Yale University Library

sr" Ai

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1945

La^FoE-t© Oountjr,

ISSUED BY

MORTIME}(!(_YE,,

LaPorte, Ind.

.ADVERTISEMENTS.

J. HAMBURGER & CO.,
MERCHANT TAILORS,
AND DEALERS IN
OvOREADY-MADE CLOTHlNG.oO'
LfllAIU STREET, OT'T'. COURT KOTTSB.:
THE NEW DRUG ST0RE.
JNO. H. BUGGIE & CO.,
Prescription Druggists,
ALLE/i/'S BLOCK, LAPORTE. IND.

Goocis all New anil First-Class. Fair Dealims and Lowest Prices! i
DYE STUFFS AND MACHINE 01LS> SPECIjiLTY.
^¦N. B.— Our very light Expenses enable us to make Prices that defy
competition, and we invite all, who are in need of anything in our line
to call and examine Goods and learn Prices.
All Goods Guaranteed Strictly First-Class.

Our new Tooth Powder is acknowledged by all to be
the Best in the Market, and is guaranteed
not injurious; TRY IT.
IRVIN VANWIE,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
Rooms 5 and 6 Alexander Block,
LAPORTE, INDIANA. I

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

A i J.

fill

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Before purchasing a Piano or Organ elsewhere, call upon
or correspond with me and I will give you Prices
that no other Dealer will Duplicate.

se©*^,.

ABVERTISEMENTS.

S. C. WHITING, M. D.

Physician ^ Surgeon,

PORTE.

OFFICE AND RESIDENCE:

No. 7 WEST JEFFERSON ST.,

-BETWEEN-

Dipi/NA/HP MlCHIGAyVEf ES.

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

SAVINGS BANK,
Organised August, 1871, under State Authorify.
ALL INV.ESTMENTS MADE AS REQUIRED BT THE STATE LAI.
Every Depositor a Stockholder.
Exclusively a Savings Bank for the People.
Ho Connection with other Banks.
All net earnings divided among the depositors.
No. 60 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, Ind.

TRUSTEES:
JOHN SUTHERLAND, DR. T. HIGDAY,
BENAJAH STANTON, T. W. BUTTERWORTH,
PBED'K BAUMGARTNER, SAMUEL DOWNING,
SHEPHERD CRUMPACKER.
OFFICERS:
JOHN SUTHERLAND, Prest.
DR. T. HIGDAY, ) ^. p .
BENAJAH STANTON, I ^^^® Jiresis.
J. H. VINING, Cashier.
Open- d.aily from g to 12 A. M., anti from r to ^ P. M.,
and from 6 to 8 P. M., on Saturdays.
Dividends Computed from the 1st of each Month.
(Dividend days July 1st, and January ist, of each Year,

3ver $30,000.00 of dividends paid depositors, and always at eightper
cent, per annum, semi annually since the Bank started business, and it
now has an interest account and surplus of $12,000, sufficient to pay
three more dividends to all its present depositors at the same rate. Assets
personally examined by Examining Committee, at least twice a year,
and by Auditor of State as required by Law.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

eP. KING,

DEALER IN

DRY GOODS

CARPETING,
Nos. 66 AND 68 MICHIGAN AVE.,
LA PORTE IND.

The largest Dry Goods and Carpeting estaolishment in LaPorte County;
The size of the Double-Store beins forty-six feet
front, by eighty feet deep.
Polaski King, the proprietor, has been proprietor in this establish
ment for thirty-one years. In addition to the Dry Goods and Carpeting,
there is a Merchant Tailoring department connected with the establish
ment. Goods are sold at the lowe.9t prices.

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

B-u.si33.ess EstaTolislied. ISSS.

WASHINGTON WILSON. S. P. FRASER.
WILSON & ERASER,
-^HARD AND SOFTi^
Wood Lumber,
PI0KET8. POSTS.

OOOFFICE AND YARD,CyO
8i W. MAIN COR. CHICAGO ST.,

ADVERTISEMENTS.

R B. ALLEN.
Gardener and Florist,
GApt^ON THE EAST SIDE OF Plf(E LAKE,
LAPORTE, - - INDIANA.

Eas for sale all kinds of Vegetables in their Season,
AND STRAWBERRIES,
Raspberries, Blackberries, Grapes and other Fruits
in great abundance.

He is Prepared to Supply the Home Market, and
can do so on Short Notice.

His Facilities in the way of
GROUNDS, HOTBEDS AND GREENHOUSES,
are Extensive, and under the Finest Cultivation.

AU in want of pure, fresh Yegetables, Fruits and Floweis, should
give him a call. Bouquets, Wreaths, Crosses and Floral designs of any
description, furnished to order on short notice.

i HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
OTHE STATE FIREO
Insurance Company,

T^^o:

LA PORTE, INDIANA,
Organized, Oct. 1, 1875.
CAPITAL, - - $150,000.00.

HON. JAS'PE'R 'PACKA'R(D, ^Prest.
L. A. COLE, Vice Prest.
fBENJ. W. GOOfDHUE, Secy.
HON. M0(RT:IME<R NYE, Treas.
H. C. SHANNON, Assistant Sec'y.

DIRECTORS:
HON. JASPER PACKARD, HOI^. MORTIMER NYE,
L.' A. COLE, H. H. BLODGETT.
F.W. MEISSNER, H. ZAHRT,
S. E. TAYLOR.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

e^J. L. BOYD,

BUGGIES, SLEIGHS, &C.
Shop, Near the High School (Building,
LA PORTE, INDIANA.

A. T. BLISS,
Rooms 5 and 6 Alexander Block,
J^^^^LA PORTE, INDIANA.
DR. GEO. M. DAKIN,
Gives Especial Attention to the Treatment of all
CHRONIC DISEASES.

And Diseases of:
WOMEN AND CHILDREN,
Also Proprietor of DR. DAKIN'S IMPROVED CATARRH REMEDY.
SorLd. to Him. for Clrcia.lar_

10 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
A. P. ANDREW, JR. A=«AM P- ANDREW.
A. P. Andrew, Jr. &. Son,
BANKERS,
Opposite the Court House, LaPorte,

We do a General Banking Business
¦We give depositors the best of security, namely
— personal liability to the full extent of all
our real estate and personal property.
"WE SOLICIT THE A.OOO"CTlTTS
Of all tliose who regarfl perfect secnrity as tlie first consideratioii,
IE PAY INTEREST BY SPECIAL AGREEMENT.

ADVERTISEMENTS. 11
THE LAPORTE
OWEEKLYO
CHRONICLE! PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY
^ASPEH PAOKAi
LaPorte, Indiana.

It Supports the Principles of the Repuhlican Party, but never
descends to personal abuse of political opponents.
It is a first-class family newspaper, its general miscellaneous articles
being interesting, useful, and mxyrally pure.
A gentleman distinguished in the literary world says of the Chroni
cle : "Papers, like people, may be either clowns or gentlemen, and the
Chronicle belongs to the latter class.
Established July i8th, i8'j4.

TERMS: $1.50 Fer Tear in iidvazxce-
GII^CDL/ITION t(OW L/RGE j^ND CONSTANTLY INCRE/Sli\G,
As an Advertising Medium the Chronicle has
not its equal in the County.

12

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Cyosteam, book and joboO

li If.

IS

No. 2,j Michigan Avenue.

This Establishment is. supplied with a number of Past Steam Presses,
and the most complete assortment of New and Beautiful Type,
Borders, Cuts, Rules, and all conveniences for doing all
kinds of Plain and Ornamental Printing, to be
found between Toledo and Chicago.
WOf DONE WELL A^D LESS TH/N CHIC/IGO PIjICES.
WE KEEP ON HAND k COMPLETE STOCK OF
Card Boards, Ruled Letter and Bill Head Paper, Fine White
and Colored Johhinrj Papers, Black and Colored Liks, .ff.
Being Practical Printers of long Experience,
We feel Justified in Warranting Perfect Satisfaction.
REMEMBER THE PLACE,
ON"0. 37 MICHIGAIT A.VEITTJE,0

LA PORTE.

.¦\DVEKTISEMENTS.
Establislied ISSS.

13

TAIN LESS CUREO

E'O^a THE

This Antidote enables the patient to discontinue the use of Opium in
any form, at once, without pain or inconvenience, and without any inter
ruption of ordinary business. It rebuilds the broken constitution, and
restores the nervous system to a healthy condition.
DISCOVERED IN THE YE/R 1868,

BR. COLLINS' REFERENCES IN LAPORTE, IP.
S. E. Taylor, Steam Printer and Publisher.
T. A. Holland, Publisher Holland's Directories.
Pred'k West, Druggist.
Ed. Rathbun, Livery.
Edward Vail, .Jeweler.
V. W. Axtell, Prop'r Teegarden House.
.Judge Mies, Dr. I^. C. Rose,
Wm. M. Scott, Photographer.
Major Eraser, Gen'l Packard,
R. S. Morrison, Cash'r 1st Nat. Bnk.
A magazine of one hundred pages, containing a full description of the
Antidote, and many other articles of interest to Opium Eaters, is issued
quarterly, and will be sent free of charge to all interested.
.A.d.a.ress, DR. SAMUEL B. COLLINS, la Porte, Ind.
SEE OPPOSITE PAGE.tS;::r3

14 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

—DEALERS IN—
CLOTHING^ DRY GOODS
Hats and Caps, anfl FariiisMng &oots,
DOUBLE STORE, 11 & 13 E. MAIN STREET.
An uninterrupted business experience of upwards of twenty years, besides other advanuges, enables
us to oiFer the public as good inducements in the above branches as any other house.
We keep the largest stock of READY-MADE CLOTHING AND PIECE GOODS, suitable
for men and boys in this part of the State. By manufacturing largely ourselves, we aim to suit the
exact wants of the people, and furnish better made goods.
In Hats^ Oops, Furnishing Goods and Trunks^ we Iceep a rmst complete
assortment.
Our DRY GOODS DEPARTMENT is amply stocked with everything desirable. Dry Goods
ihave not been so cheap before in fifteen years. We are guided by the policy of
" Quick Sales and Small Profits.''
J^^^We respectfully solicit a share of your patronage.
DAVIDSOIT SnOS.
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTIC.

^s@, S^. M. ^. M%®'w®m,m''
ELECTROPATHIC AND HYGIENIC
I1TSTITI7TE-
Mrs. Dr. Stevens takes pleasure in announcing to the public that
she has established the above-named Institute at LaPorte, Ind., and is
prepared to treat all kinds of Acute, Chronic, Uterine and Nervous
Diseases on scientific principles by Electro-Thermal, Yapor and Sulphur
Baths. INSTITUTE LOCATED ON
Corner of Indiana Avenue and Harrison Street.
Consultation free, charges moderate. Patients received in the. Institute.

ADVERTISEMENTS. 15

GEO. C. BORLAND.
CONVEYANCER,
I|EAL ESTATE jip II(SU^Af E jlGE^T,
Attracts of Title to all Lands in LaPorte County.
Reliable Insurance at Reasonable Rates.
OFFICE: ROOM NO. 1 STATE BANK BUILDING,
LAPORTE, INDIANA.
The La Porte Wheel Company,

(established IS70,)

Agricultural IVheelSy
HUBS, SPOKES, PLOW HANDLES,
NECK-YOKES, AX HANDLES, &c.
Also Grain Cradles
OP THE
GRAPE-VINE AND TURKEY-WING PATTERNS.
"LA PORTE CUPPER" Corn Plow and Cultivator.

16 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
SCOTT

¦IS THE —

PHOTOGRjlPHEIi OF NORTHEI[f( INDIANA.
Opposi-te -blie Co-ar-t Hoxise,

OO. G. DO"WLI1TG,0
And Dealer in Gents' Furnishing Goods,
22 W. Main Street, Opp. Court House, La Porte.
Several years experience in the Merchant 'j'ailoring bu-siness enables me to offer special induce
ments to those requiring first-class Clothing. Satisfaction guaranteed; and competition defied, as ta
Style, Fit, and general appearance of the work done by me. I claim and maintain that my work Is
superior to anything in my line in Northern Indiana.
JS®"Give me a trial and I will prove it.
C. C. DOWLINC.
OOL' B. BS.A2^D,CyO
— DEALER IN —
DRY GOODS AND GROCERIES,
Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps,
Clo-bb.ixig, ajad Gen-bs' F'u.mislnixig Goods,
Oroclcery, Qiieens-wrare, Hard-wrare, &c.
KINGSBURY, IND.
PHOTO-ARTIST, No. 17 East Main Street, La Porte.

^"Constantly grows in popularity with the people.
i^His work gives the best of satisfaction.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

17

CORNER MAIN § MONROE STS.

"THE OLD RELIABLE."

Situated in the Centre of the Business part of the City.

C. A. BARD,
©IC BINDER

In Basemeiit lier S. E. Taylor & Co.'s Printing Office,

OOAND ON REASONABLE TERMS.oO

18

1"JLI

HISTORY OF I, A PORTE COUNTY.
OSSER k PLSON

Manufacturers of and Dealers in

BOOTS ^ SHOES

AN EXTENSIVE LINE OF

SLIPPERS. GAITERS

J RUBBER GOODS.

7h.eir Goods are First-Glass, axid tb.eir
Frioes are Heasoxxable.

IU MA to Call aiift Eiaine tlieir Goois.
Sioci is allays full ani in ^reat variety.

msTois"^-

-OF-

LAPORTE COUNTY,

INDIANA,

AND ITS

TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS AND CITIES,

JASPER PACKARD.

LA PORTE :
S. E. Taylor & Company, Steam Printers,
1876.

20

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

f tpttlie WnUt WmM jltttlSliig^

Erected in the Year i 870.

DEDICATION:

To THE Pioneers of L.\ Porte County who yet remain among
as, like the last leaves upon the trees at the approach of winter,
who pitched their tents here when the prairies and groves were the
home only of the savage and the wild beast, and who planted the
first seeds of civilization, of material pi ogress, and learning and
religion, this volume is respectfully inscribed by
The Author.

History of La Porte County.

PREFACE.
Local histories are the basis of general history. They supply
all its popular elements. The great mass of people study historical
details only by restricted localities. Few read the immense volumes
of the history of past ages, and almost forgotten lands, but all
desire to know something of the history of their own country, their
State or their county. With a view to supplying such local infor
mation in a permanent form for preservation, so far as it relates to
LaPoi'te county, this history is prepared. The facts concerning
the early settlement of the county are fast fading from the memory
of men. The pioneers are disappearing from our midst. Death is
busy ; and with the passage of a few more years, none will be left
who were eye witnesses to the time when our prairies and groves
existed in their virgin loveliness untouched by the plow or the ax.
The material fiets for such a history as this must come largely
from the men who made it, and unless written now or very soon, it
never can be written. Great labor is involved in the work of its
preparation, much more than there would be, if its basis was docu
mentary ; but it has been undertaken, notwithstanding other duties
have pressed very heavily, in order to supply what seems to be a
public need. It aims simply to be a repository of facts, most of
which would, in a few more years be entirely lost. To obtain these
facts of local, historical intcrost. and put them in a form for perma
nent preservation, is the object of these pages. No county in the
State is more worthy of having its history preserved, both on
account of the men who settled it. and the rich and fruitful lands

PREFACE. 23-
which became theirs to occupy. The county has within it elements
of wealth and prosperity which are yet largely undeveloped. There-
is latent wealth hidden away in every part of it, from the sand
ridges on the north, across the prairie belt of the cente-r, to, and
including, the Kankakee mar.shes on the soath, which will yet
prove the richest and most productive soil of our county. The
avenues of an extensive comnjcrue are at our doors. Besides the
eight railroads which cross the county in variou.s directions, a good
harbor is opened at Michigan City, giving access to the great lakes.,
and bringing into our midst a large share of the trade which floats-
on this broad highway. But the harbor is yet in its infancy; and
as it is extended and made more commodious, the commerGe of the-
lakes will seek it, and bring the products of the Lake Superior iron.
mines, and the pine forests of Michigan for shipment southward and
eastward by i-ail, the facilities for which are ample at Michigan City.
A heavy business is now done in this line, but it may be increased
ten-fold, until the entire county shall feel the spur of entei'iirise and
rise into a new life, for which there is abundant motive and oppor
tunity. The county, largely agricultural, has b_y no means developed it.s
full powers in this respect. The soil, naturally productive, might
be made to produce far more than it now does, and being so much
nearer the eastern markets, with abundant means of transportation,
our farmers possess very decided advantages over those of Illinois^
Iowa and Wisconsin. Higher farming would produce larger crops
and heavier profits to the acre. The man who cultivates two hun
dred acres, taking from them respectable crops of wheat and eoi-nv
would realize far larger net gains if he took the same amount of
products from^one hundred acres. And it could readily be done by
improved systems of cultivation and the addition of fertilizing mate
rial to supply the exhaustion annually occasioned by the growing-
crops. With a more vigorous growth of crops, stimulated by fertil
izers, and better cultivation, there would be less damage occasii-ned

;24 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
by insects, and the freezing of winter, and a degree of certainty
might be given to the farmer's crops which they do not now possess.
The farmer should study the best methods of fighting his enemies,
and beyond doubt one of them is to secure a stronger and more
vigorous growth. It is not extravagant to say that the rich farming
lands of this county might readily be made t;. produce double their
present product.
The county does not reach half way up to its real power of pro-
•<luction, and the future will teach lessons which men seem slow to
Irarn. Double tho jiroductivc capacity of this county, and there
will be prosperity as yet undreamed of. Population would increase,
-enterprise would take absolute control, and every interest and indus
try in the county would flourish. Farmers should not depend
solely on wheat and corn, and thus be brought very low when the
winter's cold and early frost, blast and destroy. Larger production
-and greater variety of products will leave them always a source of
income. Agriculture and manufactures, in such a region as this, ought to
be made tn work together; and when people are actulated by a
proper local pride, each one will exert himself to stimulate business
enterprise, open new channels of industry, and advance the county
in all its material interests, by every means within his reach. It is
hoped that a history which shall recall many old and tender associa
tions, which shall show the energy and spirit of enterprise which
characterized the men who went before us, will stimulate to emula
tion of their example, and incite us to make a wiser and better im
provement of the privileges we enjoy in the noble heritage which we
hold in this favored spot of earth.
In the preparation of this history, accin-acy has been diligently
sought for; yet it can scarcely be expected that it will be wholly
free from errors. Men diifer in the statement nf the same fact.
They differ as to dates and men, and it has been found that in some
instances no two men could be found to agrt-o; aud sometimes the

PREFACE. 25
discrepancies in the statements have been very embarrassing. But
in most instances documentary evidence has been found to settle the
question. Yet an occasional error may remain, and if so, it is
believed that the great difiiculty of obtaining the facts amidst a mass
of conflicting statements will be duly appreciated, and the proper
allowances be made accordingly.
When the preparation of this History was first begun, it was not
anticipated that the book would extend much, if any, beyond one
hundred pages, but it lias grown upon the hands of the writer, until
it has reached its present dimensions, and a large compilation of
material remains on hand, which would have been interesting, but
which the size of the book has compelled me to omit. In making
my researches, I have found everywhere an earnest disposition to
aid me, by furnishing valuable information. Among many to
whom I find myself indebted for favors of this kind, I taking pleas
ure in naming Simmon Ritter, Thompson W. Francis, W. D. Wood
ward, Mrs. W. F. Miller, George Ames, W. H. Goodhue, and Hon.
J. H. Winterbotham for the history of Michigan City and Michigan
township, the harbor and the penitentiary ; -John Beatty, Dr. J. H.
White, Daniel Low, Gen. Joseph Orr, George Seffens, John Provolt
and his aged mother, since deceased, L. C. Van Dusen, George
Bosserman, A. W. Vail, W. H. Winchell, George S. Dennison,
Joseph McLellan, Levi J. Benedict. Ren. Brand, and Esq. Rey
nolds for vari'.'us parts of the county ; Fred'k West, P. King, Hon.
Wm. Andrew, Capt. A. P. Andrew, Jr., and others for the county
in general, and La Porte in particular ; Rev. John Benny, for the
history of the Baptist church ; Rev. Geo. M. Boyd, for the history
of the Methodist church ; Rev. Dr. John F. Kendall, for the history
of the Presbyterian church ; Dr. George M. Dakin for the history
of the Christian and Unitarian churches ; Dr. W. R. Godfrey for
the history of the Episcopal church at Michigan City, Maj. W. G.
Peck for the history of the congregational church ; Charles Spaeth,
county clerk, for assistance in the examination of records in his

26 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
ofl5ce; Dr. E. J. Church, auditor, and Joseph Jackson, deputy
auditor, for like attentions in the auditor's oflSce ; Thos. Jernegan, of
Michigan City Enterprise for information regarding the newspapers
of the county; George W. Brizee for valuable assistance in gather
ing information concerning the several townships, and many others,
for whose cheerful kindness, I am sincerely grateful.
The delay in bringing out the work has been occasioned by the
increase of size so far beyond my first anticipations, and by a con
stant and increasing pressure of other duties, duties which did not
admit of intermission or neglect.
The book now goes forth, in our national centennial year, to
the people, for whom it was written, in the earnest hope that it will
not be unacceptable. Jasper Packard.
La Porte, Ind., May, 1876.

ADVERTISEMENTS.
Established in i860.

27

« ^I^B

Iriiporlcr and .Johber of

w>

ERY AND GLASSWARE

la Oiiilaal Pailaffii

^f^2>TID o:e=:b2>t stoci^.

TVill duplicate any bill pur
chased in Chicane.

Send for Price List.

"28 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
D. C. DECKER,
— DEALER IN —
EngM Earthen Ware
Of the Best Makes.
French §ftim, §anded und §hin, §nbli^
ffln^sw^r^ of all kinds.
^ND THE LAI^GEST ^P FIHEST STOCK OF
LAMPS AND CHAHDELIERS \\ THE CITY.
ALSO COMPLETE STOCK OF
French Glass Shades, Silver ^A/'ape, Cutlery, Fine
Bohemian Goods, &c., &c.

OoGiTe me a call anfl I hm I will please yeu.CYO

CONTENTS:

Preface  22
chapter 1.
The County in General  34
CHAPTER II.
Kankakee Township  44
CHAPTER III.
Scipio Township  52
chapter IV.
New Durham Township  68
CHAPTER V.
Michigan Township  82
CHAPTER VI.
Centre Township  98
CHAPTER VII.
Pleasant Township  118
CHAPTER VIII.
Wills Township  121
CHAPTER IX.
Springfield Township  127
CHAPTER X.
Galena Township  132
CHAPTER XI.
Clinton Township  138
CHAPTER xn.
Noble Township  146
CHAPTER Xin.
Coolspring Township  153

3.0 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIV.
Hudson Township  ¦  ^^^
CHAPTER XV.
Union Township  168
CHAPFER XVI.
Cass Township  176
CHAPTER xvn.
Dewey Township  182
CHAPTER XVIII.
Hanna Township  185
CHAPTER XIX.
Lincoln and Johnson Townships  189
CHAPTER XX.
County Officers  195
CHAPTER XXI.
Politics  200
CHAPTER XXII.
Politics, continued  235
CHAPTER xxni, (error xvm).
First Elections  271
CHAPTER XXIV, (ERROR XIX).
Politics of the City of La Porte  279
CHAPTER xxv, (ERROR XX).
Military Record  289
CHAPTER XXVI, (error XXI).
Church Record  400
CHAPTER XXVII, (ERROR XXVl).
Inventions and Discoveries  430
CHAPTER xxvm, (error xxvii).
Professions and Business  444
CHAPTER XXIX, (error XXVIH).
Newspapers  ^rg
CHAPTER XXX, (ERROR XXIX).
One Hundred years ago and now  .gs

ERRATA. 31

ERRATA.

On page 52, sixth line from top, read " Springfield for " Michi
gan." On page 67, last word on the page, read "life" for "fiel," and
in last line of preceding paragraph for "C. N. Evans," read I. N.
Evans. On page 61, thirteenth line from bottom, for "1833" read
1836. On page 154, seventeenth line from bottom, for " 1833 " read
1834. On page 400, for subject of Chapter, supply the words "Church
Record. "
For correction of errors in numbering chapters see table of
.contents.

32 HISTORY or LA PORTE COUNTY.
H. W. JOSEPH & CO.,
Millinery and Fancy Goods,
And Victor .Sewing Machine,
Main Street, o'pf. Court House, LA'POfRTE, I NUBIAN A.
Terms Strictly Cash, and Prices Lo^v.
ADELBERT L. BROWN,
^t'dl ^ntnh nnd ^mniiHtice <^gent
ilBSTnACTS OF TITLE
To all Real Estate in LaPorte County furnished at reasonable rates.
Notes and Accounts promptly collected. Titles
examined. Deeds and Mortgages prepared
and acknowledgments taken.
@li and lellibk lummm^ 0@a|%ilii E§pF@iiit@i.
$50,000 to loan on 5 fii time at 9 ner cent, interest secnred liy mortgage,
Rooms i &. 2 over New York Hat Store.
LA FOrtTE, lUDIillTA.

K WEST,,
^ioncifr ^riiflgist aijd lloohseller,
I ESTABLISHED 1857.]
Wall Paper and Curtains a Specialty.

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER I.
THE COUNTY IN GENERAL.
The county of LaPorte, comprises all that region of country
which is bounded on the north by Lake Michigan and the State of
Michigan ; on the east by St. Joseph county ; on the south by
Stark county, the Kankakee river separating the two counties, ex
cept on the east end of the southern boundary, where the river is
wholly within LaPorte county ; and on the west by Porter county.
It possesses a great variety of soil and external characteristics.
The whole north side of the county is well timbered, the timber belt
extending from St. Joseph county on the east to Porter on the
west. The timber consists of oak, ash, sugar and soft maple, elm,
walnut and many other species, the whole forming a source of
wealth, of which far too little account is taken, and great wasteful
ness has been the result. Formerly the region bordering the lake
was well covered with beautiful white pine ; but this valuable tree
has almost wholly disappeared, being cut off for lumber. This tim
ber country is frorh ten to fifteen miles in width, and much of the
soil, especially on the eastern end, is deep and rich, rivaling the
loam of the prairie in fertility. Approaching the lake, sand pre
dominates, and the country becomes more broken and hilly, consist
ing of sandy ridges, which on the lake shore are in many places
almost wholly destitute of vegetation. The sandy soil of Spring
field, Michigan and Coolspring townships, though not so rich as
that of the heavier timber land farther to the east, in Galena and
Hudson, is yet especially adapted to certain kinds of crops. Potatoes
raised on it are of superior quality, and all kinds of fruit, even
peaches, do well, the crop being more certain to endure the winter's
cold than in the open prairie. The soil is warm, products come
forward early and rapidly, and are easily cultivated. Through the
centre of the county from east to west, the prairie belt extends.

3,4 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
This prairie is dotted with beautiful groves of valuable timber, some
of them containing hundreds, even thousands of acres. The soil in
prairie and grove is of excellent richness and fertility, and gives to
this county its reputation of being one of the great wheat growing
counties of the State. It is equally as well adapted to corn as to
wheat, perhaps better, if the fact is considered that wheat is some
times injured by the freezing of winter. This however seldom oc
curs, and the total destruction of many fields in the last rigorous
winter, is almost wholly without precedent. Commencing on the
morthern border of the prairie, several notable examples lying in the
immediate vicinity of LaPorte, there are many small lakes scatter
ed throughout the prairie belt, some of them of charming beauty.
In all the elements of beauty and utility, this region is unsurpassed
in the West. The soil is a black sandy loam resting on a subsoil of
gravel and sand. It is easily cultivated, and has the capacity to
withstand drouth for weeks. No more attractive region for the
farmer is anywhere to be found ; and with a higher cultivation than
they now receive, these lands would produce crops that would as
tonish those who have lived on them the longest.
Passing southward beyond the prairie belt, the Kankakee marsh
es are reached. In the early times, these were largely covered with
water, but they are gradually drying out, and the plow is each year
making encroachments on these valuable lands, and the area of cul
tivation approaches the river more and more nearly. They form
an extensive grazing field for cattle during the summer, and thou
sands of tons of hay are made upon them every season; but when
through natural processes, aided perhaps by ditching, they have all
become dry enough to cultivate, they will be among the most valua
ble lands in the State, especially for the raising of corn. To a great
depth the soil is composed of decayed vegetable matter, and is, of
course, of wonderful richness. Those portions of them which have
become dry enough for the plow now produce crops of corn which
the higher lands of the prairie seldom equal. Around the edges of
the marshes there is an abundance of timber, White and Red oak,
and hickory ; and occasionally there is a tamarack swamp. There
are indications of iron in many places, and speaking on the subject
of the Kankakee marshes, the State geologist Prof. E. T. Cox, saya

THE COUNTY IN GENERAL. 35
in his report for 1873 : "Bog iron ore occurs in considerable quan
tities in the marshes along the Kankakee, and when some plan has
been devised for converting the peat, with which it is associated,
into fuel adapted to usie in a blast furnace, each may add to the val
ue of the other, and naturally tend to bring the much abused
Kankakee marsh into more favorable notice."
The highest ridge of land in the county is two miles north of the
city of LaPorte. The summit is, by barometric measurement, 270 feet
above Lake Michigan, which is eleven miles distant. This ridge
divides the waters which reach the Atlantic ocean by way of the
great Lakes and the St. Lawrence river, from those which flow to
the gulf of Mexico through the Kankakee, Illinois and Mississippi
rivers. Northward of the summit, the land descends gradually to
the lake, the surface being marked with elevations called "lake
ridges," which are nearly parallel to the present lake shore. Ac
cording to Prof. Cox, "these ridges of sand mark the ancient shore
lines of the lake, where its subsidence was arrested for a greater or
less period of time." That this remark is true, is mads clear from
the evident fact that the same process is going on at Michigan City,
and elsewhere on the lake shore. The waves constantly bring up
from the lake bottom, and land upon the beach, the countless parti
cles of sand. The water recedes and the sand is left to dry. Then
the wind takes it and drives it like drifting snow to the .first barrier
of trees and bushes, where it is checked, and begins to accumulate,
forming a ridge. The vegetation, well-rooted, reproduces itself,
growing to the top as the sand rises, and finally a range of hills is
the result of the combined action of wave and wind on the moving
particles of sand. Thus the "lake ridges" are now being formed;
and so were fashioned, ages ago, those which are now far inland.
Here again we quote from Prof. Cox, who says :
"The first ridge, along the present shore line, rises above the
water level from thirty to eighty-five feet, this is broken at irregu
lar intervals by valleys at oblique angles, and occasionally a tall
peak rises many feet above its fellows, a space of half a mile suc
ceeds this ridge, having an elevation of fifteen to twenty feet ; on
this is built the town of Michigan City. The top of the second
beach or ridge is fifty feet, and the half mile of valley beyond is

36 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
thirty-five feet above the water. The third beach is forty-five feet,
the fourth is ninety-five and the fifth is two hundred and twenty-
five feet above the lake. It may be remarked that the fourth
beach line contains a considerable amount of gravel, perhaps indi
cating a fixed water level for a comparatively long period of time.
The shallow portions of the present lake, near the shore, are uni
formly floored with sand, but in the deep central areas the bottom
is composed of stiff, tenacious clay, intercalating partings or pockets
of sand, from whence, probably, comes the supply which is, con
stantly, being filled up and drifted about the shores by the wind.
It may be inferred that the ancient lake was governed by a like law,
as the railway cuts which traverse these wide, descending shore
lines, frequently discover beds of clay, (the Erie clay of Canadian
Geologists) and wherever this clay is pierced by wells, the supply of
water is found in the sand partings.
No continuous sand ridges are found beyond the fifth from the
lake, though for some distance further inland the valleys and "hol
lows are, more or less, floored Avith this Avave-washed material. The
lakes in the vicinity of LaPorte are south of the water-shed and no
evidences are traceable of their having been a part of ancient lake
Michigan since the subsidence of the glacial sea."
Prior to the year 1829 the tract of country which is now the
county of La Porte, was without a white inhabitant. In all the
West, prolificln beauty, there was not a lovelier region ; but it was
in the sole possession of the red man, who roamed at will over the
prairies, and encamped in the groves, living on the game and fish,
which were abundant on the land and in the sparkling lakes. But
in the year 1829, intruders began to arrive. First of all, came the
widow Benedict and her family, and settled in what is now New
Durham township, not far from the present town of Westville.
Three or four others in the same year settled near the same locality;
the widow Shirley and family settled in the present Scipio town
ship, and Joseph W. Perkins, a trapper, and Asa M. Warren,
settled in the northeast corner of the county, in what is now Hud
son township. A more particular account of the settlers will^be
given in connection with the history of the townships wherein they
founded their homes. The county was unorganized, and though more

THE COUNTY IN GENERAL. 37
settlers came in 1830, and 1831; and at the beginning of 1832,
there were more than one hundred families in the county, yet they
were substantially a law unto themselves, for they were still without
a county organization. On the 9th day of January, 1832, the
State Legislature passed an act in which it was provided, "That
from and after the first day of April next, all that tract of country
included in the following boundaries shall form and constitute a new
county, to be known and designated by the name and style of La
Porte county, to-wit: Beginning at the State line which divides the
State of Indiana and Michigan territory, and at the Northwest cor
ner of township No. 38, North of Range No. 4, west of the second
principal meridian, thence running east with said State line to the
centre of Range No. 1, west of said meridian ; thence South twenty-
two miles ; thence west parallel with the said State line twenty-one
mil^s; thence north to the place of beginning."
The act also named commissioners, one each from the counties
of Allen, Fountain, Clinton, Tippecanoe and Ripley, to fix the seat
of justice for the new county, and directed that they should meet at
the house of David Pagin in said county, and " immediately proceed
to the discharge of the duties assigned them by law."
Their duties were discharged as prescribed ; and a writ of election
having been issued from the executive department of the State, an
election was held and a Board of county commissioners elected con
sisting of Chapel W. Brown, Elijah H. Brown, and Isaac Morgan.
Thus the county was organized, and ready to take its place among
the other counties of the State. It is related that when the act for
the incorporation of the county was before the legislature, a repre
sentative from one of the older counties, arose to inquire what out
landish name it was they were about to give the new county, and he
desired to know what it meant. He was told that the word was
French for "Door" or "Gate," and took its origin from a natural
opening through the timber of a grove leading from one part of the
prairie to another. '"Well then," said he, "why not call it Door
county, at once, and let these high-flown, aristocratic French names
alone?" But his advice was not followed; and the county, as sub
sequently the city, received the beautiful name, "LaPorte," instead
of being forever heralded to ths wnrl/1 oo T\^^^. county, and Doorburg.

38 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
The first Board of commissioners of LaPorte county met on May
28th, 1832, at the house of Geo. Thomas; and Chapel W. Brown,
Elijah H. Brown and Isaac Morgan presented their certificates of
election. These certificates were signed by the sherifi" of the county,
and on the back of each certificate is endorsed the oath of ofiice, the
oath being administered by the sheriff.
Benjamin McCarty was the acting sherifi", and there being no
clerk, the Board appointed Geo. Thomas the clerk elect of the cir
cuit court, "clerk of the Board for the time being."
The first act of this first session of the Board of commissioners,
was to order the division of the county into three townships. All
that part of the county lying east of the line which divides ranges
two and three was named Kankakee township, and was designated
as Commissioner's district No. 1. The whole of range three was
constituted another township and named Scipio, and was designated
as Commissioner's district No 2 ; and range four was constituted a
third civil township, New Durham, and was designated as Commis
sioner's district No. 3.
This order establishing the townships was followed by orders
directing that elections should take place on the 16th of June fol
lowing, that a justice of the peace should be elected in and for each
township, and that elections' should be held as follows : In Kankakee
township at the house of N. B. Nichols, with John Wills for in
spector; in Scipio township at the house of Capt. A. P. Andrew,
with A. P. Andrew for inspector ; and in New Durham township at
the house of Elisha Newhall, with Elisha Newhall for inspector. The
Board also ordered that Benj. McCarty be appointed commissioner
of the three per cent, fund; William Clark, county surveyor ; Jesse
Morgan, lister of taxable property, and Aaron Stanton county
treasurer. Thus the county commenced business, forty-three years ago from
the 28th day of the month of Alay, 1875. *The settlers were yet
few in number ; most of the rich lands of the county were untouched
by the plow; the ax had scarcely visited the beautiful groves that
dotted the prairies ; and though the pioneers were poor in purse,
they were rich in energy, and were surrounded by a wonderful

THE COUNTY IN GENERAL. 39'
wealth of beauty in the luxuriant groves, the flower-clad prairies,.
and the lakes that here and there sparkled in the landscape.
The Board of commissioners met again on the 2d day of July in
their second regular session. At this session Nathan B. Nichols'
was appointed "Collector of State and County taxes for the year
1832;" and it is curious to note this order among the acts of the
Board at this session : "Ordered that all springed carriages are
deemed by this Board as pleasure carriages and taxable under the
law regulating and collecting the revenue. ' ' Rates of taxation were
fixed on certain kinds of property, and among them horses were to
be taxed at thirty-seven and a half cents per head, work cattle
eighteen and three-fourths cents, gold watches fifty cents, silver
and composition watches twenty-five cents, pleasure, or "springed"
carriages, fifty cents, and brass clocks fifty cents. At this session
John Barnet Avas appointed constable for New Durham toAvnship,
and Joseph P. Osborn for Scipio township ; and Andrew Burnside
was appointed county treasurer. It is worthy of note also that at
this session Jesse Morgan "was allowed the sum of eleven dollars
for assessing the county of LaPorte for the year 1832."
At the November term following, Charles Ives was appointed
county agent, and at the January term 1833, he Avas directed to
sell at public or private sale, the lots donated for the use of public
buildings ; and at the March term 1833, the following appears among
the proceedings of the Board of Commissioners : "Ordered that the
elections of Scipio township Avhich were formerly held at the house
of A. P. Andrew, shall now be held at the town of LaPorte, where
the courts of said county are usually held."
It has already been mentioned that Jesse Morgan was allowed eleven
dollars for assessing the taxable property of the county for 1832. It
is an indication that population was increasing, that an allowance
was made to the same man for the same work, of twenty dollars, in
1833. A. G. Polke was at this time Sherifi" of the county.
At this session of the Board, on the 7th day of May, 1833, an
order was made directing the county agent to advertise the letting
of the court house contract. ^
On the 21st of August, 1833, a special term of the commissioners^
court was held, at wbif^h a, eor>tract was made between the Board of

-40 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
commissioners, consisting of Elijah H. Brown, Daniel Jessup and
Alexander Blackburn, of the first part, and Simon G. Bunce of the
second part, for the building of a court house. The building was
to be forty feet square, of brick, to be located in the centre of the
public square, and was to cost |3,975. It was to be crowned with
a cupola three stories in height, the first to be nine feet high, twelve
feet square, with a round window in each side and a fancy sash.
The second story of the cupola Avas to be an octagon, ten feet in
height, with a window on each side, closed by a Venetian blind, and
the corners ornamented with turned columns, and a "suitable sized
urn" to stand over each corner of the square first story. The third
story was a dome, six feet six inches in height, to be covered with
tin, and on this was to be a shaft six feet six inches high above the
top of the round dome ; and let into the top of the shaft, was to be
-an iron bar or spire holding at its connection with the shaft a cop
per ball, two feet in diameter, "laid with gold leaf;" halfway from
there to the top another copper ball, one foot in diameter, and on
top of the spire a Avooden ball, painted black, and six inches in
diameter. The men who founded the county Avere not destitute of a desire
to manifest a little pardonable pride in behalf of a county which
they could then very Avell understand was to become one of the
wealthiest in the State ; they determined that the court house should
be something more than four plain Avails, and should be an attract
ive building, creditable to their taste as well as to the necessary
¦spirit of economy that prevailed among them.
To illustrate the manner in which taxes were levied and revenue
raised, specific taxes on various kinds of property have already been
alluded to. There were also license taxes, as is shown by the
record of the Board of Commissioners at the September term 1833.
It was ordered that a license issue to Thomas M. ilorrison to "vend
merchandise in the county of LaPorte." J. F. & W. Allison Avere
licensed at the same rate to "vend merchandise ;" and also to "keep
a tavern in the town of LaPorte." "Rates fifteen dollars." Sen
eca Ball was licensed to "vend merchandise" in the town of La
Porte; and Elijah Casteel was licensed to keep a grocery in Michi
gan City at a rate of ten dollars. Wm. Clements also, was licensed
to "vend merchandise in thp tinvn nf L.iPnvtp. "

THE COUNTY IN GENERAL. 41
At this session, on the 4th day of September, New Durham town
ship was divided so that "all that tract of country lying in towns
37 and 38" should constitute a new township, to be called Michi
gan. Up to this period there were but three townships in the
county, each extending entirely across it from North to South.
The order was now broken, and we shall see as we proceed, how
other townships were carved out of the original three, until now
there are nineteen.
It is said that roads are evidences of civilization, and promoters of
it. The pioneers of this county early saw the necessity of having
easy access to all parts of the county, and with contiguous counties.
Among the first acts of the county commissioners was the estab
lishment of county roads, at the request of the inhabitants; and they
did not hesitate to expend money on the Yellow river road, leading
from Marshall county to Michigan City. They also authorized
Matthias Redding to keep a ferry across the Kankakee, on the line
of this road, no bridge having yet been built. This road and ferry
did much to advance the county in population, as it made Michigan
City the market for all the country as far south as Logansport.
These early pioneers were subjected to many hardships, incon
veniences and deprivations; but not more than are incident to all
new countries. There were fewer circumstances of this nature to
complain of than may be found in the early settlement of most new
countries, for the rich prairies, covered only with grass and floAvers,
which seemed smilingly to invite the plow of the husbandman, and
the groves furnishing abundance of timber for fencing, insured the
cultivation of many acres, and abundant returns, the very first year
of settlement. It is true that at first they had to travel to Berrien,
Mich., to procure the grinding of their wheat and corn, but this
state of things soon gave place to grist mills and saw mills, and
other conveniences within the limits of the county; and as the
region became better known it settled up very rapidly. It is proba
ble that no other county in the State received accessions to its
population more rapidly in its first five years than did LaPorte. It
was a veritable "land of promise," which, if not "fioAving with milk
and honey," yet possessed a soil of unsurpassed richness, and when
" tickled with a hoe (or plow) would laugh with a- harvest." The

42 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
settler on lands exclusively timber must undergo years of wearisome
toil, before he has subdued nature to his purposes. He who settles
on the immense prairies of the farther west, finds himself embar
rassed for the want of fencing material, but here the open prairie
required only fencing and plowing to ensure a crop ; and the timber
in abundance stood close at hand. Nature had brought into juxta
position the two elements of the farmer's need; and it was to him
as it is to the iron manufacturer, when he finds the ore and the coal
in adjoining veins. The consequence was that settlers poured in
with great rapidity ; and the hardships of pioneer life soon gave
place to the facilities of agreeable intercourse, educational privileges,
and all the advantages of an intelligent and hospitable society.
But with the advent of a mixed society, it could not be expected
that all would render such strict obedience to law as to render penal
institutions unnecessary ; and accordingly at a special term of the
commissioners' court held on the 16th day of November, 1833, it
was ordered that Charles Ives, the county agent, make out plans
and specifications ; that he file the same in the clerk's ofiice, and
advertise for sealed proposals for the building of a county jail. On
the 26th day of December the contract for building a jail was let to
Warner Pierce for the sum of $460. Yet there are facts which
would indicate that there could have been but little immediate use
for the jail. Mr. Geo. Thomas, the clerk of the county, certified to
the Board of commissioners that "the fines assessed by the circuit
court of December, 3 833, amount in all to $7.00; §5.00 against
James Lockhart on an indictment for retailing liquor to an Indian,
$2.00 against CaMn Lilly for retailing liquors without license ; "
and the docket of Elisha NeAvhall, a justice of the peace, shows that
the only fine he assessed during the year was $1.00 against Willis
Hughes for profane swearing; andWm. .0. Ross, justice of the
peace, reports a fine of $1.00 assessed against George Buell for
"profane swearing." It is hoped that this was all the " profane
swearing" that took place in the county ; but it is scarcely probable
that such was the fact. If so, it Avould perhaps be taken as evidence
that there has been progress in the wrong direction.
In the SnrinfT of 1834 the countv pvbibitprl mnrVod i->vf,fi-vQc.c o-nA

THE COUNTY IN GENERAL. 43
schools were opened, many broad acres were under cultivation,
courts of justice were established, numerous houses were erected in
LaPorte and Michigan City, modest farm-houses dotted the prairies
in every direction, and the tide of immigration was rolling in un
checked. The comforts of life were fast being added to the mere
necessaries ; and contentment and happiness took up their abode in
the dwelling of nearly every settler. Everything around them
indicated a prosperous future, and they rejoiced that they had found
so fair a region for the building up of homes for themselves and their
children. At the May term of the commissioners' court, 1834, the records
show a document which seems to carry back the thought a hundred
years beyond the time of its date. It is a relic of the "black laws"
that so long disgraced the statute books of Indiana, by which any
person of color, coming into any county of the State was required
to furnish bonds that he would not become a county charge. Th^
disgraceful act has become a part of the history of Indiana, and
LaPorte county contains at least one illustration of it. Here is the
record :
"Now come Alexander Blackburn and Israel Markham, over
seers of the poor, and make report : We, the undersigned overseers
of the poor for Kankakee township, La Porte county, respectfully
report that we have taken bond and security of Wm. Greenwood
alias Randall, a free black man, immigrated into this county, as
required by law, and that Ave have acted on no other business.
[Signed,] A. Blackburn, I n P
Israel Markham, j
LaPorte, 5th May, 1834.
Having now followed the progress of the county to May 1834,
and seen it organized, and presenting evidences of prosperity on
every hand, the townships separately, and the cities and towns will
next demand attention.

44 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER II.
KANKAKEE TOAVNSHIP.
The present Kankakee township lies in Congressional township
No. 37, range two west, and is located chiefly on Rolling Prairie,
This township was one of the original three which formed the entire
county, and included the whole of range two, and all of range one
that lies inside of La Porte county. Other townships have been
carved from it, until now it is reduced to the precise limits of the
Congressional township No. thirty-seven.
The first settlers came to the township in 1830.
Aaron Stanton, Benajah Stanton, Philip Fail and Richard Harris
came in company from Union county in this State, and arrived in
Centre township in February 1830. Aaron Stanton brought two
hired men with him. They proceeded at once to put up a cabin
upon the farm now occupied by Moses Stanton, where they all
lived together. In the spring the ground was broken and a crop
put in. After harvest Aaron Stanton returned to Union county
for his family, which he brought with him the same year, and Philip
Fail, who had his Avife Avith him when he came, took up a claim
and built a cabin on section 18, in the toAvnship of Kankakee, which
was in the same neighborhood with the Stantons. This was the
first cabin built in that tOAvnship, and Avas erected in the fall of
1830. In the month of October of that year, Benajah S. Fail,
son of Philip Fail Was born. He is said to be the first male white
child born in the township or county.
On the 24th day of May 1831, Ezekiel Provolt, David Stoner,
Jesse West, Arthur Irving and a man named Willets, arrived in
the township with their families. They came from the vicinity of
LaFayette, and were on the road eighteen days — a rather tedious
journey. On one occasion when the party had finished a day's
journey, Mrs. Provolt rode back to the camping ground of the
previous night to procure a fire with Avhich to cook the evening meal.
The first night after the arrival of the partv, thev encami-ied m-ian

kANKAKBE TOWNSHIP. 45
the land now occupied by A. J. Bowell, about one half mile north
of the depot. The next day the party moved to the site of what is
now the village of Rolling Prairie or Portland. There Ezekiel
Provolt put up a log cabin and his family moved into it. Soon
after, Jesse West and Arthur Irving built cabins near that of
Provolt. In the same year Daniel Murray, Chapel W. Brown, Emery
Brown, Jacob ^Miller, John Garret and James Hiley moved into the
township. In the spring of 1832, Alex. Blackburn, Solomon Aldrich and
Charles Ives with their families moved into the township and com
menced making improvements. Myron Ives had preceded them,
arriving in the fall of 1831. In the month of May of that year,
the Blackhawk Avar had broken out, and runners came from Chica
go, spreading stories to the effect that Indians were advancing upon
the settlers. All was alarm and confusion, and they fied in dismay
to Terre Coupee prairie in St. Joseph county, Avhere a large number
congregated at the house of a settler by the name of Egbert. A
short time after, another panic took place and the settlers again re
turned to the same prairie, and part of them, about forty, took refuge
in a school house, where they slept over night. The next day a
company of soldiers moved westward on a reconnoissance. This
reassured them, and they mostly returned homeward in the rear of
the command. In June following the land sale took place, and
while most of the men Avere gone to attend it, another rumor came
of advancing Indians. The women were alone and unprotected,
but they had become used to such reports and but few left their homes.
After the successful termination of the Blackhawk war, the set
tlement of the township became so rapid that the old settlers could
not keep pace in the formation of acquaintances, with the new
comers. Among those arriving at this time were Leonard Cutler,
Nathan B. Nichols, Joseph Reynolds, and Ebenezer Russell. Pre
vious to this period, neighbors were such as resided five or even ten
miles apart, and they visited each other at such distances as readily
as now at a half mile. The products of the soil and the contents of
the larder were free. Those who had plenty gave to their less
prosperous neighbors as cheerfully as if they had been members of

46 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
their own family. The prairie was a flower garden, the woods
were filled with game, wild fruits were abundant and honey could
be found plentifully in the forests. There was much enjoyment
among the people. They were bound to each other by ties which
we now can little appreciate, ties of mutual dependence, protection
against Indians, and the common deprivation of many of the com
forts which come to older communities. Mrs. Ann Eliza Provolt,
was one of the pioneers, and from her are gathered many of the facts
in the history of this township. She is enthusiastic over the beauty
of the country, and the happiness of the people at that time.
The first religious services of which we have any account, was by
the Presbyterians) at the cabin of Alex. Blackburn, upon the plabe
now occupied by Miner Nesbit. This took place sometime in the
month of November, 1832. Services were performed by Rev.
James Crawford, of the Wabash country. There were but seven
members. The next summer Mr. Crawford came again, and com
pleted the organization of the church, which had then increased to
twenty members. James Blair, Wm. 0. Ross, David Dinwiddle and
Myron Ives, were chosen and installed elders. The last two were
ordained. The meetings were held in a log school house on the Niles
road. Mr. Crawford died in Iowa about three years ago, aged eighty-
six years. Among the settlers of 1834, were William Sharp,
Asa Pease, J. M. Heckman, Zenos Preston, Jacob Wagner, and a
family named Blood.
During 1834 a school house was put up on the Michigan road.
It was constructed of logs, opposite the place now occupied by
John Provolt. Difficulties had arisen regarding its location. From
every point of the compass there were settlers who wanted it near
their dwellings. After it was finished, a man named Emerson, was
employed to teach. Before his term was completed, the school
building was burned in the night. Another was soon afterer ected,
and the same spot is now occupied by a frame school house.
In 1835, a large number of Indians encamped for a time on the
Kankakee marsh, probably five hundred of them ; but they soon
passed on to the westward. From that time on, only scattering
parties were to be seen, until all had left the country. The first

KANKAKEE TOWNSHIP. 47
death occurred this year. It was a child named  Stoner, aged
three weeks. It was buried on A. J. Bowell's farm.
A tragedy occurred in this township in 1837, resulting in
the death of an estimable young man, who was murdered for
money. There were two young men in the township, one of whom
was Joshua M. Coplin, and the other was named Scott. Coplin had a
sum of money due him in Virginia, in amount, somewhere between
$500 and $600, and they started eastward together. Scott stopped
at the house of his mother in Lucas county, Ohio, and Coplin went
on to Virginia, the State of his nativity, and having procured the
money, four hundred dollars of which was in silver, and the balance
in gold, undertook his return. Coplin stopped at the house of
Scott's mother on his way, and stayed over night, and the next day
started towards homo. Scott followed, and overtaking Coplin, rode
with him, each being on horse-back, until within less than a mile of
Coplin's house, when he shot him dead and took possession of the
money. Scott fled, but was followed, captured and placed in con-
finentent at LaPorte. The murder took place on the second day of
February 1838, between a quarter and half mile of Jedediah Aus
tin's, and on the farm now owned by him, about eleven o'clock at
night. The report of the pistol with which the deed was accom
plished, was heard by several. The body was found the next morn
ing by James Andrew, who lived in the vicinity. Scott was soon
after tried, found guilty, and hung near LaPorte on the fifteenth
day of June of the same year. Coplin's age when murdered, as
inscribed on his tombstone, was nineteen years, three months and
twenty days.
From this period, it would be impracticable to trace all the arrivals
in the township. Containing a splendid body of land, settlement
was rapid, farms were opened in every direction ; and the number
of inhabitants was such that some of them began to think of the lo
cation of a village. The town of Byron was accordingly laid out,
and a plot of it recorded on the 22d day of May 1837. Its location
as designated on the record, was the south part of the east half of
the northeast quarter of section fifteen, in township thirty-seven,
north of range two west. It was laid out upon lands of Stephen G.
Hunt and Hiram Orum. An addition was laid out, and recorded

48 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
on the 25tb day of August, A. D., 1849, by Elias Lowe, on the
southeast quarter of section sixteen, same township and range. ^
In the summer of 1835, there was but one cabin on the site of
the town of Byron, and that was owned by William Hunt. In the
fall of that year another was built, on the south side of the road.
The first frame building was a store built by Amzi Clark, on the
south side of Chicago street, in the fall of 1835, and spring of 1836.
It was destroyed by fire in March 1873. Clark kept store in this
house about a year, when he sold out to Orum & Phillips. It after
wards passed into the hands of Stewart & Lillie, and they sold out
to Willis Peck, Avho in turn sold to Eraser & Campbell.
A postoffice was established in this locality in 1835, which was
moved to Rolling Prairie in 1853. It was first kept in a log cabin,
on Chicago street, near Amzi Clark's store. The first postmaster
was S. G. Hunt.
W. F. Talbot built a frame-house in the village in 1836, which
was used for a blacksmith shop, and also as a residence for his family.
In 1841 W. G. Hickman erected a building for a store, where he
sold goods for a time, and then sold to Lowe & Young.
The first school house in Byron was built by subscription. It
was erected in 1841, and the first school was taught by Joseph M.
Salisbury. In 1847 a man named Wilber, commenced building a
hotel on the south side of Chicago street. Before it was finished,
he sold it to Charles Lebo, who moved it to the north side of the
street and completed it. Lebo kept it three years and sold it to W.
G. Hickman. I. N. Whitehead bought out Hickman in 1852 and
kept the hotel five years.
Stewart & Lillie built a Avarehouse at Byron in the year 1847,
which was situated on Chicago street, and large amounts of grain
were stored in it. At that time By;.-on was quite a large wheat
market, considerable business being done in its purchase and
sale. Before the Northern Indiana railroad was built, Byron was a
town of much importance. Its trade was large. The travel
through it was great, the merchants prospered and there was un
usual activity on its streets for a town of its size. The railroad
killed it. Its streets are deserted. There is neither store, black-

KANKAKEE TOWNSHIP. 49
smith shop or tavern, within its limits. The first and only church
in the place which was built by the Methodists in 1849, has been
pulled down and moved away. It contains not more than half of
its former population, and its residences are occupied mostly by
farmers who work on the neighboring lands.
Had the railroad passed through the place, the village of Byron
would have lived and fiourished ; but Avhen it passed by to the north
of it, a ncAV town, and the death of the old, was the natural result ;
and so the town of Rolling Prairie came into being. This is de
scribed in the survey as being in the northeast quarter of township
number thirty-seven, north of range number two west.
The first house built upon the town site of Rolling Prairie was
erected by Ezekiel Provolt in the spring of 1831. This was followed
by two others, put up by West and Irving. When the land came into
market in 1832, and was sold at public sale, W. J. Walker bid in the
premises upon which these settlers were living, and allowed them to
remain there for a time in consideration of the improvements they
had made. Ezekiel Provolt did not therefore remove to the present
home of the family, until in the year 1834, when John Reynolds
moved into the vacated cabin. The Northern Indiana road was
built to where the town now stands in January 1852. It reached
LaPorte on the 10th day of that month and year, the last four miles
of track being laid on that day and the cars coming into the city in
the evening. The little cluster of cabins was known as Nauvoo,
until a survey was made and recorded on the 26th day of November
1853. Walker gave the village the name of Portland, which is to
day the only legal name as recognized under the laws of the State,
though the postoffice is called Rolling Prairie, and the railroad com
pany have given that name to the station.
On plat book No. 1, page 108, of the county records, can be
found an addition without date or description, other than the plat
itself. TAvelve lots of this addition are bounded on the north by
Walker street, on the east by Prairie street, on the south by Michi
gan street, and on the west by Maple street. The main part of the
addition is bounded on the north by Michigan street, east by the
boundary line of the northwest quarter of section eleven, south by
the Northern Indiana railroad, and west by the county road. This,
the first addition, was laid out by W. J. Walker.

50 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
On the 1st day of September 1855, B. P. Walker filed a plat for
an addition to Portland, embracing eight blocks in section eleven.
On the 6th day of December 1855, he made his second addition,
embracing seven blocks, and on the 23d day of January 1858, he
filed a third and a fourth addition.
A steam saw mill Avas built in Rolling Prairie in 1852. It A\as
erected by a company composed of John Drummond, A. J. BoAvell
and J. H. Fail, who sold it to Johnson & Folant in the Fall of
1855. They in turn sold to Jesse H. G. Coplin in 1857, and he in
1858 added a grist mill to the saw mill. An explosion occurred in
this mill in 1860, which killed Thomas Lewis, and caused the loss
of an arm to Frederick Knight. Coplin was slightly injured. B.
F. Huntsman bought this mill in 1863, and in 1868 it was burned,
but rebuilt the same year by Mr. Huntsman.
The first frame house in Portland was built by W. J. Walker, in
the year 1853, and was rented by hin^ to Ross & Organ. It was
used by them for a store, and John H. Kierstead attended to the bus
iness. Kierstead afterwards bought the firm out, and run the store
on his own account. It has since been moved about one hundred
feet north of its former location, and is still used as a store and kept
by E. L. Prince. It is located on Depot street. About the time
the store was built, Nathan Smith erected a frame dwelling on
Michigan street. This he sold, and the next year built another on
Depot street. The depot was built in 1853. In 1854, the Chris
tian denomination erected a church, which was the first built in the
village. In 1859, Kierstead built a store which burned down in
February 1867. He sold the lot to David Hofi"man, who again sold
to W. B. Stevens. Stevens rebuilt in 1870. The Presbyterian
church was built in 1857, and the Methodist Episcopal in 1865.
The brick store now occupied by J. P. Nesbit, was built by G. W.
Bolster, in 1870, and the store of Joseph D. Cassell, was erected in
1872. The village of Rolling Prairie is pleasantly located, and com
mands a fair amount of business for a place of its size. It contains,
at the present time, one bakery, two blacksmith shops, two boarding
houses, one cooper, two carpenters, two clergymen, three dry goods
and grocery stores, one drug and grocery store, one depot agent, one

KANKAKEE TOWNSHIP. 51
dress maker, one feed store, two grain merchants, one hardware
store, one harness maker, one lumber dealer, one music teacher, one
meat market, one fruit nursery, two painters and glaziers, two phy
sicians, two shoe shops, one steam saw mill, two telegraph operators,
two wagon makers, and many very pleasaat residences, some of
which display considerable architectural beauty. The population
is about four hundred.
Among the old settlers of Kankakee township whom we have not
yet named were John Garrett who arrived in the Spring of 1830 ;
Jacob Miller, who came probably in 1832 ; Daniel Murray and
Emery Brown, 1830 ; Geo. W. Barnes, Ludlow Bell, Dr. Bowell,
James Drummond, J. Austin, Benj. DeWitt, and the families of
Harvey, Salisbury and Whitehead. These were all old settlers, some of
whom are still living. Many more came at an early day, but those
are not named as " Old Settlers " who came to the township later
than 1832. Among those who have lived long in the township, and
most of whom still reside there, are Samuel Downing; J. S. Hollo
way ; David Bush, and his brothers, Isaac, now dead, and Abram,
whose home is at present in Chicago ; Lewis Griffith ; J. H. Kier
stead, now in LaPorte; Benj. Finley; Miner Nesbit; Calita and
Enoch L. Preston ; Jesse Blake ; A. H. Miller, now residing in La
Porte; Moses Burhans; C. L. 0. Bell; and the Hickmans, Prouds,
Wagners, Irelands and Darlingtons. These are, the majority of
them, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and for this employment
there can scarcely be found anywhere a more favored locality than
Kankakee township. The soil is the rich prairie loam ; and timber
and water are abundant.

52 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER III.
SCIPIO TOWNSHIP.

Scipio township, like Kankakee was one of the three original
townships of which the county of LaPorte consisted at its organiza
tion; and its limits were range three, the entire length of the
county from north to south. Its present limits are Congressional
township thirty-six, range three. The rf st of its original territory is
embraced in Centre and Michigan on the north. Noble and Hannah,
and a small part of Union on the south.
The first settlers in Scipio township were Adam Keith and fami
ly, and Lewis Shirley and his mother, who arrived on the sixth day
of July, 1829. The Keith family were originally from Pennsylva
nia; but the little colony named came from Ohio to this county.
In the month of October in the year of their arrival, Keith Shirley
was born. He was the first child born in the township, and is
believed to be the third born in the county.
In the year 1830, a man named Welsh and his son, a youth of
eighteen or nineteen years, settled at Door Village. They built
a cabin and procuring some liquors, opened a trade with the
Indians and did fi. very fair business. At first the liquor was of a
quality to please the noble red man. It would "make drunk come
quick." Finally the elder Welsh became dissatisfied with the
amount of his profits, and desiring to amass a fortune in the small
est possible length of time, began to dilute the "fire Avater" from a
spring. Though not as a general thing very fastidious about their
edibles, this action on the part of Welsh in relation to their favorite
beverage, excited their indignation. At last a party of young
braves visited his cabin, and rolling out the barrels knocked out the
heads with their tomahaAvks, and spilled the precious fluid upon the
ground. This little incident so Avorked upon the feelings of the
father and son that they left the township and removed to Chicago.
On the thirtieth day of May 1830, Elizabeth Keith, Avife of Adam
Keith, died. It was the first death in the township. Among the
settlers of this year were Daniel Jessup and Joseph Osborn.

SCIPIO TOWNSHIP. 53
In 1831 Arba Heald, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Whittaker, John Gar
wood, Elijah Brown, Stephen Brayton, Hugh McGivens, Wm.
Adams, James Anscum, ¦ and John Gattis, became settlers. Gen.
Joseph Orr purchased land but did not stay — he returned the next
year in time to take part in the Blackhawk war.
During the same year (1831) a body of Sac Indians passed
through the township on their way to Detroit. A number who
were in advance of the main body, stole three horses from Arba
Heald. He followed them a few miles, but as he was on foot gave
up the chase as useless. When the main body came up a day or two
after, they were stopped and the larceny reported to the chiefs. After
a council had been held, it was agreed to give an order on Col. Dav
enport, Indian Agent at Rock Island, Illinois, for the value of the
stock taken. Mr. Heald afterAvards went to the agency to get his
money. Instead of paying it, measures were taken to get the hor
ses. They were procured and driven into the town. They had
been badly used in hunting buffalo, their ears being split and their
tails cut oflF. Having received his horses, Mr. H. proposed to re
turn on the following morning, but during the intervening night,
the best one of them was again stolen. This he never recovered
nor any pay for it, ns the Blackhawk war put an end to the Indian
annuities — at least so far as they were payable this side of the
Mississippi. During this year the first wedding took place — Adam
Keith married Hannah Harris, daughter of Richard Harris.
In the year 1832, Christopher McClure, Arthur McClure, Lewis
Keith, John Broadhead, Peter White, and Thomas W. Sale moved
into the township. During the spring of this year, there were but
two cabins in Door Village, one of which Avas occupied by Arba
Heald, and the other was vacant, it being the one vacated by the
Welshes, after the exploit of the Indian crusaders. The McClures
occupied this vacant cabin, while they were building residences on
their land one mile north of the village. The day after it was com
pleted the Indian scare commenced.
The Sac Indians were never kindly disposed to the American
people or government. As far back as the war of 1812, they took
up arms against the United States, and favored the British. In rec
ompense for this, they were receiving an annuity in Canada. Their

64 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
place of crossing was at Detroit, and the trail they pursued ran
through New Durham township, and Door Village in Scipio. It is-
most probable that their intercourse with the Canadians, year after
year, had anything but a good effect in quieting their ancient ani
mosity against our people.
In May 1832, Mr. Owen, the Indian agent at Chicago, sent-
word to -Arba Heald that the Indians had commenced hostilities on
Hickory creek, a short distance from that city, and advised the
settlers to prepare to repel any invasion that they might make.
Hostilities had commenced in'other parts of the State of Illinois on
Rock river and near Dixon. The alarm proved, as is almost inva
riably the case, to have been greatly exaggerated. The hostile acts
were upon Indian creek, and a family by the name of Hall were
murdered, with the exception of two girls, who were carried into-
captivity. Heald having sent word over the prairie, a large number assem
bled at Door Village. They had been hurrying in during the night,
and in the morning a meeting was called in order to consult upon
taking means best calculated to promote their mutual defense, when
from a mistaken idea of the cause of the confusion, a stampede took
place and about half the company started their teams eastward;
some not stopping except for rest and their meals, until they had
reached Cincinnati. Many did not return until the next year.
Forty-two men remained and built Avorks for their defense. These
consisted of a ditch, earthworks and a palisade, one hundred and
twenty-five feet square. Upon two of the angles, there were block
houses, which commanded the sides. This fort, as it is called, was
built under the direction of Peter White, Avho had acquired some
previous knowledge in the building of such works. It Avas comple
ted in three days from the time of its commencement, when its
occupants felt comparatively safe. It was located about a half-mile
east of Door Village, on the lands of Lewis Shirley, near the road,
and its site is plainly discernible at this time.
Amid all the turmoil and confusion, there was one AVoman wha
preserved her courage and assumed a defiant air, which gained for
her the character of a heroine. It was Mrs. Arba Heald. With
two rifles, two axes and two pitchforks, she barricaded herself in

SCIPIO TOWNSHIP. 55
the cabin on her husband's farm, and neither threats nor persuasion
could induce her to'go into the fort. She declared she would kill
six Indians before they took possession of her home. She would
have doubtless fought them alone if they bad disturbed her.
Soon after the fort was finished, a block house was built very
near where Albert S. Hall now resides on section thirteen, south
east of Round grove. This was built under the direction of Judge
Lemon. On the second night after the fort near the village was commen
ced, it was thought best to send out a scouting party. Throe men
were selected; but Christopher McClure was the only man who per
formed the duty. He hid his gun behind a tree, and traveled in
the direction of New Durham. Possessing a desire to create an
excitement, he returned after a time with a sensational report, which
made full as much bustle and turmoil as he expected.
General Joseph Orr purchased lands in Scipio township in 1831.
In the month of May 1832, he came to take charge of and improve
his possessions, which were situated on the line of Scipio and Center,
being partly in both. He had previously, in 1827, been commis
sioned a Brigadier General, by Gov. Ray, and being present when
the fort was building and the stampede took place, wrote to the
governor giving him an account of what had happened, and then
repaired to Chicago to ascertain, if possible, Avhether any real
danger threatened the inhabitants of this vicinity. There he had
an interview with Major Whistler, who commanded Fort Dearborn.
After conference with that gentleman, he made certain recommend
ations and forwarded them to the governor of this State, and then
started for the headquarters of General Atkinson, who was in com
mand of a force sent against the Indians. After interviewing Gen
eral Atkinson, General Orr returned to Chicago, where he received
the following order :
Executive Department, Indianapolis, 26th June, '32.
Sir: — You will, upon the reception of this order, organize a
company of volunteer Mounted Rangers, to be employed along the
western line of our frontier, for the term of three months — keepin g
up an intercourse between our Wabash settlements and Chicago, by
selecting suitable stations near the immediate settlements, and keep
ing out parties of observation with daily communication.

56 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
This corps you will either take command of yourself, or commit
it to an officer to be selected by the company, with the understand
ing that your official services will be expected in your division, in
the event that a call is made from the United States officer in the
Northwest, on the militia of the State.
Provisions, forage, etc., you will provide until funds are provided
for that purpose. N. Noble.
To Major General Joseph Orr.
Upon the receipt of the above order, Gen. Orr proceeded to raise
a company of eighty-eight men, including officers, and reported by
letter, first " to the commandant at Fort Dearborn, or Indian agent,
Chicago," from Kankakee, under date of July 7th, 1832, and after
wards from Hickory creek, July tenth, to General Winfield Scott.
The following is an extract from a letter from General Orr to Gen
eral Scott:
" Sir: — I herewith enclose a copy of an order from the governor
of Indiana, under which a company of rangers has been raised, and
placed on the line between the Wabash and Chicago.
In pursuance of that order, volunteers were called for to rendez-
¦Tous at Attica, Indiana, on the second instant, and at which place
a company was organized as foUoAvs, to-wit :
Joseph Orr, commandant.
Eliakim Ashton, first lieutenant.
Jesse Davidson, second lieutenant.
Henry Slabens, third lieutanant, and eighty-four non-commis
sioned officers and privates.
We marched from Attica on the evening of the third, and reached
the Iroquois (Hubbert's trading house) on the fifth instant. I left
a small corps of observation, fourteen in number, under command
of Lieutenant Davidson. With the balance of the company, I
reached this place on yesterday. To-day I sent a detachment to
the Door Prairie, from which they will return by the Avay of Kan
kakee and Iroquois rivers, and be in camp in five or six days.
Meantime Ave shall traverse the country in difi"erent directions with
other detachments, so that at the end of a week, I hope to be able
to render a satisfactory account of things along the line committed
to our charge. * * * *

scipio township. 57
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Joseph Orr,
Commander Corps Ind. Mounted Volunteer Rangers.
The following is an extract from General Scott's reply :
Headquarters Northwestern Army, 1
Chicago, July 2, 1832. j
JP ^ IJS -P ^ Jji JjS
I rely upon your zeal and patriotism to quiet all apprehensions
among your men, for their safety against cholera. As soon as I
shall be able to separate the sick from the healthy, on board the
several steamers, and be certain that there will be no danger of a
further spread of cholera, I shall want to commence operations, and
then your mounted men will, be of great value to the service.
Let me hear froin you if you have anything interesting to
communicate. In haste, I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Winfield Scott.
To Gen. Orr, Commanding Indiana Volunteer Rangers.
Much correspondence passed between General Scott, and Captain
Orr, and the following is given as showing the purpose of the
commanding general, and his estimate of the Indiana company of
Mounted Rangers.
Headquarters Northwestern Army,
Chicago, July 20, 1832.
Sir: — I wrote to you the day before yesterday by Lieutenant Tup
per of the United States Marines, who happened to be passing
towards your camp.
I have now to acknowl.)dgo your communication of the nine
teenth, which is satisfactory. I have no doubt that your fine
company will do honor to the state of Indiana, and the country
generally, if it should, under your command, come in contact with
the enemy.
I still think of marching upon the immediate theatre of opera-
ations about the twenty-sixth, and shall wish you to accompany me
with your command. Having no hope that any other detachment
of regular infantry will arrive, I shall only have Maj. Whistler's
small command of uninfected, and unsuspected troops to accom
pany me.
Gen. Atkinson, on the seventeenth, was preparing to march
again upon the enemy with some hope of bringing him to action
about the twenty-first. If the Black Hawk succeed in avoiding a

58 . history of la porte county.
battle he may retreat from Milwalky along the lake Michigan in
this direction. In that event we might meet him, and though our
force would be small, we might, nevertheless, efi"ect something.
I have only four tents here. "Four hundred and fifty were to
have followed in one of the steam boats now no longer expected,
and I have no surgeon for the field. I am glad to learn that you
have a few tents for your own men, and a good physician or sur
geon. I can furnish you with baggage wagons, and shall order sub
sistence to follow us from this place ; nevertheless it will be desirable
that you take from your camp, rations for three or five days. We
will meet on the route, say within four or five miles of this place.
But I shall send an officer down to you to arrange all those points.
About the twenty-sixth, then, I wish you to have your whole
company assembled ready to march, and in the meantime let me
hear from you. I only wait till then in hope that tents and a phy
sician may arrive, and for wagons and horses which I know will be
here. I remain with great respect, your obedient servant, Winfield Scott.
P. S. The cholera is subsiding fast in the fort, and many of the
sick are getting well ; but on account of your volunteers, and those
with General Atkinson, I shall not take a man of the detachment
that has had the disease. We all here believe it not contagious. W. S.
Capt. Jos. Orr, Commanding Indiana Mounted Rangers.
Camp Hickory Creek.
The movement of Gen. Scott and his command did not take
place as contemplated, owing probably to the retreat of Black
HaAvk to the Mississippi, and on the fourth day of August Gen.
Orr wrote to the Commanding officer at Fort Dearborn as follows:
Camp at Hickory Creek, August 4, 1832.
Sir : — I wish you to send me by the bearer, Mr. Edmundson, a
sergeant of my company, for the use of the company, one keg of
rifle powder. It would be preferred in canisters if convenient. We
camp to-night on the lake shore some six miles from Chicago.
Have taken this trip in order to lessen the dulness of a camp and
will return probably to-morroAV.
Having been disappointed in even a prospect of seeing the enemy,
we have no desire to continue in service for the mere pay of sol
diers, and therefore would be pleased with the earliest intimation
that our services could be dispensed with. I have written to Gov.

scipio township. 59'
Noble to that eff"ect and hope the step will receive your approbation
and that of the commanding general in the Northwest, as well as
your aid in effecting it. In the event of our discharge please say
what disposition you would have us ?make of the public property in.
our possession. I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant, \
Joseph Orr, Commanding
Company Indiana, Mounted Volunteer Rangers.^
The company was soon after disbanded, as appears from the fol
lowing letter of Gov. Noble, to Gen. Orr, which also shows the
result of the war. Indianapolis, Ind., August 6, 1832.
Dear Sir : — The LaFayette mail of Saturday, brought me your
letter of the twenth-ninth, and that of the eighteenth instant was
handed me by Mr. Bryant.
The enemy' having fled beyond the Mississippi, and an army
under a skillful general being in possession of the country between,
the frontier is entirely secure from an approach of a hostile charac
ter ; you will therefore withdraw the company under your command
from their present position, and upon reaching a suitable point, dis
band it.
I regret exceedingly that the boys have not' had an opportunity
to achieve more, but as circumstances forbade it, you must all return,.
content with the reflection that you were ready to meet danger,
have done your duty, and that your fellow citizens approve your
conduct, so far as you have been permitted to act.
I am, sir, respectfully your obedient servant,
N. Noble.
This alarm, by which it was supposed the cruelties of Indian war
fare would be visited upon the infant settlements of LaPorte
county, was occasioned by the supposition that the Sac Indians
would retreat into Canada instead of going beyond the Mississippi,
and as their trail passed through the county, the peril appeared to
be imminent.
After the close of the war, the township of Scipio settled up more
rapidly than before, and during the fall of 1832, many settlers
moved into the township. Arthur McClure was elected justice of
the peace this year. During these early times, Rev. James Arm
strong preached at difi"erent houses in the township, and, either this
year or the following, his example was followed by Revs. Sherwood,
St. Clair and Holmes.

60 history of LAPORTE COUNTY.
A man lived in this town during this period by the name of
Shadney or Chaudonia. He was of mixed Pottawatomie and
French blood, and had come here from Detroit. When the Michi
gan road was proposed from Madison, on the Ohio river to Michi
gan City — two hundred and seventy miles — the Indians had agreed
to relinquish their title" to one- section of land for each mile that was
built through their country. The State construed the agreement to
mean one section per mile, for the entire length of the road. The
Indians hearing that such would be the interpretation, became
quite indignant, and were about preventing the surveyors from
running out any more land. Shadney's influence with them was
very great and his services were brought into requisition. He pro
cured an ox, a quantity of whisky was furnished, a barbecue and a
drunken spree was the consequence, in which a large number of
Indians participated, and the affair passed by without any further
trouble. For his services in this matter, the United States govern
ment gave him a patent of section twenty-eight. It may well be a
query at this time whether the authorities of the general govern
ment would feel warranted in rewarding any person for getting
Indians drunk, no matter what the advantages accruing might be.
Gen. Orr sent for this man Shadney, and consulted him when
the fort was built at Door Village, as to the probabilities of the Sac
Indians following their old trail. He gave it as his opinion that
they would not, and future events justified his conclusion.
Many reports not creditable to the reputation of Chaudonia have
been circulated. It is difficult to determine at this day just how
much truth there may be in them. He is said to have had an Indi-
¦an wife, having left a Avhite wife at Detroit, and that after the death
of the Indian woman, the lawful wife came on from Detroit. He
had great infiuence with the Indians, which the government after
wards recognized. In 1835 or 1836 he removed to St. Joseph
county, where his widow and some of his descendants still reside.
In regard to the charges which have been made against him, the fol
lowing letter from a distinguished citizen of South Bend, who has
been many years a clerk in the General Land Office at Washington,
will be found interesting.
Washington, D. C, May 20, 1875.

