, when it passed to Frank Templeton, who is station agent and Postmaster at present. This is not a regularly laid out town. At first the place was called Murray's Side Track, and after that for a time Morgan's Side Track. The first frame house was built here in 1853 by Morgan, and the second, in 1855, by E. L. Furness. The first store was started by E. L. Furness in the basement of his house in 1856, and run by him until 1878, when he closed out the stock. The second store was started by H. R. McDonald about 1870, and run by him about two years. After that there was no store for some time. At present there is a small stock of goods kept by William Lewry, who lives over the line in Pine Township. He has also a blacksmith and wagon shop ; an- other blacksmith shop is run by August Earnest. The first school here was taught in a 12x16 foot shanty by Miss Sophia Graves. Afterward the school was moved to another board shanty one-fourth of a mile far- ther east, and from that to the upper story of a wagon shop, which is now used as a blacksmith shop. Then, in 1854, a school- house, 16x18 feet in size, was half-way between Furnessville and City West; it is now used as a barn. In 1867, the present frame was built at a cost of §500. There has been no liquor sold here since 1852. The lumber and wood business has been an important in- dustry. There have been as many as three saw-mills at one time — Mc- Donald, Morgan and Furness were the owners. The " Wide Awakes " organized in 1878. What is now Chesterton has been known successively as Coffee Creek, Calumet and Chesterton. It took its first name from the creek that flows by it on the east. The creek was named Coffee Creek from the fact that at an early day a teamster lost a bag of coffee when crossing it at a time of high water. Its second name it took from the Calumet River, and its third from the name of the township by derivation. The Coffee Creek Post Office was established in 1833, on Section 6, and placed in the hands of Jesse Morgan. It was kept by Mr. Morgan most of the time until 1852, when it was moved to the present site of Chesterton, but was still Coffee Creek Post Office, although the place was called Calumet. In 1853, the 164 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. office passed to D. H. Hopkins from Mr. Morgan. Mr. Hopkins held it for some time, when William Thomas was appointed. From him the office went back to Mr. Hopkins. After Mr. Hopkins, John Taylor held the office for a short time. J. B. Bostwick took charge and remained in office ten years, when the present incumbent, Dr. D. D. Marr was placed in charge. He has now held it about two and a half years. The first house in Chesterton proper was built in 1852 by Luther French. It was known as the Sieger House. It was moved, but is still standing, and is now occupied by Mr. Ingraham. The second was built by a Mr. Enoch. The L. S. & M. S. R. R. was completed to the place in 1852. At the close of the year 1852, there were perhaps twenty small houses. It will be remembered that the place was not known as Chesterton at the time last mentioned. It was not until 1853 or 1854, that the name of the post office was changed from Coffee Creek to Calumet. There was a post office at "New" City West, about a mile south of the mouth of Fort Creek, where " Old " City West was located, and at the time above indicated, this office was consolidated with the Coffee Creek office and located at what is now Chesterton, under the name of Calumet. The town and office continued to be called Calumet until a short time after the railroad was completed to this point, when, on account of confusion arising from an Illinois town named Calumet, it was changed to Chester- ton. When the railroad was pushed through to this point, the post office was a mile and a half east, at Coffee Creek, but it was moved up at once, and retained its name until the time already indicated. In two years after the completion of the road, the town had a population of 300, most of whom were Irish. It is said that about this time there were nineteen places where liquor was kept for sale. The growth of the town had been very slow until within the last few years, during which a number of very substantial improvements have been made. The present population is about six hundred. The Northern Indiana Hotel was built in 1855 or 1856, by Leroy Brown, and kept by him for five or six years. After this it was kept by the widow and also by a son of Mr. Brown. After them, C. 0. Seamons took charge of it, from whom it passed into the hands of the present landlord, Gus Johnson, who has been in possession about a year- The first house of entertainment was opened by the Thomas heirs soon after the town started. The Central House was moved by Mr. Hopkins from City West about thirty years ago. It has passed through many hands, but has this year (1882) had a brick front built to it, and a general refitting that gives it the appearance of having renewed its youth. Here Landlord Shanks and his hospitable lady pay the most kindly attention to guests, and spread before them the most palatable and substantial WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 165 viands. The first brick building in town was built by Young & Wolf, who still own it. It was built in 1874, and has been occupied by Dr. H. Greene with a stock of drugs. Mr. Pinney and the Odd Fellows, in 1879, built a substantial brick, since occupied by them. P. A. John- son built his brick block in 1877. Abner Harper is now building next door east of the Central House. The first saw-mill here was built by Brown & Morgan in 1834 ; it went into the hands of Benton, who sold to Wood, of Albany, who sold to Ogden, of Chicago, who sold to Enos, who sold to William and John Thomas. A saw-mill was built here about nine years ago by Thomas Johnson, who in about a year sold to Mr. In- graham, who in two years sold to Thomas Blackwell, having in the meantime added a grist-mill. Mr. Blackwell has still further enlarged the mill by adding a planing department. He values it now at $10,000, and expects soon to enhance its value by fitting it up to work by the " new process." The following is a list of the physicians who have located here, with the dates as near as attainable : Dr. H. Greene, 1852 to 1882; Dr. Kyle, 1855 to 1857; Dr. Bosley, 1856 to 1867; Dr. Saulsberry, 186.5 to 1866 ; Er. Rafi", 1866 to 1872 ; Dr. Dakin, 1866 to 1867 ; Dr. Haskins, 1868 to 1872 ; Dr. Heaton, 1868 to 1869 ; Dr. Jones, 1869 to 1880 ; Dr. Goodwin, 1871 to 1872 ; Dr. Morrical, 1870 to 1879 ; Dr. Marr, 1875 to 1882 ; Dr. Richards, 1879 to 1880 ; Dr. Miller, 1881 to 1882, and Dr. Riley, 1882. The following are some of those who have located here for a time in the law : William Johnston, E. D. Crumpacker, William Pagan, F. W. Howell, John W. Rose and E. Wood, who has located here during the present year. Industries, etc. — The central and southern parts of the township are well adapted to agriculture. The heavy forests that covered the region have been a fruitful source of wealth. Numerous portable saw-mills have been located temporarily in difi'erent places. Brick-making is now the leading manufacturing interest. This industry is located chiefly in Hage- man. Mr. Owen started what was known as the Kellogg brick yards in 1872, and soon bought an interest in a yard which was then owned by Moulding. Soon afterward the firm became Harland & Owen. They bought land and started steam works with a capacity of 30,000 per day. Later, Hinchclifi" bought out Harland, and the firm now is Hinchclifi" & Owen. They have two yards at Hageman, in which they can make 65,- 000 per day. They employ about one hundred hands. Y. Moulding has two yards. He began in 1871 in partnership with Edward Harlan, with whom he continued until 1878, since which time, he has been alone. He started a second yard in 1880. The present capacity of both yards is 65,000 per day. They make both common and pressed brick. From eighty to ninety hands are employed in both yards. The Chicago and IQQ HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Philadelphia Press Brick Company was one of the first yards to start. They have a capacity of 30,000 per day of press and common brick. They are now using one of Caldwell's drying apparatus. It is their in- tention to start another yard next year. There is an almost inexhausti- ble supply of first-class clay, and Hageman has here a resource which is as good as a gold mine. The Hillstrom Organ Factory of Chesterton, established in 1880 by C. 0. Hillstrom, is an important establishmant. They now employ thirty men and turn out about eighteen organs a week. They aim to keep up with the best makes in the market. Harly Elections. — At the August election in Westchester Township, 1836, the following men voted : Pressley Warnick, William Calhoun, William Thomas, Milton Smith, Abraham Ball, William Coleman, Sam- uel Thomas, William Ball, Jesse Morgan, David Cook, Eli Hendricks, Lewis Todhunter, Rufus Bundy, James Thomas, Elijah Casteel, Abraham Holt, Ashbel Goodrich, Enos Thomas, George Phillips, Samuel Havi- land and William M. Coy ; total, twenty-one. The election was held at the house of Samuel Haviland, with Enos Thomas, Inspector, and Will- am Thomas and Eli Hendricks, Judges. The above is taken from the records on file in the Clerk's office at Valparaiso. It is proper to ob- serve here that either many of the early settlers lived for short periods in various townships, or else they were in the habit of not only voting within their precinct, but outside of it also, for the names of old settlers appear upon the original official election returns for the same election in more than one township. It is quite probable that the officers of elections were not very careful in those days as to whether those voting actually resided within their own townships or not. A residence in the county was probably deemed sufficient. CHAPTER VI, ET G. A. GARARD. Boone Township— Early Settlement— Fiest Events— Anecdotes of THE Indians— Industries-Schools— Hebron— Churches— Secret So- cieties. A T an election held at the house of Jesse Johnson, in Boone Town- -^Xship, on the 30th day of April, 1836, the following persons voted for one Justice of the Peace : John Prin, Thomas Johnson, Jennings Johnson, Frederick Wineinger, George Eisley, William Johnson and Jesse Johnson. Following is the return : BOONE TOWNSHIP. 167 We the undersigned Judges and Clerks, do certify that Jesse Johnson received six votes for Justice of the Peace, and Aschel Neal received one vote for the same office. Jesse Johnson, Frederick Wineinoer, ^Judges. Jennings Johicson, John Prin, , ^^^^^ Thomas Johnson, J At an election held at the house of Jesse Johnson, in Boone Town- ship, on the 24th day of September, 1836, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace, the following vote was taken : Joseph Laird, Will- iam Bissell, Jesse Johnson, A. D. McCord, John Moore, Isaac Cornell and John W. Dinwiddle. We, the undersigned Judges and Clerks of the above election, do certify that John W. Dinwiddle received seven votes for Justice of the Peace. Jesse Johnson, Inspector. J. W. DiNWIDDIE, \ rn T^ JoSEPH LaIRD, I 7„ J„.. Isaac Cornell, J " WiLLiAM Bissell, j * Judge Jesse Johnson, who settled with his family in Boone Township in the early part of 1835, was the first permanent settler. In the same year, Isaac Cornell brought a large family, and Simeon Bryant, with his wife and son, settled at Pleasant Grove. In 1836, the following came : Thomas Dinwiddie and family, Absalom Morris and family, Orris Jewett and family, Solomon Dilley and family, James Dilley and family, and John and Hugh Dinwiddle. Orris Jewett was a blacksmith, the first one in the township, and the only one for years. In 1835 or 1836, John Prin, Thomas Johnson, Jennings Johnson, Frederick Wineinger, George Bisley, William Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Joseph Laird, William Bissell, A. D. McCord, John Moore, Isaac Cornell and John W. Dinwiddle came. In 1836 or 1837, Barkley and John Oliver and families, Absa- lom Morris and old Mr. Pricer came. In 1837, Amos Andrews, E. W. Palmer and T. 0. Sweeney came. In the same year, David Dinwiddle crme. Mr. Sweeney did not make a permanent settlement until Febru- ary, 1888. In the spring of 1838, Mr. Smith and a family of boys located three miles northeast of Hebron. Dr. GriflBn located at Walnut Grove as early as 1888. James Hildreth and Cooper Brooks came in the spring of 1838. James Dye, Mr. Fiske and Mr. Johnson came in 1838. From 1840 to 1847, many came. In 1863, with the railroad, came many others. The immigration, except at the times above named, has been gradual. The first birth of the township was that of Margaret Bryant, now Mrs. Dr. Blackstone, who was born April 16, 1837. The first death was that of Harriet Dinwiddie, in 1837. She was the youngest of a large family, and the funeral was one of unusual sadness. The second death was that of the wife of Orris Jewett, in 1838. One of the first 168 HISTORy OF PORTEE COUNTY. marriages, if not the first marriage, was that of James Dilley to Sarah Richards. Mrs. Bryant, the oldest living resident settler of the township, tells of a perilous experience with the Indians in 1836. In the absence of Mr. Bryant, the old chief Shaw-ne-quoke came to the house, took a piece of chalk, made a circle with it on the floor, and said in the Indian language, five miles around belongs to the Indians, and ordered her to leave, threatening her with a butcher-knife to "kin-a-bode" (hill her) if she did not leave at once. He approached her with uplifted knife ; she screamed and sprang to the other side of the room. The scream aroused two large dogs that were, contrary to orders, sleeping under the bed; they attacked the Indian savagely, and thus defeated his murderous intention. At another time, in the absence of the family, the Indians came, and were trying Mr. Bryant's gun and inspecting things in general. Cath- erine Sadoris, a hired girl, came home while they were there. Just as she came around the corner of the house, an Indian raised a gun to look through the sights. The girl supposed that he intended to shoot her, and ran for life. They tried to make her understand that they did not intend to harm her, but she ran like a deer and disappeared in the woods. The Indians told the family of the incident on their return, and they searched for her, but she was not found until the next day, when she said that she had no intention of returning, as she supposed that the family were all slain. She stated that in the night seven deer came up to her, but she felt no fear except of the Indians. As a rule, the Indians were very civil and peaceable, and gave but little trouble. They would only annoy you by coming to you for food as long as you would furnish them. If in a good humor, they would salute you with " Bo zu Nick," " How do you do, friend ? " Dancing was a favorite amusement with the Indians. With a drum made of an empty keg, having a raw- hide head, and gourds containing beans or pebbles, they made music to soothe the savage heart, tickle the savage ear, and move the savage feet through the mazes of the dance; or rather to shake their savage bodies, for in dancing the Indians seldom move the feet, but shake themselves to the time of the barbarous music. It amused them exceedingly to see the whites skip around over the floor in dancing. This seemed to them highly improper and undignified. The Indian mothers mourned over their children by blacking their faces, and by cooking and eating food over their graves. They often buried the papooses in hollows in logs. When living, the babes were tied upon boards to make them straight. These boards, with the 'babies on them the squaws would stand against the fence or house while they went in to beg. Once, in the absence of BOONE TOWNSHIP. 1Q9 the family, the Indians painted an Indian in war dress on a board and left it at the door of one of the old settlers. This was a threat of hos- tility, but no acts of violence followed. As this township is nearly all good farming land, the attention of the people has been confined mostly to agricultural pursuits. Raising grain and rearing stock have been the main and almost the sole sources of rev- enue. For some years, hay has been a leading crop. No manufactures of great importance have ever been established within the borders of the township. About 1845, a large wind-mill for grinding grain was built two miles north of Hebron. It was built by Robert Wilson, who sold in two years to his brother Charles, who ran it for about seven years, when it went down. There is a creamery in the northeastern part of the township, which was started by Mr. Woodhull, who sold it to David Hurlburt & Son, who sold it to Merrifield & Dye. There is a steam-mill at Hebron, owned and run by John Wilson. The township was at first a beautiful prairie, interspersed with fine groves. One of these groves covered the site of Hebron, and was about two and a half miles in length by three-fourths of a mile in width. About one-half of a mile south of Hebron was an Indian village. The first schoolhouse was built in 1837. It was of logs, and was used five or six years. After this, school was held in the Presbyterian Church, and after that, in the summer of 1844, school was held in a vacant house of William Bryant, with Ellen Hemes as teacher. Some of the teachers in the first house were Amos Andrews, James Turner, Liza Russell, Sarah Richards and Roda Wallace. The second school- house was a log one, situated a mile and a half southwest of Hebron, and was built in 1840. It was about 18x20 feet in size and had no fire-place. There was a hearth and jamb of mud, and the chimney, of mud and sticks, was built on projecting timbers at a man's height. To this chimney, through the intervening air, the smoke must find its way of exit, but, as may be imagined, it often failed to find the chimney, and spread through the room, filling it and the eyes of the pupils. George Espy, and an Englishman, named Alexander Hamilton, were among the early teachers. Hamilton was a man of high family and fine education, and subsequently became one of the leading lawyers of Chicago. The third schoolhouse was built on Siglar's Corner, which is in the north- eastern corner of Section 15. This was built, in 1842, of logs, by the neighbors, and used for school purposes two years, when it was burned. Mary Grossman was the first teacher. The fourth house was built a short time after the last mentioned two miles east of Hebron, on the southwest corner of Section 7, Town 33, Range 6. It was a log house. The fifth followed in a short time, on the south line of the north half of 170 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Section 6, Town 33, Range 6. This was also a log house. Ths sixth was built soon after the fifth. It was on the south line, near the quarter post of Section 5, Town 33, Range 6, and was of similar construction and size to its predecessors. The first frame was built two miles east of Hebron, on Section 7, Town 38, Range 6. May 28, 1853, "a special meeting was held by the board and voters of the township for the pur- pose of determining whether a special tax for the support of free schools in the township should be assessed, at which meeting four votes were given in favor of the tax and ten against the tax." The following is the apportionment of the school funds made November 8, 1854 : District No. 1, $43 ; No. 2, $39.10 ; No. 3, $19.08 ; No. 4, |39.10 ; No. 5, $12.62; No. 6, $39.10. In 1854, a tax of 15 cents on the $100 was voted for school purposes. At present, there are eight schoolhouses in the town- ship, three of which are brick and the others are frame. The houses in Districts Nos. 5, 6 and 7 are brick. The one in No. 5, or the Hebron District, is a handsome brick, erected in 1872, at a cost of $5,000. The one in No. 6 cost $1,100, and the one in No. 7 cost $1,000. The one in No. 4 was built in 1880, at a cost of $600 ; the one in No. 8 in 1878, at a cost of $500. The houses in Districts 1, 2 and 3 are frame, erected some years ago. Nos. 2 and 3 cost about $600 each. The house in District No. 1 is the poorest house in the township, as it is the oldest. It cost probably about $300, and was moved from the present site of the house in District No. 2. The house in District No. 2 was moved to its present site from the place now occupied by the house of District No. 1. The following facts and figures are taken from the report of H. J. Nich- ols, trustee, for the year 1882 : White pupils admitted to the schools of the township during the year — males, 199 ; females, 183 ; colored, fe- male, 1 ; number who attended on the average, 250. Male teachers, 5 ; female, 6; average compensation of males, $1.37 per day; females, the same ; in town, $1.78. Estimated value of school property, $8,000; of apparatus, $60. Special tax, 20 cents on the $100., Amount paid trust- ees for services rendered the-schools, $95.91. The following is a list of the teachers for the years 1881 and 1882 : 1881— In District No. 1, Anna Kelly and Sarah A. Douglas; in No. 2, R. B. D. Simonson, Minnie A. Fuller and Charles F. Leeka ; in No. 3, J. N. Buchanan, Jr., and Bmeline Massey; in No. 4, W. N. Buchanan and Ella Denison; in No. 5, W. B. Blackstone, R. C. Mackey, Mary 0. Buchanan, Ida B. Fisher, R. B. D. Simonson, R. S. Martin, S. F. Southwick, Mary Young and 0. J. Andrews; in No. 6, E. E. Flint and Carrie Buchanan; in No. 7, 0. S. Baird ; in No. 8, Richard S. Martin. 1882— In No. 1, Sarah Douglas, Electa Elson and Effie Wilson ; in No. 2, Charles F. Leeka and A. A. Doyle; in No. 3, Emeline Massey and 0. J. Andrews; BOONE TOWNSHIP. 171 in No. 4, Ella Dennison and Sarah Douglas ; in No. 5, Mary Young, S. F. Southwick, 0. J. Andrews, Alice J. Sanborn and 0. S. Baird ; in No. 6, B. E. Flint, Sarah A. Douglas and Effie Wilson ; in No. 7, Dor- cas Adams and Eugene Skinkle; in No. 8, Emma Buchanan, Hattie Paramore and R. S. Martin. The Hebron Graded Schools are now under the direction of W. B. Swearingen, assisted by Mrs. H. B. South- wick, Mrs. Sanborn and 0. S. Baird. Mr. Cathca,rt was the first Prin- cipal in the new building for one year. He was succeeded by Mr. Mc- Affee, who served a year, when Rev. R. M. C. Thompson took charge in 1874 and served a year. J. C. Carson now had the Principalship for two years, and was succeeded by Mr. Simonson, who taught a year, and then gave place to Mr. McAfi"ee for a year, when Mr. Simonson took the place for another year, when 0. J. Andrews came to serve a year, and gave place, in 1882, to W. B. Swearingen, the present Principal. Before the present commodious brick was built, the town schools occupied a small frame. In 1871, Mrs. James E. Bryant taught in a log house located near the center of the town, that was built for a blacksmith shop. After being used as a schoolhouse, it was converted into a stable. Thus the educational interests of the township have progressed from primitive poverty to present prosperity. Village of Hebron. — Hebron was located where it is because of the fact that two roads cross at this point. The first house was built by Mr. Bagley, about 1845. This was a log structure, and is now owned by D. Wolf and occupied by John Hoffman. The second house was built in 1846, by Samuel Alyea, and was the first store. Mr. Alyea put in a stock of goods that he might have carried on his back. This was a log house about forty yards from the " Corners." Mr. Alyea, after awhile, took in E. W. Palmer, and they moved up to " The Corners." Alyea soon sold to Wesley Doty, and in a short time Doty traded his interest to Samuel McCune, who kept the store until 1858, when he sold to Thomas Davis, who qlosed out the stock. The second store was started by William Siglar, who, after two years, sold to his brother Eli, who ran the store a year, when he took his brother, D. T., as a partner, and they have run the business in the same building ever since. This building stands on the corner of Siglar and Main streets. The first frame building was built by Mr. McCune. The first brick was built by Daniel Siglar for a dwelling, in the north part of the town, in 1867. The second brick was built by Sweeney & Son as a business block, in 1875. It contains the town hall. The name Hebron was given by Rev. Hannan, an Associate Reformed preacher, to the congregation that assembled here to worship, and in 1845, Rev. Blain was installed. He circulated a petition for a post office, and succeeded in getting one within the year, and it was called Hebron 172 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Post Office. Rev. Blain was the first Postmaster, and served for two years, when Mr. Morris was appointed, and served for the same length of time. John Hoffman took the office next and kept it in the woods half a a mile west of where the town stands, for five or six years. Amos An- drews held the office during the war. J. B. Bryant held it for some years, and gave place to Loren Pomeroy, who had it for four years. Charles Carmen next took it for a year, when he resigned, and the present incum- bent, Oscar Baird, took charge about six months since. The first lots were laid out in 1844, by John Alyea, who laid out three one-acre lots. He sold one to Palmer, one to McCune, and re- tained one upon which he built a blacksmith shop. In 1849, Mr. James had a tier of half-acre lots laid out on Section 14, on a street south and east of " The Corners." The mill now stands on one of these. In 1852, the Siglar Brothers laid out a tier west of " The Corners," on the south side of the street on Section 15. A few years later they laid out another tier south of this one. In 1864, the Siglar Brothers laid out quite a large plat of lots on Sections 10, 11 and 15. In 1855, Patrick's Addi- tion on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 10. The growth of the town has been slow and gradual. It received quite an impulse from the railroad when it came. In the last eight years there have been three unsuccessful attempts to incorporate the town. The last one was made during the summer of 1882. The Free Press was issued here from September, 1878, until October 1, 1879. H. R. Gregory was the editor. The Local News was printed here from October, 1879, until some time in 1880, by Mr. Mansfield. In 1856, George Washington Sampson located here, and remained about thirteen years. About the same time, John Quincy Roberts came to stay only a year and a half. John K. Blackstone is the oldest resident physi- cian, having been here almost a quarter of a century, but he is not now in active practice. Dr. S. R. Pratt is of almost as long standing. Dr. Andrew Jackson Sparks was here for three or four years. Dr. Sales came in 1868, and stayed three or four years. Dr. Price died here in 1880. Dr. Woods and Dr. Carson are among those who have come in later, and are still practicing here. Dr. Carson came in 1880. Several attempts have been made by parties to start here in the law, but none of those who attempted it stayed for any great length of time. The first drug store was started in 1866 by Ross Bryant, who, after two or three years, sold to Dr. Sales, who closed out the stock. The second was opened by W. B. Doddridge, who is still carrying an extensive stock. George Stemble has charge of the corner drug store, which is owned by a party in Valparaiso. The firms that carry general stocks of goods are Bryant, Doud & Co., E. and D. T. Siglar, Wilson Morrow and H. J. BOONE TOWNSHIP. 173 Nichols. J. C. Smith and Thomas Clews have grocery stores. Conner, Doud and David Fisher compete in the hardware line. Mr. Beebe was the first to start a furniture store. The business changed hands a num- ber of times, and is now owned by S. F. Andrews. John Baker and Mr. Kolliston have shoe shops, while Gus Weggen, William White, William Nelson and John Paramore do the blacksmithing. The first hotel was opened in 1849 by Samuel McCune in the frame house now occupied by Mr. George Mosier. After McCune, Tazwell Rice kept the house. He was followed by Harvey Allen, and he by John Skelton, who kept it last. The next hotel was the Pratt House, opened by Burrell Pratt in 1865, and kept by him two years. This was kept next by a Mr. Pratt not related to the one above mentioned ; he kept it about two years. Then John Brey took charge for a year, and he was followed by John Gordon for the same time. Harvey Allen then became landlord, and was in charge for three years. Then the house passed into the hands of the Siglar Brothers, who rented it for four or five years to a nephew, John Siglar, who was succeeded by the present genial and gentlemanly land- lord, who took charge of the house in June, 1879. Since that time it has been known as the Bates House. The third hotel was opened in 1866 by Henry Smith, near the depot. This was run by Mr. Smith for five years, and then by Mr. Winslow for four years, after which it was bought by Mr. Poole, who is now using it for a dwelling. The fourth and last hotel built was the Central House, erected in 1878 by John Skelton. It was kept by Loren Pomeroy for two years and a half, since which time it has been used for dwelling purposes. Ghurches. — All of the churches of the township are located at Hebron. Bethlehem Church of Associate Reform Presbyterians was or- ganized on the 28th of July, 1838, by Rev. Hannan. At that time there were only fifteen members, and they had no church building. The first members were Samuel Turner and wife, Thomas Dinwiddle and wife, Berkly Oliver and wife, Susanna Dinwiddle, Sr., Susanna Dinwiddie, Jr., Margaret Dinwiddie, Mary McCarnehan, Susan P. West, John W. Dinwiddie, David T. Dinwiddie, Margaret J. Dinwiddie and Eliza A. Dinwiddie. Of these only one, Margaret J. Pierce, nee Dinwiddie, re- mains. Messrs. Samuel Turner and Thomas Dinwiddie were the first Elders, which positions they occupied until death removed them from ofiSce. Rev. Hannan remained only long enough to organize the church. Rev. Wilson Blain was the first pastor. He was ordained and installed in 1841 or 1842, and stayed until 1847, when he was released. Prior to his installation, they had had occasional services by dilFerent ministers. After Rev. Blain left, they were without a pastor until 1851, when, dur- ing the month of May, Rev. J. N. Buchanan supplied the church. He 174 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. was soon called to the work and on November 29, 1851, he was installed. Here Rev. Buchanan preached his first sermon and here he has con- tinued to preach up to the present time, a period of thirty-one years, an unusually protracted pastorate for these latter days of restlessness and change. The first members of the congregation were poor, and for some time they assembled in the rude residences of these sturdy Christians. The first meeting was held at the house of Thomas Dinwiddie. In warm weather, the groves were used as temples, and they met for a time in the schoolhouse at the cemetery. The brethren all assisted in the erection of the first place of worship. Trees were felled, their trunks were hewed and the house was raised with no expenditure of money except for nails, glass and flooring. The seats were made of small logs split in halves. This house was located about a mile south of Hebron. The name of the congregation was changed from Bethlehem to Hebron, during the pastor- ate of Rev. Blain. The congregation occupied this building until 1852, when it erected a frame three-fourths of a mile south of Hebron, at an expense of $1,200, all of which was paid up. This was occupied in the fall of 1852. In 1864, the building was moved to Hebron, where it was used by the society until 1879, when they built the present commodious frame, at a cost of $2,500. Of the amount subscribed to build this church, every dollar was paid. The society has had a steady growth. In 1851, there were forty members ; of these, only six now remain. The present membership is eighty-three, and it has been as high as ninety-five. The present Elders are David Turner, Joseph Wood, John Simpson, Hugh Fickle and H. P. Wood. This is the only organization of this denomination in Lake and Porter Counties. The Methodists held their first meetings at the dwellings of Simeon Bryant and Absalom Morris, and later at a schoolhouse. They organized a society here in 1837, under the direction of Rev. Jacob Colclasier, who was the first minister. Aaron Wood was Presiding Elder of the confer- ence at the time. Rev. Young, Rev. Biers, Rev. William J. Forbes and Rev. Hyde were among the first ministers. Rev. Lamb, Rev. Petty- johns, Rev. Wayde, Rev. Posey, Rev. Crumpacker, Rev. Wheeler, Rev. Grifiith, Rev. Greene and Rev. L. B. Kent were among the early minis- ters, in about the order given. Absalom Morris, James Dilley, Solomon Dilley and family, Mrs. Elizabeth Bryant, Mr. Gridley and wife and Gid- eon Alyea and wife are some of the first members. In 1840, a protracted meeting of eight weeks was held. The meetings were held at Hebron for four weeks, and then the place of meeting was changed to a school- house four miles east of Hebron. This was a great revival. The first church of the denomination was built in 1844, half a mile south of Hebron. It was about 20x30 feet in size, and was built of unhewn logs. BOONE TOWNSHIP. 175 At the first meetings, the sleepers were used for seats. Rev. Griffith was the first minister in this house. This house gave place to the present frame, built about 1859, at an expense of $1,000. The parsonage was bought in 1877, of Stillman Andrews, for $650. The Ladies' Aid So- ciety keep the church in repair, and during the present summer have ex- pended over $50 in papering, etc. Rev, Denhara is the present pastor. He was preceded by Rev. C. S. Burgner, who was preceded by Rev. Lasurd, who was preceded by Rev. Buckles, who was preceded by Rev. Vaught, who was preceded by Rev. Cox, who was preceded by Rev. Michaels, who was preceded by Rev. Kinsey. In 1877, a church, styled the " Union Mission Church," was organ- ized with a membership of eighty. The church was built in 1878, at a cost of about $2,000. The principal contributors were James King, William Netherly and E. and D. T. Siglar. The trustees of the first organization were Hiram Marsh, B. Blanchard and William Netherby. The Deacons were William Fry, James King and L. Temple. On the 26th day of April, 1882, a Congregational Church was organ- ized of the members of the defunct Union Mission Church, with a mem- bership of forty. James King, B. F. Gossett, James' Alyea, J. G. Gib- son and A. Blanchard were elected trustees. William M. Watt and William Fry were elected Deacons. The church then called Rev. L. Adams Smith to her pastorate, who has since officiated. In the Ameri- can Church Review, of Cincinnati, bearing date of January 25, 1870, we find the following notice : " We have just closed a protracted meet- ing at Hebron, Ind., on the Cincinnati & Chicago Railroad, which re- sulted in the organization of a church of twenty-six members." The following are some of the first members : Mrs. Mary E. White, who was the first one to be baptized, Joseph Dye, who was the first Deacon, and his wife, Sarah Essex, Sarah A. Johnson, Mrs. Viola Robinson, Ellis Huff and wife, Mrs. Sheldon, Isaac Margison, Mrs. Blood and Mr. Montgomery and wife. The church was built in 1878, at a cost of $1,100. The present value of the property of the church is $1,450. The membership is 130. The following are those who contributed most liberally to the building of the church with the amounts given : Joseph Cathcart, George Maxwell and James Ross each gave $100 ; W. W. White, $60 ; William Sturgeon, $50 ; S. Andrews, George Bruff, Hugh Swaney, William Dye and Mary Bryant each gave $25 ; Joseph Dye, $15 ; Enoch Jones, William Sawyer and Dr. Blackstone each gave $10 ; "Boone Grove Church " gave about $60 and "Morgan Prairie Congre- gation " gave $50. Lemuel Shortridge was the first minister, and served for three years. The first meetings were held in the Methodist Church and in the schoolhouse. William Wheeler was the second minister and 176 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTV. Stayed for two years, when William Lowe came for a short stay, after which there were no regular services for a time. After Rev. Lowe came Rev. William L. Streeter, Rev. Cassel and Rev. Carpenter, each of whom stayed but a short time. Rev. A. P. Maston came next for a stay of three years. Rev. Edwards, Rev. Rower, Rev. Chase, Rev. Franklin, Rev. John Ellis and Rev. Barnett came in order, each staying but a short time. For the next two years, H. B. Davis filled the pulpit, after whom came the present genial Christian gentleman, Rev. Adolphus C. Carter, who has entered upon his second year. The Presbyterians proper, or, as they style themselves in the articles of the church, " The Presbyterian Church (0. S.)," was organized in 1860, as is shown by the following extract from the church records : " Hebron, Ind., October 29, 1860, 11 o'clock, A. M. The commission appointed by the Presbytery of Lake met in Hebron Schoolhouse, and, after a sermon by Rev. S. C. Logan from Ephesiaas, 4, 4 — ' There is one body and one Spirit,' etc., the committee proceeded to the organiza- tion of the Church of Hebron." The articles are signed by J. L. Lower and S. C. Logan, Ministers, and Ezra Reeve and Nathan Strong, P. Elders. Those who subscribed to the articles as members are Will- iam Mackey, E. Mackey, Gideon Brecount, Jane Brecount, A. A. Bur- well, Rebecca I. Burwell, Nancy Tanehill, Mary Hill, T. G. Sweeney, Jane Aylsworth, Stella McCollom, Carrie M. Wilson, Margaret M. Gill and Mary E. Hill. William Mackey and Amos A. Burwell were elected Elders, and Gideon Brecount, Clark L. Tannehill and Thomas G. Sweeney, Trustees. In April, 1868, there were twenty-six members ; in 1876, there were thirty-five members. June 21, 1873, the society bought the old schoolhouse and the lot upon which it stood of the Siglar Brothers for the sum of $350. This they fitted up for a meeting-house. Rev. J. L. Lower was the first regular minister ; A. T. Moore was the next, who was succeeded by Rev. Beer, who was succeeded, in 1868, by Rev. McKinney, who was followed by Rev. Flemming, who was fol- lowed by Rev. Spencer Baker. Since Rev. Baker's time, the congrega- tion has been supplied by students from the Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Chicago. Rev. Small is supplying the pulpit occasionally. He was preceded by Rev. Ferguson, who was preceded by Rev. Ely. Formerly, the congregation was connected with the one at Crown Point ; now it is connected with the Tassinong Church. The present member- ship of the church is twenty-five. Secret Organizations. — The Hebron Lodge, U. D., of Freemasons, commenced operations under a dispensation dated June 9, 1874. The first officers were L. C. Dunn, W. M.; J. N. More, S. W., Pro tern.; L. P. Scott, J. W.; W. M. Nelson, S. D.; John Skelton, Treasurer; R. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 177 Sheine, Tiler, Pro tern.; Samuel Irvin, Secretary, Pro tern. The charter members were L. C.-Dunn, John Skelton, W. M.Nelson, S. K. Pratt, Y. Welding, Samuel Irvin and L. P. Scott. The following is a list of the others who have belonged to the lodge up to the present time: F. Mikl6s, Thomas V. Rockwell, B. F. Hathaway, Aaron Godwin, Andrew Godwin, Andrew Runion, G. "W. Maxwell, J. L. Baker, C. G. Carman, Michael Dorn, William McGinley, J. C. Carson, John Wellinger, J. P. Brough, N. D. Edmonds, S. C. Mclntire, Rufus Rice, Mott T. Perry, W. C. Shreve, E. S. Irwin, H. B. Davis, Hamilton B. Southwick, Spencer Baker, G. W. Mosier, W. B. Swearingen, C. H. Carman and John Carson. The present membership is twenty-three. There was at one time a lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., but, as the records are not accessible, and the few here now who were interested can furnish no definite information, its history can not be given. CHAPTER VII. BY DANIEL J. COT. "Washington Township— Its Cebation— Piest Election of Qfficebs— The Eaely Settlement— Old Saw-mills, Geist-mills, etc.— Pek- soNAL Anecdotes — Rollings and Raisings— Mercantile Pursuits— Pbattvtlle — Education and Religion. "TTTASHINGTON TOWNSHIP dates its birth from the organization ' » of Porter County in 1836. Thename Washington is indicative of the sterling worth and patriotic principles of the pioneer settlers. Will- iam Morgan, from Wayne County, Ohio, is said to be the first white man to settle in what is now Washington Township. He settled on the north- ern part of the prairie that bears his name early in the spring of 1833. The other first settlers besides William and Isaac Morgan, with their places of nativity, were George B. Cline, Union County, Ind.; Adam S. Campbell, Chautauqua County, N. Y.; Reason Bell, Wayne County, Ohio. During the same year, Rufus Van Pool "pitched" a claim on what is now the Oaks farm. In the fall, the house of this man was destroyed by fire, and he was compelled to move his family back to La Porte County, but returned in the following spring, and remained until the land sale in 1835 ; after purchasing his claim at the Government price, he sold out to David Oaks. In 1833 or 1834, Jacob Coleman located and made im- provements two miles southeast of Prattville. In 1834, James Blair "pitched" his claim near what is now called Coburg, and began to culti- vate the soil, and to make improvements. During the same year, Isaac Werninger came into the settlement, and located on what is now known 178 HISTORY OP PORTEE COUNTi'. as the Crumpacker farm. Ruel Starr, the same year, occupied the Starr farm. In the spring of 1833, Samuel Flint and Seth Hull came into the township. Flint made the first improvements at Prattville. During the fall, Hull sold his claim to J. S. Wallace and left the settlement. Among these early settlers were found John Huntly, a Mr. Banner and a Mr. Johnson ; these men being without families, did not locate permanently. In 1834, James Baun came into the township and purchased a farm, paying |450 for 160 acres of land. At this early date no roads were found in the township ; these pioneers were compelled to follow the old " Sac trail," which passed near the present site of Valparaiso. Early Homes. — The " log cabin " of the early settlers was built, owing to the shortness of the timber, about 18x20 feet, and if more room was desired, two of these were built side by side with a door between ; often they were placed some distance apart, the space between roofed over, and called a " stoop." The chimney was built of flat sticks, covered with what was known as " cat-in-the-clay," this being composed of straw or swamp grass, cut fine and mixed with the clay. The chimney was built upon the outside of the cabin, usually at the end. The roof was covered with " shakes," with " weight-poles " to hold them to their places. The inside of the cabin compared very favorably with the outside. Wooden pegs took the place of nails or hooks ; the table and chairs, as well as the rest of the household furniture, were usually of home manufacture, and were necessarily of the rudest pattern. Whenever a house of this kind was to be built, the word was given out, and the settlers flocked into"what was known as the "raising." The first house built in this way was a double log house, the property of Isaac Morgan. The house was built in 1834, situated on the outlet of Flint's Lake, in Section 16, and it is said that about thirty settlers were pj'esent, this number including nearly all the able-bodied men of the settlement. The early settlers obtained their supplies at first from La Porte County, afterward from Michigan City ; these supplies were hauled across the county with oxen. For several years the nearest flouring-mill was located at Kingsbury, where all the grinding of the settlement was done. The first crop planted was corn, followed by the other cereals now raised in the township. In one or two instances, farmers are said to have gone eighty or ninety miles, in order to obtain proper seed to plant in the soil of their new farms. At this early date, venison was one of the principal sources of food, the settlers depending largely upon this for their supply of meat. Hunting was one of the leading occupations, it being no extra-"' ordinary feat for one man to kill as high as 100 deer in one winter. The first settlers who led the way were soon followed by others, and before the land sale, in 183-5, a large number of settlers' cabins could be WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 179 counted. The raw prairie and wild woodland were being rapidly con- verted into beautiful farms and happy homes ; better times were coming to the pioneers, who endured so many privations in order to secure com- fortable residences. They were soon to reap the results of braving the Western wilds and leaving behind them the benefits and advantages of a fully developed country. The first white child born in this township was Reason Bell, son of Reason and Sarah Bell, of Wayne County, Ohio, his birth occurring Jan- uary 11, 1834. The Indians. — A village of about one hundred or more Pottawatomie Indians was situated near the present site of Prattville. Their burying- ground was located on what is now Harmond Beach's orchard. These Indians traded with the early settlers, bartering their furs for arms and ammunition; they also obtained the well-known " fire-water" that has ever degraded the poor Indian when brought in contact with it, and its vender, the white man. These Indians were of considerable annoyance, but never committed any depredations of a serious nature upon the whites. A story is related by the settlers how, at one time, two of the Indians, Wak-muck and Cha-nin-a-win, after having imbibed a sufficient quantity of whisky to make each one feel that he was the " big Injin " of the vil- lage, began quarreling, and finally ended in a fight to decide which should be the happy owner of two wives. Wak-muck came off victor. A short time after this, Cha-nin-a-win, while lying asleep under a tree, was shot by the treacherous Wak-muck. At first the white men of the settlement were inclined to take the matter into their own hands, but finally decided to leave to Indian justice the entire matter, which was to give to the squaw of the dead Indian several ponies and a considerable amount of furs, their law being that if such a crime was repeated by the same party, he must suffer death at the hands of his nearest relative. The Indians remained here until 1836, when they moved to an In- dian village near what is now known as Hebron, where they remained until about 1842, at which date they, with the rest of their red brethren, moved beyond the rolling waters of the Mississippi. Organization. — Up to the time of the land sale in 1885, the early settlers held what is known as a "squatter's claim." The majority bought the land they occupied, while some of them sold their claims to other settlers. After the township survey, many of them found their land cut up by township lines and roads. One instance is given, in which John Coleman, Russell Brayton and Stephen Brayton found themselves occupying the same eighty acres of land. The first township election was held at the house of Isaac Morgan, on the 13th of April, 1836, for the purpose of electing two -Justices of the JQQ HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Peace. The following-named persons voted at this election: Adam S. Campbell, David S. Holland, Benjamin Saylor, Levi Chamberton, John Saylor, Jacob Jorden, Seth Winslow, Warren Pierce, W. B. Smith, Andrew Ault, Reason Bell, George B. Cline, Wilson McLane, Frederick Yeager, Reason Reed, Joseph Todd, Michael Ault, Hiram Webster, Isaac Morgan, John Shinabarger, Henry Rinker, Daniel Drulinger, John Robinson, Warner Winslow, Isaac Werninger, Jacob Fleming, James Blair, Nelson Smith, Peter Cline, William Morgan, Anthony Boggs, Jesse McCord, John R. Sargent, Robert Fleming, Joseph Brewer and Clark Babcock. Isaac Morgan was appointed Inspector of this election ; he returned the following report : " We, the undersigned Inspector and Judges of an election held at the house of Isaac Morgan, on the 13th day of April, 1836, do certify that for the office of Justice of the Peace Henry Rinker received 23 votes. White B. Smith 20 votes and Peter Cline 17 votes." A county election was held at the house of Isaac Morgan on the 28d of February, 1836, for the purpose of electing one Clerk, one Recorder, two Associate Judges and three Commissioners. In the same year, it was ordered by the Board of Commissioners, that Adam S. Campbell and Reason Bell be appointed Overseers of the Poor for Washington Township ; Peter Cline, Supervisor of Roads ; George B. Cline and John Shinabarger, Fence Viewers, which last office was finally dispensed with. Early Industries. — In 1834, David Oaks kept a tavern near Prattville. He continued in the business for several years. During the years 1835 and 1836, a hotel was built about one mile north of Prattville. The building cost about $500 or $600. This tavern was owned and con- ducted by John Shinnabarger. The hotel was a two-story building, the other dimensions being 20x45 feet. The hall in the upper story was used as a ball room, where the young people of the neighborhood could meet and shake the "light fantastic toe " to their heart's content. The business of tavern-keeping was remunerative. During the years of 1834 or 1835, almost every day wagon trains could be seen wending their way over the rough roads toward the undeveloped West, where they expected to find room to build up homes of thrift and industry. There were no roads of any importance in the township up to this time. The first road was one that followed an Indian trail which passed through Prattville. In 1835, Adam S. Campbell opened a boot and shoe shop on the farm now owned by his son. He brought his original stock from York State. In this shop, the boots and shoes of the settlement were manu- factured. In 1835, Russell Brayton opened the first blacksmith shop in the township. It was located near Prattville. During the year 1852, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 181 Edward Brown and Mr. Mills built a steam saw-mill at Prattville. The engine was of 25-liorse power, and was obtained at Coldwater, Mich., at a cost of $2,000. It required a considerable amount of labor to bring the engine from Michigan City, but the task was at last accomplished. The frame work of the mill cost about $1,000, making the entire cost of the mill about $3,000, as near as can be remembered. The saw was a simple upright sash saw. This mill was purchased in 1835 by Daniel 8. and Theron White. During the same year, the new owners added a small run of buhrs, one for grinding corn, the other for wheat. They also put in three bolts. This addition to the saw-mill cost about $1,000. The machinery was run by the same engine that was used for the saw-mill. This mill was completed so that in 1836 a fair article of flour was turned out. At the present writing, the saw-mill remains, much improved in capacity and machinery, but the flour-mill has long since been discontin- ued. Prattville. — In 1841, the village of Prattville was laid out by Thomas Pratt, who erected a blacksmith shop, also moved a small frame house about one mile, and improved it by additions, until it answered for a dwell- ing. The original owners of the ground on which Prattville was laid out were William Morgan and Peter and George Cline. The life of Prattville was destined to be short, and to-day the town exists only in name. Taxation. — During the year 1842, the entire tax paid by the resi- dents of Washington Township amounted to $262.61. There were 13,824.86 acres of land, valued, together with the improvements, at $47,815. The total amount of taxable property in the township was $60,643. The total amount assessed was $705.79. Not more than two- thirds of this amount was ever paid into the county treasury. Various Enterprises. — In the year 1843, Reason Bell and Mr. King erected a tannery one and a half miles northeast of Prattville. This firm transacted a considerable amount of business, Mr. Bell furnishing the capital. Mr. King, being a tanner by trade, had charge of the work done in the tannery, and saw that the stock on hand was properly taken care of. This firm continued operations about two years. A considera- ble business was done here, and leather was shipped to various parts of the country. In 1845, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. King continu- ing to work at his trade in Michigan City. Mr. Bell continued in the business only long enough to sell the stock on hand. In connection with the tannery, a boot and shoe factory was put in operation, and was con- tinued for some time, Moses Turner having charge of the factory. Mr. Bundy erected a saw-mill, in 1844 or 1845, on the outlet of Flint's Lake. This mill was situated about one and three-fourths miles east of Prattville. The frame for the mill was erected at a considerable expense, after which 182 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Mr. Bundy began to dig the race. The work was carried forward across his own farm, but he was denied the right to dig the race across the adjoining farm, owned by Truman Freeman, and a law suit was the result. After having some trouble in regard to the matter, the enterprise proved to be a failure. The frame work to the mill was taken down and used for other purposes, while Bundy's mill never existed in reality, but was only known as one of the many things that exist only in name. In the year 1846 or 1847, a race track was built on the farm of Joseph Brown. While this track cannot be called an improvement of great importance, it was the means of bringing some good stock into the country, and eventu- ally had something to do toward the organization of an agricultural society. The office of Justice of the Peace was located on the farm owned by Adam S. Campbell, he being one of the two Justices whom the settlers felt it to be necessary to have, in order that justice might be meted out to all. This was after the first election in 1836. A grist-mill was built by Ruel Starr, on Crooked Creek, which was to be, run by water-power, the wheel being a 24-inch turbine, the race being one and one-half miles in length. The mill was completed and ready for operation, but nothing more than a few bushels of corn was ever ground. The enterprise proved unsuccessful, although the mill cost $5,000. After the death of Mr. Starr, the mill was converted into a cheese factory by Mr. McGill. A considerable amount of cheese was manufactured here and shipped to Chi- cago, La Porte, Michigan City and South Bend. This factory was in operation for two years, when it was moved into Centre Township, where it yet remains- In May of 1836, a license was granted to Andrew Ault to keep a tavern and to sell foreign and domestic groceries ; he also sold liquor, paying for the license $10 per annum. This store was kept in a double log house, that cost about $25. As near as can be remembered, the store was opened in 1836 or 1837. The first stock of goods was obtained from Michigan City, and cost in the neighborhood of $50. This store was kept open for a number of years, and was situated about three-fourths of a mile west of Prattville. The tavern furnished accommodations to the many wagon trains passing through this section, and was no unimportant item in the remunerative part of the business. In 1834 or 1835, a stock of goods was kept in the double log house belonging to Isaac Morgan. The stock was light, and was composed of such things as would best meet the wants of the early settlers. The store was conducted by Mr. Hol- land, who obtained his supplies from La Porte, and served as a mail car- rier for the settlement. Jeremiah Hamell and Mr. Henning opened a store in George B. Cline's double log house ; this was in 1836 or 1837. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 183 Their stock was composed of dry goods and groceries, the value of which did not exceed $50. They traded extensively with the Indians, exchang- ing arms, ammunition and whisky for furs. They obtained their goods from Michigan City and South Bend. In 1837, Jeremiah Hamell (now deceased) moved to Valparaiso, where he is said to have been one of the first merchants. Stores of any importance must necessarily be located in villages or towns. For this reason, store-keeping has ceased to be a lucra- tive business in Washington Township, as there are no villages or towns of any note in the township. Schools. — The first school taught in the township was conducted by Mary Hammond in a log house, erected by A. V. Bartholomew, the teacher being paid by subscription. Four families were represented. The school was in session three months, during the winter of 1835 or 1836. The next school, as near as can be remembered, was taught by Thomas Campbell, in a log house on a farm owned by Mr. Kimmerer. This school was in session one term. The common branches were taught here, including arithmetic, reading, spelling and writing. These schools were taught in houses originally intended for dwellings. They were small, about 18x20 feet in size. The houses were warmed by huge fire-places, in which logs of considerable dimensions could be rolled without much difficulty, such being the advantages of the young seeker after knowledge in 1835 and 1836. The first schoolhouse built in Washington Township was prob- ably the Morgan Schoolhouse, several old settlers to the contrary. This schoolhouse was built in 1836 or 1837 ; the Luther Schoolhouse was built about the same time; it is not known positively which one was built first. It is sufficient to say that among the first teachers are to be found the names of George Partial, Mr. Wakeman, Nancy Trim, Judge Talcott, Mr. Pepinger (as near as the name can be spelled), Mr. Van Hozzen, Lowring Hall and Dr. Pagan. The first schoolhouse was built of round logs at a probable cost of $25 ; the accommodations throughout were of the plainest quality. The wages paid to the earliest teachers were about $2 per scholar, or $10 or $12 per month ; this sum was considered suffi- cient pay to the teacher who was required to wield the birch with suffi- cient force to overcome the unruly young man of twenty summers. It was one of the principal parts of school life to have spellings, and to bar out the teacher at Christmas ; this was often difficult to do, as the roof was usually covered with shakes, with poles laid on to keep them down, so that it did not require a very great efi"ort on the part of the teacher to find an ingress at almost any part of the house. In 1838, George Par- tial was barred out in this manner ; being unable to effect an entrance for three or four days, he was finally compelled to treat. The treat con- sisted of " doughnuts " and such things as the kitchens of the neigh- 184 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. borhood could furnish. The treat was brought to the schoolhouse in a two bushel sack, and was made up of contributions from the parents of the children. The birch was used pretty freely in those days, as a gentle reminder of the duties and responsibilities resting upon the young aspi- rant. The small log schoolhouse of 1836 has given place to the neat and com- modious house of to-day. While at that time the township could boast of but one or two, now we find seven well-conducted schools in the town- ship. Qhuroheg. — No churches have ever been built in the township, but the people used the achoolhouses for purposes of worship at an early date. As early as 1837, Lewis Comer preached in the Morgan Schoolhouse. It is said that a Baptist minister (name not remembered) preached in George Cline's double log house as early as 1885. The members of the Chris- tian Church held regular meetings in the Morgan Schoolhouse. There were about thirty or forty members in attendance, but no regularly or- ganized church. Among the earliest members of this congregation were Reason Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Rinker, White B. Smith and others whose names could not be obtained. There was no fixed salary for the minister, but the congregation paid him whatever they could give that would be of use to him or his family. It was customary for the members to gather together and give what was called a donation surprise party, in which the- minister was often surprised by receiving many things that were of benefit to him. This township being situated near Valparaiso, the church-going people have found it more convenient to attend church in town than to build and maintain a church of their own, and for this reason no churches have ever been erected in Washington Township. The first Sabbath school in the township, as near as can be ascertained, was organized by D. C. White in 1856 ; the school was taught in the Morgan Schoolhouse. The school was small, and the Sabbath school library was limited to a few books such as would meet the wants of the children. Washington Township is strictly an agricultural township, and is one of the richest in the county. It is diflScult to realize the number and value of the improvements that have been made within forty years. The round-log cabin of the early settler has given place to the comfortable home and beautiful farms of to-day, while the advantages of the people- are in no way inferior to those of any other portion of the State. MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 185 CHAPTER YIII. BY 0. A. GARARD. Morgan Township— List of Fiest and Eakly Settlees— Game— Inci- dents AND Anecdotes— A. Tradition— Eaelt Elections— An Old Town — Manufactures — Churches — Schools— Cemetery — First Burial — Eesume. MORGAN TOWNSHIP derives its name from Morgan Prairie, which was named for Isaac Morgan, who was one of the first set- tlers upon this beautiful plain, in what is now Washington Township. Liit of First and Early Settlers. — The following is a list of the first and early settlers so far as obtainable : Joseph Bartholomew, 1834 ; Henry Adams and family, 1834 ; Benjamin Spencer and family, 1834 ; John Baum, 1835 ; George Shultz, Jacob Shultz and John Shultz, in 1834; N. S. Fairchild, Archie De Munn and Charles Allen, in 1835; Josiah Allen and Josiah Allen's wife, in 1835. Among the first were Rinier Blachley, Charles DeWolf, Morris Witham, William Billings, Mr. Kinsey, Thomas Wilkins, Mr. Dillingham, John Berry, and William Minton, an Indian trader. Lewis Comer and family came in 1835 ; Thomas Adams and family came during the spring of 1835. Among those who came early are Samuel Van Dalsen, Abraham Van Dalsen, Lyman Adkins, Elisha Adkins, Mr. Stoner, Enoch Billings, Elias Cain, John B. Harris, Ezra Wilcox, Eason Wilcox and Hank Blanchard. John G. Keller came in 1837 ; Enos Arnold in 1840 ; William Unrugh in 1842, and William Benton in 1838. Henry S. Adams, of Jefferson County, Ohio,, came to this region on the 27th of April, 1833, and in May erected a cabin and laid a claim of 160 acres on Section 9, Township 34, Range 5. He brought with him his wife, mother and three daughters. His was the first house erected in the township. In 1835, G. W. Patten, of Ohio, settled here. Miller Parker came among the very first, but stopped for a time in Pleasant Township. John and Stephen Bartholo- mew came in 1834, but settled in Pleasant, where they lived for a time before they moved to Morgan. Morgan Township originated in August, 1848, when it was set apart from Pleasant. The eastern part of it was formerly Essex Township, which was formed in February, 1860, and named in honor of the ship commanded by Commodore Porter, the man for whom the county was named. The two were consolidated a short time since. Early Incidents. — An old settler remarks : " When I came to Mor- 186 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTV. gan Prairie, there was nothing but snakes, wolves and Indians." Game of all kinds native to the region was abundant. H. S. Adams, RoUston Adams, Asa Cobb and G. W. Patton, in 1851, during a hunt of five days, hilled sixteen deer. In 1843, G. W. Patton and his brother shot two from a herd. Supposing that both were dead, Mr. Patton went up to where they lay. When he reached the place, one of them that had been more stunned than wounded started to rise, but Mr. Patton seized it by the antlers and called to his brother to come and cut its throat. Before his brother came up and succeeded in doing so, it had cut G. W.'s hands and struck him on the head a number of times with its hind feet. Bees abounded, and barrels of honeyed sweets were stored away in the hollows of trees. It is a singular fact that bees seldom go far from the habitations of the white man. As the buffalo retreats, the bee advances. Prairie fires were a terror to the natives at an early day, and often swept the country with a sea of flame that traveled with the speed of the wind, laying in ashes and raising in smoke everything before it. A certain Assessor of Essex Township presented a bill of $21 for assessing twenty-one families. He said that he would have that or nothing. He got the latter. Old Cuttanaw, who used to trade in this region with the Indians, once told them that the needle-makers were all dead, and that he would have to charge them $1 apiece for needles, which he did. He is the one who took the contract for moving the Indians to their new home in the West. This occurred in 1837. Once, at Tassinong Grove, two Indians came to trade. One of them got drunk. The other, upbraiding him for so doing said, " Mo-a-net Che- moke-man " (mean as a white man). Although all the Indians seemed fond of good-ne-tos (liquor), one of the party always stayed sober and could not be induced to drink enough to become intoxicated. It seemed to be the business of this one to stand guard and take care of those who were too drunk to care for themselves. He took charge of the guns and other weapons to keep those who were drinking from killing each other or some one else. The squaws did not drink, the reason for which fact is not stated. Enos Arnold speaks of having driven twelve yoke of oxen to a breaking-plow on one Fourth of July, which day he cele- brated by turning to the sun three acres of prairie sod. There was a tradition among the Indians found here that in the then distant past the Pottawatomies had a dispute with a tribe- west of them about the boundary line between the two nations. They agreed to decide the question by fighting three battles. The tribe that was victorious in two or three of these battles was to have the boundary placed where they claimed that it should be. It is supposed that these battles occurred somewhere on Morgan Prairie, but just where MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 187 cannot now be determined. It is possible that the old fort on the Kan- kakee in Pleasant Township was erected at that time as a place of refuge in case of defeat in the field. It is further stated that the Pottawatomies were to drive this Western tribe to the end of the lake, but no farther. This point they called " Bish Chi-ca-go " or " water all gone." This some claim to be the origin of the word Chicago. If so, it is probable that the name was applied to the place by the Indians while the whites called it Fort Dearborn, and that the Indian name was in some way re- stored. January 4, 1836, a license was granted by the County Commission- ers to Hamell & Heming for one year, for the sum of $10, to vend mer- chandise. Morgan Township was then very large and a part of La Porte County. The principal Indian trail that crossed the township entered at the northeastern part and reached the Kankakee near the southwestern corner. 'Harly Officers. — At an election of Morgan Township, held April 4, 1853, James White, Jesse Spencer and Joseph McConnell were elected Trustees, David W. White, Clerk, and John Brumbaugh, Treasurer. The bond of the Treasurer was $200. May 7, 1853, notice was given of an election to be held June 11, 1853, for the purpose of voting for or against levying a tax for the purpose of purchasing sites for and building Bchoolhouses. The election was held at the time appointed. Francis Marshall, James White, Jesse Spencer, Joseph McConnell, David W. White, Lewis Comer, H. S. Adams and Asa Marine voted for the tax, and no votes were cast against it. Accordingly, a tax of 50 cents on $100 was levied. In 1854, the total receipts for road purposes were $82.20, and the expenditures $76.50. The charges of the road superintendents for the same year were, in Districts Nos. 1, 2 and 3, $2 each ; in No. 4, $1.50; No. 5, $3; No. 6, 75 cents. In 1854, the Treasurer's bond was raised to $1,000, and was signed by John Brumbaugh and William Stod- dard. In this year, John W. Wright was elected Justice, and Franklin Adkins and Aaron Stoner, Constables. Hiram Diblee, James Bundy and Enos Arnold were elected Trustees. William Stoddard was Clerk, John Brumbaugh, Treasurer. The following were the Supervisors for the different districts : In No. 1, John Brunson ; No. 2, Lorenzo Mor- toe ; No. 3, Joseph Holies ; No. 4, Elias Cane ; No. 5, John McCurdy ; No. 6, John Schultz. Tassinong. — The town of Tassinong, or Tassinnong Grove, as it was formerly called, is indeed an ancient place. Its origin seems to be shrouded in obscurity. The whites trace the locality back to 1830, but the Indians spoke of it as an old place even then. Not that there was any town, but simply a locality bearing the name. It is probable that 188 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. there was a French trading post here at a very early day. Col. Jesse Harpar, the noted Greenback orator, started the first store here, about the year 1846. He continued to sell goods here for a few years, and then took his wares and left. He had a stock worth, perhaps, $800. He kept his goods in an old log building that was used before by William Stoddard as a barn. The second store was started by William Stoddard in a hewed-log cabin, about 1849. Here he kept goods for a year or a year and a halfj when one night almost the entire stock was stolen. The third store was started in 1850 by Joseph Unrugh. He ran it about a year alone, when his brother William bought an interest in the stock. They managed the business for two or three years, when they sold out to Eaton, who sold to Francis McCurdy, who sold to^Rinker & Wright, who kept the store about two years. In the meantime, about 1852, Abraham Ahart started a store, ran it about two years and closed out the stock. In 1852, besides two stores, there were two blacksmith shops, one kept by Stephen Ales and the other by A. J. Zarn. F. McCurdy had a car- penter shop, John McCurdy a tavern, while William Maxwell and W. Hammond kept shoe shops. Calvin Bowman and Adkins started a store in 1854. Sylvester Pierce bought Adkins out, and has kept store here almost ever since. He has been out of business for a short period at two different times. J. C. Eahart started a store, and sold to Frank Adkins, who sold to Spencer, who kept alone for a time, and then went in with Mr. Pierce. Mr. Pierce is now alone. Bowman & Son run the other store of the town. H. King is the blacksmith. Dr. B. A. Welch is the medical man. Dr. Gray located here in 1881, but stayed only about six months. Before him. Dr. Davis was in town from 1856 to 1861, when he went to the war. The present Postmaster is Sylvester Pierce, who has held the office for over twenty years. Mr. Pierce was preceded by William Stoddard, who kept the office for four or five years. Before him, Frank Adkins had charge for a short time. He was preceded by John W. Wright, who was preceded by William C. Eaton, who was preceded by John Ahart, who was preceded by John Jones, who was the first Post- master. The office was established in 1840. For some years, it was two miles south of its present site, and called Tassinong Grove. Tassi- nong is the only town the township has ever had, and the only post office has been located here since it was established. Industries, etc. — No factories of great importance have been built within the limits of Morgan Township. A cheese factory was started about 1857 by Charles De Wolf, and run for two years by Edson, when it was closed. Another was started by John Schultz in 1879. He ran it one season, when he sold the machinery to Mr. WoodhuU. It is now run by Albert Runnels and Henry Stone. They use about a ton of MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 189 milk a day. At a very early day, there was a small grist-mill in the northwestern part. This was known as the Kinsey Mill. It had only one "run of buhrs," through which all kinds of grain were run. The water was brought through hollow logs to an overshot wheel. This mill was owned and run by Kinsey until 1848. Cfhurches. — The first religious services were held by Stephen Jones at the house of Thomas Adams. Rev. Colklasier was the second one to conduct religious services in the township. The third was Rev. Holly Baxter Beers. The Presbyterian Church of Tassinong was built about 1855, at a cost of $800. It was built by the community for all denominations. Joseph Bartholomew and George Biggert each gave $150 toward its erection. Rev. Brown also gave liberally, helped to organize and ofiSciated for a time as minister. Rev. Moore and Rev. Logan each preached here for a year ; this was before the war. Since these the Rev. Kinney and Rev. Robert Williams each in order served a year. Then came Rev. S. R. Baker, who stayed four years, and after him Rev. Henry Cullom stayed two years, then Rev. Frank Ferguson served a year, after whom Rev. Ely came for a short stay of six months. ' The congregation has now been without a pastor for about a year. The church now has twenty-five communicants. The Old School Baptists held services for a time at Morris Witham's house. Elder French officiated for a time. They have never had a church building in the township. The Methodists have a church and society in the northwest part of the township. Among the first members were " Father " White and wife, William White and wife, David White and wife, Ezra White and wife and Mr. Cornish and wife. The Christians have a church near the center of the township. This society was organized in June, 1840, being the first society of the Christians in the county. The church, which is built of brick, cost about $2,000. The principal contributors to the building fund were H. S. Adams, Lewis Comer, Aaron Stoner, Enoch Baum, G. W. Patton, Elias Cain. Many others contributed sums according to their means. Among the very first members were, Lewis Comer and wife, H. S. Adams and wife, Thomas Adams and Mrs. Baum. Among the other early members were George W. Turner and wife, Joseph McConnel and wife, Elias Cain and Mrs. Elizabeth Stoner. Lewis Comer was this first Elder, and H. S. Adams the first Deacon. The present officers are, G. W. Patton, N. S. Fairchild, and Jacob Stoner, Elders ; William Cain and Russell Stoner, Deacons. The pres- ent membership is 125. Rev. Lemuel Shortage now preaches occasion- ally. The last regular minister was Rev. M. Goodycoonts ; before him was Rev. W. Lowe, who stayed two years. Rev. L. Shortage commenced 190 HISTORY OF POETEE COUNTY. preaching here in 1849, and has preached here more or less ever since. Rev. Wheeler preached two years, Rev. Robert Johnson two years. Part of the time there has been no regular minister, but different ones preached occasionally. Schools.— There is a difference of opinion as to where the first school of the township was taught, but the evidence indicates that it was on Morgan Prairie, near where Jesse Baum now lives. The house was, of course, a log one. In size, it was about 12x14 feet. The first teacher was Miss Orilla Stoddard, a sister of William Stoddard, now Mrs. Jack- son Buel, of Valparaiso, who taught here for a number of terms. The first term was taught in or near the year 1834. This, like the other early schools, was supported by subscription. The following are some of the patrons of the first school : Morris Witham, William Billings, John Kel- ler, Henry Adams and R. Blatsley. The location of this school was changed after a few years to the Enoch Baum farm, where a frame build- . ing was erected. This was used for some years, when a house was built on the present site. The second schoolhouse was built about two miles south of the north line of the township, and near the center from east to west. This house was a log cabin, built in 1838 or 1889. The third house was built on the old Spencer farm, about half a mile north of Tas- sinong, in 1884 or 1885. This was a log house, about 18x20 feet. Among the early teachers here were Orilla Stoddard, Mr. Cannaday, Eggleston Smith, David White, Oliver Stoddard, Miss Jones, Miss Hoadley, Chris- topher Clines, Mr. Bloomfield and Miss Webster. The fourth schoolhouse was built in the White settlement about thirty-five years ago. This was a small frame, being the first frame schoolhouse of the township. The present house here is a fine brick, built in 1878, at a cost of $1,000. District No. 2 now has its third house, a brick, built about fifteen years ago, at a cost of $1,200. District No. 3 has its second house, built about ten years ago, at a cost of $800. No. 5 has its second house, a brick, built about nine years ago, at a cost of $800. The first house here was a frame. District No. 6 has its first house still standing ; it is a frame, probably thirty years old, and has been repaired many times. It cost about $500. The other three houses are frame. The Stoddard or Tas- sinong Schoolhouse was built in 1868. Ida Freer taught here during the winter of 1881-82, and the spring of 1882. Some of the teachers before Miss Freer, in about the following order, are : William Harris, Anna Bray, Mr. Hazelett, the Misses Baum, Miss Gary, Mr. Elliot, William Stod- dard, Ruth Marshall, Belle Stephens and William Bartholomew. In the old frame house, Emma Hammond, Alvin Bartholomew, Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Bloomfield taught. David White and Eggleston Smith were among the first who taught in the old log house. The second house, a MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 191 frame, was painted red, and stood about one- fourth of a mile south of the present site. The following is a list of the teachers for the years indi- cated: 1880, in District No 1 — Priscilla Flake, Myra Hunter and Sylvester Dill ; No 2 — Irena Baum and A. Knott ; No. 3 — Ida Freer and 0. C. Tarpenning ; No. 4 — Mary Evans, Viola Williams and J. H. Piatt : No. 5 — W. J. Harris ; No. 6 — M. F. Bennett and Stuart Mac- kibbin ; No. 7 — Carrie A. Ray ; No. 8 — Alice Sanborn ; No. 9 — Ida Freer. For 1881, in No. 1— C. B. Diltz, E,. B. Hubbard and Alice J. Sanborn ; No. 2 — Irena Baum ; No. 3 — Irena Baum, Myra Hunter and Eva Shepard ; No. 4 — Ida Freer and J. W. Smith ; No. 5 — Anna L. Bray and Ida Freer ; No. 6 — Carrie A. Ray ; No. 7 — Carrie A. Ray, Viola Williams and M. M. Strong; No. 8 — Carrie Bond and Anna Bray; No. 9— Maud Shackelford. For 1882, up to this writing, in No. 1 — Mary E. McHugh ; No. 2 — Sylvester N. Dill, Carrie Ray, Mary L. Nickelson and Anna Bray ; No. 3 — Maud Shackelford and Ida Wins- low ; No. 5 — Ida Freer and Joseph M. Williamson ; No. 6 — Carrie Ray and Dora Rosecrans ; No. 7 — Viola Williams and Oreste Sherman ; No. 8 — Anna Bray, Oreste Sherman and Viola Williams ; No. 9 — Maud Shackelford. Cemeteries. — The Adams Cemetery is the largest in the township. Harriet J. Adams was the first one buried here. First, a small plat of about one-fourth of an acre was set apart as a burying ground. In 1867, an acre was added to the ground. This was purchased with money raised by subscription among the people of the country around. The ground cost about $60. This ground was deeded to the county. Burial here is free except a fee of $2.50 which is charged upon each lot of 8x19 feet for the purpose of keeping the grounds in repair. The neighbors turned out in force and fenced the ground. There is a private or family graveyard at White's Meeting House, or Salem Church, as it is often called. The first burial of the township was that of Mr. Agnew, who was frozen to death during a violent snow storm late in the fall of 1835. He had sent his family to David Bryant's the day before, and was following them in a wagon containing their household goods. A blinding snow began to fall, and he was unable to keep the ox-team that he was driving upon the Indian trail that they must follow in order to reach Pleasant Grove, Lake County, where Mr. Bryant lived, and where the anxious wife was awaiting Mr. Agnew's arrival. Becoming bewildered, he loosed the oxen and started on foot. He had gone but a short distance before he began traveling in a circle around a stick driven into the ground. Finally overcome by fatigue and cold, he gave way to the drowsiness of death. In the morning the body was taken up tenderly by loving hands and borne to Morgan Prairie, where it was placed to rest. 192 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. G-rowth of Township.— NLorgun Township carries the banner of the county for an agricultural township. As is usual with a strictly agri- cultural community, its growth has been steady and gradual. No sud- den influx of settlers has occurred since the Great Land Sale. CHAPTER IX. BY CHARLES S. HYDE. Union Township — Physical Featukes — Early Settlement — Fibst Election— Accidents and Incidents— The Page Murder— "The Hoosieb's Nest "— Whbblee— Keligious Interests— Schools— Se- cret Societies— Cheese Factories- Miscellany. UN [ON TOWNSHIP was named in commemoration of the Federal Union, and is spoken of by many as the " Peaceful Township." It was first created and organized in 1836. It is five miles from east to west and six miles from north to south. There is nothing peculiarly striking in its physical make-up, though it, with Jackson Township, is the most diversified, with rolling lands and ridges, of any in the county ; yet, no part of the land is rendered unfit for easy cultivation from this cause. The only two streams of importance are Salt Creek (Wum-tah- gi-uck — Indian name for deer lick), which took its name from the numer- ous salt springs along "its course, and Taylor Creek; the former has its chief source in Sager's Pond, just south of the city of Valparaiso, and, after bisecting the eastern boundary of the township and flowing north, it cuts through the northern boundary, near the northeast corner, and empties into the Calumet. The latter takes its rise in Hollister's Lake (formerly Lake Ann), in the southern part of the township, flows north- east, and empties into Deep River. The only Lake of importance is Hollister's, and comprises some five or ten acres. At one time there was considerable marsh land (for which Indiana seems to be peculiarly re- markable), and in comparison with the same amount of territory in other States, there is still considerable ; but much of it has been drained and is now plowed, and of those marshes that remain, two or three yield quite an abundance of cranberries. The " Twenty-Mile Prairie " extends into the northern part. This was so named because, as an old settler facetiously said, it was "twenty miles from anywhere " — meaning, of course, that it was twenty miles (or some multiple of twenty) from the nearest trading- post, being twenty miles from Michigan City and La Porte, and forty miles from Chicago. The soil in the middle of the township is chiefly sandy. There is also some loam, and so much hard clay all over the township, that little corn is raised ; but it makes a good grazing country. UNION TOWNSHIP. 193 Wheat, oats and rye are among the chief products. The southeastern part is the hilliest, and this, as well as the entire southern part, is cut up with ravines. To one passing along the beautiful roads intersecting the broad stretches of prairie, here and there, the song of the reaper and mower, on his every side, can suggest naught but thrift. In early times, deer were as numerous as sheep now, from five to ten a day being the " sport and prey" of the hunter's bullet. Bears were few, only now and then one straggling across the sparsely inhabited tract. There were a few prairie wolves, but many gray wolves furnished ample music for the youth- ful swain as he, in company with neighbors' daughters, went jaunting through the " dim, unventured wood." The lynx, badger, otter and wild- cat conspired to complete the medley in the forest's depths. Facts of First Settlement. — Wm. B. Blachly, Benjamin McCarty, James Walton, Mr. McAfee, John Brewer, John G. Forbes, B. Bunnel, Sylvester Forbes, Andrew Wilson, E. W. Fouts, Joseph Wilson, George W. Turner, Lewis Walton, Richard Henthorn, David Spurlock, John E. West, Joseph Willey, Wilford Parrott and Noah Fouts, were among the first settlers of Union Township, having come there, some of them in the spring of 1836, and some earlier. The following men were residents of Union Township in 1842, as shown by the enumeratian of polls : Ebenezer Blachly, Aaron Blachly, Cornelius Blachly, Boyd Blachly, Jeremiah Burge, William Brewer, Thomas Buel, John Brownson, B. B. Bunnel, James Burge, Isaac Brewer, James Congdon, J. M. Curtis, H. Cross, D. G. Crogan, John Currier, T. H. Fifield, S. Forbes, F. A. Forbes, H. G. HoUister, Stephen Hodsden, Benson Harris, Ira G. Har- ris, Levi Melvin, James McAfee, Lyman Melvin, Mr. McGruder, Wilford Parrott, Otis Robinson, D. P. Strong, 0. H. Serviss, Orson Strong, C. Spaf- ford, Harvey Smith, John Sturdevant, Philo Shepard, Nathan Sawyer, Ed- ward Saunders, R. P. Saunders, Abijah Taylor, G. W. Tabor, Edmund D. Wolf, James Walton, Stephen Welch, Joseph Willey, Joseph Wilson, H. B. Wells and John E.West. Total forty-eight. The above men, for the year 1842, paid a total tax of $109.41, which was distributed to three funds — State tax, county tax and road tax. There were 6,973.51 acres of land, val- ued at $15,217, including improvements. Total amount of taxables, $24,- 361. Total assessment of tax, $302.26. All this amount was not received, however. In those early times, the experiences of the hardy pioneers were indeed weird and romantic. Indiana was then the " far West," and where, away back in the '30's, the mournful howl of the gray wolf made those gloomy forests more gloomy, now we are startled with the shriek of the whistle and are found in the very midst of the din and bustle of this wonderful age of traffic. When we realize the incredible change in forty or fifty years, we are led to ask. Is there a limit ? Yet, even then, 194 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. they had their amusements. If a settler wished to have a cabin erected, he invited the neighbors and they, unburdened with modern formalities, " hitched up their shoes " and flocked in from their rustic haunts. The cabin up, they whiled away their time in drinking beer, playing ball, etc. Dancing did not seem to be much in vogue, but it had its substitute in the "bussing-bee" which term may, perchance, carry a peculiar twang to the ear of the modern youth. They did their principal trading in Michigan City ; but they also traded in La Porte and Chicago. Their sleighs were rude affairs, as might be expected, the runners consisting of saplings curved at either end, making them like cradle-rockers ; they were fast- ened together with the roughest cross-pieces, and the whole structure was drawn by oxen. They used the old "bull-tongue" plow, until this was replaced with the " Chicago Clipper." Their drags consisted of two pieces of rough timber crossed and fastened with wooden pegs for' teeth. They dragged about twenty acres per day. All their farm machinery, which was indeed not very extensive, was of this rough nature. It was customary for one of the settlers to go to mill with the grain of his neigh- bors. The mill being some thirty miles away, and the motive power be- ing several yoke of oxen, it took three days to go and return, and, for this manifestation of brotherly love, the recompense was one-third of the grain or flour. In 1838, John Curtis, in preference to going to mill, made a mortar by burning out the top of a stump, and pounded his corn with a pestle. The hams of deer sold at two and one-half cents per pound, but the shoulders could not be sold ; the hides were cut into "breaking-lashes." Calico was from twenty-five to forty cents per yard. The population of Union Township in 1860, was 867; 1870, 1057; 1880, 1054. Elections. — By order of the first Board of Commissioners a local election was held, for the first time in this county's history, on April 30, 1836, for the purpose of electing Justices of the Peace. We give a verbatim copy of a reference to those who voted at the first election held here: " At an election held at the house of George W. Turner, in Union Township, Porter County, and State of Indiana, on the 80th day of April. 1836, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace, the following-named persons came forward and voted : John G. Forbes, B. Bunnel, Sylvester Forbes, Andrew Wilson, E. W. Fonts, James Walton, Joseph Wilson, George W. Turner, Lewis Walton, Richard Henthom, David Spurlock, John E. West, Joseph Willey, Wilford Parrott, Noah Fouts. James Walton, inspector." We also give a copy of the " Tally paper:" "We, the undersigned Inspector and Judge at an Election, held at the house of George W. Turner, in Union Township, Porter County, and State of Indiana, the 30th day of April, 1886, do certify UNION TOWNSHIP. 195 that for the oflBce of Justice of the Peace Joseph Willey got fifteen votes, and for the same office got votes. Testimony, E. W. Fouts, Joseph Willey, Clerks ; James Walton, Inspector ; George W. Turner, B. Bunnel, Judges." It is seen that fifteen voted at the election in 1836. At the election of township officers, in the spring of 1882, the total number of votes polled, in Union Township, is 195 ; at the State elec- tion, held in October, 1880, the total number is 232 ; at the last Presi- dential election, held in November, 1880, the total number is 245. The following is an exact copy of a return made by a Justice of the Peace of Union Township, in 1836: State of Indiana, 1 tt • m i.- Porter County, ' j^'^'^^ Township. John Burge, James Burge and Orson Strong was brought before me, Joseph Willey, a Justice of Peace, for trial for killen sum hogs, on or about the first day of December, 1836, and I proceeded on the 8th day aforesaid to hear the proofs and allegations, and the defendants was acquitted for the above offense. Nicholas Mount, tried for profane swearing, committed, and paid his fine. (Signed) Joseph Willey, J. P. The following persons voted at the Presidential election in Union Township, November, 1836, the election being had in a house formerly occupied by George W. Turner : William Huntsman, A. L. Ball, M. Pierce, Wm. S. Thornburg, James Walton, Joseph Willey, Jesse Pierce, John B. Turner, Moses Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Preston Blake, Abra- ham Lute, Lewis Walton, Miles Mattox, Moses Maxwell, James Hurd, Joseph Wilson and John Burge. Total, 18. Accidental, Qriminal, Incidental, etc. — In November, 1872, while Royal White, of Lake County, and his brother-in-law, McColby, were at the Cascade Mills, Mr. White was accidentally killed. While waiting for their grist to be ground, they passed away the time in hunting ducks on the mill-pond. After an absence of an hour or two, they returned and deposited their guns in the wagon, after which they hitched the team, and, as McColby was preparing to drive, Mr. White reached into the wagon box and took the gun by the muzzle, and, in pulling it toward him, one of the hammers caught on a sack, and the barrel, heavily loaded with buckshot, was discharged, the load passing through the wagon box and entering his right breast. McColby ran into the mill and notified A. G. Hardesty, who closed the mill and went to the scene of the acci- dent. The wounded man was on his knees, drenched in his own blood, with both hands pressed to the wound, but he arose and walked to the house of David Hardesty. Dr. Vincent, of Deep River, was called, then Dr. Pratt, of Crown Point, but he was beyond the reach of surgical skill. Splinters of the wagon box, two inches long, and portions of gun- wadding, were taken from his lungs, a few hours before death. He died in about three weeks. His remains were placed in the Crown Point 196 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Cemetery. In 1840, Gen. Brady passed through this county from Michigan with 1,100 Indians. They camped for the night on Section 20 of Union Township, and Dr. Cornelius Blachly, on whose prem- ises they located, says that when morning came, the chief, who became dissatisfied from some cause, stepped to the door of his tent, and, by a signal from him, every warrior sprang to his feet, with a gun, ready for action. The General told them that, although they had the mastery now and could butcher them all, yet "The Great Father at Washington would be avenged." They finally quieted down and marched off. This year was also known as the year of the great wheat blight. The summer of 1836 was wet, and the harvest was backward. From 1838 to 1842-43 there was snow but once, and that was in 1841, when it was five inches deep for two weeks. The winter of 1842-43 was one of the severest in the history of this county ; great numbers starved to death, and many froze ; the snow was twelve inches deep in April. In 1844-45, New Year's Day was warm ; it was dusty and dry ; the winter was unusually mild. In 1839, nearly every able-bodied man in Union Township left for the gold fields of California. In 1864, New Year's Day was remarkably cold. Twenty-Mile Prairie was once an in- land lake, with occasional islands. Boyd Blachly was the first white man that ever ran a wagon from Valparaiso to Deep River. He, with his brothers and one McCarty, also opened the road from Valparaiso to Deep River, by hitching ten yoke of oxen to a tree some fourteen or fifteen inches through at the base, and dragging it through the long grass. Mr. Blachly has a relic that few, if any, in this county possess. It is a rifle that his grandfather used in the Revolutionary war. The barrel is five feet or more in length, and its breech is graced with an old-fashioned flint lock. It was loaded with an ounce ball and nine buckshot. " Tell them," said he, "that you have seen a gun that was used seven years in the Revolution, declaring independence to you as well as me. It has killed many a Tory." Josephus Wolf owns more land than any one man in the county — be- tween 3,000 and 4,000 acres. He owns part of three sections in Union Township. The death of Mrs. McGruder was probably the first recorded in the township. The only post oflice is at Wheeler, which is the only village of any importance in the township. Cornelius Blachly and father were the first physicians that settled in town. Ch&uncey F. Page murdered his helpless and innocent wife, as well as his wife's mother. He murdered her through jealousy. He also at- tempted the death of Miss Fredericka Ludolph. Page had been married about two years, and, being a watch-maker, was absent a good deal. His young wife was one of more than ordinary mental qualities and beauty, UNION TOWNSHIP. 197 and being very fond of society, she was often found there. He would not enjoy life, nor would he allow her to enjoy it. Troubles arose in the family, and she was forced to return to her mother's house. January 15, 1867, found Father Long visiting his son, Christopher, on Coffee Creek. Mr. Long's house stood just across the road from the house of his son-in- law, Bphraim Crisman, at Union Mills. Page came to the house of his mother-in-law one night and demanded admittance. Being refused by Mrs. Long, with an ax he shatterfed the door, and shot down Mrs. Long, who was standing in the hall. He then murdered his wife, who was in bed. He was on the point of leaving the house, when he discovered Miss Ludolph's feet protruding from under the bed clothes ; he said he felt ' sorry, but she must die. She begged piteously, and promised never to tell, but he shot her through the head ; the ball passing just back of her eyes. He then fired another shot through her right knee, and one through her right arm. After this, he beat her over the head with a chair, but feeling her breathe, he pounded her once more. She was conscious, but held her breath. His next act was to saturate the bed-quilt with lamp oil and set it on fire. The burning building was seen by Homer Smith from the house of Mr. Eglin, a short distance east, where he was attend- ing a party. He at once gave the alarm. Miss Ludolph was found stand- ing at the gate, crimson with her own blood, and almost unconscious. Mr. Smith wrapped his coat around her and took her to her father's hou^. She still lives, though badly scarred, and since then, has visited friends in Germany. The murderer took a change of venue to La Porte County, where he was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. After many unsuccessful attempts at suicide, he succeeded in taking his life. He was found in his cell, in Michigan City Prison, suspended by the neck. Hoogier Nest. — As one glances over a map of Union Township, and sees, not far from the western boundary, so suggestive a title as a " Hoosier Nest," he cannot help but feel that there is a history connected with the " Nest" that is decidedly peculiar. In 1835, James Snow put up one of the first frame buildings in the county, getting his lumber from La Porte. In this, it is said, he kept the first store in the township. This store was on the old Sac trail. In 1837, it was purchased by Oliver Shepard, from Connecticut. Being a "down-Easter," and thinking it would be entirely appropriate, he stuck out the sign "Hoosier Nest." This could not fail to attract the eye of the wayfarer, and, in time, the Hoosier Nesl came to be known, it is maintained, five hundred miles away, in most any direc- tion. Mr. Green kept this romantic inil after Shepard, and Green's suc- cessor was a Mr. Peters, who, with two wives and a son-in-law, lies slumbering beneath the green sod, not a stone's throw from the old 198 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. "Nest," which, refitted and re-adorned, stands a "silent witness of the change." Jeremiah Burge has found a place for it in the background, and on its old site has erected a fine brick structure, which he still occu- pies in his old age, and seems to be ever ready to sit down and tell to a curious listener the many reminiscences that hover around what he has since transformed into a horse barn. Sunday Schools and Churches. — Benson Harris and Ira G. Harris, of Union, and George Bronson, of Portage Township, started the first Sunday school in these parts. It was established in 1838 or 1839. Al- though the place for meeting was just across the line, in Portage Town- ship, yet, two of its founders residing in Union, and, in fact, the school being more intimately connected with Union than with Portage, it is un- doubtedly proper to blend the history of these primitive religious efforts with that of Union Township. Not the least remarkable thing of all was their decided ignorance of the necessary equipments of a Sunday school, and the proper manner of conducting it. For instance, they were at a loss to know whether or not spelling books would be the correct things to use ; and they preferred to have a suggestion or two as to its strict pro- priety, before they allowed the boys and girls to sit together ; furthermore, as to whether they should take their dinner, prepared at the bountiful board at home, or feast on faith, they were again in the dark. But such preliminaries were of little moment, when those sturdy pioneers were so determined to heed the promptings of a Christian spirit. It was not long till the school came to have an average attendance of eighty. In times when the nearest neighbor was far away, this enrollment was truly won- derful. They came from all over Union Township and townships sur- rounding, and even from Lake County. Sometimes the attendance was more than one hundred. From this Sunday school some ten schools directly grew. We little know, as do those then inexperienced, though true-hearted settlers (the few that still live), what an influence they ex- erted, and what harvests are being now reaped from seed sown by them. In the spring of 1836, Elder Alpheus French, a Baptist minister, preached at "Blachly's Corners." The services were conducted in a grove, and there were about twenty-five in attendance, some coming a dis- tance of eight or nine miles. This was undoubtedly the first Baptist class in Porter County. Hickory Chapel, on the Joliet Road, was prob- ably the second church in the township. The Methodist Church, the pioneer of church organizations in this county, had for its first Presiding Elder the Rev. Richard Hargrave. Jacob Colclazier, a missionary, held the first quarterly meeting in this county in a private residence on Twenty- Mile Prairie, at the Hoosier Nest, in January, 1840. Rev. James C. Brown was instrumental in building up and organizing the church at UNION TOWNSHIP. 199 Wheeler. Union Centre Baptist Church was started by letter granted from the First Baptist Church, of Valparaiso, bearing date April 10th, 1858, under the supervision of Deacons Cornelius Blachly, Orrin Peck and Captain Wood ; they have a fine house of worship, it having been re- modeled and painted through the energy of J. W. Peck and others. It is located in a fine grove at Union Centre. There is no resident pastor. During the fall of 1875, through the efibrts of Elder French, this society received a number of additions to its membership. In 1872, the United Brethren formed an organization at Union Centre. The upper story of the church building was fitted for church purposes, and the lower story for school purposes. Stephen Jones was the first traveling Methodist preacher in the county. The salary of young preachers was about $100 per year. Older preachers were paid in proportion to the size of their family. Schools and Secret Societies. — The first schoolhouse in the township was at the Hoosier Nest, in Twenty-Mile Grove. It was a log affair 18x20 feet, with a clapboard roof and puncheon floor. The teacher's desk consisted of a board resting on pins driven into the wall. The second school was at Blachly's Corners. They recited grammar in concert. Now schools are scattered throughout the township, and the neat appear- ance which the school buildings present, suggests the good judgment of the farmers, and foretells their future educational welfare. Evergreen Lodge, No. 403, F. & A. M., was organized at Wheeler May 25, 1869, with the following first officers : Andrew J. Harrison, W. M.; D. S. Curtis, S. W.; Miller Shinabarger, J. W. In 1870, the pres- ent hall, a large two-story frame building, was purchased at a cost of $650 ; this is fully paid for. The present membership is thirty-one, and the lodge is in a flourishing condition. Magenta Lodge, No. 288, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized at Wheeler November 20, 1867, with the following charter members : Josephus Wolf, George Sigler, Thomas J. Stonax, Dr. H. Green and Daniel Saunders. They own a good, well-furnished hall, worth about $300, and the present membership is thirteen. Milling and Merchandising. — In the spring of 1887, Boyd, Bben, Cornelius, Aaron and Josephus Blachly, erected the first saw-mill in the county, on a branch of Salt Creek. With their sash-saw and flutter wheel they sawed about 1,000 feet of lumber daily. Jacob Axe framed the mill. Benjamin Long had the second saw-mill in the township. He sawed about 2,000 feet per day. Some twelve or thirteen years ago, there was located, on the head waters of Little Salt Creek, a portable steam saw- mill. It was operated about two years, with an average of 2,000 feet per day. Boyd Blachly had the first carding machine in the county, and the only one in the township. It was built in 1843 or 1844. He averaged 200 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. about 150 pounds of wool per day. He also fulled and dressed the cloth. It has since been owned by Staffer Brothers, Thomas Ailesworth, Wil- son & Hardesty and A. Wilson, the present owner. The first grist-mill in the township was conducted by the Blachly Brothers, in the building with their saw-mill. It was built in 1846. They used one set of buhrs and a turbine wheel, and ground corn only, averaging about eight bushels per hour. The Cascade Grist-Mills were built by David Hardesty, on Taylor Creek. They were built about fourteen years ago, on to a small brick mill which was constructed by him eighteen or nineteen years ago. The structure is some 18x40 feet, and two stories high. He put in two sets of buhrs, and, at that time, had the only overshot wheel in the county. David, son of Benjamin Long, and George Pierce, established, in B. Long's old saw-mill, what is now known as the Union Grist-Mill. George operated the mill awhile, but he gave way to his nephew, George W. Pierce, the present owner. It is located on Salt Creek. John Harris and Charles Arnold were prominent in the establishment of the first cheese- factory in the township. It was established nine or ten years ago, and named " Cheese Factory No. 1 " ("No. 2 " being in Portage Township). From twelve to twenty cheeses per day were made. A. B. Woodhull bought No. 1, and still runs it. The " Union Cheese Factory " was built in the spring of 1879, by the farmers of the neighborhood. The stock was divided into forty shares, and held by about twenty farmers. The cost of the structure was about $1,500. W. H. Jones was first President, and Charles Arnold first Secretary. Present officers are J. Burge, President ; P. Robinson, Secretary ; Farmers National Bank, Valparaiso, Treasurer ; W. Jones, W. C. Janes and Stephen Hodson, Directors. Charles Arnold, of Wheeler, was the first cheese maker, and was succeeded by W. J. Wagoner, of Canada, the present incumbent. The capacity is 12,000' pounds of milk per day. The average daily consumption is about 6,500 pounds and 600 pounds of cheese. The average consumption of milk in Cheese Factory No. 1 is nearly as much. James Snow had the first store in the township. James Blachly and and his son Edgar had the second store, at Blachly's Corners. It was^ there some five or six years before the Fort Wayne road was run through. Among the first merchants were Daniel and Samuel Sigler, and A. E. Woodhull, of Wheeler. Wheeler was laid out in 1858 by T. A. E. Campbell, who owned, at that time, the entire tract upon which the town is located. Three busi- ness houses were built this year : First, the frame now standing back of Mr. Sigler's store, erected by Mr. Monfort, and first occupied, in the fall of 1859, by Sigler Brothers, who placed therein general merchandise UNION TOWNSHIP. 201 valued at $4,000, and increased in a year or two to about $10,000. Second, the Wheeler House, built by George Kimball, and conducted by him some five years, with Ichabod Hall successor, and abandoned about ten years ago. Third, a small saloon built by Carroll & Harner, and conducted about one year. Several saloons have been started since then, but in all cases have been short-lived. George Longshore was among the first residents, and was the first Postmaster. He was suc- ceeded by George Kimball, who was followed by Samuel Sigler, the present incumbent. The first blacksmith shop was built in 1862 by D. McHenry. Dr. Arnold is at present the only resident physician at Wheeler. There are at present two business establishments : Samuel Sigler, who carries a large stock of general merchandise, and D. B. Lott, who conducts a general store, owned by A. B. WoodhuU, of Chicago. CHAPTER X. BY QEORQE A. QARARD. Jackson Township— Ceeation and Eaklt Settlement— Topogeaphy —Erection of "Villages- Industkial Growth— Edtjcation xsn Eeligion— Cemeteries— Catalogue of Early Settlers— Election OF August, 1836 — The Banner Federal Township. THIS township was created at the time of the general division in 1836. It is stated in the county atlas that it was named for Lemuel Jackson, but old settlers, who ought to know, claim that it wd,s named for Andrew Jackson. The first election was held Saturday, April 30, 1836, at the house of A. K. Paine. Samuel Olinger was Inspector. PhyBical Characteristics. — In surface the township is quite broken or hilly. It is better adapted to fruit and stock than to grain, although fine crops of wheat, oats and corn are raised. • It was all heavily timbered originally, but now there are not many " monarchs of the forest " left, although there is much fine young timber. Since a great city has grown up so near, the natives have ceased to deaden and fell and burn. Much cord wood is cut and shipped to Chicago. Clear Lake, on the east, is cut through the^ center by the county line. Part of its beach is sandy, and the rest is muck. On Section 16 there is a small but deep lake, covering, perhaps, five acres. There is another small one on Section 16, south of the Cady Marsh. Both of these furnish an abundance of good water for stock. The water-shed runs through the southern part of the township. This parts the waters of the two great gulfs. There is said to be on this water-shed a spring or spring marsh, the waters of which divide, one part flowing through the Sunny South to the Gulf of Mexico, while the other 202 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. part goes through the great lakes and the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. On this water-shed are found many bowlders which seem to indicate that during the period of glaciation this was for a time the southern limit of the glaciers. The soil of the township is very varied. Even in the same field many different kinds of soil may be found. Early Events, Mills, etc. — In early times Jackson Township was a fine hunting ground. Its heavy forests made a fine retreat for all ani- mals native to the region. A bear was killed by Alfred Williams about twenty-five years ago. He was out squirrel hunting and came unexpect- edly upon this monarch of the woods. The log-rollings and house-rais- ings that the primeval forests of Jackson have witnessed are numbered by the score, but they are of the past, and most of the brawny arms that felled the trees and hewed their trunks are folded in the sleep of peace that knows no waking. The good cheer and hospitality of the pioneer have given place to our modern, enterprising, but selfish civilization. The first, last and only tavern in" the township was kept by a man named Page, south of the Page Marsh, as early as 1836. The marsh took its name from this man. The tavern was built of logs, and there was a log stable also. The road was changed, which change caused the tavern to go down and Page to move away. There was at one time a pigeon roost south of Page Marsh that covered a hundred acres or more. Here they made their nests and hatched their young. They used the beach trees princi- pally, and there would be as many as a hundred nests upon one tree. When the squabs were almost large enough to fly, the people would cut the trees so as to get them. L. Jackson built the first saw-mill on CoflFee Creek in 1834-35. dinger had a saw-mill on Coflfee Creek as early as 1838. Abe Hall and Dilley built one about the same time. Jackson had one burnt soon afterward. Casteel had a saw and grist mill farther down the stream. These have all been gone for many years. In 1846, Beech and Baum built one on Fish Creek. This is now the property of the heirs of Loren Hall. It is not running at present. George B. Smith and Becker now have the only grist-mill in the township that is running. It is situated on Coffee Creek, and was built in 1856. It has two run of buhrs for wheat and one for corn. A distillery was estab- lished by a Mr. Enox at Casteel Mill. In 1849, it burst its boiler and went down to rise no more. Schools, Teachers, etc. — The first school taught in the township was held in a log cabin dwelling on Section 26. The site is now owned by J. P. Noble. The first schoolhouse was built in 1838, one and a half miles east of Jackson Centre. It was a log cabin about 16x18 feet, with a Yankee chimney and greased paper for windows. Jane Jones taught the JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 203 first term and received a salary of f 1 per week, from which she had to pay her board. In 1840, Chancey Moore, the first male teacher, was employed. The second schoolhouse was built at Carter's, in 1846, and made a good summer blacksmith shop after it was no longer used for school purposes. At first the civil township formed one school district ; now there are seven districts. The buildings are all frame, and not in very good repair. The following are some of the teachers of the township, with the dates of their work and the price per day paid them for their serv- ices : 1874, District No. 1, Lizzie K Andrews, |1.75; 1875, No. 2, Liz- zie R. Andrews, $1.75 ; 1874, No. 3, William M. Oobbs, $1.75 ; No. 5, Ol- ive L. Wood, $1.75; No. 6, R. A. Harte, $1.75; 1875, No. 2, M. E. Alyea, $2.00 ; No. 7, Carrie E. Hall, $1.75 ; No. 3, Nettie Costler, $1.00 ; No. 7, Clara Jones, 85 cents; No. 7, Allie Robbins, $1.25; No. 1, W. M. Winters, $1.75; No. 4, Nettie Castle, $1.50 ; No. 5, Olive L. Wood, $1.50 ; No. 2, Louise S. Bliss, $1.25 ; No. 3, S. B. Shaw, $1.50 ; No. 4, Mary E. Alyea, $1.75 ; and A. M. Melville, $1.75. The teachers employed for the fall of 1882 are as follows: In District No. 1, Belle Henton, $1.25 ; No. 2, Orra Paine, $1.25 ; No. 3, Milton Winton, $1.50 ; No. 4, Clara Jones, $1.25 ; No. 5, Nora Paine, $1.25 ; No. 6, Belle Shinabarger, $1.25 ; No. 7, Martha Williams, $1.25. It is the policy of the present Trustees to employ home talent. Villages. — The villages of Jackson are numerous, but small. They are Jackson Centre, Burdick, Sumanville and Steamburg. The latter place is now non est. At one time it was as large as five houses and a store. When the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was built, a station was established over the line in Washington Township, and Steamburg united with Coburg by moving over, and thus lost its name and identity. Suman- ville is a very small ville in the southwestern part of the township on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. A post oflBce was established here about nine years ago, with Col. I. C. B. Suman as Postmaster. He held the oflSce until about two years since, when Robert S. Greer took it, and still keeps it. A Mr. Jones established a store here when the railroad was built, but kept open only four or five months. Another store was started here in 1881, but was closed in about four months. Jackson Centre re- ceived its name from the township, and its central location therein. A post oflBce was started here about 1856, with E. H. Johnson as Postmas- ter ; after him, S. H. Runnels had the ofiice for a time. It then went down, and seven years passed before it was opened again. When started again, it was in the hands of James S. Sanders for two years, when it came into the hands of the present incumbent, William Hill, who has handled the mail for six years. The first store here was established in 1874, by J. S. Sanders, and sold to E. Hill in 1876. In 1881, he sold 204 HISTORY OF POETEE COUNTY. to John Sackman, who now keeps a small stock of goods. Burdick is a place of about twelve houses, situated on the railroad, in the northwestern part of the township. It was named from A. C. Burdick, of Coldwater, Michigan, a lumber dealer. The place was started in 1870. The post office was established in 1871, with J. M. Burdell as Postmaster. From Mr. Burdell it passed into the hands of the present incumbent, 0. J. Sack- man, who has held it for five years. Peterson Anderson, a Swede, laid out the first lots, and Simpson Brothers built the first house. The town has been built up and sustained on the lumber traffic. Sackman and Williams began business here in 1877, and now handle from 6,000 to 7,- 000 cords of wood per year. Lush & Co., of Goshen, Ind., have cut about 1,000,000 feet of lumber here in the last year. 0. J. Sackman has a good, general stock of goods, and does a large business for the size of the place. Loveland & Co., of Chicago, have here two kilns for burn- ing charcoal. These have been built about two years, and cost not less than $500 each. Both of these will burn about 72,000 bushels in a year. Ohurohes, Cemeteries, etc. — The Quakers who 'settled in this town- ship at an early day erected on the site of what is now called the Quaker Schoolhouse, a double hewed-log church. In this connection it may be remarked that no authentic history of the Quakers can be collected at this late day. Before the war, the Methodists bought the old schoolhouse at Jackson Centre, and built an addition to it so as to use it for church purposes. They still use it. The first members of this organization were : Jefferson Zenu, Mr. Massey, Elijah Hill, Mr. Hamilton, Joseph Shumaker, John B. Johnson, Jacob Carter, Abraham Ashey and Chancey Moore, who was class leader for a number of years. At one time there was a large class here, but now it is quite small. There have been services at Jackson Centre for over thirty years. There is a burying-ground on Section 27. Here an infant of Jacob Carter's was buried in 1845. This is the largest in the town- ship. One and one-half miles east of Jackson Centre is what is called the Quaker Burying-Ground. It is just beside the schoolhouse of Dis- trict No. 1. Lansing's Burying-Ground is one mile west of Jackson Centre. It is not now used. Noble's Burying-Ground is eighty rods east of Oliver Stell's. It has not been used for thirty-seven years. The last one buried here was a stranger from New York. First Settlers.— Asahel K. Paine, who settled here in 1834, built the first house, and has the honor of being the first settler in Jackson Town- ship. In the same year came John P. Noble, who arrived in April ; H. E. Woodruff, in June ; Mr. Hamilton, Calvin Crawford, Samuel Olinger, Mr. Massey, L. Jackson, E. Casteel, F. Oliver, D. Page, Joseph Wright and Johnson Crawford ; in 1835, William Barnard, Benjamin Malsby and JACKSON "l^OWNSHIP. 205 many others. Jacob Carter came in 1837, and Oliver Stell in 1844. Among the other early settlers, are Jesse McCord, who came in 1837 and erected a blacksmith shop on Section 26 ; Archer Dumond, James P. Cain, Eli B. Lanson, Hiram Dilley and Walter and William Thompson. In 1836, a man named Shinabarger lived where Steamburg was built later, and entertained travelers, but did not keep a regular tavern. Even at that time the building looked old, and although, as stated above, so far as known, Mr. Paine was the first settler, yet this would indicate that others had preceded him. Elections. — The first election in the township was held at the resi- dence of A. K. Paine, in 1836. Mr. Pdine's place was at that elec- tion named Paineville. Mr. J. P. Noble, now of Westville, La Porte Co., carried the returns to Valparaiso. H. E. Woodruif was elected Jus- tice of the Peace. Adam Hamilton was elected to the same office in 1837. At an election held at the house of William Eaton, in Jackson Town- ship, December 24, 1836, to elect an Associate Judge in the place of Lemuel Jackson, resigned, the following vote was polled : George Gr.. Salyer, Solomon Cheney, William Eaton, Thomas Clark, J. M. Buel,. Warner Winslow, George Shegley, William Sheridan, William Walker^ William Frakes, John Bishop, George Cline, George Willey, Washington Ault, James Blair, Martin Rees, G. W. Coghill, P. H. Coghill, Edmund Billings, Jacob Fleming, Robert Fleming, Benjamin Saylor, Michael Ault, Isaac Morgan, White B. Smith, George W. Smith, Miller Blachly,. Nelson H. Smith, Robert William, Allen Baxter, William Bingham, Ben- jamin Bingham, P. D. Cline, Jeremiah Hamell, Samuel Eiler, S. L. Cannon, Daniel Droulinger, Isaac Werninger, Warner Pierce and Richard Clark. At this election Seneca Ball received for the above office forty votes. John Bishop, William Sheridan and William Frakes were Judges of Election. The following appeared in The Western Ranger, August 11, 1847 : " The strong Federal township in this county is called Jackson. This is disgraceful. A township in which three-fourths of the people are Federalists and Abolitionists should never bear the name of the illustrious Jackson ! Some of our friends have suggested that the name be changed to Tom Corwin, and we go for it distinctly'. No name would be more suitable." 206 HISTORY OF POETER COUNTY, CHAPTER XI. BY W. S. WHEATLBY. Liberty Township— Land Sales and Claims— Early Settlements- Incidents OF Interest— Saw-Mills, Grist-Mills, Distilleries, etc. —First Election or Officers— Schools and Churches— Secret Societies. "V'TT'HAT is now known as Liberty Township, with an additional tier of VV sections on the north, consisting of thirty square miles in the northern half of the county, was formerly attached to La Porte County, and was included in the large tract of Government land sold at auction at La Porte in 1835, from which were formed the counties of Porter and Lake. At this sale, the land speculators, with their usual shrewdness, offered a quarter-section to the settlers who agreed not to bid against them, and thus they obtained a two-fold benefit. They bought their land at a low price, and secured its rise in value by the improvements made upon the part given away. Liberty Township being heavily timbered was especially valuable to them, and the greater part was obtained, and held long after other portions of the county were quite densely populated. As a natural result, this township has been considerably retarded in its development, but it has advantages in soil and location which, in time, will make it the equal of any spot in the State. In another way the Government favored these unscrupulous speculators to the disadvantage of the settlers. Much trouble and annoyance were occasioned by the settlers locating upon land which, at the time of the treaties with the Pottawatomies, became what were known as " floats," or reservations. These "floats" consisted of a claim upon a quarter, a half, or a whole section of land, or sometimes more than one section. The claims could be bought of the Indians or half-breeds, who were unconscious of their value, for a mere song, and of this the traders and speculators took advantage. The settlers became much incensed, and sent several peti- tions to Washington, praying for an adjustment of the system. One of these claims was laid upon a quarter-section in the northeast part of the township, owned by "William Snavely, and which he had bought of William Crawford. This led to what is commonly called the " Snavely war." Peter White became the owner of the claim, and he took action to remove Snavely from his land, but this was not to be accomplished so easily. Sheriff Charles G. Merrick, with a posse of men, was sent to remove him and obtain possession, but he, like the yeomen of England, LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 207 considered his house his castle, and resolved, with the help of his sons, to defend it. The Sherififand his men, after several vain attempts to gain admittance at the doors or windows, bethought themselves of the roof, which they immediately ascended, and began to remove, whereupon Snavely climed to the loft and fired upon them, wounding one of them severely. Supposing by the commotion caused that he had killed him, he became frightened and attempted to escape, but was arrested and taken to jail. As the man shot soon recovered, he was discharged upon the payment of a fine and the relinquishment of his land. Since his death, his heirs have obtained a partial compensation. Forest Productions and Water Supply. — The surface of this town- ship is generally very level, and in the western and northwestern portions there is considerable swamp land. The soil consists of a dark loam, or clay, and, when properly drained, will become as good land as there is in the county. This soil seems especially favorable for the production of timber. The most valuable is oak, of which the forests produced the finest quality. The other varieties are maple, hickory, ash and elm, with more limited quantities of black walnut, butternut and white wood. Were the trees standing to-day which forty years ago were split into rails or burned up in the log, they would be of the greatest value to the citi- zens. Two creeks of considerable size, with three small lakes or ponds, form the chief water supply. Salt Creek, which widens to form one of the ponds, passes through the southwestern part, and furnishes considera- ble water-power. Long Lake, in the southeastern part, the largest of the three, is connected by a narrow channel with Flint Lake in Centre Town- ship. Coffee Creek runs through the northeastern part, ' and furnishes power for several mills along its course. It widens to form the third pond. Harly Settlements and Improvements. — Probably the first settler of Liberty Township, or at least one of the very first, was Owen Crum- packer, who came from Union County, Ind., in June, 1834. He settled on the place now owned by Mrs. E. P. Cole. During the same year, William Downing, Jerry Todhunter and Elijah Casteel came also. The next year, Peter Ritter settled on the place now owned by Amanda Mott. Thomas Clark, commonly known as " Bee-hunter" Clark, located on the place owned at present by H. Kimball. During the next two years their number was increased by the arrival of John Dillingham, E. P. Cole, William Gosset, George Hesing, Asa Zane, Ira Biggs, David Hughart, John White, Frederick Wolf, Samuel dinger, Daniel Kesler, John Sef- ford, M. Blayloch, Jerry Todhunter, Abram Snodgrass, Solomon Habany, William Calhoun and others ; also, Joseph and Jesse Morgan, who settled in what is now a part of Westchester Township. At this time the people 208 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY, were commonly divided into three settlements known as the Dillingham, in the eastern part, Zane, in the central, and Salt Creek in the western. At the latter place, immediately after his arrival in 1836, William Gos- set began the erection of his saw and grist-mill, and thus the settlers of this part of the county were spared the necessity of going forty or fifty miles for their lumber and flour. William Gosset also built the first frame building in Liberty during this year. This was one story, and about twenty-four feet long by thirty-two feet wide. It is still in existence, having been used successively for a church, schoolhouse and kitchen. The people of the Dillingham settlement were more closely connected with those in Jackson Township. A mill and distillery having been erected on Coifee Creek by Casteel and Blayloch, they had the best of facilities for supplying themselves with aqua vitce and the "staff of life." Previous to the erection of the distillery, John Dillingham, who usually sheltered the " wayfaring " men that reached the settlement, dealt out the former article in quantities of not less than a quart. He, of course, un- like the " moonshiners " of the Alleghanies, paid a " government license." The first houses in the Zane settlement were built by Asa Zane and Ira Biggs in the early part of 1835. During this year, David and Will- iam Hughart came from Greenbrier County, W. Va., having been forty- five days in making the journey. They built a house sixteen by twenty feet, in which both families, numbering fifteen persons, lived for several months. A camp of Pottawatomie Indians was situated within a hun- dred yards of their house, and in the spring they came regularly to make sugar, of which they prepared large quantities. This they exchanged with the traders for whisky. The Indians, when not crazed with fire- water, lived at peace with the whites, and scarcely ever " offered show of violence." One day, in the fall of 1835, four or five of the red skins who were returning from Bailly's trading-post, having becoipe, as they termed it, " cockazy," attempted to enter the house of David and William Hughart. The women, who were alone, were badly frightened, barred the door, and climbed into the loft. After much whooping and several vain attempts to break down the door with their tomahawks, the Indians departed just in time to escape the wrath of the Hughart brothers who were returning home from a hunt. William Hughart's wife was so badly frightened that she died soon after from the effects of the shock, and his mother did not long survive her. These were the first deaths that occurred within the limits of this township. Pioneer JExperienoes. — Though these early pioneers were not com- pelled to endure the dangers incident to those who crossed the Alle- ghanies fifty, years before, they lived amid their cares and labors with no LTBERTY TOWNSHIP. 209 •comforts, no conveniences, no roads. They were forced to be self-reliant and dependent on their own resources. Their bread was often made from meal mixed with water and salt, and baked on a split shingle before the open fire. Their meat, when they had it, was usually the flesh of deer or other game killed in the woods. For such necessaries as they bought they had to go, at first to South Bend, afterward to Michigan City. They knew little of the so-called pleasures of to-day, yet unhampered by conventionalities they had enjoyments none the less rare. The raisings, log-rollings, shuckings, " bussing bees," and, occasionally, a wedding, at which " the cup that cheers " flowed freely, and the " wee, sma' " hours were spent in tripping it on the " light fantastic toe," furnished recreation suited to their life. The first of these latter occurrences was occasioned by the marriage of William Hughart to Elizabeth Zane on June 14, 1836, by Elijah Casteel, Justice of the Peace. The next was that of Daniel W. Lyons and Anna Dillingham February 6, 1837. On April 6, of the same year, William Calhoun and Sarah Sefford were married by J. C. Spurlock, and George Huraes and Sarah Crawford by Thomas J. Wyatt, the latter couple in a small log house near where John Johnson now lives. This was the occasion of unusual festivity, and was the first important society event of the settlement. Some thirty or forty invited guests, young and old, were present, and as the house contained only one room, fourteen by sixteen feet, with two beds in it, the necessity for economy of space is apparent. The Justice and the father of the bride having indulged rather too freely in something stronger than coffee, became oblivious, it is said, to the surrounding festivities. The younger portion of the company, wishing " to thread the mazy," were at a loss to know how to dispose of the fallen heroes, as both beds had been used for wardrobes and hat-racks. The difficulty, however, was soon solved by rolling the worthy pair under the beds, and the joy of the dance was un- confined until " night's candles were burnt out." Early Industries and Roads. — The first saw-mill in the township was built by Samuel dinger, on Damon Run, on the place now owned by J. Wilts, in 1836. It was run by T. J. Field until 1838, when he sold it to William Johnson, who, after seven or eight years, allowed it to fall into disuse. A little later in the same year, William Gosset began the erec- tion of a saw-mill on the east bank of Salt Creek, opposite the site of the present mill. Having finished it, he sawed the lumber for several frame buildings which were erected the next year, when he also completed a grist-mill, which he ran in connection with the saw-mill until about 1844. These were of the usual capacity and arrangement of the ordinary grist and saw-mills of those days. In 1844, the mills needing repairs, and thinking that the west bank 210 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. offered better facilities for them, he began the erection of the present mill, but died in 1845, before its completion. It was then bought and finished by David Skinner, one of his heirs. From this time it was successively owned by Samuel Skinner, T. J. Fifield, S. P. Robbins, Abram and Peter Stafford, Blachly Brothers, and Blachly & Son, who control it at present. When first built, these mills had a large custom. People came from places fifty and sixty miles distant, and, at times, so great was the number of customers that they were compelled to wait three and four days for their grists. At present only a moderate business is done. Closely connected with the history of these mills is that of a some- what chimerical enterprise — the building of a steamboat for the purpose of navigating Salt Creek, and its trunk, the Calumet River. About 1865-66, Abram and Peter Stafford, and Dr. Stanton, who afterward associated with themselves W. D. Cruthers, began the construction of a steamboat for conveying wood and timber to Chicago, by way of Salt Creek and Calumet River. It was about twelve feet wide and thirty feet long, and two or three years were consumed in building. After its com- pletion, it was run up and down the creek once or twice, and was finally sunk in the Calumet River. In 1842, a saw-mill was built by Cromwell Axe, on property now owned by William Harvey. It is still in existence. In 1858, a steam mill was built by Hunt & Kellogg. It changed hands several times, and ■was finally moved away. About 1854-55, Brown & Sellers erected a saw-mill on Coffee Creek. This was run a few years, but finally fell into disuse. In 1870, David Long built another mill, just below the site of the old one. In 1875, it was pulled down, and a grist-mill erected by Long & Wondes, at a cost of $5,000 or $6,000. The present owner is 0. W. Wheeler, who does a large business. During 1837-38, a chair and wheel factory was operated by Abraham Snodgrass, on Spring Creek. He soon sold out and went West, and it was used no more. In 1836, after the county was organized, the first regularly laid out road was constructed. At the spring term of the Commissioner's court, Peter Ritter, Samuel Olinger and William Thomas were appointed to run a road from Casteel's Mill, on Coffee Creek, to William Gosset's Mill, through to the county line, which they accordingly did, and located the road where it now is. Previous to this time, Indian trails had been the only roads, save those that had been built before the county was organized. About 1851, the construction of a plank road to extend from Valparaiso to Michigan City was began. It passed through the eastern part of the township. After the building of railroads through these places, the necessity for such a road was no longer felt, and it wag LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 211 never completed. In 1874, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was built. Much trouble and some litigation were occasioned in procuring the right of way. Stores and Post Offices. — The first store was opened by McPherson & Meyers, at Salt Creek, in 1845. Their stock was small, not much larger than is usually carried by a stout peddler, and consisted princi- pally of those articles included in the comprehensive term, " Yankee notions." After three or four years of such extensive business, the store was closed, and the people of Liberty were without a mercantile enter- prise, until about 1866, when W. D. Cruthers, who had an interest in the steamboat enterprise elsewhere described, opened a store in the upper part of the mill then owned by Abram and Peter Stafford. As before, the business carried on was not large, and after being sold to Rob- bins & Miller, was closed out by them. A few years ago, the preseat store was opened by George Wheeler, who still conducts it, keeping the usual stock, and doing the business generally done by a small country store. There are but two post offices within the limits of the township, one of which was opened at Woodville, a station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a few months since. This will doubtless form the nucleus of a thriving village, as the proprietor has already erected a building for the storage of wheat, to accommodate shippers. The other office was instituted at Salt Creek about 1858, with John Beck as the first Post- master. It has since been held successively by John Miller, Abram Stafford and George Wheeler, the present incumbent. Elections and Population. — The first election after the organization of the township was held at Daniel Kesler's. The following is a copy of the tally-sheet and list of voters used at that election : At an elotion held at the house of Daniel T. Kesler, in Liberty Township, Porter Co., Ind., on the 30th day of April, A. D. 1836, for the purpose of electing one Justice of th« Peace for said township, the following-named persons came forward and voted, to wit : Peter Ritter, Thomas J. Wyatt, William Downey, Daniel W. Lyons, Joel Crumpacker, Joel Welker, John Sefford, M. Blayloch, Frederick Wolf, Richard Clark, William Calhoun, Isaac Zane, Owen Crumpacker, Hiram Snodgrass, Jerry Todhunter and Solomon Habanz. We, the undersigned Inspectors and Judges of an election held at the house of Daniel T. Kesler, in Liberty Township, Porter Co., Ind., on the thirtieth day of April, 1836, for the pur- pose of electing one Justice of the Peace, do certify that for the office of Justice of the Peace, Peter Ritter got thirteen votes, and Thomas J. Wyatt got three votes. Given under our hands this thirtieth day of April, 1836. Jerry Todhunter, Inspector ; John Sefford, Joel Crumpacker, William Snavely, Solomon Habanz, Judges. At the spring term of court, 1836, Daniel W. Lyons was appointed first Constable ; Jesse Morgan and Richard Clark, Overseers of the Poor ; E. Tratebas and William Downey, Fence- Viewers ; Solomon Habanz, Supervisor of Roads. ■2\-2 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. On August 7, of the same year, an election was held at Kesler's house for State officers, at which time twelve votes were'poUed. At this election, T. J. Wyatt was elected Justice of the Peace. Since that time nearly all the offices, then held in -the township, have been merged into Trustee. The present Trustee is Fritz Lindermann. The population of the township in 1880 was 901. Schools, Ohurehes, etc.— The first school in the township was prob- ably taught in a log house, built in the Zane settlement in 1836. Mrs. Sophia Dye was the first teacher. She had about fifteen pupils, and received $2 per week. This, like all others at that time, was a subscrip- tion school. The house was built by the neighbors in common, and its furnishings were of the rudest character. Its windows were formed of oiled paper, and its seats of slabs ; the desks were made by driving pins into the wall and laying a board on them. The present frame house was built by Morris Risdon in 1854, at a cost of about $300. A school was taught in the Dillingham settlement in 1837 by Anna Lyons, in a part of her father's (John Dillingham's) house. She had eight or nine pupils. The following year, a log house was built for school purposes, and E. P. Cole taught the first two or three terms. About 1856, a frame house was built ; this was used until 1877, when the pres- ent substantial brick building was erected, at a cost of about $600. The present teacher is Miss Mary Mead, who receives $25 per month. A school was maintained at Salt Creek from about 1837 until 1856, though no house for that purpose had been erected until the present one was built in the last mentioned year. The first teacher in this house was Miss Kate Hoste, who received $10 per month. The present teacher is Mary Love, who has an average attendance of fourteen pupils, and receives $25 per month. The house in District No. 5 was built in 1854, by William Babcock, at a cost of $300. In District No. 1 James Bradley built the house in 1858 or 1859 ; in No. 4 a brick was built in 1869, at a cost of $700. The house in No. 7 was erected in 1875. In 1882, the number of pupils between the ages of six and twenty-one years, enumerated by the Trustee, was 343. The present schools are as good as any county schools, and fully sustain the high character for educational facilities which the State bears. Though an exceedingly quiet and law-abiding community, the people of Liberty have never possessed a church organization. A somewhat singular, and it might be said suggestive, coincidence is, that no saloon was ever established within the same limits. Though no chapel may be seen beckoning us with white spire, no den of iniquity casts its withering curses abroad to blight the happiness of the inhabitants. The first minister who visited this township was Stephen Jones a PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 213 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came at the invitatioa of William Gosset, and preached at his house. The services were held at 2 P. M., on Friday, the congregation having been called together by the blasts of a tin-horn in the hands of Mrs. Gosset. There were about forty persons present. A great interest in religious matters was aroused, and during the same year the Rev. Stephen Jones conducted a camp- meeting on Salt Creek, which lasted a week. People came from far and near, and many converts were made. During the next year, William Gosset erected a small church building, which is still standing, and is used by Mrs. Gosset for a dwelling. ' Salt Creek was now placed upon a circuit, and services were regularly held for some years. Among those who encountered the hardships and sufferings incident to the itinerant pioneer preacher for the purpose of dispensing the Gospel to this settle- ment, may be mentioned the Revs. Beer, Young, Forbes, Posey, Griffith and Colclasier.- The circuit-rider as he once existed has disap- peared, and only occasionally, except as they go to churches at a distance, do the people of Liberty have the privilege of meeting together for relig- ious services. The only secret society ever organized here was that of the Grangers. Three Granges were organized in 1875 — one at Salt Creek, another in District No. 5, and a third in the southern part of the township. For a time these societies flourished and supplied a long-felt social want — some place for friends and neighbors to meet and spend an hour or two together each week; but from a pecuniary standpoint, they were not a success, un- less in the returns they brought the farmers. A co-operative store was established in a small building owned by George Fisher, and he was placed in charge of it. Some jealousies in regard to the distribution of the goods were manifested. After about six months of not very profitable business, the store was closed, and soon after the organization was abandoned, hav- ing been in existence about two years. CHAPTER XII. BT O. A. OABABD. POETAGB Township— Surface and Soil— Agrioultukal and Mechani- cal Development— The Liquor Question— Schools and Churches —Village of Crisman— List of First Settlers— Reminiscences. THE township of Portage received its name from a county of the same name in the State of Ohio. It was organized at the time of the gen- eral division of the territory of the county in 1836. Some changes have been made in its metes and bounds since that time, and an effort was made by sundry parties of Lake County at one time to have certain terri- 214 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. torj belonging to the above-named county set apart to Porter County. This scheme was defeated, and the western boundary of the township and county remains, as at the time when Lake County was set off, a straight line. G-eneral Description. — In surface the township varies from a level prairie in the south to sand hills in the north. These sand hills are highest near the lake, and shade off toward the center, where they give place to a sandy plane that gradually lo^es its " grit " as we go south. The soil of the northern part is about all sand, while in the southern part it is a rich and productive loam. Salt Creek cuts the southeast corner of the township, and passes out near the northeast corner of Section 32 to enter again at the northeast corner of Section 20 ; thence it flows north and west, entering the Calu- met in Section 31, about one-quarter of a mile west of the east line of the county. This is a fine stream, with numerous small feeders that afford abundant water for stock. Salt Creek Mill is situated on this stream, just over the line in Liberty Township. Longinus (Long) Lake is situated partly in the northwest corner of this township and partly in Lake County. It is more marsh than lake, and can boast of no beauty of scenery or surroundings. Much sand is shipped from this township to Chicago, and it may be that in time this will be a fruitful source of wealth, for the supply is almost limitless. That found south of the Calu- met is thought to be of the best quality. A peculiar kind of clay or "loam " is found near Crisman. It is used for fine molding, for calking boilers, etc. There is a large spring on the Gaylord place. It contains much iron and some sulphur. The water is thought by some to possess valuable medicinal qualities. No coal has yet been found. Some bog iron ore is found, but not in paying quantities. The southern part of the township, is strictly agricaltural and well improved, while the northern part promises to become the seat of great manufacturing interests. Industries, Taverns, Wild Animals, etc. — There was a saw-mill among the sand hills, built in 1851 or 1852. It was run awhile and then abandoned. There is a cheese factory which was established about six years ago. It has been doing a good business and is still running. They have been making some butter, but have been paying more atten- tion to cheese. Several steam saw-mills have been set up in differen parts of the township, but, like the steam thresher, they did not stay long in one place. The first tavern in the township was built on Willow Creek, among the sand hills, in 1837. An Italian by the name of Oarley, who had previously kept a stand farther north, on the lake, built the house and kept it for a time. Another house was opened at the same place soon PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 215 after by two women. These two are the only taverns that have ever been kept in the township. These were on the old stage line between Detroit and Chicago. This formerly ran along the beach of the lake, but was afterwards moved farther south. To enable the stages to cross the Calumet, a bridge sixty-four rods long was built in 1836 and 1837. This was made of poles throughout. Cribs were built of poles for piers ; poles were used for stringers, and small poles and split timber were laid across these for the floor. This rude bridge was situated a few rods below the mouth of Salt Creek. This is a temperance township. No r^ular saloon has ever opened its doors here to entice the youth. An attempt was made at one time to start one at Crisman, but as the party had no license, it was closed by the people in a summary manner. In 1836, a bear was killed in the northern part of the township. In 1838, two cubs were killed by a man named Greene in the south- eastern part. Wolves were very troublesome until the railroads were built. The whistle of the locomotive and the roar of the trains seemed to scare them away. Early Conditions. — The first settlers endured many hardships that, to the tender-footed sons of these hardy sires, would seem beyond their powers of endurance. These sturdy pioneers sowed, and their children and their children's children are reaping an abundant harvest. The first houses were built of logs without nails. Windows were made temporarily of greased paper, and doors of a quilt with sticks across. At the time of the first settlement here, there were no envelopes or matches. A letter was written upon one side of the paper, and then it was folded and fastened with a red wafer or two in such shape that the address could be placed upon the other side. Postage then was 25 cents per letter, pay- able upon delivery. Matches made their appearance a short time later, in small boxes holding about a dozen ; these sold for a shilling (12J cents) a box Supplies were brought from Michigan City, a distance of twenty miles. The first birth is unknown. The first death was prob- ably that of a Mr. Ashton, who died in 1837. In 1888, Mrs. James died. This was a very sickly year. Probably the first marriage was that of Henry Harold to Miss Dorr. An Indian trail crossed the southern part of the township. On Section 36, Township 36, Range 6, was what had the appearance of an Indian burying-ground. Evidences of about twenty graves were to be seen. Schools and Teachers. — This township is well supplied with schools, except, perhaps, in one locality, where another school is badly needed. There are seven houses, all of which are occupied. Four of these are brick, and all are good, substantial structures ; in fact, Portage is noted 216 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. for its good schoolhouses. The largest, and by many considered the best school in the township, is the one at Crisman Station. It has been brought up to its present degree of excellence by the present teacher, N. E. Yost, who has had the place for four years. The following is a list of the teachers in the township for the school year of 1881-82 : N. E. Yost, at Crisman, M. L. Ferris, at Blake's, W. E. Hawthorne, at Hawthorne's schoolhouse. Miss Lottie Hewitt, at Peak's, Miss Minnie Spencer, at Robbins', Miss Rose Mitchell, at Addison Crismau's, Miss Pettit, at Sand Knob School. The first schoolhouse was built in 1840 on Section 20, Township 36, Range 0. One was built in the southwest part about the same time. Both of these were built of logs and were used for school only in the winter time. The desks were arranged around the wall. The first mentioned is still standing, and serves as a habitation for Sus serofa. Mr. Robbins was the architect, and all the material and labor was contributed by the people who resided in the vicinity. In size it was 18x20 feet. Where Crisman now stands, in 1854 was erected a log schoolhouse, 18x24 feet. This was used about nine years. It was built entirely by voluntary contribution. The first term here was taught by Elder Bartlett, a Baptist minister. He taught two terms. Cyrus Sales taught next, and after him in order came Christina Fry, Emily Gerhart and Chancey Gaylord, who was a cripple, and who taught two terms. He was the last one to teach in the old log house. This gave place to a good-sized frame on the northeast corner of Section 12. The present neat and commodious brick was built in 1879. The Ohurohes. — There are three churches in the township, the Pres- byterian, the Methodist and the Swedish. The first church built was the Presbyterian in 1852, at a cost of about $800. Mr. S. P. Robbins built the church and furnished all the requisite materials and money except about $160. One hundred dollars was furnished by the missionary fund of the church and about sixty dollars was raised by subscription. After it was completed Mr. Robbins deeded it to the Trustees. The following are the names of some of those who helped to organize the church : S. P. Rob- bins and wife, Benjamin Stodard and wife, Francis James, Emily James, Russell Dorr and wife, Daniel Richardson, Mr. Leters and sister, and others. Rev. James C. Brown was the first minister. Rev. Humphrey and Rev. Ogden are the only other regular ministers that the church has had. Ministers have come in occasionally from other points and preached here. The Methodists have had the use of the church for some time, and the Presbyterians have not been having services. The Methodist Church is situated about one and a quarter miles northwest of the one above-men- tioned. It was built about two or three years later than the Presbyterian. It is not now used by them, but is used occasionally by the German PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 217 Lutherans. Mr. McCool was the principal one in its organization and erection. It cost about $800, and is somewhat larger than the Presby- terian. The first religious services were held at Spurlock's and Herold's dwelling houses. Afterward Robbins' schoolhouse was used for the pur- pose. The first society to organize was the Methodist. Two organiza- tions were aff'ected about the same time — one at Robbins' schoolhouse, and the other at the Grove on the west side. These date 1836 or 1837. Sabbath schools have been kept up for a part of the time at the above- mentioned places, and also at some of the schoolhouses. The Swedish Church is located in the southwestern part of the township. Here, serv- ices are sustained and good congregations assemble. Crisman Village. — The town of Crisman was laid out by Mr. B. G. Crisman, after whom it was named. Mr. Crisman is one of the oldest settlers in all this region. A post office was established here in 1871, with Isaac Crisman as Postmaster. Mr. Crisman was followed by Charles Seydel. S. P. Sargeant took charge next, and handed the mail bag to Joseph Bender, who passed it to Joseph White, who has held it four years. The first store established here was opened shortly after the post office, and was owned by Isaac Crisman. He was succeeded by Charles Seydel, who sold to Joseph Bender, and he to Joseph White, who has kept it for four years. The store has, with a single exception, fol- lowed the post office. This is the only store that Portage has ever had. First Settlers and First Flections. — In the spring of 1884, Jacob Wolf and family located in the solitudes of Portage with his family. His sons John, Jacob and E. Wolf were grown at the time. One of the younger sons, Josephus, still lives in the southern part of the township. He owns a large amount of land. At the same time came Berrett Dorr and family. Two of the boys, Russell and Edmund, were of age at the time. Reuben Hurlburt and family came the same spring. There was a large family of boys, of which William, Henry, Jacob, Griffith and David were born when the family came. The two Spurlock brothers and R. and Wilford Parrott finish the list for 1834. In 1835, in the spring,. S. P. Robbins, Benjamin James and his son Allen came. From 1836 to 1840, the following came : Mr. Blake and family, Mr. Peak and family, Palmer Sumner, Peter Ritter, Mr. Harrison and family, Mr. Curtis and family, Mr. Smith, Mr. Arnold, Walker McCool and Thomas J. Field, who came in 1836. The first election of the township was held April 80th, 1886, at the house of Jacob Wolf, with James Spurlock as Inspector. At an election held at the house of Jacob Wolf, Portage Township, on the first Monday in August, 1836, the following persons polled their votes : James Con- net, E. D. Wolf, John Lyons, William D. Wolf, Jacob Wolf, Sr., Milton 218 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. Wolf, Frederick Wolf, Russell Dorr, Henry Herold, William Gosset, Griffin Holbert, B. Dorr, John Hageman, Jacob Blake, Henry Batten, Daniel Whitaker, William Frame, George Spurlock, John Wolf, James Spurlock, Reuben Holbert, Samuel Herring, Nelson Elison, Francis Spencer, Benjamin James, George Hume, J. G. Herring, S. P. Bobbins and William Holbert— total, twenty-nine. The changes in the boundary of the townships will be found in a county chapter. Future Prospects. — A large number of Swedes have settled in the northern part, of later years. On the whole, the progress of the town- ship has been slow and steady, but sure. The rapid growth of Chicago, and the flattering promise of South Chicago, together with the tendency that manufacturing establishments show toward this section, all raise high hopes for the future. Many large manufacturing establishments have started already in the wilderness of stunted pine among the sand hills and morasses at the south end of the Great Lake, and the indications are that there are many more to follow. While all this goes on at the north, the fertile farms of the south will feed the mouths that nourish the hands that run the factories. CHAPTER XIII. BY O. A. QARARD. Pleasant Township— Obigin of Name— Fikst Elections— Fibst Set- TLEES — FiBST EVENTS — AN OlD FbENCH FoET— SCHOOLS— CHTJEOHES —Industeies—Officebs—Ceime— Calamity— KoTJTS. THIS township was formed at the time of the "general division " in 1836, and its name is said to have been suggested by its pleasant location. First EUction and First Settlers. — The following is a record of the first election : " At an election held at the house of Henry Adams, Pleasant Township, on the 3d of April, 1836, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace for said township, the following votes were taken : John Bartholomew, Joseph Bartholomew, George Shultz, Henry Adams, William Billings, Martin Reed, Morris Witham, Enoch Billings, John Adams, James Witham and Charles Allen. Total, 11. We, the undersigned. Inspectors and Judges of the Election, do certify that Lewis Comer got eleven votes for the office of Justice of the Peace. William Billings, Inspector; Enoch Billings, Morris Witham, Judges." An election was held December 24, 1836, in Pleasant Township for one Judge and one Justice of the Peace. Seneca Ball received nine votes for Judge, and John Adams nine for Justice of the Peace. The follow- ing persons voted at this election : Morris Witham, Charles Allen, Will- iam Trinkle, William Billings, Jacob Shultz, Thomas Adams, Henry Adams, R. Blachly and John Adams. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 219 The following is a list of the first and early settlers as far as attaina- ble : J. Sherwood and family, about 1834 ; William Trinkle and family, fall of 1835 ; John Jones and family, 1835 ; George Eden and family, 1837. Among the other early settlers were Hisel Coghill, Isaiah Mead- ows, Reuben Meadows, Oliver Coles, Luke Asher, Mr. Chandler, John Adams, John Bartholomew, Joseph Bartholomew, George Shultz, Henry Adams, William Billings, Enoch Billings, Martin Reed, Morris Witham, James Witham and Charles Allen. Nearly all of these were here as early as 1836, as will be seen by the lists of voters above given. Mr . J. Sherwood and family located near the Kankakee River, in the south- western part of the township. Mrs. Sherwood remarked to Mrs. William Trinkle, in 1835, that she was the only white woman that she had seen for two years, with the exception of a sister of Mrs. S., who lived with her. Early Events. — The first birth was that of Henry Trinkle, born to Gillie Ann and William Trinkle on December 2, 1835. The first death was that of Jeremiah, a son of J. Sherwood. He was buried at what is now the Widow Bonesteel's farm, where there are only a few graves. The first marriage was that of Alexander Wright to Miss S. Jones, which occurred about 1839. The usual hardships incident to pioneer life devolved upon the settlers of Pleasant Township. For some years the milling was done at Michigan City, and much of the trading on the Wabash. Great as were the hardships of these early days, there was a feeling of freedom on the frontier, and a spirit of fellowship and general good-will that made life here endurable to all, and enjoyable to many. Mrs. Trinkle, the oldest living settler now residing in the township, says : " If I were young again as I was when I came here, I should be glad to go and help to settle a new country." Mrs. Trinkle tells many interest- ing incidents of Indian times. The Kankakee Marsh was a sort of "Indian Paradise." Here game and fur-bearing animals abounded. When settlement began, the outlines of an abandoned fort near the Kan- kakee, southwest of where Kouts now stands, were quite distinct, and traces are yet to be seen. It was at a point where two Indian trails crossed the river, and is the only place for a long distance where the river and marsh could be crossed readily. It seems to have covered four or five acres, and, in 1836, bore marks of long disuse, for there were young trees of two feet in diameter growing on what seemed to have been embankments of the fort. The Indians were peaceable and punctual in the fulfillment of promises. When they came to borrow, if unable to talk English, they would indicate the number of days for which they wished to keep the article by holding up as many fingers as there were days to elapse before they expected to return it. Schools. — The pioneer school of the township was taught in a small 220 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. log schoolhouse about the year 1838. This house stood on Section 13, Township 33, Range 6, and was built by the voluntary labor of the neighbors, of material, the most of which was found near at hand. The light that entered this primitive schoolhouse came through the door, and through greased paper that answered for window glass. There was one good thing about these paper " panes ;" the grease rendered the paper translucent, but not transparent, so that light was admitted, but the chil- dren could not see out. It was used for school purposes for three or four years, when it was burned. The schools held here were supported by subscription. The first patrons were George Eaton, who sent two sons, John Berrier, who sent two children, John Jones, who sent five, and William Trinkle, who sent two, Nancy and Henry. The second schoolhouse was of the same kind and located on the same section, but larger than the first. This was used for several years. The third schoolhouse was built near the site of the first one. This was the first frame schoolhouse of the township. There are now seven houses, all of which are frame. The average cost of all, except the house at Kouts, is about $500. The one at Kouts con- tains two rooms, and cost $1,000. It was built in 1876. There are eight school districts in the township. District No. 8 has no house now. It had a frame house, which was built in 1860, and burned in 1879. The house in District No. 8 was built in 1880, at a cost of about $500. The houses in the other districts were built prior to 1860. The teachers for 1882, are as follows : In District No. 1, Alice Sanborn ; in No. 2, B. A. Maugher and Sarah Welch ; in No. 4, Flora Wilcox ; in No. 5, Mary G. Noel ; in No. 6, L. Sanborn ; in No. 7, Sadie Turner ; in No. 8, Jennie Wyley. Ghurohes, etc. — The first religious services of the township were held at the house of John Jones in 1836. Mr. Jones, although not a regular minister, often preached in the neighborhood, and occasionally in adjoin- ing communities. These informal devotional meetings were changed from house to house at first, and at a later day from schoolhouse to schoolhouse. The only regular church building of Pleasant is the present edifice of the German Lutheran Church at Kouts. It is a frame, built in 1880 at a cost of $600. The present minister is Rev. Julius Dunsing, who has served the church one year. Before him. Rev. Philip Smith was pastor. He was the first minister in the new church, and conducted the dedicatory services. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse for about seven years before the church was built, and services were held for a time in private houses. The one to organize the society was Rev. Philip Smith, now of Valparaiso. The present membership of the church is seventeen. The only regular cemetery of the township is that located on Section 12, Township 38, PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 221 Range 6. The first one interred here was a little boy of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Wright, in the last part of the year 1842. Industries. — The township has been strictly agricultural throughout its history. It has never had a grist-mill, and only one saw-mill perma- nently located. This was on the Kankakee River, near where the bridge now is. It was built by Joseph Hackman and run by him for some time. He sold it to James M. Pugh, who converted it into a portable one, about two years ago. There have been several portable saw-mills at different times and places within the limits of the township. A cheese factory was established about five years ago by H. A. Wright. It ran a short time and was closed. Officers. — The present officers of the township are, William Trinkle, Trustee; James H. True and Simon Witham, Justices of the Peace; Stephen D. Johnson, Road Superintendent, and S. G. Couch, Assessor. Grime. — There have been three homicides committed within the limits of Pleasant Township. In 1879, W. Swett was shot by Charles Chase ; the same year, Charles Askam was shot by Mcintosh, and in 1880, Brain- erd Taft shot John Button. Fatal Casualty. — A very sad accident occurred to a Welsh family named Pugh, in 1873. They lived near the Kankakee. Mr. J. M. Pugh, the father, was plowing not far from the house ; some marsh grass was rather troublesome, so he requested his daughter, Sarah, to bring some fire from the house and burn the hay. She brought the fire at once, and stood watching the hay burn when a sudden gust of wind blew the flames toward and around her ; her clothing took fire, and before help reached her she was fatally burned. She took a few steps, fell and was carried home. She lived in intense agony until 4 o'clock the next morning. It was about 2 P. M. when the accident occurred. Village of Kouts. — The only town that the township has ever pro- duced is the town of Kouts, situated in the northwestern part, on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. This town was laid out by B. Kouts and took its name from him. He built the first business block which is now occupied by Dr. L. Atkins. The second business house was built by Brown and Dilley ; the third was built by A. Williams. The post office was established here in 1865, with H. A. Wright as Postmaster, who held the office until 1881, when S. E. Douglas, the present incumbent, took charge of the office, which he has held up to the present time. The Chicago & Atlantic Railroad has reached town within the' last year, and as Kouts promises to be the only station on either road in the township, its prospects are quite flattering. Counting the floating population brought in by the building of the new railroad, there are perhaps 300 people in the town. It has two general stores ; one kept by B. Kouts, and the other 222 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. by H. Rosenbaum. There are two drug stores ; one is kept by S. E. Douglas, and the other by L. Atkins. A grocery is kept by Mrs. Margaret Williamson ; E. R. Kosanke keeps furniture ; D. A. Stark furnishes hardware ; H. A. Wright and J. H. Hodkins sell implements ; John Shultz and Joshua George make boots and shoes ; William Kee and William Cinkaski do the blacksmithing. The town has two saloons and one church. The Hodjins Eouse is kept by J. A. Hodjins, and restaurant by Albert Spencer. A hay barn, belonging to a Chicago man, is oper- ated by H. A. Wright. Dr. Sprague and Dr. Kellogg located here, but did not stay long. The town is regularly laid out and platted. Three additions have been made to it and entered of record by Mr. Kouts. CHAPTER XIV. BY O. A. QAEABD. Porter Township— Origin and Change of Name— Early Election- List OF First and Early Settlers— Reminiscences of Early Times— A Mound— Early Items— Schools— Churches— Stores— Post Offices. "pORTER TOWNSHIP was formed in 1837, at the time when Lake -»- County was set oiF. At first it was known as Fish Lake Township, which name it took from a lake then known as Fish Lake. This lake, situated on Section 1, Township 37, Range 7, is now known as Lake Eliza. The citizens did not like the name of Fish Lake Township and proceeded to circulate a petition, the object of which was to have the name changed. This petition was presented to the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting in June, 1841. The prayers of the peti- tioners were answered, and the name of Porter was supplied to the town- ship. This name it took from the county, which was named in honor of Commodore Porter. Early Mection. — At an election held in the house of Alpheus French in Fish Lake Township on Monday, December 3, 1838, for the pur- pose of electing one Representative, the following persons voted : William McCoy, J. C. Hathaway, Newton Frame, William Frakes, Alpheus French, Henry M. Wilson, William Frame, A. M. Bartel, Jonathan Hough, Samuel Campbell, B. P. Hough, Edmund Hatch, William C. Shreve, David Dinwiddie, Mr. Wellman, Ora B. Frencli, David Hurlburt and Jacob Hurlburt. " We, the undersigned Judges and Clerks of Election, do certify that Benjamin McCarty had fifteen votes for Representative, and George W. Cline three votes for the same office. Jonathan Hough, H. M. Wilson, Clerks; S. Campbell, Inspector; William Frakes, Alpheus French, Judges." PORTER TOWNSHIP. 223 Settlers. — In the years 1834 and 1835, the following named persons came to settle in Porter Township ; Newton Frame, William Frame, Samuel Campbell, Isaac Campbell, Isaac Edwards, Elder French, Ora B. French, Jacob Wolf, Mr. Service and David Hurlburt. Among others who came prior to 1838 were: P. A. Porter, Edmund Sheffield, Hazard Sheffield, Benjamin Sheffield, W. Staunton, William McCoy, William A. Nichols, Ezra Reeves, Morris Carman ; Dr. Levi A. Cass, who came in 1840 ; H. Bates, who came in 1839 ; J. C. Hathaway, William Frakes, Alpheus French, Henry M. Wilson, A. M. Bartel, Jonathan Hough, Edmund Hatch, William C. Shreve, David Dinwiddle, Mr. Wellman, David Hurlburt and Jacob Hurlburt. Elder French, a Baptist minister, was the first minister in the township. Besides those above mentioned, the following were early : William Robinson, Robert Fleming, Moses Gates, Horatio Gates, William Dye, Richard Jones, John Robinson, Mr. Hathaway, Asa Cobb, Aaron Service and Calvin French, who was killed by damp in a well. From 1840 to 1850 immi- gration was slow but steady. A number came in during 1850. Since 1850, there has been no special period of settlement. A large portion of the present population are descendents of the first settlers. There were fifty-six votes cast at the election of President Harrison. There are now nine in the township who voted here in 1842." Reminiscences. — The experience of the early settlers of this township with the Indians is about the same as that of the surrounding country. The Indians were friendly and made but little trouble. The township being chiefly prairie, was not frequented as much by them as were places where there was more woodland. At first, it was no uncommon thing to see herds of deer containing from thirty to fifty. These were gradually thinned out as the settlement thickened, until they disappeared entirely. About 1848, a great wolf hunt took place here. It was what was known as a "ring hunt." The territory swept by the hunters included Boone and Porter Townships, together with Winfield and Eagle Creek Town- ships, of Lake County. Most of the male inhabitants of the above-named townships, and some from surrounding townships engaged in the hunt. An immense ring was formed and all started, at the firing of a small cannon, toward a point about three-fourths of a mile east of where Mr. Bates then lived, at which point had been erected for the occasion a tall pole, from which floated the American flag. Officers were placed at regular inter- vals, and it was arranged that all should start at the firing of the gun, and stop at the firing of the gun to "dress ranks," after which a second shot was to be the signal for a second start, and so on until they closed around the game under the flag. It is stated that there were at least as many as 600 engaged in the hunt. As was usual in such hunts, they 224 HISTORY OF POETER COUNTy. "broke ranks " and closed in in the most perfect disorder. The game, unable to keep in the circle, fell back in good order. A single wolf that had perhaps become bewildered in the general disorder, was slain. The 600 came in by squads, and all indulged in a grand rally around the flag. The vanquished wolf was thrown across the shoulder of a horseman, who, putting spurs to his horse, was chased by other hunters, until some one succeeded in getting the wolf, when he in turn was pursued by excited men upon panting chargers. Finally, a man from Valparaiso arrived with a barrel of "black strap" whisky, and — "Those now drank who never drank before, And those who drank, now only drank the more." So the hunt closed in a "grand spree." Prairie fires once swept these broad prairies, spreading terror for miles in every direction. Two girls were drowned in Lake Eliza. It is supposed that they got beyond their depth when in bathing. A Mound. — There is a mound on the Wolf Place, that some years ago was as much as twenty feet high, and from 100 to 150 feet in diame- ter. It is too bad that these monuments of an ancient and now extinct race and civilization should be destroyed without a thought. In years to come, these will not only be objects of great interest, but will enhance the value of the land upon which they stand. Uarly Events. — It seems that no one now living in the vicinity can tell with certainty about the first death, birth and marriage. One of the first deaths was that of a son of John Robinson, who died from a cut in the thigh with an ax. About twenty years ago, a steam saw-mill was erected by Mr. Sheffield, in the northern part of the township. The following is an extract from the oldest record book of the town- ship now in existence: "April 18, 1853. Ordered by the Board of Trustees of Porter Township, at the house of R. P. Wells, that Charles J. Blackman act as President of said Board. — Charles Riddle, Clerk." R. P, Wells and David Merriman, were the other members, and E. W. Pennock, was Treasurer. Dr. Oass began the practice of medicine at an early day, in the Frame neighborhood. After a time he moved to his present location, where he has practiced ever since. Dr. Sampson was located for a time at Walnut Grove. Schools. — The first school that was patronized by the residents of 'this township, was situated just over the line in Lake County, on Eagle Creek. This was a log house, and for a window had a log taken out the full length of the building. Over the opening thus made, greased paper was placed to keep out the cold and admit the light. Probably the second school was taught by Mrs. Humphrey, in her house. Among the patrons of this school were the Porters, the Sheffields, the Stauntons and PORTER TOWNSHIP. 225 Mr. McCoy, who had a large family of boys. Another early school was in the Frame neighborhood. This was a rude log house, and stood on land now owned by Mr. Freeman. The educational facilities of these early times were of a crude kind, but were, doubtless, more highly appre- ciated and more fully utilized than the fine facilities of these latter days. The following is a list of the teachers of the several districts of the town- ship since 1879, with some other items of interest connected with each school, including the price per day paid to each teacher: No. 1, 1880, Dora Roseorans, $1.20, $1.25, $1.50; 1881, Dora Rosecrans, $1.50; 1882, Sadie Love, $1.25. The house is a brick, built in 1880, at an ex- pense of $650. No. 2, 1880, Loe Evans, $1.25, and Bertha B. Cass, $1.50; 1881, Nettie Stone, $1.25, Mrs. W. S. Phelps, $1.25, and Manta Lucas, $1.50; 1882, Ollie Philips, $1.25. The house is a good brick, built about 1869. No. 3, 1880, Lizzie Beikle, $1.25, Mary Evans, $1.25, and Amos B. Lantz, $1.87 ; 1881, Maude Shackelford, $1.25, Mantie Lucas, $1.25, and Albert Gr. Hoffman, $1.75; 1882, Nettie Stone, $1.25, and Sarah Dick, $1.25. The house is a brick, built about 1870, at a cost of $1,000. No. 4, 1880, Alice 0. Ball, $1.25, Loe Evans, $1.25, and Dorcas Adams, $1.50; 1881, Dorcas Adams, $1.25, Anna Kelley, $1.25 and $1.30; 1882, Fannie Griffin, $1.25. The house is a brick, built in 1880, at a cost of $650. No. 5, 1880, Belle Stevens, $1.25, Charles F. Leeka, $1.50, and America F. Merriman, $1.87; 1881, Effie Cornell, $1.35 and $1.27, and A. F. Merriman, $2 ; 1882, Effie Cornell, $1.12. The house is a substantial brick. No. 6, 1880, Lida Herrick, $1.25, and L. M. Herrington, $1.66 ; 1881, M. J. Har- ris, $1.25, L. M. Herrington, $1.50, and W. B. Waggoner, $1.66; 1882, Ada B. Fuller, $1.25. The building is a frame, just repaired at an ex- pense of $100. No. 7, 1880, Carrie Post, $1.20, Nettie Stone, $1.25, Lizzie Beikle, $1.65; 1881, Olive C. Philips, $1.25, Anna Patchen, $1.25, Bernard Mathis, , 0. S. Baird, $1.75; 1882, Ella Axe, $1.37. The building is a large brick, built about 1872. No. 8, 1880, Jennie Sheffield, $1.25, Etta M. Pierce, $1.50 ; 1881, Mantie Lucas, $1.25, Nettie Stone, $1.25 and $1.50; 1882, ISL M. Story, $1.25. The building is a good brick, built about seven years since. No. 9, 1880, Mary E. Davidson, $1.25, M. H. Maston, $1.25; 1881, Emma Hicks, $1.50, Flora Wilcox, $1.25, William Hicks, $1.66; 1882, William Hicks, $1.37. The house is an old frame, repaired in 1881, at an expense of $75. No. 10, 1880, E. E. Flint, $1.20, Ira B. Blake, $1.25, W. F. Russell, $1.50; 1881, Bertha Cass, $1.30, Carrie Fehrmar, $1.25 and $1.50, Hattie Bryant, $1.50; 1882, Sadie Hughs, $1.25. The house is at present the poorest in the township. It is a frame, built about fifteen years ago. No. 11, 1881, Isola Buchles, $1.25; 1882, Hattie Bryant, 226 HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. $1.25, Nettie Stone, $1.25. The building was built in 1881, at an ex- pense of $750. Miss Buckles had the honor of teaching the first term in this district. Churches. — The township is well supplied with churches. Salem Church stands near the center of Section 22, Township 34, Range 7 ; an Old-School Presbyterian Church, on the southeast corner of the north- east quarter of Section 15, Township 34, Range 7 ; at Boone Grove is a Christian Church, and about half a mile south of this stands an Meth- odist Episcopal Church. The Salem congregation had their meeting for some time in the houses of the settlers. The house has been used by the Methodists and Presbyterians conjointly for some years. It is now used principally by the Methodists. The Presbyterians have occasional serv- ices. Here, just east of the church, is one of the finest graveyards in the county. The first persons buried here were two daughters of Ezra Reeves, who were taken up from the Dunn Farm, where it was at first in- tended to locate Salem Church. Rev. Baker preaches at Salem Church occa- sionally. Rev. Brown was one of the early ministers and used to hold services at Mr. Humphrey's before Salem Church was erected. The grave- yard was started at the time that the church was built. The church has been almost blown down and has undergone thorough repairs since it was built, which was some thirty years ago. The Old-School Presbyterians, or Scotch Covenanters, who built the church in the Frame neighborhood, have most of them moved away or died. Services have not been main- tained here regularly. Joseph and Charles McFarland, and David Mc- Knight were prominent among those who organized this society and built the church. Rev. Thompson used to preach here. The ground for the cemetery at Salem Church was the gift of Jonas Cornish and Rebecca Cornish, his wife. Post Offices and Stores. — About 1845, a post office was established at Hickory Point, with Jeremy Hickson as Postmaster. He carried the mail from Crown Point for the proceeds of the office. A few years later, Henry Nichols took the office and kept it three years, when his father, William A. Nichols, took it into his care for two or three years. Up to this time, the office was kept just over the line in Winfield Township, Lake Co. Mr. Porter next took the post office and removed it across the line into Porter Township, and was holding it at the time of his death, after which the office was discontinued. There was a post office as early as 1844, at the "Porter Cross- Roads, " known as the Porter Cross-Roadi Post Office. This was closed about 1865. Ora B. French and E. J. Green, were among the Postmasters. There is a post office at Boone Grove, kept by Enoch Janes. A store was established at Boone Grove about twenty-five years ago by Joseph Janes, who kept it for five or six PINE TOWNSHIP. 227 years, when he closed out. This place was for a time called Baltimore. A store was started at Hickory Point, in Porter, by Alfred Nichols. He kept here for a number of years, and then took his stock to Crown Point. Another was started after he left by Mr. Wallace. This was run for several years. About the time that this one closed up, Mr. Carson came from Ohio with a stook of goods ; some years later, he closed out his stock, since when no goods have been sold at Hickory Point. CHAPTER XV. BY GEORGE A QAKAKD. Pine Township— Organization and Boundabt Alterations— Physical Features- Fish Lake — iNDtrsTRiES— Roads— Education— Election of August, 18S6— Death's Mystery. IN the year 1836, the Township of Lake was formed and received its name from its proximity to the Great Lake. It included the territory now constituting the civil township of Pine. At the June session of the same year, Lake was annexed to Waverly Township and called West- chester. In 1841, this region became a separate township, known as Berry. In June, of the same year, a remonstrance was submitted to the commissioners, and the Township of Berry was set back to Westchester. In 1850, the Township of Pine was created. It has retained its original size and shape except that two sections at the south were annexed to Jackson at a later date. The first election in which the people of this section participated was held on Saturday, April 30, 1836, at the house of Edward Harper, who was the Inspector. It will be remembered that at this time they were a part of Lake Township. The civil Township of Pine received its name from the growth of pine trees that covered the northern part. Surface Features. — The physical features of Pine vary from high barren sand-hills at the north to fertile fields at the south. The whole region was heavily timbered at one time, but now most of the good timber is cut off. In the north the timber was pine, while in the central and southern parts oak, hickory, maple, cherry and other varieties of hard wood abounded. Much of the timber was sold for building cars and canal boats. In 1852, this region was a wilderness ; deer, wild turkeys and other game were abundant. In mid-winter, 1854, the Indians killed a cub in the township. The tracks of the old bear were seen, but she eluded the hunters. It is not often that bears leave their dens in the middle of the winter as these did. Settlement. — This township was very backward in settlement, and 228 HISTORY OP PORTER COUNTY. many of those who early settled here moved away in a short time. A large colony of Polanders has recently came into the southern part of the township. They are industrious, and will subdue and cultivate a country that our own people would pass by for many years. Their small farms and log houses show industry and a determination to build homes. Industries, etc. — Owing to the tardy growth of the township its history is rather meager. There has never been a church, or its antag- onist, a saloon. The lumber and wood business has been the main dependence of the people. Saw mills have been established at various places, but, after using up the timber in the vicinity, have moved away. Charcoal and cheese are the only articles of importance that are manu- factured. The cheese factory is in the southeastern part. It was estab- lished in 1881 by Younger Frame. Its capacity is 1,200 gallons per day, but it has not yet been run up to its capacity, for the reason that milk can not be readily obtained. Samuel Hackett has three charcoal kilns in the southwestern part. One is about one mile west of the La Porte County line, and the other two are about two miles southwest of this one. The first mentioned holds about sixty-five cords, and the last two about eighty-five cords each. A good quality of charcoal is made. Schools. — The first schoolhouse used by the citizens of this township stood just across the line in La Porte County, opposite the southeastern part of the township. It was a small log house, and was built about forty-five years ago. This burned down, and a small frame was erected and used for some time. The next house was built on the town line about thirty years ago. It was an eight-square structure, built of narrow, thick boards placed upon each other and lapping alternately at the corners, thus making a wall about as thick as an ordinary brick wall, and of such a substantial nature that after the lapse of thirty years it stands apparently as solid as ever. It has been weather-boarded, and presents an attractive appearance. Isaac Weston sawed the lumber for this house, and John Frame and Elias Dresden were prominent among those who constructed the building and organized the school. In 1855, the number of children of the school age in the township was 135, of which District No. 1 had forty-two, No. 2, sixty-four, and No. 3, twenty-four. At this time, D. S. Steves was clerk. In 1858, there were two schools in which the average attendance was sixty-eight, and the average compensation for female teachers was $2.75 per week. The amount expended for instruction was $102, length of school term, six months, number of books in the library, 146, and the amount paid Trustees for managing schools, $6. In 1859, John Reader was appointed School Director for District No. 1, and Alfred Booth for No. 2. John Reader was re-appointed for No. 2 in 1860 and in 1861. In 1865. S. C. Hackett, Trustee, reports 149 children between PINE TOWNSHIP. 229 the ages of six and twenty-one years. In 1867, John Frame reports 143; in 1868, 191 ; in 1869, 156 ; in 1870, 156. In 1871, "William Kem- per reports 189 ; in 1875, John Hackett reports 179 ; in 1878, John Frame reports 169, and in 1880 he reports 189, while for 1882, accord- ing to William Lewry, Trustee, there are 114 males and 104 females of the school age. There are at present three districts. The third was formed about five years ago. The following is a complete list of the teachers of the township for the years indicated, with the price per day paid them: District No. 1, 1866, B. L. Whetstone, $1.16, Jennie M. Gallezio, $1.66 ; 1867, Annie M. King, $1.25, Lizzie Godwin, $1.50 ; 1868, A. M. King, $1.50, Lizzie Godwin, $1.50 ; 1869, Israel G. Haw- kins, $1 and board ; 1870, Israel G. Hawkins, $1 and board, A. M. King, $1.50, C. N. Furness, $1.16, A. M. King, $1.66; 1871, A. M. King, $1.50, Lottie Lucas, $1.50 and $1.66 ; 1872, Estella Van Denser, $1.66, Lottie Lucas, $1.50 ; 1873, Lydia Beckner, $1.75, Esther Har- bage, $1.50 ; 1874, E. S. Butler, $1.66, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.75 ; 1875, Esther Harbage, $1.50, L. G. Sovereign, $1.75; 1876, Esther Harbage, $1.65, Lue Furness, $1.50, 1877, Lue Furness, $1.75, Mrs. L. B. Mc- Mellen,$1.50; 1882, Maria Brummitt. In District No. 2,1866 and 1867, Eliza L. Whetstone, $1.50 ; 1868, Eliza L. Whetstone, $1.50, J. F. Tal- cott, $1.50 ; 1869, J. F. Talcott, $1.50, Louise M. King, $1.45 ; 1870, Louise M. King, $1.50, D. E. Williams, $1.50 and $1.66 ; 1871, Lucy Furness, $1.57, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50 and $1.66 ; Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50; 1872, Clara A. Furness, $1.60, Angie Tyler, $1.00; 1873, Lucy Furness, $1.66, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.32; 1874, Ida Bentler, $1.50, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50; 1875, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50, L. M. King, $1.75 ; 1876, L. M. King, $1.75, Mary A. Charleton, $1.50 ; 1877, Mary E. Charleton, $1.75 ; 1882, Emily Brummitt, $1.60. Dis- trict No. 3 was created in 1876. The first teacher was Caroline Hall, who received $1.68. The second in the same year was Esther Harbage who received $1.50. The third was Esther Barnes, who received $1.75. In 1877, Esther Barnes taught the school at $1.75 and $1.50. The last teacher in 1882 was Atta Hackett, who received $1.60 for her services. Roadi. — May 25, 1858, the township was divided into two road dis- tricts, as follows : Road District No. 1 begins on the county line at the southeast corner of Section 36 and follows the section line to the town line, thence south to the township corner of Pine and Jackson, thence east to the county line, thence north to the place of beginning and contains twelve .sections. District No. 2 commences at the southeast corner of Section 24, thence west to the township line, thence north to the lake shore, thence east along the shore to the county line, thence south to the place of beginning. There are'now four road districts. The roads of the township are not in good condition. 230 HISTOKY OF POETEE COUNTY. Fish Lake, in the northeast corner of the township, was a lake of some size at one time. Mr. Chancey Blair has drained it and converted it into a fine cranberry plantation. Stores, etc. — There is a small store just east of Furnessville kept by William Lowry. This is the first and only store that the township has had, and this has been established but a short time. Mr. Lowry has a blacksmith and wagon shop, and has a reputation for doing excellent work. The First Settler of this township was perhaps a man by the name of Switzer, who built a log tavern west of Michigan City. This building was about 30x40 feet, and belonged at one time to William P. Ward. A Mystery. — In the fall of 1877, a severe storm occurred upon the lake- After this storm, a Mr. Crawford was gathering wood along the lake shore, and was startled to see upon the sands a dead body that proved to be that of a young lady of from eighteen to twenty-two years of age. She was fair, with auburn hair and pearly teeth. Her form was fine, but the face was so marred as to destroy its beauty. She was about five feet in height and of medium weight. There was a gash upon the head and an- other upon the neck that seemed to indicate violence. The only articles of clothing upon the body were the shoes, stockings and garters. A Coroner's jury was summoned, an inquest held and a verdict rendered of death by drowning. The fact of the finding of the body was advertised in local and Chicago papers, but no one has ever come to claim the re- mains, which were buried upon the beach near the place where found. The shoes are still in the possession of J. B. Lurdberg, of Chesterton. They are of good material, neat make, and of a style then much worn. The body was found on the Saturday preceding November 10, 1877, and was buried on Sunday. The place of finding is near the line of West- chester and Pine, but the evidence seems to show quite clearly that it was in Pine. In this lonely grave, with this maiden, lies buried a mystery which no one yet has solved. " One more unfortunate, Weary of breath, Rashly importunate, Gone to her death. Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care, Fashioned so slenderly, Young and so fair. « * * * * " Make no deep scrutiny Into her mutiny, Kash and undutiful. Past all dishonor Death has left on her Only the beautiful." — Hood. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CITY OF VALPARAISO. JACOB AXE (deceased), one of the pioneers of Porter County, was a native of Virginia, and in 1828, his mother, Christina (Kesecker) Axe, widow of William Axe, moved with her family to Wayne Co., Ohio, where she died in March, 1836. Jacob Axe there married Miss Agnes C. Cor- nell, and in 1836 they, in company with William Dye and family, and Elias Axe, a younger brother, started into Indiana with teams and wagons, and after a trip of eighteen days through swamps, with no road and an almost incessant rain-falling, arrived in Porter County. The first home of Jacob Axe was on College Hill, in Valparaiso, where he remained about three months, afterward moving one and one-half miles east of the village (which then comprised about six houses), into a log cabin erected by some squatter. The spring of 1836, he returned to the village and engaged in work at his trade — carpenter and joiner. He then bought the Sager mill property, but sold it at the end of about a year, and engaged in farming east of town some six or seven years, succeeding which he moved to the farm now owned by his son, Cyrus. He was then engaged in a number of different movements, prin- cipally farming, working at his trade and merchandising in Valparaiso. He was an active and energetic citizen, and a man who commanded uni- versal respect. He was a Democrat, and he and wife were members of the Christian Church. He died August 5, 1853, and his widow married James Bundy, who died some few months after their marriage. Mrs. Bundy then moved to Delaware County, Iowa, where she married William Cates, and where both are still living. To the marriage of Jacob Axe there were born eight children, of whom six are still living. Cyrus, a son of Jacob and Agnes Axe, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 4, 1834, and was reared to manhood in Porter County. His occupation has been stock dealing, and for the past few years he has been operating a meat market in conjunction with his other business. He spent the sum- mer of 1861 in Colorado, where he went in pursuit of health and on a mining expedition. In 1864, he was in Montana, where he and others were engaged in freighting goods across the plains. The summers of 1865 and 1866, he fitted out wagons and sent them loaded across the plains in charge of his younger brother, Nathaniel. In 1870, he went to Salt Lake Valley, where he engaged in shipping stock. He was married in 1865, to Miss Harriet L. Finney, whose parents were old settlers of Por- ter County. To them have been born four children — Addison C, Hattie B., Lida M. and Pearl. Mrs. Axe is a member of the Baptist Church, 232 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and Mr. Axe is a Democrat and an Odd Fellow. He owns 155 acres of good land in Centre Township, besides valuable town property. The spring of 1880, a part of his land lying between the college grounds and the N. Y., C & St. L. R. R. depot was annexed to the corporate city limits, and is known as Axe's Sub-Division. G. W. BABCOOK, dealer in agricultural implements, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, September 1, 1829. He is a son of Clark and Anna (Lee) Babcock, who were natives of Ontario County, N. T., and Northumberland County, Penn., and the parents of seven children, three of whom are yet living, viz., George W., Margaret J. and Anna. Clark Babcock was a farmer, and emigrated to Indiana in 1832, locating first in La Porte County, but that same fall moved to what is now Porter County (then La Porte County), and settled in Washington Township. What is now Porter County had less than twenty inhabitants, and was in a state of nature. He built a log house and engaged in farming, and made that his home till his death, in September, 1854, followed by his widow about ten years later. Both are buried in Luther Cemetery, in Washington Township. G. W. Babcock was reared in Porter County to manhood, and has always made it his home. He received a common school education,, and was married February 22, 1855, to Elmira Lewis, and by her has four children — Agnes, now Mrs. Kellogg ; Lizzie, Law- rence R. and Luella. The mother was born in June, 1880, in Union County, Ind. Mr. Babcock is a Republican ; has held township offices, and is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. Besides good town property, he owns a small farm in Washington Township — a part of the old homestead. He was over the ground where the city of Val- paraiso now stands long before it was laid out, and has seen it grow from one to hundreds of houses. DR. SENECA BALL (deceased) was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 18, 1798. His father, Calvin Ball, was born in Morris County, New Jersey, and was the. son of Deacon John Ball, who died at the age of ninety-five. Dr. Ball's mother was Christina, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Eulass, of Rockingham County, Virginia. Dr. Ball was edu- cated, first, in the old log schoolhouse of his day, then attended a graded school at Waynesville, Ohio, then studied Latin under Judge Wick, at Lebanon, and then became his own preceptor. He read medicine under Dr. William Bunnell, at Washington, Ind., and then, with his brother Cyrus, engaged in merchandising in Lafayette, Ind., February, 1828. In August, he returned to Ohio and married Miss Eliza Blackford, came back to Lafayette, continued his business, and practiced until November, 1831; removed to La Porte, Ind., remained there four years merchandis- ing, and on Christmas Day, 1836, came to Valparaiso, being thus one of its earliest settlers. He continued in trade a few years longer, sold his stock and resumed practice, which he followed until, in his judgment, the infirmities of age disqualified him. He went to Kansas in 1868, and re- turned in 1874, making his home with his son Erasmus until his death, October 4, 1875. He was- the father of three children — Mrs. Angeline Gregg, of Garnett, Kans.; Erasmus, and Cornelia, who died the wife of Judge Henry W. Talcott, of Kansas. The Doctor had served his fellow- citizens as Probate Judge, State Representative for Porter and Lake Counties, and as Justice of the Peace. CITY OF VALPARAISO. 233 Erasmus Ball was born in Warren County, Indiana, February 16, 1832; he married Mary Ann Doty, who died January 11, 1865, leaving two children — Ina E., now Mrs. Andrews, and Alice C. February 12, 1866, he married Henrietta B. Clark, who has borne him three children — Charles S., Lily T. and Mary. Mr. Ball was among the early drug merchants of Valparaiso, and afterward station agent on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., for over nineteen years. In January, 1881, he was elected Cashier of the First National Bank of Valparaiso, of which he was a, stockholder, and yet fills that position. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.' JOHN C. BALL was born in Warren County, Ohio, July 2, 1815, the son of Luther and Elizabeth (Frye) Ball, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Maryland, and the parents of four children, of whom only our subject and one sister are living. John C, like his father, was reared a farmer, but through the solicitation of a cousin. Dr. Ball, came to La Porte County, Indiana, in 1835, to act as clerk. On the laying out of Valparaiso, in 1836, Dr. Ball moved his stock of goods to the place, then containing about one hundred inhabitants, John C. coming with him. Dr. Ball erected a frame building on the lot where Wood's grocery store now stands, and here John C. clerked until about 1841. In August, 1842, John C. Ball was elected Clerk of the Courts of Porter County, took his oflSce in the March following, served seven years, and was then elected County Treasurer for three years, and the following fifteen years engaged in improving lands near the village, and since then has been employed in various pursuits. He is now living retired, and owns valuable property in and near the village. He was married in Valparaiso, in 1852, ' to Susan M. Marshall, who has borne him seven children, viz.: Wade D., who married Lizzie Eason, in 1878,, and is the railroad agent at Colum- bia City; Ivan M.; Grace H.; Mary D., now Mrs. G. B. Stanton; Caryl C, Lizzie and Harry R. The mother was born July 8, 1832, in Dutchess County, New York, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ball is now independent in his political views and does not confine him- self to any creed or dogma, but votes in all cases for the competent man, and not for the party. MICHAEL BARRY, blacksmith and carriage and wagon manu- facturer, is a native of County Cary, Ireland, his birth occurring Decem- ber 12, 1843. He is one of eleven children, eight yet living, born to James and Mary (Fitzgerald) Barry, the father of whom is dead, but the mother is yet living in the old country. Michael Barry received only a fair education in the old country, and at the age of twenty, in October, 1863, came to New York City and was there fourteen months, working at his trade, which he learned of his father in Ireland. Having friends in Indiana, he came to Valparaiso, in December, 1864, and began with his brother, and has remained a citizen of Valparaiso ever since. In 1875, he and brother dissolved partnership, and Michael then opened a black- smith and a wagon and carriage shop on his own responsibility. He has three buildings where he carries on his business — two brick rooms 22x60. He gives employment to eleven men, and by hard work and economy he has made a comfortable fortune and an excellent business. In June, 1882, he received a patent on a spring wagon of entirely new 234 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: design in reference to springs and reach, which for neatnesss and durability is unsurpassed, and is rapidly taking a front rank among vehicles of its kind. Mr. Barry was married in New York City, in 1863, to Miss Mary GrifiBn, a native of Ireland, and by her had one son, since deceased. Mr. Barry has taken an interest in the public affairs of Valparaiso, and for six years represented the 3d Ward in its Council. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. A. V. BARTHOLOMEW, merchant, was born in Licking County, Ohio, November 26, 1818 ; one of six children of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Skinner) Bartholomew, natives of Pennsylvania anti of English descent. Jeremiah Bartholomew was reared a farmer, and came with his parents to Licking County in time to enlist in the war of 1812. He participated in a number of engagements, notably those of Fort Meigs and' of the cam- paign along the lake shore. On his return he married, in 1817, and in August, 1828, came to La Fayette, Ind., entered into mercantile pursuits, kept hotel, and laid off the northern and better part of the city. In Sep- tember, 1838, he moved to Michigan City, then a hamlet of seven fami- lies, and kept public house until December, 1834, when he purchased 400 or 500 acres in Washington Township, and there settled and began farm- ing. About a year after, he moved to Centre Township, which was his home till his death in 1841, his widow following in 1863. A. V. Bar- tholomew, who was reared to the stern realities of farm life, was married April 7, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Stephens, and continued a farmer's life. Mrs. Bartholomew died in 1862, leaving a family of eight children — William M. (deceased), Mary A., Finette A., Rebecca R., Martha E., George F., Walter S. (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). In 1862, Mr. B. moved to Valparaiso and engaged in merchandising in the build- ing he yet occupies, being to-day one of the leading merchants, carrying a stock of dry goods, hats, caps, ready-made clothing, etc., valued at $22,000, manufacturing clothing to order, and doing an annual trade of $60,000 to $70,000. Mr. fi. married Mrs. Emma (Benney) Marshall in April, 1864, both being members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. B. helped to organize the Republican party of Porter in 1854, was elected to the Legislature, and served in the session of 1855 ; in 1857, he was elected County Commissioner to fill an unexpired term ; subsequently, he filled the office for twelve consecutive years. Besides valuable town prop- erty, he owns 640 acres in the county, the greater part of which he has earned by his industry. A. D. BARTHOLOMEW, attorney at law, was born in Morgan Township, Porter County, Ind., May 20, 1843 ; one of a family of ten children, six of whom are yet living, born to Joseph and Mary Ann (Spencer) Bartholomew, natives of Greene and Somerset Counties, Penn. The parents were born April 3, 1801, and June 1, 1805. When six years old, Joseph came with his parents to Ohio, Perry County, and there, on the 22d of February, 1827, was married. He came to Porter County in 1834 ; settled in Pleasant Township, but, being dissatisfied, moved to Morgan Township, where he entered 160 acres of land, erected a log cabin, and began breaking up the prairie. Indians were in abundance at that time, and, when crazed by liquor, would often become very troublesome, and sometimes dangerous ; in addition to this, wild animals would carry CITY OF VALPARAISO. 235 away young stock, although housed. Their marketing was done at La Fayette, afterward Michigan City. Milling and marketing were gener- ally accomplished by three^or four families getting together and making up an ox-team. Many other trials of a pioneer life fell to the lot of Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew, but they gradually prospered, and to such people Porter County can attribute her present prosperity. Mr. B. died April 19, 1881 ; his widow is yet living, and resides with her son in Morgan Town- ship on a part of the old homestead. A. D. Bartholomew was reared and educated in Porter County. He attended law school at Chicago Univer- sity, and began practicing in Valparaiso in 1866. His first partner was Col. Pierce in 1867, and his present partner is E. D. Crumpacker. He was married, November 18, 1869, to Miss Mary Bason, who was born May 22, 1848. To their union were born three children — Maggie, Joseph and John. Mr. Bartholomew is.a Democrat, and he. and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. His success as a lawyer has been notable and lucrative. EZRA S. BEACH, son of Truman and Catherine (Burke) Beach, was born April 18, 1837. Truman Beach was born in Con- necticut in 1805; was reared a farmer, and was married in Canada in 1832. In 1836, the Beach family, consisting of Ezra and Polly (Stoddard) Beach (grandparents of our subject), and six children, came to this county, where the children still reside. They all settled on adjoining farms in Washington Township. Truman Beach and wife there resided until 1856, when they came to Valparaiso, remained one year, and then purchased a farm in a state of nature, but now one of the best improved farms near Valparaiso. For many years Truman con- ducted a nursery, but of late has retired from active life, and the farm is managed now by Ezra S. The old place consists of fifty-six acres, but Ezra S. owns the old homestead of 160 acres on which he was born in Washington Township, and 180 acres additional in the same township. Ezra S. was educated in the common schools, but finished his education in the old Male and Female College of Valparaiso. He was married, September 12, 1860, to Miss Jennie E. Fifield, who has borne him six children — Truman A., who died when seventeen years old ; Kittie, George, Minnie, Mark and Ray. Mr. Beach is independent in his politi- cal views. H. M. BEER, M. D., son of the Rev. Thomas Beer, was born in Ashland Countv, Ohio, March 20, 1838, and was reared in his native county. He received a good academical education, and at twenty-one years of age began the study of medicine under Dr. P. H. Clark, with whom he remained two and a half years ; then for a year he attended Cleveland Medical College, then enlisted as Assistant Surgeon in the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining as such until the close of the war. He then located in Cumberland, Md., practicing, and at intervals attending the college at Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1868. In that year he came to Valparaiso, and has here been actively engaged in practice ever since, having been uncommonly successful, his patients being among the best and most prominent families of Porter County. Dr. Beer is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. ». 236 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: REASON BELL, Jr., the first white child born in Porter County, Ind., is the son of Reason and Sarah (Darnell) Bell, and was born in Washington Township, this county, January 11, 1834. Reason Bell, Sr., now deceased, was one of the pioneers of Porter County, and was born December 31, 1797, in Greene County, Va. He married, August 26, 1819, Miss Sarah Darnell, born in the same county May 9, 1801. Shortly afterward they moved to Ohio, and thence, in July, 1832, to Indiana, stopping in La Porte County until 1833, and then coming to Washington Township, this county, then unorganized. They are said to have been the third white family to settle in what is now Porter County. They located in the unbroken forest, and underwent all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. They had born to them twelve children, nine of whom reached maturity ; six are still living. Mr. Bell was a Whig and afterward a Republican, and was one of the early County Commis- sioners ; in religion he was a Universalist in belief, although he was a member of no church. He died July 16, 1867, his widow surviving him until July 12, 1881. The remains of both lie in the Lutheran Burying- Ground, Washington Township. Reason Bell, Jr., received only a com- mon school education, and December 23, 1857, married Miss Delia A. White. At the age of eighteen, he began acting as Deputy County Auditor, and so continued until 1857, when he was elected to the office by the Republicans, and re-elected, serving eight years; in 1870, he was again elected and re-elected, and served eight consecutive years — in all, sixteen. At present he is leading a retired life, yet gives some attention to real estate. He is the father of six children, viz : Theron H., Marion A., Herbert R., Mary, Mark D. and Clarence W. Mr. Bell is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the 0. F. Encampment, and the Grand Lodge of 0. F., and has passed the chairs of lodge and encampment. The family name was formerly spelled Beall, and the first one known is Joseph Beall, a native of Scotland, who moved to Englaifd. His son, John Beall, emigrated from England to America in 1730, and settled in the Jerseys. He was the father of three sons ; one, Onesimus, was born on Long Island in 1738, and served as Captain in the French and Indian wars, and twenty years later as Lieutenant in the Revolution. Another son, Simeon Bell, was the grandfather of Reason Bell, Jr. Simeon mar- ried Mary McLane, a lady of Irish descent, and to them were born eleven children, of whom Reason, our subject's father, was the fourth child. HANS BORNHOLT, the younger of two children born to Max and Kate (Hadenfeldt) Bornholt, is a native of Holstein, Germany, and was born in March, 1838. The mother died in the old country, when the father married Anna Hendricks, who became the mother of six children, one of whom lives in Valparaiso. The father died in Germany in 1868 ; the widow survives and still resides in that country. In the spring of 1864, Hans Bornholt came to Valparaiso, and for about four months worked as a laborer on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. In January, 1865, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty- first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served about eight months. Return- ing, after the war, he learned the butcher's trade, which he has followed ever since, with the exception of one year in which he was engaged in farming. He was married, Ma»h 4, 1864, to Anna Harbek, who has CITY OF VALPARAISO. 237 borne him five children — Charley, Gus, Jule, Leo and Lydia. Mr. Bornholdt is a Republican and has served two terms as Trustee. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and, rising from comparative poverty, Mr. B. has secured for himself and family a good property and a first-class trade. WILLIAM E. BROWN, County Auditor. James Caldwell Brown, D. D., father of the subject of this sketch, and one of the pioneer preachers of Porter County, Ind., was the eldest child of William and Eleanor (Lyons) Brown, and was born at St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio, in October, 1815. He attended the preparatory department of Gambler College, and at the age of sixteen years entered Jefferson College of Pennsylvania. While in the Freshman class, he experienced religion, and united with the Presbyterian Church. He graduated with honors, and passed to the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn., re- mained two years, and then spent one year teaching in Florida and Georgia. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Columbia, S. C, graduating a year later, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Harmony, S. C, in 1838. On his way North, he married Miss Mary Emery, and in 1839 this couple came to the then village of Valparaiso, where Mr. Brown entered actively upon his ministerial labors. He was the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso, and, for many years, was the leading representative of Christianity in Northern Indiana. Si- multaneously, in 1859, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jefferson and Hanover Colleges. In 1860, he became the agent of the Theological Seminary of the Northwest, at Chicago, for which he resigned his pastorate. After a few months of fruitless work, on account of the war, he resigned and went to St. Louis, to fill the vacancy of Dr. Mc- Pheeter's, in the church there, after which he was elected Chaplain of the Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the differ- ent movements of the regiment until his death at Paducah, Ky., July 14, 1862, from overwork. His widow yet survives him, and resides in Val- paraiso. They had born to them three children. Of the two yet living, one is William Emery Brown, the present Auditor of Porter County. He was born in Valparaiso March 14, 1842, and after attending the schools here, entered Jefferson College. At the end of one year, he re- turned and enlisted, in December, 1861, in the Twentieth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry. He was appointed Commissary Sergeant, and when his term of service was out, re-enlisted in the same regiment. In the mean- time, he was commissioned Captain on his uncle's (Col. W. L. Brown's) staff. He never served as Captain, however, for Col. Brown was killed at Second Bull Run the same day he received his commission as Briga- dier General. William B. Brown remained with his regiment as Com- missary, and part of the time as Acting Sergeant Major until April, 1865, when he was discharged. Owing to the irregularity of the mails, he did not receive his appointment as Quartermaster of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry until his retirement from the serv- ice. For a number of years after the war, he engaged in clerking. With the exception of six years, he has ever since resided in Valparaiso. In politics he is a Republican, and, in 1878, was elected County Au- ditor, with a majority of 1,224 over two other candidates. He was re- 238 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: nominated by acclamation in July, 1882. Mr. Brown was married, in October, 1866, to Miss Amanda A. Pershing, of Plymouth, Ind., and to them have been born six children ; Fredrick J., Harry Van N., Ella L., Edith J., Grace M. E. and Jessie S. Mr. Brown is a member of the Masonic fraterity ; has been Past Master of Porter Lodge, No. 137 ; Past High Priest of Valparaiso Chapter, No. 79, R. A. M., and is the present Eminent Commander of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28, K. T, H. B. BROWN, Principal of the Northern Indiana Normal School, was born in Mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, October 6, 1847. He is a son of Thomas and Rachel (Mills) Brown, of German and Scotch descent respectively and parents of seven children, of whom six are yet living. When H. B. Brown was about two years of age, his parents moved from Knox to Morrow County and thence to Wood County. He first attended the common schools, and, at the age of fifteen, began his career as teacher,, with his earnings paying for his tuition in the higher branches. He at- tended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware and Lebanon schools, the National Normal School, and at Republic, Ohio, where he taught two years in a normal school. In June, 1873, he came to Valparaiso and built up his present school, of which he has made a complete success. T. A. E. CAMPBELL (deceased), one of the first settlers of Porter County, was a native of Montgomery County, N. Y.; was born July 10, 1810, and was a son of Thomas and Mary Campbell, also natives of New York, and of Scotch ancestry. In 1834, he came to what is now Porter County with his uncle, Adam S. Campbell. He taught school for a time ; was the first Postmaster of Valparaiso, and served as Deputy County Clerk, at which he was engaged in 1841, when he was elected County Treasurer and Collector. He filled this office with satisfaction for a num- ber of years, and was afterward engaged for a long time in mercantile pursuits ; he then employed himself at farming until his death. May 14, 1878. Mr. Campbell was largely identified with the construction of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad ; he was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge of Valparaiso, and always took an active interest in the temperance cause. He was married, March 25, 1841, to Miss Margaret Parkinson, of Lake County, Ind. This lady was born in Wayne County, Penn., November 22, 1820, and is the daughter of Gibson and Mary (Rogers) Parkinson, who were of English descent, and came to Lake County in 1836, being among the first settlers. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell there were born nine children — Mary L. (deceased), Eliza J. (Mrs. A. E. WoodhuU), Emmett, Robert S. (deceased), Hugh A., Theresa (Mrs. C. E. Bacon), Dora (Mrs. E. S. Jones), Thomas A. and Maud (deceased). Mrs. Campbell is still residing on the old home- stead where she first began married life, together with her son-in-law and daughter (Mrs. WoodhuU), and is a consistent member of the Presbvteriaii Church. ■' J. F. CARTER, farmer and dealer in timber, was born in Jackson Township, Porter County, Ind., July 4, 1842, and is one of eit^ht chil- dren, five yet living, born to Jacob and Chloe (Doud) Carter, a sketch of whom will be found in Jackson Township biographical sketches. J. F. Carter was reared in Jackson Township to manhood, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools. August 27, 1861, being then only nineteen CITY OF VALPARAISO. 239 years old, he was mustered into service for the defense of the Union in Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and immediately went to the front. He participated in all the movements of his company and regiment until after the battle of Shiloh, and was engaged in the battles of Green Briar, Buffalo Mountain and Shiloh. The second day of the fight in the last-named battle he was sitting on a rail pile when a shell from the enemy, striking the rails, exploded, and threw Mr. Carter some distance very forcibly. He experienced no particular injury at the time, but that night, during the rain, got wet, took cold which settled in his back, which was badly strained by the explosion, and in consequence was disabled for duty, and he is yet a sufferer from the effects of this. For this reason he was discharged the spring of 1863. As soon as able, he en- gaged in farming in his native township, and there, January 1,' 1865, married Mrs. Nancy A. (Brierly) Comer. In 1870, they removed to Iowa, remaining there two years, afterward returning to Porter County and locating in Valparaiso, where they have ever since resided. They are the parents of two children — Frank J. and Charles R. Mr. Carter is a Republican, and is one of the substantial citizens of the place. He owns a farm of 280 acres in Washington and Centre Townships, and has' taken an equal part in the support of all laudable enterprises that pertain to his town or county. H. C. COATES, M. D., is a native of Marlboro, Stark Co., Ohio, was born June 8, 1826, and is the fifth in a family of twelve children, seven of whom are yet living, born to Amos and Jane B. (Norris) Coates, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State and of English descent. Amos Coates was a farmer, and one of the early settlers of Stark County, Ohio, and one of the chief educators of his day in Marlboro. