COUNTIES OF ANGE»NOB H INDIANA, HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL. ILaLaUSTRATRD CHICAGO: F. A. BATTEY & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1882. PREFACE. THIS volume goes forth to our patrons the result of months of arduous, unremitting 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, nearly one year ago, a large force have been employed — both local and others — in gathering material. During this time, upward of three thousand persons have been called upon in the two counties, to contribute from their recollections, carefully preserved letters, scraps of manuscript, printed fragments, memoranda, etc. Public records and semi-official documents have been searched, the newspaper 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 public documents were almost appalling to our historians and biog- raphers, who were expected to weave therefrom with any degree of accuracy, 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 births, of settlement in the county, 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 sur- roundings would permit. Whatever may be the verdict of those who do not and will not comprehend the diflUculties to be met with, we feel assured that all just and thoughtful people will appreciate our eS"orts, and recognize the impor- tance of the undertaking and the great public benefit that has been accomplished in preserving the valuable historical matter of the county and biographies of many of its citizens, that perhaps would otherwise have passed into oblivion. To those who have given us their support and encouragement, and they are many, we acknowledge our gratitude, and can assure them that as years go by 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 en- during than marble. iMay, 1882. THE PUBLISHERS. CONTENTS. PAKT I,-HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. CHAPTER I. PAGE. Agricultural Society 20 Census Returns 24 Faunft 17 Geological Formation 14, 25 Indiana, Early 17 Lakes 13 Mastodon Remains 15 Mound-Biiilders 28 Ph>eical Features 11 Resources 16 Rivers and Creeks 12 Statistics 21 White Men, The First 11 CHAPTER II. Annual Expenditures 57 C ngressional Represenlatiou 57 County Commissiont'i-p, Firgt 32 County Officers, The First 55 Conrts, The First 33 Elections, Presidential 54 Lawyers, Early 46 Murder Trial. The First 36 Organization of County 32 Physicians. Early 47 Public Buildings 37 Senators and Re^'fesentatives 56 Valuation and Taxation 58 CHAPTER III. Churches, Early 66 Fourierism 68 Insurance, Home 80 Newspaper History 76 Post Offices e.') Preaching, The First 66 Railroads 64 Regulators and Rangers 81 Roads and Routes 62 Schools and Education 73 School Statistics 74 Secret Societies 79 CHAPTER IV. Call for Troops, First , «4 Companies and Campaigns 101 Draft, The 95 Roll of Honor 103 Soldiers, Early 83, 110 Soldiers of the Late War 84 TowuMhip Histories. CHAPTER V. Town of La Grange Ill Buildings, Progress of. 113 Business Enterprises 115,119 Oeme eries 125 Churches and Pjiators 122 Educational 120 Original Gr;*nt of Site 112 Physicians, The First 114 Plat of Town Ill Secret Societies 116 CHAPTER VL page. Bloomfield Township 126 Boundaries and Features 126 Blocmifield Village 133 Burlington Village 132 Civil Officers, First 132 Church History 133 Hill's Corners 133 Industries, Early 131 Inhabitants, The First 129 Marriage First 132 School Interests 133 CHAPTER VII. Lima Township 135 Churches and Pastors 152 Hotels, Postmasters, Physiciaiisl42 Industries 142 Indians 137 j La Gringe Bank 145 | La Grange Collegiate Inatitute.loO Land Entries 139 | Merchants of Lima 140 i Ontario Village 145 ! Pioneers 135 i Schoolhouses, etc 148 ' CHAPTER VIII. I JoiixsoN Township 155 I Churches and Pastors 170 j Creation of Township., 156 Early Settlers 155 ! Schools and Teachers 167 I Traders, Early 156 I Valentine Village 161 ' Wolcottville 162 ; Wright's Corners 161 I CHAPTER IX. j Van Buren Township 172 ! Addie Dwight Tragedy 180 Burial Grounds 177 j Business of Village 183 Churches 179 Enrly Settlers 174 Roads 174 Schools and Teachers 179 Surface Features 172 Van Buren Village 1S3 CHAPTER X. Eden TowstHii' 185 Birth, First 191 Civil Officers 189 Church Organizations 192 Haw Patch Center 195 Organization of Township 188 Physical Features 185 Physiicians, Early 191 Presidential Election 191 Regulators, The 191 School Organizations 193 Sycamore Literary Society 194 ' Settlers, First ." 185 ' Trades and Induetries 194 CHAPTER XI. page. Springfield Township 196 Church Organizations 208 First Settler 196 Gage and Langdon War 197 Harrison Campaign 202 Industries, Early 201 Mongoquinong 196,203 Organization of Township 203 Schoolhouses 207 Springfield Village 204 Settlers. Eaily 198 Trade, Eariy 196 Union Hall 209 CHAPTER XII. Clearspring Township 210 Civil Officers 214 Churches.. 219 Mills, Early 212 Organization of Township 214 Patrons of Husbandry 217 Removal of Indiins 213 Roads 218 Schools 218 Settlers, Fin.t 210 CHAPTER Xlfl. Greenfield Township 220 Birth, First 229 Churches 231 Industries, First 225 Lexington Village TZd Origin of Name 225 Schools 229 Settlers, First 222 Vistula Village 226 CHAPTER XIV. Newbuey Township 233 Amish Settlement 240 Civil Officers 239 Churches 241 Justices of the Peace 239 Lakes and Rivers ^ 233 Mill, The First 234 Organization of Township 233 Pashan Post Office 241 Schoolhouses 236 Settlers, The Early 234 Trading 236 CHAPTER XV. MiLFuUD TOWNSMII' 242 Churches and Pastors 254 Hunting Experiences 246 MilK The Eariy 2.'.2 Mud Corners Viilnge 252 Organization vf Township 245 Pioneers, The 242 Regulators, The ,248 Schools 253 South Milford Village 252 Underground Railroad 248 Tl CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVI. PiOl. Olat Township 2.55 Appalling Accident 264 Birth, The First 266 Churches 264 Destructive Fire 263 Early Schools .259, 260, 265 Justices of the Peace ...266 Mill, The First 265 Murder S64 fichoolhouses 265 Sickly Season 259 Settlers, The First 256, 2.69 Trade and Industry 263 Btosrrapblcnl Sk<>t«hes. Bloomfleld Township 293 Clay Township 425 Clearspring Township 379 I Tie*. \ Eden Township 355 I Greenfield Township 388 Johnson Township 326 LaGrani;e, Town of. 267 i Lima Township 310 1 Milford Township 408 ' Newhury Township 400 SprinRflcld Township 362 I Van Buren Township 343 . PortrnilN* ^Blackuiun, A 59 ^Bradford, Samuel P 29 yCalahan, Ami 175 (/Case, Zopher 165 ffCochran, Charl.-s 249 'Rraue, S. D 137 l/Dancer. Dr. John 107 l,4>aviB, Hezekiah 233 ; PAOi. •Pavis, Mrs. Hezekiah 237 /goodsell, Mynott 243 ^olsinger, John 127 JTJooley, Chris 215 *^opkins, Fleming 227 ^enl, Orvin 199 flCent. Mrs. Orrin 206 /Mills, Jacob 169 .SJiman, Dr. J. P 117 Ifeck, Burton 221 'Jterick, Dr. J. H 69 - '^hepards.in, Samuel 39 ' nBidener, Nicholas 181 /ptrickland. Matthew 267 /Taylor, 0. B 87 /TVildman, L. L 97 Views. 'Court House, La Grange County.... 19 • Jail, La Grange County 49 PART II. -HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. CHAPTER I. PAGE. Geology. 6 Indian Historj- 19 Indian Mounds 11 Lukes and Ponds 9 Meteorology 10 Topography ^ 9 CHAPTER II. A Child's aiystcriouB Disappearance 38 Birth, The First M Churchos, The Early M County Buildings 42 County Census 39 County Officer' 44 County Ortiauizwtion 27 County Seatfl 41 Judiciary, The 47 Judicial Execution 34 Land Entries, The Early 28 Marriage, The First 54 Members of the Bur .'. 48 Physicians, The First 53 Poor, The County 43 Post Office, The First 57 Settlement, The First 27 Stite Canal 32 SufferiDK in 1338 SI Thieves and Counterfeiters 33 Valuation and Taxes 40 CHAPTER III. Agricultural and Historical Society 62 Early Roads and Koutes. 57 Execution of M.cl>uugal 72 Journals and JournHliats 74 Newspaper, The First 74 Outlaws and Criminals 63 Railroads 6o Regulators, The 69 CHAPTER IV. Career of Regiments 107 Death of Lincuin lOG Draft Statistics 99 Fall of Sumter 89 Republican Convention of 18(34 104 Roll of Honor 110 Soldiere of Early Wars... 87 War Meetings and Speeches 89 War Statistics 115 TownNliip HlHtorlew. CHAPTER V. I CiTV OF Kendalivillk U6 I Bankb 123 I Business Development 120 i Church Organizations 130 : PAGE. Conflagi-ations 123 Election, The First 122 Incorporation 122 Oripin of Name 120 Railroad Subscription 124 Schoolhouses 129 Settlement, The First 119 CHAPTER VI, Wayne Township 134 Birth, The First 139 Cliurrhps 142 Loc Rolling and Whisky 139 Mills, The Early 140 Scarcity of Cash 141 Scbooltiouses 141 SettlciB, The First 135 CHAPTER VU. Town of Liooniek 145 Buildingand Loan AB3ociation..l48 Churcli fJrganizations 153 Destructive Fire 148 Early D'velopment 140 High School 150 Interesting Statistics 157 Revivals 156 School Buildings 148 Sons of Temperance 147 Town Plat 145 CHAPTER VIIL Perry Township 161 Bourie's Reminiscences 164 First Election 162 Rochester Village 1R3 Roll of Settlers IGl Saw-Mills, The First lt)3 Schools and churches 167 CHAPTER IX. Town of Albion 168 Business Men, The Eariy 170 Church Societies 180 Early Land Entries 168 Incorporation 176 Plat of the Town 169 Schools 177 Secret Orders 175 Table of Fires 182 Town Funding Bonds 179 CHAPTER X. Jefferson Township 183 Agricultural Features 192 Burial Grounds 193 Death, The First 193 Indian Mounds J91 PAGE. Mills and Milling 186 Pioneer Life 184 Population 191 Schools and Teachers 187 Sermons and Churches 187 Township Organization 186 Township Pioneers 183 CHAPTER XI. Orange Township 194 Brinifield Villajie 203 Church Organizitions 204 Island Park Assembly 206 Land Owners, The Early 194 Mills. The Early 196 Northport Village 197 Rome City 198 Water Power at Rome 202 CHAPTER Xn. Allen Township 208 Avilhi's First House 214 Churches. The Early 217 Deaths, The Early 211 Election, The First 211 Franciscan Convent 218 Hunting Reminiscences ...214 Incorporation of Avilla 216 Industries and Improvement8..212 Marriage, The First 211 Roll of Early Settlers 208 Schoolhouse, The First 268 Underground Railroad 216 White Settler, The First 208 CHAPTER XIII. Elkhart Township 221 Early Settlers, List of. 223 Pittsburg Village 225 Religious Development 228 Schools and Teachers 227 Settlei-s. the First 221 Springfield Village 225 Wawaka Village 226 CHAPTER XIV. Sparta Township 231 Church Organizations 241 Cromwell Village .236 j Election. First 233 Mills and Kilns 234 Pioneer Experiences 232 Roll of Settlers 231 Schools and Teachers 237 Sparta Village 235 CONTENTS. Vll CHAPTER XV. PAGE. Noble Township 242 Church Societies 253 Indians 245 Milling Enterprises 245 Nobleville City.... 251 Roll of Pioneers 243 t^chools and Teachers 252 White Settler, First 242 Wolf Lake Village 247 CHAPTER XVI. York Township 254 Augusta Village 258 Catalogue of Bettlera 255 Eleclion, First 256 Life in the Wilderness 256 Mills, First 255 Pioneers, The 254 Port Miicheli Village 262 Schools and Teachers 263 Van Buren Village 25S CHAPTER XVH. Ukekn Township ,.266 "CaualerB," The 271 Fatal Casualtj' 271 Hunting Experiences 267 Mills and Trade 272 Religious Societies 276 Schools and Tutors 273 Settlers, First 266 CHAPTER XVIII. Swan Township 277 Early Settlement 277 First Election 281 First Preaching 2S5 Hunting Exploits 278 La Otto Village 284 {' PAOE. Marriage, First 282 Schools and Teachers 286 Swan Village 283 Trade and Traffic 282 PAGE. ilapp, William M le iarnhart, John 239 /fisher, Eden H ]'.!..i!!!!!l99 /*'08ter, Jehu !.*.'.'."l84 "aerber, E, B !! 151 Jail, William J '..'...'.."... 22\ iall, Lucinda 322 ieehu, George 155 , ^00 .iinjniell, Orlando [, 65 Election, First 288 -Jtiser, Jacob 234 Fish Stories 292 fj^'s^r, William S 173 lang, Julius 75 CHAPTER XIX. Washington Township 287 Bears and Other Beasts 291 Birth, First 288 Marriage and Death, First. Religions Societies 294 Roop and Other Pioneers 287 Saw-Mill, First 291 Schools 293 Biog^rapltical {Sketches. Albion, Town of 363 Alien Township 415 Elkhart Township 437 Green Township 473 Jefferson Township 381 Kendallville, City of. 297 Ligouier, Town of. 332 Noble TowLship 457 Orange Township 399 Perry Towu-ship ^54 Sparta Township 450 Swan Township 489 Washington Township 499 Wayne Township 319 York Township 467 Portraits. jAIvord, Samuel.. lasb, James J 173 'olitchell, John 117 /Mitchell, William ."..'. 85 ARt, Abraham 249 ptt, George 276 Pancafce, John 220 yrentiss. Nelson g 'Keed, L. N .131 ^hifaly, John 327 'Slngrey, John A 189 Stanley, H. C 269 •Stewart, James C 244 ^eal, Norman 126 ^ousley, Hiram S 25 Vanderford, Joel 95 Vanderford, Mrs. Joel lul Yoiis, W. Ji 289 AValker, John 259 /Weston, Thomas B 137 , Weston, Catherine I43 /^-Volf, Jacob 159 /Zimmerman, John 224 Views. iowman, John 45 r/Court House, Noble County 4 iowman, Mrs. Mary 65 Infirmary, Noble County 279 Calbeck, Joseph 230 |,Jaii, Noble County.. 20» p- t''''Tn''\'Z^^''-'^\¥: ^^efixer, father of Charles E. Weaver, Claj Township, was born in Richland Co.. Ohio, in 182/. Mrs. Mary A. (Charles) Weaver was born in Mifflin, Ashland Co Ohio, in 1831. (Seepage 441, Part I.) PART I. HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. CHAP T ER I. BY J. n. KERICK, M. 1). Physical Features —Economic Questions — Geology — Agriculture —The County Lakes— The Drift Deposit— Bones of the Mastodon— The In- dians AND the Mound-Buildeks— The County Fair- Principal Agei- cultukal Productions- County Census of 1880. THE history of the white man in Northern Indiana opens at an Indian village at the head-waters of the Maumee River, Kekionga, now the city of Foit Wayne, about the year 1(376. The Indian tradition is that one of the mission- aries from St. Joseph, on Lake Michigan, came to Kekionga about that time. The route of this Frenchman, in all probability, was up the St. Joseph River to points where are now White Pigeon, or Three Rivers, and thence across the country to Kekionga. If he took this, his most convenient route, he passed througli the territory now embraced in La Grange County, and was, in all prob- ability, the first white man to tread its soil. The famous La Salle followed him about four years after going there, over the same route. This theory being true, a messenger of peace and good will was the first herald of American civilization to tread the soil of Northeastern Indiana. A good harbinger, truly, and as true in prophetic significance as good in character I A French fort was erected at Kekionga in 1705, and the place was occupied as a military post successively by French, English and Americans until 1819, when the settlements had so in- creased and the Indians become so peaceable that the military were moved fur- ther West. It is not improbable that during this interval of over 150 years, white men, either missionary, trader or hunter, wandered through the forests of La Grange. In the allotment of territory to the counties of the northeast, La Grange County, being on the outside, has been crowded to the Michigan line, and consequently has hardly three full tiers of Congressional Townships. The county might have been much more extensive to the north had the Indiana boundary line been so located as to include territory in the same liberal man- A 12 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. ner in which Ohio arranged its boundaries. But this was not done, and it was a hard fight to keep what there is of La Grange County, when, in 1834, Michigan demanded a "rectification of her frontier." She asked a strip ten miles wide oft' of Northern Indiana, but was ultimately satisfied by the cession to her of the Northern Peninsula, the Lake Superior Region. The south- ern and middle townships have been organized and named with the boundaries as fixed by the United States survey for Congressional Townships. But the upper tier, being cut down by the State boundary line to a width of only four miles and two-thirds, has been divided into but three townships. Beginning at the northeast, these are Greenfield, Lima and Van Buren, the first and last nine miles in length, and the second, the richest in the county, but six miles in length. The middle tier of townships follow in the usual order of description from west to east, Newbury, Clay, Bloomfield, Springfield ; and the southern tier, Milford, Johnson, Clearspring, and lastly Eden. Thus the 384 square miles of territory are divided into eleven civil town- ships. The county takes its name from the country residence of the distin- guished Frenchman so dear to Americans, La Fayette ; and of the townships, three are given personal names, three borrow a geographical title, four are named appropriately, and Eden belongs to the latter class, according to the best authorities. Let the reader suppose himself upon an elevation — which, however, is a severe task for the imagination in Northern Indiana — rather let him fancy a position in a comfortable balloon at such a height above La Grange, the center of the county, as to sweep the whole county and obtain a comprehensive view of its 256,000 "broad acres. " The surface is nearly level — for miles on the prai- ries of Lima and in Greenfield it is perfectly so. In Bloomfield, the rolling country reaches enough of an elevation at one place to receive the name of the "Knobs." In western Clay there is a beautiful mingling of lowlands and wooded hills, and away in the northwest a group of blue, white sand-ringed lakes lie among the blufl's, which sink away into the prairies of Michigan. The prairies have an attractiveness of their own, the broken land has its variety, and altogether there is a diversity and beauty in the landscape. The only considerable stream is Pigeon River, which flows through the county northwesterly, and receives most of the creeks which arise in its limits. The most important of these are Turkey Creek in Milford and Springfield, Fly Creek in the central part, and in the west Buck Creek and Shipshewana, all of them inconsiderable and threatening not to " flow ou forever." The south and southwest are drained into the Elkhart River, the main branch of which has its head-waters in Johnson Township. The Little Elkhart rises in the marshes of the west. But all these streams are tributaries of the St. Joseph, which car- ries their waters to Lake Michigan. In each township of the north another stream. Crooked Creek, runs down into the county and back again into Michi- gan ; in Van Buren Township, forming the "Island." HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 13 From this it will be seen that the county lies wholly within the St. Lawrence basin. But a tributary of the Wabash, marking the edge of the Mississippi basin, rises within three miles of the southeast corner of the county, so that it is very near the water-shed of these two great systems. The altitude of the county is on an average over nine hundred feet above the level of the ocean, and four hundred above Lake Erie. The altitude of the Grand Rapids k Indi- ana Railway is 9.59 feet at Wolcottville ; at Valentine, 973 ; La Gran^re, 927 ; Lima, 897 ; State line, 889. The altitude in the southeast is a little over 1,000 feet above the sea. In the northwest, on the low lands, the altitude is 800 feet approximately. As the highest point in the State has an altitude of only 1,233 feet, it will be seen that La Grange is " near the top." There is no higher land in Northern Indiana except the "divides " of Noble and Steuben Counties, which exceed it by but a few feet. The lakes, of which there are thirty-five, of all areas, from two or three to 500 or 600 acres, are the most attractive natural features of the county. On the prairie land of the north, there are comparatively few, but these are the finest small bodies of water in the region. We refer to Wall, Cedar, Twin and Stone Lakes, which mark the boundary lines of the three northern townships. South of these, to the west, the only lake of any importance is Shipshewana, the largest of those finding an outlet in Pigeon River. No lakes of more than forty acres lie wholly in Clay, Eden and Clearspring. Bloomfield has one grassy sheet of water. Fish Lake. Springfield has three similar bodies, and shares Grass Lake with Greenfield. A large group of lakes in Milford forma the source of Turkey Creek. A portion of Turkey Lake lies in this township. Little Turkey Lake, Pretty Lake, of some 300 acres, and Long Lake, two miles long and one-half mile broad. Lake of the Woods is the other large lake in this group. Blackmun Lake, in Milford, is the first of the large group which makes Johnson emphatically the lake township. These are, except Sloan Lake in the north, drained into the Elkhart River. Oliver Lake, with its appendage, Olen Lake, is the most considerable body of water in the county, coverino' over six hundred acres. Adams Lake has an area of about three hundred and twenty acres. Atwood Lake covers about two hundred and fifty acres, while the long, narrow stretch of water, some three miles long, called Witmer, West- ler. Third and Dallas Lakes, occupies several hundred acres. Still another small lake, Nauvoo, lies east of Wolcottville. All of these picturesque little lakes, if joined together, would only form a water area , of about seven square miles, but scattered about as they are, with beautiful natural surroundings, and filled with fish, such as bass, pickerel, perch, sunfish, catfish, and the resort of innumerable feathered game, they are of great value, and a source of much recreation. Many of the lakes, however, are becoming depopulated of their finny habitants, and every disciple of ^entle Isaac Walton sliould urge some measure to restore their former attractiveness in this respect. The lakes are mainly found in the higher lands and not sur- 14 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. rounded with marshy land to a great extent. But a much greater area is occu- pied with swamps and marshes. In the western townships, Van Buren, New- bury, Eden, Clay and Clearspring, are found most of the wet lands. The most extensive of these huge deposits of muck and decaying vegetable matter, are Hobbs' Marsh and Big Marsh, a chain of bogs, swamp, little lakes and rivu- lets, extending through Clay and Van Buren, and lying between the rolling country south and the level lands to the north. But the largest marshes are in south Newbury and Eden, along the branches of the Little Elkhart. One of these is drained by a large ditch some three miles in length. Scores of miles of ditches have been cut, under the State laws, during the last few years, and large tracts of land, seemingly iireclaimable, have been brought under the yoke — of oxen and the plow. Another decade will witness still greater improvements in this respect. A more pleasing feature of the landscape are the prairies. Of these, Greenfield rejoices in two, covering about twelve sections — English Prairie in the center, and to the northwest of Lexington, Pretty Prairie. On the opposite side of Cedar Lake and its outlet, and extending to Lima, lies the beautiful Mongoquinong Prairie. The name untranslated is more romantic than the English rendering, which is said to be " Big Squaw." In the southern part of Springfield lies Brushy Prairie, embracing about three sections. In the southwest corner of Clearspring, and the southeast of Eden, is a tract of .land of some four thousand acres, known as the Haw Patch. This, when first settled by the white man, was sparsely covered by oak, hickory and hawthorn, and presenting a most enticing prospect to the pioneer. It is still a beautiful country, and its farms have, for years, commanded the highest prices for lands at a like distance from shipping-points. La Grange County is situated upon the great glacial drift, which covers to the depth of 100 feet or more the rocks of the Silurian period.. They were formed at a very remote period in the earth's history, when the lake region was one vast inland gulf These rocks are a kind of gray limestone, and are often more than a thousand feet in thickness. They are almost wholly composed of the remains of the lower forms of marine life, such as radiates, mollusks and articulates. But it is only in the southern counties of this region that these Silurian rocks ai-e found at the surface. As to the cause of this overlving de- posit of sand, clay and gravel, the generally adopted theory is well stated by Mr. Christian Y. Roop, formerly of La Grange, in an essay upon La Grange County geology, as follows : "Nearly every part of the earth's crust has been subject to frequent changes of elevation. When the Silurian rocks were being formed by the deposition of shells, a shallow inland sea covered all this region of country, and the whole of what is now North America enjoyed an almost tropical climate. But as time rolled on, the continent gradually became more and more elevated, the climate became colder and colder, the ice fields of the North JIISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTV. 15 grew southward, as the Alpine glaciers flow, until at last the whole northern part of North America was covered with snow and ice, thousands of feet thick ; from these vast ice fields there issued with slow motion, but almost resistless power, those enormous glaciers, or rivers of ice, in whose paths mountains were reduced to pebbles, and the hardest rocks were ground to sand. As these glaciers moved southward, the increasing heat melted and diminished tliem until they finally disappeared, giving rise to numerous rivers that dashed onward to the ocean. The melting of the glaciers, of course, caused the deposit of those immense masses of rocks and earth which had been transported from the far North. These deposits form what is called the great northern drift, and their southern limit in Indiana is not far from the city of Indianapolis. South of that line, we find none of those large rounded granite bowlders such as are so plenty in this county. After long ages of glacial action, the continent began to slowly subside ; and, as the climate again grew warmer, the limit of the moving wall of ice was gradually pressed toward the North. Each returning summer the land was deluged with terrific floods, flowing from the melting glaciers. Tiiese annual floods served to still further grind and mix the enormous glacial deposits, until at last the wall of ice was pushed so far north that the water from the melting mass found shorter passage to the sea ; and all this region of country was left a gently rolling surface, much as we now find it." As the ice gradually receded to the north, and the huge lakes drained away, they left a country covered, in the low places, with beds of blue clay, and large deposits of gravel and sand. Upon this a vegetation sprang up' much like that of the present. But in the forests, and over the level plains, there roamed some animals that would now seem strangely out of place in In- diana. Not only bisons and horses, and other animals familiar to us, but huge mastodons and mammoths, who browsed from the trees and watered at the lakes and the wide, sluggish rivers. Their remains have almost entirely per- ished, except in those instances where the animals were caught in the mire. A number of teeth, however, have resisted the erosion of years, and are some- times plowed up in the fields. A few years ago, a Mr. Boyd, while ditching in Hobbs' Marsh, a few miles northwest of La Grange, discovered the well-preserved skull of a mastodon, but the other portions had disappeared. The bones were found about three feet be- neath the surface. They were washed and taken to La Grange, where they cre- ated considerable excitement. One man ofi'ered §5 for them, another offered $10, and a commercial traveler raised the amount to §75, but the owner refused to sell at any price. He exhibited them at Ligonier, La Grange, and at other places, but at last sold them for a small amount to parties at La Grange, where they are now owned. The bones are undoubtedly those of the mastodon, as the crown of the teeth have those peculiar conical projections characteristic of the animal, besides two small cavities some two inches in diameter, on the ante- 16 IIISTOIIV OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. rior portion of the inferior maxillary, for the insertion, probably, of small tusks, or teeth. Since then, the country has been in great part covered by lakes and marshes, gradually filling up with decaying vegetable matter. In some unexplained way, the prairies have been formed, with their rich, loamy soil. The oak open- ings, covering over half the county, have produced a sandy loam, while in the heavy timber, the clay predominates. This diversity in soil favors a variety in farm products. The " barrens " are well adapted to wheat; the clay lands, in addition to wheat, corn, grass and oats, and the prairies to wheat and corn. With respect to the dry lands of the different townships, Newbury, Eden, Clear- spring, Lima, Greenfield and Springfield are almost wholly prairies and oak openings ; Milford and Van Buren largely oak openings ; while Bloomfield, Clay, Newbury and Johnson had much heavy timber. In many of the marshes, large beds of marl are found. There are, of course, no stone quarries, and the only stone available as building material are the bowlders, which suffice only for foundation walls. Little clay is found in the county, and much of this is so intermixed with gravel as to be useless. A brick yard a few miles south, and one west of La Grange, have furnished most of the brick used in building in La Grange and vicinity. Of course, no ores are found in the county, of any noteworthy economic value. In several of the marshes occur considerable deposits of bog iron ore or limonite, a hydrous oxide of iron collected by decaj'ing plants from the soil and water. Such an abundance of it was found on Buck Creek that it was smelted for some years, at the " Old Forge " in Lima Ton^nship. But this mineral is not valuable, unless as the last resort. The resources of La Grange County, it will be seen, are exclusively in the rich soil. This, before the settler came, produced magnificent forests. The following list includes all the important trees, in the order of their abundance at present : Beech, white oak, burr oak, black oak, red oak, sugar maple, elm, poplar or tuliptree, white ash, blue ash, hard maple, pignut hickory, black ash, shellbark hickory, basswood, black walnut, cherry, sycamore, sassafras, white walnut, tamarack, Cottonwood, white pine, coffee-nut, red cedar and box elder. At an earlier day, however, walnut, ash and hickory stood nearer the head of the list. Other shrubs, such as hawthorn, dogwood, iron wood, papaw, plum, hazel, crab apple, shadberry, contribute by their fruit or flowers to the beauty or interest of the forests. Huckleberries and cranberries are abundant in many places, and grapes, blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, strawber- ries, are found everywhere. Of the smaller plants, representatives of nearly every family in American botany are found here, except the vegetation of rocks and mountains. Mucii valuable timber has been squandered in the county, but great destruction was inevitable in the early days, for farms had to be cleared, and there was no possible disposition of the timber except to roll it into the log heap and burn it. The forests have furnished the whole of the fuel of the HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 17 county until within a very few years, when coal is just beginning to be intro- duced. The fauna of the county is not extensive. In the earliest settlement, deer, wolves, beavers, and an infrequent bear and wildcat, were the most important wild animals, and occasionally still a bear strays into the county and raises a commotion. Squirrels of several varieties are quite numerous in the woods, and are the principal attraction to the hunter, and the fox, polecat, ground hog, rabbit, mink, muskrat, weasel, mole, mouse and gopher are more or less abund- ant. Game birds are much less numerous than formerly, and are rapidly dis- appearing. Of these, the most common were the quail, pheasant, prairie fowl, pigeon, wild turkey, geese, ducks, cranes and snipes. Owls, hawks and more ignoble birds of prey are in the usual number, and occasionally an eagle visits the forests. Reptiles are not very plentiful, except the harmless ones, although about the marshes the less venomous species of rattlesnake, the Massasauga, is slaughtered occasionally, during hay cutting, in great numbers. These poison- ous reptiles have been very numerous in the swamps, but have been productive of extremely little mortality, if any. The most valuable insect of the early days was, of course, the "busy bee," and the red man and white man vied in pursuit of its luscious product. Honey was very abundant. There is no scarcity in any branch of insect life, except that the county is little troubled with any of the pests which destroy the crops. The potato beetle is of course excepted. This interesting tramp is universal. The Indians found in the county by the white settlers were of the Potta- watomie tribe, an inoffensive, quiet people, like all true Indians, much addicted to the chase. Their worst crime was the consumption of the "fire-water" which the pale-face supplied to them, and their capacity in this respect was almost unbounded. They occupied the St. Joseph country and Kankakee Valley. One of their most important villages was Mongoquinong, now called Lima, and Ontario, from which trails led south to Fort Wayne, upon which was afterward built the "old Wayne road," north to the large Indian village once near the site of Mendon, Mich., westward to the St. Joseph Mission, and another to Haw Patch. Along these trails, and many others running through- out the county, there was continual travel by the nomadic red men in their hunting and trading expeditions. During the excitement of the Black Hawk war iu 1832, there was some fear that the Pottawatomies would join in the scrimmage, and it was even reported at one time that at a certain phase of the moon they would make an alliance with a hostile tribe. But nothing came of it. One day during this feverish time, it was told that a practical joker among the pale-faces of Union Mills, with the help of several whites and Indians, concocted a scheme that so thoroughly frightened the neighborhood that the remembrance is yet fresh in the minds of the citizens. The details may be found in the chapter on Springfield Township. In 1839, the Indians were removed westward, finally to Kansas. Coquillard was one of the agents for 18 HISTOUV OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. their removal. They submitted to the purchase of their homes very readily, as a tribe, but many of them were anxious to remain. They clung lovingly to their old St. Joseph country, and even after it was thought all were gone, a lone Pottawatomie would sometimes wander back to the old hunting grounds. The curious custom of burial prevailing among the Indians would often give rise to sensations. It would not be uncommon to find the remains of their dead tied to a tree in a thicket. One day some persons uncovering a sugar trough below Van Buren, where a White Pigeon party had been making sugar, were startled to find it had become the sepulcher of a red man. The most notable chiefs before the white men came were White Pigeon, whom one of the oldest settlers, John Kromer, remembered meeting, and who is buried at a well known spot near the town which bears his name ; and Shipshewana, who sleeps on the north shore of the lake which commemorates him, some say, although it is claimed by others that his grave was some distance east of the lake. This country is, as must already have occurred to the reader, admirably adapted to agricultural pursuits. This adaption was early recognized, and a commendable disposition and effort manifested to make the best use of it. Another fact was also appreciated, and that is, that agricultural development of a community was not best promoted by every tiller of the soil's digging away, week after week, and year after year, many planting, reaping and gar- nering away, regardless of all around, or of any improvements that might be suggested by others, or with indifference to social advancement of society. The illiterate idea that not brains, but brute force only, is needed for good farming, was discarded, and an effort made to advance the true and nobler ideal ; that agricultural pursuits should, of all others, be the master agencies of civilization; that ihey should challenge the attention of the best and wisest; that instead of allowing the towns and cities to attract away the aspiring youth, the farm home should have that intelligence, refinement and honor; that young men should see in it more facilities for culture and distinction, than in the bustle, turmoil and pit-falls of city life. To secure this, it was seen that farm- ers must aspire to excellence in cultivation, produce the best the soil can be compelled to bring forth, raise the best stock, have neat homes, promote social and pleasant intercourse among themselves. As the people in towns and cities co-operate in the improvements that make to the material benefit of all, so must farmers. Among the co-operate measures that have done much to honor the calling of farming, has been that of county agricultural societies, for the hold- ing of annual fairs. La Grange County was one of the earliest counties to lead off in this direction, and it is believed the most faithful and persistent in the State. No county agricultural society in the State that has so long continual existence, or held fairs without interiuption so many years, can now be recalled. The La Grange County Agricultural Society was organized October 1, 1852. The first officers were : Amos Davis, President; Andrew E. Durand, Vice President; Robert McClasky, Treasurer; C. B. Holmes, Secretary. The La Grange County Court House HISTORY OP LA GRANGE COUNTY. 21 first fair was held on the 18th day of October, 1853, for the premiums of which, we find the records show $250 were appropriated. The Presidents and Secre- taries of the society since, have been: 1853 — C. Corey, President; C. B. Holmes, Secretary. 185-1 — C. Corey, President; Mills Averill, Secretary. 1855 — C. Corey, President; Mills Averill, Secretary. (The fair this year was held at Lima, but the next year was permanently located at La Grange.) 1856-57-58— Hawley Peck, President; C. B. Holmes, Secretary. 1859— H. L. Putney, President; C. E. Holmes, Secretary. 1860-61-62 — No elections on record. 1863 — Hawley Peck, President; J. Rice, Secretary. 1864 — Jared Ford, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary. 1865 — Dr. A. Lewis, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary. 1866 — William Dorsey, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; receipts of the fair, $963.34. 1868 — Nelson Slater, President; Dr. F. P. Griffith, Secretary; receipts, $485.42. 1869— Luke Selby, elected President; George K. Poyser, acting President; Dr. F. P. Griffith, Secretary; receipts of fair, $447.92. 1870— Elisha Talmage, President; Dr. F. P. Griffith, Secretary. 1871 — C. B. Holmes, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; receipts, $883.40. 1872— C. B. Holmes, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; receipts, $1,001.50. 1873— C. B. Holmes, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; receipts, $1,370. 1874 — C. B. Holmes, President; W. T. Hissong, Secretary; receipts, $1,406.35. 1875 — C. B. Holmes, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; J. S. Drake, Treasurer; receipts, $1,292. 1876 — C. B. Holmes, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; receipts, $1,142.75. 1877— C. B. Holmes, President; Thomas Van Kirk, Secretary; receipts, $1,682.25. 1878— S. K. Ruick, President; Ira Ford, Secretary; receipts, $1,234. 1879 — S. K. Ruick, Pres- ident; Ira Ford, Secretary; receipts, $1,175.75. 1880 — John McDonald, President; John M. Preston, Secretary; receipts, $1,621.78. 1881 — John McDonald, President; J. J. Gillette, Secretary; receipts, $1,105.66. Spring fairs have been held in the spring of the last three years, but have not, with the exception of the first one, proved profitable to the society. The principal productions owned and being produced in the county for the years 1880 and 1881, and other items, as gathered by the Assessors, and reported June 1, 1881, are as follows : Acres of wheat sown in the fall of 1880 47,095 Acres of spring wheat sown in the spring of 1881 21 Acres of corn planted in 1881 24,102 Acres of oats sown in 1881 5,889 Acres of rye sown in 1881 64 Acres of buckwheat to be sown 166 Acres of Irish potatoes in 1881 741 Acres of timothy meadow in 1881 5,117 Acres of clover in 1881 22,283 Acres of blue gi'ass and other wild gras.s 9,323 Acres of plow laud not cultivated in 1881 8,516 Acres of new land brought under cultivation in 1881 1,384 22 HISTORY OP LA GIIANGE COUNTY. Number of acres of timber land fenced or unfenced in 1881 43,600 Number of steam IhreBliers owned during threshing season of 1880 40 Number of horse-power threshers owned during the season of 1880 4 Number of bushels of wheat cut and threshed in 18^0 860,418 Number of bushels of oats cut and thrcsheil in 1880 150,165 Number of bushels of rve cut and threshed in 1880 300 Number of bushels of flaxseed cut and threshed in 1880 5,673 Acres of wheat harvested in 1880 47,879 Bushels of wheat harvested in 1880 769,224 Bushels of corn gathered in 1880 21,878 Bushels of wheat gathered in 1880 764,019 Acres of oats harvested in 1880 6,022 Bushels of oats harvested in 18^0 165,826 Acres of Irish potatoes planted in 1880 581 Bushels of Irish potatoes dug in lH8u 41,778 Acres of meadow in 1880 13,054 Tons of hay cut in 1880 19,042 Acres of clover cut in 1880 8,523 Bushels of clover seed sown in 1880 4,678 Bushels of fall apples, 1880 120,860 Bushels of winter apples, 18S0 63,383 Bushels of dried apples, 1880 1,854 Bushels of pears, 1880 879 Bushels of peaches, 1880 6,861 Husliels of dried peaches, 1880 300 I'ounds of grapes, 1880 117,059 Gallons of strawberries, 1880 4,095 Gallons of currants, gooseberries ami blackberries, 188(1 5,987 Gallons of cherries, 1880 11,083 Gallons of cider, 1880 206,218 Gallons of vinegar, 188(1 8,045 Gallons of wine, 1880 462 Gallons of sorghum molasses, 1880 6,063 Gallons of maple molasses, 1880 787 Pounds of maple sugar, 1880 4,050 Gallons of milk from the cows, 1880 1,647,637 Pounds of butter sold and used by the producers, 1880 476,048 Number of horses one year old and under 686 Number of horses one to two years old 492 Number of horses two to three years old 441 Number of horses three to four years old 357 Number of horses four years old and over 4,469 Number of mules one year old and under 8 Number of mules of other ages 72 Number of cattle one year old and under 4,038 Number of cattle one to two years old 2,761 Number of cattle two to three years old 1,339 Number of cattle three years old and over 7,098 Number of fattened hogs 16,728 Average weight of fattened hogs, pounds 201 Number of fatted hogs which will be old and fat, 1881 14,248 Number of grown sheep 33,503 Number of lambs 10,030 Number of pounds of wool clipped in 1880 135,356 HISTORY OF LA GRANGK COUNTY. 23 Dozens of chickens sold and used for the last twelve months 5,727 Dozens of turkeys used and sold for the last twelve months 321 Dozens of geese sold and used for the last twelve months 103 Dozens of ducks sold and used for the las^ twelve months 263 Dozens of eggs sold and used for the last iwelve mouths 174,441 Pounds of feathers picked 706 Total number of dogs owned or kept 1,185 Number of stands of bees 1,612 Number of pounds of honey taken for the past twelve months 7,173 Number of pianos 38 Number of organs 342 Number of sewing machines 1,389 From the State Statistician's Report of 1880, we glean the following items in relation to the county : Number of church organizations 32 Number of members — male, 722; female, 1,091 1,813 Value of church structures $50,000 Amount of salaries paid ministers, one year $8,094 Number of practicing physicians 28 Number of attorneys 13 Number of ministers 29 Number of teachers in public schools 195 WAGES. Rate of wages paid for the year ending June 30, 1879, monthly and weekly rates being reduced to the equivalent per day : Bar-tenders $ 77 Brickmakers 1 50 Blacksmiths 1 87 Brick-masons 2 08 Cabinet-makers 2 00 Carpenters 1 87 Day laborers 1 00 Hotel clerks 77 Coopers 1 50 Dressmakers 75 Domestic help 34 Engineers, stationary 1 08 Farm hands 63 Livery-stable hands 69 Machinists 1 00 PUBLIC WORKS. Miles of railroad in the county 16.57 CkjsI of construction and equipment $557,416 Value for taxation, 1881 $145,335 Miles of common roads 665 Estimated cost of construction and maintenance for the last ten years $266,000 Acres of land in roadways 2,759 Estimated value of lands in roadways $44,144 Total estimated value inTested for the use of the public, as in public buildings, schoolhouses, churches, roads, bridges, and permanent school fund $1,200,000 24 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTV. REAL ESTATE OWNERS. In 1875 Land, 2.525. Lots, 360 In 1879 Land, 2,760. Lots, 350 This indicates that land-owners are increasing, rather than diminishing. THE CENSUS. The population of the county, as reported by the census returns, has been as follows : 1840 3,R61 1850 8,369 1860 11,350 1870 14,123 1880 15,639 The last census showed 8,017 males, 7,622 females. Of the males, 3,940 were of voting age, over twenty-one years. The population of the several townships, in 1880, was : 1880 1870 Van Buren 1,374 1,347 Newbury 1,392 1,159 Eden 1,111 930 Clcarspring 1,370 1,223 Clay 1,408 1,223 Lima 1,336 1,371 Greenfield 1,182 1,078 Bloomlield 2,571 2,254 Johnson 1,565 1,32"2 Milford 1,312 1,288 Springfield 1,018 928 16,639 14,123 Of those reported in 1880, 110 had passed their seventy-fifth year. The oldest reported was eighty-nine. Table showing the number of marriage licenses issued, the number of letters of administration or executorship taken out, and the number of divorces granted in the county, during the last eleven years : Mnrriage Letters of A(i- Ytar. Licenses nnniHtration alul Dirurcei. Issued. Executorsliip. 1870 130 2n 16 1871 95 23 13 1872 98 28 22 1878 124 23 10 1874 132 22 18 1875 110 25 8 1876 117 22 11 1877 113 29 8 1878 124 32 14 1879 118 19 II 1880 104 ... 18 Total 1,265 ... 149 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 25 [The following from the pen of Mr. Edward S. Edmunds, an enthusiastic student of geology, as well as of all other branches of natural science, will be read with interest. — Ed.] Glancing backward through the cycles and epicycles of the past, the evi- dences of constant and untiring change are written as with a mystic pen upon all forms of matter. So far as the human mind can penetrate with its keen acumen, its profound reasoning and its knowledge and experience of the past, unmistakable proofs of growth and development of even our own planet are to be seen upon every hand. If we trace human history downward into pre-his- toric soil, we find it replete with evidences of the rise, decline and fall of nations. From the ashes of the old, like the ancient phoenix, the new has arisen, and pass- ing toward the zenith of its power it rushed onward to the horizon of dissolu- tion, having been borne forward by the ever-flowing current of human destiny. Thus for ages these dramas of human life have been enacted. Likewise through the geologic past, the three great kingdoms of nature have been built, torn down and rebuilt in cyclic repetition. The human mind, having emerged from the dark clouds of superstition which have hung like the pall of night over the path of progression, is asserting its just and proper right — that of reason ; hence in the seed of the present lies the golden fruit of the future. " Star-eyed sci- ence " opens wide the door of knowledge and invites the thinking and un- thoughtful to explore her hidden vaults and seize the precious treasures which have lain hidden through all the cosmical ages. The human mind, being a prod- uct of the Divine mind, seeks to know the causes of this world of complex mat- ter, recognizing that all things are governed by Law. Chief among the ques" tions now agitating the depths of the thinking mind is that of world-formation. In this connection, the two sciences. Astronomy and Geology, go hand in hand ; but as the former pertains to the universe, we take the latter and will endeavor to present to the reader the revealed geology of our county. Leaving the topo- graphical portion, which has been described by Dr. Rerick, the first thing that claims our attention is the character of the soil. As many do not know how the soil has been formed, I will endeavor to explain the matter in question. Throughout the long and wonderful periods of geological history, the " forces of nature," such as heat, light, air, water, electricity, etc., have continually wrought upon the rocky portion of the earth's crust. Continents have arisen from the bosom of primitive seas, to be submerged again beneath the waters of a boiling cauldron. For we must remember that the internal fires of our planet in former times often broke through the thin film of rock, overturning the land thus far raised above the first ocean. This operation must have been repeated innumerably when, by this constant action, assisted by the destroying power of electricity and other agents, massive portions of rock were ground to powder. The different elements of nature, such as oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, etc., are powerful agencies of destruction and composition, and during the time when our county was covered with ice-fields and glaciers, this disintegration was carried 26 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. on. Thus, after years and centuries and, for aught we know, aeons of time, many places upon tlie earth's surface are covered with this powdered rock. During the more recent periods, the vegetation which has flourished for cen- turies has passed througli its cycles of growth, dropped to the earth and min- gled its substance with the powdered rock. Thus, by a constant intermingling of the humus (as it is called) with the disintegrated rock, we have the substance called soil. The chemical elements of the soil differ greatly with the locality. Here, it must be known by the reader that of all the elements entering into the structure of the everlasting rock, silica is the most abundant, composing nearly one-half of the crust. It is prevalent in almost every variety of rock, and, in its pure state, is what we term " sand." The white color, or clear appearance of the sand, is owing to the characteristics of the silica. Upon examination, under a microscope of moderate power, these particles are found to be, in many instances, of crystalline form, having numerous geometrical angles. If, on the other hand, the sand is of a dirty or yellow appearance, it is owing to the quantity of iron or other coloring matter contained. Regarding the quality of the soil, the prairies, having been covered for centuries with rank vegetation, and previously submerged by the lakes that covered that portion of the surface, are covered with what is called a "black loam" — the cause of this color being the abundance of that productive quality of the soil, ^^ humus," or vegetable mold. This, through the changes which have been wrought, has become com- pounded with the sand in small quantities, and through the agency of "sub- soiling," it has mixed somewhat with the under soil, thus rendering it highly productive. Upon what are called the " oak-openings," the soil, having a much less quantity of '■'■humus," contains a much larger percentage of sand, consequently it is of a lighter color. Hence, with fertilizers and cropping, it is quite well adapted to the cereals, as the large portion of silica it contains enters so materially into the stalk of the grain. Scattered throughout the county are quite extensive marshes, which owe their formation to rank vegeta- ble growth and submersion after a series of years, the accumulation being so great as to form, in some instances, a thick matted stratum several feet in thick- ness. In some instances, however, several strata have been formed in the same way. In Ireland, and in numerous places in this country, these formations are numerous, and are known under the familiar name of "peat bogs." In Ire- land the poorer classes cut these bogs up into scjuares and rectangles, and when dry, the peat makes good fuel. When these " peat beds " have become for a long time submerged, they form coal. In earlier geological ages, when the mastodon, dinotherium, etc., flourished, they often wandered over these marshes, and, sinking into the mire, portions of their skeletons have been preserved, where they fell a victim to indiscretion, but a monument to the geologist. La Grange County lies wholly within the Bowlder Drift, or Quaternary epoch, varying from eighty to two hundred and twelve feet in thickness, approxi- HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 27 mately. In many instances these figures are, perhaps, much modified, but by carefully examining the wells that have been sunk, and from the statements of those engaged in well-sinking, I have come to this conclusion: The clay formation is most predominant, with a little sand and clay on the top, inter- spersed with now and then a bowlder. This develops the fact that the great bulk of the recent formation is clay. Near the gravel this is often very com- pact, and is then called "hard-pan." Sometimes, in boring for water, the auger strikes a large bowlder ; in such cases, the auger must be withdrawn and another trial made in a new locality. Generally, after going through the " hard- pan," water is found in the layer of sand below. In some localities, the clay is so abundant that it has been used in the manufacture of brick, but in nearly every instance has been abandoned, as the predominance of lime rendered them inferior for building purposes. However, some brick are burned, but they are used only for rough work. In some localities, and particularly in Van Buren Township, beds of " bog-iron ore " occur, and, as these are the most extensive of any in the county, I will describe them and their formation. They lie about a mile south- west of the village of Van Bui-en, in quite a low portion of that section, and covering an area of several thousand square yards. For many years after these beds were discovered, and even after they had been worked for some time, their origin was unknown. But since science has become developed, it is no longer a mystery. The wonderful chemical laboratory of nature is the scene of these mysterious transformations. The " bog ore " of Van Buren is said to contain in its purest form 70 per cent of iron, and when smelted is remarkable for its tenacity. This, together with its large percentage of iron, has, during the earlier history of the county, caused these mines to be extensively worked. Smelting works were established in Lima Township, where for some years the "ore " was prepai-ed for the market; but after railroads were established, and more extensive mines discovered, these sank into insignificance. As history is the record of the past events of man, so is geology the his- tory of our planet ; and, as the monuments and traditions of past ages reveal to us the condition of humanity at particular periods, so do the rocky monuments — the fossils and the primitive sea-beach — disclose to the geologist the remains of former continents, upon whose shores the primitive ocean beat, and in whose waters tliere existed the animals of those epochs. Since the creation of the science of geology, these different epochs have received names which have given us a geological nomenclature, as follows : Archsean, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, etc. As ours is the " Bowlder Period," the underlying rocks which crop out not far from Indianapolis are covered to the depth of many hundred feet with the drift which came from the extreme northern regions ; and so the fossils of our county are the rocky testimonials of the existence of Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous periods of growth. Many interesting fossils have been gathered from the field, the brook, the cemetery and the hill- 28 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. side. To many of those who have them hoarded up, they are nothing more than " curious stones," but to the geologist they are land-mariis of former ages, when the conditions for existence were far different than now. Conglomerates, '' pudding-stone," geodes, trilobites, different kinds of shell-fish, animals re- sembling the lobster, craw-fish, etc., are found. Of these, however, the trilo- bite, the earlier animal of the Silurian seas, is rarely found, only a few specimens having been preserved. Of the later periods, I have found a few of the minor specimens of the Jurassic and Triassic periods.* This, by noted geologists, is regarded as very remarkable ; but, when we consider the fact that this period crops out in British Columbia as well as on the Rocky Mountains, it were easy to conceive of such fossils drifting, with those of other periods, to the southward. At some future time, when an opportunity presents itself, I intend to put on exhibition and publish an account of these remarkable fossils. [Since it has been established that Northern Indiana, including La Grange County, is rich in the remains of that mysterious people known as Mound- Builders, it seems necessary to give at this point what is known of those people in this vicinity. The reader will find in Chapter I, Part II, of this volume, a complete classification of the Mound-Builders' works. Without attempting another such classification, the antiquities of La Grange County, so far as known, will be considered. It may be premised, that, from the fact that no supposi- tional military fortifications have been discovered in either of the two counties, La Grange or Noble, the territory was in the center of a large country of Mound- Builders, and not on the border, or between two or more hostile tribes. Nothing has been found here, with one possible exception, save sepulchral, sacrificial and memorial mounds. Owing to the state of the weather, the historian has been unable (as was done in Noble County) to make a personal examination of the mounds of La Grange County. However, many of those which were opened in the past by citizens of the county, who were generally careless in their exam- inations, have been made to yield up a portion of their secrets. A number of years ago, two mounds were opened on Section 13, Milford Township. A quan- tity of crumbling human bones was taken from one of them, among them being a skull quite well preserved. Some of the teeth were almost as sound as they ever were, and the under-jaw, a massive one, was especially well preserved. In the other mound was found a layer of ashes and charcoal, extending over two or three square yards of ground. This was undoubtedly a mound where sacri- fices were offered to the deity of the Mound-Builders, and where burial rites with fire were performed. On the line between Sections 20 and 29, Springfield Township, is what miglit have been a fortification. The writer carefully exam- ined the spot which is the summit of a gradual elevation ; but, although Mr. * If it ia really the case that Mr. Edmunds has discovered in the county roclcy or fossiliferous relica of the Jurassic or Triassic periods, the discovery will certuinly be of great interest to those who have made the geology of Northern Indiana a study. As the Drift, with which these lelics were found, came from the north, it could only hate come from those places where strabi of the Jurassic or Tria-iSic periods outcropped or were suiiiciently near the sur- face to admit of being taken up, either by the glaciers, or later, by their successors — the icebergs. The 1 rift of this I'lc-ility coul i scarcely have come from British Columbia or Connecticut, or Massachusetts, or further south along the Atlaritic coast, as is proved by the glacial markings, which usually do not vary greatly from a north and south line. The relics may have been brought here by icebergs, which were wider travelers than the glaciers. Or, perhaps, the riilics do not belong to the above-named periods after all. ''^^^^i^^.^,^/^y^^^^^^^2:^ COUNTr CLERK HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 31 George Thompson indicated the position of the alleged circular embankment, only slight traces of it were visible, and these were apparently much the result of speculation. It may have been, however, as the old settlers assert. Near the center of the level space on the summit was a large mound, at least five feet in height, in 1836. This was opened about that time, and from it were taken enough bones to indicate that more than one person had been buried there. It is said that a few trinkets, such as slate ornaments or mica, were found. In the same township, about a mile northwest of this spot, is one large mound and perhaps a smaller one. These, it is said, have not been seriously disturbed. On Section 27, Clay Township, are two mounds, large ones, which have not been subjected to exhaustive examination. The writer has been told that there are three mounds in the eastern part of Lima Township, on the farm of George Shafer. Three-quarters of a mile northwest of Lima, on the Craig farm, are three mounds, which were opened a number of years ago. The usual bones and charcoal were found, as were also various trinkets, which may be seen in the private collections of curiosities at Lima. About forty rods west of James Moony's house, in Van Buren Township, are three mounds, all of which have been opened. Human bones, slate ornaments and other trinkets were found, as was also an abundance of ashes and charcoal. There are also mounds in the vicinity of Buck, Shipshewana and Twin Lakes. The peculiar formation about Wall and other lakes is due to the agency of ice. It is thought by some that the Indians or Mound-Builders were responsible for the embankment, but no one familiar with formations of the kind will make such a declaration. Such walls are very numerous on the banks of Western lakes, especially those of Illinois and Iowa. Around some of the lakes of the latter State is a continuous chain of bowlders and gravel, which, by observation through some thirty years, was undoubtedly thrown up by the united action of ice and waves, and the pro- cess of freezing and thawing. This fact is well understood and universally admitted by geologists, in Iowa. It may be added that there are other evidences in the county of the presence in past years of the Mound-Builders aside from their mounds. Reference is made to stone or other implements or ornaments. W. H. Duff and Master George Dayton, both of Lima, and Dr. Betts, of La Grange, especially the former two, have fine collections of antiquities. Mr. Duif has nearly 300 specimens, and Master Dayton has over 400. These con- sist mainly of stone axes, mauls, hammers, celts, mortars, pestles, flint arrow and spear heads, copper knives, and copper arrow or spear heads, fleshing and skinning instruments, ceremonial stones, shuttles, and various other implements evidently used in weaving or sewing, colored slate ornaments, breast-plates of stone, ornamental charms and totems, igneous stones, many curious varieties of arrow-heads and darts, etc., etc. There have also been found in the county a few extremely rare slate or stone ornaments or implements, bone and metallic ornaments, small fragments of pottery, mica (not native), curiously carved pipes of stone or other substance, besides other articles, the uses of which are extremely doubtful. Much more might be said in detail on the same subject. — Ed.] CHAPTER II. by j. h. rerick, m. d. Organization of the County— The Fiust Tekm of Court — The Bench and THE Bar— Trials for Murder — Public Buildings— Reminiscences of the Early Law Practitioners— Sketch of the Early Physicians and THE Practice of Medicine— Valuable County Statistics. FOR some years prior to 1833, the territory to be in the future calleu La Grange County and portions of Steuben, Noble and DeKalb Counties were attached to Elkhart County and known as the township of Mongoquinong. The county seat was at Goshen, Elkhart County, and one of the oldest living settlers was called to that place to serve upon a jury before the formation of this county. The first step toward separation was on February 2, 1832, si.\teen years after the organization of the State, when Gov. Noah Noble approved the act for the organization of the county. This act provided that " from and after the Ist day of April next, all that tract of country included in the fol- lowing boundaries shall form and constitute a new county, to be known and designated by the name of the county of La Grange, to wit: Beginning at the northeast corner of Elkhart County, thence running east with the northern boundary to the range line between 11 and 12, thence south sixteen and a half miles, thence west to eastern boundary of Elkhart County, thence north with said boundary to the beginning." Levi G. Thompson and Francis Comparet, of Allen County ; W. B. Grif- fith, of St. Joseph; Peter Noland, of Delaware; and William Watt, of Union, were appointed Commissioners to "fix the seat of justice," which task they were ordered to accomplish on the second Monday of May, 1833, at the house of Moses Rice. The Commissioners were to be notified of their appointment by the Sherifi" of Allen County. The same act provided that the Circuit Court and the Board of County Commissioners, when elected under the writ of elec- tion from the Executive Department, should hold their first session at the house of Moses Rice and adjourn to as near the center of the county as a convenient place could be had. It also provided that the agent appointed to superintend the sale of lots at the county seat should retain 10 per cent of the proceeds for the use of the public library. For judicial purposes, the county was attached to the Sixth Judicial District and was to be represented in the Legislature jointly with Allen County. All of the State east of La Grange and south to Townships 33 and 34, which includes Steuben County and three-fourths of De Kalb and Noble Counties, were attached to the new county for civil and judi- cial purposes. The Circuit Court was ordered to be held on the Mondays HISTORY OF LA GKASGE COUNTY. 33 succeeding the courts in Eliiliart County and to sit three days each term, if the business demanded so extensive a session. The townships were organized as follows: The first division into townahips was into Lima and Greenfield, May 1-4, 1832. The remaining townships were organized as follows: Eden, November 5, 1832; Springfield, May 4, 1834; Bloorafield, May 5, 1835; Van Buren, January 3, 1837; Newbury, March 6, 1837; Clearspring. March 6,1837; Johnson, March 6, 1837; Milford, Sept- ember 5, 1837 ; Clay, September 4, 1838. A county election was held in the spring of 1832, which resulted in the choice of the following first county oSicers : Joshua T. Hobbs, Clerk ; Daniel Harding, Sherifi" ; Thomas Gale, Treasurer ; David St. Clair, Recorder ; Jacob Vandevanter, Edmund Littlefield and Arthur Barrows, Commissioners. The first term of Circuit Court convened on the 22d day of October, 1832, at the home of Moses Rice. Court was called in the open air, at a con- venient place between two hay stacks, and then moved into the house. The presiding Judge was Hon. Charles H. Test, who then filled the Sixth Circuit and is now a resident of the city of Indianapolis. Joshua T, Hobbs, the first Clerk-elect, presented his commission at this term, and was qualified as Clerk. The Sherifi'-elect, not havitig qualified, and Nehemiah Coldren, the Sherifi" by appointment of the Governor, being absent, Jesse Harding, the Coroner-elect, was qualified, and took his place as Sheriff, brought into court the first Grand Jury ever assembled in the county, and was the first to make the prairies echo with the cry " Hear ye, hear ye, this Honorable La Grange Circuit Court is now in session." The names of the Grand Jurymen were : Ebenezer Fish, Ami Lawrence, William Thrall, Isaac Wolgamott, Samuel Fish, Oliver Closson, Jonathan Gardner, Benjamin Gale, Samuel Anderson, William A. McNeal and Richard Northrop, who when sworn, the record says "retired to consult of their busi- ness." Luther Newton and Ephraim Seeley, presented their commissions as Associate Judges, who, after being qualified, took their seats with the Presiding Judge. Neal McGaff, of White Pigeon, and Samuel C. Sample, from St. Jo- seph County, were admitted as attorneys and counselors at the bar, exgracio^ for that term. Joseph Kerr and Daniel Harding were appointed bailiifs. S. C. Sample was afterward appointed Prosecuting Attorney in place of Williana J. Brown, the regular prosecutor, who was reported absent on account of sick- ness. But two cases were presented for trial, both of which were continued, Moses Hill presented a petition of ad quod damnum. The writ was granted to be returned at the next term. Daniel Fox, Frederick Hamilton, Thomas P. Burnell, William IiCgg and Samuel Burnell, all from " old England," made application, to make oath of their intention to become citizens of the United States. The only record of allowance at this term of the court, is that to bailiffs, of $3 each. 34 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. The first Grand Jury chosen by the Commissioners, of which we have record, was for the May term, 183-i, of the Circuit Court, and consisted of the following persons : Thomas Gale, Otis Newmaa, John Jewett, Nehemiah Col- dren, Jonathan Gardner, John Langdon, Micayah Harding, Robert Latta, Samuel Fish, Spencer Fish, Samuel Robinson, Isaac Wolgamott, Samuel An- derson, George Egneu, Ami Lawrence, James Hostetter and John B. Clark. The second term of the Circuit Court was held at the house of Moses Rice, commencing on the 13th day of May, 1833. Presiding Judge, Hon. Gustavus Everts ; Clerk, Joshua T. Hobbs ; Sheriff, William Thrall ; Prosecutor, John B. Chapman. Charles W. Ewing, Jonathan A. Liston, David H. Colerick, Samuel W. Parker, Joseph E. Jernegan, and Neal McGaffey were admitted, ex graeio, to practice at the bar at thi.s term. The proceedings of this term make up a record of some twenty pages. Cases of assault and battery, riot and violation of the liquor license law were largely in the majority. One of the State cases was that of an indictment against a woman for retailing liquors contrary to law, on which she was found guilty and was mulcted in a fine of $2. The State cases entered on the docket, during the first three years after the or- ganization of the county, numbered about eighty, and are almost equal in num- ber with the State cases of the present time. The first resident lawyer of the La Grange bar was John B. Howe. Mr. Howe was admitted in 1834, and had for associates at the bar, in addition to those before mentioned, Samuel C. Sample, Charles W. Ewing, Henry Cooper, Thomas Johnson, and afterward William H. Combs. Mr. Howe says of these: ''They were thoroughly-read lawyers ;" ''and continues : " John B. Chapman, the author of the Buffalo & Mississippi charter for a railroad running along the northern border of the State, was then Prose- cuting Attorney. Gustavus A. Everts was Presiding Judge of the Court when I was admitted to the bar, at the spring term, 1831. I had applied at the fall term previous, and was examined by Cooper and Jernegan. I failed of admis- sion upon their report, because I failed in some answers to some of the most technical questions upon that, in some aspects, most technical of all subjects, the statute of uses. I brought myself to the required standard by six months' longer study, during a portion of which time I was keeping school. " The system of pleading at that time in use was that which prevails under the common law, and the practice of the High Court of Chancery in England ; and to show in a few words how readily all parts of the social system, even to pleading and practice in court, and conveyancing, adapt themselves to actual conditions, the common law pleading, with the exception of declarations and bills in chancery, including pleas, replications, rejoinders, rebutters, and, if need be, surrebutters, were for the most part drawn up and signed during court, and to a considerable extent in the court house. The true science of law is everywhere substantially the same, and the pleading and practice are only the machinery by which exact justice is done or attempted. Some injus- HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 35 tice has undoubtedly been administered temporarily and unintentionally, in the use of some of the present simplified modes of pleading and practice, by adher- ing to that technicality, which was complained of in the administration of the old, the new forming no exception to the rule, that it takes time to establish and settle innovations of any kind, in whatever part of the social system they are introduced. Of all the old members of the bar, to whom I have referred, I fail to remember one who either was, or ever became, a politician, in the tech- nical sense. I came nearer than any other, except Coierick, who was a mem- ber of the General Assembly twice or more, I believe, being a member of the Senate at least one term. I was a member of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly in the " Harrison " year, 1840-41, and of the Consti- tutional Convention in 3 850." The Circuit Court President Judges, from the first organization of the county, in 1832, have been Charles H. Test, now of Indianapolis, commencing October, 1832 ; Gustavus A. Everts, commencing May term, 1833 ; S. C. Sample, commencing September term, 1836 ; Charles W. Ewing, commencing May term, 1837 ; John W. Wright, commencing April term, 1840 ; James Borden, commencing April term, 1842 ; Elza McMahon, commencing Septem- ber term, 1851 ; James L. Worden, now of Fort Wayne, commencing October term, 1855 ; Reuben J. Dawson, commencing March term, 1857 ; Edward R. Wilson, commencing March term, 18*50; Robert Lowry, now of Fort Wayne, commencing March term, 1865 ; Hiram Tousley, commencing March term, 1867 ; James D. Osborne, commencing, by appointment, March term, 1875 ; William A. Woods, commencing December term, 1873. Judge Woods was elected to the Supreme Court of the State in 1880, and resigned his position as Judge of the Thirty-fourth Judicial Circuit. James D. Osborne, of Goshen> was appointed by the Governor to the vacancy, December, 1880. Until the adoption of the new Constitution, each Circuit Judge had seated with him on the bench, two Associate Judges elected by the people of the county. These Associate Judges up to this time were Luther A. Newton, 1832; Ephriam Seeley, 1832; Thomas Spaulding, 1839; Samuel Wescott, 1839; Amos Davis, 1844, and Joshua T. Hobbs, 1844. Separate Probate Courts were also held under the old Constitution, but when the new Constitution went into eftect in 1852, all this class of business was transferred to the Common Pleas Court, a new court then established. The Probate Judges wei-e Elias B. Smith and William S. Prentiss. The Com- mon Pleas Judges were Joseph H. Mather and E. W. Metcalf, of Elkhart County, and William M. Clapp, of Noble County. This court was abolished in 1873, and all its business transferred to the Circuit Court. Another item furnished by the early records is that the first marriage license issued in the county was July 25, 1832, to join together in the holy bonds of matrimony, Lewis D. Parish and Elizabeth Cook. Six marriage licenses were issued in 1833, twenty in 1834, and thirty-six in 1835. For the 30 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. last few years, the average has been about one hundred and twenty. Many connubial knots were tied over the line, in Michigan, in an early day, and the custom is not, by any means, yet abandoned. The first application for divorce was made at the October term, 1839, but the cause was continued, and several terms thereafter dismissed. The first divorce granted was in 1840. The first murder trial in the county was occasioned by an assault of a party of young men, of Clay Township, upon Jacob Bean and some members of his family, in December, 1861. In the melee, Jacob Bean was struck down and his neck broken. Three persons were indicted, but only one, Hiram Springer, found guilty, and he of manslaughter. He was sentenced to two years' impris- onment, but was relieved by the decision of the Supreme Court on a technical fault in the records. This was in " war times," and the proceedings were nolle prosequied, and the accused endeavored to repair his record by gallant service at the front. The most famous trial in the county was that of Stephen Jenks, for the murder of George Mallow, of Ontario, which was commenced in September, 1870, and concludedat aspecial terrain December, 1870. The attorneys engaged were James McGrew, Prosecuting Attorney, assisted by Andrew Ellison, for the State; and for the defense, Joseph D. Ferrall and John Morris, of Fort Wayne. The trial lasted fourteen days, and during the entire time the court room was densely crowded, and excitement at a high pitch. The prisoner, during the trial, was quiet and undemonstrative, apparently taking little interest in the proceedings. This trial was the first one in the county in which the defense of insanity was made. The defense of insanity, however applicable it may have been to Jenks, was very distasteful to the people of the county, who had just felt an indignant interest in the acquittal of McFarland, the murderer of the famous war corre- spondent of the New York Tribune, Albert D. Richardson. It was felt that it was an attempt to reproduce sharp New York criminal practice into a country where justice was yet dear. The sentiment of the people was well expressed by the following editorial remarks in the Standard: " The advocates of paroxysmal insanity, as a defense against the charge of premeditated murder, may congratulate themselves on having a local illus- tration of the beauties of their doctrine in the murder of George Mallow. This heartless transaction, which has chilled the blood of our community by the heinousness of the offense, is nothing more than a natural outgrowth of those pernicious teachings which seek to establish the doctrine that a man may take the life of his fellow, while laboring under the impression that he has been wronged, and that his angered and excited feelings shall be taken as an apology for the crime. * * * It is high time that cracked-brained the- orists on the laws of insanity, who seek to make their doctrines applicable to a defense in a case of murder, had a practical illustration of the dangerous HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 37 nature of their teachings. The world is well stocked with moralizing fools that the community could get along without." After a hotly contested trial, the jury took the case and struggled with it several hours, and then brought in a verdict of guilty, and fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life. A severer penalty was not expected, as the impression prevailed that a La Grange County jury would not sentence to death. Public opinion generally acquiesced in this result, although a considerable number gave credence to the defense of insanity. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, and the judgment reversed on the ground of the refusal of the lower court to continue the case for the introduction of further evidence for the de- fense. Before the case was retried, Jenks escaped from jail, and was not found again until 1877, when he was discovered quietly working in a Michigan vil- lage, near Saginaw. Another trial, upon a change of venue, was then had in Elkhart County, and the same sentence imposed ; after which, further defense was abandoned, and Jenks was taken to the penitentiary, at Michigan City, where he still remains. The next important criminal trial was of Chauncy Barnes, for the murder of Addie Dwight. On account of the social position of the parents of the parties to this tragedy, and the mournfully romantic circumstances attending this sad murder of a young, beautiful and virtuous lady, a great interest was taken in the trial. A special term of court in December, 1871, was devoted to this case, which occupied four days. A considerable number of witnesses were called in, and a hotly contested trial resulted. The defense was insanity, as in the previous trial, and the verdict was also identical ; but the defense was content with saving the life of the young man, and the sentence went into im- mediate effect. These cases were the most exciting which were tried in the old frame court house, and were probably the occasion of the greatest display of legal acuteness and forensic eloquence in the history of the county. Judge Hiram S. Tousley occupied the bench during the first trial of Jenks and at the Barnes trial, and his rulings were generally accepted as well intended and im- partial. Public buildings were, of course, a necessity at once, and a two-story frame building was soon erected at Lima, in which to hold the scales of justice be- tween the early settlers. But as soon as the central and southern parts of the county began to emerge from the status of a wilderness, and become settled, the location of the county seat became the dominant local question. Lima, it was argued, though it could not be excelled in its location as the site of a promising town, was not central enough for the county seat. The question was carried into the Legislature, and, at first, Lima seemed to have the advantage ; but, af- terward seeing that the contention would be productive of much ill-feeling, and that the question would never be settled, even if temporarily gained for her side, Lima finally abandoned the strife, and the geographical center was harmonious- 38 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. ly agreed upon for the county seat. That spot was found in a hilly, swampy spot on Fly Creek, covered with a heavy forest and partly with a luxurious growth of blackberry brambles, which it required many years to exterminate. There the town of La Grange was laid out. Two land-owners, Joshua T. Hobbs and Reuben J. Dawson, were materially benefited by this creation of a new town. They were not, however, ungrateful for the favor, but manifested their appreciation of the new state of things by the donation of grounds for a public square. On this a substantial and, for its day and place, a really fine building, of two stories, was erected in 1843 for the use of the public offices and court. It was a commodious building in its day, but it is estimated that it would only comfortably fill the court room in the present court house. A jail was soon after erected, which long remained a picturesque, though not a very secure, abode for the misdoers of the county. The jail proper was built of logs, and, in addition to the iron-barred doors and windows, there was, for se- curity, a high board fence put around the cell windows. This primitive house of refuge was used for thirty years, although toward the last, prisoners of any importance were taken to other counties, and the jail became also, on ac- count of its unhealthfulness, no longer tenable. A new jail was ordered by the Board of Commissioners February 2, 1872, and VV. H. Croker, of Grand Rapids, Mich., was employed as architect. The contract for building was let to Messrs. Brace & Reed, of Kendallville, March 12, 1872, and the house was completed and occupied in February, 1873. The Sheriff's residence part is two stories in height, and the jail part one story above basement. The foundations are laid with bowlder stone, and the walls above of brick, the outside side wall being white pressed brick manufactured at Grand Rapids, Mich. The jail part is well cased inside with iron, and so constructed as to make escape for prisoners about impossible. The first cost of the building was about $29,000. Since then improvements have been made in drainage, and otherwise, to the extent of some $600. The first court house was built at Lima in 1833; the second at La Grange 1843; the third was determined upon by the County Commissioners at their September term, 1877. The two first were wooden structures, of temporary build, without vaults or facilities for safety or convenience. The latter was to be permanent in structure and in style and convenience in unison with the day of improvements. Mr. A. J. Smith, of Chicago, was first engaged as archi- tect, but a difference arising between him and the Commissioners, his engage- ment was dissolved and Messrs. T. J. Tolan & Son, of Fort Wayne, were em- ployed. The general outline of plan for the building, prepared by the Auditor, Saniuel Shepardson, and the Clerk, Samuel P. Bradford, and adopted by the Commissioners, was then placed in their hands. The details of plan and the specifications were then drawn up by the architects, and contractors advertised for to put in bids for the construction of the building April 24, 1878. The bids, in sealed envelopes, were handed in and when opened were found to be as i}^i^^'-. 9UNTY AUDITOR HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 41 follows: W. H. Myers, Fort Wayne, $53,000; 0. D. Hurd, Fort Wayne, $48,365; Crane, Duncan & Co., Waterloo, $54,690; M. D. Brennemen & Co., Huntington, $54,529; John L. Farr & Co., Grand Rapids, $58,000; J. W. Hinkley, Indianapolis, $59,900; James B. Shover, $59,700; Charles Bosse- ker and John Begue, Fort Wayne, $46,700 ; R. W. Ostrander and D. 0. Porter, Kalamazoo, $48,898.52; Brace, Reed & Ruick, Kendallville and La Grange, $48,758. The Commissioners being satisfactorily assured that Messrs. Bosse- ker & Begue, the lowest bidders, were responsible, and satisfied with the bond of $30,000 offered by them, that the work should be done in accordance with the plans and specifications, their bid and bond were accepted and the work at once commenced. The Commissioners, in addition to requiring the architects to act as general superintendents of the work, appointed Samuel P. Bradford local superintendent, his duty being faithfully to enforce all the conditions of the contract, to inspect all materials and work, to make estimates for the contractors of the amount due them on the contract for materials and work, and in no case to estimate any objectionable materials or work. The work was then taken hold of and pushed satisfactorily, materials gathered, foun- dations put in, and on the 15th of August, 1878, some two thousand citizens, pursuant to an invitation of the Commissioners, met to witness the laying of the corner-stone. The ceremonies were simple and without religious formality and civic display, short speeches, music by Odell's Martial Band, the Lima Silver Band, depositing a box in the corner-stone, the placing of the stone and several rounds of cheers, constituting the whole procedure. Rev. John Paul Jones, then County Recorder, presided. Hon. John B. Howe spoke bi'iefly. He thought he was probably the only one present who settled in the county as early as 1833; but upon calling for others to raise their hands, if any were present, nearly a dozen hands flew up. He then referred to his early life in the county, as a law student, admittance to the bar, early law associates and the first court house. The changes that had since occurred were most remark- able. The progress seemed to have been almost too rapid. Few things, he said, could show a sharper contrast of the ability and disposition of the people now and then, than the court house first erected and the one the corner-stone of which was now to be laid. The cost of the new building would be as much as the whole county was then worth. He did not believe in very expensive and ornamental court houses. They should be like justice itself, simple and unos- tentatious. But it was the fashion now to build expensive public buildings, and the people could not endure being out of fashion and away behind their neighbors. He was willing to pay his part and only referred to cost as a matter of contrast. Andrew Ellison, the next oldest member of the bar, next addressed the meeting. He had been a member of the La Grange County bar, he said, thirty- six years, and his record as a lawyer was scattered through the records of the court all through that period, and he was willing to stand by the record 4-2 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. made. Then, taking for his subject, "The Court House — what it has been, is now, and its future," he spoke at some length, the substance only of which was preserved. The word court house, he said, was distinctly an American phrase. The liouse should be simple, but in size and construction should be distinguish- able from all others in the community. Then, reviewing in outline the admin- istration of justice through the means of the court house in England, from the days of its conquest by Csesar to the present, he demonstrated that the court house was the corner-stone upon which England built. The mode it adopted of settling differences between citizens, of protecting person and property, which gave rise and necessity for public temples of justice, had banished its former bar- barism and developed a people superior to all others in physical, intellectual and moral power, on the face of the earth, except possibly the American peo- ple Our jurisprudence was derived wholly from England's, and it had likewise been to us what it has been to the mother country. The court house, the mili- tary, or the mob must rule. The administration of justice was expensive, but it was immensely cheaper, and gave better protection to life and property. The mob at Pittsburgh, in one hour, last year, destroyed more than enough to run all the courts in the United States, National, State and county, for one year. The law of the court house .says to the young man, buy your land, develop all you can out of it and I will protect your title and the proceeds of your hard toil. The administration of justice was by no means perfect, and with humanity as frail as it is, could never be, but it was the best system for adjusting differ- ences between man and man, and of protecting life and property, ever devised. It is the poor man's fortress ; without its protection there could be no incentive to industry or provision for the wants and comforts of home. Though there had been no religious ceremonies on this occasion, every stone of a court house rested upon the Christian religion. Our laws were based upon the laws of God. All writers upon law recognized this fact. The more our laws and their admin- istration were in harmony with God's laws, the safer would it be for the people, and the greater their prosperity in all tliat contributes to happiness here and favor in the si<;ht of the Almightv. The contents of the copper box, placed in the cavity of the corner-stone, were read by Samuel P. Bradford, and were as follows : Copy of Acts of 1832, containing act organizing the county ; copy of Bar Docket of April term, 1878, Circuit Court; copy of La Grange County Direc- tory ; copy of the Daily Service (a camp-meeting paper) ; copy of the La Grange Standard, Centennial issue, and issue of the day ; copy of the La Grange Reg- ister, August 15, 1878 ; copy of Wolcottville Gazette, August 9, 1878 ; copy of application of Farmers' Rescue Insurance Company ; piece of three-cent scrip ; six Confederate postage stamps, found in rebel camp in Virginia ; pieces of 10, 25 and 5 cent scrip, different issues; names of members of Lima Silver Band ; names of officers of incorporated town of La Grange ; manual of the common schools of La Grange County; coin dated 1771 ; 25cent silver HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 43 United States coin, 1877 ; 40-cent silver coin, United States coin, 1834 ; silver coin dated 1774 ; two pieces of scrip, private issue ; Swiss medal ; photograph copy of Neiv England Chronicle and Gazette, 1775; premium list of La- Grange County Agricultural Society ; copy of School Law and Acts of 1877. After the box was placed. Judge William A. Woods, Judge of the Thirty- fourth Judicial Circuit, and ex oiEcio Judge of the La Grange Circuit Court, being introduced, made some complimentary and facetious allusions to the previous speaker, and then referred at some length to the practical questions connected with the administration of justice. The law, he said, is divided into two grand departments, that which protects the person, and that which protects property. In a state of barbarism, the first predominated, and in advanced civilization the latter. The major part of the works of courts now was in r.^spect to questions involving the right of property, and for that reason he believed that property should pay the expenses of courts, and that poll taxes should be abolished or made very light. Two days' work a year on roads and a poll tax were too much of a levy upon the mere person. He placed the court house beside the schoolhouse, the church and the family circle, and paid a tribute to the homes of the people. The virtues inculcated in the family circle were, after all, the greatest protection of the people as a whole. The tackling was then adjusted to the cap stone, and, guided by Judge Woods' hands, it was placed in position, after which cheers were given for the court house, the speakers, the contractors and the laborers. The President of the day, Mr. Jones, now made some remarks, referring to the past, congratu- lating the people upon the great changes, saying he felt it one of the proudest occasions of his life to preside at such a meeting of his fellow-citizens, and invoked the divine blessing upon the work commenced, and upon the use to which the building when completed would be devoted. The inscriptions upon the corner-stone are as follows : (East Face.) Corner Stone Laid with Public Ceremonies August 1:'), A. D. 1878. County Organized May 14, A. D. 1832. Jacob Vandevanter, Edmund Littlefield, Arthur Barrows, First Commissioners. Joshua T. Hobbs, First Clerlf. County Seat Located at Lima, A. D. 1832. Removed to La Grange, A. D. 1844. First Term of Court Held October 22, A. D. 1832. (North Face.) 44 • HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTV. La Grange County. Hezekiah Davis, Alanson Blackmun, George W. Edgcomb, Commissioners. Samuel Shepardson, Auditor. T. J. Tolan & Son, Arcliitects. S. P. Bradford, Local Superintendent. Bossoker & Begue, Contractors. Completed, 18 — . The work on the house progressed without material interruption until March, 1879, when the contractors complained they were losing money, and were becoming financially embarrassed. The matter was finally adjusted on the basis of the appointment of Andrew Ellison on the part of the contractors, as their agent, to receive and pay out the money on the contract in their behalf, and that the Commissioners should have the right to control the employment of labor and the purchase of all materials (not then covered by sub-contracts) required to complete the building, the county to pay for all materials and labor in excess of contract price, that would be necessarily required to fully complete the house. The work now progressed again, the work completed and house taken possession of by the county November 13, 1879. The size of the building is sixty-four feet eight inches by one hundred feet eight inches, with two stories above basement, and a tower built from basement up centrally through the building, and reaching 125 feet from grade to top of finial ; the first story is thirteen feet in height, and the floor divided centrally east and west by a hall twelve feet in width ; from this hall a stairway, in the dome part, leads from either side of the hall to the hall above, and another from either side to the basement below. On the south side of the hall are the Clerk's office. Clerk's vault. Recorder's vault. Recorder's office and SheriflF's office. On the north side, the Tax-payer's room, the Treasurer's office, Treas- urer's vault, Auditor's vault. Auditor's office and Commissioners' room. The second story is fifteen feet in height. On the second floor, fronting the east, is the court room, fifty-seven feet three inches, by twenty-four feet three and one-fourth inches, and twenty feet in height. Opening into it, at the southwest corner, is the law library, and at the northwest cor- ner a witness room. Double doors open into the hall-way on west side of the room ; this hall is same size as below, and leads to the Surveyor's office, two Petit Jury rooms, one Grand Jury room. County Superintendent's office and Janitor's room. From the Janitor's room, a stairway leads to the dome above. In the dome are three floors. On the first, the clock room, on the second, the bell room, and on the third, the dial room. HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 45 In the basement are four vaults, and rooms corresponding in size with those on the first floor. The foundation is laid in concrete, with tiling two feet out from footing-stone and four inches below ; this tiling connects with a drain that runs into Fly Creek. The footing-stone are limestone rock from six to ten feet in width, and are laid in a floating coat of mortar on the concrete, all points thoroughly filled with cement. The foundation walls built on the footing-stone are of bowlder stone, all split, and above grade rock faced with quarter, half-rounded, sunk -joint, pointed with white putty mortar. The walls above the foundation are all of brick, the outside being of a superior quality of pressed brick made at Porter Station, Ind., and the inside and partition walls of common red brick, manufactured mainly at Fort Wayne, but partly in this county. The pressed brick are all laid in putty mortar, with smooth-pointed joint. The water-table at grade-line, the sills and caps of all the doors and windows are of cut limestone, from Joliet, 111. The beams, bars and trusses, for floors and ceilings, and the rafters of the roof are of wrought iron, the ceilings of corrugated iron, the outside moldings of galvanized iron, with all ornaments made of pressed zinc. The roof is of the best quality of black slate, 14 inches wide by 2 feet long, nailed with copper nails. The floors in the rooms are of oak wood, and in the main halls, of the best quality of black and white mar- ble tile. Tbe plastering is three-coat work, with the best of material. The fin- ishing work is all in walnut and ash alternately. The court room is also quite handsomely frescoed. The whole building is practically fire-proof. The vaults are absolutely so. All the rooms are supplied with water, furnished by pipes leading from a wind-mill tank on the jail lot; the heating is by stoves, though the building is constructed for furnace heating, should it ever be desired. A cut elsewhere will give a general view — outside view — of the structure. The total cost of the building, as reported in Auditor's annual statement for 1880, is as follows : Miscellaneous expenses $ 3,830 01 Extra sub-foundation 966 85 Paid T. J. Tolan & Son, architects 1,]44 00 Paid Commissioners, for extra sessions 233 50 Paid contractors, Messrs. Bosseker & Begue 47,446 30 Paid in excess of contract 7,879 00 Total „ $61,498 66 The total cost to tax-payers, for improvements upon Court House Square, from September 1, 1877, to June 5, 1880, is as follows : New Court House $61,498 66 Tower clock and bell 1,517 45 Furniture for new Court House 3,735 07 Real estate purchased (west part of Court House Square) 4,127 13 Grading court yard 797 01 Total cost $71,675 32 46 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. The next season the public square was inclosed with an iron fence, costing about $2,500, making the total cost of the erection of the building, the furnish- ing, extension of the public square, grading and fencing, less than $75,000. The whole was paid for as fast as the work was done, the county neither bor- rowing nor owing a dollar after its completion. The county is now supplied with public buildings good enough for a century to come, and without a dollar of indebtedness to carry. The learned professions should occupy a good share of the history, if all that they have done toward the development of the present social life were pos- sible to be grasped and treated of But a slight sketch of the history of these classes of our citizens can at least be given. Of the bar, that very important factor in modern life, that " necessary evil," as some of our worthy people re- gard it, that praiseworthy band of students and advisors, as many of those out- side the bar concur with those inside in regarding the legal fraternity — of the bar little can be said except in praise. Its early members have already been mentioned. At that time a rigid requirement of examinations before admission, of which a hint is given in Mr. Howe's reminiscences, had a tendency to make the bar more exclusive than at the present day, and no doubt its members were prouder of their associations or had more reason to be, on the side of legal cult- ure than an Indiana lawyer of the present day can be, when any one can be admitted to the bar on motion. The requirements, which were really too rigid in those days, might, with great profit, be the requirements of to-day. But La Gratige County has fairly ranked with the neighboring counties in the legal repute of its attorneys. Mr. John B. Howe, a gentleman of culture, and an earnest student, even in his later years, of social problems, soon took the front in the La Grange bar, and among the lawyers of the State. His argument in the Constitutional Convention, on the declaration of rights, is yet referred to as among the wisest and ablest utterances in that convention. Ranking next with him in local repute, as a lawyer, was Andrew Ellison. He became distinguished for the pertinacity and energy with which he fought his cases, never yielding when he thought he had any footing until the case was won or the highest tribunal had decided against him. During the Regulator period, when the courts had their greatest flood of business, he was employed as the attorney for several of the indicted horse-thieves and counterfeiters, and with the whole community against him, he, with his characteristic persistence and defiance of public sentiment, fought the cases through, and got most of his clients either acquitted or released upon some technicality after conviction. The bitterness engendered during these exciting times lasted many years and marred the happiness of many. Mr. Ellison, after enjoying for many years the hon- orable position of senior member of the bar, retired from practice, as his old friend, Mr. Howe, had done, to pursue the quieter pursuit of banking. Among others who won some notoriety, was James M. Flagg, of Lima, who was for many years at the bar, and noted for his acuteness and sharp tricks HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 47 with his professional brethren, and those who were unprofessional and unsophis- ticated. His practice soon reached such a stage that he was compelled to give it a new field by going further west and establishing himself at Chicago. Joseph B. Wade, who has been from childhood a resident of the county, was admitted to the bar in 1857, and is still practicing. Robert Parrett moved to the county previous to 1860, and was gaining an enviable reputation as an attorney, when the war broke out and he fell, one of its early victims, with the rank of Major in the One Hundredth Indiana Volunteers. Joseph W. Cummings, a native of the county, was admitted a little later. He removed to Toledo, where he has taken first rank professionally and as a citizen. A. B. Kennedy was one of the ante-war attorneys and enjoyed for many years a prominent position at the bar, especially in probate matters. He died from overwork. Resolutions of respect were made by the bar at a meeting held in his memory. Joseph D. Ferrall began practice in La Grange in 1865, and has since gained a prominent position at the bars of this and neighboring counties. W. C. Glasgow was admitted about the same time, and held for some years the position of Prosecuting Attorney, and now stands in the front rank. George A. Cutting, admitted about 1870, was winning a high position as a lawyer when he died from consumption, whicli had long been hampering him, in 1881. The remaining attorneys, who have prac- ticed of late years, are Abner S. Case, John P. Jones (both formerly County Clerks), Cyrus U. Wade (formerly Prosecuting Attorney), Francis D. Merritt, James S. Drake (now Prosecutor), Otis L. Ballou (now Master Commissioner), Samuel P. Bradford (now Clerk), E. T. Cosper and Edgar McClasky. Some of the attorneys of neighboring counties, who have in past years or do now prac- tice extensively at the La Grange bar, are Judge John Morris, Hon. John H. Baker, Judge W. A. Woods, Isaac E. Knisely, Augustus A. Chapin and James I. Best. The ofiice of Prosecuting Attorney, in the districts of which this county has been a part, has been filled by members of the La Grange bar, as follows : By Joseph D. Ferrall, from 1866 to 1868 ; Wesley C. Glasgow, from 1873 to 1877 ; Cyrus U. Wade, from 1877 to 1879 ; James S. Drake, from 1879 to the pres- ent, his second term expiring 1883. In the first settlement of a new country, the physician is a first necessity. And there are always among the pioneer physicians those who have a real or imaginary ability to treat successfully all cases that may fall under their care. The habits of the pioneers being simple, and having plenty of food, fresh air, keeping good hours, with exercise in abundance, the diseases are also of sim- ple character, yielding, generally, readily to the most ordinary remedies. Tu- bercular diseases, now so common in our county, were unknown for ten years after the first settlement. Some of the early settlers report that intermittent fevers were unknown to them for some five years, and were only developed after considerable quantities of land were broken up. Dr. Hill was the first in the 48 HISTORY OF LA. GRANGE COUNTY. county who claimed to be a physician. He came in with the immigrants of 1828 or 1829. The Doctor professed to be a " regular " in practice, but having con- fidence in the flora of the woods, ho confined himself to the simple remedies that he found in abundance around him. He is said to have filled his saddle-bags with roots and herbs without a cent of expenditure ; to have traversed the coun- try between St. Joseph in Michigan, and Fort Wayne, Ind., staying with the sick whenever he found them until they recovered or died. Quinine, or the preparations of Peruvian bark, he never used, depending upon the use of the bark of dogwood and ironwood to break the intermittents, and he claimed that the ague broken by these remedies was less apt to return than when treated by quinine and the Peruvian barks. His cathartic and alterative calico-root grew on the edges of the marshes, and wild turnip, and blood-root, his specific for pneumonia, were found abundant in the woods. He claimed to have never bled his pneumonia cases, and that he scarcely ever lost a case. This happy result, in this class of cases, if true, was just the reverse of that resulting from the bleeding and reducing remedies then in vogue among the regular practitioners. Obstetrical practice was confined to certain old ladies, and as tedious and pro- tracted labors in hearty and robust persons leading an active life were rare, they had little or no trouble. One of these old ladies reported that, in a protracted labor occurring in the family of one of the first settlers, Dr. Hill was sent for, and after many weary hours had passed, he concluded that artificial means were necessary to save the mother, and attempted to perforate the skull of the child, but failing, went off to a neighboring house to prepare a more efficient instru- ment. While he was gone, nature rallied to her task, and when the Doctor returned, he found the child ushered into the world all right, except that its scalp hung in shreds from the effects of his attempts at perforation. The old gentleman was amazed, and remarked that that boy was the hardest-headed lit- tle devil he ever saw, for he had not strength enough to perforate its skull. The boy survived and the unobliterated scars were seen by living physicians in his manhood. Dr. J. T. Hobbs came about 1830, and Dr. Hill relinquished the field to him. He at once took nearly the whole practice in this and the adjoining counties. The Doctor was a native of Maryland, a graduate of Bowdoin in Maine, and a real gentleman. His wife was an intelligent woman of strong character, and materially assisted him in laying the foundation of a large fort- une. The Doctor was elected the first Clerk of the county, the office of which was then at Lima. His wife attended mainly to the duties of the office, leaving him free to attend to his practice and his other growing interests. She bore him two children, the oldest of which died some ten or twelve years ago. The younger daughter still survives, and is the wife of Dr. S. H. Bassinger, another pioneer physician. Dr. Hobbs' health failing him, he left the county about 1850, moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio, and subsequently to Sandusky, where he died a few years since, leaving a large fortune, the executors of which > z O CJ Ul (3 Z < tr C3 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 51 are Mr. S. K. Ruick and Henry L. Taylor, of this county. Among the medi- cal pioneers was Dr. James Chapman, still remembered by some as wandering around on an old pony in a saddle with rope girth and rope stirrup straps, and the inevitable saddle-bags. The Doctor was a native of Connecticut, and claimed to be a regular physician, was a stanch Presbyterian, and was down on all innovations in medicine or theology. At that time, there was a man who practiced as a Thompsonian, and was to Dr. Chapman a great eye-sore. The latter used to relate many anecdotes of the collisions between calomel and jalap vs. No. 6. The Doctor broke down mentally, gave up the practice of medicine, but carried around with him religious books and tracts, pitied but respected by all. A commission was appointed to take measures for the pro- tection of his property. He said it was a commission "de enquircndo lunatico," and that they brought him in insane on all points except theology and medicine. Dr. J. Bolton Smith came to Lima in 1832. He was a gentleman of the Old School, wore the ruffled linen in fashion in the early part of the century, and preserved the dignity of the profession. For a time before he left, he gave up his profession of medicine and took up the practice of law. An anecdote is told of him that he acted as Justice of the Peace in the trial of a case, and, as it was of some importance, he called Squire Littlefield to assist him in the case. The oath he administered the witnesses was after this form : " In the presence of God and of Edmund Littlefield you do solemnly swear to tell the truth," etc. The Doctor finally went to St. Louis, where he died of cholera in 1842. At the same time he was at Lima, there was there another Dr. Smith, who, making much pretension to phrenology, was distinguished from the other Smith, as Dr. Bump Smith. Both Smiths were students of Dr. Duncomb, of Canada, whose daughter the Dr. Bump Smith married. Dr. Francis Jewett came to the county in 1834. He died in Lima in 1857. Dr. Weeks practiced in Lima from 1835 to 1837. He is now a phvsi- cian in Chicago, and has considerable reputation in the profession. Then fol- lowed Dr. Palmer in 1838, whose favorite remark was that he had saved many a patient even after he had a predilection to pick the clothing. He left in 1848. Dr. Parry came in 1889, and practiced in Lima for ten years, and then moved to California with the first emigration. When last heard from, he was still living there. Dr. Fox was at Lima from 1836 to 1842, when he moved to Wisconsin, where he stands high in his profession, and has made a handsome competence. Dr. Holbrook came in 1842, stood well professionally, had many and warm friends, but soon wearying with the hardships of his ride, he moved to California. He now resides at San Francisco, where he has a fine reputa- tion. Dr. Thompson took Dr. Holbrook's practice in 1850, married in the Kinney family at Lima, practiced sixteen years, and then went to Missouri, and was for some time surgeon and physician to the State Prison in that State. Dr. George Fletcher followed Dr. Thompson at Lima, and was the principal physi- cian there from that time until he gave up the active duties of his profession, and moved to Iowa some five years since. o 52 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Dr. Pritchard settled at Lexington in 1843 ; he practiced there four years, and died of pneumonia in 1847. He was followed by Dr. Reupert in 1848. He entered the service in the war of the rebellion as Assistant Surgeon of the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers, and died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn. The first physician at La Grange was Dr. Brown, who settled there in 1842. He was a cousin of the celebrated John Brown, of Harper's Ferry notoriety, a gentleman and Christian, and highly esteemed by the whole com- munity. He died of malignant erysipelas at the Haw Patch in 1852. Dr. Butler, a brother-in-law of Dr. Brown, succeeded to his practice. He was a man of great perseverance, a warm friend and a bitter enemy, and especially to slavery and its advocates. He died of consumption in 1854. Dr. J. P. Niman, still practicing at La Grange, was invited by Dr. Butler to a partner- ship and assisted him and succeeded him in his practice. Dr. Thompson came to La Grange in 1856, and was there during the epidemic of dysentery that prevailed that year so extensively that hardly a family escaped, and from which there were a large number of deaths. The Sheldons, four brothers, and all practitioners of medicine, commenced their practice at LTnion Mills (now Mongo) ; B. F. and William Sheldon came there in 1838. In 1840, Franklin Sheldon moved to South Bend, where he died next year. The other three brothers did nearly the entire practice in the east part of the county for some twelve or fifteen years ; William died in 1854 or 1855 of diarrhoea contracted while on a journey through Mexico : Franklin is also dead. They were all men of ability and character. For the foregoing items in respect to the medical profession, we are indebted to Dr. George H. Dayton, of Lima, who settled at Ontario in 1846, then a prosperous and lively place with great prospects. The Doctor is a native of New Jersey ; was educated at the University of New York, thrcfs years in the Literary Department, and studied medicine under the celebrated Dr. Val- entine Mott, and afterward graduated in the Medical Department of the uni- versity. He has for many years stood at the head of his profession in the county, and is more consulted in difficult cases than any other. Many physicians whose names cannot now be recalled have come and gone. Among those who, in later years, became permanent residents and acquired more general acquaintance are Dr. Abner Lewis, of Haw Patch, who had an extensive practice in that part of the county, and afterward at La Grange. He served one term in the State Senate, and subsequently moved to Iowa, where he still resides. Dr. J. H. Dancer, of South Milford, was for many years, and is yet, the principal practitioner in the southeastern part of the county. Dr. A. M. Spaulding, of Applemanburg, has held a like share of the practice in Springfield Township. In the northwestern part of the county, Drs. Toms & Grubs have, for a number of years, held the principal practice. A number of physicians have been located at Wolcottville. Dr. Leonard Barber was one of the earliest, if not the first, practitioner tliere, and, until HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 53 Ills death in 1875, was the leading physician in the southern part of the county Dr. E. M. Speed located at La Grange in April, 1856, and had an exten- sive practice. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Forty-fourth Regi- ment Indiana Volunteers in July, 1864, and immediately after his arrival to the command at Chattanooga, Tenn., was taken sick, when he was carried to the Officers' Hospital on Lookout Mountain, where he died a few weeks after. Dr. Francis P. Griffith came to La Grange in May, 1858, and was associated for some time with Dr. Speed in practice. He was elected Representative to the Legislature in 1862 and in 1864, and has held several responsible clerkships at Washington, and was Census Supervisor for the northeastern counties of the State in 1880. He is still in practice. Dr. E. G. White came to the place in 1857 ; has had, and yet has, an exten- sive practice. He served some two years as Acting Assistant Surgeon United States Volunteers, in the Nashville hospitals, during the war. He lias been for some twelve or thirteen years pension examiner for the Government. Dr. J. H. Rerick came to the place in 1859; entered the service in 1861, as Assistant Surgeon of the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at the organization of the regiment; was promoted Surgeon, and served with the command until its muster out September, 1865. At the close of the war, he and Dr. White were associated together in practice. In 1867, he bought the La Grange Standard, and entei'ed the editorial profession ; was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court in 1860, and in 1864, serving eight years. He is still proprietor of the Standard, and devoting his attention exclusively to the printing business. Dr. James Mil- ler practiced at La Grange a number of years, and was Assistant Surgeon in the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Regiment a short time. He moved to Iowa about 1879. Dr. A. Cutting moved to the town in 1864, from Ohio, and has frequently been employed as consulting physician. The present physicians at La Grange in active practice not above mentioned are Dr. William Short, Dr. John Short, Dr. H. M. Casebeer, Dr. Charles H. Niman, son of Dr. J. P. Niman, and Dr. Engle. Dr. Newton G. Eno practiced a few years at Lima ; was Assistant Surgeon of the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, from January, 1863, to November, 1864, when he resigned. He is now a resident of Iowa, and still in practice. Dr. William Hughes came from Ohio to Lima in 1870, and has an extensive practice there. Dr. C. D. Goodrich also settled there a few years since, and is in practice. The county has always made ample provision for its paupers. A farm was first bought north of La Grange for the asylum, but this not proving a desira- ble location, it was sold, and 160 acres, three miles south of La Grange, were purchased, and suitable, though plain and inexpensive, buildings were erected. Here the poor, dependent on the county for support, are sent and cared for, except in those cases where temporary aid is needed, and can be given at home by the several Township Trustees. In February, 1871, there died Dr. David 54 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Rogers, one of the first settlers of Clearspring Township, an eccentric old man and bachelor, who at one time had an extensive practice as a physician. In his will, made in 1868, he bequeathed all his real estate in the county " to the Commissioners of the County of La Grange and their successors in office in trust forever, for the use and benefit of the orphan poor and for other destitute persons of said county." The heirs of Dr. Rogers contested the will, basing their claim on the indefiniteness of the bequest, and carried their case to the Supreme Court, where the will was finally sustained. No special disposition is made of this fund, as yet, by the Commissioners. The following valuable statistics are thought to be of sufficient public inter- est to warrant their appearance in the history of the county : VOTE OF THE COUNTY AT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. 1836 — Van Buren, Democrat, 150 ; Harrison, Whig, 128 ; Democratic majority, 22. 1840 — Harrison. Whig, 391 ; Van Buren, Democratic, 225 ; Whig majority, 166. 1844— Clay, Whig, 598; Polk, Democrat, 457 ; Birney, Abolitionist, 38; Whig majority, 103. 1848 — Cass, Democrat, 636; Taylor, Whig, 629 ; Van Buren, Free Soil, 114 ; Democratic plurality, 7. 1852 — Scott, Whig, 667 ; Pierce, Democrat, 667 ; Hall, Free Soil, 117 ; tie between principal parties. 1856 — Fremont, Republican, 1,406 ; Buchanan, Democrat, 640 ; Fillmore, American, 6 ; Republican majority, 760. 1860 — Lincoln. Republican, 1,695 ; Fusion (Democratic), 775 ; Republican majority, 920. 1864 — Lincoln, Republican, 1,583 ; McClellan, Democrat, 796 ; Republican majority, 787. 1868 — Grant, Republican, 1,945; Seymour, Democrat, 1,076 ; Republican majority, 869. 1872 — Grant, Republican, 1,863 ; Greeley, Lib- eral, 830 ; Republican majority, 1,033. 1876 — Hayes, Republican, 2,205 ; Tilden, Democrat, 1,256 ; Peter Cooper, National, 63 ; Republican plurality, 949 ; Republican majority, 886. 1880— Garfield, Republican, 2,367 ; Hancock, Democrat, 1,393; Weaver, National. 116; Republican, majority, 858 ; Republican plurality, 974. The vote by townships at this election was as follows : Garfield. Hancock. Weaveb. Van Buien 102 93 34 Newbury ]So 108 Eden 128 139 Clearspring 208 150 1 Clay 181 142 18 Lima 248 78 11 Greenfield 175 59 42 Bloomfield 456 230 1 Johnson 252 123 4 Milford 154 2()0 3 Springfield 220 71 2 Total 2,367 1,393 116 The vote for Governor at the October election the same year was : Por- ter. Republican, 2,307; Landers, Democrat, 1,374; Gregg, National, 129. HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 55 The Legislative act, authorizing the organization of La Grange County, was approved by the Governor of the State February 2, 1832, and the first election of county officers occurred in August of the same year. The first term of court convened October 22, 1832, the officers of which were — Charles H. Test (now Judge of the Criminal Court at Indianapolis), Judge ; Luther Newton and Ephraim Seeley, Associate Judges ; Joshua T. Hobbs, Clerk i Nehemiah Coldren, Sheriff; Joshua Harding, Coronor. The County officers since the first organization of the county, so far as we can trace, have been as follows : Probate Judges. — Elias B. Smith and William S. Prentiss. Associate Judges. — Ephraim Seeley and Luther Newton, 1832 ; Thomas J. Spaulding and Samuel Westcott, 1839 ; Joshua T. Hobbs and Amos Davis, 1844. CTerA:*.— Joshua T. Hobbs, 1832-38; William M. Holmes, 1838-45; Delavin Martin, 1845-46; James B. Howe, 1846-53; John P. Jones, 1853- 61 ; Abner S. Case, 1861-68; Eugene V. Case (appointment), 1868-69; John H. Rerick, 1869-77; Samuel P. Bradford, 1877. Sheriffs.— T>2.me\ Harding, 1832-35; John Brown, 1835-37; William Phelps, 1837; Peter L. Mason, 1837-39; Frederick Hamilton, 1839-43; James Rawles, 1843-47 ; John Briscoe, 1847—49 ; William Hopkins, 1849- 53; Gabriel McEntyre, 1853-55; Zopher L. Scidmore, 1855-57; William Cummings, 1857-61 ; William Selby, 1861-65; John S. Merritt, 1865-67; James M. Marks, 1867-72; Thomas C. Betts, 1872-76; Nelson Stacy, 1876- 80 ; Edwin Temple, 1880. Auditors.— ?et(ir L. Mason, 1841-45; Simon W. Cutler, 1845-52; Hugh Hamilton, 1852-57; L. N. Beers, 1857-58; Peter N. Wilcox, 1858- 66; Isaiah Piatt, 1866-74; Samuel Shepardson, 1874. Treasurers.— Ihomvis Gale, 1832-37; Jonathan Woodruff, 1837-44; Samuel Bartlett, 1844-53; Elijah W. Weir, 1853-57; Parley R. Cady, 1857- 61; John W. Welch, 1861-65; Jacob Newman, 1865-69; Samuel Shepard- son, 1869-73; Samuel G. Hoff, 1873-77; John E. Anderson, 1877-81; John M. Preston, 1881. Recorders.— TisiVKl St. Clair, 1832-37; J. T. Hobbs, 1837-43; John Kromer, 1843-55; Ozias Wright, 1855-56; Abner S. Case, 1856-60; Henry Nichols, 1860-68; John C. Gurnea, 1868-72; John P. Jones, 1872-80; Eugene V. Case, 1880. Commissioners. — Jacob Vandevanter, 1832 ; Edmond Littlefield, 1832 ; Arthur Barrows, 1832 ; Isaac Gage, 1833 ; J. F. Rice, 1833 ; Arthur Barrows, 1834 ; Jesse Champlin, 1834; David Smith, 1834 ; William S. Prentiss, 1834; Palmer Grannis, 1835 ; James McConnell, 1836 ; L. M. Dewey, 1837 ; Shel- don Martin, 1837 ; Philo Taylor, 1838 ; Ira Hill, 1839 ; Palmer Grannis, 1840; Robert Hume, 1840; Benjamin Jones, 1840-45; Abram Rowe, 1841-44 ; Samuel Corey, 1843-46; Nehemiah Coldren, 1844-50; Jacob T. Grove, 56 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 1845-57; Timothy Field, 1846-49; Sidney Keith, 1848-52; Hiram Taylor, 1850-56; Andrew Ellison, 1851-53; Samuel Hudson, 1852-58; Hezekiah Davis, 1853-60 ; Orvin Kent, 1856-59 ; James Smith, 1858-76 ; A. J. At- wood, 1859-65 ; William Seaborn, 1860-66 ; Hiram Smith, 1866-67 ; R. P. Herbert, 1867 ; Hezekiah Davis, 1867-79 ; Almon Dickenson, 1868-75 ; A. Blackmun, 1875 ; George W. Edgcomb, 1876 , Elias Wight, 1879. School Examiners. — County School Examiners were first appointed under the act of 1861. From June, 1861, the office was held by J. H. Danseur, George Marks, Hemenway, and Prof. R. Patch. Under the new school law of 1865 : Prof. R. Patch, 1865-67 ; Rev. A. Fitz Randolph, 1868-69 ; Rev. Will- iam Cathcart, 1869-70 ; S. D. Crane, 1870-71 ; A. Bayliss, 1871-73. The duties of the office were materially enlarged by the Legislature of 1872-73, and the title changed to County Superintendent. A. Bayliss, 1878-74 ; S. D. Crane, 1874-75 ; E. T. Cosper, 1875-76 ; S. D. Crane, 1876-81 ; E. G. Machan, 1881. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. La Grange County has been represented in the State Legislature as follows, the dates attached showing the year of election : In the Senate. — 1832, Samuel Hanna, of Allen County ; 1839, Ebenezer M. Chamberlain, Elkhart County; 1841-43, David B. Herriman, Noble County ; 1847, Delavin Martin, La Grange County ; 1850, Joseph H. Defrees, Elkhart County ; 1852, Thomas G. Harris, Elkhart County ; 1856, John Thompson, La Grange County; 1860, C. L. Murray, Elkhart County; 1864, Robert Dykes, La Grange County ; 1866, Abner Lewis, La Grange County ; 1868, Abner S. Case, La Grange County; 1872, William Bunyan, Noble County; 1876, Elijah W. Weir, La Grange County ; 1880, Henry Hostetter, Noble County. In the House of Representatives. — 1833, David H. Colerick, Allen County; 1834, John B. Chapman, Kosciusko County ; 1837-38, D. B. Her- riman, Noble County ; 1840, John B. Howe, La Grange County ; 1841, John Thompson, La Grange County ; 1843, Josliua T. Hobbs, La Grange County ; 1844, William H. Nimmon, Noble County; 1845, T. H. Wilson, Noble County ; 1846, John Y. Clark, La Grange County ; 1847, George W. Sheldon, Noble County; 1848, Elijah A. Webster, La Grange County; 1849, Rufus D. Keeny, Noble County. After this date the county itself has been entitled to a Representative as follows : 1850, John P. Jones ; 1850-53, Francis Henry ; 1854, Will- iam Smith; 1856, Samuel P. Williams; 1858, John Thompson; 1860, Samuel Hudson ; 1862-64, Francis P. Griffith ; 1866, William Smith ; 1868, Timothy Field ; 1870, Williamson Rawles ; 1872, William Prentiss ; 1874-76, Samuel Harper; 1878, 0. B. Taylor; 1880, 0. B. Taylor. HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 57 Joint Representatives for Elkhart and La Grange Counties. — 1860, Robert Parrett, of La Grange County ; 1862, Amos Davis of La Grange County. In the Convention for Revision of Constitution of State, 1850. — From the District of La Grange, J. B. Ilowe ; for La Grange and Elkhart Counties, Joseph H. Mather, of Elkhart County. The records fail to show who represented the County in the Senate from 1834 1o 1839; also the Representative in the House in 1842. With these ex- ceptions, the above list is probably complete. Until the adoption of the new Constitution, the Senatorial term was two years, and the Representative term one year. Since then, the Senatorial term has been four years, and the Rep- resentative term two years. CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION. La Grange County, since its organization, has been represented in Congress as follows : 1831-36, by Jonathan McCarty, of Franklin County ; 1836-41, by James H. Rariden, of Fayette County ; 1841—46, by Andrew Kennedy, of Delaware County ; 1847-49, by William Rockhill, of Allen County ; 1849-51, by Andrew J. Harlan, of Grant County ; 1851-53, by Samuel Bren- ton, of Allen County; 1853-55, by Ebenezer M. Chamberlain, of Elkhart County ; 1855-57, by Samuel Brenton, of Allen County ; 1857-61, by Charles Case, of Allen County ; 1861-63, by William Mitchell, of Noble County ; 1863-65, by Joseph K. Edgerton, of Allen County ; 1865-67, by Joseph H. Defrees, of Elkhart County ; 1867-73, by William Williams, of Kosciusko County ; 1873-75, by Henry B. Saylor, of Huntington County ; 1875-81, by John H. Baker, of Elkhart County ; 1881 to present, by W. G. Colerick, of Allen County. ANNUAL EXPENDITURES. Total amount expended for county purposes for the year ending , 1837 $ 1,367 83 , 1838 2,878 29 , 1839 1,686 08 , 1840 2,773 46 , 1841 3,639 73 , 1842 2,933 61 , 1843 no rep't. , 1844 8,161 56 , 184G 8,882 66 , 1840 8,657 53 . 1847 5,987 68 , 1848 9,145 07 ,1849 7,231 96 , 1850 7,109 74 , 1851 6,529 22 , 1852 6,231 47 , 1853 4,790 67 , 1854 7,877 37 , 1855 4,470 00 November 1, November 1, May 1, May 1, May 1, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31. May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, 58 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 1850 7,087 56 1857 4,443 37 1858 6,381 08 1859 7,671 70 1860 8,923 24 1861 10,537 30 1862 11,710 68 1863 21,648 21 1864 14,461 27 1865 26,695 38 1866 46,621 64 1867 35,763 73 1868 27,973 03 1869 14,343 69 1870 14,498 66 1871 19,208 61 1872 19,650 31 1873 41,846 79 1874 16,481 22 1875 17,176 66 1876 18,368 37 1877 17,670 62 1878 30,484 79 1879 68,664 11 1880 54,350 07 1881 30,466 45 From 1861 to 1868 covers the period of war expenses; 1873, the building of a new jail, and 1878-81, the building and furnishing the new court house. The expenditures of this county fund, raised for county expenses alone, were for the year ending May 31, 1881, as follows : On account of assessment of revenue $1,379 00 On account of agriculture (show license) 10 00 On account of books, stationery and printing 1,068 07 On account of court expenses 443 62 On account of couuty oflScers 4,233 49 On account of higiiways and bridges 3.261 52 On account of jurors' fees 1,008 95 On account of poor 3,981 94 On account of public buildings 7,617 95 On account of redemption of lands 64 19 On account of specific 1,912 69 On account of State benevolent institutions and insane 1,023 47 On account of bounty for fox scalps 27 00 On account of public ditches 1,205 91 On account of criminals 316 94 On account of estate of David Rogers 2,911 81 Total $30,466 46 May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31. May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, May •31, May 31. May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31, VALUATION AND TAXATION. Below will be found the appraised value of the real and personal property of the county, the rate of taxation for county purposes, and the total average fe^ H^urn-y (/ 3^CLyCy^[>^ry^^'-'^'^--^^ CO. COMMISSIONER HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 61 rate of taxation for all purposes, State, county, township and town, for the years named : TEAE. Valuation of County. County Tax RateonSlOO Valuation. Average Tax Bate for all Purposes on $100 Valuation. 1844 $ 636,703 611,094 866,073 874,924 911,424 912,862 947,346 1,832,439 1,397,573 1,561,172 1,723,830 1,772,373 1,794,966 1,889,683 1,893,642 3,001,396 3,145,167 3,304,181 3,216,734 3,404,336 4,178,206 4,721,620 4,639,106 4,650,076 4,934,879 6,062,743 4,919,022 4,938,034 6,216,051 7,997,074 8,140,867 7,641,350 7,736,990 7,389,ft90 7,442,005 7,263,(j30 6,316,585 6,777,370 $1 00 50 70 70 65 65 50 60 10 40 30 30 40 30 80 40 26 25 30 40 50 1 20 40 60 25 26 30 70 55 20 16 30 26 53 85 41 40 40 $2 21 1845 1 76 1846 2 00 1847 2 18 1848 2 16 1849 1 04 1850 1 21 lyol 1 08 185-J 62 1853 1 03 18.)4 85 18')5 89 1856 1 07 1857 91 1 08 1859 1 13 92 ISGl 93 1 10 1863 1 10 1 14 1866 1 98 1 33 1867 , 1 46 1 18 1869 1 13 1 18 1871 1 46 1 31 1873 98 92 1S75 1 14 1 07i 1877 1 37i 1 61 f 1879 1 19 1 25J 1 26| 1881 The receipts from taxation during the year ending May 31, 1881, were as follows : .State tax $ 9,018 76 New State House tax 1,349 20 State school tax 12,004 10 County tax 27,616 66 Road tax... 8,325 53 Township tax 2,487 10 Special scbool tax 11,294 78 Township tuition tax 8,936 80 School-bond tax (Town of LaGrange) 2,533 22 Dog tax 1,209 73 Corporation tax {Town of La Grange) 830 06 Total $86,304 94 CHAPTER III. bt j. h. bkkick, m. d. Early Roads, Stace Limes, Ma.il Routes, etc.— Railways— County Stock- Post Offices— Outline OF the Growth of Religion— Spiritualism-Fouki- ERiSM— The Saints— Outline of the Growth or Education— School Statistics— The County Press— Authorship— Politics— Secret Societies —The Blackleos. THE development of the roads in the county marks the changes of the last half-century, as clearly, almost, as anything else. There was first the Indian trail, allowing travel in single tile only, by man or beast, then the common wagon road, then the stage line, the plank road, and finally the railroad. The principal Indian trails run from Mongoquinong Prairie to White Pigeon, and to Fort Wayne and along these trails the first wagon roads were opened. The road from Fort Wayne was the great thoroughfare for many years. The sur- plus grain was mostly carried over it to market at Fort Wayne, whence was brought most of the merchandise used in the county. In the summer of 1836, a stage coach was put on the road from Lima to Constantine, Mich., to which point boats then ran on the St. Joseph River. This line was opened by William M. Gary, now of Carson City, Xev., and was run twice a week, bringing and carrying away many land buyers; but as soon as tiiese decreased the line was discontinued. La Grange County, though on the direct line for travel from New York to Chicago, and thus on the travel belt around the world, was unfortunately missed by the east and west thoroughfares first established, and is even yet. Detroit and Chicago being the first important posts in the northwest travel set in between them, followed by stage lines, striking the counties to the west, leav ing this county untouched. Toledo was then a little village known as Vistula. An effort was early made to open a through highway from Vistula to Chicago, which, if it had been built, would in all probability have passed through the county, and have made its history in development and population greatly differ- ent from what it is. On the :20th of January, 1835, Hon. John B. Howe, of Lima, wrote to Gen. Cass, asking his influence and work in favor of an appro- priation by Congress for the survey of such a road, and through his influence and that of Gen. Tipton, then one of the Senators from this State, an appro- priation of §20,000 for the survey was made March 3, 1835. It is Mr. Howe's recollection that about §10,000 was expended in surveying and laying out the road, but this was the first and the last money expended on it. It was thought then too late to divert the travel from the Detroit line, and that there would HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 63 not be enough travel for two roads I The heavily timbered land and stiff clay soil, for some distance west of Maumee Bay, had a material influence in retard- ing and discouraging the construction of the route. In 1835, a road, long known as the Vistula road, was laid out from the Elkhart County line through Lima, and on through the county toward Vistula, and subsequently became the line of much of the through travel. But the principal emigration route was over the Defiance road, from Defiance, Ohio, which intersected the Vistula road two and a half miles east of Lima. This road was authorized by act of the Legislature, in 1832. In the same year, the Fort Wayne road was also authorized, and the report of the viewers filed in November, 1832. This road was the principal line of traffic, nearly all the .surplus grain for market and merchandise for home use being carried over it, to and from Fort Wayne. This continued until the Michigan Southern Railroad was built. A road was laid out' from Lima to Goshen, in 1834, and another known as the Baubaugo road, from the western line of the county, through La Grange, and directly east to Angola, in 1837. At the March term, 1837, the County Commissioners appropriated $150 to build a bridge across Turkey Creek, on the Perrysburg road ; $300 on State road from Lima to Goshen ; •$350 on La Grange and Baubaugo, and $1,000 on Vistula road west of Lima. A road from Northport (a vanished town on the north side of Sylvan Lake, Rome City,) to Union Mills (Mongo), was laid out in 1839 ; one from Lima to Huntington, Ind., January, 1840, and one from La Grange to Wolcottville, in March, 1842. The Huntington road is now known as the Ligonier road. These were the first and more important common roads opened in the county. About 1850, an epidemic raged quite extensively in Northern Indiana for building plank roads. It was upon these that local travel was to be made a bliss and stockholders were to realize their best dividends. The people of this county were generous enough to share with those other counties in this delu- sion and joined in the construction of a plank road from Fort Wayne to Stur- gis. This road was constructed from Fort Wayne as far as Ontario, the line running from Kendallville to the Fourier Association grounds in Springfield Township, thence to Mongo, then called Union Mills, and from there to Onta- rio. Traveling upon it was splendid for two or three years, until the plank began to decay. Then it became execrable. Stockholders found that only loss could result in its maintenance and it was abandoned. The first railroad talked of in the county was the projected Buffalo & Mississippi Railroad, for which .John B. Chapman, Representative from Kos- ciusko County, obtained a charter at the General Assembly of the State at the session of 1836-37. This road, it was contemplated, would run through the northern tier of counties of the State. The County Commissioners, at their November term, 1838, authorized a subscription of $500 stock in the road, and at their May term, 1839, granted authority for the issue of two county bonds of $1,000 each for stock in the road. Books wei-e opened for subscrip- 64 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. tions by citizens and a considerable amount was subscribed. But the project, like many others since, failed of accomplishment. Next came much talk and great expectations of the Michigan Southern Railroad, and it was once confi- dently thought that that company would have to avail themselves of the Buffalo & Mississippi charter in order to reach Chicago. The Chief Engineer of the com- pany came to Lima, in the fall of 1850, to see Mr. Howe and others in reference to the right of way, etc., for the company; but Mr. Howe was, at the time, at Indianapolis, a member of the State Constitutional Convention. But encour- aged by the demand and perseverance of the citizens of Southern Michigan, the railroad company found a way there further westward before entering In- diana. But the building of that line so far northward resulted, after a time, in the necessity of the air line route, built by the same company, from Toledo to Elkhart. The first line for this road was surveyed through the southern tier of the townships of the county and would, in all probability, have been constructed on that line but for extraordinary activity of some capitalists at Kendallville. The county was thus inclosed on the north and south by two great thoroughfares, but neither quite touching it. For about twenty years, all the surplus products of the county were carried to these roads, materially aiding in building up the towns on it and adjoining the county. Probably one-half and not less than one-third cif the trade, development and prosperity of the towns of Sturgis and White Pigeon, on the north line, and Kendallville and Ligonier, on the south line, is owing to business drawn from La Grange County. But for this circumstance the towns of the county would now be much larger than they are and the pop- ulation at least one-half more. It was not until the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad was built, that the county had a single home market. The agitation for this road commenced in 1855. Joseph Lomax, of Marion, Grant County, was the first and principal originator of the enterprise, and was so successful in arousing the people along the proposed line, that many put part, and some their whole, f^irms in subscrip- tion for stock ; farms being one of the commodities accepted for stock. Con- siderable work was done on the line in the county, when the enterprise com- menced to languish, and work was finally entirely suspended. But the com- piiny managed to keep up a feeble existence, got the land grant in Michigan re- newed after the expiration of the time first fixed for the completion of the road, thus keeping the hopes of the people alive until 1869, when, under a new management, with Joseph K. Edgerton, of Fort Wayne, as President, and who, as Member of Consross in 1863-65, had got the land grant renewed, the com- pany was enabled to re-enlist the interest of the people to such an extent that about $100,000 was subscribed by individuals in the county, nearly all along the line of road. Under tiiis stimulus and aid, the road was completed through the county. The first locomotive reached La Grange from Sturgis, April 11. 