SCIPIO TOAVNSHIP. 61
Hon. Jasper Packard :
Sir : I have been much pleased, in reading from time to time,
your very interesting reminiscences of the «arly days in LaPorte
county, as published in your valuable paper, the LaPortfr
Chronicle. The object of this letter however, is to notice an item in your re
miniscences of Scipio township, in LaPorte county, published in
your issue of the 17th of November, 1874, in relation to a Mr.
"Shadney," who "lived on section twenty-eight." Your notice of
him does not leave a very favorable impression of his moral char
acter. I shall not undertake to speak of his character prior to my
knowledge of him in 1833, the year I moved into St. Joseph coun
ty, but more particularly of his history as a soldier and co-worker
in behalf of the United States, in the early Indian and British wars
in the northwest territory.
His name as known among the Indians was Shaderny, but his
proper name was John B. Chaudonia.
The section of land number twenty-eight, referred to, was allot
ted to him by the treaty with the Pottawatomie Indians, held on
the Tippecanoe River October 26th, 1832. This section was after
wards sold by him to George W. Allen and Reuben Allen, to whom
the deed was approved by the President June 15, 1844. After the
sale of the land, which was made soon after the treaty, Mr. Chau
donia settled near South Bend, in St. Joseph county, where I knew
him in 1833 and up to his death, which occurred in 1837. At the
time of my acquaintance with him his "white" wife was then with
him, by whom he had two children, Charles B., and Mary L.; both
are novv dead. Mary married a Frenchman by the name of Breset,
and had three children, one of whom, Edward, I knew well. He
served faithfully in the late war of the rebellion, and was severely
wounded. Charles B., is also dead; he also left children, one of
whom, Charles T., was also in the late war of the rebellion and
served faithfully to the end of the war and was honorably dis
charged. Both of these grandchildren now live in South Bend, and
with the latter, his grandmother, the widow of John B. Chaudonia,
is now living at an advanced age, highly respected.
After the death of John B. Chaudonia, his widow, Mary B.

62 history of LAPORTE COUNTY.
Chaudonia, petitioned Congress to pass an act, granting her and tivo
children one section of land for services rendered by her husband
to the United States during the late war, the war of 1832. After
some delay a report was finally made May 11, 1846, in her favor.
The report is as follows :
" The Committee on Public Lands, to which was referred the
petition of Mary L. Chaudonia, of the county of St. Joseph, Indi
ana, praying Congress to pass an act granting to her and her tm
.children a section of land, for services rendered by her husband to
the United States prior to and during the late war, have had the
,same under consideration, and now report:
That, from the petition and papers in this case, it appears that,
•upon the petition of John B. Chaudonia, a half breed Pottawatomie
Indian, the Committee on Indian Affairs in the Senate, in 1832,
reported a bill granting a section of land to the petitioner, in con-
isideration of his services rendered to the United States during the
late war, but upon which no further action has been had.
Previous to the late war, at the massacre of the whites by the
Indians at Chicago, where an indiscriminate butchery of them took
place, without regard to age or sex, Chaudonia, by his humane ex
ertions, saved the life of the captain in command at this post, and
the life of the captain's lady also. He espoused the cause of the
United States at the commencement of our difficulties with Great
Britain, and continued in the service of this country (with the ex
ception of a few months while he was in a British prison) until the
close of the war ; and, after the war was ended, he rendered very
important services to the United States on different occasions.
Chaudonia, at the commencement of the late war, being young,
active, enterprising, and daring — understanding well the manners
and customs of the Indians — ^being well skilled in their mode of
warfare, admitted into their secret councils, and possessing an influ-
,ence over them that no one else, who favored the American cause,
did — all these circumstances combined gave him the power of ren
dering to the United States greater services than any one else at
that time, which he at no time omitted to exercise when it 'vraB
necessary to save either the lives of the citizens of the United
States, or their propertv. from destriintinn D.ir-ir..-^ <-k« — = stance

scipio TOWNSHIP. 63
of the war his life was devoted to our cause, and his property freely
sacrificed for the safety and protection of our citizens.
Since the death of the said John B. Chaudonia, which occurred
in the year 1837, his widow, for herself and children, petitions
Congress to pass an act granting to them a section of land, for and
in consideration of the services rendered by her late husband to the
United States.
The committee being well satisfied of the truth of all the facts
above stated — regretting that so just a claim should have been so
long neglected, thereby permitting the widow and children of so
meritorious a man to drag -out life in penury and want — hereby
report a bill for their relief, and recommend its passage without
delay." The above report was accompanied by a letter from the late
Gen. Lewis Cass, addressed to the Hon. A. S. White, then our
senator in Congress. The letter will speak for itself, as follows :
"Washington, D. C, Jan. 8, 1843.
Sir : In answer to your letter, I beg leave to state that I know
J. B. Chaudonia well. He served many years under my orders
both in peace and war, and in trying circumstances rendered great
services to the United States.
Some of the events of his life were almost romantic, and at all
times he was firm and faithful, Could I give you an exact narra
tion of all he did, there would be a unanimous conviction in Con
gress that something should be done for his family, which I under
stand is destitute ; but the subject has passed, in a great degre from
my memory, and I must content myself with a few prominent
facts. Chaudonia was a half-breed Pottawatomie. His uncle, Topene-
bee, was the chief of the tribe, and was an old man of great in
fluence. From the commencement of our difficulties with Great Britain,
Chaudonia espoused our cause, notwithstanding the exertions of the
British agents to seduce him to their interest, as he was an active,
fearless young man, with connection in the tribe; they were ex
ceedingly desirous to gain him, but their efforts were useless.
]From the first to tbe last he never swerved in his attachment. He

64 history of lapoRiTE county.
was present at the massacre of the garrison of Chicago, where I
have always understood he saved the life of Captain Heald, the
commanding officer, and the lives of others also.
¦He was apprehended by the "British, and imprisoned at Maiden,
whence he escaped — a party was sent in pursuit of him headed by
his uncle, a Canadian. He killed his uncle and fled into the Indian
country. Here he exerted his influence for us,- and induced Topenebee and
other Pottawatomie chiefs to come to the council of Greenville in
1834, which was held by General Harrison and myself, and where
a peace was made which detached niany Indians from the British
interest. From Greenville he accompanied me to Detroit, for which place
I marched a considerable force of Indians for the relief of that fron
tier, which was then suffering from the invasion of hostile Indians.
I had no white troops with me, and my position was therefore dif
ficult and dangerous.
Chaudonia conducted himself with great energy and propriety,
and rendered me the most essential service.
I believe he was in the various engagements on the northwestern
frontier, and, I think, at the battle of the Thames.
He attended the treaties for the purchase of land, and always
aided the commissioners in their efforts, and I can say from person
al knowledge that General Harrison had the same opinion of him
that I had, and I have no doubt, were he alive, he would with
pleasure bear witness to the good conduct and fidelity of Chaudonia.
With great respect, I am Sir, your obedient servant, Lewis Cass.
Hon. a. S. White, U. S. Senate."
Accordingly a bill was passed Avhich Avas approved March 3,
1847, granting a half section to the widow, Mary L. Chaudonia,
and one quarter section each to Charles B. Chaudonia and Mary
L. Breset, children of said Mary L. and John B. Chaudonia.
I write this for the purpose of placing an old and respected resi
dent of LaPorte county, and also of St. Joseph county, properly
before the public, and trust it may find a place in your valuable
collection of reminiscences. Truly Yours,
Charles M. Heaton.

scipio township. 65
The first school in tha township was taught by Caroline Holmes,
in the year 1833. It was in a log school house on the southeast
edge of Door Village grove, on the lands of Arba Heald, and noAv
owned by Daniel Kimball. In the winter following, it Avas taught
by a man named Good.
In 1835, Avery Freeman, Aaron Kidder, Levi Black,' Alva
Mason and T. B. Cole came from Washington county. New York, .
and settled in Scipio.
In 1836, Asaph Webster, who resided in Noble, on section six, built
a saw mill. It was on Mill creek, in the southwest part of Scipio,
and within about five rods of the toAvnship line. This is , the only
mill of which there is any account, and the old settlers say there-
has been no other.
The only town in Scipio township is
DOOR VILLAGE.
It seems to have been laid out in 1836. It is located on the
school section (sixteen), and the sub-division was made under the
direction of the County Commissioners. It is pleasantly located
on Door Prairie, in the midst of a rich farming country ; but the
business of the place is now less than it was many years ago, its
vicinity to LaPorte causing it to fall behind in the competition for
business patronage. The following exhibit will give a fair idea of
the business of the place from the beginning.
The first cabin built in Door Village, was by Welsh and his son,
who sold intoxicating liquor to the Indians in 1830. In the spring
of 1832, Arba Heald built a cabin in what is now the village. The
Methodist church was built in 1833. It was a frame building, and
the Rev. James Armstrong was the first man who preached in it.
In the same year, Good & Homing opened a store, selling dry
goods and groceries. They continued business but a few months.
The concern successively passed through the hands of Morrison,
Hoag, Michael O'Hara, Willis & Robinson, Closser, and Rose, who
discontinued the business in 1862. The first frame house Avas built
by Mr. Morrison, in 1833. Hiram Parker built a tavern. It has
since been torn down. Theodore Parker commenced wagon mak
ing in the same year. Wm. Harris started a blacksmith shop in
1834. In 1835 a man by the name of Cobb, carried on black-
5

•66 history OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
smithing. Mr. Branson commenced shoe making in 1836, and
continued in the business two or three years. Joseph Harwood Araa
a carpenter and joiner, and did business in the village. In 1887,
Dr. Hall moved into the township. He bought and occupied the
property now owned by J. B. Higgins. He died in 1838. In
this year, (1837) John and William Reed started a blacksmith shop.
They continued business a year or a little more. Hiram Carter
opened a grocery store. Nelson Bennett had a blacksmith shop
where the Methodist parsonage now stands, in 1838. He had car
ried on that business about ten years in the village, when he re
moved to Union Mills. George ToAver started the business of
tailoring, and continued from 1838 to 1840. At the same time
Albert Currier who was brother in-laAv of Tower, was engaged in
shoe making. During this year (1838), Orrin Willis, was post
master, and a shoe maker named Harmison, commenced business. In
1839 J. B. Higgins commenced shoe making and continued in the
business fifteen years. The same year, Dyer Smith started a black
smith and wagon shop, as did also Bigsbee & Co., who continued it
about a year. Mr. Higgins Avas afterwards justice of the peace,
and was postmaster several years, when he finally resigned and Mrs.
Cooley was appointed in 1874.
In 1840 Chester Heald carried on a foundry and made iron cast
ings of various kinds. He also manufactured thrashing machines.
In the same year Joseph Austin had a spinning wheel manufactory,
and in it a lathe for turning wood, which he run by means of two
dogs. He sold out to Samuel Hall. This year the Baptist church
was built, and Elder Spaulding Avas the first pastor. George and
William Parkinson carried the mail from LaPorte to Valparaiso for
many years. 1852 N. P. Huckins put up an establishment and
made fanning mills. In 1847 Samuel Hall opened a tavern on the
south side of the road. In 1849 Samuel Cox built a very good
tavern, Avhich burned down the next year. At the same time John
Parkinson commenced the business of Avagon making and black-
smithing. Nathan Thurber commenced shoe making and continued
in the business four or five years. Leland Lockwood commenced;
blacksmithing and wagon making in 1855, and J. B. Higgins opened
a small store, the same year. In 1855 Samuel Hall built the

SCIPIO TOWNSHIP. 67
tavern now occupied by Mathew Riley. In 1864 Mr. Smith com
menced making bed mattresses. In 1869 Thomas Doyle com
menced blacksmithing. In 1870 Claus Peterson opened a shoe
shop to which he has added a small store.
Others who settled eJirly in this township were Joseph Osborn
and Wm. Adams, who came in 1830 ; Elijah Brown, .John Broad-
head, Peter White, and Mr. Melville, who all came in the year
1832, or prior thereto ; Elmore Pattee who settled in 1833 ; N. W.
Closser, and Isaac S. Evans, who came in 1834; also Irwin, Mason
and McCray in the same year; Aaron Kidder in 1835; Lewis A.
Wilkinson in 1836. Jacob R. Hall, whose death recently occurred,
settled in 1833, having come from Cass county.
Some of the leading citizens in point of the number of years they
have lived in the township, are James Forrester, and Samuel
Harvey, who have been members of the State Legislature, as Avas
also Jacob R. Hall, in 1855; Wm. A. Banks, Joseph McLellan,
Alexander and Henry P. Crane, Daniel Kimball, D. P. Shoemaker,
John W. Andrew, S. K. Pottinger, W. B. Hammond, Alexander
Van Pelt, Chas. Knott, A. C. Hall, C. Simmons, Andrew McLel
lan, C. N. Evans, and A. J. Rogers.
These represent but a few of the present population which com
prises an intelligent and enterprising people. Occupying as they
do one of the richest portions of land in the county, the whole of it
convenient to a market at LaPorte, they are a highly favored com
munity, and will no doubt continue to improve in wealth, intelli
gence, enterprise, and all the comforts, and even luxuries of civilized
fiel.

68 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER IV.
NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP.

New Durham township is one of the original three which formed
the county when organized, and it then embraced all of range four,
within the limits of LaPorte county. Since then its territory has
been diminished to form Coolspring and Michigan on the north,
and Clinton, Cass and Dewey on the south. It now occupies con
gressional township thirty-six, the civil township being commensu
rate with the congressional, that is, exactly six miles square. This
township was named by Miriam Benedict, mother of Levi J. Bene
dict, who chose for it the name of the place of her nativity, Dur
ham, Greene county. New York. The first settlers were the Bene
dict family ; Henly Clyburn, who had married Sarah Benedict in
Illinois, and Thomas Clyburn. This was the first white family that
settled in the county. It is possible that there may have been
trappers, hunters or traders before them, but they were not settlers,
and removed as soon as game became scarce, and the land was cleared
up. None of these had their families with them, or if so, they had
Indian wives, and were more nearly identified with the aborigines
than the whites.
Stepen S. Benedict, together with ]\Iiriam Benedict his Avife, and
his children, Joseph H. Benedict, Alpha M. Benedict, Levi J. Ben
edict, John K. Benedict, Holland Benedict, James W. Benedict
and Sarah Benedict, migrated from Durham, Greene county, New
York, in the year 1827, and moved to Illinois. They stopped a,
short time at Chicago, and from thence moved to Ottowa, Avher^e
Stephen S. Benedict died. In February of 1829, the family started
for Chicago. They remained there but a few days, when they re
sumed their journey in an easterly direction,- and arrived in New
Durham township on the fifteenth day of March 1829, accompaniei'l
by Henly Clyburn. After their long and tedious journey with an'
ox team, the snow being a part of the time eighteen inches deep,
they encamped about sixty rods northerly of the grounds upon |
Avhich the Westville railroad depot noAv stands.

NEW DURHAM TOAVNSHIP. 69
Previous to their arrival at this point the little company had
managed to send word to Pokagon prairie, in Berrien county, Mich
igan, that they wanted assistance in putting up a log cabin, and in
accordance with such request, Samuel Johnson and William Eahart
had arrived at the designated point a day before the party encamp
ed. These men were pleased with the country, and after assisting
in the erection of a couple of cabins, went back to Michigan and
returned with their families in the following April, bringing Jacob
Inglewright with them, who made a claim of the farm now owned
by Hon. C. W. Cathcart. In the same year Charles Whittaker
and James Whittaker settled on section twenty-three. Wm. H.
, Shirley came the same year with his family. On the sixteenth day
¦ of July, the first white child in the county was born. It was
Elizabeth Miriam Clyburn, daughter of Henly and Sarah Clyburn.
In 1830 Wm. Garwood entered three hundred and twenty acres
•of land on section fourteen, in the vicinity of New Durham, and
' moved on to it with his family. A large number of Ottowa and
Pottawatomie Indians were encamped in this vicinity, but they gave
the settlers very little trouble. They bought the surplus crops
' paying for them in furs, etc. These were converted into cash, by
¦" .sale to the agents of the American Fur Company. With this
' money many of the early inhabitants were enabled to pay the gov-
¦ ernment for their lands, when they would have found it very diffi-
•cult to have done so without such a market. Only one instance is
'" known of thei Indians having committed any depredations, and that
'' was the killing of an ox belonging to Henly Clyburn. For this he
"' eventually received the cash, by having it stopped out of their annu-
^': ities at Chicago, where they were paid." Some idea of the remoteness
*'i of neighbors, the scarcity of stock, and the consequent inconvenience of
(1' the loss of the ox may be formed, when it is related that Clyburn was
Ij' obliged to solicit the loan of a yoke of oxen from the Carey mission,
"' located at Niles, Michigan, in order to make up a breaking team.
I'' Among the settlers who came to New Durham township in 1831
*. was Alden Tucker, who settled on section thirteen ; but this was a
' ** •comparatively dull year for settlement and there were not many
1^ arrivals. The year 1832 witnessed the arrival of many more.
1* Among them were Josiah Bryant and family, Jeremiah and Jona-

70 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
than Sherwood, Charles Campbell, and Wilson Malone. In this
year, Rev. James Armstrong, the pioneer Methodist preacher, con
ducted the first religious services in the township. It was in this
year that the Black Hawk war broke out, a full account of which,
as affecting La Porte county and people, is given in connection with
the history of Scipio township.
The settlers had been told by the Ottawas and Pottawatomies
that "as soon as the leaves on the trees became as large as a squir
rel's ear," it was the intention of the Sacs to invade the settlement
and murder the inhabitauts. During the month of May, rumors
came from Chicago bringing tidings of the approach of their ene
mies. The settlers left their homes and retreated to Door ViUage,
to the block house, where they stopped until all appearance of
danger was passed. They then returned to their homes.
During this year the land sales occurred at LaFayette. There
was no preemption law, and settlers had much difficulty with spec
ulators who over-bid them when the land was exposed at public sale.
This occurred in many instances where the settlers had expended
all their means in making improvements. Much of the land thus
situated and located in New Durham, went as high as five or six
dollars per acre.
On the first day of January 1833, Rachel B. Carter opened the
first school ever taught in the township. It was in one side of a
double log cabin on the farm of Wm. Eahart, on section twenty-tivo.
She had eighteen scholars. Among them were Levi J. Benedict,
Wm. Garwood, and several by the names of Morgan and Eahart.
In November 1834, she married a man named Jacobus. She is still
living, apparently strong and healthy, and does not appear so old
as her history would seem to indicate. From her is gathered a part
of the facts contained in this narrative.
When Miss Carter was teaching this school, Indians of various
ages would come to the cabin, wrapped in their blankets, and stand
for hours without uttering a word or making a motion, while they
gazed curiously at the proceedings. Then they would glide aivay
as noiselessly as they came. Upon one occasion, an Indian woman
called "Twin Squaw," informed Rachel that the Indians intended
to kill all the whites, as soon as the corn was knee high. Rachel

NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP. 7!
replied that the white people were well aware of the intentions of
the Indians, and taking up a handful of sand, said that soldiers
were coming from the East as numerous as its grains to destroy
the Indians before the corn was ankle high. The next morning
there were no Indians to be found i;n the vicinity, and it was several
months before they returned. An Indian told Rachel, at one time,
that they liked a few whites with them to trade with, to act as
interpreters, and that they learned many useful things of them ;
but when they commenced coming, they came like the pigeons.
The aborigines had a far different idea of propriety from that
Avhich we entertain. They had a burial and dancing ground north
of Petro's grove, upon what is now the land of Lucas Hixon. As
late as 1835, this ground was made use of for the purposes named.
During this year a specimen of Indian justice took place, which
shows that they had a very clear idea of what attorneys term
"exemplary damages." An Indian had chopped a tree in a pigeon
roost, for the purpose of obtaining "squabs," and when it fell it
killed a pony belonging to another member of the tribe. A coun
cil was called, and after a great deal of consultation, and all the
forms relating to the administration of justice had been gone through
with, a decision was made to the effect that the carelessness of the
offender entitled the aggrieved Indian to receive two ponies in the
place of the one killed. The judgment of the court was complied
with. There were no writs of error, no supersedeas, or certiorari
known to their code, and the same court had both original ^nd
appellate jurisdiction.
The Otto'Tras and Pottowatamies were anything but neat and clean
in their habits, and in their culinary department they exercised
but little care. James M. Ray, an old settler, relates that in 1836,
there were some- five hundred of them camped in and about West
ville. At one time he passed a party of them who had captured a
turtle and a coon. The former w.-is thrown alive upon a bed of
coals, and held with sticks until it was dead. The latter was put
into a camp kettle ard cooked with very little dressing. The In
dians insisted that Ray should partake of their feast, but the cook
ing excited little appetite for him.
In the years 1834 and 1835 settlers came rapidly, and the gov-

72 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
ernment land was nearly or quite all purchased. In 1835, Leonard
Woods, now of Michigan City, opened a store at Cathcart's grove.
He sold goods on credit in small amounts, to supply the immediate
wants of the settlers ; and he never lost a dollar from having trusted
the pioneers, though many of them were strangers to him.
In 1836 an inhabitant of New Durham named Pelton, started
for the West with a considerable sum of money. Soon after start
ing he was waylaid, murdered and robbed. A man named Staves
was arrested and tried for the crime, and being found guilty he was
hung at Valparaiso, the murder having been committed in Porter
county. The growth of the township was not confined to the opening of
farms, although farming was the leading industry. In 1839
Israel and James Jessup built a saw mill which was the first
one erected in the township. It was near the present town of Otis.
In 1844 Henry Herrold built another saw mill south of Otis. It
was run by water, and the site is now owned by W. F. Cattron &
Co. In 1845 Philander Barnes built a mill about a mile west of
Otis. In 1852, Capt. Jo. Davis and his son, Caleb Davis, buflt a
steam saw mill in New Durham township, a mile and a quarter north
of the village of New Durham. In thc year 1854 or 1855, it iras
sold to Wm. S. Medaris, who moved it to a point near the railroad.
It now belongs to the Medaris' heirs. Other industries grew up
and flourished ; but they existed more e-;pecially in the villages, and
will be described in the proper place. In the year 1860, a boy
named _Landon was drowned in a pond near Medaris' mill, by the
sinking of a canoe in which he and another boy were sailing. The
place where the pond was, is now dry land. In 1867, Patrick
Daily was killed by Patrick Dunn, a dispute having occurred
between them. The deed was performed by Dunn having struck
Daily with a wood rack stake. Dunn was indicted- for murder, and
tried at the April term of the circuit court of 1868. The defense
set up was self-defense, and the jury rendered a verdict of "Not
guilty." Union chapel, the first place for religious worship in the township
was erected in 1839, on section thirty-four. Prior to this time
public religious services were held in the school houses, in private

NEAV DURHAM TOWNSHIP. 73
houses, and so.'Xietimes in the beautiful groves which abound in the
township. In the month of May 1862, a most remarkable murder
•occurred in New Durham township, about a mile and three-quarters
north of Westville. A man named Fred. Miller, had been missing
from his home several days, and his dead body was found upon the
shores of Lake Michigan. He had evidently been murdered. Mil
ler was a German, and some of his countrymen had their suspicions
that his wife was a party to the deed, and they hung the woman a
short time, for the purpose of extorting a confession.'' She told them
that John Boston had committed the murder in her presence, and
had promised to marry her if she would not denounce him. Poston
was arrested and brought before Alfred Williams, Esq., for examin
ation on the thirty-first day of May, but the evidence of the woman
was so contradictory and unsatisfactory that the magistrate felt
constrained to acquit him. Poston afterwards joined the army.
Near New Durham there are two mounds, of the kind con
structed by the former inhabitants of this continent. They were
formerly, within the memory of the oldest inhabitants, of the height
of six feet, but from being cultivated and otherwise disturbed, are
not as much elevated as formerly, though plainly discernible.
In the spring of 18 i'3, Bugbee, Luff & Palmer commenced build
ing a paper mill on Reynolds' creek, three quarters of a mile west
of Otis, on the L. S. & M. S. railroa.l. In the spring of 1874,
Mr. Palmer sold out his interest to Daniel Webster, of Illinois.
During the last summer, Mr. Bugbee sold out to his sister, Mrs.
Owen. H. D. Luff purchased Mr. Webster's interest on the first
of September. The mill is now owned by Mr. Luff and Mrs. Owen.
It is doing a very fine business, making a ton of straw board each
day. A little village is springing up in the vicinity, and it is pos
sible that the local historian of half a century hence, may have use
for this item..
Another paper mill has also more recently been built near Otis
by W. F. Cattron and others. It is situated on a branch of the
Calumet, on the L. N. A. & C. railroad. The building is of brick
and the machinery is propelled by both steam and Avatar power.
In this township there are four villages, Westville, Otis, Holmes-
ville and New Durham, or "Pin Hook," the oldest of which is

74 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
NEW DURHAM.
As early as the year 1837, this place had grown to be something
of a village, and a postoffice was established with Wm. Taylor as
postmaster; but it was not until the 15th day of April, 1847, that
a plat of the village was filed in the offic-? of the county recorder,
by Joseph Davis.
The first house built in New Durham was a log cabin erected for
a store, by Leonard Woods in the year 1834. During the next
year, Hiram Wheeler and Woods were in partnership in the mer
cantile business in that place. Woods sold out to William Taylor,
and moved to Cathcart's grove, where he opened another store.
Taylor seid out to Horner, who kept it ten years. Horner s.ild to
Bill Jennings. In the year 1856, A. G. Standiford and D. C.
Standiford bought the concern. This partnership continued about
one year, and then D. C. Standiford continued the business alone
about three years, after which he sold to Asahel Reynolds. Rey
nolds sold to Henry Cole, Avho continued in business until 1863.
The store was then discontinued.
In 1837, Henry Harding opened .ind kept a hotel in the village,
and in 1838 Wm. S. Medaris carried on a wagon manufactory, and
W. B. Webber a blacksmith shop. They were run in connection
with each other, and were upon the sites now occupied by Wm.
Pathe and Michael Burgher, for the same purpose. In the fall of
1839, James Flood and Wm. Johnson opened a tailor shop. They
succeeded David Christman.
In 1843, Richard Smith commenced the business of boot and
shoe making and continued it until 1855. In 1846 Dr. A. G.
Standiford commenced the practice of medicine in the town and
vicinity. He was the first physician who resided there. In 1847
a church was built in New Durham by the Methodist denomination,
and the first minister was Rev. J. J. Cooper. Rev. Mr. Parrott,
previous to that time, had conducted religious services for the
Methodists. Archibald McAllister commenced the business of harness making
in 1846, and Capt. Joseph Davis opened a store in 1847, but going
the next year to California, the store was closed in 1849. About
this time Daniel Pangborn commenced blacksmithing.

NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP. 75
Wm. B. Webber bought out Wm. S.' Medaris' wagon shop in
1850, and carried it on four years. He at the same time bought
out Amos Perrin's blacksmith shop. In the year 1852, he manu
factured one hundred and fourteen wagons and buggies, and
mounted three hundred steel plows.
In 1854, a frame school house was built in New Durham, which
has since been replaced by a substantial building of brick. In this
year also the postoffice was removed from New Durham to Beaver
Dam, and Sylvester Goff was appointed postmaster. This was an
indication of the decline of New Durham, and the railroad having
reached Westville, the pioneer town of the township ceased to be a
place of any importance. Many of its buildings have been moved
away. Some of them have gone to Westville, and some are used
for farm houses. Though the town is gone, the rich lar.ds of the
prairie remain, a constant source of wealth.
During the days of her prosperity New Durham had a rival. At
the crossing of the old Chicago road and plank road, at the head of
Flood's grove, little more than a half mile distant, John Arm
strong opened a very good dry goods and grocery store, and Henry
Herrold a blacksmith shop. For a loni^ time there was considerable
jealousy between the inhabitants of the two places. The citizens
of the Flood's grove settlement gave New Durham the cognomen of
"Pinhook,"' and the good people of the latter place retorted by
naming the settlement of their neighbors. " Squatham."
Reckoning from the time when the first house was built, the next
oldest town in New Durham toAvnship is
HOLMESVILLB.
This place was laid out upon the lands of of Hiram Holmes. The
plat was filed for record on the second day of October, 1855. It is
described as being in the northeast corner of the southeast quarter
of section four, township thirty-six, north of range four west.
In the year 1833, Jacob Bryant built a saw mill where that of
Henry Larry now stands. He also built the first dwelling house,
which was a frame, the boards being sawed out at the mill. The
house is now occupied by John Moorman.
After this no other building was erected until after the location
of the railroad in 1850. In that year Mr. Prosser built a part of

76 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
the house now occupied as a dwelling and store by Adolph Schaffer.
Prosser sold goods in the bui!ding. In 1852 an addition was made,
and it was opened as a public house.
In the year 1851, John H. Armstrong bought the saw mill and
•other property of Jacob Bryant. Immediately afterwards he sold
to Hiram Holmes. In the year 1860, Samuel S. Davis bought out
Mr. Holmes. '
A postoffice was established at Holmesville in 1852, kept by
Prosser, but was discontinued in 1856. In 1853 a warehouse was
built by the Michigan Southern railway company ; and the house
now occupied by Samuel S. Davis was built by Hiram Holmes.
Wm. Booth also built a house here in 1856, and Charles Moorman
built another in 1857. Francis Burkhardt bought the hotel
property in 1856. He died in 1869. His heirs have rented to
Adolph Schaffer who carries on a store in the building.
Holmesville has become somewhat noted for accidents and cas
ualties. Two suicides have occurred here, one of a German who
had boarded with Burkhardt, and the other an emigrant woman,
who was on the -journey to the west with her family. Four men
have been killed here on the railroad, a Mr. Marshall, a Mr. Eaton,
a deaf and dumb ftjan, and a man who was drunk and had lain
¦down upon the track in the night. In 1862 there was a collision
at Holmesville between a freight and an express train, which did
much damage to the trains, but killed no one, and in 1866 a train
was thrown from the track by a cow. By this accident several per
sons were very seriously injured. OTIS.
The settlement of this place was commenced in 1851, but no
plat of the town was recorded until 1870, when Solomon Tucker,
•on the 20th day of April, of that year, acknowledged and filed a
plat for record. The description says that LaCroix " is laid out in the
south part of the northwest quarter of section five, township thirty-
six, north of range four west, in LaPorte county, Indiana."
On the 27th day of June 1874, Mr. Tucker also filed a plat for
an addition laid off "in the south part of the northwest quarter of
section five, township thirty-six, north of range four west, in La
Porte county, Indiana."

NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP'. 77
Otis was first knoAvn as Salem Crossing. This name was given to
it by the Michigan Southern railroad, and when the postoffice was
established, and Matthias Seberger appointed postmaster, that name
was adopted by the department at Washington. The Louisville,.
New Albany & Chicago railroad, however, insisted upon calling it
LaCroix, and when Solomon Tucker laid out and platted the town
upon this land, he availed himself of the proprietor's right to give
it a name, and upon our county books it is only known as LaCroix.
Having two names, some of the inhabitants thought it best, as a sort
of compromise, to give it a third, which should supplant the other
two, and suggested the name of the representative in congress from
this district, and for a time it was called Packard, i Upon the rec
ommendation of that gentleman, however, in 1872, the name of the
office was changed to Otis. Matthias Seberger was the first settler
in Otis, arriving there in 1851. In the year 1853, the Michigan
Southern, and Louisville, New Albany and Chicago railroads were
completed, and he acted as agent for both of them. In 1854
Geo. R. Selkirk opened a grocery store, and in the same year B.
Parker and Isaac Weston erected a hotel which was kept by Parker.
Henry Wing bought it in 1857, and kept it until 1865. This
covered ihe period of the war when the patronage of the hotel was the
greatest. In those days, soldiers and others going southward from
northeastern Indiana were obliged to go to Salem Crossing, and
thence southward over the L. N. A. & C. line. This kept the hotel
well filled most of the time.
Solomon Colby opened a blacksmith shop in 1858, and in 1859
F. Harriman established a meat market. Matthias Seberger opened
the first general store in the same year.
In 1861, a saloon was built and kept by Jasper Fleming, not,
however for the sale of intoxicating liquors. In 1867 Seberger &
Wing engaged in the business of merchandising in partnership. A
wagon and blacksmith shop was established in 1870 ; and Dr.
Clark R. Warren commenced the practice of medicine, being the
first resident physician.
The Methodist Episcopal church had the first regular preaching
in 1870, and in 1872 a Roman Catholic church was built by the
Polanders who are settled in the neighborhood.

78 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
The business of the village of Otis consists of two blacksmith
shops ; one carpenter ; one depot agent ; two druggists ; three gen
eral stores, dry goods, groceries, crockery, etc.; one hotel; one
market ; two physicians ; two shoemakers ; one tailor ; one tele
graph operator; one undertaker, and one wagon maker.
WESTVILLE.
Westville is the most important town in New Durham township,
being a place of considerable business, and a heavy grain market.
The original town of Westville was located on the northwest quarter
of section twenty-nine, in township thirty-six, range four west, by
W. and J. A. Cattron, and the town plat was recorded on the first
day of May, 1851. Afterwards an amended plat was filed by which
seven lots were added to the original plot. On the eighth day of
July, 1863, Henly Clyburn filed for record an addition embracing
forty-five lots. James Concannon filed a plat for an addition
embracing one hundred lots, on the twenty-first day of June, 1865.
Smith's addition of ten lots, was made on the fifth day of June,
1858, and Clyburn's second addition, embracing twenty-two lots
on the fifteenth day of June, 1858. Ray's addition consisting of
eleven lots was recorded February 10, 1868.
-Westville is favorably located on the Louisville, New Albany and
Chicago railroad ; and' has had a steady growth from the time of
the completion of the railroad.
The first permanent residence on the present site of Westville
was a frame house, built by Henly Clyburn in 1836, James M.
Ray doing the carpenter work; and the first store was one kept by
John and William Cattron, at a part of the town known as the
"Four Corners." It was opened in 1848; and in 1849, D. M.
Closser opened a dry goods and grocery store. In 1850 Jesse
McCord commenced the business of blacksmithing. Bell Jennings
opened a general store in 1851. In this year, there were two num
bers of a paper called the Westville Free Press issued. L. P.
Williams was the editor. He afterwards went to Nashville, where
he edited an agricultural paper, until near the beginning of the war,
when returning to the North, he entered the Union army, and
attained the rank of Major. He now resides in Washington,
D. C.

NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP. 79
The railroad was completed in 1853, and a depot was built, which
gave the first business impetus to the place. During this year a
steam grist mill was built by James Haskell. This was sold and
moved away about the year 1860.
In 1853 a Methodist church building was erected which is now
owned by the Catholics. The Christian church Avas built in 1859,
and Elder H. Z. Leonard was the first pastor. The Methodist
church was built in 1867-8 out of means arising from a generous
bequest made by a large-hearted christian man and public-spirited
citizen, Daniel West, who died a few years ago, honored and
respected by all who knew him- He also made a handsome bequest
to the lodge of Odd Fellows, and with it a good hall was built in
1868. In the year 1855, Jacob J. Mann & Co., built a reaper and
mower establishment, and made a machine patented by themselves.
The concern did a good business up to the time of the death of the
senior member of the firm.
The first number of the Westville Herald Avas issued on the
second day of May A. D. 1856, by C. G. Townsend and Alfred
Townsend. The partnership continued only until the following
August, when .the office was sold to a company composed of Samuel
Burns, Henly Clyburn and James Concannon. Townsend con
ducted it until November, when Chas. G. Powell took charge of it,
and having bought out the proprietors, removed it to LaPorte in
the month of August 1859.
In the year 1858, Tobias Miller built a steam grist mill. After
being sold several times it was owned by Mrs. Sloan Martin, in
1870, when it was burned.
In the fall of 1862 a bedstead factory was started by Reynolds,
Weaver and Smith. Weaver continued with the firm until 1865.
The other members of the firm continued in the business until 1869,
when they sold out to Charles Ruggles, who changed the business
to that of manufacturing wooden bottom chairs, which is now car
ried on to a considerable extent, and in the year 1864, a machine
shop was put in operation and run by Charles W. Carter.
On the 14th day of February 1864, a meeting of citizens was
held at the new school house to take into consideration the propriety

80 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
of incorporating Westville. Azariah Williams acted as chairman^.
and W. L. Webster as secretary.
Wm. B. Webber moved that preparatory steps toward getting the
town incorporated be taken, and the chair then on motion appointed
the folloAving committee to carry out the objects of the convention :
Wm. B. Webber, James Concannon, Wm. C. Martin, D. C. Stand
iford and W. L. Webster.
At the September term of the county commissioner's court, held
at the court house on Friday, the ninth day of September, A. D.,
1864, it was ordered by the board that in the matter of the applica
tion of the legal voters of Westville, it appeared that a majority of
the legal voters in said town are in favor of its incorporation and
that the law has been fully complied with, and that said town be
and is hereby incorporated.
The first election under the act of incorporation took place on the
15th day of September, and the annual charter election on the 16th
day of November following.
The first council consisted of W. L. Webster, D. C. Standiford,
and Wm. C. Martin, Mr. Webster being elected president. G. L.
Thompson was the first clerk.
James Dolman, Sen., and James Dolman, Jr., erected a grist
mill near the railroad track, in 1872, and the next year sold it to
E. and N. Dolman.
Cattron's hall and building was finished in 1873. It is a hand
some building and the hall is a credit to the town.
Perhaps the one institution of which Westville may most justly
feel proud is the excellent public school which is recognized as one-
of the best not only in the county, but in all northern Indiana.
Several years ago, it was brought up to a high standard by Prof. J.
G. Laird, and has successfully maintained it ever since. The school
has been so successfully managed that many persons have attended
it from adjoining counties. It is an honor alike to those who have
conducted it, and the people Avho have given it a cordial support.
It is not within the province of this history to give all the busi
ness changes that may have occurred. It aims to present the
county as it has been, and also as it is at present ; and the follow
ing gratifying exhibit of . the business of Westville is given..

NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP. 81
Two attorneys; two bakeries; two barber shops; two blacksmith
shops; one butcher shop; two brick masons; sixteen carpenters;
one chair factory ; two dry goods, clothing and grocery stores ; one
well driver ; one express agent ; one gunsmith ; four grocery stores ;
two hotels ; two .hardware stores ; six harness makers ; two insur
ance agents; two justices of the peace; one jeweler and watch
maker ; one livery stable ; three milliners ; four physicians ; two
painters; four plasterers; one pump manufacturer; two restau
rants ; one saloon ; two saw mills ; one stationery store ; three shoe
makers ; Two tailors ; one undertaker and two wagon manufactories.
There is also a Hook and Ladder company ; a lodge each of the
Masons and Odd Fellows ; four churches, Baptist, Christian, Meth
odist and Catholic ; and an efficient corporation government, con
sisting of a c'buncil, with president, treasurer and clerk, assessor and
marshal. There are others now living in the township who came very early to
the county. Hon. Charles W. Cathcart made a settlement in 1831,
and has long been a distinguished citizen, honored in many ways by his
feUow-citizens. He twice represented the district in congress, and
has always borne a prominent and leading position in public affairs.
Evan Henton came to the county in 1832, and now resides in West
ville. A. M. Jessup arrived in 1832. John P. Noble, Eliza Cole,
Henry N. Cathcart, W. F. Cattron, John Warnock and J. R. Reed
reached the county in 1833. M. S. Wright, M. W. Robertson,
Ralph Loomis, C. R. Robertson, Wm. W. and W. L. Webster and
Shep. Crumpacker came in 1834. J. M. and J. G. Warnock, and
James M. Ray arrived in 1835.
It is impracticable to name later arrivals. The township is
-thickly populated, and except Centre and Michigan townships, casts
a larger vote than any other township in the county.
The fertility of the soil in this township is unsurpassed and its
farmers are prosperous. Among those who have held official posi
tions is Hon. Geo. Crawford, a leading agriculturist of the township.
He has been several times a member of the State Legislature, serv
ing in both the Senate and House of Representatives ; he served
also two years as a member of the State Board of Agriculture.
Though now at an advanced age, he is yet an influential, active

82 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
and useful citizen. Other well-known citizens of the township are
Alfred Williams, John P. Cathcart, Azariah Williams, Dr. B. B.
J'reeman, Dr. T. Fravel, Isaiah Thompson, Mrs.^M. M. Duncan,
H. Van Zandt, Daniel McKilhps, M. W. Ray, I. J). Martin, L. R.
Cole, Wash. Concannon, Mr. Armitage, and Dr. C. P. Cathcart.
John P. Cathcart has served many years as county surveyor.

CHAPTER V.
MICHIGAN TOAVNSHIP.
At the regular term of the commissioners' court, on the fourth
day of September 1833, the following order was passed by the
board : " Ordered that New Durham township be divided by the
line dividing townships thirty-six and thirty-seven, and that all that
tract of country lying in township thirty-seven and thirty-eight con
stitute a new township, to be called Michigan township." A divis
ion was afterwards made cf this territory so that the present Michi-
igan township consists only of the fractional congressional township
thirty-eight, which is so far diminished by Lake Michigan on the
north that it contains but fourteen whole sections and six fractional
sections, leaving it the smallest township in territory£there is in the
county, with one exception, that of Hudson. The soil of the town
ship consists almost wholly of sand ridges. These were at one
time covered with a fine growth of White pine timber, which has
entirely disappeaVed, having been cut off for lumber.
One of the earliest settlements in Michigan township, outside of
Michigan City, was at Scott's mills, where Mr. James^M. Scott erected
a saw and grist mill. This was the first fiouring mill that was built
in the township. It was located on Trail creek one mile and a half
from Michigan City, and was completed in 1834. It was a large
fine mill, and supplied a great extent of country with bread, pur
chasers coming all the way from Chicago, Rockford, Joliet and
Galena, in Illinois. The proprietor was able to purchase wheat at
sixty cents per bushel, and sell his flour at ten dollars per barrel.
The first saw mill in the township was built by John Walker, father

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP. 83
of Maj. Benj. P. Walker of LaPorte. John Cheney and John Rit
ter, the Shreves, Sanfords and Van Winkles were all old settlers,
having reached the county at a very early day.
Owing to the sparseness of the population of Michigan township
outside of the city, its history is chiefly the history of
MICHIGAN CITY.
The land on which Michigan City, is now located was purchased
of the government in 1831, by Isaac C. Elston, of Crawfordsville,
Indiana, and he laid out the town in October, 1832. The town site was
one that was rather forbidding, much of it being low and swampy. A
growth of pine trees covered most of the spot, and there were some
sugar maple trees. Trail creek slowly made its way over the
sands to the lake, winding around by the very foot of Hoosier Slide,
a deep sluggish stream, which was obstructed by a bar at the
mouth, where so little water passed over that a person^could readily
cross it on foot. Yet it was believed that at this point a harbor
could be made. Hence the purchase made by Major Elston, and
all the subsequent operations towards building up a city, and a har
bor on the great lakes, for Indiana. The line between Indiana and
the territory of Michigan was formerly some distance south of where
it was afterwards located, shutting Indiana off entirely from all har
bor facilities, and depriving her as a State, of all the benefits to be
derived from the vast commerce of the great northern lakes. This
boundary was disputed, and it was finally settled by adopting a
boundary that would give this State a positibn on the coast of lake
Michigan; and the counties of LaPorte, Porter and Lake, are
bounded on the north by its waters.
The first settlers in Michigan City arrived in 1833, and it may
readily be presumed that they found few ^ attractions to welcome
them. To their view there was presented only sand hills and
swamps. Hoosier Slide towered up many feet higher than now,
while below it and around about there was only glistening sand, and
further back, across the creek that passed through the woods, and
which was still the abode of wild beasts, a low, wet, swampy tract of
country occupied all the locality. It would have been discouraging
enough only for the prospect that a city would one day arise there

84 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
in spite of adverse circumstances, and a harbor that should be to
Indiana what the harbor at Chicago is now to Illinois. Animated
by this belief, settlers rapidly arrived, filled with the spirit of enter
prise, and commenced the work of improvement.
From the best information obtainable, it seems that Jacob Fur-
man and B. F. Bryant put up a log cabin in August, 1833, on the
present site of Peck's corner, which was probably the first house
erected in the place. Mrs. W. F. Miller, who is older in date of
arrival than any other person now living in Michigan City, states
that her father, Samuel Flint, arrived there with his family in
October, 1833, when she was five years of age ; and the Flint fam
ily/ was the third to arrive. There was then but one frame building
in the town, erected, it is said by Samuel B. Webster; and Jlr.
Flint erected the second one for a dwelling house. The presence
of Indians was no unusual event, but they were friendly, and Mrs.
Miller remembers having often played with them as a child. The
two or three dwelling houses were located in the woods, and sugar
was made from the maple trees surrounding them. There were no
streets yet opened, and only foot paths led from house to house.
In the month of June, 1833, Thompson W. Francis arrived. He
did not remain, but went to LaPorte, staying there until the month
of November, when he journeyed to St. Joseph, Michigan, and
worked at his trade there until the Spring of 1834. He then on the
16th day of March went to Michigan City, and made a permanent
settlement. He found t^ere Joseph C. Orr, and Samuel Miller. Orr
built a tannery in 1834, and lived first in a log house which stood on
the present site of Ames & HoUiday's drug store, which he used as a
sort of hotel, and where many a traveler found rest and refreshment,
though the surroundings were somewhat rude. He afterwards
moved to New Cincinnati, on the Wisconsin river, Avhere he is still
living. Miller was a forwarder, and occupied a log building on the
ground where the old brick packing house now stands. Francis was
a carpenter, and built, or assisted in building many of the older
houses now in the city.
About the time of the arrival of the Flint family in October,
1833, Geo. W. Selkirk came. He has been many years engaged
in farming, and now resides in Coolspring township. At this time

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP. 85
only an old Indian trail connected Michigan City and LaPorte, but
the Michigan road had been laid out, and the laborers Avere then at
work upon it. Until this Avas completed there was no road into the
city, and the only communication with the Avorld was out over the
^waters of the lake, by means of the occasional arrival and departure
of a vessel. Vessels of ordinary size could not reach the wharf, but
were obliged to anchor out in the lake at some distance, and land
merchandise by means of lighters. This continued several years,
to the time when the improvement of the harbor began under the
supervision of the United States.
George Ames and Leonard Woods reached the place in 1834 ;
and in 1835 came M. Romel, a native of Germany ; Simon Ritter
from Seneca county. New York; Deacon W. Peck, from New
York; W. W. Higgins, from Connecticut, Judge Woodward a jus
tice of the peace, and first postmaster ; Hiram and Richard Inman ;
Jacob Bigelow; David Burr; Benjamin James ; W.Moody; Allen
James; Robert Stewart; Quick, Peak, Western and many others.
In the winter of the same year C. B. Blair arrived.
During this year and the next, settlers came rapidly, and the
young town began to exhibit considerable stir and business activity.
Sprague and Teali Avere in the place in 1834. Teall was engaged
in the business of merchandising, and they afterwards became stage
proprietors in partnership, having purchased the line from Mich
igan City to Chicago. Capt. Eliakim Ashton, who Avas a sol
dier under Gen. Orr, came very eai'ly, perhaps in 1834 ; and also
Asa Harper, who noAv lives in Coolspring township. He came to
the county in 1833, and assisted in surveying the toAvn of Michi
gan City, the plat of which was recorded September 17, 1833.
Two hotels were built in 1834. The first one was put up by
Lofland and Taylor, and was situated near the harbor; the other
was built by Samuel dinger, Thompson Francis doing the carpen
ter work. Soon afterwards Hiram Inman built the Stockton house
near the present school house number one, on Pine street, and
before the close of 1836, there were still other hotels— the Mansioii
house. City Hotel, Exchange, on Sherman's corner. Farmers'
Hotel, Washington House and Lake House; also the Western
Hotel which stood out near where the State prison is at present

86 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
located. The hotels were all full, and business of all kinds, in 1836,
was in a flourishing condition. W. D. Woodward, who came to the
place in that year, states that there were nearly three thousand
inhabitants. This probably includes the hundreds of transient peo
ple; but it is certain that during the three years 1834, 35 and 86j
the growth of the town was rapid beyond what seems possible now.
The prospect of building the leading harbor on the lakes animated
every settler, and disseminated a spirit of enterprise that seemed
likely to create a great city in spite of every obstacle. They who
first peopled Michigan City were pushing, active, intelligent and
enterprising men. Some of them became the heaviest business men
at that time in the State. They were chiefly from the eastern
States ; and with them, to suggest a business enterprise was to see
it accomplished. The arrival of vessels became more and more fre
quent, and it was an interesting sight that at such times always occur
red, to see men, women and children flocking to the wharf to witness
the coming in of the lighter, which was the link of communication
between all large vessels and the shore, some actuated by mere
curiosity, and others to renew their faith in the great commercial
importance of the place in the not distant future.
Samuel Miller commenced merchandising in 1833, then Teall in
1834, and in the same year James Forrester also. These men built
ware houses as did also Wm. S. Clark, who first clerked for Teall.
In 1836, James Forrester brought a cargo of salt into the place on
the schooner " Post Boy," which was the earliest shipment of the
kind. The first warehouse was built by Miller, and the second one
by Hobart, and others speedily followed built by iMoore, Burr,
Sleight & Gould, Jabez R. Wells, and C. B. Blair. Blair's stood on
the pier, which he also built. The ware houses stood down near the
present harbor, and the greater part of the business was in the
vicinity of Avhere the depot now stands. The steamers Ward,
Champion, Geo. Dole and others made regular trips, and the com
mission and forwarding business became active and heavy. The
town was the great grain depot for all northern Indiana, and wheat
was brought in from even as far south as Marion county. At the
end of 1836, besides the numerous warehouses and commission
and forwarding houses, there were twelve dry goods stores. Jacob

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP. 87
Haas and Daniel Brown were merchants in 1835, and Eliakim and
Gallatin Ashton in 1836. The son of the latter is now one of the
leading business men of the place. Among others engaged in the
business of merchandising were John Barker, Henry Carter; J. G.
Sleight, Mr. Wendover, and Shedd & Turner. George and Fisher
Ames opened a hardware store in 1835. There are only two persons
now living in Michigan City who have been there longer than Mr.
Geo. Ames. These are Mrs. W. F. Miller, and T. W. Francis.
Chas. W. Henry, the father of the late Wm. Henry, who lived near
Kingsbury, was a merchant in 1835 ; also D. and N. W. Lower in
the same year, and Sleight & Moon, and W. Barbee. R. Condon
commenced the Stove, Tin and Sheet Irion business, under the firm
name of Burke & Coudon in 1837, and continued the business on
his own account from 1838.
The first school house in the city was erected in 1834, Thompson
Francis was its architect and builder. It was used as a church also.
At that time there were no regular church services ; but preachers
frequently stopped over Sunday in the place, not desiring to travel
on the Sabbath, when they were drafted into the service of an
extemporized congregation. The first teacher was probably a Mr.
McCoy, who taught in the building alluded to ; and from the begin
ning of that early time, the school system of the city has grown,
until now the schools of the place -^re fiourishing and eminently
useful ; and a building has been erected which is one of the finest in
the State, in towns «fvhich are no larger than Michigan City.
The first building exclusively for church services was erected by
the Protestant Episcopals. It was built in 1835 or 36, and stood on
Pine Street, between fourth and Market streets. Afterwards a
church was erected by the Methodists, on Pine between second and
Michigan streets, which was removed to its present location on
Franklin street many years ago. The present Episcopal church
edifice was erected later; then the Catholics built, and after them
the Congregationalists, and last of all, the Presbyterians. These
all now receive good congregations on the Sabbath. A Baptist
church was built in 1837.
On the eighth day of July, 1835, the first number of the Michi
gan City G-azette was issued. It was established by J. S. Castle.

¦88 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
The material for the printing of the paper was shipped from Buf
falo around the lakes to Michigan City, Mr. Oastle and family go
ing by boat to Detroit, and thence by team to Michigan City, where
they atrrived in June, 1835. They were accompanied by Polaski
King, of LaPorte, who was "Printer's Devil," after the office was
opened. This was the first paper published in LaPorte county. It
opened as a Democratic sheet, but afterwards, passing into the
hands of Samuel Miller, with James Stewart as editor, it became
the servant of the Whig party. A more complete history of this
newspaper, with the others of the county, will be given in another
chapter. In 1838-40, there was a literary institution in the city, which
occupied a building three stories in height. It was called the
Michigan City Institute, and its Principal was Rev. James Towner.
He was assisted by a Miss Ward, now Mrs. Wyllis Peck, and Miss
Coit, who was a twister of Mrs. Towner. It was a useful institu
tion; but not sufficiently successful pecuniarily to ensure a long
life for it. It was soon suspended, and the building, which stood on
Franklin street, corner of Boston was removed from that locality to
become the Lake house, which was burned several years ago.
In the year 1836, on the fourth day of July, a vessel, the Sea
Serpent, was brought in over the bar, and this circumstance was
made the occasion for a day of rejoicing. The vessel was pushed
and towed, the citizens aiding, some considerable distance up the creek,
and the enthusiasm found expression in a way that was more appli
cable to those " good old times " than to the present evil days. A bar
rel of whisky was rolled out and set up on end. Then the head was
knocked in, a nail was driven partly in the side, and a tin cup was
hung on it, when every man helped himself, and it may be presumed
that no one failed to partake of his full share of the liquid. It was
a general spree, in which every man "lent a hand."
It was in this year (1836), that the work of improving the harbor
began. Congress having at its preceding session made an appropri
ation of $20,000 for this purpose. The work Avas begun without
much delay, under the immediate supervision of Capt. Ward B.
Burnet, of the engineer bureau. The following year an appropria
tion was made of $30,000, and the further work on the harbor was

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP. 89
placed in charge of Capt. Stockton. These two appropriations
were made while Jackson was yet President. The third came dur
ing the administration.. of Martin Van Buren. It was made to cover
the two years 1838 and 1839, and the amount of it was $60,733.-
39. Capt. Stockton continued in charge ot the harbor work, until
1841, when he was succeeded in this duty by Maj. J.* R. Bowes, of
the Engineers.
The next appropriation made by Congress was during the admin
istration of President Taylor, probably in 1849. It was for the
sum of $25,000; and a fifth appropriation of a like amount was
made in 1852. With the first three appropriations much valuable
improvement was made. Materials were purchased, such as timber,
stone and iron, piles were driven, dredge and scows built, neces
sary buildings erected, and all preparations made for pushing
the work forward with the utmost expedition. Piers were built into
the lake until a depth of eighteen feet of water was reached, and the
channel was partially dredged out, so as to admit vessels of two
hundred tons easily and safely inside the harbor between the piers.
But more than one-half the money derived from the first three
appropriations was expended for materials, shops, the dredge, horses,
scows, etc., including more than $20,000 worth of hewn oak tim-
her. To obtain any benefit from all this, it was necessary that the
appropriations should have been continued until the completion of
the work. But several years were allowed to intervene between the
third and fourth appropriation'?. During all this period everything
about the harbor stood still. The shops were closed up ; the horses
were sold for a small part of the original cost; the dredge, scows
and tenders, tied up in the stream, were going rapidly to decay;
the splendid lot of oak timber, which cost more than $20,000 either
rotted or was sold to individuals at less than one-fiith of its cost to
the government ; the unfinished pier, left to the mercy of wind and
wave, was soon seriously damaged.
At last the fourth appropriation was made, and was all expended
in patching up the waste and destruction of the previous years; and
then the work ceased. There was no more money, and that which
had been thus expended might as well have been cast into the lake.
so far as the harbor was affected by it. The remains of the material.

90 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
the tools and implements were all sold for a mere trifie, and the
buildings were carried away, or fell gradually to pieces. The
dredge, its engine taken out, was moved into the stream, where it
sunk. It was afterwards raised and sold for fifty dollars, its original
cost being $28,000. The scows and tenders, more fortunate than
the dredge, were driven by a flood into the lake, and lost.
Several more years intervened, when a flfth appropriation of
$25,000 was made, which seems to have been used in destroying
what little was yet left of the former work. A new outfit of tools
and some material were purchased, and the remainder was expended
in making a futile experiment with a new kind of crib, which was
sunk without the support of piles. It proved a total failure, and
was dashed to pieces by the storms and ice of the succeeding winter.
To build the new crib, the stone which had been placed in the old
pier were removed and made use of; and they too, were all washed
away and lost, leaving literally not one stone upon another to tell
the story of the many thousands of dollars that had been sunk in
the sand and water.
From this date, during more than fourteen years, the harbor was
abandoned by the government ; and it lay a useless wreck, stranded
on a bar worse than that at the harbor's mouth — the foolish, waste
ful policy of stopping work at the very time Avhen worK was neces
sary to preserve that which had already been done. The cribs so-.jn
washed partially away, the channel filled up with sand, and the
fond dream of a good harbor at Michigan City, was only a dream, to
all outward appearance ; the chances of anything ever being accom
plished, seeming far less than when in 1836, the Sea Serpent entered
Trail creek amidst the enthusiastic plaudits of the people. The
facts concerning these futile efforts to make a harbor, are obtained
from the notes of Mr. Wm. H. Goodhue, who pertinently says,
"Hope, for a season," bade Michigan City farwell.
But the despondency was not to last. The energetic spirit of
enterprise which characterized the men who had built up Michigan
City, still animated them ; and they determined that with the opening
and opportunity for a harbor at their doors, they would not sit
quietly down, fold their arms, and close their eyes, and let the
sands cover them. They resolved to build a harbor themselves.

MICHIGAN TOAVNSHIP. 91
In 1865, they obtained from Congress a relinquishment of the
remains of the old works, and the right to build where they had
been. Then they organized the "Michigan City Harbor company,"
and in 1866 and 1867, having procured heavy voluntary subscrip
tions from the citizens, they proceeded with the work, expending in
a most judicious and economical manner, more than one hundred
thousand dollars. Two piers were built into the lake one thousand,
and one thousand two hundred feet respectively, which were strong
and well secured, supported by piles driven through the sand, and
into the tough blue clay, which forms the bottom of the channel.
The entrance was two hundred feet wide, and the water was at that
point from fifteen to twenty feet deep. Thus they proved what had
been doubted, that a permanent harbor could be made, and then
having expended all their available means, and finding it impracti
cable to obtain further subscriptions, they applied to Congress to
finish the work which they had so well begun, and that body in
1867, granted them $75,000. With this assistance, the work was
pushed forward with energy and success, under the supervision of a
government officer, Capt. E. Bennett; and the next year, 1868,
the Secretary of war, out of the general appropriation for rivers
and harbors, allotted $25,000 to Michigan City. In the spring of
1839, Congress again made a general appropriation for rivers and
harbors to be distributed by the Secretary of war, and out of it this
harbor received $32,500. . This amount, with the unexpended bal
ances of the former appropriations, enabled Capt. Bennett, who so
managed the funds entrusted to his charge that not a dollar was
misapplied or wasted, to extend, enlarge and i.ieepen the channel
until vessels of ordinary draft could enter it with ease and safety;.
and a large trade arose in lumber, iron ore, lath, lime, plaster, salt,
and other heavy commodities. It was evident that with further
enlarged facilities, a large commercial trade would center at this
point. But while the harbor was of vast importance to Michigan City as
a commercial point, it was clear that a good harbor here would be
of equal importance to the general commerce of the lakes. The
chief of the bureau of engineers Gen. A. A. Humphrey became
convinced of the necessity of its use as a harbor of refuge for lake

¦92 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
shipping, and he recommended to Congress increased appropria
tions for this purpose. The work was not neglected, but each year
in succession an appropriation has been obtained, ranging from
$15,000 to $50,000, the latter sum being allowed first with a
view to beginning work on an outside harbor, or harbor of refuge ;
and this has been the regular annual appropriation ever since.
The commerce invited by this harbor, has been steadily growing,
and is larger the present year than at any other time since the first
vessel entered it.
Under the direction of Capt. Manning, an officer of the engineers,
the government work on the outside harbor is being vigorously
pushed forward the present season, and the inside harbor is being
enlarged by dredging out further up the creek, in order to meet the
wants of a rapidly growing trade. The latter work is done by the
corporation of Michigan City ; and the early dream of a good har
bor and a large commmercial port bids fair at last to be realized.
The first physician who settled in Michigan City, was Lee H. T.
Maxon, who came in 1835. Other physicians who came early to
the place were Doctors DeWitt, Strong, Chas. Palmer, and S. Pul-
ford. Among the first lawyers were J. R. Wells; A. W. Enos;
Hathaway and Chapman ; and Thomas Tyrrell, who disappeared,
and was never heard of afterwards. Later came Thornton & Orr.
Besides the hotels already named, there" was the Franklin, and
Genesee House. The labor on the latter was paid for in Genesee,
Michigan, or " wild cat" money, and a little later the Jewell House
was erected by Mr. H. Jewell, who still resides in the city. The
Franklin, which stood on Schoeneman & Ashton's corner was kept
by Mr. Jewell during the Harrison campaign. The Lake House
was kept awhile by Ainsworth & .Jewell. The "United States"
-also was kept by Mr. Jewell for a time. About the same time,
Sweetland & Pulford were the landlords of the Exchange.
From 1836 to 1841, the forwarding and commission business was
¦carried on by Sleight & Gould, whose location was down near the
harbor; Samuel Moore, who Avas succeeded by J. & C. Hitchcock at
the bend of the harbor, occupying what was known as the Moore
warehouse; E. Folsom & Co.; Wm. S. Clark; C. B. & L. Blair;
'Goodhue & McAdoo. The principal merchants were, for the same

MICHIGAN TOAiVNSHIP. 93>
period, Viele & Brother, on Ames' corner; A. Chittenden, who
was succeeded by C. B. & L. Blair; Shedd & Turner; Carter &
Barker; McKnight & Co.; James McAdoo; Fisher Ames & Co.-
Harvey Treusdell; Cole, Peck & Co., in sheet iron and stoves; and,
Ames & HoUiday, druggists.
From 1837 to 1844, Michigan City was the principal grain mar
ket for Northern Indiana, wheat being received from as far south as
the central portion of the State. Huge caravans of ox teams, with
two and three yoke of oxen to a wagon, would come in, sometimes
thirty or forty such teams together. The supplies for all this large
extent of country were purchased here. The same teams which
conveyed the wheat to market, would return laden with goods for
the home merchants. It was not uncommon for three hundred
teams to arrive in one day. The trade of the place was necessarily
large and prosperous ; but the advent of railroads at points further
south cut off much of the business of Michigan City, by furnishing
a grain market elsewhere ; and this, together with the suspension of
work on the harbor, as before related, opened a somewhat gloomy
prospect, which was considerably relieved by the arrival of the
Michigan Central, and Louisville, New Albany and Chicago rail
roads ; and quite dissipated by the re-opening of the harbor from
1867 to 1872.
There are at Michigan City five railroads, four of which have one
terminus each at this point. These are the Michigan Central,
which reached here in 1850, and the next year erected valuable
machine shops; the Louisville, New Albany and Chicago which
entered the city in 1853, and put up a fine freight depot and other
buildings ; the Joliet cut-off, which is owned and run by the Michi
gan Central, but has a separate track ; the Michigan Lake Shore,
which runs by the side of the Michigan Central to New Buffalo,
where it diverges to the north; and the Indianapolis, Peru and
Chicago road which was completed through from LaPorte in 1871.
These railroads make the city quite a railroad centre, and afford
facilities for the shipment of lumber and other commodities arriving
by vessel.
The Northern State prison was located at Michigan City in the
year 1857, and with an appropriation of $50,000 made by the Leg-

94 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
islature of that year, work was commenced at once. The contract
for constructing the cell house, and some of the other buildings, and
the outside wall, was let to D. J. Silver; and a part of the labor of
construction was performed by convicts from the Southern peniten
tiary. The land occupied by the prison was purchased of Chauncy
B. Blair, who sold the State ninety acres, eight and one-half acres
of which are enclosed by the outside wall. This wall is twenty-five
feet in height, three and one-half feet in thickness at the bottom,
and two feet at the top. It is built of brick and covered by a stone
coping four feet in width. At each corner there is a tower, construct
ed of stone. These towers are handsome structures, and give an
air of tasteful elegance to the huge wall. Within the enclosure
are the cell house, the deputy warden's house, a building con
taining the dining room, wash room, kitchen, chapel, hospital, and
State repair room ; five shops, two of which are one hundred feet
each in length, one a hundred and fifty feet, another, one hundred
and sixty feet, and the other, two hundred feet in length ; and, two
engine houses and a blacksmith shop. On the outside of the wall
is the warden's residence house, and two houses for the dwellings of
guards. The Artesian well supplies an abundance of water for all
fire exigencies; but it is so impregnated with mineral substances as
to be unfit for drinking or culinary purposes.
The first warden was Col. Seelye, then Mr. Iddings of Fort
Waye, next Thomas Wood, who was succeeded by Hon. W. W.
Higgins, of Michigan City, and he in turn by the present warden,
Mr. Charles Mayne. It was under the administration of Mr. Hig
gins that the prison first became self-supporting.
Hayward & DeWolfe were the first who entered into a contract
for prison labor. They were engaged in the business of cooperage.
Soon after Elisha Murray took a contract for prison labor, for the
manufacture of wagons and carriages. He was succeeded by Finch
& Barker. In the year 1867, Hon. J. H. Winterbotham bought
into a contract with Jones and Chapin, and in 1869 bought them
out. The firm is now that of J. H. Winterbotham & Sons. They
work one hundred and fifty convicts, and are engaged in cooperage,
and the manufature of carriage and buggy bodies, and sleighs.
Their sales are very heavy, amounting to $150,000 annually.

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP. 95
Ford & Johnson also have a contract for, and work one hundred
and fifty convicts. They are engaged in the manufacture of chairs,
and their sales amount to about $125,000 annually. Some of their
products have been shipped to Japan. They commenced business
in 1870. There is also a cigar manufacturer who now has a con
tract, and employs some convict labor.
The prison was completed in 1868, but the number of convicts
has become larger than was intended or expected, and an additional
cell room is now very much needed. There are three hundred and
eighty single cells, and there are at present in the prison four hun
dred and eighty-seven convicts. The State has already taken steps
to secure the additional cell room, an appropriation of $40,000 for
this purpose having been obtained last winter, through the exertions
chiefly of State senator J. H. Winterbotham.
This prison has fully paid all its own expenses since the begin
ning of the administration of Warden Higgins ; and has been ex
ceedingly well managed both in its business conduct as affecting the
public, and in its interior conduct as affecting the prisoners. In
the matter of the successful and economical management of its
business affairs, it has had no superior in the United States, and
perhaps the same may be said also, of its course of prison discipline,
which has certainly been most admirable.
The car factory was originated and begun by Sherman, Haskell
& Co., who "manufactured freight and passenger cars. It has done
a large business most of the time since its erection. The firm after
wards changed to Haskell, Barker & Aldrich, and then to Haskell
& Barker. It is now incorporated under the name of the Haskell
& Barker Car company. The factory made cars for the govern- "
ment during the war, sometimes emplying four hundred men.
The fisheries of Michigan City have been quite extensive, and
there is still a large annual catch made. Lyman Blair sometimes
packed as high as $40,000 worth of White fish in a year. The
years of the greatest catch of White fish and Trout were 1856 and
1857. There are now five or six boats engaged in the fishing
trade. The packing of beef and pork was prosecuted by E. Folsom &
Co., from 1841 to 1845, also by C. B. & L. Blair, and James Mc-

96 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
Adoo. Since the opening of the harbor, the lumbering business has-
becoffie the leading industry of the place. Several heavy firms are
engaged in it, and their trade is larger this year than in any pre
vious year. A great deal of iron ore is also received, for the Law-
ton Iron company, located near New Buffalo. The company pur
chases from Couden & Roberts.
There are only two buildings now standing on the spot where
they stood in 1835. The old building which was used both as a
school house and church stands now on Franklin street. Wood
ward was the first postmaster. The first light house keeper was old
Mr. Harrison, but the present keeper. Miss Colfax, has had charge-
of it longer, and has discharged her duties more satisfactorily to the
government, than any of her predecessors.
The Elston survey of Michigan City was located on the fractional
section twenty-nine. Large sales were made by the original propri?'
etor previous to 1836 ; and in that year he sold his entire remaining
inderest to the Michigan City Land companay. This company was
represented by Wm. H. Goodhue, and Wm. Teall, as trustees, until
1841, when it was dissolved. The plat of Michigan City was filed
for record in October, 1833 ; and in 1836 it adopted a city organ
ization, and elected Willys Peck the first mayor. He ran as an
anti-slavery whig, against Wm. Teall, Democrat, and was elected,
the Whigs being then as they were for many years afterwards, in a
decided majority. Since the location of the Elston survey, additions
have been filed to Michigan City as follows :
An additional plat was filed by Major Elston soon after his first
survey was recorded.
Burr's addition was recorded April 25, 1836.
Orr's addition was recorded April 30, 1836.
Waddell's addition stands of record on the books of the county
recorder, but the date is not given.
West addition was made by a company and stands recorded in
the year 1836, on the 29th day of some month, which is omitted.
East addition was made by a company probably in 1836, but the
date of recording is not given.
Miller's addition is recorded. No date given, but from dates
which precede and follow the record of it, it must have been made
in 1837.

MICHIGAN TOAVNSHIP. 97
Duncan's addition was made at an early period.
Orr & Cobb made an addition which was recorded Januarv 16
1838. ^
The Michigan City Land company's addition of water lots was
filed for record October 1, 1841.
Blair's additton was recorded February 28, 1856.
Bigelow and Winship's addition was recorded October 4, 1858.
South addition was made by a company and recorded Mav 26,
1866. Southwest addition was made by a company and recorded May
21, 1873.
DeWolf's South addition was made and recorded June 16, 1873.
Orr and DeWolf's addition was recorded September 3, 1873.
The last addition made to Michigan City is that of Wm B. Mc
Cartney, and consists of over five hundred lots.
The population of Michigan , City was less for a few years after
1836, than it was during that year, the stringency of 1837 and the
few following years, having affected unfavorably the business pros
pects here as well as elsewhere over the country. After the year
1840 population began to increase again, and there have been grad
ual accessions ever since. There is a larger population at present
than ever before, the inhabitants now numbering between five and
six thousand.
Michigan City has been subject to many vicissitudes, her pros
pects at times seeming to be very bright, at other times gloomy in the
extreme; but the leading business men of the place have never
abated one jot of heart or hope. When a bright future seemed to
offer, they have energetically set themselves to meet and improve
its opportunities ; when the prospect was forbidding, they resolutely
met the emergency, by themselves opening new avenues to prosper
ity. And they are beginning to have their reward.