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine when quite young, at home, under the advisement of his cousin, Dr. J. G. Coates; afterward under Dr. G. W. Bettis. In 1855, he entered the American Medical College, Cincinnati, and in 1856 embarked in the practice of his profession in his native town. In 1861, he took a contract as Physician and Surgeon under the United States Government at Cleveland, remaining about three years. During this time he attended the medical department of the Western Re- serve College in Cleveland, and graduated the winter term of 1863-64. After the war, he continued his studies in medicine at Cleveland, and after attending the medical department of the University of Wooster, re- ceived a special diploma dated from the winter term of 1865-66. He also took a Practitioner's course in the Chicago Medical Department of the Northwestern University. The summer of 1866, he came to Valpa- raiso and opened an office, and has remained here ever since, actively en- gaged in the practice of his profession, and as resident Surgeon for the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., for fourteen years. In 1882, he was chosen as County Physician, by the County Commissioners of Porter County, and is now serving in that capacity. He is. a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He married, April 15, 1847, Miss E. S. Ward, of Portage County, Ohio, and to this union were born four children — Alfred W., Phebe L. (deceased), Lura E., now Mrs. S. Ramsey, and Maud D. MILAN CORNELL, farmer, was born December 13, 1827, in Crawford County, Ohio, and is one of eleven children, seven yet living, 2-10 Biographical sketches: born to Isaac and Priscilla (Morgan) Cornell, a sketch of whom will ap- pear in the biography of Ira Cornell, of Porter Township. Up to 1834, Milan Cornell lived with his parents in his native* county, and in that year emigrated with them to what is now Porter County, Ind., locating in the southeastern part of the same, and becoming the first white settlers of Boone Township. The parents ever afterwards made Porter County their home, and died esteemed and respected citizens. Milan Cornell re- ceived his education from the common schools of that early day, and in 1849, he and three others received an attack of California fever, which induced them to start for the far-famed gold fields of the West. They went by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, and on their arrival at San Francisco, our subject had only one dollar. He found employment for a short time chopping cord-wood, at the rate of about $16 per day, after which he engaged in mining near Sonora, and the most part of his stay there was in the southern part of the State. He participated in many of the hardships, etc., of a miner's life, including fights with Indians, Mexi- cans and cut-throats of various kinds. In 1853, he returned to Indiana, and commenced farming and dealing in stock, at which he has ever since continued,, with the exception of about three years, while in the hardware trade at Valparaiso. February 28, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Cordelia Freeman, who was born in Onandago County, N. Y., Feb- ruary 22, 1834, and is a daughter of Azariah Freeman, appropriate men- tion of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. To this marriage were born two children — Genevieve, now Mrs. S. C. Williams, and Kate, the wife of Marion Baum. Mr. Cornell is a Democrat, a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and the 0. F. Encampment. He and wife moved to Valparaiso the spring of 1882, and-are among the best citizens of the place. They own, besides good town property, a valuable farm of 160 acres in Liberty Township. M. B. CROSBY, native of Putnam County, N. Y., was born Novem- ber 17, 1809, and is one of eight children, five of whom are yet liying, born to Zenas and Sally (Chapman) Crosby, who were also natives of Putnam County. M. B. Crosby was reared on a farm ; moved to Onta- rio County, N. Y., when a young man, and married Philura Freeman, in Connecticut, in October, 1834. They resided in Ontario County, N. Y., farming until the spring of 1836, when they moved to Michigan City, and the next summer, went to Crown Point, Lake Co., Ind., where he farmed until June, 1839 ; thence moved to Porter County, locating in Washington Township, where he cleared and farmed until 1846, when he traded his farm for what was known as the Cheney Flouring Mill. He ran that seven years, then sold out; moved to Valparaiso, and for one year was in the dry goods trade in partnership with J. N. Skinner. He and S. G. Hassthen built a large brick steam saw and flouring mill, which they operated five years. In this venture Mr. Crosby lost $5,000, but nevertheless, he bought the mill he now owns. In connection with the mill, which is in charge of his son, Mr. Crosby runs a flour and feed store, and throughout his diversified business career, has been very successful. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Crosby was one of two male members who helped organize that church in Valparaiso. He IS a Republican in politics ; is self-made, and he and wife were parents of CITY OF VALPARAISO. 241 five children : Harrietta, Enoch, Emma J., now wife of Hon. S. S. Skin- ner, Freeman and Edwin Van S. The two eldest and the youngest of these are dead. HON. MARK L. De MOTTE, Representative to Congress from the Tenth Congressional District of Indiana, was born December 28, 1832, at Rockville, Park Co., Ind. His father, Daniel De Motte, was of French descent, his ancestors coming to America a number of genera- tions back and settling on Long Island. His mother, Mary (Srewe'r) De Motte, was of Dutch descent, her father being a native of Holland, but passing the greater part of his life in Kentucky. To their marriage were born eight children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. His father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal faith, and for forty years was occupied in ministerial labors all over the State. Fifteen years of this time he was financial agent for Asbury University. He died at Greencastle, Ind., in 1875, at the age of seventy-seven years, preceded by his wife in 1866 at the age of seventy-four years. Mark L. De Motte was reared to manhood in Indiana. After attending public schools, he attended a seminary for one year at Greencastle, afterwards entering Asbury University, at that place, from which institution he graduated in 1853. receiving the degree of A. B. He immediately entered upon the study of law, attending the law school of Asbury University, and gradu- ating in 1855 with the degree of LL. B. In that year he came first to Valparaiso, Ind., and entered upon the practice of his profession. On the organization of the Republican party, in 1856, he was elected Prose- cuting Attorney for the judicial circuit, comprising the counties of Porter, Lake, La Porte, St. Joseph, Marshall and Stark. The month of Decem- ber, 1856, at Valparaiso, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Christy, and they lived happily here until 1861, when he entered the Government service as Senior First Lieutenant of the Fourth Indiana Battery, and continued with his command till April, 1862, when he resigned to accept the Captaincy on the stalF of Gen. Milroy. In this capacity he participated in the battles of Pope's campaign of 1863, clos- ing with the engagement of Second Bull Run, afterwards going with Gen. Milroy to West Virginia, remaining there till after the battle of Gettysburg. The remainder of his service was on post duty at Harris- burg, Penn. In August, 1865, he removed to Lexington, Mo. In 1869, he became owner and editor of the Lexington Register, a Republican newspaper, and remained in active journalistic work until 1877, when hie removed to his old home in Valparaiso. While in Missouri, he was twice nominated for Congress on the Republican ticket, but, owing to a majority of 10,000 or upwards of opposition in his district, was never elected. After his return to Valparaiso, he resumed the practice of law, which he continued without interruption until 1880, when he received the Republican nomination and was elected to Congress from the Tenth Dis- trict, over a fusion candidate. For the past two years he has served with signal fidelity and satisfaction to his constituents, who, on the 17th of August, 1882, complimented him by a renomination. Mr. De Motte, aside from being a prominent public man, is an influential and esteemed private citizen. He and wife are the parents of two children, Mary and Louise. Mr. De Motte, in 1879, was prominent and influential in the 242 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: organization of the Law Department of the N. I. N. S., of which he is one of the instructors. C. W. DICKOVER, County Sheriff, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., February 17, 1832 ; is one of ten children, five yet living, born to George and Catharine (Rymer) Dickover, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. George Dickover was a stone mason and plasterer by trade. His father, Jacob Dickover, was a native of Switzerland, and came to America previous to the Revolutionary war. George Dickover and wife lived and died in Pennsylvania, respectively aged seventy-seven and forty-five. C. W. Dickover, next youngest of his parents' family, was reared in his native State ; fairly educated in the common schools, and there learned the brick mason's trade. In 1854, he came to Valparaiso ; worked as a journeyman several years, and then etigaged in contracting. He has re- sided in Valparaiso ever since, except two years when working in Du- buque, Iowa. After the fire at Chicago, he went there and assisted in re- building the burnt district for about four months. In December, 1857, Mr. Dickover returned to Luzerne County, Penn., where, on the 5th of January, 1858, he married Miss Mary Willits, of Wilkes Barre. Mr. D. has contracted for and executed a great deal of work in La Porte, Lake and other counties. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and the parents of six children : C. Howard, Mark L., Daisy, living, and Jessie, Ford and Maud, deceased. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has ascended to the Commandery, being a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He is a Republican, and in October, 1880, was elected SheriiF of Porter County, and at the Re- publican County Convention, in July, 1882, was renominated by accla- mation. DANIEL H. DILLINGHAM, grocer, was born in Liberty Town- ship, this county, April 27, 1849, and is the eldest of the four children of Olcott and Hannah (Hale) Dillingham. Olcott Dillingham was born in Huron County, Ohio, in 1827, and is the youngest of three living brothers born to John and Hannah (Hecox) Dillingham, natives respect- ively of Wales and Connecticut. At the age of ten he came with his parents to Porter County, then a part of La Porte County, where they purchased 600 acres of land. Their destination, on leaving Ohio, was south of Chicago, but a gale on the lake forced the vessel, on board of which they were bound for Chicago, to put into Michigan City, and this incident led to their making their home in this county. Mr. Dillingham remained with his father until he reached his majority, when, in June, 1848, he married Miss Hannah A. Hale, a native of Maine. The Decem- ber following, he built himself a house on some land belonging to his father's estate, in which he lived until about 1858, when he moved to the old homestead, his present farm, which he managed for his father until the latter's death in 1861. He is now the largest land-owner in the town- ship, his farm comprising 627 acres, well improved with first-class build- ings, wmd-pump, etc., and thoroughly cultivated. Mr. Dillingham is strongly Republican in politics, and, though he was unfortunate in having no early educational advantages, he is an intelligent, careful manager, naturally shrewd, and a progressive and enterprising citizen. There have been born to him four children— Daniel H. ; Carrie E., now Mrs. L D. CITY OF VALPARAISO. 248 Wolf; Isaac, and Luella, now Mrs. Joseph Meade. His aged mother, Mrs. Hannah (Hecox) Dillingham, died at the homestead in 18 — . Dan- iel H. Dillingham, as well as his brother and sisters, was reared in this county, and his education was acquired in the common schools. He was married, March 28, 1870, to MissElma Bartholomew, daughter of Wash- ington Bartholomew (deceased). In 1881, he came to Valparaiso, and January 1, 1882, he and his brother Isaac formed a copartnership in the grocery trade, and, for beginners, are doing remarkably well, and fully as much as some of the older houses, inasmuch as they carry a full line of everything belonging to the trade of a first-class grocery store, and are affable, obliging and attentive to their customers. Mr. D., besides his in- terest in the store, owns considerable town property and a farm of 360 acres in Liberty and Centre Townships. In politics he is a Republican, and he is by nature a man of energy and enterprise, and is always fore- most in undertakings of a laudable character. There have been born to his marriage two children — Charles H. and Minnie E. OBADIAH DUNHAM was born in Otsego County,- N. Y., Septem- ber 26, 1809, and is one of the seven living children of eight born to Abner and Candace (Irons) Dunham. Mrs. Candace Dunham died in October, 1814, and Abner Dunham died in 1822. Obadiah was reared chiefly in Cooperstown, N. Y., and there learned the tailor's trade. In 1832, he removed to Ohio, and at Cardington was married, May 7, 1840, to Miss Sarah W. Winshop. He changed his residence several times ; came to Valparaiso in the latter part of 1844, and has since made it his home. Here, in 1848, he was appointed School Commissioner. He worked at his trade until 1850, when hs was elected County Recorder by the Dem- ocrats. In 1855, he was elected Clerk of Courts, and served four years ; he then engaged largely as administrator of estates and as deputy in county ofiicials' oflSces, and for the past seventeen years has held the posi- tion of Deputy County Recorder. Mr. Dunham is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Encampment, and his wife is a member of the Presby- terian Church. They are the parents of four children — Ann B. (de- ceased), Charles N., George (deceased), and Mary E., the wife of B. F. White, of Junction City, Kan. Charles N. married Sarah Church, in October, 1870 ; is a resident of Valparaiso, and is a machinest by trade. Mr. Dunham came to Porter County a poor man, but has realized a com- fortable fortune, and is now living in retirement. DR. J. H. EDMONDS, dentist, was born in Upper Canada De- cember 26, 1848, and is one of the four children born to R. D. and Mar- garet (Ferguson) Edmonds. When the Doctor was about fifteen years of age, the family came to the United States, first settling at Detroit and then moving to Illinois, where the mother died in about 1870 ; the father now resides in Dacotah. The Doctor received an academical education in Canada, but the literary portion was finished at a college in Detroit. In 1866, he began the study of medicine and dentistry at Rock Island, under Dr. Buzette, and graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College the term of 1873-74 ; he also received a special diploma as surgeon, from Jefferson Medical College, qualifying him fully for the practice of dentis- try. He was married July 28, 1870, to Miss Marietta Pierce, who was born in Lake County, Ind., November 22, 1853, the daughter of Levi W. -244 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Pierce, an early settler. She had studied dentistry with the Doctor and is fully qualified in all its branches, making "filling" a speciality, ihey came to Valparaiso in 1872, and together do by far the greater part of the dental business of the town. They possess all the latest 'mprove- ments, and their plate-work and filling cannot be surpassed. Dr. Ed- monds is the only dental graduate in Valparaiso or Porter County, and he ranks among the leading men of the profession in Northern Indiana. The Doctor is a Republican, a Mason and a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery No. 28. His grandfather, Samuel Edmonds, was a native of England, and was for nine years in the British naval service, serving for a time as Commodore. The Doctor and Mrs. Edmonds are the parents of two children — Bruce Eugene (deceased) and Glenn. JOHN M. FELTON, County Clerk, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1834. His father, William Felton, was a native of Pennsylvania, a railroad engineer by occupation, and married, about 1825, Margery McCallister, who bore him two sons, both yet alive. The mother died there in 1829, and in 1831 Mr. Felton married, Miss Margaret Mourer, and to this marriage were born eight children, six of whom are yet living. Mr. Felton continued the life of a railroad man until his death in May, 1862. His widow survived him until 1871, when she, too, died. Two of their sons served their country in the late war — one, Robert K., being killed before Petersburg. John M. Felton was reared in the " Keystone State," receiving a common school education. He learned his father's business of Civil Engineer, and the spring of 1857 was employed by the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, on a new survey through northern Indiana. Previous to this time, he had been employed in Pennsylvania, and in Tennessee and Mississippi, as a railroad engineer. In 1860, he located permanently in Valparaiso — although he first came in 1857 — and since that time has always made Porter County his home. He engaged as a salesman in a hardware store here until August, 1875, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of County Treasurer, and, two years later, was re-elected, serving in all four years. In 1878, he was elected Clerk of Circuit Court of the county, and took his office November, 1879. Although Porter County gives a Republican majority of about 500, Mr. Felton has, by personal popularity, been elected every time he has re- ceived a nomination. He was married, November 18, 1863, to Miss Mary Jane Marshall. This lady died April 24, 1873, leaving two chil- dren — Robert L. and Lizzie M. The mother was born April 15, 1841, in Wells County, Ind., and died a member of the Presbyterian Church. CHARLES FERNEKES was born in Germany February 10, 1834, the son of Antoine and Catharine (Schranck) Fernekes, who came to this country in 1856, and died in Milwaukee in 1872. Charles Fer- nekes learned to be a baker and candy-maker in the old country, and at the age of eighteen came to America, locating at Milwaukee, where for two years he worked at his trade ; he then moved to Chicago, where he mar- ried Eve Griebel, September 19, 1855. In 1859, he came to Valparaiso, opened a confectionery and restaurant, and has secured a comfortable fort- une. Besides his business place, he owns five dwellings and the business room occupied by Munger & Le Claire. His wife died April 13, 1880, CITY OF VALPARAISO. 245 leaving five children — Bertlia, now Mrs. H. 0. Schranck; George, Peter, Rosa and Charley. He married his present wife, Mrs. Kate (Dauber) Schwitzer, November 23, 1881, and by her has one son, not yet named. Mr. F. and family are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics, he is a Democrat. At present Mr. F. is engaged in the grocery and con- fectionery trade, but expects shortly to return to the confectionery and restaurant business, for which his large experience well qualifies him. JOHN FITZ WILLIAMS was born in Charing Cross, St. Peters Port, on the Island of Guernsey, off the coast of France, February 29, 1828. His parents, John and Mary Fitz Williams, were also natives of the Island. The parents came to New York in 1818, and were there natural- ized, that the father might do business for the Hudson Bay Company in the Northwestern Territory, and was located in and near the State of Wis- consin. Mr. Fitz Williams never returned to his native country, but after quitting the employ of the H. B. Company, engaged in farming in Wis- consin, and died there in about 1839. In 1827, Mrs. Fitz Williams went back on a visit to her native land, and there, in 1828, the subject of this sketch was born. In 1829, the mother and son came to America, and the mother died during the time her son — the only one — was fighting for the preservation of his adopted country. John Fitz Williams, subject of this memoir, in the fall of 1840, was bound out as an apprentice on board the bark "Enterprise," of St. Peters Port, Guernsey. After serving four and a half years he ran away, and found employment as cook on the lakes. In 1854, he came first to Valparaiso, but remained here only a short time, afterward going back to the lakes, where he remained till 1856, when he again came to Valparaiso and entered the employ of A. R. Gould, of the hotel "American Eagle." In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with this company until 1862, when he became an orderly for Gen. Milroy, in West Virginia. In June, 1863, he re-enlisted in Company E, One Hun- dred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and promoted Or- derly Sergeant, afterward being promoted to the Second Lieutenancy of his company. Owing to an accident which happened to him while on Hood's campaign, he was unable to act in the capacity of Second Lieu- tenant, and accordingly was discharged. Mr. Fitz Williams was in a number of skirmishes, and engagements, among them being Second Bull Run, and was also through the Atlanta campaign with Gen. Sherman. After the war, he started a restaurant in Valparaiso, and has ever since been in business in the place. As a business man, he has been very suc- cessful, and to-day is worth a comfortable fortune, which he has acquired by his own efforts. He was married, in December, 1863, just previous to going out in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, to Margaret Mc- Carthy, and to their marriage were born five children — Annie, Fanny, Eliza, Fred and John. The parents are members of the Catholic Church. AZARIAH FREEMAN, one of the old settlers of Porter County, is a native of Tolland County, Conn., and was born May 23, 1809 ; eldest of six children, four yet living, born to Enoch and Lury (Huntington) Freeman, and has made farming his chief occupation through life. At the age of twenty years, he went to Onondaga County, N. Y., to look after a farm his father owned, and remained there until 1888, but in the 246 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: mean time (1831) returned to his native State, and married Miss Amanda Crane, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah L. (Abbe) Crane, born April b, 1809. He removed West in 1838, and purchased land in Michigan and Indiana, locating in Elkhart County, this State, where he farmed for a few years. He traded his property there for 160 acres on Morgan Prai- rie, Washington Township, Porter County, to which he removed m 1842. [n 1850, he, and a company of others, emigrated overland to California. Upon his return to Porter County the next year, he located in Valparaiso. He has been especially identified in the educational advancement of the county. He was the founder of the old Male and Female College, and gave much toward its prosperity. After its discontinuance, he induced Mr. Brown to come here and start what is now known as the Northern Indiana Normal School, of which he is now Vice President. He has been connected with many other enterprises of the town and county. For eighteen successive years, he was Swamp Land Commissioner of Porter County, also County Commissioner for a time. He has held other posi- tions of local honor and trust, among which was that of President of Town Council for a number of years before Valparaiso became a city. Although an old man, he is yet one of the county's best and most active citizens. He and wife are "members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the parents of four children, viz., Edwin E., Cordelia, George and Lura 0. JOSEPH GARDNER, banker, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., June 10, 1821, and is the seventh son of a family of nine children, two yet living, born to Robert and Martha (Maine) Gardner. He is a grandson of Robert Gardner, who was a native of Scotland, afterwards a resident of Ireland, where he died. The father of Joseph Gardner was born in Ireland, about 1784, married Martha Maine, at Belfast, and, in 1818, emigrated to the United States, locating in Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming until his death, June 5, 1855. The widow moved to Porter County in 1861, and died on the farm of her son Joseph in July, 1864. Both the parents were of the Presbyterian faith. Joseph Gardner remained with his parents in Chautauqua County, N. Y., until his sixteenth year. In 1836, he began life's battle on his own responsi- bility, and for three summers engaged as a sailor on Lakes Huron, Erie and Michigan. He then entered as laborer in a warehouse at Michigan City, Ind., remaining there principally until the spring of 1844, when he went to Mackinac, where he engaged in fishing and coopering for five years. In company with five others, February 6, 1849, he left the straits, bound for California. There they mined on Bear Creek, near what is now known as Little York, their individual profits per day being about $16. At the end of about two months they went to Sacramento, where their com- pany was dissolved, and in January, 1850, Mr. Gardner went to Nevada City, where he remained about two years, mining. He then went back to Little York, and engaged in mining and " ditching." Mr. Gardner, in the last named business, invested $100,000, which he had made out of the mines. The ditch he operated is yet in fine condition, and is owned by what is known as the York Mining Company. In 1868, he returned to Indiana, and for three years farmed in Essex Township, Porter County. He then came to Valparaiso, and in 1874 established the Val- paraiso Savings Bank, which, in February, 1879, was merged into the CITY OF VALPARAISO. 247 Farmers' National Bank, with a cash capital of $50,000. Mr. Gr. is a Republican, a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married, in 1858, to Sarah M. Hill, and to this union was born one son — William H., who is assist- ant cashier of the bank. JEREMIAH HAMELL, deceased, one of the first merchants to lo- cate in Valparaiso, came to the place about the year 1836, and by his honor, enterprise and pleasing manners, rapidly won the confidence, friendship and patronage of the villagers and the surrounding neighbor- hood. Rev. Dr. Beatty, his former pastor, at Steubenville, Ohio, men- tioned him as a young man of marked ability, capable of high career in any vocation he might prefer. He chose the activity of mercantile pur- suits, although of fine literary tastes and scholastic habits, delighting always to spend leisure hours with books and pen. A fine orator, he was often called to assist in the temperance work, political campaigns, and on all other occasions requiring intelligence and fine address. In the year 1838, he represented the counties of Porter and Lake in the State Legislature, and had he lived, would have been selected for the occupancy of still higher offices of trust and importance. A few years after his arrival, he married Miss B. E. Cowan, an estimable and attractive young lady, who, some time previous, had removed from Romney, Hamp- shire Co., Va., to Southern Indiana, and one of the original members of the Presbyterian Church, of Valparaiso. With her he enjoyed happy years of home life, and the generous and pleasant hospitalities they con- ferred upon friends, will be remembered by many who were guests at their table and fireside. When death called the noble husband and father, a universal sympathy and grief were felt ; the loss being one to a community as well as to the shadowed household. And now, although time has planted the mosses of many a summer upon his grave, the name of Mr. Hamell is one often recalled; his gifts and virtues frequently recounted and absent, he is still unforgotten. Rev. J. C. Brown, D. D., the be- loved and lamented first pastor of the Presbyterian Chur.ch of Valparaiso, was his warm friend and admirer, referring to him ever as a gentleman of culture, usefulness, piety and public spirit, of unnusually fine personal appearance, and remarkable social qualities. It is said that as a brilliant conversationalist he was unsurpassed, being able to discuss topics of the day at his storeroom while busily engaged in posting his ledgers. In sermons preached specially to young men of the town, Mr. Hamell was suggested for their imitation as a type of what one could accomplish by his own unaided effort in obtaining position in society, education, success in business, and what is above all, a name so noble as to become a cher- ished legacy. Such to his family and friends is that of Jeremiah Hamell, and this little tribute is placed to his memory with the tenderness with which loving hands garland a tomb. JOHN W. HAYDEN was born in Madison County, N. Y., May 29, 1815, and is one of nine children (only two of whom, our subject and a brother, Caleb Hayden, of Morgan Prairie, yet survive), born to Caleb and Sarah (Wolcott) Hayden, who were natives of Williamsburg, Mass. The year after their marriage, they moved to New Fork State and lived there farming until 1817, then removed to Franklin County, 248 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mass., and in 1835 emigrated overland to Indiana, locating in La Porte County, where Mr. Hayden died in about 1838. Mrs. Hayden lived on the old place until 1855, when she moved to Morgan Township, Porter County, where she died the following year. John W. Hayden was reared in York State and Massachusetts until nineteen years old. The spring of 1834, he went to Chicago and was there a short time, afterward going to Ottawa, 111., where he bought a claim of land in La Salle County. He then returned to Massachusetts, and through his persuasions the parents sold what little property they possessed and emigrated westward. They were unable to reach La Salle County before the land sales there, con- sequently his land was sold and he was out of a farm. On account oi the sickness of his sister they were obliged to stop in La Porte County, Ind., on their way out, where they remained until her death. On the return of our subject from looking after his claim in Illinois, they con- cluded to remain in La Porte County and make it their home, which they did, till their removal to Porter County in 1855. , John W. Hayden returned to Vermont in 1845, and April 17, of that year, married Abi- gail L. Barber. Returning with his wife to Indiana, he engaged in clear- ing and farming and taking such part in pioneer pursuits as are described in the township history. This lady bore him one daughter, Mary A., now the wife of Henry Stoner, of Morgan Prairie, and died February 27, 1847, and lies buried in La Porte County. Mr. Hayden married his present wife, Almira Worster, February 7, 1849, in La Porte County, and to his last marriage there were born five children, viz.: One that died in infancy without name, Abigail L. (wife of Allen W. Reynolds), Anna L. (deceased), Hittie (deceased), and Louisa (the wife of Herbert Fish). Mr. Hayden is one of the old pioneers of Northwestern Indiana, and one of its self-made men. His life has been passed in hard work at farming and pioneer work until within the past three years, since when he has been living in Valparaiso retired. Mr. Hayden is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Democrat ; has held positions of trust in the county and is one of the present Jury Commissioners. PROF. RICHARD A. HERITAGE, Musical Director of Northern Indiana Normal School, was born October 28, 1853, in Williams County^ Ohio. He is the eldest of seven children born to James and Susannah (De Long) Heritage, the former of England and the latter of Ohio. At the age of sixteen, he left home to attend the Normal School at Bryan, Ohio. Three years later, he was installed as tutor in music and mathe- matics in the same institution. In about two and one-half years, ho entered the Musical Convention work with W. F. Werschkul, D. Werta and S. W. Straub. In 1877, he accepted the principalship of the Edon (Ohio) Graded School, working about one year, when, in the midst of a term of school, he received a telegram from H. B. Brown asking him to take the position of Musical Director of the Northern Indiana Normal School, suddenly vacated by W. F. Speer. He accepted, and has held the position ever since. When Prof. H. took the position in the spring of 1878, there was no musical department except the vocal classes and three pianos for private instruction. In the fall of 1878, the musical'de- partment was fully organized, with a course of study embracing two years' work, including notation, sight reading, thorough-bass, harmony, fugue. CITY OF VALPARAISO. 249 counter-point, orchestration, musical literature, voice culture, piano, organ, violin and band and orchestral instruments. This is divided into four courses. The three pianos, previously mentioned, were placed in the students' rooms ; now, the department has a room 40x42 feet, with twenty pianos, seven organs, and one set of band and orchestral instruments. The building is arranged with twenty-two private practicing rooms and director's family rooms, musical store and reading room, and an excellent musical and miscellaneous library of over 1,000 volumes, with twenty musical journals on file. It is also connected with the telephonic ex- change. Prof H. is editor and publisher of a musical journal — The (Valparaiso) Musical Ideal. This has all been done through the untir- ing and persistent efforts of Prof. Heritage, who is a genial, affable gentleman of fine musical talent. The number of certificates of mem- bership was about 150 in 1878 ; last year the number reached 409. Prof. H. was married, March 22, 1877, to Mary C. Miller, a native of Ohio. They have one child, Harvey H. Of the F. & A. M. fraternity. Prof. H. is a member, having taken twelve degrees, and also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has always been a Republican. J. D. HOLLETT, of the firm of Haste & Hollett, hardware dealers, ia a native of Orange County, N. Y., his birth occurring May 11, 1848. He is next the youngest of a family of six sons and four daughters, one dajighter of whom is dead, born to Thomas A. and Deborah A. (Benja- min) Hollett, also natives of the State of New York. Thomas A. Hollett was a farmer ; moved to Porter Township, Porter Co., Ind., from Orange County, N. Y., in 1851, and moved to Valparaiso in about 1864, and he and wife are yet living here, not actively engaged in any pursuit. J. D. Hollett was reared principally in Porter County, where he received the common school education. At the age of sixteen, he began for himself, and up until nineteen years of age was going to school and clerking in Wood Brothers' grocery store in Valparaiso. In 1867, he was employed as fireman of an engine on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- road, and after firing two and a half years, entered the engine and ma- chine shops in Chicago, remaining there about a year, when, by reason of his habits and previous satisfactory work, he was given an engine. For four years he was employed as freight and passenger engineer on the Fort Wayne road. The fall of 1874, he became the " Co." of the hardware firm of Hawkins, Haste & Co., but at the end of two years Mr. Hawkins retired from the partnership and the firm of Haste & Hollett has con- tinued to the present with success. They carry everything found in a first-class hardware and farming implement store, and do as large a trade as any firm of the kind in the town. Mr. Hollett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He was married, February 21, 1872, to Miss Lura Freeman, daugh- ter of Azariah Freeman, one of the old settlers of Valparaiso, and by her has two children — Freeman and Ida May. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. CONRAD HORN, butcher, was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, December 30, 1830, and is a son of Conrad and Anna M. (Seifert) Horn, who were also natives of Germany. They had born to them five children, only two of whom are yet living, a daughter, Mrs. 250 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: Anna Stenger, of Pennsylvania, and the subject of this sketch. In 1851, Conrad Horn, Jr., emigrated to the United States. After arriving in New York City, he engaged in various pursuits, afterward going to Penn- sylvania and working in the coal mines. In 1855, he emigrated to La Porte, Ind., and for three years he was engaged in farming near that city ; thence, in 1858, came to Valparaiso and began butchering, at which he has ever since continued. Mr. Horn was married here, the spring of 1859, to Miss Lena Knepel, also a native of Germany, and to their mar- riage have been born seven children — Peter, Lewis, Louisa, Charles, Jacob, Annie and Joseph, all living. Mr. H. is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and Mrs. H. is a Protestant. Mr. Horn began busi- ness here in but limited circumstances. To-day he has one of the princi- pal butcher shops of the place ; does a first-rate business, and by hard work and economy, has made some money and a comfortable home. JOHN HOWE, son of John and Ann (Gallavan) Howe, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, October 12, 1822. and came across the At- lantic in 1846, landing at Quebec. In 1849, he moved to New Buifalo, Mich., where he married, November 17, 1850, Miss Ann Gallaghar, a native of County Leitrim, Ireland. Shortly after this he moved to Michigan City, Ind., where for a time he was employed as foreman on the M. C. R. R. In August, 1853, he came to Valparaiso, and his was the first Irish family to settle here. He engaged in mercantile pursuits, met with substantial success, and with the exception of two years on a farm in Portage, he has continued his residence here. Mrs. Howe, his faithful and loving wife, died May 7, 1882, having borne her husband six chil- dren — Mary Ann (deceased), three that died in infancy, Thomas F, (who was accidentally killed in 1877, aged twenty-three), and John J. Mr. Howe is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a public-spirited citizen, and a successful railroad contractor and stock-dealer. MOSES T. HUNT was born September 30, 1787, in New England. He was a carder and cloth-dresser by trade, and April 29, 1815, was married to Martha B. Willard, who was also a native of New England, her birth occurring June 17, 1798. Shortly after their marriage, they settled in Coos County, N. H., and here their children were all born, three in all, viz., Franklin W., Hamilton P. (deceased), and Hub- bard. Their births respectively were February 6, 1817 ; September 2, 1818, died January 27, 1824, and January 18, 1821. The parents lived the remainder of their days at Lancaster, Coos Co., N. H., the father dying August 29, 1825, aged thirty -seven years and eleven months, and the mother September 15, 1822, aged twenty-four years and three months. Hubbard Hunt was reared at his birthplace at Lancaster, N. H., receiv- ing a good common school and academical education; learned machinift and steel and brass finisher's trade in Pairbank's Scale Works, at St. Johnsbury, Vt. He was in the employ of that firm seven years', but in 1846 came to Indiana for the first time, to look at the country. His brother, Franklin W., being at Valparaiso, he came to this place to see him, and while here made proposals to his brother, and advanced money to him to embark in merchandising at this place. The summer of 1847, Hubbard came to Valparaiso, and became an active partner, but early CITY OF VALPARAISO. 261 in 1849, his health failing, he went to California to seek his health, and remained there until November, 1850, passing through all the scenes, in- cidents and privations of a miner's life. He arrived home in March, 1851, much improved in health. On his return, he again actively en- gaged in merchandising with his brother, their partnership never having been dissolved, and they continued until 1856, when their interests were divided, and shortly after the dissolution of their partnership in the same year Hubbard engaged in stock dealing till the fall, then sold his cat- tle in Iowa, after which he engaged in the hardware trade at Valparaiso. He continued at that four years; then engaged in a general man- ufacture of native lumber, after which, in about 1866, he formed the part- nership of White, Hunt & Co., for the sale of pine lumber, which con- tinued some fourteen years with harmony and success. During his career in lumber trade, Mr. Hunt's services were often sought and engaged as administrator of descedents and assignee of bankrupt estates, all of which he settled with satisfaction. At present he is not actively engaged in any pursuit, except in the looking after his personal interests. On his retirement from the firm of White, Hunt & Co., in January, 1882, he retired to private life, and is living as such in the full enjoyment that one could derive after over forty years of active, hard labor. Mr. Hunt was married May 9, 1851, to Miss Finett Dunning, daughter of John Dunning, an old settler of Valparaiso. They have had no children of their own, but have one adopted son, Willard James, the orphan child of Mr. Hunt's niece, Ida (Hunt) McConkey. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the Presbyterian Church, but Mr. H. is a member of no particular church or party, but is liberal and tolerant in his views on all subjects. Mrs. Hunt was born in Wayne County, N. Y., December 31, 1829, and came with her parents to Porter County in about 1844. She was a daughter of John and Lucy (Rose) Dunning. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, attorney at law, is a son of Judge Jesse Johnston, of Centre Township, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 10, 1808 ; came to Indiana in September, 1829, and to what is now Porter County in 1834. He is a son of George and Nancy John- ston ; was reared and still is a farmer, and November 30, 1830, married Rebecca Pickett, who has borne him a family of eleven children, six of whom are yet living. He is prominently identified with the early and subsequent history of Porter County. In politics, was first a Whig, tinct- ured with Free-Soilism. and afterward a Republican. In 1836, was elected a Justice of the Peace, but would not serve; was Probate Judge from 1886 to 1840, and subsequently served in various other positions of honor and trust. In 1851, he became a Freemason and has ascended to the Royal Arch degree. In 1879, he became a member of the State Pioneer Association. He is now living on his farm of 240 acres near Valparaiso. William Johnston was reared in Porter County, receiving his education at the common schools, afterward attending the Valparaiso Male and Female College four years, and finishing his literary education in 1866 by graduating from Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind. He began the study of law in Valparaiso, and established himself first in practice at Chesterton. In about 1868-69, he moved back to Valparaiso, where he now occupies a leading position at the bar of Porter and neigh- 252 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: boring counties. He has been twice married, first in December, 1866, to Belle Hopkins, who died April 23, 1870, leaving two children, only one of whom, Charles H., is yet living. He married his present wife, Almira Hankinson, in October, 1878, and to their marriage has been born one daughter — Flora A. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are among the best of Valparaiso's people. The former is a Republican in politics, and the latter is a member of the Presbyterian Church. R. W. JONES was born in Fayette County, Penn., July 16, 1816 ; is one of the eleven children of Richard and Margaret (Forsyth) Jones, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The mother died in about 1830, and in 1853 the father came to this county, where his son, R. W., was living, and here died the following fall. R. W. Jones, when six years of age, was taken by his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, where he received a common-school education, and where he was married, April 19, 1840, to Orilla Aylsworth. Shortly after this event, he came to Boone Town- ship, this county, farmed for seven years, and then came to Valparaiso, engaged in various pursuits, and now is dealing in agricultural imple- ments. He is a Democrat, but was formerly a Whig, and by the latter party, in 1850, was elected and re-elected Sheriif, serving four years ; he has also served two terms as Justice of the Peace. He has had born to him six children, viz., Mary, who died when ten years old ; Emeline, widow of Elias Schenck ; Ervin D., who married Mary Baum ; Saman- tha, now Mrs. J. B. Luddington ; Florence, who died when about twen- ty-four years old; and Frank H., who married Alice Williams, and is in partnership with his brother, Ervin D., in the livery business. Mr. Jones is the owner of some good town property, besides over two hundred acres in Porter County, all gained by his business tact and good management. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Presbyterian Church. DAVID F. JONES, son of Richard and Margaret (Forsyth) Jones, was born in Fayette County July 12, 1821, and, when two years old, moved with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. He obtained his education from the common schools, and be- came a farmer. He came to Porter County, Ind., in 1846, but remained only four months. He then went back to his old home, and the next season returned to Porter County, clerking that summer in Valparaiso for Joseph Jones and J. Barker. He again went back the following fall, and there, February 11, 1848, married Eve Critchfield, and the suc- ceeding August moved to Porter County for good. He bought and set- tled on a farm on Horse Prairie, in Porter Township, farming summers and teaching school winters, until December, 1852, when he moved to Valparaiso, where he has ever since resided. He embarked in mercan- tile pursuits, at which he was actively engaged about two years, after- ward dealing in live-stock and buying and selling wool. Mr. Jones is a Republican, formerly a Whig ; is a member of both Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. They are the parents of no children, but have one boy, Andrew J. Zim- merman, whom they have reared from three years old to fourteen. Mr. Jones and wife are among the well-known and respected families of Val- paraiso and Porter County. ROBERT P. JONES was born in Greene County, Ohio, October 3, 1824, the fourth of a family of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived CITY OF VALPARAISO. 253 to maturity, born to Jonathan S. and Lydia W. (Phares) Jones, who were natives of Ohio. Jonathan S. was a farmer, and in the spring of 1841 traded his land in Ohio for eighty acres in Liberty Township, this county. That same fall the family located on this place, it at that time having about fifteen acres cleared, with a small log cabin on it. Here Mr. Jones died in 1855, one of the respected early settlers of Porter County. His widow survived him until 1880, when she, too, died. Robert P. Jones re- ceived only the common school advantages in youth, and at the age of sixteen, preceded his parents by two months to Porter County. He assisted his father in clearing up the old farm, with the exception of the summer of 1842, when he carried the mail between La Favette, Ind., and Joliet, 111. The next summer, he worked for George Z. Salyer, and from that time until his marriage assisted his father chiefly, but also worked around at odd jobs. May 14, 1845, he married Miss Clarissa Dillingham, and for twenty-one years succeeding was engaged in farming. The summer of 1866, he came to Valparaiso and engaged as clerk for ten months in the leather store of Powell Bros. He was then elected to the oflSce of Town Marshal, serving about four years, after which he served as Deputy Sheriff about two years. In 1872, he was elected County Sheriff by the Republican party, and in 1874 was re-elected, serving in all four years ; he then embarked in the hardware trade in partnership with G. A. Sayles, which continued until November, 1879. Since then has been living partially retired engaged in loaning money, etc. Mr. Jones and 'wife are the parents of three children — Samantha A. (now Mrs. James H. Patrick, of Valparaiso), Lyman L. (who died at the age of nineteen years six months and sixteen days), and Lydia L. (who died at the age of twenty years six months and sixteen days). Both deceased chil- dren lie buried in Kimball Cemetery with their grandparents, in Centre Township. Mrs. Jones was born in Huron County, Ohio, January 28, 1826, and is a daughter of Henry and Amanda (Page) Dillingham, who came to Centre Township in June, 1836. Hannah, sister of the mother of Mrs. Jones, was taken prisoner by the Indians at an early day in the history of Ohio, and was kept in captivity about a year, afterward being sold to a doctor, through whom she regained her friends. Four brothers of Mr. Jones lost their lives in the late war. A. L. JONES, attorney at law, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 10, 1835; the son of William W. and Belinda (Jones) Jones, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and parents of ten children, all yet living. In about 1839, the family moved from Wayne to Fulton County, Ohio, and thence, in 1847, to Horse Prairie, Boone Township, this county, purchasing a tract of land. In 1849, William W. Jones was elected Clerk of Courts of Porter County, on the Whig ticket, and in 1850, moved to Valparaiso, where he performed his ofiBcial duties until November, 1855; April 5, 1856, he died, mourned by a host of friends. He was an active business man, a fluent speaker, and strictly honest. Although no oiSce-seeker, he was placed in many positions of honor and trust. He had been ordained a minister of the Christian Church, but never steadily pursued ministerial work. His widow is yet living, and resides with a daughter in Kansas. A. L. Jones, after attending the county and city sciiools, entered the State University at Bloomington, 254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in 1852, aad graduated ia 1855, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having also taken one course in the law department, and studying during the interval in the law office of Judge S. I. Anthony. In the winter of 1856, he was admitted to the bar of Porter County, and until November, 1859, assisted in his father's office as Deputy. He then opened a law office and began practice, which he has ever since successfully continued, except when he was in the army. In the spring of 1862, he entered the Quartermaster's Department of the Army of the Potomac as a citizen clerk ; so remained until May, 1863, and then enlisted in the Seventh Indiana Cavalry. He was made Quartermaster Sergeant, and the March following was commissioned Quartermaster of the regiment, being mustered out in April, 1866. He at present is the senior of the law firm of Jones, De Motte & Jones, his son, Frank P., being the junior member, and Mr. De Motte being the present Member of Congress from the Tenth District. October 6, 1858, Mr. Jones married Miss Jennie Baugh, of Bloomington, Ind., who has borne him four children, viz., Frank P., Kate (deceased), Mattie (deceased) and Grace. Mr. Jones is a Democrat ; he is a fluent speaker, and a successful lawyer of soundest integrity. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the family are among the first in Valparaiso. 0. P. KINSBY, A. B., Professor of English Literature and History in the N. I. N. S., was born near Freeport, Harrison Co., Ohio, De- cember 7, 184:9, and is one of four children, three yet living, born to Reese and Eliza A. (Ridgeway) Kinsey. The father is dead, but his widow is yet living and resides in Harrison County, Ohio. 0. P. Kinsey was reared principally near his native town, and after attending the common schools of his neighborhood, entered Harlem Springs Seminary, in Car- roll County, Ohio, in 1866, where he began fitting himself for the teach- er's profession. After a time, he returned to his native county, and, after teaching a number of terms, in the autumn of 1868 entered the Normal School at Lebanon. At the end of one year, he was given the position of janitor, which aided him pecuniarily until his last year, when he paid his way through by teaching in the school. In this way, he succeeded in graduating from the classical department, after which he was given a po- sition in the faculty and the Professorship of English Literature. He retained this position until 1881, when he resigned to accept a half-inter- est in the N. I. N. S. of Valparaiso. Previous to his location here, he took an extended tour through the Eastern States, Great Britain and Continent of Europe, visiting the principal educational institutions on his journey, with special reference to his profession. The spring of 1882, he returned to Valparaiso, took charge of his half-interest in the Normal School, and the tutorship of the classes in English Literature, History and other irregular classes. While a student at Lebanon, Prof. Kinsey formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah J. Porter, also a student of the same place. Miss Porter afterward became a teacher in the school as did Mr. Kinsey, and August 24, 1876, they were united in marriage. Mrs. Kinsey is earnestly interested in the welfare of the Normal School here, and has charge of the Ladies' Department ; also is the teacher of Geog- raphy and Natural History. KELLOGG BROTHERS. Alfred Kellogg was born in Wayne County, Penn., January 30, 1828. His. father, Azor Kellogg, was CITY OF VALPARAISO. 255 born in the same place January 24, 1796, and was a farmer and lumberman. He married Nancy Stevens in 1820, and in August, 1849, to gratify the wishes of his children, came West, and located with his wife and youngest son in McHenry County, 111., leaving the others be- hind to close up affairs. In 1850, he came to Valparaiso, where he pur- chased, in connection with his son Dennis, and son-in-law, Daniel S. White, the old foundry on Block 16, Lot 5, Main street. The firm name was Kellogg & White until 1851, when his sons in Pennsylvania, Alfred and John, came out and added to the business a pabinet shop and a ma- chine shop. In 1860, Mr. White, who had previously withdrawn, was again taken in, and a planing mill was added, also a general lumber busi- ness by Alfred Kellogg, who was the first general lumber merchant in Valparaiso. The same year, the business was removed to a point near the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. depot. In due course of time, the father withdrew from the firm,- and is now living retired. His wife died in Jan- uary, 1879, and lies buried in the city cemetery. Mr. White again with- drew in 1864. The three brothers now have a two-story brick building, 50x60 feet, with an engine-room attached, 12x24, with the latest and best machinery, driven by a twelve-horse power steam engine. They have an average force of twelve men, and do business all over Porter and the ad- joining counties. They are the inventors of some threshers, mowers and reapers that stand in the front rank, especially the "Kellogg Mower." Alfred Kellogg was married in Pennsylvania, in September, 1845, to Martha Norton, who died December 10 of the same year. In May, 1848, he married Isadora Chase. By her he has one child living — Martha. John W. Kellogg, of this firm, was born in Wayne County, Penn., April 13, 1825 ; was educated in the public schools, and in 1849 married Abigail J. Hull, born in Wayne July 28, 1824, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Spangenberg) Hull. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg came to Valparaiso with Alfred and his family. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church and parents of five children — Silas W., Fortunatus G., Nettie, Lizzie N. and Abbie Bell. Dennis A. Kellogg was bom May 20, 1830; married, July 14, 1852, to Lucinda Norton, and came to Valparaiso with his parents. Besides being an equal partner with his brothers in the foundry, he con- jointly with them owns an eighty-acre farm in Liberty Township, and twenty-four acres near the Porter County fair grounds, and individually owns his private residence. He is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and they have had two children — Adelbert and Mark, the latter deceased. DR. J. H. LETHERMAN was born in Washington County, Penn., March 4, 1819, the son of Dr. Joseph and Sarah (Mercer) Letherman, natives of Pennsylvania and the parents of two children, of whom the Doctor only is living. Daniel Letherman, his grandfather, was a native of Prussia, came to America when a child, with his parents, and was a preacher of the Dunkard Church. Our subject's maternal ancestors were of Irish-English descent, and his grandfather Mercer was a Presbyterian minister. Dr. J. H. Letherman was reared in Pennsylvania, where he received a good common-school education, afterward entering Jefferson College, where he remained four years. Having a liking for the study 256 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of medicine, and his father being a physician, as were a number of other near relatives, he began the study of that profession in about 1843, and attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, also the College of Physicians and Surgeons af Keokuk, Iowa, graduating from the last named and receiving his diploma as "M. D." He began practicing in his native State, but in 1845 removed to Des Moines County, Iowa, remaining there until, in November, 1853, he came to Valparaiso, and has remained here ever since, engaged in active prac- tice, and in this time he has booked |100,000 in Porter County. In 1871, he admitted his son. Dr. A. P. Letherman, a graduate of Louisville Medical College of Kentucky, as a partner. Dr. J. H. Letherman was married March 2, 1848, to Miss Jane Mary Peirce, of Cumberland County, Penn., and to this union was born ten children — Joseph H., an attorney and engaged in the Internal Revenue Department of Texas ; Andrew P., now his father's partner ; William C, druggist, of Valparaiso ; Rebecca, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased ; Lawrence L., mail agent on the Mich- igan Central Railroad; John and Alice A., twins, the former deceased; Jane B. and Carrie M. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Letherman is a Republican. He has been County Cor- oner twelve years, and has served at different times in city official posi- tions, and is one of the present Aldermen of Valparaiso. JOHN S. LOUDERBACK, grocer and baker, was born in Cass County, Ind., August 28, 1835. His father, Andrew Louderback, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his grandfather Louderback was a native of Germany, coming to America shortly after the Revolutionary war. Andrew Louderback came with his parents to Brown County, Ohio, when about twelve years old, and was there reared to manhood. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed that as a business until about 1840, when he worked at that in connection with farming. He was mar- ried to his first wife, Nancy Washburn (who was the mother of our sub- ject), in about 1828. This lady was born in Kentucky in 1802, her father being a native of Massachusetts and of Irish descent. They moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1830; in 1834, removed to Logansport, Ind., and in 1836 removed to Fulton County, Ind,, where Mrs. Louder- back died in 1858. To her marriage with Mr. L. there were born ten children, nine of whom are yet living. Mr. L. married for his second wife Martha Jones, who is yet living, but Mr. L. died in March, 1864. John S. Louderback was reared on a farm until seventeen years old, when he began learning the wagon and carriage maker's trade with Otis Whipple, of Delphi, Carroll Co., Ind., and when nineteen years old began at his trade on his own responsibility at Fulton. He enlisted in Com- pany I, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, August 14, 1862, and in October of the same year, was made Eighth Sergeant. He was promoted to Quarter- master Sergeant in March, 1863, and a few months afterward was made Orderly Sergeant, retaining that position until July 1, 1864, when he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy. October 1, 1864, he was made Captain of his company, but owing to the previous Captain being wounded, Capt. Louderback had, for one year previous to being commis- sioned, served in that capacity. He was made Quartermaster of the regi- ment on its being mustered out of service, and he disposed of its effects CITY OF VALPARAISO. 257 to the Government. He was a participant in the campaign in Kentucky against Morgan, and assisted in the thirty days' raid that resulted in Morgan's capture. They joined the Army of the Cumberland in Ten- nessee in 1863, and participated in the engagement at Knoxville and a number of its surrounding battles. Their horses being worn out, they were dismounted, and going to Paris, Ky., were remounted, after which they joined Sherman's army at Ringgold, Ga., and were placed under Gen. Stoneman's command. For seventy-one days they were in active fight- ing duty, participating in battles of Resaca, Lone Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain and various others. July 24, 1864, under Gen. Stoneman, they started on their trip South, with the intention of releasing the prisoners at Andersonville, Ga., and passing through the enemy's line at Stone Mountain, they fought an engagement at Macon, and afterward learned that a General who was to co-operate with Stoneman had been defeated. They fought until all ammunition was used up, when the officers, holding a council, deemed it wise to surrender, which they did July 28, 1864. Capt. L. was taken to Andersonville the 1st of August, and instead of going into other quarters as an officer, remained with his men, and remained there suffering all the agonies of that place until October 1, 1864, when they were removed to Charleston, and after being there twenty-six days they were removed to Florence ; here he received his liberty, and was sent to Annapolis. Receiving a thirty days' furlough he went home, then rejoined his company, remaining with them until the close of the war, receiving his discharge June 27, 1865. Succeeding that he was at Fulton a short time, and in August, 1865, came to Valparaiso, buying a grocery stock and engaging in that trade in partnership, con- tinuing as such for six years. In 1869, he came to his present place of business and embarked in the grocery and bakery business, which he has ever since continued with success. He was married in Fulton County, Ind., May 29, 1866, to Sarah J. Clevenger, and by her has had nine children — Andrew J., Effie F., Judson D., Eddie, Cora. Mamie and Gracie, living ; and Edgar and Alva, deceased. Capt. Louderback is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. THOMAS G. LYTLE, Mayor of Valparaiso, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 3, 1824, and is a son of Aaron and Hannah (Jones) Lytle, who were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respect- ively, and the parents of nine children, only three of whom are yet living. The Lytles are of Scotch descent, and the Joneses are of English descent. Aaron Lytle was a blacksmith by trade, and went to Pennsylvania when a young man, and from there came to Wayne County, Ohio, where he married. He quit blacksmithing when about thirty-five years old, and engaged in speculating, buying and selling land, merchandising, etc. During the financial crisis of 1837, he lost the greater part of his means. In 1840, he came to Porter County, purchasing an improved farm of 1 60 acres in Boone Township, and in the spring of 1841 moved his family out. In 1852, he sold his farm, moved to Valparaiso, and bought a steam saw- mill near town, which he operated for some time. He speculated in land, and engaged in other business enterprises until his death, in the fall of 1870. His widow survived him until 1876, when she, too, died, and both are buried side by side in the city cemetery. Mr. Lytle was a 258 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Whig, afterward a Republican, and his wife was a member of the Chris- tian Church. Thomas G. Lytle lived with his parents until twenty-three years old, and was married, in 1847, to Miss Idilla Allen ; farmed until the winter of 1863, when he moved to Valparaiso, entered into the drug trade, and has remained in active business here ever since. He is a Re- publican, and in 1854, when that party was first organized, was elected County Sheriff, and reelected in 1856. He was elected Mayor of Val- paraiso in 1868, and re-elected in 1870, serving four years. In 1882, he was again elected to that office, in which he is yet serving. ^ He was also one of the first proprietors of the paper mill of Valparaiso. His wife died in June, 1861, leaving one daughter, now Mrs. R. A. Dunlap. He afterward married Mrs. Mary E. (Marginson) Ketchum, and to this union have been born six children — Bffie M., Blma M., Thomas Gr. (de- ceased), Elvan A., one that died in infancy without name and Arthur W. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lytle are of the Unitarian faith. Mr. Lytle, in the spring of 1864, organized Company C, of the One Hundred and Thirty- eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and by that company was chosen Captain. They were in active service, but principally in detailed work. In 1864, they operated in Tennessee and Alabama, and in November of that year Mr. Lytle was duly discharged. JAMES R. MALONE, grain-dealer and farmer, is the eldest son of of Wilson Malone, deceased, one of the pioneers of Porter County. His birth, February 7, 1843, occurred in this county, and he was here reared to manhood. When twenty years old, he went to Montana Territory, where for five years he was engaged in mining. In 1867, he returned, and January 1, 1868, married Miss Mary E. Smith, and settled down to farming, at which he continued until 1876. ' In that year he was the , choice of the Democratic party for County Sheriff, and, although Porter County usually gives a Republican majority of 500, he was elected, and re-elected with increased majority, serving in all four years. Since that time he has been dealing in grain and looking after his farm, which con- sists of 700 acres in Boone Township. To his union with Miss Smith there have been born eight children — Charley (dead), Kittie, Bessie, Wil- son, Henry, Richard, James D. and Frank. One of the interesting epochs in his life occured while a miner. On one expedition, while the country was yet excited over the "Gallatin massacre" by the Indians, he and seven others were followed by a score or more of red-skins for over two days, but by the vigilance of the whites they were not able to make an attack with any degree of safety to themselves. The Indians then gave up the pursuit, but a number of others followed, out of sight, and one night succeeded in capturing four horses belonging to the whites. They were pursued, and, after a long chase, captured, and on vote, it was de- cided to hang the thieves. While Mr. Malone was pinioning the legs of one, the Indian managed to draw a concealed knife, which he plunged in- to the side of Mr. Malone, inflicting a dangerous wound from which" he was not able to leave his cot for four weeks. The red-skin was promptly shot, and the others were soon dangling at the ends of ropes from con- venient trees. L. H. MANDEVILLE, photographer, is a native of Trumansburg, N. Y.; was born January 15, 1825, and is one of four children of Thomas CITY~ OF VALPARAISO. 259 C. and Mercy (Gilbert) Mandeville, natives of that State, and of Norman descent. Francis Mandeville, our subject's grandfather, was a Soldier of the Revolutionary war, and Thomas Mandeville, our subject's father, was a soldier oi the war of 1812 and the Seminole war. Generations back, the family were among the nobility of Holland and England. Un- til thirteen years of age, L. H. Mandeville was reared in his native town. In 1838, he came to Erie, Penn., and there engaged as clerk in a dry goods store of that place, afterward going west of the city of Erie about six miles, where he took charge of the extension of the Erie Canal. While there, in 1860, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Brown, and moved to Adrian, Mich., where he engaged in farming. Then went to Tecumseh, JMich., where he kept hotel for about one year ; then, May 5, 1855, came to Valparaiso, where he has ever since resided. He here embarked in his present business. He is naturally of a mechanical turn of mind, and for a number of years has paid considerable attention to mechanical work. He has invented several different engines, which have proved to be of great value as labor-saving instruments. The best and most noted of his inventions is an automatic telephone, which for a dis- tance under three miles far exceeds any ever invented. Mr. Mandeville began life's battle a poor boy, but by industry and economy has placed himself and family in good comfortable circumstances. He is a Democrat ; is the present Master of the F. & A. M., and has ascended to the R. A. degree. He and wife are members of the Universalist Church, and the parents of one son — Cassius E., who married Elma Wells, and is a dry goods merchant of Valparaiso. JAMES McFETRICH was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, March 4, 1840. He is the third in a family of ten children, seven of whom are yet living, born to John and Martha (Anderson) McFetrich, both of whom were natives of the County Derry, Ireland, where they were reared and married. In 1831, soon after their marriage, they emigrated to America, locating first in New York, afterward moving to Ohio, in both States engaging in farming. These parents are yet living, and reside in Trumbull County, Ohio. James McFetrich was reared in Ohio, on a farm, to manhood, in youth attending the district school, afterward attending and in 1861, graduating from the Western Reserve College at West Farmington. He then began the study of law at Warren, Ohio, with Birchard & Moses, and for one year attended the Law Department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor. He then accepted a situation as teacher, at Valparaiso, in the Collegiate Institute, intending to return to law school and graduate, with his earnings. Instead of going back, however, he continued teaching steadily for five years. He then engaged in the drug trade for a time, and in 1871 was elected teacher of the High School, continuing as such eight years. During this time, he was elected County School Superintendent (1875), and served two years. In 1880, he became interested in the hardware trade, from which, in 1882, he changed to the lumber trade, at which he is yet engaged, under the firm name of White, McFetrich & Co. Mr. McFetrich was married, Sep- tember 7, 1871, to Miss Martha J. White, daughter of Daniel S. White, the biography of whom accompanies this work. Mrs. McFetrich was born in Wayne County, Penn., December 17, 1846, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso. 260 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JAMES M. McGILL was born in Erie, Penn., June 28, 1843, one of seven children, all yet living, born to Robert and Susan P. (Alexander) McGill, natives of Pennsylvania. The grandfather of James M., was a native of Ireland, and came to America shortly after the Revolutionary war. From Erie, Penn., the parents and family moved to La Porte, Ind., and after living about a year there, moved to South East Grove, Eagle Creek Township, Lake County. Shortly after the war, the par- ents moved to Hebron, Ind., where they lived the remainder of their days. Mrs. McGill died there in 1873, and Mr. McGill in 1878, and both are now sleeping in the village cemetery. James McGill lived with his parents until nineteen years old, during which time he attended the public schools of his neighborhood, afterward entering and for three years was a student of the old Male and Female College of Valparaiso. August 19, 1862, he enlisted as private in Company I, Fifth Indiana Cavalry. He was promoted Sergeant, and retained that position until the battle of Nashville, when he was advanced to the First Lieutenancy of Company G, of the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry. Shortly after this, he was promoted Captain of his company, retaining that position until the close of the war. Capt. McGill and his company were in active service during his entire army career, and he participated in a number of engagements, notably among which were those of Knoxville, Mission Ridge, Chatta- nooga, Franklin, Nashville and others. After the last-named battle, they chased Hood across the river, then went to New Orleans, and from there to Natchez, where they did garrison duty for a number of months. Capt. McGill and company were discharged at Nashville, Tenn., in August, 1865. Succeeding the war, he came back home, and has since resided in Porter County, engaged in various pursuits, chiefly farming. He was married. May 18, 1869, to Kittie L. Starr, daughter of the old pioneer, Ruel Starr (deceased), and to their union have been born four children — Pearl, Phebe E., Ruel S. and Mary Edna (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. McGill are members of the Presbyterian Church. Capt. McGill is a Re- publican, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No 28. JOHN W. MoLBLLAN, photographer, is a native of La Porte County, Ind., his birth occurring August 2, 1848. He is the youngest son of a family of seven children, six yet living, born to Joseph and Fidelia (Reed) McLellan, who were natives of Vermont and Michigan, and of Scotch and Pennsylvania Dutch descent respectively. Joseph McLellan was a farmer, and came to La Porte County, Ind., in 1833, settling in Cool Spring Township, but afterward moving to Scipio Township, where he died in July, 1881, preceded by his wife, both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John W. McLellan was reared in La Porte County, Ind., where he acquired a good common school education, afterward attending for two and one-half years the High School of Westville, Ind., and then attending and graduating from the State Normal School at Oswego, N. Y. He learned the photographic art in La Porte, Ind., of John Bryant, and for a short time afterward was engaged in the business at Rockford, 111. In December, 1873, he came to Valparaiso and purchased the studio of W. H. Hayward. He is a member of the National Photographic Association of the United States, CITY OF VALPARAISO. 261 and has an established and enviable reputation as a photographer. He was married August 20, 1873, to Miss Huldah A. Forbes, daughter of J. T. Forbes, appropriate mention of whom is made in the biographical department of Washington Township. To this union have been born two children — Mattie P., and Frank C, deceased. Mrs. McLellan was born July 13, 1849, in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. McLellan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. McLelland is a Repub- lican, and a member of the I. 0. 0. F. MARQUIS L. McClelland, insurance agent, was born in La Fayette, Ind., February 26, 1830. He is a son of John T. and Sarah (McCarl) McClelland, who were natives of Washington County, Penn. John T. McClelland was born in the year 1800, and his wife in 1804. They were married in their native State, and from there moved to La Fayette, Ind., in 1828. In 1831, Mr. McC. started West through South Bend, Niles and to Chicago. The spring of 1832, he removed to South Bend, where he embarked in mercantile pursuits. He was one of the pioneers and was identified with some of the leading manufactories of that place, and at the time of his death, in June, 1840, was engaged in erect- ing extensive works for the manufacture of glass ; he was also engaged in the manufacture of pig-iron at Mishawaka. He was a very active Democrat, and was the first County Treasurer of St. Joseph County. He was a man very popular with all classes, especially so with the poor, and commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He and wife had born to them three children, two of whom are yet living — Mrs. Mills, of Rochester, N. Y., and the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Mc- Clelland continued to reside in South Bend, and there married William S. Vail. This couple moved to Valparaiso in 1863, where they are both yet living at advanced ages. To their union were born two children, of whom only one, William H., a jeweler of Valparaiso, yet lives. Marquis L. McClelland was but ten years old when his father died. He learned the tanner's and currier's trade, but has never made that his business. He came to Valparaiso in 1854, was employed as salesman in different mercantile establishments, and the fall of 1861 was appointed Clerk of the Congressional Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, of which Hon. Schuyler Colfax was Chairman, and at that gentleman's solicita- tion acted as his Private Secretary in the Forty-second Congress. He returned to Valparaiso in 1862 and engaged in the dry goods trade, in partnership with A. V. Bartholomew. He continued at this four years, and in the meantime was active in organizing the First National Bank. He was elected its first cashier, and continued as such about eighteen years. Since that time he has been engaged in a general life and fire insurance business. He was married, October 3, 1863, to Miss Sarah A. Wilmington, of South Bend, and to them have been born two children — Theodore and Flora. Mr. McClelland has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty-five years, and has passed through the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Scottish Rites, and is a Past Emi- nent Commander of the Commandery. The Blue Lodge at Hobart, Ind., is named in his honor. He is a Republican, and has filled the positions of Township Treasurer and Clerk of Centre Township. He is the county's present nominee for the State Legislature, and has served two 262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: terms in the City Council. He and two others were active in building the C & G T. R. R. from Valparaiso to South Bend, and he has always taken active part in all the public affairs of the county. He and Schuyler Colfax were raised as boys together, and have always been on the most intimate and confidential terms. . e \r ^ THOMAS J. MERRTFIELD, attorney at law, is a native ot Y ates County N. Y. Was born January 11, 1833, and until fifteen years of age, was reared on his father's farm. He then entered an academy at Starkey, N. Y., and studied law for four years, and also engaged in teaching. In 1858, he came to Mishawaka, Ind., and studied under Mr. Cowles; at the end of six months, he started for Minnesota on horse- back, with a view of locating, but returned and entered the law office of Judge Robert Lowrey, and afterward that of the Hon. Thomas Harris, then State Senator. In May, 1855, he was admitted to the bar at Goshen and two months later came to Valparaiso. Here he was associated with Hon. S. I. Anthony, State Senator, as partner until 1863. In 1858, he was elected by the Democrats, member of the General Assembly, and served in the regular and special sessions of that term, and was the author of several bills, among others that which makes persons holding moneys in a fiduciary capacity liable for embezzlement if such moneys be used for personal ends. From October, 1866, until June, 1869, he was partner with Maj. W. H. Calkins, now a Member of Congress, who had studied law under Mr. Merrifield for a year or more. Subsequently, he was associated with Col. Pierce until that gentleman was called to Chicago to assume editorial control of the Inter- Ocean. Since then, Mr. M. has been in partnership with the following gentlemen : A. D. Bar- tholomew, William Johnston, E. D. Crumpacker and John E. Cass. In December, 1865, he was elected the first Mayor of Valparaiso, and served two consecutive terms, declining a third election. In October, 1856, he married Miss Paulina Skinner, who has borne him six children, viz., Kate, now Mrs. M. Johnson; Harriet, now Mrs. S. Bernard; Georgia Ann, now Mrs. William Dye; John A., Dora Bell and George William. Mr. Merrifield is a son of John and Catharine (Schumacher) Merrifield, natives of New York, and of English and German descent. His paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution, and his great-grandfather an English naval officer. Mr. M. is one of the leading attorneys of the county, and is a member of the Blue Lodge, A., F. & A. M. PETER MORAN, son of Thomas and Bridget (Kelly) Moran, was born in County Meath, Ireland, December 21, 1828, and came to the United States in his seventeenth year. After working awhile on Long Island, he came to Mishawaka, this State; he went thence to Notre Dame, where he learned the boot and shoe manufacturing business ; worked in various towns at the trade, and at La Porte, Ind., September 5, 1858, he married Miss Catharine Kaler. In March, 1859, he came to Valparaiso, and is now the oldest shoe manufacturer in the city. Be- side manufacturing, he retails, and has secured a first-class trade. His children, seven in number, were born and named in the following order : Dennis, Mary, Julia, Thomas F., John, Catharine and one that died in infancy. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Moran is a Democrat, and is one of the present City Commissioners. Mr. M. CITY OF VALPARAISO. 263 began his business career in Valparaiso in somewhat straitened circum- stances, but has succeeded in securing a comfortable home, and a lucra- tive and permanent trade. JAMES H. NBWLAND, M. D., was born in Lawrence County, Ind., December 9, 1820. His father, John Newland, was a Virginian, and of Scotch-Irish descent. When a young man, he went to Burke County, N. C, where he married Miss Agnes Allen, a native of North Carolina, and of English descent. They resided in North Carolina until 1818, when, to leave slavery behind, they came to Indiana, locating in Jackson County for a short time, removing to Lawrence County, where they ever afterward made their home. Mr. Newland was a farmer, and a very active politician in the southern part of the State, where he was quite widely known, and held several local positions of honor and trust. He and wife were members of long standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their deaths occurred respectively in 1838 and 1868. Dr. Newland made his home with his parents until his seventeenth year, then engaged in school teaching, which he continued for five years. He began the study of medicine in 1842, in Salem, Ind., having access to the li- brary of his uncle, Dr. Elijah Newland. In 1852-53, he attended Rush Medical College at Chicago, of which he is a graduate. He began prac- ticing in Thorntown, Boone County, where he also was engaged in the drug trade. He was there burned out, and left completely in debt. He started anew, and for a time practiced medicine in Pleasant Hill, Mont- gomery Co., Ind., moving to Valparaiso in 1859. Here he has a wide and selected practice. He was married in 1844, to Eliza Davis, who bore him nine children, of whom only one, William H., is yet living. This lady died in 1871, and in 1872 Dr. Newland married his present wife, Mary Ellen Reves. Dr. N. is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ALLEN R. NICKBLL was born in Monroe County, Va., March 8, 1830, and is a son of Andrew Nickell, a native of Virginia, a farmer, and of Irish descent, who married Janette Cornwall in Virginia in about 1826, and in 1835 came with teams overland to Elkhart County, Ind. After living there one year, he came to Porter County, and entered 240 acres of land in Washington Township, near Morgan Prairie. Mr. Nickell erected a cabin and lived there one season ; then moved to Scipio Township, La Porte County. His wife died about 1846, leaving a family of four childreli, all of whom are yet living. Mr. Nickell afterward married Mary Ann Parker, and to this union were born six children. The mother is yet living, but the father diedin 1869. Allen R. Nickell was reared in La Porte County, receiving a common school education. He lived at home until December, 1849, when he went to California, and for one month after his arrival worked on a farm for $150, after which he engaged in mining. In 1851, he returned and engaged in farming in Washington Township. In 1870, he moved to Valparaiso, where he is yet living. He was married, in 1851, to Sarah Shinabarger, who died in 1871. They were the parents of three children — Paulina J. (deceased), Malinda E. and Sarah E. April 23, 1876, he was married to Mrs. Lillie (Carpenter) Best, and by her has one son — Allen Roy. Mrs. Nickell is a member of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Nickell is a member of the 264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He is a Democrat, and has served one term as Trustee of Cen- tre Township. M. J. O'BRIEN, general dealer, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, May 20, 1833, and is the third child of a family of seven children born to James and Mary (Fitz-Gerald) O'Brien, natives of the same county. James O'Brien was a cooper, and came to America in 1844, and for two years worked at Albany, N. Y. In 1846, he sent for his family, and they resided in Albany for some time, afterward moving to Onondaga County, same State, where our subject was reared in the village of Jordan. His parents moved to Erie County, Penn., in about 1874, and are yet living there. M. J. O'Brien received only a limited education from the common schools, learned the cooper's trade of his father, and at the age of twenty embarked on life's voyage on his own resources. Up to 1857, he worked in the State of New York, and also during the interval. May 5, 1855, was married to Miss Ann Maria Sulli- van, a native of Albany. In 1857, during the panic, Mr. O'Brien and family emigrated West, and for about eight months worked in Peoria, 111., and in 1858, moved to Valparaiso, Ind., where his family has ever since resided, except two years, while a resident of Cass County, this State. He began here by working at his trade in partnership with William Quinn, at which they were engaged some five years. They then em- barked in the grocery trade, which was continued a number of years. Mr. O'Brien afterward purchased Mr. Quinn's interest and continued the business for a time alone. In 1879, he received a Government ap- pointment as issue clerk to the Sioux Indians, at Standing Rock, D. T., under the supervision of Father Stephens, a Catholic Missionary from Indiana. In 1880, he came back to his family in Valparaiso, and the same year formed a partnership with Charles Miller, of Chicago, in a general store at Valparaiso, and Mr. O'Brien has since been here at the head of the establishment. They carry everything found in a first-class general store, including dry goods, clothing, crockery, tin and glass ware. Mr. O'Brien by his first wife had ten children, seven of whom are yet living. Their names are Katie C, James E., William Smith, Mary M., Michael P., John J. and Ann, living, and James, Mary and Sophia, deceased. The mother died May 3, 1873. Mr. O'Brien married his present wife. Miss Sophia Sullivan, in the fall of 1874, in Chicago, and by her has three children — Frank, Bertha and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. O'Brien is a Republican. He was elected Councilman of the Third Ward of Val- paraiso, and served for two years. In 1872, he was elected Trustee of Centre Township, and served six consecutive years. He is one of the well-known and substantial merchants of Valparaiso. MICHAEL O'REILLY, pastor of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church of Valparaiso, is a native of Clonmellon, Westmeath Co., Ireland, and was born January 29, 1834. His father, John O'Reilly, a steward on Ross Mead for Capt. Robinson, of the Royal Navy, was married, in 1833, to Ann Bennett, and to this union were born one son and three daughters, of whom our subject and two sisters only are living. John O'Reilly died when Michael was but seven years of age. His mother CITY OF VALPARAISO. 265 again marrying, Michael began life's battle on his own responsibility, and up to the age of thirteen made his home with an uncle, aiding him in his duties as salesman of timber. In 1846, he joined one of the secret rebel clubs denounced by the Government, and was, in consequence, advised to seek a refuge in America. In 1848, he came over alone, and made his way to the home of an uncle in Utica, N. Y., and for a number of years was engaged in various pursuits iji Oneida and Genesee Counties. He saved his earnings, sent over for two of his sisters, and at sixteen began going to school. When unable to attend, his strong inclination for study led him to read all books of value that came in his way, and he thus ac- quired a good preparatory education. At seventeen, he began teaching in the winters, and with the money thus earned entered Oberlin College,, (Ohio), where he remained until his Junior year. He then entered Notre Dame University at South Bend, studied mental philosophy and other branches pertaining to a classical course, and then entered St. Mary's Seminary at Cincinnati, went through a thorough theological course and was admitted to the priesthood. He was assigned to Fort Wayne Diocese, and a short time after came to Valparaiso and took charge of its Catholic congregation, then numbering fifty or sixty families, with a debt of about $4,000, and with neither house nor school. With commendable energy, Father O'Reilly went to work to remedy this unfortunate condition of affairs, and as a result of his zeal and persistency he can now boast of one of the finest congregations in the city, numbering about 2,000 souls, freed of all mortgages. He has also established churches at Hobart, Chesterton and Westville, and is now engaged in erecting a new church edifice at Valparaiso. He is untiring in his labors, is one of Valparaiso's best citizens, and is respected and esteemed by all her people, irrespective OT 8P0t'flil*13Tl (llirPrPTlPPS O'SULLIVAN & McAULIFFE. Patrick T. O'SuUivan is a native of the village of Shannonvale, County Cork, Ireland, and was born April 5, 1852. He is one of eight children, five of whom are yet living, born to John and Hanora (O'Donovan) O'Sullivan. He was educated in the Irish national and select schools, and in November, 1872, emigrated to America, landing in New York in December. He came to La Porte, Ind., and in January, 1873, entered Notre Dame University, graduating in June, 1874. The following August, he came to Valparaiso and be- came a teacher in St. Paul's Grammar School, where he remained eight years. In September, 1881, in partnership with J. F. McAuIiffe, he es- tablished the Valparaiso Herald, issuing the first number on the 29th of that month. The paper is a six-column quarto, independent in politics, has become one of the leading journals of Porter County, and ranks among to most ably edited papers of Northern Indiana. J. F. McAuLiEFE was born in Porter County, Ind., in December, 1859, and is one of the five living children of a family of nine born to John and Catharine (Clifford) McAuliiFe, natives of Ireland. The parents came to America in about 1849. The father died December 14, 1876 ; the widow still survives and is living in Centre Township, on the Joliet road, west of Valparaiso. J. F. McAuliife was reared in this county, and received a good practical education, which was finished at St. Paul's Grammar School, Valparaiso. He was married, May 3, 1881, to Sophia. Haberle, and is the father of one daughter, Catharine. 266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: AARON PARKS was born in Erie County, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and is a son of E. W. Parks, a native of Vermont, a grandson of Aaron Parks, and his great-grandfather was a native of Ireland, and came to America previous to the war of the Revolution. He served in this war, as did also the grandfather, the former dying in the defense of his adopted country. The grandfather, Aaron Parks, lived to the age of one hundred and two years, and died in Vermont. E. W. Parks, was a carpenter by trade, but also farmed. He was twice married; first, to a Miss Olds, who died leaving him a family of four children, three of whom yet live. His second wife, the mother of Aaron Parks, of Valparaiso, was Mrs. Mary (Gilbreath) Bear, a wid- owed lady with two children, only one yet living. To her union with Mr. Parks there were born five children, only two, Aaron and a sister, yet living. The mother died in 1844, and the father went to Lenawee County, Mich., where he died in 1848. Aaron Parks lived with his father until his death, then went to live with a half-sister in Berrien County, Mich., but at the age of eighteen, went to Niles, Mich., to learn the gun- smith trade with William Van Blear, remaining with him three years. He then went to Michigan City, where for about a year he worked at his trade. In 1852, he came to Indiana, and for the first two years was in La Porte, working at gunsmithing. He then came to Valparaiso with but very little more than his tools, but has accumulated some property and a home. He was married, June 1, 1856, to Jane Cook, and to them have been born five children — Alice E., Gilbert (dead), Emery (dead), Samuel A. and Gordie (dead). Mr. Parks at one time held the position of one of the " City Fathers " of Valparaiso. He is a Republican, and is the present Township Trustee of Centre Township. In 1864, he entered the Government service for seven months, and was on detached duty as Orderly at Camp Carrington. He is at present working at his trade, and in addition does a general repairing business. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. WILLIAM E. PINNEY, attorney at law, was born in La Porte County, Ind., November 10, 1847, and is the fourth of the eight children of William and Cynthia (Long) Pinney, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Virginia, and of English descent. The paternal progenitor of this family came to America in 1620, and his descendants are now scattered through- out almost all the States of the Union. In 1837, William Pinney came from Ohio to La Porte County with his parents, and December 23, 1841. married Miss Cynthia Long, who came to La Porte County with her parents in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Pinney still reside in La Porte County, in Clinton Township, on the old homestead. William B. Pinney was reared in La Porte County, assisting on the home farm, and attending the district schools. Subsequently, he attended the old Male and Femal" College at Valparaiso, this county, and then began the study of law in the ofiice of Weir & Biddle, of La Porte, remaining with them some time. In 1872, he entered the Law Department of the Indiana University, at Bloomington, and in April, 1874, came to Valparaiso, and opened a law, loan and abstract office. Here Mr. Pinney has the only complete set of abstract titles in Porter County, and ever since his location here has been actively employed in his profession of attorney and counselor at law, and CITY OP VALPARAISO. 267 the transaction of loan and title abstract business. On the 18th of Novem- ber, 1875, Mr. Pinney married Miss Finette Morrison, a native of La Porte County, born July 7, 18.50, and eldest of the three children of John and Susan (Blair) Morrison, both families being early settlers in Northern Indiana, and Judge Blair, her mother's father, one of the old and prominent settlers of Porter County, and also one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church at Valparaiso. Mrs. Pinney is a lady of more than ordinary culture, is devoted to the interests of the family, and to her intelligence and industry Mr. Pinney attributes much of his success. Their little daughter, Myra Finette, now two years of age, and their only child, is very intelligent and far advanced for one of her age. Mrs . Pinney is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Pinney, although a member of no religious society, is thoroughly orthodox in his views of theology. In politics, he is a Democrat, although liberal in his opinions, never hesitating to condemn that which he considers to be wrong in his party, but firmly upholding the right. His grandfather, Horace Pinney, served in the war of 1812 as a Drum Major, and others of his ancestors served in the Revolutionary war, one as Lieutenant and one as Colonel. The characteristic feature of the family is an unassuming, quiet disposition, but a number of them have become quite prominent as private citizens. Mr. Pinney's father, William Pinney, is a man of extraordinary natural ability. , HOMER W. PORTER, County School Superintendent, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 9, 1843, the only child of Hiram and Lucy (Ayres) Porter, natives of the same State and of English descent. Mr. Hiram Porter died when Homer W. was but two years old, his widow afterward marrying Abner Tillabaugh. Homer was reared by his grandmother Porter, and was educated chiefly by members of the family, and in his nineteenth year began teaching school at $8 per month ; the next year he received $11. In the spring of 1863, he moved to Somonauk, 111., where he engaged in the drug trade with an uncle for six months, taught another term of school, and in the spring of 1864 came to Valparaiso, and entered the Freshman year of the old Male and Female College. At the end of the summer he again taught school and clerked until the fall of 1868, when he married Miss Caroline Haste. He was next employed as first teacher in the grammar department of the high school ; then farmed for some time, and continued farming and teaching until the spring of 1881, when he moved to Valparaiso, and was elected County School Superintendent in December of the same year, now filling the unexpired term of Reason Shinabarger, resigned. Mr. Porter is a Republican, and he and wife are parents of two children — Willie H. and Edith. GEORGE QUATERMASS, retired farmer, first came to Porter County, Ind., with his family from Canada in 1860, and settled where - he now resides and engaged in farming. He was a native of the State of New York, and was born February 19, 1813. Moved to Canada with his parents when but a small boy, and was reared there to manhood. Was twice married, first to Emily Harris, who died in Canada in 1860. He married his second wife, Sarah Janes, in Porter County, and he and she are yet living at Wheeler. The names of the children born to his 268 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: first marriage were Eliza, Almira, Reuben, James (deceased), Martha, Emerson, George and Martin (deceased). The children are all mar- ried. In 1871, Reuben came to Valparaiso and opened a general store, and this led to the business that is now carried on by those of that name. At the end of four years, Emerson became a partner of Reuben, and the firm then became Quatermass Bros. Previous to their partnership being formed, the building now occupied by E. Quatermass & Co. was built, and into this they removed their stock in 1874. In 1878, Reuben Qua- termass retired from the partnership, and in March, 1882, moved to Moline, Kan., where he yet resides, engaged in the stock business. Em- erson then formed a partnership with a brother-in-law, F. W. Schenck, under the firm name of E. Quatermass & Co. Their stock comprises on the first floor dry goods, gents' furnishing goods, house furnishing goods and notions of every description ; on the second floor is clothing, carpets and merchant tailoring. They carry a first-class stock of all kinds of dry goods, silks, and, in fact, everything that can be found in a city of ten times the size of Valparaiso. Their force employed in this establish- ment is twenty-four persons, and they do an average annual business of $100,000. Emerson Quatermass, the senior member of the firm, was born in Canada in 1850 ; came to Porter County in 1872, and in November, 1878, married Miss Grace Schenck, daughter of Benjamin Schenck, deceased, one of the pioneers of Porter County. Mr. Q. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Q. is a member of the Christian Church. AARON ROGERS, son of Elisha and Zilpha (Dean) Rogers, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., April 27, 1827. His father was a native of Madison County, N. Y., and of Irish descent. He was a farmer, and married in Genesee County, N. Y. He and wife came to Porter County, Ind., in 1851, where they both died. Aaron Rogers passed his early years on his parents' farm, and at the age of seventeen began life's battle on his own responsibility, but the greater part of the proceeds of his labors went to his parents until he attained his majority, when he opened a dry goods, general notion and auction house in Western New York. After that, he engaged in traveling and selling goods until 1851, when he came to Valparaiso, and July 3, of that year, opened a jewelry store, and worked at manufacturing and mending until within the past few years, when he turned his attention more chiefly to banking and deal- ing in real estate. Mr. Rogers was married in Kenosha, Wis., April 27, 1853, to Miss .Jane Conner, and to this marriage have been born four children — Eleanor Arvilla, now Mrs. C. T. Allen ; Chauncy Jerome, Eugenia and Roscoe. The mother is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and Mr. Rogers is a Republican, but formerly was a Whig. J. A. RYAN, M. D., was born near South Bend, Ind., September 23, 1852, and is the third child of a family of seven children born to John L. and Eliza (Nixon) Ryan, who were natives of New York State. Dr. Ryan's grandfather, Ryan, was a native of Ireland, and came to America, where he died very shortly after the birth of John L. Ryan. Our subject's mother died December 24, 1879 ; his father is yet living on his farm near South Bend, where he has resided the past thirty-five years. Dr. Ryan was reared in St. Joseph County, Ind., and after attending the CITY OF VALPARAISO. ', 269" common country schools, went to South Bend, graduating from the high school of that city. He began the study of medicine in 1875, under Dr. Sweetland. He taught school three terms after coming out of high school, and the winters of 18T6, 1877 and 1878 attended and graduated from the Bennett Eclectic Medical College of Chicago. The spring of 1878, he took a special course in the Eye and Ear College, receiving a special diploma. While then not knowing where he would locate, he passed an examination before the State Board of Health, receiving a cer- tificate from that institution. He came to Valparaiso in October, 1878, and in partnership with Dr. Vincent, embarked in the practice of his pro- fession. In May, 1879, he purchased Dr. Vincent's practice, and has met with excellent success. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Knight Templar of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He was mar- ried. May 20, 1879, to Miss Carrie Wood, daughter of Agustus Wood, one of the old settlers of Northwestern Indiana, and now a merchant of Hobart. He and wife are the parents of one son — Claude A., born Au- gust 26, 1881. The mother was born at Michigan City, in May, 1853. M. A. SALISBURY was born in La Porte County, Ind., April 22,. 1836, one of five children, three yet living, born to D. J. and Mariette (Congdon) Salisbury, who were natives of Vermont and New York respectively. His grandparents, John and Sabrina (Jones) Salisbury, were natives of New England, and emigrated to La Porte County in. about 1833. They were farmers, and lived and died there. The parents of our subject also emigrated to La Porte County in about 1834, and located in Kankakee Township. In about 1853, the parents went to- Clinton County, Iowa, and thence came to Valparaiso, Ind., in 1858, where both are yet living retired. M. A. Salisbury was reared in La Porte County, during which time he received only a common school edu- cation. November 19, 1856, he was married in Valparaiso to Martha Hicks, and has made his home here ever since. He first came to Porter County in August, 1852, and entered as clerk in a drug store. He so continued until 1861, when he was appointed Postmaster at Valparaiso by Abraham Lincoln, retaining the position until after the assassination of Lincoln, when he was deposed by Andrew Johnson. He then engaged in dealing in books, stationery, wall-paper, musical instruments, etc. His wife died December 24, 1861, the mother of one daughter, Clara, who died at the age of twelve months. May 26, 1863, he mar- ried Viola (Mallory) Salisbury, who has borne him a family of five chil- dren — Jennie, Mariette, Charles (deceased), Alice (deceased), and Marion. G. Z. SALYER (deceased) was born in Tompkins County, N. Y.. April 16, 1809. He went to White Pigeon, Mich., in about 1831, and there. May 9, 1833, married Xenia Read, who was born in Susque- hanna County, Penn., November 14, 1814, and was a daughter of Belden Read, who moved to White Pigeon in 1830. Succeeding their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Salyer moved to La Porte, Ind., when Mr. Salyer worked at his trade (carpenter and joiner) until the land sales in Porter County in 1,835, when they removed to Centre Township, when Mr. Salyer purchased eighty acres and bought out a grocery store, which he carried on in connection with his trade. He assisted in the erection of some of the first buildings of Valparaiso, and made this his home 270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; until his death, September 20, 1865. He was one of the prominent and influential men of his time, and for many years acted as Justice of the Peace. He was a Republican, formerly a Whig, and was a member of long standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He and wife began married life with but very little means, and they worked hard and econo- mized, until at the time of Mr. S.'s death they had considerable prop- erty. Mrs. Salyer owns valuable city property adjoining the public square, and is yet a resident of Valparaiso. To her marriage with Mr. Salyer there were born seven children — Don A., Mary E. (now Mrs. David Hamilton), Charlotte (now Mrs. Elijah Wood), Leon G. (deceased), Orvin (deceased), Robert E., married to Orpha Dennison and residing in Steuben County, Ind., and Winfield S., who married Edith Patrick, and resides in Valparaiso. G. Z. Salyer was for many years a merchant of the place, and his name is familiar to all old settlers of Porter County. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic order of Valparaiso, and was buried with Masonic rites. Don A. Salyer was born in La Porte, Ind., September 22, 1834, and came with his parents to Val- paraiso in 1835, and has always made this his home. He received his education from the town schools, and was married in the fall of 1856 to Miss Amy Armstrong, daughter of Chauncy and Polly (Grriswold) Arm- strong, of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and succeeding his marriage Mr. Salyer engaged in merchandising in Valparaiso, which he continued until about 1876, when he purchased the paper mill he yet owns, which he had pre- viously erected in partnership with T. Gr. Lytle in 1864. He has oper- ated this mill ever since. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the parents of two sons and one daughter — Dorsey C, George C. and Fidelia. Mr. Salyer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has ascended to the Commandery, being Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He is a Republican and a member of the City Council. G. A. SAYLES, of the hardware firm of Sayles & Conover, was born in Warren, Warren Co., Penn., January 3, 1830, one of a family of seven children, five of whom are yet living, born to Scott W. and Rhoda (Bal- lard) Sayles, who were natives respectively of New York and Vermont. Scott W. Sayles was a manufacturer and dealer in hats, caps, furs, etc., in Warren, and after his removal to Cleveland, in 1836, continued the same until he was burned out. He was then elected County Treasurer of Cuyahoga County, serving in that capacity eight years. After this he engaged in ship-building for three years, after which he established steam, saw-mills at Cambridge and Erie, Penn. From the latter place, he removed to Cleveland, and from there to Bay City, Mich., where "lie died February, 1865. His widow survived him until July 5, 1881, when she, too, died. They were members of the Congregational Church, and Mr. Sayles was a Republican, but formerly a Whig, tinctured with Free-Soil ism. He served two terms as County Clerk of Bay County, Mich. G. A. Sayles lived with his parents until about the age of twenty-four, dur- ing which time he received a fair education from the common schools. He learned the tinner's trade at and near Cleveland, and worked for one year at the same in Anamosa, Iowa. In August, 1855, he came to Val- paraiso ; at that time he was only worth about $400, all of which he had CITY OF VALPARAISO. 271 earned by his own labor. He in company with Isaac Marshall engaged in a stove and tin store, but after Mr. M.'s death, a few months later, William Wilson was admitted, and this firm added hardware to their stock. Mr. Sayles has remained in the hardware trade ever since, and has been very successful. He formed his present partnership with George Conover in August, 1881, and this firm now carries a full line of hard- ware, stoves and tinware. Mr. Sayles is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. They were married in Cleve- land, Ohio, the winter of 1854, Mrs. Sayles at that time being Miss Sarah Foote, a daughter of Caleb Foot. They are the parents of five children — Anna, Henry, Kate (now Mrs. George Conover), Emma and Gilbert. DR. M. F. SAYLES, brother of G. A. Sayles, was born in Cleve- land, Ohio, March 8, 1836. He received a good practical education from the public schools of Cleveland and high school at Erie, Penn. In 1858, he came to Valparaiso, and engaged in clerking in his brother's hardware store. In 1864, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Ken- . dall, of Valparaiso, and in 1865 attended the Hahnemann Medical Col- lege of Chicago. After leaving there, he went to St. Charles, Minn., and became associated in the practice of medicine with Dr. T. H. Everts, formerly of Valparaiso. He remained in company with Dr. Everts, profiting by his experience, for one year. He then spent one winter at Boonville, Mo., and then returned to Porter County, and opened an ofiBce at Hebron, where he carried on a successful practice until 1876, when he came to Valparaiso, where he yet remains in active practice, and is now one of the well known physicians of the place. Dr. Sayles was married in 1860, to Miss Fanny Jones, daughter of Isaac Jones, of Chicago. AARON STANTON was born December 7, 1832, in La Porte, Ind., and is the eldest of seven living children of a family of nine born to Thomas E. and Sarah (Pagin) Stanton, who were natives of Preble County, Ohio, and of English and German descent respectively. The Stantons were Quakers, and the maternal great-grandfather of our ^ubject, Fisher, was a native of Germany, and during the Revolutionary war was drafted from the German Empire to return a favor to England that Ger- many owed. He served five years on the British side, but after the war adopted this as his country. The parents of our subject were married in Union County, Ind., and in 1829 moved to La Porte, Ind., where they engaged in farming. The father, in 1849, crossed the plains to California, and remained in that country two years engaged in mining. In 1852, he sold, out at La Porte and removed to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and from there moved to California in 1856, locating in Santa Barbara, where he died in 1874. His widow and the remainder of the family are still residents of California, Mrs Stanton making her home at Los Angeles. Aaron Stanton was reared in La Porte County, Ind., during which time he received a good common school education. He learned two trades — blacksmith's and tinner's — but his chief employment has been farming. He was married the 6th of March, 1853, to Miss Caroline S. Malone, and the spring of 1854 came to Valparaiso and established the first ready-made clothing store in the place. In 1856, he sold out and moved to Winneshiek, Iowa, where for two years he was in the hardware trade, 272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; and in 1861 moved back to La Porte County, Ind., and purchased a farm of 190 acres in Washington Township, and engaged in farming. In 1881, he removed from that county to Valparaiso, and is now engaged in the agricultural implement business and looking after his farm. He is a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28, and is a Republican. He and wife are the parents of three children — George E., married to Dell Ball, and a merchant of Valparaiso ; Sarah B. and Mary E. RUEL STARR, deceased, one of the pioneers of Porter County, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., December 22, 1804, and was a son of Noah and Alfleda (Fuller) Starr, the former being a soldier in the war of 1812, and in command of a company at Buffalo that crossed the Niagara River from Black Rock, and participated in the battle of Queenstown, October 13, 1812. Ruel Starr, in 1830, went to Kalamazoo, Mich., and in Comstock, of that State, December 29, 1830, married Phebe E., daughter of Caleb and Phebe (Brownell) Eldred, who was born in Otsego County, N. Y., January 18, 181-2. This couple, in May, 1834, moveii to Washington Township, Porter Co., Ind., where they built a cabin and engaged in pioneer pursuits. They partook of all the hardships of life in a new country, and in the spring of 1859 moved to Valparaiso, where Mr. Starr died April 19, 1875. His widow yet survives him and resides in Valparaiso with her only living child, Mrs. Kittie L. McGill, who was born May 3, 1849, and was married May 18, 1869, to James McGill. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Starr a family of six children altogether, but the five foUowmg-named died : Noah W., Octavius E., Augustus A., Caleb E. and Phebe E. Of the death of Mr. Starr, the following is a sam- ple of what the county papers said of him : " He was one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Porter County. He was very active in everything pertaining to the welfare of his country and he did much toward building up the county to its present proportions. In every sense of the word he was a self-made man, coming to the county poor, and by industry and economy accumulating a competence. He was a Democrat in politics, but not by any means a politician, although he was often called upon and did fill both township and county ofiBces. His death was sin- cerely mourned and regretted by a large concourse of friends who followed his remains to their last resting-place — the grave — ^but by none more than his family. He was interred in the city cemetery." COL. I. C. B. SUMAN, Postmaster at Valparaiso, is a native of Frederick County, Md., and was born January 4, 1831, the next to the youngest of a family of seven children, six of whom are still living, born to Albert and Mary (Lantz) Suman, who were natives of the South, and of English- German descent. Albert Suman was born August 17, 1768, and served several years in the Revolutionary war under Gen. Marion. He was a tanner by trade, and made that his occupation until his death, March 16, 1842. Mrs. Mary Suman was born December 12, 1793, and died December 8, 1871. Col. I. C. B. Suman was reared in Maryland, and received a common-school education. In May, 1846, he enlisted in the First United States Artillery for the Mexican war under Maj. Ring- gold, of Maryland. He remained in the artillery service about two years, and was then transferred to the Second United States Dragoons, and served in the United States Army at that time a total of five years. CITY OF VALPAKAISO. 273 He was under Gen. Taylor, and participated in the engagements of Palo Alto, Monterey, Buena Vista, and all the movements of Taylor's army after crossing the river at Brownsville until the capture of the City of Mexico. At close of the war, he returned to Maryland. His father had been a large slave-owner, but after his failure in business and his death, the family were left in reduced circumstances. Our subject, being strongly opposed to slavery, and thinking to make a better livelihood in a free country, started on foot for the Northwest in the fall of 1852, his total possessions at the time amounting to $8 in cash. At Wooster, Ohio, where he had an aunt living, he engaged at carpentering with a Mr. Daily, formerly of Valparaiso, Ind., and with him remained a year. He then started West, and, reaching Valparaiso, and liking the place and the people, concluded to make it his home. Here he resumed his trade, which he followed until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion. The news of the fall of Sumter reached him while he was at work on a frame fence for T. B. Cole, when he instantly dropped his tools and went down town and enlisted for the war as a private in Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being the second to volunteer from Porter County. On the election for ofiScers, Mr. Suman was chosen First Lieu- tenant. The day before going to the front, April 21, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Goss, and, leaving his bridp, took part in the three months' service, participating in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford. The regiment was then mustered out, came home, and re-organized for three years, Mr. Suman being chosen as Captain of his Company — H. He received his commission August 29, 1861, and as a Captain served until August 20, 1862, when, by reason of vacancy, he was promoted Lieutenant Colonel of the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. As such he served until, through the resig- nation of Col. Blake, he was promoted to the Colonelcy of his regiment April 17, 1863, and with this rank remained in active service throughout the war. March 18, 1865, he received from headquarters a document, a portion of which read as follows : " You are hereby informed that the President of the United States has appointed you, for gallant and meri- torious services during the war, a Brigadier General of volunteers by brevet." The war being virtually over, Col. Suman declined this pro- motion, as he did not enter his country's service for the sake of honors, but in her defense. Of all Indiana's Colonels, he alone preserved and retained the field books. July 28, 1865, he was appointed Second Lieu- tenant in the Thirty-eighth Infantry, regular army, and this appointment he also declined. On being mustered out, he returned to his wife, and, purchasing a farm in Jackson Township, moved thereon and engaged in agricultural pursuits until April, 1881, when he moved to Valparaiso and received his appointment as Postmaster in April, 1882. On his farm, which comprises over 400 acres, the B. & 0. R. R. Company have erected a station, which is named in his honor. Mr. Suman is a Repub- lican in politics, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Mrs. Suman is a member of the Presbyterian Church. To them have been born four children — Ada May (now Mrs. Lawry, of Kansas), Alice Bell, Bessie E. and Frank T. Besides the battles already spoken of. Col. Suman took part in the following : Greenbrier, Buffalo Mountain, Shi- 274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: loh, Perryville, Stone River (here he was twice wounded ; one wound, by a minie ball passing through his body, being very severe), Chicka- mauga, Lookout Mountain (where he was slightly wounded), Missionary Ridge (and here again he received another wound), Ringgold, Dalton, Resaca, Gulp's Farm, Pine Top Mountain, Rough's Station, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, Lovejoy's Station, Franklin, Nashville and many other engagements and skirmishes. Col. Suman never curried favor with his superior officers, and all he is, and has been, came through his own self-reliance. WILLIAM C. TALCOTT, son of Joseph and Rebecca Talcott, was born in Dalton, Berkshire County, Mass., December 25, 1815, and during the first year of his age his parents moved their family to Madi- son, Lake Co., Ohio, where he resided with them till the age often, and then with others until nearly twenty, when he came to La Porte County, Ind., in August, 1835 ; in the spring of 1837, became to Porter County, where he has resided ever since, except perhaps the years 1843 and 1844, which were passed at Waterford, La Porte County, and 1845 and 1846, near South Bend. He was married. May 1, 1838, to Miss Maria Luther, who has borne him six children, of whom two sons and one daughter died young. Of the three surviving, Henry is a District Judge in Kansas ; Joseph, is a postal clerk between Crestline and Chicago ; the youngest, Charles, is his father's partner in the publication of the Porter County Vidette at Valparaiso, and is also Treasurer of the School Board. Will- iam C. Talcott became religious at the age of fifteen, and began studying for the Presbyterian ministry, but during his studies his faith in endless punishment became so shaken that he abandoned the intention. Becom- ing pretty well established in the belief of Universalism, he acted as a pioneer preacher of that creed for about ten years, when he lost his faith in spiritual worlds and beings, and since 1845 his creed has consisted of " doing as you would be done by," and in that year he founded a com- munity on this basis near South Bend, which failed only through a dis- agreement among the investors in the land, whereby the better part of the promised site was lost. In 1840, Mr. Talcott was elected Justice ; was appointed Probate -Judge in 1849, and was elected to the same office in 1850 ; he resigned in 1852, to accept the Democratic nomination for Assemblyman, but being an earnest temperance and anti-slavery advocate, was defeated. In 1856, he was elected Common Pleas Judge, and was twice re-elected, serving twelve years, after which he for six years prac- ticed law. His experience as a publisher began in 1846, at South Bend, where he started the Spirit of Reform, hoping to advance a reform in spelling, of which he is still a devoted advocate. In 1847, he bought a half-interest in the Western Ranger, published at Valparaiso, and was part- ner in it nearly two years ; then bought the other half, entitled it the Practical Observer, made it a temperance, anti-slavery and otherwise reformatory Democratic paper until 1854, and after that Republican till 1857, when by reason of employment on the bench he sold out. But in 1874, he pur- chased the Vidette, as the successor, by another name, of what he sold, and after a few months his son, Charles R., became a partner with him, and since then the firm has made that paper what it is. Mr. Talcott has had some experience in Porter County in surveying, teaching, preach- CITY OF VALPARAISO. 275 ing, farming, publishing and practicing and administering law, and his experience in these things, with his economic tendency of mind, have made him a devoted advocate of economical reforms as advocated for years past in the Vidette. His life has been a peaceful one, a plain and tolerably temperate and healthy one, and since relieved of apprehension of hell-fire for himself or others, whom he cared for measurably as him- self, a happy one, he having been growing happy with increasing years despite the lack of hope of anything beyond this life but sle^p, believing that he is habitually the happiest person in the world. RUFUS P. WELLS, coal dealer, a native of Athens County, Ohio, was born December 5, 1817. He is one of a family of ten chil- dren born to Varnum G. and Sarah (Davis) Wells, who were natives respectively of Rhode Island and Maine, and of Welsh and English descent. Varnum G. Wells was a millwright, and came to Marietta, Ohio, in about 1800, and there married. He served in the war of 1812, and held a Captain's commission. At the close of the war, he removed to Athens County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming and working at his trade until his death in 1835, preceded by that of his wife in 1833. Rufus P. Wells was reared in Ohio until seventeen years old. In the fall of 1837, he and his half-uncle and family moved to Indiana, and that winter our subject remained in Elkhart County. In the spring of 1838, he came to Porter County, and worked around at odd jobs for four years. He then engaged in teaching winters and working summers. September 30, 1849, Mr.. Wells married Miss Maria Smith, and moved upon his farm in Porter Township, which he had purchased in 1844. He yet retains the old farm, which now consists of 320 acres. He was elected in 1870 to the office of Clerk of Courts of Porter County, by the Repub- lican party, taking his seat in November, 1871 ; afterward was re-elected, serving in all eight years. Since that time, he has been dealing in coal and looking after his farm. Mr. Wells is a member of the F. & A. M., and a member of the Christian Church. His wife died in 1875, leaving three children — John Q., Orrin M. and Mary E., now Mrs. C. E. Man- deville. March 10, 1878, Mr. Wells married his present wife, Mrs. Ruth (Winspear) Shenck, a native of England. W. C. WELLS, County Recorder, was born in Fulton County, Ohio, March 22, 1848. His father, David Wells, was born in Maryland in 1800, married' Rebecca Jones in Ohio, and by her had twelve children. He had come to Ohio when a boy, and there Mrs. Wells died. About 1845, Mr. Wells married Mrs. Catherine J. (Crane) Maxwell, a widow with two daughters. In March, 1854, this couple came to Porter County, where they had relatives living, and where Mr. Wells had, the previous year, purchased 160 acres of land on Section 33, Centre Township. Into a log cabin on the place, Mr. Wells moved his family and household goods and began clearing. That fall — 1854 — the father and two sons died of typhoid fever. The mother, with her remaining children, shortly after moved to Union Township, where she married J. G. Curry, and died in October, 1864. Mr. W. C. Wells was reared chiefly in Porter County, and when but little over fifteen years of age enlisted, December 5, 1863, in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. He was chosen Third Sergeant, and the spring of 1864 went to 276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the front and joined Sherman's army at Resaca, Ga. He participated in all the movements of that army until the capture of Atlanta, when his corps — Twenty-third — came back to Nashville with Gen. Thomas, engaging on the way in a running fight with Gen. Hood's command. After the bat- tle of Nashville, the were sent via Washington to North Carolina, where they remained in active service until the close of the war, Mr. W. re- ceiving his discharge October 20, 1865. On his return to Porter County, he engaged in farming, and has remained here ever since, except one year, when he resided in Minnesota. He was married in 1868, to Victoria Morrison, of Porter County, and to this union have been born five chil- dren — Maud, Mabel, Guy, Paul and Ray. Mr. Wells is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. He is a Republican, and in 1878 was elected County Re- corder, with a majority over three competitors of about five hundred. In July, 1882, he was re-elected. He was also elected Justice of the Peace and Township Assessor in Pleasant Township, from which he moved to Valparaiso, when elected County Recorder. THERON C. WHITE, of the firm of White, McFetrich & Co., lumber dealers, was born near Goshen, Mass., December 10, 1815, son of Frebun and Betsey White, who were parents of three sons and one daughter, the last now deceased. The family moved to Wayne County, Penn., in 1819, where they tilled a small farm, engaged in the lumber trade, operated a saw-mill, conducted a mill-wrighting business, and for a few years manufactured large numbers of umbrella handles. There the father died, August 9, 1844, and in January, 1855, Theron C. came to Valparaiso, to which place his brother Daniel had preceded him in 1850, a younger brother, Samuel, and his mother following in the spring of 1855. The mother died here in June, 1856, and Samuel returned to Pennsylvania the same year. Theron C. was married in Pennsylvania, to Salina A. Horton, December 15, 1837. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the parents of four children — Delia, wife of Reason Bell ; Levi T.; Freelove, now Mrs. John W. Elam, and Calista, the wife of F. M. Frasier. Mr. White is a Republican, he was County Surveyor for two years; owns ten acres adjoining the city limits, and a good house, and the firm of which he is a member is doing a very large trade. His grandfather, Ebenezer White, was a direct descendant from Peregrine White, of " Mayflower " renown, and the family line runs back to England as far as the fifteenth century. DANIEL S. WHITE was born in Hampshire County, Mass., November 18, 1817, and in 1819 was taken by his parents to Wayne County, Penn., where he was reared. He was married, in 1843, to Louisa Kellogg, who bore him two children — Martha J., now Mrs. James McFetrich, and Edwin F., who married Emma Dunning, and is now re- siding in Kansas. The mother died in April, 1868. In September, 1869, Mr. White married Henrietta Cunda, who died July 25, 1870. His third wife was Mrs. Mary A. (Pierce) Wheeler, widow of Daniel Wheeler. In March, 1850, Mr. White came to Valparaiso with his father-in-law, Azor Kellogg, and was his partner in a foundry ; he after- ward built the first steam mill in the city for Crosby & Hass ; was en- gaged for three years in saw-milling at Prattville, with Theron C. White ; CITY OF VALPARAISO. 277 then with John Kellogg started thefirstplaning-mill in Valparaiso, build- ing the engine, and after that engaged in running a planing-mill and dealing in lumber, first under the firm name of White, Hunt & Co., and now under that of White, McFetrich & Co. Mr. White is a Democrat. He has served as Township Trustee, and is one of' the most substantial citizens of Valparaiso. He is a Presbyterian, having held oflScial position in that church for upward of thirty years. BENJAMIN WILCOX, deceased, was a native of Middletown, Conn., was born May 18, 1816. He was a son of Benjamin Wilcox, who was a ship-builder of Middletown, and of English descent. Benjamin, Jr., spent his early years in his native town, afterward moving with his parents to LeRoy, N. Y., and from that time started in life on his own responsibility. He taught school and worked his own way through col- lege, kiid graduated from Williams College in about 1840, and soon af- ter this took the Principalship of Yates Academy, in Orleans County, N. Y., and while officiating in this capacity married in 1843, in Durham, Conn., Miss Harriet M. Parmalee, who was born in December, 1824, and was a daughter of Phineas Parmalee, of Durham. Succeeding his mar- riage, Mr. Wilcox remained as Principal of Yates Academy for some time, afterward going to Wilson, Niagara County, and assuming the Principalship of the Wilson Collegiate Institute. In 1856, he removed to River Falls, Wis., and took the Principalship of the academy at that place, and also engaged in a drug trade and farming, and remained there until 1864, when he came to Valparaiso, Ind., and took charge of a school, and afterward was elected Principal of the Public Schools. In 1870, he went to South Bend, and was elected Principal of the Public Schools there, which position he retained until his death, August 16, 1875. His first wife died in 1853, and to their marriage were born three children, all yet living. His second wife was Caroline E. Parmelee, sister of his first wife, and this lady bore him three children, and is yet living in South Bend. Mr. Wilcox was a Republican, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church at the time of his death. W. P. Wilcox, a son by his first marriage, was born in Wilson, N. Y., June 23, 1848. He established his drug store in Valparaiso in 1870, but previous to that time was in the drug trade here, in partnership with W. A. Bryant. He was married, December 31, 1872, to Ella C. De Groff", of Valparaiso, and to them has been born one son — Willis D. J. D. WILSON, carpenter and proprietor of planing-mill, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., October 2, 1829. He is one of six living children in a family of eight born to William and Rachel (Clark) Wilson, who were natives of New Jersey and of German descent. William Wil- son was a farmer by occupation, and followed that through life. He died in Pennsylvania at the age of sixty-three, in 1861; his widow died in 1879, at the age of eighty-three. J. D. Wilson was reared on his parents' farm, received a common school education, and in 1853 came to Indiana. He went to Lake County first, remaining there about a year ; then came to Valparaiso and began working at the carpenter trade, at which busi- ness he has ever since been employed. For fifteen years, he was in the employ of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company, supervising the construction of bridges and wood work between Valpa- 278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: raiso and Fort Wayne. Two years of this time he resided at Warsatr, Ind., and with the exception of this time has always resided in Val- paraiso. In 1872, he purchased his present planing-mill on East Main street, and has since been manufacturing doors, sash, blinds, moldings, etc., and everything pertaining to planing-mill work. He has all the ♦ latest improved machinery, keeps employed an average force of ten men, and transacts an average alnnual business of over |20,000. Mr. Wilson was married in Lake County in 1855, to Miss Nancy P. Brown, and to their union were born six children — Ed. L., Rachel, Emma J., and Hylin, living, and William and Frank S., deceased. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wilson is a Republican and a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery. No. 28. JOHN W. WOOD was born in Ross Township, Lake Co.,' Ind., March 13, 1838, one of a family of eight children born to John and Hannah (Pattee) Wood, natives of Massachusetts and of English descent. The father was born in 1800, karned the tanner's trade, was married in 1825, and in 1835 came to Lake County, and entered 160 acres of land as a mill site on Deep River, Ross Township, built a cabin, and the next spring brought out his wife and five children. John W. Wood was reared in Lake County, received a good education, taught two terms of public school, and when twenty-one began farming on his own account. August 14, 1861, he married Miss Maggie A. Hollett, daughter of Thomas A. and Deborah A. (Coleman) Hollett, and came to Valparaiso in 1862 and clerked until 1865, when he started in the grocery trade, which he has ever since successfully conducted. Mr. Wood is a Repub- lican, and a member of the City Council. Mrs. Wood was born in Orange County, N. Y., March 18, 1841, is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the mother of five children, viz., Mary, Fred A., New- ton A., Harry G. and Glen (deceased). W. A. YOHN, M. D., was born in Porter County, Ind., March 29, 1850, and is the eldest of a family of five children, four yet living, born to Frederick and Margaret (Hewlings) Yohn, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and paternally of German descent, and maternally - of French parentage. These parents were married in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1848, and the same year, emigated to northern Porter County, and about four years after this returned to Champaign County, Ohio, not being able to undergo the malarial fevers of this section at that time. They remained in Ohio until March, 1882, when they returned to Porter Town- ship, and are yet living there, engaged in farming. Dr. Yohn made his home with his parents until he reached his majority, during which time" he received his early education from the common schools where he re- sided, afterward attending schools of higher grade and graduating from the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso in 1874. In that year he began the study of medicine with Dr. Hankinson, since deceased, afterward reading under his own option, having access to the library of Dr. Coates. The winter of 1878-79, he attended medical lectures at Columbus Medical College in Ohio, and the winter of 1879-80 attended and graduated from the Medical College of Indiana, the Medical Depart- ment of Butler University. The following year, he received the hon- CITY OF VALPARAISO. 279 orary degree of Doctor of Medicine, from the Kentucky School of Medi cine, and the spring of 1880 he located in Valparaiso. Besides attending to his work as a physician, Dr. Yohn occupies the Chair of Natural Sciences in the Normal School of Valparaiso, and in July, 1881, was elected to the Chair of Chemistry in the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Chicago. Dr. Yohn is a Republican, a member of the Blu& Lodge in Masonry, and was married in January, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Dunham, of Sandusky County, Ohio. ENGELBERT ZIMMERMAN, journalist, was born in Blumen- feld, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, December 10, 1839, and is the eldest of three children born to Joseph and Walburg Zimmerman, also natives of Baden. In 1846, the parents emigrated to the United States, and settled at Fort Wayne, Ind., where Engelbert was educated in a pri- vate school. On the 8th of January, 1854, he entered the office of Thomas Figar, editor and publisher of the Fort Wayne Sentinel, and served an apprinticeship of six years at the printing business. On the 17th of February, 1860, he accepted the formanship of the Columbia City News, then published by I. B. McDonald, which position he held, together with that of local editor, until the 14th of November of the same year, when he bought the office from Mr. McDonald for $600, and infused new life into the establishment. He continued the publication of the News until some time in the spring of 1864, when he was compelled to suspend its publication on account of rapidly failing health. He remained out of business for several months, spending most of the time on the Atlantic Coast. In June of the same year (1864), having fully recovered, he started the Columbia City Post, with an entirely new outfit of material and continued its publication without interruption until December, 1865, when he sold the office to his brother, Frank J. Zimmerman, who had learned the " art preservative " under him. On the 14th of January, 1866, he com- menced the publication of the Fort Wayne Daily and Weekly Democrat, and November 14, 1868, he sold the office. He then purchased the Wyandot Democratic Union, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, from Col. Robert D. Durum, which he published for nearly two years. On the 7th of March, 1871, he issued the first number of the Valparaiso Messenger, and at once made it a financial success. In politics, he has always been an un- swerving Democrat, but never a party " hack " for the spoils. In 1862, he was married to Lucinda H. Watson, of Lima, Ohio, at Columbia City, Ind., by the Rev. Luke Dorland, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. He had seven children by this marriage, namely, Arthur F., born at Colum- bia City, Ind., October 11, 1863 ; Joseph E., born at Columbia City, December 20, 1865 ; Clement A., born at Fort Wayne, December 10, 1866 ; Andrew J., born at Fort Wayne, October 9, 1868 ; Walburg, born at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, April 9, 1879 ; Grace L., born in Val- paraiso, June 9, 1871 ; Horace G., born in Valparaiso, October 18, 1873 : Lucinda H., born in Valparaiso, May 3, 1878. (Grace L. and Lucinda H. are dead.) On the 3d of May, 1878, his wife, with whom he had lived happily and prospered, died, and he remained a widower for two years. On the 14ch of June, 1880, he was married to Mary A. Mc- Mahon, a native of Indiana, by Rev. Robert Beer, pastor of the Presby- terian Church of this city. By this marriage, he had one child — Bertha 280 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: F., born June 12, 1881. As a journalist, he is a ready and forcible writer. He is warm-hearted, generous to a fault, and never goes back on a man who has ever befriended him. On the 1st of August, 1881, he sold a one-half interest in the Messenger to Prof. H. B. Brown, of the North- ern Indiana Normal School. Mr. Zimmerman was the first man in Val- paraiso to introduce steam presses. The Messenger is one of the estab- lished fixtures of the city, and wields great influence in the county and city. CENTRE TOWNSHIP. JOHN B. BRADLEY was born in Essex County, Mass., May 28, 1831, and is the youngest of nine children of Joseph and Charlotte (Bar- ker) Bradley, four of whom are still living. Mr. Bradley lived in Essex County until he was eighteen years old, serving a three years' appren- ticeship to a machinist. He then went to California in search of gold, and returning to Essex County, worked at his trade about one year ; thence he moved to Dunkirk, N. Y., where he worked two years, and then to Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained five years. In Novem- ber, 1857, in Sandusky City, he was married to Mina Smith, by whom he has had eleven children — the names of those living being Lottie, Joseph, Herbert, Annie, Guy, Bessie, Hattie, Daisy and John. Mr. Bradley came to Pocter County in 1863, andj excepting two years' ab- sence at Fort Wayne, has resided here ever since. Mr. Bradley's grand- father was in the Revolutionary war, taking part at Bunker Hill ; his father was an ensign in the war of 1812. He resides three miles north of Valparaiso, on his farm of eighty acres, and is a generous-hearted and respected citizen. JOHN CARVER was born in the County Cork, Ireland, March 22, 1832, and is one of eight children born to Thomas and Honora (Mc- Auliffe) Carver, four of whom are living in Valparaiso. At the age of fifteen, .John came to this country with his father, landing in Boston. After living there and in Vermont a short time, he came to Ohio, and to Porter County in 1856, which he has since made his home. He has done some farming, but has given more attention to railroading, acting as foreman and contractor ; his ft,ther died in 1849, in Ohio, and his mother in 1872, in Valparaiso. John Carver was married October 26, 1860, to Sarah Dwan, in Valparaiso. Eight children have been born to them — Honora, Margaret, Catharine, Mary, Thomas, Julia, Honora (second} and Sarah ; three of these are deceased. Mr. Carver lives three-quarters of a mile west from town, on his farm of 100 acres. He is universally respected as a worthy man and a valuable citizen. PATRICK T. CLIFFORD was born in Kerry County, Ireland, March 17, 1823 ; he is one of the ten children of Timothy and Margaret (O'Reilly) Clifford, five of whom are living, and three in Porter County. Mr. Clifford came to this country in 1848, landing at Quebec. In 1854, he came to Porter County, which has since been his residence. Shortly after coming to America, he commenced the business of railroad con- tractor, which he has since continued. His residence is two and one- half CENTKJE TOWNSHIP. 281 miles northwest of Valparaiso, on his farm of 300 acres. He is a public- spirited and enterprising citizen. Mr. Clifford was married August 9, 1843, to Mary Bennett, in the county of Cork, Ireland, from which union a family of seven have descended — Timothy, Thomas, Margaret, John, Michael, Mary and Patrick, of whom the last four are surviving. JOHN B. CLIFFORD was born in Richland County, Ohio, Janu- ary 14, 1852, being one of a family of seven, three of whom are dead. His parents were natives of Ireland, his mother being a relative of Cur- ran, the great Irish Barrister. His father was a shoemaker, and re- mained in Ireland, following his business, until 1848 ; then he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec. Afterward, he went to Bucyrus, Ohio, and began business as a railroad contractor, which he also established, in about 1854, in Valparaiso, Ind., which he has since continued. John B. Clifford came to Valparaiso with his father, and in February, 1874, was married to Margaret La Force. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford have a family of four — Minnie, Joseph, John and Margaret, all of whom live at home. For a time after his marriage, Mr. Clifford followed farming ; afterward, he began working for the Government at Fort Yates, ,D. T., which he continued about eighteen months ; then returned to Valpiaraiso, where he now superintends the work-train on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Rail- road. MICHAEL F. CLIFFORD was born September 10, 1852, in TifiBn, Ohio. When he was about two years of age, his father removed with his family to Porter County, Ind., where they have since resided. Michael received a common school, and afterward*^n academical, education at St. Paul's Academy in Valparaiso. He was married, January 4, 1876, to Eliza Carter, in the city of Valparaiso. To this union there have been born two children — Edward and William. After his marriage, Mr. Clif- ford lived at the old home, three miles northwest of Valparaiso, about three years, and moved to his present home in November, 1881. The business of his life has been that of railroad contractor, he now being one of the partners of his father, Mr, P. T. Clifford. He is justly esteemed as a liberal and public-spirited citizen. SAMUEL S. COBBS was born in Bedford County, Va., February 10, 1885, and is one of seven children born to Charles and Louisa (Scott) Cobbs, of whom three are living. At the age of thirteen, Samuel came to Valparaiso with his parents, where he has since resided. He received his education at the common schools and at Valparaiso Male and Female College, which he attended about two years. On coming to Valparaiso, his father engaged in mercantile business, while Samuel superintended the farm. His father afterward removed to Morgan Prairie, and re- mained eleven years. Mr. Cobbs was married, September 9, 1873, to Elizabeth Pinney, in Valparaiso. Two children have been born to him — Leroy and Charles. When the family were coming from Virginia, and Samuel, as he rode, admiring the flower-adorned prairies, and thinking how great an improvement they were over the mountains of his late home, his horse stepped into a mud-hole and threw him over its head. Then Samuel reflected how "the world is deceived by ornament." Mr. Cobbs resides two miles northwest of Valparaiso, on his farm of 110 acres, which he took possession of in 1874. 282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : HARRY CROW was born in Hampden County, Mass., May 7, 1802, and is the eldest of thirteen children born to William and Abigail (Avery) Crow. His father died about the year 1844, at the age of seventy-two. Harry Crow was married about the year 1826, to Thank- ful Wheeler, a native of Hampden County, Mass., born September 20, 1807. To this union a family of ten children were born — Henry, David, Jane Rumsey, Eunice Rumsey, Almeron, Bmeret Wheeler, Thomas and Elizabeth. (Two died before they were named.) About the year 1832, Harry Crow moved to Medina County, Ohio, where he resided about seven years ; thence to Indiana, living in Vigo and Parke Counties about four and a half years, and thence to Valparaiso, Porter County, where he has since lived. He has always been a farmer, but is a most en- terprising citizen. He resides on forty acres about one mile north of Valparaiso. He also owns forty acres in Jackson Township. Mrs. Crow is a member of the Presbyterian Church, having joined that body in Montgomery, Mass., about the year 1822. JOSEPH DURAND, French Canadian, was born near Montreal, Canada, July 20, 1846. In February, 1861, he moved to Pine Town- ship, Porter Co., Ind., from Kankakee County, whither he had gone in 1851, working on a farm and studying under the instruction of Charles Chin^qui, the priest who converted so many Catholics to Protestantism. His father, Gilbert Durand, was also born near Montreal, in 1817. In 1851, he went to California and mined gold for two years ; he is still living. Joseph's parents were married July 29, 1845. On February 29, 1868, Joseph Durand was marrie'd to Mary Tatro, a native of New York, who came West in 1852. Mr. Durand made his home in Porter County in 1871, making brick in summer and chopping wood in winter; he had so great a capacity for hard work that he was called " the little iron man." In 1871, he made bricks on three-fourths of an acre, and in 1880 bought a yard — thirteen and a half acres — for which he was to pay $2,500. In 1881, the New York Central & St. Louis Railroad cut through his land, for which he received $3,750 ; he then established another yard, and now has the largest in Valparaiso, employing twenty -five hands and five teams, and turning out 30,000 bricks daily. He values his entire property at $5,000. In 1882, he made his brother, Nelson Durand, a partner. He has been worderfuUy successful, though he was some time ago ridiculed for his supposed rashness and folly. He is a Republican, and also a member of the Presbyterian Church. NELSON DURAND was born near Montreal, Canada, May 19, 1851. When six months old, his parents removed to St. Anne, 111., re- maining ten years, and thence to Furnessville, Ind., remaining eight years. Nelson acquired some learning at St. Anne, and at Furnessville did various kinds of work, after which he went to Chicago, and left there just before the fire (1871), going to Michigan for about six months. He then returned to St. Anne, and worked on the Chicago, Danville & Vin- cennes Railroad- about two years, and afterward on the Chicago & Pacific Railroad. On February 22, 1876, he was married to Lucy Faucher, at St: Anne. Her parents came from Quebec, and were Cath- olics until converted by Father Chindque, the reformer. After his mar- riage, he followed farming at St. Anne for six years. In December 1881, CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 283 he became a partner with his brother, Joseph, in the brick-making busi- ness ; they now have the largest yard in Valparaiso. Mr. and Mrs. Durand have four children, the youngest of whom is dead. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. ALANSON FINNEY (deceased) was born in Madison County, N. Y , in 1805. In 1834, he came to what is now Porter County, his ob- ject being, as with the most of those who emigrated from the East at that period, to better his condition in life. While in New York, he was em- ployed some ten or twelve years in a distillery, in which occupation he accumulated sufiScient means to give him a start in the West. On com- ing to Indiana, he was so zealous in the cause of religion that he became instrumental in the organizatiqn of the Baptist Church at, Valparaiso. In the spring of 1836", he returned to New York for the purpose of marrying Miss Laura Allen, after which he came back to Indiana. To this pioneer pair seven children were born, five of whom are yet living, three in Porter County, one in Chicago and one in Central Illinois. He was first a Whig, and afterward a Republican. He died on April 16, 1867, at his farm, one and a half miles east of Valparaiso. JOSEPH GALBRBATH was born .in Butler County, Ohio, May 12, 1812, and is one of the ten children (two living) of John and Eliza- beth. (Aikman) Galbreath, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Joseph's grandfather was a Scotchman, and came to this country during the last century. Joseph's father served as a non-commissioned officer in the war of 1812, and his nephew was killed during the war with Mexico,. at the battle of Monterey. Our subject was reared a farmer. In 1833, he married Eliza Bricker, a native of Virginia, by whom he had ten children — John C, Martin V., Samuel, La Fayette and Byron, living ; and Char- lotte, Nancy, Elizabeth J., Benjamin F. and William, deceased. Benja- min, while in the West, was accidentally killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, after serving in the late war, as did also John and Martin. In 1838, Mr. Galbreath and family removed to Kosciusko County, Ind., built a cabin and commenced clearing amid the usual vicissitudes of pioneers. In 1866, they came to Porter County, where Mrs. Galbreath died January 21, 1873. In August, 1873, Mr. Galbreath married his present wife, Mrs. Mary'(Whitney) Clover, by whom he has had two chil- dren — Edgar P. and Nellie May. Mr. Galbreath is a Republican and an influential, energetic citizen. JOHN S. HICKS, one of the early settlers of Porter County, was born on Long Island, N. Y., February, 16, 1813, and is the only child of Samuel and Ann (Searing) Hicks, both natives of Long Island, N. Y.; their ancestors were among the Plymouth Pilgrims of 1620. His father was a farmer, a soldier of 1812 and an honest man. His mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but died when John was eighteen months old. Shortly after, when his father died, he was taken charge of by his grandparents. He received a practical education and learned the trade of a tailor ; he was afterward employed by H. D. Brooks & Co., with whom he remained fourteen years. He then purchased land on Long Island and engaged in agriculture ; this he relinquished, and en- gaged with F. Kurby & Co. of New York, for four years. In 1854, he ar- rived in Indiana and came to Porter County, purchased land, brought his Q 284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: family and commenced farming on Morgan Prairie ; this he likewise sold, and came to his present location. He once had two hundred, and still owns ninety acres. Mr. Hicks has been twice married — once in 1834, to Sarah Van Nostrand, who died soon after our late war, by whom he had eight children— John A., William F., Mary C. and Eugene, living, and Alex- ander H., Elizabeth A., Sarah and Ida, deceased ; of these, John and William served through the war. By his second marriage, to Mrs. Ellen (Birmingham) Gilbert, on June 10, 1873, there were two children— Ida, living, and Caleb N., deceased. WILLIAM HOLLISTER was born in Tioga County, N. Y., August 30, 1824, and is the youngest of nine children born to Gersham and Ruth (Scott) Hollister : of these, two only are living, and both in Porter County. His parents were bori in Connecticut, but married in New York. His father died in 1862, and his mother in 1856, both in Union Township, Porter County. William Hollister resided in Tioga County until fourteen years old, when he came to Indiana and located in Porter County. His father was then living on Government land, and this when it came into the market the sons and father began purchasing. William lived in Union Township until 1877, when he removed to Val- paraiso and worked at carpentering. On October 1, 1851, he was mar- ried to Henrietta Hunt, in Union Township. They have had five chil- dren^ — Horace, Mary Caldwell, James, William and Elva ; two of these, Horace and James, are deceased. Mr. Hollister owns 128 acres in Union Township, but lives in Valparaiso, where he is recognized as a generous and enterprising citizen, and greatly esteemed. WILLIAM A. HUGHART was born in Greenbrier County, Va., June 28, 1880, and is one of eight children of David and JN'ancy (Dozer) Hughart, who were named Mary Keeler (deceased), Elizabeth Campbell, William, Arthur, Henry. David, Nancy Harding and Martha Fulton. Our subject's father was born May 20, 1806, in Virginia ; was a farmer and miller, and is still living in Centre Township ; his mother was also a Virginian, and died in Valparaiso about 1876. The family moved from Virginia to Liberty Township, Porter County, in 1835, and into Centre Township about 1850. On June 7, 1861, William A. Hughart was mar- ried to Mary Malony, in this township. By this union they had four children — Alta, Arthur, Clarinette and Ruth. Mr. Hughart is one of the oldest settlers in the county, and a most enterprising and respected citizen. He resides on his farm, comprising 100 a,cres, about four and a half miles northwest of Valparaiso. DAVID M. FIUGHART was born in Greenbrier County, Va., April 3, 1835, and is one of the eight children of David and Nancy (Dozer) Hughart. His father came to Porter County, Ind., in the fall of 1835, and purchased a farm in Liberty Township. David M. Hughart was married in Valparaiso, in 1857, to Emily Bull. This union was blessed with six children — Clinton, Elnora Parrott, Albert, Pertia, Nellie and Ella. Of these Albert alone is deceased, and Elnora married. In 1856, Mr. Hughart purchased sixty acres, a part of his present farm. He entered the Thirty-third Indiana Regiment during the war, and was stationed in the South about eleven months. Mr. Hughart has always been a Democrat and a farmer, as well as a worthy and conscientious CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 285 citizen. He now lives on his place of 120 acres, about five and one-half miles northwest of Valparaiso ; he owns also ten acres of timber land in Liberty Township. JOHN JUNKER was born in Germany June 28, 1853, being one of seven children comprising the family of John and Sophia Junker, two of whom are deceased. The father of our subject was born in Ger- many, and came from New York to Chicago, after emigrating from the fatherland, where he remained about one year, thence moving to Lake County with his family, where he has been engaged in farming about sev- enteen years. In 1881, John Junker came to Valparaiso, where he pur- chased a half-interest in what is now known as Korn & Junker's brewery. In regard to Mr. Junker, as a man and a citizen, he has always been foremost in every enterprise affecting the interests and welfare of his fellows. IRA B. KEELER was born January 14, 1826, in Seneca County, Ohio, and is one of the nine children of Joseph and Olive (Brite) Keeler. His parents were married in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1811. His father was born in Fairfield County, Conn., December 29, 1787 ; his mother, in New Jersey, July 20, 1790. His father died February 14, 1868, in Marshall County, Iowa ; his mother, February 26, 1858, in Centre Town- ship, Porter Co., Ind. They came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1818. Ira labored for his father until they all moved to Porter County, in 1847. He bad worked some time at shoemaking;- and on coming to Porter Coun- ty continued so to do for eight years in Valparaiso. On October 1, 1848, he married Mary Hughart, born September 17, 1828, in Centre Town- ship, Porter Co., Ind. ; her parents were Virginians. In 1855, Ira B. Keeler purchased the eighty acres on which he resides for $1,400; he also owns twenty acres of timber land in Liberty Township. Mr. and Mrs. Keeler have had six children — David, Joseph, Harriet, Schuyler, Henry and Susan ; David alone is married. Mr. Keeler has been a Freemason since 1849. TIMOTHY KEENE was born in Cortland County, N. Y., March 6, 1825, and is one of the eight children of Sprague and Chloe (Higgins) Keene. Sprague Keene was by trade a stone-mason, but mainly followed farming. In 1859, he moved with his family to Porter County, Ind., where he died in 1865, his wife having died in 1863. Timothy Keene was reared a farmer, but received an academic education. On May 9, 1849, he was married to Miss Susan A. Parks, a native of New York City, and born September 3, 1827, a daughter of Lee and Mary (Gates) Parks. In 1857, he came hither and purchased the place oh which he now resides, which he improved and farmed ; it embraces 150 acres. Mr. and Mrsr Keene have had five, children — Andrew B., Edna (deceased), Brayton L., Elmer M. and Eddie S. Mr. Keene is a Republican, and has been School Commissioner over seven years; he is also Secretary of the County Agricultural Society. Mr. and Mrs. Keene are active mem- bers of the Baptist Church. The father of Mrs. Keene — Lee Parks — is passing his last years with them, being ninety-one years of age and a pensioner of the war of 1812. WILLIAM H. KNAPP was born in Denmark, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, July 2, 1824, and is one of the nine children of Blihu and Nancy 286 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: (Huntley) Knapp, the former born in New York, the latter in Washing- ton, Mass. His father was a farmer, and held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Postmaster of Denmark. He started to the war of 1812, but peace was proclaimed, and in 1833 moved his family to Ashtabula, where he purchased a farm, and there lived until his death. William worked for his father until of age, when he went to Hamilton, N. Y., for eighteen months, then returned to Ashtabula and purchased twenty- five acres. In 1855, he came to Porter County. On October 1, 1851, he was married, in Ashtabula, to Mary Booth, born January 17, 1828, whose father was a sailor and lost on Lake Erie. To this union were born nine children — Mary Kieffer, Maria Herrick, Herbert, Frank, Lincoln and Merton, living ; the deceased are Emma, Fred and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are members of the Baptist Church, he having been an officer thereof since 1857. He resides on his farm of 187 acres, all of which he cleared and improved ; he also owns eighty acres two miles north of his residence. W. HERBERT KNAPP, Jr., was born February 5, 1856, in Centre Township, Porter County, Ind., and is one of the nine children of William H. and Emily (Booth) Knapp ; the family was named respectively — Mary Kieffer, Maria Herrick, Herbert, Frank, Lincoln, Emma, Ella, Merton and Fred. Of these Emma, Ella and Fred are deceased. Herbert remained with his father until he was twenty-two years old, when he purchased sixty-five acres three miles north of Val- paraiso, where he remained nearly three years. He was married December 28, 1877, in Valparaiso, to Hannah Pomeroy, daughter of George Pomeroy, of Porter County, who came to this county in 1864, a member of the Christian Church, as is his wife also. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have had two children — Arthur and Etta ; the latter died February 19, 1882. Mr. Knapp joined the Baptist Church at Valparaiso in 1868, and Mrs. Knapp the Christian Church in 1876. They are residents of Valparaiso, where he keeps a store on College Hill. AARON W. LYTLE was born in Boone Township, Porter County, Ind., July 12, 1841 ; he is one of the nine children born to Aaron and Hannah (Jones) Lytle, three of whom are living, two of them in Porter County. Mr. Lytle lived in Boone Township until he was about eleven or twelve years old, when he moved with the family to Valparaiso. In 1853, Aaron's father purchased a saw mill and some land on Flint Lake, where he did not long remain, but returned to Valparaiso. Aaron received most of his education at the Presbyterian institute at this place. In 1868, he entered the volunteer army, serving eighteen or twenty months ; for nine months he was Captain." On February 21, 1866, he was married to Cordelia Denison, in Wood County, Ohio ; she was a native of Richland County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have had five children — George, Jesse, Carrie, Dick and James ; the first is dead, the others live at home. In 1868, Mr. Lytle connected the ice business with farming, which he has continued. He moved to where he now lives, three miles north of Valparaiso, in March, 1882. JOHN McAULIFFE was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States in the year 1847. He resided first in Vermont, then in Ohio, and came to Valparaiso in 1857. Since he CENIRE TOWNSHIP. 287 arrived in this country, he has been engaged for the most part as a fore- man over the employes engaged in building railroads ; and should this sketch come to the notice of any of the very many men who have served under the good-natured rule of " Uncle John," they will no doubt remem- ber the old man with kindness. He died December 14, 1876. He was a good father, an upright citizen, and an honest man, and was one of those rare men who never sacrifice their honest principles. WILLIAM McCONKEY was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 10, 1824, and is one of the twelve children of David and Margaret (Crawford) McConkey, of whom eight are living. William lived on his father's farm until he was twenty- three years of age. He was married, January 6, 1848, to Sarah Hague, in Holmes County, Ohio. They have had six children — James, Nancy Pennock, Maggie Sturgeon, Alvin, Camby and Vita ; five of these are living, and four reside in Porter County. After his marriage, Mr. McConkey operated a mill in Holmes County, Ohio, for sixteen years. In 1863, he came to Porter County, Ind. ; after farming three years in Porter Township, he came to Centre Township, where he has since been farming and milling. His mill is two miles west of his residence, on Salt Creek, and has a capacity of three hundred bushels per day ; this grist-mill is valued at from $10,000 to f 12,000. He now lives one mile southwest of Valparaiso, on thirty acres ; yet he owns 129 more where his mill is located. He is a worthy man, and an esteemed citizen. GEORGE W. MERRILL was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, December 16, 1833 ; he is one of four children born to Nehemiah and Luna (Williams) Merrill ; of this family, but two are living. When George was two and one-half years old, his father moved to Porter County and purchased 160 acres of land about three-fourths of a mile east of Flint Lake, where the family lived about three years ; he afterward purchased land on the south shore of the lake, where they have since resided. On July 2, 1862, George W. Merrill was married to Ellen Crow, in Valpa- raiso. Three children were the result of this marriage — Rosa, Jennie and Lottie ; the two first are dead. Mr. Merrill was brought up amid the primitive wilds and romantic scenery of this beautiful lake, then environed with timber, and a lurking place for Indians, deer, bears and wild cats. Mr. Merrill has reduced fishing to an art ; he has studied the nature and habits of black bass — the most valuable contained in the lake — to such an extent that he can catch them when no one else can. He has been a member of the Methodist Church, and on all occasions an upright citizen. WILLIAM MEYER was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Ger- many, March 18, 1828, and is one of seven sons of Christian and Marie (Cook) Meyer, only two of whom are living. His father was born in Hanover in 1792 ; he was by trade a shoemaker, and served under Na- poleon in his campaigns ; he was at the siege of Moscow and at Waterloo, and was unharmed ; he died in Hanover in 1876. His mother was also born in Hanover in 1800, and died in 1864. William learned the shoe- making trade, at which he worked while in Germany. He served three years in the German army, during the war against the Danish King. On June 1, 1851, he was married to Joanna Seuram, in Dessau, Hanover. To this 288 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: union two children were born— Christian and Heary. On October 6, 1863, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer landed in New York, with but five francs in hand; here he remained four years, working at shoemaking, then moved to Fort Wayne, then to Stark County, Ind., then to Valparaiso, where he purchased land in about 1880 ; his wife died August 17, 1882. They both joined the Methodist Church, in New York, ia 1853. Mr. Meyer now resides two miles north of Valparaiso ; he is a gardener, and owns a tim- ber tract of twelve acres in Liberty Township. WILLIAM H. SAG-ER was born in Hardy County, Va., January 6, 1827, and is one of fourteen children, eleven of whom are living. His father was a native of Shenandoah County, Va. ; was a miller and farmer, and died in Hardy County in 1828, aged fifty-two ; his mother (Elizabeth Haldeman) was also a native of Shenandoah County, Va., and died in 1887, aged fifty-three ; they were both of German descent. William H. Sager moved to Miami County, Ind., in July, 1847, where he remained one year, thence going to Cass County, where he remained five years, and came to Valparaiso May 5, 18-54, where he is yet located. On December 28, 1857, he was married, in Valparaiso, to Mary G-ifford, by whom he has had ten children — George, Ida Norman, Chancey, Minnie, Charles, Alberta, Carrie, William, Arthur and Harry, all of whom, except George, are living. Mr. Sager became an Odd Fellow in 1850, but withdrew in 1860. In 1856, he became a partner with Mr. John Skinner, in the milling business. Since 1861, Mr. Sager has owned a mill with a ca- pacity of three hundred bushels a day. He is an enterprising, liberal and esteemed citizen. He lives in Valparaiso, but manages his grist-mill about one mile south of the city. DANIEL STONE R was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 4, 1815. His father was a farmer, and he followed in his track. At that period, land being much higher in Ohio than in Indiana, Mr. Stoner came hither in 1840, in order to secure a farm and home in the " Hoosier " State. In common with all early settlers, he had an experience of trials and hardships. On June 15, 1885, he was married, in Ohio, to Eliza- beth Ludy, born May 21, 1813, from which union there descended eight , children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are married and reside in this county. Mrs. Stoner died in November, 1880. Mr. Stoner now owns 255 acres of land, and lives two miles southeast of Valparaiso. In politics, Mr. Stoner is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Val- paraiso Presbyterian Church for about twelve years. JERRY SULLIVAN was born in the County of Kerry, Ireland, and is one of the six children born to John and Ellen (McCartey) Sulli- van. Two of this number only are living. Mr. Sullivan came to this country in 1851, landing in New York City. In 1857, he came to Por- ter County, Ind., and has since resided here. In the year 1856, he was married to Mary Bennett, in Northern Ohio. This union has been blessed by four children — Ellen, Margaret, Mary and Julia. They are all un- married and live in Valparaiso. Mr. Sullivan now resides two miles northwest from Valparaiso, on his own land, comprising ninety-four acres. He is a most generous man and a liberal and esteemed citizen. A. W. TALBOT was born in Lewis (now Barbour) County, Va., in 1821. He came to this State, and where he now lives, in 1847, but this CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 289 was a reconnoitering trip, and his determination to improve his condition is illustrated by the fact that he traveled from Virginia — a distance of 600 miles — on horseback, and returned in like manner. He came back and settled, however, in the fall of the same year. In 1842, he was married to Ruth Baker, who died in 1854. His second marriage — to Hannah Stoner — occurred in December, 1856. She also died in October, 1879. Mr. Talbot was left with eight children, five by his first and three by his second wife. Those living (three by his first marriage and one by his second) are married and -reside in Porter County. Mr. Talbot has always been a Democrat, his first vote for President being cast in 1844. At the time he came hither, he owned a mountain farm in Virginia of 200 acres. He now lives about two miles southeast of Valparaiso, on a homestead of sixty acres. He belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Talbot owes his success to untiring energy. JOHN J. TAFTE was born in Holstein, Germany, December 17, 1831, and is one of the seven children of George B. and Anna (Peter- son) Tafte. His father was born in Holstein in 1804. He was a cabinet- maker and contractor, and employed twenty-five men continuously. He died when thirty-five years old. His mother was born in Hamburg in 1806. Her father was a ship-builder, and met his death in a storm. She now resides with her son John. After his father's death, John was adopted by one Glaus Fasbinder, in Holstein, with whom he lived eleven years and learned masonry. He afterward hired out for forty-five Prus- sian dollars a year, and later he was employed in hauling rock to rebuild what the Danish gunners had demolished in the war against Denmark in 1848-49. In May, 1852, he arrived in New York, aged twenty-one years. He went directly to New Buffalo, Mich., where he worked on a railroad, then "struck through the country," coming to the house of R. Starr, Centre Township, Porter County, where he hired for $8 per month. After learning some English, he worked at his trade, and in 1872 pur- chased his present place for $7,000. He was married September 26, 1858, to Anna Rathyeu, at Hebron, Ind. Six children were born to them, three boys and three girls, the latter being deceased — Albert, George, John, Anna, Emma and an infant unnamed. Mr. Tafte is a Freemason and a Democrat. He lives on 170 acres two miles northeast from Valparaiso. He also has 108 acres two miles north and 160 in Minnesota. JEROME B. WHEELER was born in Hampden County, Mass., July 15, 1824, and is one of ten children born to William and Hannah (Crow) Wheeler, nine of whom are living. When Jerome was about seven years old, he moved with his father's family to Medina County, Ohio, and then to near Terre Haute, where his father died. The family next moved to Clark County, Mo., after which Jerome, with three brothers, came to Porter County about the year 1844, where they purchased con- jointly 160 acres. On December 25, 1855, Jerome was married to Eliza- beth Crow, in Centre Township. As a result of this union, six children followed — Adelaide Smith, Octavia Kelley, Raymond, Emma, Minnie and Ida; excepting the second, all live in Porter County. Mr. Wheeler now resides about one and a half miles north of Valparaiso, on his farm of eighty acres, comfortable, and greatly esteemed as a liberal-spirited and enterprising citizen. 290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JONATHAN WISE was born in Washington County, Penn., Sep- tember 22, 1819, and is one of the eleven children born to Samuel and Elizabeth (Sheidler) Wise, of whom five only are living — three in Porter County. His parents' were also born in Washington County, Penn., and 1839, moved from that State to Knox County, Ohio ; his father died in Allen County, Ohio, in 1850, and his mother, in Knox County, Ohio, in 1847. Jonathan remained in Knox County about fifteen years before coming to Porter County, Ind. In 1835, he began the blacksmithing trade, at which he worked forty-two consecutive years in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. On February 2, 1850, he was married to Margaret Clemmens, in Knox County, Ohio. They have seven children — Burney, Rob, Daniel, Janney Brodey, Kitty, Margaret and Maude. They all live in Porter County. Mr. Wise lived in Valparaiso five years, and had a shop near Flint Lake six or seven years. Afterward he purchased sixty-seven acres, on which he now lives, for $1,000. He is a member of 'the Baptist Church and an active worker in the Sabbath school, having begun that good work twenty years ago; he has been blest with a fine constitution, as proved by continued hard work at his trade. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM BEAM, Superintendent of the T. Molding Brick Yards at Porter Station, and was born October 18, 1833, in Buffalo, N. Y. He is the youngest of four children born to Christian and Henriette (College) Beam, both natives of Germany. When sixteen years of age, Mr. Beam began life for himself, working at the brick business from that time on to the present, first in Buffalo, till his twenty-first year ; Erie, one year ; Detroit, four years ; Chatham, Canada, three years ; Chicago, three years ; Arkansas, four years ; Chicago again, and Otis four years, when he came to Porter Station and took his present position as Super- intendent of the brick yards above mentioned. Mr. Beam owns forty acres of land in Salt Creek, with fine brick houses, and town lots in Porter. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. While in Arkansas, he was pressed into the rebel service, but was soon discharged on account of sickness. In political belief, Mr. Beam has been a Democrat, but has voted the Greenback ticket and Republican, and is independent in local matters. He is a thorough business man, and one of our influential citizens. He was married in 1863, to Catherine Ackerman, a native of Germany. They have had five children — Bertha, Ernest (deceased), William, Paul and Frank. FRANK BERGSTROM was born in 1836, in Sweden. He is one of three children born to Swan and Mary E. (Millson) Bergstrom. When sixteen years of age, Frank began his trade, and in four years began business for himself. Two years later, he married Louise Johnson, a na- tive of Sweden. They have four children living — Fena, Minnie, Frank J. and Albert. After his marriage, he came to America and settled at Bailly Town, and also worked at his trade in La Porte about two years. He enlisted in the Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 291 nearly three years through all the operations of the regiment. Ho then settled at Chesterton, and has carried on his present business of harness and shoe making here ever since. He has a fine trade, always supplying everything in his line ; his is the only establishment of the kind in the northern part of the county. Mr. Bergstrom is a member of the Swed- ish Lutheran Church. He has always been a Republican, but has voted a few times with the Greenbackers. He is an industrious, thorough busi- ness man and first-class citizen. His first wife died in 1874. The fol- lowing year he married Mrs. Ann E. Johnson, a native of Sweden. She has three children — Frank J., Gust, and Tilda. THOMAS BLACKWELL, proprietor of the Chesterton Mills (or Poplar Tree Mills), was born in 1845, in Isham, England. He is one of seven children born to George and Mary (Brains) Blackwell, both natives of England. The elder Blackwell was a shepherd, and from near the home of Oliver Cromwell. The ancestors all led a pastoral life. When ten years of age, Mr. Blackwell was apprenticed to learn his trade, and went to school no more, on account of a distaste for an overbearing "mas- ter " of the times. His indentures provided for seven years, but the firm failed, and he was given his liberty at fifteen years of age. From that time until his twenty-first year, he worked as journeyman miller in En- gland, and was always successful and determined in anything he essayed. He was now in poor health, on account of hereditary consumption, so he emigrated to America and spent a year and a half in studying American systems of milling, and with health improved returned to England ex- pecting to stay. He married Milicent H. Leeson, a native of England, and a lady of taste and refinement. His health failing, he went to Can- ada, and had charge of two mills, one "three-run " and one " five-run," but after about two years he came to Illinois. He was at St. Charles about six years engaged in his trade, including millwrighting, as all ap- prentices of that time had to learn. In December, 1875, he came to Chesterton and bought his present mills, including a grist of "three-run,"- saw-mill, planer, matcher and machine shop, now valued at over $10,- 000. His residence, situated near the mill, is a fine two-story frame,, valued at over $2,000, finely situated. In politics, he has always been thoroughly independent. JASPER B. BOSTWICK, ex-Postmaster, and retired, was born March 27, 1810, in New York. He is the youngest of four children born to Joseph M. and Loraine (Wheaton) Bostwick, both natives of Connecticut. Mr, Bostwick, our subject, lived on a farm in New York with his parents until twenty-one years of age. He built a tannery, but in about two years it burned, and he soon built another on the same site, but in one year nearly it was also burned, both supposed to be the work of an incen- diary. He then came to La Porte County, settling in Michigan City, when in about two years he went to Wisconsin with a company to found a town, and named it Washington. In about a year, he came back to La Porte County and farmed for about three years, when he returned to Michigan City ; after a time went to Ohio, South Toledo, and engaged in merchandising for about ten years. He then came to Chesterton, and was associated with Mr. Hopkins as merchant for a time ; then appointed as Postmaster of Chesterton, continuing for about ten years. He has 292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; since retired from business on account of his deafness. While in Wis- consin, Mr. Bostwick was County Sheriff. He has always been a stanch Republican, but now favors the Greenback faith. He was married, January 19, 1834, to Elizabeth Eldridge, a native of Connecticut. She was educated at an academy in Pittsfield, Mass., and is a refined, affable lady. They have three children, all married — Ellen St. Clair, of Kansas City ; Joseph W., of Central City, Colo., engaged in mining, and Samuel E., in Golden, Colo., conductor on the Colorado Central Railroad. JAMES S. BRADLY, carpenter and retired farmer, was born September 1, 1827, in Hamilton County, Ohio, near Cincinnati. He is the younger of two children living, born to David and Currance (Piatt) Bradly, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut. They lived in Ohio until James was about sixteen, when they came to Clinton County, Ind. Two years later, the elder Bradly died. James and the family soon went to Chicago, where he remained about seven years, engaged in carpentering. He then came to Porter County and worked at his trade for about four years in Chesterton (then Calumet), and then moved on his farm in Liberty Township. He farmed there from 1856 to the fall of 1S81, when he moved to Chesterton and again began his trade with his son, Charles D., who has worked at the trade for two years. They both have a lively run of business, and are first-class workmen. Mr. Bradly still owns his Liberty Township farm. In 1863, he entered service in the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry and served in Ten- nessee, Alabama and Mississippi, and was mustered out at Vicksburg at the close of the war. He has been a member of the Sons of Temper- ance, the Grange, etc. He has been Township Trustee for two years. He was a Free-Soil Democrat, but has been a stanch Republican since the formation of that party. He was married, June 8, 1853, to Elizabeth M. Jones, a native of Ohio. They have three children living — Charles D., Martha E. and Lavantia. Charles D. Bradly was born March 26, 1858, in Liberty Township. He was married, June 26, 1881, to Minnie D. Dettman, a native of Chicago. James Bradly's first wife died in 1877, and in 1878 he married Mrs. Lavina Parker, a widow, and a native of New York. FRANCIS BROWN was born in 1832 in Ireland. He is one of four children, living, born to David and Mary (McMahn) Brown, both natives of Ireland. Francis lived with his father until eighteen years of age, when he came to the United States and settled in Chicago, engaging as foreman in a lumber yard. He continued in this position for a num- ber of years, when he came to Chesterton, and was engaged in business for twenty-four years, and has, as his present standing shows, been a suc- cessful financier. He retired from active life in the spring of 1881, and has since occupied his leisure in superintending his three farms. He has one of the finest residences in Chesterton, richly furnished. He held the office of Corporation Treasurer for two years. Mr. Brown has always been a Democrat, but of late years has concluded that men, not parties, should be the object of a citizen's vote. He is one of Chesterton's most successful financial men, and is of very active habits. He was married, May 14, 1857, to Catherine Young, a native of Ireland. They are both members of the Catholic Church. They have six children living — Sam- WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 293 Tiel H., John W., Frank, Thomas, May and Lydia. The three latter are living at home. FREDERICK BURSTROM was born June 17, 1826, in Sweden, and is the youngest of ten children born to Andrew and Caroline (Lin- burg) Burstrom. The elder Burstrom took the degree of M. D., but never practiced, while both were well educated. The grandfather, Bur- strom, was a government ship-builder, but lost everything in one of the Russo-Swedish wars. When twenty-one years of age, Frederick Bur- strom left home. He had received a collegiate education, but on account of his father's old age, he was persuaded to superintend his father's tan- nery for about four years ; he then came to the United States and settled in Chicago, engaged at his trade, but he soon had to stop the work, and came to Bailly Town and lumbered for about two years. He bought about 100 acres of land and began farming; he has since lived on this land, with the exception of three years in Illinois, engaged in the grocery business with a brother-in-law. In 1879, he spent six months visiting in Europe. He enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in ponton service and guarding in almost all the Southern States for eleven months. His farm is all improved and excellent land, and has been brought from its primitive state by himself. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and has been an active worker in temperance. He was Trustee for two years, and is now County Commissioner. He has always been a Republican. Mr. Burstrom was among Westchester's first settlers. He was married, in 1848, to Catherine Westrond, a native of Sweden. REV. ANDREW CHALLMAN, minister of the Bailly Town and Chesterton Swedish Lutheran Churches, was born January 1, 1841, in Gottenborg, Sweden. He is the youngest of six children born to Andrew and Christan (Anderson) Kj oilman (Swedish spelling), both natives of Sweden. When fifteen years of age. Rev. Challman began for himself, and was engaged for the first four years in Gottenborg, in a carriage factofy, and then entered a seminary, in the same place, to prepare him- self for a teacher, remaining one and one-half years. He then entered a more advanced institution at Ahlsborg, and studied for two years. He then began teaching 'in a private school for a personage corresponding to an English earl — Adolph Stackelberg — ^for two and one-half years, when he came to the United States in 1868, and settled in Bailly Town, and taught in the Swedish congregation one and one-half years, and then went to Chicago, intending to go iato business, but he was induced to teach in the Immanuel congregation for three years. He then entered the college at Paxton, 111. (now Rock Island), to prepare himself for the ministry, and was then called to several congregations — among others, Hobart, Ind. — until; in 1875, his call to Bailly Town necessitated his settling here, where he has since resided in his fine residence in close proximity to the church. Rev. Challman has always been a Republican, but is independent in local affairs. He was married, in 1866, to Gustafa A. Johnson, a native of Sweden. They have seven children — Samuel, Gust A., David, Anne G., Mary, Robert and Esther. WILLIAM H. COUCH, ticket and freight agent on Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Chesterton, was born August 30, 1817, 294 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in New York. He is one of six children born to Roswell and Mehitable (Fox) Couch, both natives of MassachusettP. The elder Couch was a cooper by occupation. When William was eleven years old, his mother, who had been a widow for two years, went to Wellington, Ohio. He now began to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, in Elyria, and Cleveland and Medina, under instruction, for about seven years. He then began traveling, and working at Detroit, Grand Rapids, Akron, Wellington (Ohio), and other smaller places, Delaware, in Canada, Nor- walk, etc. At Norwalk, he worked for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Company for eight years, in different capacities ; at the end of which time he went to Cleveland, where his family still resides. After two years, he was appointed agent at Holmesville, Ind., for four years, when he was sent to Chesterton, where he has had control ever since. There are five by the name of Couch on the road, two cousins, our subject and his two sons. In Ohio, he was Justice of the Peace, County Sheriff, City Marshal, etc. He has been a Mason for over thirty years, having taken all the degrees in Oriental Masonry, and was Master for five years in Lorain County, Ohio He was a Whig, Free- Soiler, Abolitionist, and is now a Republican. In his earlier days, he took an active interest in politics. He was married, in 1838, to Catherine Patch, a native of Connecticut. They have three children — Edgar, Frank L. and Mary L. Kirtland, book-keeper in a wholesale furniture store in Cleveland. JOHN C. COULTER was born June 28, 1824, in Berks County, Penn. He is the only child of Robert and Ann (Cooper) Coulter, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Maryland. The elder Coulter was a teacher by occupation, and a self-made man. The Coulters mentioned in the early history of Oregon are said to be connected with the ancestors of our subject. Mr, Coulter's maternal ancestors were Quakers, and early settlers of Maryland. When young Coulter was seven years of age, the parents moved to Crawford County, Ohio, and bought land ; young Coulter, in 1850, came to Indiana, his parents having died. He engaged in farming in Lake County for about one year, when he came to Calumet (now Chesterton), teaching and working at other things until the war began. He enlisted in 1861 in the Forty- eighth Indiana Volunteers, participating in the battle of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, and afterward under Sherman on his famous " march to the sea," through to Washington, then on to Louisville, where he was discharged. On his return to Chesterton, he engaged in railroading at the station for three years, when he taught three terms. He now began working in the brick yards, burning the kiln. On the day the great Chicago fire began, he was installed as station agent at Chesterton, con- tinuing in that occupation until April, 1882, when he resigned. He still holds the express office. He also engaged in manufacturing a vege- table root beer. Mr. Coulter is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, etc., and is at present a candidate for County Recorder on the National ticket. In polities, he is a strong Greenbacker. He was married, February 1, 1843, to Sarah Mc- Henry, a native of Ohio. They had four children, all living — William, Artelissa J., Sarah and Lana. His wife died in . October, 1874, and. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 295 about two years later, he married his present wife, Mary Cook, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio. His parents are living at Helena, near Toledo. HENRY DABBERT, merchant and Postmaster at Hageman, was born in 1841, in MecklenbergSchwerin, Germany. He is the youngest of three children living born to Fred and Christina Dabbert, both natives of Germany. The elder Dabbert had charge of the Duke's race-horaes. When fifteen years of age, Henry worked for himself at different things, until he came to the United States in 1864. He settled in Chicago, and was engaged for eight years following in a chair factory. He then went into the wholesale grocery business in Chicago. At the end of five years, he came to Hageman, and bought his present store. He keeps a full line of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, provisions, hardware, notions, etc. His stock at first was worth about $500. He has built the only brick store in the place, with his dwelling in the second story ; now, his stock is increased to about $3,000, with an extensive trade. He is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church. In 1875, he was made Postmaster, and has held the ofiSce ever since. In political belief, he is a Republican and is an enterprising, industrious man and public-spirited citizen. He was married, in 1864, to Maria Zulke, a native of Germany; they have six children — Ida, Henry, Annie, Emma, Emilia, Frank. NATHAN DEMASS was born August 4, 1840, in Akron, Ohio. He is one of eight children born to Nathan and Elizabeth (Nye) Demass, both natives of New York. The elder Demass was in the battle of Sack- ett's Harbor, in the war of 1812. In 1853, the family moved to Chicago and Nathan began his trade of carpenter, working at it until 1857, when they came to (Old Porter), now Porter, Porter County, and bought eighty acres of land ; Nathan stayed on the farm until 1862, when he enlisted in the Seventy-third Indiana ; he was with his regiment during all its experience, through to Lexington, Nashville, Alabama, on the Col. Straight raid, captured, exchanged, kept at Belle Isle, City Point, guarding pris- oners at Indianapolis, building forts at Nashville, about a year on a Gov- ernment cotton farm in Alabama, being mustered out 1865. He now returned to Chesterton, engaged in his trade, and was married in January 24, 1866, to Marcia Brush, a native of Vermillion, Ohio, and daughter of a ship-builder. He began carpentering, increasing his business con- stantly, hiring two men, then three or four, and so on until he has under his supervision from seventeen to twenty men constantly, also fivei horses for teaming; he contracts for anything in the carpenter line, such as bridge-building, schoolhouses, churches, house-moving, etc. His residence is one of the best in Chesterton, and finely situated. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Mr. Demass has always been a stanch Republican. He has five children — Charles, Elmer, Gracie, Ray and EDWIN L. FURNESS was born May 9, 1832, in Portland, Me. He is the youngest of three children born to Benjamin C. and Mary J. (Roberts) Furness, both natives of Maine. The elder Furness was a sea captain. His maternal great-grandfather was in the Revolutionary war, and donated a vessel for the Government war service, but refused a pension he was entitled to. His paternal great-grandfather was a Revolutionary 296 BiOGEAPHlCAL SKETCHES: soldier and one of the founders of South Berwick (Me.) Academy, a, col- lege well known in the East. Thomas Leigh, an uncle, was a Major in the war of 1812, and founded the town of Leigh's Mills. Nearly all of Mr. Furness' ancestors were sea-faring men. When our subject was about eight years old, the elder Furness was lost at sea, and his mother died a short time after. He then went to live with his grandmother at South Berwick. When thirteen, he was attacked by the prevalent " sea fever " among boys, and ran away to sea, on board the " California," to the Carolinas, to London, to Wales and back to New York. • He was now persuaded to go to school, to the above-mentioned academy, where he took a classical course. He then began teaching and farming for two years, when he came West to Kane County, 111., where he taught two years. In 1853, he went Bast, and was married to Louise M. Graves, of Thomaston, Me. He then went to Batavia, 111., where he bought a. store and stone quarry. In 1856, he came to Furnessville, and engaged in lumbering, in the firm of Morgan, Furness & Co., continuing until 1862, when the firm dissolved, and he has continued in the same business ever since, in connection with farming, and about three years in a stave factory, in which he lost considerable money. His attention is now de- voted principally to farming his possessions, of between two and three thousand acres in Westchester and Pine Townships. Through the eiforts of Mr. Furness, the station and post office of Furnessville was established, of which he was the first agent and Postmaster, and near which his resi- dence is situated. He was a member of the Grange and Good Templar orders. He has always been a strong Republican, and was a candidate in 1874 for State Senator, but was in the then unpopular temperance movement and was defeated. He is the father of six children living — Clara N. Leigh, of St. Louis ; Winnie F. Rose, of Valparaiso ; Leigh, of St. Louis ; Martha, Dwight, Mary. JOHN GONDRING was born April 15, 1831, in Treves, in Rhen- ish Prussia. He is one of six children born to Michael and Catharine (Pfiffer) Gondring, the former a native of Luxemburg, and the latter of Alsace. The elder Pfifi"er was a subaltern oflBcer in the French Army in 1812. The elder Gondring was a Prussian Government contractor. When Squire Gondring was thirteen years old, he left Loraine, in one of the French Catholic pilgrimage companies, to Treves, and went to Paris, and was employed in one of the large railroad car-spring manufacturing companies of Paris as errand boy for four years. He then made applica- tion to the French Government to go to Algeria to join a colony ; he was successful, and went through Marseilles, across the Mediterranean, and was given charge of twenty Spanish jacks, to carry merchandise, etc.. and was often called out to fight the native tribes. After about nine months, he went back to France and worked for his old company until the Revolution of 1848; he joined the Paris temporary guard until Napoleon was elected President, in 1849, when he went to Italy, intend- ing to go to Rome to join Garibaldi's army, but stopped in Piedmont. Here he joined the Italians, but after the defeat at Novara, they were given choice of passes to Hungary or Baden, where there were revolu- taons, and they went to Baden. He joined the German revolutionists. He was taken prisoner at Rastadt, and sentenced to over three years at. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 297 V isolated labor at the spinning wheel. After his release, he was compelled to join the Huzzars, but in about three days he deserted and went to Antwerp, where he was engaged as hotel porter, on account of ability to speak French and German, until he made enough to take him to Ameri- ca, three months later. He soon went to work on the Sault Ste. Marie Canal at Lake Superior, then soon to Detroit, Chicago, then to different places, and on steamers on Lake Michigan. In 1854, he began work for Hiram Joy, the Chicago ice king, remaining nine years, when he bought land near Chesterton ; for a year was in Chicago, also at Lake Superior, where he made considerable money. For some time, he was Deputy Sheriff in Houghton, Mich., near Lake Superior. He is the originator of the present brick-yards at New Porter. Since 1875, He has farmed. For four years before, he kept store at New Porter. He has been a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge. Since 1876, he has been Justice of the Peace. He was married November 15, 1855, to Elizabeth Foederath, a German. She died exactly ten years after her marriage. In 1868, he married Theresa Kuhn, also a German. He has five children living. He is Independent in politics, a public-spirited citizen and a live business man. HIRAM GREEN, M. D. and druggist, was born July 19, 1829, in Oneida County, N. Y. He is the youngest of three brothers living, born to Tillinghast and Theodosia (Kellogg) Green, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York. The elder Green was a minis^ ter of the Baptist faith, and a regimental musician of the war of 1812, He died at the advanced age of ninety-one. The Doctor lived with his father until twelve years of age — six years in New York, and the follow^ ing six in Ohio. In his twelfth year, he entered a normal school, hiring out for four months at $7 a month, at the end of which time his $28 was partly invested in clothes, books and tuition. He continued thus for two years, working for his board and tuition, and had 30 cents of the original $28 left at the end of the time ; he immediately began the study of medi- cine with his brother in New Lisbon, Ohio ; he had peculiar advantages with his brother that enabled him to begin practicing at the end of six years ; he then went to Birmingham, opposite Pittsburgh, where the cholera was raging to the extent that half the town had died or left. He very fortunately received the practice of a well-established physician who was compelled to leave. Dr. Green soon went to Warren, Ohio, to take care of his brother's family, the brother having died. About one year later, he went to Somerset, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and after a residence of six months was attacked by the " California gold fever," a company offer- ing inducements if he would go and give medical aid. He started, but on arriving at Michigan City, he was taken sick, ill health following for two years. As soon as able, he came to Chesterton and took a school, but soon gave it up to practice, living at Gosset's Mill for about four years, when he came to Chesterton, the war having begun, and recruited a company, of which he was commissioned Lieutenant, and afterward Captain ; about three months later, he was re-commissioned Assistant Surgeon on the medical staff at Nashville, serving under trying difficulties. After a time, on account of ill health, he resigned and re- turned to Porter County, locating in Wheeler, where he remained about 298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: three years, -and then came to Chesterton. For about fifteen years, he answered every call, but his wife's health compelled him to confine his practice, and he soon went into the drug business, though of late years he has done much riding. His drug store, one of the most tasteful in the county, is of his own design. Dr. Green is a member of the F. & A. M. Commandery, and of the I. 0. 0. F., and at present Township Trustee. He was formerly a Republican, but is now a Greenbacker. He was mar- ried, in the spring of 1854, to Elsie Corey, a native of Michigan City, and a niece of Jesse Harper, Chairman of the National Greenback Cen- tral Committee. They have had three children — Florence A. (deceased) Cora B. and Aylmer E. HENRY HAGBMAN was born November 21, 1816, in Union County, Ind. (then Indiana Territory). , He is the youngest of two chil- dren living born to John and Hannah (Batton) Hageman, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Virginia. Henry Batto'n, grand- father of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier, and the father served in the war of 1812 as Major. Grandfather Batton lived to the advanced age of nearly one hundred years. Mr. Hageman, our subject, lived but a short time in Union County, Ind. ; went to Montgomery County ; then to Fountain County, where he received the most of his education, in the town of Robroy, laid out by a brother-in-law. When about twelve years old, he came to La Porte County, and after a year came to Porter County, and the family soon followed. Mr. Hageman has farmed almost contin- uously since, with the exception of two winters at Indian trading, in which he spoke two Indian languages. He lived two years in Bock Island County, 111., where he owned land. Before Mr. Hageman divided any of his property among his children, he had about six hundred acres, all in Westchester and Portage Townships. In 1879, he laid out the town of Hageman, at the Michigan Central and L. S. & M. S. crossing. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for about forty years, and is now Recording Steward and District Steward. He has been Trustee and Assessor of the township and was a delegate . to the Congressional Con- ventions in 1880 and 1882. He has been a Republican since about 1854. He is a man of great energy and enthusiasm, and is one of our most public-spirited citizens and among our leaders in public affairs. He was married, in 1836, to Hannah J. Gosset, a native of Indiana. They have six children living — Sarah J., John, Mariah, Rosa, Lilan and Han- nah F. JOHN HALLBERG was born May 30, 1825, in Sweden. He is the youngest of three brothers born to John and Mary (Danielson) John- son, both natives of Sweden. John's name, Hallberg, was. given him on account of his being a soldier ; otherwise, it would have been Johnson. When twenty-one years of age, he began working for himself at the trade he had learned under his father, viz., shoemaking. When thirty years old, he began farming and continued up to 1866, when he came to the United States, stopping in New Jersey six months, and Chicago six months, and finally settling on his present farm of forty-five acres of fine land, mostly improved, and his son's — Pehr Afred's twenty acres since added. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. He was a Republican in politics untjil 1876, when he adopted the Greenback faith. He is one of our first WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 299 Swedish farmers, and among our best citizens. He was married, in 1846, to Eliza Maria Swanaon, a native of Sweden. He has two children — John A. (who was given the name "2000 " in Sweden, but adopted his father's name on coming to America), and Pehr A. MICHAEL C. HEFRON, telegraph operator, was born March 10, 1861, in Chesterton. He is the youngest of two brothers born to Morris and Elizabeth (Ryan) Hefron, both natives of Ireland. The elder Hefron was one of Chesterton's early merchants and Justice of the Peace. He came to the United States and settled in La Porte, and then came to Chesterton, where he was married, and lived until his death, which occurred in 1863. M. C. Hefron has always made his home in Chester- ton, and was connected with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern grain house for several years. He learned telegraphy in Chesterton, and has become among our first-class operators, with a talent and business capaci- ties peculiarly adapted to his chosen profession. He was educated first at Chesterton, and afterward at the St. Paul Academy at Valparaiso, Ind., and, as a consequence, is well prepared for business life. He is a stu- dent, with a library of 150 volumes and periodicals. He takes an inter- est in political questions, is independent, partaking of the prevailing opposition to the old parties. He is a land-holder, and has already laid the foundation of a future fortune. DAVID H. HOPKINS (deceased) was born July 29, 1820, in New York. He was the elder son of David and Susan Hopkins, both natives of New York. Our subject lived at home until 1844, when he was mar- ried to Cynthia C. Barney, a native of Ohio, They went to Chicago and lived for three months. He had learned his trade of cooper of his father and now began business extensively. They went to Michigan, but in a year went to Bailly Town and then to City West, Porter County, where he employed forty or fifty men. In about two years, he went to Chesterton, and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1870. Besides coopering he kept a general merchandise store. Mr. Hopkins was a member of the Odd Fellows order. He was a stanch Republican and took an active interest in politics, and an energetic, able business man and financier, and an enterprising public-spirited citizen. The Methodist Episcopal Church was built mainly through his efforts. He was one of Chesterton's earliest settlers, and built some of its first bouses and owned much of its property. With the exception of two years in Valparaiso, the Widow Hopkins lived in Chesterton until the fall of 1881, when she went to Michigan City, where she resides at present in quiet retirement. She has four children living — Laura E. Pinney, Gurdon H., Albert E. and Maud. GEORGE E. HOUSER, photographer, was born May 16, 1863, in Wells County, Ind. He was one of ten children born to William and Nancy (Mygrants) Houser, both natives of the Buckeye State. The elder Houser was among the early settlers of Wells County, and at pres- ent owns 160 acres in Huntington and Wells Counties, where he still -lives, on the county line. When about seventeen, George began learning his trade in Westville, La Porte Co., Ind., and after an apprentice- ship of about four months he went to Michigan City, and there finished. In April, 1882, he came to Chesterton and established his present studio, 300 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: where he is prepared to do anything in his line, such as photos, India- ink, enlarging, etc. He is a first-class workman of good taste and ability, and a promising young man of refined habits. In politics, he has been under Democratic influences, but considers himself independent. He has been a member of the Albright Church. CHARLES HYLANDER, of the firm of Hylander Bros., was born May 2, 1849, in Sweden. He is the youngest of nine children born to J. M. and Anna S. (Malmberg) Hylander, both natives of Sweden. Charles lived with his father until sixteen years of age ; he then entered a store in Helsingborg for three years, when he came to the United States and settled in Porter County; here he worked at different things until 1874; he then ran a restaurant for some years. In June, 1881, he, with his brother, bought their present building and established a dry goods, grocery, hat, cap and queensware store, and have built up one of the best trades in the city. He was elected Justice of the Peace, but did not qualify. He was a Republican until Grant's second administration, when he joined the Democratic ranks, but on the formation of the Green- back party he voted with that; he is now independent. The brothers are both excellent business men, and among our enterprising citizens. Charles was married in 1874, to Lina Swanson, a native of Sweden. They have three children — Ida M., Matilda M. and Charles 0., Jr. August Hylander, the other member of the firm of Hylander Brothers, was born August 21, 1838, in Sweden ; he lived at home until thirteen years old, when he entered as clerk in a store in Helsing- borg, remaining for eighteen years. He then came to America and settled in Porter County and has been here ever since, with the exception of a short time in Chicago. In 1876, he began clerking for Jay Pinney, and continued until he, with his brother, established their present firm. He is a member of th,e Swedish Lutheran Church. The brothers are of similar belief in politics. August was married in 1881, to Matilda Swan- son, a native of Sweden ; they have one boy — Ernst W. DANIEL P. INGRAHAM, lumberman, was born November 24, 1834, in Providence, New Brunswick. He is one of nine children born to Charles and Betsy (Courser) Ingraham, both natives of New Bruns- wick. The elder Ingraham was of English parentage and a member of the Christian Church. Young Ingraham lived in New Brunswick until about sixteen years of age, when the family came to Batavia, 111., and engaged in farming and lumbering for about four years. The family there separated, and Daniel went to Marengo, 111., where he engaged in railroading and farming for several years. After a journey to the West and back, lasting about a year, he engaged in lumbering for about a year in Michigan. In January, 1861, he came to Chesterton, where he has lived ever since, and has built up the most extensive lumbering trade in the northern part of the county, outside of Valparaiso. He buys, man- ufactures and ships lumber to the Chicago market. He has two portable saw-miUs in Jackson and Westchester Townships. He has been a mem- ber of the Good Templars, Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and also a member of the M. E. Church. He was Township Trustee for four years. He has always been a stanch Republican, and has been an Abo- litionist, and now favors the Prohibition movement. He is Superintend- WESTCHESTEE TOWNSHIP. 301 ent of the M. E. Sunday school. He was married, in June, 1859, to Lois A. Bulard, a native of Marengo, 111. They have five children — Minnie, Frank, Maud, Harriet and Charles. GLAUS JOHNSON, one of Chesterton's business men, was born March 29, 1850, in Sweden. He is one of three children living born to John S. and Mary (Swanson) Johnson, both natives of Sweden. When about twenty years old, Mr. Johnson came to America, and settled in Bailly Town, Porter County. With the exception of two summers in Michigan and three summers "in Elkhart, Ind., he has been in Porter County ever since, working on the railroad until Jalnuary, 1878, when he began his present business, where he has rooms equal to any of the kind in the place. He has been a member of the Swedish Lutheran . Church and was a Republican until 1878, when he became a Democrat, and still believes in that party. Mr. Johnson is one of Chesterton's property owners and alive business men. He was married, in 1879, to Sophia Linden, a native of Sweden. They have one child — Edgart T. GUSTUS JOHNSON was born November 4, 1836, in Sweden. He is one of nine children born to John P. and Johannah Johnson. When Gustus was twenty years of age, he came to the United States and settled in Porter County, and after teaming for about two years in Westchester Township, he came to Chesterton. In 1862, he enlisted in the Seventy- third Indiana Volunteer Infantry as teamster, but in a short time, en- listed in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana, and served under Thomas, in the West ; then was sent to North Carolina, where he served for a year, after the close of the war, on garrison duty. After a short time in Chesterton, he went to Kansas, but after about one and a half years he came back, and has been here ever since, engaged in different things until June, 1881, when he bought the "Indiana House" (now Johnson Hotel). Having taken it when badly out of repair, he has made a thorough cleaning, papering, painting, etc., and built an addition 16x32 feet with two-stories, at an expense of probably $500. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. In politics, he has always been a Democrat, but voted a few times the Greenback ticket. He was married, in 186P, to Christina Swanson, a native of Sweden. They have three children living — Johannah C. E., Oscar W. L. and Ida C. P. A. JOHNSON was born February 27, 1851, in Sweden. He is the youngest of nine children born to Johnnis and Johannah (Donnold- son) Johnson, both natives of Sweden. Young Johnson lived with his father in Sweden until his seventeenth year, when he emigrated to the the United States, locating for a time in Paxton, 111.; thence went to Water Valley, Miss., for about five years, engaging in work in a sash and blind factory ; he then came to Chesterton, and, in March, 1881, bought the stock of dry goods and groceries kept in his building by a Mr. Did- die, and has built up a rapidly increasing trade ; he has probably one of the best-selected stocks in the place, with a trade second to none ; he is a moderate Republican ; he is an enterprising young man, of quiet habits and good taste. DR. ERASMUS J. JONES, physician at New Porter, was born, in 1814, in Ohio ; he is one of twelve children born to Erasmus and Mary (Sellarsj Jones, both natives of Virginia. The elder Jones was one of 302 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the first settlers of Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1778. Dr. Jones' mother was •well educated, and, as there were few or no educational facilities in those days, she educated her son to nearly all he received, but, as the Doctor is a self-made man, he early became interested in the study of medicine be- fore he had the least idea of making it a profession, and did so only be- cause he was urged to. The Doctor lived, married, studied and practiced medicine in the house in which he was born until 1846 ; he had studied and reported progress to a physician near, but as M. D.'s were "few and far between," and it was a sickly season, he was pressed into practice when sixteen years old. In 1840, he went to Philadelphia and attended the Jefferson Medical College. In 1846, he went in partner- ship with his brother-in-law. Dr. J. Gr. Kyle, an excellent physician in Southwestern Ohio, but, on account of his wife's health, he concluded to go West in 1851, and procured a "four-horse" team and driver and started, intending to go to Iowa. Upon arriving in Porter County, his family took sick, which caused him to stop, and, on account of induce- ments offered by the people of Gosset settlement, he located there, intend- ing to stay but a short time, but remained until 1859, when he was elected County Clerk, and lived in Valparaiso for two terms. He then removed to Chesterton, where he resumed practice, and was in the drug business until 1881 ; then came to New Porter, where he still resides and prac- tices. Ilis robust constitution enables him to do more than the share of one physician. He has been a member of both F. & A. M. and Odd Fel- low fraternities. He was elected Justice of the Peace before he was twenty- one, and had to wait till of age for his commission. Dr. Jones has always been a strong Abolitionist and a Republican. He was married, in 1836, to Susan McCafferty, a native of Ohio. She died in 1839. In 1846, he married Elizabeth BuUard, a native of Xenia, Ohio. The Doctor has six children, living — Laura Terry, Theo. C, Mary J. Sovereign, Joseph A., Schuyler C. and Willie. REV. H. F. J. KROLL, priest of the Catholic Church at Chester ton and its surrounding missions, was born October 4, 1855, in Baltimore, Md. He is the elder of two brothers born to Henry and Theresa (Frei- muth) Kroll, both natives of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. The elder Kroll still lives in Baltimore, engaged in the grocery business. Father Kroll was in the Baltimore Parochial Schools until thirteen years of age ; then attended a priesthood preparatory college in the same city for two years ; he then entered St. Vincent College, in Westmoreland, Penn., conducted by the Benedictine Fathers. After two years, he went to Milwaukee St. Francis Seminary, where he finished his preparation for the priesthood in five years ; he was now ordained by Bishop Dwenger, of Fort Wayne, Ind., June 31, 1879, and given the Chesterton parish and its missions. When Rev. Kroll took the charge, it was encumbered by a debt of $1,560, the church poorly furnished, and a membership of thirty-five families, etc. The debt was paid over a year ago, the church well furnished, th« number of families increased to fifty-five, the cemetery improved, a fine brick parsonage, 24x44 feet, erected and paid for ; this is the fruit of the untiring and persistent energy and ability of its pastor. The intention of Rev. Kroll is to establish a Catholic school this coming winter. These facts show the church to be in excellent conditon. He has a fine library WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 303 of about 300 volumes. He, as all must be that enter his profession, has been a hard student, and is a fine scholar. ROBERT B. LANSING was born January 10, 1810, in Vermont. He is one four children, living, born to Robert and Martha (Bingham) Lansing, the former a native of New York City, and the latter of Ver- mont. The Van Rensselaers, of New York fame, and the Lansings were related. The elder Lansing was in the war of 1812. The city of Lansing, Mich., derived its name, it is said, from relatives of our subject. When Rob- ert B. was quite young, his parents moved to Ohio. Robert followed mill- wrighting for about twenty-seven years in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. He educated himself in advanced studies, and was enabled to teach for five years. In 1849, he came to Chesterton and bought eighty acres of land in Liberty Township, where he farmed until 1880, when he sold out and has since lived in Chesterton. He was Trustee for about four years, and Justice of the Peace for about the same time. He has been a strong Republican and an Abolitionist. In 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years under Buell and others in the West, and was injured by an accidental fall while charging breast- works at Green River. He was married, in 1828, to Amy A. Burlin- game, who died about eight years later. In 1841, he married Sarah A. Cox, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Lansing has three children living — Caroline Dille, Mary J. Young and Isaac. CHARLES LAWSON, farmer, was born in 1825 in Sweden. He is one of seven children born to Carl and Lora M. (Anderson) Lawson, both natives of Sweden. The elder Lawson was a soldier of the Swedish regular army for thirty years. When ten years old, Mr. Lawson left home and worked out at farming until twenty-one years of age, when he married Hannah Nelson, of Sweden. She died four years later. He had 160 acres of land on which they lived. They had one child. About one year later, he married Charlotte Anderson, of Sweden. He now farmed about two years, when he came to the United States and settled in La Porte, Ind., near which he rented 160 acres for five years. He then came to Porter Post Officesettlement, and bought and cleared the farm owned at present by Mr. Engberg. He then bought his present farm of about 190 acres of good land. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. In political faith, he has always been a strong Republican. He is one of our most enterprising farmers and public- spirited citizens. He has three children living — Charles W., Emma C. and Gust A. DAVID LONG, one of Porter Station's business men, was born in 1839, in Bufialo, N. Y. He is one of five children born to Benjamin and Seba (Stayle) Long, both natives of Pennsylvania. When David was thirteen years of age, they came to Porter Station, and engaged in farming and milling; when David was eighteen, he owned the present Pierce Mills, of Union Township, until about twenty-four years old, when he went to Jackson Township and engaged in saw-milling. In 1869, he and others built the Liberty Mills, at present owned by Mr. Wheeler. In 1877, he went to Millersburg, Ind., and remained about two years. He then came to Porter Station and embarked in his present business. He has the only rooms of the kind in town, kept in an orderly manner. In politics 304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he has always been independent, and votes for the man and not the party. JOHN B. LUNDBERG was born January 13, 1840, in Sweden, and is one of seven children born to Charles and Eva C. Lundberg. The elder Lundberg was a tailor and afterward farmer. The mother of our subject having died at his birth, the father married again, and when Mr. Lundberg was about twelve years old they came to the United States and settled in Chicago, where the father soon died. Mr. L. lived with his step-mother, she having married again, until 1866, when he came to Chesterton. He had learned cabinet-making in Chicago, and now began business for himself; besides the furniture business, he erected a turning factory, by which he expected to furnish turned work for the Chicago market, but, after about four years, the buildings burned ; he rebuilt them, and in addition to that went into the broom-handle busi- ness. He also bought land, cutting and shipping the timber. In 1875, he sold his other interests, and has since confined himself to undertaking and dealing in furniture. He belonged to a Chicago Swedish society for the promotion of education, charity, etc. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken all the Blue Lodge degrees. He has been Township Trustee for six years, also Township Assessor for four years. He has been a Republican, but is now a member of the National party. He was married in the spring of 1871 to Phebe A. Hammond, a native of New York. He has one child — Eva. C. HENRY R. McDonald, farmer and lumberman, was born in Canada in 1831. He is one of nine children, living, born to Walter and Betsy (Dean) McDonald, the former a native of New Brunswick and the latter of New York. The eldei* McDonald was drafted into the British service in the war of 1812, and two of his sons were in the Canadian rebellion. The McDonalds came from Scotland and settled in New York, but at the Declaration of Independence they went to Canada ; but the last generation has settled under Uncle Sam's protection. Senator Mc- Donald is a distant relative, and the name is well known in Scottish his- tory. When Mr. McDonald was thirteen years old, his father died, and three years later he went to New York and farmed for five or six years, with the exception of one year in Michigan. He then spent about a year in Wisconsin. He was married, in 1850, to Martha Wilson, born in Dublin, Ireland. He then went to St. Paul, Minn., but in about a year he came to his present settlement, now known as Furnessville, and is the oldest settler now living there. He was employed about five years at lumbering, and then began lumbering for himself, and is now one of our largest land-owners, and is the largest tax payer in Westchester ; a member of both the F. & A. M. and I. 0. 0. P. He was, up to the Garfield campaign, a Democrat, but has since been a Republican. He has six children living — Charles, Martha Jones, Fannie Lynn, Abbie, Henry and Mary. MRS. MARTHA McDONALD, hotel proprietress at Hageman, was born in New York City in 1835. She is the youngest of thirteen chil- dren born to William and Mary (Dale) Wilson, both natives of Dublin. When Mrs. McDonald was about nine years old, her parents moved to Watertown, Wis. In 1851, she married Mr. McDonald, and went to St. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP, 305 Paul, Minn. They then went to Michigan, then to Michigan City, then to Furnessville, where they remained until the fall of 1881, when they separated and she went to Illinois, but soon came to Hageman and estab- lished a hotel, the only one in the place, where the traveling public are cordially welcomed and cared for. . Mrs. McDonald is a lady of some wealth and taste. She has six children living — Charles, Martha, Fannie, Abbie, Henry and Mary. FREDERICK MICHAELS, merchant and Postmaster at Porter Post OflSce, was born April 27, 1829, in Prussia, Germany. He is the only child living of Frederick and Wilhelmine (Mix) Michaels, both natives of Germany. The elder Michaels had a trade, not common as a trade in this country, viz., the finishing and adjusting ornaments, crosses, etc., on towers. Mr. Michael's father died when the former was ten years of age ; and four years later our subject began shoemaking in Breslau, and traveled in Germany until 1853, when he came to the United States and settled in La Porte, where he remained until 1855, en- gaged as tailor, shoemaker, etc. He then came to Porter Post OflSce without money, and engaged in railroading and carpentering, and took his pres- ent store, then very limited. He has been engaged as merchant, exclu- sively, for about twenty years, and has built all his buildings himself. He has two dwellings, store and dwelling, green house, windmills, etc., in " Old Porter," and nearly a quarter section of one of Westchester's finest farms, known as the Frayd farm, what is known as the " depot grounds," and town lots, etc. He has a fine family vault in the Bailly Town Ceme- tery, value about $1,000. He was made Postmaster January 15, 1873, and has held the office ever since. He is a member of the Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28, and also of the Consistory. He owns a business block in Chicago, on Ogden and Central Park avenues. Since the birth of the Republican party, he has been one of its stanch supporters. He married, after he came to Porter County, Mrs. Henriette Dedskind, a native of Saxony, now deceased. In 1876, he married his present wife — Bertha Fleming, a native of Saxony, and sister of his late wife. He has an adopted child — Paul F., and five step-children — Hilmar, Mrs. Fran- ciska Faust, Mrs. Emma Lyon, Martha Fleming and Curt. ROBERT E. MILLER, M. D., was born May 26, 1846, in Nor- walk, Ohio. He is the eldest of four children born to Robert and Har- riet (Wilkinson) Miller, the former of Connecticut, and the latter of Penn- sylvania. Dr, Miller's grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. The elder Miller soon went from Norwalk to go to Illinois, but stopped in Hobart, Lake Co., Ind., working at his trade of blacksmith. He entered near there 240 acres of land, and moved onto it, living there and clearing until 1852, when, as one of the victims of the "gold fever," he went to California. He left his family on the farm, the mother taking care of it, and struggling to educate her family — she having been a teacher. After a stay of six years in California and one year in British Columbia, along the Frazer River, he came home, and died March 21, 1882, at the age of seventy-seven years. The mother is still living on the old homestead. Dr. Miller had but few advantages of education before of age, but he possessed a love for reading. Five months before he was twenty-one, his father reluctantly consented to his entreaties to attend 306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: school, without any help from him. He went, and by cutting wood, board- ing himself, working odd hours, etc., succeeded in paying his way. He then came home and worked for his father, doing this a part of the sea- son, and acting as agent another part, for about two years; then alternated teaching and farming the two following years. He then began the study of medicine in the fall of 1871, with Dr. Morrical, of Chesterton, for three years, when he entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago, tak- ing one term of lectures. He then practiced over four years in Hobart, his old home, when he sold his practice, and, returning to Chicago, grad- uated. He remained in the city taking post-graduate studies, experiment- ing and studying city practice, for about eighteen months. In 1881, he returned to Chesterton, his preceptor having moved away, and began building up a practice, and has succeeded remarkably for a young physi- cian. He is a member of both F. & A. M. and I. 0. 0. F. fraterni- ties, of Hobart, Ind. He has held all the different oflSces in the Odd Fel- lows Lodge, including Grand Representative. He is a moderate Repub- lican ; a very conscientious man, of studious habits and one of our best citizens. In June, 1876, Dr. Miller laid out the village plat of Crisman, at the junction of the M. C. and B. & 0. R. R.'s. It comprises thirty- six acres. JOHN G. MORGAN was born September 12, 1832, near Kings- bury, La Porte Co., Ind. He is the youngest of five children, living, born to Jesse and Jane (Cisna) Morgan, the former of Virginia, and the latter born near Detroit, Mich. (For account of the settlement of the elder Morgan, see the general history of Westchester and the county). When John was but six months old, they moved to what is now Porter County, and settled in the present Morgan settlement, and bought a quarter section of the finest land in the county, and pre-empted another quarter. Here the family was reared, inured to the hardships of pioneer life, with limited means of education, but with a love for reading that sup- plies the want. Jesse Morgan died when John G. was twenty-one years old ; the latter still lived with the family up to 1867. In 1860, he was married to Mary A. Holland, a native of Canada. Her parents came from Ireland. The homestead was divided in 1867, and our subject re- ceived 177 acres, and has since added until he now owns about 381 acres, with good buildings ; he has a fine grove, much used for picnics, etc. He is a member of the I.,0. 0. F. of twenty-six years' standing. He has always been a Democrat, but is liberal in local afiairs. He is one of our most intelligent and thoroughgoing farmers, and among our first citizens. He has three children living — Bently J., Agnes C. and Annie H. JOHN MURPHY, cooper, was born June 15, 1823, in Ireland. He is one of three children born to Martin and Mary (Byrne) Murphy, both natives of Ireland. When nineteen years of age, Mr. Murphy came to the United States and settled in South Hero Island, Lake Champlain, for two years, when he went to Montezuma, N. Y. After about two years, he went to a town near Auburn, N. Y., and stayed until he came to City West in the fall of 1857. After a four years' residence here, he went to Chicago and remained a year. He then came to Chesterton and was engaged as foreman in Mr. Hopkins' shops for about six years, when he established shops of his own, but was at one time in partnership with WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 307 Messrs. Thomas & Hopkins. He is an excellent workman and ships a large amount of stock to the Chicago market. He has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. fraternity, and has been trained in the Catholic Church. He has held the oflSce of Township Trustee and other offices. He has always been a Democrat, with the exception of the Whig and war periods. He is a thoroughly conscientious man, of broad information and good judgment, and a citizen of sterling worth. He was married, June 18, 1848, to Mary Dooley, a native of Rochester, N. Y. They have seven children living — Mary R., Edward, James, Frank, Joseph, Lucy and Ella. - W. B. OWEN, Sr., of the firm of Hinchliff & Owen, brick-yards, at Porter, was born June 5, 1834, in Crown Point, N. Y. .He is the only child of Hiram and Betsy Owen, both natives of New York. The elder Owen was a stone-cutter ; the ancestors were purely Yankee. Mr. Owen's father and mother both died when he was nine years old. He was thrown on his own resources without even a guardian, and worked on farms until about seventeen, when he entered the machine shops at Springfield, Mass., for about ten years. At Boston, he worked for the next five years at the same trade. At the-end of this time, he went to Salt Lake City, having traveled with mules 1,700 miles to Virginia City, where he worked in the mines one summer. In the fall he came to Chi- cago, where he remained about five years, engaged in the machine shops about two years, and afterward in the brick-yard business. On December 12, 1867, he married Annie Pride, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He then went to Champaign, 111., and began farming 640 acres of land, one of the best farms of the county, but it being the dry year of the great fire, he remained but twelve months. He then went to Porter Station and started what was known as the old " Kellogg " brick-yard. He soon bought a third interest in one of his present yards, owned at that time by Moulding & Harland ; after being partner for a time, he sold out and was their foreman for about seven years. He then bought out the senior member, and fourteen acres of brick-yard land of a Mr. Tuttle. The firm then bought nineteen acres of Mr. Hageman, on which they estab- lished a steam yard, with the capacity of 30,000 brick per day. The firm then bought 200 acres woodland of George Morgan, and also the Waterbury & Mills brick-yard, at Hobart, Ind., where they put in steam appliances ; capacity 40,000 per day. Harland then sold his interest to Hinchliff, of Chicago, with whom Mr. Owen is at present partner. The firm put in a 2,200-foot side track connecting the yards with the L. S. & M. S. Ry. The firm now have 150 hands employed in Porter and Hobart (100 in Porter), all steam yards, with a capacity of 65,000 per day in Porter, and 105,000 per day in Porter and Hobart. Mrs. Owen kept from fifteen to twenty-five boarders in Porter for about seven years, and in the interim built a residence in Chicago, and bought 110 acres of woodland near Porter Station, the latter through Mrs. Owen's personal efforts. Mr. 0. is a member of the F. and A. M. order and a stanch Republican. He has three children — Jesse C, Leonard and an infant. OSCAR S. PETERSON, retired farmer, was born in 1837 in Swe- den. He is one of eight children born to John and Anna (Lindstadt) Peterson, both natives of Sweden. When sixteen years of age, Mr. 308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Peterson left home and came to the United States, and settled in Chicago, and was engaged in building the early Chicago "plank streets." In a short time, he went to Aurora, 111., and learned and worked at upholster- ing for about three years. He then went to Lyons, Iowa, and established his business there, but failed, and as he was but nineteen years of age, and lost all, he shipped on a steamboat as " roustabout " to St. Louis, where he was without work and food for about three days, but soon got work near, on a farm, for all winter. He afterward bought a team, and began farming in Madison County, 111. After two years, he moved to Westchester Township, and began farming in Waverly, remaining there eleven years, when he bought his present farm of 209 acres of fine land, near Chesterton, on which he lives in a beautifully situated brick, nearly hidden by a fine grove. He has altogether about three hundred and thirty acres, indicating him to be a successful farmer and financier. He has been a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. He has always been a Republican, bjit in local affairs is liberal. He was married, in 1861, to Christina S. Carlson, a native of Sweden. They have four children — Charles A., Ida B., Arthur 0. and Cora M. In 1863, he went to Sweden on business, and on the way there and back he visited and traveled through Norway, Germany, France, Denmark, all Great Britain and Ireland, to see the countries. MARTIN PHARES, Sk., farmer, was born May 16, 1816, in Greene County, Ohio. He is the youngest of ten children born to Rob- ert and Mary (Clevenger) Phares, both natives of New Jersey. Martin lived with his father until twenty-two years old, and received the usual early educational advantages. He married, October 24, 1837, Maria Shafer, a native of Luzerne •County, Penn. In 1841, they came to Por- ter County, and bought eighty acres of the present farm, now consisting of 124 acres of good land, well improved, and farmed by their son, Fre- mont. Martin Phares taught a few terms of school here, held the oflBce of Township Trustee, and in politics was a Whig, then joined the Repub- lican ranks, from which he never separated. He died February 21, 1882, and his widow is living on the old farm with her son. She is an intelli- gent elderly lady, respected by all who know her. They have eight children — Samuel M., Emeline Biggs, Mary A. Wheeler, Adam P., Mar- tin L., Lydia M., John C. F. and Amy C. MARTIN LUZERNE PHARES was born in Liberty Township, Porter Co., Ind., March 28, 1854. From the age of six until in De- cember, 1872, he attended the district school, at which date he was engaged to teach at Salt Creek, four miles away. Teaching at this place three terms, he went, in the spring of 1874, in company with a friend, A. P. Bond (the winter previous, Mr. Phares' pupil) to the "pineries" of Oceana County, Mich. Here Mr. Phares taught one term, then returned and took charge of the school in which two years before he had been a pupil. Here he was engaged four or five terms; also again at Salt Creek, and in other schools of the county, until, in 1881, he accepted the Superintendency of Schools at Chesterton. This position he now holds. Mr. Phares' higher schooling was principally at the Valparaiso Normal, beginning with the first term of that institution, in September, 1873, and continuing, alternately with teaching, until in the spring of 1880. His WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 309 attendance here amounted to about three years, his work being such as he believed would be of greatest practical utility. Politically, with the prin- ciples of the Republican party taught him from early childhood, to which principles and their triumphs he continues warmly attached, he became an early convert to the National party, first voting with it in 1880. At this writing, he is the candidate of his party for the office of County Clerk, and was made a candidate a few years ago for County Superintendent, making a remarkably good race, but, on account of the weakness of his party only, was defeated. Mr. Phares is a young man of more than ordi- nary ability and promise; being a hard, thorough student, he has become one of the best teachers in the county, taking an active interest in, and studying political, questions in a logical manner. As a writer he uses logical reasoning, and accurate, exact expressions, having been connected with newspaper work for some time. He has been one of the leaders in the County Teachers' Association, standing high in the esteem of those who know him, as a strictly moral and conscientious young man. PILLMAN BROTHERS. August Pillman, junior member of the firm of Pillman Bros., in Porter Station, was born July 23, 1854, in Sweden. He is one of four children, living, born to Andrew and Mary (Peterson) Pillman. The elder Pillman came with his family to the United States, in 1864, and settled in Liberty Township. August lived at home until the spring of 1882, engaged in farming. He, with his brother, then bought their present store, furnished with a stock worth about $700. Their trade has grown very rapidly, so that their stock is increased to about $3,000, and includes a full line of groceries, provisions, dry goods, boots and shoes, crockery, hardware, etc., and they are in- creasing their stock daily, and do a very extensive trade. Mr. Pillman is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and has always been a Republican in political faith. John Pillman, senior member of the firm of Pillman Bros., at Porter Station, merchants, was born July 23, 1851, in Sweden. He is the eldest son of four children born to Andrew and Mary (Peterson) Pillman, both natives of Sweden. The elder Pillman's father was a Swedish soldier in the early part of the nineteenth century. John lived at home until of age. In 1872, he married Hannah Johnson, a native of Sweden, and began farming one of his father's farms. At the end of three years, he began railroading, until he and his brother formed their present firm. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and in political faith is a Republican. He is a public-spirited citizen, and is interested in promoting temperance and' other public benefits. His wife died in October, 1881. They had two children — both dead. JAY PINNEY, merchant, was born January 20, 1847, in La Porte County, Ind. He is the eldest of nine children, living, born to Horace ' and Angeline (Haskill) Pinney, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania ; the elder Pinney and his father-in-law were among the first settlers of La Porte County. A peculiar fact concerning the elder Pinney and wife was that she was born without a palate, and his palate was eaten off. by medicine. Young Pinney lived with his father in La Porte County until about twenty-three years of age ; he was an unusually bright child, and learned very fast. He has had the advantages of High 310 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: School education ; he then went to Kansas for health and business^ and after a residence of about fourteen months, bought two car loads of Texas cattle and brought them to Chicago. He now bought a half-interest in a store in Wanatah, La Porte County. After about fourteen months, he came to Chesterton and purchased his present general merchandise store. Mr. Pinney has built up one of the finest trades in the township ; his sales, the first pear, amounted to $26,000. He carries an average stock of $6,000 ; he has been City Treasurer, and has been a Democrat, but votes for the man and principle rather than party. Mr. Pinney was married, June 9, 1874, to Laura E. Hopkins, a native of Chesterton. They have one child, Clara B., born September 9, 1875. Mrs. Pinney is daughter of Hamilton Hopkins, one of the first merchants of Chester- ton, and one of the old settlers ; he died in July, 1870. Mr. Pinney is agent for the Studebaker Wagon Company. GEORGE H. RILEY, M. D., was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., April 12, 1853. He is one of nine children, living, born to Nelson and Hannah (Wing) Riley, both natives of Cherry Valley. The elder Riley is a retired farmer, living in La Porte, Ind.; was a high school teacher for fourteen years in New York, and has taken pains to educate all his children. When Dr. Riley was about seven years of age, the parents moved to La Porte County, living on the farm until the Doctor was seventeen ; he had graduated at the La Porte High School, and now be- gan teaching and studying medicine, paying his.own way through college after two years in the school room. He graduated at the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, in the spring of 1875 ; he then began the practice of medicine in New Bufiulo, Mich. After four years of successful prac- tice, he found a better place in New Troy, where he built up a lucrative practice, but, having lost his wife, he came to Indiana, and has been as- sociated with Dr. Green in the practice of medicine and the drug busi- ness. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and has taken all the degrees. Dr. Riley held the ofiice of School Superintendent in Michigan ; he is a moderate Republican, but favors the financial theories of the National party. He married Mary E. Phillips, a native of Michigan, and an educated lady, having been a teacher for several years. They had one child, Carrie E. SAMUEL A. SAMUELSON was-born, in 1839, in Sweden. He is the youngest of seven children born to Samuel Ericson and wife, both natives of Sweden. When thirteen years old, Samuel and parents came to the United States and stopped a year in Chicago, then settled in West- chester Township. Our subject left home at about his twenty-first year, and worked out until the war began, when he enlisted in the Seventy- third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served at Stone River, Perryville, Murfreesboro, etc., for eight months, when he was discharged on account of a wound received. H e was disabled for over three years, but soon worked his own farm alone up to the time of his marriage, in 1871, to Mary Swanson, a native of Sweden. She died in 1879. They had five children— John V., John L., Alfrida, Badea and Gustof. He has 219 acres of land, partly improved. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and has always been a Republican in politics ; he is an enter- prising farmer, and a good citizen. WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 311 EDWARD F. SCHAPER was born January 25, 1851, in Hanover. Germany. He is the eldest of four children living born to Gottlieb and Johannah (Martens) Schaper, both natives of Germany. The maternal grandfather was an oflBcer and served in the Franco-Prussian war, and his wife was of French birth. Edward lived in Germany until his sev- enteenth year, when he emigrated to the United States and settled in Fond du Lac, Wis. Here he began learning his trade of jeweler, and finished in Milwaukee. He then went to New Orleans, and worked for about eighteen months, when he came to Crown Point, Ind., where he was in ill-health for nearly a year. Hobart was his next home for three years. In February, 1876, he came to Chesterton, and established his present firm. He keeps a fine stock of clocks, watches, jewelry, plated ware, musical instruments, etc. ; also, a line of tobaccos and cigars. He has built up the finest trade in the country around outside of Valparaiso or Michigan - City. He began an apiary, and expects to enlarge it in the future. He has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. fraternity, and is a member of the Bee-Keeper's Association of Chicago. He has always been an Independent in politics, having voted with all the different par- ties, and is an intelligent man of quiet habits. He was married. May 6, 1877, to Amalie Koehne, a native of Fond du Lac, Wis. They have two children — Clara and Matilda. CHARLES 0. SEAMANS, Justice of the Peace, was born Novem- ber 15, 1841, in Wheaton, 111. He is the eldest of eight children born to Alvin and Almira (Munyan) Seamans, the former a native of Con- necticut, and the latter of Massachusetts. The paternal ancestors of our subject have been traced back to the Pilgrim Fathers. His grandfather, Munyan, was in the war of 1812, and great-grandfather Munyan was a soldier of the Revolution. The gun he carried in that war is in pos- session of our subject. Esquire Seamans lived with his father in -Wheaton until about twenty years of age ; he attended the college at Wheaton, and when twenty years old he began teaching. After a year, he entered the Chicago School of Trade, to prepare himself for a book-keeper ; after his course was finished, he entered a retail grocery establishment in Chicago as clerk, and in six months had worked up to the position of book-keeper, continuing in their employ for about five years. He then came to Ches- terton and purchased the " Railroad House " (now Johnson's Hotel), and oflSciated as "mine host" for five years. He then engaged in blacksmith- ing for three years nearly, when he received an injury in horseshoeing, and was an invalid until March, 1881 ; he again took charge of the hotel for about three months. He then traded the hotel for his present farm, and has since heeri engaged in superintending it. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1880, and has served with ability ; he was a Republican, but has adopted the Green- back faith ; he was married in October, 1864, to Jennett Odell, a native of New York, and born within a mile of Niagara Falls. CALVIN T. D. SHANKS was born June 29, 1837, in Ontario, Ohio. He is the eldest of eight children born to Simon P. and Elizabeth (Border) Shanks, both natives of Pennsylvania. The elder Shanks was both carpenter and mason. When Calvin was fourteen years old, his 312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: parents moved to Noble County, Ind.; then to Wolcottville, La Grange County, where our subject received the most of his education at the Greggs Seminary. They soon went to the well-known watering place, Rome City, about three miles south of the former place, remaining there about eight years ; he, now of age, went into the northern part of Michigan, where he lumbered for about two years ; he then returned to La Grange County, farming for about two years. He married, September 20, 1861, Rachel Lownsbury, a native of La Grange County. They began keeping hotel at Newburg, La Grange County, remaining about eighteen months, when he moved to Tecumseh, Mich., where he farmed and lumbered for a few years. In 1866, he came to Chesterton, farming for about a year, when he engaged in cabinet work in Mishawaka for three years ; he re- turned to Chesterton and engaged in different occupations until 1875. when he founded the Central House, and, through bis energy and effi- ciency as " mine host," has made one of the finest hotelsof its size in the county. In the summer of 1882, he made some fine improvements, and the public may always expect a cordial reception and an excellent culi- nary department under the management of Mrs. S. He has been a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F. Mrs. S. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Shanks was a Democrat up to the Garfield campaign, but is now a Republican. JOSEPH SWANSON, merchant, was born in 1826 in Sweden. He is one of twelve children born to Eric and Mary Swanson, both natives of Sweden. When twenty-three years of age, Joseph left home, where he had been clerking in his father's store, and came to the United States and settled in Boston, where he remained a year and a half, engaged in coopering ; he then went to New Bedford, Mass., and after a year he joined a whaling vessel, and was on the ocean for twelve years, mostly in the Pacific, leaving the Arctic Ocean in August and going South to the Sandwich Island, New Zealand, Australia, African coast, etc. He was in the Atlantic the first two years ; he made two Arctic Ocean trips, and then returned to New Bedford, and went to Sweden, on a three weeks' visit there and in other countries bordering on the Northern waters ; he then came back to New Bedford and started for California, remaining in San Francisco for about fifteen months, when he came to Porter P. 0. and started his store with a stock of $400 or $500. In 1879, he built his present store and dwelling, a large, fine frame, in which he has a stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, etc., worth about $1,000, with a good trade. He has always been a Republican ; he is a man of extensive experience and travel, and one of our leading business men. He was married, in 1865, to Johannah Pillman, a native of Sweden. They have five children — Gust, Charley, John, Ida and Emily. JOHN T. TAYLOR, merchant, was born December 28, 1844, in Philadelphia, Penn. He is one of eight children born to William and Ann (Jenkins) Taylor, both natives of Wales. The elder Taylor was a machinist by occupation. When our subject was about seven years old, they moved from Philadelphia to Cincinnati, where they remained three years. In 1855, they removed to La Porte, Ind., and the following year to Michigan City, where they remained until they came to Chesterton in 1860. John T. had the advantages of the city schools in the above- WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP. 313 named places. At Chesterton,' they engaged in farming until February of 1861, when he entered his present store as clerk. It was then owned by L. B. Osborn, afterward by other parties. After a clerkship of nearly three years, he went to Chicago, and soon enlisted in the One Hundred and Eorty-seventh Illinois ; was soon promoted to the oflSce of Second Lieutenant, and was mustered out February, 1866. On return- ing to Chesterton, he entered into partnership under the firm name of Taylor & Osborn, which existed one year ; then Taylor & Quick, which lasted ten years. It then changed, and took the name it bears at present — Taylor Brothers — consisting of our subject and his brother, Richard 0. Taylor, who was born August 18, 1856, in Michigan City. He clerked in South Chicago for a time before this firm was formed. They are the only grain dealers in the place, carrying a stock of from $10,000 to $20,000. Mr. Taylor is a member of both Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. In 1866, he was Postmaster. Mr. Taylor has been a Dem- ocrat, but of late years is independent, rather favoring the National prin- ciples. He was married December 28, 1866, to Mary E. Segar, a native of New York. They have two children living — William A. and Mabel C. JOHN THOMAS, ex-merchant, and retired, was born in 1822 in Ohio. He was one of eight children born to William and Ann (Arm- strong) Thomas, both natives of Ohio. They came from Ohio to La Porte (city) when John was quite young ; here they bought land, but after about two years they came to Westchester, and, with the Morgans, were the first families to settle in the township. The Thomases owned considerable land, including the present plat of Chesterton, of which they gave to the roailroad company its present grounds, and then laid out the surrounding land in lots, which have grown into the present Chester- ton. The town has grown around the old homestead, in which Mr. Thomas' sister is now living. John lived at home till nearly thirty-five years of age. The three brothers — John, William and Vincent — were partners in a saw mill, and as merchants in the building at present occu- pied by Taylor Bros., and had the leading business for years. The three dissolved ; then John and William were partners until the death of the latter. They also carried on a coopering business for a number of years. John carried on the milling and farming until about 1877, when, on account of ill health, he retired from business. He has been a member of both Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and was among the found- ers of the lodges in Chesterton. In religious belief, he has been a Uni- versalist. In politics, he has been a firm Democrat. He was married, November 18, 1836, to Jane Scott, a native of La Grange County, Ind. She lived for a time with a Mr. Arnold's family in Constantine, Mich., a member of the noted Constantine Band ; S. D. Crane, ex-County Superintendent of La Grange County, a lawyer, is a half-brother. She is in religious belief a Presbytef ian. They have two children — Louis and xinsp A MARTIN YOUNG was born May 13, 1841, in Erie County, Ohio. He is one of ten children born to Ira and Sophia (Crippin) Young, both natives of New York. The elder Young was a fisherman on Lake Brie for thirty years. Maternally, Mr. Young is of English descent, and paternally from Holland. When Martin was about five years of age^ 314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: they came to Porter County, settling on " Twenty-Mile " Prairie. A sister of our subject was about the first school teacher of that settlement, and Judge Field was among her pupils. When about twenty-one years of age, Mr. Young enlisted in the Seventy-third Indiana, serving nearly three years, and participating in the famous battles of Stone River, Nash- ville, and on Col. Straight's raid through Georgia. After he was discharged, returning to Chesterton, he engaged in the meat market business ; he has built up the leading trade in this part of the county. He is a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F. fraternity. Mr. Young is a Republican, but favors the financial theories of the National party. Mr. Young has one of the finest brick residences in the county, richly furnished, and with the luxuries of piano, organ, etc. He was married in 1862 to Mary J. Lansing, a native of Porter County. She is well educated, having been a teacher. They have one adopted child — Arthur. BOONE TOWNSHIP. PORTER AYLSWORTH is a native of Ohio, and a son of Giles and Mary Aylsworth, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Pennsylvania. His parents came to this township in 1842, where his father taught school in the winters of 1842 and 1843. They had 440 acres in a home farm and 102 acres in various tracts. His father died in June, 1880, and his mother in October, 1879. Porter Aylsworth received but a spare education. He was married in 1856 to Miss Catharine Shina- barger, a native of Ohio. To this union there were six children — Elva, Giles C., Thomas M., Mary, Corbin and John. Mr. and Mrs. Aylsworth commenced housekeeping on his present place, in a house burned three weeks afterward. He now has a fine farm of 106 acres, with good build- ings and improvements. He was Justice of the Peace seven years in Iowa, where he lived eleven years, and held the same oflBce about two years in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Aylsworth are members of the Christian Church. JOHN L. IJAKER was born in Kosciusko County, Ind., and is a son of Philip and Maria Baker, both of whom died in Kosciusko County. He received a common school education of the day, and at the age of seventeen learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he abandoned soon, but again returned to, and has since foUowsd as a life-business. la 1869, he came to Hebron, Porter County, Ind., where he now has a leading shop, most centrally located, and which does as large a business as aay other shop in the town. On the 1st of October, 1874, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Florence Thomas, a daughter of Eugene Thomas, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have a family of two children, both living — Irvin E. and Maud F. Mr. Baker is a member of the order of Free and Ac- cepted Masons. He is a good and worthy citizen. HENRY BERDINE was born in the State of New York June 20, 1831, and was a son of Nicholas Berdine, who was also a farmer. Henry Berdine came to Lake County, Ind., where .he obtained a fair education at the common schools, and grew to manhood. On the 2d of October, BOONE TOWNSHIP. 315 1856, he was united in marriage to Rachel Sherwood, a daughter of Will- iam and Jane (McCullough) Sherwood ; her parents came to Porter County about the year 1847. This union was blessed with eight children — William N., Willis, Amos, Harry, Carrie A., Ralph, Clark and Leroy. After marriage, Mr. Berdine commenced farming on 100 acres, to which he added 140 acres ; this land he improved by the necessary buildings and appurtenances, and was prepared to enjoy life when removed by death, October 14, 1880, since which event Mrs. Berdine, aided by her children, has managed the business successfully. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. • JOHN K. BLACKSTONE, physician and surgeon, is a native of Ohio, and the second of the eight children born to William and Julia M. (Doddridge) Blackstone ; the former was a physician, and a native of Virginia ; he died March 17, 1877, aged eighty-three years ; the latter a Pennsylvania, who is still living, aged seventy-six years. John K. Black- stone commenced his education in a common school at Waverly, Ohio, and afterward attended the Ohio University for five years. In 1846, he en- listed for the war with Mexico, in Company E, Second Ohio Regiment, and became Second Lieutenant. On his return, he read medicine with his father, also attending a course of lectures at Louisville, Ky., and after- ward at Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated in 1848. He commenced practice in Athens County, Ohio, but came to Hebron, Ind., in 1856, where he is now the oldest living practitioner, and has limited the practice among his former friends. On February 11, 1858, he married Miss Margaret J. Bryan, a native of Boone Township, and the first white child born therein, a daughter of Simeon and Elizabeth Bryan. Mr. and Mrs. Blackstone have four children — William B., John K., Lilian E. and Benjamin E. Mrs. Blackstone is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. GEORGE BROUGH was born in Derbyshire, England, June 19, 1817, and is the third of the twelve children of George and Ann M. Brough. The school privileges of our subject were much straitened, he being needed to labor at home. On coming to America, he hired by the month, and in sixteen years was enabled to purchase eighty acres in Boone Township, in the year 1850 — a portion of his present farm. In October, 1849, he was married to Miss Mary J. Oliver, a native of Ohio, daughter of John and Elizabeth Oliver. To this union succeeded ten children — Peter, William, Charles, Mary, Abigail, David, Margery, Sarah (deceased), Eliza (deceased) and George. For a time, Mr. Brough farmed on rented land, until he could improve his own, to which he has added, and now he numbers 207 acres, well developed and improved. He raises hogs, cattle and horses, as well as the staple products, likewise making annually about one hundred tons of hay. Mrs. Brough is a member of the Christian Church. JOHN B. RROUGH is a native of England, and a son of George and Ann M. Brough, both natives of the same country ; his parents came to America in 1831, and located in Susquehanna County, Penn.; his father came to Indiana in 1844, and established his claim to the present homestead, and broke thirteen acres, but did not live to occupy it. John B. Brough came to his present place in 1845, where he has since lived ; he began the business of milling before he became of age, in Lake County, 316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which was the first effort there begun. On September 19, 1847, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Castleman, a native of Ohio, by whom he had thirteen children — Ellis (deceased), Maria, George P., Elizabeth, Ann C, Emma, Alice, Rebecca, James, William, U. A., John (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. Brough owns 120 acres in his present farm and fifty-two in Lake County ; he has a good frame residence, and good water privileges. Mr. Brough's parents endured the hardships and priva- tions of the pioneers, who broke the sod and cleared the land in the early days. DAVIS BRYANT is a native of Ohio, and was born September 26, 1824 ; he attended a subscription school some little time in Ohio, being eleven years of age when his father came to and located in Lake County, Ind., where he went to school for a part of two winters, and remained on the paternal farm until manhood. On October 21, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary E. McGill, daughter of Robert and Susan McGilL Mr, Bryant then began farming on his own land, and, together with his brother, Robert, purchased 480 acres adjoining, and again 100 acres. At present he gives much attention to raising sheep, of which he has 280 head, and handles fifty head of hogs annually, with from twenty to twenty- five head of cattle. Mr. Bryant has one of the finest farms in the county, with a fine brick house, commodious buildings, and many needful improve- ments, all of which he greatly enjoys. He has one child by adoption, Nettie M. Bryant. Mrs. Bryant is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. ROBERT BRYANT is a native of Richland County, Ohio, born De- cember 17, 1826, and is a son of Elias and Ann (Vance) Bryant. His parents moved to Lake County, Ind., about 1835, locating on the farm on which they died, being pioneers in the county. The advantages of schooling enjoyed by Robert were sparse. The nearest mill was 150 miles distant, and many things were to be obtained only at Michigan City. Robert Bryant remained at home until twenty-one years old, after which he labored for two years by the month, at $12 and $13. On September 20, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary 6. Herriss, by whom he has two children — Daniel R. and Charles. Our subject and his brother had pur- chased eighty acres, which was sold, with half-interest in father's farm, when he moved to Porter County, Ind., in 1854, where, with his brother, he purchased 480, and later 100 acres more. This remained undivided until about 1861 ; since then he has bought forty acres and forty more of timber. He has now, where he lives, 310 acres of the finest land in the county, one and a half miles from Hebron. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOSEPH BRYANT, farmer, is a native of Ohio, and the eldest of six children born to Simeon and Elizabeth Bryant. His parents were pioneers of Boone Township, moving hither when Joseph was a year old. His education consisted of what the time and locality afforded, the sim- plest of its kind. He remained with his parents until his marriage, De- cember 8, 1859, in Boone Township, to Miss Mary Same, daughter of John and Cynthia (Denny) Same. By this union they had five children — Harriet, Simeon, Adaline, Schuyler and Maryette. Mr. Bryant made farming his life business, and continued the same until his death, which BOONE TOWNSHIP. 317 took place on July 7, 1875, at which time he owned 145 acres. With the aid of hired help, Mrs. Bryant has maintained the business. She has a good residence and a wind-mill on the place, also from twenty-five to thirty head of cattle, about 100 sheep and four horses. Mr. Bryant was and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. ELIAS BRYANT is a native of Boone Township, Porter Co., Ind., and is a son of Simeon Bryant, who came to Porter County in 1835, and located on the land now owned by his son. At that period, the nearest white neighbor was four miles distant, and his sister, Margaret, was the first white girl born in the county. Simeon Bryant died on the farm; his widow is yet living and active. The education of our subject was but that of the day, and poor. On November 20, 1867, he was married to Miss Fannie Adams, daughter of George W. Adams, a carpenter and farmer. Mr. Bryant continued to farm on the old homestead ; afterward he received thirty acres from his father; he then purchased fifteen acres, and later forty acres, making, eighty-five acres, and he has fifty acres of pasture and timber land one-half mile distant. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have four children — Julia, Emma, Lorentine and E. Edmond. Mrs. Bryant belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Chiirch. JAMES E. BRYANT, stock, hay and grain dealer, is a native of Boone Township, Porter Co., Ind., and is one of the seven children of Simeon and Elizabeth (McCauley) Bryant, the former a native of Penn- sylvania, the latter of Ohio. The first instruction of James E. Bryant was in a log house in this township ; later, he attended college in Valpa- raiso for two years, and finally Bloomington University for one year. In 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, in which he served nearly three years, during which he was a prisoner seven months, having been captured at Sunshine Church, Ga. He was discharged June 7, 1865, at Indianapolis. On April 27, 1871, he was married to Miss S. S. Pratt, daughter of C. N. and Sophia Pratt. They have one child, Nellie M. In 1869, he engaged in the hardware line with his brother, D. L. Bryant, of whom he purchased the stock and continued the busi- ness until 1878, when he adopted his present one. Mr. Bryant now owns the warehouse and half-interest in a hay barn with M. J. Stinch- field, under firm name of J. E. Bryant & Co. Mr. Bryant owns 320 acres, having disposed of 240 in 1881. He has been Township Trustee two years, and Postmaster at Hebron for twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JAMES N. BUCHANAN, United Presbyterian minister, was born December 10, 1824, in the State of Ohio, and is the fourth child of Thomas and Nancy (Reed) Buchanan, both of Scotch-Irish descent. The boyhood of James N. Buchanan was passed partly in Licking County, and partly in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he entered Muskingum College at New Concord at fourteen years of age, where he remained nearly ten years. In the interim he taught a school, and graduated in 1848. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Oxford (now Xenia), Ohio, remaining until graduation in 1851, when he was licensed to preach. He removed to Hebron, Porter Co., Ind. In 1845, while in college, he was married to Rosanna S. Alexander, daughter of William and Eliz- abeth (Lorimer) Alexander, of New Concord; she died in 1869, leaving 318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: eight children— William T., Nancy, Oscar R., Mary 0., Emma A., Sam- uel A., Carrie M. and James H. His second marriage, to Mrs. Mary A. McCracken, took place in 1870. By the second marriage, he has four living children — Martha A., Rosanna M., Anna G. and Jay T. Mr. Bu- chanan is a pioneer of Porter County. He now resides on a farm one mile from town, in which he is assisted by his sons. A. A. BURWELL is a native of Richland (now Ashland) County, Ohio. His parents were natives of Connecticut. Our subject attended the usual schools, and afterward three terms at the Loudonville Academy in Ohio. He remained at home until after manhood, working on the farm in summer and teaching school during the winter. On April 10, 1851, he was married to Miss Rebecca J. Oliver, a native of Ashland County, Ohio. In May, 1851, they came to their present location, and lived in a log hoase during the summer, but afterward built on land be- longing to his father. Subsequently he purchased 160 acres of farming land, and also sixty of timber. The home farm now comprises 240 acres, with a good house and other needed improvements. He handles hogs, cattle and has several head of horses. Mr. Burwell has been Trustee of Boone Township three terms. He and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church, having joined said church before its organization at Hebron, since which event he has been an Elder. A. Gr. CARMAN is a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., and a son of Harris and Annie Carman. The amount of learning acquired from the schools by our subject was very meager, in consequence of the cir- cumstances of his father. His parents emigrated to Lake County in 1837, where neighbors were scarce, but deer, prairie chickens and wolves were plentiful. He was married, at Hebron, to Miss Hannah Young, who died October 2, 1848. His second marriage was also at Hebron, to Miss Cornelia A. Hoffman. To this union there succeeded four children — Jay, Charles H., Morris and Jason. He came to his present home in May, 1848, where he has since mostly lived. His farm is productive, and he feeds fifteen to twenty hogs each year, besides horses and cattle. He is well established in all pertaining to the demands of a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Carman are members of the M. E. Church. C. G. CARMAN is a native of New York, and son of Morris and Ann (Gregg) Carman, who were both natives of New York, but died in this township. C. G. Carman was brought to Lake County by his parents in 1834, when four years of age, and is one of its pioneers. In his early youth, he attended a subscription school, and at the age of sixteen years he began the trade of a carpenter, serving two years, and which he fol- lowed until the war. In 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and was engaged in many important battles up to Gettysburg, and was discharged at Wilmington, Del., in 1865. He was twice wounded by the same ball — in the hand and left side of upper jaw, which caused much suffering. On returning, he engaged in carpentering for several years, and came to Hebron in its early days. On January 28, 1867, in White County, Ind., he was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth 0. Carson, daughter of James and L. A. Carson. By this union they have had two children — Mary and Loren. Mrs. Carman is a member of the Presbyterian Church. BOONE TOWNSHIP. 319 JOSEPH C. CARSON, physician and surgeon, was born at Mal- vern, Ohio, November 29, 1850, and is a son of Matthew and Margaret J. (Knox) Oarson, natives of Ireland; the former died in Indiana in 1863, whither he came in 1861, and the latter is yet living in Porter Township, Porter Co., Ind. Joseph C. Carson first attended school at Hickory Point, then at Hebron, and later the high school at Valparaiso ; he then commenced teaching and attending normal school, so continuing until 1876, when he graduated in the scientific course and became Prin- cipal of the school at Hebron for two years. During this period, he studied medicine and the branches appertaining thereto, and attended a course of lectures at Columbus, Ohio, in 1878—79. He graduated in the Medical Department of Butler University at Indianapolis in 1880. He then returned to Hebron, where he has now a good practice. Qn April 22, 1880, he was married to Miss Lizzie Cain. They are both members of the M:. B. Church. THOMAS CLOWES was born in 1840, in the State of Michigan, and is a son of Charles L. and Edith Clowes, both natives of Virginia ; both died in Michigan, where the boyhood of Thomas was passed, and where he attended school — in Cassopolis — and where he remained until twenty-two years of age. At fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of a painter. In 1864, he came to visit in Lake County, and afterward removed to Hebron, where, on June 12, 1866, he was mar- ried to Miss Mattie E. Johnson, of the family of Eli and Sarah Johnson. They have but one child — Edith. Mr. Clowes now made farming his principal business until 1882, when he procured a stock of groceries and provisions ; he also has a room for serving ice cream and lunches. Mr. and Mrs. Clowes are members of the Christian Church and most gener- ally respected. ROBERT DOUGLAS is a native of Burns, Scotland, and is a son of Samuel and Martha (McNabney) Douglas; his father was a native of Scotland, where his mother died. In company with three sons, his father landed in America at New York in 1879. Our subject had preceded him in 1872. He had been in the civil service in England. On the 16th of June, 1872, he reached Porter County, Ind., with but $5 as his capital; notwithstanding this, however, by economy, perseverance and thrift, he got together money enough to purchase his present property, consisting of eighty acres, and also the necessary amount of stock found upon like- sized farms. On the 6th of April, 1875, in Porter County, he was mar- ried to Miss Alice McNabney, a native of Porter Coijnty, whose father was a farmer and had been a soldier in the Mexican war. This union was blessed with four children — Andrew M., Mary, Roscoe and Ida. CONNER DOWD was born in Ohio, and is the seventh of the nine children of Conner and Hannah (Graves) Dowd ; his father was a native of Ireland, his mother, of North Carolina; both died in Ohio. The boy- hood of our subject was passed in Ohio, where he received the learning of the common schools. In 1835, he was married to Miss Cynthia Pratt, daughter of Rufus and Martha (Merritt) Pratt, by whom he has two chil- dren living — Lucretia and James H. Mr. Dowd began farming on sixty acres, to which he afterward added forty acres; this he sold and emigrated to Lake County, where he purchased 120 acres, on which he lived and 320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which he cultivated for twelve years, when he removed to 400 acres on Eagle Greek. He came to Hebron in 1873, where he is engaged m the hardware trade, and has a stock of $4,000 to $5,000 ; he owns his store site, as well as a house and lot. Mr. Dowd was Township Trustee sev- eral years in Vinton County, Ohio. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they united about 1832. HUGH FICKLE is a native of Perry County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Ann Fickle. His grandfather was a native of Germany; came to America and purchased land, for which, owing to previous claims, he had to pay a second and a third time. Hugh Fickle received but a meager education in Ohio, among the hills ; he was married in Perry County, Ohio, to Miss Isabella Hazlett, who died February 12, 1862, leaving two children — Sarah J. and Martha A. (both deceased). Having received 320 acres of woodland from his father, he built a house and be- gan clearing, on which he lived until 1864. Of this he gave 160 acres to each of his daughters, sold the balance, and removed to Porter County. In 1864, he purchased 340 acres ; then went to Ohio, where he purchased the old farm. On returning, he purchased his present place ; he has con- siderable stock, and usually ships two car-loads of hogs every year; his second marriage was to Mrs. Oliver, to which union there have been born three children— David B., Charles A. and John H. Mr. and Mrs. Fickle are members of the United Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Fickle has been a Ruling Elder for thirty years. D. A. FISHER is a native of the State of Indiana, where he was born in 1855 ; he is the eldest of the four children of William and Nancy (Bryant) Fisher, both living in Lake County. The schooling obtained by I). A. Fisher was first received at a district school, and afterward at the Normal School of Valparaiso, which he attended five terms ; he then engaged in farming. On June 7, 1876, he was married to Miss E. L. Bliss, daughter of W. 0. Bliss, native of the State of New York, and a farmer. Mr. Fisher continued farming until 1881, at which time he en- gaged in his present business of hardware dealing at Hebron, where he has a fine location and an excellent trade, carrying a stock worth $1,500 to $2,000. In 1879, Mr. Fisher visited Colorado and other Western points, being absent about eight months. WILLIAM FRY, was born in Crawford County, Penn., March 7, 1833, and is a son of John and Hannah (Meeker) Fry. His parents moved to Porter County in 1846, and wintered near Valparaiso, where his father died; his mother, with the children, soon moved to Boone Town- ship, where she died. William Fry's opportunities for acquiring educa- tion were very narrow; he remained on the farm until twenty-four years old, when he went into the lumber business in the pines of Indiana, at which he continued two years. While there, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Wallace, daughter of James and Sarah A. Wallace. Mr. Fry returned and sold his heirship; he now owns 200 acres of his homestead, and sixty-four acres in another tract; his farm is well improved and stocked, and very productive; he raises from twenty-five to thirty hogs and cattle every year, with five or six horses ; likewise a full line of staple crops. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have had seven children — Orville M., Ira V., Harriet E., Ancil C, John W., William (deceased), and Florence J. Both himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church. BOONE TOWNSHIP. 321 WILLIAM GIBBS was born in Athens County, Ohio, April 6, 1829, and is a son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Shanks) Gibbs, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Virginia. The father died at Hickory Point ; the mother is yet living in Lowell, Lake County. William Gibbs had but meager opportunities to acquire learning from the schools. He came to Porter County, Ind., with hia parents, in 1845, and located on a farm. In 1846, he came to Lake County. After his father's death, he was commissioned to manage the farm, which he did until he was twenty- eight years old. at which time he was married to Miss Mary Gordon, daughter of Joseph and Ruth Gordon, by which marriage he had one child — Laura. After this, he farmed for five years, then peddled dry goods and notions, and later, in 1868, settled in the furniture and agri- cultural goods business at Hebron ; this he continued until 1878, when he moved West to improve his wife's health ; this failing, he returned in 1879, and in 1880 she passed away. He was made Justice of the Peace in 1878, and in 1879 engaged in the insurance business, in which he has remained. His second marriage was to Miss Mary A. Guinn, daugh- ter of John D. and Eliza Guinn, by which union there was one child — Otto W. Mr. Gibbs is a correspondent for several newspapers. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN GIDLEY is a native of England, and a son of John and Mary (Maddock) Gidley, both natives of England. His parents came to America in 1833, and moved to Porter County, Ind., in 1840, locating one mile east of Hebron, where they died. Owing to the early appren- tice system of England, our subject obtained but a meager education be- fore his tenth year, when he was bound to a farmer, from whom his un- expired term of six vears was purchased when he came away. On coming to this country, he engaged in boating on Lake Erie, and afterward drove stage in Michigan, and reached Porter County, Ind., in 1838. At Shel- byville, Shelby Co., Ind., December 12, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary Davis, daughter of Archibald and Sandal Davis, a native of Ken- tucky. To this union succeeded eight children — Mary S., Elizabeth A., (deceased), Sarah (deceased), John A., Louisa P., Andrew B., Henry W. (deceased) and George W. Mr. Gidley first farmed on rented land, afterward purchasing twenty acres, and adding forty, and later, eighty acres thereto, until he had 180, on which he lived until 1879, when he retired to Hebron, to live in ease and comfort. Mr. and Mrs. Gidley are members of the' Methodist Episcopal Church, and among the first in Hebron at its organization. Mr. Gidley has been Steward and Trustee for thirty years. DAVID HTJRLBURT was born in Athens County, Ohio, March 4, 1816, and is the eighth of the nine children of Reuben and Rachel (John- son) Hurlburt, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Pennsylvania. His parents moved to what is now Porter County in 1834 ; both died in Porter Township. David Hurlburt was seventeen years of age when he settled in the wilderness, and his opportunities for schooling were the very worst. In 1851, he was married to Miss Eliza- beth Spafibrd, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and daughter of Chester and Margaret Spafford. This union was fruitful by three children — Chester, Edith A. and Ruth S. Mr. Hurlburt continued farming in Porter 322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Township, where he owned 160, and to which he added forty-five acres ; this he sold and purchased eighty acres, to which he added, by degrees, until it embraces 320 acres. He came to his present farm in 1872, and before giving his children portions, he possessed 700 acres ; he also has thirty head of cattle, 100 hogs and twenty-five milch cows, and will aver- age 200 tons of hay per year. Mrs. Hurlburt is a member of the Chris- tian Church. SAMUEL IRVIN is a native of Ohio, and a son of William and Martha (Brooks) Irvin, his father a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Virginia. The opportunities for education by the schools were very few to S. Irvin, who could not attend after his tenth year. In 1845, he moved to Porter County, Ind., locating in Porter Township and farm- ing there, where he lived nine years. He was married in Montgomery County, Ohio, to Miss Ann C. Keller, daughter of John and Magdalene Keller. In 1854, Mr. Irvin removed to Chicago, where he engaged in brewing until 1857 ; then returned to Valparaiso, where he erected the first brewery in the county, and afterward engaged in railroad carpenter- ing on the railway through Hebron, and also general carpentering. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin have had four children — William G., Alpheus A., Eddie S. and Annie B., living ; and Luman, Alice and Sarah, deceased. Mr. Irvin was County Assessor three years, and Assessor of Boone Township fifteen years. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church. JOSEPH KITHCART was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., in 1819, and is the eldest of the ten children of Thomas and Deborah (Wright) Kithcart, both natives of Pennsylvania; they died in Ohio, having been pioneers- of Richland, now Ashland, County. Joseph received what education was afibrded at a district school, and, as soon as he became able, took charge of the farm, remaining until his twenty-fifth year. On August 29, 1844, he was married to Miss Mary J. White, a native of Ohio. Joseph Kithcart commenced farming on the forty acres given to him by his father, and which he improved. This he sold and removed to Auburn, De Kalb Co., Ind., and engaged in the grocery business. His wife died in Ohio, leaving two children — Thomas W. and Martha. His second marriage was to Phebe A. Barber, a native of Ohio ; this wife died in Auburn, leaving two children — Mary J. and J. C. His third marriage, in Ohio, was to May G. Tannehill, of Ohio, by whom he has four children— L. Ella, Charles T., Clark and Goldie. In 1868, Mr. Kithcart came to Porter County, where he bought 257 acres and made improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Kithcart are members of the Christian Church. G. W. MAXWELL is a native of Franklin County, Ind., and a son of James and Mary (Thorn) Maxwell, the former a native of Pennsyl- vania, the latter of Maryland. The education of G. W. Maxwell was limited to what could be acquired in pioneer days, his father dying when he was two years old. In February, 1853, he was married, in Decatur County, Ind., to Miss Martha A. Belt, a native of Ohio ; her father was a farmer, and her mother a nurse. . Mr. Maxwell moved to Lake County in 1856, and engaged in farming, purchasing 80 acres, and also 40 in Porter County, where he removed in 1871, and located one mile south of BOONE TOWNSHIP. 323 town on 120 acres, on which he lived until removing to Hebron, one year ago, leaving the faVm to the care of his son. His wife died July 9, 1853. His second marriage was to Miss Margaret Downs, a native of Franklin County, Ind., by whom he had five children — William, George R., Albert F., Mary B. and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are members of the Christian Church, of which the former is a Deacon and likewise Treasurer. J. L. McALPIN is a native of Highland County, Ohio, where he lived until eighteen years of age, his father dying when he was one year old. The advantages being poor, he got but a scant education, being necessitated to work on bis mother's farm, and with whom he came to this State and located in Boone Township in 1844. In 1848, he was married to Miss Sarah Dinwiddie, daughter of Thomas Dinwiddie, farmer. By this union there were born nine children — Mary L., Augusta, Eliza J., Susie I., Emma (deceased), Maggie, John S. (de- ceased), James P. (deceased) and J. D. Mr. McAlpin commenced on sixty acres, then sold, and purchased his present farm of sixty acres, on which he has since lived. To this he has added until his farm now embraces ninety acres, with twenty acres of timber in the wet lands. This farm is one mile south of Hebron, and fine soil. In 1862, Mrs. McAlpin died, and he was married to his second wife, Miss Mary J. Morrow, by whom he has had seven children — Harry, William, Ber- nard, Carl, Freddie, Ina and Benjamin (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. McAlpin belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN McINTTRE is a native of Washington County, Penn., and moved to Ohio with his parents, where he resided from the time of his tenth year until manhood. In the month of March, 1 848, he was mar- ried to Miss Rebecca Carson, a native of Ireland, whose parents were farmers. In 1852, Mr. Mclntyre settled on his present farm of 120 acres, which he had recently purchased. He has a good place, and culti- vates corn, oats and hay. Mr. and Mrs. Mclntyre have had a family of six children — Samuel, who is in Colorado ; Robert, deceased ; James, deceased ; William A., Robert and Rebecca A., who are singlje and live at home. WILSON B. MORROW is a native of the State of Ohio, and the second of the six children of William and Eliza (McAlpin) Morrow, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Virginia, who died in Boone Township in 1872, where Mr. William Morrow is now living. Wilson B. Morrow, when two years old, came with his parents to Boone Town- ship, Porter County, Ind. His school days were passed in a log struct- ure. He remained on the farm until 1872, when he came to Hebron and engaged in the stock, hay and grain business with Mr. Bryant, under the firm name of Bryant & Morrow, which was continued nearly ten years. In 1882, he purchased the entire stock of general merchandise of William E. Sweney, having $5,000 worth of goods, and leading in his business. On January 8, 1863, he was married to Miss Margaret G. Hildreth, daughter of Gabriel and Betsey J. (Wilson) Hildreth. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow have five living children — Ninetta, John, Elsie, Ernest and Charles. G. C. MOSIER, retired farmer, was born in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Herborg) Mosier. The former 324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: died in Germany. In 1838, Q. G. Mosier came to Indiana and located in La Porte City, where he learned carriage painting. On October 26, 1856, he was married to Miss Christina Fehrman, daughter of George and Christina Fehrman, by whom there succeeded five children — George, Rose (now Mrs. McKay), Samuel, Lucy and Alfred. Mr. Mosier now commenced farming in Union Township, Porter County, where he owned 320 acres, and on which he lived seven years. This he sold and went to Valparaiso and engaged in real estate business. Seven years later, he removed to Hebron, Porter County. Here he deals in real estate, but engaged in merchandising for one year. Mr. Mosier owns two acres in the central part of town and some town lots on the west side of Main street. He served as Justice of the Peace in Union Township for four years, and six years in Hebron, also seven months in Valparaiso. In the spring of 1882, he was elected to the same position. WILLIAM M. NELSON is a native of Bedford County, Penn. His father was a native of England and his mother of Pennsylvania. William received the usual amount of education at the common schools, and, before manhood, learned the trade of blacksraithing from his father. At the age of twenty-two, he took charge of his father's shop in Ander- sonville, Franklin Co., Ind. On October 1, 1864, he was married to Miss B. M. Scott, born in Rush County, Ind., of which county her parents were pioneers. This union was blessed with four children — John S., Leora B., Alpha A. and Jennie. In 1867, Mr. Nelson came to Hebron, where he has since lived, and formed a partnership with Mr. Paramore in the blacksmithing trade ; this continued two years, when he rented and afterward purchased a shop of his own, and which is one of the leading ones in the town. He is a much-respected citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Christian Church. HERSCJSEL J. NICHOLS was born in Ohio December 22, 1849, and was the first child of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hite) Nichols, both of Ger- man descent; his father lives at Creston, Lake Co., Ind.; his mother died in Lake County in June, 1871. The boyhood of Herschel J. Nichols was passed on a farm ; he attended the district schools, and also Ball's school, at Crown Point, one year ; then engaged as a clerk at Lowell for five years, afterward beginning for himself as a merchant at Leroy, and then came to Hebron, where he managed a store for Mr. Sweney two years, after which he purchased the present entire stock of Bryant, and has continued the business. He has now an $8,000 stock and one of the principal stores in the place. He is also in the regular shipping business, shipping hay at all seasons of the year. In 1872, he was mar- ried to Maria Lambert, daughter of Cornelius Lambert, a union blessed with three children — Virgil, Marshall and Floyd. Mr. Nichols was elected Township Trustee in 1882. H. J. RATHBUN is a native of New York, and a son of Harry and Mary (Malatt) Rathbun, both natives of New York ; his parents became residents of Ohio when our subject was two years old, where they afterward died. H. J. Rathbun's boyhood was passed in Ohio, where he obtained some education from the common schools, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-four years old ; he moved to Lake County, Ind., on February 22, 1854 ; he was married June 5, 1860, to BOONE TOWNSHIP. 325 Miss Alice Bates, a native of Michigan, but a resident of Porter County. Four children blessed this union — Harry (deceased), Grace, Augusta < deceased) and Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun have lived in Boone Township since their marriage, except a three years' absence in Porter township. Mr. Rathbun has a charming farm of 383 acres, all in the home place except thirty-eight acres ; he makes seventy-five tons of hay annually ; has twelve to fifteen horses, and has raised many sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun are members of the Christian Church. L. P. SCOTT, station agent at Hebron, is a native of Cavendish, Windsor Co., Vt., and a son of Isaac and Polly (Eaton) Scott — the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Connecticut, both of whom died in Welshfield, Ohio. L. P. Scott received a fair education, having attended, in addition to the common schools, a select school in the winters ; he afterward learned the trade of a carpenter. On September 1, 1852, at Ravenna, Ohio, he was married to Miss Emma M. Pool, a native of Eastern New York. Mr. Scott engaged in stock dealing for a number of years, and afterward in merchandising at Welshfield, Ohio; he moved to Hebron, Porter County, in the spring of 1869, and became station agent, which office he now holds ; he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and likewise a member of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28, of Indiana. H. W. SHAFER was born in Knox County, Ohio, October 17, 1834, and is the eighth of the twelve children of Michael and Nancy (Ireland) Shafer; the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio ; both died in Hancock County, Ohio. The early education of H. W. Shafer was begun in the county school of Hancock County ; he remained with his parents until his eighteenth year, when he became a clerk at Huntsville, Logan Co., Ohio, where he remained five years, during which time he bought considerable stock, and thence went to Chi- cago, where he dealt in horses and cattle for four or five years. In 1860, he came to Crown Point, Lake Co., Ind., and engaged in stock dealing and shipping, and purchased eighty acres. At the blast of war, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but before being mustered in was commissioned First Lieuten- ant; he served nearly three years and was wounded at Resaca, Ga., captured at Sunshine Church and imprisoned, but escaped on the road to Columbia, S. C; he was retaken after seventeen days, and returned to Co- lumbia Prison; he subsequently escaped and was re-captured several times, and finally got away from rebeldom and was discharged at Indianapolis ; he was afterward married to Miss Louisa Skelton, who died in 1872, leaving three children — Owen, Erwin and Robert ; his second marriage ' was to Miss Nan B. Reicketts, of Hancock County, Ohio, by which union he had three children — Clara, Ray and May. Mr. Shafer now owns 200 acres, all under cultivation. JOHN SKELTON is a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Robert and Susan Skelton, both natives of Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject was a Revolutionary soldier. The early education of John Skelton consisted only of what he learned in a country school. When thirteen years of age, he went to learn blacksmithing in Philadelphia, at which he served four years. This he followed' for eighteen years, when 826 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he was compelled to seek a less laborious vocation, and he commenced a general store in Kewanna, Fulton Co., Ind., continuing eight years. In 1865, he removed to Hebron, Porter Co., Ind., where he sold hardware and groceries. In 1877, he dropped hardware, and three years later commenced his present business, where he is always on hand for trade. On March 4, 1845, he was married to Miss Emily C. Norris, daughter of Arthur and Catherine Norris. To this union were born four children — John, Leah and Charles (all married) and Louisa (deceased). Mr. Skelton was Township Trustee two years and Justice of the Peace in Fulton County four years. Both himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. J. C. SMITH was born in Pennsylvania, May 4, 1846, and is one of the ten children of William and Philista Smith ; the father a native of New York, the mother of Maine. J. C. Smith was brought by his par- ents to Porter County, Ind., when seven years of age, locating in Val- paraiso, where he attended the common schools. He afterward learned the coopering trade, which he followed for ten years in the village of Hebron. He then engaged in the restaurant business for one year, and in his present business (grocery) in 1879 — at that time with a stock of but $100, but now with one of $2,000 ; he has the leading trade in his line in the town, sales for the year reaching $15,000. On February 22, 1871, he was married to Miss Calista Allen, daughter of Benjamin and Clarissa Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Christian Church- Mr. Allen is a Republican, and a strong political worker. THOMAS C. SWBNBY, farmer and surveyor, was born August 7, 1807, at Gettysburgh, Penn. His parents died in Ohio. His early education was begun in a log schoolhouse in Adams County, Penn. At the age of eighteen, he began teaching, and at the age of twenty-one was appointed Surveyor of Crawford County, Ohio, which position he filled for ten years. In 1835, he was united in marriage to Margaret Dinwid- dle. To this union there were born three children — William E., John M. and H. D. Mrs. Sweney died in 1874. In 1837, he emigrated to Porter County, Ind., locating near Hebron, on Horse Prairie. Mr. Sweney left the prairie in 1875, and divided his property with his chil- dren. In the beginning, one had to drive forty miles to a mill, and to Michigan City and Chicago for marketing and produce. The nearest post office was at La Porte, forty miles distant. Mr. Sweney was ap- pointed Surveyor in 1839, and held the office twelve years, during which period he selected the swamp lands of the county. Previous to dividing among his children, he owned 400 acres ; he now owns a fine brick business room, with hall above and basement. Mr. Sweney is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife. D. L. SWENEY is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and the youngest of the three sons of Isaac and Emily (Fading) Sweney. His father was a native of Pennsylvania ; his mother died when he was one year and a half old, and he was brought up by a step-mother. His father and family moved to Porter County, Ind., about the year 1839, when our subject was four years old, where he attended a district school ; he also received instruction for two winters at the Valparaiso Seminary. When he was twenty-one years of age, he took charge of and managed BOONE TOWNSHIP. 327 his father's farm. On April 10, 1860, he was married to Miss Hannah J. Fry, daughter of John and Hannah Fry. Mrs. Sweney died January 23, 1879, leaving five children — Emily, John, Ida, Bertha and Ora. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also her husband. After his marriage, Mr. Sweney lived on his father's farm twelve years, when he moved to Hebron, where he has since remained; he now has about one hundred acres, also a good town property. C. L. TANNBHILL was born in Richland County (now Green Township, Ashland County), Ohio, September 26, 1825, and is the sixth of the twelve children of Charles and Mary (Oliver) Tannehill, the former a native of Pennsylvania,, the latter of Maryland. The educa- tion of our subject comprises the curriculum of the common schools ; he learned farming and the trade of a currier before manhood. In 1850, he went to California and engaged in mining, at which he saved enough to come back and purchase 160 acres of his present farm. On September 8, 1853, he was married to Miss Nancy A. Burwell, a native of Ohio. To this union followed eight children — Mary R., Eugene (deceased), Eliza E., Candas L., Sarah A., Ora A., Charles B. and Annie J. Mr. Tannehill moved to his present home in 1853, comprising, by recent ad- ditions, 428 acres ; he has been a very successful farmer, and feeds fifty head of hogs and thirty of cattle ; he also has ten horses, and pro- duces yearly about one hundred tons of hay. Mrs. Tannehill is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. N. B. WARD is a native of the State of Ohio, and the fifth of the six children born to Alfred and Fannie Ward, both of whom died in Ohio, when our subject was in tender years. N. JB. Ward remained at home until he was seventeen years of age, when he commenced to hire out by the month. In Lake County, Ind., at Hickory Point, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Nichols, daughter of William and Parmelia Nichols, whose father was a farmer, and whose mother died at Hickory Point. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have two children — Schuyler and Harris. Mr. Ward now began farming on 120 acres, which he owned in Eagle Creek Township, Lake County, on which he lived five years. This he sold and removed to Hickory Point, and farmed land of his father-in-law ; he afterward purchased 108 acres of his present farm, which now com- prises 160, within half a mile of town, and very productive in hay ; he also has considerable stock. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. E. WARD was born in the State of Ohio March 10, 1835, and is the youngest of the seven children of Alfred and Fannie (Loomis) Ward ; both died in Ohio when our subject was very young. E. Ward, not hav- ing a strong love for school, did not receive a very high education in his youth, having to labor on the farm. When sixteen years old, he came to Lake County, Ind., and when twenty years old began business for him- self. He owned 159 acres in Horse Prairie, of which he has since sold ten acres. . He has three lots in Hebron, on one of which he has a resi- dence, business room, barn and outbuildings. On December 16, 1860, he was married, at Hickory Point, to Miss Sarah A. Nichols, daughter of William A. and Parmelia Nichols. To this union followed two children — Alfred G. and Addie B. Mr. Ward carries a fine general stock, and 328 BIOGRAPHICAL' SKETCHES : has a large trade. He owns ten acres adjoining Hebron. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. OLIVER S. WOOD, M. D., was born in Lake County, Ind., and is the youngest of the eight children of John and Hannah E. (Pettee) Wood, both of English descent and American birth ; his mother died in Lake County, where his father is yet living. Dr. Wood's earliest lessons were had at the district school ; he afterward, at the age of twelve, entered an academy at Valparaiso, where he continued three years, thence going to Chicago and graduating in book-keeping ; he afterward returned to Val- paraiso, "and engaged in the grocery business for four years ; he enlisted, in 1861, in the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he was band leader, but quit the service after nine months, on account of defective hearing ; removed to Kansas, where he conducted a stock-farm for four years. In 1876, at Deep River, Lake County, he commenced the prac- tice of medicine, but came to Hebron in 1879, where he has since been in active practice. In 1864, he was married to Miss Charity R. Farnham, daughter of Charles and S. A. Farnham. Their union was blessed with four children — Lottie B., Clayton, Carlton and Leta. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Unitarian Church. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM J. BARNES was born in Somerset County, Penn., September 10, 1829. He is the third child of a family of thirteen born to Asahel and Amy (Watts) Barnes ; twelve of this family are yet living, our subject and a sister residing in this county. The parents of our sub- ject moved from Pennsylvania to Canada ■when he was very young, and there resided till 1860, -when the family scattered. His mother died in 1863, his father being alive in Michigan, and in his eighty-second year. Our subject began at fourteen years of age to work by the month, and so continued until eighteen years old, when he learned the carpenter trade. In 1851 and 1852, he traveled through the West, trading with the Indians, and working one season on the Mississippi River. He came to Porter County on December 29, 1854, settling in Prattville, where he worked as a carpenter five years, and then settled on his present farm of 133 acres. He was married November 25, 1855, to Margaret J. Babcock, who was born in Porter County November 7, 1836 ; she is a daughter of Clark Babcock, an early settler. To this union five children were born — Amy A., wife of William Stoner, of Washington Township ; Carrie J., wife of Lucian Crumpacker, of Butler County, Neb.; Martha S., Ira C. and Dale E. Mr. Barnes is a member of the Grand Temperance Council of Indiana, and one of the Porter County committee of workers for temper- ance reform. Politically, he is a Republican. JAMES BAUM, one of the pioneers of Porter County, was born in Crawford County, Penn., February 4, 1799, and is a son of John and Catherine (Randolph) Baum. His mother died when he was an infant, and he was reared by his grandmother. His father remarried, and he resided with him until his majority ; his father had been an Indian spy WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 32& during the war of 1812. Our subject also served as a wagoner in that war. He moved with his parents to Stark County, Ohio in 1814, and he heard the roar of Perry's battle in that year on Lake Erie. His father subsequently removed from Stark County, Ohio, to St. Joseph County, Mich., where he died. Our subject removed from Stark County to Rich- land County in 1823, residing there until 1835, when he came to Porter County. His land was purchased at the land sales of 1835, he now hav- ing 3l0 acres of excellent soil. He was married, in Stark County, to Rebecca Miller, of Huntingdon County, Penn., a daughter of Peter Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Baum have had nine children — John, Jesse, Peter M., Enoch ; Lavina, deceased ; Lucinda, wife of J. Bushore, of Iowa ; James W.; Rebecca J., wife of William Wick ell, of Kansas; and Sarah J., deceased. His children are all married, his eldest son having been in California and Oregon for thirty-five years. In politics, Mr. Baum is a stanch Democrat, his first vote having been cast for Gen. Jackson in 1824. Mrs. Baum is a member of the Christian Church. JAMES W. BAUM is a son, of James and Rebecca (Miller) Baum, and was born in Porter County, Ind., September 21, 1837. Mr. Baum lived with his parents until after his majority, receiving the usual school education of the time. His business has been farming, and that alone, since boyhood, he not having learned any trade. On September 21, 1864, he was married to Marian Axe, a daughter of Jacob and Agnes C. (Cornell) Axe. She was born November 16, 1842 ; her parents were early settlers, taking up a home near the city of Valparaiso, in 1836, where they resided until her father's death ; her mother is now living in Delaware County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Baum have had a family of seven children, four of whom are living — Fannie, Allen, Ross and Lol- lie. Mr. Baum has an attractive and valuable farm comprising forty acres of land. He is a Democrat, but liberal in his political views, and generally esteemed. HARMON BEACH, one of the early settlers of Porter County, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., May 8, 1812. He is one of six chil- dren born to Ezra and Polly (Stoddard) Beach, all of whom are living in this county. His parents were born, reared and married in Connecticut. They moved to Canada about 1818, where they resided until 1840, when they came to Porter County, remaining until their death. Our subject came to Porter County in 1837 ; he received a fair education, and learned the occupation of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked about twelve years. On coming here, he purchased the farm he still occupies. He now owns 1,038 acres of land in this county, besides 120 acres in Mon- tana. He was married, September 15, 1855, to Olive Crane, of New York, but at the time a resident of Porter County ; she is a daughter of Jesse and Joanna Crane, and was born in 1830. They have had a family of five cbildren — Mary, Eugene and Clara living, and Lester and Ella dead. At the time Mr. Beach came to this county, there were many Indians in the neighborhood, his farm being one of their hunting grounds. The prosperity of our subject, and his possessions, are to be attributed, mainly, with a good share of fortune, to his industry and economy. He is a Democrat in politics, but a very liberal one. WILLARD BEACH is the son of Lyman and Leva (Judd) Beach, and was born in Canada December 5, 1836. His parents were natives 330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Connecticut, moving from that State to Canada at an early day, thence moving hither and settling on Morgan Prairie in 1838, where they re- sided until 1867, at that period moving to Jackson Township, their pres- ent residence. Mr. Willard Beach has obtained a reasonably fair educa- cation, and has followed the primitive life of a farmer since his boyhood. He came to the place on which he lives, and which he owns, in 1867 ; it comprises ninety acres, and is well improved. On January 1, 1861, he was married to Hannah Peoples, who died June 8, 1874, leaving a family of six children — Leva, Lyman, Ella, Wilden, Walter and Ralph. On December 23, 1874, he was married to Rosanna Adams, a native of this county, and born in 1835 ; she is a member of the Christian Church. By this second marriage he has had two children born to him — Mattie and Stella ; both of whojp, however, are dead. Mr. Beach is a Democrat, but one of the most liberal of that shade of political opinion. JARED BLAKE, one of the early settlers of Porter County, was born in La Porte County, Ind., December 16, 1835 ; he is one of a family of seven children born to Jacob and Eleanor (Walton) Blake, four of whom are living — three in this county and one in Kansas. His par- ents were born, reared and married in what is now West Virginia, whence they emigrated to Jackson County, Ohio, stopping there a short time before going to La Porte County, Ind., and thence coming to Porter County in 1836, where his father died in 1844 ; his mother died in this township in 1870. Jared Blake lived at home until he was of age, having always followed the occupation of a farmer, and being now owner of 130 acres in this township, 100 of which are improved. He was married January 15, 1868, to Amelia Beach, of this county, born May 29, 1848 ; she is a daughter of Sheldon Beach. To this union five children have been given — Frank W., Alice A., Otto V., Harry S. and Laura P. Mr. Blake was a soldier in the war against the rebellion, having enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, under Capt. Sparks, remaining until the close of the war. He was one of the guards at the obsequies of the lamented President Lincoln, in 1865. ISAAC V. BOND, born in Wayne County, Ind., is one of seven born to Jesse and Mary (Vore) Bond, three of whom live in this State and one in California. His father was a native of North Carolina, his mother of Pennsylvania ; they came to Indiana before its admission as a State, remaining until 1831, when they removed to Kalamazoo County, Mich.; thence to La Porte County, Ind., where they resided until their decease, his mother dying in 1878, and his father in 1882. Our subject received a fair education, and has taught several terms. When about twenty-five years old, he visited the . Southern States, and in 1850, the " land of gold" — California. In this adventure, he was three times ship- wrecked and three times paid passage ; he engaged in mininc, and after in saw-milling, remaining two years, and returning by way of Central America, and reaching La Porte in 1853. Here he was married, on Sep- tember 10, of the same year, to Mary E. Rogers, of La Porte County, when he settled to farming, but after eleven years made an overland trip to Idaho in 1864. He has visited nineteen States, nine Territories and Central and South America, having traveled over 33,000 miles, gaining WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 331 much information and many curiosities. He came to Porter County, Ind., in December, 1864, settling on the land he now has — ninety-one acres. His wife died October 16, 1875, leaving two children — William A. and Frank A., both farmers. His second marriage was to Martha H. Underwood (O'Hara), and took place February 15, 1882 ; she is a daugh- ter of John and Mary Underwood, old settlers of La Porte County. Mr. Bond is a stanch Republican, and has been Assessor of Washing- ton Township ; he is a Quaker in religion, and a Freemason. Mrs. Bond belongs to the M. E. Church. A. L. BROWN, son of Joseph and Susan (Carter) Brown, was born in Spencer County, Ind., February 4, 1830; the youngest of thirteen children, five of whom are living. Our subject and a brother in Valpa- raiso represent the family in this county ; his father was a native of Vir- ginia, his mother of North Carolina ; his grandparents came from Ken- tucky to Spencer County, Ind., in company with Abraham Lincoln's parents, in 1816, living as neighbors many years. Mr. Brown's father came to this county about 1835, where he lived until his death, August 3, 1850 ; he was a farmer, a Democrat and an admirer of fine horses. Our subject, at the age of.thirteen, left Spencer County with an older brother and went to Missouri, where he remained seven years, returning to Por- ter County in 1849, and here h-e has since resided. In his youth, he learned the tobacco and cigar making trade, but has, by preference, fol- lowed farming ; he has now two farms, comprising 360 acres, about 250 of which are cultivated ; he has also good buildings and various improve- ments. On October 4, 1853, he was married to Catharine Malone, daughter of Wilson Malone ; they have a family of six children — Ella (wife of Benjamin Flood, of La Porte County), Cassius (married and liv- ing in this township), Frederick, William, Walter and Aaron. In poli- tics, Mr. Brown is a Democrat, but an extremely liberal one. WILLIAM T. BROWN was born in Mississippi County, Mo., Sep- tember 11, 1848, and is the son of Prester and Mahala (Beckwith) Brown, who were natives of this State, and settled in this county in 1849, on Morgan Prairie. His occupation since boyhood has been mainly farming, although he has worked at the carpenter's trade. He has at the present time a very excellent farm of 190 acres, the greater part of which has been cleared and improved by himself. Not having the best opportuni- ties for acquiring knowledge in his youth, his education is somewhat limited. For several years he has done considerable threshing, being the owner of a good steam threshing machine. On July 2, 1873, he was married to Indiana Shinabarger, a native of this county. To this union a family of two children have resulted — Nattie and Myron. Mr. Brown is a Democrat, but one of the liberal stamp. He is a fair business man, and in the aflFairs of life has been reasonably successful. JAMES BUNDY was born in Fayette County, Ind., May 5, 1826, and is a son of James and Maria (Koffman) Bundy ; his parents were born and married in Northumberland County, Penn;, and came to Fay- ette County, Ind., about the year 1820, among the first settlers. In 1832, they took up eighty acres in Elkhart County, hewing a place in the wood for a cabin of logs, using greased paper for widow panes. They came to Porter County in 1841, settling on what is now the "Wilson farm;" his 332 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: father died in 1858, his mother in 1855. James Bundy lived at home until of age, receiving a common school education ; he is a farmer, and has worked at carpentering, but never learned the trade. On December 7, 1851, he was married to Adaline Philips, daughter of John and Esther (Bachelor) Philips, born June 27, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Bundy have had seven children, five of whom are living — John K., William, George W. (the last two are carpenters, and have built some fine buildings in this county), Frank and Mary. Mr. Bundy has a snug farm of forty acres, on which he now resides. In politics, he, together with his sons, is a Ee- publican. S. A. CAMPBELL, one of the pioneers of Porter County, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., February 8, 1821, and is the eldest of three sons born to Adam S. and Polly (Adams) Campbell, and the only one now living. His parents were born, brought up and married in the State of New York. They came Westward when our subject was twelve years of age, and settled on Morgan Prairie, in Porter County. Mr. Campbell was Justice of the Peace, School Commissioner, and served one term in the State Legislature as a Democrat ; he died in August, 1850, but Mrs. Campbell is still living with her son, and eighty- four years old. Our subject came to this county with his parents in 1833, and remained with them until of age ; he attended the first school taught in this county, on Section ^8 of this township, in 1834 and 1885. On March 13, 1847, he was married to Harriet Cornell of Wayne County, Ohio, but then residing here ; she died in June, 1864, leaving a family of four children — Myron and Marvin (twins), Otto and Helen, wife of D. Eastburn, of Benton County, Ohio ; his second mar- riage, to Elizabeth (Bartholomew) Finney, took place September 21, 1875 ; she is a daughter of Jeremiah Bartholomew, and was born March 11, 1822, her parents coming to the county in ] 834. In politics, Mr. Campbell is a Democrat, and has been Township Trustee for many years ; he is a member of the Blue and Chapter Lodges, also of the Com- mandery of Masons. Mrs. C. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The Campbells are perhaps the second oldest family in Porter County, the oldest being the Morgans, of Westchester Township. RUSSEL COHOON is a native of Yates County, N. Y.; he was born August 2, 1808, and is a son of Stuart and Charity (Culver) Cohoon ; he is the eldest of his family ; his father was a native of Con- necticut, his mother of New Jersey ; his father was a Captain in the war of 1812 ; he lived in the State of New York until 1820, when he moved to Erie County, Penn., and there died in 1836 ; his grandfather served in the Revolution. Our subject lived at home until of age, and received a fair education for the time, having taught two terms of school ; he • learned the trade of a joiner, at which he worked iu connection with wagon-making for many years, and nine years at saw-milling ; he came to Porter County in February, 1851, settling on the farm which he now owns — a splendid one of eighty-five acres, besides good buildings. He was married October 1, 1829, to Anna Colver, of Yates County, N. Y.; by this union he had five children — Llewellyn J., Avery R., Elliott, Ceylon and Melross ; his wife died August 18, 1855 ; his second mar- riage was to Mrs. Nancy C. Hayner, who was born April 6, 1822 ; WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 333 by this union Mr. Cohoon had born to him four children — Charles, Car- rie C. (now wife of N. Dawson, of this county), Ellsworth and Grant : the boys are farmers ; by a former marriage Mrs. Cohoon had two chil- dren. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Cohoon is a Republican and a member of the Unitarian Church ; he has been Justice of the Peace twenty-one years. NATHAN COOPER, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Joseph) Cooper, was born in Putnam County, Ohio, January 10, 1841. Regarding his parents, Mr. Cooper knows but very little, inasmuch as they died when he was extremely young ; he lived with his grandparents until he was about nine years of age, afterward with a man named William Beard until his fifteenth year, when he began the battle of existence for him- self; he came here in the autumn of 1855, in company with his uncle, M. Joseph. Mr. Cooper, despite his lack of opportunity for education, has informed himself sufficiently for the requirements of business ; he moved upon the place he now holds on the day of President Lincoln's inauguration, March 4, 1861. He was married, January 11, 1866, to Lydia A. Stoner, of Porter County, born July T, 1844, and a daughter of Abraham Stoner, one of the earliest settlers, coming hither in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have had two children — Frankie, born July 13, 1870, and Lulu B., November 6, 1880. Mr. Cooper has followed farm- ing from boyhood, and has 425 acres of land, as fine a stock farm as the county contains. In politics, he is independent or neutral, supporting, as he believes, the best man among all. THEOPHILUS CRUMPACKER, son of Owen and Hannah (Woodford) Crumpacker, was born in Montgomery County, Va., Janu- ary 18, 1822 ; he is one of a family of nine children, six of whom are living ; his parents were also Virginians ; his ancestry on his father's side were from Germany, and on his mother's from England. The subject of our sketch came with his parents from Virginia to Union County, Ind., in 1828, and in 1834 came to Porter County ; his father settled upon land purchased from the Government, afterward moving to La Porte County, where he died July 23, 1848. Mr. Crumbacker lived with his parents until he became of age, receiving a fair school educa- tion, and remained until 1863, when he removed to Kankakee County, 111., but returned to Porter County in 1865, and settled upon the farm he now owns, a fine one of 245 acres. Mr. Crumpacker has been a stanch Republican since the party was formed, having represented his county in the State Legislature three terms, from 1872 to 1878, and being the only man of his county who has served that number of terms. While in La"Porte County, he was four years Township Trustee ; he has now retired. On February 27, 1847, he was married to Harriet Em- mons, a daughter of William and Elsie (Kirk) Emmons, and born November 17, 1823. Eight children, seven of whom are living, were born to them — John W., Edgar, Daniel, Eliza A. (deceased), Peter, Nettie, Charlie and Grant. The eldest, John W., was born in La Porte County March 19, 1849, where he received a good education and taught public school four terms. He was married, January 3, 1877, to Anna J. Smith, daughter- of Martin Smith ; she was born March 31, 1849, in Huron County, Ohio. In 1872, John W. Crumpacker entered the 334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; County Treasarer's oflSce as Deputy, and, in 1878, was elected Treasurer by the Republicans ; he is now serving his second term ; he belongs to the I. 0. 0. F., also the 0. F. Encampment ; his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. H. W. FORBES is the eldest son of J. T. and Martha (Pettit) Forbes, parents of seven children, five still living; he was born near Hamilton, Upper Canada, January 6, 1843, and came with his parents to Porter County in 1854 ; he attended a common school until he was nineteen years old, when he attended three terms at the Valparaiso Col- lege ; he has worked mostly at farming, but at present owns a mill near Coburg; he has also dealt in grain and wood, shipping from Coburg, where he was the first agent for the B. & 0. R. R.; he was also appointed the first Postmaster, which position he now holds, it being largely due to his influence that said post office was established ; he has 195 acres of land, about 130 of which are cultivated, and has besides buildings and other improvements. In politics, Mr. Forbes is a liberal Democrat. He was married, January 26, 1868, to Helen Shinabarger, the daughter of Jacob Shinabarger, who was born in La Porte County December 1, 1845. To this marriage a family of five have been born, only two oi whom survive — Ross C. and Ruby J. The mother of Mrs. Forbes, now eighty-one years of age, residing with our subject. The first school attended by Mr. Forbes was a missionary school for the Indians : he at- tended here three years. THADDEUS H. FORBES, son of J. T. and Martha (Pettit) Forbes, was born near Coburg, Upper Canada, August 20, 1851; he came with his parents to Porter County in 1854, and attended the com- mon schools until about eighteen years old, thereby receiving a very fair education; he remained at home until past his majority, and was married, June 26, 1875', to Nora Pinney, of La Porte County, Ind., daughter of Horace Pinney, and born September 4, 1852, her parents being among the oldest settlers of that county. Since his marriage he has been engaged in farming, clearing land and stock raising ; he has a good farm of 150 acres, about eighty of which are improved, together with good, necessary buildings; he was for four years Deputy Postmaster of Coburg, and also kept a grocery for three years, but is now employed in farming. Like other members of his father's family, he is a Democrat, but exceed- ingly liberal in his political views. JOHN HANSFORD was born in Somerset, England, January 8, 1813, and is third of a family of four children born to John and Sarah (Pickford) Hansford; Mr. Hansford thinks he is the only one of his family now living ; his parents were born and died* in England. Our subject received no school education, but is wholly self-instructed ; he left England for New York at fifteen years of age, where he stopped a short time, thence moved to New Jersey, where he lived until 1832, thence to New Orleans, Cuba, and finally landed in Chicago in 1836 ; he stayeil m Cook County, 111., until 1842, when he settled in Washington Town- Qon'^*^'^ C)o., Ind., upon the place of his present residence; he has now 920 acres of land, with important improvements. In November, lo^n' ^^ ^^^ married, in Cook County, 111., to Ann Moran; she died in 1840, leaving two children, one now living— Maria (wife of S. Lewis, of WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 335 Morgan Township). In 1843, he was again married, this time to Hannah Dillingham, who died January 1, 1875 ; by this union he had thirteen children, seven of whom are living — Eve (now in Kansas), EflSe (wife of Otis King, of La Porte County), Ella (wife of R. Reed, of Washington Territory), William, Emma (wife of J. Sulman, of this township), Jay and Jonah (twins). On April 4, 1876, he was married a third time, the bride being Mary Grundy, who died in April, 1877 ; on June 21, 1877, he married his present wife — Lizzie Street. In business, Mr. Hansford has been exceedingly successful; in politics, he is independent, voting for the best man. For two years he has had a position on the G. T. R. R., which he yet retains. JOSEPH KIMERER was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 2, 1824 ; he is one of sixteen children born to Jacob and Catherine (Korn) Kimerer, only six of whom survive; his parents were born, reared and married in Cumberland County, Penn., removing to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1814, and being among the pioneers of that county, where his father died in 1837 ; his mother removed to Holmes County, where she resided until her death in 1859. Joseph Kimerer lived with his mother until his majority, when he was married, November 10, 1846, to Jane V. Silcott, a native of Fairfax County, Va., born in 1828; she died in 1862, leaving a family of five — Mary A. (wife of S. Thatcher), Marion, Lewis N., William A. and Jackson. In 1864, he married Nancy Hanna, who died in 1865, to which second marriage one child resulted — Nancy J. On March 20, 1866, he was married to Mary J. Lisle, of Holmes Coun- ty, Ohio, by whom he has a family of three — James, Helen M. and Alice M. Mr. Kimerer moved from Wayne County to Holmes County in 1846, and engaged in farming until 1872, when he came to Porter Coun- ty ; he has a fine farm of 246 acres. In politics, Mr. Kimerer is a lib- eral Democrat, and was County Commissioner of Holmes County, from 1860 to 1866 ; also, Trustee for three years, and Township Clerk for one year. In 1852, Mr. Kimerer traveled to California, but determining that farming was safer as a business tha,n gold mining, he returned the same year ; he was a Mason many years, and has not now abandoned the order. Mr. and Mrs. Kimerer are members of the Christian Church. T. H. LEWIS was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 25, 1838; he is one of a family of eleven children born to Elmander and Mary (Dodge) Lewis, ten of whom are living ; his parents were natives of Massachusetts, and his grandparents came to Ohio with their family at a very early day. Our subject came to this county with his parents in 1849, and settled in Morgan Township. In the spring of 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the second battle of Bull Run ; he was with Gen. Sherman in his " march to the sea," remaining in the service until the war had ended. Since that period, his occupation has been farming, having 200 acres of land ; he was married, January 25, 1866, to Caroline Austin^ a native of Porter County, and daughter of Cain and Mary (Bowker) Austin ; her parents were among the early settlers of this county. To this union there have born two children — Eddie and Florence. Mr. Lewis is a firm Repub- lican, and as such represents his party as Trustee of Washington Town- ship, and this for a second term ; he is a man of much executive a,bility and integrity, and has been quite successful in his affairs. 336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: CHARLES R. LUTHER, one of the earliest settlers of Porter County, was born in New York August 26, 1828 ; he is the sixth of a family of nine children born to James and Irene (Ransom) Luther, seven of whom are living — our subject and one sister in this county; his father was a native of New Hampshire ; he died in 1849, and his mother in 1859. C. R. Luther came here with , his parents when eight years old. After receiving a fair education, and being engaged as teacher for several terms, he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked for five years ; he was married, December 22, 1853, to Esther M. Holton, a daughter of Ira Holton, and born in Upper Canada November 19, 1837. To Mr. and Mrs. Luther have been born four children — Luna L. (de- ceased), Iredell, Harry R. and Lula B. ; of these, Iredell is a farmer, and Harry R. a school teacher. Mr. Luther was one of the Directors of the Northern State Prison for two years, and Assessor of Washington Town- ship for five years ; he is a Republican, having belonged to that party ever since its organization. WILLIAM L. M ALONE, son of Wilson and Sarah (Swank) Ma- lone, was born in this county October 3, 1847 ; he received his educa- tion from the ordinary schools and the Valparaiso High School, since which time he has been farming. On December 2, 1875, he was married to Matilda Forbes, daughter of J. T. Forbes, who was born June 30, 1853, a sketch of whose parents will be found in this work. To this union two children were born — Lawrence and Leon. In politics, Mr. Malone is a Democrat, and represents his party as Assessor of Washing- ton Township ; he has 200 acres of land, 120 being improved. Wilson Malone, father of our subject, came to La Porte County in 1832, and was among the earliest settlers ; his only possessions were a few household goods and 50 cents. He contracted for the building of one mile of what is now known as the Michigan State road, and invested the pro- ceeds in Porter County land. He spent his first winter in a cabin with- out floor or windows ; but he was industrious, and at his death owned over 1,100 acres ; he died December 22, 1876 ; he was father to nine children — Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. Pagin), Caroline (Mrs. A. Stanton), Cath- erine (Mrs. A. Brown). Rebecca (Mrs. H. Slover), James R., William L., Martha (Mrs. E. Powell) and Harriet (Mrs. C. Talcott). Wilson Malone was the son of Lester Malone ; was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 18, 1805; he lived in that county until manhood; his parents died when he was quite young, when he was cast upon his resources for a livelihood ; he came West in 1826, stopping in Fountain and Montgomery Counties, Ind. On February 22, 1832, he was married to Sarah Swank, daughter of Jacob Swank, an early settler of Montgomery County ; she was born at Springfield, Ohio, October 15, 1811. OViD OAKS, a pioneer of Porter County, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., February 9, 1821 ; he is the eldest of five children born to David and Mary (Howe) Oaks ; all are living — four in this county, the other in California ; his father was a native of New York, and his mother in Massachusetts. They came to this county in 1835, and here lived until the decease of both— in 1874. Our subject came to this county with his parents, and received a liberal education by attending the com- mon schools, and afterward the State University about four years ; he WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 337 kept a hotel for two years, and taught school for some time ; he then moved to Missouri, where he bought land, and followed farming and school teaching for eight years. Returning to Valparaiso, he kept a grocery about five years, and returned to farming in 1875, having now 130 acres, sixty of which are unimproved. He was married. May 31, 1849, to Phebe Rhorer, a native of Kentucky, but a resident of Monroe County, Ind.; she was born April 17, 1824. Their family consists of four children — Omar M., Emma J. (wife of M. Kimerer, of Valparaiso), Eva (wife of H. Taggart, of South Bend), and Lucian R. Mr. Oaks is a Republican of the liberal school. Mrs. Oaks is a member of the Chris- tian Church. JOSEPH PEOPLES was born in Carroll County, Ohio, June 27, 1842, and is one of fifteen children born to John and Mary (Davis) Peo- ples, nine of whom are surviving — three in this county ; his parents were natives of Pennsylvania ; they came to Ohio at an early day, where they married and lived until 1852, when they came to Porter County, Ind., settling in Washington Township. Mr. Peoples' father died in 1874, and his mother in 1852. Our subject lived at home until of age; then" followed farming until the present time, except for about two years, during which he worked at carpentering and blacksmithing ; he enlisted in the Twen- tieth Indiana Battery, under Capt. Rose, and was at Franklin, Murfrees- boro, Chattanooga, Fort Donelson and other engagements ; he was, for a time, fiag-bearer for his battery, and was present at Gen. Lee's surrender, soon after which he was discharged. On February 14, 1868, he was married to Anna Babcock, born August 23, 1852. They have had four children — Jannet (deceased), Clark J., Frank B. and Nina M. Mr. and Mrs. Peoples are members of the Good Templars organization. He is a Republican, and was Justice of the Peace from 1878 to 1880 ; his farm comprises 105 acres, of which about fifty-five are under cultivation. Mr. Peoples is a total abstainer from strong drink and tobacco. NICHOLAS PICKRELL, son of Nicholas and Margaret (McCoy) Pickrell, was born in Logan County, Ohio, March 3, 1828, and is the youngest of five children, two of whom only survive ; his father was a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Virginia ; his mother came to Elkhart County, Ind. (after his father's death), in 1835, where she remained until her death, in 1862. Mr. Pickrell, our subject, came to Porter County in 1849,- settling in Morgan Township, but afterward came to Washington Township, where he still resides. He has> 310 acres of land, 130 of which are improved ; he is a man of fair edu- cation, and he served in Company G, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, from November, 1864, until the close of the war ; he was in the battle of Nashville, and was with Gen. Sherman at the surrender of Gen. Johnston. Since his discharge, he has been en- gaged in farming. In politics, Mr. Pickrell is a firm Republican, having been one of the earliest adherents of that party. In 1874, he was Trustee of Washington Township, which office he held for six years. In 1880, he was elected County Commissioner, an office he now holds. He was married, in February, 1856, to Sarah Bell, one of the early settlers, who died December 26, 1873, leaving a family of six children, five of whom still live — Lizzie B. (wife of F. Concannon), Carrie E., Mary, 338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Phebe D. and John. Mr. Pickrell has been fairly successful in business ANDREW B. PIERCE was born in Otsego County, N. Y., April 9, 1830, and is a son of Warner and Adelia (Beeman) Pierce ; his father was a native of New York, and his mother of Connecticut; they were married and lived in New York until coming westward in 1831 ; they stopped two years in Michigan and one year in La Porte County, Ind., reaching and settling in Porter County in 1834 ; his father followed farming until his death, on May 6, 1841 ; his mother is still living, now in her eighty-fifth year, vivacious and healthy. Our subject came with his parents in 1834 ; he received a fair education, and remained with his mother after his father's death, until twenty-eight years old, when he began farming for himself; he has now 420 acres of land. He was married April 1, 1858, to Mary E. Johnston, of this county, daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Pickett) Johnston ; she was born May 1, 1838, and her parents were among the first to settle here, her father being the first Judge of Porter County. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have had eight children, four of whom are living — Morosco L., William F., Helena B. and John G. In politics, Mr. Pierce holds with the Democracy, but is not an ex- treme man. Both he and Mrs. Pierce are members of the Baptist Church of Valparaiso ; he has been fairly successful in business ventures. S. P. SHINABARGER, one of the pioneers of Porter County, was born in Jackson Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, January 6, 1820 ; he is one of a family of ten born to Jacob and Hannah (Heller) Shinabarger ; six of these are living. , The father of our subject came to Porter County in 1833, settling on Morgan Prairie, Washington Township. The county at that time was an unbroken forest and prairie, peopled by Indians ; the city of Valparaiso was unthought of; his father lived in this county for many years, but died in La Porte County. Our subject was fortunate to secure a good education, notwithstanding the meager advantages of that period ; he lived at home until his twenty-second year, and has since been farming, except one year, when he was in mercantile business at Buena Vista; he was married, October 20, 1844, to Esther Tabor, of Erie County, Penn., who died April 17, 1849, leaving two children, one. Bur- ton J., now surviving; his seoond marriage was to Laura Tabor, June 1, 1852; bv this union, he has had nine children — Martha E., Alta J., Ernest F., Bell, Nellie L., Edward S., Mary C, Walter 0. and Rutber M. In politics, Mr. Shinabarger is a Liberal Republican ; his first vote was cast for Gen. Harrison in 1840 ; he has represented his party fof over twelve years as Justice of the Peace, still holding that ofiice ; his farm consists of 193 acres, 180 being under cultivation ; he is a member of Westville Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. The father of Mrs. Shinabarger (Mr. Tabor), resides with our subject; he settled in La Porte County in 1835, and is now past eighty-five years of age. HENRY SLOVER, one of the early settlers of Washington Town- ship, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., April 24, 1828; he is the youngest of twelve children born to Isaac and Polly (Watts) Slover; of this family, only three survive, our subject being the only representative in this county ; his parents were both natives of New Jersey, removing to New York, thence to Erie County, Penn., and thence to Porter County, UNION TOWNSHIP. 339 Ind., in 1843, settling in Washington Township ; his father died while visiting Pennsylvania in 1852 and his mother in this county in 1849. Our subject came here with his parents in 1843. At the age of twenty- four, in company with some emigrants, he crossed the plains for Cali- fornia. Being overtaken by sickness, he gave up mining, and worked by the month ; he remained in California until 1858, when he returned to this township. On May 19, 1859, he was married to Rebecca J. Ma- lone ; they have had a family of three children — Carrie B. (deceased), Charles W. and Hattie. Mr. Slover has been fairly successful in busi- ness affairs ; he has a farm of 232 acres of good land, about one hundred and fifty of which are improved, and containing excellent buildings, mak- ing a most desirable property. Mr. Slover is a Democrat, but exceed- ingly liberal. UNION TOWNSHIP. DR. GEORGE W. ARNOLD was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., August 6, 1837, and is a son of Elisha and Phebe (Sayles) Arnold, both natives of New York. When George W. Arnold was eight years of age, he came with his parents to Porter County, Ind., where he has since re- sided. During his youth, he worked on the farm and acquired a fair common-school education. At the age of twenty-two, he began to study medicine at home, and in 1871 he graduated at the Bennett Medical Col- lege of Chicago, and the same year located at Wheeler, where he has been practicing, with the exception of one year spent in South Chicago. In 1864, he entered Company H, Fifty-third Regiment Indiana Volun- teers, and served until the war was closed. Dr. Arnold is a member of Lodge No. 403, A., F. & A. M., and also of Valparaiso Commandery. In politics, he is a Republican. WILLIAM 0. CAD WELL, farmer, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., May 12, 1830, and was the fourth of eight children composing the family of Chester and Phila (Daniels) Cadwell ; five of these are liv- ing. In 1838, the family settled in Union Township, where the father lived until his death, in 1867. William 0. Cadwell remained at home until he became of age. On June 19,-1853, he married Margaret Frame, of this county. She died in 1860, leaving one child — Malphus F., a farmer of Union Township. After his marriage, he located on his present farm, now embracing 110 acres. His second marriage took place October 15, 1861, to Mary Gilbert, a native of Ohio. To this union three children were born — Ida M., Homer 0. and Don Alonzo. Mr. and Mrs. Cadwell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Cadwell is Republican. THOMAS CRISMAN, farmer, was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., August 13, 1805. He was the sixth of eight children composing the family of Benjamin and Mary E. (Yingling) Crisman, both of whom were natives of Maryland. In 1818, the family removed to Carroll County, Ohio, where Thomas lived until 1850, when he settled on the farm in Union Township, on which he has since resided. On November 25, 1830, he was married to Nancy Ringle, of Westmoreland County, Penn. As a result of this union thirteen children were born, nine of 340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: whom survive — Mrs. Lavina Shearer, of Lake County ; Mrs. Hannah Gunder, of Porter County ; Mrs. Eliza Smith, of La Porte County ; Mrs. Mary Matthews, of Hobart ; Harrison, John, Thomas, Mrs. Louisa Scholl and Mrs. Alice Bentley. Mr. and Mrs. Crisman are uiembers of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Crisman is a Republican. He has an excellent farm, with valuable improvements, He is a fair-minded and honored citizen. EPHRAIM CRISMAN was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is one of the eleven children of Frederick and Eliza (Hardesty) Crisman. In 1848, he came with his parents to Union Township, where his father died January 4, 1877. The Crisman family is of Dutch descent. Eph- raim lived at home until he was married, December 25, 1861, to Sarah Long, of Williamsville, N. Y. To this union there have been seven chil- dren — Benjamin F. (deceased), Emma (deceased), Ella D., George (de- ceased), A. B., A. D. and Frederick. Mr. Crisman came to this town- ship, living three years, and after removed to the farm on which he now lives. This property is rich and well improved, containing some excel- lent buildings. Mr. Crisman has given considerable attention to raising blooded horses, and has one of the finest in the country. In politics, Mr. Crisman gives his support to the Republican party, and is esteemed as one of the most intelligent and enterprising citizens. ELBERT H. EDDY was born in Bristol County, Conn., January 4, 1848, and is the elder of the two children of Jeremiah and Abigail (Curtis) Eddy. The family is of English descent ; his father was a skilled machinist, and at one time foreman for Reany, Neafie & Co., of Philadel- phia. Elbert lost his father when twelve years old, and removed with his mother to Davenport, Iowa, where he was educated at the high school. In 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteers, and served two years and five months. At Pittsburg Landing, he was taken prisoner, and held four months, a few weeks of which he passed at An- dersonville. After his return, he was several years engaged in giving public readings, and, as a professor of elocution ; he acted for some time as a comedian in the Chicago theaters, and was widely known throughout the West and South, everywhere receiving the highest encomiums from press and people ; he is the author of an elocutionary work entitled, "Art of Personation," which is one of much merit. On June 3, 1866, he was married to Miss Maria Currier, of Porter County. They have one son, Albert Bertram. In 1871, he forsook his old profession for the new one of gardener, for which he had no less a taste, and settled in Union Township. In this he has been no less successful, supplying much of the country around him, and making a specialty of garden plants and celery. Mr. Eddy is a courteous gentleman, good business man and en- terprising citizen ; his greenhouses are large and extensive. In politics, he is a Republican. F. J. FIELD was born in Syracuse, N. Y., January 10, 1830, and is one of the six children of Thomas J. and Louisa A. (Chapman) Field. His father was a native of Poughkeepsie, and his mother of Onondaga County, N. Y.; his uncle was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, and on board the Macedonia during the war of 1812. When six years of age, he came with his parents to Michigan City, Ind., removing to UNION TOWNSHIP. 341 Liberty Township, and later to Portage Township, where his father died in 1875, a Justice of the Peace, and a man much esteemed by all. F. J. Field, at the age of nineteen, went on a whaling voyage, through Behring's Straits to 72J° north latitude ; he has laid in a boat three days without food or water. Returning home, he again sought the sea for eight years, and was wrecked on the shore of Cuba. In 1861, he began sailing on the lakes, and, in 1864, he enlisted in Company M, Heavy Artillery of Illinois. After the war, in 1872, he bought the 160 acres on which he now resides — a rich farm, well improved. On April 2, 1866, he was married to Miss C. E. Selkirk, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Field is a Republican, and also a substantial citizen. Mrs. Field is a member of the Congregational Church. - JOHN FLEMING, farmer, was probably the second male white child born in Porter County ; his birth took place in Washington Township March 1, 1833. He was the second of thirteen children of Jacob and Catharine (Hesser) Fleming, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. Mr. Fleming settled in Washington Township in 1832, where he lived until his removal to Valparaiso, where he died. John Fleming has always lived in this county, working at home until the age of twenty- two, at which time he was married, on November 2, 1856, to Joanna Maxwell, of Wayne County, Ohio. Ten children followed this union — Edward, Eliza, David, George (deceased), John C, Artemus, Mary C, Emma R., Maud (deceased) and Robert. In 1858, Mr. Fleming bought a farm in Union Township, which he left, going to Washington Town- ship, where he lived until 1870, when, he located on the old Cadwell place in Union To'wnship, where he now resides. In politics, Mr. Flem- ing is a Democrat. WILLIAM L. FREEMAN, farmer, was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, April 10, 1824 ; he is the youngest of eight children born to Leonard and Sarah (Guy) Freeman, both natives of Vermont ; his father was a farmer, but had served as a Lieutenant in the British Army during the war of 1812. William L. Freeman passed his youth in Canada, and at the age of eleven began the clothier trade with his brother, at which he continued until of age, when he learned carpentering. In 1847, he went to Michigan City where he worked three years. In 1850, he bought the farm in Union Township on which he has since lived ; it is a desirable property of 105 acres, containing good buildings. On April 10, 1852, he married Mary J. Haskin, a native of the Empire State. The union was blessed with one child — Charles R., of Lancaster County, Neb. Mrs. Freeman died August 7, 1853. On September 29, 1854, he was married to Electa L. Peck, of Erie County, Penn.; she also died, February 8, 1855. On November 16,' 1859, he was united to Mahala Cheever, of New York. Three children were the fruit of this union — Mrs. Mary J. Beam, William and Oliver. Mr. and Mrs. Free- man are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Freeman is a member of Valparaiso Chapter and Commandery A. F. & A. M. and K. T. In politics he leans toward the Republicans, and is an influential and worthy citizen. SOLON FRENCH was born in Porter County, Ind., April 14, 1838, and is the fourth of nine children composing the family of Ora B. 342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and Abigail (Dibble) French ; his parents were among the early settlers of Porter County, and here Solon was engaged in farming until the age of twenty-four years, when he afterward settled in Union Township. In December, 1863, he was married to Martha E. Atwell, of this eounty. This marriage was blessed with six children, of whom but two are living, Bertha and Emma. On October 13, 1864, he enlisted in Company D., Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Volunteer Infantry ; he served until the end of the war, receiving two wounds in his country's service. He owns a good and attractive farm numbering 140 acres, and is one of the lead- ing farmers of his section. In politics, he is a Republican ; he has been Township Trustee, and also Justice of the Peace for four years. ISAAC HARDESTY was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 22, 1822, and is a son of William and Louisa (Knouf) Hardesty. His father was one of the pioneers of Eastern Ohio, a farmer, miller and mer- chant, and started the first mill in Carroll County, Ohio. He was of Hu- guenot extraction, his grandfather having been expelled from France for his religious opinions. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was twenty -four years of age, Isaac Hardesty worked seven years on the Sandy & Beaver Canal, and in 1858 came to Porter County, Ind., where he farmed until 1860, when he purchased a carding and saw mill in Union Township. Four years later, he resumed the plow, and is now owner of 307 acres of fine land, with commodious buildings and good improvements. Mr. Hardesty was married, December 24, 1846, to Cath- erine Sholl, of Fayette County, Penn. Four children have graced this union — Mrs. Margaret P. Hodson, Mrs. Elva A. McElree, Mrs. Ophelia M. Young and Louisa C. Mr. Hardesty is a man of original and inde- pendent thought, as well as extensive reading. He is a Republican, and has frequently addressed his community on important questions of govern- ment. He has been Township Trustee about fifteen years. He is also a Christian, though not connected with any church, and an earnest Sunday school worker. JOSEPH L. HARRIS was born in Oxford County, Canada, No- vember 3, 1835. He is the youngest of five children born to Gilbert and Berenice (Cook) Harris. His father was a native of New York, and his mother of Vermont. His great-grandfather emigrated from Wales to Nova Scotia. In 1839, Gilbert Harris located in Porter County, on the farm on which 'our subject now lives. He was an ordained minister of the Baptist Church, and the first who preached in Union Township ; he died in September, 1847. On December 23, 1872, Joseph L. Harris married Mary B. Barker, of Oxford County, Canada, by whom he has had seven children— Virgil Y-, Hattie V., Milo N., Bradford E., Ole J., Jesse A. and Georgie A. Mr. Harris received an encellent education, having spent three years at Franklin College, in this State, failing health compelling him to withdraw. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta Society. He is an intelligent man and enterprising citizen, a stanch tem- perance champion, and an earnest Sunday school worker, both he and Mrs. Harris being members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Republican. The first house erected on Twenty-Mile Prairie is still standing on his farm, and is carefully preserved as a relic. CAPT. S. P. HODSDEN is a'son of Stephen and Lenura T. (Pet- tibone)Hodsden, and was born at Mill Creek, Ohio, January 29, 1838. UNION TOWNSHIP. 343 The Pettibones were a leading family of New England, and the grand- father of our subject served thirty years in the General Assembly of Connecticut, and was an Orderly on the staff of Gen. Ward during the Revolution. Stephen Hodsden received an academic education, but was a farmer most of his life, although he devoted several years to mercantile business. He served in the war of 1812, and at the battle of Plattsburg was complimented for his bravery. In 1841, he settled in Union Town- ship, after making extensive explorations in Indiana and Illinois. He purchased ^40 acres to which he added 60, and on which he lived until his death, December 24, 1872. He was a Republican and an Abolition- ist. Capt. S. P. Hodsden came with his parents to Union Township in 1841. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Indiana Vol- unteers. During his three months' service, he was in several skirmishes. He re-enlisted in Company E, Ninth Indiana Volunteers, and served until the war was ended. He was appointed Second Lieutenant on enter- ing the three years' service ; was afterward Adjutant, and, on the death of his brother, July, 1864, became Captain of Company H. He was wounded five times, most severely at Marietta, while in charge of the skirmish lines and in charging the rifle-pits. After the war, he returned to husbandry, locating ou the old homestead, and having a good farm of 400 acres. On November 1, 1868, he was married to Margaret P. Ilar- desty, of Porter County. They have had six children-rDeWitt C, Catherine T., Lillie M. (deceased), Isaac H., Maggie M. and Stephen B. Capt. Hodsden is liberal in religion, and a Democrat in politics. DeWitt C. Hodsden, at the outbreak of the war, was a student at law in the University of Michigan, and during vacation was studying with Mr. De Motte, now Congressman. He had been quite successful before Justices' Courts, having lost but two out of one hundred cases. When the President's call for troops was announced, he immediately dropped his books, and was chosen Orderly Sergeant of a newly formed company, and when the company was re-enlisted for three years he was chosen First Lieutenant of Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteers. He was present at Shiloh, and on the death of Adjt. Patton was made Acting Major, and took command of the company during the battle. Being ordered by Lieut. Col. Blake to take a dangerous battery, he did so, with a loss of thirty out of fifty-six men, only twenty escaping unwounded. He afterward became Captain, which he remained until his death, July 24, 1864, near Marietta, Ga., from his wounds. After the battle of Stone River, he was presented with a sword and sash by his men, on which was mentioned the battles in which he had commanded them. LEVI HUFFMAN was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., Febru- ary 1, 1830, and is one of the nine children of Nathaniel and Mary Huffman, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and of Dutch de- scent. In 1840, the family moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and later to Henry County, Ohio, where Nathaniel Huffman died. After this, Levi being eighteen years of age, he, with his mother, moved back to Wayne County, where, at the age of twenty, he began the milling business. In 1853, he went to California, by way of the Isthmus, remaining three years, the first in the mines, the last in a grist-mill at Sacramento. In 1856, he returned to Wayne County and the milling, and in 1859 worked 344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in the Etna mills at Valparaiso. Soon after, he returned to Wayne County, and in 1868 again to this county. On December 4, 1868, he married E. F. Hammonds, of Valparaiso, by whom he had two children —V. Bstelle and Levi R. In 1875, he purchased the farm in Union Township on which he now resides, giving attention to farming for three years, when he took charge of the Cascade Mills, which he purchased in 1882, and is doing a prosperous business. Mrs. Huffman is a member of" the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Huffman is a Democrat, and also an esteemed and worthy citizen. W. C. JANES, farmer, was the eighth of nine children born to Eli- jah and Mary (Clark) Janes. His father was of. English descebt, but a native of Grand Isle, Vt., born in 1793. His mother was a native of New York. W. C. Janes began life in Oxford County, Ontario, March 20, 1833. He came to this county and township with his parents in 1844, remaining until he was twenty years of age, when he went to Nor- folk County, Canada, where he farmed for ten years ; then removed to Iowa, and two years later again settled on the old homestead in Union Township, where he now resides, and where his father died in 1878. On January 24, 1860, he was married to Helen McKay, gf Norfolk County, Ontario. To this marriage five children have succeeded, four of whom are living — Charles W., Robert E., Mary W. and Jeannette H. Mr. Janes is a Republican, a leading and respected citizen. S. R. JOHNSON was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 27, 1826. He is the third of the seven children of Stanton and Ada (Sweet) Johnson, both of Otsego County and of English descent. S. R. John- son, at the age of seventeen, came with his parents to Kalamazoo, Mich., and in 1846 he settled in Washington Township, Porter County, Ind., where he rented a farm and lived eight years. Here, on September 27, 1846, he was married to Julia A. Bundy, of Elkhart County, Ind. This union was blessed with four children — Mrs. Ada M. Stoner, of this county; Mrs. Alice Wells, of Chicago; Miran R., deceased; and Mar- vin P., deceased. In 1854, he moved to Morgan Prairie, where, two years later, he purchased a farm, afterward increased to 200 acres. In 1863, his father came to this county, where he lived until his death, in 1867. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Johnson is an Odd Fellow and in politics a Republican. He held the ofiBce of Trustee in Morgan Township five years, and has also been Assessor. ISAIAH McGINLEY was born in Knox County, Ohio, September 28, 1828. He is the eldest of the ten children of Robert and Eve (Lindsey) McGinley. His father was a native of Westmoreland County. Penn., and his mother of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The McGinley family is of Irish descent ; on his mother's side our subject is of Dutch descent. Isaiah remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, at which period he was married, on January 2, 1854, to Mary Leedy, of Richland County, Ohio. To this union there have been five children — Charles, Alice F. (decessed), Mrs. F. Adell Rigg, William 0. and Robert L. After his marriage, he spent thirteen years farming in Knox County, Ohio, and in 1868 he moved to Porter County, Ind., locating in Union Township, on his farm of 200 acres, well improved with fine buildings. He has paid much attention to stock-raising, particularly of fine Merino UNION TOWNSHIP. 345 sheep, having a large stock of a good quality. Mr. McGinley is one of the foremost men of the township, and is serving his second term as Trustee. He is a member of Porter Lodge, No. 37, A., F. & A. M. He has accumulated a fortune, and wholly by industry and economy. JOHN C. PEARCE was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 29, 1829. He is the second of the family of five children born to Will- lam and Barbara (Wagoner) Pearce, both of whom were natives of that State. His father worked in a cotton factory most of his life, and was of English descent. John C. Pearce, when nine years of age, lost his father, and when fourteen years old began the struggle of life for him- self, workiug by the month. On January 17, 1851, he was married to Catherine McElvee, of Lancaster County, Penn. To this union six chil- dren were born, four of whom are living — Mrs. Catherine M. Hardesty, Henry W., John J. and Rachel A. Wife is a member of the Mennonite Church. Soon after marriage, Mr. Pearce rented a farm for four years, and in 1854 moved to Jackson Township, Porter County; four years later, he settled in Union Township, where he has remained. He is a good man and much-respected citizen. GEORGE W. PEARCE, miller, was born in Baltimore County, Md., on the 31st of October, 1846. He is one of the family of Ephraim and Mary A. (Jones) Pearce, consisting of seven children. In 1864, Mr. Pearce, our subject, came to Porter County, and engaged in the busi- ness of milling at the Union Flouring-Mills. In 1874, he purchased an interest in the mill, and in 1879 became the sole proprietor. Besides his mill property he owns a farm of 125 acres. He was married, on January 25, 1869, to Miss Eliza J. Pearce, of Porter County. This union has been blessed by three children — Benjamin F., Mary A. and Luella A. In politics, Mr. Pearce is a Republican, and withal an acknowledged citi- zen of intelligence and worth. In matters of business, he has been exceedingly successful. ORRIN PECK, farmer, was born in.Fairfield County, Conn., July 11, 1813, and is the second of the six children of Edmond B. and Adria (Whitlock) Peck, both natives of Connecticut, and of English descent. When Orrin was a child, he removed with his parents to Cortland County, N. T., and at the age of seventeen, he began working in Fairfield County, Conn., whither he had returned. Here he was married to Almira Bar- tram, in September, 1838. To this union there have followed seven chil- dren — Mrs. Electa L. Freeman, deceased; Jonathan B., Jalmon E., David B.. Ruthven 0., Mrs. Caroline Peck, Braton E., deceased. Mrs. Peck died December 23, 1873. In 1838, he located in Brie County, Penn., where he farmed sixteen years. In 1854, he settled on Morgan Prairie, Porter Co., Ind., which he left three years later for his farm in Union Township. By his industry he has acquired a farm of 240 acres, 160 of which he has divided among his children. Mr. Peck is politically a Republican. He was for years connected with the Methodist and Baptist Churches, but now worships with the Believers. He is an upright man and a good citizen. DAVID B. PECK, farmer, was born in Erie County, Penn., on the 26th of October, 1840, and is the fourth of the nine children comprising the family of Orrin and Almira (Bartram) Peck ; he came to Porter 346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: County, Ind., with his parents in the year 1854, where he has since lived. In the spring of 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers, in which he served eight months. On November 26, 1866, he was married to Nancy Campbell, of this county. Three children have blessed the union — Almeron C, Orrin S. and Orlando V. In 1874, he located on the farm of eighty acres, on which he still resides. In politics, he votes with the Republicans ; he is now a Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he has served six years. SAMUEL SIGLER, merchant, is a native of Fort Cumberland, Md., and was born February 13, 1816; he is the third of eight children of Samuel and Nancy (Taylor) Sigler ; his father was a merchant and later a reed-maker, of Dutch descent, and a son of Adam Sigler, who, for fifty years, filled a pulpit in the Methodist Episcopal Church; his mother was a native of Alleghany County, Va. At the age of six years, Samuel came with his parents to Olarksville, W. Va., and, in 1834, the family settled in Elkhart County, near Goshen, and, in 1837, they located on 160 acres in Hobart Township, Lake County. On March 21, 1837, Samuel Sigler was married to Nancy Stockdale, a native of Washington County, Penn., by whom he had four children — Mrs. Margaret A. Arnold, George, Mrs. Eliza Willey and John N. In 1859, Mr. Sigler located at Wheeler, where he is engaged in mercantile business. In 1866, he was appointed Postmaster, being preceded by his son George. Mr. Sigler has been successful in business. He is a firm Republican and temperance advocate, and during the war was a member of the Union League. Besides his town property, he owns sixty-five acres near Wheeler. Both he and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, with which he has been identified over forty years ; his industry has brought him independence, and his character respect and honor. Samuel Sigler, Sr., departed this life in 1869 ; he was one of the pioneers of Lake County, and, with others of the family, experi- enced the trials and privations of that period; his life was quiet and uneventful, and he passed away greatly esteemed and lamented. CHRISTIAN SUMMERS was born in Lewis County, State of New York, December 22, 1838 ; he is one of the nine children comprising the family of Christian and Magdalena (Naffziger) Summers, both of whom were natives of France. When an infant, his parents moved to Canada, and in 1852 they moved to Porter County, Ind. Here Christian re- sided on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he began railroading on the Pan Handle route. He served ten years as an engineer. In 1874, he resumed the occupation of farming, which he has since fol- lowed. On September 12, 1861, he married Barbara Orther, a native of Bavaria. To this union there followed five children, four of whom sur- vive — Ida B., Mary M., Jeanette E. and Clara A. Mr. and Mrs. Sum- mers are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church. Mr. Summers has a good farm of 160 acres in this township, which he has occupied five years. He is much respected by all who know him. MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 347 MORGAN TOWNSHIP- ENNESS ARNOLD was born in Franklin County, Ind., June 10, 1816, and was the eldest of the eight children of John and Coney Ar- nold. In October, 1844, Mr. Arnold came to Porter County, Ind., and purchased the farm on which he is now located. On June 10, 1852, he was married, in this county, to Nancy Spencer, a native of Porter County, having been born there August 14, 1834. The marriage was blessed with six children — John, William, Robert, Irena, Abraham L. and Emma E. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Arnold moved on his farm, which he has continued to improve from year to year. It is now a desirable prop- erty, and numbers 350 acres. Mr. Arnold is an estimable citizen and has held several offices of trust in his county. He is now in comfortable circumstances, though he began life poor and was unaided. OLIVER B. BAILEY was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., Octo- ber 5, 1833, and is the second of five children born to Ziba and Sophro- nia (Peck) Bailey, natives of the same State, the former born in 1808 and the latter in 1810, and of Welsh descent. They were married in Tompkins County in 1830, and in 1835 came to La Porte County, Ind., where the father is still living. Oliver B. Bailey was married in La Porte, February 18, 1855, to Sarah Martin, who was born July 5, 1836, and shortly after went to farming. Three years later, he bought a saw- mill near Michigan City, ran it till 1860, sold out and moved to Pleasant Township, La Porte County, where he purchased a farm and worked it five years. He then bought and moved on his present farm, of 370 acres, in this township. He has four children — Ziba E., Stephen D., Frank L. and Arthur P. Mr. Bailey is a popular man in his community, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years. WILLIAM BARTHOLOMEW was born April 13, 1839, and is a son of Joseph and Mary A. (Spencer) Bartholomew; the former a native of Somerset County, Penn., born April 3, 1801. The grandfather of William came to Licking County, Ohio, in 1806, and in 1834 moved to Porter County, Ind., and died in 1856. Joseph Bartholomew came with his parents to Porter County in 1834, where he remained until his death, April 15, 1881. William Bartholomew was married on the 24th of December, 1879, to Sarah Biggart, who was born November 8, 1849, a daughter of George and Parmelia Biggart. To this union a family of four children were born — Jerome, Gerald, Calvin (deceased) and Mabel. After his marriage, Mr. Bartholomew moved on the farm on which he now lives, and which comprises 200 acres of good land on Section 32. JESSE BAUM was born in Richland County, Ohio, and is one of the nine children of James and Rebecca Baum, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born February 4, 1799, and the latter also a native of Pennsylvania, born January 10, 1803. They both came to Ohio at an early day, where they were married August 8, 1822 ; they first settled in Richland County, but in 1834 removed to Porter County, where they 348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Still live. Jesse Baum remained with his parents until he reached man- hood. In 1850, he went to Calaveras County, Cal., where he engaged in mining, and remained five years. Returning to Porter County, Ind., he was married, August 23, 1857, to Catherine Bundy, born in Elkhart County, Ind., August 25, 1834, by whom he has nine children — Myron, Noella, Lora, James, Villera, Leroy, Clarence, Nettie and Walter. Mrs. Baum died December 13, 1880. Soon after his marriage, he moved on the farm on which he still lives, in Section 18 ; he is the owner of 300 acres of excellent land. JOHN BAUM was born in Crawford County, Penn., January 20, 1810 ; he was brought by his parents to Stark County, Ohio, and thence to St. Joseph County, Mich., where, on the 15th of August, 1835, he was married to Myrum Gallgher, a native of Culpeper County, Va., where'she was born January 1, 1814. This union was blessed with five children — Christopher C. (deceased), Americas (deceased). Napoleon, Tennessee M. and Niles L. Shortly after his marriage, he moved to Porter County, Ind., and settled in Morgan Township, Section 4, on the farm on which he now lives ; he is one of the pioneers of this county, and has made many improvements since coming here, having- built the first schoolhouse erected in the township ; he came here as a poor boy, but now ownes 426 acres of land, all through the exercise of industry and the practice of economy. SILAS BAUM was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 18, 1814. In St. Joseph County, Mich., on July 11, 1839, he was married to Han- nah Williamson, who was born in Pennsylvania May 5, 1821. To this union a family of five children succeeded — Mary J., Lucretia E., Laura G. (deceased), Francis M. (deceased) and Genevia M. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Cass County, Mich., where, having purchased property, he remained un^il 1857. He then sold out and moved to Por- ter County, Ind., where he purchased and settled on a farm in Morgan Township, Section 33, where he remained two years ; this he sold, and purchased the farm on which he now lives, comprising 180 acres of good land. C. C. COLE was born in Porter County, Ind., March 9, 1849, and is a son of E. P. and Sally Cole. His parents moved to this county in the year 1837. C. C. Cole was married, September 6, 1869, to Nancy J. Brown, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born February 7, 1853, daughter of S. H. and Lucy A. Brown, of Porter County, Ind. To this union six children were born — Anna B. (deceased), Hattie L., Gertrude M., Edward F. (deceased), James P. and Zelda V. In the year 1872, Mr. Cole purchased and occupied the farm on which he now resides, in Section 12 ; this farm comprises 100 acres of superior land, and with con- siderable improvements of value. Mr. Cole is plessantly situated', and is a much-respected citizen. J. B. DECROW was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 21, 1833, and was the eldest of three sons born to J. P. and Delilah Decrow, both natives of Waldo County, Me. His father, J. P. Decrow, followed sailing for seven years ; then went to Cincinnati, where he learned the carpenter trade, and about 1832 went to Licking County, Ohio, and moved on a farm, where he now is. J. B. Decrow, after attending the MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 349 common schools, and a select school, engaged in teaching, and in 1856 attended a commercial course, and in 1859 went to Pittsburgh, where he attended the Iron City Commercial College, and graduated June 16, 1859. On returning to Licking County, on November 10, 1859, he was married to Mary A. Ramey, born in Knox County, Ohio, June 8, 1835. To this union four children were bequeathed — Delma J., Arthur B. C, Eva B. and Vonie D. In 1866, he moved to Porter County, where he purchased and occupied the farm on which he now resides ; it embraces 200 acres. His wife died August 28, 1879. Mr. Decrow has been Jus- tice of the Peace for nine years, also Township Trustee. REBECCA (STEWARD) CORNISH, wife of Jonas Cornish, was born in Clinton County, N. Y., August 29, 1811, and was a daughter of "Ezra and Hannah Steward ; the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York. Mr. Steward was a soldier of the war of 1812. In 1839, he moved to Jasper County, Ind., and thence to Kansas, where died in 1855. Rebecca Cornish was married to Jonas Cornish, April 15, 1840, in Jasper County, Ind. In the spring of 1847, they moved to Porter County, Ind., and settled in Washington Township, where they remained until 1850, and purchased the farm where Mrs. Cornish now resides. They were blessed with four children — William, Almira, Solomon and Sarah E. (deceased). Jonas Cornish was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 8, 1815, where he nemained until 1839, when he removed to Jasper County, Ind. ; he died April 19, 1881. Mr. Cornish was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most excellent man, es- teemed by all who knew him. Mrs. Cornish is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. HERBERT J. FISH was born in Connecticut April 20, 1850 ; he was second of a family of three children, born to W. P. and Laura M. Fish. The former was the eldest of a family of eleven children born to Moses and Susan Fishj who were natives of Connecticut, where they were married and remained until death. W. P. Fish was born in Connecticut June 15, 1816 ; alse was married there October 18, 1842, to Laura Fos- ter,' also born in Connecticut, June 25, 1822. In 1865, W. P. Fish and wife moved to Porter County, Ind., and has remained there ever since, our subject coming with them. In 1873, Herbert J. was employed as book-keeper for Asher & Co., Valparaiso lumber dealers, with whom he remained for some time; he was married, December 14, 1876, to Louisa Hayden, who was born in Porter County June 16, 1859, daugh- ter of the old pioneer, John W. Hayden, of Valparaiso. The spring fol- lowing his marriage, he moved on the farm where he now lives ; he has two children — Erie and Ella. , ROBERT M. FRYAR was born in the county of Down, Ireland, June 17, 1833, and is one of the eight children of William and Nancy Fryar. His father was of Scotch origin, and also born in the county of Down, in 1796, where he was married in 1818, and where he died in 1869; his mother died in 1878. Robert M. Fryar was married in the county of Down, November 6, 1853, to Sarah Harris, of the same county, bom June 17, 1833, he and his wife being of the same age. In 1854, he came to America, and to Portage County, Ohio, where he remained until 1856, afterward removing to Porter County, Ind. In 1857, he 350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: went to Marshall County, Ind., where he purchased a saw-mill and en- gaged in that business until 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. In 1867, he returned to Porter County, Ind., and purchased and moved on the farm on which he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Fryar have had ten children, five of whom remain — William J., Robert D., Nancy J., Anna and Joseph A. WILLIAM GATES was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., March 4, 1832, and is one of the three children of Horatio and Amy Grates ; the former a native of Massachusetts, born February 23, 1797, and the latter of Vermont, born October 11, 1808. They were married in St. Law- rence County, N. Y., in 1828. In 1837, they moved to Porter County, Ind., where they lived until death ; he died April 22, 1854, and she three weeks later. William Gates remained at home until after his father's death. On October 18, 1860, he was married to Rachel Shults, born in Porter County, Ind., December 1, 1842, a daughter of John Shults, of Morgan Township. One son was the result of this union — John H., born August 29, 1861. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Gates moved on the farm formerly owned by his father, where he remained uutil 1867, at which time he occupied the property on which he now re- sides. SYLVESTER A. LEWIS was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 14, 1834, and is a son of L. Mander and Mary Lewis. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and fought under Col. Ethan Allen at the battle of Ticonderoga ; his father was a pioneer of the Western States of Ohio and Indiana, and an assaciate of Gen. Will- iam Henry Harrison, in subduing the wilds of Ohio; he read medicine in Cincinnati, and came to Indiana in 1836 and engaged in practice for nearly half a century ; he was a firm believer in the soul's immortality and rewards and punishments. He was married in Hamilton County, Ohio, May 29, 1823. In 1849, he moved to Porter County, Ind., and resumed his practice; he died September 3, 1880. The mother lives with her children. S. A. Lewis remained with his parents until man- hood. He was married, January 3, 1861, to Maria Hansford, a native of Cook County, 111. In 1880, Mr. Lewis moved on the farm, where he now lives and owns ; it comprises 320 acres of fine land, which is well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have a family of four children — M. L., L. S., M. E. and D. M. Lewis. JASON OSBORN was born in Wayne County, Ind., October 26, 1829, and was one of the family of nine children of Jonathan and Rachel Osborn. He was married, July 19, 1855, in La Porte County, Ind., to Eliza C. Graham, a native of Monroe County, Ind., and born May 8, 1840. Previous to his marriage, Mr. Osborn had purchased the property on which he now lives, and which he had largely improved ; here he began housekeeping and has since resided. The farm embraces 800 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have had ten children — Franklin E., Colfax J. (deceased), Charles S., Mary E. (deceased), Clarence E., Carlton R., William G., George M., Sallie (deceased) and Fannie L. (deceased). Mr. Osborn is a gentleman greatly esteemed among his neighbors. Both he and his wife are members of the Chris- tian Church. MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 351 G. W. PATTON, farmer, is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Fatten ; he was born in Licking County, Ohio, January 28, 1825 ; he came with his mother to Porter County, Ind., in 1834, and has since remained here. - On December 13, 1846, he was united in marriage to Nancy A. Adams, a native of Ohio, and born September 5, 1827. To this union there were two children born — Hattie J. and John N. Shortly after his marriage he rented a farm, on which he moved and remained two years ; he afterward purchased the farm on which he now lives, and has improved; the land is excellent and the buildings are very desirable; it embraces 240 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Patton are communicants of the Christian Church. JAMES PURDY was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 1, 1818 ; he was one of a family of seven children born to Thomas and Elizabeth Purdy, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Penn- sylvania. They moved to Porter County in the year 1843, remaining until death. Our subject came the year previous and has remained since ; he was married, August 2, 1846, to Elizabeth Adams, who was born in Ohio .June 13, 1829 ; his occupation, heretofore, was that of a black- smith, which he pursued until 1854. Then bought and moved on the farm on which he now lives ; he owns 100 acres of land and has a family of six children — Catharine, Mecilda (deceased), Lorinda M., Ralston W., Sarah L. (deceased) and John M. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. A. W. REYNOLDS was born in La Porte County, Ind., Septem- ber 18, 1846 ; he is a son of A. W. and Harriet Reynolds, who were natives of New York. Our subject came with his mother to Valparaiso, this county, in 1854, where he attended the Valparaiso Male and -Female College. At the age of fifteen, he began to learn the trade of a baker with his step-father, Mr. Cross, at which he continued until May, 1864, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 2, 1864 ; he afterward enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regi- ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. When he returned, he resumed his trade of baker, working for Wood Bros. On February 1, 1871, he was married to Avril L. Hayden, a native of La Porte County, Ind., by whom he had three sons — Gordon L., Charlie A. and Garland J. Soon after his marriage, he moved on the farm on which he now resides, which embraces 266 acres of superior land. JOSEPH RINKEL was born September 21, 1818, and is the eldest of the family of twelve children of Henry and Dorothy Rinkel, both of whom were born in 1796, and natives of Virginia. In 1824, they moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, where Mr. Rickel purchased land and engaged in farming. In 1832, he moved to CarroU County, Ohio, and after one year Jo La Porte County, Ind., and remained until 1834, when he moved to Porter County. In 1840, he moved to Rock Island County, 111., and in 1845 to Grundy County, Mo., where he died in 1865, followed by his wife in 1879. Joseph Rinkel remained with his parents until they reached Rock Island County. In 1842, he came to Porter County, Ind., and in 1848 purchased a farm in Pleasant Town- 352 BIOORAPHICAL SKETCHES: ship, near what is now Kout's Station. This he sold after two years, and went to California to engage in raining, remaining two years. Returning to Porter County, he purchased his present home, in Section 29. On October 29, 1853, he married Mary Jones, of South Carolina. Soon after, he moved to his farm, where he has remained. Mr. and Mrs. Rinkel have had fire childrea — Anna, Catherine, Ada, Joseph (deceased), and Martha (deceased). STEPHEN SELMAN was born in Germany September 26, 1840, ' one of a family of eight children, of whom there were four sons, namely, Martin, Stephen, John and August. His parents' names were John and Louisa; they were natives of Germany, where they were married and remained until after the mother's death. The father was again married, and in 1855 moved to Michigan City, Ind., where he now lives, and has his fourth wife. In 1857, our subject left home, and came to Porter County, Ind., and July 26, 1861, enlisted in Company I, Twentieth Indi- ana Volunteer Infantry, serving four years and six months, and during that time was at the front in several hard battles. He came home on a leave of absence, and was married March 29, 1864, to Tennessee Baum, who was born in Porter County, August 6, 1840, a daughter of John Baum, the old pioneer of Morgan Township. After our subject's return from the war, he moved on the farm where he now lives. He owns 170 acres, and is the father of one son, William F. ELIAS N. SHERMAN was born in Madison County, N. Y., June 8, 1828, and was one of the five children of Knowles and Amanda F. (Finney) Sherman, the former born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1794, and the latter in Madison County, same State, in 1799. They were married in Madison County, and there the father died in 1834. The mother then married Samuel Andrews, and in 1849 moved.to Chenango County ; in 1856, she came to Porter County, Ind., and here died in 1877. Elias N. went with his mother to Chenango County, there pur- chased a farm, and was married, July 3, 1851, to Preeta Leonard, who was born in Chenango County, N. Y., May 29, 1884. In 1860, Mr. Sherman came to Porter County, and bought a farm in this township the year following, on Section 27 ; in 1866, he bought his present farm of 365 acres. He is the father of six children — Brigham B., AlvorettaE., Oresta L., S. Warren, Florence E. and Oliver M., and has served his fellow-citizens as Justice of the Peace for several years. JOHN SHULTS was born in Washington County, Ind., September 16, 1816. He came with 'his mother to Porter County, Ind., in 1836, where he has since remained. On July 2, 1840, in this county, he was married to Deborah Heser, and shortly after moved to the farm which is now his home, and which he had bought previously ; she died January 3, 1867. On December 25, 1871, he was married to Tillie Brown, born June 31, 1839. He has a family of eight children — Augustus, Rachel, Elizabeth D., Mary L., Virginia, Deborah H.. .John W. (deceased), and Cyrus D. Mr. Shults now owns 1,300 acres of land, after giving to his children about 500 acres. He began life as a poor boy, yet with energy, industry and economy, he can consider himself worth about $50,000, an example for emulation. He is a most excellent man, with a larcre and happy family. ' ° MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 353 HENRY STONER was born in Porter County, Ind., November 1, 1838, and is one of the eleven children of Daniel and Elizabeth Stoner. His life has been passed in this county. He was married February 8, 1866, to Mary A. Hayden, a native of La Porte County, and born Feb- ruary 17, 1846 ; she is a daughter of John and Abigail Hayden, of Val- paraiso, Ind. Shortly after Mr. Stoner's marriage, he moved on a farm belonging to his father-in-law, where he remained three jears, he then moved on the farm which he now occupies, in Section 20, comprising 253 acres of land, all of which he owns. Mr. and Mrs. Stoner have had seven children — John, Nellie, Abigail, Gerald, Frederick and two infants, deceased. Mr. Stoner is a much-esteemed gentlemen ; he is a member of the Masonic order, and holds the office of Township Trustee. WILLIAM B. STONER was born near Valparaiso, Ind., March 11, 1859. He was one of a family of seven children born to Samuel and Rachel Stoner, the old pioneers of Centre Township, this county. In 1881, our subject purchased the farm on which he how lives, and was married November 24, 1881, to Delta Dille, who was born in Porter Coun- ty, also, February 17, 1860 — a daughter of Hiram and Mary Dille, now of Porter County, Ind. Mr. Stoner owns eighty acres of fine land, well improved. CHRISTIAN SMITH was born in Germany May 7, 1328. He was the youngest of a family of three children born. to Joseph and Chris- tina Smith, who were natives of Germany, and in that country died. In the year 1854, our subject came to Porter County, Ind., where he has remained since. He was married in the fall of 1855 to Lena Sticker, who was also born in Germany in the year 1828. In 1857, he bought and moved on the farm on which he now lives. He owns eighty acres of land, well improved by himself. He has a family of four children — Mary, Louisa, Emma and Frank. FREDERICK TULLEY was born in England August 25, 1824, and is the'second of the nine children of Charles and Mary Tulley, both of whom were natives of England, the former born in 1797, and the lat- ter in 1807. They remained in England until their deaths, his being in 1879 and hers in 1877. Frederick Tulley remained in England until 1854, when he came to Porter County, Ind., and where he was married, on May 15, 1856, to Eliza A. Hayden, of La Porte County, Ind., born November 19, 1836. She is a daughter of Caleb and Sarah Hayden. In 1868, Mr. Tulley purchased the property on which he now lives, and the fol- lowing spring occupied the same. The farm embraces eighty-one acres of superior land, which Mr. Tulley has materially improved. Mr. and Mrs. Tulley have no children. B. A. WELCH, M. D., was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Sep- tember 26,' 1807. He is the fourth son of eight children born to David and Keziah Welch. Dr. Welch was educated in Delaware County, and at the age of twenty-six began the study of medicine, his father being his preceptor. On June 14, 1823, he was married to Alecta Adams, by whom he had nine children. In 1833, he moved with his father to Union County, Ohio, when he purchased his father's library and began practice, which he followed until 1838, when he removed to Johnson County, Mo. In 1841, he returned to Delaware County, and attended lectures at 354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Worthington, Ohio, where he graduated, and resumed practice, which he followed until 1848. He also practiced in Van Wert, Ohio. After this time he came to Porter County, where he has since practiced successfully. His wife died at Van Wert, Ohio, in 1870. In 1872, he was married to Anna B. Slain, by whom he had seven children. In 1862, he enlisted as private in the Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was soon made Hospital Steward, and soon after Assistant Surgeon, until his dis- charge in 1863. He re-enlisted in the Second Ohio Artillery, and served as Assistant Surgeon until the close of the war. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a highly respected citizen. FLETCHER D. WHITE was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 5, 1842. He is the eldest of the family of eleven children born to Will- iam H. and Adaline White, who were natives of Ohio, but came to Porter County, Ind., in 1846, where William H. White died December 21, 1861. Mrs. White is still living on the homestead. Fletcher D. White was mar- ried December 31, 1864, to Viola E. Marine, born in Porter County De- cember 17, 1845. To this union there have followed three children — William A., Clara L. (deceased) and Lula A. In the autumn of 1868, Mr. White bought the farm where he now resides, and moved thereon the following spring. It embraces 400 acres. Mr. and Mrs. White are mem- bers of the M. E. Church. He is an esteemed and worthy citizen. F. A. WHITE was born in Porter County, Ind., March 21, 1851 ; he is a son of William and Adaline White ; he was married in Porter County, September 25, 1874, to Alice C. Hall, of Porter County, born January 8, 1859 ; she was a daughter of Philip and Sarah A. Hall, who both were natives of Virginia ; by this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. White have had two children — Charles E. and Willis A. Soon after his mar- riage, Mr. White moved on his mother's farm, where he remained a short time, and afterward purchased and occupied the farm on which he now resides ; this is a valuable property, and contains 200 acres. Mr. White is a respected citizen and a worthy man. Both he and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. DAVID WILLIAMSON was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., November 29, 1810, and is the second of a family of nine children born to Alexander and Dean Williamson. When a boy, he learned the trade of a mason, which he followed many years. On September 20, 1834, he was married to Anna Plattner, a native of Germany, and born Aug- ust 18, 1813. On moving to La Porte County, Ind., he engaged in farming; here he remained until 1852, when he removed to Porter County, Ind., and purchased the farm on which he makes his home; this farm embraces 194 acres, all the improvements of which he made himself. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have had a family of seven children — Henry (deceased), Emanuel M., David, Barnabas, Jonas (deceased), Samuel, and an infant son deceased. Mr. Williamson and likewise his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. EMANUEL M. WILLIAMSON was born Schuylkill County, Penn., August 30, 1837, and is the eldest of the four children of David and Anna Williamson. In 1849, he came with his parents to La Porte County, Ind., and in 1856, to Porter County. In 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three months. On JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 355 August 5, ] 862, he re-enlisted as private in Company I, Seventy-third Indiana Regiment, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant. On October 20, 1862, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and on February 14, 1863, he was made Captain, serving as such until April, 1864, when he was discharged at Nashville; he took part in many severe battles, aa Perryville and Stone River, and, at the latter, was wounded by an explod- ing shell, December 81, 1862. On October 1, 1863, while on furlough, he was married to Martha N. Spencer, a native of Ohio, born August 6, 1842. They have eight children — Randolph S., Mary A., Fiette, Nellie, M., Henry, Katie, Dora and Flora, all of whom are living. Mr. William- son purchased the farm on which he now lives, in 1875; he is an es- teemed citizen, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. BARNABAS WILLIAMSON was born February 24, 1844, and was the third of a family of four children born to David and Anna Will- iamson ; he came with his parents to this county, where he has since made his home; his life occupation has been that of a farmer. On the 25th of May, 1873, he was united in marriage to Mary Torpy, a native of Porter County, and born October 28, 1845 ; she was a daughter of A. C. and Julia A. Torpy. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Williamson moved on the farm where he now lives; this farm he had previously pur- chased ; it numbers 160 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have been blessed with three children — Edward G., Cora E. and an infant who has not yet been named. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. J. BARNARD was born in Surry County, N. C, March 2, 1806, and is a son of Uriah and Elizabeth (Massey) Barnard. Uriah's parents were born on the Island of Nantucket, and went with their parents to North Carolina when quite young. Our subject's parents came to Ohio in 1811; thence to Wayne County, Ind., in 1817, where they died, parents of ten children, two now living. J. Barnard lived with his parents until of age, and learned the trade of a carpenter. He was married in January, 1840, to Margaret McGonigle, of Wayne County, Ind., who died April 19, 1851, leaving a family of four — Caro- line (now Mrs. S. Williams, of Labette County, Kan.), Sarah E. (now de- ceased), Allen and Leroy. Mr. Barnard came to Porter County in 1845, and has been mainly engaged in farming ; he is now somewhat engrossed by bee culture, having now thirty-seven swarms, after a loss of fifty swarms during the winter of 1880-81; he is a strong Republican. Allen J. Barnard was born in this county August 27, 1847, and is a carpenter and farmer. On August 12, 1871, he was married in La Porte County to Sarah E. Tatman, a native of Ohio. They have two children — Cassius H. and Ira J. N. BARNARD was born in Wayne County, Ind., October 6, 1829, and is a son of William and Sallie (Williams) Barnard; his father was born in 1803, in Surry County, N. C, whence, in 1811, he removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ind., in 1817, where he married; he 356 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: came to Porter County in 1835, and bought a claim of 160 acres for $50, on which a cabin was built and some clearing made. In 1836, he moved to Casa County, Mich, returning 'hither in 1838, and did a great deal toward improving Jackson Township. N. Barnard lived with his parents until manhood. At the age of seventeen, he began to learn car- pentering, at which he labored intermittently for twenty years. On February 2, 1851, he was married to Mary J. Lumpkin, of Wayne County, born May 29, 1831 ; she is a daughter of James and Sarah (Thornburgh) Lumpkin ; her parents removed from Tennessee to Wayne County in 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have had born to them the fol- lowing-named children : Orlando and Mary B., living, and Sarah L., John R., Ordelle and William E., deceased. Mr. Barnard is one of the pioneers of Jackson Township, coming hither in 1835 ; he has been engaged in farming twenty-seven years, and has now 467|- acres of good land, 350 of which are improved. Mr. Barnard has been and still is passionately fond of hunting. He is an unwavering Republican. MILLER BAUM, son of James and Rebecca (Miller) Baum, was born in Richland County, Ohio, November 12, 1827. (A sketch of his parents appears in the biographical department of Washington Town- ship.) Owing to the limited advantages for education in that day, he received but a moderate share of learning. In 1885, he came to this county with his parents, who settled on Morgan Prairie, and remained with them until he was past his majority. On June 29, 1852, he was married to Caroline Billings, born in Fayette County, Ind., February 11, 1832, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hammer) Billings, who came to Fayette County, Ind., at an early day, and to this county in 1834 ; her father died in 1853, but her mother is living in Carroll County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Baum have six children — Alice, wife of William Wood ; Marion, Laura, Josephine, Melinda and John. Mr. Baum has followed farming from boyhood, and now has 340 acres, with good improvements. In February, 1877, his house was destroyed by fire, which he replaced by a brick — one of the finest in the township. In politics, he is a liberal Republican. W^ A. BLISS was born in Guilford, Windom Co., Vt., March 2, 1830, and is the eldest of the three children of William A. and Sopronia T. (Stimpson) Bliss, two of whom are living. His father was a native of Connecticut, born October 15, 1806, but moved to Massachusetts, where he lived until manhood and married. Both he and his wife were firm be- lievers in Christianity, and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died, October 15, 1863, and he January 11, 1882. W. A. Bliss lived with his parents until his manhood, and afterward took care of them. He is a natural engineer. He has been variously engaged, but has now 183 acres, 140 of which are improved. On October 29, 1856, he was married in St. Joseph County, Mich., to Hannah Gray, of La Grange County, daughter of Abram and Sarah Gray. To this union five chil- dren have succeeded, three of whom survive — Louise, wife of Monroe Hill; Minnie ; William J., deceased ; Cora L.; and Helen, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are members of the Presbyterian Church. Thev have certain relics which have been in the family over two hundred year's. In politics, Mr. Bliss is a strong Republican. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 357 GEORGE BROWN was born in Cumberland County, England, December 28, 1828, and is a son of George and Jane (Myers) Brown. His parents were born, reared and married in England, where they both died. George Brown came to America, in company with a sister and brother-in-law, in 1852. For awhile he remained in the State of New York, from where he came first to La Porte, and afterward to Porter County, Ind., and settled where he now resides, and where he is one of the largest land-owners, possessing about nine hundred acres. On July 17, 18o5, he was married to Charity A. Carter. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Brown consists of ten children — Mary J., wife of J. Brewer ; Josiah, John F., Jerome, George M., James, Elizabeth C, Charles W., Anna M. and Carrie. Mr. Brown is a member of Chesterton Lodge, No. 379, A., F. & A. M., also of Westville Lodge, No. 176, I. 0. 0. F. In pol- itics, he is a stanch Democrat, but liberal in local affairs. JAMES P. CAIN, one of the pioneers of Porter County, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., January 1, 1820, and is the son of John and Miranda (Carter) Cain, being the eldest of their six children, four of whom are living. His father was born Cayuga County, N. Y., and his mother in Orange County, N. J.; they were married in Cayuga County. In 1820, they came West to Huron County, Ohio. His father died in Ashland County, and his mother at the home of our subject. May 14, 1879. James P. Cain came to this county intending to settle and improve land, but worked by the month until 1842, when he purchased land in La Porte County, which he improved and disposed of, and engaged in saw-milling. In 1851, he purchased a farm of eighty acres on Section 11, on which he now resides, containing a log cabin and some clearing ; it is now nearly all under cultivation. In November, 1842, at Michigan City, La Porte County, he was married to Rebecca Sparks, a native of this State. To them eight children were born, six of whom are living — William D., John M., Edwin L.; Jane, wife of Charles McCoy ; Viola and Florence. Mr. Cain is a Democrat and one of the old school of Jefferson. JACOB CARTER, one of the pioneers of Porter County, was born in Mohawk County, N. Y., March 6, 1806, a son of Robert and Eve (House) Carter. The parents were natives of New York. During the Revolutionary war, his mother was taken prisoner, conveyed to Canada and sold, but returned to the States on reaching womanhood. His father assisted in surveying the State of New York, was for three months a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and narrowly escaped capture by crawling into a potato hole and filling it over him. Jacob Carter resided with his parents until of age, but received no education, as there were no schools in the neighborhood. On June 18, 1826, he was married to Chloe Doud, of Onondaga County, N. Y. She was born March 31, 1805, and died February 14, 1878 — a faithful wife for over fifty years. Their issue comprised eleven children, five of whom survive — Charles, Philo, Eleanor, Charity and Jerome F. Jacob Carter came fii-st to Horse Prairie, this county,- afterward coming to this township and purchasing some wild land on which a cabin had been erected. He at once began clearing, and has now 312 acres, on which he lives, retired. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than forty years. He was formerly a Whig, but is now a stanch Republican. 358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: PHILO CARTER, one of the pioneers of Porter County, is a son of Jacob and Chloe (Doud) Carter ; he was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 27, 1829. At the age of twenty he began the battle of life for him- self by working by the month, and afterward at the carpenter's trade, but which he never learned in the usual way, as he was a natural mechanic. In August, 1849, he was married to Mary A. Johnson, of this county, who died in November, 1860, leaving a family of three— Henry (now in Kansas), George (now in Nebraska) and Chloe C. (wife of C. Doud, of this town- ship). His second marriage, to Elizabeth A. Spears, took place October 29, 1865 ; she is a native of Upper Canada, but lived here at the time of her marriage. By this union there have been six children — Schuyler C, Delilah M., Riley E., HattieL., Alminaand Malvina (twins). In 1860, Mr. Carter crossed the plains to Colorado, for the purpose of mining, but soon returned. He is now a farmer, and has 200 acres. Mr. Carter is a Republican, having been such since the organization of the party. RICHARD H. DODD was born in Amherst County, Va., February 3, 1828, and is the fourth of a family of twelve born to Joseph and Eliza- beth (Hattan) Dodd ; eight of these are now living, he being the only one in this county. His parents were natives of Virginia, where they married, and where eight of their family were born. In 1842, they emigrated to Hamilton County, Ind., where they remained until their death — the father dying on November 20, 1845, and the mother, April 24, 1876. Richard Do^d received but little education in youth, but has acquired his limited knowledge since arriving at manhood. He was mar- ried to Annie M. Bales, March 21, 1850 ; she is a native of North Caro- lina, whence she came with her parents to Hamilton County, Ind., when four years old. This union produced eight children, six of whom are living — Nathan T., Alfred A., Asa A., Joseph L., Walter and Laura E. J. Mr. Dodd moved to Porter County in 1858, settling on the land he yet owns — 160 acres, 135 of which are improved. He is a member of Westville Lodge, No. 136, I. 0. 0. F., and his wife of Silver Star Lodge, No. 183. Mr. Dodd is a Republican. J. T. FORBES was born in Madison County, N. Y., December 14, 1817, and is the eldest of seven children born to David and Martha (Sheridan) Forbes, all of whom are living ; his father is a farmer, living in Tama County, Iowa. Born in poverty, Mr. Forbes has had a fierce struggle with existence, and has been the support of his parents for many years, still assisting his father, his mother being dead. In youth, he re- ceived no education, never having passed more than twelve days in a schoolroom ; he has now, however, a fair education, self-obtained. In 1832, he moved from New York to Canada, and remained until 1854, when he came to Porter County, Ind., and settled on the land he now owns, 410 acres, about 290 of which are improved, with a fine brick house and good buildings. Mr. Forbes has been very industrious and very successful. He was married, April 2, 1841, to Martha Pettit, daughter of Robert and Abigail (Wilson) Pettit, born August 20, 1821. They have had seven children, with five living — Hamilton W., Thaddeus H., Hulda A., Matilda E. and Andrew Jackson, all living in Porter County. Mr. Forbes is a liberal Democrat. R. B. HILL, son of Samuel and Rhoda (Evans) Hill, was born in Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y., August 1, 1829 ; his parents were born in JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 359 • East Hartford, Conn., his father May 31, 1785, and his mother March 23, 1787. After marriage they moved to Onondaga County, N. Y.; thence to Niagara County, and thence to Porter County, Ind., in 1856, settling in this township and living here until they died — the father in 1867, the mother in 1871. R. B. Hill received an ordinary education, and at the age of fourteen began work on the Erie Canal, and afterward worked at farming. On July 4, 1853, he was married, at Niagara Falls, to Lydia A. Taylor, daughter of Oliver and Samantha Taylor. She was born January 18, 1833 ; her father was a native of Virginia, her mother of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had seven children, six of whom survive — Harriet, James M., Emma, Schuyler C, Edward C. and Frank. Mr. Hill came to this county in 1857, when, as he says, " it was a wild- looking place." His prospects were discouraging, and, but for the sup- port and encouragement of J. P. Noble and others, he would have gone away ; his first crop, from cleared ground, was eighty-two bushels of wheat, and favorable ever after ; he now has a fine farm of 107 acres, being in comfortable circumstances. In the beginning, he was greatly assisted by his wife, who drove the ox (for they had no horse) while Mr. Hill held the plow. J. KIMBLE was born in Hocking County, Ohio, February 19, 1828, and is one of a family of thirteen children born to Jonathan and Hannah (Runnels) Kimble. Mr. Kimble had no opportunity of attending school in his youth, and, as a consequence, is without book education. In 1854, he moved to Noble County, Ind., where he remained about five years, when he removed to Missouri and remained about one year, at which time he removed to La Porte County, Ind., and, in 1864, to Porter County, Ind., where he has since lived; he purchased 160 acres — the farm he now owns — in 1872. In 1849, he married Amanda Potter, who died in Missouri in 1859, leaving two children as issue — Wesley and Frank. In 1861, he took as his second wife Melinda Wolf, daughter of Levi Wolf, of La Porte County, by whom he has five children — Laura, Gerry, Alta, Corma and Myrtie. In politics, Mr. Kimble is a stanch Republican. One hundred and thirty acres of his farm are improved, and the buildings are excellent. JACOB LINK was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 23, 1823. He is the eldest of a family of five children born to Jacob and Mary Link. His father was by trade a carpenter and joiner, and came to America in 1832, purposing to exempt his sons from military duty, as required by the German government, and also to better his own con- dition. He had been a soldier; was engaged in the battle of Waterloo, and assisted in the downfall of France. On arriving in this country, he came first to Columbiana County, Ohio, and thence to Seneca County, where he died August 20, 1840. Our subject learned the carpentering and wheelwright business. He also worked at farming and clearing. After working at his trade in several places, he came to Porter County in 1853. In 1856, he moved his family, and has since resided here, ex- cept for a short time. He first worked at saw-milling and then at farm- ing, now owning a saw-mill, besides a farm of 382 acres. He was mar- ried in Wisconsin to Catharine Zimmerman, of Germany, and born in 1825. They have nine children— Ella J. (wife of L. J. Wolf, of La 360 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Porte' County), William N., Michael, Frank, Mary, Emma, Charlie, EI- vin and Edward. Mr. Link is a member of Westville Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., and'is a strong Republican. WILLIAM McAllister, one of the early settlers of Porter County, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 18, 1817, and is the eldest of ten children born to John and Mary A. (Graten) McAllis- ter, and the only one of his family in this county. His father was a na- tive of Scotland, and came to this country when very young, and resided in Kentucky, where our subject's mother was born and reared. They moved from Kentucky to Ohio in 1817. William McAllister moved with his parents into Union County, Ohio, where they were among the first settlers, and where he worked at farming until 1848, when he emigrated to Porter County, Ind., and settled near Valparaiso. In 1858, he came to Jackson Township and purchased eighty acres, on which he now lives, and which he cleared. He was married, while in Union County, Ohio, to Jane Tunkes, a resident of that county, who died in 1843, leaving two children — Diantha (deceased) and Mary. In 1846, he married Mary A. Scott, of Ohio, by whom he has five children — Frank, Melissa, Isabel, Elizabeth and Gertrude. Mr. McAllister is a stanch Republican ; he served as a private in the war of the rebellion in Company B, One Hun- dred and Fifty-first Indiana Infantry ; he was on duty in Indianapolis during his term of service ; was taken sick there, and remained there un- til the war closed ; he was discharged in May, 1865. J. P. NOBLE was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., December 7, 1807, and is the eldest of eight children born to William and Sallie (Pickett) Noble. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, his mother a descendant of one of the oldest families. When young, his father re- moved to Vermont, where he graduated in medicine about 1800; thence he went to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he practiced medicine, and afterward engaged in farming and hotel-keeping. They moved to Ashtabula County, Ohio. His mother died when he was very young, and his father married his sister-in-law — Ruth Pickett — and died in 1870. J. P. Noble remained with his father until twenty-six years old, receiving a common school education. In 1833, he came to La Porte County, and worked for flO per month. In 1834, he came to Porter County and en- gaged with Mr. Paine, and purchased land at the land sale of 1835. He now owns 200 acres in this county, besides property elsewhere. On June 7, 1836, he was married to Mary A. Smith, a native of New York, born October 18, 1818. They have had six children, five of whom are living — Americus V., Julia, Celia, Hettie and Lois. In politics, Mr. Noble is a liberal Republican. He is one of the pioneers of Porter County, and has ever been a friend to the new settler. AMERICUS V. NOBLE was born in Porter County June 13, 1837. His parents are J. P. and Mary A. (Smith) Noble. Americus. y. Noble resided with his parents until he was twenty years of age, dur- ing which time he attended a common school of the period. Then he went to Canton, N. Y., entering an academy there and remaining two years. Returning home, he turned his attention to farming, and now owns 66^ acres, besides having charge of 200 belonging to his father. On October 5, 1864, he was married to Hannah Jones, a native of Ohio, and JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 361 daughter of John and Maria (Duck) Jones, who was born December 25, 1842, and came hither with her parents from Stark County, Ohio, when but four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Noble have had five children — Clara B., born September 15, 1865; Colba E., born September 12, 1867; Louis H., born February 16, 1870; Frank L., born May 15, 1872, and John v., born September 10, 1878. Mr. Noble is a Republican of the liberal school. HAMILTON A. K. PAINE was born in Painesville, Lake Co., Ohio, October 22, 1813, and is a son of Asahel K. and Frances (Jones) Paine ; his father was born in 1790, in Seneca County, N. Y., being the first white child born within a circuit of eighty miles ; his mother was a native of Berkshire County, Mass., born April 7, 1791, and came with her parents to what is now Lake County, Ohio, when but sixteen years old. They lived there until 1833; then came to Indiana, locating in what is now Jackson Township, and building the first cabin here, which still stands as a relic of the early times. Asahel K. Paine devoted his life to clearing and improving the land, and died in May, 1870 ; his wife died September 30, 1872. H. A. K. Paine after receiving a common school education, became a farmer — an occupation he has since followed, having now 115 acres. In politics, he is a firm Republican. His grandfathers, on both sides, were Revolutionary soldiers ; he is a pioneer of Porter County^ having come to the county in 1834, when the only neighbors were friendly Indians.. WHEELER RICH was born in Rush County, Ind., October 17, 1830, and is the eldest of eleven children born to Davis and Margaret (Kolb) Rich ; his father was a native of Ohio, born in 1811, and came to Indiana at an early day ; his mother was born in Georgia, in 1807, and also came to Indiana at an early day ; they were married in 1829 ; his father followed farming until his death, January 9, 1865, and his mother died in October, 1878. Wheeler Rich enjoyed a home with his parents nntil he reached manhood, and received in the meantime a fair education. On January 9, 1857, he was married to Rebecca Petro, a daughter of John and Mary (Sutton) Petro, born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1825. In 1851, Mr. Rich came to Porter County, and settled on the farm -he now owns, at that time a woodland. By hard labor he has improved 130 of the 171 acres, besides erecting good buildings ; he has as fine a stock farm as can be found in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Rich are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Rich is a liberal Democrat. OLIVER STELL, one of the early settlers of Porter County, was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 30, 1816, and is the eldest of nine children born to Isaac and Sarah (Fox) Stell ; only four of this family are living ; his father was a native of New Jersey, his mother of Pennsylvania ; his grandparents came to the State of Ohio about the time of its admission into the Union. His parents came to Fayette County, Ind., in 1821, and were among ' the first settlers ; his father served in the war of 1812, enlisting from Pennsylvania, and died August 2, 1871, preceded by the mother in December, 1849 ; Oliver Stell lived with his parents until after his majority. On February 6, 1840, he was married to Iva Petro, of Warren County, Ohio born July 20, 1818, and daughter of John and Mary (Sutton) Petro ; she died March 3(52 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 26, 187(3, leaving six children— Albert, Sarah J., Marion, Horace, Martha and Rebecca. On October 12, 1879, he married Sarah J. Asher, of Guernsey County, Ohio. Mr. Stell has followed farming from boyhood, and owns 234 acres ; he is a liberal Democrat, and was elected Trustee of the township in 1882 by a large majority ; he came to Porter County in October, 1844, settling where he now resides. Mrs. Stell is a member of the M. E. Church. NICHOLAS THOBSEN, farmer and wood dealer at Burdick, was born in Prussia January 12, 1836, and is the youngest of the four chil- dren of Mathies and Anna M. (Jacobs) Thoesen, all of whom are in America ; his parents were born in Prussia, and died, his father in 1848, and his mother in 1854. Nicholas Thoesen came to the United States with his brothers in 1857. From then until the beginning of the late war, he was in many places in Indiana, Illinois and Mississippi. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Battery A, Illinois Light Artillery, seeing service at Pea Ridge and Vicksburg, thence to New Orleans and to Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. While on the Gulf, he was sent to Spring- field for discharge, his term having expired. He lived in La Porte County until 1869, and then came to Porter County. Returning to La Porte County, he lost |1,200 in trade, when he came again to Porter to engage in farming and chopping as a partner of A. Philipson. This season they will handle about two thousand cords. While in La Porte County, he was married to Verona Janney, November 25, 1872. They are members of the Catholic Church of Chesterton. Mr. Thoesen has both an English and German education. He formerly voted the Demo- cratic ticket, but will hereafter support the Greenback cause. FRANZ WIESEMANN was born in Westphalia, Prussia, June 28, 1828, and is the eldest of a family of three sons born to Adrian and Margaret (Grossmann) Wiesemann, all of whom are living in this county. His parents were born, reared, married and died in Prussia, his father November 1, 1853, and his mother in 1846. In 1852, Franz Wiesemann came to the United States for the purposes of living in a free country and procuring for himself a home ; he came to Indiana and stopped in La Porte County about two years, and later near West- ville until 1869, when he came to Porter County and settled where he now resides. He is one of the most enterprising farmers in this county, owning 400 acres. While in Prussia, he married Regina Herr. To them seven children have been born — August, J. Peter, Franklin, Charles, William, Josephine and Dora. He and his family are Catho- lics. In politics, Mr. Wiesemann is a Democrat. His second son, J. Peter, is married, and a farmer in this township. LEWIS WILLIAMS was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, May 4, 1826, and is one of the seven children of Stephen and Betsey (Medley) Williams ; his parents were natives of New England, and were among the first who emigrated to Trumbull County, where his father died and his mother is still residing. Lewis Williams lived with his parents until of age, receiving but very little education. In the autumn of 1848, he was married to Keziah Moore, of Trumbull County, a daughter of Joseph and Keziah (Springer) Moore, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Williams came to Porter County in 1865, and settled on 120 acres of land, 70 of LIBEETr TOWNSHIP. 363 which are improved. He served during the rebellion in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Dalton, while lying behind a log with three others, firing at the enemy, who opened a cross fire, two of his comrades were killed, but he escaped with only a slight wound in the wrist ; he was honorably dis- charged when the war was ended, since which time he has been engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had ten children — Charles (deceased), Lovina, Rogeltha, Flora, Roswell, Celia, Mary, Olive, Grant and Belle. Mr. Williams is a stanch Republican. JOHN M. WILLIAMS, son of William and Lucretia (Starbuck) Williams, was born in Wayne County, Ind., December 13, 1888 ; his parents were natives of Tennessee and North Carolina, and came to Por- ter County, Ind., in 1845, where his father has since lived, his mother being dead ; his father was Justice of the Peace in Wayne County, and also Justice of the Peace and County Commissioner of this county. J. M. Williams is a thorough farmer ; he was a private in the war of the rebellion, in Company K, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as- signed to the Army of the Cumberland ; he was at the battle of Stone River, and on a raid through Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, under Col. Straight. During said raid the brigade was captured and sent to Richmond, where they were exchanged. At Indianapolis, Mr. Williams again entered the army, and was sent in pursuit of Gren. Morgan ; he served until the war closed. On January 1, 1866, he was married to Mary Morris, of Randolph County, Ind., daughter of David P. and Maria (Mann) Morris ; she died March 27, 1873, leaving two children — Charles L. and Nona. On April 3, 1878, he was married to Mary Herald, of Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. Williams is a member of Westville Lodge, No. 192, A., F. & A. M., and is a firm Republican. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. MILLER C. BLACHLY, miller, was born May 8, 1853, in Porter County; he is one of seven children born to Cornelius and Christina (Laughlin) Blachly. The elder Blachly was a physician. They moved to Salt Creek in the spring of 1869. Young Blachly received the usual early educational advantages, and about seventeen years of age, he began working for his father, then owner of the present mill, as teamster for about three years ; he now entered the mill, working there until the spring of 1875, when he bought a quarter interest, which he now owns. The mill is well known, and is probably the first one built in the county, and has been known by the name of the " Gosset Mill," one of the best water- mills in the county ; it has two runs of buhrs, and does an extensive amount of custom work. The dam includes about 160 acres, and fur- nishes excellent water-power. He is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, of Wheeler, Porter County, Ind. In December, 1875,' he married Frances Stafford, a native of Liberty Township. They have one child, Goldie M. In politics, Mr. Blachly is a Republican. 364 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: ABRAHAM L. BLACHLY, miller, was born July 2, 1860, in Union Centre, Porter County ; he is the youngest of seven children liv- ing born to Cornelius and Christina (Laughlin) Blachly, both natives of Pennsylvania. The elder Blachly was a physician of the regular school. He has practiced in Porter County for forty-four years, and was among the first settlers in Porter County ; had bought the old Gosset Mill in 1869. Abraham L. received a common school education, and lived with his father at the old home until the death of the latter, in April, 1876. In 1879, Abraham married Ida Wheeler, a native of this county. They live at the old place with his mother. They have one child, Clara E. Soon after his father's death, he bought a quarter interest in the mill, he and his brother Miller owning one-half. They are both first-class millers ; he has always been a Republican, and is an intelligent and promising young man. The other half-interest in the mill is owned by the Widow Blachly, and the whole is estimated at $10,000. The family have in their possession a " coat of arms," descended from the Blachly side from an ancient family in Holland. Dr. E. Blachly, an uncle of the elder B., was a founder of Oberlin College. THOMAS N. BENTLEY, farmer, was born August 25, 1807, in Stephentown, N. Y.; he is the youngest of eight children born to Reuben and Susan (Northup) Bentley, both natives of Rhode Island. Thomas' father died when he (Thomas) was about three years old, and his mother about a year later. Thomas was now brought up by his brother-in-law, until his fourteenth year ; Thomas then went out into the world for him- self. He had received but little education. Thomas, with three brothers, received 150 acres from their father's estate. Thomas worked out and on the 150 acres until twenty-five years of age, when the land was sold, and Thomas went to the western part of New York, where he re- mained about thirty years ; here he bought seventy-five acres, and after his marriage, February 16, 1834, he lived on it about two years. He was married to Martha E. Cook, a native of New York ; he worked farms on shares, and owned 100 acres until about 1861, when he traveled some, and then came to Porter County, and, after a short residence, went back to New York and bought his old farm. In a few years, he came back to Porter County and bought his present farm — 160 acres of good land, well-improved with good buildings. With the exception of two visits to New York, he has lived here ever since. He was a member of the I. 0. 0. F. order for ten years ; his wife was one of the " Daughters of Re- becca " also; he voted for Jackson and Van Buren, but of late years he has been a Republican, but votes for the man and principle rsther than party. He has four children living — Reuben, Morris, William and Maiy. GEORGE BROWN was born November 7, 1829, in Bavaria, Ger- many. He is the eldest of two children born to Jacob and Mary A. (Glaab) Brown, both natives of Bavaria. Young Brown lived with his father until sixteen years of age, when he began learning his trade of miller, which he completed in four years. According to the prevailing custom there, he then traveled two years. He now emigrated to Amer- ica, settling in Chicago. Here he worked on the railroad as fireman for three years, when he came to Valparaiso and farmed for a short time, and then obtained a position in Sager's Mill, where he was en- LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 365 gaged for four years. He now bought a share in the Prattville Mills, continuing there seven years. After this he engaged in milling more or less, and at present he is engaged as miller in the Liberty Mill, lie owns a residence in Valparaiso, where his family lives. He has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F order. He has always been a strong Demo- crat, and is a well-known, enterprising citizen. He has five children living — Claudina, Ryneor, Elma, William and George, Jr. JOHN C. COLE wag born June 27, 1836, in Huron County, Ohio. He is the third of nine children born to Edward P. and Sally (Dilling- ham) Cole, natives of New York and of Ohio. John 0. lived with his father in Huron County until his second year, when his father came to this county and bought somewhere near a half section, and at one time nearly a section and a half, and lived here until his death, in 1877. In his twentieth year, John C. Cole was married to Mary Osborn, a native of Huron County. Mr. Cole now settled on ninety acres from his father's estate and his present farm, on which he has resided ever since, with the exception of about three years' service. He enlisted in the Sev- enty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Chapel Hill and in a raid to Alabama, where they were capt- ured and paroled and placed on guard duty, fort-building, etc. He was mustered out of service at Nashville July 10, 1865. Mr. Cole's farm consists of 244 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings, wind pump, etc., most of it under cultivation. He is a member of the F. & A. M. order, Calumet Lodge, No. 379, and during the time of it was a mem- ber of the Grange. He has been Trustee for three terms, and is an active Republican. It was through his influence that the station of Woodville, an extensive grain market, store and post office, was placed in the town- ship, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He built and owns the build- ings. He has five children — Ada A. Freer, Carthaette S. Griswold, Dan- iel E., George J. and Frederick H. JEREMIAH DALY was born in 1851 in Ireland. He is one of six children born to Daniel and Julia (Singleton) Daly, both natives of Irelan d. They emigrated to the United States when Jeremiah was about one year old. After a short stay in New Jersey, they went to Ohio, where they remained about one year. The father was a contractor on the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He worked along the road to Valparaiso, where he arrived in 1857. The railroad company being at that time in embarrassed circumstances, the elder Daly had to take a quarter section of land as back pay, part of the present farms owned by the Daly brothers. The farm on which our subject and his unmarried brother, Michael, is living, is the old homestead. The father and sons began clearing the original forests, and have succeeded in making a set of the best farms in the township. The brothers, altogether, own about 520 acres. Jerry, as he is called, and his brother Michael, own 260 acres of it, with good buildings, etc. The father and mother lived to a ripe old age, and died suddenly — the former in 1875, and the latter about one and one-half years before. He and his brother Michael are both members of the Catholic Church. Michael was born in 1855, in Ohio, and is the youngest member of the family. Jeremiah is at present Road Superintendent of the township. In political faith, he has always been 366 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a Democrat, and takes an active part in politics; he is at present the representative of the Democratic Committee in this township. As a man, he is well informed, genial and enterprising ; as a citizen, public-spirited and influential. He was married November 3, 1880, to Kate Leahy, a native of Valparaiso. They have one child — Cornelius. Mr. Daly re- ceived a common school education, and has been a great reader; his wife was educated at the St. Paul Catholic School of Valparaiso. HENRY FRIDAY was born April 12, 1848, in Germany. He is the eldest of five children, living, born to James and Sophia (Linder- mann), Friday, both natives of Germany. Young Friday lived in Ger- many, with his father, until he was six years old, when he emigrated to the United States, settling in Michigan City, Ind., and afterward living in Otis, La Porte County, when, in 1858, he came to Westchester Town- ship and bought 160 acres of land. Henry lived with his father up to twenty-five years of age, receiving the usual education. In April, 1873, he married Frederica Mahus, a native of Germany. He then bought forty acres, living on that about two years. At the death of his father, he went to live on the old homestead, where he remained five years. He now bought his present farm, consisting of 140 acres of fine land, well improved, with good buildings, etc. He has begun stock-raising as more of a specialty than heretofore. Mr. Friday is a member of the F. & A. M. order, and has taken three degrees. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. He is a Greenbacker, an intelligent man and enterprising citizen. He has three children living — William, Louis and Charles. JOHN JOHNSON, Jr., was born April 8, 1825, in Virginia. He is the eldest of five children born to John and Eleanor (Louis) Johnson, both natives of Virginia. The elder John died when our subject was about eight years old. When about twelve years of age, he went to work for himself, working on the farm until about twenty-four years of age. This was in Ohio, where the family had come a few years before the father's death. Our subject was married, October 15, 1849, to Mary A. Fury, a native of Virginia. He had bought his present farm of eighty acres of good, well-improved land, and now increased to one hundred and sixty acres. He has forty acres also in Michigan. His farm is crossed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, one mile west of Woodville Post Office. He is a member of the United Brethren Church ; he has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years, which indicates the satisfaction he has given; he has always been a Democrat in political belief; is a well-informed man and enterprising, influential citizen. His first wife died in November, 1864, of consumption. He married for his second wife Mrs. Susan Hubbard, a native of Ohio. He has five children liv- ing — John B., Amanda, Mary A., Andrew and Cora. FRITZ LINDEMANN was born July 25, 1836, in Mecklenburg, Germany. He is one of eight children born to Jasper and Mary Linde- mann, both natives of Germany. Fritz lived in Germany with his father until twenty- two years of age, having received a common school educa- tion, when he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Porter County, working around for about four years ; he now bought land in Jackson Township. He had been married to Sophia Fanter, a native of LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 367 Germany, in 1859. He took his wife to his new farm, where they resided for fourteen years on 120 acres of good land. In the fall of 1877, he bought his present farm of 319 acres of excellent land. It is now in good condition, through the intelligent care of Mr. Lindemann, with good buildings and other improvements, and he has fair prospects of becoming one of the best farmers in Porter County. He has been a Mason for the last four years, and has taken seven degrees. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. In the spring of 1880, he was elected Township Trustee, and has served with ability. He is a Greenbacker and an ex-Republican. He has five children — Henry, Frank, Fritz, David and Emma. SAMUEL M. PHARES was born in Porter County August 28, 1843. He is the eldest of eight children born to Martin and Maria (Shafer) Phares, the former of Greene County, Ohio, and the latter of Luzerne County, Penn. Samuel lived with his father, with the exception of the time of service in the war, until about twenty-seven years of age. He received the usual early educational advantages. He enlisted Decem- ber 8, 1863, in the Twelfth Cavalry, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, and was in service in the South and West. January 1, 1871, Mr. Phares married Narcissa C. Beam, a native of this county. He had already bought his present farm, which consists of seventy-six acres of good land, well-watered, and with good buildings. He has held th^ oflSce of Township Trustee for about four years, and is at present Assessor, both of which offices he has filled creditably. He has always been a Republican, and a public-spirited citizen. He has one child — Charles W. SYLVESTER C. SHEETS was born December 29, 1840, in Seneca County, Ohio; he is one of eight children born to Henry and Hannah Sheets, both probably from Maryland. Young Sheets lived with his father until the latter's death in about 1854 ; he received the usual early educational advantages; he then lived with his mother until her death, when he was about twenty-two years of age ; he then farmed some on Mr. Bartholomew's farm. On October 27, 1864, he married Louise Sco- field, a native of Connecticut; he enlisted in February of 1865, in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. On account of exposure, he was confined to the hospital until he was discharged ; he bought eighty acres, a part of his present farm, now consisting of about 208 acres of good land, well watered. By hard work and intelligent management he has accumulated all he now owns. Mrs. S. received, be- sides common school benefits, the advantages of the high school and is a woman of not common intelligence. Mr. S. has always been a stanch Republican, and is a strong temperance man ; he has seven children — Lillian M., Arthur E., Frederic R., Adela I., Augustus C, Garie C. and Clifton B. TRUMAN SKINNER was born in November, 1825, in Wayne County, N. Y. ; he is one of twelve children born to Asa and Electa J. (Mason) Skinner, both natives of New York. Truman lived with his parents in New York until 1834, when they went to Canada, remaining there four years, and then came to Porter County, and the father bought eighty acres of land. In 1839, his wife died and he went back to New 368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; York. Truman was bound out to Henry Dillingham, who reared him up to about his eighteenth year ; he received the usual educational advant- ages, and worked out for about three years, then about seven years at Gosset's Mill. He now bought eighty acres, sold it and bought 140 acres of which his present farm is a part, having sold forty acres leaving 100, his present possession. With the exception of two years in Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas, he has lived here ever since he first came. All he has he obtained by his own efforts ; he has been a member of the United Brethren Church, and during its life was a member of the Grange; he was at one time a Whig, and is now a Douglas Democrat, though he votes for the man rather than the party ; he has eight children living— Ellen, Electa J., Paulina, Mary, William, Truman H., Mahala and Melna. ABRAHAM STAFFER was born January 14, 1822, in Pennsylvania; he is one of eight children born to Abraham and Rebecca (Krider) Staffer, of Pennsylvania. Young Staffer lived with his father until about twenty -seven years of age, receiving a common school education ; he was married September, 1848, to Emily Brumbaugh, a native of Maryland ; he now began running a threshing machine, and soon after, with his brother, bought a carding machine, carding wool for about three years. They now bought the Gosset Mil!, owning that for about six years. Since that Mr. S. has built and run threshing machines. In the spring of 1882, he bought three acres of land, his present home ; he also owns a saw-mill in the Hughart settlement ; he was Township Trustee and Postmaster for some time ; he is a Greenback Democrat and is an intelligent man and good citizen ; he has three children — Laura Gus- tafson, Mary E. Harris and Francis L. Blachly. Mr. S. has consider- able inventive talent, and great taste for machinery, and has had three inventions patented — a saw gummer, the concave, and the cleaning apparatus of a thresher and a flour cooler ; he engaged in steamboating on the Calumet River with three barges and a tug boat, but on account of a sand bar in the river the enterprise proved a failure ; he is now run- ning a saw-mill and a threshing machine. NORMAN B. TANNER was born May 28, 1829, in Muns^^n, Geauga County, Ohio ; he is one of ten children born to David and Ruth (Cochron) Tanner, the former of New York and the latter of Massa- chusetts. Young Tanner lived with his father in Geauga County until 1840, when he moved to Union County, where Norman remained until twenty-one years of age, having received a common school education ; he then married Sarah A. Cratty, a native of Union County, August 10, 1850. In 1852, his wife died. After renting awhile, in 1854, he went to Chicago and engaged as boatman, working but a short time, when he came to Porter County and worked in a saw mill, owned by Joel Wicker, of Chicago, until the mill burned in July of 1854 ; he now engaged in a saw mill on the old plank road near Chesterton, where he served about four years, at the end of which time he rented a farm of Mr. Dilling- ham. After two and a half years nearly, he bought his present farm of eighty acres of good land, well watered with spring-water ; he had been married to Sophronia P. Vanslyke, a native of New York. Mr. T. has been engaged more or less in lumbering, wire fence foreman and saw- mill, etc., at which he made a success ; he engaged in these because of PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 369 lameness, which prevented his farming. In 1852, he joined the Presby- terian Church, while his present wife was a Baptist. They both after- ward joined the Christian Church ; he was a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and at present is a member of the Masonic fraternity; he has held the office of Township Assessor for five years successively ; he is a strong Republican and used to be a "conductor" on the "underground rail- road." He has five children — Sarah A., Ida M., George D., John L. and Schuyler S. HENRY H. TILLOTSON was born December 18, 1826, near Toronto, Canada ; he is the eldest of seven children born to Ira B. and Mariette (Tuttle) Tillotson, the former of Canada, the latter of New York. When Henry was two years old, his parents came to Brie County, Penn.; in about Henry's eighth year, his father died, and he was reared by a man named Donaldson, and, when twenty-two, he began for himself. He married Matilda Smith, a native of New York, about 1848 ; they had one child, deceased ; his wife died about 1850. Henry then went to St. Louis and engaged in railroading as contractor about two years ; then to Chicago, lumbering for a time ; he then came to Por- ter County and began milling, at which he continued for nine years. In 1861, he enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in West Virginia. When discharged, he came home and helped recruit the Seventy-third Indiana, and was commissioned Lieutenant, and served under Buell and Rosecrans. Then he went on a raid under Col. Straight to follow Bragg's army, on which he was captured near Rome, Ga. He lay in Libby Prison for a year, then was taken to Macon, Ga., thence to Charleston, S. C, where the prisoners were placed under fire of their own men; thence to Columbia, S. C, and soon after exchanged. They were held at one time as hostages for Mor- gan — all officers. In 1865, he bought his present farm, 109 acres, less the mill-dam of about 20 acres. He was married before he went into the service to Helen M. Schelenger, a native of Pennsylvania. His farm is good land, all improved. He is a member of two fraternities — Masonic and Odd Fellows; he was also a member of the defunct Grange. He has been Justice of the Peace six years, and was elected again, but resigned ; he is a very strong Peter Cooper Greenbacker, and is an intelligent, well-informed man and enterprising citizen. He has six children — Ira B., Frank J., John S., Helena R., Jennie, Edwin. PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. SAMUEL ALYEA, native of Butler County, Ohio, was born Sep- tember 21, 1825, the fourth of the twelve children of Isaac and Keziah (Smith) Alyea. The father was born in Essex County, N. J., and the mother in Tennessee, and both were of German descent. The paternal grandfather and great-grandfather of Mr. Alyea were both soldiers in the war of the Revolution. Mr. Alyea was reared by his grandparents, and, in 1835, came with them to La Porte County ; a year later they moved to Boone Township, this county, and the year following were 370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: joined by Isaac Alyea, who afterward moved to La Porte County, and there died. March 15, 1845, Mr. Alyea married Deborah Alyea, of Franklin County, this State. In 1851, he returned to La Porte County, where he resided, with the exception of one year passed in Tazewell County, 111., until 1869, when he came back to this township, where he has resided ever since. He has a fine farm of 640 acres, and gives much aetention to dairying and stock-raising. Of the ten children born to him there are six living, viz., Orlando E., Theodore, Washington, Marion, Mrs. Melissa J. Gundy, of Union Township, and Samuel E. Mr. Alyea is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., is a Republican, and is one of the earliest settlers in the township now living, and one of its most substantial citizens. B. G. CRISMAN was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., June 14, 1814. He is one of the eight children of Benjamin and Mary (Ying- ling) Crisman, and the youngest. Both parents were natives of Mary- land. When B. G. Crisman was four years old his parents settled in Carroll County, Ohio, where he was reared, and where he lived until 1849, at which time he removed to De Kalb County, Ind., and in 1850 settled in Union Township, Porter County, after which he moved on his farm in Portage Township. On March 2, 1836, he was married to Eliza- beth Baughman, of Carroll County, Ohio, a union which was blessed with twelve children, ten of whom are living — Addison, Isaac, Oliver (of Val- paraiso), Nancy, Henry, Milton, Solomon F. (of Moore County, Minn.), Mrs. Eliza J. Cole (of Brainerd, Minn.), Mrs. Clara Bender and Wash- ington W. Mr. Crisman owns a splendid farm, comprising 260 acres, with good improvements. In politics, he is a Republican. ADDISON CRISMAN was born in Carroll County, Ohio, October 27, 1837, and is a son of B. G. and Elizabeth Crisman. He came with his parents to this county in 1850, and worked at home until he attained his majority, when he began working for farmers in the neighborhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-third Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry, and served until the war was closed. After his return from the field, he settled in Portage Township, where he has since farmed, excepting a little more than a year, which he spent in the mercantile busi- ness at Lake Station. On June 17, 1863, he was married to Jane E. Holmes, a native of this county, and daughter of William and Jane A. Rugar, who settled in Porter County about 1838. Four children were the fruit of this union — Addison M., William C, Thomas W. and Ben- jamin F. In 1873, Mr. Crisman made his home on his present farm of 253 acres. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1866, and served six years. He is a Republican. ISAAC CRISMAN, farmer, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, June 3, 1839, and is a son of B. G. and Elizabeth (Baughman) Crisman. He was brought to this county by his parents in 1850, where he has remained excepting the time spent in the army. When he had reached his majority, he began to work among the farmers of his neighborhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and was discharged for disability in March, 1863 ; he re-enlisted however, in November, 1864, in Company D, Twenty-third Indiana Vol- unteers, and served until the end of the war. After returning, he farmed PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 371 on the homestead until his marriage, December 12, 1870, to Jane White, a native of Will County, 111. Four children were the result of this union — Wilbur F. (deceased). Myrta M. (deceased), B. Allen and Fannie E. (deceased). After his marriage, he located at Crisman, where he en- gaged in mercantile business and served three years as Postmaster. In 1875, he moved to his farm in Portage Township, where he now lives on seventy acres ; he is a Republican, and is serving his second term as Township Trustee. MILTON CHISMAN was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 12, 1847, one of the twelve children of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Baughman) Crisman ; was brought to this towship by his parents in 1850, and was reared to manhood on a farm. In 1872 and 1873, he engaged as a con- tractor on the Michigan Central and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroads, and in the latter year, June 5, married Miss Sarah E. Fifield, of this county ; he is now the father of three children — Raymond, Ross M. and Leonard. In 1874, he rented a farm in this township, and a year later bought the one on which he now resides. This consists of 145 acres of rich land, improved, with a good brick residence and other buildings. In politics, Mr. Crisman is a Republican, and for two years he filled the office of Township Assessor ; he received a good common-school education in his youth, and is an intelligent, enterprising and prosperous farmer and one of the substantial citizens of the township. D. S. CURTIS is a native of Macomb County, Mich., and was born March 1, 1836, the youngest of nine children born to John and Abigail (Huggins) Curtis. The former was of English descent, and a native of Cayuga County, N. Y.; he was reared a farmer, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The latter was a native of the same county and State and of Scotch extraction. In 1838, the family came to Portage Township and settled on the farm where the subject of this sketch was reared, and where he now lives ; here his father died November 12, 1865 ; he was a member of the M. E. Church; in politics' was a Democrat, and filled many offices of public trust. July 3, 1860, Mr. Curtis married Miss Ann Libby, a native of Canada, and five children have blessed their union, viz., Permelia A., George A., Charles E., Minerva A. and Wealthy A. Mrs. Curtis is a member of the M. E. Church ; Mr. 0. is a Royal Arch Mason, and is now filling the office of Superintendent of Roads; in politics, he is a Democrat. He has a well-improved farm of 108 acres, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors. BENJAMIN FIFIELD is the second of the seven children of Thomas H. and Elsie (Carter) Fifield, and was born in Grafton County N. H., November 27, 1827; his parents are natives of the same State, and his paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The family moved to Canada when Benjamin was about five years of age, and thence, in 1841, came to Union Township, this county; here our subject assisted on the home farm and attended school until 1853, when he settled on the farm in this township, on which he still resides. March 9, 1854, he mar- ried Lany Sphuler, a native of Germany, who has borne him seven chil- dren, viz.: Walker, of Liberty Township; Mrs. Sarah A. Crisman, of this township; Thomas H., deceased; Mrs. Myra Holmes, of La Porte County, Ind. ; Jaccheus H., Jessie A. and Clarence E. Mr. Fifield's 372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: farm comprises 250 acres of fertile land, well furnished with excellent buildings; he gives considerable attention to stock-raising and dairying. In 1856, his father removed to Valparaiso, and a few years since retired to South Bend, to enjoy in peace the fruits of his early industry. Mr. Fifield is a Republican, and is one of the substantial men of Portage Township. ANDREW J. HARRISON was born in Porter County, Ind., June 9, 1843, and is one of the ten children of Robert and Esther (Garrett) Harrison, both natives of the Isle of Man. Robert Harrison was a black- smith, and about 1826 came to America and settled in Lake County, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 1836, when he came to Porter County, and the following year located in Portage Township, residing here until his death, in 1861 ; he was a licentiate of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and preached frequently ; he was also Township Trustee. Andrew Harrison has always lived on the homestead, and now has a good farm of 160 acres. On October 21, 1869, he was married to Martha Quatermass, a native of Ontario. Seven children followed the union — Laura M., Ettie, George R., Sarah M ., Alvie G., Thomas A. and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Harrison is a member of the Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. In politics, he is a Republican ; he has held several offices of public trust, among which are Township Assessor, in 1870; Township Trustee, and for four years, 1876-80, County Commissioner. G. M. HAXTON, born in Livingston County, N. Y., June 25, 1820, is a son of Marsena and Eliza (Parmer) Haxton, and the second of seven children. Marsena Haxton was a clothier, a soldier of the war of 1812, and both he and his wife were natives of New York. When G. M. Haxton was a child, his parents moved to Monroe County, N. Y., where he lived until the age of twenty, when he began working in a planing-mill factory, g,nd two years later went to Lorain County, Ohio. Here he remained twenty-five years, with the exception of four years passed in Medina County, and, in 1867, settled in Portage Township on his present place; this farm covers 320 acres ; he gives his main atten- tion to dairy and stock business. On May 1, 1842, he was married to Lodema Vosburgh, of Monroe County, N. Y., who died in 1852, leaving two children — Mrs. Eliza M. Waite, of Lorain County, Ohio, and Mar- sena (deceased). His second marriage, to Wealthy A. Vosburgh, on November 25, 1852, was blessed with four children — Lodema, Mrs. Car- oline M. Small, Florence and George E. Mr. and Mrs. Haxton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is Independent in politics. WEBSTER MILLER was born in Berrien County, Mich., January 22, 1851, the eldest of the seven children of Nicholas and Mary J. (Platts) Miller. His father was a native of Lake County, Ind., and by trade a plasterer. Webster Miller was reared on a farm in Berrien Coun- ty until twenty-three years of age, with the exception of six years of his youth passed in La Porte County, this State. In 1876, he came to Por- ter County, where he was married November 22, 1877, to Ina A. Gay- lord, a native of this county, and the third of four children born to Charles H. and Theodocia (Sayles) Gaylord, both natives of Onondaga PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 373 County, N. Y. They settled in this county in 1852, and the father, who was of French descent, was killed in the late war ; the mother died May 6, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of one child — Sylvia T. In politics, Mr. Miller is Republican ; he is progressive in his views and is a prosperous farmer, owning 120 acres of good land, improved with excellent buildings. JOSEPH WHITE was born in Clark County, Ohio, June 18, 1818, and is the eldest of seven children of Benjamin and Sarah (Foreman) White ; the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Kentucky. Joseph White worked at home until the age of twenty-two, when he went to Champaign County, 111., and farmed for eight years. In May, 1845, he enlisted in the Twelfth Illinois Regiment, and started for the halls of the Montezumas, serving in the war with Mexico fourteen months. In 1851, he went to Will County, 111., where he farmed until 1871, having been Deputy Sheriff and Justice of the Peace six years, when he came to Portage Township and settled on a farm near Crisman. In January, 1879, he moved to town and entered mercantile life. He is now Postmaster, and has been Justice of the Peace since 1878. Besides his property at Crisman, he owns forty acres in this township. On November 25, 1841, he was married to Fannie Spencer, a native of Clark County, Ohio, by whom he had six children — Mrs. Jane Crisman, John A., Mrs. Abigail Rose, Benjamin F., Isaac P. and Joseph, deceased. Mrs. White died in 1857. His second marriage, to Sarah Chamberlin, of Will County, 111., took place on July 25, 1857. To this second union there followed five children — Martha, Edmond, Henry C, George W. and Albert. Mr. White is a Republican. WILLIAM A. WISE was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 27, 1844, and is the eldest of the two children of Jonathan and Caroline (Price) Wise, who came to Centre Township, this county, about 1856, and still resides there. William assisted on the farm until April 18, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Indiana Cavalry. At the ex- piration of his three months' term, he re-enlisted in the same company, and received his final discharge September 19, 1865. He took part in most of the battles of the Western Department, and during the whole of his service acted as Company Quartermaster Sergeant. On his return, he worked on the old farm until November 17, 1870, when he married Miss Mary E. James, who has borne him four children — Allen B., Del- bert J., Roxiana M. and Dudley. In politics Mr. Wise is a Republican, and he is one of the most enterprising men in the township. He is owner of 132 acres of fine land in Portage and forty in Westchester Township, and is a thorough agriculturist. JOSEPHUS WOLF was the youngest of the seven children of Jaeob and Lydia (Dorr) Wolf, and was born in Athens County, Ohio, June 22, 1822. His father and mother were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York, and in 1834 settled on Twenty-Mile Prairie, this town- ship. Josephus Wolf was here reared on the farm, and here he has al- ways lived, with the exception of the years 1851 and 1852, which were spent in the mines of California. By industry and good management, Mr. Wolf has become the owner of 4,500 acres — the largest farm in the county, aad well improved with a fine residence, erected in 1876, and all 374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: other requisite buildings. He has devoted his attention mainly to stock- raising and dairying, and now has a herd of about three hundred and fifty cattle, including some extra fine specimens of blooded Holstein and Hereford Stock. September 29, 1852, he married Miss Susan M. Youngs, of Erie County, Ohio, who has borne him eight children, of whom three only are living — Francis M., Elmer and Martin. In poli- tics, he is a Republican, but ia no oflSce-seeker. He was among the first to settle on the Prairie, and much of its growth and improvement is due to his enterprise. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. JOHN ANDERSON was born in Ireland November 5, 1834. He was the eldest of two sons born to Robert and Margaret Anderson. The former was born October 16, 1807 ; was married to Margaret Adams, and after her death, in 1837, moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, and was again married, September, 1842, to Elizabeth Biggart, and about three years afterward moved to Porter County, Ind., purchased and moved on the farm on which he now lives in Pleasant Township. Our subject was also married, in Ireland, February 12, 1856, to Eliza Anderson, born September 21, 1838, and daughter of Robert and Mary Anderson, but no relation of our subject. He moved to Porter County, Ind., in 1868. He purchased the farm of 200 acres on which he now lives. There was born to him a family of nine children — Robert (deceased), William J., George B., Mary E., Margaret A., Anna, Robert (deceased), Newton (deceased) and Lillian. BENJAMIN ASHER was born in Harrison County, Ohio, June 1, 1816. He was the youngest of a family of eight children born to Luke and Nancy Asher. He was married, in Guernsey County, Ohio, July, 1836, to Miss Sarah M. Hinline, and shortly afterward moved on a farm in that county, remaining until 1845. He then moved to Porter County, Ind., and has remained here since. His wife died October 28, 1866. He was next married, November 15, 1868, to Mahalah GriflBth, born in Por- ter County, Ind., June 2, 1846. He had a family of eleven children — Reading, Abraham (deceased), Edward, John, Paulina, Benjamin, Nancy, Caroline, by his first wife, and Lyman G., Carrie, Katie, by his present wife. He owns 200 acres of land, and is a member of the Masonic Order. L. ATKINS, M. D., Kout's Station, Ind., was born at Westfield, Hampden Co., Mass., August 26, 1819. He was a son of Elisha Atkins, who was born in Connecticut October 8, 1792. His grandfather's name was Luther Atkins, and he was also a native of Connecticut, and was of English descent. In an early day, he moved to Hampden County, Mass., where he remained until his death. He served all through the Revolu- tionary war, and died in his eighty-fourth year. He was blessed with a family of six children, two of whom were sons, namely. Perry and Elisha, the father of the subject of our sketch. Elisha Atkins' occupation was that of a carpenter and joiner, which trade he pursued the principal part of his life. He married, at Westfield, Mass., in the year 1816. a Miss Polly Noble, who was born in Massachusetts, in the year 1796, and in PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 375 the year 1832 moved to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and in 1846 moved to Porter County, Ind., where he now lives, at the advanced age of ninety years. His wife died in 1864. They had a family of nine children, of whom our subject was next to the eldest. He received his education in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and in 1844 came to Porter County, Ind., and the following winter began the study of medicine, being his own pre- ceptor. He studied three years, and then began practice. February 27, 1845, he married Catharine Vandalsen, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., May 18, 1822. In 1865 and 1866, he attended lectures at Phila- delphia, Penn., receiving a diploma. In the fall of 1880, he moved to Kout's Station, and opened up a drug store, and also resumed his prac- tice. He has had born to him three children — Alzina (deceased). Ade- laide and Blzina (deceased). JOSEPH D. BARNES was born in Claremont, Sullivan Co., N. H., October 14, 1825 ; he was next to eldest of a family of five children born to Ira N. and Harriet (Eastman) Barnes. The former was born in Sullivan County, N. H., in the year 1800, and the latter in Vermont in 1802. They were married in the former county and State about the year 1822, and remained until his death in the year 1830, after which Mrs. Barnes was married to a Mr. C. B. Maynard. She died in 1863. Our subject, after his father's death, was taken by his grandfather to rear, and, when fourteen years of age, he began learning the tanner's trade, his uncle being his preceptor; he served an apprenticeship of seven years, when he came to Porter County, Ind., purchasing land in Boone Township. October 3, 1848, was married to Emily M. Price, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, October 24, 1827, and shortly afterward purchased a farm in Porter Township, on which he moved, and remained until 1855, then bought and moved on the farm where he now lives ; he owns 330 acres of land. He had born to him one daughter — Harriet E., deceased. Mr. Barnes is a member of the Masonic order. GEORGE BIGGART was born in Ireland May 21, 1816, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret Biggart, also natives of Ireland ; the former born in 1791, the latter in 1795. In 1835, they came to America and went to Trumbull County, Ohio, thence to Porter County, Ind., and thence to California, where they died. George Biggart came, with his parents, to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he remained until 1837, when he came to Porter County ; he attended the land sales at La Porte, and purchased 220 acres of land. On July 27, 1842, he was married in Jennings County, Ind., to Parmelia Edmisfcer, who was born in the same county October, 1819. This union resulted in nine children — Marion (deceased), Jerome (deceased), Robert, Alfred (deceased), Sarah, Martha (deceased), Mary, Parmelia and Jane. After his marriage, Mr. Biggart removed to Porter County, and occupied the farm he had previously pur- chased, and on which he has since remained. He now owns, in all, 640 acres. ROBERT E. BIGGART was born in Porter County, Ind., Janu- ary 2, 1848 ; he was among a family of nine children born to George and Parmelia Biggart, of Pleasant Township, Porter County, Ind. He was married, December 24, 1874, to Jennie Birch, who was born in Por- ter County September 11, 1855, the daughter of William and Lizzie 376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Birch. After his marriage, he moved on the farm on which he now lives, and has remained since; he owns 210 acres of land, well improved. He has had a family of three children— Molly (deceased), Burtie and George. Mr. Blggart and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. MICHAEL HANNON was born in Ireland October, 1814; he was the youngest of a family of thirteen children born to Matthew and Mary Hannon. Our subject was married in Ireland, in the spring of 1842, to Ella Mulehon, who was born in the year 1812. In the year 1843, Mr. Hannon moved to La Porte County, Ind., remaining about four years ; he then moved to Porter County, Ind., and, in 1860, purchased the farm where he now lives ; he now owns 489 acres of land. Has a family of five children — Matthew, Mary, David, John and Thomas. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. JOHN H. HANNON was born in Porter County, Ind., January 27, 1852, and is a son of Michael Hannon, of Pleasant Township, Porter County. He was married, at Valparaiso, Ind., February 18, 1879, to Johanna, daughter of Edward and Bridget Hartnett; she was born at Valparaiso July 11, 1857. Shortly aftei- his m?irriage, he moved on the farm where he now lives. He has two children — Mary and James. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. S. D. JOHNSON was born at Perry, N. Y., May 13, 1829. He was fourth of a family of six children born to Moses and Eunice (Lyman) Johnson, who were natives of Connecticut, where they were married, and in an early day moved to Perry, N. Y., and in 1887 moved to Oakland County, Mich., where they remained until death. S. D. Johnson remained at home until after his father's death, and in 1849 went to California, engaging in mining some time, returning to Michigan, and in 1852 went on the Michigan Central Railroad as brakeman, and after one year was promoted to baggage-master, continuing that five years ; he then was pro- moted to conductor, which position he filled nineteen years. He was married, at Detroit, Mieh., May 3, 1859, to Mary M. Cooper. In 1850, Mr. Johnson moved to Porter County, Ind., and purchased and moved on the farm on which he now lives. He is one of the most energetic men of the township, and is respected by all with whom he is acquainted. He has a family of six children — Jessie E., Grace C, James H., Myra K., Hattie B. and Stephen D. PRUDENCE MORRISON, widow of William Morrison (deceased). Mr. Morrison was born in Irsland July 5, 1800 ; he was married April 6, 1832, to Prudence Irvine, who was also born in Ireland May 15, 1809. Shortly afterward they moved to New York City, remaining until 1834, when they moved to Giles County, Va., where he purchased property and remained until 1852; then moved to Porter County, Ind., where he died January 11, 1876. Mrs. Morrison still remains on the old homestead on Section 24. She owns 400 acres of land and has had a family of ten chil- dren — Mary, Rebecca, Thomas (deceased), Lavinia, Catharine (deceased), Margaret, Victora, John E., George (deceased) and Sarah E. Mr. Mor- rison held the office of Justice of the Peace for some time ; he was a mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and died beloved and mourned by his fellow- townsmen. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 377 HERMAN ROSENBAUM, merchant, Kout's Station, Ind., was born in Germany March 29, 1834 ; he was the youngest of a family of eight children, born to Martin and Elizabeth (Krenz) Rosenbaum, also natives of Germany. The former died when our subject was about six months old, succeeded by his wife about six months afterward. Our sub- ject was then taken care of by his brother, whom he remained with until he was about fifteen years old ; he then went to Klotzmell, Germany, and began the miller's trade, with a Mr. Lewis Keil. In 1854, he started for America ; after a ten weeks' voyage he landed at New York City; shortly afterward he came to La Porte County, Ind., where he was married, November 13, 1861, to Ernestine Notezel, born in Germany October 20, 1841, and the following year purchased a farm in Cass Town- ship, La Porte County, on which he remained one year. In 1874, he moved to where he now lives, and opened up a store which he has con- tinued since. Mr. Rosenbaum has had a family of eleven children, nine of -whom they reared to be men and women, namely, Emma I., Mathilde C, Ada A., Frederick H., Gustav A., Albertine A., Paul W., Carl H., Ferdinand E. M. S. R. SPENCER was born in Perry County, Ohio, June 17, 1819; he was the eldest of a family of seven children born to Jesse and Sarah (Tait) Spencer, who were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1841, our subject came to Porter County, Ind., and purchased land in Morgan Township ; he was married in this county. October 25, 1847, to Elizabeth Janes, born in Washington County, Ind., January 31, 1827, daughter of Rev. John Janes, the old pioneer preacher of Porter County. Shortly after his marriage, he moved on his farm, which he had purchased previously, remaining until the spring of 1848, and then moved to Pleasant Town- ship, where he has remained since ; he owns 160 acres of land ; he has had a family of four children — James F. (deceased), infant daughter who died when young, Erasmus M. (deceased) and John. Mr. Spencer has held the office of Township Assessor four years, Township Treasurer two years, and Township Trustee for eleven years. GILLEANN (JONES) TRINKLE, wife of William Trinkle (de- ceased)- Mr. Trinkle was born in Tennessee May 12, 1804, and was a son of Henry Trinkle, who was also a native of Tennessee, and moved to Washington County, Ind., in an early day, where he remained until death ; his family consisted of twelve children, among them being five sons, namely : William, Stephen, Henry, Alfred and John. William, the eldest son, was married in Washington County, Ind., July 25, 1832. Mrs. Trinkle was born in Randolph County, N. C., July 5, 1815. In 1835, Mr. Trinkle moved to Porter County, Ind.; settled on the farm where his widow now lives, remaining until his death, which occurred October 13, 1867. The family consisted of ten children — Nancy (dead), Henry, Catharine, John, Lucinda, Lambert (deceased), Leander, Ran- dolph (deceased), William and Ella. Mrs. Trinkle owns 160 acres of land, and she and husband were the second white settlers of Pleasant Township. JOHN WELSH was born in County Meath, Ireland, December 23, 1827; he was one of a family of eight children born to Michael and Mary (Shaw) Welsh, who were natives of Ireland, where they remained 378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: until death. In the year 1850, our subject came to Herkimer County, N. Y., where he was married, October 9, 1853, to Margaret Burns, who was born in County Louth, Ireland, November 1, 1830. Shortly afterward, he moved to La Porte County, Ind., where he engaged in cheese- making four years, after which he engaged in farming, remaining until 1859, when he moved to Porter County, where he has remained since. In 1863, he purchased and moved on the farm on which he now lives ; he owns 385 acres of land in this county, and 240 in Bourbon County, Kan.; he has a family of four children— John W., Henry C, Sarah A. and Joseph J.; he and wife are members of the Catholic Church. H. A. WRIGHT was bom at Valparaiso, Ind., January 23, 1840 ; he is next to eldest of a family of five children and the only son bom to John W. and Elizabeth Wright. The former was bora in Fayette County, Ky., July 4, 1812, the latter in Botetourt County, Va., April 7, 1814. They were married in Fountain County, Ind., October, 1834. In the year 1838, they moved to Porter County, Ind., settling in Val- paraiso. The year following, John W. was elected Sherifi" of the county, and served two terms in succession ; he then bought a farm in Pleasant Township, moved on and remained five years, and then, having learned the miller's trade previous to his marriage, bought what is known as the Bigelow Mills in La Porte County, Ind.; moved there, and engaged in the same for twelve years, after which he moved to Tassinong, Porter County, Ind., and began the practice of law, which he pursued the remainder of his life. In 1866, he moved to Kout's Station, Ind., where he died August 20, 1867 ; his widow is still living at Kout's Station. Our subject attended school at Valparaiso, and in 1861 completed his education at what was then known as the Valparaiso Male and Female College, after which he taught school for some time ; he was married, December 25, 1864, to Miss Susie Maxwell, and shortly afterward moved to Kout's Station, and in partnership with Bamhart Kouts opened a store, which they conducted until 1878. Kouts going out, he conducted the business himself until 1880 ; he then sold out his store and is now engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, grain, etc.; he also owns 200 acres of fine land, and fine property in the village ; he has a family of three children, namely": Shirley, Edna and Musa. Mr. Wright is one of the most enterprising, energetic, and prominent men of the township, and is respected by all who know him. PORTER TOWNSHIP. THOMAS S. BOWKER, the fourth child of Michael and Hester (Richardson) Bowker, was born in New Jersey January 12, 1820. When about two years of age, his parents moved to Warren County, Ohio, where he attended school and worked on the farm until 1836, when the family moved to St. Joseph County, Ind., and bought and cleared up a farm. In 1845, Mr. Bowker came to this county, and went to farming on rented land. December 26, 1847, he married Miss Mary Smith, daughter of John H. and Maria Smith, who came to this county in 1838, PORTEE TOWNSHIP. 379 from Richland County, Ohio. Mrs. Bowker bore her husband one child, Sarah L., born February 7, 1849, and now the wife of William L. Saw- yer. In 1853, Mr. Bowker purchased forty acres of unimproved land, and some years later added eighty acres more ; he died April 7, 1880, of cancer of the eye, from which he suffered greatly for seventeen vears ; he willed his farm to his wife, who has it rented out. She resides with her son-in-law, William L., son of James S. and Polly E. (Ellsworth) Saw- yer, and born in this township July 17, 1842. Mr. Sawyer bought his land in 1866, with money saved from his earnings as a farm hand, and he has now a fine farm, with a good two-story frame dwelling and every convenience and appliance of comfort about him ; he is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Republican. SAMUEL CAMPBELL was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., No- vember 14, 1797, the eldest of eleven children of John and Sarah (Vance) Campbell, natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Mr. Camp- bell attended school at intervals until fourteen years old, and then assisted on the home farm till about twenty-eight; the family then moved to Preble County, Ohio, and settled on a piece of land John Campbell had entered in 1816. September 25, 1823, Samuel Campbell married Eliza- beth Frame, a daughter of William and Margarette Frame, and to this union were born eight children, viz.: Margarette J., now Mrs. Silas Grigg ; Amanda M. (Mrs. Lacount Lambert), now deceased; Newton J., William F., John F. ; Sarah E., now Mrs. James H. Kenworthy, and Nancy T., now Mrs. David B. Peck. The son William served in the late war, and is now a resident of Nebraska. John Campbell died in 1831, when Samuel brought his family to this township, entered forty acres of land, and commenced life in a wilderness filled with wild but friendly Indians. Here he was made the township's first Supervisor, and has since been frequently elected to offices of trust and honor. In 1862, his house was destroyed by fire, and nearly all it contained was lost, but he soon put up a comfortable frame in which he and wife are passing their declining days in retirement, attended by their daughter, Mrs. Kenworthy. Mr. Campbell is a sj;anch Republican, and stands well with his party. LEVI A. CASS, M. D., son of Levi A. and Lucy (Sanford) Cass, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 9, 1819 ; his father was born in Massachusetts, in 1799, and his mother in Vermont, in 1802 ; his father was a physician, and in 1817 moved to Wayne County, Ohio. Our sub- ject entered Oberlin College when fourteen years of age, after which course he read medicine with his father. In 1840, he came to this county and engaged in practice; he afterward went to La Porte County and read with Prof. Meaker. In 1846, after his graduation, he returned hither and resumed practice, which he succeeded in establishing after ten years of hard labor. On December 28, 1856, he was married to Louisa S. Porter, daughter of Philo A. Porter, a pioneer of this county. To this union there were born four children — Ida Grace (now married to Rev. L. S. Buckles), Albertha B., Cassa and Irena B. In 1858, Mr. Cass purchased eighty acres in this township, built a log house and began farming and stock-raising, but he never relinquished practice. In 1863, he 'was elected to the Legislature, and was appointed by Gov. 0. P. Morton to collect the official vote of this Congressional district at the 380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: time of Lincoln's election; he was twice appointed Army Surgeon, but declined on account of legislative duties ; he was also one of the organizers of the First National Bank at Valparaiso, and for a time its President. On March 1, 1879, he lost his wife ; she was a member of the Presby- terian Church, and a model Christian ; he is now engaged in the practice of his profession, and his three youngest daughters grace his home ; he is an attendant of the M. E. Church, and a stanch Republican. WILLIAM H. CLITES, son of Andrew G. and Eliza E. (King) elites, was born in Bedford County, Penn., in 1844. In 1851, his father came to this county, entered forty acres and bought forty acres more of land, and here William H. lived until fourteen years of age, when he went to work on his own account until 1862. In August of this year, he enlisted in Company I, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, organized at Indian- apolis, and was with Burnside's command in the Army of Ohio; was under Gen. Judah in the noted John Morgan raid ; was at Knoxville for some time, then at Mount Sterling, Ky., and with Sherman on his march to the sea ; on his return, was sent as guard with prisoners to Chicago ; again, on the same errand, to Columbus, Ohio ; was then returned to the front at Pulaski, Tenn., and was finally mustered out at Indianapolis. In 1865, he returned home and married Dell CliflFord, daughter of Clark and Lucinda CliflFord, and to this marriage have been born ten children — Cora, Ida, Ella, Nora, Spencer. Lilly (deceased), Arthur (deceased), John, Hilda (deceased) and Charley. In 1862, he purchased nineteen acres of land, and to this he added seventy-nine in 1864 ; his mother-in- law, Mrs. Lucinda CliflFord, is residing with him. She was born at Crab Orchard, Va., in 1812, moved with her parents to Gallatin, Ky., thence to Shelby ville, Ind., thence to La Porte County, and then to Lake, near Hebron, where she was married, and where her husband died. §he is now in good health and seventy years of age. IRA CORNELL was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 23, 1823 ; his father, Isaac, was born in Pennsylvania April 17, 1792, and his mother, Priscilla (Morgan), in Virginia May 31, 1799. They were married April 9, 1818. In the spring of 1835, the family came to Boone Township, this county, and settled on a 400 acre tract of land. They were the first white people to locate in the township ; the land was not put on the market until 1838, when the father bought it from the Gov- ernment at $1.25 per acre. From this farm he shipped some of the first wheat ever sent from the township. Here Ira Cornell entered forty acres, which, in due course of time, he saved money enough to buy, and soon succeeded in buying 160 additional. October 30, 1850, he married, in Wayne County, Ohio, Miss Emily Kaufman, who was born in Lan- caster County, Penn., May 22, 1825. They have had born to them six children— Alice, September 3, 1851 ; Blmina, December 20, 1853 ; Isaac, October 23, 1854 ; Effie, August 11, 1857 ; Rose K., May 28, 1863, and Fannie L., November 18, 1867. Mrs. Priscilla Cornell died November 25. 1859, and Isaac Cornell January 22, 1874. Alice Cornell was married to John McConkey, and Elmina to Leander . Jones. Effie has been teaching school since 1874. Ira Cornell has now a fine farm of 315 acres on Section 23, with a new two-story frame dwelling. His present corn crop, of ten weeks' growth, stands at twelve feet six inches ; PORTER TOWNSHIP. 381 he has some very fine live stock, his Norman horse being the finest in the county, with a mane forty-five inches in length ; he has taken numerous premiums at the county fair for this animal and for many others. Mr. Cornell is a member of the Christian Church, is a liberal Democrat in hi« political views, and loyal to the Government, having aided it by all means in his power during the recent rebellion. MERRITT CORNELL was born in Boone Township, this county. August 18, 1850, and is the son of Alvin and Lydia (Lightfoot) Cornell, who were born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1820 and 1822 respectively, and were there married January 29, 1843, and shortly after came to this county. Merritt Cornell, on attaining school age, attended regularh- until sixteen, and after that worked on the home farm in summer, and attended school in winter for several terms. December 25, 1873, he married Miss Serena E»., daughter of A. R. and Sophia House. To this union there have been born two girls — Miriam, March 1, 1875, and Stella Pearl, February 22, 1 877, In 1873, he located on his present farm of 160 acres, in this township ; his place is in first-class condition, and improved with a good two-story frame house of eight rooms, all in good order ; his mother here makes her home with him. They are all members of the Christian Church, and in politics Mr. Cornell is a Demo- crat. The new Chicago & Atlantic Railroad passes through his farm, greatly enhancing its value. EZRA ALBERT DUNN was born in Rhode Island in 1808 ; hi* parents died when he was very young, and he worked for several farm- ers, who gave him some schooling. When twenty-thr^e years old, hav- ing saved some money, he was married, August 22, 1831, to Lydia A.. Ball, by whom he had seven children — Infant (deceased), Lyman C, Daniel R., Mary A., Samuel P. (deceased), Electa Ella and Ezra A. In 1833, he moved to Athens County, Ohio, where he purchased eighty- four acres. A few years later, he was seriously injured while launching- a canal-boat, and was compelled to sell his farm to maintain his family. In 1844, he came to this township, and, after a four-years' struggle, became able to buy forty acres, where he built a log house, and lived in it until 1859, when he built a good frame one. He died the death of peace August 24, 1879, much esteemed and lamented; his widow lives on the homestead with her son E. A. Dunn and his family ; her son Charles was a soldier in the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, and was killed while asleep January 23, 1864, by the accidental discharge of a gun ; he was buried where he lay, but has a monument here. WILLIAM DYE, son of James and Amy (Jones) Dye, was born in Clinton Township, Wayne County, Ohio, in 1825, and came to this county in 1839. His boyhood days were passed in Boone Township, where he attended the district school ; he assisted also on the home farm, on Section No. 4. In the year 1864, he married Catherine Lynch, and these are now the parents of three boys and three girls, born and named in the order following : Homer, Walter M., Albert R., Elnora M., Ida D. and Gatha L. At the age of thirty-nine, Mr. Dye removed from Boone Township to Porter Township, and located on his .present farm on Section No. 28, which he has under a state of high cultivation, and has improved with all modern conveniences. In politics, Mr. Dye 382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: is a Democrat, and takes quite an interest in the welfare of his party ; he stands well with his neighbors, and is regarded as an enterprising farmer and useful citizen. JOHN J. DYE, son of William and Nancy (Jones) Dye, was born in Porter County in 1840, his parents having come hither from Wayne County in 1836. John J. Dye, when quite young, commenced to work on his father's farm, and soon saved, by hard labor and close living, suf- ficient to purchase a place for himself, which he did in 1869, and, the same year, he was married to Melvina S. Ritter, by whom he had four children — Minnie C, John P., Harry C. and Gracie S. Mr. Dye took great interest in stock, which he raised for market. Unfortunately, his lungs, which were never strong, began to trouble him, and, on August 3, 1874, he closed his life in peace, leaving his property to his wife afid children. In life, he attended the Christian Church, was a Liberal Dem- ocrat, and universally respected. His widow and children occUpy the farm, which is superintended by a brother of Mrs. Dye. Mrs. Christian Ritter, mother of Mrs. Dye, also lives with her daughter. She was born in Wurtemberg, G-ermany, in 1799, and is still active and useful. JACOB EDINGER is a native of Germany, and was born in 1830; he attended school a short time, and worked on his father's farm in the old country until twenty-two years of age, and then came to this coun- try, and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, where he worked by the day, lived close, saved his money, and in 1859 came to this township and bought eighty acres of unimproved land, broke ground, and built a house. June 11, 1861, he married Elizabeth Dunn, who has borne him eight children — Adam, Isaac, Minnie, Melinda, Ella, George, Martin and Otto, all living. Minnie, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of Robert Hil- dreth. Mr. Edinger joined the German Reformed Church in the old country, and to-day is a leading member of that organization; in politics, he is, a Democrat. He now has a farm of 170 acres under good cultiva- tion, and is now engaged in making alterations in and additions to his dwelling, the site of which he has been compelled to change in order to make way for the passage of the Chicago & Atlantic Railway. ADAM EDINGER is a native of Germany, where he was born December 25, 1839. He attended school until he was fourteen years of age, and worked on the farm of his father until he reached twenty-two years, when he came to America, locating in Porter County, Ind., and labored on the farm of Ira Cornell for a long time. In 1866, he was married to Lucretia Cornell, daughter of Isaac Cornell, the first settler in Boone Township, and in 1867 he purchased 160 acres in Porter Town- ship." Mr. and Mrs. Edinger have two children — Alvah and Ida. Mr. Edinger is a general farmer, yet gives some attention to stock-raising, and has some fine Norman horses. His farm is as desirable as any in the township, and he is now building a fine two-story frame house, con- taining ten rooms, and with all the necessary outbuildings. He joine attention to anything he could get to do, and aided in supporting his mother until twenty-seven years of age, when he married Miss Lovinii Guernsey, daughter of H. B. Guernsey. This lady died July 10, 1865, the mother of six children — George W., Jeremiah, Eliza (deceased). Charlotte (deceased), Francis (deceased) and Emma L. August 12. 1866, Mr. Young married Miss Phoebe A. Thornton, and to this union were born four children — Milton and James (deceased), Malita and David L. In 1864, Mr. Young bought 240 acres of as fine land as there is in this township from H. B. Guernsey, although he pays more atten- tion to stock-raising than to farming. Mr. Young formerly kept a coun- try store, and was for a long time Postmaster at Hobart, where he also kept the Hobart House for ten years. He has seen as many as 500 In- dians in camp at one time in Deep River botton.' In politics, he is a Re- publican, and during the late war stood the draft three times, but wa.s^ never drawn. PINE TOWNSHIP. CHARLES BATTYE was born in Yorkshire, England, January 3, 1821, and is the eldest of seven children born to William and Graco (Hobson) Battye ; his parents were born, reared and married in England ; his father was a weaver, at which he worked many years (also as a book- keeper) before coming to this country, in the year 1854, and to Porter County in 1857, where he resided until his death, in 1872 ; he and his wife died within thirty hours of each other. Both are. buried in Michi- gan City. Charles Battye came to the United States in 1848, and worked in a carding establishment at Lowell, Mass., until 1857, when ho came to Porter County and purchased eighty acres of woodland. After building a cabin and clearing for a year, he returned to Lowell and re- sumed carding, continuing until 1867, when he again came to Porter County and remained, engaged in farming and stock-raising. , On Octo- ber 9, 1842, he was married to Eleanor Harrison, born March 7, 1820,. in England, and died December 13, 1879, leaving one child — Uriah H., now in Massachusetts. In politics, Mr. Battye is a Democrat. HENRY BRUMMITT, eldest son of Aaron and Ann (Wilbey) Brummitt, was born in Yorkshire, England, October 21, 1824, and he and his brother William are the only members of the family living in Indiana. Henry Brummitt, when but ten years old, commenced work at. PINE TOWNSHIP. 393 weaving, and continued until he was twenty-one ; he then entered the worsted-yarn establishment, leaving for the United States with the best recommendations, in 1857, and reaching Michigan City April 20 of that year, engaging in lumbering until 1861, when he made his first purchase of land, consisting of thirty-three acres, and afterward twelve more ; ho now owns 112 acres, eighty of which are improved. On February 6. 1848, while in England, he was married to Mary A. Oxley, daughter of John and Mary A. (Hampshire) Oxley. She was born March 10, 1826. They have a family of six — George, Anna (now Mrs. A. Mills), Eliza- beth, Alfred W., Alice E. and John H. Mr. and Mrs. Brummitt arc members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Brummitt is a Republican, and served his adopted country in the army from 1864 until the late wav closed. WILLIAM BRUMMITT, one of the early settlers of Pine Town- ship, was born in Yorkshire, England, August 23, 1832, being one of twelve born to Aaron and Ann (Wilbey) Brummitt. Seven of this family are living, five in America, and two of these in this county ; his parents were natives of Yorkshire ; his father was born in 1800, his mother in 1802. The elder Brummitt was a spinner and .weaver, at which he worked until advanced age, and died March 14, 1882, aged eighty-one years ; his widow is living in England. William Brummitt -remained with his par- ents until manhood, learning the trade of weaving, at which he worked until 1856 ; his education is limited. In 1856, growing tired of his trade, he determined to come to America, procure land and become a farmer. In that year, he came to Porter County, and in 1858 made his first pur- chase of three acres. This he cleared, and in 1860 purchased forty more adjacent, and, by purchases since, now owns 325 acres, 275 of which arc improved, with good buildings. In 1864, he entered the army, and served until the close of the war ; he was married November 20, 1853, to Mary Lucas, a native of Yorkshire, England, born October 23, 1832. and daughter of Mark and Grace Lucas ; her parents lived and died in England. Mr. and Mrs. Brummitt have six children — Mark L. (born January 24, 1858), John W. (born September 12, 1859), Maria (born November 6, 1860), Jennie (January 15, 1863, now Mrs. W. P. Goody- koontz), Emily (born June 4, 1865) and Arthur (born August 7, 1870. All of these have literary tastes, four having been teachers. Mr. and Mrs. Brummitt, with four of the family, are members of the Christian Church, and he and his son Mark of Calumet Lodge, No. 379, A., F. & A. M. Mr. Brummitt is a Democrat, and now serving his fourth term as Justice of the Peace. His son is an Assessor of the township. YOUNGER FRAME, son of John and Ufa (Peak) Frame, was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 1, 1832 ; his father was born in Ken- tucky in 1804, and came to Preble County when quite young; his mother was born in Ohio in 1810, and lived there till after her marriage. In 1835, they emigrated to Michigan City, La Porte County, where Mr. Frame followed the coopering business. In 1849, they came to Porter County, settling in Pine Township, when his mother died December 29, 1860, and his father February 29, 1872. Younger Frame lived with h\a parents until twenty-nine years old. After receiving an ordinary school education, he learned his father's trade, but has worked much more at 394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: farming, having now 212 acres in this and La Porte Counties. On Feb- ruary 28, 1861, he was married to Maria L. Weston, a daughter of Isaac and Louisa (Randall) Weston, and born March 7, 1839 ; her parents were early settlers of La Porte County. They have had three children— Hattie E., Cary J. and Chauncey B. During 1881-82, Mr. Frame has built a cheese factory, the only one in the township. When he first came hither, his farm was a wilderness, necessitating clearing and the building of a log cabin ; he has now good improvements and seventy-five acres under cultivation. Mr. Frame is a Democrat, but liberal in local gov- ernment. DR. J. M. GOODWIN, one of the oldest practitioners of medicine in Porter County, and born in Tompkins County, N. Y., June 12, 1812. His parents were Richard and Prudence (Hollister) Goodwin. He has a noted ancestry, many having taken part in the struggle for indepen- dence, his grandfather having served as commissary in Gen. Washing- ton's army for seven years. His father was a Methodist minister for fif- ty years, and his mother one of the survivors of the Wyoming massacre in 1777, being saved almost providentially. They were among the pio- neers of Tompkins County, N. Y., and built the first grist-mill in the lake region. Dr. Goodwin lived with his parents until his manhood, be- ing the youngest of twelve children. His living brother was a minister, and for one term State Senator in New York. Dr. Goodwin began the study of medicine at his eighteenth year, and graduated from Geneva Medical College in 1836 ; he then managed his home affairs until 1842, when he moved to Aurora, 111., where he practiced four years, when he returned to New York and engaged in practice until 1856 ; thence he came to Por- ter County, where he has since lived and practiced, giving his services to soldiers' families during the late war. He was married, August 25, 1841, to Sarah Biggs, a daughter of Michael and Tobisa (Semans) Biggs, who were among the earliest settlers of Seneca County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have had four children — Louisa (now Mrs. H. Killmer), Clay- ton S. (of La Porte County), William H. and Elizabeth (now Mrs. M. Frame, of Chicago. In politics, Dr. Goodwin is a Democrat, and has rep- resented the party as Justice of the Peace for thirteen years. His first vote was for Van Buren in 1836. His son Clayton was a soldier in the late war, and was severely wounded at the battle of Stone River. S. C. HACKETT was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 1. 1829, and is the eldest of a family of three children born to Henry and Sarah (Cotton) Hackett, the former having been born in Vermont, and the latter in New York February 28, 1809, where they resided until their maturity, when they removed to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1825, and were married the following year. Henry Hackett died when our subject was five years of age, from which time until he was seventeen he lived witli his mother and uncle. At this age, he encountered the world, and went to Lake County, 111., where he worked until twenty-one years old, when he was overtaken by the " gold fever," crossed the plains to California, and engaged in mining, with varied success, for two years, when, from failing health, he came to La Porte County, Ind., and after a year to Porter County, where he has since resided. Here he gave attention to lumbering and furnishing wood for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern PINE TOWNSHIP. 395 Railroad and the Chicago markets, at which he continued until 1868, when he superintended a large tract of land for Loveland & Co., of Janea- ville, Wis., thus continuing until 1879, when he purchased the major part of the company's land, and began manufacturing charcoal, as well as clearing the said land. He believes he has produced more charcoal than any man in Indiana. In 1881, he began farming. He was married while in La Porte County, January 1, 1855, to Ann J. Weston, born in La Porte County September 12, 1836, a daughter of Isaac and Louisa (Randall) Weston. They have had four children, three of whom are liv- ing — Emily, Mina and William C. Mr. Hackett is a member of West- ville Lodge, No. 192, of Masons. Previous to 1872, he was a Repub- lican, but has since affiliated with the Democratic party, to which he still adheres. He has held all the township offices, and is prominent in politics, and a most respected citizen. By hard work and good manage- ment, he has obtained over 1,100 acres in La Porte and Porter Counties. HENRY HACKETT, son of Henry and Sarah (Cotton) Hackett, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 22, 1832. His father dying during his childhood, he went to live with an uncle, with whom he re- mained until he was nineteen years old, when he went to Kent County, Mich., and engaged in farming ; there he remained until 1868, when he came to Porter County, Ind., and settled permanently. He enlisted dur- ing the war of the rebellion, at an early call, in the First U. S. Sharp- shooters. The regiment was composed of companies from eleven States, accurate markmanship being a requisite for enrollment. They took part in the Peninsula campaign, and at White Oak Swamp Mr. Hackett was wounded by a piece of shell, incapacitating him for six months ; after this he had charge of the sanitary warehouse at Point Lookout, Md., where he remained until the end of his term, being discharged August 22, 1864, since which date he has been engaged in farming. On August 27, 1852, in Kent County, Mich., he was married to Matilda Fitch, daughter of Amasa and Jane (Tinkler) Fitch, and a native of Genesee County, N. Y. They have but one child — Alta A., now a young lady and a teacher. Previous to 1876, Mr. Hackett was a Republican; since that period, he has been a Greenbacker. He was Trustee of Pine Town- ship from 1S74 to 1876. WILLIAM KEMPER, son of William and Elizabeth (Phol) Kem^ per, was born in La Porte County, Ind., January 25, 1857. His father was a native of Prussia, born in the province of Westphalia August 3, 1825. At the age of twenty-eight, he came to the United States, and settled in La Porte County, Ind.; he was a stonemason and bricklayer, and removed to Porter County in 1858; here he lived until his death, February 4, 1881. His mother was also a native of Westphalia, and born September 7, 1827; she came to America in 1855, and was mar- ried the following year, she now lives in Michigan City. Our subject was one of six children, and lived at home until manhood, receiving as a boy the education of the ordinary schools, and afterward working as a farmer in charge of the homestead. He was married, October 10, 1881, to Barbara Kasmatkey, a native of Prussia. Mr. and Mrs. Kemper are members of the Catholic Church of Michigan City. In polities, Mr. Kemper is a Democrat, but exceedingly liberal in all home affairs. 396 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : WILLIAM LEWRY, senior member of the firm of William Lewry & Son, manufacturers of wagons, buggies, etc., at Furnessville, was born in the county of Sussex, England, October 18, 1834. He is the eldest of the five children of David and Mary (Leopard) Lewry, and the only one in America ; his parents were natives of England, his father being a manufacturing blacksmith and wagon-maker in Brighton, where he resided until his death, in 1856. William Lewry remained with his parents un- til manhood. At the age of twelve, he began to learn his father's trade, and at nineteen he was master thereof. In 1855, he was offered a posi- tion at Niagara, in America ; here he was a partner in the shop and worked some time, afterward opening a shop at Sweden Center, N. Y. In 1858, he settled in Porter County, near his present residence. In 1864, he entered the army, in Company E, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained until discharged, June 20, 1865 ; he now opened a blacksmith and repairing shop, and later a manufacturing establishment at Furnessville ; he was married April 15, 1854, in England, to Sarah Lee. They have seven children — Elizabeth (born June 4, 1855), Henry (born January 29, 1858), Eugene (born February 8, 1861), William (born September 8, 1862), Carrie (born July 5, 1866), Annie M. (born October 20, 1874) and Richard D. (born January 27, 1879). In politics, Mr. Lewry is a Democrat, and represents his party as a Township Trustee. ALBION L. MILES was born in Jefferson County, Va., May 1, 1830, and is a son of Henry C. and Martha (Rhoades) Miles ; his par- ents were born, reared and married in Montgomery County, Md. ; his ancestry were true patriots ; both his grandfathers served in the Revolu- tionary war, and his father in that of 1812 ; his parents moved to Jeffer- son County, Va., about 1823, and reared a family of nine children. They both died in said county. At the age of fifteen, Albion L. Miles began the struggle of life by learning the trade of a mason, and finished at the age of twenty, working as a mason at various times since then. In 1853, he went to La Porte County, and came to Porter County in 1865, divid- ing the time between masonry and farming. On December 24, 1851, he was married to Catharine Lewis, daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Hughes) Lewis, both natives of Wales. Mrs. Miles came to the United States in 1841. They have had five children, three of whom remain — Harry L., Thomas L. (both in New Mexico) and Albion P. Politically, Mr. Miles is a Democrat ; he has been Assessor of the township five years, and is now Justice of the Peace. Of his children, all are, or have been, telegraph operators. GEORGE PORTER, one of the oldest settlers in Pine Township, was born in Northampton County, Mass., April 16, 1809. His parents, Elisha and Anna (Baker) Porter, were natives of Connecticut. They were of English descent. Our subject has always followed farming. He came West to Porter County in 1847, and has since lived there. He was married, in January, 1833. to Harriet Crandall, a native of New York, who departed this life in July, 1881. In politics, he is a Repub- lican, but always liberal in local affairs. GEORGE "W". SHANER was born in Jefferson County, Va., June 10, 1820, and was the second of a family of four children born to John and Cassanda (Kidwell) Shaner; his ancestry on his father's side was PINE TOWNSHIP. 397 from Germany ; on his mother's, from England ; his grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution, and his father of the war of 1812. The parents of George W. Shaner lived in Virginia until their death, and with them our subject remained until he reached manhood; he learned the trade of carpentering, at which he worked for fifteen years, and, never having an opportunity to attend school, is wholly self-educated. On coming West, he went to La Porte County, Ind., in 1849, and thence to Porter County, where he has since resided. On January 19, 1851, he was married to Lucinda Frame, of this county, but a native of Ohio. She died July 16, 1864, leaving four children — Malinda (now Mrs. A. McCarty), Priscilla (now Mrs. A. Cotton), Lyman and Younger. On June 13, 1867, he was married to Maria Augustine, of La Porte County, by whom he has three children — Laura V., Ida and Butler. Mrs. Shaner is a member of the Baptist Church, while Mr. Shaner is a Methodist, and has successfully organized a fine Sabbath school in his home district. In politics, he is a Democrat, but liberal in local government! D. S. STEVES, only survivor of the four organizers of Pine Town- ship, was born in Westmoreland County, N. Y., August 28, 1809, and is the eldest' of a family of nine born to Isaac and Lovina (Seeley) Steves. His father was of German descent, but born in the State of New York, as was also his mother; his father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and in many hard-fought battles on the Canadian frontier. D. S. Steves re- mained with his parents until of age, when he came to Detroit, but dis- liking the place, came to La Porte County, (where he worked some time) ; and thence to this county in 1835; here he worked in a saw-mill two years, and in 1837 purchased the land he now owns ; he remembers the "financial crash" of that year, when he began clearing, farming and stock-raising. On December 25, 1843, he was married to Almira Dut- ton, of Welsh parentage, but born in New Hampshire; she was well educated, and a teacher before her marriage. They had eight children, six of whom survive — Sarah L., Isaac L., Julia, Daniel S., Harriet (now Mrs. D. Crandall) and Nellie (now Mrs. R. Stienke). Mrs. Dutton died April 19, 1870. Mr. Steves, with three others, organized this township in 1854, naming it after the pine tree, found only in this township of the county. In politics, Mr. Steves is a stanch Republican ; he has been Trustee of the township and Election Inspector for more than twenty years. JOHN STORMS is a native of Prussia, born March 23, 1820, be- ing one of the three sons of Christian and Krate (Michael) Storms, who were bom, married, and who died in Prussia. John Storms lived with his parents until he reached his majority, and afterward worked as a laborer until he came to the United States, in the year 1857, when he came to Porter County, Ind., where he worked some time as a laborer ; he purchased his first land in 1865, and now has 155 acres. On October 9, 1843, he was married to Mary Shutt, also a native of Germany. To this union there have been born six children — August, Christian, Frank, Henry, Minnie (now Mrs Dr. Warren, of Otis) and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Storms are members of the Lutheran Church of Otis. In politics, Mr. Storms is an earnest Democrat, with which party he has voted ever since he became a citizen of America. 398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: EDWIN F. WAY, son of Hiram and Mary A. (Porter) Way, was born in Chemung County, N. Y., October 8, 1842, the second of a family of five, three of whom are in this county ; his father was a native of New York, and his mother of Massachusetts ; his father was engaged in lum- bering before coming here ; he came to Porter County in 1855, where he resided until two months before his death, which occurred in Missouri, February, 1882. Edwin F. Way lived with his parents until he became of age, when he enlisted as private in the Fourth Indiana Artillery, at- tached to the Army of the Cumberland, taking part in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, after which he was discharged on account of disability. In 1865, he re-enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and served until the end of the war. On November 12, 1867, he was mar- ried to Jemima George, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Green) George, and born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., August 21, 1851. To them have been born four children, three of whom are living — Clara L., Henry A. and Winfield M. Mr. and Mrs. Way are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Way is a stanch Republican ; he is a farmer, and pos- sesses ninety-five acres of land. PART II. HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. PAET II. HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. CHAPTER I. ■ BT WESTON A. QOODSPEED. Location and Dimensions of the County of Lake— Physical Descrip- tion—The Soil— Indian Cession Treaties- Outline of the First Settlement— Formation of the Squatters' Union— Pottawatomie Floats— Squatter Sovereignty— Solon Robinson, the " Squatter Kjng"— Sale of Public Lands at La Porte— The Swamp Land Specu- lation-First Roads and Mail Routes— Statistics— Railroads. LYING in the extreme northwestern corner of the State of Indiana, bounded on the north by Lake Michigan, on the east by Porter Coun- ty, on the south by that capricious stream, the Kankakee River, and on the west by the Sucker State, and comprising (with its lake territory) more than six hundred square miles of low, wet, but very rich country, is the County of Lake. The area of the county not usually covered with water will not vary greatly from five hundred square miles. The southern part is very wet, is known as the Kankakee Marsh, and is principally noted for hay, rich islands, water-fowl, batrachians, mosquitoes and the imprac- ticability of pleasurable, or ever successful passage across its spongy sur- face. The central portion — a rolling prairie country — is as fine an ex- panse of territory as is found within the valley of the Mississippi. The northern portion is crowned with hills and ridges of pure sand and gravel, surmounted with beautiful clusters of pine, cedar and other na- tive forestry. Between the northern and central portions are low, flat, swampy tracts of land, usually serving as the valley of some sluggish stream; and, indeed, marshy tracts of soil, which, some day, will be culti- vated, occur with great frequency throughout the entire county. Physical Features.* — Across the county from east to west extends the water-shed which separates the St. Lawrence Basin from the Mississippi Valley. This line enters the county from the west in St. Johns Township, in Section ,3&, passing north of the head-waters of West Creek in this section; it runs near the village of St. Johns, and passes in a winding •Much of this chapter is taken bodily from a small volume on the history of Lake County, biography of the Ball family, etc., publiBhed some ten years ago by Key. T. H. Ball, of Grown Point. 402 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. southeasterly direction across Hanover Township to a point half a mile north of the head of Cedar Lake. From thence it winds along the ridges of that strip of woodland in Centre Township, its main direction eastward, passes south of Fancher's Lake, between that and the Mill Pond, comes out upon the prairie about one mile south of Crown Point and enters School Grove. It runs along a ridge in the grove south of the Sherman marsh, and passes in a southerly direction across the prairie to a point not far from Cassville. It then turns northward around the head of that arm of Deep River, and bearing a little toward the east passes on north between Deep River and Eagle Creek, south of Deer Creek, and still bearing eastward'leaves Lake County on a line almost due east from Crown Point, passing north of that little lake which is the source of Eagle Creek. The principal streams of Lake County are the Calumet, Deep River and Turkey Creek, flowing into Lake Michigan; and West Creek, Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek, flowing into the Kankakee. The main direction of the first three streams is eastward and westward. The main direction of the last three is southward. Turkey Creek is a small stream which, starting northwest of Centreville, empties its waters into Deep River a little south and west of Hobart. Deep River has two small sources; the one near Brown's Point, northwest of Crown Point, which flows eastward, and the other commencing in the marshy ground some six miles south- east of Crown Point which flows northward. These two unite east of Crown Point, three and a half miles and north about two miles, and flow eastward, cutting the edge of Porter County. The river then flows northward returning into Lake County, and bears northwest to the mouth of Turkey Creek, having made some three and a half miles westing. It then flows northeasterly to Hobart; and passes from thence northward into the Calumet. The Calumet enters the county from Porter, two miles south of Lake Michigan, and flows westward bearing a little south along a marshy valley across the county. It continues on in the State of Illinois, running northeasterly till it reaches the Blue Island bluff, hav- ing made about seven and a half miles westing from the Indiana line. Meeting this blufi^ it turns back and flows but little south of east, in a line nearly parallel with its westward flow, until it has again almost crossed the county of Lake, and enters Lake Michigan two miles west and two north of its entrance from Porter into Lake. The appearance near Dyer is as though the water of Lake Michigan, a number of years ago, washed this ridge and dashed its waves upon the sand, finding here its southwestern limit, then retiring northward, ridge by ridge, reached its present bounds, leaving its old beach to show where once its free waves dashed their spray. The eastward continua- HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY". 403 tion of this apparently lake beach is a broad prairie ridge between Turkey Creek and Deep River. South of Deep River, and especially south of the water-shed, the ridges and slopes of the woodland and the prairies cause the streams to flow northward or southward. West Creek, commencing at the water- shed on that Section 36, before named, about half a mile from the Illi- nois line, flows south, bearing a little east, and runs into the Kankakee, passing along a broad, marshy valley, forming, before bridges were built, an almost impassable barrier near the western border of the county. Its length, in a straight line, is nineteen miles. Cedar Creek is the outlet of Cedar Lake, and winds along a narrow valley, at first eastward and then running southward, reaching the Kan- kakee at a distance, on a straight line, of about thirteen miles from its outflow at Cedar Lake. Eagle Creek starts in Porter County, being the outlet of a little lake lying due east of the north part of Crown Point, but soon crossing the line, as it bears westward ; it reaches the Kankakee about thirteen miles from that little lake. One of the main tributaries flows from a marsh at the south end of School Grove. Besides these six named, there are still smaller water-courses, as Deer Creek, Duck Creek, Plum Creek and Willow Creek. Springs will be hereafter mentioned in the township chapters. The principal lake in this county is Cedar Lake or Red Cedar Lake, five miles southwest of the geographical center. Its eastern shore is in Centre Township, and its western in Hanover. It was named from the red cedar trees growing on its bank. In length, it is two and a half miles. Its greatest breadth is one mile. It has no inlet ; is evidently fed by springs ; its waters are clear, pure and soft ; and, when first seen by the white settlers, abounded in fish, water-fowls, muskrats and minks. The surface and the soil in this region are quite varied. There are beds of white sand as clean and pure as sand can well be. There are miles of yellowish sand where corn and potatoes will grow quite success- fully. There is a whitish clay soil, producing oats, grass, and winter wheat, and rye. There is the rich black soil of the prairie, and the still deeper and richer soil of the high and dry marsh. The large Cady Marsh, the Calumet and Kankakee Marshes, and other smaller ones, contain many thousands of acres of land that must one day become very valuable. Some of it, once called waste land and " swamp land," already produces large crops of grass and oats. Over Lake County, and above the line of the water shed, the warm vapor from the southern valleys and the slopes, or from the rivers and 404 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. ■waters of the South meets with the cooler vapor of Lake Michigan, giving to this region, in ordinary seasons, an abundant moisture, and causing the atmosphere to be very seldom perfectly cloudless. As, how- ever, late in the season the water of Lake Michigan becomes quite warm, and continues during those golden days of October and sometimes through November, which we call Indian Summer, the north wind bring- ing that vapor and warm air over the ridge and down our southern slope to the Kankakee keeps off the early autumnal frosts, and this county is sometimes protected for weeks after the frost appears farther west and farther south. If the springs, therefore, are wet and backward, occa- sionally, the autumns are, quite usually, warm, late and delightful. This county contains, as laid out by the United States Surveyor, two entire ranges, 8 and 9, three rows of sections in Range 7 on the east, and one row of sections in Range 10 on the west. The Congressional Town- ships are from 32 to 37 in each range, some of which, on the north and south, are not full. Ten Congressional Townships are almost entire. The prairie region covers, probably, about two-thirds of the county. The first prairie, beginning at the northeast of the prairie portion, is just south of the town of Hobart, is level, rather low, and was formerly wet. It is now sufficiently dry for successful cultivation. It is small, not more than two miles in extent. The second, lying west of Deep River^ which is here running northward, is much larger, quite level, and was formerly wet. As it spreads southward and westward, it grows higher and slopes upward along a ridge, that broad prairie ridge south of Turkey Creek. This ridge, and for several miles, is high but not rolling prairie. South- ward slopes the broad expanse, spreading also out for miles to the west- ward, of what was called, in early times, Robinson's Prairie. Its land- marks were the Hodgeman place, Wiggins' Point, Brown's Point, and Solon Robinson's, afterward Lake C. H. — that is, Court House — and finally. Crown Point. The large extent of prairie contained some tliat was low and wet, some high ridges, but very little that could be called rolling. South of the center of the county the prairie spreads out over nearly the whole width, and having passed the water shed becomes, in the south central part, truly rolling. It is not, to much extent, broken and hilly, but contains magnificent slopes, one succeeding another, gradually descending toward the Kankakee meadow lands, and between these slopes are broad but not deep valleys. The landmarks here are School Grove, Southeast Grove, Plum Grove, Orchard Grove, Hickory Point and Pleasant Grove. Between Southeast Grove and Hickory Point, and ex- tending southward, there is some low and level prairie. West of Pleasant Grove and of Cedar Lake, and extending south to the Belshaw Grove and west to the West Creek timber, lies the gem of the prairie region of HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 405 Indiana, known as Lake Prairie. South of the prairie proper, extending across the county, lies a belt of marsh or meadow land five or six miles in breadth, interspersed with islands of timber, and bordering the channel of the Kankakee River. A part is dry, a part is wet marsh. This marsh region makes that river remarkable. A river is known to be there. The blue line of trees marking its course can be discerned from the prairie heights; but onlyoccasionally, in midwinter or in a time of great drought, can one come near its water channel. So far as any ordinary access to it • from this county is concerned, it is like a fabulous river, or one the exist- ence of which we take on trust. The fowlers, the trappers and the wood- men have looked upon its sluggish waters. By the treaty of the United States with the Pottawatomies. in 1828, a strip of land ten miles in width was acquired along the northern border of Indiana, which extends in a narrow strip to the extreme southern limit of Lake Michigan. This was the first land purchased from the In- dians in what is now Lake County. By the treaty of 1832, the remain- der of this county was acquired. Up to this time, there were no whites in all this region, except fur- traders, perchance some hunters and trappers, and the soldiers at Fort Dearborn. In this year took place the Black Hawk war, and a few white settlers came into what is now La Porte County. A route for travel was immediately opened along the beach of Lake Michigan. Three men. Hart, Steel and Sprague, started a stage line from Detroit to Fort Dearborn, or Chicago, probably in 1833, and four-horse coaches were placed upon the road. During the summer of 1834, United States surveyors laid out most of the land in Lake County into sections, the ra,nge or township lines hav- ing been previously run. This party of surveyors camped for a week in June or July in that part of the grove now owned by Dr. Pettibone, in the town of Crown Point. One who accompanied this party, J. Hurl- burt, an old settler of Porter, remembers no cabin and no settler at that time in any of our central groves. As yet the squatters were not here. He remembers some cabins along the stage road ott the lake beach, and thinks that Goodrich, in the place of Bennett, then kept the tavern at the mouth of the Calumet. Burnsidehad this job of surveying from the Government, but the work here was done by St. Clair. The Settlers. — Many settlers, or rather squatters, came in during the years 1834, 1835 and 1836, located claims on the best lands to be found, erected rude homes and commenced the cultivation of the soil. Specu- lators also appeared, with sharp eyes, to be prepared to purchase the homes of the squatters as soon as the land was thrown into market. The Government price was $1.25 per acre, and after a fine farm had been im- 406 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. proved and cultivated for three or four years ; after houses and barns had been built and the cultivated soil had been surrounded with substantial fences, the opportunity of securing this prize, ere the unfortunate squatter who had endured so much to obtain it was aware of the danger, was one not to be passed lightly aside by the avaricious and unscrupulous specu- lator. From the fact that the land of the county was tardy in coming into market, and also that large numbers of squatters located their claims ere such sale of the lands, it soon became apparent that much difficulty would be experienced by those who had secured squatter claims to homes in Lake County to preserve the same from the clutches of the speculators, except by offering amounts far in advance of the Government price, as the latter, in order to secure the farms, many of which were extensively improved, would bid up sometimes as high as $4 and $5 per acre, and unless the squatters would overbid them the farms were sold by by the land agent to the speculators. This outlook was very discouraging to those squatters of Lake who were wise enough to see far enough into the future to know that, unless something was done to remedy matters and outwit the speculators, many would be cheated out of their homes from their inability to overbid the Government price at the land sale. After much talk and deliberation among the squatters of Lake County, and many of Porter County, decisive action was taken, as the following from the records of the meeting will show : The "Squatters' Union." — At a meeting of the majority of the citi- zens of Lake County, held at the house of Solon Robinson on the 4th of July, 1836, for the purpose of adopting measures and forming a con- stitution for the better security of the settlers upon the public lands, William Clark was unanimously elected to preside over the meeting, and Solon Robinson appointed Secretary. After hearing the object stated for which the meeting was called, it was moved that a committee of five be appointed to report a constitution and rules for the government of the members of this Union. Whereupon, Henry Wells, David Hornor, Solon Robinson, Thomas Brown and Thomas Wiles were elected. After due deliberation, they adopted a constitution, elected a Register and a board of three County Arbitrators — Solon Robinson as Register, and William Clark, Henry Wells and S. P. Stringham, Arbitrators. The record says this meeting was held " at the house." It does not say "in," and evidently not very many could have found comfortable standing room inside of that small cabin. It is told by an eye-witness that the meet- ing really jyas held in the grove, and that over the officers' stand a knife and a tomahawk were suspended as the emblems of squatter sovereignty, the significant warning of what speculators might expect. The following is the constitution then adopted : HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 40T CONSTITUTION 01' THE SQTJATTERS' UNION, IH LAKE OOUNTT, IND. Whereas, The settlers upon the public lands in this county not having any certain prospect of having their rights and claims secured to them by a pre-emption law of Con- gress, and feeling the strong present necessity of their becoming united in such a manner as to guard against speculation upon their rights, have met and united together to main- tain and support each other, on the 4th of July, 1836 ; and now firmly convinced of the justness of their cause, do most solemnly pledge themselves to each other, by the strong ties of interest and brotherly feeling, that they will abide by the several resolutions hereto attached, and to which they sign their names, in the most faithful manner. Article 1. Resolved, That all persons who bear the dangers and difficulties of set- tling a new and unimproved country are justly entitled to the privilege heretofore ex- tended to settlers by Congress to purchase their lands at $1.25 per acre. Art. 2. That if Congress should neglect or refuse to pass a law before the land on which we live is offered for sale, which shall secure to us our rights, we will hereafter adopt tuch measures asmay be necessary effectually to secure each other in our just claims. Art. 3. That we will not aid any person to purchase his claim at the laud sale, ac- cording to this constitution, unless he is at the time an actual settler upon Government lands and has complied with all of the requisitions of this constitution. Art. 4. That all the settlers in this county, and also in the adjoining unsold lands of Porter County (if they are disposed to join us), shall be considered members of this Union, as soon as they sign this constitution, and entitled to all its advantages, whether present at this meeting or not. Art. 5. That for the permanent and quiet adjustment of all differences that may arise among the settlers in regard to their claims, that there shall be elected by this meet- ing a County Board of three Arbitrators, and also a Register of Claims, who also shall per- form the duties of clerk to the County Board of Arbitrators and also the duties of a gen- eral corresponding secretary. In all elections the person having the highest number of votes shall be elected. Art. 6. That the person who maybe elected Register (if he accept the office) shall take an oath or affirmation that he will faithfully perform all the duties enjoined upon him. He shall forthwith provide himself with a map of the county (which shall be subject to the inspection of every person desiring it), on which he shall mark all claims registered, so that it can be seen what land is claimed and what is not ; and also a book, in which he shall register every claimant's name and the number of the land which he claims, when it was first claimed and when the claimant settled upon it, and the date when reg- istered, where the occupant was from, and any other matter deemed necessary for public information or that the County Board may order. He shall give persons applying all infor- mation in his power in regard to claims or vacant land that shall be calculated to promote the settlement of the county. He shall also reply in the same manner to letters addressed him on the subject, provided the applicant pays his own postage. He shall attend all the meetings of the County Board, record their proceedings and perform' their orders. When required by a member, stating the object, he shall issue notice to the County or District Board when, where and for what purpose they are to meet. Fees : For every claim he registers, twenty-five cents ; and he shall, if required, give the claimant a certificate stating the number of the land and when registered. For issuing notices to Arbitrators to meet, twelve cents. For attending their meeting, the same fees that are allowed them. For duties as corresponding secretary, no fees shall be required. Art. 7. That it shall be the duty of every person, when he signs this constitution, or as soon thereafter as may be, to apply to the Register to have the land he claims reg- istered (paying the Register his fees at the same time). Where the claimant now resides upon the land which he claims, his claim shall be considered and held good as soon as regis- 408 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. tered. Every sale or transfer of titles shall be registered the same as new claims. Any person desirous of claiming any land now unoccupied shall fepply to have the same reg- istered, and if he is a resident of the county at the time he applies, residing with or upon any claim belonging to any other person, or upon any land that has been floated upon by Indian or pre-emption claims, he shall be entitled to hold the claim he registers, while he re- mains a citizen of the county, provided he shall, within thirty days after registering it, make or cause to be made some prominent improvement upon it, and continue to improve the same to the satisfaction of the County or District Board of Arbitrators. Any non-resident who may hereafter be desirous to join this Union shall first sign the constitution, and after registering his claim shall proceed, within thirty days, to occupy it with his family ' or else make a durable and permanent improvement, either by building a good cabin for his residence or by plowing at least four acres, and then, if he is not able to continue the occupancy of his claim, either personally or by «■ substitute, he shall apply to the Arbitrators, stating his reasons for necessary absence, whether to move on his family or whether for other purposes, and they shall certify to him what amount of labor he shall perform or cause to be performed within a given length of time to entitle him to hold his claim while he is absent, or for a certain time, which, when done and proved to the Reg- ister and entered on record, shall as fully entitle the claimant to his claim as though he resided on it; provided, the board shall never grant a certificate to extend his absence one year from the date, unless the claimant has performed at least $100 worth of labor on his claim, and satisfied the board fally that he will within that time become an actual set- tler upon it. Any member of this Union may also register and improve claims for his absent friends, as above provided, if he can and will satisfy the board (of the county or district) that the identical person for whom he makes the claim will actually become a settler and reside upon it within the specified time. Any person found guilty by the board of making fraudulent claims for speculating purposes shall, if a member, forfeit his membership in this Union, and forfeit all right and title to hold the same, and it shall be declared confiscated, and shall be sold, as provided for all forfeited claims in Article &. Every person requiring the services of the Arbitrators shall, if required, secure to them before they are bound to act, f 1.50 for each day's services, of each and all other necessary expense of magistrate, witnesses, Register or any other unavoidable expense. Art. 8. That each Congressional township, or any settlement confined in two or more townships containing twenty members, may unite and elect a Board of three Arbi- trators, who shall possess the same power to sfettle disputes (when applied to) within their district that the County Board have ; and any member of that district may either submit his case to the District or County Board. The opposite party may object to one or two of the District Board, and call one or two of the County Board, or some disin- terested member, to sitfiu their places, provided he pays the extra expense so occasioned. All decisions of County or District Board shall be final. Either of the parties or the District Board may require the Register to attend their meetings and record their proceedings j but if he is not present they shall certify their judgment to him immediately, and he shall register it as any other claim. Any member may also object to one of the County Board upon the same terms, and require one of a District. Board, or some disinterested member, to sit in his place. The same proceedings shall also take place where one of the Board are interested in the dispute. The District Boar4 may order district meetings, and the County Board county meetings. Art. 9. That the Board of Arbitrators shall, as soon as may be, take an oath or affir. mation before some magistrate faithfully and impartially to perform all the duties en- joined upon them not inconsistent with law, and that they will do all acts in their power for the benefit of members of this Union. On being duly notified, they shall convene, and, if they see proper, they shall make their acts a rule of court before some Magistrate', according tothe statute provided for arbitrated cases. They may require theparties in the case to be tried to be sworn or affirmed, and hear arguments of parties or counsel, and finally HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 409 decide which party is justly entitled to hold the claim, and which party shall pay costs or damages. It shall be the duty of the County or District Board, where the claim is situ- ated, to take possession of any claim confiscated under the provisions of Article 7, or any unoccupied non-resident claim, the claimant of which has neglected to occupy or improve the same, according to the terms and within the time specified in the certificate, and sell the same to some other person who will become a settler on it, keeping the money ob- tained for it in their hands (unless hereafter a treasurer shall be appointed) for a fund to defray any expense that may be deemed necessary to maintain our just rights or advance the interest of the Union ; and if a fund so accumulated shall not be required for such purpose the Board shall use it toward purchasing land for any needy widows or orphan children or needy members of this Union ; provided, that the Board having jurisdiction may extend the time to any claimant holding a certificate from them, or application through the Corresponding Secretary, if the claimant can give them satisfactory reasons therefor, and they may also, when they have sold a forfeited claim, if they deem it just and reasonable for good cause thereon, refund to the certificate claimant the amount he had actually expended upon it, and retain in the fund only the overplus that the same sold for. Any ofScer of this Union or any member shall be discarded if convicted of gross neglect of duty or immoral conduct tending to injure the character of the Union. Art. 10. That every white person capable of transacting business, and making or causing to be made an improvement on a claim, with the evident design of becoming a settler thereon, shall be entitled to be protected in holding a claim on one quarter section, and no more, except where persons holding claims on the prairie or open barrens, where the Board may decide they have not sufficient timber to support their farm, shall be allowed to divide one quarter section of timber between four such prairie claims. The Board of Arbitrators may require any person making a claim to take an oath or affirmation that he intends the same for actual settlement or (if timber) use of his farm. No person settling in thick timber shall be allowed to hold more than eighty acres of timber, but shall be protected in a claim of eighty acres on the prairie. Akt. 11. That before land is offered for sale, that ea6h district shall select a bidder to attend and bid off all claims in the claimant's name, and that, if necessary, every set- tler will constantly attend the sale, prepared to aid each other to the full extent of our ability in obtaining every claimant's land at Government price. Art. 12. That after the Board of Arbitrators have decided that any individual has obtruded upon another claim, and he refuses to give the legal owner peaceable possession, that we will not deal with or countenance him as a settler until he makes the proper res- titution. Art. 13. That we will each use our endeavors to advance the rapid settlement of the county by inviting our friends and acquaintances to join us, under the full assurance that we shall now obtain our rights, and that it is now perfectly as safe to go on improving the public land as though we already had our titles from Government. Art. 14. That a meeting duly called by the County Board may alter and amend this constitution. Lake County, Ind., July 6, 1836. I do certify that the foregoing constitution, as here recorded, is a true copy from the original draft reported by the committee and adopted by the meeting, except slight gram- matical alterations not varying the true sense of any article. Attest : Solon Robinson, Register. Attached to it are 476 signatures. A few cases of arbitration oc- curred in regard to disputed claims. To enter upon land which another had claimed was called "jumping " it, and there were, it seems, a few accidental or intentional "jumpers." The following extracts from the 410 HISTOEY OF LAKE COUNTY. records will surely be of interest as showing the customs of squatter ' rule : ••August 12.— Notified County Board of Arbitnitors to meet August 13, at G. W. Turner's, to decide disputed claim between Samuel Havilaud and John Harrison, on Sec- tion 13, southwest half Township 36, Range 8. August 13. * * They decided that Haviland hold the claim on paying Harrison $6 for his labor, and that Harrison pay the costs, amounting to i|f4.60." Harrison, it is to be supposed, had •'jumped " this claim, and so was the aggressor. '•1837, March 16. — This day an arbitration was held between Denton and Henry Miller and John Reed, who had gone onto Miller's claim and built a cabin, and the Ar- bitrators decided that Reed shall give up the cabin to the Millers and pay the costs of this arbitration, but that the Millers shall pay Reed |17 for the cabin which he has built." In some oases the costs were divided equally between the parties. Prom the decisions of the arbitrators there seems to have baen no appeal. In the nature of the case there could be none, and with the decisions the parties appear to have been satisfied. Ten cases of arbitration are on the records. Land Sales at La Porte. — Thus the claim to lands was quite exten- sively made until March, 1839, at which time the sale of Lake County, to whoever would buy, commenced at La Porte. This was two years after the county was organized. Between these dates, it was impossible to locate the county seat without a special enactment of the Legislature, as the law regulating the organization of counties forbade such location until after the sale of the public lands. But the county, by petition through its Commissioners (as will be seen further along), endeavored to secure such an enactment in autumn, 1838, and would probably have succeeded by having the existing law concerning the location of county-seats amended or repealed, had not the Legislature provided, during the winter of 1838-39, for the sale of the county lands, and, at the same time, for the location of the county seat. As the time drew near for the entry of the lands, the keenest interest was felt in the result by the squatters. All realized the impending peril of the situation. If the speculators should conclude to bid, they could easily obtain (not without a bitter struggle afterward, however) the homes of the squatters in a majority of cases, as scores of the latter had saved up (and that often by the utmost self- denial and economy), only sufficient means to purchase their homes at the Government price of $1.25 per acre. Notwithstanding the existence of the " Squatters Union," and the effective results it was likely to secure, grave and universal apprehension was felt during the years 1837 and 1838. This led, as will be seen below, to the entry, by proof, of sixty-one tracts of land in 1838, and some twenty more before the sale in March, 1839. • The following were the only tracts of land entered in »he county prior to January 1, 1838, including the Pottawatomie " Indian Floats :" HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 411 FUBCHASEB. Date of Oiant. Location. Quashman ........ Naoataumant .... Aubenaabe Benemosau John B. Duckworth Wesaw Pokagon Wesaw Benack Fokakanse Francis Page, Jr... Niasinkquequah Misnoke Ashkum Shawkowahluok Wesaw J. B. Chadana... Meshawketoquah .. Besiah Arthur McClure... Hiram S. Bennett., Mark Baubien Hiram Pearsons ... Simon Kenton John A. Calvin Wm. W. Washbourn Hiram Pearsons Jacob Harlan.... John Ewing 160 298.10 640 495.75 473 640 640 640 640 80.51 310.50 640 569.34 556.50 174.62 308 603.60 640 371 65.56 45.81 64.51 81.40 44.60 54.80 80 105.72 39.85 25.40 Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832 Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. Treaty, Oct. 27, 1832. January 11, 1835 April 27, 1835 December 3, 1835 December 9, 1835 June 3, 1836.... June 3, 1836 June 4, 1836 .Tanuary20, 1837 April 20, 1837 April 28, 1837 Northeast quarter. South half. All. All. All. All. All. All. All. Lots 2 and 3. South half. All. All. All. Southeast quarter. East half. All. All. Sp.wi8!onndianifoMd'ry Lot 3, N. of Indian Bonndaiy. W. Fract N. of Indian Bonnd'rj. lots 1 and 2, if. of Indian Boand. lot 5, Sontli of Indian Bonnd'ry. Lot 6, South of Indian fionnd'r;. Sontli Half Sontheast Quarter . Lots 1 and 2, N. of Indian Bonnd. Lot 4, Sonth of Indian Bonnd'ry. Lot 1, Sonth of Indian Bonnd'iy. During the year 1838, sixty-one tracts of land, representing a total of 6,858.91 acres, were entered in the county, and, in 1839, 261 tracts, representing a total of over 30,000 acres, were entered. During the succeeding two or three years, the sales were comparatively small, owing, doubtless, to the great quantity of swampy or sandy land, which was not wanted by the pioneers. More land was entered from 1850 to 1860 than from 1840 to 1850 ; but this was owing to the sale of the swamp lands, which came into market in the fifties. There have been in the county the following kinds of land : United States Land, Swamp Land. Wabash Canal Land, Michigan Road Land and School Land. After the first influx of settlers preceding, and immediately succeeding, the land sale, the rush was over, and the county grew only as Northwestern Indi- ana and Northeastern Illinois grew. In March, 1839, when that event of so much interest to the early settlers — the sale of United States lands took place at La Porte, the squatters of Lake were gathered there in large force. The hardy pio- neers, accustomed to frontier life and to depead on their strong arms and trusty rifles ; the New Bnglanders and the Yorkers, almost direct from those centers of culture, and possessing their share of the intelligence and energy 412 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. of those regions ; and the firm, sturdy, solid Germans, who had just left the despotisms of the Old World and had received their lessons of freedom in the New, amid the wildest of untrodden Western prairies, all were there, de- termined that no speculator should bid upon their lands. Some trouble had been anticipated. The principal upon which the squatters insisted was of importance to them. They were probably prepared ; armed men were among them to use force, if it should be necessary, to secure the right which each squatter claimed of buying his own quarter section at $1.25 an acre. They knew that in the wilds of Lake, in the retreats of the Kankakee Marsh, no officers of justice would search for them if their mode of enforcing their claim should be called lawless. But there arose no necessity. The impression was strongly made that it would not be safe for a speculator to overbid a squatter, about five hundred of whom had solemnly pledged themselves to each other to abide, in the most faithful manner, by their own assertion of squatters' rights. The moral force employed was sufficient. Solon Robinson was bidder for one town- ship, William Kinnison for another, and A. McDonald for the third. The sale passed ofi" quietly, and the sons of Lake returned peacefully to their homes. But unfortunately for some of them, they had expended their silver and gold in making improvements, and amid the sickness, and suf- fering, and death of 1838, "the wild-cat" money was not current at the land office, and now what the speculators could not effect in one way they easily accomplished in another. They offered to loan these men money for entering their claims, on the security of their lands, and charged them 20, 30, or more per cent. And thus, after all their care, consider- able tracts of Lake County land came into the hands of non-residents. Swamp Land Speculation. — There is a transaction belonging to the history of this county, in common with that of other counties in Indiana, which any impartial and faithful historian can hardly pass over in silence. It may be called the Swamp Land Speculation. The kind of notice which justice here demands has been a matter of grave consideration. The United States donated to the State of Indiana certain portions of Government lands within its borders, to be selected in a certain way, which took the name of Swamp Lands. The Legislature passed an act, in May, 1852, to regulate the sales of these lands and provide for draining and reclaim- ing them according to the condition of the grant. Quite a quantity of land remained unentered ten years after the land sale at La Porte. This was taken out of market in the different counties until the lands had been selected which were to be drained, reclaimed and sold. There were se-^ lected in this county as such swamp land some 180 sections. This, at the minimum price of $1.25 an acre, would amount to $144,000. Any portion of this amount not used in the necessary expenses connected with HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 413 draining these wet lands was to become part of the common school fund of the State. The County Auditors and Treasurers were the authorized agents on the part of the State for selling these lands. A Commissioner of Swamp Lands for each county was appointed by the Governor, and the Commissioner appointed and employed an Engineer. It became known to the Legislature of the State that the funds arising from the sale of these lands were supposed to be improperly used, and they appointed a Swamp Land Committee of Investigation. From the printed report of this committee, made to the Governor of Indiana, two thousand copies of which were ordered to be printed, the following statements and extracts are taken. Copies of this report are scarce in this county. Those sent here disappeared. This committee, after making several statements, say : " The different laws in relation to the expenditure of the swamp land fund are very imperfect, giving many opportunities for dishonest men to prey upon the fund with impunity." These opportunities seem to have been well improved. After stating some of these imperfections, they continue : " It seems that an opportunity to speculate thus opened was early discovered by a number of very prominent men, and large combinations formed to eflFect that object, and when a Swamp Land Commissioner refused to be used as an instrument in their hands to carry out their views, they were potent in affecting his removal and in securing the appointment of one who would act in accordance with their wishes. By this process, the fund in many of the counties was exhausted, and in some cases largely overdrawn, and very little good effected by ditching." The committee visited several counties to ascertain facts. In reference to one county, especially, they say : " These investigations show frauds to an extent that seems to preclude the idea that honesty had any part in these transactions." Under "Lake County," they say: "The opera- tions in this county have been quite extensive. The first Commissioner appointed was J. P. Smith. There is no evidence to raise a doubt as to the correctness of his administration." In regard to the Commissioner, Henry Wells, they say : " No evidence was obtained to implicate him in any improper transaction." In regard to one they say: "Under his ad- ministration the committee think extensive frauds were perpetrated." In regard to one individual they say : " These two sums thus obtained, amounting to $7,309.65, can undoubtedly be recovered if properly prose- cuted. How many similar transactions were had with other parties is not known. It is understood that all the money received for swamp lands was retained in the hands of the County Treasurer, and not paid over to the State Treasurer." An example may be presented of the class of transactions referred to above, a few statements being given to make its features intelligible. 414 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. " The Commissioner and Engineer were required to locate and lav out ditches, to make contracts, etc. The Engineer was not required by law to keep a record of his estimates nor to make certificates of estimates from which the Commissioner should issue ditching certificates. Hence there was no check kept by the Engineer upon the arrears of those ditch- ing certificates issued by the Commissioner. Nor does the law require the Commissioner to keep a record of the ditching certificates issued by him, and the committee were unable to find in any case a record of those certificates." The example selected presents a case that may now be readily under- stood. A contractor assigned a blank ditching certificate to another per- son who filled it up, or had it filled, "in the sum of $2,609.65," and obtained and retained the money, other certificates being issued to the contractor for all the work he had done; thus, in the language of the committee, " fraudulently taking from the Swamp Land Fund the sum of $2,609.65." The committee even found certificates with forged signatures on which money was drawn. Also they found certificates issued and money paid when no work had been done. They say in regard to two individuals, whom they name, that they believe "from the written testimony and tes- timony not recorded, * * * ^ judgment could now be obtained * * * * for a sum not less than $20,000 * * *." The whole amount of money taken away from this fund, the committee had no means at hand, in this county, for summing up. The difi'erence between the amount actually paid for work done and the whole amount for which these lands sold would probably be that sum. Those conversant with the facts will sustain the assertion that quite probably $100,000, during those few years of fraudulent or speculative management, passed into the pockets of a few of our public men. And the amount which beyond question passed into the hands of corrupt officials in high position at Indianapolis was by no means small. How large there are no data here on which to base a conjecture. Let it be re- peated that, of this transaction, the lessons are obvious. The entries of the Wabash Canal land seem to have extended from 1843 to 1856, the certificate of " lands sold in Lake County at the Canal Land Office," at Terre Haute, being dated February, 1857. The amount certified to as having been thus sold is some sixty sections. It thus ap- pears that about two hundred and fifty square miles or sections, one-half the area of the county, were donated by the United States Government for the purpose of internal improvements of Indiana. In the Constitution of Indiana, Article XIV, Boundaries, it is ordained and declared that the State of Indiana is bounded on the east 3:iST0RY OF LAKE COUNTY. 415 by the western meridian line of Ohio ; on the south by the Ohio River from the Great Miami to the Wabash ; on the west by the Wabash River till leaving the main bank on a line due north from Vincennes, "thence, by a due north line, until the same shall intersect an east and west line, drawn through a point ten miles north of the south- ern extreme of Lake Michigan; on the north, by said east and west line, until the same shall intersect the first-mentioned meridian line, which forms the western boundary of the State of Ohio." The originators of this west boundary line expected that the northwest corner of Indiana would be on or near the shore of Lake Michigan, but it happens to be some distance out in the lake. The line drawn from the extreme south part of Lake Michigan to the west line of the State is therefore an " In- diana Boundary Line " and a Ten Mile Line, being the bound from which we are to measure ten miles northward into Lake Michigan to find our true northern limit. In 1828 there was acquired by treaty with the Pottawatomies a strip of land ten miles in width along the northern boundary of Indiana ex- tending, in a narrow strip, to the extreme south limit of Lake Michigan. The northern boundary of the State being then the same as defined by the Constitution, it is evident that the line bounding the southern limit of this first purchase would meet that other line at the south limit of Lake Michigan, and so both would form a continuous straight line. The eastern part of this line in our county is therefore justly called " South Boundary of Ten Mile Purchase." According to Colton's Map of Indiana, "compiled from United States surveys," a north and south line in Indiana has quite a c^erent direc- tion from a north and south line in Illinois. If our west line had the direction from the Wabash River northward of an Illinois north and south line. South Chicago would be included in Lake County. As it now is, the northern boundary of our county, instead of being the beach line of Lake Michigan, is a line due east and west on the surface of that lake ten miles north of our noted " Ten Mile Line." All the fish there- fore and fisheries connected with some one hundred' and twenty-five miles of Lake Michigan belong, evidently, to the inhabitants of Lake. An Indian "float" was something like a soldiers' land warrant. When this region was purchased from the Indians, instead of their re- serving certain definite tracts or parcels of land, the United States issued to some of their head men a number of land warrants or docu- ments called " floats," by the possession of which they were authorized to select and own so much land within the purchase, under certain re- strictions. It is said that Section 8, on which Crown Point now stands, was selected by an Indian or his agent, and a float laid upon it; 416 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. but certain influences induced the Land Oflice Agent at La Porte to slip the float over, in his record, onto Section 17. So 8 was entered, and 17, joining it on the south, passed into the hands of a great fur trader. Floats were laid on only some ten or twelve sections of land in the county, and most of these were near the Calumet. Mail Routes, etc. — In July, 1836, Congress established a mail route from Toledo via Whitemansville, Lima, Bristol, Carrollton, Elkhart, Mishawaka, South Bend, Terre Coupee, Kankakee, La Porte, Morgan Prairie (Porter County) and across Lake County to Joliet, 111. Un- doubtedly a station was established in this county. At the same session, a route was extended to La Porte, via Salt Creek, Adela, Van Ness, on the Vincennes road, the head of Hickory Creek, and down such creek to Joliet, 111. Salt Creek was in Porter County, and Adela was, possibly, in Lake, but this is uncertain. At this time, the route from Indianapo- lis, via Frankfort, Delphi, Monticello, Jasper and Lake Court House, in Porter County (Lake was attached to Porter in 1836), to Michigan City, was established ; as was also the route from Michigan City, via Bailey Town, Deep River, Robinson's Prairie (Lake County) and the crossings of the Kankakee, to Peoria, 111. In July, 1838, the route from Logans- port, via Winamac, Sherwood's Ferry and Valparaiso, to City West, the last three points being in Porter County, the ferry being on the Kanka- kee, was established. The only post-route extending across the county, prior to 1836, was the Detroit & Fort Dearborn mail, which had been located many years before, and the coaches first ran along Lake Michigan beach, but later through Liverpool, on Deep River, and finally, on the Bradley route. H. S. Pelton was the carrier on the route from La Porte to Joliet, and this, for many years, was the principal mail route for the central and southern parts of the county. The mail from Michi- gan City to Peoria was at first let to be carried in four-horse coaches, but these did not run, and only over a portion of the route — from City West, in Porter County, to West Creek, in Lake County — was the mail carried at all, and that on horseback. The Monticello route also fur- nished the county with mail, the same being carried, a portion of the time, by H. S. Pelton, "but [the route] was afterward found to be through such an interminable wilderness that it was discontinued." Con- gress had not, at that time, studied the geography and history of the Kankakee Marsh, and of the counties of Iroquois, Newton and Jasper. In 1847, there were seven post oflSces in the county. A mail, carried twice a week from La Porte to Joliet, supplied the Crown Point Office. A mail was carried once a week from West Creek to Valparaiso, and from West Creek to City West. In connection with the mail from La Porte to Joliet occurred the incident of Solon Robinson's killing the bear. The HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 417 mail carrier then was John Church, of Prairie West. He came in with the mail one day and reported that a black bear was on the Sac Trail in advance of himself, and that he had, with his horse, actually driven him into the suburbs of the village. Solon Robinson, the Postmaster, in the words of the informant, " hooted at it." Like the Indian on first hear- ing about railroads and telegraphs, he " poohed " it. Nevertheless, soon after — distributing that mail was not a lengthy task — he took up his trusty rifle and went out. Sure enough, he soon encountered bruin, fired away at him, and soon the villagers learned of the death of their new visitant. Soon after this — in 1850, and since — the construction of railroads and the location of postal stations within the limits of the county, sup- plied the citizens with daily mail. The Michigan Central established ii station at " Lake," in 1850, and a daily hack was started, running from that place to Crown Point. Branches were afterward extended, new railroads appeared, and erelong the postal facilities were scarcely surpassed in the United States. Statistics. — The census of 1840, taken by Lewis Warriner, of Cedar Luke, furnishes the following information of Lake County : Horses and mules, 324 ; neat cattle, 2,085 ; sheep, 453 ; swine, 4,434 ; estimated value of poultry, $638; bushels of wheat, 15,838 ; barley, 495; oats, 29,176; rye, 10; buckwheat, 924 ; corn, 27,675; pounds of wool, 481 ; hops, 3; beeswax, 77; bushels of potatoes, 16,583; tons of hay, 1,657; «.ton8 of hemp and flax, J ; pounds of tobacco, 2,020 ; dairy products, $5,- 222 ; stock of two stores, $3,300 ; value of skins, $356 ; value of tobacco manufactured, $100, one person being employed; two tanneries — sole leather, 425 sides ; upper leather, 300 sides ; five men employed, capital, $2^500 ; nineteen other dealers in leather, saddlery, etc.; one printing oflSce, one man employed, capital $250 ; one grist-mill ; four saw-mills, value of mill manufactures, $3,800, twelve men employed, capital, $16,400 ; value of all other manufactures, $1,720, capital, $320 ; wooden houses, 53 ; stone or brick houses, ; male persons under five years, 146 ; from five to ten, 113 ; ten to fifteen, 118 ; fifteen to twenty, 80 ; twenty to thirty, 162 ; thirty to forty, 107 ; forty to fifty, 52 ; fifty to sixty, 34 ; sixty to seventy, 13 ; seventy to eighty, 3 ; females under 5, 130 ; five to ten, 99; ten to fifteen, 73 ; fifteen to twenty, 60 ; twenty to thirty. 118; thirty to forty, 75 ; forty to fifty, 38 ; fifty to sixty, 35 ; sixty to seventy, 8 ; seventy to eighty, 1 ; eighty to ninety, 1 ; 510 engaged in agri- culture ; one in commerce ; seventeen in manufacturing and trading ; five in learned professions or in engineering ; one deaf and dumb ; one colored boy ; seven primary or common schools ; 116 scholars ; five per- sons over twenty years unable to read or write. Population of the county in 1840,1,468; 1850,3,991; 1860,9,145; 1870,12,339; 1880,15,091 418 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. CHAPTER II. BT WESTON A. OOODSPEED. Lake County Befoee its Organization— The First Election Returns- Formation OF THE County— Creation of Townships and Other Po- litical Divisions— Miscellaneous Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners— The County Seat Contest— Public Officials- The First Court— The Early School Fund— The Library and the Semi- nary Projects— The Poor Farm— The Agricultural Society- Jails AND Court Houses— Politics— County Officers— Statistics. THE county of Lake had its first political existence in the month of March, 1835, when the Commissioners of La Porte County, to which both Lake* and Porter were then attached, ordered that all the territory of Lake and as far east in Porter as the center of Range 6 west should con- stitute a township, to be known as Ross, named thus for an old settler, who, at that time, had been in the county of Lake one or more years, and who afterward, in 1836, was killed by the fall of a tree. The results of the election of township officers, held at the house of Cyrus Spurlock (in Porter County), with Benjamin McCarty, Inspector, are fully given in the second chapter of the Porter County history accompanying this volume, and need not be repeated here. It will be observed that the names of several old settlers of Lake appear upon the election returns of this first election of any character held in what is now Lake County. This was before Lake had an existence, even in name. On the 28th of January, 1836, the Governor approved the special enactment creating the counties of Lake and Porter, the full text of the act appearing in the chapter referred to above. An organization was ordered for Porter, to which Lake was attached. At the first session of the Board of Commissioners of Porter County in April, 1836, it was ordered of the territory attached to Porter County on the west (Lake County), that all such territory lying south of the line dividing Townships 33 and 34, should form and constitute a township to be known as Bryant,* and that an an election of one Justice of the Peace should be held at the house of Robert Wilkinson, in that township, on the 30th of April, 1836, Robert Wilkinson, Inspector. It was also *Itie usually understood in Lake County, and so appears in various published accounts of the early orf;ani- zation by local writers and others, that the county was divided in 1836 into North, Center and South Town- ships, but this is a careless mistake. Lake County and a strip of the western side of PorteT County were created as Ross Township in March, 1835, by the Commissioners of La Porte County. In April, 1836, as stated above, the f'otmiissionerB of Porter County divided Lake into Bryant, Clark and Ross Townships. In April, 1837, when Lake County was organized, the Commissioners divided the county into North, Center and South Townships. What the County of Lake constituted a part of, prior to March, 1835, could not be certainly learned by the writer. HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 419 ordered that all territory lying west of Porter County, and between the line dividing Townships 33 and 34, and the line dividing Townships 34 and 35, should constitute a township to be known as Clark ; and an election was ordered for such township at the house of Charles H. Paine, on the 30th of April, 1836, with William Clark, Inspector. It was further ordered that all the attached territory west of Porter County and north of the line dividing Townships 34 and 35, should constitute a township to be known as Boss, and an election of necessary officers was ordered held at the house of William B. Crook, in such township, on the 30th of April, 1836, with Bollin T. T. Tozier, Inspector. At the election in Bryant Township, the following persons voted for one Justice of the Peace : Thomas Nolan, Simon Wells, Jesse Bond, Solomon Wilson, Rhesa Nolan, David Bryant, E. W. Bryant, Robert Wilkinson, John Keller, Samuel D. Bryant, Thomas Wiles, Samuel Holstead. Robert Wilkinson received ten votes, and E. W. Bryant two votes. John Keller, S. D. Bryant, Robert Wilkinson, Clerks of Election ; Thomas Wiles, Lyman Wells, Thomas Nolan, Judges of Election. At the election in Clark Township, for the same purpose, the follow- ing persons polled their votes : J. W. Holton, Luman Fowler, William Clark, William Myrick, Henry Farmer, Richard Fancher, W- A. W. Holton, Elias Myrick, Thomas Reed, Henry Myrick, Solon Robinson. Solon Robinson received ten votes, and J. W. Holton one vote. W. A. W. Holton, Henry Myrick, Clerks of Election ; William Clark, Henry Farmer, William Myrick, Judges of Election. On the same day, for the same purpose, in Ross Township, the follow- ing men voted : R. T. Tozier, Jesse Pierce, Henry Biddle, William B. Crooks and William S. Thornburgh. A. L. Ball received five votes. W. S. Thornburgh, W. B. Crooks, Clerks of Election; R. T. Tozier, Inspector ; Jesse Pierce, Henry Riddle, Judges of Election. Formation of County. — By an act of the Legislature, approved on the 18th day of January, 1837, it was declared that Lake should be an independent county after the 15th day of February, 1837, and, on the 8th day of March, 1837, Henry Wells was commissioned Sheriff by the Governor, with full power to order an election of County Commissioners and other necessary officers to administer the affairs of the new county. A Sheriff who had been previously appointed failed to act. In accord- ance with the legal requirements, the Sheriff announced that an election of three County Commissioners, two Associate Judges, one County Re- corder and one Clerk of the Circuit Court, should be held on the 28th day of March, 1837, at the house of Sainuel D. Bryant, with B. W. 420 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Bryant Inspector ; at the house of R. Eddy with William Clark Inspec- tor, and at the house of A. L. Ball with William S. Thornburgh, Inspec- tor. This election was duly held with the following result : Clerk of the Circuit Court— Solon Robinson, 38 ; D. Y. Bond, 21 ; L. A. Fow- ler, 17. County Recorder— William A. W. Holton, 50 ; J. V. Johns, 22. Two Associate Judges— William B. Crooks, 51 ; William Clark, 50; Samuel D. Bryant, 28; Horace Taylor,!. Three County Com- missioners— Amsi L. Ball, 78 ; S. P. Stringham, 59 ; Thomas Wiles, 59. The Commissioners cast lots for the long or short terms with the following result : Mr. Ball three years, Mr. Wiles two years, and Mr. Stringham one year. Miscellaneous Proceedings of the Board of Qommissioners. — On the 5th day of April, 1837, the Commissioners, S. P. Stringham, Amsi L. Ball and Thomas Wiles, met at the house of Solon Robinson for the trans- action of business. It was ordered that the county be divided into Com- missioners' districts as follows : District No. 1 to consist of all the terri- tory lying north of the center of Congressional Township 35 in Ranges 8, 9 and 10, and in Range 7, all north of Township 34. District No. 2 to consist of all the territory lying south of the center of Township 35, in Ranges 8, 9 and 10, and in Range 7 south, of Township 35, and all north of the fifth tier of sections (counting from the south side) in Town- ship 33. District No. 3 to copsist of all the territory lying south of the north tier of sections in Township 33. At the same time it was ordered that the county be divided into three townships, having the same limits and bounds as the three Commissioners' districts, the one on the north to be known as North, the one in the center to be known as Centre, and the one on the south to be known as South. An election of one Justice of the Peace was ordered held on the 18th of April for Centre Township, on the 25th of April for North Township, and on the 25th of April for South Township, the election in North to be held at the house of A. L. Ball, with John Wood, Inspector ; the election in Centre to be held at the house of Solon Robinson, with Elias Myrick, Inspector, and the election in South to be held at the house then lately occupied by Thomas New- land, with E. W. Bryant, Inspector. Peyton Russell, of Liverpool, was elected Justice of the Peace of North ; Milo Robinson and Horace Tay- lor, of Centre ; and E. W. Bryant, of South. The following officers were appointed : North Township — Constable, John Cole ; Fence View- ers, D. Y. Bond and J. Wiggings; Overseers of the Poor, John Wood and George Zuvers ; Road Supervisors, Rufus Clough and Francis Bar- ney. Centre Township — Constable, Thomas Clark ; Fence Viewers, William S. Hunt and H. N. Brooks ; Overseers of the Poor, Henry Farmer and William Payne ; Road Supervisors, John Toby and J. W. HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 421 Holton. South Township — Constable, Jacob Mendenhall ; Fence View- ers, Samuel D. Bryant and Jesse Bond; Overseers of the Poor, John P. Coleman and Blias Bryant ; Road Supervisors, Robert Wilkinson and John P. Coleman. On the second day's session, the following action was taken : Ordered, That the Clerk call on the Clerk of Porter County and ascertain what amount of revenue has been collected by authority of Porter County from citizens of this county for licenses or other purposes, for any time since the 15th of February last. And if he deem the amount sufficient, he shall make a respectful demand upon the Board o^ Commissioners of that county to refund such revenue to this county. He shall also ascertain what amount of money may have been collected from citizens of this county during the last year, as State tax, which properly belongs to the inhabitants of the several Congressional Townships as school money, and report to this board at the next meeting. John Russell was appointed County Assessor, and Milo Robinson 3 per cent Commissioner. A warrant was issued for the arrest of trespass- ers on pine timber in North Township. George W. Edwards, the pine timber trespasser, was brought before the board in May, 1837. His bail was fixed at $1,000. William W. Payne was promised fl, payable April 1, 1839, for one wolf scalp. Vincent Mathews was granted a li- cense to keep a ferry across the Calumet River on Section 13, Township 36, Range 10, upon the payment of $2; also a license to keep a ferry on Deep River at the town of Liverpool w^as granted Henry Frederickson, John B. Chapman and Nathaniel Davis, $10 ; also a license to keep tav- ern was granted A. P. Bucklin and Foster Murdock, of Liverpool, for $10 a year. Horace Stevens, John Craig and Hannah Berry were granted licenses to keep tavern on the shore of Lake Michigan, and S. J. Cady and David Gibson, the same on the sand ridge in the northern part of the county. William N. Sykes was appointed County Surveyor, and Henry Wells Collector of State and county revenue. The citizens of North Township did not elect a Justice of the Peace as ordered, and the 16th of May was fixed for an election for that purpose. The following Trustees of Congressional Townships were appointed : Township 32 north. Range 9 west — Simon Beedle, John McLain and Horace Wood ; Township 33, Range 9 — Jacob Mendenhall, Thomas Wiles and D. M. Dille ; Township 34, Range 9 — P. S. Mason, David Hornor and Daniel May ; Township 33, Range 8 — E. W. Bryant, Eph. Hitchcock and Orrin Smith ; Town- ship 34, Range 8— Joseph P. Smith, J. W. Holton and Milo Robin- son ; Township 35, Range 8 — Jonathan Brown, H. D. Palmer and Jerry Wiggins ; Township 34, Range 7 — Jeremy Hixon, Thayer and Lindsay; Township 35, Range 7 — John Wood, Robert Wilkinson and William Hodson ; Township 36, Range 9 — George Whitmore, S. J. Cady and W. N. Sykes. At this time ten county roads were being viewed. Sealed proposals were called for to build bridges over Deep River on Section 16, 422 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Township 35, Range 7, over the same on or near Section 33, Township 35, Range 8, over Cedar Creek on Section 1, Township 33, Range 9, and over Bull Creek on Section 25, Township 33, Range 10. In vacation after the first May session, the following books were re- ceived from the State. Four sets of twelve volumes Blackfont's Reports, ten copies of Revised Code, two copies each of 1832, 1833, 1834, and three copies of 1836, General Laws ; forty-five copies of General Laws of 1837, five copies Local Laws of 1837, six copies School Laws of 1837, and eight copies of Journal of Senate and House of Representatives. A. L. Ball was given the contract of building a bridge over Deep River, Section 16, Township 35, Range 7, for $400, S. P. Stringham and Thomas Wiles, Superintendents ; Hiram Nordyke, Harbeson Bones and Jacob Nordyke were given the contract to build the bridge over Deep River on Section 33, Township 35, Range 8, Solon Robinson, Superin- tendent ; contract price $500. Robert Wilkinson was given the contract to construct a bridge over Cedar Creek for $200. N. Hayden was given the contract to build the bridge over Bull Creek for $400. The follow- ing licenses were granted: Stephen Smith, to sell groceries in Centre Township, $5 ; J. L. Dille, same, in South Township, on Bull Creek, $5 ; T. M. Dustin, same, in North Township, on Deep River, $5; Robinson & Co., same, with dry goods, in Centre Township, $5 ; Calvin Lilly to keep a tavern near Cedar Lake in Centre Township, $15, and to sell gro- ceries and dry goods, $5. John Russell was paid $45 for assessing the county. Two hundred dollars of the 3 per cent fund was appropriated to build a bridge across Plum Creek. Two hundred dollars was appro- priated to improve the Michigan City State road. A tax of 1 cent on the dollar for county purposes, 3 cents on the hundred dollars for road purposes, and a poll tax of 75 cents for county purposes, was levied on the 30th of May. A higher tax is usually thought to have been lev- ied, but the Commissioners' records contradict this opinion. S. P. String- ham was appointed agent to receive and disburse the surplus revenue. After the second May session, in vacation, Benjamin Stalleup was granted a certificate for $1.50 for three wolf scalps. A license to sell goods and keep tavern granted to Russell & Stilson, of Liverpool, from July to September, for $3.50; same except grocery license, to Benjamin Rich, Liverpool, $2 ; license of 62 cents to Samuel Miller to retail foreign merchandise on Deep River until September. The collector of revenue referred to above refused to act, and the Sheriff, Luman A. Fow- ler, elected in August, was appointed Collector in his place. In September, 1837, it was resolved by the board, " that all Viewers (of roads) appointed by the court at the present term, perform the duty without compensation within thirty days, or give notice to the clerk of HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 423 their refusal to serve." During this session, many roads were projected in the county, and considerable money was paidout for their construction. In truth, from that time onward until the present, the records of the Com- missioners are filled with orders to locate, to view and to construct roads ; and thousands of dollars of public funds have been expended in payment for labor, for material and for supervision. In September, $68.25 were or- dered and paid to the Grand and Petit Jurors, who had served at the first term of the Circuit Court in October. In November, the license granted to Henry Frederickson, Nathaniel Davis and John B. Chapman, proprietors of Liverpool, to keep a ferry across Deep River, was revoked, as they had neglected to procure proper security on their bond. Abner Stilson, Jr., was appointed to keep the ferry, provided he secured a good and suflScient bond. In November, a county seat was adopted ; A. L. Ball, who had been one of the County Commissioners, but who had resigned the position to run for Representa- tive, refused to deliver over to the authorities the books and papers in his possession belonging to the county, whereupon it was " Ordered, That a summons be issued to him to make return of the same forthwith, or ap- pear and show cause why he refuses, at the next term." The following persons served as Grand Jurors at the October term, 1837, of the Circuit Court: John Wood, B. J. Robinson, J. P. Smith, Benj. Albee, Thomas Sawyer, Elias Bryant, Horace Taylor, Henry Wells, W. L. Harrison, Henry Torry, Abner Stilson, Jr., W. W- Payne, James Westbrook, Levi D. Jones, Calvin Lilly and George Barle. At the same time, the follow- ing men served as Petit Jurors : Milo Robinson, G. L. Zabriska, Aaron Cox, Orrin Smith, E. W. Bryant, John Reed, Thomas Hornor, Levi Jones, J. Mendenhall, Horace Wood, Hiram Nordyke, James Prentice, Elias Myrick, G. E. Woodbridge, Henry Farmer, Daniel May, N. D. Hall, Richard Fousher and Allen L. Cord. Amount paid Grand Jurors, $36 ; amount paid Petit Jurors, $26.25 ; amount paid Supernumeraries, $8.75. On the 1st of January, 1838, Milo Robinson, 3 per cent Com- missioner, presented his report as follows, which was accepted : Receipts, $2,380 ; expenditures, $1,896.81 ; balance on hand, $483.19. On the same day, " it now appearing to the satisfaction of the board that the Recorder's oflSce of the county has become vacant, in consequence of the absence of the person heretofore elected to that ofiSce, for more than two months past, to the injury of several citizens now present before the Board, it is, therefore, ' Ordered, That Solon Robinson be, and he is here- by, appointed to fill the said office of Recorder until the next annual elec- tion, and that he enter into bond, and take the oath of office, and enter upon the duties thereof instanter.' " The County Treasurer reported that, from the organization of the county to the 1st of January, 1838, a 424 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. total of $411.14 had been paid to him as such officer, and that a total of $392.25 had been expended by him, leaving a balance in his hands of $18.89. Of this, he was paid $6.16, leaving in the Treasury $12.73. It was also reported that $506.45 in county orders had been issued, of which $114.20 were yet in circulation and unredeemed. The Assessors for 1838 were J. V. Johns, for North Township; Daniel May, for Centre Township, and Jacob Mendenhall, for South Township. In May, 1838, the county was divided into sixteen Road Districts, the following men in order being the Supervisors : S. J. Cady, J. V. Johns, Seth Owens, Boyal Benton, Jonathan Brown, Leonard Cutler, Henry Wells, John Reed, Edmund Brown, Hiram Nordyke, Robert Wilkinson, John Smith. G. L. Zabriska, Thomas Sawyer, Lewis Warriner and Jabez Rhoades. The Assessors were paid : J. V. Johns, $32 ; Daniel May, $25, and Jacob Mendenhall, $18. Luman A. Fowler was appointed Collector of Revenue for 1838. On February 17, 1838, the Legislature enacted that the building wherein the courts were held in Lake County (a log building owned by Solon Robinson) should be declared and established as a court house, and a seat of justice of the county, until such time as the county seat shall be located, and public buildings erected, provided that the Commissioners of Lake County should agree to the provisions of the act, all of which was agreed to by the board, except that the erection of a jail, and other buildings, was postponed. This log building was erected in the summer of 1837, by Solon Robinson and his brother Milo, and was used continuously until the new court house was constructed in 1848 and 1850. In the bond which Solon Robinson gave the County Com- missioners, pledging certain property to the county in consideration for the location of the county seat at Crown Point, was a provision to the effect that the old log building might be used as a court house until the county saw proper to erect new buildings, which did not take place until 1849, after which time the old house was no longer occupied for county purposes. Mr. Amos AUman has a section of one of the logs composing this building, which he prizes next to the historical lecture in his posses- sion, written by Solon Robinson in 1847, and read to the citizens at that early day. Many of the items contained in this volume were obtained from this lecture, which Mr. Allman kindly permitted the historian to inspect. On the 8th of May, 1838, sundry petitions were received by the board from different portions of the cOunty, asking that a re-division of the county into townships should be made, but action on the same was deferred by public announcement until March of the following year. The following are the receipts and expenditures of the county school fund for the first five years, or from the spring of 1837 to the spring of HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 425 1842. Under the head of expenditures, the amounts paid individuals, as indicated, were paid them in their official capacity as Treasurers of their respective townships : BEOEIPTS. Interest of surplus revenue drawn for 1837 $ 170 00 Interest of surplus revenue drawn for 1838 170 00 Interest of surplus revenue drawn for 1839 170 00 Interest of surplus revenue drawn for 1840 170 00 Interest of surplus revenue drawn for 1841 170 00 Interest on the above amounts of 1837 and 1838 16 26 Loans paid School Commissioner, 1838 170 00 Sundry loans and interest, 1839 306 90 Sundry loans and interest, 1840 446 26 Sundry loans and interest, 1841 , 406 76 Totol ?2,195 18 EXPENDITURES. Loans to sundry individuals, 1837 and 1838 $ 440 76 Cash paid Township 34, Range 8, 1838 46 87 Cash paid Township 33, Range 10, 1838 9 56 Cash paid Township 33, Range 8, 1838 '. 25 50 Cash loaned sundry individuals, 1839 298 81 Cash paid Joseph Jackson, Township 33, Range 10, 1839 4 27 Cash paid Horace Taylor, Township 34, Range 9, 1839 32 33 Cash paid W. A. W. Holton, Township 34, Range 8, 1839 24 40 Cash paid E. Saxton, Township 35, Range 8, 1839 14 75 Cash paid E. W. Bryant, Township 33, Range 8, 1839 21 46 Loans, 1839 80 00 Loans, 1840 183 81 Cash paid Solon Robinson, Township 34, Range 8, 1840 20 40 Cash paid T. Sweney, Township 33, Range 7, 1840 9 00 Cash paid James Farwell, Township 34, Range 10, 1840 12 00 Cash paid E. W. Bryant, Township 33, Range 8, 1840 17 00 , Cash paid W. A. Nichols, Township 34, Range 7, 1840 14 40 Cash paid Horace Taylor, Township 34, Range 9, 1840 24 40 Cash paid Horace Taylor, Township 34, Range 9, 1837 and 1838.. 29 16 Cash paid W. A. Nichols, Townsliip 34, Range 7, 1841 48 54 Cash paid Solon Robinson, Township 34, Range 8, 1841 34 71 Cash paid Horace Taylor, Township 34, Range 9, 1841 61 16 Cash paid B. Barney, Township 35, Range 7, 1841 25 00 Cash paid W. N. Sykes, Township 35, Range 8, 1841 33 13 Cash paid G. L. Zabriska, Township 33, Range 8, 1841 30 76 Cash paid T. C. Sweney, Township 33, Range'7, 1841 20 25 Total $1,562 43 Receipt balance held in the form of notes 632 75 In May, 1838, the licenses for tavern stands and liquor sales in Liv- erpool were fixed at $30 per year ; at other places on the Sand Ridge- road at $25 per year, and in other portions of the county at $15. An appeal was taken to the Circuit Court by Frederickson, Davis and Chap- man from the order of the board granting to Abner Stilson, Jr., condi- 426 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. tionally, the license to keep the ferry over Deep River at Liverpool. The security of the bond of these men having been made satisfactory, the court granted them the right of keeping the ferry. In November, 1838, L. A. Fowler, Sheriff, fitted up the lower room of the old log court house for a prison, at a cost of $64. The County Seat.— On the 2d of November, 1838, the following action was taken : Whereas, The law organizing the county of Lake prohibita the Board of Commission- ers from calling on the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the county seat of said county, until after the general sale of public lands in said county, and Whereas, The county suffers much inconvenience in consequence of the county seat not being permanently located, and Whbeeas, Only a part of such public lands are as yet offered for sale, and Whereas, Much of the land in said county is claimed and held under the late pre- emption law of Congress. We would, therefore, respectfully ask the Legislature at their next session to so amend said law as to allow the County Commissioners to call on the Locating Commis- sioners at any time after the passage of the said law, to examine said county, and if they find a suitable point upon which to fix such location that is held by pre-emption title, that they may, if they see proper, fix the location upon said site. And it is further ordered that the- Clerk of this Board certify this order to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and request him to lay the same before the House for their action thereon. In response to this entreaty from Lake County, the State Legislature, in February, 1839, appointed five Locating Commissioners, and instructed them by special enactment to proceed to Lake County, and locate the county seat ; whereupon, in obedience to the order, the following action was taken by such Commissioners : We, the undersigned Commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice of Lake County, after having examined the local situation and advantages of three points, to wit.: Lake Court House, Cedar Lake and Liverpool, a majority of the undersigned have agreed to locate said county seat on the town plat of Liverpool, and place the stake for the court house of said county on the public square of the town of Liverpool, in case the pro- prietors and donors comply with their proposals by securing to the county of Lake the amount offered by them, the bonds to be approved by us before we set the stake for the court house. The above bonds referred to have been signed and approved by us this 11th of May, 1839. (Signed) John M. Lemon, Stephen Jones, Abahel K. Payne, Jacob Ellis, Samuel Wittier, Locating CommUiioners. At the same time, the Locating Commissioners turned over to the County Commissioners seven bonds given by the proprietors of Liverpool, whereby certain donations of property were secured to the county. They also drew their pay, a total of |138, and were discharged. In conformity with the legal requirements, George Earle was appointed County Agent HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 427 to look after the property that had been donated the county as a consider- ation of the location of the county seat at Liverpool, and to perform other duties required by the act establishing the seat of justice in new counties. But the location of the county seat at Liverpool was not at all satisfactory to the citizens of the central and southern portions of the county. So great was the hostility to the location of the county seat at Liverpool, not merely because the location was at one end of the county, but because the citizens were generally satisfied that some sort of sharp work had induced the Locating Commissioners to select Liverpool, that the county ofiScers were publicly urged not to go to that town until the State Legislature had been petitioned for a re-location. Under the law, the county officers were not compelled to remove to Liverpool until suitable buildings for their occupancy had been erected. The proprietors of Liverpool began the erection of a frame court house, but the building was never quite finished. It remained unoccupied at Liverpool until 1846, when it was floated down the river to Blue Island, where it was used as a tavern many years. At the session of 1839—40, the Legislature received information of the dissatisfaction existing in Lake over the county seat question, whereupon a re-location was ordered, and Commissioners were appointed to carry the enactment into efieot. These officers met, deliberated, and finally made the following report : To the Board of Oommissioners of the County of Lake, State of Indiana : We, the undersigned Commissioners to re-locate the seat of justice of said county appointed by an act passed at the last session of the Legislature, having met agreeable to the provisions of that act at a place named in said act as West Point, on Monday, the 8tli day of June, instant, and having taken the oath required by law, have proceeded to the fulfillment of our duty, and after having thoroughly examined the situation of the county , as to the quality of the soil, weight of the present population, and having duly examined and considered the several sites offered, together with the donations offered in bonds, money and labor upon the public buildings, and duly deliberated upon all the several matters in relation thereto, have come to the conclusion, unanimously, to fix the said seat of justice on Section 8, Town 34, Range 8, near where the present temporary court house is situated ; and for the purpose of erecting the court house and public offices, we have selected an acre of ground on the north side of the present public ground or square, a more particular description of the situation of which, and the use it is designed for, as well as a full description of all the land donated for the use of the county, will be found in a paper marked " original proposals," and in a bond taken in pursuance of that, which /papers are herewith returned, having been approved and accepted by us. We also return to you sundry obligations of individuals for donations of money, materials and labor toward your public buildings, which we have ordered to be secured to your satisfaction ; and having discharged all the duties required of us by law, we most respectfully submit this, our report, to you, and ask to be considered discharged from our duties under said law. Bhward Mooee, Jesse Tommnson, Henet Baeklet, Joshua Lindset, Daniel Dale, Lake Cocet HotrsE, Lake County, Ind., June 12, 1840. Locating Oommissioners. z 428 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. These Commissioners, having performed their duty, were paid $184.75, and discharged. George Earle was continued County Agent, with orders to have the notes of Henry Myrick, James Wright, J. A. Bothwell, C. F. Cooke, Daniel May and Jacob Gilbert executed agreeably to their several donations. The agent was also ordered to prepare a plat of the town, to be laid off in accordance with the obligations of the proprietors of the county seat, and to assume control of the lands and other property that had been donated, as follows : William Clark, 35 acres, a portion of which, owing to some imperfections in the transfer, went back to Mr. Clark'; Solon Robinson, 20 acres on the west ; Russel Eddy, 10 acres, and J. W. Holton, 15 acres, besides one-half the lots of the county seat, all of which property furnished the county with an important source of revenue in after years, and obviated much of the necessity of heavy tax- ation. Mr. Robinson had made other valuable concessions to the county, such as receiving county orders, and furnishing a court house for the county. In September, 1840, the building belonging to Solon Robinson was enlarged, by raising the roof, for the purpose of affording more room for the county oflSces. At the same time, the county agent was ordered to sell the county lots in Crown Point, on a credit of one, two and three years, taking notes for the same, and also to rent the land donated by William Clark and J. W. Holton, to some person who would put it under a good state of cultivation. A bounty of $2 was ordered paid for wolf scalps. A public pound was built, and Henry Wells appointed keeper. At this time, the board gave notice that $20 would be paid for the best plan for a county court house, the building to be 28x46 feet, with court room below and offices above, the plan to be accompanied with full specifications, with estimated amount of material, cost, etc. No further action on that matter seems to have been taken. Arrangements to construct a fire-proof Auditor's office were made in March, 1844. It was ordered that the log building owned by Solon Robinson, and situated at the west end of the court house, should be turned over to Mr, Robinson, in March, 1844, as it was no longer needed by the county officers. In Sep- tember, Michael M. Mills donated $50, in labor, toward the construction of the public buildings. The county agent was authorized to contract for stone for the foundation of the new court house. In June, 1845, it was ordered that two offices should be built of brick, each 18x24 feet, both to be com- pleted before the 1st of November, 1845, the architecural design to be under the direction of William C. Farrington, H. S. Pel ton and Joseph P. Smith, and the superintendency to be under Henry Wells. Michael M. Mills was given the contract of constructing the county offices, the consideration to be partly cash and partly on time, with interest. The HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 429 notes which had been given by those who had donated money to the county, or had purchased town lots, had not yet been paid, and the county agent was instructed to cash the same as soon as possible, as the money was needed in payment for building the ofiSces. In March, 1846, Solon Robinson was notified to remove his log building from the court house square, which was accordingly done. In September, the county oiEces were ready for occupancy. At the December session, 1846, Henry Wells was appointed a Commissioner to advertise the letting of a contract to furnish 250,000 bricks for the building of a court house, at a price not exceeding $3.25 per thousand, to be delivered on the lot north of tho public square in Crown Point by the 1st of January, 1848, payable as follows : $150 in labor donations and the balance in county orders, sub- ject to the direction of the board. The design of this order does not seem to have been realized as soon as was expected, as in December, 1847, the county agent was directed to procure a plan and specifications for a court house, 36x56 feet, with a porch or portico in front, ten feet wide, with columns to support the roof and . proportioned in a suitable manner for the purposes intended, with wings on each side, 16x18 feet, and to report his doings at the next term of the board. In March, 1848, those indebted to the county for donations toward the erection of the county buildings were notified to pay up, and it was intimated that upon refusal, suit would be commenced. This had the effect of raising the necessary funds. The Sheriff was notified to repair the jail. In March, 1848, the county agent was directed to procure a plan and specifications for a court house without wings, as was ordered some time before. On the 5th of June, 1848, the Board authorized the county agent to adver- tise in the Western Ranger, of Valparaiso, the letting of a contract to build a court house at Crown Point, agreeable to plans and specifications in the hands of the agent, John W. Dinwiddie, sealed proposals to be received until the first Monday of September next, the house to be com- pleted within two years from the time of letting the contract, payments to be made every three months, as the work progressed, 15 per cent of the payments to be retained until the building was completed. Thus, after many years of talking and maneuvering, a sensible and determined movement was made. This offer had the right ring in it, something which former offers did not possess, and soon led to effective results. Jeremy Hixon's proposal was received, and Luman A. Fowler was ap- pointed Superintendent of the work. Soon after this, a portion of the public square was ordered laid off into lots and sold, the proceeds to go toward the erection of the county buildings. Work on the court house was begun in the spring of 1849, and constant, slight alterations, in both the cost and the plan of the building, were made by the Commissioners 430 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. from time to time, until the house was completed in 1850, at a cost, in round numbers, of $10,000. A bell for the new court house was tendered the county, by John Hack, the same to revert to him or his heirs, when no longer needed. In March, 1851, the contract to build a county jail was given to H. M. Nash, for $2,600. This building was completed, and accepted in January, 1853. Legislative Acts. — In April, 1853, the herd law was put into effect in the townships of the county, certain animals specified being permitted to run at large. In June, 1855, Harvey Pettibone was appointed agent, for the sale of spiritous liquors, in pursuance of an act of the Legislature, approved February 16, 1855. His compensation was fixed at $209 per year, and reports were required quarterly. On the 18th of June, 1854, the Treasurer's office at Crown Point was broken open and robbed of $2,636.71 belonging to the different funds of the county ; $1,000 re- ward was offered for the apprehension of the burglars, but the culprits were never discovered. In July, 1865, Lorenzo D. Holmes, Michael Johnson, Peter Schiller, Jghn Krost and W. S. Babbitt, representing the " Lake County Drainage Association," asked the Board for the appoint- ment of appraisers to assess damages to the lands of individuals in certain ditches, designed to be constructed. Whereupon, G. C. Dutton, Henry Hayward and another were appointed such appraisers. In June, 1868, appraisers were appointed for the " Calumet Valley Drainage Company." In March, 1859, John E. Trass was given the contract of the wood work and J. H. Abrams of the brick work, " for the enlargement and rebuild- ing of the county offices." Many alterations and modifications were made to the county buildings, from time to time, during the long period which elapsed from the time of their erection until the new court house was built. An enactment. of the Legislature, passed in 1838, provided that cer- tain fines and penalties should be devoted to the purchase of a county library. In about the year 1841, the amount had reached about $100, which was invested in books. A Librarian was appointed and by-laws adopted, and the citizens began to enjoy themselves at the expense of law-breakers. In 1845, Joseph P. Smith became Librarian and Treas- urer. In 1846, arrangements were made to devote a portion of the proceeds of the sale of town lots at Crown Point to the purchase of books ; and, at the same time, a number of messages of the President of the United States were ordered bound, and several important volumes of law and miscellany were received as contributions. New books for thu library were in great demand, so much so that they were often kept out much longer than the by-laws allowed. On one occasion, the County Commissioners ordered Edwin B. Warriner to replace in the library the HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 431 second volume of the " Phantom Ship," probably that others might read it before it was all absorbed. Joseph Jackson succeeded Mr. Smith, who went out to fight the Mexicans, and remained Librarian and Treasurer for some eight or ten years. Several hundred volumes were in the library. In 1854, the State Board of Education sent six school libraries to Lake County to be distributed to the townships, under the direction of the County Commissioners. The following disposition was made of the books : One set for North and Hobart Townships, one for Ross, one for Centre and Winfield, one for St. Johns and Hanover, one for West Creek and one for Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek. D. K. Pettibone and Daniel Turner were Distributing Commissioners. The development of the com- mon school system invaded the ground that had formerly been covered by the county library and the county seminary projects, and early in the fifties the funds of both were turned over to the common school fund. Many of the old books may yet be seen scattered throughout the county. Quite a library was received by the county from the McClure bequest. These may yet be seen at Crown Point. An enactment of the Legislature, in 1838, provided that certain county revenues should be set apart to be used, when suflBcient, for the erection and maintenance of a County Seminary. In April of the same year, Milo Robinson was appointed Seminary Trustee. On the 8th of May, he reported $1 in his hands as such oflBcer. He was required to give bond for $200, and was continued Trustee. He was succeeded by Henry Wells, who continued to serve for several years. In January, he had on hand |31.75. He reported |102.22 in his hands in 1843. The funds continued to increase at about this rate until, in about 1848, they amounted to about $800, and were at this time held as notes, the money having been loaned at interest. No attempt was made to build a County Seminary as the law provided, and the common school law of 1852 did away with the use (so it was thought) of such institutions, and the funds went to the schools of the county. The Poor Farm. — Prior to March, 1854, the poor of Lake County were taken care of in the townships where they resided, and when neces- sary, county funds were paid for their maintenance. The keeping and the doctoring of paupers were let to the lowest bidders, and quite often the poor fell into bad hands and were poorly treated, while the stipend which was received for their benefit was largely (if that is the proper word, considering the diminutive weekly, or weakly, amount) squandered in other ways. On the 10th of September, 1853, Alfred D. Poster was appointed an agent to attend the sale of lands at Crown Point, on the 15th of Septem- ber, and to purchase "such land upon Section 31, Township 35, Range 432 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 8, as he may, in his discretion, deem to be best adapted to the purpose of making a County Poor Farm, and the Auditor [is authorized to] draw an order upon the Treasurer for the amount necessary to pay for such lands as the said agent may purchase." In pursuance of this order, the fol- lowing land was purchased : The east half of the southeast quarter, the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter, the west half of the southeast quarter, all of Section 31, Township 35 north. Range 8 west. For some reason which the writer could not learn, this land was not used as a poor farm, though it seems to have been purchased by the Commissioners. In March, 1854, the house of William Sanders, of West Creek Town- ship, was established as the County Asylum for the poor of Lake County, and William Sanders was appointed Superintendent. At the same time, the Trustees of each township were directed to convey all permanent paupers to this "asylum; " and the Overseers of the Poor of each town- ship were authorized to place temporarily therein, all persons becoming, for short periods, township charges. Arrangements were also made for taking suitable care of future county paupers. Harvey Pettibone, M. D., was employed at $1.75 each visit to the asylum, to administer the neces- sary medical care to the county paupers. On the 25th of March, much of the above was rescinded, and the Commissioners purchased of James H. Luther the northeast quarter of Section 20, Township 34, Range 8, for $3,000, which did not include a mortgage of $1,000 on the farm, held by Sarah Brundage, and dated May 3, 1853. Upon this farm was a roomy dwelling, which was imme- diately occupied by the county paupers, with Jacob Merton, Superin- tendent. The mortgage was redeemed by the Commissioners in about the year 1858. Dr. Harvey Pettibone was employed as follows to ad- minister medical care to the poor: One dollar for each visit to a single patient, and twenty-five cents for eacb additional patient. In March, 1855, the Commissioners noticed with some alarm that, from June 1, 1854, to March 7, 1855, no less than $1,700 had been expended in the support of the poor, in furnishing the poor house and providing the paupers with medical attendance; whereupon the Trustees of the several townships were directed to investigate carefully the case of each claimant for a position as pauper in the poor house, as satisfactory evidence had been "received that persons have been quartered there and supported at the expense of the county who were amply able to take care of them- selves." It was ordered that the Treasurer be instructed to pay upon the direction of the Auditor, to James H. Luther, the sum of $775, when the note held by Mr. Luther against the county for the poor farm become due. The Superintendency of the farm was, for a number of years, advertised by public notices and let to the lowest bidder. C. C. Payne was given the HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 433 position for one year, beginning March 8, 1856 ; and Harvey Pettibone was re-appointed attending physician, and both were continued in the same positions for the year beginning March, 1857. Mr Payne con- tinued as Superintendent until March 10, 1860, when Samuel Cade, with a salary of $350 per year, succeeded him, continuing for two years. Alfred H. Heath succeeded him in March, 1862 ; salary $300 ; and James Hemenway took the position at the same salary, March, 1863. In the meantime. Dr. Harvey Pettibone remained "County Physician." The following men, among others, have since been Superintendents : Levi J. Corbin, 1864; Patrick McGuire, 1864; William P. Wedge, 1865-67; Gordon McWilliams, 1867-81; William S. Babbitt, 1881. During the greater number of these years, Dr. Pettibone was County Physician. In 1861, $2,000 indebtedness against the poor farm was paid by the issuance of that amount of county bonds. This debt was what remained of the purchase price of the farm. It is rarely the case that any county, so early in its history, with its resources largely undeveloped, and its revenues yet in comparative infancy, undertakes, on so large a scale, and at such a sacrifice as Lake has done, the care of its indigent and helpless. Lake is a rich county, and yet it is a poor county. Its miles of low land cannot now be cultivated, and yet the hay which is harvested affords an unfailing and abundant revenue. Twenty years ago, no county in the State, with few exceptions, took better care of its poor. Mr. Cade, Poor Superintendent, reported for the year ending March, 1862, poor house expenses amounting to $647.78, and the purchase of $67 worth of live stock. At the beginning of the year, there were twenty-three paupers, fifteen left during the year, one died, leaving seven inmates at the end of the year. At no time during the history of the county was more paid out for the maintenance of the poor farm and the wants of the poor than from 1856 to 1861. Some years, nearly $2,500 was thus expended. In 1865, the Commissioners bought of Enos M. Cramer for $8,000 the following property : The west half of Section 11, the west half of the north- east quarter of Section 11, the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 11, the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 14, and the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 14 — all in Township 84, Range 8. Also the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 21, Township 35, Range S, and Lot 17, in the Railroad Addi- tion to Crown Point. Mr. Cramer had become involved in an oflBcial capacity, and this property was turned over to the Commissioners to satisfy their claims against him. About a year later, the most of the above land was sold to Robert Mitchell, who was unable to meet the pay- ments, and in 1868 the Commissioners recovered in court a judgment of 434 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. $2,130 and costs against Mitchell, who turned over the northwest quar- ter of Section 11, Township 34, Range 8, to meet the judgment, or, rather, this land was sold at Sheriff's sale and purchased by the Com- missioners for $2,216.88, which amount covered the judgment, cost and interest. On the 11th of December, 1869, the board declared that here- after the following ground should be the poor farm ; the southwest quarter, the south half of the northwest quarter, and the south- west quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 11, Township 34, Range 8 — in all 280 acres. The old farm on Section 20, Township 34, Range 8, was abandoned, and the new immediately occupied. Here the farm has since remained. It now consists of 300 acres, 160 of which are under cultivation, the remainder being pasture and woodland. There are nineteen inmates, five of them being females. The expense of conducting the farm in 1881, including the care of the in- mates, over and above the receipts of the products, was $1,126. For the last few years the poor farm receipts have netted on the average about $500. The greatest number of inmates the poor house has ever had, was twenty-seven, during December and January, 1881—2. Agricultural Society. — As early as May, 1839, the Commissioners ordered notice to be given that a meeting of the citizens would be held at the court house, for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, if such action was deemed expedient. Some twenty of the citi- zens assembled and made the effort, and at first the enterprise seemed likely to succeed, but a subsequent meeting was not attended by more than half a dozen, and the matter was dropped. Another attempt was made a few years later to have one organized by Centre Township alone, but this, likewise, proved abortive. Solon Robinson, who at this time was a distinguished correspondent of the Cultivator, an agricultural paper published in the Bast, was at the head of these movements. Her- vey Ball was also prominently connected with the enterprise. The Lake County Agricultural Society was organized at the court house, in Crown Point, on August 27, 1851, on which occasion William Clark was chosen Chairman, and Dr. Harvey Pettibone, Secretary. A committee, consisting of Hervey Ball, John Church and David Turner, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, and then the meeting adjourned until the 30th, when the same officers presided, and the con- stitution and by-laws, which had been prepared, was adopted, whereupon the meeting again adjourned until the following Thursday, on which occasion the following permanent officers of the society were elected: President, Hervey Ball ; Vice President, William Clark ; Secretary, Joseph P. Smith ; Treasurer, John W. Dinwiddie ; Directors, Henry Wells, of Centre , A. D. Foster, of West Creek ; Michael Pierce, of HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 435 Eagle Creek; H. Kielman, of St. Johns; Augustine Humphreys, of Winfield, and William N. Sykes, of Ross. Owing to a lack of means, no fair was held in autumn of 1851. A meeting of the members of the society was held on September 6, 1852, at which time David Turner had taken the place of Dr. Pettibone, as Trejisurer, the other officers remain- ing the same. The Directors at this time were Solomon Martin, of North ; D. H. Hale, of Ross ; Henry Kielman, of St. Johns ; J. H. Luther, of Centre ; A. D. Foster, of West Creek ; J. H. Sanger, of Cedar Creek ; Michael Pierce, of Eagle Creek ; Augustine Humphreys, of Winfield, and George Earle, of Hobart. The first fair was held at the court house October 28, 1852. Sixty-nine entries were made, and thirty premiums awarded, which amounted to $48. The same President and Secretary were re-elected until the seventh annual fair. The fair was a success, though, of course, on a small scale. It had previously been ordered that the premiums on butter should be awarded and paid on only twenty pounds or more, which had been made not less than four months before the fair ; $10 were ofi'ered for the best ten acres of corn, and $5 for the second best same. Raymond Williams, D. H. Hale, W. A. W. Holton and William Brown took premiums on horses; Raymond Williams, Perry Jones, A. H. Merton, Theodore Bostwick and A. D. Foster, on cattle ; Raymond Williams and Loren Hixon, on sheep ; Franklin McCarty, on swine; Mrs. Thomas Clark and Mrs. Russel Eddy, on butter ; Mrs. J. A. H. Ball and Mrs. J. H. Luther, on cheese ; Mrs. William Townley, on tomato catsup; Maj. Allman, on apples ; W. A. W. Holton, on squashes and beets ; Albert Kilburn, on turnips, ruta- bagas and radishes ; John Shehan, on pinkeye potatoes ; M. V. B. Smith, on best six radishes, and Henry M. Nash, on beets and radishes. The reciepts of the first fair were $91, expenditures $58.25, balance in treasury, $32.75. This was a very creditable showing, and was en- couraging. The second fair was held October 27 and 28, 1853, the premiums paid amounting to $61.75. Eighty-seven entries were made, and sixty- two premiums awarded. In 1856, the society decided to purchase a fair ground of two and one-half acres ; but instead of doing this, five acres of land, now the southern part of Crown Point, were leased until October, 1865, at which time a deed for the same was to be made by the owner, Henry Wells, to the society upon the payment of $500. This land was encumbered with a mortgage, and after passing through various vicissi- tudes, it became, eventually, the property of the society, and was used for many years. Fairs were held annually until 1859, inclusive, when the excitement of war came on, and a continuation was delayed by mutual consent. 436 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. On July 20, 1867, the citizens of the county met at the court house to re-organize the society. Hon. Hiram Wason was made Chairman, and A. E. Beattie, Secretary. On motion, the old constitution was adopted. The following oflScers were elected : President, Hiram Wason ; Treas- urer, J. C. Sauerman; Secretary,- A. E. Beattie. The Trustees of the several townships were appointed a Board of Directors. The following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the present condition of the county fair ground demand^ immediate " Reconstruction," and that to enable the Lake County Agricultural Society to succeed in its enterprise, the Board of County Commissioners be requested to build a suitable fence around the said grounds. The fair was held on the 2d, 3d and 4th of October, 1867. An ex- cellent display was made, and $188.25 was paid in premiums. Other expenses, $150; receipts, $506.60; balance on hand, $168.05. The County Commissioners have done much to encourage the agricultural so- ciety in its work. In September, 1856, upon the application of several citizens, they appropriated $100 out of the county funds to be used as a contribution to the society for the purpose of assisting in defraying the expense of purchasing a permanent fair ground. As no ground was then purchased, this fund was not used. In March. 1857, $100 was appropriated, to be used in fencing the grounds. This welcome contri- bution was used the following year. In September 1858, and Decem- ber, of the same year, $200 was contributed for the construction of a floral hall. After the re-organization .of the society, $50 was contributed to build a stand, with seats, and in September, 1867, $560, more or less, was given to inclose the ground with a substantial tight-board fence. June 30, 1876, L. D. Search sold to the Commissioners the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 17, Township 34, Range 8, containing forty acres, for $5,000, the land being incumbered with a mortgage of $1,000, the payment of which the Commissioners assumed. This ground has since been used by the Agricultural Society for a fair ground. The rents of the first two years were donated to the society to be used in improving the grounds. Without doubt, this is one of the finest county fair grounds of the State. The half-mile track forms just the circuit of a small and beautiful lake, upon which the occupants of pleasure boats may rest while viewing the races and the crowds upon the land. The track and the lake are surrounded by rolling uplands, crowned with picturesque groups of fine native forestry. On an emi- nence, where a fine view of the track and lake may be had, is the com- modious and tastefully arranged floral hall, erected at a cost of about $1,500. At present, the grounds are rented for $100 annually, and is realized every year from the ice obtained, for summer use, at the HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 437 lake. The present ofiBcers of the Agricultural Society are H. R. Ward, President ; Ross Wilson, Vice President ; J. C. Sauerman, Treasurer ; G. I. Maillet, Secretary ; R. H. Wells, General Superintendent ; Fred Jornecke, Maj. M. E. Atkins, Peter Portz, George Krimbill, Thomas Wilmarth, Abbot Wason, Elijah S. Clark, John Pierce, A. McFarland, Nathaniel Banks, John Beckman, C. L. Templeton, Directors ; William Krimbill and P. A. Banks, Finance Committee. The fair receipts for 1881, were $1,409.56, of which $809.56 was from the sale of tickets. After the re-organization of the society in 1867, the fairs were named as if no interregnum had intervened. The present one (1882), is the twenty-fourth annual fair. County Buildings. — The old court house of 1849 was used with many improvements and additions to it, and to the county offices, until the ses- sion of the Board of Commissioners on the 9th of March, 1878, when it was decided that "public convenience and necessity demand the con- struction of a new court house, and, as the finances of the county are in a most favorable condition, it is ordered that some competent architect be employed to prepare the necessary plans and specifications." It was also decided that the new house should not cost more than $45,000. For a few years, the construction of a new court house had occupied the minds of the citizens, some favoring it and many opposing it, owing to the prob- able heavy taxation following in its wake. Those who opposed the measure were, for a time, successful in securing the election of County Commissioners who opposed the construction, but; in 1878, the other party triumphed, and the Commissioners, if not pledged to erect the building, went on determined, of their own accord, before their term of office ex- pired, to have a new house. There was then in the county treasury about $60,000. J. C. Cochran, of Chicago, an experienced architect, was employed to prepare specifications of the new building for the con- sideration of the board, and after the plan had been selected, it was placed on public exhibition, and sealed proposals for the erection of the build- ing were solicited, with the following result, the proposals being received July 6, 1878 : P. J. Sexton *53,110 Thomas & Kichter 59,924 ^ D. H. Hayes 44,875 Leach & Burdick, Amherst atone 49,365 Leach & Burdiek, Bedford stone 48,921 Leach & Burdick, Jolietor Lemont stone 48,729 C. W. Dickover 64,990 T. L. Kempster 53,618 Jacob Bremer 57,789 J. H. Donlin 44,800 John Wilke & Son 55,860 438 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. John Wilke & Son, Bedford stone $66,420 John Wilke & Son, Joliet Btone 55,220 G. M. Webster 58,919 Thomas & Hugh Colwell 47,990 John Cox 48,895 James Lille 61,300 Barker & Begue 51,700 John Martin 55,000 Daniel A. Walsh 55,555 Diener & Robinson, Lemont stone 69,980 Diener & Robinson, Cleveland stone.* 61,035 Earnshaw & Goble 48,985 D. P. Hopping & Co 43,673 A. Z. Hageman, Jr 47,725 The proposals were carefully considered, and the contract was finally awarded to the Colwell Brothers, of Ottawa, 111., for $45,000, but this was afterward made $46,300. Work was begun in August, and finished in 1879, the total cost, including everything, footing up, in round num- bers, to $52,000 ; $5,000 was left in the county treasury after the house was completed and paid for. It is said that this condition of things is true of no other county in the State. The building is a red brick struct- ure, in the form of a cross, with stone corners and window trimmings for the lower story, and stone window trimmings for the upper story and dome, and is a credit to the contractor, the architect and the county. The corner-stone was laid on the 10th of September, 1878, with im- posing ceremonies. The day was bright and pleasant, and about 8,000 people assembled to enjoy the occasion. William Krimbill was General Marshal of the day, and D. McDonald, Past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge, of Indiana, was Master of Ceremonies. There were present dele- gations in organized order from all portions of the county, from Porter County, from Chicago, and from other neighboring places. The proces- sion marched in the following order : Hobart Band, Toleston Fire Com- pany, Valparaiso Band, Crown Point Singverein, Hobart Lodge, Valpa- raiso Commandery, Merrillville Lodge, Logansport Band, Lowell Lodge, Logansport Commandery, Crown Point Lodge, citizens in carriages and on foot. The cerembnies were opened by the singing of the quartet club of the Chicago Apollo Commandery ; prayer was oifered by Rev. T. H. BaU, after which the copper box containing the following articles was placed in the stone, the list of articles being read by W. W. Cheshire : 1. A copy of the organization of the county, with statement of taxes, etc. 2. A copy of the tax duplicate of Lake County. 3. A copy of the His- tory of Lake County, T. H. Ball, author. 4. A copy of Prairie Voice, T. H. Ball. 5. A copy of the Crown Point Register, F. S. Bedell and J. J. Wheeler, editors. 6. A copy of the Crown Point Cosmos, by John Milliken. 7, A copy of the Crown Point Star. 8. A copy of the HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 439 Crown Point Freie Presse, John Lehmann, editor. 9. A copy of the charter of the Masonic L6dge of Crown Point. 10. A copy of the char- ter of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Lowell, No. 245. 11. A solid can- non ball used in the war of 1861-65, weighing twelve pounds. 12. A copy of the day's program. 13. A copy of the constitution and by-laws of the Crown Point Gesang-Verein. 14. A protograph of the new court house. 15. A copy of the charter of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Crown Point, No. 195. 16. One cigar by Eder Brothers. 17. A copy of the Oastalian, the first literary paper published in Lake County. 18. A copy of the dispensation of Merrillville Lodge. 19. A copy of Low- ell's Business Directory. 20. A copy of the charter of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Hobart. 21. A copy of the charter of the Masonic Lodge of Hobart. The corner-stone was laid, after which T. J. Wood, Esq., de- livered the oration of the day. A sumptuous dinner was partaken of on the old fair ground, and the ceremonies ended. The Register said it was "the most enjoyable day ever witnessed in Crown Point." In 1882, it was decided that the county should have a new jail and Jailer's residence. The old building was insecure for criminals of the more desperate class, and the portion occupied by the family of the Jailer or Sheriff was not a desirable residence. The latter consideration might not have influenced the county to undertake the work, had it alone been the prompter. An actual want was felt for the secure confinement of criminals. Accordingly, specifications were drawn up, and sealed pro- posals were called for, with the following result : Thomas & Hugh Colwell (the building without steel cells and iron works), $12,850 ; Gus Wilke & Co. (without steel cells and iron works), $12,500 ; P. J. Pauly & Bro. (the building, including steel cells and iron works), $23,850 ; P. J. Pauly & Co. (the steel cells and iron works only), $10,867. The contract of erecting the building was awarded Gus Wilke & Co., of Chicago, at $12,500, and the contract of furnishing the steel cells and iron works, was awarded P. J. Pauly & Bro., of St. Louis, at $10,867 ; total for the whole, $23,367. The building, a large, handsome two-story brick structure, was erected, furnished and completed in the fall of 1882. It is one of the best county jail buildings in the State, and has six steel cells for males and four for females, with strong steel corridors and bath- rooms. Both it and the court house are a credit to the county. H. R. Ward, County Commissioner, superintended the construction of the jail. County Press. — The first attempt made in Lake County to publish a newspaper, or anything approaching that character, was some time prior to 1840, the exact date being unobtainable. Solon Robinson procured a 440 HISTOKY OP LAKE COUNTY. small press and a small amount of type, and began printing from time to time handbills, land transfers, extras on agriculture, and spicy poems on local subjects of special interest to the citizens, and occasionally would issue quite a little paper, with comments on public affairs of the day, and notices of local events of general interest. The periodical could not properly be called a paper at all, although in the United States census of 1840 it was so recorded. Its name, if it had a permanent one, was pos sibly the Western Ranger, though this is wholly speculative, and likely falsely arises from the fact that the paper's legitimate successor, which was issued a few years later from the same press and type, which had been transferred to Valparaiso, was called by that name, and circulated largely over Lake County, if such a thing was possible in view of the limited number of settlers. The exact time of the discontinuance of this occa- sional sheet issued at Crown Point is no longer remembered, but was pre- vious to 1843. In the spring or early summer of 1857, J. S. Holton, John Wheeler. Z. F. Summers and several others, advanced $300 in cash for the pur- chase of a press and type, and guaranteed a circulation equivalent to $800, if Rodney Dunning, a former citizen of Valparaiso, would start and continue a Republican paper at Crown Point. Mr. Dunning ac- cepted the proposal, purchased all necessary material with the $300 ad vanced, and issued the first number of the Lahe County Herald, a small six-column folio newspaper ; subscription price $2 per annum. E. M. Horam became connected with the paper. The venture started mainly through the enterprise of Mr. Holton, who, with others, was desirous of having a county paper. Prior to this the citizens were obliged to patron- ize as their nearest local paper, the Observer at Valparaiso, which, for a number of years, circulated largely in Lake County, and which a portion of the time devoted considerable space to Lake County news. The citi- zens of Crown Point, therefore, hailed the new venture with joy, and gave it a respectable circulation from the start ; but Mr. Dunning was not the man to succeed in newspaper work, and his shiftless unconcern soon became notorious, the tone of the paper was weak and vascilating, the circulation fell off. Mr. Dunning threw up the sponge in about Sep- tember, 1857, and the office reverted to those who had advanced the pur- chase price, and who had kept a lien upon the property. Mr. Holton soon became the owner of the slight interests of the others, but, as he had other matters requiring his time, the office was shut up, though a standing offer of sale was announced to any responsible person who would not remove the office from Crown Point. Thus affairs remained until February, 1858, when the office was sold to John Wheeler and Z. F. Summers, who immediately issued the first number of the Crown Point HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 441 Register, a Republican sheet, folio in form ; subscription price $1.50 per annum. This was issued with some alterations, and at least one inter- mission until the spring of 1862, when, after an interregnum of two months, the entire outfit was sold to B. D. Harper and A. E. Beattie, who, under the partnership name of Harper & Beattie, issued the paper regu- larly until November 8, 1866, when Samuel E. Ball bought Mr. Har- per's interest, but turned the editorial management over to Mr. Beattie for a month or two. On the 18th of July, 1867, Mr. Ball rented his interest to Mr. Beattie and retired from active office work, and on the 20th of September of the same year, sold such interest to Frank S. Be- dell, wl^o thus became associated with Mr. Beattie under the firm name of Bedell & Beattie. No further change took place until the death of Mr. Beattie on the 5th of October, 1869, when the entire ownership and management passed to Mr. Bedell, who continued issuing it alone, except for short periods when it was conducted by W. W. Cheshire and others, though still owned by Mr. Bedell. The paper was ofiered for sale in 1871, the ofl"er remaining open until December, 1875, at which time C. W. Ainsworth purchased an interest. Thus the paper continued until November 16, 1876, when J. J. Wheeler purchased Mr. Ainsworth's in- terest, but in September, 1880, sold his share to John Millikan. Messrs. Bedell & Millikan continued until April, 1882, when the latter assumed entire ownership and control. The Register, during its entire career, has been Republican, and under its various owners and managers has been self-supporting and quite often encouragingly prosperous. It is ably edited at present, and has a satisfactory circulation. In February, 1860, appeared at Crown Point the first number of the Lake Qounty Jeffersonian, a five-column folio newspaper of strong Dem- cratic tendency, published by B. D. Harper, and ably edited by Joseph P. Smith. A young man named Berry, now associated with the Chicago Times, wrote quite extensively for the paper, not only miscellaneous arti- cles, but lengthy editorials. The paper was owned by a party of resident Democrats, and the material had been paid for by the issuance of joint and several notes. During the, autumn of 1860, there came to Crown Point two journeymen printers, one of whom was Charles Alvord. With- out any means whatever save their promises, they purchased the Jeffer- sonian, but immediately sold the same for a comparative pittance in cash, to parties residing possibly at Crown Point, and the next day not only was the entire office material, including type and press, missing, but Alvord and his companion had likewise mysteriously disappeared. The parties who had purchased of Alvord had taken the material to Ohio, and the latter and his companion had departed laughing in their sleeves, with a considerable sum of money in their pockets. The notes which Alvord 442 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. and his comrade had given for the oflBce, and which were a lien upon the outfit, were never paid. During the summer of 1872, H. M. Ingrim issued the first copy of the Crown Point Herald, a sheet devoted to the interests of the political movement, of which Horace Greeley was the head. The paper was a five-column folio, and presented a bright face. In about October of the same year, Timothy Cleveland purchased the paper, changed its politics, continued it until about November, 1873, when J. J. Wheeler and J. P. Rowins bought out Mr. Cleveland, but a week later the oflSce was de- stroyed by fire, though not an issue was missed in consequence thereof, for a new outfit was immediately purchased. In January, 1875, Mr. Wheeler purchased his partner's interest ; but in December of the same year sold his whole interest to Bedell & Ainsworth, and the Herald was merged into the Register. During the summer of 1876, J. F. Rowins began issuing at Crown Point a Democratic paper called the Lake Oounty Herald, hut after con- tinuing it through the fall elections the venture was abandoned. In June, 1877, John Millikan issued at the county seat the first num- ber of the Crown Point Cosmos, a Republican newspaper, six-column folio, subscription price $1.50, the material coming mainly from La Porte. At the end of three and one-third successful years, the paper was discontinued to enable Mr. Millikan to begin active work on the Regis- ter, with which he had become connected. His work on the Register had really begun before the Cosmos was abandoned. For about five months during 1875, J. J. Wheeler issued at Crown Point a small, neutral paper, in size 8x12 inches, subscription price 50 cents per year, called the Young Hoosier. The little paper was bright and filled with local news, and reached a circulation of about five hun- dred, when it was abandoned. In November, 1867, a small literary journal called the Pierian was started at Crown Point by a society in the Institute. In April, 1868, the name was changed to Castalian. The journal became an eight-page monthly, was printed in the Register office at first, and afterward in Chi- cago. The last issue appeared in March, 1870. In June, 1872, E. R. Beebe began issuing a Republican newspaper at Lowell. ^ It was a five-column quartq, subscription price $1.50 per annum, and, after being ably conducted by him until July, 1877, Mr. Ainsworth purchased an interest, and the oflSce was moved to the county seat, and the size and form changed to a seven-column folio. Soon after this, Mr. Ainsworth purchased the remaining interest, but after some time went to Massachusetts, leaving his paper in the care of J. B. Peterson, who discontinued the issue. During the summer of 1878, John Gris- HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 443 wold bought the oflSce, and began issuing the paper as a Democratic organ, but, in September of the same year, sold to 0. F. Jouvenalt and Abraham Clari, who conducted the sheet with the same politics until Oc- tober, 1880, when the office was bought by J. J. Wheeler, who has since published the paper as a Republican organ. The present financial status of the paper is satisfactory and flattering. The Herald, under Mr. Jouvenalt, is said to have been the most ably conducted Democratic journal ever published in the county. Its edi- torials were polished, brilliant, incisive, and the strong political positions taken by the editor gave increased sti*ength to the party for which he labored. In July, 1874, John Lehmann, John H. Meyers and J. J. Wheeler issued the first number of the Crown Point Freie Presse, a Democratic German newspaper, the first two furnishing the type, and the last the press. After a short time, Mr. Lehmann bought his partners' claims, and has since conducted the paper alone. It is well edited, and receives a liberal patronage from the large German population of the county, many of whom cannot read or speak the English language. In 1868 and 1869, Moses Hull issued a small sheet at Hobart ; it was not designed, however, to be permanent, dealing purely with local matters. P. J. Kelley started the Hobart Journal about the year 1877, and after conducting it with very imperfect office material for about a year and a half, sold out to C. D. Savage, who, after continuing a short time, sold out to the Hammond Tribune. In March, 1882, P. B. Towle began issuing the Hobart Transcript, and at the same time the Hammond Times, both papers being really one, with some slight changes in local news. They (or it) were issued thus until August 1, 1882, when they were con- solidated in reality under the name of the Times and Transcript, a Re- publican sheet ably edited by P. B. Towle. Thus it remains at present. In December, 1880, P. B. Towle issued at Hammond the first number of the Western Indiana Tribune, a bright, Republican newspaper, but after about three months sold to M. M. Towle, who employed A. A. Winslow to edit the sheet. After about six months, Mr. Winslow bought the office, and has since issued the paper, with steadily increasing favor and circulation. Messrs. Savage and Stanclifi" were associated with Mr. Winslow on the paper for short periods. The Lowell Enterprise made its appearance at Lowell in December, 1878, owned and conducted by Ray & Hewgill. It continued thus until June, 1879, when Robert Ray became sole editor and proprietor. The issue was discontinued in December, 1879. The Lowell Local News was first issued in January, 1880, by W. H. Mansfield, editor and proprietor. The paper is a neat, five-column quarto, is spicy, bright and strongly Re- 444 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. publican, and deserves to succeed. No change was made in ownership or management until September, 1880, when the office was leased to R. 0. AVillis. The Tocsin, a temperance paper, started up at Lowell during the summer of 1881, but after three semi-monthly issues was discontinued. Old Settlers' Association.— Tlhe Lake County Old Settlers' Associ- ation was organized September 25, 1875, pursuant to a notice published in the papers at Crown Point. A meeting for organization had been fixed before, but bad weather had prevented a satisfactory attendance, and the meeting was postponed. On the day of the organization, quite a large gathering of old residents and others assembled on the fair grounds, and after eating heartily of the sumptuous dinner which had been spread in the floral hall, the meeting was then called to order by W. A. Clark, and prayer offered by Rev. T. H. Ball. After a few opening remarks by the Chairman, and an old song, entitled " The Indian Captive," sung by Dr. Wood, reminiscences of old times were delivered by J. Hurlburt, R. Fancher, H. Wells, W. A. W. Holton, Amos Hornor, J. H. Luther and others. Two long letters were read, one from Solon Robinson, who had gone to Tennessee for his health, and the other from Joseph Jackson, Wapello, Iowa. Resolutions were passed regretting the absence of the letter writers. It was decided that all who had come to the county prior to 1840 should be entitled to the distinction of being pioneers, while those who had come after 1840, and previous to twenty-five years ago, should be known as old settlers. The objects of the association are to renew old associations, to recover old events and to enjoy a few pleasant hours together. Meetings are held annually, subject to the call of the President. The first permanent officers were W. A. Clark, President; Oscar Dinwiddle, Secretary ; Rev. "T. H. Ball, Historical Secretary ; J. H. Luther, Treasurer. COUNTY OFFICERS. The following list of county officers, though obtained from numerous sources after much labor, doubtless contains some errors : Sheriffs. — Hei^ry Wells, appointed by the Governor, March 8, 1837 ; Luman A. Fowler, 1837; J. V. Johns, 1889; Rollin T. Tozier, 1841; Henry Wells, 1848 ; Luman A. Fowler, 1847 ; J. S. Holton, 1851 ; S. B. Strait, 1853; Job D. Bonnel, 1855; Jesse E. Pierce, 1857; Lo. A. Fowler, 1859; Andrew Krimbill, 1868; H. G. Bliss, 1867; John Donch, 1872; John H. Prier, 1876; Horace Marble, 1880. Commissioners. — A. L. Ball, S. P. Stringham and Thomas Wiles, first board, elected in 1837 ; H. D. Palmer, 1838 ; Beniah Barney, 1838; Derastus Torry, 1838 ; Henry Wells, 1839 ; Russel Eddy, 1839 ; W. Rockwell, 1840; Alexander McDonald, 1840; W. Rockwell, 1842; W. N. Sykes, 1843; Michael Pearce, 1844; S. T. Greene, 1846; S. Parish, HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 445 1847; Augustine Humphreys, 1847; Robert Wilkinson, 1848; A. D. Foster, 1851; Bartlett Ward, 1853; A. D. Foster, 1854; Augustine Humphreys, 1856 ; William Sigler, 1857 ; G. W. Lawrence, 1857 ; John Underwood, 1858; Adam Schmal, 1859; G.L.Foster, 1861; D. F. Sawyer, 1861 ; Adam Schmal, 1862 ; Aaron Konkright, 1862 ; G. L. Foster, 1863; A. Konkright, 1864; E. P. Farley, 1865; William Brown, 1866 ; Alvin Green, 1867 ; H. C. Beckman, 1867 ; K. M. Burn- ham, 1870; J. Burge, 1870; P. H. Saylor, 1874; Frederick Eggers, 1876; William Fisher, 1876; Henry Ward, 1877; William Fisher, 1880. Beeorders.—W . A. W. Holton, 1837 ; Solon Robinson, 1838 ; J. P. Smith, 1838; Major Allman, 1845; Sylvester Greene, 1856 ; Amos All- man, 1856; Sanford D. Clark, 1864; John Dwyer, 1872, R. W. Price, 1876. CTerAs.— Solon Robinson, 1837; Joseph P. Smith, 1843; D. K. Pet- tibone, 1847; Z. F. Summers, 1859; W. W. Cheshire, 1867; John G. Hoffman, 1876. Treamrers.—3. W. Holton,. 1837; Milo Robinson, 1838; W. W. Kinnison, 1839; W. A. W. Holton, 1840; Thomas Sawyer, 1840; Martin Greenman, 1840; Russel Eddy, 1841; A. McDonald, 1841; W. C. Farrington, 1843; Henry Wells, 1848; J. S. Holton, 1855; E. M. Kramer, 1859; John Knost, 1863; Adam Schmal, 1867; John Brown, 1871; J. C. Sauerman, 1878; William Krimbill, 1878. Associate Judges. — W. B. Crooks, W. Clark, H. D. Palmer, Samuel Turner, A. F. Brown, W. Rockwell, Michael Pearce. Probate Judges. — Robert Wilkinson, Hervey Ball, David Turner. Surveyors. — W. N. Sykes, 1837; Chancellor Graves, 1838; Hervey Ball, ;. W. N. Sykes, 1852; John Wheeler, 1853; Mathias Schmit, 1856; John Fisher, 1858; Walter DeCourcey, 1866; A. Van Naillen, 1868; John Wheeler, 1870; John Fisher, 18—. Auditors. — H. S. Pelton, Solon Robinson, Joseph Jackson, 1847; D. Crumpacker, 1852 ; James H. Luther, 1861 ; John Knost, 1869 ; H. G. Bliss, 1873; John Brown, 1876. Representatives. — J. Hamell, Lewis Warriner, Henry Cline, A. S. Campbell, Alexander McDonald, Lewis Warriner, D. Turner, 1855; A. McDonald, 1857 ; Elihu Griffin, 1859 ; Bartlett Ward, 1861 ; D. K. Pettibone, 1863; Bartlett Ward, 1865; H. Wason, 1867; E. C. Field, 1869; Martin Wood, 1871; H. Wason, 1873; Samuel Ames, 1875; T. S. Fancher, 1878. Political Features. — The political features of the county may be summed up in few words. From the start, the county was quite closely divided by party lines. The settlers, most of whom came from older and 446 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. well-settled localities, had been taught in the school of party discipline, and with political prejudices already formed immediately arranged them- selves to secure the official power and patronage of the county. The Democrats took the lead, with majorities on the State ticket when the full vote was out, ranging from about thirty to eighty. This party held the reins of power until the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the for- mation of the Republican party had largely obliterated former partisan lines and had drawn from both the old parties their younger, better and more progressive elements, when the new organization, first in 1854, grasped the helm of State and has managed it since, sometimes with majorities almost half as large as the entire voting strength of the coun- ty. In 1864, Schuyler Colfax, candidate for Congress, oat of a total of 1,761 votes polled in the county, received 1,282 and his opponent 479 ; the former's majority being 803. This majority was afterward slightly increased. In September, 1848, the first Free-Soil movement was made. A meeting was called at the old log court house of all those of either old party who favored the measures of the Wilmot Proviso, and, in re- sponse thereto, quite a crowd gathered. Judge Clark was made Presi- dent and W. A. Clark appointed Secretary. Alexander McDonald, a strong Democrat, and one of the principal leaders of the movement, spoke warmly in favor of the Proviso, as did David and Dr. Harvey Pettibone and other Democrats, and the President and Secretary of the meeting and Luman A. Fowler, Alfred Foster and other Whigs. Both old parties were pretty equally represented, and the utmost good will and enthusiasm prevailed. Solon Robinson, though a strong Whig, and heartily in favor of the limitation of slave territory, sat on the stairs leading to the court-room, and laughed at the leaders of the movement, ridiculing their pretensions of being able to split the old parties and form a new one on the basis of the Proviso. Mr. McDonald and others of both old parties began stumping the county in the interest of the new or- ganization, but the effort was soon abandoned, and remained dormant until 1852, when the repeal of the cherished Missouri Compromise kindled public sentiment into angry and indignant flame. The " Green- back " movement is the only other one of note. This party owed its origin to the hard times growing out of the depreciation of values from the close of the war until the resumption of specie payments in 1879. The total party vote in the county never exceeded about eighty. The following was the vote in Lake County in August, 1837, the first full general vote polled : HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 447 THE VOTE IN LAKE COUNTY IN AUGUST, 1837. Giovemor. Iiientenant GoTemor. Repraient'Te ia GongreBB. State Senator. Bepresent- ative. Oonnty GommiBs'ner, let District. TOWNSHIFS. i 1 1 § 1 1 4 n '.d QQ a .a 1 1 1 n n 3 f North 18 41 21 36 16 24 48 21 "12" 12 15 44 21 40 13 13 28 8 49 42 31 13 86 4 40 21 65 51 19 70 18 8 4 30 37 Centre 15 South Total 80 28 52 88 76 80 27 53 52 Majority 37 5 22 County CommisB'ner, 2d DiBtrict. School Commiss'ner. Sheriff. AflBociate Judge. Prohate Judge. ;!oroner. 1 T'WNBHXPS i a, a 09 Q 1 i CO H 0- S" A a" ■3 S » a a' d PS Ph' 1 ■S.& North Centre South 11 42 20 73 18 41 14 66 19 35 19 73 27 29 16 1 46 10 37 18 65 8 40 16 1 57 30 14 20 16 12 36 19 2 23 25 45 14 59 2 2 12 16 55 69 21 Total.... 44 35 66 135 Majority 44 31 18 Nora.— For the offices of CommiBsioner of the First District and for Associate Judge, the returning board decided the votes to be null, there being no Tacancy in either office when advertised by the Sheriff, and consequently no person for either office waa declared elected. Those marked D. above were Democrats ; those W., Whigs. 448 HISTORV OF LAKE COUNTY. o 00 m P es P < o o 1-3 < l-H P3 O EH < p^ M P CD Ph O P Piq pc] K EH GQ I— I o ij (-3 o p^ p£l 'aofineAnoo ^safvSy pH O i-H CO O 'aoi^nsAaoQ joj CD CO 00-* CO CO CO CO i-H ^P •d •aosaioBf qdesojf CD SO CO CO T-4 CO CO i-( C^ C^ OS l-H g •Ai 'pOOjJi, 90B10H CD - "M. 'Il«ff wonag »0 i-H (M CD Tjl i-H lO .-« f-1 r-( l-H J 1 ■a '^moqjoo -^ seiMqo t- CO lO O rH CO CO i-l SO N t-H l-H o •jli '»^i3Aa snnBAiig US 005 -^ CO I— I lO rH I— ( t-H o ii ■a 'n«33an«H -y a t- lO Tj< CD .-) 00 CO i-H W W CO CO 1-i •M. 'ansi B £inaH 40 Mi OS ^-co 1— 1 lO I— 1 1— 1 CO o l-H II •Q 'isini -g niniBfasa CO 00 l-H ^ ffq U3 CO t-H 00 (M ■ii 'll«H lanniBg lO W r^ CD CO l-H »0 T— 1 I— 1 1-( o l-H i S 9 ■a 'pJ«JiOH -v -1 t- t- ^ t- T^ CO CO rH !M (M CD CO l-H O CO •Ai. 'joaaia lenoreg lO 5^ O CO CO 1— 1 lO I— 1 1— 1 I— 1 l-H i & n i g i I ■i c -s 1 1 i o Eh E o ■5' HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. THE FOLLOWING IS THE VOTE OF AUGUST, 1846. 449 IS o Oovemor. James Whitcomb, D J. Q. Marshall, W Lieutenant Governor. P. G. Dunning, D A. C. Stevenson, W State Senator. J. M. Lemon, D A. L. Osborne, W Representative. H. E. Woodruff, D , John Cofiinann, W Michael Steichelman, D Oommittioner. W. N. Sykes, D S. T. Green, W Prosecuting Attorney. James Bradley, D J. H. Mather, W Coroner. Lyman Wallace, S Luman A. Fowler, W James Tillotson, D. 45 ■34 46 34 41 38 47 44 31 46 32 40 22 69 34 70 34 60 37 71 3 50 44 81 23 67 28 1 20 11 20 11 20 11 20 23 8 23 8 23 8 23 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 22 10 12 Total Vote Polled 79 104 31 50 31 5 23 184 132 52 186 132 54 172 139 33 196 3 18 76 123 157 "34 197 119 78 140 73 23 44 318 460 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. o-^uat-aoNao-*c^-^<:DTj< «c t^a30r-<05i-Ht-IOO'<*<0 la 3 COOOO-^OiOOSi-HOMi-it^ -* CO N rH rH C^ rt rH .-1 (N W (M a>05CD00uDi0u3i0Ou:)O?D t- 05.-iOiO'Ot-WC^O r-t ■Bpsoiitsa iC^ lO (© 05^ CO Ir^ CD 00 (O 0_ "*^ '^ oT t-T r-T cI Co O lO lO o 00 (M i-n ■BiOl I-H 1^ CD rH ■-. JO eni^A o CO I-H S8 I-H I— 1 f* lOOiOOuOOOUtiOOOO iC ■B^nem C0iCQ0CD-^i-(l>'C000<£>C-iOCDOJ.-l cocoiM'McocoeococococrxN Ci(NiOCT>OSC^-*CD^-COOS«5 JO enjBA -^ CO Tjl 00 t- CO OOUStPOOIN (N Th CO CS Cq CO N C^ rH I-H tH oc • f OiC-00-**<(Mt--«*Tt<'<*Oi-icD (M •^t^-«Si^OCDTlH?DCD05rHC0 CO •flaaoY QOO(MCDCDOOS:r>'*'^COrH COCq-p-HCOCqiMrHOCOeOCOCO ■^ ^^TJ^cD'co cTcD lo o cT oo" to lOCOlMIMCOOO CO I-H I-H .-H g •jsqninii i-HlNCO'>«*»CICDt-QOOSO»-HN lis ■nftg ■s t-, i £ ^ X C il 1 c ■a •3 » c DC 1 o > o i 1 i-H-^oomiN'^uDo- Oi OS »0 OS I o 00 w ^ CO CO CO I-H eo 1-H 00 ^ c: w u3Qo'Q6d(Ni^io'0«"«i'tr'5 J? -nnea 3ni lO OS lO lO OS CO CO »0 oo CO »/3 »2 i; rit'-rH(M00»-iO(NI>O'-<» 50 -pnioaj*itnoi co"t-^iC l-^CO'io'f-H'kOCN''* "^ CO 1 W €» 1 «» wcot-;oqoooqwcD(NTii t-- CO CO W W ff4 CO I-H CO t^ «3 CO CO CO 00 -* rH CO IM CM rH -* I-H CO t- CO 00 W 1 El» CDOCO^COiOOOCOOOOrH CD (M t^ rH O CO t- CD t^ CD CO CO W O 'x«x (H CO co' O (M* co' lO '^' OS O th" M W jnanbaiiaa »OCOOSCOl--rHOSCOCOONO lO C^CO ^os*cor(ici6coo>-^ o (MOOOSrHOO'^OrHiOCOlM diqeaAox NrHCqrHiOOW"^rHeOO? 00 "=! C^ 1-H ,—1 r-4 »» g WJpipiGnfMOOOOiOO lO ft OS 1 •MOSrHOOOOt^rHOOTjico'cD •XBX pBop §;i!g§S^5!"S53S 00 I-H S-^ '^' rH 3 «» ooouspoooooiioc t- ■0-*0-0 00 O oTf-i CO U3 CO c4 u; OcoiOTdt-CTter-Hir-i-Heou: OS o iS cocooot*ooco(Ncoo>ooou; cq o tDQ^r^f-^r-^lS -H -H I-H I- CO M- i s i 1 or c h- a 1 1 "a 1 tl 1 • & * HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTr. 451 CHAPTER III. BY WESTON A. QOODSPEED. The Old Militia System— Lake County in the Mexican "Wab— Mustek EoLL OF Capt. Smith's Company— Opening Scenes of the Great Rebellion — The First Call to Arms— The Enlistment — Lake County Loyalty— Recruiting — The Draft- War Meetings — Ex- tracts FROM the Register— Sanitary Efforts— Bounty and Relief Fund— Statistics— The Roll of Honor. DURING the early history of the State prior to the formation of Lake County, the old militia system, which had done such excellent service in all the Indian border wars, was adopted and quite rigidly en- forced. From the Indian tribes, depleted by protracted and periodical contests, but little danger was apprehended, though the habits induced in the whites by a life spent amid the alarms of the frontier, forbade the total relinquishment of organized bodies of militia, or the obliteration of that grateful sense of public security which their presence afforded. But the wonderful strides of the State in population and prosperity, and the absence of encounters with predatory Indian bands, soon gave satisfactory assurance of general safety, and, in 1834, the old serviceable system was permitted to die out. In 1852, owing to the unsettled state of internal public affairs, the system was revived by legislative enactment, and each Congressional district was required to thoroughly organize its militia. This law met with general public favor and response. Capt. Joseph P. Smith, who' had served the country in the Mexican war, and who, years before, had been the Captain of one of the best-drilled companies in the State of New York, was commissioned Colonel by the Governor, and authorized to form the Third Regiment, Ninth Brigade, Indiana Militia. This was begun and accomplished during the summer of 1853. J. Wheeler was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, and J. Vornhultz, Major. The Second Regiment of the same brigade was formed in Porter County, with L. A. Cass, Colonel, H. E. Woodruff, Lieutenant Colonel, and Mr. Freeman, Major. From this on until about 1859 or 1860, more or less drilling was indulged in, though but little military discipline could be secured by the energetic officers. About half of the townships formed companies, the remainder, through indifference, neglecting to do so, though their militia was enrolled and officers commissioned. Nothing certain can be stated by the writer concerning the Revolu- tionary ex-soldiers, or the ex-soldiers of the war of 1812, who may have settled in Lake County. It is quite likely that members of both wars 452 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. made the county their pioneer homes, and some of their names and services may be read in the biographical department of this volume. The Mexican War. — In 1846, when the war with Mexico was de- clared, there was only one man in the county who knew anything of mili- tary tactics, and this was Joseph P. Smith. Eis fame in this respect had spread abroad, and he received a Captain's commission from the Governor, though in what way it was secured is not known. He was ordered to enlist a company for the war, and, in the spring of 1847, he opened an enlistment office at Crown Point and called for volunteers. This was some time in February or March, 1847. The Western Ranger of April 10th (Valparaiso) had this to say : Lake County Ranoebs. This patriotic company numbers about sixty-aeven men. Those of them who have visited this place, and who have enlisted here, are fine martial-looking men, and no doubt will give a good account of themselves. The Banger of May 1, contained the following : " Heigh ! the soldiers go Marching away to Mexico." Captain Smith's Company, having assembled in camp at Crown Point during the first of the week, commenced their march on Thursday, and passed through here on Friday on their way to Newport, Ky., their place of rendezvous. The same issue of the Ranger contained the following notice : DESERTERS. The following men have deserted from the United States recruiting station at Crown Point : John Brewer, Moses Church, Emery Church and George Wirly, for whose arrest and delivery at Newport, Ky., the headquarters of the Sixteenth Regiment, United States Infantry, such an amount will be paid as is provided by the laws of United States. Joseph P. Smith. Crown Point, Ind., April 29, 1847. In the issue of the following week appeared this notice : Capt. Smith and his company of 107 men crossed the Tippecanoe on their way to Madison, Ind. (not Newport, Ky.), last Wednesday. An election of officers resulted, Daniel May, First Lieutenant; S. N. Whitcomb, Second Lieutenant, John C. Howe, Third Lieutenant. In 1846, three regiments were raised in Indiana for the Mexican war, and in 1847 two more, though Capt. Smith's company was in neither. His men became Company H, Sixteenth United States Infantry. The regimental commander was Col. John W. Tibbatts. The company was mustered into the service in May, 1847, either at Madison or New Or- leans, though, while yet in the States, eighteen deserted upon learning that they were to receive only $7 per month instead of f 10, as they had been led to understand. By the close of the first week in June, the company was in Matamoras, Mexico. It continued to serve along the Rio Grande River, guarding military stores, having an occasional HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 453 " brush " with guerrillaa, and suflfering terribly from camp diseases, and from the hot and peculiar climate of Mexico, until July, 1848, when they were ordered home. On the 31st of July, they were mustered out and discharged. Under the, gigantic shadow of the last great war, the brave boys who went to Mexico must not be forgotten. Some of them sleep in forgotton graves in that distant land, and the rugged cactus comes and garlands with its crimson blossoms the lonely spot where they rest. The rich flowers of the stately magnolia shed their fragrant perfume around ; the long festoons of silvery moss hang pendant from the dripping branches above the silent mounds, apparently weeping for the bright young lives that went out so untimely, and over all the strange golden hued birds of the woods chant the sad sweet requiem of triumphant death. The boys are dead, but their deeds live on. The following information was obtained by the writer from Washing- ton, D. C, after a great deal of trouble, during which some six urgent letters were written, one affidavit was made out, and the magnetic influ- ence of a Congressman was enlisted : Mdstee Roll of Capt. Joseph P. Smith's Company (H) of the Sixteenth Regiment of Infahtut TJ. S. a., from the 30th of April, 1848, to the SIst of July, 1848.* When Enrolled. Where Enrolled, By Whom. Joseph F. Smith William U. Slade Samuel N. Whitcomb..., Wallace Willcox Daniel Roudabaugh Newell Pulsifer Daniel Brown Alfred Fry.... , William M. Cloud , Schuyler Bailey Francis Benton Marco Sandoval Jacob Alyea M. I. Brown William Biddle M. M. Boggs.. William Barnett George Burdick Millard Church Ichabod Clark Schuyler Conant I.H. Cundiff. Jason Daniels George W. Dixon Cornelius Dunn Joseph S. English Martin EUer .James Elliott .John Fridmann Hudson S. Farwell Ambrose I. Flanagan.. ElishaFord Captain First Lieut.... Second Lieut. First Sergt... Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Corporal Corporal Corporal Fifer Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private........ Private Private Private Private Private April 12.... March 25 .. April 2 April 1 March 20... March 22... April 17 March 30... October 29.. Aprils April 15 April 9 April 17 August 21.. March 17... March 20... April 6 April 9 August 17.. March 28... April 17 July 30 April 30 April 29 August 24.. June 10 April 2 April 19 March 20... La Porte Crown Point. Valparaiso .. .. Valparaiso .. Crown Point Crown Point.. La Porte Crown Point.. Monterey La Porte Crown Point., La Porte . .... La Porte Galena Galena Crown Point. La Porte La Porte Galena Crown Point.. Plymouth Mineral Point Plymouth.. Plymouth. . Galena Reynosa .. Valparaiso Michigan City Crown Point.. Capt. Smith. Capt! Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Col. Tibbatts. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut, Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. 454 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. NAME. Edward Gilford William GlUar William Hardin Jacob Hurst Cornelius D. Hendren., George W. Hartley Alexander P. Hite Joseph Hase James P. Hickman Clinton Jackson John Jackson William Kethley David Lockwood Jacob Lockwood David Mussulman Frederick McCarty George Miller Nelson McLaughlin Cephas McFarUnd Elijah Martin John V. Moore George W. Morrison... John Mcllver Robert Nich' Ison George Ousterhout H. H. Pierce James H. Powers Simeon P. Patterson... John H. Pitts William Peacock Lewis Russell Thomas Bockhill Christian Romer Ebenezer Richardson... John Radmofe James L. Reynolds Sidney C. Smith Peter Schillhas Orrin Salvage Charles Sumption Nathaniel B. Silence... John Sorrell John B.Taylor.... Reuben Tozier...." William Unruh Wilhelm Ulrich Anthony Van Slyke James S. Van Horn Edson Whittemore Gilbert Wariner William A. Williams... Henry Welch George Wibley Ezra Willcox James D. Wing Heman Webster Casper Wild Bank. Private..., Private..., Private. . , Private.... Private..., Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Piivate... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... IMvale... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... Private. ., Private... Private,.. Private... Private... Private... Private... Private... When Enrolled. Where Enrolled. August 24 September 8.. April 6 July 30 July 7 August 18 Octobers August 7 September 16. April 2 September 28, September 8. April 19 AprillO April 1 March 20 April 15 April 20 May 1 March 27 August 20.... August 23..., August 24.... August 4 April 17 March 27... March 20.... April 9 , May 1 August 20... Aprils , April 20 March 25.... September 1.. September 28. August 20 April 27 May24 , April 6 , April 6 , May 3 , September 24 April 28 April 6 , May 3 August 19 March 21 May 6 , April 19 April 21 April29 Aprils , March 20 April 1.3 April 6 August 17.... July 14 Galena Jacksonville .. Crown Point.. Bloomington.. Louisville, Ky Louisville, Ky Louisville, Kj Galena Bloomington.. Valparaiso ... Bloomington.. Jacksonville .. Plymouth Mishawaka.. Valparaiso .. Crown Point. Crown Point.. Plymouth La Porte Centreville. . . Galena Galpna Galena Galena Plymouth.... Centreville. . . Crown Point, Valparaiso .. Plymouth.... Galena La Porte Plymouth Crown Point, Jacksonville .. Jacksonville . Galena Crown Point.. Vicksburg... South Bend.. South Bend... Marshall Co.. Jacksonville .. Crown Point.. La Porte Marshall Co.. Galena Crown Point. Louisville, Ky Crown Point.. Valparaiso .. Crown Point. La Porte Crown Point. Crown Point. Crown Point.. Galena .. Galena .. By Whom. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut. Wilkinson. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Hughes. Lieut. Evans. Lieut. Evans. Lieut. Evans. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut. Hughes. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Hughes. Lieut. Wilkinson. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith, Lieut. Wilkinson. Lieut. Wilkinson. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Wilkinson. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Capt. Smith. Lieut. Evans. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt. Smith. Capt Smith. Lieut. Ramsey. Lieut. Ramsey. NAME. enrolled. Where enrolled. By Whom. Eemarks. Joseph Cochran John Cole G. H. Pattersoa.... Daniel Van Camp . Adam Harney Francis SIcLaughlin William Onion Nathan A. Brown.... Bobert Lamplough... John Livingston, Jr. John Smith Elias I. Alyea Adoniram Cornish.. Oliver Conklln John B. Cornwall.... Nathan Croasman.... Nathan Gregory M. Hopkins William Heninger. Ellis N. JohnBon.... Oyrus H. Bieden.... WilHam S. Bamsey. Daniel Bowley John Sparks,. Balph Sanders Silas Soatb worth,. Isaac N. Tamer.... William Whitcraft., Joseph Deck John Kemplin.. Edward Llttell laaac Bector a. Vosburg. Conrad Zeilholder... Private Private Private Private Private .. Private .. Private Sergeant Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Privato .. Private .. Private.. Private .. Private ., Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . Private . KCarch 20 April 2f} April 7 April 24 Aug. 12 April 16 April 26 aiarch 22 March 22 April April 27 May 1 March 20 April 6 April 22 Hay 3 Maroh 20 April 6 April 24 April 16 April April 17 April 13 April 7 March 26 April 17 May April 15 April 12 April 3 March 23 April 20 April 14 March 23 Crown Point Crown Point Crown Point Plymouth, Galena Plymouth Crown Point Crown Point Crown Point Crown Point Capt. Smith Oapt. Smith Capt. Smith Capt. Smith Lieut. Bamaey Capt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Capt Smith . Crown Point La Porte. Crown Point Talparaiso... Plymouth ... Plymouth ... Crown Point Valparaiso... Plymouth ... PlymoQth ... Yalparaiso... Plymouth ... La Porte..... Capt. Capt. Capt, Capt. Capt. Capt. Capt. Capt. Smith . Smith . Smith . Smith . Smith . Smith . Smith . Smith . Yalparaiso. Crown Point La Porte, filarshall Co. La Porte. Mlchi'n City La Porte.., Crown Point La Porte. Crewn Point Crown Point Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Oapt. Smith .. uapt. Smith .. Capt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Oapt. Smith . Capt. Smith . Oapt.Smitli . Capt. Smith . Died April 25, 1848, at Oeralvo. Died Juue 3, 1848, at Monterey. Died Sept. 21, 1847, at Chico, or Mier. Died July 17, 1848, near Vicksburg. DiedinhoBpiUlatCeralvo, Feb.22, 1848. Died Oct. 21,1847, in hospital at Chico or Mier. Died Dec. 20, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo. Died Sept. 30, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo. Died Sept. 27, 1847, in hospital at Ceralvo. Died Aug. 28, 1847, in hospital at Chico. or Mier. Died Oct. 12, 1847, in hospital at Oeralvo. Died July 17, 1847, in camp near Camargo Died July 7, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Died Aug. 21,1847, at hospital at Camargo Died July 11,1847, in camp near Camargo Died July 22, 1847, in camp near Camargo Died July 5, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Died July 26, 1847, in hospital near Chico or Mier. Died July 2, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Died Aug. 13, 1847, in hospital at Mier.. Died Aug. 6, 1847, in hospital at Mier. Died July 23, 1847, in camp near Camargo Died June 18, 1847, in hospital at Mata- moras. Died June 21, 1847, in hospital at Mata- moras. Died July 1, 1847, in camp near Camargo. Died Aug. 12, 1847, in hospital at Camargo Died July 20, 1847, in hospital near Ca- margo . Died Aug. 8, 1847, in hospital at Mier. Fell overboard into canal near Louis- ville, Ky., and drowned May 20, 1847. Died Juae 15, 1847, in hospital near Beyno8a,Mex. Died April 24, 1847, at Crown Point. Died May 29, 1847, at New Orleans. Died June 7, 1847, at Matamoras. Died June 10, 1847, in hospital at Mata- moras. Daniel May Private Collins Parker Lewis P. Streeter.. Joseph Beading.., Gabriel AUand..., Charles Estes Washington Lambert James M. Mauley. John E. Preston.. John Wells DIBCHABQED. March 20 Grown Point Capt. Smith ... Private Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Drum'er Private .. April 20 April 1 April 16 April 12 March Aug. 30 March 20 May 13 April 8 La Porte. Valparaiso... Plymouth Michi'n City Crown Point Jacksonville Grown Point Edinbnrg.... Grown Point Capt, Smith ... Capt. Smith ... Capt. Smith ... Capt. Smith Capt. Smith ... Li't.Wilkinson Capt. Smith ... Capt. Smith ... Capt Smith ... DEBBETEB. Miles Adams John Brewer , Michael Brannon.... Emery Church , Moses Church , Jerome Carpenter... John W. Case Azariah Dunn J. G. H. Ferguson.. Jesse B.Kemp John McLane Henry Norton Sheldon Palmer William Bice Calvin B. Stillson.. Elijah Thornton.... David Walker Homer Willcox Pallo Castillo Private Private Private Private Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Private .. Dram'er April 12 March 20 April 20 March 20 March 20 April 19 April 20 April 12 April 13 April 7 April 12 April 3 April 12 April 10 April 17 April 3 April 5 April 6 Oct. 29 Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith ... Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Oapt. Smith .. Cant. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Oapt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. Oapt. Smith .. Capt. Smith .. .„ Oapt. Smith.. La Porte Capt. Smith .. La Porte 'Capt. Smith .. Monterey ...lOol. Tibbatts.. La Porte Crown Point Plymouth *.. Crown Point Crown Point Michi'n City Michi'n City Plymouth ... South Bend Mishawaka.. Michi'n City La Porte.. La Porte . La Porte . Plymouth La Porte Discharged, and the enlistment torn up on the recommendation of Col. Tib- batts. Claimed by his father as a minor, and discharged. Discharged on issue of a writ of habeas corpus. Discharged January 14, 1848. Discharged June 14, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability. Discharged July 3, 1848, on enlistment in dragoons. Discharged June 13, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability. Discharged June 11, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability. Discharged May 1, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order of disability. Discharged June 11, 1848, on surgeon's certificate order qf disability. Deserted April 27, 1847. Deserted April 25, 1847. Deserted May 3, 1847. Deserted April 20, 1847. Deserted April 20, 1847. Deserted April 25, 1847. Deserted April 25, 1847. Deserted May 3, 1847. Deserted April 14, 1847. Deserted April 10, 1847. Deserted April 20, 1847. Deserted May 29, 1847. Deserted May 20, 1847. Deserted April 30, 1847. Deserted April 26, 1847. Deserted May 12, 1847. Deserted May 29, 1847. Deserted May 20, 1847. iDeaerted from Metamoras July 6, 1848. ♦The year of enrollment was 1847. 456 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. It may be added, in concluding the Mexican war record, that the muster roll of this company, at the time of the departure for the field, could not be obtained. The names of all the Lake County boys, how- ever, will be found somewhere upon the above record. The account of deaths, discharges, desertions, etc., dates from the time of muster in. The commander of this company lost his life in Hall County, Neb., in 1862. He had gone "West, and had located on the Platte River ; and, one day, while chopping in the woods with several companions, includ- ing two sons, was approached by hostile savages, and killed with arrows. They were among the first victims in the terrible Indian massacre of 1862. The Rebellion. — It is unnecessary to give a summary of the causes which led to the last great war. The protracted and stupendous charac- ter of the struggle is yet green in the memory of maimed and honored participants. Continued and extensive preparations for war were made in the South, long before the North ceased to believe that the differences which bitterly divided the two factions of the Government might be amicably adjusted. Statesmen in the North viewed with reluctance, or contempt, the steady and extensive preparations for war in the South, and refused to believe its presence until the first bloW fell like a thunder- bolt upon Fort Sumter, and, at the same time, upon the faithful hearts of loyal people. President Lincoln, with that grand charity which ever distinguished him, wisely hesitated to "unslip the dogs of war," though repeatedly urged by the hot-blooded Abolitionists of the North to strangle the hydra of secession in its infancy. It was currently believed in the North that the rebellion would be quelled in ninety days. But, as time passed on, and the large bodies of troops failed to control or quell the aggressive and daring movements of the Confederate armies, and the sul- len tide of steady reverses swept over almost every field of battle, the hope of the North for peace died out, the gloom of probable national disaster and disunion filled every heart, and for many desolate months the outlook was dark and forbidding. When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter swept over the country like a flame of fire, the most intense excitement in all places prevailed. The suspense in Lake County was sickening. The rural districts were almost wholly depopulated, and the news stations were thronged with scores of angry and indignant citizens. Men everywhere forgot their daily employ- ment, and gathered at the cross-roads and villages to discuss the political situation and encourage one another with hopeful words. The thought of the universal desolation that must ensue, the partings of parents and chil- dren, of husbands and wives, of brothers and sisters and of lovers with sweet vows of eternal fidelity, blanched many a cheek, dimmed many an HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 457 eye, and hushed the swift throbbings of many a heart. But the sickening fear soon gave place to dauntless courage, and to an intense determina- tion to quell the rebellion at all hazards and at any cost. Democrats and Republicans forgot their faith, and joined hands and hearts in saving the Union. The prompt call of the President for 75,000 volunteers sent a wave of relief throughout the county, and kindled an immediate re- sponse. A public meeting was called at the court house in Crown Point,, and stirring resolutions were adopted, and fiery speeches made, to uphold the Constitution and support the administration in crushing the rebellion. Unfortunately, the details of this meeting cannot be given. Soon after this, or perhaps before the meeting was called, in response to the call to arms, not less than some thirty men left the county for the three months' service, going out in the Ninth, Twelfth, and other Indiana regiments,, and in regiments that were raised in Northeastern Illinois. In fact, the greater number of these estimated thirty men went from the northern part of the county and joined Chicago Regiments. Six regiments were called for from Indiana, but five times the number required volunteered, and announced their readiness to take the field. The boys who left the county and enlisted in three months' regiments, were credited to other counties and States. Within two weeks after the fall of Sumter, the organization, of a com- pany was begun at Crown Point, with sub-recruiting stations at Lowell, Hobart, and perhaps one or two other places in the county, and, in less than a week, the necessary number was enrolled, and an election of offi- cers resulted as follows : John Wheeler, Captain ; Charles A. Bell, First Lieutenant ; Michael Sheehan, Second Lieutenant. This company left the county June 24, 1861 ; was transferred to Lafayette, and became Company B, of the Twentieth Regiment, William L. Brown, Colonel. It was mustered into the service on the 22d of July. The Register said the company was really entitled to become " A," but waived that right, in favor of a company from Miami County. This company was no sooner dispatched to the field than the forma- tion of a new one was begun, but the enlistment was not hurried, and was finally permitted to stop, and the men went out of the county in order to get into the service. There was scarcely a regiment raised in the northwestern part of the State that did not contain men from Lake County. The fall of 1861, the winter of 1861-62, and the spring of 1862, passed without a concerted effort to raise a company, though sur- rounding counties, and especially Illinois, steadily drained Lake of her strength. In June, 1862, the enlistment of another company was begun, recruiting stations being opened at Crown Point, Lowell, Hobart, and perhaps Dyer. In July, the company was full, and an election of oflBcers 458 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. resulted as follows : William Krimbill, Captain ; Richard W. Price, First Lieutenant; Philip Reed, Second Lieutenant. The company was so quickly formed, and so prompt in reaching South Bend, the place of ren- dezvous, that it became Company A, of the Seventy-third Regiment. The regiment was mustered into the service August 16, 1862. Company A was the first raised in the Ninth District, or the "Bloody Ninth," as it was called, under the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 men. No bounty was oflfered, and the ranks were filled without efi'ort or urging, thus showing the strength of the county in case of an emergency. Dr. Teegarden, of La Porte, presented the company $100, his ofifered prize for the first company under the call. No sooner had this- company departed than another was commenced to free the county quota, and so rapid was the work that, by the 21st of August, the ranks were full, and the com- pany ready for muster with the following officers : Daniel F. Sawyer, Captain ; Kellogg M. Burnham, First Lieutenant ; James M. D. Craft, Second Lieutenant. It was sent to South Bend, the place of rendezvous, and became Company A, of the Ninety-ninth Regiment. In the issue of the Register, August 21, 1862, appeared the following : All townships have done well toward yolnnteerlng except St. Johns and Hanorer, which ought to have furnished about 150 men, but have furnished only a few. It was also Stated that Winfield Township, with a voting population of eighty -four, had furnished nearly half that number fot' thfe war. In the issue of August 28, was published the following table : : TOWNSHIPS. Militia. Tolunt^erH, North .' 153 113 169 245 158 76 145 145 123 181 ■ ' 36 Hobart... ....: ■..'.. L . .' 48 St. Johns 24 Ross ;..... 120 99 Winfield 89 92 West Creek 98 Eagle Creek 66 15 Total 1,508 637 In the same issue the RegiMer said : With the exception of three townships, St. Johns, Hanover and North, Lake County has furnished more than one-third of her able-bodied men for the war. She has raised three full companies of volunteers, which were entitled to the rank of Company A, but the first company waived this title in favor of another, consequently it ranks as Company B in the regiment We challenge another county in the State, with the same number of inhabitants, to show a more honorable record than this. Had the three recreant town- ehips mentioned sent as many volunteers according to their number of inhabitants as their sister townships, we would now have scnother company in the field from Lake which would have entitled us to the rank of " banner county." JOHN WOOD. SR. DEEP RIVEf^. HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 461 By the 4th of September, 1862, the enrolling Commissioner, Elihu Griffin, had made out the following : TOWNSHIPS. Volunteers. Militia. Exempts. North 36 121 24 15 100 93 74 40 100 48 153 246 173 184 151 151 125 78 163 118 22 Boss '. 48 St. Johns 27 Hanover 31 West Creek 31 Cedar Creek 43 27 Winfield 23 Centre 24 Hobart 35 Total 651 1,542 311 North Township was not really behind in volunteering. Her men had gone to Chicago, to Michigan City, and other places easily reached by rail. Ross Township suffered in the same way. In October, 1862, by actual count, it was found that nearly two hundred men had thus left the county to enlist. In September, 1862, Lieut. William S. Babbitt recruited about fifty men for the Twentieth Regiment. At the same time, Lieut. J. M. D. Craft recruited about twenty for the Ninety-ninth. N. Sherer, of Dyer, had been authorized to raise a company, and by September had enrolled about fifteen. He did not finish the work. In October, Henry W. Shafer recruited, or rather enlisted, some twenty-five men for the Twenty- fourth Battery. During September, the Lake boys of Company B, of the Twentieth, sent home to their families about $2,000. Some eight or ten men of Lake County entered the Eighty-seventh Regiment. About this time the Register boasted that Lake County had fewer copper- heads than any other county in the State, and suggested that the names of such ought to be recorded for future reference. The enlistment of men was usually conducted under the stimulus of a big war meeting, where eloquent speeches were made to kindle the spark of patriotism, and beautiful ladies, with bewitching smiles, passed round the enlistment roll. Many a boy whose bones lie buried in an unknown grave in " Dixie " owed his fate to his inability to say " no " to the entreaty of handsome women. That is why we honor their memory. A very large and patriotic war meeting was held at Crown Point on the 16th of July, 1862. Speeches were made by Young, Griffin, Clay- pool and Wells. Many volunteers were secured for the companies that were then enrolling. The Fourth of July, 1862, brought together a large assemblage. J. D. Turner was Marshal of the day ; R. B. Young orator in English ; Mr. Kuntze orator in German, and J. M. D. Craft reader of the Declaration of Independence. A fine dinner was eaten ; 462 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. toasts were read and responded to ; patriotic and popular airs were sung by select singers, and returned soldiers were called out for speeches and cheered to the echo. But little attempt was made to enlist men after November, 1862, and prior to the call of June 15, 1863, for 100,000 three months' men. A few went from this county in response to this call, but only a few. The call of October 17, 1863, for 300,000 men, stimu- lated anew the enlistment. Previous to this, but little organized effort had been made, but now a county central committee was appointed, as follows, to aid in securing volunteers : R. B. Young, J. S. Holton, J. D. Turner, D. K. Pettibone and E. M. Cramer. This committee met and appointed the following sub-committees : North Township — Chancey Wilson, Joseph Hess and Frank Benton. Ross— Bartlett Ward, George Nicholson and Augustus Wood. St. Johns — Peter Portz, Adam Schmal and Rev. B. Rachor. Eagle Creek — A. T. Mitchell, Thomas Fisher and William Brown. Hobart — A. Wheeler, D. B. Ceilings and J. B. Albee. Centre — W. B. Rockwell, C. L. Templeton and J. L. Lower. Hanover — Henry Sasse, Sr., H. Westerman and James Ball. West Creek — Peter Burhaus, Z. C. Burnham and S. M. Baughman. Cedar Creek — William Sigler, J. N. Sanger and J. M. Kenny. Winfield — William Young, J. S. Sanders and J. L. Hipsley. One hundred and three men were required from Lake under the call. The enlistment was opened on the 18th of November, 1863, by Col. Anderson, Command- ant of the Ninth District, who delivered a long and eloquent speech at the county seat. Among other things, he said that Gov. Morton had said that the Ninth was the banner district in Indiana. Col. Ander- son and Mr. McMullen traversed the county, holding war meetings at Hobart, Crown Point, Merrillville, Wason's Church, West Creek, Lowell and other places. By the 4th of February, 1864, over one hundred men had been raised, some of the townships being far in excess of their quota. The calls of February, March and April, 1864, aggre- gating nearly 500,000 men, gave the county no rest from the good work. At this time, heavy bounties began to be offered, and a commutation of $300 for exempts on account of " conscientious scruples " came into affect. The 10th of March was fixed for the draft unless the quota was filled, but the enlistment was so rapid in the Ninth District that the day was postponed, and by the 1st of April, the quota of the entire district was almost filled. Many of the men raised during these months were recruits for the old regiments. In addition to these. Lake County raised over a company for the Twelfth Cavalry, which rendezvoused at Kendall- ville. The company from Lake in the Twelfth was G, commanded by Almon Foster, Captain ; J. M. Foster, First Lieutenant ; Maurice Shee- han. Second Lieutenant. Capt. Foster bought quite a number of HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTT. 463 horses in the county for his company, paying an average price of $130 for select animals. In May, 1863, the County Commissioners appropriated $1,000 out of the county funds, to be used for benevolent purposes growing out of the war. In June, a portion of Company A. Seventy-third Regiment, which had been with Col. Streight in hi^ raid through Georgia, and had been captured and confined in Southern prisons, returned to the county, and the boys were welcomed by the citizens in a public reception, and toasted and feasted to their heart's content. The Register of July had the following : THE FOUKTH IN THIS COUNTT. From what we can learn, the eighty-seventh anniversary of our independence as a nation was celebrated in this county at five diflFerent places, and each one, so far as we have learned, was well attended. The oration of Hon. W. C. Taloott was a good one it could not have been bettered. The speech of Bartlett Ward, delivered in the afternoon, we believe pleased everybody who heard it. In the evening, there was a splendid dis- play of fireworks. Mr. Aaron Guruey, of Valparaiso, delivered the oration at Lowell, and we understand it was a masterly effort. Eev. R. B. Young, of this place, delivered the oration at Hobart. If Mr. Young did as well as usual on such .occasions, the good people of Hobart surely had a rich treat. We have not been informed who were the speakers at the other celebrations, consequently can't tell the public. In July, 1863, the following enrollment was made : TOWNSHIPS. Bachelors, 35 to 40, other Hales 20 to 35. All Persons between 35 and 45. Total. North 45 58 115 95 43 82 92 91 75 69 56 89 95 66 31 34 50 51 60 68 101 Hobart 97 Koss 210 Centre 161 Winfield 74 Eagle Creek 116 142 West Creek 142 Hanover 135 St. Johns 137 Total 765 546 1311 In June and July, 1863, Thomas Clark and R. D. Fowler recruited quite a number of men for the Seventh Cavalry. Calvin Monahan, at the same time, bought horses for the same cavalry. At the big war meet- ing of August 29, 1863, there was over a mile of teams, " the longest," said the Register, "ever seen in town." As stated above, the quota under the October (1863) call was 103, distributed as follows : North, 8; Ross, 16 ; St. Johns, 11 ; Centre, 13 ; West Creek, 11 ; Cedar Creek, 11 ; Eagle Creek, 9 ; Winfield, 6 ; Hanover, 10 ; Hobart, 8. Charles A. Bell recruited for the Twentieth in November, 1863. At a big war meeting held at the court house November 18, resolutions were adopted asking the County Commissioners to appropriate $75 bounty for each 464 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. volunteer, in order to clear the county of its quota of 103 men. This was not done, however. The Register of December 10, 1863, contained the following: Recruiting has been quite brisk in this county for the past week. We learn that Hanover, St. Johns and Cedar Creek Townships have filled their quotas during the week. Besides, others have been recruited in other portions of the county. St. Johns and Cedar Creek Townships, each, pay their volunteers a bounty of $100. Altogether, we believe that Capt. Foster has over sixty men. Lake is all right, though her Commissioners do not offer large bounties, like most other counties have done. Some of the townships are considerably behind, but, we believe, will have their quotas full by the 20th. The issue of the following week had this spirited and patriotic notice : Lake County is doing her whole duty in filling her quota. She has now in camp at Michigan City seventy-five or eighty men. [These men were raised for the Twelfth Cavalry. — Ed.] Centre was the first Township to fill her quota, it being full about four weeks ago. Centre has furnished twenty-five or twenty-six men in all, four or five being credited to other townships. Our citizens should be proud of Centre, as this number has been enlisted without the offer of a single dollar of bounty. St. Johns sent off her complement last week, but we understand that four of her ihen were rej ected on account of old age and physical disability. She will make up the deficiency in a day or two. Cedar Creek has filled her quota, we believe. Eagle Creek claims to have furnished her quota, but we believe she lacks four or five yet. West Creek at last accounts was behind only four or five. Winfield has furnished three men, and, as they offer $25 bounty, we presume they will have the six men before the 20th. Ross still lacks seven or eight men, but her citizens are doing nobly in the way of money, offering $1,600 for sixteen men. Her quota will be filled by the 20th. Hanover shows a clean record, her ten being already in camp. Hobart and North are the only two townships behind. We have not heard that either has furnished any men for this last call, but we think they will fill their quota in time to escape the draft. Thirty men left here last Wednesday, and about twenty more on Sunday. The company will organize and elect their officers as soon as the required number is mustered. Thus has Little Lake honored all of Uncle Sam's drafts. We feel proud of the county. Certain Democratic members of the last Legis- lature said that Lake County was a " d — d Abolition County, and always saved Colfax from defeat." Yes, and it has sent one thousand Abolitionists to the battle-field to help defeat the rebels in arms. Bully for Lake ! The company, raised at this time, and sent to Michigan City, and afterward to Kendallville, became Gr, of the Twelfth Cavalry, with officers as above stated. In February, 1864, J. H. Ball and D. H. Barney were commissioned to recruit a company for the regiment forming at Camp Anderson, Michigan City. Nicholas Scherer became general recruiting officer of the county. Many of the boys of Company B, Twentieth Regi- ment, returned to the county in March, 1864, and were given a public reception by the citizens. An issue of the Register in May contained this notice : About thirty recruits have enlisted in this county under the call for one hundred days' men. A war meeting was held on Saturday last, and was addressed by Revs. R. B. Young, Lower and others. The Fourth of July, 1864, was fully recognized in Lake County by HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 465 well-attended celebrations at Lowell, Crown Point, Hobart, and perhaps elsewhere. At Lowell, Judge Hervey Ball was President of the Day; Capt, Kellogg Burnham, Marshal; and Aaron Gurney, of Valparaiso, Orator. About 1,200 persons were present. Thirty-four young ladies dressed in white with blue sashes, and bedecked with garlands of bright flowers, passed through the streets. Great enthusiasm prevailed. The following toasts were responded to : " The President of the United States," T. H. Ball; "Governor Morton," T. Cleveland; "Speaker Colfax," Mr. Tarr; "The Ladies present representing the States," Mr. Eadus; "The Union Army and Navy," Mr. Wells ; " The Widows and Orphans of the Re- public," T. Cleveland. The day was greatly enjoyed, especially the fine oration of Mr. Gurney. At Crown Point, J. H. Luther was President of the Day ; 0. L. Temple, Marshal ; C. J. Thompson, of Valparaiso, Orator; A. E. Beattie, Reader of Declaration of Independence, and Rev. R. B. Young, Chaplain. A pleasant day was spent, but not on so grand a scale as at Lowell. Under the call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men, the quota of Lake County was 225. This number was reduced by excess under former calls to 172, which number was required as follows : North, 11 ; Ross, 34; St. Johns, 20; Centre, 8; West Creek, 18; Cedar Creek, 13; Eagle Creek, 16 ; Winfield, 13 ; Hanover, 18 ; Hobart, 21. The fol- lowing townships were thus ahead of former calls : North, 8 ; Ross, 2 ; St. Johns, 5; Centre, 19; West Creek, 4; Cedar Creek, 11; Eagle Creek, 2 ; Hanover, 5. Winfield was behind on former calls, 1, and Hobart, 2. The Register of August 4, 1864, said: Our citizens will now observe the disadvantage they will be obliged to labor under by men going out of the county to enlist. We have furnished men enough from this county, aside from our credits, to fill our quota under the new call. Winfield has a defi- ciency of one ; West Creek and Eagle Creek are nearly as bad oflf (!), yet these town- ships have all furnished as many or more men, compared to the population, than any other townships in the county. Winfield and Eagle Creek sent their men to Valparaiso, and West Creek to Illinois. So also with Hobart, which has a deficiency of two ; Chicago has the credit of her men. Ross labors under the same difficulty, and now has thirty- four men to furnish. Lake County has famished nearly as many men for the army, and all three yeirs' men at that, as she used to cast votes before the war, which we think is, at least, as good a record as any other county in the district can show, yet her quota is now nearly as large as other counties with a papulation two or three times as great. This may be all right, but we do not see it. The issue of June 23, 1864, said : We learn that, since the outbreak of the rebellion. Lake County has sent over 1,100 soldiers to the field. What other county in the State, with a voting population of about 1,600, has furnished as many men ? In July, 1864, Lieut. W. S. Babbitt recruited men for the Twentieth Regiment, under the call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men. It was 466 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. during the summer of 1864 that militia organizations were effected throughout the county. The object of this was to get the full strength of each township out, to facilitate future enlistments. It was ascertained in September, 1864, that Ross Township had furnished for the war 120 men, thirty-four of whom had enlisted in Chicago. Both North and Ho- bart were in much the same condition. The fall elections were very spirited. Union meetings were held in every schoolhouse, and general hopeful feeling prevailed. Out of a total of 1,761 votes polled, Lake County gave Colfax, Candidate for Congress, a majority of 803, and, at the November election, West Creek, out of 191 votes cast, gave 190 for the Union ticket. The Register claimed Lake for the " banner Union county in the State." If that was true, West Creek was certainly the banner township. St. Johns was the only Democratic township in the county. It gave Turpie, Democratic Candidate for Congress, 150 votes out of 169 polled. During the winter of 1864-65, a literary society at Crown Point, after discussing with her ablest talent, for two nights, the question, " Ought the colored people in our country to enjoy the rights of citizenship among us ?" finally decided the question in the negative. The " nigger " was still offensive to some, it seems. Under the call of December 19, 1864, for 300,000 men, the town- ships began active work to fill their quotas. The strength for the county had been considerably reduced by the heavy drains upon her, but she had many good men yetj and she began to stir them up and out. Alfred Vanslyke began to recruit men. The quotas of the townships under this call were North, 7 ; Ross, 20 ; St. Johns, 21 ; Centre, 18 ; West Creek, 12 ; Cedar Creek, 16 ; Eagle Creek, 5 ; Winfield, 8 ; Han- over, 20 ; Hobart, 11 ; total, 138. The Register of February 16, 1865, said : Centre, Cedar Creek and West Creek, have filled their quotas. Ross commenced raising money for the purpose of procuring volunteers, and, when nearly enough was raised, the matter fell through. She is now making no effort, and her men are volun- teering and being credited to other townships. St. Johns has raised enough to pay her volunteers. Hanover will probably fill her quota. Eagle Creek has filled her quota, having paid each volunteer $400. North and Hobarl will do nothing toward procuring volunteers by pay, as their citizens are generally men of limited means. This was about the condition of affairs when the draft came on, and soon after came the joyful news of the surrender of Gen. Lee, and the order to cease enlisting or drafting. The first issue of the Register, after the surrender of Gren. Lee, contained the following : JUBILATION. On Siturdiy morning last the rumor of the capture of Gen. Lee's army reached this place, and in the evening a rather abortive attempt was made to get up a jubilee. A bon- fire was kindled, the cannon brought out and fired repeatedly, and the sky was illumined HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 467 by a display of fireworks. Quite a number of our citizens assembled at the court house ^ expecting to hear some speeches, but it was a rather "Quakerish" affair — the spirit not moving any one to speak. On Monday morning however, when the authenticated intelli- gence of the surrender of Gen. Lee and his entire army reached here, the wildest enthusiasm prevailed. The cannon was fired, the bells were rung, and every one made melody in his heart. The rejoicing was kept up with but little intermission during the day, and in the evening the court house was packed with an enthusiastic assemblage, which was regaled with soul-stirring speeches by Rev. R. B. Young and M. E. Griffin. The meeting was continued until 10 o'clock, and closed by the singing of the Doxology, in which the en- tire audience joined. Immediately after this came the painful news that President Lincoln had heen assassinated. The revulsion in public feeling was sickening. Many a man and woman had learned to love the name of Abraham Lin- coln. He had led them through four long years of darkness and death — had been the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night through all the starless gloom of war; and now, when the sunlight of victory had lighted the national heart with boundless joy, and every eye was dim, and every knee bent in grateful thanksgiving, to have the beloved Lin- coln cut down so untimely, was indeed bitter and hard to bear. Scores burst into tears, as if they had lost their dearest friend. The Register said: DEATH OF LINCOLN. Services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church at 12 M., Monday, April II. A large congregation was present. Dr. H. Pettibone was called to the chair, and Andrew Krimbill made Secretary. James D. Turner, Timothy Cleveland and William Krimbill, were appointed a committee to draft resolutions. Rev. R. B. Young opened with prayer Short speeches were delived by David Turner, R. B. Young, J. D. Turner and B. H. Brad bury. A long series of resolutions was adopted, one of them being. Resolved, That we, in common with all loyal citizens of the Republic, receive with feel- ings of profoundest grief the overwhemingly painful announcement of the death, by the hand of a guilty and infamous assassin, of the great honored, and universally beloved Chief Magistrate of the nation, Abraham Lincoln, the honest, the tried, the true. Soon after this came the news that JefiF Davis had been captured. This somewhat revived the public heart. The old cannon at Oro-ivn Point was again brought out and fired, and an effigy of " Jeff " in petticoats was carried through the streets, astride a rail, by a troop of boys, and finally hung up for a day or two, when it was taken down and " cremated ' ' amid derisive shouts. There remain to be noticed a few other topics. In the fall of 1862, owing to the fact that some localities of the State had furnished no vol- unteers scarcely for the war, a draft was ordered, to compel the recreant localities to come to time. The draft was not because the counties were behind wi'th their quotas, but because some townships were doing about all the enlisting. The measure was to equalize the enlistment. The draft officers of Lake were Elihu Griffin, Commissioner ; Daniel Turner, Pro- vost Marshall, and Harvey Pettibone Surgeon. The day of draft was 468 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. fixed for September 15, 1862, but was postponed until the 6th of October, when it took place with the following result : North, 18 ; St. Johns, 32; Hanover, 22 ; total 72. The most of these men entered the service. The draft was quiet, and but little opposition was manifested. Mr. Grif- fin's deputies were : North, Chancey Wilson ; Hobart, Jesse Albee ; Ross, J. M. Death and C. Death ; Centre, D. K. Pettibone ; St. Johns, Adam Schmal and Nicholas Scherer ; Winfield, A. Humphrey ; Eagle Creek, John Fisher ; Cedar Creek, Timothy Cleveland ; West Creek, David Doner ; Hanover, John G. Hoffman. In August preceding the draft, the Register said : Last Tuesday we saw the most heart-rend ing scene we ever witnessed. It was gen- erally understood that on that day all persons exempt from military duty in this county were to have their claims to exemption duly recognized by the enrolling Commissioners. It was truly pitable to behold the lame, halt, weak-spined, etc., that were in town that day. Some individuals, whom we always supposed to be able-bodied, were suffering almost as much as humanity could suffer. Old diseases and ailments that were almost forgot- ten were suddenly brought to mind again, and a person whose heart was not composed of adamant could not have witnessed their suffering without being moved to tears. Several of the drafted men "skedaddled," and J. D. Bonnell, a special Deputy, was sent to arrest them, and take them to Indianapolis. This he succeeded in doing. In May, 1863, the County Conscript Officers ceased to serve, the District Conscript Officers taking their place. James B. Belford became District Commissioner; W. W. Wallace, Provost Marsha], but his appointment was revoked in November, and Kline G. Shryock took his place; Daniel Dayton, Surgeon. J. S. Holton became Assistant Enrolling Officer for Lake County, and the fol- lowing township assistants were appointed : North, L. Knothe ; Ross, John Krost; Centre, C. E. Allman; West Creek, M. L. Barber; Eagle Creek, Ellis Sargent ; Winfield, William Young ; Cedar Creek, Amos Edgerton ; Hanover, Henry Sasse, Jr.; Hobart, J, B. Albee ; St. Johns, Joseph Vornhultz. No township gave the enrolling officer any trouble, except St. Johns. Some severe threats were made, but the officer escaped with six young apple trees girdled, and the tails of five horses shaved. The draft again came off in October, 1864, with the following result : Hanover, 18 ; Eagle Creek, 4 ; Ross, 27 ; Hobart, 19 ; North, 10; Winfield, 13; St. Johns, 20; Centre, 8; Cedar Creek, 12; West Creek, 13 ; total, 144. This draft was conducted at Michigan City, but, even while it was in progress, several of the townships cleared themselves by offering large bounties, and others considerably reduced the number to be drafted. The following was the final number obtained by this draft : North, 4 ; Ross, 15; West Creek, 3 ; Cedar Creek, 9 ; Eagle Creek, 1 ; Winfield, 7 ; Hobart, 9 ; total, 48. Centre paid $300 bounty to clear herself, the money being raised by, private subscription. A number of HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 469 citizens who refused to subscribe, had their names published, gratis, in the Reffister. The drafted men were ordered to report at Michigan City November 2, 1864. Under the call of December 19, 1864, the county was slow in raising her men. The draft was fixed for the 15th of Febru- ary, but was postponed, and finally came ofi" at Michigan City April 11, 1865. But, as was done the fall before, the townships raised very large bounties, and Centre, St. Johns and Hanover thus cleared themselves. The other townships were credited with drafted men as follows : North, 3; Ross, 5; West Creek, 4; Cedar Creek, 1; Eagle Creek, 1; Win- field, 1 ; Hobart, 4 ; total, 19. It thus appears that there were three drafts in Lake County, though the last is not recognized by the citizens, as the close of the war rendered it unnecessary. The enrolled militia of Lake in September, 1862, was 1,541 ; 650 had volunteered; 625 were in the service ; 314 were exempted, and 1,227 were subject to draft. The quotas of the county under the calls of February, March and July, 1864, were, respectively, 212, 85 and 225 ; total, 522. The enrollment upon which they were based was 1,347. The county was credited with 384 recruits, 56 veterans and 48 drafted. This was after the draft of October, 1864. The county enrollment under the December, 1864, call was only 783. Under this call the county was credited with 66 recruits and 19 drafted. From this it will be seen that Lake furnished 650 vol- unteers by autumn of 1862 ; 384 recruits after that and by October, 1864, and after that 66 recruits; total volunteers and recruits, 1,100. The drafted men who actually left the county and entered the service were 72, in 1862 ; 48, in 1864, . and 19 in 1865 ; total drafted, 139. It was also found by actual count in 1864, that not less than 220 men had left the county to enlist, thus making the grand total of the county in the serv- ice the sum of 1,100, 139 and 220, or a total of 1,459 men. They were in the following known regiment; Ninth, Twelfth, Twentieth, Seventy-second, Seventy-third, Eighty-seventh, Ninty-ninth, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth, One Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundred and Fifty-first and One Hun- dred and Fifty-fifth Infantry; Fifth, Seventh and Twelfth Cavalry; Fourth and Twenty-fourth Artillery. In November or December, 1861, a Soldiers' Aid Society was organ- ized at Crown Point. What was accomplished is not remembered. In December, 1862, the editor of the Register pertinently asked: " What has become of the Soldiers' Aid Society at Crown Point?" From this it would appear that the society was not very actively at work. Public meetings were held in all parts of the county late in 1863, in response to the proclamation of Gov. Morton calling for assistance for soldiers' families. What was done is included in the tabular statement 470 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTi'. farther on. Mrs. S. Robinson and Mrs. E. Hodson, of Lake County, served the Christian Commission as nurses in the Union Hospitals at Memphis and elsewhere. Mrs. Julia Sprague left the county and entered the Nashville Hospitals in August, 1863, as a nurse. Revs. J. E. New- house and J. L. Lower did the same in June, 1864. A sort of fair was held ai Crown Point December 4 and 5, 1863, on which occasion a considerable quantity of provisions was distributed to soldiers' families. Suppers given to the public in the evenings netted $175.50. This amount was placed in the hands of Alvan Sanford, to be distributed to such fam- ilies. No organized effort of relief was made until January 24, 1864, when, after a strong discourse in the Methodist Episcopal Church, which led to the collection of $40 for the Sanitary Commission, it was decided to re-organize the old aid society. Rev. R. B. Young was elected Presi- dent ; Revs. J. B. Newhouse, T. H. Ball and J. L. Lower, Vice Presi- dents ; W. G. McGlashon, Secretary, and E. M. Cramer, Treasurer. Do- nation Committee — Mrs. J. H. Luther, Mrs. E. M. Cramer, Mrs. S. J. Robinson, Mrs. J. G. Vandewalker, Miss Chase and Miss Beebe. Com- mittee to draft Constitution and By-Laws — Mrs. J. H. Luther, Mrs. Z. F. Summers and Mrs. J..D. Turner. The above arrangement seems to have been abandoned, for in March, 1864, the ladies perfected the follow- ing organization : President, Mrs. J. H. Luther ; Vice Presidents, Mrs. B. B. Cheshire and Mrs. J. E. Young ; Secretary, Mrs. A. M. Martin ; Treasurer, Mrs. T. H. Ball. This proved to be a working organization, $24 was raised for the ladies to begin with. Mite societies were also or- ganized about this time. An aid society, was organized at Plum Grove ; President, Mrs. M. Pierce; Secretary, Miss A. J. Albert; Treasurer, Miss M. J. Whaler. All these societies began active work. The Crown Point society at the close of the war made the following report : Cash raised, $561.71, all of which had been judiciously expended except $45 ; 1 barrel of pickles, 1 keg of horse radish, 1 firkin of butter (84 pounds), 2 bottles of wine, 101 shirts, 92 pairs of drawers, 29 sheets, 1 bed tick, 8 yards of mosquito-bar, 101 handkerchiefs, 71 towels, 175 pads, 44 pounds of bandages and compresses, 82 pillows, 69 pillow-cases, 18 pairs stockings, 114 pin-cushions, 9 coats, 89 pounds of dried fruit, 49 quilts, 5 vests, 2 pairs pants, 1 dressing-gown and three large boxes of stores valued at $150, sent to the Indiana State Fair. There were some six or eight other societies in the county which, it is said, did as well in proportion. Not less than $3,000 in money and stores were sent from the county for the benefit of the soldiers. Concerts, lectures, suppers, fairs, festivals, dona- tions, etc., etc., were employed in helping the soldiers. HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 471 EXHIBIT OF THE AMOUNTS PAID BY THE COUNTY FOK LOCAL BOUNTY, BELIEF FUND, ETC. LOCALITY. Lake County. North , Ross St. Johns Centre West Creek... Cedar Cr^k.. Eagle Creek... Winfield Hanover Total Grand Total . Bounty. $3,460 692 3,300 18,700 9,300 3,922 10,850 2,000 150 10,000 P62,374 Belief. $7,315 1,200 300 800 1,000 341 $10,956 Miscellaneous. $876.33 $876.33 .$74,206.33 Four full companies left Lake during the war, as follows : Com- pany B, Twentieth Regiment ; Company A, Seventy-third Regiment ; Company A, Ninety-ninth Regiment, and Company Gr, Twelfth Cavalry. The following were the officers of these companies, from the time of entering the service until muster out, given in the order of their ap- pointments : Company B, of the Twentieth — Captains, John Wheeler and Charles A. Bell ; First Lieutenants, Charles A. Bell, Michael Shee- han and Christopher Fraunberg; Second Lieutenants, Michael Shee- han, William S. Babbitt, Joseph A. Clark and Amory K. Allen. Company A, of the Seventy-third — Captains, William Krimbill, Richard W. Price and Alfred Fry ; .First Lieutenants, Richard W. Price, Philip Reed, Alfred Fry and J. R. Uptigrove ; Second Lieutenants, Philip Reed, Alfred Fry, J. R. Uptigrove, G. S. Clark and Oliver G. Wheeler. Company A, of the Ninety -ninth — Captains, David F. Sawyer, Kellogg M. Burnham, Rodman H. Wells and Alfred H. Heath. First Lieu- tenants, K. M. Burnham, R. H. Wells, A. H. Heath, D. T. Burnham and John P. Merrill ; Second Lieutenants, J. M. D. Craft, A. H. Heath and H. T. Wilton. Company G, of the Twelfth Cavalry— Captains, Almon Foster and John M. Foster ; First Lieutenants, John M. Foster and Maurice Sheehan ; Second Lieutenants, Maurice Sheehan, Charles Ball and Alexander McDonald. The bounties paid by the Government during the rebellion were as follows: July 22, 1861, |100 for three years' men; June 25, 1863, $400 to all veterans re-enlisting for three years or the war, to be paid until April 1, 1864; October 24, 1863, $300 to new recruits in old regiments, to be paid until April 1, 1864 ; July 19, 1864, $100 for recruits for one year, $200 for recruits for two years and $300 for recruits for three years ; November 28, 1864, $300 out of the draft or substitute fund, in addition to the bounty of July 19, 1864, for 472 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. men enlisting in the First Army Corps ; an act of July 4, 1864, rescinded the payment of the $100 under the act of July 22, 1861, to drafted men and substitutes. CALLS FOR TROOPS DURING THE REBELLION. 1. April 15, 1861, 75,000 men for three months. 2. May 3, 1861, 42,034 men for three years (regular army). 3. July 2, 1862, 300,000 men for nine months. 4. August 4, 1862, 300,000 men for nine months. 5. June 15, 1868, 100,000 men for six months. 6. October 17, 1863, 300,000 men for three years. 7. February 1, 1864, 200,000 men for three years. 8. March 14, 1864, 200,000 men for three years. 9. April 23, 1864, 85,000 for 100 days. 10. July 18, 1864, 500,000 men for one, two and three years. 11. December 19, 1864, 300,000 men for three years. The Twentieth Regiment participated in the following engagements : Hatteras Bank, Newport News, Capture of Norfolk, Orchards (where it lost 144 men, killed, wounded and missing). Seven Days' Fight, Manas- sas Plains (where Col. Brown was killed), Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Grettysburg (second, third and fourth day's fight, losing 152 men killed, wounded and missing, including Col. John Wheeler, a resident of Lake County), Manassas Gap, Locust Grove, Pine Run, Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Po River, Spottsylvania, Tallopotanni, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Petersburg (where many men were lost, including Lieut. Col. Meikel), Preble's House, Hatcher's Run, and all the battles until the surrender of Lee's army, besides others of less note. The Seventy-third fought at Chaplin Hills, Wild Cat, Gallatin (where it captured nineteen men), various skirmishes. Stone River (where it lost twenty-two killed, forty-six wounded and thirty-six missing, was at the front and under fire six days, occupied the extreme right of the army, the extreme left and the center, lost every member of the color guard, killed or wounded, except the color bearer, and was complimented for gallantry by Gen. Rosecrans in person), Streight's Expedition, fighting at Day's Gap, Crooked Creek (lost twenty-three killed and wounded), Blount's Farm (where Col. Hathaway was mortally wounded), and the regiment was captured at Cedar Bluff, the men being soon exchanged, but not the officers, many skirmishes while guarding property in Tennessee and Kentucky, Athens, Ala., Decatur, frequent skirmishes near Larkinsville, and others of less importance. The Ninety-ninth fought at the siege of Vicksburg, Big Black River, HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 473 siege of Jackson, Brownsville, Mission Ridge, pursuit of Bragg, Chatta- nooga, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty, seven days' skirmishing near Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Decatur, in front of Atlanta, skirmished every day from the 3d to the 15th of August, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station, Little River ; on the march to the sea, it fought at Cannouchee River and Ogeechee River, charge upon Ft. Mc- Allister, Duck Creek, Edisto River, Bentonville and others. The Twelfth Cavalry fought guerrillas in numerous skirmishes between Huntsville, Ala., and Point Rock (and lost many men, killed and wounded), same while at Brownsboro and at Tullaho.ma, Wilkinson's Pike and Overall's Creek, skirmished before Murfreesboro and in the defense of Mobile, Grierson raid and numerous other places, besides doing a vast and constant amount of fatigue and guard duty. LAKE county's EOLL OF HONOR. Ninth Infantry. — Thomas A. Bieber, died of disease, February, 1862 ; Lewis W. Crandle, died of disease, March, 1862 ; Alfred B. Fol- sam, killed at Shiloh, April; 1862 ; William B. Handle, died of disease, June, 1862 ; Benjamin F. Harris, died of disease, February, 1862 ; Asa A. Ketchum, died of wounds received at Stone River, January, 1863 ; Robert B. Lathrop, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; Lewis E. Smith, killed at Greenbrier, Va., October, 1861 ; John D. Snure, died of disease, February, 1862. Total, 9. Twentieth Infantry. — Col. John Wheeler, killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 ; Samuel Bangleburn, died in Andersonville Prison, November, 1864; James A. Deyoe, died of wounds, August, 1864; Jeremiah W. Drake, died of wounds received at Petersburg ; George W. Edgerton, killed at Gettysburg, July, 1863 ; Horace Fuller, killed in the Wilder- ness, Va., May, 1864 ; Lawrence Frantz, killed at Spottsylvania, May, 1864 ; Michael Hafey, died at Petersburg, Va.; Christian Hazworth, died of wounds received at Manassas Plains, May, 1868 ; William M. Johnson, killed at Petersburg, June, 1864 ; Albert Kale, died at Camp Hampton, Va., December, 1861 ; James D. Merrill, killed in the Wilder- ness, May, 1864 ; William Mutchler, died at Camp Smith, Va., April, 1862 ; Peter Mutchler, died of wounds received at Chickahominy, July, 1862 ; James Pattie, died in Belle Isle Prison, Va.; David Pinckerton, died of wounds received in the Wilderness ; Joshua Richmond, killed at Gettysburg, July, 1863 ; Harvey B. Sisson, died at Brandy Station, Va., February, 1864 ; John F. Tarr, died at Washington, November, 1862 ; Isaac Williams, died of wounds received at Gettysburg, July, 1863 ; Charles Winters, died of wounds received at Petersburg, June, 1864. Total, 21. 474 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. Seventy-third Infantry.— Lems Atkins, died at Nashville, November, 1862 ; Eli Atwood, died at Nashville, November, 1862 ; John Ohilders, died at Nashville, December, 1862; John H. Early, killed at Stone River, December, 1862 ; Robert W. Fuller, died at Indianapolis, August, 1863 ; Jasper M. Fuller, died at Gallatin, Tenn., January, 1863 ; Will- iam Frazier, died at Nashville, December, 1862 ; Marion Graves, died at Nashville, December, 1862 ; Austin Lamphier, died at Nashville, Janu- ary, 1863 ; Thomas W. Loving, died at Nashville, September, 1863 ;. John Maxwell, died at Scottsville, Ky., November, 1862 ; Isaac W. Moore, died at Gallatin, December, 1862 ; Leander Morris, died at Nash- ville, April, 1863 ; Albert Nichols, died at Nashville, December, 1862 ; James Rooney, died at Nashville, February, 1863 ; Cornelius Vanburg, died at Bowling Green, Ky., December, 1862 ; Edward Welch, killed at Stone River, December, 1862 ; Samuel White, killed at Blunt's Farm, Ala., May, 1863 ; Mial Woods, died in Gallatin, January, 1863 ; Ed- mund Woods, died at Nashville, November, 1862. Total, 20. Ninety-ninth Infantry. — Orrin E. Atkin, killed at Nickajack Creek, July, 1864 ; Justiss Bartholomew, died at Andersonville Prison, August,.- 1864 ; D. T. Burnham, killed near Atlanta, August, 1864 ; James D. Clingham, died at Huntsville, Ala., July, 1864 ; R. T. Harris, died at La Grange, Tenn., March, 1863 ; H. H. Haskins, died in Andersonville Prison, October, 1864 ; James Horton, killed at Atlanta, July, 1864 ;: John Lorey, died at Black River, Miss., September, 1863 ; Adam Mock, died at Black River, September, 1863 ; Nicholas Newman, drowned in Black River, August, 1863; Cory don Pierce, died at Wash- ington, N. C, April, 1865 ; Thomas C. Pinnell, died near La Grange,. Tenn., February, 1863 ; Albert Robbins, died of wounds received at At- lanta, August, 1864 ; Jacob Schmidt, died July, 1863 ; John Stickle- man, died of wounds received at Atlanta, September, 1864 ; A. Vander- vert, died March, 1863 ; Michael Winand, died at home, December, 1864. Total, 17. One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry. — Christian Birch, died at Salisbury Prison, N. C, September, 1865; William G. Harris, died at Nashville, May, 1864 ; Gottlieb Santer, died at Burnt Hickory, Ga., June, 1864. Total, 3. One Hundred and Fifty-first Infantry. — Elbridge Clark, died at Louisville, Ky., August, 1865 ; Reuben Clark, died at home, March, 1865; Alexander McKnight, died at Nashville, June, 1865; Rice C. Thompson, died at Tullahoma, June, 1865. Total, 4. Fifth Cavalry. — Mark P. Mushrush, died at Florence, S. C, Janu- ary, 1864. Total, 1. Twelfth Cavalry. — Lieut. Charles Ball, died at home, September,. HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 475 1865 ; Henry Brockman, died at New Orleans, April, 1865 ; Sidney W. Chapman, died at New Orleans, April, 1865 ; Charles Crothers, died at Kendallville, Ind., March, 1864 ; Jacob Deeter, died at Vicksburg, Jan- uary, 1865 ; R. L. Fuller, died at home, October, 1864 ; Ephraim E. Goflf, died at Starkville, August, 1865 ; William Harland, died at Nash- ville, January, 1865; Mathias Hoopendall, died at Huntsville, Ala., June, 1864 ; Frederick Kahle, died at Kendallville, Ind., April, 1864 ; M. F. McCarty, died at Nashville, May, 1864 ; Albert McMillan, died at Michigan City, February, 1864 ; F. S. Miller, died at home ; Albert Moore, died at Kendallville, Ind., April, 1864; W. M. Pringle, died at Nashville, November, 1864 ; S. A. Robbins, died at Huntsville, July, 1864; William Stinkle, died at Nashville, February, 1865; William Stubby, died at home. May, 1864; Ezra Wedge, died at home, February, 1864. Total, 19. Grand total of men from the county known to have died in the rebellion, 94. It is reasonable to infej* that enough more died in regiments enlisted wholly without the county to raise the roll of honor to 150 men. CHAPTER IV. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEBE. Ceown Point and Centre Township— First White Family in the Township — Detailed Account of the Fikst Permanent Settle- ment— Privations Endured by the Squatters— Catalogue of Early Settlers— Lake Court House— Its Origin and Growth — Eobinson's Historical Lecture of 1847— Merchants and Mechanics —Professional Men — The Public Schools— Private Educational Enterprises — Secret Societies— Incorporation-Town Officers AND their Enactments— Summary of Present Business Interests. SO far as known, the first white persons in Centre Township, or upon the present site of Crown Point, were a family of the name of Far- well, consisting of some five or six individuals who had come from the Green Mountain State for a home in the West, and were endeavoring to find their way over the rather obscure Sac trail, which passed across the present site of Crown Point to the Hickory Creek settlement in Illinois. The members of the family were inexperienced in the mysteries of prairie or wood craft, and, for some miles back, had been troubled to follow the trail, though to the practiced eye of an Indian or a white hunter all obstacles vanished. The travelers finally missed the trail, and, not wish- ing to wander into unknown and unexplored tracts of prairie or wood- land, took shelter from the burning rays of the sun in a beautiful grove which seemed to beckon them with its grateful shade. A young man of the family was dispatched on horseback along the route over which they 476 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. had come to find some guide who could and would direct the family on their way toward their destination. While the messenger was gone, the remainder of the family passed the Fourth of July, 1833, where now re- poses the prosperous town of Crown Point. If the male members of the Farwell family were not the first of their sex upon the town site, it can certainly be said, though at a venture, that Mrs. Farwell was the first white woman. There are, however, two or more possible doubts even to this. There is scarcely a doubt that white pioneers bound for the numer- ous settlements springing up like mushrooms on the fertile prairie of Illinois, passed over the Sac trail previous to the national holiday above mentioned, and, of course, women were among the number. There is the further possibility, if not probability, of there having been in former years white women (captives or wives) among the Indians, who, at cer- tain periods, made the town site a resort for detachments of their band. While, of course, in 1833, it was very new in the vicinity of Lake County, it is certainly true that all this country for many leagues around had been traversed by hardy home -seekers and adventurers, and there was not a foot of land that had not been swept by the bold and speculative eyes of numerous pioneers. Long before Lake was thought of as a human habita- tion, well-populated settlements had flourished on the Illinois River, and, no doubt, the prairies of Lake had been traversed by white men seeking these distant outposts. But this is speculation, and to Mrs. Farwell must be accorded the known honors, such as there are. The son at last' re- turned with a guide, and the family continued on the journey, following the trail down through the woods to Cedar Lake, thence southwesterly across the northern part of West Creek Township. Their. future move- ments are unknown to the writer, until they, a few years later, 1836, re- turned to the rich land on West Creek, where they made their home, and were for many years prominent and respected citizens. The first known attempts at white settlement within the borders of Centre Township were made before the autumn of 1834, but the details of these events are very meager and somewhat enveloped in speculation. When Solon Robinson appeared in the fall of 1834, he found upon the present site of the county seat evidences of attempts by white persons to pre-empt the soil, not only there, but at one or more other places in Cen- tre Township. It was either then or afterward ascertained that William Butler had previously been upon the ground, and had founded claims for himself, for his brother, B. P. Butler, and possibly for George and Theo- dore Wells. One small log cabin, and perhaps more, was erected, and the claims were marked with stakes to prevent others from interfering with the rights of the squatters. Some time during the summer or early autumn of 1834, a man of the name of John Huntley had located a CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 479 claim on the south half of Section 8, and had constructed two rude log cabins. It is possible that he may have lived in one a short time. It is also quite certain that claims (number unknown) were also established in the central and southern portions of the township, as Solon Robinson speaks of seeing, after his arrival, the cabins which had been built. None of these claims, however, were permanent. Permanent Settlement. — In October, 1834, near the close of the month, Thomas Childers and family located in the edge of School Grove, on the southeast quarter of Section 17, which section was a Pottawatomie "float" owned by Nis-sink-que-quah, a half-chief of his tribe. He erected a small log cabin, in which were domiciled his wife and a few chil- dren, and began to prepare for winter. On the last day of October, 1834, Solon Robinson arrived, and the following is his own narrative of that event: " It was the last day of October, 1834, when I first entered this ' arm of the Grand Prairie.' It was about noon, of a clear, delightful day, when we emerged from the woods, and, for miles around, stretched forth one broad expanse of clear, open land. At that time, the whole of this county scarcely showed a sign that the white man had yet been there, except those of my own houeehold. I stood alone, wrapt up in that peculiar sen- sation that man only feels when beholding a prairie for the first time — it is an indescribable, delightful feeling. Oh, what a rich mine of wealth lay outstretched before me. Some ten miles away to the southwest, the tops of a grove were visible. Toward that onward rolled the wagons with nothing to impede them. * * * * Just before sundown, we reached the grove and pitched our tent by the side of a spring. What could exceed the beauty of this spot ! Why should we seek farther ? Here is everything to indicate a healthy location which should always in- fluence the new settler. * * * * After enjoying such a night of rest as can only be enjoyed after such a day, the morning helped to con- firm us that here should be our resting-place. In a few hours the grove resounded with the blows of the ax, and in four days we moved into our ' new house.'" Solon Robinson was thus the first settler upon the site of Crown Point, having located his claim upon the northwest quarter of Section 8. Three days after Robinson's arrival, Henry Wells and Luman A. Fowler came on foot from Twenty-Mile Prairie (Porter County), where they had left their horses. They were prospecting, and went down to Cedar Lake, where they slept overnight in a tree top, and feasted on roasted raccoon. Upon their return to Robinson's the next day, they were so tired and sick of the country that, as Robinson afterward aptly expressed it, they would have "sold the whole country, Esau-like, for a mess of pottage." However, they bought the claim and two log cabin 480 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. bodies built by Mr. Huntley, who had located on the south half of Sec- tion 8, as above stated, prior to the arrival of Childers or Robinson, for $50 cash. Wells went back to his family, near Detroit, but Fowler, a single man, passed the winter with the family of Robinson. In the spring of 1835, Fowler went to Detroit, where he was married, and, in in the following fall, returned with his young wife and Wells' wife and child and settled upon his claim, and in a short time afterward Wells joined his family and friends in the new home. In December, 1834, William Clark arrived and located a claim on the northeast quarter of Section 8, where he built a cabin, and where, a month and a half or two months later, he brought his wife and family. Immediately after Clark, there came Warner and William Holton, the latter arriving about the middle of February, 1835, and the former a few days later. These families came from the Wabash region, as did Robinson. J. W. Holton soon arrived. The experiences of the family of William Clark, coming in wagons from the Wabash in the month of February, 1835, are worth recording at this juncture. As stated above, Mr. Clark had come out in December, 1834, and located a claim and built a^ house thereon, and had then returned for his family. The weather of the winter up to this period had been open and quite pleasant ; but, in February, the severest cold weather set in after a heavy fall of snow, and the greatest distress was experienced by the settlers. The Clark family were caught in this storm while down below the Kankakee, and with the greatest difficulty and suffering pushed their way onward. The vast marshes south of the Kankakee were "covered with ice, upon which night overtook them while endeavoring to force' their way across. There was no house, and they were unprepared for camping out, and one of the most severe cold nights was about closing in upon them, surrounded by a wide field of ice, upon which the already frightened and tired oxen refused to go farther, and not a tree or stick of firewood was near them. These families upon this night might have perished had they not providentially discovered a set of logs which some one had hauled out upon a little knoll near by to build a cabin with, and with which they were enabled to build a fire to warm a tent made out of the covering of their wagons, and which enabled them to shelter themselves from the blast that swept drearily over the wide prairie. The next day, by diverging ten miles out of their course, they reached a little, miserable hut of an old Frenchman named Shobar, who lived with his half-Indian family on the Kankakee. Here they stayed two nights. Such was the severity of the weather that they dared not leave their uncomfortable quarters, and, when they did so, they had to make a road for the oxen across the river by spreading hay upon the ice and freezing it down by pouring on water." They had CEOWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 481 great difficulty during the remainder of the transit, the oxen at one time bi:eaking through the ice at West Creek, in the township of the same name, and being extricated only after hard labor. Night was coming on, and the way was very uncertain. At length, just at dark, they saw a guide-board with the following welcome information : " To Solon Robin- son's five miles north." The oxen were hurried forward (if the poor, faithful beasts could be), and, some time after dark, the worn-out and half- frozen travelers reached a hearty welcome around the roaring fire-place in the cabin of Solon Robinson. The latter part of the winter of 1834-35 was very severe, the extreme cold weather extending far into the spring. Oxen and cows starved to death or perished with cold. Mills were miles away, and families were unwillingly reduced to Hobson's choice. The family of Luman Wells were obliged to make a supper of a huge owl (ugh !), and were on the point of roasting a wolf, when a supply of pro- visions arrived. Mr. Wells went to mill, and on his return at night, drove from a steep bank into the freezing waters and floating ice of Deep River. He clung to one horse, and succeeded in reaching the shore. His loud cries brought assistance from a house near by, or he must have perished. It was near night of the following day before he recovered the other horse and the wagon. Many incidents similar to these might be narrated. Solon Robinson's description of the " first trip to mill," published in the Albany Cultivator in 1841, presents a remark- able degree of privation endured by his family during his absence, and is a faithful account of what transpired in each pioneer family. He had been gone nine days, four or five longer than expected, and his wife had long before " scraped the last bone for breakfast. Never were such ap- petites seen before as those which daily diminished the fast-failing stock of provisions of our little family in the wilderness." No lard, no butter, no meat, no milk. On the sixth day, a small bag of wheat bran was found. "Bran cakes and cranberries sweetened with honey then was sweet diet. Although the owner of a gun that rarely failed to perform good service, it seemed that every living thing in the shape of game had hid up in winter quarters." Beacon fires were kept at night to guide the messenger on his return across the pathless prairie. The days and nights wore away, until at last the midnight of the ninth day after the messenger's departure found the wife worn out with anxiety and watch- ing, prostrate on the bed to rest but not to sleep. Footsteps sounded on the frozen ground, and a familiar voice was heard. " What joyful sounds! But the joy was soon dampened, as it became manifest that he drove a team without a wagon. ' Where is that? ' was the first ques- tion. 'Fast in the river, a few miles back on the prairie.' ' Do you know we have nothing in the house for your supper ? ' 'I expected so, 482 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. and so I brought along a bagful; here are both flour and meat.' " Then the hickory logs began to blaze, and soon there was a supper — and such a supper. Many claim-seekers appeared during the winter of 1834-35, though but few settlers. With the spring, however, other permanent settlers began to arrive. In March, Richard Fancher appeared with a load of provisions and household goods, drawn by two yoke of oxen. He left his load at Solon Robinson's, and returned for his family, which he brought out in April, and settled on his claim on Section 17. In May, William and Elias Myrick came with their families and founded the " Myrick Settlement " on Sections 19 and 20. Thomas Reed came at the same time, and settled on Section 20. All these settlers, it must be remembered, were squatters. Others came, and, at the time of the assessment in 1887, the following, with those mentioned above, were actual residents of the township : Asahel Albee, Section 13 ; H. N. Brooks, Section 30: Thomas Clark, 8; M. B. Crosby, 15; Philo Enoe, 29 ; Henry Farmer, 27 ; Martin Greenman, 9 ; William Hunt, 21; Obadiah Higbee, 10; Henry Myrick, 20; Hiram S. Pelton, 7; John Peat, 31 ; E. J. Robinson, 6 ; Milo Robinson, 8 ; John Reed, 19 ; Joseph P. Smith, 15; Charles W. Sloat, 31; Stephen Smith, 20; Erastus Sisco, 20 ; Henry Wells, 8 ; G. C. Woodbridge, 20 ; William R. Williams, 18 ; Zera Woodford, 12. The following is quoted from Ball's history, referring to the settlement at Crown Point : " The prairie sod was not favorable for an early garden, but an old Indian corn-field furnished a garden spot which the four families divided out and cultivated, and on which they raised their first vegetables. A breaking plow was started May 12, and the first furrow turned was across the quarter section where now Main street runs, beginning at the present line of North street and ending on South street, or at the Eddy place. Twelve acres of oats were raised, and some corn and buckwheat. Some of this buckwheat, sent to mill by the Clark family, was probably the first grist sent from Lake County. The mill was forty miles distant. The first speculation made was in oats. William Clark and William Hol- ton had bought oats in the spring of 1835, in La Porte County, intend- ing them for seed, for 50 cents a bushel. Thinking it too late to sow when they reached their claims, they hauled the oats back and sold them for $1.50 per bushel. The price had gone immediately up. Oats, corn and wheat then all sold for the same price. Warner Holton dug a well. He dug four feet and found water which supplied two fami- lies. This well was near the present railroad depot. As the water receded, the well was made deeper until in after years it reached the depth of twelve feet. Not forgetful of their national history CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 483 in their isolation, this little colony celebrated the Fourth of July, 1835, by going to Cedar Lake and taking a boat ride on its crystal waters. In the fall these settlers saw their first prairie fire, and some of them were quite alarmed at its threatening aspect." In the year 1836, there settled on the east side of Cedar Lake, Hor- ace Edgerton, Adonijah Taylor, Horace Taylor and Dr. Calvin Lilley. In addition to these, there were others who came in, and whose names cannot be given. A few years later, West Point was founded on the east bank of Cedar Lake. This paper. town aspired to be the county seat, a full account of which is found elsewhere in this volume. As before stated, Solon Robinson built the first house in Crown Point in November, 1834. When H. S. Pelton arrived in June, 1835, he found Robinson fencing the garden belonging to several families, which wasjoint property. Much gardening was done this summer, and, in the fall, to guard against a possibly long and protracted winter, a much larger quantity of hay was made than thought necessary ; but so many settlers arrived during the fall of 1835 and the succeeding winter, it was all exhausted before spring, and many cattle and horses literally starved to death. According to Solon Robinson, the site of Crown Point had been a favorite Indian resort in years preceding the advent of the whites ; and a portion of the garden used by the first settlers had been fenced by the Indians, and used, possibly for many years, for the cultivation of corn and vegetables. He further says that he was informed by the Indians that Crown Point was regarded by the Indians as a very healthy location, and the sick were taken there to be benefited and cured. In March, 1836, Solon Robinson was commissioned Postmaster at Lake Court House, but before this the squatters were obliged to go to Michigan City for their mail. During the first year, the Postmaster paid the expense of conducting the office. From March to October (1836), the receipts were $15 ; for the next quarter $8.87 ; for the next, $21.49 ; for quarter end- ing June, 1837, $26.92 ; for the next, $43.50; for the next, $38.20; for the first quarter of 1838, $51.33 ; for next, $51.39. Dr. Palmer came to the county in 1836, before which the sick were visited by physicians from Michigan City. In the latter part of 1836, Solon and Milo Robin- son opened a store in a small log cabin which adjoined the building that was afterward used as a court house. Here, during the winter of 1836- 37, they sold about $3,000 worth of goods, as Solon Robinson noted, to the whites, mostly on time, which was indefinitely extended by the purchasers, and to the Pottawatomies for cash, furs, cranberries, etc. Solon Robinson was Justice of the Peace while Lake remained attached to Porter in 1836, and while serving thus married David Bryant and Mar- garet Steinbrook, December, 1836. The following is a copy of the license : 484 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTV. State of Indiana, 1 ^^ pobtee cotintt. j To any person duly empowered by law to solemniz', marriages in the county aforesaid: Tou are hereby authorized to join together as husband and wife David Bryant and Margaret Steinbrook. Given under my hand on the 19th day of December, A. D. 1836. ,_A_, Georoe W. Toknbr, Clerk. \ SEAL >• This was probably the first marriage in Lake County. The second was that of Solomon Russell to Rosina Barnar.d, solemnized by Solon Robinson, March 9, 1837. The following was the third in the county, State of Indiana, 1 Lake Codntt. j I, A. L. Ball, V, Justice of the Peace in said county, do certify that on the 12th day of March, 1837, I married Lorenzo C. Beebe and Betsey Prentiss as husband and wife, and order that the clerk of said county record the same. Given under my hand and seal this 27th day of May, 1837. ,_^^ A. L. Ball, Justice of the Peace. ■j SEAL y After the organization of the county in 1837, Milo Robinson and Horace Taylor were elected Justices of the Peace of Centre Township. * During the summer of 1837, Solon and Milo Robinson built the frame part of the old Pelton House, and fitted the same for the entertainment of the public, with Milo as " mine host." About the same time, they built the building that was used so long for a court house and place of worship. At this time, oak lumber was worth $15 per thousand, and pine lumber $35 per thousand. Nails were 15 cents per pound ; shingles, f 3 per thousand ; flour, $10 per barrel ; pork, $25 per barrel ; butter, 27 cents per pound ; cows, $25 to $40 each. During the year 1837, several buildings were erected at Crown Point and several families moved in. During the winter of 1837-38, a mail route was eslablished from Monti- cello to Lake Court House, with H. S. Pelton carrier. At this time, some eight familieslived at Crown Point, or near there. In 1844, the following men and their families, if they were then married, lived at Grown Pointer near there: Solon Robinson, Luman A. Fowler, William AUton, Rus- sell Eddy, Henry Wells, Richard Fancher, William Clark, William C. Farrington, William A. W. Holton, Warner Holton, M. M. Mills, John Sheehan, Major AUman, C. V. Holton, H. S. Pelton, David K. Pettibone, J. V. Johns (the last two single men), Thomas Clark, Daniel May, Amos Hornor, Alexander McDonald, Joseph P. Smith, Joseph Tozier, H. N. Brooks, Major C. Farwell. Land Entries. — The following lands in Centre Township were entered at the dates stated, by the purchaser or squatter's proving up his pre- CKOWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 485 emption rights, after which he received a patent for his land : Milo and Solon Robinson received patent, November 17, 1838, for the northwest quarter of Section 8; William Clark, same date, for the northeast quarter of Section 8 ; Russell Eddy, same date, for the north half of the southwest quarter of Section 8 ; Nehemiah Sherman, same date, for the southwest quarter of Section 21 ; Henry Wells, November 30, for the south half of the southwest quarter of Section 8 ; George Parkin- son, same date, for the southwest quarter of Section 22. These men, of course, paid the Government price of $1.25 per acre for their land. They had adopted the precaution of perfecting their titles before the land sale in the spring of 1839, fearing that speculators might get the advan- tage of them. During these years it was a great time for speculation. Wild-cat money of depreciated and doubtful value circulated quite freely. The crash of 1887 soon righted values which for so long had been visionary. The death of Milo Robinson, of consumption, January 1, 1839, was the first at Crown Point. Luman A. Fowler became the tavern-keeper after Mile's death, continuing thus until the fall of 1839, when H. S. Pelton took his place and continued until 1846. About this time, Dr. Lilley, of Cedar Lake, was licensed by the County Commissioners to sell goods and to keep tavern. This was the time when the citizens of Lake Court House were startled by the removal of the county, seat to Liver- pool. Full account of this is found elsewhere. Finally, when the reloca- tion took place, Benjamin McCarty, who had become established at Cedar Lake, put in a claim for the location, and oflfered valuable tracts of land, sums of money, etc., to secure it, but without success. Solon Robinson afterward, in a lecture, in referring to the subject, congratulated his hear- ers that the county seat had not been established at West Point (Cedar Lake), as the water in the wells there was quite an active cathartic. He seemed to think the county had thus escaped a great calamity. After June, 1840, when the relocation took place, the town of Crown Point was laid out into seventy-five lots, each, except a few, containing half an acre, all on forty acres owned by Solon Robinson and twenty acres owned by William Clark. Clark donated the streets, one-half the common, one-half the lots laid out on his land, and thirty-five acres on the east, and Robin son donated the streets, one-half the lots laid out on his land, one-half the common, the court house lot, a large public square twenty acres on the west, and the old school lot. On the 19th of November, 1840, George Barle, County Agent, sold at auction the first county lots (donated by Clark and Robinson) at prices ranging from $11 to $127.50, on two, three and four years' time, one year without interest. The present court house lot is only half the original public square; the other half just east 486 HISTOKY OF LAKE COUNTY. was afterward laid out into lots, when the county was hard up for funds, probably, and sold. Up to this time, there were not more than eight or ten dwellings in town. The name Crown Point was applied under the following circumstances : " I have a name to propose," said George Earle, County Agent. " So have I," replied Solon Robinson. " What is your name?" " Crown Point." " And that is also/mine." Industries, Trades, Professions, etc. — The first house built after the laying-out of the town was by Solon Robinson for Norman Warriner, the first resident minister at the place. Soon afterward, Maj. C. Farwell,a member of the family referred to at the beginning of this chapter, built a house, moved in his family, and then erected a blacksmith shop and began working at his trade. How long Solon Robinson continued his store cannot be told. H. Mount opened a small store of dry goods and gro- ceries at Crown Point in May, 1838, capital to be not over $1,000 ; li- cense from that date to February, 1839, $5. In June, 1841, Solon Robinson, Norman Warriner and Hervey Ball organized the first temperance society of Lake County, and, on the 4th of July of that year, about three hundred men, women and children cele- brated the national holiday with a picnic dinner and cold water. Mr. Ma- son and Dr. Farrington burned brick at Crown Point in 1841. Mr. Mills erected a large tavern building in the spring of 1842, opening a store in one end and a saloon in the other. This building is the present Rockwell House ; he kept store before that about two miles south. In 1843, in six weeks, eight persons died of scarlet fever. Somewhere about this time, H. S. Pelton and Allton & Bent began selling merchandise. In about 1847, Mills sold his store to John W. Dinwiddle, and a year later Dinwiddle bought out Pelton's stock. Bent died at a Democratic con- vention at Winamac, and his partner sold out to Mr. Straight, who prob- ably sold to J. P. Smith. Carter & Carter began late in the 40*8, but soon sold to Dinwiddle. Other merchants from this time on until the last war were Turner & Cramer, Henry Sherman, Farwell, Allton, Hol- ton, A. & W. B. Nichols, Merton, J. P. Smith, E. M. Crainer, Tripp, Clingan, Luther, Clark & Holton, Farley, John G. Hoffman ; Joseph Young, tinware ; Mrs. S. M. Allman, millinery ; J. C. Sauerman, har- ness ; Henry Greisel, furniture, coffins, etc.; M. J. Hack, blacksmith and wagon-maker ; H. S. Topping, artist ; Eddy & Pratt, livery. Many changes were made in the ownership of the various branches of business, and after about 1857 they became so numerous that to follow them would be more arduous than the twelve labors of Hercules. In 1847, Solon Robinson summed up the business of Crown Point as follows : Two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist; two stores, by H. S. Pelton and William Allton ; one hotel, by Joseph Jackson ; one small schoolhouse. CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 487 two convenient public offices, four physicians, three ministers, two law- yers, blacksmiths, carpenters, etc. There were then about thirty families, representing a population of about one hundred and fifty. Z. P. Farley succeeded Jackson as hotel-keeper, and in 1851 the two built the Jackson House, now the Hack's Exchange, and kept it for about five years. In 1848, William Allton built the Meyers brick, and in 1849 Farley & Jackson built the bakery brick. These were the first of brick. In 1858, the Register brick was built. During the same year, dwellings of brick were built by Z. P. Farley and J. G. Hoffman. The completion of the railroad to Crown Point in 1865 greatly multiplied industries and improvements of all kinds. Mechanical industries have not been as numerous nor of as great mag- nitude as in many other towns of no greater population. No enterprise of this character large enough to create noteworthy attention outside of Crown Point was begun until in about 1852, when Lewis & Dwyer erected a large, two-storied frame grist-mill, in which were placed two sets of excellent French buhrs and a twenty-four-horse-power engine. Just before this, a saw-mill had been built at the same place, and the two build- ings, standing close together, were operated by the one engine. Mr. Merton soon bought both mills, and some time afterward transferred them to other parties. Men named Barton and Huber were connected with them, and it is said that both mills ceased running on their hands. Neither mill received proper support, or rather there was not a paying patronage for the mills at Crown Point. For a time, the grist-mill did well, but only a small amount of merchant work was done. The saw- mill at no time had what might be called a paying patronage. The next most important industry was the wagon and carriage factory founded by Joseph Hack in 1860. Prior to this M. J. Hack had carried on a well-patronized blacksmith shop, and had made a few wagons, be- sides doing considerable general repair work. Joseph Hack erected suit- able buildings, employed nine or ten men in the departments of wood and iron work, and began to turn out from thirty to sixty vehicles per annum, the greater number being wagons of superior construction. Four or five blacksmiths were kept constantly busy either on new vehicles, or on old ones in want of repair. As high as $6,000 worth of work was done in one year. The business has been continued until the present time, al- though the class of work has changed to accord with the times. Mr. Hack formerly made all his own woodwork ; now it is nearly all pur- chased ready made. Then he manufactured four or five times as many wagons as carriages ; now, in this day of ease and luxury, many fine car- riages are prepared for the wealthy and petted children of the old settlers. Perhaps during the entire period an average of between forty and fifty 488 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. vehicles has been manufactured annually. Owing to the fact that the woodwork is largely purchased ready made, but five hands are now em- ployed, though the business has not fallen off; several thousand dollars worth of repair work is done yearly. M. J. Hack was his leading black- smith for a number of years. Perhaps the next important manufacturing enterprise is the sash and blind factory, started by Z. F. Summers not far from 1867. After a few years, he sold to the Goscli Brothers, who are yet conducting the mill. Planing of all kinds is done, and a general business of several thousand dollars' worth is turned out annually. Other enterprises of a similar character have been talked of, and some have been started, though on a small scale. R. B. Young conducted a tannery for a short time, about the beginning of the last war. Initiatory steps were taken once to build a foundry, but, for some reason, the contemplated enter- prise collapsed while yet in the mind only. The Postmasters at Crown Point, so far as remembered, have been as follows, and in about the order given : Solon Robinson, 1836 to 1843 ; Henry D. Palmer, H. S. Pelton, J. P. Smith (2), Daniel K. Pettibone, Maj. AUman, Charles E. Allman; J. H. Luther, from August, 1853, to the spring of 1855 ; Joseph Jackson, Henry Wells, William McGrlashon, during the war; George Willey, Z. P. Farley and the present agent, Har- vey J. Shoulters. Among the physicians have been : H. D. Palmer, W. C. Farrington, 1840 ; Andrew Stone, 1846 ; Dr. Cunningham, 1846 ; Harvey Petti- bone, 1847 ; William B. Vilmer, 1853 ; A. J. Pratt, 1854 ; Dr. Finney, 1755 ; J. W. Higgins, 1859 ; S. R. Pratt, 1860 ; Charles Groman, 1861 ; Dr. Brownell ; 0. Poppe, 1870 ; Harvy Pettibone, M. G. Bliss (retired). Dr. Kester and Dr. Rudolph, 1882. Dentists— 0. H. Wil- cox, 1864 ; D. F. Quackenbush, 1871 ; G. E. Eastman, 1872. Additions to Grown Point. — Crown Point has had numerous addi- tions to its territory, as follows : The original plat was laid out on land owned by Solon Robinson, William Clark, and slightly on that of Rus- sell Eddy, J. W. Holton and the United States. All except the last party acknowledged the plat from October 3, to November 1, 1840. It was recorded on the 6th of November, 1840, by Joseph P. Smith, County Recorder. Commissioners' Addition was made in March, 1848, consisting of eleven lots east of East street and south of North street. Central Addition, of fourteen lots, laid out by the County Agent in Janu- ary, 1849, on the east half of the public square, between Main and East streets (where the bank block now is). J. P. Smith's Addition of twenty lots east of East street in April, 1853. J. H. Luther's Subdivision of Lots 13 and 14, in April, 1854. Russell Eddy's Addition of ten lots west CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 489 t)f West street, 650 feet west of the center of Section 8, April, 1855. J. P. Smith's Addition of sixteen large outlets, October, 1855. Joseph Jackson's Division of the Commissioners' Addition, south of North street, twenty lots, October, 1855. A. Nichols', April, 1856, some fifteen lots north of Joliet street. Eddy's Second Addition, May, 1859, thirty lots on the south side of South street. John G. Hoff- man's Addition, November, 1859, fifty-one lots west of West street and north of Joliet street. John W. Hughes' Addition of sixty-two lots east of the central part of the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 8. Railroad Addition, by Elihu Griffin and Joseph E. Young, thirty-four blocks of eight lots each and twenty -five additional lots, March, 1865. Reuben Fancher, eighteen lots on the northeast quarter of Sec- tion 8, March, 1865. Cottage Grove Addition, by S. G. Bedell, eighty- eight lots west of West street, extending from North to South streets, January, 1866. J. E. Young's Addition, seventy-four lots south of North street and extending across the C, C. & I. C. R. R., February, 1869. Young's Second Addition, fifty-seven lots, February, 1869. Young's Division of Hughes' Addition, February, 1869. Young's Addi- tion north of North street, sixteen blocks of eight lots each, February, 1869. Thomas J. Wood's Addition of forty lots, November, 1869. W. M. Boyd, forty-eight lots, November, 1870. Mary B. Wood, thirty- three lots, April, 1871. Elihu Griffin,, fifty-five lots, February, 1872. Elihu Griffin, thirty-six lota, March, 1872. Ball & Griffin's Subdivision of lots. May, 1872. Pelton's Addition of sixteen blocks of twelve lots each, July, 1872. Rolling View Addition, by Elihu Griffin, three blocks with thirty-six, thirty-six and thirty-four lots each, respectively, August, 1873. Foster's Addition of thirty-nine lots, November, 1873. J. H. Ball's Addition of five lots, January, 1874. Turner's Addition of some sixteen outlets, March, 1874. Burge's Addition of thirteen lots, June, 1874. John Hughes' Addition of eight blocks of twenty-two lots each, November, 1874. Pratt & Ruschli's Addition of six lots. May, 1875. Hughes' Addition of eighty-two lots, July, 1875. Wolf's Addition of fifty-five lots, July, 1876. Schools. — The first school in Lake County was taught by the Widow Harriet Holton in her own house' at Crown Point, near the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad depot, during the winter of 1835-36. Three scholars only were in attendance. Nothing further is known re- garding this school. It is quite likely that this lady taught similar terms subsequently, and previous to the erection and use of the first school- house, though this is wholly a matter of conjecture. When the " little old black log cabin " first came into use as a school building cannot be learned, but it was not far from the year 1838. This was used until 490 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. 1842, when a small frame structure was erected, and was referred to by- Solon Robinson in 1847 as the " first respectable one in the county, and I fear that the same remark is still too true, for a decent provision for schools has hardly been yet made in any district in the county. And I don't mean to be understood that the Crown Point Schoolhouse is at all worthy the name of a decent one for the place, for it is not. Although it is better than the little old black log cabin which was in use previous to the building of this one, this is entirely too small for a community of such good Christians." The room of the new house was 15x20 feet, and, in 1846, as high as fifty scholars were in attendance around the red-hot stove in this small room, which fact was publicly deplored by Solon Rob- inson in his lecture in 1847. This small house was used more or less until 1859, though for ten years preceding that date, owing to the diminu- tive size and inconveniences of the house, and the impossibility of accom- modating the large and constantly increasing number of pupils, various private schools sprang into existence to supplement the limited public educational advantages of the place. Many parents desired to give their children better scholastic learning than that afforded at the overcrowded town school, and, as a result of this want, private enterprise performed what public enterprise had failed to do. As a necessary consequence, the small frame public schoolhouse was largely abandoned, school within its walls languished, and, for severs^l years just previous to 1859, the house was almost, and sometimes wholly, deserted. This house stood just north of the old brick of 1859. At the latter date, the citizens of the county seat concluded to build a new public schoolhouse. This, perhaps, would not have been done, at least at that time, had not the Sons of Temperance offered to donate toward defraying the expense of constructing and erect- ing the house the sum of $1,000, provided the house was built imme- diately. This very liberal and unexpected offer spurred the " city dads " into instant activity, and the house, a commodious and excellent brick building (at that time), was straightway built at an estimated cost of $2,- 500. The Sons gave $1,000 of this amount, and, no doubt, a consider- able portion of the remainder was donated from private purses, as the township at that time would scarcely have given Crown Point $1,500, or about that, when other schools within its border were suffering for suitable or convenient houses, or were struggling along, many districts, without buildings of any kind. This, however, is merely inference. At fii-st, there were four rooms in the brick of 1859, two above and two below, but afterward the partition was removed above, and the entire story thrown into one room. This house served the purposes of education, in a way, until the Institute property was purchased. In the month of August, 1871, the Board of Trustees of Crown Point, CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 491 after some preliminary consideration, ordered the purchase of the " insti- tute property '' — building and lands — and the issuance of bonds of the corporation to the amount of $2,000, the purchase price of the property, the bonds to be in denominations of $500, one of them being due on each succeeding 1st of N'ovember, beginning with 1872, until the four had been paid ; but at the next meeting this order was rescinded, as it was found that the action taken by the School Trustees was invalid, owing to the fact that they had not been properly qualified as such officials. On the 26th of September, 1871, the School Trustees, J. S. Holton, J. C. Sauer- raan and Job Barnard, reported to the Town Trustees that they had pur- chased the Institute property. Block 1, of the Railroad Addition, and the buildings thereon, and asked that corporate bonds to the amount of $3,600 might be issued to pay for the same. Accordingly, thirty-six bonds of $100 each were issued, though the payment of $400 of the purchase price was withheld by contract until satisfactory proof was furnished that the property was free from incumbrance. This was furnished in December, 1875, and, accordingly, four bonds of $100 each were issued in the name of Charles Marvin, assignee of Rev. T. H. Ball. Owing to the fact that the Institute property had been involved in some manner, or the owner, T. H. Ball, had become liable, E. H. Ball, of Holyoke, Mass., had secured the greater number of the above bonds. In August, 1877, $1,500 of these bonds were paid, together with $70.83 interest on the same ; $1,000 of-this amount was paid by the School Trustees, out of special school fund on hand at the time, but this sum was afterward replaced by the Town Trustees. In September, 1878, the remainder of the above bonds (one to eleven, inclusive), was paid, and thus the purchase of the Institute was completed. During the summer of 1879, the propriety of building a new and comparatively costly schoolhouse began to be discussed among the citizens, until finally in December of the same year, the School Trustees filed a petition for the erection of such a structure and an estimate of the cost, with the Town Trustees, and asked the consideration of the latter, but action in the matter was deferred. Up to this time, the old brick of 1859 and the Institute building were used for school purposes ; but there was much dissatisfaction expressed, owing to the somewhat chaotic condition of educational facilities. Early in 1880, the School Trustees, Warren Cole, John Lehmann and S. A. Barr, filed their petition under oath with the Town Trustees, showing the necessity of the erection of a new school- house, with estimates and drawings of the building proposed. They asked that $10,000 in town bonds might be issued and sold to build the house ; and, after the question had been fully considered, and the citizens had been heard from, it was decided to erect the building ; and the School 492 HISTOEY OF LAKE COUNTY. Trustees were empowered to contract for the erection of the same on Block 1, in Railroad Addition to Crown Point, the structure, when com- pleted, not to cost more than $15,000, and to have a seating capacity of not less than 600 pupils. It was at first decided to issue twenty bonds of $500 each, and fifty bonds of $100 each, making a total of $15,000, but this was afterward changed, and the bonds were really issued in denominations to suit purchasers. The house cost somewhat more than was expected, and it was found necessary to issue bonds to the amount of $18,000, thirty-one of $500 each, and twenty-five of $100 each. The bonds draw 6 per cent interest, payable semi-annually, are due in twenty years, but may be paid after ten years, and to each are attached twenty coupons. Henry C. Greisel was appointed to negotiate the sale of the first $10,000 in bonds at their face value. The bonds were sold to Eastern capitalists, and with the proceeds the house was immediately constructed. In May, 1881, the old Institute was sold to J. M. Weis for $15l. The fine brick structure is a credit to Crown Point, but it will cost about $35,000 before it is fully paid for. There remain to be noticed private and other educational enterprises. In July, 1847, Rev. William Townley, A. M., opened a high school in a room of his dwelling, on Court street. He advertised in the Observer at Valparaiso a full academic course, and soon had a small but flourish- ing school. He advertised the following grades of study, with the tui- tion mentioned, the term to last twelve weeks : First Grade, Orthog- raphy, Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, $2.50. Second Grade, Geog- raphy, English Grammar, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, $3. Third Grade, Algebra, Geometry, Surveying and Latin, $8.50. The school was conducted with increasing numbers and usefulness until September, 1855, when a few of the citizens met at the house of Harvey Pettibone, M. D., to consider the expediency of adopting additional measures for the education of their children, and of realizing in the fullest manner the benefits of Mr. Townley's services as an instructor of youth. David Turner was made Chairman of the meeting, and William Townley, Sec- retary, and a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws necessary for the proposed educational association. The substance of the regulations adopted was as follows : The funds were divided into shares of $25 each, one-half to be paid down and the remainder sixty days after October 1, 1855. The amount to be raised must not be less than $500, and this must be used in the building of a comfortable schoolhouse. Th& usual ofiicers were to be chosen annually, and the President, Secretary and Treasurer were to constitute a Board of Trustees. The number of pupils was to be limited, was to be determined by vote of the association, and no pupil was to be admitted who was " profane, obscene, turbulent CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 493 or unruly." Proper books were to be selected by the association. Those not members of the association, sending children to the school, were to pay tuition and a rent on the value of the property. The membership could be increased by permission and upon the payment of $25, and the ownership of one share carried the right to cast one vote. A two-thirds vote of the membership could amend the constitution. The following subscription was taken: E. M. Cramer, $50; W. A. Clark, $100; Frederick Foster, $50 ; Harvey Pettibone, $100 ; Thomas Clark, $100 ; R. A. Eddy, $25 ; C. M. Mason, $50 ; R. M. Pratt, $25 ; William Townley, $100; Henry Wells, $100 ; David Turner, $100 ; total $800. A good, substantial frame building was erected, and became known as the "Associate Academy of Crown Point." An excellent and extended course of instruction was advertised in the Observer of Valparaiso, by the Principal, Mr. Townley, and the institution multiplied its capacity for usefulness. But soon after the house was built, the entire enterprise collapsed, and the building was sold to Luther & Holton, who transformed it into a store-room. It is now used as a cigar store south of the court house. A select and academic school was started at Crown Point in 1856, by Miss Mary E. Parsons, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She did not meet with the encouragement sh-e expected, but, nevertheless, opened school, first in the Townley building, and later in a building owned by J. H. Luther, who rented her the hall, or, rather, permitted her to use it free of charge. She taught a subscription school, and con- tinued the same, except one term, until her death, in November, 1860. She was a worthy Christian lady, and an accomplished teacher of youth. Before she had used the Luther building. Miss Mary Brown had occupied it, having been employed by Mr. Luther by the week to teach his chil- dren. A few other children were allowed to attend. In 1865, Misses Kate and Martha Knight, two well-educated young ladies from Chicago, opened a subscription school in the Luther building. After two years of teaching, they erected a school building on Bast street, south of Joliet street. Here they taught the higher grades of learning for a number of years,, until they finally bought a two-acre lot on Bast street, south of South street, moved their schoolhouse thereon, and also built a dwelling. They continued to teach until 1881. Their names will not be forgotten by the citizens of Crown Point. Another important select school was the one taught by Mrs. Sarah J. Robinson, at her room on Court street, north of the Rockwell House. She taught for several years, but, finally, in 1864, went into the Union hospitals at Nashville, Tenn. In 1865, the Crown Point Institute was built at a total cost, includ- ing house and furniture, of about $5,300 ; and in September, 1865,, 494 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. school was begun by the proprietor and Principal, Rev. T. H. Ball. It was designed to graduate young ladies. The hopes of the founder or founders of the Institute were not fully realized, as its life was comparatively short, its termination and sale oc- curring, as stated above, in 1871, six years after the building was erected. While it continued, however, in active work, it was a credit to the genius, enterprise and learning of its proprietor and founder. It educated sev- eral hundred young ladies and gentlemen, and sent them out into the world well fitted to battle with the duties of life. The only thing to be regretted is its early and untimely death, which was caused mainly by financial embarrassments. The Pierian Society, a literary organization conducted by the students, was a most useful adjunct in rounding up the full measure of the course of study. The monthly literary paper is re- ferred to elsewhere. In 1866, the first Teachers' Institute in the county was conducted at Crown Point, by W. W. Cheshire, School Examiner. The year before, there had been organized the Lake County Sunday School Convention. Many other interesting movements of less importance are worthy of notice. Secret Societies. — Crown Point Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 195, was organized October 29, 1857, with the following charter members: Z. F. Summers, Harvey Pettibone, W. A. Clark, A. S. Flint and M. C. Plinney. It was organized by 0. Dunham, D. D., G. M. The charter is dated November 18, 1857. The first officers were : Harvey Pettibone, N. G.; M. C. Plinney, V. G.; A. S. Flint, Secretary ; Z. F. Summers, Treasurer. Meetings were held in various rooms about town until 1873, when the large brick wherein their hall now is was built, the Odd Fellows paying about $1,800 for the room with its furniture, painting and fine frescoing. The lodge has a present membership of twenty-five, and is on a solid financial basis. The present officers are : William Krimbill, N. G.; Reuben Fancher, V. G.; John M. Foster, Secretary; S. P. Van- winkle, Treasurer. The higher degrees were first conferred February 25, 1858. The Rebecca degree was organized March 15, 1858, Mrs. Elizabeth Plinney, Mrs. Eliza Pettibone and Mrs. Mary C. Clark taking it for the first. An Encampment was organized in 1874. The Odd Fel- lows Hall is a beautiful one. Lake Lodge, No. 157, F. & A. M., was organized under a dis- pensation dated October, 1853, and the first meeting was held November 11, 1853. The charter members were Harvey Ball, John Wood, W. A. Clark, W. G. McGlashon, H. S. Holton, J. H. Luther, M. M. Kel- logg and C. E. Cole. The first officers were: Harvey Ball, W. M.; H. S. Holton, S. W.; John Wood, J. W.; J. H. Luther, Secretary; t^€^7>PUli/ CROWN POINT AND CENTKE TOWNSHIP. 497 W. A. Clark, Treasurer. The present officers are: T. A. Muzzall, W. M.; W. 0. Rockwell, S. W.; H. H. Meeker, J. W.; S. A. Barr, Treasurer; Z. P. Farley, Secretary. Their first hall was the third story in the Register building, which cost them about $500. Their pres- ent hall, very similar to that of the Odd Fellows, and in the same build* ing, cost about $1,800. Lincoln Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M., was established in 1865. Crown Point Council, No. 44, was organized June, 1875. Eastern Star Lodge was organized in 1855, but continued working only two or three years. The temperance society organized in 1841 was mentioned above. It did good work until about 1848, when its field of labor was usurped by the Sons of Temperance, a much stronger order, which did a vast amount of good. Its influence was felt over all the county, and kindred organi- zations were started. Before the rise of the Sons, strenuous efforts were made in 1846, at Crown Point, to prevent the granting of licenses for the sale of spirituous liquors. The following remonstrance was presented to the County Commissioners, and acted upon as indicated : The undersigned, who are a majority of the freeholders in the town of Crown Point, would most respectfully but earnestly remonstrate against your granting a license to any person residing within said town, to retail spirituous or strong liquors within said town, for a term of three years. Joseph P. Smith, Jonathan W. Holton, John Reed, _MosBS Church, Solon Robinson, luman a. powleb, Elizabeth Evans, Andrew Stone, for Andrew C. and M. D. F. Stone. Crown Point, March 2, 1846. The Board being satisfied that said remonstrance is signed by a majority of the free, holders in the town of Crown Point, direct that said remonstrance be spread upon the records. The Sons had a very strong organization, which continued its work until about 1860, when active, organized work was abandoned. One of their last acts was the donation of $1,000 to the brick schoolhouse, and on one of the corner-stones may yet be seen the following memorial : " In memory of Crown Point Division No. 133, Sons of Temperance, who donated $1,000 to the erection of this building, 1859." In December, 1855, the first lodge of Good Templars in the county was organized at Crown Point. It worked actively for a few years and then went down. For many years past, the sale and consumption of liquor, especially lager beer, at Crown Point, has been large, and the inevitable results are seen. Several German societies have been organized at the county seat. DD 498 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. Bank. — The First National Bank of Crown Point was organized September 11, 1874, with the following stockholders : W. C. Murphey, James Burge, David Turner, W. W. Cheshire, George Hazzard, John Brown, J. H. Luther, A. E. Bundy, M. L. Bundy and John Underwood, and with a paid-up capital of $50,000. The first officers were : James Burge, President; W. C. Murphy, Vice President; A. E. Bundy, Cashier. The Directors were these three officers and M. L. Bundy and George Hazzard. In 1876, Mr. Murphey succeeded Mr. Bundy as cashier. The present officers are : John Brown, President ; J. H. Luther, Vice President ; W. C. Murphey, Cashier. The capital remains the same as at first, and the bank is in excellent financial condition, and has the unlimited confidence of the community. Incorporation, etc. — The County Commissioners at the June session, 1868, passed the following order : Whereas, The Board of Inspectors of an election held to decide as to the incorpora- tion of the town of Crown Point, having filed a statement of such election in detail as specified by law, which being satisfactory to the board, it is hereby declared and Ordered, That said territory, as described, has been incorporated by the name of Crown Point. The election of the first town officers was held at the court house June 29, 1868, and resulted as follows : Trustees — Zerah F. Summers, John H. Meyers and John C. Sauerman ; Assessor, Clerk, Treasurer and Marshal combined — Job Barnard. Election of May 3, 1869 : Trus- tees — George D. Foster, Sylvester Taylor and J. H. Hartupee ; Clerk and Treasurer combined — Job Barnard ; Assessor and Marshal com- bined — Leonard Kogeler. Election of May 2, 1870 : Trustees — Henry Pratt, Sylvester Taylor and J. H. Hartupee ; Clerk and Treasurer — Thomas J. Wood ; Assessor and Marshal — Harvey J. Shoulters (173 votes polled in 1870). Election of May, 1871 : Trustees — Z. F. Sum- mers, John H. Meyers and Adam Schmal ; Clerk and Treasurer — T. J. Wood ; Assessor and Marshal — H. J. Shoulters. Election of May, 1872 : Trustees — J. H. Luther, J. H. Meyers and Z. F. Summers ; Clerk and Treasurer — W. G. McGlashon; Assessor and Marshal — John Lehmann. Election of May, 1873 : Trustees— J. H. Luther, J. H. Meyers and Z. F. Summers ; Clerk and Treasurer — W. G. McGlashon ; Assessor and Marshal — John Lehmann. Election of May, 1874 : Trustees — J. H. Luther, W. B. Rockwell and William Aulwurm ; Clerk and Treasurer — William T. Horine. (Some trouble was had over the other officers about this time. George Emerling was elected Marshal, but refused to serve, and then Horine was appointed ; but this action was soon rescinded, and what finally was done does not appear upon the records.) Election of May, 1875 : Trustees— E. C. Field, H. C. Greisel and William Aul- wurm ; Clerk and Treasurer — William T. Horine. Election of May, CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 499 1876 : Trustees— W. B. Rockwell, H. C. Greisel and William Aulwurm ; Treasurer — Joha Krost ; Clerk — W. T. Horiae ; Marshal — William Baasch. Election of May, 1877 : Trustees — J. H. Luther, H. C. Greisel and William Aulwurm ; Treasurer — John Krost ; Clerk — W. T. Horine ; Marshal — William Baasch. Election of May, 1878 : Trustees — J. H. Luther, H. 0. Greisel and William Aulwurm ; Clerk and Treasurer — George Sanford ; Marshal — William Kobaldt. Election of May, 1879 : Trustees — Calvin Manahan, H. C. Greisel and William Aulwurm ; Clerk and Treasurer — George M. Eder ; Marshal — William Kobaldt. Election' of May, 1880: Trustees— F. G. Russell, H. C. Greisel and Thomas A. Muzzall ; Clerk and Treasurer — G. M. Eder ; Marshal — William Ko- baldt. Election of May, 1881 : Trustees— Joseph Horst, H. C. Greisel and T. A. Muzzall ; Clerk and Treasurer — G. M. Eder ; Marshal — Will- iam Kobaldt. Election of May, 1882 : Trustees — Joseph Horst, T. A. Muzzall, and W. B. Rockwell ; Clerk and Treasurer — G. M. Eder ; Mar- shal — William Kobaldt. Among the miscellaneous acts of the Board of Trustees have been the following : In April, 1869, all physicians of the town were appointed a Board of Health to look after cases of small-pox then within the cor- porate limits. At the same time, J. C. Sauerman was appointed to pro- cure hooks, ladders, etc., to equip a fire company. W. N. Hartupee was appointed Fire Warden in November, 1868. Tax for 1868 was 15 cents on each $100, and 25 cents on each poll. A tax of $800 ordered levied for 1870. Henry Pratt became Fire Warden November, 1870; Ten acres for a cemetery were purchased of Henry Frederick in the fall of 1871 for $1,100, he to be paid from the sale of lots. Same fall, Adam Schmal was appointed to purchase a fire hand engine, and in February, 1872, a hose cart was ordered built. In April, 1872, $500 was ordered paid for hose. Neither the hose nor the engine was paid for at that time, and the town was sued, and judgment recovered for $1,100, which in- cluded the cost of both, with costs and interest. The judgment for the hose was paid to the Akron Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, in July, 1874, and the judgment for the engine in favor of the city of La Porte, was paid a year later. A fire company was fully organized and equipped, and articles of association were adopted in February, 1873. Attempts were made in June, 1872, to sink an artesian well, to be used in case of fires. A town pound was leased of C. Manahan, and afterward, in 1874, of J. H. Luther, on Lot 14. Goldsborough Park was made .in 1874, with J. H. Ball Commissioner. Two hundred feet of two-and-a-half inch " patent carbolized engine hose " were purchased in December, 1875, for $250, which amount was to be paid May 1, 1877. A corporate seal was adopted in August, 1879. In December, 1879, part of Lot 32 500 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. was bought for an engine house for $500. The tax levied for 1882 was as follows . Special school fund, 35 cents on each $100 valuation; tuition, 25 cents on each $100 valuation ; town bond interest, 25 cents on each $100 valuation; town fund, 20 cents on each $100 valuation; total, $1.05 on each $100 valuation ; liquor license, $35. Present Business. — The following is a summary of the present busi- ness enterprises of Crown Point : Dry Goods— William Krimbill, Keller Brothers, John Schlemmer, Christopher Rich, Otto Sohultz and Amos Edgerton. Hardware — 0. G. Wheeler, Rockwell & Hack, Joseph Horst and C. A. Wise. Groceries— Hack & Rockwell, Ed Church, H. F. Pinney, Lewis Dresser, D. Longnecker and Amos Edgerton. Drugs— H. P. Swarts, W. A. Scheddell. Clothing Exclusively — W J. Young. Merchant Tailors — Joseph Horn and A. Hildebrant & Son. Jewelry — Warren Cole, F. Emerson. Agricultural Implements — Fancher & Fessenden, H. S. Holton, John M. Foster, S. P. Vanwinkle and Henry Sasse, Jr. Restaurants — Theodore Dill and F. E. Farley. Milliners — Mrs. S. M. AUman, Mrs. Jennie McCummings and Mrs. Augusta Fry. Barbers — Solomon Allen and George Volk. Cigar Manufacturers — Eder Brothers and Fred Hagedorn. Meat Markets — Fred Simon, Scoats & Coffin (two). Hotels — Hack's Exchange, Rockwell House, Farmers' Hotel, Depot Hotel, Crown Point Hotel. Real Estate Dealers — Amos AUman, W. A. Clark, T. Cleveland, C. N. Morton, J. S. Holton, John W. Hughes, Charles Jouvenat. Photographer — W. H. Hayward. Dentists — N. D. Edmonds, D. T. Quackenbush. Newspapers — Register, Star,Freie Presse. Lumber Yard — Thomas W. Wilmarth. Grain Buyers — B. F. Jones, Brown Brothers. Carriage and Wagon Manufactory — Joseph Hack, Charles Schrceder and Nicholas Young. Brick — James Clingan, Henry Wise, J. H. Abrams. Boots and Shoes — Jacob Houk and Fred Gutschow. Livery — Wells & Judson and Paul Rasch. Furniture, etc. — Peter Geisen, H. C. Greisel and Joseph Kramer. Harness Manufacturers — Conrad Hoereth, Nicholas Hoereth and L. F. Edgerton. CROWN POINT AND CENTEE TOWNSHIP. 501 Flour and Feed — John Laws & Son and Paul Rasch. Sash, Door and Blind Factory — Gosh Brothers & Co. Live Stock — Frank Fuller and Conrad Jourgens. Baled Hay — B. F. Jones, Schultz, Brown Brothers and L. P. Stark- weather. It is difficult to get at the population of Crown Point, from time to time during the past, but the following may be taken as a pretty careful estimate : In 1840, there were some eight or ten families with a total population of between 40 and 50 ; in 1844, about twenty families and about 100 population ; in 1847, thirty families and 150 population ; in 1855, about sixty families and 300 population ; in 1860, the population was not less than 500 ; in 1865, between 800 and 900 ; in 1872, about 1,300, and, in 1882, about 1,800. The most rapid growth was the few years succeeding 1865, when the C, C. & I. C. R. R. gave the town its most noteworthy boom. This was an important event to the county seat, and was fully appreciated by the citizens, who joyfully hailed the first ap- pearance of the locomotive. Crown Point and the citizens living along the route of the road subscribed about $90,000 to aid in its construction! About half of this amount was actually paid. The Chicago & Atlantic Railroad, built this year (1882), is another great advantage to the town. But little help has been given the company. The town is already reap- ing the benefits in new buildings and business enterprises. The following attorneys have practiced at Crown Point : Alexander McDonald, 1839; Martin Wood, 1848; Elihu Griffin, 1857; C. N. Morton, 1858 ; J. B. Turner, 1861 ; T. Cleveland, 1863 ; B. C. Field, 1865 ; Job Barnard, 1867 ; T. J. Wood, 1867 ; W. T. Horine, 1870 ; Mr. McCarthy, 1870 ; T. S. Fancher, 1871 ; J. H. Ball, 1871 ; Milton Barnard, 1872 ; J. W. Youche, 1872 ; J. B. Peterson, Donald McDon- ald, Charles Jouvenat, John Kopelke and others. Churches. — The Methodist Episcopals and the Presbyterians were the pioneer church organizations at Crown Point, the former dating back more than forty years, and the latter but a few years later. Rev. Wade Posey, preacher in charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lake County, called a meeting at Crown Point for the purpose of perfecting an organization at that place. This meeting was held July 11, 1843, and the following officers were elected : Trustees — Maj. Allman, Jacob Menden- hall, John Reed, E. W. Bryant and John Kitchel. Being but few in numbers at first, they met for worship in the old log court house, their ministers being Rev. Mr. Posey and others. In 1845, they built a church of their own, and their property at this time was valued as about $1,500 ; but, in 1859, the old building was removed, and on its site was erected their present church edifice. This organization has been very prosperous 502 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. from the first, both in its acquisition of members and in a financial way. They now have property amounting in value to $6,000, a membership of ninety-three and a Sabbath school membership of 157. The present oflScers of the church are : Rev. Francis Cox, pastor ; Trustees, George Krimbill, Jacob Houk, J. W. Griggs, W. N. Hartupee and S. P. Van Winkle ; Stewards, W. T. Horine, S. P. Van Winkle, F. Fessenden, George Krimbill, Lydia Witherell, Joseph Patton and Elizabeth Crowell. G. B. Handleyis District Steward, and W. T. Horine, Recording Stew- ard. The Sabbath school officers are : Mrs. Susan G. Wood, Superintend- ent ; W. T. Horine, Assistant ; Jacob Houk, Treasurer ; Lewis Vilmer, Secretary; Thomas Muzzall, Chorister; Miss Ada Meeker, Organist, and Howard Baker, Librarian. All the early records of this church are burned, and it is regretted that no further statistics can be given of them. A meeting was held at the court house January 10, 1845, for the pur- pose of establishing a Presbyterian society at Crown Point. At this meeting they fully organized, and Solon Robinson, Joseph P. Smith, Cyrus M. Mason, Russel Eddy and Henry Wells were elected Trustees of the organization. In 1845, they raised sufficient means and began the erection of a church, which was completed in 1847, the grounds, church, etc., costing $3,000. They began with a membership of about twenty, which is now increased to about fifty. They formed a Sabbath school at an early day, which has since been continued, and which now numbers about fifty pupils. The first pastor was Rev. William Townley, a man of excellent capabilities, and this gentleman was in turn succeeded by Revs. Shultz, Lower, Flemming, Moore, and, lastly, Young. Owing to a lack of faithfulness on the part of some of the most influential members, the organization has not flourished as it might otherwise have done. Since 1878, they have had no regularly installed pastor, but during the past year the pulpit has been acceptably filled by the Rev. Mr. Eley, a theo- logical seminary student from Chicago. The present church officers are C. M. Mason, Hugh Boyd, James Clingan and Henry Farmer, Elders ; and Charles Jouvenat, Peter Burhaus and Thomas Fisher, Trustees. The Sunday school is officered as follows : Superintendent, Charles F. Griffin ; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Florence Pratt. At a meeting of the Baptist congregation at Cedar Lake in Decem- ber, 185 Thomas L. Hunt and wife, Julia; John Church and wife, Lydia A. ; Valona, Sophia, Martha and Judson Cutler and Jennet Dinwiddie, applied for letters of dismission to unite in a church at Crown Point. The winter of 1851, a Baptist organization was completed at Crown Point, and Elder Thomas L. Hunt was the first pastor. He re- mained as such until November, 1852, when by reason of ill-health he re- CROWN POINT AND CENTItE lOWNSHIP. 503 signed his pastorate, and in July, 1853, died. This man was the chief organizer of the Baptist Church at Crown Point, and the first Trustees were John Church, Henry Doering and Charles Fisher. Previous to the erection of a church of their own, they met for worship in the court house, and sometimes in the Methodist Meeting House, but in 1856 a frame church was erected, the property amounting in value to ^800. December 30, 1855, Timothy H. Ball, a graduate of Franklin College, was ordained a minister and took the pastorate, and to his zeal and untiring efforts much of the early prosperity of the church organization was justly due. He resigned in April, 1857, to take pastoral charge of the Baptist Church at Amboy, 111., and Elder John Benney was his successor. From July, 1859, to April, 1860, they had no regular preacher at Crown Point for this denomination, but in April, 1860, Elder E. A. Simons took the pas- torship, and for the three years he was their pastor large additions to the membership were made. Elder Timothy H. Ball, a former pastor, then took charge of the congregation, which at that time numbered forty mem- bers. In 1869, it numbered sixty members, but in that year trouble be- gan in the organization which took a personal form, and which led to a division in the church ; Elder Ball left, and in 1871 built a church from his own private resources with the aid of others, which was called the North Street Baptist Church. On its organization, there were twelve names enrolled as members, and Elder Ball was chosen pastor. This church is not recognized by the Baptist Assembly, but is independent. It still exists, but, owing to the repeated absence of the pastor. Elder Ball, who is engaged in literary work in Alabama, they have no regular meet- ings only when he is at home. Those who did not follow the leadership of Mr. Ball still kept up an organization, and in 1880 they erected their present beautiful gothic brick structure, one block south of the southeast corner of the public square, at the cost of about |4,000. They have no regularly installed pastor at present, but the year of 1881 their pulpit was supplied by Elder E. H. Brooks, to whom they paid $900 for his services. This man, owing to ill-health, resigned, but yet fills the pulpit semi-occasionally, and is the only one they have at present. Their pres- ent membership is about twenty-five, and their Sabbath school numbers seventy-five. The church officers are John Abrams, E. Church and B. E. Reading, Trustees, and the last named, Mr. Reading, is Church Clerk. The Sabbath school officers are : John Abrams, Superintendent ; Miss Ma- bel Northrop, Secretary, and Mrs. J. P. Orborn, Treasurer. April 13, 1860, a meeting was held at Cedar Lake by the Evangel- ical Society of Lake County, for the purpose of perfecting an organiza- tion. At this meeting, Frank C. Myers, Henry Stilzel and Adolph Swort were elected Trustees, and Andrew Heilman was elected Clerk. They 504 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTV. assumed the name of the Cedar Lake Mission of the Evangelical Associa- tion of North America. Shortly after this, they established a society at Crown Point, and, in 1874, this society elected Christian Wise, John Houk, Matthias Houk, Christian Klein and John StoufiFer, as Trustees. In 1874, they erected a church in Crown Point at a cost of about $1,000 and for their first pastor they employed Rev. Christian Schuster. Cedar Lake Mission was changed into Crown Point Mission, and now comprises three places of worship, viz.. Crown Point, Cedar Lake and Deerfield. Their present pastor is the Rev. C. J. Frey, and under his pastorate the charge is in a progressive condition. They have increased in value, now owning property valued at $2,200, including the parsonage, and the Mis- sion pay their present minister $425 per annum. The 'present member- ship is twenty-five, and the church officers are Christian Wise, John Houk, Matthias Houk, Christian Klein and Henry Stitzel, Trustees. Their Sabbath school numbers about thirty pupils, and is officered as follows : Christian Wise, Superintendent and Treasurer ; Theodore Wise, Librarian, and Frank Beosel, Secretary. Among the most wealthy church congregations in Crown Point is the Catholic, which has had an organized society since 1866, when they pur- chased 2^^^*^ acres of land, where their buildings now stand, for which was paid $2,200. The year following, they erected their present frame church at a cost of $2,400, giving it the name of the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Mary. Under the wise management of their first priest. Father Worley, the congregation increased in numbers and wealth, so that in 1870 they erected the parsonage, the cost of which was $1,600. Father Worley was succeeded by Father Weiser, and he in turn by Fathers Meisner, Zimbaldy, Hennemann, Amilian, and lastly, in 1882, by the present pastor, Father Mauricus. In 1872, a school building was erected at a cost of $1,200, and this is in charge of the sisters of the .order of Franzis Caner, who give an excellent course of instruction. Like all of their faith, the Catholic members at Crown Point are verv earnest in their belief, and zealous in their work. On the organization of the church, it numbered some ninety families, in 1874, 115 families, and the present membership in families is about 135. Trinity Church, Lutheran, was erected in Crown Point in the spring of 1869, at a cost of $3,300, including the lot on which it stands, etc. In 1861, the Rev. Mr. Pollock, a minister of the Lutheran denomination, began preaching here in dwelling houses, and that led to the organiza- tion of a church eight years later. Their first regular preacher was the Rev. Mr. Huge, but he was here only about a year and a half. The or- ganization increased and flourished under his administration and con- tinued under his successor. Rev. George Heintz, who is the present pastor. CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP, 505 The organization now consists of forty families, and is in a prosperous condition. The first ofiicers of the church were : John Mangold, William Struehig and Leonhardt Bierlen, Trustees ; John 0. Sauerman and Fredrick Hildebrandt, the men who took up collections, etc. ; Valentine Sauerman, Clerk. They had a Sabbath school organization before the building of the church. It now numbers about forty-five members. Rev. Heintz is the present Sabbath School Superintendent. The present church officers are John Lottos, President ; George Gosch, Clerk, and John Schlimmer, Treasurer. First members : J. C. Sauerman, Frederick Hildebrandt, William Struehig, Nicholas Sauerman, John Pleitner, Sr., John Mangold, Con- rad Hoereth, Adam Popp, Henry Weber, George Gosch, John Luetjen- meier, Jacob Thonmen, Leonhardt Bierlen, John Lottos and Valentine Sauerman. Principal members were Nioholas Sauerman and subsequently his children. Besides a church and Sunday school, they have a daily school in the church, over which Rev. Mr. Heintz presides. This school is carried on for the purpose of instructing children between the ages of six and fourteen years in the lower branches of study and in the study of the catechism. The Lutherans regard this as their nursery to religion, and for one hour each day they are thoroughly drilled in the elementary branches of the Lutheran faith. CHAPTER V. BY 0. A. QABABD. Cedar Ceeek Township— Formation and Name — List of First and Early Settlers— Incidents and Anecdotes of Early Times- Early Enterpkisbs— Later Enterprises — Fine Horses— Schools— Lowell —Creston— Factories— EAiLROAD—CHURcnES—SECEET Societies and Other Organisations. / MAY 9, 1839, the County Commissioners ordered that South Town- ship be divided into three townships, and that that part lying east of a line drawn through South Township, on the west side of the second tier of Sections in Range 9, and west of a line drawn north and south through the center of Range 8, be known as Cedar Creek Township. The township took its name from Cedar Creek, which runs through it from north to south, and was in early times known as " The Outlet." June 8, 1853, the boundaries of Cedar Creek Township were changed, so as to embrace Sections 1 and 2, Township 33, Range 9, and Sections 4, 5 and 6, Township 33, Range 8. 506 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Early Settlers.— The following is a list of the first and early settlers of Cedar Creek Township, with dates as far as attainable: In 1835, Samuel Halstead, Peter Surprise and family; Thomas Childers. Mr. Nolen, Mr. Funk, John Dilley, Samuel Bryant, Elias Bryant, Wayne Bryant, Jesse Cross and family, John Keller, Joseph Childers and John DriscoU; in 1836, Jonathan Mendenhall, where Mr. Tuttle now lives, Abraham Nichols, William A. Purdy, John Smith and family, John Oreseal and family ; in the fall, William Wells and family, who settled in West Creek Township in 1835, and moved to Cedar Creek in 1836; John Distal, Mrs. Jane Childers and her son, Harvey, and daughter Jane, now Mrs. Jane Sanger, and the oldest living resident, settled three miles south of where Lowell now stands ; John Kile and family. Reason Kile and family, John H. Martin, John Kitchel and Nelson Smith ; in 1837, Jabez Clark and family in the fall settled half a mile north of the site of Lowell ; Mr. Tenet and Abraham Lafley, in June, 1837, settled on the bank of a little lake that has since been known as Lafley Lake ; Ira Babcock, Bphraim Cleveland, Hosea Catlin, Philo Eno, Mr. Wagner and family, James H. Sanger, Buel Dilley (who was the first Constable of the township), Hiram Dilley, Addison Clarke and family, George L. Zebriske, Joseph A. Clarke, Mr. Davis, William Philbrick and Alexander Hamilton ; in 1838, John Ebbins, John C. Kenyon and family, Robert Hyde, with his family, he being the first settled minister, H. C. Sanger, Leander Sanger, Adin Sanger, John N. Sanger and Alexander McDonald and family ; in 1839, John Warley, Isaiah Peterson and a number of others came. The following came early, but the exact dates have not been obtained : Jack Watkins, Shep Stephens, John Nephis, Cornelius Nephis and Thomas Wells. In 1837, there were only four log houses in the vicinity where Lowell now stands. Of course, at that time, there was no other kind of house in all the region roundabout. Pioneer Life, Incidents, etc. — The Cedar Creek pioneers built their log huts hastily, and were content to live for awhile on the " ground floor," not because of the lack of second stories, although this would have been a sufiScient reason, but because the ground was the floor, in some cases at least. A more aristocratic form of floor than the ground floor was the puncheon, made of split timbers, hewed to a certain degree of smoothness. If made with care, this kind would do for a " dance " floor. The finest that the times afibrded, was of unplaned boards brought from Michigan City for the purpose. Floors of the first named class, were often swept with a brush or bundle of twigs from a tree. Because of the great distance to market and mill, the larder often ran low, and the cup- board occasionally got into the condition spoken of in the pathetic story entitled " Mother Hubbard." At such times, the diet became monoto- CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 507 nous, being reduced often to corn bread. An old settler speaks of going 100 miles to the Wabash to mill with four yoke of oxen. The Indians ate muskrats ; but few of the whites indulged in such highly seasoned food ; however, it is stated by those who partook of Indian hospitality, that broiled muskrat is a savory and toothsome viand. Fishing and hunting were profitable as well as pleasant, for lake, creek, river and marsh abounded with fish and waterfowl, while deer bounded over the prairie or sheltered in the groves. Several of the oldest settlers speak of seventy or eighty deer being killed in one day in the Kankakee swamp. It seems that a sudden cold spell froze ice over river and marsh in a single night ; many deer were on the islands ; the ice was very smooth, and as soon as they " broke cover " they would fall upon the ice. Being unable to stand, or, rather, to run, upon the ice, they were at the mercy of men and dogs, and were sometimes killed with clubs and axes. Al- though unable to stand upon the glaze of ice, when caught, and an attempt was made to kill them with a knife, they would kick with such rapidity, vigor and effect, that it was a difficult and dangerous task for one man unaided to kill one. At the time mentioned, one man and his two dogs caught three at the same time on the ice, but not even one deer was dispatched until help came. For many years', bridges were few and poor. Dr. Wood speaks of swimming with his horse in one day West Creek, Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek, while on his way to see the sick settlers. He also speaks of going through pole bridges, and narrowly escaping with his life. The winter of 1842-43, was an unusually early and severe one. On the 11th day of November, 1842, William Wells started from his home two miles south of Lowell, to a grist and woolen mill at Wilmington, 111. As he was returning on the 13th, he encountered a remarkably hard snow-storm for the season, or, in fact, for any season. It was impossible to see any considerable distance and the cold became intense. Being blinded by the storm, he lost his way on Grand Prairie, in Illinois. The first that was known of his fate was when his horses came home. He had cut the hame strings and other straps and allowed them to seek shelter • for themselves, while he, it is thought, tried to stay all night in the wagon. Probably finding himself unable to keep from freezing in the wagon, he left it and started out into the driving storm without any definite idea of where he was going. He must have wandered about in this aimless way for some time, for his frozen body was found over four miles from the deserted wagon and was brought to the Lowell Cemetery for interment. Quite a history grew out of this sad accident. It seems that some medi- cal men desired a subject for the dissecting room, and hearing of this burial in a new and sparsely settled country, they determined to rob the 508 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. grave, and an Irishman was employed to open it. The escaping gases ignited, and the Irishman fled terror stricken.. The medical men who were waiting near with cutters, supposing that they were discovered, plied their horses with whips and drove as if an avenging spirit were after them. The facts of the case soon became known to the fun-loving mem- bers of the community. They notified the suspected physicians that swift footed justice was after them. The doctors were thus induced to disguise themselves and flee. According to a preconcerted plan they were captured and brought before a Justice of the Peace for trial. With much solemnity the investigation proceeded. The doctors had employed counsel and were wrought up to a high state of excitement. The law- yers objected, excepted and quarreled ; finally, when the trial had reached the climax of interest and excitement, the attorney for the prosecution became, or feigned to become, "too full for utterance," and the Justice dismissed the case to the great relief of the alarmed medical men. Somewhere about 1836, some flax caught fire one night in a loft of the cabin of Peter Surprise. The family had all retired, excepting Mrs. Surprise, who gave the alarm. The flames spread rapidly, and the family were driven out into a deep snow,, very scantily clad. Martin Driscoll, who was then stopping with Mr. Surprise, escaped with only one pair of pants. After the adults had all gotten out, it was discovered that one of Mr. Surprise's children had been left behind, when Mr. Driscoll heroically rushed through the flames and succeeded in rescuing the imperiled infant. Early Mventa. — So far as can be learned, the first birth was a child to Mrs. Sarah Childers, wife of Thomas Childers in 1835. The first death was probably a daughter of Thomas Childers in 1835. She was buried on Cedar Creek, one mile south of the site of Lowell. The second, was a child of Mr. Wells, that died in the same year and was buried at the same place. In 1838, a son of John Smith died, and was buried where the Lowell Cemetery is. In the same year, a little girl of Henry Sanger's was buried at the same place. She was perhaps the first one buried in this cemetery. It cannot be ascertained who were the first married in the township. July 27, 1841, Jane Childers and Ira Babcock were married. The ceremony was performed by John N. Sanger, who was then Justice of the Peace. Mr. Sanger failed to have the certificate, which is still in existence, duly recorded. After many years of married life, Mr. Babcock died, and Mr. Sanger, to make amends for his neglect in not having the record completed, proposed to the widow that they go together to complete the record. They have gone together ever since, and the record is completed evidently in a very" satisfactory way. In the spring of 1839, Sibyl Smith and Burnes Peas were married, as were also Anna Lafler and Daniel M. Smith. April 20, 1841, a double wedding CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 509 — William Purdy to Elizabeth Sanger, and Harvey Sanger to Sarah A. Bryant — took place. Stores, Industries, etc. — The first store was opened by John Dilley in 1837, on the east bank of "The Outlet," two and a half miles south of Lowell, but did not run a year. A butcher shop was opened in connec- tion with the store, and closed when the store closed. The first mill was built on the same side of the same stream, about the same year that the above-mentioned store was started. It was built and owned by Israel Taylor. The location was about two miles south of the site of Lowell. It was a saw-mill with a " run of corn-stones." In a few years it was washed away. About 1844, it was re-built, and an attachment for grind- ing wheat was added. The first stones used in the first mill were used before in a hand-mill. The first Independence celebration was held on the 4th of July, 1842, at the place of John S. Evans, where Heman Hathaway now resides. The orator of the day was L. A. Fowler, who was afterward Sheriff' of Lake County. There were probably about 300 present. In 1854, Mr. Foaley built a saw-mill about four miles north of Lowell. The mill-pond covered about 700 acres. At that time the peo- ple depended upon the Kankakee Marsh for timber. Many of them were on the marsh or on the road to or from it, when they were startled by the rush and roar of mighty waters. They looked to the north, and the whole country seemed covered with a flood that was adv9,ncing in solid column as if to engulf them. The dam above-mentioned had burst, and the mill-pond was moving over the marsh to the river. Some of those on the marsh with difiSculty saved themselves, and with still greater diflSculty saved their teams. The dam was rebuilt, but after some litiga- tion was declared a nuisance and ordered removed. This mill and pond were just over the line in Centre Township. Deforest Warner started a store at Orchard Grove, about thirty years ago. It was run for some years by himself and his son, when Jeremiah Kenney bought the stock, and has kept store here ever since. The post office has been kept in the store ever since it was established. At this place in 1878, was built by Warren, Carter & Co., of Chicago, a cheese factory with a capacity of 8,000 pounds of milk per pay. It was opened in June and ran until October, by which time it had run behind about $2,000. The farmers who were furnishing the milk became alarmed, and attached the property of the company. It seems that they were none too hasty in their action; for in a few hours after the writ of attachment was issued, steps were taken by the company to put the property out of their hands, and beyond the reach of their creditors. Soon after the property was attached, the Ames Iron Works, of New York, replevined the en- gine. When the case came on for trial in the Circuit Court, it was 610 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. decided against the Ames Iron Works. They appealed to the Supreme Court, and were again beaten. The creditors of Warren, Carter & Co- offered to compromise with the Ames Iron Works, but this company re- fused all such offers, and demanded dollar for dollar. They perhaps got a dollar of expense for every dollar of their claim. While this action wa* pending, the property was sold under an order of the court. G. W. Hanaley and J. M. Kenney bought the factory, and have run it since for seven or eight months a year. The township is very largely agricultural, and there have been but few manufacturing establishments within its limits. Those have been started in Lowell, and will be spoken of farther on in the history of that place. The township contains a large proportion of excellent farming and good grazing land. Much attention has been given to stock, espe- cially to horses, and there are few towns of the size that can show as many good horses as Lowell, when they are gathered in on busy days. Much pains have been taken in breeding the best strains. One of the most en- terprising stock-breeders in this part of the State is C. K. Pratt, who- now has seven fine stallions, six of which are Clydesdales, and the other, a Suffolk Punch. Many heavy horses are raised for the Chicago market, where they have always commanded a high price. In 1839, Benjamin McCarty built a saw-mill on Cedar Creek, about two and a half miles northeast of Lowell. This was first run by Mr. Jackson. After a time, a "run of corn-stones " was added. About 1860, stones for grinding wheat were added. At this time, the mill was a small one-story structure, with a large under-shot wheel. On the 4th of July, 1873, dam and mill were washed away. In 1874, H. A. Car- son bought the site, and re-built the mill. This mill is very similar to- the one above described. It was operated by Mr. Carson until February, 1882, when the dam was torn out and the mill abandoned. Schools and Teachers. — The first school of the township was taught by a crippled man named Richard Canon, in a small hut built of poles or small logs, on what is now Thomas Dickinson's place, southeast of Lowell, on the east bank of Cedar Creek. The house was built for a dwelling by Thomas Childers. But one term was taught in this house. Among the patrons of this school were Thomas Childers, William Wells, Thomas Wells, and Mr. Cross. Miss P. J. Childers and Sarah Beadle were the only large pupils attending the school. The second school was proba- bly about one-fourth of a mile east of the corporate limits of Lowell on what is now Simeon Sanger's place. It was held in a small log dwell- ing of Ephraim Cleveland in 1839. John Robinson was the teacher. This was the only term taught in the building. The Bryants, Sangers, Fullers, Smiths and Laflers and perhaps others sent to this school. CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 511 The First District School was kept in 1842, during the summer, half a mile southeast of Lowell, in a house built by the neighbors, of peeled hickory logs. Emily Laflar was the first teacher here, Abraham Nichols the second, Miss Sabrina Flint the third and Philander Cross was the fourth ; then followed in order Calista Cross, Jabez Clarke, Miss Ward (from Crown Point), Mr. Parsons, Mrs. William Belshaw (who was the first lady to teach a winter term). Charity Clark (later Mrs. Church), and .John Pashly, who taught the last term in the log house. Mr. Pashly taught the next term during the winter of 1850, in a dwelling of Hora- tio Starr, that stood near where Mr. Halstead's brick house now stands. Next, Mrs. Anthony Van Slyke taught a term in her home. After this, Harvey B. Austin taught in a room of a dwelling at the " Corner's " west of Lowell, in 1855. The building in this district was a brick of one room that stood where Mr. Shure's furniture store now stands. This was first occupied in the winter of 1855-56, with H. B. Austin as teacher. Austin taught for a year or two. Hattie Douglas taught here for a short term. William Williams and his daughter Hattie taught the school here for some time. During the winter of 1859-60, John W. Dwyer taught, and he taught again in 1865 and 1866. Mrs. Hale also taught here. The following is a list of the teachers for the several dis- tricts during the years named, so far as shown by the records : In 1875, District No. 1, John Love ; No. 2, George Johnson ; No. 3, Thomas H. Albaugh ; No. 4, Robert 0. Evans ; No. 5, W. U. Northrop ; No. 6, 0. H. Spencer ; No. 7, P. A. Hopkins. 1876— No. 1, John E. Love, (Mrs. Nettie Dickey); No. 2, R. C. Wood ; No. 3, Dora DeWitt ; No. 4, W. U. Northrop and E. D. "Van Vleck ; No. 5, Marilla Allen ; No. 6, 0. H. Spencer and wife, and Dora DeWitt ; No. 7, Jennie Hill and L. E. Jones ; No. 8, H. H. Ragan. 1880— No. 1, Henry G. Ross and R. C. Wood ; No. 2, Linda Maxwell and Ellen E. Dunn ; No. 3, Martha Haste ; No. 4, R. W. Bacon ; No. 5, Dora DeWitt and C. F. Templeton ; No. 6, Ella Ashton, H. H. Ragan, H. C. Gordon, Dora DeWitt and F. E. Nelson ; No. 7, Libbie Kenney and Jennie Fuller ; No. 8, Jennie Fuller ; No. 9, Jennie Talcott and AUie Driscoll. 1881— No. 1, Bertha Bryant and John E. Love ; No. 2, Ella Clay, Emma Du- mondandW. U. Northrop; No. 3, Martha, Haste; No. 4, Allie Driscoll aad Jennie Fuller ; No. 5, Adelia Buckley and C. F. Templeton ; No. 6, Bertha Bryant, H. C. Gordon, Mrs. J. L. Hill, Helen A. Wins- low, William C. Belman and Dora DeWitt ; No. 7, Ellen E. Daum ; No. 8, Milton W. Peterson; No. 9, Alltha Dickinson. 1882— No. 1, Clara A. Bliss ; No. 2, Abbie M. Austin ; No. 3, Alltha Dickinson ; No. 4, ; No. 5, Lulu Bryant ; No. 6, Bell Livingstone, Will- iam C. Belman, Bertha Bryant and Mrs. J. L. Hill ; No. 7, Lois H. 612 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Foote ; No. 8, Jennie Dickinson. The old frame house in District No. 7 was burned in February, 1881, and rebuilt the same spring at a cost of $500. The new building is a frame. The house in District No. 9, on River Ridge, was built in the fall of 1880, at a cost of pOO. The house in District No. 10,' at Shelby Station, was built during the spring of 1882, at a cost of $400. This is a new district and the last one formed. Shelby is a station on the Louisville & Albany Railroad. There are no brick schoolhouses in the district except the one in the district of Lowell, No. 6. This is a fine two-story building that was for years the best schoolhouse in the county. It was through the enterprise and pub- lic spirit of M. A. Halsted that the town took the lead in education when it did. The house and furniture cost about $7,000. M. A. Halsted was Trustee at the time that the house was erected. In this building a large and excellent graded school has been kept up all of the time. A large amount of patronage has come in from the surrounding country, so that it has been a great benefit not only to the town but to this whole region of couhtry. Lowell. — The Claim Register shows that one John P. Hoff, of New York City, purchased " mill seat on Cedar Creek," on Section 23, Range 9, Township 33, October 7, 1836. This claim was registered October 8. On the sams day, claims for four other New York men were registered. These were located on Sections 22, 23 and 24. None of these parties became actual settlers here. In August, 1835, a claim was made by Samuel Halstead, of " Timber and Mill-seat," on Section 23, Township 33, Range 9. This Mr. Halstead was not, so far as known, related to M. A. Halsted, the founder of Lowell. This claim was regis- tered November 26, 1836. Mr. Halstead cut and split some timber for the purpose of building a dam and mill at a point three-fourths of a mile northeast of where a mill was finally built, and where the present large brick mill now stands. The claim above mentioned was sold to J. P. Hofi^, but he failed to comply with the conditions and forfeited the claim. November 29, 1836, this claim was transferred to James M. Whitney and Mark Burroughs for $212. The " mill-seat " remained unimprovi'd until about 1850. The first building on the site of Lowell was the c.il)in of Samuel Halstead, and the second was the dwelling of Jabez Clark". In 1848, a saw mill was built near where the mill now stands. Tins mill began running in January, 1849. In 1849, Mr. Halstead burncl 400,- 000 brick and began building his dwelling, which was finishe 1 in the spring of 1850. This was the third structure in Lowell proper ir the place where Mr. Clarke's house stood was not cousiilered a part o 'j)well until a few years since. M. A. Halsted, in 1853, laid out si.x- m lots and gave them to mechanics. The third house was built in lot (■ near ^/f^;^^^4^^^j^ CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 515 the site of the Baptist Church, by a young blacksmith. The first store in Lowell was started by Jonah Thorne in 1852. Mr. Thome kept a small general stock for four years, when J. W. Viant became a partner. They continued together about six months, when Mr. Thorne sold to Mr. Merton. Viant & Merton owned the store for two or three years, when Merton sold his interest to Viant, who managed the business alone until 1881, when he sold out. Mr. Viant is now engaged in the sale of wagons and buggies, and in the care of the prop- erty accumulated during a long and honorable business career. The second store was started by William Sigler, a brother to E. and D. T. Sigler, of Hebron, in 1854, at the Corners, half a mile east of Lowell, and was moved down to town the next year. Mr. Sigler kept here most of the time alone, until 1879, when he sold out and moved to Crown Point, where he kept the St. James Hotel for about two yeafs. He is now in business in South Chicago. The third store was started by H. D. Mudge about 1855. This was at first a clothing store, but was soon turned into a general store. Theodore Burnham was the first black- smith ; Mr. Burnham sold to Hugh Gregg, who died in about three years after starting in the business. The first tavern was kept by Jonah Thorne. The house in which it was kept stood near the mill, but has since been moved, and is now occupied by Mr. Chapman, with a jewelry and confectionery store. The first regular hotel was built for a school house. It was used for school purposes about two years, since which time it has been used as a hotel. In the spring of 1861, it was bought by Jabez Clarke and rented to David Stringer, who kept it for two years. After this, it was rented and run by William Nichols for a time, and then by Greorge Mee, who has since purchased the property, and who still owns and keeps the house. It has always been known as the "Union House," which name it received when it started, about the time the civil war began. The originial house was 18x36 feet, but several additions have been made to it. The next hotel was built about 1866, by Mr. Lloyd, and kept by him for a time. It has gone by the name of " The Exchange " and is now kept by a Mr. Collins. The first hardware store and tin-shop was kept by J. W. Viant, in connection with hia store. Mr. Viant sold this branch of the business to Royal A. Raskins, who was the first to start a separate store in this line. J. W. Viant built the large storeroom that stands lengthwise on the main business street, and which is now occupied by Keller, Sherman & Co., in 1860-61. A flour mill built in 1853 was moved about three years ago, and is now used as a barn. The machinery that this old frame contained was moved into the large brick that was built for a woolen mill. This large brick was built by Halsted, Lapin & Co. in 1868. The intention was ET5 516 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. to make it one of the most extensive woolen mills in the State, but vari- ous causes, among which were the rise of wool and the decline in woolen goods, defeated the original plan. Some machinery for carding and working with wool on a small scale was put into the building, but not much business was done. In 1873, the " Home Manufacturing Com- pany" took charge of the building and occupied it as a factory for farm implements. This was a joint-stock company. For a time wagons, plows, cultivators, harrows, etc., were made, but the business did not pay and the company became involved, and the property was distributed to pay debts. During this time, the building was still owned by the mill company ; it was finally sold on mortgage. Lapin & Westman became full owners in 1869, and lost it on mortgage in four or five years. It then fell into the hands of the County Commissioners. The Commis- sioners took it in 1875, and in a short time sold it to Mr. Morgan, who owned it about two years and sold it to Mr. Specker, who is the present owner. It has a sixty-horse-power engine, but can be run by water- power during the greater part of the year. The cost'of the building was $8,000. It is 80x50 feet and three stories high. The following is a statement concerning the town, found in " Ball's History of Lake County," and refers to the year 1873 : " Number of families, 106 ; dry goods stores, 4 ; drug stores, 2 ; hardware stores, 2; mil- linery establishments, 2 ; dress-makers, 2 ; jeweler, 1 ; shoe-maker shops, 2 ; barber shops, 2 ; harness shop, 1 ; blacksmith shops, 5 ; wagon shops, 3 ; cooper shop, 1 ; meat market, 1 ; bakery, 1 ; cabinet shop, 1 ; agri- cultural store, 1 ; saloons, 2 ; photograph gallery, 1 ; livery stable, 1 ; hotels, 2 ; Notaries Public, 2 ; attorney, 1 ; physicians, 4 ; cigar factory, 1 ; churches, 3." The following is an enumeration of the business houses for 1882 : General stores, John Lynch, who bought R. W. Price out, and Keller, Sherman & Co., who bought out J. W. Viant ; groceries, W. A. Kenney & Co. ; hardware, George Death and C. C. Sanger, who were together for a time, and Jonah Thome ; drugs, G. W. Waters and C. P. Post, who keeps clothing and notions also ; implements, W. W. Ackerman, John Myers, while J. A. De Witt keeps carriages, and J. W. Viant keeps wagons and carriages ; shoe shops, Allen Q-regg and John Shramm ; blacksmith shops, Frank Fields, Kline Bros., who make wagons and car- riages, Vincent Hepp, Samuel Nichols, Enoch Cox, who makes wagons and carriages, and John Harrison, who also makes wagons and carriages ; bakery, N. A. Schaffer ; harness shop, J. E. Hale ; millinery, S. A. Kinney, who keeps ladies' furnishing goods also, Mrs. Barbary Craft, Mrs. Josephine King and Mrs. Jennie Cox ; meat market, A. D. Chapman, and one is now being started by Mr. Skillman ; restaurant, Mrs. A. D. CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 517 Chapman ; furniture, Morgan Craft and Martin Sher ; saloons, Mathew Berry, Charles Ruge and Edward Mee ; hotel, Union House, George Mee ; lumber yards, Du Breuil & Keilman, and T. M. Smith. The following is a sketch of the medical profession of Lowell : James A. Wood is the oldest living medical man of this region. He came in 1837, and located in the practice one mile east of the site of Lowell. He has practiced here continually up to the present time, except during the civil war, when he was a surgeon in the Union army. The Doctor has enjoyed an extensive practice and has ridden and driven over the prairies and through the swamps and streams of Northern Indiana for well-nigh half a century. Eor some years, he has sought to retire from the practice, but his many friends will not permit him to do so. Dr. John Hunt located at Lowell in 1855, where he remained three years. Dr. Crane came in 1858, for a stay of less than a year. Dr. S. B. Yeo- man came in 1855, became a partner of Dr. Wood, and continued to practice here until his death, which occurred during the war. About the same time, Dr. Sampson located here, and remained two years. Dr. A. A. Gerrish located in Lowell in 1865, and has since enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, and has gathered around him a host of friends. Dr. E. R. Bacon came in 1867, and is still here. Dr. J. B. Davis came in 1868, and still continues the practice here. Dr. Charles King has been here but a few months. Several attempts have been made by different ones to become estab- lished here in the practice of the law, but so far the peaceful proclivities of the people have rendered such attempts unsuccessful. About 1843, Outlet Post Office was established and located at a point about one mile east of the site of Lowell, with James H. Sanger, Sr., as Postmaster. He kept it for some years, when it was moved to a point half a mile west, and kept by Leonard Stringham. Dr. Hunt, H. D. Mudge, Mr. Foote and G. W. Lawrence each held the office for a time. J. W. Viant took the office in 1858, and held it until during Johnson's administration, when Sanford Barlow was appointed. He held it until 1870, when C. P. Post received the appointment. Mr. Post has dis- charged the duties of the office with general satisfaction since. The following papers have been published at Lowell, for an account of which see journalism in general county history : Lowell Star, Lowell Local News, Lowell Enterprise and The Tocsin, a temperance paper. A large elevator, planing mill and molding factory was erected here during the summer of 1881, by Du Breuil & Keilman, who have a simi- lar establishment at Dyer. It is 32x60 feet and seventy-five feet high, and cost, with machinery and connected buildings, about $13,000. Its capacity is 60,000 bushels. The firm bought some grain before the 518 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. elevator was built, and loaded it directly into the cars. The firm have a lumber yard in which they carry a stock of 1,500,000 feet. John A. Kimmitt has charge of the books of the company. H. Dickinson has recently erected a factory in the east part of town, where, among other useful articles, "The Chicago Water Elevator and Purifier" is made. A Railroad. — After many trials, tribulations and much weary waiting, Lowell rejoices in a railroad. August 15, 1874, a tax was voted for a railroad. This tax was canceled at a later date. It was voted to the In- dianapolis, Delphi & Chicago Railroad. A second tax was voted to the "Air Line," but it failed to complete the road, and the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Company got control and put the road through to Lowell in 1880. Most of the grading was done in 1874. They did some freight and passenger business in 1880, but regular trains did not begin to run until January, 1881. About $80,000 was expended in grading, which laid unused for five years. Three companies failed in the course of its construction, and it is now in the hands of the fourth company and is doing a good business for a new road. Many of the enterprising citi- zens suffered financially from the failures of the companies that under- took the construction of the road. M. A. Halsted alone suffered a loss of $20,000, which seemed doubly hard, as it was through his enterprise and public spirit, to a great extent, that a road was obtained. Greston. — About forty years ago, Cedar Lake Post OfiBce was estab- lished half a mile east of the site of Creston. Lewis Warriner was the first Postmaster, and his successor was Alfred Edgerton, who was suc- ceeded by M. M. Estey, and he by Amos Edgerton, who resigned and A. D.. Palmer was appointed as his successor. Mr. Palmer is the present Postmaster. The post oflBce retained the name Cedar Lake until July 1, 1882, when it became Creston. It was moved to the site of Creston in September, 1875. It was kept for a time half a mile farther north, but has always been in Cedar Creek Township. The first store started in this vicinity was opened in 1863, by Amos Edgerton, half a mile east of where Creston now stands. He sold goods here for three or four years, when A. D. Palmer bought him out. Mr. Palmer was burned out Janu- ary 25, 1875 ; there was no Insurance, and the whole investment was swept away. Mr. Palmer started at once to Chicago and had a new stock on hand the next day. Creston is situated a mile and a quarter south of Cedar Lake. The depot here was built during the winter of 1871-72. Taylor & Love started a store over the line in West Creek Township in 1877. It has changed hands several times, and is now owned by Cassius M. Taylor. Samuel Love & Sons built a hay barn here in 1881, at an expense of $2,000. A blacksmith shop was started in 1881 by the CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 519 Shelow Brothers. Taylor & Palmer are running a lumber yard. The railroad company are having a great deal of trouble on the marsh north of Creston. Some of the piling have been driven to the depth of 150 feet without striking solid ground. Ohurohes, etc. — In the summer of 1837, the Methodists organized a class in the vicinity where Lowell now stands. Rev. Colclasier, a young man, was the minister who first preached to this small band of brethren. Rev. Baxter Beers was probably the next minister, and he was followed by Rev. Young, and he by Rev. Forbes. During this time the services were held during the week and at the houses of the settlers. Wayne Bryant and wife, Robert Hyde and wife, John Kitchel, B. Jennings, Mrs. Henry Sanger and Mrs. John Sanger were among the first members. The first meeting was held at Mr. Bryant's. The Clevelands came into the church in 1840. The church was a mission until 1841, when it be- came a circuit. Regular services have been kept up ever since. The so- ciety met in private houses and in schoolhouses until 1849, when they , built a frame church a mile and three-quarters east of Lowell. H. San- ger gave the land, and a good-sized building was erected which is still standing, but has been used for a number of years as a barn. The society came next to Lowell, where they held services in the school house and in the Baptist Church. About 1858, some of the members drew off to at- tend services at Orchard Grove. In 1870, they completed the present brick church, at a cost of $4,000. The Christian Church of Lowell was organized in 1841. J. L. Wor- ley is the only one of the charter members of the church now living. Simeon Beadle and Sarah Beadle, his wife ; William Wells and Sarah, his wife ; Thomas Childers and Sarah, his wife, and J. L. Worley were the first members. At first the society had no church building, but met in dwellings. The first meeting was held at the house of William Wells where the society was organized. Nathan Coffinbury now at Sherburn- ville, 111., organized the society. Some of the early ministers are Rev. Lewis Comer, Rev. John Sargeant, Rev. Lemuel Shortridge, who was the first to preach in the present brick church. He had, however, preached for the congregation before this building was built. The pres- ent building was begun in 1869, and the first meeting was held in Febru- ary, 1870. The cost of the building was about $4,000. It stands on beautiful lots that were bought about the time that the war began. To this building Henry Dickinson gave $1,200 ; J. L. Worley, Ira Babcock and Orrin Beckwith gave liberally, while the community in general lent a helping hand. The first ofiicers of the church were Simeon Beadle, Overseer ; and J. L. Worley, Deacon. The present officers are : Henry Dickinson and J. L. Worley, Overseers ; and Cyrus Dickinson, Deacon. 520 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. At the time when the church was built, there was a membership of fifty- five. The present membership is forty. The society has probably had as many as twenty different ministers since the church was built. The last regular minister was Rev. Halloway, who was here a part of the year 1881. Before him the Rev. William Albertson served three years, at the end of which time he died. Rev. William Wheeler ministered to this people for two years before the time of Rev. Albertson. These three are about the only regular stationed ministers who have preached here except Rev. Shortridge, who was in charge at that time. On January 20, 1856, the Baptist Church of Lowell waa organized. The following entries are from the church book: '" January 19, 1856, a meeting of the West Creek Baptist Church being called for this day, having met at the Lowell Schoolhouse, it was resolved that the clerk give letters to all the remain- ing members, and the church be hereby disbanded." " At a meeting held at Lowell Schoolhouse January 19, 1856, present, besides the brethren designing to organize a church, J. M. Whitehead, of Door Village Church, and T. H. Ball, of Crown Point Church, it was resolved to organize on the morrow a Baptist Church to be known at the First Baptist Church of Lowell, met on the Sabbath according to arrangement. Members go- ing into the organization ; by letter from West Creek Church, 0. W. Graves, Achsah Graves, James A. Hunt, Fanny C. Hunt, Melvin A. Halsted, Martha C. Halsted, Rosana Barber ; by letter from Cedar Lake Church, Adeline Dumond, Mary Ann Blayney ; by letter from Rolling Prairie Church, John Hunt, Lucy Hunt ; by letter from Napoleon Church, Michigan, Munson Church ; by experience, J. Dumond. The hand of fellowship was given by Elder J. M. Whitehead ; charge by T. H. Ball ; Munson Church, was chosen Church Clerk. Rev. T. H. Ball, by vote of the church, became the first pastor. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse during the year 1856. During the same year, that gen- erous, public-spirited gentleman, M. A. Halsted, built and deeded to the Baptists a brick church, which still stands as a substantial monument to his open-handed generosity and practical Christianity. Mr. Halsted in- closed, but did not finish the building. When finished, it cost about $2,000. The Catholics held their first meeting in Lowell during the year 1865, at the house of John Hack. The second services were held in Sigler's Hall in 1868, when one of the bishops preached. At this time a church was organized, and held its meetings in the brick factory building for a year or more. In 1871, the present frame church was built. This was not finished until within the present year. It cost about $1,000. For two years after the church was built, services were held once a month ; then for three years they had no services. After this the church was reorganized, and supported services once a month CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 521 until January, 1882, when they arranged to have preaching once in two weeks, which arrangement is still continued. Rev. Ganzer ia the pres- ent priest. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Creston was built in 1876 at a cost of $1,000. The first Trustees were A. H. Carstens, 0. G. Taylor, Amos P. Thompson, Samuel Love and Robert Garrison. At first there were about sixty members, among whom were 0. G. Tay- lor and wife, L. G. Cutler and wife, Samuel Love and wife, 0. J. Thompson and wife, Daniel Lawrence and wife, and E. Scritchfield and wife. Rev. Baker organized the church, and Rev. Saunders, Rev. Henry Vincel and others have preached here. The present minister is the Rev. Straight. Cedar Lake Cemetery joins the church lot on the east. The first one buried here was a German named Schultz, who lived near the head of Cedar Lake. This was in 1846 or 1847. There are about 100 buried here. Secret and other Organizations. — Colfax Lodge, No. 378, of Masons, located at Lowell, has a charter bearing date of May 27, 1868. It had run for two years prior to that time under a dispensation. The first ofiScers were : Joseph A. Clark, W. M.; James N. Moore, S. W.; C. M. Blachley, J. W. These were charter members with the exception of Blaohley. The following are the names of the other charter members : Peter Burhans, K. N. Burnham, C. L. Templeton, Elfas Ferguson, Sam- uel Ames, T. V. Frank, J. V. Bates and M. A. Halsted. The present oflScers are : J. N. Moore, W. M.; J. B.Wilkinson, S.W.; James E. Hale, J. W.; C. L. Templeton, Treasurer ; E. T. Hill, Secretary ; Charles Ful- ler, S. D.; Thomas Smith, J. D.; and W. F. Tuttle, Tiler. The present membership is fifty-nine, and the value of property $800. I. 0. 0. F., Lowell Lodge, No. 245, was organized January 11, 1866. The following are the ones who applied for the charter : Hiram P. Rob- bins, Henry Sanger, George M. Death, G. F. Sutton, John M. Scott and, John M. Death. The first and early members besides those named were James M. Moore, S. B. Taylor, R. W. Price, C. M. Blachley, Sidney Sanger, W. M. Halsted, J. H. Irish, William Pulver, James Doran, H. N. Clement, Geo. W. Waters, L. H. Westerman, Charles Groman, Simeon Sanger, Sanford Sanger, John Mendenhall and others. The first officers were : John M. Death, N. G.; G. F. Sutton, V. G.; John M. Scott, Re- cording Secretary ; James H. Sanger, Sr., Treasurer, and G. M. Death, Permanent Secretary. The appointed officers were : H. P. Robbins, R. S. N. G.; William Halsted, L. S. N. G.; R. W. Price, Conductor; James N. Moore, Warden; Sidney Sanger, R. S. S. ; C. M. Blachley, L. S. S.; S. B. Taylor, Guardian, and James H. Sanger, Jr., R. S. V. G. The present officers are : H. N. Clement, N. G.; E. R. Bacon, V. G.; George W. Waters, Recording and Permanent Secretary ; Jonah Thome, Treasurer ; 522 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY, James Fuller, Warden ; F. W. Wood, Conductor ; George Fuller, Guard- ian and Samuel Miller, D. G. M. There has been at one time as many as 115 members, and not over a dozen deaths have occurred since its organization. The present membership is twenty-six. The property of the lodge is valued at $1,000. Lowell Grange of Patrons of Husbandry, in 1873, had a member- ship of eighty. It is now non est. Various temperance organizations have existed here, among which was the Independent Order of Good Tem- plars. The Woman's Temperance Reading Room Society was organized February 29, 1882, and on the 1st of March took possession of the room that they now occupy, and in which they keep a good supply of standard papers and periodicals for the use of the public free of charge. The first and present President of the society is Mrs. Denney. Mrs. Mary Post is Vice President. They started with an investment of $100, and a membership of thirty-two. The old Township Library is kept here, and some books and papers have been donated by those who feel an interest in the enterprise. The object of the association is to furnish healthful reading in a pleasant place, where the surroundings are such as to coun- teract, to some extent, the evil influences that swarm in every town and city. CHAPTER TL BY GEOROE A. QABAED. HoBAKT Township— Name and Boundaries— Liverpool and lake- Village OF Hobart — Its Development- MANtrFACTURiNO Inter- ests— Secret Societies— Schools and Churches- Baxter's Addition to Chicago— Shaw's Subdivision. THE township of Hobart took its name from the town of Hobart, which was named by George Earle for a brother of his. The town- ship was created by an order of the County Commissioners, bearing date of September 5, 1849, which reads as follows : " That the territory commencing at the point where ■ the Calumet River crosses the line be- tween the counties of Lake and Porter, thence on the county line to the southeast corner of Township 36, Range 7, thence west on the line divid- ing Townships 35 and 86, Range 7, and Townships 35 and 36, Range 8, to the northwest corner of Township 35, Range 8, thence north on the range line dividing Township 36, Range 8, and Township 36, Range 9, to the center of the Calumet River, thence up the center of said stream to the place of beginning, should constitute a new township, to be known as Hobart." On December 6, 1853, Sections 4, 5 and 6, Township 35, Range 7, were transferred from Ross Township to Hobart Township, and HOB ART TOWNSHIP. 523 Sections 31, 32 and 33, Township 36, Range 8, were transferred from Hobart to Ross, thus leaving Hobart Township with the following boun- daries : Commencing at the point where the Calumet River crosses the line between Lake and Porter Counties, thence down the river to the point where the line between Ranges 8 and 9 crosses said river, thence south along said line to the northwest corner of Section 31, Township 36, Range 8, thence east along the north line of said Section 33, thence south along the east line of said section to the line between Townships 35 and 36, Range 8, thence east along said line to the east line of Range 8, thence south along the west line of Section 6, Township 35, Range 7, to the southwest corner of said section, thence east along the south line of Sections 4, 5 and 6, Township 35, Range 7, to the line between the coun- ties of Lake and Porter, thence north along said line to the place of be- ginning." Q-eneral Description. — This region was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber. This was long since cut, and in its stead has come, where allowed to grow, a thick growth of thrifty young trees. All of the northern part of the township is very sandy, and indeed in the soil of the southern part sand largely predominates. Deep River enters the township three miles west of the eastern boundary, and flows north- east, north, west, southwest, west, and northwest, entering the Calumet not far from the center of the north boundary of the township. There are no lakes here, unless an enlargement of Deep River near the site of the defunct city of Liverpool could be so called. Settlement — Liverpool. — This township was first settled at what was Liverpool, but is now a defunct metropolis. Here on Deep River it was intended to make a " plant" that should grow into a great city. The Calumet and Deep Rivers were to be to this commercial emporium of the future what the Seine is to Paris or the Thames to London. The plot was laid ; the plat was made ; the lots were sold ; but first let us turn to the authentic history of this great rival of England's maritime metro- polis : From the county records we get the following : Survey of the town of Liverpool situated on Section 24, Town 36 north of Bange 8 west. Beginning at a stake standing north 66 degrees west, 45 links from a black oak tree two feet and ten inches in diameter, on the south bank of the river at the ferry place in 1835 and 18:)6, thence south 24 degrees we?t 79 rods and 12 links to a stake ; bearing tree 60 degrees and 30 seconds east 39J links ; black oak twenty inches in diameter, 62 degrees and 50 seconds west 34 links ; white oak eighteen inches in diameter ; thence south 66 degrees east 164 rods to a stake. Bearing tree 49 degrees and 30 seconds east 54J links ; black oak eighteen inches in diameter ; thence north 26 degrees east 154 rods to a stake. Bearing trees south 46 degrees and 55 seconds west 96J links ; black oak twelve inches in diameter, north 39 degrees and 40 seconds east 14J links ; black oak eight inches in diameter ; thence south 24 degrees west 59 rods to place of beginning, be- ing subdivided agreeably to annexed plat. Newton K. Smith, Surveyor. January 30, 1836. 524 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. The plat shows 455 lota, 191 of which were on the north side of Deep River and the others were on the south side. The streets running east and west beginning at the south were Third, Broadway, Second, Peoria, Lake and Calumet (two short streets on same line), Canal and Penn, the last two named being in the central part, near the river. The streets north of the river were, in order, Dock, Indiana and Michigan. The north and south streets beginning at thp east were Juliet, Spruce, Walnut, Chestnut, Market, Mulberry, Sassafras and Chicago. • The cen- ter block on the south tier is marked " Public Square." There are two groups of two lots each marked "Market Square" and two marked " Church Square." This place was laid out by John C. Davis and Henry Fredrickson, of Philadelphia, and John B. Chapman, a Western man. They bought an Indian " float " and proceeded to plan a city. At that time the Calumet and Deep Rivers were navigable for vessels of good size up to this point. Both have been obstructed since, especially the Calumet, by the draining of the Cady Marsh, which has caused much sand to be filled into its channel. This w^as also at that time on an im- portant road, over which most of the emigrants for the Northwest passed. It is stated by those who were on the ground at the time that the excite- ment ran high, and that in 1836, in three days, lots amounting to $16,000 were sold. Two men, one of whom, J. Wood, lived at Deep River, in- vested $2,000 in lots. This has proved a permanent investment, as it has now been forty-six years and the money is not yet out of it. A ferry- boat was placed on the Calumet at this point in 1834 and 1835 and a hotel opened in 1835. George Earle, of Philadelphia, came in 1836 and bought the town and a large section of country round about. H^e he lived until 1847. In 1840, the Pottawatomies, under the conduct of Gen. Brady, passed through this place on their way to the then far West. In 1837, a stage line from Michigan City to Joliet passed through the town. In the same year, the stage line from Detroit to Chicago passed through here as well. In April, 1837, at the first session of the Board of Commissioners of the newly organized county, a license was granted by them to the proprietors of Liverpool to " keep a ferry on and over Deep River in said town." For this monopoly, they were charged the sum of $10, and had the rates fixed for them. In 1838-39, a charter was granted by the Legislature for a toll bridge. In 1840, the first store was opened by a man named Philips, who was succeeded by one Davis, and he by Stilson, who sold to George Zuvers. George Earle kept the last stock of goods. The first Postmaster was Abner Stilson, who was succeeded by George Earle, who kept the office until 1847, when he moved to Hobart, taking the office with him to that place. The first hotel was kept by William Heverland ; the second by Murdock & Bucklin, HOBART TOWNSHIP. 525 who rented from Davis, the builder. Chapman built a log hotel, which was the third. He rented it to Stilson. It was run a short time and sold at Sheriff's sale. George Zuvers bought it and kept it as a hotel until the town went down. In 1837, the lots in Liverpool were assessed at $26,440, upon which the total tax was $304.06. Solon Robinson after- ward said that the a^sessmenb was too large by three of the left-hand figures, while others insisted it was too large by four. The county seat of Lake County was located at Liverpool in 1839. Crown Point, of which Solon Robinson was the chief proprietor, was the competitor of Liverpool. A court house was built, but as it was not located on the public square but on land that was the property of George Earle, the county refused to pay anything ; so the house was never completed, but was taken down, floated on the Calumet to Blue Island and converted into a hotel. Thus departed the last chance for the growth of the em- bryotic city. Much difference of opinion exists as to the number of houses and people that were in this place during its greatest boom. One says ten houses and fifty inhabitants ; another 100 houses and 500 in- habitants. It is probable that this difference of opinion arises from the fact that many houses were commenced and never completed, as was the court house, and many people were on the ground who lived in tents, and who, when the bubble burst, moved away, feeling as poor in spirit as they were in purse. Two families now watch over the remains of the dead city of Liverpool. Hobart. — From this dead town we turn to a live one. Liverpool made a great flourish and died. Hobart began in a small way and has gradually grown to be an enterprising and thrifty place. George Earle was the founder of this town and built the first house, a log cabin ; his son, John G. Earle, has been its fosterer. Its oflicial history, with all the recorded additions, is here given : On the plat book bearing date of May 8, 1849, is the following survey of the town of Hobart, situ- ate in the county of Lake, State of Indiana, on Section 32, Township 36 north, of Range 7 west, of the Second Principal Meridian : Begin at a stake at the corner of Lewis Hammond's tavern house, and thence through Main street south 31 degrees east to the end of said street, and from thence on the line of lots east 31 degrees north to the east side of East street, and from thence north 81 degrees west to the end of said street; from thence west 31 degrees south to Center street ; from thence north 31 degrees west to the end of said Center street — being laid out in town lots and fractional town lots and numbered with their respective dimensions as per plat hereunto annexed. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this May 3, 1849. George Earle. [seal.] Acknowledged before Ebenezer Dustin, a Justice of the Peace, the 7th day of May 1849. The streets -shown on the annexed plat, beginning at the mill yard 526 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. on the northwest, are : Front, Second and Thiri; beginning at the mill pond on the southwest the streets in order are : Main, Center, East and New. This mill pond, on a map bearing date of 1859, is marked " Lake George " and as containing 1,000 acres. The plat shows ninety-three lots. The following additions have been made to the town : Earle & Davis Addition, recorded June 13, 1859, which shows the following streets: Jane, Franklin, Union, Georgiana, Lillian, Ella, Devonshire, North, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Linda. It shows also the Hobart Cemetery. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Com- pany's Addition bears date of record April 24, 1868. It shows two streets running southeast and northwest, one on the south side of the railroad and the other on the north ; also two streets opening into each of these. John G. Barle's Addition to Hobart was entered of record September 3, 1873. It shows ten lots. Rifenburg's Addition, recorded February 8, 1875, shows eleven lots on Lake avenue. Wood's Addition of January 25, 1851, on the southwest quarter of Section 29, Town- ship 36, Range 7 west, shows thirty lots. January 26, 1878, by George L. Nichols — being a subdivision of the east half of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 1, Township 35, north, Range S west, of the Second Principal Meridian. Robert Lymsbonroy was the Civil Engineer. Although it is stated that deer were killed on the site of the present town in the winter of 1843-44, in 1845 it was quite a thriving village. At present there are two railroads, the Fort Wayne & Pennsylvania, and the New York, Chicago & St. Louis, with a prospect of more. This was once the head of the lumber trade to Chicago from this region ; it was floated down Deep River and the Calumet. There are now three drug stores kept by Vincent Bros., P. P. Gordon & Bro. and Bassett. Of saloons there are seven. Of churches there are seven. Of resident ministers there is but one, a German Methodist. The churches are German Methodist, German Lutheran, Swedish Methodist, Catholic, " Tabernacle " or Free Methodists and Unitarian. There are thirteen stores kept by the following persons or firms : J. H. Ostrander, grocery and bakery ; J. N. Hall, dry goods and groceries ; P. P. Gordon & Bro., drugs and groceries ; John Mander, dry goods, hardware and gro- ceries ; George Stoker, boots, shoes, dry goods and groceries ; B. Pas- saw, general store ; Joseph Black, groceries ; A. Wood & Son, dry goods and groceries ; A. Arboe, hardware ; F. Koch, dry goods, gro- ceries and clothing ; William Butler, general store. Besides these, A. D. Hunter and George Gadsby & Son have furniture stores ; A. Ammerman and Mr. Croxford, harness shops. There are two millinery establishments, two shoe shops, two butcher shops — one kept by James Roper & Bro. HOBART TOWNSHIP. 527 and the other by William D. Elting. There is a good mill that was built by George Earle, and has passed through a great many hands, now owned and runby Ballantyne, previously run by Smith & Henderson. L. Wetengale practices law here; A. K. Garhart runs a tailor shop; H. C. Hanson and 0. J. Williams are the jewelers. Mr. Williams has been in the business five years, and Mr. Hanson started about three years ago, having worked for Mr. Williams prior to that time. Before these, Edward Shaffer kept the only store of the kind. There is a wagon and carriage factory, owned and run by M. W. Jory, that is doing a fine business and turning out excellent work. Mr. Oorvlin and Mr. Wall run carpenter shops. The physicians are Dr. Vincent, who moved in in 1882 from Deep River, where he had lived for thirty-seven years ; Dr. Miller, who has been in town about three years ; Dr. George R. Bas- sett, who has been here for some four years, and Dr. P. P. Gordon, who has long practiced in the place. The post office is now in the hands of C. J. Williams, who has had it almost a year and a half ; for two years before the present administration, A. D. Ray kept it ; before him, John E. Mander had it for about seven years ; William H. Rifenburg had it for three or four years before Ray, and Joseph Black for a long time, perhaps ten years, before that. George Barle was the first Post- master. At first it was not thought that the town would attain to any great importance. John G. Earle built a fine' residence here and made it his home for years. In this home he kept a large collection of fine paintings that attracted much attention and many visitors. He now resides in Chicago and comes out once a week to attend to his large real estate interests which are centered here. While the growth of the town has been gradual, at the same time it has been substantial, until at pres- ent, with a population of 1,500, it has the air of a city, and is certainly one of the most promising of the many suburban places of the Metrop- olis of the Northwest. Industries and Manufactures. — The chief industries of the town- ship are stock-raising and dairying in the north, while in the south fine crops are raised. About two miles southwest of Hobart is a cheese factory, owned by Mr. Clinton, which has been running as long as four years. Excellent cheese is made here. A creamery has just been started about half a mile east of Lake Station, by Mr. Banky. There is a vine- yard near Hobart that has been run by D. B. Lightner for several years. He has been selling grapes and making but little wine. A saw mill was established at Hobart in 1845. Hobart owes its prosperity more to its brick yards than to anything else. F. A. Smith now runs one yard, and expects to make in a year about 800,000 brick, besides drain tile. The yard belonged to Sholl, who got it from Nash. George Stalker 528 HISTOE^ OF LAKE COUNTY. began operations in 1879, and can make about one and a half millions a year. He makes both common and pressed brick. Waterbury & Mills owned the works before Stocker, and they bought of Harland & Mould- ing, who opened up in 1867. By far the largest yard is owned and operated by Hinchliff & Owens. They hare two yards at Porter. This yard has been established this year, 1882, and has a capacity of 40,000 a day. They employ fifty hands, and the pay roll foots up over $2,000 a month. The brick are made with a Penfield machine, run by a sixty- horse-power engine. By digging a well they found that there is a thickness of eighty feet of fine blue clay, which is a practically inex- haustible supply. There are now on the yards of this company about three-fourths of a million brick, burnt and unburnt. There is near these brick-yards a large ice house, owned by the Smith Bros., the capacity of which is 4,000 tons. Lake Station is in the northeastern part of the township, near the the Calumet, at a distance of about fifteen miles from the county seat. It takes its date from the building of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1852, and its name from the county. At this point originates the Joliet Cut-Ofi". The railroad company has here preserved two fine parks, one on each side of the road, in which stand many fine, large trees saved from the timber vandals. These are by far the finest depot grounds in the county. Ilere the railroad has a small engine house in which some light repairs are made. Most of the people are connected with the railroad. It is very sandy in and around the town, but the location is fine and the scenery quite pretty. There are two churches, a Catholic and a Meth- odist. The Catholic is reputed to be the oldest church in the township. It is a frame, and stands on a sand-hill and has a small burying ground attached. Just across the way stands the Methodist Church, which is the old schoolhouse. When used for school purposes, it was also used by the Methodists and Lutherans for divine services. Just south of this stands the new schoolhouse, a neat brick, with a belfry and a bell. Surrounded by a natural grove and standing upon a little hill above the town, it pre- sents a fine appearance. All three of these houses are founded upon the sands. The schoolhouse was built in 1878. The town has two saloons, four stores, and the usual number of ordinary artisans for a town of the size. It has one rather fine-looking hotel. On the whole, the town has not improved much for several years. Ghurches, etc. — Besides the churches above-named, there is one about one and a half miles east of Lake Station, a Swedish Lutheran ; and an- other northeast of Hobart, with a graveyard by it. This was built about six years ago. The Swedish Lutheran Church of Hobart, built in 1869, was the first church edifice erected in town. The following are the- HOBART TOWNSHIP. 529 names of those who gave most toward its erection : John E. Mander, A. E. Wall, Andrew Peterson, Gustave Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Charles Neilson and Gustave Isaacson, who each gave $50. Many others gave according to their means, $25, $15 or $10. Ahout $800 was raised ; $150 was obtained from the Conference and a debt of $300 was assumed, which has since been paid. They now have the finest bell in the town, put up in 1874, at a cost of $475. The original membership was about seventy ; it is now about 250. The present minister is the Rev. Chall- man, who has a charge at Chesterton and another at Porter Station. What is now the Catholic Church was formerly used as a picture gal- lery. It was bought from John Earle in 1874, for $1,200. Humphrey Torphy gave $100, a number gave $50, and others $25, while others gave smaller sums. The first priest was Father O'Reilly, the second. Father Bomgardner, the third, Father Roth, who is the present priest. At first there were but sixteen families ; now there are about thirty belong- ing to the congregation. The Unitarian society has a church worth $2,500, is out of debt, and has a present membership of about seventy-five. They have no regular minister at present. Mr. Jennings, of Chicago, who came out for some time every two weeks, was the last regular minister. Their first minister was Carson Parker, in 1876-77. The " Christian Union Church " or " Tabernacle Society," at Hobart, was organized and a church built in 1877. There were about 100 members at first. There is now no church organization, but the Free Methodists hold meet- ings in the church ; twenty or thirty support the services. The first minister was Thomas Fluck; the second, David Andrews; the third, John Kelsey, and the fourth and present minister, H. H. Cannon. The church cost about $500. The German Methodist Church at Hobart was organized in 1875. It was built the same year as the Unitarian, at an expense of $1,200. The German Lutheran was built some six or seven years ago. It is a neat brick, and has a good frame parsonage in the same inclosure on the south side of it. The following is a copy of the inscription upon the plate in front of the American Methodist Church : "First M. E. Church, 1871. Trustees— J. T. Stafibrd, William Lyne, William G. Frank, P. P. Gordon, 0. H. Spencer. Building Committee — W. H. Rifenburg, M. Cowlen. Builder — John Warner." Secret Orders. — The McLelland Lodge, 857, was instituted at Wheeler, in Porter County, some time prior to 1866, and moved to and established in Hobart in the year 1866. The charter members were : Will- iam Decoursey, W. M. ; Daniel S. Curtis, S. W. ; P. P. Gordon, J. W. The first members other than these were William Cogswell, George W. Bond, Sidney S. Reed, Charles DeFrance, Jamcj McAffee, Jr., John Mathews, F. Rentz, Harley H. Curtis, James Adams, James Halsted, 530 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Andrew "Walton, J. Black, H. J. Ellis, Andrew Harrison, D. Sanders, I. C. Pinney, W. H. Rifenburg, N. Wright, S. Cantwell, D. B. CoUings, J. G. Earle, W. W. Pierce, G. W. Arnold, F. D. Bowen, William Devon- shire, Thomas Harrison, C. H. DeFrance, N. H. Ferrin, L. Ames, M. Bullock, M. Shinnebarger, J. B. Bowers. The present oflScers are : P. P. Gordon, W. M. ; J. H. Ostrander, S. W. ; J. Mathews, J. W. ; G. Stocker, Treasurer ; M. W. Jory, Secretary ; J. B. Mander, S. D. ; William Ensign, J. D. ; J. Richardson, Tiler. The present membership is sixty-five. Barle Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., was organized July 29, 1869. Its lodge number is 333. The charter members were J. S. Meister, P. P. Gordon, M. M. Robinson, W. Lyne, John G. Barle, N. Hull, T. J. Strong and William Devonshire. The present oflScers are : William H. Rifenburg, N. G. ; J. M. Whitmore, V. G. ; M. W. Jory, R. and P. Secretary ; Will- iam Scholler, Treasurer ; Z. CoUman, Ward. ; R. Randham, Conductor ; F. Kleeson, I. G. ; J. A. Brown, R. S. N. G. ; B. B. Roper, L. S. N. G. ; A. Ammerman, R. S. V. G. ; S. S. Foster, L. S. V. G. ; H. Ches- ter, L. S. S. ; F. Selfton, R.S. S. The membership at present is forty- six. Schools and Teachers. — The first school in Hobart Township was not taught until after 1845. This was taught at Hobart in a small frame house built of oak, sawed at the Hobart Mill. This schoolhouse is still standing, being now occupied as a dwelling by the Widow Ramsey. In 1858, there were only four schoolhouses in the township — one at Lake Station ; one at Hobart, one two and one-half miles west of Hobart, and one two miles east of Hobart. All of these were frame, and the one in Ho- bart was very small and built by voluntary labor. Wages at that time were about $1 a day, and the teacher was expected to board around or else pay board from that sum. There are at present seven buildings in the township, three of which are brick. The new brick in Hobart was built in 1877, and cost about $10,000. It is a neat square structure with stone trimmings, two stories high with a basement. There is a good grove on the east, south and west, and a neat white fence in front. The last Principal in District No. 1 was Henry E. Kern ; Mattie Gatsby was his Assistant. In District No. 2, C. Whitfield was Principal ; W. W. Truesdell taught the intermediate department, and Myrtie Briggs (now Mrs. Spencer), taught the primary room. In District No. 3, Mary Sul- livan taught the last school ; in No. 4, Mary A. Wort ; in No. 5, Charles Gadsby ; in No. 6, Mary E. Edwards, and in No. 7, Mary Rifenburg. Growth. — From 1886 to 1840, the settlement was slow, and those who came found great diflSculty in getting along. The panic of 1837, and the fever and ague, united with many other things to obstruct im- c^c^-^-t^t:^ HOBART TOWNSHIP. 531 provement. In 1850, a large number of settlers came in, and in 1852 the swamp lands were sold, and they were taken rapidly. From that time on the settlement has been quite steady and rapid. The wonderful growth and extension of Chicago has enhanced the value 'of the land in the northern part, until the poorest land in the township is the highest in price. In this connection, it may be well to speak of a swindling scheme that was practiced upon the unsophisticated. It is or was known as Bax- ter's Addition to Ohicago, and would, if it had worked, have extended the radius of Chicago some thirty miles. This " addition," of nothing to nothing, is put down in the plat book as " Being a subdivision of the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 14, Township 36, Range 8 west," and was recorded by James Baxter June 25, 1873. The , land, or rather the mud and water, was subdivided into about eight hun- dred lots, and the streets (or canals) are marked Center, Park, Prairie and Wabash avenues, and Adams, Washington, Division and Monroe streets. About four _hundred and eighty-eight lots were sold, or repre- sented as being sold ; some of them bringing, or represented as bringing, large sums of money. One bona fide purchaser came out to see his newly-acquired city property ; he landed at Liverpool. The addition was about half a mile west of the mouth of Deep River, on the Calumet. He was asked if he could swim. "No." "Have you got a boat?" "No." ''Then you had best not venture to seek your land, for it is mostly under water, and what is not was pre-empted by muskrats and bullfrogs long years before the enterprising Baxter thought of attaching it to Chicago." But the man was bound to see it; so he boldly waded in and found, as he expressed it, " That he had one of the softest things that a man ever got into." He returned to the city a sadder, wetter and wiser, if not a richer, man. It is said that he found many houses upon his lots, but they were muskrat houses. Of a like nature was what was known as Shaw's Subdivision. Per- haps it never attracted much attention, except of those who were swindled by the land sharks who concocted the scheme. It appears of record as follows : Shaw's Subdivision of the east half of the north quarter of the west half of the west half of the southwest of Section 16, Township 36, Range 7 west of Second Principal Meridian, by Charles A. Shaw. The plat shows Deep River sweeping in majestic curve through a city of metropolitan appearance, which was located just east or south- east of Lake Station, or in the air around there somewhere, or perhaps just on paper. The plat shows River, Shaw, Center, Grove, Nichols and Lake streets, with Broadway and Earle avenues. Many of these swin- dling schemes have been planned and executed by Chicago parties. As a rule it is not the people who live in the vicinity where the plat is laid 532 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. that get taken in, but the uninitiated man of means who starts out to get rich by speculating in town or city lots. Dr. Davis, who came in 1835 ; George Earle and family, in 1836 ; Mr. Edwards, in 1835; William Heverland, in 1836; Fredrickson, Davis and.Chatman, proprietors of Liverpool, in 1835; J. V. Johns, in 1836, and Samuel Sigler and family, are among the first settlers of what is now Hobart Township. OH APTEE VII. BY Q. A QARARD. North Township— Its Natural Wealth— The Crooked Calumet- Lakes OF THE Township— An Important Future Harbor- Rise and Progress of Education and Religion— Towns, Alive and Dead- Extent OF Industries — Village of Hammond — The Tolleston Club. THE Township of North is peculiar in many respects. Lying as it does at the south end of Lake Michigan and indented as it is by this great saltless sea, one would naturally suppose that it would have been thickly settled before the central and southern parts of the county were settled at all. In ancient times civilization sought the sea. Settle- ments were always made on the coast before people thought of moving inland ; but, since the iron horse began to speed his chariot over the land, man's dominion has not stopped at the shore but has stretched inland to the heart of the continent. With about twenty-five miles of a coast line and almost fifty miles of a navigable stream ; with nine railroads and three navigable lakes, why should North Township be to-day, to a great extent, an unimproved and sparsely populated region ? The answer comes from its numerous marshes, sand hills and sterile soil. Boundaries, etc. — On September 5, 1849, the boundaries of North Township were fixed as follows : Commencing at the point where the Calumet River crosses the line dividing the counties of Lake and Porter ; thence down the center of said river to the point where it crosses the line dividing Ranges 8 and 9 west ; thence south on the said range line to the southeast corner of Section 36, Township 36, Range 9 west ; thence west on the north line of the township of St. Johns to the Illi- nois State line; thence north along said line to Lake Michigan ; thence eastwardly along said lake shore to the line dividing the counties of Lake and Porter ; thence south on said line to the place of beginning. The elections were ordered held at the house of Albert Spear, he being appointed Inspector. On September 7, 1860, George Earle presented a petition signed by himself and others to have the following territory set NORTH TOWNSHIP. 533 off to Porter County : Commencing at the southeast corner of Section 4, Township 35, Range 7 ; thence running west to the southeast corner of Section 3, Township 36, Range 8 ; thence west to the line between ranges 8 and 9 ; thence north on said line to Lake Michigan ; thence east along said lake to the line dividing Lake and Porter Counties ; thence south to the place of beginning. The consideration of the petition was postponed to a future meeting The question came up in December, but was again postponed. After due consideration in March, 1861, the petition was denied and dismissed. Tavern and Other Licenses — In 1833, a family named Bennett kept tavern at the mouth of the Calumet. In 1834, a family named Berry kept tavern on the lake beach, and the widow, Hannah Berry, kept tav- ern there for a year or two after the county was organized. In Septem- ber, 1837, an election of North Township was ordered to be held at the house of Bucklin and Murdock, and in January, 1838, the place was changed [to Abner Stilson's. About this time Vincent Mathews was granted a license to run a ferry across Deep River. In 1888, Oscar L. Robinson was granted a license to keep a tavern on Sand Ridge at $15 a year. In May, 1838, it was ordered by the County Commission?, •' That the ac- count and report of Francis Barney, Supervisor of Road District No. 1 of North Township, by which it appears that of 100 days' work due in the district he has caused sixty-eight days to be worked, and for which he charges twenty-six days' extra service, be not allowed." In November, 1838, George Earle was licensed to keep tavern ; $15 a year was the price paid for the privilege. Owing to the facts that a number of changes were early made in the boundaries of the township, that it was originally very much larger than at present, and that most of the few who settled first in what in now North, have died or moved away, no satisfactory list of old settlers can be. given. The settlers in this region have been largely transients ; at least, to a much greater extent than in the other townships of the county. Instead of a list of early settlers, we append a list of the tax- payers of North, as shown on the Lake County Tax Roll of 1839 — a book that is now crumbling to dust. The non-residents are marked N. R. as on the book : Amzi Ains- worth, A. P. Andrews, N. R.; Ay-be-naub-be, Ash-kund, James Burnes, Don 0. Berry, Epaphrous P. Butler, John Ball, Russel Butler, Beniah Barney, Francis Barney, Blake and Turner, N. R.; Preston Blake, John Benson, Be-si-ah, Ben-ack, Bbenezer Dustin, Ebenezer Dustin, Jr., John C. Davis, N. R.; Richard Earle, N. R.; George Earle, David Fowler, John Foster, Henry Frederickson, David Gibson, E. Haskins, Charles Haywood, Nathan P. Hopkins, Hurst, Stephen Jones, Theo- 534 ■ HISTOKY OF LAKE COUNTY. dore D. Jones, Levi D. Jones, Levi Jones, J. V. Johns, Daniel Jack- son, N. R.; Abraham Muzzell, Allen Mulkins, James Mundell, Henry Magee, William Merrill, Dudley Merrill, Elijah Martin, John Markins, Charles D. Mathews, N. R.; John Mandeville, S. Miller, Joseph Oak- man, Seth Owens, E. D. Owens, 0-ca-chee, Charles S. Reeves, Jonas Rhodes, Peyton Russell, Re-re-Now-Saw,— Switzer, N. R.; — Switzer, N. R.; Robert Williams, Charles Walton, Samuel Walton, Charles Woods, James C. Wilcox, Alman Wilder, John Woods, Benijah Wilkinson, Ull-saw, We-saw-et-Lueson, James Wilson, N. R.; Wood and Sanders, George Whitmore. TOTAL ASSESSMENT. State. County. 270 Polls, the tax upon which was $135 OOJ $ 185 00 $33,322.92 Land 100 17J 333 67 13,355.00 Liverpool lots 40 16 133 72J 39,910.50 personal property 119 97J 1,002 02f It will be remembered that the above list includes a number of names of persons who never lived in the region now known as North Town- ship. The reader will notice a number of Indian names in the list which are readily distinguished by their peculiar spelling and queer com- binations of letters and sounds. Physical Features. — Almost unquestionably all that is now North Township was at no distant date, geologically considered, the bed of Lake Michigan. Large as the Lake is at present, time was when it was much larger. This land, so recently reclaimed from the waters, has not yet that admixture of vegetable mold that is necessary to fit it for agricult- ural purposes. Most of the enriching growth that has taken place upon this region has been confined principally to the low, wet portions. However, whatever this region lacks that it should have, or has that it should lack, it has unquestionably advantages of location that in time will produce great results. Its features that have been most disadvantageous in the past may be the most advantageous in the future. The opening of the Calumet to navigation has long been talked of, and moves have already been made in that direction ; and Congress, during its last ses- sion, appropriated $35,000 for the improvement of that river in Illinois. From its position. North has a great many railroads crossing it, many of the great trunk lines from the East making their way to Chicago cross its territory. It has many more miles of rail than any other township in the county, and probably as many as any township in the State, and fewer miles of wagon roads. Although for raising grain and stock this township has amounted to but little, Ballstates, in his history of Lake County, that " It is asserted by good authority that the fruit crop of North amounts to more in a sea- son than the whole grain crop of Centre Township ;" but it seems difficult to NORTH TOWNSHIP. 535 take this for more than an assertion. Huckleberries, cranberries, winter- green berries and aquatic game birds abound. The Calumet is the only stream of any size in the township. It rises in the northeast part of Porter County, and takes a southwesterly and westerly course through Lake County into Illinois, then returns and re-cro3ses North Township and empties into Lake Michigan near the northeast corner. Old settlers in the northwestern corner of the town- ship were told by the Indians that in early days no water flowed through the other mouth of the Calumet at South Chicago. The lakes now called Calumet and Wolf, according to their account, had the same outlet then as now, and from that to the Calumet River was a sort of slough or marsh ; through this the hunters and trappers got to dragging, and finally to pushing their canoes, thus beating down the grass and rushes. This channel was much used, and, as it widened and deepened, the waters of the Calumet began to flow through ; as the flow of water decreased at its other mouth, the saud collected, until ai the present time it is entirely closed and all the water flows through the South Chicago channel. On the subject of lakes in North Township, much confusion seems to have arisen and to still exist. Inaccuracies have crept into records and historical sketches. What follows is from a reliable source. It is accord- ing to the account of an old settler who has lived near these lakes for many years and who may be said to be familiar with every foot of water on the lakes, for he has been over them times without number. These lakes are all crowded into the northwest corner of the township, at least all of any importance are. There are many marshes, bogs and ponds scattered over the township, but those that merit the name of lakes are Wolf Lake; Lake George or Mud Lake and Berry Lake. Wolf lake is farthest west and li»s on the line between Indiana and Illinois, and is more than half in the fcirmer State. There is a tongue of land projecting into this lake from the northeast that reaches almost to its center. Its out- let is Wolf River, which enters the Calumet River between Wolf Lake and Calumet Lake. This is the largest of the three bodies of water. Lake George, or, as it is more commonly called, Mud Lake, lies just east of Wolf Lake. It has a tongue of land entering it from the same point, and extending in the same directioa to near its center, as that described for Wolf Lake. Just east of Lake George lies Berry Lake, which is not, as some have stated, an imaginary lake, but is, on the contrary, a beauti- ful sheet of water of about two-thirds the size of Lake George. It is about two and a half miles long and one mile broad at its broadest place. It also has a point of land projecting from the northeast to about its center. It does not empty its waters through the same channel as the other two, but has an outlet of its own that enters Lake Michigan at the 536 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Baltimore break-water, east of Whiting. All of these lakes seem to be connected with Lake Michigan, for when it rises they rise. However, it is not to be supposed that there are really any underground channels, but that the soil and subsoil, being of sand and gravel, allow the water to percolate freely, so that, as the waters of the Great Lake ebb and flow, so do the waters rise and fall in these small lakes. Some years ago, there was a steamboat on Lakes George and Wolf, and John Kreuter had the honor of piloting her safely on her first round. It has been proposed at diflferent times to make of Wolf Lake a harbor of refuge for Lake Michi- gan. Before the war of the rebellion, while Jeff Davis was holding office under the United States, he was appointed to explore Lake Michi- gan for a place to locate a naval harbor. In his report, he said of Wolf Lake : " This is the place, and the only place on Lake Michigan for a naval harbor." The people, especially the property holders of the vicinity, are willing to stand by Jeflf and the Government at Washington on this opinion. Indeed, it seems clear that a channel could be cut through to the lake at no great expense, and in imagination it is not hard to see hundreds of vessels riding in safety upon the waters of Wolf Progress of .Education. — Owing to the fact that permanent settlement and improvement were slow in what is now North Township, schools were few and far between in early days. For most of the facts on schools in this township, we are indebted to Mr. A. A. Winslow, and to a series of articles published in his valuable paper, the Tribune, written by D. Mc- Kinney, on the schools of North Township. Under the old system of three Trustees, Benjamin Hopkins, David Gibson and Mr. Johnson or- ganized the first school in the year 1852, at Stahlbaum's, one-fourth of a mile east of his house. This house is a frame, 14x16 feet, and is still standing ; it cost $16, and was sold for $6. Miss Merrill, from the East, was the first teacher ; she received for her work §10 a month, and paid out^ of this $1.60 a week for board, and w^alked three miles to school. Thus she had a net gain of $4 a month upon which to draw for books, clothes and incidentals. Two months was the length of the term. Before this, a private school had been taught by Chancey Wilson ; also one by Mr. Ferguson. The former was held at Mr. Wilson's house, and the lat- ter near where Gibson's Station now stands. The second schoolhouse was built in 1834, on the ridge, half a mile west on Frank Palmer's farm. This is on the Ridge road, between Hammond and Hessville. It was first taught by Mr. Ferguson, at $13 a month, for a three months' term. Mr. Ferguson at that time was quite an old man. Frank Hess, and many of the sons and daughters of the old settlers, received their early education here. The following still remember the Old Ridge School : Miss Ann NORTH TOWNSHIP. 537 Watts, Mary Watts, Frank Hess, Frank Gibson, Frank Planer and Miss Susan Kelmage. At the first term, the enrollment was six ; the average attendance two, and one every stormy day, Frank Hess, was the sole at- tendant. The schools of the township made but little progress from 1852 until in 1859, when they came into the hands of Mr. Knoerozer, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Johnson, Trustees. At this time, Joseph Hess was Supervisor and Treasurer. At the election, he received fifty out of fifty- two votes. In 1859, five schools were organized, and there were $500 in the treasury. By reason of two new railroads coming through, this amount increased to $4,000 in one year. In 1860, there were ten schools. From 1860 to 1865, owing to the all-absorbing " civil confiict," but little attention was paid to schools here. In 1865, Prof. Van Derwallia, from France, settled near ToUeston, and started a School of Engineering and Polytechnics. It is stated that he had twenty pupils from twenty States. This school ran about three years, when it was broken up by the Profess- or's accepting a position from the (jrovernment. This was the third pri- vate school in the township, and stood where the Tolleston Club House now stands. The Tolleston Schoolhouse was built in 1865. A private school for the common branches had been been taught here before. This school was graded later, and German was taught. Mr. Trinkler, from Germany, had charge of the German Department, and D. McKinney of the English branches. This Mr. Trinkler went blind and was supported by the county for a time. He died four years ago at Crown Point, of old age. Up to 1878, four deaths from the ranks of the teachers of North Township are chronicled ; they are Lucinda Sherwood, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Trinkler and William Pierce. Since the close of the war, the schools have increased in number and improved in quality. Uader the new two- term law of 1878, M. M. Towle was elected Trustee ; with his characteristic vigor he has instilled a spirit of enterprise into the schools. The enumer- ation of 1882 shows the school populatioa of the towaship to be 1,011, while that of the town of Hammond is 304. During the whole time cov- ered by this sketch, the smallest attendance upon any one day was one, and the largest 150; the smallest school fund, $100, and the largest $7,090 ; the shortest term taught was two months, and the longest, nine months ; the least number of children sent to school, six ; the greatest number, 900 ; the smallest salary paid, $10 a month ; the largest, $50. Churches. — But three or four churches have been built in this town- ship. At Hammond there is a Catholic Church : it is a frame, and cost about $1,500. Mrs. Hohman gave the lot upon which it is locatM. The first Protestant organization of Hammond dates from February, 1882. It is a Methodist society, and Rev. S. E. Vinal, of Evanston, has had the work of organization. The present members of this young organiza- 538 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. tion are: S. E. Vinal, Pastor; A. A. Winslow, Sarah Winslow, William Guthrie, John B. Guthrie, D. Nason, Sarah Borsier, A. F. Robinson, Elmira Robinson, Rebecca Goodman (recently deceased), Paulie E. New- man, J. C. Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Emily Lewis, M. Louisa Glazier, M. V. Swartwood, Mrs. H. E. Swartwood, George P. C. Newman (who is a grandson of Peter Cartwright), Samuel Tinsman, Elizabeth Tinsman, Benjamin B. Glazier, Emma J. Vinal and Mrs. D. Nason, besides four- teen probationers. M. M. Towle has presented the society with a lot, and they expect to build soon. The German Lutheran Church is a strong organization, and began building some time since, but from some dissatisfaction as to location the building was discontinued. There is a German Lutheran Church at Tolleston. There has, for many years, been a German Lutheran society at Hessville. A Sabbath school has been here maintained for a long time. There are several Sabbath schools held in schoolhouses in different parts of the township. a-,f The Towns and their Industries. — Although the township has a dozen railroads, there are but few towns of any note ; in fact, only three that can claim the name town. They are Hammond, Tolleston and Clarke. There are several crossings, a few small places, such as Hessville, and that is the extent of the collected population. The remaining population is scattered far and wide over a broad area. Whitney is a station on the Michigan Southern Railroad. It contains about a dozen families, most of'whom are engaged in railroad work. Miller, a station on the same road, is much like Whitney. It has a schoolhouse and has had a small store. Gibson's Station is still smaller. There are only about half a dozen families here. Pine Station and Whiting Station are both simply stations and nothing more. Hessville is of more importance. Joseph Hess was the founder and has done much for those who have settled in the vicinity, especially for those who, because of poverty, most needed help. The first store was opened in 1858. Quite a large school and Sabbath school are here maintained. This has the name of a peaceable, prosper- ous village. In the town of Clarke, harvesting ice is the chief industry. It is situated about a mile from the lake, the roar of which is audible to the inhabitants almost any day. There are two large ice-houses. The Washington Ice Company have just started this year. There are twenty- five or thirty houses and a population of about one hundred and twenty. There is a combined store and saloon kept by Charles Kriewitz. The Postmaster at present is J. Rayder, who has had the office but a short time. Before him, R. J. Roby held it about a year. Charles Kriewitz had it for a short time before him, who was preceded by A. Zuvers. Miss Emma Mott taught the school last term. The population of Tolles- ton is about 300. The country around is thickly settled with railroad NORTH TOWNSHIP. 