1870, welcomed by the roar of cannon, and music by the band. Flags were swung to the breeze, smiles brightened every face, men shook hands, then HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 65 thrust them down into their pockets, and provided means for a sumptuous din- ner at the hotels for all the track layers and railroad employes. That sea- son, the road was completed from Sturgis to Fort Wayne, and the next year from Sturgis to Grand Rapids, Mich. The stock taken by the people has been almost valueless until recently, when it has attained a value of 10 cents on the dollar. But the road has been of immense benefit to the county, and few, if any, who took stock complain of the investment. It has, to a consider- able extent, checked the outflow of trade, and furnished good markets within her own borders, where farmers can sell and invest at home. The county, though, will continue to be largely contributary to outside towns, near its bor- ders, until an east and west line is built through. There have been a number of east and west railroads projected, talked of, and advocated ; and in January, 1873, a county election was held on the proposition to appropriate $98,000 in aid of a projected line called the New York & Chicago Air Line Railroad. The proposition was defeated by a vote of 1,520 against, to 1,220 for. This lino was surveyed to run centrally through the county, east and west. The financial crisis coming on soon after, nothing more has been heard of that enterprise. An extension of the Detroit, Hillsdale & Northwestern Railroad through the county and on west has been several times talked of, and in 1880 was strongly advocated, and quite a large sum of money was subscribed for it, in the north- eastern part of the county. This project is liable to revive at any time. A narrow-gauge route from Lake Michigan through the county to Toledo was much talked of also, in 1880. A number of public meetings were held, and much running to and fro caused, but that was all. In the winter of 1880-81, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company had a preliminary survey made for another track from Toledo, through Angola and La Grange, to Goshen. At present, all these projects are little talked of, and much less ex- pected to culminate in any real construction. In 1872, a line for the Canada Southern Railroad was surveyed through the southern section of the county, subscriptions taken, right of way obtained, number of ties delivered, but the financial crisis laid that enterprise on the shelf also. The first post office in the county was opened at a farm house on Mon- quinong Prairie, George Egnew, Postmaster, in 1832. The post office at La Grange was opened in 1843, with Charles B. Holmes as Postmaster. The dates of the opening of the other offices are not accessible. There are now sixteen offices in the county — La Grange, Lima; Scott, Van Buren Township ; Ontario, Lima Township; Brighton and Greenfield Mills, Greenfield Township; Mongo and Brushy Prairie, Springfield Township; South Milford, Milford Township; Wolcottville, Woodruff and Valentine, Johnson Township ; Steno, Clearspring Township ; Emma, Eden Township ; Pashan and Shore, Newbury Township. The La Grange Post Office attained to the third class (Presidential) in 1872, and is the only one of that class in the county. Until the railroads were built, the mails were brought from Fort Wayne by stage. After the completion of 66 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. the Michigan Southern routes, they were brought from Sturges and Kemlall- ville in like manner. Since 1870, the mails have been forwarded by the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, and are distributed to the county from Kendallville, Noble County, La Grange and Lima. The present star line mail routes are from Lima to Ontario, Brighton, Mongo, Brushy Prairie and South Milford, to Kendallville, tri-weekly ; from La Grange to Steno, semi- weekly ; from La Grange to Emma, Shore and Pashan and Goshen, semi- weekly; from White Pigeon to Scott, from Orland to Greenfield Mills, from Wolcottville to Woodruif. The first preaching, that there is record of, in the county, was in the vicinity of Lima, in 1829, by Rev. Erastus Felton, sent out by the Ohio Meth- odist Conference as a missionary to the settlements in Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana. He was succeeded in 1831 by Rev. Leonard B. Geerly. In July, 1832, Rev. Christopher Corey, the Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at White Pigeon, Mich., came over to Lima, and, taking a stump for a pulpit, preached to the people. The next year he became a permanent resident, and is yet residing at Lima, a living witness of all the remarkable changes of half a century, and can trace, not only there, but throughout the county, the in- fluences of the good seed sown, at the beginning of the settlement, by himself and other Christian workers. Rev. H. J. Hall, a Baptist minister, sent West by the Massachusetts Home Mission Society, came in 1833 and located a little north of the town of Lexington. His pastorate was brief, owing to ill health, requiring him to re- turn East. Though he was not able to organize any societies in the county, others soon followed, by whom they were organized, and, in 1837, a Baptist Churnh was organized at Wolcottville, and, in 1816, another at Lima, and since in several other localities in the county. The Methodist Mission was dropped in a few years, a regular circuit formed, and this was followed by division into other circuits. At present there are five distinct charges, and some twenty local societies. The Presbyterians have flourishing churches at La Grange and Lima, and membership in different parts of the county. The once distinguished Bishop Philander Chase, of Ohio, preached at Lima as early as in 1884; other Protestant Episcopal ministers followed him, with occasional services, until 1851, when a church was organized at Lima, and subsequently one at La Grange in 1872. These denominations were the earlier founders of religious societies in the county. Individuals connected with other branches were as early here as any of these, but we have no record of organized societies by other churches until 1854, when three church societies were organized — a Congregational at Lima, German Baptist (Dunkers), in Newbury Township, and the Evangelical Lutheran at La Grange. Still other churches formed societies, but at what dates we have not been able to learn — the United Brethren in Christ, the Free- Will Baptist, the Christian or Disciple, the Albrights, Protestant Methodist and Wes- HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 67 leyan Methodists. The La Grange County Bible Society was one of the earlier religious organizations. At a meeting of its Board of Managers in March, 1839, the following interesting report, prepared at the time by a com- mittee consisting of Revs. H. J. Hall and Christopher Cory, was presented and adopted : " During the past year, this county has been supplied with the precious Word of Life. At a period almost coeval with the first settlement of this county, this good work was commenced under the auspices of the Bible society in St. Joseph County, Mich., after which it was carried forward through the instrumentality of a very few of our own citizens. In the spring of 1834, this society was formed, and further arrangements were made from time to time for the extension of this I'iver of life, that it might freely flow to every human habitation, willing to receive it, within our bounds. Yet, notwithstanding this work was commenced at so early a period, we have never till the present been permitted to say it is finished. But, be it remembered, this work is finished only for the present time, and within our little bounds. Again and again must the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings be speeding their way through our villages, our prairies and forests, to the cottages of the poor and the destitute, until that glorious period shall come, when the earth shall be filled, like the overflowing sea, with the knowledge of our God, whose spirit, holy and divine, inspired this sacred volume." The agent. Rev. H. J. Hall, employed by this society to explore this county and to supply the destitute with the Bible, has reported the following facts, to wit: " This county contains 650 families, 3,657 inhabitants, and 450 professors of religion. Among those who made a public profession of their faith in Christ, 209 belong to the Methodist denomination, 152 to the Presbyterian, 72, Baptist ; 9, Episcopalian, and 6 to the Lutheran. One hundred and seventeen individuals professing to have passed from death unto life, most of whom made a profession of religion previous to their coming to this county, are now living outside of the inclosure of Christ's kingdom. In this county there are 1,035 children between the ages of five and fifteen years, of whom only 278 have attended school the past year three months, leaving 757 who have not attended any school, or have attended less than three months. One agent further reports that he found eighty families destitute of the Bible, most of whom received it gladly. May they find in it the hidden treasures of eter- nal life. Four families refused this precious book, thereby shutting out this light of heaven from their gloo^iy habitations. To conclude, let the friends of the Bible be encouraged to redouble their efl"orts, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that in due season, they shall reap if they faint not. C. Cokey, Chairman of Committee." Here we have a close enumeration of the inhabitants at this time, a showing of their religious status, and a classification of their denominational divisions. 68 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Only four families of the whole number did not want a Bible. Then about one in every eight of the population made a public profession of faith in Christ ; now, as nearly as we can ascertain, the proportion is one in six. The wave of spiritism which swept over the country in an early day, did not neglect La Grange County, and for a time, between 1850 and the war, spirit-rapping and writing and like phenomena were the leading sensation, and the cause of apparently endless discussion between those who saw in it a divine revelation and those who believed it to be the manifestation of his Satanic majesty, walking the earth seeking whom he might devour. Numerous circles were formed and seances held, and nearly all the performances of the alleged spirits were claimed to be evoked by local mediums. Eloquent and talented lecturers came and proclaimed the new gospel, boastfully predicting its future supremacy over the old religion. Spiritism did maintain a form and substance in society, more or less influential, for some twenty years, but gradu- ally died away, until little is heard of it in public. After the lecturer and medium came the " exposer," and kept up considerable excitement concerning the dying cause. Those who have lived through it, have lived to see the cause of so many exhibitions of hasty credulity on one side and so much anxious fear, and even bigoted persecution, on the other, gradually lose its place as a basis of faith, and become an object of semi-scientific experimentation. It will be remembered that among the many schemes proposed in the first half of the century for changing the social order and inaugurating an era of good feeling and heavenly acting, the system of Charles Fourier attracted great attention. Into different forms of these socialistic schemes went young men of great faith in humanity and its possibilities, but, after a few years, dropped out, with little faith left, and a i-esolution to bear the ills we Lave in society rather than sacrifice themselves in a vain attempt to reconstruct it. The society organized in this county has not had itself perpetuated in romance, as was the "Brook Farm," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, but it made a no less earnest effort for success, and had a pleasant existence for several years. The history of this organization, as far as it is handed down to us, is full of interest. A number of the best and most prominent citizens of Springfield Township were the founders of the enterprise. A constitution of thirty articles was framed in 1844, upon the basis of Fourier's doctrines as modified and pub- lished by Albert Brisbane, of New York, in 1843. A charter was granted to William S. Prentiss, Benjamin Jones and Harvey Olmstead, by the Legislature. Other members who joined in the first year were Jesse Huntsman, Alanson Mason, William Anderson, John H. Cutler, Eliphalet Warner, L. H. Stocker, Prentiss H. Evans, William Sheldon, Dr. Richardson, Hart Hazen and Margaret Wade. The name chosen was the rather warlike one of the " La Grange Phalanx." Joseph B. Wade, son of Margaret Wade, and a schoolboy at that time, says in a paper on this subject: "There are many pleasant recollections «. l/^ GRANGE HISTORY OF LA CHANGE COUNTY. 71 clustering around those years, when 120 people from Indiana and Michigan lived under the same roof and ate at the same table. The home of the Phalanx was a house 210 feet long by twenty-four feet wide, and two stories high, with a, veranda to both stories on the front. In the center of the first story was a dining-room, forty feet long by twenty-four feet wide ; immediately above the school-room, which was large enough to accommodate the children. And a better controlled and managed school, it was never my fortune to attend." The system of management in the Phalanx was as follows: The industrial department was managed by a Council of Industry, who controlled, laid out, and directed all of the agricultural and mechanical departments, upon the basis as described in Article .\.VI (75 cents per day of ten hours), and so ordered that ten hours of the man who plowed were paid the same as eight hours of him who grubbed. The Council of Commerce had under its supervision all the buying, selling and traffic of the Phalanx. The Council of Education (made up of the best educational talent) had the entire management of the school and educational matters in the Phalanx. The several councils consisted of three or more members, of which the President was one. The different departments were sub-divided into groups of from three to eight persons, each group having its foreman, chosen by its members, who reported the time of each member to the Secretary once every week, in days and hours. " This system in many respects was advantageous to successful labor, and but for the fact of too little care in taking in members, might have been sue- cessful and popular as a labor-saving organization. But the whole thing was new and untried, and many adventurers came in, some for want of a home, others to winter and leave in the spring. I do not doubt that the prudent, careful men of the Phalanx, after disbanding that organization, could, with their years of experience, have formed one that would have been a step in advance of the old isolated system of living, not for successful industry merely, but socially and educationally. This Phalanx was wound up and settled by William Sea- burn and Ephraim Seeley, commissioned as provided by the constitution, without litigation, in 1817 or 1848, and its members scattered, leaving only at this writing (1876) in this county, Hon. William Prentiss and the mother of the family of William S. Prentiss ; Phineas Huntsman, of the family of Jesse Huntsman ; Ilarvey Olmstead, the writer and his wife, and Mrs. Ellen Deal, daughter of Benjamin Jones, upon whose f;irm the Phalanx was located." At about the same time as the Fourier movement, like ideas of co-opera- tion, but on a more religious basis, gave rise to an organization in Lexington of a co-oporative society under the modest title of " The Congregation of Saints." The association was completed March 5, 1843, when the following preamble was adopted, which will reveal the nature of the proposed remedy for evils, real and imaginary, afflicting society : Tlie Congregation of Saints at Lexington, La Grange County, lud., deeply sensible of ihe innumerable evils which afflict all classes of society, and despairing of deliverance through the D 72 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. agency of our present social and political systems which we belieye are at variance with the principles of Christianity, and consequently the best interest of man: being desirous of securing for ourselves constant, and as far as possible, agreeable occupations, just dividends and theadvan tage of economy, only to be realized in association ; and to establish a complete system of edu- cation in all useful and elevating branches of physical, intellectual and moral science, together with the most ample provision for the aged and afflicted ; and above all, to escape from the per- petual conflicts and litigations which now render society little else than a pandemonium; and which, we believe, grow out of the present systems, and out of the depraved nature of man ; do agree to unite in association, and to purchase and cultivate a domain of from two to six thousand acres of land, to prosecute such branches of commercial, mechanical, scientific, agricultural and horticultural employments as shall be conducive to our good ; to divide the products of the labor among ourselves on a discriminating scale, by which each shall, as nearly as possible, reap what he may sow ; to abolish the distinction of master and servant ; te preserve individuality ; to se- cure the rights and extend the privileges of women ; to cherish and strengthen all the tender ties and relations growing out of the family compact ; to enlarge the freedom of the individual by granting to all varied occupations, and the selection of the particular branch of industry for which they may feel an attraction. We believe that we shall be thus enabled to put in practice the two divine precepts — " Love thy neighbor as thyself," and "As ye would that others should do unto you, do ye even so unto them." The La Grange Freeman, of April 8, 1843, in which we find the article." of association of the Saints, remarks editorially, in referring to it : " What next ! And what is to be the end of all these associations ? Time alone will, reveal the results. If they prove beneficial, we shall rejoice ; but if disastrous, awful will be the consequences. The matter to us looks dark." A contributor in the same paper, commenting on the subject, says : " The world, at this day, Mr. Editor, is full of expedients for improving and ameliorating the condition of society. Among other reformers and new modelers of country and the world we have the Socialists, the Rationalists, each in their turn inculcating their peculiar doctrines, and some new and wonderful discovery about to en- liiThten the world, renovate the earth and elevate human nature above the wants, the woes, and the vices which have so long afflicted mankind. * * * I, for one, have no confidence in these visionary theorists, these philosophic and intellectual benefactors of mankind, who are forming for us new principles of association and government, under the blessings of which offenses are to cease, and men to become peaceful and harmless as doves." Editor and contributor proved wiser than the " Saints," and Fourierites. Both associations were short-lived ; indeed, the "Saints" hardly got organ- ized before disorganization commenced, and the society was disbanded before the new mode of living was tested. No open advocates of these theories now remain. But for these reminiscences very few of this day would know such societies were ever advocated and formed in the county. Though unsuccessful, they merit a recollection as evidences, if no more, of the intellectual activity among the early settlers. A more popular and exciting theory of that day was the construction of the Scriptural prophecies preached by AVilliam Miller, to the effect that Jesus Christ would come into the world again, some time between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. Several Millorite preachers came into the county and HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 73 held revival meetings, at which there was great excitement, and as many con- versions as could be hoped for in such a thinly populated country. But the sun went down calmly March 21, 1844, and the world still went on in its old, old fashion. The millennium was set for a later date, and another "ism " lost its hold upon the people. An active interest in the cause of education is one of the characteristics of the county, from its first settlement to the present. While the first pio- neers were wending their way into the wilderness here, seeking homes for themselves and families, a member of an infidel club at Victor, N. Y., was sit- ting at the feet of the distinguished evangelist, Charles G. Finney, a humble, penitent, and then an enthusiastic convert to the Christian faith. This man, Nathan Jenks, as soon as he came to answer the question, under the new light he had received, " What wilt Thou have me to do," conceived the idea of founding an educational institute somewhere in the West, modeled somewhat after the Oberlin Institute of Ohio, then the favorite of Mr. Finney, and of which he was many years the President. Mr. Jenks, in coming West, struck Ontario, was pleased with the locality, bought land and settled down, and soon proposed his favorite project. On February 6, 1837, an organization was eftected, a Board of Trustees elected, and the La Grange Collegiate Institute became an institution, and one of the very first institutions of higher education in Northern Indiana. A fuller history of this institute will be found in the Lima Township record. It wielded a strong and healthful educational influence for many years, lifted hundreds into the higher range of intellectual culture, and was materially beneficial to the cause of education throughout the whole coun. ty. When it was proposed in the new constitution of 1852 to incorporate the free school system, the people of La Grange County were at the front urging its adoption. Before this the schools were supported almost exclusively by indi- vidual subscription. Since then as exclusively by State and local taxation. At present, and for some years past, tuition in all the public schools has been en- tirely free to all residents of the respective school districts. From the adoption of the new constitution to 1861, the teachers were licensed by a board of three examiners. Rev. C. Cory, of Lima, served several years on this board. From this time until 1873 there was but one examiner for the county, the office being filled during that time by Joseph H. Danseur, one year and five months ; George A. Marks, one year ; W. H. Hemenway, ten months ; Rufus Patcli, three years and six months ; A. Fitz Randolph, one year and nine months ; William Cathcart, seven months. Now came a radical change in this office, the duties being so enlarged as to require a general supervision of all the schools of the county. The name was also changed to County Superintendent, and the office at once assumeil an importance before unrecognized. This office has been filled as follows : S. D. Crane, 1870 to 1871 ; Alfred Bayless, 1871 to 1873 ; S. D. Crane, 1873 to 1874 ; E. T. Cosper, 1874 to 1875 ; S. D. Crane, 1875 to 1831 ; E. G. Machan, 1881 to date. With the office of County Super- 74 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. intendent was also established the County Board of Education, consisting of the Superintendent, the Trustees of the several townships, and the President of the School Boards of incorporated towns. This board is required to meet semi-annually, to ascertain the wants and needs of the schools, in property and text books, and to adopt general rules of management. Under this system ma- terial changes have been wrought in the school management. A higher grade of qualification for teaching has been enforced, nearly one-half of all applicants for teachers' licenses being rejected; school work has been better .systematized, recitations arranged so as to secure more equal advantages for pupils, better class of text books adopted, the methods of instruction improved, more attention given to analysis than mere rule, and nearly all the schools put on a graded course of instruction. Nearly all are now graded, and arrangements are com- pleted by which pupils who finish the course of study, adopted October 17, 1881, will receive a diploma which will admit them to any high school in the county without further examination. The course requires nine years to com- plete it, and as it is arranged, classes can be graduated from each school every two years. The marked improvement in the country schools of the county within the last three years shows the wisdom of establishing the office of County Superintendent. It will require but a few years more, with the hearty co-op- eration of patrons, teachers and school officers, to give our country schools the advantages largely of those in the towns. Better schoolhouses have been and are being built, and all are being supplied with greatly improved facilities for illustration, as maps, charts, cards, mathematical blocks, magnets, globes and other apparatus. Another part of the school machinery is the County Institute, held once a year, and Township institutes, held once a month, in each township, during the school months. It is claimed for the county the honor of having inaugurated the Institute system in the State, the first Teachers' Institute being held at Ontario, in 1846. This was followed the next year (1847) by a Nor- mal school of four weeks' term. Normal schools are yet held every summer, as a private enterprise, on the part, generally, of the Superintendents, but greatly to the benefit of those seeking to qualify themselves for effective teaching. The State Superintendent, in his annual report of 1880, shows the follow ing interesting facts pertaining to this county : Number of persons of school age — from six years to twenty-one years.. 5,136 Number that cannot read or write 6 Number admitteii into the schools for year ending August 30, 1881 4,324 Average daily attendance. 2,676 Number of school districts Ill Number district graded schools 108 Number township graded schools 4 Average length of schools — Days 145 Number of teachers — Male 86 Number of teachers — Pemale ')4 180 HISTORY OF LA GUANUE COUNTY. 75 Average wages of teachers per day : In townsbips— Males f 1.60 In townships— Females 1.29 In towns — Males 3.12 In towns — Females 1.50 Total revenue for tuition..... |44,688 81 Total revenue for special school purposes — building schoolhouses, expenses of schools, etc $17,250 71 Number of schoolhouses — Brick 17 Number of schoolhouses — Frame 9.5 112 Value of school property $181,893 00 Volumes in township libraries 2,0-18 Amount paid Trustees during the year for services in connection with the schools |525 00 At the organization of the county, one section of land in each Congres- sional township was set apart for school purposes, its proceeds, when sold, to be invested as a permanent fund, and the interest to be applied to a tuition fund of the respective townships. All this land was sold some years ago. The total amount of the principal of the Congressional fund held in trust by the county May 31, 1881, was $17,576.80. There are three different funds used for the education of the children of the State — the Congressional fund above mentioned ; the Common School Fund, made up from various sources by the State, and which, on the 1st of June, 1880, amounted to $6,616,112.04; of this amount, $3,904,783.21 is in the form of a negotiable bond of the State, and the rest in money distributed to the several counties, pro rata, held in trust by the counties and loaned to the citizens. The constitution of the State prohibits the reduction of the principal of either of these funds, which now aggregate the immense sura of $9,065, 254. 73, equal te $12.88 per capita of those of school age. The amount of the Common School Fund, held in trust by La Grange County, May 31, 1881, was $21,621.68, making the total school funds held in trust, Congressional and Common School, $39,198.48. To the interest derived from these sources of school revenue, there is each year a levy by the State of sixteen cents on each $100 valuation of property, which is twice a year dis- tributed to several counties in proportion to enumeration of children. Another source of revenue for tuition is made by town and township levies, which they are permitted to make to an extent not to exceed 25 cents on each $100. These two taxes, added to the interest on the Congressional and Common School funds are for the tuition of the children. For the building of schoolhouses, repairs, furniture, apparatus and incidental expenses, each township and town levies a special school tax, to an amount deemed necessary, not to exceed 50 cents on each $100 valuation. The aggregate sums expended for school purposes, derived from these sources in this county for year ending September 30, 3 881, was, for tuition, $26,581.20; and for special school purposes, $15,097.44 ; total, $41,678.64. The sum for many years has aggregated so nearly this amount, that a table showing each year's expenditures for schools is hardly necessary. ( b HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. The number of teachers licensed for the year ending June 1, 1881, was 212 ; per cent for two years, 4 ; for eighteen months, 12 ; for twelve months, 34 ; for six months, 50. The newspaper history of the county commences with the establishment, at Ontario, of the La Grange Freeman in July, 1842, with Samuel Heming- way, Jr., as editor. In the election of the next year it supported the Whig ticket and bore at the head of its editorial columns the names of Samuel Biwfjer for Governor and John H. Bradley, La Porte, for Lieutenant Governor. The paper was a six column folio and fairly printed. Its publication was continued nearly two years, when it was suspended and the material of the office moved to Lima, and the La Grange Whig started in 1845, with James S. Castle as editor and publisher. In September, 1844, another paper was started at Ontario by James M. Flagg, an attorney, called the People's Advocate. Early in 1845, this paper was moved to Lima and the name changed to the La Grange Advo- cate. This was also a six column folio and AVhig in politics. The few copies of these papers that have been preserved unto the present are almost destitute of local references, the tditorial labor seemingly having been directed to clip- ping from distant papers and occasional comments upon National and State matters. There is a remarkable contrast, in respect to "locals," between the newspapers of that day and the present. A country paper now without five to ten columns of home news every week would hardly be looked at by the people. Then there was hardly as much in as many months. The La Grange Advocate, after a short life at Lima, was merged into the Lima Whig, which continued an active career until 1855, when it passed into the hands of C. D. Y. Alexander and soon after was discontinued. The Whigs, though, during all this time, were not permitted to exercise all tlie newspaper talent of the county. In Oc- tober, 1845, Messrs. Jewett, Owen & Bennett started the La Grange Democrat, which held up and defended the Democratic banner some four or five years, when it was suspended. Who were the different proprietors during that time, or whether there were any changes, cannot now be ascertained. The town of La Grange, the new county seat, had, by this time, so grown as to aspire to newspaper standing, and then, as now, there was somebody ready to fill such "felt wants." Mr. G. D. Stanclift' was the first man to try the busi- ness in La Grange, by starting the La Grange Herald in 1856. It was but an experiment, and ere the year closed the Herald had expired. But the want had by no means been gratified, and one morning in December, 1856, the current topic was a new printing office in town. John K. Morrow, of Bryan, Ohio, had moved in, bringing with him a Washington hand press and printing ma- terial covered with a chattel mortgage. Associating with him Rayhouser he at once commenced the issue of the La Grange Standard, which has made regular weekly visitations to the people of the county from that day to this. It was the first Republican paper established in the county. A number of changes in proprietors and editors have occurred; but, with all the changes, HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 77 the paper has been gradually improved and advanced in circulation and pros- perity. Rayhouser held his interest but a short time, when he sold to C. D. Y. Alexander, of Lima, and he soon sold his interest to Joseph B. Wade. Morrow and Wade conducted the paper about a year, when Mr. Wade sold his interest to John D. Devor, in the winter of 1859. In April, 186U, Dr. Charles 0. Myers bought the entire office, and con- ducted the paper until 1863, when he sold out to Thomas S. Taylor, who had, a few months previous, started a paper, the Lima Union, at Lima. Mr. Myers taking the material of the Union in part pay, moved it to Kendallville, and started the Kendallville Standard. Mr. Taylor conducted the La Grange Standard until November 22, 1867, when he sold the office to Dr. John H. Rerick, who held it until May, 1869, when he sold it to John D. Devor. The latter added some $2,500 material to the office, consisting of a new Washington hand press, two job presses, a large quantity of type, and other material. On the iSth of July, 1872, the office was again bought by Dr. J. H. Rerick, and is still owned and conducted by him. In October, 1874, he added a power Taylor press (the first power press ever brought into the county), steam-power, mailing machine and considerable other material. In 1859, J. S. Castle started a Democratic paper at La Grange, called the La Grange Democrat, which he published about a year at La Grange, when he moved the office to Lima and continued the publication there until some time in 1862, when it was discontinued entirely. In 1868, through the joint opera- tion of a number of Democrats in the different parts of the county, an entirely new office was bought and a new Democrat started, with Francis Henry and Howard M. Coe as editors and publishers. This paper took an active part in the campaign of 1868. In April, 1869, the office was consumed with the block of business buildings then destroyed by the most disastrous fire that has yet occurred in the town. A number of Democrats renewed their stock, and new press and new material were again purchased and the Democrat re-issued. Mr. Henry soon retired from the paper, when its publication was continued by Mr. Coe until some time in 1870, when he abandoned the office and it was closed up. The material of the office was purchased in 1871 by Hiram A. Sweet, and a new paper was started, entitled the La Grange Independent. Mr. A. Bayliss bought an interest in the paper in 1872, and conducted the edito- rial department about a year, when he sold his interest back to Mr. Sweet. Mr. Sweet continued its publication until the spring of 1874, when he discon- tinued it and moved the office to Sturgis, Mich. In the spring of 1874, A. H. Wait, of Sturgis, Mich., started the Register at Wolcottville, which he sold a few months after to his publisher. James R. Rheubottom. In December, 1875, S. D. Crane, of La Grange, bought an interest in the office, and in March) 1876, bought the remaining interest held by Mr. Rheubottom, and moved the office to La Grange, changing the name of the paper to the La Grange Register, the first copy of the latter being issued in April, 1876. In June, of the same 78 PIISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. year, J. C. Hewitt bought an interest in the office, and in December succeeding bought the entire office, and has conducted it since. In August, 1881, he put in a power Campbell press, the second power press introduced in the county. James R. Rheubottom started a new paper in Rome City, Noble County, in the spring of 1876, which he moved to WolcottviJle in June, the same year, and issued it under the title of the Wolcottville Gazette, conducting it until November, 1878, when he sold the office to I. W. Lohman, who shortly after moved it to Rome City again, when it was, in the course of a year, discontin- ued entirely, and the material shipped to Indianapolis. November 13, 1879, a new La Gr&nge Democ7-at was started at La Grange, by J. Frank Snyder, and is still being issued. Several different persons have been associated with Mr. Snyder in the publication of the paper. At present writing (October, 1881), there are three papers published in the county, all at La Grange ; the Sta7idard, a seven-column quarto, Republican in politics; the /Je^/sfer, a six-column quarto, independent; and the Democrat, a five-column quarto; all published on the "co-operative plan."' In the line of book authorship, there have been, so far as we can learn, but two residents of the county who have ventured into this field. Hon. John B. Howe, of Lima, who has devoted the late years of his life largely to the study of financial problems, has written and had published four books on the subject under the following titles: 1st. "The Political Economy of Great Britain, the United States and France, in the Use of Money. A new science of production and exchange." 2d. "Monetary and Industrial Fallacies. A dialogue." 3d. "Mono-metalism and Bi-metalisra." 4th. "The Common Sense. The Mathematics and the Metaphysics of Money." The chief proposition, and to which others maintained are subordinate, in these four books is, that the present theory of money is founded, like the ptolemaic theory for the universe, on illusory and not real facts, and that there can be no sound monetary, and hence no sound social, science, so far as political economy is concerned, until monetary science is founded on actual facts. He claims, in these books, to have demonstrated the falsity of the science of money as now taught, and the truth of his own science. Dr. J. H. Rerick wrote, and had published, in 1880, a book of nearly three hundred pages, illustrated with maps and portraits, entitled, "The Forty- fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. History of its services in the war of the rebellion, and a personal record of its members." The politics of the county, when the contest was between Whigs and Democrats, was nearly equally divided. In five Presidential contests, the Whigs won in two, 1840 and 1844; the Democrats in two, 183G and 1848. In 1852, the two parties were a tie. The Abolitionists cast 38 votes in 1844, HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 79 114 in 1848, and, in 1852, under the name of ''Free-Soil," 117 votes. The repeal of the Missouri compromise, the attempted extension of slavery into Kan- sas and Nebraska, aroused much indignation and warm political controversies in the county. The result was a general disorganization of the two old parties, and a sharp issue on the anti-Nebraska question in 1854, resulting in the elec- tion of the entire anti-Nebraska ticket, by majorities ranging from 125 to 500. The organization of the Republican party, combining all the opponents of slavery extension soon following, the political lines were drawn on that line in this county, and until the appearance of the National or Greenback party, there were but the two party organizations in the county, the Republican and Dem- ocratic. At every election since, the Republican party has elected every county candidate put in nomination by its county convention, by handsome majorities. There is not, probably, another county where either party, so largely ascendent in a county, has maintained such a solid and unbroken front for twenty-seven years. The Republican majorities at the Presidential elections have ranged from 7t)0 to 1,033. The National or Greenback party was organized in the county in 1876, and in that year cast 63 votes for its Presidential candidate, and at the State election of 1878 attained its maximum, casting some 500 votes. As soon as the country began to recover from the financial crisis of 1873, that party began to decline, and, at the Presidential election of 1880, cast only 116 votes. Now it has entirely disappeared as an organization. In the statistical table elsewhere will be found the Presidential vote at every elec- tion since the organization of the county. The people of La Grange County, from its earliest settlement, have, in the main, been a very temperate people. Total prohibition of the use of strong drinks as a beverage has had at all times strong advocates. So strong has this sentiment been that for many years, as long as the issue of license to retail was left to discretion of the County Commissioners, no licenses were issued at all. The organized temperance work has been mainly done through the Sons of Temperance, the Good Templar Order, the red ribbon and blue ribbon move- ments. The Hutchinson Lodge of Good Templars, organized in La Grange in July, 1866, has met regularly every week since, and been the center of an active and beneficent temperance influence. Another lodge of the same order, entitled the Davis Lodge, was organized, and is yet doing good work in the cause of temperance and social culture. A number of other secret societies of social character have been organized, and been more or less influential, socially, in the community. A Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized at Lima in 1848, and at- tained a membership as high as forty-three, consisting mainly of the active business young men. Hon. Schuyler Colfax gave a public lecture under the auspices of the Lodge at the M. E. Church in 1849. The California emigra- tion drew so largely on its membership and so weakened it, that the Lodge sur- rendered its charter in 1854. About the same time the Odd Fellows' Lodge 80 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. was organized, a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was also organized at Lima. A charter for the organization of the Meridian Sun Lodge No. 7, Free and Accepted Masons, was granted June 1, 1849, with William Martin, Worshipful Master ; F. Flanders, Senior Warden ; William Berg, Junior War- den ; John Kromer, Secretary ; John Briscoe, Treasurer. Since its organiza- tion, 425 members have been enrolled. The present officers are : B. F. Lutz, Worshipful Master ; M. V. Stroup, Senior Warden; J. H. Caton, Junior War- den ; A. F. Skeer, Treasurer ; and J. H. Lutz, Secretary. The Star in the West Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., at La Grange, was organized in June. 1855, has had a membership of 150. and is still in active working order. At Wolcottville, there are two Lodges. Aldine Lodge I. 0. 0. F. organized April 19, 1875, with a membership now of twenty-six, and Ionic Lodge F. A. M., organized May 28, 1868, with a present membership of forty-seven. The Grange movement, in 1873, found a number of active and influential adherents in this county. Some eleven Granges of the Patrons of Industry were organized, and all, we believe, by William Collett. The strongest Granges were formed in Clearspring Township, where one or two still exist ; all the others, though, have been discontinued. In the month of February, 1878, a movement was made in La Grange County, to organize a Home Insurance Company on the mutual plan. The first meeting of those interested was held on the 2d of March of the same year, at which time the following men became charter members : Samuel P. Brad- ford, H. H. Bassler, John Dalton, James Miller, B. W. Vesey, Philip Sprewer, Joseph Steininger, Alanson Blackmun, Mrs. Zedina Buck, Wrench Winters, William Crampton. Robert Kellett. Mrs. M. Kellet, D. N. Stough, James Smith, Levi Putt, George W. Storms, William Gardner, Henry Weiss, Z. L. Scidmore, Israel Spangler, Peter Alspaugh, Levi Eshleman, A. J. Royer, John Bellairs, William Woodward, William S. Olney, Peter Moak, George Preston, John McDonald and Elias Wight. These men took out policies, and sub- scribed stock to the amount of $57,615. The company, from that time to this, has grown very rapidly until the membership now numbers about 500. On the 11th of February, 1879, the stock amounted to $277,390; February 10, 1880, to §431,846 : June 6, 1881. to $645,455 ; and January 11, 1882, to $751,751. But four assessments have been made upon the members to make good losses, as follows: January, 1879, a tax of eleven and one-half mills on the dollar; De- cember, 1879, a tax of eight mills ; April, 1880, a tax of twenty-two mills ; and June, 1881, a tax of fifteen mills. The total losses paid to the present writing (January 7, 1882), are as follows : During the first year, $110 ; sec- ond year, $250; third year, $968 ; fourth year, $851.98. Total losses paid, $2,179.98. The total per cent of taxation to meet lossesduring the four years is but fifty-six and one-half. Every loss has been promptly paid, and the com- pany presents a fine financial showing. The losses have been mostly by light- ning, whereby various flocks of sheep, meat in smoke houses, and buildings HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 81 suffered. The first officers were : Amasa Bunnell, President ; Samuel P. Bradford, Secretary ; and H. H. Bassler, Treasurer. With the honest and enterprising pioneers of La Grange and Noble Coun- ties, came some ingenious and active villains, who at once commenced to avail themselves of all the advantages a sparsely-settled country, with its hidden recesses in woods and swamp, always furnishes the criminal classes for carrying on the general villainy of stealing, robbing and counterfeiting. These men soon collected around them others of like propensities, and secretly seduced many young men into the ways of pollution and on to crime. The Indians frequently complained of the theft of their ponies, and the early settlers of their horses, and, later on, house-breaking, house-burning, robbery, and the passage of counterfeit money, became annoyances of frequent occurrence, not only in these counties, but in all Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. The sys- tematic action displayed in these lawless depredations indicated so strongly a conspiracy that the belief became general that there was a well-organized baml of villains, within or very near the borders of these counties. As early as 1841 or 1842. the people realized that the ordinary processes of law were unequal to the task of suppressing the lawlessness, and a public meeting was held at Kendallville for the purpose of organizing a society for the mutual protection of honest citizens, and to raise funds to aid in the execution of the law. The results of this meeting may be learned in the Noble County history. The criminals increased in numbers and audacity. The Legislature was finally appealed to, and, in 1852, an act was passed authorizing the formation of com- panies for the detection and apprehension of horse thieves and other felons. The companies were to consist of not less than ten nor more than one hundred, who were to sign articles of association, giving name of company, the name and residence of each member, which organization was to be approved by the County Commissioners, and put on record. The companies were authorized to call to their aid the peace officers of the State, in accordance with law, in the pursuit and apprehension of felons, and reclaiming stolen property, and each member was given the powers and privileges of constables, when engaged in arresting criminals. Although this law gave such ample authority for organized effort for the protection of society, the depredations of thieves and counterfeiters were endured until September 20, 1856, when the first company was organized in Mil- ford Township, assuming the name of the La Grange County Rangers. No person was allowed to become a member whose name "was tainted with dishon- orable associations, and who would not take a solemn oath of secrecy. The meetings were strictly private, and all plans for operation held in profound secrecy until contemplated arrests were made. This society was in existence more than a year before any others were formed ; then followed the organization of the La Grange Protective Association, La Grange Association of Clear- spring, Self-Protectors of South Milford, Self-Protectors of Springfield, and Eden Police. On January 9, 1858, a meeting called by the regulator companies 82 HISTORY OF LA GllANGE COUNTY. was held at Wright's Corners, which passed a series of resolutions which, after being signed by 130 citizens, was ordered to be published in the La Grange Staridard. These resolutions alleged that La Grange and Noble Counties were infested with blacklegs, burglars and petty thieves, to such a degree that the property of the citizens was very insecure, and charged that^the tavern then kept " by B. F. Wilson, at Wright's Corners, was believed to be a rendezvous for these infernal banditti," and that he was an accomplice of the villains. The resolutions pledged each signer to use the utmost exertion to bring the offenders to justice, "by assisting to take them wherever they may be found, and that, when taken, we will deal with them in such a manner as to us may seem just and efficient." Wilson was also warned that in case any depredations were com- mitted by persons he harbored, he would be dealt with as a real depredator. This meeting was but the mutterings of the coming storm of indignation against the rascally element that had so long tormented the people. The next week, January 16, 1858, at an Old Settlers' meeting in Kendallville, the regulator companies of Noble and La Grange Counties appeared in parade, marching in double file through the most prominent streets of the town. The depredators, many of whom witnessed the scene, were alarmed, but were given no time to get away, for the next day the arrests began. Nine of the ringleaders were arrested at Rome City, and taken to Ligonier, where they confessed (a very fashionable performance about that time), and were then either tried by the committee, or turned over to the constituted authorities, to be legally dealt with. The proceedings in that vicinity, and the hanging of Gregory McDonald, is related in the Noble County record elsewhere in this volume. A number of arrests followed in this county, the people were much agitated, the old jail was crowded to its utmost with prisoners, and the courts overrun with business. At one term of the court, seven men were sentenced to the penitentiary. Several men who were tried in the Common Pleas Court were released by the Supreme (!ourt on the ground that their crime was triable in the Circuit Court only. With the exception of these, the convicted paid the assigned penalty of their crimes, and the whole gang was most effectually broken up. Since then the nusdeeds in the community have been almost entirely left to the control of the regular judicial officers, though several regulator organizations still exist, and occasionally lend a helping hand in the arrest of criminals. C HAP T E R IV. BY J. H. EEEICK, M. D. Names of Soldiers vrao Served in Wars Prior to 1861— Public Sentiment WHEN Sumter Fell — The Call to Arms — Collection of Sanitary Stores — Volunteers and Kecruits — The Draft Terror — Soldiers' Aid Societies — La Grange County's Roll of Honor — Battles Partic- ipated In — Disloyalty — Enthusiastic Union Meetings — Anecdotes. " I will teach thine infant tongue To call upon those heroes old In their own language, and will mold Thy growing spirit in the flame Of Grecian lore : That by each name A patriot's birthright thou mayest claim." — Shellei/. FOR thirty prosperous years La Grange County developed in population and resources without knowing the spirit of war. Children were born and grew to manhood without ever seeing a soldier in military dress. Mothers and maidens had never felt the anguish of separation from husband or lover at the stern call of a nation at war. Perhaps not half a score of men in the county at the opening of the rebellion had any knowledge, except through tradition and reading, of the forced march, scanty rations, the exposed bivouac, guard and picket duty, toilsome work on breastworks, rifle-pits and forts, the marshal- ing of the armed hosts for " battle's magnificently stern array," the fury of the storm of shot and shell, the falling dead and mangled human forms, the rejoicing of victory and the despair of defeat, the heart-sickening scenes in hospital, the anxious waiting at home for news of the great battles which is to be to them a sorrowful joy or dead despair — of all the painful, terrible, magnifi- cent things which go to make up war. For a number of years after the first settlement, a few old soldiers of the Revolution, who lived in the county, were honored on Independence Day, put on the platforms and cheered for their services, but all these had long since passed away, and were slumbering among the dead in peace. There were, besides, a few survivors of that later and less heroic war of 1812, who could tell some stories of old-time bravery, but these were very few. The Mexican war had drawn a few soldiers from the county, and some of its heroes had come into the county after the war. But, as we said before, all counted, not more than ten had "smelled gunpowder." Indeed, when the first squad of volunteers assembled in 1861, there was but one man in the community with suSicient military knowledge to give commands for the simplest maneuvers. This soldier 84 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. was William B. Bingham, who had served in the ranks of an Ohio regiment in the Mexican war. So it can be seen what a new and before unfelt thrill went through the hearts of the people of the county when, in April, 1861, the flag of the nation was insulted and outraged at Fort Sumter. A common glow of patriotism fired every bosom. Every man, woman and child, possessing a spark of heroism, was raised from a devotion to little things into a higher life of conse- cration to an idea — the preservation of the nation — a tumult of emotions, before unfelt and undreamed of. Indignation at the insult to that flag, which then for the first time, began to have a significance ; apprehensions of the perils to happy homes ; duty's call to the front ; the restraining thought of death and sorrow — all these swarmed in the minds of the men. The hearts of mothers and wives sank, at first, in anguish at the sight of the portentous cloud coming over the sky, but soon rose with a sublime patriotism which taught them that no sacrifice was too costly for the altar of our country. On the 15th of April, 1861, President Lincoln called for 75,000 militia, and on the next day Gov. Morton issued his proclamation for the organiza- tion of six regiments, the quota of Indiana. The first paper published in La Grange after this, contained a call for a public meeting at the court house, " to which all Union-loving citizens, irrespective of party affiliation in the past," were invited to take action for the " organization of a military company, and for aiding and assisting the families of those who may volunteer." At the meeting, the court house was filled to its utmost capacity. John Kromer, an old citizen, and a soldier of 1812, presided. Nathan P. Osborne and Samuel Sprague acted as Vice Presidents, and C. 0. Myers and A. B. Kennedy as Secretaries. The Committee on Resolutions were A. S. Case, Harley Crocker, Dr. F. P. Grifiith, Dr. J. H. Rerick, Thomas J. Skeer and Alexander B. Kennedy. The resolutions reported were unanimously adopted, and were as follows : Whereas, We deplore the circumstances which have inaugurated civil war and brought the people of a portion of the South in conflict with the General Government of the United States ; therefore, Resolved, That it is the duty of all patriotic citizens, irrespective of party names and dis- tinctions, ignoring, for the present, all past dissensions and party bitterness, to unite as one people, in support of the Government of the United States. Resolved, That we are unalterably attached to the government of the United States, and will yield to it an ardent and firm support against all its enemies ; pledging to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. James M. Flagg and Hon. Robert Parrett made patriotic speeches. Mr. Flagg recalled the words of Jefferson, that about once in thirty years the tree of liberty must be watered with human blood. The time for such a sacrifice, he said, was at hand. Acts, not words, are now necessary. Mr. Parrett elo- quently and feelingly argued that it was a time when all former issues should be laid aside — the only questions now being, union or disunion. Mr. Andrew HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 86 Ellison was called upon, who, speaking in a candid manner, said his sentiments were not wholly in accord with the previous speakers, but that he was a citizen of the Republic, and acknowledged his allegiance to it, and proposed to stand by its laws under all circumstances and contingencies. William S. Boyd thought there had been talking enough, and proposed that steps be at once taken for the organization of a company, whereupon John H. Rerick drew from his pocket an enlistment paper already prepared, which VA'as read, approved, and enlistment at once commenced. William Cummings, William Selby and John Kroraer were appointed a committee for soliciting contributions for the families of those who should enlist. This was the first war meeting ever held in the county. Others quickly followed — one at Lima on the 23d, addressed by Hon. J. B. Howe, Revs. Far- rand and Cory, and another at Wolcottville on the same day, presided over by A. J. Atwood, with L. L. Wildman, as Secretary, and Dr. Martin, 0. B. Tay- lor and Henry Youngs as committee on resolutions. These demanded a prompt and vigorous execution of the Federal laws, the retaking of the forts, arsenals and other public property seized by the rebels, and that the insult to the United States by the so-called Confederacy in attacking Fort Sumter was one that should be redressed, if it was necessary to use the entire military strength of the American people. At these meetings, volunteers were added to the list and contributions made for their families. On May 1, a meeting was held at South Milford, presided over by John Bartlett. with R. Smith as Secretary. It was addressed by Francis Henry and George Rowe. The committee on resolutions were Francis Henry, E. Stockwell, Dr. J. Dancer, L. Blackmun and George Bartlett. The resolutions reported and adopted differed slightly in tone from those adopted at the other meetings, and we present them here, in order that the different shades of feeling at the time may be represented : Resolved, That we will suslain the Constitution of the United States of America, and uphold the authorities thereof in sustaining the laws and protecting the flag of our country from our enemies, both North and South. Resolved, That we have no sympathy with the Secessionists of the South, nor the Aboli- tionists of the North, and that we hold them responsible for the present distracted condition of ihe country. Resolved, That we recommend every good citizen to consider calmly and dispassionately our present condition, and that we will hail with joy an early and honorable peace, and if peace cannot be brought about, that we prosecute the war with the utmost vigor to a final end. A committee was appointed to devise the best method of organizing a military company and reported, recommending that the Secrettiry open his books for immediate enrollment, which was done, and some names were entered. On May 4, another meeting was held at La Grange, " for the purpose of hold- ing a council of war," as the chronicler of that day put it. The crowd gath- ered in the court-yard and was addressed by J. B. Wade, A. Ellison and Roman Mills. On Mr. Wade's suggestion, the meeting voted that the county should pay the expenses of the volunteers while at home. Roman Mills said he had 86 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTV. two sons already in the company and two more to spare, and would go himself if necessary. The company which had been drilling under Maj. Bingham made an exhibition of their skill ; there was martial music, firing of cannon, the "Marseillaise," and '-Red, White and Blue." Thus the attention of the people was directed to the enlistment. The paper was kept by Dr. J. H. Rerick at Betts & Rerick's drug store, and as fast as men made up their minds to enlist, and could arrange their business, they came in, signed this paper, and went into the ranks for drill. About the 1st of May, William Roy, a young man who had just finished a five years' service in the regular army, came to La Grange to visit his relatives, and being fresh in military tactics and discipline, at once became the most important personage in the community. As soon as the volunteers heard of his presence in town, he was sent for and requested to give the boys a touch of the " regular's " drill. With form erect and the quick, firm step of the trained soldier, he was soon at their front, and, at the first command of "front face," the humble regular private, William Roy, was transferred into a Captain of volunteers. Spectators and volunteers were alike elated, but hardly any more so than the drill-master, Mr. Bingham, who immediately tendered his cane, then the only instrument of authority, and turned the command over to the new-comer. The organization of the company was completed in a few days, and in- formation of the fact forwarded to the authorities at Indianapolis. When pub- lic indignation for rebels ran so high as it did then, and a furious and speedy overthrow was anticipated, it was not strange that the most terrific names should be suggested for company titles. In obedience to this prevalent feeling, our first military organization assumed the belligerent cognomen of the. " La Grange Tigers." A less ferocious title would have given satisfaction a few months after, without any discredit to true courage and patriotism. " Home Guards," subsequently, under the influence of the declaration of a great party that the war was a failure, was equally significent of public opinion. The first enlistment paper, referred to above, is still carefully preserved. All who signed, did not at that time enter the service, but nearly all did within a few months. The following is a copy of the obligation to which the volunteers, one hundred and two in number, put their signatures : La Gkaxoe, lud., April 1, 1861. The undersigned hereby agree to organize themselves into a Volunteer Military Company, in accordance with the statutes of the State of Indiana, and to be at the service and command of the Governor thereof, whenever in his opinion the exigencies of the country demand, for the term of three months from date of reception for duty. They also agree, when the requisite number (84) of signatures for a company have been obtained, to meet, elect their officers, and report for service. All this enlistment and preparation for the field had been done without any definite arrangement or order from the State authorities. The Governor had called for volunteers to fill the State quota, but there was no assurance that the " Tigers " would be needed to make up the requisite number. Not ^ -s^» l=«- * WOLCOnVh HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 89 until the 14th of May did the company receive any orders, and then only in an indirect way ; but the boys were eager to go into service, and the intimation that they were needed was accepted as sufficient. The company was en route in an hour or two for Sturgis, where cars were expected to convey them to Indianapolis. Many citizens accompanied them — seeing them off — and they were met by a Sturgis company and escorted to town. The oSicers chosen by the men, in this first military company, were : Captain, William Roy ; First Lieutenant, George A. Lane ; Second Lieutenant, C. M. Burlingame ; Third Lieutenant, F. A. Spellman ; First Sergeant, J. A. Lamson ; Second Sergeant, J. A. Bevington ; Third Sergeant, Thomas Burnell ; Fourth Sergeant, David Dudley ; First Corporal, John F. Varner ; Second Corporal, James Rheu- bottom ; Third Corporal, J. A. Hoagland ; Ensign, Andrew J. Fair. Upon reaching Indianapolis, the company found companies and regiments organized in sufficient number to fill Indiana's quota, and the illusive prospect of a ninety days' war then prevailing, no more companies would be received. The men were informed that they could disband and go into other companies if they could find room, or otherwise return home. About thirty joined other companies, and the rest, disheartened, came back. Twenty-one of those who entered the service joined Company B, Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and all, with one exception, were credited to Boone County. The names of these men were John C. Lamson, Joseph S. Case, Harrison Boyd, Alfred Crawford, William Christ, Joel Crosby, William H. Crosby, Daniel Flynn, Flavins J. George, William P. Hall, Alfred Helper, George M. Helper, Derrick Hodges, Orpheus C. Kenaston, Lewis Randolph, Milton E. Scott, William Wiggles- worth, Henry Wirt, Robert White, William Baxter. Nine others, James Dever, W. Randolph, Franklin Haskins, Jack Springsteed, James Hanson, Charles North, Edwin Barnett, James Cassidy, Michael Campbell, joined other regi- ments. These thirty men have the honor of being the first volunteers to get in the service from this county. Four of those who returned, George A. Lane, C. M. Burlingame, F. A. Spellman and J. W. Vesey, went at once to Michi- gan and enlisted in the Fourth Regiment ; F. A. Spellman was killed in battle. Capt. Roy remained at Indianapolis a few weeks, assisting in the drilling of the troops assembled, and then returned to this county and commenced the organ- ization of a company for the three years' service. A large number of those who first enlisted rallied around him at once, and the balance necessary for the company were obtained at Ligonier and Goshen. This new company reached Indianapolis July 2, 1861, and was mustered in as Company A of the Twenty-first Indiana Regiment July 20. Those who went into this company from this county were Capt. William Roy ; Sergts. John A. Bevington, Har- vey B. Hall, Lewis Apple; Corpls. James R. Rheubottom, Joseph W. Talmage, Alfred Sargeant, George A. Lane ; and Privates Alfred E. Charter. Thomas Cole, Benjamin F. Culbertson, Enoch R. Culbertson, Bennice Dryer, Perry 90 HISTORY OF LAGRANGE COUNTY. 0. Everts, Harvey J. Gillette, John Hone, William Harrison, Charles Haskins, Simon Humbert, James Ingram, Jonathan Irish, Thaddeus P. Jackson, Albert N. Johnson, Isaac Knight, Oscar Law, David E. Markham, Luther F. Mason, Leonard N. McLain, Adam W. Meek, James Nash, Harvey Olmstead, William H. Paulius, Enoch Perkins, DeWitt M. Pierce, Andrew J. Ritter, George J. Robbins, Daniel Smith, Peter Smith, Halsey F. Skadden, Edwin R. Temple, George W. Vanormin, William B. Warren, Ira J. Woodworth. This latter company had hardly gone away before another company was begun. A notice was issued to join in the organization of this by William B. Bingham, July 2. While the company was being recruited, William Dawson, of Indianapolis, who had just returned from the three months' service, came to La Grange, and was invited to take charge of the drilling of the men. At the election of officers he was chosen Captain. This company was quartered toward the last mostly at Lima, whose citizens contributed blankets, clothing, etc., for the comfort of the boys, and also §130, to provide the men with red flannel shirts, with which to march into camp. Donations were also made by citizens of La Grange and elsewhere. The company set out for the Fort Wayne camp on the 13th of September, but before leaving, it was presented with a flag by the patriotic women of Lima. Before presenting the flag. Miss Rebecca Williams made the following address : Capt. Dawson — In behalf of Lima's patriotic daughters, I present to you, and through you, to our brave volunteers, this glorious banner of liberty, this flag of the free, proud emblem of our National existence and of our National power. To your care it is henceforth entrusted. It will be yours fearlessly to maintain its honor, and with it the honor of our cause and country; to preserve it from insult at the hands of foes and traitors, even, if need be, at the cost of dear life. Fighting beneatli its shadow, your courage is to be tested, your valor displayed, your laurels won. And you shall fight, not for yourselves alone, but for the privilege of transmitting to the future generations a Government the noblest, a Constitution the wisest, a Liberty the sweetest, that ever blest a fair land since creation's dawn. I scarcely need refer you to the story of our past ; you Icnow full well the story of American independence ; how, long years ago, through fierce and bloody conflicts, our fathers marched to glorious victory, the Stars and Stripes floating triumphantly over them ; how, wrapped in the shining folds of this same beautiful banner, many a Revolutionary hero lies quietly 'neath the daisied sods of a thousand pleasant valleys. The peace so highly prized, so dearly purcliased by our ancestors, bestowed by them upon their children, a precious legacy, to be handed down in turn to those who should come after, they fondly trusted might never again be imperiled. Save a few dark clouds across the bright sun, naught for many years has occurred to dim the clear sky of our National prosperity. We have boasted loudly of the strength of our Union, cemented by bonds of love, of peace, and happiness at home ; of power and influence abroad. Alas! that our hands folded so lightly in calm assurance of fair winds and smooth seas, did not, by God's help, sooner seize the helm of our noble ship of state, and with firm grasp guide her 'mid threatening storms and tempests to a quiet harbor. Alas 1 that our ears attuned only to music, which plays softest around the hearthstone, from the lips of little children, or in kindly tones of friendship greeting, should be assailed by the distant mutteriugs of the cannon's thunder, whispers of the dread strife already commenced in our land. You will go forth, erelong, with thousands, to taste the stern realites of life upon the battle-field. Be assured our warmest sympathies and most fervent prayers will always follow you. Live nobly up to every duty, face bravely every danger, look well that the spirit of true patriotism prompts every action, and never, for one moment, let a tlio\igtit of petty revenge or cruel hatred dwell in HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 91 year brave hearts. .\nd, in that good time coming, when right and humanity shall triumph, when peace shall once more be restored and secured to us, God grant you may return, an un- bioken number, to rejoice with us ever more in the blessings of an eternal liberty. After an eloquent reply on behalf of the company, by the Rev. B. Far- rand, Mr. F. G. King made an unexpected presentation from the ladies of La Grange, of a Testament to each soldier, and accompanied the gift with these remarks : Brave Volunteers — As a slight token of your noble spirit, we could not present you a gift more precious in its teachings, or more costly as containing hidden treasures than the Word of God. In it is contained precepis and examples, that will prepare you, not only for good and faithful soldiers of our country, but also of the cross, and as you go forth to fight your country's battles, will teach you to fight the good fight of faith. Read it, love it, and obey its holy teach- ing, and in your own experience may you have it to say : " This little book I'd rather have Than all the golden gems That in a monarch's coflfer shine, Than all their diadems." The original officers selected by the men were : Captain, William Dawson ; First Lieutenant, Ebenezer R. Barlow ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas Burnell ; Orderly, George Salpaugh. The company was assigned to the Thirtieth Reg- iment, as Company G. The formation of this company had not been com- pleted before another had been begun again, under the leadership of William B. Bingham. On October 17, 1861, this company was ready to start for camp at Fort Wayne, where a large concourse of citizens met at the court house ta see them start, and bid them Godspeed. The Standard of that week says r " Capt. Bingham formed his company on Main street and marched them to the Methodist Church, where, in behalf of the company, he tlianked the ladies whO' had SO kindly furnished them with many of the necessaries of camp life ; and the company joined in three hearty cheers for the fair donors. In return the ladies gave three cheers for the soldiers. We have seldom witnessed a more enthusiastic or spirited occasion. The company was then marched to the south part of town, where wagons were in waiting to convey them on their journey. There was no lack of teams and many more were offered than was necessary. Quite a number of our citizens accompanied them as far as Wright's Corners, where they took dinner, and reported, having been furnished by the citizens of that vil- lage and vicinity with a most bountiful repast, free to all. Five or six volun- teers were enlisted at that place, and Capt. Bingham went into camp with a full company." The ladies of La Grange presented each of the soldiers, before starting, with a neat and serviceable blue woolen Zouave jacket, trimmed with velvet. On the road to Fort Wayne the company held an election, with the following result: Captain, William B. Bingham; First Lieutenant, Joseph W. Danseur; Second Lieutenant, Jacob Newman ; Orderly Sergeant, Hiram F. King. Capt. Bingham returned home the next week for a few days, when a meeting was called at the court house (October 25) for the purpose of presenting him with 92 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. a sword that had been purchased by the citizens, in demonstration of their high regard, and as an appropriate token of their confidence in him as a soldier. A. B. Kennedy, Esq., made the presentation speech, which was responded to by the Captain, thanking the donors for the elegant and significant present, and pledged his honor that the weapon should never be dishonored whilst in his possession. Patriotic songs were sung and short speeches made by Revs. D. P. Hartman and Cathcart. This company became Company H. of the Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. No more companies were organ- ized in the county in the year 1861, but numbers of men volunteered from time to time to fill up the ranks of these companies, and other com- mands. Dr. J. H. Rerick enlisted in Capt Dawson's company, but before its muster-in he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Forty-fourth Indi- ana, and commissioned September 12, 1861, and assisted in the organization of that regiment. There was up to this time about three hundred enlist- ments from the county. Such a number called forth suddenly to war, by a Government illy prepared to furnish a vast army, and from communities horror stricken at the idea of bloody strife, could but cause intense anxiety in the homes the volunteers had left. Soldiers' aid societies, especially by the women, sprung up, for supplying the soldiers with bedding, clothing and daintier food. On the 1st of November, 1861, a Ladies' Soldier's Aid Society was regularly organ- ized at La Grange, adopting a Constitution and By-Laws, and the ladies in all the townships were requested to form auxiliary societies. The oflicers elected at this meeting were : Mrs. John Kromer, President ; Mrs. W. Cathcart, Vice President ; Mrs. Laura Butler, Secretary ; Mrs. C. 0. Myers, Treasurer ; a committee consisting of Mrs. John W. Welch, Mrs. Isaac Carpenter, Mrs. Fred Everhart, Miss M. A. H. Menelaus, Miss H. Ford, Miss S. Lougher, and Directresses — Mrs. F. C. King, Mrs. D. P. Hartman, Mrs. A. Ellison. A number of Union meetings were held during the summer and fiill. One was held at the court house on the evening of the 21st of August, which was addressed by Hon. William Mitchell, then Member of Congress from the district, and who had witnessed the first Bull Run battle. Rev. C. Cory, of Lima, presided at this meeting and J. H. Rerick acted as Secretary, and Joseph B. Wade, A. B. Kennedy and Joseph Cummings as Committee on Resolutions. The resolutions requested the County Commissioners to provide for quartering the troops and to make appropriations for the maintenance of the families of volunteers, that a committee of five be appointed to canvass the county for promoting enlistments, and that Lieut. William Dawson, of Col- Wallace's famous regiment, be requested to remain and aid in raising and drilling a com- pany. The committee appointed to canvass the county were J. B. Wade, Jacob Newman, William Barlow, Hiram Smith and Rev. J. P. Force. The next evening, a similar meeting was held in Lima, at which Rev. C. Cory again presided and J. S. Castle acted as Secretary. The Committee on Resolutions — O. H. Jewett, J. M. Flagg and J. P. Force — reported strong war resolutions HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 93 and requesteil the County Commissioners to provide for soldiers' families. A committee, consisting of VV. Rawles, J. H. Morrison, N. Stacy, 0. H. Jewett and S. Herbert, was appointed to canvass the northern part of the county. We wish it were possible to give due credit to all who took an active in- terest in patriotic work at home during the war. The names we have mentioned are those most frequently occurring in the newspapers at that time. It is also impossible to now compute the contributions by the women for the comfort of the soldiers — of blankets, clothing, fruits and hospital stores ; almost as impos- sible as it would be to estimate the value to our country of the effect of these tokens of kind regard upon the weary and disheartened soldier at the front. As a sample of the donations made there were reported by the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society November 28, 1861, besides membership fees and articles manu- factured by the society, two comforts, forty-four pairs of socks, four quilts, four blankets, three sheets, one pair drawers, two pair mittens and forty-two cuts of yarn, and $10 cash. There were other aid societies organized by the women of Lima and Wolcottville. A mass meeting was held at La Grange on Wash- ington's birthday, 1862, in which a long series of resolutions were passed, ex- pressing appreciation of the wisdom and energy of the President, and resolving to ever cherish the memory of the slain on the battle-field and of those perish- ing in the camp or on the mighty ocean, and expressing sympathy for loyal and oppressed citizens within the limits of the Confederate conspiracy. In July, 1862, under another call for troops, enlistment was commenced in the county for a company for the Seventy-fourth regiment, ordered to be raised in this Congressional district. Dr. Gustav Sites, who had had twelve years' service in the Prussian Army, and Albert D. Fobes, who had been through the West Virginia campaign, in the Eleventh Indiana, were commissioned Sec- ond Lieutenants for the organization of the company. Jo Rawson Webster, a then recent graduate from Wabash College, was the first man to put his name down for the wars in this company, and took a very active part in organizing the company. A war meeting was held at La Grange July 19, presided over by John Kromer, with C. 0. Myers, Secretary, and J. B. Wade, A. S. Case and F. P. Griffith, Committee. The meeting was addressed by William Rheubot- tom and J. R. Webster. The resolutions recognized the perils of the country as alarming and pledged every means within reach to aid the Government, and that it was the duty of those who could not peril their lives in the cause to con- tribute every dollar, to yield every sympathy, and to open their hearts fully to every emotion which may commend them to the cause of their suffering country, its defenders and their families. The Commissioners were requested to make appropriations for the payment of bounties and for the necessary ex- penses of the families of soldiers. There was, at that time, some recruiting being done for the Twelfth Cavalry. The meeting recommended that all efforts be concentrated on raising a company for the infantry regiment and that Lieut. Sites proceed at once to raise the company. The following were appointed a 94 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. committee to assist him : J. K. Morrow, J. B. Wade, AVilliam Rheubottom, H. Crocker and A. S. Case. The County Commissioners, a few days after, made an appropriation of $25 to each volunteer, and $1.50 per week for the wife and 75 cents for each child of the married men who might enlist until their muster-in. An enthusiastic war meeting was held at South Milford August 14, at which L. D. McGown presided and J. S. Rowe was Secretary. The meeting was ad- dressed by William Rheubottom, J. Z. Gower and Francis Henry. The latter urged the enlistment of men and favored the drafting of a million of men, if necessary, to put down the rebellion and restore peace on a constitutional basis. This meeting recommended that the county give the same bounty to cavalry volunteers as to infantry. In consequence of this agitation, the La Grange iStandard oi August 18, 1862, was enabled to announce: "One hundred and twenty-two cheers and a tiger for Old La Grange. La Grange has her company now full and it will start to-day for the rendezvous at Fort Wayne. Last Thursday she sent seventeen men to join the cavalry company at the same place, making in all one hundred and twenty-two men 1 From Friday morning to Wednesday evening — five working days — eighty men were enrolled and sworn in. The entire number, with two exceptions, were recruited in eleven days. We call that doing well." And indeed it was. The officers chosen by the men for their company were — Captain, Jo Rawson Webster; First Lieuten- ant, W. D. Wildman ; Orderly Sergeant, James H. Bigelow. The departure of this company was described as a very aSecting scene. At an early hour the volunteers and their friends poured into town by hundreds, and at 9 o'clock the streets were thronged with men, women and children, all with eager, anxious faces, and many indeed were the tears shed. "The heaving breast, the quiver- ing lip and starting tear of brave men and stout hearts as the last fond embrace was given to the wife and children of the men who had voluntarily consented to sever for a season all the endearing ties and comforts of home for the hard- ships of the tented field showed that, severe as the sacrifice might be, yet they dared to do their duty when their country was in danger and required their assistance." A large number of citizens went with the soldiers as far as Wol- cottville, where a grand picnic dinner had been prepared. It should not be forgotten that during the war there was no railroad through the county and all the companies which had their rendezvous at Fort Wayne had to march there on foot or be transported by wagon. The above company, when reaching Fort Wayne, was made Company G of the Eighty-eighth Regiment. The same paper in which the exultant announcement of raising of the above company was made contained the proclamation of the President calling for 300,000 more troops, and the rather startling announcement that in this State a draft would be required to raise the men, and a commendation of that as the only just and equitable method of raising the required quota. " The county has done nobly in raising volunteers, but a continuance of that course cannot be carried on without doing great injustice to a certain class upon whose HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 95 shoulders a part of the burden must be forced, if they will not carry it will- ingly. No more volunteering in La Grange ! Let there be a draft as soon as possible !" Such comments as this only stirred up the volunteering spirit the more, and Harley Crocker at once stepped forward and called for volunteers for another company, and active work for this at once set in. The machinery for drafting was at once put in motion. Timothy Fields, of Ontario, was appointed Draft Commissioner ; E. P. Spellman, Provost Mar- shal, and Dr. E. G. White, Medical E.xaminer, for the county. About the eamo time, recruiting oflScers for the Thirtieth and Forty-fourth Regiments were in the county selecting recruits for those regiments. With all these, the people were fairly aroused. A Union County Convention was held September 3, presided over by William S. Prentiss, in which it was resolved to " uphold the Government in the use of every means which God and the Constitution have placed within our reach to exterminate rebels and the rebellion, and in favor of tiie confiscation of all property of all rebels, North as well as South." There was about this time a spicy correspondence between four then promi- nent lawyers in the county about enlisting, though it is hardly proper to detail here. The State Commissioner, on September 22, 1862, notified the County Commissioners that the following numbers would have to be drafted from the townships named, unless made up at once by volunteers : Clear- spring, 8 ; Milford, 7 ; Eden, 9 ; Van Buren, 22 ; total, 46. Thirty-one were subsequently drafted, twelve of whom procured substitutes. The most of these men went into the Thirtieth Regiment. Capt. Crocker's company was soon filled, and on the 27th of September, the day of their departure, were treated by the women of La Grange to a bountiful dinner, on the grounds of A. S. Case, now a portion of the public square. No company left for camp without some token of respect by the patriotic women of the county. For this last company also, the young ladies of La Grange arranged a "hop," which was well attended, and when the boys reached South Milford, the women of that neighborhood had spread a picnic dinner for them. The officers chosen by the men in this company were : Cap- tain, Harley Crocker; First Lieutenant, John K. Morrow; Second Lieutenant, James W. Boyd. The company was assigned to the One Hundredth Infantry, as Company C. Of this regiment, Robert Parrett, a prominent lawyer of the county, was appointed Major. Dr. D. W. Rupert, of Lexington, was ap- pointed Assistant Surgeon of the Thirtieth, on January 1. He was an excel- lent physician and as a man highly esteemed by his regiment and a large circle of acquaintances in the county. He died at Nashville, Tenn., October 2, 1862. Dr. James Miller, of La Grange, was appointed to succeed him Octo- ber 10. The year 1863 was the most discouraging for the Union cause of all the years of the war. Its influence was felt in La Grange County, but not to so great an extent us in other parts of the country. The dift'erences between the parties 96 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. widened, and bitterness of feeling was somewhat increased. A Union mass meet- ing was held at the court house February 21, Col. Jonathan Edgecomb, of Lima, President, with A. B. Kennedy and C. 0. Myers, Secretaries. The meet- ing was addressed by Col. Charles Case, in strong and eloquent words. The Committee on Resolutions, A. S. Case, Rufus Patch, Dr. A. M. Spaulding, George Lotterer, J. M. Flagg and L. L. Wildman, reported a series of long resolutions, condemning secession, every scheme and intrigue to impair the confidence of the people in the administration, declaring in favor of confisca- tion of the property of those in armed rebellion, and of those who gave aid and comfort to it; approving the emancipation proclamation as a military neces- sity, and the arming of liberated slaves ; expressing admiration of the soldiers in the field, and heartily indorsing Gov. 0. P. Morton. The seventh I'esolution was as follows : Resolved, That for the purpose auJ to the end of restoring our country to its former position of prosperity and greatness, we are ready to postpone every consideration which provides for political party triumphs, until the Union is restored^the rebellion is crushed by the power of the Government it has defied ; and to this end we do hereby pledge ourselves, individually and collectively, by our love of country, by our love of liberty, for the sake of ourselves and poster- ity, in the name of our venerated ancestors, in the name of the human family, deeply interesteil in the trust commuted to our bands, by all the past glory we have won. by all that awaits us as a n.ation, if we are true to ourselves, true to the principles of justice and humanity, and true and faithful in gratitude to Him who has hitherto so signally blessed us, to stand firmly by the Constitution and the Union, never wavering, never faltering ; that we will cherish with a deep and abiding love and affection the sentiments of Massachusetts' immortal statesman, that senti- ment dear to every true American heart, " Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and insep- arable. " On the 28th of February, a Democratic mass meeting was held at La Grange, at which Francis Henry presided, and G. W. Weyburn and A. Cone acted as Secretaries, and A. Ellison, Hawley Peck, John A. Bartlett, William Roderick, James Kennedy, Harvey Olmstead and John Kromer acted as Com- mittee on Resolutions. This meeting was addressed by Hon. J. R. Edgerton, then Member of Congress for the district. The resolutions reported and adopt- ed denounced the heresy of secession, favored the inauguration of such action honorable alike to contending sections as will stop the ravages of war, avert uni- versal bankruptcy, and unite all the States upon terms of equality, " as mem- bers of one confederacy," condemned the action of the Federal Government in suspending the habeas corpus, arresting of citizens not subject to military duty without warrant or authority, abridging the freedom of speech and of the press, establishing of a system of espionage by a secret police, declaring martial law over States not in rebellion, attempting to enforce a compensated emancipation, dismembering Virginia ; and expressed sympathy for the soldiers who enlisted to sustain the Constitution and the Union, and condemned all frauds that de- prived them of '• proper food, raiment and clotliing." Another Union Mass meeting was held at La tjrange April 22, in which were passed resolutions strongly condemnatory of the " traitorous conduct" of ■^-.r^ JOHNSON TR HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 99 a portion of the Indiana Legislature, and ail factions opposed to the Federal and State authorities. Col. Hawkins, of Tennessee, spoke at this meeting, and Dr. A. M. Spaulding presided. There was but little volunteering this summer. The agitation was no less, but rather greater and more serious, but not of the kind that greatly promoted enlistments. Frequent Union meetings were held in different parts of the county. Toward fall, active recruiting commenced again. John Q. Reed en- listed a number of men for the Seventh Cavalry, and David Bennett commenced raising a company for the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, which be had mustered in December 16. Hon. J. P. Jones, an old resident of the county, who had been elected Clerk of the Supreme Court in 1860, returned and assisted in addressing the meetings and promoting enlistments. The year 1864 opened more cheerfully ; many veteran soldiers who had re-enlisted returned home on a month's furlough, and materially aided in in- creasing the enthusiasm for the Union cause. A mass meeting was held at La Grange February 13. expressing unabated determination to continue the fitrht. The number of men remaining in the several townships enrolled for military service, and the number due from each, in February, was reported as lOilOWS ; ESEOLIED. QUOTA. Greenfield 155 12 Lima 191 11 Van Buren 149 4 Newbury 161 14 aay 134 9 Bloomfield 244 10 Springfield 133 4 Milford 156 13 Johnson 156 extra, 1 Qearspring 163 13 Eden 121 13 Lieut. Daniel Lieb recruited a number of men for the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry early in this year. To encourage enlistments, considerable amounts were raised in the several townships, voluntarily, as township bounty. In August, the draft officers reported 202 men due. A draft soon followed, but how many men were ob- tained we have not been able to ascertain. The enlistments this year from the county was almost wholly recruiting for old companies. No new organiza- tions were made. Dr. Edward B. Speed, of La Grange, an estimable man and good physician, was appointed Assistant Surgeon for the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, in July, and immediately joined that command at Chatta- nooga, Tenn. While on the wav. he underwent a severe shock from a railroad accident, and was taken sick soon after his arrival. He died in the oflBcers' hospital, at Lookout Mountain, September 14. Under the December call, 1864, by the President, for •' 300,000 more," La Grange County was asked to contribute 191. TheCounty Commissioners, in Jan- L.cr'C. 100 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. uarv, 18G5, ordered a county bounty of $400 to be paid every volunteer who should thereafter be accredited to the county, to be paid in two installments, $200 in fourteen months, and $200 in twenty-eight months, for the payment of which county bonds were issued. This action was subsequently endorsed by a mass meeting at La Grange, February 3, 1865. In addition to this county bounty, the townships raised a large amount to induce volunteers, and save them from the draft. John H. Caton was commissioned Second Lieutenant and recruiting officer to raise a company in the county. This company was speedily raised and all mustered in daring the month of February. It was officered by the election of John H. Caton, Captain ; William Hobson, First Lieutenant ; and A. Bennett, Second Lieutenant. The company became Com- pany F, One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment. These were the last enlist- ments in the county for the rebellion. In April came the joyful news of the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomat- tox, which was received with a wonderful joy, and such an abandon of rejoic- ing and bonfiring and general reckless noisiness followed for a day or two. as has never since been seen or felt in the country. Hardly had the people real- ized what they were rejoicing for, when the news came in the evening of the 14th of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Then no mark of sorrow seemed too mournful, and a sincere grief was the last link which was formed in that " heroic age " to bind together those who had worked or watched and prayed for America. Since the rebellion. La Grange bus sent one brave oiEcer into the National army — Lieut. Samuel A. Cherry. Mr. Cherry entered the West Point Acad- emy during Grant's first Administration, and, after graduation, entered the serv- ice, where he had a brief, but brilliant career, ended by a tragic death on the plains. Me was a gentleman of many accomplishments, beloved at home, and popular in society circles throughout the country. At the time of his death, he was betrothed to a daughter of Hon. Harry White, of Indiana, Penn. The following order, issued by Col. Merritt, contains a brief sketch of Lieut. Cherry's services : Headquarters Fifth U. S. Cavalry, i Ft. Laramie, W. T., May IT, 1881. f It is the sad duty of the Commanding Officer of the Fifth Cavalry to announce the sudden death of a brilliant young officer of the regiment. Lieut. S. X. Cherry was killed while on duty pursuing a party of outlaws, some twenty-five miles north of Fort Niobrara, by a m.an of his own detachment, who, it is supposed, was temporarily insane. This is the only reasonable solution of the crime, with the information now possessed. Lieut. Cherry was born in Indiana; graduated at the Military Academy in 1875, and was promoted to be Second Lieutenant in the Twenty-third Infantry, from which regiment he was transferred to the Fifth Cav.ilry in 1876. He reported to his Regimental Commander in the Black Hills, October. 1876, in the latter part of the Sioux campaign of that year, and since that time he has served with the regiment with unfrequent interruptions, until the time of his death. He was particularly distinguished for cool courage, and distinguished ability in the face of an enemy at the battle and subsequent siege of Maj. Thornburg's command, at Milk River Colo., in IS^y, for which he received honorable mention in orders, and a vote of thanks of the Terri- torial Legislature of Wyoming. The cireer of Lieut. Cherry, though brief, has been most honor- HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 101 able, and marked by a cheerful, vigorout aail soldierly dijoharge of duty. His character was most free from defects. He made warm friends of all who knew him well, and it is certain he never gave cause for the enmity of any one. He was positive, though happy in disposition as a man, loyal and devoted as a friend, brave, capable and chivalrous as an officer — one, in short, whose sad death will long be felt in the regiment as an irreparable loss in every way. As a mark ul respect, the guidon of the company with which he served will be draped for thirty days, and the officers of the regiment will wear the usual badge of mourning for the same period. By order of Col. Wesley Merritt. The following are the campaigns in which companies and parts of com- panies from the county participated : Company B, Seventeenth Regiment — Western Virginia, 1861 ; Kentucky .•md Tennessee, 1862; siege of Corinth, 1862 ; pursuit of Bragg, 1862; Rose- crans' campaign in Tennessee, 1863; Chattanooga, and East Tennessee, 1863 ; against Atlanta, 1864 ; Nelson's raid, Alabama and Georgia, 1865. Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, First Heavy Artillery — East Mary- land and East Virginia, 1861 ; against New Orleans, 1862 ; Baton Rouge and Teche, 1862 ; against Port Hudson, 1863 ; West Louisiana, 1863 ; Red River, 1864; against Mobile, 1865; Louisiana and Gulf Coast, 1865. Company G, Thirtieth Regiment Infantry — Kentucky, 1861; Tennessee and Kentucky, 1862; siege of Corinth, 1862; pursuit of Bragg, 1862; Rose- crans' campaign in Tennessee, 1863; against Atlanta, 1864; pursuit of Hood, lt^64; East Tennessee, 1865; Texas, 1865. Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry — Western Kentucky, 1861 ; Tennessee and Kentucky, 1862; siege of Corinth, 1862; pursuit of Bragg, 1862; Rosecrans' campaign in Tennessee, 1863; against Chattanooga, 1863 ; East Tennessee, 1864-65. Company G, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry — Against Kirby Smith, Kentucky, 1862; Kentucky and Tennessee, 1862; pursuit of Bragg, 1862; Rosecrans' campaign in Tennessee, 1863 ; against Atlanta, 1864 ; pursuit of Hood, 1864 ; Sherman's march to the sea, 1864 ; through the Cai'olinas, 1865. Company C, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry — West Tennessee and North Mississippi, 1862-63; against Vicksburg, 1863; relief of Chattanooga, 1863 ; East Tennessee, 1863 ; against Atlanta, 1864 ; pursuit of Hood, 1864 ; Sherman's march to the sea, 1864 ; through the Carolinas, 1865. Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry — East Tennessee. 1864 ; against Atlanta, 1864 ; pursuit of Hood, 1864 ; North Carolina, 1865. Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-second Infantry — Shenandoah Valley, 1865 ; West Virginia, 1865. One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment (Twelfth Cavalry) — Ten- nessee and North Alabama, 1864-65; against Mobile, 1865; Alabama and Mississippi, 1865. There were soldiers from the county in the Eastern campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, but the records are unobtainable, they being mostly in regiments from other States. 102 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. If our space would permit, we would be pleased to record the name of every soldier who enlisted from this county, in the service of his country dur- ing the rebellion. This not being practicable, it may not be improper to give the names of those who attained to official position, and their rank. AVith few exceptions, all these entered the service as privates. It will be seen that the county is entirely destitute of Colonels and Brigadier Generals, a somewhat ex- ceptionable condition. But the county having filled the ranks with good fight- ing men to an honorable extent, the lack of Brigadiers is not sorely felt. Lieutenant Colonels — Joseph R. Webster, Forty-fourth United States Col- ored Troops ; William Roy, Twenty-first Indiana. Majors — Joseph R. Webster, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers ; Robert Parrett, One Hundredth Regiment; Ichabod S. Jones, First Tennessee Artil- lery, Colored ; W. B. Bingham, Forty-fourth Indiana ; William Roy, Twenty- first Indiana. Surgeons (rank of Major) — John H. Rerick, Forty-fourth Indiana Volun- teers. Captains — John C. Lamson, Company B, Seventeenth Indiana ; William Roy, Company A, Twenty-first Regiment ; AVilliam Dawson, Company G, Thirtieth Indiana; James McPreston, Company G, Thirtieth Indiana ; Will- iam B. Bingham, Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana ; Jacob Newman, Compa- ny H, Forty-fourth Indiana ; Joseph H. Danseur, Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana ; Hiram F. King, Company II, Forty-fourth Indiana ; Samuel P. Bradford, Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana ; Joseph R. Webster, Company G, Eighty-eighth Indiana ; John M. Preston, Company G, Eighty-eighth Indi- ana ; William D. Wildraan, Company I, Eighty-eighth Indiana ; Harley Crocker, Company C, One Hundredth Indiana ; Edward Fobes, Company C, One Hundredth Indiana ; John B. Pratt, Company C, One Hundredth Indi- ana; David Bennett, Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana; John H. Caton, Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana. First Lieutenants — Harvey B. Hall, Company A, Twenty-first ; Ebenezer R. Barlow, Company B, Thirtieth ; George L. Salpaugh, Company G, Thirti- eth ; James McPreston, Company G, Thirtieth ; William H. Hall, Company G, Thirtieth ; Joseph H. Danseur, Company H, Forty-fourth ; Hiram F. King, Company H, Forty-fourth ; Daniel P. Strecker, Company H, Forty- fourth ; Hiram Pontius, Company H, Forty-fourth ; William D. Wildman, Company G, Eighty-eighth ; Jacob Sperow, Company G, Eighty-eighth ; James W. Boyd, Company C, One Hundredth; Edward Fobes, Company C, One Hundredth ; John B. Pratt, Company C, One Hundredth ; Samuel W. Dille, Company C, One Hundredth ; George I. Tuttle, Company C, Twelfth Cavalry, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment ; Garner Sisemore, same ; Horace Hamlin, Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment ; William H. Atchinson, Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ; Henry HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 103 M. Kromer, Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second ; William Hobson, Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-second. Assistant Surgeons (rank, First Lieutenants of Cavalry) — John H. Rerick, Forty- fourth; James Miller, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers; Edward B. Speed, Forty-fourth ; Newton G. Bno, Eighty-eighth ; Delos W. Rupert, Thirtieth Indiana. Acting Assistant Surgeons, United States Army — Edward G. White, Charles J. Montgomery. Quartermaster (rank. First Lieutenant) — Samuel P. Bradford, Forty- fourth Indiana ; John M. Littlefield, Twelfth Cavalry, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment ; James McPreston, One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment. Second Lieutenants — William S. Smurr, Company H, Twenty-first Regi- ment ; Harvey B. Hall, Company A, Twenty-first ; Thomas Burnell, Company G, Thirtieth ; James McPreston, Company G, Thirtieth ; William H. H. Day, Company G, Thirtieth ; William H. Wall, Company G, Thirtieth ; Jacob New- man, Company H, Forty-fourth ; Daniel P. Strecker, Company H, Forty fourth: Sebastian Shoup, Company H, Forty-fourth ; Albert D. Fobes, Com- pany G, Eighty- eighth; John M. Preston, Company G, Eighty-eighth; James W. Boyd, Company C, One Hundredth ; Ichabod S. Jones, Company E, One Hundredth ; John Q. Reed, Company D, One Hundred and Nineteenth ; Lo- renzo Taylor, Company C, Twelfth Cavalry, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment ; James F. Parsons, same ; Charles 0. Higbee, same ; William H. Atchinson, Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ; Charles Collins, Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ; Plimpton Hoagland, Company C: One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ; James H. Beecher, Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ; Simon Bowman, Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ; Clark A. Bennett, Company F, One Hundred and Fifty- second ; Samuel Shepardson, Company G, Thirtieth ; Martin Whitmer, Com- pany G, Thirtieth. THE ROLL OF HONOR. On giving this list, we beg our readers to remember that it is compiled from the Adjutant General's Report of the State, and includes only those reported on the muster rolls as having been killed or having died while IN the service. There are many who died soon after discharge, and have since died of disease contracted in the service, who would worthily be entitled to place in the list, but there is no official record of these, and it is impossible to obtain all their names : James Alward, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Jacob Airgood, Seventy-fourth Indiana, died ; Reuben Allspaugh, One Hundredth Indiana, died. John L. Baugher, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; John A. Bevington, Twenty- first Indiana, killed ; John Burridge, Forty-fourth Indiana, died of wounds ; 104 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Isaac Blough, Forty-fourth Indiana, died; Eleazer Blough, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Jehiel B. Barnes, Eighty-eighth Indiana, killed ; Samuel Booker, Eighty- eighth Indiana, died ; James H. Bigelow, Eighty-eighth Indiana, killed; Will- iam S. Budd, Eighty-eighth Indiana, missing ; John J. Blackson, One Hun- dredth Indiana, died ; Alfred J. Bennett, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth In- diana, died ; Melvin W. Baker, Twelfth Cavalry, died ; James Bendure, Twelfth Cavalry, died; Daniel G. Bickel, Twelfth Cavalry, died; James W. Boyd, Lieutenant, One Hundredth Indiana, died. Frederick Cushway, Thirteenth Indiana, died ; John J. Crist, Forty-fourth Indiana, died of wounds ; Jacob Coldren, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Henrv Craft, Forty-fourth Indiana, died; George W. Clark, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Ralph P. Clark, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Jonathan D. Cummins, Eighty-eighth Indiana, missing ; Elisha B. Chapman, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; George M. Clark, One Hundredth Indiana, died ; Cornelieus Conkling, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Richard Cook, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Sol- omon H. Chary. One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died; David A. Cady, Twenty-first Indiana, died ; Albert Crawford, Seventeenth Indiana, died ; Josiah Combes, First Illinois Light Artillery, died ; John V. Curtis, Forty- fourth Indiana, killed. Bennis Dyer, Twenty-first Indiana, died: George W. Dawson, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Vincent C. Dyamon, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Charles Dick- enson, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; Alvin D. Doolittle, Eighty-eighth Indi- ana, died ; Erastus Dallas, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died ; Lewis Dwight, Twelfth Cavalry, died. Henry M. Eagle, Forty-fourth Indiana, died. Enoch Fennell, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; George M. Fish, Forty-fourth In- diana, died ; John Freeman, First Illinois Light Artillery, died ; Andrew J. Farr. Fourth Michigan, killed. John J. Gilson, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Lyman L. Greenman, Thirti- eth Indiana, died ; William A. Golden, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Delos Greenfield, Eighty-eighth Indiana, killed ; Franklin Gillett, One Hundredth Indiana, killed ; Morrison Gunn, Jr., One Hundred and Twenty-ninth, Indi- ana, died ; William C. Gill, Twelfth Cavalry, died ; Elmore Green, Eighty- eighth Indiana, died ; Augustus A. Galloway, Forty-fourth Indiana, killed. Harvey B. Hall, Twenty-first Indiana, died ; Erastus Hubbard, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Franklin Haskins, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Henry C. Hickock, Thirtieth Indiana, killed ; James Hudson, Company G, Thirtieth Indiana, died; Andrew J. Hart, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; David Harris, Forty- fourth Indiana, died ; Arthur Hayward, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Elias Holsinger, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; George Holsinger, Forty-fourth Indi- ana, died ; W. P. Hodges, Forty-fourth Indiana, died of wounds ; William H. Hays, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; William Hays. Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; W^illiam P. Hunt, One Hundredth Indiana, died ; Henry J. Hall, One HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. 105 Hundredth Indiana died of wounds; Samuel Hiestand, One Hundredth Indi- ana, died; Ehsha Harding, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died; Thomas Holmes, One Hundredth and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died Noah H,vey, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died; David Haines, One Hundred and Twenty-n.nth Indiana, died ; Addison Harley, One Hundred and Twenty-nmth Ind.ana, d>ed; James W. Huss, One Hundred and Forty-second Ind,ana d.ed; H J. Hall, One Hundredth Indiana, died of wounds ; Wilkin W H ''''r: ] ?T'''^' ""' ' ^''"° "^"' «^-"^^ Cavalry, died ; George W. Ha,nes, Thirtieth Ind.ana, supposed to have died at Andersonville Prison^ SSn d.^I '' ''''' '"'""^' ""''''■' '^'^'^^ «-"'-•'' Fourth Charles Isely, Thirtieth Indiana, died. George Johnson, One Hundredth Indiana, died Richard Kannady, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Victor Ketchum, Forty-fourth Ind.ana, died of wounds; James H. Kingsley, One Hundredth Indiana, died; kid R- ;"r; J^^f f^^ C,-^'^^ ^'-d ■' I-- Knight, Twenty-first I diana killed ; Richard Kingdom, Twelfth Cavalry, died. .• utfT F- ^'■'"«''"- Seventh Cavalry, died; Nelson Leighton, Eighty- eighth Indiana, died ; Robert C. Lazenby, One Hundredth Indiana, lied; Twenty-nintli Indiana, died ; William Little, One Hundred and Twentv-ninth Indiana, died ; Robinson Lane, Fourth Illinois Light Artillery, died; bharles H. Lawrence, Thirtieth Indiana, died; Martin Lattie, Fourth Michigan, died • James Longcor, Forty-fourth Indiana, died. o ' «'J > Levi Miller, Thirteenth Indiana, died of wounds; Robert P. McFarline, Thirueth Indiana d.ed ; Harrison Merrils, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Will- imed f "".' A "'"'^ ?^""'' ^'"^ ' ''''''' ^'^'''-•' Thirtieth Indiana, killed Joseph Murray, Forty-fourth Indiana, died; Eli Mosier, Forty fourth Indiana ched; Martin Letta, Fourth Michigan Infantry died'; Joseph A. McKibben Eighty-eighth Indiana, died; Norman Mills, Eighty! Tl tT\t %'■ «• ^^«^""' Eighty-eighth Indiana died of Wl, 'm'u n 5^'"' ^"' ^"^""^••^^^'^ I'^diana, died of wounds; Wiliam Miller, One lundredth Indiana, died; Alanson Mills, Fourth M chigan, died ; Seth W. Murray, One Hundred and Twenty-ni^th Indi T: .; ^r^ ^"•■'■'^- ^"^ ^""''"-^^l «"d Twentv-ninth Indiana died • Robert McMean One Hundred and Twenty-ninth ^Indiana, died ' James' Maybe kdl.l; James W. Merrifield, Thirtieth Indiana, died Frank Meek F rs Ilhno,s Ligh Artillery, died ; Thomas McLane, First Michigan Sharr^ bhooters, died at Anderson ville. ^ Indi^nf^T^- I"?;!""'"'^ ^"^'•''"^' '^''^■^ J"'^- N^™' Thirty-fifth ?we^ V .b ;T ' • ."'T' ''"'' ^''''*°" N-"^-' «- Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died ; Charles H. Nichols, First Michigan Sharp Shoot- 106 HISTORY OF LA CHANGE COUNTY. ers. died; J. A. F. Nichols, regiment unknown, died; Ira V. Nichols, regiment unknown, died. Leander Powell, Thirteenth Indiana, killed ; William A. Potter, Thirty- fifth Indiana, died ; Willis Pence. Thirtieth Indiana, killed ; Israel Pray, Thir- tieth Indiana, died ; Hiram S. Perkins, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Orwin Page, Forty-fourth Indiana, killed ; Albert D. Plaisted, Eighty-eighth Indi- ana, died ; John F. Powell, One Hundredth Indiana, died ; Henry Plumb, One Hundreth Indiana, died ; Joseph Plank, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, killed : Lester Powers, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana, died ; Lafayette Parks, Forty-fourth Indiana, died; Maj. Robert Parrett, One Hun- dreth Indiana, killed ; Willis Pence, Thirtieth Indiana, killed. Leonard Roy, Twenty-first Indiana, died ; Thomas J. Rambo, Thirtieth Indiana, killed ; William Routson, Forty-fourth Indiana, died at Andersonville Prison ; Robert F. Ramsev, Eightv-eighth Indiana, died : William Ruff, One Hundredth Indiana, died ; Joel AV. Royce, One Hundredth Indiana, died ; Amo8 Reed, One Hundredth Indiana, died ; Horton R. Ryan, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died ; Edward Ream, One Hundred and Twenty- ninth Indiana, died ; Dr. Delos W. Rupert, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Henry Khoads, Eighth Cavalry, killed; George Rhoads, Eighth Cavalry, died. Emery P. Sabins, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died : Oliver Shelly, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died; William J. Shipley, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died; George K. Sisson, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; John Shewman, Eighty-eighth Indi- ana, died ; James R. Stevenson, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; William Sharp. One Hundredth Indiana, killed : Halbert Starr, One Hundredth Indi- ana, died ; Charles Sharp, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died ; James Sharp, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died ; George W. Schernierhorn, Forty-fourth Indiana, died ; Dr. Edward B. Speed, Forty- fourth Indiana, died ; Adam Swartsweller, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Josiah Snyder, Eighty-eighth Indiana, killed ; David Stai-ner, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Andrew H. Stem, Thirteenth Indiana, killed ; Squire A. Storey, Seventh Cavalry, killed; David Seybert, First Michigan Sharp Shooters, died ; William Stevenson, Seventy-eighth New York, killed : Frank Spellman. Fourth Michigan, killed ; Henry Sharp, Fourth Jlichigan, killed. James II. Tineher, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died ; Charles Tyler, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana, died of wounds ; Marcus B. Tarner, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana, died ; George Trittapoo, Thirtieth Indiana, died. James B. F. Utley, Thirtieth Indiana, killed. Rufus Whitney, Eighty-eighth Indiana, died ; Henry Wolford, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Abraham Wright, Thirtieth Indiana, died of wounds ; James C. West, Thirtieth Indiana, died; William W. Wilson, Thirtieth Indiana, died; Benjamin Woolheter, Thirtieth Indiana, died ; Eli Wheeler, Thirtieth Indiana, killed ; Jerome Wright, Forty-fourth Indiana, killed ; George S. Wicson, One V, *.-« L \\ ■< ,-=' s. i.vl & Drake LIMA TOWNSHIP. 143 erected and began conducting a wagon factory, employing from twelve to twenty hands, and continuing a number of years. In about 1850, Lyman Wilcox was conducting an excellent cabinet-shop. He turned out a considera- ble quantity of furniture, making a specialty of bedsteads. Nathan and Will- iam Place also manufactured wagons, together with coffins, etc., carrying on the business eight or ten years, beginning about 1840. Theodore Moore, in about 1840, manufactured gloves and moccasins, dressed deer skins, and made robes, etc. In about 1845, Richard and John Salmon erected a wooden building, converting the same into a foundry. Here they began manufacturing all kinds of general castings, and quite a large number of plows, that were largely used in all the surrounding country. They employed about a dozen work- men. In about 1849, Samuel P. Williams purchased the entire business, but soon afterward sold to Taylor & Vance, who, a little later, sold to Hill & Tay- lor, the latter firm conducting the enterprise successfully for many years. Mr. Keith is the present owner of the factory, which is yet doing good work. Other men have owned and conducted the foundry, among whom are Hawks k Co., Woodruff & Morse, and Gore & Hardesty. Bar-iron was manufactured from bog-ore obtained in some of the neighboring swamps, and a portion of the iron thus obtained was so tough and malleable that it was used for horseshoe nails and steam boilers. Some of the owners have shipped large quantities of ore. Hawks & Co. kept a store to supply their workmen with goods, etc. In 1870, the Star Grist-Mill was erected on Crooked Creek, two miles northwest of Lima, by Post & Torry, in which were placed two sets of buhrs. A little later, S. Flusher bought the mill, and soon sold an interest to Mr. Arnold. Another set of stones and a turbine water-wheel were added. W. T. Miller began, in about 1837, to manufacture wagons, continuing the business some twenty-five years, turning out about thirty vehicles per annum, on the average. John Taylor also followed the same occupation in an early day. In about the year 1886, Albert Powell erected a distillery on the bank of " Still " Lake, named thus from the location of the distillery. No very large quantity of liquor was made there, although that which was distilled is said to have been of excellent quality. This statement is clearly proved by the rapid dis- appearance of the whisky as soon as made. The business soon passed to the ownership of Hiram Harding, and later to H. W. Wood, who removed the still, and began to manufacture potash on quite an extensive scale, continuing as long as ashes could be obtained cheaply. A Mr. Hort manufactured the pot- ash. The corn, or other grain, used in this distillery was mashed by hand, some four men being employed. In about 1845, William Marten erected a distillery in Lima. Ten or twelve workmen were employed, and from 15,000 to 20,000 bushels of grain were annually consumed in the manufacture mostly of what were called " high wines." Several teams were constantly employed to con vey the liquor to market. One set of 44-inch buhrs was used to grind the grain. Two teams were necessary to draw the wood used, and four or five coopers were 144 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. employed to make barrels to contain the liquor. From thirty to sixty head of cattle and about two hundred hogs were fed largely from the refuse of the dis- tillery. This was, in many respects, the most extensive industry ever in Lima. After about twelve years, the building was rented by Robert Triplettand Samuel Ruick, who carried on the same business for a few years, after which Mr. Bur- dick took control. But the enterprise was soon abandoned, Mr. J. H. Ladd placing in the building a turning lathe, though at the end of a year this busi- ness was discontinued. In about 1838, Follet & Johnson built a tannery at Lima, sinking some fifteen or twenty vats. They dressed large quantities of skins, selling the leather both at home and abroad. Mr. Sering began making chairs about thirty years ago. The old saw-mill at Lima was built in 1831, by Lewis P. Judson, probably, but in 1833 it was destroyed by fire. About the time the saw-mill was built, or perhaps a little later, Mr. Judson and William A. Mills erected the grist-mill that, under many alterations, is yet doing good work. The mill was conducted by Palmer Grannis in 1887. The mill in its day has been a good one, and has been a great accommodation to the citizens of Lima. Two sets of buhrs were placed in at first. Many have conducted the mill ; but all who tried to carry on a merchant business, with few exceptions, have been bankrupted. When the old saw-mill was burned, another soon took its place. One was built in about 1846 by Samuel Howard for John B. Howe. In 1847, Alphonso Martin built a saw- mill in Lima, but soon afterward sold to S. M. Cowley. It was finally thrown down by having its supports washed away by the water. It is probable ttat Mr. Judson erected the saw-mill that took the place of the one destroyed by fire, at the same time he built his grist-mill. Attached to the Martin Saw-Mill was a shingle factory, by Alvaro Hunter ; also a lath-saw by S. M. Cowley. Palmer Grannis conducted the saw-mill at the "Lima Mills, " and might have erected the same. About the same time, John Shortell was conducting a harness-shop there. A man (the name is with- held) erected a building 16x26 feet, near the mills, designing the same for a store. Dry goods were placed therein, and, for a time, things went on nicely ; but suspicion fell upon the man. and his building was searched, whereupon three sets of counterfeit dies, two for quarter dollars and one for half dollars, were found, together with about half a peck of half-finished bogus coin. Some of the finished article was also found, which could not be distinguished by novices from the genuine coin. It was reported that some of it had been passed upon the agent at Fort Wayne for lands, and that he took it for genuine money. The building was transformed, first into a schoolhouse, and afterward into a dwelling now occupied by Mr. Doll. In 1883, a brick-yard was opened, and a kiln burned on the bank of Pigeon River, half a mile west of Lima: but the soil was such that the bricks were worthless, as they fell in pieces within a short time. Later, another kiln was burned a short distance southwest of the old foundry. LIMA TOWNSHIP. 145 In 1854, Samuel P. Williams and John B. Howe founded the La Grange Bank at Lima, receiving a charter under the free banking law of the State, and having a circulation of about $70,000. A good banking business was done until 1857, when the bank became a branch of the State Bank of Indiana, with a capital stock of $150,000, which was owned by twelve men, among whom were John B. Howe, Samuel P. Williams, Samuel Burnell, James B. Howe, Thomas J. Spaulding, S. Halsey and Philo Nichols. The bank sustained itself easily, and the stockholders realized handsome revenues. In 1862, in accordance with Congressional enactment made at that time, the institution became a National Bank, with about the same stockholders, with a capital stock of $100,000, continuing thus until 1880, when a private banking business was begun. The same stockholders, a number of years ago, founded the National Bank at Sturgis, owning a controlling interest in the stock, and also bousht largrelv of the stock of the National Bank at Coldwater, and of other banks. The bank at Lima is firmly founded, and has the unlimited con- fidence of the public. The village of Ontario was laid out by Nathan Jenks, proprietor, early in March, 1837, on the southwest quarter of Section 33. There were laid out twenty-three blocks of ten lots each, two blocks of five lots each, two blocks of six lots each, and a public square. In June, 1844, Mr. Jenks made an addi- tion to the village of ninety-five lots of the usual size, and seven large lots, four of which were north of the river. The addition was laid out between the original town and the river. The first settler on the present site of Ontario was George Latterer, who built a log cabin in 1834. During the same year, or perhaps during the early part of 1835, Henry Lake and Mr. Gibson also located there in small, rude log dwellings. At about the same time, J. 0. Kinney and Mr. Hubbard, from Blissfield, Ohio, settled on the north bank of the river, and began building the dam, which was finished after a great deal of hard labor ; when it was completed, which was the same season, a saw-mill was immediately built on the south bank, having one of the old-fashioned up-and- down saws. About this time, or a little later, a Mr. Allen came there from Ohio, with a small set of " niggerhead " buhrs, and effected a contract by which the power operating the saw-mill was also connected by belts with the machinery which ran the stones. Here was ground the first grain in Ontario. Allen had hard luck for some time ; he suffered with ague and fever, and lost money, and thus became so discouraged that one night he took the pillow case from under his head, went down to the mill dam, filled the case partly full of sand, tied it up and attached it with a stout cord to his person, and plunged into the mill-flume. He was found dead in the flume early the next morning by Mr. Kinney's son, who was sent to call him to breakfast. His clothes and hat were first noticed lying on the bank. The old saw-mill was quite well patronized, the work being done mostly on shares. Elisha Thorp, who hauled logs there with a team consisting of six ponies, owned a wagon, the wheels of 146 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. which were made of huge, solid, wooden cross-sections of some large log. In 1836, Nathan Jenks purchased the mill property, at which time he stated that it was his intention to secure an act of the Legislature to charter a company who should bear the expense of conducting the water-power created by the dam at Ontario, from the latter place, through a long race, to Lima. The act was passed by the Legislature, the location of the race was staked off, sub- scription books were opened and liberally signed by the citizens of Lima ; but for some reason unknoivn to the writer, and to most of all the old settlers, Mr. Jenks subscribed a controlling interest in the stock, and abandoned the project without further ado, crreatly to the regret of Lima. It is thought by the writer that, as Mr. Jenks was dissatisfied about this time with the offers made him by Lima to induce him to locate the '" La Grange Collegiate Institute " there instead of at Ontario, and as he refused to accept their proffered assist- ance as being not an adequate consideration, this had something to do with his action in canceling what had been done toward continuing the water-power to Lima. The real facts could not be ascertained why Mr. Jenks so completely '•squelched " the work on the race. It is also stated that, about this time, the surveyors of the proposed Buffalo & Mississippi Railroad surveyed a route east and west, a short distance south of Ontario, and that Mr. Jenks thought that, by building up Ontario at the expense of Lima, he could, in the end, succeed in securing the removal of the county seat from the latter village to the former ; and that, therefore, he located the Institute at Ontario, set aside the work on the race, and did all he could to kill Lima and infuse vitality into Ontario. In that day, as steam had not come into general use in mills, a good water- power was alone sufficient to insure the building of quite a town. More on this subject will be found in other parts of this volume. Mr. Jenks built the present mill-race at Ontario and, in about 1843, erected the large grist-mill, that, in its time, was one of the best ever in the county. It cost about §10,000. The building was four stories in height and in it were placed four sets of French buhrs. Others were afterward added. The mill was so well patronized that it was found profitable to run it day and night and two sets of mill hands were employed. The work increased until some thirty thousand barrels of excellent flour were shipped, by wagon, to market in one year. This infused life into various other industries, such as cooper shops, stave factories, etc. Ontario grew very rapidly at first. C. W. Wilson probably erected the third or fourth house in the village. Mr. Codding also erected an early one. In 1838, there were living in the village -the families of Messrs. Salmon, Seymour, Mills, Hawley, Bassett, Jenks, Wilson, Doolittle, Codding, Field and five or six others. However, two or three of these were unmarried. In 1840, at least twenty-five families lived in Ontario, represent- ing a population of about 120. Perhaps at no time has the population ex- ceeded 300. LIMA TOWNSHIP. 147 In August, 1838, Jenks & Fields built a storeroom and began selling goods from a stock valued at about §5,000. They were purchased in New York, shipped to Toledo, and from there drawn to Ontario by wagon. At the end of two years, Nathan Jenks sold his interest to W. C. Jenks, and two years later the goods were sold at auction. Boyd & McUoy conducted a good store about this time. Jenks & Wright opened a store about 1843, with about $1,000 worth of goods. ■ They dealt in cattle, losing considerable money, and closed their store, in consequence, two years later. Robert Dykes began selling goods in about 18-14, from a stock worth probably $6,000. This was about the best store ever in Ontario. Hestus & Hamilton owned a store in the village. Among other merchants, have been Charles and Anson Vaughan, George Mal- low, Aaron Mallow, John Scott, Rufus Herrick, Jenks & McKinley, Turley & Parish, William Scott, Mr. Dickinson, W. H. Hendricks, and Timothy Field, who again began eleven years ago, continuing until the present. The Vaughan boys conducted a good store. George Mallow was shot by Stephen Jenks (not a relative of Nathan Jenks). The cause is not clearly known. Jenks was tried for the crime, convicted and sentenced for life to the penitentiary. Warren Green was probably the first Vulcan in the village. Doolittle, Wilson, Bassett and Mills were carpenters, and the first. Among the village physicians have been Messrs. Bassinger, Dayton (a good one), Sargent, Jenks, Evans, Pendle- ton, Jenkins and Newton. Ontario saw its best days between 1850 and 1864. Franklin Duncan opened a hotel not far from 1840. L. M. Abbott did the same about six or eight years later. Ontario was the northern terminus of the famous plank road that was built about 1848-49 and kept up some ten or twelve years. George Mallow sold liquor at an early day. Alanson Beers was the first Post- master. Uncle Sam's agents since then have been Robert Dykes, James Turley, Mrs. Farrand, 0. W. Parish, Henry Grannis and Timothy Field. Charles Miller owned a fine hotel, which was destroyed by fire. The Good Templars organized a lodge in about 1856, continuing two or three years. A little later than 1860 (Henry) Jenks & McKinley purchased the grist- mill owned by Nathan Jenks ; but three years later, Henry Jenks sold his interest to his partner. The mill was finally mortgaged to Mr. Blodgett, into whose control it passed in about 1878-79 ; but it soon after was purchased by Alexander Beach, upon whose hands it burned down about a year ago. This was a serious loss, not only to the owner but to the village. In 1842, L. M. Abbott erected a woolen factory, the entire cost, including the water-power, etc., amounting to about $10,000. The building, three and a half stories high, and thirty-six by forty feet, alone cost $6,000. Two sets of machines for custom work were placed in the building, as was also one fOr the manufact- ure of flannels, fulled cloths, satinets, cassimeres, etc. From 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of wool were handled annually, the work being done mostly on shares. The various kinds of cloth were kept for sale in a small storeroom. After H 148 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. four years, the factory was bought by Nathan Jenks and Andrew Dutcher, who added several power-looms and other machinery. They continued from three to five years, and then rented to James Scott, who continued on through the last war, making a great deal of money. At the close of the war, between $5,000 and $6,000 worth of new machinery took the place of the old; but hard times came on, and the factory was mortgaged to Dr. Dayton, and perhaps others. It finally went to Dr. Dayton, who rented it to Chapman & Chess. Two years later, Joseph J. Scott rented it, and about the 1st of January, 1882, bought it. Charles Doolittle, who owned part of the water-power, built a cabinet shop not far from 1847. He made a goodly number of bureaus, chairs, tables, bedsteads, etc., and added a turning lathe. Daniel McKinley, about the same time or a little later, built a tannery on the race, and sank some twenty-five vats. He dressed large quantities of skins, and in the upper story of the building manu- factured boots and shoes. George Mallow also conducted a tannery, employing about four workmen. It was afterward owned by Sol. Liphart, and later was turned into an ashery, where potash was manufactured. Argus McKinley erected a small building on the race, not far from 1850, and began manufact- uring buckskin gloves, mittens, etc. ; his sales running up during the year to about $4,000. He carried on the business three or four years. The old tan- nery was finally turned into a barrel-stave factory. He made large numbers o excellent flour barrels that were used in the grist-mill. Keith & Son trans- formed the old shoe shop into a sash, door and blind factory. John Shingler manufactured wagons ten or twelve years. In about 1850, Carlos Jenks and a Mr. Wright opened a factory for the manufacture of saleratus from potash and pearlash. But little was done, however. About the same time, or perhaps earlier, Carlos Jenks attempted to introduce the manufacture of silk. He planted mulberry seed to raise plants, the leaves of which were to be used as food by the caterpillar of the silk moth Bombyx mori. Punce of this moth were obtained from Roop & JMosher, who came from the East ; but about this time neither the mulberry seed nor the fwpce did as had been expected, and within two years the whole project was abandoned. It was about this time that the locust tree {Robinia pseudacicia) was introduced into the county for the first. The first newspaper in the county was published at Ontario, and after- ward at Lima. Full account of this will be found elsewhere. Charles Doolit- tle has resided in Ontario longer than any other person. He has for many years been dealing in furniture, for the manufacture of which he has a shop. George Mallow conducted a tailor shop in the village about forty years ago. In 1833, a small log schoolhouse was built about a quarter of a mile south- east of Lima. Here it was that John B. Howe taught the first school in the county. The house was a most rude affair, with three or four small windows, a huge fire-place and a few rough desks and benches. Some eighteen or twenty scholars were in attendance, and the teacher was paid some $10 or $12 per month for his services. Mr. Howe says that the funds from which he was LIMA TOWNSHIP. 