-98 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER VI.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP.
At the organization of the county, the present Centre township
was wholly included in the limits of what was then Scipio, which
extended from the southern to the northern boundary of the county,
and was the central toAvnship of the three into which the county was
divided. But a division of it was made at an early period. The
Board of county commissioners, at their regular meeting on the fifth
day of November, 1833, passed the folloAving order:
"Ordered that the township at present known by the name of
Scipio be divided by the line dividing townships thirty-six and
thirty-seven, and that all north of said township line compose a new
township to be called Centre township and that Aaron Stanton be
appointed inspector of elections, and John Stanton and Wm. Bond
be appointed overseers of the poor in said township of Centre."
Changes have occurred in the limits of Centre township as thus
designated, until at the present time it occupies sections one and
two of township thirty-six, range three, and all of township thirty-
seven except the northern tier of sections, which are now a part of
Springfield township.
The first settlement made in this township was by Aaron Stanton
on the twenty-eighth day of March 1830. He settled on section
twenty-four, about two miles north of the eastern boundary of the
city of La Porte. Philip Fail came at the same time, and settled
on the same section but removed in the Fall to Kankakee town
ship. Wm. and Stephen Clement arrived in the township in the
fall of 1831, and soon afterwards opened a store within the limits
of the present city of La Porte. Benajah Stanton hauled goods for
them from Niles, Michigan. Wm. Clark came in 1830, and made a
settlement on section twenty-three, but did not bring his family
until the fall of 1831. Adam Smith arrived in the fall of 1830.
The Blakes, Landon, Wheeler, the Balls, John B. and Charles
Fravel, Wilson Malone, Wm. Stanton and family, and Alfred

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 99
¦¦Stanton, all arrived very eariy. At the land sales at Logansport,
James and A. P. Andrew Jr., bought land in section two, township
thirty-six. They also bought land of Jesse Morgan, Wm. Thomas and
Richardson, who had arrived earlier. In the year 1831, William and
Jesse Bond settled on the east side of the township. John Garwood
reached the county in 1831, and Brainard Goff in 1832.
Settlers now began to arrive in great numbers. There was no
part of the county more attractive than much of that which is now
Centre township. The north part of it was well timbered ; and on
the south and west were broad reaches of rich prairie land, dotted
with beautiful Burr oak groves. In prairie and woodland, were
many sparkling lakes, the loveliest of which lay near the site chosen
for the town of LaPorte.
In 1831 Col. W. A. Place made a j^reliminary visit to LaPorte
county, and being well pleased with the country, he determined to
make it his home. He brought his family and settled in Centre
township in October, 1832. He was here early enough to help
build'the first log cabin put up in LaPorte. It was built for George
Thomas, and stood near where the depot of the Lake Shore railroad
is now located.
The population of Centre township exclusive of the city of La
Porte, is about 1200, consisting of intelligent and industrious citi
zens, engaged almost wholly in agricultural pursuits. In the imme
diate vicinity of LaPorte, there are several small fruit farms, and
market gardens, which supply the city with fruit and vegetables dur
ing the season, and from which many products are shipped to
Chicago. For the township generally, wheat, corn, oats and pota
toes are the staple products. Much attention has been given to
providing means for the education of the children of the township,
and in every school district there is a good school house.
About two miles north of the city of LaPorte, in Centre township,
on the heights bordering the east side of Pine lake, is Pine Lake
•cemetery. It contains forty-seven acres, and is perhaps the most
lovely spot in the county. For the beauty which nature has given
it, there can scarcely be found in the whole country a more charm
ing place. It is controlled by an association, which was organized
under a State statute in the year 1855. Gilbert Hathaway was the

100 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
first President of the association and Don J. Woodward, Secretary
and Treasurer. Gen. Joseph Orr. was President of the association
several years, resigning the position only a few months'ago ; and the
valuable and tasteful improvements of the grounds are;;due in a
great measure to his energy and public spirit, and the correct taste
which he brought to the work of beautifying this resting
place of the dead. Visitors to the place are always delighted'with
its diversified scenery, looking out upon the lake in front,
and resting on a dark green back-ground of woods, while all between
presents gentle elevations, quiet vales, and winding walks and car
riage drives. Nature furnished here a happy ground work of beauty ;
and the hand of art, judiciously and tastefully employed, has per
fected the work, rendering this sacred city of the dead, a place of
loveliness and solemn delight, as well as of sad and holy memories.
In Centre township there is no town except the city of
LA PORTE.
LaPorte, the county seat of LaPorte county, ^is situated on the
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, and Indianapolis, Peru and
Chicago railroads. It is fifty nine miles east of Chicago, and
twelve miles from the lake port at Michigan City, whith which it is
connected by rail. For beauty of situation LaPorte is unsurpassed.
East, south and west lie spread out, the rich prairie lands, inter
spersed with groves ; and on the north, coming up to the edge of
the city is a chain of small lakes, gem-like in their beauty, the most
noted of them being Clear lake. Stone lake and Pine lake. It is
not strangle that those who first came, should have beheld in this
spot the place for a town which should be the county seat of the
county. It may readily be imagined that when nature only, had
visited the lakes and groves and prairies of this locality, the
dullest and most unsusceptible of minds must have been touched
with its beauty.
LaPorte is situated on what Avas known as the " Michigan Road
Lands." They were sold at the land sales at Logansport in the
month of October, 1831 ; and Walter Wilson, Hiram Todd, John
Walker, James Andrew and Abram P. Andrew Jr., bought four hun
dred acres of them with a view to laying out a town which should
be the capital town of the county. The town was laid out and the

CENTRE TOAVNSHIP. 101
original survey made in 1833. There were already a number of
settlers in the place. Joseph Pagin had arrived in 1831 and built
a house on the east side of Clear lake, near where the ice house
now stands which replaced the burned brewery. Still earlier, in
the year 1830, Richard Harris and George Thomas came, and built
-cabins within the present city limits. The cabin of Thomas stood
near the present location of the Michigan Southern depot, and it is
said that his neighbors erected it for him on a Sunday. Wilson
Malone who now lives in Porter county says he was the first person
to sleep in this house, before it was occupied by the family of Mr.
Thomas. In the winter of 1832-3, there were but three families in
LaPorte, which were those of George Thomas, Richard Harris and
Wilson Malone. Oak groves occupied the present site of the city,
and when the Spring opened, and the wild floAvers covered the future
streets, and the trees were covered with foliage, and the green
sward carpeted the earth, approaching to the very<edge of the bright
and unvexed waters of Clear lake, it formed a picture to charm the
eye and captivate the heart of the lover of Nature, whether savage
or civilized.
The intrusion of Geo. Thomas into the sylvan beauty of the spot
was the signal for the advent of still more, and many a noble
Burr oak fell, and many a flower was crushed under the feet of
the sturdy pioneers who came to make homes and build a city.
Thomas' house was constructed of slabs procured from a steam saw
mill Avhich Capt. Andrew had erected a short distance west of the
town. It was in this house that the first session of the board of
county commissioners was held. The first cabin soon had compan
ions; and in 1834 there were fifteen houses on the ground which
was to be occupied by the future town. Business was opening.
Mechanics, merchants and professional men began to arrive.
Charies Fravel came in 1832. The Blakes, and a man by the name
of Lily kept the first hotels. John and Wm. Alison, Hiram
Wheeler, John B. Fravel, Dr. Ball and Nelson Landon, were mer
chants in 1832 and 1833. Seth Way and Charies Ladd were
dwellers in tents in those days like Abraham of old, and they fol
lowed the business of breaking up the sod of thfe prairie for the
farmers who had fixed their homes at various points between La-

102 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
Porte and Westville, and elsewhere in the county. In March,.
1833, Thompson W. Francis, now of Michigan City, came to La
Porte to work as a builder and carpenter. He built the hotel which
was kept long afterwards by Capt. Levi Ely.
At the September term of the commissioners' court, 1833, a
license was granted to J. F. & W. Allison to keep a tavern in
LaPorte, and also to vend merchandise. Licenses were granted also-
to Wm. Clement and to Seneca Ball to vend merchandise. At the
March term, 1834, a license was granted to H. & T. Wheeler to
vend merchandise, and a hcense to Wm. Clement "to vend foreign
and domestic liquors and groceries."
At the September term of the same year, Amzi Clark was-
licensed to vend merchandise, also Absalom Walters; and Noah
Newhall "to keep a tavern;" and at the November term following,
A. & A. W. Harrison were licensed to vend merchandise. At the
March, term, 1835, Wm. Clement was licensed to keep a tavern,
and R. B. Hews and Hiram Wheeler to vend merchandise.
In 1835, licenses were further granted to McCarty & Howell,
John Brown and Thomas H. Phillips; and to Daniel D. Rathbun,
Oliver Shirleff, Grover & Williams, John A. Fletcher and Mordecai
Cross, to keep tavern. A license was also granted at the November
term in this year, to Sherwood & Hixon, "to vend wooden
clocks." In 1836, James Gibson, Arthur McClure, Samuel Darlington
and Conrad Everhart were licensed to keep tavern ; and McCarty
& Howell and Eli Hays to vend merchandise.
A hotel which was kept by Mr. Blake stood on Brown's corner,
the one now occupied by "Eliel's drug store. Afterwards General
Brown himself kept a hotel there. The old wooden buildings which
were the predecessors of the present brick structure, and which were
burned a few years ago, were built by Gen. Brown.
In laying out the town the original proprietors, Wilson, Todd,
Walker and the Andrews, donated every alternate lot to the county
for the purpose of enabling it to erect a court house and other pub
lic buildings. The lots were sold on easy terms, and during the
years 1835 and 1836, the population largely increased. The
Michigan City Q-azette of July 22, 1835, in speaking of LaPorte

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 103
denominates it as "this fiourishing village." A land office was
opened here in 1834 or 1835, with Major Robb, Register, and John
M. Lemon, Receiver. James Whittem was a clerk in the land
office. Among lawyers first admitted to practice in LaPorte were Wm.
0. Ross June 10, 1833 ; John B. Niles, December 16, 1833 ; John
S. Lacy, December 16, 1833; Wm. Hawkins, December 16, 1833;
Robert Merrifield, October 13, 1834; B. B. Taylor, October 17,
1834; Wm. C. Hannah, October 18, 1834. In 1835, there were
Charles McCleese, and John H. Bradley; in 1886, Myron H.
Orton, Jabez R. Wells, G. A. Everts, Thomas Tyrrell, N. W. Sax-
ton, and A. W. Enos; and in 1837, Andrew L. Osborn, Gilbert
Hathaway, J. W. Chapman, and E. A. Hannegan. Some of these
lived in Michigan City.
In the month of July, 1838, the first newspaper that was estab
lished in LaPorte was sent out to the people of LaPorte and other
counties. It was published by J. M. Stuart, and S. C. Clisbe, and
was called the "LaPorte County Whig, and Porter, Ln\e, and
Marshall Counties Advertiser." Stuart & Clisbe conducted it only
about a year, when it passed into the hands of Capt. A. P. Andrew,
Jr. It was a staunch Whig paper, hoisting in 1840 the names of
Harrison and Tyler, for the election oi whom, and the candidates of
the Whig ticket throughout, the editor of the Whig labored with
zeal and energy and much efficiency. Stuart went to Michigan
City, where he obtained control of the G-azette, the politics of which
he changed from an earnest advocacy of the Democratic party to
become the champion of the Whigs.
Prior to 1840, a Democratic paper was established by Joseph
Lomax, which was called the LaPorte Herald. The campaign of
1840 was warmly contested, and not less so here than elsewhere.
The town and county of LaPorte participated fully in the political
spirit and feeling that characterized the campaign. The Herald
gave an enthusiastic support to Van Buren ; the Whig, with equal
earnestness, supported Harrison. Its columns were ornamented
with a log cabin, the cut of which was made by a gunsmith of
LaPorte. In the year 1833, the first school house was built. It was a

104 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
humble beginning, but educational privileges have gone on increas-
and improving until now the system of graded free schools is the
pride of every citizen. The graded schools were established in
1856, in which year a school building was erected in each ward,' each
of them having a primary and secondary department. Four of these
buildings were of brick two stories in height. After the first term
under the graded system a grammar department was opened wliich
was taught in an old frame building belonging to W. D. Farnsworth,
which stood not far from the present location of the High School
building. The teachers in the various schools were R. M. Johnson,
A. T. Bliss, Jasper Packard, Mrs. J. Packard, Miss. 0. M. Tibbits,
Miss Emma Chandler, Miss M. A. Kent, and Mrs. Steele. The
schools grew in strength and influence, and usefulness, under the
wise mainagement which they have fortunately always received, and
a High School department was soon organized which was first
taught by Jasper Packard. The first board of trustees were Gilbert
Hathaway, Amzi Clark and B. P. Walker, who were succeeded by
John B. Niles, James Moore and Ferdinand Roberts, and these by
Wm. C. Hannah, L. Crane and Rev. Geo. C. Noyes, under whose
administration the present High School building was erected.
In 1863, this commodious school building was constructed, and Avith
its completion, and the continued successful management and conduct
of the schools, the educational advantages of LaPorte are of the
highest kind, So excellent have been the public schools that from
the time of the inauguration of the graded system, it has been im
possible for private or select schools to be maintained tor any
great length of time, though several have been in operation at
different times that were well worthy of support. Such Avere those
especially ot Mrs. Holmes who now conducts a fine school for young
ladies in Springfield, Illinois; of T. L. Adams, just prior to his
acceptance of the position of Superintendent of the public schools ;
and the Technic and Training school of AV. P. Phelon, all of which
had to yield before the steady upward march of the admirably con- ,
ducted free schools. These have never been more successful than
during the present year under the superintendency of Mr. B. L.
Swift, with J. R. Goffe, and Misses Lyon and Crittenden as teachers in
the High School, and an efficient corps of teachers in all the other

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 105
departments. The present board of trustees are Messrs. Donly
Foster and Early.
In the winter of 1840-41, a charter was obtained from the State
Legislature, through the exertions of John H. Bradley who was
then a member from LaPorte, for a school of high rank to be called
the LaPorte University. The charter was drawn by Wm. Andrew,
and provided for an institution that should have a literary, a medical
and a law department. The next year the law department was
organized under the charge of Judge Andrew, who received quite a
large class of students. The medical department was organized in
1842. The building in which, classes were P-s" opened stood where
Davidson's marble-front store is now locateJ. A good building was
afterwards erected on the square immediately south of the present
High School building, and here the school progressed with a fair
degree of success. The medical faculty consisted of the following
gentlemen :
Geo. W. Richards, M. D., Professor of Theory and Practice of
Medicine. John B. Niles, A. M., Professor of Chemistry.
Daniel Meeker, M. D., Professor of Anatomy and Physiology.
A. B. Shipman, M. D., Professor of Surgery.
Nicholas Hard, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of
Women and Children.
E. Doming, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica.
Levi F. Torrey, M. D., Demonstrator of Anatomy.
In 1848-9, J. Adams .Vllen, M. D., became Professor of Materia
Medica; George W. Lee, M. D., Demonstrator of Anatomy; and
Tompkins Higday, M. D., Professor of Physiology and General
Pathology. Dr. G. A. Rose was the President of the board of trustees, dur
ing a large portion of the time of the existence of the school, and
among the trustees were Wm. C. Hannah, Secretary, John B.
Niles, Treasurer, Rev. Wm. Andrew, Daniel Meeker, Rev. F. P.
Cummins and Ezekiel Morrison. Tompkins Higday wa-s Registrar
in 1848-9. The name of the institution was changed to the "Indi
ana Medical College," and there were in 1846-7, one hundred and
four students, in 1848-9, one hundred and one.
The names of many of the students are familiar in Northern

106 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Indiana, and some of them have become distinguished throughout
the State, and in other States.
In the year 1843, the literary department of the university was
organized. There Avas then at LaPorte, a school called the Lan-
casterian Academy of which Rev. F. P. Cummins was principal, in
which, besides a thorough English course inclmling Philosophy, the
Natural Sciences, and the higher Mathematics, there were taught
Latin, Greek, German and French. This institution had but a
brief existence. It is worthy of note that the circulars issued for the
purpose of advertising this academy, stated that board could be
obtained in LaPorte for from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents
per week. When it was determined to organize the literary depart
ment of the LaPorte University, application was made to Prof. Cum
mins, to merge his school in it, as such a move would be likely to
make it successful from the start. To this proposition he assented
and in connection with Rev. Mr. Marshall, pastor at the time, of
the Presbyterian church, he opened this department of the Univer
sity. But it seems not to have met with the success which its
friends anticipated and hoped; it languished, and died.
The medical school continued to flourish ' for some years ; but
there grew up other schools which withdrew support from it. The
medical department of the Michigan University was opened, the
Rush Medical college at Chicago, a similar institution at Indianapo
lis, and one at LaFayette ; and finally the managers of the LaPorte
school determined to suspend the lectures. This occurred in 1851 ;
and the suspension proved to be a final closing up of ihe school.
The building was afterwards occupied as a literary academy, which
was conducted by Prof Churchman, a blind man, and an excellent
teacher. It was a school for girls only, and it was a flourishing
institution until it was burned in the winter of 1855. The institu
tion was never re-opened, and the graded free school system having
been adopted in 1856, and proving so eminently successful, there
has been less need for private schools of any kind. For several
years, the only private schools of importance, besides those hereto
fore mentioned, have been the schools of the German Lutheran
church, and the Catholic Sisters.
There has never been a time in the history of LaPorte, when

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 107
education failed to receive a large share of the attention of the leading
citizens. Private schools have been at times well supported, and
since the present system of graded schools came into existence, the
whole people have cheerfully met the taxes necessary for the re
quired buildings, which are expensive and valuable, for the salaries of
first-class teachers, and all the other incidental outlay.
The earliest physicians to settle in LaPorte were Doctors Dinwid
dle, Timothy Everts, Daniel Meeker, and G. A. Rose, who arrived
in, or prior to, 1835. They were followed by Abram Teegarden,
who came in 1837, J. P. Andrew, Geo. L. Andrew, 'il. Higday, L.
Brusie, Thos. D. Lemon L. C. Rose and others.
The first ministers of the Gospel who came to LaPorte, will be
mentioned in connection with the history of the various church denom
inations in another chapter.
LaPorte has always been ably represented in the professions.
The pastors of the churches have generally been men of culture,
and intellectual power ; and many of her practitioners of law and
medicine have occupied high rank in their profession, and enjoy a
reputation co-extensive with, and even beyond the State.
In the year 1835, A. W. Harrison was postmaster. This was
during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, but soon after the inaug
uration of the new administration of Martin Van Buren in March,
1837, a change was made in the postoffice here. Dr. Thos. D.
Lemon, being appointed. He held the office continuously until the
beginning of the administration of Abraham Lincoln, in 1861, when
Geo. B. Roberts was appointed on the recommendation of Schuyler
Colfax, then the Representative in Congress from the ninth congres
sional district of Indiana. He held the office until after the assas
sination of Mr. Lincoln made Andrew Johnson, President. .
One of the most popular and useful institutions of LaPorte is the
Library and Natural History association, which has been in exist
ence since 1863. It has continued to strengthen in public favor,
until the present time, and its history will not be without interest
now, and in the future. In 1868 the author of this work was
requested by the association to prepare a sketch which should em
body the history of the institution. This he afterwards read to the
board, and it was placed on file as one of its permanent records. The

108 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
substance of that report is hereAvith presented ; and is as follows :
"On the fifth day of May, 1868, Wm. Niles, Esq., offered a reso
lution before the board of directors of the LaPorte Library and
Natural History association, which was unanimously adopted, re
questing me to prepare a historical sketch on the origin, history,
present condition, prospects and purposes of that association.
Various controlling events have prevented an earlier compliance
with the request of the board, but now at this late day, I have the
honor respectfully to submit the following facts and thoughts on the
important subjects named in this resolution.
At the beginning of the year 1863, LaPorte was a city of nearly
eight thousand inhabitants. As a people Ave claimed to be civilized,
enlightened, refined and educated ; and yet there was not among us
a reading room of any sort, and no library except the McClure, to
which but few had access ; so few that it was practically Avithout
any influence on the community. A reading room, exhibiting on
its tables the earnest thoughts and activities of the present in the
current periodicals of the day, and a library containing the ripened
wisdom of the past and the present are means of education, espe
cially to the young, whose utility cannot be estimated.
Here was a great and pressing want unfllled, and there were a
few, who, seeing and feeling the need of an institution that should,
in some degree, meet the wants of the people, determined to organ
ize a Library association, that would, at slight expense, furnish
books and periodicals to all who might choose to avail themselves of
its privileges.
It was believed that such an association would be influential in
developing a literary taste, by cultivating a habit of reading, and
that it would become a powerful educator of the people, positivelv,
^y stimulating the growth of the mind and promoting learning and
scholarship, and negatively, by furnishing a pleasant and useful
place of resort, to largely counteract the evils of vicious pleasures
and associations; and on the 16th day of March, 1863, an organi
zation was effected by the adoption of a constitution, and the elec
tion of the following full complement of officers :
President, Wm. C. Hannah; Vice President, James Moore; Re
cording Secretary, Wm. Niles ; Corresponding Secretary, Rev. Geo.
C. Noyes; Treasurer, Fred West.

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. lO^
Directors— Wm. H. H. Whitehead, Dr. N. S. Darling, Ezekiel
Morrison, Dr. L. C. Rose, Simon Wile, James Lewis, 0. Wilson
and Charles Paine.
The association thus organized was incorporated under the name of
the "LaPorte Reading Room and Library Association."
Negotiations were entered into with the McClure Working Men's
Institute, which finally resulted in the transfer by that association to
this, of all the books and other property of the former. The terms
of the contract were such as to convey to the new association all the
property of the old, to be held and used by it forever, or during its
existence, with reversion to the McClure association in case of the
dissolution of the neAv organization, upon the payment of the debts
of the Institute amounting to fifty-five dollars, and the grant to each
of its members of a membership for one year in the new association.
This result Avas highly gratifying, as it at once gave to the Library
association a permanent footing, enabling it to start with seven hun
dred volumes, many of them standard works in history and English
literature. With this handsome nucleus at the start, around which
to gather other works, until a large library should be founded, the
attempt to build up a noble educational power in our midst, ceased
to be an experiment, and became an assured success.
I pause here in the course of this sketch, to notice an event that
carried sadness to the heart, not only of the members of the associa
tion, but*of all our people. On the 16th day of March, James
Lewis had been-'jclected as one of the board of directors, and on the
fourth day of May, -.vhen the board held their regular meeting for
the month, his place was vacant ; death had invaded that active life,
und sadly and unanimously the board passed the following preamble
and resolutions :
Whereas, By the death of our associate, Mr. James Lewis, this
board has lost a valued member, whose worth we would commemor
ate in the records of this association, therefore, be it
Resolved, That we recognized in Mr. Lewis an upright and gen
erous citizen, ever in earnest to advance the welfare of the commu
nity in which he lived, whether at the cost of money or of personal
exertion. Resolved, That_we tender to Mrs. Lewis and the family of the

110 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
deceased our respectful and sincere sympathy in their bereavement.
Mr. Lewis died on the 23d day of April, 1863. He was an
upright and enterprising citizen, a faithful friend, a 'zealous member
of this association, and a devoted christian.
On the 11th day of May, the board of directors submitted their
first report to the association. In it they speak very encouragingly
of the condition and prospects of the work before thern, and although
they find some difficulties and discouragements in the way, yet they
say, and very truly, that "these difficulties ought to weigh as noth
ing in comparison with the great need and importance to the whole
community of an undertaking like the one upon which we are glad
to believe, we have now successfully entered."
At the meeting of the association on the 11th of May, it was
necessary according to the constitution, to elect officers for the
ensuing year. The election resulted as follows :
President, Wm. C. Hannah; Vice President, James Moore;
Recording Secretary, Wm. Niles; Treasurer, Fred West; Corres
ponding Secretary, Rev. G. C. Noyes.
Directors. — Andrew L. Osborn, Charles Paine, Ezekiel Morrison
Jacob Zook, W. H. H. Whitehead, 0. Wilson, and Landon C.
Rose. The association seemed now fairly equipped for a race of useful
ness; but its early promise was doomed to undergo a blighting
check. The meeting of the 11th of May adjourned with a prospect
of vigorous growth before the young foundling. The members must
have been too sanguine, and reposed too much confidence in the
powers of the child, for they left it to run alone until the 26th of
the following October, and then holding one brief meeting, a dark
and impenetrable interregnum occurs of more than a year, from the
26th of October, 1863, to the 6th of December, 1864. This seems
to have been the "dark age" of our association's history. It was
even darker than the night of the middle ages, for then the monks
in their gloomy cells did not permit learning quite to perish from
the earth, and history penetrates the gloom of that cavernous night;
but over those forgotten months of our society's life, whose record is
forever lost, an impenetrable shadow has fallen, and nothing but the
fiat of Omnipotent Power proclaiming "Let there be Light," could

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. HI
disperse the gloom. It must have seemed to the friends of the asso
ciation that its light had gone out forever. But the usefulness of
such an institution had become known ; and although the old officers
and board of directors would seem to have been somewhat discour
aged, they determined not to stand in the way of any others who
might be willing to try to give new vitality to the association. On
the 6th day of December, 1864, the officers and members of the
board, each and all resigned, and others were elected to fill the
vacancies so created ; and the organization commenced its new exist
ence with the following officers :
President, L. Crane; Vice President, C. G. Powell; Treasurer,
Wm. M. Scott ; Corresponding Secretary, Rev. J. P. Ash ; Record
ing Secretary, T. L. Adams.
Directors.— Dr. Geo. M. Dakin, H. B. Weir, Dr. W. L. Mc-
Kahan, John M. Hood, Rev. J. H. Lee, Mr. Baker and A. J.
Redding. As an indication of the vigorous manner in which the new board
commenced their work it is worthy of note that at this meeting a
committee of one was appointed to "prepare the Reading Room for
occupancy by to-morrow." The work was done, and meetings have
been held regularly at the Society's rooms from that time to the
present. On the 6th day of November, 1865, the first movement was made
towards renting the pleasant rooms now occupied by us ; and on the
20th of the same month they were occupied and have given the
association a home, and our people a useful and attractive place of
resort for more than three years. At the meeting of November
20th, 1865, it was, with characteristic energy, resolved to "pledge
ourselves as individuals te see the work carried through." This
feeling has ever since actuated the directors, and the consequence
has been the continued growth and prosperity of the association.
Since the year 1864, a leading feature of the Society has been a
course of lectures each winter. These have been given by the lead
ing men of the country, authors, poets, statesmen and divines. The
lectures have embraced a wide variety of subjects, travels, history,
national affairs, social reforms, the woman question, in fact almost
every subject that engages the American mind at the present day.

112 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
These lectures, while not highly remunerative to the Society, have
been an agreeable means of instruction for the people, most of them
having been of a high order of merit, and worthy to have been
heard by far more than availed themselves of the privilege.
The growth of the library has been constant if not rapid.
Handsome donations of books have been received from Morgan H.
Weir, Benj. F. Taylor, L. Crane, and others, and in each of the
last four years there have been additions by purchase, of from two to
three hundred volumes.
On the sixth day of April, 1868, a movement was commenced for
the collection of a cabinet under the superintendence of Dr. T.
Higday ; and on the fifth day of May last the following preamble
and resolution presented by Wm. Niles, Esq., were unanimously
adopted :
Whereas, It is proposed to form a collection of specimens in
illustration of tbe natural sciences, and those interested in the
matter desire to place the collection in the rooms of the association,
if the donation will be accepted,
Resolved, that the association will accept such donations if made,
and will preserve the collection, and increase it from time to time
so far as can be done consistently with its leading objects.
For their cheerful co-operation in this feature especially, of our
association, both by liberal donations, and by labor in arranging
the specimens in the cases, too much praise cannot be awarded to
Drs. T. Higday, Geo. L. Andrew, Henry Holloway, H. B. Wilcox,
and Messrs. Fred'k Vfest, Samuel J. Fosdick and E. G. McCollum.
Thus, from a beginning attended by doubts and fears, and
through a history checkered by sunshine and cloud, we reached the
society's present condition. At no previous hour has the prospect
been fairer than now. Five lectures of a course of six have left us
nearly forty dollars ahead, and this in a season when lectures nearly
everywhere have failed to pay. Our cabinet, in illustration of the
natural sciences, is neatly and tastefully fitted up, and though not
large, is well worthy the attention of the curious. The reading
room, furnished with all the leading magazines of the day, draws
to the rooms daily large numbers of busy readers, and every night
the rooms are crowded with the young of both sexes, quietly and

CENTRE TOAVNSHIP. 113
Studiously securing information that will be a practical benefit
during their lives. The library numbers probably over two thous
and volumes, consisting of many of the choicest works of the English
language ; history, biography, poetry, travels, science, light litera
ture, philosophy, belles lettres, and every variety of reading to
please every variety of taste. We have lived down the stale
calumny that we are a political institution, and all classes of our
people, without regard to party, sect or creed, have a warm side for
the LaPorte Library and Natural History Association. Our
prospects may be best told by our past history and present condi
tion. We cannot doubt that our darkest days are over. The out
look before us is brighter and smoother than the backward look
over the past. I look down the future, and see a long career of
usefulness. I see our library expanding until these rooms grow
narrow. The rich burden of thought here collected invites all our
people to come and drink at the Pierean fount, not in little stinted
sippings, but in vigorous draughts, that cheer the soul, enlarge the
mind, and develope manhood. These thoughts are not fanciful, they
are the grand possibilities of the future, and will be the gift of a
generous now to the swift approaching then.
The purposes of this association may be summed up in one word
— improvement. The improvement and development of man, as an
individual, and as a member of the community. Our purpose is to
educate, to develop thought, to enlarge and strengthen the mental
powers, to purify the heart, to furnish rational and wholesome
amusement, to make every man a better and stronger man, and
every woman a better and more cultivated woman, to develop in
the young a taste for reading, and make them acquainted with the
great thoughts of the great authors who have honored the English
tongue. One of the most striking characteristics of our civilization, one
which has worked deepest, and is destined to have the most lasting
impression, is the general diffusion of knowledge. We are pre-emi
nently a reading people, and the privilege is not confined to a few.
All participate. The morning paper follows the man of business to
the breakfast table. The last monthly throngs the rail-car and
steamboat. The latest novel enters the parior of the opulent, and
8

114 HIS'TORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
wrings the tears from eyes that never wept before ; while every
avenue of life is penetrated by the ubiquitous newspaper. News —
north, east, west, south, the tidings are borne. Over hill and valley
speed the messengers of the press. The palace of the rich, and the
log hut of the pioneer, are alike objects of their visitation. Histor
ies are multiplied, The dramatic touches of Macaulay, and of
Bancroft, Prescott and Motley, give to historic composition all the
charm of works of the imagination. All must read, young and old,
male and female, man of leisure and man of business. There is no
escape ; the world is busy ; it moves, so must man — every man — or
he is left behind in a moment. It is our purpose to supply, as far
as possible, this popular demand.
A celebrated English divine and philosopher lays down five
eminent means whereby the mind is improved in the knowledge of
things. These are observation, reading, instruction by lectures,
conversation and meditation.
The first of these methods of improvement our association furnish
es, to a limited extent, by our cabinet of specimens illustrative of
the natural sciences. Our library and reading room supplies the
second, and the third is reached through our annual course of
lectures. These are our objects — to supply three of the methods of enlarg
ing, informing and strengthening the mind. With some degree of
pride we point to the past ; and we look forward hopefully to en
larged usefulness in the time to come."
Since the date of the above sketch which was written in February,
1869, the Library ;md Natural History association has continued
to prosper. When Dr. Samuel B. Collins completed his marble
front building on Michigan avenue, he generously offered to fit up
the third story of the new building, and donate to the Library asso
ciation the free use of it for five years. The offer was accepted, and
soon afterwards, the removal was effected, and these fine rooms, are
still occupied, the five years lease not having yet expired.
Early in 1874, a movement was made to secure a permanent
home for the Library. Gen. Joseph Orr, proposed to the Library
board and citizens, that if they would raise the sum of $6,000 he
would purchase and donate to the association the building known as

CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 115
the old Presbyterian church, the lot, and the half-lot adjoining- on
the north, amounting to $4000. Immediately active measures were
begun -for the raising of $6,000 by voluntary subscriptions, and
these were finally successful. The money Avas subscribed, one-half
of it paid in, and the property was conveyed to the association when
an unfortunate disagreement occurring between Gen. Orr, and the
board of directors of the Library association, in regard to the future
arrangement of the building, and the manner in which the accumu
lated fund should be expended, the movement was abandoned, and
the property was re-conveyed to Gen. Orr. Most of the money that
had been paid in was suffered to remain in the treasury of the
Library assi;ciation, and many re-subscribed the amount still
unpaid, the whole forming a large fund which is held by the board,
and is now at interest, ready for use Avhen an opportunity offers for
the purchase of property that shall make a desirable and comforta-
able home for the library. It is much to the credit of the citizens of
LaPorte that an institution of this kind has received such constant
and liberal support.
In the year 1852, the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana
railroad was completed to LaPorte, and was extended rapidly to
Chicago. Prior to this in 1839, the Bufi'alo and Mississippi rail
road was projected, much grading Avas done upon it through the
county, and the board of county commissioners, in obedience to the
petition of citizens subscribed for stock to the amount of $100,000.
Only here and there a cut or an embankment remains to tell of the
broken hopes of the people.
In 1856, the Cincinnati, Louisville and Chicago railroad, now
the Indianapolis, Peru and Chicago, was built between LaPorte and
Plymouth. The gaps between Plymouth and Rochester, and
Rochester and Peru were afterwards filled, thus giving LaPorte
direct communication southward, as she already had to the east and
west. In 1871, that part of the road between LaPorte and Michi
gan City was completed, and thus LaPorte is situated on the lead
ing line of railroad between the East and Chicago, and the principal
line in Indiana from the laKe to the south.
The rich farming country surrounding LaPorte has been the chief
cause of its growth, though its manufactures, always an element of

116 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
prosperity, have been by no means insignificant. The machine
shops of the Michigan Southern railroad were located here immedi
ately upon the completion of the road, and continued here until
1870, when the machinery was removed to Elkhart. The build
ings are now occupied by the LaPorte Car factory. There have
been several foundries, and establishments for the manufacture of
machinery and agricultural implements of various kinds. The prin
cipal ones are now those of the Rumelys, who manufacture separa
tors and steam engines; James N. Brooks, who makes grist mill
machinery and engines, and that of John W. Ridgway, which was
burned a few months since and is now being rebuilt. There have
been two paper mills in LaPorte, one of which failed and the other
was burned and never rebuilt. The building of the former is
now occupied by the LaPorte Wheel factory, Avhich is prospering.
The bedstead factory of Mr. Fred. Meissner has for many years
been successful, and the chair factory under the management of
Washington Wilson is doing a prosperous business. There are two
woolen factories, each of them doing good work, three flouring
mills and numerous Avagon and blacksmith shops, which altogether
give employment to a large number of hands. Within a few years
past, a heavy trade has arisen in the ice that is taken from the
lakes in the winter. The houses for its storage dot the borders of
the lakes in every direction. It is chiefly taken from Stone, Clear
and Fish Trap lakes. There is a Chicago firm engaged in the bus
iness, M. Thompson & Co.; a Louisville company; John Hilt & Co.,
of LaPorte, and others of this city. Many thousands of tons are
taken off each winter, and it is shipped extensively to Chicago, and
the South. This is a flourishing business, and gives employment to
many laboring people in winter when work is often especially need
ed, and difficult to obtain.
There are fifteen church edifices in LaPorte, Methodist, German
Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopalian, three Lutheran, two
German and one Swedish, Swedenborgian, Christian, two Catholic,
Friends' meeting house, Jewish Synagogue, and Colored. The
church first built in LaPorte was by -the Methodists in 1837. The
edifice now occupied by the Disciples, and known as the Christian
church was built by the Presbyterians in 1842. The Episcopalians

centre! township. 117
erected their house of worship in 1845. It has been remodeled and
much enlarged since that time. The present Baptist church edifice
was built in 1859. The latest church building erected was that of
the Presbyterians on Michigan avenue, which Avas completed in 1871.
The original survey of LaPorte has received many additions, the
most important one, and the largest, being that of Capt. A. P.
Andrew, Jr., on the south side of the city. The area of LaPorte
contains now not less than eight hundred acres, and a population
numbering about eight thousand. In 1835 there were but fifteen
houses Avithin the present limits of the corporation. A city govern
ment was adopted in 1853, and William J. Walker was the first
mayor, who was elected to the office, and qualified on the fifth day
of August 1853. His successors to 1861, were William Millikan,
1855; Fred'k McCollum, 1857; Wm. H. H. Whitehead, 1859;
Daniel Noyes, 1861. Dr. L. C. Rose Avas elected in 1871, and
served two terms, and Mortimer Nye was elected in 1873, and again
in 1875. The city is divided into five wards, each represented in the
city government by two councilmen. There are in the city more than
one hundred business houses, gas works, IHolly water works, a
variety of manufacturing establishments as already mentioned,
machine shops and foundries, tanneries, six hotels, numerous board
ing houses, many secret and benevolent associations, and many
elegant residences, with well kept and tasteful grounds surround
ing them. Taken altogether, LaPorte is unquestionably the hand
somest city in Northern Indiana, if not in the State. Its wide and
well shaded streets, its long rows of dark green maples, its groves
and lakes and charming drives present attractions which are seldom
equaled. LaPorte has had a steady but not rapid growth ; and all its busi
ness has been on a stable basis. Panics and stringency in the
money market affect her business interests comparatively little.
Her banks, of which there are five including the Savings bank, are
safely conducted, and when two years ago the , great financial crash
came upon the country no merchant or banker in LaPorte was
touched. All weathered the storm easily and safely. Beautiful for
situation, safe in her business interests, and enjoying superior edu
cational advantages, LaPorte is a most desirable place for a residence,
combining the health of the country with the privileges of the city.

118 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER VII.
PLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
At the March term, 1834, of the commissioners' court, on the
third day of March, the board passed the following order : On mo
tion of Wm. Holmes, Kankakee township is divided by the line run
ning east and west between townships thirty-six and thirty-seven,
, all that part south of said line in said County to constitute and form
a new township of the name of Pleasant, that the house of Oliver
Classen shall be the place appointed to hold elections for said town
ship, and that James Webster be appointed inspector of elections
until the April annual election, or until his successor be elected and
qualified." These limits have since been diminished by the forma
tion of Union, Lincoln and Johnson townships, until at the present
time Pleasant township contains only the two northern and two
central tiers of sections of township thirty-six, range two west.
Prior to the opening of this region to settlement. Pleasant town
ship was one of the most attractive parts of the county. Its rich
and flower-clad prairies, its groves of noble forest trees, its numerous
small lakes, and flowing streams, combined to form a spot of unsur
passed beauty. After the settlement of the county began, this por
tion was not long permitted to remain in its pristine condition. In
the year 1831 or 32, .James Webster came from Virginia and set
tled on section one, in the northeast corner of the township. His
son-in-law, James Highley, came at the same time. The next year,
Silas Hale and Oliver Classen settled on section twenty-two. In
1833, John Wilson arrived from Ohio, and AndreAV Harvey and
Asa Owen. Valentine Nicholson came early, and Benjamin Butter-
worth was present and bought land in the township at the land
sales, but settled in the edge of Scipio township. Ralph Loomis
arrived in Pleasant township, April 19th 1834, and in the same
year came George S. McCollum and Samuel Stewart. Stewart
bought land in sections four and five, and his home was only two
miles from LaPorte. James .Van Valkenburgh and a number of

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. HQ'
Others came in^l835. On the 26th day of May, 1836, George Bos
serman arrived on a prospecting tour, located and secured three
eighties of land, some of the best in the county ; then returned to his
former home, and reached the township again on the 1st day of
December, 1836, in company with his brother-in-law, J. G. Mc-
Caskey. There were then in the township, besides those named.
Griffin Treadway, John I. Crandall, Geo. C. Havens, W. A. Place,
Stephen Norton and others. The following may also be named as
early settlers ;|W. W. Burhans, Ziba Bailey, D. E. and I. B. Cop
lin, Wm. Everhart, John V. Rust, G. W. Stewart, J. R. Stewart,
Charles W. Wing, Seth Way, Curtis and John B. Travis, and other
members of that family, and the Lomax family.
The first school house built in the township was known as " Old
Charity." A number of those interested were opposed to having it
on the site where it was built, and they put it on wheels or rollers,
and moved it to another place which suited them better. Then the-
other party hitched on to it one day (or night) and pulled it back to
its former location. A second time it migrated; and this time it
was run on the top^of a stump, so as to fasten it; but it \vas after
wards pried^or cut loose, and was made to take two or three more^
journeys, before [the dispute was settled and the migratory school
house was permitted to have a permanent abiding place. Since
that early day, great advancement has been made in educational
facilities, and the interest shown in the subject of education, especially
during the last twenty-five years has been most creditable. In
1850 there was not a good school house in the township. There
were schools, but the houses where they were taught were inconve
nient, comfortless, well-nigh worthless structures. Now there are
five school houses, all of them good ones.
In the year 1835 or 36, Mr. Whitmer built a saw mill on the
Little Kankakee,*on land now owned by Mrs. Burson. Root &
Graham also built one on the same stream, and about 1850, the
Websters put up another.
The first church in the township was Salem Chapel, built by the
Methodists in 1853. The earliest preachers in the township were
Elder St. Claire, Campbellite ; Elder Spalding, Baptist ; and Rev.
Geo. M. Boyd, Methodist.

120 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
On the 9th day of March, 1836, an order was made by the Board
of commissioners dividing Pleasant township, so that all that part
of it which lies east of a line drawn from the northwest corner of
section one, south to the county line, should be known as Madison
township. This does not seem to have been satisfactory to the peo
ple, and at the succeeding term of the commissioners' court, the
order was rescinded.
The Little Kankakee river runs through the northeastern part of
the township, crossing sections two, one and twelve. The Indian
apolis, Peru and Chicago railroad crosses the township diagonally
from southeast to northwest, and the Chicago and Lake Huron rail
road crosses the southeast corner. The former road has located a
station in the southeast corner of section fifteen, called Stillwell.
In 1870, a postoffice was established at Stillwell, kept by A. J.
Wair, but after two or three years it was discontinued. The lands
of this township consist mostly of fine arable prairie, with plenty of
timber for all ordinary purposes. Immense crops of corn, wheat and
oats are easily raised, and a part of the township is excellent for stock
raising. The leading industry, almost the only one, is agriculture,
and its farmers are uniformly prosperous.

WILLS TOWNSHIP 121

CHAPTER VIII.
WILLS TOWNSHIP.
Wills township consists of twenty-four sections in Range one, and
the eastern tier of sections of Range two, township thirty-seven. A
portion of the congressional township, of which Wills forms a part
lies in St. Joseph county, twelve sections on the east and northeast
of Wills township being thus cut off from LaPorte county. As
originally constituted it included all of the present Hudson town
ship, and six sections on the east side of Galena, extending to
the Michigan line. Its six southeastern sections were then in St.
Joseph county. The township was organized and its boundaries
designated on the same day with Pleasant township, both being
carved out of the original township of Kankakee. On the third
day of March, 1834, at the rei>;ular March term of the Board of
county commissioners, the following order was passed :
" On motion of Henry F. Janes for a division of Kankakee town
ship and to form the township of Wills in the northeast corner of
said county; bounded as follows, to-wit: Beginning at the southeast
corner of section thirty- three, township thirty -seven, north of range
one west, thence north with the county line to the northeast corner
of LaPorte county, thence wo^st with the county line to the section
line one mile west of the range line dividing one and two west,
thence south with said section line to the south side of township
thirty-seven, thence east to the place of beginning, and that the
house of Wm. West shall be the place for holding elections in said
township, and that Henry F. Janes be appointed inspector of
elections." The first settlers of Wills township were John Wills and his sons,
Charies, Daniel and John E., who reached the township in the year
1830. They made a home on section six at the site of what is now
called "Boot Jack." This was undoubtedly the first settlement of
a family, but Asa Warren claims to have been the first man in the
township, having come in 1829. Other settlers came in 1830.

122 HISTORY op LAPORTE COUNTY.
Among them were Andrew Shaw, Joseph Lykins, John Sissany,
and John S. Garroutte; and in 1831 there came James Wills, Mat
thias Dawson, David Stoner, Dr. Chapman and others. In the
month of February of this year a sad accident occurred, which was
long remembered by ^he pioneers.
Mary, wife of John S. Garroutte, had been to the house of a man
named Garwood,|where the village of Hamilton now stands, m St.
Joseph county, to visit his wife, who was sick. The day was clear
and cold, and, on her return, she stopped at the house of John
Wills. After resting a short time, she continued her journey home
ward. The wind, in the meantine, had arisen, and the snow drifted
in sheets. She dismounted from her horse and sought by walking,
it is thought, Jo promote warmth. She was overcome, however, by
the cold, and the next morning her body was found in the timber,
near the bend of Plumb grove, upon the farm now owned and occu
pied by Geo. W. Zigler. The mail carrier, who was traveling upon
snow shoes, declared that when he discovered the body, the next
morning, a wolf was traveling directly for it, and that he scared the
animal away. Her son, is now a merchant at Carlisle Hill.
John Hefner '' arrived in the township, probably in 1832, and
Joseph Starrett bought an "Indian Float," and settled on itin
1833. Jacob Gallion, Jesse Willett, Nimrod and Jesse West, and
J. Clark, all came very early.
In the month of March, 1834, John Bowell came from Clark
county, in this State, and made his home in Wills township. He
brought with him ^his wife and children, consisting of the widows
Drummond and Miller, Dr. B. C. Bowell, A. C. Bowell and A. J.
Bowell. In November following, James Drummond, son-in-law of
John Bowell, came with his wife. John Bowell died on the 10th
of April, 1866, and Elizabeth, his wife, one week previously. Both
were buried on the same spot, as near as it could be ascertained,
where they first encamped in the township. During this year
(1834) Joseph Lykins put up the first frame house that was erected
in Wills. It was built in the northeast part of the township.
George Hunt with a family of six sons arrived in 1835 ; and in that
year a trading post was opened by an Indian named Rice, at the
little settlement on section six. Rice left with the Indians in 1836.

WILLS TOWNSHIP. 123
The little settlement became known as Boot Jack, which name it
still retains, probably from the manner in which the roads converged
into the hamlet. Andrew Shaw, however, gives a different account
of the naming of the place. He says that upon one occasion a
drunken tramp came to town, and stopped at the tavern. He was
finally turned out of doors and refused any more whisky, whereupon
he turned his maudlin eyes upon the guide board, which resembled
that very necessary accompaniment of a gentleman's lodging apart
ments, and exclaimed, "I christen this place Boot Jack."
In the year 1851, a tavern was opened by a man named Kellogg,
who also kept a few articles of merchandise for sale. John Parker
afterwards kept a tavern, and subsequently sold out to Tom Nichols.
There is now no hotel or store in the place. It was never surveyed
and recorded as a town.
In the year 1835, John Wills, James Wills, Asa Warner, John
Sissany, Andrew Shaw, David Stoner, Jesse N. West, Howell
Huntsman, Mr. Kitchen, Dr. Chapman, Matthias Dawson, George
Hunt, John Bowell, Asher White, Edmund Jackson, Joseph
Lykins, John Sutherland, Joseph Starrett, Wm. Ingraham, Scott
West, John Hefner, Jesse Sissany, Wm. Nixon, Wm. West, Gabriel
Drollinger, Andrew Fuller, John Vickory, Nimrod West, Jacob
Glygeau, Jonathan Stoner, John Clark, Geo. Belshaw, Samuel Van
Dalsen, Martin Baker, Jesse Collum, John Galbreath, Benj. Gal-
breath and Mr. Gallion, were residents of this township, besides
others whose names it is not now easy to obtain.
On the 13th day of June 1836, Elder T. Price, of Edwardsburgh,
Michigan, and Elder T. Spaulding, of LaPorte, organized a Baptist
church at the house of James Hunt, and the names of the following
persons were enrolled as members : James Hunt, John Salisbury,
Matthias Dawson, Nancy Hunt, Martha Hunt, Catharine White
head, Sarah Mason, Phoebe Hunt, Clarrissa Canada, Sabrina Salis
bury, Alsie Dawson and Martha Whitehead.
In the year 1837, a Baptist church was built on the grounds of
George Belshaw. The eighth day of April had been fixed for that
event. On the sixth day of May, next following, the trustees re
ported that they had gone as far as they could, and wanted money
to procure boards for flooring and ceiling. On the first of July

124 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
after, they reported that a sufficient amount had been subscribed.
The log chapel was torn down in 1843, and a new frame church
built near it. Where the old church stood, there is now a school.
house. Both are on the southeast quarter of section thirteen.
On the 12th day of May 1837, plats were filed with the county
recorder for the village of Independence. The description of the first,
on book E, page one, locates it in the northeast quarter of the south
east quarter of section twenty- eight, township thirty-seven, north of
range one west. Of the second plat on page three, the description
embraces that part south of Sac street and west of Main street.
The acknowledgement was made by Asa Egbert, agent for his part
and attorney for Wm. C. Pellett, and is further described as being
in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section twenty-
eight, township thirty-seven, ngrth of range one west.
Anterior to this time a survey had been made for a proposed
canal through the town, and a railroad known as the Hardenburg
line, had also been surveyed. The road was to cross the canal at
this point, and the early settlers of Independence, in their dreams,
saw visions of immense wealth. Real estate speculation was, there
fore, rife for a season.'
In the year 1835, a man named Andrew Fuller, started a little
store in the locality, selling dry goods, groceries, etc. He kept the
establishment about a year. In the same year a cabinet shop was
started by Elias Axe.
A man named Baker originally owned the town, and had it laid
out. He was also a trader. In 1836, Wm. C. Pellett bought him
out, goods and lots, and started a very respectable country store.
After Pellett had made his- record of the town in 1837, he sold out
to John Vickory and Timothy Losey and they kept up the establish
ment about a year.
John Hampton built a blacksmith shop in 1 836, and continued
doing work in his line something over a year.
In 1837, Sparrow commenced the boot and shoe business. T.
Chapman opened a wagon maker's shop, and Wm. Costello a tailor
ing establishment. During the same year, Benjamin Galbreath and
John Galbreath; his son, built two mills in the vicinity of Independ
ence — the one a grist and the other a saw mill. They had come to

AVILLS TOWNSHIP. 125
the settlement during a very wet time, and imagined they had a fine
Avater power. Both mills and dams were built at the same time.
The grist mill was started first, with one run of stone. The son,
John Galbreath, succeeded in grinding three sacks of corn, when the
water power was gone forever, for it was the first and last time it
was used. There is now no stream whatever where this enterprise
was undertaken. The father succeeded in sawing three small logs.
The next year both mills were torn down.
In the year 1845, Thomas Fisher and Jonathan Du'.iley built a
steam saAv mill at Independence. It was kept running until the
year 1841, when it was sold to Thomas Hooton, James Hooton,
Theodore Boardman and David Williams, and moved to Puddle-
town. There is now nothing to distinguish Independence from the sur
rounding country. Even its ruins have beeen gathered up for fuel.
When it became evident that they were to have neither railroad nor
canal to stimulate its growth, its enemies rejoiced, and gave it the
name of Sac Town. Andrew Shaw, who resides at Boot Jack,
claims the honor of so naming it. When the Northern Indiana
road was projected and being built, all towns near, but off its line,
were ruined, and Independence, or Sac Town, shared the fate of
others. Still another settlement in Wills township recjived a distinctive
name with some prospect that it might become a village. This is
Puddletown, the name of a little hamlet situated on Puddletown
lake, on section nine. It contains a steam saw mill, a store, a shoe
shop and a good school house. When the ' township was surveyed
the lakes were meandered and several small fractions falling into the
hands of different owners, neighbors were consequently nearer than
in other localities. In 1851 the machinery of the steam saw mill
which was formerly at Independence, was removed to this point.
It has since passed through several hands. The firm of Boardman,
Williams and the Hootons sold out to James Parnell and Wm.
Houghton; they sold to Martin Uga and Aaron Miller; it was
again sold to Edwin Picket, and he sold to James N. and Lorenzo
Dow Davidson, in the fall of 1868. It remains in their hands at
the present time.

126 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
In 1856, Manford Waters and F. D. Dugan started a blacksmith
shop, and continued to run it about three years.
In the year 1857, L. C. Van Dusen started a shoe shop, and in
1872, he added a grocery store and continues to do business in each
to the present time.
A postoffice was established here in 1862, with J. W. Gulp as
postmaster, but it was discontinued after two years. A good school
house was built in the place in 1868 which is quite creditable to the
citizens of the locality.
An accident occurred here in 1871, by which a man named Mat
thew Feather lost his life. He was in the mill, when a piece of
scantling flying from the saw struck him, and crushed his skull,
penetrating his brain and killing him instantly.
Puddletown has never been surveyed and laid out, and there is
no recorded plat of it. It cannot be considered even a village, but
it furnishes neighborhood conveniences, and serves to add to the bus
iness and resources of the township.
Of those how living in the township, B. C. Bowell is a physician
and surgeon, Henry Brown is a retired farmer ; Jonathan Druliner
is a farmer and auctioneer; Philip Haussauer is a farmer and lum
berman; Joseph Hostetler is a farmer and stock dealer; Wm. S.
Hastings is a farmer and Baptist preacher ; Isaac Miller is a farmer
and German Baptist preacher; John W. Zigler is a farmer and
stock dealer, and the trustee of the township ; and there are numer
ous successful farmers, among whom may be mentioned, Wm.
Alfont, Horatio Wilcox, Jacob Stoner, Joseph Reese, A. J. Par
nell, Elijah McClellan, R. J. Mills, Harry Bennett, B. F. Brown,
Peter Bunton, W. H. Carr, E. Cosgriff, Gabriel Drollinger, Obadiah
Dawson, A. D. and John France, David Harris, Wm. H. Hunt, J.
A. Hastings and C. H. Harris.
The surface of Wills township is generally rolling, and is splen
didly diversified with timber and prairie. The land is rich and pro
ductive, and the inhabitants are an enterprising, intelligent and
prosperous people.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 127

CHAPTER IX.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Springfield township was organized on the sixth day of January
1835, the Board of county commissioners on that day making the
following order: " On petition of Judah Learning and others, it is
ordered by the Board that all the territory in range three west, in
the county of LaPorte, and north of sections number thirteen, four
teen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen and eighteen, in township thirty-
seven, in said range, shall compose a new township to be called and
known by the name of Springfield township, and it is further order
ed that an election he held at the house of Judah Leaming in said
township, on the last Saturday in this month for the purpose of
electing a justice of the peace for said township ; and it is further
ordered that Judah Leaming be and he is hereby appointed inspect
or of elections in the township of Springfield in the county of
LaPorte." .
Thus as originally organized, Springfield township occupied all
of congressional township number thirty-eight, except the six sec
tions and the six half sections which are in the State of Michigan,
and the first twelve sections of township thirty-seven. It has since
been diminished to the extent of one tier of sections on the south
side, which became again a part of Centre township, and the bound
ary line between Centre and Springfield is the north side of sec
tions seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve, of township number
thirty-seven, range number three west.
The first white settler in the township was Judah Leaming. He
came in the year 1831, and settled where the village of Springville
now stands, and was the first justice of the peace. He built the
:first cabin, and afterwards the first frame house 'which is now stand
ing, and in a good state of preservation. It is the building occupied
by Benjamin Rhodes. Abram Cormack and Daniel Griffin were
early residents, and as near as can be ascertained, lived in the town
the first year of its settlement.

128 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
In 1832, John Brown, Joseph Pagin and his sons, Erastus Quivey,
John Hazleton and Charles Vail, became settlers. Mr. Vail erect
ed a saw mill on section thirty-one. During this year the first
school house was built and the school was taught by Miss Emily
Leaming; it was situated eighty rods west of the village of Spring
ville. The Methodists had services about this time, when Mr. Rose
and Mr. Griffith took the lead in the exercises. There were also
many who attended the meetings of the Baptists, Mr. Marks con
ducting the services. There was no regular place of worship for
either, and meetings were held sometimes in school houses, at other
times in dwellings, and not unfrequently out of doors.
In 1833, the town of Springville was surveyed by Daniel M.
Leaming upon the lands of Judah Leaming. During this year
Gilbert Rose, Hiram Griffith, John Griffith and Erastus Quivey be
came settlers. Quivey built the mill on section one, now known as
the Ross mill.
In 1834, Ingraham Gould, Michael Fall, Ezekiel Blue, Abner
Ross, A.'iron Conklin, John Johnson, Henry S. Allen, John White,
Mr. Ross, A. N. Shipper, Mr. Lewis and Josiah Redding became
settlers. Joseph Pagin built a grist mill, which was run until it
Avas worn out. About the same time David Pagin built another
mill on the same stream about a mile and a half below the old one.
During this year Elder Tucker, the first male teacher, took charge
of the school near Springville.
James V. Hopkins came to the township in 1835, but settled
afterwards in Michigan City.
During the year 1835, the school house near Springville was
burned ; the first wedding took place, Abner Ross marrying Esther
Rose ; Jacob Early built a mill upon section twenty-eight, which
has been worn out and rebuilt several times, the last time by E. S.
Organ. In October of this year Charles Vail built a saw mill
Erastus Quivey assisting in its construction. Hopkins worked at
the business of a carpenter, and also made brick, designing to build
a tavern, but sold to Ingraham Gould. Prior to 1837, many more
had come into the township, among them being Samuel Lehr John
Mason, Lemuel S. Fitch, Alfred Stanton, John Blue and Michael
Fall.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 129
In the year 1839, John and Joseph Pagin built a mill between
the two already erected by the Pagins, and a distillery was put
up further down the stream. About the same time Lewis Pagin
erected a building, and introduced machinery for the carding of
wool. Abram'Fravel [built a mill on section thirty-five, in 1840,
and David Hoover put up a dwelling the same year. In 1835 a
church was built at Ross' mill by the Christian denomination.
This was afterwards sold to the Dunkards, who now own it. Joseph
Dauphine erected a steam saw mill in 1860. There are two villages
in this township, the oldest one being named
SPRINGVILLE.
This village takes its name from a large spring of pure, cold
water, which flows out in great abundance. It was laid out by
Daniel M. Learning for Judah Leaming, who was the original pro
prietor of the soil, and the plat was filed for record on August 19,
1835. Prior to this, in 1834, Gilbert Rose had started a store in the
village, Ingraham Gould a tavern, and Abner Ross a blacksmith
shop. A postoffice was established in the year 1835, which was
kept until 1863, when it was discontinued. During most of the
time of its existence, it was kept by D. K. Brickett, who com
menced the business of boot and shoe making in 1837, and con
tinued it until 1853. Aaron Conklin established a tannery in
1835, and after conducting it four years, sold out to Leslie Rose.
He in turn sold it to Ira C. Nye who conducted the business suc
cessfully for many years.
In the year 1838, Gould & Alvord opened a general store, sell
ing it the next year to Russell & Torrey, who sold in 1841 to Rose
& Conklin. In 1842, Rose purchased Conklin's interest, and con
ducted the business alone. During the year 1838, Alpheus Thur
ber commenced shoe making and continued the business four or five
years. In 1845, Ingraham Gould put up a turning lathe ; and for
many years did a large busines in the manufacture of bedsteads and
other articles requiring its use.
In the year 1848, Gould sold his tavern to Michael Hargin, who
kept it eight years and gave up the business, since then there has
been no hotel in Springville. In 1850, a steam saw mill was built
9

130 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
by Martin & Hill, who after running it about a year sold it, and in
1855, it was removed to section fifteen. In 1874, this mill was
totally destroyed by fire, but has been rebuilt and is now owned by
Peter Hack.
In the year 1850, Gilbert Rose sold his store to Orrin Rose, but
in 1860, the mercantile busines in Springville was closed, and for
several years there Avas no store in that place. In 1868, John
Schoening opened a shoemaker's shop, and has since added thereto
a small store.
Like some other toAvns in the county, Springville has seen the
time when the expectations of her people Avere raised to the highest
point, and visions of future greatness flitted across the minds of her
citizens. One of the lines of the Northern Indiana railroad, now
the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, was run through the town,
and for a time it looked very probable that it would pass through
the county touching that point. The probability of Springville be
coming the county seat was freely discussed. In 1850, a plank
road company was organized, and farmers and townsmen subscribed
liberally. The project was to build a plank road east to South
Bend, and west to Michigan City. It was commenced but never
finished, though much money had been expended upon it, and a
large part of it was planked. The adoption of the railroad line
running through LaPorte, seemed to discourage the inhabitants and
no effort to promote the growth of the town has since been made.
The other village in Springfield township is
CORY^MBO.
Oorymbo is situated in the northwest quarter of the northAvest
quarter of section eighteen, township thirty-eight, north of range
three west. The plat was acknowledged by Craigie Sharpe, Jr.,
and filed on the 19th day of August, 1873. Twelve log and frame
houses have been erected, only three of which were occupied in
October 1874. In 1861, a postoffice was established and Craigie
Sharpe, Jr., appointed postmaster. It has since been discontinued.
Large quantities of wood have been cut in the surrounding groves,
and immense quantities of it are to be seen piled up along the rail
road track.' The men who reside in this village, are either work
men engaged on the Michigan Central railroad, which runs through

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 131
the town, or are woodchoppers who gain their livelihood in the sur
rounding timber. There was a steam saw mill in the village
last year, but it has been removed. There has been a store, but it
has ceased to exist, and the prospect for building up a town there
is not very flattering.
For several years between 1835 and 1844, a gang of counterfeiters
infested this township. The leaders were two men known as Van
Velser and Stroud. There was a cabin surrounded by a dense
thicket of willows and other shrubbery, situated on a dry knoll in a
marsh, about a mile northwest of the town, where the coinage of
bogus money was carried on. From this point it was scattered
broadcast over the country. Van Velser was finally detected, and
and sent to the State prison, where he died, and Stroud is reported
to have been lynched in Illinois for horse stealing.
Two railroads touch the township, the Michigan Central crossing
the northwest corner, and the Indianapolis, Peru and Chicago, the
southwest corner. The soil of the township is generally sandy, too
much so to be equal to some other parts of the county in the pro
duction of grain, but it is well timbered, and its warm, sandy soil is
highly favorable for fruit raising. This occupation engages much
of the attention of the inhabitants. There are some marshes in the
township, which are excellent grazing ground for cattle, and which
with proper care, could be made to produce abundance of hay. The
resources of the township are yet undeveloped, but it contains ele
ments of wealth in its timber, its capacity for stock-raising, the pro
duction of fruit and potatoes, and fair returns of grain.
Some portions of the township are quite thickly settled, and the
inhabitants have shown a sufficient interest in education, to cause
the erection of a good school house in every neighborhood. Among
those who now live, or but recently lived in this township, and who
came early to the county, are Calvin W. Hayes, who is a farmer
residing near Springville; E. S. Organ, who is a farmer and saw
mill owner, came to the county in 1836, and has held various posi
tions of official trust ; J. S. Vardeman, a miller, who came in 1836 ;
John A. White, a native of the county, born in 1836; Elihu
Bishop, a farmer, born in the county in 1835 ; and Edward King,
who came from Ohio to this county in 1832.

132 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.
GALENA TOWNSHIP.
On the 9th of March, 1836, at the regular March term of the
Board of county commissioners, the following order was made:
"Ordered that Kankakee township be divided, and that part of said
township lying in township thirty-eight, in range two west, form a
judicial township to be known by the name of Galena, and that
there be an election held in said township, on the first Monday of
April next, tor the purpose of electing two justices of the peace for
said township, and that Joshua Jordan be appointed inspector of
elections for said township, and that the elections be held at the
house of Geo. W. Barnes."
This township consists of twenty-four whole sections, and
six half sections, one tier and a half of sections of the congressional
township thirty-eight being in the State of Michigan. The order
of the Board of commissioners would indicate that the whole con
gressional township is included in Galena ; but this is not the case,
because of the obstacle of the boundary of Michigan encroaching
upon it to the extent of the width of a section and a half.
George W. Barnes is supposed to be the oldest settler in Galena;
his biography is obscure, as he died about thirty years ago, leaving
no descendants. Tradition says that he was a native of the State
of Maine, and from thence migrated to Cleveland, Ohio ; that he
was a married man, but never brought his family to his new home.
Whether his wife refused to follow him into the depths of the forests,
or if they parted from domestic infelicity, is not known. He was a
man of uncommon nerve and force of character, possessing traits
which made him eminently fit for a pioneer of civilization ; and he
came to Galena township in the year 1833, and at once went to
work with that untiring energy for which he was always distinguish
ed. In the same year came Whitman Goit, Shubal Smith, Richard
Miller, Sylvanus James and John Talbot. These men all selected
claims and commenced making improvements the same year.

GALENA TOWNSHIP. 133
Daniel Baldwin, Aurea and Basil S perry, Wm. Waldruff, Sans
H. Austin, Byron Cadwalader, John Morrow, Joshua Jordan,
Elijah Bishop, Micajah Jones, John Cooper, Ephraim Cooper, Jesse
Jones, Oliver Porter, James Paddock, Charles Francis, Joseph Ful
ler, James Jones and Abram Purcell, were added to the list of set
tlers in 1834. Of these Wm. Waldruff was one of the earliest, as
his widow says that when they came, there wel-e but five white men
in the township. In the same year came also John and Ephraim
Cooper, and Joseph Henderson. Joseph Wallace, the Martin fam
ily, the Weeds, Mr. Morrill, and Edwin Jordan, brother of Joshua,
were early settlers.
In the year 1834, John Talbot built a saAV mill in the northeast
part of the town. Before it was completed he took Whitman Goit
into partnership with him. This was the first mill that was built. In
the same year the first child, a son to William Waldruff, was born.
In the year 1835, George W. Barnes built his saw mill. It was
situated in the southwest part of the township. The elections were
held there. During this year Mathew Mayes had a blacksmith shop
at Mayes' Corners. It was the first in the north part of the county.
Shubal Smith was carrying on a wagon shop about a mile west of
that point. A man named Purcell put up a lathe for turning
wooden bowls on Mud creek, near the school house known as Mud
creek school house. He was a very eccentric man and his
machinery was m part original. The attempt was a failure. Joseph
*Winch afterwards bought the concern out, and made split bottomed
chairs and spinning wheels at the shop. The number of settlers
who came this year was quite large, and embraced the names of
Jacob Heckman, James Catteriin, Robert Kennedy Smith, Lewis
Weed, Mathew Mayes, Hiram Bement, Samuel Vance, John Rod
man, Jedediah Austin, James Wilson and Hiram Catteriin. Martin
Bates came this year and bought land, but went away and did not
return and improve it until 1840.
The first school house was built of logs on the land of Theodoric
Heckman, in the year 1836, and Amanda Armitage was the
teacher. In January, Walter Brown and Ezra Brown came into
the township, Kellogg Shedd on the 5th day of June, John Brewer
and Henry Brewer in September. During the year, Abraham

134 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
Burcham, Julius Tappan, Levi Paddock and Elder Caleb B. Davis,
pastor of the Christian church arrived. Hiram Russ came in 1837.
Solomon Palmer built a saw mill in 1838, and in the year 1840,
James Winch came and put up a turning establishment on Barnes'
creek, where he made hubs, bedposts and almost all kinds of wood
work which required turning. He also made spinning wheels.
He was a Free Will Baptist preacher, and died in 1853. The prop
erty was solrl to W. W. Francis and brothers, and they built a grist
mill on the site.
Previous to 1841, religious services had been held at the school
houses, and private houses. Shubal Smith had acted as an exhor-
ter or local preacher of the Methodist denomination, while occasion
ally a regular clergyman. Rev. Mr. Armstrong, paid the township
a visit. Previous to the time above named a minister named Posey
had been assigned by the conference to adminis'.er to the spiritual
wants of that denominadon in Galena. He directed his influence
among his brethren to induce them to build a chapel for a place of
religious worship, and a day was assigned for all to turn out from far
and near, to accomplish this object. At the appointed time they came
from distances as great as eight or ten miles, and worked steadily
for a week, when a very comfortable and commodious log chapel
was completed. It was built upon an acre of ground given by
Whitman Goit for the purpose, and named Posey chapel in honor
of the founder. It has since been, torn down and rebuilt, a frame
structure occupying the place of the old one. The Mount Pleasant
M. E. church was built in 1844. Lamb's chapel, so named after
Mr. Lamb, who appropriated the land, is situated at the junction of
the town line and LaPorte roads. It is a frame building about the
size of an ordinary school house Avhich it very much resembles. It
was built by subscription of the people of the neighborhood in 1854.
The Christian denomination is largely represented, and in 1865,
they completed a very fair church edifice. It is located on the
southwest quarter of section twenty, and Rev. Caleb B. Davis is the
pastor. In 1841, Willis Wright and John Wright put up a turning lathe
about a mile and a quarter west of Caleb B. Davis'. They ran it
four or five years and sold it to E. S. Dodds, who continued the

GALENA TOWNSHIP. 135'.
business for some years, until the machinery became worn out and
worthless. In the same year Loami She.ld started a small wagon
shop about three quarters of a mile east of where Centre school
house now stands.
In the year 1846, Charles Francis & Son built a saw mill on
Galena creek, a mile and a quarter above Barnes' mill.
In 1848, Wm. Waldruff and Hiram Bement built a saw mill
about three-fourths of a mile below Barnes' mill, on the Barnes-
branch of Galena creek. Waldruff afterwards sold out his in
terest to Ira L. Barnes. Bement and Barnes sold to Richard-
Etherington. John B. Smith started a wagon shop in 1849, on the farm be
longing to R. K. Smith, on the road from LaPorte to New Buffalo. In
the summer of the same year, Valentine F. Smith built a small
turning shop on a stream emptying into the Galena, about a mile
and a half west of Winch's shop. Mr. Smith continued the busi
ness until the spring of 1854.
In January, 1852, Whitman Goit, one of the first settlers, and a
good and enterprising man, who Had filled many important local
positions in his township, was accidently killed by the falling of a
tree, while he was engaged in getting out railroad ties. On the
fifth day of March next following, Kellogg Shedd was accidentally
killed by the tipping over of his wagon loaded with saw logs, while
&n his way to Barnes' mill. This accident occurred near Centre
school house. The untimely death of these two men was deeply
regretted by the early settlers and their friends, of whom they had
many in the county.
In the year 1854, R. B. Goit and Wm. Ingersoll, rebuilt the old
Talbot saw mill which had gone to decay ; In 1857, Truman Barnes
built a wagon shop about a mile north of the Centre school house ;
in 1858, the Francis brothers built a grist mill about a quarter of a
mile below Waldruff & Bement's mill. It is known as the Finley
mill. It was the first and only one erected in the township ; in
1869, Nathaniel Barmore opened a general store near Barnes' mill.
He sold out to Valentine F. Smith, in the spring of 1854. Smith
remained about eighteen months in that locality, and then moved to
Mayes' corners. There he kept the store for a time when he sold

.136 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
"Out to Peter H. Hess. Hess kept up the establishment between
two and three years and then abandoned mercantile pursuits. This
store, opening at the mill and closing at the corners, was the first,
last, and only attempt at merchandising in the township.
In the spring of 1857, Valentine F. Smith built a steam saw mill
about forty rods west of Mayes' Corners. He had in connection
with it a shingle mill and barrel heading factory. It was burned
in the fall of 1862. This was the first steam mill put up in the
township. In the year 1869, Dorf & Kenton erected a steam mill in the
southeast part of the township, a little west of Mount Pleasant.
A steam saw mill was moved from Rolling Prairie to Galena dur
ing the summer of 1874 by ShaAv & Johnson. It stands by the
r-oadside about one-half mile north of Lamb's chapel.
Some thirty years ago there occurred an incident near the pres
ent locality of the last named mill, which has been almost forgotten,
as there are none left of kin to the family in the township. There
came from the State of Missouri a large, powerful man, bearing the
name of William Mathews. He was noted for his quiet, unobtru
sive manners, and was industrious and devotedly attached to his
only boy, a child of some six summers. One day he was cutting
timber Avhile the wind was blowing a perfect gale. He had chopped
at the trunk of a tree as much as he thought prudent, and step
ped back a few yards to take a view of the situation, when suddenly
he heard a crackling noise, and saw the tree falling. His child was
at his side. Between saving himself and his boy he hesitated not a
moment. He grasped him and with one effort of his herculean arm,
cast the child beyond danger. In an instant more that brave
father's heart had cased to beat, and he lay upon the earth a crushed
and bleeding corpse. The widow sold the property and moved
away ; where, none in the neighborhood knoAV.
On the 15th day of August, 1874, Galena Avas visited by a fear
ful storm of hail and wind, which did great damage to the standing
crops. Thousands of fruit and forest trees were uprooted or broken,
fences were blown down, barns were demolished and dwellings un
roofed. The thunder kept up one continuous roar, heard above the
rushing of the mighty winds and the crash of falling timber. The

GALENA TOWNSHIP. 137
lightning was one ceaseless blaze. Hail as large as pigeons' eggs
came down in sheets, and cut the standing corn in pieces. It occur
red at about five o'clock in the morning, and never since the first
settlement of Galena, had such a storm, effecting such immense loss,
visited the township.
Among those now living in the township or recently there, who
came early to the county, are Wm. C. Cummins and E. W. Davis
who came in 1833; J. H. Francis, Luke Francis, W. W. Francis,
Scipha Foster and Zachariah Teeter, who came in 1834 ; H. E.
Smith, Charles Morrow, W. W. Fuller and Hiram Bement, Jr.,
who came in 1835; and Benjamin Brewer, Wm. W. Finley, Mor
rison Paddock, James Padiock and Samuel Wilson, who came in
1836. The township is now Avell settled, and among the well-
known citizens are Enos Weed, who made a settlement in 1837, is a
farmer, and has served as a county commissioner ; McDonald
Shead, who is a farmer, and served as a soldier in the forty-eighth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the war of the rebellion ; Mar
tin Bates, an old and respected citizen, a farmer who came from
Hampshire county, Mass., in 1840; E. S. Cadwell, a farmer, who
has been justice of the peace and trustee of the township; Oliver
Marston who came from Erie county. New York, in 1843, and Alex
ander B. Austin who enlisted in the forty-eighth Indiana Volunteers,
and served during most of the late war, attaining the rank of Captain.
When Galena township was first settled, it was almost entirely
covered with timber. Its surface is rolling and in some places
hilly. The soil is loamy, Avarm, and produces well. It is well
adapted to the raising of fruit; and peach and apple orchards are
very common. Some of the finest timber in the county may be
found in this township. There are many fine farms in Galena, but
to clear the land and make it available for cultivation has been the
work of years.
¦ There are great difficulties in getting at the facts relating to the
early settlement of a township like Galena, which do not present
themselves in one located upon a prairie, where it often happens
that the settler can stand upon the top of his cabin and at a glance
take in its entire boundaries. Citizens from its extreme parts rarely
met except at general elections. No attempt has been made to lay

138 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
out a village, and the county records are unincumbered with any
survey made for this purpose. There has been no common point
for convivial meetings within its limits, where men have lounged
away their hours in telling for the hundredth time the tale of their
early trials and privations. It is the boast of the citizens that
intoxicating liquors have never been sold as a beverage within their
township. Crime and poverty have been almost entirely unknown.
The inhabitants have nearly all been tillers of the soil, generally
religiously inclined, hardy and industrious, frugal and honest.
The township has been slower of developement than in the case
of those townships located on the prairie; but when once man's
labor has subdue! the obstacles to cultiv'ation, it receives a rich
reward. Crops are more certain to yield a return ; and the result
is that Galena township having a soil naturally of great depth and
richness, is becoming one of the wealthiest and most prosperous sec
tions of the county.