539 men, so that it is difficult to define the town. The inhabitants of the town as well as those of the country around are in the railroad business. Most of these people own small pieces of land, varying in size from less than an acre to forty acres, generally being from five to ten acres. There are two hotels, one of which, the ToUeston House, is kept by Charles Hacker. Nearly all the people in and around the town .are German. Gibson and Norris are names of the two English families that live in town. The town has two railroads, the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne and the Michigan Central. The German Lutherans have a good church. There is a good, substantial schoolhouse in town. The town of the township and the city of the future is Hammond. Situated at the head of navigation, on the Calumet, it promises to become a great manufacturing city ; indeed, it has already a national reputation. This place grew but little until in IStS, when a large lumberyard was establisned here. It is now growing more rapidly than ever before. Its population has almost tripled itself in the last year. In 1872, this place did not even receive a passing notice in a brief history of the county by Rev. J. H. Ball ; now it is a booming town of over 1,500 inhabitants, with business interests that reach out east, west and over the Atlantic. These business interests will be spoken of under the head of industries, farther on. M. M. Towle seems to have been and still to be the soul of the place and the source of its great prosperity. Not that others' brains, brawn and capital have not entered into the growth of the place, but he it was who started the town, and he it is who has stayed with and kept it stirring. Five brothers of the Towles are here, all doing a driving busi- ness. M. M. and C. N. Towle are now building a fine brick hotel that is to cost $20,000. It will soon be completed. Last winter a substantial school building, costing $4,000 was built. E. E. Towles runs a meat- market. A. G. Towle is foreman in the packing house. P. B. Towle is proprietor of a publishing house, while M. M. Towle is a man of money and of business. He owns some 2,000 acres of land, which he bought at $20 an acre, and much of it is now worth from $500 to $1,000 an acre. The physicians of Hammond are Dr. W. W. Merrill, who has been here about two and a half years ; Dr. Paul Wiesire, who has been in town about a year ; and Dr. J. L. Miller, about three months. There is one drug store kept by Dr. Merrill. The history of Hammond that appears of record at the county seat is as follows : Town of Hammond, laid out by M. M. Towle, and located on the northwest quarter of Section 36, Town 37, Range 10 west. Plat recorded April 12, 1875. It shows 4 blocks and 103 lots, Indiana and Michigan avenues, Plumer and Ives streets, and Dalton road, and Michi- gan Central Railroad. Cottage Grove Addition bears date of September 540 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. 2, 1879 ; is made by M. M. Towle, and shows 60 lots, Michigan avenue, and Chicago and Murray streets. Townsend and Godfrey's Addition bears date of October 9, 1879. It shows 125 lots on Michigan, Indiana and Sibley streets and Oakley avenue. Hohman's Addition is dated January 4, 1880, and shows Russel, Shinton, Douglas, Ogden, State Line and Hohman streets. Latham's Addition was recorded May 12, 1880, and shows Fayette, Hohman and Russel streets. Hohman's Sec- ond Addition is dated June 11, 1880, and shows Michigan, Indiana, Sibley and Russel streets and 92 lots. Towle's Second Addition was recorded September 29, 1881, and shows Lumber and River streets and 5 lots. Louis E. Hohman's is dated February 16, 1882, and shows Michigan, Indiana, Sibley and Russel streets. Towle & Young's Addi- tion is dated March 3, 1882, and shows 7 blocks. Sohl Estate Addition, dated March 18, 1882, lies on either side and between the Michigan Cen- tral and the E'ew York Central & St. Louis Railroads. Wilcox & God- frey's is the last that appears of record, and is dated March 18, 1882. Turning from this busy place, we merely mention the following : Roberts- dale, in the northwest corner on the Fort Wayne Railroad ; Berry Laike, four miles east of this, on the same road, where there are large ice-houses and nothing more, and on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, a station named Edgemoor, which were omitted in speaking of stations. The site of the city of Sheffield, which is just beside Robertsdale, is marked by a sub- stantial monument in the shape of a |15,000 hotel. The county records show Sheffield Park Subdivision recorded March 20, 1874, the south half of the southwest fractional quarter of Section 24, Town 37 north, Range 10 west, of Second Principal Meridian, by Edward T. Gushing. It shows eight blocks with Park avenue. Park place and Park Hotel at their cross- ing. Also a plat of South Sheffield, bearing date of October 17, 1874, by Thomas C. Lamb, which shows Grand Central and South Chicago boulevards crossing at right angles, and the Lake and Grand Central avenues crossing obliquely in the center with the boulevards. Another plat of South Sheffield was recorded September 10, 1875, with numerous avenues, streets and boulevards. This town was transferred once for $1,000,000, and then $3,000,000 of bonds were issued. The fine hotel was erected, and all that was needed was to build a city around it. The hotel was built in 1875. It was opened and run by Crosby for about a year, since which time it has been closed. A small steamer was built upon the lake at the same time. The only industry of importance in the vicinity is the ice business. There are two large ice-houses near, one of which, belonging to B. A. Shedd & Co., has a storage capacity of 100,000 tons. Another paper town of great promise and small performance was NORTH TOWNSHIP. 541 Indiana City, at the former mouth of the Calumet. The plat is recorded January 4, 1838, and shows 78 lots, and declares the streets to bo 66 feet and the alleys 16 feet in width. There is also Norcott's Addition, by John Norcott, that was recorded September 2, 1874. It shows 41 blocks, and First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth streets, beginning at the lake ; also Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth avenues. At one time a number of buildings were begun, a large saw- mill was built, but all the buildin'gs were taken down before completion, except the saw-mill, which was abandoned and left to decay. In the line of industries, Hammond takes the lead, and the J. H. Hammond & Co. mammoth packing-house overshadows all other industries found here. J. H. Hammond & Co., with M. M. Towle as resident manager, began operations in 1869, upon the moderate basis of 300 cat- tle per week. They now have a capacity of 500 head a daiy, and expect soon to build so as to increase their capacity tc 2,000 head a day. It is now the largest beef-packing house in the United States upon the refrig- erator system, and perhaps in the world. Their beef is shipped to the New. England States and direct to the markets of Europe. This com- pany originated the system of shipping meats in refrigerator cars. They own 200 box cars, 200 stock cars, 300 refrigerator cars, and 24 ships with patent refrigerator apparatus, of which they own and control the patents upon the refrigerating apparatus. Their present building at Hammond is 300x400 feet. They have fifty acres of land here, and a capital stock of $15,000,000. Here at Hammond is also a large planing-mill, with sash, door and blind factory attached ; also a large rendering establishment ; a large lumber yard, which from April 1, 1881, to April 1, 1882, sold 3,000,000 feet. There is a large syrup factory just starting. The present capacity is 300 bushels of corn per day. They are experimenting, and, if success- ful, expect to enlarge to 2,000 bushels per day. W. H. Gostlin is busi- ness manager and part owner ; the rest is owned by Towle. The works of the .^tna Powder Company are situated one and a quarter miles west of Miller's Station, on the south side of the railroad. The surroundings are attractive, and the company seem to have found a favored spot in this desert region. Although this is called a " powder works," no com- mon powder is made here. It is all "high explosive powder," and nitro- glycerine is the active agent in the compound. Here it is manufactured in large quantities, and absorbed into substances for shipment and use. It is only fourteen months since the company began here ; now they have twenty-six buildings, employ, forty-five men, and have a capacity of 60,000 pounds of powder a day. They are at present building another work and twenty workmen's cottages. When the new building is com- 542 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. pleted, the capacity yfiW be 100,000 pounds a day. They now have in one building 185,000 pounds of high explosive powder in one storeroom, and 60,000 pounds in another. They own 200 acres of land and are buying more. There are little hills, and the small buildings are scattered among them, so as to have a sand bank between each two in which the deadly substance is handled. These buildings are connected by walks that wind about among the trees and hills, affording a much needed pro- tection in case of an explosion. Tolleston C?mJ.— During the spring of 1871, some of the sportsmen of Chicago formed an association which they designated the " Tolleston Club of Chicago," and purchased the Vander Naillen farm in this town- ship, contiguous to the marshes of the Little .Calumet River. Here they erected a two-story club house, containing a large reception room, ladies' parlor with bedrooms connecting, large dining-room, kitchen, keeper's family room and some forty beds for the use of the members ; also a large barn, ice-house, dog-kennels, pigeon cotes, etc The club also had constructed a canal from the river to a boat house, near the club house. In 1881, they purchased and fenced in 2,000 acres of marsh, twelve miles in circumference, between the Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne and the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad bridges. This they hold exclusive- ly for their own shooting purposes. The club is practically free from debt, has property worth over $15,000, and is composed of some of the best business and professional men of Chicago. Following is a list of the officers for 1882 : President, F. A. Howe ; Vice President, S. B. Raymond ; Secretary, Edward Starr ; Treasurer, C. D. Peacock ; Execu- tive Committee, George E. Adams, J. S. Norton, C. C. Moeller; Superintendent of club house, Benjamin French. CHAPTER YIII. BY 0. A. QAKABD. Eoss Township— Obganization— Metes and Botjjstds— Peat Beds— Wed- ding Under Difficulties— Anecdotes of Pioneer Life — Schools AND Churches — Rise of Tillages — Miscellaneous Items of In- terest. ON the 8th of June, 1848, it was ordered by the County Commissioners of the County of Lake, that all that part of Congressional Town- ship 35 north, Range 7 west, lying in the county of Lake, and the whole of Congressional Township 35, Range 8 west, be set apart and constitute a separate township, to be known by the name of Ross. De- cember 6, 1853, it was ordered by them that Sections 4, 5 and 6, ROSS TOWNSHIP. 543 Township 35, Range 7, be transferred from Ross Township to Hobart Township, and Sections 31, 32 and 33, Township 36, Range 8, be trans- ferred from Hobart to Ross. This township was named for an early settler named Ross, who was killed by a falling tree in 1836. September 3, 1856, Sections 31, 32 and 33, Township 35, Range 8, were stricken from Ross and attached to Centre. But in June, 1857, these three Sec- tions were set back to Ross. The following is found upon records under date of March, 1864 : Whereas, Sundry oitizeua of R033 Tovraahip, hayiug presented a petition to the board praying for the diTision of said townsliip, and sundry citizens of the same township having presented a remonstrance to said division, the board, without expressing an opinion upon the propriety of the division, order the whole matter to be dismissed on the grounds of informality of the petition. Since the above, there are no changes, nor attempted changes, of the township recorded. Water Supply. — The township is well watered. Turkey Creek rises a little north of the center of the western boundary line and takes a northeasterly course, entering Hobart Township, after combining with Deep River, near the northeast corner of Section 1, Township 35, Range 8 west. Deep River enters about the middle of the southern boundary, thence flows in a northeasterly course, striking the east line two miles from the south line, winds north for over a mile along the line ; thence, northwest to the center of Section 1, Township 35, Range 8, where Tur- key Creek enters it and the combined streams enter Hobart Township at the place above stated. Spring Run, that flows by Merrillville, is fed by springs and never goes dry. Numerous smaller streams afford water for stock. Soil, Productions, eta. — Most of the township is fine farming land. It is more sandy in the north than south, but with the exception of the northwest corner there is not enough sand to interfere with agriculture ; and even here fine crops and vegetables are raised. As an instance of the latter, Amos Hornor states that he raised one cabbage that weighed, head, stem and root, forty -seven pounds. Along Deep River was former- ly a fine belt of heavy timber along the greater part of its course in the township. This varied from one to two miles in width. It is now re- placed by a fine growth of young timber. At first there was but little underbrush, but tall trees with fine trunks stood thick upon the ground. There is a variety of soil, but most of it is excellent quality. It is cer- tainly, taken as a whole, second to no other township for farming. Wild plums were abundant along the streams at one time, but now but few are to be found. There is a large tract of peat near the town of Ross, a part of which lies on Sections 31 and 32. A company was formed in 1866, with a paid- 544 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. up cash capital of f40,000, for the purpose of working this bed of sup- posed wealth. It operated during the summer of 1866, used up its cash, borrowed |12,000, and finally failed in one short season. It sold its land, machinery and all for $6,000, making a clear loss of $46,000. Another company was formed about 1873, which in a short time made another entire failure, but not so large a loss, as they did not open up on so large a scale. It seems that these companies , were both badly managed, and owed their failure only in part to natural causes. The peat was found to contain a large amount of sand and other sediment, so that in burning, it left a very heavy ash, which rendered it unfit for many purposes. Both companies prepared large cribs of it, which was sold out at low rates and is now being used by some who live in the vicinity. Early Settlers. — The following is a list of the first settlers of the township, with the dates, as far as they could be obtained : All agree that one Wiggins, who settled at a point near what is now Merrillville, then called Wiggins' Point, was beyond question the first white man to pitch his tent in the township. Authorities difier as to the date of his coming ; some say 1833, some 1834 and some 1835. It seems probable that 1834 is the correct date, as it is stated on the best of authority that there were not over half a dozen white men in what is npw Porter and Lake Counties as early as 1833. In 1835, the following came to the township : John Woods, whose family consisted of his wife, his sons Augustus, Nathan, John, Oliver, and his daughter Mary. Some of these were born after settlement here. In 1836 came Dudley Merrill, Will- iam Merrill, Jacob Vanvalkinburg, Abel Vanvalkinbnrg, Isaac Vanval- kinburg, Jonathan Brown, George Zuvers and his son Solomon in June, John Bothwell, Jesse Pierce, Myiel Pierce, Henry McGie and Truman Clufi". In 1837 came Ebenezer Saxton, Jonas Rhodes, Clarke Beebee,. Lorenzo Beebee, Mr. Prentis, Charles Walton, Royal Benton, Frank Ben- ton. In 1838, came old Mr. Hayward and his sons, Henry and Alfred. Amos Hornor came to the cotinty in 1834, and to what is now Ross Township in 1854. Mr. Guernsey and his sons, Chester, George and Joseph, James Adams and many others came early. Oliver Merrill was born here in 1841, and John P. Merrill in 1842. Early Events. — Mr. Wiggins, the first settler, was the first white per- son who died in the township. He died in 1836. The first wedding that occurred was romantic ia the extreme. The loving couple, who had' vowed to be paired at the earliest possible moment, had their plans un- expectedly obstructed by the elements. It was in the spring of 1837, during the rainy season, and a swollen and impassable stream lay between these fond hearts and the Justice of the Peace, who was the only one in the township authorized to make the twain one. Floods could not part. ROSS TOWNSHIP. 545 them. Strong lungs summon the Justice of the Peace to the stream, on the other side, while hand in hand and heart to heart stood Lorenzo Bee- bee and Betsey Prentis across the angry waters. Thus they pronounced their vows in bugle tones, while A. L. Ball, the Justice, sent the wel- come words that made the two one, across the rushing waters. The usual hardships endured by pioneers fell to the lot of those of Ross Township. It often took three weeks to make a trip for supplies. Ox teams were used almost entirely ; as many as five or six yoke were often hitched to one wagon. At first, trips were made to the Wabash, a distance of 130 miles, for provisions. One old settler speaks of starting in March, 1836 ; the object was to niake the round trip before the spring thaw, but the spring sun was too early to allow' of this, and the ground thawed, leaving him on the Wabash, with a mother, brother and four small children at home on half-rations. Everything edible was eaten when he returned. In the fall of 1835, the same party had to supply two families with provisions or see them starve. At first, the stock brought in found it hard to get a living through the long, hard winters. In the,«pring of 1836, out of twelve yoke of oxen, only one breaking team able to do any work could be made up. The greatest obstruction to travel was the sloughs. In crossing the worst ones, wagons were drawn to the edge, run in by hand as far as they could be, and then dragged through by doable or triple teams on the other side, by means of long chains, ropes, etc., attached to the tongue. A novel method of getting loaded wagons across an unbridged stream so as to keep the load dry, is described by an old settler : Two small trees are felled across the stream, they are smoothly trimmed and placed near enough together so that the wagon will go astride them. The wag- ons are drawn up, pushed on and made to slide over by means of teams on the other side hitched to chains attached to the tongue. The occa- sional diflSculty of getting a livelihood is shown by this : In 1837, Bben- ezer Saxton went thirty-five miles to split rails at 50 cents a hundred ; gave $1 a bushel for corn, and gave half the corn to have it taken to mill, :ind the meal for the other half returned. He could split about two hun- dred rails in a day. Sugar, tea, coffee and such articles were rare luxu- ries, for the reason that they could not be had, and if they could the peo- ple had no money, and no way in which to make any money. Settlements and Villages. — In the years 1849 and 1850, a Catholic community was formed north of Merrillville, by the settlement of about forty families from Treves and Bavaria, Germany. All of these were Catholics, and they at once organized into a congregation, holding serv- ices at first in private bouses. In 1851, they erected a frame church on the site of the present cemetery. Each family contributed as much as 546 HISTORY OF LAELE COUNTY. their meager means would permit. The people prospered and the society grew until in 1863 they completed the present handsome and substantial stone structure of the gothic style of architecture. This was the second Catholic Church built in the county, i. e., the first one built here was the first or mother church, being located at St. Johns. The stone church cost about $5,000. The following are the priests who have officiated here : The Rev. Fathers Fischer, Carius, Gietle, Negmayr, Wehrle, Racho, Koening, Meisner, Frond, F. X. Baumgartner, and H. M. Roth, who is the present incumbent. Rev. Roth officiates at the Hobart Church, and a more genial Christian gentleman one seldom if ever meets. Merrillville is an old town. It was first called Centreville, but since it has had a post office it has been called Merrillville. The post office was established in 1848. The first stock of goods was kept by Sam Strait and Dudley Merriil about 1843. They dissolved in two years. Mr. Hale was the next merchant. After him. Hale & Kinney, and then the store went back to the Merrills, who have kept it ever since. At one time, therd were two stores ; the other was kept by Ike Pierce. The first house built in the town was in about 1843. It was a tavern, and still stands, although it has been added to at difi'erent times. It is now called the Merrillville Exchange, and is kept by Thomas Hoffman. They had a temperance organization in town at one time. There is now a township library kept in town that is over thirty years old. The sec- ond house built in town is still standing, and is occupied by Solomon Zuvers. It is a log structure, and is now weather-boarded. This Mr. Zuvers is an eccentric character. According to his own account, he grew to manhood in the almost exclusive society of the Indians. He ate, drank, slept, worked, trapped, traveled and traded with them. He learned Indian as he did English, and talked it as fluently. At one time, he employed eight or nine Indians to trap for him, and found them trusty and true — more so than most of the whites. Mr. Zuvers has been twice across the continent, and his " By golly, stranger," and his "By George, neighbor," doubtless often ring in the memory of many who have met him, as it does in ours. A wagon factory was built here about twenty-five years ago, and it has been running to some extent ever since. At one time there was a tannery in town. A distillery was built in 1851. This was turned into a steam-mill in 1853 or 1854. It ran as a mill a few years, but has been closed for a long time. Dr. Parmer, from New York, located in this town. He was followed by Dr. Arno, and he by Dr. S. I. Brown, who left, and since there has been no physi- cian here. There has always been a saloon or two in town. One is now kept in the hotel. This hotel was built by Miles Pierce, and christened, with a bottle of whisky, " Centreville Hotel." At Wiggins Point, near ROSS TOWNSHIP. 547 the site of town, was an Indian village. The burial-ground may still be traced on the old Saxton place. The village now contains about two dozen of families. The best houses are those of J. P. Merrill, D. Mer- rill, William Hide, Alvin Green and John Sponyer. There is a cheese factory in the village, which has been running for six or seven years. It is now using about four thousand pounds of milk a day. The Indian name of this village was McGwinn's Village, after a man who lived, died and was buried here. The Methodist Episcopal Church is a neat brick, built in 1879. The first schoolhouse in the township was built at Centreville in 1833. It was of logs, unhewn, about 12x14 in size. It was chinked with sticks and " daubed " with mud. This was followed by a frame, and that by the present handsome brick, that cost $2,700. Ross is a town about twenty-five years old. It contains about a dozen families. The railroad started the town. The first house was built by Cornelius Vanness, and used as a hotel at first, and since as a store. It now contains the only store in the town. There is a smithy in town and a grain house ; also a small factory of clothes driers, pat- ented and manufactured by Amos Hornor. The patent is dated 1869. A large grain depot was built in 1857, and burned down in 1868 or 1869. The first Postmaster was John G. Wheeler ; the present one is L. D. Holmes. There is now a sort of saloon in town. Dr. Arnold ■ practiced here four or five years. Mr. Rash built the second house, and kept the first stock of goods. He left about 1873. Bissell followed him, and he was followed by L. D. Holmes, and he by T. T. Hayward, who now keeps the only stock of goods in town. There is one church, a brick, built in 1878, costing $2,500. The first schoolhouse was built the year after the town was established. It was a small frame, and gave place in 1876 to a better frame, which cost $350, and is now in use. About the third house built in town, and which is still standing, is of peculiar construction. The studding are all framed into one sill, i. e., the earth was mortised with a spade and the studding stuck in the holes thus made. This is another monument to Necessity, who is said to have given birth to a child that was christened Invention. Huckleberries and cranberries are found near. The town stands near the edge of the great sand bed which borders the lake. It was in- tended that this town should cover at least forty acres when it was laid out, but most of the lots into which the forty acres were cut up are as yet unoccupied. ■ " Wood's Mill," on Deep River, is an old village, but very small of its age. It was started in 1838, and now has about a score of houses, a good grist-mill, also a good school. In June, 1881, a fine two-story frame storehouse, 22x85 feet, was completed. In November of the same year, GO 548 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. this was blown down by a tornado. At once it was rebuilt, but only one story high. It is now one of the nicest country stores in the State. It was owned first by Vincent & Wood ; now owned by George Wood, and run as a general store. In the last twelve months, Mr. H. T. Smith built a large house, which is used as dwelling, hotel and saloon. A wagon and carriage shop was built about three years ago, and is doing a good business. The mill, which is a brick, is owned and run by Nathan Wood. A cheese and butter factory of about eight years' stand- ing is thriving still, one mile out of town. Wood's Mill is a desirable location for a town, and the mill site is excellent. The saw-mill was built in 1837, and the grist-mill in 1838. This was at one time the only mill in the two counties of Porter and Lake. The quarter-section upon which the town is situated cost $1,000. It was an Indian reserva- tion, patented to Quashma in 1832. This place is about ten miles from Crown Point. - The town of Redsdale is on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad. The post office, Lottaville. There is nothing but a station-house, built in 1879, a hay barn built in the fall of 1881, and a dwelling house. Ains- worth, the next station on the same road east, has a station-house, hay barn, blacksmith shop and several houses. These make five villages, or rather three villages and two new stations in the township. There is also a store where the wagon road crosses the railroad, kept by Keilman & Son, built in spring of 1882 ; it is about a mile northwest of Merrillville. There are four railroads in the township; the P., C. & St. L. cuts the southwest corner ; the Chicago & Atlantic cuts oflF a larger slice from the same corner ; the Chicago & Grand Trunk cuts through east and west, a little north of the center ; while the Joliet Cut-Off, cuts a small piece from the northwest corner. Schools, etc. — There are sixteen schoolhouses in the township — fifteen frame and one two-story brick, which is at Merrillville. Some of the prominent teachers in the township are Ada Toothill, Hilda Hyde, S. E. Zuvers, George Bond, Lina Frazier, Asa Bullock, Cyrus Smith, C. J. Smith, Nettie Collins, Frank Merrill, A.nnie Mc Williams and Mere Mer- ton. The following is an exact copy of an entry made in the Trustee's Record Book, for District No. 6, in the year 1852 : A special meeting called. P. M. Knoll presided. House being called to order, when the following votes were passed : 1. To have three months' winter school, to commence first of December next. 2. To pay teacher from fifteen to twenty dollars per month. 3. To get a quarter of a cord of wood to school, and to have each person get his wood by the first of December next, and, in case of failure, the Trustee is to get the wood and be paid at the rate of ten shillings per cord by the district. A Adjournment. P. M. Knoll, Trustee. KOSS TOWNSHIP. 549 One of the first, if not the first, of the schools of this township was taught at Deep River in 1844, by Mrs. Richard Vincent, in her own home. Dr. A. W. Vincent, now of Hobart, received his first schooling here. At the same, John Andrew and Albertine Grissel attended. Miss Rundel was probably the next teacher. When Mrs. Vincent taught, the attendance was seven. Nine or ten attended Miss Rundel's school. She taught two or three terms in succession. School was taught in private families for perhaps fifteen years, when a frame house was built, which was burned down about fifteen years ago. The present house is a frame, one mile west of town. There was quite a contest over the question of moving the house, or rather of changing the location, and it was carried by a majority of one. About half of the township library was burned at Deep River some years ago. Oivil Officers. — The present officers of the township are : John P. Merrill, Trustee; Alvin Green, Amos Hornor and Gideon Bullock, Jus- tices of the Peace ; Oliver Merrill, Road Supervisor ; Michael Hartz, Thomas Hoffman and Joseph HoUaday, Constables. Both John P. Mer- rill and Squire Green have been in office for many years. Squire Hor- nor is the oldest Justice in the county. The following is a copy of his first commission : AsHBEL P. WiLLAED, Govemor of the State of Indiana. To all who shall see these presents — Greeting : Whekeas : It has been certified to me by the proper authority, that Amoa Hornor is elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Lake, in the State of Indiana ; Therefore know ye that in the name and by the authority of the State afore- said, I do hereby commission the said Amos Horner Justice of the Peace for the county aforesaid for the term of four years from to-day ; in witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the seal of the State, at the city of Indianapolis, this 26th day of April, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-nine, the Forty-third of the State, and of the independence of the United States the Eighty- third. By the Govenor, [Seal] Ashbel P. Willaed. C. L. Dehnham, Secretary/ of State. Mr. Hornor has another, bearing date of 1863, issued by Oliver P. Morton; one of 1867, by Conrad Baker; one of 1871, by Conrad Baker; one of 1875, by Thomas A. Hendricks; one of 1879, by James D. Will- iams, and one for 1882, ready for next term. A certain Justice of the township, in days long gone by, had for trial a case of assault and battery. The evidence showed that the defendant had hit plaintiff on the side of the head and knocked his head over to one side ; here the evidence closed, and the case was left with the dispenser of justice. After looking at both sides of the case and suspending the scales of justice, he proceeded to fine the defendant twenty-five cents for not hitting the plaintiff the other side, so as to straighten his head up again ! 550 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Squire Hornor is fesponsible for the following as to the origin of the name Chicago : In the fall of 1833, two men went from Cleveland by land to Chicago, to trade with the Indians, whose annuities were paid them there at old Fort Dearborn. They had also just sold out North- eastern Illinois, and were to get their money for it at Fort Dearborn. The men were delayed ; when they got there, the Indians had received their pay and gone away. One of the men asked of an Indian in the Pottawatomie language where the Indians were, " Ten-a-pee wish-na ? " The Indian replied, "Nish-na-ba Chi-ca-go " — Indians have gone; and that according to this account, is the origin of the word, Chicago. Miscellaneous Notes. — There is no general crop failure on record. The year 1851 had a much later season than this of 1882. Squire Green states that roasting ears did not come that year until about the 20th of September. In 1864, there were a number of cases of small-pox. Nine in the family of Squire Green were afflicted, seven with varioloid and two with small-pox. Three or more deaths occurred from it in the township. The general health, however, is good. The township has had a steady and substantial growth. There are many fine farmhouses and barns ; the orchards are good, and most of them seem to be in their prime. The largest land-holders are Dabrill and Julius Demins. Dabrill has a large wind-mill for pumping and grinding feed. The population is largely American, many of them from other parts of Hoosierdom. In the north and east there are many Germans. In the spring of 1836, there was no mill nearer than forty-five miles, so some of the settlers determined to make a mill ; they cut down a large white, oak tree, making as square a stump as they could, then kindling a fire in the center of the stump j burned a hollow place in it ; arranged a pestle with a spring pole over it, and it was surprising to see how fast meal could be made with this rude mill, while buckwheat was readily and rapidly made into flour of excellent quality. Among the earliest settlers were Yankees from Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island ; people from New York, Ohio, and Hoosiers from Indiana. Once a Yankee, telling of a runaway team, said : " It run into the bush, and run astride astraddle, and broke the neap, reach and evener." This translated into Hoosier is : " The horses got skeert and run astraddle of a saplin and broke the tongue, double- tree and coupling pole." Also an Englishman who had lost a bob-tailed ox, inquired of a Hoosier : " Ave you seen a bob-tailed box, with a ho on the ip and a hen on the orn ?" The Hoosier said, " How ?" and the Englishman repeated the question, after which the Yankee said, " Which ?" By this time each was disgusted with the outlandish English of the other, and went off wondering how the other could have so little respect for the ROSS TOWNSHIP. 551 Queen's English. The ox was branded with an on the hip and an N on the horn. Another time, when out seining, it seemed to be a water haul until, when the seine was near the shore, a Hoosier holloaed out, " I swan, there's quite a snag on em." Another of the party drawled out, " Well raly, there is a right smart chance, I reckon." All these dialects are now well blended, many of the provincialisms have passed out of use, while others are used by all. Instead of being Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Yankees, all are now Westerners. The following is a description of the costume worn by a beau of the backwoods : Home-made straw hat, tow linen shirt and breeches — home- spun, home-wove, home-made — a brass button worn in shirt front ; no coat, no vest, no shoes ; pants too short by eight inches, and held down by buckskin straps fastened to either side of the bottom of each pant leg, and passing under the hollow of an enormous dark brown foot fastened to a "spindle shank," loose-jointed to a long, lank body, upon which rested a fuzzy face and a shaggy head of seventeen summers. The old Sioux trail crossed the township from north to south, where Crown Point stands. In 1837 or 1838, a good saw-mill was built three miles northeast of Merrillville by Charles Walton, and he sold to Louver- man, who ran it until 1848. There is a camp-meeting ground about half a mile southeast of Merrillville, which has been used by the Free Method- ists for about five years. One is now (August 18, 1882) in progress, in which much zeal is manifested, and a great rivival is not only prayed for, but worked for as well. -In the winter of 1839 or 1840 seventy-six deer were seen in a drove. Here is an account by an old settler which, though not narrating anything that occurred in the township, yet con- tains such interesting materials that no apology is needed for its inser- tion. It is of a trip to Fort Dearborn at an early day (Chicago was not yet born, nor indeed had it been conceived), with a load of thirty bushels of oats and twenty bushels of shell corn. Three yoke of oxen were the team. The trip was from Tippecanoe County, a distance of 130 miles, and for 110 miles of the distance there were no made roads or bridges of any kind ; neither was there a habitation of a white person in all that distance. All that there was of Chicago, or rather of Fort Dearborn, was a trading point for soldiers and Indians. Hubbard and Clark, Indian traders, were putting up a small two-story brick house, which was the first brick house that graced the ground that is now embellished with the parks and palaces of the " Queen of the North and the West." The ground, now covered with brick blocks and stone fronts, with granite and marble in- terspersed, was then an unoccupied swamp, with wolves hiding and howl- ing in its dismal solitudes. There was nothing but an old scow in the Chicago River, where now vessels crowd its narrow mouth and choke its 552 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. meager channel. One of the party bought a half barrel of fish, at least that was what he bargained for ; when they reached home and all were ready for a fish feast, he opened the barrel, but did not behold a single fish. The merchant had delivered to him a half barrel of soft soap instead of fish. There is a large mound at Deep River, supposed to have been built by Indians or Mound Builders. It is oblong and straight. Its length is about 150 feet, and its greatest width at base 100 feet. It rises from a level surface in a bed in the river to a height of about fifty feet. Thirty- seven years ago, it was bare ; now it is covered with young trees, some of which are six inches in diameter. At the southwest corner of the mound is a hole that was years ago as much as eighty feet deep ; even now it is perhaps thirty feet deep. In the vicinity, many arrow heads, stone hatchets, etc., have been found. Some have supposed that this mound was formed by the river, but the fact that it seems to be of a different soil, seems to indicate the imposibility of this supposition. At a point that is now at or near the bottom of the present mill-race was a medicine stone. This was a large stone hollowed out so as to hold quite a quantity of water. This water was heated with hot rock and the patient subjected to the heat and steam ; thus they seem to have used the hydrophatic system of treatment, at least in some cases. This informa- tion concerning the medicine stone was imparted to the first settlers by the Musquakies. These Indians are to be found now in Tama County, Iowa, on a small reservation, where they have been for many years. There are about 100 of them at present. They farm in a small way, raise ponies and live at peace with each other and with their white neighbors. OHAPTEE IX. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. Hanover Township— Appearance of the Earliest Pioneers— The "HoRNOR Settlement" — Catalogue of Early Settlers — The PoTTAWATOMiEs— Privations of the Pioneers— The Germans— The Schools of Hanover— Villages— Eeliqious Growth and Influ- ence — Statistics. "T~\URING the month of September, 1835, a small party of seven -L-^ persons — Dr. Thomas Brown, Jacob L. Brown, David Hornor and his sons, Thomas, George, Amos and Levi — left the " Wabash region " and journeyed northwestward, in search of homes in the land which was being rapidly settled and improved between Lake Michigan and the Kankakee. After a quick and uneventful transit, they reached HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 553 the beautiful country on the west shore of Cedar Lake, where, well pleased, they encamped. Here they remained for about two weeks, viewing the locality, making excursions into the groves and prairies of an extensive tract of fine country, of which Cedar Lake was the center, prospecting and estimating the comparative values of land due to location and other natural advantages, locating two or three or more claims and erecting thereon several rude log cabins, making a small amount of hay while the bright September sun was smiling and auspicious, discovering a very large bee tree which they cut down, taking therefrom about 500 pounds of the finest wild honey, and returning to the " Wabash region " to prepare for coming out the following month to the new and wild homes they had founded. So far as can be learned, this was the first attempt by white persons to form a permanent settlement in what is now Hanover Township. On the return to their Wabash homes, seeing a flock of seven wild turkeys on an extensive prairie, they unhitched the four horses from the wagon, mounted the fleet animals, and gave chase after the winged game. Five fine ones were captured, and not a shot was fired. At the next stopping-place, two of the birds were given in exchange for a substantial Repast for the whole party. In October, the party returned with their families, and the " Hornor settlement " was commenced. Jacob L. Brown's claim was on the west shore of the lake, on Section 27, while just north of him, on Section 22, was that of Aaron Cox. Thomas Hornor located farther west on Section 28, and David Hornor with his large family, still farther west on West Creek woods, on Section 29. These families brought with them considerable personal property, including horses, cattle, swine, a few sheep (which soon died or were killed by wolves), poultry, together with those indispensable and most domesticated of all domestic animals — cats and dogs. An abundance of provisions was also brought. Numerous hardships were in store for these early families. The pro- visions brought by the family of David Hornor did not last as long as expected, and the sources of supply were meager or altogether wanting. Late in the winter, it was found necessary to dispatch two teams to the Wabash for flour and other provisions ; but while they were gone the spring thaw came on, the roads, such- as they were, broke up, and it was found impossible to return for about two months, during which time the remainder of the family were reduced to the scantiest -rations. So short became the provisions that half a bushel of buckwheat, that had been carefully kept for seed, was ground to flour in the cofl"ee-mill, baked into cakes, and ravenously devoured. As a last resort, it was decided to kill the only cow, but before this strait was reached, the white covers of the returning wagons were seen in the distance. It did not take long to bake 554 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. huge loaves of white bread, nor fry generous slices of fresh, delicious pork, and it took a much less time to place the same where it would do the most good. During this winter, some six hundred Pottawatomie Indians were encamped in the woods within half a mile of the house. They were per- fectly friendly, and furnished the white families with venison in exchange for pork, flour, etc. Venison could be obtained when other meat could not be had ; but venison is dry, and lacks the relish and sweetness of pork, and the Indians, nothwithstanding that they had been raised on the former, were always willing, and even anxious, to exchange the same for the latter. They would give a nicely dressed carcass of a deer for a com- paratively small amount of pork, and seem to think that the whites had the worst of the bargain, and the latter eventually came to about the same opinion. And yet the Indians could live for long periods upon nothing but venison, and many of the white squatters and trappers, by force of necessity, were enabled by practice to accomplish the same result. It was marvelous how some of the early families managed to live. Their means of support were invisible in more senses than one. How eagerly the return of the hunter was waited, and how anxiously the mother and children watched for the coming of the husband and father who had gone to mill. In the spring of 1837, there were living in the township the following men and their families, some, however, being yet single : Jacob L. Brown, Darling Church, Aaron Cox, James Farwell, David Hornor, Thomas Hornor, Amos Hornor, Levi Hornor, Joseph Kerr, Charles Marvin, Hiram Nordyke, Jacob Nordyke, Solomon Hussell and John Van Vran- ken. They were located on the following sections given here in the same order as the names appear above : 27, 11, 22, 36, Range 10, 29. 28, 29, 29, 22, 19, 22, 22, 22 and 20. They paid the following tax in the same order: $1.70, $5.16, $4.70, $7.14, $4.44, $1.76|, $1.25, $1.25, $1.25, $4.81i, $3.91, $1.25, $1.25 and $2.40 ; total, $42.28J. Besides the above men, David Campbell had located a claim on Section 25, Range 10, but had abandoned it before he was required to pay his tax. A claim on Section 36, Range 10, was assessed to John D. Carpenter, who proved to be a minor. In the spring of 1839, the following settlers were taxed, the amount each paid being given, also the section upon which he resided : Charles C. Batten, Section 32, $1 ; Charles R. Ball, Section 27, $1 ; Hervey Ball, Section 27, indefinite ; Solomon Burns, Section 30, $1 ; Edward Chase^ Section 17, $1 ; Richard Church, Section — , $3.34 ; Darling Church, Section 10, $3.66J ; Leonard Cutler, Section — , $6,52J ; James Farwell, Section 36, $6.60i ; Maj. Farwell, Section 36, $1 ; Able Far- well, Section 36, $1; Joseph Green, Section 10, $2.56; Edward Green, ■ HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 555 Section 10, $1; Sylvester Green, Section 10, $3.27^; Jonathan Gray, Section 34, $1 ; Thomas Hornor, Section 28, $1 ; Amos Hornor, Sec- tion 28, $1 ; Levi Horner, Section 33, $1 ; Isaac Hitchcock, Section 19, $2.30; John Hunt, Section 18, $2.81; George Leland, Section 27, $1; John Livingston, Section 6, $1 ; William Morton, Section 34, $1 ; Ly- man Mann, Section 27, $1; Charles Marvin, Section 19, $5.77; Jacob Nordyke, Section 22, $1; Hiram Nordyke, Section 22, $1.30; Hiram Kordyke, Jr., Section 28, $1 ; Solomon Russell, Section 22, $1 ; Henry Sasse, Section 20, $3.71|; George Willey, Section 36, $1; total, except Hervey Ball, $60.56|. Lyman Manii and Jonathan Gray were expert fishermen. They had located on the west bank of Cedar Lake, had built small cabins, and had devoted almost their entire attention to the capture of myriads of large and excellent fish, which inhabited the clear waters of the lake. After a good many had been caught and barreled, they were conveyed to localities farther south and sold. Whenever the white settlers in the neighborhood wanted fish, it was no trouble to go down to thelake and catch as many in half an hour as were wanted. The Indians trapped muskrats, minks, etc., on the lake and along West Creek and other smaller streams. Gray and Mann would bring back pork from the Wabash regions, where they dis- posed of their fish and the furs they had traded for from the Indians. The later career of both men was not perhaps the best to be pursued. They were both quite skillful hunters, and managed to take with them south a considerable quantity of deer skins. They traded for hides with those settlers who were suflSciently expert to occasionally bring down these animals. Albert Burns, who reached the township a little later, was perhaps the most expert deer hunter among the early settlers of Hanover. During one winter, about 1842, he killed thirty-six of these animals, and had at one time their frozen carcasses hanging in all directions in the woods. He was in the habit of conveying the meatand hides to the Chi- cago market, but owing to bad roads, they at this time had accumulated on his hands. He asked Henry Sasse if he did not want to buy venison, and the latter inquired what was to pay. " What will you give?" asked Mr. Burns. " I will give you this," replied Mr. Sasse, taking from his pocket a five-franc piece. " All right," returned Mr. Burns as he pock- eted the coin, " the venison is yours." Many of the earliest settlers, though they could see herds of deer almost every day, never attempted, strange as it may seem, the very attractive pastime of deer-hunting. When asked why they did not, they usually reply, " Oh, we had enough to do without bothering with that." That reply contains a long and interest- ing lesson on the privation and self-denial of pioneer life. Too busy to 556 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. engage in what hunters consider one of the most attractive sports on earth ! The Pottaw atomies. — The Pottawatomies were encamped on Section 20. They visited the cabins of the settlers to beg and to exchange com- modities. They were consummate beggars, rivaling the modern tramp in skill and expediency. They frequently entered cabins when the men were away, and by their threatening aspect so frightened the women, that their wants were speedily satisfied, when they would quietly depart, probably laughing in their sleeve (if they had any), at the success of their artifice. One morning, eight Indian men and one squaw called at the house of Hervey Ball and asked for breakfast. When the meal was ready, all took their seats at the table except the squaw, who seemed to think it proper to wait while the braves were eating. But Mr. Ball in- sisted upon her sitting down with the men, which act on his part caused no little merriment among the Indian men. At the conclusion of the meal, each Indian presented Mr. Ball with two muskrat skins in payment for his breakfast. Mr. Ball at'this time kept a small store where the white settlers and Indians came for supplies of groceries, dry goods, etc. After the Indians had eaten their breakfast and had paid for the same, they entered the store and traded out quite a quantity of fur. After a few hours they departed. Privations of the Pioneers. — One of the most serious things to be overcome by the early was the successful journey by team across the wet, swampy country to mill or to market. Bridges there were but few, and at certain seasons of the year it was absolutely impossible to cross the lower tracts of land. A volume might be filled with incidents of these journeys. Chicago was the market where the greater portion of the prod- ucts of Hanover were disposed. Probably Michigan City received the greater portion of the remainder. To quote from Rev. T. H. Ball : " In the winter of 1838-39, Hervey Ball was returning from Michigan City to Cedar Lake; the nightfall found him on the open area of Twenty-Mile. Prairie (in Porter County). The snow clouds obscured the sky, the wind blew, the horses missed the track, and he was lost. No houses were near. It was to him a night of suffering and danger. Two or three cir- cumstances combined to save his life. A star shone out for a moment, and kept him from taking a direction that led yet further away from human abodes. Finding it useless to continue wandering around on the bleak prairie, having with him fortunately a bolt of satinet, and having a pair of large and powerful horses, one of which was remarkably sagacious, he wound the cloth around him, and stood between the heads of the horses to seek some shelter from the wind. To grow weary and seek rest, or to lie down in the sleigh and become benumbed, was to perish. And so HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 557 he remained between the horses amid the bitter cold, until a shrill sound, the distant crowing of a rooster before the morning dawned, indicated the direction of a human dwelli;ig. Proceeding toward that cheering sound, he reached the house, and found shelter, warmth and rest. It was a nigh* which he never forgot — the winter night spent on Twenty-Mile Prairie." Henry Sasse, Sr., started once for Chicago, but near Dyer stuck fast in the mud. After hard labor in the mud and water, he managed to ex- tricate his wagon, but by that time night had set in, and he could proceed no further. On another occasion, he went to Chicago for a load of lum- ber. The roads were bad, and the creeks and swamps swollen. He reached, on his return, a rude bridge over a deep, rushing creek, and seeing that others had preceded him in safety, he attempted to cross. When on the middle, one of the horses broke through the pucheons, and the opposite end flying up and striking the other horse caused it to plunge against its mate and crowd it from the bridge, and both horses and the heavily loaded wagon went crashing into the creek below. Just as the wagon plunged over, Mr. Sasse, fortunately for him, had leaped on the bridge. He hastened below, and by rapid movements in cutting and un- buckling the harness, managed to get both animals out of the mud and water and up the slippery bank, where they were tied to trees and in- spected. The leg of one of the horses had been found thrust between the spokes of the hind wheel. The linch-pin was taken out, and the wheel removed before the animal could be released. Strange as it may appear, neither horse was seriously injured. The lumber was carried up the bank, piece by piece, and the wagon ditto, and after several hours the journey home was resumed. It took considerable currying of the horses, and washing of the man, before all traces of the accident were removed. Such incidents as the above could be multiplied without limit. Every family had a constant similar experience. Erection of Township. — Prior to June 8, 1853, Hanover Township, as it now is, was part and parcel of Centre Township, but at that date the County Commissioners ordered that all of Centre commencing at the southeast corner of Section 34, Township 34, Range 9; thence north on on the section line to the northeast corner of Section 3, Township 34, Range 9 ; thence west on the line between townships 34 and 35 north, to the Illinois State line ; thence south along the State line to the south- west corner of Section 36, Township 34, Range 10 ; thence east along the line between Townships 33 and 34, Range 9, to the place of begin- ning, should constitute a new township to be known as Hanover. Her- man Doescher was appointed Constable, and George Willey, H. P. Rob- bins and Henry Van HoUen, Trustees. The Trustees met for the first at the house of George Willey on the 10th of June, 1853 ; George Willey 558 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. was elected President of the Board, Seth 0. Gardner, Clerk, and Her- man Doescher, Treasurer. The township was divided into the following road districts : No. 1— Sections 1, 12, 13 in Range 10, and Sections 6, 7 and 18 in Range 9. No. 2— Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 in Range 9. No. 3— Sections 15, 16, 17, 20, 21 and 22, and parts of 18 and 19 in Range 9. No. 4— Sections 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34 and parts of 30 and 31. No. 5— Sections 19 and parts of 30 and 31 in Range 9, and 24, 25 and 36 in Range 10. Township elections were ordered held at the house of Mathias Gusen. Schools, etc. — In 1838, quite a large hewed-log schoolhouse was erected at Cedar Lake through the influence, principally, of Hervey Ball, Aaron Cox and the Nordykes. Mr. Ball allowed the ground, and paid the greater portion of the expense of erecting the house. Who first taught in this building is not certainly known. In June, 1839, Mrs. J. A. H. Ball opened in this building the first boarding school in the county. In addition to the common branches there were taught elegant penmanship, drawing and painting, botany, natural philosophy, " polite learning," surveying, algebra, Latin and Greek, etc. The students who boarded and went to Mrs. Ball were Maria Bradley and John Selkirk, of La Porte County ; Ann Nickerson and Melissa Gosset, of Porter County, and Augustus Wood, Abby Wood and Sophia Cutler, of Lake County. There were some twenty or twenty-five scholars in attendance. Here, until 1849, was taught school, some winters and all summers, but after that date summer school alone was taught until 1855, when the old house was disused for school purposes. Hervey Ball was one of the winter teachers. The existence of this excellent school at Cedar Lake was the means of preventing the other schools of the township from starting up as soon as they would otherwise have done. Small children, in those days, were not sent to school, and it was no uncommon thing to see half- grown boys and girls going to Mrs. Ball from on the west side of Han- over Township, or from its extreme north. For some sixteen years the school continued under the management of Mrs. Ball, turning out many undergraduates, and creating a demand for universal learning that is felt throughout all that locality to this day. The existence of a school of that character in the wild county of Lake, its maintenance in the face of many diflBculties, the excellent system and thoroughness of the learning furnished for a comparative pittance, speak in highest terms to the credit of Hervey Ball and Mrs. J. A. H. Ball, to whom it owed its commencement and long continuance. It sent six students to colleges and seminaries by the demand it created for a higher course of learning. In 1846, there was organized at this schoolhouse the " Cedar Lake Lyceum," by the young people of Cedar Lake, Prairie West and West Creek. This proved of HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 559 the greatest literary advantage to the students of the school, and was con- tinued several years. The following year, in the same house, was organ- ized the " Cedar Lake Belles-lettres Society." Meetings were held once a month, young ladies were among the members, and the exercises were conducted in writing. Solon Robinson delivered a memorable address to the society, paying an eloquent complimentary notice to the educational interest of the society and the locality. So far as can be learned, no other schools were taught in Hanover Township until 1844 or 1845, at which time Henry Sasse, Sr., who had several children whom he wanted educated nearer than the Cedar Lake School, having occasion to go to Dunkard's Grove, 111., met the young minister there. Rev. Francis A. Hoffman, and induced him to come to Hanover to teach school, guaranteeing him his board and reasonable wages. A log house owned by Mr. Robbins, and situated north of Bruns- wick about half a mile, was fitted up with rude seats and desk-s, and here Mr. Hoffman began teaching in German the few families of children re- siding in the neighborhood. Timothy H. Ball, then a young man, stu- dent at the Cedar Lake School, obtained permission upon the payment of a small tuition to attend the school and prosecute the study of German. Mr. Hoffman was a man of unusual natural talent, was finely educated, and taught a very pTosperous and successful school ; he taught but the one term ; he preached several times in German .to the citizens of the neighborhood. He was a Professor of the German Lutheran views ; he eventually removed to Chicago, finally became Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, and attained, by the force of his talents, a high political and so- cial position. Immediately after this, quasi private schools were instituted in the cen- tral part of the township, the sessions being held in private residences, but the teachers being employed by the citizens of the neighborhood. Scattering schools were thus held, undergoing frequent removals, tempo- rary suspensions, and uncertain locations in improvised schoolhouses, until the common school law of 1852 came into effect, when the schools of the township underwent a pronounced change. In the summer of 1853, Mary Wood was employed to teach in District No. 3 (where 4 now is), a term of three months, for which she was to receive $10 cash at the end of the term, and the balance (at the rate of $1.50 per week), in an order to be paid as soon as the funds allowed. During the same summtr, Mary Portz taught at Hanover Centre, or where the Centre now is, as that town had not yet started up. She was paid $18 for the term of three months. Twenty-one scholars were enrolled, and the average attendance was fif- teen. The branches taught were : Webster's spelling, Perkins' reading, Davies' arithaietic, Mitchell's geography, and writing. Miss Wood had 560 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. only six enrolled, with an average attendance of four. Her school was discontinued at the end of seven weeks, and she was paid $10.50 for what she had done. At this time, Mary D. Tighe taught in District No. 2, where Brunswick now is. She was was paid $24 for twelve weeks. Twenty scholars were enrolled ; average attendance, sixteen. History, grammar and mental arithmetic, in addition to the common branches, were taught. In September, 1852, May Babee taught at Hanover Cen- tre. Charles Colvin was paid |175 for a house which he furnished for school purposes in District 2 (Brunswick), and which had been used for a dwelling. The school at Hanover Centre was not directly at the cen- ter ; it was held in Henry Van Hollen's house. During the winter of 1853-54, 0. W. Graves taught at what is now Brunswick, or near there, and Henry Sasse, at Van Hollen's. In Janu- ary, 1854, Calvin Hunt, Charles Hunt and Carlos Hunt, who had been attending the school taught by Mr. Graves, were turned out of school by the Trustees for bad conduct. The boys had been having fun at the master's expense. School was taught in Mr. Hoffman's house for several years. In 1854, there were four school districts. Francis Hoffman was Director in No. 1 ; Joseph Schmal, in No. 2 ; Athanasius Hepp, in No. 3, and Peter Sauerman, in No. 4. Caroline Cotes taught in No. 1 ; Harriet A. Fowler, in No. 2 ; Abby C. Sanger, in No. 3 for $45, and Henry Sasse, Jr., in No. 4 for $45. Mrs. Pettibone taught in No. 3 in 1855, and Maria Fancher in No. 2, same time. The first schoolhouse proper in the township, except the one at- Cedar Lake, was erected at Hanover Centre in 1857 by John E. Fraas, who was paid by the Trustees, $370. Soon after its construction it was inspected and found to be " unfaithfully ,arid unsubstantially built," whereupon Hervey Ball was appointed to supervise its completion, but he- was unable to do so, and Hermann C. Beckmann took his place and was paid $43.54 for such service. The first teacher in this house was Henry Sasse, Jr., who taught three months for $60. Miss Fancher taught at Brunswick in 1857-58, three months, for $25 per month, the highest wages that had been paid in the common schools of the township up to that time. In July, 1857, the following citizens, living in the school dis- trict north of Brunswick, petitioned for a schoolhouse on Section 12, Range 10, the building to be 20x24 feet : Athanasius Hepp, Frederick Hue, Christopher Wassman, Christopher Piepho, Henry Seehausen, Conrad Seegers, Henry Wassman, William Noehren, Frederick Ochler- king, Conrad Oldendorf, Gottlieb Burtle, William Bauermosser, George Leserajin, Auton Griss, Fred Batterman and Charles Hitzeman. A small frame house was built in response to the prayer of the petitioners, but not immediately. The first schoolhouse in District No. 5 was built HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 561 by Charles Grotnan, Trustee, in 1862, at a cost of $220.96. The house, a small frame structure, was located on Section 32. School had been previously held in the neighborhood in private houses. In 1864, the house in District No. 6 was erected at a cost of $244.77. This was the first in that district, and is yet in use. The first real schoolhouse in Dis- trict No. 2 was erected in October, 1864, the cost amounting to $432.78. This house was afterward removed to Klassville, where it is yet used for school purposes. William A.hles erected the house in District No. 3 about this time, the cost amounting to $463.72. In 1869, Charles Gro- man, Trustee, erected the present two-storied frame schoolhouse at Bruns- wick at a cost of $1,279.53, the land upon which it was located costing an additional $25. This is much the best schoolhouse in the townships, and is highly complimentary of the educational interest manifested by the citizens of the small village of Brunswick. In 1858, Miss Ann Schillo taught sixty-five days in District No. 4 for $60, and Miss Henrietta Ball taught three months in District No. 1, three hours a day, for $30. Charles Ball taught in District No. 1 the winter of 1858-59, and George F. Gerlach in District No. 4. Charles A. Miller taught at the same time in District No. 2. Henry Sasse taught in 1859-60 in District No. 1, and E. Sprague at the same date in District No. 4. At the same time, Fred Leuthensser taught in District No. 3. Every district had schools before the first houses were built, but as no record of the same was kept, and recollection refuses to reveal the facts, but little authentic can be given. An additional schoolhouse was erected a few years ago in the northeastern corner to accommodate the families living there, but the house is now owned by private parties. Villages, etc. — The first store in Hanover Centre was opened about fifteen years ago by Frank Massoth, who has remained in the mercantile business in the village ever since. At times he has had as high as $4,000 worth of a general assortment of goods in store. His trade yields him a comfortable profit. A few years after he began, C. C. Becker & Co. opened a store with about $1,500 worth of goods. After some six or seven years, this company closed out their goods at auction, and went to Chicago. Jacob Weis, the first blacksmith, began work some ten or twelve years ago. John Schillo took his place a few years later. Frank Schultz opened a blacksmith shop some seven years ago. Nicholas Geisen began manufacturing sledge, ax, hammer, and other handles, on a small scale, many years ago. Last year an engine was purchased, since which time quite a heavy business in handles for the Chicago workshops is done. Stephen Meyers opened the first saloon about fifteen years since. He is yet in the same business, and also keeps hotel. John Winkler opened the second saloon about eleven years ago. He was succeeded by Mathias 562 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Scherer, and the latter by Nicholas Lorscheider, who is yet in the same business. , The present schoolhouse at the Centre was built about six years since, and cost between $600 and $700. Peter Becker, an excel- lent sign painter and grainer, has been in the village some eighteen years. Mr. Massoth was appointed Postmaster about two years ago. Abel Farwell probably built the 5rst house in Brunswick nearly forty years ago. Later than this Hiram P. Bobbins built a dwelling in the village, which, at that time, was not thought of as a village. Joseph Schmal probably built the third house in about 1853. In about 1856, he sold a lot to Henry John, who erected a blacksmith shop and began work. The next year John H. Heins bought a lot of Abel Farwell, and put up a large building which is yet standing. In 1856, Heins & Lepin had opened a store north of town about eighty rods, with some $1,500 worth of goods ; but early in 1867 they had dissolved partnership, and Lepin had bought of Herman Doescher the lot where Hermann Beckmann is now located, and had erected thereon a large frame building, into which he placed the goods which fell to him from his business engagement with Heins. In June, 1859, the building was destroyed accidentally by fire, though the greater portion of the goods was saved. Charles Button had opened the first store in Brunswick in the autumn of 1855, having moved from Eagle Lake. His stock did not exceed $150 worth. After about a year he closed out his stock. As soon as Heins had erected his large building in 1857, he began the manufacture of vinegar, and aho began rectifying spirits on quite an extensive scale. His house became quite a place of resort for a party of " swells " from Chicago, and for a few young men of the neighborhood, who had, with commendable skill, imi- tated the predominant habits of the plug-uglies from Chicago in the assumption of an air of charming coolness in the adoption of an easy grace in spending money, and in wearing fine clothes that had not been paid for, and in learnedly interlarding every expression with a grotesque com- mingling of quotations thrown in promiscuously, apparently from Vanity's pepper-box, and that, too, without salt, from the Latin, Greek ami other languages that were dead and buried, or ought to have been, without hope of resurrection. Silk hats, tight-fitting gloves, fashionable and costly clothes, rectified alcohol, canes, hunting excursions, pleasure parties, Latin and Greek, mountainous bigotry and other similar characteristics made up the sum and substance of the group. The villagers were far too humble and obscure to be recognized. This made them rabid, at least they became so incensed that they began to retaliate by applying signifi- cant and euphonious titles to the "swells." "Stovepipe party." " Latin class," and similar designations were applied, but without relief. Among the group were two European lordlings, who were fondled and netted as HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 563 only such effeminate apes could endure without suicide. The villagers were laughed at and ridiculed until, finally, so hostile became the prevail- ing sentiment against the " swells," that they left th'e neighborhood amid universal rejoicing and thanksgiving. As soon as Pepin's store was burned down, he immediately erected another — the Beckmann building — and placed therein a respectable stock of goods, but sold out or traded out about three years later to Lewis and William Waterman. In 1866, Hermann Beckmann, an excellent man of great social power, purchased the store of the Watermans, and has remained in business since, with a stock varying from $2,000 to $3,500. Peter Maack sold liquor in Brunswick for several years. Hein sold out and went to Brooklyn, N. Y. Henry Brenker began the manufacture of wagons as early as 1858. He employed three men, and made as high as forty-four vehicles in one year. Henry Jahn was his blacksmith at first, and later Mr. Bencke. Valentine Einsele began the wagon-making business soon after Brenker, and employed Jacob Neis to do his ironing. August Buchholz manufactured butter tubs, etc., during the war. Messrs. Smith, Lake & Mahler, harness makers, were present during the war. The citizens of the village wanted the post office called Hanover, but as there was already a Hanover in Indiana, this was refused. They then sug- gested Schiller, in honor of the great German poet, but this was thought cumbersome by the authorities at Washington, who designated the place Brunswick, a name it yet retains. The physicians of Brunswick have been : Hoffman, Charles Gro- man, Constautine Schlemme, Walmski and Volke. Dr. Groman, the present Township Trustee, an excellent citizen, and an experienced phy- sician, resides in the village and has all he cares to do in the line of his profession. Klaasville was founded by August Klaas, after whom it was named. He opened a store there during the last war, and continued in business for several years, having various partners and a good country trade. Among those associated with him were Fred Lange, John Berg and others. Samuel Loebstein was in the mercantile business about a year. Other merchants have been Boedeker & Co., Lewis Berg and Lewis Berg & Co., at present ; Justis Brothers were in for a short time. Mr. Klaas built the first house in the village. William and John Haas were black- smiths there. Reference should be made to the prominence to which Cedar Lake is growing as a pleasure resort. During the warmer months for the past few years, its banks have been covered with the white tents of pleasure seekers, and its waters filled with row-boats, sail-boats and a small steamer. Much of the land on the western shore is now held in small 564 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. parcels by those who expect to derive a profit from the future sale of picnic stores and wares. Such land in some cases has sold for almost fabulous amounts. The ice interests of the railroad and other companies are very large, hundreds of tons being packed annually, and, when wanted, shipped to Chicago and other markets. Beligious Growth, etc.— la 1838, a Baptist society was organized in the old schoolhouse at Cedar Lake.. The first members were Norman Warriner, Marilla Warriner, Lewis Warriner, Sabra Warriner, Richard Church, Sarah Church, Mrs. Valona Cutler, Hervey Ball and Jane Ball. Elder French, of Porter County, was present. At this time, though it was agreed to assemble for the worship of God, no regular church organi- zation was effected. Meetings were to be held alternately at Centre Prairie, Prairie West and at the Cutlers' or Churches', and at H. Ball's. The class was really organized in March, 1839, with the following first members. Richard Church, Anny Church, Leonard Cutler, Valona Cut- ler, Norman Warriner, Marilla Warriner, Hervey Ball, Jane Ball and Elizabeth Horton. At the next meeting, Azuba Leland and Sally Church were received by letter. Still later the following joined : Lewis Warriner, Hannah Warriner, Herman Waggoner and Angeline Wag- goner. Elder French continued to preach for the class. In July, 1839, Norman Warriner was licensed to preach, his ordination being the first in the county, July 27, 1840. On the 20th of July, Albert Taylor was baptized in Cedar Lake on the west side. At this time, the church num- bered fifteen members. W. T. Bly became pastor in 1845. He also held meetings in the western part of the township at the Farwells'. Elder Sawin preached for the class ; Elder Kennedy, from Twenty-Mile Prairie, also visited the class. Elder A. Hastings became the regular pas- tor in 1848. In 1846, there were thirty-six members, but in 1849, only twenty-one, two new churches having been formed from the old. Elder T. L. Hunt became the fourth pastor in 1850. Up to this time the class had met in the Cedar Lake Schoolhouse, at the house of H. Ball, and at other places, but now it was removed to the schoolhouse on the east side of the lake. About this time Hanover Township received large colonies of Germans from the old country, and soon all the township was densely populated with this hardy, industrious and humble class of peo- ple. As this church was from the commencement made up largely of members from Centre Township, the place of meeting was removed in 1850, to the schoolhouse on the east side. The next paator was Uriah Mc- Kay. The class continued until 1856, when, as other localities seemed more favorable for the maintenance of classes, the society disbanded, and its members joined churches in other portions of the county. This was the oldest Baptist society in the county. It was the parent of one HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 565 in the West Creek Township, one in Illinois, and the one at Crown Point. Notwithstanding its long continuance and pronounced success, it had no church building, but conducted its services in schoolhouses and private dwellings. The good it did throughout the county, cannot be told in words. Its wide-spread influence for good, deeply engraven in the hearts of all connected with it, is its own imperishable monument. There have been two church structures in the northwestern part of the township, one succeeding the other, and both constructed by the same denomination and same society — German Lutheran. A few years prior to 1857 a small class had been formed in the neighborhood, and meet- ings were had at private dwellings, and at schoolhouses such as there then were. Rev. Peter Lehmann, a very able and worthy man, a brother of John Lehmann, editor of the Crow Point Freie Presse, was the leading spirit of the class ; and it was through his influ- ence and under his excellent and well-remembered ministration that the society was organized and placed on a permanent foundation. As early as 1856 he began urging the necessity of having a permanent building in which the class could worship without molestation. A subscription paper to defray the expense of constructing a small frame church was circulated and signed by the following twenty-two men, each of whom agreed to give $25 : Charles Hitzeman, Fred Glade, Christopher Glade, Henry Glade, John Elting, Henry Suhausen, William Nehrer, Christopher Piepho, Fritz Batterman, Henry Batterman, Conrad Seegers, Christo- pher Seegers, William Hothan, William Mussman, George Leseman, Otto Buehre, Henry Schoenbeck, H. H. Heisterberg, Otto Russell, Christopher Russell, Fritz Ohlerking and Fritz Hue. A few others subscribed small amounts, the whole, including the above, footing up to about $650. The house was constructed in 1857, and used constantly until about ten years ago, when the class having became quite strong financially, though somewhat weak numerically, built a new frame church at a total cost of about $3,000. This building is yet in use. Rev. Mr. Lehmann remained with the class some thirteen years. He was followed by Rev. Jacob Furrer, who remained four years ; by Rev. Robert Ruegg, who remained nearly four years ; by Rev. August Kitterer, who served nearly four years, and by Rev. Wm. Wahl, the present pastor, a very sincere and excellent man. The members of the first were mostly made up of the families of the above-named men, there being a total of some thirty-two when the church was built in 1857. Perhaps the class has not, since it was first organized, exceeded forty members in good standing. The present membership is about twenty-three. Mr. Leh- mann, the founder of the class, organized a Sunday school soon after 1857. At first the class was large, numbering about sixty, though the 566 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. annual sessions were held during the winter months, and adjourned when the busy time of spring came. Sometimes there has been an interregnum of several years, but usually the class convenes at the approach of cold weather. The church class and the Sunday school class are at present in a prosperous condition. Saint Martin's Catholic Church at Hanover Centre was first organized in about the year 1857, by Rev. Father Nick, and the class consisted of some eighteen or twenty families, among which were those of the follow- ing men: Mathias Geisen, John Scherer, John Kretz, Peter Heiser, Peter Klein, Jacob Leinen, Mathias Lauermann, J. J. Klein, Leonard Hoeltzle, John Eble, John Roethgen, George Emerling, Michael Schriver, Michael Einsle, John Rhein, Mr. Russell, Patrick Buckley and John Drickzel. The class, with the true spirit of Catholicism, grew quite rapidly in numbers, wealth and influence. Meetings were at first held in dwellings, but this was very unsatisfactory to the members who had been taught from infancy to believe that the temple of God should be a separate, imposing and sacred structure, and dedicated to the sole use of Christian worship. They, therefore, began raising funds by subscription for the erection of a church, but the construction was delayed, though finally begun in 1858 and finished in 1859. The house was a small frame structure, beautifully and tastefully arranged in the interior, and cost about $800. The successors of Father Nick have been, chronolog- ically, Fathers Ranson, Wehrle, F. Siegelack, H. Deimel, 1873 ; William Berg, 1876, and Charles Steurer, a young and promising man, the pres- ent pastor. The old church was used until 1867, when it was destroyed by fire. How this happened is not known, but it was supposed that kindling wood, having been left too near a heated stove, caught fire, which was communicated to the floor. The families belonging numbered at this time about forty-five. Funds were immediately subscribed, and the present fine frame church was erected at a cost of about $2,500. The architectural design and ornamentation on the interior will compare favorably with other country Catholic churches throughout the county and State. About sixty families belong to the church at present. A well-attended Sunday school has been in existence since soon after the first church was built. St. Anthony's Catholic Church society at Klassville was first organ- ized during the last war by Bishop John Henry Luess, and soon afterward a neat frame church was erected at a cost of about $2,000. August Klass was largely instrumental in securing the construction of the house. He obtained the co-operation not only of members of the Catholic Church living in the vicinity in Indiana, but also of many residing across the line in Illinois. It is thought that Rev. Charles Ganzer was the first HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 567 pastor of the class, though this is not certain. Other pastors in charge have been Fathers Nick, King, Fuchs, Reussen, Michael, Wehrle, Bartoz and Seigelock. The class first started with less than twenty families, but since then has had as high as between fifty and sixty. The society is prosperous. Sunday school was started at the time the house was built. Statistics. — In 1858, the condition of the township fund was as fol- lows: BOAD FUND. Balance from last year $ 9 85 From County Treasurer 8 35 From other sources 2 00 Total $ 20 20 Paid out on orders 16 20 Balance on hand $ 4 00 TOWNSHIP FUND. Balance from last year $ 7 39 BeceiTed from County Treasurer 183 57 Total $190 96 Paid out on orders 45 25 Balance on hand -. $145 71 SPECIAL SCHOOL FUND. Balance from last year $151 11 From County Treasurer 178 37 Total $329 48 Paid on orders 370 00 Balance due Treasurer $ 40 52 STATE RETENtJE SCHOOL rUND. Balance from last year $151 53 From County Treasurer '• 148 98 Total $300 51 Paid out on orders 131 00 Balance on hand $169 51 668 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. CHAPTER X. BY O. A. OAHAED. St. Johns Township— Organization and Official History— Villages OF Dyeb, St. Johns and Schbrbrville— Industrial Pursuits — Schools and Churches— The Early Settlement— Curious and In- teresting Incidents— A. Large Farm. THIS township took its name from the town of St. Johns, which was named after John Hack, and not for the church of St. John (the Evan- gelist), as has been stated by some writers. The township of St. Johns was formed from Centre Township by an order of the County Commis- sioners, bearing date of June 8, 1848. It was then ordered that Town, ship 35, Range 9, and Township 25, Range 10, be constituted a town- ship to be known as St. Johns. No changes in the size or boundaries of the township have yet occurred. In March, 1865, a petition was pre- sented to the Board by sundry citizens of St. Johns Township, praying that Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, Township 35, Range 10, might be a constituted township to be known as Dyer ; but the prayer of the petitioners was not answered. June 8, 1848, it was ordered, " That the first election to be held in the Township of St. Johns, shall be holden on the first Monday of August next, at the now dwelling-house of John Bnnis, in said township, and that Daniel Rosecrants be and he is hereby appointed Inspector of Elections in and for said township." On the same date, it was ordered, " That the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, be authorized and directed to issue a writ of election for one ad- ditional Justice of the Peace, in and for the Township of St. Johns." At the same time, it was ordered, " That Mathew J. Hack be and ia hereby appointed a Constable, in and for the Township of St. Johns." His certificate was issued June 19, 1848. It was also ordered at the same time, " That Benjamin Stallcup and E. D. Owens be and they are hereby appointed Fence Viewers, in and for the Township of St. Johns." There is on record a certificate of John Hack's election as Township Trustee, bearing date of September 29, 1858, signed by Joseph Jackson, County Auditor. Town of Dyer. — The plat of the Town of Dyer bears date of June 1, 1855, upon the plat book. A note on the page says : " No doubt an error in date of plat of record," but does not give the correct or sup- posed date. It gives the location of the town as upon the southwest quarter of Section 12, Town 35 north. Range 10 west. The plat shows ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 569 Illinois, Indiana, Mattison, Calumet, Boss, Lake, East and West streets, the Joliet and Northern Indiana Railroad, and the State Line. Non- dorfs Addition to Dyer is stated to be a part of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 12, Town 35, Range 10 west. The sizes of the lots, width of streets and alleys are marked upon the plat. Given under the hand and seal of B. Nondorf, March 22, 1858. The following is the surveyor's certificate with the above mentioned record : State of Ikdiana, "t Lake Cootitt. / ' Before me Mathias Schmidt, Surveyor of said county, came the above named B. Non- dorf and acknowledged the execution of the above plat as his act and deed. Witness my hand and seal this March 22d, 1858. [Seal.] Mathias Schmidt, Surveyor of Lake County. This plat was recorded March 28, 1858, and shows three blocks, Mattison street and sixteen lots. Hart's Addition to the Town of Dyer, on Sections 12 and 13, Township 35, Range 10, by A. N. Hart. Ac- knowledged before Amos Allman, Recorder of Lake County, on February 11, 1859. It shows Hart and Joliet streets, and a large number of lots. This place has been for years a great grain market. Keilman & Lowen- berg have a large grain elevator, which they are now enlarging, fitting up with steam and all the modern improvements. This was built by the Michigan Central Railroad Company and owned by them until July, 1882, when it was bought by the above-named firm. It has been run by the present owners for about eight years. J. L. Hurt managed it for a while before it came into the hands of the present owners. Du Brueil & Keilman ran it for ten years. - It used to do a very large business, and it is the intention of the present owners to build up the business to its former proportions. These gentlemen handle lumber and agricultural implements also. The first business house in town was built by John Streets in 1856. He did business in it for two years, since which time a saloon has been kept in the house. Mr. Wolcott built the second store; he sold to Chase, who sold to a Jew from Chicago. It has since been used as a saloon. The third store was built by F. L. Keilman and Leon- ard Keilman in 1858. This was owned by Keilman & Austtuen in 1866, and is now kept by C. Austtuen. The fourth store was kept by D. Low- enberg, from 1866 to 1876, when he sold to August Klass, who, in three years, sold to Charles Sauter & Co., who are running the business at present. In 1875, there was a general store kept by Christopher Bich. In two years he sold to Nemping & Stummel, who manage the business now. The building was bought in 1881, of Rich, by Lowenberg. A hardware store was established in 1870, by Joseph Peshel. A furniture store was started in 1867. The Louisville & New Albany Bailroad was finished to the town during the summer of 1832, which gave the town two 570 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. roads and a new impulse in business. The post office is at present in the hands of Charles J. Sauter, who has held it for two years. Julius Neifing preceded him for a period of two years, and his predecessor was was Francis Densberger, who was in charge three or four years. In 1876, Claudius Austgen had the office. Nick Sherer also had charge of it for a time. The last teacher of the town schools was William Es- wein, who has taught two years here. Before him, John Kimmat taught two years, who was preceded by Thomas Patz for one year, and he by Julius Neifing, who gave such good satisfaction that he was retained for nine years. He taught the school for eight years alone, when Mr. MoUe was hired as assistant. A. Streng taught the school before Mr. Neifing. The present schoolhouse has been built six years. Before it was built the school was held in a building belonging to the Catholic congregation, and is now occupied by the Sisters. Before that, there was a small, frame schoolhouse about twenty feet square. The assistant in the school has usually been one of the Sisters. There are five saloons that furnish " refreshments " and entertain- ment suited to man or beast. Two of these are distinguished by the names, " State Line Hotel " and "Dyer Hotel." The first landlord at Dyer was a man named Page, who was also one of the first settlers of the township. There are two doctors — A. Scidler, a German, and Dr. J. W. Johns, an American, who has been in the practice here for fourteen years. Dr. Hoflfman was formerly a practitioner here. John Stech established a tannery here in 1864, and still holds forth by the bridge. A blacksmith shop is run by Jacob Shafier. Scheldt & Davis own and run a large flour and feed mill. It has been owned by them since 1875. The mill was built about twenty-five years ago. A. Du Breuil & Co. owned it for fifteen years, and bought it a short time after it was built. It has been added to until its present value, $15,000, is about double its first value. Its capacity is 100 barrels in twenty-four hours. The present owners of the mill have a fine herd of about 100 swine, of a new and valuable breed known as the Victoria. The Victorias are attracting a great deal of attention among stock men, and promise to take the lead as a breed. They have already gained many premiums and honors at fairs and live stock shows. The breed was originated by crossing the best breeds, and then breeding "in and in" from selected animals until it became a per- manent breed, with the good points of all the varieties used in the "crossing." A door and blind factory was built here in 1870, and ran about two years and a half, when it was burned. A distillery was built in 1863, ran about a year and a half, when it was closed by the Govern- ment. J. H. Kasper, of Dyer, has invented an incubator that will beat a setting hen so badly that she will quit the business and go to laying ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 571 again. It is not yet patented, but certainly ought to be. The present population of Dyer is not far from 400. Town of St. Johns. — As already stated, the town of St. Johns was named from John Hack. The locality was called in early times " Western Prairie," or "Prairie West," but when a post office was secured the peo- ple called a meeting for the purpose of deciding upon a name. The mat- ter was discussed, and finally decided. It was agreed to name it in honor of John Hack, the first German to settle in the region. It was decided that " St." should be prefixed to John, not because they wanted to can- onize Mr. Hack, but just for euphony. An " s " was added to John, so that Mr. Hack furnished four letters and the people three, giving him a majority of one. The official history of the town of St. Johns is as fol- lows : The towQ of St. Johns was laid out by Peter Thielan in the month of November, 1881, on a part of the northwest quarter of Section 33, Town No. 35 north, Range 9 west, of the Second P. M. of Lake County, Ind. The dimensions of the lots, streets and alleys are marked on the map in feet and decimals of a foot. Peter Thielan. QPFICE or COCNTT SURVETOE, 1 CaowN Point, December 10, 1881. j 1 do hereby certify that the above is a correct map of the town of St. John. Wit- ness my hand and seal this 10th day of December, 1881. John Fisher, County Surveyor. [Seal.] State op Indiana, "I Lake County. / ^'' Before me, Bichard W. Price, Recorder in and for said county and State, personally came Peter ThieUn and duly acknowledged the execution of the annexed plat. Witness my hand and seal this 17th of December, 1881. Richard W. Price, Recorder. The plat was recorded December 17, 1881. It shows Schmal, Orth, Hack and Thielan streets and the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago depot grounds. There are thirty-three lots. Lot No. 1 contains b-}^ acres, and. Lot No. 2, 4j^^ acres. There is a fine brick store here. It is 24x80 feet, two stories and a basement, owned by Keilman & Gerlach. This firm has been in business here sixteen years, during which time they have kept a large general stock and have done an extensive busi- ness. It is now one of the best stores in the county. H. Keilman started the first. store here and conducted it for six years ; then he asso- ciated with his brother Frank, and they were partners for ten or eleven years. There are two blacksmith-shops in town. J. M. Thiel and Joseph G. Schmal are the proprietors. Both of these make wagons. There are three shoemakers in town, but no regular shoe-shop. H. Keilman kept the first tavern. There is now a combined saloon and tavern in town where accommodations suited to man or beast can be found. The town has usually had two saloons. The post office has been kept by F. Keil- man for twenty-seven years. Old Mr. Hack kept it for a number of 572 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. years at first. This town, the oldest in the township and one of the old- est in the county, has always had and still has the name of being a very peaceable place. The arrival of the locomotive has recently stirred the quiet old village and given it a new impulse on the road to prosperity. It is now able to compete with its neighboring towns, which were favored sooner by visits from the modern Mogul of commerce — the steam engine. A short distance south and east of town, upon an eminence, is the Hack Cemetery, a private burying-ground. It is entered by passing under a fine cut-stone arch, and contains a beautiful and expensive family monu- ment. Several physicians have located in town, but soon finding that the people were too healthy to require their services, they left for less fav- ored localities. It seems to be an unhealthy community — for doctors. Town of Sehererville. — The Town of Schererville was surveyed by N. D. Wright, and is situated on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 15, Township 35, Range 9 west, and on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 16, Township 35; Range 9 west. All except the fractional lots in town plat have fifty feet front and one hundred and fifty feet back. Nicholas Scherer and N. D. Wright were the proprietors. The plat shows Anna, Francisco, Mary, Margaret, Wilhelm and Joliet streets and Nicholas alley, and one hundred and eighty-four lots. It shows also the Chicago & Great Eastern Railway. The soil in and around the town is sandy, and wells are usually "driven." There are here the usual number of mechanics and artisans, The place has a population of about one hundred and fifty, and does a good business in general merchandise and stock. A good schoolhouse of one room stands in the northern part of town. Schools and Ohurches. — This township is well supplied witji good schoolhouses. There are eight of them, all of which are substantial structures ; and most of tljem are neat and well kept. Two of these have two rooms ; the one at St. Johns and the one at Dyer. The first school of the township was taught at St. Johns by a Sister named Fran- ces, from Notre Dame. The second school was taught by Brother Bene- dict, at the same place. He was from Notre Dame also. The Sisters and Brothers maintained a school here until during the war, when George Gerlach took charge of it ; after him, Edward Meyer taught for three years. He was followed by August Kerchter, who taught three years ; then A. J. Gerlach took charge of the school as Principal, with Adeline Leible as assistant. Both English and German are taught in both de- partments of the school. The first schoolhouse built in the township was a small frame in the town of St. Johns. This was used as a Catholic Church. It was built in 1849. The present house is a neat two-story frame, nicely painted. The second schoolhouse in the township was the ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 573 " Line Schoolhouse," about two and a half miles from St. Johns. It was built about the year 1854. The first teacher here was Joe Vornhultz, Esq., the second was Miss Doyle and then George F. Gerlach. The " Herman Schoolhouse," which is about three and a half miles west of St. Johns, has been built about sixteen years. Anthony Miller was its first teacher, and Aloycious Strong the second. Strong taught the school for a number of years. John Ofuloch taught the school for a time. The last teacher in this district was Bernard Boecker, who has taught here a number of terms. The other schools of the district are similar to those described. They are supplied with teachers who speak both German and English. The people of the township are equally determined that their children shall learn the English and that they shall not forget the German. There are three churches in the township. These are all Catholic. They are located at St. Johns, Dyer and Schererville. No other denom- ination has ever organized within the township. The township is almost unanimously Catholic, as it is almost entirely German. The mother church of these three and, in fact, of Catholicism in Lake County, is the Church of St. John the Evangelist, in St. Johns. It was, for a number of years, simply amission, but about 1842 they built a small frame church, about half a mile southeast of the site of the present church. In 1846, they built a large log church to accommodate the rapidly increasing congregation. This was torn down in 1857. The small frame which they built at first was afterward used for a number of years as a schoolhouse. The present com- modious and handsome church was built in 1855. The present member- ship is about 110 families. The present priest is Father Anthony Heit- menn, who has been in charge twelve years. Before him. Father B. Bachor was in charge for about the same length of time. Cost of house, $10,000 ; present value of church property, $13,000. The first priest was Father Fisher, who organized the church. At the southeast corner of the church stands a tall, white, emblematic cross. Just south of the church is a Catholic graveyard, and just southwest of the church stands a neat, comfortable parsonage. This church is said to stand on the highest land in the county. St. Johns stands upon the water-shed. For many years, the church of St. John the Evangelist was the only one for miles around, and to it the Catholic Christians from far and near assembled for worship. Here assembled the largest congregations that have ever assem- bled at any church in the county. Finally, in the year 1867, some of the enterprising brethren in the vicinity of Dyer resolved to leave the parent church aud build them a home of their own. They did so, and in 1867, at Dyer, was born the first child of the mother church. The build- ing at Dyer cost about $5,000, and the present value of church property 574 HISTOKY OF LAKE COUNTY. is about $7,000, Rev. Jacob Schmitz was the priest who organized the church. The second priest was Rev. Theodore Borge; the third, Rev. King; the fourth. Rev. Frund; the fifth. Rev. Charles Steurer; the sixth. Rev. Joseph Flach, who is the present priest. All of these were born in Germany. The present membership is eighty families, all of whom are Germans. She following is a list of those who gave most toward the erection of the church in 1867. This is the original list, and it is very likely that many of those mentioned gave more before the church was finished : Leonard Keilman and Anton Scheidt, $200 each ; Ber- nard Greiving and Claudius Austgen, $150 each; Nicholas Schultz, Peter Deiser, Franz Greiving and Gerard Specker, $125 each ; Jacob Schafer, $100 ; Mathew and Margaretha Ambre, $100 ; John Sauter, Moritz Peters, T. Gill, N. Ambre, T. Mangold, B. Mandorf, T. L. Du Brueil, Peter Klein, Thomas Steck and H. Specker, each $50; Adam Scholler, $40 ; H. Kettver, A. Tager, M. Scherer and — Austgen, $25 each; and about four times as many more contributed, according to their means or liberality, until $3,489.95 was raised. The church was repaired about two years ago, at a cost of $500, and the work seems to be in a very prosperous condition. Another of the promising progeny of the mother church is St. Michael's, at Schererville. This child was born in the year of our Lord 1874. There were from 90 to 100 families belong- ing soon after its organization, and the membership at present is about the same. The church stands upon a pleasant eminence above the town and the railroad. It was built in 1874 at a cost of $5,000. Just to the northeast of the church is a cozy priest's house, with well, kept lawn in front. The value of church property is at present about $8,000. The priest now in charge is Rev. William Berg, a genial and gentlemanly man of God. He has labored here about a year and a half. His prede- cessor was Father Deimel, who was in charge for four years. He was preceded by Rev. Bathe, who stayed only five months, and before him Rev. King was in charge two years. Before this time, no one supplied the pulpit for a time. Industries, etc. — The industries of the township have been almost entirely of an agricultural nature, or of a nature necessarily incident to rural life. It is a community of peasant proprietors, many of whom, by sturdy German industry and tenacity, have achieved a financial success that places them among the foremost of the people of solid wealth and worth of the county. The raising of grain and the rearing of stock have occupied the attention of the farmers. Within the last few years, hay has become a very valuable and important product. The township is well adapted to stock-raising. In or about the year 1842, John Hack erected at St. Johns a small distillery, where he made peach brandy and whisky for several years. ST. JOftNS TOWNSHIP. 675 Incidents, etc. — About 1867, Henry Hohman had a strange expe- rience with a Newfoundland dog, which became enamored of the wolves, or pf the wild life that they live, and concluded to leave civilization with all its charms for the freedom of the prairie and woods. In short, he went not " to the dogs," but with the wolves. He was seen many times with his wild " pack," evidently entering int» their sports with great zest. Why should this seem so strange to us ? if a white man mates with a red woman, why should not a black dog mate with a red wolf — if the wolf does not object ? In early days a peculiar "signal service " was used across this town- ship as in many other parts of the western prairies. Flags were placed upon poles along the line of the mail route to enable the mail carrier to keep his course. Early Settlers. — It is not possible to give a full and accurate list of first settlers in this township. There were a few American families liv- ing in the region when the Germans came. Among these were Mr. Page and Mr. Wilder, and at a later date John Bothwell. After these and a few others came the Germans, first of whom was John Hack, in September, 1837. After him came the following at the times indicated by the dates with the names : Peter Thielan, 1838 ; Joseph Schmal with his son, John, and the rest of the family, June, 1838 ; Peter Orth, 1838 ; John Klasen, 1840 ; Nicholas Davis, 1840 ; John Hack, Jr., 1840 ; Peter Lowerman, 1840 ; John Teale, 1842 ; Peter Klein, 1843 ; Jacob Hermann, 1843 ; John Sponger, 1848 ; Jacob Klein, 1845 ; John Rohrmann, 1845. Mr. Austgen, the Keilmans and many others came early. So far as can be ascertained, the following are the first of the kind in the township : John Gering, the first carpenter ; Jacob Her- mann, the first blacksmith ; the first death, a man by the name of Reader, and the second his wife ; the first wedding, John Ryan and Margaret Schmal, in 1839, by Squire Ball, and the first birth was perhaps a child born to this couple. The last wild cat shot in the township was shot by John Hack at Beaver's Grove about 1842. A Large Farm. — The largest farm in the township is that of A. N. Hart. The larger part of this vast plantation lies in the northern part of this township. The farm contains 8,000 acres in one body. Mr. Hart has in all 15,000 acres. On his farm are five railroads, five stations, and about fifteen miles of track. As many as eight or nine railroads cross his land, giving him in all about twenty-five miles of track. Most of this land' was purchased in 1856 at $1.25 per acre. It was swamp land, and much of it was a swamp de facto. It is now worth from $30 to $300 per acre. Much money has been expended in draining, fencing and other improvements. There are not far from twenty-five miles of fence, and 576 HISTOKY OF LAKE COUNTY. about the same amount of ditches, large and small, upon his lands. On this large estate he employs about forty hands. The State made an ap- propriation of $5,000 to assist in draining a region in which some of this land lies. Although at first this ditch was only twelve feet wide and two feet deep, it is now from forty to fifty feet wide, and from ten to twelve feet deep. At one place, where it was cut through a ridge, it is 150 feet wide and 50 feet deep. It is three and a half miles in length. Ditching is Mr. Hart's hobby, and he evidently rides it most successfully. CHAPTER XI. BY O. A. OA.RABD. Eagle Ckeek Township— Formation and Tibst Election— First and Early Settlers— Game— Treed by a Deer— Anecdotes and Inci- dents OF Indian Times— Timber Thietes— Draining the Kankakee Marsh- Early Items— Religious Services— Industries— Records —Schools. ON Thursday, the 9th of May, 1839, the County Commissioners ordered that South Township be divided into three townships as fol- lows : "A line drawn through the present township north and south, upon the section line on the west side of the second tier of sections in Range 9,. and that part lying to the west of such line to be known and called by the name of West Creek Township. That a second line be drawn north and south through the center of Range 8, and that part lying west of that line and east of West Creek Township to be known and called Cedar Creek Township. And that part lying east of Cedar Creek Town- ship to be known as Eagle Creek Township." It was also ordered at the same time that the elections in Eagle Creek Township be held at the house of Ashbel Goodrich, with Ashbel Goodrich as Inspector. In 1843, the elections were ordered to be held at a schoolhouse on Township 83, Range 11. This township derives its name from Eagle Creek that flows through it from northeast to southwest. First and Early Settlers. — The following is a somewhat incomplete list of the first and early settlers : Sarah J. Stone, who came to the county in 1835 ; Orrin Smith, 1836 ; Joseph Morris, 1836 ; Mr. Mof- fard, 1836 ; Isaac Bryant, 1838 ; Alexander F. Brown, who came in the spring of 1840, and was soon killed by a run-away team, leaving two- young sons who have since become prominent citizens ; Michael Pearce- and wife, 1840 ; Thomas Garvey and family, Duncan Garvey and family and Richard Garvey and family came some time before 1840 ; Samuel Turner and family came in 1837 ; Mrs. M. J. Pearce, in 1841 ; John< EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 677 Pearce and Alexander Nethery came in 1842 ; George Brown, C. A. McGill and William Brown, in 1843 ; John A. Crawford and Mrs. M. J. Dinwiddie came in 1844 ; Thaddeus Williams came in 1845 ; in 1847, Hugh Boyd, E. Boyd, L. Boyd, Oscar Dinwiddie and James McKnight came. William Dinwiddie, who was the first physician of the township, came here with his family at an early day. Many others, not here men- tioned, came early. Most of these are spoken of in the biographical de- partment, in their own lives, or the lives of their descendants. Q-ame, Indians, etc. — When the pioneers first settled in Eagle Creek, they could at certain seasons kill all the game that they could use, from the doors of their cabins. The timid deer, through curiosity, often came within range of the settler's rifle as he sat on his door-step. A good hun- ter in the season often killed from six to a dozen in a day, and occasion- ally as many as eighteen. They were so numerous at times that it was necessary to watch them out of the corn-fields to keep them from taking the entire crop. Lorenzo Brainard, one of the first settlers, once shot a deer, " creasing " it across the back, i. e., the ball passed near enough to the spinal column to stun the deer, but not near enough to kill it. The deer fell and Mr. Brainard went up to it and, taking out his knife, was about to bleed it, when it sprang to its feet, flourished its antlers and started toward Mr. Brainard. There was a small tree near at hand and Mr. Brainard made all haste to that tree and reached it just in time to escape the sharp prongs of the ponderous antlers. The deer walked around the tree, stamped, struck it with its antlers and seemed determined to carry on a regular siege. However, the siege was soon raised by some one with a gun coming near enough to shoot the deer. Although the In- dians were very fond of venison, they would give several pounds of it for one pound of pork. This was probably owing to the fact that they had such an abundance of venison and but very little pork. Strange as it may seem, with all the abundance of game, a few of the old settlers never killed a deer. Instead of hunting, these devoted themselves to raising domestic animals and with these they could buy all the wild meat that they wished from the hunters and Indians. The wolves were the \v6rst enemies of the pioneers. They were so numerous and bold that they would come in spite of dogs and gun into the very door-yards and carry off pigs and poultry. About 1850, a bear crossed the eastern part of the township. The Kankakee with its islands and marsh is peculiarly adapted to all kinds of game native to this region. When the white people came, it was alive with game. The Indians were greatly attached to this region, and when they found'that they must go and leave this happy hunting ground, they very naturally felt disposed to make trouble. 578 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Seeing that they must leave this hunter's paradise to the white man, they resolved to despoil it as far as was in their power before leaving. They proceeded to destroy all kinds of game as fast as they could. The settlers, seeing the destruction, and knowing the motive, got together and went to the marsh where the work of destruction was proceeding. When the Indians saw the determined spirit of the settlers, they desisted. Although the Indians are generally supposed to be of a stolid and taciturn disposition, the Pottawatomies, at least, were fond of fun, and sometimes indulged in practical jokes. An example of their fun-loving spirit may be narrated here with propriety, although it occurred over the line in Porter County. Mrs. Simeon Bryant, who now lives at Hebron, tells of the Indians playing such pranks as fastening people up in their houses and cellars. Two young Indians, sons of one of the chiefs, used often to come to Mr. Bryant's. They took great pleasure in teasing a girl of about their own age, who was working at Mr. Bryant's. They would watch her, fasten her in a small house where provisions were kept, and annoy her in many ways. One day one of them placed himself with out- stretched arms in the doorway through which she wished to pass with a pan of buttermilk. He refused to stand aside. Finally, losing her patience, she dashed the pan of milk in his face, when he got out of the way in a hurry. He seemed surprised and oflfended. Some time after- ward, she had occasion to go to the tent of the father of the boys. They seemed to have been drinking, for when they saw her they seized their tomahawks and threatened to kill her ; she laughed at them, and her undaunted courage shamed them so that they allowed her to depart unharmed. The Indians used to camp to the number of two or three hundred on Red Oak Island. Here many of them were buried. The Indians bury their dead north and south, while civilized people the world over place the bodies in an east and west direction. Timber Thieves. — Much valuable timber has been stolen from the islands of the marsh and rafted down the Kankakee. Momence, in Illi- nois, was the principal rendezvous of these thieves. In early times, this went on unmolested. Even as late as 1869, the stealing continued. The summer of 1869 was an usually wet one, and the river was very high. This made it especially easy for the thieves to cut the timber and float it away without being detected. Red Oak Island was the principle point at which the thieving was being done at this time. Tbe land-owners heard of the depredations that were being committed, organized a party, and proceeded with proper precaution toward the place where the timber was being stolen. They approached the camp at night, but were unable to reach it until after daylight the next morning. Four men were captured and taken to Lowell for trial. Nine rafts of fine timber, from fifty to EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 579 one hundred feet in length, were found. Several had already gone down the river to Momence. Rev. T. H. fiall, in his history of Lake County, says : " Another division of this party, with three boats, made in the day about thirty miles of marsh and river navigation. They met with some interesting "incidents by way of variety. One of the boatmen, ' pulling ' his boat along, lost his balance, and succeeded in regaining it from the bottom of the marsh, into which he of course plunged. Others met with similar mishaps. When about to leave the river, one young man, who had succeeded in keeping dry all day, proposing to perform one more feat, pushed in a small trapper boat to try a shot at some ducks. Drawing sufficiently near, he stood up and fired. The re-action of the gun, in that frail bark, sent him backward into the water, holding on still, as he disappeared, to the destructive weapon. He secured a duck and also a ducking, to the great amusement of those who had met with like accidents during the day. If not so successful as they hoped to be, the party put some stop to the rafting of their timber down to Momence." Braining the Kankakee Marsh. — The draining of the Kankakee Marsh is a subject that has received much attention from speculators. The original scheme is still known among the people as the " Swamp Land Speculation." A large amount of swamp land was given by the United States to the several States on certain conditions. In 1852, Indiana passed a law to regulate the sale of these lands and provide for theii draining. One hundred and eighty sections of this land were located in this county. The proceeds of this land, over and above the cost of draining, were to go to the school fund. The Governor appointed a swamp land commission for each county. After these commissions had served for a time, committees were appointed to investi- gate their proceedings; large "leaks" and much regular stealing was dis- covered in Lake County. It is estimated that not less than $100,000 was stolen, while, perhaps, $40,000 or $50,000 was expended^ on the marsh. The sums stolen varied in amount from small sums up to $20,- 000. Although the school fund never realized anything from the opera- tions in this county, the money actually expended in ditching did a good deal of good, and if the whole amount had been thus expended, the benefit would have been very great. The parties who took the contracts for most of the work made their bids so low that no one who really intended to do the work could aflFord to take a contract. Most of those who took the contracts began the ditches at the edges of the marsh of the proper depth, made them more shallow farther in, where the sod or mat of roots was all that was removed, and in many places just mowed a swath the required width through the marsh grass. It is stated on good authority that pay was drawn for many ditches that were never so much as staked out. 580 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Uarly Items. — The first settlers here had to go to La Porte or Michi- gan City to mill, and to buy their supplies. They were often obliged to grate corn, and to grind buckwheat in coffee mills. Before the Indians left, there were two trading stores on Red Oak Island. Bertrand and La Voire, two Frenchmen, who had Indian wives, were the proprietors. The first birth was probably that of John Pearce, who was born in 1841. The first marriage was that probably of Miss Polly Garvey to Bsidor Prunicorn, by Squire Turner, of Crown Point. A post oflSce was established about twenty-three years ago, at a point four miles west and a little south of Hebron, on land now owned by Charles Henderson. It remained here a short time, when it was moved a short distance north- east to William Brown's. It is not now in existence. Churches. — The first religious services were held in the house of Michael Pearce, about 1845, by the United Presbyterians. The first ser- mon was preached by Benjamin Baldrich. Services were held for. a number of years at Centre Schoolhouse, and at Lower Eagle Creek for a number of years. Rev. Buchanan, of Hebron, preached at these places. There was a Baptist organization at Plum Grove for several years. No church has been built within the limits of Eagle Creek Township. Re- ligious services and Sabbath schools have been held at different times in the various schoolhouses. Industries. — There have never been any manufacturing establish- ments of much importance in the township. About twenty-five years ago, a water-mill for sawing was built on Eagle Creek. The building was a very light frame, and was not well constructed. The supply of water was insuflBcient, and the mill did but very little work. During the winter of 1866-67, a portable saw-mill was set up on Section 25. This stayed until September, of the same year, when it was moved to Cedar Creek Township. No grist-mill has ever been built in the township. A cheese factory was built in the northeastern part of the old Turner farm, by a Chicago firm ; they ran it a part of one season, when it suffered the same fate of the one at Orchard Grove, for an account of which see the history of Cedar Township. The township has been and now is almost exclu- sively agricultural. Its fine farms, commodious and even elegant farm- houses, are suggestive of independence and solid comfort. Schools, etc. — The Board of Trustees met at the house of Michael Pearce, on the 22d of April, 1853. Present : Michael Pearce, Samuel Turner and S. 0. Servis. William Brown was clerk. At this time, A. J. McCann was Treasurer, and his bond was $1,500. John W. Dinwid- die and S. Andrews, were sureties on the bond. It was ordered, " That the Treasurer pay to Caroline Burdine $26 for services rendered in School District No. 6, Township 33, Range 7 west, for the winter of 1852-53." EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 681 At the same time, Mary McGill was allowed the sum of $10.10 forteach- iug in the same district. Mr. Huffman was allowed the sum of 44 cents as Treasurer of Township 33, Range 7 west. By a vote taken on May 23, 1853, at the schoolhouse in District No. 6, Township 33, Range 7, a tax of 25 cents on one hundred dollars was voted for school purposes. No- vember 18, 1853, $9.60 was voted to Cynthia Wallace for services rendered in District No. 1. The first school of the township was taught near where Jerome Dinwiddie now lives, not far from the site of Plum Grove School- house. This was during the winter of 1846-47, in a small log house that was built by Alfred Bucklew to hold a claim. The first teacher here and in the township was Mary Ann Thompson. The second schoolhouse was built where Isaac Bryant now lives ; this was a small log cabin ; it stood until a few years ago, but was used during a part of the time for a black- smith shop. The first teacher in this house was Miss McGill, now Mrs. David Bryant. The second teacher was Miss Sherwood. Miss Cynthia Hogan and Miss Jane McGlashen, who married Samuel Turner, were among the other early teachers here. The following is a list of the teach- ers for the last three years, as far as shown by the records : 1880, Dis- trict No, 1, Mary Boad and Frank Doak ; No. 2, Lora Henderson ; No. 3, Martha J. Brown and Edith M. Brown ; No. 4, Ella Talcott and Clara A. Bliss ; No. 5, Mertie B. Johnson ; No. 6, Ella Dennison and M. J. Brown; No. 7, Cynthia Wood. 1881, No. 1, Annie R. Mc Williams and Mera Merton ; No. 2, Jennie Talcott and M. J. Brown ; No. 3, Frank Doak and Carrie Buchanan ; No. 4, Ella Talcott and Ida E. Fisher ; No. 5, Mertie B. Johnson and Samuel Turner ; No. 6, Hattie Bryant and Mary E. Davidson ; No. 7, Cynthia Wood and Tillie Beattie ; No. 8, W. C. Kelly. 1882, No. 1, Clara Irish ; No. 2, Martha Haste ; No. 3, Mary L. Dunn ; No. 4, Ida E. Fisher ; No. 5, Carrie Buchanan ; No. 6, Anna Kelly ; No. 7, Jurilla J. King ; No. 8, Sue Hildreth. Some of the other early teachers were George Doak, Mr. Cutler, Mr. Curtiss, Miss Fannie Van Houten (now Mrs. John Abrams, of Crown Point), Miss Lizzie Foster (now Mrs. John Pearce), and Henrietta Ball. 582 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. CHAPTER XII. BY a. JL. aAKARD. West Creek Township— Formation and Name — List of First and Eaklt Settlers— Early Incidents and Anecdotes— Fxbst Thinqs— Industries — Churches- Schools. ON the 9th of May, 1839, the County Commissioners ordered that South Township be divided, and that that part of it lying west of a line drawn north and south on the section line on the west side of the second tier of sections in Range 9 be known as West Creek Township, The boundaries were so changed June 8, 1853, as to embrace Section 1, Township 33, Range 10, and Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6, Township 33, Range 9. The township took its name from West Creek, which flows through it from north to south. The creek was so named because of its being farthest west of the three creeks that flow through the south part of the county. Uarly Settlers. — The following is a list of the first and early settlers of the township : Robert Wilkinson and family, who came March 5, 1835. He was generally known as Judge Wilkinson, as he was Judge of the Probate Court at an early day. John Kitchel came in 1836. Nehe- miah Hayden and family in 1837. Adian Sanger in 1838, as did Nehe- miah Spaulding, who was a blacksmith. Peter Hathaway came the same year, and brought a large family of boys ; one of them, Abraham, was married when he came, which was in 1839, in which year B. Hathaway and Silas Hathaway came. November 23, 1841, William Sanders and family came. In this year there were only fifteen voters in the township. Daniel Pulver and George Belshaw came in 1842, and A. D. Palmer in 1845. The following were also among the early settlers : Simeon Bea- dle and family, George Ferguson and family, John J. Michaels, Joseph Jackson, Alfred Foster, Lyman Foster, Calvin Taylor, Paul Dodge, Will- iam D. Taber, Johnson Wheeler, John D. Jones, two brothers by the name of French, one of whom was- married, Hiriam Dilley, Reuben Chap- man, the Widow Trullinger and her son and daughter, a Mr. Sprague, who soon joined the Mormons and went to Nauvoo, Worthington A. Clark, Maj. Torrey, Henry Torrey, Thomas Wiles, Jabez Rhodes and family, and John Green, a widower, with eight children, seven daughters and one son. This son was killed at the time of Harrison's election, while carrying the ballot box under his arm. He was riding a spirited horse, and hurrahing for his candidate, when, his horse becoming frightened, he WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. 583 was thrown, striking upgn the shoulder of the arm under which the bal- lot box was carried. His ribs were broken, and he received internal in- juries from which he died in a short time. Incidents and Anecdotes. — Game was abundant and tame here at an early day. Peter Hathaway went to his stable one morning and found a deer on a hay stack near ; he took his gun and shot it where it lay. Wolves were so numerous and bold that pigs and poultry were hard to keep. They were sometimes so bold as to go up to the open doors of the settlers and survey the inmates. Robert Wilkinson once killed ten deer before break- fast. The Indians often killed the hogs of the settlers as they ran wild in the woods ; aside from this and begging and borrowing, they seldom gave the whites any trouble. In 1837, they carried oflf Elizabeth, the in- fant daughter of David and Elizabeth Pulver. They took the child from a cradle in the house, where she was sleeping beside her twin brother John. The Indians carried the infant to camp two or three miles away, where they concealed it in a covered wagon. As soon as the child was missed, the Indians were suspected and followed to camp. When they saw the whites coming, the savages knew that they were after the child, and taking it from the wagon passed it from one to another through the camp. They petted, kissed and fondled the child as if very loth to give it up ; however, they gave it up without resistance, and Mrs. Edward Ashton lives to tell the story, although she was quite young at that time, being then in her sixth month. Two sons of Myer Spaulding, when quite small, got lost upon the marsh. They were out all night, and told the next day, when found, that the dogs came and " laughed " at them. These " dogs " were doubtless wolves, and the little fellows knew nothing of the danger through which they passed. We quote the following from Ball's History of Lake County : " The first settler at West Creek, R. Wilkinson, first Probate Judge, had some rather provoking experiences with the Indians. He was raising the walls of his log cabin, log by log, with the assistance of his son, Noah, and his wife, when fifteen or twenty stout Indians gathered round and looked on. As, by means of hand- spikes and mechanical contrivances, the three succeeded in getting the logs in place, the Indians stood around and laughed. And when greater efforts than usual were needed to raise some heavy stick, and it seemed likely to slide back upon the tugging toilers, the Indians continued to stand around and laugh, until the vexed settler felt inclined to walk in among them with a handspike. * * * The same settler returning from the Wabash region with a wagon load of provisions, drawn by oxen, and accompanied by one of his sons, having been absent many days longer than was anticipated, reached the bank of West Creek near nightfall, and found the water so high that his team could not ford the steam. Leav- 584 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. ing the oxen to look out for themselves, and his son to sleep in the wagon, with some corn meal in a sack strapped upon his head he swam the stream and reached his home, distant some half mile from the bank, and supplied the most pressing home want. The next day, trying in vain to borrow some good canoes from his Indian neighbors, who, although not trouble- some, do not seem to have been obliging, he brought his son over in a little ' dug-out,' and also an additional supply of provisions, and left the wagon for some two weeks, until the water abated." Firgt Events. — The first birth occurred in the family of Robert Wil- kihson. It was a son, and was named William, although it did not live any length of time. The first death was that of Edward Hatton, who wa^ killed in the spring of 1836 while working for Robert Wilkinson. He was felling timber and splitting rails, and had cut a tree which lodged on a smaller one. The small tree was bent over by the large one resting upon it ; Hatton stepped up to the small tree and struck his ax into it ; the tree split and a part flew back, striking him down instantly. He died in a short time, and was buried on land now owned by Mr. Wason. The grave is not marked. Statements differ as to what marriage occurred first. The first and only post office that West Creek has had was estab- lished in 1839 or 1840, with Robert Wilkinson as Postmaster. It was known as West Creek Post Office, and was kept up until May 4, 1882, when it was discontinued. Mr. Wilkinson kept the office until 1855. Maj. Torry and E. P. Farley each held the office several years. The office being kept at farmhouses, was moved several times. Joshua Spaul- ding was the last Postmaster. The first store in the township was kept by Joseph Jackson, who was granted a license by the County Commis- sioners for one year from January 1, 1838, to sell " foreign groceries." The fee charged was $5. The first election was held at the house of Robert Wilkinson in 1836. Three votes were cast at this election ; these were cast by Robert Wilkinson, Thomas Wiles and Jesse Bond. R. Wil- kinson received two votes for the office of Justice of the Peace, and Thomas Wiles received one vote for the same office. Mr. Wilkinson was declared elected by a majority of one vote. It was a very small majority, although as large as it could have been without Mr. Wilkinson voting for himself. Industries, etc. — In early times, furs were an important source of reve- nue, but soon the frontier trapper and hunter became the flourishing farmer and stock-raiser. Even at the present time thousands of water- fowl frequent the river and marsh in certain seasons, and some parties make a business at such times of shooting game here for the Chicago market. But raising grain and rearing stock has been the main depend- ence of the inhabitants. This township claims the banner for fine, heavy horses, and it seems that they have good reason for feeling proud of their WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. 585 horseflesh. It also claims the "blue ribbon," or temperance banner. It has never had a saloon or whisky shop of any kind. About 1856, Aaron Root came to the township, bringing with him 100 head of Dur- ham cattle and settling where Joseph Hayden now lives. Before the war, he built a steam saw-mill, which he ran for a few years, when it was sold and he moved away. Mr. Root was a very enterprising citizen. There have been portable saw-mills in the township at times, but the mill above mentioned is the only stationary mill that has ever been built here. Wel- lington Clarke had a cheese factory on the State road, within half a mile of the State line for a time. The only store that the township has had besides the one already mentioned under the head of " First Events," was established just over the line from Cedar Creek Post OflSce about four years ago by E. M. Taylor. This is spoken of under the head of Cres- ton, in the chapter on Cedar Creek Townsjiip. Churches. — The Methodists seem to have been the pioneers of the township in establishing religious services. As early as 1840, services were held at private houses. Rev. Halstead, from an Illinois conference, was the first minister. The first services were held at the house of John Kitchel, on the place where J. B. Bailey now lives. The second services were held at the West Creek Schoolhouse. The first church was built in 1844. It was a frame, and stood until 1869, when it was sold and moved away. At the same time one acre was deeded to the Methodist Church for a cemetery. This is situated forty rods north of the point where the State road crosses West Creek. Josiah Bryant, who lived at that time in La Porte County, gave the lumber for building the above- mentioned church. Among the first members of the Methodist society here were John and Esther Kitchel, Silas D. Hathaway and Sarah his wife, Peter D. Hathaway and wife, Paul Hathaway and wife, who lived in Illinois, Mrs. Sanger, Harriet Hayden and Nancy Spaulding. Later, the following were added : Bethuel Hathaway, Abraham Hathaway and wife, George L. Foster and wife, Lucinda Hayden (now Mrs. Bethuel Hathaway), Sarah E. Foster, Alfred D. Foster, Temperance R. Hatha- way, Walter Cleveland and Elizabeth Hathaway. Many came from a distance to attend services here. In 1869, the present frame church was erected at a cost of $1,100. The principal contributors to the building fund were Bethuel Hathaway, Jacob Hayden, Lewis Hayden, J. B. Baily, Hugh Moore, Hiram Stoers, Mary Ann Taylor, Edward Parley, Einery Brooks, Mr. Plummer, Edgar Hayden, Joseph Hayden, Reuben Chap- man and others. At present there are only about twelve members. The present minister is Rev. Merritt Strite. The present oflScers are Hiram Stoers, Jacob Hayden, Hugh W. Moor and Bethuel Hathaway, Trustees. In 1857, Lake Prairie Presbyterian Church was organized, with the Rev. 586 HISTORY OP LAKE COUNTY. H. Wason for pastor. Rev. Wason occupied the pulpit until 1864, when Rev. ». Wells took charge and served until 1868 ; the church was then without a pastor for a time. E. H. Post became pastor in 1870, and remained until 1872. Rev. Homer Sheerley, of Ohio, was pastor for three or four years. At present there is no settled minister. Rev. Harris, from Beecher, 111., has been preaching here every Sabbath after- noon since August of this year. The society met in the schoolhouse until in July, 1872, when the present church was dedicated. The building is a frame, and cost about $1,500. The present membership of the church is about forty. This church is located in what is called the " Hampshire " or "Yankee" settlement, from the fact that a large colony of New England people settled here at one time. A considerable portion of the people of this neighborhood are Congregationalists, and they assisted in the build- ing of the church, but from the fact that the Presbyterians were in the majority, it has always been known as a Presbyterian Church. The Ger- man Methodists have a church in the northeastern part of the township, two and a half miles northwest of the site of Creston. This was built in 1855, at an expense of $1,500. Here there has since been a strong society and regular services have been maintained. Andrew and George, C. Krimbill were the prime movers in the organization of the society. Mr. Beckley, Lewis Lockyer, John Mauntenaugh and Jacob have been among its strong supporters. James Henry Durenger is the present minister. Schools. — The first school in the township was taught in a small log schoolhouse that was built in 1838, upon the east bank of West Creek, on the south side of the County road, at a point near where Torry Bridge now stands. The house was built of unhewn logs, and was about 14x16 feet in size. The seats were made of slabs, and a rough board was placed on pegs across one end of the room to serve as a writing-desk. The ma- terials and labor used in constructing the house were contributed by the people who lived in the vicinity. The " English Reader " and the Testa- ment were used as text books. Miss Orsula Jackson taught the first term here. The patrons of the school were the Spauldings, Jacksons, Parleys, Brooks, Kitchels, Spragues, Greens and Wilkinsons. Some of the other teachers in this house were 0. W. Graves, Miss Jones, now Mrs. Will- iam Belshaw, and Edward P. Farley. The house stood about ten years. After this, school was held in dwellings for a time. In 1854, a frame house about 18x30 feet was built on the present site of the Michael^s Schoolhouse. In 1839, a school was held in a log house built by John Kyle, for a dwelling. This house stood on the east bank of West Creek, near the State road. It was used for two years as a school and church. Elizabeth Hurly was the first teacher ; after her. Miss Hughes taught WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. 587 here. Among the patrons of this school were the Sangers, Haydens, Kitchels, Hathaways and Pulvers. Some time before the war, a house was built half a mile east of West Creek, on the State road ; this was a small frame, and was not used long. During the summer of 1842, a school was taught by Julia Sanders on Section 8, in a log house built by John Lynch's father. This was the first school taught in this vicinity. Pulver, Ferguson, Wood, Hathaway, Sanders and Bealle were patrons of the school. The school was small, and only one term was taught in the house above mentioned. Miss Sanders was paid the extravagant sum of $1 a week for her services and enjoyed the inestimable privilege of " boarding around.'' The first schoolhouse in this neighborhood was built in 1842. William San- ders furnished the materials and bore all the expense of its erection, with the exception of $1. The neighbors turned out and helped to build it. It was raised and then the logs were " scored " and hewed on the interior of the house. This was used about thirteen years. It stood just south of the Sanders Graveyard. Some of the teachers here were Richard Parsons, Ruth Ann Graves, Jonathan Wheeler and three of his daugh- ters, Harriet Jones, Miss Lamb and Mariah Brundridge. In 1844, a log schoolhouse was built about half a mile from West Creek on the State road, on land owned by W. A. Clarke. It was built by voluntary con- tributions. Libbie Church, Miss M. A. Sigler, Washington Allen, Wor- cester Cleaver and Mariah Bryant taught in this house. In 1857, a frame house was built about sixty rods west of West Creek, on the north side of the State road. In 1877, this was moved a mile farther south and used as a dwelling; In 1855, a house was erected on the site of the old log house at Sanders' Graveyard, but before it was under cover the people concluded to change its location, and it was accordingly moved to a point half a mile farther north. The house was a good-sized frame, and about $200 was raised by subscription for the purpose of paying for it. This house was used for school purposes about twelve years, when it was sold to William Belshaw, and is now occupied as a dwelling by Edward Bel- shaw. Several additions have since been made to it. The following are the teachers in the several districts of this town- ship for the years named : In 1875 — No. 1, H. J. Rickenbrode ; No. 2, Vienna Dodge ; No. 3, Jurilla J. Rickenbrode and William Love ; No. 4, Emma Denney ; No. 5, Minnie L. Trevert and George J. Laux; No. 6, Mary Livingston and David D. Mee ; No. 7, Jennie Belshaw and Elmore Devoe ; No. 8, Jennie Maxwell and P. E. Nelson ; No. 9, James Audubon Burhans ; No. 11, Ella Ashton and M. M. Langfeld ; No. 12, Nicholas Daum ; No. 13, N. F. Daum ; No. 14, Maggie J. Sutton. The following taught in the township during the year, but the 588 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. numbers of the districts are not given : Edith J. Burhans, Marilla Allen, B. P. Ames and R. W. Bacon. In 1876— No. 1, Sophia Gromann ; No. 2, Vienna Dodge and A. M. Melville ; No. 3, Jane Maxwell and Ella Weatherman ; No. 4, Charls A. Burhans; No. 5, Minnie Trevert and H. J. Rickenbrode; No. 6, Sophia Gromann and William Love ; No. 7, Jurilla J. Ricken- brode and W. U. Northrup ; No. 8, F. E. Nelson and Charles A. Bur- hans ; No. 9, Emma Denney and Edith J. Burhans ; No. 10, Emma Den- ney ; No. 11, Maggie J. Sutton and A. L. Thompson ; No. 12, Edith J. Burhans and Maggie J. Sutton ; No. 13, Clara Weakly and G. W. Lawrence ; To. 14, Jane Maxwell and Marilla Allen ; no numbers given, Emma Denney and Libbie Kenney. In 1877 — No. 1, Sophie Gromann ; No. 2, Agnes M. Melville and Maria L. Wason ; No. 3, Alice Hayden and Albert L. Thompson ; No. 4, Libbie Kenney and M. Morrison ; No. 5, Jessie L. Hill ; No. 6, Victor Geer, Anna Hoffman and R. C. Wood ; No. 7, Ada Burhans and R. W. Bacon ; No. 8, Jennie Maxwell and H. J. Rickenbrode; No. 9, Edith J. Burhans and Emma Denney ; No. 11, Addle Storrs and Marilla Allen ; No. 13, G. W. Lawrence, Jr., and Ida Burhans; No. 14, Alice Hayden and C. F. Templeton. In 1878 — N. 1, Sohia Gromann and Gesira Beckman ; No. 2, Emma Denney and Agnes M. Dyer ; No. 3, Jennie Maxwell and Charles Strong; No. 4, William F. Kile and F. J. Taylor; No. 6, Belle Livingston and Jesse L. Hill ; No. 6, Helen A. Cleveland ; No. 7, Charles Strong and Edwin Michael ; No. 8, Almeda Brannon and Alice Hayden ; No. 9, Edith J. Burhans and Meda Brannon ; No. 11, Thirza Stone and Martha Sigler ; No. 13, Ida Brannon ; No. 14, C. F. Templeton and Julia C. Lawrence. In 1879— No. 1, Addie Storrs; No. 2, Agnes M. Dyer; No. 3, Jennie Maxwell ; No. 4, Meda Brannon and Helena Wood ; No. 5, Mrs. Jane L. Hill ; No. 6, Jessie L. Hill ; No. 7, Alice M. Bates and My- ron M. Mee ; No. 8, Lo Evans and John J. Daum ; No. 9, Ida Bur- hans ; No. 11, Martha Sigler and Charles Strong ; No. 13, Ida Bran- non ; No. 14, Thirza Storrs ; no number given, W. 0. Shriner. In 1880— No. 1, Albert Maac; No. 2, Agnes M. Dyer; No. 3, Nellie Hayden, Ida Brannon and Jennie Maxwell ; No. 4, Meda Bran- non and H. H. Ragon ; No. 5, Mrs. J. L. Hill and M. A. Palmer ; No. 6, Marcus A. Palmer and Mrs. J. L. Hill ; No. 7, Jennie Max- well and W. U. Northrup ; No. 8, Bertha Bryant and J. J. Daum ; No. 9, Ida Brannon and Emma S. Peach ; No. 11, Eliza Livingston and Linda Maxwell ; No. 13, Ida Brannon ; No. 14, Thirza Storrs. In 1881 — No. 1, Louise Gromann ; No. 2, Agnes M. Dyer and WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 589 Nellie Green ; No. 3, Thirza Storra and Emma Dumond ; No. 4, Ida Brannon and Ida B. Hayden ; No. 5, K. Haan and Belle Livingston ; No. 6, Fannie Roman and Marcus Palmer ; No. 7, Jennie Maxwell and G. W. Taylor ; No. 8, J. J. Daum and Schuyler J. Robinson ; No. 9, Emma S. Peach ; No. 11, Lulu Bryant and Charles Strong ; No. 13, Ella Ashton ; No. 14, Thirza Storrs ; no number, Albert Maac. In 1882 — No. 1, Louise Gromann ; No. 2, Nellie Green ; No. 3, Thirza Storrs ; No. 4, Eunice Daum ; No. 5, Belle Livingston ; No. 7, M. Ella Ashton ; No. 8, Jennie Maxwell ; No. 9, Hattie L. Pattee ; No. 11, Ella Rollins ; No. 13, Hattie Austin ; no number given, Emma Dumond. There are now twelve houses in the township, all of which are frame. At one time there were fourteen districts and houses. A frame house is now being built in No. 7, which is to cost $450. CHAPTER XIIL BY Q. A. OAEABD. WiNTiELD Township— Surface and Soil— List of Old Settlbes— Pio- neer Hardships— Ctjrioits and Interesting Anecdotes— First School and House- Early Religious Meetings — Temperance— Mis- cellany. THIS township has an undulating surface, which was originally cov- ered with wild grass and native trees. About one-sixth of the area was prairie and the remainder woods. The timber was in patches with- out much reference to the streams. The amount of timber at present is aa great, if not greater, than at an early day. There has always been an abundance for fuel and much material for fences and buildings has been cut from the primeval forests. Most of the first growth has been used, and for many years a second growth has been furnishing fuel and fencing. There are no streams of great size in the township. Eagle Creek crosses the southeastern part, and Deep River rises just northeast of Leroy, and circles to the northwest, trending in and out of the township in difi"erent places. There is some swamp land but no large bodies. What there is, is being drained and thus made the most valuable hay land. Blackber- ries and nuts are abundant. The soil is strong, except at a few points, mostly southern exposures, along the timber. These points are good for wheat and grazing. Hay, corn, oats, and wheat are the leading products. Hay is per- haps the most valuable and abundant crop. 590 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. Creation of Township. — The township was formed, in 1843, from Centre. The following is a copy of the order : " That all that part of Centre Township, east of a line running from the north line of Town 34 north, Range 8 west, to the south line of Centre Township, due south, on a line running between Sections 2 and 3 of Town 34 north, of Range 8 ■west, be set off as a separate township, to be known by the name of Win- field Township, and that elections in said township be held at the house of George A. Woodbridge." In 1844, the west tier of sections was cut off and put back into Centre. Later still the three southwest corner sections were put into Eagle Creek. On the first Monday in April, 1844, an election of two Justices of the Peace took place at the time and place above mentioned. George A. Woodbridge was appointed Inspector of the election. In March, 1844, it was ordered " That Wiafield Township be^ and is hereby divided into two road districts, by an east and west line drawn through the centers of Sections 19, 20 and 21, of Town 34 north, Range 8 west. All that part of said township which lies north of said line, shall be known and desig- nated as Road District No. 9, and all that part lying south of said line to be known as Road District No. 24." The township was named by Jeremy Hixon from Gen. Winfield Scott. The first permanent settler in the township was Jeremy Hixon. He located a claim about April 1, 1835, near the center of the territory that is now included in Winfield, but •which was at that time embraced in Centre Township. For some time, there were no houses nearer than five miles of his. He and family camped in a wagon while building a log hut for a home. Like most early settlers, he took land in the edge of the timber, so as to be sheltered from the piercing winter winds and convenient to fuel and building material. The Settlement. — According to the best living authorities, the follow- ing are the earliest settlers of this territory : the very first are Jeremy Hixon, William A. Nichols, William Roe and Jesse Roby. The latter was a pioneer carpenter and hunter. His skill in log-house building was equaled only by his wonderful accuracy as a marksman. His eye followed bis " skuUer " rifle barrel with even greater ease than it did the straight- edge. It is said that he was known to have shot as many as twenty deer before he stopped to skin one. A little later than the above came Maj. Jack Downing, John Lindsey, James Corbin and Miles Mattox; these were followed somewhat later by William Clark, Morris Carman, Joseph Gordon, Asahel Gregg, Josephus Gregg, Charles Gregg, Anson Gregg, Silas Gregg, Washington Gregg, Simeon Gordon, John Gillman, Augustine Humphreys, Benjamin F. Little, James D. MeNabb, Alfred Nichols, William Welch, Thomas Watts, Sr., William Young, James Young and John Young. Quite a large number of settlers came in soon WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 591 after these, and the log huts grew among the groves, and in a still morn- ing the smoke from many stick and mortar stacks curled up from among the thinned-out trees. Of later years, the growth has been gradual but continuous, until it now ranks second, perhaps, to no township in the county as an agricult- ural region. The early settlers of the township were from Ohio, Penn- sylvania, New York and several other States. At the present time, many other States are represented, as are Canada and several of the countries of Europe, as for instance England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France. Ireland is most fully represented. On the whole, the people are about as much mixed as they could well be incidentally. At the same time, a more peaceful community is hard to find. So far as known there is now nothing but Caucassian blood in the township, no negroes ever having lived here, so far as we can learn. The Pottawatomie Indians remained here, some of them, for several years after the first settlement, and Loren, a son of Jeremy Hixon, a son of Mr. Nichols of Hickory Point, and a number of other boys, and, it is supposed, girls, too, used to play with the little Pottawatomie papooses, and learn the Indian lingo from the lips of the little red-skins. Mr. Lo- ren Hixon, who has passed forty-seven years of his life in the county, and most of that in Winfield Township, is still quite proficient in the language of the people who have gone themselves, but left their language behind them in the minds of those who at that time had the receptive and reten- tive minds of childhood and youth, and who have grown old and gray, but have kept this knowledge of early times stowed away, to be preserved and handed down to generations yet unborn. Years before, the Sioux had roamed over this same ground, but they went away early, leaving nothing but a trail from northeast to southwest through the center of the township by which to track them. Indian Relics. — In 1835, near the house of Jeremy Hixon, was found a curious mortar in which the Indians used to grind their corn. It consisted of the stump of a tree of good size, hollowed out, in which the corn was placed and pounded. There were then some seven mounds on his place, but the plow, aided by the weather, has almost obliterated them. Although it is true that a sod-covered mound will stand the ravages of time better than any other structure, even though it be of the hardest stone, yet when the sod is broken it is soon washed down. Numerous arrow heads, stone axes and other Indian implements have been found. Also some trinkets that indicate the presence of pre-historic races. Pioneer Hardships. — Michigan City was the nearest trading point in 1835, and for some years thereafter. The nearest mill was Scott's, five 592 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. miles farther. Trips to these were usually made by ox team, and it was not unusual to have to unload several times in a trip — one man speaks of having unloaded and reloaded five times in a trip. Oxen were used for almost all teaming and plowing. One man usually made his trip to mill or trading point serve all his neighbors. Thus they took it turn about for fair play. The general health was not so good in those days as now, for the reason that the great amount of breaking caused so great an amount of vegetable matter to decay as to poison the atmosphere ; then, too, the drainage was not as good as now, and as there were no wells, the water used was often very poor. But from the fact that only one doctor has ever attempted to start in the township, we may infer that it is a very healthy section. It used to be quite aguish, but, as usual with drainage and cultivation, the " shakes " have sought the new ground. First Death. — The first death was that of a child of Mr. Higby, in 1836 ; it was buried in the forks of a fallen tree near by. Incidents of Early Days. — Only one bear has ever been seen ia the township, and that was seen by a boy. It was followed and killed near Grown Point. Wolves were so numerous that sheep could not be raised until after the country was well filled up. One man heard 1,000 wolves barking at one time in one pack ; he was sure that there were 1,000 of them ; so sure was he that he took the pains to get up a tree where he could see to count them ! They did not hold out by count. There were six of them ! This is a true story, for the man who told it is still living. It is said that a boy named Sam Barder caught two enormous gray rats that died the easiest of anything in the game line he had ever butchered, but when he came to skin them they opened their- eyes, looked surprised that any one should attempt to skin them, then opened the mouth and closed it suddenly on Sam's pant leg. This inno- cent animal was the Didelphys Virginiana, more commonly known as the opossum, or plain " possum." Another story better authenticated in detail than the above is, that, in, 1848, which was a very hard winter, George Wise caught a deer by the hind leg and held it until his brother came up and cut its throat ; not that he could run as fast as a deer, but the snow was deep and covered with a tough crust, through which the small feet of the deer would cut, and throw them. At about the same time, John McNabb killed one with his boot. The deer would often jump upon the ice of streams and ponds when chased, and skate across them. Again, they would fall on the side acci- dentally or intentionally, and slide across the ice in that way. One- otter has been killed, and a few turkeys as late as 1852. Bee trees were found in larger timber. Prairie chickens and squirrels abounded, and game was taken to market to exchange for groceries. Sand-hill cranes were- WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 593 numerous, and very troublesome, often taking almost entire fields of wheat and patches of corn. These long, lean, lank two-footed creatures used to flock together in great numbers. Although ungraceful, and apparently raised on stilts, they seemed to enjoy themselves greatly, and indulge in a great deal of hilarity. One of the old residents has described for us a '■ crane dance." They get together on some high knoll or sand bank ; one of the number of musical proclivities steps aside and begins to pipe, while the others begin to hop and circle about, in and out, up and down, as though in the mazes of the most fascinating dance. They seem to move with order and precision, under the direction of the " caller," and occasionally all join in the chorus. They seem to have caught the idea from the Indians, for the performance is not unlike an Indian war dance. Thousands of these tall creatures used often to alight in the township, and looked at from a distance resembled a flock of sheep walking on stilts. Log-rollings and house-raisings were among the merry gatherings of early days. Oecupations. — The township has never had an inn, mill, tannery, foundry, distillery, or other manufactory of any kind. It has always been a strictly farming community, and is likely to so continue, but there is no telling what the future may have in store, as railroads and proximity to a great city may bring wonders. 2%e Villages. — There are only two villages in the township, and they are both small. Up to 1875, there was no town in the township. The plat of the town of Leroy was recorded December 11, 1875. It was laid out by Thomas McClarn. It is located on the west half of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and twenty rods ofi' the north end of the west half of the southeast quarter of northwest quarter of Section 31, Town 34 north. Range 7 west. There are eighty- two lots, and "lots" of room around those parts for more. It was formerly called Cassville, after Dr. Levi Cass, who then owned and still owns land near. Amos Bdgington, now of Crown Point, built the first store, which was, in fact, the first building, except the grain house, in which he and family lived for some six weeks. H« sold to H. J. Nichols, who, in turn, sold to A. Z. Green, who now occupies the old stand with a general store. Samuel Love also carries a general stock of goods. There has never been a sa- loon or drug store in town. There are now thirteen houses and three large hay barns in town. Large quantities of hay are baled here for the Chicago market. For some cause or causes, the town has not grown as might be expected, from the location and country. It is said that the fact that the post office was fenced in and access was refused unless dam- ages, that some thought to be too heavy, were paid had much to do with retarding the growth of the place. Some trouble arose ; the matter was 594 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. carried to the Circuit Court, where it was decided that a United States post oflBce could not be fenced up. A lack of harmony was evident among those who should have had an eye single to the growth of the town. Prior to the decision of the court, some collisions occurred in connection with the obstructing and opening of the road. Some blood was shed and some fence material wasted. By hearty co-operation, the town may hope for better things in the future. The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad runs through the town. Palmer Station, north of Leroy, on the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad, has just been established. It now has a store and two dwellings, with indefinite prospects for the future. Amos Edgerton was the first Postmaster at Leroy. The only secret so- ciety in the township is a Grange at Leroy, that is still running. Town Officers. — At first, the township had three Trustees, while now there is but one. Jacob Wise and John Fisher were two of the first three. The present township officers are Silas Gregg, Trustee ; George Nichols, Justice of the Peace, while a son of his is Constable. Schools. — The first schoolhouse was built on Section 21, on Eagle Creek. It was constructed of unhewn logs and covered with clapboards. In size, it was 12x14 feet. It had two windows, one door, a puncheon floor, and seats made of split timbers, with legs of tough, strong sticks. The chimney was of sticks and mortar, while the fire-place was large enough to take cord wood, and such large back logs were used as to keep fire through the long intermission, from dismissal in the evening to school- call in the morning. This house was built about 1842, and taken down about 1850. Mr. Taylor taught the first term therein, or some say James Dilly did. Caroline Soul was among the first teachers of the township. The desks in the above-named house were ranged around the wall on pins placed in the logs at different elevations to suit size of pupils. As an instance of the expedients adopted to shield people from the cold in early times, this same house was Ceiled after a few years, and above the rough board ceiling was filled in with sod, which, of course, made it warm overhead. This house, doubtless, held the largest schools ever taught in the township. It is stated that fifty or sixty pupils, ranging in age from five to thirty years, used to congregate here for instruction. One time, at recess, the pupils at play dislocated the elbow of one Chester Grout; as there was no doctor near, the teacher and Loren Hixon, one of the pupils, succeeded in setting it. The boy got along without further medical attendance. There was a pond near the house ; one day at noon the boys became so busily engaged at skating as not to hear the heavy ruler as it drummed on the door, nor the oft-repeated call of books ! books ! books ! as the master pounded harder and called louder. Finally, they came and were brought up in a row for punishment. The row was , WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 595 80 long as to take the shape of a fish hook. The master took a heavy leg from a puncheon seat and began business at the head, and soon came to the point. To the first boy he gave a " smart" box ; to the second, who is now Gen. Cameron, he was going to give the bench leg, but the young General would not surrender, and, instead of laying down his arms, showed fight. The boys came to his rescue ; the teacher hesitated, and the boys all marched out in single file under the leadership of young Cameron. The first teacher got $13 a month and boarded around. Since then, in a period of twenty years the wages have run, for winter schools, $16, $25, $28, $40, $45, $30, the last being the present pay. Summer schools used to run from $2.50 to $3 a week and board, while now the average is about $20 a month without board. The second school was taught two miles north and west of the above-named in a hewed log house. The third school was established in the Methodist Church at Hickory Point. There are now six houses and seven districts in the township. Five of these houses are frame and one is brick. Another brick is to be built this fall at Palmer. Churches. — The first church was a log stricture on Deer Creek, built about 1852. The present Methodist Church stands on or near the site of the old log chapel. It was built of round logs, and while it was build- ing a Mr. Cooper, who now lives at Crown Point, came along and asked what they were building a hog-pen in that place for ? The reply elicited the fact that instead of being intended for that low purpose, it was soon to be dedicated to the Most High. The first religious meeting was held at the house of Mr. Young, by Rev. French, a Baptist minister. The Methodists were the first to organize, which they did at Hickory Point. Among the first members were William Nichols and wife, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Miller. As the Methodists were the first regularly organized church, so they are at present the only regularly organized society in the township. The church at Deer Creek is the only church edifice and contains the only society in existence in the township. The house cost perhaps $800. There was one built in Hickory Point about 1842, which was the first frame church. Sanitary Oondition. — There has never been a saloon or drug store in the township, and the people have, as a rule, been sober and industrious. In point of health, since the ague times, there has been no cause of com- plaint. One Dr. Anderson attempted to establish himself in the practice of medicine in Cassville (now Leroy), but, the good health of the com- munity being too much for him, he left for less salubrious climes ; 1847 was called the sickly season. Since then there has been some ague along Deep River Marsh, but not much. jj 596 HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY. . Migoellaneoufi.Some almost obliterated mounds are found on the place of Mr. Philips. This township now stands second in land appraisement. The pro- ductiveness of the soil may be illustrated by this, that in 1880 Thomas McClaren raised three good crops on one piece of land ; and neither one was a crop of weeds. He put first early potatoes ; used them, and as he dug them hoed the rows of sweet corn that he had planted at the proper time between the rows of potatoes. When the corn was in roasting ear, it was pulled, the stalks cut for stock, and turnips sowed in season and gathered in due time. This example is certainly worthy of imitation, eapecially by those who have but little ground to till, and wish to make the most of it. While it has been stated that no saloon has ever existed here, yet in early days whisky was found in almost every house and kept for sale in many of them ; but drunkenness was seldom known, probably owing to the fact that whisky then was whisky, and not a miserable, " measly " mixture of deadly drugs. Joseph McFarland, of Hickory Point, brought the first merino sheep to the township. At one time (in I860), large numbers of sheep were brought in from Ohio, and almost every farmer had a supply ; but owing to the fact that many of them were diseased, the venture was not a success, and most farmers went out of the business. At present many farmers keep sheep and find them a paying investment. There are two cemeteries in the township. Both are small. The oldest is at Hickory Point ; the other is near the Deer Creek Church. The old State road, that formerly crossed the township, is now mostly closed up, and has given place to square corners, instead of the old straight-cut across the country from southeast to northwest. The first brick house was built by Mr. Wise. Reuben Hipsley and J. Q. Benjamin have the finest houses, perhaps. J. L. Hipsley built the first barn of any size. The first post office was Winfield, near the center of the township. It was closed in the spring of 1882. The Chicago & Atlan- tic Railroad, already referred to as now being built, has had much trouble with fills and bridges. In one marsh, which is about twenty-five rods across, and which is dry in a dry time, it seemed next to impossible to get a solid bed by filling. The filling kept sinking and the marsh bulg- ing up on either hand until it seemed as if the marsh would eat all the earth the company could get for it and still be hungry ; but finally it got full, and now the bed is firm and the engine goes over in safety. The bridge over Eagle Creek also was the source of much annoyance. No firm foundation could be had without using piles, and they gave so as to let the bridge sag about eighteen inches at one end. The township voted no tax to either road. WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 59T In 1853, the valuation of the township was about $28,000. At first the people traveled and hauled on home-made sleds in summer as well as in winter ; and those who tried it say that sleds slide smoothly on the BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. AMOS ALLMAN was born in Atwick, Yorkshire, England, Febru- ary 27, 1825. He is a son of Maj. AUman ; by trade a tailor ; a preacher of the Methodist Church for thirty-five years, and three times married ; his first wife was Margaret Haxby, born in England in 1790, and died there in 1826, leaving seven children, of whom Amos is the youngest ; his third is Laura Brooks, who now resides in Chicago. Maj. AUman was born in England in 1791, and came to Lake County a pioneer in 1842, and purchased a part of what is now Crown Point. He was Recorder eleven years, and in 1856 removed to Sturgis, Mich., where he died De- cember 28, 1858, aged sixty-seven years. Amos AUman came to Amer- ica with his father in 1830, and lived in Toronto and Whitby, Canada, residing with his eldest sister. In 1842, he began to learn the trade of a tailor at Sturgis, Mich. In 1843, he came to Crown Point and worked at his trade, which he soon abandoned, owing to a partial failure of sight, and went back to Sturgis, where he remained until 1855, engaged in mer- cantile business. He again returned to Lake County to look after his father's business of Recorder, and has since remained. In 1856, he was elected Recorder, and held the position for eight years, since which time he has been actively engaged in the real estate business, having the only complete set of abstract books in Lake County. Mr. AUman has been twice married, once November 26, 1857, to Miss Olive Wilcox, who died June 1, 1859, without issue, and again to Miss Mary A. Duther, on March 22, 1860, by whom he had five children — Walter L., Irene, Jessie, Claude and Nellie. Mr. AUman owns the old Crown Point homestead, and is one of the solid men of Lake County, a most respected citizen. He was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican, and for eighteen months, beginning in 1866, he was Deputy Revenue Collector of Lake County. WILLIAM S. BABBITT, Superintendent of the county farm, was born in Orleans County, Vt., December 19, 1825, and is one of the four children of Joshua and Betsey (Scott) Babbitt. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and moved to Ohio in 1826 ; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and commanded a battery at the battle of Plattsburg; he was Sherifi" of the county at the time of his death ; his mother was a native of Vermont, and died in 1832. William S. Babbitt lived with a eOO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: man named Kimball until he was eleven years old, when he ran away and shipped on a Cape Cod fishing vessel, and afterward went on a whaling cruise, making three voyages. He has " doubled " Cape Horn five times, and crossed the Isthmus of Panama once. He has been twice shipwrecked, the crew being saved each time. In 1854, he quit seafaring, and settled to farming in Ross Township, this county. On December 25, 1854, he was married to Harriet Irish, a native of Vermont. To this union there followed five children, four living — John J., Aaron S., Lucia M. and Sabra H. Mr. Babbitt was a soldier in the late war in Company E, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers ; eight months later he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and in 1862 promoted to a Captaincy, and transferred to Company C. At the battle of Chancellorsville, he was severely wounded and discharged July 2, 1863. He was afterward Deputy Provost Mar- shal and Government detective during the war. He then resumed farm- ing until made Superintendent of the Poor Farm in March, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Babbitt are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Babbitt is a member of Lodge, 551, of Freemasons ; he is also a Republi- can. S. A. BARR, station agent Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Rail- road, was born in York County, Penn., May 5, 1842, and is one of six children born to Samuel and Sarah A. (Dunlap) Barr, both natives of the " Keystone State." Samuel Barr has been a life-long merchant, but is now living retired, with his wife, at Naperville, 111. S. A. Barr was reared in Cumberland County, Penn., received an academic education, and commenced as a teacher when fifteen years of age. In 1862, he was married to Miss Emma C. Standish, at Naperville, and daughter of Hiram Standish, a lineal descendant of Miles Standish, of Plymouth Rock Colony fame. By this union they have ha,d five children — Clar- ence W., Herbert S., Frederick A., Clara Leora and Harry, the last four natives of Crown Point. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundredth and Fifth Illinois Volunteers, was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland ; his first engagement was Resaca, followed by the Atlanta campaign of eighty days' fighting. Mr. Barr was wounded at Peach Tree Creek by a minie ball, which he yet carries in his head — a memento of the time ; he was dischared with the command June, 1865, having risen to be Second Corporal. After this time he was em- ployed at Hinsdale, 111., by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, also at Burlington, Iowa, as telegraph operator, and afterward by the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, in charge of Crown Point Station, Ind. Mr. Barr is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, having advanced very far in both ; his father-in-law, Hiram Standish, was born in 1807, aad is one of the oldest railroad men ia CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 601 Illinois ; he learned telegraphy when fifty-six years old, and is in the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Mount Joy, 111. FRANK S. BEDELL, Post OESce Inspector and ex-editor of the Grown Point Register, was born in Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836, and is one of. the ten children of Norman and Amanda (Smiley) Bedell, both natives of New York ; his father was engaged in the hard- ware trade, and afterward as manufacturer, which he continued until his death in 1873 ; his mother is yet living in New York. Frank S. Bedell was sent to the public schools, and afterward to Genesee Wesleyan Col- lege at Lima, which he left after one year to work at the printing trade, which he began at fourteen years of age ; he had charge of the printing ' of the Rome Sentinel and Orleans Republican, where he learned his trade. In 1850, he moved to Michigan, and was employed as book- keeper at Grand Rapids. In 1857, he came to Crown Point, and on August 4 was married to Miss Leila G. Robinson, daughter of Solon Robinson, one of the original proprietors of the town. Mr. Bedell was a compositor on the Crown Point Herald, now Register ; he afterward removed to Chautauqua, N. Y., and engaged in the livery business. In 1861, he was telegraph editor on the Dubuque Times ; he returned to Crown Point and purchased an interest in the Register, becoming sole proprietor on the death of his partner, A. B. Beattie, in 1869 ; he sold one half interest, in 1876, to C. W. Ainsworth. In politics, Mr. Bedell is a Republican, and in June, 1881, he received his commission as Post Office Inspector. Mrs. Bedell is a native of Crown Point. She studied medicine and had a three years' course at the Boston University School of Medicine, from which she graduated in 1878. She practices the Homoeopathic principle, chiefly in Chicago. Mr. Bedell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has advanced to the chapter. CRIP BINYON, proprietor of the Cedar Lake House at Cedar Lake, was born in this county October 29, 1847, and is one of the seven chil- dren of John and Nancy (Hughes) Binyon. His father was one of the earliest settlers of this county, and now resides with his son Crip. Crip Binyon was a born farmer, and as such he is still partly engaged. The ground of this resort was owned by his father, who prepared it for the resort that it now is. With the opening of the C, N. A. & L. R. R., business began in earnest ; he has frequently fed 200 guests, and has this year added to his buildings, and will further add thereto, in order to ac- commodate his patrons ; he is building a new boat-house, and expects to have in use fifty new boats in 1883. In the winter it will be a skating resort ; he has not advertised his location, depending, rather, upon the testimony of his guests for his success. On May 19, 1871, he was mar- ried to Flora Pierce, a native of this county, born January 23, 1846. 602 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: They have four children — Lewis, Emma, Claude and Hall. Mrs. Binyon has charge of the interior arrangements, for which she is every way com- petent. Mr. Binyon is a Republican. M. G. BLISS, M. D., was born in Otego, Otsego County, N. Y., November 24, 1828, and is one of the eleven children of Simeon and Bet- sey (Knapp) Bliss, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Rhode Island. Simeon Bliss was a life-long farmer, and moved from New York to Indiana in 1856, locating in White County, where he died in 1864, and his wife about one year afterward. The grandfather of our subject was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. Dr. Bliss resided with his parents until his seventeenth year, attending school, and after- ward assisting his brothers in the lumber trade, finishing his literary edu- cation at Wellsburg Academy, in Tioga County, Penn. In 1850, he went to California, via Isthmus of Panama, where he engaged in mining for three years. On arriving at Foster's Bar, Yuba River, he had but $1, which he invested in a dinner. In 1853, he returned to the States, and began the study of medicine with Dr. Eaton, of Cass County, Ind. After his first term of lectures, he began practice at Pulaski, and, in September, 1861, enlisted as private in Company E, Ninth Illinois Cav- alry, and, after three months, was promoted to Battalion Quartermaster, with rank of Second Lieutenant. During most of his term, he was on detached duty as Assistant Surgeon until his discharge, in 1863. He then recommenced practice in Pulaski, and, in 1865, came to Crown Point and began the drug business; this he continued until 1874, when he was burned out. During the winter of 1874-75, he attended lectures at and graduated from Bennett Eclectic Medical College, Chicago, since which he has been in practice at Crown Point, where he is a leading and successful physician. In November, 1860, he was married to Miss H. Amanda Herring, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., and a resident of Lo- gansport, Ind. To this union succeeded one daughter — Lillie. Mrs. Bliss died in 1863. In 1865, Dr. Bliss married Miss Sarah B. Herring, sister of his former wife ; she died in 1879, leaving three children — George M., Harry P. and Susan L. Dr. Bliss is a Mason, a Republican, and Secretary of the Board of Health of Lake County. JOHN BROWN, Auditor of Lake County, was born in Eagle Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., September 7, 1840, and is one of the chil- dren of Alexander F. and Eliza A. (Barringer) Brown, both natives of New York. Alexander Brown was a farmer, and being connected in the construction of a railroad at Peoria, 111., came West in 1836. Com- ing to Lake County, he decreed to make it bis future home, and in 1837 his family settled there and engaged in agriculture. He became a leadini? farmer and citizen, and received a nomination for State legislator, but for CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 603 which he was defeated. In October, 1849, he was thrown from a wagon and killed. His widow yet resides at Crown Point. John Brown was raised in Lake County, and has since made his home there. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry ; was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and participated in many battles, having assisted in the capture of Gen. Morgan. He was a prisoner for seven months, hav- ing been captured at Sunshine Church, near Macon, Ga., and was con- fined at Andersonville, Charleston and Florence, and was subjected to the privations and barbarity which befell our soldiers as prisoners of war ; he was discharged at Indianapolis in August, 1865. After the war, Mr. Brown engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1870, whea he was elected by the Republicans Treasurer of Lake County ; he removed to Crown Point, served his term of two years, was re-elected for two years more, and in 1876, by the same party, elected County Auditor, and at the close of four years re-elected, and is now serving his second term. Mr. Brown and his brother, Barringer, own the Eagle Creek homestead, now numbering 600 acres. In July, 1871, he was married to Miss Almira L. Clark, a native of Lake County, Ind., by whom he has had three chil- dren — Neil, Earl A. (deceased), and Alice M. Mr. Brown is a member of the Masonic body and also of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. W. B. BROWN, or Barringer Brown, as he is universally known in Lake County, a dealer in hay, grain and live-stock, is a son of Alexander F. and Eliza A. (Barringer) Brown, and was born in Eagle Creek Town- ship, Lake County, Ind., June 18, 1843, where his home has since been. He attended the schools of the day, and was reared a farmer. In Octo- ber, 1877, he was married to Miss Carrie Sigler, of Hebron, to which union there has been issue of two daughters — Mabel and Bessie. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brown removed to Crown Point, where they now reside. In addition to his present business, Mr. Brown has gen- eral charge of the old homestead of 600 acres, of which a stock farm has been made. The business of dealing in hay, grain and stock, carried on by Brown Bros., amounts to $60,000. Mrs. Brown's parents were among the oldest settlers of Lake and Porter Counties, and mention of this family is made in the history of Boone Township, Porter County. JAMES BURGE, one of the early settlers of Lake County, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., January 18, 1814 ; his father was a native of Vermont, three times married, and a farmer ; by his first wife he had nine children, by his second eight, by his third, none. He came to Porter County, Ind., in 1838, where he died in 1877, aged ninety years. James Burge remained in New York until he was twenty-two years of age, receiving such edaeation as was at that day attainable. On August 6, 1835, he was married to Adaline Griswold, a native of Oneida 604 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: County, N. Y. In 1836, he emigrated to Porter County, Ind., where a brother was living, and located in Union Township, where he remained five years, and moved to Horse Prairie, there remaining seven years. In 1848, he purchased in Winfield Township, where he spent most of his life. Mrs. Burge was a member of the M. E. Church, and died June 13, 1861, a loving and faithful consort, leaving five children — Jane A. (de- ceased), Orrin P., Mary A., Hersey I., Jasper D., Gilbert L. (deceased), and Myron L. Mr. Burge married a second wife, Ann Underwood, by whom he had one daughter — Minnie M. (now Mrs. Frank Holmes) ; she died June 28, 1881. On September 21, 1881, Mr. Burge married his present wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Welchhonce) Mc Williams, and now lives in retirement at Crown Point. Mr. Burge is one of the few remaining old settlers who can recall the ordeals of his pioneer experience. In poli- tics, he is a Republican ; he was at one time a Methodist, but left the church on account of its tolerance of secret societies, of which he is a strong opponent. EDWIN CHURCH was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Octo- ber 26, 1829, and is the eldest of nine children of Darling and Annis (Rockwell) Church, both natives of New York. Darling Church was a cooper, at which he labored for years in Elba, N. Y.; he was married in Monroe County, N. Y. In 1836, he moved with his family to Calhoun County, Mich., where he purchased a tract of unimproved land, built a cabin and began to improve. This he sold in 1837, and moved to West Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., where he entered eighty acres, building the first house on Western Prairie ; it consisted wholly of wood, with clapboard roof. In 1843, he sold and removed to La Porte County, Ind., thence to Michigan, where he remained until 1868. He lived in Decatur and Allegan, Mich., in which last place he died, February 18, 1872. He was prominent and a Deacon in the Baptist Church. Edwin Church received a fair share of schooling, and assisted his father until twenty-one years of age. In 1851, he went to California via Panama, where he engaged in the mining and lumber business until 1853, when he returned to Jackson County, Mich., where he purchased a farm and engaged \n farming. In 1868, he began the grocery business at Decatur. In 1872, he removed to Allegan, Mich., where he engaged in the same business until 1874, when he moved to Crown Point and established the grocery trade ; he carries a full stock and has a large business. On December 26, 1853, he was married to Abigail Burge, a native of Perry County, Ohio, and daughter of Seth and Lucy J. (Smith) Burge, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Church have had two children, one of whom survives — Corydon. Mr. and Mrs. Church are members of the Baptist Church ; he is an old settler and a leading business man. CROWN POINT AND CKNTRE TOWNSHIP. 605 ALEXANDER CLARK (deceased) was the third of six children of Judge William and Ann (Campbell) Clark, and born in Jennings County, Ind., November 4, 1822. His parents came from the Bast, and were among the earliest settlers in Lake County at a time when this re- gion was sparsely inhabited, and Indians and all wild game were abund- ant. They first located in Jennings County ; afterward, with the old pioneer, Solon Robinson, became in part owners of the site of Crown Point. William Clark, or Judge Clark, as he was more commonly known, was, perhaps, more strongly identified with Crown Point than any other single person ; he died in 1869, aged eighty-one years. Alexander Clark lived with and assisted his parents until manhood, receiving a fair educa- tion for the times, until November 5, 1848, when he was married to Miss Susan Wells; he engaged in agriculture and made Lake County his home, becoming an influential and prominent citizen ; he died February 22, 1879, leaving a widow and one daughter to lament his loss. Emma J., his daughter, was born in Lake County, July 13, 1854, and married, December 28, 1875, to John M. Hack, they now being parents of two sons — Howard C. and Freddie A. The widow of Alexander Clark was born near Detroit, Mich., September 18, 1828, and is one of five children of Henry and Adaline (Withrell) Wells, who came from Massachusetts in 1838, and were among the pioneers of Lake County, Henry Wells be- ing an esteemed and honorable citizen, having been County Treasurer and County Sherifi" each two terms ; he died May 10, 1876, and is buried with his wife in the village cemetery. Both the Clark and Wells, as also the Hack families, were honored and worthy pioneers, as their descend- ants are valued and esteemed citizens. JAMES DOAK was born in Beaver County, Penn., January 27, 1827, and is one of the nine children of John and Mary M. (Anderson) Doak, the former a native of Beaver, and the latter of Washington County, Penn. The grandfather of James Doak, Robert Doak, emigrat- ed from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania ; he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and drove the continental pay wagon. John Doak was a farmer, a soldier of the war of 1812, and helped to guard the British fleet captured by Commodore Perry. In 1840, he removed with his family to what was Richland County, Ohio, and settled on 160 acres, built a frame house and cleared his land, where he died April 15, 1874, in his eighty -first year ; he was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a member fifty years. James Doak received some instruction, and worked on his father's farm until twenty -two years of age. In 1849, he entered 160 acres in Eagle Creek Township, which he improved and where he long resided. In 1850, he went to Ohio, where he taught school and married Elizabeth Stevens, of Ohio, daughter of Hiram and Phebe 606 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: (Sterns) Stevens. To this union were born five children, only one of whom survives— Francis S. Mrs. Doak died April 9, 1867 ; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church. On April 28, 1868, Mr. Doak was married to Mrs. Bessie Talcott, a native of Albany County, N. Y., and daughter of John and Nancy (Trumbull) Martin, of Albany County. Mr. and Mrs. Doak have one child— Jessie May. Mr. Doak was for several years Justice of the Peace in Eagle Creek Township. He is a Republican and a pioneer of Lake County. Mrs. Doak and daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. JOHN DONCH was born in Mecklar, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, July 28, 1824, and is the only survivor of three children born to John and Barbara Elizabeth (Klump) Donch, also natives of the same place. His father was a farmer ; both parents died in Germany. John Donch, our subject, was reared on a farm, attended the common schools, and when twenty-one years old, he entered the German Army for five years, by rea- son of which he obtained better educational advantages. In 1851, he determined to come to America ; accordingly, he shipped on a Prussian vessel, and after eight weeks reached New York. He moved West on an exploring expedition, reaching Chicago, where he remained four weeks, thence to Lake County, Ind., remaining five months, and thence, in 1852, by reason of the "gold fever," left with a party to California, by land. He remained in the gold fields eleven months, with some suc- cess, when he returned via Nicaragua to Lake County, after an absence of eighteen months. He purchased land in West Creek Township, near Lowell, which he farmed until the war. On September 25, 1861, he en- listed at Chicago, in the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry ; he was in active service in Missouri and Arkansas, first as private, and afterward as Sec- ond Lieutenant, which he resigned June 10, 1863. He re-enlisted as a private in Company A, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, and fourteen days later was mustered in as Sergeant. In a line of promotion he was com- missioned Second Lieutenant November 1, 1863, and First Lieutenant November 26, 1863. Up to February, 1864, Mr. Donch was in service in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. At the battle of Okalona, he was wounded by a minie ball through the wrist. From loss of blood he became unconscious and was taken prisoner, and remaining for ten months in captivity and suffering. He was paroled, made a visit home, and joined his regiment in April, 1865, at Memphis, thence going to Louisiana and Texas, being finally discharged February 18, 1866, after a service of four and one-half years. Before being discharged. Lieutenant Donch was made Captain. After this glory, he returned to Lake Coun- ty and engaged in farming until 1872, when he was chosen Sheriff, to which he was re-elected, serving in all four years, and a succeeding four CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 607 years as Deputy Sheriff. He is now retired, and has 300 acres in West Creek Township. Capt. Donch is a Republican. On Decembers, 1871, he was married to Miss Louisa Mader, a native of Chicago, born Febru- ary 16, 1856, and daughter of Charles and Dora (Kern) Mader, who had three children. Mr. Mader is a native of Saxony, and Mrs. Mader, of Wurtemberg ; they reside in Chicago. JOHN A. DU BOIS was born in Wadern-on-the-Rhine, Germany, February 3, 1832, and is one of the eleven children of Charles and Made- line (Thedard) Du Bois, the former a native of Paris, the latter of Parls- duke, France. Nicholas Thedard, grandfather of John, was an officer of Gen. La Fayette, whom he accompanied to America. He was wounded in the battle before Torktown. After his return to France, he became a Colonel under Napoleon I, and was with the great commander in his Egyptian campaign ; he was also engaged in the Italian, Austrian and memorable Russian campaigns. During the latter, he was taken ill ; re- turned to France, but rejoined the army before the battle of Leipsic, where two horses were shot beneath him. Charles Du Bois was educated in Paris, and held office under the French Government, viz., Sheriff of the Province of Lorraine, in which he was continued, after said province became part of Prussia, until his death, in 1857 ; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity. John A. Du Bois was educated in the schools of his native country, and assisted in his father's office until he was twenty years old, when he emigrated to the United States and settled in Wilkes Barre, Penn., where he learned blacksmithing ; he worked as a journeyman until 1855, when he moved to Chicago, and later to Crown Point, Lake Co., Ind., where he worked until 1858, when he opened a shop for himself, which he has continued successfully. On January 20, 1858, he was married to Mary Young, a native of Syracuse, N. Y., and daughter of Peter and Mary (Margramm) Young, the former from Lor- raine, the latter from Alsace. Mr. and Mrs. Du Bois have six children — Charles G., Antoine, Melissa, Mary B., Eleanora and Mary Louisa. Mr. Du Bois is an old and esteemed citizen. EDER BROTHERS, cigar manufacturers, are sons of John B. and Theresa (Huber) Eder, natives of Bavaria. John B. Eder was a tanner, which trade he followed in the old country : he was also, for thirteen years, a soldier in the Bavarian Army. In 1855, he emigrated with his family to Chicago, where he resided until 1864, when he came to Crown Point, at which place he remained until his death, February 3, 1877 ; he was a member of the Catholic Church. Joseph Eder, senior member of the firm, was born at Landau, Bavaria, September 21, 1849 ; he came to America with his parents, and received a fair education from the com- mon schools of Chicago. When thirteen years old, he began to learn 608 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: cigar-making, at which he served three years. He worked aa a journey- man in Chicago until 1870, when he opened a shop at Van Buren and Fifth avenue, where he was burned out in 1871 ; he afterward recom- menced business at 163 Mohawk street. North Side. In 1874, he came to Crown Point and opened a shop, being joined in 1875 by his brother, George M., as a partner, since which they have done an excellent busi- ness. They carry a large and varied stock of manufaictured tobacco, pipes, snuflf, etc. Joseph Eder was married December 19, 1879, to Bar- bara Ofenluch, of Germany, by whom he had two children. Both he and she are members of the Catholic Church. George M. Eder, junior member of the firm, was born at Landau, Bavaria, February 23, 1855 ; he had equal advantages with his brother, and likewise learned cigar-mak- ing; he was married, September 24, 1878, to Frances M. Scherer, of Crown Point. They have had three sons. Mr. and Mrs. Eder are mem- bers of the Catholic Church. He is Clerk and Treasurer of the town, and is now serving his fourth term. The Eder brothers are among the enterprising young men of the county. REUBEN FANCHER was born in Huron County, Ohio, April 28, 1834, and in one of thirteen children born to T. S. and Amy (Chapman) Fancher, both natives of Connecticut. T. S. Fancher was a life-long farmer, who, with his wife, is yet living on the homestead in Huron County, Ohio. Reuben Fancher was reared a farmer, and acquired a limited education in the pioneer days of Huron County. He assisted his father until 1854, when he determined to find employment and home farther westward. He removed to Michigan, and in 1855 to Lake County, Ind. He purchased eighty acres in Centre Township at $ 7.50 per acre, afterward adding eighty more at $10. When the war began, Mr. Fancher disposed of this and engaged in the real estate business at Crown Point. He was also acting Deputy Sheriff". Here he purchased twelve and a half acres, where he now resides, and his present businesa place, in a partnership with Frederick Fessenden. Mr. Fancher was married in Buffalo, N. Y., to Mary E. Hawkins, daughter of William and Angelina (Goodyear) Hawkins. This union was blessed by three children — William S., Mary and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Fancher are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Fancher is a Freemason and an Odd Fellow, in the latter order having passed through the encampment. In politics, he is a Republican. In 1865, he formed a partnership with Andrew Krimbill in the agricultural implement business, in which he has continued ; his present partner is Mr. Fessenden, with whom he has been associated since 1881. Mr. Fancher is an energetic business man, and has successfully established a large and growing trade. JOHN FISHER, Surveyor of Lake County, was born in Schenec- tady County, N. Y., September 7, 1832, and is one of the eight children GROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 609 of Alexander and Agnes (Brown) Fiaher. His father was a native of Ayer, and his mother, of Paisley, in Scotland. His father was a ma- chinist, and left "Bonnie Scotland" in 1818, sailing to Montreal, Can- ada, whence, after a year, he went to Schenectady County, N. Y., where he married in 1819 ; his mother died in 1862 ; his father in 1866. Both were Presbyterians. John Fisher received but a plain education, and was "bred to farming, but is a proficient in mathematics. In 1855, he heard of the sale of lands in this region, and, hoping to find employment as a surveyor, he came to Lake County and engaged in his vocation ; he ran the first lines on the P., C. & St. Louis Railroad, on which he worked as engineer ; he has done more surveying than any man in the county. On November 7, 1865, he was married to Amelia J. Willey, a native of this county, born April 3, 1841. She is a daughter of George Willey (a sketch of whom is contained in this work). Mr. and Mrs. Willey have had two children, one of whom remains — George W. Mrs. Fisher is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Fisher is a Freemason, of Lodge No. 157. He is a Republican, and has been County Surveyor for twenty- two years, supported by all parties. LUMAN A. FOWLER, one of the early settlers of Lake County, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., October 1, 1809, and is a son of Josiah and Louisa (Stewart) Fowler. His parents moved to Palmyra, N. Y., where his mother died, his father afterward moving to Washtenaw County, Mich., where he died. Luman A. Fowler had a fair education, and was by trade a carpenter and joiner. At Dearborn, Mich., on Octo- ber 18, 1835, he was married to Miss Eliza Cochran, daughter of John and Jane (Kessler) Cochran, born October 27, 1816, in Madison Coun- ty, N. Y. This union was blessed with nine children — Harriet A. (de- ceased), Rollin D., Josephine (now Mrs. Williams), Arnold, Luman A., William S., Mary J. (now Mrs. Peterson), Alta E. (now Mrs. Pinney) and Mabel E. (now Mrs. Beidelman). Mrs. Fowler is yet living in Crown Point. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler emigrated to what is now Lake County, locating in Centre Township, where Mr. Fowler farmed. At that period Indians and game were more abundant than white subjects, and they endured the hardships of most early settlers. After- ward Mr. Fowler became a leading citizen, whose judgment on public matters was often invoked by friends and neighbors. He was elected County Sheriff seven times, serving fourteen years — an evidence of pub- lic confidence. In 1850, he went to California, where he spent six years in mining, and returned to Crown Point where, on April 12, 1870, after eight days' illness with pneumonia, he departed. He was an honorable man, and very greatly lamented. JOHN B. FRAAS, one of the early settlers of Lake County, was born in Staumbach, Bavaria, August 25, 1830, and was the only son of (510 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: John E. and Elizabeth (Bower) Fraas. He was a carpenter by trade, and came to the United States in 1854, settling in Lake County, Ind. After working awhile at his trade, he started a small lumber yard at Crown Point, which he continued until his death, in 1871, then having the largest yard in the county, and valued at $10,000. On February 21, 1858, he was married to Margaretha Popp, of Bavaria, born April 26, 1835, by whom he had six children, three now living — John E., Elizabeth (Mrs. J. Naumann) and Paulina. John E. Fraas, Jr., was born June 2, 1859, in this county. He has a good education, and has clerked for William Krimbill and C. W. Wheeler. At the age of nineteen, he began farming, and has continued the same. On December 26, 1881, he was married to Frances Meachek, a native of Germany, born March 28, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Fraas are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Fraas is a Republican. FRANKLIN FULLER, a pioneer of Lake County, was born in Athens (now Vinton) County, Ohio, January 28, 1827, and is a son of James and Lydia (Dodge) Fuller. His parents were descendants of the oldest families of Massachusetts, who settled in Ohio during the war of 1812. His father was a stone-mason, but became a farmer after coming to Ohio. The family came to this county in 1839. Franklin worked at farming during the summer and dealt in furs during the winter. During the last sixteen years, he has devoted himself to live stock, and has handled more than any one man in this part of the county. Prior to 1870, he was alone, but afterward he formed a partnership with H. J. Nichols, under the firm name of Fuller & Nichols. In 1850, he married Hannah Ferguson, born in Brie County, Penn., and daughter of George and Mary Ferguson. To this union succeeded nine children — Oratio C, Cynthia A. (now Mrs. W. E. Sherman), Mary R. (now Mrs. M. L. Tut- hill), Melissa E. (now Mrs. J. J. Kenney), Melvina E. (now Mrs. Frank- lin Didie), Frank M., Minerva A. (now Mrs. George Fisher), Samantha E. and Lydia E. Mrs. Fuller is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Fuller is a Democrat, but liberal in local affairs. ELIHU GRIFFIN was born in Henry County, Ind., March 23, 1830, and is one of the ten children of Samuel and Lydia (Reynard) GrifBn, both natives of Ohio. Samuel Griffin was a farmer, and died January, 1880, at his home in Henry County, where his widow survives him. Elihu Griffin was reared on a farm, and attended a select Quaker school, his parents being of that sect, and afterward learned the trade of a tanner. At the age of eighteen he began the study of law at Centre- ville, Wayne County, with Jacob and George W. Julian, and August 30, 1851, was admitted to the bar. He located in Wayne County, thence moved to Henry County, and, in addition to practice, engaged in mer- CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 611 chandising. In January 5, 1851, he was married to Miss Melissa Scott, born in Kentucky in 1832. In 1857, Mr. GrifiGin moved to Crown Point, where he has since resided. In 1858, he was elected to the Legislature, and was] a member of the Judiciary Committee. In 1861, he was ap- pointed, by Gov. Morton, Draft Commissioner of Lake County, and in 1862 went out as Major and Paymaster in the United States Army. He was in active service at Fort Henry, Stone River, Mission Ridge, and resigned his commission on account of injuries received, resulting in the loss of use of his lower limbs. On his return he was employed as attorney for the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad. For four years his son, Charles F. Griffin, has been associated with him in practice. Mrs. Griffin died February 17, 1882, leaving a family of four — Horace, Emma (deceased), Charles F. and Cassius. Maj. Griffin is a member of the Christian Church, as was his wife. In politics, he is a Republican. MATTHIAS J. HACK (deceased) was born July 27, 1816. He, with his father, John Hack, and their families, were the first Germans to set- tle in Lake County; they were all natives of the Province of the Rhine, Prussia, at that time a part of France. * Matthias remained in Germany until his twenty-first year, and obtained a good practical education. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1837, traveled westward, and located in St. Johns Township, Lake Co., Ind., at that time occupied only by "squatters," and engaged in farming, where he married his first wife, Barbara Teal, who bore him one daughter, since deceased; Mrs. Hack is also dead. On December 15, 1844, Mr. Hack married Angeline Schmal, a native of Prussia, born June 2, 1825, who came with her par- ents to Lake County in 1838. Five children were born to this union — Anna (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Joseph L., John M. and William. Mr. Hack is by trade a blacksmith, at which he worked until 1850, when he removed to Crown Point, and died February 27, 1867. He was one of the most prominent men of his time in the county, and foremost in aiding and contributing to every laudable enterprise. He was a leader among the Germans, and an upright, conscientious gentleman ; this was by all conceded. His widow survives him, and lives at Crown Point, and owns what is known as Hack's Exchange, where she manages a first- class hotel, perhaps the best in the place. JOSEPH HACK was born in Neiderdoseim, Germany, March 18, 1825, and is one of the eleven children born to John and Hannah (Snyder) Hack, both natives of Germany. John Hack was a farmer by profes- sion, and was Government Real Estate Appraiser in the fatherland. In June, 1837, he emigrated with his family to the United States, and set- tled m St. John Township, Lake Co., Ind., which township was named after him. He first entered 160 acres, on which he built a cabin and a KK 612 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: blacksmith shop. To this he added until he was owner of 300 acres of well-improved land. In 1853, he left the farm to reside with his son Joseph, where he died in 1855, aged sixty-nine years. His family was the first of the Germans in the county. Joseph Hack, after coming to this country, worked for his father until he was twenty-three years old, when he went to La Porte, Ind., and learned the carriage and wagon- making trade, at which he served three years. In 1851, he came to Crown Point, opened a shop, and has been successful. On April 15, 1852, he was married to Catharine Leinen, a native of Germany. To this union there have been born six children — George G., Matilda, Helen, Frank, Carrie and Joseph P. Mrs. Hack died August 17, 1882 ; she was a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Hack is one of the oldest, most enterprising and most valued citizens. WARREN H. HAYWARD was born in Lake County, Ind., June 25, 1852, and is the eldest of six children of Henry and Martha D. (Kronkright) Hayward; the former a native of England, the latter of Vermont. Henry Hayward's parents moved to Canada when he was eight years old, and thence to Lake County, Ind., where he married and entered eighty acres in Ross Township, on which he built a log house and made sundry improvements. To this farm he added until he owned 320 acres. On this he resided until 1879, when he came to Crown Point and now lives in retirement ; he was a Lake County pioneer. Warren H. Hayward, after attending the common schools, remained two years at the M. E. .College, at Valparaiso, from which he graduated in the com- mercial department. In 1870, he went to Chicago to receive a course of instruction in photography, and the same year opened a photograph studio in Valparaiso, in company with his uncle, B. J. Hayward. In 1872, he purchased said uncle's interest. In 1873, he sold the business and went to Chicago as operator. In one year, he returned to Lake County, and in 1876 removed to Santa Barbara, Cal., where he had charge of a studio. In 1877, he came to Crown Point, where he opened a studio and remained. He has had flattering success, and does the largest business in the county. On May 10, 1876, he was married to Jessie Indiana Bliss, a native of White County, Ind. Three children have crowned their union. Mr. Hayward is an old and enterprising citizen. LOREN HIXON was born in Erie County, Penn., April 1, 1826, and is one of the eight children of Jeremy and Susan (Snow) Hixon, both natives of Bridgewater, Mass., the former born in 1788, the latter in 1791. Jeremy Hixon was a farmer and builder. He first emigated to Erie County, Penn., and afterward to Michigan City, Ind., in 1834. Here he contracted to erect the Government light-house. In 1835 he CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 613 moved to Lake County, Ind., locating in Winfield Township, where he pre-empted land and farmed, he being the first to enter land in said county. Here he contracted for and erected the old court house, now Hoffmann's Opera House, and he did very much to settle the county in that early day by his energy and influence. He was originally a Whig, and once a candidate for the Legislature on that ticket. He was de- feated, but got a majority in his county. He became afterward a Repub- lican. Like most of those "old timers," only their works and memories remain. Loren Hixon, in addition to the common schools, passed a year in an academy at Chicago. In 1848, he became a sailor on the lakes, which he continued four years, rising to first mate. In 1852, he returned to Lake County; engaged in traveling on 'the road north and east of the Mississippi and in Canada; he resided on the old homestead until 1877; he was married to his first wife, Martha Lawrence, in 1860, by whom he had two sons — Ernest H. and Walter L. Mrs. Hixon died in 1876, and in the following year he married his present wife, J. Adelaide Homes. Mr. and Mrs. Hixon are adherents of the Swedenborgian doctrine. Mr. Hixon is a Mason, in which order he has advanced to the Council. In politics, he is a Greenbacker. CAPT. JEREMsy HIXON, deceased, brother of Loren Hixon, was a gentleman widely known in Porter and Lake Counties, both as a descendant from early settlers and a man more than ordinarily gifted in intelligence. He was born April 15, 1811, at Stoughton, Mass., where he was educated; he emigrated to Indiana in 1834, and in 1838 was mar- ried to Almira Pratt, who yet survives him. From 1838 to 1843, he resided in Michigan, and subsequently in Chicago for nine years, remov- ing to Porter County, Ind., in 1852. He was a man of energy and courage, and his life was one of many and singular adventures ; he became early a cabin-boy on a lake vessel, of which, at the age of seven- teen, he became mate and subsequently commander, alternating with being Captain of his own vessel; he was a pioneer in, Western lake navigation, and brought the first cargo of wheat landed at Michigan City; he was several times shipwrecked and had many hairbreadth escapes. At the outbreak of the rebellion, he volunteered in the navy, and was commissioned Acting Master. He was, in the fullness of the word, a man and greatly esteemed ; he was an honored member of the Masonic order, and was buried with the impressive ceremonies and peer- less glories of that fraternity. His death occurred May 7, 1863. CONRAD HOERETH was born in Stammbach, county of Munch- berg, Bavaria, February 16, 1840, and is one of the six children of John and Catherine (Popp) Hoereth, both natives of Stammbach, Bavaria. John Hoereth was a tailor, which trade he followed in early life, and 614 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: afterward buying oats and grain for the military posts, of Bavaria, in which he is still engaged, at eighty-three years of age ; he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Conrad Hoereth received a fair education in the schools of his country. In 1854, when but fourteen years old, he emigrated to the United States and located at Elgin, 111., where he en- gaged in a mineral water factory, and afterward as clerk in a general store. In April, 1857, he came to Crown Point, Ind., where he learned the har- ness-making trade, at which he served three years with Mr. J. C. Sauer- man, with whom he worked as journeyman afterward for sixteen years, and then bought 6ut, which business he has since managed successfully ; he was obliged to borrow money to. pay his passage to America, and now, by integrity, industry and economy, he has amassed property valued at $8,000. On November 11, 1866, he was married to Maria Knapp, of Bavaria, a daughter of Christian and Kunigunda (Wirth) Knapp, natives of Bavaria. Mrs. Hoereth came to Crown Point in 1865. They have had one son, John Conrad Otto Booth, aged twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Hoereth are members of the Lutheran Church. JOHN G. HOFFMAN, Clerk of Lake County, was born in Ba- varia, Germany, September 6, 1827, and is a son of John and Kunigunda (Sauerman) Hoffman; he was the first of the family to come to America, and anxious to become a citizen of this free country and find a home here ; he arrived in New York in 1849, and went direct to Chicago, where, on the 5th of November of the same year, after being seven days in the United States, he declared his intentions of American citizenship. Mr. Hoffman was educated for the professoin [of teaching, which, how- ever, he did not follow here, but engaged in peddling notions, at which he was employed while visiting Lake County. In 1852, he removed to Crown Point, where he has since resided. After this, he embarked in merchandising until 1864 ; he then began dealing in hay, but has never given up farming. Mr. Hoffman was an Abolitionist, then a Republican and is now independent in politics. During the war, he was an active supporter of the Union cause. In ■ 1874, he became an independent candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was elected by 329 votes' while the Republican majority was 664. In 1878, he was re-elected, with an increased majority of 905, the Republican majority being 885 ; his term expires November 1, 1883. On September 6, 1852, Mr. Hoff- man was married to Elizabeth Dall, by whom he had eight children — Frank E. (deceased). Flora (deceased), Maggie C. (deceased), Joseph G., Frederick E., Henry W., Schuyler C. and Irving L. (deceased). Mrs. Hoffman died July 2, 1869, and Mr. Hoffman married his second wife, Babetta M. Simonis, February 11, 1873. By this union there are four children — Mary, Anna, Maggie and May. Mr. Hoffman expended on CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP._ 615 his education $100 more than he received from his parents ; he borrowed money with which to emigrate, and commenced life $156 in debt ; yet, by hard labor and prudent management, he has accumulated property, and is to-day a substantial citizen. Besides a fine property in Crown Point, including Hoffman's Opera House, he has 400 acres in Lake County; he can recall his trying experiences as a peddler, and look back upon a well-spent life. He is a practical farmer and stock-raiser, as well as an enthusiastic horticulturist. J. S. HOLTON, real estate dealer and farmer, was born in Norridge, Canada West, December 17, 1823, and is a son of Dr. Ira and Rosalinda (Smith) Holton, both natives of Vermont, but moved to Canada about 1820. The eldest of their children — Charles V. — who died in Lake County in 1881, was the first to emigrate to Indiana in 1838. Dr. D. S. Holton, a younger brother, came in 1841, but now resides in Oregon. In 1844, Dr. Ira Holton and family located in Michigan City, La Porte County, where he practiced medicine ; but J. S. Holton came to Crown Point and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued, with in- terruptions, for thirty years. Dr. Ira Holton died about 1851, aged sixty years ; his widow, now in her eighty-eighth year, resides with her son, J. S. Holton. Perhaps there is no man in Lake County so intimately blended with the history of Crown Point as is Mr. J. S. Holton, having resided here since 1844, and now one of the few remaining old settlers of the county. He came here a poor boy, but now owns 100 acres adjoining the original town site, besides other property — all the result of enterprise and labor. Mr. Holton has been twice married — first, about 1850, to Josephine Robinson, by whom he had two children — Arabella (now Mrs. John A. "Wheeler, editor of the Star), and Jennie S. (now Mrs. J. F. Rowins, of Chicago). To his present wife — Catherine J. Eddy — he was united in 1860; she was born July 4, 1840, near Troy, N. Y. To this union were born three daughters — Olive R., Mary A. and Mabel G. Mrs. Holton is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Holton is a Royal Arch Mason ; a Republican, in politics, but lib- eral. He was Sheriff of Lake County four years, and from 1856 to 1860, County Treasurer. Mr. Holton has always taken great interest in the welfare and prosperity of the county, and is one of its most enter- prising, honorable and esteemed citizens. W. T. HORINE, attorney at law, was born in Carroll County, Ind., September 28, 1840, and is one of the ten children of George W. and Belle (Murphy) Horine. When two years old, his parents moved to Pulaski County, Ind. ; his mother died in 1846 and his father in 1850. In 1853, he went to Iowa, with Daniel Tilman's family, and engaged in farming, but returned to Pulaski County, Ind., on account of the better 616 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : educational facilities. When the war blast sounded, he enlisted in the first call for 75,000 troops, but was not mustered in. In June, 1861, however, he enlisted in Company K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers. During the three years, he was actively engaged in the Army of the Potomac, and after the "seven days' battle" was made Corporal and Regiment Color Bearer, having borne the colors during that engagement. He was in all the battles of that time, and while engaged at Gettysburg, on the evening of July 2, 1863, was struck in the right ankle by a minie ball, which necessitated amputation one month later. He remained in the hospital until July, 1864, when he was discharged, on crutches, with the regiment at Indianapolis. Mr. Horine has a record of which any American might be justly proud, as the following, from Capt. J. C. Kirk, will affirm: "Glancing over papers, and seeing your name as a candidate for Clerk of Courts of Lake County, and being an efficient member of the Board of Directors of the State Prison, it occurred to me you were my old comrade of the gallant Twentieth Indiana. I was by you on the memorable day on which you lost your leg at Gettysburg, and recall your remarks, and how bravely you kept the dear old flag from trailing in the dust." After being wounded, Mr. Horine was rec- ommended for a commission. For meritorious conduct at Chancellorsville, he was presented by Gen. Sickles, his corps commander, with a maltese cross, and previously with a fine sword and sash by the Captain of his company, which he wore during that battle. In 1868, he graduated from the old Male and Female College of Valparaiso, and afterward entered the law office of Judge Ryan, of Winamac. In 1869, he came to Lowell, Lake County, opened an office and began the practice of law. In 187 0, he removed to Crown Point, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney. He is in politics a Republican, a member of the Odd Fellows and has served as Clerk of Crown Point many years. In 1881, he was elected by the Legislature Northern Prison Director, and in September, 1882, nomi- nated for Clerk of Courts. While at Lowell, he was Principal of Schools for two terms. On September 28, 1871, he was married to Emma J. Beattie, by whom he had one daughter, Florence Jessie. Both are mem- bers of the M. E. Church. PETER HORST was born in Chicago, 111., November 26, 1848, and is one of eight children born to Nicholas and Barbara (Plaumeisser) Horst, both natives of Germany. Nicholas Horst was a painter and plasterer, at which he worked in Germany until 1843, when he emigrated to the United States with his family and settled in Chicago, where he followed his trade until the advent of cholera in 1849, when he removed to Port Washington, Wis., soon after recurning to Chicago. In 1851, he came to Lake County, lad., where he purchased land known as the Pierre CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 617 farm, where he died September 1, 1871, aged sixty-four years ; he was a member of the Catholic Church. Peter Horst received a school educa- tion, and worked for his father until his twentieth year ; he then worked by the job until 1874, when he engaged in the saloon business at Crown Point, continuing the same until 1882, when he sold his stock, rented his building, moved to his farm, and engaging in agricultural pursuits. On July 12, 1874, he was married to Elizabeth Griesel, a native of Germany. One child was born to them, George. Mr. Horst is a member of the Catholic Church, and Mrs. Horst of the Lutheran. Mr. Horst is a Demo- crat, and an old settler. BENJAMIN F. JONES was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., February 27, 1841, and is the eldest of the three children of William H. and Florilla (Burge) Jones, both natives of New York. His grandfather, Benjamin Jones, was one of the first settlers of Rochester, N. Y.; his father, in 1868, moved to Porter County, Ind., and purchased land in Union Township, where he and his wife are now living. Benj. F. Jones was reared in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and on May 21, 1866, was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Read, daughter of Charles and Mollie (Chapman) Read, a native of England, born August 22, 1844. Mr. Jones engaged in agriculture until 1869, when he removed to Porter County, Ind., where he dealt in hay for three years. In 1872, he moved to Crown Point, purchased a barn and began the pressing of hay ; he has since built a warehouse, where he buys hay, giving labor to seven or nine men ; he is also engaged in buying hay at Lowell and Chicago, under the firm name of Jones & Stinchfield. Mr. Jones is a self-made man and substantial citizen, and has, by energy and fair dealing, established a fine business. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of two sons — William D. and Charles. Mr. Jones is a Republican. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Baptist Church. Jones & Stinchfield have nine hay presses, some of which are portable ; their business is large and growing. CHARLES JOUVENAT, ex-editor of the Lake County Star, was born near Geneva, Switzerland, July 30, 1843, and is one of the eight children of Francis and Emily Jouvenat, both natives of Switzerland. Francis Jouvenat was a land-owner in his native country, but in conse- quence of religious oppression there, he, with nine other families, emi- grated to America in 1849 and 1850, and founded a colony at Knoxville, Tenn., where they worshiped according to their belief — the Evangelical faith — in peace. Mr. and Mrs. Jouvenat died at their home, he in 1878, and she in 1860. Charles Jouvenat remained in Knoxville until sixteen years old, receiving a fair school education, and, at the age of eighteen, became a messenger for Adams Express Company. In 1862, he re- signed ; remained home one year, then moved to Indiana and engaged in 618 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: teaching at Rensselaer. In 1864, he went to Watseka, 111., where he studied law and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. In Decem- ber, 1865, Mr. Jouvenat was married, in Rensselaer, Ind., to Miss Mellie C. Walton, and to them have succeeded two children — Jules W. and Grace E. In 1865, 1866 and 1867, he edited the Iroquois County Herald, during which he was appointed Postmaster by President John- son. In 1870, he removed to Remington, Ind., where he practiced law, and for fifteen months published the Remington Times. In 1879, he re- moved to Crown Point, his present residence. From November, 1878, to September, 1880, he was editor and proprietor of the Lake County Star, a Democratic newspaper. Since his retirement therefrom, he has been engaged in the real estate business. In politics, Mr. Jouvenat is a Democrat. Mrs. Jouvenat is a member of the Presbyterian Church. KELLER BROTHERS carry a large and well-selected stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, carpets, fancy goods and notions. Their stock is the best in the town or county ; having a value of $20,000. Their trade is the most extensive, and is constantly increas- ing, having a branch store in the same line at Lowell, in this county ; at North Judson, Stark County ; at Winamac, Pulaski County ; and at Rose Lawn, Newton County, Ind.; they have also a commission house in Chicago. The house at North Judson was established in 1867 ; that at Winamac in 1875 ; that at Crown Point in 1879 ; that at Lowell in 1880 ; that at Rose Lawn in 1881, and the Chicago commission house in 1880. The firm comprises three brothers — Louis, Jacob and George. The old house at North Judson was opened under the firm of L. & J. Keller, since changed to Keller, Scott & Co.; the aggregate stock of the five branches is $105,000, with annual sales of $250,000. Louis Keller, senior member, was born in Lycoming County, Penn., in 1841. He was reared on a farm, acquired but a meager education, and when twenty- seven years old commenced his business career at Winamac, in the boot and shoe trade. Jacob Keller was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1844, his educational advantages being equal with his elder brother, and commenced his mercantile career as a clerk in Winamac. George Keller, junior member of the firm, was born in Abington, Wayne Co., Ind., September 2, 1857, received a plain education, and at the age of fifteen commenced as clerk at North Judson in the store of his brothers. The business career of Keller Brothers has been one of unusual and unvary- ing success. They are sons of Jacob and Caroline (Kouch) Keller, both of whom were natives of Germany. The firm of Keller, Craig & Co. have a mercantile house at Rose Lawn, Newton Co., Ind. JOSEPH KRAMER was born in St. John Township, Lake County, Ind., October 30, 1854, and is the eldest of the eight children of Mathias CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 619 and Susan (Wachter) Kramer, both natives of Germany, near Treves. About the year 1852, Mathias Kramer and family emigrated to the United States, settling in St. Johns Township, where he worked at his trade of shoemaker. He then came to Crown Point, working for Mathias Miller for some years, and afterward opened a shoe shop for himself, which he nosv operates ; he is a member of the Catholic Church. Joseph Kramer attended the schools of the time, and at the age of four- teen commenced as a clerk in a store at Hobart, in this county. At the age of seventeen he began the cabinet-making trade with Peter Geisen, iit Crown Point, serving three years, after which he opened a shop, and lias since continued the business. On May 4, 1880, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Enswiler, a native of Merrill ville, Lake Co., Ind., by whom he had one daughter — Caroline. In November, 1881, he opened a general and variety store in connection with his former business, !it which he has done a good trade. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer are members of the Catholic Church. He is an enterprising young business man. GEORGE KRIMBILL was born in Colmer, France, September 29, 1824, and is the eldest of five children born to Jacob and Catherine (Yoncho) Krimbill. His father served in the, regular army five years. He determined to try his fortune in the " new world," and left France in 1833, landing in New York, but settling in Warren County, Penn., where he and his children cleared a farm. In 1848, he disposed of this property and moved to Chicago, where he soon after died of heart disease, his wife dying two years later. George remained with his parents and one Thomas Struthers until manhood. He received a usual school education, and in 1846 removed to Chicago, and clerked for Krim- bill & Fuller and for George Hogan. Shortly afterward, he opened a pro- vision store, which he continued one year. In 1851, he came to Lake County and began a store west of Cedar Lake, and later engaged in stock business and farming for four years. Subsequently, he went in partnership, at Crown Point, with Harding, Smith & Co., but retired in 1868., On June 24, 1849, he married Anna M. Arnold, born in Alsace, France, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living — George, Julia, Daniel W., Albert (deceased), Lena, Oscar, Sarah and Lily M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Krimbill is an Odd Fellow, a Granger, a Republican and a Prohibitionist. WILLIAM KRIMBILL, County Treasurer, was born in Warren County, Penn., January 7, 1886, and is the youngest of the ten children of Jacob and Catherine (French) Krimbill, both natives of Alsace, France. About 1833, they emigrated to the United States, settled in Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming until 1838, when they removed to 620 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Chicago, where Mr. Kiimbill died in July, 1845, followed by his widow one year later. William Krimbill lived in Pennsylvania until twelve years old, and afterward five years in Chicago. He received a fair edu- cation at the common schools, and in 1853 visited a brother in Cedar Lake, in this county, and while here obtained a position as clerk at Crown Point; this he continued seven years, and with the proceeds of his labors was enabled to establish himself in business in 1860. By strict attention to his own and the interests of the town, he has founded one of the best mercantile houses of Crown Point. In 1857, he was married to Miss Margaret Wheeler, a native of Ohio, but a resident of Crown Point. To this union have been born four children — Cora A. (died March, 1882, aged 22), Bffie, Frank B. and Florence. Mr. Krimbill is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken an active part. He was Worshipful Master of Lake Lodge, No. 157, fifteen years ; High Priest of Lincoln Chapter, No 53, nine ySars ; Illustrious Master of Crown Point Council, No. 44, Royal and Select Masters, five years ; and a member of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He is also a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows, in which he has taken every degree. In politics, he has been a constant Republican. For fifteen consecutive years, beginning in 1861, he was Trustee of Centre Township, and is the pres- ent Chairman of the Republican County Committee. In 1878, he was elected County Treasurer, and after two years re-elected, and is now serving a second term, making four years of service. He is one of the prominent men of Lake County, and highly esteemed as a citizen. JOHN LEHMAN, editor and proprietor of the Freie Presae (Ger- man), was born in Berne, Switzerland, November 5, 1835, and is the youngest of the four children of John and Madaline (Gerber) Lehman, both of whom died in the old country. John Lehman, our subject, was educated in Switzerland in a practical way. In 1860, he emigrated to the United States with a view of bettering his financial condition, and came direct to Lake County, Ind.; .remained two months, and changed to Chicago, where he worked at his trade of watch-maker and jeweler. In 1864, he returned to Crown Point, Lake County, and opened a jewelry store, at which he continued until 1865, when, in partnership with J. J. Wheeler (present editor of the Crown Point Star), and John H. Mayer, he established the Crown Point Freie Fresse. At the end of six months Mr. Lehman purchased the interests of Messrs. Wheeler and Mayer, thus obtaining control of the enterprise, which he has since retained. He is doing finely ; he is a Freemason and a Democrat. In 1867, he was mar- ried to Minnie Heide, by whom he has five children— Minnie, Matilda, Laura, John and Hermann. JAMES H. LUTHER was born in Clinton County, N. Y., Decem- ber 13, 1814, and is one of the nine children of James and Irena (Ran- CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 621 som) Luther. His father was a farmer in early years, but afterward en- gaged in merchandising ; both parents died in Porter County. The name of Luther was brought to this country during the forepart of the seven- teenth century by three brothers from Ireland, whom, it is thought, left Germany and wandered into Britain, and thence to the United States. In 1832, James Luther removed to New Hampshire, and one year later James H. Luther, then eighteen years old, and having but $15, traveled westward and reached La Porte County, Ind., in 1834, and soon after- ward into Illinois, among the Pottawatomie Indians ; from thence, in 1835, he went to Wisconsin, and thence returned in 1837 to Porter County, Ind., where, on January 2, 1840, he was married to Phebe Ann Flint, of Lake County. In 1848, Mrs. Luther died, leaving four sons — John E., Amos 0., Albert W. and Henry E. On May 21, 1849, Mr. Luther married Mrs. Celista (Sherman) Mills, and the same year sold his farm in Washington Township, and removed to Crown Point, where he has since resided. Only one of Mr. Luther's sons survives, the others having succumbed to the effects of the late war, in which all were engaged. Mrs. Luther died November 29, 1881. Mr. Luther is one of the rare surviv- ing pioneers of Lake County. Until the repeal of the Missiouri Com- promise he was a stanch Democrat, but is since as stanch a Republican. He has held several positions of trust, and in 1860 was elected Auditor of Lake County, and re-elected in 1864. In religion he is a Spiritualist. HORACE MARBLE, Sheriff of Lake County, was born in Ben- nington County, Vt., June 10, 1838. His father, Simeon Marble, was also a native of Vermont, a farmer, and four times married ; first, about 1834, to the mother of Sheriff Marble, Louisa Imus, by which union there were two children ; his second wife was Electa Janes, who died without issue ; his third wife was Betsey E. Booth, who likewise died without issue ; his fourth wife was Mrs. Niles, of Union Township, Por- ter County. In 1848, after the death of his second wife, he came to Lake County, and engaged in farming in Ross Township, of which he is now a resident. Horace Marble was reared a farmer, but dealt in grain and stock for three or four years at Hobart. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Indiana Volunteers, and was in active serv- ice until the war closed ; he was in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Stone River and Chickamauga ; he was made First Sergeant, and afterward commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Thirteenth Colored Infantry, and remained in the Army of the Cumberland. Previous to his discharge, in 1865, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and then to Captain, by bre- vet. In February, 1865, he was married to Mary E. Booth, who died, leaving two daughters— Kate and Berenice. He then married his present wife, Martha Skinner, by which union there have been born two children 622 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: — Ruth and Henry Ward. Mr. Marble is a Freemason, and a Sir Knight of Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. He was elected Sheriff of Lake County in October, 1880, and re-nominated in 1882 ; his family moved to Crown Point in 1881 ; both he and Mrs. Marble are members of the Unitarian Church. CYRUS M. MASON, a pioneer of this county, was born in Orleans County, N. Y., January 27, 1811, and is a son of Josiah and Abigail (Storrs) Mason. His father was a native of the " Green Mountain " State ; his mother was born in 1777, and died in Michigan in 1871. Cyrus Mason, at the age of twenty-two, began work in a brick-yard in Dearborn, Mich.; he afterward worked on a farm for one year, then returned to the brick-yard as foreman. In 1839, he came to this county, since which he has made many bricks, having been the first successful manufacturer here. The land he now owns was a squatter's claim, which he bought low, and later purchased the same from the Government. On November 15, 1833, he married Diana Thomas, who died March 27, 1843, leaving two children, who have since died. On July 25, 1843, he married Mary Farmer, a native of Indiana, born August 4, 1817. To this union have been born seven children, three of whom survive — Abigail (now Mrs. John M. Nash), her twin sister, Sarah E., and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is also an Elder. He is a Republican and Prohibitionist. JOHN Mcknight was bom near Hickory Point, Lake Co., Ind., April 15, 1852, and is the youngest of the nine children of David and Catherine (Cascadden) McKnight. (A sketch of his parents will be found in the biographical department of Winfield Township.) John McKnight received but a common school education, and his occupation since boy- hood has been that of a farmer. On February 15, 1876, he was mar- ried to Mary E. Henry, a native of Rochester, N. Y., and born Septem- ber 12, 1852 ; she is a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Richard) Henry, natives of Ireland. This union produced two children — Edward A. (born September 25, 1877), and Mabel (born September 24, 1879). Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. McKnight is a Republican; he is a successful man, an en- terprising farmer and a worthy citizen. JOHN MILLIKAN, editor Crown Point Register, was born in Marl- boro Township, Delaware County, Ohio, July 16, 1814 (the place was then a military post known as Fort Morrow). His father was a native of North Carolina, of Quaker parentage, and died in Chillicothe, Ohio, March, 1814, where he was guarding British prisoners ; he was a Lieu- tenant, and most of the time was detailed to survey military roads through the wilderness to posts in the Northwest. John Millikan lived after with CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 623 his grandfather, who died when he waa ten years old, and at twelve years of age, he was apprenticed to the printing business with Ezra Griswold, publisher of the Delaware Patron. In 1834, the office was sold, and John Millikan moved to Marion, Ohio, where his brother published a newspaper. Soon after he went to his brother Jesse, in Washington, Fayette Co., Ohio, and thence to Ghillicothe, Ohio, where he was em- ployed as salesman ; he soon after visited his old home, and, in 1837, he went to South Bend, Ind., and joined his brother William in publishing the Fren Press. There he remained eight years, when he moved to La Porte and purchased the La Porte Whig of Thomas A. Steward, in 1845, where he remained until 1867. After living in Chicago five years, he bought the Plymouth (Ind.) Republican in 1872, which he continued until 1877, in June of which year he began the Crown Point Cosmos, which he published until September, 1880, when he bought one-half in- terest in the Crown Point Register, and, in 1882, came into possession of Mr. Bedell's half, thenceforward publishing the paper alone. He has been Justice of the Peace four consecutive terms — sixteen years — at La Porte, and, in 1850, took the census of La Porte County. He was mar- ried, in 1839, at South Bend, to Joanna R. Lewis, and to them have been born four children — Ann M., Carrie (now Mrs. IngersoU), Virginia E. (now Mrs. Jaqua) and John W. Mr. Millikan is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. MATTHIAS MULLER was born in Bavaria March 27, 1822, and is the third of four children born to Valentine and Margaret Muller, both natives of Bavaria. Valentine Muller was a cabinet-maker, which occu- pation he followed until his death ; he was a member of the Lutheran Church. Matthias Muller received an ordinary education in the schools of Germany. At the age of fifteen, he began to learn the shoe making trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, after which he traveled as a journeyman for four years. In 1845, he emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City, where he worked at his trade three years. In July, 1848, he changed to Chicago, where he also worked as a shoemaker. Late in 1851, he came to Crown Point, Ind., where he opened a shoe-shop, and continued the same three years ; this he then sold and opened a dining-hall, bar-room and restaurant, and this has been his business since. In October, 1853, he married Barbara Ruh, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Peter and Ann M. Ruh, both of Ger- many. To this union were born five children, four of whom are living — Edward, Lena, Emil and Emma. In politics, Mr. Muller is a Democrat ; he is a pioneer of the town and county. WILLIAM C. MURPHEY was born in Henry County, Ind., Jan- uary 1, 1842, and is the sixth of eleven children born to Clement and 624 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Hulda (Bundy) Murphey, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Indiana. Clement Murphey was one of the earliest settlers of Henry County, having been brought there when four years of age, and where, in 1827, he was married. In 1859, he removed to Newcastle, Ind., there residing until his death, April 10, 1882; he was a member of the Christian Church, and a temperance worker. William C. Murphey worked for his father until he was seventeen years old ; he then attended high school at Newcastle for two years, after which he was employed as a clerk for three years, and then engaged in the hardware business on his own account. On the occurrence of the war, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteers, thus serving until dis- charged at Indianapolis October, 1864. After his return, he began the grocery business at Newcastle, where he remained until 1871 ; he then engaged in private banking until 1873, when the Citizens' State Bank of Newcastle was organized, and he was elected Cashier, serving one year. In 1874, he came to Crown Point, and assisted in ' organizing the First National Bank, of which he was chosen Vice President, serving as such until 1875, when he retired. In 1876, he was elected Cashier of said bank, which he now retains. On November 29, 1866, Mr. Murphey was married to Miss lona A. Holland, of Newcastle, Ind., daughter of Joshua and Nancy (Ramsey) Holland. They have one daughter — Anna F. Mrs. Murphey died in Newcastle December 22, 1869. Mr. Murphey ia a member of the Masonic order, and a very successful business man. THOMAS A. MUZZALL was born in Brighton, England, March 25, 1834, and is one of the family of Thomas W. and Mary (Greenfield) Muzzall, both natives of England. Thomas W. Muzzall was a carpen- ter, and followed the same many years in England. In 1839, he came to his death by a fall, in which his back struck the ground, and from which he suifered three years ; he was a member of the Baptist Church. Thomas A. Muzzall received a fair education in England. When four- teen years old, he was apprenticed for seven years to the tailoring trade, but when eighteen ran away, shipped as second porter and made a voy- age to the East Indies ; soon after, in 1853, he came to the United States, settling in Ross Township, Lake County, Ind., and was a clerk in a store at Merrillville for six months ; he also taught two terms of school. In 1856, he went to Lawrence, Kan., where he assisted in building the- first house, and served under Gen. Lane in the border war ; he carried the United States mail from Leavenworth to Salt Lake City, from 1858 to 1860, and was wounded during an encounter with Indians. In 1861, he enlisted in the First Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, and three months thereafter, was made Hospital Steward, so continuing until January 1, 1864, when he was discharged ; he re-enlisted, in the regular army, as CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 625 Hospital Steward of the first-class, and was discharged with honors, Octo- ber, 1867. On his return he settled at Ross Station, Lake County, and engaged in farming. On April 26, 1863, he married Ann E. Phillips, of Westchester County, N. Y. Their union has been fruitful in four children. In 1872, Mr. Muzzall came to Crown Point, engaging in the express, coal and wood business ; he is President of the Board of Town Trustees ; he is W. M. of Lake Lodge, No. 157, A., F. & A. M., also a member of Lincoln Chapter, No. 54, R. A. M., and Crown Point Coun- cil, No. 44, R. & S. M.; he has held ofiSce in the fire company, and has been Sunday School Secretary and choir leader in the M. E. Church ; he is an energetic and valued citizen. HARVEY PETTIBONE, M. D., the oldest practitioner in Crown Point, and next to the oldest in Lake County, was born in Naples, On- tario Co., N. Y., November 28, 1821. His father was a physician and surgeon, born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1790; he was twice married — first tQ Sarah Kidder, mother of our subject, about 1814, and afterward to Abigail Green ; the former died in 1838, and the latter in New York. In 1860, he came to Crown Point, where he resided with his son, and died in May, 1881, aged ninety years. Harvey Pettibone attended school in his native town, but finished his education at Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y. After previous reading with his father, he began the study of medicine in 1839, and, in 1843, graduated from the Geneva Medical Col- lege, aiid was for many years associated with his father in practice. Com- ing to Crown Point to visit his brother, David K. Pettibone, he was induced to settle, and, in 1847, opened an office and began practice, at- taining a prominent position in his profession. On September 1, 1849, he was wedded to Mrs. Eliza (Hackley) Pelton ; she had one daughter — wife of Thomas J. Wood. To this union, were born five children — Henry (physician), Harvey (deceased), Ruth A. (Mrs. M. C. Barnard), Alice (Mrs. W. C. Rockwell) and Willis (deceased). Apart from his pro- fession. Dr. Pettibone is an active public man and an esteemed citizen. He is a Royal Arch Mason ; was a Democrat, but is a Republican ; was Coroner of Lake County three terms, and, in the fall of 1882, was elected to the Lower Branch of the Legislature by the Republicans ; he has alsa held other positions of trust and honor, and is now United States Ex- amining Pension Surgeon. Henry Pettibone, M. D., son of Dr. Harvey Pettibone, of Crown Point, of which place he is a native, was born May 31, 1850. After at- tending the schools of Crown Point, he entered the sophomore class of Hanover College in 1869, remaining three years, and graduating in the scientific class of 1872. He thereafter began the study of medicine with his father, during which, for two winters, he was engaged as teacher. 626 BIOQEAPHICAL SKETCHES: In October, 1874, he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he remained two terms, and graduated among the first of his class in 1876. He returned to Crown Point, and commenced practice in company with his father, which has been continued. On June 4, 1878, he married Margaret T. Sauerman, and to them have been born two children — Anna P. and Edith E. Dr. Pettibone is a Republican, and was elected County Coroner in 1876, which oflSce he still holds. A. J. PRATT, M. D., was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., Jan- uary 16, 1825, and is a son of Joseph and Betsey (Wilcox) 'Pratt. His father was educated for the Baptist ministry, but had followed teaching and farming. Three of his children are physicians. A. J. Pratt was raised on a farm, and received a practical education. He moved to Il- linois with his parents in 1836, and in 1843 to Elkhart County, Ind. Here he studied medicine with Dr. Allen eighteen months, and afterward for two and a half years under the medical faculty of the University of Michigan. There he had three courses of lectures, and graduated in 1854 with first honors ; that is, having his thesis published by the Board of Regents. He then located at Crown Point, where he has been success- ful, and is esteemed as one of the best physicians in Northern Indiana, with an experience of twenty-eight years. Dr. Pratt has been twice mar- ried ; first, in 1857, to Mrs. Lydia A. Farrington, widow of Dr. William C. Farringtoni the first physician of Crown Point, and daughter of Will- iam Sherman; she died in November, 1858. His second and present wife was Miss Eliza M. Pratt, to whom he was united March 26, 1861, and by whom he has three daughters — Florence, Lizzie and Josie. Mrs. Pratt is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Dr. Pratt is a Republican, and was for fourteen years Coroner of Lake County, and is now and has for six years been County physician. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Royal Arch Mason. PAUL E. RAASCH was born in Prussia July 20, 1848, and is one of the five children of William and Menia (Carld) Raasch, both of Prussia. William Raasch was foreman of a sheep farm in Germany. In 1849, he emigrated with his family to the United States, going to Milwaukee, Wis., and afterward to Lake Station, in this county, where he engaged in the hotel business. He then removed to Ross, Lake County, where he engaged in general mercantile business for two years ; he afterward pur- chased a farm in Ross Township, on which he lived eight years. In 1862, he sold his farm and came to Crown Point, where he was Marshal four years. In 1882, he moved to Chicago, where he is foreman in a sash fac- tory ; he and wife are members of the German M. E. Church. Paul E. Raasch received a fair education, and worked on a farm until his nine- teenth year, after which he railroaded two years, and later was employed CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 627 in a hotel at Crown Point. In 1870, he began the livery business, in which he is still engaged, and doing well. On January 30, 1872, he was married to Laura Rockwell, a native of Lake County, and daughter of T. C. Rockwell. This union was blessed by one daughter — Luelle, who died March 8, 1877, aged four years. In November, 1878, he* opened a flour and feed store in connection with the livery, in which he has also an extensive trade. Mr. Raasch is a member of the Church of the Believ- ers. Mr. Raasch is an old settler and an enterprising business man. CHRISTOPHER RICH was born in Chicago March 13, 1844, and ia one of the six children of Michael and Mary A. (Tilmon) Rich, both natives of Lorraine, France. Michael Rich was for several years a sol- dier in the French Army. In 1839 or 1840, he emigrated to the United States and went to Chicago, afterward to Saginaw, Mich., where he worked in a saw-mill. He soon returned to Chicago, where he has since been engaged in gardening. Two years after coming to America, he sent for his family ; he is a member of the Catholic Church. Christopher Rich received the usual course of education of Chicago schools, and when thirteen years old went to France to improve, where he remained two years. After returning, he assisted his father in gardening until twenty- two years of age. In 1866, he went back to France, and remained six months, during which time he learned the photographic art. In Chicago, he opened a saloon. In 1867, he was married to Mary A. Karber, of Chicago, by whom he had eight children, only three of whom are living — John C, Anna Mary and Maggie. Before the fire, he began the dry goods trade, but that calamity destroyed almost his entire property ; he soon recovered, however, and in 1875 he moved to Dyer, Lake County, Ind., and engaged in the dry goods business. In 1877, he came to Crown Point, where he carried the same trade. He has a very full stock, also boots and shoes, hats and caps, clothing, carpets, crockery and notions, aggregating ^5,000. He is now doing well, annual sales reach- ing $14,000. Mr. and Mrs. Rich are members of the Catholic Church. WILLIAM B. ROCKWELL was born in Reading, Fairfield Co., Conn., September 8, 1814, and is one of the seven children of William and Dorinda (Conklin) Rockwell, both natives of Connecticut. Reuben Rock- well, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and took part in the battle of Oswego, N. Y. William B. Rockwell re- ceived a spare, frontier education, and, when eighteen years old, learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed fourteen years. In 1838, he first came to Lake County, Ind., but soon after removed with his brother to Michigan City, Ind., where they worked as coopers. In 1844, Will- iam returned to Centre Township, Lake Co., Ind., entered S20 acres, built a cabin and made other improvements ; this land contained a cran- 628 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: berry marsh, which was a valuable adjunct, sometimes yielding $1,500 per annum in berries. He added to this domain until he owned 600 acres. In 1865, he was married to Cynthia M. Spenser, a native of Oswego County, by which union they had one son, who died in infancy. Mrs. Rockwell died in 1866 ; she was a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church. In November, 1868, Mr. Rockwell married Mrs. Sarah E., widow of A. D. Foster, and daughter of Peter D. Hathaway. Mrs. Sarah E. Rockwell died at Crown Point in February, 1876, without issue. Mr. Rockwell has been for several years Trustee of Crown Point. He was a Democrat until the Kansas-Nebraska controversy, since which period he has been a stanch Republican. He is a pioneer of Lake County. TIMOTHY C. ROCKWELL was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., December 2, 1817, and is the sixth of the seven children of William and Dorinda (Conklin) Rockwell, both natives of Connecticut. The grand- mother of Timothy was one of the sufferers of the Deerfield (Conn.) massacre, she escaping only with her life. As indemnity for their losses, Congress apportioned lands in Ohio to the survivors ; this land was in- herited by William, who sold the same without having seen it. William Rockwell was an excellent scholar, and commenced teaching when eighteen years old. He was married in Connecticut ; moved to Onon- daga County, N. Y., where he taught, as also at Parma, Genessee and Oswego, at which place he was Justice of the Peace several years. In 1837, he came to Centre Township, in this county, where he engaged in teaching, and later was elected a Commissioner of Lake County ; he died in January, 1855. Timothy C. Rockwell received a fair school education, and in 1837 came to Centre Township, Lake County, on foot, having driven a herd of cows. He pre-empted 160 acres, built a cabin and cleared a farm. In 1839, he learned the coopering trade, and was for many years the only cooper in the county, and found a market for his work in Chicago. On June 16, 1845, he married Malinda Brown, of Indiana, with a result of seven children, five of whom now survive Adelia, Laura (now Mrs. Paul E. Raasch), William, Arminius B. and Julius. In 1866, he exchanged his farm for hotel property in Crown Point, and managed and owned the Rockwell House until 1881, when he rented the same and retired. Mr. Rockwell is one of the few pioneers of Lake County. HENRY SASSE, Sr., one of the old settlers of Lake County, was born at Nesse, near Bremerhaven, Province of Hanover, Germany, and is the only living child of Henry and Gesche (Mueller) Sasse. Henry Sasse, our subject, wa^ reared a farmer. In 1827, he was married to Anne Burger, and with her and his two children, emigrated to America, CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 629 induced by the desire to obtain a home in a new and free country ; this was in 1834. They settled first near. Ann Arbor, Mich. ; purchased eighty acres, and began to clear the same. In 1838, he removed to Lake County, Ind., then but sparsely settled by "squatters." Here he settled on a tract of 280 acres in Hanover Township, where his wife died in 1840, leaving three children — Henrietta G. (deceased), Henry and William E. (deceased). In 1841, he married a second wife, Johanna Burger, a sister of his first wife, by whom he had eight children, all of whom are dead. She also died in 1866, and in 1870 Mr. Sasse married his present wife, Magdalena Hedden, by whom he has one son — Herman Emil. In 1877, he came to Crown Point, where he lives retired. Mr. Sasse has been long identified with public improvements, and has con- tributed largely thereto. He was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Republican. He was Assessor of Hanover Township ten years, and Jus- tice of the Peace eight years. In 1867, he was commissioned by Gov. Baker, emigrant agent ; has visited the Fatherland four times, and in- duced many to come hither for homes and happiness. He is now in his eightieth year, and one of the most prominent German citizens. J. C. SAUERMAN, ex-County Treasurer, was born in Bavaria, near where Saxony and Austria join, March 7, 1832, and is the oldest of six children of Nicholas and Kunigunda (Schneider) Sauerman. His parents came to Crown Point in 1854, and died on the farm in Centre Township — the father in 1876, the mother in 1870. J. C. Sauerman came from Bremen to Philadelphia, with a voyage of forty-two days. He went direct to Chicago, where he had an uncle, and the day of his arrival found work at farming. After three months, he returned to Chicago and learned harness-making. In 1850, he went back to Germany. On his return, in 1851, he came to Crown Point and began as harness- maker for himself. Crown Point was then but a place of 200 or 300 inhabitants. Mr. Sauerman has watched its growth, and contributed considerably thereto. He followed his trade until 1875, when he was elected Treasurer of Lake County, which oflBce he has filled with the full- est satisfaction. He came hither poor, and now represents one of the wealthy of the place — all accumulated by labor and economy. He owns 260 acres in Lake County, besides town property. He is a stock-owner and Director of the First National Bank. He is a Republican, and gave his first vote for Gen. Fremont. In 1852, he was married to Miss Pauline Strochlein, a native of Bavaria, but a resident of Crown Point. To this union there were born four children — Maggie, now Mrs. Dr. Henry Pettibone ; Andrew A., Assistant Cashier of First National Bank of Crown Point ; Edward, deceased, and Flora. Mr. and Mrs. Sauer- man belong to the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Sauerman is a 630 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: founder and strong supporter. He has held several offices of trust and honor, and was Treasurer of the County Agricultural Society a number of years. ADAM SCHMAL was born in the Province of Rhine, Germanyj June 24, 1828. He is a son of Joseph and Anna C. (Spidler) Schmal, natives of the same locality. His father was a carpenter, which trade he followed thirty-six years in Germany. He intended coming to America in 1837, with John Hack, deceased (a sketch of whom will be found in the department of Crown Point), who, however, sent a glowing account of Lake County, which started him to the new world, and he arrived in New York after a thirty days' rough passage, whence he went to Chicago, and thence to this county in 1838, where he settled to farm- ing and died May 18, 1859, his wife preceding him by ten days. Adam has an English and German education, and, like his father, is a farmer, with one of the finest farms in this county, with all improvements ; it contains 400 acres. On April 29, 1851, he was married to Margaret Rassier, a native of Germany, whose parents came to Lake County in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Schmal have seven children — Barbara (now Mrs. J. Wachterj, Lily (now Mrs. J. G. Bohling), Peter, George, Margaret, Catherine and Frederick William. Mr. Schmal is a Republican, and was County Treasurer from 1867 to 1871 — a most satisfactory official. He has also been County Commissioner, and has held other township offices. He came to his present farm in 1875. H. J. SHOULTBRS, Postmaster of Crown Point, was born in Mont- pelier, Vt., May 19, 1842, and is a son of Solomon and Mary G. (Rey- nolds) Shoulters. Solomon Shoulters, while living at Montpelier, was Superintendent of Railway Construction ; he was a native of New England and his wife of New York ; both are dead, and buried in Gen- esee County, N. Y. H. J. Shoulters resided in Montpelier until 1852, when he removed with his parents to Genesee County, N. Y. He re- ceived but a spare education, and learned the trade of watch-maker and jeweler ; this he followed until 1862, when in the cause of his country he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fortieth New York Volun- teers, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was at Fred- ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, in which, on May 5, 1864, he was shot through the knee by a minie ball, and after lying on the field two days, was taken to the hospital at Fredericksburg, thence conveyed to Washington, was furloughed and subsequently discharged. This wound caused a stiflfness of the knee, which has remained. He re- turned to Valparaiso after the war, visited Batavia, N. Y., and came to Crown Point in 1874, and worked at his trade. On February 7, 1871, he was married to Miss Elizabeth L. Marsh, to which union were born four CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 631 children — Mabel E., Ada M., Harvey M. (deceased) and James M. Mrs. Shoulters is a member of the Presbyterian Church, daughter of Caleb and Mary (Latten) Marsh, and a sister of Prof. 0. C. Marsh, of Yale College. In 1876, Mr. Shoulters commenced the drug business, which he discon- tinued. In 1877, he was appointed Posttnaster of Crown Point, and in 1882 was re-appointed by President Arthur. In politics, Mr. Shoulters is a stanch Republican ; he is also an Odd Fellow and in the Encamp- ment and Grand Lodge, in the first two having passed all the chairs. Dur- ing 1873, Mr. Shoulters was Deputy County Auditor. OTTO SHULTZ was born in Posen, Germany, June 10, 1859, and is the oply child of William P. and Joanna Schultz, both natives of Ger- many. William F. Schultz was a miller by trade, and for a time a soldier in the German Army. Otto Schultz obtained a fair education in the schools of his native country and in America. His father died when he was four years old. In 1865, he and his mother emigrated to the United States, settling at Monee, 111. In 1868, his mother remarried and moved to a farm in Will County, 111., where he worked until 1870. In 1872, he commenced business at Crown Point, Ind., with a peddling- wagon, which he discontinued after two months. He then purchased a small stock of general merchandise, gradually increasing the same, until he now has a large and assorted variety of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, carpets, tinware, crockery, fancy goods and notions, of the value of $9,000. In this business he is doing excellently, his an- nual sales reaching $21,000. Mr. Schultz is a member of the Lutheran Church, and one of the enterprising young merchants of the town. ZERAH F. SUMMERS (deceased), an early settler of Lake County, was born in Vermillion, Erie Co., Ohio, July 16, 1829, and was the eldest of the four children of Benjamin and Julia (Burr) Summers, both natives of Connecticut. His father was a farmer, and in Ohio more gen- erally known as " Judge " Summers, having been Probate Judge and a Representative in the State Legislature. Zerah received a collegiate edu- cation, giving particular attention to surveying and civil engineering. As a surveyor, he located at Crown Point in 1854, where he remained. On August 2, 1860, he was married to Miss Margaret M. Thomas, to whom were born three children — Benjamin Wayland, Jennie and Julia B. (de- ceased). Mrs. Summers was born in Potter, Yates Co., N. Y., Febru- ary 4, 1836, a daughter of Ambrose S. and Jane (McPherson) Thomas, both of whom are deceased. In January, 1876, Mr. Summers contracted a cold from which he never recovered, dying July 31, 1879, just nineteen years from the day of his marriage and the ninth anniversary of his daughter Jen- nie's birthday. Mr. Summers was a leading citizen of Crown Point, fore- most in every enterprise for the good and progress of the peace, and much 632 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: endeared by his coasistent honor to every one there living. From 1857 to 1862, he was editor of the Crown Point Register, its success being mainly due to him. He held many oflSces of trust — from 1858 to 1861 and 1865, School Examiner ; in 1859, Real Estate Appraiser ; from 1859 to 1867, County Clerk ; also Town Trustee four terms. He was a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics a Republican. HENRY P. SWARTZ was born in Centre County, Penn., July 12, 1841, and is the third of ten children born to Jacob and Catherine (Mosser) Swartz, both natives of Centre County, Penn. Jacob Swartz was a stonemason, which trade he followed until 1851, when he engaged in agriculture. In 1853, he moved with his family to Kane County, 111., and purchased eighty acres. This he sold in 1856, and moved to Stephen- son County, 111., where he purchased 100 acres and resided until his death in March, 1867 ; he was in his fifty-ninth year, and a member of the German Reformed Church. Henry P. Swartz acquired the usual ed- ucation of the time, and worked for his father until his nineteenth year, and one year by the month. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, when he was discharged as Sergeant, at Louisville, Ky., July 18, 1865, Soon after returning, he received a Captain's commission, and di- rectly took a course at the Chicago College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in December of the same year. He was afterward employed as a drug clerk at Freeport, 111., for six years. In 1871, he came to Crown Point and opened a drug store with success, it being now the lead- ing one of the county. On November 20, 1868, he was married to Mary F. Bell, a native of Freeport, 111., and daughter of Addison M. and Mary (Atkins) Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz have four children — Carrie B., Harry D., Mamie C. and Kitty C. Mr. Swartz is Trustee of Centre Township ; he is a member of Lake Lodge, No. 157, A., F. & A. M., Lincoln Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M., and Crown Point Council, No. 44, R. & S. M. JAMES SWEENEY was born in County Meath, Ireland, Septem- ber 17, 1825, and is the eldest of six children of James and Ann (Blake) Sweeney. His parents were also natives of Ireland ; his father came to America in 1825, and brought his family in 1830, stopping one year in Canada and going thence to Madison County, N. Y. In 1849, he came to Lake County, remaining until his death, in 1870 ; his mother died in Madison County, N. Y., in 1846. James Sweeney, our subject, has been principally a farmer, and in this county, since 1855, he has followed the same occupation ; he now owns 140 acres of good land in this town- ship. On February 17, 1848, he was married in Syracuse, N. Y., to Elizabeth Johnson, also a native of County Meath, Ireland, by whom he CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 633 has had eleven children, fiye now living — Mary J. (now Mrs. M. Mc- Manus), Rosa (now Mrs. C. H. Meeker), Margaret, John J., and Julia. Mr. Sweeney and family are members of the Catholic Church ; previous to 1874, Mr. Sweeney was a Republican, but is now a Greenbacker, and a nominee of the party. Mrs. Sweeney came to America in 1845. S. P. VAN WINKLE was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., November 9, 1819, and is the only living child of John and Phebe (Jenks) Van Winkle ; his father was a saddler, also a soldier of the war of 1812, and died in 1821 . After his father's death, S. P. Van Winkle went to Canada to his grandparents, and when twelve years old returned to New York. In 1834, he removed to Newark, N. J., where he learned tailoring. In 1840, he was married to Harriet A. Colt, and in 1844, removed to Charleston, S. C, thence again to Newark, and thence to Bradford County, Penn. In 1850, he moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and later emigrated to Indiana, locating at Walkerton, and engag- ing in farming until 1861, when he came to Crown Point. On De- cember 5, 1863, he enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, being finally discharged May 15, 1865 ; he was engaged in the battle of Murfreesboro. After the war, he was elected Constable, and acted also as Deputy County Sheriff ; he held the former oflSce until 1882. His wife died August 5, 1880, and on August 15, 1882, he mar- ried Mary (LattinJ Marsh, widow of Caleb Marsh ; she is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his former wife. Mr. Van Winkle is a Republican, having been formerly a Whig ; he is likewise an Odd Fellow, and in the Encampment. COL. JOHN WHEELER, deceased, was born in New Milford, Conn., February 6, 1825, and was the eldest of ten children of Johnson and Sally (Burr) Wheeler. Col. Wheeler was liberally educated, and reared to manhood in Ohio, whither his parents moved when he was six months old. In 1846, he married Miss Ann C. Jones, daughter of John D. and Polly Ann (Calkins) Jones. In 1847, the Wheeler and Jones families emigrated to Lake County, Ind., their home thereafter, and located in West Creek Township. In 1853, Col. Wheeler moved to Crown Point, where he became County Surveyor. In 1857, he purchased the Crown Point Register, publishing the same until 1861, when, on July 22, he was elected Captain of Company B, Twentieth Volunteers ; on Febru- ary 16, 1862, he was promoted to Major ; on August 13, advanced to be Lieutenant Colonel ; on February 11, 1863, he was made Colonel, and after the battle of Gettysburg, where he was killed, he would have been made a Brigadier General. He was a brave and efficient officer, and univer- sally applauded and lamented. As a writer, he was cultivated and power- ful ; he was also thoroughly informed on public affairs ; he was a Mason 634 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and an Odd Fellow, and was buried with the peerless rites of Freemason- ry. He was the father of four children ; the eldest, J. J. Wheeler, is present editor and proprietor of the Star. He was born in Lake Coun- ty January 11, 1848, and enlisted May 27, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana "Volunteers, and was discharged as Corporal September 30, 1864. He re-enlisted February 18, 1865, as Sergeant of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Volun- teers, serving until the end of the war. On October 27, 1870, he married Miss Arabella, daughter of James Holton, (a sketch of whom accompanies this work) and grand- daughter of Solon Robinson. Three children followed their union — Harold, Fred and Jennie. In October, 1880, he succeeded Mr. Jouvenat as editor of the Star. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a strong Republican. OLIVER G. WHEELER was born in Florence, Erie County, Ohio, March 4, 1842, and is one of the ten children of Johnson and Sallie (Burr) Wheeler, both natives of Connecticut. Johnson Wheeler was a Civil Engineer ; was married in Connecticut, and soon after moved to Erie County, Ohio, of which he was a pioneer. He entered 160 acres, on which he made a farm ; he was also employed in surveying for several years, and in mercantile business and saw-milling. In 1847, he removed to Lake County, Ind., where he bought a small farm and entered 640 acres adjoining. In 1849, he went to California by the overland route, and engaged in contracting and mining until 1851, when he returned to Lake County and laid out the State ditches in said county. In 1856, he came to Crown Point, where he died in 1870, aged seventy-three years. ■ Oliver G. Wheeler received a fair education and remained with his father as clerk until July, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteers ; he rose to be Second Lieutenant, as which he was discharged. He served through the war, after which he entered a dry goods house in Crown Point. In 1868, he engaged in the hardware trade for himself, and continued, being now the largest dealer in the county. Mr. Wheeler was married in April, 1870, to Alice Clark, of Crown Point. Three children have crowned their union. Mr. Wheeler is a member of Lake Lodge, No. 157, A., F. & A. M., also of Lincoln Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M. He is one of the oldest and most enterprising citizens of the place. GEORGE WILLEY was born in New London County, Conn., April 3, 1814. He is one of the oldest residents of this county, and one of the eleven children of Jeremiah and Hannah (Staples) Willey. His father was a native of the "Nutmeg State," and descendant of a line of patriots who fought against the " mother country " in 1776 ; he was also a blacksmith, but went to New York, where he farmed until his death CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 635 in 1867; he was for years a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. His mother was an educated lady, a pative of Connecticut, and a daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Staples. George Willey remained with his father until he reached manhood, and enjoyed an academic education. He was admitted to the bar in 1857, but he has not practiced law as a business. In 1838, he came to. Indiana, and settled in the western part of this county, where he remained many years. In 1868, he located on his present farm of over four hundred acres ; he has, besides, considerable other property. In addition to his farm, he has dealt much in real es- tate. On April 2, 1835, he was married to Miss Clynthia, daughter of Capt. Thomas and Sarah (Fay) Nash, born in Madison County, N. Y., September 24, 1816; her father was a Captain in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Willey have had seven children, four of whom are living — Jo- hanna A. (now Mrs. J. Fisher), George A., Alice A. (now Mrs. C. L. Granger) and Clynthia A. (now Mrs. H. M. Griffin). Mr. Willey is a stanch Democrat, and has served as Revenue Collector of this county for three years, and has held other minor offices. MARTIN WOOD, the oldest attorney of Crown Point, was born in JeflFerson County, Ohio, October 26, 1821, and is one of the eleven chil- dren of Frederick S. and Mary (Burk) Wood, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Maryland. His father was a farmer, who re- moved to Ohio, married in Columbiana County, but died, with his wife, in Athens County, Ohio. Martin was reared on a farm, where he ac- quired the best schooling he could, afterward completing the scientific course at Ohio University ; he paid his way through college by teaching, which he pursued for ten years. In 1844, he began the study of law at Athens with John Welsh, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the State in 1847. He began practice at Logan, and subse- quently came to Crown Point, Ind., where he located permanently. In 1843, he was married to Miss Lavina Pilcher, who died in 1845, leaving one son, since deceased. In 1849, he married Miss Susan G. Taylor, of Porter County, Ind., born in Shelby County, Ohio, January 21, 1828, and daughter of George W. and Mary (Hathaway) Taylor, who came to Indiana in 1845, and in 1849 removed to Valparaiso, where Mr. Taylor died. Mr. Wood is an enterprising and valued citizen, having done much to forward the interests of Crown Point, which has been appre- ciated by his election to offices of trust and honor. Among them are Prosecuting Attorney and Legislator. To both positions he was re- elected. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had eleven children, seven of whom are living — Owen, Cordelia, Helena, Cynthia, Benton, Harvey and George Frederick. Mr. Wood is a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows. The law firm of which he is a member is the oldest in Crown 636 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Point, and one of the first in Northern Indiana. Mrs. Wood is an active worker in temperance, Sabbath school and missionary causes. HON. THOMAS J. WOOD, attorney at law, was born in Athens County, Ohio, September 30, 1844, and is a son of Darius C. and Diana S. (Carter) Wood. His parents removed to Indiana when he was nine years old, locating in Vigo County, where his father is yet farming ; he assisted his father until he was twenty-two years of age, beginning as a teacher at nineteen. He attended the schools of the neighborhood and the ward schools of Terre Haute, after which he taught for eight terms, and later entered the law office of William Mack, afterward Speaker of the House of Representatives. After reading one year, he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1867 with first honors. He first located in Lowell, and then removed to Crown Point, where he formed a partnership with Tim- othy Cleveland, and later with his uncle, Martin Wood, which has been continued as the strongest law firm in Northern Indiana. Mr. Thomas J. Wood is a radical Democrat, and was the second Town Treasurer of Crown Point, having served two terms. In 1872, he was elected Prose cuting Attorney of the Thirty-first District, and re-elected in 1874, not- withstanding the Republicanism of said District. In 1878, he was elected State Senator from Porter and Lake Counties, which are Repub- lican by 1,350 majority. In August, 1882, he was nominated for Con- gress, and was elected in the fall. He is a member of the Masonic order, having reached the Council. On May 10, 1870, he was married to Mary E. Pelton, only daughter of Hiram S. Pelton, deceased, and to them have been born five children — Charles H., Flora M., Alice, Ora E. and Willis P. WILLIAM J. YOUNG was born at Crown Point, Ind., January 21, 1860, and is the third of the four children of Ruggles B. and Eliza (Jus- tus) Young, the former a native of Wilkes Barre, Penn., the latter of Rich- mond, Ind. Ruggles B. Young was an active itinerant minister of the M. E. Church in Michigan. In 1850, he withdrew from the itineracy ; came to Crown Point in 1852, where he engaged in mercantile business, and afterward in the tanning business until 1872 or 1873, after which he lived in retirement until his death, April 26, 1879, in his seventy-sixth year. After his withdrawal from the active ministry, he continued to labor as a local preacher. William J. Young received an ordinary edu- cation, and at the age of seventeen commenced as school teacher, which he pursued for four years. In February, 1881, he engaged in the cloth- ing trade at Crown Point, in which vocation he is still prosperously en- gaged. He carries a large, well-selected stock of goods, and has a grow- ing business. CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 687 CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM W. AOKERMAN was born in Oakland County, Mich., February 24, 1827, and is one of three children of John H. and Anna (Wallace) Ackerman, both natives of New York. John H. Ackerman was a shoe-maker, and married his first wife in Truxton, N. Y. In 1826, he emigrated westward, and located in Oakland County, Mich., where he engaged in farming ; he afterward moved to Macomb County, Mich., where he died October 5, 1858; Mrs. Ackerman died March 25, 1829. Mr. Ackerman's second wife was Mrs. Aurelia Nelson, by whom he had five daughters and four sons ; she is yet living in Macomb County, Mich. William W. Ackerman lived in Michigan until he was thirteen years old, when he went to an uncle in Erie County, Penn., where he farmed. Soon after war was declared with Mexico, he enlisted for twelve months in Company G, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers, under Gen. Curtis, May 21, 1817 ; he remained in active service until discharged July 2, 1848, at New Orleans, La. In October, 1848, he returned to Indiana, intending to go farther West, but liking the country, and having a land warrant for services in the war, he located 160 acres, which he afterward sold, and purchased the farm he now has in West Creek Township ; he owns in all 720 acres, besides his town property in Lowell. On April 20, 1850, he was married to Mary Pulver, who died July 23, 1867, leaving five chil- dren — Theodore L., William H., Ida M., Jasper L. and Charles D. His second marriage, November 9, 1871, was to Mrs. Betsey (Sanders) Graves. To this union were born three children — Vessie E., Zadie and Zella M. Until 1882, Mr. Ackerman was engaged in farming and stock- raising, when he rented his place and removed to Lowell, where he is doing a large business in agricultural implements ; he still looks after his farm, being one of the best farmers in southern Lake County ; he is a Republican, an old settler and honored citizen. Mrs. Ackerman is a member of the Christian Church. E. R. BACON, M. D., was born in Orleans County, N. Y., Feb- ruary 22, 1840, and is a son of Benjamin and Louisa M. (Dodd) Bacon, both natives of New York. Benjamin Bacon was a farmer, and was twice married — first to Louisa M. Dodd June 9, 1828, by whom he had six children ; she died in 1843. His second marriage, October 21, 1844, was to Sarah Curtis, by whom he had two children. Mr. Bacon died in New York in 1878, aged seventy-three years ; his widow resides in Wis- consin. Dr. Bacon after his fifth year lived among strangers, with a man named B. G. Merrick, who reared him to manhood. After the usual school education in 1856, he went to Illinois, and, in 1858, to Michigan. In about 1861, he began the study of medicine, and, at the blast of war and call for troops, he enlisted in Company E, Second Michigan Volun- 638 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: teers. After his term of service, he re-enlisted in the One Hundredth Illinois Regiment, and was made Sergeant, and as such took part in the battle of Perryville. In 1862, he was made Hospital Steward at Bowling Green, Ky., and was afterward sent to Hospital No. 14, at Nashville, re- maining until 1864, and continuing on hospital duty until his discharge in 1865. After the war, he went to Lockport, 111., and, in 1866, came to Lowell, Ind., and began the practice of medicine, having attended lectures at Nashville. In 1872-73, he attended the Chicago Medical College, graduating therefrom March 13, 1878. Dr. Bacon is a close student, and a successful practitioner, and has a lucrative practice. On June 8, 1868, he was married to Miss Martha B. Sanger, daughter of •James H. Sanger, deceased. To this union were born two children — Sylvia L. and Mattie Grace. Dr. Bacon is both a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and, in politics, a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JACOB BAUGHMAN was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Octo- ber 21, 1829, and is one of the eight children of Jacob and Sarah (Rit- ter) Baughman, both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to West Creek Township from Valparaiso in 1851, where both are buried. Jacob Baugh- man, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Ohio, where he received a common school education, and moved with his parents to Valparaiso, Ind., in 1849, and to West Creek Township in 1851, where they built a house and began breaking the prairie ; here he remained until 1852, when he took the "gold fever," and, with his brother and two others, went to Califor- nia, via New York and Panama. From San Francisco he went to Dry Creek, and thence to Sierra County, and mined on Yuba River with good success ; he then mined on Lost Hill and Bush Creek for seven years, and in 1859 returned much better off than he left, and farmed in Kankakee County, 111., until 1862, when he again went to Idaho by the overland route ; they took the " Bridger route," then but an Indian trail, traveled for sixty days, and, after much suffering, arrived in Virginia City, and began mining in Alder Gulch Diggings. After two months, he went to his old haunts in Nevada County, Cal. In 1864, he went to Salt Lake, and thence to Idaho, where he prospected and found good diggings at Black Gulch ; later, he mined at Helena City and Silver Creek, and returned home via Fort Bentoij and Missouri River. Mr. Baughman has a mining experience, perhaps not equaled by any man in Lake County ; he has toiled, suffered, and been rewarded. Until 1870, he farmed in West Creek Township, when he moved to Lowell, where he now resides. Besides town property, he owns forty acres in Cedar Creek Township, 200 in West Creek Township, and 160 in Kankakee County, 111. On May 28, 1868, he married Miss Emma Dodge, daughter of CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 639 Henry L. and Mary L. (Plummer) Dodge, born November 18, 1846, in Merrimack County, N. H. To this union there has issued one son, Henry Lancaster, born March 21, 1869. Mr. Baughman is one of the self-made and substantial men of Lake County, and a Republican in politics. ZENAS C. BURNHAM was born in BerUn, Erie Co., Ohio, De- cember 19, 1831, and is a son of Moses K. and Susan (Norton) Burn- ham, both natives of Connecticut, where they were married in 1819, and soon after moved to Erie County, Ohio, where their children were born. Mr. Burnham engaged in farming until 1859, when they came to Lake County, Ind., where Mr. Burnham died, July 27, 1863; Mrs. Burnham died August 21, 1872; the names of the family were as follows: Ells- worth N. (died in Kansas, 1882), Mary A., Kellogg (a Captain in the late war), Daniel T. (killed in battle at Atlanta), Martha J. (wife of R. W. Bacon, of Lowell) and Zenas C, who, after receiving a common school education, learned the trade of a carpenter, at which, and ship-building, he worked in Milan, Erie Co., Ohio, until 18^3, when he came with his brother, Kellogg, to Lake County. Zenas went to work at house-build- ing in West Creek Township, but making his permanent home in Lake County. On July 3, 1857, he was married to Miss Martha F. Wheeler, sister of his brother Kellogg's wife, and sister of Col. John Wheeler, de- ceased (a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work). By this union were born four children — Herman 0., Kelley W. (deceased), Jessie L. and Frederick G. Mrs. Burnham is a native of Erie County, Ohio, born September 24, 1839, and daughter of Johnson and Sallie (Burr) Wheeler. After his marriage, Mr. Burnham worked at his trade and farmed in West Creek Township until 1874, when he removed to Lowell, where he has since resided. In politics, he is a Republican. STANLEY CASTLE was born in Franklin County, Vt., May 25, 1811, and is the third of ten children of John and Clarissa Castle. John Castle was a native of Harrington County, Conn., a farmer, and was twice married. By his first wife he had born to him two children, and to his second, ten, six of whom are living. After his second marriage, he went to Canada, where he remained for a time during the war of 1812. Refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the British Government, he re- turned to the United States and located at Fairfield, Franklin Co., Vt. The war continuing, he served his country in the battle of Plattsburg. In 1844, he and wife removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where a son and daughter resided, and there they died. Stanley Castle was reared on a farm and got but spare education. At the age of twenty, he began the carpentering and joining business, at which he continued six years. On May 19, 1837, he was married to Fanny Woodruff. To this union were born three children — Helen M. (deceased), Frederick and Charles; Fred- 640 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: erick served during the late war in the Twelfth Indiana Calvary, and be- came Orderly Sergeant; he married Rachel Ellingsen, and resides in Cedar Creek Township. Charles married Hattie Miller, and also lives in Cedar Creek Township. After his marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Castle lived eight years in Vermont, thence moved to Connecticut, and, about 1846, moved to Porter County, Ind., where Mrs. Castle had a brother. He visited southern Lake County, and purchased the land on which he now lives, and has since been engaged in farming. The country was then new and sparsely settled, and the hardships were almost insurmountable, but Mr. Castle prospered, having owned 744|^ acres, of which he yet owns 572 acres. Mr. Castle is one of the representative men of southern Lake County. In politics, he is a Republican, but was formerly a Whig. JABEZ CLARK, deceased, one of the earliest pioneers of southern Lake County, was born at what is now Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., December 5, 1808, and was one of the five children of Jabez and Deborah (Backus) Clark, the former of Rhode Island, the latter of Massachusetts. The subject of this memoir was reared in Indiana, received a common school education and chose farming as a vocation. On December 2^ 1832, he was married to Miss Marietta E. Barrows, who was born in Mansfield, Conn., January 2, 1812, daughter of Andrew and Polly (Cum- mings) Barrows, both of Connecticut. In 1837, Mr. and Mrs. Clark started for Illinois to found a home, and on the way were induced by one Luman Fowler to look at Lake County, and, being pleased therewith, laid claim to a quarter section of land in Cedar Creek Township ; this they sold, and pre-empted land, a part of which is now the village of Lowell. This Mr. Clark improved and farmed, both he and Mrs. Clark undergoing the hardships incident to those days, including fever and ague. Mr. Clark was a man of sturdy energy and private worth, and in his death, which occurred July 8, 1876, another link of the past and present generation was severed, and so the heroic and early settlers da pass away ; he owned 265 acres in Cedar Creek Township, besides valu- able property in Lowell and 100 acres in Missouri. Mrs. Clark resides in Lowell. They were parents of seven children — Perry D., Cornelia A., Jerome C. (deceased), Milo W., who married Alice Northrop, and by her had one son, now living— Philo W. (Milo Clark served in the late war, and died, from the efi"ects thereof about two years later),, Florence C. (deceased), Ambrose B. (deceased) and Homer Emerson (de- ceased). Of the two living — Perry and Cornelia — the former married Sarah J. Thorn, and resides on the old place in Lowell ; they have had four children— Harry E., Franklin (deceased), Wilbur P. and Marietta. Cornelia is the wife of John M. Dwyer, and resides in Newcastle Ind. and is the mother of seven children — Byron (deceased), Binie E. (de~ CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 641 ceased), Cassie, Schuyler C Sylvia and two who died in infancy. The Clark family are among the oldest, best known and most respected of any in the community. JOSEPH A. CLARK was born March 27, 1828, in Ontario County, N. Y., and is the eldest of the eleven children of Joseph A. and Harriet (Story) Clark, both natives of Ontario County. Elijah Clark, grand- father of our subject, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was a pris- oner of the British at Queenstown Heights, but afterward exchanged. Joseph A. Clark (deceased), born in 1803, was a farmer by occupation and a machinest and cabinet-maker by trade. He moved with his family to Branch County, Mich., in 1836, having previously entered a quarter section of land. In 1837, they came to Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., at that day containing but six or eight families, where they have since resided, having passed through the struggles and privations of those early times. Mr. Clark was the first Treasurer or " Collector," as then called, of Lake County, and was Justice of the Peace at the date of his death, in May, 1854 ; his widow died about 1872. They had nine children. Three served in the late was, one — Alden V. — dying from disease contracted in said service. Joseph A. Clark, our subject, received a limited education, and was reared in Lake County. When the late war became a fact, he enlisted in Company B, Twentieth- Indiana Volunteers ; he served three years and four months, and was in the hard-fought battles of his regiment in the Potomac Division — thirty -seven pitched battles. He was five times slightly wounded, and now carries a rebel shot in his ankle. Mr. Clark rose to be Second Lieutenant in the regular line of promotion, and had command of his company two years before quitting the service. By reason of sickness, he resigned his com- mand October 26, 1864. On September 1, 1869, he was married to Miss Arabelle Hull, daughter of Samuel and Emeline (Castle) Hull, by whom he has had two children — Joseph A. and Beatrice. Mr. Clark was formerly a Whig, later a Republican, and now a Greenbacker ; he is also a Royal Arch Mason. Mr. Clark owns seventy-seven acres where he re- sides, and five acres of timber on the Kankakee River, in Cedar Creek Township. Mrs. Clark is a member of the Episcopal Church. JOHN DAUM was born in Prussia October 2, 1820, and is the younger of the two sons of Henry and Catherine (Ellenberger) Daum, both natives of ^Prussia. Henry Daum was a farmer, which occupation he followed in Germany until his death in 1827 or 1828. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1848, Mrs. Daum came to the United States with her eldest son, Reinhart, locating in Clarion County, Penn., with whom she resided until her death ; she, also, was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. John Daum received the edu- 642 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: cation of the common schools of his native country. At the age of sev- enteen he began to serve two and a half years ' apprenticeship to the trade of a carpenter. When twenty, he was enrolled in the Prussian Army, serving five years, but in actual service only seventeen months, being the rest of the term at home on furlough or at work at his trade. In 1847, he emigrated to America, and settled in New York City, where he worked ten years. He then removed to Clarion County, Penn., and thence, in 1865, to Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., where he purchased 152 acres, and on which he has since been engaged in agriculture. On May 8, 1857, he was married to Louisa Ruather, of Prussia, by whom he had five children, four of whom are living. Mrs. Daum died Sep- tember 19, 1860 ; she was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Daum's second marriage, in October, 1865, was to Mrs. Susanna Ricken- brode, of Clarion County, Penn. By this union were born six children, five of i.whom are living. Mrs. Daum had five children by her former marriagCi Mr. Daum is known as an enterprising farmer ; he is a stanch Republican. Mrs. Daum is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and Mr. Daum of the Dutch Reformed Church. JOHN E. DAVIS, M. D., was born in Mercer County, Ky., May 21, 1844, and is one of the nine children of Achilles E. and Melinda (Moore) Davis, both natives of Mercer County, Ky. His great-grand- parents came to America before the Revolution, on his father's side from England, and on his mother's side from Wales. Most of the family were farmers, but one uncle was a prominent attorney in Kentucky, and for a number of years Mayor of the city of Lexington. Two other uncles, George and Harrison, were soldiers in the war of 1812, and also in the Mexican war. Another uncle was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Indiana many years. Mr. Davis' parents are yet living on their farm near Harrodsburg, Ky.; eight of their children are also living. One son, Harrison, was a soldier in the late war, and is now located at Harrodsburg, Ky., in the furniture business, and where the eldest son is a practicing physician. Dr. Davis received a school and academic educa- tion, and at the age of twenty-three began the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. Henry C. Davis. After reading with him for some time, he entered and graduated from, in 1869, the Medical Department of the University of Louisville. The same summer, he came to Lowell, Ind., and engaged in practice. For one year, his business was small, but after that he advanced to a good and paying practice, and he has now, perhaps, the largest of any physician in the town. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been advanced to the Royal Arch degree. On Octo- ber 8, 1873, he married Miss Etta Himebaugh, daughter of Francis and Mary (Phelps) Himebaugh, early settlers of Kane County, 111. To that CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 643 union were born four sons— Francis A., John J., Willard B. and Ezra B. Dr. Davis is an enterprising and esteemed citizen. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. GEORGE M. DEATH was born in Rush County, Ind., January 17, 1841, and is one of nine children born to John M. and Mary C. (Petro) Death, both natives of Ohio. John M. Death, in his early days, was a merchant, but afterward engaged in farming ; he died March 27, 1879, near Hastings, Neb. His widow resides with her daughter at Hebron, Ind. George M. Death was reared mainly in Henry County, Ind., where he received a fair education, and, at the age of fourteen, began to learn the trade of a tinner at Ogden, and, in 1859, came to Lake County and engaged in farming. About three years later, he became clerk in a dry goods store in Lowell, which he continued three years, when he opened a tinshop. He had but a small beginning, increasing his stock with his means, until, with the growth of the town, he, too, has grown, and now has a first-class trade in tinware, stoves and hardware, of which he has the best stock in the market. Mr. Death marrieS Miss Margaret John- son, a native of Canada, by which union have been born four children — Minnie (deceased). May, Winnie and Jessie. Mr. Death belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities ; in the latter he is in the Encamp- ment ; he is a Republican in politics, and an old merchant of Lowell. CHARLES DE WITT was born in Steuben County, N. Y., January 26, 1822, and is the eldest of ten children born to Joseph and Sarah (Sample) De Witt ; the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Canada. The father of Joseph De Witt was a soldier and pensioner of the Revolutionary war. Joseph De Witt was a life-long farmer, residing in New York until the fall of 1845, when, by reason of Charles De Witt having come to Indiana and purchased eighty acres in Cedar Creek Town- ship, the family removed hither and made a home. Mr. De Witt died in 1857, his widow in 1879. Charles De Witt was reared and received some education in New York. He was incited to move West in order to get land for himself, and was necessitated to work early and late to ac- complish his desire, in addition to the toils and hardships, of new settlers. In spite of these, he made steady progress, and, in 1849, Mr. De Witt married Miss Marietta Sanger, daughter of John Sanger, one of the old settlers, by whom he had one daughter — Sarah (deceased) ; her mother also died about 1851. In 1853, Mr. De Witt married his present wife, Anna Pratt, a native of Guernsey, Ohio, born May 31, 1824, who came with her parents — ^Rufus and Martha (Merritt) Pratt — to Lake County in 1851. Four children were born to them — Homer C. (born December 2, 1854, died August 23, 1877), Ladora L. (born February 4, 1856), La- vina F. (born January 23, 1858, now Mrs. Fred Viant of Lowell), and 644 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Martha A. (born December 6, 1861, now Mrs. Charles Hill of Lowell). Since his residence here, Mr. De Witt has steadily followed farming. In 1875, he moved to Lowell, where his family have resided ; he is one of the few remaining old settlers who began poor, but has now a competence, having paid his only f 100 for his first eighty acres. Mr. De Witt is in politics a Republican ; he and wife are esteemed residents, and adhere to the religious faith known as Brethren of Christ, or Soul Sleepers. HENRY DICKINSON was born in West Riding, Yorkshire, En- gland, November 22, 1816, and is the second of the ten children of Henry and Diana (Wood) Dickinson, both natives of Yorkshire. Henry Dickinson was a farmer, as were many of his family. With strong pre- dilections for the free institutions of America, he emigrated hither, in 1830, sailing from Liverpool in the ship "Peru," and after seven weeks arriving in Philadelphia. They located there and remained there three years, Mr. Dickinson dealing in horses. In 1833, they removed to Car- roll County, Ohio, and engaged in clearing and farming ; they afterward moved to Morgan County, where they died. Henry Dickinson, Jr., came to America with his parents when he was fourteen years of age, after which he attended school two months only. On October 28, 1841, he was married, in Carroll County, Ohio, to Lydia, eldest daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Richeson) Denny, born in Pennsylvania May 3, 1817. In 1847, they removed to Indiana, and having relatives in Lake County, concluded to make that their home. Accordingly, Mr. Dick- inson purchased eighty acres near Orchard Grove, Cedar Creek Town- ship, to which he subsequently added forty acres ; this was in the early time of Lake County. On February 25, 1875, Mrs. Dickinson died, leaving nine children — Thomas D., Henry W., Sarah A., Emma H., Cyrus F., Lucinda M., Alonzo, Lydia F. and one deceased in in- fancy. Henry, Emma and Lucinda, also one unnamed, deceased. Mr. Dickinson's second marriage was on March 22, 1876, to Mrs. Eliza (Sherman) Warner, born in Newtown, Conn., September 18, 1820, and daughter of Carlos and Polly (Plumb) Sherman. By her former mar- riage she had two sons — Carlos S. and Lucius C. Mr. Dickinson is one of the few living pioneers of Lake County ; he has watched its growth and prosperity. In 1876, he removed to Lowell, where he is engaged in the manufacture of the " Chicago water elevator and purifier " a pump of high value. Mr. Dickinson is a public-spirited and enterprising citi- zen, and has found a field and reward for his efi'orts. Besides town prop- erty in Lowell, he owns the old homestead of 290 acres ; he was at one time a Whig, but is now a Republican, and has held various local offices. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 645 THOMAS DICKINSON was born in Yorkshire, Eng., December 30, 1821, and, in 1828, came to the United States with his parents. His father, Henry Dickinson, .was a farmer. After coming to America, he located in Philadelphia, where he remained three years. In 1833, he moved to Carroll County, Ohio, with his family, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and became one of the most extensive sheep- raisers in that country. About 1850, Mr. Dickinson removed to Morgan County, Ohio, where he and wife died and are buried. Thomas Dickin- son received but a limited education ; was reared on the farm of his father, and on August 9, 1846, was married to Rachel Miller, a native of Car- roll County, Ohio, after which he followed farming and threshing until 1851, when he moved to Morgan County, following grist and saw milling for nine years. In 1860, he emigrated West ; was pleased with Indiana, and located, in Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, which has since been his home. He purchased 170 acres at $14 per acre, but has added thereto until he now owns 380 acres, one of the best farms in the county, of which he is one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers ; he has at present two full-blooded Clydesdale colts. Mr. and Mrs. Dickin- son are parents to nine children — Minerva (now Mrs. E. L. Watson), Charles (deceased), Mary C. (deceased), Frank (deceased), Susanna (now Mrs. Allen), William T. (husband of Lida Miller), Edmund, Byron and Grant. The three deceased died within twenty days of each other, from malignant scarlet fever. In politics Mr. Dickinson is a Republican. MARTIN DRISCOLL was born in Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., December 5, 1840, and is the oldest of the six children of John and Betsey (Murphy) Driscoll, both natives of Ireland. John DriscoU came to the United States when but sixteen years old, and worked as a farmer in Vermont, New York, Michigan and Illinois for a number of years. He once owned forty acres on the site now occupied by the town of White Pigeon, Mich. In 1834, he came to Porter County, Ind., and pre-empted 160 acres, afterward known as the Bryant farm. In 1835, he came to Cedar Creek Township, where he pre-empted a sec- ond quarter section, which he exchanged for a like number with Peter Surprise; here he resided until his death, October 7, 1862. Martin Driscoll received a fair education, and worked for his father until twenty- one years old, when his father gave him 155 acres in West Creek Town- ship, where he followed agriculture until 1864, when he sold the farm. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-third Illinois Volun- teers, and served until mustered out, in December of the same year. Thereafter, he purchased 100 acres of unimproved land in West Creek Township, on which he resided until 1870. He then sold and exchanged this property several times, yet still owning a livery stable and farm near 646 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the village, which last he cultivated for three years. This village prop- erty he exchanged for land adjoining his farm, and on which he at this time resides. On August 21, 1861, he was married to Lizzie Binyon, of Walnut Grove, Porter Co., Ind., a daughter of John and Nancy B. (Hughes) Binyon. Mr. Binyon is a native of East Tennessee, and one of earliest settlers of Porter County. To this union have succeeded eight children, of whom seven are living — three boys and four girls. Mr. DriscoU is Superintendent of Roads for Cedar Creek Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll are members of the M. E. Church. (For inci- dents, see history of Cedar Creek Township.) JOHN R. DRISCOLL was born in Cedar Creek Township, Lake Co., Ind., December 24, 1852, and is one of six children born to John and Betsey (Murphy) Driscoll, both natives of Ireland. (A sketch of John Driscoll appears elsewhere in this work.) John R. Driscoll re- ceived a common school education ; his father died when he was ten years of age, but he remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one, when he went to Lowell, engaged in the dry goods trade and resided until 1878, when he moved on a portion of the old homestead be- queathed to him by his father. This has since been his home, and he has now a well-improved farm of 140 acres in this township. On September 18, 1876, he was married to Ida Lynch, a native of Lowell, Lake Co., Ind., daughter of John and Sajrah M. (Sherard) Lynch, the former of Ireland, the latter of Ohio. To this union there was born one child — Don Carl. Mr. Driscoll is a member of Colfax Lodge, No. 373, A., F. & A. M. In politics, he is a Republican, and he is a leading farmer of the township and county. ALFRED EDGERTON was born in Erie County, Penn., May 23, 1822, and is one of the eight children of Horace and Betsey (Taylor) Edgerton, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of New York. Horace Edgerton was a carpenter, which calling he followed almost con- stantly until his death; he was a soldier of the war of 1812. When young, he went to New York, where he was married, and thence removed to Erie County, Penn. In 1834, he moved to La Porte, La Porte Co., Ind., and thence to Cedar Lake, where he pre-empted 160 acres, which he farmed, and also worked at his trade. In 1843, he purchased and improved eighty acres in Cedar Creek Township; he died in Cook ■County, III. Mrs. Edgerton died at La Porte in 1836. Alfred Edger- ton attended the frontier subscription schools, and afterward worked for his father until he was twenty-on6 years old. In 1848, he bought eighty acres of State land in Cedar Creek Township, built a cabin and improved the same, and here he has since resided. In 1852, he went by overland route to California, and engaged in mining until 1853, when he returned via Panama. On May 9, 1854, he was married to Jane H. Scritchfield, CEDAR GREEK TOWNSHIP. 6 41 of Kentucky, daughter of Hiram H. and Esther A. (Highfield) Scritch- field, both natives of Kentucky. To this union have been born thirteen children, ten of whom survive — Flora F. (now Mrs. L. G. Cutler), Susan A. (now Mrs. C. A. Taylor), Oscar P., Norah J., George W., Bertha F., Millie F., Homer A., Alma M. and Ruth B. Both Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Edgerton is, in politics, a Greenbacker, and also an old settler and a prominent farmer. MOSES M. ESTY was born in Norfolk County, Mass., May 19, 1831, and is one of seven children born to Moses and Julia A. (Good- ridge) Esty, both natives of Massachusetts. Moses Esty was a farmer ; he was married in Massachusetts, and in 1835 moved to Lake County, 111., where he entered 2,000 acres of prairie land, on which he erected a log house, and which he improved ; that house was replaced by a frame one in 1850 ; he also owned a grist and saw mill, which he operated irt connection with his farm. In 1862, he sold both farm and mill, and re- moved to Livingston County, 111., where he purchased 640 acres, orb which he resided until his death, in 1869. Moses M. Esty received a. fair school education, and was thereafter employed on his father's farm and in the niill .until he was twenty -one years old ; his father then gave? him one-half interest in the mill which he continued to operate until 1863, in the spring of which year he was married to Martha J. Grant,, a native of Norfolk County, Mass., daughter of Samuel and Harriet _(Bond) Grant. By this union they had one child — Herbert M. In 1864, Mr. Esty moved to Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., where- he purchased 350 acres, on which he has since been engaged in farming; and stock-raising, in the latter extensively, having some of the best cat- tle in the township. In politics, Mr. Estey belongs to the National Labor party, and is one of the leading farmers of the township. JAMES E. HALE was born in Cedar Creek Township, Lake Co.,. Ind., August 9, 1843, and is one of the ten children of Aaron and Han- nah A. (Kenney) Hale, both natives of Maine. Aaron Hale was by oc- cupation a farmer, and was married in his native State. In 1837, he- moved westward, most of the journey on foot, to Porter County, Ind.; he first located near Hebron with his brother, where he raised one crop- In 1838 or 1889, he came to Eagle Creek Township, in this county,, where he preempted 160 acres, built a cabin and lived for two years ; his family joined him in 1838. In 1841, he bought eighty acres in Cedar Creek Township, which he set about to improve. This he sold, and move(J to and purchased 320 acres in La Porte County, which he cleared. He- now resides with his daughter in Eagle Creek Township. James E. Hale- received in youth an ordinary education. On his nineteenth birthday he- was sworn into Company A, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteers, in 648 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : which he served creditably until the war closed. He participated at Perryville, Stone River, Nashville, and was discharged at Nashville July, 1865. After his return, he visited Kansas, and later farmed on shares in this county for two years. On February 22, 1866, he was married to Gertrude McCann. By this union they had seven children, five of whom are living. On February 25, 1869, he came to Lowell, in this county, and began the harness-making business. This he sold in 1871, and began the hardware business, in which he continued until 1874, when he sold and became Superintendent of the Hame Manufacturing Company for one year, after which he, with James A. Fuller, purchased said business, and operated the same until 1875, when he sold to Mr. Fuller. In 1876, he engaged in merchandising until he removed to Alvin, 111., where he bought grain. In 1877, he went to Chicago as speculator, and in 1880 returned to Lowell, Ind., and commenced harness-making, in which he has done a fine business. Mr. Hale is a Republican ; has been Town Trustee, and was a prominent candidate for County Treasurer ; he is a member of Col- fax Lodge, No. 378, A., F. & A. M., and Lincoln Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M. MBLVIN A. HALSTED was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., March 29, 1821, and the only living of the three children of William and Patty (Haskin) Halsted, both natives of same county. His grandparents on his father's side were Joseph and Katie (Agan) Halsted, and on his mother's side, Enoch and Lydia (Ackly) Haskin. Throughout the Rev- olutionary war the family was bitterly divided in political views, espe- cially Joseph Halsted, who was a Major and active officer in the colonial cause, while his wife's people were strong Tories, having two brothers en- gaged on the English side ; Enoch Haskin was also a soldier for Ameri- can independence. William Halsted was a musician of the war of 1812. Melvin A. Halsted lived in his native State, where he received a fair edu- cation in schools and academies, until thirteen years of age, but in 1835 came West to Ohio, and in 1842, while engaged in farming in Montgom- ery County, he married Miss Martha C. Foster, and in 1845 moved to Lake County, Ind., locating in West Creek Township, five miles west of Lowell. In 1848, he built a water-power saw-mill in Lowell, and in 1849 moved thereto. In 1850, he took the "gold fever," and went to Cali- fornia by the overland route, but returned to Lowell in 1851, and built a flour mill. In 1853, he surveyed and laid out the town of Lowell. In 1857, he sold and removed to Southern Illinois, and engaged in milling in Kinmundy. In 1859, he again went to California, by way of New York and Panama, but returned to the States in 1861. In the same year, he went back to the mining regions of the far West, and became interested in the gold and silver Comstock mines of Nevada, where he CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 649 made a fortune. In January, 1864, he came back and purchaaed the property he formerly owned in Lowell, as well as other real estate. In 1869, he removed his family to California, where and in Utah they re- mained two years. In 1874, they came to Lowell, where Mr. Halsted interested himself in constructing the L., N. A. & C. R. R. through this place. Mr. Halsted has done more for. Lowell than all others combined. He is an energetic citizen and a public-spirited gentleman ; he is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for forty years. Mr. and Mrs. Halsted have had four children — William N., Theron H., Mary and an infant (both deceased). Mrs. Halsted is a native of Troy, Penn., born September 12, 1824, and a daughter of Elijah D. and Ruth C. (Nichols) Foster ; they came to Lake County in 1863, and are both now deceased. JAMES HILL was born in Rockcastle County, Ky., May 29, 1810, and is the eldest of the four children of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Hill, both natives of Kentucky. William Hill was born, reared and mar- ried in Madison County, Ky. When young, he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed several years. About 1807, he went to Rock- castle County, Ky., where he mined saltpeter until 1812, when he re- turned to Madison County and purchased 113 acres ; here he resided until his death in 1822 ; he was for many years a Captain of militia. Mrs. Elizabeth Hill died at the same place ; she was a member of the Baptist Church. James Hill attended the ordinary schools, and when thirteen years old went to live with one James Loyd, who removed to Decatur County, Ind., in 1827. When twenty-one years old, he bought 120 acres of unimproved land in Decatur County. On November 18, 1838, he was married to Mary Skinner, of Livingston County, N. Y. By this union there were born six children, fo^ur of whom are living — Lucinda, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Henry Surprise), William J. and Jesse L. William J. served three years in the late war, and now resides in Oregon. In 1853, Mr. Hill sold his farm, and came with his family to Cedar Creek Township, where he purchased 320 acres, and has since resided. Mr. Hill is an old settler and valued citizen. For about twenty years, he has been a cripple, from partial paralysis of the lower limbs, caused by being thrown from a wagon near Chicago. Mrs. Hill is a member of the Baptist Church. WILLIAM HILL was born in Windom County, Conn., March 5, 1820, and is one of the fourteen children of Rufus and Polly (Humes) Hill; the former was a native of Connecticut, and the latter died in 1855. Mr. Hill afterward married Mary Hamilton, who bore him six children, all of whom are living. About 1824, Mr. Hill and family moved to Ontario County, N. Y., and after six years to Medina County, 660 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: then to Champaign County^ Ohio, and in 1840 to Indiana, locating in Lake County, which has since been their home. He purchased 200 acres in Cedar Creek Township, which he improved and farmed. Mr. Hill and family passed through the trials and privations of their day and circumstances, and he died on the old homestead in 1879, aged eighty- five years. He was many years Captain of militia in New York. Mrs. Hill subsequently married a Mr. Taylor; she now resides in Stark County, Ind. William Hill resided with his parents until manhood, re- ceiving a school education. He became a farmer, which occupation he followed in Lake County, and where, by labor and perseverance, he owns 250 acres in Cedar Creek Township, besides twelve acres in Lowell, on which he lives. On January 16, 1845, he married Miss Mary Ann Wilkinson, born February 27, 1827, daughter of Robert Wilkinson, who came to Indiana in 1834. To their union there were born four chil- dren — Melissa A. (deceased wife of Jacob Miller), Cordelia (wife of Daniel Marman), Ocena (deceased wife of BUery Nichols) and Charles R. (residing in Lowell). Mr. Hill's family is among the first in the place. Robert and Elizabeth (Miller) Wilkinson, natives of North Caro- lina and Virginia, were born — the former in 1797, the latter in 1805. They were married in Athens County, Ohio, about 1820, and were blessed with nine children, of whom but two — John B. and Mrs. Hill — are living, in Lake County. They came to what is now Lake County (then La Porte) in 1835 ; settled in West Creek Township and engaged in farming. After twenty years, they moved to Missouri, where they died in 1857. They were among the earliest settlers, their nearest neighbor being eight miles distant. Their son, born in West Creek Township, was probably the first birth there. John B. is the only one of the name in the county. He is married; has a family, and for six- teen years was mail-carrier between Lowell and Crown Point. LEONARD KEILMAN was born near Worms, Germany, May 22, 1833, and is the youngest of the seven children of Henry and Elizabeth (Overal) Keilman, both natives of Grermany. Henry Keilman was a farmer, and for a time teamster in the army of Napoleon I, durinc the Austrian campaign. In 1840, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Summit County, Ohio, where he purchased a small farm of twenty-seven acres. In 1845, he sold this, and moved to St. John's Township, Lake Co., Ind., where he bought 300 acres, and where he re- , sided until his death, June 24, 1878, aged eighty-four years ; he was a member of the Catholic Church. Leonard Keilman, except for a short term of schooling, worked on his father's farm .until he was eighteen years old, and then by the month for his brother, at from $10 to $15 per month. Afterward, he bought 330 acres, partially improved, in St. CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP, 651 / Johns Township, to which he has added until he now owns 640 acres of improved land, besides valuable town property in Lowell and Dyer. In October, 1854, he was married to Magdalena Austgen, a native of Prussia, by whom he had eight children. In 1856, he started in the lumber trade at Dyer, in which he continued four years, and afterward in mercantile business until 1874, when he again engaged in the lum- ber business, as well as dealing in grain and hay, at Dyer, in com- pany with John N. Du Breuil, of Crown Point, and has been so en- gaged since that time. In 1864, he and Mr. Du Breuil built a planing mill at Dyer, which was burned in 1872, and rebuilt, and in 1881 removed to Lowell, where it now is in operation, together with a large elevator and warehouse, changed to an elevator in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Keilman are members of the Catholic Church. KELLER, SHERMAN & CO., merchants, carry a large and se- lected stock of dry goods, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, car- pets, groceries, fancy goods and notions, amounting in value to $15,000, as a minimum. This stock is the largest and best in Lowell, or in the southern part of Lake County. Their trade, which is constantly in- creasing, is the most extensive in this section, the annual sales amounting to ^50,000. Adam J. Sherman, second member of the firm, was born in Marion County, Ohio, November 13, 1854; he received a fair public school education, and commenced business at the age of twetity at Knox, Starke Co., Ind., in a general store, where he remained a year. He then attended school three years, after which he went to North Judson, Ind., as a clerk for Jacob Keller one year. In June, 1881, he commenced business on his own account at Lowell, as partner with his former em- ployer, Jacob Keller, and having entire management of the Lowell house. Mr. Sherman is a son of John W. and Catherine (FisherJ Sher- man, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Pennsylvania ; both died when Adam was a boy. Mr. Sherman was married, April 1, 1880, to Lydia J. Herrold, a native of La Porte County, Ind. Two children grace their union — a boy and a girl. JERRY M. KENNEY, was born in Kennebec County, Me., No- vember 10, 1823, and is one of the five children of Charles and Deborah (Rollins) Kenney ; the former also a native of Maine, and one of the early citizens of Lake County, Ind.; his vocation was farming. In 1814, he was married to Deborah Rollins, and in 1816 moved to Muskingum County, Ohio, then sparsely settled, and engaged in saw-milling ; not liking the climate, he returned to his native State after five years, and engaged in lumbering. In 1837, he came to Porter County, Ind., and wintered near Hebron. In 1838, he came to Eagle Creek Township, and took a 160-acre claim of prairie and forty of timber land, at market price of 652 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: $1.25 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Kenney passed the ordeal of hardship at- tendant on pioneer life of that day. They had five children— Hannah N., Joseph A., Charles A., Jerry M. and George W. (deceased). Mr. Kenney died in 1856, and Mrs. Kenney in 1869. Mr. Kenney was a non-commissioned oflScer in the war of 1812. Both of Jerry's grandfathers were Revolutionary war soldiers. Jerry M. Kenney was reared in Maine until his fourteenth year, receiving a common-school education, and choos- ing farming as a vocation. In 1842, he was married to Phebe Wood- rufi", sister of his brother's widow, and daughter of James H. and Rachel (Denney) Woodruff, old settlers of Lake County. Their union was blessed with six children — George W., Lucinda R., J. C, Joseph D., Schuyler C. and Effie L.; all are married except Joseph D. and EflSe, who reside at home. Mr. Kenney followed farming until 1872, when he purchased the stock of groceries and dry goods at Orchard Grove, which he and his son have operated together with farming since that time. His farm now embraces 513 acres in Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek Town- ships. Mr. Kenney was commissioned Postmaster in 1873, and is yet serving in that capacity. He is a Republican in politics, also a member of the M. E. Church. WILLIAM A. KENNEY, was born in Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., May 18, 1860, and is the youngest of the six chil- dren born to Charles A. and Hannah (Woodruff) Kenney, the former a native of Maine, the latter of Ohio. Charles A. Kenney, when a young man, in 1837 came to Cedar Creek Township, in this county, and pur- chased 160 acres of prairie land, on which he erected a log cabin, and subsequently improved a farm ; here he resided until his death, in 1873. William A. Kenney obtained a good education, both from the common schools, and also the Normal College at Valparaiso ; beyond this, he was employed on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years of age. In September, 1881, he commenced the grocery business at Lowell, where he is now doing well ; his stock of goods is the largest in the town or county, of which he is one of the rising and enterprising young merchants. He is a member of the Lowell Cornet Band. JOHN A. KIMMET was born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 25, 1856, and is one of twelve children born to Jacob and Catherine (Shei- ber) Kimmet, the former a native of Bavaria, the latter of Northern France. The parents of Jacob Kimmet emigrated to the United States when he was twelve years old, locating in Seneca County, Ohio, at that time a wilderness, their nearest market and mill being at Sandusky City, forty-five miles away. Here Jacob Kimmet was married, bought forty acres, built a cabin, and improved his land ; in this cabin our subject was born ; at the time of his marriage, Mr. Kimmet had but $16 with which CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 653 to begin life's journey ; by industry and economy, however, he has ac- quired a fine farm in Seneca County, Ohio, comprising over 400 acres ; he has been Township Trustee and Assessor. John A. Kimmet obtained a good education at Heidelberg College, Ohio, St. Vincent College, West- moreland County, Penn., and St. Francis College, near Milwau- kee, Wis. ; he was for four years a teacher in Ohio. In 1878, he moved to Dyer, St. Johns Township, in this county, and took charge of the high school there, remaining until 1883 , when he moved to Lowell and engaged as book-keeper at the elevator and planing-mill of Du Breuil & Keilman. He has bought a handsome property in Lowell. On June 24, 1880, he was married to Maggie Keilman, daughter of Leonard and Helen (Shoemaker) Keilman. By this union were born two children, one of whom survives, Adelia M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Keilman are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kimmet is one of the most enter- prising young business men of the town or county. JAMES N. MOORE was born in Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., May 23, 1832, and is one of the seven children of Andrew and Irena (Hines) Moore, both natives of Broome County, N. Y. Andrew Moore was a farmer; he married in New York, and in 1837 moved with his family to West Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., where he bought a claim of one John Stein for 160 acres, on which he built a cabin and made improvements. The first school in the south part of that township was held on his place. In 1839, he removed to Will County, 111., where he purchased land and resided until 1845, when he returned to West Creek Township, purchased a farm and resided until 1865 ; this he sold, came to Lowell, engaged in mercantile life until 1872, when he retired ; he was the first Justice of the Peace in West Creek Township, which he continued to be for ten years, and a prominent member of the M. E. Church. James N. Moore received a fair education in the log school- houses of his early days. At the age of nineteen, he began to learn carpentering at Joliet, 111. ; he soon became a partner of Norman Brown, a contractor and builder of that town. On April 20, 1856, he was mar- ried to Mary Ault, a native of Porter County, Ind., by whom he had six children, four of whom are living, of whom Edwin and Edson are twins. Mr. Moore has been a builder and contractor in Indiana, and Illinois almost ever since his majority. In 1863, he came to Lowell, and on October 3 of that year he enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Indiana Vol- unteers, and was discharged in July, 1865, at Indianapolis. At the organization of his company, Mr. Moore was unanimously chosen Sec- ond Lieutenant, but, owing to some act of treachery, was not so mustered. All his brothers were soldiers in the late war. Three were killed and one severely wounded at Franklin. Mr. Moore is the Greenback can- 654 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: didate for Congress in the Tenth District ; he is a charter member of Colfax Lodge, No. 378, A., F. & A. M., and the first S. W. ; he is now serving his eighth term as W. M., and is one of the bright Masons of Northwest Indiana ; he is also a member of Lincoln Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M. HORATIO R. NICHOLS was born in Madison County, N. Y., January 26, 1818, atfd is one of the seven children born to William and Nancy (Randall) Nichols, the former a native of Connecticut. The grandfather of our subject, Samuel Nichols, was also a native of the "Nutmeg State" and a soldier of the Revolution; he was wounded by a musket ball, and carried said ball in his leg until his death ; he refused to be a pensioner of the Government. William Nichols came to New York when a boy ; he learned the trade of shoemaker, tanner and currier ; he was three times married — first, to Nancy Randall, who died March 26, 1826; second, to Huldah Kelsey, by whom he had three children; third, to Catherine Storms, who is yet living. Mr. Nichols was a pioneer of Madison County, N. Y., and at one time Captain of a company of riflemen, and known as " Capt. Bill ; " he died July 6, 1880. Horatio R, Nichols was reared in Madison County, N. Y., receiving such school facilities as were then attainable. In 1836, he and an elder brother — Abram R. — started West to seek a home. They came to Lake County, and purchased a claim of 160 acres in what is now Cedar Creek Town- ship, for which they paid $250. The same year, they took a claim of 160 acres adjoining, when they went to Michigan City and engaged in lumbering for the winter. In the spring, they returned to Lake County, and began to improve their land ; here Mr. H. R. Nichols has since resided. On January 23, 1845, Mr. Nichols married Miss Eliza Ken- yon. To this union were born six children — William C, a soldier of the late war, now married to Mary Gragg; Irving L., deceased; Hannah L., now Mrs. Mortimer Gragg; Ella M., wife of Cyrus Dickinson; Alma E., now Mrs. Edaon Foster; and Charles E. Mrs. Nichols was born in Providence County, R. I., January 3, 1826 ; her parents came to Lake County in 1838, where Mrs. Kenyon died. Mr. Kenyon is yet living on the old homestead at Pleasant Grove. Mr. Nichols is one of the few very old settlers ; he has endured the hardships and witnessed the lights and shadows dawning and setting over this virgin country, and now rejoices in its prosperity; he is a Republican, and has been since the birth of the party, and an honored and valued citizen. Mrs. Nichols is a member of the M. E. Church. JACOB NICHOLS was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 20, 1824, and is one of the twelve children of John and Mary (Lantz) Nichols, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania. CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 655 About 1804, John Nichols went to Fairfield County, then almost a wil- derness, where he afterward married and engaged in farming; he died in 1872. Jacob Nichols received a limited education, and until of age worked on the farm of his father, and afterward by the month during summer and in winter attending school, for two years. After farming on shares for two years more, he purchased eighty acres in Crawford County, Ohio, on which he erected a house and began clearing. After .one year, he leased the place, and removed to Wyandot County, where he bought a prairie farm of fifty acres. This he sold and removed to Marion County, where he farmed on shares. On March 20, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth L. Hight, of Marion County, Ohio, daughter of David and Elizabeth Hight. To this union eight children were born, five of whom survive. Mrs. Nichols died August 12, 1853; she was a member of the Baptist Church. In 1856, he removed to Washington County, Iowa, but soon after came to Cedar Creek Township, where he purchased 120 acres ; here he has resided and added thereto, until he now owns 240 acres, well improved. On September 12, 1872, Mr. Nichols was married to Julia A. Henderson, a native of Huron County, Ohio, and daughter of George and Bethia B. (Newton) Henderson. To this union have been born four children, all living. Mr. Nichols is an old settler, a prominent farmer and a stanch Republican. ADBLBERT D. PALMER was born in Brie County, Penn., May 3, 1829, and is one of the eight children of James and Almira (Taylor) Palmer, the former of Connecticut, the latter of New York. James Palmer was a farmer. When young, he removed to New York, where he married. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and a participant in the battle of Lake Erie. In 1831, he emigrated to St. Joseph County, Ind., locating at South Bend. He soon moved southward, on what was afterward known as Palmer's Prairie — named from him as the first settler — where he en- tered 160 acres, built a log house and made farm improvements. He sold his farm in St. Joseph County and moved to West Creek Township in 1846, where he purchased 320 acres. This he sold in 1854, and came to Cedar Creek Township, where, after purchasing 200 acres, he resided until his death, August, 1863. Adelbert D. Palmer obtained a fair education, and worked for his father until nearly twenty-one years old, when he bought eighty acres, partially improved, in West Creek Township. In 1849, he was married to Marietta Burch, of New York, by whom he had nine children. In 1852, he sought his fortune in Cali- fornia, going by the overland route, and engaged in mining, the real estate and lumber business, returning in August, 1854, by way of Nica- ragua and New York. At home again, he engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company B, One Hun- 656 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: dred and Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers ; he was discharged in September of the same year. In January, 1869, he commenced a general store at Tinkerville, in this township, in conjunction with his former business. In January, 1875, he lost his entire stock by fire, amounting to $5,000. Having some goods at Crown Point, he resumed business the next day in the kitchen of his dwelling. He replenished his stock at Chicago, and the same year built a storeroom and house at Creston, where he has since done a paying business. Mr. Palmer was Assessor and Justice of the Peace, each four years, in this township ; also Justice of the Peace four years in Cedar Creek Township. In 1869, he was Postmaster at Cedar Lake, and re-appointed at Creston in 1882. He belongs to Lake Lodge, So. 157, A., F. & A. M. He was once a Whig, but now a Republican, and is an enterprising citizen. C. P. POST was born in Wyoming County, Penn., August 11, 1838, and is one of the seven children of Hiram and Hannah ( Joslin) Post, the former a native of New York, the latter of Pennsylvania. The grand- father of bur subject was a resident of the Wyoming Valley at the date of the Indian massacre, but survived. Hiram Post was a farmer, and in 1850 emigrated to Indiana,, locating at Southeast Grove, in Lake County, where he has since resided. He and wife are aged respectively eighty- six and eighty-two years, and have been married sixty-four years. C. P. Post came to Indiana with his parents when twelve years old, and was reared on the farm. He received a practical education, and finished at the old Male and Female College at Valparaiso. In 1861, he went to his old home in Pennsylvania, and while there, on November 4, enlisted in Company A, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged, from disability, at the York Hospital, as First Sergeant, December 22, 1864. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac in 1862, proceeding to Fortress Monroe, and was in the engagements of Williams- burg, Fair Oaks, and the battles before Richmond. During the summer, his command lay at Harrison's Landing ; they were afterward engaged at Bull Run and Chantilly, where their General was lost — Gen. Kearney; they were also engaged at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and later at Gettysburg, thence going to Sulphur Springs, where they remained until October, 1863 ; they then advanced, captured the works at Kelly's Ford and at Brandy Station, where they wintered, but later fought a bat- tle at Mine Run. During the winter, Mr. Post was discharged as a vet- eran, but at once re-enlisted in the same regiment. On May 2, 1864 they engaged in the Wilderness campaign, and in front of Spottsylvania Court House, Mr. Post was shot through the right wrist by a minie ball May 10, 1864, which wound has much disfigured and nearly destroyed the use of the hand. After his discharge, he returned to Lake County, CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 657 where he attended and taught school. On July 28, 1868, he married Miss Mary Davis, by whom he had five children — Merritt 0., Charles A., Elwyn H., Rutherford B. and Bessie L. Mrs. Post was born June 4, 1844, and is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Post is now engaged in the drug trade at Lowell ; he has also a line of ready-made clothing. In 1870, he was commissioned Postmaster of Lowell, which he has since retained. Mr. Post is a Republican. 0. K. & R. PRATT, importers and breeders of thoroughbred Clydes- dale and SufiFolk Punch horses, have done more for the advancement of stock interests than any men in Lake County, or in this section of coun- try. They are natives of Yates County, N. Y.; the elder was born August 20, 1822, and the latter February 6, 1834. Their parents were John and Hannah (Knapp) Pratt, natives of New York. Both are de- ceased. C. K. Pratt, when nine years of age, went to reside with an uncle, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one. In 1852, he abandoned farming, and since then has dealt exclusively in horses in New York, Pennsylvania and Canada, where he began buying heavy horses and importing them into the United States. In 1869, by reason of the reciprocity treaty ceasing between the Governments, and the high tariff on stock, he returned to the States and resumed business with his partner, R. Pratt. In 1879, he came to Lowell, where his brother resided; and commenced importing full-blooded horses and breeding them in Lake County. He has imported eight Clydesdale stallions and three mares, with one Suffolk Punch stallion. Such laudable enterprise should not be unappreciated in the stock history or interests of Lake County. These brothers have no equals in their line of importance, and they have justly carried oif first honors, at all the fairs. C. K. Pratt is unmarried. Ran- som Pratt married Elizabeth McConnell, and they have two sons — Fred and Harry. HARVEY C. SANGER was born in Washington County, N. Y., May 22, 1815, and is the youngest of nine children born to Adin and Elizabeth (Niles) Sanger, both natives of Connecticut. Adin Sanger was a tinner and coppersmith, which trade he followed in Connecticut several years, and where he was married. About 1800, he removed to Washing- ton County, N. Y., then almost a wilderness, and followed his trade about twenty-four years. In 1824, he moved to Ontario County, N. Y., where he bought a farm and pursued agriculture until his death, in October, 1829. Harvey C. Sanger acquired a limited common school education, and afterward worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-three years old. In 1838, the family sold the homestead, and Harvey and his mother and two brothers moved to Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., where each entered eighty acres. Harvey built a log 658 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: cabin and made other improvements, on a portion of which he still resides, but has added thereto until the same embraces ninety acres. Mr. Sanger was one of the Nimrods of the frontier ; his rifle was his companion, and in his hands was certain death to game. For several years during the winter he hunted with the Indians on the Kankakee Marsh. Mrs. Elizabeth Sanger lived with our subject until her death. May 28, 1855 ; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On April 20, 1840, he was married to Sarah A. Bryant, a native of Wyandot County, Ohio, and daughter of Samuel D. and Mary (Ross) Bryant. To this union were born seven children, four of whom survive. Mrs. Sanger died May 29, 1855 ; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sanger's second marriage, on June 26, 1856, was to Mrs. Nancy Swaney, a native of Decatur County, Ind., and daughter of Cooper and Harriet (Griffin) Brooks. By this union they had two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. Sanger is a member of the Lowell Lodge, No. 245, I. 0. 0. F., a Republican, and an old settler and prominent farmer. SIMEON L. SANGER was born in Ontario County, N. Y., Octo- ber 13, 1835, and is the second of eight children born to James H. and Martha B. (Cleveland) Sanger, both natives of Ontario County, N. Y. (A sketch of James H. Sanger, Sr., will be found elsewhere in this vol- ume.) Simeon L. Sanger acquired a common school education in youth. When one or two years old, his father came to Lake County, Ind., and Simeon worked for him on his farm until he was twenty-one years of age, and afterward on shares for three or four years. He then began farm- ing on 116 acres of his own in Cedar Creek Township, where he has since remained. To this land he has added until he now has 190 acres, all well improved. On February 26, 1868, he was married to Mary E. Belshaw, a native of Lake County, daughter of Henry and Mary (Smith) Belshaw, the former of England, the latter of Terre Haute, Ind. To this union were born four children, three of whom are living- Walter Lee, Henry and an infant unnamed. Mr. Sanger is a member of Lowell Lodge, No. 245, 1. 0. 0. F. In politics, he is a Republican, and also a prominent farmer of the township and county. Mrs. Sanger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. C. C. SANGER was born in Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, February, 1839, and is a son of James H. Sanger, deceased (a sketch of whom appears in this book). Mr. Sanger was reared in Lake County, which has always been his home. He received a good common school education in youth, and finished at the old Male and Female College at Valparaiso. His wife was Miss Caroline Childers, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Childers. Shortly after their union, Mr. Sanger engaged in CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 659 farming in Cedar Creek Township, at which he continued until 1874, when they moved to Lowell, and rented their farm, and where they have since resided. In the same year, Mr. Sanger opened a hardware store, and has carried on said business since that time ; he carries a full line of hardware, tinware, stoves, agricultural implements and the like, in which he is having a good trade. Besides property in Lowell, Mr. Sanger has a farm of over 160 acres in Cedar Creek Township. He is a member of the Freemasons, and a Republican in politics. Mrs. Sanger is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JAMES H. SANGER, Jr., was born in Cedar Creek Township,^ Lake County, Ind., April 14, 1844, and is the sixth of the eight children of James H. and Martha B. (Cleveland) Sanger, both natives of Ontario County, N. Y. James H. Sanger, Sr., was married in New York in 1834, where he owned a farm and was engaged in agriculture. At an early day, he bought a farm in Michigan, sold the New York property, and came to Cedar Creek Township in the spring of 1837, where he entered eighty acres, on which he constructed a cabin, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. To this domain he continued to add until he owned 1,000 acres of excellent land ; he was interested largely, also, in sheep and cattle, and one of the most extensive dealers in this line in the county. He died in Lowell, July 30, 1882, in his seventy-fifth year. He was a member of Lowell Lodge, No. 245, I. 0. 0. F., of Lowell Grange, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the old settlers of the county. In an early day, he was Postmaster, and afterward held various township offices. James H. Sanger, Jr., received a school and academic education, and worked with his father until he was twenty-one years old. On December 31, 1871, he married Charlotte Levering, of Knox County, Ohio, daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Craft) Lever- ing. Two children followed their union — Leora Maud and Frederick J. In 1873, Mr. Sanger purchased and moved to a farm of 187 acres. Since 1881, he has resided on the home farm of his father. Mr. Sanger is a member of Lowell Lodge, No. 245, I. 0. 0. F., and is an enter- prising farmer and citizen. JOSHUA P. SPALDING was born in Monroe County, Mich., No- vember- 29, 1833, and is the eldest of the nine children born to Heman M. and Nancy (Parker) Spalding, the former a native of Oneida County and the latter of Genesee County, N. Y. Heman M. Spalding was a blacksmith. When a young man (about 1880 or 1831), he went to Chi- cago by the first steamer that navigated Lake Michigan, but returned by same steamer to Canada, where he was employed in the lumber business one winter. He then went to Monroe County, Mich., where he entered eightv acres, built a cabin and followed his trade in connection with farm- 660 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ing. In this county he was married. In 1837, he sold his farm and came to West Creek Township, entered 345 acres, built a log cabin and subsequently improved a farm. Here he resided until his death, July 17, 1857, aged forty-eight years. Joshua P. Spalding received such educa- tion as could be had in his day of youth, but has since acquired a fair business education, and is a man of extensive reading and information. He worked for his father until his majority, and afterward farmed on shares for one year. When his father died, he took charge of the home farm. On October 22, 1856, he married Cynthia Dodge, of West Creek Township, daughter of Henry and Lucretia (De Graugh) Dodge, who were among the early settlers of West Creek Township, in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Spalding have had eight children, seven of whom are living — Milo, Mary (now Mrs. A. L. Thompson, of Chicago), Levi, Helen, Isabel, Henry and Alice. On August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteers, with which he served to the end, hav- ing been at Vickaburg, Atlanta and in the " march to the sea " as on© of Gen. Sherman's famous " raiders." He was discharged with the regiment at Washington, D. C, June 5, 1865. After his return, he bought a portion of the old home, where he remained until 1869, when he sold same and bought ninety-four acres, known as the " Jackson farm," and was appointed Postmaster of West Creek Post Office, which he held thirteen years. He remained on this farm, which he still owns, until March, 1882, when he removed to Cedar Creek Township and pur- chased 240 acres, on which he now lives. Mr. Spalding is a strong Re- publican, and one of the oldest settlers and most prominent farmers in Lake County. Mrs. Spalding is a member of the Presbyterian Church. HENRY SURPRISE was born in Chesterfield, N. Y., December 1, 1832, and is one of ten children born to Peter and Rosanna (Taylor) Surprise, both natives of Canada. Peter Surprise was married in Can- ada, and soon after removed to New York, where he owned a farm, and was engaged in farming and burning charcoal. About 1830, he was burned out, and in 1834 or 1885 he moved to Cedar Creek Township, Lake Co., Ind., where he pre-empted 160 acres, on which he built a cabin, and afterward exchanged for a like claim of John Driscoll, which he improved. For several years, Mr. Surprise was engaged in burning charcoal. He also invested in boots and shoes to sell the settlers. These were stored in a cabin on his claim, which was destroyed by fire and the contents consumed. He is now living with his son Henry, over eighty years old. Henry Surprise is without educational advantages, but is a shrewd business man and well informed on general topics. He worked for his father until his majority, and afterward by the month for two years, and then purchased forty acres of unimproved land in Cedar CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 661 Creek Township, which he cultivated and built a frame house. He also had a breaking team for three years. To this lan(| he has added until he now owns 534 acres in Cedar Creek Township. He has been one of the most extensive and successful dealers in stock in this county. On April 15, 1860, he was married to Elizabeth Hill, a native of Decatur County, Ind., daughter of James and Mary (Skinner) Hill. To Mr. and Mrs. Surprise have been born four children, three of whom survive — William H., Albert J. and Jasper M. In politics, Mr. Surprise is a Re- publican, and he is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers in the county ; he has also been engaged extensively in the broker business for several years. C. L. TEMPLETON was born in Bucks County, Penn., December 2, 1816, and is the eldest of the eight children of Belshazzar and Mary M. (Rosenberger) Templeton, both natives of Pennsylvania. Belshazzar Templeton was by trade a stone-mason, but owned a farm. C. L. Tem- pleton received a common school education, and began life for himself at nineteen years of age. In 1835, in Rhode Island, he entered the serv- ice of Williams, Sprague, Beckwith & Co., railroad contractors, as su- perintendent of construction, remaining four years, and traveling over New England. In 1839, he moved to Peoria, where he was employed under a firm of contractors, the senior member being A. F. Brown, with whom, in 18^0, te came to Lake County, Ind., and purchased 100 acres in Centre Township. In 1857, he married Julia Rockwell, sister of Will- iam B. Rockwell (a sketch of whom is in this work). To this union were born seven children — Adelia (deceased), Frances A. (now Mrs. John Lee), William I. (deceased), Charles F., James (deceased), Sarah A. (now Mrs. Michael Minninger) and Malinda. Mr. Templeton engaged in farming until 1849, when he sold and removed to Cedar Creek Township, his present residence, his farm embracing 200 acres. Mr. Templeton is one of the earliest settlers. He assisted to organize the vigilance committee during lawless times many years ago, and was two years Deputy Sheriff of the county. He is a Director and Treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Lake County, and its present agent ; also one of the Directors of the County Agricultural Society. In politics, ho was a Whig, then a Republican and is now a Greenbacker, and candidate of that party for the State Legislature. He also organized the State Grange of Indiana, and was Treasurer three years. He is the present Treasurer of Colfax Lodge, No. 378, A., F. & A. M., of Lowell. In 1852, he went to California, via Panama, engaged in mining for one year, and was two years in the lumbering business. In 1864, on the way home, he was shipwrecked off California, when 264 lives were lost. He returned in 1865. 662 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOHN W. VIANT was born in Canada West September 18, 1835, ;and is a son of Franci? and Catharine (Bridgnian) Viant, the former a Tiative of Paris, France, the latter of Ireland. Francis Viant emigrated •to Montreal when a young man, and engaged in lumbering. The mother of our subject was his second wife. John W. Viant is the only living child, his brother having been killed while building a bridge. His father •died in 1840, and his mother in 1875, and he is now the only descendant bearing the family name. Mr. Viant received but a spare education in his native country. When about fifteen he began as a clerk at Castle- ton, Canada, where he lived until he was twenty years old. Realizing the poor opportunities for advancement in that country, he came to the United States. Accordingly, in 1856, he started for Minnesota, but on the way stopped in Indiana, and liking the territory, remained at Crown Point one year. In the spring of 1857, he went back to Canada, and on March 31 was married to Miss Ann Jones, a native of Canada. To ■this union were born five children — Frederick H., Cassius M. C, Clif- ford, John W. and Bessie (deceased). In the fall of 1857, Mr. Viant came to Lowell, and, in conjunction with Jonah Thorn, purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries, and began his career as a merchant. Thorn sold out to Mr. Merton, the original owner of the goods, in about one jear, and two years later Mr. Viant purchased Mr. Morton's interest, continuing until 1881, when he sold out and returned to farming. In 1882, he took his eldest son, Frederick H., as a partner in his present business, and this has been successful. Mr. Viant is the oldest Lowell merchant living. When he came hither, the population numbered about 100, and he has been identified with its growth and prosperity ; he has -supported churches, schools and other useful enterprises. In politics, Mr. Viant is a firm Republican ; he is an original member of Colfax Lodge, No. 378, A;, F. & A. M. Besides owning valuable town property in Lowell, he has seventy acres of good land adjoining. Both lie and his wife are members of the M. B. Church for thirty years. Deforest WARNER deceased, was born in New Haven County, 'Conn., February 27, 1814, and was one of the four children born to Augustus and Maria (Candee) Warner. He was reared to manhood on .tis father's farm, receiving only a common school education. His father 'having died when he was a boy, he was his mother's principal assistant in ■caring for the family. On February 25, 1838, he was married to Miss Lovicy Curtis, and in 1841, he, with his wife and mother, brother and listers, moved to Otsego County, N. Y., where his mother died. There Mr. Warner was chiefly engaged in farming until 1850, when he sold out a.nd came to Indiana. Being charmed with the richness of the soil in southern Lake County, he purchased 379 acres near what is known as CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 66S Orchard Grove, Cedar Creek Township. Here he built a cabin and en- gaged in farming, peddling and retailing dry goods, notions, etc. Mr. Warner was very successful through life. By his influence, a post oflSce was established at Orchard Grove, of which he was the first Postmaster. He was a Republican in politics, and for many years was Justice of the Peace in his township. He was a man of great energy and moral character, much esteemed by the community and lamented by his widow and family. His death occurred October 26, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Warner had a family of four children — Theron (deceased), Myron (deceased), Anson (married and residing in Lowell), and Thena (wife of J. C. Kenney, af Orchard Grove). Mrs. Warner was born in Litchfield County, Conn., February 23, 1821, and only daughter of John and Sarah A. (Nettle- ton) Curtis. She lives on the homestead, comprising 379 acres, accumu- lated by the joint labors of herself and deceased husband. GEORGE W. WATERS was born in Orleans County, N. Y., June 21, 1842, and is the younger of the two children of Ira and Franceliai S. (Wilson) Waters, the former a native of Whitehall, N. Y., the latter of Rochester, N. Y. Ira Waters was ii life-long farmer, and in 1855> located in St. Joseph County, Mich., where his eldest son and mother now reside. Mr. Waters was killed by the falling of a tree in Decem- ber, 1881. George W. Waters remained with his parents until manhood,, receiving a fair school education. On August 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Nineteenth Michigan Volunteers, assigned to the Twentieth. Corps, Western Division, under Gen. Hooker. Mr. Wa,ters was In ac- tive duty at Fort Donelson and Franklin, where he was made a prisoner^ and in March, 1863, placed in Libby Prison, where he suffered indescriba- bly for three months. When captured, he weighed 190 pounds, and on» his release, about 125 pounds. In June, 1868, he was paroled, and o» account of wounds received in the service, was discharged. On returning: to Michigan, he engaged in farming for one year, when he came to Lake- County with a drove of sheep, and, liking the country, resolved to make- it his home. In 1866, he taught school in West Creek Township, after which he came to Lowell and began as a clerk in the drug store, whicb he now owns. A year later, he purchased a new stock, his employer moved further down town, and he opened for trade, carrying a full line of pure drugs, tobacco, confectionery, toilet goods, etc., in which he is doing a good business. On January 6, 1869, he married Mary Sautter, an. adopted daughter of Hiram P. and Louisa (Burns) Robbins. She was generally known as Mary Robbins. To this union were born two daugh- ters — Eva and Flonnie. Mrs. Waters was born in Germany June 5,. 1844, and as a child was brought to America by her parents. Mr^ AVaters is a Mason, and has taken the Royal Arch degree ; he is also an -664 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Odd Fellow, ia which he has advanced to the Encampment. Mr. and Mrs. Waters are members of the M. E. Church, and highly regarded in their community. JAMES A. WOOD, M. D., was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, February 27, 1814, and is one of the eight children of Francis and Rachel (Dodd) Wood, both natives of New Jersey. Francis Wood was a farmer and a soldier of the war of 1812. About 1812, he moved with his family to Trumbull County, Ohio, then a wilderness.- After the war, in 1816, he changed to Richland County, where he entered 160 acres, erected a log cabin and cleared a farm, on which he lived until his death, in 1858 ; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. James A. Wood attended school and worked on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Abram Bcker, of Wayne County. In 1834, he attended Washington Medical College, at Cannonsburg, Penn., from which he graduated in 1836, and, on June 6 of that year, he married Anna Jacobs, of Saratoga, N. Y. The union was blessed by eight children, six of whom are living. In 1837, he came to Porter County, Ind., and settled near Valparaiso, being one of the first physicians in Northwestern Indiana. He followed the Indian trails on a hardy Indian pony, his practice extending from the Kankakee to Lake Michigan. In 1840, he moved to West Point, in 1842, to Centre Prairie, and, in 1847, to Lowell, Lake County, where he still resides. From 1863 to 1865, he was Assistant Regimental Surgeon to the Twelfth Indiana Regiment. During much of his service, he was stationed in hospitals and above his nominal rank. In 1875, from being thrown from his cutter, he sustained severe injury of the hip, from which he has not entirely recovered. Dr. Wood was Notary Public one year. Township Trustee two years, and has been Justice of the Peace for fourteen years. He is a member of Colfax Lodge, No. 378, and the oldest Mason in the county. He has also been a leading physician and citizen for more than forty years. JOHN L. WORLEY was born near Union City, Ind., April 28, 1820, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Wood) Worley. The Worleys are of English descent, Caleb and Rebecca Worley — the first of the name — coming to America with William Penn on his second voyage, in 1699. They settled in Pennsylvania, and had two sons — Henry and Francis. Both had families, and John L. is a descendant of Francis. Nathan Worley, grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia January 7, 1773 ; he married Rebecca Greer, in Kentucky, and they moved to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, in 1804, where they lived until death. Cincin- nati at that time contained three houses and a fort. Nathan was for more than forty years an old Christian or New-Light preacher. John Worlev CEBAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 665 waa born in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 1, 1794. In 1818, lie was married to Elizabeth Wood, and began farming in Ohio ; they had two children, only one — John L. — being, now alive. Mr. Worley died De- cember 31, 1819, four months before our subject's birth; John L. Worley was reared until his sixteenth year by his mother's relatives. He attended school but three months in his life, in a log house of the time. In 1839, he came to Lake County, Ind., whither his mother had preceded him, and purchased a claim to the land on which he yet resides, his capital being $100 and a rifle. On November 20, 1840, he was married to Sarah Beedle, after which he built a cabin and engaged in improving his land- Mrs. Worley died August 16, 1841, leaving a babe a few hours old ; this child now resides in Iowa, the wife of Henry Latham. Mr. Worley's second marriage was to Naomi Hathaway, on December 20, 1843, to which marriage have been born six children — Nathan, Willis W., Perry, Benjamin F., Maria J. and Henry. Two of these, Nathan and Willis, were steadfast soldiers in the war. Mr. Worley is a worthy and substantial citizen ; in politics a Republican, and a self-made man and a pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Worley are members of the Christian Church. ALFRED A. GERRISH, M. D., is a descendant of an old, time- honored New England family of farmers, attorneys, clergymen and the like ; but Dr. Gerrish is the single disciple of Esculapius. He was born on Independence Day, 1829, and is the seventh of the thirteen children of Joseph and Susan (Hancock) Gerrish, both natives of the Granite State, and of English descent. They were large land-owners, owning land about fifteen miles above Concord, on the Merrimac River, adjoining the Daniel Webster Homestead. On this site Dr. Gerrish was born, and his parents lived and died. Here he passed his youth and early man- hood. After attending the common schools, he entered Dartmouth Col- lege, where he had a thorough literary course. At the age of twenty, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Wight, of Gilmanton, and after- ward at Concord, under Prof. Parker. In 1851, he became a private pupil of Prof. Peaslee, of Dartmouth, until his graduation from the New York Medical College, March 3, 1853. He has enjoyed the instructions of some of the most eminent physicians our country has produced. After graduation Dr. Gerrish located at Mount Vernon, N. H., where he soon acquired a large and lucrative practice. In 1865, by reason of ill-health from overwork, he was compelled to seek another location, and he came to Lake County, Ind., where he had relatives ; he stopped at Lowell for a time, and, improving in health, resolved to make it his home. A good physician being then needed, he soon had a good practice, being esteemed the first physician in the place, which he has maintained until the pres- ent. Owing to an accident a few years ago, he does now a select prac- 666 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: tice only. He has become influential and independent, and is highly esteemed by his fellow-laborers. Aside from professional prominence, he is a public-spirited citizen, always to be found on the side of temperance and education ; he is, however, the only Democrat among the physicians of Lowell. * HOBART TOWNSHIP. JOHN AHERN was born in the county of Limerick, Ireland, No- vember 10, 1828 ; he is one of six children born to John and Mary (Dunn) Ahem, viz.: Catharine, John, Patrick, Margaret, Michael and Mary. John was married, February 10, 1849, to Mary Glavvan, in Lim- erick County ; his wife has given birth to five children, three boys and two girls — John, Patrick, Michael, Mary and Ellen. Mary is the only one deceased. At about the age of twenty-one, Mr. Ahern emigrated to America, landing at New York. In 1860, he came to Lake County, and, with the exception of three years' residence in Porter County, he has ever since lived on his present place of 107 acres, one and a half miles north- west of Hobart. WILLIAM H. ALLEN was born in 1842 in Glasgow, Scotland. He is the only child of George and Ann (Armstrong) Allen, both natives of Ireland. His father was killed a short time before the birth of our sub- ject, and his mother died soon after. He was reared by a Mr. Hammond up to ten years of age, when he was thrown on his own resources, and worked in a Glasgow brewery for four years ; then he engaged in John Thompson's pottery for seven years ; then nearly four years in Messrs. Wilsons' pottery. He was then omnibus conductor for over eight years in Glasgow. About 1868, he came to America, and lived in Rye, near New York City, for three years as family coachman for a Mr. Grosbeck. He went to Glasgow, and remained a year visiting, and returned to New York, and was sexton and coachman for a Rev. Benjamin two years. He then came to Chicago, and was engaged as coachman for a Mr. Cornell, of the watch factory, for four years, and was then coachman for H. L. Davis for over four years, when he came to Hobart and engaged in the grocery business. He keeps a general confectionery, notion and tobacco store. He is a member of the F. & A. M. order, and a Repub- lican. He was married, in 1873, to Elizabeth Brighton, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He has four children living — Harriet, George, James and Ellen. ANTONY ARBOE was born in 1828 in Christiania, Norway. He is the youngest of three children born to Peter and Anna M. (Prouchler) Arboe, the former a native of London, England, and the latter of Norway. HOBART TOWNSHIP. 667 John Prouchler, grandfather of our subject, is noted in English history ' as being the first man who introduced the silk worm from India. The elder Arboe was an English soldier in our war of 1812, and was Captain on a merchantman at the time of his death in a wreck at sea when our subject was less than a year old. At twenty-five years of age, Antony Arboe came to the United States. He had served a five years' appren- ticeship as a mason, and worked in New York City and Jersey City for about a year. He then came to Chicago, and built for the Chicago, Galena, Union Railroad at Sterling for nine years. He then went to Decorah, Iowa, remaining the following nine years, and returned to Chi- cago and was engaged in contracting for about six yekrs. He then em- barked in the mercantile business for two years. He then came to Ho- bart, and bought the stock of hardware of Mr. Koch, and now keeps a full line of hardware, stoves, etc. He has a tin-shop in connection with it, controlled by Mr. George Bissell, who is considered one of the best workmen in the county. Mr. Arboe is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and of the Lutheran Church. He has always been a Repub- lican, and is one of our most enterprising citizens. In 1859, he traveled through the Southern States and Mexico for six months, also in the Northwest. He was married, October 4, 1850, to Frederica Fredrick- son, a native of Norway. They have one child living — Hulda L. Snipe. WILLIAM BALLANTYNE was born in 1828 in Scotland. He is the youngest of ten children born to Bertram and Margaret (Williamson) Ballantyne. The Ballantynes are descendants of the ancient Picts, as has been illustrated or proven by the fact that that people were noted for the length of their arms, as has been a characteristic of the Ballantynes also. The elder Ballantyne was a Captain in the volunteer service from 1800 to his death, during the Peninsular wars. The ancestors of Mr. Ballantyne were especially active on the popular side against landlordism and the priesthood. Our subject lived on his father's estate until his twentieth year ; he had been educated in the parochial schools at home, and afterward in the University of Glasgow ; he then went into business in Glasgow, establishing a cotton, linen and woolen goods manufactory, and continued nearly twenty-five years. At the threatened invasion of the French in 1859, he raised a volunteer company. It had been unsuc- cessfully attempted by one of the nobility, but with his zeal and earnest- ness, he was successful, and was promoted from Captain to Major, and finally to Colonel, and underwent an examination for Major General, and passed, but he now bought an estate near Glasgow, on which he lived ten years, and sold it on coming to the United States. Mr. B. was an extensive manufacturer, but having four sons, and with Republican ideas, he came to America, to find a larger field for them, and selected milling 668 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: for them ka an " occupation which was nearest both to the consumer and producer." They went to Kansas first, on coming to this country, and, in order to teach his sons the trade, he built a mill at an expense of $10,- 000, and continued five years, but not becoming acclimated they went to Iowa for three years, and then came to Hobart ; here, the only son of age bought the Hobart Mills. Mr. Ballantyne has, since his arrival in this country, retired from business and devotes his time to his family ; he is a writer of fine ability, and, at the present, is a contributor to the Scottish- American of New York, and has been editor for local papers, all as a past-time. He is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the Presbyterian Church ; he has been a Sunday school worker for the last forty years ; he was married, in 1854, to Mary Miller, of Scotland, a finely educated lady, of great musical talent. They have six children — William B., Jane, James, Margaret, John and Alexander. NATHANIEL P. BANKS was born in Lake County, Ohio, Sep- tember 25, 1845 ; he is one of ten children born . to Orin and Olive (Brown) Banks, viz., Betsey, Charles, Morgan, Elisha, Parley, Cathe- rine, William, George, Nathaniel and Sarah ; his parents were born in New York State, and moving to Lake County, Ohio, they lived there some fifteen years ; shortly after the birth of Nathaniel the family moved to La Porte County, Ind., where they resided about six years, then moved to Ross Township, Lake County, Ind., where they lived three years. In 1851, Nathaniel came with his parents to Hobart Township, and has lived here ever since ; his father died at Nathaniel's present home in 1857; his mother still lives with her son. In 1862, he enlisted in the First Illi- nois Artillery, remaining three years, and taking part in the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and accompanying Sherman in his Atlanta campaign. He was married, February 14, 1869, to Clara Chand- ler, in Ross Township. She has given birth to four children — Mary, Carrie, Miriam (deceased) and Mertie ; he has farmed chiefly, and now owns a farm of 160 acres, two miles southwest of Hobart, on which he has a fine residence and commodious barn ; he pays considerable atten- tion to dairying, partly supplying a neighboring cheese factory with milk. GEORGE R. BASSETT, M. D., was born August 8, 1839, in Dan- bury, Conn.; he is the eldest of seven children born to Hial and Fanny (Degrushe) Bassett, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of France. The elder Bassett was by trade a comb-maker. When about eleven years old, George R. Bassett left home and was employed in New York City as clerk in law offices, etc. About three or four years later, he went to Buffalo, and clerked in a land office. After a clerkship of a few months in Janesville, Wis., he went to Chicago, and engaged in painting for a few years, when he went to Woodstock, 111. In 1862, he enlisted HOBART TOWNSHIP. 669 in tlve Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served over three years as Clerk in the Quartermaster's Department, at brigade headquarters throughout the West. In 1875, he entered Bennett Medical College of Chicago. He graduated in 1877, practicing meanwhile in Chicago for about two years, when (in 1877) he came to Hobart ; he immediately started out with a good practice, which has steadily increased ; he soon opened his drug store, in which he keeps everything in the apothecary line ; he is a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity ; he was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1881, and elected in the spring of 1882 by all the votes in the township except thirteen ; he is also agent for the Phoenix and Hartford Insurance Companies ; he is a strong Republican, but liberal in local matters. He was married, in 1857, to Susan A. Mc- Meekan, a native of BuiFalo, but a resident of Chicago. She is now about to graduate at Bennett Medical College, and is also practicing in her specialty. They have two children — George H. and Jennie S. De- Coursy. DEXTER BILLINGS was born October 26, 1840, in Will County, 111. He is one of eight children — five boys and three girls — born to Maynard and Anna (Mellon) Billings. The names of the children be- ginning with the eldest are — Susan, Thelismer, Edward, Edwin, Dexter, Mary, Lydia and Mather. Edwin, Edward and Mary are dead. Dexter worked at farming until he was twenty-one, when he went into the railroad business, working on the Michigan Central for seventeen years. In 1873, he came to Lake Station, where he now conducts an eating house on the Michigan Central. He was married, December 30, 1869, to Carrie E. Utter, at Lake Station. She has given birth to one child — Frances. He has led a comparatively quiet life, but has always endeavored to act his part in the prosecution of any public improvement, and is a good citizen. JOHN BLACKBALL was born October 1, 1829, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is onS of the three children of David and Isabella (Goalin) Blaekhall, both natives of Scotland. The elder Blackball spent some of his life, while quite a young man, in Charleston, S. C. When our sub- ject was about six years old, his father died ; at his eighteenth year, his mother died. John Blackball- served an apprenticeship of seven years as cotnb-maker. In 1852, he established a comb and brush store in Glas- gow, Scotland, and continued five years. He was ill a year, and sold out and went to Canada, where he engaged in the mercantile trade, and in making pot and pearl ashes, for about four years, when he went to London and learned the photographer's art, and ran a branch oflSce for other par- ties for about a year or so. He also attended lectures in the Edinburgh School of Arts, in philosophy, chemistry and mathematics, for several 670 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: years. He then came to Chicago and worked there for a time, then to Morris, 111., then to Waterloo and Lyons, Iowa, and finally he bought a place in Clinton, Iowa, and remained eight years. He then came pros- pecting to Hobart, and has since remained here, with the exception of about a year passed in Marshall, Mich. He also does a fruit and garden- ing business, raising strawberries in particular, also grapes, etc. In Canada he was a member of the Township Council. His political opinions were Democratic until Lincoln's Proclamation, since which they have been Republican. Mr. Blackball was married, in 1865, to Agnes Thompson, a na.tive of the Province of Quebec, Canada, and an estima- ble lady. They have one child — William F. WILLIAM L. BOWEN, junior member of the firm of Bowen Bros., founders, at Hobart, was born in November, 1840, in Belgium, within thirty miles of the Waterloo battle-field. He is the youngest of four chil- dren born to Thomas and Mary (Griffis) Bowen, both natives of Wales. The elder Bowen was led to go to Belgium to found a blast furnace, the second one in that country, which now employs an immense number of men. Mr. Bowen lived with his father in Belgium until five years of age, when they returned to Wales, and he has been at foundry work more or less since his seventh year. He spent about six years as journeyman in England, after his nineteenth year, when he came to America, and set- tled in Pottsville, Penn., where he remained until 1872. He then spent about six months in Chicago, and then moved to Hobart, but worked in Chicago. for about three years. The brothers established their Hobart foundry in 1874. Mr. Bowen was a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows in England, and his political opinions have always been Republican. He remains unmarried, and his parents are still living with him — seventy-six and seventy-eight years old respectively. MAJ. MICHAEL J. COOKE was born in 1830 in Ireland. He is one of nine children living born to Henry and Winifred (Hope) Cooke, both natives of Ireland. Michael J. came with his father to Pennsylva- nia, and finally settled in Philadelphia. ' When he was about twenty- nine years old, his father died. He married and left home in 1850, having learned in a four years' apprenticeship, in Philadelphia, the trade of monument and tombstone making. He worked at his trade in Phila- delphia, New York and Baltimore. After a year or so in the latter two places, he continued to work in Philadelphia until the war began. After considerable revision of his regiment, he was sent out as First Lieutenant in the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers in 1862. He was with McClellan on part of the seven days' battle, and among those who re- ceived Lincoln on his famous visit to Harrison's Landing. He was on guard duty around Washington, was at Culpeper, then at Bull Run, HOBART TOWNSHIP. 671 Centreville, Chantilly, Fredericksburg. He was discharged on account of ■disability contracted while in service, and went to Philadelphia. In 1864, he went out with the Two Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers as Captain, to City Point and North Carolina under Butler, then to Fort Fisher, where he was promoted to Major, and received a notice of Brevet Commission from Congress for meritorious conduct. Next he was trans- ferred to Goldsboro and Kaleigh, where he was mustered out, and returned to Philadelphia. In July, 1865, he came to Hobart and bought a farm. After about two years, he traded the place for his present property, and embarked in the hotel business for about eight years. He began the marble business in 1876, and has continued up to the present. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and has been a member of the Odd Fellows. In 1872, he was elected Trustee and served five and one-half years, in which he built Hobart's present finely-arranged and commodious public school building. He was re-elected in April, 1882, and is the in- cumbent at present writing. He was a Democrat up to the Garfield ■campaign, since which he has been a Republican on tariff principles. He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth A. Clark, a native of Philadelphia. They have eight children living. JOHN G. EARLE was born February 6, 1833, in London, England. He is the only child of George and Mary (Devonshire) Earle, both natives of Falmouth, England. The elder Earle was an architect and builder, having learned his trade in Falmouth, thence going to London. He next came to Philadelphia where he had extensive contracts, and then came to Lake County, founded the town of Liverpool and remained there until 1845, when he came to Hobart. He also founded this town as well Lake Station. He founded the first saw-mill, by which timber was cut for the first paved street in Chicago. He was engaged in the milling business and buying and selling real estate up to 1854, when he returned to Philadelphia, where he resided until 1876. Our subject was about two or three years old when his father came to Philadelphia, and remained for but a short time and came to Lake County. He was educated at Crown Point for about two years, and then was sent to England for in- struction in the private schools of that day. He remained there for about two years, and returned to Hobart, remaining here up to his twenty-first year with his father, who now left the business in the hands of his son. For about fifteen years, Mr. Earle and father did a general broker busi- ness, lending money principally. He has since been dealing in real es- tate, and has owned most of the real estate in and around Hobart, and much land in both Porter and Lake Counties, and of late considerable in Illinois. He now devotes his attention to the Illinois land, and build- ing dwelling houses on lots in Chicago, for rent. His residence, built in 672 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Hobart, is one of the finest in the place, but he now lives on Thirty- seventh street, in Chicago. He is a Consistory and Knight Templar, member of the F. & A. M. order, and an Odd Fellow. In politics, he has always been a strong Republican. He was married, in 1868, to Eva- line J. Hull, a native of Kosciusko County, Ind. They have three chil- dren — Mary J., George and William. His father, George Barle, in 1868, in Falmouth, England, donated a Home for the Aged and Poor, costing $30,000. He has painted a number of pictures; in 1858 founded the Hobart Art Gallery. ELIZABETH H. BVENSON was born in Clinton County, N. Y., March 15, 1844. She is the only child of John and Josephite (Du- rocher) Hurley. John Hurley was born in Ireland ; he graduated at Dublin University, and spoke and wrote the Irish language with ease. His chief business during life was testing iron ore in the mines of En- gland, Wales and the State of New York. He died in New York in 1856, after living there some fifteen years. When Elizabeth was four- teen years of age, she came with her mother to Lake Station, and after living here two years, lived in Valparaiso about two years, when she came back to Lake Station, and has lived here ever since. Her mother died at Lake Station in 1873. She was heiress to the Jacques Oartier Square in the heart of Montreal, Canada ; the matter is now in the courts, and, if the heirs are not defeated in their claims, Mrs. Evenson is one of six heirs to $250,000, the value of half the square. Elizabeth was married November 24, 1860, to Olle Evenson, in Valparaiso. She has given birth to two children — Etta and Martin, both dead. Mr. Evenson at- tended the Lutheran Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., for about four years, fitting himself for the ministry, but he quit before he was or- dained. He spent his life chiefly at shoemaking. He died January 27, 1863, at Valparaiso. Mrs. Evenson is now conducting the post office at Lake Station, in which she has been for twelve years. VALENTINE FABIAN was born in Prussia February 22, 1842. He is one of five children — two boys and three girls — born to Valentine and Margaret Fabian ; the names of the children, beginning with the eldest, are Christina, Catherine, Valentine, Conrad and Mary. Mary is dead. Mr. Fabian now lives at Lake Station, and is freight agent on the Michigan Central Railroad. He is a business man through and through, a true and worthy citizen, and, by the promptness with which he discharges all his duties, has won the respect and confidence of all. NATHAN H. FERRIN was born in 1818 in New York. He is one of thirteen children living, born to Ebenezer and Lydia (Phelps) Ferrin, both natives of New Hampshire. Grandfather Phelps was a soldier of the Revolution. When fifteen years old, our subject began life HOBABT TOWNSHIP. 673 for himself by working out and going to school up to his eighteenth year. He then began an apprenticeship as carpenter and joiner, and two years later began business for himself. After about six years, he began busi- ness as millwright, and in 1865 came to Hobart to repair the mills. As circumstances had it, he leased the mills for a time, but soon sold the lease. He then began bellows-making, and about a year later he bought a farm near town. In about 1874, he left the farm and was engaged at different occupations for about four years, when he embarked in his present business. He sells all kinds of farm implements, including threshing machines, mowers, reapers, etc., all kinds of sewing machines, lime, cement, land plaster, etc. He has one sewing machine wagon on the road, and repairs machines. He is a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity. His political opinions have always been strongly Republican. He was married, in 1842, to Harriet Thompson, a native of New York. She died in 1846, of consumption^ In 1847, he married a sister of hi» first wife. She died in 1862. He enlisted, in 1861, in the One Hun- dred and Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry. He served near Wash- ington and in Virginia, but, on being taken sick, was placed in the hos- pital and soon discharged. He was united, in 1866, to Hattie Loomis, born in New York. Mr. Ferrin has ten children living — Alamantha, Josiah T., Harriet A., Alice A., Martin A., Ella, Flora M., Adna, George P. and Jesse G. WILLIAM FRANK was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 8, 1818 ; he is the eldest of seven children, of whom five are still living — William, Hannah, John, Louisa and Christina. At the age of twenty- eight, William came to this country, landing at New York, going straight to Washtenaw County, Mich ; he lived there some seven years, when he came to Lake County, and has lived here ever since. In 1863, he bought his present place, one-half mile south of Hobart, but he lived one- half mile east of it until about 1870, when he moved upon it. He was married, in 1861, to Selinda Kern, in Washtenaw County, Mich. She has given birth to six children — Moses, Peter, John, Frederick, David and Jacob. The oldest and youngest are dead. Mr. Frank ha^ always been a good, honest farmer, and has always endeavored to act the part of a true citizen. He now lives on his very fine farm, one-half mile south of Hobart. AARON K. GEARHART was born October 4, 1822, in Hunter- don County, N. J.; he is one of ten children born to David and Eliza- beth (Kline) Gearhart, the former probably a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New Jersey. When Mr. Gearhart was thirteen years old, they went to Ohio, where he served nearly six years' apprenticeship at tailoring; he then started business for himself, after a short time at 674 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: school, at Malvern, Ohio ; with the exception of about one year, he re- mained there until 1853, when he came to Porter County ; l^e then be- gan farming, and continued up to 1879, when he was urged to accept a position in Valparaiso, at his old trade, which he had quit on account of his health ; he worked for some time, but his health again gave way, and he came to Hobart in 1880, to visit his daughter, and while sewing some for himself, he was importuned by several to do work for them, until he finally re-established himself in trade ; he is a fine workman, as his career will testify. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for the past forty-four years ; he is a good citizen, and an earnest Christian. He was married, in 1842, to Brasilia Hardesty, a native of Malvern, Ohio. They have six children — Mrs. 0. L. Spencer, William, Mary, Alice, Jennie and Hardesty Q. PLINY P. GORDON, M. D., senior member of the firm of P. P. Gordon & Bro., druggists and grocers, was born December 21, 1835, in Pennsylvania, and is one of eight children born to Edwin and Lucy (Power) Gordon, the former of New York, and the Iktter of Vermont. Grand- father Gordon was in the war of 1812. Two uncles were noted physi- cians of Detroit and Harrisburgh. When Pliny P. was four years old, his parents came to Michigan ; here he lived at home until about 1860, attending school at the Ontario (Ind.) Seminary ; he then began the study of medicine under Dr. Warren Byrns, of Bronson, Mich., and studied also at Ann Arbor and Buffalo, and graduated at Buffalo in the spring of 1865 ; he then came to Hobart and located ; the first year he had a $1,200 practice, and has since run as high as $3,500 ; three years later, he began the drug business in partnership with his brother, and has been in that ever since ; the firm has also been engaged in buying land, and at present the brothers have two farms ; they have a fifth in- terest in the Deep River Ice Company. The Doctor is the oldest prac- titioner in Hobart, and has a leading practice in this part of the county. He is a Knight Templar, member of the F. & A. M. fraternity, and has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge ; he was County Coroner for two years ; he has always been a Democrat, and is a public-spirited citizen. He was married, in December, 1869, to Hettie Rifenburg, a native of New York. They have one child, Howard B. Mrs. Gordon was a teacher for a number of years. JOHN M. GORDON, junior member of the firm of P. P. Gordon & Brother, was born August 19, 1838, in Richmond, Penn. When John M. was eighteen years old, his father died. Mr. Gordon bought up the homestead soon after the death of his father, and in 1871 sold 'out and came to Hobart and went into partnership with his brother, P. P. Gordon ; his mother lived with him until her death, in the spring of 1882, HOBAKT TOWNSHIP. 675 aged eighty years, fifty-six years a M. E. Church member. The broth- ers keep a full line of drugs, paints, oils, varnishes, brushes, etc., and groceries, provisions, Qour, cigars and tobaccos, etc. Their trade has in- creased, and has always ranked among the first in the city. Mr. Gordon has an improved farm west of Hobart, about one mile ; he is a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity, has always been a Democrat, but is liberal in local matters ; he was married, January 20, 1869, to Anna L. Trum- per, a native of Canada. They had three children — Frederick W., Mary J. and Edwin W. Mrs. Gordon was a teacher for four years, and was educated in Canada. JOSIAH W. HALLADAY, of the firm, Vincent & Halladay, drug- gists, was born December 2, 1855, in Porter County, Ind.; he is one of three children born to John and Jane (Hendee) Halladay, the forfner a native of Indiana, and the latter of Ohio. The elder Halladay was a soldier in the rebellion. When twelve years of age, our subject and parents moved from the farm to Valparaiso, and educated himself at the high school and Northern Indiana Normal School, and then began clerk- ing for C. H. Osgood, merchant, continuing for more than five years. Then for one year he clerked for L. P. Manville, then for John Wood two years. After his marriage, he farmed for about two years, when he came to Hobart and bought a half-interest in the present firm of Vin- cent & Halladay.' The firm have the most tastefully arranged and ex- pensive drug store in this part of the county, of Dr. Vincent's own de- sign, also one of the most finely selected stocks. They also have the finest soda fountain in the county. Mr. Halladay is a member of the I. 0. G. T., and was a member of the Valparaiso Fire Department, and has always been a Republican ; he was married, November 3, 1871, to Ruth Bullock, a native of La Porte County, Ind. She was educated in Crown Point and Valparaiso. They have one child — Charles. H. C. HANSON was born April 21, 1855, in Denmark, and is one of eight children born to Christian and Maria (Hanson) Hanson. When Mr. Hanson was thirteen, his father died ; he had begun his trade of jeweler under his father, and continued his father's business as best he could until fifteen years old; he then came to America, and settled at Racine, Wis., where he completed his trade in two years. In the spring of 1872, he went to Chicago, and started in business for himself, continuing about one year ; he then worked for a Mr. Williams for two years in Chicago and came with him to Hobart, and continued with him the three years follow- ing. In 1878, he established his present business ; he keeps a well- selected stock of clocks, watches, jewelry, plated ware, spectacles, etc.; his sales reached nearly $1,500 in 1881. He is a prominent member of the Union Church, but previously was of the Baptist faith ; he has 00 676 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: organized three Sabbath schools, and is at present Superintendent of the Union Sabbath School at Hobart ; he has been a member of the Good Templars ; he has been a strong Republican, and now favors the Prohi- bition movement ; was married, in 1879, to Eva C. Smith, a native of Michigan, niece of Horace Marble, present Sheriff of Lake County. They had one child — Leroy H. The elder Hanson was among the first advocates of the Baptist faith in Denmark, and, as it was in the time of religious persecution, he was repeatedly arrested for advocating doctrines against the Established Church. MATTHEW W. JORY was born July 18, 1836, in England, and is the eldest son of five children born to Thomas and Anna B. (Lane) Jory. The elder Jory was a queensware merchant in Davenport, En- gland. When about seventeen years of age, Matthew W. came to the United States and remained in Philadelphia about one year, and then went to Wilmington, Del., to learn his trade of carriage-body making. When about twenty-one, he returned to Philadelphia, and after a few months went to St. George, Del.; then weitt to New York. He then went to Port Tobacco, Md., and was sick for two years with malarial dis- eases. His physician ordered him to Fredricksburg, Va., where his health improved rapidly, and he went into business. In 1862, he was among those driven out of the place in the noted battle. He lost every- thing, except his tools, which, strangely enough, had been saved in a cellar, and he found them after the war. He went to Richmond, where an attempt was made to press him into service, but, on account of phys- ical disability, he was made Hospital Steward. At the close of the war, he went to Mechanicsville, and began business again, remaining until the latter part of 1870. In 1870, he came to Valparaiso, but soon settled in Hobart, engaging in carriage and wagon making, and continuing up to March, 1882. He owns a half interest in the Hobart Mills. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. and I. 0. 0. F. orders. Past Master in the former and Past Grand in the latter. He is a member of the Uni- tarian Church. He has held the offices of Secretary of the S. S., Masons and Odd Fellows. He has always been a Democrat, but is now entirely independent, but favors the Prohibition movement. He was married, August 14, 1861, to Ann M. Brown, a native of Virginia. They have four children living — Ida L., Thomas A. J., Mary E. and Eva P. DANIEL D. LIGHTNER was born May 21, 1810, in Virginia. He is the youngest living of six children born to John and Elizabeth (Reder) Lightner, the former a native of Baltimore, Md., and the latter of Shenandoah County, Va. They are of German descent. Grandfather Lightner was in the Revolutionary and Grandfather Reder was in the Pennsylvania Indian wars. When Mr. Lightner was seven years old, the HOBART TOWNSHIP. 677 family came to Ohio, Fairfield County, and were among its first settlers. When he was nine years old, his father died, and they moved to Coshoc- ton County, where he remained until reaching manhood. He was a con- stant student, and for over ten years prepared himself for teaching by his own efibrts, studying grammar and algebra. He taught school up to about his thirtieth year. When thirty-two years of age, he came to In- diana, and settled in Howard County, where he remained twenty-five years. He farmed for a few years, and then entered the mercantile busi- ness for about six years. In 1860, he was elected Representative to the State Legislature from Howard County, and served during the war meas- ures of Gov. Morton, and earnestly sustained them all. Though he was born among slaves in Virginia, he has always been an Abolitionist from earliest childhood. In 1868, he came to Hobart and bought land, and' has been engaged in raising grapes, small fruits, vegetables, etc. He has an apiary, also, and intends soon to devote his whole attention to bee culture. He has been a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity for many years. He was first of the Whig persuasion ; in 1854, when the Repub- lican party was bom, he united with it, but votes for the man according to his choice. He favors the Prohibition movem.ent. He was married, in 1836, to Polly Seward, a native of Coshocton County, Ohio. They have four children livirig^Elvira Hull, Luann Johnson, Cora Perkins and Seward. H. FOUNTAIN C. MILLER, M. D., was born September 15, 1850, in Bedford, N. Y., and is one of seven children born to Augustus and Emily (Baker) Miller, both natives of New York. Capt. David Miller (great-grandfather) was in the Revolution ; a brother was in the rebellion. When twelve years old, his father failed, and he had to depend on his own resources. When sixteen years old, he went to New York City, and was assistant book-keeper in a hardware store, and afterward was clerk in three difi"erent retail jewelry, chandelier, statuary establish- ments, among the first in the city, but, very strangely, they each failed. After about six years, he became dissatisfied with clerking, and started for California, but, on stopping in Chicago to visit a relative, he concluded to study medicine, and began under Dr. Morrical, of Chesterton, and afterward received instruction of Drs. Meeker and Higday, of La Forte. He then went to Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and took a term of lectures, and began practicing in Otis. A year later, he visited New York City, and attended Bellevue Medical College, visited the Centennial Exposition, and then returned to Rush College and graduated in the spring of 1877 with honors, having taken a thorough course. He then practiced at Otis two years, and then came to Hobart and bought the practice of his cousin, Dr. R. B. Miller, and has since been thoroughly (578 I BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: successful. He is a member of the La Porte Medical Society, and is also a member of both the A., F. & A. M. and I. 0. 0. F. fraternities,, He has always been a Democrat, but liberal in local matters. He was mar- ried, in 1874, to Deetta Van Horn, a native of Herkimer County, N. Y. He is father of three children —Spencer A., Emily B. and Jennie D. STEPHEN MUMMERY was born in the county of Kent, England, January 12, 1832. He is one of eleven children born to Robert and Frances (Care) Mummery— Elizabeth, William, Henry, John, Mary, Rob- ert, Stephen, "William (second), Robert (second), Maria and Frances. Elizabeth, Mary, Stephen and Frances are the only ones living. When Stephen was quite young, his father emigrated to this country, and in 1849 they moved to their present place. In February, 1865, Stephen enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Regiment, but was discharged in September of the same year on account of illness. Mr. Mummery is an industrious farmer, and owns a farm of 240 acres. He lives two and a half miles west of Hobart. JOSEPH NASH was born October fi, 1828, in England. He is the eldest son of six children born to Spencer and Frances (Hall) Nash, both natives of England. One of his ancestors was a prominent En- glish Government officer. When Mr. Nash was seven years old, his father died. From this time on, he was engaged in brick-making, more or less, as journeyman in all parts of England, up to the time he came to Amer- ica, at the age of twenty-four. He worked a short time in Detroit, Mich., and then went to Chatham, Canada, and remained one summer. After a short time in Chicago, he went to McHenrytown, 111. Then he went to Kansas in about 1854, and after about two years he came to Chicago for about a year. Mendota, 111., was his next residence, in part- nership with a Mr. Gooding. After one summer again in Chicago, he went to Vicksburg, Miss., one winter; then to Cincinnati one summer. After a short time in Chicago, he went to Bloomington, 111. ; then to Cairo, where he remained three or four years ; he then went to Paducah, Ky., one summer ; then came to Hobart, and has been here ever since ; he es- tablished the first brick-yard f6r the Chicago market in Hobart ; his pres- ent yard has been in operation for about four years ; he has made in 1882 300,000 excellent brick ; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Republican. J. H. OSTRANDER was born September 1, 1840, in New York. He is the youngest of two children born to James and Mary (Baldin) Ostrander, both probably born in New York, When Mr. Ostrander was three months old, his mother died, and scarcely two years later his father received fatal injuries at a raising. Until seven years of age, he lived with his grandparents in New York, and then they moved to Litchfield, HOBART TOWNSHIP. 679 Mich., where he was reared up to 1861, when he enlisted in the Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to Washington, where he was taken sick and was discharged. In 1863, he enlisted in Battery C, First Michigan Artillery, and was with Sherman in every engagement from , Chattanooga to Atlanta, Savannah, etc., and to Washington in the clos- ing review. In July, 1865, he returned, and soon settled in Porter County on his farm, where he remained until 1872 ; he then came to Ho- bartand engaged in the grocery business for four years, and then added a bakery and restaurant, in which he has continued ever since. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. fraternity, and a Republican ; he was mar- ried February 20, 1864, to Mary Kent, a native of Bryan, Ohio. They have four children living — Melvin A., Charles W., Willie H. and Cora M. ANSON PATTERSON was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., April 14, 183Q ; he is one of eleven children born to Joseph and Phebe Ann (Rumsey) Patterson, viz., Eunice, Anson, Joseph, Ann Maria, Emma, Hai-rison, Ellen, Clarissa, Ovid, Albert and Alice. Ann Maria, Ovid, Albert and Alice are dead. When Anson was four years old his father moved to Seneca County, N. Y., where he remained some eleven years, then moved to Seneca County, Ohio, living there about one and a half years. From there he moved his family to Joliet, III., where he has been living ever since. After acting as Postmaster at Joliet some two years, in 1871, Anson was appointed mail agent on the Joliet Out-Off (a branch of the Michigan Central), which position he still holds, and has scarcely missed a day in the performance of his duty in this capacity. He was married, March 20, 1851, to Helen McClure, at Joliet ; she has given birth to ten children — William, Albert, Flora, Harry, Arthur, Charles, Mary, Nellie, Emma and John. Flora, Emma and John are dead. In 1862, Anson enlisted as a private in Company E, One Hundredth Illi- nois Regiment, but at the formation of the company he was elected First Lieutenant ; he served three years, taking part in the battle of Chicka- mauga, siege of Atlanta, battles of Jonesboro, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, besides several minor engagements ; he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and after this battle was promoted to the rank of Captain ; he is a stanch Republican, and his sons — Albert and Arthur, are in the mercantile business at Lake Station, Hobart Township. FREDERICK RANDHAN was born in 1821, in Prussia; the youngest of six children born to Christian and Eliza (Woodruff) Rand- han. The elder Randhan was a large land-owner and contractor in Ger- many. When twenty-one years of age, Frederick left home ; worked at his trade of rope-maker, which he had learned at a three years' appren- ticeship, and was also merchant. In 185-3, he came to America, and stayed in Chicago about three months, and bought a farm near the city in Cook 680 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: County. After he had lived about a year on the place, he came to Lake County, and bought land in North Township. He then lived in Chicago for nine years and kept hotel, bat in the second fire he was burned out, and then moved to his farm again. In December, 1874, he came to Ho- bart and bought the Hobart House, a large three-story brick building, with a large public hall in the third story. He still runs his farm in North Township ; he has always been a Republican of the liberal order. He is one of Lake's earliest settlers, and among its oldest hotel-keepers ; he has always been landlord at the Hobart House since 1874, with the exception of two years that he had rented it out. He was married in 1842, to Wilhelmina Hadeke, a native of Germany. They have eight children living — Frank, Johannah Mclntire, Ida Harding, Amanda Roper, Albert, Robert, Lewis and Edward. CHARLES RHODES was born in Lake County, Ind., February 1, 1848 ; he is one of eleven children born to Jonas and Susan (Stevenson) Rhodes, viz., William, Benjamin, Thomas, John, Mary, George, Mar- garet, Charles, Allen, Louis and Florence. Benjamin, Thomas, John and George are dead. Charles was born about a quarter of a mile from where he now lives, having come to his present place in 1868 with his father, who died in 1879. Charles was married, February 23, 1881, to Nellie Pierce. He is a thrifty farmer and a good citizen ; his farm com- prises 167 acres, on which he has a beautiful brick dwelling and commo- dious barn, four and a half miles west of Hobart. LOUIS RHODES was born January" 2, 1854, in Lake County, Ind., and is one of the eleven children of Jonas and Susan Rhodes. The father of Louis was born in England in 1806 ; while in England he worked at his trade (masonry), but since he came to America he paid his chief attention to farming. He died in September, 1879, on his farm in Lake County. Louis has farmed chiefly all his life, having been born not more than eighty rods from his present home. He pays especial at- tention to stock-raising ; he has a fine farm of 200 acres upon which he has lately erected a fine dwelling ; he lives four and one-half miles west of Hobart. He was married December 25, 1877, to Ruby Halstead, at Hobart ; she has given birth to two children — Gracie and Jessie. WILLIAM H. RIFENBURG was born October 22, 1834, in New York; the eldest of six children born to Aaron and Mary (Banks) Rif- enburg. Two great-grandfathers were in the Rerolution. When about nineteen years old, Mr. Rifenburg left home, and went to Michigan and engaged in lumbering a year, then went to Minnesota for two years ; then came, to Lake Station, and was employed as clerk in a store for three years ; then came to Hobart and farmed until 1861. He then enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for ^.bout a year in HOBABT TOWNSHIP. 681 Western Virginia and Tennessee, at Forts Donelson and Henry and at Shi- loh ; at the latter place he was wounded and discharged. He then en- gaged in the mercantile trade until 1875 in Hobart, then established a plan- ing-mill and sash, door and blind factory, which burned after about three years, Mr. Rifenburg losing his all. In this mill, Mr. Rifenburg lost his arm at the planer. He then began contracting for timber railroad sup- plies, at which he has Continued up to the present. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and is a member of the Unitarian Church. The Parish Library, of which he is Librarian, was established by his influence and efiFort. He is President of the Church Board of Trustees, and Superintendent of the Sabbath school. He has held all the township offices of importance, and was Justice of the Peace for about eight years, and has always been a conservative Republican. He was married in 1858, to Rebecca Stearns, of Indiana. She died in 1862. In 1864, he married Lillus Howe, of England, who died in 1866. In 1869, he married Sabrina Sawyer. He has three children — Mary, Grace and Maud. JAMES ROPER, senior member of the firm of J. Roper, Jr., & Brother, live stock and produce exchange and meat market, was born in 1853, at Whitmore Lake, Mich. He is one of seven children living born to James and Charlotte E. (Baker) Roper, both natives of England. Our subject was the first of his family born in America. When Mr. Roper was about three years old, the family came to Hobart, where he resided with his father up to his twentieth year. He had learned the meat market business, and now, in connection with his brother, took his father's estab- lishment. For two years, they gave their whole attention to shipping to the Chicago market. The brothers have given a considerable impetus to their trade since it has been in their hands. Formerly our subject was also in partnership with Horace Marble, of Crown Point, for about four years, in buying and shipping hogs. Mr. Roper is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. fraternity. He is at present Superintendent of Roads for Hobart Township. His political opinions have always been Democratic, but he is liberal in local affairs. He was married, in 1877, to Amanda Randhan, a native of Lake County, Ind. They have one child living — Bliss H. Jarvis H. Roper, junior member of the firm, was born in 1858 in Hobart Township. WILLIAM SOHOLLER was born in 1831 in Germany. He is one of seven children born to Charles and Mary SchoUer, both natives of Germany. The elder SchoUer was in the Franco-German war of 1815. At twenty-five years of age, William SchoUer came to the United States. He had served an apprenticeship of three years in Germany at black- smithing, and worked at the trade three years. He found himself without 682 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; money on arriving at Dunkirk, and shipped on board a propeller on Lake Erie for a short time. He then went to Chicago and worked at his trade in a factory for about two years, when he went to Crown Point, Ind., and after about six months' employment came to Hobart and established a shop of his own, and has remained ever since. He has now probably the finest blacksmith shop in Lake County, 24x60 feet, of brick. He does a general blacksmithing business, building wagons, buggies, plows, shoeing horses, etc. He also owns a farm of 100 acres near Hobart, with first- clasa buildings. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. His political opinions have always been strongly Republican. He was inar- ried, in 1861, to Amanda Shearer, a native of Indiana. They have eight children living— Alfred, Harrison, George W., Daniel, Carrie, Robert and Emanuel. JEROME SHEARER was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 31, 1834. He is one of fifteen children, ten boys and five girls, the first four having been born to John Shearer's first wife, the rest to his second wife. The names of the children, beginning with the eldest, are John, Adam, Sarah, Elizabeth, Susan, Daniel, Rachel, Polly, James, Samuel, Wash- ington, Elijah, Jerome, George and Harrison. Sarah, Rachel, Polly and Harrison are dead. Working on his father's farm until he arrived at the age of twenty-two, he came to Twenty-Mile Prairie, Ind. He was mar- ried, September 6, 1855, to Margaret Waltz, in Stark County. She has given birth to eleven children — six boys and five girls. The names of the living children are John, George, Albert, Calvin, Frank, Clara, Wal- ter and Ida. After farming five years on Twenty-Mile Prairie, Jerome came to his present place, where he has lived ever since. In 1862, he enlisted in the Thirty-eighth Indiana Regiment, and was on active duty in and around Nashville. His father went all through the war of 1812. Jerome is a thrifty farmer, paying his chief attention to the raising of wheat, but also pays some attention to stock-raising. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and lives one mile a little southeast of Hobart, on his farm of 165 acres. WM. H. SHOLL was born in 1831 in Pennsylvania. He is one of nine children born to Jacob and Christina (Smith) ShoU, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. When Mr. Sholl was about four years old, the family moved to Ohio, where William H. served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing for about two years, and worked at cabinet-making. When twenty years of age, he came to La Porte County, and was employed by J. J. Mann & Son, manufacturers of reap- ers and mowers, for seven years ; he then moved on his farm in Ross Township, Lake County. In 1864, he enlisted in the First United States Engineers, and served in the shops at Chattanooga, Decatur HOBART TOWNSHIP. 683 (Ala.), Nashville and other places until discharged. In about 1876, he left Ross Township and came to Hobart. Here he engaged in dealing in and pressing hay, and also railroad contracting. He pressed an average of 800 tons annually. He owned the old Nash Brickyard for about two years, in which he experimented with a tile machine of his own invention. In July, 1882, he established his present livery, feed and sale stables, where he keeps from six to ten first-class horses and buggies, and also a fine hearse. He has the finest Gothic residence in the place. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Unitarian Church. He has always been a Republican, but liberal in local affairs. He was mar- ried, in 1852, to Jane A. Mann, a native of New York. She died in 1867. They had seven children — Francis E., Ellen E. Lembke, Jacob M., Florence M. Brown, Thomas C, Betty 0. and Amenzo G. He was again married, in 1870, to Josephine Hodsden, a native of New York. She has been a teacher of long experience. GEORGE STOCKER was born in 1841, in Bavaria, Germany, and is one of the twelve children of George and Theressa (Hahn) Stoeker. The elder Stoeker was in the Franco- German war of 1812 and against Russia with Napoleon. When our subject was twenty years of age, his father died. In 1866, he entered the Austro-Prussian war, and served for about three months, near the close ; he then came to America and settled in Chicago. After about two months' work at shoemaking, which trade he had learned from his father, he came to Hobart, and after being employed about ten months he established his own shoe shop. In 1874, he went to Europe. He had traveled in Hungary, Turkey (in Asia and Europe), Italy, Austria, etc., before he came to America, and on this visit traveled in France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. On his return, he lluilt the brick business room on Third street, and started a shoe store. After about one year, he rented this building, and built what is known as Stocker's Block, consisting of three business rooms, two of which are occupied by him and the third by Vincent & Halladay, druggists. He keeps the largest stock of boots and shoes in the place in one room, and in the other an extensive and finely selected stock of gen- eral merchandise. In 1880, he rented the old Holmes Brickyard, but soon bought one of his own ; he employs on an average twenty-five hands, turning out about 14,000 brick per day; he has dealt considerably in real estate ; for two years, just after the great fire, he bought timber and worked it up. In 1868, he was elected Trustee, and served four years; he belongs to the F. & A. M. and I. 0. 0. F. fraternities, and is at present Treasurer in the former ; he is a member of the Catholic Church, to the Latin language of which he attributes his success while traveling in Asia ; he has always been a Democrat in politics. In May, 684 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1880, he was married to Carrie Maybaum, a native of Germany ; he has one child — Theressa. J. T. STROUPE was born March 16, 1852, in Madison County, Ohio. He is one of eight children born to William and Caroline (Rankin) Stroupe, both natives of Madison. When Mr. Stroupe was seventeen years of age, his mother died. When seventeen, he began learning teleg- raphy, and, having finished, clerked for his father. When twenty years old, he went to Missouri, and was engaged at herding cattle for two years. After a short time at home (Ada, Ohio), clerking, he worked as extra for the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., up to 1876; he then took the office at Nevada, Ohio, as operator and agent's clerk for about a year; he then went to Ada, and remained for about a year; was next an extra for about four months, when he went to Lima, Ohio, then to Nevada for over a year; he came to Hobart in 1881, and is agent and operator for the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. Company here. He is a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity; his political opinions have always been independent; he was married in 1877, February 7, to Meda Slack, a native of Ohio. They have one child living — Neta. ■ ALONZO W. VINCENT, M. D., member of the firm of Vincent & Halladay, was born December 10, 1839, in Huron County, Ohio. He is the eldest of seven children born to Martin and Mercy (Pierce) Vincent, both natives of New York. Grandfather Vincent was a soldier in both the Revolution and the war of 1812. He was educated for the ininistry. In 1844, Mr. Vincent's father and family came to Ross Town- ship, Lake County, and pre-empted 160 acres of land on which he has since lived and on which our subject was reared up to his twenty-first year. He learned the carpenter's trade, partly in Crown Point and partly in the country. In February, 1864, he enlisted, in lowaj but on account of physical disability was rejected. He returned home and enlisted in the Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but was a second time re- jected. He then went into the mercantile and live-stock business at Hebron. In 1867, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Arnold, of Merrillville (now of South Chicago). After three years under Dr. Arnold, he went to Ann Arbor, and after his first term of lectures went to Deep River and practiced one and a half years. He then went to Bennett Medical College of Chicago, and graduated in 1871. He next took a spring course in the Hahnemann Homoeopathic School of Chicago. ' He returned again to Deep River and practiced for nine years, with ex- cellent success. He then attended a review term at Bennett again, and then was three months at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York. In 1879, he located in Valparaiso and practiced for one and a quarter years. He next, in company with his brother-in-law, established HOBART TOWNSHIP. 686 a fine brick drug and grocery store, which was destroyed by a hurricane, but rebuilt. With what stock he had left he came to Hobart and estab- lished his present business. He is a Knight Templar, and is a member of the F. & A. M. order. He was a Notary Public for about four years, and Postmaster of Deep River for about the same time, and has always been a Republican. He was married, January 1, 1869, to Mary Wood, a native of Deep River, and only daughter of John Wood, Sr.,' of that place. She was educated at Wabash College, Ind., and is the mother of one child — Alice. ANDREW J. WALL was born in 1827 in Sweden, and is the eldest of seven children born to .John and Christina Wall ; his father was in the wars between Sweden and Russia, also Norway. Mr. Wall lived at home until twelve years of age, and then worked out until nineteen years of age, and then served three years' apprenticeship at cabinet-making. He conducted business for himself for nine years, when he emigrated to America and settled in Chicago, and worked at carpentering for four years; he took to carpentering because it paid better, and his cabinet- work would be hindered by his inability to speak English. He came to Hobart in 1861, and bought property, and has lived here ever since, with the exception of a temporary residence of three years in Furnessville, Porter County ; his trade has increased greatly in the last fourteen years ; he has been in partnership with Mr. James M. Cowhlin for the last four- teen years, and they have the leading trade ; he has one of the finest resi- dences in Hobart, on which he has shown his talent as a carpenter ; he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church and a Republican ; he was married, in 1847, to Lena C. Wall, a native of Sweden. They have seven children — Christina L. Enborg, of Chicago, John 0., Andrew A., Henry, Gilbert, Albert and Cora. JOSEPH M. WHITMORB was born January 2, 1833, in Connersr ville, Ind. He is one of three children living born to Julius and Eliza- beth (Stebbins) Whitmore, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Vermont. The elder Whitmore was a Colonel in the war of 1812. Many of the relatives are physicians. Grandfather Whitmore, with his two brothers, came from England, and were the first Whitmores to come to America. When our subject was four years of age, his father moved to La Porte County, where he was educated up to his nineteenth year. He had learned his trade of tinner, and went to Valparaiso and established a hardware store, continuing for about nine years. He then went to Sheboygan, built a vessel, and engaged in transporting lumber in partnership with a lumberman, between Chicago and near New Buffalo, Mich., for about two years. He then went to Valparaiso and built a business room, and established a hardware store again. After about four- 686 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: teen or fifteen years, he came to Hobart and began manufacturing an oil stove he had invented, and has since been engaged in the work. He has a very extensive trade, selling in Chicago, Fore Wayne and other mar- kets. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. fraternity, and has always been a strong Republican. He was married, in 1856, to Emma L. Alexander, a native of Luzerne County, Penn. She died in 1875, leaving three children — Lizzie A., Louise and Jesse M. AUGUSTUS WOOD, son of John and Hannah E. (Pattee) Wood, was born in Danvers, Mass., in 1828, and in 1836 came with his parents to Lake County. At the age of twenty-one, he engaged in clerking at Crown Point and Michigan City ; in 1855, he entered in business at Wood's Mill, carrying a stock of general merchandise until 1880, when he moved to Hobart, built a store, and resumed his trade in dry goods, notions, groceries, crockery, etc. He is a Knight Templar and belongs to the Valparaiso Commandery ; he was married at Michigan City, in 1852, to Jessie M. Brown, a native of Cincinnati.- They have three children liying — Carrie M. Ryan, of Valparaiso ; Abbie M. Bullock, of Hobart, and John J. Wood, now associated in business with his father. JOHN ZUVERS was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., October ] 9, 1825. He is one of nine children, boys, born to George and Wini- fred (Branhan) Zuvers, viz., Solomon, John, Leander, William, Amos, Charlie, Francis, George and Jasper. Solomon, John, Leander and Amos are still living. The father of John was a cabinet-maker and carpenter by trade ; was in the war of 1812, and died in 1845. The subject of this sketch was married to Mary Warchus, in Lake County ; he lived with his father in Bartholomew County almost continually until the family set- tled in Lake County in 1836, in which county John has made his home ever since. The Zuvers family found this country in all its primitive wildness, there being very few settlers here at that time ; he is a God- fearing man, a genuine politician and a strict temperance man, and says that he hopes before he dies to see intemperance wiped out of existence ; he now lives on Deep River, hemmed in with three railroads, two and one-half miles northwest of Hobart. NORTH TOWNSHIP. 687 NORTH TOWNSHIP. MAGNUS ANDERSON, son of Anders Johnson, was born in Sweden January 1, 1825. When sixteen years old, he commenced to peddle goods through the country, and so continued until 1852, when he came to Boston and learned safe-making, and was there married, Novem- ber 5, 1853, to Anna M. Arnedson, who has borne her husband nine ■children, five boys and four girls. From Boston, Mr. Anderson moved to Rhode Island, and then to Chicago, and in the fall of 1857 came to Lake Station, this township. He next moved to Miller Station and purchased eighty acres on Section 31, built a nice frame house, farmed, and began gathering moss from the lowlands, which he dries and presses and ships in large quantities to Chicago to be used in wrapping fruit trees. Mr. Anderson and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and their chil- dren were bom and named in the following order : Victor Edwin, born in Boston and now deceased ; Lodwick A., born in Rhode Island ; Jen- nie A., Susanna N., Ida M., Victor Gr., Carl F., Herrman and Huldah, all born in this township. JAMES H. ANSBRO is a son of Michael and Anna (Hughes) Ans- bro, of Ireland, where our subject was born July 28, 1829. When but ten months old, his parents left him with his grandmother, and they came to America, his grandmother not being willing for them to bring so young a child across the ocean. When about six years of age, he commenced school, and continued till about seventeen, reaching a course in the high school, after which he taught for about two years, and on July 10, 1848, he came America and located in Wyandot County, Ohio ; went to work on the railroad for about eight months ; then to Sandusky City, where he taught school for some time ; from there he went to work on the Ken- tucky Central Railroad ; from there to the New Albany & Salem road, as foreman ; then back to the Kentucky Central some two years. While there, on September 19, 1853, he was married to Miss Catherine Pender- gast, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Mathewus) Pendergast. Nine ■children have been born to them, three boys and six girls — John, born September 6, 1854, died December 10, 1854; Anna J., December 8, 1855; Catherine B., July 1, 1857; Margaret A., August 24, 1858; Mary A., July 15, 1860 ; Jan« B., April 13, 1862 ; James F., Febru- ary 13, 1865; Bridget A., July 18, 1869, and John, April 10, 1877. In December, of 1855, he came to Porter County, Ind. ; worked on a rail- road till 1863 ; from there he came to Miller's Station, bought eighty 688 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: acres of land in Section No. 8, and fifteen acres in Miller's Station ; he then went to railroading, and is still following the same. Our subject and family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Chesterton. He is liberal in politics. E. J. BEALL is a native of Washington, D. C, and a son of Charles and Sarah J. Beall, both natives of Washington, D. C, where his mother died, and where his father still resides. Charles Beall was a carpenter by occupation. E. J. Beall passed his early days in Washing- ton, where he received a good public-school education. During his boy- hood, he learned the trade of a plasterer, which he has since made a life-long handicraft. On November 20, 1876, in Chicago, he was mar- ried to Miss Louisa M. Sohl, daughter of William and Louisa Sohl, and a native of London, as was her mother, her father being a native of Ger- many. They came to Lake County in 1854, where they cleared a farm and resided until their deaths — Mr. Sohl in February, 1877, and Mrs. Sohl June 40, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Beall. have been residents of Ham- mond since 1878. They have been blessed with two children — William H. and Charles. CHARLES F. BLANK is a son of Nils August and Anna Lena (Anderson) Blank, who were born in Sweden in 1822 and 1818 respect- ively. Our subject was born in Hygsby, Sweden, September 4, 1855. When but a child, July, 1863, his father brought his family to America, and located at Lake Station, where our subject attended school till about thirteen years of age. He then worked in a general store for a Mr. Flint about one year ; was then confirmed in the Lutheran Church, which event took about three months ; after which, in 1871, he went to Chicago to learn the trade of watch-maker, finished same and returned to Lake Station, back in the old store as clerk for Mrs. Flint (her husband having died during our subject's absence), where he remained for four years ; he then, in 1874, came to Miller's Station where he started a small store, doing a good business, and on April 25, 1875, was married to Johanna Erlandson. To them six children were born, five girls and one boy — Lillie Georgiana, born March 9, 1876, and died March 14, 1876, (an infant twin sister who died unnamed), Nella Charlotta, born June 24,^ 1877, died February 10, 1879 ; Charles August, May 24, 1879 ; Lilly Augusta, February 18, 1881, and Ester Charlotta, October 20, 1882. In the fall of 1882, he finished a fine two-story house and store 30x40 feet on lot 50x100, fronting on L. S. & M. S. R. R., where he is a dealer in general merchandise, staple and fancy groceries, dry goods, notions, drugs, hard and tin ware, watches, clocks, jewelry, musical instruments, sewing machines, guns, pistols, revolvers, etc., etc. On July 4, 1882, his store was broken into and robbed of quite an amount, but NORTH TOWNSHIP. 68& most of his valuables being in his safe, his loss was not so great as it otherwise might have been. Our subject and wife are members of the Swedish Mission Church. He is a Republican, and withal a self-made man. ANDREAS BORCHERT, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Boehl) Borchert, was born in Prussia November 4, 1830. He attended school till fourteen years old, then worked on his father's farm some six years, and in 1850 joined the Prussian Army, in which he remained for three years ; after his time was out he again went to farming, and on October 5, 1856, was married to Dorathia Grapenthis. To this union, while in Prussia, five children were born — Augusta (deceased), Minnie, Paulina, Mary and Caroline (twins); Caroline (deceased). In 1867, he came to America, located in Chicago, worked in a brick-yard some two years, and then, in 1869, came to Clark Station, bought five acres of land, built two frame houses, one of which he rents, and lives in the other. After coming here to live, three children were born to him, namely : William, Charles (deceased) and Oscar. Our subject is keeping a garden farm. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. CHRISTOPHER BORMANN, son of Christopher aud Conradina (Lessman) Bormann, was born February 25, 1830, in Brunswick, Ger- many. His father was a trader in cattle and butcher. Christopher, Jr., went to school till fourteen and then to learn butchering ; two years after that he commenced to study music with Prof. Frost, after which he traveled with a circus band to England and Scotland for some three years ; in 1851, his father brought his family to America, located in Ful- ton County, N. Y., and Christopher again traveled with difierent circus bands for some eight years. His father came to this township in 1858, where he bought a small farm, and our subject soon after came home, and on April 26, 1863, was married to Mena K., daughter of Frederick and Johanna Beekman. They have had born to them nine children — Christopher A., June 16, 1864 ; Matilda L., July 7, 1866 ; Augusta (deceased), March 3, 1868 ; Albert F., January 13, 1870 ; Conradina (deceased), October 12, 1872 ; Frank, January 7, 1875 ; Otto C, March 3, 1877 ; Frederick A. Otto (deceased), April 28, 1879, and Emma (deceased) March 22, 1882. His father gave him twenty-eight acres of land but he traveled again with a circus band some two years, and in 1865, gave up the business and came home to stay ; he worked on his farm some time, and in 1875 bought a lot in Tolleston, built a house and started a general country store. In 1878, he was appointed Postmaster, and held that position some two years. He is a liberal Democrat and he and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. G90 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: J. M. BRADFORD was born in Bradford County, Penn., July 6, 1852, and is a son of William T. and Sarah (Gardner) Bradford, both natives of Massachusetts. His father is a lumberman and millwright, but is at present in a hotel at Bellaire, Ohio. J. M. Bradford's first school days were at Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he obtained a fair education. When fourteen years old, he began to learn house-paint- ing, which he followed steadily since until within a short time. He came to Hammond July 22, 1879. Only a short time ago, Mr. Bradford opened a neat hardware store, which he managed in connection with his trade, where he has a fair stock and has done a good businesss ; he car- ries, also, a large variety of wall-paper, from which any one may make choice. On December 31, 1879, he was married to Miss Martha J. Watts, daughter of James and Hannah Watts, and a native of Jefferson Township, Cass County, Ind. One child has been born to them — Annie M. CHARLES CHICK is the son of George and Mary (Palmer) Chick, who were born in England, the father on January 12, 1805, and the mother in 1809, and were married about the year 1833. Charles Chick was born in Bristol, Eng., January 21, 1840, and attended school until about twelve years of age ; his father being a blacksmith, Charles learned that trade, and he remained with his father till his marriage, which took place in February, 1858, to Elizabeth Y. Vickers, daughter of Richard Vickers, of England. Five children were born to this union — Harriet, George (deceased), and Mary Ann, born in England, and William George and Emily E., born in America. In 1863, our subject first came to America, but soon returned to England ; he was not satisfied there, and, after crossing the ocean some seven times, brought his family over in 1866, and came here to live ; located in Chicago, where he remained till 1869, then came to this township, bought eleven acres of improved land, and built the first blacksmith-shop in the township, and also made the first wagon ever built here. Mr. Chick and wife are members of the church at Ross, and, in politics, he is a Republican. M. CLEMENTS is a native of Philadelphia, born July 28, 1855, and is a son of John and Mary Clements, both natives of Pennsylvania ; both died in Philadelphia. Mr. Clements, after attending the ordi- nary schools, attended also a German school, an advantage he prizes highly. He afterward learned the trade of whip-making, which oc- cupation he abandoned in 1876, when he came West and worked on a farm for one Mr. Payne, of Chicago, for one year. Afterward he came to Hammond, Lake County, where he formed a partnership with Mr. S. Harden in the proprietorship and management of the Hammond House. NORTH TOWNSHIP. 691 J. H. CLIFFORD is a native of Illinois, born March 12, 1851, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Hart) Clifford, both natives of Ireland. Charles Hart is a cabinet-maker by occupation, and has been a citizen of the United States for about fifty years. The early school days of J. H. Clifford were spent in La Salle County, 111., |where he received an ordinary education. When seventeen years of age, he went jnto a ma- chine shop, where he labored two and a half or three years ; he then commenced as clerk for S. B. Gridley, in Ottawa, 111., and later, in the same building with D. C. 0. Kane. In 1875, he formed a partnership at Earl Park, Ind., with Mr. Magher, in the general merchandise busi- ness, which was continued two years, after which he clerked for Hartley Bros., in the same place, for two years. On October 21, 1875, he was married in Ottawa, 111., to Miss Teresa L. Magher, a native of New York, daughter of Michael and Catherine Magher, both natives of Ireland. To this union were born three children — Catherine, Charles and Mary. After his marriage, Mr. Clifford engaged in farming for three years. In 1882, he came to Hammond, where he began the grocery, queensware and crockery business, and has now a good trade. Mr. and Mrs. Clif- ford are members of the Catholic Church. W. S. COLE, station agent at Clarke, on Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway, was born near Boydston's Mills, Kosciusko County, - Ind., August 5, 1851 ; his father. Dr. P. L. Cole, was a native of Camden, N. J., born in February, 1815, died in Kosciusko County, Ind., October, 1880; his mother's maiden name was Muirheid. She is a native of West Virginia, born near Phillipi July, 1830, and is a resident of Warsaw, Ind. Mr. Cole was early thrown on his own resources, and, at the age of seventeen, was a printer's devil, learning the art preservative. After between three or four years' service in different offices, he learned the art of telegraphy,, which was followed for three years, and in turn abandoned for farming, which occupation was followed until continued ill-health compelled a resort to telegraphy again in 1881. He was married to Mrs. Julia Leach, September 27, 1873, in Osceola County, Mich., who was born in Lake County, Ohio, April, 1833. They have one child — Lizzie, born November 17, 1874. Mr. Cole became a resident of this county in April, 1882. AUGUST F. CONRAD is a son of Frederick and Johanna (Schultz) Conrad, who were born in Prussia in 1804 ; our subject was born in the same country September 9, 1841 ; he went to school till about fourteen, then learned the trade of cabinet-making with his father ; he then went to Berlin, where he worked at his trade some two years ; then served as a soldier three years ; after that, was one year at home, then came to Ameri- ca : located in Chicago ; worked at house-building some years, and on " • T>T> 692 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; March 8, 1874, was married to Hermina Ratzlaw, of North Township. To them were born five children — Fred (deceased), Mita (deceased). Otto, Mina and an infant girl. Soon after his marriage, he moved to Clarke Station, North Township, and, in 1879, came to Tolleston ; leased the house known as the Crossing House, located at the crossing of the M. C. and P. Ft. W. & C. R. R.; he is keeping the only first-class saloon and boarding house in the township. He is a member of the German Lu- theran Church and a Democrat. WILLIAM G. COOK was born in Ohio September 27, 1843, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hoff) Cook. The father was born in Ohio December 12, 1816, and the mother in England October 6, 1824, and were married at Bowling Green, Ohio, October 6, 1841. The father is a farDier, and has served as Justice of the Peace. In 1848, he brought his family to Indiana, where William G. attended school until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part of the battles of Perryville, Shiloh, Stone River, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and others. At Stone River he was wounded by a minie ball, and was honorably discharged after a service of two years. On his return, he taught school some five terms ; was then appointed railroad telegraph operator, 'and, a year later, appointed Agent for the Lake Shore & Michi- gan Southern and Baltimore & Ohio roads, at Miller Station, which po- sition he still holds, as well as that of Postmaster, to which last he was appointed in 1871. He was married, February 22, 1872, to Christina Nel- son, of Miller Station; his four children are named Carl William, Clarence R., Horace A. and Francis M. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics Mr. Cook is a Republican. HEINRICH D. EGGERS is the son of Heinrich and Augusta (Hal- fast) Eggers, of Hanover, Germany, where our subject was born Decem- ber 1, 1817, and where he attended school until fourteen years old ; he then worked several years with his father, cutting timber, and then served nine years in the army under the King of Hanover. In 1846, the family came to America, locating in -Chicago. In 1848, our subject purchased 163 acres of wild land on Section No. 8, this township, which he put under cultivation, and on which he built a fine frame house. In the fall of 1849, he married Amelia Vater, a native of Germany, and to this union were born four children — Henry, Frederick, Augusta and Frederica. Although a general farmer, he gave some attention to housing ice, and soon formed a company, who erected one of the largest ice houses in the county, its capacity being 18,000 tons. Mr. Eggers is a Republican, and has been four times elected Constable ; he and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church, and are highly esteemed in the community in which they live. NORTH TOWNSHIP. 693 JAMES EWEN, son of Henry and Mary A. (Dawson) Ewen, was born in England July 12, 1821 ;• when but sixteen years of age, he went to sea; remained away about three years, came home, and learned the trade of machinist, and in 1847 was married to Ann Holmes. In 1849, he came to America ; worked ii^ different railroad shops for about three years ; then went to Chicago, where he lived some two years, and on May' 1, 1854, came to North Township, being one of the first settlers ; he bought forty acres of wild land, built a shanty, farmed and hunted for several years ; worked hard, saved his money, and bought out the claim of the celebrated McConger family (they being murderers and thieves). Mr. Ewen lost his wife August 9, 1872, and on October 15, 1872, was married to Elizabeth Ann Watts, daughter of Capt. William Watts, of North Township. To this last union were born five children — Mary A., born December 24, 1873 ; James (deceased) January 3, 1875 ; William J., born December 25, 1877 ; Henry, December 28, 1879, and Ellen, April 5, 1882. In 1872, he built a large house of sixteen rooms, es- pecially for the accommodation of hunters, and called the same the Hunter's Home. He now has eighty-one acres in farm land in Section 13, Town 36, Range 9. Mr. Ewen was the first person to raise wheat in North Township, thirty-five bushels to the acre. He and wife are church members, and in politics he is a Liberal Republican. DUANE RANDALL HALL is a son of Richard Randall and Anna (Fletcher) Hall, who were born in York State, where also our subject was born October 10, 1858. He went to school till twelve years of age, when the family moved to Canada, where our subject learned the trade of nail-making, and on January 25, 1850, was married to Agnes Melville, daughter of William T. and Grace (Pattison) Melville, of Scotland, to whom six children were born — Annie (deceased), William (deceased), Duane Fletcher, Agnes, Norman B. and James King. In 1865, he moved to Chicago, where for fifteen years was in the cutlery business ; in 1870, he came to this Township, and was appointed Superintendent of the Tolleston Club House, which position he held some four years ; was afterward appointed by Mr. Alexander to superintend his farm adjoining the house, and he now has full charge, and is raising some fine Jersey cattle, imported horses, hogs, etc. Our subject has had an eventful life, having been twice shipwrecked, once off the Irish coast, and once while on a voyage to New York from San Francisco. Mr. H. is a Democrat. S. HARDEN was born in Ohio March 25, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Harriet Harden, both natives of Ohio. Samuel Harden was a farmer by occupation, and emigrated to La Salle County, 111., where he died. Mrs. Harriet Harden died at Sheldon. S. Harden, at the age of twenty-one, after receiving a common school education, began life as a 694 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: farmer, a vocation he followed most of the time while in the State of Illinois. He was married in La Salle County, III, to Miss Clara A. Uhl, a native of West Virginia, and daughter of Daniel and Martha Uhl, both of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Harden have had born to them five children— Edward, Albert, Oliver, Etta and James. Mr. Harden came to Hammond March 1, 1882, where, in partnership with M. ■Clements, he took charge of the present hotel, furnishing a pleasant home for the traveling public as well as many residents. They have a good bar connected with the hotel; can accommodate fifty guests, and from thirty to forty regular boarders. E. D. HARDEN was born in Ottawa, 111., and is a son of S. and Clara (Uhl) Harden, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. His father's occupation was farming, but later in life he became a mer- chant. E. D. Harden's early days were passed in Ottawa, where he attended school, and afterward at Valparaiso, Porter Co., Ind., in 1879, where he graduated in the year of 1880. He then went to Che- banse, where his father was in the hardware trade, and whom he assisted until 1881, when his father sold out and moved to Chicago with his family, and in February, 1882, they moved to Hammond, Lake Co., Ind., where E. D. Harden became time-keeper for Brown, Howard & Co., of the N. Y. C. &. St. L. Railroad. This he resigned after two months and embarked in his present business of clothing, gents' furnish- ing goods and boots and shoes. He has a fine location and keeps a good and varied assortment of goods, which he is pleased to exhibit to patrons. JOHN HESS was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Holman) Hess, the former a native of Virginia, the later of Ross County, Ohio ; his parents moved to Indiana in 1856. John Hess went to school in a log house near Chillicothe one season, and after com- ing to Indiana, in Newton County, to a district school, later he attended one term at Battle Ground, Ind., then at Bloomington, 111. He taught a school in winter to assist in defraying expenses during the remainder of the year while attending school. John Hess entered the law oflSce of Denny & Burns, of Indianapolis — the former is now City Attorney, and the latter Supreme Judge. Here he remained from January, 1876, until October, 1877, and afterward began the practice of law in Kent- land, Ind., in January, 1878, and remained until October, 1880. He then practiced in Logansport, Ind., until 1882, when he located at Ham- mond, where he soon obtained a good business, being the only attorney in the place. On June 10, 1880, he was married to Miss Rose J. Beck- ner, daughter of Dr. G. F. Beckner, of Kentland, Ind. NORTH TOWNSHIP. 