149 paid were either raised by ordinary taxation, or from the sale or other disposal of Section 16. It was not a subscription school. AM accounts and reports agree in saying that Frederick Hamilton taught the second term in the same house. After about 1835, no other terms were taught there, but school was held in several vacant buildings. At last, a frame schoolhouse was erected where the depot now stands, and was used until the beginning of the last war. Among the early teachers at Lima were T. H. Codding, Nelson Prentiss, Rev. Christopher Cory, Mr. Seymour, Hugh Hamilton, William Hamilton, Miss Sarah Smith, Miss Eunice Moore, Miss Laura Brown, Mrs. Dr. Butler and others. Before the house at the d^pot was built, school was held, among other places, at Mr. Cory's residence, in the Presbyterian Church, in the court house, and in private dwellings. After the county seat was removed to La Grange, the court house was used for a schoolhouse, and for a hotel. Among the teachers were Miss Julia Sanborn, Mrs. J. M. Flagg, Miss Almena Mason and Miss Lucinda Keith. The teachers were usually paid by rate-bills. The house at the depot was built with funds donated by S. P. Williams, John B. Howe, H. W. Wood, Abram Nipp, William Ligraham, J. C. Kinney and others. It cost about $500. On one occasion, this building was struck by lightning during a thunder storm, while it was filled with children. The building was shattered, and about a dozen of the children scattered. Two boys were quite badly burned, but soon recovered. In 1855, Samuel P. Williams, assisted somewhat by the citizens, erected a frame building at a cost of $2,500, designing the same for a young ladies' seminary. Miss Eliza Dimond, a graduate of Mount Holyoke Seminary, and a lady of unusual talent and culture, was employed to take charge of the sem- inary. She was assisted by Miss Julietta L. Oaks, and by Miss Mary A. Sherring, teacher of music and drawing. Mr. Williams collected the tuition, and paid Miss Dimond about $300 per annum. The school was barely self- supporting. Miss Dimond fixed the tuition as follows : Common Eno-Jisk branches, §3; higher English branches, $4 ; Latin (extra), $2; French (extra), $2 ; penciling, $2 ; Monochromatic, $5 ; Crayolithic, $7 ; Pastel, $7 ; piano, with use of instrument, $10 ; melodeon, with use of instrument, $10. Miss Dimond was one of the many young ladies sent out to teach by Gov. Slade, of Connec- ticut. From twenty-five to sixty young ladies were in attendance. Mr. Will- iams donated the land where the house stood to be used only for school pur- poses, in any other case to revert to himself. In 1862, the seminarv was sold to the village, and used as a public schoolhouse until the present fine school structure was erected at a cost of over $20,000. It was built in 1874-75, The funds to build the house were raised by issuing certificates, drawing inter- est, to be paid from school-money, obtained by levying a tax on the property of the township not to exceed a certain specified per cent per annum. The house has already cost twice as much as was expected, and several thousand dollars are yet to be paid. Mr. Howe gave $2,500 toward the house in addi- 150 HISTORY OF LAGRANGE COUNTY. tion to his tax. Mr. Burnell also gave liberally. The house is one of the finest in Northern Indiana. Lima has always had good schools and good morals. In 1835, a small log schoolhouse was built at what afterward became On- tario. It was a small, insignificant-looking structure, and was located about twenty rods southwest of the present mill-dam. The seats were slabs, with long wooden pins, driven into auger holes, for legs, and the desks were made by driving strong pieces of wood horizontally into mortises in the walls, the other end being su])ported by a strong leg, and a slab being placed upon two of these contrivances, to be used as desks. A huge fivo-place graced one end of the room, the smoke and flame passing up a broad chimney built of sticks and plastered with clay mortar. The first teaciier was an English lady from White Pigeon, Mich. She taught twelve or fourteen scholars until within a short time before the close of her three months' term, when the house was destroyed by fire. In about 1840, a small frame schoolhouse was built in Ontario at a cost of $500. It was used until a few years before the last war, when the present two-storied frame building was constructed. It cost about $800, and, though remodeled several times since, is yet in use. About the year 1836, or a little later, Nathan Jcnks founded the "La Grange Collegiate Institute." The iilea had its origin at Victor, N. Y., as early as 1835, at which place it was resolved to establish such an institution somewhere in the West, by a number of prominent men, among whom were Nathan Jenks, Elisha Dickinson and others. A number of these men came to the vicinity of Ontario during the year 1836, where tiiey purchased land and settled. Here the plan was perfected to build a literary institution modeled after the then Oberlin Institute of Ohio. So far as known, the first public meeting was held at the residence of Lewis Vance, Lima, on the 6th of February, 1837, at which time it was resolved, "that, in view of the pros- pects before us, we are warranted in undertaking to establisii a literary institution to be located in this neighborhood, to be denominated the ' La Grange Collegiate Institute.'" Joshua T. llobbs, Natiian Jenks, Mills Averill. Elisha Dickinson, Thayer H. Codding, Ansel Dickinson and Rev. John J. Shipherd were selected and recommended as a Board of Trustees. At this meeting, offers of assistance of money, lands and labor were freely given, and the outlook seemed promising. At the same time a prospectus was framed and adopted, setting forth that the institution should be modeled after the Oberlin Institute, that its course of instruc- tions should embrace five departments, as follows: A preparatory or academ- ical school, a collegiate course, a full theological course, an irregular, or shorter course, for those advanced in life or in peculiar circumstances, and a thorough course of female education ; that " the several courses of study should be de- cidedly of a Christian character, to the exclusion of demoralizing pagan authors and sectarian principles;" that the manual labor system should be incorporated in all the scientific departments; and that "a liberal charter should be obtained ..r %: VAN BUR EN TP. VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 177 came to his present farm in Section 30, and with him, his brother, Samuel Si'lener, who afterward removed. Samuel Berry lived in this vicinity. George Turnbull, who, with Ami Whitney, was chosen Constable in September, 1837, were in the neighborhood, and Edward Robbins and one Nobles. These were probably all the earliest settlers here, and of them only Nicholas Sidener and Elmer Belote are still residents at the writing of this history. A burial-place i: Section 30, on the Vistula road, known as the Belote Graveyard, was opened in 1836, and is the last resting-place of the following old settlers : Mrs. John Fowler, died 1851, aged fifty-one ; Sylvanus Olney ; Peter Fox, died 1859, aged fifty ; Jacob Butt, John Belote, James S. Belote and Elisha Tharp. On the Vistula road, upon the present farm of Richard L. Newman, a village was laid out in June, 1836, by Francis Rhoads, Isaac Buckley and Eppah Robbins, who were then the owners of the land. The village was named Marion and a tavern was erected by the owner of the plat, and a store started by James Belote and Buckley. By the vigorous efforts of the project- ors of Marion, quite a " huddle " was built up, but it soon became evident that it could never grow up to the paper, and the owners of the lots joined in a petition to have the village resolved into wheat fields, and thus Marion disap- peared forever. John Fowler lived in the place for a short time. He was the owner of a distillery near Buck Creek. Best was another of the residents. A saw-mill was built by Harding & Johnson on Buck Creek in 1836 and run for several years. The western portion of the township began to receive settlers about 1836. In November of this year, Peter L. Keightley, brother of John Keightley, of Newbury, a native of Lincolnshire, England, came into the township and occupied his land in Section 22. Mr. Keightley used to take the liberties ordinary in the old country with the letter " h." Not far from his place there was a tree in the road with the letter L cut upon it, which was a well known land-mark, and it is still told that Mr. Keightley's manner of directing travelers to "go to the heL," and so on, would frequently cause a misunderstanding. Mr. Keightley is still an honored resident of the neighborhood where he has spent so much of his life. About 1837, there settled west of Van Buren, Jacob Moak, whose son Peter now lives near the State line. Other settlers, west of the river, up to 1840, were Robert and John Marshall, Englishmen, Bower, George W. Fergu- son, Garel Osborne, John Sallier (who made the first clearing in the southwest, and died before 1840), and several on the Vistula road near the county line, including Widow Dodd, William Mack, whose sons are still upon the old farm ; and at Stone Lake, William Davis, a friendly Quaker who is kindly remem- bered. The first burial-ground in this vicinity was near the county line, in what was called the Mack settlement. The first interment was of Josiah 178 HISTOKV OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Remington, at which the sermon was preached by a young minister, John P. Jones, since prominent in county and State history. Charles Dwight, with his wife and child, came to the quarter section which he now resides upon, March 9, 1841. Mr. Dwight in his early days was a boatman upon the Erie Canal in New York. He is a member of the seventh generation in America of this distinguished family. His later life has been saddened by the tragedy of which an account is given elsewhere, in which his youngest daughter was the victim. In 1843, Alonzo Clark settled near the county line, and Aaron Freeman, still a prominent citizen of the township, came upon his farm in the same year. Crooked Creek curves down into Indiana, inclosing with a lake to the north a fertile territory called " The Island." This land was held by speculators at first, and one of the earliest actual settlements upon it was by John Dalton in 1840. Mr. Dalton had been with his brother James in White Pigeon since 1836, where he had come from Rochester, N. Y. In 1850, he bought the Van Buren Mills, and has since resideil in the village, where he has a comfortable residence. Mr. Dalton, starting with little of this world's goods, has amassed a considerable fortune. About 1850, a settlement was started in the southwest corner called New Pennsylvania. John L. Rhoades, Jacob Mehl and John Foster were the earli- est settlers, but all have removed. They were all Pennsylvanians. The schoolhouse on this section now bears the name of the settlement. John Kling- araan made the latest original entry of land, taking the southeast quarter of this section in May, 1848. About the vear 1840, the population began to increase rapidly, and as a consequence the prices of provisions began a considerable rise. This was possi- ble, however, and the prices do not seem extravagant at this time. In 1834, wheat drawn to Constantino, Mich., brought only 35 cents, and corn 18 cents, but in 1836 the prices were doubled. Before the Van Buren Mills were built, about a week would be consumed in going to mill, and farmers often preferred to grind a small grist in a common coffee-mill. It was delicate work raising wheat then. About one-sixth of it was apt to be smutty, and the cereal had to be washed and spread out to dry upon the upper chamber floors. Farmers of the early day hardly dreamed of the wholesale methods of modern agri- culture. By 1837, the land was practically all taken up by actual settlers and spec- tators, and was held at $5 per acre. The most efficient aid in the development of the country has been the building of the Michigan Southern Railway, through one of the early trading points. White Pigeon. At that time land at once rose from $10 to $20 per acre. Since then the advance in prosperity has been steady and marked. The population has gradually increased and em- braces, besides those already named, many men of wealth and social importance. In politics the township has been steadily Republican. The records show the VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 179 following persons to have served as Justices of the Peace, though the list may not be complete : Alfred Martin, 1841-46 ; Charles Dvvight, 1844-49 ; Da- vid Elmore, 1844-49 ; H. B. Ostrander, 1849-54 ; Josiah B. Cook, 18.51-52 ; 0. W. Wilson, 1852-68 ; John W. Mclntyre, 1854-58 ; C. W. Chapin, 1867- 77 ; James Galloway, 1869-73 ; James Haggerty, 1877 ; Edwin Owen, 1878. Schools were a matter to which the earliest comers gave their attention. Until the sale of the school lands, the settlers paid their teachers directly, which was not a severe tax, as the usual rate was about $1 a week. Clarissa Munger was the first school-ma'am, and gathered the young ideas at a log schoolhouse on the land of Nathaniel Callahan in Section 17. Later, a school was started at the village, in 1835, at Marion, and, in 1836 or 1837, another south of the river at Nicholas Sidener's, where a graveyard now is. in the west the earliest were the Marshall Schoolhouse on the Vistula road, the Bethel on Section 17, and a log house on the shore of Stone Lake. There are now in the township ten neat frame houses, valued at $6,000, which are attended by 410 pupils. Eleven teachers are employed at an aver- age rate of $1.50 for men and $1.37 for women. In 1880, some $2,500 were expended for tuition. The history of the churches is another matter intimately connected with the lives of the people. A Methodist Episcopal society yet e.xists at Van Buren, which was organized in 1834 by Charles Best, an Ohio exhorter. There were about five members, including Esther and John Olney and Nancy Calla- han. The first preacher in the township \yas Christopher Cory, a Presbyterian minister, then of White Pigeon. In 1848, the Methodist Church at Van Buren was erected, and has since been used as a union meeting-house. In the west, the earliest religious meetings were held at the house of Jason and George Jones, north of the old Bethel Schoolhouse, in 1841 or 1842, Prayer-meetings were held there, and at the time of the Millerite excitement they were largely attended. It was in "about 1843" that the world was to finish up its career, and the year before, 1842, Elders Speers, Stalker and Burns, of "somewhere about" Orland, commenced revival meetings in the old Callahan Schoolhouse. A very exciting and memorable time followed. Tiie meetings lasted six weeks, and about forty persons were converted. The Bap- tist Church in Van Buren was organized in 1858, with fifteen members. Since then they have steadily maintained their meetings, and have since received some forty members; but, owing to constant changes in residence, the society is hardly more numerous now than at first. In 1864, a Methodist society was organized at the Marshall Schoolhouse by George W. Newton. The Protestant Methodist society in Van Buren was organized by Fred Soy about 1851, with twenty-five or thirty members, as the result of an exten- sive revival. About 1869, an " Abright " or Evangelist Church was organ- ized and a church built on the Defiance road, two miles east of the village, at a cost of about $2,400. There were about fiftv members in 1881. 180 HISTORY OF LAGRANGE COUNTY. The only county officers the township has furnished besides Coroner Belote have been Gabriel T. Mclntyre, who was a resident of the township a year or two before his election as Sheriff, in 1853, and Seldon Martin, who was elected a Commissioner in 1837. The township has suffered very little from crime. There is a remembrance of one case of horse stealing, in 1844 or 1845, from Henry Albert. The free- dom of the people of late from these marauders is no doubt due to the organ- ization of a Protective Association, September, 1866. This was re-organized for ten years in 1876, and had, in 1881, sixty-five members, and $135 in the treasury, devoted to the capture of criminals. The association is so organized that a strong bwly of men can be collected, at any point, in an e.xceedingly short time. An annual meeting of the members is required each year, in Sep- tember. In 1880-81, the officers were Frank Galloway, President; John McDonald, Treasurer ; and William Bycroft, Secretary. The saddest tragedy in the annals of the county took place, singularly enough, on the quiet, charming beach of Stone Lake, where one would expect nothing but the ripple of the waves, the songs of the birds, and the laughter of children, which this mad crime so rudely disturbed. Addie Dwight, a charm- ing young lady of eighteen years, who was admired and respected by all who met her, the youngest daughter of Charles Dwight, was teaching at the Lake Schoolhouse and took her pupils down to the lake at noon, on June 22, 1871, to give them a promised frolic on the beach. While here, unconscious of any danger, Chauncey Barnes, a young man living near this place, in Elkhart County, drove up, accompanied by a young woman of White Pigeon, and asked for an interview with the school-teacher. They walked away together for a short distance. Barnes had, for some time, been paying marked attentions to Miss Dwight, but she had declined to receive his company, and his attempts at a reconciliation had been in vain. He took his disappointment very much to heart, and, suffering from jealousy, he went to see her this day for a last attempt, and madly resolved to end her life and his, if he could not win her. As the children came toward the two, seated together at some dis- tance, a pistol shot was heard, and Addie was seen, with her hands raised, beg- ging for her life. But a second bullet was sent crashing through her head, and she fell dead at the foet of her lover and murderer. Barnes then emptied the revolver into his own liead, and when the neighbors came to the scene, though bleeding horribly, he was re-loading his revolver, determined to take his own life. The murderer was confined in the county jail, and for some time was at the point of death, but finally recovered. At his trial, the defense was insanity, but though ably defended, he was found guilty of murder, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. He is still confined there. This causeless crime, which so cruelly blotted out an innocent young life, aroused great feeling throughout tiie county, and much sympathy was expressed for the victim, and indignation toward the murderer. This latter, however, was softened by his attempted J'yU^Of-^^^l^e^^^ VAN BUREN TP. VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 183 suicide, and the sorrow of his family. It was one of those events which, though having a tinge of romance in history and stories of love and sorrow, are too terribly tragic in the real life of one's own generation. Since that time, the history of the township has afforded little of interest. In 1880, according to the census of that year, there were ten residents of the town- ship, each of whom was seventy-five years of age, or over, their names being, with their respective ages: Ann Brockway, seventy-eight ; Robert Smith, seventy- six ; Maria Hoff, seventy-five ; Elizabeth Smith, seventy-five ; John H. Hoof- nagle, eighty-three ; Elizabeth Dayton, seventy-five ; David Seybert, eighty- one ; Henry Young, seventy-five ; Lydia Young, seveuty-five ; Andrew Hen- kle, eighty-five. Van Buren is the only village, and Scott is the only post office in the township, and these are one and the same. The original plat of the village was owned by the Martin brothers — Seldon, Phylammen and Alfred — who bought 280 acres in this section of the Government in December, 1833. In 1837, the village was surveyed by Delevan Martin. The plat was in April, 1844, enlarged by an addition at the north by Nicholas N Sixby. Before the plat was surveyed, the enterprises were established which have since been the chief feature of the town — the lumber and flouring mills. The Martins built a saw-mill upon the fine water-power which the Pigeon aff"ords at this point, in the summer of 1834, and, during the next, erected a flouring-mill. The mosquitoes were formidable at that time, and it is said that the Martins could not sleep until they constructed a platform up in the trees, where the troublesome insects would be less numerous. The old mills have, of course, disappeared, and, since then, mills have been put in, capable of turning out, in the palmy days of Van Buren, 15,000 barrels of flour per year, and 350,000 feet of lumber. But at the present time, little more than custom work is done. James Haggerty, who was, in 1881, still living in Van Buren, came to the place in 1835, having exchanged his land in Michigan for mill property. Mr. Haggerty was originally from New Jersey, where he lived in the town of New Brunswick, just across the street from old Commodore Vanderbilt, whom the old pioneer remembers gratefully as a kind neighbor and generous patron. His brother, Michael Haggerty, was here in 1837, but removed, and returned in 1855, since when he has been a resident of the village, and for some time Justice of the Peace. In 1836, Pierce built a blacksmith shop, and was rewarded for his enterprise by being elected, in 1837, the first Justice. Thus the village smithy became the hall of justice. Harvey B. Ostrander, about the same time, established himself in the cooper business, one Crary built a wagon-shop, and C. Z. Barnes, carpenter, came to town. L. D. Brooks built a house on Lot 5, in Sixby's Addition, and kept a tavern. A physician, Dr. Sidney Cobb, lived in the village about a year, then dying, he was succeeded by Dr. William Fox in 1838. His brothers, George and James Fox, were the shoemakers of the town. John Rank and father, Joel H. Sanford, Kellogg 184 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Munger and Miner were among the residents. Thus it will be seen that Van Buren in its early days was a flourishing and promising settlement, and would have fulfilled all its early promise had it not been for the perverse running of the railway too far to the north. A log house, owned by Pierce, vacated in 1837, and donated to the township, was the first schoolhouse in the village. There is now a two-story frame building, 26x40, devoted to this purpose. In 1836, the Martins started a di.stillery in a large log building near the mill, and ran the establishment until after 1840, when the removal of the Indians terminated the greater demand for a distillery. Another one was run for some time after, at the Hart place, below the mills. A post office was established at Van Buren under the name of Scott, in 1836, and was upon the line between White Pigeon and Fort Wayne. Clark was the first Postmaster. A frame church was built about 1858, and is still in use by all the denomina- tions. In 1»81, there were two stores in the village, owned by Frank Gal- loway and Dr. W. B. Grubb, who has practiced medicine here since 1865. Dr. A. Toms is another physician at this place. William Allison, a resident of the village since 1867, and of the township since 1860, has held the posi- tion of Trustee for ten years in succession, and, in 1881, was commencing another series of years. He has proved one of the most eflBcient oflicers in the county. CHAPTER X. BT R. H. RERICK. Eden Township— Physical Features — The First Settlers— Incidents of Their Life in the Woods— Erection of Mills, Stores, etc.— Valuable Statistics— The " Haw Patch "—Township Officials— The Growth of Education and Religion— The Sycamore Literary Society. THE southeastern quarter of Eden Township is included in that broad area of fertile country which the early settlers called the Haw Patch. About one Congressional township of land in La Grange and Noble Counties is embraced in this tract, which is distinguished throughout by a rich soil, freedom from marshes, level, or very gently rolling surface, and a perfect adaptability to successful agriculture. At the opening of the country to settlement, it was densely covered by beautiful forests, in which sugar maple and black walnut were most abundant, and remarkably free from small growths, except hawthorn and wild grapes. The abundance of the hawthorn was the most striking peculiarity of the region, and gave rise to the name by which it is so widely known. Now that the forests and the hawthorns have vanished, the region has taken on another style of beauty, and is made doubly attractive by splendidly kept farms and elegant residences, where every comfort possible has taken the place of the hardships of log-cabin days. This is the Eden of the township. But to the north and west lie the great marshes which are the sources of the two forks of the Little Elkhart. These marshes furnish a great deal of hay, and are the home of an abundance of game, but are, nevertheless, a dreary waste, and it is likely irreclaimable for some time to come, at least. Persistent efforts are being made to drain them, but the continual drying of the country in general will probably prove to be the most eflBcient aid in their improvement. To the west of the Big Marsh lie a few sections of good land, but with a soil which contains more clay than that of the Haw Patch. No lakes or streams of any value are found within the township. There is some dispute about the first settlement of the township, but the account here given is believed to be the correct one. This is, that the Latta family were the first in Eden. In 1830, Robert Latta, who lived near Urbana, Ohio, came to Goshen to bring medicine and stores to his son, Johnston Latta, who was then a practicing physician in that settlement. While at Goshen, the elder Latta heard from surveyors who had been through La Grange County of the fine Haw Patch land, and he visited it on his return, and it seemed to justify all the praise he had heard. He had a good farm in Ohio, under cultivation, 186 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. but he longed for new forests to conquer. Accordingly, in the spring of 1832, leaving his Ohio home, he came to the Haw Patch, with his wife and daughter, Achsah. His log house was built on Section 26. In the fall of the same year, William McConnell, of Ohio, settled in Section 35, south of the Latta home, with his wife and sons, James, Alexander, Thomas C. and William A., and a daughter, Mary Ann, who was married November 17, 1835, to Isaac Spencer. The McConnells had a remarkable leaning for public affairs, and since then there have been few matters of public interest in and about the Haw Patch in which they did not have a prominent part. The other well-known family which preceded them was not less public-spirited, and, as was very natural, a rivalry soon arose. There were special reasons for this. Latta was a Whig, and McConnell a Democrat ; the former was a Methodist, the latter a Presbyterian. The contest early showed itself in the purchase of land, and the result was that each was the owner of about eighteen eighty-acre tracts, which was con- siderably more forest land than was profitable in those days. Much of it was afterward given away. Eighty acres were given as pay for one man's work for a year, and a job of rail splitting was the consideration for another considerable piece of land. In 1841, Dr. Johnston Latta moved to the Haw Patch, giving up his practice, and lived upon the old homestead until his death, in 1873, at the age of sixty-five. His widow, Martha L., still lives here, adjoining the farm of her son, James Norman Latta. The McConnells, in later years, were more prominent in Noble than La Grange County history. They have now no liv- ing representative of their name in the township. But the family graveyard still receives, from time to time, some descendant of the old pioneer. It is a suggestive fact that this family burying-place lies just across the road from the site established for similar purposes by Robert Latta, and where he now rests. The first burial in the former yard was of Thomas C. McConnell, who died in 1836, at the age of twenty-six. Here, also, lie William McConnell, who died at his home south of Eden Chapel, April 13, 1848, aged sixty-seven ; Agnes, his wife, died in 1851, aged sixty-six ; their sons, Alexander and William A., and others of a later generation. The eldest son, James, of considerable note in Noble County history, died at Albion, June 2, 1881. In 1832, as near as can be ascertained, William Dempsey, of Ohio, and his young wife, came to the township and lived on land in Section 35. He died about thirteen years later. Eai'ly in the next year, Nehemiah Coldren, anotlier Ohio man, settled in Sec- tion 13, and in 1837 his brother, Harvey, on the same section. Sibyl, the wife of Nehemiah, died in 1848, and he in 1871, at the age of seventy-one. Harvey Coldren died seven years later. There also came in the spring of this year, Laban Parks, with his family, including an eight-year-old son, Harlan, who recently died upon the old farm on Section 25. Before his settlement, Laban Parks and Anthony Nelson had come over from Elkhart Prairie, where Parks had been since 1830, and viewed this country over before there were any marks of the presence of white men. EDEN TOWNSHIP. 187 Laban Parks died in November, 1870. A few months after Parks had settled, Anthony Nelson followed, and built his log house a short distance west, upon the Clearspring Township line. The first part of his house was built in Eden, but an addition was soon made in Clearspring. Kensell Kent, of New York. settled in 1833, and was one of the early owners of the land on which Slab- town now flourishes. He moved to Iowa, and died there in 1879. Reuben McKeever, of Virginia, was living in 1833 on Section 27, but in later years emigrated to Iowa. During this year or the next, Samuel Curl, of Ohio, a son-in-law of Robert Latta, moved to the Haw Patch, and settled on Section 35, and his brother, John Curl, at the same time on Section 26. Samuel Curl died in 1863, and John Curl and family removed from the township. About 1834, Obed Gaines, of New York, built his cabin, in which early elections took place, a quarter of a mile north of Sycamore Corners, on the township line, but was not long a resident. He was the only settler who raised hops for sale. In October, 1834, Mrs. Elizabeth Ramsby, a widow lady, with her family, moved upon land in Section 27, where her son, John S. Ramsby, now resides. Mrs. Ramsby died upon the old homestead November 12, 1869, aged eighty years. John S. Ramsby settled here in 1835, and besides being a wealthy farmer, has become noted as an admirer of the chase. Deer and bears in the early days, and foxes and coons of later years, furnished the sport. The marsh has been an unfailing source of game. Bears, of course, have long since gone. Thirty years ago, Mr. Ramsby captured three, but since then only a straggler has now and then appeared. Deer were very numerous at the first settlement, so much so as to be troublesome. The pretty animals had a great fancy for pawing up the young wheat with their dainty hoofs, and meddling with the husked corn before it was put away. But they soon vanished before the hunt- er. Trapping in the marshes, especially of the little animal of bad repute and valuable hide, coon hunting, and following the hounds after "Reynard," have been sources of much recreation and no little profit since the first settlement of Eden. But to return to the settlers. On the 1st of October, 1835, John Thompson, from Ohio, reached the land upon which he has since lived. He bought his farm from Mark Gaboon, who had been upon the land long enough to make a little clear- ing, and who, after marrying Ann Modie, a member of another early fam- ily, in November, 1835, moved further west after Mr. Thompson's arrival. The price paid for this land was $4.37 per acre, a little below the average price of land partially improved. Wild land was held at double the Government price. Mr. Thompson, soon after his arrival, was called upon to administer justice as Squire, and, besides township offices, repre- sented Noble and La Grange Counties in the Lower House in 1841. In those days, the people's law-makers had to make the journey to Indianapolis on horseback, and undergo great tribulation on the road for the sake of legislative honors, at a salary of $3.00 per day. Mr. Thompson was afterward (1856-60) 188 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. a member of the State Senate for two terms, and has always been prominent in political affairs. James Taylor, another old settler, came with Mr. Thompson, and entered land in Section 23, where he died in 1880. His widow still lives upon the fiirm. William Parks, a brother of Laban, settled on Section 27 in 1835, and joined in the emigration to Iowa about fifteen years ago. Orvin Kent was at the Haw Patch in the spring of 1833, and bought land. He was here again in 1885, but did not settle permanently until 1847, after his marriage in Ohio. He then built a home upon his land in Eden, at Sycamore Corners. Mr. Kent has for a number of years lived in Clearspring, but his two places of residence are upon the town line road. Mr. Kent has always been interested in the welfare of the Haw Patch, and has done much in aid of its social and mate- rial improvement. The whole number of householders in Eden, in the fall of 1835, was fif- teen, and the men, women and children all told numbered seventy-two. In 1836, William Collett settled on the Haw Patch. His son, William C. Collett, was in later years prominently identified with the Granger movement in Indiana. The other son, Jacob Collett, married Anna Mary Swart, who has the distinction of being the first born in the township. They removed to Iowa. In 1837, John Denny, his wife Mary, and sons, settled on Section 35, where Mrs. Denny yet resides, at the advanced age of eighty-four. About this time, the settlement of the region west of the marsh began. Robert McKibben settled here in 1836, but moved West in 1850; John and Andrew Funk in 1837 ; in 1838, David Carr, who moved to Ligonier and died there, and Thomas Short, who still resides on Section 6. John Prough settled on Section 18 in 1842. In the same year, William H. Poyser and John Poy- ser settled in this neighborhood, but the former removed to the Haw Patch eight years later and now lives on Section 27. After 1835, the settlement of the township increased rapidly, and this department of the history will not permit any extended notice of the later comers. It is mainly in the first settlers that all feel an interest. Their comings and goings and haps and mishaps are worthy of note, while similar occurrences of to-day concern few besides those who are immediately interested. Eden Township was organized in November, 1832. Its formation was the second division made in the county, being a subdivision of Lima Township. But this township, as the order of the Commissioners read, was to include "all that tract of territory south of Township 37 and west of the range line divid- ing Ranges 9 and 10 ;" that is, it included the present townships of Eden and Clearspring and ran south of Ligonier. La Grange County then included part of Noble. The election was ordered to be held at the house of John Hos- tettler, who lived near the county line, in Perry Township, on the first Monday of April; 1833, for the purpose of electing two Justices of the Peace. Who these first officers were cannot be said from the records. Township records of that time have vanished and the county records are silent. William EDEN TOWNSHIP. 189 McConnell, however, is claimed to be the firit Justice of the Peace. The earliest record to be found of his official acts is of the marriage of Minerva Gaines to Norman tSessions, February 8, 1835. John Thompson was elected and served as Justice a short time after he settled here. On the 7th of May, 1833, the Commissioners made a further division of the territory, setting off that portion of Eden south of the Elkhart River as Perry Township. At a later date, all the Noble County territory was sepa- rated. At the March term, 1837, Clearspring Township was set off from Eden, and that date may be taken as the official beginning of the township as it is now defined. In 1845, the Town Clerk, Mr. John Thompson, made an entry nunc pro tunc, and noted, as his apology, that it got out of place in copying, for no books had been provided by the Trustees, as required by the State, "until the present time, March 1, 1845." Before this the proceedings of the Trustees had been jotted down loosely, and all the notes made before 1842 were lost. On June 6, 1842, the records show the township was divided into four road districts, with Anthony Nelson, William Swartz, Silas Longcor and Andrew W. Martin as Supervisors. The elections were ordered to be held at John Thompson's. The Trustees elected in 1842 were Robert McKibben, James Taylor and Mahlon Hutchinson. John Thompson was elected Clerk and held the place after this for four years. The Trustees were then paid $2.50 for their year's services and the Clerk $2. In 1844, there were five road districts, and a tax of 10 cents on the $100 was levied for township expenses. The Trustees of this year were John Poyser, William Collett and Laban Parks; and then followed, in 1845,. Thomas Fisher, W. H. Poyser, John Denny; 1846, John Poyser, John Denny, William Collett. Thomas Short was elected Clerk that spring, and served, ten years. From 1847 to 1850, it seems that William Collett, Peter Prough and Jacob D. Poyser held the trusteeship undisturbed. In 1850, Peter Prough was replaced by William Swartz. John Poyser, William Swartz and John McDevitt were elected in 1852. At the November election of this year, the polls were located, by ballot, at the Denny Schoolhouse. For 1853-54, the Trustees were John D. Stansbury, John Thompson and James Taylor. At this time, the school fund received from the Auditor amounted to $856.70. In 1854, J. D. Stansbury, William H. Poyser and David Sutton were Trustees; 1855, J. D. Stansbury, Harlan Parks, Hiram I. Parks; 1856, Harlan and H. I. Parks and E. B. Gerber; 1857, H. I. Parks, John Poyser, James Tumbleson; 1858, H. I. Parks, William Walker, Nehemiah Coldren. Orvin Kent was Clerk this year. This was the last triumvirate in the trusteeship. Since then one man at a time has been found able to take care of the township business. D. B. Carr held the office in 1859 and the succession has been: James Mearl, S. S. Keim, 1865; John L. Short, 1866; John W. Lutz, 1869; Milton Ro we, 1874, William Roderick, 1878; W. L. Sipe, 1880. The Justices of the Peace since 1840, when the records begin, have been: Leonard Wolf, 1840-45; Anthony 190 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Nelson, 1841; John Poyser, 1845-50, 1850-52, 1855-63, 1872-76. (John Poyser is emphatically the Squire of Eden.) William T. McConnell, 1845-47 ; James Tumbleson, 1847-50, 1852-56, 1870-74; Peter Prough, 1866-705 Jacob Crusen, 1873-77; John J. Arnold, 1876-80; Isaiah Immell, 1878-82; Samuel Stutzman, 1881. In the year 1880, at the time of taking the census, and according to the returns, there were then residents of the township the following persons who had reached the age of seventy-five or over: J. J. Bontrager, seventy-five; Mary Denny, eighty-three; Leah Morrill, seventy-five; John Thompson, seventy-seven. The almost impassable swamps running through the township from north to south have prevented the building of many important roads. The Indians even left the swamps severely alone, and made wide detours to avoid them. Their trails, which were the first highways, ran from northeast to southwest through the Haw Patch, from Clearspring to Ligonier. These trails, of course, were only passable in places for walking or riding, and they were so snugly lined by sunflowers and stinging nettles, as high as a man's head, that travel was not at all pleasant. But the country about Haw Patch was so free from underbrush that roads were easily made. The first one was the Goshen road, which wound without regard to anything but convenience and the shortest cut from Benton and Millersburg, south of Big Marsh to Salem, and up by the Latta farm, passing north of the present Sycamore Corners, and on to Clear- spring and La Grange. One of the earliest regularly established highways was the State road, laid out several years before 1840, from Perry Prairie to White Pigeon . In the spring of 1832, Benjamin Gale, William McConnell and Robert Latta viewed a road to run from the southwest corner of tlie county to Lima. This was afterward known as the Haw Patch road. These and later roads did not adhere to section lines at first, but have been since changed for that purpose. Life in Eden before 1840 was from all accounts less enjoyable than exist- ence in the earlier Eden about the year one. The weeds seemed to defy the farmers ; they choked the grain and covered everything. It is said that horses and cattle were often lost in them. As if the weeds were not enough, the birds were innumerable, and they flocked to the little wheat patches, making music all day long and helping themselves for reward. Between the weeds and the birds, " what shall the harvest be." was a serious question. But in a few years the condition was changed, the wheat acreage began to yield twenty bushels, and the corn as much as fifty bushels, and the crops on the Haw Patch since then have been wonderful. There was no mill in the township and the grist had to be taken to Dallas' Mill in Clearspring, to Steinberger's in Noble, or to Jonathan Wayland's and other mills near Benton, in Elkhart County. The journey with fifteen or twenty bushels of wheat to Benton from the Haw Patch EDEN TOWNSHIP. 191 would occupy one day, and the next day would be taken up in the retuAi. The earliest trading was done in Goshen and Lima, except such as was done at home with the Indians, who were always anxious to exchange something for "shuma" — silver coin. The first birth in the county is believed to be Anna Mary Swartz, who was born about 1837. She was married to Jacob CoUett and now lives in Iowa. A child was born to William Dempsey very early, which may contest the claim ; and Sophronia, daughter of Nehemiali Cohlren, afterward the wife of William Walker, of Lima, was at least one of the very earliest natives of Eden. In September, 1836, the County Commissioners selected the house of Obed Gaines as a voting place, and tho first Presidential election in the town- ship was held there in November, 1886. Norman Sessions was Inspector. There were fifteen to twenty votes cast, and of these the Democrats had a large ma- jority. The township has usually had a Democratic majority of one or more ever since then, though during the life of the Whig party it sometimes carried an election. The resident physicians who have practiced in the township have been Dr. John Brown, who lived near " Slabtown," and died in 1851. Dr. Waller, of about the same period ; Dr. Abner Lewis, who lived some time at Sycamore Corners and then moved to La Grange, and finally West, and for the last twenty years. Dr. John M. Denny, who has his office at the old Denny homestead on Section 36. The township, especially about the Haw Patch, has been healthy since the fever and ague days of the first settlement. There have been seasons which were exceptions, however, notably the epidemic of erysipelas in 1860. A widely-spread gang of horse-thieves and general outlaws, in an early day, made the Haw Patch an unsafe and disagreeable place. To these maraud- ers the Haw Patch was indebted for a reputation as a lawless locality, which it required many years to overcome. Horses would be taken and sent out of the county by regular lines, along which the thieves and their harborers were per- manently stationed. Finally, the reign of crime became unendurable. The citizens organized themselves in police associations and resolved to take the law into their own hands. The Regulators for Haw Patch and vicinity organ- ized March 1, 1858, at the residence of Francis Ditman, in Clearspring, with the title of the Clearspring and Eden Detective Police. The President was Abner Lewis, and the Vice Presidents, Charles Roy, Francis Ditman, William Gibson and William Denny. John McDevitt was chosen Secretary and Haw- ley Peck, Treasurer. Then there occurred the great parade at Kendallville by the Regulator companies, when an immense crowd gathered, and one of the criminals was seized and soon after hung near Diamond Lake, in Noble County, and his body taken back to his wife. The criminal class was awed by the determined spirit of the Regulators ; arrests were speedily made, and in a very short time the country was quiet. Since then, the feeling of peaceful security has been disturbed only during the era of tramps. 192 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. The Latta family were Methodists and the McConnells Presbyterians, and this determined the denominational lines of the early efforts toward church organization. The first society to be organized was the Methodist, which had its meeting place at the residence of Robert Latta, Sr. James Latta, who had been for some years an itinerant preacher, and had settled in Perry Township, was the one who most frequently conducted the meetings. Among the mem- bers of this pioneer church were, besides the Lattas, Samuel and John Curl ; Laban Parks, wife and daughter ; Elizabeth Ramsby ; John Thompson and wife, and James Taylor. Rev. S. R. Ball was Pastor in 1835, and Revs. Robert- son, Boyd, Harrison, Posey and Allen, Dowd, Storex and Forbes, followed in very nearly the order given. In 1842, the society, aided by general contribu- tions, built a frame meeting-house on Latta's land, called Eden Chapel. A graveyard was opened west of the old chapel about this time, on an acre donated by Robert Latta. The first buried here was a child of Judge Stage. The grant of land was afterward enlarged to two and one-fourth acres. The old church was, after many years' service, torn down and a neat frame chapel, capable of seating about 300 persons, was erected on the west side of the churchyard, and dedicated in 1866. The building cost about $1,500 and was built by James Tumbleson. The churchyard is surrounded by a handsome wire fence, and the house and its surroundings kept in a manner which is in itself an index to the wealth and refinement of the neighborhood. A camp- tneeting was also held for many years at a grove on Mr. Latta's land, and largely at his expense. He was generous in support of religious enterprises. The church is at present included in the Wawaka Circuit and Rev. James Johnson is the preacher in charge. There are some fifty members enrolled The Presbyterian Church was organized at the house of William McCon- nell, of which his family and Denny's, and the Cavens, of Perry Township, were the earliest members. Rev. James B. Plumstead was the first minister, some time before 1835. Rev. Christopher Cory also preached at this place in 1837 and 1838. The society was not long-lived, and the members were grad- ually drawn into the congregations of Salem Church and Ligonier. The Baptist Church had a society, formerly meeting first at Sycamore Schoolhouse and then at Horner's. But since the death of Harvey Coldren. its most prominent member, the society has had very few meetings. A Methodist Episcopal society was organized west of the Marsh in the winter of 1842-43, and met at John Peyser's house. The early members were John Poyser, Thomas Elliott, Andrew Elliott, John McKibben and Isaac Sparks and their families, and Susan and William H. Poyser. The member- ship was from Elkhart and La Grange Counties. The congregation also met at the Eden Valley Schoolhouse, until their chapel was built in 1856. This building was erected by James Hart, and was, in dimensions, about 32x45. Rev. Lamb, of Goshen, was one of the earliest preachers, and it was included in the Goshen Circuit. During the war, when feeling was very intense and EDEN TOWNSHIP. 193 persons were divided in opinion about where preachers should draw the dividing line between politics and patriotism, a split was made in the church, and a con- siderable number, including some of the Virginian settlers, organized a Lutheran Church. This new society built a brick church just over the line in Clinton Township in 1877. The old meeting-house is still in use by the Methodists. The Amish Mennonite Church was organized in 1854 by German-speak- ing residents in the township. Before 1842, the settlement by members of this denomination had been begun by David Kurz, John Hartzler, Isaac Hartzler and G-ideon Yoder. Later comers were Isaac Smoker, in 1843, and David Hartzler, in 1845. About 1860, a frame church was erected south of the vil- lage, on the county line road, and here Bishop Isaac Smoker and Revs. Joseph Yoder and Joseph Kaufman were the earliest preachers. In 1870, this build- ing was torn down and moved to Sycamore Corners, and a handsome brick church was erected, with a seating capacity of 300, at a cost of $2,000. The church was dedicated by Rev. John F. Funk, of Elkhart. The district now includes all of the Haw Patch, and contains something over one hundred and thirty members. The present preachers in charge are Bishop Smoker, who has now served in this church forty-two years, and Revs. Jonas Hartzler and George Buller. The Amish people are in greater numbers in the northern sections of Eden, owning, in fact, all the upper half of Eden, east of the West Fork of the Little Elkhart. In this part, the first Amish settlers were John Bontrager, Christian Miller, Sr., and Joseph Yoder, about 1844. Most of this territory is included in the Newbury District. The other leading German denomination, the German Baptists or Dunkers, is represented by a flourishing society, organized in 1866, with a present membership of about one hundred and fifty. The society erected a commodious frame meeting-house at Haw Patch Village, in 1870. Rev. David Bare is the minister at this time. The first school taught in the township was in the winter of 1834, when Kensell Kent organized a school in a log cabin a half mile west of Denny's Corners, at which the few children in the neighborhood found instruction. The big boys in those days were as unruly as in modern times, and a disturbance at one time arose in this school which compelled the attendance of a number of them at the court in Lima for several days. The first schoolhouse was a log building at Denny's Corners, where school was taught by Robinson Ramsby in 1836. Old Mr. Lucky, about 1837, also taught in this schoolhouse. It was a primitive affair; one end of the building was the fire-place ; there was noth- ing in the way of chimney but a hole in the roof, and the rest of the building, it seems, was the hearth. Pins were put in the logs of the wall, and slabs laid on these were the desks. The seats were made from slabs, and were, of course, without backs. Achsah Kent, now Mrs. Nathan Frink, was one of the earliest teachers here. After the log house, there was a frame built upon the same spot, which has been gone some twenty years, and the location of the house to 194 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. take its place was on the east line of Section 26. A house was early built on the east line of Section 26, where school was kept for fifteen years. The site was then changed, and a brick house was built at the corners south in 1877, called the Ilaw Patch Schoolhouse. The Horner Schoolhouse, on Section 13, was built several years before the war, a rough frame, and was rebuilt about 1870. About 1840, the first schoolhouse was built over the marsh. It was a log house in Elkhart County, near the chapel. Here Thomas Short was one of the earliest teachers. In 1845, the Eden Valley Schoolhouse was built within the township on John Aker's land. A new house has since been erected. In the old house, Margaret Bean was one of the first teachers. Noble County has built two schoolhouses within the limits of Eden, attended mostly by children of this township. The Sycamore School District, with the house in Clearspring, but including a portion of Eden, was organized in 1842, when Mahlon Hutch- inson was one of the trustees. The district receives its name from a tall syca- more of the Haw Patch, which used to stand at the corner until it was mis- chievously girdled. From the latest school statistics it appears that the township has 288 children of school age, 190 of whom are in attendance each day upon the schools. The length of school is 142 days on an average. Nine teachers are employed at $1.55 and $1.39 per day. The revenue for the past year was $4,823.67, and the value of the school property is put at $5,890. An important movement in the direction of popular culture is the Syca- more Literary Society. This was started about seventeen years ago as a debat- ing society at the schoolhouse. But in 1878, a wider field of usefulness was chosen, and a more permanent organization effected and a charter obtained. Ira Ford and J. N. Babcock conceived the idea of the society's obtaining a hall for its exclusive use, and the other members went into the project enthusi- astically. The old Dunkard Church, then for sale, was bought, torn down, moved and rebuilt, in 1879, upon land at the "corners," donated by Orvin Kent. The building as refitted is 30x52 feet, and affords a good auditory for 350 persons, and contains a stage and scenery. To do this work, the society borrowed $500 and was aided by donations. The debt is being paid from the proceeds of entertainments. The society at present has over forty members. J. N. Babcock is President and E. E. Stutsman, Secretary. There are but few industries in the township besides farming and stock- raising. But two permanent saw-mills and one grist-mill are in operation. The first saw-mill and grist-mill were built near the center of the township in 1854, by Benedict Miller. The flouring-mill had two run of stones and did a fair custom work, but both mills were long ago burned down. In 1877, John and Amos Schrock built a grist-mill with two run of stones, and a large saw-mill on Section 9, at which a great deal of custom work has been done. The mills were sold in 1881 to Tobias Eash. The only business EDEN TOWNSHIP. 195 place in the township is Haw Patch Center or Haw Patch or " Slabtown," as it has been variously called. The most popular name for some time has been Slabtown, which the saw-mill has the credit of giving the origin to. This point was early selected as a site for trading. William McConnell, the first Postmaster, kept a small stock of goods near by at an early day. Timothy Hudson, Jr., kept a store on the Clearspring side of the street quite early, and also ran an ashery. The saw-mill, which is the most important part of Slabtown. was built by William and Timothy Hudson in 1856, and moved and rebuilt in 1874, by John Keim, who still runs it. About 1871, Jacob Crusen built a store in Slabtown, which was destroyed by fire two years later. John Keim then rebuilt upon the lot in 1877, and in this build- ing a general store was kept by Samuel Holland for a short time, and, since he retired, by Mr. Keim. In 1878, a building was erected by Thomas Trittapoo, in which another store has since been kept. John Peck, in 1877, made a substantial addition to the place by starting a well-equipped wagon and blacksmith shop. A large harness shop and fine brick residence were erected, in 1881, by J. Zook, on the Clearspring side, at the place of the old Hudson store. These business places and the Dunkard Church are the only public buildings in the village. " Slab- town " has never had the distinction of being platted, but that is among the bright prospects of the future. The neighborhood expected speedy prosperity and a great impetus to the growth of the country when the Canada Southern Railroad extension was surveyed through here in 1872. There was talk of railroad shops being located here. Thomas H. Gale, of Michigan, purchased over a section of improved land at high figures, as a speculation, and the road seemed certain to come, but the panic of 1873 came instead, and there is now little hope of a railroad through the Haw Patch. During the dry season of 1871, at the time of the Chicago fire, there was considerable danger to buildings near the marsh, and great loss in the way of fences and timber. About nine-tenths of the timber in the township was in- jured by the fires which swept over the swamp. Almost the entire marshes were burned over, and nothing but deep ditches, aided by persistent fighting of the fire, could check its course. That season of fire by night and clouds of smoke by day will long be remembered. But those few years, when the marshes needed some water, were exceptions. The great problem has been, generally, how to get rid of the surplus of water collected in these vast bogs. The first effort at drainage was the State ditch in the Big Marsh. Johnston Latta, at about the same time, a little before 1850, commenced the first private ditching, in the face of considerable discouragement from the neighbors, in the eastern branch of the swamp. The viewers and surveyors on these early ditches had a hard time of it in the trackless and bottomless bogs, and among the poison sumach. Since then, considerable attention has been paid to the drainage of the marshes, under the various laws of the State ; and it has perhaps resulted 19t) HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. in as much litigation as drainage. In fact, however, a great deal of land has been reclaimed. A larger ditch than has ever yet been dug is being surveyed on the line of the old State ditch, and is to be made by assessments. The Eden of to-day is happy and prosperous. Part of the land is yet uninviting, but it is nowhere so bad as in the " New Eden " Dickens settled Mark Tapley upon ; a great portion of it is a beautiful garden, if not a para- dise ; at least, as near one as any spot in Hoosierdom. As for the people, they are intelligent, enterprising and cultured, and with a decided penchant for large farms and comfortable or even elegant homes, where a generous hospitality is always found. C HAP TE R XI. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. Springfield Township— MoKGOQUDCONG Fifty Tears Ago— The French Trad- ers—More OK THE Gage and Langdon War— Saw-Mills. Woolen-Mills, Distilleries, Etc.— Incidents of the "Hard Cider Campaign"— Wild Game— Township Organhzation— Village of Springfield- Schools and Chcrches-Spiritcalism— Union Hall. THE lirst white settler in what is now Springfield Township was probably John B. Clark, who, according to his sister, Mrs. Judge Prentiss, located on the west bank of Turkey Creek, near the center of the township, some time during the autumn of 1830. He was, of course, a squatter, as were also all others before the fall of 1832, and, so far as known, was the only one before the spring of 1831. At that time, a man named L. K. Brownell, an enterprising settler, located a claim at what is now Mongoquinong. He had considerable money at command, which was immediately invested in the con- struction of a dam across Pigeon River. At the same time, he began the erec- tion of a two-storied grist-mill, completing both it and the dam during the summer of 1831 ; so that, in August of the same year, a fair article of flour was furnished by the mill. Two sets of buhrs were employed, one for wheat and the other for corn. Mr. Brownell was not a practical miller, but employed a man, whose name is not remembered, to manage the running of the mill. The vicinity of the mill, in years before, had been the site of a temporary encamp- ment of Pottawatomies, and, for a number of years afterward they continued to assemble there at certain seasons. As every one knows, they were extremely fond of whisky, and would resort to any means to get it. An Indian (unless pretty well civilized) does not sell his furs ; he barters them for something he wants. He goes in for bulk, much as the- Irishman did with the boots. The result was that they were easily cheated by unscrupulous traders, who obtained their peltries for a comparative pittance. French traders from Fort Wayne established themselves at Mongo, two of them being (as well as the writer can SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 197 spell their names), Druryeaur and Cuttieaur. The latter was in business in Fort Wayne, in the partnership of Comparet & Cuttieaur, while the former, so far as known, was not connected with them, unless in the purchase of fancy articles for the Indian trade, and in the disposal of the furs thus obtained. Druryeaur was at Mongo as soon as Brownell, and there he remained until late in the autumn of 1832, when so much hostility was shown him by every one, on account of his responsibility for the '• Gage and Langdon war," that he found it unprofitable to remain longer, whereupon he removed his trailing station, some say, to an Indian village in Michigan. Brownell, at the time he built his grist-mill, saw at once the profit to be realized from the sale of whisky to the Indians and the settlers ; and he, therefore, erected a large distillery build- ing near his mill, and employed a practical distiller to conduct the manufact- ure. His expectations were more than realized, as the most of his whisky (from thirty to forty gallons per day) was purchased and consumed almost as fast as it was made. The distillery and the mill together furnished a market for grain that the settlers appreciated. They could take their corn to the mill, get it ground, and then take it to the distillery, where it was either exchanged for so much whisky, or was brewed on shares. Druryeaur had a small trading- house across the river from the mill, where his furs were kept, and where he dealt out whisky to his red friends. As soon as the mill and the distillery were up and running, many persons searching homes were attracted to the spot. The place was certainly promising at that time, for there was the large encampment of Indians across the river from the mill ; there was the grist-mill furnishing flour and meal for a large section of country ; there was the abundance of large and excellent fish in the broad mill-pond ; there were the wild game and the furs of all kinds brought in by the Indians and the white trappers and hunters, and there was the market for grain. The mill and the distillery were no sooner up than a man named John O'Ferrell, a native of the " Emerald Isle," came to the place and erected a small storeroom, in which was placed a stock of goods worth about $-100. The stock consisted mainly of those miscellaneous articles most needed in the backwoods. Some say that Brownell owned part of the stock, and it is very likely he did, as he would scarcely let the golden opportunity of deriving so excellent a profit pass easily into other hands. The facts, however, as to the ownership of the store are not clear. O'Ferrell was certainly the first store-keeper, and, while he was there, kept the post office for a short time. Arthur Burrows opened a hotel in 1833, paying §7.50 per annum license. At the same time, O'Ferrell was licensed to sell merchandise, paying therefor $10 per annum, and at the same rate for the time he had been selling before without a license. There was a blacksmith at the village, but his name is not remembered. This was the Mongo of 1833. The originators or perpetrators of the Indian scare, known as the " Gage and Langdon war," were the Frenchman Druryeaur, the Irishman O'Ferrell. the Yankee Brownell, the German miller, and a few native Americans. Such 198 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. a unity of niitionality could not fail to produce a sensation. All persona at the time were talking about the Black Hawk war, and speculating as to the probabil- ity of trouble with the Pottawatomies. Those easily frightened saw dreadful times ahead, and were ready for the scare. The details are told in the chapter on Greenfield. Langdon fled to Brushy Prairie, and told the few settlers there of the massacre at the mill. Men for miles around armed themselves and re- paired in haste to the spot, to assist in quelling the outbreak. Over one hun- dred assembled, though, for some reason unknown, no organization was effected. About seventy-five Indians were encamped near by. They thought the whites were going to attack them, and hung out the white flag. In truth, the settlers could hardly be restrained from firing upon them. It was not long before the truth became known, and then the perpetrators of the hoax were treated to an exhibition of wrath and indignation. So hostile were the settlers to the jokers that trade at the mill, the distillery and the store languished. Under this pressure, the Frenchman left the place ; and very likely the early disappear- ance of O'Ferrell, and the sale of the property of Brownell were hastened, if not caused, by their perpetration of the joke. Do not say the story is magni- fied. When 100 men assemble, armed and prepared for fight; when attempts are made to build forts and garrison islands iu lakes, that section of country is in earnest and means business. Such are the facts," at least. Among the earliest settlers in the township were William S. Prentiss, Ben- jamin Jones, Jesse Huntsman, Joseph Foos, Benjamin Foos, William Seaburn, Erastus Haskins, George Thompson, Elijah Fothergill, Drusus Nichols, Otis Shepardson, George Ray (Peckhara), William Bullmer, Samuel Bradford, Nor- man Dyer, Jacob and Isaac Gage, David Michael, Barnabas Thompson and others. At the same time, and prior to 1839, there came Leonard Appleman, Russell Brown, Almon Brine, Isaac Carpenter, Moses Chapin, Conrad Deal, W. B. Dunn, George Donaldson, Edwin Davis, Robert Dayton, William East- lick, the Emersons, Rufus Freeman, Robert and G. W. Greenfield, Elias Gil- ben, Job Gifi"ord, Jacob Greene, J. T. Hobbs, John and William Hall, Luke Hammond, Charles Hull, Sylvanus Hatch, Orsemus Jackway, Jehu Lackey, W. S. Newnam, D. I. and N. B. Newnam, T. H. Nichols, Harvey and Elisha Olmstead, Richard Rice, David Sockrider, Edward Smith, George Smith, Hi- ram Smith, E. G. Shepardson, James Shears, Elisha Talmage, B. B. Water- house, the Wades, Sheldon Williams, Job and James Wilcox, A. T. Wallace, Samuel H. Wright, Samuel Westcott, Ephraim Seeley, Jacob Vandeventer and others. The greatest rush into the township was during the years 1836 and 1837. The terrible sickly season of 1838 swept away many of the settlers, and, on account of the drought, the crops of thittyear were poor. This state of things, followinir in the wake of the financial crash of 1837, carried hard timea to the verge of desperation. Counterfeiters, thieves and others of their ilk overran the country, and soon honest settlers could not depend upon the integ- rity of their neighbors. 0^ TT/T/yV "Xc^piyt EDEN TR SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 201 In 1832, George Bullmer erected a saw-mill on Pigeon River, in the eastern part of the township. A dam was built across the river after a great deal of trouble, and a short race or chute carried water to the flutter-wheel, which communicated motion to the saw. The mill was a good one, turning out a considerable quantity of lumber. In 1833, Samuel Bradford erected a saw- mill on Turkey Creek, about a mile from its mouth. The race was about half a mile long, and the owner himself expressed doubt, while it was being dug, whether it would carry the necessary water to the mill. George Thompson worked on the race, and, according to his account, the mill did not begin to run until the spring of 1834. The mill, greatly altered in appearance and capacity, is yet in operation. In 1838, William S. Prentiss erected one on the same creek, on Section 34 ; this is yet in operation. A saw-mill was early built at Mongo ; it is yet running. These were the only early mills. In the fall of 1834 or spring of 1835, Samuel Bradford erected an addition to his saw-mill, and placed therein the necessary machinery for carding wool. In November, 1836, he sold both mills and the eighty acres of land upon which they stand to Joshua T. Hobbs ; Mr. Crane was employed to conduct the card- ing-mill ; wool was taken there by the settlers to be carded, after which it was taken home, spun, woven into cloth, and returned to the mill to be dressed and colored. No cloth was probably manufactured, several old settlers to the con- trary. After many years, the property passed into the control of John and James Tinkler, who, for a short time, infused new life into the enterprise, and probably talked of purchasing weaving machinery and employing a weaver; they did not, however, but within about two years left the place with many debts behind, going to some point in Michigan. While the mill was under the ownership of Hobbs, large quantities of wool were carded, the value of the enterprise being fully appreciated by the settlers over a large scope of country. The carding-mill died with the disappearance of the Tinkler boys. In about the year 1836, or earlier, the mill property at Mongoquinong was purchased by Drusus Nichols, as were also the O'Ferrell store and the dis- tillery. A man named Skeels was employed to conduct the mill. In 1837, George Smith became the distiller. Nichols himself managed affairs at the store. He increased the stock until it was worth about $6,000, and at times had a very large trade. As high as fifty gallons of whisky were manufactured in one day. The distillery ran very successfully until about 1842, when it was destroyed by fire, and was not rebuilt. The old grist-mill was used under a change of owners until 1869, when the present structure was erected by C. L. Hawk, who is yet the owner. Nichols died about 1848, and the property passed to Robert Dykes, and afterward to others. Staley and Payne were coopers, who were in the village very early : they manufactured whisky kegs and barrels, and found a sale for all they could make, if not there, at other distilleries, of which there were several in surrounding townships. In 1835, there were some seven or eight families living in the village. William Hall 202 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. was an early hotel keeper, as were also Albert Powell and a man named Davis. John Brisco and the Sheldons were other tavern keepers. The Sheldon brothers were physicians, and were among the earliest of that profession in the township. Erastus Haskins was an early blacksmith ; John D. Filkins was another. Whiie Judge Seeley was at Lima, a post office called Mongoquinong* was established there, and he received the appointment as Postmaster. About this time he removed to Greenfield Township, taking the ofiice, which retained the same name, with him. Finally, in about 1833 or 1834, he moved to Spring- field Township, and the office was removed to Union Mills, as it was then called, and O'Ferrell, or as some say Nichols, received the appointment as Postmaster ; the office still retaining its first name. Drusus Nichols was Post- master for many years. Mason Brown was an early mail carrier on the Fort Wayne & Lima road; Bourie of Fort Wayne was another; William Legg, another. During the years 18-14, 1845 and 1846, Drusus Nichols shipped over 1,000 barrels of flour annually to Fort Wayne and other points, as to Adrian, Mich. At the same time, large quantities were consumed at home. Nichols built the first saw-mill at the village about the time he bought out Brownell and O'Ferrell. Robert Dykes, the successor of Nichols, carried on a very exten- sive business. Edmund G. Shepardson has been in business in the village for the past seventeen years. Mr. Hawk has been in business there for a long time. During the Presidential campaign of 1840, several prominent candidates for Congress were announced to speak in Mongoquinong. Eight hundred men gathered to hear them. Bands of martial music came in four-horse wagons, with drums beating and colors flying. Great enthusiasm was manifested for " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." A gayly decorated wagon from Angola appeared, the wagon-box being a large canoe, in which a fine martial band was seated. It was a great Whig day, though many Democrats were present to see the show and hear the speakers. Games were projected, and the sturdy politicians enjoyed themselves. It is said that Samuel Burnside, at hop, step and jump, on this day, cleared forty-six feet. Losey Young and John Davidson did about as well. Otis Shepardson, Sr., felt unwell while in Nichols' store, whereupon the latter bathed his head with whisky. This started the idea that every Dem- ocrat present should be baptized with whisky into the Whig faitii. It is im- possible to describe the scene that ensued. Whigs with mugs of whisky in their hands were seen in all directions chasing down Democrats, running through houses and gardens, jumping fences, clearing ditches in their precipi- tous efforts at political regeneration. Many were baptized on that well-remem- * The meaning of the Indian word "MoDgoquinoDg^Ms uncertain. The moat trustworthy reports say that it was applied by the Indians to the prairie east of Lima, the open country being linown by that name among the Pot- tawitttomiee when the county was first seliled by the whites, or even years before, when the Indian tniders were the only white persons. Various meanings have been given the term — that it eigniiies " Big Squaw," or 'Big Chief" or " Big White Sqnaw," or as meaning both man and woman. Those who hold the last view say, that Sfti-nW'kah-mong means white man, mong meaning man; alto, that Shi-mo-Jiah-noug means white woman, nong meaning woman. These two terms placed together and united by the proper connective would give mong (oqui}nongmeaningman and woman This etymological analysis of the word, though plausible, cannot be maintained on good authority. The burden of evidence is that the term means " Big Squaw." SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 203 bered day. Drusus Nichols employed a surveyor, and, in March, 1840, had laid out about one hundred and eighty lots on Sections 5 and 8. This was the first plat of Mongoquinong. That long name has been lately shortened to Mongo. The population of the village has probably at no time exceeded one- hundred and fifty. In early years, the streams of Springfield afforded an excellent place to fish and hunt. Hunters with flaming torches would float down the streams in canoes, and the deer which had come to drink would stand and stare at the light until shot. E. G. Shepardson and a companion were thus engaged one night, when they approached a deer so closely that they could have reached out their hands and touched it. Shepardson shot it through the heart. The report of the rifle rang in the ears of his companion for many years afterward. The deer fell partly across the boat. An old Indian near there was thus en- gaged one dark night, when he shot a deer that plunged into his canoe, upset- ting it, and spilling the red man and his accouterments into the river. The old fellow reached shore in safety. Many years ago, the workmen who were excavating under a barn in the township unearthed two human skeletons, proba- bly those of Indians. Some say the skeletons belonged to persons who were murdered by a man named Hubbard, who had lived there very early, and who afterward was convicted of murder in Allen County, and punished. Springfield has within its border a Government signal station. After the organization of the county, and prior to May, 1834, Springfield Township remained attached to Greenfield ; but, at the latter date, the County Commissioners — in response to a petition presented them by John B. Clark, Jesse Huntsman, Joseph and Benjamin Foos, William Seaburn, Benjamin Jones, William S. Prentiss, and possibly a few others, who had sometime before met at a cabin built and abandoned by Samuel Gauthrop. and had drawn up the peti- tion in which it was asked that a new township be created, and that it be named Springfield — ordered the creation of such township, and directed that the first election be held at the residence of Benjamin Jones, on the first Monday in August, 1834. Mr. Prentiss was appointed Inspector of the election. Who were elected to the difierent township offices is not remembered. George Thomp- son was appointed by the Commissioners in September, 1834, to serve as Con- stable. In May, 1835, they appointed Benjamin Jones and Jesse Huntsman to officiate as Overseers of the Poor ; and David Michael and Edward Smith as Fence Viewers. At this time, the township was divided into two road districts, the division line being Turkey Creek. Joseph Foos was appointed Supervisor for the district west of the creek, and Leonard Appleman for that on the east- side. Jane Clark, daughter of John B. Clark, was the first white child born in the township, June 4, 1831. In 1832, Ephraim Seeley, Esq., married Will- iam S. Prentiss and Jane Mary Clark. Some highly interesting works of the Mound-Builders are found in the western part of the township — fortifications, mounds, war implements, etc. 2U4 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. The village of Springfield was laid out by Leonard Appleman in 1842, 133 lots being surveyed and ofl'ered for sale. About the same time, he built a store- room and placed on its shelves several thousand dollars' worth of a general as- sortment of goods. At this time, he also built a warehouse and began buying a considerable quantity of grain, and began packing pork. He had at his com- mand a goodly sum of money, and for many years he dealt in these articles, hir- ing teamsters to convey his purchases to market at the most favorable seasons. By shrewd management, experience and a judicious expenditure of capital, he realized handsome profits. Mr. Appleman's besetting sin was his ungovernable appetite for strong drink. After his death, which occurred just before the last war, his son, John Appleman, took charge of the father's business. Frank Hamilton was in the Appleman building with goods for a few years during the lifetime of Leonard Appleman. Zekiel Brown and David Paulus, partners, sold goods in the village about the commencement of the last war. George Por- ter sold goods some nine years ago. Frederick Neutz and Hugh A. Porter were in with groceries for a short time. Then came William Strayer. Dr. House located there at an early day. He was succeeded by Dr. Grifiith. Dr. Alpharis M. Spaulding, a physician of the old school, established himself there some twenty-six years ago, where he has since remained enjoying a lucrative practice and the confidence of his patrons. The whisky traffic became so strong in the village for a series of years before the war, and so many young men through its influence were drawn into dissipation, and even crime, that the sober citizens at last determined that it must stop. In 1857, Dr. Spaulding, William S. Pren- tiss, Minot Goodsell, T. C. Dille and others, ten or twelve in all, under proper authority, organized themselves into a lodge of Good Templars. This lodge grew rapidly in power and influence, and soon its members numbered over one hundred. Excellent work in the right direction was done, young and old men were reclaimed to lives of sobriety, and the sale for ten months was wholly stopped. But the excitement of war time came on, and, in about 1861, the lodge suiTendered its charter. Afterward, when a keg of whisky was brought to the village, three of the most prominent citizens employed a young man for $3 to bore an auger hole in the bottom, from which all the liquor escaped and was lost. The old " Mayflower Lodge of Good Templars " will be remembered with pleasure for many long years in the future. A Masonic Lodge was organ- ized in Springfield about six years ago, with twelve or fifteen charter members. They were so scattered that, after a short time, the charter was surrendered. The membership did not exceed twenty-five. It was called '■ Prentiss Lodge, No. 505." George Bassett and Conrad Deal were early tavern-keepers. T. C. Dille was a cabinet-maker, an undertaker, and a carpenter. His work may be seen in all directions. The population of the village has probably at no time exceeded seventy-five. In 1880, the following persons had passed the age of seventy-five : Susan Arnold, seventy-six ; Eunice Fuller, eighty-six ; Harriet Gilbert, seventy-five; Lydia Hugh, eighty-one ; Christopher Hawk, ninety; ly^/Aj ^^/^ /'/Ai^ q/^'^7 EDEN TP. SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 207 Lena Hawk, seventy-five; Willis Haskins, eighty- two ; Daniel Hart, seventy- seven ; Sarah Notestine, seventy-five ; David L. Poppino, eighty-two ; Henry Talmage, seventy-six : Maria Tele, eighty-four ; Samuel Westcott, eighty-four. The first schoolhouse in the township was built on Section 20, near the cemetery, as early as 1836, or perhaps 1835, and Otis Shepardson, Jr., was em- ployed to teach the first term of school. It is thought this term was taught dur- ing the winter of 1835-36. A Mr. Melindy was an early teacher in this house. He was a Vermonter, and an eccentric character. After this building had been used but a few years, another was erected about a half a mile south, on Thomp son's Corners. This was a frame structure, and was used many years. Finally the district was divided a few years before the last war, and two houses were built, one near the Chapman farm, and the other south on the Sears Corners The latter was destroyed by fire but was soon rebuilt. New houses have lately taken the place of both. In about the year of 1840, a log cabin th3,t had been built just north of Appleman Lake, for a dwelling, but abandoned, was fitted up for a schoolhouse, and Miss Harriet Twitchell, from near Orland, was hired to teach, receiving about $1.50 per week, and boarding around. Some ten years later, a frame schoolhouse was built near the same spot, and, in this building, Russell Brown was the first teacher. This house was used until the present one was built some eight or ten years ago. A log schoolhouse was standing at the Talmage Corners at a very early day. The name of the first teacher is not remembered. It is said that this house was either built as a combined church (Baptist) and schoolhouse, or else it was converted to religious uses afterward, as various denominations (Baptist, Methodist, etc.) had small classes there at a very early day. A schoolhouse was built quite early in the Sanderson neighborhood. New houses have succeeded the old. The Schultz Schoolhouse was erected about seven years ago, when the district in the forks was created. For a number of years prior to 1855, the few families in Spring- field village had no church, and were compelled to send their children some dis- tance to one of the country schools. Finally it was resolved to build a com- bined church and schoolhouse. The Township Trustees agreed to give $300 toward the erection of such a house, providing it was used at proper times as a schoolhouse. To this the villagers agreed, they giving $-400 that the building might, when not occupied by the school, be used for a church of any Christian denomination. The building is provided with a steeple, a curious appendage for a schoolhouse, but an imposing one for a church. This house was built dur- ing the summer of 1855, but prior to that several terms of select school had been taught in the village. In about 1838, a log school building was erected on the line between Sections 27 and 28, just north of William Dunbar's. Miss Ellen Wheeler taught the first term here. She boarded around. This house was used for school purposes about four years, and was then superseded by the school of the Phalanx. The schoolroom at the last-named place was in the second story over the dining-room. There were some forty families connected 208 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. with the association (for sketch of which see county chapter), with an enumer- ation of over sixty scholars. School was taught there the year round, save short vacations between the terms. At the time, this was perhaps the best school in the county, or at least one of the best. Judge Prentiss, a noble man, and a graduate of Harvard College, taught several terms. An assistant teacher was employed. Mr. Parker was one of the teachers. None but capable men were given charge of the school, as several of the higher branches were taught, and a thorough system of discipline was required. At the dissolution of the as- sociation the school ended, and then the few children in the district were sent to other schools until about thirteen years ago, when the present house, a frame, was built. Miss Ellen Foos was the first teacher in this house. Miss Ella Ewing is the present teacher, receiving $30 per month. In about 1839, a frame schoolhouse was built about a half a mile northwest of Monsro. It was a good house and was used there until about 1845, when it was moved to Mongo, and used until eight or nine years ago, when the present two-story frame structure was erected, at a cost of about $1,800. Two teachers are em- ployed at present. The enumeration is about eighty scholars. The house was paid for partly by subscription and partly from the township funds. A school- house was built in District No. 1 about thirty-eight years ago, by E. G. Shep- ardson. He also built one farther west about ten years later. The M. E. Church society at Talmage Corners started up in 1838 with a membership of fourteen under the ministration of Rev. G. M. Boyd. . Among the early members were Jehu Lackey and wife, Mrs. Nichols, W. S. Newnam, Susan Newnam, William Seaburn and wife, Conrad Deal and wife, William Herbert and wife, N. B. Newnam and wife, Frank Hamilton and wife, and others. The Talmages have been prominent and excellent citizens since a very early day. They have been closely identified with religious work. This Meth- odist society has had its years of depression, and its periods of financial embar- rassment; yet there is not another in the county that has clung to its constant exercises so well. The members are justly proud of their church, which was built many years ago. The Brushy Prairie M. E. Society was organized in 1836 by Rev. T. B. Conley. Eleven "persons joined at the time of organiza- tion. The church was built in 1842, largely at the expense of B. B. Water- house, the Greenfields, Mr. Carpenter, the Austins and others. Rev. Conley was a faithful, consistent, true-hearted Christian. His temporal welfare had at one time been somewhat neglected, as the members of the church gave donation parties to other servants. He said nothing. One evening, a few of the more thoughtful ones, accompanied by a retinue of outsiders, surprised him with a large quantity of valuables. The kind-hearted old man was so touched by the act, that, in his reply to the presentation speech, he completely broke down with sobs and blessings. His God had not forsaken him. The writer was unable to get at the facts regarding the Baptist society of early years at Talmage Cor- ners. A United Brethren society was organized at Mongo in 1879. Rev. T. SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 209 A. Childs, of Lima, was instrumental in effecting the organization. Tiie first members were Dr. A. W. Jones and wife, George W. Hall and wife, Benjamin Tanner and wife, James Downs and wife and Abraham Shafer. Samuel Mc- Kenzie was the class leader. The society has increased but little in num- bers. A neat frame church was built in 1880 at a cost of about $1,500, one- half being given by outsiders. There is a debt on the church at present of about $500 ; but this will soon be paid off, suitable provision having been made with that result in view. Sunday school has been conducted for some two years, Dr. C. M. Whitzel being the first superintendent. T. A. Childs was the first pastor. Rev. Melvin Bell at present preaches every two weeks for the so- ciety, and is paid $50 per year for such service. The lot upon which the church stands cost $100, and was included in the figures above. There are many Free Thinkers in Mongo, and, indeed, throughout Springfield Township. They are outspoken, argumentative, thoughtful, uncertain, peculiar and icon- oclastic. Some thirty-four years ago, the Spiritualists hold " seances " or "cir- cles," in various portions of the township, and large crowds gathered to hear them. Mediums of great repute were secured from abroad, to visit the town- ship for the purpose of giving public exhibition of the fact that the spirits of departed friends could be conversed with. The result was that scores were con- verted to the new faith ; and the other religious societies languished under the influence of the new. At last, great opposition was manifested by the ortho- dox, who often denied them the use of schoolhouses or other buildings in which to assemble. In June, 1858, at a public meeting of the following men — W. S. Prentiss, Jesse Huntsman, Benjamin Jones, Harvey Olmstead, Ed. Dyer, George Thompson and others — it was resolved to build a free hall, and names and subscribed amounts were appended to the following instrument : We, the subscribers, a Toluntary association, for religious, scientific and benevolent pur. poses, hereby agree to pay the sums affixed to our names to aid in building a hall, which shall be open for lectures, discourses and discussions on various subjects, with no favor to any one sect or class of persons, and which shall never be closed to any one who may, within the bounds of good behavior, wish to advocate, explain or discuss his or her opinions on the above-named subjects ; and, for the purpose of proceeding legally, we hereby avail ourselves of the act of the Legislature of Indiana, approved June 17, 1852, entitled : "An act to enable trustees to receiva lands and donations of money, the same for the use of schools, churches, religious societies, etc., and for constructing houses of worship and other buildings named." The building was immediately erected at a cost of about $800, and was named " Union Hall." It has been used for the purpose stated since its erec- tion, but the orthodox denominations avoid using it. Free Sunday schools have been held there. An excellent lyceum is conducted there almost every winter, and exhibitions are given to secure sufficient funds to keep the building in repair. CHAPTER XII. by r. h. rerick. Clearspring Township— Introductory— Topography— Early Appearance OF THE Country— The Coming of the Pioneer— The Settler's Home- Rollings and Raisings— Industrial Development— Incidents and Sta- tistics—The Teacher and the Preacher. IN the beginning of this century, the beautiful country now covered with fertile farms and meadows and woodland, whi(;li is called Clearspring, was a terra mcognita to the white man. The Indians alone roamed through its unbroken forests, hunting the game and refreshing themselves at the springs that made this locality so attractive. The country presented no peculiar advantages to the farmer, as a whole, though in the southwest there lay the eastern part of that broad and extremely fertile opening, called the Haw Patch. The remainder of the thirty-six miles was a rolling country, covered by forests of beech, oak and maple, which were to be felled before the fertile soil would yield its riches to the patient pioneer. Clearspring and Eden were at first one township, and their fitness for such a union was shown by the first set- tlement. The best lands in each township lie near the line separating them, and this fact invited settlement about the Haw Patch, while the swamps to the east and the west kept those sections backward in their development. The first settler in Clearspring was not bound down by sectional lines. He rose above township limitations. His log-house, at least, was raised precisely upon the town line, and he could bid defiance, as it was jocosely remarked after the division of the towns, to the constabulary of either. Anthony Nelson, this first settler, came into Indiana from Ohio in 1829, and located first in Elkhart County, and then came to this township and entered two eighty-acre lots in 1831, which he occupied the next year, and has ever since lived upon. Mr. Nelson is now eighty-five years of age. One of the next comers was Dr. David Rogers, who was in the township in 1833, from Wayne County, N. Y., and entered 1,280 acres of land in this township and Eden, as a speculator. He spent much time in tlie township, however, and for the last fifteen or eighteen , years of his life resided here almost continually, collecting herbs and roots for medicine, and attending to a considerable practice as a physician. He also made a business of selling extracts, essences, etc., in the East, and traveled a great deal for that purpose. He collected his simples in all parts of the East, as well as here. He was a man of many eccentricities, and a real " naturalist." He would often spend the summer in a cave or in a slight shed, preferring to have nothing more artificial between him and the canopy of heaven. His house, a sort of adobe contrivance, was on his land in Section 22, but he lived much of the time with his neighbor, Erastus Nelson. Dr. Rogers died in 1871, CLEARSPRING TOWNSHIP. 211 and was buried on a little hill near his home, overlooking the Haw Patch road, where there is a fine shaft of marble bearing the inscription : " Dr. David Rogers, born June 2, 1786, died February 2-t, 1874, aged eighty-five years eight months and twenty-two days. He was the friend of the invalid, and gave medicine without money and without price." He left a will dated March 7, 1868, by which he bequeathed the remain- der of his lands lying in this county, consisting of eighty acres in Clearspring and one hundred and sixty in Eden " to the Commissioners of the county of La Grange and their successors in ofiice forever, in trust forever, for the use and benefit of the orphan poor, and for other destitute persons of said county." Norman Sessions settled on Section 27 in 1834. He was married to Min- erva Gaines, of Eden, by Justice William McConnell, February 8, 1835. This was the first marriage in the township. His first child was, it is thought, the first born in the township and also the first one to die. It was buried in a lot then donated (1837), by Elisha Pixley, for a burying-ground. Mr. Sessions himself died at the age of thirty-two, in March. 1841. In 1834, John Sprout settled at first with Anthony Nelson upon the line, but afterward moved upon Section 19, where he died in 1878. Nathan Bishop of North Carolina, sometimes called the first settler, came April 12, 1834, with his young son Robert, and nephew, Robert H., and entered upon land in Sec- tion 22. Nathan Bishop, a Free- Will Baptist, was the first preacher in the township. He held service at his home for many years, and organized a soci- ety which met there, but gradually died out. In addition to this w ork, Mr. Bishop preached at various places throughout the town. He died March 3, 1850. His eldest son Robert, who was born in 1799, still lives on the old farm. In the early days he was the only blacksmith in the town, and, with his father, built and worked the first tannery in that vicinity. James Gordon, a son-in-law of Nathan Bishop, came with him and had the honor of sowing the first wheat in Clearspring, on Section 28, and of being the first mason. Amos Newhouse, with his son John, settled on Section 32, in the spring of 1835, and began clearing the large farm, which he occupied until his death in 1875. He was a native of Virginia, and is remembered as a quiet and industrious man. A half mile from Mr. Newhouse's estate lies the farm upon the county line, which John S. Gibson, after living at the Haw Patch a short time, occupied in the same j'ear, and at this date still lives to enjoy. Elijah Pixley was another settler of 1835, from Union County, Ind., and began here his farming life upon Section 28, where he lived until his death in 1874. Upon his land were located the first schoolhouse, the first burying- ground and the first church in the township. His sons Edward and James Pixley have since been residents of Clearspring. The year 1836 was the time of increased immigi-ation, and many of the best citizens coming that year were able, at the time of the Centennial celebration of the nation, to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of their settlement. Among these was Charles Roy, who 212 HISTORY OF LA GRAXGE COUNTY. came with his family upon his land in Section 22, near the center of the town- ship, on the 20th of June. Mr. Roy has always been an energetic man, and has made valuable improvements. He was the first to raise fruit to any i^reat extent, and early had a nursery of 700 trees, and an orchard of ten acres. He was also one of the first to raise mint and distill the oil, and came to do an extensive business in this line. Simeon Crosby came from New York and set- tled in the west half of Section 34, but died in 1839, three years after his arrival. A daughter, Sarah Crosby, was one of the first married in the town- ship, then a part of Eden, .being married to John Hubbard, September 12, 1836, by Rev. James Latta. Nicholas Lowe and wife came from Maryland and settled on Section 29, where he came to possess 300 acres of land upon which he and his son, Rev. Thomas H. Lowe, now reside. Ernestus Schermerhorn, of Syracuse, N. Y., was in the township at this time, and bought land in the northeast, but did not settle until 1839. He died forty years later, February 8, 1876. Willard Hervey came in this year, at first to the home of Simeon Crosby, whose daugh- ter he married in 1839. This lady, when Miss Sebrina Crosby, had taught school in Amasa Durand's house, north of La Grange. It is told of her, as an instance of what the pioneer girls had to endure, that at one time, when living at home, and her father dangerously ill and without any remedy or doc- tor near, she walked through the forests the whole distance to Lima, about fifteen miles, to bring Dr. Jewett, the nearest physician. Most of the journey, an Indian trail was the only road, and at one point she had to cross Buck Creek, which was swollen with floods, and only partially bridged with logs. But she pulled off her shoes, and jumping from log to log, made the passage safely and brought the doctor to her father. In 1836, October 3, William Dallas, of Ohio, settled in Section 26, on the present land of Norton Kinnison. He had with him his sister aud fourteen motherless children, of whom, Samuel, Lorenzo, George, Joseph and Levi are now well-to-do citizens of the township. His home was near the Elkhart River, near where it emerges from a group of lakes, of which the most eastern lie partly in the township. These four bod- ies of water, the largest of which is called Dallas Lake, are the only ones in Clearspring, and occupy but about three hundred acres. Mr. Dallas at once began to utilize the water-power of the river, and in 1837 built a grist-mill near his home. This was a considerable undertaking for a man in his circum- stances, and in such a remote place. But his perseverance carried it through, and it was soon completed and ready to grind the grists of the few farmers for miles around. Before this time the wheat had been carried to Goshen, Ontario or Van Buren. " Uncle Billy's corn-cracker," as it was called, was of a very primitive and simple construction. The building, built of whitewood logs, was so low that the man who put the grain in the hopper had to make a humble passage beneath the rafters. There were no castings about the mill ; all was wood except the mill-stones, and of these there were but one pair, and CLEARSPRINfi TOWNSHIP. 213 the millstone shaft, a flat bar of iron. A bolt only was necessary and that was soon supplied, but there were no cog-wheels or belting, and consequently this had to be revolved at first by hand, a process which required a good deal of muscle. Sometimes the patrons of the mill were called on to assist in this operation. The mill had a capacity for grinding about fifty bushels in twenty- four hours, but never was called on for such an extraordinary business. To this mill men came with their grain from the whole neighborhood (and neigh- borhoods were large in those days) in ox carts, on horseback, afoot or in canoes. It was an accommodating institution, run by one of the most accommodating men that ever blessed a new community with his presence. Three or four years later, Mr. Dallas built a saw-mill near by, which, after his death, was run by Van Kirk until the dam broke, about 1851. " Uncle Billy" Dallas, as he was familiarly called, died many years ago (in 1847), but his many virtues still live in the memory of the old settlers. Others, who came in 1836, are James Haviland, who built the first barn ; Henderson Potts, the first disciple of Crispin ; N. P. Osborn and David Ray. We have named those who were here by 1836, and, by common consent, are called the "old settlers" — at least the earliest settlers. Among them, however, should be included Hawley Peck, born in Connecticut in 1810, who bought eighty acres in Clearspring in 1836, but did not come until 1838, when he concluded to settle here, and bought 160 acres more, and in 1844 commenced improvements upon it. He has done much for the advancement of the town- ship, and his large family of sons and daughters (now grown to manhood and womanhood) are among the best people of the county. Charles S. Sperling, now eighty-nine years of age, the oldest man in the township, settled, in 1843, upon Section 4. After 1836, the immigration proceeded rapidly, and the many settlers since then we cannot name except as they were connected with the events of the general history of the township. As the tide of population came in, the price of land rose, and the low price of $1.25 that the Government asked was increased to $3 or f4 in 1836 and to $8 or $10 two years later. With this change, the price of products decreased; but in the earliest years the contrast with the present was not very marked. Wheat then was worth $1 per bushel ; corn, 50 cents ; oats, 37 cents ; butter, S7^ cents; soft soap, 37 cents per gallon; hogs, $10 to $14; cows, $30. The Indians were removed before 1840 and the white men left in undis- turbed possession. The Pottawatomies were, however, not in any way trouble- some to the pioneers. There were a great many of them in the township, es- pecially in the south, where they had a camping-ground on a high ridge, now known as the "Hogback." They were agriculturists in a small way, and raised corn on low ground near the ridge. But they were very conservative in their farming. One year a party of them planted corn on the farm of Anthony Nelson and were very much opposed to his plowing and harrowing the ground; 214 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. but, when he came to mark out the patch in rows, their disgust was unbounded. The chief Kookoosh, however, was wise enough to respect the pale face's little eccentricities in farming and kept his men at work, and they succeeded in rais- ing a very good crop. Another old chief was one of those few red men who justify the poet's account of " Lo, the poor Indian ! " He seemed to see " God in the clouds and hear him in the wind," and at every meal, before he would partake of any food, he would invoke the blessing of the Great Spirit. The Indians were always ready for a trade with the pioneers, and would exchange venison, cranberries, moccasins and trinkets for vegetables and whatever the white men had to spare. A famous spring on the farm of Charles Roy, known as Clearspring, whence the township derived its name, was a great resort for the Indians, and there were many other springs, such as Indian Spring, south of the first named, which their trails passed. In March, 1837, the Commissioners set off from Eden Township the terri- tory now known as Clearspring, and ordered an election at Elijah Pixley's, on the first Monday of April. In accordance with this, some fifteen or twenty voters met at the appointed place, and proceeded to vote for township officers. The records cannot be found, and, consequently, a full list is impossible, but it is believed that the first Trustees were Ernestus Schermerhorn, Willard Hervey and Elijah Pixley, and the first Justices, William F. Beavers and Norman Ses- sions. N. P. Osborn'was chosen Clerk, and received $3 for his year's service. The Trustees were paid §2.25 each for the first year. Beavers was soon after, June 23, married to Mary J. Cummins, of this township. The Justices since then, as far as the county records show, have been : William Harding, 1839-49 ; John Strang, 1843-48 ; Hawley Peck, 1848-51 : William D. Sloan, 1849-50; William H. H. Aldrich, 1850-52; John Strang, 1851-55 ; Nathan P. Osburn, 1852-56 ; William Price, 1856-60 ; John L. Strang, 1860-64 ; William Yarwood, 1865-73 ; Orvin Kent, 1867-71; Wil- lard Hervey, 1871-75; James Chandler, 1873-77; Thomas H. Low, 1875- 79; James Chandler, 1877-81; Norman Babcock, 1879. The records of the township were kept o.n papers or memorandum books until 1844, when the Trustees made an appropriation for record books and for copy- ing old records. But the records, notwithstanding this provision, are not to be found for any earlier year than 1842. The place of election was then still at the house of Elijah Pixley. The spring election of that year resulted in the choice of Elijah Osborn, William Dallas and John Strang, as Trustees ; N. P. Osborn, Clerk, and Anson Lewis and Caleb Strang, Constables. At that time, there were three Trustees. In 1845, William Dallas, William Harding and Benjamin Chandler were elected ; in 1846, Chandler, Charles Roy and Amos Newhouse ; in 1848, Chandler, Roy and E. Osborn ; in 1850, William Baxter, Charles Roy and John Kitchen ; in 1852, Baxter, Kitchen and W. D. Sloan ; in 1854, Charles G. Doty, Erastus Nelson and John Tumbleson. At the spring election of next year, but one Trustee was elected, and this has since been the 'f ^i^yiM/ ^C-Tr£lA^ CLEAR SPRING TP. CLEARSPRING TOWNSHIP. 217 rule. The Trustees since have been : Schuyler Nelson, 1855 ; John Kitchen, Sr., 1859; Schuyler Nelson, 1862; John Kitchen, Sr., 1863; Joel Mil- ler, 1864; Christopher Hooley, 1865; Erastus Nelson, 1870; John Green- await, 1876 ; John Price, 1880. Among the early Clerks were W. H. H. Aldridge, in 1846 ; William H. Price, 1850, who still lives in the township with his son, the present Trustee, and Richard Green, a popular, but rather eccentric old settler, who for many years constituted the " Anti- Masonic party " in the county. The place of election was in 1842 removed to the house of Nathan Bishop ; in 1845, to Charles Roy's, and about 1854 to the Bishop Schoolhouse. At the taking of the 1880 census, the returns for the township show that the following-named persons, residents thereof, were of the age set opposite their names, the object being to show those who had attained the age of seventy-five or over, viz.: Robert Bishop, seventy-nine ; Sarah Misner, seventy-five ; Eliza Parks, seventy-five ; Samuel Smith, seventy-five ; Benjamin VVortinger, seventy-five ; Charles S. Sperling, eighty-eight. In 1846, Hawley Peck began the growing of mint and manufacture of oil, which became quite an industry in- the township. The oil was canned and shipped to the East, or sold to buyers who would collect it, and found a ready sale at prices varying from §1.25 to $5 per pound. Several persons engaged in mint raising, Charles Roy and Erastus Nelson being among the earliest and most extensive growers. The annual production varied in value between $5,000 and $10,000, until within the last few years, when the industry has been discontinued. Before 1850, there was serious talk of running the road now called the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Air Line, through the southern part of the township. A line was surveyed, and there were positive assurances of the building of the road through Clearspring, which induced the hope of a speedy rise in the value of real estate, and the growth of a flourishing town on the site of " Slabtown." Years after, when the road was finally built, the superior persuasive powers of the land-owners of the little village of Kendallville led the engineers to adopt a more southern route, and Clearspring's first hope of being on an east-and-west iron line was blasted. But it was through no fault of the early settlers, who did their best to secure the road, and were at one time positively assured of it. As there has never been a village in the township, the business history is very light. The first store was kept by the Cummings family, south of " Slab- town," upon the Eden town line, and Timothy Hudson, Jr., afterward kept a store at his house in Clearspring, in connection with the saw-mill and tannery. The first brick yard was on Harrison Smith's land, on "Jordan street," and two are now in operation, by B. F. Ditman and Henry J. Ulmer. In 1873, there were two granges of the Patrons of Husbandry organized in the township. One, the Clearspring Grange, met at Pixley's Schoolhouse, 218 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. and had at one time forty members. The Worthy Master was John Gillette, and Secretary, Ira Ford. The Dallas Grange met at Curl's ; Ichabod Jones was the first presiding officer. These associations survived until 1880. This movement met with greater encouragement in this township and Eden than in any otlier part of the county. The numerous narrow trails of the Indians were the first roads of the settlers, but steps were soon taken to make highways. Anthony Nelson was at one time notified of his appointment as Road Supervisor, and promptly mus- tered his forces and went to work, camping out nights until his job was com- pleted. His road district extended from Lima to Ligonier. Elijah Pixley was one of the earliest Supervisors, and built the road running east from Sycamore Corners in 1835-36. Orvin Kent, not at that time a permanent resident in the township, but who later became one of the most influential men of Clearspring, was that year upon his land, and was called upon to assist on this road. This was the first road in the township, and formed part of the Haw Patch, or Ligonier road. In 1842, the township was divided into four road districts, which increased to eleven in 1846, and now number fifteen. The roads are generally good ones, and kept in excellent condition. In 1872, there was an excellent prospect for the building of the Chicago & Canada Southern road through the south of the township. It was, in fact, a sure thing. But the panic of 1873 came, and Clearspring is still without a railroad. The first school in the town was held in a little log house on Charles Roy's land, southwest of Clearspring, in the fall of 1839. The teacher was Miss Anna Maria Crosby (daughter of Simeon C), who married Samuel Dallas in 1841. The pioneer schoolma'am then, dressed in homespun linsey-woolsey, teaching in a log house, twelve feet square, for $1.25 per week, was in great contrast, as to her surroundings and facilities, with the teacher of modern days in the comfortable buildings which dot the township over. But in earnest teaching and real success in their work, the first school teachers need fear nothing from a contrast with the modern "educator." The text-books which the boys and girls of that day used were mainly Webster's Speller, the New Testament and the Old English Reader. This locr building, which has now disappeared, had been Mr. Roy's first house, and besides serving as an educa- tional institution, also afforded a temporary shelter for many poor pioneers until they could build log cabins of their own. In 1840, two schoolhouses were built of logs, one at Ilervey's Corners, by Willard Hervey, and the other at Hiram Taylor's, and the township was divided into two school districts. The first teacher at the Hervey Schoolhouse was Josepli Miller. The building of schoolhouses, at this early day, by levies of school tax, was too slow a method, and in 1855 the citizens were granted the privilege of building and repairing schoolhouses with the right of having credit for the same on their subsequent taxes. Soon after, one district agreed, as the record runs, "nem. con. to build CLEARSPRING TOWNSHIP. 219 a hewed log house, 18x20." In 1841, the township, divided by sections, in- cluded only seven districts, but the schools were not crowded, as the enumera- tion four years later shows but fifty-two school children in the township. One of the earliest schoolhouses was Pi.xley's, about 1850, on Section 28, and was built by that neighborhood. The old log house was replaced by a frame in 1861. In 1856, the house at Hiram Taylor's was rebuilt. In 1849, Orvin Kent deeded land for the site of the Sycamore Schoolhouse, so called on account of a tall Sycamore at the corners ; this school district was formed through the efforts of Orvin Kent and others, and includes territory in Eden and Clear- spring. A new schoolhouse was built further east in 1870; on the same section stands the Walnut Schoolhouse, with the Walnuts still there, built in 1861. The "Jordan " Schoolhouse, built in 1860, and the Wertinger, in 1863, are still in use. A log schoolhouse was erected on Nathan Bishop's land, on the east line of Section 22, in 1850, which has since disappeared, being replaced by the Sloan house in 1860, a short distance north. Near this schoolhouse lies the old burying-ground, started before 1850, now known as Sloan's. The Hackenburg or Red Schoolhouse, dates back to 1865, and Harris' to about the same year. The first brick schoolhouse was the Chandler, built in 1877. Another one has just been completed, in the same quarter, called Streeter's, which takes the place of the old Curl Schoolhouse, which was first built about 1841. According to the latest statistics, the township has 351 pupils, who are instructed in twelve schoolhouses. The average length of school is 140 days. The revenue of last year was $4,969.67, and the value of school build- ings is $5,000. The earliest preacher, Nathan Bishop, has already been spoken of. The first society to be organized in the township was one of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, which held its meetings at Swank's house, over the line in Noble County. Among the members of this little congregation were Elijah Pixley, Mark Kinnison, Mrs. Ruth Ray and Hendef'son Potts. Rev. James Latta, of the Haw Patch, was the organizer. The famous itinerants, Posey and Allen, had preached here before the society was formed, and paved the way for it. This society soon died out, and was succeeded in that neighborhood by a Meth- odist Protestant Church, meeting at Hervey's (or Ray's) Schoolhouse. The first quarterly meeting was held here February 15, 1845, when Willard Hervey was licensed as an exhorter. Rev. Beardsley was the pastor in charge at this time, and this was one of the societies in the Goshen Circuit. A church of th e same denomination was organized at the Taylor Schoolhouse in 1851. There was also a Methodist society meeting at John Hammond's on the Clay town line, which was preached to by William Connelly and James Latta. Of late years, an Amish organization has been formed in the northwest part of the township, which has its meetings by appointment at convenient places among its members. The church of the " Best Endeavor " is one of the most recent religious organizations. This somewhat familiar title attaches ■220 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. to the congregation formerly meeting in the Pixley Schoolhouse, and now in the Beulah Cliurch, and for several years addressed by Rev. John Paul Jones, of La Grange. It is quite unsectarian in character. The origin of the church building is quite interesting. The land upon which it stands was deeded by John Greeuawalt to the Evangelical Union Mennonites, to be used by them, but to be free for other churches, and after their disuse of it, to go to any other Christian organization under the same conditions. Here a handsome brick church was built, principally by popular subscription, and was dedicated May 8, 1881, the services being conducted by Rev. J. P. Jones, assisted by Revs. D. Brenneman and Thomas II. Low. The building is, in dimensions, 32x54, is furnished with comfortable seats, and cost $3,000. The erection of this church is in great part due to the efforts of Thomas II. Low, formerly a min- ister in the Mennonite Church. This society was organized in 1867, by Elder John Krupp, with thirty members, and held its early meetings at the Walnut Schoolhouse. The township, as a whole, does not make a proper showing in the way of churches. The fact is that on every side there are churches just outside the township limits, which draw much of their attendance from Clearspring, and this explains a fact which might tend against the fame of a people who are, as a whole, industrious, religious and public-spirited. CHAPTER XIII. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. (rliEENFIELD Tofl'NSHIP — THE FlRST SETTLEMENT ON PRETTY AND ENGLISH Prairies— The Gage and Langdon War— Appearance of Industries — Villagers of Vistula and iEXiNGTON— The First School and Teacher —Educational Growth — Keyival of 1840— Religious Societies — The Spiritualists. THE lands in Southern Michigan were in market some years before those of Northern Indiana, and were, of course, purchased and occupied by sturdy pioneers who hud come from the East. Many of these men soon became dis- satisfied with their new homes, as the land was covered with an almost unbroken forest, which must be removed before the soil could be cultivated. This prom- ised many years of unremitting toil, and the outlook for those who had just come from Europe, or who were unused to the ways of the woods, was cheerless and discouraging. During the year 1829 there came to near White Pigeon, Mich., the following men and their families : Amos Barr (who arrived in the spring), John Anderson, Samuel Anderson, William Miller, Benjamin Jones, John and Felix Miller (brothers), Jesse Huntsman, Ephraim Seeley, Jacob Croy, and perhaps others. Some of these families came from Ohio — a number ■•\; r^^rf (Tl^y^t:^ ^lA CLEAR SPRING TP. ^ GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 223 from the same neighborhood — while others were directly from Europe, or from the Eastern or Middle States. They were not all in the same vicinity in Mich- igan, but, during the year, they all became aware of the fact that, in what is now northern La Grange County, several rich, extensive and beautiful prairies were to be found where the soil needed no preparation for grain save the action of the plow. But at that period these prairies were not yet marketable, and, in order to secure a right to the land, " claims " were located, and the settlers pre- pared to enjoy a squatter's life until the prairie claims could be bought. It is well authenticated that the above-named men located claims on Pretty and En- glish Prairies during the year 1829. The first to do this cannot be known. From the fact that Amos Barr was by several months the first to reach South- ern Michigan, it may be presumed that he was at least (if not the first) one of the first to establish a claim in Greenfield Township. A few of the men — as William Miller and Benjamin Jones — did not reach Southern Michigan until late in the fall of 1829, and, of course, their claims on the prairies were not made until that time. Claims in the woods were established by blazed trees ; those on the prairies by stakes or by plowed furrows. So far as known, Amos Barr was the first man to erect a cabin in the township, this being done during the fall of 1829, but the building was roofless and floorless, and was probably erected to more fully establish the right to the claim, around which (the prairie portion) a furrow was plowed before cold weather set in. Often during the winter of 1829-30, these men (who resided in Southern Michigan) visited their claims to see that others had not usurped their rights. Thus the winter was passed. Quite early in the spring of 1830, William Miller and Benjamin Jones (who had spent the previous winter, either in the same cabin or in two that were close together) loaded their goods in probably the same wagon, tore the roof off the cabin in which they had lived and placed it on the wagon, and then moved with their families to near the present site of Lexington. Small tents were improvised until two rude cabins (perhaps they do not deserve so dignified a name) had been built. Miller's cabin was located southwest of the village, while Jones' was near the northern part of the same. This occurred in April or May, and these were, so far as known, the first families in the township. During the same year (1830), there settled mostly on the prairies of Greenfield, the following men and their families : Amos Barr, Thomas Burnell, John Emerson, John Olney, Mr. Sutford, Jesse Huntsman, Felix Miller, James Miller, Jesse Champ- lin, Samuel Anderson, Ephraim Seeley, Jabob Croy, Mr. Wolgamottand several others. During the next year or two, all the prairie land was "claimed," and by the time the county was organized, in 1832, at least twenty-five families resided in the township (in what is now Greenfield). Some of these families were those of McKal, William Brumley, Samuel Robinson, Mr. Deeper, Sam- uel Fish, Jacob Miller, Silas Thrailkeld, Amasa Norton, Edmund Littlefield, Milton and Oliver Smith, Thomas and Samuel Parham (1836), Samuel Brad- ford, Harlo and William Hern, Mr. Switzer, Mr. Gale, William Legg, Mr. --4 lIlSTOIiV OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Stead, Mr. Wade. Thomas Lozenby, Jacob Vandeventcr, D. Lewis (colored), John Leak, William Adair, George Donaldson, John Safely, Samuel and James Burnside, David and Otis Stevenson, Samuel Gawthrop, David Allen. John Kelley and a host of others who continued to come in verv fast. At the organization of the county in 1832, it was d^ivided into two town- ships—Lima and Greenfield— the latter including all that part of the present county as lies east of the middle line of Range 10 west, together with portions of Noble and Steuben Counties. Ephraim Seeley was appointed Assessor for the then Greenfield Township, and an election was ordered to be held on the second Saturday of June, 1832, for the selection of two Justices of the Peace, Jessie Champlin receiving the appointment of Inspector of Election. The Commissioners also appointed Ebenezer Fish and William Miller, Fence Viewers; John Anderson and Samuel Burnside, Overseers of the Poor. At this first election, Mr. Seeley was elected one of the Justices, but the name of the other is forgotten, as are also those of the other officers elected at the same time. Improvements went on very rapidly during the years 1830, 1831 and 1832. Nearly or quite all the prairie land was broken up and fenced off into farms, and homes were established in the surrounding woods. At last, when the town- ship was surveyed and the land thrown into market, a great rush was made by an army of anxious squatters to secure the land they had partially improved, and upon which they then lived. It was during the Black Hawk war (summer of 1832) that the citizens of Greenfield and surrounding townships were thrown into a fever of fear by what is remembered as " The Gage War." Two men, named respectively Gage and Langdon, went one day to mill in the northern part of Springfield Township. Before this, considerable talk had been indulged in concerning the probability of the Indians arising in war against the settlers, as large bands were then in the county, and the border struggle farther west was not unknown to them. This talk prepared the minds of the settlers for what was to follow. Gage, Langdon, the miller and others at the mill renewed the gossip, continuing it until late at night, when the former two retired with some serious misgivings in their minds. After they had gone to bed, it was resolved by three or four at the mill to give them an " Indian scare" early the ne.xt morning. Two or three, or perhaps more, assisted by several Indians, dressed themselves in full Indian war costume, with war paint .and blanket and tomahawk, etc. The next morning, while Gage and Langdon were talking in front of the mill with the miller, a large Indian suddenly showed himself from behind a tree near by, and, raising his rifle quickly, fired, and the miller fell to the earth apparently in the agonies of death, exclaiming. " My God, the Indians ! I'm shot ! " The Indian who had apparently shot the miller and one or two others came leaping forward, swinging their tom.ahawks and yelling like demons. Gage and Langdon instantly fled from the scene at the top of their speed, Gatre going north in the excitement, and Langdon south. They made excellent time across the country, informing every one they saw that the Indians were coming. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 225 that they had shot all at the mill, and were sweeping out through the surround- ing country. The result may be readily imagined. The most intense excite- ment prevailed, and families fled in every direction. Gage reached Lexington, and the families in that neighborhood gathered at the blacksmith shop of George Donaldson, into which the women and children were thrust, while the men began to fell trees and cut logs, for the purpose of hastily building a fort (after- ward called Fort Donaldson). Families living in the western part hastily resolved to fortify the island in Cedar Lake. There they fled, and began the work of constructing the fort. Many very interesting incidents occurred, but, within a day or two, the delusion was dispelled. The logs cut for " Fort Don- aldson " remained at the spot for many years. More of this interesting event will be found in other chapters. Industries sprang up at a very early day. Orrin Howard was a chair- maker in the northern part, his power being a horse-lathe. It is said that he turned out 300 chairs a year. Milton Smith was an early blacksmith, but George Donaldson was the first Vulcan in the township. The large stone lying near the shop of the latter was hauled there by Samuel Bradford, to be pre- pared by Donaldson for the grist-mill that was afterward erected in Springfield Township. A small "corn-cracker" was erected at Lexington in a very early day. It did not amount to much, and was soon adandoned. Milton Smith was also a tool-maker ; could make axes, chisels, adzes, grubbing-hoes, etc. A post oflSce was at Howard's house for a number of years. Warren Barney, in the northeastern part, manufactured, by means of a horse-lathe, large and small spinning-wheels, and other wooden articles. Daniel Waite made tables, stands, bedsteads, bureaus, etc. The early settlers in the northern part got their whisky at a distillery just across the line in Michigan. The road running north and south across the western end of the township was early known as " Smoky Row," from the numerous log cabins that were built thereon very early ; for on winter mornings, when a fire was started in each house, the settlers on the opposite side of the prairie were furnished a fine sight— a smoky row. Pretty Prairie is said to have received its name from the following circumstance : Sev- eral men, just from Ohio, were standing at the residence of William Miller, on the south side of the prairie. Looking northward, they saw a beautiful pict- ure. The long expanse of prairie land spread its bosom of green velvet to the autumnal sun, and stretched away until terminated by clusters of oak and maple, dyed in gorgeous colors by Nature's hand that crowned with beauty the higher lands on the north. The strangers were delighted, and one of their' number asked, " What do you call this ? " " 0— o— h," replied Mr. Miller, "we don't call it anything." "Well," said the stranger, "it's a mighty pretty prairie. You might call it Pretty Prairie." The name circulated, became popular and is now permanent. " English Prairie " received its name from the fact that many of the first to locate there had just come from En- gland. People, in speaking of the place, called it by that name. It is also 226 HISTORY OF LAflRANGE COUNTY. permanent. Many of the English retained for a number of years their foreign customs. "Old Tommy" Burnell wore knee-breeches and long stockings, as did some of the others. Mr. Burnell brought with him from his temporary home in Michigan two small sashes, in which were three or four panes of glass. These were used in his old log cabin. Samuel Burnside, in about the year 1834, erected a saw-mill in the north- eastern corner, on Crooked Creek. This mill, with many alterations, numerous owners, and stoppages from time to time, has been in operation ever since. At times, it has done e.xcellent and extensive work. As nearly as the writer could learn, Burnside owned the mill until about the year 1845, when it and the farm upon which it stands were sold to Peter Bisel. It is possible that Burnside sold to .another, and the latter to Bisel. The facts could not be learned. In about the year 1846, Bisel erected the grist-mill on the same water-power. This mill is yet running, and has done a vast amount of grinding in its day. It is a large frame structure, has passed through many hands, and has fed thousands. Bisel, in about 1847, placed a stock of goods at the mill, and soon afterward a post office was established there. Bisel was quite a wealthy man for that day, and put a great deal of money on the mill site to improve it, and render permanent the excellent water-power there. The money in many ways was not judiciously expended ; at least, Bisel became embarrassed, and, in about 1854, sold the en- tire property to Amos Davis ; since then, others have owned it. Goods have been sold there the most of the time since. A small town grew up about the mills — a very small one. In the year 1836, Elisha U. Shepard and Bazaleel Alvord secured the services of a surveyor and laid out a village which was named Vistula, on Sec- tion 25, on the banks of Wall Lake. The village on paper was a beautiful place, and the plat was taken East and exhibited, and several men there were induced to buy blocks and corner lots. When they came West to sell their property at a handsome profit, or to erect thereon fine buildings, their wrath became fiery and volcanic. In short, they had been deceived, as not a house was standing in the village, nor ever was. The lake was a nice place, with walls of earth and gravel formed by the agency of ice surrounding it. The village on its banks was a " paper village " — nothing more. In July, 1836, John Kromer, surveyor, laid out twelve blocks of eight lots each, and four blocks of six lots each, on Sections 25 and 30, lor Abraham K. Brower and Joseph Skerritt, who named the village Lexington. Very soon after this, Peter Bisel erected a store building there, and began selling from a stock of goods valued at §2,000. The stock was subsequently increased until worth about $6,000, at which time the owner enjoyed an extensive and profit- able trade. Abraham Brower was at first his clerk, but later his partner. A few years after Bisel began, Chancey Adams also opened a store, but his busi- ness was not as extensive as that of the former. In 1847, there were seven or eight families residing in Lexington. Bisel was in the Crandall storeroom ; SI ym 9-^^^ ^fun^^Sr}^ GBEENFIELO TP. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 229 Adams was in a building opposite. Ira Crandall was the proprietor of a small hotel. A shoemaker and a blacksmith were there. In 1848, H. R. Crandall bought the Bisel store building and residence, together with three lots. He be- gan selling from $3,000 worth of goods, the stock being slowly increased as the years went by, and continued until his death in 1870, since which time his widow has successfully conducted the business. Bisel was probably the first Postmaster ; but, in 1847, Adams was. Since 1848, the Crandalls have had the office, except for a short time, when George Donaldson handled the property of Uncle Sam. In 1848, Adams sold out to George L. Gale, who erected the Long storehouse. Gale continued about five years. Robert Dayton owned the property for a while. Other merchants have been H. J. Hall, Andrew Davidson, Shope, Scripture, Weidler, Wade and Long & Shut. Wade owns a small grocery now, and James Mix is conducting a small broom factory. " Brighton " is the name of the post office. Dr. Charles Pritchard was at the village early, as were Drs. Pattei'son and Reynolds. In 1849, Dr. Delos W. Rupert located there, remaining until the war broke out, when he became Sur- geon of the Thirtieth Infantry Volunteers, but died at Nashville, Tenn., in 1862. It is said that John Anderson built the first frame house in the town- ship in 183.3 ; his frame barn was erected the following year. Mr. Wolgamot probably built the second frame dwelling. It is said that Hiram Anderson, whose birth occurred in the fall of 1830, was the first white child born in the township. Samuel Bradford, the present County Clerk, was born in Green- field in April, 1832. He claims to be the oldest male person living whose birth occurred in La Grange County. Some dispute has arisen over this mooted question, and the old ladies shouhi immediately proceed to settle the discussion by public announcements from official sources. The first marriage in Greenfield was that of Samuel Gawthrop to Ellen D. Wolgamot in the fall of 1830. They were married by Samuel Stewart, Esq., who lived just across the line in Michigan. Not long afterward, Mrs. Gawthrop died, her death being the first. The following persons had passed, in 1880, the age of seventy- five years : Mary Blaseus, seventy-six ; Cyrus Fillmore, seventy-eight ; James Pollock, seventy-nine; Jane Scripture, eighty; John Troyer, seventy-five; Caroline H. Wheeler, seventy-five ; Brewster Barrows, seventy-five ; Laura Fillmore, seventy-six; Ruhama Taylor, eighty-two; William Wheeler, seventy- nine. Benjamin Reed had reached the age of seventy-four years. Late in the autumn of 1830, the squatters living near Lexington took possession of a vacant log cabin that was standing a short distance southwest of the village, fitted it up with desks and seats, and employed Miss Jane M. Clark (afterward Mrs. Judge Prentiss) to teach a three-months' term, paying her $2 per week, and giving her the doubtfully enjoyable privilege of boarding around. This worthy lady, who is yet living, said her enrollment of scholars was about sixty. The school is remembered as an excellent one. Miss Clark also taught in the same house the succeeding summer. The cabin was thus used 230 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. until about the year 1836 or 1837, when a large frame schoolhouse was erected in the village, the greater portion of the expense being borne by members of the "Community of Saints." The building was divided into two rooms, and was to be occupied by all religious denominations. This school immediately became (with the exception of the one at Ontario) the best in the county. From 1838 to 1845, the enrollment was over 100. Two teachers were em- ployed, or as some say three, and the school was graded. Daniel Graham, afterward President of Hillsdale College, was one of the teachers. Good waives were paid, and none but good teachers were employed. After 1845, the school began to decline in importance. The frame house was used until about 1854, when it was displaced by another frame, which was used until the present brick was erected about eleven years ago. It is said that George Green was the first teacher in the first frame schoolhouse. Other teachers in the same house were William Hopkins, Mrs. Catharine McKinney and John Wylie. Hiram Smith, of Mongo, taught in the old log house, as did a young minister named Merrell. A log schoolhouse, or rather a vacated log dwelling, near the residence of Will- iam Anderson, was devoted to the uses of education as early as 1839. It was displaced a few years later by a frame house located at Mr. Anderson's orchard. This was used until about twenty-four years ago, when the large district was divided, and two houses were built. One of these is yet standing. The other was destroyed by fire, and a better one has taken its place. In 1836, a log schoolhouse was built near the cemetery, at what was then known as Gale's Corners. This was perhaps the first real school building in the township. The house was well attended for many years, good teachers being employed. Fami- lies living on the southern half of Pretty Prairie sent their children to this house. During the winter of 1836-37, Otis Shepardson, Jr., taught a term in a vacant dwelling, located near Samuel Parham's orchard, the house having been abandoned by a Mr. Switzer. The following families sent to him : Nor- ton, Littlefield, Smith, Miller, Howard, Waite and others. In about the year 1838, a frame schoolhouse was built at the northern extremity of Pretty Prai- rie, the first teacher being Willis R. Jervis. This neighborhood soon had an excellent school. After the old house had been used many years, the district was divided in spite of bitter opposition on the part of some, and two houses were built, both being used until five or six years ago, when each district was supplied with a fine brick structure. The township was at first (about the year 1833) divided into two school districts ; butthe dividing line is not remembered. In 1837, another district was added, and a little later still another. School was taught as early as 1840 in a vacated dwelling near the residence of Benja- min Reed, the house being used a number of years. Finally, in 1845, the " Scripture Schoolhouse " was erected. A little later another house was built farther east on the same road. The first schoolhouse in the northeastern part was built in about the year 1840. It has been succeeded by several others. The house two miles west of it was built later. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 231 In 1840, a great revival was held at the Pretty Prairie Schoolhouse by Rev. Messrs. Posey and Lewis L. Allen, ministers of the M. E. denomination. A few meetings had been held before, but no excitement was created nor class formed. The revival began, Rev. Posey preaching in the morning and Rev. Allen in the evening. Sinners were stubborn and defiant, and, for a time, it was hard work for the ministers. At last two men living in the neighborhood, who had stubbornly resisted the overtures of mercy, were taken violently sick and both died within a few days of each other, one declaring on his death-bed that he was going to hell and the other that he expected to reach heaven, blessing his family in the moment of parting and advising them to seek salvation. The two ministers, Posey and Allen, were present to comfort the dying men with the consolations of religion. The circumstances connected with the death of the two men produced a profound sensation in the neighborhood, of which the ministers immediately took advantage. The result was the most successful re- vival ever held in the township. Some sixty were converted and seventy-five joined the society that was then organized. Meetings were held in the school- house until 1856, when the frame church was built at a cost of about $800. Rev. Posey was the first minister in charge, Rev. Enoch Holstock the second, Gehiel Hart the third. The church was built by subscription, the location depending upon the greatest amount subscribed. Those east of the church gave the most, and selected the spot where the church now stands. The society has not since been as strong as it was at first. Only a portion of the time has Sunday school been conducted. The Presbyterians commenced building a frame church at Gale's Corners in 1837, but did not finish until the following year. Rev. Christopher Cory, an excellent man and an earnest Christian, who made himself known for miles through the backwoods, organized the society with the following membership: Orrin Howard, Aaron Cary, Aaron Thompson, Jonathan Upson, Amasa Nor- ton, wife and daughter, Osias Littlefield, Ansel Dickinson, Jacob Vandeventer, Samuel Brown and family, and others. Good work was done by the society, but it became so weak, in about 1853, that it finally agreed to turn the house over to the use of other Christian denominations and have it moved to Lexing- ton. This was at last done. The Methodists' obtained such a control of it, after a time, that a law-suit resulted; but they lost the judgment, and the house is devoted to the same uses as before the suit. The Spiritualists have occupied it, under protest of the more orthodox denominations. The "Community of Saints," under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Brad- ford, held meetings in the schoolhouse at Lexington for a series of years. Mr. Bradford was a man of great personal magnetism, with noble ideas of life and its duties, and with an incorruptible integrity of purpose that gave a serious feature to everything he did. His meetings were always well attended. His death, in 1844, ended the life of a truly great man. His society died with him. The Congregational Brethren have a small class in the village at pres- 232 HISTORY OF LA ORANGE COUNTY. ent. Some six or eight years ago, the Amish built a small frame church in the northwestern part, at a cost of about $900. A small society gathers there to worship. In about 1850, Elder Jacob Berkey organized a German Baptist society in the neighborhood southwest of Lexington. Meetings were held at residences and schoolhouses until ten years ago (1872), when a large frame church was erected, at a cost of $2,500, the building being completed a year later. The society first started with about forty members and was then scattered over a territory that has since been divided into four society districts. In 1863, the organization comprised about one hundred members. Elder Berkey remained Pastor until about 1860, when Elder George Long succeeded him, continuing nine years, at the end of which time the society, for a few years, was without a regular Elder, though Rev. Peter Long was in charge. Elder David M. Truby assumed the pastorate in 1874, remaining until 1880. when the present min- ister. Elder Peter Long, succeeded him. The present membership is about 144. A Sunday school was conducted three years, beginning some five years ago. Short-lived societies of other religious denominations have been organized in the township. There are many Spiritualists in Greenfield. The subject was first devel- oped, in about 1850, by the celebrated Fox sisters, of near Rochester, N. Y., and others, who announced to the world that the spirits of the departed could be communicated with through "mediums." The success of their operations soon became known in Greenfield, and many were convinced of the truth of their pretensions. Gossip was indulged in, until finally a medium from abroad came into the neighborhood and gave a public exhibition of the truth of his opinions. Many were converted to the new faith and, although no written creed was adopted, yet a society was partially formed, and "circles" met regularly at residences and schoolhouses. Several interesting "mediums" were soon discovered in the neighborhood. Mrs. (Barr) Hopkins proved to be a "divin- ing medium." Others were "rapping" or "writing" or "healing mediums." The Barrs, the Hopkinses, the Gillums, the Herns and others were prominent in the new organization. They finally began to meet in the church at Lexington, ■which had been intended for any religious denomination ; but they met consid- erable opposition, though they were successful in having their right to the church established. They then held rousing meetings in the church, securing persons from abroad well qualified to present their faith, practically and theo- retically, to large audiences. Many converts were thus gained. It is only within the last few years that the early interest has declined. Oi //■ ^Z^^V't--^ NEWBURY TP. CHAPTER XIV. BT R. H. KERICK. Newbury Township— First Election and Officers — Early Physical Feat- ures, Lakes, Indians, Etc.