CHAPTER XI.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
From the date of the organization of the county until March 9th,
1836, Clinton township was a part of New Durham ; but on that
date, at their March term, the following order was made by the
Board of county commissioners: "Ordered that New Durham
township be divided by the line dividing congressional townships
thirty-five and thirty-six, north of range four west, and that all that
part of said township formerly comprising congressional township
thirty-five, north of range four west form a new township for judi
cial purposes, to be known by the name of Clinton township, and
that there be an election held in this township on the first Monday
of April next, for the purpose of electing two justices of the peace
for said township, until the next annual election for township
officers, and that the election for said township be held at Charles
Eaton's shop."
There has been no change in the limits of the township since that
time. The south side of Clinton was then the boundary of the

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 139^
county, but it has since been extended to the Kankakee river by
act of the legislature, and two more townships have been organized.
In its physical characteristics, Clinton township shows much diver
sity. The larger portion of its area is prairie, but there are groves
of timber, and on the south and east are sandy "barrens ' with oak,
as the principal timber growth. Hog creek runs across the town
ship from north to south, watering a large part of it ; and most of
the land is of an excellent quality, the prairie soil being similar to
that in othjer parts of the county, and the "barrens" producing
fine crops of grain. Taken altogether, it is regarded as one of the
most desirable parts of the county, of great productive capacity and
convenient to market, three railroads, the Lousiville, New Albany
and Chicago, Chicago and Lake Huron, and Baltimore and Ohio,
passing across it, the first from north to south, and the other twO'
from east to Avest.
Of the early settlers Isham Campbell is said to have been the
first.. He made his home on the Avest side of Hog creek in the year
1832, and in the Fall of the same year Andrew and Edmund Rich
ardson made a settlement, taking land on section nine.
In 1833, Nathaniel Steel, R. Prather, Levi Reynolds, John
Osborn, Wm. Niles, Lemuel Slaulsby, Richard Williams, Thomas
Robinson, and Stephen Jones, a Methodist minister, came into the
township and became residents. John Warnock , located his claim
this year on section four, but did not move on it, on account of
sickness in his family, until the ensuing spring.
In 1834, the list of settlers was quite large and embraced John
Reynolds, T. J. S. Hixon, Simeon Tuley, John Small, Matilda
Tuley, James Haskell, Jonathan Osborn, John Warnock, Phineas
Small, John and Charles Eaton, Hezekiah Robertson, Daniel Rob
ertson, Wm. Eaton, Jacob Iseminger, Wm. Wilson, John Small,
James Reeves, Samuel Maulsby, Walter Livingston, L. Richardson,
John Clark, John Lewis, Jesse Marshall, John Wilman, Orange
Lemon and Benj. J. Bryant.
William Wilson who came this year, located Indian floats on sec
tion nine and ten. These floats were in the nature of land war
rants, save that they contained no provision for the protection of
actual settlers. They were issued to half-breed Indians, but being

140 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
made assignable, found their way for the most part, into the hands
of speculators. Mr. Wilson honorably paid the settlers on the two
sections for all the improvements they had made.
For the year 1835, we have the following record of settlers to
present: Wm. T. Harding, Joseph Wright, Thomas Patterson,
Richard Williams, Perrin Scarborough, Jonathan Williams, Herbert
Williams, Horace Pinney, Sen., Horace Pinney, Jr., Wm. Pinney,
David Pinney, Abijah Bigelow, David Congdon, Benjamin Maulsby,
Luke Ashley, Mr. Heaton, Dr. Philander Loomis, John Bailey,
Mr. Heath (deaf and and dumb), and Dr. Whitcomb, who is said to
have been the first resident physician.
Mr. Doolittle and Mr. Johnson were early settlers, coming prob
ably in 1834 or 35.
In 1837, Christian Richardson, Lemuel Brush, Richard Robert
son, Sen., John Koontz, Gideon Long and Adam Iseminger, settled
in Clinton ; Wm. Suavely came in 1839, and in 1840 -John Robin
son, Isaac Powell and Dr. Bement arrived. The year 1838 is
somewhat memorable as the "sickly season." Bilious complaints
were prevalent, and very few escaped. There were not enough
remaining well, properly to care for the sick. E. S. Gardner moved
into the township in this year.
In 1843, Nathaniel Davis, a Congregationalist minister, and well
known as an ardent advocate of temperance, and an original Aboli
tionist, made the township his home. Dr. Cobb also arrived the
same year.
A log church was built on section ten, in 1844, which afterwards
caught fire and burned down. It was built by the Methodists and
was called Hickory Chapel. Wiley B. Mack was the first minister
who officiated within its walls. He was succeeded by Rev Mr. Oakes.
Rev. R. Hargrave was also one of the earliest preachers here. This
Hickory log chapel was succeeded by the present Clinton chapel,
which was built in 1860.
The culture of mulberry trees and the raising of silk worms at one
time engaged considerable attention in the township. The follow
ing will be found in book C, of the proceedings of the commissioner's
court, page twenty-six :
" It is ordered by the board that Potter Doolittle be allowed the

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 141
sum of two dollars and twenty-five cents as a bounty on fifteen
pounds of silk co-coons, as per the certificate of Wm. Moorman, a
justice of the peace of LaPorte county." Potter Doolittle was a res
ident of Clinton, and the foregoing order was made in September,
A. D. 1846. HASKELL STATION.
In the year 1854, A. Culver purchased two hundred and forty
acres of land in section twenty, in Clinton township. It being
favorably located on the Louisville, New Albany and Chicago rail
road, he conceived the idea of laying out a town in case a sufficient
number of persons were attracted to the locality to warrant it. He
did not commence as many have done by having it platted and filed
in the recorder's office before any evidence of a village was visible,
and afterwards subject himself to the mortification of leaving upon
the county records an enduring monument of a vanished air cas
tle. From its location it seemed to be a good point for a store, and
he gave to samuel Brush an acre upon condition that he would open
one. This Mr. Brush did in the year 1855, and he continued in
the mercantile business at that place until 1863, when he died.
John Ferris bought out the estate, both real and personal, of the
administrator, continued the business until 1867, and sold to
Wm. D. Crothers. It soon after passed into the hands of Mr.
Sopris and from him to Thomas L. Hoadley, who discontinued the
business in 1870.
In the year 1857, a postoffice was established at the station, and
Samuel Brush was apppointed postmaster. The present postmaster
is Thomas L. Hoadley.
In 1858, David Carpenter commenced blacksmithing.
In 1861, a warehouse was built by Samuel Brush, and considera
ble grain was shipped from this point, but the construction of east
and west roads has diverted the grain trade in a great measure from
the south. In 1871 this warehouse was struck by lightning and
burned. Haskell never ranked as a town. No plat of it was ever
recorded. It is only a hamlet — having had a store, blacksmith
shop, grain depot, postoffice, and being a railroad station.
BIGELOW.
Abijah Bigelow moved into Clinton township in the year 1835,

142 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
.and soon after preceded to put up a grist mill, which he completed
in 1837. He brought a small colony with him who were mostly
Canadians. In the year 1836, Wm. T. Harding opened the first store in that
place. After he had fairly commenced he took as a partner, a man
named Bogart, and while Harding was attending to his farm Bogart
sold the concern to one Bentley. A litigation ensued which result
ed in Bogart's being sent to jail and Bentley's getting away with the
goods. During the year 1837, the town was recorded in the informal
manner so common in those times. It embraced twenty-eight
blocks, described as being in township thirty-five, range four west,
in the southwest quarter of section twenty-one.
In 1837, a Frenchman who was known by the name of "Bushee,"
started a blacksmith shop. During the same year Arnold Sapp
had a cabinet and jobbing shop, and in 1838, a postoffice was
established and Wm. T. Harding had the contract for carrying the
mail. In the year 1848, the people became tired of their own organiza
tion, and among the records of the September term of the county
commissioners' court of that year, we find the following :
"Now comes Hubert Williams and motions that his petition here
tofore filed, to-wit: On the 21st day of July, A. D., 1848, for the
vacation of the town of Bigelow's Mills be now taken up. Where
upon the board, upon due consideration, being satisfied from the
affidavit of said Hubert Williams, that manuscript notices of the
pending of said petition had been set up in three of the most public
places in said town, thirty days previous to the present session of
this board, containing a description of the property to be vacated,
do order the said town to be vacated."
John Closser started a store at Bigelow's Mills in 1848, and
afterwards sold out to Soper & Metcalf. They did business for a
time, and then sold to Henry Brush. Samuel Hammond bought
out Brush in 1861. Perrin Scarborough started a wagon shop in
this year ; in 1852, Frank Howell started a blacksmith shop near
where Frank Knight's house now stands, and in 1854, Mr. Gordon
had a gunsmith shop to which he added a stock of goods the ensuing
year-

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 143
The Bigelow mill having been sold to John Closser, and by him
to John Wright, passed into the hands of Henry Harding in 1854.
He built a store also, and had a general assortment of goods. Mr.
H. continued the business until 1874 when he died, and John War
nock, as administrator of the estate, sold the property to Abram
Sovereign, who disposed of it to Mr. Boler.
In 1864, J. Jacobson carried on the business of harness making.
The postoffice at BigeloAv was discontinued in the year 1868.
The following incident occurred in the year 1835. Wm. T.
Harding and A. G. Webster of Noble township, were brothers-in-
law, and put in crops together, some corn on Webster's claim, and
buckwheat on that of Harding. After the corn came up the ground
squirrels commenced digging it, and seme arsenic was obtained to
destroy them. A part of it was used and the remainder was laid
away in Webster's clock. During the following summer, Harding
procured some calomel and after having used a part of it, put the
remainder away in the same place where the arsenic had been stored.
After this, Harding returned to Ohio, from whence he had migrat
ed, for his family, consisting of his wife, two sons and three daugh
ters, and returned with them in the latter part of September. The
first day after his arrival, he went to Webster's house, who, with his
wife, were absent visiting the newly arrived family. Harding's
oldest daughter being unwell, he went to the same clock to procure
the calomel to administer it to her. Going to his Own home with it,
he related to Mrs. Webster what he had done. After Mr. and Mrs.
Webster had returned, the former went to the clock to wind it as he
had usually done, and missing the arsenic, and being informed by
his wife what had liecome of it, ran all the way to Harding's, hoping
to arrive before any of it had been taken. He was too late. Fif
teen minutes before he came, the oldest daughter had taken a dose,
and Harding had also done the same a moment before his arrival.
Lamp oil, being the only article at hand to serve as an emetic, was
administered. The father was saved, but the daughter died before
morning. This was the first death that occurred in the township.
At an early date in the settlement of Clinton, a hog dealer pass-
¦ed through the township, and in doing so, lost a number of his
drove. They ran wild and multiplied. There were very few

144 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
enclosures, and the early settlers allowed their swine to run at large
also, each preferring to have his own private mark upon his stock,
and each desiring to have his share of the wild ones which were run
ning about promiscuously. An old settler states that it was won
derful how soon a porker could be dressed and packed away by the
residents on the creek after it was shot. They had a habit of first
cutting off the ears, or of even skinning the animal when dead to
avoid identification, and the crack of a rifle had scarcely ceased to
echo over the prairie before this was all accomplished. Finally, an
immense amount of litigation was the consequence, and one of the
settlers expended all his means, involving one hundred and sixty
acres of land, his stock, house and home, in lawsuit^ growing out of
the uncertain proprietorship in swine. This circumstance probably
gave name to the creek Avhich flows through the township.
On the 27 day of November, 1865, James Woods shot and killed
John Lohm, a German resident, in the west part of the township in
the Osborn and Small neighborhood. Woods and Wm. Fulton had
been drinking, and had just returned from Westville in a state bor
dering upon intoxication. When in the neighborhood we have
described, they encountered a party of Germans who had been husk
ing corn and were returning with loaded wagons. Woods ordered
them to halt, to which no attention was paid. Fulton then said to
him: "Why don't you shoot." Woods then drew a revolver and
discharged it, the ball passing by those who were on the first wagon,
and took effect in the body of John Lohm, inflicting a mortal wound
from the effects of which he died in a short time. The men were
said to be strangers to each other, and had had no previous difficul
ty. Both Woods and Fulton were indicted at the -April term of the
circuit court, 1866, and were tried in April, 1867. Woods was
convicted of murder in the second degree and sentenced to the pen
itentiary during the term of his natural life, and Fulton of man
slaughter, and sentenced for thirteen years.
Oh the 14th day of March, 1869, Nicholas. Aker, a boy fourteen
years and eight months old, was playing with a gun with two
younger brothers, when taking it up to blow into the muzzle, it acci
dentally went off, killing him instantly. On the 7th day of Nov.
1874, AjUgust Kopelsi, a boy fourteen years and eight months old,

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 145
who resided with his father, Frank Kopelsi, a resident of Bigelow,
was out duck hunting. In walking along he held the muzzle of his
gun under his arm. Striking the lock accidentally, the cap explod
ed and the, contents of the gun nearly tore the arm from his body.
He died in less than an hour afterward.
In the two cases abov« narrated of death from the use of fire
arms, both boys were nearly of an age at the time the accidents in the
cases occurred, the difference being but one day.
On the 6th day of November, 1874, Frank Knight, a young man
who resided at Bigelow, met with an accident at Mansfield, Ohio,
which cost him his life. He was employed on the Pittsburg and Ft.
Wayne railroad, and while engaged in uncoupling cars, fell between
them. One car passed over a leg cutting it off. He lived only
three hours and and a half after the accident occurred. He was a
very promising young man, and his death was much deplored by a
large circle of friends. His age at the time of his death was twenty
years, ten months and twenty-seven days.
Among those who have recently lived in Clinton township or
who now live there, and who came early to LaPorte county, are
Wm. Steele, a native of the county, born in 1830 ; Thomas Gar
wood, born in the county in 1833 ; Wm. Suavely, who came to the
county in 1833, emigrating from Virginia; R. R. Richardson who
came from Washington county, Indiana, in 1833; Charles G. &
Thomas L. Eaton, Benjamin V. Fogle and Jacob Iseminger, who
came in 1834; W. C. Allen and John Iseminger, in 1835;
Wheeler Bentley, and E. C. Reynolds a native of the county, in
1846; Wm. Pinney and Amenzo Mann in 1837; W. H. Beahm, a
native of the county, 1839 ; and C. R. Burch, born in the county
in 1840. These are, nearly all of them, successful farmers, agricul
ture being the chief industry of the township. The township is well
settled with an industrious, intelligent and thriving people. The
interests of education have not been neglected ; there is a school
house for each neighborhood, and the children of the pioneers' chil
dren enjoy advantages of schools and churches, and social and
neighborhood intercourse, of which the early settlers were in a large
measure deprived; but which they fully appreciated, and took meas
ures to secure for those who should come after them. IO

146 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XII.
NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
Noble was a part of Scipio township until the 9th day of March,
1836, when at the March term of the commissioners' court of that
year the Board made the following order:
" Ordered, that Scipio township be divided by the line dividing
townships thirty-five and thirty-six, north of range three west, and
that all that part of said township formerly comprising congressional
township number thirty-five north, form a new judicial township,
to be known by the name of Noble township, and that there be an
election held in said township on the first Monday of April next,
foj the ptlrpose of electing justices of the peace for said township,
and that Arthur McClure be appointed inspector of elections for
said township, until the next annual election of township officers,
and that the election for said township be held at the house of John
McLane" Since that time the east boundary of the township has been
changed so that sections one and twelve, three-fourths of section
thirteen, one-half of section twenty-four, and nearly one-half of sec
tion twenty-five, are now a part of Union township, a singular
departure from the congressional township boundary, for Avhich there
does not seem to be any good reason. The first settlers in Noble
township were Horace and Lane Markham, who came into the
township in the Fall of 1831, aud claimed land near Union Mills,
Horace a short distance north of the town, and Lane a little to the
west — both being on section eight. Little is known in regard to
either of these families, as they moved away many years ago. Even
the name of the creek, which was formerly called Markham's has
been changed to Mill creek, and there seems to be nothing left to
perpetuate the name of these pioneers. Bird McLane and John
McLane purchased their land during the year 1832. Joseph Whea
ton became a resident in 1832, and laid out the town of Union
Mills.

NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 147
In the year 1833, the McLanes settled in the township, and the
same year came William, Samuel, Michael and Edward O'Hara,
Admiral, Peter and Ira Burch, Wright and Silas Loving, Isaac
Johnson, Warren Burch, Mr. Fowler, and Jeremiah Perkins. In
1834, Joseph Sterritt settled on Dormain prairie, having come to
the county and stopped at Rolling prairie in 1833. In 1834
Richard Worrall and Samuel Mitchell came also. A settlement
was commenced at the same time in the northwest part of the town
ship. On the 7th day of November, A. G. Webster made a claim
of the northwest quarter of section six, upon the banks of Spring
creek and built a cabin. John Harding claimed the northwest
quarter of the same section, and A. Logan the southeast. Horace
Wood and Elizabeth McLane were married this year. This is
said to have been the first wedding that took place in the township.
In 1835, Henderson Nickell, Dr. Everts, Timothy Everts,
Gustavus Everts, Sidney S. Sabin, Theodore M. Wells, John
Barclay, Israel Underwood, John Goldsmith, Richard Goldsmith,
 Goldsmith, Sen., and Benj. Shaw became settlers. A. G.
Webster, E. S. Harding and John Wakefield built a shool house on
Webster's farm in the Fall of this year, and Rachel Carter who
taught the first school in Ncav Durham township, filled a like posi
tion here. She commenced in January A. D., 1836. This school
in early times, was very jealous of its reputation, and particularly
in relation to the art of spelling correctly, and many were the
attempts of the neighboring districts to excel in this respect. It
was particularly distinguished for the number of teachers who fitted
themselves for that profession in the little log structure. The fur
niture was made from logs split and planed off with grub hoes. From
such material the seats and desks were manufactured. The fire
place and doors occupied one entire side of the house. The floor
was made of puncheons, manufactured in the same manner as the
seats and desks. In this place many of the active business men of
our county received the rudiments of their education.
In 1836, John C. Reed settled on section seven, and Asaph Web
ster on section six. The latter built a saw mill, which the divisicm
of the township brought a few rods over the line into Scipio. Dur
ing the year a Baptist church was organized in the log school house

148 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
in the "Webster district." It was known by the name of " Spring
creek Old School Baptist church." Elder A. Neal of Porter county
perfected the organization. The following were the names of the
members : Asaph Webster, E. S. Harding, John Harding, A. A.
Cole, Ariel Wakefield, Ameluna Webster, Mary Harding and Polly
Harding. A. A. Cole and E. S. Harding were the first resident
elders of the church. A. G. Webster was church clerk from its
organization until it ceased to exist in 1854. He was also one of the
first township trustees, arid filled the office of justice of the peace
two successive terms.
Russell Harvey settled on section ten in 1837. John F. Allison
was a teacher in this year, and afterwards justice of the peace.
In 1837, Dr. Everts commenced the practice of medicine. He
had three sons who followed him in the profession. Their names
were Eudorus, Orpheus, and Carroll ; in 1838, Allen Cummings
commenced carpentering, most of the time employing from eight to
twelve hands ; in 1839, a saw mill was built by John Johnson &
Bro., about three-quarters of a mile below Union Mills, on Mill
creek ; in 1840, Jacob Early commenced building a large distillery
on Mill creek. It was finished in 1842. He did a very large bus
iness. In 1852 it caught fire and was burned; in 1843, Logan A.
Wakefield erected an ashery upon the farm of A. G. Webster, and
entered into the business of manufacturing pearl and potash. It
did not prove a successful undertaking and was abandoned in 1846;
in 1847, a new school house was built by George Hall, on Mill
creek; in 1873, the Free Methodists built a church at Indian
Point. In the same year the Chicago & Lake Huron railroad was
finished through the township; and in the year 1874, the Balti
more and Ohio railroad Avas built.
It was at one time proposed to build a village about a mile from
the site of Union Mills, and it was platted accordingly and called
Belmont. The folloAving record, Avithout date, is found in book C,
page one hundred and fifteen, of the county records. It was evi
dently filed in 1836, from its location in the book :
" Plat of the town of Belmont, LaPorte county, Indiana, laid off
upon the northwest corner of section tAventy-one, and the southAvest

NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 149
corner of section sixteen, township thirty-five, north of range three
west, by Ward Blake and Abram Charles."
In 1838, a blacksmith shop was started by John Decker who
continued in business about five years.
In 1840, a store was opened by Samuel Smith and  Lover-
man. They continued to do busines in that line about two years,
and then gave it up. Belmont never made any very great strides
towards being a point of importance, and when Union Mills began
to develope in its growth, it went out of existence as a town.
UNION MILLS.
Joseph Wheaton built the first house on the site of this town in
1832. The plat of the village was not placed on record until 1849,
on the 7th day of December. The record is as follows :
"The village of Union Mills represented by the annexed plat, is
situated in the southeast corner of section eight, and the southwest
corner of section nine, in township thirty-five, north of range three
west of the second meridian. Surveyed June 14, 1849.
State of Indiana,

LaPorte County. ''
Be it Known that on the fifth day of November, one thousand
eight hundred and forty-nine, personally appeared before me the
undersigned, a justice of the peace, within and for said county, by
authority of law, duly commissioned and qualified, Robert Wierm,
Geo. Butt, Chas. Fessenden, Lewis Stevenson, Allen Cummings,
Russell N. Bennett, E. W. Fessenden, Michael O'Hara, B. Elliot,
Eudorus Everts, Wm. J. Wheaton, proprietors of the town of Union
Mills, and acknowledged the within plat to be their act and deed for
the purpose of having the same recorded.
Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Jeremiah Perkins,
Justice of the Peace."
The grist mill at Union Mills was commenced in 1837, by Dr.
Sylvanus Everts, and was finished in 1838. He continued to run
it about three years, and then sold it to Bell & Gray. It after
wards reverted to Dr. Everts on account of a failure to make pay
ment, and he, wishing to dispose of it, got up a stock company and
sold the shares at fifty dollars each. George Butt bought up all the

150 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
shares, and sold again in 1856. In 1866 J. P. Teeple bought it.
It is now carried on by Hamilton & Teeple.
In 1838, there were only five log cabins at the Mills. They
were owned by Dr. Everts, Josiah Grover, Lewis Stevenson, Levi
Smith and Joseph Wheaton.
Levi Smith put up a block house and used it as a store in 1839.
In 1840, William Bills put up a frame house on lot number five,
and had a store in it. He built a frame house for a residence on
the same lot. Lewis Stevenson erected a store, and put in it a gen
eral assortment of goods. It was upon the lot now occupied by F.
A. Freeman as a store. During this year a man by the name of
Clement had a cooper shop in the village and did a fair business.
R. M. Bennett commenced blacksmithing.
A shoemaker shop was started by Elisha Thayer in 1841; 'also
a drug store by Lewis Stevenson ; Mr. Cowan opened a wagon shop
in 1842. In 1843, William Winters and  Rogers carried on
the business of tailoring. They were in business four or five years
together. Isaac Johnson worked for them and continued in the
business. In the year 1844, the Presbyterian church was built — it having
been organized by Rev. F. P. Cummins. The succeeding ministers
havebeen Rev. Mr. Evans, McCrea, Fisher, McKinney, Elliott
and Smith. In this year, Stephen and William Clement built
a store and stocked it, James Westervelt acting as their agent.
Some two years after, Michael O'Hara and A. Cummins bought it.
After continuing in the businss two years, Cummins sold out to
Ben Elliott, and he sold to O'Hara at a later date. Thomas Alli
son bought a general stock of goods and entered into business,
which he continued from ten to twelve years. Anson Harvey com
menced harness making, and a postoffice was established with Lewis
Stevenson for postmaster. At that time but one mail each week
from LaPorte was afforded, and the department offered only seven
dollars per quarter for its transportation. No one being desirous
of securing the contract, some of the leading citizens, who Avere
anxious to have mail facilities, drew lots as to who should perform
the duty. The unfortunate pe"=-'T" ¦', - :\^ V- " "

NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 151
Allen Cummings. A frame school house was erected during this
year. In 1848, Ben Elliott built a store and put in a general stock of
goods. In 1860, Dr. Egbert commenced the practice of medicine.
Peter Kannable started a wagon shop, and Wheaton a blacksmith
shop. In 1852, Dr. Higley commenced the practice of medicine.
In 1854, Morton & Booth built a shop and commenced the boot and
shoe business. In 1857, Wheaton who had formerly been engaged
in the same business at Union Mills,- but had migrated to Missouri,
returned and opened another shop. In 1858, Dr. Crumpacker
commenced the practice of his profession at Union. The Advent
church was built during this year. Rev. F. M. Berrick was the first
pastor. Augustus Block started a wagon shop in 1860, and still
continues in business. In 1864, Burdet Turner opened a meat
market. Mr. Berridge opened a gun shop in 1866. In 1859, W.
F. Williams commenced blacksmithing. Joseph Bailey bought out
Morton & Booth and started in the boot and shoe business, which
he still continues, and Miss Samantha Church opened a drug ^tore. In
1872, Dr. Meredith commenced practice, and Mrs. Almira Turner
opened the Turner house for the accommodation of the public.
This is the first hotel the town has had.
In 1872, McClure & McClung built a store and stocked it with a
general assortment of goods. Heron & Wilcox opened a drug store.
H. Smith started a tin shop which he has since sold to N. D.
McCormack. The Chicago and Lake Huron railroad was finished
to the town in this year.
In 1874, Drs. Heron & Wilcox embarked in the practice of medi
cine in the town. Pope C. Weed and Henry Booth commenced
harness making. Bennett & Moreland opened a meat market. In
this year the Baltimore and Ohio railroad was finished close to the
town, the crossing being but a few rods from its outside' limits.
Since the completion of the two railroads. Union Mills has taken
a new start and no town in the county outside of the cities, has to
all appearance, a more encouraging prospect in the future.
The business of the town may be briefly stated as follows : One
attornev: one banking agent for Ernest, Prussing & Co., of

152 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY
Chicago ; one barber ; three blacksmith shops ; two meat markets ;
two brick masons; seven carpenters; one cider mill; three dry
goods, grocery and clothing stores; two drug stores; two dress
makers; one well driver; one express agent; one general shipper
and dealer in butter, eggs, etc.; one grain buyer and freight agent;
one grist mill ; one hotel ; two harness shops ; two insurance agents ;
two justices of the peace; one livery stable; one milliner; one
notary public ; five physicians ; two painters ; two plasterers ; one
saw mill ; one telegraph operator ; one tm shop ; and three wagon
shops. There are also two churches, Presbyterian and Advent.
Stimulated by the railroads the following additions have been
made to the town: Deets' addition, laid off on the east side of
Union Mills, and recorded April 23, 1875 ; and the addition of
Fredrickson, Hamilton, Way and Deets, recorded on the 18th day
of May, 1875.
A new town has also been laid off at the junction of the rail
roads, by Charles F. Wells, and Theodore H. Wells, Avhich was
recorded on the eighth day of April, 1875, and is called Wellsboro.
Noble township holds one of the finest bodies of land in the
county ; chiefly consisting of prairie, with a soil rich and exceed
ingly productive. No other portion of the county has been more
prosperous. Advantageously located for market conveniences, since
the completion of the Baltimore and Ohio, and Chicago and Lake
Huron railroads through its limits, its developement and prosperity
must be greater in the future than in the past. It is Avatered by
Mill creek, which passes diagonally across the township from the
northwest to the southeast, by a smaller creek or two, and by
several small lakes. To the advantages of the soil and location,
the people have added facilities for education, and have erected a
sufficient number of good school houses to supply the needs of their
children.

COOLSPRING TOWNSHIP. 153

CHAPTER XIII.
COOLSPRING TOWNSHIP.
The territory embraced in Coolspring township, was a part of the
original township of New Durham. By the subsequent division it
became a part of Michigan township, remaining thus until the 9th
day of March, 1836, when the following order was made by the
Board of county commissioners :
" Ordered that Michigan township be divided by the line between
towns thirty-seven and thirty-eight, range four west, and that part
of Michigan township comprising town thirty-seven, range four
west, form a judicial township to be known by the name of Cool
spring township, and that there be an election held in said township
on the first Monday of April next for the purpose of electing tAvo
justices of the peace for said township, and that Nathan Johnson
is appointed inspector of elections for said township, and that the
elections for said township be held at the house of Nathan Johnson."
It has been very difficult to ascertain who was actually the first
settler of Coolspring township, or precisely in what year he came.
Those who have been consulted differ in regard to the matter.
Some state that Nathan Johnson was the first settler, others that it
was a man by the name of Jnlm or Isaac Luther, while still others
claim Arba Heald r.s the first settlor. It is probable that these all
settled in the same year, which must have been the year 1833, and
having gone into different sections of the toAvnship, the parts of
which were not readily accessible to each other in. those early times,
each neighborhood believes its own first settler was first of all.
Arba Heald went from Scipio township, ol which he was one of the
earliest settlers, into the southwest part of Coolspring, and erected
a saw mill not far from Beatty's corners. Nathan Johnson made
his improvements at Waterford, which it is said ihat he laid out as
a village, and Luther settled nearer the central part of the town
ship. Mr. Wm. Forrester states that he has often seen the remains
of the Luther cabin in the neighborhood of where he resides. But

154 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
whoever may have been foremost in making a settlement, it is cer
tain that there were very few inhabitants in the township prior to
1836. In that year there were in the township, Maj. Eliphalet
Pattee, Thomas Forrester, John Jacobus, Thomas Sharp, George
Smith, George Bentley, John F. Decker, Abram Langdon, Nathan
Johnson, Arba Heald, John Van Meter, John Dysard, John Beatty,
Purdy Smith, the Whitakers, Daniel Reed, John Glime and Ebenezer
Palmer. Palmer was the first justice of the peace in the township.
Beatty had been engaged in the Black Hawk war, passed through the
county on his way to Chicago in 1832, and made his settlement in
1833. Arba Heald preceded Beatty in the timber of the southwest
part of the township, and, in connection with Daniel Reed, erected
a saw mill, the first in that locality, probably in the year 1833.
John Dysard must have come in 1835. He still lives in the town
ship, and is a farmer and stock raiser, also a successful fruit cultur-
ist. George Bentley, the father of Ambrose Bentley, Avho resides
" on the old homestead, and of Dr. G. J. Bentley, of Michigan City,
ran a saw mill for General Joseph Orr, which was one of the earliest
erected in the township. Elisha Mayhew owned an interest with
Orr in this mill, and afterAvards Orr and Standiford owned it in
company. This mill was built in 1833, but Arba Heald's had been
erected a few months previously. Orr and his partner put up a
wopl carding machine also. This afterwards passed into the hands
of Samuel Weston, who built a grist mill in the same place, which is
now owned and run by James Mason and his father. Nathan John
son built a saw mill at Waterford, which some claim to have been
the first erected in the township ; and in 1836 he built another. Gen.
Orr thinks the first saw mill in the township was built at Waterford
by Walker & Johnson. A man by the name of Bowen bought the
Waterford property, and put up a distillery, which was run several
years very successfully. The property passed tbrough several
hands, a grist mill was erected and run in connection with the dis
tillery. This was finally closed and the grist mill continued to run
until about 1870, when it was burned. Then Casper Kuhn bought
the site, erected another mill, and has run it successfully ever
since. Asa Harper made improvements in tb^ +fiwnplTi-> i-i LPOf: '--'-

COOLSPRING TOWNSHIP. 155
was then living at Michigan City and did not move into the town
ship until several years after. John F. Decker lived at or near
Waterford, and died in 1844. He was the father of John F.
Decker now of LaPorte.
The first store in the township was at Waterford. It was opened
by Mr. Bowen, and in about six weeks thereafter was closed by his
creditors. This was probably in 1836. Since that time there
have been several in the place, which have all been successively
closed up. A postoffice was opened at Waterford in 1838, and
kept by a man named Sears. This was afterwards moved to the
hotel about a mile south of Waterford, and was discontinued in
1866. The great 'amount of timber in Coolspring township early invited
the erection of saw mills ; and there were others built besides those
already named. John Beatty and Purdy Smith put up one in
1833 or 34, in the southwest part of the township. In 1836, Aaron
Stanton built a flouring mill in the township which his son Alfred
purchased and managed from 1838 to 1842, when he sold it and
went to Oregon. Orr's mill and Stanton's also, were on Spring
creek, a branch of Trail creek. The mill which Nathan Johnson
built later now belongs to the Timm brothers.
Schools were opened early, probably in 1835 or 36 ; and Eben
ezer Palmer is supposed to have been the first teacher. Rachel
Jacobus also taught very early, and Wm. Forrester remembers Maria
Sharp as his first teacher. In 1837 or 38, Wm. C. Talcott went
into the township, and taught a school near Waterford. He was a
Universalist preacher, and probably the first to preach in the town
ship. There have been services by other denominations, especially
the Methodists and Presbyterians, usually held in the school houses,
until about 1865, when a church -y^as built, a very good one, near
Waterford, by the Presbyterians, which is really a union church,
being occupied by A'arious denominations in common. This is the
only church edifice iw the township.
The villages of the township are Waterford and Beatty's Corners.
But little business has ever been done at either place, the most im
portant business enterprise being the flouring mill at Waterfor.l.
At J-5 ¦ attv's Corners there are now no indications of a town ; and the

156 HISTORY. OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
site is a part of the farm of George R. Selkirk. The place was
laid off as a town in 1842 by James Whittem, who divided two
acres into town lots. A black smith shop was opened by a man
named Collins, and one Dr. Bosley worked at wagon making. A
hotel was built, and kept by Enoch Brewer about two yeare. He
afterwards removed to Pulaski county, and kept a hotel at Medary-
ville. A. B. Wolf kept the hotel at Beatty's Corners for a time,
but it has long been closed. Only one lot was ever sold in the
town, and finally George R. Selkirk bought the whole plal, an
instance not very common, of the purchase by one man, of an entire
town. Coolspring is well watered by small creeks in nearly every part
of it, affording many excellent mill privileges ; and good timber
being abundaut, these opportunities have been largely improved;
and although |a vast amount of timber has been cut off, yet there is
still large quantities remaining. The entire township is timbered,
no prairie land being within its limits. The timber consists of
oak, ash, maple, walnut, poplar, beech, hickory and other A'arieties.
There is a great deal of good land in the township, and some
also that is thin and poor, consisting of the sand originally, perhaps.
thrown up from the lake. But most of the soil can be made to pro
duce very good crops of corn, wheat and potatoes ; and for fruit it
cannot be surpassed in the county. Farmers have been generally
successful and are quite prosperous. Educational privileges have
not been neglected, and there are at the present time five good school
houses in the township.
When the township Avas first settled, it av;is one of the wildest
parts of the county. There Avas abundance of game, consisting of
deer and turkeys, and even Avild bears. The latter sometimes car
ried off pigs and hogs at night. The Indians Mvere still in the
country, and came freely to the huts of the settlers, but never
molested them in any way, either in person or propertJ^ On one
occasion Mr. John Beatty, when out hunting came near shooting
an Indian, supposing the red-skin to be a deer. The Indian rose
up and exhibiited himself unmistakably, just in time. Had the acci
dent occurred it might have resulted in arousing the hostility of the
savages, and placing in peril the lives of the settlers.

COOLSPRING TOAVNSHIP. 157
In the year 1836, a sad accident occurred, resulSng in the death
of Amos Smith, son of Purdy Smith, a lad about ten years of age.
His father, with others, was chopping trees in the forest, and
the boy was engaged in carrying water to the men, when just as he
came to where the laborers were engaged, a falling tree struck a
high stub or body of another tree, which sprang back, and in fall
ing, struck down the lad, and killed him instantly.
Among those who now live in the township, and who came early
to the county are Hiram and N. W. Blackman, farmers, and the
latter a cooper; A. L. Booth, a farmer; Richard Gross and Amos
Thorpe, farmers and cider makers; Reuben Chapin, -fruit grower
and farmer; John Dysard, a farmer and stock raiser; Wm. Fores
ter, farmer ami grain buyer; Elder L. Fogle, Christian preacher
and farmer; Robert Curran and C. G. Dalgren, farmers; Asa Har
per, Augustus C. and M. J. i.iubner, Wm. Lumbard, S. C. Perry,
and John Zahrn, farmers and stock raisers; Joseph Eddy, tailor
and farmer; John Ebert, mason and contractor; A. B. Hunt,
farmer; D. L. Jackson, farmer and cooper; Casper Kuhn, proprie
tor of Waterford flouring mill; Daniel Low, farmer and fruit
grower, and for many years trustee of the township ; F. M. Taylor,
proprietor of flouring mill ; James L. Monahan, farmer and dealer
in fruit trees ; Albert Mudge, a farmer, and several years township
assessor; Z. W. Palmer, farmer and speculator; A. B. Wolf, farmer
and carpenter; Dennis Purvis, G. R. Selkirk, G. W. Van Dusen,
Wm. Sohn and John Windlaml, farmers ; B. N. Shreve, township
trustee and lumberman ; Eli Smith, farmer and cooper, and Jacob
H. White, physician and surgeon, residing at Waterford, the flrst
and only resident physician in the township.
The township has quite a large population. It is even more
thickly settled than some portions of the prairie, for the farms are
not so large, and neighbors are brought more closely together. The
New Albany and Chicago railroad passes across the west side of the
township, the Michigan Central cuts the northwest corner, and the
Indianapolis, Peru and Chicago, the northeast corner, but there is
no railroad station within the limits of the township. ' Otis furnishes
the market for the southwest part, LaPorte for the southeast, and
Michigan City for all the north side. With markets all around.

158 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY. ^
with a soil reasonably productive, excellent for fruit, and abund
ance of choice timber, the inhabitants of this township may expect
continued prosperity.

CHAPTER XIV.
HUDSON TOWNSHIP.
The township of Hudson was included within the limits of the
original township of Kankakee, and on the organization of Wills
was a part of that township, and so remained until the 11th day of
May, 1836, on which day at the May term of the commissioners'
court the following order was made :
" Ordered by the board, that all that tract of country formerly
belonging to Wills township, that lies in township thirty-eight,
north of range one and two west, in LaPorte county, constitute a
township for judicial purposes, to be known by the name of Hud
son township — that the elections for said township be held at the
house of James F. Smith — that John L. Ross be, and is hereby ap
pointed inspector of elections, and that John Baker be, and is here
by appointed constable of said township, until the next annual elec
tion of township officers."
Hudson is the smallest township in the county, containing only
twelve sections and three half sections. Adjoining Michigan on
the north, and St. Joseph county on the east, the six northern sec
tions of congressional township thirty-eight, range one, and one-half
the next tier of sections are in the State of Michigan ; and the east
ern half of the congressional township is in St. Joseph county.
Thus Hudson township contains considerably less than one-half the
congressional township in which it lies. In sections twenty-eight,
twenty-nine, and thirty, is Hudson or Du Chemin lake, a beautiful little
sheet of water, not far from two miles in length, and averaging half
a mile in width, the shores of white sand, its borders surrounded
by mighty forests, luxuriant with vegetation, its waters pure and
clear, and filled with the finest fish. The western side of Terre
Coupee prairie extends into Hudson township on the east ; but the

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 159
s
larger part of it consists of land formerly well timbered. With the
progress of settlement a great deal of the finest timber has been
cut off.
To Joseph W. Lykins, a Welshman, is generally accorded the
honor of being the first white settler, though there is some doubt
upon this point, for Joseph Bay was found to be a resident at the
same time Avith Lykins, by the first white inhabitants. Lykins was
connected with the "Cary Mission," the headquarters of which
were at Niles, Michigan. He came from that place when the
branch was established on Du Chemin lake. The first heard of him
however, he was boarding Avith Joseph Bay, who was keeping
house, and had a squaw for his wife. Bay had come from the
Wabash country with a drove of cattle, and herded them in the
vicinity. Lykins would, under the circumstances, be more likely
to have obtained the reputation of being the first white settler than
Bay, even were it the fact that the latter came first, for the reason
that he was engaged in a more public business, and had no alliance
with the Indians, with whom Bay would be likely to be classed.
Asa M. Warren states that he found the parties as described, in
1829, and that the mission house had already been erected of hewed
logs, and was situated within twenty feet of where Andrew Avery's
mill now stands, and close to the lake. There is some doubt as to
whether Warren is not mistaken in regard to the date of his coming,
but none are found to dispute it with any tangible evidence, except
an old gentleman named Barzilla Druliner, who resides on the road
between Hudson and Hamilton. He says that Warren came from
Warren county, Ohio, in the Fall of 1830, and he, himself, came
from the Same place in the Spring of the same year. Upon the
other hand, Warren does not claim to be the first white settler — an
object of ambition which might be an inducement to antedate the
time of his arrival ; and furthermore, he kept accounts of his black
smithing with the Indians, for whom he made tomahawks and other
implements. The dates reach as far back as 1829. There is a
mistake somewhere between these old gentlemen, both of whom are
honest and intelligent.
To accept the statement of Asa Warren, during the Fall of 1829
there were as residents of the territory now known as Hudson town-

160 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
ship, Joseph W. Lykins, Joseph Bay, Asa M. Warren and family,
and the Indians, one of whom, "Jack Jones," kept a small trading
establishnient. The buildings erected consisted of the branch mis
sion house and Bay's cabin, both of which were upon the present
site of the village of Hudson.
It will be remembered that the name of Asa M. Warren is con
nected with the early settlement of Wills. This is accounted for by
the fact that Hudson was originally a part of that township, and
also because Warren's farm is situated in both. He at first resided
in what is now Hudson, then moved to the bank of a lake on the
same farm in what is now Wills. This was done because he had
struck no water in digging for a well where he now resides. Upon
this lake he put up a blacksmith shop, and was known by the
Indians as "Wishtean Bish," The Blacksmith by the Lake. When
he had succeeded in getting water in Hudson, he moved back to his
first home. It is thus that he becomes associated with the early
settlement of both townships.
In 1830, Nathan Haines settled in the township not far from the
lake. The mission school was taught by Robert Simmerwell, an
Indian, who was assisted by his wife, a white woman. Indian chil
dren and whites attended together, and among the latter were some
of the elder children of Mr. Haines.
The Indians who inhabited the country around Hudson, were
composed of various tribes. They were principally Pottawatomies,
Menominees, Chippewas, and Ottowas. Topanebee, the head chief,
lived on the St. Joseph riv'cr, Avhere the great proportion of them
wintered. A few years after the advent of the whites, this chief
died and was succeeded by his son, Avho bore the name and title
of his father.
The Indians had many petty chiefs, among whom were Sogganee
and Micksobbee, the latter of Avhom lived in the woods, on the south
side of the lake. When the Indians were removed, Sogganee went
to southern Kansas with them, but soon returned, saying that he
could not live there — there was no sugar tree. He had been in the
habit of making maple sugar. He was a strict Roman Catholic,
and when given anything to eat, would never touch it until he had
made the sign of the cross. In his latter days, he was taken care

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. Igl
of at the Catholic institution of Notre Dame, near South Bend.
There the old chief died and was buried. Sogganee had been a
great brave in his day. He was at the battle of Tippecanoe, and
upon one occasion he became very angry at Benjamin Hicks, Esq.,
for alluding to the Indian defeat upon that occasion. The Indians
were all very kind, and seemingly well disposed toward the eariv
settlers of Hudson.
In 1831, W. W. Cleghorn visited the vicinity of the lake. He
did not come with the intention of settling, but buying furs. No
change had taken place, and he describes the state of things in the
township just as related above. He knew only the settlers named,
and pronounces the appearance of the country extremely primitive.
In 1832, many of the Indians were removed to the Osage river
country, in southern Kansas. Cleghorn accompanied them, hiiving
obtained a license from the general government to trade with them.
He did not jeturn to this country with the intention of making his
permanent home until 1853, though he owned property on the
banks of the lake where he now resides.
-^7 ^^^ year 1833, many settlers sought homes in Hudson town
ship, and a village, known at the time as Lakeport, but the name of
which was afterwards changed to
HUDSON,
began to be recognized in the surrounding country as a place of
importance. There is not a town in the county more pleasantly
located. It is situated on the east side of Hudson lake, sloping
gently towards the shore, and under more favorable circumstances,
might have become a town of considerable importance. This place
was once the rival of LaPorte, and indeed, a formidable one, for the
trade ot the north part of the county. In 1833 its growth com
menced. In that year the first school house after the mission, was
built there. The school was taught by a man named Edwards.
Charles Egbert opened a very respectable store in the same year.
John D. Ross and a man named Jew ett, started a blacksmith shop ;
Samuel Elliott carried on the business of coopering, and James
F. Smith commenced keeping a tavern — the first one in the
township. II

162 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
In 1834, Garret Bias built the first steam saw mill that had been
put in operation in the town, and James F. Smith erected the first
frame house. Bias run his mill until 1838, when he traded it for
seven acres of land inside the corporate limits of Chicago, which
were sold for taxes. The machinery went to Rockford, Illinois.
During this time a postoffice was established, and A. L. Wheeler,
who had become a merchant in the place, was the first postmaster.
In 1835, the town was in the full tide of prosperity. It had two
taverns, for Garret Bias had opened one; stages were arriving and
leaving at all hours, the streets were filled with an eager and busy
throng, farmers came to buy and dispose of their produce, and it
seemed as though no town in the vicinity of Hudson could ever
¦compete with it in its steps towards commercial prosperity and
growth. Among those who were settlers in the township at the time were
Benj. Hicks, Wm. Conner, Evan Hobson, James Bailey, Mr. Shay,
Mr. Gould, Elmore Emmons and Asher White.
During the year 1836, A. L. Wheeler sold his store to Foster &
Reynolds. Alexander Cassiday opened his blacksmith shop ; Dr.
Jared Chapman established himself as physician ; a pottery was
built by Samuel Rowe, and one of those speculative bubbles Avhich
at the time, crazed the heads of the wisest men had culminated. It
was the building of a canal froi":! the city of Toledo, Ohio, to New
Buffalo on Lake Michigan. When the news came that this enter
prise had been chartered, and there was a probability of its success,
Hudson was wild with excitement. The people from the surround
ing country assembled in the town, all the musical instruments of
which the country could boast were brought into requisition, tar bar
rels were burned and speeches made. But alas for poor Hudson.
Even if such a canal had been practicable, the financial crash of
that year put a quietus upon all their hopes and expectations. The
excitement produced had caused property owners to charge the most
unrea.sonable prices for their lots, and those who would otherwise
have been earnest and industrous Avorkers for the settlement, were
driven to other parts to establish themselves in business. During
this year the postoffice was discontinued, to the great indignation of

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 163
the citizens, Avho laid the matter to the trickery of their neighbors
in the village of New Carlisle.
In the year 1837. Andrew Avery commenced building a saw mill.
The power used by him was of rather a novel kind. On the east
bank of Du Chemin lake, the land is quite high for some sixty rods,
it then sinks below the level of the lake. Through this mound it
was proposed to dig a ditch, A large force of men were employed,
and after an immense amount of work, a canal was perfected through
which the water ran to the depth of four feet. With this poAver he
contrived to run a wheel. For a while he succeeded very well, but
like all the lakes in the country, it became less in volume as the
land was cleared up, the timber cut off and the sod broken, until
two years after, the project was entirely abandoned. The lake is
now at least four feet below its former level. During this year
Robert Stanfield opened a tailoring establishment, and four large
stores were in operation, not little trading posts, but they were well
stocked with all kinds of goods, and an immense trade was carried
on. The monetary crash had impeded the growth of the town, but
the people were not disheartened. They still believed in the Michi
gan canal, and that its construction was only a matter of time, and
the panic of temporary duration.
In 1838, Andrew Avery's saw mill commenced operations, Wm.
Sheridan embarked in the business of cabinet making and Richard
Smith had a shoe shop. Garret Bias organized a full independent
military company, of which he was made captain, and Andrew
Avery lieutenant. They carried government muskets with flint
locks. Dnring the same season. Dr. Chapman opened a general
store. During the year 1839, Hon. John Reynolds went to Washington
and had the postoffice re-established. A grist mill was attached to
the Avery mill, and a firm formed, consisting of Andrew Avery,
Salem Huntington, Richard Hicks and James F. Smith. Smith
did not long continue connected with it, but retired, and the busi
ness was continued under the firm name of Huntington, Avery & Co.
It was during this year that the water running from the lake into
the canal became insufficient for propelling the machinery. In the
same vear a distillerv was started bv John Hobart.

164 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
In 1840, Andrew Avery bought out the saw and grist mill, and
moved' it to near Avhere it now stands. Ox power was used as a
motive power. Thos. Wood started a tailor shop and continued in
business the next four years.
In December of the same year, there occurred a murder at this
town, which for a time created a great deal of excitement, not only
in the town of Hudson, but in the county. Charles Egbert had
formerly been a merchant in Hudson, and an active business man.
He had a tavern stand at one time on the road which runs along
the south part of the township line. ' This hotel had done a good
business, but Smith had made efforts to get a direct road through to
LaPorte, cutting'off all travel from Egbert's place, and was successful.
The parties had disputes at different times thereafter. On the even
ing of the 5th of December, Egbert went into Smith's bar room.
He had on the same day purchased a dirk-knife at the store of John
Reynolds. After sitting near the door for a time, he arose and
turned as if to go out, but really to open the knife, and then
advanced towards Smith, who raised a chair to defend himself
Andrew Foster, who afterwards said he did not see the knife, caught
Smith's chair, while Egbert infiicted two stabs, one in the left arm,
the other penetrating Smith's heart, who died in a few minutes.
There is much misunderstanding in relation to the facts of this
case, especially as to dates, even among those who witnessed the
tragedy, and hence there is copied here, the following record from
the docket of the justice who heard the case:
STATE OF INDIANA, |
vs. V On charge of Murder.
Charles Egbert. j
" On the 5th day of December, 1841, Andrew Foster a Justice of
the Peace -of LaPorte county, on vicAv issued a State warrant, re
turnable before said Foster or any other justice of said county, and
on the 6th dg,y of December, 1841, John C. Hale, constable of said
county, returned the said warrant before me, R. Munday, a Justice
of the Peace of said county, and also the body of said Charles
Egbert, and on motion of Defendant'-: counsel, the examination is
continued until the 7th day of December, 1841, at one o'clock p.m.
At the time set for the examination, comes the plaintiff, by Wm. C.
Hannah, M. H. Orton, and G. HathaAvav: and tbe defenda,nt in

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 165
person, and by his counsel, J. A. Liston ahd G. A. Everts, and
after hearing two of the witnesses on the part of the State, the ex
amination was, continued until the 8th day of December, 1841, at
nine o'clock a. m. At the time set forth, December 8th, 1841, the
defendant is brought into court and after hearing more testimony on
the part of the State, the examination is continued until the 9th
day of December, 1841, at nine o'clock a. m. At the time set the
defendant is again brought into court, and after hearing the balance
of the testimony on the part of the defendant, the cause is continued
until December 10th, 1841, at nine o'clock a. m., for the argument
of the counsel. At the time set, to-wit : December 10th, 1841,
the defendant is brought into court, and after hearing all the testi
mony and fully examining all things touching this case, it is consid
ered that the defendant give bail in the sum of five thousand dollars
and himself in the like sum, for his appearance on the first day of
the next circuit court, or in default thereof to be sent to the com
mon jail of said county, and thereupon the defendant gave bail in
the sum required, by giving Elisha Egbert, Paul Egbert and Jacob
Egbert. Whereupon the defendant was discharged. i
Given under my hand and seal.
R. Munday, J. P.
Egbert never appeared. He fled to Texas — then not a part of
the United States — where he lived until after the close of the
rebellion, deeply regretting his rash act. He became a religious
man and a Methodist class leader. In September 1844, a scire
facias was sued out. Finally an arrangement was made with the
governor of the State, by which the administrators of John Egbert,
who had died, should confess judgment in the sum of $1,000, after
which the bond was canceled. The confession Avas made, and a
stay of execution taken for one hundred and eighty days. In the
meantime an appeal was taken to the supreme court. The case was
not finally disposed of until 1853, when the judgment was set aside.
The decision may be found in the fourth Indiana Reports.
In 1842, Andrew Avery's mill was burned. He went to work
immediately and put up another, using ox power, often as many as
five yoke of oxen. From this time the course of Hudson has been
downward. In 1845, Wm. Ferguson opened a boot and shoe store, and in
1851, Abel Whitlock bought a stock of goods and opened a very

166 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
respectable store, and in 1862, Avery's ox mill was turned into a
steam mill. The railroad came through Hudson and made its depot
at New Carlisle a mile and half distant, a town which Hudson a few
years before, had looked upon with sovereign contempt. This was
the last blow that was needed to destroy this once thriving
village. In 1854, Early & Avery built a steam saw and grist mill, and
also opened a general store. Soon afterwards Early sold out to
Solomon Stevens. This store successively passed into the hands of
Perkins, Cassiday, Smith, and back again to Avery, who failed in
1867. It was during this year that the postoffice was finally
discontinued. In 1869, Ed. Perry started a shoe shop, and in 1870 Avery's
steam mill was burned. Of course he built another immediately,
where it now stands, and he has since added to it stones for a grist
mill. In June 1874, the school house at Hudson was burned by
an incendiary. Peter Harris was arrested for the crime, and
after being tried in the September term of the circuit court Avas
acquitted. A new brick school house is now being built. Hudson
never had a church.
There is nothing more to tell concerning the village of Hudson,
which can now scarcely be called a village. Railroads having
destroyed the great stage routes, that town which is not on a rail
road is abandoned by the world, and necessarily sinks to decay.
Hudson has undergohe this fate, and in an aggravated form.
Daily, many trains thunder past the "deserted village," but none
stop, and the few inhabitants who are left, and who remember the
great expectations of Hudson can only sigh over what "might have
been." There are two churches in Hudson township, both built in 1867,
one being Methodist Episcopal, and the other Methodist Protestant.
The former is called the Maple Grove church.
A large part of the township is well adapted to agricultural uses,
and farming is the leading industry. A few are engaged in stock
raising, and there are several saw mills and a flouring mill, as
already mentioned. Among those now living in the township are
Andrew Avery Avho still runs the flour and saw mill ; Fleming Rey-

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 167
nolds, who came from Wayne county in 1833, and is a successful
farmer; Moses Emery, a successful farmer who came in 1845;
Wm. Galbreath, a farmer who came in 1838 ; Jesse Haines, already
named as one of the earliest settlers, noAV a farmer and stock
raiser ; Alexander Hicks a farmer and a saw mill owner ; J. M.
Miller, a farmer and stock dealer ; Esquire Wm. Thomas, M. D.
SoUoway, Obadiah Walker, J. A. Davidson, G. W. Druliner,
Alexander Cassiday, Daniel Cowgill, W. A. Dickey, Henry Brown,
and several families of Hickses.
Lee Solloway came from England and settled here in 1850. He
died August 12th, 1874. One of the county papers says of him r
"It is with sincere regret that we record the death, on Wednesday
night of last week, of Mr. Lee Solloway, who had been long a resi
dent of Hudson township in this county. His death was wholly
unexpected by his friends, up to within a few hours of its occurrence,
though he had been sick for a few days previously. Mr. Solloway
Was fifty years of age, and settled in this county twenty-four years
ago, in the township of Hudson, where he has since resided. He
was a good and useful citizen, and his death will long leave a sense
of loss in the community where he was best known."
Though the expectations Hudson village once had of becoming a
large town, have been disappointed, yet there are in the township
elements of prosperity which will still remain. Much of the soil is
rich and productive, and there is still a great deal of very fine tim
ber. The people are generally prosperous ; a high degree of intelli
gence prevails, and it cannot be doubted that the future has in store
greater rewards for the industry of the inhabitants than those which
have been yielded them in the past.

168 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY

CHAPTER XV.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
The township of Union includes the whole of the Congressional
township number thirty-five, range two west, the twelve southern
sections of township thirty-six, same range, sections twenty-five
and thirty-six, and part of sections twenty-six and thirty-five of
township thirty-six, range three west, and sections one and twelve,
and part of sections thirteen, twenty-four and twenty-five in town
ship thirty-five, range three west. It thus contains fifty -two sec
tions .'ind five parts of sections, and is the largest township in the
county. At the organization of the county the territory embraced
within its limits was in the township of Kankakee as then consti
tuted, with a narrow strip in Scipio. When Pleasant township was
organized, most of this territory became a part of that township,
and so remained until the 4th day of March, 1840, when the Board
of commissioners' at their regular March session made the following
order :
"On petition of sundry cititizens of the townships of Pleasant,
Scipio and Noble, for the formation of a new township :
It is ordered by the Board that a new township be formed by
taking off a part of the above named townships, to be known
by the name of Union township, and to be bounded as follows, to-
wit : Beginning at the Centre or half mile stake on the north side
of section twenty-six, in township thirty-six, north of range three
west, on a road, thence south along said road on the open line of
sections twenty-six, thirty-five, two, eleven, fourteen, twenty-three,
wenty-six and thirty-five to the south line of township thirty-five,
thence east along said town line to the southeast corner of township
thirty-five, range two west, thence north on range line to the north
east corner of section twenty-five, township thirty-six, range two
west, thence west on the section line to the place of beginning.
Ordered that an election be held at the place of holding elections
in Union township for the purpose of electing one justice of the

UNION TOWNSHIP. 169
peace of said township on the first Monday of April next, and that
Abraham Reynolds is appointed inspector of elections for said town
ship of Union until his sucessor is elected and qualified, and that
the elections for said township be held for the present at the house
of George W. Reynolds in said township."
Since that time there have been several changes of boundaries
effected, until now it occupies the territory already designated, and
includes a part of the congressional township on the north in which
Pleasant township is located, and on the west includes a part of the
•congressional townships naturally occupied by Scipio and Noble
townships. The Kankakee river passes diagonally across the southeastern
part of Union township, so that a large part of it is Kankakee
marsh. Two other smaller streams run southward across the west
erly part of the township, which furnish several valuable mill sites.
These creeks unite about two miles south of Kingsbury, and finally
empty into the Kankakee in the northeast corner of Hanna town
ship. Three railroads traverse Union township. The Indianapo
lis, Peru and Chicago railroad barely touches it in the northeast
corner, less than one mile of the road being in the township ; the
Chicago and Lake Huron road passes diagonally across seven
sections in the northwest part of the township, and has a station at
Kingsbury; and the Baltimore and Ohio crosses the township from
east to west near its centre, crossing the Kankakee river within its
limits and near its eastern border. Door prairie extends into Union
township from the west, and Stillwell prairie from the north ; and
thus some prairie land of as excellent a quality as any in the county
lies in this township.
The Kankakee marsh lands will eventually become far more val
uable than they are now, though at present they are valuable, for
stock raising purposes. There is considerable timber in the town
ship, chiefiy oak, growing in sandy soil, strips of which lie along
side, and extend into, the marshes. This is the poorest land in the
township, and aside from the timber is the least valuable. These
sandy "barrens" and the marshes, occupy about three-fourths of
the area of the township.
In the latter part of 1831, or the early part of 1832, the first

170 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
settler came to the township, and built a small cabin near the pres
ent residence of D. H. Norton. This was Thomas Stillwell, from
whom the prairie takes its name. He was a "border, man," and it
is said that he loved the company of Indians better than that of the
whites. He was some time without white neighbors in the town
ship, for it was not until 1833 that John Winchell came with his
family, and the township really began to be settled. John and
Henry Vail came in the same year. Winchell built a small log
grist mill, and the Vails erected one also. Several other settlers
arrived during this year. Among them were Henry Mann, whose
children still live in the township ; Henry Davis, the father of
Handy Davis who kept the first store in Kingsbury ; Theodore
Catlin, some of whose relatives still reside in the county; Daniel
Finley ; Mr. Kingsbury, from Avhom the village derives its name ;
Curtis and Joshua Travis; and probably also Daniel Low, who
soon afterwards went to Michigan City, and now lives in Coolspring
township. In the year 1834, Charles W. and M. S. Henry, came from
Geneva, New York, and settled in the township, and in the same
year came Harrison Winchell, and Norris J. Winchell. Handy
Davis came this year also, and some of the Catlins, Joseph G. and
Mead Catlin, the latter of whom was an Advent preacher. David
H. Norton arrived the same year. Norton and the two Winchells,
Norris J. and Harrison, still reside in the township. Lyman Win
chell, a son of John Winchell, and David Winchell went to Califor
nia in an early day, and died there. Nathaniel Thurber arrived
this year also and Darius Sayles. A Mr. Skinner, who afterwards
came to Union township, made a settlement this year in Noble, on
the place now owned by Ira Way. Joseph Callison, long a resident
of the toAvnship, had arrived the year before, but made his settle
ment in the edge of Noble. Jesse Winchell also, Avas one of the
settlers of 1834. He occupied a place which was afterwards owned
by Mr. Travis ; but he left the township and now lives in Wisconsin.
There were still other settlers in this year, among them, Wm. Wal-
bridge, who now lives in Wisconsin; Col. Josiah Grover, now of
Valparaiso ; Gustavus Everts, who was the second Judge of the
Circuit court; Wesley and John Diggins; and two brothers named
Page, who were both old bachelors.

UNION TOWNSHIP. 171
In the year 1835, there were so many arrivals that it would be
quite impossible to note them all. Among them were Jacob Early, who
lived many years in the county and until his recent death in the City of
LaPorte ; and Dr. Sylvanus Everts who was the first physician in
the toAvnship. Timothy Everts arrived in the same year, but settled
in the edge of Noble township, and afterwards removed into Union. In
this year a man by the name of Farmer arrived and opened a black
smith shop in the township. He died in 1838, during the "sickly
season." His Avas the first blacksmith shop opened in the township.
Ephraim Barney also, who now lives in the " South Woods" came
in 1835, and George W. Reynolds who now lives in Kingsbury,
and is a justice of the peace. He settled in Kingsbury May 4,
1835, when there were but two others in the place. Farmer, the
blacksmith, and Davis, the merchant. Reynolds worked at the
carpenter trade, and put up the first buildings erected in Kings
bury. The store building now occupied by L. D. Brand, was built
by him in 1836, and in the same year he put up four other frame
buildings. George W. Reynolds' father, Abram A. Reynolds, came to Union
township in 1836, arriving in the month of June. He died in
March 1874. In the same year there came among others, Jeremiah
Hiser, whose widow still lives in the township ; Daniel Shaw, now
in Michigan City; Rensselaer Shaw, who died in 1873; Jacob
Fravel, who still resides in the township ; Isaiah Atkins, still living
on his original location; and John Evans, whose widow and
daughter are still in the toAvnship. "
In 1834 or 1835, David Winchell built a saw mill, Avhich was the
first one erected in the township. In the Spring of 1835, Jacob
Early bought Winchell's mill, and moved to the township in July.
Early replaced the log grist mill >ith a frame structure, which
stood about thirty years. This was finally pulled down, the prop
erty having been sold to H. P. Lans, who built the present mill.
This is the one at Kingsbury, and is now owned by Mrs. Bodley, of
Cincinnati, a sister of the Butterworth brothers.
As already mentioned Henry and John Vail built the first mill
in the township. This was in 1833. It was a log structure and
in 1837, they replaced it with a frame. Then they added to it a

172 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
fulling mill and distillery, and in 1838 a wool carding machine also.
John Vail died of apoplexy, the property passed into the hands of
Lot and Edward Vail, and they sold it to Moses Butterworth about
eight years ago. He still owns the property, but the carding
machine, fulling mill and distillery were long ago discontinued.
The only village in the township of Union is
KINGSBURY.
This village was laid out in 1836. The following is the record
as shown in the office of the county recorder :
State of Indiana, 1
LaPorte County, J
" Personally came before me, the undersigned, recorder of deeds,
within and for the county aforesaid, Henry Davis, the proprietor of
the town of Kingsbury, and acknowledged the filing of the above
plat for record, February 6. 1838.
B. Spurlock, R. L. C."
The first store in Kingsbury, as already mentioned, was opened
by the father of Handy Davis. Theodore Catlin clerked for him,
and managed the business of the store. After the death of Davis,
Jacob Early opened a store in the village, and a man named Paul
Clay was his clerk. Afterward, Polaski King opened a generab
store. Fred'k West of LaPorte, Avas his clerk, and manao-ed the
business for him at Kingsbury.
This store was sold to Preserved Wheeler, then it passed into the
hands of Hiram Burlingame who sold to McClung & Reynolds.
They sold to John Page, and he sold to Albert S. McLane. He
died in 1871, and Timothy McLane kept a store awhile. He after
wards removed the most of his stock to Union Mills, and sold the
remainder to L. D. Brand, who opened his store January 1, 1871,
and has kept it ever since. Another general store was opened by
Chapman & Craft in the Spring of 1874] McLane & McClung were
also engaged a short time in selling goods in partnership.
Theodore Catlin was the first postmaster, and George W. Rey
nolds carried the mail to and from LaPorte twice a week, at a dol
lar a trip. The route was afterwards extended from Kingsbury to
Union Mills, Bigelow's Mills, and Tassinong in Porter county, and
when the Bigelow postoffice was discontinued, the mail route was

UNION TOAVNSHIP. 173
changed from Union Mills to Hanna, on the Pittsburgh, Fort
Wayne and Chicago railroad. The entire route has since been dis
continued, all the postoffices located upon it, now being supplied by
the railroads. Albert S. McLane was postmaster at Kingsbury
during the time he sold goods, there, and upon his death in 1871,
L. D. Brand was appointed and still holds the office.
Farmer was the first blacksmith in Kingsbury, and there are now
two, Robert Mecum and Charles H. Ingram. Besides the two
blacksmiths at Kingsbury there are three others in the township,
one at Catlin's corners, one at Chatauqua corners, and one at
Big Island.
John W. Dexter kept the first tavern, in the same 'building now
called a hotel. It has always been known as the Kingsbury hotel.
The first school house in the township was built at Kingsbury in
1834. It stood where the Baptist church now stands, and the first
church was built just across the street where the school house is
now located, they having since changed places.
A drug store was established in the place January 1, 1876, by
W. W. Wilcox. A two story frame building was erected in 1860
or 61, by the Masonic fraternity, the second story of which is occu
pied as a Masonic Hall and Lodge room. In 1872, a two story
school building was erected, under the superintendence of Edward
Hawkins, who was then township trustee. The upper story of this
building is used as a town hall. The village church belongs to the
Baptist denomination which held meetings in the township proba
bly earlier than any other church organization. Meetings were
held at school and private houses until the erection of the church
edifice at Kingsbury, which occurred about 1862. Besides this Bap
tist church, there is a Methodist church building at Mann's corners
which was built about 1860, and the Lutherans (German), have
erected a church edifice during the present year.
What has now been mentioned, including the two grist mills, a
repair shop for guns, clocks, etc., several carpenters, and the ship
ping interest at the railroad station, constitutes the present business
of the village. The people of the vicinity had long been anxious to
secure the passage of a railroad through Kingsbury; and in
1873 their wishes were gratified by the completion to and through

174 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
the town, of the Peninsular Railroad of Michigan, now called the
Chicagij and Lake Huron railroad. This has given a much
brighter outlook to the business prospects of Kingsbury, as it has
already become quite a shipping point for grain from the surround
ing farms.
George W. Reynolds was the carpenter who built the first frame
house in Kingsbury, and it is now occupied as a dwelling by his
son-in-law, Mr. D. P. Grover. Grover succeeded Edward Hawkins
as trustee of the township in 1872, and in 1874, H. P. Ellsworth
was elected to this position. There are five school houses in the
township, all of them good and comfortable buildings. One of the
first school teachers in the township was Joel Butler who was elect
ed County Auditor in 1843. Rev. Phineas Culver was the first
Baptist preacher, and Elder Holmes the first Christian preacher.
Rev. James Armstrong, who was sent as a missionary to LaPorte
county, and who settled on a farm near Door Village, preaching in
all the country round about, was probably the first Methodist to
preach in the township.
Some of the celebrated "Indian Mounds" are found in this town
ship on section twenty-one. Considerable excavations have been
made in them through the efforts chiefiy of Dr. T. Higday of La
Porte ; and a number of interesting relics have been found which
are on exhibition in the rooms of the Natural History association.
The relics obtained must be of a very remote date, as on some of
the mounds trees were found growing, nearly two feet in diameter.
They are undoubtedly of Indian origin, but when they were made,
by what tribes, or for what purpose, are problems whose solution can
not readily be given.
.Agriculture is the leading industry of this township, which to
gether with that of stock raising constitutes nearly the whole em
ployment of the people, the township being well adapted to these
two connected branches of industry.
Among the prominent farmers of the township, most of whom
have lived here many years, are Abel Vail, W. W. Travis, W. H.
and N. J. Winchell, Isaiah Atkins, J. A., G. W. and E. Travis,
Wm. L. McDonald, Wm. Reynolds, Wm. P. Page, Joseph Schoff,
Moses Vandermark, H. E. and S. J. Norton, F. B. Miller. HenrAr

UNION TOWNSHIP. 175
W. Miller, Joseph Hiser, S. S. Hay, Daniel N. Hay, Thomas
Hiser, Hugh Glasgow, Wm. H. Geer, James Good, Theodore
Hupp, A. E. Barney, R. D. Craft, 0. H. Chapman, Daniel B.
CoUings, Wm. Crow, Wm. S. Cox, J. Dudley, W. W. Demyer, D.
P. Closser, E. S. Ellsworth, W. EAving, and Franklin S. Grover.
Among those who are farmers and stock raisers are Hosea Barnes,
Wm. Demyer, Charles Donicheck, A. P. Lilly, John Moyer, and
others. Noah Travis is a farmer and a saw mill owner; George
W. Reynolds is a farmer and a justice of the peace; Moses Butter
worth is a farmer, miller and grain buyer; E. J. Dicks is a farmer
and stock dealer, and D. P. Grover a farmer and former township
trustee. The only physician in the township is Dr. H. N. Ellsworth.
Union township has scarcely begun to be developed. Its product
ive capacity might be increased far beyond its present measure;
and when the marshes are drained as they will be in time, they will
unfold a body of land of wonderful productiveness. With a con
venient market for grain and hay, these products must continue to
increase from year to year, while the raising of stock also will be
come a more and more important and profitable pursuit. With a
continuance"of the enterprise already exhibited by the inhabitants,
the growth of the township in wealth and influence is sure.

176 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI.
CASS TOWNSHIP.
The territory embraced in the present townships of Cass, Dewey
and Hanna, was originally a part of Stark county ; but the inhabi
tants living north of the Kankakee river, were put to great incon
venience to reach their county seat, being obliged to go around by
the way of Lemon's bridge near the centre of the east side of the
county. To remedy the difficulty an appeal was made to the State
legislature, and that body passed the following act, approved Jan
uary 29, 1842, "for the attachment of a part of Stark county to the
county of LaPorte.
" Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of
Indiana, That all that part of Stark county which lies north of
the Kankakee river be, and the same is hereby attached perma
nently to the county of LaPorte.
Sec. 2. This act to be in force from and after its passage."
Thus all the territory named was made a part of LaPorte county.
While it formed a part of Stark county it was known as Van Buren
township ; and this name was retained upon the whole of it until
the organization of Cass, which took place on the 12th day of June,
1848, the Board of county commissioners having on that day made
the following order:
"It is ordered by the Board upon the petition of sundry inhabi
tants of Van Buren township that said township be divided by run
ning a line north and south upon the range line dividing ranges
three and four, and that the part west of said line, and south of the
township line dividing townships thirty-four and thirty-five, and in
LaPorte county, be called Cass township, and be numbered sixteen
upon the tax duplicate, and
It is ordered by tbe Board that Alexander Campbell, be and he is
hel-eby appointed inspector of elections in Cass township, that Clark
Meeker be and is hereby appointed constable of said township, and
that Moody Kimball and W. McLane be and are hereby appointe d

CASS TOAVNSHIP, 177
fence viewers of said township to serve until the next annual
election for township officers and until their successors are duly
qualified." As thus organized, the township embraced also the present town
ship of Dewey; and tbe limits of VanBuren township were reduced
to that portion lying east of the designated line between ranges
three and four. This part of VanBuren contained very few inhabi
tants, not enough to make it advisable to hold elections, and they
applied to tbe Board of commissioners to be attached to and made a
part of Noble township, and accordingly that body on the 11th day
of March, 1860, made the following order :
"Now come sundry citizens of VanBuren toAvnship and present
their petitition to be attached to Noble township. It is therefore
ordered by the Board that said VanBuren be so attached to the said
Noble township, and that the boundaries of the said Noble township
shall be as follows, to-wit: Beginning at the northAvest corner of
section number six, in township number thirty-five, north of ranges
three west, and running south on the range line to the Kankakee
river, thence up the said river to the township line between town
ship number thirty-four and township number thirty-five, thence
west on said last mentioned township line to the southeast corner of
section number tbirty-five in township number thirty-five, north of
range three west, thence north to the township line between town
ships number tbirty-five and number thirty-six, thence west on said
township line to tbe place of beginning." The territory thus added
to the township of Noble afterAvards was organized as Hanna town
ship. VanBuren township ceased to exist with the passage of the
order above quoted.
When the question of a name for the new toAvnsbip arose, those
of the inhabitants who were of the Whig faith in politics desired it
should be called Harrison, while the Democrats preferred the name
of Cass. It was decided to draw lots, and Walter Livingston and
John Wills were selected for the drawing. Wills, who was a Dem
ocrat, won, and Cass became the name of the township.
The very wet condition of Cass township at an early period, ren
dering a large portion of its territory little less than a marsh, hin
dered settlement, and it was not until 1839 or 1840, that any
12

178 histo::y of la porte county.
settlers made their homes here. Peter Wooden, and Abraham
Eahart Avere foremost in the settlement of Cass, coming about the
time named. Jeremiah Wilson also Avas one of the earliest, but
finally made his home in the edge of Clinton toAvnship. Nimrod
West was an early settler in VanBuren township, but by the divis
ion was left in that part which is noAV Hanna toAvnship. The Con-
cannons, James and Thomas, also came early, and Wm. Smith,
Wm. Batterson, John Wills, and his sons, Charles, John and David;
Isham Campbell, Adam Deeper, Alexander Campbell, Bishop
Brockway, E. V. Waters, Dr. John F. Tilden, and James and
Richard Cannon. Augustus W. Vail settled at Morgan Station or
Callao in 1844, and Hon. Edward Evans, the present representa
tive to the State legislature has been a resident of the toAvnship
more than twenty-five years. Sixteen years ago, John Harris
arrived, and population has graduall}^ increased from that time for
ward. A large German population has settled in the township,
and their industry has ma .le them a very useful class of inhabitants.
In addition to those already named, the following persons are
successful farmers in the township ; Henry Bowman, who is a native
of Prussia, and came to this county in 1863; L. M. Shurte, from
Butler county, Ohio, and A. J. Shurte, from Cass county, Michi
gan, who came to the county in 1846; S. B. Rundlett, a native of
this county ; and J. H. Cannon, who came from Porter county in
1843. Mrs. M. M. Beckley is a farmer and stock raiser; J. 0.
Burner is a druggist and grocery dealer, and J. T. Sanders is a
railroad agent, telegraph operator and dealer in Asjricultural
implements. There have been three Anllages in Cass toAvnship ; Callao, Rozelle
and Wanatah. CALLAO.
This village is known also as Morgan Station. It is situated on
the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago railroad, and was laid off
in 1869, by Wm. Taylor.
The following is the record : " Field notes of survey of the town
of Morgan, situated in the southwest quarter of the southeast quar
ter of section two, toAvnship thirty-four, north of rano-e four Avest
commencing at a point five hundred and eighteen feet north of half

PASS TOWNSHIP. 179
mile stake on south line of -described section, thence east eight
hundred and sixty-eight feet, thence north one hundred and sixty-
¦ one feet, thence eighty -four degrees and twenty minutes, west eight
hundred and seventy-eight feet, thence south three hundred and
tweny-eight feet to place of beginning. Surveyed and platted bv
W. A. Taylor, May 29, 1859." ^ J f ^
The first merchants in this village were Wm. A. Taylor and Wm.
McLane ; they also put up warehouses and purchased considerable
grain. An attempt w^as made to build a steam mill, but the propri
etor dying, his work was never completed. Some years ago,
August Gruening started a blacksmith shop, and still follows that
occupation. Three years ago, Charles Scarborough opened a store,
and continued in business two years. Wm. A. Taylor was the first
postmaster of Callao. In 1864, A. W. Vail was appointed, and
resigned in 1872. He was succeeded by Charles Scarborough who
still holds the office. In 1862 or 63, Mrs. Batterson kept a hotel,
and Dr. John F. Tilden has been located there as a physician since
1846. A Methodist church was erected at Callao about 1858 or 59.
ROZELLE.
This village was laid out by its proprietor, Joseph Unruh, and
the plat was recorded in 1859. The following is the record :
" State of Indiana, 1
LaPorte County, J
Before me Daniel W. Long, justice of the peace in and for said
county, this 22d day of January, 1869, appeared Joseph Unruh,
and acknowledged the execution of the within plat and that he filed
the same in the recorder's office for record. The same is the west
half of the northeast quarter of section number eight, in township
thirty-four, north of range number four west.
Daniel W. Long, J. P. '
Filed January 24, 1869."
The village was located about a mile south of Wanatah, on the
Louisville, New Albany and Chicago railroad. There never was
much business done in the place, nearly all of it by Unruh, who was
a merchant there, and grain buyer ; and Avhen he removed his stock
and buildings to Wanatah the rest of the town followed ; and there
now remains only a railroad Avater-house.

180 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
WANATA'H.
The town of Wanatah was laid out by T. A. E. Campbell, Ruel
Starr, Joseph Unruh and Wm. Unruh ; the survey was made by T.
C. Sweeney and the town plat was recorded September 7, 1866.
Its growth commenced a few months prior to the time when the
Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago R. R. was completed Avbich was in
the year 1867. The business of the place now consists of one hotel;
one flouring mill ; seven dry goods and grocery stores ; one drug
and grocery store ; tAvo boot and shoe shops ; five blacksmith and
wagon shop.s, three of Avhich manufacture new wagons, the other
two being repair shops ; one tailor shop ; one millinery store ; tAvo
harness shops ; one carpenter shop and furniture store ; one lumber
yard; two hay presses, one of which pressed in 1874, one thousand
tons of hay; one agricultural, and agricultural implement store;
two saloons ; tAvo butcher shops ; one produce shipper and general
dealer; one grain dealer; three physicians, one of whom is a lady;
one plasterer ; one real estate and insurance agent ; three telegraph
operators, and two railroad stations.
The first general store was kept by Joseph Unruh who moved
from Rozelle, a mile south of AVanatah, at the time of the comple
tion of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago railroad. Unruh's
building Avas used as a store and dwelling house also, and he after
wards opened it as a hotel which he kept until about four years ago
when he sold out to Mitzner & Conitz, who still keep the store,
and removed to Chicago. Unruh also built a flouring mill in the
year 1867. It was erected for a warehouse, but concluding to
make of it a mill, he put in three run of stones, and it is now one
of the best flouring mills in the county. Emil L. Keil, the present
owner, was for some time in Unruh's employment in the manao-e-
ment of the mill, and purchased it in 1870.
The first house in Wanatah Avas erected by a man named Hyde,
for a dAvelling house. A Mr. Protsman built the first hotel, some
time before the town Avas surveyed and platted. This building is
now Gallert's saloon. A hotel Avas also kept a short time by a man
named Louderback. Frank McCurdy built the McCurdy house in
1865. He sold it in 1874 to Robert Whitlock, and on the 9th day
of January, 1876, it Avas burned. It Avas immediately rebuilt by

CASS TOAA'NSHIP. 181
Whitlock, and was opened July 22, 1875, under the name of the
Wanatah House.
The first physician in the village was Nelson Ward. After hav
ing been in Wanatah some time he removed to LaFayette, but after
wards returned. His wife has since studied medicine at Ann Arbor,
Michigan, and now practices with him. Dr. B. F. Janes afterwards
settled in tbe place.
The German Lutherans have built a very good church edifice in
Wanatah, but other denominations have held services of late years
in the "Enterprise" school house, which Avas built by a company of
citizens in 1870. It wa.s a stock company and most of the shares
are now owned by F. McCurdy. An effort is at this time being
made to induce its purchase by the township.
Wanatah is situated on Hog creek, at the crossing of the Pitts
burgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago, and Louisville, Ncav Albany and
Chicago railroads. It is in the open prairie, Avhich a feAV years
ago, it would have been difficult to cross on horseback or Avith a
team without sticking fast in the mire. Now the land all around is
dry, much of it is under cultivation, and is very productive. As
the surrounding country becomes more developed, the trade of
Wanatah must increase, furnishing as it Avill, the market place for
all the grain and hay of the soutliAvest part of the county. Even
now its business is considerable, but is certain to advance just in
proportion to the growth of the country around about.
In the toAvnship outside of Wanatah, there are tAvo churches, the
German Methodists having built one two and a half miles south of
the village. The Lutherans also have erected a church building at
the same place.
There are seven school houses in the toAvnship, showing a good
degree of interest among the people in the matter of education.
When Dewey was organized, the trustee of Cass was left in the noAV
township, and Augustus W. Vail was appointed to fill the vacancy,
and at the succeeding election, EdAvard EA^ans Avas elected trustee.
Richard Cannon has been trustee of the township; and James Can
non also for several successive years. Emil L. Keil is the present
trustee. Hog creek passes through the township across the western
side running out of this township into Porter county. The land is

182 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY
generally of an excellent quality, perhaps two-thirds of the town
ship consisting of rich, deep prairie soil. On the north and east,
there are groves of timber, chiefly oak. Some portions of the Kan
kakee marsh lands reach up into the township from the south, and
southeast, and these arms of the prairie are intermingled with
sandy "barrens; " but the marsh is excellent mowing land, and is
becoming each year more capable of cultivation. The sandy por
tions take readily to clover, and can thus be made rich and valua
ble lands. The most successful grain crop is corn, though wheat
and oats do well, and it may be said that Cass township is likely to
become one of the richest agricultural districts of the county. The
population is enterprising and industrious, is increasing year by
year, and a bright future for the township is promised.

• CHAPTER XVII.
DEIVEY TOWNSHIP.
The territory of this township Avas a part of that which formerly
belonged to Stark county. It was then in VanBuren township, and
when Cass township was organized, Avas a part of that township,
and so remained until June 8, 1860, Avhen the Board of county com
missioners directed its organization into a noAV toAvnship. The fol
lowing is the record, made at the June term, 1860:
"In the matter of the Erection 'I
of Dewey ToAvnship. j
And now comes Patrick Huncheon, and files the petition of him
self and others, citizens of this county and residents of congressional
township thirty-three, north of range four west, praying that so
much of Cass township in said county as lies south of the north line
of said congressional township, be set off from said Cass township,
and erected and organized into a separate toAvnship for civil pur
poses, and it appearing to this Board of commissioners that the con
venience of the inhabitants residing in said part of said township,
requires that the same be so set apart, and erected into a toAvnship
for civil purposes, do hereby set the same off and detach it from the

DEWEY TOWNSHIP. 183'.
said township of Cass, and do hereby erect and organize the same
into a township for civil purposes by the name and style of Dewey
township of LaPorte county, with the following boundaries, to-wit :
Beginning at the northeast corner of said congressional township
number thirty-three, and running thence westward along the north
line of said township to the west line of LaPorte county, thence
south-vvardly along the Avest line of the county to the south line of
the county, thence eastwardly along the south line of the county to
the east line of said congressional township, thence along the east
line of said congressional township to the place of beginning, and
that the same noAV is and henceforth shall be a body politic and cor
porate by the name and style aforesaid, and all elections held in said
township shall be held at the school house on section three in said
township, and whereas the office of tOAvnship trustee for the town
ship of Dewey in this county, is now vacant, it is hereby ordered
that Patrick Huncheon be and is hereby appointed trustee for said
township, to hold said office until the next annual township election
and until his successor shall be elected and qualified, and that he be
required to give bond and security to the aceptance of the auditor,
pursuant to the statute in such case luade and provided, and it is
also further ordered that upon demand after the execution of said
bond, the trustee of Cass township, and all other officers who now
have or into whose hands shall come any funds arising or accruing.
from school lands in said township, or any monies arising from
assessments for road purposes upon lands in said township of
Dewey, or any other funds properly belonging to said township, for
school, road or other township purposes, shall pay the same and every
part thereof to the said trustee of Dewey township."
Thus Dewey township embraces all of township thirty-three,
range four west, lying north of the Kankakee river, and part of
three sections of town thirty-two, in the same range, being bounded
on tbe south by the river, on the west by porter county, on the
north by Cass township, and on the east by Hanna township.
Two railroads cross the township. The Louisville, New Albany
and Chicago crosses it from north to south, and the Chicago and
Great Eastern, or Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis, enters the
township near tbe southeastern corner and curves through it so as

184 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
to pass out not far from the centre of the west side. The railroads
cross each other in the northeast corner of section seventeen; and
here there is a station, a freight depot, telegraph office, etc., and a
few business houses.
A large part of this township is Kankakee marsh, and was form
erly, at every rise in the river, inundated as far north as LaCrosse
where the railroad crossing is ; but hundreds of acres of these wet
lands have been redeemed by drainage, and each year from natural
as well as artificial causes, the reclamation is going on, and once
under cultivation, the land will prove exceedingly fertile. At pres
ent there are thousands of acres of good mowing land, which alone
renders it valuable, owing to the increasing demand for bay.
The township is settled chiefly by Germans. George P. Schim-
mel is probably the first one who made a settlement. He arrived
on the first day of January, 1854, though Jacob Schauer came
about the same time, and possibly was foremost. Lewis and Michael
Besler were among the first settlers in the toAvnship. Patrick and
Richard Huncheon have been in the township eighteen years, and
are large landholders, farmers and stock dealers. James Lougee
has been in the toAvnship seventeen years and is a farmer and heavy
stock dealer. Elias Osborn, also an early settler, is a farmer and
stock dealer. He resides about half a mile west of LaCrosse, and
has been postmaster since 1868, when the postoffice was established.
In the same year the depot Avas removed from old to new LaCrosse.
The Great Eastern railroad was finished fifteen years ago, and in
1862, a German Catholic church Avas built. Philip Schimmcl
opened a store in 1874. The first school house was built on Hog
island eighteen years ago, and the first teacher Avas a Miss White.
Patrick Huncheon Avas the first trustee, and holds that office at
present. James Lougee has been trustee during several of the
intervening years, one or the other of them having held that posi
tion ever since the township Avas organized.
A large part of the land in Dewey township is held by non-resi
dents, which will probably result in retarding settlement, and thus
prove an injury to the township. With the reclamation of the
marsh lands this township Avill become exceedingly productive, but
its full capacity will be developed only by actual settlers, occupying

HANNA TOWNSHIP. 185
small tracts of land. Among the large holders of land in this town
ship who are non-residents, are J. W. Glidden, A. Long, S. M.
Lockwood, and J. C. Lattimer.
The principal industry of the township is farming and stockrais
ing combined. James S. Long is thus engaged; and Orville
Adams, who is also a teacher. Among the leading German inhab
itants are the Beslers, J. A. and Wm. Rosenbaum, George P.
Scbimmel, C. W. Rudolph, F. W. Kruger and C. Wagner.
Tbe present population has exhibited much enterprise in the
work of bringing the land into cultivation, and their reward has
been such that the people are fast becoming prosperous.