695 FRANK HESS, son of Joseph and Mary xlnn (Sackley) Hess, was born at Gibson (now called Gibson's Station), November 17, 1852, and was the first white male child born in North Township ; he attended school until about seventeen years of age, and then went as clerk in his father's store at Hessville, and did most of the buying for the store. He was married, May 24, 1879, to E'uma Hassalbach, daughter of August and Maria (Grabs) Hassalbach, and to their union have been born four children — Alice M. (died September 2, 1880), twin girl and boy (died September 2, 1881), and infant girl (died September 2, 1882). It is somewhat remarkable that all of their children should die on the same day of the month, and same month (September 2), but in different years. Mr. Hess has built a new house and store on the south side of Hessville,. where he keeps a well-selected stock of notions or varieties, and also gives attention to his farm. Mr. Hess is a Republican, and stands well in the community. E. W. HOHMAN is a native of Prussia, where he was finely edu- cated ; his parents were likewise natives of Prussia, his father having been killed in the mines when our subject was a child. On July 9, 1849, he was married, in London, England, to Miss Caroline Sibley, a native of England. In September, 1849, he emigrated to the United States, and located in Chicago, where he engaged in the merchant tailoring busi- ness, and which he continued until 1851, when he removed to North Township, Lake . County, Indiana, then sparsely inhabited ; he first purchased forty acres, where his residence now is, to which he subsequently added until he owned 800 acres. The first year he was here the Michigan Central Railroad was surveyed. This land he sold to G. H. Hammond & Company, now occupied by them in their business. Mr. and Mrs. Hohman were blessed with six children — Ottelia. (wife of Harry John- son), Charles G. (husband of Ella Carr), Louis, Agnes, Emma and Lena. Mr. Hohman was a Democrat, and for twelve years Justice of the Peace of North Township ; he died December 18, 1872. Mrs. Hohman is a Protestant. S. E. HOHMAN was born October 17, 1859, and is a son of E. W. and Caroline Hohman ; his early days were passed in Hammond, where he attended school, and later, in 1878, he went to Valparaiso for tuition, where he graduated in the teacher's course ; he then engaged in the liv- ery business in Chicago for two years. At this time, he returned to Ham- mond, and embarked in the real estate business, in which he has contin- ued,. making this his special vocation, and in which he is a reliable dealer. He has an office on the corner of Hohman and Indiana streets ; he is the local agent of the Commercial Fire Insurance Company of New York. Mr. S. E. Hohman is owner of about 150 lots for building. 696 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: WILLIAM H. GOSTLIN is a native of Canada, and is a son of Thomas and Alice Gostlin, both natives of England ; his father was a manufacturer. . William H. Gostlin obtained an ordinary education, and in boyhood learned the trade of distilling, which he made an exclusive business for fifteen years in Chicago. In June, 1882, he came to Ham- mond, Lake Co., Ind., and in company with M. M. Towle and J. J. Wil- son, engaged in the manufacture of sirup from corn, and in making vin- egar, of which company he became manager-in-chief. They have capac- ity for producing thirty barrels of vinegar and ten barrels of sirup per day, and feed 300 cattle. While in Chicago, Mr. Gostlin was married to Miss Mary Hyssop, a native of Scotland. One child has been born to them — William H. Mrs. Gostlin is a member of the Presbyterian Church. CHARLES KRIEWITZ is a son of Jacob and Frederica (Lubki) Kriewitz, of Germany, where Charles was born September 2, 1844 ; he attended school till fourteen years of age ; he then became a sailor ; visited France, Spain, England and other parts, and, in 1864, returned to Ger- many and entered the German Navy ; then served on a merchant vessel till 1870, when he again entered the German Navy during the Franco- Prussian war, serving till the close of the same ; he then went to Ham- burg, and from there came to America ; located in Chicago for a short time, then was a sailor on Lake Michigan till 1873 ; he then came to Clarke Station, this township ; bought half an acre of ground, built a house and store, and started a general grocery and saloon. On January 16, 1874, he was married to Matilda Ludwigs, daughter of Henry Lud- wigs, of Hanover, Germany. To this marriage four children were born, Charles, in 1874 ; Bernhardt, in 1875 ; Frederica, in 1876 (deceased), and Clara, in 1877. Mr. Kriewitz is a Republican, and was appointed Postmaster in 1880 ;. has been School Director for the last six years. The family are'members of the German Lutheran Church. CHARLES G. KUNERT was born in Prussia December 17, 1829; attended school till fourteen, then worked in a grist-mill for some ten years, after which he served two years in the Prussian Army ; then went back to the mill, where he remained till 1857 ; he then came to America and located in Illinois ; he worked on a farm about two years, and thence he came to Tolleston, bought some land, built a house and store, and on July 22, 1859, was married to Augusta W. Aurich, daughter of Will- iam C. and Emily B. (Richter) Aurich. To them eleven children have been born — Emily, born November 22, 1860 ; Ernest F., June 8, 1.862 ; William C, Caroline H. (deceased), February 3, 1866 ; Maria A., July 28, 1867 ; Charles G. (deceased), July 30, 1869 ; Henrietta L., October 29, 1871 ; George H. (deceased), January 12, 1873 ; infant boy (de- NORTH TOWNSHIP. 697 ceased), Louisa C, April 12, 1876, and Arthur A., August 20, 1878. In 187.2, our subject was appointed Deputy Postmaster, which position he filled with credit, and on February 10, 1881, was appointed Postmas- ter, which position he now holds. He is a Republican, and a member of the German Lutheran Church. He is keeping a general country store — groceries, hats, caps, boots and shoes, etc., etc. FREDERICK LEMKE, son of John and Henrietta (Schutz) Lemke, was born in Prussia November 22, 1836. He was schooled until four- teen years old, and then taught shoe-making. At twenty, he entered the Prussian Army, served three years, and then for two years worked at his trade. In 1861, he married Ottilge Wetterer, who has borne him five children — Hannah and Augusta, in the old country, and Hermann, Amelia (deceased), and Emma, in this country. Mr. Lemke came to ToUeston in 1865, bought a lot and built a house, and conducted a shoe shop until 1875, when he was employed as foreman for the Washington Ice Company, at Clarke Station, where he and family now reside. They are members of the German Lutheran Church, at Tolleston, and in poli- tics, Mr. Lemke is a Republican. F. A. H. LOHSE, son of G. and Elizabeth (Sellinger) Lohse was born November 2, 1817, in Germany ; he attended school until four- teen years old, then learned the trade of baker with his father, and then worked as journeymen for some years ; he was married, in March, 1840, to Johanna Mencha, who has borne him six children — Will- iam (deceased), Mariah, Bernhardt, Clara A., Horace and Floyd (de- ceased). In 1853, he came to America, located in Chicago, where he worked at his trade for some three years, and then, on September 15, 1856, came to North Township, settling on Section 31, Township 37, Range 9, all wild land, which he afterward purchased from the Govern- ment. In the fall of 1874, his wife died, and ih 1876 he was married to Johanna Bralow, a widow with six children, and to this union was born one child— Willie. In the fall of 1877, the second Mrs. Lohse died, and he then married, November 29, 1881, Johanna Schaetgile, widow of Andrew Schaetgile, and daughter of Charles Fritzs. Mr. Lohse has owned at times as much as 424 acres of land, but has given most of it to his children ; he now has but two acres left ; he has built him a fine house and is enjoying life in his old age. In 1876, he joined the Masons, having taken the third degree ; -he has been elected Township Assessor for the last five years, and is a Republican. DANIEL McKINNEY was born in Fort Wayne, Ind.; his father, Pat- rick McKinney, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1815, and descended from purely Scotch ancestry. Patrick's father was born in the north of Scotland, and at an eariy age crossed the Irish Channel, and settled in 698 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Londonderry, Ireland, where, with Patrick and other children of the family, he followed agricultural pursuits. Patrick McKinney entered Maynooth College in Dublin, where in a few years he mastered the classics, and was about to be ordained a minister in the Catholic Church, but his health being greatly impaired by hard study, this calling was abandoned. In 1835, he came to America, where he became acquainted with Miss Josephine Pepe, living near the present site of Fort Wayne, Ind., with whom he was united in marriage. The result of this mar- riage was five children — John, Daniel, James, Frank and Mary. Only two children — Daniel and Frank, and his wife, Josephine, survive him. Contracting a severe cold in 1841, which resulted in his death by con- sumption, he was buried in the cathedral which now stands in the City of Fort Wayne. Daniel McKinney was sent to St. Vincent de Paul's Academy at Vincennes, where he received the rudiments of a first-class grammar school, and studied the classics, ancient and modern languages, including first book of Caesar, French grammar and the German language. In 1862, he entered Company H, Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, under Capt. George W. Bullit ; was promoted from private to Corporal, from Cor- poral to First Sergeant, and from First Sergeant to be First Lieutenant One Hundred and Nineteenth United States Colored Troops, but did not accept; he served a little over three years, returning in 186.5, being honorably discharged ; he was in thirty-two actual engagements, includ- ing the battle of Stone River, siege of Knoxville, siege of Atlanta, Ga., Murfreesboro, and Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. At the close of the war he resumed his literary studies, and is how recognized as a prominent teacher in the public schools of Indiana and Illinois. This occupation he has followed for fourteen long years ; his salary has risen from $36 to $60 per month ; he is known to have been Principal of schools for four years in succession in Indiana; he was also Principal of a High School at or near Englewood, 111.; his time has, however, been principally spent in elevating the interests of schools in this township, where he has labored assiduously for ten years, and where he is still engaged in teaching. W. W. MERRILL, M. D., is a native of Merrillville, Lake Co., Ind., and the fifth of six children born to William and Caroline (Camp- bell) Merrill, old settlers of Lake County, living near Crown Point. William Merrill was a blacksmith ; he died in 1860 ; his widow survives him, and lives on the old farm. Dr. Merrill's early education was begun in a village school at Merrillville, and afterward .he attended the Crown Point High School ; still later, he took a scientific course at Valparaiso, where he graduated ; he then attended a lecture course at Bennett Medi- cal College, Chicago, from which he graduated in 1880, and began the practice of medicine at Hammond in the same year ; hia oflice is located NORTH TOWNSHIP. 699 in Morton House Block, where he is to be found ready for service. On May 10, 1882, he was married to Miss Lotta A. Woods, daughter of Bartlett and Charlotte Woods, of Crown Point. Mr. Woods was a farmer, and has served Lake County as legislator. Mrs. Lotta Woods is a native of Ross, Lake County. CHARLES F. NAGLE was born December 1, 1831, in Prussia ; he attended school till fourteen years of age, then learned the trade of shoemaking, after which he joined the Prussian Army, in which he re- mained some three years, then joined the Second Rifles, German Legion, and fought through the Crimean war ; he then went back to Germany in the employ of the Earl of Arnheim. February 7, 1854, he was married to Wilhelmina (Beltzet) Plath. To their union, one child, Augusta, was born March 26, 1855, and while on a voyage with her parents to the Cape of Good Hope she died October 16, 1858. While at Cape Town, our subject served on the police force about two years, then kept hotel at Concordia ; after that, he went back to Germany, and in 1863 came to America; located at Winona, Minn.; was appointed a Lieutenant in First Minnesota Regiment, and was detached on recruiting service. In May, 1865, he was interested in the Winona Banner, a German paper ; after some time he came to Chicago, where he opened a saloon, corner of Wells and Adams streets ; sold out the above, and March, 1866, was appointed a member of the Chicago police force where he remained till 1869. In 1871, his home. No. 125 Quincy street, was burned with all it contained, in the great fire of that year ; he then came to Clarke Station ; then went back to Chicago, engaged in the shoe trade a short time ; then, in 1872, came to Tolleston, this township, where he started a shoe shop ; he was four years a Justice of the Peace. In 1877, he was appointed Postmaster ; some time after that, he rented a saloon ; soon after, sold and went to Hammond, bought a lot and built the Hammond House. In 1882, he rented the house and bought eight acres of improved land near Tolleston. Mr. Nagle is a member of the German Lutheran Church, a Master Mason, a leading Democrat, and President of Anti-Prohibition League of Lake County. HENRY REESE, the son of Conrad and Ellen (Bleidister) Reese, was born in Germany September 25, 1827 ; he attended school till about fifteen years old, then learned the trade of weaver, and at the age of twenty, joined the Hessian Army, in which he remained for four years ; afterward he came to America, and located in Cook County, 111., and in June, 1852, was married to Mary S. E. Meyer, who became the mother of seven boys and five girls ; those now living are Ellen, John, Augusta and Mary (twins). In 1854, he came to this township, bought twenty acres of land, built a house, and commenced the life of a gardener. In 700 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1864, he enliated in Company B, Thirty-eighth Indiana Veteran Vol- unteer Infantry, was attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps, and was at the battle of Nashville, Tenn. Soon after his return home, his wife was taken sick, and March 8, 1868, she died. He kept his children together for some ten years, and on January 1, 1878, he was married to Jennett Hurlbick, widow of William Hurlbick ; he is now engaged in the honey trade, keeping a large number of bees, and is fast making money ; has been several times elected a School Trustee ; is a Republican, and attends the German Lutheran Church. GEORGE M. ROBERTS, son of Elisha R. and Catherine (Muehler) Roberts, was born January 6, 1817, in Pennsylvania, where he attended school in winter and worked on his father's farm in summer till about twenty-two years of age; he then went to New York as super- intendent of the work of enlarging the canals ; he remained for about three years, and then went to Canada and worked on the Wellington Canal for some four years ; from there he came to Illinois and worked on canals for some time; he then went to the Lake Superior Copper Mines ; from there he came to North Township in 1847, entered 320 acres of land and commenced to herd cattle, sheep, hogs, and raise horses for the market ; farmed and raised fruit, which he shipped to all parts of the country. He became one of the best hunters in the county. Our sub- ject was married, July 20, 1875, to Agnes Atchison, of Kankakee, 111., and to this union have been born two children — Mary A., born October 24, 1876, and Amy J., February 6, 1879. Our subject is a Republican. Has been Township Trustee, and is now a Justice of the Peace. FREDERICK SCHEUNEMANN, son of Louis and Wilhelmina (Ott) Scheunemann, was born August 11, 1855, in Germany. He went to school till about thirteen, when his father brought his family to America, locating in North Township, Lake County, Ind., where our subject again attended school for some time, after which he went to Chicago and clerked in a grocery store some four years, saved his money, came back to Tblleston in North Township, built a fine store and dwelling, and started a general store, keeping on hand a full stock of groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, and, in fact, anything called for by the people. On March 27, 1881, was married to Alice Lucinda, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Notke) Hess, of Hessville. Our subject is a Notary Public ; is a Liberal Republican. They are members of the German Lutheran Church. HENRY SCHRAGE was born in Germany January 21, 1844, and there went to school until ten years of age. In 1854, his father, Chris- tofi" Schrage, brought him to America, and settled on a farm in this township. Here Henry attended school in winter and assisted his father NORTH TOWNSHIP. 701 in summer until 1863, when he enlisted in Company K, Thirtieth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately sent to Atlanta, and from that point with Sherman on his march to the sea. At the close of the war, he was mustered out at Springfield, III., when he again went to farming. June 6, 1868, he married Caroline Wistenfeld, of Germany, who has borne him eight children — Henry C, Mary C, August H. (de- ceased), William C, Herman C. H., Charlie H. (deceased), Carrie S. and Fred H. (deceased). In 1868, he bought thirty-six acres of land on Section No. 8, where he built and started a small store ; a few years later, he built a large two-storied frame store and dwelling, where he now lives and keeps a general assortment of groceries, clothing, hats, caps, etc. He was appointed Postmaster in 1871 at Whiting Station, and still holds the office. In 1882, he was elected Township Superintendent of Roads. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the German Lu theran Church. C. C. SMITH is a native of New Hampshire, and a son of John C. and Amanda (Cox) Smith, both natives of New Hampshire, where his mother died in 1869. C. C. Smith obtained a common school education, and afterward labored on a farm until he came to Hammond, Lake County, in September, 1871. In 1866, having learned the trade of a butcher he was promoted to a position of director of laborers, or foreman, and since that time has been 'exclusively so employed. In March, 1874, he was married to Miss Annie Dow, in Chicago. To this union were born two children — Birdie and Maud. Mrs. Smith is a native of New Hampshire, and her father was a cabinet-maker. Mr. Smith is foreman of the slaughtering departmient in G. H. Hammond & Co.'s packing- house. H. SULLIVAN is a native of Boston, Mass., and a son of A. and C. Sullivan, both natives of Ireland. His father was a sailor in English waters on board a man-of-war ; his mother died in Boston. Mr. H. Sul- livan's school days were passed near Cambridge, Mass., where he acquired a common school supply of learning, and afterward, in boyhood, learned the trade of a currier, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years. When fourteen years of age he began the butchering business, to which he likewise served three years. In 1871, he came to Hammond, Lake Co., Ind., where he has been continuously employed in G. H. Hammond & Co.'s packing-houses, and was advanced to his present posi- tion of foreman in 1876. On October 17, 1877, he was married to Miss M. Hopkins, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza Hopkins, and a native of Lake County, as are also her parents. C. N. TOWLE is a native of New Hampshire, where his childhood was spent. When eight years old, he was taken to Massachusetts, where 702 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he passed his school days, and where he acquired a fair education and afterward served an apprenticeship to the butchering business. This trade he followed in Hammond, Ind., up to a period of six years ago, during which length of time he was foreman of a slaughtering establish- ment ; he was married, in Massachusetts, to Miss Hattie Duncan, of Ha- verhill, whose parents were of English descent. This union was blessed by one child, Charles C. EDWARD E. TOWLE is a native of Haverhill, Mass., where he was partly educated and partly also in Chicago in 1879, where he at- tended instruction about one year, and, after which he was book-keeper in a lumber yard of his brother at Hammond ; he then embarked in the experiment of a meat-market, and is doing a good trade ; he also handles vegetables of all kinds, which he dispenses cheaply ; his market is located in the Commercial Block; is handsomely fitted up, and contains a fine ofiice, occupied by a book-keeper, who is also cashier. Mr. Towle has been remarkably successful for so young a man, and has proved himself equal to the enterprise which he has chosen. M. M. TOWLE, of the firm of G. H. Hammond & Co., was born in New Hampshire, and is the son of Amos G. and Mary P. (Young) Towle, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Maine. The father died in 1861, in Massachusetts, the mother is still a resident of that State. The early school days of M. M. Towle were passed in Haver- hill, Mass.; at the age of eighteen years, he went to Boston, and there learned to be a butcher ; thence he went to Detroit, where he followed the trade for six years, and where he married Miss Irene Dow, a native of New Hampshire, of which State her parents were also natives. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Towle was hired by the month to Samuel Plummer ; he came to Hammond in 1869, and here, September 15, in company with G. H. Hammond, Caleb Ives and George W. Plummer, started a small slaughter house, with a joint capital of $16,000. The capacity, in the beginning, was 300 cattle per week ; it is now 3,000 per week ; they have storage room for 50,000 tons of ice. The main office is at Detroit ; the company is organized under the laws of the State of Michi- gan ; their present capital is $1,500,000. Mr. Towle has had born to him three children, viz., Marcus M., Ida (deceased), and George H.; he is a Mason, and is now serving his second term as Township Trustee. Mrs. Towle is a member of the Christian Church. JOHN H. K. VATER. was born in Germany October 27, 1824, and is the son of Samuel and Susanna (Gastenberger) Vater. John attended school until fourteen years old, and then worked in a distillery till about twenty-two. In 1846, he came to America, stopped in Mil- waukee a short time, thence moved to Chicago, where he worked in a NORTH TOWNSHIP. 703 lumber yard some four years, then kept grocery for a long time. Janu- ary 9, 1852, he married Georgina Eggers, by whom he became the father of six boys and six girls — John B. (deceased), Frederick (de- ceased), William, Bertha (deceased), Augusta, Clara, Herman, Freddie, G.eorgina, Frederica, Charlie and Elizabeth. In about 1867, he sold his store in Chicago and came to Whiting Station, bought forty-five acres of land fronting the lake and adjoining the property of his brother-in- law, Heinrich Eggers, and built a fine' residence near the shore. In 1876, he joined a number of others in the building of the Berry Lake Ice House, of which he is now the Superintendent. He is a Republican and has twice been elected Justice of the Peace. W. H. VERRILL is a native of Maine, and a son of Charles and Martha (Lord) Verrill, also natives of Maine, where both reside. His father was a carpenter by occupation. W. H. Verrill's school days were mostly passed in his native State, where he obtained the usual common school education. During early manhood he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed steadfastly for five years. On December 15, 1872, at Earl Park, Benton Co., Ind., he was married to Miss Jennie Stickler, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Bence) Stickler, and a native of Ohio ; her parents were of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Verrill have had three children born to them — Fred, Estella and Morrie. In April, 1882, Mr. Verrill came to Hammond and opened a saloon, which business he has continued ; his place is located in Commercial Block. WILLIAM M. WEBSTER is the son of Isaac and Alice (Whittier) Webster; the father was born in New Hampshire in 1776, and the mother in 1779. Our subject was born in New Hampshire August 12, 1811, and went to school till fourteen, then worked on his father's farm, and on September 8, 1844, was married to Fanny Barber, daughter of Arnold and Mary (Kingen) Barber ; to them seven children were born — Solon, Frances, Merrilda (deceased), Angelia, Alice, Willie and Isaac. In 1860, he came to this township, bought eighty acres of land, farmed some, and hunted for some six years, then sold out and returned to New Hampshire, where he lost his daughter Merrilda by death, after which he removed to Missouri, where he remained about one year ; he then, in 1868, came back to North Township, and ^settled at Gibson's Station. He having studied medicine when a young man, he now com- menced to practice the same. He is a strictly temperance man, a Repub- lican, attends church and is highly respected. PAUL WIESIKE is a native of Brandenburg, Germany, and is a son of Rudolph and Pauline Wiesike ; his mother died in 1871. His education was begun at Brandenburg, and continued during a period of 704 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: eight years ; he then went to Tubingin two years, thence to Griefswalde one year, Heidelberg one year and Gottingen one year, where he gradui- ated. After this he was engaged in hospital practice in Vienna six months or more. Emigrating to America, he landed at New York Feb- ruary 5, 1881. From New York he went to Chicago, where he remained three months. In July, 1881, he came to Hammond and at once began the practice of medicine, where he has remained and purposes to remain, making a permanent home. Dr. Wiesike has already acquired a good practice, which likewise extends to other fields, viz., Tolleston and Hess- ville. He is also a Notary Public. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. JAMES N. YOUNG is a native of Medina County, Ohio, born Oc- tober 4, 1847, and is a son Nicholas and Ann D. (Buck) Young ; the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Western New York. His father's occupation was blacksmithing, but later in life he engaged in farming; he is now living at Parma, Jackson Co., Mich., aged seventy- eight years. James N. Young passed his early school days at Bellevue, Ohio, and afterward he attended Oberlin College, finally graduating in the Law Department of Ann Arbor University of Michigan ; he began the practice of law in Chicago in the spring of 1873, where he has since been located. On December 12, 1869, he was married to Miss Mary G. Hayes, a native of New York, daughter of David and Elizabeth Hayes ; the former a native of New York, the latter of England. By this union were born six children — Willis J. (deceased), John H., Charles W., David A., Mary E. (deceased) and Wilfred S. In 1869, at Gibson, Lake Co., Ind., Mr. Young officiated as agent of the Michigan Central Railroad, and continued until 1872. In October, 1879, he commenced dealing in lots at Hammond, and has been steadily dealing in real estate since that time, making the same a special business in 1881-82. Mrs. Young is a member of the First Presbyterian Churph of Chicago, 111. ROSS TOWNSHIP. MAJ. B. ATKIN was born in Ohio, February 17, 1820, and is a son of Joseph and.Alanah (Bartholomew) Atkin ; the former was born in England July 17, 1787, and the latter in Ohio February 5, 1793. Joseph Atkin came to America and was raised in Ohio, where he married. Maj. B. Atkin re- ceived but little schooling, being employed mostly on the farm of his father. On July 7, 1840, he was married to Betsey Banks, daughter of Orrin and Olive (Brown) Banks, of New York, both deceased. To this union were born eight children— Mary C, April 7, 1841 ; Orrin E. (de- ROSS TOWNSHIP. 705 ceased), May 19, 1844 ; Joseph T., July 3, 1846 ; Morgan W. (deceased), October 14, 1848 ; Susan A., January 5, 1852 ; MaWon D., June 6, 1854 ; Wilton L. (deceased), September 15, 1856, and Loren G., Octo- ber 23, 1864. Mr. A.tkin farmed in Ohio for about five years, and in 1845 sold and moved to La Porte County, Ind., where he rented land and lived until 1852, when he came to this township and purchased eighty acres, some of which he broke, and on which he built a small frame house, and engaged in farming and stock-raising ; he has now 160 acres of fine land, on which, in 1878, he erected a two-story brick house with fourteen rooms ; he has also a fine barn and outbuildings ; he has superior stock, embracing Clydesdale horses, imported by himself, and some Cotswold sheep, which took the premium at the Valparaiso Fair. Mr. Atkin is a liberal Republican ; he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. In September, 1862, his son, Orrin B., enlisted in Company A, Ninety- ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and, after action in several battles, was killed in a skirmish July 6, 1864, and is buried where he fell. P. A. BANKS was born in New York April 3, 1832, and is a son of Orrin and Olive (Brown) Banks. When a child, his father moved to Ohio, and thence to La Porte County, Ind., where P. A. Banks alternately attended school and worked on his father's farm until he was about seven- teen years old, after which he worked on the New Albany & Salem Rail- road, at bridge-building and other labor, until 1854, when he came to this township and engaged as a farmer. On December 25, 1856, he married Laodocia M. Benton, daughter of Royal and Betsey (Barney) Benton. To this union were born three children — Walter S., George M. and Olive E. After his marriage he purchased eighty acres in Section 28, Range 8, and af- terward 100 acres more, and has now as fine a farm as any in the township. Mr. Banks is a specialist in stock-raising ; his Clydesdale horses, Short- Horn cattle, Cotswold, Southdown and Spanish Merino sheep, and Po- land-China hogs have taken premiums at the Crown Point and Valparaiso Fairs for a number of years. On his imported horses and stallions, he has taken first premiums ; on Cotswold sheep, first and second ; also on his Poland-China hogs first premiums. He has brought his stock to a con- dition approaching perfection, and they take the "red ribbon " wherever exhibited. His brother, William A. Banks, born in New York October 28, 1836, is now living on a fine farm in La Porte County, and interested with him in stock-raising. In April, 1855, P. A. Banks was married to Mary Ellis, of Lake County, and to them were born one child — Travis A. (deceased). Mrs. Banks died in the spring of 1858 ; she was a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. In 1860, he married Miriam Chandler, of Deep River, to which union was born one child — Lura. In 1861, he purchased a farm of 424 acres in La Porte County, where he is now re- 706 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: siding. Mr. Banks is a Master Mason of McClelland Lodge, at Hobart ; also a Knight Templar. He was twice elected Township Trustee ; is a member of the Baptist Church, and a worthy and regarded citizen. EDWIN BRAGINTON was born in Kidderminster, England, De- cember 11, 1830, and is a son of William and Mary A. (Goedger) Brag- inton. When Edwin was four years of age, his father emigrated to America and settled in New York. Being a weaver of Brussels carpet, he could get no work there, and so moved to Philadelphia, where he ob- tained employment. Edwin Braginton attended school about six years, when his father moved back to New York, and soon afterward went to Connecticut, where Edwin began work in a carpet factory and learned the trade of carpet-weaving, remaining until he was twenty-one years of age. After this, he went to Greene County, Ohio, where he remained about two years, and in 1853 moved to Porter County, Ind., and pur- chased forty acres, which he soon exchanged for seventy-five acres in this township. Having purchased land afterward, at different times, he now owns a fine farm of 510 acres, with a new frame house, barn, corn-crib, etc. On February 26, 1860, he married Susan Hettler, of Ross Town- ship, and to their union four children have been born — Oliver, Fred, Addie and Lizzie. Mr. Braginton has some fine imported stock and Norman and Clydesdale horses. He is a liberal Republican, and a greatly respected citizen. Both he and wife are members of the church at Ross. MOSES BULLOCK was born in New York June 11, 1811 ; he obtained most of his education at home, having to commence farm work when very young ; when he was about sixteen years of age, he was put to the trade of carpentering, and surveying he learned also, and when twenty years old came to La Porte County, Ind., where he worked as carpenter for some years, and also surveyed the first railroad passing through to La Porte County. On June 19, 1849, he was married to Amanda Ragen, daughter of George and Jemima (McFarland) Ragen. Their union was blessed with four children — Simeon, Gilbert, Asa and Ruth H. (now married to William Josiah Halladay), of Valparaiso. On March 18, 1860, he purchased a farm of 160 acres in Section 13 of Ross Township, on which he resided and raised all kinds of stock in conjunc- tion with farming. After a short illness, on October 25, 1873, he died, universally esteemed and regretted, leaving a widow and four children ; his widow lives on the homestead with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Halladay. Mr. Bullock was a Freemason, also a Jacksonian- Democrat. GILBERT BULLOCK was born in La Porte County, Ind., June 14, 1852, and is the second of four children born to Moses and Amanda ROSS TOWNSHIP. 707 (Ragen) BuUock, the former born in New York in 1811, the latter in Ohio in 1830 ; they were married in Indiana in 1849. Gilbert Bullock was reared on his father's farm, working in summer and attending school in winter, until nineteen years of age. On Christmas Day, 1876, he was married to Estella Markham, a daughter of Armala and Emily B. (Thorn- ton) Markham, of Michigan. To this union were born two children — Hubert, born October 17, 1877, and Claude E., September 7, 1879. Previous to his marriage, Mr. Bullock had bought forty acres of im- proved land, with good frame house and outbuildings ; to this land he continued to make additions until now he has 160 acres of good soil ; is engaged in farming and stock-raising. In the spring of 1882, he was elected Justice of the Peace for four years. He is a Liberal Democrat, and an enterprising and valued citizen. SYLVESTER CASBON is a native of England, born June 6, 1838, and the second child in the family of Thomas and Emma (Seriby) Cas- bon. Thomas Casbon was a farmer in the old country, and in 1847 came to America and located in Wayne County, Ohio, where he pur- chased a farm. Sylvester Casbon attended school in the old country, and also in Wayne County, Ohio, afterward working on his father's farm until his majority. In 1859, he came to Boone Township, Porter Co., Ind., and taught school in what was then the Ellsworth District. In 1860, he was married to Mary A. Ellsworth, a daughter of Giles Ells- worth, of Boone Township. Three children blessed their union — Cora A., Bertha (deceased), and Lawrence L. In 1862, Mr. Casbon purchased 110 acres of improved land, and went to farming and stock-raising. On March 5, 1868, Mrs. Casbon died, aged twenty-six years. On October 9, 1869, he married Harriet Perry, daughter of E. Perry, of Porter County, by whom he had three sons — Thomas S., Charles P. and George W. Mrs. Casbon died November 14, 1874, and on December 13, 1877, he married Mary M. Mereness, daughter of John I. Mereness, of Ross Township. Mr. Casbon, notwithstanding many ups and downs, is the owner of a fine farm of 250 acres, and is building perhaps the finest brick house in the township. He is liberal in politics ; attends church, and is much esteemed by his neighbors. THOMAS DAILY (deceased) was born in Ireland in 1808. He received but little education, and when but a child came to America, and was located in Chicago, where he worked at tanning for some years. On July 17, 1853, he was married to Margaret Furlong, daughter of John Furlong, of Ireland. In 1854, he sold his teams and moved to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. While living in that State, seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daily — John, Daniel W., Georffiana, Martha E., Thomas, James and Franklin. He lived on his = ' QQ 708 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : farm about twenty years, and in 1874 sold the same and came to Ross Township, Lake Co., Ind., where he rented a fine farm, and commenced farming and stock-raising. Soon after removing hither, he was stricken ill, and after much suffering, on March 13, 1879, passed away. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, at Crown Point, and very greatly esteemed by his friends. His widow, with some of her children, resides on the farm, and manages the same. COLES C. ELY was born in New York June 18, 1829, and is the second child of Charles and Derinda (Carpenter) Ely, the former bom in New York May 27, 1793, the latter also in New York May 10,1804 ; they were married August 26, 1826. Worthington Ely, grandfather of Coles, and one of the founders of the constitution of the United States, was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill, while acting as Colonel ; his son, Charles, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and settled in New York. Coles C. Ely worked for his father on the farm in summer and went to school in winter until he was thirteen years old, and afterward engaged in hunting and farming until he was about twenty-five years of age. On September 26, 1854, he was marrird to Clarissa Bonesteel, born June 27, 1833, daugbter of Hiram and Phebe (Wilcox) Bonesteel ; Hiram Bone- steel was born in New York March 4, 1809, and his wife in Vermont, April 12, 1811 ; they were married in August, 1832, and had four chil- dren ; the father died in 1874, and the mother in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Ely have had eight children — Phebe (deceased), infant girl (deceased), Lorinda, Elvina A., Clarissa M., Luzerne C, Eugene and Charles H. In October, 1854, Mr. Ely came to this township and purchased forty acres, some of which he improved. This he sold and removed to Illi- nois, where he remained four years ; he then returned to this township and purchased eighty acres ; this he sold, also, and went again to Illinois, and remained three years ; he soon returned to this township, this .time to remain, and bought eighty acres, with some improvements. Mr. Ely is a general farmer and stock-raiser, and has some blooded horses ; he is a liberal Democrat, and a church member. Mr. Ely's brothers and sis- ters are Charles H. (born May 20, 1832), Sarah A. (born April 21, 1835), Charlotte C. (born November 11, 1842), Jefferson (born June 8, 1845), and Mary E. (born September 23, 1848). His brother Charles was a school teacher in this township from 1855 to 1858, afterward prac- ticed law with Judge Allen, and died in Lake County June 9, 1860. SYLVESTER H. GEHR was born in Crawford County, Penn., Janu- ary 3, 1846, and is a son of Benjamin and Judah Gehr. Sylvester H. Gehr was sent to school until he was about sixteen years old, and then worked for his father on the farm until he was about eighteen. On Feb- ruary 25, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsyl- ROSS TOWNSHIP. 709 vania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and was with the regiment in the fol- lowing battles : DallaSj Resaca, Pine Knob, Peach Tree Creek and siege of Atlanta and Savannah for nine days. After these he was sent to Washington, D. C, and discharged ; he then visited in Lake County, Ind., and was pleased with the country, and while here, on November 18, 1869, was married to Hersie Berge, daughter of James Berge, of Win- field Township ; he then went back to Pennsylvania, on a farm, where were born to them two children — George B. (October 3, 1871), and James R. (April 26, 1877). In 1879, he moved to Winfield Township, and purchased eighty acres, with some improvements, and his wife's father gave them eighty acres, on which he now has a good house and barn, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Gehr is a liberal Republican. Both he and wife are members of the church at ALVIN GREEN was born in St. Lawrence County, N. T., January 15, 1811, and is the only child of Ichabod and Huldah (Landon) Green ; his father was born in New York about 1788, and his mother in Vermont in 1792; they were married in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1810 ; his father was a soldier in the war of 1812, owing to which event Alvin obtained but little schooling^ and in which war his father is sup- posed to have been killed. Alvin Green was put to live with one Mr. McCune, where he remained some time, and afterward went sailing on the St. Lawrence River, and followed the occupation of sailor for some years. On April 17, 1834, he married Lucinda Hall, of Vermont, to which union eight children were born — Orlow (March 16, 1885J, Sarah E. (March 2, 1837), Orpha (deceased), October 3, 1839, William K. P. (deceased), September 4, 1841, James A. (deceased), March 31, 1844, Mary Ann (March 2, 1846), Huldah M. (November 8, 1849), and Hiram A. (December 24, 1853). In 1838, after sailing the lakes, he removed to Illinois and engaged in farming. In 1845, he went to Texas, there becoming a ranger in the Government service three years, also serving in the war with Mexico, and was discharged November 17, 1848, while in Mexico. Soon after, he returned to Illinois and remained until 1849, when he came to Ross Township, Lake Co., Ind., where he purchased about 400 acres, and commenced the life of a farmer, hunter and stock- raiser. In 1851, he was elected Justice of the Peace for five years, and again elected for four years ; he was twice Township Trustee, three times County Commissioner, and re-elected Justice, making thirteen years of service in that office. He now owns 160 acres, in good condition of cul- tivation. Mr. Green is a Republican, and a well regarded citizen ; his wife is a member- of the M. B. Church. JAMES H. GUERNSEY was born in Upper Canada May 9, 1836 ; his father was a farmer, and when James was about eight years old came 710 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to the United States, and located in Porter Township, Porter Co., Ind., where he purchased 160 acres of Government land, for which he paid $1.25 per acre, and began farming. James H. Guernsey worked on the land of his father during the summer, and during the winter attended school, so continuing until he was twenty-one years old. On February 16, 1861, he was married to Elizabeth Hurlburt, daughter of Jacob and Susan Perry (Sheffield) Hurlburt, to which union were born eleven chil- dren — Griffin, John, Hosea B. (deceased), Alraona, Craig, Buerton, Su- san S., Ada M., Emma and Ella (twins), and Hazzard. In 1863, Mr. Guernsey came to this township and purchased eighty acres, with some improvements and a log house ; he now has 288 acres, with good frame house and outbuildings ; he is a general farmer and stock-raiser, and has some fine imported sheep ; he is a liberal Democrat, also a member of M. N. McClelland Lodge, No. 357, A., F. & A. M. GEORGE HAYWARD was born in Ross Township, Lake County, Ind., January 12, 1845, and is a son of iThomas and Emily (Hayward) " H,ayward, both natives of England. His parents came to this country with their parents, and were married in Ross Township. George Hay- ward was reared at home, attending school during winter and working for his father during summer, where he remained until he was twenty-two years of age ; then worked by the month, saved his money, and bought 160 acres in Section 1-1, Ross Township. On May 1, 1872, he was married to Mary A. Sykes, daughter of Charles N. and Susanna ( Waldron} Sykes, the father a native of New Jersey, the mother of Pennsylvania. They came to Ross Township in 1854, where Mr. Sykes died June 28, 1876. The mother is living on the old homestead in her sixty-third year. Mr. and Mrs. Hayward have had born to them three children — Emily S. (August 3, 1873), Lottie (September 3, 1876) and Wyllet S. deceased (November 28, 1878). Mr. Hayward and family are living on their improved farm, with good two-story brick house and outbuildings ; he has also very fine Durham cattle. Mr. Hayward is a liberal Repub- lican ; himself and wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. THOMAS HOFFMANN was born in Germany June 13, 1832, and is a son of George and Barbara (Stericka) Hoffmann, also natives of Ger- many, the former born in 1798, the latter in 1810 ; they were married in 1829. George Hoffmann was a policeman in the old country, but after his marriage learned the shoe-making trade. Thomas attended school until about thirteen years of age, when his father came to America, locating in Chicago for a short time. Afterward he came to this town- ship, and bought a farm on Section 4, Range 8, on which Thomas worked for a time. On May 6, 1856, he married Mary A. Bahr, daugh- ter of Jacob and Mary A. (Miller) Bahr, of St. Johns Township. To BOSS TOWNSHIP. 711 this union were born fourteen children — Barbara M., born February 18, 1858; John P., September 2,1859; Annie M., June 22,1860; Thomas G., January 4, 1862 ; Margaret M., March 19, 1864 ; Nicholas, December 12, 1 866 ; Christina M., August 17, 1867 ; Balthazzar. August 30, 1869 ; Jacob E., September 19, 1872; Mary A., May 28, 1873; George, March 30, 1875 ; Elizabeth R., August 30, 1876 ; Annie Clara, January 19, 1878, and Edward, March 24, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann are very proud of their family. For some years, Mr. Hoffmann lived on 120 acres of the old homestead, which he rented, and afterward he beCame heir to 80 acres from his father's estate, on which he built a log house, and lived there about fourteen years. He afterward purchased 80 acres in St. Johns Township, where he lived some years ; he sold some of this, and in 1874 bought the old Merrillville Exchange, formerly the Centreville Tavern, built and kept by Dudley Merrill a long time. Mr. Hoffmana is now keeping this house, it being the only one of entertainment in the village. Mr. Hoffmann now owns a small farm, and has given much attention to raising horses, hogs, cattle, etc., particularly the former. Mr. Hoffmann and family are members of the Catholic Church at Turkey Creek ; he is a liberal Democrat. LORENZO D. HOLMES was born January 16, 1815, and is a son of Daniel and Hannah (Kellogg) Holmes, the former a native of Con- necticut, born October 15, 1781, the latter a native of Massachusetts, born October 10, 1787. Daniel Holmes was a hotel-keeper and shoe dealer. Lorenzo D. Holmes attended school until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Ohio and learned the trade of millwright and ship carpenter, at which he worked until 1845. In that year, he was married to Antoinette Morton, and to them were born four children — Louisa (deceased), Rosetta, Lorenzo L. and Wilbur G. In 1847, Mr. Holmes moved to North Township, Lake County, Ind., where he' pur- chased 160 acres of wild land, built a house of logs and commenced farm- ing ; he was soon after elected Justice of the Peace, being the first elected in North Township ; he sold his farm there and came to this township, where he bought lots and kept store at Ross for eighteen years ; he sold the store and again went to farming ; he was appointed Postmaster by President Buchanan and, excepting three years, has since retained the position ; he is a church member and a respected citizen. HENRY HURLBURT was born in Porter County, Ind., October 24, 1847, and is the seventh of the children of Jacob and Susan Perry (ShefiSeld) Hurlburt, who were the first white couple married in La Porte County ; they afterward moved to Porter County. When Henry Hurl- burt was quite young, his father moved to this township, and located on a farm, on which Henry worked during summer, and during winter at- 712 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: tended school, until he was about nineteen years of age, and afterward he worked regularly on the farm until his twenty-second year, when he re- moved to Missouri. On September 18, 1872, he was married to Rosaltha Brewer, daughter of M. W. and Sarah (Staats) Brewer, of Rensselaer County, N. Y. To this union were born three children— William H. (born January 22, 1874), John B. (born June 8, 1878) and George E. (born July l-l, 1879). After his marriage, Mr. Hurlburt returned to the^ld farm, where he has since resided; he is a general farmer and stock-raiser; he is a liberal Republican, and has been twice elected School Director. MILON HURLBURT was born in Porter Township, Porter County, Ind., August 16, 1849, and is a son of Jacob and Susan Perry (Sheffield) Hurlburt. Milon Hurlburt attended school in winter, and during the summer worked with his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, and afterward on shares, whereby he made and saved some money. On January 25, 1873, he was married to Mary Ann Guernsey, daughter of Chester and Elizabeth (Dibble) Guernsey. Their union was blessed with three children— Jacob (born January 1, 1874), Jennie (born March 3, 1877), and Chester (born August 8, 1880). In the same year of his marriage, Mr. Hurlburt purchased eighty acres in Section 29, Range 7, having some improvements, and, in some years after, eighty acres more. Mr. Hurlburt is a general farmer, but raises some stock ; he is a liberal Republican, and a church attendant. DAVID JONES was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 25, 1821, and is a son of Richard W. and Ann (Dye) Jones, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1798, the latter in M^aryland in 1800 ; they were married in Wayne County, Ohio, about 1817. David Jones attended school in Ohio until he was about seventeen years of age. In 1887, his father moved to Porter County, Ind., and purchased 120 acres, which he improved by the help of his son David, who worked with him until his twenty-fi'Bibr year> On June 18, 1846, he was married to Eliza A. dinger, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hendricks) Olinger, of Ohio, the father born in Virginia in 1802, the mother in Pennsylvania in 1806. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are parents of twelve children — Samuel E., Enoch E., John F. (deceased), Edward L., Mary E., Anna B. (deceased), Lemuel S., Alice C, Elma J., Clara E., Nettie L. and Olive E. In March, 1867, Mr. Jones moved to Ross Township, Lake County, and bought 200 acres, with some improvements ; he has now a two-story frame house, is a general farmer and stock-raiser, and has a dairy ; his wife yet spins on an old-fashioned wheel the yarn used by the family. Mr. Jones is a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the Christian Church. CHARLES A. KNOLL was born in Bradford, Upper Canada, July 17, 1838, and is a son of Peter M. and Margaret (Stockwell) Knoll ; the ROSS TOWNSHIP. 713 former born in New Jersey in 1814, the latter in Upper Canada in 1818, and were married at Bradford, Upper Canada, in 1835. Charles A. Knoll spent some time at school, and, when about eleven years old, his father moved to Ross Township, Lake County, Ind., where he went to school until he was fourteen years of age, and after worked at farming until the year 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry ; he was soon made a Sergeant, and at Port Donel- son was shot in the right arm and left leg, where the ball still lies ; he rejoined his regiment after about two months, and was at Shiloh and the siege of Vicksburg, after which he was discharged, and soon re-enlisted as a veteran, and was transferred to the Eighth Illinois Regiment, with which he served till the close of the war ; he was discharged at New Or- leans in 1865. On his return, he bought a one-half interest in his father's farm ; he married Mary B. Kernall, daughter of Henry and Zeniah (Frazer) Kernall, of New York. To this union was born one child, Gracie May (born November 15, 1868). In March, 1874, he pur- chased eighty acres in Section 26, Range 8. Mr. Knoll is a general farmer, and keeps a variety of stock ; he is a liberal Democrat. SIMEON MARBLE was born in Sunderland, Vt., August 30, 1813, and is the fifth child of Simeon and Rebecca (Allen) Marble ; his father was a gunsmith and farmer. Simeon Marble attended a village school until he was about eighteen years of age, and afterward worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years of age. At this date, he mar- ried Louisa Imus, to which union were born three children — Horace, Ann L. (deceased), and Cyrus (deceased). Mrs. Marble died in 1845, and in 1847, Mr. Marble married Electia Warren, by whom he had two infants, both deceased, and shortly afterward Mrs. Marble died. In 1852, he went to Bunker Hill, Mich., where he married Betsey Booth, and re- mained in Michigan until the war broke out ; he then sold his place and removed to Ross Township, Lake County, Ind., where he purch ased a farm in Section 17, Range 7, which he is now cultivating ; he also gives attention to stock-raising. In 1874, his third wife died without issue. On October 7, 1877, he was married to Amanda M. Niles, widow of W. Niles, of New York, she having seven children. Mr. Marble is a member of the Free Methodist Church, a rigid Republican and a much- esteemed citizen. In 1880, his son, Horace, was elected Sherifi" of Lake County, and has been renominated by the Republicans for the same oflSce. JOHN P. MERRILL was born in Ross Township October 13, 1842, and is the second of five children born to Dudley and Julia A. (Peters) Merrill, who were married in Ross Township January 1, 1840 ; his father was a farmer, and also kept a country store. John P. Merrill attended school until he was about nineteen years old, and afterward clerked in his 714 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: father's store until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Ninety- ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; he served as Sergeant until October 31, 1864, when he was appointed First Lieutenant, a position he held with honor. He was at the siege of Vicksburg, at Jackson, Mission Ridge, Resaca, and went through to Raleigh ; he returned to his home at Merrillville, Ross Township, June 15, 1865 ; he relieved his sister of her place in his father's store, taken by her in his absence. In 1867, he and his brother Oliver were given the store by their father. On March 26, 1867, he married Martha T. Randolph, daughter of Josiah and Alia (Mead) Randolph, and to this union four children were born — Julia A. (September 11, 1868), Walter J. (October 18, 1871), Ralph D., deceased (August 17, 1875), and Alia C. (June 21, 1877). In 1878, he bought his brother Oliver's interest in the store, which he still continues ; he is also President and Treasurer of the Merrillville Cheese Factory. In 1869, he was elected Township Trustee, which he held until 1874; he was then put in nomination by the Independent and Democratic joint conventions, held at Crown Point, for the office of Treasurer of Lake County. In 1878, he was again elected Township Trustee, holding the office four years, re-elected in 1882 ; his many friends desire to see him Treasurer of the county, for which office he has been indorsed by the Greenback and Democratic Conventions, and it is thought his chances for election are good ; he is a Master Mason and esteemed citizen. HENRY CASS MERRILL was born in Centreville (now Merrill- ville), Ross Township, Lake Co., Ind., February 29, 1852. Until he was twenty years of age, he divided his time between going to school and work- ing on his father's farm. In 1872, he went to California and worked in the mines for two years, where he accumulated some money. Returning to Merrillville, he commenced farming. In 1874, he was married to Cyn- thia Saxton, of this township, by which union were born three children — Everett C. (born January 30, 1879), Archie W. (born October 21, 1880), and Guy G. (born June 30, 1882). Mr. Merrill is a general farmer, but gives most attention to the breeding of stock, particularly hogs ; he is liberal in politics, a church attendant, and a widely esteemed citizen. ORRIN PIERCE was born in New York September 7, 1813, and is the fourth of thirteen children born to Rowland and Nancy (Cottrell) Pierce. Rowland Pierce was a farmer, and born in Vermont November 20, 1779, and Mrs. Nancy Pierce in New York City April 2, 1788. They were married November 21, 1801. Orrin Pierce obtained but little schooling, working on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age. In January, 1836, ho married Hester Hammond, to which union were born two boys— Marshall (deceased) and Edgar (deceased). He then moved to Canada, and bought up a farm ; after one year he sold said ROSS TOWNSHIP. 715 farm and returned to New York, where he rented land. In 1840, his wife died, and in 1842 he came to Ross Township, Lake Co., Ind., aad purchased a small farm in Section 16 ; this he sold, and rented 160 acres in the same township. On June 24, 1845, he married Ruth Vincent, daughter of Richard and Margaret (Wilsie) Vincent. To this union were born five children — Onsemas (deceased), twin girls (deceased), Reuben P. and Esther M. Mr. Price became engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1856, he sold his farm, and purchased 230 acres in Section 18, Range 7, with improvements ; he now has a fine house and outbuildings, the best in the county, and raises every kind of stock. During the war, he bought horses for the Government. In 1861, he became a Freemason at Crown Point, and took part at the laying of the corner-stone of the Doug- las monument at Chicago. In 1880, he gave his son Reuben (now mar- ried) full charge of the farm, that he might have the remainder of life easy. He and son are Democrats and members of the Unitarian Church. Mr. Pierce is in his s.eventieth year, but in active health. JOSIAH RANDOLPH (deceased) was born in Warren County, N. J., and is youngest of the ten children of Josiah and Esther (Hegedorn) Ran- dolph, both natives of New Jersey ; his father was a farmer. Josiah Ran- dolph, our subject, attended school until about nineteen years of age, when he went to James Footeto learn the carpentering trade. In 1836, his par- ents moved to Michigan, where he followed his trade some time. On Debember 9, 1838, he was married to Alia Mead, daughter of John and Anna (Tenbrook) Mead, formerly of New York, then of Michigan. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Randolph are parents of eight children — John M., deceased (born September 25, 1839), Esther, deceased (born October 31, 1842), Anna M. (October 29, 1844), Martha T. (April 21, 1847), Margaret (October 12, 1849), George T. (February 12, 1852), Louis M. (November 4, 1854), and William J. (September 16, 1857). In the year of his marriage, Mr. Randolph purchased eighty acres, which he exchanged with his brother for a like number near by, and in 1856 he exchanged his farm for a tavern stand in Medina, Mich., which he kept for two years ; this he likewise sold, and bought a farm in St. Joseph, Mich., where he resided about six years. In 1865, he sold this farm and came to Ross Township, Lake Co., Ind., where he purchased eighty acres in Section 16, Range 8. He was in life a general farmer, a Master Mason, and a Democrat and valued citizen. He died January 27, 1877, of Bright's disease, and is buried at Merrillville ; his widow resides at the old home with her son, William J., recently married to Dora Kilbourn, of Crown Point. Another son, Louis M., was married to Ella F. Merrill ; they have one child— Mable A. Louis M. was started in the saddlery business by his father ; he has the only harness store in the village, and is doing well. 716 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: REV. HENRY M. ROTH was born in Philadelphia September 18, 1853, and is the fifth of eleven children born to Severin and Perpetua (Baker) Roth ; his father was born at Baden-Baden, Germany, in 1823 ; received some schooling in the old country, and in 1834 was brought to America and located in Philadelphia, where he finished learning the trade of a baker, and went into the business when eighteen years old ; his mother was born in Philadelphia in 1826, where she was married, ip 1848, to Mr. Roth. Rev. Henry M. Roth, when six years of age, ex- pressed a desire to become a priest, which was opposed by his father ; he was sent to school until he was eleven years old, and then to Crittenden Commercial College, according to his father's designs, remaining one year ; he still, however, had a predilection for the priesthood ; he then had private tuition at home in Latin, by way of preparation for college, and after three months he entered the Christian Brothers' College, where he remained two years, wishing to become a Redemptorist, which his father opposed, thinking him not strong enough for a life of privation. After traveling two years to improve his health, he went to the Redemp- torian Preparatory College in Maryland for one year. Owing to failing health, he returned home ; traveled one year, and entered St. Bonavent- ure's College, Allegany, N. Y., remaining four years, and finishing in philosophy and theology. He was ordered by the Bishop Owenger to Fort Wayne, Ind., for ordination, and, on May 22, 1880, he was ordained for the diocese of Fort Wayne. On May 30, 1880, he went home to say his first mass and conciliate his father, which was done. He was then sent to take temporary charge of the church at Warsaw, Ind., the priest being ill, and on October 15 took charge of the church at Avilla, remain- ing until December 18, 1880, when he took charge as pastor of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church at Turkey Creek, and St. Bridget's at Hobart, re- lieving Rev. Father Baumgartner, who was sent to Kirtland, Newton County. WILLIAM R. STRIEBIG was born near Hanover, Germany, March 13, 1827, and is a son of Phillip and Sophia (Lehman) Striebig, both of Germany. William went to school and helped his father, who was a weaver, until he was fourteen years of age ; he then learned the trade of a butcher, and also that of a weaver. In 1851, he was married to Sophia Schapar, to which union, in 1852, was born one child, In 1854, they came to the United States, locating in Ross Township, Lake Co., Ind., where three children were born to them — Johanna, William and Charles (deceased). After living on a rented farm for seven years, Mr. Striebig purchased forty acres of wild land, built a frame house, broke some land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In February, 1865, he en- listed in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer KOSS TOWNSHIP. 717 Infantry, organized at La Porte, and was appointed a Corporal ; the reg- iment went to Nashville, Tenn., to guard the railroad ; he was afterward discharged at Indianapolis when quite ill. On his recovery, he returned to his family. He now owns 290 acres, with new frame house with ten rooms, outbuildings, horses, cattle and the like. He is a Republican ; can read and write English well, and is esteemed generally. Mr. and Mrs. Striebig are members of the German Lutheran Church. PALMER SUMNER was born in the State of Vermont March 15, 1804, and is a son of Daniel and Delilah (Reynolds) Sumner, both na- tives of Vermont. Palmer Sumner attended school a short time before he was twelve years old, then worked for his father ; then attended school, and worked again for his father until his twentieth year. In No- vember, 1825, he was married to Betsey Russell, to which union one child, an infant (deceased), was born. Mrs. Sumner died in 1826. On June 5, 1831, he was married to Lucretia Calvin, and to them thirteen children were born — Calvin, Amos, Sarah, Blissie, Palmer, Harriet, Betsey and Maria, the others dying in infancy. In 1839, Mr. Sumner moved to Indiana, locating at Ross Station, where he purchased a farm. He has been twice elected Justice of the Peace, and twice a Constable. Mr. Sumner is a Republican, and a generally esteemed citizen. JOHN WOOD was born in Massachusetts October 28, 1800, and is a son of Moses and Sarah (Baker) Wood ; the former was born May 25, 1748, and the latter July 14, 1756. John Wood's father died when he was quite young, and his mother placed him with a friend of the family, where he remained five years, after which he learned the trade of a tan- ner, in which vocation he began business for himself. On November 16, 1824, he married Hannah E. Pattee, to which union there were born eight children — Nathan, born August 24, 1825; Augustus, May 26, 1828 ; Abbie M., June 24, 1830 ; John W. (deceased), born December 18, 1832 ; George, March 10, 1835 ; John W., March 13, 1838 ; Mary, March 22, 1840 ; and Oliver S., April 15, 1842. In 1835, Mr. Wood came to this township, settled on a quarter section of land, built a log house and went for his family. On his return, an Indian had claimed his land, and he was compelled to pay $1,000 for it. He built the first saw- mill in the county, and in 1840 a grist-mill near by, at the same time farming and raising stock. He remained in the milling business until 1860, when he sold to his sons, Nathan and George ; the saw-mill has gone to pieces, but the grist-mill was rebuilt, and is being run by Nathan Wood. Moses Wood was a soldier of the Revolution, and fought at Bunker Hill. John Wood, who is a Freemason, was present at the cor- ner-stone laying of Bunker Hill Monument. He has been instrumental in establishing several Masonic Lodges— one at Valparaiso, one at Crown 718 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Point, and was the first to aid one at Wheeler. He is a Master Mason in good standing, and a greatly respected citizen. His wife died Septem- ber 27, 1873, aged seventy years eleven months and fourteen days. His grand-daughter, Miss Abbie Shedd, is his housekeeper. NATHAN WOOD was- born in Peabody, N. H., August 24, 1825, and is the son of John and Hannah B. (Pattee) Wood, the former born in Massachusetts October 28, 1800, the later in New Salem, N. H., in 1802, where they were married November 16, 1822, and settled on a farm near the town of Peabody. Nathan Wood received some schooling in his native town, and when eleven years old his father moved to this township, locating on Section 21, Range 7. At that day there were no schools, and Nathan worked for his father, and when a school was built attended for six years. Afterward he worked in his father's grist mill — the first buiit in the county — until 1852, and on November 4, of that year, was married to Rebecca A. Rundle, daughter of John D. and Eliza Rundle. To this union were born eight children — Arthur F. (deceased), Edward E., Ella A., Eva M., Herbert, Nathan A. and George W. Prior to his marriage, in 1844, Mr. Wood was appointed Postmaster at Deep River, in this township, by President Polk, which position he held until 1881, having given general satisfaction. He had years before purchased ahd improved his father's grist mill, and he owns to-day one of the finest mills in the county. In 1849, he built a fine two- story brick house near the mill, where himself and family reside ; he is a Republican, and was at one time a member of the Union League. Both h'imself and wife are members of the Unitarian Church, and greatly esteemed by the community. GEORGE WOOD, the fifth child of John and Hannah E. (Pattee) Wood, was born in Peabody, N. H., March 10, 18-34, in which year his father came to Ross Township, Ind. At his eleventh year, George Wood at- tended school in La Porte County, and while there lived with his grand- father Pattee, after which he worked on the farm and in the mills of his father until he was twenty-one years old. He then became clerk for Shedd & Wood, in a country store, for about two years ; then he and his brother Nathan purchased the mills from their father, and were in busi- ness together about four years. On October 8, 1857, he married Mary J. Dizard, daughter of James Dizard, of old Buffalo, N. Y., to which union there were born eight children — Eugene (born December 16, 1858), infant girl (deceased), Anna E. (born September 1, 1862), William H. (deceased, born August 16, 1864), William H. (born July 2, 1865), Sarah J. (born January 1, 1871), Prankie C. (deceased, born March 14, 1874) and an infant daughter (deceased). In 1860, he sold his interest in the mills to his brother Nathan and bought eighty acres HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 719 in Section 16, Range 7. This he sold in 1865 and enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers ; after serving fiome time under Gens. Dudley and Milroy, he was discharged, returned home, and began a store, which he sold to his brother ; he then repur- chased part of his farm, and added thereto until he owned 230 acres, with good house and improvements. In 1872, he built the second cheese factory in the county, which he is now managing successfully. In 1881, his store was razed to the ground by a cyclone, his son Eugene being in the building, but escaping. He immediately rebuilt, he and his son Eugene being in partnership in the store, Mr. Wood giving his atten- tion to the cheese factory. It is his design to build a creamery and butter factory. Mr. Wood is a Republican and an esteemed citizen. Both he and wife are members of the Unitarian Church. SAMUEL J. WOODBRIDGE, son of George A. and Jane M. (McConnell) Woodbridge, was born in this county October 13, 1849. He attended school at Crown Point until sixteen years of age, studied telegraphy, was then employed at the station at Hobart, and then at the Ross Station. He then moved to Frankfort, 111., and while there was married, October 15, 1879, to Eliza M. Phillips. After remaining in Frankfort three years, he returned to Ross Station as general station agent, day operator, express agent and deputy Postmaster. In politicks, Mr. Woodbridge is free from party trammels, and votes for the man best suited for oflSce. HANOVER TOWNSHIP. HERMAN C. BECKMANN was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, in 1822, and is the youngest of the eight children of John B. and G. (Luehrs) Beckmann, both natives of Germany. John B. Beck- mann was a tailor, and he and wife lived in Langwedel, Germany, where the former died in 1836, the latter in 1832. Hermann C. Beckmann re- •ceived a good education in his native village, but, owing to the poverty of his parents, had many obstacles. At the age of sixteen, he commenced to learn the wheelwright trade, at which he served three years. Having worked as a journeyman until August, 1846, and with $100 he em- barked for America, and located at Beavertown, N. J., where he followed ■ his trade six months ; he had but $50 on reaching New York, where he now went, and where he began work in a grocery store at small wages. After remaining two years and saving $800, he purchased a grocery stock, was successful, and the first six months cleared $500, but, owing to his trust business, lost, in 1853, $1,500. In November, 1855, he 720 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: sailed for Germany, but returned in March, and on June 11, 1856, located in this township with a capital of $1,200. He purchased eleven acres, partly improved, and also began, in a small way, the purchase of butter, eggs and produce at Chicago ; he continued his farm as well until 1866, when he sold part of his land. In October of that year, he moved to his present location, purchasing store, building and lot for $1,500. Mr. Beckmann was married, in 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Fink, born in Germany in 1835. By this union there were born nine children — John A., Margaret Z. (deceased), Gesina N., Elizabeth, Anna, Her. mine, Maggie J., Harmon C. and Frederick B. Mrs. Beckmann died July 8, 1876, aged forty-four years. Mr. Beckmann has been very success- ful. He has now 232 acres of good land, besides village property in Crown Point and Brunswick, aggregating $25,000 or more; in addition, he has ten head of Jersey cattle and a good Norman horse. He has been Town- ship Trustee five terms, County Commissioner two, and is now School Director. In 1866, he was appointed Postmaster at Brunswick, which position he now holds ; he has also been Notary Public for eighteen years. VALENTINE EINSELE was born in Germany February 13, 1842, and is one of the seven children of Michael and Barbara Binsele, both natives of Germany. They emigrated tn America in 1847, and located in Hanover Township, Lake County, Ind., where they bought a partly improved farm, on which they reared their family. Mrs. Einsele died in 1878, aged seventy-one ; but Mr. Einsele survives, aged seventy-five, and is well and active. Valentine Einsele received a limited education in English, and during youth was taught farming, also the use of tools and wagon-making, consequently, when twenty-two years old, he began a shop in Brunswick, where he has since done a large business, having no com- petition. In 1867, he was married to Catherine Gard, born in Lake County in 1844, daughter of Peter and Angeline (Hack) Gard, both natives of Germany, emigrating to America in 1838, being the fourth German family in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Einsele had born to them two children — George N. and Elmer B. (deceased). Mr. Gard died in 1881, aged seventy-five years ; his widow survives, aged seventy -two years. From 1868 to 1874, he had a blacksmith-shop in connection with his wagon-shop, turning out nearly $5,000 worth of work per year. He has been successful notwithstanding many losses. He has a good home of sixty-four acres, worth $7,000. Mr. and Mrs. Einsele are members of the Catholic Church. FREDERICK GERBING was born in Germany in 1825, and dur- ing youth worked on a farm, and, when twenty years old, was drafted into the army, in which he served five years. In 1854, he emigrated to HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 721 America, locating in this township and county, where he has since lived,, and has good property in Brunswick. In 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served through the war. He was in every battle except Chancellorsville, being disabled by sore feet ; he received a flesh wound at Gettysburg, which caused him to lie in the hospital nearly two months. Soon after coming to America, he began to learn the mason's trade, which he has since followed ; he has been a leading citizen of his township, serving six years as Township Trustee and six as Township Assessor ; he is an active Republican. In 1860, he was married to Mary Schmal, a native of St. Johns Township, born in 1843. By this union, Mr. and Mrs. Gerbing are parents to eight children — Rosa, Gustavus, -George, Joseph, Olive, Alvina, William and Gesina. DR. CHARLES GROMANN was born in Germany December 2, 1823, and is the eldest of three children born to Philip and Dora Gro- mann, both natives of Germany. When fourteen years of age. Dr. Gro- mann had acquired sufficient education to enter an academy, where he attended two years ; then assisted his father in a brickyard for a few years, and afterward became clerk in a drug store for two years. In the spring of 1849, he came to America, and after reaching Chicago, on May 5, was married to Miss Caroline W. Kluckhohn, a native of Ger- many, born September 8, 1829, and to them were born eleven children, nine of whom are living — Minnie, Henry, August, Sophia, Caroline (wife of Rev. Henry Nierhein), Charles, Louisa, Frederick and Annie. Mrs. Gromann died November 17, 1869. On February 8, 1870, Dr. Gro- mann married Miss Sophia Ortmeyer, born in Germany November 2, 1842, by which union were born four children, two of whom are living — Paulina and Julia. Dr. Gromann's first enterprise in America was the purchase of fifty-three and one-third acres, which, after four years, he sold and purchased eighty acres in this township, on which he settled and farmed until 1858, when -he rented his farm and went to Chicago, to study medicine with Dr. Ulrich, homoeopathist, for one year, and in 1859 commenced practice in his home vicinity, where he remained until 1862, at which time he removed to Crown Point, where he had an extensive practice for two years ; he then returned to Hanover Centre and prac- ticed one year. In 1865, he purchased his present home of Dr. Volke, where he has since resided and acquired a large practice. Dr. Gromann has been a successful man in every way, having a home of forty-six acres of good land, and has bestowed upon each of his children a good educa- tion ; he has served as Township Trustee six terms. Both Dr. Gromann and wife are members of the German M. E. Church. CHRISTIAN KLAAS was born in Germany Febrnary 7, 1833, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Klaas ; he came to America with 722 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his parents in 1850, his father having entered the land he now owns and redeemed from the prairie a farm and a home. Henry Klaas died in 1881, aged eighty-two years, and his widow survives him, aged sixty- seven years. In 1856, Christian Klaas was married to Miss Wilhelmina Brancker, born in Germany in 1837, daughter of Christian and Armenia Brancker, natives of Germany, who came to this country in 1853, locat- ing in West Creek Township, Lake County, Ind. By this union, Mr. and Mrs. Klaas are parents of eleven children — Henry, Louisa, Anna, Armenia, Caroline, August, Mary, Christian, Elizabeth, Sophia and Emma. Mr. Klaas remained with his father until he was twenty-five years old, when he began farming the home farm on shares, which, by diligence and economy, he has been enabled^ to purchase, and now owns 300 acres, besides giving to each son ninety acres and assisting two daughters to a home ; he is now worth $15,000, even more, and is raising thoroughbred cattle and Poland-China hogs, being the leading stock- grower in his township, as he is also one of its leading citizens. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. FREDERICK C. MEYER was born in Hanover, Germany, Sep- tember 2, 1820, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Matta) Meyer, both natives of Germany. He received a good education, and when fifteen years of age, removed to Bremen, where he remained until 1840, when he emigrated to America, locating in Charleston, S. C, where he acted as grocer's clerk one year ; he then purchased the store and continued the business four years. He visited his native country, purchased five acres and farmed until 1853. In 18i6, he was married to Martha G. Maygatta, born in Germany in 1815, a daughter of Andrew and Rebecca (Frazer) Maygatta, natives of Germany. By their union Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are parents of five children — Frederick, Annie, Sophia, Harry and Lucy, all married. In 1853, Mr. Meyer returned to America, came West , and located in this township, where he purchased 120 acres, little im- proved. His only market was Chicago, and his transport an ox team. Mr. Meyer has a home of 163 acres with improvements, valued at $45 per acre — the reward of hard labor. He experienced the many vicissi- tudes of a pioneer, and recalls how abundant game once was in this same county, of which he had his share. Mr. Meyer is a Republican, and was elected Treasurer of this township, but did not qualify ; his first vote was given for James K. Polk ; his son, Frederick, enlisted in 1861, in Com- pany F, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and in 1864 re-enlisted as a veteran, serving until the close of the war, and receiving but a flesh wound. JOHN H. MEYER was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, March 22, 1837, and is one of the six children of Herman and Maggie HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 723 Meyer, both natives of Germany. John H. Meyer came to America with his Uncle Frederick in 1853, locating in New York, where he clerked in a grocery for two years, after which he came to this county, where he worked on a farm by the month until June, 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, Second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and was honorably discharged in 1864, after having fought at Gettysburg, where he received a slight wound, the Wilderness and in other en- gagements. On returning home, he clerked in the general store of H. <]. Beckmann for three years. In February, 1867, he married Miss Mag- gie Dittmer, born in Savannah, Ga., in 1845, daughter of Henry and Sarah Dittmer, natives of Germany. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Meyer became parents of four children — Le Grand, Howard, Horace G. and Jennie. In the fall of 1867, Mr. Meyer purchased a stock of groceries and crockery in company with Leonard Berlen, locating at Grown Point, where he remained eleven years and did an extensive business. In 1878, he sold this, and purchased a half-interest in the farm of eighty acres on which he now resides, his wife owning the other half. This farm is one of the most valuable in the county. While living at Crown Point he was Town Trustee, and is an active politician of the Democratic school. Mr. Meyer and one brother are the only ones of the family who came to America. John H. Meyer, in company with John Lehman, of Crown Point, printed the first issue of the Free Fress in 1876 ; the partnership continued eighteen months, when Mr. Meyer retired ; he is a member of Lodge No. 57, A., F. & A. M., of Crown Point. JOHN N. SCHUBERT was born in Saxony, Germany, September 9, 1819, and is the only son of George and Anna M. Schubert. John N. Schubert attended school until he was fourteen years of age, when he be- came an apprentice to the stone-mason trade, after which he began work . for himself at said trade, continuing until 1846, when he came to America. Here he abandoned his business and became a farmer. On reaching Chicago, he was without a copper, but worked on a farm west of that city for a few months, then came to Crown Point and hired to Henry Wells, for whom he worked four years, during which he saved $400 ; he there- with purchased twenty acres of his present farm, in 1850 ; to this, he has since added, until now he owns 203 acres of well-improved land worth $50 per acre — the outcome of industry and economy ; he has built large, commodious buildings, making his property one of the best in the town- ship. In 1849, he was married to Miss Rosanna Fisher, a native of Ger- many, born in 1828, and to this union have been born eight children — Elizabeth, Hammond, Hannah, Louise, Rosanna, Mary, Emma and John. Mrs. Schubert died in 1873, aged fifty years ; she was a member of the Lutheran sect, as is also Mr. Schubert. Mr. Schubert recollects how 724 BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES: abundant were Indians and game in thia section in pioneer days ; but he never found time for hunting. His first market was Chicago, all prod- uce being hauled thither. Oats were 13 to 14 cents per bushel ; butter, 4 to 5 cents per pound. JOSEPH SCHMAL was born in the Province of the Rhine, Ger- many, November 8, 1817, and is one of the seven children of Joseph and Catherine Schmal, both natives of Germany. In 1838, they emi- grated to America, came via New York, Buffalo and Chicago, and thence to Lake County by team. They located in St. Johns Township, where Mr. Schmal pre-empted land and built a log cabin. They were the second German family in the county, where they lived, reared a family, made a good home and died in 1859, aged seventy-six and seventy-four years. Joseph Schmal, our subject, received a fair German education. When he came, he engaged to work on the Illinois & Michigan Canal at $24 per month for two and one-half years, and in the winter chopped wood and did carpentering. On May 8, 1841, at Joliet, III., he was married to Miss Barbara Keiffer, born in Germany, June 10, 1819, and the only living of the six children of John J. and Eve Keiffer, natives of Ger- many. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Schmal were parents of thirteen children, ten now living — Catherine E., Mary, Joseph G., Barbara, Adam, Jacob, Frank, Lewis, Aurele and Alfred. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Schmal located in St. Johns Township, where he purchased forty acres, which afterward was made 120 acres, where he lived until 1853, when he sold it for $1,600, and located in this township. Here he has erected a large frame house, with outbuildings and wind-engine ; he has now 182 acres, well improved. During the first twelve years of his experience, Mr. Schmal hauled his products to Chicago by ox team. Hay was cut with a scythe, and wheat and oats cradled. Mr. Schmal well remembers the abundance of Indians and game, having sent his dog to chase the deer from his fields, while he was tilling the soil. He has been an active poli- tician of the Republican school, and an active and enterprising farmer and citizen, taking a particular interest in schools; VALENTINE SHUTZ was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1822, and is a son of Frank and Christina Shiitz, both natives of Germany. Valentine Shiitz received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. When twenty-four years of age, he began to work for himself, at which time he was married to Miss Barbara Kettish. This union was blessed with ten children, five of whom are living — Susan, Barbara, John, Frank and Valentine. Mrs. Shiitz died in 1866 and Mr. Shiitz's second marriage, in 1868. was to Lizzie Leistmeyiser a na- tive of Germany, born in 1837. To this union were born five children, four of whom survive — Lizzie, Mary, Annie and Rosa. In 1864 Mr. ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 726 Shlitz emigrated to America, and located in this township, where he pur- chased 200 acres, having a round-log cabin and being covered with a small growth of timber. This land he has long since improved, now having large commodious buildings. His farm borders on the lake, and is one of the best and most valuable in the township. ' HENRY V. VON HOLLEN, deceased, was born in Hanover, Ger- many, December 23, 1804. In 1836, he emigrated to America and locat- ed near Ann Arbor, Mich., where he worked two years as a farm laborer. On August 13, 1838, he was married to Miss Louisa Schubert, a native of Saxony, born October 9, 1816. To this union were born two chil- dren — Louisa (deceased, aged twenty years) and an infant. Mrs. Von Hollen came to America with some friends in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Von Hollen, in company with Mr. Henry Sasse, removed from Michigan to this township in September, 1838. Not having means to purchase land without selling his team, Mr. Von Hollen, in the following spring, went to Joliet and worked on the Illinois & Michigan Canal for two years, and in 1841, returned to this township, and purchased eighty acres, which he improved, and to which he added until he owned 874 acres. Mr. Von Hollen was one of the first Trustees of the township, and one of those who gave it its name. He was a stanch Republican, and one of the best and most influential citizens. During his early life, he had been a soldier in Germany, and his age alone prevented him from taking ac- tive part in the late civil war. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, as is likewise Mrs. Von Holkn, who is now the oldest living in- habitant of Hanover Township, having resided herein for forty -one years. She, with her sister, lives on the homestead farm, from which she has not been absent more than two weeks during her long residence. ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. JOHN ATJSTGEN was born in Prussia in the year 1841, and was brought to America by his parents in 1852; they located in this town- ship, where John spent his youthful days. In 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany F, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, in which he was an active soldier and bushwhacker. After his discharge in 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and served until the war closed ; he had many escapes, having had two horses shot beneath him while riding ; in all the war he received but a flesh wound ; he was honorably discharged in 1866, at Selma, Ala., and had $350, which he spent in pleasure, after which he worked for the P., C. & St. L. Railroad, which he continued until September, 1867. In that year, he was married to Miss Catherine Spanier, a native of this 726 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: township. Mrs. Austgen died in 1877, leaving four small children. A few months later, Mr. Austgen was married to Mary Shoemaker, daughter ■of Peter and Anna M. Reeder, both natives of Prussia, by which union they became parents of two children. In 1867, Mr. Austgen opened a saloon in St. Johns, which he continued until May, 1870, when he sold the same and moved to Schererville, where he has since been engaged in the same business ; he was for six years Constable of the township, and has also been School Director. Mr. and Mrs. Austgen are members of the Catholic Church. HENRY BATTBRMAN was born in Will County, 111., October 10, 1855, and is the second of nine children born to Christian and Hannah (Desher) Batterman, both natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Batter- man were successful in making a good home for their family, and were ■esteemed residents of their community. Henry Batterman received a good common school education, and was reared a farmer. When nineteen years of age, he began to learn the saddlery and harness business with Mr. Charles Mowler, of Crown Point, and sixteen months later worked for Mr. Shilling, of Dyer, for one year. After working in another shop a short time, he went to Chicago and worked nine months. On February 17, 1880, he returned and purchased from F. Gensberger a stock of goods and tools, and has since then turned out good work and done a thriving business. On March 20, 1881, he was married to Miss Mary Reichert, a native of Cook County, 111., born in 1859, who died on the following 12th day of December, leaving one child — Joseph. Mr. Batterman's second marriage was to Lena Young, born in 1858, in Cook County, 111., daughter of Michael and Margaret Young, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Batterman are members of the Lutheran Church. JOHN BEIRIGER was born in Prussia November 7, 1839, and is a son of Matthias and Mary (Keifer) Beiriger, both natives of Prussia, who emigrated to America in 1840, and located in this township, where they laid claim to land and began farming, enduring the many hardships of early settlers, and hauling their produce to Chicago without roads or bridges ; notwithstanding these impediments, they acquired a home of 190 acres, well improved, where Matthias Beiriger died in 1860, aged fiixtyyears. His widow afterward removed to Dyer, where she died in 1874, aged sixty-two years. John Beiriger received a common school education and was reared a farmer ; he remained at home until he was twenty-three jears of age, when he worked on the farm by the month for two years. In 1865, he served two years to learn cabinet-making, after which he became a partner with his brother Jacob, and they began the first planing-mill in Lake County. On October 4, 1867, he married Miss Mary Gusenberger, a native of Prussia, and daughter of John and Susan (Kerner) Gusen- ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 72T berger. By this union were born eight children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Beiriger died April 28, 1882. In 1869, the furniture store of the Messrs. Beiriger was burned, entailing a loss of $5,000 ; they soon re- built, however, and one year later dissolved their partnership, John Bei- riger continuing the business in connection with undertaking, which amounted to $6,000 per annum. Mr. Beiriger has been fairly success- ful, being worth about $4,000. JOHN BOOS, Jr., was born in Germany in 1842, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Boos, both natives of Germany. John Boos, Jr., was brought to the United States by his parents in 1848, who located near Dyer, Lake Co., Ind., where our subject was reared, and for a few years attended school four miles distant. Being the eldest son, he was needed at home to assist his father on the farm, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one years old' when he began life for himself, work- ing on the farm by the month until 1864. In this year, he was married to Miss Mary Dubois, born in Germany in 1846. To this union were born six children — John, Anna, Lizzie, Mary, Matilda and Matthias. Shortly after his marriage, he was drafteil, and was obliged to procure » substitute at a cost of $800. In 1865, he removed to Chicago, where h& worked in a sugar refinery one year, after which he returned to Lake County and farmed on rented land for seven years, when he sold his- stock, etc., and removed to Dyer, purchased property and opened a farm- ers' hotel and saloon ; here he has since done business and been success- ful, having acquired a good property, besides a farm of eighty acres, and is n'ow worth probably $9,000 — the result of industry and economy. Mr^ and Mrs. Boos are members of the Catholic Church. GEORGE F. DAVIS was born in England October 20, 1839, and and is the youngest of five children born to Henry and Elizabeth (Pea- cock) Davis, both natives of England. Henry Davis was a minister in early life, but afterward followed farming. George F. Davis was reared a farmer. When fifteen years old, he was apprenticed to a miller for two years, and afterward took charge of his father's mill for three years, when he became a partner with his father in the milling branch for seven years, during which period he gave attention to breeding Berkshire swine and Short-Horn cattle. In 1867, he emigrated to America, locating at Chi- cago for eighteen months, following his trade, and in 1869, removed to Dyer, Lake Co., Ind., and took charge of the grist-mill owned by Mr. Du Breuil. After remaining eighteen months, Mr. Davis bought one- quarter interest in the mill, which continued until Mr. Du Breuil's death in 1876, when Mr. Davis purchased another quarter interest, the balance' bein<^ sold to A. Scheldt, and they have conducted the business since that time. They are grinding from four to five car-loads of wheat per month. 728 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: besides private orders and a feed-mill. On August 25, 1867, he was married to Miss Louisa H. Bright, of Devonshire, England, born in 1858, and daughter of James and Jane (Peacock) Bright. To their union were born ten children, five of whom are living— Elizabeth L., Henry, George F., James W. and Louise J. Mrs. Davis died October 16, 1880 ; she was a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Davis is an enthu- siastic stock-raiser, and by crossing various breeds has produced a new one called the Victoria. The first specimen was exhibited at the Fat-Stock Show at Chicago in 1878, and each year he has taken the first premium wherever exhibited, having won more sweepstake prizes than any other breed. In 1881, he took a special premium of $125 for the best five hogs at the Chicago Fat-Stock Show. Mr. Davis began without means, but is now worth $12,000 ; he is a successful business man and an enter- prising citizen. • REV. JOSEPH FLAOH was born in Southern Germany June 9, 1852, and is one of three children of Sebastin and Mary (Kienzle) Flach, both natives of Germany. "■ Joseph Flach, after attending the common schools until he was fourteen years of age, attended the high school at Freiburg ten years, and three years more at the university, in prepara- tion for the priesthood. In 1876, he visited the American Centennial Exposition, from which he formed a favorable opinion of America, and located at Avilla, Noble Co., Ind., where he was Superior of the Sisters, Order S. F., and where he remained until the spring of 1878, when he was sent by the Bishop to Dyer, to take charge of the church in the village. Father Flach is an erudite and congenial man, whereby he is enabled to enlist his parishoners and others in his ministry and increase his congregation ; he has charge of St. Joseph's, having a membership of 175 families. On July 25, 1876, he was ordained at St. Peter's by Luther von Kuebel, D. D. GEORGE F. GERLACH (Keilmann & Gerlach) was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in 1841 ; he came to America with his parents, who located at Harper's Ferry, Va., whence they removed in 1858, to Lake County, Ind., where George passed the remainder of his boyhood ; he attended the common schools until 1856 or 1857, and after- ward an academy at Pittsburgh, Penn., and thereby, being of a studious inclination, obtained a liberal education. In 1858, he commenced teach- ing, being employed five years in a district school, and teaching a vearly school in St. Johns three years ; having saved $1,000 during this time, he used the money in forming a copartnership in February, 1868, with F. P. Keilmann, having had some experience of mercantile life from being a clerk in his store during vacations. In February, 1867, he was mar- ried to Margaret Keilmann, a native of St. Johns, born April 7, 1849, ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 729 and a daughter of Henry Keilmann. To this union were born eight children, of whom five are living — Catherine, Frank, Joseph, Maggie and Mary E. Mr. Gerlach is a most enterprising and worthy business man, having property valued at $25,000. Mr. Gerlach and wife are members of the Catholic Church ; he has been Justice of the Peace three terms, and for six years a Notary Public. JOHN W. JOHNS, M. D., was born in Lake County, Ind., in 1845, and is a son of Joshua V. and Caroline M. (Demmons) Johns, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Vermont. Dr. Johns was a com- mon school scholar until he was eight years of age, when his parents died and he went to live with Dr. Henry D. Palmer, of Merrillville, by whom he was reared to manhood; he attended school at Merrillville until he was seventeen years old, and afterward one term at the Crown Point High School. After teaching district school two years, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Palmer, and one year later went to the Chica- go Medical College, which he attended three terms. In March, 1868, he received his diploma, and soon after located in Dyer, at that time being the only physician in the town. In a short time, he established a large practice, having a ride from six to twelve miles every way from town. In 1873, he was married to Miss Caroline Young, a native of Cook County, 111., born January 29, 1854, daughter of Bernard and Catherine Young, both natives of France. Mr. and Mrs. Johns are par- ents of one daughter, Kate. Mrs. Johns is a member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Johns is an enterprising and industrious citizen. HENRY KEILMANN was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, September 13, 1821, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Keilmann, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1840, locating in Portage County, Ohio, and in the same year Mrs. Keilmann died, leaving seven children. Henry Keilmann attended school until he was fourteen years old, when he engaged in farming, but soon became incap- able of so hard work, and therefore learned the trade of a tailor, serving three years' apprenticeship. Coming to America with his parents, he was called to support the family by farm work, as he could find no other. Afterward he worked at carpentering for six months, then going to Cleve- land, where he found work at his trade, and remained one year at $1 per day. After this, he opened a tailorshop in Randolph, Ohio, for one year, which he left to go to Chicago, arriving there with 50 cents ; he opened a shop with a credit stock of $160, and by January 1, 1844, had cleared ^300 ; he then started for home, but stopped in La Porte, Ind., and worked one month. On March 7, 1844, he was married to Susanna Palm, born in Prussia in 1826, and came to America in 1840 with her .parents, John and Catherine Palm. Soon after his marriage, he opened a 730 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: shop, but times being dull, he engaged in a hat and cap store, to cut buf- falo overcoats. After working ten hours at this, he worked for himself overtime, so continuing three years, when, being overworked, removed to St. Johns, his present location, where, in a log cabin, in the spi'ing of 1847, he put in a stock of goods, being the first merchant tailor in the- vicinity; he worked on his farm in fair, and at his trade in foul weather, leaving the store to his wife's father ; he soon began buying and pastur- ing young cattle, thereby increasing his goods, and, during the last of hia merchant life, did a business of $50,000 per year, and owning 1,700 acrea of land ; he gave to three of his children 160 acres ; he had property in Chicago worth $50,000, and $40,000 worth in this county ; he lost by the Chicago fire of 1871, $20,000 ; he was Supervisor of Roads seven years, without a penny fee ; his first wife died, leaving six young children, when he married Catherine Smith, who died in 1878 ; he was a third time mar- ried, in February, 1879, to Mary Loehmer, of Cook County, 111., bora 1857, to which union were born two children. Mr.^Keilmann and family are members of the Catholic Church. FRANCIS P. KBILMANN (Keilmann & Gerlach), was born in Germany November 25, 1831, and when nine years old came to America with his parents, who located in Portage County, Ohio, where he lived until 1844, when he went to Chicago to his brother Henry, where he lived two years ; he then removed with hia father to what is now known as St. Johns, and kept house for and assisted him in a small store for two years ; he then clerked in a hatand cap store in Chicago for two years, where he attended school three months each winter. After this, he returned home, and was soon at school in South Bend, Ind. The spring following, he clerked for his brother at St. Johns, so continuing until 1855, when he- purchased one-half interest from his brother, the firm being H. & F. P. Keilmann. In 1867, the firm dissolved, with a division of stock. Mr. F. P. Keilmann now took a partner named George Gerlach ; they pur- chased a stock of goods from Mr. Leowenberg, and, in July following, bought Henry Keilmann's stock, and since, have had the only store in town. They have obtained and conducted an extensive business in dry goods, groceries, hardware and furniture, besides a large grain-house and lumber yard. Their business aggregates upward of $75,000 per year, Mr. Keilmann having accumulated a personal property of nearly $50,000. In 1867, he was married to Miss Margaret Schefer, born in Germany in 1837, by which union they have had born to them nine children — Susan, Frances P., John, William, Elizabeth, Margaret, George, Lana and Peter. Mr. Keilmann and family are members of the Catholic Church ; he was appointed Postmaster at St. John's in 1855, a position he still holds. M. KLEIN was born in Prussia in 1838, and is a son of Peter and. Magdalena Klein. In 1843, he was brought to the United States by his- ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 731 parents, who located in St. Johns Township, erected a home on the prai- rie, and reared a family of seven children. Mr. Klein was brought up a farmer, but procured an ordinary education from the common schools. In 1863, he commenced for himself as a farmer, and continued two years, when he removed to Lansing, 111., where he engaged in keeping a farm- ers' hotel, continuing the same ten years ; his means were limited in the beginning, but success rewarded him. On January 31, 1861, he was married to Miss Eva Scholler, a native of France, born April 16, 1841, daughter of Joseph and Mary Scholler, both natives of France, who came to A.merica in 1849. To this union were born ten children, six of whom are living — John J., Mary, Louisa M., Anna, August and Joseph J. In 1875, he returned to this township and purchased the State Line House of H. Scheldt, where he has since done business. By industry and perse- verance, he has acquired a property worth $9,000. In 1880, his house was burned, with its contents, entailing a loss of $4,000. He soon re- built, however, the new house costing $3,000, and he is now prepai-ed to entertain the traveling public in a first-class manner. Mr. Klein remem- bers how abundant game was in this country, and how in one day he caught fifty prairie chickens. JOSEPH NEUMANN was born in Prussia July 27, 1826, and is the eldest of the four children of Nicholas and Gertrude Neumann, both natives of Prussia, who emigrated to America in 1845, locating in Chi- cago for two months, whence they came to this township and located on Section 21, laying claim to forty acres, and where they erected a cabin, 12x14, in which they experienced the many privations of a new country. With the assistance of their eldest son, they obtained a good home of 120 acres. This was sold and the present home of Joseph Neumann purchased, containing 360 acres, well improved. Joseph Neumann lived with his parents until 1846, since which time he has made a home for them. His father died in 1868 ; his mother is still living with her eldest son (aged eighty-two). Mr. Neumann received a good education in German, and now speaks English fluently. In 1853, he was married to Miss Mary Glide, a native of Prussia, born in 1830, and daughter of John and Catherine Glide. She came to this country with her brother in 1852. By this union there have been born to them eleven children, eight of whom are living — Margaret, Mary, Anna, Catherine, Helen, Elizabeth, Anna and Teresa. Mr. Neumann cuts every year from 150 to 200 tons of hay, most of which is sold. In 1881, Mr. Neumann rented ten acres to a powder manufacturing company, they erecting large buildings and producing 1,500 pounds per day. Mr. and Mrs. Neumann are members of the Catholic Church. He is a liberal and enterprising citizen. HENRY NONDORF was born in St. Johns Township June 1, 1848, and was the younger of the two sons of Barnard and Margaret 732 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Nondorf, both natives of Germany. In 1845, they emigrated from Ger- many, located in this township, and made a home of nearly 300 acres on the virgin prairie. Mr. Barnard Nondorf died in 1874. His widow survives and is now living with her son Henry, aged seventy-seven years. Henry Nondorf, when sixteen years of age, commenced to farm the home- stead in company with his brother, which continued until 1870, when he purchased 185 acres of the homestead farm, since which he has bought seventeen acres of timber in Will County, 111., and is now worth $12,000, and is, too, one of the most humorous farmers in the vicinity. In 1871, Mr. Nondorf was married to Miss Ellen Ruh, a native of Germany, born in 1846, daughter of George and Mary Ruh, both natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Nondorf have had born to them five children, four of whom are living — Catherine, Joseph, George and Adeline. Mr. Nondorf and wife are members of the Catholic Church. PETER F. REEDER was born in Lake County, Ind., January 20, 1857, and is one of the ten children of Peter and Anna M. Reeder, both of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1842. Peter F. Reeder was reared a farmer, and received a common school education. At the age of twenty he began life for himself by working by the month, which he continued three years, after which he visited some of the Western States, and on his return in June, 1881, entered into co-partnership with Mich- ael Grimmer, and purchased a new stock of general merchandise ; they carry a stock of $3,500, and have a good trade. Both are energetic and enterprising men. On November 7, 1881, Mr. Reeder was married to Miss Lena Schafifer, born in Lake County in 1862, and daughter of John and Barbara Schaifer, both natives of Prussia. To this union was born one daughter — Anna Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Reeder are members of the Catholic Church. Michael Grimmer (Mr. Reeder's partner in business), was born in Lake County, Ind., July ] 8, 1853, and is a son of Michael , and Susan Grimmer, both natives of France, whence they emigrated to America in 1848, and located in Chicago, remaining until 1853, when they removed to Ross Township, in this county. Soon after Mr. Grim- mer died, leaving four children. Mrs. Grimmer subsequently married John Reeder of this township, where Michael Grimmer was reared aa a farmer. He received some education at the common schools, and after- ward attended the high school at Crown Point. At the age of eighteen, he began teaching, which he followed twelve years, teaching six and ten month terms, and during vacation being employed by the church. In 1880, he married Miss Lena Neumann, born in this township August 22, 1861, and daughter of Joseph and Mary Neumann, natives of Prussia. In 1881, he entered into copartnership with P. F. Reeder, with a fine stock of merchandise and good prospects, fully realized. In June 1881 ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 733 he received the appointment of Postmaster at Shererville. Mr. and Mrs. Grimmer have one child — Francis. They are members of the Catholic Church. CHARLES J. SAUTER was born in Bloom, 111., February 23, 1849, and is one of the five children of Charles B. and Marie E. Sauter, the former a native of Germany, the latter of France. Charles J. Sau- ter received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. He remained at home until 1874, when he came to Dyer to learn the tele- graphing, where he remained nine months, thence going to Hoopeston, 111., as night operator, where, after nine months, he was made station agent and operator. Here he remained until August, 1878, where he purchased a stock of goods of August Klaas, and property for $6,000, since which time he has done a business of from $8,000 to $10,000 per year. In December, 1880, he was appointed Postmaster at this town. In 1873, he was married to Miss Barbara Koch, a native of Germany ; she died the year following, leaving one child — Charles Philip. In May, 1877, he was married to Anna L. Dolich, a native of Illinois, by which union were born three children — Albert, Maria H. and Blogeus. Mrs. Sauter is a member of the Catholic Church. MATHEUS SCHAEFFER was born in Prussia January 20, 1820, and is a son of Paul and Margaret Schaeffer, natives of Prussia. Ma- theus Schaefier received a good German education, and when sixteen years old began to learn shoe-making, paying $14 and serving two years thereat, after which he worked as a journeyman two years. Being then eligible to a draft, he came to America, locatiijg in this township August 20, 1840, and during the first year traveled as a shoe-maker from house to house, taking provisions for pay. He then worked on the Illinois Canal, after which he engaged with a farmer for 18 cents per day. In 1846, he laid claim to eighty acres, on which he built a one and a half-story hewed- log cabin, now used as a granary. On February 24, 1847, he married. Miss Lizzie Kieffer, daughter of John I. KiefiFer, born in Prussia in 1830. She died June, 1872, leaving nine children — Barbara, Ellen, Susan, Mary, Lizzie, John, Charles, Michael and Catherine, besides three de- ceased. After marriage Mr. Schaeffer lived eight years in his cabin, en- gaged in shoe-making and farming. Moving to Dyer, in this county, he followed his trade, keeping a saloon in connection therewith, for two years. He then entered mercantile life for two years, afterward keeping a grocery for fourteen months. Becoming weary of this, he worked two years for Mr. Biggs, on a hay-press patent, at $2 per day ; this being completed, he continued until 1869, when he, with Henry and Leonard Keilmann, purchased said press, which they ran for three years. Henry Keilmann then retired, and his brother and Mr. Schaeffer contin- 734 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ued the business, being now able to press from seven and a half to eight tons per day. Their barn and press were burned in 1872, after which they erected a larger barn and stronger press. Serving one year as road- boss, Mr. Schaeffer has since declined all offices. He has by hard work and good management accumulated $10,000 worth of property. Mr, Schaeffer can recall the times when game and Indians were numerous in this vicinity. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church. ANTHONY SCHEIDT was born in Lorraine, France, April 27, 1831, and is a son of John and Agatha (Blattner) Scheldt, both natives of France. Anthony Scheldt received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. When he was thirteen years old, his parents came to America and located on the south edge of Cook County, 111., where Anthony helped to farm until 1852, when he was married to Miss Mary Schaller, a native of France, born in 1832, and daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hummel) Schaller, also natives of France. In 1853, he com- menced farming, at which he continued seven years, afterward moving to Chicago, where he kept a grocery and saloon ; this he sold after eighteen months, and opened a boarding-house on the West Side. In 1864, he re- moved to Dyer, Lake Co., Ind., and became landlord of the State Line Hotel, which he continued until 1875, and soon after purchased one-half interest in the Dyer Mills, to which he now gives attention, as well as superintending the farm and breeding swine with George F. Davis. Mr. Scheldt is an enterprising man, and has 124 acres, twenty-four acres near Dyer, besides the best residence in the town and property in Chicago, ag- gregating perhaps $25,000. Mr. and Mrs. Scheldt are parents of twelve children, five of whom are living — Mary (now Mrs. Philip Keilmann), Anthony, Barbara, Edmund and Matilda. Both himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. BARNHARD SCHEIDT was born in Alsace, France, March 4, 1844, and is the youngest of the ten children of John and Aggie Scheldt, both natives of France, whence they emigrated to America and located in Bloom, Cook Co., 111. In 1844, John Scheldt purchased a farm of 334 acres, for which he paid 1,300 five-franc pieces, and on which he made a home and reared his family. He was a successful business man and an enterprising citizen ; he died July 14, 1858, aged sixty-six years, fol- lowed by his wife July 13, 1872, aged seventy-two years. Barnhard Scheldt received a fair education, and was reared a farmer ; he began life on the homestead, on which he worked for two years, when he sold his stock, removed to Chicago and worked in a round-house as a laborer for eighteen months, after which he returned to the farm. In January, 1865, he married Miss Barbara Kloss, a native of Prussia, by which union were born six children, four of whom are living — Barbara, Louise, ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 735 Mary and John. Mrs. Scheldt died in 1874, and Mr. Scheidt, seven months thereafter, married Mrs. Teresa (Justus) Sasae, daughter of Joseph and Helena Justus, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1858. To this second union were born two children — Teresa and Frank B. By her first husband,. Mrs. Scheidt was mother of one child — John. In 1876, Mr. Scheidt sold his farm and purchased his present home in the village of St. Johns, where he keeps a farmers' tavern ; he has besides perhaps $7,000 worth of property. Mr. and Mrs. Scheidt are members of the Catholic Church. NICHOLAS SCHERER was born in Prussia in 1833, and is one of the seven children of John and Mary Scherer, both natives of the Province of Rhine, Prussia. Nicholas Scherer attended school until he was fourteen years old, when his parents emigrated to the United States. They located in St. Johas, where they began the combined business of hotel and saloon, it being the first saloon established in Lake County. In 1853, Nicholas became contractor for digging State ditches in this county. In 1854, he removed to Dyer, where he managed a saloon and hotel, also having built the Joliet Railroad Out-Off. In 1868, he sold his interest in Dyer, and located at what is now Schererville ; he had purchased seventy acres in Sections 15 and 16, of which the village plat is a part. Soon after locating here, he took a contract to build a grade thirty miles be- tween here and Chicago. In order to have a station near by, he donated $24,000 to the railroad company ; this done, he laid out the town and named it Schererville ; the plat contains nearly four hundred lots, and has thirty or forty houses. After completing his grading, he became foreman of the railroad construction train for nine years. He has just removed a sand-bar in the Calumet River. In 1862, he married Miss Frances Olenfrook, a native of Prussia, born in 1833, by which union have been born seven children — Anna, Mary (deceased), Margaret, Teresa, Nicholas, John and Joseph. In 1863 and 1864, he was appointed by Gov. Mor- ton Second Lieutenant for enlisting and recruiting service ; he was in- strumental in securing 140 recruits; he was also a Major of the State militia. He has been a valuable man in his township, having been Con- stable, Swamp-Land Commissioner, and is Road Superintendent. Not- withstanding a loss of $12,000 in 1877, his property aggregates $7,000. His parents resided with him during their last days, and died at the advanced ages of one hundred and three and ninety-nine and a half years. Mr. and Mrs. Scherer are Catholics, to which church Mr. Scherer has donated four and a half acres for church-building purposes. NICHOLAS SCHUTZ was born in Germany in 1826, and is the son of Matthias and Mary Schlitz. He received in youth a good Ger- man education, and, his father being a miller, Nicholas was brought up 736 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to the business, and assisted his father until 1852, when he came to the United States and located in this township, where he worked as a car- penter until 1864, when he commenced his present business of keeping a saloon. In 1865, he was married to Miss Grertrude Hilbrick, a native of Germany, born in 1830. To this union were born four children — Susan, Margaret, Mary and Matthias (deceased). On arriving in America, Mr. Schiitz was almost destitute of means, but by providence, industry and economy, he has succeeded in acquiring a good property, valued at $4,- 000. Mr. and Mrs. Schiitz are members of the Catholic Church. DR. ANTHONY SEIDLER was bom in Germany in 1826 ; he at- tended the common schools until his fourteenth year, when he entered a graded school, and also finished his medical course, except one term, for which he received a certificate instead of a diploma, this being occasioned by the outbreak of national war, in which Mr. Seidler enlisted as Ser- geant. Being honorably discharged, he soon after emigrated to America, landing in New York in June, 1851 ; he was located in Berks County, Penn., for two years, having a good practice ; thence he removed to Ridgway, Elk Co., Penn., on the Alleghany Mountains, being one of the first settlers and the first physician in that section. He had a ride of forty miles in circumference, and frequently, when overtaken by night, would build a fire and rest until morning. After practicing there four years, he removed to Stark County, Ohio, where he obtained a fair prac- tice and remained two years, daring which time he married Miss Frederica Schafer, born in St. Joseph County, Ind., in 1836. Shortly after, Dr. Seidler removed to Niles, Mich., remaining seven years, and thence to New Bufialo, Mich., for two years, and finally Dyer, Ind., where he has an ex- tensive practice of six or eight miles in circuit. Here Mrs. Seidler died in 1870, leaving four children. His second marriage, in 1872, was to Miss D. Schmit, a native of Prussia, by which union were born four children. Dr. Seidler is serving a third term as Justice of the Peace. He is a thoroughgoing man, and exemplary citizen. AUGUST STOMMEL was born in Illinois March 27, 1855, and is one of the seven children of August and Alvina (Korf) Stommel, both natives of Prussia. Our subject was reared in Chicago until he was twelve years old, when his parents removed to Homewood, 111., where he lived five years. He received a fair education in German and En- glish, and in 1869 began clerking in a general store, where he remained two years, and he continued clerking until 1872, when he came to Dyer, Lake Co., Ind., as a clerk to C. Rich. In 1877, he, in company with Mr. Neifing, formed a copartnership and purchased a new stock of gen- eral merchandise, and has since done a business of from $18,000 to $20,000 per year. In 1880, Mr. Stommel was married to Miss Oath- ST. JOHNS TOWNSHIP. 737 erine Young, a native of Cook County, 111., born in 1856, a daughter of Bernard and Catherine Young, both natives of Alsace, France. To this union was born one child, Charles August. Mrs. Stommel is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Stommel is a man of much business tact, energy and character; he would do well anywhere. JAMES TANNER was born in England April 20, 1844. He had the advantages of the common schools until he was twelve years of age, when he began as an apprentice at the tailoring trade, serving four years, after which he worked as a journeyman for one year; he then became trimmer in a wholesale mercantile house, and two and one-half years later went into the cutting department for one year. In 1867, he came to America, and located at Dyer, Lake Co., Ind., where he opened a tailor shop, and soon attained a fair trade. On August 4, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary Robbins, of Bristol, England, born January 6, 1848, by which union were born five children — James- D., William J., Louise M., John and Rose. Mr. Tanner retired from his trade, and began work in the railroad oflSce at Dyer, as an assistant, October 1, 1871, where he remained until June, 1874, when he secured a position as agent and operator at Spencer, 111., and in September, 1875, was given charge of the office at Dyer, which position he has since retained, except for nine months during 1880 and 1881 ; he has been doing busi- ness for the New Albany & Chicago and the Michigan Central. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner and family are members of the Catholic Church. JOHN TRINEN was born in Prussia October, 1847, and is a son of Peter and Susan Trinen, who emigrated to America in 1852, located in this township, and from the prairie founded a home. John Trinen received the advantages of the common schools and was reared a farmer. When thirteen years of age, he began to work for himself — the first few years on the farm, and afterward as laborer on the Danville Railroad. In 1871, he commenced as fireman on a construction train, remaining six months. In June, 1875, he was married to Miss Mary Seberger, born in Lake County in 1857, and daughter of John and Catherine Seberger, both natives of Prussia. To this union were born four children — Susie, John, Lena and Joseph. Mr. Trinen was a foreman in the round-house, having charge of seven men, for two years, after which he was engineer on a freight train for three years ; he was with the same company five years, not having had an accident ; he resigned his position, then paying him $85 per month, and drew from the company, as back pay, $939, with which he came hither, purchased a lot and erected a large hay barn ; he pays the highest price for hay delivered to him and now runs two hay- presses, pressing ten tons per day. Mr. Trinen has been very successful, and is now worth probably $6,000 ; himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. 738 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. JOHN BLA.CK was born in Saxony, Germany, July 24, 1832; he was left a half orphan when five years old, and attended school until he ' was thirteen, when he began life for himself; he came to the United States in 1854, being; $52 in debt, and stopped a few weeks in old Buffalo, where he received 75 cents per day ; he then removed to Blue Island, 111., and in 1855 came to Hebron, Ind., where he worked three months, and had a severe attack of ague. On October 1, following, he hired with John Dinwiddle as ditch hand, where he remained two years, for the first year receiving $10 per month ; he saved his wages, paid his debts, and in three years bought ten cows and a span of colts ; nine of the cows he leased for $14 per head for the season, and afterward pur- chased an outfit for farming. In 1858, he rented a farm of eighty acres of Mr. Dinwiddie, where he remained three years, when he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, having but $200 with some cattle and other stock. So he continued, farming and raising stock, until he has become a leading farmer of his township ; his second purchase was a quarter section for $7.50 per acre ; seven years after, he sold this for $27.50 per acre, and purchased 120 nearer home ; he now owns 615 acres, 500 of which are well-improved, with a wind-engine on each farm, worth $30,000. In June, 1857, he married Miss Caroline Peters, a native of Germany, to which union were born eight children, seven of whom are living — Harry, William, Edward, Annie, Allie, Hannah and John. Mrs. Black came to America in 1855, and worked for Mr. Dinwiddie. She had saved $20, which she gave Mr. Black to pay the difference between a three-year-old colt and a balky horse . HUGH BOYD was born in the North of Ireland July 8, 1819, and was married November 29, 1843, to Ann Brown, of Londonderry, born August 8, 1817, by which union three children were born — Mary, James Mc. and Sarah A. (now Mrs. William Turner). Mr. and Mrs. Boyd came to America in 1847, stopping in Upper Canada the first year, after which they moved to Morgan County, Ohio, and rented land, and after seventeen years were supplied with household goods and $1,100 in money. With this capital, Mr. Boyd came to Lake County, Ind., in 1865, and purchased land near Crown Point. In 1868, he .became a partner with D. C. Scofield, of Elgin, 111., in the dairy business, they averaging fifty milch cows, besides the young stock ; this continued six years. In 1874, having saved some $3,000, he, with his son, purchased 300 acres, now well improved, where they are keeping stock and milking EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 739 from fifteen to twenty cows for making butter, which they ship to Chi- cago, their cows yielding |35 a head per year, the net profits being $1,500. Mr. Boyd's son, James Mc. Boyd, was married February 3, 1873, to Lucetta F. Devol, of Morgan County, Ohio. To this union were born four children — Elbert B., Loren D., Effie L. and an infant. Mr. Boyd has served as Township Trustee two terms, and in 1882 was elected Assessor. Mr. Boyd was at one time a Whig, but is now a Republican ; he is also a stanch temperance advocate. He cast his first vote for Gen. Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Presby- terian Church. ISAAC BRYANT was born in Lake County, Ind., March 11, 1836, and is a son of Samuel D. and Joanna (Woodruff) Bryant, who removed to this county from Richland County, Ohio, in 1835, stopping on their way west at Wolf Lake, Noble County, Ind., for the summer. They were among the first white settlers in Eagle Creek Township, where Mr. Bryant erected a log cabin, in which he lived some years and reared a family of three children by his first and six by his second mar- riage. Mr. Bryant was a man of great endurance, whose word was as good as his note. Before coming hither, he assisted in clearing three large farms, and here he improved 120 acres. In 1850, he went back to Ohio, where he remained a few years, when he returned hither and died in 1875, aged eighty-three years. Isaac Bryant was left a half-orphan when five years old, and lived with friends till 1850, when he went to Ohio and attended school. When eleven years old, he undertook to learn the tailoring trade, which he soon abandoned. After his fourteenth year, he traveled through several Western States, and on August 14, 1861, enlisted in Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteers, and after a few skirmishes, and during the fight at Green Brier, Va., he was wounded in the left arm, which so disabled him as to cause his discharge in July, 1862. On December 1, 1863, he married Miss Harriet Pearce, born in this township March 27, 1843, daughter of Michael and Margaret Pearce. To this union were born six children, four of whom are living — S. Edwin, Bertha L., Jessie M. and Blanche E. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Bryant commenced farming on his land in this township. This he sold and located on land owned by his wife, this, together with some since purchased, aggregating 150 acres. He is a stanch Republican and Prohibitionist. JOHN BROWN was born in Danville, N. Y., April 3, 1812, and is a son of John and Polly (Ferguson) Brown, the former a native of Scot- land, the latter of New York. John Brown received a fair education in youth, and was reared a farmer, he also worked as a canal boy, but re- mained with his father until manhood. In 1838, he removed to Illinois, 740 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: where he acted as foreman of railroad grading, remaining until 1840, at which time he came to this township and purchased 160 acres near South- east Grove, which he improved, making his home with his brother. He now has 220 acres, well improved. Among the worst of his priva- tions in the early days were bad roads and distant markets, carrying wheat to Chicago for 28 cents per bushel, and pork for 1 and IJ cents per pound. On one occasion of going to the mill, he was twenty -four hours without food, and, in conveying wheat to Chicago, would by compelled to carry the same over sloughs. Mr. Brown has been a useful man in his township, having served two terms as Township Assessor ; he has lived a bachelor ; he first voted for Gen. Harrison in 1836, and is now a Re- publican. Mr. Brown was engaged with his brother and William Fisher in broom-making in 1841 and 1842, and afterward for himself until 1860. WILLIAM BROWN was born in the State of New York Decem- ber 1, 1821, and is a son of John and Mary Brown, the former a native of Scotland, the latter of New York. William Brown received a limited education from the subscription schools, and in 1843 traveled West in search of cheap land with $140, and with which he entered land in this township in 1844. This he improved, and in a few years sold. In 1851, he rented the Lyman Wallace farm, and in the following May was mar- ried to Miss Mary J. Wallace, born in New York, who came to this town- ship in 1843 with her parents — Lyman and Ruby Wallace, both natives of Vermont. To this union were born six children, five of whom are living — Miriam, Edith, Matthew J., William and Ruby J. Mr. Brown continued to work the farm until 1857, when he removed to the farm he purchased three years before, and where he has made his home. Not- withstanding the limited means with which Mr. Brown began, he has 200 acres of farm land and thirty-four of timber ; his farm has all the modern improvements, very different to the hardships of his early ex- perience ; he has been Township Clerk and Trustee, also County Com- missioner ; he cast his first vote for Henry Clay, but is now a stanch Re- publican, likewise and eniment temperance worker, and a useful man in his township. WILLIAM COCHRAN was born December 1, 1845, one of the two children of John and Jane (Fisher) Cochran, natives of Vermont and England. John Cochran and .lane Fisher came to this county in 1837 or 1838, and were married in 1840. Mr. Cochran entered a claim near Crown Point in 1838, and there farmed till 1847, when they moved to Southeast Grove, this township, experienced all the privations of an un- settled country, and here died in 1865 and 1873 respectively, aged eighty-one and sixty-eight years. William Cochran was reared on the EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 741 farm until his seventeenth year, when he enlisted in Company I, Fifth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry ; he took part in the engagement at Knoxville, joined Sherman at Dalton, was at Atlanta, and at Resaca was captured and sent prisoner to Andersonville, where he was held four and one-half months, thence transported to Charleston, and a month later was taken to Florence, S. C. Here he was exchanged, and some idea of his suffer- ings may be had when it is stated that his normal weight of 175 or 180 pounds was reduced to ninety ; he was honorably discharged at Camp Chase, and on his return began farming in company with his brother Henry. They now own 180 acres of well improved land and are ener- getic and economical young farmers. In politics, they are strong Repub- licans. ELZY COPLIN was born in West Virginia October 28, 1812, and is a son of Benjamin and Lucine Coplin,- natives of West Virginia ; his father was a Revolutionary hero, and three of his brothers-in-law soldiers of 1812. Blzy Coplin received a limited education and was reared a farmer. In 1836, he married Miss Minerva Brummage, born in 1817 in West Virginia, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Brummage, also natives of West Virginia. To this union were born ten children — Jacob, Cathan- drew, Josephine, Angeline, Nelson, Benjamin, LaFayette and Rachel ; James B. and Elsie (deceased). Leaving his native State in 1837, he arrived in La Porte, Ind., with horses, team and household goods, also 700 pounds of butter, as that article was high-priced in Indiana ; he ex- perienced much difficulty in crossing Black Swamp. In 1838, he entered 80 acres of his present home, which made him one of the first settlera of this township, at the organization of which he was present. Indians, wild game and wolves were abundant at this time, and he had a corn- field nearly devoured by cranes ; he hauled his products to Chicago and Michigan City ; he had many reverses, and after the first nine years, by long sickness, was almost ruined financially ; he has been successful since, however, and now owns 200 acres of fine land, having improved build- ings, besides the donation to each of his sons of a good farm ; he cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson in 1832 ; he was once called to help suppress an Indian outbreak, as the Indians were destroying the river timber. FREDERICK R. DONNAHA was born in New York State Decem- ber 9, 1819, and is the eldest living of the five children born to James and Nancy (Reese) Donnaha, natives respectively of Ireland and New York. James Donnaha was a weaver by trade. In 1812, he was pressed into the British Army, during the war between England and France. He was, however, sent to this country, and in the conflict at Stony Creek was captured by the Americans and marched to Vermont, 742 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: where he was imprisoned, but in a short time paroled to work for a farmer. Instead of waiting to be exchanged, he went to Schenectady County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming the remainder of his days. Frederick R. Donnaha was reared to farming, and when of age was for a number of years overseer of several gangs of men engaged in raising broom-corn and manufacturing brooms both in York State and Ohio. In 1842, he went into the business on his own account, and succeeded until 1851, when brooms fell to 37J cents per dozen, and he was com- pelled to relinquish the business. A year later, he came to this county and entered eighty acres of land, but was called back to New York on account of the illness of his wife. In 1857, he returned to this township and has here resided ever since, and is now owner of 223 acres of well- improved land. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Barbara Spitzer, a native of New York, and born in 1832. To this union nine children were born, of whom four are still living — Edward, Staley, Esther and Arthur. WILLIAM FISHER was born in Schenectady County, N. Y., in 1825, and is one of the eight children of Alexander and Agnes (Brown) Fisher, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1817. William Fisher was taught farming and the use of tools, and received a common school educa- tion • during winter terms. He remained with his father until he was twenty-six years of age, and then came to this county, with small means, and engaged in raising broom-corn and making brooms with William and John Brown, which continued until 1859, after which he and his brother purchased a farm on the north edge of this township, and in 1865 he sold that and purchased his present farm of 360 acres, costing over $9,000 — the result of the industry and investment of $87.50 in 1850 ; he now owns 595 acres fairly improved, and has one of the best farms in the town- ship, and this, with his other property, is worth $25,000. On May 22, 1854, he was married to Nancy Bryant, born in Ohio in 1825, daughter of David and Rachel (Addams) Bryant, natives of Pennsylvania. To this union five children were born, three of whom are living — David A., hard- ware merchant of Hebron ; Arabella, now Mrs. Charles W. Hay ward, and Ida E. Mr. Fisher is the heaviest wheat-raiser in the township, and is making a specialty of fine stock. He is a Republican : has been Town- ship Trustee three terms, and in 1876 was elected County Commis- flioner, and re-elected in 1878 and 1880. During his administration, the county built a court house and jail. Mrs. Fisher is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Fisher and Brown Brothers dissolved partner- ship in 1862, continuing till 1863 with his brother, the partnership being formed in 1850. EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 74 3 A. B. FLINT was born in Livingston County, N. Y., March 9, 1829, and is one of twelve children born to Edward and Jane (Clute) Flint, both natives of New York, who removed to Lucas County, Ohio, in 1832, where Mr. Flint worked at blacksmithing while his sons improved the farm. After four years, they removed to Michigan, remaining four years, and then came to this county by ox. team. On reaching Porter County, they found the roads so bad they \vere obliged to annex their cattle to their wagon. They at once moved into a log cabin built by 0. V. Servis and Harvey Flint, who had come in advance, and broke seven acres of the virgin soil, which yielded a good harvest in 1840. Mr. Flint worked at his trade for years, being the only blacksmith between Valparaiso and Momence, and sharpened plows and made log chains, also the first bells used here, from old wagon tires hammered into sheets. Mr. Flint continued his trade fifteen years ; afterward, being broken down by hard work, he superintended his farm, and died November, 1854, aged seventy-seven years. A. E. Flint was nine years old when he came into this county. He made his first trip to mill at La Porte in 1839^ which took him seven days, having to unload and carry the grain across sloughs ten times, and having to sleep in his wagon at night, while wolves were howling around him. Mr. Flint remained at home until he was twenty-five, soon after which he married Miss Caroline W. Berdine,^ a native of New York, daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Berdine, natives of New York, who came to this county in 1847. To this union was born one child — ^Nelson B. (deceased, two years of age). Mr. Flint has acquired 833 acres, most of which is well-improved, one of his farms containing several living springs. He is now worth upward of $15,000 — the result of good' management and hard labor. He is a liberal atid enterprising citizen and a stanch Republican. One of Mr. Flint's experiences was working for a neighbor for a small pig, which, after dress- ing, he hauled to Chicago at a cost of twelve shillings, where he received ten shillings for the same. Mr. and Mrs. Flint are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. GEORGE W. HANDLBY was born in Ohio in 1824, and is one of the thirteen children of James and Rachel (McDermott) Handley, natives of Pennsylvania. George W. Handley obtained a limited education in the intervals of his farm work, and when twenty-two years old began farming on his own responsibility. In 1845, he married Miss Sarah Gambrill, born in Maryland in 1827, daughter of George and Julia H- Gambrill. To this union were born ten children, seven of whom are living— Alverta M., Eliza A., Charles A., Eleanora, Carrie M., Edward H. and William L. Leaving Ohio in 1853, Mr. Handley arrived in this county with a wagon and $1,000 cash, locating on the land which he now 744 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: owns. Finding thirty acres broken and fenced, without an owner, he took possession, and rented a house near by, until he could build for him- self, which has since been replaced by a more modern structure. He was prosperous from the beginning, and soon became one of the leading farm- ers of this township. He remembers well the abundance of game in this vicinity at that time, which afiforded pleasure and profit to the hunters. He now owns 320 acres, most of which is under cultivation, and of late years he has taken to raising hay and stock exclusively. In 1878, Mr. Handley became a partner with J. M. Kinney in the manufacture of cheese, which business now consumes 4,000 pounds of milk per day. Mr. Handley has about twenty cows, whose products per head, in 1881, averaged |40 in value. In winter, he manufactures butter. Early in life, he left the Whig and joined the Republican party, of which he is still a faithful adherent. He is also a stanch temperance advocate. He is a member of the Masonic order, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ANDREW HENDERSON was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Dec. 25, 1817, and was reared a farmer. In February, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary Steward, a native of Ireland, by which union five children were born — Charles, Mary, Anna, Margaret and Robert A.. Mr. Hen- derson emigrated to America with his family in 1842, and located in Philadelphia, where he followed laboring, and afterward had a dairy with from fourteen to sixteen cows, the piilk being delivered by him on foot for six years. In 1854, having $1,200 capital, he came to this township, the first year renting land of James Luther, and the following year pur- chasing 143J acres of his present home. He tilled and improved the new soil, and now has a good home, with modern furnishing and improve- ments, which at this time comprises over 200 acres. On October 27, 1864, Mrs. Henderson died, aged forty-eight years, and Mr. Henderson, on January 28, 1866, married Mrs. Eliza Livingston, daughter of Samuel and Jane A. Livingston, both natives of Ireland. To this union were born three children — Joseph S., Moses H. and William J. Mrs. Hen- derson has one child living by her previous marriage — Mary J. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston came to this county in 1848, where they resided until their deaths, at ninety -seven and eighty-four years respectively. THOMAS HUGHES was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, Au- gust 6, 1836, and is a son of Barnet and Sarah (Walton) Hughes, both natives of Pennsylvania. His mother dying when he was two years old, he was sent to Greene County, Penn., where he lived with relatives until his tenth year, when he returned to his native home, and remained until July, 1865, when he removed to this township, and located where he now resides. In youth, he acquired a fair education, and was taught farming. EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 745 On his arrival in this county, he began to raise sheep, having, at one time, 1,800 head, which he herded on the prairie, but had to pen at night to protect them from wolves. He lost about $^,000 by footrot among them, and abandoned the business. Three years later, he began the rearing of sheep again, and has now 800 head. He also takes pride in ■other stock — horses, cattle and hogs. On January 9, 1860, he was mar- ried to Rachel Straw, born in Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1838, daughter of Joel and Mary (Swazey) Straw, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York. To this union were born ten children, seven of whom are living — Mary L., Sarah A., Amanda, Lillian, Annetta, Eliza- beth and Joel E. Mr. Hughes is an energetic, public-spirited and liberal citizen. He purchased his land at $25 per acre, and it is now valued at $45 per acre. He is worth probably $50,000. He is a stanch Repub- lican. Mr. Hughes has now a car load of the heaviest sheep ever shipped from this county, averaging 185 pounds. He is now the leading cattle- raiser in Northern Indiana. He has seventy-five head of thoroughbred, Short-Horn Durham cattle, and is raising Clydesdale horses. C. A. McGILL was born in Crawford County, Penn., June 20, 1830, and is one of seven children born to Robert- and Susan P. McGrill, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of New York. In 1844, Robert McGill removed to La Porte County, Ind., thence to Southeast Grove, in this township, where he rented land for one year, and in 1846 removed to Indiantown, and purchased 120 acres of school land. In 1853, he started for Oregon, by overland, in search of wealth, where he spent five years in mining and farming. In 1858, he returned and assisted in improving his home, which, in 1865, he sold to his son, C. A. McGill, and removed with his wife to Hebron, where they resided until they died — he in 1877, aged seventy-five years, and she in 1871, aged sixty-nine years. C. A. McGill received a fair education at the log schoolhouses, and was reared a farmer. He had only an ox team for many years, and assisted his father until his departure for Oregon, when he had charge of the farm. His first purchase was a yoke of oxen, with which he labored until he had seven yoke, and broke new land for himself and others. With small beginnings and continued industry, Mr. McGill has acquired 236 acres of well-improved land, with commodious buildings and other improvements. In 1863, he married Miss Mary F. Brownell, born in Schoharie County, N. Y., in 1841, daughter of Alvah and Margaret Brownell, natives of New York and England, who came hither in 1841, locating at Crown Point, the father dying in 1871, the mother in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. McGill are parents of three children— Maggie, James H. and Charles A. In 1878, Mr. McGill began the dairy business, milking from twenty to twenty-four cows, and churning by steam. He later gave 746 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his attention to cheese, but is now making butter, averaging 100 pounds per week. Mr. McGill-is a stanch Republican. He and wife are mem- bers of the U. P. Church. JAMES Mcknight was bom in Philadelphia, November 29, 1839, and is the eldest son of David and Catherine McKnight. When seven years old, his father came to this county, where, from many circum- stances, James McKnight received a very limited education ; he followed breaking the soil when a young man, usually accomplishing from three to four acres per day, and has broken five, with a 28-inch plow and with six or seven yoke of oxen. From the age of twenty until August, 1862, he did any kind of farm work, at which time he enlisted in Com- pany E, Ninth Indiana Volunteers." During his long service, he partic- ipated in many battles in the Army of the Tennessee — Stone River, Mission Ridge, Ohickamauga, and at Lookout Mountain he fought above the clouds, in all, about sixty-eight engagements. While on a scout with nine others, they took six times their number prisoners. After an honor- able discharge, in June, 1865, he returned, purchased eighty acres and engaged in farming, living in a cabin of round logs ; he has added to his land until he now numbers 182 acres, with good frame building and many improvements, and has from fourteen to nineteen cows, averaging $1 per week per head, while his farm yields him $1,000 to $1,200 per year. On October 31, 1865, he married Isabella Stewart, of Porter County, Ind., born in Tyrone County, Ireland, in 1840, daughter of William and Nancy Stewart, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1847, and from Ohio to Porter County in 1851, where Mr. Stewart died April 16, 1882, aged seventy-three ; his widow survives, aged sixty-six. Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are parents of nine children, seven of whom are living — Sallie B., Maggie J., David E., William C, Lizzie, James and Nancy M. Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. ROBERT Mcknight was bom near Philadelphia, May 4, 1842, and is the third son of David McKnight. Robert assisted his father on the farm and, with two brothers, managed two prairie-breaking teams for a number of years ; he remained at home until in January, 1863, when he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; having joined an old company, he went to the front, and for the first few months was in an engagement every day — some hard-fought battles, as Mission Ridge, Franklin, Perryville and Atlanta; he was honorably discharged in September, 1865. On returning, he engaged in farming on the old farm until 1871, when he moved to Jackson County, Kan., where he purchased 160 acres, but, after a sojourn of two years, he sold and returned to this township, stopping in Missouri on the way. Once EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 74T here, he purchased 160 acres of his present home, which is now well improved. In March, 1873, he was married to Miss Millie Sciles, a native of Kansas, born in 1850 and daughter of Henry and Jane Sciles, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are parents of five children — Mattie J., Maggie M., David H., Mary C. and Robert W. Mr. McKnight cast his first vote for Gen. Grant ; he and wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. OSBORN M. MORRIS was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Octo- ber 23, 1828, and is a son of Absalom and Elizabeth Morris, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of New Jersey. They were married in Trumbull County, Ohio, and had six children. In 1834, they removed to Porter County, Ind., where they entered land three miles south of Hebron, Mr. Morris being the second white settler in what is known as Boone Township ; his claim was covered with scattered timber and his nearest neighbor was one mile ; here he toiled and improved his farm of 760 acres, after which he sold, said land and moved to Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he became an extensive land owner and died in 1880, aged eighty-two years. Osborn M. Morris obtained but a limited education in the new country, and was reared a farmer, his youthful companions having been mainly Indians, and he was taught industry and economy, by which he has profited. When twenty-four years old, he began life for himself, his first venture being the purchase of some young cattle, which he allowed to graze on the prairie, working at his trade of stone-mason and plasterer, which, together with farming, he followed until 1880. After a sojourn of seven months in Iowa, he returned to this township, where he has since resided. In 1875, he purchased his present farm of 225 acres, having sold his former purchase in this township. On this land is a good frame house, a wind-engine and. other improvementg. In 1854, he was married to Miss Lydia Pratt. To this union were born four children — Alice, Owen, Martha and Bertie (deceased). Mrs. Morris died in March, 1877, and he was married to Mrs. Lizzie (Parr) Curry, of Cedar County, Iowa, daughter of William and Ruhama Parr, both of Ohio, early settlers of said county. Mr. Morris has 128 stands of bees, some of them making seventy -five pounds of honey in a season. He is an active Republican. JOHN NBTHERY was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, October 18, 1840, and is one of the ten children born to Robert and Fannie (Hunter) Nethery, who were of Scotch extraction;, he was reared a farmer, and in 1862 was married to Miss Eliza Turner, also a native of Tyrone and born February 14, 1845. To this union have been born four children— Fannie (in Ireland), Thomas E., Mary J. and John C. 748 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; In June, 1865, Mr. N. brought his family to this county, and the March following he left for California, leaving his family here. For three years, he worked in the silver mines of Nevada, at $4.50 per day, and in 1869 sent home his savings, with which Mrs. Nethery purchased the present home of 120 acres for $3,600 cash. The poorly improved farm is now well fenced, contains commodious frame buildings, wind engine, etc., and Mr. N. has added forty acres to the original purchase and is now worth, $11,000, clear of all incumbrances. Mr. and Mrs. Nethery are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Hebron. Mrs. Nethery is the daughter of Christopher and Jane Turner, who are natives of Ire- land, of Scotch extraction, and parents of eight children. Mr. Turner died in 1862, and in 1865 Mrs. Turner came with her family to America and here died in 1880, aged eighty-four years. One son is now in Cali- fornia and the rest of the family reside in this township. MICHAEL PBARCB (deceased) was born in Ohio in February, 1808, and was reared a farmer. On November 19, 1810, he was married to Margaret J. Dinwiddie, while living in.Porter County. To this union were born eleven children, seven of whom are living — John, Harriet, Nancy A., M. Genet, Susie, Seth L. and Thomas. Mr. Pearce removed to this township in 1839, and located on the land on which his family now lives ; having entered his land, he erected a log cabin and raised a crop of corn ; he became a permanent settler, and in 1840 his family joined him. Their privations were many. Their products were hauled to Chicago or Michigan City, and their grain ground at La Porte, forty-four miles away. Mr. Pearce was successful, his land aggregating 660 acres, the greater portion of which he assisted in improving ; he was an excellent man and valued citizen, having served as Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace with satisfaction ; he died April 4, 1861, aged fifty-three. Mrs. Pearce is yet living on the homestead farm, now managed by the youngest sons ; she is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Pearce, at an early day, sowed the apple seeds from which many of the first orchards sprang. He remarked, " that if his neighbors were too poor to buy trees, he would give each one trees, that all might have fruit." JOHN PEARCE was born in Eagle Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., January 11, 1842, and is a son of Michael and Margaret J. Pearce. On September 9, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth B. Foster, a native of Susquehanna County, Penn., born August 29, 1889. To this union were born two children — Florence and Jay. John Pearce, being the eldest son, at the death of his father was called to take charge of the home farm, and when twenty-two years of age, received a renter's share ; his portion as an heir, was sixty-two acres, which he has improved by fencing, good, commodious buildings and the like, and also added thereto EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 749 until his farm embraces 145 acres. His main productions are hows and corn, and recently he has been growing thoroughbred Poland- China hogs, and has been the means of greatly improving such stock in his vicinity. Mr. Pearce is an energetic business man, and one of the rising farmers of his locality ; he is a member of the Masonic Brotherhood, and an active supporter of temperance. Mrs. Pearce is a member of the Bap- tist Church. HIRAM POST, retired farmer, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., September 12, 1796, and was married, October 10, 1818, to Miss Hannah Josslin, who was born in the same county November 8, 1800. To this union were born ten children, of whom three sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. Post lived in Pennsyluania until 1850, when he came to this township and entered a claim of forty acres. Mr, and Mrs. Post are probably the oldest couple living in the county, and although became here with but $7 in cash and a small amount of household furniture, he has, by hard work and economy, placed himself and family beyond the reach of want. • PETER RICH was born in New Jersey in 1823, and is one of the eight children of Henry and Elizabeth Rich, natives of New Jersey ; his father removed to Steuben County, N. Y., where he made a good home and remained ten years, after which he removed to Illinois, where he re- sided a number of years, and afterward lived with his son, Peter, until his death, at the age of seventy-two years. In 1847, Peter Rich married Miss Sarah Baker, of New York, to which union were born four children — Mary I., Caroline, Corilla D. and William P. Soon after his mar- riage, he moved on forty acres of his first purchase in Illinois, where he remained two years. In October, 1849, he moved to this township and rented land for four years, when he purchased eighty acres, partly im- proved, making a part of his present home, which placed him $600 in debt. After many privations and struggles, he now has a good home, comprising 187 acres, besides village property and a donation to his son of forty acres, and is worth $15,000, all gained by his energy and perse- verance. He is a Republican, and a leader in all home advancements. Mrs. Rich died November 16, 1880, aged fifty-two years. TIMOTHY SERJEANT was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1828, and is a son of David H. and Mary Serjeant, who came to this county in December, 1837, with three children — Ellis, Sampson and Timothy ; having met with a failure at home, they were without means on coming hither. They located at La Porte in 1835, where Mr. Ser- jeant worked land on shares two years ; he then pre-empted a quarter section of land in Section 28 of this township ; he found his claim covered -with timber, of which, previous to moving thereon, he had cleared two 750 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and a half acres, sowed buckwheat and erected a log cabin ; this wheat was hauled to Chicago— fifty-five miles— for 3 shillings per bushel, and dressed pork 1| cents per pound, one-half of which was store pay. Mr. Serjeant was present at the organization of the county and his township, (Eagle Creek). Mr. and Mrs. Serjeant acquired a comfortable home and died, he in 1843 and she in 1846. Timothy Serjeant came with his parents to this county, where he has since made his home. In 1867, he was married to Mrs. Lucinda V. (Berdine) Flint, by which union they had four children — Mary C, Ellis, Cora and Ora (twins). Mrs. Ser- jeant had one child by her former marriage, Emmet E. Mr. Serjeant was early taught the use of the ax and grubber, and has since worked on the farm he now owns, it being one of the pleasantest locations in the township ; he now owns 240 acres of well-improved land, with good, com- modious buildings ; he is now Township Trustee, and has been Township Assessor and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Serjeant is an active Repub- lican politician ; he well remembers many a romp with the Indians, as many as fifteen staying in his cabin overnight. Mr. Serjeant is a mem- ber of the Grange, and Mrs. Serjeant is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ORLANDO V. SERVIS was born in Lake County, Ind., September 12, 1843, and is the son of Orlando and Elizabeth Servis, both natives of New York. Mr. Servis was one of the first settlers of this township, and entered land on which was an abundance of timber, where he labored and improved a good farm of 160 acres ; he was the leading light of his church circle and the leading man in all measures of advancement ; he was at the organization of the township and its servant as Township Trustee and the like. In 1872, he removed to Hebron, where he still lives, aged seventy-four years. Orlando V. Servis attended school and assisted his father until 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was under Gen. Sherman from Pitts- burg Landing to Pine Mountain, Ga., where he was wounded in the left thigh ; he was sent to the hospital at Nashville, where he had ery- sipelas, and after a severe time joined his company at Pulaski, Tenn., after four months' absence. In 1863, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and was honorably discharged in 1865, after many chances in battle. On return- ing home, he resumed farming on rented land, and in 1867 or 1868 pur- chased 120 acres, which he improved. This he sold, and located in this township, where he now has 200 acres well improved. In 1870, he mar- ried Nancy A. Pearce, of Lake County, Ind., by which union was born one daughter — May Bell. Mr. Servis is a stanch Republican and tem- perance supporter. Mrs. Servis is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 751 CHARLES SIMPSON was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, in 1837, and is a son of William and Jane (Semple) Simpson ; he came to America when nineteen years old, locating near Hickory Point, Winfield Township, where he resided until he removed to Section 33, in same township. On March 23, 1864, he was married to Maggie McCracken, born in New York December 18, 1838, daughter of Robert and Mary (Hawthorne) McCracken, natives of Ireland. To this union was born ■one son — Robert Charles, June 10, 1877. Soon after his marriage, he left the home farm, owning one horse and sixty acres, which he sold a few years later, and bought 100 acres on Section 18. This h"e sold in 187'1, and purchased his present home of 137 acres, which he improved with commodious buildings and by planting numerous fruit trees ; he well remembers the abundance of game and many privations, being once compelled to haul his products to Lake Station. Mr. Simpson is one of the leading farmers of his section, identifying himself with all home ad- vancement ; he is now giving attention to bee culture, owning thirty-eight stands ; he is also interested in raising Poland-China hogs and Pekin ducks ; he gave his first vote for Abraham Lincoln ; he is a Republican, and also a stanch temperance advocate ; he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM SIMPSON was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, March 27, 1842, and when thirteen years old came to the United States with his parents, who located in Winfield Township, in this county, where he received- a common school education and tilled the soil, and afterward drove an ox breaking team and gave attention to farming. In 1865, he was married to Jennie McCracken, a native of Cook County, 111., born in 1844, daughter of Robert and Mary McCracken. To this union were born five children, three of whom are living— Lizzie, Maggie and Fred- erick W. In 1867, he purchased his present home of 125 acres, 100 of which are under the best cultivation, and improved by commodious build- ings. Mr. Simpson is a devoted sportsman, finding much delight in hunting wild duck and prairie chickens. By industry and economy, he has become well situated in life, and is one of the most enterprising farmers of the township ; he is a Republican home politician, also a tem- perance advocate. Mrs. Simpson is a member of the United Presbyte- rian Church. THOMAS J. TEMPLE was born in Bennington County, Vt., March 30, 1804, and attended a subscription school, obtaining a fair ed- ucation. He was reared a farmer, and in 1827 started in life for him- self, successively working on a canal, coasting vessel, as clerk, in a turn- ing factory, a woolen factory, and as a lumberman on the Green Mount- ains. He settled in New York in 1839, and the following year married 752 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Harriet Wallace, born in Vermont in 1824, by wbich union ten children were born, eight of whom are living — William, Palmer, Lyman, Thomas, Monroe, Jerome, Warren and Mary. He followed carpentering in New York until 1844, when he removed to Southeast Grove, in this county, and laid claim to the land he now owns. Previous to erecting a log cabin, lie lived in a llxl2-foot shanty. Coming here with but $62 cash, Mr. Temple experienced the need of market and milling privileges, as well as of money to pay his taxes, schooling, etc. He once sold a set of chairs to buy a cow, and no iron was used in the construction of his first wagon ; he raised corn for 10 cents per bushel ; oats, 10 and 12|- cents ; wheat, deliv- ered in Chicago, 50 cents, and hogs, dressed, $1.25 per hundredweight. In 1848, he was compelled to unload his wheat five times before he could reach Chicago. He now owns 357 acres, most of which is well-improved, being farmed by his sons, Monroe and William. Mr. Temple had early learned the use of the gun, by which he succeeded in supplying his ta- ble with game for food, which at that time abounded on the prairie. Though now in his seventy-ninth year, he is still a good marksman. When the roads were impassable, he manufactured flour by cracking and mash- ing corn in a log hollowed out by fire. Mr. Temple cast his first vote for James Monroe in 1825, but later became a Whig, and is now a Republican. WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. E. P. AMES was born in Merrimack County, N. H., June 4, 1848, one of two children born to Samuel and Emily J. (Hubbard) Ames ; the father was born in New Hampshire, and the mother in New York. In 1856, Mr. Ames and family moved to Lake County, Ind.; purchased and moved on the farm where our subject now lives, remaining there until July, 1882, when he moved to Elkhart County. Mr. Ames has been a member of the Masonic order for forty-five years. In 1874, he was elected Representative, serving two years, and was re-elected for two years. His children were E. P. and Lizzie P. E. P. Ames was mar- ried, December 4, 1875, to Nannie R. Wason, who was born June 9, 1851, daughter of Rev. Hiram and Betsey R. Wason. To their union three children have been born — Charles W., Raymond H. and Edward E. Shortly after his marriage, he moved on the farm where he now lives. He owns 150 acres of land, well-improved with all modern conveniences. JAMES BRANNON was born in Summit County, Ohio, July 31, 1819, and is next to eldest of a family of six born to William and Lu- cinda (Loveland) Brannon, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Vermont. They were married in Trumbull County, Ohio, and WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. 753 shortly afterward moved to Summit County, where they lived the re- mainder of their days. Their family were — Jemima, James, Amos, Nan- cy, William and Emily. In the fall of 1843, James Brannon came to Lake County, Ind., and purchased land in Cedar Creek Township, of which he improved eighty acres. He sold this and purchased a quarter section in West Creek, a part of the farm on which he now lives. He was married, May 16, 1851, to Eleanor Foster, who was born in Bradford County, Penn., March 25, 1832. To their union were born five children — Lucinda C, Julia (deceased), William P., George D., Melvin A. Mr. Brannon owns 570 acres of good land, well improved ; he held the office of Township Trustee for a number of years ; he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. AMOS BRANNON was born in Summit County, Ohio, September 4, 1821 ; his parents, William and Lucinda Brannon, came to this township in 1843, Amos coming with them, and here he married, September 18, 1845, Miss Sally Taylor, who was born in Erie County, Penn., April 6, 1827. The spring following his marriage, he settled on a farm on Sec- tion 8, this township, but remained thereon only one year ; he then moved to Section 6, and the year following he purchased and moved to the farm he now occupies, and which consists of 270 acres. His children, ten in number, were born and named as follows : Mary A., William (deceased) Charles A. (deceased), Calvin (deceased), James M. (deceased), Almeda, Ida, Mimo, James W. and Lucinda A. Mr. and Mrs. Brannon are members of the Presbyterian Church, and stand very high in the estima- tion of the community in which they live. JOHN BRUCE was born in Holland February 28, 1824, and is the eldest son of John and Grada H. Bruce, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Holland. The elder Bruce, when young, took up his residence in Holland, and was there married ; he left that country in 1846, and came to Milwaukee, Wis., and thence moved to Sheboygan County, where he died ; he had fought at Waterloo, and was the father of the following- named children : John, Garrett, Delia, William, James, Berend and Henry. John Bruce attended Prof. Buck's Collegiate Insti- tute at Milwaukee two years, and subsequently the Rochester (N. Y.) University four years, taking a theological course, and was ordained a Baptist minister in 1854. January 5, 1852, he married Miss Caroline Hart. In the spring of 1865, he came to Lake County and began farm- ing. In 1876, he purchased his present farm of 165 acres. October 2, 1871, Mrs. Bruce died, and June 22, 1872, our subject married Mrs. Charlotte Himebaugh,'a daughter of Elkanah Phelps, and born in Penn- sylvania in 1829. His children are six in number— Charles, William, Nellie, Jennie, Effie and Annie. Mrs. Bruce is the mother of one son- Charley — by her former husband. 754 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: C. A. BURHANS was born in La Porte County, Ind., December 25, 1847, and is the eldest of the seven children of Peter and Martha H. (Andrews) Burhans, of Crown Point. The father was born in Ulster County, N. Y., December 28, 1821, and the mother in Wayne County, Ind., December 31, 1824. They were married in La Porte County in March, 1847, and there lived until 1853, when they came to this town- ship and bought and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject. In the spring of 1881, they retired from active life, and took up their residence at Crown Point. Their children were born and named in the following order: Charles A., Alexander B., James A. (an infant son deceased), Millard (deceased), Edith J. and Sarah I. Charles A. Bur- hans was married May 7, 1881, to Maria L. Wason, who was born in Switzerland County, Ind., December 18, 1853; her parents. Rev. Hiram and Betsey R. Wason, are now residents of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Burhans are parents of one child, Mary C. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and he is a Mason. REUBEN CHAPMAN was born in Middlesex County, Conn., July 24, 1810, and was one of a family of four children born to Oren and Penelope Chapman, who were also natives of Connecticut, where they were married aud remained until their death. Their family were named Reuben, Julia, Samuel and Robert, our subject being the eldest. Reuben remained at home until he was twenty-one, and the following fall went to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the next year to Cook County^ 111., and thence to Kankakee County, near the town now called Momence, where he assisted in building the first mill. In 1834, he came to Lake County, Ind., where he has remained since ; he was married in June, 1837, to Mrs. Matilda Bailey, who was born in Virginia September 25, 1812, a daughter of Josiah Brant. They have one son, Oren. Shortly after his marriage, he purchased and moved on a farm in West Creek Township, Section 7, and after about two years he sold it and purchased and moved on the farm where he now lives, in Section 12. AMASA EDGERTON was born in Brie County, Penn., August 16, 18^5, and is one of a family of eight children born to Horace and Betsey Edgerton, who were natives of New York, where they were married. In an early day, they removed to Erie County, Penn., remaining until the year 1835, then removing to La Porte County, Ind., where Mrs. Edger- ton died shortly afterward. In 1836, he and family moved to Lake County, settling near Cedar Lake, where he remained until his death. Shortly after they arrived in Lake County, Amasa Edgerton went to live with a man named Horace Wood, remaining with him about five years; he then lived with his father until his marriage, which took place on October 3, 1852, his wife being Miss Dorothy M., daughter of James WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. 755 and Almira Palmer. She was born in St. Joseph County, Ind., March 7, 1835. In 1854, Mr. Bdgerton moved to the farm on which he now lives, which he had purchased previously, and has since remained; he owns 100 acres of land. They have had three children— an infant son (deceased), William A. and Palmer C. VOLNBY FOSTER was born in Lake County, Ind., and on the same farm on which he now lives, October 10, 1850 ; he is a son of George L. and Lucy J. (Hathaway) Foster ; the father was born in Brad- ford County, Penn., April, 1820, and the mother in Cayuga County, N. Y., April, 1828. In 1836, George Foster came to Lake County, Ind., and at the land sales purchased the farm upon which our subject now lives, remaining until 1870, when he moved to Montgomery County, Kan., where they remained until death ; he died May, 1877, and she November, 1876. Mr. Foster was a very fine man ; he held the office of County Commissioner for a number of years during the war ; his family, consisting of nine children, are all living and named as follows : Edwin, Volney, Edson, Albert, Eliza, Emeline, Martha, Marilla and Julia. In 1874, Volney Foster went to Colorado, where he engaged in mining about two years, and after being in Kansas and a number of States, he returned to Lake County, Ind., and was married September 11, 1879, to Flonnie Harress, who was born in St. Joseph County, Ind., January 8, 1856. Shortly after his marriage, he moved on the old homestead, con- sisting of sixty-eight acres, which he now owns. He has a family of two children — Gertrude and Katie. ABIEL F. GERRISH was born in Merrimack County, N. H., March 7, 1806, and is one of a family of seven children born to Henry and Mary (Foster) Gerrish, who were also natives of New Hampshire, the former born August 14, 1744, and the latter October 1, 1744. They were there married June 6, 1796, and there spent their days, he dying September 11, 1862, followed by his wife September 23, 1869. They were the parents of seven children — Susanna, infant daughter (deceased), Jacob, Lucy, Abiel F., Mary and Elizabeth. Our subject is the only one of the family now living. He was married, in Merrimack County, N. H., February 18, 1830, to Eliza Dodge, who was born in New Hampshire January 12, 1806, daughter of Paul and Jane Dodge. In the spring of 1856, he moved to Lake County, Ind., settling in West Creek Township, on the farm where he now lives ; he owns 577 acres of land ; his wife died September 19, 1881. They had a family of six children — Maria, Martha (decased), Mary, James L., Paul P. and Ann E. Mr. Gerrish is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; he has held the office of Town- ship Trustee for a, number of years. 756 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: BETHUEL HATHAWAY was born in Seneca County, N. Y., February 27, 1815, and is one of a family of twelve children born to Peter D. and Rebecca Hathaway, natives of New Jersey, and born March 17, 1782, and May 23, 1788, respectively. They were married in New Jersey, and in an early day removed to New York, and thence in 1838 to La Porte County, Ind., remaining only about one year. They then moved to Lake County, where they remained until death. She died in 1854, and he in 1862. Their family were named as follows : James P., Silas D., Abram, Bethuel, Sarah B., Temperance R., Lewis A., Peter, George B., Elizabeth, Harriet and Asher, who are all dead except Abram and our subject. In August, 1835, Bethuel Hathaway started out in life for himself; he came from Ohio to Elkhart County, Ind., on foot, and on arriving there had five shillings left ; he hired out on a farm, re- maining until the following January ; he then went to La Porte County, where he remained about two years, and from thence to Lake County, and as soon as the land was in market, purchased a farm joining the one where he now lives. Shortly afterward, he went to what is now Kanka- kee County, 111., purchased land, and was married, December 81, 1855, to Mrs. Lucinda Cleaver, widow of Walter Cleaver, and daughter of Nehemiah and Harriet Hay den. She was born in Pennsylvania March 13, 1825. Shortly after his marriage he removed on his farm, remain- ing until 1864, when he moved to Lake County, on the farm which he had previously purchased, and after about five years he purchased and moved on the farm where he now lives ; he at present owns 374 acres of fine land well improved ; he has a family of three children — Mahlon, Henry and Jane. Mrs. Hathaway also has a family of three sons by Mr. Cleaver — David, Daniel and Walter. Mr. Hathaway and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are respected by all who know them. WILLIAM N. HAYDEN was born in West Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., May 24, 1855, one of the fourteen children born to Nehe- miah Hayden, the old pioneer of Lake County. His mother died when he was two weeks old, succeeded by his father in about two years ; he was then taken by his brother, Lewis, with whom he remained until he was past twenty-one years old ; he was married, August 21, 1876, to Maria J. Edmonds, who was also born in West Creek Township March 13, 1855, a daughter of Melvin and Sarah Edmonds. They have one son — Jodie N. In 1878, he bought and moved on the farm where he now lives. He owns eighty-five acres of land. J. A. LITTLE was born in Merrimack County, N. H., May 24. 1830 and is one of a family of three children born to Thomas and Myra A. (Ames) Little, who were also natives of New Hampshire. The former WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP. .757 was a son of Jesse Little, who was born at Hampstead, N. H., July 30, 1767, and went with his parents in 1774, to Boscawen Township, Mer- rimack Co., N. H., where he remained till his death; his family were seven in number, among whom were five sons — Jacob, John, Henry, Thomas and Leavitt C. Thomas, the father of our subject, was born in Boscawen Township, N. H., January 2, 1802, where he was married June 2, 1829, to Myra Ames, who was born January 4, 1804, and re- mained until 1855, when he and family moved to Lake County, Ind., purchased the farm where our subject now lives, and remained until his death, which occurred August 19, 1877 ; his wife died June 17, 1869. Their family were named as follows : Joseph A., Sjirah H., Lucy J. J. A. Little was married, November 1, 1859, to Mary Gerrish, born in Merrimack County, N. H., August 22, 1834, daughter of Abiel and Eliza (Dodge) Gerrish. Shortly after his marriage, he moved to Iroquois County, 111., where he purchased land and remained until 1862, when he returned to Lake County, Ind., where he has remained since ; he owns 680 acres of land. They have had seven children — Lewis G., infani daughter (deceased), James H., Ellen, Jesse, Myra A. and Mary E. JOHN J. LUCADO was born in Campbell County, Va., March 31, 1825, one of a family of eleven children, born to Edwin and Lucy F. (Fretwell) Lucado, who were natives of Virginia. The former was bom in the year 1789, and was a son of Isaac Lucado, who was a native of France, and crossed the ocean on the same boat with La Fayette, landing in Virginia, where he remained until his death ; he served all through the Revolutionary war ; he was a minister of the Baptist Church ; the last sermon he preached was a funeral sermon, he being then ninety-six years of age. He was blessed with six children, five of whom were sons — Peter, Noah, Edwin, William and Berry. The father of the subject of our sketch married in Campbell County, Va., in the year 1812, a Miss Lucy Fretwell, who was born in the same county in the year 1796, daughter of Thomas Fretwell, who was a native of Scotland, and moved to Virginia one year after the breaking-out of the Revolutionary war, in which he served until the close. His family were five in number. Mr. Lucado spent his entire life in Virginia, dying in 1852, his wife surviv- ing him until 1866. John J. Lucado remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, when he was employed to oversee a plantation by a man named George Richerson, with whom he remained one year, then, in partnership with a Mr. William Oliver, rented a large farm in Halifax County, Va., and engaged in farming for several years. He was married. May 12, 1855, to Elizabeth Challer. In 1856, he moved to La Porte County, Ind., and from thence to Kankakee County, 111., and in 1871, to Lake County, Ind., where he purchased and moved on the 758 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: farm where he now lives ; his wife died September 20, 1881, and he was :again married, September 30, 1882, to Miss S. Seno Reno, who was born May 12, 1866, daughter of Lewis Reno, of Kankakee County, III. Mr. Lucado has no family ; he owns 210 acres of fine land, well improved. J. R. MAXWELL was born in Cumberland County, Penn., May 30, 1820, and was one of the eight children born to John and Maria J. Max- well, also natives of Cumberland. In 1833, they moved to Ashland County, Ohio, and there died, the parents of eight children — Johnson R., John, Matilda, David, Robert, Ellen, Mary and William. Johnson R. Maxwell remained in Ashland County with his parents until 1842, when he went to Huron County, Ohio, where he was married, Novem- ber i, 1852, to Mary Haskins, who was born in Bristol County, Mass., March 10, 1825 ; he then moved on a farm he had previously purchased, and which he cultivated until 1860, when he came to this county, where he now owns 134 acres of well-improved land, gained through his energy, economy and skill. ■ EDWIN MICHAEL was born in West Creek Township, Lake Co., Ind., September 17, 1840, the eldest of two sons born to John J. and Wealthy A. (Green) Michael ; his father was born in Albany County, N. Y., March 22, 1811; he was the only son of five children born to Jacob Michael, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and moved to Albany County, N. Y., in an early day and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1823. When quite young, our subject's' father began the carpenter's trade, which he pursued in New York until the year 1838, when he went to the southern part of Michigan, resumed his trade and was married, in 1839, to Wealthy A. Green. In the spring of 1849, he came to Lake County, made a claim and settled in West Creek Town- ship. Mr. Michael is now living with his third wife ; he owns property and is living a retired life at Coldwater, Mich. His sons are Edwin and William H. In August, 1862, Edwin Michael enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteers, serving three years ; he returned home, and on January 1, 1866, was married to Thirsa H. Dyer, who was born at Wheaton, III., February 6, 1845. Their union ,has been blessed with five children— Maggie A., Earl J., Ida L., Julia M. and Edna R. In 1876, Mr. Michael purchased and moved on the farm where he now lives. He owns 130 acres of e;ood land. WILLIAM PULVER was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., October 4, 1827 ; one of the seven children of David and Mercy (Tobias) Pulver, who were natives of New York, and who came to this county in January, 1842. They were born, respectively, May 26, 1795, and September 2, 1805 ; were married November 5, 1825, and died December 27, 1843, and October 25, 1881. Their children were named William, Henry, WEST. CREEK TOWNSHIP. 759» Mary, Eunice, John, Lodema A. and David. After his father's death, William Pulver took charge of the farm and remained at home till about twenty-five years old. March 17, 1853, he married Sarah J. Drake, a native of Seneca County, N. Y., and born in 1836. He then moved on his present farm of 260 acres, which he had previously purchased. Mrs. Pulver died September 10, 1864, and September 14, 1865, Mr. Pulver married Sarah A. Babcook, who was born in this county May 13, 1843. The children born to Mr. Pulver's first marriage were David M., Denny (deceased), Elkanah W., Rosetta (deceased), and Stephen E. (deceased) ; to his second marriage have been born Maxon I. (deceased), Jennie M., Eunice (deceased), an infant daughter (deceased), EUa M,, Mertie E., Minnie G. and an infant daughter (deceased). Mr. Pulver is a member of Lowell Lodge, No. 245, I. 0. 0. F. WILLIAM SANDERS, born in Essex County, N. Y., December 25, 1801, is the son of Theophilus and Tryphosa (Call) Sanders, natives- respectively of Massachusetts and Virginia. About 1816, they moved from Essex to Cayuga County, N. Y., and, then came to Indiana, where- they ended their days. William Sanders, the next eldest in a family of eleven children, left his parents in Cayuga County, N. Y., about the year 1818, and moved to Erie County, Ohio, where he married, January 13, 1822, Emma Harris ; purchased land and farmed until November, 1841, when he came to this township and settled on his present farm. In 1863, Mr. Sanders was owner of 1,100 acres of land, but he has deeded the greater portion of it to his children, and is now enjoying in retire- ment the fruits of his early industry and economy. November 11, 1881, the beloved companion of his early youth and later manhood was stricken> by death. July 13, 1882, he married Mrs. Abba Slocum. In 1870; Mr. Sanders was elected Justice of the Peace, and still holds the office. He built the first schoolhouse in the township, and has always been promi- , nent in public affairs. He is a member of the Christian Church, and twelve children were born to him — Ralph T. (deceased), William W. (de- ceased), Irena (deceased), Tryphosa, Henry, Royal, Nathan, Horace- (killed in the late war), Martin J., Betsey, Forlorn H. (deceased) and Sarah. S. B. SANGER was born in Ontario County, N. Y., November 31, 1833. He was the eldest of eight children born to James H. and Mar- tha Sanger, who were born and were married in New York State. Itt 1836, they came to this county and settled in Cedar Creek Township,, where, in due course of time, they departed this life. S. B. Sanger came- here with his parents, with whom he remained until past thirty-two years- of age, when he came to this township and settled on the farm on which, he yet lives. He has ninety acres of fine land, which he has constantly- improved since his residence upon it. Mr. Sanger remains unmarried- 760 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: D. H. SPINDLER is a native of Washington County, Pelln., waa born February 15, 1828, and was the eldest of the five children of John and Jane (Ewart) Spindler. The father was a native of Maryland, born in 1808, and moved with parents to Washington County, Penn., where he married, and, in 1830, moved to Knox Co., Ohio, and thence to Delaware Co., where his wife died in 1840. He married again and moved to Allen County, Ind., and there he died. D. H. Spindler was married in Dela- ware County, Ohio, November 9, 1855, to Hannah Denny, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, November 12, 1835. In the fall of 1864, he came to this county, and, in the fall of 1878, moved on his present farm, which comprises 262 acres. The children born to Mr. Spindler were Idolia S. (deceased), James M. (deceased), John H., AUie (de- ceased), Clara B., James E., Lillie (deceased) and Alva. HIRAM STORRS was born in Huron County, Ohio, May 9, 1830, one of a family of three children born to Libearse and Anna Storrs, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Ohio. They were married in Huron County, Ohio, where they remained until their deaths, his occurring in 1831. Hiram, our subject, being the youngest, was taken by his grandfather, Mr. Nathan Harris, of Erie County, Ohio, to rear. He came with him to Lake County, Ind., in 1845, where he mar- ried, January 28, 1855, Miss Lydia Taylor, who was born in La Porte County January 25, 1837, and moved on her father's farm, remaining until 1861, then went to Kankakee, 111., and from thence, in 1867, to Lake County, Ind., where he purchased and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 250 acres of land. He has a family of eight chil- dren — Mary, Calvin (deceased), Ada, Thirza, Elzina (deceased), Alice {deceased), Charles A. and Hiram B. T. A. WASON was born at Vevay, Switzerland Co., Ind., Septem- ber 23, 1845 ; he is one of three children born to Rev. Hiram and Betsy R. (Abbot) Wason, who were natives of New Hampshire. The former was born at New Boston, Hillsboro Co., N. H., December 18, 1814; he graduated in 1838, at Amherst College, and was married, October 29, 1844, to Betsy R., daughter of Timothy Abbot, who was born in New Hampshire, August 3, 1818. In 1857, Mr. Wason moved to West Creek Township, Lake Co., Ind.;- purchased and settled on the farm on which he now lives; he studied theology, and began preaching about 1848; his family was named as follows : T. A., Nannie and Maria. T. A. Wason was married, December 24, 1873, to Julia A., daughter of James Bran- non. She died July 17, 1876, leaving one child— Julia B. He was again married, April 29, 1882, to Emma S., daughter of Henry G. and Betsy Peach, born January 12, 1853. Mr. Wason owns 155 acres of land. WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 761 WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. ORSON BACON, was born in Vermont in 1823. When but eight years old, he came with his parents to St. Joseph County, Mich., where he remained until manhood; here, in 1847, he was married, to Melissa Davis, of St. Joseph County, by whom he had five sons — Albert A., Charles C, James M., Arunah and Milo J. Owing to his meager means Mr. Bacon determined to change his location; he came to this township and purchased forty acres of his present home for $400, and after many privations, by energy and prudence, he has now 108 acres well improved ; he has been active in erecting the Deer Creek Church, having contributed $100 thereto ; he has been similarly of benefit in assisting other worthy projects; he is an earnest advocate of Republican party principles, and of temperance, and a man of broad charity ; he and his wife are active members of the M. E. Church. Last autumn, he carried, by wagon, prod- uce to South Chicago, where he has three sons in the grocery business. J. P. BALDWIN was born in Essex County, N. J., February 8, 1835, one of five children born to John M. and Rhoda Baldwin, both natives of New Jersey. John M. was a farmer, and, in 1848, he came west for the purpose of securing land, and located in Crown Point, where he taught school for one year, and then purchased eighty acres and laid claim to 160 in Eagle Creek Township ; he moved on this farm, and he and family experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to a new country, drawing their produce to Chicago to market; he died in 1860, aged fifty years; his wife and family remained on the farm until 1868, when it was sold and the mother and three sons went to Carthage, Mo. In September, 1861, J. P. and his youngest brother enlisted in Company B, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Four months later, he was taken sick at Nashville, Tenn., and in two months was honorably dis- charged on account of disability ; he then took charge of the home farm, as his brother Adolphus M. had enlisted in Company I, Fifth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry. Our subject was married,. December 19, 1867, to Miss Mary McCay, born in Tyrone County, Ireland, July 31, 1841, a daughter of John and Eliza McCay, who were early settlers in this town- ship. To this union two children were born — Martha J. and John J. In 1868, Mr. Baldwin purchased ninety-seven and one-half acres of land improved with a log cabin, which has long since given place to a good frame house, making his far-m one of the finest in the township ; he is now worth about $8,000, which has been made by hard work; he is an active 762 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: politician in the Republican ranks, and he and wife are members of the U. P. Church. JOHN BLAKEMAN was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1824, and at the age of twenty-three came to America and located in Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1847. Here he worked on a farm until 1850, when he was married to Lucinda Williams, a native of New York, born in 1821 ; she died in 1862, leaving five children — Caroline, Olive, Charles, Mary and Lincoln. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Blakeman came to this county, and partly purchased 160 acres ; this he was unable to pay for at once, and had to borrow money from time to time at great disadvan- tace; but being a man of truth, he redeemed his obligations, and is now the possessor of 210 acres of well-improved land. In 1865, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged. In 1866, Mr. Blakeman was married to his second wife, Jane Miller, formerly of New York, and daughter of William Miller, who early located here. To this union three children were given, only one — Amanda W. — being among thfr living. Mr. Blakeman was once a Democrat, afterward a Republican, and is now an earnest Greenbacker. GEORGE BO YARD was born in Ireland in 1815, where he lived until 1840, when he came to America. He located first in Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade of weaver for seven years, when he started looms of his own ; so he continued until 1863. In 1850, he married Jane Finley, a native of Ireland, born in 1826. By this union they had a family of eleven children, of whom nine survive — John, William, George, Eliza, Anna, Sarah, Renwick, Jennie and Thomas. In 1863, Mr. Bovard removed with his parents to this township, and purchased. 160 acres of his present home ; his success has been flattering, since he has increased his land possessions to 300 acres, valued at $80 per acre. When he arrived in America he was in straitened circumstances, but industry triumphed, as for eleven years he rarely slept, except on Satur- day and Sunday, more than four hours at night. Mr. Bovard has been an active, and is yet an enterprising man. Both he and wife are mem- bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. ANTHONY DIDDIE was born in Dauphin County, Penn., in 1814, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth Diddie, both natives of Pennsylvania. When thirteen years of age he removed with his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, where he passed to manhood, learned the trade of a shoe- maker, and was married, in 1838, to Elizabeth SchroU, born in Penn- sylvania in 1819, and daughter of Daniel and Mary Schroll, both of Pennsylvania. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Diddie have had eight children — William H., Mary A., Amanda, Francis, Sarah E., Maria, WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 763 Levi W. and Jane A. Having but slender means, Mr. Diddie came here in 1849 to locate upon his own land, and accordingly entered 120 acres of his present farm, stopping in a log cabin two miles southward until he could erect one for himself; this was soon completed, and he commenced breaking the virgin prairie sod. Industry prospered him, and despite his loss of ten horses, he increased his domain to 130 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Diddie cast his first vote for Gen. Harri- son in 1836, but he is now a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN FISHER was born in Crawford County, Ohio, May 12, 1837, a son of John G. and Elizabeth Fisher, both natives of Ger- many. When in his twelfth year, he removed with his parents to this township, in 1849, his father locating on the farm on which our subject now lives. John Fisher received but a sparse education. He was mar- ried, October 20, 1860, to Ellen A. Andrews, born in Pennsylvania March 22, 1840, and daughter of Edwin and Catharine Andrews. To this union seven children succeeded, four of whom are living — Theodore B., Alva S., William and Jennie L. In 1860, Mr. Fisher began for himself by renting land, and afterward purchased eighty acres in Ross Township, and while improving, the same enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served one year ; he worked at farming until 1866, when he went to Valparaiso and worked at bridge carpentering for two years. At this time, he purchased a homestead of eighty acres, which is now fairly improved. Mr. Fisher was Postmaster at Winfield — which is now known as Palmer Post Office — for eight or nine years ; he is foremost in every home enterprise and a radical temperance supporter. HARVEY GIBBS, was born in Athens County, Ohio, October 14, 1842. When he was two years of age, his parents moved to Ghillicothe, Ohio, and in 1846 to this county, where his father died. After this the family moved to Cedar Creek Township, where Harvey was reared as a farmer. At the age of seventeen years, he enlisted in Com- pany H, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Valparaiso ; he was engaged at Chickamauga, Stone River, Nashville, Mission Ridge, Franklin, and was a faithful soldier. He was discharged September 28, 1865, as a veteran. On returning home he engaged in farming, and on November 5, 1868, was married to Hannah Carson, a native of Ohio, born in 1843, and a daughter of Matthew and Margaret J. Carson, both natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have four children— Addie M., Alva H., Maud and Mabel. In 1870, Mr. Gibbs purchased his present home of eighty-three acres. He is a firm Republican, having given his first vole for Abraham Lincoln. Mrs. Gibbs is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. 764 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: A. Z. GREEN was born near McCarthy, Benton Co., Ohio, Decem- ber 22, 1840, and is one of the six children of Joshua F. and Sarah (Fuller) Green, both natives of New York. The great-grandfather of our subject was driven from Ireland ; came to America, and was a Gen- eral during the Revolution. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father also exhibited great bravery in California, in 1850, by checking an Indian outbreak. A. Z. Green, partaking of the spirit of his ancestors, enlisted, in 1862, in Company A, Seventy-third Regi- ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Being discharged in July, 1865, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and was finally discharged December 9, 1865. He was in eight hard-fought battles, and while on a raid in Alabama he was thrown from his mule, receiving injuries which have permanently disabled him. On returning, he resumed farming, but in 1875 purchased a stock of goods, and began a store, in which he has done a brisk busi- ness. He came hither a poor boy, but perseverance and economy have raised him to independence. Besides his store of goods, he has now 200 acres of land, worth $3,500. In 1868, he was married to Isabella Alyea, of Porter County, daughter of Elias and Nancy (Smith) Alyea, both from New York. Mr. and Mrs. Green have three children — A. B., Ada and Are. Mr. Green is a stanch Republican, having first voted for U. S. Grant. Both he and his wife are Methodists. SILAS GREGG was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., in 1817, being the youngest son of Charles and Deborah (Corwin) Gregg, both of whom were natives of New York. Silas was reared as a farmer in a new country, and consequently received but a limited education. He moved to the West in 1837, and stopped with his brothers on the edge of this township, where he spent the first winter hunting. He remained two years, assisting in breaking the wild prairie, and conveying the products to Chicago and Michigan City. He had to go from sixteen to eighty-five miles to get milling done. He worked some time in Illinois and Wiscon- sin. On January 1, 1846, he was married to Matilda Young, born April 30, 1821. Mr. Gregg purchased 160 acres, which constitutes his present home, and which he has finely improved, being one of the finest wheat farms in this section. He gives much attention to the raising of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg have her nine children, eight of whom are living — Aurilla J., Emma E., William Y., Lydia E., Alexander, Hattie R. and S. Delbert and Charles G. Mrs. Gregg died October 25, 1868, aged forty-seven. On December 1, 1870, Mr. Gregg was married to Margaret J. Campbell. Mr. Gregg has been Justice of the Peace, and is now Township Trustee. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gregg cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison, in 1840, and is now a strong Republican. WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 765 SAMUEL LOVE was born in Ireland in 1831, and is one of the six children of William and Alice (Estler) Love. Samuel was reared a weaver, but after working a few years at the trade went to sea, and was rapidly promoted to a command. In the fall of 1852, in company with his brother James, he came to America, locating at Detroit ; was engaged as watchman on the steamer Cleveland, and was soon promoted to be sec- ond mate. In 1854, he removed to Door County, Wis., where he worked as a lumberman for seventeen years during the winters, sailing on the lakes during the summers ; he then came to this county, and located near Cedar Lake ; bought 260 acres of good land, and farmed for six years, then sold out and came to Leroy, where he is now conducting a general store and a large hay barn, besides another barn at Creston, and during 1881 he bought and shipped 25,000 tons of hay. Mr. Love was married in 1850, to Miss Ellen J. Mundell, born in 1831 in the North of Ire- land, and daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Mundell, and his union has been blessed with eight children — Elizabeth, John, William, Samuel, Mary A., James, Peter K. and Rosa. Mr. Love is an active Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. THOMAS McCAY was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, March 14, 1845, and is the only son of John and Eliza McCay, both natives of Ire- land, who emigrated to America in 1850, stopping in Philadelphia until 1855, when they came to this township. Mr. McCay first rented a farm of Mr. John Ross for two years, and then purchased forty acres of his homestead, soon after adding forty more; still later, he purchased 120 acres, a part of which was well improved. He died in 1871, aged seven- ty-one years, but his wife still lives in her seventieth year. Thomas McCay remained at home, assisting on the farm. By industry and fru- gality he secured enough to purchase the homestead, as well as other property, so that he now owns 195 acres, most of which is well-improved. His principal crops are hay, corn and oats ; he also raises horses, cattle and hogs. On October 3, 1877, he was married to Mary A. Blakeman, of this county, born March 15, 1858. This union was blessed with three children— J. Delbert, Charles and Edith M. Mr. McCay is an enterpris ing man, and will be one of the leading farmers in his section. DAVID Mcknight, retired farmer and stock-raiser, was born in the North of Ireland December 25, 1811. In 1832, he emigrated to America, almost destitute of means, and located in Philadelphia, where, on August 28, 1838, he was married to Catherine Ciscadden, a native of Ireland, born July 12, 1812, and emigrated to the United States in 1835. By this' union they had nine children, five of whom are living— James, Robert, Margaret, William and John. Alexander and David— soldiers in the late war. Company E, Ninth Regiment— are buried in Tennessee. 766 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: James and Robert also served in Company E, Ninth Regiment, and were honorably discharged. In 1840, Mr. McKnight removed to Westmore- land County, Penn., and remained two years. On coming hither, in 1847, he purchased forty acres, with small improvements ; then he entered 160 acres of canal land, and later, eighty acres more. In 1858, he lost 300 acres by a swindling patent right, having given his notes on the mort- gage of the said land. By this means he was almost reduced to his first condition ; he soon after, however, purchased 160 acres, on which he built and improved on borrowed capital. Since then, he has been very fortunate, and he is now the owner of 695 acres, and also has given to each of his children eighty acres ; his land contains one of the best or- chards in the township, embracing apples, pears, peaches and. cherries ; his receipts for butter average from $700 to $1,000 per annum, and in the various products $3,000 annually; he is an active temperance worker, and he and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. THOMAS MoLAREN, retired farmer, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., May 3, 1813, and is one of the nine children of Hugh and Jane (Harper) McLaren, both natives of Ireland. In 1841, he moved to Logan County, Ohio, where he was married to Rebecca Wylie, by which union they had nine children — Jane, Joseph W., Elizabeth A., Hugh H., John K., Mary R., David P., Ellen M., William R. L. (de- ceased), and Thomas B. Mrs. McLaren died in 1873, aged fifty-two years. On June 28, 1875, Mr. McLaren was married to Mrs. Hannah (Wylie) Quay, born 1820, in Beaver County, Penn. Mrs. McLaren had five children by her first marriage. Mr. McLaren has thirty-seven sons, sons-in-law, daughters and daughters-in-law, besides step-children. In 1853, he located at Hickory Point, on rented land ; later, he moved on the land he had located in 1851, paying $160. During the first years, he entered 853 acres, in addition to his farm of 200 acres ; in 1872, this was nearly all fenced, some of the lumber having been drawn twenty, miles. Mr. McLaren is a good citizen, the founder of the village of Le Roy, and a strong prohibitionist ; he now owns 320 acres, worth $40 per acre, and has given to each of his nine children forty acres. Gr. A. NICHOLS was born in Rhode Island in 1825, and is the son of William A. and Parmelia (Thompson) Nichols, both natives of Rhode Island. When he was five years of age, his parents removed to Athens County, Ohio ; thence to Porter County, Ind., and then into this town- ship, where they pre-empted 160 acres, on which G. A. Nichols now re- sides ; they were the first white settlers in Winfield Township. During his youth, our subject was compelled to go to mill by ox team, a distance of forty miles, and, when the roads were impassable, they ground their grain in a coffee-mill. Their nearest post oflBce was Michigan City. They WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 767 had many a wrangle with the Indians. Mr. Nichols learned the trade of « carpenter, at which he worked in Valparaiso ; afterward, in company with his brother, he engaged in the grocery business. In 1864, he en- Usted in Company E, Seventeenth Regiment Mounted Infantry ; he was ■engaged in detailed service ; he was in the trying march with Gren. Wil- son, in Alabama. When discharged, in 1865, he purdhased the home- stead farm of 111 acres ; he ran the first reaper on the prairie. Mr. Nichols gave his first vote to Gen. Taylor, but has since voted for the Republicans ; he has served his township as Justice of the Peace for six years. Mr. Nichols was married, in 1852, to Sarah Thompson, of Mar- quette County, Wis. By this union they had four children — Clara, William C, Cassius W. and Elmer E. DENNIS PALMER was born in Lorain County, Ohio, August 21, 1830, and is a son of Dennis and Olive J. Palmer, natives of Massachu- setts and Connecticut. He was reared a farmer, and attended the pio- neer school, and being of a studious disposition, made the best of what was offered him, and in 1850 commenced teaching. In 1852, he was married to Mary Wilson, of Crawford County, Ohio, born in 1832, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Wilson. By this union they became the parents of two children — Richard (a stock-dealer in Iowa) and John. In 1854, he located in Mason County, 111., engaged in stock-raising with David Wilson, but remained only six months, then removed to this town- ship, where he purchased ninety acres of land on Section 7, and made his home here for a few years, then sold and owned land on Section 20, but in 1866 purchased his present place, and has remained here since. Mr. Palmer started in the county a poor man, but by hard work, has ac- quired a farm well improved, and stocked with hogs and cattle. He turns off from his farm over 100 fat hogs each year, besides buying and shipping to some extent ; be was the founder of the village of Palmer in 1881, which consists of twenty lots (quarter acre each). In the fall of 1881, he built a commodious store building, which is filled with a good stock of general merchandise, owned by C. W. Wise. Mr. Palmer was the first to sign the right of way contract for the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad, and donated to them the right of way for over three-quarters of a mile ; he has been Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and has never had a judgment reversed by the higher court ; he and son lost about $7,- 000 during the winter of 1880-81, by having cattle frozen. Subject is now worth about $30,000. MOSES PHILLIPS was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 6, 1835, and was one of thirteen children of Reuben and Elizabeth (Hedge) Phillips, both natives of Maryland. Reuben Phillips came to Eastern Ohio when a young man, and started into a pioneer life where he now re- 768 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: sides at the age of eighty-three years ; his wife died in 1877, aged seventy-seven years. When nineteen years of age, Moses came to this township, stopped with his brother-in-law, John L. Hipsley, for a year, then located on what is now his homestead, the land having been entered by his father in 1856. On December 30, 1855, he was married to Phebe E. Young of this county, but born in Woodstock, Canada, November 6, 1836 ; she died June 8, 1882, at the age of forty-five years, leaving four children — Lovina B., Alvah M., Viola E. and Rosa D. Mr. Phillips has a fine farm with great improvements ; it embraces 240 acres ; he has made the prairie "to blossom as the rose," the land being valued at from $45 to |50 per acre. JOHN ROSS was born in the North of Ireland January 2, 1826 ; he was brought up on a farm and received a fair education. In common with many, to better his condition, he emigrated to America in 1849, lo- cating at Philadelphia, where he worked six years in making packing- boxes, whereupon, with $1,000, he removed to this township, where he purchased eighty acres, his present farm, on which he built a small frame house. In 1871, this was burned and replaced ; he has now large and commodious barns, and a wind engine for furnishing water to his large herd of cattle. In 1855, he was married to Jane Wilson, a native of Ireland, by whom he had five children — Isabella J., Robert, Anna E., John and Jacob H. (deceased). Mr. Ross has been very successful, and has amassed a fair competence for his approaching age ; his farm em- braces 487 acres, all of which has been acquired through industry and economy ; he is a greatly esteemed citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Ross are members of the United Presbyterian Church. JOHN SIMPSON was born in Ireland March 11, 1830. On Octo- ber 6, 1870, he was married to Jane McClarn, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca McClarn, and born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1842. By this union they had five sons — William J., Thomas C, George W., Clarence A. and Roy H. Mr. Simpson commenced life empty-handed ; he first farmed on rented land with ox teams ; he then took a lease on sixty-five acres for five years, of which he had the profits for breaking and fencing; during this time he purchased a portion of his present home ; he has been very successful in his efforts, having now 270 acres of excellent land, which is nearly all well improved, combining a commodious house and barn and a wind engine ; the land is partially fenced by a hedge. Mr. Simpson gave his first vote to U. S. Grant, and he is a stanch Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. JAMES SIMPSON was born in Ireland in 1846, and is the son of William and Jane Simpson, both natives of Ireland. His parents emi- WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 76» grated to America in 1845, locating in this township, where Wm. Simpson purchased eighty acres, without buildings ; they lived in a log house a number of years. Mr. Simpson was successful, and soon had 180 acres, which were well improved ; he died in 1865, aged sixty-five years. Mrs. Simpson is still living, aged seventy-five years. James Simpson was brought up a farmer, and has remained at home until now, and owns fifty-six acres of the homestead land. On March 4, 1874, he was mar- ried to Ellen Gaston, a native of Ireland, born May 11, 1852, and came to America in 1872 ; she is a daughter of John and Margaret Gaston, both natives of Ireland. To this union there have been four children — Maggie J., Mary E., James H. and Charles A. Mrs. Simpson is a member of the Presbyterian Church. H, B. WARD was born in Portage County, Ohio, March 13, 1827, and is the eldest of the seven children of Alfred and Fannie Ward. His parents were among the pioneers of Portage County, and lived in a home they redeemed from the forest, where they died — he in 1838 and she in 1845. After this event H. B. Ward took charge of the farm until he came West to improve his fortune, in 1850, and entered the land on which he has since resided, and so improved as to make him inde- pendent. During his youth Mr. Ward obtained a fair education, and had followed teaching for three years previous to coming here. He has served as Township Clerk, Assessor, Justice of the Peace and County Commissioner ; at the building of the township jail, he was chosen overseer. In 1847, he was married to Delia Doolittle, a native of Con- necticut, born August 8, 1827, a daughter of Luther and Eunice Doolit- tle. They have seven children — Fannie M., Lodema E., Ida A., Ella D., Nina J., Jennie and Willie (deceased). Mr. Ward is a strict tem- perance man, and Mrs. Ward is a member of the Christian Church. ROSS WILSON was born in Ireland December 20, 1830 ; is the son of Andrew and Isabel Wilson, both natives of Ireland. In 1849, he emigrated to America, first locating at Philadelphia, where he made packing boxes for five years ; and there, in 1854, he was married to Margaret McCay, daughter of John and Elizabeth McCay ; she also was born in Ireland February 24, 1834, coming to America in 1850. Mr. Wilson came to this county in 1854 and rented a farm for six years, after which he bought forty acres of his present homestead, and erected a frame house and began to break the soil. He now has most com- modious buildings, with an evergreen-planted lawn, making it one of the most attractive homes in the township. Mr. Wilson has been very suc- cessful, now possessing 440 acres, nearly all of which is improved, mak- ing him worth |24,000. All this he owes to his energy and enterprise, as well as good citizenship ; he is one of the leading farmers of his sec- 770 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: tion. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson made a trip to Califoania during the fall of 1880. JOSEPH WILSON was born in Ireland in 1835, and is one of the nine children of Joseph and Eliza (Ross) Wilson, also natives of Ireland. Our subject came to America in 1852, and stopped in Philadelphia for two years, working at his trade as a carpenter ; he came to this county in 1855, where he worked at his trade, and where he was married, February 12, 1856, to Jane McCay, born in Ireland April 19, 1838. By this union they had twelve children, ten of whom are living — David, John, Charles, William H., Eliza M., Joseph R., -Annie J., Maggie B., Eddie and Odessa. In 1862, Mr. Wilson purchased forty acres of wild prairie, which he sold and went to California, where he expected to remain, but soon returned and purchased 120 acres of his present home ; he first lived in a log cabin, and after- ward in a frame house 18x26 ; he has now a fine farmhouse and 200 acres of very good land. In 1880, he purchased a hay barn at Le Roy Station, of great capacity, his own crop of hay this year reaching 200 tons ; he also purchases hay in bulk, delivered at his farm. Mr. Wilson has been exceedingly successful, being worth nearly $20,000,- besides having given to his son eighty acres of fine land, valued at $3,000. Mr. Wilson has much pride in fine horses, and a large stock of hogs. JACOB WISE was born in Pennsylvania January 20, 1817, and is oi\e of the eight children of George and Charlotte (More) Wise, both na- tives of Pennsylvania. When eighteen years of age, Jacob moved with his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, where he worked at brick-making and afterward managed a yard for himself previous to coming to this township in 1849. In 1848, he entered 160 acres of his present farm, and in 1849 purchased eighty acres more in Section 17 ; he lived several years in a log cabin, but has now erected a large commodious brick, and the first in the township ; his farm is one of the best in Winfield Town- ship. On July 4, 1888, he was married to Sarah Ditie, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1843, leaving three small children — Henry W., Cornelius W. and Maria E.; his second marriage took place in De- cember, 1843, to Maria Ditie, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Ditie. By this union they had six children — James M., George M., Laura J., Amanda F., Margaret L. and Martha E. Mr. and Mrs. Wise are members of the United Brethran Church. C. W. WISE was born in Crawford County, Ohio, July 30, 1841. On September 28, 1864, he was married to Sarah Wilson, also native of Crawford County, born September 18, 1842, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Wilson. C. W. Wise was reared a farmer ; when seven years old his WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 771 father removed to this township, where he has since remained, except the period absent at war during the late struggle ; he enlisted September 1, 1861, in Company E, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; he was at Pittsburg Landing, and the second day was wounded in the right knee, an injury which crippled him for life. The ball remained in the bone for six years, when it was removed by Drs. Higgins and Cass, of this section. After his -discharge, in 1862, he took charge of a small farm, and afterward engaged in mercantile business, now having a first- class farmers' store at Palmer's Station. Mr. Wise is a stanch Repub- lican, and has served his township as Assessor for six years, and with much satisfaction. H. J. NICHOLS, " The Leading Merchant of Hebron, Porter Qo., Ind., Dealer in DHY GOODS, GliOCERIES. CLOTHIIiG -A-isrx) Boots and Shoes. Makes a Specialty of Handling Iiive Stock, Hay and Orain. K i S I MAll k Lowell, Lake Co., Ind., J DEALERS IN General Merchandise. A Specialty Made of READY-MADE CLOTHING, A Full Line of Everything usually Found in a FIRST-CLASS GENERAL STORE. '>m m JHfet'J rsf'^.j i%: 't'i 4W»J ^ :■**■* W'- .*'5. ^1^ '^■.ij»V»; jA^I m m- **Aill« k<. iw?r'' w.