— The First Settler and His Successors- Mills AND Towns— Forest Customs — The Amish— Their Customs, Churches, Schools, Etc — General Development. THE township received its name, not in honor of any personage, but to distinguish it from the ohler town of Middlebury, in Elkhart County, which it adjoins. This was the borough, and Newbury it has remained. The name was given at the first town meeting. The township was a part of Lima, and was separated and given a distinct organization in 1837. On April 3, of this year, the settlers held their first election, at the house of Truman Wilkin- son. It was difficult to get together a good show of voters, and the canvassing was as thorough as at some modern elections. . If there was any law then re- quiring a long residence in the township, it was probably accidentally forgotten that day. The workmen on the Shipshewana Mills were taken to the polls, whether or no. By this means a poll-book of thirteen voters was made. There were just about enough offices to go around, and the list contains the names of most of the adult male settlers. Daniel H. Keasy and Elijah West acted as Clerks ; Amos Davis and James Cotton, Judges ; and Truman Wilkin- son, Inspector. When their laborious duties had been performed, it was found that the following were the first officers : Amos Davis, Justice ; Willard Cot- ton, Constable; Elijah West, Inspector; Esick Green, Supervisor; George Lot- terer and Elijah West, Overseers of Poor; Franklin Goodenough and George Hilt, Road Viewers. The vote was unanimous. The first official act of the new Justice was to solemnize a marriage between Esick Green and Misa Hackett, a member of the Wilkinson family. It was not the officer's fault, but, for some lack of affinity, the newly-married couple soon separated. The earliest comers sought two places mainly — the beautiful country about Shipshewana Lake, in the north, and the forks of the Little Elkhart River in the southwest. The east part of the township was in great part covered by marslies, and was not so desirable. The country was densely wooded, as a gen- eral thing, but there were large tracts of openings. An idea, however, pre- vailed among many of the pioneers, who were largely of Southern birth, that the openings were unhealthful, and the woods were consequently in favor. There were also marsh lands along the little streams which supplied the Little Elkhart, which flows, in two branches, through the southwest corner. A diagonal line through the township, from northwest to southeast, is about the position of the ridge which divides the drainage of the Pigeon River from that of the Elkhart. Cass Lake, about twenty acres in extent, on the northern line, and Hood's, a small body in the east, are drained into the Elkhart, while 234 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. the beautiful Shipshewana, one of the largest lakes in the county, and Cotton Lake, a smaller one, have their outlet in Shipshewana Creek. Cotton, Hood and Cass Lakes commemorate the names of the earliest settlers near them, and Shipshewana, the Pottawatomie chieftain, whose is said to be buried somewhere on the banks of the lake. A lady, now deceased, claimed to know the place of his grave, but the secret has been lost with her death. The old chief died some time prior to the settlement. His tribe inhabited the township, and their deeply cut trails ran through the woods, taking the best courses, and never missing the beaver dams, in every direction, so that the settlers had to blaze their road in order not to wander ofiF on the wrong track. The red men hunted amicably with the whites, and would come back even after their re- moval to exchange venison and cranberries for the pioneers' extra potatoes and flour. Game was plentiful — deer and turkeys and bears. Bees were es- pecially numerous, and one hunter cut as many as sixteen nests in one day. The earliest settlers came to the forks of the Little Elkhart, and this was also the starting point of the second settlement by the German people, who now almost entirely occupy the township. The first comers were the Woodbridges, who "squatted" in Section 19, about 183L This was before the land was for sale, and there is no record of their names or later history. They soon moved away, and their cabin was old and deserted when the later settlers moved in. The land was not open to entry until much later, and the first cer- tificate issued was to Obadiah Lawrence, dated July 17, 1835. In the north, a Mr. Andrews and Elijah West came in in 1834, and the next year built a dam and race and saw-mill on Shipshewana Creek, near the center of Section 3. Mr. Andrews ilied August 24, 1835, the first death among the pioneers. His son, Jarius Andrews, lived in the township until his decease in 1879. West, the partner, soon moved West. This mill was in oper- ation several years, and the damming up of the waters was thought to be the cause of much illness in early times, on account of its overflowing the lake. The dam was finally torn down, and the mill went to pieces. A log house in a grove near by, which forms a contrast with the fine residences in the vicinity, probably contains some of the logs of these old buildings. A little later, a number of settlers entered their lands. In 1836, Amos Davis, one of the most prominent men in the early history of the county, came to the Woodbridge place. He had already entered land, in 1835, in Section 19. He built the second saw-mill in the township on the river here. Esick Green, who remained about twenty years, and Truman Wilkinson, who lived here until his death in 1857, brothers-in-law, settled about 1836. Hiram Wilkinson settled at the same time, but soon left. Charles Barron was another pioneer. Wilkinson was the neighborhood poet and lampooner in the early days. Some of his effusions are still remembered, and we are able to give part of one, occasioned by the tragical girdling of an oak in front of John Keightley's house, against Mr. K.'s wishes. The oak sings: NEWBURY TOWNSHIP. 235 " Here once I stood a handsome oak, This is the first I ever spoke. My kindred oaks shall live instead, While I am numbered with the dead. Here once I stood, a noble tree, Till Sam and Charlie girdled me." Another couplet was of an epitaph nature : " The devil, with old snaps and snarls, Dragged off to h — 1 poor Sam and Charles." Franklin J. Goodenough entered land in Section 7, and built the first frame barn in the township. Almon Lawrence, who had come to Van Buren in 1830, and Alexander W. Poynter, of Delaware, Alexander Berry, of Ohio, and his sons — Samuel, Conrad and Doomide — were early settlers in the neigh- borhood of the site of the Dunkard Church. Other early settlers were Garrett and Griihth Slirake, Warren Stiles, James Cotton, a carpenter, who gave his name to Cotton Lake, and Samuel Hood, who is similarly honored. Joseph Keasy, later of St. Joseph County, Ind., came, in 1836, from Fulton County, Oliio. It was on his farm, at the house of Joseph Nelson, that the first church was organized in the fall of 1837, by a Methodist evangelist, who used to go about on foot among the settlers, doing good. This pioneer preacher had the simple name of Brown, but from his residence received the euphonious title of " Bald Hill " Brown. He went from here to a more arduous field — to Texas. Joseph Nelson was the class-leader of this little organization, which had about nine members at starting. James Latta, of the Haw Patch, and Christopher Cory, were among the early preachers. In those days, families would walk three or four miles for a sermon, and find their way home by the light of a clapboard torch. In February, 1837, George Lotterer took possession of land, including that owned at present by Horatio Halbert, on Shipshewana Lake, where he laid out a village called Georgetown, which never grew beyond the paper. Mr. Lotterer was then the richest man in Newbury, and had just previously owned the plat of Ontario. He remained in tlie township until about eight years since, when he removed to Fort Scott, Kan. John Keightly and Peter N. Keightly moved upon their land near Ship- shewana Lake in the fall of 1836. The latter soon moved into Van Buren, but the former is still an honored citizen of this township. Mr. K. came from England, in 1828, to Tompkins County, N. Y., married Miss M. A. Winter in 1830, and started for Indiana in November, 1836. The journey was a sample of that which the patient pioneer went through — a day's journey eight or ten miles, deep mud in what were called the roads, no bridges but crossways of logs, and these sometimes almost washed away by floods. Soon after Mr. Keightly had built a house, it was burned, probably by an incendiary, and some $1,500 in money, lying in the house, was never seen again by the owner. Such was life in the good old days, full of hardship and disappointment, in great contrast 236 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. with the comfort of the present. A schoolhouse, in which religious services were held, was built on the northeast corner of Mr. K.'s land, where a grave- yard is situated. Methodist meetings were also held at his residence, where among other attendants were George and Melicent Winter, brothers-in-law of the Keightlys, who came in with them from Tompkins County, N. Y., in 1836. George Winter was born in Lincolnshire, England, and died in Newbury in 1868. His wife had died in 1854. His son, Wrinch Winter, who was only eight years old on moving here, now occupies a finely situated residence on the old homestead, in view of Shipshewana Lake. Among other early settlers, Peter Schermerhorn entered land in Section 5, and died north of the Yoder settlement. In 1845, Francis Lampman, of Oswego County, N. Y., settled in northwest Newbury. He remained upon the farm until 1864, when he removed to Lima, where he was still living in 1881, at the age of eighty-three. Among the later comers in the northeast is Elias Wight, who came from Ohio in 1854, and lives upon Section 3. Mr. Wight was elected County Commis- sioner in 1879. The trading of the early days was done mostly at White Pigeon and Mid- dlebury. Some hauling was done from more distant points. In 1837, Amos Davis brought through flour and goods from Michigan City to Lima with five yokes of oxen. La Grange, then, was unborn, and the country to Middlebury was almost impassable, except on foot. On the White Pigeon trail there were but two houses. In 1833, a road was run through from Lima to Goshen by John Kromer, and this was the only one until 1836, when a party went through the township eastward, running the Baubaga road to the future county seat. Amos Davis, about 1840, surveyed three roads — the Middlebury and Haw Patch, which follows the course of the main branch of the Little Elkhart, the Middle- bury road to intersect the Goshen road, and the White Pigeon and Ligonier road. The first schoolhouse was put up on the farm of Joseph Keasy, on Section 19. The house was of unsquared logs, with a low roof, and densely-shaded in a little opening in the forest. The first teacher was Miss Mary Pomeroy. The teachers were not heavily paid in the early days. The ladies would get as low as $1.25 and up to $2 a week in the summer schools. There was quite a discussion at first about how long school should be kept. That it should be nine hours a day was agreed, but some were of the opinion and some not, that for the munificent wages school should be taught six days in the week. The second schoolhouse was a log one, on Section 20, built in 1840, and the third on Section 9, about 1842. Besides the early preaching already mentioned, a Presbyterian society met at Forest Grove, southwest of Davis' mill, and the L^nited Brethren and Free- Will Baptists had meetings occasionally in various places. All these small societies worked together for the common good. At present the Methodist meeting place is Shipshewana Schoolhouse, included in the Middlebury Circuit, now under charge of Rev. John T. Blakemore. ii»ilttni**«^ j^^^^^^ ^ 0^t^ NEWBURY TP. NEWBURY TOWNSHIP. 239 In 1838, Newbury experienced its share of the ague and bilious fever. Like the rain of that spring, it fell on all alike, and like the drought of the fall it had no intermission. Drs. Latta, of Goshen, and Elliott, of Middlebury, would call about twice a week upon the unfoi'tunate shakers. There was quite a mortality among the young on account of the fever. The hopes of the settlers were raised to a considerable height by the talk in an early day of the Buffalo & Mississippi Railroad, and deeply sunk by its failure. The road was surveyed through the northern part of the township. The same experience was repeated by a preliminary survey of the Baltimore & Ohio road in later years. In 1839, Amos Davis was chosen an Associate Judge for the county, and held the position until the abolition of the office, sitting on the bench with Judges Hobbs and Spaulding. Mr. Davis was born in Loudon County, Va., in 1797. When yet a boy, he went to Ohio, where his parents settled in Fairfield County. He was a man of ability and energy. Mr. Davis represented La Grange and Elkhart Counties in the Legislature in 1862-64, and was active on the side of the war party in the struggle between Gov. Morton and the majority of the Legislature. He removed to Greenfield Mills, and died October 5, 1867, from the effects of an injury received on his seventieth birthday. His son, Hezekiah Davis, was eleven years of age when he first saw Newbury, and has ever since remained here. He has served the county as Commissioner for thirteen years, beginning in 1853. In 1848, he moved to his present commodious residence in Section 2, which is a portion of his farm. Newbury has always been remarkable for its quietness and freedom from crime. Of course, there has been a law-suit now and then, but, as a rule, she furnishes little litigation. The first law-suit in the township was before Justice Davis, and between Sylvanus Lamb and Charles Ilascall over a difficulty in the division of land. This called in lawyers — Mitchell, of Constantine, and Chamberlain, of Goshen. No causes celebres have come from Newbury since that time. Especially since the Amish and other German sects have taken up the most of the township has everything been peaceful. There was once a case of horse-thieving which caused considerable sensation. Three horses were stolen in 1855, or thereabouts, and taken to Pennsylvania, whence the owner received them after expending much more than their value in the search. As far as the records show, the following is a list of the Justices of New- bury : Amos Davis, 1837-42 ; Andrew Ashbaugh, 1842-47 ; Alexander W. Poynter, 1845-50 ; Perley R. Cady, 1852-57 ; John Butt, 1859-71 ; Ben- jamin F. Lieb, 1856-60 ; Oliver Lampman, 1859-67 ; Jacob Hines, 1863-69 ; H. J. Vandorsten, 1869-73 ; William Wiler, 1878-75 ; Horatio Halbert, 1875- 84 ; Michael Hoff, 1880-84. At the census of 1880, there were found to be the following named persons, residents of the township, who were over seventy- five years of age : Horatio Halbert, seventy-seven ; George Miller, eighty- 240 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. five ; Joel Yoder, eighty ; Fannie Miller, eighty-three ; Frances Walter, eighty-four. In 1844, an event of great importance wa8 the first settlement of mem- bers of the Amish Church, in the southwest portion of the township. Daniel and Joseph Miller came on horseback to Davis' place, on a prospecting tour, out two months from Somerset County, Penn. They stopped here and bought farms, Daniel Miller taking the old Woodbridge place. Soon after, Christian Bontrager and Joseph Bontrager bought farms in Sections 19 and 20. This was the beginning of an inflow of Germans from Pennsylvania, at first, and later from Holmes County, Ohio. Emanuel Miller, who bought land in Sec- tion 29, and Philip Weirick were also among the earliest settlers. John C Yoder, familiarly called the doctor, on account of his skill in healing some of the human ills, came in November, 1844, from Somerset County, where he was born in 1821. He still resides upon his farm near the Moses Kaufman mill- race (1849), on the Little Elkhart, and is a patriarch among the original Amish. This branch of the church, which is distinguished by a strict observance of all the old customs, has a large membership among the Germans, who now occupy almost the whole of Newbury. There are three districts of the old school in the township, the southern one having, in 1881, 161 members, the western 100, and the northern, including part of Van Buren, about one hundred and twenty. Each district has its Bishop and two ministers. The Bishop alone can perform the rites of baptism and marriage. At present this position is held by Dr. Yoder and David Kaufman. The peculiar characteristic of the church is a literal observance of every injunction of the Scriptures, as they understand them. There are no meeting-houses, but they meet at the homes of the members ; no written creed is used by the church ; the apostolic rite of feet-washing is observed at the meetinirs. But the most obvious characteristic is that no ornament of any kind is tolerated on the person, nor in the way of paint or plaster in the houses, nor any brilliant coloring about the buildings. The natural grace and beauty of the person is altogether unthought of, or only considered as a snare of the evil one. As no conformity to the world is al- lowed, something like a German peasant costume is still used, and as buttons are under the ban, hooks and eyes supply the necessary fastenings. Lightning rods were for some time forbidden. As for literature, there is nothing in much favor but the sacred Scriptures. The Amish seem to conform their social lives especially to Paul's instructions to the Corinthians, and renounce the world, even to the extent of casting out from among themselves all who have worldly failings. In avoiding the world, politics, of course, is somewhat neglected, but more formerly than of late. German is also spoken continually in their home life, and this is another "tie," and distinction from the "world." A marked degree of morality pervades this people. The children are edu- cated to read and write well, but higher studies are considered useless. Finan- cially they are prudent, frugal and successful, and allow none of their mem- NEWBURY TOWNSHIP. 241 bers to depend upon the county for support. Besides this home cliarity, for- eign charities are well contributed to. In many of these particulars, the other (jrerman societies agree with the Old Amish. Tliere are four brandies of the church in this township. The other leading one is the New Amish, which is about twenty-five years old, and has about two hundred members. It has but one meeting-place, a frame church, erected in 1883, at the Forks, which cost some $600, and seats 500 persons. In 1881, Jonas Troyer was the Bishop, with four subordinate preachers — Emanual Hostettler, Seth Troyer, Christian S. Plank and Christian Miller. The new church believes in going into the water for baptism, while the old adheres to sprinkling on dry land. There is also no rule in regard to clothing, and more freedom in customs. The Men- nonite Church resembles the Amish, being, in fact, the original from which the Amish sprang, and a union between them is not unlikely. The Mennonites have a church upon the Baubaga road, at Lake Shore, which was erected in the fall of 1874. The German Baptist Church, or "Dunkers," has a large following in tiiis township. The earliest efforts of the church were in 1854, when meetings were begun in the Poynter Schoolhouse. In 1857, the church was partly or- ganized, and Samuel Doney and Samuel Lupoid appointed deacons. Samuel Lupoid has remained one of the ministers and elders till the present. David Evans and Benjamin Leer have also served as ministers. At the present time, David M. Truby is elder of the district, including Newbury, and Benjamin Leer minister of the Shipshewana Church. On Christmas, 1874, this society dedicated a frame church, on the land of Samuel Lupoid, which is valued at $700. Regular meetings are held here fortnightly, and a Sunday school at the Marsh Schoolhouse. The membership of the church is about ninety. The post ofBce of Pashan was established in 1844, and was kept at the house of Amos Davis until his removal, when it w:is discontinued. In 1872, it was re-established at a small settlement north of the Baubaga road, near the center of the township. This little "burg," in 1881, is in possession of one business house, a store, kept by Harmon Stutsman, who is also Deputj^ Postmaster ; the chief in this department is Dr. Myers, the resident physician. These, with the smithy, make up the business part of the settlement. In 1881, a post office was established at the neighborhood called Lake Shore, near Hood Lake, and the ofiicial name of the post office is Shore. It, as well as Pashan and Emma, lies on the mail route between Goshen and La Grange. In 1881, the neighborhood contained about twelve families. Dr. W. H. Shrock, who has been here four years in the practice of medicine, holds the position of Postmaster. The omnipresent blacksmith shops are owned by Benedict Miller and Jacob Lupoid. Amos Walters, who has been a resident for many years, owns a steam saw-mill which was built here about 1870, by Charles and Mon- roe Atwater, and does an extensive business in lumbering. A schoolhouse and the Mennonite Church are on the shore of the lake. In the southeast corner of 242 msTOKY OF la grange county. the township is the settlement and post office, now called Emma ; formerly the place was known as Eden Mills, but went down under that title. The saw- mill here is within Newbury, and is owned by Joseph Schrock. Jacob and Andrew Hostettler are the proprietors of a store, and the former attends to the United States mail. CHAPTEKXV. BY WESTON A. GOODSPKED. MiLFORD Township— LoNO ]>i.st of rioNKEUs— Conjectures as to the First Settler— Fn;sT Township Election- A Backwoods Burial— Hunting Ex- periences—The Regulators— Tiin Underground Railroad— Mud Cor- ners AND South Milford— Tue Educator and the Moralist— Manufact- uring Interests. THE greater portion of the surface of Milford Township is extremely ir- regular and billowy ; and to this may be traced the fact that the earliest settlers in the county passed on to land that could be subjected to cultivation much easier, and that would furnish a more bountiful crop for such labor. While it is mainly true that the greater number of early settlers in the northern tier of townships came from the older settled locality in Southern Michigan, it is also true that the greater number of those in the southern tier first cam-* to Fort Wayne, and thence up the Fort Wayne and Lima road, along which they en- tered their land. During the years 1836, 1837 and 1838, a great rush was made into Milford, the greater number of the following men locating in the township at that period : J. W. Austin, David Ackerman, S. A. Bartlett, John Barry, Jacob Butts, Charles Cope, Jared Cook, Arba Crane, Edmund Clark, Perry Case, Zopher Case (lived in Johnson), William Cochran, Harrison Dues, Brinkley Davis, Nelson Earl, William Fitch, Cornelius Gardiner, Stiles Goodsell, Isaac Holly, John C. Lonsbury, Luther Nesbit, John Nevil, Stephen D. Palmer, Gary P. Newman, William Nevil, Samuel Perkins, Enoch Perkins, Jacob Perkins, Amos Reynolds, Enos Randall, Henry Randall, Erastus Stur- gis, Jacob Sturgis, Edward Shehan, Lyman Sherwood, John Searls and Charles Turner. Some of these men never lived in the township, simply owning the land, and paying tax on the same, and selling out at a small profit at an early day. Several of the men came in with grown-up families of boys, who soon made homes for themselves, and who are yet living to recount their lives of pri- vation while the township was yet fresh"from the hand of nature. The first settler in the township was probably Jacob Butts, although the year of his arrival is not known. It was likely as early a.s 1884, and perhaps 1833, as he was known to havebeen in the township during the spring of 1835. There are some doubts, however, about his being the first settler, as Richard Rice, Will- iam Fitch and one or two others were living in the township during the spring of 1835, and might have been in a year or two before. The facts in the case "■»««^- % ■:»^^' ^^-^//^^ -^^c^^u^ MILFORD TP. MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 245 cannot be learned with certainty ; but it is probable that the three men men- tioned (Jacob Butts, Richard Rice and William Fitch) came to the township some time during the year 1834. These conjectures will have to answer until some one is found who can satisfactorily unravel the tangle. It is said that a man named Bailey came in with Mr. Fitch, locating near him for a time ; but afterward leaving for some other place. Mr. Butts was a German, and re- mained'in the townsliip until the gold excitement broke out in California, wlien e joined the tide 'of emigration westward. His daughter Caroline was mar- ried to George Thompson, of Springfield Township, in 1835, by Rev. T. B. Conley, the^marriage, so far as known, being the first in the township. Rich- rd Rice located on Section 3, where he remained but a short time. Fitch and Bailey established themselves in the southern part. The first white child born was a daughter of Mrs. Fitch, but the infant was feeble and soon died. This was probably the first death. During the summer of 1887, a number of citizens of the township peti- tioned the County Commissioners to set apart Township 36 north. Range 11 cast of the Second Principal Meridian, and constitute the same a separate town- ship. ..^In the petition it was suggested that the township be called Milford. In accordance with this petition, the Commissioners, in September of the same year,"ordered the creation of the township Milford, and the first election to be held at the residence of Samuel Avis, who was probably appointed Inspector. Charles Turner was elected Justice of the Peace, and Col. William Cochran Road Supervisor. The names of the other officers elected are not remembered. Milford was^at first a part of Greenfield Township, but, after August, 1884, and prior to its separate organization as stated above, it was attached to Spring- fieldTor election purposes. At this early day, the three officers of greatest use were Justice, Constable and Pathmaster. There were no roads save winding trails through the woods, and about the first thing the early settlers were called upon to do was to assemble and place some new highway in passable condition. Much of the early tax collected was devoted to the expense of constructing roads. This gave great dignity to the name of Supervisor. Cases of assault and battery were almost every day occurrences. It is amusing to examine the docket of some early Justice of the Peace, and notice the fines that were imposed for a violation of the rights of personal security. At almost every rolling or raising, a bout at fisticuffs took place, resulting in blue eyes and bloody noses, and the subsequent fine for assault. Everybody drank whisky, not necessarily to excess, but simply to realize the exhilarating eSects. It was taken'to cool in hot weather, and to warm in cold ; to drown sorrow and assuage the pain of privation ; to assist digestion and strengthen the weak. Mothers drank it^to' gain strength to endure ; children were given it to make them healthy and strong; all took it because it was regarded as a panacea for all liuman disorders, and one of the necessaries of life. As all, at times, were under its influence, those of quarrelsome disposition were often engaged in 246 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. broils and fights ; and then the servants of the law were required to do their duty. The Justice and the Constable were important personages then. And what a noise the early pettifoggers made ! How profound was their exposition of the fundamental principles of law ! And then what eloquence ! Then it was that every boy went home resolved in his heart to be a pettifogger. Nothing short of that would satiate his inordinate pride and ambition. The early settlers were compelled to endure many hardships unknown to the generations of to-day. Stores and mills were far distant, not only in miles, but from the fact that distances then, on account of the bottomless roads, were practically double what they are at present. Many had no team, some had oxen, and a few had horses. A good grist then was a bagful, and a few acres were a large field. Families lived on pork, corn bread and potatoes. Other articles were delicacies. Some families were extremely destitute. The tax duplicates at the county seat are filled with such expressions as " Too poor to pay," or " Gone away," or " Tax paid by Mr. So-and-so." This was true even when the tax amounted to but 50 cents. It is related that when Nathan Holly's second wife died, her own son John laid her out, and made the rude cofiin with his own hands. James Cochran was called upon for assistance at the burial. He asked Evan Wright to accompany him. These two boys and John Holly were the only ones present at the interment of this pioneer mother. The poor woman had at last found rest in the embrace of death, and over her lonely grave the robin and the wren chirped their requiem of triumph — a dirge of rest to her soul. She was buried in the southern part of the township. Of course the woods, in early years, were filled with wild game. Deer in small herds were every-day sights, and those who were accustomed to the use of the rifle, and knew anything of the habits of these animals, found no dilBculty in killing as many as they desired. Venison was a common article of food on the pioneer tables. Wild turkeys were very numerous, and, it is said, were often so fat that when they were shot to the ground from the tops of high trees, the skin upon their backs burst open like a ripe pod. This is vouched for by more than one old settler. Wolves were numerous and troublesome. They often found their way into sheep-folds at night and destroyed many or all of the flock. Then it was that the old settler breathed maledictions of revenge toward the marauder. On one occasion, Henry Randall fired into a pack of these ferocious animals, and at one lucky shot killed three. Bears were some- times seen, but only rarely. About thirty-five years ago, a number of men with dogs, started a bear from some swamp in Noble County, and chased it into Milford Township. Isaac Carpenter, who was hunting in the woods, encoun- tered the animal and shot it. It is said that Ed Dyer in one day killed five deer. Those who were familiar with the habits of these animals always endeavored to shoot the buck or leader of the herd, as in that case the otliers would stop, thus giving the hunter time to reload. It was often the case that, if the hunt was properly managed, the entire herd fell before the rifle of the MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 247 hunter. Minot Goodsell tells that, to the best of his knowledge, he on one occasion killed three deer at one shot. The circuaastances were about as fol- lows: One morning, late in autumn, after a heavy snow of the previous night, Mr. Goodsell put his horses to the sled and started out to hunt deer, knowing that it would be an e.xcellent time. He drove several miles in a southerly direction, and, while crossing a road, saw three deer bound across the track in front of him. He got a good shot at one, but for some reason missed it. He continued to drive on through the woods, until finally he discovered the tracks of four deer, and in a few minutes later saw them comin£ back, whereupon he concealed himself and shot at one of the herd, but again missed, much to his chagrin. • The one shot at seemed to separate from the rest, as the other three started rapidly in the direction of Mr. Dryer's, and soon entered a dense brushy marsh. Mr. Goodsell hitched his team and crept into the marsh, watching cautiously for another shot. At last he saw one of the deer just over the ridge of a snow bank. He made proper calculations and fired through the upper edge of the drift, expecting to strike the deer in a vital spot, but again he was doomed to disappointment, as the three deer dashed out and scampered away through the snow. He followed them some distance, and noticed that one of them was wounded, as blood drops could be seen on the snow. At last he saw them some distance ahead. One was pawing up the snow, and a minute later it lay down, and the others came back and also lay down near it. Mr. Goodsell crept around so as to get a large log (which was rendered quite high by the foot and a half of snow on it) between himself and the animals, and then succeeded in creeping through the sound-deadening snow to within ten yards of the prostrate animals. After looking a moment, he crept back a few paces, and, quickly cocking his gun, rose suddenly to his feet. The animals leaped up like a flash, but the rifle of the hunter rang out on the morning air, and the nearest deer (the wounded one) fell dead in the snow, while the other two bounded off at full speed. He bled the dead animal and then started after the others, and then noticed for the first time that one of the latter was bleed- ing. Within a quarter of a mile it was found dying in the snow. It was bled, and the hunter started after the other, when to his astonishment it was found also to be bleeding. At last he found it badly wounded, in a little clump of bushes, and dispatched it with his knife. All three deer had undoubtedly been struck by the same bullet. The first one had five bullet holes in its hide, three of which had been made before it was last wounded ; but at all events the last shot brought it down. The other two were undoubtedly mortally wounded by the last shot. The three dead animals were loaded on the sled and taken home. It is related that Henry Randall, one day, saw a large bear in an oak tree eating acorns, whereupon he advanced, fired, and brought it dead to the ground. Col. William Cochran brought with him from Marion County, Ohio, three well-trained Siberian bloodhounds. They were savage animals and had to be 248 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. watched. One day they were heard off in the woods baying at some animal they had brought to a stand, whereupon one or more of the boys went out with his gun to see what was the matter. He found that the dogs had driven a catamount into the top of a large perpendicular branch of a slanting tree, and one of the dogs had succeeded in reaching the foot of the branch, and was standing baying on the slanting trunk, while the others were on the ground twenty feet underneath. At the approach of the boy, and before he could get a shot, the catamount leaped to the ground, breaking its fall on a small ash tree beneath, and, running a short distance, ran up a very high tree and lay down lengthwise on a branch at the extreme top. As it leaped from the slant- ing tree, the dog on the trunk at the foot of the branch leaped after it, and was badly hurt by the fall. The boy hurried up, and, taking aim at the cata- mount, fired, and the animal, with a convulsive spring, fell the whole distance to the ground, probably dying before it struck. Many other incidents of a similar nature might be related if space permitted. To Milford belongs the credit of organizing the first company of Regulators in accordance with an act of the State Legislature, approved in 1852. On the 12th of September, 1856, the following men and others assembled at the Bul- lock Schoolhouse to effect an organization, and devise some means to bring horse-thieves, counterfeiters and other criminals to punishment : J. L. Bul- lock, Alanson Hill, Orrin Fuller, Zopher Case, George W. James, A. P. Case, Jacob Hill, William Hill, Ebenezer Hill, Isaac Carpenter, Charles Cochran, Phillip Helmer, Stephen Shearman and John Shearman. Mr. Bullock was chosen President, Alanson Hill, Vice President, and Orrin Fuller, Secretary. The latter, and perhaps others, was appointed to draft a constitution, which was done, it being presented and adopted on the 20th of September, 1856. This company did very effective service in this and adjoining counties. Milford was the home of Benjamin B. Waterhouse, a native of Connecti- cut, though reared in Oswego County, N. Y. He was one of the noblest and kindest-hearted men that ever lived. From his earliest years, his soul shrank in repugnance from that so-called " divine institution," known as human slavery. His conscience cried out against the wrong, and, at last, led him into promi- nent connection with a well-traveled line of Underground Railroad. He lost no opportunity to assist runaway slaves on their way to Canada, and his house at last became a noted harbor, and was known to colored people far down in the Southern States. The first noted station south of his house was at the Whitfords, in Allen Township, Noble County, while the first one north was at Orland, and the second at the residence of John Waterhouse, twelve miles south of Coldwater, Mich. A volume might be employed in which to tell all the incidents connected with the career of Mr. Waterhouse as an Underground Rail- road agent. He had a covered buggy, or carriage, in which the slaves were placed, when not too numerous (in such case a wagon was used) and a blanket thrown over the heads of the blacks), and conveyed to Orland, and there de- ^AWi^ "^O-c^Aam^^ MILFORD TP. MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 251 livered to a wagon-maker named Clark, or to Mr. Barry and one or two other trusty men ; hence they were taken on to the house of John Waterhouse and other places north. Some hypercritical persons have said that his carriage Btunk terribly of the negroes who rode in it. It is safe to say that Mr. Water- house helped 100 runaway slaves to escape. His neighbors did not molest him, though some were much opposed to what he was doing. It is said that David Randall went out one morning with his hoe on his shoulder to dig potatoes. He had scarcely begun, when a gigantic negro came swiftly from the woods a short distance away, and approached him. Mr. Randall saw in- stantly, from the weary appearance, torn clothing, haggard face, and indis- pensable bundle of clothing of the colored man, that he was a fugitive slave. Thinking to try the fellow a little, Mr. Randall called out, "Look here! you are running away from your master. You turn right around and start back for the South, or I'll report you." It was no fun for the desperate colored man, for he thought Mr. Randall was in earnest. He looked fiercely at the settler for an instant, and then coolly laid down his stick and bundle, took off his ragged coat and placed it on the ground, doubled up a pair of fists that looked like sledge-hammers, and then started for the settler, exclaiming, "Massa, ye'd better got yerself ready ; I'se a comin'." The settler, in alarm, instantly protested that he was only fooling; and the fugitive desisted and went slowly back and put on his coat. Mr. Randall directed him on his way, and the determined fellow was soon out of sight. After the enactment of the fugitive slave law, in 1852, Mr. Waterhouse worked harder than ever for the slaves. Early one morning, during the autumn of 1853, Augustus Whitford, of Noble County, brought five or six fugitive colored men in a wagon to the residence of Mr. Waterhouse. As they were to be taken on to Orland by Mr. Waterhouse without delay, Mrs. Waterhouse and daughters hurriedly prepared them a substantial breakfast. This they dis- patched as only travelers know how, and soon they were again on their way, reaching Orland in a few hours. At this point the whole party, including Messrs. Clark, Barry and others, of Orland, were seen by men who reported the violation of the law to Dr. Marsh, a Deputy United States Marshal resid- ing near there. The slaves were taken on to Canada by the Abolitionists without molestation. The owners of the slaves became aware of how the latter escaped, and learned the names of Mr. Waterhouse and those at Orland who had assisted him. They therefore, in the fall of 1854, had these men arraigned before the United States Circuit Court at Indianapolis for a violation of the fugitive slave law, Mr. Cyrus Fillmore, brother of ex-President Fillmore, ap- pearing as one of the prosecuting witnesses. Mr. Waterhouse was found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of $50 and to be imprisoned for twenty-four hours. Tlie imprisonment was remitted or avoided, but the fine was probably paid. This action of the court did not deter Mr. Waterhouse one iota from frequent future violations of the (to him) odious law. 252 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. About this time, strong anti-slavery meetings were held in various portions of the surrounding country. One was held at Orland, which, at that time, contained many Abolitionists. Miss Whitford, of Allen Township, Noble County, an enthusiastic Abolitionist and a lady of excellent heart and char- acter, was present and sang, with great power and effect, the song, one verse of which is: "The bayiuf! hounds are on my track ; Old massa's close behinfl, And he'8 resolved to take me back Across the Dixon line." A large meeting of the same nature was held at Brushy Chapel, Spring- field Township, about the same time. Miss Whitford being present and singing the same and other appropriate songs. Mr. Waterhouse was a sincere and ardent Methodist, and took his position regarding slavery because he thought that Divine approval would sanction such a course. May his name be written with those of "Old" John Brown and Owen Lovejoy. During the autumn of 1836, Col. Cochran built a dam at the outlet of Long Lake, and over a short race erected the first saw-mill in the township. The mill was provided with a "flutter-wheel" and a "sash saw." It lias changed owners many times and has been subjected to many alterations, but it is yet in operation. George Bassett, at an early day, made shingles by horse- power. He turned out a considerable quantity, finding a ready sale in the neisilibor- hood. Smith & Chaffee built a steam saw-mill about thirty years ago. It was a good mill. They also manufactured shingles. In 1848, the Plank Road Company built a steam saw-mill at South Milford, which, under a change of owners, has been in operation since. It has done a vast amount of sawing. A Mr. Baxter conducted an ashery in the southern part for a series of years. Quite a little village grew up at Mud Corners at an early day. F. B. Masey erected a store building there about the year 1845. He had probably $3,000 worth of goods. Wright & Barry soon succeeded him. They erected an ashery, and for several years manufiictured more than twenty tons of pearl- ash per annum, the greater portion of which was shipped away to market. James Knight began the erection of a brewery at the place, but abandoned the project before the building was completed. George W. Hatch built a tannery there ; he bought hides, but retired from the business before any leather was finished. William Knight conducted a blacksmith shop there ; Judge Seeley the same. William Dunn was Postmaster there, and it is said the office paid the official well. The place saw its brightest days about thirty years ago. The road past the corners and on down into Springfield Township was at that time known as " Brain street," from the number of Judges and other officials who lived thereon. In 1856, John A. Bartlett and Francis Henry, owners and proprietors, laid out forty-seven lots on Section 32, and named the village thus founded MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 253 South Milford. There were four or five families living in the village at the time it was laid out. In about the year 1852, Wildman & Taylor opened a good country store. Jonathan Law was in the partnership in some capacity. Lambert & Rowe appeared with a stock of goods a few years before the last war broke out. Other merchants have been Hamlin Brothers, Dr. Gower, Austin, Jenkins, W. W. Miller, Hamilton Trindle, and the present partnership, J. N. Strayer & Co. The Bartlett Brothers owned the old store building. They erected the first hotel building. Theodore Upson is the present owner of a wagon and carriage shop, which is doing an excellent business. Orrin Fuller was in the same business about twenty years ago. Wildman & Taylor removed their store in about 1857. Fuller & Francis owned a good store at an early day. Dr. Diggins located in the village in about the year 1854, but did not remain over a year. Dr. John Dancer appeared in August, 1855, and has since remained practicing in the village and surrounding country. He is one of the substantial men of the place. Dr. White was in two years, coming in 1869. Dr. Broughton was in three years. Dr. Robinson was in a year and a half. Dr. W. A. Nusbaum appeared with packages and powders last March. The present population is about two hundred. In 1880, the following persons had passed the age of seventy-five : Clarissa Dyer, seventy-eight ; John Fought, eighty-seven ; Kalzamon Gunn, seventy-nine ; Isaac Hey wood, eighty-eight ; Jacob West, eighty ; Mary Fiandt, eighty-nine ; Valentine Groh, seventy- nine : Betsy Gunn, seventy-nine ; Peter Sabin, eighty. Schools started up at a very early day in Milford. The first school build- ing in the township was erected during the autumn of 1836, by several of the settlers in at that time, among whom were the Cochrans, the Goodsells, the Turners, the Butts and others. Orris Danks taught in this house during the following winter, some twelve scholars attending. Danks was a long-limbed, eccentric Yankee. He had a good education for the times, and the backwoods children regarded him as a marvel of learning and greatness. Of couse the Yankee was equal to an emergency of that kind. It did him proud. This schoolhouse was located at what afterward became known as -'Mud Corners," named so from the extremely muddy place at the crossing. The old house was a substantial one, and was used until not far from the year 1854, when another was erected at the same place by Capt. Barry and Judge Seeley. The walls were built of cobble stones and mortar, and the building became known as the " Mud Schoolhouse." Some say that this schoolhouse (built as it was of mud and stone) gave name to the place, but that is a mistake, as the locality was known as " Mud Corners " long before the building was erected. The " mud " house was a poor concern, as the boys soon picked it in pieces with their jack- knives. In this manner an extra door was soon made at one corner, and then the building became dangerous, and another was built. Not far from the year 1840, a log schoolhouse was built in the western part, near the Cases. In about the year 1838, a log schoolhouse was built about half a mile north of South 254 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. Milford. This was probably the second school building in the township. The Baileys, the Fitches, the Sturgises, the Bassetts and others, sent to this house. Two terms of school were taught before 1840, in a building near the saw-mill owned by Col. Cochran. Immediately afterward, a log schoolhouse was built in the Perkins neighborhood. The Cochran school building was erected about twenty-five years ago. The one near the Kinsman saw-mill was built in about 1843, and the one two miles east of it not far from the same time. In those early days, schoolhouses followed the settlers — no regard being paid to their location — just so far apart. Wherever a sufficient number of children were found, there was the spot for a log schoolhouse. The first school structure in South Milford was a frame building, now used as a dwelling by J. A. Bartlett, and was erected in 1854. Miss Hartsock was one of the first teachers. The house was built wholly at the expense of the townspeople, no assistance being received from the Township Trustees. Good schools were held in this house, which was used until five years ago, when the present brick building was erected. The township is at present provided with good schoolhouses. A small Baptist society was early organized at the residence of Col. Cochran. Elder Bailey, of Angola, preached for the few families that gath- ered there. The society survived but a few years. As early as 1838, a Methodist Episcopal society was organized at Mud Corners by Rev. Thomas Conley. Among the early members were B. B. Waterhouse and family, John Searl, wife and daughter, Capt. Barry and wife, John Barry and wife, Jacob Butts and wife, the Trowbridges, Hiram Hunt and others. In a short time trouble arose in the society, and a division occurred, one faction going nortli- west and building the Brushy Chapel, and the other remaining at the old schoolhouse at Mud Corners. After a few years, the latter scattered or died out, but the former has endured until the present. A Church of God society was organized iu the southwestern part about thirty-five years ago. It was instituted, it is said, by Elder Martin, who became the first pastor. Subse- quent pastors have been Elders Hickernell, Thomas, Logue, BlickenstalT, Sands and Bumpus. In 1848, the society numbered some thirty members, and soon afterward exceeded that number, reaching about fifty in 1860. In 1864, the frame church was erected under a contract of $1,000 with W. W. Lovett, the building committee being David Lower, Jacob Sturgis and Jacob Adams. The total cost of the building was about $1,200. The society numbers some sixteen members at present. Sunday school was organized at an early day, Alexander Meleny being the first, or one of the first, superintendents. It was an excellent country Sunday school for many years. Quite a strong Methodist society was early organized in the Cochran neighborhood. It flourished for some eight or ten years. The Church of God society in the northeastern corner had its origin many years ago in the old schoolhouse. Here the mem- bers continued to assemble until some questions arose regarding the use of the schoolhouse, when it was thought best to build a church, which was accordingly CLAY TOWNSHIP. 255 done not many years since. The society is not very strong numerically, though it is doing good work. Some of its best members live in Springfield Township. C HAP T E R XVI. BY R. H. KERICK, Clay Township— Swamps and Marshes— Journey to the Wilderness — Early Homes and Labors— Appalling Mortality in 1838— Growth AND Improvement— Churches and Schools. CLAY TOWNSHIP, though lying near the heart of the county, was one of the latest townships organized and still remains behind other townships in wealth and population. In the earliest days of the settlement, heavy forests and marshes covered the land, with only about five sections out of the thirty-six inviting to the settler. To the north lay the broad prairies and easier cultivated lands of the upper townships, from which Clay was cut off by a long chain of marshes and rivulets and small lakes. At the present time, a large fraction of the land is marsh, and, in 1830, the water was a much more general element than now. At that time the now insignificant Buck Creek would indulge in floods during rainy seasons. The configuration of the township is uninterest- ing, except at the north, where the country is rolling, often approaching the dignity of hills. The only body of water in the township lies near the northern line — Buck Lake — which is yet an attractive little sheet of water, though cul- tivation has destroyed much of the picturesque surroundings it had when it was a favorite " watering-place " of the Pottawatomie braves and belles, when they were out on the Mongoquinong and Goshen trail. This spot is now rich in Indian relics, and a few small mounds or burial places are yet distinguishable. With its disadvantages in character of land. Clay did not rival the richer settle- ments in early years and did not get a start until La Grange came to be the most important town in the county. The first certificate issued for Clay land was No. 4,536 to Nathan Jenks, on June 9, 1835. One of the most interesting of the later entries is that made by the distinguished expounder of the Consti- tution, Daniel Webster, who, it appears, bought of the Government the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 9, and received Land Order 12,656, dated July 20, 1836. The great statesman afterward conveyed it to Senator James A. Bayard, father of the present Democratic leader. In the course of later transfers, the land passed through the hands of the old United States Bank, which was "nullified " by Andrew Jackson. There was but little speculation in Clay lands. A saw-mill on Buck Creek, at the site of the mills now owned by E. Fleck, was one of the first buildings in the township. Before there were any other white men settled in the township, material was prepared in 256 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTV. 1835 by a few settlers from the surrounding country for this mill. Samuel Hood was the builder, but it was not completed until after 1837. Levi Knott then ran the mill. A little settlement grew up with this industry, which formed the nucleus of the township growth. In this neighborhood there settled the Spragues, Madison and Michael, Thomas and Anson Clark, the latter the only single man, and Gilbert, a son-in-law of Thomas Clark. Gilbert soon left the country on account of irregularities which the settlers could not tolerate, even in such a distant outpost of civilization. These pioneers were all from Ohio. Some of them had had bitter experiences coming up through the Black Swamp on the Dayton road, in Ohio, and it took brave hearts to go through the hardships and trials of the journey for the sake of opening up the ague-tainted woods and marshes. In 1836, John Ryason came in, having bought lands near the present site of La Grange. After much hard work in improving the township, he moved to La Grange, and afterward died. Two other early comers were Montgomery and Boyles, who were employed at the mill in 1839. The first birth in the township is claimed to be a daughter to John and Charlotte Ryason, born March 17, 1837. But about the same time, Mrs. Montgomery presented the world with triplets, an occurrence which caused quite a sensation, and people came in numbers to see the little pioneers, not forgetting gifts for the parents, who were very poor. About 1837, Richard Salmon and his father and John Ramsey came to the country from New Jersey. Obadiah Lawrence, an early settler in Van Buren, married in that town, and came to Clay in 1836. He was a member of the first election board in 1838, when there were hardly enough voters to act as officers. One of the Thorps served on this board. There were four of this family, well known at that time — Elisha Thorp, the father ; and his sons, William, John and Jacob. Lived near Lapman's Schoolhouse. Shedrick Carney, one of the most widely known of the men who put muscle into the farms of Clay, came into line on land near La Grange February 28, 1838. He had previously been in the county. He remembers with distinct- ness the bitter weather in which his journey was made, and the deep snow ■which covered the promised land upon his arrival. Mr. Carney was one of the contractors for furnishing lumber for the first court house, at $6.50 per thousand feet. Samuel Carnahan, from Ohio, among the earliest, settled in the northeast in 1843, and lived here until his death in 1867. His sons, Alexander, Hiram and Samuel, are still residents of the county. These pioneers had no easy task before them. The country they had chosen was difficult to open, and there was everything to dishearten all but the boldest. But they were men who could face such work and overcome it. Some of them could chop down a heavy oak before breakfast for an appetizer, and fell an ordinary monarch of the forest for pastime. Many came into the country throujrii mud and pelting snow. For food they must pay 18 cents a pound for ^//^^^^^.^^ ^-/i^ce^^^^^-^-^ CLAY TP. CLAY TOWNSHIP. 259 pork, an article that would severely try a modern stomach. Salt was $9 a barrel and flour $14, and this had to be teamed often through the Black Swamp. But the settlers stood up bravely, and were happy in the prospect of farms of two or three acres, until the ague came. The sickly season of 1838 aifected Clay so much as to practically put a stop to immigration for several years. Entire families would be shaking with fever and chills, unable to render assist- ance to each other. The ague had its favorite home in the bogs and fens of Clay. Other cheerful companions of those days were the rattlesnakes and wolves and Indians. Of the lot, the Indians were the most harmless. They hunted deer through the township a great deal, but never molested the white men. The last of the red men turned their faces to the setting sun and de- parted in 1843-44. Yet, with all their hardships, the settlers were not alto- gether unhappy. Mark Tapley could be cheerful in the "Eden" of swamp that Dickens tells of, and our pioneers were much better located than Mark was, and just as light-hearted. There were social gatherings once in a while, as the settlement increased — gatherings of the men sometimes — and thereby hangs many a tale of lively "shindies" and high old times in some lonely cabin. As time wore on, there were meetings now and then in the old log schoolhouse, which was put up in 1837, near the present residence of John Shirley, Sr. It was only eighteen feet square, but people would go from all parts of the town- ship and the country around about, on foot or in ox carts, and pack it full and overflowing. Another log schoolhouse was erected on Henry Wallace's land in the south, a little later. In the spring of 1836, Eppah Robbins built the first blacksmith-shop on the banks of Buck Creek. All of these old buildings have been destroyed. Although this region was not much sought after for some time (the prairies being preferred), people continued to come in slowly. Among the new-comers of 1839-40 were M. P. Sprague, who came from New York, and, in 1845, opened a brick-yard upon his land ; William Wigton, father of James C. and R. F. Wigton, of La Grange, occupied a farm in the same neigh- borhood. Mr. Wigton, in company with Edwin Owen, built a saw-mill on this land in 1 853, and operated it for six years. In 1864, Mr. Owen removed to Van Buren Township. Another early family were the Woodwards (Mrs. Mar- garet Woodward and her sons, John, William and Thomas), who are yet prom- inent citizens of the township and vicinity. About 1843, there were bad seasons in Ohio, and, in consequence, a con- siderable immigration took place, of which Clay received its share. Prominent among those who settled in the northeast of the township were Sylvester Davis, who remained but a few years ; his son, Franklin Davis (who in his early days managed the Showalter Mill, at La Grange, married in 185(), and went upon the farm in Section 11 which he now occupies); Lewis Merrifield and James Packer, afterward of Bloomfield ; Jesse Everett, David and Silas Latta (the latter of whom is deceased), Josiah Eaton and Oscar Spaulding. 260 HISTORV OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. James Boyd, of Tuscarawas County, Oliio, generously increased the population by settling north of Sayler's Schoolhouse with a family of seventeen children. Mr. Boyd is still numbered among the living pioneers, but his wife is deceased. A little later than 1840, John Merriman bought land in the neighborhood of Fleck's Mills, and, in 1844, John Bobbins, who had been living in the county since February, 1836, at Pretty Prairie and Van Buren, moved into Clay, on to a farm in Section 20. Mr. Robbins was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, moved with his father in 1816 to Ohio, and came to this county with his brothers and sister at the above date. He is still a citizen of the township. One of the most famous characters of the north of the township during the early times was Richard Thompson, or Dick, as they called him, a whole-souled and pious old man, but withal as jovial as any other son of Erin. He invested his property in Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad stock, which, unfortunately, has since then seldom attained the value of 15 cents on the dollar. The settlement on the town-line road between Clearspring and Clay was begun in the years 1835 or 1836, when Erastus Clark, one of the earliest Justices of the township, settled on land now occupied by John Roy; Ernestus Schermerhorn came to the neighborhood about the same time as Clark did. John Roy was here in 1838, but did not at that time remain, being compelled by family misfortunes to return to his old home in Wayne County, N. Y. In 1840, ho came again to Clay and has since been a resident. Mr. Roy has been honored by his township with the position of Trustee for fourteen years, during which time he has erected nearly all the schoolhouses now in use in the town- ship. The other earliest comers were Elisha Taylor, who lived at the present residence of Milton Bingham ; Ilezekiah Beebee ; Leiflick Sanburn, of New England ; Widow Dorcas Bailey, of Ohio ; and Jacob Mosher, of New York, who was in 1881 the oldest man in the township. The people were mostly from the East, and formed an intelligent and kindly neighborhood. In 1842, Mrs. Caroline G. Bingham, with her son Milton and daughter Laura, came to the home of her father, Elisha Taylor, where the mother and son still reside. Their journey was from Allegany County, N. Y'., overland — there were nine in the wagon, and it was an eighteen days' journey. Mrs. Bingham was one of the earliest schoolmistresses, and can also remember, as an incident of that time, when every one turned his hand to everything in the way of work, when she could see specimens of her tailoring on nearly all of the church-goers at the log schoolhouse. Samuel Beatty, who now owns several hundred acres of land and is one of the leading solid men of the township, came in about 1844, and by skill in coopering paid for a yoke of oxen to begin the work of clear- ing ofi' the nucleus of his present possessions. In 1851, Arad Lapman moved into Clay Township from Newbury, and settled where he now lives. In 1843, there was a school begun in the Taylor Schoolhouse, just over in Clcarspring, which was taught by Elizabeth Sanburn, daughter of Eliphalet Sanburn, and afterward the wife of Andrew Ellison, Esq. In 1844, a school- CLAY TOWNSHIP. 263 house was built on Taylor's farm, in which Hannah Parker was the first teacher. A school was maintained here until 1858, when the house was de- stroyed. It was in this house that the body of Charles Wolford, who, in a moment of derangement, cut his throat in a wood near by, in early days, was laid out to await the Coroner. A saw-mill in this neighborhood, owned by Davis i& Fought, and afterward by William Hudson, was burned during the war. Christian Plank built a saw-mill in Section 33, in 1866. The early trading of the settlers was done at Lima, and that town and La Grange continue to be the markets of the township, there being no stores or taverns in its limits. The first road to be laid out was the Baubaga road, running directly west from La Grange through the center of the township, and about the same time the Pigeon road, following in part the old trail past Buck L:ike. About 1840, the road running north and south past the Fleck Mills was opened. Between 1840 and 1850 the population increased at a good rate, and it is impracticable to give an account of the progress of the settlement. The later history of the township, further than that given in our sketches of the churches and schools, gives but a few points for notice. In 1843, there was a memorably severe winter ; provisions were very scarce in the settlement and no way of getting supplies. The snow lay on the ground continuously from the middle of November until the 3d of April. A great many cattle and horses died for lack of food. This was a discouraging time, and the necessity of eating corn-bread as a regular diet created earnest longings for the wheat fields of the East. Among the industries of the township years ago was iron mining in a small way. There are considerable deposits of bog-iron ore, or limonite, in Hobbs' Marsh, which were for a time mined and the oi-e taken to the old forge in Lima Township; but the business soon proved unprofitable and was discon- tinued some time before the war. One of the most important establishments in the county is the Fleck Mills, upon the site of the original saw-mill built in 1837. E. Fleck, in 1881 the sole owner of the mills, was born in 1834, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Upon his coming to age, he went to La Porte County, to learn the trade of carpentering, and then returned to Ohio, where he was married in 1857. In 1865, he came to the township with his father, bought the old mill property, and rebuilt the saw-mill in 1867. In 1871, the flouring-mill was completed, which grinds the grists for a great part of the pop- ulation west of La Grange. The mills have never suffered from fire and no accident has occurred, save an occasional washing away of the dam. In that long-to-be-remembered year of conflagration, 1871, there were destructive fires in the marshes of Clay. One started in the marsh southwest of Fleck's Mills, and came sweeping up in that direction with the fury of a cyclone. The whole population turned out to meet and keep down the flames, and all other work was neglected. A great many fences were destroyed and a barn belonging to Widow Latta was burned. It was so throughout the town- 264 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. ship, and if it had not been for the heroic efforts of the people, much valuable property would have gone up in smoke. A funeral was being conducted at the Sayler Schoolhouse at the time when the fire came up in that neighborhood. The sense of danger and the demand for help at the fire overcame every other feeling, and in a few moments scarcely enongh were left to attend to the burial. The early settlers have had much experience in fighting fire, but none equal to that in 1871. A startling deed of violence took place on the evening of December 18, 1861, which resulted in the arrest of Hiram Springer, Daniel Rowan, Whiting Phillips and several other young men on a charge of murder. The party of young fellows and Mr. Jacob Beam and several members of his family became engaged in an unfortunate conflict at Mr. Beam's house, in which he was struck down and his neck broken, resulting in his immediate death. The men above named were indicted for murder, but all were discharged except Springer, who was found guilty of manslaughter, but was ultimately discharged. On the afternoon of January 20, 1876, an appalling accident occurred in the township, the saddest in the history of the county. A steam saw-raill be- longing to William Price and Joseph Kennedy, and located two miles north- west of La Grange, was blown to pieces on that day, and three men instantly killed. The mill was totally demolished and scattered over an area of ten acres. The proprietors and employes were in the mill at the time of the explosion, and Price was thrown some distance, bruised and stunned. Kennedy was so badly torn and bruised that he breathed his last as soon as picked up. Sebastian Goss, the sawyer, was instantly killed and Henry Corwin, the en- gineer, was terribly mangled. To add to the horror, a little child of Mr. Ken- nedy's was so badly scalded that its life was long despaired of. The proprietors had been residents of Clay for about three years. The terrible event produced a profound sensation. It was one of those mysterious explosions for which no one can be blamed and cannot be explained. Clay Township is now populous and becoming well developed. The marshes are being drained and cultivated, fine roads traverse the township in every direction, the fertile soil is well tilled and yields abandantly, and many fine residences attest the comfortable circumstances of the farmers who have made Clay what it is, and now have a right to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Brief sketches of the churches and schools of the township will serve to indicate its social development. The first religious meetings in the township were held by a Methodist Episcopal minister, stationed at Lima. The same denomination have at present small classes at Green's and Roy's Schoolhousea, whose pastor is Rev. B. H. Hunt. The Rev. James Latham, a very earnest and fiery circuit preacher of the Protestant Methodist Church, began to preach at Sayler's Schoolhouse about the middle of August, and as the settlers had been without religious services for some time, he met with great success, in spite of the unfavorable season. A regular old-fashioned revival was the result ; CLAY TOWNSHIP. 265 people crowded to the meetings, and a great many conversions occurred. The Bethel Church, which continues to be the leading society, was organized at this time. Before this time, there had been an organization of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at the Sayler Schoolhouse, near the present home of Milton Bingham, which was ministered to by Revs. Miller, Fairchild and others. The Bethel society, at its formation, had thirty-five members ; there are now sixty- six. Among the early ministers were S. F. Hale, B. B. Newell, James Mc- Kinlay, H. H. Hulbert, D. B. Clark and Stephen Phillips. The Bethel Church continued its meetings in the Sayler Schoolhouse until 1880, when it was proposed to erect a church. The work was commenced at once with great spirit, the brick was drawn during a busy season from a yard several miles distant, and, in eight months, one of the neatest and most commodious churches in the county was erected, and the debt raised. The church is in dimensions 36x48, is comfortably seated, and accommodates an audience of 400. About one thousand persons attended the dedication services in January, 1881, and the sermon was delivered by President George B. Michelroy, of Adrian College. At this meeting. §1,285 was raised. A pleasant feature of the enterprise was the absence of all discord among the members. Among those who were active in the building of the church were Josiah Eaton, Franklin Davis, Michael Gerrin, Hiram Carnahan, Samuel Carnahan, Samuel Crowl and Ephraim Latta. The Methodist Protestant Church also has societies meeting at Bobbins' Schoolhouse (seventeen members), and at Plank's Schoolhouse (twenty-three members). Rev. L. F. Hutt is the present pastor (1881). Josiah Eaton has been for some time Superintendent of the Sabbath school in Bethel Church, and is Vice President of the County Sabbath School Association. A short time before the Latham revival, the Baptist Church had an organization at the Bobbins Schoolhouse, but it is not now maintained. At Roy's School- house there is a Lutheran society at present. The Amish and German Baptists have a small following in the western part of the township. The earliest schoolhouses have already been referred to. All of those first built in the various school districts have been torn down and replaced by new and commodious houses, except Poynter's Schoolhouse, which is of recent erec- tion. The present houses are known as Shirley's, Sayler's, Ford's, Beatty's, Green's, Rowan's, Robbins', Miller's, Walter's, Everett's, Roy's and Poyn- ter's, all of frame, and valued at $6,500. Twelve teachers are at present em- ployed, and receive $1.40 per day on the average, if of the sterner sex, and $1.13, if women, for an average term of 140 days. The average attendance for 1880-81 was 221, out of an enrollment of 384. The first division of the township into school districts was made January 5, 1844. The following is a list of Trustees for the township: First, Michael Sprague, George Hood and Frank Gould; Second, John Merriman, Elisha Thorp and Obadiah Lawrence; Third, Eliphalet Sanburn, Erastus and Samuel Clark ; Fourth, William B. 266 HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY. ( 1 Elliott, Jared 0. Chapman and Reuben Hays ; Fifth, Michael P. and James M. J Sprague, and Samuel Carnahan. ^ Following is a list of the Justices of the Peace since 1842, as shown by ^ the records : William Woodward, 1851-56 ; Sylvester Davis, 1850 ; Hugh . Finlay, 1849; Levi Knott, 1847-49; J. S. Merriman, 1845-50; Kiah Gould, 1844-49; George Hood, 1842-44; James Finlay, 1855; William . Lewis, 1854-58; Josiah T. Bowen, 1854-58; Thomas Snyder, 1860-72; I Emanuel Fleck, 1868-76 ; George D. Rockwell, 1872-80 ; Lewis Lisher, 1876- 84 ; John Robbins, 1879-81 ; Sheldon Robbins, 1880-84. By the census of < 1880 the following persons, over the age of seventy-five, were shown to be residents of the township : James Boyd, seventy-nine ; John Brindley, eighty- three ; Jerusha Eatenger, seventy-six ; George Eatenger, seventy-six ; Jacob Erb, eighty-three ; Frederick Labold, seventy-seven ; Jacob Mosher, eighty- i two ; Arethusa Mosher, seventy-seven ; Eleanor Norris, eighty ; Hetty ' Sprague, seventy-six. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. TOWN OF LA GRANGE. OTIS L. BALLOU, attorney at law, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., August 31, 1849; son of Pardon D. and Catharine (Bonesteel) Ballou. The family is of French origin, and formerly pronounced their name Valloo. Early in the history of the United States, two brothers emigrated to this country and all of that name now here are the direct descendants of these two. The name is familiar in the halls of Congress and also in literature and religion. Otis L. Ballou was brought to Ashtabula County, Ohio, when a small boy, by his parents, and there reared to manhood. He graduated from the Kingsville Academy in 1868, and in 1869 married .Julia M. Curtiss. The same year, he and his wife, and his parents moved to La Grange County, where he began farming and teaching school. While at this he began the study of law, liaving access to the library of Andrew Ellison. He was admitted to practice in 1872, but did not commence until June, 1875, and continued alone until September, 1878, when he formed a partnership with George A. Cutting, which e.xisied until September, 18S0. Mr. Ballou is a Democrat, and is Mas- ter County Commissioner of the county. He has held local positions of trust, and is one of the present School Trustees. To Mr. and Mrs. Ballou were born two children — Pardon D. and Katie M. •JOHN BARE was bora in Marion County, Ohio, April 24, 1826, one of a family of nine children — six now living — born to Amos and Overbia (Blox- som) Barr, who emigrated from Ohio to VVhite Pigeon, Mich., with the family of John Miller, in 1829. The same year, they staked claims in Greenfield Township, this county — the land at that time not being in the market — and in 1830 moved, built cabins, and made that their final home. Amos Barr dying in May, 1838, John Barr, our subject, made his home in Greenfield Township, from the time he moved there with his parents until his removal to La Grange in 1881. The farm in Greenfield consisis of 180 acres of fine land on English Prairie, and is rented out. He was married in 18.51 to Miss Mary M., daugh- ter of David and Elizabeth (Green) Elya, and who came from New York to La Grange County in 1847. To this union there have been born three children — Julia, wife of Charles H. Miller, of Greenfield Township ; Flemming, who married Ella Fraleigh, and resides in Greenfield Township; and Libbie, wife of M. H. Anderson, attorney, of La Grange. Mr. Anderson's father was the first white child born in Greenfield Township. Mr. Barr is living a retired life. He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic fraternity. MAJ. W. B. BINGHAM was born in Adams County, Penn., November 14, 1819 ; son of David and Sarah (Burns) Bingham — on his father's side descended from Irish ancestors and on his mother's from Scotch. Both of Maj. Bingham's grandfathers came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary war, and 268 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: both served the Colonies, as mechanics, in their struggle for independence. Maj. Bingham, in 1828, emigrated, with iiis parents, to Richland County, Ohio. At the age of ton, he was employed as mail carrier, on horseback, from Mans- field to the mouth of the Black River, at that time a hazardous duty. Young Bingham continued at this until about the age of fifteen, when he engaged at clerking in Mansfield and neighboring towns. Afterward engaged in agricult- ural pursuits until 1847, when he enlisted for the Mexican war, under Col. Brulf, in the Fourth Ohio Regiment. He was first in Gen. Taylor's division on the Rio Grande, but was afterward transferred to Gen. Scott's command. He participated in the battle of Atlixco and several other engagements under Gen. Lane, including Puebla and Waumautala. He remained with Lane until peace was declared, and was discharged as Orderly Sergeant the fall of 1X4S. He returned home, and in 1849 married Mary Dille. In 1855, he moved to La Grange. His health having failed from disease contracted in his Mexican campaign, he gave up farming and engaged in mercantile pursuits Long be- fore the breaking-out of the rebellion, Mr. Bingham had discerned the coming struggle, and being an excellent drill-master, he had a class formed and well drilled, so that on President Lincoln's first call he had troops ready for service. After sending three companies to the front, he was elected Captain of Company H in the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and they entered service in September, 1861. At the battle of Fort Donelson, Capt. Bingham was pro- moted Major of the Forty-fourth for gallant conduct. He was mustered out for disability the spring of 1863, and has since been living a quiet and retired life. He and wife are the parents of five living children, viz. : Huldah, Frank, Emma, William and Edward. SAMUEL BRADFORD, deceased, was one of the first settlers of La Grange County; born in Hillsboro County, N. H., December 20, 1800, and was a lineal descendant of George Bradford, who came over in the May- flower. Samuel Bradford moved, with his parents, to New York State at an early day, where his father died in 1808, leaving a wife, three sons and four daughters. His school advantages consisted of three months' attendance, hav- ing been constantly employed in duties common to pioneer life. In 1820, being a minister of that faith, he was one of four to establish a branch of the first Free-Will Baptist Church in what is now Monroe County, N. Y. He married Betsey Compton the spring of 1825, in Bradford County, Penn. The next day, he left his bride and started into Ohio, where he was absent one year, looking after the interests of his church in Huron, Marion, Hardin, Logan, Champaign, Clark and Madison Counties. He then, with his wife, resided in Marion County, Ohio, five years. The spring of 1831, he came to La Grange County, pre-empting land in Greenfield Township, known as the "Stead farm," and owned by Benjamin Long. He erected a log cabin, and the succeeding fall returned to Ohio, and brought his family and settled on this place, which he sold in 1833 and moved to Springfield Township. In 1834, he erected on Turkey Creek the first saw-mill in the county, and in 1835 added a carding- raill. In 1836, he sold out and, in 1837, returned to Greenfield Township, living upon the farm of Samuel Brown, where he held schools in his house, among the first in the township. About this time. Elder Bradford withdrew from the Free-Will Baptist Church, having adopted the non-resistant and anti- slavery principles, and formed the society at Lexington known as the " Congre- gation of Saints." Elder Bradford was a man of strong religious convictions, and the greater part of his life was given to elevate and better mankind. He TOWN OF LA GRANGE. 269 assisted in the organization of the La Grange Industrial Association, and at the time of his death was a member of tiie La Grange Plialanx. He died December 3, 1845, and to his memory was erected a monument by tlie mem- bers of the Congregation of Saints, on wiiich was inscribed the following : " Brother, in thee Society no common loss sustained, For thou wast to humanity a warm ami faithful friend. Thy life, thy ni)l)ler powers, with uu uusparin;; hand to Goaah L. Cain, who was born in Johnson Township, this county, November 1, 1842, and is one of eight in the family of Simeon and Ann (Oliver) Cain, the former of whom was born in New York November 1, 1808, and the latter in Clark County, Ohio, October 6, 1813. In 1861, Mr. Minick bought a farm in Williams County, Ohio, and in 1868 traded the same for, one in Defiance 'County, Ohio, where he resided until he located on his present farm in this ^township in 1874. He owns 120 acres, and in connection with farming is •engaged in selling agricultural implements. He is a Republican, and a mem- ber of the Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 76, A., F. & A. M. He joined the Masonic Order at Edgerton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Minick have four children, 'William W., a school teachei', Anna M., Frank A. and Charles A. Three of ihe subject's brothers served in the late war, John L. in Company A, Forty- fourth Indiana Volunteer Infintry ; he died at Indianapolis in 1864 ; George W. in Company A, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Joseph S. in "Company A, Twenty-first Indiana Heavy Artillery. The two last named are residents of Muskegon, Mich. BENJAMIN S. MITCHELL, a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., iborn December 22, 1811, is one of eleven in the family of Hugh and Phoebe >(McClure) Mitchell. The parents were natives of Trenton. N. J., and Ches- ter County, Penn., respectively, and Hugh Mitchell was Quartermaster in the iRevolutionary war, also a commissioned officer in the New Jersey militia dur- dng the whisky rebellion there ; his father, Randall Mitchell, was a wealthy tmerchant of Trenton. Hugh Mitchell, when a young man, went to West- •.moreland County, Penn., where he clerked, taught school and was married ; subse- ■ quently removing to Ashland County, Ohio, where he died at the home of his ■son Benjamin, October 4, 1834; his wife died on the 11th of the succeeding April. The subject, at the age of twelve, began working out by the month, and BLOOiMFlELD TOWNSHIP. 303 at seventeen rented land in Ashland County, Ohio, and moved to Huron County, Ohio, where he kept hotel six and a half years, next engaging in the drover business, then in mercantile pursuits, continuing the latter six years at Fiteliville. Huron Co., Ohio. In 1861, he bought his farm in this township where he is living. He belongs to, and was a charter member of Floral Lodge, No. 160, A., F. & A. M., at Fitchville, Ohio, and is also a member of Huron Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church, and is. the (hiughter of Frederick and Martha (Angel) Draggoo, who had thirteett children, and were natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Mr. Draggoo was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; his daughter Eleanor was born May 26, 1815, in Mei-cer County, Penn., and was married to Benjamin Mitchell Jan- uary 3, 1833. They have had six children, two of whom are living — Martha,, now Mrs. Samuel E. Beans, and Dora M., now Mrs. William H. Biddle. ISAAC B. NEWELL is a native of Easton, Washington Co., N. Y.. His parents were John and Joanna (Reynolds) Newell ; the former was born' in Old Hadley, Conn., in 1762, and the latter in New York. Washington County, in 1772. They had twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity. Isaac Newell was born July 14, 1803, married January 4, 1829, and came tO' Bloorafield Township in 1840, where he has since lived on the 140-acre farm that he has cleared and improved. Shortly after coming here he had a narrow escape from the wolves, and himself and wife were once attacked by a panther and chased into their cabin. Mr. Newell was an active Regulator, and owns a. horse that will be twenty-seven years old in May, 1882. Mr. and Mrs Newell have four children — Sabrina P., Harriet T., now Mrs. Thurstin; Charity V..^ now Mrs. Reed, and Anna M., now Mrs. Bunn. Mrs. Lucretia Newell was born in Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y., May 27, 1805, and was married to the subject in Conquest, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Her parents, Jacob and Charity (Pulver) Vandewater, were born in New York. Her ancestors were among the first Dutch settlers in that State, and she has in her possession a chest brought by them from Holland. HARVEY OLMSTEAD was born December 7, 1811, near Lundy's- Lane, Canada, and worked for some time on his father's farms in Pennsylvaniai. and Ohio, and five years on the New York & Erie Canal. In 1833, he came to Springfield Township, this county, where he built a cabin on a tract of Gov- ernment land in Brushy Prairie, and worked at splitting rails until he had saved $50, when he entered the forty acres of land upon which he was already- located. He now owns 320 acres in that township, and a farm of 100 acres m this township which he bought in 1874, and upon which he has since lived. Mr. Olmstead is one of the oldest settlers in the county, and took an active- part in the Regulator movement. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Venater) Olmstead, the former born in Vermont in 1786, and the latter in 1788 in Pennsylvania, where they were married. In 1807, Jacob Olmstead went to Canada, and served in the war of 1812, first as a British .soldier, but subsequently deserted and entered the United States Army. After the war, he settled with his family in New York, but subsequently resided in the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan. Illinois and Iowa, finally returning to this county, where he died in April, 1869. Mrs. Elizabeth Olmstead died in Michigan in 1835 or 1836. Mr. Harvey Olmstead has been left a widower four times. His first wife, to whom he was married April 17, 1834, was Sarah Gage, a native of New York, born February 4, 1813, and daughter of Abraham and Polly (Biengton) Gage, of Vermont. She died July 11, 1841, 304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and of four children born to them, one only is living — Elijah. March 2, 1842, Mr. Olmstead was married to Mrs. Mary (Gage) Anderson, a native of Rutland, Vt., born February 25, 1815, and the daughter of Isaac and Perley (Howard) Grage, of Vermont. They had four children, two of whom are liv- ing — Mary, now Mrs. Samuel Cline. and Frank B. Mrs. Mary (.)lmstead died August 19, 1852. His third wife was Elizabeth Burrell. They were married in 1853, and she died in 1865, leaving four children — Albert A., Clara A., now Mrs. Jennings; Elizabeth C, now Mrs. Routsong, and Jacob A. Mr. Olmstead's last marriage took place March 6, 1866, to Lydia C. McNulty, who died January 21. 1882. having borne her husband two sons — Charles H. and George. ALBERT PRESTON was born May 25, 1840, in Trumbull County, Ohio. His father was James Preston, a native of Beaver County, Penn., where his birth occurred in 1809, December 9. His mother, Mrs. Mary A. (Matthews) Pres- ton, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, April 1. 1816. Albert Preston is one of twelve ciiildreii ; in 1853, accompanied his parents to Indiana, and worked on his father's farm in this township until 1859, when he began an ap- prenticeship at the carpenter's trade with John Q. Reed, of La Grange. He worked at carpentering summers, and attended school winters, until August. 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into service September 24, 1861. He was with his regiment in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Cbattanooga, and was wounded at Rocky Face, Ga., May 9, 1864, after which he was detailed as Commissary Sergeant, at Gen. Grose's brigade headquarters, where he remained until he was mustered out at Indianapolis Sepferaber29, 1864. He married Miss Mary J. Moore, December 14, 1864. She was born July 15, 1842, in Trumbull County, Ohio, and is the only child of Andrew B. and Jane L. (Thomas) Moore, the former a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and the latter of Wales. Mr. Preston has been engaged in farming and the stock business ever since the war, settling on his present farm in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Preston are Presby- terians, and have had born to them four children, three of whom are living, namely, Effie M., Francis A. and Alice L. JAMES M. PRESTON was born in Youngstown, Ohio. February 17, 1835, and is the son of John and Ellen Preston, natives respectively of Penn- sylvania and Ireland. Mrs. Preston died in Youngstown, Ohio, when the sub- ject was but eight months old. John Preston came to Indiana in 1850, and is yet living in this county ; he is seventy-three years old, and devotes his time exclusively to farming, having in his younger days followed mechanical pur- suits. James Preston came to this State with his father ; tlie latter ran a saw- mill about twelve years, in which James M. was employed part of his time. He was married in this county, September 15, 1857, to Lockey J. Price, a native of Preble County, Ohio, and the daughter of Francis and Sarah Price, the for- mer a native of Virginia, and the latter of New Jersey ; they came to Noble County, Ind., in 1841, and six months after moved to this county, on the farm now owned and occupied by the subject, where they died. Mr. Preston, after renting land two years, settled on twenty-eight acres given him by his fatlier, and began dealing in organs and other musical instruments, which busine.<8 he has successfully continued up to the present time. He carries a full line of goods, and all orders for music are promptly filled. About 1870, he opened an office in La Grange. From 1874 to 1880, he was engaged in the sale of agri- cultural implements and sewing machines. Mr. Preston owns eighty acres of BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 305 land, which is farmed under his supervision. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have had three children — Ella E., Frank and Marion, deceased. H. M. PRICE was born in this county July 16, 1843, and is the Youngest of nine children born to Francis M. and Sarah (Miller) Price, the lat- ter of whom was born October 5, 1801, in Elizabethtown, N. J. Francis Price was a native of Montcromery County, Va., born May 8, 1797, and when four years old moved with his parents to Preble County, Ohio, where he received a fair education and when quite young served an apprenticeship of four years at the tanner's trade. When of age he started for Oregon, but, after reaching St. Louis, abandoned that project, and for six months ran a ferry boat at St. Charles. Returning to Ohio, he followed his trade until 1835, when he trav- eled over Indiana and Illinois, returning to Preble County the same year to resume his trade. In 1836, he entered 320 acres of land in this township, 110 of which is now owned by the subject. In 1840, he went to Noble County, and entered about 800 acres of land; located in this township in 1841, where he died January 30, 1878. Mrs. Sarah Price died July 29, 1872. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and he was a Republican. Henry M. Price, in 1864, with his brother Thomas, went to California, via New York and Panama, returning in 1868 via Nicaragua to this township where he bought his present farm. While in California he was engaged in the stock business, and made a second trip there, but returned in 1871, and was married Novem- ber 23 of that year to Elizabeth P. Hoagland, who was born June 28, 1844, in this county. She is one of eight in the family of Jacob and Sarah E. (Sher- man) Hoagland, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Price have no children ; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Edwin L. Price, a broth- er of the subject, went to California in 1849, where he was engaged in mining and farming for sometime; he died there December 4, 1874. Another brother — Harvey — went to tliat State in 1852, engaged in mining, and has not been heard from since 1871. Thomas Price is supposed to have been killed by the Indians in Idaho in 1870. MANLEY RICHARDS, one of tive children born to Joseph and Rachel (Davidson) Richards, is a native of Clark County, Ohio, where his birth oc- curred October 29, 182i>. His father was born in Virginia, July 5, 1803, and reared in Clark County, Ohio, where his marriage occurred. He emigrated to this county in 1836, and entered 80 acres of land in this township, a part of which is now included in the farm of Manley Richards. Here he built a log house and began clearincj, owning at the time of his death, in November, 1849, 120 acres of well improved land. Manley Richards acquired a common-school education while assisting on the home farm. After his father's death, himself and brother farmed the old homestead until 1856, when Manley Richards pur- ctiased his brother's interest. He has now 145 acres. April 2, 1857, he mar- ried Elizabeth Barnes, and two children born to them are living, Annetta, now Mrs. Sherman, and Albert R. The mother died at her home December 22, 1875. She was born in Ohio June 4, 1839, and was the daughter of Edmund and Susan (Beardsley) Barnes, natives of New York. Mr. Richards is a Democrat, and a thriving farmer. FRANKLIN RIFE is the only child of Abraham and Susan (Lighter) Rife, natives of Pennsylvania ; the former died in 1842, in Richland County, Ohio, where Franklin was born October 26, 1833. Mrs. Susan Rife is living, and resides with the subject. He learned the carpenters' trade in his early 306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: manhood, and followed the same until 1872, since which time he has been en- gaged in farming. He bought a farm in this township in 1856, which he exchanged in 1864 for the one where he is now living. Mr. Rife came to this township in 1855, and after he was married, October 20, 1856, took a trip to Ashland County, Ohio, returning to this township in the following spring, where he owns 110 acres of desirable land. Mrs. Mary A. Rife is the daugh- ter of Isaac and Sophia (Ernsberger) Hogmire. She was born in Ashland County, Ohio, on the 26th of March, 183'.t. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rife — Samantha, deceased September 26. 1863; Ida A., now Mrs. Wyland ; Laura ; Elmer A. ; Susanna, died May 12, 1871 ; Maggie M. and Lilly B. * JOSEPH ROYER, son of Jacob and Mary (Michael) Royer, is a native of Summit County, Ohio, where his birth occurred November 11, 1838. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His fother, soon after he was married, moved to Summit County, Ohio, where he bought a farm and resided until about 1858, then removed to Uniontown, Stark Co., Ohio, where his wife died in July, 1861. He died at the same place in 1879, having, however, married a second time. At the age of eighteen Joseph Royer learned carpea- tering ; previous to this had worked on his father's farm. He followed his trade several years in Ohio, and continued it in Johnson Town.'ship, this county, after moving there in 1861. In 1865, he bought 80 acres of unimproved land and worked at clearing in addition to carpentering In 1873, he sold out and rented a farm near Wolcottville, remaining until August, 1874, when he came^ to his present location, having purchased it the preceding spring. Mr Royer was married May 12, 1864, to Elizabeth P. Eshleman, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Erford) Eshleman, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born January 2, 184.5, in Summit County, Ohio, and is one of eight children. Mr. and Mrs Royer have had three children, Elmer E., Mary L. and Emma M. Mr. Royer is a Republican, and himself and family are all members of the Evangelical Church. MRS. MARIA SARGENT was born at Lock, Cayuga Co., N. Y., October 27, 1808. Her father — James Young — was a native of Ireland and a soldier of the war of 1812. He held two prominent county offices in Ca- yuga County, N. Y. Her mother — Mary (Mow) Young — was of French descent. She died at Lock, N. Y., September 20, 1845, in her seventy-eighth year. She was a member of the M. E. Church. They were the parents of eleven boys and two girls. Maria, when ten years of age, went to live with Moses Dixon, at Brutus, N. Y., and remained until February 28, 1830, when she was married to David Sargent. They came to this township in 1840, he having traded his farm in New York for land here, where Mrs. Sargent now lives. This farm Mr. Sargent cleared and improved. Soon after coming here he had a barn raising and invited his neighbors to assist, as was customary in those days. This they refused to do unless supplied with liquor, which Mr. Sargent refused them, he being a strict temperance man, making a speech that had the desired eifect. The barn is still standing and was the first raised in the township where liquor was not used. Mr. Sargent died at his home Sep- tember 15, 1881. He was a member of the M. E. Church and was a much beloved and respected citizen. He was a native of New Hampshire, where his birth occurred January 3, 1805. Of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sargent, five are living, viz. : Eliza R., now Mrs. McKibben ; Maria M., now Mrs. John Preston ; Alfred ; Janet, now Mrs. Rowe ; and Mary A., now Mrs. Hodgson. BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 3U7 ELIAS SCHROCK first came to Indiana in 1842, with his father, and worked at farming and in a saw-mill until he was twenty-two years old, when he bought 126 acres of land in Elkhart County. Previous to coming here he had worked, from the age of seven to fourteen, in a carding factory in Ohio. After selling his first purchase in Elkhart County in 18-5.3, he bought another farm of 160 acres north of Goshen. In 1865, he sold and came to Clearspring Township, this county, bought a farm, sold it 1872 and moved to Eden Town- ship; purchased 200 acres of land and sold it in 1873, for $100 per acre; next locating in this township, where he has a farm of 180 acres. March 5, 1850, Mr. Schrock was married to Eliza Gerber. She was born, May 13, 1826, in Stark County, Ohio, and his birth occurred March 11, 1826, in Holmes County, Ohio. She was the eldest of thirteen children born to David and Susanna (Buchtel) Gerber, natives of Pennsylvania. They are members of the German liaptist Church, of which Mr. Shrock has been a minister about fourteen years. They have had nine children — Anna B., now Mrs. Yoder: Louis C, who died July 8, 1874; Lydia M., now Mrs. Berkey; Susanna, now Mrs. W. H. Swi- hart; Harriet E.. now Mrs. Rudisill; David D. ; Melvin C; Emma D. ; and Mary R. The parents of Elias Schrock were David and Margaret (Borntrager) Schrock, both natives of Lancaster County, Penn., the former born August 24, 1797, and the latter November 26, 1790. David Schrock, when about eighteen, moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where he was married in April, 1817. His business was carpentering and farming, and he was a member of the Amish Church until after Mrs. Schrock 's death, December 22, 1850. Mr. Schrock was again married, in 1852, to Mrs. Melissa (Ball) De France, a native of the East, and on the day of their union both united with the German Baptist Church. In May, 1842, he moved to Elkhart County, Ind., farmed and ope- rated a saw-mill until he entered the mercantile business at Goshen. He died October 81, 1873. His ancestors were Swiss and German and he was the father of eight children. ISAAC SEARS is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., born Novem- ber 7, 1828, is the son of Eleazer and Sarah Sears, natives of New York, the former of Saratoga and the latter of Onondaga County. They came to this county in 1841, and located on Brushy Prairie, where they died and were in- terred in Brushy Prairie Cemetery. Eleazer Sears died from an accident caused by a team running away that was hitched to a reaper, from which he received injuries and expired about seven hours afterward. Isaac Sears re- ceived an average education, and remained with his parents until he was mar- ried, February 18, 18.53, in this township, to Miss Laurinda Tuttle. Her parents. Lemon and Diadamie Tuttle, were natives of Ohio and farmers by occupation ; they died in this county. Subject and wife settled on a farm of 236 acres, in Springfield Township, this county, that Mr. Sears had previously purchased. He increased his land to 436 acres, and farmed and raised live stock on a large scale. May 10, 1874, his wife died and he was married in Onondaga County, N. Y., February 11, 1875, to Miss Sarah Van Alstine, the daughter of James and Abigail Van Alstine, natives of New York, where her father died and her mother is yet living, at the age of sixty-six. They removed from Springfield to this township in October, 1880, where they have a well im- proved fiirm, good buildings and fine brick residence. Mr. Sears now owns 868 acres of land, and has given eighty acres to his son. All of his property has been accumulated by his own efibrts and industry, with the exception of 100 acres of land and $400 in money, that he inherited. He is extensively 308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: *>ngage(i in live stock dealing, and his farm annually yields large profits. For 1878, the wheat crop alone was 3,000 bushels, averaging thirty-two bushels per acre. Mr. Sears is one of the most prominent citizens, and has two sons, Charles E. and David A., both of whom are married. ORMUND SISSON is a native of Norway, Oneida County, N. Y., where his birth occurred March 18, 1810. He is the son of Abraham and Amy (Cole) Sisson, and the youngest of three children. When Ormund was ten years old his mother died, and he was bound out to Alfred Martin, with whom he remained until he was eighteen, then went to Ontario County, N. Y., and was employed working on a farm and stage driving, afterward learning the carpenter's trade, which he has followed to some extent ever since. He re- ceived but a few months schooling, and December 25, 1832, was married to Ann Brooks, who was born in England June 13, 1817, and is one of nine children in the family of George and Elizabeth (Smith) Brooks. In October, 1841, Mr. Sisson bought eighty acres of land in Steuben County, Ind. In 18-52, he returned to Ohio and engaged in the grocery business at Montpelier. He continued this enterprise about a year, then settled on a farm in Williams County, Ohio; disposing of his property in 1854, he emigrated to Indiana, bought his farm of 120 acres, and has ever since resided in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Sisson have had nine children born to them — Elizabeth (now Mrs. Metzger), William A., Edward 0., George K., Laura P. (now Mrs. Spears), Amy A. (now Mrs. Munger), John H.. Albert H. and Edgar F. Edward 0. served in the recent war, was a member of Company G, Eighty-eighth Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry. George K. served in the same company and regiment. He died in hospital, January 20, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn. SAMUEL SOMES came to this township in 1855, and in 1859 bought eighty acres of unimproved land which is now a cleared and improved farm, comprising one hundred and twenty acres. The four years preceding this he worked out by the month, receiving from §12 to §15 wages. He was married, January 1, 1861, to Sarah A. Mills, a native of Cayuga, N. Y., where she was born April 3, 1838. She is one of three children in the family of Jacob and Margaret (Passage) Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Somes have a family of three children — Eugene S., Ettie J. and Nathaniel W. Mr. Somes has been a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F. for about eighteen years, and has passed all the chairs. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (Barnes) Somes, of New York, and is next to the youngest of eight children, all of whom are living, subject being born March 10, 1834. Mr. Somes served actively in the Regulator movement, and is a substantial farmer and citizen. ANDREW J. TAGGART is the son of James and Sarah (McCasson) Taggart, of Salem County, N. J., who moved in 1823 or 1824 to Muskingum County, Ohio, where Andrew J., one of nine children, was born May 18, 1829. James Taggart died in Licking County, Ohio, in 1837, after residing there two years. Mrs. Sarah Taggart subsequently went to Fairfield County, Ohio, where her death occurred May 29, 1869. They were both descendants of Quaker families, and Mr.' Taggart followed tailoring in the early part of his life, but latterly became a farmer. In 1853. Andrew J. Taggart started from Hebron, Licking Co., Ohio, overland to California, in company with four others. While in Salt Lake Valley, the Mormons threatened to prosecute them for burning timber on Government land, the Mormons claiming it as their own. In California Mr. Taggart kept a trailing-post near the summit of the Sierra Range, about two months, during which time he met with an adventure with a BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 309 grizzly bear. For three years he was engaged in mining, then returned to LickiniT County, Ohio, arriving December 31, 1856. He came to this town- ship in 1857, and was- married, February -t, 1858, to Helen M. Gould. She was born September 5, 18-39, in Marion County, Ohio, and her parents, natives respectively of Vermont and Ohio, were Hiram and Abigail (Brundage) Gould. Mr. and Mrs. Taggart had five children, three now living — Jennie A., Hiram J. and Frank. iVIrs. Taggart died April 7, 1873, and Mr. Taggart was mar- ried to Nancy J. Schermerhorn June 21, 1877. She was born in this county March I'i, 1855. Her parents 'were Michael and Mary (Poynter) Schermer- horn. Maud A. is the only child of the subject and wife. Mr. Taggart is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., which order he joined in California. JAMES THOMPSON was born in Marion County, Ohio, December 11. 1835, and is the eldest child of Joel and Lucinda (Odle) Thompson. The lat- ter was born July 21, 1810, in Maryland. Her father, William Odle, served in the war of 1812, and was stationed several months at Fort Wayne. Joel Thompson, a native of Pennsylvania, born February 26, 1813, was orphaned at an early age, but cared for until the age of thirteen by an uncle, John Thompson, by whom he was taken to Marion County, Ohio, and afterward lived with James Dota until he became of age. He was married, February 9, 1835, and settled on eighty acres of land given him by Mr. Dota in Marion County. In 1842, he sold out and came to this county ; bought eighty acres of land on Brushy Prairie, built a house and began clearing. He again sold in 1854, and came to this township ; bought a farm of eighty acres ; sold in 1862, and removed to La Grange, where he died December 28, 1868. Mrs. Lucinda Thompson died at the home of the subject in this township May 2, 1875. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James Thompson was com- monly educated and reared on his father's farm. November 2, 1859, he was married to Miss Patience Clark, who was born in Fulton County, N. Y., August 5, 1835. the daughter of John Y. and Hester (Westbrook) Clark. They have two childrem — Clara B. and Lenora. For six years Mr, Thompson farmed on shares for his father, then removed to Johnson Township, this county. In 1871, he bought the farm of eighty acres in this township where he continues to reside. EDWARD W. VALENTINE is the son of John and Sarah (Talbott) Valentine, natives of Maryland. In earl}' manhood, John Valentine went to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he owned a farm and was married. About 1828, he moved to Seneca County, Ohio, entered 160 acres, and lived there until his death, which occurred in October, 1863. He served in the war of 1812. Mrs. Sarah Valentine died in November, 1867. They were both members of the M. E. Church, and had a family of ten children. Edward W. was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 5, 1832, and, until he became of age, worked on the home fai*m ; after which, he farmed for his father eleven years on shares. In 1864, he removed to and located permanently in this township, where he owns a well- improved farm of 120 acres. September 6, 1855, he was married to Lydia A. Coon, who was born in Canada February 10, 1839, and is one of seven in the family of J. W. and Eliza C. (Shipman) Coon, natives of Canada. Mr. Valen- tine is a reliable and enterprising Republican citizen. They have had a family of five children — Salina B. (now Mrs. Rose), Viola V., Revilow L. (who died at his father's home, February 4, 1882, in his twenty-second year), Nettie M. and Lilly Bertha. DAVID VAN KIRK is a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., where he was born August 20, 1 827. His parents, Thomas and Eleanor (Johnson) Van 310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Kirk, were born in the same county — September 16, 1791, and October 17, 1800, being tlie respective dates of their births ; ten of eleven children born to them are yet living. Thomas Van Kirk was in the war of 1812, moved to Rich- land County, Ohio, in 1830. and two years afterward entered eighty acres of land in Seneca County, that he subsequently traded for 160 acres of improved land in Huron County, Ohio. He sold this farm in 1845, and came to this township, built a saw and carding mill, which he was engaged in operating up to the time of his death, which occurred September 1. 1861. David Van Kirk worked in his father's mill from 1846 to 1850, and after his marriage, Novem- ber 2, 1851, farmed on shares several years, buying, in 1855, the farm upon which he now dwells. It comprises 108 acres, and the log cabin is yet standing where they first lived. Mr. Van Kirk, since 1848, has been a member of the Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 76, A., F. & A. M., and has represented the same in the Grand Lodge ; he also belongs to the La Grange Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., of which he was High Priest four years. Mrs. Van Kirk was formerly Lucre- tia Newell, and was born in Wayne County, N. Y., January 27, 1828. She is one of eleven children born to Thomas B. and Lois (Thurston) Newell. The par- ents were natives of New York, ami early pioneers of La Grange County ; his birth occurred April 15, 1801, and hers December 3, 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk have three children — Lucretia I. (now Mrs. McNutt), Lissa A. (now Mrs. McKibbin), and David A. The subject's mother yet survives, and is a resident of Iowa. BENJAMIN W. VESEY is one of six children in the family of William and Adaline (Copeland) Vesey, natives of Orange County, Vt., where also the subject was born February 8, 1829. William- Vesey, in 1835, emigrated to Lake County, Ohio, thence to Elkhart County, Ind., in 1838. Here he bought 120 acres of land that he subsequently sold, removing to a farm ne;u- Goshen. He was a Democrat, and, in 1862, was elected Sheriff of Elkhart County ; served in the late war as a private some time, but afterward was detailed in the Commissary Department until he was discharged. October 3, 1872, he died at his home, and being a member of the A., F. & A. M., was buried with Masonic honors. Benjamin Vesey received a fair education, and one year attended the University at Greencastle, Ind. In 1849, he went overland with an ox team to California, where he was engaged in mining and teaming until 1851, when he returned to Indiana, and bought a farm in Lima Township, this county ; sold in 185 ), and bought one in Springfield Township in 1857, removing in 1864 to La Grange, and settling on his present farm of 365 acres in 1865. In 1853, February 8, he married Sarah P. Waterhouse, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Penley) Waterhouse, natives of Maine, and parents of nine children. Sarah P. was born in Androscoggin County, Me., February 26, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Vesey have a family of five children, viz., George E., William J., Allen J., Charles E. and John H. Mr. Vesey is a Republican, and a leading farmer. LIMA TOWNSHIP. CHARLES L. ATWATER was born in Luzerne County, Penn., April 11, 1843, son of Thomas S. and Hannah (Enoes) Atwater, natives of the Empire State. They were married in Pennsylvania, and removed to this township in 1855. In their family were four sons — Myron, Charles L., John E. and Mon- IJMA TOWNSHIP. 311 roe. The father was a blacksmith, but in this State followed farming. He was a Democrat, a strong Union man and a Christian. He amassed a com- fortable fortune, and died in 1870, and his wife in 1875. Charles L. was reared upon a farm and received a fiiir education. At majority he began farming for himself. After three years he erected a saw-mill in Van Buren Township, and after two years moved it to Newbury Township, where he suc- cessfully operated it some four years longer. He then sold out, came to Lima, and engaged in the furniture trade. He was burned out in 1878, and the same year erected two two-story brick business rooms in Lima, one of which he now occupies as a furniture sales room. He keeps a good line of goods, and is steadily increasing his business. He owns 160 acres of land in Van Buren Townsliip, and a nice residence in Lima. He was married to Miss Sarah Boor, Septem- ber 8, 1870 : a native of Illinois, and born July 4, 1850. Three children have been born to them — Artimus S., Gussie and Jennie M. HENRY H. BASSLER, son of John and Barbara (Hostettler) Bassler, natives of Lancaster County. Penn., and descendants of Swiss ancestors. Henry H. was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 18, 182-t, but his parents dying when he was a boy he resided with relatives until manhood, working at farm- ing. He received but a common-scl\ool education, and November 11, 1845, was married to Elizabeth Rohrer, born in Washington County, Md., July 11, 1824. Soon after Mr. Bassler moved to Erie County, Penn., where he resided until the spring of 1860, and then removed to La Grange County, locating in Green- field, where he lived until 1868, and then moved to Lima. Mr. Bassler has always followed farming, with the exception of seven years, when he was en- gaged in grain trade. He owns 108 acres of good land, besides valuable town property in Lima. He has, by his own endeavors, worked his way from a poor boy to a substantial citizen. In politics he is a Republican, and has held va- rious township positions. He and wife are the parents of three children — Ja- cob R.. Aaron C. and Susan H. Only the last named is now living. She is the wife of John Lazenby, and resides in Lima Township. PETER BEISEL, son of Peter and Mary (Carver) Beisel, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were raised and married. The father was a hatter, and soon after his marriage engaged in mercantile pursuits in Gettysburg, Penn., but at the end of a few years removed to Baltimore, where he met with business reverses, and in 18-30 came to White Pigeon, Mich., and the succeeding year moved his family there, where they ever afterward made their home. Mr. Beisel had accumulated considerable property at the time of his death, in 1839. He and wife had four sons and one daughter. The subject of this biography was born in Adams County, Penn., February 26, 1814. He lived at home until about twenty-two years eld. In 1887, he came to Lexington, in Greenfield Township, and engaged in mercantile business with A. K. Brower. In 1848, he sold out and then erected a grist-mill. In 1853, he sold this and purchased, where he now lives, 420 acres of fine farming and grazing land. Mr. Beisel is a Republican, was formerly a Whig, served in the Black Hawk war, and was the first Postmaster at Lexington. He was married, August 18, 1839, to Margaret Ellison, born in Ireland August 10, 1816. To them were born ten children — Mary S., Margaret A., Julia L., Rebecca, Andrew M., Thomas J., living; and Sarah J., Elizabeth F., Francis J. and George W., deceased. Mrs. Beisel died February 24, 1871. SAMUEL BURNELL is one of the oldest resident citizens in the county, born in Yorkshire, England, December 24, 1809. His parents, Will- 312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: iam and Hannah (Haller) Burnell, were natives of Yorkshire, and had a fam- ily of twelve children. In 1829, our subject emigrated to the United States, and for about a year worked by the month for John Coats, a farmer near Whit© Pigeon, Mich. In 1830, Thomas Burnell, a brother of Samuel, came to the United States, and soon after the two brotliers went to Greenfield Township, where Samuel preempted 160 acres of land on English Prairie. About this time, the parents emigrated to this country and located at White Pigeon, where, in 1837, the father died, aged seventy-three years, and his wife three years later, aged sixty-five. Samuel worked on a farm and at the carpenter's trade some years after coming to this county, investing his savings in land. He lived upon his farm in Greenfield Township some twenty-five years, with the exception of the years 1836 and 1837, which he spent as contractor and builder in Milwaukee, Wis. In 1862, he rented his fiirm and moved to Lima. April 4. 1839, he married Miss Mary A. Mason, born in New York State, Novem- ber 29, 1817. They have three children — Ellen, John and Jennie. Mr. Bur- nell helped to organize and was a director of the Indiana State Bank, of Lima, and is a large stockholder in the present Lima Bank. He is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church, and a most worthy citizen. DANIEL W. COLE was born in Wayne County, N. Y., August 22, 1822, a- son of Peter J. and Amy (Corwin) Cole, natives of the Empire State, where they were married, and in 1830 moved to near Detroit, Mich., which became their old home. The father was a farmer, and a hard-working, sober and well-respected citizen. Daniel W. is one of five children. When but a small boy his mother died, and at the age of nineteen he left home and began life's battle on his own responsibility. In 1840, he came to Lima, purchased a threshing machine, and for twenty seasons followed threshing. After some time, by close economy, he was enabled to purchase a small piece of land. He has increased his acres, and now owns 400 well-improved in Lima Township, and 110 acres in St. Joseph County, Mich. He was married to Meloniit Stevens, November 26, 1846, a native of Orleans County, N. Y.. born March 2, 1826. They had five children — Byron J., Amelia E.. Lydia. Celia and Cora. Mr. Cole is a member the Baptist Cliurch, and a Republican. When he came to Lima his wealth consisted in 25 cents, a good constitution, and a determination to be somebody. His present circumstances illustrate his success in life. REV. CHRISTOPHER CORY is one of the oldest settlers and best known citizens in the connty. He was born January 13. 1800. at Westfield, N. J., and is one of eight children born to Benjamin and Susanna (Denman) Cory, also natives of New Jersey. The father was for many years an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. Christopher Cory was reared upon a farm, and up to twenty-one years of age, had received but a good common-school education. He then entered an academy preparatory to the study of theology. He was licensed to preach when twenty-six years of age, and one year later was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church. Soon after, he was assigned a charge in a mining district of Pennsylvania, where he labored some time, and then went to Orange County, N. Y. In 1832, he was sent by the Home Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church as an evangelist to labor among the In- dians and early settlers of Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana. Ho began at Lima, Ind., and at the end of the fourth year was able to report to the society the organization of eight churches. He continued to work until 1848, when from a throat difficulty he was compelled to quit active service. In LIMA TOWNSHIP. 313 1827, he married Miss Mary H. Baker, born Iq Westfield, N. J., May 2, 1801. To this union were born four children — William B., James R., Mary P. and Henry M. Mrs. Cory died April 13, 1877 ; she was a most worthy Christian lady. Mr. Cory lives with a son upon the old homestead, and has the respect of all who know him. JOHN CRAIG (deceased), one of the old pioneers of La Grange County, Ind., was born in Pennsylvania December 23, 1784, and was there reared to manhood. He married Miss Jane Derr, who was born in the same State in 1796, and to them were born the following children : James, Esther, Joseph, Serena, John, Robert and Mary. In 1835, they left their native State and started West to obtain a new home. They stopped one year in Crawford County, Ohio ; then came to La Grange County, and located on the farm now owned by Augustus Hamilton in Lima Township. The country at that time was an almost unbroken forest with wild animals in abundance. Mr. Craig was a poor man when he arrived here, but went to work with success. He had the confidence and respect of his friends and neighbors. He died December 1. 1875, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. His widow yet survives him and resides in Lima Township at the age of eighty-six years. The following are sketches of four of the sons : James Craig was born in Columbia County, Penn., April 1, 1820. He was reared on a farm and assisted his parents in their labors. He always lived with his parents, and in this way the father and sons worked together, but now the sons each own separate farms. James owns 160 acres of good land. He is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and an enterprising citizen. Joseph Craig was born September 23, 1823, in Columbia County, Penn., and, in 1836, came with his parents to this county where he has since resided. He received a common-school education, and February 1, 1855, married Miss Louisa R. Stevens, born in Orleans County, N. Y., February 28, 1833. To this union were born two children — Edith L. and James E. The mother died May 1, lr"<81. She was a good wife, a kind and loving mother and a Christian. Her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Joseph Craig is a Repub- lican. He owns 100 acres of well-improved land, and is a successful farmer of Lima Township. John F. D. Craig was born in Columbia County, Penn., April 17, 1830, and was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the log schoolliouse. He was united in marriage with Miss Augusta L. Bishop .January 20, 1857, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 29, 1832. To them have been born four children, viz.', Edward D., Gertrude A. and Edith M., living; and Frances E., deceased. Mr. Craig owns 236 acres of well-improved land. He raises good stock of all kinds, and is a practical and successful farmer in Lima Township: He is a Republican, and he and wife are hospitable, public-spirited people. Robert Craig was born in Columbia County, Penn., and reared in Lima Township. He married Miss Jennette Keith December 12, 1865, who was born in Lima Township March 3, 1843, a daughter of Sidney and Sophia (Wilder) Keith, who were among the first settlers of the county. Robert Craig followed farming, and was much respected. He died September 27, 1877. To him and wife were born two children, viz., Alton K. and Jennie J. Mrs. Craig resides upon the old homestead, and is a lady of social and moral worth. The Craig family stand well in the county, and are appreciated for their unassuming ways, goodness of heart, and strict integrity. 314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOHN CRAIG. This gentleman was born in Columbia County, Penn.. February 1, 1826. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah Craig, both natives of the Keystone State. John was reared upon a farm, receiving a common-school education, and December 26, 1865, was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Johnston. She was born in the same county as her husband, June 5, 1829. To them have been born two children, viz.: Sarah E. and Joseph S. In 18-57, came to this county, which he has since made his home. He began life as a poor boy and is a self-made man. He is a Democrat, but liberal in his views. He owns 160 acres of good land and is a respected and useful citizen. WILLIAM CRAIG was born in Columbia County, Penn., November 5. 1827, a son of Joseph and Sarah Craig. His father was born in North- umberland County, Penn., in 1800, and his mother in Luzerne County, Penn., in 1797. They were reared and married in their native State, and to them were born three sons and three daughters. Joseph Craig was a farmer and an honorable man ; he died in 1845, but his widow is yet living. William Craig received only a common-school education. On the death of his father he took charge of the home farm, and has since cared for his aged mother, who lives with him as does also a sister. In 1854, he first came to Lima, Ind., but after two years returned, and in 1857 brought his mother here, where he purchased 240 acres of land. This property has since been divided among the heirs, our subject now owning 120 acres; this he has nicely improved. Mr. Craig is a practical and successful farmer and stock- raiser. He has always been a Democrat and still works in tlie ranks of that party. GEORGE H. DAYTON, M. D., is one of the oldest and most successful practitioners of medicine in Northern Indiana; was born in Newark, N. J., January 15, 1824, the only child born to George C. and Phoebe W. (Little) Dayton, both natives of that State. This family of Daytons are descended from one Ralph Dayton, who came from Bedfordshire, England, in 1673, and located on Long Island. His descendants have been called upon to fill positions of honor and trust in different States and under the Federal Government, and the name is one of the most widely known in the country. George C. Dayton held an Ensign's Commission in the State Militia of New Jersey, and" was for many years engaged in the mercantile business in the city of New York. It was from the schools there that our subject graduated at the early age of fifteen years. He then entered the Literary Department of the University of that city, where he remained some three years, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. Valentine Mott, and in 1845 graduated in medicine. In 1846, he came to Ontario, this county, and practiced until 1879, when he moved to Lima. September 20, 1864, he married Miss Louisa Thompson, born in Mor- ris County, N. J., November 24, 1834. To them two children have been born, viz.: George and Mary. Dr. Dayton is a Republican and a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He is a member of the different medical asso- ciations of Indiana and Michigan, and of the National Medical Association. He is a close student of pathology, as he finds it in nature, and has been a leader in the use of new and rational remedies. WILLIAM II. DEPUY was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., July 19, 1818; his parents were Moses M. and Elizabeth (Hedges) DePuy, natives of Long Island, N. Y., where they were married and shortly after moved to Sul- livan County, and thence to Livingston County, N. Y., in 1813, and in 1836 they moved to Marshall County, Mich. After a time they removed to Wiscon- LIMA TOWNSHIP. 315 sin, and then returned to Michigan, where they afterward died. Mr. DePuy was a tanner and currier, also a shoemaker. He and wife were parents of thir- teen children. William H., at sixteen, served at the brick and stone-mason and plasterer's trade. In 1834, he came to Sturgis, Mich., and purchased a farm. He taught school in the village of Sturgis the winter of 1834—35. In 1844, he came to Lima. In 1851, he went overland to California, where he rained and worked at his trade until 1858, when he came b;ick and engaged in mercantile pursuits in Lima. Since 1861, Mr. DePuy has been engaged in various callings. He is a Republican, and has been Postmaster of Lima seven years, and Justice of the Peace of Lima Township twelve years. Mr. DePuy was married September 3, 1845, to Harriet A. Ranson, born in Connecticut in September, 181tj, and died May 21, 1869. Their children were Harriet, Charles, Helen, Lyman, Harrison, James, Marv and Ellen. March 5, 1872, Mr. DePuy married his present wife, Mrs. Lydia Favourite, born in Elkhart County, Ind., March 15, 1842. Mr. DePuy is a Mason, and his son Charles served four years in quelling the rebellion. NEWTON ENOE is a native of Hartford County, Conn., born Septem- ber 11, 1799, one of four children to Oliver and Electa (Colton) Enoe, natives respectively of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The mother dying when New- ton was an infant he was raised by his grandmother until old enough to work for himself. He learned the tanners and currier's trade, and worked at that a numljer of years. In 1823, he married Electa Walker, a native of Vermont, and in 1835 emigrated to Elkhart County, Ind., where his wife died soon after- ward, leaving two sons — Newton G. and Orange W. In 1845, Mr. Enoe re- moved to La Grange County. His present wife was Miss Elizabeth Blair, born in Ross County, Ohio, November 11, 1809, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Houlton) Blair, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Defiance County, Ohio, in 1824, and in 1828 removed to La Grange County, locating about a mile west of the present site of Lima. They had four children — Fran- cis A., A. H., Benjamin H. and Elizabeth, only the last named, Mrs. Enoe, living. In 1832, Mr. Blair died of cholera. Newton Enoe was formerly a Whig, and became a Republican on the organization of that party. Mrs. Enoe is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has bravely shared all ad- versities and labors with her husband in building the home with which they are blessed. TIMOTHY FIELD was born June 8, 1811, in Windham County, Vt., son of Timothy and Welthy (Bishop) Field, natives of Madison, Conn. The father was a graduate of Yale College, and a Congregational minister. In about 1800, he went to Canandaigua, N. Y., and built the first church in that place. He remained in this field of labor some seven years, when he moved to Wind- ham County, Vt., where he ever after resided. He was twice mai-ried. By the first wife there were five children, and by the second, three. Our subject at fourteen years of age entered Canandaigua Academy, where he remained two years, and then aecepted a position as clerk in his brother's store. He remained in Ontario County, N. Y., engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1838, when he came to this county, purchased a tract of land which he cleared and nicely im- proved. Since 1872, he has been engaged in merchandising. He was married to Mi.ss Hannah Mosher in 1840. She was born in Romulus, N. Y., May 9, 1809, and died December 13, 1871. Mr. Field married Miss Ellea L. Foote October 31, 1874. She was born in Mount Morris, N. Y., March 3, 1849. They had two children, viz., Timothy B. and Gertrude E. Mr. Field was twice 316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: elected to the Legislature of the State. Was Enrolling and Draft Commissioner for La Grange County during the late war, and has held the office of County Commissioner three years, besides other offices. He is the Postmaster at On- tario, and a member of the Congregational Church, and in politics a Republican. ABBOTT FLEMING was born in Sus.sex County, N. J., November 25, 181-3. This family of Flemings are descended from one Malcolm Fleming, who died in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1736. He had three sons — Tliomas, William and Andrew, who, in 1751, came to America and settled in Hunterdon County, N. J. Thomas had three children — Thomas, James and Margaret. William had one son — Andrew ; and he, five children — William, Eleanor, Mar- tha, Malcolm and Margaret. William, the eldest, is the ftither of our subject. He was a native of New Jersey, also his wife, Elizabeth Cook. The father passed almost his lifetime near Alexandria, N. J., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was for many years a Trustee and Elder of the Pres- byterian Church. He died in 1833. To him and wife were born the follow- ing : Eleanor, Jacob C, Thomas, Andrew, William, Joanna, Tylee and Abbott. Our subject was brought up on a farm. When about seventeen years of age, he began working at the stone-mason and plasterer's trades, and after his ap- prenticeship, engaged in business for himself. In 1837, he came to this county and settled on the farm he now owns in Lima Township. May 6, 1837, he mar- ried Miss Margaret Semple, born near Glasgow, Scotland, November 16, 1815. To them was born a son — William. They also adopted a daughter — Eliza J., wife of David Leighton. William, their son, has been twice married. His first wife was Mary J. Howard, who was the mother of his only child — Oren A. His second wife was Mary A. Craig. Abbott Fleming is a stanch Republican, and an Elder in the Lima Baptist Church. ASA E. GANIARD was born in Ontario County, N. Y., August 31, 1833, the son of Silas and Lucinda (Wilder) Ganiard, natives of Bristol, On- tario Co., N. Y. They were married in their native State and removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., in early times, which became their permanent home. They had five children, whom they reared in a creditable manner, giving them such advantages as their means afforded. Asa E. remained on the home farm until twenty-three years of age. He was married to Miss Jane Keith July 3, 1856. This lady was born in Lima Township April 9, 1838, the daughter of Sidney and Sophia (Wilder) Keith, natives of New York State and among the first settlers of La Grange County. Mr. Keith was well and favorably known, and among the first County Commissioners. By our subject's marriage to Miss Keith, there has been born to them four children, viz. : William B., James W., Asa E. and Sidney K. In 1859, Mr. Ganiard came to this township and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1864, he went overland to the Pa- cific Slope, making his home in California and Oregon five years, during which time he was at work in quartz mills. Since his return he has followed farming. He owns 120 acres of well improved land in Lima Township. He is a stanch Republican and possesses good social qualities. WILLIAM HILL was born in Derbyshire, England, September 1, 1821, son of Thomas and Mary (Peat) Hill, natives of England. The father was a carpenter, and in 1831 emigrated, with his family, to Pennsylvania. In 1835, he moved to Michigan, and in about three years removed to Cook County, 111., and then returned to Michigan, near Sturgis, where he engaged in farming. William Hill, at twenty-one years of age, learned the molder's trade, and after working four years in Sturgis came to Lima, then went to Coldwater. LIMA TOWNSHIP. 317 In 1848, he returned to Lima, and two years later purchased the Lima Found- ry, which he operated, in connection with A. L. Taylor, until the spring of 1861. Mr. Hill then sold his interest and engaged in the hardware and dry goods trade. After the winter of 1863, he dealt in real estate about two years, and then again engaged in hardware trade — during this time carrying on his farming. He continued the hardware trade alone and in partnership with Joseph Bunnell until 1878, when he sold out and has since been farming and operating in real estate. Mr. Hill is in good circumstances. He owns 450 acres of land in La Grange County, 250 in Michigan, besides some in Kansas and valuable town property in Lima. He is a Republican. June 20, 1847. he married Miss Lucinda Sparks, born in Genesee County, N. Y., June 29, 1830. To them have been born three children — Ellen, February 13, 1853; James W., January 13, 1857; and Mary I., August 5, 1858. GEORGE and LEVI HORNING. George Horning was born in Cumberland County, Penn.,July 24, 1811, and Levi in the same county, January 29, 1823. sons of George and Susanna (Myers) Horning, natives of Lancaster County, Penn.jwho were married in their native county, and soon after moved to Cumberland County, and in 1849 came to Lima Township, where they after- ward resided. They had a family of two sons and two daughters, and were industrious and intelligent people. George and Levi, after their parents' death, took charge of the home place, which became theirs. The two brothers farmed in common, sharing equally. George has always remained single, and in early life learned and worked at the blacksmith's trade. Levi was married to Miss Rachel Zeigler, July 4, 1856. She was born in Cumberland County, Penn.. April 11, 1826. From this union there are six children, viz.: Manuel, Ezra, Cornelius, Mary, Frederick and Albert. Levi Horning departed this life Jan- uary 18, 1874. He was a kind husband and father, and was universally re- spected. George resides upon the old homestead with his brother's widow. The Hornings are among the most worthy people of the county. JOHN B. HOWE, born of English parents in the city of Boston, March 3, 1813, was destined by force of character, and by natural ability, to achieve his present honored position. His father, the Rev. James B. Howe, an elo- quent minister of the Episcopal Church, and his beloved mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Badlam (the name having been changed from Bedlow, in re- cording an early deed), were Puritans, who gave fair education to their family of eight children. The father was a graduate of Harvard College, and aii earnest advocate of education and morals. Stephen Badlam was Brigadier General of militia, who joined the Colonial army in 1775, and the following year, as Major of artillery, took possession, July 4, of the point which, from this circumstance, was named Mount Independence. After the war, he located at Dorchester, where he became Magistrate, and Deacon of the Church. At the age of sixteen, John B. Howe entered Trinity College, from which institution he graduated at the age of nineteen. This was in 1832, and in autumn of the same year he went to Detroit, thence to Marshall, Mich., and in 1833 he moved to Lima. He had read law in Michigan, was subsequently admitted to the bar, and for a number of years practiced with success. Of late years he has been engaged in banking. He is the author of several volumes on Political Economy and Finance, his logic and research securing the commendations of able critics. He was a member of the State Legislature of 1840, representing the counties of Steuben, De Kalb, Noble and La Grange ; and, in 1850, was a member of the Indiana State Constitutional Convention, at which time, he, as 318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a Whig, advocated measures regarding the slave, identical with those afterward adhered to by the minority of Justices in the Dred Scott decision. In 1846, Mr. Howe was married to Miss Frances Gidden, a native of the Granite State, who was born in 1825. Mr. Howe has a beautiful home, and enjoys that satis- faction resulting from a life of charity and humanity. MRS. SARAH A. HUDSON was bom December 10. 