CHAPTER XVIII.
HANNA TOAVNSHIP.
Hanna township comprises all that part of townships thirty-three
and thirty-four that lies in LaPorte county, and with the single
exception of Union, is the largest township in the county. It is a
part of tbe territory which Avas detached from Stark county, as
related in a preceding chapter. It then formed a part of Van
Buren township, and upon the organization of Cass township out of
the limits of VanBuren, was attached to and made a part of Noble,
which was its condition until the 11th day of March, 1861, when,
on the petition of the citizens, the Board of county commissioners
made the following order :
"In tbe matter of Petition \
for New Township. j
And now come sundry free holders, residents of LaPorte county,
and present their petition in these words, to-wit : To the Honorable,
the Board of commissioners of LaPorte county, Indiana. Tbe
undersigned citizens and resident free holders of the part of Noble
township comprised within the boundaries of congressional townships
number thirty-three and thirty-four, north of range number three
west, would respectfully represent to your honorable body that it
would be for the interest and convenience of the citizens of said

186 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
townships to have the following described district of country formed
into a new and distinct civil township, to-wit: Beginning at the
northwest corner of congressional township thirty-four, north of
range number three west, and running east along the township line
between towns thirty-four and thirty-five, of ranges number three
and number two, till said line strikes or intersects the Kankakee
river, thence along the channel of said Kankakee river, in a south
westerly direction to a point where the toAvnship line running north
and south between towns thirty-three range three, and thirty-three
range four west, strikes or intersects said river, thence north along
said tOAvnship line between said towns thirty-three and thirty-four
range three, and towns thirty-three and thirty -four range four west,
to the place of beginning. Your petitioners would also further ask,
that the name of said civil township be "Hanna," and your peti
tioners will ever pray. Signed, Chandler Palmer, and others.
And the Board after due consideration of the matter, grant the
prayer of the petitioners, and order that the above district of country
be formed into a new township, to be called Hanna, and the Board
appoint Charles H. RoAvley as trustee of said toAvnship.
The earliest settlers on the territory which is now Hanna town
ship were Emanuel Metz, Nimrod West, Wm. West, Sen., Amster
dam Stewart, Andrew J. Chambers, Wm. Tyner, Charles Strong,
Thomas Hunsley ; the two sons of Metz, Isaac and Joseph ; and the
three sons of Chambers, Preston, Obadiah and Andrew J. These
all came to the township in, or prior to 1839. At that time Hanna
township was a part of Stark county, and formed part of the town
ship of VanBuren. When these men settled here, the prospect
could not have been very inviting, although they made their homes
beyond the limiis of the Kankakee marshes. They were on the
upland across which the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago rail
road now passes, but out towards the river it Avas one continuous
marsh, subject to overflow whenever the river Avas high, and which
was so miry that it was almost impossible to cross it with a team or
on horseback. But they had faith in the future and resolutely
went to work to make homes for themselves and their children.
The locality of their settlement was an isolated neighborhood, and

HANNA TOWNSHIP. 187
neighborly ties Avere strong among them. Even tenderer ties arose
and Amsterdam Stewart and Susan Metz Avere married, which was
tbe first marriage that occurred in the township. Settlement has not
been rapid in this township, but there has been a gradual increase
of population until, at the present time, the inhabitants number
between five and six hundred. Noah S. Rowley and his sons,
Charles H. and Samuel settled in the township twenty-two years ago.
John Lawrence came in 1843, and bought out Charles Strong. Hyatt
and Austin settled at an early period at Chamber's Landing. More
recently the brothers Charles, David and John E. Wills moved into
the township from Cass. The Lloyds have been here not far from
twenty years. Geo. LaAvrence came probably in 1843. He and John
Lawrence both came from England. Other leading citizens of the
township are C. J. Bunnell, present township trustee; Thomas
ilitcbell, George Trimmingbam, Erasmus Whitney, James Bell-
more, Wm. Wilson and Hiram N. Wilson, who are farmers, that
being tbe leading industry of the township, in connection with
stock raising. William Brown is a farmer and stock dealer ; Julius
T. Keil is a farmer and stock raiser, and also has a store in the
village of Hanna; B. F. Moore, John Pratt, Clark R. Richards
and E. F. Whitney are farmers and stock raisers; Stephen Frech
ette is a boot and shoe maker ; Charles Frechette is a manufacturer
of wagons, sleighs and agricultural implements ; David Wills car
ried tbe mail from 1866 to 1871, between LaPorte and Hanna Sta
tion by way of Kingsbury and Union Mills, and is now a dealer in
agricultural implements; W. H. West is a farmer and carpenter;
Charles Wills is county commissioner; Z. T. Horine and E. N.
Spahr are physicians; George S. Dennison, and Lucius Avery
are merchants ; Isaac T. Lloyd is express and freight agent, post
master and telegraph operator.
The only village in the township is
HANNA.
It is situated on tbe Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago rail
road, and contains a population of about two hundred. There
are three merchants, two blacksmiths, one shoe shop, one wagon
factory, one cooper shop, two hay presses, one saloon, two ware-
bouses, and depot and station house and other railroad buildings.

188 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
The town plat of Hanna was laid off and surveyed in 1858, and
contained forty-two acres and eighty one-hundredths, in section
eight, township thirty-four, north of range three west, and was filed
for record by N. and J. West. The following is the record :
" State of Indiana, 1
LaPorte County, j
Before me the recorder in and for said county, Nimrod West, one
of the proprietors of the within named town acknowledged that he
filed this plat for record on the ITth day of December, 1858.
A. Hupp, R. L. C."
In 1859, Young's addition was laid off in the west half of the
northeast quarter of section eight, town thirty-four, range three
west. Clark R. Richards and Charles Fessenden opened the first store
at Hanna in 1868, directly after or at the time of the completion of
the railroad to the town. Wm. H. Bowers was the first postmaster,
but did not hold it a great while, when Isaac T. Lloyd was
appointed, and has held it ever since. George S. Dennison opened
a store on the first day of September, 1865, and is still engaged in
the business of merchandising. The merchants are all grain buyers,
and Hanna is quite a market for grain in the southern part of the
county, situated, as it is, on one of the main trunk lines to the
east. There is one school house in the village, and here all relig
ious meetings are held, there being no church edifice in the town
ship. The Methodists and Free Methodists hold frequent services,
and a movement is at present on foot for the erection of a church
building. There are three school houses in the township, the oldest being
the one at the toAvn of Hanna. The first trustee was Charles H.
Rowley, by appointment of the commissioners Avhen the township
was organized. The first one elected to the place was Noah S.
Rowley. He Avas succeeded by Adam A'^innedge, who has since
removed to Plymouth. T. W. Allison Avas the next trustee, and
he was succeeded by C. J. Bunnell, who still holds the office.
Three-fourths of the land of the township is Kankakee marsh,
though much of this is noAV under cultivation, and is becoming fine,
rich land. The drying out process is going on each year, aided by

LINCOLN AND JOHNSON TOAVNSHIPS. 189
some ditching, and the area of tillable land is enlarging year by
year; while that portion of the marsh which is not yet dry enough
to cultivate is mostly excellent mowing land, and with the constant
and increasing demand for bay, is becoming valuable. Hanna
township is just beginning its development, and the outlook is
favorable for its future prosperity and wealth.

CHAPTER XIX.
LINCOLN AND JOHNSON TOWNSHIPS.
These two townships with the exception of the strip of territory
which formerly belonged to St. Joseph county, formed a part of the
original toAAmship of Kankakee, and upon the organization of Pleas
ant township were included within its limits. During this time and
until 1850, the centre of range one formed the boundary between
LaPorte and St. Joseph counties; but by an act approved January
14, 1850, a strip of territory described as follows : "Beginning at the
present county line, at the northwest corner of section twenty-two,
township thirty-seven, north of range one west, thence with the
north line of said section and that of section twe"nty-three to the
northeast corner of said section twenty-three, thence south with the
section line, until it shall strike the Great Kankakee river, thence
with said river to the present county line," was taken from
St. Joseph and attached to LaPorte county. Subsequently at the
June term of the commissioners' court in the same year, by an
order of the Board, that part of the designated territory, which lay
east of the township of Wills, consisting of six sections was attached
to that toAvnship, and the remainder was made a part of Pleasant
township, tbe latter being a part of the present township of Lincoln.
The territory embraced in these two townships extends from the
north line of township thirty-six, southward to the southern bound
ary of the county, and from the line which divides ranges one and
two, to St. Joseph county on the east, being five sections in width
on the north, four sections in the centre, and three sections in width
in that part which lies south of the Kankakee river.

HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
This territory was detached from Pleasant township in 1861, the
Board of commissioners having on the 12th day of March of that
year, made an order for the erection of Anderson township, as
follows :
"In the matter of Petition of "j
George Bosserman and others V
for a New Township. j
And now come sundry free holders residents of LaPorte county
and present their petition in the following Avords, to-wit: To the
Honorable Board of commissioners of the county of LaPorte, and
State of Indiana, Greeting : We the citizens and free holders of
town thirty-six, north of range two west, Avould represent to your
honorable body, that they have labored under great inconvenience
in consequence of the present geographical condition of said town
ship ; we therefore ask you to make the following change, to-wit :
To set off all that part of towns thirty-five and thirty-six, range one
west, that is now attached to town thirty-six, range two west, and
form a new township out of the same, and also to set back all that
part of town thirty-six, range two west, that is now attached to
town thirty-five, range two west, and also that part of the same that
is noAV attached to toAvn thirty-six, range three, or Centre township,
and we will ever pray. Signed, George Bosserman, and others.
The Board after due consideration of the matter, grant the prayer
of the petitioners, and order that J. B. LcAvis be appointed trustee
of said new township Avhich township Avill be known by the name of
Anderson township, and their elections will be held at Maples'
school house."
This order prove;l unsatisfactory -to many of the people afiected
by it, and they immediately took steps to have it set aside. Much
feeling was aroused (m the subject, and the sentiment against the
changes effected would seem to have been Avell-nigh universal. A
special session of the commissioners' court Avas called to meet on the
23d day of March, and Avhen they met, petitions poured in upon
them not only from the old toAvnships Avhose territory Avas dimin
ished, but also from the ncAV toAvnship, asking for the vacation of
tbe obnoxious order. No less than nine petitions were received, all
of them largely signed; from R. Shaw, and others; Isaac Butter
worth, and others ; M. Moyer, and others ; Joshua Layman, and

LINCOLN AND JOHNSON TOAVNSHIPS. 191
others; Geo. W. Woodburn, and others; Ash Burdick, and others;
Isaac Livengood, and others; John B Travis, and others, and
Joseph Ewing, and others. With such an overwhelming expression
against the former action of the Board, it was deemed advisable to
vacate the order, and accordingly the following action Avas had on
the 28d day March, 1861 :
" In tbe matter of Vacation of "(
Order creating Anderson township. /
Now come Isaac Butterworth and others and file their petition
for the vacation of the order made at the last regular term of the
Board creating a new township called Anderson, and changing the
boundaries of Union, Pleasant and Centre townships ; and after
bearing the evidence and due inspection of said petitions, the
prayer thereof is granted, and said order in all things vacated."
The boundaries of the townships remained as thus determined
until the year 1866. In that year, on the 13th day of March at
the regular term of the Board, the foUoAving orders were passed:
"In the matter of the forma- 1
tion of Lincoln Township, j
It was ordered by the Board, that toAvnship thirty-six, north of
range one west is hereby set apart for a civil toAvnship, and shall be
entitled to all the priviledgeS as such, and the same is hereby called
Lincoln township."
"In the matter of the forma- \
tion of Johnson Township, j
It was ordered by the Board that tOAvnship thirty-five, north of
range one west, is hereby set apart as a civil township and shall be
entitled to all the privileges as such, and the same is hereby called
Johnson township."
The Board then made further orders directing that Joseph B.
Lewis should be appointed trustee of Lincoln township, and Jared
McDaniel trustee of Johnson township. There Avere other orders
made at the same time, affecting the boundaries of Union, Scipio
and Pleasant townships, and to these the same opposition arose that
has been noted in tbe case of the formation of Anderson township.
These latter Orders were finally repealed; but the orders directing
the formation of Lincoln and Johnson townships have remained in

192 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
force; and as the people are well satisfied with the preseut arrange
ment, no further change is likely to take place.
The townships of Lincoln and Johnson embrace all of township
thirty-six, range one, (Lincoln), and township thirty-five, range one,
(Johnson), that lies in LaPorte county. The Kankakee river forms
part of the eastern and southern boundary ot Lincoln and runs
diagonally across tbe northern end of Johnson from northeast to
southwest. Mud lake, which is really but a spreading out of the
river borders both the townships near the boundary line between
them, and Fish lake lies wholly in Lincoln near the centre of tbe
township ; and Little Kankakee river passes through it, and empties
into the Great Kankakee near its southern boundary. The Chicago
and Lake Huron railroad crosses Lincoln township in an easterly
and westerly direction ; and the Indianapolis, Peru and Chicago
railroad crosses the northeast corner of Johnson, and the Baltimore
and Ohio runs,^east and west across its central part. Fish lake,
near the centre of Lincoln, is of very peculiar shape. It is divided
into four parts connected by narrow passages or straits, each of
which have received distinctive names. The extreme upper part is
called Upper Mud lake', and is nearly circular in form wit^ the out
let towards the northwest into Upper Fish lake. This part is much
larger, and curves so as almost to double back upon itself, and has
its outlet towards the southwest into Fish lake, Avhich is about one
mile in length, and is connected by a narrow passage with Lower
Mud lake. The outlet of the entire body is into the Little Kanka
kee. Upper Mud lake is on the south side of section sixteen;
Upper Fish lake is in sections sixteen and seventeen; Fish lake is
mostly in section twenty. Lower Mud lake is in sections twenty
and twenty nine. There are several other smaller lakes in Lincoln,
isolated and having no outlet.
The first settlement made in Lincoln toAvnship seems to have
been by a man named Mutz, and Levi Little who settled on the
north side of Fish lake about 1834, but John Vickory came about
the same time. George Sparrow entered land in the township in
1835; and sold out in 1840 to John Lingard. A man by tbe
name of Smith had come in early and sold in 1838 to a Dr. liosey.
Carson Siddles was an early settler, and Newlove Laybourn came

LINCOLN AND JOHNSON TOAVNSHIPS. 193
in 1835. A man by the name of Saunders also came this year.
E. Arbergast settled in 1836; John Davis and John Dare in 1838;
Samuel Stevenson, a former township trustee. Sharp, Bronson,
Maple, Warren, Canada and Wrightman in or about the year 1841.
George W. Woodburn settled on section eighteen in 1847 ; John,
Andrew, Peter and James Harness and their father, came to the
township about 1840, and John Divine in' 1841. John B. McDon
ald came in 1836, and was one of the first teachers in the tOAvnship.
The first lady teacher was Miss Elizabeth Vickory. The first saAv
mill was built on Spring run, Avhich is now called Mill creek, a
small stream coming down from the northward and emptying into
Upper Fish lake. A postoffice was established during the present
year, near where the railroad crosses this creek ; it is called Mill
creek, and Wm. H. Collom is the postmaster.
There is in this township considerable swamp and Kankakee
marsh land ; but a large part of the township is dry, and contains
some excellent farms. Among the farmers of Lincoln township are
James Waxham, E. Thompson, Frederick Steele, Jacob Snyder, F.
M. Rowell, James H. DaA'is, Jacob S. V. Burton, and Robert V.
Armstropg. Amstrong came to the county of LaPorte in 18-32.
Davis is a blacksmith as Avell as farmer, and came to the county
in 1834. One of the first settlers in Johnson toAvnship AA'as Major John M.
Lemon. He rebuilt the bridge over the Kankakee river about
1846, and kept it as a toll bridge many years. The first bridge
was built by John Dunn as early as 1831 or 32. Samuel Smith
came to this township, and settled south of the Kankakee in 1842;
Edward Owens made improvements on the school section, and sold
to Samuel Harmison about 1843 ; Martin Smith arrived in 1843 ;
Wm. Mapes, and Charles Palmer settled here about 1846; and
Landon Carlyle came in 1851. He has been trustee of the town
ship. The first school house in Johnson Avas built on section six
teen about a mile and a half south of the river ; and a church Avas
erected in 1874, on what is called the "Island." Among the farmers
of this township are Geo. W. Corner, Jr., P. Flaherty, Wm. Robin
son, Asa Jackson, Henry George and B. F. and Ira F. Place.
Thev own the old Lemon property at the bridge, and a great deal
13

194 inr-TORY of la porte cointy.
of surrounding marsh land, some of Avhich they have brought into
cultivation, and of the rest have made excellent mowing land.
They are large stock raisers, and also put up, press, and ship large
tjuantities of hay. B. F. Place has for several years been the town
ship trustee.
Johnson toAvnship embraces one-half only of Coiigressional toAvn-
ship thirty-five, the other half being in St. Joseph county. It lies
almost whollj' on the south side of the Kankakee, but two whole
sections and three parts of sections being on the north side of that
river. As in the case of Lincoln, and all the townships bordering
on the Kankakee, much of the land is marsh; the remainder con
sists mostly of oak "barrens," and is too sandy for the highest pro
ducing capacity. The marsh land will eventually be the best: and
every year the arable area is increased. When once dried out, and
brought into cultivation these lands will haA'e no superior for the
production of corn and grass.
With this survey of Lincoln and Johnson, the history of the
townships, separately and in detail, is concluded. What follows
Avill be applicable to the county as a AvlioIe.

COUNTY OFFICERS. 19.3

CHAPTER XX.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
As Stated in a former chapter, LaPorte country Avas organized in
1S43. the act of incorporation for the county having passed the
State legislature and been approved January 9th of that year. It
is as follows :
Section 1. ''Be it enacted h)/ the G-encral Assembly of the State
of Lidiana, That from and after the first day of April next, all
tliat tract of country included in the folloAving boundaries shall
form and C'jnstitute a new county, to be known ,and designated by
the name and style of LaPorte county, to-wit: Beginning at the
state line which divides the State of Indiana and Michigan territory,
and at the nortlnvest corner of township number thirty-eight, north
of range number four, Avest of the principal meridian ; thence run
ning east with said State line to the centre of range number one,
west of said meridian ; thence south tAventy-two miles ; thence Avest,
parallel with the said state line, twenty-one mil'.:'S ; thence north to
the place of beginning.
Sec. 2 That the ncAv county of LaPorto shall, from and after
the said first dav of April next, enjoy all the rights and privileges,
benefits and jurisdictions which to separate and independent counties
do or may properly belong or appertain.
Sec. 3. That Samuel Lewis of the county of Allen, Isaac
Coleman of the county of Fountain, AndreAV Ingraham of the
county of Clinton, Levi Thornton of the county of Tippecanoe, and
Merritt S. Craig of the county of Ripley, be, and they are hereby
appointed commissioners agreeably to the act entitled " An act fixing
the seats of justice in all new counties hereafter to be laid off."
The commissioners aforesaid shall meet on the second Monday in
3Iav ne.^t, at the house of David Pagin, in said county of LaPorte,
and shall immediately proceed to the discharge of the duties assigned
them by law. And it shall be the duty of the Sheriff of Carroll
countv to notify said commissioners, either in person or by Avriting,

196 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
of their appointment, on or before the first day of April next. And
for such services he shall receive such compensation as the board
doing county business in said county of LaPorte may, when
organized, deem just and reasonable, to be allowed and paid as other
county claims.
Sec. 4. The Circuit Court and the board doing county business,
when elected under the writ ot election from the executive depart
ment, shall hold their sessions as near the centre of the county as
a convenient place can be had until the public buildings shall have
been erected.
Sec. 5. The agent Avho shall be appointed to superintend the
sale of lots at the county seat of the county of LaPorte shall receive
ten per centum out of the proceeds thereof, and pay the same over
to such person or persons as m-ay be appointed by laAv to receive the
same, for the use of a county library'.
Sec. 6. The county of LaPorte shall be attached to the county
of St. Joseph for representative purposes.
Sec. 7. The board doing county business may, as soon as elected
and qualified, hold special sessions, not exceeding three during the
first year after the organization of said county, and shall appoint a
lister, make all necessary appointments, and do and perform all
other business which might have been necessary to be performed at
any other regular session, and take all necessary steps to collect
the State and county revenues, any laAv or usage to the contrary
notwithstanding. Under this act a writ of election was issued, and Chapel W.
BroAvn, Elijah H BvoAvn and -Jes^e I^Iorgan Avere elected commis
sioners, Benjamin ilcCarty shcrift", and George Tli. mas clerk.
The commissioners met on the 28th day of May. 1S'^>2. and organ
ized by the election of Chapel W. Brown as president of the Board,
and George Thomas clerk. They also appointed John Wills
inspector of elections for Kankakee township ; A. P. AndrcAV. Jr.,
inspector for Scipio, and Elijah NcAvhall inspector for Xcav Durham.
Benjamin McCarty, the sheriff, Avas appointed commissioner of the
three per cent, fund; Wm. Clark, county surveyor; .-Varon Stan
ton, county treasurer, and Jes.-^c Morgan, lister of tlie taxable prop
erty. At the July terra Nathan B. Nichols Avas appointed c.illector

COUXTl OFFICERS. I;t7
of the State and county tax for the year 1832. At this term the
commissioners selected grand and petit jurors as folloAvs, which were
the first selected in the county. Those selected for grand jurors
were, AndrcAv Burnside, Leonard Cutler, George W. Barnes, Sam
uel Weston, John Melville, Wm. Phillips, John W. Cole, Joseph
Orr, Arthur IrAvin, Nathaniel Steele, Arba Heald, Robert Simmer-
well. -John Whittaker, Joseph Osborn, Richard Harris, Ira Rich
ardson, David Stoner, Joseph W. L3'kins.
The petit jurors were, Wm. Morgan, Alfred Stanton, Charles
Campbell, Adam G. Polke, Jeremiah SherAvood, Myron Ives, LcAvis
Shirly, Wm. Bond, Sen., Jesse Morgan, Jacob Coleman, James
Nixon, Charles West, Samuel Harbinson, Stephen Brayton,
Arthur McClure, Daniel Jessup, Ezra Tyler, Asa Warren, Adam
Keith, Charles Egbert, Henly Clyburn, Samuel Smalhvood, Basil
Sperry, John Wills.
The jurors thus designated Avere not called on to serve. The
first grand jury that actually served, Avas composed of the foUoAving
citizens: Arthur McClure, John Stanton, Emery A. Brown,
Noble McKinstrv, Gaines Munger, John Carter, Jonathan Sher
wood, Peter White, .To.^iah Bryant, Martin Baker, Elijah Stanton,
Aaron Stanton, AVm. Thomas, Wm. Stanton, James Highly ; and
the first petit jury that served Avas composed as folloAvs: Philip
Fail, Ezekiel Provolt, Peter Lowe. Elisha Newh'all, Henry Carpen
ter, RosAvell Muncie, Wm. C. Thrall, John Garrard, Absalom
Rambo, Wm. Garrard, John Garwood and Jonathan Morgan.
The Clerks of the county, and theyears of assuming the duties
of the office have been as follows: George Thomas, 1832; William
Hawkins, 1835 ; Thomas P. Armstrong, 1846 ; Volney W. Bailey,
1853; James Moore, 1857, re-elected, 1860; .James H. Shannon,
1865; Charles Spaeth, 1873.
The Sheriffs have been Benjamin :McCarty, 1832; Adam G.
Polke. 1834; Sutton VanPelt, 1836; Wm. Allen, 1840; John M.
Clarkson, 1842; Harrison F. Hinkley, 1844; Joshua S. McDowell,
1846; Herman Lawson, 1850; Wm. Allen, 1862; Wm. H. H.
Whitehead, 1864, re-elected, 1856; Joshua S. McDowell, 18-.'^,
re-elected and died in office; Stephen P. Mead, 1861, and re-elected.

198 HISTORY OP LA POR'TE COUNTY
1863; Ithamar D. Phelps, 1865, re-elected, 1S67; Daniel L.
Brown, 1870, re-elected, 1872 ; Edward Hawkins, 1874.
The collectors down to the year 1840, were Nathan E. Nichol,,.
1832; Adam G. Polke, 1833; Wm. HaAvkins, 1834; C. W.
Brown, 1835; Abram Hupp, 1836; N. W. Saxton, 1837; Alfred
Lomax, 1838; Wm. Allen, 1839, and Willys Peck, 1840. The
Treasurers for the same period Avere Aaron Stanton, 18:32; and
others. The- Treasurers since 1840, combining both Treasurer and Col
lector, have been Willard A. Place, 1840 ; John M. Lemon, 1847,
and re-elected, 1850 ; Edmund S. Organ, 1852, and re-elected;
Abel D. Porter, 1857, and re-elected; Reginald H. Rose, 1861,
and re-elected; D. C. Alexander, 1865, and re-elected; ilark
Allen, 1^69, and re-electe^i; George Mecum, 1873, and re-elected.
The Recorders have been George Thomas, January, 1832; Wm.
Hawkins, 1836; Burwell Spurlock, 1842, and re-elected; Willard A.
Place, January, 1856 ; Anderson Hupp, April, 1856, and re-elected,
1860; Wm. Copp, 1864; Henry C. Brown, 1868, and re-elected,
1872. John H. Organ was elected Recorder in 1874, but has not
taken possession of the office, the four years of the preceding Eecorder
not having yet expired.
The Auditors have been John D. Ceilings, 1841 ; Joel Butler,
1843: Andrew J. Wair, 1848, and re-elected, 1852; Reuben
Munday, by apppointment of commissioners, 1858 ; -John AA alton,
1858, and re-elected, 1862 ; Jasper Packard, 1866. resigned 1869;
Harvey R. Harris, appointed by commissioners, March. 1861'. and
elected 1870; Edward J. Church, 1874.
The county Surveyors have been AVm.-X^'lark.  ; .James Bradley,
 ; J. H. AVilson, 1847; Elam Clark. 1849; John P. Cathcart,
1852 ; Daniel M. Leaming, 1854, and re-elected ; Elisha L. Bennett,
1868; E. H. Leaming, 1860; John P. Cathcart, 1866; Daniel
Kennedy, elected, 1872, but never qualified; Hiram Burner, 1874.
The Coroners have been John G. Newhouse, 1842; Jesse AA'as-
son, 1846; Andrew J. Wair, 1848; Francis A. McDowell, 1849;
Edmund S. Organ, 1860; Henry W. Fox, 1854; Robert G. James,
1856; Luther Brusie, 1858; LudAvig Eliel, 1860, and re-elected,
1862; held the office until 1874; Dai-Avin T. Brown, 1874.

COUNTY OPPCERS. 199
The Assessors or Appraisers of Real Estate, have been Wm. K.
Anderson, 1846; Joseph B. LcAvis, 1848; Abram Hupp, 1851;
Joseph Orr, 1849; Abram Westervelt, 1863; Edmund S. Gardner,
1868 ; Jacob Folant elected 1872.
The folloAving are the names of those Avho have been Judges of
the various courts held in this county.
Judges of the Circuit Court: Gustavus A. Everts, Samuel C.
Sample, John B. Niles, Ebenezer M. Chamberlain, Robert LoAvry,
Thomas S. Stanfield, Albert G. Deavitt, AndreAv L. Osborn, Thomas
S. Stanfield. Judges of the Court of Common Pleas: Herman
Lawson, AVm. C. Talcott, Elisha Egbert, Edward J. Wood, and
Daniel Noyes. Probate Judges : Chapel A'V. BroAvu, Jabez E.
AA''ells, Gilbert Hathaway and M. K. Farrand. Associate Judges •:
Jacob Aliller, Judah Leaming, Charles W. Henry, Clinton Foster,
Gustavus A. Rose, AVillard A. Place, Abner Bailey and AVilliam
Andrew. The Boards of county commissioners from the organization of the
county in 1832, have been constituted as folloAvs: Chapel W.
Brown, E. H. Brown and Isaac Morgan; C. W. BroAvn, E. H.
Brown and Daniel Jessup ; E. H. BroAvn, Daniel Jessup and Alex
ander Blackburn; Daniel Jessup, Alexander Blackburn and Aaron
Stanton; Daniel Jessup, Aaron Stanton and John Clark; Daniel
Jessup, Andrew Burnside and Thomas J. Foster ; Daniel Jessup,.
Thomas J. Foster and AVillard A. Place; Willard A. Place, Elia
kim Ashton and Stephen G. Hunt; Aaron Stanton, Stephen G-
Hunt and Eliakim Ashton; Aaron Stanton, Stephen G. Hunt and
Henly Clyburn; Henly Clyburn, Benjamin Beard and Phineas
Hunt; Benjamin Beard, Phineas Hunt and James McCord; Ben
jamin Beard, Abiel Lathrop and Abijah Bigelow; Charies Vail,
Abiel Lathrop and Hezekiah Robertson; Hezekiah Robertson,
Benjamin Butterworth and Abiel Lathrop ; West Dariing, Christo
pher McClure and Atiel Lathrop; Abiel Lathrop, Christopher
McClure and Alfred Stephens; Christopher McClure, Alfred
Stephens and Samuel Burson; Christopher McClure, Samuel Bur-
son and Joel Butler; Chistopher McClure, Samuel Burson and
John F. Allison ; Chistopher McClure, Samuel Burson and Mark
Allen; Christopher McClure, Mark Allen and George C. Havens;

200 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
Mark Allen, Jackson Hosmer and James Drummond; James
Drummond, Jacob R. Hall and Jackson Hosmer; Jackson Hosmer,
Aquilla W. Rogers and Oriando F. Piper; Aquilla W. Rogers,
Henry J. Rees and Asa M. Warren ; Asa M. Warren, Elam Clark
and Henry J. Rees; Henry J. Rees, Isaac B. Coplin and Sidney
S. Sabin; S. S. Sabin, Isaac B. Coplin and John Warnock; S. S.
Sabin, Isaac B. Coplin and John P. Cathcart; Isaac B. Coplin,
AVm. O'Hara and John P. Cathcart; Isaac B. Coplin, Wm. O'Hara
and Reynolds Couden; Isaac B. Coplin, Sidney S. Sabin and R.
Couden ; Enos Weed, -John Sutherland and Simon P. Kern ; Enos
Weed, Simon P. Kern and Benajah Stanton; Enos Weed, Simon
P. Kern and Charies AVills; Charies Wills, B. S. Fail and Hazard
M. Hopkins; Charles AVills, B. S. Fail and Wm. Schoeneman. Mr.
Schoeneman was appointed at the September term 1876, to fill the
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hazard M. Hopkins.

CHAPTER XXI.
POLITICS.

Like all other intelligent communities in the United States, the
people of LaPorte county have participated Avith earnestness in the
various political contests that have agitated the country at large,
and have had also their own local political agitations. The county was
organized in the same year in Avhich Andrew Jackson was a candi
date for a second term of the Presidency, but the population was so
sparse at the time that very little strife was engendered. The atten
tion, of the pioneers was concentrated on a more pressing necessity
— that of obtaining a livelihood, and establishing homes for them
selves and families. An election Avas held under the special act for
the incorporation of the county, but it does not appear that political
questions arose. There Avas then no paper published in the county,
and no political leaders had arisen to effect an organization of
the parties, which Avere Democrat and AVhig. In the year 1835,
the Democrats secured an organ by the establishment of the Michi
gan City Q-azette, and that year Avas one of extraordinary political

POLITICS. 201
activity, and seems to have been the first during which there Avas
much agitation of this kind in LaPorte county. The questions
were partly local, and partly State and national. Some of tbe set
tlers had settled on and improved government lands in 1834, but
not securing a pre-emption right, the lands were about to be bought
at the approaching sales, by those who would bid higher than the
government prices, thus securing tbe lands already settled upon,
and compelling tbe settlers to pay more than the sum at which they
were held by the government. , This aroused a strong feeling, and
public meetings were held by tbe citizens in different parts of the
county to take such action as seemed to them expedient. The pro
ceedings of one of these meetings, for a better understanding of the
subject, is here presented entire, as it appeared in the Michigan
City Gazette, of July 22, 1835 :
"Township 36, N. Range 4 West, July 15, 1835.
At a large and respectable meeting of the inhabitants of township
number thirty-five, north of range four west, convened for the pur
pose of devising some measures for the purpose (which is intended
by settlers), of protecting what they consider to be their honest
claims, R. J. Moody was called to the chair and Ephraim Safford
appointed secretary.
After a spirited discussion as to the most proper manner of pro-
ceding, it was on motion,
Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to meet the con
vention of the whole on tbe 5th of Septem'ber next at LaPorte.
Resolved, That James Haskell and Marcena Clark be said
committee. Resolved, That a committee of one be appointed to receive the
number of each settler's claim and make them known at tbe day of
sale. Resolved. That Ephraim Safford be the committee for that
purpose. Resolved, That no man is justified in claiming more than one
quarter section ; that being the quantity given by the pre-emption
law, and that the committee be not permitted to enter more than
one on his list.
Resolved, That all settlers shall make known their claims previ
ous to the first Monday in August next, to the committee.

202 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.

a I

Resolved, That this meeting abide the decision of the genera
convention at LaPorte, on the 5th of September next.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in
the Michigan City Gazette." ¦
Ephraim Safford, Ransom G. Moody,
Secrdarg. Chairman."
The same paper contained this editorial comment:
"The settlers, it Avill be perceived, Avho improved government
lands in 1834, and Avho have not the benefit of a Pre-emption Right,
are holding meetings in their different townships for the purpose of
£!,ppointing tAvo delegates therefrom, to meet in convention at La
Porte on the 5th of September, previous to the land sales. The
object of which is, to secure to them, the rights Avhich their neigh
bors now enjoy — -their lands at government price."
That this question Avas carried into the county politics is indicated
by the following from the Gazette of the date mentioned :
"AA^e were somewhat surprised, not long 'since, to hear a gentle
man, in a public meeti-ng, express his utter iibJtoiTciiee and contempt
that the people should take it upon themselves to call, and organize
primary meetings in their different toAvns and counties, for the pur
pose of choosing Avhom -it should be to take the management of their
public affairs. As for ourselves, Ave can see no impropriety in the
matter at all — but on the other hand we think them to be of essen
tial service. AVe see notices of meetings on every side of us, for
the purpose of securing to individuals, Avho came to this county
Avhen it was a mere wilderness, their lands at government price —
and which we think is all right. The main argument, hoAvever,
Avith the gentlemen, why they should not be held, is, because it has
not been the practice heretofore ; it must be cc/nfessed that it is a
poAverful one, and one which tbe good sense of this community Avill
not pay much regard to, however injuriously he may think them
to be."
Though the national election could not have been held until the
next year, yet the Gazette which Avas a Democratic paper, displayed
at the head of its columns, the names of Martin VanBuren for Pres
ident, and Richard M. .Johnson for Vice President. It contains
also the following announcements of candidates in connection with

POLITICS. 203
a notice that the election would be held on thc first Monday in
August :
"AVe are authorized to say, that the Hon. E. A. Hannegan, our
present and Avorthy member in congress, is again before the people
of this district, composed of the counties of Vermillion, Parke,
Montgomery, Fountain, AVarren, Tippecanoe, Carroll, Clinton,
AVhite, Parker, LaPorte, St. Joseph and Elkhart for re-election."
•¦AA^e are authorized to say that David H. Colerick is a candidate
for the State senate from the district composed of the counties of
Allen, LaPorte, St. Joseph. Elkhart, LaGrange, Huntington and
AA" abash." •'AA'e are requested to state that AA^illiam G. Ewing, is a candidate
for the State Sen-ite from the counties of Allen, LaPorte, St. Joseph,
Elkhart, LaGrange, Huntington and Wabash."
•' AA e are authorized to say that Jonathan A. Liston is a candidate
for member of assembly from this and St. Joseph counties."
Besides these, there Avere announcements for county offices;
Hiram Wheeler and Joel Butler, for Register; George Sav ope,
Joseph F. Reynolds and BurAvell Spurlock for Recorder; James
M. Scott for Associate Judge ; and Eliakim Ashton for Commis
sioner. On the 18th of July, Mr. Samuel Miller of Michigan^ City
was nominated for representative to the State legislature, by a
Democratic convention held at the village of Lakeport, or Hudson,
of which Charles Egbert was chairman, and Benjamin Woodward,
secretary. There were two other candidates, who came up before
the people Avithout submitting their claims to a convention. On
this matter the Gazette remarked :
'¦'¦Felloio Citizens: You have now before you, three candidates
for representative in the next legislature of this state, two of which
are Avhat is called, stump or self-nominations, and one nominated by
the people. Samuel Miller Avas nominated by 'Ihe unanimous vote
of a respectable meeting, believing him to be the most efficient man,
and best qualified to represent the interest of this community in the
next legislature, which nomination was again submitted to a conven
tion of tbe electors of the tAvo counties, convened at a considerable
distance from his and the other candidate's residence, where he

204 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
again received the nomination for representative in the next
Assembly. In selecting Mr. Miller for their candidate, they think they have
presented to the public a person worthy of their votes — one who
has the confidence of the people — one Avhom the people knoAV and
have known for a long time to be a friend to his country, constitu
tion and laws. Mr. Miller's avocations have been such, that prob
ably feAV persons have the practical knoAvledge of the situation, loca
tion, and wants of the country that he has, while his business
habits, and Republican predilections, render him Avorthy the suf
frages of a free people."
The tAVO other candidates alluded to in the address Avere Jonathan
A. Liston and Charles AA^. Cathcart. Mr. Cathcart issu.d an
address to the people of LaPorte and St. Joseph counties, and
because of its frank statement of the position which he occupied on
public questions, and the lucid exposition given of the subjects of
political discussion at the time, it is here presented entire, as it was
published in the Michigan City Ganette :
"TO THE VOTERS OF THE DISTRICT COMPOSED OP ST. .TOSEPH AND
LAPORTE COUNTIES.
Fellow Citizen-^: Hy the request of a very respectable number
of my friends, I was induc°d during the last spring, to suffer my name
to be used as a candidate to represent this district in our next legis
lature, and at the first opportunity Avhich occurred, the meeting of
the circuit court in LaPorte county, I, in conformity Avith the cus
tom of the country, mounted the stump and informed my fellow
citizens then assembled, that the_y might consider my services at
their disposal.
Thus, having appeared before the public, it is my duty as Avell as
a pleasure, to express my vicAVs upon such prominent matters as
may be subject to legislative .action, claiming for them only that
consideration, which the honest convictions of one individual mav
entitle him to — for our whole scheme of government being founded
on the principle that all poAver is inherent in the people, and as the
representative agency is made use of merely on account of the diffi-
dulty, indeed even the impossibility of the affairs of the public beino-

I'OLITICS. 205
acted upon deliberately, by the people, en m((sse, it is evident that
the representative should suit his course to the wishes of his con
stituents, according to their views of the manner in Avhich they may
see proper to have their interests attended to, and that as near as he
does this, so near Avill he come to the fulfillment of the trust reposed
in him.
Having thus, fellow citizens, acknowledged the entire dependence
of the representative upon the instructive power of his constituents,
I will give you my views as frankly and as freely as possible.
A bill commonly c^alled the 'ad valorem bill,' Avhich passed dur
ing our last session, is, I conceive unjust, and partial in its opera
tion, beiring with peculiar hardship, upon this part of the State,
and is but a mocking of its title, Avhich is made use of, apparently,
to impose a disagreeable potion under a palatable name ; but I am
convinced that a system of ta.xation, based upon the principle that
every man must pay to thc government that protects him and his,
in proportion to the value of his estate, is one Avhich is entirely
reasonable and just.
Another bill, commonly called the 'mammoth bill,' making vast
and indeed unlimited appropriations to Avorks of internal improve
ment, only failed during the last session, after a warm and pro
tracted debate— after which a bill 'to provide for the further
prosecution of the Wabasli and Erie canal,' and for other purposes,
and an act supplemental, passed and received the signature of the
governor, which provides for the survey of a vast scheme of ca-nals,
railroads, etc.. as well as for the prosecution of the AVabash and
Erie canal, to ^ae navigable part of the AVabash river.
The cost of those works, should they all be completed, must
overi^o §29,0'ja,000, and of this sum, not one cent is contemplated
to be° expended on this side of the AVabash river; and though it is
more than probable, that but a part of those works, raay be expected
to be completed, still it must be evident, that many of the routes
which were ordered to be surveyed, are of comparative , insignifi
cance, when compared with a route or routes, which would have
connected our northern waters, with a southern thoroughfare, and
that the neglect of the interest of the north part of this State, m the
provisions of that bill, was a gross instance of partial legislation.

206 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY.
The experience of other States has demonstrated the advantages
to be derived from a judiciously disposed system of internal improve
ments, and the policy that would dictate the abandonment of such
a scheme, Avould be as fallacious as the late act is pa-^-tial and
extravagant. The disposal of the three per cent, fund will continue to require
the utmost attention, on the part of the members from the neAv
counties. It is no doubt knoAvn to all, that the three per cent, fund
originates from an agreement with the general government, upon
our entering the Union, as a free and sovereign State, that the puo-
lic lands shall not be subject to taxation, until the expiration of
five years after they have been sold by the general government, in
consideration of Avhich the United States make grants sundry to this
State, among Avhich are five per cent upon the proceeds of the sales of
the public lands Avithin this State, Avhich is to be applied to works of
internal improvement, three per cent, being subject to the control
of our legislature. Noav, this being the case, what plan of distribu
tion amon.2; the different counties, so just, as to appropriate to each,
the amount accruing upon the sales of land Avithin that county?
Thinking, felloAv citizens, that we should all knoAV at least enough
of the laAV, to keep clear of it, I am in hopes of seeing our common
as well as statute law put into such a form, that it mav be more
commonly diffused and knoAvn among us. Such a. project has been
in agitation before our legislature, and believing it Avould save
half the litigation aramigst us, it h!^s my heartiest Avi.shes for its
success. The next apportionment will also be a matter --equiring the
deepest c:)iisidcratioa, and attentive c.iro of yonr representative, as
with a!i increased representation, our claims Avill of course be placed
in a more commanding position, and avc Avho are of the noi'th, while
Ave unite Avith the south in all judicious schemes of internal improve
ment, Avill be in a situation to prevent such glaring:; instances of
partial legislation, as our last session presented.
In regard to our roads, or rather our Avant of them, it is neeJ-
less to say much here, as so many monuments of our neglected con
dition in that respect, present tlieraselves. most loudlv calling for
legislative interference.

POLITICS. 207
There are many other subjects, felloAv citizens, Avhich are no
doubt of iiniiortance, but believing I have touched, thouo-h sli.o-htlv,
those subjects most generally interesting to the citizens of this dis
trict, I shall detain you no longer Avith the enumeration of matters
of less general interest.
AA^ith feelings of peculiar delicacy, I must, felloAv citizens, here
remark that us regards national politics, I have ever been the
uiiAvavering friend of the leading principles of the present adminis
tration ; I look npon them as the emanation of the purest patriotism,
and while I disdain the Ioav bickering of party strife, still I must
exercise the right of every freeman, to avoAv his sentiments. This
avoAval, felloAv citizens, I make, not Avith a view of enlisting the
partiality of a single voter; I do it merely because if silent on
this point. I may probably be charged witli want of frankness, a
charge I must be indulged in saying, to me, peculiarly painful.
FelloAv citizens. I have but to offer to your acceptance such com
mon place qualifications as a life of much vicissitude has engendered,
and an assurance -that the good of the district, the whole district,
shall be my aim, should I be so fortunate as to gain your preference.
But felloAv citizens, if in your better judgment you should prefer
another, I must take this opportunity to assure you, and him, that
he has mv warmest wishes for his success in the furtherance ef the
Avelfare of tliis district. Chaule.s AV. Oatiicabt.
LaPorte, July 20, 1835."
The campai2:n Avas Avagei vigorously throughout, and resulted m
the election of the candidates of the AAHiig party, in this countv.
As illusn-ating the newspaper tone of the tiiric and tlie terms
made use of by political opponents Ave take some extracts from the
newspapers then published in LaPorte. On the 28th day of
December, 1839, the AVlugs held a convention, ami the ne.xt issue
of the LaPorte Herald, published by Joseph Lomax and edited by
Storey, now of the Chicago Times, contained the following comments
thereon : " ARISTOCK.VriC CONVENTION.
<Jn Saturday, 28th December, the Aristocrats of this county,
held a little convention in this place. They previously made many

208 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
loud calls, both through their papers, and also through the medium
of hand bills. And when the great day arrived, it turned out, as
many of their great things do — a poor shabby convention.
When the convention, was organized, Mr. J. Bigelow, one of the
leading Abolition fanatics of this county, was appointed one of the
Vice Presidents of the meeting. This is a fact that is Avorth being
remembered by the people. It shows that the boasted patriotism
of the Aristocrats of LaPorte county, is capable of courting the
Abolition faction, for the purpose of adding some little to their
strength. AA'^as the ancient republican virtue, and the laAv -abiding
principles of the American people, ever more grossly outraged
than the cherishing of such inhuman and insurrectionary principles,
as those advocated by the Abolitionists, which were approved and
sustained, in a measure, by this Aristrocratic convention, in the
selection of one of its officers ? This shoAvs that in this county,
there is a close connection, reciprocity of feeling, and identity of
sentiments, betAveen the opposition party and the Abolition faction
— if not an entire amalgamation and identity.
There is much more of the article, and in it occurs such terms as
"black-hearted falsifiers," "ignorant braAvlers," "long-faced hypo
crites," and "foul mouthed slanderers." The LaPorte county
Wliig, edited by A. P. Andrew, Jr., replies, and says, among other
things: "We would ask in all candor, if it is looked upon as a
necessary (jualification that an editor of a party newspaper should
indiscriminately abuse all who do not agree with him or his partv in
politics;'' and closes with the pungent query, "^Does the editor of
the Herald use such epithets by order of the party, or does he do
it the natural Avay ? ' '
The year, 1840, was a Avarm campaign year. Jilartin VanBuren
and Richard M. Johnson were again the candidates of the Demo
cratic party for President and A^ice President. The AA^hig party
had nominated Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison and John Tyler.
Tilghman A. Howard Avas the Democratic candidate for Governor,
and Samuel Bigger the Whig candidate. Other candidates of the
Democratic party, as their names appeared in the LaPorte Herald
were Edward A. Hannegan, for Congress; Charles AV. Cathcart,
for State Senator ; AVillard A. Place, for Representative ; AA'"m. M.

POLITICS. 209
Patterson, for Sheriff; Abram Fravel, for School commissioner;
Dr. DeWitt Strong, for County commissioner. At the head of the
columns of the LaPorte county Whig, stood tbe names of the Whig
candidates for President, Vice President and Governor; and for
Congress, Henry S. Lane; for State Senator, Sylvanus Everts;
for Representative, Daniel Brown; for Sheriff, Wm. Allen; for
School commissioner, Abel Lomax ; for County commissioner, Henly
Clyburn. While in this campaign most of the voters delighted to call them
selves either Whigs or Democrats, or rather Democratic Whigs, and
Democratic Republicans, there were a few who boldly took upon
themselves tbe then odious name of Abolitionist. It required con
siderable moral courage to io so. In this county there was but a
mere handful, apparently not enough to induce either party to
court their favor. Had their numbers been greater it is probable
there would have been efforts made by one party or tbe other to
secure their votes. It is amusing to see how shy of any possible
taint on this score both parties Avere. An Abolitionist Avas a polit
ical leper, whom it was dangerous to touch. In this general feeling
of the country toward them, tbe parties as they existed in LaPorte
county shared. One week in March, 1840, the LaPorte Herald
has a thrust at the Whig newspaper in these words: "The LaPorte
county Whig says not one one word condemnatory of Abolition;"
and the next issue of the Whig replies in these words: "Nor one
commendatory of Abolition." The one party was an open and
avowed enemy ; tbe other refused to be a friend.
Betwen the two great political parties, the feeling became sharp
and stirring. Tbe LaPorte county Whig secured a. "log cabin"
wood cut, and from that time on, the Whig was illustrated with a
log cabin. Dr. Fosdick's ingenuity was called into requisition to
make tbe cut, and it illustrated not only the newspaper, but the
campaign as well. Some bitterness also arose between individual
men of tbe two parties. On Saturday previous to the 4th of July,
1840, Hon. Henry S. Lane spoke in LaPorte, which was the
occasion of some remarks in the Herald of a personal nature, and
which were declared afterwards by the Whig to be a reflection on
the ladies who attended the speech. On the morning of the 4th,
H

210 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
just as the audience were leaving the court house, after hearing an
oration, Mr. Joseph Lomax, one of the editors, and the publisher
of the Herald, was attacked by a prominent member of tbe Whig
party with a cane because of the asserted insult published in the
Herald in regard to the ladies who attended the Lane speech. Mr.
Lomax drew a knife and stabbed twice, when the parties were separ
ated, Avithout any serious injury to either. Doubtless the affair
never would have occurred except under circumstances of high party
spirit and rancor. In the Herald of the 11th of July, Mr. Lomax
published a long statement concerning the affair over his own
signature, one sentence from which Avill serve to show the political
nature of the quarrel. After recounting several reported instances
of the mobbing of Democratic editors, he adds: "In this place,
LaPorte, the Federalists are the most abandoned, reckless, hypo
critical, murderous, and lost to every noble, honorable, virtuous
feeling, of any other community with which I am acquainted; and
within the last few years I have traveled through nine States of tbe
Union." All which can now only excite a quiet smile, but then no
doubt was highly commended by one party, while it embittered the
already aroused feeling of the other.
The Senatorial convention Avhich nominated Sylvanus Everts
was held at Valparaiso on the 28th day of March, and was presided
over by Solon Robinson, then of Lake county, with James Blair
of Porter and Alexander Blackburn of LaPorte, Vice Presidents,
H. S. Orton and Samuel I. Anthony, Secretaries. Among other
resolutions the folloAving was adopted: "That we have our politi
cal log cabin already raised, that next August we will roof it in,
that next November we will chink Locofocos into the cracks, and
that next March Ave will move into it." This resolution was
printed in the Whig in large capitals. On the 11th of April the
Whig county convention was held, and as matter of local history,
its proceedings are here given in full, as reported in the Whig:
"whig county convention.
According to previous notice the delegates from the several town
ships of this county, met in convention at the court bouse, in La
Porte, on Saturday the 11th inst., at one o'clock p. m.
The convention was called to order by Oscar A. Barker, when on

politics. 211
motion of Gen. Joseph Orr, tbe Hon. Gustavus A. Rose, was
elected President, and Abel Lomax Vice President of the conven
tion, and Andrew L. Osborn of Michigan City, and Elijah Mayhew
of LaPorte, were appointed Secretaries
The president then proceeded to the calling of delegates by town
ships, when tbe following gentlemen appeared and produced their
credentials, and took their seats as members of the convention,
to-wit :
From Centre Township. — John C. Reid, Joseph Orr, Jebiel
WassoH, Stephen Holloway, John Hobson, Gustavus A. Rose, Jacob
P. Andrew, William Clark, Edmund B. Woodson , George Swope,
Clinton Foster and Elijah Mayhew.
From Michigan Township). — William H. Goodhue, Jonas Clark,
Warren Cole, Samuel Booth, Samuel Mower, Oscar A. Barker,
Horace Burr, Andrew L. Osborn, Chauncey C. Blair and Eliakim
Ashton. From Neiv Durham Township. — James McCord, Henly Clyburn,
Holland Benedict, Lemuel Robinson and James M. Ray.
From Scipio Township. — Daniel Closser, Lewis C. Andrew,
Elnatban Gregory, Thomas W. Sale, John M. Barclay and David
G. Rose.
From JSfohle Township. — William A. Webster, Horace Pratt,
Theodore PL Wells and Josiah Grover.
From Pleasant Township. — George C. Havens, Jacob M'Casky,
Abel Lomax and James Webster.
From Springfield Township. — Mr. Atwater, J. F. Jones, Phineas
Hunt and Jesse Jones.
From Hudson Township. — John Reynolds and Andrew Avery.
From Union Township.— Patrick S. Weed, N. M. Catlin,
Charles W. Henry and Miles S. Henry.
From Kanhahee Township.— Ja.cob Wagner, Myron Ives, Ezekiel
Provolt, Michael Brand, Chapel W. Brown and Daniel Murray.
From Wills Township.— J a-STper S. Hunt, Henry Williamson,
Charies Carmichael and William H. H. Whitehead.
From Clinton Township.— Wi\\ia,ra S. Harding, Abijah Bigelow,
T. B. Patterson and E. Williams.
From Coolspring Township.— Na.th&n Johnson.

212 history of la porte county.
No delegates appearing from Galena township.
On motion of Chapel W. Brown, it was resolved that Byron
Cadwallader and James Catteriin represent said township in this
convention. On motion of Gen. Joseph Orr, it was resolved, that in all cases
where townships are not fully represented in this convention, that
the delegates present from such toAvnships, be authorized to fill such
vacancies by the appointment of individuals from tbe same town
ships, or that they may be authorized to give the whole number of
votes to which said townships are entitled.
On motion of Gen. Orr, the following resolution was unanimously
adopted. 'Resolved, That the convention now proceed to nominate by
ballot, a suitable person to run for Representative, each delegate
voting as his name is called.'
Whereupon, Daniel Brown, of Scipio township, having received
on the first balloting a majority of all the votes, it was on motion of
Gen. Orr,
'Resolved, (unanimously). That Daniel Brown, be recommended
to the Whigs of this county, as a suitable person to represent them
in the next legislature.'
On motion of William Clark, it Avas
Resolved, That the convention now proceed to nominate by
ballot a suitable person to be run for Sheriff, at the ensuing August
election, each delegate voting when called. Whereupon, William
Allen having received a majority of all the votes, it was on motion
of Gen. Orr,
'Resolved, That William Allen be recommended to the AVhigs
of LaPorte county, as a suitable man for Sheriff of said county.'
The convention then proceeded to nominate a suitable person to
be supported for County commissioner. Whereupon, Henly Clyburn,
having received a majority of all the votes given, it Avas on motion
of James Clark,
' Resolved, (unanimously). That Henly Clyburn be recommended
to the Whigs of this county, as a suitable candidate for the office of
County commissioner, for district number three.'
The convention then proceeded to nominate a suitable person to
be run for the office of School commissioner. Whereupon, Abel
Lomax, having received a majority of all the votes given, it was.

politics. 213
'Resolved, (unanimously). That Abel Lomax be recommended to
the Whigs of this county, as a suitable candidate for tbe office of
School commissioner, at the next August election.'
The nominations having all been made, on motion of Warren
Cole, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, to-wit:
' Resolved, That all the Log Cabin boys present be invited to
tak^ part in this convention.'
Edmund B. Woodson, Esq., offered the following resolution, which
was unanimously adopted, to-wit:
- Resolved, That a committee of six citizens of LaPorte county,
he appointed to address an invitation to Gen. Harrison, to meet the
young men of Indiana, at the Tippecanoe battle ground, on the
29th of May next, and to request his attendance there, if he can
possibly do so, consistently with his public and private duties, and
that said committee report the result of their correspondence, by
publication in the Whig papers of this county, as soon as possible.
AVhereupon the following gentlemen were appointed said committee,
Abram P. Andrew, Jr., Charies W. Henry, Edmund B. Woodson,
James M. Stuart, Gen. Joseph Orr and John Walker.
The convention was then favored Avith a short but spirited and
eloquent speech by Charles W. Henry, Esq., which being concluded,
on motion it was resolved, that the proceedings of this convention
be published in all the Whig papers of this county.
On motion the convention then adjourned. G. A. Rose, President.
A. L. Osborn, I o > Abel Lomax, Vice President."
E. Mayhew, j^"'^^'-
On tbe 13th, thc Monday folloAving, the Democratic county con
vention was held, and its proceedings as reported in the Herald,
were as follows: "LAPORTE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.
On Monday the 13th of April, 1840, the Democrats of this county
met pursuant to previous notice.
On motion. Col. John Moore was called to the chair; Dr. S.
Pulford and Mr. Samuel Treat, Vice Presidents; and Joseph Lomax
Secretary. On motion of Thomas D. Lemon, the convention nominated the
following committee, to choose officers for the convention :

214 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY
Abner Bailey, of Centre; John Wills, of Wills; William Wright,
of New Durham; Jabez R. Wells, of Michigan; Isaac Jessup, of
Kankakee; Ephraim Barney, of Union; John I. Crandall, of
Pleasant; A. Foster, of Hudson; Day Jones, of Coolspring ; Niles
Gregory, of Scipio, and Gilbert Rose, of Springfield.
The committee retired, consulted, returned, and reported tbe fol
lowing officers :
John I. Candall, President; Schuyler Pulford, Samuel Treat,
Vice Presidents ; Joseph Lomax, Charles H. Averill, Secretaries.
The convention adopted the report, and the officers took their
seats. Mr. Enos stated the object of the convention.
On motion 'ol Mr. Enos tbe convention appointed tbe following
committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the
delegates of this county ; viz :
Alonzo W. Enos, Gilbert Hathaway, Robert Stewart, Wilber F.
Storey, William Wright, John Wills, A. A. Reynolds, Nathan B.
Nichols, John Moore, and Thomas Norris.
On motion of Mr. Storey the convention adjourned for one hour.
The convention met.
On motion of W. F. Storey, all Democrats present, were invited
to participate in the deliberations of the convention.
On motion of Mr. Hathaway, the convention resolved to nomi
nate candidates for this county at this convention.
Mr. Enos commenced reading the resolutions, reported by the
committee, when, on motion of Mr. Stewart, it was resolved that a
vote of the convention should be taken upon each resolution, as it
should be read. The following resolutions Avere then read and
adopted, viz:
Resolved, That the Federal party of 1840, is the same identically
with the Federal party of 1798 and 1800. To prove- it let facts
answer. Alexander Hamilton, the founder and head of the Federal
party, openly avowed and publicly maintained, that the people were
not capable of self government — that the people Avere 'turbulent and
changing, and seldom judged or determined right, and that nothing
but a permanent body of life legislators could check the impudence
of Democracy.' The Federal party have always been in favor of a
National Bank — they maintain that a national debt is a national

POLITICS. 215
blessing, and acting upon this principle, the present Federal party
openly advocate the assumption of the State debts by the general
government, thereby creating a debt of two hundred millions of
dollars — they are in favor of an extensive system of internal
.improvements to be carried on by the general government — •they are
in favor of a high tariff, and monopolies of every grade and charac
ter — they support the old Alien and Sedition laws, and at a recent
date they were clamorous for the odious and prescriptive gag-law,
introduced into the Senate of the United States by a Federal cham
pion — they are opposed to the safe keeping and disbursements of
the public revenue in the only safe and constitutional way, to guard
the people against great loss, and the government from irresponsi
ble depositories — in short the Federal party oppose everj measure
of rehef, proposed by a Democratic administration — but, propose
nothing themselves to mitigate the evils of Avhich they complain.
Resolved, That the Democratic party repudiate all of these Fed
eral doctrines and oppose them as being dangerous to constitutional
freedom and the existence of Republican institutions.
Resolved, That as Democratic Republicans of the old school, Ave
feel deeply impressed with the great importance of the approaching
elections; conscious of the zeal, poAver, and untiring efforts of the
Federal party, their combinations of individual and corporate
wealth — their lavish expenditures of money, and reckless course
to accomplish their object, however base, tlieir dishonest and dis
honorable attempts to create panics and circulate falsehoods — their
attempted deceit to palm themselves off as 'Democratic Whigs,'
while they support all of the old Federal doctrines — conscious of
their immense power for doing evil, we have become alarmed for
the safety of our government and the perpetuity of our free institu
tions, and deem it our highest privilege and first duty, thus early,
to assemble, in order to adopt such measures as will be most likely
to produce union, concert of action, and a vigorous effort for the
contest of 1840.
Resolved, That our confidence in the ability and integrity of
Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, remains unim
paired. His decided stand in favor of true Democratic principles,
his open and frank avowal of opinions, upon all subjects of deep
interest to the people, entitle him to the continued confidence and
support of every Democrat.
Resolved, That we are in favor of the Independent Treasury
Bill, recently passed by tbe Senate of the United States, and recom
mend it to the careful perusal and candid reflectioi; of every Repub-

'216 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
lican in this county, as the only safe and constitutional method of
collecting and disbursing the government revenue.
Resolved, That tbe unfounded assertions and miserable party
slang of the Federalists, that ' the present administration, by its
wicked and ruinous policy, has deranged the currency — destroyed
the commerce, and brought distress and ruin upon the country,' is
as false as it is infamously base ; such idle declamation and false
clamor is designed for party effect, to make early impressions,
corrupt the public mind, and gratify depraved party feeling.
Resolved, That the cry of the Federal party against 'office
holders,' can have no effect in this county or elsewhere, and illy
becomes the self-styled Whig party of this State. For eight long
years or more, the Federalists have been in power in this State,
and during the whole of that period, they have most faithfully acted
upon the principle, that to the 'victor belong the spoils.' They
have clutched every office within their reach, and fattened upon the
spoils thereof, to the removal and exclusion of Democrats wbo were
honest, faithful and capable. No opportunity has been permitted
to pass unimproved, to hurry from office the most capable men of
the Republican party, to make room for Federal demagogues, and
the cormorant cravings of incompetent brawling partisans. Still
this same Federal party, is constantly crying out against the
¦'office holders.'
Resolved, That when the Federal party came into power in this
State, there was an overflowing treasury, the credit of the State was
unlimited, and unimpaired, taxes were light, and cheerfully paid;
industry received an ample reward, and our young and rapidly
growing State was advancing steadily, and prud<=ntly onward, to
that high rank among her sister States, to which she was justly
entitled. But in an uvil hour, the siren song of Federalism won
its way to the heart, and gained the support of many a true Repub
lican. The reign of Federalism commenced, and its progress for
the last eight years, has been onward, until the last cent is drained
from the treasury. The State has become bankrupt, and her credit
wholly destroyed; a wild aud reckless spirit of legislation has
involved us in a debt of millions, increased our taxes until they are
exorbitantly high, and plunged the State in debt to carry out a
system of improvements, that will cripple the energies, eat up the
wealth, and destroy the prosperity of the State for the next half
century. Resolved, That the people are too intelligent, not to perceive the
danger into which Federal misrule has led them. Now is emphati-

POLITICS. 217
cally the time for the people to arise in their might, and hurl from
office those who have basely deceived them — sacrificed their dearest
interests, and sold their right inheritance *for a miserable mess of
pottage, and put in their place, men of long experience and tried
integrity, men wbo are imbued with Democratic principles, wise in
counsel, energetic, yet prudent in action, and who will stay the tor
rent that threatens to overwhelm us in irretrievable ruin.
Resolved, That as the friends of free government, we feel it to
be our duty to oppose the election, to any important office, of every
person whose notions of government and public policy are not
founded in tbe fundamental principles of Democracy, and that in the
future, in the exercise of the rights of freemen, we will be more par
ticular in selecting the sentiments of all individals for office, as to
tbe cardinal doctrines of Republicanism.
Resolved, That in Tilghman A. Howard, as a candidate for Gov
ernor of this State, we have an honest man, a prudent statesman,
an inflexible and consistent Democrat, and one who is well qualified
to stand at tbe helm of our State affairs, at a time so peculiarly dif
ficult, and trying as the present.
If we wish to redeem our State from the depths of degradation to
which she is already sunk, let us make one bold and determined
effort, and rallying around tbe standard, whereon is subscribed
'Howard and Reform,' march boldly on to victory in the approach
ing contest.
Resolved, That we approve of the convention to be held at Delphi
in this district, on t^e 18th day of April inst., for the purpose of
putting in nomination a suitable person to fill the vacancy soon to
occur in the seventh congressional district, by the resignation of the
Hon. T. A. Howard, our present representative.
Resolved, That although we are willing to aibide by the nomina
tion that will be made at the congressional convention, to be holden
at Delphi on the 18th inst., and to cheerfully Cast our votes for the
same, yet we are decidedly in favor of tbe nomination of the Hon. E.
A. Hannegan, and earnestly recommend him to the support of said
convention, believing him to be eminently qualifled to discharge
tbe high duties of the office of congressman.
Resolved, That it is tbe imperious duty of every Democrat to see
that there is a perfect and thorough organization in every township
in tbe county. We well know, that it is by constant and untiring
vigilance only, that we are enabled to guard our liberties, and pro
tect our civil rights-; why then slumber *t our posts, and remain
inactive, when both are violently assailed by Federalism, and danger

218 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
threatens us on every side ? Democrats ! awake to a sense of duty,
organize in every township, and take a bold stand for reform and
constitutional liberty at the coming election.
Resolved, That we consider the notion that ' solvency of a bank
does not depend upon the amount of specie in its vaults ' and that
'the banks suspend to relieve the sufferings of community^' as great
discoveries in political economy, well worthy the consideration of the
wise and good, and that the inventors are justly entitled to the
honor of knighthood.
Resolved, That we heartily approve the nomination of our worthy
and faithful late Senator, the Hon. Charles W. Cathcart, for re-elec
tion, and that we will use all reasonable endeavors to insure bis
success. During the consideration of the resolutions, the convention was
addressed by Messrs. Enos and Cathcart.
On motion of Mr. Stewart, the convention then proceeded to bal
lot for a candidate for Representative from this county to the State
legislature. On the first ballot it appeared that Willard A. Place
had a majority of all the votes given. So he was declared duly
nominated for that office. The convention then unanimously chose
William M. Piitterson for Sheriff, Abram Fravel for School com
missioner, and Dewitt Strong for County commissioner.
On motion of AV. F. Storey, the convention proceeded to the
appointment of delegates to the congressional convention. The fol
lowing were appointed: "
AVilber F. Storey, William W. Taylor, Joseph Lomax, Nathan
W. Low, LaAvson Hough, John M. Lemon, Thomas D. Lemon,
Gilbert Hathaway, John Cissne and Ithream Taylor.
On motion of Mr. SteAvart, all delegates who could not attend,
were authorized to fill their vacancies, provided they should do it
with good Democrats.
Messrs. Enos and Wells, addressed the convention.
On motion of Mr. Enos,
Resolved, That Federal principles are like Harrison victories,
few and far betAveen — and made to suit party customs; and that
Harrison's battles, so gloriously Avon, according to the tactics of
the Federal 'party, are like his principles, wholly unknoAvn and un
heard of. -

POLITICS. 219
On motion of Mr. Storey, the following Central committee for this
county, was appointed.
Samuel Treat, Abner Bailey, Joseph Lomax, Daniel Frye and
Lawson Hough.
On motion of Mr. Enos.
Resolved, That the thanks of this convention, be tendered to the
presiding officers thereof for the able and impartial manner in which
they have discharged their respective duties.
On motion of Mr. Enos, it was resolved that the proceedings of
this convention shall be signed by the officers, and published in the
LaPorte Herald.
The con\-ention adjourned. John I. Crandall, President.
Joseph Lomax, 1 „ Schuyler Pulford, "1 ,.. -^ , „
p V At^t^-dttt I- teecretaries. „ m > Vice Pres.
C. H. Averill, j Samuel Treat, j
The Herald contained the following comment on the proceedings
of the convention:
"LaPorte county Democratic convention. On last Monday we
had the largest political convention that probably was ever held
in tbe county. The Democrats have commenced operations in
the right spirit. We have great hopes of overturning the oppres
sive bank aristocracy of this much abused county. The people are
tired of the wretched management of our public affairs. If large
conventions are indicative of the strength of parties, then the Dem
ocrats of LaPorte county have greit reason to rejoice. The names
of tbe nominees may be found at the head of this column. We had
a numerous, a spirited, a well-conducted, a real, genuine, first-rate,
glorious convention. And what is still better, every thing passed
off in the most harmonious feeling, that could have been wished.
Without further comment, it is enough to say the convention was
Democratic, in every sense of the word. The oppositionists cannot,
in truth, speak thus of their last Saturday's convention."
On the 16th of April there was a meeting of the Whig young
men of Centre township held at the court house, and to show the
enthusiasm for "American liberty burning in their bosoms," the
proceedings of the meeting are here given. The resolutions were
probably drawn by Myron H. Orton.

220 history op la porte county.
" The meeting of the Whig young men of Centre township, pursu
ant to public notice, was held at the Court House on the 16tb day of
April and notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, tbe
assembly was large and respectable.
On motion of Mr. M. W. Patton, M. H. Orton, was called to the
chair, and M. A. Allen appointed secretary.
The object of the meeting having been stated by tbe chair, on
motion of M. A. Allen, a committee of six was appointed to draft
resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting, and the following
gentlemen were appointed said committee: Messrs. Jesse Wasson,
Jeremiah Early, Jason Holloway, John W. Reid, M. W. Patton,
and H. Rodifer, Avho after retiring a few moments, reported the
following preamble and resolutions :
Whereas, We, the Whig Young men of Centre township, do
most candidly lament the present depressed state of the times, rendered
doubly lamentable, by the suddenness of the transition from a state
of prosperity, unparalleled in the history of nations, to the verge of
bankruptcy ; a state of prosperity presenting a spectacle of wonder
and astonishment to the old world, of an infant colony shaking off
the shackles of tyranny, assuming in the short space of sixty-four
years a standing among the first nations of the old world, vieing
with them in the cultivation of the arts and sciences, in the promo
tion of manufactures, and the extension of commerce ; far surpassing
them in mineral and agricultural resources, and in being blessed
with a government better adapted (when properly administered), to
secure the happiness of the people than any other that has ever
existed; from being seated upon the pinnacle of national prosperity,
at once the pride and envy of the world, we have been hurled head
long doAvn the treacherous cliffs of experiments, and are now grovel
ling in the valley of ruin and despondency. We have become
objects of contempt and derision to foreigners, and the slaves and
vassals of those Avhose legitimate sphere is the service of the people;
and, Avhereas, in this great revolution, which has taken place in
our national condition, we recognize the fruit of the present imbe
cile and corrupt administration; and Avhereas, Ave deprecate the
election of Martin Van Buren to the Presidency of the United
States, as the finishing stroke of a political scheme that will sap the
citadel of liberty ; and whereas in the Praetorian band of office
holdei's Avhich infest our land, the SAvorn vassal of the lord of the
manor, we recognize a system of bribery and corruption calculated

POLITICS. 221
to destroy the purity of the elective franchise, and to render the
votes of freemen a merchantable commodity ; and, whereas, actua
ted by sentiments of gratitude to the immortal achievers of our
independence, and to the illustrious framers of our constitution, we
consider ourselves bound by the mutual ties of honor and consan
guinity to transmit, unimpaired, this glorious inheritance to poster
ity ; and whereas we consider the course of the present administra
tion opposed to the spirit and tenor of the constitution, and pregnant
with consequences disastrous to our prosperity, ruinous and
destructive to our interest, and subversive of civil liberty; And
whereas, being heartily tired of experiments and experimenters, we
most heartily desire to return to tbe old and tried method of admin
istering the government upon the principles laid down in the consti
tution, and upon which the administration of AVashington and
Jefferson were modeb>d;- Therefore,
Resolved, That the young men of the United States are to be the
future props of the American Republic, and upon their intelligence
and patriotism will depend the security of the ark of our political
liberty and the dearest interests of the civilized globe, and that in
order to give our minds and our feelings a thorough training pre
paratory to one of the first political battles we shall be called upon
to fight next August and November, we will visit and participate in
the object of the thousands who will meet on tbe battle field of Tip
pecanoe, on the 29 of May next, and that ,even now in comtemplat-
ing the scene that will be there exhibited, our minds expand, and
our bosoms dilate with emotions of pride and patriotism, and we
congratulate ourselves upon the fact, that there is virtue enough
among the people to purge the Republic of swindlers, robbers,
spoilsmen and all corruption.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the present is a
period in the history of our country in which every young man who
feels the least spark of American liberty burning in his bosom,
ought to come manfully forward to the support of the people's log
cabin candidate for the Presidency.
Besolved, That we place implicit confidence in tbe Hero of Tip
pecanoe for a speedy deliverance from the present embarrassments
of our country, and a just compensation for tbe produce of tbe
farmer, and the labor of tbe mechanic.
Besolved, That we, the young men of LaPorte county, in our
humble sphere, will use all honorable means within our power, to
elevate to the Presidency the Cincinnatus of America, trusting that
he will not, in tbe evening of bis days, obscure the splendor of his.