182-3, in. Port Gib- son, Ontario County, N. Y., daughter of Stephen and Normanda (Finney) Ailing. The father was a native of New York and the mother of Connecticut. They were married in the Empire State and were the parents of two children. Mrs. Hudson received a common-school education, and remained at home until her marriage with Mr. Isaac G. Hudson, which occurred, October 8, 1850. He was born in Chatham, Columbia County, N. Y., March 31, 1819, and soon after his marriage moveil to Wayne County, N. Y., remaining there until 1854, when he moved to this county, and purchased the farm now Mrs. Hudson's home. In less than a year after their arrival in this county Mr. Hudson died. He was a man of extended information, and a graduate of the Weslyan Sem- inary, of Lima, N. Y. His death was a great loss. In his family were the following children : Sarah .J., Pliny E. and Isaac G. Mrs. Hudson's old homestead comprises 200 acres of well improved land. Pliny E. has the man- agement of it, and is a practical and successful farmer. He is a Republican, enterprising and public spirited. ELIAS KEPLINGER was born November 9, 1815, in Washington County, Md., one of a family of nine sons and three daughters born to Joseph and Catharine (Snyder) Keplinger, natives of Maryland. The parents moved to Virginia, near Harper's Ferry, soon after tlioir marriage, and from there, in 1832. to Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Here the father died at the age of eighty- four years. His widow survives him. and is eighty-si.x. Elias Keplinger was brought up to farm labor. He married Miss Emily Hoverstock, in 1842. She was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 25, 1825. They had seven children, four of whom are yet living, viz. : Catharine, Mary E., Charles H. and Etta M. Mrs. Keplinger died February 22, 1865. Mr. Keplinger mar- ried Miss Lydia A. Medaugh, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, for his second wife. She died, Decembers. 1878. December 11, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Fridlie, born in the canton of Berne, Switzer- land, May 13, 1844. Mr. Keplinger came to this county in 1864, and pur- chased his present farm. He began life as a poor boy, and is a self-made man. He is a Republican, a member of the M. E. Church, and a successful farmer and stock grower. OMAR A. KIMBALL, was born in Orland, Steuben Co., Ind.. November 9, 1837. He is the son of Augustus Kimball, a native of the Empire State, who came with his parents to Calhoun County, Mich., in 1833. After two jears the family removed to Orland, where the grandfather of our subject ■erected one of the first grist-mills in Northeastern Indiana. Here Augustus Kimball married Miss Eliza Eaton, and to them were born three children. He has been engaged in farming and milling at Orland for some time. Omar A. Kimball received a common-school education, and when fourteen years old was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, serving a term of five years at $o per month. After he had learned his trade, he worked in Orland some time, and then went to Sturgis, Mich., and worked over three years. In 1857, he came to Lima, but soon after went West, stopping two years in Kansas. He then returned to Lima, and worked at his trade until 1862, when he enlisted in LIMA TOWNSHIP. 319 Company C, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He became regi- mental blacksmith, and served until the close of the war. Since his return from the army, he has worked at his trade in Lima. He was married, January 18, 1861, to Mrs. Emily L. Morse, born in Williamson, N. Y., May 27, 1829, to Zimri and Vashti (Overton) Atwater, who removed from New York State to Lima Township, in 1835. They were the parents of nine children. There was one child born to Mrs. Kimball by her first marriage, viz. : Loren. From her union with Mr. Kimball there were two, viz. : Lillie and Charley. Mr. Kimball owns a large two-story brick building where he carries on his trade. He owns a nice home property, and is doing a good business. He is a Republican. J. CALVIN KINNEY, is a native of Burlington, Vt., and is of Scotch descent. The family came to the United States during the seventeenth century. The grandfather of our subject assisted the Colonies in their struggle for independence, and two of his sons served in the war of 1812 — one as a Captain. .John C. Kinney was a machinist, and when a young man worked at his trade in New York, wihere he married Miss Amy Rowley, and soon after- ward moved to Burlington, Vt. After some years, he removed to Huron County, Ohio, and in 18-32 started on horseback through Indiana. He returned to Ohio the same year, and in 1833 moved his family to Lima, and ever after- ward made La Grange County his home. For some years he carried the mail on horseback from Toledo through to Fort Defiance, White Pigeon and other places, and, while engaged at this, died. J. Calvin Kinney was born January 3, 1828. When seventeen years old, he learned the shoemaker's trade. After working at this eight years, and farming three years, he came to Lima. In 18.55, removed with his family to Minnesota, but returned in three years. Mr. Kinney assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Lima, and engaged in banking, brokerage, collecting and dealing in real estate, and has arisen to a position of wealth and comfort. He was married, February 22, 1848, to Miss Teressa Griffeth, who was born in Wayne County, N. Y., July 27, 182w. To this union were born seven daughters — Alice T., Amy E., Arroma L., Amelia M., Annettie D., Ada C. and Annie L. JOHN R. KIRBY was born in Leicestershire, Eng., March 2, 1802, one of eleven children born to John and Charlotte (Reddals) Kirby, who emigrated to this country in 1831 and settled in Lake County, Ohio. They were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John R., when young, began work- ing at hosiery making. He came to this country with his parents and engaged in firming near Painesville, Ohio. He was married in England, in 1829, to Miss Hannah Kirby. They hail two children — Albert, who died at seven years of age, and Amy L., who died May 18, 1861. Siie married John Tay- lor, of Lima. They had one child. Mrs. Hannah Kirby died in 1847. On the 5th of October, 1859, he married Mrs. Abigail W. (Charter) Durand, born in Burton, Ohio, Mav 13, 1815. They had three sons, viz.: Burritt E., Charles P. and James A. The latter is the only one living. He was born in 1853, and married Miss Emma White in 1879. She was born in Lancaster, Penn., in 1858. All the Durand boys received a liberal education, Burritt E. graduating from the Iron City College, at Pittsburgh, Penn., July 14, 1865. James A. is engaged in the drug trade at Lima. Mr. John R. Kirby came to Lima in 1859, and after about three years engaged in the drug trade. In 1878. ill health compelled him to retire. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. 320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ALONZO D. MOHLER, A. M. and A. B., is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born January 26, 1848. His ancestors were from Germany, who came to this country in the eighteenth century. His father, Amos Mohler, was a native of the Keystone State and his mother (Maria Rasor) of Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye State and had ten children, of whom Aloiizo D. was the eldest. The father, in early life, learned the carpenter trade and after his marriage took up contracting and building. He worked at his trade in Dayton, Ohio, a number of years, and then engaged in mercantile pursuits in Shelby County, Ohio. In 1865, he moved to lluntington, Ind., where he now resides. He is a man of intelligence and greatly aided in the remodeling of the old school law of Ohio. Alonzo D. Mohler learned the carpenter trade with his father ; after which he served an apprenticeship at cabinet-making. Up to the time he was twenty years of age he had received common education. After some private instruction, he entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, Ind., and in 1873 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts and in 1876 that of Master of Arts. Soon after graduating, he took charge of the Muncie High School, and after one year came to La Grange to take charge of its public schools, which he has raised to their present high standard. He left the La Grange school and was given charge of the Lima school, with four assistant teachers. He was united in marriage with Miss Albina Davies January 1, 1874; born in Huntington County, Ind., July 27, 1850. To them have been born two daughters, viz.: Inez and Ruth. Mr. Mohler is a Republican and a member of the M. E. Church. CHARLES G. NICHOLS, son of Drusus and Rebecca B. (Graves) Nichols, who were born, raised and married in Sherman, Litchfield County, Conn. In 1834, Mr. Nichols came to La Grange County ,^and purchased the mill at Mongo (or Union Mills). He operated this some two years, during which time he purchased a tract of land, and then returned to Connecticut for his family. Mr. Nichols was a thorough business man, and was largely engaged in farming, milling and mercantile pursuits, at one time owning a commission warehouse in Fort Wayne. He assisted in building the old plank road in La Grange County, and was on hand where enterprise was required. Charles G. was born September 13, 1835, in Litchfield County, Conn., and is the only survivor of three children. At the age of nine years he returned from Indi- ana to his native State, where he remained until eighteen, receiving a good common-school education. He was married, June 21, 1859, to Miss Ellen Bur- nell, who was born on English Prairie, La Grange County, May 8, 1840, and to them have been born the following family : Drusus B., Mary, Charles S., Samuel B.. Morse F. and Gunther. Mr. Nichols lived in Greenfield Township until within the past year, when he removed to Lima to educate his children. He is a Republican, and has held the position of County Real Estate Ap- praiser. He owns 450 acres of good land. SAMUEL S. PARKER was born in the city of Philadelphia, in 1817, son of Samuel Parker, a native of the Bay State, who. during the war of 1812, went to Philadelphia to work at carpentering, and there married Miss Sarah Long, a native of Nova Scotia. He worked at his trade in Petersburg, Va., and at other points, till 1818, when he moved to Columbia City, Penn., and sub- sequently to Genesee County, N. Y. In 1833, he came to Lima Township, with four double teams and a one horse buggy, probably the first brought to Lima Township. He bought a large tract of land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was a man of much more than ordinary ability, generous LIMA TOWNSHIP. 321 to a fault, and scrupulously honest. He died in 1857, and his wife in 1870. They had the following children: Lucy A., Samuel S., Lucy A., Ursula R., Orlinda, Romilda. George H. and Columbus C, four of whom are yet living. Samuel S. married Miss Orilla French, in 1854. She was born in Lake County, Ohio, in 1833. They had ten children, viz. : George H., Orlinda, Theodore, Romilda, Rosamond, Mary and Fanny, living ; George, Timoleon and Homer, deceased. Mr. Parker owns 600 acres of land, and has a beauti- ful home just across the State line, in Fawn River Township, St. Joseph County, Mich. As a Republican, he has held the oflSce of Justice of the Peace in the township in which he lives. JOEL SANDERSON was born in the town of Brookfield, Orange Co., Vt., December 26, 1816, son of James and Rebecca (Hovey) Sanderson. The father was the first white male child born in Woodstock, Vt. The mother was a native of Canterbury, Conn. They were married at Lyme, N. H., and took up their residence at Woodstock, Vt. In 1828, they removed to Huron County, Ohio. Here, September 2 of the same year, the father died. There were ten children — Joel being the youngest. He, soon after his father's death, began working out, receiving but small pay. During the winter months, he would work for his board and attend school. In this way, he received his edu- cation. His marriage with Miss Mary A. Legg occurred August 7, 1842. She was born in Chisleborough, England, August 11, 1816. They had eight children, viz.: George W., James, Wilbur F., Sarah A., Rebecca, Eva, Ase- nath E. and Charlotte. Mr. Sanderson came to this county in 1844, and purchased a farm in Greenfield Township, where he lived until 1869, when he purchased his present place, consisting of 280 acres, well improved. He is a Republican, and has held various otEcial positions. He was at one time Major of the Second Ohio Militia. GEORGE D. SEARING is the son of I. W. and Ruth B. (Upson) Searing. The father was born in Essex County, N. J., December 10, 1802, and the mother in Morris County June 26, 1808. They were married Novem- ber ly, 1828, and had the following children, viz. : Caroline. Noah, Angeline, Henrietta, George D. and Susan. Mr. Searing's mother died when he was a child, and he lived with friends until about twelve years of age, when he entered a chair factory, where he remained seven years. He then worked as a "jour" two years, after which he engaged in business for himself, in his native county, remaining there until 1837, when he came to this county, and pur- chased 100 acres of land on Pretty Prairie, and engaged in farming. In 1870, he came to Lima and embarked in the furniture trade, in which he has since continued. Mr. Searing is a hard-working, industrious citizen. George D. was born in Greenfield Township, this county, March 31, 1847. He received a common-school education, and married Miss Sarah Byron, January 20, 1876. She was boi'n in Darke County, Ohio, September 21, 1842. From this union there are two children — Annie and George. George D. is connected with his father in the furniture trade and undertaking. He is Justice of the Peace for Lima Township, and is a stanch Republican. JOHN SMITH. This gentleman was born in Clark County, Ohio, October 24, 1823; son of David and Elizabetii (Hurd) Smith, who came with their family to this township in 1833. [See biography of William Smith.] Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving such education as the schools of that early day afforded. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah R. Parker March 19, 1855. This lady was born in Genesee County, N. Y., January 322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 12, 1827. From this union there was one child, viz.: Sarah A. Mrs. Smith died March 26, 1860. January 23, 1862, Mr. Smith married Miss Serena Craig, who was born November 19, 1827, in Columbia County, Penn. From their union there were two children, viz. : Mary J. and Charles C. Mr. Smith first voted with the Whig and then with the Republican party. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and a practical and successful farmer. He has done much to improve the stock in the county, and now has on his place as finely bred horses, cattle and sheep as are to be found in this locality. WILLIAM SMITH was born in Clark County, Ohio, January 10, 1822, one of ten children, to David and Elizabeth (Hurd) Smith, natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland, and married in Ohio. The Smiths are of Irish descent. David Smith served in the war of 1812, under Gen. Harrison. The Hurds are of German extraction, and came to Clark County, Ohio, as did also the Smiths, during the war of 1812. David Smith and family emigrated to La Grange County in 1883, locating on the farm now owned by John and Hugh Smith, in Lima Township, purchasing 860 acres, on which he resided until his death. Mr. Smith became a faithful worker with the Abolition party, and was among the first County Commissioners. He advocated and practiced temper- ance and frugality. His death was a serious loss to the community. William Smith received a liberal education, and for twenty years taught school winters and worked at farming summers. He taught the first term in the new school- house in Lima ; represented La Grange County in the State Legislature, in 1855 and 1867 ; he cast the deciding vote in rechartering the " State Bank of In- diana," and in his second term assisted in electing 0. P. Morton to the U. S. Senate. For some time he has been in the lumber trade and agricultural im- plement business. He is a Republican, a Mason, and belongs to the Presby- terian Church. He was married in 1847 to Esther Craig, born in Northum- berland County, Penn., in 1822, and died in 1866, leaving three children — Senator B., Mary E. A., and John C. In 1870. Mr. Smith married Kate Wood, who was born in La Grange County. Ind., in 1844. To them were born two children — William D. and lone C. OSCAR J. SPAULDING was born in Windsor County, Vt., April 20, 1824, son of Thomas and Sabra (Proctor) Spaulding. The father was born in Massachusetts, in 1801, and his wife in New Hampshire, in 1800. They had five children. Mr. Spaulding followed peddling in Vermont until 1827, when he moved to Wayne County, N. Y.. and engaged in the manufacture and sale of patent medicines. In 1835, he came to this county, remaining some time. He returned to Wayne County, and the following year came back to this county and purchased quite a tract of land. In 1837, he moved his family here, and engaged in farming and speculating. lie was one of the directors of the first bank at Lima, and was, in an early day. Associate Judge of La Grange County. The children were Oscar J., Wesley J. (now a Professor in an Iowa college), Maritta C, Antoinette H. and Lois A. Oscar J. was married to Miss Mary A. Tyler, September 27, 1844, and followed farming until the breaking-out of the rebellion. Under the first call in 1861, he enlisted as a private in Com- pany K, Seventy-eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, and went into active service in Virginia. After about six months, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and was successively promoted through all the grades until he held a Colonel's commission. He was in thirty-six engagements and was twice wounded, remaining until the end of the war. He has a brilliant war record of which he may justly feel proud. After his discharge he engaged in farm- LIMA TOWNSHIP. 323 ing and stock-raising. He owns 335 acres of land, well improved. Mrs. Spaul- diti'' was born in Trenton, Mich., July 24, 1826, daughter of Isaac and Eleanor (Kiiapp) Tyler, who were early settlers of St. Joseph County, Mich. Mr. and Mr.s. Spaulding have had the following children : Mona E., Jonathan L., De Alton F. and Florence A. ROBERT D. THOMPSON was born November 19, 1828, in Morris County, N. J., one of five children born to Aaron and Mary (Dayton) Thomp- son, natives of New Jersey. The Thompson family settled in New Jersey be- fore the Revolutionary war, and during that long and bitter struggle they were active in serving the best interests of the Colonies. Aaron Thompson was a farmer, and in 1835 emigrated to La Grange County with his parents, locating in Gieenfield Township, where he resided until 1857, when he removed to Lima, which, ever afterward, was his home. He was a man who commanded the respect and confidence of his neighbors. Robert D. Thompson was fairly educated, and February 18, 1858, was married to Miss Mary Cooper, born in Morris County, N. J., September 2, 1887 ; to them have been born five children —Hal S., Stephen C, Mary D., Elizabeth B. and Robert H. Mr. Thompson resided on the farm until the spring of 1865, when he moved to Lima and en- gaged in the grain and produce trade. He is a Republican and has held vari- ous township offices. He is prospering and stands well as a business man and citizen. JONATHAN B. UPSON was born in Morris County, N. J., March 13, 1810. one of seven children. His father, Jesse Upson, was a native of Litch- field County, Conn., and descended from an old New England family. He studied medicine, became a physician ; served in the war of 1812, and for a number of terms served his constituents in the State Legislature of New Jer- sey. He held the position of Associate -Judge of the Circuit Court in the district where he resided j married Mary Dayton, a native of New Jersey, and emigrated to La Grange County in 1838, where he afterward died. He Wiis twice married, his first wife, Ruth Bronson, a native of Connecticut, bearing him three children. Jonathan B. is a son of the second marriage; he was reared on a farm and received a fair education. In 1835, he came to Indiana, purchased land, returned home, and March 13, 1838, married Phoebe Dayton, who was born in New Jersey, April 5, 1818. After marriage he re- turned with his wife and his parents, locating in Greenfield Township ; after a number of years he moved to Lima. Mr. Upson began life poor, but, with his wife's assistance, has made a comfortable fortune. Considerable of his real estate he has disposed of, retaining only fifty acres, and is living a quiet and retired life. WILLIAM H. WALKER was born in Hocking County, Ohio, August 2, 1827, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Harman) Walker, natives of Yorkshire, England. They were married in Ohio, and removed from there to Elkhart County, Ind., in 1835. After four years, they came to Eden Township, this county, which became their permanent home. The father worked at black- smithing before coming to this State. They had a family of nine children. William H., after his father's death, took charge of the farm until 1862, when he came to this township. He was married to Miss Sarah S. Coldren .June 1, 1851 ; she was born in Lima Township May 4, 1832, daughter of Nenniah and Sibel (Newton) Coldren. Mr. Coldren was a native of Pennsylvania, reared in Delaware County, Ohio, and came to this county in 1828. He was married at White Pigeon, Mich., in 1830, and lived in Lima Township until 1833, when 324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he moved to Eden Township. He was the first Sheritt' of this county and was County Commissioner six years. Mr. and Mrs. Walker had seven children — Augusta S., Gertrude L., Charles J., William C. and Edward — living; Flor- ence and Willie — deceased. Augusta S. is married and resides at Goshen, Ind. Mr. Walker owns 210 acres of good land, and is a Republican. MRS. SARAH B. WEST was born in Connecticut Farms, N. J., March 6, 1819. She is the daughter of Stephen and Henrietta (Beach) Thompson, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. In 1836, they came to this county and located at Lima, where they ever after resided. Mr. Thompson was a Presbyterian minister, and a man of education and refine- ment. He did much for the cause of Christianity, and was in high repute with all who knew him. He reared a fiimily of five daughters, three of whom are yet living. Mrs. West remained at home until her marriage with Mr. Samuel West, March 10, 1839 This gentleman was born in Columbia County, N. Y. , in 1802, and came to this county in 1836. He was a farmer and stock- raiser, and was much respected. He died December 26, 1850. In his family were six children, viz.: Anna, Emma, Stephen T., Sarah. David and Charles. Mrs. West is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a lady who has a large circle of friends. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMS is a native of Lebanon, Conn. ; a son of Solomon and Martha (Baker) Williams, both 0& English descent. He was born in 1815, and received a fixir education. At the age of seventeen, he wont to White Pigeon, Mich., where for four years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then came to Lima, where for many years he conducted one of the largest general stores ever in the town. Soon after his appearance there, he purchased 160 acres of land, a portion of which is now Williams' Addition to Lima. From 1848 to 1855 he owned a branch store at McDonough, 111., but the bulk of his mercantile and general operations was at Lima. Mr. Will- iams possesses both genius and talent of a high order,' and has shown remark- able financial ability. He now owns large banking interests at some five or six towns in Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana. In 1848, he was mar- ried to Miss Jane Hume, a native of Delaware County, N. Y., born in 1822. Five children have blessed this union, as follows: Rebecca, now the wife of Rev. Vannuys, of Goshen, Ind. ; Mary, wife of S. T. Cooper ; Ella, wife of Ira W. Nash, of Goshen; Catharine and Jane. Mr. Williams was at the treaty of Fort Dearborn (Chicago), in 1833, a delegate to the River and Har- bor Convention at Chicago in 1847, served in the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1857, and has also served as delegate to two Republican National Conventions. He contributed largely toward the building of the Grand Rapids Railroad, assisted in organizing the first bank in the county, founded and conducted a female seminary at Lima, and has dealt largely in real estate. He has a happy home and a large circle of friends. LEVI WOLF, Sr., is of the family of Henry and Charlotte (Rude) Wolf, who were born, reared and married, and who died in Lancaster County, Penn. They were the parents of five sons and three daughters, also born there. Levi was reared a farmer, receiving only such education as the common schools of that day afforded, his birth occurring January 5, 1809. On the 25th of November, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Zuck, who was born in Erie County, Penn., November 19. 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf lived in Erie County, Penn., until 1860, when they removed to Lima Township, La Grange County, Ind., where they have ever since resided, farming. They LIMA TOWNSHIP. 325 have been hard-working people, and are among the substantial and well-to-do farmers of Lima Township. Mr. Wolf is a Democrat. He owns 250 acres of land in Lima and Van Buren Townships, besides valuable town property in Lima. He and wife are parents of seven children, all living, namely : Sarah, David, Sophia, Levi, Eliza A., Henrietta and George W. HARVEY W. WOOD was born in Hartford, Vt., February 15, 1808; one of a family of nine children, born to James and Mary (Webster) Wood, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut. They were married at Hartford, Vt., and followed farming. Harvey W. was reared upon the farm and received a good common-school education. When about eighteen years of age he went to Western New York, and taught school until 1835, when he came to Lima. He first engaged in the mercantile business, but after a few years began keeping hotel. He was married to Miss Mary A. Warner, a native of Connecticut, in 1836. This lady died in 1837. His marriage with Miss Lucy A. Parker occurred February 4, 1838. She was born in Genesee County, N. Y., April 18, 1819. From this union there were seven children, four of whom died in infancy. The names of those living are — An- toinette, lone and Catharine. Mr. Wood, previous to the Kansas-Nebraska trouble, voted with the Democratic party ; since, he has been a Republican. He was Postmaster of Lima during Polk's administration, and has held other positions of honor and trust. WILLIAM WOODWARD was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Sep- tember 15, 1823. His parents, John and Barbara (Bean) Woodward, were born, reared and married in Mifflin County, Penn. They removed to Trum- bull County about the year 1822, thence, in 1837, to Section 8, in Clay Town- ship. John W. was a soldier of the war of 1812, and a hard-working man ; he followed farming. He had eight children ; seven reached their majority. Will- iam Woodward was reared on a form, and received but a limited education. His father died when he was about fifteen years of age, and soon after this he began working at saw-milling and carpentering ; a portion of his wages was applied toward supporting the family. When he was twenty-one, he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in Clay Township. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Phebe Merriman April 9, 1848. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 16, 1832, and died August 30, 1853. After his wife's death, he erected and operated a saw-mill. He was married to Mrs. Sophronia (Parrish) Scofield. October 25, 1855. She was born in Monroe County, N. Y., April 13, 1833. By his first marriage there were two children, viz. : Harriet L. and Mary E. By the second, six children, three of whom are yet living, viz. : Jerusha B., Eunice E. and Arthur J. The ones deceased were — Wallace W., Fayette D. and Emile F. In 1860, Mr. Woodward came to Lima Town- ship, where he owns 200 acres of well improved land. He also owns fifty-three acres in Clay Township, and 160 in Ottawa County, Kan. He is a practical farmer and stock-raiser, a Democrat, and a member of the Protestant Methodist Church. 32() BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM BAKER is a native of Hackonby, Lincolnshire, England, where he was born in September, 1830. He was one of a family of eight children born to Thomas and Mary (Franks) Baker. Six of these children are yet living. The father was a laborer, and with his large family suffered much from the English land laws. William Baker, in March, 1851, boarded the •' Ticonderoga," and sailed for New York, where he arrived in twenty-eight days. He worked a short time in Seneca County, N. Y., to get money to continue his journey, and at last reached Milford Township, where his brother was living. He hired out at ditching and other jobs at different places, until 1861 (March), when he married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas (Crandall) Rude, and in May of the same year purchased a portion of his present farm for $•2,000, paying .$1,500 down; but did not take possession of his new home until September. He now owns 150 acres of'fine land. Himself and wife are parents of seven children — Mary, VVilliam. Edward, Daniel, Thomas, Hattie and Eugene. Both parents are members of the Evangelical Church. Mrs. Baker is a native of -Tiosia County. N. Y., her birth occurring in .\u2ust, ls34. When she was six weeks old, her parents moved to St. Joseph County, Ind., and soon afterward to DeKalb County, Ind., where they were among the earliest settlers. Mrs. Baker is a worthy woman. Mr. Baker is a Republican, and an excellent citizen. PETER BEACH, the grandfather of John Beach, was a .soldier in the war of the Revolution. He married Miss Hammer, and located on the Genesee Flats, N. Y., to farm. Their eldest child was Nicholas J., the father of John. He was a saddler and a shoemaker. After his marriage with Miss E. J. Fluker, in 1839, he became a fivrmer. The next year he moved to Wisconsin; but, becoming dissatisfied, he returned East as far as Huron County, Ohio, where he resided until 1848, when ill-health and the family physician admonished him to seek a different climate, whereupon he went to La Grange County, buying forty acres of the land now owned by his son John, paying for the same with his wagon, one horse and the harness. He returned to Ohio and bought of a neighbor there fifty acres adjoining his land in La Grange County, and in 1851 came with his family to his new home. Mr. Beach was an honest, hard-working man, a Democrat and a Second-day Adventist. He died in 1866 and his wife in 1877. Eight of their ten children are yet living. John Beach, the eldest son and third child, was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., February 19, 1841. His education was limited. In October, 1864, he married Eliza- beth H. Shipley, who was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in April, 1845. Their four children are Ward, Delia, Jay and Otto. Mr. Beach is an enter- prising and successful farmer. He is an Independent, always voting for the man and not the party. He owns a fine fiirm of 109 acres. ABRAHAM BENDER is one of a family of eleven children; was born in Franklin County. Penn., September 22. 1833, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Etter) Bender, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. When twenty-one years of age, he commenced life on his own responsibility, working out for 50 cents per day. He was married in Pennsylvania, in 1854, to Cath- arine E. Deahl, and in 1859 he moved to Richland County, Ohio, where he JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 327 tiad eighty acres of land, and began farming. He came to Johnson Township in 1866 and purchased his present farm, at that time only having about thirty acres cleared. The principal improvements now on the place were put there by Mr. Bender. He is one of the progressive men of Johnson Township and is an earnest advocate in the support of educational and industrial enterprises. He is a Democrat, and has held the office of Township Trustee in Johnson Township two years. Mr. and Mrs. Bender are the parents of eight children, as follows: William H., born November 12, 1855, now a merchant of Sturgis, Mich.; George G., born January, 1858, in partnership with William; James A., born May 27, 1860, deceased; Eliza J., born June 24, 1861, deceased; Mary E., born August 12, 1862, deceased; Franklin McC, born July 6, 1864 ; Anna M., born November 4, 1867; and Charlotte M.. born June 19, 1871, deceased. The mother died August 12, 1881. Through all the years of her married life with Mr. Bender she took her share of the burden and was a help- meet in everything. Mr. Bender owns 116 acres of land on Section 22, where he yet resides. DANIEL W. BOWER. Phillip Bower, father of the subject of this sketch, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, his birth occurring April 11, 1814, and he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Raber) Bower. His parents were farm- ers, and he was reared on a farm, but early learned the carpenters' trade, which has occupied his attention considerably through life. November 15, 1836, he married Mary Yeager, and to them were born eleven children, nine yet living. In May, 1865, the mother died, and in March, 1876, Mr. Bower married his present wife, Mrs. Rebecca (Faulkner), widow of Richard Austin, who bore him four children ; three youngest are now living. Mr. Bower and family emi- grated to Johnson Township in October, 1842, and were among the early pio- neers of this locality. Daniel W. Bower was born April 11, 1842. in Stark County, Ohio, and came with his parents to La Grange County, and this has since been his home. He received but a common education, and September 24, 1861, he was enrolled a member of Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Fort Donelson he was wounded se- verely, through both thighs, by a musket-ball, from the effects of which he was sent to the hospital at Cincinnati, where he remained until sufficiently re- covered, and then came home. He was discharged, July 23, 1862, and Feb- ruary 18, 1864, married Miss Harriet A., daughter of Andrew J. and Isabel! S. J. (Kapel) Atwood. old settlers of La Grange County. Mr. Bower subse- quently enrolled as member of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as Sergeant, and was finally discharged August 30, 1865, and in October of that year moved to his present place. He and wife are parents of one daughter. Flora May. Mr. Bower owns 120 acres of excellent land, and is a Republican. Mrs. Bower was born in Livingston County, N. Y., September 6, 1842. DR.JF. H. BROUGHTON, physician, son of William and Rebecca (Cooper) iSroughton. Subject of this sketch was born in Noble County, Ind., April 20, 1849, and was raised on his father's farm. In February, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after bravely participating in the engagements of Peach Tree Creek, Buzzard's Rooat, Atlanta, and a number of other skirmishes, was discharged in August, of 1865. After the close of the war. Dr. Broughton came home, and for one year engaged in farming. He then attended the schools of Kendallville and Auburn, and in 1868 began the study of medicine under Drs. Teal and Gil- 328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: bert, of Kendallville. While pursuing his studies under these gentlemen he took the preliminary course of lectures at Detroit, succeeding which he took two full courses of lectures at that institution. The winter of 1873-74, he at tended the Medical Department of the State University, at Indianapolis, from which he graduated with honors. After his graduation Dr. Broughton prac- ticed his profession in Allen Count}' a short time, after which he formed a partnership with Dr. Dancer, at South Milford. In February, 1878, he re- moved to Wolcottville, where he has since resided. Dr. Brouirhton is one of tlio best read physicians in the county, and one of the most successful practi- tioners. He has a good practice and the esteem of his neighbors. He was married December 24, 1876, to Abigail Call, daughter of Joseph Call, of Mil- ford Township. When he entered the army, at fourteen years old, he only had 5 cents. ZOPHER CASE was born November 2, 181(5, in Ashtabula County, Oiiio, and is a son of Zopher and Annie (I^andle) Case. He is a grandson of Capt. Charles Case, a native of Connecticut, and a member of the company that formed Washington's Body Guard in the Revolutionary war. Capt. Case left his native State in 1798, and came to Warren, Ohio. Zopher Case. Sr., was born in Connecticut, and during the war of 1812, enlisted and served with distinction as Major in Col. Haye's regiment. He died in Ohio, and the .spring of 1833 the widow and family emigrated to Sturgis, Mich. The spring of 1836, the subject of this sketch and four others came to the neighborhood where Mr. Case now lives, and entered land. Mr. Case erected a cabin ju.st across the line in Milford Township, and then returned to Michigan for his mother and the rest of the family. The same year they located on their land. Mr. Case's is among the best fiirms in Johnson Township. Mrs. Case, his mother, died in April, 1870. Subject is of a limited education. He married Nancy Highbargin, in 1838, and to them were born five sons and five daugh- ters — Leander, Leroy, Clinton, Orin, George, Lenora, Alice, Mary, Clara, and one that died in infancy. The mother died in 1866, and in 1868 Mr. Case married Annie Smith, who has borne him four children — Riley. Guy. Zopher and Gaylord. Mr. Case is representative of the self-made men. He began with nothing, at the age of twelve, working for $3.00 per month. By labor and economy, he has acquired one of the largest and finest stock farms in the county, and at present owns 800 acres, having given the remainder to his ciiildren. He is an enterprising citizen, a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraternity of Wolcottville. J. A. CUTLER was born in Worcester County, Mass., August 14, 1831. J. H. Cutler was his father. His mother's maiden name was Reed. His fether was a carpenter and joiner and one of the early settlers of Steuben County, Ind., where he is yet living a retired life. When the subject of this biography was seven years old, his mother died, and up to the age of seventeen he lived with his father. He received a common-school education. The fall of 1831, his father and family emigrated to Steuben County. Ind., where they were among the first settlers. Mr. Cutler worked at chair-mnking a number of years, but carpentering was his chief employment. J. A. Cutler learned the carpenter's trade in Ohio in 1848; after which he went West and engaged in boat building. In 1851, he returned to Indiana. He was at a boat explo- sion near Peoria. He located in Orange Township, Noble County, and worked at his trade a number of years. He lived in Rome City seven years and, in connection with his trade there, worked at the mill business. He has since JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 329 lived in the neighborhood of Wolcottville. He, at one time, was engaged in wagon and carriage making. The spring of 1880, he was engaged by the Monumental Bronze Company as their agent in La Grange and Noble Coun- ties. Mr. Cutler was married, in 1852, to Mary J. Lee, and to them have been born six children, three only of whom are living, and they are the only living male descendants of the old family of Cutlers. Mr. Cutler is a Republican, a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and for the past fifteen years has been a worker of the M. E. Church, of which he and wife are members. B. J. DICKINSON, the subject of this sketch, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., March 13, 1819. His father, Ichabod Dickinson, was a native of New York and his mother, Mercy Tripp, was a native of Rhode Island. They were the parents of five sons and five daughters, only one son, our sub- ject, and one daughter, Eliza, of whom are yet living. The father was a farmer and he and wife were honest and respected. B. J. Dickinson was reared a farmer and received but a limited education. Having a brother who came to Johnson Township, La Grange County, Ind., in 1836, he determined to go there and make a home. After his arrival he engaged in farming, which he has smce followed. In about 1842, he married his brother's widow, Mrs. Louisa (Perkins) Dickinson and to them were born five children — William F., Henry, George, Emma and Artemas F. Of these, all are living and all are married excepting Artemas. Mrs. Dickinson had one daughter by her first marriage, Georgie Anna, who is yet living. Mr. Dickinson is a farmer by occupation, owns eighty acres of well improved land, is a Republican and an enterprising citizen, favoring the ailvancement of all laudable public enter- prises. Mrs. Dickinson was born in Livingston County, N. Y., September 10, 1818. She married her first husband, George Dickinson, September 11, 1836. F. W. DRAGGOO was born March 22, 1809, in Mercer County, Penn. His father, Frederick Draggoo, was a native of Virginia and of French descent. His mother, Martha (Angel) Draggoo, was of Irish-English descent and a native of Pennsylvania. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and a farmer. He and wife were the parents of thirteen children, of whom our subject is the oldest living. F. VV. Draggoo received but a limited education, was reared a farmer and when seven years of age came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, who were among the early settlers of that country. His parents died here. December 2, 1830, F. W. Daggoo and Ann Mitchell were married. At one time, he had considerable property, but was of a generous disposition and was induced to go security in money matters, which resulted in his failure. In 1846, he emigrated to his present place in Johnson Township, then all woods, and again commenced to make a home in a new country. He and wife endured many hardships. Mr. Draggoo came to the county a poor man and now he is comparatively wealthy. He now owns 123 acres of well improved land. He and wife are the parents of eight children — William M., John A., Randle M., George W., Ellen, Frederick, Rosena B. and Sarah A. Six died of consump- tion, John and Randle surviving. The former married Maria Weatherwax and the latter Melissa Free. Both are living in Johnson Township and both have families. The Draggoos are among Johnson's best citizens. JOSEPH A. DRAKE was born in Wood County, Ohio, September 4, 184.5, and reared on a farm. His father, Joseph Drake, was a native of Penn- sylvania, as was also his mother, Mary (Sweny) Drake. They moved to Wood County at a very early period, and Mr. Drake was one of those who assisted in the construction of the old Ohio Canal. He was a class-leader in the 330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Methodist Church over twenty-nine years. His wife died in 1847, and he in 1862. May 2, 1364, our subject enlisted in Company E, One Hundreil and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in August the same year. He went to Indianapolis in November, 1864, in the employ of the Government, and remained there about two years; from there he went to Fos- toria, Ohio, and commenced retailing medicine for Dr. Chance. Having re- ceived considerable experience in this business, he commenced studying, and by diligent study he was enabled to invent several first-class remedies ; some of his leading remedies are, " The World's Benefactor," the " Blood and Liver Tonic,'' " Drake's Ague Drops,'' etc. The real value of these medicines is undoubted. Mr. Drake was married August 22, 1867, to Miss Severnia E. Turner, who was born in Ohio April 16, 1848. This lady moved to Seneca County, Ohio, with her parents, when four years old, and from there to Han- cock Countv. At the time of her marriage with Mr. Drake, she was one of the leading milliners of Fostoria. By their union have been born two daugh- ters — Mary A. and Emma E. Mr. Drake is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Honor of La Grange. Both are members of the Methodist Church of Valentine, near which village they reside on their farm. M. W. DUNTEN, Superintendent of the County Poor Farm, was born March 6, 1842, in Allen County, Ind., son of F. H. and Sophia (Crook) Dun- ten, who were from Jefferson County, N. Y. The Duntens are of English descent and trace their genealogy back to two brothers who came to America at an early period ; one was a sea captain, the other settled in Boston and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. As a class, they are farmers, but a few have deviated from this course. The father of our subject came to Allen County, Ind., in 1831, and ten years afterward returned to New York and married our subject's mother ; he then came back to Allen County, where he farmed and kept hotel in Fort Wayne a number of years. In 1845, he came to Ontario, this county, where he was for some time in the hotel business ; before the war he sold his hotel and farmed near La Grange until 1868, when he moved to Johnson Township. Morris W. Dunten was reared a farmer and received a good common-school education. In 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Eighty- eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until he was taken sick and was honorably discharged, June 21. 1863, then came home and began teaching school. On the 15th of July, 1871, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Ayars, and to them has been born one daughter — Linnie G. Mrs. Dunten was born in Sanilac County, Mich., in 1851. Mr. Dunten was appointed Superintendent of the County Poor Farm in March, 1874, and has since continued in that capacity, giving excellent satisfaction. Mr. Dunten is an Independent, voting in all cases for the man and not the party. He is a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F. of La Grange, and an intelligent, enterprising citizen. JOSEPH ESHELMAN, deceased, was born June 10, 1809, near Ilar- risburg, Penn.; he was a son of Henry and Jane (Brady) Eshelman, who were natives of Germany and Scotland ; they came to the United States when young and were here married. The husband was born in 1789, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and a farmer; he died in 1854. The wife was born in 1785 and died in 1829. Joseph Eshelman, deceased, was a farmer, and had but an ordinary education. In Pennsylvania, in March, 1832, he married Mary Erford, who was born March 6, 1815. After their marriage, they lived in Stark County, Ohio, and Summit County, Ohio, for a time, and are now at Johnson Township, La Grange County. Mr. Eshelman came to the county in JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 331 1849, and purchased eighty acres of land where his son Levi now lives. He died December 11, 1879; was a member of the Evangelical Church. His widow still survives him and resides in Johnson Township. They were the parents of thirteen children, only eight of whom are now living. Levi Eshel- raan was the eldest, born in Stark County, Ohio, August 22. 1838 ; he received but a limited education, and came with his parents to Indiana, in 1850. He assisted in clearing his father's place, and was married in 1861 to Nancy A. Newnam, dau"-hter of Asbury Newnam. For seven years after his marriage Levi farmed in Orange Township, Noble County. In March, 1870, he came to his present place. He is a Republican, owns 200 acres of good land, and he and wife are the parents of six children, and members of the Evangelical Church. Their children's names are John J., George F., Leroy L., Mary E., Henry E. and Harvey G. /-> , oc WILLIAM GEISER was born in Wurtemberg. Germany, October lb, 1825, and is the youngest of eleven children born to William and Ann Mariah (Rush) Geiser. Mr. and Mrs. Geiser also determined to cross the Atlantic. Accordingly, in 1838, they emigrated to Richland County, Ohio, where Mr. Geiser began working at his trade— shoemaking. In 1844, Mrs. Geiser died, and on the 30th of October, 1850, our subject was united in marriage with Sophia Smith. He resided in Ohio a number of years succeeding his marriage, working at shoemaking. Mr. Geiser and family, together with his father, emi- grated to Johnson Township, October, 1854, where he has since resided. He purchased eighty acres of land on Section 22, and moving his family into a cabin, began working at his trade, and clearing and improving his land. He and wife are the parents of eleven children— Louisa, Mary S., Henry F., Lelie, Charles W., Etta, John M., Iva, Ellen, and Frank and George deceased. The two oldest daughters are married. Mr. Geiser started out in life a poor boy, but by hard work and economy has been reasonably successful in the acquire- ment of this world's goods. He has never been identified with any political party. He has held the position of Trustee of Johnson Township twelve years. Mr. "Geiser is an active worker in the advancement of education, and an enter- prising man. His father died in 1864. NATHAN K. GREEN is a native of Addison County, Vt., was born in February, 1820; his parents being Truman and Polly (Kinsley) Green. He is one of a family of twelve children, but four of whom are now living. The Greens are of Celtic, and the Kinsleys of Scottish descent. The father served two years as a substitute in the war of 1812. He emigrated to Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1821, and to Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1834. In about 1842, he moved to Ottawa County, Ohio, and in 1856 to St. Joseph County, Mich., near Burr Oak. Some eight or nine years later he came to La Grange County. At the end of three years, he returned to Ottawa County, Ohio, where his wife died. In 1877, he came back to Johnson Township, but went to Ohio soon after, and the following year came to Johnson Township, and resided until his death, in September," 1879. When Nathan K. Green was fifteen years old, he hired to a farmer in Huron County, Ohio, and afterward to one in Erie County, same State. In March, 1841, he married Miss Mary Thomas. This lady bore her husband six children— William, John, George, Mary, Champ and Sarah— William and Mary being dead. Mrs. Green died in February, 1870. The family moved to La Grange County, in 1843, settling first in Lima Town- ship, but in June, 1847, removing to Johnson Township. Here he has since resided, having built a comfortable home. He got his start working by the 332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: day. He now owns ninety acres of good land. His second and present wife is Maria, daughter of Daniel Martin, and widow of John Stoner, who at his death, left two children — Arthur and Andrew E. They were married in June, 1871. and by this union have one son — Nathan Clair. Mrs. Green was born in New Jersey February, 18-36, and is a Free-Will Baptist. Mr. Green is a Repub- lican, and has held various official positions in the township. WILLIAM HEALEY is a native of the Albion Isle, his birth occurring in Bulby, Lincolnshire, in March, 1828. His parents were Joseph and Eliza- beth (Holton) Ilealey, to whom was born a family of eleven children, five of whom are yet living. Joseph Healey was a poor but industrious man, and owing to the peculiar laws of England could not give his children even a com- mon-school education. William grew to manhood, and in July, 1849, married Jane, daughter of William and Elizabeth Hubbard. One daughter was born to them in England. They boarded the sailing ship " Continent,'" and at the end of six weeks were landed in New York. They reached Lima, La Grange Co., in July, 1851, almost destitute of everything to make life comfortable. They entered a small cabin north of the village, using two saw-horses with boards for a bed, a meat bench for a table, and boxes, trunks, stools, etc., for chairs. They labored hard, saved and suffered, living in Lima Township some eight years — a portion of the time on a farm. By 1860, they had saved enough to buy a forty-acre farm, and have since added eighty more. They have nine children — Ann, William. Elizabeth, Jane, Joseph, Edward (deceased), George, John and Clayton, four of whom are married, one living in La Grange County, two in Noble County, and one in Minnesota. Mr. Healey is a member of the Lutheran Church, is a Republican, and a good citizen. D. LIVERGOOD is a son of Jacob Livergood, who was born in Phila- delphia, Penn., October 31, 1791. Jacob Livergood was a house-joiner and carpenter, but made farming his principal occupation. He married Rachel Buffington, 1818, in Chester County, Penn., and they moved to Tucarawas County, Ohio, in 1821, then to De Kalb County, Ind., in 1847, and lived there until their death. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father died March 25, 1855. The mother was born in Chester County, Penn, July 23, 1796, and died November 7, 1856. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living. Jacob L. served in the war of 1812. Davis Livergood was born in Perry Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 12, 1828. At the age of seventeen, he went to Guernsey County, Ohio, where he learned the tanner's trade. In 1849, he came to Auburn, De Kalb County, Ind., and in spring of 1850 established himself at his trade. In 1851, he came to La Grange, and engaged at tanning, in connection with a harness and shoe shop, until 1857, when he sold all his interest and removed to Johnson Township. He first purchased sixty-five acres of land, on which Jacob Mills now resides. He sold that in 1865, and in 1866 moved to his present place, which now comprises 160 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Livergood was married February 19, 1852, to Editha Stevens, daughter of Thomas and Sarah VVilson, and widow of John Stevens. By this marriage were born four chil- dren — Mary N., deceased ; Lycurgus, a hardware merchant of La Grange ; Alice E. and Maggie E. Mrs. Livergood, by her first husband, had two chil- dren — Thomas and Minerva. The former served his country in suppressing the rebellion, and died at Cairo, 111., from disease contracted while in the service. The daughter is the wife of T. H. Sefton, a partner of Lycurgus Livergood, at La Grange. The mother was born in 1824, in Wayne County, JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 335 Ohio. Mr. Livergood i.s a Republican, and a member of tlie I. 0. 0. F. of La Grange, also a member of La Grange Encampment. JOHN McKIBBEN, deceased, was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 6, 1827. His parents, James and Sarah (Smith) McKibben, were of Irish descent, and farmers. John McKibben was reared in Richland County, Ohio, receiving a good common-school education. November 12, 1850, he- married Miss Nancy D., daughter of George ami Mary Ann (Hayes) Shipley, and in April of the following year he and wife, with his father and family, emigrated to Johnson Township, La Grange County, Ind., where they had purchased land the year previous, of which twenty acres were partially cleared, and had a rude log cabin on it. Mr. McKibben moved his family into the cabin, and then commenced reclaiming his property from a forest state. He was a hard working man, and died Februai-y 10, 1878. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a respected resident. He left a farm of 340' acres of Johnson Townships best land, on which his widow yet lives, aged fifty-one. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKibben are James S.; George R.; William B.; Frank A., deceased; Thomas, deceased; Sarah M., deceased ; Harvey, deceased ; Adell, deceased ; Mary B. and Anna. George R. married Lottie E. Vesey, and resides on a part of the old place. Williatn R. married Miss C. B. Putney, and lives in Johnson Township. James Mc- Kibben was born in Johnson Township March 29, 1852. He was married May 2, 1876, to Lissa A. Van Kirk, who was born in Bloomfield Township April 3, 1856. Thev have two children — Orley Ray and Ledger Dev. JACOB MILLS was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., March lO, 1822. lie was one of nine children born to Jacob and Catharine (Cornwell) Mills, the father being of English and Scotch and the mother of Welsh and Germanic descent. Jacob Mills, Sr., was three times married; his second wife being Margaret Passage, and his last wife, who is yet living, being Samantha Sprague. lie was a soldier in the war of 1812, was a farmer, and died in the year 184(>. Jacob Mills, subject of this sketch, lived on a farm until fifteen years old, when ho began learning the carpenter's trade. Having relatives who Iiad come to- La Grange County in 1844, he emigrated to the same place in 1846, and lo- cated on the site of his present home. His family, at that time, consisted of his wife, Jane E. Somers, to whom he was married February 2, 1843, and one child. He purchased 80 acres of land, then entirely devoid of clearing, and built a log cabin, and then began to build up the liome and property ho now iiwns. Mr. Mills has been a very hard- working man, and with his wife's help has risen to a position of comfort in old age. They own 200 acres of gooit land, and are the parents of five children — Charles H., James W., Mary J., one that died in infimcy, and Ida A. Charles and Ida are married, and reside in La Grange County. Mary is dead, James W. is single, and is a travelinj^ salesman, with headquarters in Chicago. Mr. Mills was a Democrat up to •lames Buchanan's administration, but since then has been a Republican. He- has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years in Johnson Townsliip. C. II. MOON, a prominent merchant of Wolcottville, was born June 28', 1836, one of eight children of Salraa and Caroline (Morton) Moon, who were natives of the State of New York. The father was a carriajre-maker, an<} moved with his family to Wayne County, Mich., where he is yet living on the land he entered. His wife died in 1863. Charles R. Moon lived o)i a farm, imtil sixteen years old, in Wayne County. In 1852, he began working for himself at the carpenter's trade in Kalamazoo and Coldwater. In 1857, he 334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: came to La Grange, where he worked at his trade a number of months. He then went to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he took a thorough course in music under Profs. Foote, Pixly and Pease, during which time he taught school to pay his expenses. At the end of three years, he graduated and returned to La Grange and engaged in selling organs, teaching music and holding musical conventions. Owing to throat troubles, he has not made it a permanent busi- ness, but to some extent has followed it. In 1861, he entered into a partner- ship at La Grange in the manufacture of carriages, but discontinued that the spring of 1862, when he came to Wolcottville, where he had charge of a branch carriage-shop until he disposed of it. For three years he then traveled in the interests of C. R. Moon & Co., but his family still lived at Wolcottville. In 1877, he returned to Wolcottville, and established a trade in the furniture business. He was married in 1861, to Margaret J. McClaskey, and they are parents of three cliildren — R. Ellsworth, C. Alton and Mabel K. Mr. Moon is a Republican, and has held the township office of Justice of Peace. He has had charge three years, and ably edits the Wolcottville department in the La Grange Standard. Mr. Moon has been Sunday school Superintendent of M. E. Church, at La Grange and Wolcottville, for twenty years, and he and wife are adherents of that church. Mr. Moon is the author of some celebrated music, among which are "Leave me and Save the Glorious Flag," " Some- body's Darling is Slumbering Here," etc. ; the latter piece being known all over the United States as a fine production. Beside the above, Mr. Moon liberally contributed to the Musical Review, of Detroit, and other musical periodicals. JEREMIAH OUTCALT, farmer. The Outcalts are of Germanic de- scent, and came to America three generations prior to the birth of the subject of this biography. Jeremiah Outcalt was reared as a farmer, receiving but a meager education, and residing with his parents until the age of thirty years. He first visited La Grange County in 1839, where, at that date, his brother moved, and, admiring the country, he, in 1846, came with his family to On- tario, where he remained, working at coopering during the succeeding winter. His land in .Johnson Township had been purchased previously, and upon this he moved in the spring of 1847. Here he and his family have since lived. From hard labor and good management, the uudrained and unhealthful land has been converted into good farming land. One hundred and ninety-seven acres of well-cultivated land, with substantial and comfortable buildings, are among the rewards of this patient labor. Mr. Outcalt was born in Portage County, Ohio, October, 1812, his parents being Schobey and Clara (Sabins) Outcalt, to whom were born ten children. The father had served as a tea mster in the war of 1812, and was throughout life a respected citizen. Both parents died in Illinois, whither they had moved in 1848. Jeremiah Outcalt's mar- riage with Elizabeth Ingrahara was solemnized in 1840. To them have been born four children — Charles (deceased) and Adelaide, twins ; Maryette and Hortense, the latter also deceased. Mrs. Outcalt's maiden name was Irwin. She married Lewis Ingraham, by whom she had two children — Elizabeth and Sarah J. — both dead. Maryette Outcalt and Nathan Wiggins were married in April, 1869. Mr. Wiggins was accidentally killed in March, 1875. Mr. Outcalt is an enterprising and respected citizen, and has been a good Repub- lican since the organization of the party. WALTER H. RODGERS Wolcottville, is a member of the firm of Moon & Rodgers, who do a general business of wagon and carriage manufact- uring and repairing. The junior member of this firm, Walter H. Rodgers, JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 335 was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 27, 1848, and is one of a family of four children. Three only of these are living, one giving his life in defense of his country in the late war. His parents were Edgar and Lydia A. (Remick) Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers was a jeweler at Brooklyn, N. Y. He died in 1861, but his widow and two children are yet residents of Brooklyn. Walter H. Rodgers lived in that city until fourteen years of age, when he came to Indiana, and worked on a farm near Lima until 1865, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment, Company F, Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and served until the close of the war. After a visit East, he returned to Lima, and learned the blacksmith trade, and then went to La Grange, where for about six years he was employed by Moon & Co. He then took charge of that firm's shops at Wolcottville, but shortly afterward engaged in business in Cleveland, Ohio, Waterloo, and then back to Wolcottville, where he has since resided. In September, 1877, he formed a partnership with S. D. Moon, of La Grange, in the manufacture and repair of wagons and carriages at Wolcott- ville, Mr. Rodgers having charge of the entire business. They commenced on a small basis, but by honesty and industry have increased their efforts, until they now do a comfortable business of from $8,000 to $10,000 per annum. Mr. Rodgers was married in the spring of 1868 to Amelia Moon, of La Grange, and they have two children — Guy and Earl. Mr. Rodgers is a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F., and is a Republican. Mrs. Rodgers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A. J. ROYER is a son of Jacob and Mary (Mitchell) Royer, and was born in Beaver Township, Union Co., Penn., February 5, 1824. With his parents, he moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1825, and was there reared on a farm to manhood. His father was a farmer. Mrs. Royer died in about 1865, and Mr. Royer in 1878. At the age of nineteen, A. J. Royer com- menced learning the carpenter's trade. December 3, 1849, he was married to Miss Martha Stall, and to them were born three children — only one son, Norman H., yet living. This son married Josie Cosper. and resides in Johnston Township. After his marriage. Mr. Royer continued at his trade in Seneca County, Ohio, where he and his wife had moved, but after two years, returned to their former home. The summer of 1852, Mr. Royer came West. Not having sufficient means to purchase the location he desired, he returned to Ohio ; but again returned to this township in 1853, and purchased 60 acres of his present farm. The fall of 1854, he moved his family out to the then new county, and immediately began clearing his farm and working at his trade. His wife, unable to withstand the hardships, died February 22, 1856. Mr. Royer's second and present wife is Catharine (Wert) Royer, to whom he was married January 29, 1857. Mrs. Royer was born in Vernon Township, Craw- ford Co., Ohio. May 5, 1834, and is a daughter of William and Jane (Patten) Wert. To Mr. and Mrs. Royer were born ten children — Albert J., deceased, Mary M., Charles S., William A., one that died in infancy without a name, Ida M., Eliza J., Laura B., Ira B., deceased, and Luella. Mr. Royer came to La Grange County a poor man, but by economy and industry has acquired 165 acres of good land. He is a Republican, and he and wife are leading members of the Evangelical Church. A. A. SNYDER, merchant, the present Postmaster of Wolcottville, was born in Adams County, Penn., January 6, 1825. He is one of ten chil- dren, who through their parents, John and Mary (Kuhnes) Snyder, were descended, from an old and honored German family that came to America 336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : many generations back. John Snyder was a carpenter by trade, but through life was employed much at cabinet- making, etc. In 1835, he and family moved into Wayne County, Ohio, where Mr. Snyder worked at farming in connection with his trade. Mrs. Snyder died in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1845, and the fall of 1847, the fatiier with the rest of the family, removed to Wolcottville, Ind., where he had friends. Early in life, Mr. Snyder was in good circumstances, financially, but tiirough the unfaithfulness of seeming friends, he was reduced to straitened circumstances. On his arrival, he began working at his trade. In 1851, he removed to La Grange, where he died in 1868. He was an honest, unassuming man, respected by all who knew him. A. A. Snyder received but the common education. When twenty years old, commenced learning the shoemaker's trade in Ohio. After coming to Indiana, he worked at this business in Northport over a year, after which he entered partnership at Wolcottville in the manufacture of boots and shoes. The partnership continued two years, and then Mr. Snyder continued it alone, making in all about twenty years at that business in Wolcottville. He was commissioned Postmaster in 1861, by a Republican administration, and with exception of three months, during Johnson's administration, has retained that position. In 1868, he opened a grocery store, which has since been continued with the addition of drugs. Mr Snyder is doing a good business. He mar ried Phebe A. Littlefield March 8, 1849, and they are the parents of four children— John A., deceased; Mary S., wife of J. C. Scheffler ; Susan E., deceased, and Albert E Mrs. Snyder was born in Canada, May 17. 1828. Mr. Snyder is a leading Republican, and a respected citizen. THOMAS G. STARKEY, retired, was born in Mifflin (since Juniata i County, Penn , January 22, 1819, the youngest of nine children, born to Ben- jamin and Sarah (Frantz) Starkey. His f\ither was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked after his remova'l to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1836. Thomas G. Starkey received an ordinary elucation. On the 5th of December, 1840, he married Miss Sarah, dau<,'hter of William and Susan (Raum) Holsinger and sister of John Holsinger. Mr. Starkey farmed in Ohio until January, 1843, when he came West and looked up a place for a home. He returned to his fiimily in Ohio, where he farmed until he removed here in 1847. He settled on a part of the farm now owned by the heirs of Joseph Eshelman, in Johnson Township, where he remained, clearing and forming, until 1859, when he traded for property in Milford Townsiiip. He farmed here until his removal to Wolcottville, in March, 1880, where he has since been living retired. He is a Democrat, and in Johnson and Milford Townships has held the position of Justice of the Peace twenty-five years. During this time, he has solemnized over one hundred marriages. He and wife are parents of fourteen chiUlren — William, Jennie, Sue, Benjamin. Dell, Daniel, Addie, Ida F., Ada, Lettie. Bessie, .\lice, Rhoda and Johnny. All are living, except the eldest, who en- listed in his country's cause in Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but was afterward transferred to the Fourth Indiana Cavalry. He was wounded while on a scouting expedition, from the effects of which he after- ward died. Mrs. Starkey was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 25, 1822. Mr. Starkey is one of the substantial men of Wolcottville and owns two farms in Milford Township, one of 105 acres and the other of 108 acres. JOSEPH TAYLOR was born in Morton, Lincolnshire, England, March 2, 1822, a son of Stephen and Maria (Franks) Taylor, who emigrated to America, with a family of nine children, in May, 1848. they shipped on board the "For- JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 337 est Kins" and, after a voyage of over six weeks, arrived in New York. Hav- ing as they supposed, relatives living in Lima, La Grange Co., they concluded, with the aid of friends, to make that their home. While on their way, on Lake Erie, they ascertained that their friends were either dead or gone to Ore-'on; but, not having the means to go farther, they settled near Lima in Julf 18-I8. The father of our subject, being a blacksmith, followed that oc- cupation and brewing beer until his death, which occurred in July, 1863. His wife died the next September. Joseph Taylor, at the age of sixteen, was a good blacksmith, and that has been his occupation, to a greater or less extent, throusih life. He was married, in November, 1850, to Prudence Field, born in Thurlby, Lincolnshire, Eng., March 26, 1824. This lady is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Barber) Field and came to America the same year of her marriage Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have never had any children born to them, but have raised one boy— Thomas J. Field— from the time he was two and a half years old. Mr. Taylor came to Wright's Corners from Lima, in May, 1849 and commenced blicksmithing in a rented shop. He and wife have been industrious and, by hard labor, have made what they now own. They have over 138 acres of good land and other valuable property. Both were brought up in the Episcopal fliith, but since coming to America have never joined any religious society. Mr. Taylor is a Republican and he and wife are most re- spected citizens. . . PHILO TAYLOR was born in Connecticut in 1796. His wife, Ura- bell (Harmon) Kent, a widow lady with one daughter, was born in Vermont in 1795. They were married November 22, 1818, in Lawrence County, Ohio. The father of Philo Taylor was a native of England, and came to the United States about the time of the Revolutionary war. Philo Taylor was a carpenter by trade, and when a young man went to Lawrence County, Ohio, where tor six years he was engaged as a millwright. He then moved to Portage County, and resided there ten years. He next emigrated to Indiana, locating as Wol- cottville, on the La Grange County side, where he purchased 320 acres ot land, which be improved. He was one of the early settlers, and one of the most influential in building up the town. He received many positions of honor, among them that of County Commissioner, to which he was elected several times, and at one time was a candidate for Associate Judge. He was a Whig, and afterward a Republican. He was also a member of the Baptist Church. He died February 16, 1876, and his wife June 13, 1856. They were the parents of six children— Sylvester, V. R., 0. B., Louisa M., William S. and Henry L. Sylvester and William are dead; Louisa M., is the wife ot L. L. Wildman, whose biography appears in this work. The family ot Taylors are of a sterling type, and have made their mark wherever duty has called them. Hon. V. R'. Taylor resides in WolcottviUe, on the Noble County side, while his two brothers reside in WolcottviUe, just across the line in La Grange County. Hon. V. R. Taylor was born November 28, 1821, in Lawrence County, Ohio. He was reared a farmer, and came with his parents to WolcottviUe in 1837. He received a good education, which was finished at the La Grange Collegiate Institute at Ontario. For a period of six years he taught in the public schools of La Grange and Noble Counties, and November 28, 18d0 he married Miss Ann Rowe, who bore the following children : Philo J., William L. and George H. The mother's death occurred May 10, 1873, and January 28, 1875, he married Elizabeth A. Belts, his present wife. Mr. Taylor - °" is an 338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : active worker in the interests of the Republican party, by which he was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1880. Although young in legislative affairs he has shown a degree of judgment in his work at Indianapolis that ranks him among the leading men of the House. He is a farmer, owns 100 acres of land, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ' ^ Hon. 0. B. Taylor was born in Portage County, Ohio, June 10, 1827 When his parents emigrated to Indiana he was ten years old, and after coming to the State he received the greater part of his education, finishing at the same place as did his elder brother. At the age of seventeen, he commenced his career as a district school pedagogue, but continued it only for three years when he entered George Wolcott's store in Wolcottville. He continued with Mr Wolcott until the spring of 1852. when he commenced business at South Milford, under the firm name of 0. B. Taylor & Co. On the 27th of January 1859, he married Catharine J. Henry, daughter of Hon. Francis Henry (de- ceased), of La Grange County, and the next October moved to Wolcottville where he engaged, under the firm name of Wildman & Taylor, in a like trade to that at South Milford. In 1867, the partnership changed to 0. B. & H. L. Taylor, which continued some years. The senior partner then sold out to o' L. Woodruff, but after a time purchased H. L. Taylor's interest, the firm name continuing as 0. L. Woodruff & Co. Mr. Taylor was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature by the Republican party in 1878, and was re- elected with an increased majority. He was a hard-working member, and was instrumental in the adoption of the Ditch or Drainage Law. He was chair- man of important committees, and served with distinction and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and parents of three children— Frank P.. Marshall N. (deceased) and Albert H. They also have an adopted daughter— Lana B. Besides valuable town property, Mr. Taylor owns 270 acres of good land near Wolcottville. Henry L. Taylor was born in Portage County, Ohio, December 1, 1835. He received a common-school education, and at the age of twenty-one began life's battle on his own responsibility. Up to 1869, he engaged in farm- ing; and then, in partnership with 0. L. Woodruff, entered into mercantile pur- suits at Wolcottville, conlinuing for six years. He then sold his interest to O. B. Taylor, and since, has been engaged in buying and shipping grain. He also has a farm of 400 acres. He was married April 19, 1860, to Jane Nicholson, who died September 7, 1861. His oresent wife is Eliza J. Steven- son,^daughter of Martin L. and Laura A. (Tozer) Stevenson, born April 3, 1843. They are parents of three children— Charles H., Archie S. and Ruth! Mr. Taylor is a Republican, and at one time was the nominee of that party for ofhce of County Commissioner. He is a member of the Baptist Church. ' JAMES TUCK, of the firm of Dickenson & Tuck, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, December 20, 1842, and is one of three children whose names are James, John and Elizabeth ; the last named is single and is a landscape and portrait painter, of Chicago. John served his country in the late war and died fron gunshot wounds at the hospital in Mobile, Ala. James Tuck was but two years old when his parents removed to La Grange County Ind. Sep- tember 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and received his final discharge at Nashville, Tenn., on the 14th of September, 1865. For over two years he was in active service at the front, JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 33y and was a participant in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, etc. He was commissioned Commissary Sergeant, May 1, 1861, a position he held until the close of the war. Succeeding his discharge he came home and com- menced clerking in a dry goods store at La Grange, at which he continued until 1867, when he came to Wolcottville, and, in partnership with L. B. Dickenson, engaged in the drug trade, meeting with good success ; they have since added groceries and are doing a lively business. Mr. Tuck has been twice married ; first to Mary J. Law, who died shortly after their marriage, and in 1868 to his present wife. Miss Nancy T. Nichols, daughter of Nelson and Keziah Nichols. His last wife has borne him two daughters — Mary and Grace. Mr. Tuck is a Freemason, a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a son of Shuble and Mary (McGrew) Tuck, who were natives of New York. Shuble Tuck was a farmer, and from his native State moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, where he afterward married. He emigrated with his family to La Grange County, Ind., in 1844, and purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Tuck died in 1857 and Mr. Tuck in 1859. They were early settlers of the county and endured many hardships of pioneer Hfe. C. W. VAUGHAN, deceased, was born in Vermont May 16, 1821, son of William and Elizabeth (VVeller) Vaughan. He was given a good practical education. At the age of eighteen, he went to Troy, N. Y., where he engaged in the molding business, thence to Akron, Ohio, where he was bookkeeper in a woolen factory. In about 1844, he came to Northport, Noble Co., and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. He married Melinda M. Wright on the 2'2d of October, 1847, a daughter of Levi Wright. From Northport, Mr. Vaughan came to Wright's Corners, in 1846, and entered partnership with L. L. Wild- man, in a general store ; from this point he moved to Ontario, and from there to Fulton, 111. In 1867, he removed to Chicago, where he engaged in live stock trade a number of years. He died November 14, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan were parents of three children — Ida, Gertrude and Lillie ; only one is now living. Ida married Robert Dykes and bore him one daughter, Grace M.; the mother is now dead. Gertrude married Herbert Vaughan, and they were the parents of one child that died in infancy ; the mother is also dead. The family home has been in Chicago for a number of years, but the widow and daughter own 526 acres of land in La Grange County, Ind., where they at present reside. They are accomplished people and are in the best circles of society. MICHAEL WESTLER, lumber dealer. The Westler fiimily came from Maryland to Ohio at an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born, in Green Township, Summit County, July 30, 1827. John and Elizabeth (Blatner) Westler were his parents, and their occupation was farming. Michael Westler lived with his parents on the farm until fourteen years old, when his father died. From that time until 1847, he worked at farming, went to school, and in the fall of that year commenced the study of dentistry. In October, 1848, he went West and bought a farm of 104 acres, on Section 29, Johnson Town- ship, La Grange County, paying for it $2.50 per acre. He boarded at a neigh- bor's and began improving his place. He was often called upon to work at dentistry. When he first bought the land there was no cleai'ing on it. After building him a log cabin, he, on the 5th of April, 1853, married Sarah Ann Stroman, and to them were born — Francis M., Ida M., Charles J., deceased, Elmer E. and Etta R. R. Mr. Westler has been married three times. By 340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his second wife there was born one son— William M.. who died when about seven months old. He married his present wife (Naomi Wilcox) November 3, 187o. She bore him one daughter — Ottley E. In February, 1865, Mr West'- ler enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged August 31, 1865. In about 1869, he sold a part of his farm, moved to Wolcottville, and engaged in milling. For a time he had an interest in a saw-mill, but at present is engaged in the lumber trade and the agricultural implement business. He is a° Republican, and has held various township offices. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of Wolcottville. and of the La Grange Encampment. He has represented the lodge at the Grand Lodge, and has held all the offices of both lodges, except that of Secretary. Mr. Westler is an honest gentleman in every respect During the war he was a decided loyalist, and during the trouble with black- legs from 1856 to 1858, he was one of the first to become identified with the Rejrulators. L. L. WILDMAN, son of Levi and Sally (Stowe) Wildman, was born January 2o, 1821, in Litchfield County, Conn., and is of Scotch descent. Levi Wildman was a cooper by trade, but farmed to a considerable extent. The subject lived in his native State until thirteen years of ac^e, when he came with his parents to Ohio. The father left the family here in 1837, and went to Indiana, with a view of finding a suitable location. He purchased 80 acres of land a mile north of Wolcottville, and that winter worked for Georcre WoL cott. In the spring of 1838, he went to Ohio, and the next fall returned bringing his family. Building a small log cabin on his place, he moved his family into it and began to improve his property. Mr. Wildman lived here a number of years, undergoing the trials of pioneer life, and, at an advanced age, died on the 20th of July, 1865. His widow died January 25, 1870. L. L Wildman's education was finished at the La Grange Collegiate Institute, at Ontario. He taught school a number of terms, and, in 1846, entered into partnership with C. W. Vaughan, in mercantile business at Wright's Corners. Since that time Mr. Wildman has been identified in a number of business enter- prises at Kendallville, Rome City, South Milford, Wright's Corners and Wolcott- ville. He at present is engaged in the banking business at the latter place. He had been a director of the First National Bank of La Grange, but resigned. He is still a stockholder of that bank, and owns about 350 acres of land in La Grange and Noble Counties, and 160 acres in Kansas. He is a Republican formerly a Whig. He was elected to the State Legislature from La Grange County in about 18o8, carrying almost every vote in Johnson Township He was married, December 31, 1851, to Louisa M. Taylor, daughter of Philo Taylor, and they have had four children — Angeline G.", born April 26, 1853- Eva, born December 29, 1854, died November 18, 1863 ; William W., born De- cember 31, 1856, died June 30, 1880, and Herbert, born April 5. 1860. The first-named is the wife of F. Eugene Dickinson, and the last, Herbert, mar- ^'ed Parks, and is a successful merchant of Wolcottville. Mrs. Wildman was horn June 13, 1829, and both Mr. and Mrs. Wildman are members of the Baptist Church. CHARLES WILSON was born in Livingston County, N. Y., April 10, 1827. His parents were John and Mary A. (Roberts) Wilson, who had a family of twelve children. The father was a farmer and of Scottish descent, and he and wife died in the State of New York. They were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Charles Wilson resided on a farm JOHNSON TOWNSHIP. 341 until fourteen years of age, and received a common-school education. In 1841, he commenced learning the blacksmith trade, which was his main employment for a number of years. He came, with his employer, to Indiana in 1843, lo- cating at Wright's Corners, where Mr. Wilson worked at his trade about a year; he then returned to his native State and engaged in the same business about two years, after which he returned to Wright's Corners and again engaged in blacksmithing, continuing up to 1848, when he commenced farming. In October, 1854, he purchased his present farm of fifty-one acres, which has since been his residence, excepting a time during the war. He enlisted Octo- ber 17, 1861, in Company H, Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and was discharged in October, 1864. He was an active participant in the battles of Forts Donelson and Henry, and of Corinth ; after the last-named engagement Mr. Wilson was on detailed duty, and for eighteen months led the supply train. He was married to Margaret Coberly, in 1850, and they have an adopted daughter — Adel. Mr. Wilson is one of Johnson Township's best citizens, and a Democrat. Mrs. Wilson was born October 10, 1827, in Ran- dolph County, Va.; she came with her parents to Crawford County, Ohio, where her mother died ; her father returned to Virginia, where he died. After her mother's death she was bound out to a family, and with them came to In- diana when fourteen years old ; she lived with this family, working very hard. Commencing at fifteen, she worked out by the week until her marriage with Mr. Wilson. They commenced poor, but by hard labor have acquired a good home. GEORGE WOLCOTT, deceased, was born in Torrington, Conn., July 26, 1806, and was one of a family of twelve children. When sixteen vears old he removed with his parents, Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, to Sum- mit County, Ohio. His father dying in August of that year, he had charge of the home farm until 1828. when he went to Wadsworth and engaged in farm- ing until 1832. August 6, 1828, he married Miss Margaret Hine. of Tall- madge, Ohio, and for a time was engaged in saw-milling and the manufacture of fanning-mills at Wadsworth. In 1836, he sold his possessions here, and in March, 1837, he located on the southern line of Johnson Township, where he built a log house, and the following September moved his family, and then commenced reclaiming the then unbroken forest. One of the first industries started by Mr. Wolcott was a mill fed by a race half a mile long, which he dug himself By his excellent management, it was not long before a little settlement sprang up around him, which took the name of Wolcottville, in his honor, now a thriving village of 500 inhabitants. He built mills, shops, stores, houses, etc. He erected the Wolcottville Seminary, hired teachers, and through his endeavors made Wolcottville what it now is. He was peculiar in disposi- tion, but was a friend to the poor and needy, and at an early day did much to relieve those suffering from fever and ague, then so prevalent. In politics he was a Whig, but afterward a Republican. He died March 31, 1857, but his widow is yet living, at the advanced age of seventy-eight, in Wolcottville. They were the parents of six children — Ann L., Abby A., Rowena R., Almira J. (deceased), Elton R., Marshall F. and Amelia M. ("deceased). Mrs. Wolcott is living a retired life on her property near the village ; she owns seventy-four acres of good land and is one of the highly esteemed old settlers of Johnson Township. 0. L. WOODRUFF, merchant, Wolcottville, of the firm of 0. L. Wood- ruff & Co., is a son of Charles and Jane (Landon) Woodruff, natives respectively 342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Charles WoodruflF in early life learned the tailor's trade, but when he arrived at maturity abandoned that business, and studied the Eclectic system of medicine, and that has been his chief employment since. After a successful practice in Ohio a number of years, he came to Huntington County, Ind., in 1845 ; but after a residence there of six months, returned to Ohio, and again, in 1852, emigrated to Indiana, locating in Albion, Noble Co. He purchased the Samuel Woodruff farm north of town, but soon afterward traded it for the Worden House. During the excitement regarding the Grand Rapids &; Indiana Railroad at Albion, he subscribed almost his total possessions to the enterprise, and it ruined him financially. In 1869, he went to Ligonier, and engaged in the drug trade, and the practice of his profession. The spring of 1880, he purchased a farm near Ligonier, of our subject, and has since been engaged in farming. 0. L. Woodruff, was born in Sunbury. Delaware Co., Ohio, in ISSU, and is one of six children. He lived with his parents up to the time of his father's failure, and since the age of fourteen has been doing for himself. At eighteen he had saved sufficient money to attend school one year at a Fort Wayne college. After this he attended the Wolcottville Seminary over a year, paying the expenses by teaching. Owing to ill-health, he left school, and in the spring of 1861 went to Albion, and there enlisted in the Nineteenth Indiana Infantry, but was rejected on account of poor health. He then clerked in a drug store at Albion, and from there went to Kendallville to clerk. By economy, he had saved a sufficient amount to enter into a partner- ship at Wolcottville in 1869 in a general store, and has continued that trade at this place. His present partner is Hon. 0. B. Taylor. The firm name is 0. L. Woodruff & Co., and they do. an average annual business of $20,000. Mr. Woodruff was married in 1867 to Lydia Garrison, and they have one adopted daughter. Mr. Woodruff is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. J. W. YOUNGKINS, M. D., born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 18-34; is the youngest of eight children, of whom Abraham and Sarah J. (Montgomery) Young- kins were the parents. Dr. Youngkins, at the age of fourteen, came with his par- ents to Richland Co., Ohio, where the parents died. He received only a common education in Ohio, and in 1855 began the study of medicine, graduating from the Medical College at Columbus in 1856. From that time until the breaking- out of the war, he practiced in Hancock County, Ohio, and in May, 1861, enlisted in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and received his com- mission as Surgeon. After serving out his time — three months — he re-enlisted with his regiment, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. For two years he was on detailed duty at Winchester, from where he received his dis- charge in December 1864. After the war he resumed the practice of his pro- fession in Mansfield, Ohio. From there he removed to Butler, De Kalb Co., Ind., and from there to Wolcottville, in 1876, where he has since resided. Dr. Youngkins has a large and lucrative practice, and is a man of extended informa- tion, having traveled across the plains of America in 1851, Mexico and Central America in 1852, and Texas in 1872. He has been twice married. First, to Mary Ann Hall, who bore him one daughter — May ; and his present wife is Eliza Bingham. Dr. Youngkins is a Democrat, and a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of Wolcottville. VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 343 VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM BELLAIRS was born in England July 31, 1820. In 1845, ' he came to America and located in White Pigeon, Mich., where he remained until after he was married, December 19, 1852. He then came to this county and settled on a form he had previously purchased. After living here for a period of five years, he returned to St. Joseph County, Mich. In 1863, he again returned to this county, having exchanged his farm in Michigan for the one that he now occupies, in this township. He owns 300 acres of good land, well improved. Mrs. Bellairs, formerly Ruth Julin, was born in Ohio, October 8, 1831. They are members of the Methodist Church and have a family of eight children — Olive, Ann, George, Henry, Caroline, Josephine, Levi and Mary. Mr. Bellairs is an enterprising citizen and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having attained the third degree in that order. ELMER BELOTE is the son of John and Fanny Belote; was born in Monroe County, N. Y., August 10, 1814. His father was a native of Connec- ticut, born May 2, 1789, and his mother's birth occurred in Rhode Island January 1, 1796. They were married in New York State, February 14, 1813, and, in 1835, emigrated to La Grange County and located in this township on Section 29, where the remainder of their lives was passed. He died August 22, 1850, and her death occurred October 26, 1871. They were par- ents of eleven children, viz. : Elmer, James S., Joseph M., John B., William M., Jefferson A., Naomi E., David E., Andrew I., Amos and an infant. El- mer Belote came to this county with his parents and lives on the farm where they first located. He and brother John own the old homestead of 200 acres and they are both single. Their brother William, who is married, lives with them. The subject is a good citizen and has the confidence of all. He has served creditably as Township Trustee for a number of vears. CHRISTIAN BERGER is the son of George and'Eve Berger, who were born, married and died in Germany. The former's birth occurred in 1799 and the latter's in 1809, their marriage in 1829 and their deaths in 1871 and 1848 respectively. They were parents of ten children, viz. : Jacob, George, Eve, Magdalena, Katie, John, Harriet, Jane, David and Christian. The latter, our subject, was born May 14, 1831, and remained in Germany until October, 1852, when he came to America, going to Erie County, Penn., where he was married, November 10, 1852, to Miss Mary Pfieff"er, also a native of Germany, born September 3, 1829. In 1860, they removed from Pennsylvania and have since resided in La Grange County. In 1869, Mr. Berger bought his property in this township, Section 21, that he has since farmed and improved. He owns 203 acres of land and has a family of seven children — Levi B., born January 21, 1856 ; Abner A., October 31, 1859 ; Charlie F., September 16, 1861 ; Joseph L., February 18, 1865; Emma M., March 31, 1867; John H., May 14, 1869; and Edward C, May 14, 1871. Mr. Berger is an enterprising resident. Himself and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. AMI BERRY, son of Conrad and Lois Berry, is a native of this county and was born April 16, 1841, on the farm where he is now living. After his marriage, which was consummated March 4, 1868, he settled on the old home- 344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: stead farm in this township. Mrs. Berry is a native of Germany, where her birth occurred July 19, 1844. Her maiden name was Mary Bardon and she was one of ten children in the family of Michael and Catharine Bardon, who were also born in Germany, the former January 6, 1810, and the latter April 27, 1812. The subject's parents were natives of Ohio. His father was born June 15, 1813, and his mother .September 28, 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are members of the Baptist Church and are very worthy people. They own 140 acres of ^ood land. Mary A., their only child, was born December 10. 18t)8, and died December 5, 1871. DANIEL BOYER is the son of Daniel and Mary Boyer. of York County, Penn., where they were born, married and died. They had a family of ten children. Daniel, the eldest, was born in York County, Penn., September 17, 1821, and remained there until 18.56, when he located on Section 21, of this township. He was first married in his native county, in 1843, to Miss Sarah Sleeger, of the same nativity as himself, born in 1822. She died November 9, 1848. They had two children — Emanuel, born May 27, 1844, and Mary E.. December 31, 1845. The latter died June 28, 1881. Mr. Boyer's second marriage occurred April 29, 1849, to Mrs. Catharine Sleeger, the daughter of Michael and Mary Boeckel, natives of Germany. She was born in York County, Penn., February 10, 1820. They have two children — Jemima and Franklin S., the former born January 18, 1851, and the latter May 24, 1854. The subject and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church and citizens that are well respected. Mr. Boyer owns 183 acres of land. His father was born in 1800 and his mother in 1802. They were married in 1819. The former died in 1864 and the latter in 1881. STEPHEN BROWN is living on the old homestead firm, situated in this township, and composed of 176 acres of land. He is the third child in a family of seven, born to Isaac and Catherine Brown, and is a native of the Hoosier State, born in 1840, on the 16th of June. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, subsequently removing to this State, where Isaac Brown died in 1848, and his widow married John Wenzer in December, 1860. He died April 8, 1878, and she died March 7, 1880. Ste- phen Brown was married in Elkhart County, Ind., March 17, 1861, to Mary Wenzer, a native of that county, born April 8, 1844, and the youngest of seven in the family of John and Mary Wenzer. August 18, 1864, Mr. Brown enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, serving through- out the entire war. Previous to purchasing the old homestead farm, j\Ir. Brown was located in Section 8, in this township, where he moved about one year after his marriage. Four children have blessed their union— Samuel I., a native of Elkhart County, Ind., born February 10, 1862; John F., born in this county January 7, 1864; Jonas A., born May 26, 1868, and Alvie M.. whose birth occurred August 11, 1870. AMI CALAHAN is the son of Nathaniel and Anna Calahan. The former was born in Delaware July 20, 1788, and, when twelve years old. accompanied his parents to Washington County, Ohio, where he was afterward married. The latter was born in the State of New York, November 19, 1795, and moved to Ohio, when a child, with her parents. She married Nathaniel Calahan in 1810, and they emigrated to White Pigeon, Mich., in 1830, remained but a short time, then came to this county, settling on Section 17, this township, where he entered land in June, 1831. June 7, 1837. Mrs. Anna Calahan died and he was married in 1847, to Mrs. Esther Olney, and VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 345 removed to Section 19, where he died July 20, 1855, and she died in February, 1858. Mr. Calahan, Sr., had a family of fourteen children. Ami, was born in Washington County, Ohio, June 21, 1818, and came to this county with his parents. He was married June 18, 1843, to Lucinda Selby, a native of Ohio, born March 25, 1817, and the daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth Selby. Soon after this event, Mr. Calahan settled on his present farm, hav- ing purchased it in 1840. He now owns 477 acres of land. Mrs. Calahan died June 4, 1880, having borne her husband five children — Alfred M., Almon L., Ami N. (deceased), Charles R. and Edmon. JOHN DALTON, son of Major and Anna Dalton, was born near Al- bany, N. Y., July 0, 1810. At the age of fifteen, he went to Geneva, Onta- rio Co., N. Y., remained about seven years, and was married there, June 11, 1831, to Catharine Cooper. She was born in Waterloo, same county, Novem- ber 4, 1809. They subsequently resided in Rochester, N. Y., where Mr. Dal- ton followed painting about four years. In 1886, he bought land and engaged in farming in St. Joseph County, Mich. Here Mrs. Catharine Dalton died, July 21, 1838, after which Mr. Dalton visited in New York about six months, then returned to Michigan. December 11, 1839, he was married to Laura E. Fitch, who was born in Ohio, September 1, 1817. In April, 1841, they came to this county, and located in this township, where she died, August 18, 1842. Mr. Dalton married his present wife — Anna Hayner — December 20, 1843. She is a native of New York, born August 22, 1812. In 1867, he removed from Section 12, to Section 13, where he is yet living. Mr. Dalton started in life a poor boy, and his efforts have met with abundant success. He owns 1,227 acres of land, and is an esteemed and prominent citizen. He has held honorable positions in office a number of years, having served as Treasurer and Trustee, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church, the subject having united with that denomination in 1834. Mr. Dalton, by his first wife, had three children, as follows: Charlotte E., born in New York, August 15, 1832, now Mrs. Bycroft; Mary J., also a native of New York, born May 2, 1836, now Mrs. Frost, and Cornelius A., born in Michigan, February 4, 1838. His present wife has borne him three daughters — Frances A., born January 27, 1847, now Mrs. Otland, is residing on the homestead farm ; Katie A., born July 1, 1849, died June 11, 1873, and Lucelia, born March 23, 1853, now Mrs. Huff. Mr. Dalton has also reared an adopted child, Henry A., born October 1, 1845, and died May 14, 1868. NATHANIEL DAVIDSON is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., where he was born June 17, 1831. His parents were natives of the same county ; his father, Michael Davidson, was born March 1, 1794, and his mother, Rebecca Davidson, May 12, 1794. In 1840, they removed to Erie County, Penn., where Michael Davidson died in February, 1869, and she is yet living. Their family was composed of four children — Sarah, Catharine, Nathaniel and Michael. The subject went to Erie County, Penn., with his parents, and re- mained nine years ; he then went to Erie City to learn the shoemaker's trade. After serving an apprenticeship of three years he returned home, then again resumed his trade in Erie City, and was employed by various parties. In 1854, he came to Goshen, Ind., made a limited sojourn, and went back to Pennsylvania. In 1855, he went to Iowa, and after spending two years there returned again to his native State, and was married, October 8, 1857, to Mrs. Martha Gerst, who was born in Erie County, Penn., April 24, 1832. In 1861, they came to La Grange County, and located in this township. They 346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: lived four years with his parents, then Mr. Davidson went to the village of Van Buren, where he was engaged in working at his trade about three years. The following nine years he was employed in working on the home farm, remov- ing then to his present farm, of 198 acres, in Section 27. Mr. and Mrs. David- son belong to the Methodist Church, and have had five children — Charlotte V., David P., William E., Sarah C., and Earl, deceased. VOLNEY C. DIBBLE is the son of Andrew and Percy Dibble ; the | former was born in Connecticut, in 1777, and the latter in New York, in 1782. J They were married in 1798, in the last-named State, where they spent the rest ' of their lives, and where their children, eleven in number, were born. An- > drew Dibble died in 1875, and his wife in 1863. Volney C. Dibble's birth oc- curred January 8, 1807, in New York State, and he was married, December 31, 1829, to Fidelia Parker, who was born November 3, 1811, in New York, i where they lived until 1843, then came to this county, and settled in Lima, • where Mr. Dibble started a wagon-shop, and continued that business until ' 1859, when he sold out, went to Elkhart County, Ind., and one year subse- quently returned to this county and bought a farm in Newbury Township. Af- terward resided four years in De Kalb County, Ind., then settled on his pres- ent farm of 44 acres, in Section 28, this township. Mr. Dibble is one of the enterprising citizens, and has a family of three children — Hannah, Lauretta and Adelbert. EMANUEL EAGLEY is a native of Pennsylvania, born on the 26th of May, 1853. He was accompanied to the West by his parents, John and Leah Eagley, and soon after he was married, settled on his present farm of 120 acres, that is located on Section 18 of this township. His wife, Mrs. Mary Eagley, was born at Sturgis, Mich., December 14, 1857. She is a member of the Evangelical Church, and her parents were Frederick and Christena Kiel- kopf She was united in marriage to Emanuel Eagley on the 17th of January, 1876. To their union two children have been born — Frederick E. and Alta M.; the former's birth transpired May 5, 1877, and that of the latter Novem- ber 29, 1879. Mr. Eagley spent his youth with his parents, receiving the average school advantages. His farm presents an improved appearance and he is one of the reliable men of this township. JOHN EAGLY, Jr., was born in Erie County, Penn., March 31, 1849, and came West with his parents, John and Leah Eagley, with whom he remained until reaching the age of twenty-one. December 12, 1869, he was united in marriage to Saloma Brown ; she is a native of this State, her birth occurring on the 5th of September, 1848. He owns a farm of 101 acres, where he has lived ever since he was married, although he, did not make a purchase of, it until 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Eagly are members of the Evangelical Church. Three children have been born to them — Alinde E., December 13, 1872 ; Katie J., December 13, 1875, and Alverada B., whose birth occurred September 14, 1879. Mr. Eagly is a good farmer and is reckoned among the best citizens of his township. L. E. FERGUSON, the youngest of four children, was born September 22, 1845, on the farm where he is residing, it formerly being the home of his parents. He attended the Ann Arbor University, in Michigan, four years, from which he graduated in 1870, then returned to the homestead farm which he managed two years, spending the following year in California ; after return- ing, he spent one year in lake surveying and one year in traveling. In 1876, he bought the old homestead and resumed farming. He owns 290 acres ot VAN BUKE\ TOWXSlIir. 347 good land with buildings to correspond. Mrs Mary J. (Odle) Ferguson is a native of Michigan, where she was born the 30th of June, 1858. She was married to Mr. Ferguson September 18, 1878 ; they have two children — John A., born August 13, 1879, and Maud E., February 9, 1881. Mr. Ferguson is the son of George W. and Elizabeth Ferguson, who were married in Penn- sylvania April 26, 1825; she was born in that State August 6, 1806, and he was born in New Hampshire January 27, 1799. They came to this county in 1836, and located where the subject is now living, then went to White Pigeon, Mich., returning to their farm after an absence of five years. In 1871, they again returned to White Pigeon, Mich., where they lived" in retirement until their death ; she died May 15, 1874, and he died April 15, 1876. JAMES E. FISH is a native of this county, and the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Fish, who were born in the State of New York. The subject was born November 19, 1845, since which time he has been a resident of La Grange County. December 16, 1868, the event of his marriage occurred to Miss Olive S. Morehouse. About two years afterward they moved onto their farm of eighty acres in Section 28, of this township, where they dwell amid comfort- able surroundings. In their family are two girls and one boy ; Hattie, the eldest, was born in 1869, on the 29th of October; Norah's birth occurred Jan- uary 16, 1874, and Charles 0. was born October 8, 1876. Nathan and Har- riet Morehouse were the parents of Mrs. Fish ; they had a ftimily of eight children ; Olive S., the oldest,, was born in New York, May 6, 1843. Mr. Fish, although comparatively a young man, is an experienced and practical farmer, and his property is well improved. ALBERT GREGORY was born in New York June 6, 1841, and is the son of Goodsell and Marcia Gregory, who were natives of New Y^ork and the jiarents of five children. The former was born in 1806 and the latter in 1805. They were married, in 1836, in their native State,, where they continued to reside until 1845, at which time they came to this county, locating at Ontario, and four years afterward removed to the farm in this township where Albert Gregory now lives and where Mrs. Marcia Gregory died March 11, 1861. Goodsell Gregory was married a second time December 15, 1861, to Mrs. R. A. Lewis. Subsequently they removed to White Pigeon, Mich., where he died November 31, 1868; after which she married again. At the age of twenty- two, Albert Gregory began work for himself, and in November, 1864, enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was married to Elizabeth Driver, December 25, 1866. She was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 6, 1842. They have had five children — Marion B., Will B., Leroy D. (deceased), George E. and Jay D. Mr. Gregory bought the homestead farm soon after his mar- riage. It is composed of 100 acres of well-improved land. AQUILA HINKLE, a native of Erie County, Penn., was born January 9, 1884. His parents, Andrew and Catharine Hinkle, were born in Pennsyl- vania, the former in August, 1794, and the latter in October of the same year. They were married in the same State in 1819, and came, in 1864, to Indiana. They located in this township on Section 18, but subsequently took up their residence with their son Aquila, and after living with him a few years, Andrew Hinkle purchased property in Lima, expecting to spend the rest of his life there, but his wife died March, 1874, and he returned again to the home of the subject, where he is yet living. In his family were nine children — William, Amos, Catharine, Henry, Elizabeth, John, Aquila and Priscilla (twins) and 348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Jacob. Aquila Hinkle came to this county with his parents. He was married in Crawford County, Penn., March 10, 1859, to Mary Boyer, a native of that State, born April 13, 1840, and the eldest of six children in the family of Abraham and Elizabeth Boyer. They also were natives of Pennsylvania, her father's birth occurring in April, 1812, and her mother's in October, 1815. The former died in June, 18-54, and the latter still resides in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle remained in Erie County, Penn., a few years after their union, and then emigrated to this county. They lived with the subject's par- ents until 1872, when Mr. Hinkle purchased and removed to his farm of 120 acres in Section 29' of this township. They have an only child, Emma L., who was born in Erie County, Penn.. February 23, 1860. CHRISTIAN HOOFNAGLE is a native of Union County, Penn., where his birth occurred December 1, 1839. He subsequently accompanied his par- ents, John H. and Mary A. Hoofnagle, to Ohio, removing thence to La Grange County in 1865. The subject owns a farm of eighty acres in this township and provides a home for his parents and a sister. During the late war, he served on the field of battle until the close, enlisting, in August, 1862, in Company K, One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Hoofnagle is unmarried. He is a thrifty and enterprising farmer, with flattering prospects for the future. M. HOOFNAGLE was born in Snyder County, Penn., April 27, 1839, and in 1852 left his native State, in company with his parents, who located in Ohio, where the subject remained until the age of eighteen, then went to Il- linois, where he resided four years. Returning to Ohio, he enlisted, November 11, 1861, in Company B, Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and was discharged ; then re-enlisted in same company, and re- mained until the war closed, September 11, 1865 ; he then came to this county and farmed two years, when he sold out to his brother. December 24, 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah B. Steininger, and located in St. Joseph County, Mich., where they resided until 1876, then returned to this county, where he has been engaged in managing his father-in-law's farm, in this township. Mrs. Hoofnagle is of the same nativity as her husband, and was born May 15, 1847. She is the daughter of Simon and Catharine Steininger, and the youngest of three children. The subject is one of ten children in the family of John H. and Mary Hoofnagle, of Pennsylvania. They belong to the Reformed Church, and have three sons — John S., a native of St. Joseph County, Mich., born February 26, 1872; Eugene B.. born May 28, 1875, in same place, and Wil- lard A., a native of this county, born July 16, 1880. ISAAC G. MISNER is the son of Joseph and Sarah C. Misner. and next to the eldest of nine children. The first twenty-seven years of his life were spent in Canada, where he was born June 19. 1828. He then went to Elkhart County, Ind., and was married, at White Pigeon, Mich., December 17, 1855, to Miss Eliza Fleming. She was born on the farm where they now live, December 22, 1835, and is the only child of Tyler and Samantha Flem- ing. Her father was born in New .Jersey April 23. 1811, and died Septem- ber 7, 1839. Her mother was a native of New York State, born August 17, 1806, and died February 13, 1872. Soon after marrying, Mr. Misner settled on his farm of 150 acres, in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Misner have no fam- ily. They are fine people, and, besides their property here, own 120 acres of land in Kansas. Mr. Misner's parents were Canadians by birth, and were married in 1826, May 10. In April, 1856, they journeyed to this county, VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 349 where Joseph Misner died, December 30, 1859. He was born November 5, 1S05. Mrs. Sarah Misner was seventy-six years old on the 15th of February, 1882, and is spending her last days with her children. JOHN McDonald is the son of Robert and Nancy McDonald, both of whom were born in Albany County, N. Y., the former June 12, 1799, and the latter January 27, 1805. They were married about 1821, in their native State, where they are yet residents. Robert McDonald represented the county of Schoharie, N. Y., in the State Legislature, and in his family were eleven cliildren. John, the subject, was born May 14, 1831, in New York, where he was married, January 23, 1856, to Barbara Pitcher. She died, October 14, 1857, leaving one child. In 1858, Mr. McDonald went to St. Joseph County, Mich., and was there married to his present wife, September 18, 1861. She was Mary C. Purdy, a native of New York, where she was born November 22, 1836. They came to La Grange County in 1864, where he bought a farm, and settled, soon after removing to his pi-esent location. He owns 240 acres of excellent land, and has a family of four children — E. B., born in New York, October 14, 1857 ; N. Medie and N. Mettie (twins), born July 8, 1870, and Emily Dell, May 10, 1873. PETER MOAK is the son of Jacob and Margaret Moak, natives of New York, the former born in 1778, and the latter in 1786. They were married in 1S16, and remained in New York until they went to White Pigeon, Mich., from whence they came to this township, where their last days were passed. She died in 1842, and he in 1855. They were members of the Reformed Church, and parents of five children. Peter Moak was born in New York on tlie 3d of May, 1823, and came here with his parents in 1835, remaining with them until the age of twenty-five. February 10, 1847, he was united in mar- riiige with Miss L. Satchel, native of New York, born July 20, 1827. He then briught the old homestead, where they lived two years, then exchanged for an- other farm ; lived there seven years, then removed to his present location. May 20, 187T, the death of Mrs. Moak occurred, and January 15, 1879, Mr. Moak and Mrs. Eliza A. Crockett were united in matrimony. She is the daughter of John and Polly McDonald, and was born in New York in 1832, October 23. In the family of Mr. Moak there were four children — two living, Clara and Wallace, and two deceased, Ettie and Henry ; the former died December lii, 1872, and the latter September 2, 1878. Mr. Moak is a man of enter- prise, and owns a farm of 128 acres, that is well improved, with good build- ings. JAMES MOONEY is a native of Lancaster County, Penn. ; born December 25, 1824, and is the son of James and Margaret Mooney ; in 1827, hi' went with his parents to Erie County, Penn., where he was married No- vember 4, 1847, to Juliann Fry, who was born on board vessel October 16, 1828, while her parents were en route to this county from Germany ; after coming to this county they settled on the farm where they are yet residing ; it is situated in Section 33, is well improved and comprises 240 acres of land ; Mr. Mooney ranks among the best farmers and prominent citizens of his town- ship. They have seven children — Frederick, born October 26, 1848 ; Jacob, September 8, 1850 ; Mary, January 14, 1853 ; Anna, August 10, 1856 ; Ellen, June 8, 1860 ; Agnes, September 4, 1861 ; these were all born in Erie County, Penn., and George D., the youngest was born in this county October 19, 1865. Mr. Mooney's parents were born in Lancaster County, Penn., his father September 20, 1795, and his mother February 21, 1790 ; they were 350 ♦ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: married in the same county in September, 1818, and remained there until they moved to Erie County, same State; in 186-1, they emigrated to this county, lived in Lima Township one year, then returned to Pennsylvania, makin"- a second trip to this county about two years subsequently, when they settled in this township, where Mr. Mooney died September 10, 1869 ; she is yet living, and resides at the home of the subject. Their fomily consisted of four chil- dren — Henry, James, Martha and Jacob. R. L. NEWMAN was born in Philadelphia, Penn., December 12, 1820, and is the son of John D. and Ursula Newman. At the age of three years, he accompanied his parents to New York City, where he remained until he was eleven years old, when his mother died and he went to live with an uncle ; he came with the family of the latter, about a year afterward, to this county ; thev settled in Lima Township on Section 20, and with them the subject remained until he was eighteen, when he commenced working out by the month, continued about two years, then went to Lima and began serving a three years' appren- ticeship at the carpenter's trade, and followed the same for some time ; Febru- ary 5, 1843, he married Mary A. Parker, who was born in New York July 10, 1820 ; all his earthly possessions — an old horse — he exchanged for its value in furniture, and began housekeeping. Through energy and economv he has amassed a comfortable fortune, owning now 260 acres of land and good buildings. He is a citizen that is well respected; five children have been born to himself and wife — Rozane H., February 22, 1844; Frances E., August 2, 1847, died August 21, 1850; Delmar A., March 24, 1851; Orlinda C, Au- gust 16, 1854, and Charles R., June 28, 1864. WILLIAM S. OLNEY is a native of this county, and was born Sep- tember 16, 1834, on the farm where he is residing. His parents, John and Esther Olney, were early settlers of this county, locating on Section 19, Van Buren Township, in 1830. His father's birth occurred February 24, 1800, and his mother's March 13, 1802 ; they were married in Ohio August 14, 1823. John Olney died in 1841, June 9, and his widow was afterward mar- ried to Nathaniel Calahan March 23, 1847, and they died on the farm now owned by the subject, the former February 12, 1858, and the latter July 20, 1855. She had a family of seven children — John D., Truman M., Betsey A., Asa J., Henry, William S. and Martin V. After the death of his parents, the subject and one brother bought the old homestead. William S. purchased his brother's interest in the winter of 1881-82, and now owns 401 acres of excel- lent land. His marriage to Miss Delila J. Sidener occurred June 10, 1858 ; she was born in this county October 2, 1839, and is the eldest of eight chil- dren born to Nicholas and Margaret Sidener. Mr. and Mrs. Olney are mem- bers of the M. E. Church, and have had three children— Charles B., born June 30, 1859, died May 1.5, 1873; Eddie A., born September 17, 1862, now attending school at Sturgis, Mich., and an infant born October 27, 1873, and died November 28, 1873. THOMAS PEATLING is a native of England, where his birth occurred September 7, 1828. His parents, William and Ann Peatling. were English people; the former was born February 7, 1798, and the latter June 20, 1802; their marriage occurred September 12, 1820. Mrs. Ann Peatling died May 30, 1842, and August 4, 1845, William Peatling was again married. In 1848, lie emigrated to America, settling in Beaver County, Penn., where he is yet a resident ; his second wife died September 1, 1873. Thomas Peatling crossed the ocean in 1850, and went to Beaver County, Penn., where he was married VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 351 March 28, 1855, to Elizabeth Oalpass, also a native of England, born June 26, 1826. She is next to the youngest of seven children born to Robert and Ann Calpass. In 18^4, Mr. Peatling moved to St. Joseph County, Mich., where he remained until 1880, when he sold out and bought the farm where he now lives, in Section 16, of this township. He owns 2-40 acres of land that is fur- nished with good buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Peatling belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have had six children — Willard C, born September 9, 1856 ; Ann C. and Edward A., twins, born May 13, 1858, the latter died July 27, 1858; Thomas E., May 4, 1860; Elizabeth, March 23, 1862, died February 6, 1864, and Joseph B.. November 12, 1864. P. W. PRESTON is the son of Thomas Preston, one of the oldest pioneers of La Grange County. The subject was born in England October 9, 1820, and came to this country with his parents, who settled on land in Section 26, of this township. He is one of nine children, and lived at home until twenty-six years of age. May 30, 1847, he married Margaret C. Iron, a na- tive of Delaware, where her birth occurred June 8, 1828. They did not locate permanently until after his father's death, when he removed to and soon after purchased the homestead farm, where he has since remained, and has assisted in caring for his aged mother. The farm consists of 109 acres and is excel- lently improved. Mr. and Mrs. Preston are members of the Baptist Church, and have a family of eight children — L. H., Mary C, W. S., E. W., Eliza- beth J., R. A., Martha B., and Margaret F. Although Mr. Preston is a mechanic, he devotes his attention exclusively to farming. JOHN F. ROTE is the third of a family of seven children, and a native of Snyder County, Penn, where he was born April 9,1842. His parents were Solomon and Maria Rote ; they were both born in Pennsylvania, the former in 1809 and the latter in 1810. In 1849, they removed from their native State to St. Joseph County, Mich., where Mrs. Maria Rote died in 1870, her husband's death occurring three years later. John F. Rote accompanied his parents to Michigan and remained with them until he was twenty-four years old. He has been married three times ; his first wife was Harriet Brokaw, to whom he was united December 22, 1866 ; his second marriage occurred March 14, 1872, to Lucy A. Robinson, by whom he had one child — Solomon D. Mrs. Lucy Rote died in 1873, and May 22, 1879, he was married to his present wife, Jennie Dean. They have one child — Ira U. Mr. Rote owns a good farm of eighty acres, and is a member of the Reformed Church. JACOB SCHMIDT, the eldest of a family of nine children, born to Jacob and Elizabeth Schmidt, is a native of Germany, his birth transpiring October 13, 183L He is of German parentage, the birth of liis father occur- ring in 1803, and that of his mother seven years later ; they were married in 1830, and passed their entire lives in Germany. Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt died in 1865, and five years afterward her husband followed her to the grave. Jacob Schmidt came to America in 1854, and located at White Pigeon, Mich., where he was married November 15, 1862, and resided until he moved to his present home in this township. He is the owner of 186 acres of land that is under good cultivation and lies in Section 18. Mrs. Schmidt, formerly Nancy Steininger, was born in Pennsylvania September 24, 1839. In the family of Mr. Schmidt there are eight children — John VV., Ellen A., Ida E., George E., Louisa M., Charles C, Edward W. and Lula A. JOHN SHERWOOD, son of William H. and Elizabeth Sherwood, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., September 26, 1821. His parents were 852 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: natives respectively of Orange and Oswego Counties, N. Y., the former born October 18, 1798, and the latter August 26, 1799. They were married May 4, 1819. in the latter county, and remained in New York until 1853, then moved to Elkhart County, Ind., settling near Goshen. About ten years after- ward they emigrated to Illinois, and lived with their daughter, until he died, March 18, 187.3. She afterward went to Marshalltown, Iowa, where she died, November 27. 1875, at the home of her son. Dr. A. C. Sherwood. They were parents of nine children — Sarah, deceased ; John, Diana, Betsy A., deceased ; A. C, M. A., deceased; Isaac N., deceased ; Mary L.; and D. B., deceased. The subject lived with his parents until seventeen, and received a good educa- tion. In 1842, he came to Steuben County, Ind., going from there to Ohio, but returned soon to this State, and engaged in school teaching near Goshen. He remained about four years, and April 9, 1845, was married to Lucinda M. Storn, who was born in New York. June 21, 1828. She died eighteen days after her union with Mr. Sherwood, and he then returned to his home in New York. December 24, 1846, he was married to Elizabeth Savage, also a native of New York, born March 29, 1824. He left New York in 1854, and went to Michigan, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, continuing the same until April, 1857, when he sold out and began farming in Cass County, Mich. Two years afterward he located in this county, and has since remained. He is one of the prominent citizens, owns a farm of 220 acres in this township, is a mem- ber of the I. 0. 0. F., and has a family of nine children — Almond E., Nelson A., Ida L., Amy H.. John B., Editha J., Ella A., Guisippi G. and Sarah E. H. M. SIDENER, a prosperous and enterprising farmer, is a native of this county, where he was boru October 3, 1841, and has ever since made it his home. His marriage to Miss Mary C. Hinkle was consummated June 22, 1869. She was born in Pennsylvania May 13, 1849, and is the daughter of William and Matilda Hinkle. In 1867, Mr. Sidener bought property located in Section 28 of this township, where he resided until 1880, when he sold it and purchased a farm in Section 29, where he took up his abode, and has remained since. He has always been engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, and at present owns 111 acres of fine land. Mr. and Mrs. Sidener have an only son — Roy G., who was born in this county., March 11. 1881. Mr. Sidener is the son of Nicholas and Margaret Sidener. NICHOLAS SIDENER owns 300 acres of land in this township, which is well improved. He came to La Grange County, in 1835, and bought his present farm. Returning to Ohio, he was married April 6, 1837, to Margaret Bussard, and soon after settled in this township, on Section 30. where his form was located, and where he had entered 160 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Sidener are both natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. He was born December 3, 1811, and she June 27, 1817. They have had nine children — Dellia J., Henry M., Samuel L., Willard, John, Mary, James E., Martha E. and Margaret E. They are among the oldest resident pioneers, and belong to the M. E. Cliurch, of which Mr. Sidener has been a member since 1839. He is the son of Nicholas and Nancy Sidener. His father was born in Virginia September 1, 17"3, and was twice married; first, in Kentucky, to the subject's mother, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1782, and died in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1821 ; they had eleven children. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah Prough, by whom he had five cliildren. He died in 1851. Mr. Sidener has accumulated all his present wealth (except $1,000) by his own exertions, and has sold 113 acres of fine land. He has assisted in laying out the roads, and in building the bridges in VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 358 the township, and is a respected and valued citizen. Both his grandfathers came from Pennsylvania, and resided at one time in Kentucky ; his grand- father Kline subsequently locating in Ohio at an early day. SAMUEL L. SIDENER, the son of Nicholas and Margaret Sidener, was born in this county July 23, 184:3. He remained at home and assisted his parents, until he was twenty-two years old. April 18, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Ettie E. Parker, who was born in this county in 1848. Soon after, they located on one of his father's farms on Section "20, this town- ship, where they resided until her death July 24, 1875, after which Mr. Side- ner returned to the home of his parents. January 18, 1878, he was married to his second and present wife, Annie E. Wolf, a native of Erie County, Penn., where she was born June 25, 1852. They moved into a house built by his father, where they have since lived, and he has been engaged in farming the old homestead. Mr. Sidener has a family of two children — Ralph, born Jan- uary 20, 1868, and Alta M., September 23, 1870. E. SIXBEY is the son of John and Elizabeth Sixbey, natives of New York ; the birth of the former occurring September 9, 1781, and that of the latter August 28, 1782. They were married in their native State in 1805, and in 1835 went to White Pigeon, Mich., remained until they came to Indiana, where she died in La Grange County, in May, 1852, and Mr. Sixbey subse- quently married, and died in 1855. The subject, one of thirteen children, was born in New York January 5, 1819; came here with his parents, and remained with them until the age of twenty-six. February 15, 1843, he was married to Orpha L. Barnes, a native of New York, born October 17, 1820. After farming two years on his father's place, Mr. Sixbey moved to his land in Sec- tion 14, this township, where he is now living. In 1850, he went to Califor- nia, where he was engaged in mining five years. He owns 150 acres of land and has a family of five children — Frank E.. born February 24, 1844, now a stock-dealer of New Mexico; John, April 11, 1846, railroading; Catherine S., August 20,1848, school-teacher; Charles, March 6, 1858, railroading; and Orpha M., April 6, 1862, a music- teacher. Mr. Sixbey is a member of the Masonic Order, and has served his township two years as Trustee. N. N. SIXBEY was born in New York, January 31, 1833 ; two years later his parents, Nicholas and Christiana Sixbey, natives of New York, came west to White Pigeon, Mich., thence to this county, where they bought 640 acres of land, subsequently moving to St. Joseph County, Mich., where they lived on a 240-acre farm until 1865, and then removed to near Sturgis, where they lived five years, finally locating in Vistula, Elkhart Co., Ind., where Nicholas Sixbey died November 26, 1875, and his wife December 20, of the same year. The former was born February 13, 1806, and the latter Decem- ber 20, 1804. They were married in Kentucky in 1824, were members of the Reformed Church and had thirteen children. November 17, 1857, N. N. Sixbey and Louisiana Olney were married. She was born in this county November 30, 1837, and is the youngest of two children in the family of Asa and Thank- ful Olney, natives of Ohio. Her father was born in 1805 and her mother in 1811 ; they were married in 1829. They came to this county about one year afterward, and are now living in Section 18, this township. Mr. and Mrs. Sixbey first located on Section 14, this township, afterward removing to Sec- tion 13, where they are living, and he owns 214 acres of land that is well improved. They are of the Methodist denomination and have a family of two children — Cora E., born March 6, 1870, and Lora E., November 27, 1874. 354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: EDWARD SNYDER was born in Union County, Penn., September 17, 1812, where he passed the earlier part of his life and was married in 1832, on the 22d of September, to Mary A. Stallnecker. She was born in the same county August 11, 1813 ; they moved on a farm, previously purchased by the subject, and lived there until 1866, when they sold out and removed to Noble County. Ind. Near Avilla they settled on a farm, making their home there eight years, at the end of which period Mr. Snyder bought his farm in this township. It comprises 120 acres of good land, and is located in Section 15. Mrs. Edward Snyder died at her home August 13, 1873, leaving a husband and six children to mourn her loss. The children are Charles, Mary E., Sarah, Add M., Anna E. and Edward S. Mr. Snyder's parents — George and Peggy Snyder — were natives of Pennsylvania. Subject and family are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. SAMUEL H. STEININGER is a native of Snyder County, Penn., and the son of Simon and Catharine Steininger. They came to this county about 1854 and are now living in White Pigeon, Mich., and are parents of three children. Simon Steininger was born April 27, 1818. and Catharine, his wife, September 18, 1825. Samuel II. was their second child. He was born May 14, 1844, and came here with his parents, remaining with them until twenty- three years old. After he was married, December 24, 1867, to Miss Amanda Sterner, he worked the home farm until he moved to his present location, that was purchased by his father in 1876. The latter owns considerable real estate and has retired from active labor. Mr. and Mrs. Steininger are among the estimable families of this township and are members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Steininger is a native of the Buckeye State, where her birth occurred September 26, 1844, and has borne her husband two children. Willard S. was born January 27, 1869, and Franklin I. December 23, 1871. ROBERT T. THORN was born in England July 23, 1809; married there in 1832, July 2, to Miss Maria Dunn, and remained there until about forty years of age. He worked at a mechanic's trade in TIngland until 1850, when he emigrated to America and located at Bellville, Ohio. Eight years subsequently he removed to Indiana ; resided in Elkhart one year, then settled on his farm in this township, where he owns eighty acres of good farm- ing land. Mr. Thorn has retired from active work. His parents, John and Elizabeth Thorn, were English people. His wife also was born in England, in 1811, on the 25th of March. Mr. and Mrs. Thorn have had born to them twelve children, six of whom have died. Those living are Elizabeth M., Maria, Robert, Seella, Emma and William H., and those deceased, John, Theresa, Richard. William, Theresa and John. CASPER WEISS is a native of Germany, born November 25, 1840, the next to the youngest of eight children born to Emanuel and Elizabeth Weiss, who were natives of Germany. The subject, at the age of seventeen, emi- grated to America, going first to Erie County, Penn., where he lived four years and during that time learned blacksmithing. He next removed to Grant County, Wis., and there resumed his trade. After a lapse of two years he returned to Erie County, Penn., and September 3, 1864, enlisted in the army, serving until its close. Returning to Pennsylvania, after a brief period he came to this county, selecting, as a desirable location, Van Buren, where he established a shop and resumed his trade, and is doing a good business. Octo- ber 26, 1865, Mr. Weiss was married to Mary Schwitzer, and they have one child, a daughter, Rosie A., who was born July 13, 1872. They are members VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP. 355 of the Evangelical Church. Mrs. Weiss was born in Germany September 14, 1845, and he owns property in this town. HENRY WEISS is a native of Germany, where he was born August 19, 1834. He started for America the 18th of April, 1856, and landed in New York City June 7 of the same year. Starting the ne.xt day, he went direct to Erie County, Penn., where he remained some time, and was married March 27, 1861, to Anna Schweitzer, who was born in Germany November 14, 1843. In 1865, they came to Indiana, settling in Van Buren Township, this county, and in 1874 purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Section 23. Mr. Weiss belongs to the Evangelical Church, and is, the son of Emanuel and Elizabeth Weiss, who were Germans and parents of eight children, viz. : John, Justus, Elizabeth, Peter, Henry, Jacob, Casper and Catherine. Emanuel Weiss was born in 1800 and his wife in 1796. They were married in 1826, and she died in Germany July 22, 1855. He came to America in 1868, and spent the remainder of his days with his son Henry. He died June 20, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Weiss have three children — Charles E., born April 29, 1862; J. Casper, January 17, 1865; and Clara, April 4, 1870. JONAS WENGER, son of John and Mary Wenger, natives of Canada ; Jonas was born in Canada December 16, 1828, and was next to the oldest in a family of seven children. He came to the United States with his parents in 1S47, and remained with them until he was twenty years old. He was mar- ried, August 30, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Black, who was born in Ohio October 19, 1824. After their marriage he purchased a farm in Elkhart County, Ind.; here they moved and lived until 1863. when he sold out and came to La Grange County, purchasing and settling on a farm in this township, in Section 16 ; in 1872, he removed to Section 21, where, at present, he is located, and owns 340 acres of excellent land. Mr. Wenger is one of the enterprising farmers of his township. He and wife belong to the Evangelical Church, and have a family of four boys and two girls — John F., Samuel, Henry, Mary A., Jacob and Katie L. EDEN TOWNSHIP. J. K. BYLER, the proprietor of a hardware and agricultural implement store in Haw Patch Center, is a son of .Jonathan and Catherine C. Byler, natives of Pennsylvania. He was the third in a family of eight children, and was born in Union County, Penn., July 26, 1847, and came to Noble County with his parents in 1855. Beginning in 1871, he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade and worked at carpentering about two years, after which he was engaged, by J. W. Hall, in the sale and erection of the Hall Wind-mill. He continued in this employment after the firm changed to Flint, Wallen & Co. He subsequently engaged in farming, continuing until October 25, 1881, when he started his present line of business. He carries a complete stock of goods, and is receiving the assistance his enterprise merits. Mr. Byler was married to Hannah M. Miller December 28, 1875, in Noble County ; she was a native of Pennsylvania ; they have two children — Ida, born June 3, 1878, and Ora, born August 22, 1880. Mr. Byler owns some property in this vicinity, and his family follow the teachings of the Omish Mennonite Church. PATRICK CARR, son of Franklin and Mary Carr, was born in Ire- land March 17, 1829 ; his parents were married about the year 1811, and died in Ireland, his father's death occurring about 1841, and his mother's .S.'je BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in 1833; Patrick Oarr was the third of eight children, and remained in Ireland until 1850, when he came to the United States, landing in New York. He remained there and in vicinity five years, then came to this county, and, in 1861, December 25, enlisted in Company I, Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the war until its close. After his return he purchased his farm in this township. Mr. Carr is a systematic and thrifty farmer. November 2;!, 1865, he was married to Miss Hannah Carey, who was born in Boston, Mass., December 20, 1848. Her parents were Michael and Catherine Carey, natives of Ireland ; they have seven children — Lilly C, born November 21, 1866 ; Mary B., October 8, 1868; Frank J.. January 3, 1870; Michael C, October 23, 1875; Thomas L., March 10, 1877; and twins, William P. and John W., born October 20, 1881. Mr. Carr and family are all members of the Catholic Church. DR. J. N. DENNY, son of John and Mary Denny, is a native of Elkhart County, Ind. His father was born in Wheeling, W.Va., March 8, 1790, and his mother in Franklin County, Penn., April 23, 1797. Their marriage was celebrated at Steubenville, Ohio, March 2, 1822; they remained at the latter place until 1834, at which time they came to Elkhart County, then a wilder- ness filled with wild animals, but three years later took up their residence in La Grange County. The father died at his residence on Section 35, in April, 1867, but the mother yet survives. This worthy man and wife experienced through the long years all the trials incident to the settlement of a new coun- try. The father was a man of more than ordinary intelligence. At last, full of years, like the patriarchs of old, he was gathered to his fathers — his life work was done. To these parents four children were born — W. J., in Ohio, March, 1825 ; J. M., in Ohio, October, 1827 ; F. M., in Ohio, April, 1882, and J. N., the subject of this sketch, in September, 1834 ; the latter has al- ways been the "home boy." His early education was received from different sources, but in 1856 he began the study of medicine at Goshen, continuing hard at work for three years, at tJie end of which time he took a course of lectures at the famous Rush Medical College, Chicago. He then returned to his father's farm on Section 35, "hung out his shingle," where he has remained in successful practice since. He is yet unmarried. The four children of this family are, intellectually, much above the average. W. J., the eldest, lives at the old home, himself and Dr. Denny owning 300 acres of fine land. J. M. is an eminent attorney at Albion, and is the author of an excellent chapter in this volume. F. M. is a practicing physician in California. The father was for some time an Associate Judge of the county, and his memory is treasured by a large circle of friends and relatives. W. H. FRANKS, M. D., is the only son of Samuel and Susan Franks, and was born in Fayette County, Penn., April 26, 1841. Though his educa- tion was obtained under difliculties — by reason of limited means — yet, with that determination and perseverance characteristic of the man, he succeeded in fit- ting himself for almost any position in life. At the age of sixteen, he attended the George's Creek Academy, near his home. For two years, while at his father's, he studied medicine, then placed himself under the tuition of Dr. F. C. Robinson, subsequently attending lectures at the JeSerson Medical College in Philadelphia. He then commenced the practice in partnership with his preceptor, in his native county. A few months later he came to Noble County and commenced practice in Brimfield. In the winter of 1873, the Doctor, after attending lectures at the Rush Medical College, in Chicago, graduated. After EDEN TOWNSHIP. 357 this his practice so increased that he injured his health ; and with the intention of giving up his profession, he sold his propcTty in Brimfield, and after a resi- dence of about one year in Noble County, purchased the farm where he now lives, on the Haw Patch. Here the call for his professional services necessitated resuming practice, and he now devotes all his time to this calling. Dr. Franks was married, September 24, 1S66, to Mary E. Gibson, who was born in Noble County, May 26, 1848, a daughter of A. G. and Eliza Gibson, now living in Noble County. A family of four children has been born to them — Walter E., September 15, 1867 ; Ernest G., September 25, 1873 ; William A., Decem- ber 7, 1878, and Ada M., May 31, 1880. The Doctor owns eighty acres of finely improved, and eighty acres of timbered land, also an eighty in Kansas. He is a member of the Northeastern Indiana and the Noble County Medical Societies, of which he has served as President. Himself and wife belong to the Baptist Church. The Doctor's parents were natives of Pennsylvania ; the father born about 1805 and the mother about 1809. They were married about 1830 ; their children were Sarah A., Anna, Elizabeth H., William H., Eliza J., Mary C, Amanda and Susan. The mother died August 15, 1864 ; the father still lives in the old place in Pennsylvania, where he has filled many positions by the suffrage of the citizens of his county. MILTON HERALD was twenty-nine years old on the 22d of September, 1881. His father, William, and mother, Sarah Herald, the former a native of Holmes County, Ohio, and the latter of Armstrong County, Penn., were united in marriage in the last-named county in 1849. After a short time, they moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where they still reside. They own 313 acres of land there, besides 110 in La Grange County, Ind. Milton, the sec- ond of a family of five, remained in Wayne, his native county, until 1876, when he came to La Grange County, and began working the farm his father had previously bought. He married Miss Mary M. Denny January 9, 1878. This lady's parents are J. and Sarah Denny. Mr. Herald moved on his fiither's farm, buying the same and increasing it until he now owns 134 acres, one of the finest farms in the township. He owns a fine brick residence and one of the largest and most convenient barns in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Herald are industrious and bright, and may be numbered among the best resi- dents of the township. They have no family. Mr. Herald's father was born in 1824, his mother in 1823 and his wife in 1854. The elder Herald's occu- pation was farming and stock-raising. , M. J. HOCHSTETLER, farmer, is a son of John and Magdalena Hoch- stetler, natives of Pennsylvania. She died in Pennsylvania, and her husband, John Hochstetler, was married again and moved to Ohio, where his last days were passed. Among eleven children was the subject, born in Somerset County, Penn., June 9, 1812, and with his parents came to Ohio. After a lapse of two years, he returned to Pennsylvania, and was married, January 17, 1838, to Elizabeth Mast. After living three years in that State, he bought a farm in Holmes County, Ohio, where they farmed eight years; then disposed of it, and in turn purchased a farm and grist-mill. After operating the mill eight years, he bought the laml in this township, where he is yet continuing his ex- tensive farm practice. Mr. Hochstetler is the owner of 240 acres of land, and himself and wife are believers in the Ornish Mennonite religion. Of thirteen children born to them twelve are living, viz.: John M., Samuel J., Eli M., Moses M., Eve, Paul J., Elizabeth, Polly, Jacob J., David J. (deceased), An- drew J., Uriah J. and Henry J. 358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : CHRISTIAN KAUFFMAN, farmer, came to this county in 1854 with his parents, Joseph and Nancy Kauffman. His father and mother were both natives of Mifflin County, Penn. The dates of their respective births are August 27, 1807, and January 7, 1807. Their marriage was celebrated in Wayne County, Ohio, about the year 1829. and there they remained until they came West and settled on the farm now owned by the subject, subse- quently, in 1867, moving to Elkhart County, Ind., where Joseph Kauffman died in March of the same year. Mrs. Kauffman still survives and is with a son in Haw Patch Center. Christian Kauffman purchased the homestead farm in 1860. He was one of seven children and was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1831, August 8. November 8, 1833, Elizabeth Myers was born in the State of Pennsylvania. December 28, 1856, she was united in marriage with Mr. Kauffman and has borne him five children — Rufus A., born Decem- ber 6, 1857; Joseph I., September 2, 1859; John M., September 5, 1861; Ninette C, September 13, 1865, and Mary E., May 8, 1869. Mr. Kauffman owns 120 acres of land, good buildings and is a deservedly popular citizen. ROBERT LEPIRD, farmer, is the eldest of seven children, and came to Indiana at a very early day with his parents. His father, Samuel Lepird. was born May 13, 1815. His mother, Harriet Lepird, was born April 24, 1816. Tiiey were early settlors of this county, where they died. Robert Lepird was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 10, 1840, and when of age assumed the management of the homestead farm for his mother, his father having died previously. In 1867, he went to Eaton County, Mich., where he bought and sold three different farms, and then returned to this county. He farmed on shares about one and a half years, then went to Noble County, lived two years, sold his farm to his brother and bought the old homestead on the Haw Patch, where he is permanently situated, having 120 acres of land and good buildings. January 5, 1862, Mr. Lepird and Miss Sarah A. Waddell were united in mar- riage. The following is a record of their children's births: Fayette R., Jan- uary 11, 1863; Ada M., March 25, 1864; Mary B., July 5, 1865; Elvev, March 22, 1870; Elton G. and Alton J. (twins), June 5, 1878. Mary B. died March 9, 1868. JOHN W. LOW, farmer, is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth A. Low, the former born in Pennsylvania, the latter in Maryland, and were pioneers of this county, where they located about 1836, and are residents of Clear Spring Township. Four of their children are living — Mary J., Thomas H., John W. and Martha E. February 9, 1845, John W. Low was born in this county, and November 15, 1868, was married to Elizabeth H. Coppes. Her parents, Richard and Hannah Coppes, natives of the State of Pennsylvania, live Other ways ; he has had three strokes of paralysis, and is badly disabled besides, having some impediment in his speech. He was married in 1856, May 8, to Rebecca Logenecker, and soon after came to Milford Township, and located. Their family consists of seven children — Alva J. (who married Luella Cox), Harriet C. (who married Augustus J. Kent), Celia A. (deceased), Emma J. (married to John Duboise), Noah E., Mary A. and Charles W. Mr. Kimmel has served two terms as Township Trustee, and had previously been Director of Schools and Pathmaster. His farm numbers 100 acres, well improved, and is valued at about $8,000. He is a Republican. ELDER F. KOMP is a native of Germany, where he was born in Hesse- Darmstadt April IH, 1828, and was brought to America by his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Deetz) Komp, in 1831. They lived three years in Pennsylvania, then moved to Clark County, Ohio, and came to Whitley County. Ind., in 1843; cleared two farms and lived near Columbiana City until their deaths. Tile subject, when twenty-two years old, began his calling as a minister in the Church of God. In early times he had many difficulties to contend with, and received but slight remuneration for his services among the pioneers as a mis- sionary minister, and frequently, to keep appointments, made ten trips of 300 miles each annually. For the year of 1856, he received $17.50 for his con- tinual services, and for several succeeding years was rewarded with $50 annu- ally. In the fall of 1863, Mr. Komp was drafted and went in the army with Company F, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In September, 1861, he was honor- ably discharged, and after his return, while engaged in farming, preached locally until 1871, when he came to his farm of eighty-one acres in this town- sitip, where he now lives. For two years he was engaged in the ministry, and since then has given his attention to farming, preaching when occasion requires. Mr. Komp is an anti-secret society man, a believer in divine inspiration and total abstinence, and entertains the views of the Republican party. He was married, in 1856, May 22, to Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Isaac and Margaret Parker, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born June 22, 1832, in Armstrong County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Komp have had eight children, five now living — George E., Margaret D., Lodema L., Eva R. and Freddie. GEORGE T, LOVETT.was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 24, 1831. His parents, R. and Katharine (Martin) Lovett, natives of Pennsyl- vania, came to Stark County, Ohio, in the fall of 1830, and resided until after her death, August 18, 1851, when the father came to Indiana and located in this township in 1856. George Lovett is the eldest of nine children, and began working for himself when twenty-two years old. The first year he lost only two days' work, and in the fall of 1854 came to Milford Township. He has one brother who is a minister, and one brother went to the war and received fatal wounds in the battle of Murfreesboro. The subject was married, March 13, 1856, to Katharine Brady, daughter of David and Elizabeth Brady. Their children are Mary F. and George R., living, and Laura E., deceased. Upon his arrival in Milford Township, Mr. Lovett had only $6, and started by running a threshing machine and farming. He now owns one of the finest farms in the township — 155 acres under excellent cultivation, and supplied with every convenience. He is a Republican, and foi' the past twenty-six years, with the exception of two summers, has been Superintendent of the Sun- day scliool, and with his wife is a member of the Church of God. DAVID LOWER was born in Northumberland County. Penn., Septem- ber 12, 1816, the son of Conrad and Hannah (Cramer) Lower, of German de- 420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: scent and natives of Pennsylvania, whose grandfathers served in the Revolu- tionary war. Conrad Lower served under Gen. Jackson in the war of 1812. He came to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1829, where he died in 1860. David Lower's first vote was cast for Gen. Harrison, and he has since been a strong party man. Previous to his marriage, in 1843, September 28, to Annie M. Showalter, daughter of John Showalter, he spent about three years in the Southern States. In 1853, they settled in Paulding County, Ohio. They had six children — John, Isaac and Hannah, and three deceased — Ephraim, Conrad and William. After his wife's death, April 29, 1856, Mr. Lower came to this township. His present wife was Mrs. Catharine Menely, daughter of Melchoir Fordney, of French descent. She wa:* first married to Ale.xander Menely, December 3, 1835, hy whom she had five children — two living. Mr. Lower owns 125 acres of land, well improved. In 1860, he erected a barn at the cost of about $2,000. He is prominent in the township and always assists in bene- ficial enterprises. His annual income is about !$1,000. Mr. and Mrs. Lower are both active membei's of the Church of God. John Lower, eldest son of the subject, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, October 11, 1844. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company D, in the fall of 1861. During the battle of Shiloh he was absent on sick leave, but joined the regiment at the siege of Corinth, and was fore- most in the fight at the battles of Stone River and Mission Ridge. He served as teamster three months during the autumn of the battle of Lookout Mount- ain ; then returned to his company ami followed them closel}' until he wis dis- charged, in October, 1865, receiving two flesh wounds during his service. March 11, 1866, he was married to Kebecca M. Martin. She was born Janu- ary 4, 1843. They have three children; two are living — John D. and William I. John owns ninety-four acres of good laud and has been a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 380. EMANUEL R. MARTIN is a native of Lancaster City, Penn., and son of George and Katharine (Croft) Martin, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father was a shoemaker and died in 1825 ; his wife maintained the family, and, when they were about grown, came West to Stark County, Ohio, where she kept house for the subject until her death in February, 1848. He was born April 7, 1823, and married in 1848, November 6, to Mary Smith, of Stark County, Ohio, and by her had three children — Belinda, John and George. After her death, Mr. Martin married Harriet Clayman, daughter of Henry and Henrietta Clayman, who came from Germany to Stark County in 1834, where they resided until they died. 'They have five children — Alice, Cora, Hattie, William and Francis. The subject, when sixteen years old, be- gan working at $2.50 per month, turning the wheel for a rope-maker six months, then worked at blacksmithing five months, after which he resumed rope-making. He saved all his earnings, and after setting type three years, accumulated enough to buy a small farm in Stark County, Ohio, which he sold in 1862, removing to this township where he has lived since. His farm of 110 acres is located on Section 28, and his property is valued at about $'J,000. He is an active Democrat, and, before coming to Indiana, was quite prominent in political matters. During the war he paid $532 for exemption of the draft of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are both members of the church. DAVID W. MILLER is a native of Highland County, Ohio, where he •was born January 4, 1831, his parents, Henry and Christina (Fisher) Miller, •Laving settled there in 1815. Thence they moved, in 1837, to Johnson Town- MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 421 ship, this county, where they resided till 1855, when they removed to this town- ship, where Mr. Miller died in 1861. David Miller in his youth helped to raise the flax with which to make clothing, and this, together with the wool obtained from a few sheep, furnished the required material. When twenty-one years old, David Miller rented his father's farm, and after harvesting one crop and selling his cattle he went to Iowa, and entered land near Des Moines. He soon re- turned, and for four years drove a team for Northam & Barber, and traded his Iowa land for forty acres in this township. This land, with forty acres more given him by his father, made his home until in 1862, when he sold out and went to Michigan and resided three years ; came to Noble County and traded for his present property of 100 acres. Mr. Miller was chosen Justice of the Peace and re-elected to a second term ; has served also as Pathmaster and School Director. He is a Democrat, and a charter member of the Regulators. In the fall of 1861, he was married to Aceneth Day, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, December 31, 1841, and is the daughter of David R. and Orilla (Black- man) Day, who came to this township in 1843, and are now residents of Wol- cottville. They have had seven children — Francis H., Mary R., Charles W., Nellie C, Ida E., Flora U., and John C, deceased. FRANCIS A. NEWNAM was born in Springfield Township, La Grange County, July 14, 1838. January 17, 1861, he married Eunice Kellogg, the daughter of Joseph and Adeline (Cory) Kellogg; she was born October 15, 1840, and, by her union with Mr. Newnam, has one child — Ora P., whose birth oc- curred on the 6th of August, 1873. Mr. Newnam is one in a family of fifteen, eight now living — Nicholas B., Rebecca, George W., Rachel A., Francis A., Samuel H., Sarah A. and Harriet. Francis, having attained the age of twenty- one, made a venture with $100, with which he partially paid for 120 acres in Springfield Township in Section 33, and sold the same eight years subsequently, when he bought his farm in this township, 200 acres, for $11,000. Mr. New- nam raises live stock, that aff(jrds another source of profit. The proceeds of his farm for 1879, were $3,000 ; for 1880, $3,000, and for 1881. $2,000. Mr. Newnam is a Republican ; charter member of the Regulator Society at Brushy Prairie, and has served as County Commissioner. His parents were Nicholas B. and Mary (Pickeron) Newnam. Mrs. Newnam's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kellogg, came from their native State, New York, to Steuben County, in 1845, and resided until the dates of their death, respectively, 1876 and 1880. GEORGE W. NEWNAM was born in Talbot County, Md., May 20, 1832, and is the son of N. B. and Mary (Pickeron) Newnam, who came to this county in November, 1836, and located in Section 16, Greenfield Township, where they erected a pole shanty, and lived that winter : then, in the summer of 1837, built a good log house, lived in that until 1850; then built a frame house, in which his son now lives and where he died December, 1877. aged seventy-five years nine months and nine days ; his wife died June 10, 1840, aged thirty-three years. George W. started out empty-handed when he reached his majority, and spent about five years in various pursuits. He well remem- bers following an Indian trail through the woods that led to a log schoolhouse, where he acquired a moderate education. He married, April 25, 1858. Eliza Ann Lucas, of Noble County, daughter of George Lucas, an early settler. In the fall of 1858, Mr. Newnam went to Steuben County, where he lived seven years ; then returned and settled on his present farm. He has dealt in stock to some extent, buying and shipping large numbers of hogs and sheep from this and adjoining counties. In the fall of 1880, he bought 150 head of sheep, kept 422 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: thein four mouths, tlieu sold them at a net profit of $440. Mr. Newnam is a member of the Freemason Lodge. No. 380. There are three children — John B., George E. and Nicholas C. I. B. NEWNAM, son of G. P. and Clarissa (Stiirgis) Newnam, was born in this township, January 4, 1841. His father was a native of Talbot County, Md., born March 3, 1806, and his mother May 19, 1818. They were parents of three children — Julia A. (deceased), I. B., and Mary J., who is now the wife of George W. Sturgis and lives in Topeka, Kan. The father of the sub- ject being very much averse to slavery, at the age of thirty left Maryland and came to this township in 1836, in company with three brothers, and entered land in Section 33, where he resided until his death, November 21, 1878. His wife is still living with her son, the subject. He made a start in life with half of an old threshing machine; and after running it about two seasons, he traded it for a span of horses. He then farmed for his father on shares, and traded his team for the northeast quarter of Section 35, and came out $1,100 in debt. He is now a leading farmer, owns 200 acres of finely improved land, valued at about $15,000, and has put about $5,000 into buildings. His wind engine sup- plies four tanks and a hydrant with water. His education has been principally self-acquired. Ho niiirrieil Katie J. Childs February 7, 1860. She was born February 15, 1839. and is the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Likes) Childs, wlio were of English descent and natives of Wayne County, Ohio. They have three children — Harmer M., Mary J. and Clemma. JOHN B. NICHOLS, son of Samuel and Bachael (Shepardson) Nichols, was born in Vermont, November 2, 1805. Samuel Nichols, after farming a few years in New York, went to Ohio, where he died in 1870. Mrs. Nichols then went to Wisconsin with her daughter, where she died within a year. The subject had three brothers and two sisters, and went from New York to Monroe County. Mich., in 1833, where he purchased si.xty acres of land for $150, sub- sequently selling it for $1,100. Through one of the wild-cat banks that was organized about that time he lost nearly all his property. In 1840, Mr. Nich- ols located permanently in this township, paying $4.50 per acre for his land, and sold pork at H cents per pound and wheat at 37J cents per bushel to pay for it. Mr. Nichols was married, October 7, 1838, to Adeline M. Bartlett, a native of Oneida County, N. Y., who moved to Monroe County, Mich., with her parents, in 1831. They came to this township in 1841, and both died here, Mr. Bartlett in 1847 and Mrs. Bartlett in 1856. In 1853, Mr. Nichols adopted an infant child, Eugene Sprague. Mr. Nichols was one of the active Regu- lators and ever upholds the cause of the just. He owns 440 acres of land, is worth about $32,000 and pays $150 taxes, quite in contrast with, although as easily paid, as his $3 tax in 1840. In 1851, Mr. Nichols invested $200 in the old plank road, and subsequently $400 in the G. R. & I. road. L. C. NICHOLS was born June 4, 1811, in Chenango County, N. Y., a son of Samuel and Rachael (Shepardson) Nichols, natives of Vermont. They lived a few years in New York State and then moved to Ohio, where the senior Nichols died in 1870. Mrs. Nichols then moved to Wisconsin with her daughter, where she died the same year. L. C. Nichols began life for himself at the age of twenty by purchasing the old homestead farm, in company with his brother-in-law. By reason of failing health, he sold out to his partner, and soon after commenced raisinsi thoroughbred sheep on rented land. In about 1835, he rented a dairy farm, conducting that business for a time. This he found unprofitable. About this time, the United States, or "Nick Biddle's MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 423 Bank," as it was called, was refused a recharter by the United States Govern- ment. It was run by English capital and had become a power in the laod. The country was flooded with paper currency, which so depreciated in value that it carried financial ruin to a large number of the people, our subject among the rest. Becoming disgusted with his failure and the East, he started, in 1842, for Wisconsin, but found his brother, John B., in Toledo, whom he joined and came to this township, where he has 120 acres of land and owns property valued at $10,000. July 4, 1849, he married Rebecca Sage. She died, in 1858, in Wisconsin. Four children were born to them — William S., Henry R., Ulilla and Anna B., the latter deceased. November 29, 1862, Mr. Nichols married Mrs. Harriet Cook, daughter of Samuel Fowler, of New York. Mrs. Nichols and the daughter are members of the Baptist Church. J. PYATT owns 200 acres of well-improved land in Section 33, of ttiis township. He is a native of Ohio, born in Seneca County, March 5, 1829. and first came to this county with his parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Parker) Pyatt, who were of French and Irish descent, in the fall of 1839, where they remained three years : then went to Kendall County, 111., resided three years and returned. The mother died May 9, 1866 ; her husband the :24th of the following June. Both were members of the Disciples' Church. The subject began working in the saw-mill at Milford at the age of twenty-one, receiving from $13 to $20 per month, and by the strictest economy he purchased a farm of eighty acres at $5 per acre, built a good frame house, and in the fiill of 1855 was free from debt. January 1, 1856, he married Julia Swogger, daughter of Isaac and Susannah Swogger, natives of Ohio, of German descent. They have three children — Ada, who married Eugene Nichols December 26, 1875; Amanda and Charles W. For a period of about twenty years, he was never more than twenty-five miles away from home ; but October 30, 1876, he saw his neighbor, Mr. Acton, starting out, en route for the Centennial, and, with- out further ceremony, Mr. Pyatt concluded to accompany him, and did so, returning in time to vote for Tilden and Hendricks. Mr. Pyatt's property is estimated at about $24,000. AMIZIAH REED was born in Wayne County, Penn., August 17, 1817. His parents were David H. and Lydia (Bartlett) Reed, natives of Maine, of English descent : they went to Pennsylvania, in 1817, thence to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836; and, in 1852, came to this township, where the subject had located about two years previously. He was married October 14, 1849, to Elizabeth Reed, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 8, 1825, and soon after located on his farm of 122 acres in this township, which now presents an improved and thrifty appearance. His wife's parents were Bartholomew and Sylva Reed, natives of Maine, and of English descent. Mr. Reed has run a threshing machine for about fifteen years, and threshed the first clover seed in the county, that was raised on his farm in 1851. When at home, he worked at the carpenter's trade with his father, who was a carpenter and blacksmith, for about seven years, and his experiences have benefited him. He served satisfactorily as Township Treasurer, six years successively, and during the war, assisted in raising money to exempt the township draft. Their children are Albert, Amanda, Edward K., Christus C. (deceased) and George Dallas. The three oldest are married and living near home. JACOB ROSER, son of George and Susan (Pontious) Roser, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 22, 1832. The father, George Roser, who was engaged in farming in Stark and Summit Counties, Ohio, died in May, 1870 ; 424 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his wife in December, 1872. They had seven children. The subject, at the age of twenty-one, came to Noble County, and commenced clearing a farm. He went back to Ohio, and in the following spring returned to make the West his permanent home. He located in Milford Township in the fall of 1862, where he now lives, and owns 105 acres of well improved land. He was married to Amelia Jane Ritter, March 23, 1868. She was born October 6, 1836 ; her parents, Isaac and Margaret (Kiser) Ritter, were of German descent, and her father was a cabinet maker. Mr. and Mrs. Roser have three children — George A., Cora S. and Dallas G. Mr. Roser's first vote was cast for James Buchanan. JACOB SIGLER is the owner of 120 acres in the southeast quarter of Section 7, this township. He is a son of Michael and Mary (Soles) Sigler, of German and English descent, and natives of Pennsylvania. Michael Sigler was born April 13, 1790, and was the seventh son, and served in the war of 1812 as a cavalryman. In October, 1820. he moved to Ashland County, Ohio, and lived there until his death, April, 1866. Jacob Sigler is the eldest of sixteen children, nine of whom are now living, and when eighteen years old began working for himself, and at the age of twenty-one was able to purchase 80 acres of land in Wood County, Ohio. He was born February 19. 1813, at 8 o'clock A. M., and was married Thursday, February 20, 1834, to Miss Mary Clark, born March 7, 1808, in Indiana. Her parents, George and Mary Clark, came to America from Ireland. The subject, about a year after his marriage, built a log house on his farm, where they lived more than eighteen years. Mr. Sigler, while in Ohio, served as Township Trustee, two years ; Clerk, two years, and School Director, twelve years. He came to this township and pur- chased his present farm June 2, 1853. His property is valued at about $15,000. He filled the ofiice of Justice of the Peace eight years, and School Director and Pathmaster several terms. He has visited eight States in his travels, is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Order, No. 380, and with his wife a member of the Baptist Church. They have had seven children — Eliza A., born May 27, 1836; Mary J., June 26, 1838; and Margaret E., Septem- ber 11, 1839, all deceased; David C, born December 26, 1840; Jasper N., May 11, 1842; Michael W., March 23, 1844, and Sarah M., April 17, 1843. all married and living in comfortable circumstances. H. J. VESEY is a native of Vermont, as were also his parents, William and Adeline (Copland) Vesey, his birth occurring October 19, 1834. They came West to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1834 ; his father, in 1835, bought land in Elkhart County, Ind., and returned to Ohio; his five children, in the spring of 1836, accompanied by their uncle, came and located on the land, but the fa- ther was detained in Ohio by the illness of his wife, that resulted in her death. He then joined his family in Elkhart County, where he died in 1873. At the age of eighteen, H. J. Vesey paid $150 for his time until twenty-one, and, in 1853, began attending school at Ontario, working at any available employment during the remainder of the time. He has paid special attention to grafting, and for thirty-four years has worked at that during the spring season, traveling through Canada and seventeen of the States. In 1858, Mr. Vesey traded land in Fillmore County, Minn., that he bought in 1851, for 120 acres of his farm in this township. He now owns 302 acres, which are improved with many fine buildings ; property valued at $20,000. In connection with farming, he raises live-stock, having, in the fall of 1881. 510 sheep for the spring market. August 6, 1857, Mr. Vesey and Helen E. Smith were united in marriage. She was born December 14, 1839, and is the daughter of Joseph H. and Margaret MILFORD TOWNSHIP. 425 (Robinson) Smith, natives of New York, who went to Michigan at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Vesey have four children — Maggie A., now Mrs. Charles Sears ; Lottie E., now Mrs. George McKibben ; Lydia C. and Sylvester T. Mr. Ve- sey has been a member of the Masonic Order. DANIEL WERT was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 18, 1828. His father, Jacob Wert, was born in 1799 in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents in 180-4 ; thence to this State in 1852, where he has since lived. He is now with Daniel, his second son, and is eighty-two years old. His first wife, the subject's mother, died June 5, 1868 ; her maiden name was Susanna Baum ; she was born in Ohio in 1807 ; his second wife — Elizabeth Walker, a native of Ohio — is now visiting in the West. Daniel Wert commenced work- ing by the month when about twenty-one years old, and, after he had accumu- lated $325, came to Indiana in 1853, and located in De Kalb County. He returned to Ohio the following spring, and was married March 19, 1854, to Eliza Miller ; they then returned to Indiana, where Mr. Wert for about two years ran a saw-mill ; then some eight months worked in a mill near Goshen in Elkhart County ; then came to this township and settled on his fine farm of 340 acres, where he has remained, and has been operating the first saw-mill built in the township. He spent about twelve years dressing and fulling cloth. When only six years old, with his brother, aged eight, he took charge of a saw- mill, and of a carding-machine part of the time ; he has property now, valued at about $21,000. j\Ir. Wert is a Democrat, and a worthy and prosperous citi- zen. His wife was born in Green Town, Summit County, Ohio, July 16, 1835; her parents were Benjamin and Margaret A. (Diffenderfer) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Wert have had seven children — Mary (deceased), Lucinda, Isaac, Emma (deceased), Horace (deceased), Carrie and Dallas. Lucinda married Cyrus Wright. CLAY TOWNSHIP. JOHN H. APPLEMAN, son of Jacob and Jane (Harris) Appleman, was born in Washington County, Penn., August 10, 1815. Jacob Appleman was a tailor, and had a family of thirteen, eight boys and five girls. When John was still quite young, his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where his father died about 1851. About the year 1827, he moved to Richland County, Ohio, with his mother, and lived with his uncle, William Pool, until twenty-one years old. September 20, 1836, he was married to Miss Mary A. Doe, who was born in Stillwater, N. Y., May 20, 1818. William and Anna (Hilton) Doe were her parents, the former a native of Bangor, Me., the latter of New York. By this marriage Mr. Appleman had six children, two of whom are living — Squire H. and John W. In 1849, October 11, Mrs. Appleman died, and January 7, 1851, Mr. A. married Miss Sarah J. Doe, a half-sister of his former wife. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 30, 1828, and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Amsbaugh) Doe. They have six children— William E., Albert G., Ira R., Charles M., Julia E. and Elma S. Mr. Appleman located in Springfield Township, this county, in 1840, paying all he had — $60 — on eighty acres of land, and, by persistent energy, succeeded in making a home for himself and family, and increased his land to 700 acres. He removed to this township in April, 1875, and bought the farm where he 426 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: lives at the present writing. Mr. Appleman was a prominent member of the Regulators in this county. MYRON ATWATER is the ehlest of four children in the family of Thomas S. and Hannah (Enos) At water. The former, a native of New York, was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that occupation in early life. In the fall of 1855 he came to Lima Township, and purchased 200 acres of land, and died in 1872. Mrs. Hannah Atwater died at the same place in 1875; she was born in Pennsylvania, and both were members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Myron Atwater bought the farm of 160 acres in this township in the spring of of 18t)5, and, February 11, 1867, was married to Miss Ann Brinley. They have had seven children, of whom five are living — Nellie, Thomas, Mary, Jessie and Walter. Mrs. Atwater was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 8, 1842, her husband's birth occurring the same year, on the 28th of October, in Luzerne County, Penn. Her mother, Elizabeth (Guysinger) Brinley, was born in Maryland, while her father was a native of Pennsylvania ; in their family were ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Atwater are members of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat, being one of the prominent and enterprising citizens of the township. ROSWELL D. BABCOCK, born June 13, 1819, in Grand Isle, Vt., is the youngest of seven children of Elias and Lucy (Demery) Babcock, the former a native of Norwich, Conn., born February 2, 1777, the latter of Dartmouth, born May 22, same year. Elias Babcock served at the battle of Plattsburg, in the war of 1812, and the subject has in his possession a powder-horn carried by his father on that memorable occasion. Elias Babcock moved to Hunting- ton County, Quebec, in 1829, proceeding, in 1831, to St. John's, Canada, where he was employed in getting out ship timber. In 1833, he went to Geauga County, Ohio, purchased ninety acres, built a cabin and began clearing. Here his death occurred, July 2, 1859. Mrs. Lucy Babcock died there March 1, 1874. Roswell D. Babcock and Mrs. Hetty A. (Abramson) Hamblin were married in Geauga County, Ohio, April 24, 1845, and came to Bloomfield, this county, in 1846, where he worked by the day and farmed on shares until 1852, when he received eighty acres of the old yVbrarason homestead. He sold out and moved to La Grange in 1860, and has lived on his present farm since he bought it in 1863. Mr. Babcock, since 1853, has been a member of the A., F. & A. M. They have three children — Lucy J., now Mrs. Sanders ; Francis W., and Charlotte F., now Mrs. Spidel. All belong to the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Babcock was born in Rockland County, N. Y., April 6, 1822, and her parents were natives of New York. Her father, Halstead Abramson, was born August 16, 1794, and her mother, Elizabeth Van Houten, November 8, 1796; the former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and came to Bloomfield Township, this county, in 1845 ; bought a farm of 240 acres, where he lived until his death, October 25, 1852; his wife died May 6, 1857, and both were buried on the old farm. JOSIAII T. BOWEN is a native of Bedford County, Penn., born July 7, 1819. He went with his parents, Jacob W. and Rachel (Kiten) Bowen, to Stark County, Ohio, in 1820 ; they were both natives of Bedford County, Penn. Jacob VV. Bowen was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a carpen- ter and came to this township in 1851, where he lived until his death, in 1860. Mrs. Rachel Bowen died in 1870. Josiah T. Bowen learned the clothier's trade in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1839, and was there married, October 5, 1843, to Miss Catherine A. Garmire, a native of the same county. Mr. Bowen bought CLAY TOWNSHIP. 427 eighty acres of wooded land in this township when he came here, in 1847. In 1852, he sold his farm and moved to Illinois but' returned the same year and bought 1(30 acres, built a log cabin and commenced clearing. Mr. Bowen is living on this farm ami has largely increased its value by numerous improve- ments ; he takes especial pride in keeping good horses. In 1861, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served four years ; he also served as Trustee when three constituted the board. Mr. Bowen is a prominent Republican and was an active worker among the Regulators ; he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Their family numbers nine children — Minerva A. (now Mrs. C. M. Barrows), Sarah R. (now Mrs. Benjamin Giggv), Lucinda E. (now Mrs. J. Slack), Alvin W., Mary E. (now Mrs. S. Roy), Mott A., Edith M., Morton E. and Frank B. .JAMES BOYD, Jr., is the son of James and Mary (Yowler) Boyd, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Germany. James was born May 17, 1801, in Somerset County, Penn., and married on the 20th of March, 1831, to Catharine Engle, of the same nativity as her husband, her birth oc- curring on February 29, 1812. Her parents were Peter and Barbara (Gar- lets) Engle, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Boyd, in 1836, moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, immigrating to Elkhart Township, Noble County, Ind., where he cleared si.xty acres of land for William Collt, receiving in return a deed for 120 acres of land in this township, where he built a cabin in October, 1854, and began clearing. It is yet the home of Mr. Boyd, and is well improved. Mrs. Catherine Boyd died February 6, 1881, in her sixty-ninth year. She, with Mr. Boyd, belonged to the German Baptist Church. They were the par- ents of eighteen children, fourteen of whom are yet living. One son, Arion, died about twelve years ago, leaving a wife and five children. Those living are Delilah (now Mrs. Frick), Easton, Harrison, Edward, John, James, Peter, Jacob, Douglass, Urias, Philip, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Cary Frisby), Mary (now Mrs. McBeth), and Corrinda (now Mrs. Coager). JOHN BOYD, son of James and Catharine (Engle) Boyd, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 24, 1838. His parents were natives of Som- erset County, Penn. The subject, from the time he was twenty, worked on a salary until in August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battle at Perryville, Ky., and served with his regiment until discharged for disability. After his marriage, March 2, 1865, at Albion, he farmed two years in Noble County, then came to where he is now living, in this township. He farmed two years, then worked at carpentering until 1875, when he took a contract of improving 700 acres of land in the northeast part of the township, returning to his farm in the spring of 1880. Mr. Boyd is one of the inventors of a patent buggy-top adjuster, and also invented a patent hay rack. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the German Baptist Church, and parents of seven children, viz., Es'tella, Alma, Dayton, Canton, Ann E., Clarence and Bessie E. Mrs. Amanda Boyd is the daughter of Michael and Mary (Colt) Landis, natives of Ohio, and parents of three children. She was born in Eden Township, this county, on the 15th of September, 1846. HIRAM CARNAHAN is the son of Samuel and Mary A. (Marshone) Carnahan, natives of Pennsylvania and Greene County, Ohio ; the birth of the former occurring April 15, 1813, and that of the latter May 14th of the same year. In 1835, Samuel Carnahan moved to Greene County, Ohio, where he was married. In his youth he worked several years on the Lower 428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : Mississippi, near New Orleans. In 1841, came to Lima Township, where he was employed in the Grannis Mills, and bought 40 acres of unimproved land in Clay Township ; built a house and began clearing. In this house Hiram Carnahan was born December 6, 1842. His father returned to the South, but made a brief sojourn. In 184.5, he sold his farm and bought another of 100 acres in same township, where he died November 5, 1867, having increased his land to 340 acres. Mrs. Carnahan died at the same place January 18, 1878. Hiram Carnahan lived at home until after his father's death. Novem- ber 13, 1869, he was married to Orvilla Tedrick, who was born September 18, 1847, in Bloomfield Township, this county. They had two children — Jacob S., who died September 25, 1873, and Carrie May. Mr. Carnahan bought the farm of 81 acres where he now -lives, in 1870. It is part of the old home- stead and is well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Carnahan belong to the M. P. Church. He has served as Assessor three years. Mrs. Carnahan's flither, Jacob Tedrick, was born in Maryland ; and her mother, Sarah (Rathburn) Tedrick, in Licking County, Ohio. SAMUEL CARNAHAN, Jr., was born in this township March lt», 1844, son of Samuel and Mary A. (Marshone) Carnahan, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Ohio. Samuel Carnahan, Sr., came to Lima Township, this county, in 1841; bought land, then returned to the South, where he had previously worked near New Orleans, returning to this township; November 5, 1867, he died at his home; his wife followed him January 18, 1878. The subject, after attaining his majority, worked out for two years, and in 1868, bought 71 acres of land in this township, where he now lives. Mrs. Carnahan was born in Elkhart County, Ind., May 1, 1852, and was one of five children in the family of Costain and Andalusia (Gould) Rathburn, and was married to Samuel Carnahan, January 12, 1871. Her mother was a native of New York; her father, of Ohio. He came to Bloomfield Township, this county, in 1844, remained about seven years, then went into Elkhart County, but returned later to La Grange County, where he died November 19, 1875. Four chil- dren — Lester, Charles, Clara E. and Rachel A. — constitute the family of Mr. and Mrs. Carnahan. Mr. Carnahan is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are active members of the M. P. Church. MRS. ELIZABETH DANSER was born in Fayette County, Penn.. November 2, 1813, daughter of Joseph and Fannie (Shaw) Hindraan, wiio came to the United States from Ireland when small children. They moved to Monongalia County, Va., when Elizabeth was about fourteen, and where Mr. Hindman died June 11, 1847, and Mrs. Hindman in 1864 or 1865. They were parents of two daughters. Elizabeth Hindman was married at Morgan- town, Va., December 13, 1834, to Elijah Danser, who was born in New Jersey, May 8, 1808, and taken by his parents to Monongalia County, Va. He learned the wheelwright trade, carpentering and cabinet-making, and was employed in the manufacture and sale of pumps for some time. He also worked at con- tracting and building, and furnished a large part of the flagging for the city of Cleveland and stone for piers in Cleveland Harbor. He owned boats on the Ohio & Erie Canal, and shipped quantities of stone to Canada and Cleveland. Mr. Danser moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and then, in 1835, to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where he lived until he came to La Grange, in 1855. The fall following, he moved on the farm where Mrs. Danser now lives. He died, while engaged in clearing and improving his farm, August 13, 1860. Mr. Danser was a good citizen, respected by all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Danser had CLAY TOWNSHIP. 429 two children. One — Joseph H. — was a soldier in the late war, and went out as First Lieutenant of Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1861. He was promoted to the Captaincy in November, 1862. At the battle of Stone River he was wounded in the hip, in consequence of which he resigned his commission and returned home in 1863. Previous to entering the army he had taught several terms of school and studied law with Dr. Kennedy, of La Grange. After returning, he was admitted to the bar, but was unable to practice his profession on account of ill-health, which finally resulted in his death, at the home of his mother, October 8, 18t)5. The other child — Sarah J. — became Mrs. J. B. Pratt on the 9th of December, 1858. She has two children— Willma C, now Mrs. William H. Selby, married May 26, 1880, and Robert L. B. Mrs, Selby has one child — Cora. All are living together on the homestead farm in this township. FRANKLIN DAVIS is the son of Sylvester and Hannah (Daggett) Davis, of Massachusetts. Sylvester Davis served in the war of 1812, was married in New York, and had a family of five children. He lived a pioneer's life in the States of New York, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and Kansas. In Geauga County, Ohio, Franklin Davis was born, June 16, 1827, and Mrs. Hannah Davis died in 1832. In 1844, the elder Mr. Davis came to this township, and bought the farm where the subject now lives. In 1850, he went to Iowa, and from there to Kansas, about the time of the breaking-out of the " Border Ruffian " war, in which he took an active part. At one time, while staying with his nephew, the house was attacked, and twenty-seven bullet-holes made in one door. No damage but a slight injury to his nephew. Mr. Davis re- turned to Iowa, where he died, in his seventy-ninth year. In politics, he was first a Whig, then an Abolitionist, and afterward a Republican. His religious views were as many as his politics, he being in turn a Universalist, Disciple and an Adventist. The subject lived with his Grandfather Daggett, in New- York, from the age of seven to sixteen ; then went to Ohio, and remained two years, coming to La Grange County in 1845, where he rented and operated a saw-mill for several years. In 1851, he bought the farm where he is now re- siding. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Elliott) Davis, is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born October 25, 1826. They were married on the 1st of January, 1850, and seven of their children are living; three being deceased. Those living are William S., Clary L. (now Mrs. Barrows), Chloe (now Mrs. Sams), Caroline S. (now Mrs. Bulock), Frank S., Lizzie N. and Gusta A. Clary and Ciiloe are twins. They also have taken into their family a little niece — Mary M. Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the M. P. Church. Mrs. Davis' parents were William and Lydia A. (Spidle) Elliott, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Davis was Township Trustee two years, and for the twenty-seven past years has been class-leader in the church. EMANUEL FLECK isanativeof Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and in his twenty-second year, in 1855, came to La Porte, Ind., and learned the carpenter's trade. In November, 1856, he returned to Ohio, with .fl52, and purchased carpenter's tools. February 19, 1857, he married Miss Savillah Fisher, came to Indiana March 27, 1865, and bought a farm in Clay Township, on which was an old water-power saw-mill. He used this mill until October, 1806, when he built a new one on the same site. In 1870, he built a grist-mill, but the water proving insufficient, he put in an engine in 1871, and built a new circular saw-mill. He is the owner of the "Model Mills," known as Fleck's Mill, with a saw-mill containing planing, joining 430 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and edging machines. He also owns the right of a patent hay-rack, for Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and all territory west of the Mississippi River, and is one of the inventors of a patent buggy-top attachment. His farm is well improved, and a new frame residence has just been completed. He in- troduced the cultivation of German prunes in the county, and is the inventor of a fruit-tree protector. The sprmg of 1867, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and held the office eight years : served as Trustee, and was re-elected in 1878. The following children were born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio ; Henrietta, born April 30, 1858, died in March, 1880 ; Laura Ann, May 28, 1859; George Washington. August 4, 1860 ; Amanda Jane, October 7, 1861 ; Oliver Leander, June 7, 1863 ; and Israella, November 16, 1864 ; those born in La Grange County — Samuel Peter, December 20, 1866; Curtis Wise, Sep- tember 21, 1869 ; Burt, January 16, 1872 ; Helen Izora, July 3, 1875 ; Harry B., January 29, 1877 ; Rollen, December 27, 1879, and an infant daughter, who died February 21, 1874. SETH FORD came in 1856 to Clay Township with his parents, Jared ford, a native of Massachusetts, born in September, 1808, and Rebecca (Ring- er) Ford, who was born in December, 1810, in Maryland. They were par- ents of four boys and three girls ; and, upon their arrival in this county, the •elder Mr. Ford bought the farm that his son Seth now manages, and owns also property in La Grange. He took an active part in the Regulator movement of this county, and was a member of the M. E. Church in his younger days. He died at La Grange on the 3d of May, 1881, at which place Mrs. Rebecca Ford yet resides. The subject, Seth Ford, was united to Miss Catharine Selby in marriage May 3, 1860. Her parents were Luke and Mary A. (Kissinger) Selby. The former was a native of Ashland County, Ohio, where Catharine ■was iDorn September 29, 1835. Mary Selby was a native of Maryland; Mr. Ford was born in Wayne County, N. Y., March 23, 1836. They are mem- bers in good standing of the Methodist Church. Mr. Ford bought the farm where he now lives in 1858. It has fine improvements and good buildings. CARY R. FRISBEY came to Noble County with his parents in 1842, ■and in 1844 moved to Lima Township, this county. His father, John Frisbey, was born in Luzerne County, Penn. ; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was married in June, 1817, to Mary A. Van Clief, a native of Morgan County, Ohio. She died at her home in Lima Township, in November, 1854 ; Mr. Frisbey then moved to this township, where he died in October, 1859. C. R. Frisbey was born February 2, 1836, in Morgan County, Ohio. He went to Wisconsin in 1855, returning to this county the following year ; September 30, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in battle at Fort Donelson. Being unfit for service he was discharged July 17, 1862, at Battle Creek, Tenn., and returned to La Grange. September 30, 1864, Mr. Frisbey re-enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle at Nashville. July '8, 1865, they were mustered out at Nashville, and Mr. Frisbey returned to In- diana. In 1864, April 2, he was married to Julia F. Osborn, who died Sep- tember 22, 1864. He married Miss Elizabeth Boyd October 27, 1867, a na- tive of Noble County, and bought the farm where he now lives, in February, 1868. They have two children — Erie S. and Minnie M. Mr. Frisbey is a raember of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and Mrs. Frisbey of the German Bap- tist. He was Deputy County Treasurer for about nine years, and six years served as Assessor and Real Estate Appraiser ; he now fulfills the duties as CLAY TOWNSHIP. 431 Justice of the Peace, to which office he was elected in June, 1879. Mr. Fris- bey has taught sixteen terras of school, and has conducted a singing school for twenty-three years ; for five years he was local correspondent of the La Grange Statidanh and has written two years for the La Grange Register. SARAH S. (BOWEN) GARMIRE was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 11, 1826. Her parents were Jacob W. and Rachel (Oldem) Bowen, both born near Pittsburgh, Penn. They were parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls. The Bowens are of English descent ; two brothers, William and David, came to America during Queen Anne's war, William settling in South Carolina and David in Pennsylvania ; from the last named Mrs. Garmire is a descendant. Her marriage with Samuel Garmire took place in Stark County, Ohio, March 13, 1845, and they came to this township and settled in Septem- ber, 1848. Mr. Garmire bought eighty acres of land, and set out an orchard on his first clearing the following spring, having bought sixteen apple trees in La Grange in the fall, and had them buried during the winter. They are still bearing. Mr. and Mrs. Garmire had six children. William S. died Septem- ber 17, 1865; Jacob A. died April 3, 1854 ; Jonathan F.; Amanda J., now Mrs. George Slack ; Mary E., now Mrs. Squire Beech, and Martha, who died in infancy. Mr. Garmire died at his home January 28, 1878, and had he live And our hearts be more united, Give me, as my wife, this maiden, Minnehaha, Laughing Water, Loveliest of Dacoiah women ! ' "And the ancient arrow-maker Paused a moment ere he answered. Smoked a little while in silence. Looked at Hiawatha proudly. Fondly looked at Laughing Water, And made answer very gravely : ' Yes, if Minnehaha wishes ; Let your heart speak, Minnehaha!' And the lovely Laughing Water Seemed more lovely as she stood there, Neither willing nor reluctant. As she went to Hiawatha, Softly took the seat beside him, While she said, and blushed to say it, 'I will follow you, my husband!' " This was Hiawatha's wooing I Thus it was he won the daughter Of the ancient arrow-maker In the land of the Dacotahs! "From the wigwam ho departed. Leading with him Laughing Water; Hand in hand they went together, Through the woodland and the meadow ; HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 21 Left the old man standing lonely In the doorway of his wigwam, Heard the Falls of Minnehaha, Calling to them from the distance, Crying to them from afar off, ' Fare thee well, Minnehaha ! ' " And the ancient arrow-maker Turned again unto his lahor, Sat down by his sunny doorway. Murmuring to himself, and saying, ' Thus it is our daughters leave us. Those we love, and those who love us ; Just when they have learned to help us. When we are old and lean upon them. Comes a youth with tiauntiug feathers, With his flute of reeds, a stranger Wanders piping through the village. Beckons to the fairest maiden. And she follows where he leads her, Leaving all things for the stranger!'" The tribes with which Noble County has to deal in history are those of the Miamis and Pottawatomies. As far back as the records extend — to the time when the French missionaries and explorers were extending their chain of missions and settlements along the great lakes and downward toward the Mississippi — these tribes occupied much or all of Northern Indiana. Here they were found by the French, and here they were found by early traders and captive white men. While perhaps these tribes were not so actively engaged in the border wars in Eastern Ohio as those living in that vicinity, yet many warriors, thirsting for war and ambitious of distinction, made incursions toward the East, and joined the hostile bands that were laying waste the frontier settlements. This state of affairs continued until the war of 1812, at which time the Indians here were badly defeated, and at the point of the bayonet were compelled to lay down the weapons of war, and sue for peace in the most abject manner. Their lands were ceded to the victorious whites, and they were con- fined to their reservations and to peace. A trading station had been early established at Fort Wayne, and this became a central point, where the Indians obtained their supplies and disposed of their furs, etc. In 1810, Tecumseh, one of the bravest, ablest and craftiest savages that ever lived, whose tribe had been given a tract of land by the Indians living on the Wabash, began visiting all the Western tribes with the secret purpose of inciting them to a concerted attack on all the frontier settlements. At the same time, when approached on the subject, he repeatedly avowed his friendship for the whites, and professed his desire for peace. But Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana Territory, had no faith in the wily chieftain's professions, and continued his careful policy of handling the Indian question. Meantime, Tecumseh traveled among the various tribes, and by his craft and eloquence kindled them to the heat of war. 22 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. At last, unknown to Tecumseh, and in direct opposition to his intentions, his brother, the prophet, attacked Gen. Harrison on the 7th of November, 1810, and was badly defeated at the battle of Tippecanoe. This immature movement on the part of the Indians was bitterly lamented by Tecumseh, who became terribly exasperated at his brother for the rash act, and threatened to kill him for thus foiling his schemes. But the Indian power was hopelessly broken, and the Miamis and Pottawatomies, who had taken an active part at Tippecanoe, buried the hatchet, and immured themselves within their assigned reservations. The writer has been unable to ascertain when the old reservation, which included a portion of Sparta and Washington Township, was assigned the above tribes ; but it was probably soon after the war of 1812, and prior to 1821. By the terms of agreement between the Indians and the Government, a large, square brick-house was erected at Indian Village on the reservation, to be used as the residence of the chief, Wawaassa, or " Flat Belly," as he was more generally known. This building, after being used several years as a combined council- house and residence, was blown down by a great wind, and was not afterward rebuilt. The early settlers utilized the brick in their chimneys, etc. The tribes mentioned occupied the reservation until the year 1839, when they were transferred to the Wabash, and afterward no Indians visited the county save occasional stragglers. The lands of the reservation were not thrown into market until the autumn of 1842, at which time many squatters were living thereon, some of them having made extensive improvements with the view of purchasing the land when it became marketable. Knowing that great hardships would be wrought the squatters unless something was done to protect them, the State Legislature made provision, that if their farms were entered by other parties, the improvements that had been made must be paid for by those who entered the land. This measure had in general the effect of deterriijg speculators and sharpers from their usual nefarious practices, though, in several instances where improvements made were insignificant, the squatter was obliged to leave his farm. The land of the reservation belonged to the State, and Logansport was the point where the entry had to be made. In 1837, "Flat Belly" died, and was succeeded by Mushquaw, who, the following year, got very "squiby" on poor whisky, and, while in that condi. tion, attempted to cross a small lake near the Indian village; but, as the effects of the alcohol rushed to his brain, he leaped up and began dancing in the canoe, but immediately upset it and was precipitated into the water, and being unable to help himself, was drowned. Matchagen was at this time Medicine Man at the reservation, and was called upon, after the manner of the whites, to pay a tribute to the memory of the deceased. He roughly pictured the condition of the drunken chief, and admonished his auditors to beware of the saddening effects of fire-water. He addressed the spirit of the dead Indian, and advised it not to get "squiby" while crossing the river of death to the spirit land, as it might fall into the water, where it would have to remain forever. Kymotee HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 23 was elected chief after the death of Mushquaw, but he was killed soon after- ward under the following circumstances: Ashcum, a powerful young Indian, the son of a sub-chief, became enraged at a squaw, who was a relative of Ky- motee, and, in a paroxysm of anger, gave her a mortal wound with his knife. But her death was immediately avenged by Kymotee, who shot Ashcum, kill- ing him instantly. Ashcum had a very large brother, named Nagget, who was roused to vengeance by the death of his relative, whereupon he slew the brave Kymotee, but was himself immediately shot by another, who caught Nagget off his guard, and, with cocked rifle, said fiercely, with wrathful eyes, " Meanet Nagget, Jcinapoo" (very bad Nagget, me kill). The doomed Indian raised both arms above his head, turned his left side to the front and quietly waited for the fatal bullet. It came, and the brave chief fell dead upon the sod. Thus ended the chain of tragedies. There were about forty bark wigwams at Indian Village, Sparta Township, and just about the time the Pottawatomies left for the Wabash, and while they were temporarily absent from their town, a number of heartless settlers applied the torch and burned all their wigwams. These rude houses were standing where the cemetery now is. Prior to the time of their leaving the reservation, the Indians traveled on hunting excursions all over the county, mingling freely with the whites, and no trouble of note transpired. They would approach the settlers' cabins to beg, and in this important particular they rivaled the modern tramp in skill and expediency. They brought forward furs, game and trinkets to be traded for provisions, ammunition, etc. They established one or more temporary villages in almost every township in the county, and were thus brought in close proximity to the settlers. Many interesting anecdotes are narrated concerning them, which will be found in the chapters on the town- ships. The red man is gone, but he cannot be forgotten. His life will long be told as a bright romance of the past. "Ye say they all have passed away, That noble race and brave ; , That their light canoes have vanished From off the crested wave; That 'mid the forest where they roamed There rings no hunter's shout; But their name is on your waters, Ye may not wash it out." — Mrs. Sigourney. CHAPTER II. by nelson peentiss. Early Organization and Statistics— Gentjral Growth and Development- Drought OF 1838— The Internal Improvement Bill and the State Canal— Creation of the First Court— Trial and Execution of John Lechner— The County Seat Question— Public Buildings and County Officials— The Bench and Bar— Anecdotes— The Medical Profession. FIFTY years ago almost the whole of Northern Indiana, of which Noble County forms a part, was an unbroken wilderness. Its wide and tangled forests and its blooming prairies were the haunts of wild beasts and the home of roving tribes of Indians. Only here and there were to be seen any traces of civilization. At Fort Wayne, there was a trading-post where a few whites were gathered, and at South Bend a similar station. Little was then known of the country, save that it was considered as one of the Far West front- iers, on the outer verge of civilization, with only here and there a "cabin," whose inmates were destined to battle with the dangers and privations of front- ier life. The early French trader or the zealous missionary, as he urged his " pirogue " through the waters of the St. Joseph, the Wabash or Maumee, could sometimes see peering through the forest a few log cabins, and here and there a clearing, but these were mostly along the banks of the rivers, while back only a few miles was the vast wilderness interior, still occupied by its forest lords, whose hostile attacks were yet dreaded by the defenseless settlers. Bold and determined was the adventurer who at that early day made this West- ern wild his home. But those were found whose daring was equal to the emer- gency and who were well qualified for the task. Of such were the pioneers of Noble County. Kentucky and Ohio, which had recently been settled, amid all the hardships of border life and the alarms of savage warfare, were now pre- pared to furnish recruits for another crusade against barbarism, while from the sterile hills of New England the thrifty Yankee took his way westward, in the hope of finding a home where his honest toil should be repaid by better returns. But it was chiefly those who were inured to perils, and who had met the wily savage in his ambuscade, who first penetrated the wilds of Northern Indiana, and thus laid the foundation for the present happiness and prosperity of the citizens of Noble County. When Indiana was admitted into the Union as a State in 1816, the whole of Northeastern Indiana was included in Knox County, with the county seat at Vincennes. In 1818, the county of Randolph was created, including the county of Noble, with the county seat at Winchester. In 1823 or 1824 (both dates being given), Allen County was organized, taking in Noble County, with tiie county seat at Fort Wayne, and this continued until 1832, when the county of y/. ^-'>'^i--J'K. ^, (l/a- C^-c<^ JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 27 La Grange was organized by act of the General Assembly, tlie present county of Noble being included in the new county, the seat of justice being at Lima. The county of Noble was organized in 1836, by act of the Legislature, and an election was ordered to take place on the first Monday of June of that year. In consequence of the destruction of the records in the Clerk's office in 1858, it is impossible to give the number of votes cast at the first election, but we feel sure that there were but few, for, in 1838, according to the returns on the duplicate for that year, there were only eighty-two polls in the county. At this election the following officers were elected : Clerk and Recorder, Isaac Spencer ; Sheriff, James Hostetter ; Associate Judges, Elisha Blackman and James Latta ; Cor- oner, Henry Engle ; County Commissioners — Joel Bristol, Henry Hostetter, Sr., and Abraham Pancake. At this election two of the Commissioners elected lived in the same town- ship, why, I do not know. It may have been that there was no one in the Mid- dle District qualified to hold the office. However, Hostetter only held the office for a short time before he resigned, and Zenas Wright, of York Township, was elected. The county of Noble as organized was eighteen miles in extent from north to south, and twenty-four from east to west, containing 432 square miles. In 1860, upon petition of the citizens residing thereon, a strip two miles in width across the south side of Township 33, Range 8 (Washington Township), was attached to Whitley County, leaving in Noble 420 square miles. At the first session of the Board of Commissioners the county was divided into civil townships, corresponding to the Congressional townships, and were by the Com- missioners named, which names they still retain. The record of this action by the Commissioners was destroyed at the burning of the court house at Augusta in 1843, but the fact remains. Commencing at the southwest corner of the county, they numbered and named the townships as follows : No. 1, Washington ; No. 2, Sparta ; No. 3, Perry ; No. 4, Elkhart; No. 5. York ; No. 6, Noble ; No. 7, Jefferson ; No. 8, Orange ; No. 10, Wayne ; No. 11, Allen; No. 12, Swan. Each of these townships was six miles square, and all remain so at present, except that two sections (18 and 19) were taken from Jefferson, and two sections (13 and 24) were taken from York, and these four sections were made Albion Township, No. 13. Before the organization of Noble County, and while it was a part of Iia Grange, there was but one township organization, and this included a part of what is now La Grange. This township was called Perry, and, at an election held at the house of John Hostetter in April, 1833, Jacob Wolf was elected Justice of the Peace, he being the first officer elected within the limits of Noble County. Mr. Wolf is still living where he located fifty years ago, advanced in life, but still in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of health, and a fine representative of that spirit of genuine hospitality so common at that early date. The first settlement made in Noble County by white people was that made by Joel Bristol in April, 1827, in Noble Township. The family consisted of 28 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Mr. Bristol and his wife, and the orphan children of Mrs. Bristol's sister, si.x in number. The name of these children was Tibbott, and two of them, Isaac Tib- bott, Esq., of Wawaka, and Mrs. A. G. Gibson, are still residents of Noble County, and are both in comfortable circumstances, and are respected by all good citizens. Bristol and his wife have long since passed away. For several years after the settlement of Bristol, but few settlers stopped in Noble County, as the beautiful prairies lying to the north and west presented greater attrac- tions. John Knight settled in the county in 1829, and, in 1830, Isaiah Dun- gan, Levi Perry and Richard Stone came, and the next year the population was further increased by the arrival of Jacob Wolf, Henry Hostetter, Sr., and his family, Adam Engle and family, Jacob Shobe and family, and Henry Miller and wife, Joseph Smalley and family, Leonard Banner, and perhaps some few others whose names may have been forgotten. A few continued to come, and all were heartily welcomed by the settlers, and, at the time the county was organized, there were probably less than one hundred families in the county, more than half the number being within the present limits of Perry Township, where "Perry's Prairie" and the "Haw Patch" offered inducements not found in any other part of the county. The first land purchased of the Government in the county was in Perry, and was entered in 1831, and by an examination ■of the Tract Book it appears that the following lands were entered during tliat year : Name or Fuhohuer. Date. Desokiption. Isaiah Dungan June 11, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 33. Levi Perry June 11, 1831 East half of southeast quarter of Section o3. Jacob Shobe July ^9, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 31. Jacob Shobe July 29, 1831 West half of northwest quarter of Section 32. Jacob Shobe July 29, 1831 West half of northwest quarter of Section 33. Susanna Hagan August 2, 1831 West half of northwest quarter of Section 34. Adam Engle August 12, 1831 Southeast quarter of Section 28. Adam Engle August 12, 1831 East half of southwest quarter of Section 27. Henry Engle August 20, 1831 West half of southwest quarter of Section 27. Jacob Wolf August 20, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 28. John lies August 20, 1831 East half of northwest quarter of Section 28. William Engle August 20, 1831 East half of northwest quarter of Section 34. Daniel Harsh August 22, 1831 West half of southeast quarter of Section 33. Joseph Smalley September 13, 1831 Southwest quarter of Section 28. Joseph Smalley September 14, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 32. Joseph Smalley September 14, 1831 East half of southwest quarter of Section 33. Joseph Smalley September 14, 1831 West half of southwest quarter of Section 34. H. Hostetter November 1, 1831 East half of northwest quarter of Section .34. L. Danner November 21, 1831 Southeast quarter of Section 18. Henry Miller November 25, 1831 East half of southwest quarter of Section 34. All of said land being in Township 35 north, Range 8 etist, in Perry Township. The foregoing entries embrace all the land entered in Noble County in 1881, and amount to 2,120 acres. In 1832, the entries amounted to 3,320; in 1833, 2,820; in 1834, 5,860; in 1835, 18,222; and in 1836, before the county was organized, which was in March, 1,006 acres, making in all. of HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 29 land entered before the county was organized, 33,048 acres, or about one-ninth of all the land embraced within the limits of the county. There was, without doubt, more land entered in 1836 than in all the years that preceded it, for this was the time of the great rush to Northern Indiana. During all the season land buyers thronged the country, and all the talk was of section corners and quarter sections. Most of those who came were looking for future homes, and were cordially welcomed by those who were already here, and to them the "latch-string" was always out and every assistance rendered to assist them in making good purchases. But there was another class of land buyers, who met with little encouragement from the settlers. I refer to those who came here for the purpose of buying large tracts of land, not for cultivation, but to hold for the purpose of speculation. Frequently large tracts were bought up by these men (land-sharks, the settlers called them), and held at prices that the poor man could not afford to pay, and hence the growth and development of the country was crippled. A system of swindling was also practiced extensively about the land office at Fort Wayne by a set of sharpers, which was at once dishonest and cruel. When some honest farmer, who had selected and would apply to purchase the land he wanted for a home, one of these thieves would look him up, and say that he wanted the same tract, and threaten to bid on the land unless a compromise was made. Frequently considerable sums were thus stolen from the settler, when the rascal who pocketed his ill-gotten gains had no intention of buying the land, and, in fact, had never seen it. But not- withstanding all the difficulties and drawbacks that beset the early settlers, much land was entered by men who at once took possession of it, erected their cabins, and, witii willing hearts and strong hands, leveled the forests, cleared the land, and, as soon as possible, started some crop to furnish the means of living for themselves and their families. In those early days, a large family of children was the rule, a small family the exception. The rule seems to be reversed in these later days, owing, probably, to the fact that the soil is not as productive now as it was at that early day. If a small patch could be pre- pared in season, it was planted in corn ; if too late for corn, then some pota- toes were put out; if too late for potatoes, the pioneer would try turnips; and if too late for turnips, some of the ground would be sown for wheat in the fall. Most of the settlers of 1836 came too late in the season to raise anything for their support the first season, and had to depend upon buying from those who had been here long enough to raise a surplus. Their chief dependence was upon those who had settled on "Perry's Prairie," in this county, and upon the prairies of La Grange, Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties, where the settlers had found the land already cleared and where many of the farmers had large and productive farms under cultivation. The lack of the settlers during this year to raise enough to supply their wants created an unusual demand for the necessaries of life, and prices rose in proportion to the demand ; and as most of the early settlers were men of lim- 30 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. ited means, and had invested all, or nearly all their means in the purchase of their land, it would not be strange if there occurred some cases of actual suf- fering for the necessaries of life. Let us hope that if such cases did occur that they were few, for it is painful to contemplate the possibility of such a state of affairs. To make matters more trying on the new settlers, there was consider- able suffering from fever and ague during the later part of the summer and the fall, and medicine and physicians were not to be had, and the only resource was such domestic remedies as were within reach of the settlers. Winter checked the ravages or the disease, and there was no difficulty in keeping the cabin warm and comfortable, for wood was about the only commodity that was plenty, and the greatest difficulty was to get it out of the way. The winter months were devoted to chopping and preparing to clear more land in the spring. Let it not be supposed that the settler of that day was selfish or un- social ; far from it. They had their social gatherings, their log-rollings, and their dances; and if the young people of that day did not "Trip the light fantastic toe,'' under the direction of the French dancing-master, and to the music of a full orchestra, yet they did trip the toe, and that frequently a bare one, on 'the puncheon floor, as they danced the "Square Freach-four." shuffled through the " Virginia reel," or threaded the mazes of " Hunt the Squirrel," to the inspiring strains of the " Devil's Dream," " Silver Creek," or " Sally Johnson," ground out by the ancient fiddler on the fiddle which was his grandfather's delight in his young days. Then the people met upon a level ; they felt that all were equal ; they had no high, no low ; and to-day the old pioneers look back upon those days with feelings of regret and long for the days of "Lang Syne." All through the summer of 1836 the white covers of the emigrants' wagons could be seen winding along the crooked paths that had been cut through the timber — for we had not then any laid-out roads ; the first teamster cut out a track, and the others followed until the mud became too deep for travel, when another road was cut out, so that there were roads everywhere. This applies to the heavy timbered lands. On the openings, where the soil was sandy, the roads were generally good, and when a new track became necessary, you could drive anywhere without hindrance, for at that day the country pre- sented a very different appearance from what we see at the present day. It was the custom of the Indians to burn the woods, marshes and prairies, each spring, and this annual burning kept down the under growth, so that on the openings nothing was left to obstruct the view, except the large trees scattered here and there. In many places, where to-day a second growth of timber completely covers the ground, the openings then were like an open prairie, with here and there a giant oak. No more enchanting scene was ever presented to the human eye than these openings in the spring. As far as the eye could reach was spread out a scene of surpassing loveliness. The tender grass just springing up and spreading a HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 31 carpet of green over the whole landscape, which was further beautified by flowers of every hue, and as you survey the scene, a herd of deer appear in the distance, or the impudent prairie-wolf approaches just near enough to be out of range of the trusty rifle— our inseparable companion in these rambles. Nor should we forget to bring upon the stage as a part of the picture the na- tive, who once held undisputed control over all this land, nor dreamed that the day would come when he would be driven from these scenes of his youth, and leave to desecration the graves of his fathers. Talk of your flower-gardens or your parks, ^r anything that man has made in his weak eSbrts to imitate na- ture ! To one who has seen the oak openings of Noble County, in all their pristine glory and loveliness, man's imitations are tame and insipid. The year of 1837 was not marked by anything peculiar, except that more settlers came than during any previous year. Many who entered land in 1836 returned to their former homes to settle their business, and in the spring of 1837 returned with their families to this county — their future home. The year of 1838 will be remembered by the early settlers as long as one is left; many settled here in 1837, and others came in the early part of 1838. The spring opened wet, and the season continued so until about the middle of June, when the rain ceased and no more fell during the remainder of the sum- mer and fall, and some wheat sown that fall did not germinate until after snow fell. The swamps and marshes were filled with water, and the heat of the summer was intense. As a consequence, the water in the swamps was rapidly evaporated, and the atmosphere became contaminated and poisoned by the noxious exhalations, and the whole country was transformed into one vast hos- pital, filled with suflFering patients, but destitute of physicians, medicines or nurses. Never before or since has such a time been experienced in Noble County. There was scarcely a house in the whole county where all were well, and in many all were prostrated by disease. Physicians were scarce and diffi- cult to obtain ; nor were they exempt from the ravages of disease. Medicines could not be obtained, and the sufferings then endured will never be known. Many of the early settlers died during this season, and it is sad to think that probably some perished from lack of proper treatment. But let no one for a moment suppose that this lack arose from any willful neglect on the part of the settlers. A woman has been known to walk several miles along an Indian trail to wait upon a sick neighbor, and frequently she was compelled to carry a child in her arms. And this was no unusual occurrence. The people were kind and sympathetic, and warm and tender hearts throbbed beneath the buck- skin hunting shirt and the linsey dress. But there was a point they could not pass. Strong though they were, they must succumb to disease, and they could not attend to others when they needed the same attention themselves. In one house at Rochester, thirteen persons lay sick, and in the whole village only two people were able to go from house to house, and these two were busy day and night ministering to the necessities of the suffering with the most unselfish 32 HISTORY OK NOBLE COUNTY. devotion. Their names deserve to be held in grateful remembrance as long as a pioneer or any of his descendants survive. They were Mr. Dorus Swift and Miss Achsah Kent. The frosts of autumn checked the ravages of disease, and health once more visited the settlers, although the effects of the season remained with some, and during the following fall and winter several old persons died. At the session of the General Assembly for 1836-37, a bill was passed called " The Internal Improvement Bill." By the provisions of this act. the State under- took a scheme of digging canals all over the land, and among the works con- templated was a canal from Fort Wayne to Michigan City. This was to enter Noble County in Swan Township, thence in a northwesterly direction through Swan, Green, York and Perry Townships, passing through Port Mitchell; and between Augusta and Albion, and into the Elkhart River west of the present residence of James J. Knox, in Elkhart Township. Here it was to enter the backwater of a seven-foot dam, to be built across the Elkhart River at Roch- ester. Thence it was to pass through Rochester and Ligoaier, and follow the river to the west line of the county. Near the place where the canal was to enter the river, it was to be intersected by a navigable feeder from Northport, where a dam was to be erected to form a reservoir. There was also a reservoir to be made in Green Township to feed the canal at the Summit, which is in this township. Work was commenced in Noble County in Green, and also at Northport, the work on the summit which divides the waters flowing north into the Elkhart River and the waters flowing south into the Tippecanoe. Here the greatest amount of work was done, but there was considerable done in the vicinity of Northport, where the feeder dam was erected, and some of the canal excavated, and now, in passing from Albion to Rome City, the trav- eler passes along the bed of what was intended to be the navigable feeder, had this grand scheme ever been completed. But the State soon found that she had undertaken too much, and, being unable to meet her obligations, the work was suspended, and the amount expended became a total loss. The dam at Northport was built, but was subsequently washed out, and three persons who were on the dam at the time were drowned. Subsequently one of the bodies was found floating in a small pond below, but the others were never found. The State afterward rebuilt the dam, and donated the water-power to Noble County for the benefit of common schools, making the Board of Commissioners the custodians of the property. The Commissioners leased the water-power for a term of ninety-nine years, at an annual rental of $30. A grist-mill, a saw- mill, and quite an extensive woolen factory were erected and propelled by the water-power created by the dam. The factory was destroyed by fire, since which only the mills before referred to are run by the water from the reservoir. The affairs of the canal were closed up in the spring of 18i0, and all that is now left of this magnificent enterprise is the dam, and some excavations here and there to mar the face of the country. Probably nearly $200,000 was expended by the State. HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 33 From the first settlement of Northern Indiana the country was infested with a gang of desperadoes, and of these Noble County had her full share. These men were engaged in theft, robbery and passing counterfeit money, and it was at times darkly hinted that even murder was committed by them. Among them there appeared to be a passion for horses, and so far did this pre- vail that it made little difference to whom the horse belonged, and the settler frequently found his log stable empty in the morning, when it had the evening before been occupied by his horse. Horses were at this time (1839) scarce, and the loss of one a great calamity, as on the team depended to a great extent the support of the family. Hence, it is not surprising that curses deep and sincere were breathed by the settlers against these rascals, and it is probable that, had any of them been caught in the act, retribution swift and certain would have followed without waiting for due process of law. So many confederates were scattered through the county that pursuit was generally useless, for they had a regular organization, and stations where stolen property could be secreted in such a manner as to elude all search. Late in the fall of 1838, one of the gang, who had partaken too freely of "dead shot" or "tangle foot," became very communicative and confidential, and made propositions to one of the citi- zens who kept a small store to join them, urging, as an inducement, that he would have superior advantages for passing counterfeit money. The citizen, after consulting with neighbors, agreed to the proposition, intending to act the part of a spy, and when he had learned all he could to make it public, and try to break up the gang. To say the least, the undertaking was a hazardous one, and rendered doubly so by the desperate character of the men he sought to entrap, but before he had made any progress in the matter, two horse-thieves were arrested in the Haw Patch, and a stolen horse found in the neighborhood, where they had turned it loose, having stolen a blind horse by mistake. The news soon spread that horse-thieves had been captured, and were at Stone's, on the Fort Wayne & Goshen road. The whole country was aroused, and the men from far and near gathered at the place, and it required all the efforts of the ofiBcers, backed by the conservative element among the citizens, to save their lives. Nor is this to be thought strange. The settlers had suffered so much from their depredations, and had seen them escape so easily when arrested, that they determined to take the law into their own hands and mete out con- dign punishment upon the heads of the offenders. Being assured that the thieves should be dealt with according to law, they desisted from further hostile deiTionstrations, and assisted the officers in executing the process of the court. Warrants were issued for about twenty persons, many of whom were arrested, but some having had warning left the county and never returned. The trials were held at Stone's tavern, three miles south of Ligonier, before Nelson Pren- tiss, a Justice of the Peace of Sparta Township, and lasted ten days. There were present at these examinations all the settlers for a circuit of many miles, many of whom remained all night to prevent any attempt at a rescue of the 34 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. prisoners. No such attempt was made, and the trials proceeded in an orderly manner. There were no attorneys in Noble County at that time ; hence counsel had to be procured elsewhere. The prisoners were defended by Hon. Charles W. Ewing and Robert Breckenridge, Jr., of Fort Wayne; and an attorney from Piqua, Ohio, happening to be passing that way was employed by the peo- ple to prosecute. The cases were ably prosecuted, and the accused properly defended. Nine were held to appear at the next term of the Circuit Court, and all failing to find bail, seven of the number were sent to Fort Wayne and two to Goshen to be imprisoned, there being at the time no jail in Noble County. The two seiit to Goshen were released upon a writ of habeas corpus for some pretended irregularity in the papers, while the seven sent to Fort Wayne released themselves by breaking out of the old jail at that place, and thus ended the first raid on the blacklegs of Noble County, but the people had rest for a season. But few settlers came to the county in 1839. The sad experiences of 1838 sent many back to their former homes, and the reports of the hardships that they had endured so alarmed others that few had the courage to risk the chances of a home in Indiana. There is little of general interest to write concerning 1839 more than what has already been .said. During the year of 18-10, more settlers came than in the previous year. It began to be asuenained that people could live in Noble County, and several who had remained began to gather about them not only the necessaries, but also some of the conveniences of life, and the settler who had battled manfully with adverse circumstances began to look forward to a time of greater enjoyment, when he could sit beneath '• his own vine and fig-tree," and enjoy the fruit of his honest toil. During this year there was perpetrated in the county a brutal murder. On the 16th day of May, 1840, at the village of Rochester, a number of per- sons were engaged in drinking poor whisky and shooting at a mark, a pastime quite common in those days. The natural consequences followed ; some be- came drunk and quarrelsome, and fit for any act of violence. Among the number were John Lechner, a. German, and John Farley, an Irishman. Both were under the influence of liquor, and Lechner, when drunk, was quarrelsome and abusive. A dispute arose, angry words passed and blows were exchanged; but Farley, who was a small man, was not able to cope with his burly antago- nist. Farley escaped from Lechner and started to run, when Lechner seized his rifle and fired at Farley, missing him ; Farley ran a short distance when he climbed upon a fence, when a few words passed between them ; Lechner then took a gun from the hands of his nephew, and taking deliberate aim shot Far- ley dead upon the spot. He then attempted to escape but was arrested and brought before Esiiuire Daniel Harsh, and was by him committed to jail in Goshen, there being no jail in Noble County. At that time there were but two terms of the Circuit Court in each year, in September and March. The cause came up for trial at the September terra, before .John W. Wright, Presi- i?^. 4 I '">. s. CLERK CIRCUIT COURT HISTOaY' OF NOBLE COUNTY. 37 (lent Judge, and Tlioraas H. Wilson and Jacob Stage, Associate Judges. The prosecution was conducted by Lucien P. Ferry, Prosecuting Attorney, of Fort Wayne; and the court assigned as counsel for the prisoner Hon. Charles W. Ewing and Robert Breckenridge, Jr. The records of the courts of that date having been destroyed by fire, some matters in connection with the trial can- not be given, and the names of the jurors who tried the case have been forgot- ten. The evidence was clear; in fact, there was not one extenuating or palliating circumstance. The guilt of the accused was established beyond a doubt, and although both Breckenridge and Ewing put forth their best efforts, they were of no avail. The speech of Judge Ewing on that occasion was probably the strongest appeal ever made to a jury in the county. Lechner was found guilty by the jury and the punishment fixed was death. He was sentenced to be hanged November 3, 1840. The sentence was executed on that day about half a mile west of Augusta, by Mason M. Meriam, Sheriff of the county. A large concourse of people were present, not only from Noble, but also from adjoining counties. This is the only judicial execution that has occurred in the county. After the sentence was executed, Lechner's body was taken in a wagon and driven rapidly to the western part of the county and privately buried, and few are now living who know the place. Farley, the murdered man, was buried in the old cemetery at Ligonier. The parties in the tragedy were both drunk, and the crime can be charged to nothing but alcohol. Perhaps it may not be out of place to remark that, up to this time, political differences had not dis- turbed the settlements. At the first election, in 1836, men of both political parties were elected ; Spencer, Bristol and Pancake were Democrats, while the two Hostetters and Engle were Whigs; and in 1838, when a convention was called to nominate officers, men of both participated in the same meeting, the chief object being to find good men willing to serve. But in 1840, things were changed, for the wave of " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," struck Noble County. Political tricksters now make their appearance, and demagogues perambulate the county, anxious to sacrifice themselves for the good of the dear people, and communities which once moved and acted in concert are rent to fragments, and arrayed in hostility to each other. During all the preceding years, while the tide of emigration was pouring into the county, there existed among the people a strong sympathy with each other, and strife and contention were strangers. There was no dividing up into classes ; all were friendly, for all ivere poor. And now the old pioneer of Noble looks back with regret to many things that were common at that early day, but have passed away never to return. The year 1841 was not marked by anything unusual in the development of the county, unless it be by increasing prosperity among the settlers. Emigrants con- tinued to come and the country was fast filling up, better dwellings were erect- ed, more land was cultivated, and better implements of husbandry were used, and it may be said that the most sanguine hopes of the settlers were realized. 38 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. During this year, there occurred a sad circumstance, that should not be passe(i over without notice, as it may be that in the future some light may be thrown upon what is now, and the last forty years has been, dark and mysteri- ous. On the 2d day of June, Mr. Aaron Noe, who resided on the farm now owned and occupied by Charles Weade, about two and a half miles southeast from Cromwell, started with his team to Elkhart County to mill. He left home early in the morning, and when near home, having just started, he ob- served his son, about three years old, following the wagon. He stopped and directed the child to go back to the house, and then proceeded on his journey. No further notice seems to have been taken of the child's absence for some time. There were several children belonging to the family, and the mother probably supposed that it was with them. The other children returning to the house without the boy, Mrs. Noe commenced to search for him, but was unable to find him. Becoming now alarmed, she and the older children con- tinued the search. They found the little tracks in the road where it was last seen and for a short distance beyond, going from the house and in tlie direction taken by the father with his wagon, when the nature of the ground prevented any further traces of foot-prints. Having searched for several hours in vain, the now distracted mother sent word to her nearest neighbors, and they, in turn, to others, and before night seventy-five or one hundred of the settlers were gathered, ready to render any assistance in their power. The woods along Solomon's Creek, where the child was lost, were swampy and afforded a retreat for the large timber-wolf, and there were many at that time in the county. There were droves of half-wild hogs, scarcely less savage and dan- gerous than wolves. The child had on only one garment, a loose slip or gown, and thus unprotected, if it should escape from the animals, it was probable that the insects, with which the woods were swarming at that season of the year, would torment it to death before another morning. It should be ob- served, that during the day a small body of Indians had passed the place, trav- eling in an easterly direction. It was surmised that they might have kidnaped the child, and it was determined to send some persons after them to learn whether such was the fact. Accordingly, Mitchell McClintock, Oliver Wright and Harvey McKinney, all old frontiersmen, were selected for this service. They left Noe's a little before sunset, and, following the trail, found the Indi- ans encamped on the bank of Bowen's Lake, in Green Township. On coming in sight of the encampment, they concluded to take the camp by surprise, lest they should escape with the child, if they had it. Mounting ,their horses, they dashed at full speed into the midst of the sleeping Indians. Amidst the con- fusion, some of the Indians escaped to the woods, but they returned in a short time, and all denied having had or even seen the child. In this, it is probable, they told the truth, for they had been seen by several persons during the day, after they passed Noe's place, and no white cliild was seen with them. The party sent out returned the same night ami reported their failure, and it was HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 39 then agreed to make thorough search and, if possible, find the little one alive, or if dead, to discover some traces that should disclose the fact of when, where and how it died. The next morning the search commenced. Lines were formed, the men walking within a few feet of each other, and travelincr the country in every direction for several miles, and this was continued for eight •or ten days. The search was made as thorough and complete as possible. Every swamp was explored, every pool of water was dragged, every hollow log found was torn to pieces. All business was suspended and the great heirt of the community went out as the heart of one man, in sympathy with the be- reaved ones: but it was all in vain. No trace of the missing one was ever found. Whether, indeed, the little wanderer was picked up by Indians and brought up among them as one of their tribe; whether it met its death froin some savage beast, or died from the more lingering torments of hunger and fatigue, are subjects upon which we may speculate, but which we shall probably never know. From this time forth, the growth of the county has continued until the present. The first census taken in Noble County was in IS-IO, when the pop- ulation was 2,702. This census was taken by Isaac Spencer. In 1850, Hiram S. Tousley took the census, which was now 7,946. In 1860, John 0. Rich- mond was Deputy Marshal, and found 14,915. In 1870, the population was 20,389, and in 1880 it was 22,804. When the first census was taken, in 1840. Noble County, in population, was the seventieth ; in 1850, it was the fifty - ninth; in 1860, the forty-first, and in 1870, the twenty eighth, a position that she still holds. During the time that the steady stream of population was pouring into the county good prices were obtained for all agricultural products, but when the settlers had so improved their lands that a surplus began to accumulate, prices began to decline, and, for several years, all products raised by the farmer were very cheap. Wheat, after being hauled to Fort Wayne, was worth about 40 cents; corn, 12i ; pork from $1 to $1.25 per 100 pounds. Labor was corre- spondingly cheap, and day laborers" wages from 31 to 40 cents per day. This was in consequence of a lack of transportation to the sea-board. Railroads were then unknown, and, for a time, all produce had to reach the lakes, either at Toledo or Michigan City. In 1848, the Wabash & Erie Canal was opened from Fort Wayne to Toledo, and this had a tendency to give better prices, though wheat was then worth only about 60 cents at the most favorable times, but the construction of railroads has created a good market, and now tlie farmers of Noble County are receiving good prices near home for all their sur- plus products. The records of the Auditor's oSice having been destroyed in 1843, it is impossible to ascertain the valuation of property in the county prior to that time or the total amount of taxes paid each year; but from the Auditor of ■State the taxes paid to the State prior to that time have been ascertained, and 40 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. by computation we may reach very nearly the number of polls in the county for each year. There appears to have been no taxes paid to the State until 1838, and that year Noble County paid $301.35. In 1839, $385.50 ; in 1840, $381.72 ; in 1841, $870.59, and, in 1842, $1,515.44. This only includes the State taxes, and we can only approximate the total taxes for all purposes, but it is safe to say that three times the State tax would make the entire duplicate. Again the number of polls is not given prior to 1843, but we arrive at a result that is nearly correct by calculation, and find the following : In 1838, we had eighty-one polls, and the duplicate was S 904 06 In 1839, we had ninety-nine polls, and the duplicate was 1,150 60 In 1840, we had ninety-nine polls, and the duplicate was 1,145 16 In 1841, we had two hundred and ninety-seven polls, and the duplicate was 2,(ill 77 In 1842, we had five hundred and twenty-two polls, and the duplicate was 4,546 32 The effects of the scourge of 1838 are plainly seen in the two years that follow it. The following table is'from the records : 1843.. 1844.. 1845.. 1846., 1847.. 1848.. 1849., 18S0. 1851.. 1852.. 1853.. 1854.. lh.)5.. Ii-56. IS.i7., 1858., 18.59., 18ti0., 18'il., 18IJ2.. VALUATION. 1 558, 564, 582, 732, 649,1 656 706, 733, 1,381, 1.391 1,556. 1,758 1,901 1,893, 1,882, 1,996, 2,809 2,881 2,847, 2.874, 386 18 828 080 822 478 085 572 913 329 515- 778 190 474 375 678 ,335 504 979 874 DPPLICATB. POLLB. 7,477 22 611 9,320 01 099 7,500 99 848 17,415 24 949 13,049 40 1,027 13,959 57 1,024 8,633 76 1.236 13,073 30 1,313 17,333 31 1,475 16,560 73 1,512 10,576 04 1,560 25,833 31 1,638 25,019 55 1,790 25,155 99 1,840 25,973 75 1,998 26,799 64 2,1.32 36,395 35 2,372 37,720 43 2,.362 39,041 82 2,517 41,018 36 2,620 1863., 1864 , 1865., 1866. 1867. 1868., 1869., 1870., 187!., 1872. 1873., 1874., 1875., 1876., 1877.. 1878., 1879., 1880. 1881. VALUATION. 088,978 709,157 108,295 558,495 ,643,428 910,492 767,6.30 702,446 747,295 731,695 948,432 323,026 959,098 027,103 903,424 ,984.795 877,715 295,626 027,103 DUPLICATE. i 49,640 72 63,193 28 173,828 82 67,500 97 68,129 28 72,138 50 81,486 87 69,486 06 82,191 64 101,539 11 163,967 73 113,485 15 114,882 05 118,830 54 106,255 68 105,917 50 113.680 80 114,775 62 not comp'd 2,491 2,457 2,314 3,013 3,270 3,334 3,324 3,318 3,398 3,199 3,239 3,359 3,365 3,588 3,681 3,728 3,704 3,750 3,778 Thus, from the insignificant amount of about $1,000, the total amount of ta.xes paid in 18 '8, there is now collected over $100,000. And in consequence of the increased wealth, tiie taxes are now paid with less trouble than in early times. The raih'oad corporations in the county pay taxes on over $1,000,000 valuation, thus paying one-ninth of the entire taxes paid. The increase in the material wealth is amazing. In 1843, there was but one man in the whole county that was assessed with personal property to the amount of $500. In that year, Joseph Galloway, of Washington Township, returned that amount, and now a farmer who has not that amount, or more, is considered poor, while many of the tax-payers are assessed with over $100,000 of personal property, and this assessment as a general thing is not more than one-half the real value. In 1843, the entire school tax collected in the county was $8.50 ; in 1844, HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 41 $125.54 ; in 1845, $139.51 ; in 1846, $204.80. There is now expended annu- ally in the county over $50,000, a large part of which is raised by taxation, which the people pay willingly, being convinced that intelligence is essential to the best interests of the State. In the matter of county seats. Noble has had her full share. At the ses- sion of the Legislature in March, 1836, George A. Fate, R. McDonald and Eli Penwell, were appointed Commissioners to permanently locate the seat of justice for Noble County, and on the 3d day of May, 1836, reported as follows : To the Honorable the Commissioners of Nable County, and Slate of Indiana : The undersigned Commissioners, appointed by the Legislature of this Slate to fix the per- manent seat of justice of the county of Noble aforesaid, have, after being duly sworn as the law directs, fixed the permanent seat of justice and drove the stake for the same on Section Twenly- four in Township numbered Thirty-four north, of Range numbered eight east, in said county, on the land of Isaac Spencar and Reuben Jackson Dawson. And beg leave to submit the fore- going report with the donation bond for $3,000, payable A. D. 1839. Qeohqe A. Fate, R. McDonald, Noble, May 3, 1836. Ei.i Penwell. The bonds of Spencer and Dawson, with Simpson Cummings as surety, was filed the same day, and was approved by the Locating Commissioners, the Commissioners of Noble County not having been elected, nor were there any until the June following. This location was in Sparta Township, on the old Fort Wayne and Goshen trail, and on the farm now owned by Nary Fry. Although this was near the western part of the county, yet at the time it was probably very nearly central -as to the population. No public buildings were ever erected at Sparta, and the county seat remained there only a short time. Other parts of the county began to be settled and the people objected to the erection of buildings at a point so far from the center of the counity ; and which, although a very desirable location in some respects, yet had no water-power or other natural advantages. Hence, a petition was presented to the Legislature asking for a re-location, and an act was passed and approved February 4, 1837 appointing Oliver Crane, of Elkhart; Levi L. Todd, of Cass; John E. Hill, of Allen ; Samuel F. Clark, of Miami ; William Allen, of La Porte, and Greene T. Simpson, of Henry, County Commissioners to re-locate the seat of justice. On the 8d of July, 1837, all the Commissioners, except Allen and Simpson, met at the house of Patrick C. Miller, at Wolf Lake, and proceeded to ex- timine the different points offered. Several ambitious towns which had been laid out were anxious for the distinction. Sparta was, of course, in the mar- ket, also Van Buren, near the Blackman farm in York ; Wolf Lake, the first town laid out in Noble County ; Augusta and Port Mitchell — all entered the race, and each made munificent offers to secure the coveted location. The Commissioners having looked over the ground and considered the offers of dona- tions, agreed upon Augusta, a point two miles west of Albion. The people appeared to acquiesce in the location, and a court house and jail were built there, the county officers removed thither and the town gave considerable evi- dences of growth ; two hotels were built, several stores started and various 42 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. mechanical interests were represented. There is but little doubt that the county seat of Noble County would have been at Augusta now, had not the court house been accidently destroyed by fire. This occurred early in the year of 1843, and by the burning of the building the books belonging to the offices of the Auditor and Treasurer were lost. This was a great calamity, and in en- deavoring to prepare an authentic history of the county, we sadly miss those records. Port Mitchell had never been happy over the location at Augusta, and now made an effort for another permanent location. Another act of the Legislature was passed January 14, 1844, for a re-location, and Charles W. Heaton, of St. Joseph ; Lot Day, also of the same county ; Ephraim Seeley, of La Grange, and John Jackson and Allen Tibbitts, of Elkhart, were appoint- ed Commissioners. They met at Augusta on the first Monday of March, 1844, and drove the stake and permanently/ located the seat of justice at Port Mitchell. Here brick offices were built and a temporary building was erected for a court house. The people of Port Mitchell were happy, and visions o^ the coming greatness of the town floated before them. But their triumph was of short duration. The seat of justice was a movable institution and neither a permanent location nor driving the stake could hold it. Soon after, at the session of the Legislature for 1845-46, an act was passed providing for a re-location by a vote of the people. The act provided that an election should be held on the first Monday of April, 1846, at which the voters should write on their ballots the name of the place where they wished the county seat to be located. Another election was to be held the first Monday of June, at which time only three places should be voted for; that is, the three highest on the list voted for in April, and the final vote was to be taken between the two highest at the June election, on the first Monday of August in the same year. The contest was a spirited one, as there were sev- eral places in the county tliat were ambitious to be county seats. Speeches were made, and at least one campaign song was composed for the occasion, and a club of singers organized. At the election in April, votes were cast for Port Mitchell, Augusta, Rochester, Ligonier, Springfield, Lisbon,, Northport, Wolf Lake, and the " Center," as Albion was then called. It may be that votes were cast for other places. At this election, the three highest on the list were Port Mitchell, Augusta and the Center. At the June election, Augusta fell two votes below Port Mitchell, and was left out. The contest was now between Port Mitchell and the Center. The friends of Augusta were indignant, and generally voted for the Center, and it received a majority and was declared the county seat. It lias remained here since, although several efforts were made to remove it. The construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through Albion, in 1874, has settled the question, and Albion will, without doubt, remain the county seat. The first buildings erected by the county were at Augusta, where a frame court house was built, which was done by the proprietors of the town as a part HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 43 of the donation to the county, in consideration of the location of the county seat at that place. The buihling would be considered a cheap affair ai this time, but when it was erected it was the pride of the people, as it was much better than any in the adjoining counties. This was completed in 1840, and the next year a wooden jail was built. There is still left a part of the cells of tlie old jail remaining, which is the only memento left to remind the traveler of the former greatness of Augusta. The temporary buildings erected at Port .Mitchell have disappeared, and most of the town plat, as well as all of the town of Augusta, is now devoted to agricultural purposes. After the final vote on the location of the county seat, the Board of Commissioners, on the 14th day of October, 1846, made the following order : '' Ordered, that James L. Worden, County Agent, proceed to advertise the letting of a court house at the new county seat of Noble County, and that he receive sealed proposals for the same until the second day of the next December term of the board, at 8 o'clock A. M." At the December term, James L. Worden reported that the lowest and best bid for the building was by Harrison Wood, William M. Clapp and David B. Herriman, and the job was accordingly let to them. They sublet to Samuel T. Clymer, of Goshen, who completed the building in 1847, and, on the 16th day of Sep- tember of that year, the Commissioners ordered the removal of the offices and records to the new court house. A jail at Albion was built in 1849. The court house was built ot a cost of $4,045. The cost of the old jail at Albion was about $1,300. This court house was burned in January, 1859, and the cir- cumstances surrounding the catastrophe leave little room for doubt that it was the work of incendiaries. The present court house was built in 1861, at a cost of $11,000, and was built by George Harvey, who now resides in Albion. In 1875, the present jail was built at a cost of over $25,000, and is as safe as it could be made, and is doubtless the finest building in the county. It contain.s rooms for the jailer and his family; has twelve cells, the top, bottom and each side wall being composed of a single stone eight inches in thickness, all four securely fastened together. These cells are surrounded by a hall composed of stone similar to the cells, and it would seem to be a bootless undertaking to attempt to break out. The court house is a plain, substantial building, but large enough to accommodate our courts ; but the day is not distant when better accommodations will be required for the county officers, and more room for the records. For several years after the organization of the county, the poor were sup- ported in the several townships, and those who were permanent paupers were sold out to the lowest bidder annually. This continued until finally the Com- missioners purchased a farm one and a half miles east of Albion, upon which was a house which, with some additions, was used as an asylum for the poor, and here all the paupers of the county were collected, and a superintendent chosen by the Commissioners. This continued until at last the Commissioners exchanged this farm for 160 acres, to which they have since added ninety-eight 44 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. acres. In 1871, a brick building was erected on the farm capable of accommo- dating one hundred paupers. The contract price for the building was $20,500, but a record of the allowances shows that the actual cost was several thousand in excess of the contract price. The Commissioners have been fortunate in the selection of superintendents, and at the present time the farm is self-sustaining. The building is over one hundred feet in length, and fifty-four feet wide, and is two stories above the basement, and has also considerable room above the second story under the mansard roof. The foregoing comprise all the public buildings belonging to the county. It has already been stated who were elected county officers at the first election. The following persons have held the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court by virtue of election : Isaac Spencer, Westley White, William F. Engle, Nelson Prentiss, Samuel E. Alvord, James Ilaxby, Hiram S. Tousley, Joseph S. Cox. And Horatio M. Slack, Fielding Prickett, Luther H. Green and George B. Teal have held the office by appointment. Of those who have held this office, Westley White, William F. Engle, James Haxby and Joseph S. Cox are dead. Mr. Alvord, who was first elected in 1855, has been re-elected twice since, and now holds the office. The persons elected as Sheriff are : James Hostetter, John Humphreys, Mason M. Meriam, Harrison Wood, William E. Bowen, Isaac Swarthout, David S. Simons, Solomon Crossley, Robison Ramsby, Moses Kiser, David Hough, Nathaniel P. Eagles, Richard Williams and William W. Riddle, the present incumbent. Of these, Hostetter, Humphreys, Meriam, Simons and Bowen are dead ; the rest, so far as is known, are living. Humphreys did not serve, but sold his claim on the office, after qualifying, to Mason M. Meriam for a shot- gun. Let it be remembered that in 1838, the'date of Humphrey's election, that offices were not as valuable as at the present time. And it may be that the con- sideration for the transfer was adequate. At the organization of the county, the Clerk was Recorder and Auditor as well as Clerk, and no Recorder was chosen until 1842, when Peter Becher was elected, who died before the expiration of his term. Since that time, Henry H. Hitchcock, Henry Heltzel, John P. Mc- Williams, David S. Simons, James Greenman, John Baughman and James J. Lash have been elected. All the above except Becher, Heltzel and Simons are living ; and all except Hitchcock live in Noble County. He resides in Goshen, in Elkhart County, and is cashier of the First National Bank at the latter place. The first person to collect the taxes was Henry Heltzel, who was elected in 1839, and was called tax collector. He had no office at the county seat, but went through the county and called on each tax-payer. John A. Col- erick, was the first person who was elected Treasurer by that title. Since that time the following persons have been elected and served as County Treasur- ers : John McMeans, William E. Bowen, Daniel S. Love, James M. Denny, Lewis Iddings, Isaac Mendenhall, James J. Lash, John D. Black, Daniel Keehneand Julius Lang. All these except Heltzel, Colerick and Bowen, who are dead, reside in the county. The office of Auditor has been held by the fol- YORK JR. HISTORV OF NOBLE COUNTY. 47 lowing persons, to wit: Anson Greenman, William M. Clapp, William E. Love- ly, John Young, Horace W. Baldwin, Daniel S. Love, Eden H. Fisher, James C. Stewart and William S. Kiser. Of these, Greenman, Lovely, Bald- win and Clapp are dead, all having died in this county, and the rest are still living here. The following is a list of Commissioners : Northern District — Abraham Pancake, Henry Hostetter, Sr., Jacob Wolf, John T. Broth well, James Smal- ley, John Childs, J. W. Learned, Charles Law, Jacob Wolf (second election), William Imes, George W. Mummert. Southern District — Joel Bristol, Oliver L. Perry, John Fulk, Otis D. Allen, Rufus D. Keeney, H. C. Stan- ley, James W. Long, D. W. C. Denny (appointed), George Ott, James H. Gregory, J. C. Stewart, Samuel Broughton, John P. Mc Williams. Mid- dle District — Zenas Wright, Thomas H. Wilson, Vincent Lane, Elihu Wads- worth, Leonard Myers, F. A. Black, Samuel Ohlwine, Orlando Kimmell, F. A. Black (appointed), William Broughton, John A. Singrey — mak- ing in all thirty-three different persons who have held the office in the county. Of these, fourteen are dead, thirteen still reside in the county and three have left the county, to wit: Myers, Gregory and Long. Long is living in Whitley County. The residence of the others is unknown. The foregoing list contains the names of all the persons who have held the offices referred to. There were some other offices of minor importance that have not been referred to, such as Coroner, School Commissioner, etc., in which the public would feel little interest. There is, however, one other county office, which at an early date did not amount to much, but which has since become second in importance to none in the county, and that is what is now called "County Superintendent of Schools," but was formerly known as "School Examiner." The Examiner at the time the county was organized was ap- pointed by the Circuit Judge, and this power remained with the Judge until the adoption of the present constitution in 1852. The first appointment was made in 1837, when Westley White, Justus C. Alvord and Nelson Prentiss were appointed School Examiners. The duties were not arduous and there was no compensation provided for. After that time, and up to 1852, various persons were appointed, but as the records of the court have been burned, it is not possible to get all the names, but the following other persons are remem- bered as having officiated in that office: Finley Stevens, G. W. Sheldon, Stephen Wildman, Samuel E. Alvord, T. P. Bicknell, D. W. C. Denny, Dr. 0. J. Vincent and probably others. One thing is certain, and that is, Mr. Prentiss remained one of the Examiners from 1837 until 1868 continuously, and after retiring from the position in 1868 was again elected in 1879 and in 1881, and now holds the office, having held it for thirty-three years, and, at the age of sixty-eight years, is discharging his duties in an acceptable manner. After the organization of the county in 1836, and after the first election, Hon. Samuel C. Sample, of South Bend, was sent to organize the Circuit CO 48 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Court and start the machinery of justice. As all the records in the Clerk'.9 office were destroyed by fire in January, 1859, it is impossible to gather any information from that source, and hence many things that would be interesting are necessarily omitted. Judge Sample informed the writer that this meeting was in September, 1836, and that a grand jury was impaneled, who met under a large oak tree and transacted some business. On the first grand jury were Seymour Moses, William Wilmeth. George Benner, George T. Ulmer, Isaac Tibbott, Abraham Pancake and William Caldwell, and on the petit jury were Asa Brown, Henry Hostetter, Andrew Humphreys, Richard Bray, John Knight and Gideon Schlotterback. There may be others known to the old settlers who were on one of these juries, but the fact has not been made known. The grand jury returned two bills of indictment, one against Hugh Allison for assault and battery and one against J and Mc for larceny. Allison being present, was placed on trial and a verdict of "not guilty" was returned, when Allison treated court, jury and attorneys. The other case was not tried at that term, nor was it tried until nearly a year after. David H. Colerick, of Fort Wayne, was employed by the defendants, and being gifted as an advocate and having the ability to shed the "briny tear " at the proper time, so wrought upon the feelings of the jury that a verdict of "not guilty" was returned. But let it be remembered that the charge was stealing hogs, and every one knew that a pioneer would not steal pork unless he was hungry. This was the only court presided over in this county by Judge Sample. He was flanked on the right hand and on the left by Hon. James Latta and Elisha Blackman, Associate Judges. Since that time the following persons have held the office of Circuit Judge: Charles W. Ewing, Judge Chase, John W. Wright, James W. Borden, E. A. McMahon, James L. Worden, E. R. Wilson, Robert Lowry, James I. Best and Hiram S. Tousley, and the Associate Judges have been Elisha Blackman, James Latta, Jacob Stage, Thomas H. Wilson, Edwin Ran- dall and David S. Simons. The office of Associate Judge having been abol- ished, none have been elected for many years. The office of Probate Judge has been held by Henry R. Burnam, Horatio M. Slack and Harrison Wood, and our Judges of the Court of Common Pleas have been Stephen Wildman, James C. Bodley, Sanford J. Stoughton and William M. Clapp. While upon the subject of the judiciary, it is proper to speak of the distin- guished members of the bar who have been in former times, and are now, mem- bers of the bar in Noble County. Daniel E. Palmer, now residing in Angola, was the first practicing attorney who located in the county, and subsequently William M. Clapp, John W. Dawson, Horatio M. Slack and James L. Worden. Hon. Stephen Wildman located here soon after. Before any attorneys located in the county, the business was done by attorneys from La Grange, Allen and Elkhart Counties. John B. Howe, of La Grange, David H. Colerick, Henry Cooper, William H. Combs, Robert Breck- enridge, L. P. Ferry and Hugh McCuUoch, of Allen, and E. M. Chamberlain, HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTV. 49 Joseph L. Jernegan and Thomas G. Harris, of Elkhart, were the principal practitioners in the court of the county prior to the year 1842. Among the distinguished attorneys who have practiced in the courts since 1842 may be mentioned ex-Gov. Samuel Bigger, Judges John Morris and Robert Lowry, of Fort Wayne ; Hon. W. A. Woods, of Goshen, now one of the Judges of the Supreme Court; Hon. James I. Best, of De Kalb County; Hon. John B. Niles, now deceased, formerly of La Porte; Hon. John H. Baker, Member of Congress for six years from this district, and his partner, Capt. J. A. S. Mitchell, and many others. The present bar of Noble County is composed of the following gentlemen : Fielding Prickett, Henry G. Zimmerman, Thomas M. Eells, James M. Denny, James S. Campbell, L. W. Welker, Thomas B. Felkner, Frank Prickett, John C. Swetc, Luke Wrigley and Nelson Prentiss, all of Albion ; G. W. Best, D. C. Van Camp, Daniel W. Green, Frank P. Bothwell and Harry Reynolds, of Ligonier; and A. A. Chapin, Robert P. Barr, Lucius E. Goodwin, Vincent C. Mains and Thomas L. Graves, of Ken- dallville. Among the early Judges who served in this county are to be found marked ability and the strictest integrity. Charles W. Ewing, the first Circuit Judge for this circuit, was a brilliant lawyer. He had much more than the usual mental endowments, and a thorough education, supplemented by extensive reading and study, had so developed his powers that he was a star of the first magnitude in his profession. He died comparatively young, and under circum- stances peculiarly painful, and by his own hands. What prompted the act is not known, but it is highly probable that under some severe mental strain his mind became alienated and he thus committed the act. •Judge Chase only served one or two terms, and was but little known in the county. John W. Wright, or, as he was familiarly called, ''Jack," served several years, and was considered a good Judge. He was social and affable ia his intercourse with all, and yet when on the Bench he maintained the dignity of tlie place, and some of our courts of to-day would be improved by followint: his example. When among the boys, he was as much of a boy as any. At a session of the court, a blackleg bought a horse of " Charley Murray," and paid for it in counterfeit coin. The word spread, and a squad was organized for pursuit. The Judge adjourned court, mounted his Indian pony, and joined in the chase, which lasted all night. The Elkhart River was crossed sevenU times, but there were no bridges, and "Jack" was with the foremost. The counterfeiter was captured, his case given to the grand jury, and the Judge was ready to try the case. A man having imbibed too freely, and becoming bois- terous. Jack ordered the Sheriff to stop the noise, but the offender would not desist. "Take that man to jail," said the Judge. "There is no jail," replied the Sheriff. " Then," said the Judge, " take him away so far that he will not disturb the court and tie him to a tree." The order was obeyed, and quiet was restored. Judge Wright, at the time he presided over our courts lived in Logansport, and at this time is engaged in some business connected 50 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTV. ■with the Government at Washington. Judge Borden presided here for several years, and gave general satisfaction. He was a politician, and has written sev- eral articles, which evince a thorough study of the principles upon which our institutions are founded. He now resides in Fort Wayne, and, during most of the time he has been a resident of Northern Indiana, has held some official posi- tion. Judge McMahon, who succeeded Borden, was at the time a resident of Fort Wayne, and discharged his duties acceptably. He was the very soul of probity and honor, and the judicial ermine was not soiled in his hands. He was a good lawyer and an impartial Judge. If living, he is in Minnesota, whither he emigrated many years ago. Of Judge James L. Worden little need be said. He was one of the early resident attorneys of Noble County, and is well-known to most of our citizens. From the time he first pitched his tent here, until the present, his course has been steadily upward, and to-day he holds the position of the leader of the Supreme Court. His decisions are quoted wherever the principles of the common law prevail. He is quiet and unassuming in his manners, calm and deliberate in his judgment, and is generally correct in his conclusions. E. R. Wilson, who succeeded Judge Worden, was a young man at the time of his election, residing at Bluffton. He was the reverse of Judge Worden in some respects ; he was impulsive and quick to form his conclusions, and yet the fact that his decisions generally stood the test in the Supreme Court, is the best evidence that he was correct. He was a popular officer, and yet from his peculiar temperament, was liable to make warm friends or bitter enemies. He resides at present at Madison, in this State. Judge Lowry resides at Fort Wayne, and is at present Judge of the Superior Court. He commenced the practice of the law at Goshen at an early day, and has steadily progressed un- til he is now recognized as one of the best attorneys of the State. Judge Tousley is now, and has been since 1848, a resident of Albion, and is prob- ably as well known as any one living here. He has been identified with the in- terests in the county. At the present time he is suffering from disease. James I. Best, of De Kalb County, was elected Judge of this circuit, and discharged the duties of the position in a manner at once creditable to himself and acceptable to the people. His business, however, required his attention at home, and he re- signed the office. He was subsequently employed by the Lake Shore & Michi- gan Southern Railroad Company, as attorney for that road, but was selected as one of the Commissioners to assist the Judges of the Supreme Court, which position he now holds. All who have held the office of Associate Judges are dead, all having died in this county. They were all good men, and their lives and influence have had their effect upon the community. Harrison Wood is the last of the Probate Judges living. He resides at Ligonier, and is justly esteemed as a good citizen and an honest man. Judge Wildman is the last left in the county of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, Clapp and Bod- iey being dead, and Stoughton, if living, is probably in Kansas. It would be HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 51 pleasing to take up and give a brief pen-portrait of each of the early attorneys who practiced here, but space forbids. For the present, a few reminiscenses of early days must suffice. We have before spoken of two indictments re- turned by the grand jury at the iirst court held in the county, one of which was disposed of; the other, for larceny, was continued, and a warrant issued for the defendants. The larceny charged was that of some hogs belonging to a Mr. Spangle. The defendants had been arrested before this time upon a war- rant issued by Jacob Wolf, Esq., the first Justice of the Peace of the county, who discharged the prisoners, the evidence not being sufficient to sustain the charge, in the opinion of the Justice. Hence, the case was brought before the grand jury. At a subsequent term of the Noble Circuit Court, held at the house of Richard Stone, in Sparta Township, the case was tried before a jury, and David H. Golerick was employed by the defendants. Colerick, it is said, charged $25, which, in 1837, was considered a large fee. It is true that he had to travel forty miles on horseback to attend court, and the condition of the roads made it a two days' journey. It was said that Colerick gave some instructions to the one defendant, who was considered most guilty, as to his conduct pending the trial, which was about one year after the indict- ment was returned. During this time, no razor was permitted to be used on his face, and before the trial came on, J had a most magnificent beard, giving him quite a patriarchal appearance. The case was called, the jury impaneled, and the evidence introduced, and the Prosecuting Attorney made his plea. Colerick made one of his best effiarts ; he was a good advocate, and if any man could enlist the sympathies of the jury, he could do it. Colerick presented the legal aspect of the case and claimed that, under the testimony, it was uncertain whether the offense, if any was committed, was in Noble or Kosciusko County. Haying disposed of the legal question, " Uncle Dave " went in on sympathy. He drew a graphic picture of the anguish of the families of the prisoners, at the mere suspicion of the crime, and pointing to J , who sat there the pict- ure of injured innocence, he said : " Gentlemen of the jury, look at that hon- est old Dunker who sits before you — honesty written on every line of his face — and then say if you can that he is gnWtj of hog stealing." Tears flowed freely from Colerick's eyes, the jury were affected, and even J himself gave evidence that he began to think that he was innocent, and wiped his weeping eyes on the skirt of his buck-skin hunting shirt. The jury returned a verdict of "not guilty," and the defendants were happy. It is said that the case stood as follows : Spangle lost his hogs, found where they had been killed and skinned, followed the track of a sled to the cabins of the defendants, and un- der the puncheon floor found skinned pork, and upon these slight circumstances accused the defendants of the larceny of his hogs. But those days are past, and we now require stronger proof before making such grave charges. Henry Cooper, also of Fort Wayne, was probably one of the best lawyers who came to this county. His books were his idols, and he came as near 52 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. mastering the elementary works as any one could, and yet he never boasted of his knowledge. A young man, who had just commenced the study, once asked Mr. Cooper how long it would require for him to master the law. "I do not know," said Mr. Cooper; "I have been hard at work upon it for about fifty years, and just begin to see how little I know about it." A char- acter in the early days of the county was George Powers, or, as he was gen- erally called, "Old Powers." He was a pettifogger of the most offensive type, and knew little about law, but was quite a talker. Cooper thoroughly despised anything like quackery, and hence had no respect for Powers. Cooper was not a ready or fluent speaker, but was a strong logician. Meeting Powers in the hall of the court house at Augusta, he was addressed by Powers in this language: "Cooper, if I had your head, or you had my tongue, what a man would be the result." Cooper replied, "Powers, if you had my head you would know enough to keep your abusive tongue silent." Cooper was at one time a part- ner of the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, and might have stood at the head of the legal profession, but he yielded to the seduction of strong drink, and died a sad wreck of his former self. He was kind-hearted, and, in his last days, did not lack friends. Samuel Bigger, whose name has been heretofore mentioned, died in Fort Wayne in 1847. In 1840, he was the candidate on the Whig ticket for Governor, and his competitor was Gen. Tilghman A. Howard. Both were gentlemen, and together they canvassed the State, and each treated the other with the greatest courtesy. When they visited Noble County, they spoke at the house of Adam Engle, on Perry's Prairie, and stayed there overnight. In the evening. Bigger discovered a fiddle, and, taking hold of it, drew forth some fine music, which highly pleased Mr. Engle. Bigger was elected, and, after serving the State during his term, located at Fort Wayne and practiced in the courts of Noble County. At a term held at Port Mitchell, in 1845 or 1846, as the Gov- ernor was passing along, he met Engle, whom he recognized, and, ap- proaching him, extended his hand, saying, "How do you dp, my old friend ? ' Engle, who was quite old, did not recognize him, and replied, "Who be you? I don't know you." "My name is Bigger," was the reply. "Bigger, Big- ger; I don't know you," continued Engle. Bigger replied, " I stayed at your house in 1840, when I was a candidate for Governor. Do you not remember me?" A sudden light seemed to break in, and, grasping the outstretched hand, Engle said, "Oh, yes ; I remember. You are that fiddler." The joke was too good for Bigger to keep, and so he told the story. One more partic- ular mention must close these reminiscenses of the legal profession. E. M. Chamberlain, of Elkhart County, was a regular attendant at our courts at an early day. He was a man of strong intellectual powers, and as stern and in- flexible in his devotion to the interests of his clients as it was possible for any- one to be. He respected true merit, but dishonest practices were his abhor- rence, and woe to the man who should attempt, by bribes or threats, to lead him from the path of rectitude. In person, he was tall and commanding ; his HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 53 countenance was stern, and reminded one of that old hero, Andrew Jackson. In the management of his cases, his comprehensive mind at once grasped the strong points, and to these he clung, and cunning or sophistry could not drive him from his position. All who were present at the time will remember his last appearance here. It was after the burning of the court house at Albion, and the court was held in the Lutheran Church. An old man had fallen into the hands of a set of sharpers, who had succeeded in swindling him out of over $10,000. Chamberlain was employed to unearth the dark trans- action. He spent much time in the preparation of the case, and had obtained a full history of the facts, which he had embodied in complaint. Two of the defendants were present when he commenced the presentation of the case to the court. As he proceeded to expose the transaction, and as link after link of the chain was unfolded, and as Chamberlain, warming with his subject and aware of the righteousness of his cause, hurled against them his charges, couched in such words as only he could string together, though all felt that they deserved exposure and punishment, yet all felt pity for the trembling cul- prits who were his victims. As if aware of the fact that he had them securely in his grasp, like the cat who sports with her prey, he would for a time relax his coils, giving them a short respite, then again tightening his hold, until at last he broke forth in a torrent of invective, at once so withering and over- whelming, that one of the defendants, unable to endure the mental torture, left the church and did not return until Chamberlain had closed. He was at one time a member of Congress from this district, was for many years Judge of the Circuit in which he resided, and held many oflBces of trust, and no official corruption was ever laid to his charge. To his family he was kind and indul- gent, and the tenderness and affection of woman were as much his character- istics at home as was sternness and inflexibility in the discharge of his public duties. He died at his home in Goshen in the spring of 1861. It is not certain who was the first physician who settled in the county. This distinction lies between Dr. Victor M. Cole, who located at Wolf Lake, and Dr. Dudley C. Waller, who came to Rochester about the same time. Both came in 1837, but it is uncertain which was first in the county. They were both considered good doctors, were both men of good hearts, and when called to minister to the suffering never asked whether they were sure of their pay. In fact, much of the service rendered by them was never paid for, and both died poor many years ago. Waller left the county in 1839, and returned to his former home in Vermont, where he died soon after. Cole is buried at Augusta, and it is uncertain whether the place can be identified. Dr. W. H. Nimmon was also one of the early physicians, having settled at Rochester in the latter part of 1839. He died in 1879, at Wawaka. Before any physicians settled here. Dr. Johnston Latta, of Goshen, practiced in the county, and Dr. S. B. Kyler, of Benton, and Dr. E. W. H. Ellis, of Goshen, were frequently called. 