222 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
former actions; and that by his known honesty, integrity and patriot-
riotism, he will elevate us to our former prosperity and enhance our
glory among the nations of the earth.
Besolved, that we heartily approve of tbe plan of holding a con
vention on tbe Tippecanoe battle ground on the 29th, of May next,
and also recommend a general turn out of the Young Men of this
county on said occasion.
Besolved, That on tbe 29th of May next, tbe Tippecanoe Club
of LaPorte will proceed to the battle field of Tippecanoe ; that we
will take our bread, bacon, hard cider and our tents, and all the
paraphernalia of the camp along with us, together with a large ban
ner upon which shall be inscribed, Retrenchment and Reform, Log
Cabin, Hard Cider, and No Quarter.
Besolved, That the Tippecanoe Club will meet again on the 26th
day of April, at the Court House, and that a general attendance of
the young men of this county is requested.
Besolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in
the LaPorte county WJiig. M. H. Orton, President,
M. A. Allen, Secretary."
In April, a charter election was held at Michigan City, which
resulted in a Whig victory; and the Gazette of the 15th, gave an
account of the rejoicings on the occasion, which were of the most
enthusiastic character, the Democrats having carried the previous
election. The following quotation from that paper is given as illus
trative of the demonstrative proceedings :
"the ball in motion.
Yesterday was a proud day for the friends of Harrison and
Reform in this city. At an early hour, before the opening of the
polls, the Brig Constitution passed through our streets appropriately
decorated with banners and mottoes, and manned by a hardy set of
brave Whig tars, under the command of Mr. James P. Pendill.
From the foremast streamed the broad banner of ' W. H. Harrison,'
and from the mainmast streamed a flag bearing tbe motto ' Harrison
and Tyler.' At the stern of the Brig was a flag bearing the words,
' United we stand, divided we fall.' ' Go the straight ticket.' The
stars and stripes waved proudly over all, and as the Brig passed
through our streets, the citizens sent up long and loud huzzas,
whilst the brass band enlivened tbe scene by the various tunes which

POLITICS. 223
they played on board the Brig in tbe true Whig spirit. In the
rear of the boat followed a host of true Harrison voters; and
when the poll was opened, proceeded to the place and deposited
their votes in order, which made our opponents look rather streaked.
As the Brig passed along we noticed a brave son of the ocean
heaving tbe lead, and singing out the soundings ; and as tbe Brig
approached tbe poll, we could bear him singing out 'Land Ho.'
To tbe tempest-tossed mariner this is always a welcome shout, and
to tbe friends of the constitution it was doubly so. For years a
proud and haughty dynasty has lorded it over the rights and
interests of tbe people, and we have never been cheered by the
sight of a safe anchorage until tbe gallant Harrison Avas selected as
Pilot with tbe prospect of promotion to Commander of tbe next
voyage. Since then from all quarters Ave have the cheering news,
' Land Ho.' Let us push forward to victory and success.
The entire Whig ticket was elected by handsome majorties. The
following is tbe ticket :
Mayor, John Francis ; Recorder, William H. Goodhue ; Alder
men, Chauncey B. Blair, James McAdoo, George R. Selkirk
Daniel E. Garnsey, Reynolds Couden; Treasurer, Fisher Ames;
Assessors, Horace Burr, Wyllis Peck, Henry 0. Carter; Collector,
Joshua S. McDowell ; Constable, Joshua S. McDowell.
Let us 'keep the ball in motion.' "
It will be observed that while the Democratic convention pre
sented fully its platform of principles, the Whig party did not.
Tbe reason of this is probably found in the fact that a meeting of
the Whigs had been called in the preceding December, at which
the views and principles on which they entered the campaign of
1840 were fully set forth. The proceedings of that meeting were
published in tbe Whig, and they are here given in full, that the
precise position of each party may be seen, as in this county they
contended for supremacy in that most famous of all our political
contests. "WHIG MEETING.
Pursuant to a call of tbe Whig Central Committee, a meeting
was held at the Court House in LaPorte on Saturday the 28th

224 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
instant. The meeting was called to order by the appointment of
Mr. John C. Reid, as President, J. M. Barclay and J. Bigelow as
Vice Presidents, and J. M. Stuart, Secretary.
The object of this meeting having been stated by Mr. John B.
Niles, it was, on motion,
Besolved, That a committee of seven be appointed to report res
olutions expressive of the objects of this meeting; whereupon the
Chair appointed J. H. Bradley, J. M. Stuart, 0. A. Barker, Gar
land Rose, A. P. Andrew, Jr., D. Closser and Charles W. Henry,
said committee ; who, after having retired a few moments, reported
the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously
adopted :
The Whig citizens of the county of LaPorte, now assembled in
county meeting, in pursuance of a call of our Central committee,
deem it proper again to express ourselves in relation to the matters
which prompt our political action ; and about which, as freemen of
the Republic, we are soon to be called on to act. We have seen,
Avith regret, the course pursued by our rulers for several of the past
years, a course demonstrating, as it developes itself, its o,wn fatal
effects upon the prosperity of our common country. Tbe wide felt
depression of all the energies of business, the prostration of trade,,
the utter worthlessness of tbe products of agriculture, and tbe conse
quent ruin now depending above the head of almost every business
man, heretofore by us so often warned of and foretold, as sure results
of the late conduct of our general administration, are now unfortu
nately too obvious, to even the most uninquiring mind, to need any
remark from us.
Experiments, which in their results, prove so deleterious to a
whole community should never be tried. They cause always great
confusion and much distress in the trial, and the gain from them,
when successful, scarcely ever compensates for the loss sustained in
producing that success. But a few years ago, within the memory
of almost tbe youngest here, the path of the business man was even
and unobstructed. The currency of the Union firm, stable, and
built upon a foundation not easily shaken ; fluctuated only under
the slight influence of our foreign trade. Our labor and the pro
ducts of tbe soil, then not only found a market, but their price^

POLITICS. 225
when realized was of certain and definite value. Now from the
general derangement ol money matters, not only have we no market,
no price of certain availability, but even in the uncertain one, some
times presented, we are not sure that we shall receive any equiva
lent for what we sell. That which is money and valuable at one
point of the Union, is valueless, or nearly so at another.
What has produced this state of affairs is now easily ansAvered.
Who has brought about the production is not more difficult to
designate. A restless, ruleless disposition not to be content Avith enough of
good, to take prosperity in its common even disposition, to follow
in any beaten track, plain and proven safe and of easy passage, and
a bold adventurous determination in tbe executive of the Union,
unguided by reason and unrestrained by laAv, are the causes to
which all these evils owe their origin. When, by the overwhelming
force of public opinion, President Jackson became the executive of
tbe Union, that public opinion owed its origin to a deep seated
belief that a reform was necessary in the expenditures of the country,
and that proper economy had been lost sight of by former rulers.
How far this great desideratum of those times has been achieved,
now every one knows. Instead of retrenchment and reform, we
have been compelled to witness a most profligate and unAvarrantable
waste of tbe public money, mad schemes of finance and obstinate
persistence in them after failure has been evident, a loose adminis
tration of public affairs having for its object, more to reward parti
sans than to protect the public, and a consequent loss of millions to
the country by entru.sting it in the hands of men wholly irresponsi
ble, and in many cases, notoriously dishonest, are matters that have
successively developed themselves for the last eight years, until it is
feared that as a nation, Ave have suffered in our character for mor
ality and integrity, much more under the present dynasty,
independently of any other loss or evil than under all former admin
istrations. We have seen the whole fabric of political principle
upon which Andrew Jackson mounted into power, entirely SAvept
away. The internal improvement of the Union, an object first in
importance in all other countries is here, by his fiat an abandoned
and forbidden thing. The protection of the indu.stry, the produc-
15

226 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
tion and manufactures of our own citizens has followed in its wake,
and so far as the last measure is concerned, our people and their
resources, are thrown prostrate before, and completely subservient
to, the production of foreign and servile countries.
The destruction of the tariff allows England to compete with us
in our own market, and with the labor of its slaves to undersell our
citizens, while that same country will not permit us to land an
article of our agricultural products (other than cotton which it can
not produce), upon its shores.
Measures like these marked the administration of Andrew
Jackson, and their effects are written unfortunately, too legibly in
the present condition of a groaning people.
Martin Van Buren, his chosen and appointed successor, came
into office avowedly to follow in his predecessor's footsteps. How
well he has done so, let the continued derangement of the currency,
the daily appointments of purchased partisans, the hundreds of
defaulters, the notorious insolvency of the treasury, and last and
greatest, the utter disregard of the wants and interests of the
people, in the leading measures of his administration, answer.
When Ave see an unhallowed distinction made in the payment of
equally just debts, when the office-holding partisan demands the
gold for himself, but pays to his laboring man what he calls rags,
we are led to ask if it is Republicanism that prompts him ?
When by daily annunciations, dishonesty and crime are charged
upon public agents and public men, and when investigation is
feared, we see the administration by a traitorous and destructive
usurpation of power, attempt, aye, almost succeed, to disfranchise,
to trample upon, to strike from the Union a faithful patriotic state,
whose very field is saturated and red with the blood of the revolution,
whose every valley teems with the memory of victory and freedom;
we are led to ask if it is in the hearts of freemen longer to let such
things be. We answer, and we do hope and believe our whole country
will join us in the answer, No. AVe think we see in the flag of the
opposition, so triumphantly unfurled, bearing the honored names of
Harrison and Tyler, a unanimous and unequivocal answer. No.
Let us then once more unite ourselves for an effectual and radical
change. Let us shoAv by the unanimity of our action, that we have at

POLITICS. 227
heart the common good, and that all other and minor considerations
have yielded to a deep determination to hurl the present adminis
tration from power, and that object and that only we will unceas
ingly pursue.
In the nomination of William Henry Harrison, we hail a
harbinger of better times. He comes before us for our suffrages
fresh from the ranks of tbe people, unpolluted and uncorrupted by
power, untrammeled by any pledges.
He is now as he has always been, one of the people — mingling
with them in their common affairs — estimating by personal experi
ence, their wants and their enjoyments; and/possesslng by these
means, one of tbe greatest requisites for a ruler. For more than
forty years be has been subjected to the ordeal of public opinion,
and in all that time, in whatever station he was placed, whether as
governor or governed, we find no charge of corruption or dishonesty
attached to him,, even by his enemies.
As the Governor of the Northwestern territory he has conferred
more benefit upon tbe West, than all other rulers besides, and in bis
whole career in that official capacity under the successive appoint
ments of Presidents Jefferson and Madison, his whole aim was to
increase the power and prosperity of his country, to render it a
peaceable, happy and profitable home to its people, without in one
solitary instance, looking towards bis own personal aggrandizement.
Of bis conduct as a soldier in defence of his country, it is not
necessary for us bere to speak. We live upon the ground where his
battles Avere fought, and if any shall seek information of him there,
we refer them to tbe hundreds around us, who shared those battles
with him. Go ask of them, and if there can be found one solitary
brave man wbo bared his bosom at the side of Harrison, in that
strife, whose blood at a charge of dishonor against his general, will
not boil, and his sp'irit leap to hurl back the charge in the teeth of
the slanderer,, then let his character rest upon the opinion of that
single man.
The battle fields of Tippecanoe, of Fort Meigs and of the Thames,
present to the world unperishable monuments of his fame as a
soldier, and upon that evidence he may safely rest. *
As a statesman, he stands the admitted equal of those with whom

228 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY
he has acted, and calumny itself has never dared to assail him
there. The latter part of his life has been occupied in agricultural pur
suits — retired from the world, a private man, seeking no place or
power, he has devoted himself to the business of agriculture, and in
that position he is found when now called upon by the unanimous
voice of the largest convention ever assembled in the Union, to
assume the office of President of the United States. With the
decision of that convention we most cordially agree. To the candi
dates then presented to us, we pledge our undivided support:
Therefore, Resolved, That as citizens of Indiana, we know no man to whom
we are under greater obligations as a people than to AA'm. Henry
Harrison, nor any one Avhose virtue and talents more entitle him
to our undivided support for the office of President of the United
States. Resolved, That we hail the nomination of the Hon John Tyler
of Virginia, for the office of Vice President of the United States, as a
covenant between the North and the South, and Ave shall look upon
his election as evidence that our government will be administered
upon the principles of the times of Washington and Jefferson, when
patriotism held the place, now unsurped by party. With such can
didates as Harrison and Tyler we shall not only achieve, but we
shall merit success.
Resolved, That the letter of Senator Foster of Tennessee, in
answer to the instructions of a party legislature of his State, is just
such a response as Ave hope every Whig would make to such
instructions. 'Tis a fit answer from a patriot to .such servile pan-
derers, for their official masters.
Resolved. That Ave approve of the plan of holding a State conven
tion at Indianapolis, on the 16th of January, 1840, for nominating
candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and an electoral
ticket, and that AA" AA^ Higgins, J. M. Barclay, Dr. S. Everts, S.
Stewart, M. Osborn, S. Vanpelt, C. AV. Henry, tallies J. Henry, J.
H. Bradley, William Clark, J. M. Stuart and W. J. Walker, be
appointed delegates to represent the county of LaPorte in said State
convention, with power to supply any vacancy in their owh body.
Resolved, That our delegates to the State convention be instructed
to present the name of Abraham P. AndrcAV, Jr., to the convention
as a candidate for elector of President and Vice President, for
northern Indiana.

POLITICS. 229
Resolved, That we recommend the holding of a convention of
d^jlegates from the several counties, in March next, at Valparaiso, in
Porter county, to nominate a Whig candidate to be supported by
us for Senator, from this senatorial district, and that Josiah Grover,
of Noble township, 0. A. Barker of Michigan, W. H. H. White
head of Wills, John Reynolds, of Hudson, Gilbert Rose, of Spring
field, A. Blackburn, of Kankakee, Dr. Whitcomb, of Clinton, D.
G. Rose, of Scipio, James M. Ray, of New Durham, Samuel Stewart,
of Pleasant, Wm. Allen, of Centre and David Harmon of Galena,
be appointed delegates to represent LaPorte county in said convention.
Resolved, That a committee of three residing in LaPorte county
be appointed to correspond with other counties in relation to hold
ing the said senatorial convention, with authority to agree upon the
exact time for holding the convention; Avhereupon, the chair
appointed Dr. S. Everts, C. AA^. Henry and Reuben Munday, Esq.,
said committee.
On motion. Resolved, That Jacob Early, John B. Niles, D.
Closser, Wm. Andrew, John H. Bradley, Joseph Orr, Aaron
Stanton, M. H. Orton and Henry Fredrickson, be appointed a
central committee for this county, for the ensuing year.
On motion, .Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
signed by the President, 'A^'ice Presidents, and countersigned by the
clerk, and published in the LaPorte County Whig and Michigan
City Gazette. John C. Reid, President.
•J. Bigelow. ) -rr. t, - 1 ^
T ,, -r, )¦ Vice Presidents.
J. M. Barclay, ( J. M. Stuart, Secretary."
The feeling towards those who were opposed to slavery, and were
hence called "Abolitionists" has already been alluded to; and it
is thought advisable to present here further evidence of the feeling
that existed towards these sincere and conscientious men. In the
LaPorte Herald of March 7, 1840, there appeared a long article
entitled "Abolitionism," written by Wilber F. Storey, one of the
editors, and now the editor-in-chief, and proprietor of the Chicago
Times. The following passages are copied from that article:
" During two weeks past considerable excitement has existed in
this county in consequence of tbe presence of two emissaries or
missionaries sent from some hot-bed of Abolitionism to enlighten
tbe benighted inhabitants of Indiana on this nefarious subject.

230 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
Pursuant to notice previously given a few (there are but few in the
county), of these "friends of tbe poor negro," met at the Court
House in this place, on Monday the 26th inst.
The notice of this meeting we are sorry to say, was published in
this paper. When we published the Herald we did not admit any
of their notices or proceedings into our columns, for the reason that
we believed tbe Abolitionists to be no better than traitors to their
country. Mr. Lomax, however, admits them when a subscriber to
tbe paper requests it. For our own part, if we published a paper
we would not wish to have a single abolition subscriber; and we
hope the Democratic party will use every means to drive them out
of the ranks, if there be any in. But an Abolitionist cannot con
sistently be a Democrat.
We have beard the question frequently asked why such a swarm
of abolition lecturers are overrunning the country, and how they
support themselves ? We think we can satisfactorily answer the
question. There is a society in existence which is styled tbe
'American'' Anti-Slavery Society.' By some means this society
obtains large amounts of money. Well, for money, a large number
of loafers, who are too indolent to earn their bread honestly, can be
found who will travel about the country and lecture on abolitionism.
Their salary is usually about four or five hundred dollars per year,
and their expenses paid. But it must be recollected their expenses
are very trifling, as they are instructed to practice a system of
sponging wherever they go. Our readers will therefore observe
that it is from no honest motive that they lecture on abolition.
We hope that if we are again troubled with abolition loafers, the
people of the county will meet in convention, pass resolutions on
the subject, and appoint a committee to request them to leave town.
We think it a very proper course to pursue. If they do not obey
the will of the people, coercive measures will be proper.
W. F. S."
Thus is presented as fully as the facts can be obtained from
original documents, the principles and attitude of parties in La
Porte county in the year 1840. Party feeling was up to fever
heat. Tbe Democrats held the national administration, and the
prestige of official power, the President, Martin Van Buren, being

POLITICS. 231
a candidate for re-election. The greater degre of enthusiasm was
called out by the Whigs, whose candidates "Tippecanoe and Tyler
too" were the theme of song and shout and many a log-cabi^ dis
play. The candidate for congress in each party was a man of
brilliant parts. E. A. Hannegan, candidate of the Democratic
party, was a captivating speaker, and a lawyer who at the bar had
few superiors. Henry S. Lane the Whig candidate was then in the
vigor of his manhood and a popular speaker of great eloquence,
swaying an audience almost at his Avill. These two candidates
made a thorough canvass of the district, speaking at all available
points. Col. Lane spoke at various points in LaPorte county, as
did also bis Democratic competitor, evoking the highest enthusiam
of their resp'='ctive retainers. Senatorial, representative and county
candidates all worked with a vigor and earnestness that h'ad never
before been equaled. The election for State and county officers
came on in August, and the Whigs were victorious.
The county vote in detail at the election in August was as fol
lows for each candidate:
Whig. Vote. Democrat. Vote.

Tilghman A. HoAvard, 778
Benjamin S. Tuley, 770
Edward A. Hannegan, 760
Charles W. Cathcart, 765
Willard A. Place, 809
Wm. M. Patterson, ' 832
DeWitt Strong, 774
Abram Fravel, 481

Governor, Samuel Bigger, 1004
Lt. Governor, Samuel Hall, 1009
Congress, Henry S. Lane, 1015
State Senator, S. Everts, 1013
Representative, Daniel Brown, 963
Sheriff, William Allen, 941
Commissioner, Henly Clyburn, 994
School Com. Abel Lomax, 577
Independent, John B. Fravel, 692
At the Presidential election in November, the Harrison electors
received one thousand and sixty-nine votes, and the Van Buren
electors six hundred and thirty-nine votes.
Having now presented very fully the position of parties in 1840,
and shown the efforts put forth by each to win success, there is
here exhibited a rapid glance at tbe state of parties in the county
from the date of the first election for President ever held in the
county, the 7th day of November, 1832. In tbe August preceding,
an election was held for the purpose of electing a State Senator, a

232 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
Representative in the State legislature, one Sheriff, one Coroner,
one Probate Judge, one justice of the peace and one school com
missioner. Seventy-seven votes were cast at this election, and
where party lines were drawn on any candidates it resulted in a
slight majority for the Whig, Samuel Hanna having received a few
votes more than his competitor. Pleasant Harris. At this election
Elisha Egbert and George CraAvford were the opposing candidates
for Representative to the State legislature. At the presidential
election in November, one hundred and fifteen votes were cast, and
the following are the names of the persons who voted :
George Cline, Wm. C. Thrall, James Holder, John Morgan, Isaac
Morgan, John Carter, John Barnet, Wm. Garwood, Gaines Munger,
AVm. Morgan, -Jesse Sherwood, Wm. White, Josiah Bryant, Charles
Campbell, Samuel AA^eston, Charles AVest, Joseph Orr, Nathaniel
Steele, Levi Garwood, Alden Tucker, John Davis, Elisha Newhall,
Jonathan Sherwood, John Broadhead, James Hutchins, Jeremiah
Sherwood, Ezekiel Provolt, Myron Ives, Daniel Murray, Asa M.
Wai;ren, Elias Brown, Michael Brand, Jacob Miller, James Mc-
Cormick, Absalom Holder, John Miller, Wm. Miller, .Jesse AA^illetts,
Amos Dyer, Arthur Irwin, John Wills, Basil Sperry, Aurea Sperry,
Levi Brown, John Ireland, Joseph Lykins, AA'^m. Ireland, Alexan
der Blackburn, Andrew ShaAV, James Nixon, Emery A. Brown,
Philip Fail, Sanford Utley, Jesse M. West, Henry F. Jones, John
Jones, Nathan B. Nichols, James Highley, Gamaliel Druliner, Wm.
Thorp, Edmund Luther, Barzilla Druliner, George Thomas, A. P.
Andrew, Jr., Benjamin McCarty, Adam Thornton, Jacob Coleman,
John Sailor, Richard Harris, Christopher McClure, Wm. F. Hor-
ton, Absalom Rambo, Orra Morse, Ira Robinson, AA^m.. McCarty,
Joseph Osborn, Wilson Malone, Elijah H. Brown, Wm. Phillips,
James Andrew, John Whitaker, John Stanton, Arba Heald, Elijah
Stanton, Joseph P. Osborn, Adam G. Polke, Joshua Wilson, Adam
Keith, Charles Morley, Wm. Thomas, James Thomas, Samuel Har
mison, Samuel Hoover, Stephen Brayton, John Coleman, R. S.
Morrison, Lewis Shirley. In Kankakee township, John Wills was
inspector*; Ezekiel Provolt and Myron Ives were the clerks, and
Nathan B. Nichols and Asa M. Warren the judges. In Scipio
township, the inspector was A. P. Andrew, Jr.; the judges were

POLITICS. 233
Charles Morley and Ira Richardson, and the clerks were Samuel
Hoover and R. S. Morrison. For New Durham township, the
inspector was Elisha Newhall ; the clerks were James Hutchins and
Joseph Orr, and the judges were Wm. Morgan and Wm. Garwood.
Of the votes cast fifty-nine were for the electors for Henry Clay,
and fifty-six were for tbe electors for Andrew Jackson.
Tbe next annual election was held on the 5th day of August,
1833. Edward A. Hannegan and Albert S. White were candidates
for congress, and White received a small majority in this county.
There were several candidates for Representative to the State legis
lature, among them George Crawford, who led all the rest.
The tally paper for tbe election held in LaPorte county on the
4th day of August, 1834, shows that Noah Noble received three
hundred and tAventy-eight A'otes for tbe office of Governor, and James
G. Reed one hundred and fifty, which probably exhibits the rela
tive strength of the two parties at the time. The largest vote cast
for any candidate was for the candidate for Governor, and tbe vote
could not have been controlled by local influences, as in the case of
tbe county candidates, the result on whom was divided between the
two parties.
At tbe annual election in 1835, while the Whig candidates for
county offices Avere elected, the county went Democratic on candi
dates for Congress, State Senator and Representative to the State
legislature. For Congress, E. A. Hannegan received six hundred
and twelve votes, and James Gregory one hundred and sixty-three ;
for State Senator D. H. Colerick received two hundred and ninety-
three A'otes, and Wm. G. Ewing two hundred and seventy-seven;
for Representative in the State legislature, Charles W. Cathcart
received four hundred and thirty-three votes, Samuel Miller two
hundred and twelve, and J. A. Liston one hundred and thirty-four.
Tbe annual election of 1836, was held on the first day of August,
and the Whig candidates were generally successful in the county,
though tbe vote was very close, Gustavus A. Everts receiving four
hundred and sixty-eight votes for State Senator, and David Evans
four hundred and sixty-seven. There were six candidates voted for,
for Sheriff, and Sutton VanPelt received three hundred and twenty-
four votes and Dudley Avery three hundred and one, while the vote
of others was small.

234 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Another presidential election occurred in November of this year.
The candidatesTwere Martin Van Buren and Gen. Harrison. The
VanBuren electors received four hundred and ninety votes, and the
Harrison electors four hundred and fifty-two votes. A. P. Andrew,
Jr., was one of the electors on the Whig ticket. Tbe returning
board for LaPorte county at this election consisted of Adam G.
Polke, Ezra Tyler, C. W. Brown, Jacob Drom, Gale Martin, John
Mather and Wm. Ruby. There was also an election this year for
associate judge, at which Elisha Newhall received one hundred and
sixty two votes and Gustavus A. Rose, two hundred and eight
votes. At the August election of 1837, the Whigs Avere victorious.
David Wallace received seven hundred and thirty nine votes for
Governor against two hundred and two for John Dumont. For
Congress Albert S. White received seven hundred and one votes
against two hundred and twenty three for Nathan Jackson. For
State Senator John H. Bradley received five hundred and seven
votes against four hundred and sixty-seven for Charles W. Cathcart.
For county offices, the Whigs, with one or two exceptions, were
elected. In 1838, the Whigs were again successful, and in 1840, the
elections all resulted in their favor, as already shown in detail.
The contest of 1840, was one of the most excited campaign years
the country has ever Avitnessed. This county was aroused in full
proportion to tbe vehement state of public feeling elsewhere; and
never before in the county, had there been so active a political con
fiict. With one exception, that of the independent candidate for
school commissioner, the Whigs elected all their candidates, and as
LaPorte county went, so went that year, the State and the Nation.
If there was any rejoicing over the result, when it was known that
there was victory all around the sky, and if there was any profuse
drinking of hard cider, which is highly probable, tbe fact must be
left to rest within the knowledge of those who participated.

POLITICS. 235

CHAPTER XXII.
POLITICS. — Continued.
On tbe 3d day of May, 1841, an election for Representative in
Congress was held in the District of which LaPorte was a part,.
then tbe seventh, and the candidates were Henry S. Lane and John
Brice, the former the Whig candidate, and the latter the Demo
cratic. LaPorte gave three hundred and ten majority to the Whig
candidate, the total vote being seven hundred and seventy-nine for
Lane, and four hundred and sixty-nine for Brice. Of the town
ships. Centre, Michigan, Scipio, Noble, Pleasant, Wills, Clinton,
Union, Galena and Kankakee gave Whig majorities, and Spring
field, Hudson and New Durham Democratic majorities. At the
following August election some of the Democratic candidates were
elected. At that time tbe county elected two Representatives to
the State legislature, and for the different candidates the vote was
as follows : J. W. Chapman, eight hundred and fifty-one ; J. H.
Bradley, six hundred and ninety-eight; A.Blackburn, five hun
dred and six ; G. A. Everts, three hundred and twenty-three. For
Probate Judge tbe vote stood, for J. R. Wells, seven hundred and
fifteen ; S. Stewart, six hundred and fifty-four. For County Auditor,
J. D. CoUings received four hundred and seventy votes; J. M.
Barclay, four hundred and forty-seven; S. G. Hunt, two hundred
and thirty-three; and Abram Fravel, two hundred and fifteen.
For County Treasurer, W. A. Place received eight hundred and
forty votes, and Wyllis Peck five hundred and seventy-seven. For
County Commissioners in the first and second Districts, P. Hunt
and B. Beard were elected by handsome majorities. P. S. Weed
was elected Assessor without opposition, J. G. Newhouse was
elected Coroner over J. Bigelow by six majority, and S. Treat, J.
C. Reid and John B. Niles were elected county Seminary Trustees-

236 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
The county was evidently still Whig in politics as was manifest by
the vote on the candidates for Representatives.
The August election of 1842, was again for county offices only,
and the vote for the leading candidates was as follows : For Rep
resentatives, J. H. Bradley, eight hundred and thirty-nine ; John
Francis, eight hundred and fifty -four; John Chapman, seven hun
dred and seventy ; A. B. Brown, tAventy-n'.ne. For Sheriff, J. M.
Clarkson, seven hundred and ninety-fiVe; Wm. Allen, seven
hundred and eighty. For Commissioner first District, Phineas
Hunt, one thousand and twenty-eight; Jacob V. Heckman, two
hundred and ten. For Recorder, Burwell Spurlock, one thousand
two hundred and one; J. F. Reynolds, one hundred and fifty-six;
J. AA'. Teeple, fifty-one.
The election of 1843, Avas for Governor, Lieutenant Governor,
Congress, State Senator, Representatives, County Auditor, County
commissioner, School commissioner. Assessor, Coroner, and Prose
cuting attorney. The parties having candidates in the field were
Democrat, Whig and Abolitionist. The Whig candidate for Gov
ernor, Samuel Bigger, received eight hundred and thirty-nine votes
to six hundred and ninety-nine for James Whitcomb, and fifty-four
for Elizur Doming. The Abolitionist candidates throughout
received about fifty votes each. For Lieutenant Governor, John
H. Bradley, received seven hundred and ninety-two votes and Jesse
D. Bright seven hundred and sixteen votes. For Congress, Samuel C.
Sample received eight hundred and forty-one votes and Ebenezer
M. Chamberlain six iiundred and ninety-six votes. For State
Senator Sylvanus Everts received eight hundred and twenty-one
votes and J. W. Chapman seven hundred and seventeen votes. For
Representatives Wm. Allen received eight hundred and twenty-
eight votes, Ferdinand Roberts seven hundred and ninety-seven
votes, Charles W. Cathcart seven hundred and thirty-six votes and
¦James Bradley six hundred and ninety-three votes. James Mc
Cord and Hezekiah Robertson were candidates for County com
missioner, and McCord was elected; Joel Butler and Joseph
Lomax were candidates for County Auditor, and Butler was elected ;
Thomas B. Cole and Samuel Treat were candidates for Assessor,
and Treat was elected; E. B. Woodson and D. M. Leaming were

POLITICS. 237
candidates for School commissioner, and AVoodson Avas elected;
Orrin J. Minor aud John Closser were candidates for Coroner, and
Minor was elected; Reuben L. FarnsAvorth and Michael C. Dough
erty Avere candidates for Prosecuting attorney, and FarnsAvorth
received one hundred and thirty-two majority. With few excep
tions, the AVhig candidates were elected, the aA'erage majority being
one hundred.
The abolitionist candidates Avere, for Governor, Elizur Deming;
for Lieutenant Governor, Stephen S. Harding; for Congress, Jacob
Bigelow; for State Senator, Robert Stewart; for Representatives,
Theodore Catlin and Herbert AVilliams ; for County commissioners.
Jonathan AVilliams; for School commissioner, Elnatban Gregory;
for Assessor, Mead Catlin ; fir Coroner, Judson Sawin ; for CountA-
Auditor, A. BlgeloAv.
At the August election of 1844, -J. M. Barclay and A. L. Osborn
Avere elected Representatives to the State legislature, over Samuel
Treat and Thomas P. Armstrong by small majorities. AV. A.
Place was elected County Treasurer over David G. Rose by two
hundred and forty majority. Harrison Hinkley was elected Sheriff
over AVm. Allen by tAventy-eight ma,jority. George H. Havens
was elected Assessor over Foster by forty -four majjority. J. S.
McDowell Avas elected Coroner over .John Closser by thirty-four
majority. A. Lathrop, Charles Vail and H. Robertson were
elected County commissioners, over J. V. Hickman, Mark Allen
and A. Bigelow. The Abolitionist or Liberty candidates were, for
Represent^itives, Jesse .Jones and Wyllis Peck ; for Sherift', Joshua
R. Shedd ; for (.!ounty Treasurer, Ingraham Gould ; for Assessor.
Theodore Catlin; for Commissioners, Joel Lewis, Judson Sawin
and Herbert Williams ; for Coroner, .Jonathan AVilliams. In this
year political strife ran high. A President^of the United States was
to be elected and the electoral tickets were before the people to be
voted on in November. Besides the two great parties, the Aboli
tionists also presented an electoral ticket. Among the electors
were many well known names. Henry S. Lane and .Joseph G.
Marshall were electors at large on the Whig ticket, and among the
District electors were George G. Dunn, Richard W. Thompson and
Horace P. Biddle. The Democratic electors at large were Graham

238 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
N. Fitch and James G. Read ; and among the District electors were
Samuel E. Perkins, Paris C. Dunning, Henry W. Ellsworth and
Charles W. Cathcart. They all canvassed actively, making numer
ous speeches for their respective chiefs, Henry Clay and James K.
Polk. If the result of that great combat had depended on LaPorte
•county, Henry Clay would have been numbered among the Presi
dents of the United States, for the Whig electors received in this
county a vote of one thousand and nine, to eight hundred and thirty-
one votes for the Democratic electors, and fifty-three votes for the
Abolitionist electors, whose candidate was James G. Birney.
At the August election of 1846, LaPorte county went Demo
cratic on candidates for Congress, Charles W. Cathcart receiving a
majority of thirty-nine over Samuel C. Sample. For Representa
tives Andrew L. Osborn and J. S. Carter were elected over W. W.
Higgins and William M. Patterson. For Associate Judges William
Andrew and Abner Bailey were elected. For Clerk, Thomas P.
Armstrong was elected over John M. Barclay. For Coroner,
Jesse Wasson was elected over A. J. Wair, and tor County commis
sioner, Abiel Lathrop was elected over Whitman Goit, all by small
majorities. '
At the August election of 1846, Joseph G. Marshall was the
Whig candidate for Governor, and James Whitcomb, the Demo
cratic, and the vote of LaPorte county was nine hundred and
forty-three for Marshall, and eight hundred and sixty-seven for
Whitcomb. For Lieutenant Governor, Alexander S. Stevenson
received nine hundred and forty-three votes, and Paris C. Dunning
eight hundred and sixty-one. For State Senator, Andrew L.
Osborn received nine hundre.i and ninety-seven votes and John M.
Lemon seven hundred and ninety-eight. For Prosecuting attorney,
James Bradley received eight hundred and ninety-four votes, and
Joseph H. Mather, nine hundred and one votes. For Representa
tives, Samuel Stewart and F. W. Hunt were elected over William
Wright and Jacob G. Sleight, by less than one hundred majority
each. West Darling and Christopher McClure were elected com
missioners over John Wills and Samuel Treat; Joshua S. Mc-
DoAvell was elected Sheriff over H. F. Hinkley by ninety-one
majority, and W. K. Anderson was elected over Mark Allen for

POLITICS. 239
Assessor by fifty-three majority. The Liberty party, with wonder-
M courage kept up its organization and bad a full ticket in the
field, and polled this year an average of sixty-three votes in the
county, the largest vote yet given. The candidates of that party
for county officers were. Representatives, George Sawin and T. N.
West; for County commissioners, Alva Mason and Jonathan
Williams; for Sheriff, A. H. Mathews, and for Assessor, Jesse
Jones. The Liberty party candidate for State Senator was Robert
Stewart. At the election of 1847, held on the 4th day of August, tbe
county went Democratic on candidates for Congress. Daniel D.
Pratt, was the Whig candidate and received in this county nine
hundred and thirteen votes to nine hundred and ninety-seven for
Charles AV. Cathcart, the Democratic candidate. F. W. Hunt and
Myron H. Orton were elected Representatives to the State legis
lature over J. G. Sleight and William Taylor by majorities of about
one hundred each. John M. Lemon was elected Treasurer at this
election, receiving nine hundred and seventy-seven votes, to nine
hundred ani sixty-one for Willard A. Place. Alfred Stephens was
elected County commissioner by a small majority over West Dar
ling ; and A. J. Wair was elected Coroner over John F. Decker, by
a majority of eighty-seven.
Tbe year 1848, brought with it a lively campaign. It was the
year when General Taylor was the candidate of the Whig party for
President, and General Lewis Cass candidate of the Democrats.
Martin Van Buren was the candidate of the Free Soil party. Of
course partv lines were more closely drawn than in other years when
national interests were not at stake ; but in LaPorte county, local
considerations affected tbe result in August to such an extent that
some candidates were elected from each of the two leading political
parties, the Democrats generally leading. Willard A. Place and
F. W. Hunt were elected Representatives over A. Ainsworth and A.
H. Robinson, Place receiving a majority of one hundred and forty-
six and Hunt a majority of five. Andrew J. Wair was elected
Auditor over Joel Butler by a majority of one hundred and thirty-
three. J. R. Wells was elected Probate judge over William C.
Hannah. James Bradley was elected Prosecuting attorney over

240 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Myron H. Orton. J. S. McDowell was elected Sheriff over W. D.
Shumway by four hundred and eighty-nine majority. Samuel
Burson was elected County commissioner over A. Lathrop and
Joseph B. Lewis was eclected Assessor over R. Shaw by nineteen
majority. The political excitement did not terminate with the
local election in August, but increased until the Presidential election
in November. Perhaps the most significant circumstance attending
this campaign and election was the growth of the Free Soil senti
ment, the county giving two hundred and twenty-six votes for the
Van Buren and Adams electors, the candidates of that party for the
Presidency and Vice Presidency. The Whig electors received one
thousand and twenty-seven votes, and the Democratic eight hun
dred and eighty-three votes, the county going for Taylor and
Fillmore by one hundred and forty-four majority over Cass and
Butler. On the electoral ticket of each party these were men who
have become distinguished in the history of the State. Among the
Democratic electors there Avere Robert Dale Owen, Cyrus L. Dun
ham, Charles H. Test and Graham N. Fitch; among the Whig
electors wdre Joseph G. Marshall, Godlove S. Orth, Lovell H.
Rousseau and Daniel D. Pratt; among the Free Soil electors, were
H. L. Ellsworth, James H. Cravens, George W. -lulian and John
H. Bradley. The canvassing of the Avhole State was constant,
thorough and able. Passions were deeply stirred, for more and
more were questions arising out of the institution of slavery coming
to the surface, and although both tbe old parties 'endeavored to
ignore such questions, yet, like the ghost of murdered Banquo,
they would not "doAvn."
At the August election in 1849, the county Avent AVhig by an
average majority of one hundred and fifty. The vote on candi
dates for Governor were, for John A. Matson, Whig, one thousand
one hundred and two, and for Joseph A. AVright, Democrat, nine
hundred and fifty-nine; for Lieutenant Governor, Thomas S.
Stanfield, Whig, one thousand one hundred and five, and James H.
Lane, Democrat, nine hundred and fifty-four ; for Representative
in Congress, Williamson Wright, one thousand one hundred and
twenty-seven, Graham N. Fitch, nine hundred and fifty-seven ; for
State Senator, Abram Teegarden, Whig, one thousand one hundred

POLITICS. 241
and sixty-one, and William W. McCoy, Democrat, nine hundred
and one; for Representatives in the State legislature, Alex. H.
-Robinson and AVilliam Millikan, Whigs, Avere elected over AV.
A. Place and Jacob R. Hall; for Probate judge, Mulford K.
Farrand, Whig, was elected over Gilbert Hathaway, Democrat;
for County commissioners, John F. Allison and Christopher Mc
Clure were elected over AVm. Fry and Alfred Stephens; for
Recorder, Burwell Spurlock Avas the only candidate; for Coroner
F. A. McDowell was elected over R. K. Crandall.
The election of August, 1850, resulted in the election of some of
the candidates of each of the tAvo parties. For delegates to the
constitutional convention, John B. Niles, Alexander Blackburn,
Charles AA". Cathcart and E. D. Taylor Avere the candidates, and
they received votes as folloAvs ; Niles, nine hundred and ninety-
three; Taylor, one thousand and two; Cathcart, nine hundred and
thirty-one, and Blackburn, eight hundred and thirty-nine. For
Representatives in the State legislature, AVilliam Millikan and
James Bradley Avere elected over Alexander H. Robinson and
Jacob R. Hall; for Treasurer, .John M. Lemon was elected over
William Taylor; for Sheriff, H. LaAvson Avas elected over Jesse
Mathis by twenty -nine majority only; for County commissioner
Mark Allen was elected over John F. Allison; for Coroner, E. S.
Organ Avas elected over F. McCollum, and for Assessor, Joseph B.
Lewis was elected over John S. Jessup.
At the regular election held on the first Monday of August,
1851, tbe AVhigs carried the county by a small majority, averaging
less than one hundred. The candidates foi' Congress, Avere Schuy
ler Colfax and Graham N. Fitch, and the former received of the
votes of LaPorte county, one thousand and seventy-three, the
latter one thousand and sixty-six. For the Legislature, F. W.
Hunt was elected over James Bradley ; for Clerk, Volney Bailey
was elected over A. AV. Henley ; for County commissioner, George
C. Havens was elected over James Drummond by ten majority; for
Assessor, John S. Jessup was the only candidate. At this election
the new constitution Avas voted upon, and LaPorte county gave one
thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine votes for its adoption, to
one hundred and thirty tAvo votes against it. That section of this
i6

242 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
constitution which provided for the exclusion of "negroes and
mulattoes" from the State was submitted to a separate vote, and
although it is not pleasant to write it, yet the truth must be told
that for this barbarous measure there were one thousand three hun
dred and thirty-eight votes, and only six hundred and thirty-five
against it. And yet perhaps there should be a feeling of gratifica
tion that so large a vote was cast against it, for it was certainly
much larger in proportion to the Avhole vote than in many other
parts of tbe State, and indicated that the grand idea of freedom for
all men, Avas taking root, and giving promise of a golden harvest.
Hoav men have grown since that day ! grown in the knoAvledge of
the meaning of Liberty, in the knowledge of human brotherhood,
and of a genuine political manhood. Let us be glad for that six
hundred and thirty-five Azotes.
This Avas the year when Bchuyler Colfax was a candidate for
Congress the first time. The convention by which he was nomi
nated, was held at Plymouth on the 28th day of May. The Demo
crats of the District had met a few days previously, on the 22d day
of May, at the same place, and nominated Graham N. Fitch for
re-election to Congress. To show the position of parties on public
questions at this time there is here presented the resolutions
adopted by the tAvo conventions held at Plymouth. The Demo
cratic convention adopted as its platform of principles, the following
resolutions :
"Resolved, That the cardinal principles of the Democratic party
are to be found in the resolutions of 1798, drawn by Jefferson and
Madison, and reaffirmed by the National conventions of 1836, 1840,
1844 and 1848; that we regard them as the touchstone of our
political faith ; that avc will be governed by them in our political
action, and that we place our nominee for Congress upon the broad
platform thus erected.
Resolved, That we abide by the letter and spirit of the Consti
tution, and that we will stand by each and all of its compromises,
and therefore recognize the binding force of every clause, (the
delivery of fugitives from labor included), and Ave regard any action
from any quarter. North or South, that tends to Aveaken or estrange
our high allegiance to its solemn provisions, as equally faithless and
treasonable."

POLITICS. 243
The Whig convention adopted a much longer platform of princi
ples. Their resolutions were as follows :
" Resolved, That tbe AVhigs of the ninth Congressional District, in
convention assembled, tender to each other their pledge of fidelity
to the cause, and devotion to tbe principles for which they have so
long labored.
Resolved, That our position remains unchanged; no interference
with the domestic policy or peculiar institutions of sister States ; no
extension of slave territory ; no diffusion of an institution which it
is believed tends to degrade labor and blight industry, over more of
National soil than it now covers; no countenancing of disunion
sentiments whether at the North or South ; but devotion, unfalter
ing and unconditional devotion to our glorious Union, in any event,
under all circumstances, despite all contingencies.
Resolved, That although we may not agree upon each and every
one of the measures passed by the last Congress, knoAvn as the com
promise measures, yet we regard them as designed to settle the
questions specified in them, and that we are of the opinion that the
good of tbe country requires that the settlement should remain
undisturbed until time and experience shall show that a change or
modification of them is necessary to avoid evasion or abuse; and
that we hold, in the language of Henry Clay, on making his report
from the committee of thirteen, that "Congress ought, while on tbe
one hand securing to the owner the fair restoration of his property,
effectually to guard on the other against any abuse in the applica
tion of the remedy," being satisfied that it is not unsafe for either
individuals or nations to rectify wrong by the substitution of right,
and that the crowning glory of law is its protection of the rights
of the weak as well as its enforcement of the just claims of the
strong. Resolved, That the thanks of the nation are due Millard Fillmore
and his Cabinet for the promptness and efficiency with which they
have maintained the public faith, and for their determination to
execute tbe laws at every hazard, and preserve unsullied the honor
and integrity of the Nation ; and that this administration deserves
the confidence and support of the Whig party.
Resolved, That so far from the prosperity so confidently pre
dicted by our opponents being realized by the working of the
present tariff, we see, instead of the high prices for grain that were
promised, a depression in rates almost unparalleled ; instead of an
increase in the rewards of labor, factories and mills all over the land
stopping, and thus operatives ceasing to purchase of the farmer.

244 HISTORY OP LAPORTE COUNTY
compelled to resort to agriculture themselves, and becoming rivals
in producing instead of being consumers, thereby tending still
further to depress prices by the superabundance thus created; and
instead of the wealth of the Avorld pouring in as Avas prophesied, a
balance of trade against us of $50,000,000 in a single year, and the
shipment of over $3,000,000 per month in hard coin from but one
port to Europe, saying nothing of the millions upon millions of
bonds and loans negotiated abroad, all hereafter to be paid
for in cash and nothing else, attest to every man willing to
see, that all the avails of our hardy miners in California, with an
amount equally large in addition is taken from us for the benefit of
foreign manufacturers, Avho rejoice and thrive over the prostration
of our industrial enterprises.
Resolved, That Congress should, in arranging the details of a
tariff, not only seek to raise sufficient revenue for the support of
Government, but at the same time discriminate so judiciously in
the duties upon foreign imports, as to promote all the industrial
interests of our own country ; that all legislation Avhich tends to the
developement of our oAvn resources, or the diversification of labor
into difl'erent pursuits, or the building up of a home market for
agricultural products on our own soil, or the carrying out of the
emphatic declaration of .Jefferson that "to be independent for the
comforts of life, Ave must fabricate them ourselves ; Ave must place
the manufacturer by the side of the agriculturist," is eminently
beneficial in its character and conduces to the prosperity, the prog
ress, the Avealth and the real independence of the Nation ; and
that the present tariff should be so modified, as recommended by
President Fillmore and Secretary CorAvin, as to make it conform
to the above principles, and render it what the tariff of the United
States should be — incidental protection to our own labor.
Resolved, That it is the duty of congress to make liberal appro
priations for the improvement of the Rivers and Harbors of the AVest
as well as for those of the South and East ; that our internal com
merce floating on fresh water, should have equal benefits and equal
protection with that extended so liberally to the external, or salt
water commerce of the country, and that no false excuses about a
bill including works of a local character Avill be any justification
Avith the people of the West, for denying them that, which, though
long and .justly claimed, has been so often defeated by the vetoes of
Democratic Administrations, or the more recent Avilful factiousness
of Democratic Sepators. That this District has peculiar claims
upon the National Legislature in this respect, being directly inter-

POLITICS. 245
ested in the Harbors at Michigan City and St. Joseph ; and that it
should send a member to represent their claims who can have per
sonal influence with his colleagues sufficient to procure for them,
the vote of at least one other member of his oavu party from his
own State.
Resolved, That we deprecate all those contrivances, whether
under or Avitbout the cover of law, which Avink at the pilfering of
the Government treasury under the pretense of constructive mileage,
long mileage, Ritchie claims and other kjndred absorbents ; that
constructive mileage should be abolished totally and forever; the
present exorbitant rate of mileage, so greatly disproportioned to
the expense of travel, reduced at least one-half, and computed, not
by tbe easiest but the nearest route; and public contractors com
pelled to live up to their obligations without importunate appeals to
be allowed hundreds of thousands of dollars in addition.
Resolved, That we are in favor of reducing letter postage to a Ioav
rate, and the entire abolition of the franking privilege, leaving the
government and congressmen to pay their own postage the same as
private citizens.
Resolved, That as Whigs, we sympathize with the struggles of
the masses now going forward in the old world, to throw off the
shackles which have so long bound them ; and to assert that equality
and independence which we regard as man's birthright.
Resolved, Unanimously, that Ave recommend to the voters of
this Congressional District, Schuyler Colfax, the candidate this day
nominated, with the assurance to all that he is honest, and Avould
scorn to betray them, or violate pledges which he may make,
capable, possessing talents and. a zeal in their exercise which must
be valuable to the district, and creditable to the councils of the
Nation, should be be elected, and faithful to the constitution of the
country, regarding its observance as the bond of our union, the
guarantee of our national welfare, and the means of promoting
internal peace, and hushing the voice of faction and discord amongst
our jarring members."
The resolutions of tbe two parties given above, exhibit the issues
Avhich divided them this year and also in the Presidential
campaign which was soon to follow. The Whig convention at
Plymouth was presided over by Andrew L. Osborn ; Wm. Millikan
was one of tbe Secretaries. Mr. Treadway was on the committee
to report permanent officers of the convention, and Mulford K.
Farrand Avas made chairman of the District Central committee.

246 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
The convention seems to have been a most harmonious one. Mr.
Colfax was nominated unanimously, and the resolutions were unan
imously adopted. On the 4th day of June, the LaPorte Whig
contained the following call for a county convention :
"rally AVHIGS ! COUNTY CONVENTION!!
Ill consequence of there being but feAV in attendance at the con
vention on Saturday thp 25th, the nomination of candidates for
State and county officers for this county, was postponed. The cen
tral committee have therefore appointed Saturday, the 14th day of
June next, as a day upon which to hold a ]\Iass County Conven
tion in LaPorte, to nominate a candidate to represent this county
in the next legislature, and also to nominate candidates for county
officers. Every Whig in the county is requested to attend. Let
the townships all be fully and fairly represented.
' The meeting will be organized at 11 o'clock, a. m.
D. G. Rose, J. B. Fravel,
Edavard Vail, AVm. Millikan,
AVhig Central Committee.
LaPorte, May 27, 18.51."
The result of the election Avhich followed has already been given.
The year 1852, was fraught Avith much deeper interest politically.
Franklin Pierce Avas the Democratic candidate for President, Gen.
AVinfield Scott the AVhig candidate, and John P. Hale the Free
Soil candidate. The candidates for Governor, Avere Joseph A.
Wright, Democratic, and Nicholas j\IcCavty. AVhig, and the full
complement of State officers Avas voted for. For Congress, Norman
Eddy Avas the Dentooratic candidate, and Horace P. Biddle, the
AVhig. The candidates for Judge of the ninth judicial circuit, Avere
James Bradley and Thomas S. Stanfield; for Judge of the court of
common pleas, Herman LaAvson and Mulford K. Farrand Avere the
candidates ; for Prosecuting attorney of the circuit court, D. J. ,
Woodward and John M. AVilson Avere the candidates ; for Proscut-
ing attorney of thc common pleas, tlie candidates Avere Daniel Noyes
and A. Dickson ; for Representative, the candidates were John 0.
AValker and Franklin AV. Hunt; Samuel Burson and AVm. Allen
Avere candidates for Sheriff; Amlirose AA'. Henly and Volney W.

POLITICS. 247
Bailey were candidates for Clerk; Mark Allen and Edmund S.
Organ were candidates for Treasurer ; Jackson Hosmer and AVm.
H. Goodhue Avere candidates for Commissioner ; John P. Cathcart
and Elam Clark Avere candidates for Surveyor; Henry Fox and E.
E. Annis were candidates for Coroner. The new constitution was
in force and the general annual election was for the first time held
in October. At this election the Democrats succeeded in revolution
izing the county, giving a majority to nearly all their candidates.
They held the county also at the Presidential election 'in November,
giving a majority of one hundred and eleven to the Democratic
electors. But at this election the Free Soil party cast one hundred
ani thirty-six votes tor the Hale and Julian electors. Among the
Whig electors were Schuyler Colfax, Richard AV. Thompson, .John
Coburn, David Kilgore, Nathan Kimball, Pleasant A. Hackleman
and Henry S. Lane; and among the /Democratic electors, AA'm.
Grose, Ebenezer Dumont, James H. Lane and John A. Hendricks.
There were a few exceptions to the general Democratic victory at
the October election. Thomas S. Stanfield received a majority of
one hundred and sixty-eight over James Bradley ; Mulford K. Far
rand received a majority of sixty over iierman Lawson; AVilliam
Allen was elected Sheriff over Samuel Burson by tAventy-six
majority; Volney W. Bailey was elected Clerk over A. W. Henly
by one hundred and twenty-six majority; and Edmund S. Organ
was elected Treasurer over Mark Allen by one hundred and eighty-
one majority. All the rest of the Democrats received majorities
ranging from forty to one hundred. When it was ascertained that
as LaPorte county went, so went the State, it was not strange that
the LaPorte Commercial Times, edited by John C. Walker and
John AV. Holcombe, should insert at the head of its columns, the
traditional rooster. The rooster occupied his place but looked as
though be was waiting for the result of the November election
before he ventured to crow. AVhen that came it gave him the
opportunity. The Times expressed itself in these Avords over the
result in October; "nine guns for pierce and king! !
Sufficient returns have come in from the elections in Indiana,
Ohio and Pennsylvania, to indicate the greatest victories ever won

248 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
by the Democratic party. Each of the States has rolled up over-.
Avhelming majorities, ranging from twelve to twenty thousand. Let
the Whigs shut their eyes as they will, and ostrich-like, thrust their
heads in such twigs of comfort as they can find; let them discover
as many local issues as they choose, and contrast tbe present major
ities Avith past votes for Governor ; let them reduce the figures gs
low as they will, and count the votes on steamboats and railroads,
the great fact cannot be blinked, that the prestige of victory and a)l
the omens of triumph cluster around the banner of Democracy. No
one will believe the miserable subterfuge that the Whig partjr
regarded the late elections as of no importance, and made no effor^
to win the battle. Were it so, such shameful abandonment of the
post of duty Avould most surely prove them unfit to.be trusted with
the destinies of the nation. But they did work, with all tbe frenzy
of desperation, and their labors were all fruitless; the aspirations
of the age and the instincts of the people were against themt
Maine and North Carolina, loAva and Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and
Pennsylvania, Florida and South Carolina have taken their posts
in the line of battle, and will not alter in November, the glorious
war cry, Avhich they have so proudly flung oii the breeze in August
and October.
Indiana is the banner State. Governor Wright's majority is
probably near twenty thousand. In 1849 it Avas less than ten
thousand^clear gain of ten thousand. Ten Democrats and only
one Whig elected to Congress. In the Legislature there is probably
on joint ballot a Democratic majority of fifty members.
Dr. Norman Eddy, Representative elect in our own District,
received a majority in every county.
Herman Lawson, our present Sheriff, is elected Judge of the
court of common pleas in this District, consisting of LaPorte, Porter
and Lake counties. Majority two. One hundred and fifty-three
ballots containing the name of James K. Farrand, Avere thrown out
as informal.
In the late election, LaPorte county polled two thousand five
hundred and eighty-eight votes, distributed as follows among the
various townships, Michigan ; two hundred and eighty-eight ; Spring
field, seventy-four; Galena, seventy -three ; Hudson, eighty; Cool

POLITICS. 249
Spring, eighty-three; Centre, seven hundred and forty; Kankakee,
one hundred and forty-five; Wills, one hundred and twenty-one;
Pleasant, four hundred and twelve ; Scipio, one hundred and fifty-
five; New Durham, one hundred and sixty-four; Clinton, one hun
dred and twenty-four ; Noble, two hundred and ten ; Union, one
hundred and sixty ; Cags, twenty-nine."
It seems quite evident that in 1852, there was a Democratic tidal
wave which rolled over not LaPorte county alone, but the whole
country. The result sounded tbe knell of the Whig party. It was
broken up and never again rallied. New departures Avere taken,
and out of the disorganized material of which the Whig party was
composed, augmented by numerous accessions from the anti-slavery
sentiment of the Democracy, the Republican party was at length
formed; and parties became divided squarely upon issues growing
out of slavery.
At the election of October, 1863, only a few more than one
thousand and six hundred votes Avere polled in LaPorte county.
The field seems to have been yielded to the Democrats without a
struggle. The only officers to be elected were Reporter of the
supreme court. County Auditor and two Commissioners. The vote
stood as follows: For Reporter supreme court, A. G. Porter, nine
hundred and ninety-nine votes and James W. Gordon six hundred
and thirty f otes ; for County Auditor, Andrew J. Wair, one thou
sand and fifteen votes, -John S. Allen four hundred and three, and
Abram Fravel two hundred and twenty votes ; for Commissioners,
James Drummond, nine hundred and ninety-six votes, Jacob R.
Hall, one thousand and seven votes, Phineas Hunt, six hundred
and seventeen votes and Joseph Orr six hundred votes.
The election aroused no political feeling ; and very little was said
about it in the press. The following mild utterance is from the
LaPorte Times, and is about all that was said concerning the
election of 1853 : "OCTOBER ELECTION.
For some weeks we have had the name of Albert G. Porter at
the head of our columns as the Democratic nominee for Supreme
Court Reporter, and we would now call attention to the importance
of that office, and the election of a fit and competent man to dis-

250 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
charge its duties. Mr. Porter, as appointee of the Governor, has
already manifested his entire capacity, and if elected, Avill do credit
to the position. There is but one fear on the subject of the October
election, and that is that the Democracy will not think this matter
of electing a Reporter of sufficient importance to induce them to
the polls. This should never be ! Let the people show their will
on every occasion of this kind, for if they do not, there are
opportunities left open for noAV and then a most shameful defeat.
We shall notice this election again."
New questions now arose, groAving out of the Know-Nothing
excitement and the agitation which attended the passage of the
Nebraska Bill, and repeal of the Missouri compromise, and at the
October election of 1854, the average majority against the Demo
cratic party Avas three hundred. The election was for State officers,
except Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Representative in Con
gress, Prosecuting attorney for the circuit court, and also for the
court of common pleas. Representative to the State legislature and
several other county officers. The candidates for Congress, were
Schuyler Colfax, and Norman Eddy, and Colfax received one thou
sand seven hundred and twenty-nine, votes to one thousand three
hundred and ninety-nine for Eddy. The candidates for Prosecut
ing attorney in the circuit court, were Morgan H. AVeir and Don
J. Woodward, and AVeir received three hundred and nine majority.
James A. Thornton was the Democratic candidate for common
pleas Prosecutor against Wm. C. Talcott, and Talcott received a
majority of tAvo hundred and forty -five votes. Jacob R. Hall was
elected Representative to the State legislature against John C.
Walker; Edmund S. Organ was elected County Treasurer against
Orpheus Everts ; AVm. H. H. Whitehead Avas elected Sheriff over
H. P. Lans ; the candidates for County commissioner, were 0. F.
Piper and James Drummond, and Piper Avas elected ; the candidates
for County Surveyor, Avere Daniel M. Leaming and John P. Cath
cart, and Leaming was elected; and Henry AV. Fox Avas elected
Coroner against Wm. Fry.
Not much interest was manifested by the people of the county in
the election of 1856, as there Avere no officers to be elected except a
Recorder and three Commissioners. Only about one thousand and

, POLITICS. 251
nine hundred votes were cast, although there were probably thirty-
two or thirty-three hundred voters in the county. Tbe Democrats
were successful and elected all their candidates by majorities ranging
from ninety-one to two hundred and fifty. Anderson Hupp was elected
Recorder against Burwell Spurlock, and Asa M. Warren, Aquilla
W. Rodgers, and H. J. Reese were elected Commissioners against
Samuel Harvey, Abram AVestervelt and George Crawford.
Prior to 1856, the anti-slavery sentiment of the country had
become consolidated. It took the form of opposition to the exten
sion of slavery into the territories of the United States, and resulted
in the organization of the Republican party. The larger portion of
the Whigs found themselves naturally in the new party, most of
the Free Sellers united with it, and also the large anti-slavery ele
ment of tbe Democratic party. The first national convention of the
new party met early in 1856, and nominated John C. Fremont for
President and Wm. L. Dayton for Vice President. The candidates
of the Democracy were James Buchanan and John C. Breckenridge.
Oliver P. Morton was the Republican candidate for Governoi' of
Indiana, and Ashbel P. AVillard^ the Democratic candidate. W. Z.
Stewart was the Democratic candidate for Congress and Schuyler
Colfax had been nominated by the Republicans for re-election. M.
H. Weir was the Republican candidate for State Senator, and
Herman LaAvson, the Democratic candidate; and for Judge of the
court of common pleas, the candidates were AVilliam C. Talcott,
Republican, and Daniel Noyes, Democrat. The candidates for
county officers were as folloAvs, the Deaiocratic candidate for each
office being first named : For Representative to the State legisla
ture, AVilliam R. Bowes and George Crawford; for Clerk, C. AV.
Mead and James Moore; for Treasurer, Seth Eason and Abel D.
Porter; for Sheriff, Nathan Keil and AVm. H. H. Whitehead; for
Surveyor, John P. Cathcart and Daniel M. Leaming; for Coroner,
Wm. Fry and R. G. James, and for Commissioner, A. W. Rogers
and Elam Clark.
Tbe Republicans were victorious. The vote was the largest that
had ever been cast in the county, the total number being four
thousand five hundred and sixty-three; and the Republican candi
dates were all successful by majorities ranging from fifty, to one

252 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
hundred and forty-nine. On State officers the average majority
Avas one hundred and five. The majority of Mr. Colfax was one
hundred and thirty. Morgan H. Weir's majority was one hundred
and twenty -tAVO. Whitehead's majority was one hundred and
forty -nine.
The canvass for the Presidential nominees was still kept up, and
in November, LaPorte county cast a still larger vote than in October,
the whole number of votes being four thousand eight hundred and
nineteen. Of these the Republican electors received two thousand
five hundred and thirty-three votes, the Democratic electors two
thousand tAvo hundred and thirty-nine votes, and there were forty-
five votes cast for a third electoral ticket. Daniel D. Pratt Avas the
Whig elector for the ninth District, and Orpheus Everts the Dem
ocratic elector. The whole campaign was one of intense interest
and excitement, and although the Republican party was defeated
in its first national contest, and in most of the States, yet the large
vote it cast, and its many local victories, served to consolidate it and
prepare it for future success.
The election of 1857 Avas Avithout especial incident. It included
county officers and Judge of the cii'cuit court, AndrcAv L. Osborn
being elected to the latter position by a heavy majority. The can
didates for county officers, were for Clerk, James Moore and John
B. Fravel; for Sheriff, Wm. H. H. Whitehead and Nathan Keil;
for Treasurer, Abel D. Porter and Seth Eason ; for Auditor, John
G. Laird and Thomas Pryce; for Commissioner first District, Isaac
B. Coplin and Wm. W. Garrard: for Commissioner second District,
Sidney S. Sabin and Henry P. Lans. Moore, AVhitehead, Porter,
Laird, Coplin and Sabin, all Republicans, were elected by major
ities ranging from one hundred and fifty to OAJ-er four hundred. In
the case of Laird and Pryce there Avas a contest on the ground that
Laird had been elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, Avithin
four years, Avhlch would under the constitution prevent his holding
any but a judicial office Avithin that time. It Avas finally adjudged
that neither party Avas entitled to the office, and Reuben Munday
was appointed by the commissioners to serve until the next general
election. Political excitement became Avarm again in 1858. The terms

I'OLITICS. 263
that Avere heard most in the party language of the day Avere
"Lecompton Constitution," "Kansas," "Border Ruffianism,"
"Freedom of the Territories," "Non-Extension of Slavery," "Dred
Scott Decision." All tbe State officers except Governor AA-ere to
be elected, a member of Congress, and county officers. The Repub
licans carried the county on State officers by from five hundred
and tAventy to five hundred and sixty ma,jority in a total vote of
five thousand and twenty-six. Schuyler Colfax and John C.
Walker Avere tbe opposing candidates for Congress, and the
former's majority in the county Avas five hundred and sixty-five.
AA"m. B. Biddle and James A. Thornton Avere the opposing candi
dates for Prosecuting attorney in the circuit court, and Biddle
receiA-ed a majority of five hundred and two. John Walton and
Theophilus Fravel Avere the opposing candidates for Auditor, and
AValton Avas elected. Abel D. Porter Avas elected Treasurer over
Truman T. Harris; Joshua S. McDoAvell Avas elected Sheriff over
Levi Ely ; Elisha L. Bennett Avas elected Surveyor over Munday
Allen; Luther Brusie Avas elected Coroner over Henry Ellsworth;
John AVarnock was elected Commissioner over J. W. Butterfield,
and Wm. H. Scott and M. G. Sherman Avere elected Representa
tives over James Bradley and James Orr. The officers elect Avere
all Republicans, and the majorities Avere generally over five
hundred. The "off year" of 1859 brought out a very light vote, the Avhole
number cast being only two thousand eight hundred and thirty-five.
There Avere but three offices to be filled: Prosecuting attorney
common pleas court, Recorder, and Commissioner for the second
District. Joseph ]M. Dow and Daniel Noyes Avere the candidates
for Prosecuting attorney ; and Doav, Republican, received a majority
in this county of one hundred and eighty-four. Luther Mann, Jr..
was the Republican candidate for Recorder and Anderson Hupp the
Democratic candidate for re-election. Hupp was elected by sixty-
six majority. Sidney S. Sabin Avas elected Commissioner against
Harvey Truesdell, Democrat.
The country Avas now becoming deeply moved over questions
which stirred the popular heart as none had ever done before. The
storm had been gathering ever since the repeal of the Missouri

254 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
compromise; the struggles in Kansas had deeply intensified the
feeling of the people of the North, and John Brown's attempt upon
Harper's Ferry had been skillfully managed so as to arouse and
heat the people of the South. That the territories of the United
States should be forever consecrated to freedom was the solemn
determination of a large mnjority of the people of the North; and
that the boundaries of the institution of slavery should not be
further enlarged. - The South, seeking its perpetuation by means of
enlarged political power, determined that it should not be restricted,
but should have enlarged privileges. The questions dividing par
ties were thus chiefiy sectional, and pointed directly to war. In this
state of the public mind, the Republican party met in national con
vention in Chicago, and nominated Abraham Lincoln for President,
and Hannibal Hamlin for Vice President. The Democratic party
met at Charleston in South Carolina, and the "fire-eating" element
of the South, the better to secure their object, the dissolution of the
Union, broke up the convention. The party afterwards met in the
city of Baltimore, and there the same turbulent element divided the
convention, and the result was the nomination of two Democratic
tickets, Stephen A. Douglas and Herschel V. Johnson for
President and Vice President on the one side, and John C. Breck
enridge and Joseph Lane on the other. Henry S. Lane stood at
the head of the Republican State ticket, as candidate for Governor
and Thomas A. Hendricks, at the head of the Democratic ticket.
In the ninth District Schuyler Colfax was again the Republican
candidate for Congress and the Democrats pitted against him the
veteran Charles W. Cathcart. Daniel Noyes and Elisha Egbert
were the opposing candidates for Judge of the court of common
pleas. The candidates for county offices were as follows : For
Clerk, James Moore and C. C. Morrical ; for Sheriff, Joshua S.
McDowell and Richard Huncheon; for Treasurer, Reginald H.
Rose and Truman T. Harris; For Coroner, Ludwig Eliel and
Robert Friedel ; for Surveyor, Edward H. Leaming and John P.
Cathcart; for Commissioner, Isaac B. Coplin and Ephraim Barney;
for Representatives to the State legislature, Samuel Harvey and
Mason G. Sherman, Republicans, and Irwin S. Jessup and Henry
P. Lans, Democrats. The candidates for State Senator, were
Abraham Teegarden and Henry Higgins.

POLITICS. 255
The position which the Republican party maintained on slavery
questions may be seen in the following resolutions found in the
State Republican platform of that year:
" R( .solved, That we are opposed to the new and dangerous doc
trine advocalied by the Democratic party, that the Federal consti
tution carries slavery into the public territories, and that we
believe slavery cannot exist anyAvhere in this government, unless by
positive local law, and that avc will oppose its extension into the ter
ritories of the Federal Government by all the power known to the
constitution of the United States.
Ri'.iolved. That Ave are opposed to any interference 'with slavery
where it exists under the sanction of State law, that the soil of
every State should be protected from lawless invasions from every
quarter, and that the citizens of every State should be secured from
illegal arrests and search, as well as from mob violence."
They also embodied the following in the platform :
Resolved, That we regard the preservation of the American
Union as the highest object and duty of patriotism, and that it
must and shall be preserved, and that all who advocate disunion are,
and deserve the fate ot, traitors."
Other questions formed issues between the parties, but the chief
and most important .by far, the overshadowing ones, were those
growing out of tbe institution of slavery and the attitude of the
South with respect to it, and also towards the Union. Threats of
secession in case of the election of Mr. Lincoln were freely made,
and the leaders in the violence which characterized the proceedings
in the South, were more deeply in earnest than the people of tbe
North generally supposed. The campaign was distinguished,
besides the usual processions and speeches, by a Republican organ
ization known as Wide Awakes, which adopted a simple uniform,
and were provided with torch lamps, fixed on poles, and thus added
much to the interest of night meetings. The company of Wide
Awakes which existed in LaPorte, was drilled by Gen. Newell
Gleason, in the manner of handling their lamp sticks according to
the manual of arms. In one year from that time many of the same
persons were drilling with arms, preparatory to fighting tbe battles
of tbe nation against a section of country which had wantonly risen

256 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
in rebellion. The political pulse beat high in both parties, great
political gatherings were frequent, and processions and enthusiasm
filled up the days and the nights. At length the day of tbe October
election came, and the Republicans were completely successful.
The average majority which the county gave on tbe State ticket was
nine hundred and eighty-five. Colfax's majority for congress was
one thousand and five. Egbert's majority for Judge was four hun
dred and seventy. Teegarden's majjority for the State Senate was
one thousand and three. The Republican ma,jority on county
offices Avas from seven hundred to one thousand majority. The
Avhole number of votes cast was five thousand and fifteen. But the
great CA-ent was still to occur — the Presidential election in November.
At this election there Avere four electoral tickets in the field, those
headed by the candidates already named, and the Union party
ticket, headed by John Bell and Edward Everett. Each of them
Avere voted for in this courjty. The county filled three places on
electoral tickets. .John C. AValker Avas on tbe Douglas Democratic
ticket for the State at large, James Bradley was on the Brecken
ridge Democratic ticket for the ninth District, and John P. Eariy
on the Bell and Everett electoral ticket for the ninth District.
The Lincoln electoral ticket received two thousand nine hundred
and sixty-seven ; the Douglas ticket, one thousand six hundred and
six ; the Bell and .Everett ticket, twenty-seven, and the Brecken
ridge ticket, four hundred and seventy-four, the number of votes
cast being five thousand and seventy-four. The Republican
majority over all was eight hundred and sLxty; and over the
Douglas-Democratic ticket, one thousand three hundred and sixty-
one. On the next day after the election, the LaPorte Union had
this to say :
"LaPorte county is entitled to the Banner. Lincoln's majority
in this county is probably one thousand four hundred over Douglas.
The Breckenridge vote in the county is about five hundred.
In this city the vote was as follows : For Lincoln nine hundred
and twenty-seven; for Douglas, three hundred and eighty -nine;
Breckenridge, ninety-five, and Bell, seventeen.
St. Joseph county gives Lincoln nine hundred majjority.
The result is better than Ave had hoped for ; but we are none the

POLITICS. 267
less delighted with it. We are anxious to spread the good news as
soon as possible, and will not wait for further details."
The night of the election day, the Republicans of the city of
LaPorte met in Huntsman Hall, to receive and read the despatches, ¦
determining not to go to their homes until they should learn the
general result. About eight o'clock the news began to arrive.
Mishawaka reported Republican gains, and Calumet sent word that
they had given Lincoln a majority of nineteen. Calumet, now
Chesterton, had always before gone Democratic. These results
started the cheers, and speeches Avere called for; but no one felt like
speaking then; as one expressed it, they "were too full for utter
ance and felt too good." Some news came from other portions of
this State, from western Ohio and from Michigan, all bearing
tidings of large Republican gains. This was all received with much
glee; but the State Avhich all Avere anxious to hear from was New
York. 'The despatches began to drop in from small towns, and as
it was not known bow they had previously stood, there was no
information conveyed. But at last the decisive despatches came
showing that New York Avas safe f".:r Lincoln, and that Pennsylva
nia's majority for him would be seventy thousand. This news
created an enthusiasm such as it would be difficult to describe.
Men were lifted up and carried around the hall on the shoulders of
the multitude, there Avere shouting and singing, and a perfect shower
of "flying hats; strong men wept for joy, and laughed and shouted
alternately. The news from New England and other States that
had been received meantime, settled it that the national victory was
with the Republicans. Then about one o'clock in the morning,
they departed to their homes. Men do not indulge in these enthusi
asms now, and the men of 1860 may be thought to have been
grotesquely extravagant, but we should pardon something to the
spirit of liberty, and to tbe new-born zeal for the young party which
was enkindled by its first national victory.
The vote of 1861 was light. None but county officers were to
be elected, and the whole number of votes cast was tAvo thousand
eight hundred and sixty-nine. Of these, for Sheriff, S. P. Mead
received one thousand four hundred and thirty-five, and Wm. Ever
hart one thousand three hundred and eighty-eight; For County
17

'258 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
•commissioner, John P. Cathcart received two thousand five hundred
and eighty-one votes and John Garwood, Sen., one hundred and
seventy-five; for Representative to the State legislature, H. H.
Roberts received nine hundred and thirty-eight votes, J. P. Dunn,
eight hundred and thirty-nine, and Wm. B. Webber, five hundred
and fifty. The attention of the whole people was concentrated on
the war; and how well LaPorte county bore her part Avill be showa
in a succeeding chapter.
The election of 1862, was a more important one. The Union
arms had met with reverses, and a somewhat gloomy feeling per
vaded the minds of the people. When the election came each party
stood firmly by its candidates, for the campaign had aroused party
feeling intensely. County and State officers, except Governor and
Lieutenant Governor, were to be elected, and a Representative in
congress. For the latter office Schuyler Colfax and David Turpie
were the candidates. They were both fine speakers, as the people of
the District had already learned in the case of Mr. Colfax ; and it
was perhaps the ability of Mr. Turpie in this respect that led the
Democrats to nominate him as their candidate. They both can
vassed the District very thoroughly, speaking separately as well as
in joint discussions, and the result was a close drawing of party
lines. A great many of the young men of the county bad enlisted,
and were now absent, and Mr. Colfax had made many speeches in
the District urging enlistments. By these enlistments, the number
of votes cast was considerably diminished, the total vote being but
four thousand five hundred and sixty-four. On candidates for
Secretary of State, the county gave the Republican candidate, Wm.
A. Peele, three hundred and sixty-two majority. Colfax's majority
was three hundred and fifty-eight in the county. James Bradley
and D. T. Phillips, were candidates for Prosecuting attorney, and
Phillips received a ma.jority in this county of three hundred and one.
John Walton received a majority over Andrew J. Wair for Auditor
of four hundred and one. The other Republican county candidates
were elected by majorities of from three hundred and fifty to four
hundred. L. Eliel was elected Coroner over A. K. Webster; R.
H. Rose was elected Treasurer against Thomas Larkin ; E. H.
Leaming was elected Surveyor against Mortimer Nye; S. S. Sabin

POLITICS. 259
was elected Commissioner against R. Shaw ; and W. W. Higgins
and James Forrester were elected Representatives against J. W.
Butterfield and John C. Walker. For Prosecutor in common pleas
court, William Andrew received a majority of three hundred and
sixty-nine over R. L. Farnsworth.
In the year 1863, the people of LaPorte county, gave more
thought to the war and its prosecution than to any other subject.
It filled all hearts and minds, and political questions were such as
grew out of the great rebellion, and the method the government was
pursuing to crush it out and restore the peace and unity of the
nation. A Aounty convention of the Republican party was held at
the Court House on the 27tb day of June, and it expressed the
popular feeling in the following resolutions, reported from the com
mittee on resolutions, by Hon. Charles W. Cathcart:
- "Resolved, That the calamities of tbe present rebellion have been
brought upon this nation by the infamous doctrines of nullification
and secession, promulgated by Calhoun and denounced by General
Jackson in 1832, as incompatible with the unity and integrity,
power and glory of the American Republic.
Resolved, That the war must go on with tbe utmost vigor, till
the authority of tbe National Government is re-established, and the
old flag floats again securely and triumphantly over every State and
Territory of the Union.
Resolved, That in the present exigencies of tbe Republic, Ave lay
aside personal preferences and prejudices, and henceforth till the
war is ended will draw no party line, but the great line between
those wbo sustain the government and those who oppose it — between
those who rejoice in the triumph of our arms and those who rejoice
in the triumph of tbe enemy.
Resolved, That immortal honor and gratitude are due to our
brave and patriotic soldiers in tbe field, and everlasting shame and
disgrace to any citizen or party who withholds it; that, sympathizing
with the army and its hardships, and proud of its gallantry, the
lovers of the Union will stand by it, and will remember, aid and
support those who are disabled, and the families of those who fall
fighting for their country, ,
Resolved, That confiding in the honesty, patriotism and good
sense of tbe President, we pledge to bim our support of his earnest
tforts to put down the rebellion.