54 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Dr. John H. G. Shoe lived at the Inrlian vilhige, and though some said he was not much of a doctor, yet it must be admitted that he was a good singer, and that he was careful not to give medicines that would injure any one, as he never kept any on hand. Jacob Wolf, Esq., of Perry Township, who settled here in 18.31, says that the first -sermon preached in the county was in the summer of 1832, and that it was preached on Perry's Prairie, by a Presbyterian minister from South Bend, but is unable to give his name. Rev. Robinson, of the M. E. Church, and Rev. Plumstead and Christopher Cory, Presbyterians, preached here at a very early day, and a Presbyterian Church was organized as early as 1836 on the Haw Patch, but whether it was in Noble or La Grange is not settled. Members of the ciiurch lived in both counties, and services were held at the house of William McConnell, in La Grange, and also at Isaac Gavin's and Sey- mour Moses', in Noble. In 18-37, Mr. Cavin and Mr. Moses built a log cabin near the place where the Salem Chapel now stands, which served the double purpose of a church and schoolhouse. This was the first building in the county used for these purposes aside from private houses. In this house, humble though it was, the fathers and mothers met to worship God, and with sincere hearts gave devout thanks that they had even such a temple. Here Seymour Moses taught a school. From this small beginning, what results are seen ! From the log cabin, erected at a cost of only the labor of a few pious settlers, we have now within the limits of the county fifty-four churches, erected at a cost of over $200,000. If genuine piety and religion have advanced in pro- portion, what a power for good would now go out from Noble County ! The first marriage in the county was that of Lewis Murphy to a sister of Isaac Tibbott. The bride was one of the children brought here by Joel Bristol in 1827, and at the time Noble County was attached to Allen, and the marriage license was procured at Fort Wayne. The next was that of Gideon Schlotter- back to Miss Mary Engle, in 1833, when this county was called La Grange. After the organization of Noble County, the first marriage was that of Jacob Baker, who died last spring. Schlotterback is still living, and is hale and hearty. Murphy left the county a long time ago, and whether living or dead is not known to the writer. There has been some conflict of opinion as to who was the first white child born within the limits of Noble County, but it seems to be settled now that it was a son of Henry Miller. Miller came to the county in November, 1831, and on the 31st of December of that year his wife gave birth to a son, who lived but a few days or weeks, this being, so far as is known, the first birth as well as the first death of a white person in the county. The father died three years ago ; the mother is still living. On the 8th day of August, 1832, Simon Hostetter, son of John and Mahala Hostetter, was born on the Haw Patch, and he is still living, being the first white child born in the county that lived to maturity. YORK TP. HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 67 The first post office in the county was established in 1833, and, at the sug- gestion of Jacob Wolf, was named " Good Hope." Henry Miller was the first Postmaster. The mail was carried from Fort Wayne to Niles once in two weeks. John G. Hall carried the "bag" on a spotted ox or some other kind of masculine bovine. The receipts of the office were from $1.25 to $1.50 per ijiiarter, hence there was not much strife for the place. Miller became tired of handling the mails and resigned, and Jacob Shobe became Postmaster, and the office was kept at the old Shobe farm in the southwest part of Perry Township. Subsequently the office was removed to Stone's Tavern, and thence to Ligonier, and the name changed from Good Hope to Ligonier. The first house for a residence was built by Joel Bristol in Noble Town- siiip, but there was a brick house erected by the Government on Section 30 in Sparta, the exact date of which is not certain, but was some time between 1816 and 1821. A fuller account of this house will appear in the history of Sparta. The first hewed log house was built by Jacob Shobe in 1833, and the first brick residence was built by Jacob Wolf. C HAPT ER III. by weston a. goodspeed. Early Roads— Manner of Viewing, Improving and Sustaining Them— Mail Routes and Stage Lines— The Plank Road— Railroads and County Stock — Noble County Agricultural Society— Stock Rearing— The Seminary- Fund— The County Press— The Blacklegs and the Regu- lators. THE first traveled highways which extended across Noble County were the Fort Wayne and Goshen road and the Fort Wayne and Lima road, each having been surveyed prior to the organization of the county in 1836, pursuant to special acts of the State Legislature. The precise time when these enactments were approved cannot be learned, but was probably about the years 1832 or 1833, as, at that time, both the roads were quite well traveled by set- tlers who lived in the older localities, at the extremities of the road distant from Fort Wayne. At that time, there was quite a large settlement at Lima, in La Grange County, while few, if any, settlers had located along the road in Noble County. The same is true of the Goshen road, save one settlement a few miles southeast of Wolf Lake. Both roads, at that early day, were mere winding paths through the woods, twisting around on the higher lands and abounding in mud-holes that apparently (if the statements of old settlers are to be believed) went through to China. It is stated that, when the pioneers first began to locate along the main roads, they would often keep a team of oxen or horses, and the necessary rails, to assist in extricating unfortunates from mud-holes, charging the modest sum of 25 cents to $1 for the trouble. Soon 58 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. the worst places were bridged over by rude log bridges, that were swept away by every freshet, and the long places of swampy road were corduroyed with rails, logs and brush. It was the custom, when a new road was petitioned for, to appoint competent "Viewers," who were to traverse the route, and report upon the practicability of opening the road. If the Viewers reported favor- ably, the State authorities ordered the clearing and working of the road, so as to make it passable for all sorts of teams. The Lima road, although surveyed about the year 1833, was not opened throughout its entire length until about 1837 ; but, if reports are correct, the Goshen road was opened about the time the county was organized. Previous to that time, neither had been worked, save here and there where some benevolent settler had seen proper to expend a few days to mend some bad break. Even after the roads had been opened, great trouble was experienced in keeping them in repair, and very often they were almost impassable. Probably, the third road in the county was the one branch- ing from the Goshen road north of Cromwell and running north, through what is now Ligonier, to the State line, in the direction of White Pigeon. This was ordered surveyed not far from the year 1838, and perhaps a year or two earlier, and came into existence largely through the influence of citizens living on "Perry's Prairie," who had petitioned the Legislature for the road. In 1843. the State road, extending from Columbia City to Augusta, was ordered sur- veyed, and John Hively and Joel Bristol were appointed special Road Com- missioners to establish this highway. They employed Thomas Washburn as Surveyor. The road was eighteen miles long, ten being in Noble County. The same year, another road was ordered built from Columbia City to a stake in the Goshen road, on the line between Townships 34 and 35 north, of Range 8 east, the whole road being twenty-two miles long. The special Road Commis- sioners were Stephen Martin, Ross Rowan and John Prickett. The following explains itself: To the Commissioners of Noble C'ountt/ : In pursuance of an act of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, appointing the undersigned Commissioners to locate a State road, from the forks of the roads near Isaac Tibboti's in Noble County to the county seat of La Grange County, said Commissioners hereby report that they met at the beginning point on the r2th of .Tune, 1842, and after being sworn to faithfully discharge the duties of said appointment, and after employing the necessary number of hands, proceeded to survey and mark said road. We believe it will be a road of great public utility, and return it for public use. For a further description, we beg leave to refer you to the following field notes, all of which are respectfully submitted. John L. Stienbeboer, [Field notes subjoined.] Abraham Brown, William F. Beavers, Commissioners. This road was 33 miles in length, Vina miles being in Noble County, and SOtA miles in La Grange County. In 1843, a State road was constructed from Kendallville to Perry's Prairie, the Commissioners being Mr. Trow- bridge, Jacob Sparbeck and Daniel Bixler. Previous to about the year 1844, all roads which touched more than one county were built at the expense of the HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 59 State ; but, at that time, this procedure was altered, and the counties were required to construct their own road, being authorized to levy, under stipulated conditions, the necessary tax for that purpose. Immediately after this, the Commissioners entered upon an active and much-needed system of constructing public highways, and the citizens were quite heavily taxed to secure the neces- sary funds. From that time until the present, scores of roads have come into existence. Some time about the year 1847, a company of wealthy men at Fort Wayne, and along the Lima road, associated themselves together, with a capital stock ~ of about $70,000, for the purpose of transforming the old Fort Wayne and Lima road into a plank road. Pursuant to the law of the State, this road was leased* by the company for a term of years, and saw-mills were erected all along the line to furnish three-inch oak plank, which was to be laid down on suitable sills, at right angles to the direction of the road. The planks were sawed and laid down in 1847 and 1848, and toll-gates were established from six to ten miles apart, and superintendents of sections, living along the line, were employed to keep the road in repair. The plank road was fifty miles long, and, in some places, deviated from the old Lima road. A few small dividends were struck, but the road failed to repay the stockholders for the outlay of construction, and the stock steadily depreciated in value. Many of the largest stockholders at Fort Wayne and along the road were wise enough to get rid of the stock to Eastern capitalists, upon whom mucli of the burden of failure fell when the enterprise collapsed. Toll was collected on portions of the road until about 18-58, when the route was turned over to the County Commissioners. There were well-established mail routes along the Lima road and the Goshen road several years before the county was organized, the mail being carried on horseback, or, as in the case of John Hall, the carrier along the Goshen road, on the back of a male bovine of gentle disposition. These con- tinued to be the principal mail routes for much of Northeastern Indiana, for many years. From time to time, branches were established at various points. As early as 1844, a route was established from Wolf Lake, on the Goshen road) via Port Mitchell and Albion, to Lisbon, on the Lima road. Another early mail route is said to have extended from Good Hope, on the Goshen road, to either Rome City or Lima, on the Lima road, passing via Rochester and Spring- field. Several other routes were established for the convenience of localities, but not by the Government The Lake Shore Railroad did away with many of the old routes, and new ones were established from stations on this road to the various towns in the southern part of the county. Finally, the presence of other railroads rendered these routes unnecessary, and now they have about all disappeared. The vast improvements that have been made in the means of overcoming labor, save such as is necessary for exercise to preserve the health * The real conditions ais to how the company got control of the road are unknown to the writer, but from con- versation witli men prominently connected with the project, the facts appear to be as stated in the text. 60 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. and spirits, have driven many irksome and burdensome tasks from the obstacles to be met by human endeavor. The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company was formed, in 1869, by the consolidation of the following four railroads, each of which had previously been formed of two others : Michigan Southern and Northern In- diana, Cleveland k Toledo, Buffalo k Erie and Cleveland, Painesville & Ash- tabula. The Michigan Southern was projected in 1837, through the southern part of that State, from Monroe on the east to New Buifalo on the west ; but was not continued on to Chicago until 1852. Of the Northern Indiana Rail- road, the Chicago Times, of 1877, has this to say : " In 1835, John B. Chap- man, of Warsaw, Ind., a member of the State Legislature, introduced a bill for the incorporation of the 'Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.' He was ridiculed out of this ambitious title, and finally consented to come down to ' Bufialo and Mississippi Railroad,' but would not yield another mile." Work on the road was begun in 1835 ; but in 1837 came the financial crash that doomed the rail- road to a sleep equal in duration to that of Rip Van Winkle. An effort at resuscitation was made in 1847, culminating, finally, in the road's passing to the Litchfields, under the name of Northern Indiana Railroad. The work went on slowly until at last, in 1855, the Michigan Southern and the Northern Indiana were consolidated with a union of those two names. The road was completed through Noble County early in 1858. Under the presidency of the Vander- bilts, the road is paying its stockholders dividends. So far as known, the citi- zens of the county contributed nothing toward the construction of the road. The corporation first known as the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company was duly incorporated and organizeil by articles of association, bear- ing date January 18, 185-4, with power to construct, maintain and operate a railroad from the town of Hartford, in Blackford County, Ind., to a point on the north line of the State, in the direction of Grand Rapids, Mich. Afterward, by various articles of consolidation and incorporation with other roads, it assumed the above corporate name in June, 1857, and at that time had a declared capital stock of $2,800,000, including large tracts of valuable tim- ber land grants in Northern Michigan ; but the paid-up capital of the company was so small that it was found impossible to meet the expense of constructing the road, in wliich case, the land grants, after a certain date, would revert to the Government. To prevent tliis, various expediencies were resorted to, and at last extension of the time for the completion of certain portions of the road was obtained. Work was resumed under several contracts, one of which was with George AV. Geisendorff, of Rome City, dated December, 1864, to build and equip fifteen miles of road, understood to be between the latter town and La Grange, Ind.; $19,000 paid by Mr. Geisendorff to the company were ex- pended on the road north of Grand Rapids. Still the company found itself unable to continue the completion of the road, and a new executive administra- tion under the old organization was effected, that some relief might be obtained. i HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTV. 61 Confidence was partially restored, and the citizens along the road in Noble and La Grange Counties subscribed about $200,000 in aid of the work, the most of which was payable conditionally, and hence was unavailable until the con- ditions had been complied with. Soon, after considerable difficulty, another extension of time to January 1, 1868, was obtained. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad was solicited for help, and furnished it conditionally by indorsing certain stipulations on fifteen hundred $1,000 bonds of the issue of January, 1860. But this seemed to afford only temporary relief, as, in April, 1869, a number of responsible parties living in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and known as the Continental Improvement Company, obtained such control of the Grand Rapids Company that the completion of the road was rapidly pushed forward, with the aid of a declared capital of $2,000,000, owned by the last-named corporation, until, in December, 1873, the road, con- structed and completed in accordance with the contract, was turned over to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Company. Thus it was, that after a long, distressing struggle for life, the road, at the price of large profits, was placed upon a per- manent running basis. It is of incalculable value to La Grange and Noble Counties ; although the trade in some localities has been divided, but the counties on the whole have been greatly benefited. Kendallville has been in- jured in some respects, and benefited in others. Avilla has found a decided improvement. For some years prior to 1872, the Chicago & Canada Southern Railway Company announced its intention of passing across the northern part of Noble County, provided suitable aid was secured from the citizens along the route. The townships through which the road was to pass were called upon to vote aid ; but all did not respond. The question of levying a small tax for this purpose was submitted in each of the townships, and carried in Perry and Wayne only. The tax to be paid by Perry amounted to $19,000 ; and that of Wayne to $20,500. Of these amounts about $1,000 were paid ; but the citizens were then relieved by legislative enactment from any further payments, and the $1,000 was returned to the tax-payers. Thus was severed all connection with the road. The Eel River Division of the Wabash Railway passes across the extreme corner of the county, and was constructed and equipped in about the year 1872. Early in 1872, the townships Allen, Jefl"erson, Albion, York and Sparta were called to vote a tax to aid the present Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Allen refused such aid, although she would undoubtedly receive greater benefit than any of the others. The vote in Jefterson was 187 for, 75 against ; the tax amounting to $3,078.60. That in Albion 108 for, none against; tax, $3,- 380.80. That in York 131 for, 19 against; tax, $2,793.95. That in Sparta 115 for, 25 against; tax, $3,796.15. Total tax voted, $13,049.50. of which $12,322.99 have been paid to the company. The grain buyers at the stations on this road report that, on account of direct transportation to Baltimore, an t)2 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Eastern sea-board, the other roads not having such direct transportation, a higher price can be paid for grain by them than by buyers on the other roads. Farmers confirm this statement, and govern their sales accordingly. The Noble County Agricultural and Horticultural Society had its origin in 1855, in accordance with an act of the Legislature, providing that the citizens of a county might institute the necessary conditions for a county fair. In response to notices posted up or published at the time, a meeting of the citizens was called to effect such an association, and some thirty or forty persons appended their names to a code of by-laws, and paid $1 each, after which the necessary officers were elected to carry into eflfect the measures adopted by the membership. A fair, with a few premiums offered, was announced to be held on the farm of Mr. Bassett, a few miles northwest of Albion, during the fall of 1855; and on that occasion there was a respectable display of county products, notwithstanding that the premiums offered were few and made proportionally small, contingent on the failure of the receipts to meet the obligations of the society. The gate-money was not far from $60. Horse-races were witnessed around the quarter-of-a-mile track ; but the time made need not be mentioned. The fair continued to be held annually on Mr. Bassett's land for some four years, when it was removed to a ground of five or six acres, owned by Mr. Clapp, a portion of which is now covered with houses, being the northern part of the county seat. In 1865, by sharp management on the part of Ligonier, it was voted to remove the fair to the latter place, where Mr. Harrison Wood had offered a nice ground with a half mile track to the asso- ciation without charge for the first year, and $30 for each subsequent year. This movement was opposed by most of the citizens at Albion, several of whom grind their teeth at the recollection even to this day. The fair was held on Mr. Wood's land for twelve years, and was then removed to the present ground, about a mile weat of Ligonier, which at that time was purchased by an associa- tion of stockholders for $1,700, there being about twenty-three acres. The stock (about eighty-five shares) is owned by some forty-five individuals. These stockholders rent the ground to the association. The receipts were largest about two years ago, being not far from $1,600 ; of late years they reach on an average about $1,000 annually. They probably did not exceed $100 prior to the removal of the fair to Ligonier. The directors are usually elected, one from each township, and from these the officers are chosen. The usual premiums are paid for all varieties of live stock, products of the farm, manufactured implements and ornaments, plants and flowers, fruit, wearing apparel, kitchen products, etc., etc. The Agricultural Society is in a fairly prosperous condition, although there have been times in its history when the outlook was decidedly unpromising. So it is with all enterprises that tend to bind society closer, or remove the films from the eyes of humanity. The present officers of the society are : W. W. Latta, President ; J. H. Hoffman, Secretary ; John Weir, Treasurer ; J. C. Zimmerman, Superintendent. In HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNXr. 63 1866, there was organized at Ligonier a "Live Stock Association," which is yet in existence, and has for its object the making of money through that decid- edly laudable means — the improvement in stock, or, more specifically stated, the improvement in horses. Three magnificent Clydesdale stallions were purchased at a cost of $7,200. There are about twenty stockholders in this association, four of whom own the greater portion of stock, as follows : John Morrow, Har- rison Wood, Dr. Palmiter and William Hays. There is one subject which can be as well mentioned in this chapter as in any other. Reference is made to what was known in early years as the "Semi- nary Project." Not far from the year 1840, the State Legislature passed an act authorizing the County Commissioners to levy a ta,x for an amount not to exceed a certain figure, the same to be applied toward the erection of a seminary for the education of youth. This the Commissioners of Noble County did ; and Elisha Blackman was made " Seminary Trustee and Treasurer," to whom were paid all funds for this project. Money flowed in, while the county-seat was at Augusta, until the amount reached nearly $2,000, when, for some reason which the writer, after patient inquiry, could not learn, the whole scheme col- lapsed, and the money collected was either turned over to the tax-payer, or placed with the school fund, upon what terms are unknown. Thus the experi- ment died. From the time of the earliest settlement until about the year 1858, Noble County (and, indeed, all Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan and Northwest- ern Ohio, besides other localities) was so infested by liorse-thieves, burglars, highwaymen, counterfeiters, manufacturers of bogus coin, murderers and out- laws and desperadoes of every description, that no honest man with money or valuable possessions could say with assurance that either himself or his property was at any time safe from their attack. The entire period was one long mild reign of terror and apprehension. About the time that Noble County was first settled, or from 1830 to 1840, the notorious counterfeiter of Summit County, Ohio, James Brown, a man of great natural ability, and one of the most daring, audacious and successful "blacklegs" in all the country at the time, managed by adroitness and cunning to so surround himself and his company of kindred spirits with secrecy and mystery, that all efforts to shatter the organization were for many years defeated and baffled. It will be seen by the reader that many of the most notorious blacklegs of Noble County came from Summit County, Ohio, or vicinity, and received their first instruction in the school of the infa- mous James Brown. The entire system of outlawry in Noble County undoubt- edly sprang from that in Summit County, Ohio, and vicinity ; as the dreadful business here was first inaugurated by men either directly or indirectly from that locality. It is not the design in this volume to enter into the details from which a large book might be entirely written. Nothing but an outline can be given. From the fact that scores of men, now honored and respected residents of the county, were connected with the blacklegs, either in the capacity of 64 HISTORV OF NOBLE COUNTY. thieves, or as manufacturers or passers of bogus coin and counterfeit bills, it is thought best to mention as few names as possible in this brief narrative. The children and grandchildren of James Brown are yet living near Akron, Ohio ; and, without exception, are all upright and law-abiding citizens. And yet they all feel that their father's infamy is a dark blot on the family name and honor. So it is in a score of instances in Noble County. Hundreds of the best citizens are connected by ties of consanguinity with blacklegs, whose names have become synonymous of disgrace and dishonor. Prudence would dictate, then, that in this volume the subject should be treated generally, that the feelings of delica- cy and shame in the hearts of descendants may be spared, and the family name and honor be cleared of infamy. New countries are always the haunts of criminals and outlaws. There they find security, secrecy and that lack of law which specially favors their atrocious deeds of villainy. Noble County at once became the headquarters of scores of convicts and criminals, and soon gained national repute as a perfect hot-bed of sagacious crime. In California, after the gold excitement had somewhat subsided, any man, it is said, who announced himself as coming from Noble County, Ind., was regarded with suspicion and distrust. So it was as far east as Maine, and as far south as Florida. Peace oflScers all over the United States and Canada heard of Noble County, and wondered why the gang of blacklegs was not broken up and dispersed. While it is true that horses, merchandise, money, and, in short, any property wanted by the blacklegs, were taken from the citizens of Noble County, yet it was not done to that alarming degree as to rouse the people of the county to a concerted effort against them until about 1856. A large, well-organized band of criminals made Noble County, among other places, the headquarters where counterfeit bank bills were made, where bogus coin was minted, and where stolen property of all kinds was secreted until the ardor of pursuit had abated, and the property could be disposed of. Criminal action was not corafined to the county, nor to Indiana ; but spread into all the neighboring States, and even West into the Territories. This is what, more than anything else, rendered the name of Noble County odious and detestable. It was the harbor of all villains. It was where they found sympathy and encouragement, security and assistance. Here they could dispose of stolen property. Here they obtained counterfeit bank bills and bogus silver coin. Here they were secreted from irate owners of stolen property and from pursuing peace officers. All this assistance, security and protection were furnished by resident blacklegs, men of seeming integrity, who were often wholly unsuspected by their nearest neighbors of having any complicity in the nefarious practices. Further than this, the very men secretly engaged in assist- ing criminal procedure were elected to the most prominent official positions in the county. The County Sheriff at one time (and perhaps others) was a noto- rious blackleg. It was next to impossible to secure a jury of honest men. Lawyers were blacklegs. Constables in almost every township were corrupt •'% (yyizji^^i^t^ti^ (2/i^i^%n^,^>>ijLAi YORK TP. HISTOUY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 67 and criminal. For these reasons, the laws were ineffectual and powerless. In all law-suits other than against blacklegs, the demands of justice were strictly complied with as far as the blacklegs were concerned, as it was to their interest to appear honest and law-abiding. But, when horse-thieves or passers of coun- terfeit money were charged with crime and arraigned, it was found next to im- possible to convict them. They usually managed to escape on one pretext or another. It is necessary to begin at the earliest settlement of the county, and trace the growth both of crime and of the efforts made to curtail or terminate it. As early as 1836, Alpheus Baker, residing in the eastern part of the county, lost three valuable horses the morning after his arrival. As many as a dozen other horses were taken during the same year ; and, prior to 1840, there must have been at least fifty horses " pulled " from residents of the county. No township or locality was spared. Men dared not keep fine horses, and many were wisely contented with animals too wortliless to be bothered by thieves. In 1839, the first real movement was made against the blacklegs. This will be found narrated in the chapter written by Mr. Prentiss. Some twenty were arrested, against nine of whom bills of indictment were found, but all managed to escape the punishment they no doubt deserved. In about 1842, William Mitchell and Asa Brown, who had assisted in the arrest of horse- thieves from Ohio, two men who had fled to Noble County for protection, were repaid for the act by the burning of their barns. About the same time, stores at Rochester and other places in the county were broken open, and considerable property was taken by burglars. Men were attacked in their own cabins, and compelled at the muzzle of pistols to hand over their ready money. Peddlers were stolen from in much the same manner, and widespread apprehension of robbery and even murder was felt. About this time, a public meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a society for the protection of property, and for raising the necessary funds to pay for detecting and capturing thieves and other criminals. This meeting is said to have been heW at Kendallville. With startling audacity and presumption, the very men who habitually protected and harbored criminals, were loudest in their denunciations of all blacklegs, and most earnest in their declarations that something must be speedily done to check the alarmingly prevalent commission of crime. They thus became perfectly familiar with all the schemes to detect and capture blacklegs ; and of course were enabled to completely baffle all such attempts. The results of the meeting were thus rendered abortive. While every township had its blacklegs and rascals, perhaps the most notorious place was in the northeastern part of the county, in and around Rome City, and a little farther north, at a spot known as " The Tamarack." In this vicinity, several of the most notorious leaders of the blacklegs resided. The physical features furnished excellent facilities for the secretion of stolen property of all kinds. It was in this vicinity that, so far as known, the only bogus coin DD 68 HISTORY OF XOBLE COUNTY. was manufactured in the county, except, perhaps, in Noble Township. In the latter place, while it is clear that the necessary implements for manufacturing bogus coin were found, yet there is no conclusive evidence that such coin was minted there. Men lived there who dealt largely in the coin, buying it for about 25 cents on the dollar of those who did manufacture it, and passing it at every opportunity to travelers and others. There is reasonably conclusive evidence that counterfeit bank bills were engraved and printed in Noble Town- ship. It is related that one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Noble Township audaciously admitted to every one that he had any amount of bogus coin. He is said to have answered a man who wanted to borrow money of him, " Yes, come over ; I have plenty. I know it's good, because I made it myself." It is also stated that he bought a piece of land of the Government Agent at Fort Wayne, paying for the same with bogus silver coin. Speakingof this transaction, he said, " The money was so d d hot it burnt my fingers." An engraver of bills resided in Noble Township ; also a signer of the same. The Tamarack was a notorious place. Both counterfeit bank bills and bogus coin were manufactured in this vicinity. Hundreds of men were induced to pass bad money, who would not assist in the manufacture. Hundreds of men would buy and secrete stolen property, who would have nothing to do with stealing. Hundreds of young men were led into a more or less guilty com- plicity in criminal practices. This was one of the principal reasons why rascals could not be detected. So many were in some manner connected with the blacklegs, that neighbor dared not trust neighbor, and all concealed the truth. A certain chivalrous dignity became attached to the term "blackleg, " that adventurous young men could not resist. They were thus gradually led into crime. It must be understood that, while there was no boldly open and concerted opposition to the execution of the laws in the capture and conviction of criminals, yet the efforts of honest officers were avoided and the require- ments of the law frustrated. Honest men were not wanting ; they lacked unity and secrecy of action. All their plans became at once known to the blacklegs, and they were thus for many years outwitted and misled. Perhaps no one individual among the honest men of the county was responsible for the lack of unity and secrecy in the conviction of criminals ; and yet it is strange that, during all the long years of guilt and fear, no united and determined effort was made to end the "reign of terror." It cannot be said that there was not a sufficient number of honest men, as the criminals were comparatively very few. The execution of a few horse-thieves or counterfeiters by "Judge Lynch" would have ended the reign of crime in its infancy. It is a matter of wonderment that something of the kind was not done. What could the honest men have been thinking about ? Are they altogether free from blame ? During the period from the earliest settlement until the power of the blacklegs was broken, many criminals were made to suffer the penalty of their misdoings. Six or eight persons, several of whom yet reside in the county, HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 69 were sent for short terms to the penitentiary. The blackleg leaders could not be caught by the mild efforts made ; neither could the gang be broken up. At last, lawlessness had become so widespread, that the State Legislature, in 1852, enacted a law authorizing the formation of companies- of not less than ten nor more than one hundred persons, with all the rights and privileges of constables, in the detection and apprehension of criminals. Strange as it may seem, no movement in pursuance of this law was made in Northern Indiana until 1856, at which time the "La Grange County Rangers" came into being. Within the next three years, thirty-six other companies were organized in Northern Indiana. The following were those formed in Noble County : Al- bion Rangers, Jefferson Regulators, Lisbon Rangers, Noble County Invincibles, Port Mitchell Regulators, Perry Regulators, Swan Regulators, Sparta Guards and Wolf Lake Sharpers. Perhaps there were several others. About five hundred men belonged to the companies organized in Noble County. The Lisbon Rangers numbered eighty-one members, the Swan Regulators sixty- one, the Port Mitchell Regulators sixty and the Perry Regulators seventy- nine. While the law undoubtedly brought these companies into existence, some of them went beyond the stipulated legal authority conferred upon them. The law gave them no right to try, convict or execute criminals. The author- ity conferred was confined to the detection and arrest of law-breakers. Any company that went beyond this was acting without proper legal authority. Each company adopted a constitution and by-laws, setting forth the various objects of the society. Any person making application for membership was required to bear an untarnished name, to make a solemn pledge of secrecy, and to suT)scribe his name to the constitution and by-laws. The deliberations of each company were kept in profound secrecy until the contemplated arrests were made. Any man against whom suspicion rested, unless he cleared himself to the satisfaction of the regulators, was denied membership in any company. This state of affairs soon completely overthrew the power of the blacklegs. During the autumn of 1857, the first shot was thrown in the ranks of the enemy. " The first public demonstration was a grand parade of the regulators on the 16th of January, 1858, at an old settlers' meeting at Kendallville. Soon after the arrival of the morning train, and just before the organization of the meeting, about three hundred men on horseback moved down in majestic strength through the streets of the town, bearing mottoes and banners of every liescription, one of which contained a representation of the capture of a crim- inal with the words. 'No Expense to the County.' After a full display tlirough the principal streets, they repaired to the common near the Baptist Church, where several speeches were made, severely denouncing the blacklegs, and setting forth the intention to forthwith end their infamous deeds. This, to Noble and adjacent counties, was the star of hope — the omen of better days in Northern Indiana."* Many blacklegs were in town, who saw with fear that they * From History of theReguIatore of Northern Indiiioa, by M. H. 5Iutt, Esq., of Kendallville. 70 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. could no longer control things as they had formerly done. Early on the fol- lowing day (Sunday, the 17th of January, 1858), a posse of fifteen or twenty members of the Noble County Invincibles, from Ligonier, proceeded to Rome City, and arrested nine (afterward five more) of the most notorious blacklegs, one of them being Gregory McDougal, all of whom were taken to Ligonier and placed in confinement to await investigation. A separate and private confer- ence was had with each man, and an opportunity afforded him to make a full confession, after which he was returned to confinement to await the action of the Regulators. In most cases confessions were volunteered, but, in a few instances where they were refused, a rigid means of extorting them was adopted. In this manner a more or less complete confession was obtained from each blackleg arrested.* From the time of the arrest until the 25th of the same month, thousands of people went to Ligonier to see the rascals and watch the movements of the Regulators. Every train brought in men who had been stolen from, and who had come forward to ascertain from the confes- sions where their property could be found. Scores of witnesses appeared from all quarters, even from the Eastern States, with damaging testimony against the culprits. In every confession, men were implicated who had previously borne an irreproachable character. This led to many additional arrests. One of the rascals had stolen thirty-six horses, besides a large amount of store goods. Every confession was a continuous and shocking recital of theft, bur- glary, assault, counterfeiting and other crimes. A committee of five of the most prominent Regulators was appointed to decide what was to be done with the blacklegs. This committee heard the confessions, questioned the prisoners, and examined witnesses. A few arrested parties were dismissed for want of damaging testimony. All the others, except McDougal, were turned over to the legal authorities. The career of McDougal had been much more infamous than any of the others. By his own confession, he, with the assistance of others, had stolen in less than a year thirty-four horses ; had broken two jails ; robbed four stores and two tanneries ; taken the entire loads of two peddlers, besides a large amount of harness, saddles, buggies and other property, and had passed large amounts of counterfeit money. He publicly boasted that no jail could hold him, and that he feared neither God, man, nor the devil. The Deputy United States Marshal of Michigan stated to the committee, under oath, that in Canada a reward had been offered for the arrest and conviction of McDougal, who was charged with robbery, jail-breaking at Chatham, and murder. The Marshal (a Mr. Halstead) also testified that he went to Canada to investigate the matter, and there learned that McDougal had killed a jailer's wife in order to free his brother from confinement. Tlie testimony of a confederate of Mc- * Prominent men at Ligonier, wlio were Regulators, and wlio participated in the examination and punishment of the blacklegs, informed the writer that several of the criminals refused to confess until they wen- threatened with lynching. Ropes were brought in and even placed aronnd the necks of the villains ; this generally brought them to their senses. It is said that one man was actually suspended by the neck for a few minutes, and then let loose, after which his confession was given without further ceremony. HISTOKY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 71 Dougal confirmed this evidence of murder. It was also testified by the same witnesses, and others, that McDougal had robbed and murdered a school teach- er on the ice in Canada. One witness also testified that McDougal and several others had tortured an old Scotchman with fire to compel him to hand over his money. All tiiis evidence satisfied the committee, and the Regulators gen- erally, that McDougal was guilty of murder. The testimony was carefully considered ; the whole subject was calmly and impartially scanned and dis- cussed, and the committee finally, on the 25th of January, unanimously adopted the following report : We, the committee appointed by the Noble County Invineibles, to collect and investigate the evidence in the case of Gregory McUougal, now pending before this society, ask to make the following report : After having made a full and fair investigation of all the testimony, and having found during said investigation evidence of an unmistakable character, charging the said Gregory McDougal with murder, do recommend that the said McDougal be hung by the neck until dead, on Tuesday, the "iCith of January, 1858, at 2 o'clock P. M. Soon afterward the following resolution was passed : Resolved, That the captains of the several companies of Regulators in Noble and adjoin- ing counties notify the members of their companies to appear at Ligonier on the day of execu- tion, at the hour of 12 M., and that each captain be requested to escort his own company into the village in regular file and good order. The above report, recommending the hanging of McDougal, was submitted to the large assemblage of Regulators present, and on motion was received and adopted. It should be noted by the reader that, while the whole country was roused up at the prospect of the execution, and while Ligonier was filled to overflowing with excited men, the investigating committee was calm, just, de- liberate and rational, and the great body of Regulators thoughtful and deter- mined. All felt the responsibility of executing the sentence of death upon a fellow-mortal ; and the decision was only reached after nearly two weeks of impartial investigation. McDougal, no doubt, had as impartial a trial as he could have received in a regularly authorized court. Of course, the Regulators had no legal right to put him to death. But it has been the custom the world over from time immemorial, when the law is inadequate to afibrd protection to life and property, for the people to arise and calmly put offenders beyond further power of committing crime. In a case of this character, when a fair and impartial trial is afforded the accused, when competent men are appointed to defend (as in the case of McDougal), when all proceedings are deliberate, wise and just, and tJie law cannot afford that protection guaranteed hy the constitution, society recognizes the right of the people to punish criminals, even to the extent of taking life. This was precisely the state of affairs in the trial and execution of Gregory McDougal. It may be presumed that the in- vestigating committee knew what they were about when they recommended his execution. While McDougal confessed multitudes of crimes, he never admitted having committed murder, even when standing on the scaffold. Soon after the decision to hang McDougal was reached, he was informed for the first time of the doom that awaited him. Prior to this, he was careless 72 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. and defiant. He declared he could not be frightened, and made profane and insulting remarks to those around him. When he was officially told that he was to be hung at 2 o'clock on the morrow, he became confused and affected, and made some wandering remarks. He asked for a clergyman, and also desired that his wife be sent for. This lady and her little child — the child of McDougal — arrived at 7 o'clock the next morning, and learned for the first, from the lips of her doomed husband, of his impending fate. She was com- pletely overcome with frenzied sorrow. McDougal, though perfectly composed, wept freely, and lamented his fate. The poor wife wept violently and bitterly, and the little child, catching the reflex of sorrow, cried with its parents. McDougal firmly denied that he had committed murder ; and his wife, on her knees, with streaming eyes, implored the Regulators to wait until her husband's innocence could be established. She begged that his execution might be delayed until some one could visit Canada ; but her prayers were unheeded. The final separation was hard; but McDougal resolutely kissed for the last time the sweet faces of his wife and child, and was hurried away. He was placed in a wagon which contained his coffin, and driven to near Diamond Lake, accompanied by a large crowd. Here a rope was fastened to the limb of a tree, a plank was extended from the top of the wagon to a prop at the other end, and the doomed man was given a last chance to address his fellow-beings. He spoke for about five minutes, declaring solemnly that he had never committed murder, but had stolen much property. He advised young men to take warn- ing from his fate, justified the intention of the Regulators to break up the gang of blacklegs, and finally declared his belief that God had forgiven his sins. His face was then covered, the rope was placed around his neck, the prop was knocked out from under the plank, and in a few moments Gregory McDougal was pronounced dead. That was the soberest occasion ever occurring in Noble County. McDougal lies buried near Rome City. His execution produced a profound impression in all the surrounding country ; and the power of the blacklegs was completely broken, and the guilty members scattered in all direc- tions — fugitives from the law. Two things remain to be noticed concerning the McDougal case : The right of the regulators to take the law into their own hands in the execution of the death sentence upon a fellow-mortal, and the conclusiveness of the testi- mony charging McDougal with murder. In regard to the first, it may be said that society, more especially in a new country, where the law is slack or alto- gether wanting, has always asserted the privilege (or the right) of hanging horse- thieves. While such action is often deprecated, yet the world at large condones and frequently applauds the offense. The servants of the law, knowing the sentiment of the public on this question, submit to the act and secretly say: " I'm glad of it." When, however, the crime of horse-stealing is repeated again and again under peculiarly atrocious circumstances and through many successive years ; when numerous assaults coupled with highway HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 73 robbery and burglary are added ; when the infamous career of crime is darkly burdened by one or more distressing murders, and when the law is lifeless and inert — who will undertake to say that society is not entitled to the privilege (and perhaps the right) of calmly, justly and deliberately taking human life? But it cannot be said that, in 1858, the law could not be executed ; neither was it necessarily inoperative through the preceding twenty years. Nine out of every ten men in the county were honest. Why did they not execute the laws ? It was also seriously doubted at the time, even by the Regulators, whether McDougal was really guilty of murder. One of two things is certain : If McDougal was hung on the testimony that he had committed murder, and would not have been hung if such testimony had not been given, then either the investigating committee were satisfied of the conclusiveness of the testimo- ny, or they willfully perjured themselves, and outraged the public, in recom- mending his execution. The report of the committee does not state that " un- mistakable evidence of McDougal's guilt " was found ; but that " unmistakable evidence oharqing him with murder" was found, and in consequence of the evidence of the murderous charges his execution was recommended. It is rea- sonably inferred from the report, that the committee were not satisfied that Mc- Dougal had committed murder ; but that they recommended his hanging on general principles, because, by his own confession, he was an infamous villain, and because the charge of murder was tolerably well substantiated. Perhaps they also thought that his death would terrify his companions, and break up the gang of blacklegs. This is the view taken of the case by the great majority of citizens. It was afterward ascertained, beyond doubt, that the persons alleged to have been murdered by McDougal were yet living in Canada. In view of this fact, it is said that Halsted must have perjured himself before the commit- tee. One thing is certain : When Halsted visited Ligonier some time after- ward, he left the town in a hurry in fear of being lynched. Another man, a resident of the county, came very nearly being hanged by the Regulators. The proposition to hang was at first carried by vote ; but was afterward reconsidered and then lost by a small majority. He served a term of two years in the penitentiary. Another notorious rascal, a traitor to his com- rades, gave a great deal of valuable information to the Regulators. Six or eight of the principal leaders of the blacklegs had managed to escape, and, to capt- ure them, a Central Committee was organized at Kendallville, on the 19th of March, 1858, and empowered to tax subordinate companies for funds to carry on the detection and pursuit. The officers of the Central Committee were: President, Dr. L. Barber; Vice President, J. P. Grannis ; Secretary, M. H. Mott ; Treasurer, Ransom Wheeler. They offered a reward of $400 for one man, who was soon afterward brought forward by an enterprising Ohio Sheriff. This man was known as John Wilson, but the name was assumed. He refused to disgrace his parents by having his real name known. His confession was six hours long. He was remarkably crafty, and finally escaped from the Noble 74 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. County Jail. A reward of $500 each was offered for the capture of Perry Randolph and George T. Ulmer. C. P. Bradley, a detective of Chicago, undertook the task, and, after following them over large portions of Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania, finally captured both, and brought them in irons to La Grange County. Both were sent to the penitentiary. Another desperate character was William D. Hill. He fled to Iowa at the first outbreak, but was finally traced by Bradley and another Chicago detective, C. E. Smith, and, after a hard fight of fifteen minutes, was captured and brought to the Noble County Jail. He had often said that he would never be taken alive ; he feared the Reg- ulators. He escaped in the night with Wilson from Jail. Much more of inter- est might be said, but this will suffice. The "reign of terror" in Northern Indiana was at an end. During the spring of either 1859 or 1860, Mr. Judson Palmiter, of Lig- onier, a man of bright intellect, who had previously been connected with the Ligonier Republican in an editorial capacity, went to Kendallville and estab- lished the Noble County Journal, the first newspaper ever published there. The political complexion of the Journal was Republican ; subscription price, $1.50 per year; and soon a circulation of about five hundred was secured, but was afterward about doubled. The Journal was published by Piatt & Mc- Govern. The editor, Mr. Palmiter, was a cautious, forcible writer ; and the local columns of the Journal were crowded with terse, spicy news. In the prolonged editorial fight between the Journal and the Standard, the editor of the former was determined, skillful, and often justly wrathful and vindictive. His words were daggers, and his sentences two-edged swords. He conducted the paper with abundant success until the latter part of 1868, when the office was sold to Brillhart & Kimball, and J. S. Cox took the editorial chair. The Journal continued thus until the 1st of January, 1870, when it was purchased by Dr. N. Teal, who, in August of the same year, transferred the entire prop- erty to C. 0. Myers, and the Joxirnal was then consolidated with the Standard. The Kendallville Standard was established in June, 1863, by Dr. C. 0. Myers, there being at the time already a newspaper in the town ; but the excellent business qualifications, practical experience, and indomitable energy of its founder, soon placed it in the front rank of county journals. The Stand- ard has always been a stalwart Republican paper, fearless and independent ; and from its inception to the present time has received liberal patronage and universal public confidence. Several of its contemporaries and rival publica- tions have gone "where the woodbine twineth," while the Standard has been steadily growing in patronage, power and influence, and now enjoys a larger circulation than any other paper in the county. The Standard editorials were extremely bitter, dealing out invective and denunciation that rankled long in the heart of enemies, while friends were treated with uniform kindness and courtesy. Political and other differences between the Standard and the Jour- nal were fought to the last ditch ; and the personal enmity engendered will J' ,^4 **, " • J'if ■ '^^ COUNTY TREASURER I HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 77 long be remembered by the citizens of the county. On the 1st of November, 1880, Dr. Myers sold the Standard ofSce, wliich he had occupied successfully for seventeen and a half years, to the present proprietor, H. J. Long, an expei-i- enced newspaper man, who had been connected with the paper since 1865, in the capacity of foreman. Mr. Long has fine business qualifications, vast energy, and carries a cautious, trenchant pen ; and the paper, under his man- agement, is constantly extending its circulation. M. T. Matthews, a young man of fine ability, is local editor of the Standard. The first issue of the Weekly News appeared on the 13th of November, 1877, the editor and proprietor being Dr. A. S. Parker, an old and respected citizen of Kendallville, where he located in 1857. Nearly two years before the first issue mentioned above, Dr. Parker had purchased the paper, which was then at Garrett, and had continued its publication there until compelled by the pressure of hard times to make a removal, which he did, as stated abovfe. The first issue comprised 200 copies only, as but little eSbrt had been made to secure subscribers, though the 200 copies went permanently into 200 homes. It started out without any special friends to boot or back it up. Without assistance, the editor and his family have labored until at present the circulation reaches nearly one thousand, and new names are added to the roll daily. Its politics is Democratic, though its editor is not so blind a partisan as to believe all that is good politically is within his party. The paper is on a solid financial basis. Two good printers are employed, one being Archie Dodge and the other Wads- worth Parker. The Neivs is a six-column quarto, is newsy, and every citizen should have it. It contains the latest market reports from large cities, and devotes several columns to agriculture and farm interests, and to city and county news. Subscription price, $1.50 per year. It is one of the best papers in the county. The short-lived papers of Kendallville have been as follows : In 1862, Barron & Stowe issued a small neutral paper, about twelve by fifteen inches, designed to circulate among the many troops then quartered there, making a specialty of war news and incidents of camp life, especially those in the camp at the town, and affording an excellent means for the advertisements of mer- chants and others to reach the ears of the " b(h)oys in blue." The cix'culation soon ran up to nearly 500, and continued thus for about two years, when the office was sold to Mr. C. 0. Myers. In the latter part of about 1869, Hopkins & Piatt began the publication of a small paper called the Daily Bulletin ; but, after it had continued a few months with partial success, the oiBcial management was greatly altered, the publishers becoming Piatt k Hopkins, and Thomas L. Graves taking the edito- rial chair. The paper was re-christened the Independent, came out with a bright face, and designed to be, as its new name indicated — independent. At the expiration of a few months the office was removed to Michigan, and the Independent ceased to exist. Its death occurred in 1870, while the circulation 78 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. was about 300. In about 1872, the Roof Brothers began publishing the Semi- Weekly Times, a small sheet, neutral politically, and designed as an ad- vertising medium. It was issued about six months and then perished. About the time of the great temperance crusade in Kendallville, some ten or twelve years ago, a temperance magazine, published and edited by Shafer & Lash, was issued monthly for about six or eight months. It was an earnest exponent of temperance principles ; but its death was contemporaneous with that of the enthusiasm arising from the crusade. Rome City has enjoyed the luxury of several newspapers. In May, 187(3, the Rome City Review made its appearance under the editorship of Dr. Thornton, who, after a few months, sold the ofBce to J. R. Rheubottom, a printer of twenty-five years' experience. The paper was strongly Republican. In September, 1876, the office was removed to Wolcottville. In March, 1879, Mr. Rheubottom established at Rome City the Rome City Times, an expo- nent of that phase of national politics, known as "Greenbackism." T\\e*Times was a small sheet, 22x34 inches, and succeeded in securing a circulation of about .500 ; Mr. Rheubottom being both editor and publisher. At the ex- piration of about seven months the paper ceased to exist. In February, 1879, Revs. Lowman and Warner established at Rome City a religious periodical, entitled the Herald of Gospel Freedom. It was devoted to the interests of the Northern Indiana eldership of the Church of God. It was issued semi- monthly, at seventy-five cents per year, and was a five-column folio. It was removed to Indianapolis in 1881. For several months during the year 1880, W. T. Grose conducted at Rome City a Republican newspaper called the Rome City Sentinel, but after the October elections of the same year the paper be- came defunct. In the month of August, 185(3, a party of citizens from Ligonier visited Sturgis, Mich., for the purpose of inducing the proprietors of the Sturgis Tribune, Messrs. E. B. Woodward and E. D. Miller, to move their oflice and paper to Ligonier, offering as an inducement a money consideration, a guaranteed subscription list of 2,500 six-month subscribers, and a liberal patron- age of advertising and job-work, providing they would move immediately, and commence the publication of a thorough Republican paper, and advocate the election of John C. Fremont for President of the United States. The Re- publicans of Ligonier were without an organ at that time, and, thus being forced to submit to the adverse criticisms of a keen Democratic editor in an adjoining town, determined to have their cause (for which there were many radical partisans) upheld and protected. They therefore did as stated above. In less than two weeks after the above offer, the first issue of the Ligonier Bepublican made its appearance, the mechanical work being done by Messrs. Woodward and Miller, and the paper being ably edited by one of the citizens, Mr. Adrian B. Miller, a man of bright intellect, and a fluent as well as a very sarcastic writer. The Republican was published during the campaign of 1856, HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTV. 79 and about the first of the following year was sold to the leading members of the Republican party at Ligonier ; Mr. J. R. Randall taking the management, editorial and otherwise ; Mr. E. B. Woodward entering the practice of law, and Mr. E. D. Miller (to whom the writer is indebted for this sketch) going to one of the Western States.* Early in 1857, Palmiter (Judson), Arnold and Pierce became editors and publishers, under the direction of a company of about forty stockholders, several of whom resided at Albion, Kendallville, and other por- tions of the county. Some changes were made in the editorship, Oscar P. Hervey occupying the "sanctum" for a short time. Finally, in the spring of 1860 (or perhaps 1859), Mr. Judson Palmiter purchased the office apparatus, except the press, and, moving to Kendallville, began the publication of the Nohle County Journal. During the <,arly summer of 1861, J. R. Randall, who had been editing the Noble Qoiinty Herald, at Albion, removed the ofHce to Ligonier, still re- taining the old name of the paper. Mr. Randall was an earnest, though pru- dent writer, careful whom he offended, but fearlessly upholding the Republican cause. He published the paper about two years and a half, securing a circula- tion of about 500, the subscription price being $2. In the fall or winter of 1863, the office was sold to C. 0. Myers and H. B. Stowe, the politics remain- ing the same, Mr. Stowe being actual editor. In about a year the office was sold to J. B. StoU, who changed the name and politics of the paper, or rather issued a new paper. W. T. Kinsey established the Ligonier Republican about the spring of 1867. and continued the paper through the campaign of 1868, and then the venture terminated. Early in 1880, a number of leading Republicans in Ligonier and vicinity, feeling the need of a party organ in their town, opened a correspondence with Mr. E. G. Thompson, of Michigan, with the view of making the necessary arrangements for issuing a Republican paper at Ligonier. This was effected, and, on the 4th of June, 1880, appeared the first number of the Ligonier Leader, an eight-page, forty-eight column newspaper, Mr. E. G. Thompson editor and publisher. The first edition, numbering 600 copies, was exhausted ■within three days, the subscription price per annum being $1.50. The Leader began a fearless attack on the erroneous political and social questions of the day, withholding no honest conviction of opposing men and parties, but upholding the Republican banner with ceaseless energy, and to the satisfaction of its patrons. Through the earnest efforts of all interested in the success of the paper, the circulation steadily increased until at the close of Volume I the editor claimed a bona fide circulation of 1,300 copies per week. An interest- ing feature of the paper, and one that has contributed greatly to its success, is the department devoted to local correspondence. The success of the paper is assured, and the Republicans of Ligonier may congratulate themselves on hav- * Dr. Palmiter, of Ligooier, and several otlior citizens there say, tliat Mr. J. R. Randall did not edit this paper as -stated in the text, .\ccording to Mr. E. D. Miller, Mr. Randall was in for a few weeks, and wag then succeeded by Palmiter f Judson), Arnold and Pierce. 80 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. ing so excellent an implement of warfare to attack the powerful Banner. In 1865, Mr. J. B. Stoll, then on a visit to the county from Pennsylvania, was urged by Messrs. Baum, Walter & Co., of Avilla, to establish in Noble County a thorough Democratic newspaper. Prominent members of the Democratic party of the county were conferred with, and an arrangement agreed upon early in 1866, by whicli the first issue of the National Banner appeared on the 3d of May of the same year. The most active promoters of the project were Messrs. Baum, Walter & Co., Gilbert Sherman, Henry C. Stanley, Samuel E. Alvord, Owen Black, Howard Baldwin, James M. Denny, Jerome Sweet, James Skinner, John A. Bruce, James McConnell, Abi-aham Pancake, J. J. Knox, E. B. Gerber, C. V. Inks, David Hough, Dr. Parker, F. W. Shinke, Peter Ringle, Reuben Miller and others, who thoroughly canvassed the county and secured a paying list of subscribers for the new paper. As the county had been without a Democratic paper for a number of years, and as the Repub- licans had naturally grown haughty from successes and lack of opposition, the Banner, in its fearless expression of political conviction, in its sweeping and relentless denunciations of opposing party policy, encountered such a storm of opposition, that threats were finally made in the fall of 1866 to mob the office. But, back in the secret recesses of the sanctum, quiet but determined prepara- tions were made to receive the enemy, which, however, failed to appear oa time. The paper was edited and published by J. B. Stoll and Thomas J. Smith: subscription, $2.50 per year; but, after the October election in 1866, Mr. Smith sold his interest in the Banner to his partner, who became, and is to this day, sole editor and proprietor. Mr. Smith returned to the Key Stone State, where he still resides, enjoying a lucrative practice as a disciple of Blackstone. At the beginning of the third volume, the Banner was enlarged to an eight-column folio, and the office supplied with a Campbell power press, the first cylinder newspaper press ever introduced in Noble County. The paper, immediately after its first issue, became the Democratic party organ in the county, and its editor, to give it strength and permanence, and to infuse new life into' the members of his party, proceeded to effect an organization in every township, delivering speeches, and urging his fellow Democrats to present a bold front to the enemy. The Banner soon secured a large circulation, which it has retained until the present, never falling, since 1868, below 1,000. Tlie Democracy of the county, under the stimulus of the dauntless Banner, grew in power, and, of course, in self-esteem. In 1875, the office was supplied with steam. Prior to this — in 1872 — Mr. Stoll erected the two-storied brick building in which the Banner is now established, fitting the same expressly for a printing house. In January, 1879, the name of the paper was changed from the National Banner to the Ligonier Banner, a name yet retained ; and the paper was enlarged from an eight-column folio to a six-column quarto, or from thirty-six columns to forty-eight columns. The politics of Noble County was- revolutionized in the fall of 1870, when most of the candidates on the Demo- HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 81 cratic county ticket were elected. This gave the Banner the ofiBcial patronage, to the dismay of its competitors. During the fifteen and a half years of the Banner's existence it has never missed a single issue. John W. Peters, the faithful foreman of the Banner ofBce, has been con- nected with the paper since its first issue, having come with Mr. Stoll from Pennsylvania. Employed in the Banner office as apprentices and job printers have been, among others, James U. Miller, now publisher of the Steuben Republican ; \V. K. Slieffer, now publisher of the Angola Herald ; Herbert S. Fassett, one of the present publishers of the South Bend Register ; John H. Eldred, now foreman of the La Porte Argus ; E. G. Fisher, now a citizen of Colorado ; Miss Ida King, now proof-reader in a leading Chicago publishing house, and Jacob Sessler, job primer in Toledo. Later. — On the 3d of December, 1881, James E. McDonald, of Colum- bia City, purchased a half-interest in the Banner for $3,000, the co-partner- ship, Stoll & McDonald, to date from the 1st of January, 1882, and Mr. Mc- Donald to assume the editorship of the local department, Mr. Stoll still remain- ing general editor. On the 5th of December, 1881, Mr. Stoll purchased two- thirds interest in the Elkhart Daily and Weekly Democrat, the contract to become effective on the 1st of January, 1882. • In the spring of 1849, William H. Austin, of Albion, moved into a va- cant room in the court house a small press and a quantity of second-hand material, and there began the publication of the Noble Oounty Star, a neutral paper, the subscription price of which was $1.50 per annum. A circulation of about three hundred was soon secured. A young printer, named William Norton, was foreman and actual editor. He also wrote largely for the paper original stories, sketches and poems. Norton was a youth of more than ordi- nary talent and literary culture, and his effusions gave to the paper a tone superior to the average of country newspapers at that time. Austin, the pro- prietor, was a genial, jolly fiddler of exceptional skill. He went far and near as the chief musician for dances, and thus made nearly money enough to defray the expenses of his newspaper. During the winter of 1849-50, Mr. Austin sold his press and material to Samuel E. Alvord, a law student from Northern Pennsylvania, who, being on a prolonged visit to an uncle at North- port, was engaged in teaching there and at Rome City. With this sale, the publication of the Noble County Star ceased. In March, 1850, Mr. Alvord removed the press and materials from the court house to a vacant business building on the northeast corner of York and Jefferson streets, belonging to the estate of Jacob Walters. Having arranged and put up his establishment, found a partner (Homer King, of Fort Wayne) and a foreman (James B. Scott, also of Fort Wayne), the new venture was ready for launching. On the 6th day of June, 1850, appeared the first num- ber of the Albion Observer, a Democratic newspaper ; Alvord & King, publish- ers and proprietors; S. E. Alvord and H. King, editors; the subscription being 82 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. $1.50 per annum. The Observer was an exponent of that phase of Democratic sentiment called "Free-Soilism," being an advocate of the limitation of slave territory by Democratic agencies. In this, at that time, it was in harmony with the platform of the Indiana Democracy, adopted in 1848. The publica- tion of the Observer by Alvord & King continued until the winter of 1851-52, when King retired and went to California. The paper was continued by S. E. Alvord until December, 1852, when it stopped. Its greatest circulation was about four hundred. Advertising and job patronage was e.xceedingly "thin," and the paper was not self-supporting. Of the personnel of the Observer duv'mg its brief career of thirty months space will not allow mucli to be said. Homer King, the junior proprietor (not in years), an ex-merchant of Fort Wayne, was :i man of good business education, very genial, generous and popular, and withal of a keen, critical mind. His social proclivities were too preponderant for financial success. James B. Scott, the foreman during the first few months, was then a man of thirty-seven, an excellent printer, faithful, prompt and thoroughly honorable and reliable. He had great experience of men and par- ties, and possessed sterling good judgment and a quaintly philosophical turn, which, with his sympathetic nature and ready wit, made him a charming com- panion and a trusted friend. He established a paper at Delphi, Carroll County, about twenty-six years ago, and is still there — an honorable citizen, wealthy, respected, socially and politically influential, and happy in his home. Others, of course, came and \Yent, leaving their varied memories: S. A. Jones, the brilliant writer and speaker, who set type, composed poems, made speeches and wrestled with delirium tremens; the bright, eccentric Buckwalter; the steady, faithful Young, etc., etc. Two apprentices graduated in the office — Charles B. Alvord, who became a fast compositor and who has shown his handiwork in nearly every State and Territory er published in Albion ; but, at the latter date, John W. Bryant canie from Warsaw, Kosciusko County, with an old-fashioned Franklin press and old printing material, and commenced the publication of the Albion Palladium, n Democratic paper. Shortly afterward, Theodore F. Tidball became a partner with Bryant in the publication and editorship of the Palladium, and the paper was issued from an ofl^ce then located ju.st east of the present site of R. L. Stone's drug-store. The building belonged to William M. Clapp. In the spring of 1855, the press and types were seized under a writ of replevin or attachment from Kosciusko County. Deprived of his press, IIISTOIIY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 83 Bryant went to Columbia City, Whitley County, with his compositors, where, by " doubling teams," the Palladium a,nd the Deraoei'atic paper of Whitley County were both issued weekly from one press. The Palladium was folded ;ind addressed and brought over to Albion in a buggy every week, and pub- lished and distributeil there. S. E. Alvord accompanied Bryant, and gratui- tously gave his services as assistant editor during the Whitley County episode, which lasted until the autumn of 1855, Tidball being in the meantime engaged in organizing a stock company of Democrats for the purchase of a now press and materials. This was accomplished, and, in the fall of 1855, the paper was re-established in Albion under the name of the Nohle County Palladium, Tidball & Bryant, editors and publishers. It was a decidedly Democratic sheet, and engaged with great activity and vim in the somewhat bitter partisan discussion of that time. The Palladium lived through the campaign of 1856, and stopped near the close of that year. The press and types of the Palladium were purchased of the stockholders by S. E. Alvord, and in February, 1857, was commenced the publication of the Nohle County Democrat. The proprietor, S. E. Alvord, was editor, and at first associated with himself, as publisher, G. I. Z. Rayhouser, of Fort Wayne. The Noble t'ounty Democrat, under the successive foremanship and management of W. T. Kimsey, George W. Roof and John W. Bryant, and under the editorship of S. E. Alvord (except during the summer and fall of 1858, when George W. Roof was editor as well as publisher), completed two volumes, and was then discontinued until September, 1859, when a new series, still under the name Noble County Democrat, was commenced by Edward L. Alvord, a printer from the New York Tribune office. Subscriptions were lim- ited to four months — none being received for a longer period, and at the end of four months, being about the 25th of December, 1859, the Noble County Democrat became finally defunct. During the latter part of 1860, Joshua R. Randall, having bought of S. E. Alvord the printing press and material of the Noble County Democrat, commenced the publication of the Albion Herald. He had associated with him at different times a Mr. Starner and W. W. Camp, an ex-Methodist preacher. Starner was chiefly distinguished, and is mentioned, as the man who, on a small bet, ran about 160 rods, barefooted, in the snow on a cold winter day. The result of the exposure was natural — but he pulled through. Camp was (externally) a polished little fellow, generally wearing well-fitting gloves and a nobby air. Randall, the proprietor, was a man of some literary ability and of good sense. Shortly after the commencement of the last war, he removed his office and paper to Ligonier. About the beginning of 1866, A. J. and William F. Kimmell, hardware dealers, started a small periodical called the Albion Advertiser. The paper, though small, was bright and promising. In it was published a series of articles on the history of Noble County by Nelson 84 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Prentiss.* W. F. Kimmell, getting the Nebraska fever, discontinued the publi cation the next year. The press and types of the little Advertiser were pur- chased by C. 0. Myers, and by him put away in a corner of his office. Several years of destitution followed until the fall of 1872, when S. E. Alvord once more entered the newspaper business. In September, he purchased a small press and types for the purpose, at first, of printing cards and small bills for advertising purposes ; but, being strongly importuned by many citizens, con- sented to issue a small paper called the New Era. For about three months the New Era was published on a quarter medium sheet with a Novelty press, after which time it was enlarged to a half medium and printed for a time on a com- mon hand press. A few weeks later it was enlarged to a six-column folio. The paper met with abundant success, and in the fall of 1874 was enlarged to eight columns, and a Fairhaven power press added. The subscription ran rapidly up until, in the fall of 1875, it numbered 1,200. It was an independent journal, and was published by S. E. Alvord until January, 1876. On the first of Jan- uary, 1876, Jacob P. Prickett and Thomas A. Starr purchased the New Era of Samuel E. Alvord, and commenced its publication as an independent Repub- lican paper, under the firm name of Prickett & Starr. It was at that time enlarged to a nine-column folio. On the 25th day of April, 1878, the partner- ship was dissolved, J. P. Prickett retaining control of the paper as editor and proprietor. On the ]7th day of October, 1878, in the face of an overwhelm- ing defeat of the Republican party in the county, the New Era became no longer non-partisan, but became an advocate of Republican principles. On the 1st day of January. 1879, it was reduced in size to an eight-column folio, and continued as such until the 1st day of January, 1881, when it was enlarged to a, six-column quarto. CHAPTEK IV. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED . Soldiers of the Revolution, of 1813 and of the Mexican Wak— Loyalty AND Disloyalty Shown when Sdmter Fell— Mass Meetings of In- dignant Citizens— The First Call for Troops— The Progress of E <- listment— County Bounty and Relief Fund— The Enrollment and the Draft— Interesting Incidents— Celebrations— Sketches of ti e Regiments— Aid Societies— Noble County's "Roll of Honor"— St t- tistical Tables. NOBLE COUNTY has had but little to do with any war in which tie United States has been involved, either with foreign nations or with rebellious subjects, except the great rebellion of 1861. No resident citizen of the county, so far as known, except one, had any participation in the Revolu- tionary war. This one was Nathaniel Prentiss, father of Nelson Prentiss, of Albion. When the colonies threw off the galling and burdensome yoke of 'These articles, some thirtv in number, have been very useful to the writers of the county history, who hereby return many thanks for the use i>f the same. I ???*■ ^^^// /;%^^?fez:^^t3 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 87 Great Britain, Nathaniel Prentiss was a youth of but twelve years of age. He entered the service of his country as servant to one or more continental officers, and continued thus three years, at which time, being large and strong enough to carry a gun, he enlisted as a soldier proper. He fought at the battles of Sar- atoga, Princeton, Trenton and Monmouth ; was present at West Point when Maj. Andre, the British spy, was captured, and witnessed his lamented execu- tion ; was with Gen. Washington during his encampment at Valley Forge ; was shipped on board a continental privateer, and finally captured by the British and confined one winter in the hold of the renowned prison-ship "Jersey," which bears about the same relation to the Revolution that Ander- sonville Prison does to the rebellion of 1861. He was then, with others, taken to the Island of Jamaica and kept in confinement until the close of the war, and then came to the United States, via South Carolina, walking thence to Connecticut, and arriving home on Sunday ; whereupon he was arrested by the authorities, and fined by the barbarous laws of the Nutmeg State for vio- lating the Sabbath. He was a Revolutionary pensioner from about 1824 until his death, in 1839. He lived about two years in the county, and now lies buried in the cemetery at Ligonier. His wife drew his pension from ISS'.I until her death in 1861. The following residents of the county, among probable others, whose names cannot be learned, served in the war of 1812 : Andrew C. Douglas, now dead ; Niah Wood, dead ; James McMann, dead ; Adam Kimmell, Sr., who served six months in Pennsylvania ; he was a pensioner of the Govern- ment for a number of years ; he came to the county in 1852 ; died in 1870 ;* Andrew B. Upson, dead ; James Mael, living in Iowa at last accounts ; Henry Kline, dead : John Johnson, dead ; Alexander Montroth, died about a year ago ; Peter Black, dead ; Daniel Wiley, dead, was at the battle of Plattsburg ; Daniel Johnson, dead ; Mr. Wilson, died a few years ago within a few days of the age of one hundred years ; was with Lewis and Clarke on their expedition to the Pacific coast, and was on board the Constitution when it defeated and sank tiie Guerriere ; and Sheldon Perry, dead. Nothing further could be learned of soldiers in the war of 1812. The knowledge obtained of the soldiers of the Mexican war is no better. The following is the brief record : Joseph Braden, yet living ; James C. Rid- dle, living ; James J. Knox, living, who went from Mansfield, Ohio, in the Third Regiment of that State; James Hinman, living, who also served at the age of about sixty-three years in the last war; he enlisted but was rejected ; he then employed a barber and a tailor, who succeeded in making him appear about forty years of age ; whereupon he was accepted as fifer in the Thirtieth Regiment, and served his country through the war ; .A.aron Field, living ; George Hart, living; J. H. G. Shoe, died in the service; Jefferson Smith, dead ; Mr. Gibbs, dead ; Harvey McKinney, died in the service ; Stark Bethel, *From iaformation furnished the writer by Adam Kimmell, Jr., Albion. 88 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. dead ; James Galloway, died in the service ; Joseph Crow, dead ; and George Carlyle, dead. Of these, J. H. G. Shoe, Jeflerson Smith, Mr. Gibbs, Stark Bethel and James Galloway went from Noble County. The most of the others went from Ohio or other portions of Indiana. It is said that a partially-formed militia company at Ligonier, Rochester and that vicinity offered their services as a body for the Mexican war, but were refused, as the quota was already more than full. Several of the Noble County boys resided at or near Wolf Lake. They were in the Second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Col. Lane, and served along the Rio Grande River, participating in no en- gagements of note. In common with all northern troops who went into the hot and peculiar climate of the " Land of the Montezumas," they suffered ter- rible hardships from privation and disease. Some of them lie burieil under a tropical sun in the far-off land of Mexico ; and their graves, like the tomb of Moses, are unknown. The brave boys who fought in Mexico must not be forgotten. It is unnecessarv to give a summary of the causes which led to the war of the rebellion. Historians persist in calling it the " Irrepressible Conflict," meaning thereby, that the antagonism which had slowly developed through a long period of years between the North and the South by the questions of slav- ery, State sovereignty, the tariff, and all their kindred attendants, could never be peaceably settled. Occurring, as the war did, but twenty years ago. its weary marches, dreadful sufferings from disease, daring achievements on the field of battle, and the fearful thought that the South might be successful, are yet green in the recollection 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 fac- tions of the Government might be amicably adjusted. Armed and hostile bands of the rebellious citizens of the South seized, at every opportunity, large quan- tities of military stores, and took forcible possession of important strategic points ; but still, the North was hopeful that peace would prevail. Statesmen in the North viewed with reluctance or contempt the steady and extensive prep- arations for war in the South, and refused to believe its presence until the first blow fell like a thunderbolt upon Fort Sumter, and, at the same time, upon the faithful hearts of loyal people. President Lincoln, with that kind forbearance, that sublime charity, which ever distinguished him, wisely hesitated to begin the contest. Hot-blooded Abolitionists in the North urged him repeatedly to strangle the hydra of secession in its infancy ; but still he hesitated. Even when Sumter fell, the North still believed 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 sullen 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 out- look was dark and forbidding. |l HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 89 When the news of the fall of Sumter swept over the country like a flame of fire, in all places the most intense excitement prevailed. Men everywhere forgot their daily employment, and gathered in neighboring villages to review the political situation and encourage one another with hopeful words. The prompt call of the President for 75,000 volunteers the day succeeding the fall of Sumter, sent a wave of relief throughout the anxious North ; and in every State more than double the assigned quota of men, without regard to political views, tendered their services and their money to the suppression of the rebell- ion. Fiery and indignant mass meetings were everywhere held, and invincible determinations of loyalty prevailed. There was not a town in Noble County in which the citizens did not gather to listen to loyal and eloquent words from Re- publicans and Democrats. The War Democrat was a good fellow. His senti- ments toward the South were undergoing a change ; and like all true converts he entered, heart and soul, into the wrathful public gatherings that were held to indignantly denounce the rebellion. The Abolitionist fairly boiled over with fiery determination to avenge the shameful insult oifered to the "glorious old flag." Here and there in the county was found a man who soberly shook his head and remarked, " Well, I suppose if the South is determined to go out of the Union, we'll have to let it go. I don't think the Government has a right to compel the Southern States to remain. I am opposed to the war." But such sentiments were speedily borne down by the intense loyalty everywhere prevailing. One of the first public meetings in the county in response to the news of the fall of Sumter and the call of the President for 75,000 volunteers was held at Wolf Lake, and is thus described by Colonel Williams, who, at that time, resided there : " The citizens of Wolf Lake and vicinity assembled at the old hotel in the village, then kept by ' Uncle George,' as everybody called the proprietor, George W. Matthews ; everybody was excited, indignant and boiling over with a consuming desire to do something. During the campaign of the year before, the two political parties had erected each its distinctive political pole on the public square in front of the hotel, the one flying on its flag the names of Lin- coln and Hamlin, the other the names of Douglas and Johnson. The Demo- cratic pole was cut down during that winter, but the Republican pole, being an unusually tall and shapely one, was allowed to stand, and on the fall of Fort Sumter, the maul and wedges (the rail-splitter emblems of the Republican party at that day) were still dangling from the top. ' What shall we do ?' The writer hereof was urged by all to 'say something.' I proposed, after briefly reciting the exciting news of the hour, that we take down the Republican pole, remove the maul and wedges and other political emblems and mottoes attached ; that I would remove the names of Douglas and Johnson from my large Demo- cratic campaign flag, and as we were now neither Republicans nor Democrats, but Union men and hot for fight, we would as Union men hoist the pole as a 90 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Union pole, with a Union flag. It was then agreed that on the morrow the work should be done. The morrow came and quite an earnest and patriotic little crowd had gathered, Republicans and Democrats. The Republican pole was soon taken down, the emblems, etc., removed, and up it went again amid the cheers of the little crowd, and soon after the large flag was rolling out its beautiful folds to the sunny breeze of that April day. After three times three hearty cheers for the flag of our Union, in response to the call of the crowd, the writer mounted a goods box and delivered perhaps the first (certainly among the first) war speech made that year in the county. That speech often recurs to the writer when reviewing the memories of that stirring year. I spoke about twenty minutes or longer, and then informed the crowd that men must look their duty in the face and like men meet it. There was but one feeling, one resolution, one purpose. Old men and young men. Republicans and Democrats, each and all, then cried out for vengeance on the heads of the traitors who had insulted and defied the majesty and power of the Government. Old Uncle George Matthews, old himself, without a tooth in his head, was the first man to offer himself as a volunteer ; he had, he said, half a dozen sons who could go, and if they did not go and fight rebels he would disown them. His sons need- ed no urging ; several of them entered the service that summer, and efficient and gallant soldiers they made, as the writer can testify from ample knowledge. I should like, if I could, give the names of all who composed that patriotic little crowd, which did not exceed one hundred, perhaps. But I remember some who took an active part in the proceedings that day. I call to mind Andrew Humphreys, Dr. Elias Jones, Francis R. Davis, David S. Scott, Dr. W. Y. Leonard, Charles V. Inks, Edwin W. Matthews, James C. Stewart, - John P. Kitt, Jonathan W. Elliott, Jacob Mohn, Billy Holiman, Jacob and Oliver Matthews, Samuel Beall, Allen Beall, Uncle Joe Inks, Tommy Gray; and I couhl think up and recall other names, if it were important to do so. Steps were commenced at that particlar time to organize a military company, under the laws of that day organizing military companies, and it was the intention to offer the services of the company to the Governor. Correspondence was at once opened by the writer with Gen. Lazarus Noble, the efficient Adjutant General of the State, as to the mode of procedure, etc. Quite a number of names were enrolled, and in a few days it looked as if Wolf Lake would be the first to be in the field with a military organization and off for the war. Some hitch or technecal difficulty, I don't now recall, with the Adjutant General, threw a damper on the boys, and on offer to be mustered into any regiment, un- der a three months' call, not then full, word was received from the Adjutant General that the quota of the State was full and enough offers on hand to fill up twenty more regiments. The boys were informed by the Adjutant General that they would all have a chance before winter, and urged them to keep up their organization, as new troops would be called out inside of three months. Tiiis was not satisfactory to the boys, for they went elsewhere and enlisted, HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 91 some to Michigan, some to Illinois, and a number to other parts of the State where they heard and hoped that there was yet a chance to get into the three months' service. Finally new arrangements were made: The Thirtieth In- diana, under the second call for troops, was making up its quota at Fort Wayne, and two of its companies, ' C ' (Captain Joseph E. Braden, of Ligonier), and •F' (Captain William N. Voris) were raised in Noble County. Company ' C ' was made up at Ligonier, and uniforming themselves in a neat and con- venient rig, the gallant fellows marched afoot to Fort Wayne, a distance of some forty miles. They stopped at Wolf Lake en route and partook of a public dinner in the old Baptist Church, prepared by the citizens of Wolf Lake and vicinity. Company ' F ' went into camp on the old fair grounds at Albion, and having been joined by quite a number from the east side of the county, and their ranks being full, they, too, started for Fort Wayne. Hardly had the Thirtieth Indiana got under good headway at Fort Wayne, and before it was near filled up, the Forty-fourth Indiana was ordered to be organized. Such of the original roster of Wolf Lake of April, that had not gone into the Thirtieth" Indiana or other regiments of the State, or elsewhere, now again signed the roll of the writer undersigned, for service in the Forty-fourth Indiana. This organization became Company ' G,' Forty-fourth Indiana." The first speech made in Kendallville after the fall of Sumter was deliv- ered in the street to a large crowd of townsmen and countrymen, by a commer- cial traveler, who was stopping at the Kelly House at the time. Like all men of his occupation, he was well posted on the issues of the day, was naturally a bright fellow and a fluent speaker, and was loyal to the core. He made a rous- ing speech that was listened to with rapt attention and tumultuous applause. This was probably on the day following the one on which 75,000 volunteers were called for. Speech-making was very popular about that time, as the masses sought a leader — one who could present their views in eloquent words, and could direct them in their efforts to suppress the rebellion. The second speech was probably delivered by a drayman named Hogan. He stood on his wagon and made a humorous and thoroughly loyal speech to a large crowd that surrounded him. The first speaking of note was held in the Methodist Church within about a week after Sumter had fallen. The principal speaker was Judge Tousley. He briefly reviewed the causes which led to the outbreak, and finally said that, in order to see how many volunteers, if necessary, could be secured at Kendallville for the war, he asked all those who were willing and ready to go to rise to their feet. Instantly eight or ten brave fellows sprang up, the first, it is said, being Charles Dunn, and the second Lute Duel. Either the latter, or Capt. Voris, was the first one from Noble County to enter the service. Many others at this meeting signified their readiness to go if they were needed. Judge Tousley told the young men not to be rash, but to squarely face the situation, as all would have an opportunity to go before peace was secured. An early war meeting was held at Ligonier. J. R. Randall, 'J2 history of noble county. editor of the Ligonier Herald, was one of the speakers, and Joseph Braden, who had served in the Mexican War, was another. The latter had a phrase, a relic of the Mexican war, which he had been heard to use very often. It was, " I'm in favor of this war and the next one." When he delivered that old sen- tence, by which he was so well known, from the stage on the occasion of this war meeting, it seemed so fitting and appropriate to the occasion that the audi- ence burst into tremendous cheers. Many at this meeting asserted their read- iness to go out to fight their country's battles. The war spirit at Albion di^. Such allowance to be made to each and every person who shall volunteer until the whole number of 188 men required of this county shall be raised. And before the said Auditor shall make out any such order, he shall require a properly certified muster-roll of the company in which the applicant has enlisted to be filed in his office; and also, that the said Auditor be authorized and required to issue orders on the County Treasurer, payable to the wife of each soldier who h.as volunteered and is in service under any call, or shall hereafter volunteer under said call, for the sum of $8 per month and %\ in addition thereto for each child under the age of twelve years. The order to said wife shall be issued upon the certificate of the Township Trustee where she may reside, showing that she is a resident of this county and was at the time of the enlistment of her husband, also, the number, name and age of her children, which allowance to said wife and children shall commence on the 1st day of December, 1863, and be paid on the 1st of each month thereafter. The above order shall not .apply to any commissioned officer, his wife or children. This order was attended with most excellent results, as the quota (188 men) of the county under the call of October, 1863, was filled without resort- ing to a draft. Under the call of December 19, 1864, the enlistment of men from the county became so slack that the Commissioners ordered a bounty of $400 paid to men that would enlist. How much was paid out at this figure is not known. The table on the following page gives some interesting infor- mation regarding the response made by the county to the call of December J,9, 1864: 104 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. NOBLE COUNTY TOWNSHIPS. Wayne Township I 360 Orange Township I 125 Elkhart Township 97 Perry Township 188 Sparta Township ; 120 York Township I 81 Albion Township 52 Jefferson Township Ill Allen Township 202 Swan Township 99 Green Township 68 Xoble Township 72 Washington Township 66 Totals 1641 247 247 146 291 1 go 19 17 26 58 16 15 2 21 17 28 12 3 13 19 14 12 14 11 9 2 15 29 4 11 1 5 19 14 38 64 24 22 2 21 29 27 13 1 17 The following proceedings at the Republican County Convention of 1864 will be read with interest. The Committee on Resolutions reported to the Con- vention, through Col. Williams, accompanied by some very appropriate re- marks, the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we are heartily in fixvor of a vigorous prosecution of the war for the sup- pression of the slaveholders' rebellion. Resolved, That we are in favor of supporting the Administration in the use of all the means it can lay its hands upon for the suppression of the same. Resolved, That our most hearty sympathy is extended to the officers and soldiers of our gallant armies in the field, for their glorious achievements, self-s.icrifice and determination to support the Government in the suppression of the rebellion. Resolved, That the false Cop]ierhead cry of " peace" is rebuked by those words of inspira- tion which declare that the wisdom coming from above is first pure and then peaceable. Resolved, That we present candidates worthy the support of every Union man in the county. Resolved, That we are determined to go to work and elect our candidates. During the absence of the committees, the Ligonier Glee Club was invited to favor the meeting with music, and executed several very appropriate patriotic songs in their usual excel- lent manner. Col. Tousley was called to the stand and briefly addressed the Convention, in his usual earnest and patriotic manner. He was repeatedly cheered, and evidently possessed the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens to an enviable degree. He read a letter which the officers of the Twenty-first Indiana Artillery presented to Capt. Eden H. Fisher, upon the event of his taking leave of the regiment, which showed the high regard in which Capt. Fisher was held by his comrades in arms, both as a soldier and a man. During the reading of tha^ letter, which so vividly set forth the misfortune of their companion whom they so highly esteemed, many an eye in that vast multitude glistened with "the tear that would obtrusively start," and spoke plainly that the audience, like his friends in the tented field, believed him to be "worthy of a better fate." And when it came. to "Dear Fisher, God bless you," it met with a hearty response from that vast multitude Hon. Willi.am S. Smith being called upon for a speech, came forward and requested the "Red. White and Blue" to be sung, which was executed in a most admirable manner by Miss Ogden ; after which he responded in a manner sucli only as "Pop-gun" is capable of doing. He was followed by Col. Williams, who entertained the HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. . 105 audience for a short time, in an eloquent and patriotic speech. On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered the gentlemen and ladies for their excellent music during the Convention. On motion, a committee of five was appointed to act as a County Central Committee for the coming year, as follows: J. R. Randall, X. Prentiss, George L. Gale, C. 0. Myers and .Tames C. Stewart. Rousing meetings were held in the county on the 4ih of July, 1863, upon the receipt of the news that Vicksburg had surrendered. Three companies of Home Guards were in attendance at Kendallville — a company from Swan Township, the Rome City Zouaves, and a Kendallville company. A glee club sang many patriotic airs. Guns, pistols, fire-crackers, etc., etc., filled the atmos- phere with smoke and noise and enthusiasm. Speeches were made by Messrs. Tousley, Axeline, Mitchell, Cissel, Smith, Stoney and Bartlett. Fire-works and bonfires were enjoyed at night. At Albion a large celebration was held, where much of the above was gone through with. Messrs. Alvord, Prentiss and others spoke to the crowd. It was fashionable those days to bring forward some wounded or furloughed soldier, place him on the stand, and cheer him to the echo. This was a bait used often to secure the enlistment of men. Beautiful ladies passed around the enlistment roll, and many a poor fellow whose bones lie buried in an unknown grave in " Dixie " owes his death to his inability to say "No" to the entreaty of handsome women. A large celebration was also held at Ligonier. A troop of thirty young ladies on horseback passed along the streets, and led the vast crowd to a neighboring grove, wh ere Hon. J. T. Frazer and others fired the patriotism of the citizens with eloquence. Wearers of but- ternut breastpins had threatened to appear with them at the celebration ; but when a half dozen stalwart fellows circulated the report that any person seen wearing such pin would be pounded into a jelly, the pins were carefully con- cealed. On the 3d of September, 1864, the Democrats held a large meeting at Albion, J. K. Edgerton and Andrew Douglas, of Columbia City, being the principal speakers. Both speakers denounced the Administration and the war. The latter said he had been opposed to the war from the first; had never encouraged one man to enlist ; would not have voted a man nor a dollar for the wicked war of the Abolitionists ; the North could never subdue the brave men of the South, who were fighting for their rights ; declared that Lincoln was a traitor ; that he had horns, hoofs, and the snout of a ssvine, etc., etc. ; swore that the war was to make " niggers " equal to white men ; that it was to force white men to marry " nigger gals," and white girls to marry " buck niggers: " that the Union troops could not take Richmond ; that they could not even take Atlanta. At that moment, tremendous cheering was heard on the outskirts of the crowd, which grew louder and louder until it burst into one grand, pro- longed " hurrah " from hundreds of loyal lips. The news had just been received that Atlanta had been taken. Such a scene as followed, Albion never saw before or since. Loyal minds and hearts in re-action were reeling with delirious joy. So intense became the excitement, and so great the commotion, that the Democratic speaking was entirely broken up. That night Albion gave 106 HISTORV OF NOBLE COUNTV. herself up to every species of wild and joyous demonstration. The Glee Club sang itself hoarse. Cheer upon cheer, "tiger" upon "tiger," rent the drowsy air of night. Thrilling speeches were delivered by Col. Williams, Col. Tousley. Nelson Prentiss, Fielding Prickett, and others, and the meeting was continued far into the night. The following proceedings occurred at Kendallville when the news was received that Gen. Lee had surrendered : On Tuesday evening an impromptu bursting forth and celebration broke out in this place, which eclipsed everything that ever took place here before. Somebody began to put candles and lamps up before windows, and others proceeded to follow suit, until a large number of buildings were lighted up. Tne "baby-waker" was brought out, and its exploding notes rang out over hill and valley. People began to gather in the windows, sidewalks and streets, until living, smiling quantities of humanity, little and big, hooped and unhooped, were to be seen almost everywhere. Rockets were sent up. and fire-works of different descriptions played a conspicu- ous part. Everybody seemed to feel that they had a right to celebrate in their own way, "subject only to the Constitution." The brass band discoursed soul-stirring music, and the Kimwhan- ticle Instant Born Company paraded the streets, dressed in a variety of paraphernalia, and armed with spears, clubs, boards, gongs, tin-pans, oyster-cans, horns, etc., etc., with unprece- dented effect. "Ciipt." Brace, with the shorn hat and immense countenance, performed the part of a brave and successful officer with brilliant effect. " Gen." Frank Hogan was all along the line, sometimes on the double-quick, and sometimes in other positions, and sometimes almost everywhere at once, giving orders and charging on Richmond and Lee's flying army gen- erally. We cannot spe-ak too highly right here, but must subside by saying that this officer covered himself all over with impenetrable glory, and is the Gen. Grant of these parts of king- dom come. Jeff. Davis appeared in the drama, suspended on a tall pole, with his name upon him, and was carried through the streets, .attracting profound attention. He finally "went up" in a chariot of fire Somebody attempted to speak to the crowd, but there was an inspiration infinitely over and above words, and it boiled over them and drowned them out. What was talk compared with the surrender of Richmond and the smashing up of Lee's army, and the finally hopeful close of the rebellion ? Such impromptu gatherings are the best in the world if the spirit gets rightly infused and lighted up. Immediately following this came the sad news that Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated. Kendallville lamented as follows : The business houses were all closed in Kendallville on Wednesday last, and the insignia of mourning was to be seen all around. The bell was tolled and the cannon was fired at different intervals. At noon, the Presbyterian Church was packed to its utmost capacity. The center aisle was seated and filled by the military. The pulpit, orchestra, lamps, and other portions of the church, were draped in mourning. Even the elements, as Rev. Mr. Harrison remarked, in the heavy black clouds, the slow rumbling of thunder, and the apparent tear-drops fall of rain, seemed to be in unison and sympathy with the solemn exercisas everywhere participated in and conducted by the people of the United Slates. Nature seemed to join in the great national mouruing. Short addresses were made by Revs. Cressy, Meek and Harrison, Rev. Mr. Forbes assisting in the other neces- sary exercises of the occasion. The united choirs discoursed appropriate music. Services were iifeo held in the German Lutheran and German Methodist Churches, and we learu also at the Christian Chapel. am Ligonier, Albion, AviUa, Rome City, Wolf Lake, and other villages held appropriate memorial services in sorrow and honor for the illustrious dead. HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 107 Many of the citizens paid eloquent tributes to the noble life and character of the " Savior of his Country." A thorough system of Soldiers' and Ladies' Aid Societies was established in Noble County during the war. Numerous committees were appointed to solicit anything that was likely to be needed by the boys in the field. Large quantities of blankets, shirts, drawers, socks, mittens, lints, bandages, canned fruits of all kinds, etc., etc., without end, were boxed up and sent to the boys of Noble County at the regimental hospitals or in the field. After the bloody battle of Stone River, where the troops from Noble County suffered severely, a car load of supplies was sent from Ligonier to the poor boys. Some four or five physicians of the county volunteered to go down and assist in taking care of the wounded and sick. Three of the doctors were Palmiter, Sheldon and Denny. People went around with pale, wo-begone faces, when it became known that a great battle had been fought, and perhaps lost, and that many brave fellows, relatives or neighbors, perhaps, had met with a tragical death. Unfortunately, but little authentic can be given regarding the work done by the societies. James S. Lockhart, of Ligonier, was very active in the work. A short time before the 4th of July, 1863, the citizens of Kendallvilie sent over .^500 to the boys from that place, who were in the intrenchments about Vicksburg. It is safe to say that tliousands of dollars in money and property were sent into the field for the boys. Indiana would have fared poorly during the war, with its disloyal Legislature and Supreme Court, had it not been for that grand man, Oliver P. Morton. He successfully confronted every opposer, and placed the State troops in the field with admirable dispatch. He pledged the credit of the State, and borrowed any quantity of money to pay soldiers' bounties and provide arms. It seems necessary to give an outline of the service of those regiments which contained a considerable number of- men from Noble County. These regiments were the Thirtieth, Forty-fourth, Seventy-fourth, Eighty-eighth, One Hundredth, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth, One Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundred and Fifty-second, Seventh Cav- alry and Twelfth Cavalry. The Thirtieth was at first commanded by Col. Sion S. Bass. It first moved to Indianapolis, thence to Camp Nevin, Ky., thence to Munfordsville and Bowling Green, and in March, 1862, to Nashville. It participated in the battle of Shiloh on the 7th of April, losing its Colonel, who was succeeded by Col. J. B. Do.dge. Here the regiment lost in killed, wounded and missing about 130 men. It participated in the siege of Corinth, and moved with Buell's army through Northern Alabama, Tennessee and Ken- tucky, and also pursued Bragg. It took part in the three days' battle at Stone River, losing heavily ; and also at Chattanooga and Chickamauga, suffering se- verely at the latter place. It was in the campaign against Atlanta, fighting in all the battles. At Atlanta, it was consolidated into a residuary battalion of seven companies, under the command of Col. H. W. Lawton. It fought against 108 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Hood at Nashville, and pursued him to Huntsville, thence moved into East Tennessee. In June, 1865, it was transferred to Texas. It was mustered out of service late in 1865. ■ The Forty-fourth, with H. B. Reed as Colonel, moved to Indianapolis in December, 1861, thence to Henderson, Ky., thence to Camp Calhoun, thence to Fort Henry, thence to Fort Donelson, in which battle it suffered severely. It moved to Pittsburg Landing, and fought both days at Shiloh, losing thirty- three killed and 177 wounded. It fought often at tlie siege of Corinth, and pursued the enemy to Booneville. It moved with Buell, and followed Bragg, fighting at Perryville. It skirmished at Russell's Hill, moved to Stone River, where it fought three days, losing eight killed, fifty-two wounded and twenty- five missing. It moved to Chattanooga, fought at Chickamauga, fought at Mis- sion Ridge, losing in these engagements three killed, fifty-nine wounded and twenty missing. It did provost duty at Chattanooga, and was finally mustered out September, 1865. During the war, it lost 350 killed and wounded, and fifty- eight by disease. William C. Williams, Simeon C. Aldrich and James F. Cur- tis were its Colonels at times. The Seventy-fourth, in August, 1862, moved to Louisville, Ky., thence to Bowling Green. It pursued Bragg, and reached Gallatin on the 10th of No- vember. Companies C and K joined the regiment in December. Before this, these companies skirmished at Munfordsville, and with Bragg's advance on the 14th. Were captured, paroled and then joined the regiment. The regiment pursued Morgan, moved to Gallatin, Nashville, Lavergne, Triune, moved against Tullahoma, and skirmished at Hoover's Gap. It joined the campaign against Chattanooga, skirmished at Dug Gap, Ga. It was one of the first en- gaged at Chickamauga, and was the last to leave the field. It lost 20 killed, 129 wounded and 11 missing. It skirmished continuously at the siege of Chattanooga, and in the charge on Mission Ridge lost two killed and sixteen wounded. It pursued the enemy to Ringgold, Ga., participated in the recon- noissance on Buzzard's Roost, marched with Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, skirmishing and fighting at Dallas, Kenesaw and Lost Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and many other places about Atlanta. It lost in this campaign forty- six men. It charged the enemy's works at Jonesboro, Ga., and lost thirteen killed and forty wounded. Many of the latter died. It pursued Hood, and skirmished at Rocky Creek Church. It moved to North Carolina, and finally home via Washington, D. C. The Eighty-eighth took the field in August, 1862. It defended Louis- ville against Kirby Smith, pursued Bragg, fought at Perryville and Stone River, doing splendid work at the latter battle, losing eight killed and forty- eight wounded. It fought or skirmished at Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Hills- boro. Elk River and Dug Gap, Ga. It fought desperately at Chickamauga, fought "among the clouds" on Lookout Mountain, charged at Mission Ridge, skirmished at Graysville and Ringgold. In the Atlanta campaign it was en- I HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 109 gatred at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta and Utay Creek. It pursued Hood, marched with Sher- man to the sea, campaigned through the Carolinas, fought at Bentonville, and moved home via Richmond and Washington, D. C. The One Hundredth, in November, 1862, took the field at Memphis, Tenn.; moved on the unsuccessful Vicksburg campaign ; did garrison duty at Mem- phis and vicinity ; participated in the siege of Vicksburg, and then in the five days' siege of Jackson. It moved to Vicksburg, thence to Memphis, thence to Stevenson and Bridgeport, thence to Trenton, Ga. It fought at Lookout Mountain, and then moved to Chattanooga. It fought at Mission Ridge, los- ing in killed and wounded 132 men. It pursued Bragg's army ; relieved Burnside at Knoxville ; moved on the Atlanta campaign, fighting at Dalton, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Cedar Bluffs, Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station, fighting almost continuously for 100 days. It pursued Hood, joined the famous march to the sea, fought at Gris- woldviile, Ga., and Bentonville, N. C, then moved home via Richmond and Washington, D. C. The regiment fought in twenty-five battles. The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth moved to Nashville, Tenn., April, 1864, thence to Charleston, Tenn. It fought at Dalton, Resaca, skirmished for nearly two weeks through the woods and defiles near there, fought gallantly and lost heavily at Decatur, engaged the enemy at Strawberry Run, losing twenty- five killed and wounded. It pursued Ilood, moved to the assistance of Gen. Thomas, skirmished heavily at Columbia, and fought desperately at Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of the war ; fought in the two days' battle against Gen. Hood, and joined in the pursuit. It then moved via Cincinnati and Washington, D. C, to Morehead City, thence to Newbern, and finally to \Vise'8 Forks, where it had a severe engagement with the enemy. It moved to Goldsboro, Morley Hall, Raleigh and Charlotte, where it was mustered out of service in August, 1865. The One Hundred and Thirty-ninth entered the service at Indianapolis, June, 1864. It moved to Nashville, Tenn., and was assigned garrison and pro- vost duty in the towns and along the railroads, and, in general, was required to , guard Sherman's base of supplies. At the expiration of 100 days the regi- ment left the service. The One Hundred and Forty-second entered the service in November, 1864. It moved to Nashville, where it \*as assigned garrison duty. At the battle of Nashville, the regiment was in the reserve. After this, and until it was mustered out, it remained at Nashville. The One Hundred and Fifty-second entered the service in March, 1865, moving to Harper's Ferry, in the vicinity of which place it was assigned garri- son duty. It was stationed for short periods at Charlestown, Stevenson Station, Summit Point and Clarksburg, where it was mustered out in August, 1865. 110 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. The Seventh Cavalry took the field in December, 1863. It moved to Louisville, thence to Union City, Tenn. It skirmished at Paris, Egypt Sta- tion and near Okalona, fighting severely all day at the latter place. In one charge it left sixty of its men on the field. During the entire fight it lost eleven killed, thirty-six wounded and thirty-seven missing. It moved to Mem- phis, and finally to the support of Sherman's base of supplies. At Guntown, Miss., a desperate battle ensued, the regiment being driven back with a loss of eight killed, fifteen wounded and seventeen missing. Here it was highly com- plimented by Gen. Grierson, notwithstanding the defeat. It fought at La Mavoo, Miss., and near Memphis, where seven members of Company F were killed by guerrillas. After this it joined in the pursuit of Gen. Price ; moved with Gen. Grierson on his famous raid, fighting and destroying rebel property. It moved down into Louisiana and Texas, and finally, late in 1865, was mus- tered out. The Twelfth Cavalry was organized at Kendallville during the winter and spring of 1864, Edward Anderson, Colonel. It first moved to Nashville, thence to Huntsville, Ala. Here and vicinity it remained, chastising guerrillas and bushwhackers. A portion was not mounted ; the others were and were commanded by Lieut. Col. Alfred Reed. Many men were lost in the numer- ous engagements. After this the regiment moved to Brownsboro, thence to Tullahoma, where they watched Gen. Forrest. Here it had several skirmishes. Companies C, D and H participated in the defense of Huntsville. The regi- ment fought at Wilkinson's Pike, Overall's Creek and before Murfreesboro, spent the winter of 1864-65 at Nashville, embarked for Vicksburg, partici- pated in the movements on Mobile, Ala., and joined in the raid of Gen. Grier- son. It occupied Columbus, Miss., Grenada, Austin and other points, guard- ing Federal stores and positions. It was mustered out of service at Vicksburg in November, 1865. The following imperfect "Roll of Honor" of men from Noble County who were killed, died of wounds or disease, or otherwise, while in the service of their country during the war of the rebellion, is taken from the Adjutant General's reports, from newspapers, and from various other sources, and doubt- less contains numerous errors. Commissioned Officers — Smith Birge, Captain, died in 1865 ; E. A. Tonson, Captain, accidentally killed in 1865; Thomas Badley, First Lieuten- ant, killed at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863 ; George W. Seelye, First Lieu- tenant, killed at Bentonville, N. C , March 19, 1865 ; J. D. Kerr, Second Lieutenant, died at Evansville, Ind., March 25, 1862 ; Simon Bowman, Second Lieutenant, died August 19, 1864 ; H. Reed, Lieutenant, killed ; James Collier, Lieutenant, died ; J. T. Zimmerman, Lieutenant, died in 1865. Non-Commissioned Officers — J. W. Geesman, Sergeant, died at Nashville, Tenn., August 19, 1863; A. J. Linn, Sergeant, died of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., February 5, 1863 ; Addison Harley, Sergeant, died at Louisville, Ky., HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Ill August 5, 1864; J. W. Clark, Sergeant, died of wounds at Marietta, Ga., Sep- tember 19, 1864; John W. Hathaway, Corporal, killed at Stone River, Decem- ber 31, 1862 ; Rush W. Powers, Corporal, died at Nashville, Tenn., August 17, 1863; Emanuel Diffendafer, Corporal, died at Bowling Green, Ky., December 29, 1862 ; Samuel Hamilton, Corporal, died at Annapolis, Md., February 20, 1865; Henry Hinkley, Corporal, died at Lisbon, Ind., November 19, 1864; Charles Wilde, Corporal, died at Memphis, Tenn., in 1862 ; Henry H. Franklin, Corporal, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 7, 1864; John D. Stansbury, musician, died at Louisville, Ky., January 23, 1862; L. D. Thompson, wagoner, died at Bowling Green, Ky., December 7, 1862. Privates — William Archer, killed at Stone River, December, 1862 ; Levi Atwell, died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; William C. Allen, died at Nash- ville, September, 1862 ; Otis D. Allen, died at Louisville, February, 1862 ; William Anderson, died at Camp Nevin, Ky., November, 1861 ; William Adkins, died near Nashville, Tenn. ; Daniel M. Axtell, died of wounds at Marietta, Ga., 1864; John W. Aker, died at Louisville, April, 1864; A. M. Albright, died in 1865 ; William Abbott, died at Chattanooga in 1864 ; An- drew Arnold, died at Chattanooga, 1864. William Barthock, died of wounds at Fort Fisher in 1865; J. E. Brad- ford, starved to death at Danville in 1864 ; H. J. Belden, died at Evansville, Ind., April, 1862; Solomon Bean, died at Nashville, November, 1862; Paul Bean, died at Glasgow, Ky., November, 1862; A. P. Baltzell, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; James Bailey, killed at Perryville in 1863 ; Henry Brooks, died at Madison, Ind., 1862; Peter Betyer, died at Grand Junction, 1863; W. H. Bailey, died at St. Louis, 1862 ; T. A, Barber, died at Nashville, 1865 ; Noah Bowman, died at Chattanooga in 1865 ; L. H. Baldwin, killed at Stone River, 1862 ; Josiah Benton, died at Kendallville, March, 1864 ; Henry Bloodcamp, died at Cumberland, Md., 1865 ; Joseph Bull, died in 1865 ; Anson Bloomer, died at Murfreesboro in 1864 ; C. Barnsworth, died at Chattoonaga in 1864 ; J. Bishop, died of wounds, Louisville, in 1863. T. P. Cullison, died at Chickamauga, September, 1863; Michael Clair, died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; Daniel Chapman, died at Camp Nevin, Ky., November, 1861 ; Patrick Clark, died at Camp Nevin, November, 1861; George Cullors, died at Nashville, May, 1865 ; J. W. Cruchlow, died of wounds in 1865 ; Daniel Coopruler, died of wounds in 1865; G Caswell, died at Kendallville in 1862 ; C. Conkling, died at home in 1864 ; John T. Cannon, died at Chattanooga in 1864 ; James Cook, died at Paducah, Ky., March, 1862; Homer E. Clough, died at Gallatin, Tenn., December, 1862; Theodore Coplin, died at Louisville in 1863; Lucius Covey, died of wounds in the hands of the enemy, October, 1863 ; John Chancey, died near Edisto River, February, 1863; William P. Cheesman, died in 1863; Joseph H. Clemmons, killed at luka, 1862 ; H. D. Collins, killed at Stone River in 1862 ; W. A. Curry, drowned at Louisville in 1863 ; J. W. Curry, starved at 112 HISTORY OF NOBLK CDUNTV. Andersonville in 1864: H. E. Cole, died at Camp Nevin, Ky., 1861 ; George Cluck, died at Collarsville in 1863 ; A. T. Curaming. died at Indianapolis in 1862 ; W. H. Calkins, killed at Mission Ridge in 1863 ; John Clutter, died at Memphis, May, 1865 ; Joel Clark, died at Nashville in 1865 ; John Clark, killed at Stone River in 1862 ; Marion F. Cochran, died at Louisville, Decem- ber, 1864; A. M. Casebeer, died in 1865; W. H. Coates, died in 1865; Alonzo Chase, died at home. Isaac Dukes, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April. 1863 ; John Dyer, died at Gallatin, November, 1862 : William J. Dyer, died of wounds, Chattanooga, October, 1863 ; James Dunbar, died November, 1863 ; Helim H. Dunn, died of wounds, December, 1863; Silas Dvsert. died at Bridgeport, Ala., February, 1862 ; J. B. Dillingham, died at Collarsville, 1863 ; J. H. Drake, died at Athens, 1865 ; John Dingman, died at Nashville, March, 1865 ; Daniel Done- hue, died, 1805; William Denny, killed, 1864 ; J. A. Denny, died at Nashville, 1864. Abner Eddy, died at Camp Nevin. November, 1861 ; Nelson Eagles, starved to death. Danville, 18G4 ; John Erricson, died at Jefferson ville, Ind., July, 1865; Henry Eley. died of wounds. May, 1862; John Engle, died at Camp Sherman, 1865 ; Abner Elder, died at Madison, Ind., 1862 ; Peter Eggleston, died at Nashville, January, 1865 ; Henry Eddy, died at Cumber- land, Md.. April, 1865 ; Eben Eddy, died at Indianapolis, March, 1865; A. T. Ellsworth, died, 1865. Orton B. Fuller, killed at Resaca. May, 1864 ; Albert W. Fisher, died at Cairo, August, 1864 ; Erastus Fisk, died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; Mackson Fisk, died at Camp Nevin, November, 1861; George Fisk, died at Louisville, January, 1862 ; Andrew J. Follen, died at Gallatin, November, 1863 ; Charles Folk, died at Nashville, 1864 ; Cepheus Fordam, died at Nash- ville, 1865; Frederick Felton, died at David's Island, April, 1865; William Fitzgerald, missing, wounded at Shiloh, April, 1862. Daniel Groves, died at Memphis, December, 1862 ; Samuel Gardner, starved to death, Danville, 1863 ; I. J. Garver, starved to death, Anderson- ville, 1864; William H. Green, died at Louisville, Ky., June, 1865; A. A. Gallonge, killed at Shiloh, 1862; Owen Garvey, killed at Chickamauga, Sep- tember, 1863 ; Matthias Green, died at Murfreesboro, February, 1863 ; B. L. Gage, died, 1865; Michael Gunnet, died, 1864 ; Simon Gilbert, died in Michi- gan, 1864 ; Wallace Gorton, died at home ; Cyrus Gyer, starved at Anderson- ville, 1864. Daniel Hodges, died at Baton Rouge, October, 1864 ; George Hubbard, killed at City Point, 1865 ; Joseph Hart, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; Henry Hetick, died of wounds, Chattanooga, October, 1863 ; Joseph C. Hill, died at Nashville, April, l'^65 ; T. C. Hollister, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; James Hudson, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; Henry Hart, died at Indianapolis, 1863 ; John Haller, killed at Stone River, December, 1863 ; C. Hinton, died HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 113 at Henderson, Ky., 1862; William H. Hays, died at Ackworth, Ga, June 1864; W. Herrick, starved at Andersonville, 1864; M. Harker, died of wounds, 1864 ; Orange Homer, died at Gallatin, 1862 ; Emanuel Hoover, died at La Grange, 1862; Jacob K. Hartzler, died at Chattanooga, September, 1863 ; Stockton D. Haney, died at New Albany, Ind., November, 1862 ; John Hoffman, died at Hickory Valley, 1863; Jesse Hull, killed at Dallas, Ga., 1863 ; Alvin 0. Hostetter, died at Memphis, September, 1865 ; Robert Ham- ilton, died near Vienna, Fla., July, 1864; E. L. Humphreys, died in Noble County, 1865; Edwin B. Hanger, died at home, April, 1865; Eliphalet S. Holy, died at Indianapolis, March, 1865; R. Householder, died; Addison Harley, died at Nashville, 1864 ; Elisha Harding, died at Kendallville, 1864 ; C. Hackett, died at Nashville, 1864; John D. Harber, died at Nashville, 1864 : W. Hardenbrook, died at Pulaski, 1865. Henry Jerred, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 : J. Y. Johnson, died at Corinth, July, 1862 ; Hollis Johnson, Jr., died at Gallatin, November, 1862 ; J. D. Joslin, killed at Atlanta, 1864 ; Samuel Johnson, drowned near Beau- fort, S. C, January, 1865 ; Silas W. Johnson, died at Chattanooga, July, 1864; Albert M. Johnson, died at Camp Piatt, W. Va., August, 1865. J. W. Kirkpatrick, died at Nashville, 1865; Samuel Konkright, died at Nashville, 1863 ; William H. Kelley, died of wounds at Chattanooga, March, 1865 ; Daniel Knepper, died on hospital boat, August, 1865 ; Barney Knep- per, died at Indianapolis, June, 1862 ; L. C. Knapp, killed at Mission Ridge, 1863 ; M. D. King, killed at Dallas, Ga., 1864 ; Elias Kessler, died at Indian- apolis, March, 1865 ; John W. Klein, died at Nashville, 1864. Ashbury Lobdell, died at Beaufort, S. C, February, 1865 ; Jacob Lan- ellen, died of wounds at Fort Fisher, 1865 ; Joseph Longly, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; Ira Lease, died at Murfreesboro, August, 1863 ; Robert Long- year, died at Farraington, 1862; Jacob Long, died, 1862; Hiram Lindsey, died, 1864 ; John S. Lash, died at Memphis, March, 1864 ; John Louthan, died at Vicksburg, August, 1865 ; A. Lunger, starved at Andersonville, 1864. Lafayette Mullen, killed at Chickamauga, September, 1863 ; Andrew J. Myers, died at Victoria, Texas, November, 1865 ; Thomas J. Manhorter, died at St. Louis, February, 1865 ; James Monroe, killed at Stone River, 1862 ; F. B. Miller, starved to death at Andersonville, 1864; Simon Michaels, died, July, 1865; William Miner, died at Evansville, December, 1861; II. J. Mon- roe, died at Andersonville, August, 1864; J. B. Matthews, died at Murfrees- boro, January, 1863; L. H. Madison, died at Hamburg, Tenn., May, 1862; John Mankey, died at Athens, Ala., July, 1862 ; Jacob Mohn, killed at Shi- loh, April, 1862 ; Eli Miser, died at Chattanooga, 1864; Corry McMann, died at Louisville, Ky., December, 1862; William Martin, died at Louisville, January, 1863 ; Matthias Marker, killed at Perryville, October, 1862 ; J. Mc- Bride, died at Nashville, 1865 ; Albert Martenus, died, 1865 ; John H. Mitch- ell, starved at Andersonville, 1864; Charles A. Monroe, died, 1863; Wesley 114 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Moore, died, April, 1864 ; Sylvanus Mercia, died at Huntsville, Ala., 1865 ; J. McQuiston, starved to death at Andersonville. 1864 ; Charles W. Mullen, died at Whitesburg, Ala., August, 1864; Henry McGinnis, died at Decatur, Ga., September, 1864; John A. Madison, killed at Atlanta, 1864; J. H. Mc- Nutt, died of wounds, 1865. G. G. Nelson, killed at Murfreesboro, 1863 ; J. W. Norton, died at Evansville, Ind., December, 1861 ; Charles Noteman, died at Columbus, 1865 ; Henry Nichols, died, 1865. George Oliver, died in hospital, 1864 ; Francis Owen, died at Tuscumbia, 1863; Horace D. Odell, died at Gallatin, December, 1862; T. L. Ourstreet, died at Helena, Ark., 1862 ; Samuel W. Orr, died at Keokuk, Iowa, 1863. H. Plummer, died at Granville, 1865 ; John Poppy, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; William Prentice, killed at Resaca, May, 1864 ; John S. Pan- cake, died at home, January, 1864 ; William H. Piatt, died at Murfreesboro, February, 1863; Rudolph Phisel, died at Nashville, 1865; Daniel Porke, died at Camp Sherman, 1863 ; A. Pennypacker, died at Murfreesboro, 1864; Earl Powers, died at Cumberland, Md., April, 1865; Lester Powers, died, 1865. Henry Ridenbaugh, killed at Mission Ridge, November, 1863 ; Abraham Reed, died of wounds at Fort Fisher, 1865 ; Charles Rossin, died, December, 1864; William Richardson, died at home, April, 1862; Louis Routsong, died at Louisville, December, 1862 ; Isaac Rambo, died at Chattanooga. 1865 ; Da- vid Rink, died at Bowling Green, Ky., November, 1862 ; Oliver Reed, died at Jeft'ersonville, Ind., June, 1861; Robert Reed, killed at Atlanta, August, 1864; L. H. Randall, killed at Chickaraauga, 1863; George W. Rogers, died at Tyree Springs, Tenn., November, 1862 ; David River, died at Nashville, 1862 ; Milton Richards, died at Nashville, September, 1864 ; William Rosen- baugher, died at Indianapolis, March, 1865 ; A. Rinehart, died, 1865. Frank Seamans, died at Grand Junction, Tenn., February 1863; George R. Smith, died at Rome City in 1863 ; J. H. Sparrow, died of wounds at Fort Fisher, 1865; Edward B. Segnor, died at Baton Rouge, May, 1864; Daniel Shobe, Jr., died of wounds May, 1862 ; Clark Scarlett, died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; Alfred Shields, died at Murfreesboro, December, 1863 ; P. J. Squires, killed at Shiloh in 1862 ; John Shidler, died at Gallatin, December, 1862; Thomas Stokes, died March, 1863; Elijah Starks, killed at Chicka- mauga in 1863; Jacob Shobe, died at Murfreesboro, May, 1863; Amos W. Seymour, died at Bowling Green, November, 1862 ; David Soule, killed at Atlanta in 1864; E. 0. Sanborn, died at Chattanooga in 1863; Francis H. Shaver, starved at Andersonville in 1864 ; Alfred Sutton, died at Washington in 1864 ; J. Seebright, died on steamer Olive Branch in 1864 ; Jacob Slusser, died at Ackworth, Ga., June, 1864; Theron A. Smith, died, January, 1865 ; John Seips, died in 1865 : Uriah Swager, died in 1865. Frank Teal, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; William Totten, killed at Chickamauga, September, 1863 ; John Traul, died at Huntsville, Ala., January, 1 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 115 1865; William R. Truly, starved to death at Andersonville in 1865; David Tressel, died at Lebanon Junction, Ky., December, 1862; William Tressel, died at Gallatin, December, 1862 ; Abraham Tasony, died of wounds, Madison, Ind., December, 1863 ; W. T. Taylor, drowned in Mill Creek in 1864 ; Franklin Thomas died at Nashville in 1863; Isaiah Tryon, killed at Kingston in 1864; Francis Trask, died at Jackson in 1865; Marcus B. Turney, died at Cumber- land, Md., April, 1865. William Untadt, died at Washington City, 1864. Moses Walters, died at Memphis, October, 1863 ; George E. Warden, died at Scottsboro, Ala., March, 1864 ; William H. Williams, died at Marietta, Ga., September, 1864 ; Adam Weeks, died at Rome, Ga., 1864 ; John M. Wells, starved to death at Andersonville, 1864 ; Andrew J. Webb, died at Camp Nevin, Ky., November, 1861 ; Ira Worden, starved to death at Ander- sonville, 1864; Lorenzo D. Wells, died of wounds, December, 1863; Ziba Winget, died at Nashville, March, 1863 ; John D. Warner, died in 1863 ; Edmund West, died in Andersonville Prison, 1864 ; Hiram Wabill, died at Grafton, West Virginia, June, 1865; Joseph E. Walburn, died at Nashville, February, 1863 ; Hiram Woodford, died in 1865 ; W. R. Wiltrout, died at Washington in 1864 ; George Weamer, died of wounds, April, 1862. William T. Yort, died at St. Louis, July, 1862 ; David C. Yoder, died in Andersonville Prison, August, 1864 ; John H. Yeakey, died at Nashville, 1862 ; L. D. Yorker, died at Camp Nevin, 1861 ; A. Young, died at Memphis, 1862. John Zeigler, died at Raleigh, N. C, 1865. Grand total, 301. Table showing the amounts expended for local counties, and for relief of soldiers' families by Noble County during the late war, taken from the Adjutant General's Reports : TOWNSHIPS. Noble County Washington Township., .Sjiarta Township Perry Townsliip Elkliart Townsliip York Township Nok)le Township , Green Township Jefferson Township Orange Township Wayne Townshijt Allen Township Swan Township Albion Township Totals . Grand Total. BOUNTY. BELIEF. $ 67,856 50 2,176 00 1,800 00 4,500 00 2,650 00 2,675 00 150 00 1,500 00 3,6.50 00 7,150 00 7,600 00 7,165 00 6,000 00 1,000 00 $ 39,426 26 2,926 00 200 00 200 00 825 75 3,000 00 1,500 00 500 00 $115,872 50 $ 48,578 01 $164,4.50 51 CALLS FOR TROOPS DURISO THE REBELLION. 