260 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY
Resolved, Thut the present Governor, 0. P. Morton, is an
honest, able public servant, and that his official conduct deserves
and receives the approbation of all loyal people."
The convention then proceeded to the nomination of candidates,
which resulted in the selection of Stephen P. Mead, as the candi
date for Sheriff; AVm. Copp for Recorder; Abram J. AVestervelt
for Real Estate Appraiser, and Isaac B. Coplin for Commissioner.
The Democratic candidates Avere, for Sheriff, AA^m. Everhart; for
Recorder, James Overholtz ; for Real Estate Appraiser, Willard A.
Place, and for Commissioner, Jesse Coleman, .¦indrew L. Osborn
was candidate for Circuit Judge, but had no oppo^tion. The
election resulted in the success of the Republican candidates.
Mead's majority Avas one hundred and seventy; Copp's majority was
eighty-six; AA^estervelt's majority Avas tAvo hundred and ninety-six;
and Coplin's Avas tAvo hundred and ninety-seven. The Avhole num
ber of votes cast was four thousand four hundred and fifty.
Judge Osborn received the entire vote.
The campaign of 1864, was one of much earnestness and depth
of feeling. Abraham Lincoln Avas the Republican candidate for
re-election to the presidency, and associated Avith him as candidate
for Vice President Avas AndreAv Johnson, the distinguished Unionist
of Tennessee. Oliver P. Morton, elected by the Republicans Lieut.
Governor in 1860, had become Governor by the election of Heni'y
S. Lane to the United States Senate; and was noAv the Republican
candidate for re-election. Gen. George B. McClellan and Geo. H.
Pendleton Avere the Democratic candidates for President and Vice
President; and Joseph E. McDonald for Governor. Colfax and
Turpie were again the candidates of their respective parties, for
congress, and there Avas also full State and county tickets. Edwin
G. McCollum Avas the Democratic candidate for Prosecuting attor
ney, circuit court, against Aaron Gurney of Porter. AVm. Andrew
was the Republican candidate for Common Pleas Prosecutor against
George L. Bittinger. Mulford K. Farrand and John B. Niles
were candidates for State Senator, and Lawrence A. Stimpson, and
E. Morgan Davis Avere Democratic candidates for Representatives
to the State legislature against W. AV. Higgins and John H. AVillis.
Jacob S. Martin and James II. Shannon Avere candidates for Clerk ;

POLITICS. 261
Ellis JNIichael and Durand C. Alexander for Treasurer; E. 0 Cran
dall and LudAvig Eliel for Coroner; J. AV. Leaming and E. H.
Leaming for Surveyor, and Jackson Hosmer and John P. Cathcart
for Commissioner.
The Republican candidates at the October election were all suc-
successful, and by neariy uniform majorities, showing that in
those war times there was very little scratching of tickets. Mor
ton's majority Avas four hundred and seventy-five, Colfax's majority
was four hundred and fifty-eight, and the majority on county can
didates varied no more than from four hundred and fifty-nine to
four hundred and seventy-three. The whole number of votes cast
was four thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine, showing that a
large number of voters were absent from the county. At the Presi
dential election in November the Avhole number of votes cast
was four thousand eight hundred and eleven. Of these the Repub
lican electors received two thousand six hundred and sixty-six, and
the Democratic electors two thousand one hundred and forty-five.
Jame B. Belford was the Republican elector for the ninth District.
Many of the leading men of the county were in the army, and the
majority of the families of the county had one or more representa
tives there fighting in the nation's defense. Under such circum
stances, war questions formed the politics of the day, and the
county newspapers Avere filled with the doings of the army, Avith
discussions on the manner of conducting the Avar, on the policy of
emancipation, and whether or not the Avar should be fought out to
a successful termination, until the last rebel in arms had yielded,
or whether peace should be sought through negotiation, and cessation
of hostilities on the part of the government. The verdict of this
county was unmistakably in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the
war, until victory, complete and final, should rest Avith the nation.
The election of 1865 did not possess much public or political
interest, as there were but three officers to be elected, all of them
for county offices. Ithamar D. Phelps and Amos Johnson Avere
candidates for Sheriff, and Phelps, Republican Avas elected by a
majority of seven hundred and twenty-eight. Johnson had been a
Republican, but on this occasion had accepted a Democratic nomi
nation. Newell Gleason and Herman P. Lans, Avere candidates for
Representative to the State legislature, and Gleason, Republican

262 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
was elected by a majority of six hundred and nineteen; William
O'Hara and George ilall were candidates for County commissioner,
and O'Hara, Republican was elected by six hundred and nineteen
majjority. The Avhole number of votes was four thousand and
forty-three. In 1866, the ^issues which divided parties arose from the
work of reconstruction of the States lately in rebellion. The elec
tion was an important one, and party spirit once more ran high.
State officers except Governor and Judges were to be elected, a
member of congress, and county officers. Colfax and Turpie, a
third time, were presented against each other by their respective
parties as candidates for congress; and they made a very thorough
canvass of the District, part of the time in joint discussion. Wm.
H. Calkins, then of Porter county, was the Republican candidate
for Prosecuting attorney, circuit court, against Edwin G. McCollum.
Jasper Packard and Seth Eason were the candidates for County
Auditor; Durand C. Alexander and John Druliner were the can
didates for Treasurer; Ludwig Eliel and Richard 0. Crandall were
candidates for Coroner; John P. Cathcart and S. A. A'"an Dusen
were candidates for Surveyor; Isaac B. Coplin and James Drum
mond were candidates for Commissioner; James B. Belford and
Wm. W. Higgins, Henry H. Walker and A. G. Standiford were
candidates for Representatives ; Wm. Andrew and George S. Sey
mour Avere candidates for Prosecuting attorney, court of common
pleas. The Republican candidates for county offices Avere all
elected by majorities of from one hundred and seventy-one to three
hundred and sixty-five, in a total vote of five thousand six hundred
and thirty-five. The average majority of other candidates was
three hundred and twenty.
The election of 1867, was for four county officers alone. The
candidates were as folloAvs : For Representative, Orpheus Everts
and Simon AVile; for Sheriff, Ithamar D. Phelps and -John M.
Clarkson; for Recorder, Henry C. Brown and Charles S. McClung;
Commissioner, Reynolds Couden and Jackson Hosmer. The
Republican candidates were all successful. Everts by a majority
of five hun-ired and eighty-six, Phelps by a majority of eight hun
dred and sixty-one. Brown by a majority of six hundred and fifty-

POLITICS. 263
three and Couden by a majority of six hundred and fifty-six, in a
total vote of three thousand six hundred and eighty-five.
The year 1868 brought with it another presidential campaign.
The Republican national convention met in Chicago, and nomina
ted the General of the army, Ulysses S. Grant, associating
with him on the ticket, as the candidate for Vice President,
Schuyler Colfax, wbo had for so many years represented the ninth
District in congress. The nomination of Colfax rendered
necessary the nomination of a new man for congress. A District
nominating convention Avas held at Westville, and the choice fell on
Jasper Packard, then the Auditor of LaPorte county. The Demo
cratic national convention nominated Horatio Seymour and Francis
P. Blair, Jr., for President and Vice President; and the District
convention of that party met at Wanatah and nominated Mulford
K. Farrand as the candidate for congress. Each party had in the
field a full State ticket, Conrad Baker, who had become Governor
by tbe election of Oliver P. Morton to the United States Senate,
was the Republican candidate for Governor, and Thomas A. Hen
dricks was the Democratic candidate. The campaign was one of
great activity. Each party was well organized, and both had great
hopes of success. The issues between the parties were still such as
arose from the Avork of reconstruction, especially as it affected the
condition of the colored race so lately manumitted; and others
arising out of tbe proposed taxation of the bonds of the United
States and their cancellation with legal tender notes instead
of gold. Discussions on these questions took a Avide range, and
involved the attitude assumed'by each toward the rebellion, during
its progress. There were public speeches innumerable; the candi
dates for Governor canvassed the entire State; and in this District
the candidates for congress held thirty-three joint discussions, speak
ing much oftener than that singly. When the election came on in
October, it was found that the Democrats had made large gains in
all parts of the State, LaPorte county, in like manner experienc
ing Republican losses. Yet the Board of canvassers having
thrown out tbe vote of DcAvey and Johnson townships, it still gave
a Republican majority, tbe average of which was forty eight on the
State ticket. The Republican county candidates were all elected

264 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
with two exceptions, and they received majorities ranging from
four to forty-five. The Republican candidate for congress received
eleven majority in the county. The candidates, besides those
already named, were Daniel Noyes and Elisha Egbert, for Judge of
common pleas; Thomas J. Wood and AVm. H. Calkins, for Prose
cuting attorney, circuit court; for State Senator, James Bradley
and LaFayette Crane; for Representative, Simon Wile and James
L. Moody; for Clerk, Charles Spaeth and James H Shannon; for
Real Estate appraiser, Jacob Folant and Edmund S. Gardner; for
Treasurer, Truman T. Harris and Mark Allen; for Coroner,
Walter R. Godfrey and Louis Eliel; for Surveyor, James E.
Bradley and J. P. Cathcart; for commissioner, George Hall and
Wm. O'Hara. There were two exceptions to the general Republi
can majorities; Simon Wile was elected Representative by twenty
majority, and Truman T. Harris was elected Treasurer by four
majority. There were of course, doubts as to the propriety of reject
ing the votes of Dewey and Johnson townships. Including these
votes, the county gave a small Democratic majority; but there
Avere many accusations of fraud, and notices of contest were filed by
Allen against Harris for the Treasurership, by Thornton against
Wile, by Crane against Bradley, by Hall against O'Hara and
Shannon against Spaeth. Some of these cases were Avithdrawn
before final decision, one was settled by compromise, Harris died
before decision was finally rendered, and except in the case of the
Treasurer, all of them remained as at first returned by the Board of
canvassers. At the November election which followed, the vote of
both parties was increased, the Democratic electors receiving two
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six votes and the Republican
three thousand and sixty-four, making a total vote of five thousand
nine hundred and forty, and giving the county to the Republicans
by one hundre I and eighty-eight majority.
The next general election did not occur until October, 1870,
when a full State ticket except Governor and Lieut. Governor, can
didates for congress, and for county officers were to be voted for.
At this election Andrew L. Osborn was one of the candidates for
Judge of the Supreme court, Jasper Packard was candidate for
congress against Samuel I. Anthony, Democrat, of A^'alparaiso ;

POLITICS. 265
J. Bradley was tbe Democratic candidate for Circuit Judge against
Thomas S. Stanfield; Wm. Schoeneman and Simon Wile were the
opposing candidates for RepresentatlA^e in the State legislature, and
tbe other candidates were, for Sheriff, Daniel L. Brown and
Amenzo Mann; for Auditor, Harvey R. Harris and Charies
Spaeth; for Treasurer, Mark Allen and Edmund S. Organ; for
Recorder, Henry C. BroAvn and Francis Hobart ; for Commissioner
first district, Enos Weed and Eugene W. Davis ; for Commissioner
second district, John Sutherland and Andrew J. Rogers ; for Com
missioner third district, Simon P. Kern and John M. Clarkson;
for Coroner, Louis Eliel and Bowen C. Bowell; for Surveyor, John
P. Catchcart and James E. Bradley. The total vote cast was five
thousand three hundred and twenty-six, and every Republican can
didate received a majority. The average Republican majority on
the State ticket Avas tAvo hundred and twenty-eight; the Republi
can candidate for congress received two hundred and fifty majority,
and the majority on county candidates was from one hundred and
twenty-eight to four hundred and eighty four.
The next general election was held on tbe 8th day of October,
1872. Candidates for all tbe State offices except Judges of the
Supreme court, for Judge of the court of common pleas, for Prose
cuting attorney of both courts, for State Senator, for two Congress-
men-at-large, for Representative in congress for the eleventh
District, for Representative in the State legislature and joint
Representative, and for all the county offices Avere to be voted
for. The whole number of votes cast in the county Avas six
thousand one hundred and seventy-two, the largest ever
polled, and the Democrats were completely successful, the aver
age Democratic majority being one hundred and fifty. On
the candidates for Governor, the vote Avas, for Thomas M.
Browne, two thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight, for Thomas
A. Hendricks, three thousand one hundred and seventy-three; on
the candidates for Representative in congress the vote was, for
Jasper Packard, three thousand and five, for John A. Henricks,
three thousand one hundred and forty-five ; for Judge of common
pleas court, the vote was, for Edward J. Wood, two thousand nine
hundred and thirty-six, and Daniel Noyes, three thousand two

266 HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.
hundred and forty-three: for State Senator the vote was. Mason G.
Sherman, two thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight, and John H.
Winterbotham, three thousand one hundred and seventy-nine ; for
Representative in the State legislature, the vote was, Sidney S.
Sabin, three thousand, George H. Teeter, three thousand one hun
dred and sixty-six; for Clerk, the vote was, Henry C. Shannon,
two thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight, and Sharles Spaeth,
three thousand one hundred and sixty ; for Sheriff, tbe vote was, as
reported, Daniel L. Brown, three thousand and fifty-four, and
DeWitt C. McCollum, three thousand and sixty; for Treasurer,
John T. Sanders received three thousand and nine votes and
George W. Mecum, three thousand one hundred and fifty -one; for
Real Estate appraiser, Edmund S. Gardner received two thousand
nine hundred and seventy-one votes and Jacob Folant three thou
sand one hundred and seventy ; for Coroner, Ludwig Eliel received
two thousand nine hundred and ninety votes and Wm. F. Standi
ford three thousand one hundred and sixty-three; for Surveyor,
John P. Cathcart received two thousand nine hundred and seventy-
nine votes and Daniel Kennedy three thousand one hundred and
forty-five ; for Commissioner first District, Enos Weed received two
thousand nine hundred and ninety-six votes and Benajah S. Fail
three thousand one hundred and ninety-one; for Commissioner
second District, Aaron Foster received two thousand nine hundred
and twenty-five votes and Charles Wills three thousand two hundred
and thirty-six ; for Commissioner third District, Jacob Thornburg
received two thousand nine hundred atid ninety-six votes and
Hazard M. Hopkins three thousand one hundred and thirty-three.
Daniel L. BroAvn contested the election on the candidates for Sheriff
and upon final adjudication was declared entitled to the office, a
sufficient number of errors bavins: been discovered to give bim a
majority of all the votes cast.
The movement known as the Liberal Republican had this year a
large infiuence politically, having virtually dictated the Democratic
nomination for the Presidency, and the platform of principles on
which the campaign against the Republican party was conducted.
But in the vote the power of the Liberal Republicans was felt
chiefly at the October election. At the November election the

POLITICS. 267
defections among Democrats were so numerous as to more than
counterbalance tbe votes of the Liberal Republicans. The latter,
in May, had nominated Horace Greeley and B. Gratz Brown as
their candidate for President and Vice President; and when, later, the
Democracy met in national convention, they adopted the nomina
tions and the platform of the Liberals. The Republicans re-nomina
ted President Grant, and associated with bim Henry Wilson, of
Massachusetts as a candidate for Vice President. It is the exact
truth to say that neither tbe ticket nor the platform furnished to
the Democracy by tbe Liberal Republicans was at all such a ticket
or platform as that party would have chosen for itself, had it pur
sued an entirely independent course. The disaffection was so great
that a third ticket was nominated, at the head of which was Charles
O'Connor, the distinguished lawyer of New York. This third
ticket had very little strength in this county, or in the State, tbe
disaffection among Democrats taking the form at the Presidential
election of a refusal to vote at all. This is shown by the fact that
the vote in LaPorte county for the Democratic electors in
November, was three hundred and ninety less than for Hendricks
in October. Wm. W. Higgins of this county was the elector on
the Liberal Democratic ticket for the eleventh District. This ticket
received in this county two thousand seven hundred and eighty-
three votes ; the Republican electors received two thousand nine
hundred and three votes and the O'Connor electors seventeen votes.
A special election was held in October, 1873, for Prosecuting
attorney to fill a vacancy occasioned by the reorganization of the courts
of tbe State. The candidates were James A. Crawley and William
E. Pinney of LaPorte, and George Ford of South Bend. Ford
received one hundred and thirteeti votes, Pinney two hundred and
twenty-five, and Crawley one thousand one hundred and eighty.
The election of 1874 was for State, county and township officers,
and Representative in congress. There were three tickets in the
field, Democratic, Republican and Independent, and the Democrats
carried everything by very large majorities, except F. Nebelthau
for Trustee of Centre township, and Julius P. Llnard for Constable.
At the head of the State ticket were AVm. W. Curry, Republican,
John E. Neff, Democrat, and Isaac C. Stout, Independent; and the

268 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
vote stood, for Curry, two thousand three hundred and tAventy-four,
for Neff, three thousand two hundred and thirty -one and for Stout
two hundred and thirty-four. ,The candidates for congress, were
William H. Calkins, Republican, and Wm. S. Haymond, Democrat,
no Independent running for Congress in this District ; and the vote
of this county was, for Haymond, three thousand two hundred and
nine, and for Calkins two thousand four hundred and seventy-five.
Andrew L. Osborn was a candidate for Judge of the Supreme court.
and received two thousand five hundred and seventy votes, the
largest given for any Republican caijdidate on the State ticket.
For Prosecuting attorney, the candidates were James A Crawley,
Republican, and George Ford, Democrat, no Independent candidate
running. The vote of the county was for Crawley, two thousand
three hundred and thirty-eight, and for Ford, three thousand two
hundred and thirty-one. Each party had its candidate for Repre
sentative to the State legislature. They were Edward Evans,
Democrat, Sidney S. Sabin and Amos Thorp. Evans received
three thousand tAvo hundred and sixteen votes, Sabin two thousand
two hundred and seventy-eight, and Thorp two hundred and sixty-
three. For the other county officers, the candidates and their votes
were as folloAvs : FOR SHERIFF.
Edward Hawkins, Democrat, ...... 2996
Ithamar D. Phelps, Republican, ..... 2347
John N. Fail, Independent, .... 367
FOR AUDITOR.
Edward J. Church, Democrat, ...... 3123
John D. Stewart, Republican, ..... 2378
John R. Stewart, Independent, » , ... 247
FOB TREASURER.
George W. Mecum, Democrat, . . . . 3328
Charles S. Winship, Republican, ..... 2059
John D. Hoover, Independent, ..... 339
FOE RECORDER.
John H. Organ, Democrat, ...... 3223
Wm. P. Yarger, Republican, ..... 2252
Ambrose P. White, Independeht, ..... 284

POLITICS.

269

FOR CORONER.
Darwin T. RroAvn, Democrat, .....
George J. Bentley, Republican, ....
FOR COUNTY SURVEYOR.
Hiram Burner, Democrat, .....
John P. Cathcart, Republican, ....
FOR COUNTY ASSESSOR.
Jacob Folant, Democrat, . . . .
Joseph H. Francis, Republican, ....
AA'm. E. Creigbton, Independent, ....
FOR C07IMISSI0NER.
Charles AVills, Democrat, .....
Benajah Stanton, Republican, ....
George Mill, Independent, .....
This closes the review of the political history of LaPorte county,
except to supply the omission of the year 1839, in which year, there
was cast a total vote of one thousand two hundred and forty-six,
and the Whigs Avere successful by an average majority of one hun
dred and twenty, Great pains have been taken to make the record
as complete as possible, and it closes with the following recapitula
tion of the total number of votes cast at each election since the
organization of the county :
1832 April Election,  oo
77
115

3242
2320 3196
2581
3276 2242 327
32182068 243

1832

August

1832

November

1833

August

1834

ii

1835

--

1836

u

1836 November

1837

August

1838

a

1839

ii

1840

1840

November

1841

August

1842

a

1843

£±

1844

a

Votes.

478 775
935942941
1094
1246 1782
1709 1248169315921730

270

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

1844 November

Election,

1845 August
1846

ii

1847

c;

1848

ii

1848 November

a

1849 August
1850

4i
ii

1861

a

1852 October

u

1862 November

ii

1863 October

ii

1864

u

1865

a

1856

u

1856 November

ii

1857 October

a

1858

ii

1859

a

1860

ii

1860 November

ii

1861 October

a

1862

a

1863

ii

1864

ii

1864 November

ii

1865 October

a

1866

a

1867

ii

1868

£C

1868 November
1870 October

a ii

1872

u

1872 November

a

1873 October Special
1874 " Election

1893 Votes

1756

a

1873

a

1910

a

2011

a

2136

ii

2061

ii

1920

ii

2139

£C

2588

((

2961

((

1629

li

3128

«

1900

u

4663

a

4819

a

2999

ii

6026

ii

2835

a

5015

ii

5074

u

2869

u

4564

u

4460

a

4969

a

4811

(C

4043

u

6635

(C

3686

u

5760

ii

5940

£C

5326

ii

6172

ii

5703

U

1548

«

5789

((

FIRST ELECTIONS. 271

CHAPTER XVIII.
FIRST ELECTIONS.
It will not be uninteresting to preserve here the record com
plete, of some of the first elections ever held in the county ; the
names of those who voted then Avill be familiar to many still living,
and their appearance will serve to revive many pleasant recollec
tions of tbe days gone by.
Tbe following is the notice issued by the acting Sheriff of the
county, calling the first election and appointing it to be held on the
second Monday in April, 1832:
"Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters of LaPorte
county, Indiana; That by virtue of a late act of the legislature,
laying off said county, and also a commission to me directed as
Sheriff pro tem, as well as that of a writ of election from his excel
lency, N. Noble, Governor of the State of Indiana, commanding me
as Sheriff of said county, to hold an election at such place or places,
as I may appoint in said county, on the second Monday in April
next, giving ten days notice thereof. Therefore be it known that
an election will be held at the house of Nathan B. Nichols, and
also at the bouse of Arba Heald in said county on the second Mon
day in April next, for tbe purpose of electing two Associate Judges,
one Clerk of the circuit court, a Recorder for the county and three
County commissioners. Said election is to be held and conducted
as general elections are, and the return of said election will be made
to me at the house of Jacob Miller, on the Wednesday succeeding
said election.
The west half of Range one, west of the second principal meridian
and all of Range two, will constitute one District, and the election is
to be held at the said bouse of Nichols ; and Ranges three and four
west, will form the second District, and the election will be held at
A. Heald's at the Door prairie.
Given under my hand this 29th day of March, A. D. 1832.
Benjamin McCarty.
Appointed Sheriff."

272 history of la porte county.
Under and in pursuance of this notice, elections Avere held at the
two designated places in the county, the records of which are as
follows :
"At an election begun and held at the house of Arba Heel
[Arba Heald is intended,] in the county of LaPorte, and State of
Indiana, on the''9th day of April, 1832, for the purpose of electing
two Associate Judges, a Clerk of the circuit court, a Recorder for
said county and three County commissioners, being one of the
election districts appointed by, the Sheriff of said county by virtue of
law, at Avhich time and place the folloAving number and named
persons voted:
William Morgan, Jesse Morgan, Elisha Newel, Alden Tucker,
Adam Keith, John AA^elsh, Jonathan Morgan, Stephen Brayton,
Horace Markham, Wm. Phillips, Joseph P. Osborn, John AVhite,
William Thrall, ^..Daniel Jessup, Isaac Morgan, Charles West, John
Barnet, John Whitaker, Judah Leaming, Joseph Osborn, Elijah H.
Brown, Wm. Garwood, Lewis Shirley, .James Huckins and
Henly Clyburn."
The returns are signed by James Hutchins and Judah Leaming,
clerks. "At an election begun and held at the house of Nathan B. Nichols
in the county of LaPorte and State of Indiana, on the 9th day of
April, 1832, for the purpose of electing two Associate Judges, a
Clerk of the circuit court, a Recorder for said county and three
County commissioners, being one of the election Districts appointed
by the Sheriff of said county by virtue of la-w, at which time and
place the following number and named persons voted:
Charles Egbert, Lyman Robbins, Joseph Bay, Wm. H. McCarty,
Asa, M. Warren, Nathan B. Nichols, Jesse N. West, George AV.
Barnes, Arthur^Irwin, Levi BroAvn, James Highley, John Wills,
Peter Low, John Garrard, Ezekiel Provolt, Alfred Stanton, Wm.
Clark, Elijah Stanton, Philip Fail, Amos Stanton, John Stanton,
George Thomas, Joseph Lykins, Aaron Stanton, Wm. F. Stanton,
Michael Billings, Richard Harris, Aurea Sperry, Jacob Miller and
Chapel W. Brown."
The returns'^are signed by Jacob Miller, Alfred Stanton and
John Wills, clerks.

politics. 273
After which the following return was made :
" At an election held pursuant to a writ of election directed to>
me, as Sheriff of La Porte County, Indiana, on the ninth day of
April, 1832. It appears from the returns of said election made tc
me at the house of Jacob Miller, the proper place as appointed, by
me, and on the day recognized by law and within tbe proper hours.
Jacob Miller for Associate Judge, received fojty-two votes ; Judah
Leaming, twenty -three votes; Daniel Jessup, twenty -three ; Elisha
Newel, eight; Elijah H. Brown for County Commissioner, received
forty-two votes; Chapel W. Brown, twenty -nine; Aaron Stanton,
twenty-nine ; Isaac Morgan, thirty-five ; John AVills, four ; Joseph
Lykins, fifteen votes. For Clerk and Recorder, George Thomas
received forty-one votes; and for Clerk, Jesse Morgan received.
twelve votes, and for Recorder he received thirteen votes ;
Judah Leaming and Daniel Jessup having an equd number-
of votes for Judge, and casting lots the lot went in favor of Leam
ing. Chapel W. Brown and Aaron Stanton having, an equal num
ber of votes for County Commissioner, lots being cast the lot Avent
in favor of Brown. Such appears from tbe certificates of election
as returned. Therefore Jacob Miller and Judah Leaming are
' elected associate Judges for said County of LaPorte. Elijah H.
Brown, Isaac Morgan and C. W. Brown are elected Commissioners
for said County, and George Thomas is elected Clerk and Recorder."
Other elections were held in 1832, as follows :
SCIPIO township.
On tbe sixteenth day of June, an election was held for the first
Justice of the Peace in Scipio Township. The following were the
votes cast : A. P. Andrew, Judah Leaming, Joseph Osborn, Ben
jamin McCarty, Christopher M. McClure, Ira Richardson, Elijah
H. Brown, James Hutchins, Wm. M. Cort, Benjamin Dewitt,.
John Mann, Wm. Powers, I. M. Wilson, Jacob Coleman, Arthur
McClure, Samuel Hardiston, Absalom Rambo, Stephen Brayton,
Richard Harris, John Stanton, Arba Heald. Arthur McClure re
ceived sixteen votes and was declared elected Justice of the Peace.
Absalom Rambo received three votes. The returns were signed by
James Hutchins, Joseph Osborn and Elijah H. Brown, Judges,
and Judah Leaming and Wm. Gibson, Clerks. 1 8

274 history of la porte county.
new durham township.
The following is the first record of an election in New Durham
township, after the County was organized :
"Poll book of an election begun and held at the house of Elisha
Newell, on the sixteenth day of June, 1832. The following per
sons voted in the folloAving order for Justice of the Peace for New
Durham Township, La Porte County, Indiana : Alden Tucker,
Peter Lowe, Chas. West, John AV. Cole, John Barnett, Wm. Thrall,
William Garwood, Isaac Morgan, Jonathan Morgan, Joseph Orr,
Nathaniel Steel, William Morgan, Daniel -Jessup, Henly Clyburn,
Elisha Newell.
We the undersigned judges of the above election do certify the
above to be a true poll book of the above election.
Elisha Newhall, 1
Daniel Jessup, V Judges.
Henly Clyburn, j
J. Barnett, ^I q,,
John W. Cole, [ ^'®'''^-
Not on the face, but as filing to the above returns there is the
simple announcement: "E. Newhall elected," signed by G. Thom
as, C. L. C. C." We are left in ignorance as to whether Mr.
Newhall had a competitor, or how many votes he received."
KANKAKEE TOWNSHIP.
The first general election in Kankakee Township of which there
is any return on file is the one held on the sixth day of August,
1832, when the candidates voted for were, for State Senator, Sam
uel Hanna, Pleasant Harris and Jeremiah Smith ; for Representa
tive, Elisha Egbert, George Crawford, .and AVm. Bissell ; for Sherifi",
Nathan B. Nichols, and Adam G. Polke ; for Coroner. John Gar
rard; for School Commissioner, Wm. Clark; for Probate Judge,
Benj. McCarty and Jesse Morgan ; for Justice of the Peace, Ezekiel
Provolt. The names of the voters at this election are James High-
ley, E. A. Brown, Judah Leaming, H. F. Janes, .John Garrard,
John Wills, Andrew Shaw, James McCormick, Charles Egbert,
Asa M. Warren, Joseph Lykins, Joseph Bay, Jesse Willets, Lyman
Robbins, Samuel Webster, George W. Barnes, Jacob Miller, Alex
ander Blackburn, Aurea Sperry, Ezekiel Provolt, Levi Brown,

POLITICS. 275
"Wjn. Clark, Noble McKinstry, Chapel W. Brown, Jesse N. West,
lldrtin Baker, N. B. Nichols, Michael Billings, Amos Stanton.
At this election, John Wills Avas inspector, Ezekiel Provolt and
H. F. -Janes were Clerks, and Lyman Robbins and C. W. Brown,
Judges. The first election held in Michigan Township occurred on the
twenty -eighth day of September, 1833, at which twenty votes were
cast for .Justice of the Peace. The names of the voters are as
follows :
"Elijah Casteel, Willis Hughes, -James Laughlin, George dinger,
Joseph C. Orr, -James Knaggs, I. C. Elston, Wm. Conant, J. Bar
tholomew, Amos Dyer, Squire Clark, Eliakim Ashton, Samuel
Masterson, Peter Ritter, Silas Gregory, B. Sims, James AVaddle,
Gilbert Baldwin, Caleb Nichols, Samuel dinger. Of these votes
James M. Scott received eight, and Samuel dinger, twelve. The
election was held at the house of Joseph C. Orr, who was tbe In
spector; and James Laughlin and Willis Hughes were Judges."
SPRINGFIELD.
"At an election held on Monday, the sixth day of April, 1836,
at the house of Judah Leaming in Springfield township, in LaPorte
County, Indiana, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the
Peace, one Constable, one or more Supervisors of roads, two Over
seers of the poor, two fence viewers, and one inspector^ of elections,
where tbe legal votes given stand thus :
Erastus Quivy, David S. Murray, Robert Wilkinson, Levi
Young, Geo. Sanford, John Griffith, Judah Leaming, Orrin Lewis,
Harvey Leaming, John BroAvn, John AVilbur, Timothy Fosdick, Asa
Pease, Samuel J. Havens, Alfred Stanton, William Cormack, Jo
seph W. Foster. State of Indiana, La Porte, Co.,
We the undersigned. Inspectors and Judges of the within named
election do certify that Joseph W. Foster, received fourteen votes
for Justice of the Peace, and Harvey Leaming received twelve votes
for Constable; David T. Murray, fourteen]',votes for ^Supervisor;
Orrin Lewis, twelve ; Hiram Griffith, eleven ; Erastus Quivy, four ;
Alfred Stanton, three; and -John Smith one vote for Supervisor.

276 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
For Overseer of poor, Judah Leaming, eleven votes ; John Enos, ten ;
John Griffith, six ; Wm. Cormack, two. Fence Viewers, Wm. Cor
mack, thirteen votes; Erastus Quivy, nine; Hiram Griffith, four;
John Enos, one vote. For Inspector, Judah Leaming, fourteen
votes ; Timothy Fosdick, five votes for Constable.
Given under our hands and seals this sixth day of April, 1875.
Judah Leaming, Inspector,
John Griffith,
David S. Murray.
Wm. Earmauk, ) r|ip^v„»
ORRisf Lewis, I^^^i^ks NOBLE.
The first election held in Noble Township took place on the fourth
day of April, 1836. There were to be chosen two Justices of the
Peace, one Inspector of elections, two Constables, two Fence A^iew-
ers, two Overseers of the poor, and tour Supervisors of highways.
The following is the poll list in the order in which the votes were
cast: "John Pool, Arthur McClure, John S. Decker, AVard Blake,
Abraham Charles, Martin Houseman, Edward Kennedy, Calvin
Worrell, T. H. Wells, Horace Wood, Wright Loving, Edward
O'Hara, Joseph Sterrett, Amos G. Webster, Silas Loving, John
McLane, Samuel O'Hara, Timothy C. Everett, AA^m. Callison,
John Harding, Michael O'Hara, Samuel Sample, Ira Birch, Rich
ard Worrell, Joseph Wheaton, Burton Sweringen, Nimrod Phillips,
David Powers, Thomas Burch, Calvin Burch, Admiral Burch,
Samuel Higley, John Pratt, John F. Allison, John Marford. John
Underwood." The elections resulted in the selection- of the following toAvnship
officers :
Justices, John F. Allison, Josiah Grover , Inspector of Elections,
Arthur McClure; Constables, John Pratt, Rezin EA'erts; Fence
Viewers, John Pool, Horace Wood; Overseers of the Poor, Ad
miral Burch, Joseph Wheaton; Supervisors of Highways, David
Po-^ers, John Underwood, Joseph Sterrett."
CLINTON.
" The first election held in Clinton Township was on the fourth

POLITICS. 277
day of April, 1836, at the house of Charles Eaton. The officers to
be elected were two Justices of the Peace, one Inspector of elections,
two Constables, two Fence Viewers, two Overseers of the Poor, and
one Supervisor of Highways. Twenty-six votes were cast by the
following named persons in tbe order in which they are given :
John AVarnock, Daniel Robertson, Isham Campbell, John Eaton,
James Tuley, John Bailey, Jeremiah Sherwood, Wm. 0. Vicory, Jno.
Harris, Jonathan Glimps, Jonathan Sherwood, Simpson Ray,
David Ray, Peter Tuley, Joseph Morrison, Thomas Robinson,
James Haskell, Ira Richardson, John Moorman, Jacob Iseminger,
Archibald Moorman, Ransom Maddy, Francis Morrison, Joseph
Osborn, Thomas B. Patterson, Benjamin T. Bryant, Hezekiah
Robertson, Worcester B. Heath, Charles Eaton, Abram Eahart,
Lykins Richardson, Nathaniel Steele, Jonathan Middleton, Marsena
Clark, Jonathan Osman, and Aaron , Wills." The following were
the successful candidates :
"Justices, Charles Eaton, John Warnock; Inspector, Charles
Eaton ; Constables, Joseph Osborn, James Haskell ; Fence Viewers,
Thomas Robertson, Hezekiah Robertson; Overseers of the Poor,
Jeremiah Sherwood, Wm. Ray; Supervisor of Highways, Daniel
Robertson." HUDSOK.
Hudson township was organized in May, 1836, and an election
was held on the eighteenth day of the following June. The fol
lowing is the record:
"At an election held on the eighteenth day of June, 1836, at
the house of J. F. Smith, in Hudson Township, LaPorte County,
and State of Indiana, for the purpose of electing one -Justice of the
Peace for Hudson Township, where tbe legal votes stood thus:
Daniel Cross, David Shay, Nathaniel Maynes, Enos Lewis, Elijah
Phye, Jonathan Edwards, Royal Cuthbert, J. D. Ross, Joseph W.
Lykins, Robert Davis, Benjamin Hicks, Benjamin H. Howell,
John McCormick, Nelson Moody, John Caldwell, John McLaine,
John S. Baker, Samuel N. Vance, Samuel Turner, Joseph Bay,
Gabrielle Druilliner, A. L. Wheeler, Joseph Sisney, James M.
Hepner, James Hatfield."
On the next page is the following :

278 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
"Tally paper for an election held on the eighteenth day of June,
1836, at the house of J. F. Smith, in Hudson Township, LaPorte
County, Indiana, for the purpose of electing a Justice of the Peace,
where the legal votes given stand thus : J. F. Smith, thirteen
votes; Charies Egbert, twelve votefe.
State of Indiana, I^a Porte County.
We, the undersigned judges of the foregoing election, do certify
that James Smith received thirteen votes for the of the -Justice
of the Peace, and Chas. Egbert received twelve votes for the same
office. Given under our hands and seals the eighteenth of June. 1-S36.

John D. Koss, Inspector.
Benjamin Hicks, ) j ^
-Joseph AV. Lykihs, )'
Walter Livingston, ¦) pi„„ta »
J. W. Collins, |oierKs.

POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE. 279

CHAPTER XIX.
POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LAPORTE.
The incorporation of LaPorte as a village or town took place in
the year 1835, and the following are the records appertaining
thereto :
On the fourth day of November, 1835, the Board of County
Commissioners passed the following order: ''Ordered that in pur
suance of the statute, and the petition of the citizens of the town of
La Porte for the incorporating of said .town, this day legally pre
sented, comprising in tbe opinion of the Board, two-thirds of the
whole number of legal voters in said town, an election be held at
the usual place of holding elections in said toAvn, on Saturday the
fourteenth day of November, inst. for the purpose of electing trustees
of said incorporation. ' '
This is afterwards followed on the record by the foUoAving certifi
cate of the election of corporation Trustees :
"State of Indiana, LaPorte County.
We the undersigned. President and Clerk of an election held at
the house of Robert S. Morrison in tbe town of La Porte, in the
County of La Porte, and State of Indiana, for the purpose of elect
ing Trustees for tbe several wards or districts in the incorporation
of the town of La Porte, do certify that, (after we were appointed
President and Clerk of and for said election, agreeable to the statute
in such case made and provided,) Amzi Clark was duly elected
Trustee for District No. 1 ; Jonathan M. Hacker for District No.
2; William Clement, District No. .3; Hiram Wheeler, District No.
4 ; and Jacob Haas, District No. -6 ; in the town of La Porte
aforesaid :
Given under our hands and seals this fourteenth day of Novem
ber, A. D., 1835. Wm. Dinwidme, President, ss,
Wm. Allen, Clerk, ss."

280 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
The incorporation took place under Whig auspices, and the
Board of Trustees remained of this party during most of Jthe years
that intervened between this time and the date when the town
became a city. In the year 1852 a city charter was granted, the
place having then a population of about 6,000, and in August of
that year a charter election was held which resulted in the election
of Wm. J. Walker, first Mayor of La Porte. This was a victory
for the Whig party, and that party or its successor, controlled the
administration of the city until 1856, Wm. Millikan being elected
Mayor in 1866. But in May, 1866, the Democrats succeeded at
the municipal election, and Benjamin Kress was elected. The
next year the Democrats were again successful, electing Frederic
McCollum Mayor, and Benjamin Kress the City Judge. Prior
to this time, the Republican party here, as elsewhere, had
acquired great strength. Most of the former Whigs and many
Democrats noAV gave it their support, and at the city election in
May, 1869, Wm. H. H. Whitehead was elected Mayor ; Asa A.
Whitehead, Marshall, and the candidates for the other city officers
were successful. A majority of the City Council was also^ Repub
lican. The next election occurred in May, 1861, and resulted in'
the general success of the Democratic ticket, Daniel Noyes being
¦elected Mayor, though Asa A. Whitehead, was re-elected Marshal,
and a majority of the City Council remained Republican. On
taking his seat Mayor Noyes made the following address :
¦"Gentlemen of the Common Council:
In entering upon the duties of the office of Mayor — although it
may be somewhat of an innovation upon what has been the custom
of my predecessors — I deem it not inappropriate to submit to you
some suggestions in writing, forshadowing at least my own views in
regard to our future policy. We come into office untrammeled by
party ties — being the representatives of no party organization, we
have no partisan friends to reward or political foes to punish.
Never since the organization of our City Government has there
been a more favorable opportunity than the present for the inaugu
ration of that policy which shall redound to our common good, and
bring about us those blessings which are the result of united and
harmonious action.

politics of the CITY OF LA PORTE. 281
The oaths which we have severally taken, require of us as our
paramount duty, first : That we support and preserve inviolate the
Constitution of our common country — next to that the Constitution
of our State, and that last, though not least, we faithfully and
honestly discharge tbe duties assigned us in our several capacities.
For the accomplishment of those purposes let mutual forbearance
and respect be mingled with all our deliberations — exercising to
wards each other that measure of kindness and good will ¦which
should always pervade those to whom are confided a common trust,
and who are seeking the perfection of a common cause.
The present deplorable and distracted condition of our National
and State affairs — the unfavorable progress of the present season —
the distress in financial circles — the universal paralysis of all busi
ness pursuits, all appeal to us in accents which we cannot disregard,
that our expenditures should be attended with prudence and econo
my. By this it is not intended to recommend a niggardly parsi
mony unbecoming an enlightened public policy, but rather that we
check that reckless spirit of extravagance which is a continued drain
upon our Treasury, merely that it may appear that we are doing
something. Our streets, with a few exceptions, are in very fair repair ; and it
is far better in my judgment to suffer what inconvenience must arise
from them, in the situation in which they might be left after a judi
cious expenditure of the road fund, and perhaps a small outlay
besides, than at the present crisis to burden our citizens with a
heavy tax, and that, too, injudiciously expended. South Main
and Monroe streets, undoubtedly need repairs, and possibly many
others may; but I cannot dismiss this branch of the subject with
out enjoining upon the Street Committee that they see to it them
selves — that tbe right thing be done in the right place, and that it
be done in such a manner as to be of lasting benefit to our city.
It is of no benefit to our streets that a large force may be concen
trated upon them merely for tbe purpose of removing tbe earth
from one locality to another, rendering them impassable for a time,
or working them day after day without system, order or object; but
let the most feasible plan for the accomplishment of the necessary
repairs be first Avell matured by the committee in charge — let them

282 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
superintend the work themselves — know that the services are ren
dered, and certify to the bills themselves. If it be objected to this
suggestion that it takes too much of the time of the committee, and
is too great a tax upon them, I answer the objection by recommend
ing that they be reasonably compensated for all their time devoted
to such service.
It is highly probable also, that repairs to some extent, and of a
substantial nature, will be required upon tbe public sewer. The im
portance of preserving this in substantial repair, and successful
operation, must be evident to every one; but as that is within the
jurisdiction of the Street Committee further comment upon it at
this time is unnecessary.
I recommend to the favorable consideration of the Council as
complete an organization and continuance of the Fire Brigade of
the City as the circumstances of the case will admit. The import
ance of this iiubject must also be so apparent to every reflecting
mind that it can scarcely need. more to engage the attention of
the Council, than barely to be brought to their recollection.
I also recommend to the immediate attention of the Council that
some disposition of the property formerly purchased as a pest house
site, and also of the City jail, be made for the purpose of liquida
ting the present indebtedness of the City, or that the proceeds be
devoted to the repairs of the sewer or some other purpose which
will be of permanent benefit to the City. The City has a contract
with the county of La Porte by which she has the use of the
county pest house guartoteed to her free of charge, and I am
unable to see any good or sufficient reason why the lots which tbe
City long ago purchased for that purpose, and are now of no use or
practical utility to her, should not be disposed of and the proceeds
be devoted to some useful purpose. I also recommend that the
Council seriously consider the propriety of selling the City Jail
building, and also of entering into a contract, if necessary, with
the County Commissioners, for the use of the County Jail in all
such cases as may be required for City purposes.
It is also in my opinion of great importance to the interest of
the City, that the Council require that all the books and papers of
the City, of whatever department, be kept strictly within the Conn-

POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE. 283
cil room, and not be removed therefrom for any purpose like tbe
accommodation of tbe officers of the several departments, or in fact,
unless it be to obey some order of court. There can be no reason
for removing any of the books or papers, unless it be merely to
accommodate the officers, and the Council furnish convenient and
suitable places for the transa,ction of all business — a receptacle for
the preservation of their papers — and where their business is done
is the proper place to keep the conveniences and necessaries for
doing it. Any other .system will certainly entail upon us the loss
of important papers, furnish an excuse for the non-performance of
duty, by the simple act of removing the books and papers necessary
to the discharge of such duty, and in all probability become the
source of great and irreparable injury to the interests of the City.
As there are no regulations of the Council at present touching this
matter I hope it will engage their attention without delay.
I also desire to remind tbe Council of tbe necessity of requiring
prompt and energetic action from officers and committees, that un
finished business may not accumulate upon our hands.
Other matters of equal importance with those already enumera
ted, but which time is not given me now to mention, will be here
after made tbe subject of further communication. Daniel Noyes, Mayor.
May 13, 1861."
In May, 1863, the Republicans carried the city, electing all the
city officers and a majority of tbe council. The officers elected were
as follows: Mayor, Wm. H. H. Whitehead; Treasurer, Thomas H.
Phillips ; Marshal, John Thompson, Jr. ; Clferk, Richard G. Ran
dall. The city government was again reversed in 1865. At the
city election in May, Daniel Noyes was elected Mayor; Simon
Wile, Treasurer; -John Hinsey, Marshal; Wm. Whitman, Clerk,
and J. H. Merrill, Assessor, by a majority varying from seventy-
six to one hundred and twenty-six. At the election in May, 1867,
Daniel Noyes was re-elected Mayor, and the city government con
tinued Democratic. Simon Wile was re-elected as Treasurer ;
Thomas S. Cogley was elected Clerk; Andrew Saylor, Marshal,
and Levi Ely, Assessor. This was an active and spirited contest.
Morgan H. Weir was the Republican candidate for Mayor, and

284 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
the voters on both sides were thoroughly aroused. The victory re
mained with tbe Democrats, their candidates receiving majorities
ranging from eighty to one hundred and sixty. The council in
cluding those holding over, consisted of the following citizens.
Holding over — Charles Fravel, Geo. W. Mecum, H. Treusdell,
Reuben Munday, and Jacob Wile. Members elect — Davidson
Patton, C. Hausher, Fred. Steigley, H. Druliner, H. Hausher. In
the third and fourth wards, H. H. Benton and Hart L. Weaver
contested the seats of Steigley and Druliner, having received an
actual majjority of the votes cast, but they never obtained the seats.
At the election of May, 1869, a portion of each ticket Avas suc
cessful. For City Marshal, Andrew Saylor, Democrat, was re
elected by seventy-four majority ; Levi Ely for Assessor, by thirteen
majority; Dr. L. C. Rose was elected Mayor; Charles Peglow,
Treasurer, and Nathaniel S. Paul, Clerk — all Republicans. Rose's
majority was twenty-seven; Peglow's forty-three; Paul's twenty-
three. The Democrats retained their majority in the council, electing
their candidates as follows : from second Avard, George AV. Mecum ;
from fourth ward, Albert Ribbe and H. Peters; from fifth Avard,
D. Soutter. The Republicans elected Gavin Campbell in the first
ward, and A. H. Robinson in the third ward, which together with
those who held over, caused the council to consist of seven Demo
crats and three Republicans.
At the city election in May, 1871, the Democratic candidates
Avere, ior Mayor, Simon Wile ; for Treasurer, Herman Hausheer ;
for Clerk, John H. Organ ; for Marshal, John H. Ball ; for Asses
sor, George Cochrane; and the Republican candidates Avere, for
Mayor, Dr. Landon C. Rose, for a second term ; for Treasurer,
Charles Peglow; for Clerk, N. S. Paul; for Marshal, Oscar Mott;
for Assessor, James Breen. The result of the election Avas such
that neither party could claim a victory, a portion of the candidates
on each ticket being elected. The eontest was a very spirited one,
both parties laboring for success Avith the greatest energy. The
candidates were active, and the voters were generally aroused, and
at the polls on the day of election ; and though party spirit was
considerably excited, yet it was, more than anything else the personal
strength of the various candidates that affected the result. Rose was

POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE. 285
elected Mayor by a majority of 18 ; Jas. Breen was elected Assessor,
by a majority of thirty-seven. Tbe largest Republican majority
was given for N. S. Paul, he having received 764 votes to five
hundred and ninety-six, for tbe opposing candidate. Of tbe candi
dates on the Democratic ticket John H. Ball was elected Marshal,
by a majority of fifty-six, and H. Hausheer was elected Treasurer by
four majority. Councilmen were elected as follows: first ward,
D. D. Deffenbach, Republican; second ward, Washington Wilson,
Republican; third ward, Reuben Munday, Republican; fourth
ward, Edwin G. McCollum, Democrat ; fifth ward, C. Cook, Dem
ocrat. This result made the council a tie, as in the previous year
at the ward elections, two Republicans, Samuel B- Collins and
Robert S. Morrison, and three Democrats, S. S. Baker, Albert
Ribbe and AA". W. Finley, Avere elected councilmen. Thus one of
the most hotly contested election campaigns in which La Porte ever
engaged, resulted in as nearly a tie all around as was possible,
though the balance was somewhat in favor of the Republicans.
Passing over, as heretofore, the intermediate election, which was
for councilmen alone, tbe city voting by wards, tbe next election to
engage attention is that of 1873, when a full city ticket was again
to be elected. The two were promptly in tbe field with their candi
dates, and every inch of ground was carefully canvassed. The
candidates were, for Mayor, Mortimer Nye, and Capt. Abram P.
Andrew; for Marshal, -John H. Ball and Cyrus Shreeve; for Clerk,
John H. Bradley and George M. Miller; for Treasurer, Herman
Hausheer and Benj. Ash; for Assessor, Alexander Hunt and Reu
ben Munday ; councilmen 1st ward, D. Thrush and -Jno. B. Moulton ;
second ward. Wash. Wilson, Ras Fetzer, S. A. Robinson and Chris.
•Hauser; third ward, John D. Hoover and Jacob Wile; fourth
ward, E. G. McCollum, Wilham Koppin and G. W. Abbott; fifth
ward, Henry Wales and Chas. Kasbaum. The Democrats were
completely successful, electing tbe entire city ticket and three out
of six councilmen. The lowest majority was that of Nye against
Andrew for Mayor, which was twenty-five, tbe highest was that of
Hunt against Munday, one hundred and eighty-nine majority. The
Republicans carried tbe second and third wards and that was all.
Dr. S. A. Robinson and Washington Wilson were elected in the

286 'history op la porte county.
second ward by thirty-two majority, and John D. Hoover in the
third by forty-four majority. The general result was to give the
Democrats full control of the city government.
The next general city election was held in May, 1875, and re
sulted in a partial victory for the Republicans. The Democrats
having held the city government for some years past, and the whole
county having gone heavily Democratic at the general election of
1874, that party was very confident of a crushing victory and the
Republicans correspondingly lacked confidence. It was somewhat
difficult to find a prominent citizen who would consent to make the
race for Mayor ; but after much persuasion Polaski King accepted
the arduous and unpromising place. The ticket having then been
completed, the Republicans five days before the election, went to
work with an energy rarely equaled. The Democrats had nomina
ted the city officers for re-election with one exception, and they
came to the work with an assurance begotten of former victories,
and the admitted fact that on a straight party vote, they bad a
majority in the city. The result of the election was that while the
Democrats elected the larger portion of the city officers, yet their
expectations were not fully realized, the majorities being much
lower than they anticipated, and their candidates for Clerk and
Marshal being defeated. On the other hand the Republicans were
so well satisfied with their work that it was an easy matter to
regard it as a victory. The following schedule, copied from the
La Porte Chronicle, gives in detail the vote cast for the several
candidates, and it is here given because it is the report of the last
city election, and presents the names of those who now compose the
city government.
Mayor. — Total number of votes cast, 1,458. First Avard — King,
147; Nye, 190; Nye's majjority, 43. Second ward — King, 137;
Nye, 131; King's majority, 6. Third ward — King 212; Nye,
123; King's majority, 89. Fourth ward— King, 88;, Nye, 163;
Nye's majority 76. Fifth ward — King, 71; Nye, 196; Nye's
majority 126. Total, King, 655; Nye, 803. Nye's majority 148.
Clerk. — Total number of votes cast, 1,444. First ward — Dor-
land, 186 ; Becher 146; Dorland's majority, 41. Second ward —
Borland 168; Becher, 107; Dorland's majority 51. Third ward

politics of the city of LA PORTE. 287
— ©orland, 241 ; Becher, 90 ; Dorland's majority 151. Fourth
irard — Dorland, 87 ; Becher 162 ; Becher's majority 76. Fifth
ward — Dorland, 80; Becher, 182; Becher's majority 108. Total,
Dorland, 762; Becher, 692. Dorland's majority, -60.
Treasurer. — ^Total number of votes cast, 1,450. First ward —
Cochrane, 191 ; Hausheer, 144 ; Cochrane's majority, 47. Second
•ward — Cochrane, 130; Hausheer, 137; Hausheer's majority 7.
Third ward — Cochrane, 229 ; Hausheer, 100 ; Cochrane's majority
129. Fourth ward — Cochrane, 95; Hausheer, 156; Hausheer's
majority 61. Fifth ward — Cochrane, 65; Hausher, 203; Haush
eer's majjority 138. Total, Cochrane, 710; Hausheer, 740.
Hausheer's majority, 30.
Marshal. — Total number of votes cast, 1,467. First ward —
Haverly, 192; Ball, 149; Haverly's majority 43. Second ward —
Haverly, 165; Ball, 104; Haverly's majority 61. Third ward —
Haverly, 232; Ball, 100; Haverly s majority 132. Fourth ward
—Haverly, 114; Ball, 134; Ball's majority 20. Fifth ward—
Haverly, 88; Ball, 179; Ball's majority 91. Total, Haverly,
791; Ball, 666. Haverly's majority 125.
Assessor. — Total number of votes cast, 1,441. First ward —
Klockseim, 148; Hunt, 181; Hunt's majority 33. Second ward
— Klockseim, 130; Hunt, 137; Hunt's majority 7. Third ward
Klockseim, 207; Hunt, 125; Klockseim's majjority 82. Fourth
¦ward — Klockseim, 101; Hunt, 147; Hunt's majority 46. Fifth
ward— Klockseim 63; Hunt 202; Hunt's majority 139. Total,
Klockseim, 649; Hunt, 792. Hunt's majority 143.
Councilmen fi-rst ward. — Total number of votes cast, 332. John
F. Decker, Rep., 157 ; David Thrush, Dem., 175 ; Thrush's ma
jority 18.
Second ward. — Total number of votes cast, 261. B. B. Arnold,
Republican and Democrat, 214; AVm. Haferkamp, Independent,
47; Arnold's majority 167.
Third ward, long term. — Total number of votes cast, 259. Ed.
Rathbun, Republican and Democrat, 259. No opposition — Rath-
bun's majority 269. Short term. — Total number of votes cast,
327; Fred West, Republican, 227; Jacob Wile, Democrat, 100.
West's ma,jority 127.

288 history of la porte county.
Fourth ward. — Total number of votes cast, 244. J. Curran,
Republican, 86; A. Ribbe, Democrat, 168; Ribbe's majority 72.
Fifth ward. — Total number of votes cast, 266. Chas. Lund-
quist, Republican, 69; Chas. Bauer, Democrat, 196; Bauer's
majority, 127.
This closes the review of the political history of La Porte. The
elections of each alternate year have been omitted, as they were
ward elections only and did not change the political complexion of
the city administration proper. While yet a town, the Board of
Trustees was generally Whig, and when the town became a city, it
entered upon its city dignity under a Whig administration. Since
the organization of the Republican party, the two existing parties
have each borne a share in the administration of the city govern
ment, the Democrats being in power tbe larger number of years.
Various public enterprises have been undertaken and completed
during this time, tbe most important of which are the excellent
public school buildings, and the Holly water works, tbe latter
having been inaugurated and completed under the administration of
Mayor Rose. Under all administrations the effort has been to
keep the city clean and healthy, and this has been attended with a
fair degree of success. It is not the province of this History to
make political criticisms, and its author is glad to be able to say
that under every administration much has been done that is worthy
of commendation.

military record. 289"

CHAPTER XX.
MILITARY RECORD.
The military record of La Porte County is one of so extensive a
character, and so honorable, that it is worthy of a separate chapter
in this History. It is indeed worthy of a volume in itself, but a
single chapter is all that can be given to it in a work meant for the
presentation of the entire History, the development, and the re
sources of the county. Honorable mention should here be made of
those of our citizens who bore a part in the last war with Great
Britain. Though the military service performed by them was long
prior to the organization of the County, even before the admission
of Indiana as a State into the Union, yet their presence among the
people of the County served to stimulate feelings of patriotism, thus
arousing men to action when the country needed and called for
their services. These honored old heroes were constant incentives
to honorable deeds. They kept alive tbe military spirit, and no
doubt often caused to arise in the hearts of the younger men around
them, a longing desire that an opportunity might arise, by which
they could also shoulder the musket, and follow the fiag to battle in
defense of their country. Hence though their own services were
rendered long before the beginning of the period covered by this
History, yet having by tbe influence of their example, served to
give the country a grander military history than it would otherwise
have had, they are deemed worthy of this allusion. The names of
this old guard of veterans are as follows : B. Farwell, who now
lives at Westville ; Amos G. Webster, also of Westville ; Stephen
Bunnell, of Indian Point ;  Napier, of Cass Township ;
Joseph Merrit, of La Porte, and Daniel Mack Leaming, ot Centre
Township. There may have been others, but after diligent inquiry,
the writer has been unable to obtain their names. These were
living in the County at the beginning of 1871, but some of them
have since passed away. Daniel Mack Leaming lies buried in
19

290 history of la porte cotJOTY.
Pine Lake cemetery, and on each annual decoration day his grave
receives a floral tribute, with those who participated in later wars
for their country. So let the offerings of our praise testify the
country's gratitude to these veterans while living, and let the sweet
est flowers adorn their graves when their spirits have departed, and
left only dust to be honored by the living.
AVhile the human race remains, individuals fall out by the way.
Of the men who assisted in the revolution to establish our independ
ence, not one remains in all the land. Of the men of 1812-15,
but few are left, and even those of the Mexican war are dropping
fast out of the ranks of the living. The great world moves on, and
the roll-call of the mighty hosts that defended the nation in 1861-65
is growing less and less with the passage of the years. Events
crowd thickly upon us, and even 1861 is thrown far back in history.
The coming generation should not be compelled to depend on
the forgetfulness of men's memories for a knowledge of the names of
those who preserved the nation when assailed by domestic foes,
unless indeed their work shall come to be regarded as a stigma
upon them, and the men who sought to destroy what they defend
ed, shall reap at last the fruits of the victories of Union soldiers.
Over such a prospect let a veil of darkness descend.
The first service of a military nature that was rendered 'by any of
the people of LaPorte County, after the settlement, was in the Black
Hawk war, which caused the building of a fort near Door Village
in 1832, and other military preparations, the narrative of which is
given in the chapter on Scipio Township. Fortunately the savage
enemy did not enter the borders of LaPorte County, and the homes
of the peaceful pioneers remained unmolested. Gen. Orr led his
company of mounted rangers into Illinois by command of Gen.
Winfield Scott; but the difficulties with the Indians being soon
after settled, they did not participate in actual hostilities.
At length in 1846-7 the ncAvs passed over the country that a
state of war existed between the United States and Mexico, that
our little army had passed the Rio Grande, that bloody battles had
been fought on the soil of Mexico, and that the nation needed
volunteers to assist in the work upon which the government had
entered. LaPorte County was not slow to respond, and a Company

military record. 291
was very soon raised and on its Avay to the seat of war, under com
mand of Captain W. W. McCoy. Just prior to leaving, the ladies
of La Porte made and presented to the Company a beautiful silk
banner, which was borne proudly away, and at length returned
with the Company, stained with the marks of honorable war, but
firee from any taint of dishonor. Early in August, 1848, those
who had not fallen by battle or disease stood again in the presence
of their friends at home, and the ladies who had presented them
with the flag. ^
The La Porte Whig of August 5th, 1848 contained a spirited
account of the return of the La Porte Company of the M exican Avar
soldiers. It says :
"When the Volunteer Company left this village for the seat of
war in Mexico, the ladies of the place presented to them a beautiful
banner, with the request, if any of the Company survived the perils
of the war, that they should return to them the said banner. A
portion of the Company having returned and brought back the
banner, the ladies of the village assembled at the residence of
Abram Fravel, Esq., and the military and the people generally, at
the sound of martial music, under the direction of Msjj . r Cochrane,
having also assembled, Capt. Fravel unrolled the old flag from its
staff and spoke as follows :
Ladies : — You now behold presented before you tho time worn
banner of our Nation's glory. A banner whose folds have been
fanned by the gentle winds of a belligerent nation. A banner
which but fourteen months ago floated in beauty around the peace-
fill habitations in the town of LaPorte, but not as you now liehold
it. Although soiled and battered, it shall once more throw its
stripes to the same old breeze. Ladies do you recognize in this
flag the cause for which it was made and the day of its departure ?
Methinks you do. It has served faithfully the duty for Avhich it
was intended. Its march has been long, weary and toilsome, but
glorious. On the ever memorable day of our National Independ
ence, 1847, this escutcheon of liberty waved in pride over the once
blood stained battle field of New Orleans, and on the following
fourth, that master bird Avith eagle eye, (amidst a yyorld of Avaters)
looked down upon the scene, which sparkled like so many sheens
upon the spears of the Assyrians. Next you may find it fluttering
uptm the turbid waters of the Rio Grande, — and the first intrusion

292 history op la porte county.
it made upon the enemy's soil was at Renoso. From that time it
never left her shores until we heard shouted aloud, " Victory and
Peace through all the land." In the bloody and hard fought battle
of Huamantla, where many brave and daring men were made to
fall victims to the deadly balls, it waved in triumph. It was our
beacon to guide us to conquest and to glory.
When balls fell thick and heavy, and swords and lances glittered
in the sun tbe brave and well tried lads wbo love this flag, and
those around who know it well, were heard to shout aloud, " Fear
not ! Fear not !" This was our shield. The eyes of those who
sought it shall never behold one blemish of disgrace upon its folds.
It sought the heights of Cerro Gordo, close in the footsteps of our
gallant leader, Winfield Scott. Yes, and that never conquered bird
beheld with delight the last great eflbrt, and the retreating footsteps
of the Napoleon of the South. Still not satisfied, our march was
onward, until we were able (amidst the deafening roar of artillery,)
to plant this favorite banner in La Puebla, the ever memorable city
of the Angels. Ladies we are truly grateful to you for tbe untiring
zeal manifested by you at tbe departure of this Company. This
banner which has passed through so brilliant a career, now passes
from our hands into the hands of its beautiful owners. Ladies I
tender to you this fiag ; although its appearance to you may not be
of the most fascinating character, still it is dear to the soldier who
fought beneath its folds, as though it had returned without one
blemish to mar its beauty. Therefore cherish it, preserve it,
until our country calls aloud for freedom's sons, and our ears are salu
ted by the din of war ; then and not till then, allow the breeze to
fan its sacred folds.
M. H. Orton, Esq., then received the banner on behalf of the
ladies, and replied as follows :
Capt. Fravel, in behalf of the young ladies of this village, I re
ceive at your hands this banner. In looking at it as we receive it,
we can hardly recognize and hardly believe that it is the same
bright and beautiful fiag we presented to your Company fourteen
months ago on their departure to the seat of Avar in Mexico. Then
it was bright and glowing, fresh from the hands of the ladies. Then
not a star was dimmed, nor a stripe soiled; now we behold it tatter
ed and torn ; now it is bleached and faded ; now, its once bright
ribbons and its silken fringe are torn and flapped to strings by the
smoking breeze of war.
Capt. Fravel, we have no doubt that the appearance of this flag
calls up to the minds of your Company, associations of the most

military record. 298
pleasant and thrilling character. This banner speaks silently, yet
eloquently to you all. It tells of many a toilsome, weary march;
it tells you of the rigid discipline of war, and the subordination of
rank; it tells of the dreadful preparation for battle; it tells of
routed squadrons, retreating enemies, the shouts of the victorious
and the invincible powers of American arms. With its solemn
voice, it also speaks of the dying comrade, and the expiring soldier;
and lastly it brings to your remembrance, we trust, those young
ladies whose fair hands made it and whose patriotism donated and
tendered it to you. I am intrusted by those young ladies to say to
you and to your Company, that most nobly and most gallantly have
you discharged your trust and fulfilled your promise in returning
this banner. They Avill keep this tattered relic as a sacred memento
of the past, and while their country is reposing in the lap of peace,
they will point with pride and exultation to this torn and tattered
emblem, and say the blast of war was blov,'n — our country called
for help Avh en lo! our brothers rushed to arms and followed the
fortunes of this old flag. Again let me assure you and this remnant
of your gallant: company that the ladies are the soldiers' friends, that
their sympathies ever warm and pure, are Avith the soldiers' griefs;
ever ready to honor and respect the living volunteer, as they are to
shed the tear and plant the laurel o'er an absent soldier's grave.
Aftei- which Major McCoy of the Fourth Indiana Regiment,
being called for, took the stand and addressed the crowd, giving
them a brief narration of the operations of the Fourth Regiment
till their landing at Puebla. The Major, in the course of his re
marks, took occasion to beat back the foul aspersion upon the fair
fame of Indiana, in the conduct of the Indiana Regiment at
Buena A'^ista, and proved that the slander was utte^d only by
poltroons' and cowards, who had been cashiered for cowardice or
whipped for desertion ; and concluded by averring that the State of
Indiana discharged the first and the last volley into the serried
columns , of Mexico, and did more hard fighting than any other
State in the Union."
For the following further account of the organization, services,
casualties, departure and return of this gallant Company, we are
indebted to -John B. Fravel, at whose house the flag alluded to was
made and in whose possession it now is.

294 HISTORY OF LA POETB COUNTY.
La Poete, January 12, 1876.
Gen. Jasper Packard:
The Military Company that went to Mexico from this city waa
organized in May, 1847, and left the latter part of June. The
officers were, W. W. M^Coy, Captain ; Robert Fravel, First Lieu
tenant; C. W. Lewis, Second Lieutenant, and Sam'l Mecum,
Ensign and Color Bearer.
"The flag was made at my house by Miss Minor, Miss Steenberger,
Miss Marinda Fravel, and several other young ladies, and presented
to thc Company from the porch of the house where Henry B. Weir
now resides. Miss Marinda Fravel presented it to M. H. Orton,
and he to Robert Fravel who received it in behalf of the Company,.
with the promise that it should be returned if there was left one man
to bring it. This flag is now in my possession. One incident I
will relate- When the Company was on the Rio Grande, Lieutenant
Fravel was left on an island to die, and Sam'l Mecum left to take
charge of him. The Company that day waded a marsh about four
miles and camped ; in the dusk they saw something coming across-
the marsh, and to their surprise they found it to be Mecum with
Lieut. Fravel on his back, — a more kind and noble man than Me
cum does not live; he resides at Hanna Station, — I see him
occasionally. The Company was composed of young men, number
ing ninety-two in all. This is written from memory, and may not
be strictly correct. Yours,
J. B. Fravel."
There have been at times, militia organizations in the city of
LaPorte and elsewhere in the County, which, while they never
rendered any active service as an organization, yet served to keep
alive the military spirit, and many of the members of which were
prompt to take a part in the great war which followed the peaceful
years between 1848 and 1860. No one who lived in La Porte at
the time will ever forget the magnificent uprising of the people on
the thirteenth of April, 1861. On the morning of that day, the
following despatches passed over the telegraphic wires, and the
whole country rose up in the majesty of a free people, and with a
power which never waned, while a rebel remained with arms in
his hands.

MILITARY record. 295
" Charleston, April 12.
The following is the telegraphic correspondence between the War
Department at Montgomery and Gen. Beauregard, immediately
preceding the hostilities. The correspondence grew out of the
formal notification by the Washington government, which is dis*
closed in Gen. Beauregard's first despatches :
(No. 1.) CHAELKSTon, April 10.
To L. P. Walkee, Secretary of War:
An authorized messenger from President Lincoln just informed
Gov. Pickens and myself, that provisions will be sent to Fort
Sumter, peaceably, or otherwise by force.
Q. T. Bbaueegard.

(No. 2.) MONTQOMBEY, April 10.
To Gen. G. T. Beatjeegaed, Charleston :
If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who
communicated to you the intention of the Washington government
to supply Fort Sumter by force, you will at once demand its evacu
ation, and if this is refused, proceed in such manner as you may
determine, to reduce it. L. P. Walkee, Secretary of War.

(No. 3.) Chableston, April 10.
To L. P. AValkee, Secretary of War:
The demand will be made to-morrow at twelve o'clock.

(No. 4.) MONTGOMBEY, April 10.
To Gen. Beaueegaed, Charleston:
Unless there are especial reasons connected with your own con
dition, it is considered proper that you should make the demand at
an early hour. L. P. Walker, Secretary of War.

(No. 5.) Chaeleston, April 10.
To L. P. Walkee, Montgomery :
The reasons are especial for twelve o'clock.
G. T. Beaueegaed.

(No. 6.) Charleston, April 11.
L. P. Walkee, Secretary of War, Montgomery:
Demand sent at two o'clock. Allowed till six to answer.

29(5 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
(No. .7.) Montgomery, April 11.
Gen. Beauregard, Charleston:
Telegraph the reply of Major Anderson. L. P. Walker, Secretary of War.

(No. 8.) Charleston, April 11.
L. P. Walker, Secretary of War, Montgomery:
Major Anderson replies: — I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this fort,
and to say in reply thereto that it is a demand Avith which I regret that
a sense of honor and my obligations to my government prevent my
¦compliance. He adds : probably I will await the first shot, and if
you do not batter us to pieces we will be starved out in a few days.
Answer. G. T. Be.auregard.

(No. 9.) Montgomery, April 11.
To Gen. Beauregard, Charleston :
We do not desire needlessly to bombard Ft. Sumter. If Major
Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will
evacuate, and agree that in the meantime he will not use his guns
against us unless ours be employed against Ft. Sumter, you are
thus to avoid the effusion of blood. If this or its equivalent be
refused, reduce the fort as your judgement decides to be the most
practicable. L. P. Walker, Secretary of War.
(No. 10.) Charleston, April 10.
To L. P. Walker, Secretary of War, Montgomery:
He would not comsent. I write to-day. G. T. Beauregard.

FORT SUMTER BOMBARDED. Charleston, April 11.
Intercepted dispatches disclose the fact that Mr. Fox, who had
been allowed to visit Maj. Anderson on the pledge that his purpose
was pacific, employed his opportunity to devise a plan for supplying
the fort by force, and that his plan had been adopted by the Wash
ington government and was in progress of execution.

military record. 297
SECOND dispatch. Charleston, April 12.
The ball has opened — war inaugurated. The batteries of Sullivan
Island, Morris Island and other points were opened on Ft. Sumter
at four o'clock this morning. Fort Sumter has returned the fire,
and a brisk cannonading has been kept up. No information has
been received from the sea-board yet.
The military are under arms and the whole of our population are
on the streets, and every available space facing the harbor is filled
with anxious spectators."
There Avere some here as everywhere else who sympathized Avith
the South. The writer heard one of these asking on that morning,
while bis face. expressed the joy he felt; "Well, do you think the
South will fight? "Y'^ou'll have a good time conquering the S'outh."
But those whose hearts went out in behalf of the rebellion, generally
considered silence the better policy. The tide of patriotic feeling
swept through the hearts of men, and bent them to a stern and
determined purpose. The La Porte Hercdd, in charge of the writer
at the time, in its issue of April 13th, published this language,
which was but a reflection of the feeling which dominated the heart
and will of the people. ' • AVar begun ! At last tbe treason is con
summated. As we go to press this morning the news reaches us
that the bombardment of Fort Sumter was commenced yesterday.
Citizens, Patriots ! remember that at this moment, while you read
this paragraph, the cannon are thundering against the flag of the
Union. Such unprovoked and causeless rebellion is unparalleled
in history. And never in the history of the world has a nation
borne the aggressions of treason so patiently as has ours. The
leaders of the treason have been determined to oarry it to a bloody
issue." * * "We breathe again the air of freedom. War though
a terrible evil, is not so great an evil as national dishonor. In self
defence, in a righteous cause, in opposition to the basest treason that
ever existed on earth, we hail the music of the cannon's roar and
the sabre's clash. It cheers our hearts on this bright April morn
ing to know that we have a government capable of maintaining itself.
If blood flows in maintaining it, on the heads of the conspirators be
the responsibility." And the following week, the issue of the
twentieth contained the following article on the great rebellion:

298 history of la porte county.
" Like the viper which was warmed to life in the bosom of the
countryman and then stung him to death, the Cotton States of the
Union have raised the parricidal hand of blooiy war against the
government which has long fostered and protected them. History
will blush to record the hugeness of the crime. It overtops the
ordinary criminality of aggressive, causeless warfare, as Satan
exceeded in proportions the other rebel angels.
" He, above the rest
In shape and ge.stUTe proudly eminent,
Stood like a tower * * * *
* * * * but his face
Deep scars of thunder had intrenched, and care
Sat on his faded cheek."
Without a parallel in the history of the world, all other rebellions,
all other treason, will dwindle to insignificance before the enormity
and wickedness of the present. The loyal States and the general
government have given an example of patience and forbearance
which was fast being regarded as weakness and imbecility. But
thank God ! there is a change. The government still has power
She struggled long to avert a war, but it has at last been forced
upon her. Now she will test her power, and she will prove too
strong for treason. There are loyal men enough to defend the
Union against every foe. The old Jackson spirit still lives and is
intensified sevenfeld. 'The Union must and shall be preserved.'
We love the old Union more every day. The star-spangled banner
creates sensations never felt before. Men of all parties feel that
no other banner shall ever fioat over us. The cursed rattlesnake
banner has no business on American soil, and by the blessing of
God it shall be driven back to the hell from which it came. The
descendants of the pilgrims will never disgrace their ancestry. The
clouds will scatter, day will dawn, and out from the thick gloom of
the present, liberty will come forth arrayed in robes of rejoicing,
ahd enter upon new glories, " heights unattempted yet in prose or
rhyme." "  The land
Is never lost that has a son to right her.
And here are troops of sons, and loval ones !
Strong in her children should a mother be—
Shall ours be helpless, that has sons like us? "
The same issue of the paper gave a full statement of " The week
in LaPorte," and it is here copied, as showing the deep earnestneaa

military record. 299'
of the people better than any description that could be given at this
late day.
" Last Saturday morning, after a portion of the weekly edition of
the Herald was printed, we stopped the press to announce that the
Southern rebels had commenced war. At four o'clock on Friday
morning % brisk canonade was opened upon the beleagured forces in
Fort Sumter. It was kept up during the day and night, and was
still going un when the news reached us. Though long expected,
yet it seemed almost too much to believe. The magnitude of the
treason seemed to have burst upon us afresh. The excitement was
intense and deepened during the day. Arrangements were made
with the telegraph office to receive Saturday's news. At two o'clock
a large crowd of our citizens repaired to Huntsman Hall to listen
to the intelligence from Fort Sumter. M. H. Weir read the dis
patches. There were but a few meagre details, and from the fact
that the wires at Charleston are in the hands of the rebels, but
little reliance was placed in what we did get. The substance of the
news was that Anderson was doing but little ; the war vessels in
the offing were unable to assist the fort; that a storm was raging
and they could not enter the harbor; that Fort Moultrie, the iron
battery on Cumming's Point, and the floating battery, were doing
tremendous execution on Fort Sumter ; that portions of the walls
were battered down ; that two explosions had occurred, and the
fort was reported on fire.
Great incredulity was manifested, but the evening news was still
more unfavorable, bringing us the unwelcome intelligence that
Major Anderson had surrendered. There were so many items of
news in the dispatches manifestly false, that we still hoped there
was no truth in the reported surrender.
Sunday evening the citizens again met at Huntsman Hall. The
dispatches were brought in, and, as on the previous evening, were
read by Daniel Noyes. They confiri'.:ed our worst fears — Fort
Sumter had been surrendered to the rebel forces. Thus closed,
with news of war and defeat, the first Sabbath of the new American
Revolution. On Monday all day the excitement continued. A war spirit
grew rapidly. Political questions were lost sight of — one sentiment

390 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
animated every breast.. Our national existence is threatened; shall
we stand by and see the nation destroyed, or shall we repel its
enemies, defend the institutions of freedom^ and leave them unim
paired, a heritage to future generations, as our fathers made and
transmitted them to us. Such was the universal feeling, with the
exception of a very few secessionists Avho exhibited their dastardly
treason and the purpose of their traitorous hearts by wishing for
the destruction of Fort Sumter and then chuckling over its fall.
Let them be marked and socially ostracised. Thank God ! there
are few of them. Treason finds not a congenial soil in LaPorte.
The descendants of the pilgrim fathers and of revolutionary heroes
regard the tories of 1 861, with the same detestation as those of
1776. So few are there here that we may truly say our people
are unanimous. Democrats and Republicans ; though differing still
-on political questions, they vie with each other in support of the
-A-dministration in the great crisis. In LaPorte we are a unit.
On Monday evening the rush to Huntsman Hall was greater
than ever. The hall was crowded. The band played our stirring
National airs. National odes Avere sung. Speeches Avere made.
Don J. Woodward, a prominent Democrat, declared that he would
be the first one to enlist in the service of his country. This an
nouncement was received with the wildest enthusiasm. The cheer
ing would almost have drowned the roar of the cannonade of Fort
Sumter. Such patriotism thrilled every heart. This is as it should
be. All are alike interested in maintaining the Union. All feel
that the time for partisan jealousies has passed by. .\s between
Union and Anarchy, there can be but one party. The Union
maintained, and peace and prosperity Avill again daAvn upon the
Nation. The Union destroyed, and anarchy and confusion will
reign for years over the ruins of the foremost Nation on earth.
On Tuesday the excitement and enthusiasm were on the increase.
We omitted to state before, and will mention here, that at the
meeting on Saturday evening, M. H. Weir offered the following
resolutions, which were unanimously ,and enthusiastically adopted.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting, that the Federal
Government is entitled to the support of every good and loyal
citizen of our country, in its effort to provision and reinforce Fort

MILITARY RECORD. 301
Sumter, and|that the government which fails to protect its citizens
and the public property is not entitled to the confidence of any
people. Resolved, That we pledge our support to the Federal Govera-
ment in its effort to hold and protect the public property.
At one o'clock to-day the Court House bell was rung, and in
accordance with previous notice the Mayor's office was soon throng
ed, and opportunity given for volunteers to enlist in the service of
their country. Owing to the pressure of the crowd the meeting
adjourned to Huntsman Hall, headed by a band of martial music.
By request Gen Orr bore the Star Spangled Banner. The list of
recruits was headed^by D. J. AVoodward, and during the day and
evening, was filled up to the number of about fifty or over. It
having been announced that there Avere some ready to enlist, but
hesitated on account of leaving their families without proper provi
sion, M. H. Weir offered to head a subscription list with fifty or
one hundred dollars, for the purpose of providing for the families of
volunteers. Subscriptions were called for immediately, and as the
good work went on, the loud and enthusiastic cheering showed that
the hearts of our people are right. During the day and evening
between three and four thousand dollars were subscribed. The
subscriptions range from ten dollars to two hundred, subscribed by
Capt. A. P. Andrew. Geo. B. Roberts subscribed $150 ; Wm.
Everhart, |140; S. Van Nest, fl25; Gen. Orr, E. Morrison, W.
W. Wallace, John F. Decker, W. C. Hannah, A. Teegarden and
P. King, subscribed $100 each. M. H. Weir, R. Munday, S. Van
Pelt, A. Buck, Harvey Treusdell, A. Case, Jacob Wile, L. Eliel,
W. H. H. Whitehead, Isaac B. Coplin, A. W. Leeds, W. N. Ball,
John Sutherland, J. A. Caldwell, N. B. Ridgway, B. M. Newkirk,
John W. Free, Henry Lusk, H. L. Weaver, L. B. Crosby, Chas.
Fredrickson, F. Baumgartner, J. H. Wilson, L. Sherman and I.
Butterworth subscribed $50 each. James Moore, N. T. Place and
L. Crane subscribed $76 each.
The large number of those who subscribed a less amount, mostly
twenty-five dollars each, forbids the publication of their names.
Mr. Huntsman announced that the hall would be free for all meet
ings pertaining to the present crisis.