1. April 15, 1861, 75-,0(K) men, for three months' service. 2. May 3, 1861, 42,034 men, for three years' service. 116 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 3. August 4, ISlj'i, 300,000 men, for nine months' service. 4. June 15, 1863, 100,000 men, for six months' service. 5. October 17, 1863, 300,0(10 men. for tliree years' service. 6. .Tuly 18, 1864, 500,000 men, for one, two and three years' service. 7. December 19, 1864, 300,000 men, for one, two and three years' service. Table of interesting facts regarding regiments whicli served in the last war, and which contained men from Noble County : KKGIMENT. Term of Service. Niutli Infantry Three years.. Twelfth Infantry Three years. Thirteentli Infantry re-organized Three years. Twenty-first Infantry* Twenty-second Infantry Three years. Twenty-ninth Infantry Three years. Thirtieth Infantry Three years Thirtieth Infantry re-organized Three years., Tliiny-fifth Infantry Three years. Thirty-seventh Infantry Three years. Thirty-seventh Infantry re-organized... Three years. Thirty-eighth Infantry Three years. Forty-second Inf^utry Three years. Forty-fourth Infantry Three years. Furty-eighth Infantry - Three years. Fiftj-ninth Infantry Three yean). Seventy-fourth Infantry Three years. Eighty-eighth Infantry Three years. One Ilnndredth Iniantry Three years. One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry Three years. One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Infantry 100 Days One Hundred and Forty-second Infantry One year. One Hundred and Fifty-second Infantry One year. One Hundred and Twenty-seventh In- fantry or Twelfth Cavalry One Hundred and Nineteenth Infantry or Seventh Cavalry One Hundred and Nineteenth Infantry or Seventh Cavalry re-organized. Twentieth Battery Twenty-third Battery 1 = 1° S = ' Three years. Three years. Three years. Three years. Three years.. 980 901 9o9 9«4; 859 961 701 799 920 162 925 951 889 943 674 9UI1 904 925 901 818 1211 1151 643 140 130 956 884 117 31 704 99 47 720 902 987 629 BU 208 161 75 69 2 27 13 83 95 2i 339 184 98 313 285 360 68 241 201 10 343 248 236 210 220 263 19B 232 171 11 64 48 166 238 16 26 19 (SS a s = aw 8 O - o -ho 18 13 30 62 49 70 7 51 2 329 77 ll'J lo: 199 168 4 g 11 4 2656 2081 1338 796 Si o 2123 2141 1319!l332 1116 1146 2718 2l:!0 1408 803 18181869 12981300 218 547 19511,2028 2044 2163 2ini'2203 16791878 199821.56 11531157 1123 1043 1013 866 993 988 1350 1300 673 246 206 1131 1054 1017 865 1015 1357 1329 675 252 20 6 CHAPTER V. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. City of Kendallvillk— Its Appeaeanck Fokty-Five Years x\.go— Subse" QUENT IMPROVEMENT.S — MERCHANT.?, MECHANICS AND OTHER BlTSINE.SS MEN —The Original Plat— Incorporation— City Railroad Bond.s— Council Proceedings— Education and Religion— Secret Societies. PREVIOUS to the year 1832, no white man had made the present site of Kendallville his home, but everything was just as it had been plnced by the fashioning hand of the Creator. During the autumn of 1832, or perhaps the spring of 1833, a man named David Bundle, a tall, awkward specimen of the yenus homo, who, like the immortal Lincoln, usually displayed about a yard of uncovered leg (at the lower extremity), appeared in the primitive for- * Not given in -\djiitiint f^eneralN rejiorts. •:.SjS^%i^ i*®$ ^ =*f 7^^^^-cjj> HENDALLVILLE L CITV OF KKNDALLVILLE. 119 ests of Kendallville, and erected a small round-log cabin, with the assistance (some say), of the Viewers appointed to establish the Fort Wayne and Lima road. The cabin was but little better than a wigwam, as it was very small, and the roof was made of bark, while the floor, which was lacking at first, save the one formed by nature, consisted of clapboards rudely rived from some suitable log. This building was located near where the present residence of Hiram Roberts stands. Travel had already begun along the Fort Wayne road, as settlers from Ohio or farther east first went to the land office at Fort Wayne, and afterward came north to settle upon the farms they had purchased. A settlement had been formed before 1833 in the northern part of La Grange County, and it was mainly through the petition of" these people that the Legis- lature was induced to order the survey and establishment of the Lima road. Thus the road was traveled by a few teamsters when Bundle first built his cabin, and. with the prospect of getting a few extra shillings in view, a small unpretentious sign was hung out that entertainment could be obtained. In the fall of 1833, Mrs. Frances Dingman, whose husband had died at Fort Wayne while the family were in search of a home in the wilds of Indiana, appeared at Bundle's cabin, and, having purchased his right and title to the property for a pittance, moved with her family into the log cabin, where she continued the entertainment of the traveling public, while Mr. Bundle disappeared, and his fiite is unknown to this day. It is not known whether Bundle owned the land or whether he was anything more than a squatter ; at least, he was easily in- duced to transfer his right in the cabin to Mrs. Dingman, who did own the land. This woman possessed considerable money, a will of her own, and a family of five or six children, several of whom had almost reached their majority. She employed some man to clear a few acres of land, and, in 1836, immediately after the erection of the Latta saw-mill, in Orange Township, she erected the first frame house in Kendallville, a small roughly constructed affair, which was built near the old log cabin. Mrs. Dingman found many hardships to contend with, and when at last, in about 1837, after a brief courtship, Truman Bearss asked her to become his wife, she consented, and the couple, happy in the en- joyment of genuine love, walked over to the Haw Patch to have the ceremony performed. They were bound together in Hymen's chains, and then started for home ; but gloom and darkness came on, and they were compelled to pass the night in the woods. A fire was built, and here the newly made man and wife sat staring at each other with loving eyes until morning, when they started early and succeeded in reaching home in time for a hearty wedding breakfast. In about the year 1835, George Ulmer located on what is known as Idding's Addition to Kendallville. William Mitchell, in the spring 1836, built a double log cabin near where his son now resides. Thomas Ford came soon afterward. Ezra T. Isbell, Henry Iddings and Daniel Bixler appeared in about 1836, all locating within what is now Kendallville ; but as they were scattered around a considerable distance apart, it was not yet dreamed in their philosophy that a 120 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. thriving village was destined to spring up around them. Isbell was the first shoemaker in town. John Finch, a wagon-maker, located before 1840, where Dieble's warerooms now are ; and John Gipe erected a blacksmith-shop on the south side of the creek, on west Main street, about the same time. In 1840, there were living on the present site of Kendallville the families of Mrs. Ding- man (or rather of Mr. Bearss), William Mitchell, John Gipe, John Finch, George Ulmer, Ezra T. Isbell, Henry Iddings, Daniel Bixler, and possibly two or three others, representing a total population of about thirty-five or forty. Mr. Mitchell also entertained the public, though no sign was hung out. By ISiO, the settlement had assumed the appearance of an embryonic village. A short time before thi.s, through the influence of Mr. Mitchell, who owned about five hundred acres of land and possessed considerable means, a post office was established at his cabin ; but, a few years later, it was removed to the residence of Hiram Iddings ; but, in about 1848, was re-established at the store of Samuel Minot, who had erected a small building (yet standing) on the old George Ackley property, and had placed therein between $2,000 and $3,000 worth of a general assortment of goods a year or t\fo before. The oflSee took its name from Postmaster General Amos Kendall, and wns known as Kendallville, and the village, as soon as it was laid out, was christened after the name of the post office. Kendallville did not grow to any noticeable extent between 1840 and 1849. as perhaps not more than a dozen families lived within its limits. Lisbon, however, was at the summit of its prosperity. On the 1st of June, 1849, William Mitchell secured the services of the county surveyor and laid out twenty lots on the west side of Main street. Mr. Minot had opened his store some three years before. He built an ashery and manufactured a con- siderable quantity of pearl-ash, which was conveyed by wagon to Fort Wayne. Minot also built a saw-mill, which soon had all it could do in furnishing lumber for the plank road. From 1849 to 1857 the population of Kendallville in- creased from about seventy-five to over three hundred, the most rapid growth oc- curring in 1852, at which time it became quite certain that the Southern Michi- gan & Northern Indiana Railroad was to pass through the village. After that the future prosperity of the village became insured. Merchants and artisans of all kinds appeared, and the hum of various industries filled the ear with sounds of improvement. In about 1849, Minot took as a partner Mr. Evans ; but, a few years later, the store was sold to Clark & Bronson. Israel Graden opened with a small stock of goods about 1848, but the next year sold to Minot & Evans. George Baker placed a small stock of groceries in the Graden building, but soon sold out to William Mitten. After the dissolution of Minot & Evans the latter continued the business with Mr. Parkman. Rood, Daniels & Co., started, in 1853, with dry goods and railroad supplies. A few years later Northam, Barber & Welch opened a store. Jacob Lessman appeared in about 1856, but sold to J. F. Corl, a short time afterward. A Hebrew part- nership (Loeb Brothers) began selling ready-made clothing in about 1856. I CITY OF KESDALLVILLE. 121 Peter Ringle bought out Evans in 1854. M. M. Bowen engaged in the mer- cantile pursuit not far from 1857. In about 1857, Mr. Welch bought his part- ners' interest, and soon afterward effected a partnership with G. W. Green- field. Haskins & Roller started about 1858. Jacobs & Brother engaged in the mercantile business in 1862; and G. C. Glatte started up not far from 1857. Thomas Brothers opened with a stock in 1859. Other merchants were engaged in business during these years, and since that time their name has been legion. In 1852, Samuel Minot built a large frame four-storied grist-mill, placing therein three run of stone. Four or five years later the mill was purchased by George F. Clark, who greatly increased its usefulness. He shipped by rail large quantities of excellent flour to different points. About the beginning of the last war, the property was transferred to parties from Toledo, and after it had been heavily insured, it was burned to the ground, and the insurance money was demanded and obtained. Damaging charges were made, but were never substantiated. F. & H. Tabor built the grist-mill now owned by Mr. Bnll- hart, in the year 1857. The mill, which cost $6,000, was supplied with three run of stone, and in 1859 a saw-mill was attached to it. Mr. Tabor claims that this was the first circular saw-mill in Northeastern Indiana. At the end of six years F. & H. Tabor disposed of their interest in the mills, but in 1864 built another saw-mill and the following year a grist-mill. These mills cost over $7,000. The grist-mill has been re-built within the past two years. Thomas Evans, a cabinet-maker, appeared about 1852. Luke Diggins opened the first hotel of consequence not far from 1848. Four years later Jesse Kime built the old Kelley House. Diggins' House was known as the " Calico House," from the Dolly Varden style in which it was painted. The first fol- lower of Esculapius was Dr. Cissel, who appeared in 1850. James Hoxby was the first attorney, although there were several pettifoggers before him. John M. Sticht began manufacturing buggies, phaetons, wagons, etc., in 1868. The business is now under the management of his son, H. J. Sticht, E. J. White and F. J. Westfall. Isaac R. Ayers is also engaged extensively in the same calling. The different establishments of the city in this line manufacture some fifty vehicles per annum. Reed, Hamilton and Gallup are at present manufacturing 30,000 snow shovels and handles of all kinds per year, employ- ing from seven to twelve hands. Lucius N. Reed, since 1869, has been con- ducting a planing-mill ; sash, door and blind factory ; a general hardware store of materials needed in buildings ; a large lumber yard, and is doing an annual business of over .?12,000. He keeps from 300,000 to 500,000 feet of lumber on hand, and employs in the various departments of his occupation some fif- teen men. He has become a building contractor to the extent of about $6,000 per year. In about the year 1856, Williams & McComskey opened a small foundry, and began manufacturing various domestic articles and implements and a few plows. Within two or three years, they sold their establishment to 122 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Hildreth & Burgess, who greatly increased tlie scope of the business in all departments. After a few years, Burgess died, and Hildreth continued the occupation for some time alone. Several changes were made, until at last, about the time of the last war, Flint, Walling & Co. assumed ownership and management, and have continued thus since. They have steadily increased in the business, omitting some branches, and taking up within the last few years the manufacture of wind-pumps, of which they send out large numbers, the demand being greater than the supply. They are at present manufacturing their own patent, although they did not at first. This is one of the most important industries in the city. J. H. Hastings was the first carriage-maker in town, coming in 1861. He is doing an annual business of $8,000. The Masons instituted a lodge about twenty years ago, and have steadily increased in numbers and influence since. The Odd Fellows, in October, 186S, started with eight charter members ; they now have sixty- eight. The Good Templars started up during the war, and have since died out several times, but, like the Felia domesticce, they seem possessed of nine lives, and soon come to time again. The Knights of Honor organized a chapter about two years ago, and are doing well. All trades and professions are now represented in the city. These have one by one appeai-ed, as Kendall ville has grown from obscurity to one of the most prosperous cities of the size (about twenty-five hundred) in Northern Indiana. At the June session of the County Commissioners in 1863, they were presented with a petition, signed by a majority of the tax-payers of Kondall- ville, praying that the village might be made an incorporated town. After a due hearing of all the facts in the case, the Commissioners granted the prayer. The "Incorporated Town of Kendallville " immediately began to assume airs of the most killing kind. Street lamps must be had. Town ordinances were adopted by the Board of Trustees, and executed with infinite eclat by officers duly empowered to see that the laws were speedily and effectively executed. The citizens proudly raised their heads a degree higher, looked sagely down their noses and thought unutterable things. Sidewalks were built, stagnant spots drained by effestive sewers, estray animals were provided with suitable accommodations, and aristocratic circles were created, from which the impolite and the "unculchahed " were unceremoniously tabooed. On the 6th day of October, 1866, pursuant to a notice of the Board of Trustees, and in accordance with the requirements of the law, an election was held, resulting as follows : Tim Baker, Mayor of the incorporated Oiti/ of Ken- dallville ; A. A. Chapin, Clerk; D. S. Welch, Treasurer; James Van Ness, Marshal ; George Sayles, Street Commissioner ; A. B. Park and John Emer- son, Councilmen, First Ward ; K. B. Miller and Moses Jacobs, Councilmen, Second Ward; James Colegrove and George Aichele, Councilmen, Third Ward. A stringent code of city ordinances was slowly adopted by the Council to meet the requirements of good health, good morals and general prosperity and com- CITY OF KENDALL VI LLE. 123 fort. The first meeting of the new city government was held on the 12th of October, 1866, at which time the necessary committees were appointed. A few years before this, a fire company had been organized, and some time after this they were provided with new apparatus, and a hook and ladder company was organized. The first movement looking to the erection of street lamps was made in November, 1870, when it was decided by the Council to purchase fif- teen of such lamps at $1') each. This resolution ^as not fully carried into ef- fect. Many other things in the same strain might be said of the city. On the 6th of January, 1858, Mitchell & Hitchcock (William Mitchell and Henry H. Hitchcock) began a private banking business in Kendallville, and continued until December 31, 1861, at which time the firm was dissolved, Hitchcock going out, the business being resumed by William Mitchell & Son (William Mitchell, John Mitchell and Charles S. Mitchell), continuing thus from January 1, 1862, to June 11, 1863. On the 12th of June the busi- ness was merged into the First National Bank of Kendallville, William Mitch- ell being elected President, and Charles S. Mitchell, Cashier. The first Board of Directors were William Mitchell, John Mitchell, Charles S. Mitchell, Will- iam M. Clapp, of Albion, and William W. Maltby, of Ligonier. The first stockholders were the above, with the addition of Mrs. M. C. Dawson, of Ken- dallville. William Mitchell and Charles S. Mitchell acted as President and Cashier until their respective deaths in September, 1865, and September, 1866. Since the death of William Mitchell, his son John Mitchell has been President of the bank. John A. Mitchell was Cashier from September, 1866, to January 10th, 1871, at which date Emanuel H. Shulz succeeded him. Mr. Shulz died in November, 1878. Jacob G. Waltman became Cashier on the 14th of Janu- ary, 1879, and has held the position since. The bank is doing a good busi- ness, and enjoys the entire confidence of the community. Kendallville has been visited by several disastrous conflagrations, the aggregate loss amounting to about $60,000, not including numerous private dwellings. Among the principal losses, have been the foundry of Hildreth & Co., Iddings & Brown's stave factory, the Burnam House, the schoolhouse, a block of five buildings on Main street south of William street (net loss, $6,000), a block of eight business buildings on Main street north of Williams street (net loss, $16,000), a block of five business rooms on Main street south of Mitchell street (net loss, $7,000), the tannery of Draggoo & Oviatt, the Air Line House, many private dwellings, some being elegant and costly. These are the principal fires, running over a period of some twenty-five years. Kendallville lies upon the bank of a beautiful lake. This sheet of water (named Bixler Lake, for an old settler) might be rendered much more attractive by the construction of an artificial beach of gravel on the side adjoining the town. This could be done at little expense, and would transform Kendallville into a celebrated watering place. In about 1866, a small steamboat, named the "Flying Dutchman," and capable of carrying about fifty passengers, was 124 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. placed upon the lake by Mr. Lorenzo Ellenwood, at a total cost of several thousand dollars. It was purchased in Toledo, and after being used about two years was transferred to some lake in Southern Michigan, or perhaps to a river there. Mr. Ellenwood conducted a restaurant, entertaining pleasure seekers and others. He also dealt in ice ; but these enterprises were losses financially. When the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company were projecting their road through the county, citizens along the line were asked to take stock therein. Many did this in and around Kendallville, and finally the city gov- ernment issued its bonds for $83,000 to the railroad company, and received in return stock in the company to the same amount. Some time afterward, it became apparent, from the depreciation in the value of the stock, among other things, that large tracts of valuable timber land in Northern Michigan, in \vhich every dollar's worth of stock had an interest, had been disposed of in such a manner as to deprive the stockholders of any interest therein. This led the city to refuse to pay its bonds at the par value of the stock, although it was not the design to repudiate the debt. A more detailed account of the whole proceeding is as follows: Whereas, A majority of the resident freeholders of the city of Kendallville have peti- tioned the Common Council of said city to subscribe for and take $83,000 capital stock in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, for and on behalf of said city, and to make and issue bonds of the city in payment thereof; and whereas, it further appears, that the railroad as proposed to be constructed, will run into and pass through said city ; therefore. Be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Kendallville, That .said ciiy will subscribe for and lake $83,000 capital stock in aid of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, and that bonds of said city shall be issued in payment therefor, as follows: Kighty-ihree corporate coupon bonds of $1,000 each, signed by the Mayor and attested by the Clerk of said city, and payable twenty years from the 1.5th day of May, 1867, with interest at the rate of six per centum per annum, payable annually on the 1st day of May of each year (both principal and interest i at the office of the Treasurer of said city; that said bonds shall be delivered to the proper officer of said Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company only on condition — First, that the company issue to the city of Kendallville, in lieu thereof, certificates for capital stock of said company to the amount of $83,000; second, that sufficient guaranty be given to said city by the President of said railroad company that all moneys arising from the sale of said bonds shall be expended upon that part of said road lying between the Allen County line, in the State of Indiana, and the city of Kendallville; that the Committee upon Ordinances prepare and report .an ordinance to carry into ett'ect these resolutions. At a meeting of the City Council on the 10th of June, 1867, that portion of the above resolution requiring the President of the railroad company to guar- antee that all money arising from the sale of city bonds should be expended upon th;vt portion of the road lying between the Allen County line and Kendallville was unanimously "rescinded and repealed." It was further ordained, at this session, that so much of the above resolution as referred to subscribing and taking $83,000 stock in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, and to issuing city bonds in payment therefor, "be and the same is hereby repealed." This was accomplished by a unanimous vote. Immediately afterward, the following resolution was offered : • ,uia..#W^ .^il^^^^v % '^w& sfWm ^% ^ \f^^" ) v hh KENDALLVIUE I CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 127 Be it resolved hi/ the Common Council of t/ie Citi/ of Kendallville, That whereas, the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company has prepared a proper certificate for capital stock in said company to the amount of 830 shares of $100 each, and by its President, Joseph K. Edgerton, has also executed a written guarantee that the proceeds of the bonds ordered to be executed by said city by special ordinance adopted May 8, 1867, shall be applied in the construction of said railroad between Fort Wayne and Kendallville. and not elsewhere, and the said company having consented also to deliver to the said city the private obligations or subscriptions to the capital stock of said company made by the citizens of Kendallville during the year 1866 ; Now, there- fore, the Treasurer of said city is directed to receive from said Joseph K. Edgerton the certifi- cates of stock as aforesaid and the written guarantee and the private obligations or subscriptions aforesaid, and in payment therefor to deliver to said Edgerton the bonds executed by virtue of the special ordinance aforesaid, being eighty-three corporate coupon bonds of $1,000 each ; and the said City Treasurer is further directed, -upon application, to deliver said private obligations to the several citizens of the city who executed the same and who now reside in said city. This resolution remained pending until the next session of the Council, when it was voted upon and passed without a dissenting voice. On motion, Mr. Edgerton was appointed to cast the vote of the city at the annual meeting of the stockholders to be held at Sturgis, Mich., on the third Wednesday in July, 1867. He was also instructed to vote for Robert Dykes, as Director of the company from Kendallville. In July, 1869, some misgivings having arisen in the breasts of the citizens of Kendallville regarding the good faith of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company as to the fulfillment of its promises and obligations, and the proper disposal or application of the city's subscription, the President of the company was informed that the city would not pay its obligations — would repudiate the payment of its bonds, unless some further assurance was received that the stock subscribed would be properly expended, and that, too, without any unnecessary delay. Whether such assur- ance was received is not known ; at all events, matters went on until it was learned that the Grand Rapids Company had in some manner transferred its interest in the road to the " Continental Improvement Company," and that the stock in the road held by the city of Kendallville was either worthless, or nearly so, from the probable fact that the extensive pine timber lands in Michi- gan, owned by the company, to which all such stock had a claim, had been dis- posed of in a manner to defraud the stockholders of any interest therein, whereupon one hundred and fourteen citizens of Kendallville petitioned the City Council, asking that the Continental Improvement Company be required to furnish the city with $83,000 of stock, or upon failure to do so, such citizens would refuse to pay the principal of their bonds, the interest, or any part thereof. The petition was ordered on file, and the Mayor was instructed to employ Morris & Worden, attorneys of Fort Wayne, to ascertain the true con- dition of affairs, and whether the city of Kendallville was liable for the pay- ment of the $83,000 stock subscribed. This last resolution, however, was soon rescinded, and the Council employed L. E. Goodwin to ascertain the extent of the legal liability of the city for the bonds given to the railroad company. As time passed, it became more apparent to the citizens that they had been out- iianked when they gave their bonds to the railroad company, and a bitter oppo- GG 128 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. sition to the payment of the subscription was freely expressed everywhere. At last a petition with sixty-eight names was presented to the Council, asking that an agent he appointed to see whether the bonds of the city in the possession of the railroad company could be negotiated at some satisfactory rate, in view of the existing hard times and burdensome taxation; but at the next meeting another petition, asking that action on the above petition be deferred until after the election of the city officers for the ensuing year, was presented with 142 names. At the next session the Council resolved to appoint a committee of three citizens to confer with the holders of the city's bonds, as to the best terms such bonds could be negotiated. A conference between the committee and Mr. Edgerton, of the Grand Rapids road, and G. W. Cass, of the Continental Im- provement Company, was held, and arrangements were made by which the bonds were to be purchased by the city, and, in lieu thereof, the stock held by the city was to be transferred to the holdersof the bonds; but as this was not followed by the proper action on the part of the bondholders, it was resolved by the City Council that the Treasurer be instructed to pay no more coupons on the bonds until further orders. This action brought from Mr. Cass the proposition to exchange $40,000 of the bonds of the city with the overdue coupons attached for $80,000 of the stock in the Grand Rapids Railroad, and also an agreement to discount 25 per cent on the remaining debt, if the same be paid in one and two years. After long debate through several successive meetings the Council finally rejected the offer of Mr. Cass, but agreed to exchange $20,000, and the stock in the city's possession, for the $83,000 in bonds held by the Continental Company ; the $20,000 to be payable in three years in equal annual payments. Mr. Cass, by letter, refused to accept this proposition, and further debate was indulged in by the City Council regarding the best means of adjusting the dif- ference. A committee of three was appointed to go to Sturgis, Mich., and confer with Mr. Cass and secure the best terms possible, the committee being Messrs. Ringle, Cain & Orviatt. These men could secure no better terms, and accordingly a mass meeting of the citizens of the city was called to be had on the 2d of August, 1870, at which time an almost unanimous opinion was expressed not to accept the proposition of Mr. Cass ; but in the face of this feeling the City Council by a vote of three to two accepted the proposal. Any further action, however, was postponed until a petition, signed by 238 qualified voters of the city, and asking that the resolution of the Council be rescinded, was presented, when the prayer of the petitioners was granted. The payment of the coupons on the bonds was refused, and after threatening suit against the City Treasurer for the collection of the same, the railroad President was con- fronted by a resolution from the Council supporting the Treasurer in his refusal to pay the overdue interest. After numerous propositions from both sides for a settlement without success, suit was finally begun in the United States Cir- cuit Court at Indianapolis, by J. T. Davis, for the collection of overdue interest on the city's bonds. While this was pending, further efforts were made to CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 129 adjust the trouble. The city received a proposition from certain attorneys of Fort Wayne to the effect that, if $15,000 would be guaranteed them, they would clear the city of its bond indebtedness. This proposition was accepted, and suit was begun. Various other complications arose, until at last in January, 1874, the following contract was entered into between the city and Mr. Cass, representing the Continental Improvement Company : The said city sliall assign and deliver to the said Continental Improvement Company the certificates for 830 shares of the stock in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, now held by said city. Second, The said city shall pay the said Continental Improvement Company $25,000 in ten (10) equal annual payments with interest payable annually on the whole; the first pay- ment to be made on the 1st of October, 1874, and the remaining payments on the 1st of October, annually, thereafter, until all shall be paid, and the interest shall be computed on the $25,00(1 from the Isl day of October, 1874. Third, The cause now pending against said company in the Allen Circuit Court to be withdrawn, and all suits against said company, in which said city is interested, either directly or indirectly, to be dismissed immediately by said city. Fourth, The said Continental Improvement Company agrees to accept from said city each of the above installments ($2,. 500) and interest as above stated, as it becomes due, and at the same time sur- renders to said city $10,000 of said bonds or coupons now held by said company, and when said city shall have paid the whole $2.5.000. and interest at the time, and in the manner above prom- ised by said city, and shall have performed all the other stipulations herein agreed to be per- formed by said city, then the Continental Improvement Company will, without further payment, deliver to said city the remainder of said bonds and coupons. This contract has been faithfully carried into eifect, until at the present writing only about $6,000 remains unpaid. The above facts have been dwelled upon, as the subject was one which for several years affected the financial wel- fare of every taxpayer within the corporate limits of the city. The writer may have made some mistakes above, as the facts in the case were extremely hard to get. If so, the forbearance of the reader is asked. "You know how it is yourself." Kendallville children first went to school about a mile and a half north- west to the old log schoolhouse on the Sawyer farm. School was taught there prior to 1840. Soon after this house had been built, another was erected between the residences of Ryland Reed and Hiram Iddings, and as this was nearer than the other house, the scholars were sent to it. Cynthia Parker and Miss Wallingford were early teachers at the Iddings Schoolhouse. In about the year 1847, a log school building was erected on the line between Allen and Wayne Townships, about forty rods west of the Fort Wayne road. Here the village children assembled to receive instruction. No schoolhouse was con- structed in Kendallville proper until 1858. For several years previous to that date, however, select schools had been taught by competent instructors in vacant rooms here and there in town ; but this was found to be unsatisfactory, and, accordingly, in 1858, a three-storied frame school building, about o0.x60 feet, was erected on the site of the present school structure, at a cost of about $3,500. The two lower stories were devoted to the use of class recitations, while the third story was used as a hall in which to hold public exhibitions, lectures, etc. From one hundred and eighty to two hundred scholars were in 130 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. attendance from the beginning. Dr. Riley, an accomplished scholar and an efficient instructor and organizer, was employed and taught two years, when he was succeeded by Mr. W. W. Dowling, who likewise taught two years. During the winter of 1863-64, which was very cold, the Government troops encamped at the town suffered so much that the Colonel ordered the evacuation of the schoolhouse by teachers and pupils, and transformed it into a hospital for the sick of his command. Small-pox broke out among the men at the " hospital," but, luckily, it was prevented from spreading. After this, talk was freely indulged in by parents of scholars that the schoolhouse could not be used longer as such, owing to the liability of the children's catching the small-pox.- A secret attempt was made, during the summer of 1864, to burn the house, but without success, altliough, late in the fall, the attempt was repeated, resulting in the destruction of the building. School was then taught in the basement of the Baptist, Disciple and Presbyterian Churches, and in public halls in the town, until the present fine (brick) school structure was erected at a total cost, including finishing, bell, desks, apparatus, etc., of nearly $40,000. The house is 61x81 feet, is two stories in height, has ten regular school rooms, and sev- eral others which could be made such if necessary. It is one of the finest school structures in Northern Indiana. It was built by means of city bonds, which were issued and sold, but which after a time depreciated considerably in value, owing to several reasons, one being the hard times at the close of the war, and another the heavy taxation for the payment of railroad bonds. Money was hard to obtain, and it is said that while the city was kicking like Balaam's donkey against the payment of the railroad bonded debt, the schoolhouse bonds were sold at a discount as soon as they were issued — were thrown upon a dull market and sold at a discount. The building was begun with money (about $7,000), raised by subscription, and with the personal liability (about $6,000), of James Colegrove, James B. Kimball and Freeman Tabor. These amounts were afterward covered by city bonds. The bonds were paid by installments, and were issued in the same manner, the most at any time being $1,500, due in one year ; $1,500, due in two years ; $2,000, in three years ; $5,000, in six years ; $5,000, in nine years ; and $5,000, in twelve years ; the first three install- ments drawing interest at 6 per cent per annum, and the last three at 10 per cent per annum. This issue of bonds was made in March, 1867. The school, house debt has been li([uidated. Within the last few years, a high school has been created, and now young men and women, with thoughtful faces, pass out into the world, with " sheepskins " of the Kendallville High School. The present enumeration of school children in the city is about 1,100. The Methodists had an imperfect organization in the vicinity of Kendall- ville as early as 1840, and first assembled in a large barn belonging to William Mitchell. Three or four families belonged, and when the barn was burned down by an incensed blacking, meetings were held in the neighboring log school- houses. The Baptists had an early organization at the Sawyer Schoolhouse, KENDAUYILU 1 CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 133 and the Presbyterians started up about the same time. Circuit ministers of these denominations visited the neighborhood for a number of years ; but, as these societies died out before Kendallville began its rapid growth in about 1851, the present organizations in the city cannot properly be called a contin- uation of the old ones. The following denominations have churches in the city : Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, German Lutheran, German Metho- odist, Disciple, Albright and Catholic. The Protestant Methodists were repre- sented for a time, but the society was disbanded a number of years ago. The Baptists built the first church in town, the building being now occupied by Catholics. The house, a frame structure, was erected in 1856, and ten years later was transferred to the Catholics for $2,500. They have owned it since. The Baptist Church was used by several denominations, which had contributed means for its erection. A few years later, the Methodists built a frame church, which, after being used a few years, was destroyed by fire. After the Baptists sold their church, they soon bought that belonging to the Protestant Methodists. This they still occupy. The Disciple Church was first started at Lisbon ; but before it was completed it was taken down, and the material was conveyed to Kendallville, where it was used in building the present church. The Albright Church was built at the close of the war. The Presbyterian society was first organized in May, 1848, by Rev. J. T. Bliss, of the Fort Wayne Presbytery. Four members constituted the original membership, as follows : Joseph Gruey, Mrs. Elizabeth Gruey, John Cospar, and Mrs. Mary Cospar. Mr. Gruey was the first Ruling Elder. At the first meeting, Mr. and Mrs. John Kerr were re- ceived by letter. The Methodists and Baptists also had organizations many years before their churches were erected. The Presbyterian Church was erect- ed in 1863, and the Methodist ten years later. These two and the German Lutheran are large, costly, brick edifices, tastefully and handsomely finished, and are a credit to the city. All the others are frame buildings. William Mitchell, one of the most prominent and charitable men ever residing in the city, gave each religious society (eight in all) a lot upon which to build its church. He also gave the fine large lot upon which the High School building now stands. The old Baptist Church was an important building. Prior to 1863 the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and possibly other societies, met there alternately to worship, and the old house was almost constantly filled with one unending song of praise and thanksgiving. Before its erection, and subse- quent to the year 1852, meetings were held in various vacant rooms and halls ; but all this inconvenience is now gone, and the sweet-toned bells calling Christians to worship are heard from many quarters. *The Lutheran St. John's congrega- tion was organized in 1856, and was first served by Rev. Schumann, holding its first meetings in private houses. Among the first members were John Eich- elberg, George Aichele, Julius Kratzer, and later A. Wickmans, John Ort- stadt, Oscar Rossbacher, John Krueger, Julius Lang and F. Oesterheld and •Prepared by Rev. Georgfi M. ^cbumns. 134 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Others. In 1860, the first (frame) building was erected, which was afterward enlarged. In 1865, Rev. A. Wuesteman was called to take charge of the con- gregation, which continued to grow by the advent of German Lutherans. In 1871, Rev. Ph. Fleishmann succeeded Rev. Wuesteman, and by this time it was found that the congregation had outgrown the capacity of the old church. Ac- cordingly, in 1873, a new brick edifice valued at ^10,000 was erected. The old building was made use of as a school-room. Connected with the congregation is a private school, at present under the management of Mr. F. Gose. The enumeration is about 100. At the death of Rev. Fleishmann in 1879, the present pastor, Rev. George M. Schumns, was given charge of the congrega- tion. There is a present membership of 75 voting members, besides others. Since the origin of the society, 454 persons have been baptized, 228 confirmed, and 207 deaths have occurred. CHAPTER VI. by weston a. goodspeed. Wayne Townspup— Reflections of an Old Settler— Long List of Pioneers —Life in the Forest- Wolves Versus Domestic Animals— Mr. Gra- den's Adventure— The Old Sawyer Saw-Mill— Early Taverns and Drinking Customs— Rollings and Raisings— The First Schoolhouse and Teacher— The First Religious Society and the First Church Erected. THE common experience of old age is an earnest wish to live over again the life that is swiftly drawing to a close. How many mistakes have been made ! how many hours have been unprofitably spent ! how blind to good advice and influence ! The stealthy and inevitable approach of death baffles the desire for a renewal of youth, and fills the heart with bitter remorse at the thought of what might have been. Youth is always bright with hope and expectancy ; but, as the years glide by, the scales fall from the eyes, and the sorrowful experiences of earth trace wrinkles of care upon the brow, and bend the once stalwart form toward the grave. No rocking vessel on life's great sea can escape the angry rain that dances upon it, or avoid the bitter winds that check its course. " Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like a toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in its head.'' Let us learn from the wretched experience of others — learn from the lives that have gone down amid the gales of sorrow that encompass the earth, to shun tlie shoals and quicksands that beset our course, that the sunset of life may be gilded with the gold of eternal joy. The first log cabin erected in Wayne Township was built on the present site of Kendallville in 1832, but at what time of the vear is uncertain. In fact, the first two or three settlers in Wayne located at Kendallville. As, WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 135 however, the history of that city is fully given in another chapter, its further consideration at this time is postponed. In 184-t, the following men resided in the township on land of their own, as shown by the tax duplicates at the county seat : Lewman Andrews, Joseph Axtell, Daniel Axtell, John Bullenbaugh, Jason Bosford, Daniel Bixler, Nicholas Bixler, George F. Boden- heifer, Ludwig Brown, John Cosper, Reuben Chamberlain, Elias Cosper, John A. Forker, S- W. Gallop, Joseph Graden, Henry Grubb, Erastus Ilarlow, Richai-d Horsely, George Kiramel, J. W. Leonard, William Mitchsll, Samuel Lehman, Daniel Longfellow, Christian Long, D. L Numan, H. G. Rossen, S. B. Sherman, Stephen Sawyer, Mrs. William Sawyer, Jacob Spurbeck, Isaac Swarthouse, William Selders, Samuel Trowbridge, D. D. Trowbridge, Ansel Tryon, Hester Taylor, Thomas B. Weston, John B. Woodruif, Albin Curtis, Henry Deam, Michael Deam and Charles Fike. Perhaps the very earliest among this catalogue were Nicholas and Daniel Bixler, Reuben Chamberlain, John Cosper, William and Stephen Sawyer, John A. Forker, Henry Grubb, John Brundage, George L. Kimmel, and others. Many of the earliest settlers in the township left before 1844, so that their names do not appear above ; and, unfortunately, they cannot be given, as their faces and names have faded from the memory of the old settlers yet living in the township. The year 1836 is remembered all over the county as the time when the first great rush was made for farms therein. Settlers were generally averse to going into counties for the purpose of permanent settlement until after the first organization had been perfected. That, being accomplished, was regarded as sufficient evidence that, although the county might be new and wild yet, still primitive homes had been begun, and that rude specimens of human habitation — the log cabin — had been reared. Besides this, land was quite cheap, and a comfortable home could be secured with a little money and a great deal of patience, hard work and endurance. Accordingly, as above stated, large numbers of immigrants appeared in the county in 1836, and from that time forward rapid growth and improvement ruled the hour. Prior to 1836 not more than six or eight families were living, or had lived, in Wayne Township, and some of these were as follows : David Bundle, the first settler in the township ; Mrs. Frances Dingman, widow of James Dingman, and her family ; Daniel and Nicholas Bixler ; Thomas Ford ; Truman Bearss, who, a few years later, became the husband of Mrs. Dingman ; Luke Diggins ; Mr. Martin, and perhaps one or two others. Among those who came in 1836 were Samuel Comstock, John Brundage, Joseph Graden, Henry Iddings, John Saw- yer, who soon afterward died of a fever, and perhaps others, some of whose names appear above. Early life in the Wayne woods was, in general, very similar to that in other townships, and many descriptions will be found in this volume, pointing out the various pleasures and hai'dships incident to a sojourn in the wilderness. John Sawyer was a native of Knox County, Ohio, and up- on his arrival entered several hundred acres a mile or two northwest of Ken- 136 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. dallville, where he made his home and lived until 1837, when he died. He was the first blacksraitli in the township. On this farm was an Indian grave- yard, where a few of that unregenerate race were buried, to await, probably, the resurrection, which occurred niuoli sooner than had been intended, as the crumbling skeletons were carelessly thrown out by the curious, and left to min- gle with the surface soil. Many wild animals were yet abundant, though the larger and fiercer, such as bears, had disappeared, save an occasional straggler. Deer were every-day sights, and were often shot by men who were probably not descended from Nimrod. They frequently came into the clearings to feed on the green wheat and other luxuriant vegetation. Many were shot from win- dows and doors. Jackson Iddings tells that, upon one occasion while hunting in the woods, he shot a buck which dropped to the ground ; but, as he ap- proached to cut its throat, it leaped to its feet, and with bristles erect along its spine and head lowered for the conflict, made a dash at the hunter, but for a time it was eluded by briskly dodging behind trees, until its strength had con- siderably failed on account of the wound, when it was suddenly attacked by the settler, and dispatched by a few strokes of the knife. Mr. Iddings also says that in one day he found seven bee trees, from which were taken about thirty gallons of the finest honey, a portion being candied. Bees came from their hive during warm days in the winter, and, dying of cold, would fall on the snow, leaving a bright yellow stain, by which their hives were discovered. A dish of fine wild honey was a common sight in the dining room (if there was such aH apartment) of the old settlers. William Tryon tells of killing a bad- ger under the following circumstances : The opening in the earth leading to its nest having been discovered, Mr. Tryon and several others began the work of digging it out, but as fast as they dug the animal also dug, keeping away from them ; finally, after a deep excavation had been made without success, five or six strong steel traps were set in the opening, and the next morning the hole, when approached, was found nearly full of dirt ; a portion of this was thrown out, and in one of the traps was the badger ; it was taken alive to the house, but died in a few days. It is related that Joseph Graden, having lost his cows, went in a southerly direction in search of them, taking with him his little boy some eight years old : not finding them as expected, he traveled on, and ere he was aware darkness had come, when he was on the bank of Cedar Creek, several miles from home ; the night was cloudy and very dark, and the cold wind swept through the branches of the trees, and the weird rustling of dead leaves and the wild creakings of gnarled limbs aroused the apprehensions of the belated settler ; to add to the unpleasant situation, wolves began to howl in the dark forest near them ; a fire was immediately kindled, and a supply of fuel gathered, and the settler holding his little boy closely by his side sat down with the fire at his front and a large half-hollow oak at his back, and thus re- mained until morning ; the wolves came close to the fire during the night, snapping and snarling, yet did not venture an attack, but sneaked off into the i'' J . . j'«5';.if ;mt 'i^ .M>^>''-^':- /^< WAYNE TOWNSHir. l39 forest as the dawn appeared. John Longyear, who settled in the township in 1844, says that the wolves, one night in harvest, attacked a flock of ten sheep belonging to him, and when morning dawned nine of them were found lying stiff and stark upon the ground with their throats cut. Many incidents of a similar character are narrated, but these will suffice to illustrate the dangers to be met by backwoodsmen in Noble County. The first birth in the township was that of a son of Mr. Bixler, and occurred early in the year 1836. The child lived but a few weeks, and its death was the first. One of the first marriages was that of Mrs. Dingman to Mr. Bearss. They went over to the Haw Patch to have the ceremony performed, and becom- ing belated on their return spent the night in the woods. William Selder was conducting a tannery on Section 22, as early as 1845. This was continued probably about five years, and the small quantity of leather manufactured was sold in surrounding towns, or to the settlers, who took it to their homes, where it was made into boots or shoes for the family by journeymen cobblers. It must be I'emembered that ready-made clothing and wearing apparel of all kinds were not kept for sale in stores as they are nowadays. Cloth or leather was purchased at certain seasons of the year in quantity sufficient to supply the whole family, and then either a journeyman cobbler or tailor was employed to make the goods up, or the services of the wife and mother were called into requisition to furnish the clothing, and those of the husband and father to fur- nish boots and shoes. The parents often acquired great dexterity by long practice in these particulars. The journeyman would travel around from house to house, remaining sometimes more than a week at the same place. Whisky was used at all the rollings and raisings, as no man pretended to work on such occasions without frequent potations from the bottle. On one occasion Mr. Longyear announced a rolling-bee, and, when the men assembled and began work, it was discovered, amid considerable comment, that no whisky had been furnished. One of the men asked Mr. Longyear : " Have you no whisky ? " and was answered, " No." " Why not ? " "I have no money " (a prevarica- tion, as Mr. Longyear did not want to furnish whisky). " Well, I have money," said the man, reaching his hand in his pocket and taking out a half dollar. " Take this and get us a gallon of whisky." Whereupon a messenger was dispatched for a gallon of the drink which inebriates, and when it came the men made themselves both full and happy. Some became too full (fool) for utterance, and sought the shade to sleep off their blissful spirits. The whisky was obtained at the tavern of Luke Diggins, on the Fort Wayne road, and was at that time 50 cents per gallon. At a rolling or raising on the farm of Mr. Childs, the whisky was drunk from a wash-dish, and is said to have tasted as well as usual. Various drinking vessels were at first used, and when, finally, a jug was brought into the neighborhood, it was immediately and with due ceremony dedicated to the service of imbibers at the rollings and raisings, and after that was always present, traveling the circuit of the neighborhood, 140 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. but, unlike the men who assembled to work, was generally empty, a deplorable •condition of affairs truly. Mr. Longyear says that by actual count he assisted at sixty rollings and raisings in one year. The old Sawyer Saw-Mill was built in the southwestern part in about the year 18-10, being located on the Elkhart River at a place where a dam was easily secured, and where a fair water-power was warranted. The writer could not learn with certainty who erected this mill, but it must have been by either Stephen Sawyer or Joseph Graden. Grailen was a carpenter, and probably did the work of construction, even though the other man owned the property. That is probably the true fact in the case. Stephen Sawyer operated it very early, and was afterward succeeded by numerous owners, among whom were Solomon Sherman. Daniel Bixler and John Forker. The mill remained in operation about twenty years, and at times was well patronized. The next saw-mill was built at Kendallville, to supply the old plank-road with lumber. No grist-mill has been built in Wayne Township outside of Kendallville. The old plank- road was extensively traveled in early years, especially after the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law, by colored fugitives from the Southern States on their way to Canada. They were assisted on their way by S. Whitford, John Longyear, old man Waterhouse, and several others along the road. Father Waterhouse was constantly engaged in the business, and it must be remembered that any help rendered the escaping slaves was punishable by stringent legal enactments; consequently those who engaged in the work, knowing that they were violating the law, carried on their schemes under the friendly cover of the night. Mr. Waterhouse was discovered assisting fugitive slaves, and, it is said, was arrested, but finally cleared himself after consider- able trouble. In the light of subsequent events, this noble-hearted old man, and all others who engaged in the work through humane motives, deserve a lasting tribute to their memory. Mr. Longyear says that on one occasion eight dusky fugitives remained over night at his house, and were taken away just at daybreak, and hurried to some other point. Mr. Longyear received the appointment of Postmaster in about 1850, and retained the office seven years. Prior to that event, it had been at Marseilles, in Orange Township, Joseph Scott being the Postmaster. Luke Diggins opened a tavern on the Fort Wayne road very soon after coming to the township, not far from the year 1838; but, prior to that, one had been thrown open for public entertainment in what is now Kendallville, by Mrs. Dingman, the latter house being the first in the township. Diggins' tavern was standing on the Fort Wayne road, near the Orange Township line, and became a great resort of those who courted the god of wine. Whole nights were spent in the old bar-room, and merriment ruled the hours. " In the days of my yoiitli, whfia (he heart's ia its spring, And dreams that affection can never talie win^. I had friends ! — -who has not ? — but what tongue will avow That friends, rosy wine 1 are as faithful as thon ? WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 141 "Then the season of youth and its vanities past, For refuge we iiy to the goblet at last ; There we find — do we not? — in the flow of the soul, That youth, as of yore, is confined to the bowl." For the first few years, the early settlers were obliged to go to Brush Prai- rie for corn, wheat and vegetables. No man had money in any quantity worth mentioning, and it was therefore necessary for those dealing in values to devise a system of exchanges, and this was accomplished by the establishment of a representative of value that was within the reach of all. A day's labor in the woods was as unchangeable as any value, and was often used as a standard, by which prices were fi.xed and exchanges effected. Thomas B. Weston, quite an early settler, was well known and universally respected and trusted. It was customary at the time taxes were to be paid for some settler who could be de- pended upon to obtain from each tax-payer the necessary amount of money, and then proceed to the county seat, where the claims of the county and State were adjusted. Mr. Weston often did this for the settlers in Wayne Township. One day he approached Mr. Longyear's house, and told the owner that it was tax- paying time, and for him to get ready his money. This was new for Mr. Long- year, and he replied that he had not laid by any money for such a purpose. " Well, can't you raise the money, some way ? " asked Mr. Weston ; whereupon he was given a coon skin and a fawn skin, which were taken to Port Mitchell, then the county seat, and sold, and the $1.50 realized was used to pay Mr. Longyear's first tax. That was only a common incident, and fitly illustrates the early way of meeting obligations. Many cranberries were growing in the surrounding marshes, and these were gathered and sold, and the cash realized was turned over to the tax collector. The woods were filled with wild hogs and rattlesnakes, and as the former were needed they were shot, and, as the latter were not needed, they were likewise killed. The early settlers were like brothers, sharing with each other provisions, etc., and assisting in all depart- ments of farm work. The first schoolhouse in the township was erected in about the year 1838, on the farm of the heirs of John Sawyer. It was a small, round-log structure, built in the rudest and most primitive way, and without a solitary interesting feature, save the roaring fire-place that lighted the gloomy room with ruddy and fitful glow. Joseph White, a native of the Buckeye State, taught the first school, receiving for his services $1 for the term from each scholar, and his board from the patrons of the school, the latter being the families of Mrs. John Sawyer, Luke Diggins, and two or three others. The plank for the doors, window-casings, etc., was obtained at the old Latta Saw-Mill in Orange Township, as the Sawyer Mill had not yet been erected. This old house was used five or six years, when a small frame school building was erected near it to take its place. In 1845, a log schoolhouse was built in the Kimmel neigh- borhood, and was used until it became leaky, when it was abandoned, and a better one built. By this time, there was some school money that had been 142 HISTORY OF NOIJLE COUNTY. raised by taxation, and was used to pay the teacher and maintain the school. The second house in this neighborhood was a frame structure which is yet standing and used, though it has often undergone repair. The next school- house was built one mile north of John Longyear's residence, about 1846 ; others have succeeded it. The schoolhouse at the Center was built the same year, and, within the succeeding four or five years, every district then in the township was supplied with some kind of a rude log schoolhouse. Lydia Bixler was the first teacher at the Center. The Longyear school building was not erected at public expense. It was the outgrowth of jealousy, and was built at the expense of a few foolish individuals, who subsequently turned it over to the township. Several other districts have been ruptured the same way, until there are fourteen school buildings in the township outside of Ken- dallville. The result is as might have been expected. If every man must have his own schoolhouse, he " must pay for his whistle," and live to see it run down. Wayne Township is certainly well supplied with schoolhouses, and also has its full share of spleen. A small Free-Will Baptist society was organized in about 1841 or per- haps a year or two earlier. Circuit ministers came to preach about once a month, and a membership of some twelve or fifteen was secured. The society was first organized in Daniel Bixler's barn, where tt met for a few months, and then occupied the old log schoolhouse. Some of the early members were Dan- iel Bixler and family, Barbara and Elizabeth Dingman, Philander Isbell and others. Rev. John Staley was one of the first preachers. When he died, the flock, being without a shepherd, became confused and scattered, and the society was soon extinct. The Bixler girls were fine singers, possessing magnificent voices, and drawing many outsiders in to hear them. In about 1847, a revival was held at the Center Schoolhouse by an able minister of the Episcopal Methodist persuasion, and many were converted and joined to the church. Meetings were held in schoolhouses, and at last a good-sized log church was built on the farm of Nicholas Hill. This was used until it was worn out, and until a portion of the membership had altered their faith to that of the Protestant Methodists. The old building was abandoned, and the Episcopal Methodists afterward held their meetings in the old schoolhouse near by, while the Protest- ant Methodists went down to the Center Schoolhouse, where they still continue to assemble. The other branch of the church built a neat frame building a short distance east of where the old log house had stood, about fourteen years ago. The society is in a flourishing condition. Among the members who belonged at the time the first church was built in about the year 18.")1 were the Hills, Brundages, Greens, Rices, Johnsons, Youngs, Stantons and Wilsons. These religious societies have had an excellent effect upon the morals of the citizens. The German Methodist society, which now has a church on Section 2, was organized in the fall of 1857 by the following persons who became mem- bers : George Linder and wife, Gottlieb Fried and wife, and George Frey and «£jJfM t t m Catherine Weston TOWN OF LIGONIER. 145 wife. The first meeting was held at the house of George Linder, with the Rev. John Snider as Pastor. After this, meetings were held in the various private houses and in Hamer's Schoolhouse, until the membership had reached about thirty, when a consultation was held at the residence of John Shifaly, regarding the propriety of building a church, which resulted in the appoint- ment of a committee, with Mr. Shifaly as chairman, to solicit subscriptions for the erection of such a building, Mr. Shifaly donating $100 and the necessary ground. In May, 1873, the contract for the erection of a church, 30x40 feet, was let to Mr. Shifaly for $1,318, and the house was completed in October and dedicated in November, 1873, the Rev. Andrew Meyers being first Pastor. The church was named " Weston's Chapel," in honor of the old settler of that name. The first Trustees were John Ackerman, Gottlieb Fried, George Frey, Charles Kent and John Shifaly. The present membership is about forty. Rev. August Gerlach, Pastor. The society is in good circumstances. The Trinity class in the northern part was organized in 1869, by D. S. Oakes, who became first Pastor. Among the early members were D. Fiant and wife, Mr. Kreuger and wife and R. Hutchins and wife. Preaching was held in the Ream's School- house. In February, 1873, a subscription was started for a brick church, 34x48 feet. A considerable amount was thus promised, and the work was begun by the appointment of the following building committee : M. Eckhart, M. Kreuger and R. Hutchins, who, in July, let the contract for building the house to M. Kreuger for $2,150. For some reason further work was postponed until the fal- lowing year, when the house was constructed, and finally dedicated in August, 1874, R. Riegel being Pastor. On the day of dedication a debt of $600 cov- ered the church ; this has since been reduced until at present only $60 remain. In 1880, $80 were expended in repairs. The membership, in 1875, was twenty-two ; that at present about forty. The present Pastor is Rev. D. S. Oakes. C HAPTER VII. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEBD. Town or Ligonier— E.\rly Development — Subsequent Improvement— Ap- pearance OF Industries— The Sons of Temperance — Fires — Incorpora- tion OF THE Village— Secret Societies— The Jews— The Shipment ok Wheat— Mr. Gerber's Experience — Education and Religion— The High School- Statistics. THE incorporated town of Ligonier was laid out and platted in May, 1835, the year before the county was organized, by Isaac Caven., owner and proprietor, and the plat was recorded at the county seat of La Grange County. One hundred and ten lots were laid out on a beautiful tract of land, which, in former years, had been used as a depository of animal bones, from which the flesh had been gnawed by red men, before the era of settlement. The early 146 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. settlers found growing in bountiful profusion, all over the present site of tte town, great bods of the finest wild strawberries, which sprang up around the moldering bones, making a '"merry meal" from the rich mold. The Elk- hart River, then twice as large as it is at present and far more beautiful, wound through the present town site and was the resort of hundreds of deer, which came to bathe in the stream or drink of its limpid waters. Like all proprietors of towns in early years, Mr. Caven confidently expected to be the founder of a metropolis that would immortalize his name and fill his empty coffers witli an abundant supply of "the representative of value." He owned eighty acres wliere the village stands. A short time after the village had been founded, Isaac Spencer (who lived about a mile south and who was the first County Clerk) erected a small hewed-log storeroom, in which was placed a small stock of a gen- eral assortment of goods, valued at about f 1,000. The goods were removed from a store Mr. Spencer had at his residence. Not much of a trade was obtained. Ward Bradford built the first residence, into which his family moved about 1836. Spencer did not continue business in the village longer than about two years; and, as soon as he departed, Daniel Stukey succeeded him, occupy- ing the same room, with not so large a stock, until 1839, when he too found the occupation unprofitable and went out of business. Two or three families lived in Ligonier in 1840, but it had not yet dawned upon the citizens' minds to denominate the place a village. In autumn, 1844, Henry Treer, of the partnership Hill & Treer, of Fort Wayne, opened a general store, and, a year later, Hugh Miller followed suit. Treer became somewhat embarrassed about 1846, and retired from the business; and Miller likewise saw visions of more profitable fields of labor not far from the same time. Taylor Vail, yet an in- fluential and respected citizen of Ligonier, succeeded Treer. The population in 1845 was about 50; in 1850, about 100; in 1855, about 300; in 1860, about 900; in 1865, about 1,100; in 1870, about 1,400; in 1875, about 1,700; in 1880, about 2,000. The present population is about 2,200. Allen Beall, who put in an appearance in 1844, was the first resident blacksmith. From 1845 to 1852, the growth of the village languished; but, at the latter date, as it became assured that the Northern Indiana Railroad was to pass through the town, all manner of improvement underwent a revival. Soon after this, quite a number of that shrewdest and most business-like and pros- perous class of people, known as Jews, established themselves at Ligonier, and the population and business, within five years, quadrupled. The Jews, with plenty of money, have continued to come, until no town in Indiana of the same size contains the same number of these excellent people. The beauty, amiability and grace of the Ligonier ladies are proverbial. Myers & Strous, dealers in "clodings" and dry goods, began business about 1854; Kearl & Smalley not far from the same time; Haskell & Ellis, ditto; George McClellan, a tinner, ditto. There were five or six stores in town in 1855, where almost anything could be obtained for "de monish." TOWN OF LIGONIER. 147 *In about 1847, Taylor Vail became owner of the foundry that had been in operation at Rochester, and moved all the apparatus to Ligonier, where he continued the work of the former owners, manufacturing all kinds of plow castings, a few cook stoves, pots, kettles, and various other useful articles and implements. He sold out to Jacob Wolf in about 1848, who continued in the same line for two years, then selling to Mr. Beall, who also disposed of the property to (probably) George Ulmer & Sons, not far from the year 1855. A few years later the property was destroyed by fire, and was Jiot afterward re- built About two molders were employed, and a few assistants, who, at the most prosperous periods of the enterprise, secured a combined cash and book account of about $1,200 per annum. Some of the old articles manufactured are yet in use. A saw-mill was built in 1852, and James Kennedy, Benjamin Ruple and George Hersey conducted it three years, without profit. The Fish- ers built and operated one about 1856, continuing with success some six or eight years. Dodge & Randolph built one after the war. Fisher Brothers, soon after their saw-mill had been erected, built a grist-mill near it, and fur- nished the village and surrounding country with flour for a few years, when the mill was abandoned, and Albert Banta and A. C. Fisher erected another on the site of the present Randolph Mill. Joseph Fisher, in about 1859, built one where the Empire Mill now stands. The post office was established in Ligonier in 1848, and was a continuation of the Good Hope office, the first one granted in the county. H. M. Goodspeed has been Postmaster since the war. Solomon Mier established a private bank in 1872, and is there yet doing a gen- eral banking business. In 1870, the Straus Brothers established their private bank. They are dealing largely in real estate. The Sons of Temperance or- ganized a lodge in 1849, nearly all the principal citizeus joining it. Harvey W. Wood came from a distance, and, in violation of the State law, began re- tailing liquor from his wagon on the streets. The Sons of Temperance seized his liquor (legally) and concealed it, but about this time the Supreme Court de- cided that the law prohibiting the sale of liquor on the street was unconstitu- tional ; but the Sons, refusing to give up the " spirits," suit was begun against them by the owner for damage. The owner was successful, and the Sons, in some way, turned over their hall to satisfy the judgment, but retained the li({uor. What was to be done with all the whisky, rum, etc., became the ab- sorbing question. At this time, there belonged to the lodge about one hundred of the most prominent citizens in the village and surrounding country. After considerable discussion, it was decided that the liquor (which in some incom- prehensible manner had greatly decreased in quantity, though several kegs were yet left), should be put up at auction and sold to the highest bidder, none but Sons being permitted to bid. It was a laughable scene, long to be remembered. Here were the very men who had so bitterly denounced the cause of intem- perance but the day before, vying to outbid each other in order to get the liquor, which, by the way, was of the best quality. The " Grand Mogul " of 148 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. the lodge immediately arose with the spirit of the occasion, and, amid great Ex- citement, bid off the best keg of rum, and in dignity departed, lugging it home on his shoulder. On went the sale, and away went the remaining few kegs, to the bitter disappointment of the great majority of Sons. It is needless to add that the lodge immediately became defunct. Ask not the historian for the names of these Sons ; go for information to the " old settlers." In 1860, a $15,000 fire was indulged in, on Caven street, along where Taylor Vail's store now is. In December, 1870, an $8,000 fire swept over a portion of the same ground. In 1858, $5,000 in property was destroyed, on the second corner south of Mr. Vail's store. In 1873, the fire fiend swept away the Conrad Block ; loss about $6,000. These have been the principal fires. The Odd Fellows, Masons and Good Templars have lodges in the town. In 1864, the village having sufficient population for the purpose, the citizens pro- ceeded to petition the Commissioners to incorporate the town. This was soon accomplished ; but the writer cannot give the details, owing to the loss of the records (which, by the way, were kept in very poor shape), and the treachery of recollections. In August and September, 1860, 31,180 bushels of wheat were shipped from Ligonier. It is a great wheat market at present, as nearly 500,000 bushels are shipped awaj' annually. In January, 1874, an association, known as the Ligonier Building, Loan and Saving Association, was chartered, the object being " the accumulation of funds by the savings of the members thereof, to aiil and assist the stockholders to purchase real estate, erect build- ings, and make such other investments as are provided by law." The corpora- tion was chartered for eight years, and its operations were limited to Noble County, the capital stock being $100,000, and shares $500 each. Some fifty citizens of Ligonier and vicinity appended their names to the articles of associ- ation. Nine directors were appointed, and the following first officers were elected : President, John B. Stoll ; Vice President, Isaac E. Knisely ; Treasurer, David S. Scott : Secretary, Daniel W. Green. This association did not come up to the hopes of the members ; and, in 1877, a new charter was ob- tained, and an entirely new organization effected under the name Perry Build- ing, Loan and Savings Association. The corporation is yet in its infancy. The first school building erected on the present site of Ligonier, was a small, hewed-log structure, rudely and hastily put together, in about 1837, by some four or five of the early settlers in the vicinity, one of them being Jacob Wolf, from whose premises the logs were taken. Miss Achsa Kent, who after- ward became the wife of one of the Frinks living near Port Mitchell, was em- ployed to teach the first school, which she did, receiving her pay by subscrip- tion, and boarding around. The second teacher in this house was Henry Hos- tetter, and the third, James Miller. The log schoolhouse was used for almost everything until about 1851, when, on account of its dilapidated condition, it was succeeded by a small frame building, which was known far and near as the '• Red Schoolhouse." . A few years after this schoolhouse was erected, Mr. Eli TOWN OF LIGONIER. 149 B. Gerber was employed to teach the tow-headed urchins that assembled there. The first morning, he fired up his sinking courage, repaired to the schoolhouse, and began vigorously to ring the bell. Miscalculating either on his strength, or on the toughness of the bell-rope, the cord snapped off just as he began to ring. What in the world was to be done ? A happy thought darted through his bewildered mind. He would ascend into the loft through the small uncov- ered opening in the ceiling, and tie the rope together. No sooner conceived than up the loft he went. By this time, the children began to flock in, anxious for a " good squint " at the new teacher. They saw nothing of that function- ary until the latter, making a misstep above, came thundering down through the plaster, tearing off, on the way, nearly half the lath on the ceiling. The scholars stared in terror at the formidable object, thinking, doubtless, that the old Devil himself was after them, and then, with one accord, ran pell-mell out of the room in the greatest fright. School on that day was a decided failure. Mr. Gerber tells this story with many mental reservations ; but he has another which he tells to particular friends (and historians), and reserves none of the very interesting facts. It is an adventure which he and a select company of companions had with a band of Indians, in about 183.5, near Omaha, Neb. He armed himself with an enormous — but Mr. Gerber may tell the story in his own inimitable style. All go and ask him for it — one at a time. Have him tell the story often. The old red schoolhouse was built in the ordinary way, by means of funds raised by direct taxation. This was used until 1865, when the present three- storied brick building was constructed at a cost of about $12,000. Money cer- tificates, or orders on the Town Treasurer, for stipulated sums were issued by the Trustees, and purchased by the citizens ; or rather, the money was advanced by the citizens, and the town's obligations, bearing interest at 6 per cent per annum, were given in lieu thereof. The citizens were sadly in want of a more commodious schoolhouse ; and all having money to spare advanced it, and took the above obligations. In this manner no trouble was experienced in getting money to build the house. - The building was poorly constructed (according to reports), and was located upon the public square, the third story being fitted up for a town hall to satisfy objections as to the legality of trans- forming the park into a schoolyard. For a number of years prior to the erec- tion of the brick, the old red schoolhouse was so dilapidated and small that select schools sprang into existence in various portions of the town. Vacant rooms here and there were converted to school uses, and the old red house was left to the wind, the owls and the bats. The log and the red frame school- houses were not the only ones in early years ; as, in 18-57, when the north side (or Brooklyn, as it is sometimes denominated) had become quite well populated, a frame schoolhouse, a little larger than the old red one, and commonly known as the "White Schoolhouse" to distinguish it from the other, was erected there, and used until 1873, when the present two-storied brick took its place at 150 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. a cost of about $3,300. It may be mentioned here that many select schools have been taught in the past, several of which were well conducted. There have also been denominational schools. The first movement toward the erection of the High School building, was a petition presented to the Town Trustees in May, 1875, asking that a special ordinance be passed, to issue town bonds to the amount of $10,000 (the Trustee of Perry Township having promised to levy for the same amount, to be placed with that raised in the town, and for the same purpose), the same to be applied toward the erection of such a building. Definite action on the petition was deferred until April, 1876, during which time the subject was thoroughly discussed, and permission was obtained from the County Commissioners by the Township Trustees to create a township debt of $4,000 (there being at the time, in his hands about $2,000), the same to be raised by assessment, and applied toward the erection of the high school building. During the same time, it was decided to put about $18,000 into the schoolhouse, two-thirds of which were to be paid by the town, on account of the greater benefit likely to be received by it. The $2,000 in the hands of the Township Trustee, and the $4,000 (which were raised in two annual assessments) were presented within two years to the building committee. This much for the township. The town, in accordance with a special ordinance, issued its bonds (twelve in number, bearing 9 per cent interest) for $12,000 ; and soon effected a negotiation for the entire amount. The following is the report of the negotiating committee . To the Board of Trustees of the Town of Ligonier: The undersigned, who were by the Board of Trustees of Ligonier appointed agents for the sale of certain schoolhouse bonds in the sum of $12,000, authorized to be issued by Ordinance No. 19, would respectfully report, that we have sold the said bonds to Dr. W. P. Hazleton, of New York ; that the interest upon said bonds (being 9 per cent per annum) is payable semi-annually at the National Park Bank of New York, on the first day of May and November of each year, the first installment coming due November 1, 1876 ; that the charge of said National Park Bank for turning over said bonds to Dr. Hazleton receiving the money therefor, and issuing certificates of deposition in our favor, amounts to the sum of $16, which sum said bank deducted from certificate of deposit No. 6,044, as per their statement ; that we received as the net proceeds of said sale of bonds four certificates of deposit, issued by said National Park Bank, and calling for $11,985; that upon the filing of a bond by the School Board of Ligonier with the Auditor of Noble County, covering the sum of $15,000, we turned over to the Treasurer of said Board the said four certificates of deposit, taking his receipt therefor, which is hereunto attached. We also herewith file a copy of the bonds issued by authority of Ordinance No. 19, and sold to Dr. W. P. Hazleton as above stated. J. B. Stoll, 1 . J. C. Zimmerman, /Agents. May 15, 1876. As the Town Trustees found they could not be in readiness to pay the first installment of bond interest on the 1st of November, 1876, a special ordi- nance was passed providing that an additional bond, suflScient in amount to cover such interest, be issued. This was done, and the bond was purchased by Straus Brothers. At the proper time, a tax was levied upon town property, sufficient in amount to pay off the interest accruing annually on the bonds, and also to / / LIGONIER TOWN OF LIQONIER 153 create a sinking fund, witB which at least one of the bonds could be taken up yearly. In August, 1879, the above bonds, to the amount of $11,000, were refunded, pursuant to an act of the State Legislature, approved March 24, 1879, each new bond being for $1,000, and drawing interest at 6 per cent per annum. The entire amount of the new bonds was purchased by Mr. W. P. Hazleton, and, at the present writing, $8,000 and some interest are yet to be paid by the town. A simple arithmetical calculation will show that before this debt is wholly liquidated at the present rate of payment, there will have been paid over $20,000 by the town of Ligonier. The next thing to be done was to secure a competent Superintendent or Principal to put the school in shape, and to unite the discordant elements or factions which had resulted from the limited authority given by the School Trustees to former Superintendents in the public schools. What grading had been done was more from the standpoint of physical proportions than from mental endowments or acquirements : hence, upon the new Superintendent was thrown a burden with which none but a man of long experience in scholastic discipline, and one with great executive ability, could have advanced to the present excellent condition of things. Prof D. D. Luke, of Goshen, was the man destined to create order out of chaos. He was employed to superintend all the town schools, and to conduct certain courses of instruction in the High School. This he has done to the perfect satisfaction of the School Trustees. Prof. Luke, assisted by the County Superintendent, conducts a normal school for six weeks during each autumn, and a praiseworthy interest is created. Three commencement days have dawned upon the High School, and forty-two well-informed young ladies and gentlemen have gone forth to battle with life. As early as 1831, ministers of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist denominations, began to appear about once a month and preach to the earliest inhabitants in the vicinity of Ligonier. Meetings were held in log cabins, barns, and, finally, in schoolhouses. Beyond a doubt, as early as 1842, the Methodists began holding rude meetings in Ligonier, but the society, though probably formed in 1844, did not feel able to erect a church until 1846, at which time, Henry Treer, having donated the lot upon which the present Methodist Church stands, to be used for purposes of religion, began to agitate tlie propriety of building a church. This was followed by the immediate con- struction of the first church building in Ligonier. It was a small frame struct- ure, 30x40 feet, but it answered the purpose. Great revivals were held soon afterward, and large accessions were made to the membership. At last, in 1 S58, the present house was erected. It has been remodeled several times since, and will last many years to come. The Methodist society is the strong- est in Ligonier at present. The Presbyterians and the Baptists endeavored to organize early societies in the town, but without avail. The Universalists sprang into life about 1854, and within the next two years the following well- known persons organized themselves into the second religious society in town : 154 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Harrison Wood, John C. Johnson, James Smalley, John Morrow, James Mc- Mann, George Hersey, Jacob Kiser, Niah Wood, Lewis Cavil, H. C. Fisher, C. L. Welman, A. D. Hostetter, Andrew Engle, and a few others. The church, which cost about $1,000, was erected in 1856, and is yet occupied, but not by the Universalists. Rev. William J. Chaplin was employed to minister to the spiritual welfare of the flock, receiving for his services $150 per year for one-fourth of the time, and remaining about two years. The society bor- rowed money of Harrison Wood ; but, neglecting to return the loan, was prose- cuted, and a judgment of about $350 was obtained by Mr. Wood. Soon after- ward, or in about 1861, the church was sold at auction, and purchased by Mr. Wood for about the amount of the judgment ; but, within a short time, a three- fourths' interest in the house was sold to members of the Disciple society for $350. This is the condition of things at present, Mr. Wood reserving the right to have Universalist or other ministers preach there occasionally. The Universalist society has not since been revived. About five years ago, there was held in a tent on the public streets of Ligonier a number of religious meetings, conducted by Rev. Charles Woodworth, a Wesleyan Methodist, as- sisted by Rev. Mr Woodruff; and a little society was soon formed. Mr. Will- iam Leuty, a resident of Ligonier, and a man of broad charity, philanthropy, and a very earnest Christian, immediately went to the head of the society. Many of the members came from the region of the Fair View Schoolhouse, where a society of the same denomination had been formed about the same period. Mr. Leuty furnished $1,500, with which a small, neat brick church was built on the north side. A membership of about sixteen was se- cured. Afterward, Mr. Leuty purchased a parsonage with $800, and turned it over as a gift to the membership. Revs. Worth, Derapsey and North have been the pastors. Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. Leuty. He does not care to have his charitable actions heralded to the world, yet they are im- portant matters of history. When the writer interviewed him for matters of interest connected with his life and labor, he politely and firmly said, " I have nothing to say," and the historian had to seek other sources. Mr. Leuty has given toward the M. E. Church here about $1,600. He built a church at Ada, Ohio, which cost $2,150. There is scarcely a church in Ligonier that has not been assisted from the '-slough of despond" by this venerable and benevolent old man. These have apparently forgotten the donor of the gifts, and the cruel lesson of ingratitude has been publicly taught. It is stated, on good authority, that Mr. Leuty has given away to various religious organizations about $15,000. Besides this, he has donated large sums to educational purposes and to elee- mosynary institutions. He gave $13,000 toward the " Carpenter Building," in Chicago, a structure designed to be used to antagonize Masonry. He has given several thousand dollars to " Wheaton College," Illinois. At least, $30,- 000 has been given away in this manner. Too bad the world has so few such men as William Leuty. TOWN OF LIGONIER. . 155 A United Brethren society was organized many years ago, but did not survive long. In 1872, it was revived by Rev. F. Thomas, who became the pastor in charge. He has been succeeded by Revs. L. P. Dunnick, J. A. Cummins, J. F. Bartness and the present incumbent, J. Simons, an eloquent young divine. This society owns the finest church edifice in the town, the structure being a fine brick, erected on the north side in 1874, at a cost of $5,500. The present membership is about sixty-five. The Sunday school was first organized in 1874. The present attendance is 125, T. Hudson officiating as Superintendent. The Seventh-Day Advents, under the direction of Elders S. A. Lane and H. M. Kenyon, erected a tent in the town in May, 1875, and began expounding their peculiar tenets tb large audiences. The following per- sons organized themselves into a society during the following autumn : A. E. Stulzman, Mary A. Graham, William Culveyhouse, Ellen Squires, J. H. Gra- ham, Hattie Cline, Eva Kegg, Catharine Clark, Viola Graham, Isaac Mc- Kinney, Maria Walsh, Emma Green and Elizabeth Skeels. The present membership is about sixty-three. Their church was built during the winter of 1876-77 ; but was not dedicated until December 23, 1877. It is a brick structure and cost about $1,700. A Sunday school was organized in October, 1875. The society has been served by Elders Lane, Sharp and Rogers. A Jewish synagogue was established in the Hostetter building, in 1867, by the election of the following officers : Mathias Straus, President ; Isaac Ackerman, Vice President; Jonas Decker, Treasurer; H. B. Faulk, Secretary; Solomon Mier, Leopold Schloss and F. M. Straus, Trustees. A small building was erected in September of the same year. Mr. Jacob Straus presented the so- ciety with a Jewish Bible valued at $200. The Catholics first began to assemble in about the year 1858, at which time Father Henry Force, an itinerant priest, began pilgrimages from Fort Wayne. But few Catholic families lived in Ligonier and vicinity at that time; but finally sufficient finance was accumulated to build a small frame church, which was done in about the year 1860. This building, with some little im- provement, was used until a few years ago, when it was entirely remodeled at a cost of $1,500. Perhaps the society has never exceeded twenty families. Father Iloltz was the first priest. He has been succeeded by Fathers Deumick, Cuenlin, Eichtern, Moisner, Beckleman and Krager. For the following excellent sketch of the Disciple Church, the historian is indebted to Rev. J. M. Monroe. The society was organized April 26, 1863, with the following charter members : Edmund Richmond and wife, S. N. Pence and wife, Jonathan Simmons and wife, C. R. Stone and wife, J. M. Knepper and wife, Nancy Shidler, Lucy Engles, Sophia King, Elizabeth Engle and Jacob L. Simmons. On the same day Edmund Richmond and S. N. Pence were elected Elders, and J. M. Knepper and Jonathan Simmons, Sr., Deacons. On the 8th of June, 1863, it was decided by the society to purchase the Uni- versalist Church, which had been sold to Judge Wood at Sheriff's sale. Three- 156 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNJY. fourths interest in the building was purchased for $350. This house is yet occupied by the society. Rev. Charles Richmond served as pastor one year, portions of 1863 and 1864. George W. Chapman served one year, term end- ing in 1865. W. B. Hendry served from fall of 1865 to fall of 1867. N. J. Aylsworth from October, 1867, to January, 1870. James Hadsel served in 1870. J. M. Monroe was pastor from June, 1871, to November, 1872. J. E. Harris from December, 1872, to May, 1874 ; F. Grant, half of the year 1874 ; R. S. Groves, a year and a half, 1875 and 1876 ; Elder Heard, a year and a half, 1876 and 1877 ; 0. Ebert, a year and a half, 1878 and until June 1879; J. M. Monroe, from September, 1879, until the present, having entered upon a permanent pastorate. Mr. Monroe is a very capable and energetic man, and is greatly beloved by his congregation. The first revival was held by Benjamin Lockhart, of Ohio, in May, 1863, two weeks after the organiza- tion, at which time J. M. Fry, wife and daughter, Misses Mary Simmons and Addie Shipman joined the society. The first important revival was held by W. B. Hendry, in February, 1866. It grew out of a debate between Elder John VV. Sweeny, of the Disciple society, and Rev. Cooper, of the Methodist. After the debate the meeting was continued, and among the conversions were L. J. Dunning and wife, W. A. Brown and wife, Peter Sisterhen and wife, Joseph Braden and wife, Charles Stites and wife. Riffle Hathaway and wife, Jessie and Lucinda Dunning, Nancy Stansbury, Jonathan Simmons, Jr., and Rebecca Huber. About this time there joined the church Dr. Adam Gants and wife, H. R. Cornell and wife, David Miller and wife, Mrs. A. C. Jones, Dr. Landon. Sarah Himes, Abraham King and wife, Mary Vincent, Margaret Parks, Josephine and Bell Chapman, Mrs. Finley Beazel, David Simmons and George Kuhn and wife. The second important revival was held by W. B. Hendry, during the pastorate of James Hadsel, or in March and April, 1870. This meeting was also preceded by a debate between Elder Sweeny and Rev. Chaplain, of the Universalist Church. Thirty-nine persons joined the society: John S. Ohlwine and wife, Matthias Marker, J. B. Stutsman and wife, Mrs. Fayette Peck, Mrs. Daniel Scott, Dickinson Miller and wife, Emmaret Stans- bury, Jennie Hathaway, Lena and Rosa Sisterhen, Emma Dunning, Helen Mayfield, Tillie Wolfe, Mrs. Jacob Huffman, E. A. Keasey, Dolphus Teal being among the number. The third revival was held in January and February, 1872, by Rev. J. M. Moni-oe, Pastor. The number of conversions was eighty- two, being the largest in the history of the church. Among the additions were Albert Banta, Luzon Gilbert, John Speckijn and wife, Mrs. Judge Wood, Mrs. N. R. Treash, Mrs. James Silburn, Orrie Sweetland, Pineo Pancake, Miss Madison, Mrs. Drumbeller and daughter, Isaac Todd, William Herbst, wife and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Campbell, Hattie Parks, Mrs. Jonathan Simmons, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Sisterhen, Thomas and Oliver Simmons, Moses Goshern, Allie Folk, Mrs. Niles, William Hays and wife and Sarah Meyer. Many other.s have since joined, until the society at present numbers TOWN OF LIGONIER. 157 214 members, being the largest in Ligonier, if not in the county. It has received into its communion 442 persons, a majority of whom have moved away. An efficient Sunday school is conducted by J. H. Huffman, Superin- tendent ; average attendance over one hundred. The society has organized a Woman's Christian Missionary Society, also a social society. The choir leader is Samuel Krashbaum ; organists, Katie Brown and Jessie Stutsman. The following interesting statistics of Ligonier were prepared for the year 1878, by John W. Peters, foreman in the Banner office, to whom the historian is greatly indebted for the privilege of using the same : DENOMINATIONS. Methodist Episcopal.... Christian United Brethren Wesleyan Methodist Ahavath Sholom St. Patrick's (Catholic). Seventh Day Advent. ... Total.. MEMBERSHIP. 42 40 19 8 20 50 16 19-5 84 77 42 8 25 50 27 313 ■go 21 $3,000 2,000 4,500 1,500 1,000 2,000 1,600 O 9 $1,000 700' 600 4uO 500 200 870 $111 00 195 40 265 73 50 00 700 00 400 00 115 00 $15,600 $3,770;$1,837 13 38 435 Zai 125 70 179 23 38 200 175 100 30 26 70 35 635 NEWSPAPEBS. Ligonier Banner — Politics, Democratic ; published weekly; established, 1866; circulation, 1,348; language, English ; employes, 4; average monthly wages, $30; size, 28x43. Ligonier Leader — Politics, Republican; published weekly; established, 1880; circulation, 1,300; language, English; employes, 4; average monthly wages, $23; size, 30x44. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Number of buildings 3 Value of all school buildings $20,300 Number of teachers 8 Male teachers 2 Female teachers G Average monthly wages for male teachers $72 50 Average monthly wages for female teachers $;30 00 Male pupils Female pupils Total white pupils Colored male pupils... Colored female pupils.. Total colored 352 361 713 1 1 2 PHYSICIANS. Number 13 Value of library and furniture ,$7 0(X) Value of office business 19,400 ■Other expenses 3,525 ATTORNEYS. Number Value of library and furniture $8,150 Value of office business 4,700 Other expenses 430 158 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. BANKINO HOUSES. Number 2 Banking capital $110,000 Deposits to January 1, 1879 $105,000 Employes 8 Salaries $14,000 Other expenses '^,000 CLASSIFICATION OP MANU- FACTORIES. Blacksmithing Boots and shoes Breweries Vehicles Cigars Cooper shops Flouring mills Foundries Furniture Harness and saddles . Wooden handles Marble works Merchant tailors Photographers Planing mills Saw mills Trunks Totals. Number ofiCapital In- Shopa. $2300 6850 5000 10250 400 4300 20000 10000 9250 2900 4000 2000 3600 1350 16.500 1800 300 RawMater ial Used. Va 1 u e of Products. $6980 8500 16600 350 3400 58820 4000 4300 8500 600 2000 7500 425 12000 5000 300 P22700 17000 39670 1400 72-18 68301 12000 10500 15400 2500 7500 13000 2405 20182 7.500 700 42 $100800 $136275 $254096 138 $54580 $9407 Number of Employ- 16 14 16 1 10 6 11 7 12 3 6 8 3 14 4 1 WagesPaid During Tear. $6996 6300 7820 650 3018 3120 4700 2972 3504 800 2184 2540 1110 6898 1808 260 All other Expenses. $615 375 1510 65 410 3329 300 700 555 100 175 275 400 400 183 15 OCCUPATIONS. Agricultural implements Boarding houses Books and news Boots and shoes Barbering Clothing stores Coal and wood Country produce Drug stores Dry goods Furniture dealers General merchandise Grain dealers Groceries and provisions.... Gunsmithing Hardware Hotels Jewelry, etc Liquor saloons Livery stables Live stock dealers Lumber dealers Millinery and dressmaking. Meat markets Saddles and harness Sewing machines Stove and tin dealers Tobacconists Wagons and buggies Well-digging and pumps Number of Shops. 4 2 1 4 2 4 1 1 4 1 4 9 6 13 1 4 1 3 4 2 4 5 7 2 4 1 1 4 Totals. 109 Average Value of Stock $3700 800 3275 11400 350 20000 60 3000 16000 4000 8200 79600 2900 2927 1100 17200 6000 3200 2650 6100 2600 14000 2425 2.50 3900 250 400 1300 4700 350 Total Pur- chases. §35900 2100 8000 23675 150 53000 720 61630 30800 12000 13200 196000 469200 9992 1363 49200 4000 3600 7100 2182 141000 49100 8280 21000 12600 3000 3000 7400 28870 1550 Total Sales Employes. $251985 $1371947 $1623941 $50600 4900 9600 31200 3796 63000 720 58130 40000 14000 16900 261000 475900 146938 2500 60500 5500 6600 17740 7500 156750 64442 12775 26500 18100 5000 4000 12400 40550 6500 5 2 4 4 10 1 8 8 3 4 33 . 6 26 1 11 9 .> 5 6 10 6 20 5 4 1 1 5 11 6 223 Wages. $3400 1400 1000 2300 2678 6700 25 3500 4020 1250 1700 22860 1300 12113 900 5750 2200 1550 2460 2300 6200 2670 2865 3600 2110 650 824 2150 3625 2302 $106202 $38831 Other Ex- penses. $1008 226 326 850 595 1926 35 1850 1770 300 950 7800 1026 4890 110 1550 2800 400 1385 1065 2775 490 1091 915 422 300 25 365 1360 250 t ^ i''^' Q^Oi^ '(T LIGONIER i CHAPTER VIII. by weston a. goodspekd. Perry Township— Roll of Early Settlers— General Growth- Deer Hunt- ing BY Night — Rochester, Washington and Hawville— Mills and Foundries— A Distinguished Frenchman— The Indians— Education and Religion. PREVIOUS to the year 1844, there had resided in Perry Township the fol- lowing men : Hugh Allison, William G. Allison, Edward Bouser, Daniel Bouser, Sebastian Bouser, Valentine Burris, John Billman, John Buzzard, Ed- ward Bailey, Andrew Bailey, William Bailey, Jacob Baker, William Bouzer, Allen Beall, Hartwell Coleman, John L. Conrad, Adam S. Conrad, Jeremiah Curstetter, Levi Carstetter, Isaac Caven, James Christie, Jonathan Caldwell, James Crook, R. D. Coldren, Francis Danner, William Denny, David Dun- gan, Francis Dungan, George Engle. Henry Engle, John Engle, Andrew En- gel, Felix Grimes, James Gordon, James Givens, Christian Heltzell, Henry Hostetter, Jr., John Hostetter, Benjamin Hostetter, James Hamilton, John Hamilton, William Hamilton, William J. Hamilton, George Hamilton, Solomon Harper, James Hoak, William Hoak, Cyrus Hoak, Henry Kline, Michael King, Samuel Kirkpatrick, James Latta, Perry Lee, Thomas W. Morrow, James Marker, George W. Miller, Seymour Moses, John Morrell, Philip Mil- ler, John Miller, Ambrose Miller, Solomon Miller, Henry Miller, Dickerson Miller, James McMann, James McKinney, Henry May, Linderraan May, Perry McMann, Alexander McConnell, Andrew Newhouse, Jonathan New- house, Josephus Neff, North Neff, Hiram Parks, -James Ramsby, Levi Reeves, Thomas Stone, Daniel H. Stukey, .Jacob Stage, Gideon Schlotterback, Elijah Shobe, Daniel Shobe, Silas Shobe, Henry Shobe, David Smalley, James Smalley, John Summers, Isaiah Thomas, George Teal, Joseph Teal, John Tomlinson, Jacob Wolf, Jeremiah Wolf, Jacob Vance, Harrison Wood, Ham- ilton Wilmeth, Joseph H. Woodell, Reuben Warner, James Wilmeth, George Welker, and several members of the Harsh family. There were many others who resided in the township during the interval mentioned ; but their names, unfortunately, cannot be remembered, those given having been placed on record at the county seat as owning land and entitled to their vote. The first settle- ment in the township, and, indeed, the first large permanent settlement in the county, was made in this township, beginning in 18.30, at which time Levi Perry, Isaiah Dungan and Richard Stone settled on Perry's Prairie (named for the first settler, Levi Perry). In 1831, there came in Jacob Wolf (yet living), Henry Hostetter, Sr., and his family of boys, Adam Engle and his family, Jacob Shobe and family, Joseph Smalley and family, Henry Miller an4 1&2 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNT V. family, and a few others. These arrivals (all being excellent people) assured the permanency of the settlement on Perry's Prairie. Large crops were put in ; and within two years these families had an abundant supply of grain and provisions. Those who located in the heavy woods in other portions of the county had a much harder time, as the forest must be cut down and consumed before crops of any consequence could be raised, and, even then, for many years, the growth was scanty and sickly, owing to the stumps, roots and re-ap- pearing underbrush. The granaries of the new settlement became filled, like those of Egypt, with corn and other grains ; and the impoverished pioneers throughout the surrounding country made "pilgrimages to Egypt" (as they called it) to buy corn and provisions. Thus Perry's Prairie became a famous place — famous for its excellent families — famous for its hospitality — famous for its generosity to those who came to buy or trade. Here, the first post office in the county was established ; and here it was that selections were made for the first county court and for the first township ofiicers. Others came in 1832 and 1833, during which time all the land of value on the Prairie was entered, and turned up by the plow. The land was filled with tough roots of brush, etc., but heavy plows, capable of turning over nearly a yard of earth, and drawn by eight or ten yoke of oxen, soon transformed the wild and irregular surface into smooth fields of growing grain. John Hostetter was perhaps the first to settle in the extreme northern part ; but, in 1836, he was followed by many more, each selecting his home where it best suited him, and all going to work in ear- nest. The first township election was held at the house of John Hostetter, but the names of the first officers are forgotten. There were twenty-five voters present. Reference is not made to the election while Perry was a part of La Grange County ; but to the first one held after Noble County was created. Through this township the White Pigeon road was opened by the State in about 1835. The State devoted 3 per cent of the receipts from the sale of land to the opening and improving of roads. But it was many years ere the roads were made pleasant. The Elkhart River which meandered through the town- ship was a beautiful stream in early years. Its banks were bordered with heavy woods or open glades ; and its clear waters were filled with the finest fish. Some of the stories as to the number of fish taken out in a few hours seem marvelous. The ordinary wild animals were present, except the bear, which had retreated to the heavy pine forests in Michigan. One manner of hunting deer (and a very successful one) was to float down the river at night with a bright light ; and the animals which came at that time to drink would stand per- fectly still, and stare at the light until shot down. Harrison Wood and a com- panion were at this work one night, when, just as they were about to fire at a fine buck, they managed to capsize the canoe. Away scampered the deer, and the nocturnal Nimrods had a " sweet " time getting out of the river and home. Tlie Indians were very numerous, and resorted to all sorts of devices to secure PERRY TOWNSHIP. 163 provisions or whisky. As usual, they were badly treated by some of the whites. Mrs. Galbreth, who lived in the northern part, had been captured by the Indians in Pennsylvania many years before, had seen her mother and sister cruelly tomahawked and scalped, and had been dragged far off into the wilderness by the savages, with whom she remained many wretched years, though she finally either managed to make her escape, or was given up by her captors. The story of her captivity would be one of absorbing interest. Hugh Allison erected a saw-mill at Rochester about the year 1834. The dam was washed away several times ; and, after running a few years, the mill was abandoned. In about 1842, Seymour Moses erected a saw-mill on Elkhart River, two miles northwest of Ligonier. He conducted the mill a few years, and then transferred it to the Miller Brothers, who neglected it, permitted the dam to break, and then dropped the whole business. In 1843, Seymour Moses began the construction of a carding mill near the site where his saw-mill was ; but, just as it was about completed, he died, and the project died with him. An early saw-mill was operated at Rochester by the " Iron-Works Company." Adam Engle conducted an early " corn-cracker " at the northern extremity of Indian Lake. The mill was built about 1835, had one set of niggerhead buhrs, cracked a great deal of corn, and made the attempt to grind wheat. It was operated five or six years, when the dam was destroyed by some one whose land was flooded by the back water. Rochester was laid out on Section 26, Township 35, Range 8, in Novem- ber, 1836, by Simpson Cummins, proprietor. Fifty blocks and fractional blocks were surveyed on the river bank, each full lot comprising eight lots, four lots being donated for school and church purposes. The lots were immediately offered for sale ; and the village grew rapidly. Several houses had been erected before the village was laid out. Powell (afterward joined by McCon- nell) opened an excellent store in about 1837, at which time some seven fami- lies resided there. Nelson Prentiss became their clerk. An iron factory was started about the same time, or a little later, by Baldwin, French, and, perhaps, others. Eight or ten teamsters were employed to haul iron ore from " Ore Prairie," in York Township ; and the business began to thrive. Both Baldwin and Frank died about the 'same time ; and then Mr. Lee assumed control. Richmond & Beall finally started a foundry about 1844, where plow-castings, pots, kettles, etc., etc., were manufactured in considerable quantity. These manufacturing interests called to the village a population, in 1840, of about sixty, and, in 1845, over one hundred. It was at that time one of the largest and most enterprising towns in the county. A number of years later, McCon- nell & Cummins erected a three-storied grist-mill, placing therein three run of stone. It became an excellent mill, and is yet there, having passed through many vicissitudes. A saw-mill has been there much of the time since 1834. A multiplicity of causes contributed to the death of Rochester, though the decay was lingering and painful. Ligonier grew from its ashes. In June> 164 HISTORV OF NOBLE COUNTY. 1837, Isaac Caven laid out a village of sixty lota on Section 2, Township 35, Range 8 east, and named it Washington. The village was properly recorded; but, alas ! the poor thing did not grow higher than the paper upon which it was platted. The little village of Hawville first found an existence many years ago, though but few families have i-esided there. The village is popularly known as " Buttermilk," a very euphonious cognomen, truly. David P. Bourette (or Bourie), a Frenchman, whose father, L. B. Bou- rette, established himself as a trader among the Indians, at Goshen, in 1800, claims to have passed the winter of 1829-30 among the Indians in northern Perry Township. He packed several ponies with goods at Fort Wayne, and remained with the large encampment of Pottawatomies in northern Perry, dis- posing of his goods for money and furs. In 1831, he built a storeroom in Elkhart Township, in the history of which will be found a further account of this well-known man. He was raised among the Indians, and it is claimed that Indian blood flows in his veins, although this he indignantly denies. The report is probably a mistake or a slander, as no satisfactory proof has ever been produced to show that he is other than what he claims — a full-blooded French- man. Until such proof is obtained, the tongue of slander should hush. Bourie lived in southwestern Perry for many years. Mrs. Bourie composed a very popular song, which is sung at all the old settlers' meetings. It has five or six verses, one of which is : " The wildernesa was our abode Full fifty years ago ; And, if good meat we chose to eat, We shot the buck or doe. For fish we used to hook the line ; We pounded corn to make it fine ; On Johnuy-cake our ladies dined, In this new country." Mr. Bourie tells many interesting stories about the Indians. One time, down on the Wabash, he says, the Indians, in some way, got possession of a considerable quantity of whisky against the orders of the men who had been appointed to treat with them ; and an effort was made to recover the liquor ere the Indians were under the influence. Two old squaws were out in the woods drinking as fast as they could of the fiery liquor ; when, seeing a white man looking at them, one, with wicked eyes, expressed herself as follows : Kit- wassenock co-she-ah shin-go-lah hir.eo donh- ish-ah caw-a-lak (what does he want; I hate him, I detest hira ; I'll split his brains out). But the old lady of the woods came to time when a rifle was presented in her dusky face. In about 1860, the big fires in the pine forests of Michigan caused many bears and other wild animals to come down into Indiana and Ohio. A large black bear came to Mr. Bourie's residence, and was first seen by Mrs. Bourie, from the window, but was thought at first to be a black sheep. The animal finally jumped over a fence, and then the truth was revealed. Mr. Bourie, and one or two others that were present, immediately started at the top of their %•■ *«* pfffffy TP. PERRY TOWNSHIP. 167 speed for the animal, which made for the river, but, by means of a boat, was driven from the island where it had taken refuge, but finally eluded its pursuers by entering a dismal swamp. In the autumn of. 1836, a small log building designed to answer the dou- ble purpose of a church and schoolhouse, was erected in the northern part, one mile west of where Salem Church now stands, by Seymour Moses, Isaac Caven and a few others. Mr. Moses was one of the first teachers in this house, as was also Miss Axy Kent. School was taught there after that without inter- mission. The Episcopal Methodists began holding their meetings there, but a little society had been semi-organized as early as 1834, and had met in the cabins. Of those belonging to this society were James Latta (a well-remembered local minister and a very worthy man), Robert Latta (of La Grange), Samuel Kerl, Abel Thomas, James Taylor (of La Grange) and John Thompson (of La Grange). Ministers of other denominations preached as freely in the house as the Methodists themselves, though the latter were the builders. A Sunday school was early organized, Seymour Moses being one of the first Superintend- ents. In about 1849, the old schoolhouse at Moses' Corners was abandoned, and a larger, hewed-log structure erected where the Salem Church now stands. This was used as a schoolhouse until 1856, when a frame house was built by Eli B. Gerber, at a cost of about |350. In 1845, a rupture occurred in the Methodist society, and the Episcopals went into Eden Township, La Grange County, where they built a church, while the Protestants remained in the old schoolhouse until 1849, when they built Salem Church. This building served the society long and faithfully, or until 1879, when the present fine structure was built, at a cost of $3,200. The old log schoolhouse on Moses' Corners was used by all living in the northern part of the township. It was not until between 1845 and 1850 that the population had become sufficiently dense to warrant building others within two miles of it. On account of a schoolhouse in northern Sparta Township, at an early day, none was built on Perry's Prairie until 1841. The one where Henry Hostetter, Jr., used to live, was built a few years later. A number of years ago, the Dunkards in the southern part trans- formed a schoolhouse into a church, where they now worship in their peculiar way. Some eighteen or twenty years ago, the Amish built a small church on the northern line, which they continued to occupy for a number of years ; but finally the property passed to the control of the Dunkards, who, in 1879, put up a much better building. The United Brethren, about six years ago, became so strong in the northwestern part that they felt capable, finan- cially, of erecting a church, which they did, constructing it wholly of brick. The society is now in good circumstances. Perry Township owns a third inter- est in the fine High School building in Ligonier. That was certainly a move in the right direction. Send your young ladies and gentlemen there to school. CHAPTEE IX. by weston a. goodspeed. Town of Albion— Catalogue of Patentees— Fiest Cabin in the Township — Platting of the Village— Early History and Subsequent Growth- Incorporation — Industrial Statistics — Education and Religion — Schoolhouse Bonds— Sketches of the Religious Societies— The Fire Fiend. THE founding of the town of Albion, and its rapid growth and promised permanence, gave rise to the conditions requiring the creation of Albion Township. About, seven years after the county seat had been finally fixed, and Albion in swaddling clothes had been ushered into life, the importance of hav- ing a voting precinct other than the centers of York and Jefierson Townships became evident to the villagers, and proceedings were begun in 1854, having in view the creation of a new township that should comprise four sections of ter- ritory, with Albion at the center. If any opposition was encountered from the Trustees of the townships, that were to be mutilated in the operation of creating the new, such fact is not now remembered. It is denied by some that a peti- tion, signed by perhaps all the citizens of Albion, was presented the County Commissioners, praying that Albion Township might be created; but the bur- den of evidence is in favor of the existence of such a petition. It was out of the question for the village to be so divided that the citizens living east of Orange street must go three miles east to poll their votes, and those on the west side, three miles west. There was too great a division of pecuniary interest in such a separation; for, according to the Scriptural judgment, "A house divided against itself must fall." It is possible that the remembrance of this injunc- tion was in the minds of the citizens in 1854, and caused them to adopt the better policy of unity. At all events, during the June term (1854) of the County Commissioners, the following bounds were ordered set off, to be known thereafter as Albion Township ; Sections 18 and 19, Township 34, Range 10 east (Jefferson) ; and Sections 13 and 24, Township 34, Range 9 east (York). This was the first step toward creating concerted action in public affairs. All the land within the present limits of the township of Albion was entered as follows : NAME OF patentee. LOCATION. Date of Entry. Henry Harvey and William Baker, \Viuthrop Wright Ira Harriman Winthrup Wright Henry H.arvey and William baker .lohn Sawyer aud T. A. Johnson., .lohn .'^awye^ and T. A. Johnson.. N. E. \ and S. W. S. W. ] S. E ] N. N. E. VV i.... W. i and S. E. J-... JN. E. i JN. E. } 319.91 169.71 160.00 319.65 319.83 80.00 80.00 $389.89 199.64 200.00 399.56 399.79 lOO.Ol 100.00 June 4, 1836. Julv 18, 1836. (Jet. 5, 1836. July 18, 183'i. June 4, 183B. July -20, 1836. July 20, 1836. TOWN OF ALBION. 169 NAME OF PATENTEE. LOCATION. Date of Entry. Stephen Warner, Jr. Epliraim G. Bassett. William F. Engle William F. Engle William F. Engle .J:imes McConnell .Tames McConnell William F. Eugle...., John Bonnar John B. Tinker E. JN.W. i W. JN. VI. \ W.J S. W. } W. I S. E. i E. ^S. E. i E, iS. W. } N. W. 5 and W. J N. E. J E. i N. E. I S.W.J S. E. i 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 240.00 I 80.00 160.00 160.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 250.00 480.00 100.00 .300.00 100.00 200.00 200.00 Aug. July July July July July July July Aug. July 13,1836. 23, 1836. 20, 1836. 20, 1836. 20, 1836. 21, 1836. 21,1836. 21,1836. 11,1836. 30, 1836. Not one of these men built a house at the time of entering the land. Hiram Bassett, son of Ephraim, built a log house across the line on Section 14, early in 1837 ; and soon afterward a barn was built on the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 13. The latter was undoubtedly the first build- ing of any kind that was erected in Albion Township. The first dwelling was erected very probably by a squatter, named Isaac Brewer, as early as 1842, on the fiirm of Abel Barnum. Brewer was an excellent man, and had suffered the misfortune of serving a short time in the Ohio Penitentiary for a crime committed by another man, who had contrived to saddle the responsibility and punishment upon him. He did not own the land, but was suffered to reside thereon, until several years after the county seat had been located at Albion. He cleared and put under cultivation about twenty acres, and was informed that he could live there until he chose to leave, which time was not far from 1850. He has a daughter now living at Kendallville. Jacob Cordell located on Sec- tion 19 about the year 1844. He was probably the first man to erect a dwel- ling in Albion Township, the land being owned by the builder. As stated elsewhere in this volume, the county seat was located at Albion, in 1846. Much of the land there had been entered by speculators, or after- ward purchased by them, as it was naturally supposed that the county seat would not be far removed from the center of the county. As soon as the cen- ter was selected by the Commissioners appointed to locate the county seat, some important changes were made in the ownership of the land ; and the center, which had previously been a wilderness, was visited by the curious and the speculative. Albion was laid out in November, 1846, by Samuel Hanna, William F. Engle, John L. White (by H. H. Hitchcock, his agent), Warren Chaflfee and James L. Worden, County Agent. The land laid out on Sections 13 and 24, York Township, was owned by Samuel Hanna, William F. Engle, and John L White, each of whom owned an undivided one-third interest. Mr. Chaffee owned the land on Section 18, Jefferson Township, and Henry Harvey that on Section 19, same township. A portion of the town was at first laid out on Mr. Harvey's land, but he died about the time the work was in progress, and, owing to the unsettled condition of his estate, that portion of the village 170 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. plat had to be vacated, and the street which had been projected from the west across the line on his land, was located several rods north to meet the street on the Jefferson side. His land was thus avoided. There was a difference of nearly three rods from where the Jefferson center line met the boundary be- tween the townships Jefferson and York and where the center line of the latter met the same boundary, the former point being north of the latter. This was why the western street was thrown north to meet the eastern Jefferson street. The village plat, then, as corrected, shows fifty lots laid out on Mr. Chaffee's land, and eighty- two lots and the court house square on the west side of the township line, on both Sections 13 and 24. The additions have been Harvey's, Prentiss', Denny's, Black's, Stewart's, Kimmel's, Bowen's, Sallady's, Baker's, Acus', Seneca, Tiffin, Harkins', Clark's, and one or two others. Not far from the same time, in about February, 1847, two dwellings were built, one by Mrs. Washburn, and the other by Isaac Swarthout. These were probably the first. During the same year (1847), the following citizens, among other.-!, probably located at the center, or Albion : Mr. Reynolds, William F. Engle, who built the American House (the present Worden House); David Monroe, who built quite a large structure in which to board the workmen who were employed on the court house; Judge Worden, who built where Dr. Lem- on now resides ; H. H. Hitchcock, who built the Franks House ; Dr. Will- iam Clark, Dr. Harkins, James Gillespie and Joshua Wade, a shoemaker. It is said that the Monroe boarding-house was owned by Ephraim Walters. Mrs. Washburn also kept boarders. During the summer and fall of 1847 there was a great rush into Albion, and a great demand was thus created for houses. There also came in, probably prior to January 1, 1848, Henry Bowman, Dan- iel Bowman, Erastus Spencer, William M. Clapp, Simeon Gillespie, Elijah Wright, Henry Barkelew, John McMeans, Jeremiah Low, Mr. Graden, and perhaps others. At the last-mentioned date, there were living in Albion at least seventy persons. In 1850, the population had reached about 250. County officers and lawyers appeared, and the court brought many strangers to the village. It has been said that the proprietors of Albion gave every third lot to the county in consideration of having the county seat located there. This, it is said, was why James L. Worden, as County Agent, was interested in the laying- out of Albion. The growth of the new county scat was at first very rapid until a population of about 350 was reached, after which period improvements took place only as the surrounding country became more populous. During the summer of 1847, S. T. Clymer, sub-contractor of the court house, brought a few hundred dollars' worth of a general assortment of goods to the village. This was the first stock offered for sale in Albion. Two or three years later, he was succeeded by Dutton & Clymer, and they, in turn, by Clymer & Miller. Spencer & Barkelew, merchants, appeared about this time ; also Clapp & Hitchcock. Since that time the following, among others, have been in busi- TOWN OF ALBION. 171 iiess in Albion : Dry goods — Day & Gulp, Clark & Bronson, Black & Zimmer- man, Owen Black, Black & Son, Phillips k Walters, Black & Foster, Black & Son, Love & Black, J. D. Black, Black Brothers at present, Prentiss & Gosper (about 1861), Nelson Prentiss, Prentiss & Trump, Prentiss, Trump & Mc- Means, Trump & McMeans, Prentiss & Landon, W. M. Glapp, Clapp & Phil- lips, Clapp, Phillips & White, Phillips & White, C. B. Phillips, Moltz & Bayer, D. E. A. Spencer, Charles Moltz, Worden & Son, grocers ; Adams, Palmer & Co., at present ; Markey & Walters, Frank Clapp, at present ; Hamlin & Jourdan, grocers; Moltz & Hadley, S. J. Hadley, Adam Kimmel, Sloan & Tidball, W. K. Knox, agricultural implements ; F. Buetner, clothing; druggists, Norman & George Teal, Henry Stoney, Alfred Stoney, Leonard & Denny, Dr. Cox, Barnet & Dunshee, Dunshee & Leonard, Leonard & Skinner, Skinner & Mendenhall, Mendenhall & White, Gray & Spencer. F. D. Spencer, Hamlin & Skinner and R. L. Stone, the last two at present. The Kimmels were in with hardware at an early day. Of course Albion has been represented from the first by the usual number of mechanics, artisans, profes- sional and business men and numerous miscellaneous shops and pursuits. George Powers, at quite an early day, began manufacturing shingles on a small scale. Jacob Bruner opened a cabinet shop as early as 1850. Various specimens of his workmanship may yet be seen in private dwellings in Albion. Elmer Dakan erected a shop in about 1854, and began making wagons. A few years later, Alpheus .Tacquays undertook the same pursuit. John McMeans began a general pottery business in 1855, coming from Port Mitchel, where he had followed the same occupation. He continued the business in Albion nearly three years, turning out milk crocks, jugs, pots, pitchers, etc., but the enter- prise proved unprofitable, as no suitable clay could be found near the village. Mr. McMeans and (3wen Black burned brick in an early day. Elijah Wright burned brick in Albion in 1848. George Harvey burned the brick for the court house — the one standing at this writing. Mr. Reynolds, in about 1848 or 1849, built a hotel on the south side, where he sold liquor. In about 1851, Joshua Wade erected a hotel on the southeast corner, where the hardware store is now standing. In June, 1867, Singrey & Hass opened a sash, blind and door factory. Some time afterward. Mr. Hass was killed by being caught in the machinery in some manner. His head was hor- ribly crushed, leaving his brain exposed, and permitting a portion to escape. Some time after this sad event, Mr. Eby became the partner of Mr. Singrey. Michael Beck began manufacturing wagons in 1860, and once in awhile turned out a buggy. In 1864, J. E. Huffman became his partner, and after this the business was greatly increased, continuing until about 1872. They manufact- ured as high as forty vehicles in one year. This was one of the most extensive enterprises ever in Albion. In 1876, William Dressel, of TiflSn, Ohio, erected a large brick building, intending it for a sash and door factory ; but his peculiar and untimely death caused the enterprise to collapse at the time of its incep- II 172 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. tion. The building cost about $4,000, and is standing unoccupied. In 1862, Owen Black erected the grist-mill now running in the northern part of town . The building was immediately rented to Fisher Brothers, who placed therein three sets of bulirs, and the other necessary machinery for grinding all kinds of grain. This mill has had a peculiar history. It has been sold and repurchased three times by Mr. Black. Each time Mr. Black would fit it up in excellent shape, and sell it at a good round figure ; and then, after the buyers had tried the business and failed, he would buy it back for half he sold it for, and again fit it up to be sold. In this manner he cleared several thousand dollars. Askew & Miller now own it, and from appearances Mr. Black will not have another opportunity to clear several thousand dollars after the old fashion. The mill at present is furnishing excellent flour. In 1863, Mr. Black built a saw- mill close to his grist-mill. The saw-mill was rented, and has passed through a checkered career. Henry Shirk has been manufacturing carriages quite extensively for the last two years. Mr. Sim Conkle, a first-class workman, has charge of the painting department. Their shop is the old schoolhouse. In 1876, Harvey & Eby built a sash and door factory near the depot. Mr. Eby left the partnership two years ago. Mr. Harvey has been manufacturing staves for butter kegs. He is now making " Hogan's Propeller," a churn, pat- ented by Mr. Hogan. Mr. Harvey has the exclusive right of sale in the United States. In 1875, Baughman, Ilyter & Co. erected a brick foundry in the southeastern part of town. Here they remained until 1878, doing an extensive amount of general repair work, in the meantime manufacturing two fine engines, one of which is now used in the same building. A business of over $3,000 was done annually. In 1878, the partnership was divided, Mr. Baugh- man taking the machinery, and Mr. Hyter, the building, etc. Mr. Baughman is yet in the same business near the depot. He has lately invented an ingenious and valuable safety railroad signal lamp, also a self-extinguishing lamp. After the dissolution of the partnership, Baughman, Hyter & Co., Mr. Ilyter began the milling business with Mr. Ludlow, under the name, Ludlow & Hyter. The old foundry building was fitted up with four runs of stone, and the building has since been known as a grist-mill. Charles Boetcher, in August, 1880, purchased Mr. Ludlow's interest. Thus the partnership remains. R. B. Stone and E. J. Thompson, railroad men, are operating one of the finest saw-mills in the county. They are now preparing heavy railroad lumber, mostly for the roads west of Chicago. Some thirty " hands " are at work in the various departments of this mill. Large tracts of land are being stripped of timber. Harron Brothers are aj; present operating a saw-mill near the depot. Among the tavern keepers in Albion have been Michael Coou, Mr. Rey- nolds, Isaac Swarthout, Joshua Wade, Jeremiah Low, William F. Engle, Al- fred Jacquays, James Wright, Mr. Trussell, Charles Woodruff, Mr. Russell, Mr. Worden, J. H. Bliss, Eli Dice, John Sloan, Thomas Salsgiver, Samuel V, .,.,/im.''Mf <0S: ~'^:^. ^cr-><^-^zr, (S^Z^^^^ COUNTY AUDITOR TOWN OF ALBION. 175 Salladay, Haggarty & Bryant, Austin Jennings, Henry Tuck and Hiram Bradley. Among the physicians have been Drs. Clark, Harkins, Boetcher, Spencer (two), Dunshee, Barnet, D. W. C. Denny, Cox, Nimmons, Wheeler, Leonard, Lemon, Hays, Pickett and Martin. Among the liverymen have been John Sloan, John Bliss, William Coon, Stoops & Greenman, John Walters, Ed. Engle and Stoops & Hart. Among the Postmasters have been William F. Engle (perhaps Clapp or Hitchcock), Abel Warner, Nelson Prentiss, A. J. Kimmel, John Hiskey, James Evans, John De Camp, James Evans, Emma Jane Douglas, William Snyder, A. J. Kimmel and Isaac Mendenhall. The Sons of Temperance instituted a lodge in Albion not far from the year 1852. The life of the organization was brief and short. The " Wash- ingtonians " were present for a short period. The Good Templars have had one, and perhaps two, organizations in town. Albion, for many years, was one of the pleasantest towns in Northern Indiana, in which to reside. But little drinking was indulged in, scarcely a drunken man being seen on the street. There is more liquor consumed in the town at present than ever before. The- fines for drunkenness and the license paid by the liquor dealers are at present, an important source of revenue. In 1875, W. M. Clapp began a general private banking business under the name " The Bank of Albion," continuing until his death in January, 1881. The business was then closed ; but, as soon as the books and the estate could be settled, Charles M. Clapp, in September, 1881, again opened the bank for the transaction of business. The Masonic Lodge at Albion, known as Albion Lodge No. 97, F. & A. M., was instituted in February, 1853, by S. D. Bayless, Deputy Grand Master of the State of Indiana. The charter members were Leander B. Eagles. Nelson Prentiss, Jacob Stage, Hosea Gage, J. W. Leonard, D. W. C- Teal and William M. Clapp. The first oflicers were : Nelson Prentiss, W. M. ; Jacob Stage, S. W. ; Leander Eagles, J. W. ; Hosea Gage, S. D. ; William M. Clapp, Secretary. The charter is dated the 25th of the following May. The- hall rented by the lodge was dedicated by Dr. Collins, on the 27th of June„ 185-3. At the time " The Pinery " was burned, nearly all the lodge property- was destroyed. Considerable money was lost by other misfortunes, until the present financial condition is not as good as might be expected. The present officers are : James Roscoe, W.M. ; J. A. Hamlin, S. W. ; Ezekiel Teagarden, J. W. ; William Trump, S. D. ; A. J. Doular, J. D. ; C. B. Phillips, Secreta- ry ; George Hines, Treasurer, and S. M. Foster, Tiler. Out of the territory covered by this lodge have been instituted lodges at Ligonier, Avilla, Wolf Lake, Kendallville and Churubusco. North Star Lodge, No. 380, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted September 13, 1871, by District Deputy Grand Master J. B. Kimball, under a dispensation from W. H. De Wolf, G. M. of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana. The charter members were Eden H. Fisher, Isaac Mendenhall, William Z. Holver- 176 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. stoll, Hollabert H. Brown and William C. Williams. The first officers were William C. Williams, N. G. ; Eden H. Fisher, V. G. ; Isaac Mendenhall, Treas. ; W. Z. Holverstoll, Sec. The total number of members admitted since the institution of the lodge is sixty-four. Of these, three have died, many have moved away and joined other lodges, some have been dropped for non-pay- ment of dues, and some have been expelled. There are now in active member- ship thirty-nine — as many or more than at any one time since the organization of the lodge. The financial condition of the lodge is good. It has invested in ball furniture $425, and in regalia $75. It also has on hand and at interest $345.49 general fund, and $113.02 orphan fund. It is slowly and steadily growing, both financially and in membership, and promises to be soon one of the strong lodges of the State. Its present officers are : D. C. Baughman, N. G. ; Charles Boetcher, V. G. ; E. F. Coats, Rec. Sec. ; Ed. P. Ray, Per. Sec. ; Piatt B. Bassett, Treas. The lodge has expended by way of relief up to De- cember, 1880, $237.80. At the March term of the County Commissioners, in 1874, a petition, signed by seventy-eight qualified voters of Albion, was presented them, praying as follows that the village of Albion might be incorporated : The undersigned qualified voters of Albion, "Noble County, Indiana, would respectfully petition your honorable body to issue .an order declaring that so much territory of Albion Town, ship, of said county and State, as is embraced within the map and survey hereunto annexed, be organized as the " Incorporated Town of Albion," under the following bounds ; The northwest quarter of Section I'.l, Township 31, Range 10 ; southwest quarter of Section 18, Township 34, Range 10; west half of northeast quarter of Section 19, Township 34, Range 10; northeast quar- ter of Section 24, Township 34, Range 9 ; southeast quarter of Section 13, Towuship 34, Range 9 ; and out-lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and .5, Section 13, Township 34, Range 9, in Clark's Addition to the town of Albion. In accordance with the prayer of the petitioners, the Commissioners ordered an election to be held on the 24th of March, 1874, to ascertain the will of the citizens as to the incorporation of the village. At the June term (1874) of the Commissioners, James Greenman, John H. Bliss and Franklin B. Kiblinger, Inspectors of the Election, reported that eighty-five votes had been cast for the incorporation of Albion, and forty-four against the same ; whereupon the Commissioners, on the 8th of June, 1874, ordered the creation of the "Incorporated Town of Albion." Notice was issued that, on the 2-Sd of June, 1874, an election of town officers would be held at the court house. On this occasion, Alexander Fulton, Sherman J. Hadley and Jacob J. Fischer were elected Town Trustees, and Merritt C. Skinner, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor. At the first regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, Peter A. Sunday was chosen Town Marshal, and at the second meeting Thomas M. Eells was chosen Town Attorney. A town seal was ordered obtained on the 6th of July, and at the same and subsequent called meetings various town ordi- nances were adopted. Sidewalks were petitioned for and built, thus supplying a convenience and want that could not be satisfied by voluntary action on the TOWN OF ALBION. JYJ part of property owners. It is proper to add here that a number of prominent citizens stubbornly opposed the incorporation of the village from the start for reasons best known to themselves. But the friends of the measure were' too numerous, and. when the opening of the B., P. & C. Railroad gave Albion a decided "boom," and gave the citizens assurance that the county seat was fixed beyond a doubt (a circumstance in doubt previously), it was thought best to have a municipal government, and Albion was thus incorporated. Subse- quent events have proved the wisdom of the majority. The first sidewalk peti- tioned for was the one on the west side of Orange street, from Main street to the depot. This was on the 27th of August, 1874. The first term of school in Albion was taught during the winter of 1847- 48, by Ephraim Walters, in a small log house owned by himself, and located on the west side of South Orange street. He had enrolled about twenty scholars and taught three months. Miss Kedsie taught a short term during the follow- ing summer. By this time, the rush into Albion had become so great that about sixty scholars were ready to attend during the winter of 1848-49 Abel Barnum and his wife were accordingly employed to direct this large flock of in- nocents. The session was held in a log house owned by Mr. Pepple During tlie autumn of 1849, a small frame schoolhouse was built in Albion by Samuel Devenbaugh. A young man named Abel Warner, who had been clerking in the store of Glapp & Hitchcock (?), was employed to teach in this house during the winter of 1849-50. This building, which is yet standing, adjoining the residence of Nelson Prentiss, was used continuously until 1863, when thelar