302 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
In the evening the excitement had abated not a whit. As on the
former occasions. Mayor Whitehead, was President; John Millikan,
Esq., acted as Secretary, and Daniel Noyes, Esq., as reader of
dispatches. Most of the dispa,tches were encouraging, showing but
one sentiment throughout the entire North; everywhere a full
determination Avas manifested to maintain the honor of the country's
flag, and the existence of the Nation. Every dispatch of this char
acter Avas received with vociferous applause. At a late hour the
meeting broke up with no signs of Aveariness.
On Wednesday, little is thought of or talked about but the war.
Last Saturday evening a committee consisting of M. H. Weir,
B. M. Newkirk, Harvey C. Treusdell, S. VanNest and Wm. H.
Boyd was appointed to call a meeting, and to report resolutions
expressive of the sense of the citizens of LaPorte and vicinity.
They called the meeting for this evening. The crowd was greater
than on any former occasion. The committee reported the follow
ing resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, with three hearty
cheers :
Whereas, Certain States of the Union are now in open rebellion
against the Government of the United States, and with arms in
their hands, are attempting to subvert the institutions reared and
defended by our fathers, and
Whereas, This rebellion has now become so formidable as to
seriously threaten our National existence, and.
Whereas, The President of the United States, in view of the
imminent perils which now beset the Union, and to assist in the
execution of the laws and the defence of the Nation's property.
Therefore, RexolueJ,, That rebellion is treuMMi, and that tieason to the
Union should be crushed by the strong arm of the National power,
and that it is better to crush treason, even at the cannon's mouth,
than to suffer the overthrow of the Nation, and bring upon ourselves
many long years of Anarchy, with all their tremendous evils. And
that the time has now come to determine Avhether we have a gov
ernment which is able to' maintain itself against every foe.
2. That all good and loyal citizens should cheerfully unite to
defend the Union from the attacks of its enemies, whether foreign
or domestic.
3. That we will regard the citizens of the seceded States as

MILITARY RECORD. 303
enemies, while in arms, and when they return to their allegiance,
we will regard them, as we have hitherto done, as our friends and
Jbrothers. 4. That we hail with joy the unanimity of feeling that prevails
throughout the loyal States, and that in the present crisis we will
-act,notas partisans,but as patriots not as Democrats or Republicans,
but as loyal citizens, and ftrgetful of party, we will stand firmly by
the Union the Constitution and the maintenance of the laws, and
by no act or word of ours, will we show sympathy for treason, but
will do all that we can, to transmit our free institutions, unimpaired
to the remotest posterity.
5. That we believe the best remedy for the present Southern
treason is "Grape for the ranks and hemp for the leaders."
6. That in the attack on Maj. Anderson, beleagured in Fort
Sumter, the so-called Southern Confederacy have inaugarated war
— the responsibility for all its consequences must rest upon them ;
and it is the duty of all good citizens to take sides at once in favor
of the Union and the Constitution, against those who have deter
mined to break up and destroy the best government on earth.
7. That we will sustain the President in his patriotic endeavors
to preserve our National existence, and the Governor of Indiana, in
the prompt and efficient manner with which he h-as responded to the
call of the National Government.
8. That we will march under no banner but the Stars and
Stripes, that Ave will know no country but the Union of the
States, and with men and money, to tho extent of our ability, we
will assist to restore the glory of the American name, to add new
lustre to the proud title of an American citizen; to make the
American Union respected abroad and revered at home, and to
carry the Star Spangled Banner over all the land, until it waves in
triumph from the battlements of Fort Sumter, retrieved in honor,
and its slory untarnished.
M. H. Weir. )
H. Treusdell. >
S. Van Nest. }
More dispatches Avere read during the evening; the number of
recruits was raised to seventy-five; S. J. Butler subscribed one
hundred dollars to the relief fund ; Wm. Hagadorn read a report
from a committee to solicit subscriptions in the Railroad shops.
More than five hundred dollars was raised among the hands in the
shops. This raised the general subscriptions to over $4,000.

304 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
On Tuesday the company of volunteers was completed and fully
organized by the election of the following officers : Captain, D. ¦ J.
Woodward; first Lieutenant, T. J. Patton; second Lieutenant,
Geo. H. Carter; third Lieutenant, Joseph Richards.
A beautiful incident occurred to-day. A young recruit under a
deep sense of his duty, both to his God 'and his country, went to
Mr. Thompson, the Pastor of the Christian Church, in the presence
of a few friends made confession of his faith in the religion of
Jesus Christ — Avas immersed, and immediately joined the ranks of
the recruits. That young man possesses a lofty courage that will
bear him bravely through the bloodiest storms of battle. The
blood of the Puritans courses through his veins, and though he
may die, yet he will never dishonor the cause he serves.
Besides the Zouave Company, already mentioned, an Artillery
Company has been raised. The Star Spangled Banner has been
floating all the week from the tall pole in front of the Court House.
On the fifteenth, Gen. Lewis Wallace, Adjutant General of the
Indiana Militia issued the following order for the organization of
the militia of the State:
"general oedees.
Adjutant Geneeal 's Office, ^
Indianapolis, April 15, 1861. )
General Orders, No. 1. — Attention is called to the following
regulations adopted for the organization of the Militia of Indiana:
1. Companies must number eighty four, rank and file.
2. Each company must elect the following officers for commis
sions : one Captain, one First Lieutenant, one Second Lieutenant
and one Third Lieutenant.
3. When formed and organized by the election of officers, the
Captain must report immediately to this office, sending names of
officers, company roll, the exact locality of their muster, and the
particular arm of service they have chosen, whether infantry, rifle,
artillery, or cavalry.
4. Notice of their acceptance will be immediately given by tele
graph or in the speediest possible manner ; and when so notified,
companies must be in readiness for instant march to the place of
rendezvous.

MILITARY RECORD. 305
5. Regiments will, if time permits it, be formed of companies
from the same Congressional District. If time will not allow, com
panies will be assigned to regiments according to tbe date of their
report, as above designated.
6. Respect for tbe five regiments sent from Indiana to the
Mexican war, and avoidance of historical confusion hereafter, re
quire that regiments should be numbered in order beginning with
the sixth.
7. Companies not already uniformed will take no step about
uniforming until they know the regiment they are attached to.
8. Arms will be distributed to accepted companies as soon as
possible- If not distributed before marching to the place of ren
dezvous, patience must be exercised.
9. If practicable, an inspecting officer will be sent to such com
panies, notice being given of the time of his coming.
10. Accepted companies must not wait for arms, but begin their
drill immediately.
11. All communications touching arms, place of rendezvous, and
organization, must be addressed to this office.
12. Notice of time and place of general rendezvous will be given
in future orders. Leavis AVallace, Adjutant Gen. Ind. Militia.
On the same day. President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000
men. But recruiting had already begun in La Porte ; from all over
the county they came, and in a very few days, two companies were
ready to take the field. From the Herald we take the following
account of the departure of the first Volunteer company from La
Porte: "Last Monday morning was the time set for Capt. D. J. Wood- •
ward's company of volunteers to leave La Porte for Camp Morton,
at Indianapolis, and at an early hour our streets became thronged
with both our citizens and those from the country, to Avitness the
interesting spectacle. The various fire eompanies and the German
Rifle company were out, accompanied by Frisbee's silver band, and
added much to the occasion. The company were drawn up in line
in front of the Court House, and answered to the call of the roll,
and received the warm congratulations of many sincere friends,
20

306 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
after which they marched to the depot and went aboard the special
train provided for the occasion to take them to the Crossing. The
crowd at the depot was really immense, many of whom manifested
decided sadness and grief at the parting of near and dear friends,
perhaps never to see them more. We saw many weeping bitterly
as they pressed perhaps for the last time the hand of a husband,
brother or son, and bid him God speed in his noble undertaking.
Capt. WoodAvard Avas particularly affected, as well as many of his
company. At about half after nine o'clock the train started, amid
the cheers of the vast multitude. The fire companies and many
citizens went aboard the cars and accompanied the volunteers as
far as the Crossing. Frisbee's Silver Band continued with the
company to Indianapolis, where they intend to offer their services
to their country.
This company is finely officered and contains as brave and trusty
men as our county affords. Capt. Woodward makes a splendid
officer and commands the respect of the whole company. Lieuts.
Patton, Carter and Richards, are also of the right stripe, and worthy
of the positions they severally occupy."
'This company united with the celebrated ninth Indiana Regi
ment under command of Col. R. H. Milroy, participated in the
first campaign in AVest Virginia, and at the close of the three
months' service returned to LaPorte, and was reorganized for the
three years' service. Before taking the field Capt. Woodward was
made Major of tbe Regiment; Lieut. Patton, Captain, and Second
Lieut. Carter, First Lieutenant. Michigan City Avas also on fire
with patriotic fervor, and organized and sent forward a company
under command of Capt. Wm. H. Blake, Avhich reached the ren
dezvous in time to gain admission into the ninth for the three
month's service. The complete roster of these two companies will
be given elsewhere in this history. But far more than enough
came forward to fill up these two companies, and another company
was speedily organized, and called the La Porte Zouaves ; with the
intention of gaining admission into Lew Wallace's Zouave Regi
ment, the eleventh Indiana. It serves to show how thoroughly the
war spirit of the people of the whole State was aroused, that not
withstanding the La Porte Zouaves were ready on the fifteenth, yet

MILITARY RECORD. 307
they could not obtain acceptance. On Monday, the fifteenth of
April, a telegram was sent to Gen. Wallace, to which the following
reply Avas returned : " Zouave Regiment and requisition all full.
Lew Wallace."
Another despatch was sent, and the reply came :
" To A. Teegarden : — No chance to get in — no more companies
can be received.
Lew Wallace."
The members of the company still did not despair, and on the
same 'night, they met and elected officers: James H. Shannon,
Captain; H. M. Brusie, first Lieutenant, J. E. Sweet, second
Lieutenant; A. H. Dustin, third Lieutenant; B. F. Coleman,
Ensign; E. S. Abbey, first Sergeant; David Seeholtz, second
Sergeant; Hiram Stewart, third Sergeant; Simon P. Montgomery,
fourth Sergeant; S. R. Culp, first Corporal; Charles M. Berrick,
second Corporal; N. M. Kinsley, third Corporal; Joseph Sutton,
fourth Corporal.
Much to their regret, they Avere unable to get into any regiment
at the time, but most of them afterwards joined the twentieth regi
ment for the three year's service. The names of the members are
bere given in full :
"J. H. Shannon, J. E. Sweet, E. S. Abbey, G. W. Fosdick, C.
Fradenburgh, N. McKinney, L. Woodworth, H. M. Kendall, B. F.
Coleman, 0. M. Harvey, A. B. Hendricks, W. H. Huntsman, L.
M. B. Jones, Charles M. Berrick, John C. Holton, Mack Graham,
Daniel S. Garlick, R. W. Comfort, Geo. R. Abbott, Harrison
Stewart, Lewis Roberts, Willis Francis, Wm. Cannell, S. E. Hard
ing, Wm. King, W. S. Stinchcomb, John AV. Andrew, John C.
Lloyd, Orson Howard, Wm. Hecker, Henry Hagenbuck, James D.
Kent, Charles Clarkson, Michael Halsey, A. H. Lamb, Joseph
Noll, Henry J. Weckerlin, Simon P. Montgomery, Samuel R.
Culp, Dennis F. Vandusen, Clayton Price, J. D. Taylor, J. W.
Carrier, Alonzo Sturges, G. J. Emery, John B. Catlin, T. C.
Weed, Stephen K. Grover, Oscar Harris, Jesse B. Miller, Philetus
Downing, Geo. Rodefer, Henry Guise, Thomas Hutchins, H.
Austin, J. Biege, Wm. W. Weber, D. F. Beach, G. A. Whittaker,
Wm. B. Smith, John H. Hendricks, Kenyon Hyatt, H. W. Brusie,

308 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Lew J. Bryant, David Wright, Wm. H. Martin, Asher Proud,
David Sbultz, Timothy Mulqueen, Emulus Travis, John Mont
gomery, John T. Culp, Cornelius Vandusen, Henry Cramer, Thomas
Sloane, Scott Whitman, Jno. A. Sloane, Jno. Miller, Jasper Rhodes,
R. P. Miles, Allen C. Austin, H. Burford, Jesse F. Bagley, Samuel
Dustin, Thomas Cunningham, Wm. E. Alsop, John Gaa, P. V.
Husten, N. B. Easton, A. B. Austin, Orrin Moon, Joseph Sutton,
Wm. M. Bennett, Samuel Huston, Henry Steffer, Joseph Lloyd,
Oscar Bear, Samuel Moser, David Pealer, Jas. N. Marvin, Ezra
H. Gould, Thomas E. Chamberlain, James Halpin, Theo. Romans,
Chas. A. Davidson, J. Fradenburg, Hiram Crawford, Geo. Storrs,
Jas. Andrew, Alfred Fradenburg, Benj. Match ett, Henry Miller,
W. C. Hall, Andrew Saylor, Geo. Drawley, J. N. Cissna, E. J.
Kelsey, C. D. Vanwagnen, Geo. W. Blackman, Chas. Barringer,
Reuben Mapes, Wm. Shelley, Samuel Locker, John Blank."
Meanwhile the citizens were actively engaged in devising ways
and means for the care of soldiers' families, and the wants and
necessities of the men who were leaving home so suddenly, without
the opportunity to make proper preparations for their own comfort
or that of their families. The following account of a meeting of
the citizens held on the twenty-fourth day of April will show how
promptly and effectively they came into the great relief Avork, which
continued during the entire war:
" At a public meeting at Huntsman Hall on Wednesday after
noon, twenty-fourth instant, to consult about the great crisis we are
now involved in and how it had betrter be met, on motion of Gen.
Orr, Hon. Chas. W. Cathcart was elected President. On taking
tbe chair Mr. Cathcart responded to repeated calls in one of the
most eloquent and patriotic speeches ever delivered in La Porte
which was received Avith great demonstrations of enthusiasm. The
following nafned gentlemen Avere selected as Vice Presidents:
James Forrester, Jas. Bradley, A. L. Osborn, and Amzi Clark.
John Millikan, C. G. Powell, and Wm. H. Scott Avere appointed
Secretaries. Patriotic and eloquent speeches were made by Judge Osborn,
Wm. Frazier of Illinois, and AVm. J. AA'^alker, all of Avhich had the
true ring in them. The folloAving preamble and resojutlons Avere
offered and after being read Avere unanimously adopted :

MILITARY RECORD. 309
Whereas, In certain States in this Union, an armed rebellion
has been organized, having for its avowed object the overthrow of
the government of the tJnited States ; and, whereas, the authors
and leaders of this rebellion have, by violence, seized several forts
and arsenals belonging to the United States, and have plundered
the government of large sums of money, arms and other property ;
and, whereas, Fort Sumter, belonging to tbe United States, and
over which the government had exclusive jurisdiction, has been
besieged by a large army of rebels, and assaulted by a destructive
cannonade, until the heroic Maj. Anderson, and his little, but gal
lant band, exhausted by hunger and fatigue, were compelled to haul
down the national fiag and surrender tbe fortress into the hands of
armed traitors; and, whereas, the President of the United States,
in obedience to bis constitutional obligations has called upon tbe
loyal States to aid him in the enforcement of the laws, in the recov
ery of the national property and the preservation of tbe govern
ment; therefore.
Resolved, That we the citizens of La Porte County, now assem
bled, without distinction of party, will to the utmost of our ability
aid the President of the United States, with men and means, in
crushing this rebellion, in the recovery of the national property, in
the preservation of our government and in tbe enforcement of its
laws. Resolved, That this meeting, in view of the unsettled and alarm
ing condition of our national affairs, recommend that volunteer com
panies may be organized in every convenient district in La Porte
County, and that they be officered, drilled and held in readiness to
meet any call that may be made by the Governor of this State or
the President of the United States for volunteers.
Resolved, That all patriotic citizens who are willing to contribute
to the support of the families of our volunteers during their absence
be invited to call on Harvey Truesdell, Sutton Vanpelt and Henry
Lusk, the committee on the volunteer fund and subscribe such an
amount as they are willing to give for such object.
Resolved, That all wbo are Avilling to contribute blankets, and
¦comforts or clothing for the use of volunteers be requested to leave
them with the Mayor of the city of La Porte, wbo will mark them
and if not used will return them to the donors of said articles.
M. H. Weir read tbe following resolutions which were adopted by
a unanimous vote :
Resolved, That our Senator and Representatives in the State
Legislature from this county be requested to use their utmost

310 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
endeavors, to procure the passage of a law, at tbe present extra
session, so amending the act of 1852 pertaining to the duties and
powers of the County Commissioners as to enable the Commission
ers of the different counties of this State, in their discretion to
appropriate money from the County Treasury, to aid in the support
of the families of such of the Indiana volunteers of 1861, and during
the present troubles, as shall stand in need of such aid.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this meeting be instructed to
forward a copy of the above resolution to our Senator and each of
our Representatives at Indianapolis.
At this stage of the proceedings Gen. Orr stated that the citizens
here had authorized those volunteers who resided in the country
and wished to remain in La Porte while preparing to go away, to
board at the hotels of the city, and that in so doing there was an
accumulated debt due to said hotel keepers of one hundred and sixty
dollars, about half of which had been paid — the balance he proposed
should be made up at once, which was done in a few minutes. This
was independent of the relief fund for the families of the volunteers.
The Union Mills band was present and discoursed fine music at times
during the meeting." At a previous meeting, the following proceed
ings were had : "Mayor's Office, April 19th, 1861.
The subscribers to the fund for the support of the families of
Volunteers to aid in the suppression of the Southern rebellion, met
for the purpose of forming an organization in furtherance of the
object of such^subscription.
The Mayor was called to the chair. On motion, W. C. Hannah,
H. Truesdell,^Henry Lusk and S. Van Pelt were appointed a com
mittee to report at a subsequent meeting a plan for the collection
and disbursement of the funds that have been, and may be, subscribed.
The meeting then adjourned till tomorrow at ten o'clock A. M.
April 20th : — The meeting Avas called to order pursuant to ad
journment. On motion. A, L. Osborn was electe.i Chairman, and
W. B. Biddle was chosen Secretary.
The committee heretofore appointed to devise a plan for the
collection and disbursement of funds, as a report, submitted the
following propositions : That each volunteer be requested to report to
the Mayor, the number, names, ages, sexes and place of residence

MILITARY RECORD. 311
of his family ; and in case they shall fail to furnish the same the
information shall be obtained from other reliable sources.
That a committee of three citizens be appointed by this meeting
whose duty it shall be to collect and expend the money which has
been, or shall be, subscribed for the purpose aforesaid.
That said committee shall from time to time inquire into, and
keep themselves advised of the situation and wants of said families,
and to provide for and supply all such necessary Avants during the
absence of such volunteers.
That the said committee be authorized to make assessments pro
rata upon the subscriptions, and to collect the same as often as may
be necessary to defray the expenses of providing for such families in
the manner aforesaid.
That the committee shall have general powers and discretion in
the collection and management of said fund, and in the disburse
ment of it, and may appoint as many assistants as they may deem
necessary.
S. Vanpelt,
H. Lusk,
H. Truesdell,
W. C. Hannah.
On motion, the report was concurred in. It was moved and
seconded that Harvey Truesdell, Sutton Vanpelt and Henry Lusk
constitute said committee, which motion prevailed.
A motion to empower said committee to fill all vacancies which
may occur therein, was carried.
On motion, it was resolved that if any person who has subscribed
to said relief fund shall enlist as a soldier, such person shall be
released from his subscription.
On motion, J. A. Caldwell, C. Fredrickson, and John Suther
land, were appointed a committee to collect money to furnish vol
unteers with such clothing as may be necessary for their present
use, and to pay other incidental expenses.
W. C. Hannah presented tbe following resolutions :
Resolved, That tbe General Assembly of this State be requested
to enact a law at its special session about to convene, authorizing
the Boards of County Cominissioners of the several counties of this
State to make such appropriations of money from time to time.

312 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
to be paid out of their respective county treasuries, as they
may deem necessary and proper for tbe support of the families of
such citizens of their respective counties as shall enroll themselves
as volunteers, and be mustered into the service of the United States,
to aid in the suppression of the Southern rebellion.
Resolved, That copies of the foregoing resolution be forwarded
by the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting to the President of
tbe Senate and speaker of the House of Representatives.
On motion tbe resolutions were adopted.
The meeting then adjourned. A. L. Osborn, Chairman.
W. B. Biddle, Secretary.
Such was the spirit which animated tbe people of La Porte
county, when the first notes of war broke upon tbe country. The
great heart of the people was enlisted. Tbe young and middle-aged
came forward by hundreds, and stepped promptly into the ranks
for the nation's defense. The women were aroused, and all over the
county relief societies were organized, and from that time forward
during all tbe months and years of tbe war, their solemn vigils
were kept, and they refused to know relaxation or wearifeess in
their noble work of supplying comforts to diseased, and wounded,
and suffering men. Citizens whose age or circumstances prevented
them from bearing a part in the heat and burdens, and dangers of
the field, freely contributed of their means, to aid the families of
those wbo went out and might never return, and many of whom
left their bodies in the soil of the South. To all this, there were
some exceptions. There were those, not many, but some, who
expressed the hope that the soldiers might never return, who knew
for them no better name than "Lincoln hirelings," and who refused
to aid the grand cause by money, or work, or Avord. Their punish
ment has long since come. It is that they never can leel the pride
which swells the heart of him or her wbo helped to prevent tbe
nation's overthrow. They must always hold concealed within their
breasts, tbe humiliating knowledge that the glorious triumph was
achieved without their assistance, and in spite of their sympathy
with a rebellion which bad for its object tbe dismemberment of
tbe nation.
It is quite impossible to follow each man who went from La Porte
county into the service of bis country. It would involve tbe whole

MILITARY RECORD.

313

history of the war, of every campaign East and West, and of a large
proportion of the battles that were fought, for in nearly every part
of tbe great field of operations, the soldiers of La Porte county were
to be found. Tbe writer has thought best therefore, after detailing
the first magnificent uprising of our people, not to indulge in many
general remarks, but to give a list complete of the soldiers who en
listed from this county, with the military history of each, as far as
it has been practicable to obtain it, together with a brief history of
each regiment that was organized in this county, or contained as
much as one full Company from the county. This will include tbe
following regiments and batteries, tbe Ninth, Fifteenth, Twenty-
ninth, Forty-eighth, Seventy-third, Seventy-fourth, Eighty-seventh,
One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, Twelfth Cavalry ; Fourth, Fifth
and Twenty-first batteries. This register will be made up from tbe
report of the Adjutant General of the State, Gen. Wm. H. H.
Terrell, to which work we are also largely indebted for the historical
account of the regiments and batteries named. The residences of
the men of the Batteries named are not given in the report, and
hence it is possible that our list herein will not be as complete and
accurate as is desirable, though very few, if any of the names Avill
be omitted. It will be a surprise to many to see the long roll of
names which indicate better than anything that could be said, how
grandly La Porte county upheld the hands of the government, when
bloody treason attacked the integrity of the Union. These lists of
names are replete with eloquence greater than language can com
mand, showing the power of a tree people, and that La Porte coun
ty, in tbe nation's great crisis furnished no mean army in itself
NINTH REGHMENT— THREE MONTHS SERVICE.
COMPANY "B."
Niemer, Gus. April 25, 61; 1st Serg't, mustered out July 29, '61.

Jones, Byron C. '

' Sergeant, " '-

Copp, Wm. '

i a a i(

Fry, Robert '

i u a a

James, John '

' Corporal, " "

Ward, Wm.

( u a u

Young, Henry '

' Musician, " "

Durham, James H. '

( (( u a

314 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Allen, Hiram April 25, 61 ; mustered out July 29, '61.
Ashton, Simon " " "
Baldwin, James " " "
Bemiss George " " "
Boothroyd, Edward " " "
Brockway, Asahel " " "
Brothers, Elisha " an
Butterfield, John
Burns, John " " "
Crainer, John " " "
Felt, Orson B. " " "
Forbes, George " " "
Fowler, John D. " " "
Eraser, Wm. W. " " "
Gline Nelson " " "
Gluck, Louis " " "
Gluck, Frederick " " "
Hamilton, Robert " " "
Hall, William
Harding, Joseph " " "
Hainer, Daniel " " "
Hieshler, Adam " " "
Hildebrand, Francis " " "
Jones, Henry " " "
Lockwood James, " " "
McCormick, James " " "
McClurg, Thomas " " "
Miller, Talcott " "
Noseworthy, Wm. " " "
Ogden, George " " "
Peabody, Samuel " " "
Pettis, Morris " " "
Peck, William " " "
Peterson, John " " "
Peacore, Joseph " '• "
Phelps, Eli "
Reynolds, Isaac " " "
Richards, Robert " " "
Ritter, John W. " '• "
Shottenoffer, John " " "
Smith, Norman " " "
Smith, Edward " " "

MILITARY RECORD.

315

mustered out July 29, '6L

ii aa

Smith, Henry April 25, '61;
Thompson, Nelson "
Thornton William " " "
Thornton Samuel " an
Vanostrand, Jerome " " "
Vesper, Augustus " " "
Wilcox, Wm. R. " " "
Wilson, James " " "
Wood, Henry H. " " "
Young, Charies " " "
COMPANY "F."
Stebbins, Frank Apr. 24,'61; 1st Serg't, mustered out July 29, '61.
Andrews, John W. " Sergeant " "
Wing, Seneca " " " "
Wetherby, Chas. J. " " " "
Brashaw, Walter, " Corporal " "
Wilbraham, Joseph
Merritt, Wm. H.
Miner, David
Collins, James " Musician
Stanton, Alonzo B. " "
Anderson, Charles "
Bailey, Lorene M. "
Barts, John "
Barnes, Jackson "
Barnes, John "
Baker, David "
Boyd, George "
Brink, John "
Brisack, Judson F. "
Brown, Calvin C. "
Butler, Newton "
Conant, Edwin C. "
Conant, Albert S. "
Cox, Samuel T. "
Cublien, Edward "
Finley, James "
Fosdick, Aaron "
Gast, Peter '"
Gates, Columbus "
George, Amos "

a
a

316

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

George, William Apr. 24, '61;

mustered out Jub

Hallock, Elias B. "

Hauserman, August "

Hendrickson, Cam "
Hosier, Harrison "
Holland, Stephen C. "
Holliday, William "
Johnson, Andrew "
Koon, Henry "
Kreighbaum, Edwin "
Lewis, Charles "
Low, Simon "
Lyman, Henry "
Lynn, Swen "
Maloon, George W. "
McCollum, Benj. F. "
Milliken, Jared L. "
Morenas, Burr "
Morehead, Samuel "
Munger, Ira A. "
Oaks, Eli "
Peterson, John M. "
Phillips, Lyman "
Pierce, Smith D. "
Reynolds, David B. "
Reynolds, Stephen "
Rollins, Stephen "
Rudd, William
Sampson, Newland "
Soulter, John M. "
Shaw, Wm. H.
Smith, Charles L. "
Snyder, John "
Sales, Charles A. "
Stokes, Clayton, "
Thornton, Robinson "
Turner, Perry "
Van Alter, AVilliam "
Van Acker, George "
Van Ostrand, Isaac "
Van Wert, William "
Walter, Henry "
Warner, Cyprian G. "
MILITARY RECORD.

3X7

Sam'l 0. Gregory,  Served but was never mustered.
Ed. L. Ephlin, April 27; Fife Major, mustered out July 29, '61.
Don. J. Woodward, " 26; Major, mustered out with Regiment.
Daniel Meeker, " 30; Surgeon, mustered out with Regiment.
Mason G. Sherman," 30; Asst. Surg.

Wm. H. Blake, "

26;

Capt. B.

Thos. J. Patton, "

" F.

Asahel K. Bush,

1st Lieut. B.

George H. Carter, "

" F.

Alson Bailey, "

2nd Lieut. B.
Joseph Richards, "
.E^
F.
MNTH REGIIH
IT- THREE 1
COMPANY "B
McCormick, James 1st Serg't, promoted 2d Lieut.
Butterfield, John Sept. 5, '61; Ser't, dischg'd June 12, '62 — wo'ds.
Craner, John " " Promoted 2d Lieut.
Leonard, Isaac N. " " Promoted 2d Lieut.
Young, Charies " " Killed, Cbiam'ga, Sep. 19, '63.
Gluck, Lewis C. " Corporal; Redueed at own request;
mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
Vesper, Augustus Sept. 5, '61; '
Bartlett, Jonas
Dunham, George A. "
Roberts, LcAvis " '
King, Leverett E. "
ga; must, out Aug. 27, '64.
Franklin, Benj. Sept. 6,' 61; ' __
City, Oct. 15, '63; wounds received at Chicamauga.
Mills, Gordon, Sept. 5, '61; Wagoner, dis'd Aug 6,'62 — disability.
Andrews, Daniel W. Sep. 5,'61; Ap'd Ser.; must, out Aug. 27, '64.
Barnes, James P. Sept. -5, '61; Veteran, must, out Sept. 28, '66, as
absent sick at Indianapolis.
Vet.; must, out Sept. 28, '65.
Wou'dShilob; dis. July 1, '62
Dis. May 6, '62— disability.
Wou'd Shiloh; died May 8, '62
App'd Serg.; Cap'd Chicamau-
App'd 1st Serg.; died at Mich.
Bales, Nathan W.
Beekman, August
Bingham, Warren C.
Blackman, Geo. W.
Bolton, Robert
Butler, Calvin 0.
Clarkson, Julius L.
Disbrow, Lemuel S.
Discharged March 10, '63 — disability.
Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
We'd Chicamauga, mus. out Aug. 27, 64
Wou'd Shiloh; Discharged July 8, '62.
Killed at Shiloh, April 7, '62.
Vet.; deserted New Orleans, July 12,'65.
Wou'd at Shiloh ; Dis. June 20, '62.
Vet.; Killed at Kenesaw, June 20, '64.
318

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Donnell, Robert Sept. 5,'61; Veteran; mustered out Sept. 28, '65.

Earle, George
Edwards, Gus.

H.

Ensign, Richard P.
English, Carlos
Fyler, Sheldon H.
Galloway, Harry H.
Gordon, James
Gluck, George C.
Guenther, Henry
Harrold, David
Holmes, Peter D.
Hunt, Otis
Hall, Thomas
Jackson, Andrew B.
Lanphier, DeWitt C.
Lindley, James S.
Lyon, Amos A.
Mack, James
Mason, Elmore S.
Maley, Dennis
McDonald, Alex.* L.
McGuigan Thos. F.
must, out Sept. '
Miller, George Sept.
Mitchell, Isaac F.
Murswick, Charles
Pettis, Morris E.
Phelps, Eli F.
Pierce, Allen L.
Pierce, Chester G.
Pollard Henry H.
Replogle, John
Ring, Joshua
Rood, Leonard
Sanford, Albert
Shawn, John R.
Sutton Etsel A.
Sutton, William L.
Sweet, William
Teeple, Charles B.
Thompson, Gus. A.

65.

Died, Cheat Mt., Va., Oct. 30,'61, disease
Died June 4, '64; Wou'd rec'd at Dallas.
Vet.; app'd Corp.; must, out Sep-28,'66.
Discharged July 8, '62.
Dis. Oct. 17 '62— disability.
Dis. May 5, '62 — disability.
Vet.; app'd Corp.; mus. out Sep. 28, '66.
Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
Discharged Aug. 5, '66.
Discharged, disability.
Vet.; mustered out Sept. 28, 65.
Died at Huntsville, Ala., Aug. 2, '62.
Discharged July 8, '62 — disability.
Vet.; mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
Deserted at Louisville, Oct. 8, '62.
Cap. at Chicm'ga; mus. out Oct. 15, '64.
Vet.; died July 4, '64; we'd re. Kenesaw.
Mustered out August 27, '64.
App'd Sergt.; mustered out July 6, '65.
Veteran; " " "
Vet.; app'd Serg., 1st Serg., Serg. Maj. ;

6,'61; Discharged May 27, '62— disability.
" Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
" Vet.; killed at Atlanta, Aug. 20, '64.
" Woun'd Shiloh ; discharged June 2, '62.
" Wou'd Chica'ga; must, out Aug. 27, '64.
" Veteran; must, out Sep. 28, '65.
Wou'd at Shiloh; dis. June 27, '62..
" Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
ii (< (i u
" Discharged Nov. 28, '61— disability.
" Discharged June 28, '62 — disability.
" Died Cheat Mt., Dec. 20,'62— disease.
" Discharged, October 28, '61 — disability.
" Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
a a ii 11
" Transferred to N_ R. c., Oct. 29, '63.
" Wou'd Shiloh ; discharged June 20, '62.
" Veteran; deserted at New Orleans.

MILITARY RECORD. 319
Tozier, Reuben Sept. 5,'61; Transferred V. R. C, Feb. 19, '63.
Trigg, James " Vt.; ap'd Hsp. Ste'd; mus. o. Sep. 28,'65.
Trull, Andrew J. " O'p Chica' a; killed Indi'lis, by pro guard.
VanAVinkle, Levi " App'd Serg't; must, out Aug. 27, '64.
Vesper, John " Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
Warnock, Chas. C. " Discharged Oct. 30, '61 — disability.
Webster, Wm. B. " Dis. May 26,'63; we'd rec. at Sto. River.
Wilcox, Stephen 0. " Wou'd at Greenbrier; dis. Jan. 21, '62.
Williams, Lewis " Veteran; mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Williams, Evan " Wou'd Shiloh; discharged July 8, '62.
Williams, .John " Died, Fetterman, Va., Jan. 29,'62 — dis'e
Williams, Wm. T. " Discharged June 3, '62 — disability.
Wilson, Canning " " Aug. 21, '62 — disability.
Bartlett, Jonas H. Jan. 16,'63: Wou'd, Chicm'ga; dis. July 25, '64
Collins, Elijah March 26, '63; Desert. May 20, '63, ret. Apr. 5, '64,
deserted April 29, '64.
Donnell, John Feb. 20, '64; Mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Garland, Benjamin " " " as absent sick.
Garland, Peter " " "
Harrold, Joseph Dec. 20,'61; Wou'd Shiloh; must, out Dec. 20, '64.
Harrold, Thornton F. " Killed, Kenesaw, June 20, '64.
Hart, Lewis A. Feb. 20, '64; Wounded Atlanta, August 20, '64;
mustered out May 24, '65.
Herbert, Clarence Feb. 20, '64; Mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Myers, Nelson E. " Ap'd Corporal; Sergeant; mustered
out September 28, '65.
COMPANY "C."
Peasley, Charles Sept. 5, '61; Veteran; deserted Nov., '64, returned
Feb. '66, mustered out September 28, '65.
Peasley, David Sept. 5, '61; Des. from June 26 to Aug. 29, '62,
and Dec. '64 to March '65; veteran, must, out Sept. 15, '64.
COMPANY "D."
Ottomeier, Ferd. Sept. 7, '61; Wo'd Kene'w; must, out Sep. 6, '64.
Shannon, Thomas H. " Deserted October 24, '62.
COMPANY "E."
Hamilton, James Sept. 5, '61; Capt'd at Chicamauga, Sept- 19, 63.
Harrel John " Deserted June 28, '62.

320 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

DRAFTED.
Lindley, John Oct. 7, '64; Mustered out June 20, '65.
Pease, John F. Nov. 29, '64; " " July 24, '65.
COMPANY "G."
McCreery, Alvin 0. Sept. 5, '61; Vet.; mustered out Sept. 28, '66.
Robinson, Christo'pr " Wou'd and Captured at Chicamauga.
Rust, Dennis M. " Dis. March 11, '62— disability.
RECRUITS.
Dingeman, Albert Feb. 10, '64; Vet.; must, out Sept."28, '65.
Paul, Nathaniel S. Feb. 20, '64; Dis. for pro. 128tb Rg. Nov. 19,'64
COMPANY "H."
Hill, Elijah B. Sept. 5, '61; Woun'd Buffalo Mt.; app'd Wagoner,
also Corporal; veteran; mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Matott, Fabian Sept. 6, '61 ; Mustered out Sept. 6, '64.
Sleight, Matthew " Died Jan. 4,'63; wo'd rec. at Stone River.
Sleight, Henry B. " Vet.; app'd Corpl., mus. out Sept. 28, '66.
Woods, James " Mustered out Sept. 6, '64.
Young, Wm. H. H. " Discharged Nov. 6, '61^disability.
RECRUITS.
Bloom, Henry March 2, '64; Mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Payne, William Feb. 20, '64 ; Discharged Dec. 29, '62— disability.
COMPANY "L"
Ames, Simon Sept. 5, '61; Vet.; trans. 1st U. S. Eng. July, 15, '64
Sherman A. G. W.; " Mustered out Sept. 6, '64.
Ephlin, Ed'ivard L. Jan. 26, '64 ; Unassigned Recruit.
Storms, Sylvanus D. Sept. 26, '64; Unassigned Substitute.
Stephens, Silas " "
Blake, William H. Sept. 27, '62; Major, promoted Lt. Col., Col.,
and resigned April 16, 1863.
Carter, George H. Sept. 5, '61; Cap. pro. Maj.; ms. out Jan 11, '66
Patton, Thomas J. " Adj.; killed at Shiloh, April 7, '62.
Meeker, Daniel " Sur.; res'd for pro.; com. by AV. D.
Sherman, Mason G. " Ass't Surgeon, promoted Surgeon.
Gilmore, Alexander AV. March 28, '62; Ass't Surg.; died at Camp,
Harker, Tenn., March 13, '66.

MILITARY RECORD. 321
Edward L. Ephlin, March 25, '65 ; 2nd Lieutenant.
WiUiam Copp, Sept. 6, '61 ; Capt. res. Sep. 28, '62, w'drec. Shiloh. ¦
Joseph W. Harding, " 1st Lieut.; promoted Captain; resigned
April 22, '63; re-entered service as 1st Lieut, in 155th Reg.
James McCormick, Sept. 29, '62; 2nd Lieut., promoted 1st Lieut.,
and Captain; resigned June 2, '63.
John Craner, March 4, '63; 2d Lt., promoted 1st Lt. and Captain.
Isaac N. Leonard, May 24, '63 ; 2d Lieut., promoted 1st Lieut.
Lewis S. Nickston, Dec. 12, '61; 1st Lt.; killed, Chi'gaSep. 19,'63
Leonidas A. Cole, Sept. 5, '61 . 1st Lieut., promoted Captain.
Wm. H. Merritt, " 2nd Lt., pro'd 1st Lt. and Captain.
Charies S. Morrow, " 1st. Lt., hono'bly dis. Aug. 21, '62.
Edward Cribben, Sept 1, '62; 2nd Lieut., promoted 1st Lieut.
Samuel Dustin, Dec. 17, '63; 1st Lieut., resigned Jan. 25, '66.
Jacob Snyder, March 30, '66.; 2nd Lieut.
Rev. Henry Smith, Nov. 4, 63; Chaplain; Resigned, July 28, '64.

COMPANY "F."— NINTH REGIMENT.
Brown, Moses C. Jr. Sept. 6, '61; 1st Serg.; App'd Sergeant Maj.;
dis. April 8, '62.
Crebbin, Edward " Ser.; promoted 2nd Lieutenant."
BaU, Thomas L. " Wo'd Gr. Brier, dis. Nov. 22,'62
Shepherd, Leander C. " Ap'd 1st Serg't; pro. 2d Lieut.
Hosier, Harrison " Discharged Jan. 15, 63.
COEPORALS.
Dustin, Samuel Sept 5, 61; Ap'd Serg.; 1st Ser.; pro. 1st Lieut.
Strong, William C. " Ap'd Corporal; disch'd Sept. 17, '62.
Barnes, Charles A. " Ap'd Corp.; redd ; mus. o. June 6, '65
Emery, George J. " Vet.; app'd Serg., red'd, dis.; wounds.
Evans, Joseph " Ap'd Serg.; wo'd Chica'ga; mus. out
Sept 6, 64.
McDonald, Alex " Died, Nashville, March 31, '62.
Snyder, John " Died at Annapolis, Md., Jan. 31, '63.
HoUister, Walter D. " Vet.; captured ; must, out June 26,'65
Price, Alfred ' " Musician ; disch. April 15, '62 ; dis'y.
' PRIVATES.
Allsop, William E. Sep. 5,'61; Wo'd Cbic'ga; mus. out Sept. 6, '64.
Bailey, Loring N. " Died at La Porte, Ind., March 3, '63.
BeU, James " Died, New Albany, Oct. 18, '62.
21

322

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Beeson, Benj. F. Sept. 6,
Beeson, Willis "
Berdine, DaAdd H. "
BiUings, John D. "
Borberg, Otto "
Burgher, Nelson "
Burget, John "
BunneU, Nathaniel F. "
Carrier, John W. "
. Carr, WiUiam H. "
Cotton, William S. "
Curtis, WiUiam L. "
Curtis, Leander "
Culph, John T.
Doremus, James A. "
Douglass, George D. "
Edinger, Jacob "
EUiott, Henry E. "
Fields, Joseph "
Garinger, Solomon "
Gonyer, Ozias "
Graham, WiUiam H. "
Hammons, Charles "
Harris, Martin "
Harmon^ WUUam L. "
Hausem an, August "
Herrold, Henry "
Hentz, Michael "
Hodges .Sephen "
Hulderman, John H. "
Jewitt, David N. "
MUroy, Edwin R. "
Miller, John
MUler, WiUiam "
Myers, John "
sunstroke.
Niles, BBwin R. "
Nimerick, John "
Nugent, Johfn "
Payne, AnseU F. "
Palmer, Romaine H. "
Pangborn, Walter H. "

'61; Vet.; app'd Corp'l; mustered out.
Vet.; died, Valparaiso, Feb'y 24, '64.
Discharged Nov. 14, '61.
Mustered out Sept. 6, '64.
Ap'd Corp.; killed. Chic, Sep. 19, '63
Mustered out Sept. 6, '64.
u 1 1 fi
Died, Tygarts Valley, Va., Nov. 3, '61
Dropped from rolls as deserter.
Vet.; mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Died at Fetterman, Va., Jan. 30, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 16, '64.
Died, Fetterman, Va., Jan. 25, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 15, '64.
Deserted, Murfresboro, Aug. 9, '62.
Dis. April 15,'62; dis'y. [Sep. 24,'63
Died Oct. 11, '63; wo'ds rec. Chatt'ga
Mustered out Sept. 5, '64. [28, '65.
Vet.; ap'd Corpl., Ser.; mus. out Sep.
Dese'd ReadyviUe, Ten., May 29,'63.
Trs. to 4th U. S- Cavalry, Dec. 1, '62.
Died, Evansville, Ind.
Deserted, Louisville, Oct. 1, '62.
Discharged June 21, '62; disability.
" " " [28, '65.
Vet.; ap'd Corp., Serg.; mus. out Sep.
Mustered out Sep. 6, '64. [Sep. 6, '64
Ap'd Corp.; Avou'd Chicm'a; must, out
Captured, Chicamauga.
Vet.; must, out Sept. 28. '65.
Vet.; died Blue Springs, April 13, '64.
Died at NaseviUe, Feb. 26, '63.
Deserted at* Louisville, Oct. 1, '62.
Trs. to 4th U. S. Cavalry, Dec. 1, '62.
Died, Laurel HiU, Va., Sept. 24, '61;
Mustered out Sept. 6, '64.
Discharged June 1, '63; disability.
Veteran; must, out Sept. 28, '65.
Discharged Sept. 10, '62 ; disability.
Mustered out Sep. 6, '64.
Killed, Buffalo, Mt., Dec. 13, '61.

MILITARY RECORD.

32?

Porter, James L. Sep. 5, '61
Prew, AUick "
Pratt, WiUiam H. "
Reed, John "
Reed, Charles "
Reville, Charles "
Rhear, John "
Riker, John "
Robey, James N. "
Roberts, Jacob F. "
Servis, George A. "
Snider, Jacob "
pro'd 2d Lieut.
Stork, John "
Statler, Jacob "
Chicamauga.
Strong, Levi "
Surface, Samuel F. T. "
Thompson, Alonzo "
Van Auk en, George "
VanTasseU, John D.' "
Vail, WiUiam T. "
outSept. 28, '65.
Warwell, Dolphus "
Watterman, Josiah C. ' '
Wagner, George "
Wharhob, Henry D. "
Whipple, Abner S. "

;JDischarged June 14, '63; disabUitj
Died, Cheat Mt., Nov. 17, '61.
Mustered out Sept. 19, '64.
Discharged Nov. 13, '61.
Dis. April 15; '62 ; disabiUty.
Dis. Sept. 17, '62
Died, Cheat Mt., Nov. 21, '61.
Mustered out Sept. 16, '64.
Died, Fetterman, Va., Jan. 21, '62.
Mustered out May 8, '65.
Died, Fetterman, Va., Feb. 2, '62.
Appointed Corp'l, Serg't, 1st Serg't;
Discharged April 15, '62; disability.
Disch'd Jan. 27, '64; wounds rec'd al
Captured at Chicamauga.
Discharged Nov. 4, '61 ; disabUity.
Died, Fetterman, Va., Feb. 5, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 15, '64.
Veteran;, mustered out Oct 27, '66.
Vet'rn; app'd Corp'l, Sergt.; mustered
Discharged Jan. 9, '63 ; disability.
Died, Fetterman, Va., Jan. 24, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 15, '64.
Died, Fetterman, Va., Jan. 18, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 6, '64!
RECRUITS.

Craft Edward March 23, '62; Discharged July 18, '62 ; disabiUty.
Dolph, Joseph 0. April 30, '62; Died Pittsburg Land'g, May 3,'62.
Layton, Charies H. Feb. 17,'64; " NashvUle, March 13, '64.
Lane, Oliver Feb. 25,'64; Ap'd Corp.; des. N. Orleans, July 11, '6S.
Louis, WiUiam H. March 23,'62; Des., Athens, Ala., July 15, '62.
Madden, Patrick April 5, '64; Ap'd Corp'l, red'cd, imps'nd; must.
out March 14, '66.
Rice, Vincent Feb. 20,'64; Mustered out Sept. 28, '65.
Shaw, Wip. H. March 23, '62 ; disabUity.
Stokes, Clayton " 4, '64 ; Mustered out Sept. 28, '66.
Turk, Timothy M. Feb. 20,'64; Musta-ed out Sept. 28, '64.
Vaughn, William C. " " " "

324 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
COMPANY "B."
White, Joseph Oct. 3, '64; mustered out July 26, '65.
COMPANY "II."
Wright, David Aug. 31, '61; Vet.; mustered out July 26, '65.
Smith, John Oct. 12, '64. Unassigned Recruit.
Themas, Wm.

THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
McBride, John Jan. 3, '65; Recruit; mustered out Sept. 5, '65.
COMPANY "K."
Sent, Martin March 17, '65; Mustered out Sept. 6 '66.
Whalen, Edward Feb. 17, '66;

FIFTEENTH REGIMEENT.
COMPANY "G."
Foster, Joel W. June 14, '61; 1st Serg., promoted 2nd Lieut.
Smith, John H. " Sergeant,
Graham, Thomas N. "
Park, Ervin H. " " mustered out June 26, '64.
Cole, William L. " " promoted 2d Lieutenant.
CORPOEALS.
Blank, John " App'd Serg.; must, out June 25, '64
Burns, John L. " Discharged Oct. 10, '61 — disability.
Westphal, Max " '• Nov. 19, " "
Robinson, John L. " " Oct. 10, "
McDonald, Sam'l B. " Appointed Serg.; vet.; trans. 17 Reg.
May 31, '64.
Baer, Jacob June 14,'61; Discharged Oct. 22, '61 — disability.
Thompson, John W. " Mus. out June 25, 64 as private.
Zener, Calvin R. " Discharged, 1864.
Brookwalter, Wm. " Musi'n Des. Louisville, Oct. 1, '62.
SheUey, Jacob M. " " Vet.; trs. 17 Rg. May 31,'64
McDonald, Peter " Wag'n; disch. Oct. 22, '61— dis'y.

MILITARY RECORD.

325

PRIVATES.

Angler, H. N. June 14,
Bennet, Daniel H. "
Black, John S.
Bryant, Levi J. "
Brookman, Charles C. "
Brown George H. "
Burns, Edward M. "
Burns, Israel F. "
Burns, Henry "
Burford, WiUiam H. "
Burket George W. "
Cashier, Elmer "
Carr, Samuel "
Cox, Peter "
Crawford, John "
Douglas, Robert "
Fagenbaum, John "
Fisher, Isaiah "
Frankey, August , "
Garveston, John A. "
Gerdes, Frederick "
Hammond, Amos "
Harmon, James G. "
Henton, George "
Hedges, John C. "
Hogle, James B. "
Isay, Egidius D. "
Jackson, Marion "
Jamison, Ninian "
Jones, David "
Kelly, William D.
Krug, Robert "
Lamphire, Silas "
Lastner, William "
Lewis, John "
Little, Cleaveland 0. "
Lowry, Henry A.
Lucas, Calvin R.
Marklin, Iierman
Matchet, Benjamin
Macher, Nicholas

61 ; Mustered out June 26, '64.
Ap'd Q. M. Ser.; dis. Feb. 63-
Mustered out June 26, '64.

-dis'y.

Died, NashviUe, Feb. 14. '64.
Killed, Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, '63.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
App'd Corp'l must, out June 25, '64.
Discharged June 16, '62 — disability.
Deserted, NashvUle, March 26, '62.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
Discharged Aug. 9, '62 — disability.
Discharged June 25, '64.
App'd Serg.; mus. out June 25, '64.
Mustered out June 26, '64.
KiUed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Discharged Dec. 24, '62 — disability.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
Transferred to V. R. C. Feb. 24,'64.
a a a a
Mustered out June 25, '64.
App'd Corporal; dis. Feb. 4, '63.
Des. Ind'ls, on furlough Apr. 29,'64.
Mustered out June 26, '64.
Discharged ; — disability.
a a ii
Vet.; trsfd. 17tb Reg., May 21, '64.
Ap'd Corp'l; must, out June 25, '64.
a a a a
Deserted Sept. 17, '61.
Killed in action.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
Discharged Aug. 14, '61 — disability.
Nov. 6, '62
Discharged Dec. 12, '62.
" 24, '62.
Died, Louisville, July 18, '63.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
Drowned, Nov. 29, '61.
Discharged July 24, '61 — disabUity.
KiUed, Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, '63.

326

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

MaxweU, A. F. June 14,'61 ;
McNess, James C. "
Miller, Jacob V.
Moser, Samuel "
Moon, John 0. "
Mudge, George P. "
Murphy, John H. "
Myers, Jasper "
Noyes, Charles "
Page, Lewis C. "
Reed, Madison "
Reynard, William P. "
Richards, Samuel "
Rowe, George H. "
Rose, John "
Ruth, Martin "
Saxon, Anthony M. "
Saxon, Charles W. "
Sayler, Alexander "
Schane, Charles "
Schausten, Herman "
Sheldon, Lemuel "
Shehan, James "
Smith, Eugene L. "
Stone, James E. "
Stein, Peter "
Sutton, Harvey "
Taylor, Charies L. "
Thomas, William "
Tompkins, Daniel W. "
Truax, Charies F. "
Walters, Henry D. "
Wagner, Benjamin L. "
Weidabush, Henry "
Wheeler, Oscar "
WUson, Daniel H. "
Wilkes, Martin K. "
Williams, John W. "
Wilson, Alexander "
Wolever, John "
Wood, Lewis "

Disch. Jan. 12, '63— disabiUty.
Ap'd 1st Srg.; mus. out June 25, '64.
Discharged Sept. 17, '61 — disability.
Mustered out June 25; '64.
Transfer'd V. R. C, April 10, '64.
Discharged Sept. 11, '62 — disability.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
Died in Hospital, Corinth. Miss., '62
Deserted, NashviUe, March, 25, '62.
Veteran; trans'd 17th R. May 31, 64.
Ap'd Corp.; must, out June 25, '64.
Discharged Feby. 3, '63 — disability.
Died, Murfreesboro, '63.
Discharged Aug. 11, '62 — disability.
Mustered out June 25, '64.
Discharged, July 14, '62 — disability.
Nov. 19, '61
£1 11 a
Deserted, Louisville, Oct. .1 , '62.
Mustered out June 26, '64.
Ap'd Corporal; disch. July 10, '63.
Discharged, 1864.
Discharged Dec, '61 — disability.
Deserted, Louisville, Oct. 1, '62.
Discharged, July 14, '62 — disability.
Deserted, June 12, '62.
App'd Corp.; must, out June 25, '64.
Missing, Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Discharged Dec. 30, '61 — disabiUty.
" ¦ " '62 "
Discharged, Feb. 4, '63.
Deserted, Louisville, Oct. 1, "62.
Mustered out June 26, '64.
Killed, Mission Ridge, Nov. 26, '63.
Transferred V. R. C, Aug. 5, '63.
Discharged Aug. 11, '62 — disability.
Deserted, Chattanooga, Apr. 29, '64.
Mustered out June 26, '64.

Discharged, Nov. 19, '61 — disabl'ty.

MILITARY RECORD. 327
RECRUITS.
Green, AndrcAv J. June 14, '61 ; Deserted.
Mudge, Leander Feb. 17, '62; Died, EvansviUe, May 20, '62.
MaxweU, Robert Aug. 30, '62; Transfer'd 17tb Reg., May 31, '64.
Sheldon, Jonathan Oct. 31, '62; " " " "
Thurber, Elmer Feb. 19, '62; " " " "
Thurber, Joseph B. Sept. 16, '62; "
Vannote, Jonathan Feb. 8, '62; Dis. Dec. 16, '62 — disability ..
Vannote, John Feb. 8, '62; Trs. 17th Regiment, May 31, '64.,
OFFICERS.
William M. AVebber, May 2, '62; 2nd Lieut.; promoted Quarter
master; mustered out June 29, '64.
Rev. John M. Whitehead, July 16, 1862; Chaplain; mustered
out June 29, '64; term expired.
Gideon Wonsetler, Nov. 8, '62; Ass't Surgeon; must, out June 29,
'64; term expired; re-ent. serv. Sur. 3d Reg. Hancock's Corps.
Joel W. Foster, Sept. 10, '61; 2d Lieut,; pro. 1st Lieut, and Capt.;
kiUed at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.
John H. Smith, Dec. 2, '62; 2d Lieut., pro. 1st Lieut, and Capt.;,
mustered out June 29, '64; term expired.
William L. Cole, Dec. 25, '62; 2d Lieut., promoted 1st Lieut.
Thos. N. Graham, March 9,'63 ; 2d Lt., ms. out June 29, '64 ; trm. ex.
Reuben S. Weaver, June 14, '61; 1st Lt., resigned March 24, '62.
Samuel Burns, " Captain, " Aug. 1, '62.

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "C."
Heiser, Frederick AV. June 12, '61; Vet.; mus. out Aug. 8, '65.
Mackey, WiUiam H. " Discharged Oct., '61; disabil'y.
Marvin, James N. " Veteran; must, out Aug. 8, '65.
McGraham, McBroAvn " Vet.; must, out Aug. 24, '65.
McKinstry, Nelson " Mustered out June 20, '64.
Milner, Jesse B. " Vet.; must, out Aug. 8, '66.
Weed, Theodore C.
COMPANY "D."
Martin, Henry J. April 2, '64; Mustered out Aug. 8, '64.

328 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
COMPANY "E."
Simmons, Enoch Sept. 20, '64; Drafted, mustered out July 8, '66.
COMPANY "F."
Paddock, Homer June 12, ,61 ; Transferred to Company K.
COMPANY "I."
Adler, Matthias Nov. 14, '64; Died, April 4, '66.
Ashton, Marion Oct. 29, '64; Drafd; must, out Aug. 8, '66.
Bramer, John " 14 " " " "
Biggs, Austin " 26 " " " "
JBaugher, Peter Nov. 11, '64; Substitute; " May 30, '65.^
Kenegar, John Sept. 20, '64; Drafted; mustered out July 8, '65.
Kasner, WiUiam March 12, " " " Aug. 8, '65.
Losier, Alpheus Oct. 24, " Substitute; must'd out " "
Lair, -John March 11," " '
McLain, Israel D. Oct 20, "
Mow, John A. " 15, "
Peoples, Robert " 24, " Drafted; must, out July 14, '66.
Soyer, Alpheus " 21, " " " Aug. 23, "
Nay lor, James " 3, '64.
Drury, John T. March 12, '63; 1st Liet., honorably dis. June 1, '64.

TWENTIETH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "E."
Abbey, Edward S. July 22, '61 ; First Sergeant.
Crawford, Hiram " Sergeant; promoted 2nd Lieut.
Thompson, John C. "
Muir, WiUiam R. ' " " " "
Woodworth, Leonard " "
Lamb, Alonzo H. " Corporal; Mort. wou'd Gettsburg.
Bingaman, David N. " "
Fonstel, Charies " "
Hinstis, George F.' " "
Martin, WiUiam H.
Behan, Samuel E. " "
Cissna, Isaac N. " Must, out July 29, '64 as private.
Easton, Nathan B. " Captured Spottsylvania ; mustered
out May 3, '65.

MILITARY RECORD.

329

Smith, Thomas J. July 22,'61 ; Musician; Veteran.
Bixby, Warren D. "¦ " "
20th Regiment, re-org.
Powers, John " Wagoner.

transferred

PRIVATES.

Aldrich, Charies July 22, :61.
Barkburst, Amos " Mustered out July 29, '64.

Cap. Fredrk'bg; mus. out July 29,'64.

Vet.; trans. 20th Reg.; re-organized.

Bartow, John D
Bingaman, John M. "
Biser, Daniel "
BrUey, Elias F. "
Bruch, PhUip "
Burke, Michael "
Burns, Royal S. "
Carney, Matthew "
Carr, Frazee "
Drake, George "
Eberly, Jacob , "
Egan, Michael "
Farnsworth, Edward M."
'61; of wounds received in action before Richmond.
Fraunberg, Chris. July 22,'61; Promoted 2nd Lieutenant.
Fuller, Warren "

Mustered out July 29, '64.
a a a
Died in hospital, N. Y. Harbor July 9,

Gallegan, Michael
Griffin, Patrick
Goodenough, Francis H
Goodsell, Henry M.
Hackett, David
Hatfield, WilUam C.
20th Reg. re-org.
Helmouth, Henry
Hendricks, John H.
Hickman, Benjamin F. '
HoUingsworth, Reuben
Johnson, George W.
Jones, Charles E.
out May 22, '62.
Kennard, David
Kistler, John J.
Legyard, William B.
Lewalter, John

Vet.; transf. 20th Reg., re-organized.
Killed, Gettysburg.

Vet.; wou'd North Anna; transferred

Killed, Gettysburg.
Vet.; transf 20tb Reg., re-organized.
Cap. Mine Run ; mus. out Mar. 18,'65.
Capt'd Chicomicomico Island ; must'd

Mustered out July 29, '64.

330

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Logan, William July

22,

'61,

Louder, WiUiam H. '

u

Vet.; transf 20th Reg., re-organized.

Lytic, John T.

a

Magnesun, Israel

a

March, John

a

McAnany, Peter

a

Vet.; transf 20th Reg., re-organized.

McFey, Bernard

u

Morrow, James
a
Mustered out July 29, '64.'
Murphy, Edward
11
Orb, Fernando C.
11
Paddock, Harvey S.
11
Veteran.
Parker, George M.
11
Capt'd Chicomicomico Island ; must'd
out May 22, '62.
Peeler, David
11
Veteran.
Phillips, Oscar
11
Price, Salathiel C.
11
KiUed, Gettysburg.
Raber, Samuel
11
Mustered out July 29, '64.
Reynolds, Christopher
11
11 . U It
Richards, Benjamin F.
11
Richardson, Arthur
11
Riley, Leonard
u
Capt'd at Chicomicomico Island; mus.
out May 22, '62.
Ruff, Lawrence
11
it 11 U 11
out May 22, '62.
Sabin, Oriando W.
11
Scanlan, Dennis
11
Shay, Cornelius
11
Vet.; transf 20th Reg., re-organized.
Smith, Andrew J-
11
Smith, Frederick
11
Smith, Stephen R.
K
Smith, William
11
Snyder, Eli
11
Capt'd Chicomicomico Island ; mus.
out May 22, '62.
St. Clair, Nathan
11
Swingle, John W.
11
Killed at Gettysburg.
Tappan, Noah M.
11
Mustered out July 29, '64.
Taylor, John D.
11
Travis, Curtis
a
Vet.; transf 20tb Reg., re-organized.
Vandusen, Cornelius
11
Veteran.
Vandusen, Dennis F. F
1 11
Mustered out July 29, '64.
Vandusen, Henry H.
11
Verrel Stephen
11
MILITARY RECORD. 331
t
Washburn, G. W.July 22,'61; Mustered out July 29, '64.
Watson, Frank
Weed, Charies F.
Whiteraft, Thomas
Whitney, Henry M.
Williams, Frank
AVilson, ElUcott
AVinch, Marquis R.
Young, William
Zimmerman, Thomas
Zimmerman, William

Wo'd WUder's; mus. out July 29, '64.
Mustered out July 29, '64.

Vet.; promoted 2d Lieut., Co. "G."
RECRUITS.
Andrews, Abram C. Jan. 27, '62.
•Hannah, Andrew J- Dec. 2, '63.
Layton, John Jan. 27, '62.
COMPANY "F."
Travis, Curtis Feb. 20, '64; Veteran; mustered out July 12, '65,
Bruch, Phillip Jan. 2, " " " " "
COMPANY "H."
Bixbey, Warren D. Feb. 20, '64; Mus'n; vet.; mus. o. July 12, '65.
COMPANY "K."
Thorp, Love .Jan. 7, '64; Vet.; must'd out July 12, '66; disability.
Warner, WiUiam Feb. 21, '64 " " "
Myre, John, Unassigned Recruit. OFFICERS.
James H. Shannon, July 22, '61; Captain, prot'd Maj., Lieut. Col.;
resigned June 6, '63; re-entered siervce as Col. 138th Regt.
Orpheus Everts, July 22, '61 ; Trs. to re-org. Rg.; mus. out with Rg.
Jobn E. Sweet, " 2nd Lieut., pro. 1st Lieut, and Capt.;
mustered out Oct. 8, '64, term expired.
John W. Andrew, July 22, '61 . 1st Lt., killed, Richm. June 20,'62.
Hiram Crawford, July 1, '62; 2d Lieut., pro. 1st. Lt., mus. out Oct.
8, '64, term expired.
Wm. R. Muir, Nov. 21, '62; 2d Lieut.; resigned Jan. 17, '63.
Christoph Fraunberg, Jan. 18, '63; 2d Lieut., pro, IstLt.; must'd
out Oct- 10, '64.

332 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Wm. Brown, 2d Lieut.; must, out on consolidation Oct. 29, '64. ,
Harvey S. Paddock, Dec. 14, '64; 2d Lieut, promoted 1st Lieut., '
and mustered out with Reg.

TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
UNASSIGNED RECRUITS.

Davis, David E. Sept. 23, '64.
Golden, WiUiam " 22, '64.
Goram, John " "
Hashbacber, Leonard " 20, '64.
HaU, Horace T. " 23, '64.
Moran, Thomas " 23, '64.
McGrath, Thomas " 23, '64.
Reed, George " 24, '64.

TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "F."
Mills, Charles Oct. 16, '64; Recruit.

TWENTY-SEVENTH REG.— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
McKahin, John July 5, '62; 2d Lieut.; promoted Capt.; resigned
March 14, '63; re-entered service as Capt. of 138tb Reg,

TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
Morey, Ira S. Aug. 30, '61'; Qua'r-master; discharged Dec. 8, '62.
Tymeson, Cornelius ¦• '61; Commissary Sergeant.
Griffith, John C. Sept. 13; Hospital Steward; prot'd Asst. Surg.
COMPANY "A."
Berger, Nelson Jan. 3, 65; Recruit; mus. out Dec. 2, '65, substitute.
Van Ankin, Geo. L. ••
COMPANY "C."
Cogley, Thomas S. Aug. 30, '61; 1st Serg.; dis. Dec. 30, '62-

MILITARY RECORD.

333

Nevins, Walter Aug. 27, '61; Serg., died NoHn, Ky., Nov. 14, '61.
Burch, Leroy S. - •- Murfreesboro, May 14, '63.
Gates, Columbus Aug.26,'61 ; -• mustered out Aug. 26, '64.
Van Wert, William - ^" disch. Dec 30, '62, disability.

COEPORALS.

Lock, Samuel L. Aug. 30, '61; Deserted AprU 30, '62.
Beach, David F. Aug. 27, '61; Died May 26,'62, wo'd rec Shiloh.

Booth, Henry L.
Shoemaker, F. A. Sept. 3, ••
Matchett, Benjamin "'4, -•
Williams, Davis Aug. 27, •-
Shoemaker, Daniel •-
Brink, James W. --30, --
Comfort, Richard W. Sep. 9 -•

Chappell, John H.

Reduced, disc. Nov. 6, '63.
Des. and ret'r, mus. out Sep. 2, '64.
Discharged Feb. 26, '63, disability.
Nov. 10, '62
Must. out. Aug. 26, '64, as Serg't.
Musician ; discharged July 23, '62.
16, "

Wagoner, transferred, Co. "I."

PRIVATES.

Backbaus, William Oct. 3, '61
Barnes, Fernando C. Aug. 27, --
Batch, Frank Sept. 2, -
Batch, John
Boardman, Sam'l H. Sept. 9, --
Bowen, Isaac W. Aug. 27, •-
Bookhout, Chas. H. Sept. 16, •-
Burdick, John Sept. 26, ¦-
Burdick, Loray M.
Budd, Henry C. Sept. 4, •-
Burch, Gilford D. Aug. 30, •-
Bryant, David P. Sept. 15, ••
Brown, Bergen H. Aug. 30, --
Corkins, Charles Sept. 4, •-
Crane, William H. Sept. 7, -•
Crane, Alexanders. Sept. 19, -•
Dorland, George C.Sept. 19, •-
Fessenden, Geo. W.Sept. 10, ••
Goodman, Jeremiah Oct. 16, "
Grover, Peter Aug. 27, -•
Hendricks, August. Sept. 21, •-
Holtorf, John C. Aug. 27, "
Holmes, Harvey
Huffman, James M.Sept. 18, ••
HuU, Adam Sept. 19, ••

; Mustered out Oct. 2, '64.
.. 26 "
Vet.; must, out Dec. 2, '65, Sergt.
Mustered out Sept. 8, '64.
Ap. Ser.; mis 'g in action, Chicm'a.
Vet.; mus. out Dec. 2, '65 as Serg.
Discharged June 11, '64.
KiUed at Shiloh, April 7, '62.
Veteran; mustered out Dec. 7, '65.
Cap. Chi'm.; mus. out Feb. 20,'65.
Discharged May 16,'62'; disabUity.
Discharged Dec 30, '62; "
Discharged July 2, 62 ;
Mus. out with Regt. as Q. M. Sergt.
Discharged July 12, '62; disability.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.
Veteran; mustered out Dec. 2, '66.
Discharged — '62; disability.
Discharged July 23, '62 "
Veteran; deserted Aug. 2, '66.
Veteran; mustered out Dec. 26, '65.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.

334

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Johnson, John W. Aug. 31, '61
Jessup, Benjamin F. Sept. 9, "
Kish, Stephen Sept. 3, --
Lawrence, George
McLane, Alonzo Sept. 22, --
McLane, Richard Sept. 2Ir, --
MandeviUe, JacW. Aug. 30, --
Mandeville, R. S. Aug. 27, "
Marr, Thomas
Michael, John H.
MUler, Alonzo Sept. 17, "
Nelson, James M. Sept. 20, --
Preston, James H.Sept. 9, •-
Romans, Theo. D. Sept. 11, •-
Shafer, John Sept. 6, -¦
Shoemaker, J. W. Aug. 27, --
Sigrider, Adam
Taylor, Wm. W. Sept- 3, ••
Toyne, WilUam Sept. 21, -•
Troxel, Jacob A.
Vanderwalker, M. Aug. 30, -•
Wickham, C. J. Sept. 19, ••
WincheU, F. M. Aug. 27, "
Worden, Clinton F.

; Vet.; mus. out Dec. 2, '66, as Corpl.
Discharged. KiUed at ShUoh, AprU 7, '62.
Discharged ; disability.
Died Sept. 21, '62.
KiUed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Discharged ; disability.
wounds rec- at Shiloh.
Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Vet.; mus. out Dec. 2, '65, 1st Serg.
Discharged ; disability.
Veteran; mustered out Dec. 2, '65.
Discharg. July 12, '62; disabiUty.
Mustered out Feb. 16, '65.
Must, out Feb. 20,'65, as Sergeant.
Pro. Captain 7th Cavalry.
KiUed at Stone River Dec. 31, '62.
Vet.; mus. out Dec. 2, '65 as Corpl.
Discharged Dec. 12, '62 ; disability.
Vet.; mas. out Dec. 2, '65, as Sergt.
Discharged ; disability.
Veteran ; mustered out Dec. 2, '65.
Died at Nolin, Ky., Jan. 12, '62.

EECEUITS.

Burch, PhUander C.Jan.13,'62; Dis. 63 ; wounds rec. Stone River.
EngUsh, William Feb. 13, '64; Mustered out Dec. 2, '65.
Love, Albert P. Feb. 16, '65; 

COMPANY "G."
Coffin, Griffin A. Sept. 5, '61; 1st Serg., promoted 2d Lieut.
.Sturges, Alonzo Feb. 21, -• Serg.; dis. June 24, '62; disability.
Holland, John E. •• •• •¦ 23, ••
CORPOEALS.
BushneU, Orsamus Sept. 27, 61; Died Fb. 2, '63; wo'd rec. Sto. Riv.
Beahm, James 0. Oct. 1, •• Veteran; pro. 1st Lieut. Co. "L"
Harris, Oscar Aug. 27, •- Reduced; must'd out Aug. 27, '64.
Martin, Hiram H. •• .. Dischar'd June 24, '62; disability.
Weed, Catlin Sept. 12, •• •-
.Steel, Austin Aug. 27, •• Musician.

MILITARY RECORD.

335

PRIVATES.

BlackweU Chas. H. Aug. 29, '61
Billfer, John Aug. 27, "
Bennett, John A. Sept. 15, --
Baxter, Harrison Sept. 17, --
Bishop, Charles Aug. 27, --
Clark, David C. Oct. 1, "
•OoUins, George A. Sept. 12, -•
Cbarleswortb, H. Sept. 12, --
Clymer, Henry Aug. 27, -•
Davis, Chris. L. Sept. 21, •-
Dunn, Henry Aug. 27, •-
Eggenburger, Andrew --
Evans, Sherry
Grice, David Sept. 17, •-
Hunt, Michael Sept. 30, •-
Hun tiy, John F. Sept. 7, --
Hyde, Kenyon Aug. 30, ••
Lehman, John Sept. 6, •-
Lewis, Charles Aug. 30, --
Ligbtfoot Simeon Aug. 27, •-
Love, David M. Sept. 2, --
Love, James
McCormack,  Aug. 29, ••
McDonald,  Sept. 7, -•
Megraw, James C. Oct. 1, •-
Mackey, Philander Aug. 27, •-
Maudlin, Benj. S. Oct. 15, --
Morton, Geo. W. Sept. 6, ••
Norwood, Edward Oct. 15, •-
Palmer, Sylvanus Oct. 15, ••
Plummer, John W. Oct. 1, •-
Popp, Conrad Sept. 21, '•
Roberts, Hugh Aug. 27, -•
RoUins, Stephen A. Aug. 27, -•
Rhodes, David Aug. 27, -•
Saybould, William Sept. 13, •-
Sharpe, Benj. F. Aug. 29, ••
Sent, Martin Sept. 20, ••
Snyder, Michael Oct. 15, •¦
Trull, WUlard Sept. 17, "
Tennis, WiUiam Sept. 28, "

; Vet.; mustered out Dec. 2, '65.
Missing Chicmga. Sept. 19, '63.
Disch. Dec. 9, '62 ; disability.
Disch. March 13, '63 ; disabUity.
Deserted Oct. 9, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.
Vet.; must- out Dec. 2,'65, as Serg.
Mustered out June 26, '65.
Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Discharged May 20,'62; disability.
Vet.; mus. out Dec 2, '65 as Corpl.
Vet.; died Augusta Ga.,Oct. 24,'65.
Discharged Feb. 22, '62 ; disabUity.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.
Deserted Aug. 1, '63.
Cap. Chicm.; mus. out Feb. 27, '65.
Trans, to V. R. C, Dec 19, '63.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.
Dis.; — , '64, as exchanged nrisoner.
Trans. U. S. Navy Sept. 1, '63.
Vet.; must, out Dec. 2, '65.
Discharged Dec. 12, '62; disability.
Died at Nashville, Jan. 8, '63.
Mustered out Aug. 27, '64.
Discharged April 27,62 ; disability.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.
Died at NashviUe, Sept. 18, '62.
Deserted Oct. 19, '61.
Discharged June 18, '62 ; disability.
- 17 -
" 16 -
Died at Chattanooga, Nov. 30, '63.
Vet.; must, out Dec. 2, '65, Serg't.
Must, out Sept. 26, '64, as Serg't.
Vet.; deserted July 27, '65.
Mustered out Sept. 26, '64.
Transferred to V- R. C.  '68.
Died at Nashville.
Deserted Oct- 9, '62.

336

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Towleton, Henry Oct. 24, '61 ;
WiUiams, Geo. W. Aug. 27, ••
Ward, James Aug. 27, ••
Warnock, Allen W. Oct. 1, -•
Watson, John C. Oct. 7, --
Wheaton, Joseph W. •¦ 9, --
Woodard, George •- 12, •-

Vet.; must, out Dec. 2, '65.
Discharged March, 11, '63; disab'y.
Died, And's'ville. pris. Oct. 1, '64.
Discharged June 1, '63 ; disability.
Dec T, '62;
Vet.; mustered out Dec. 2, '65.
Discharged Oct. 10, '62; disability.

EECEUITS.

Black, WiUiam Feb. 17, '64;
Baker, John D.
Batch, Joseph April 4, '64;
Closser, Orren L. Feb. 17, --
Costello, James
Culp, Shelton L. Mar. 10, -
Clarkson, Wm. T. Jan. 3, '66;
Fogus, Jasper Feb. 17, '64;
Finley, Albert A.
FirU, Thos. W. " 18, -
Fields, Jobn D. AprU 4, ••
Humble, B. Jan. 3, '65;
Harding, H. G. Mar. 10, '64;
Kramer, Andrew Jan. 3, '66 ;
Moore, John Feb. 16, '64;
Moore, Thomas Feb. 17, "
Moore, William
Norris, Artemas -• 18, -•
Wells, Americus •• 17, --
York, Robert J. June 20, '63 ;

Died at Chattanooga July 4, '64.
Must, out Dec. 2, '65, as Corporal.

drafted.
Died, Dec. 9. '64 at NashviUe.
Must, out Sept. 21, '66, as Corpr'l.
Dec. 2, '65. drafted.

July 18, '65, drafted.
Dec. 2, ••
Deserted Oct. 16, '66.
Died, Chattanooga, July 10, '64.
Must'd out Dec. 2, '65, as Corporal.
•- Musician.

COMPANY "H."

Brainard, "Gilbert Sep. 12,'61; Sergeant; discharged July 23, '62.
PRIVATES.
Barnes, John Nov. 7, '61 ; Discharged May 2, '62.
Bowden, E. L. Sept. 12, ------
" W. J.
Lehmer, Isaac
Moore, Andrew J. •• 26,
Noricks, WiUiam Aug. 27,

Deserted Oct. 9, '61.
Discharged AprU 19, '63.
Captured, Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Trs. Co. "L,"dis. Sept. 13,'62; disy

MILITARY RECORD. 337
Sulkman, AVm. Sept. 25,'61; Dropped from rolls Aug. 18 '62
Thompson, PhU. Aug. 27, - Died at Camp Nevin, Kv-
Wilber, Seth Sept. 25, - •• - •' Jan. 24 '62.
BECHUITS.

Barlett, Daniel Dec. 31, '61 ; Discharged May 15, '62 ; disabiUty.
Dixon, Richard H. •- 4, •- -- March 7, '63.
English, William Jan. 1,'62; -- June 1, '62.
Haskins, John A. -• 2, -- Transferred to "G."
Liggett, Joseph Nov. 28,'61 ; Discharged March 7, '63.
Meeker, Frank Dec. 10, •- Vet.; must, out Dec. 2, '66 as Sergt.
Robinson, John W. -• 31, -- Discharged Aug. 5, '62; disability.
School, Joseph -• 9, --
COMPANY "L"
Flucard, John Aug. 29,'61; 1st Serg.; disch. Dec— ,'61; disabiUty.
PRIVATES.
Conway, Patrick Aug. 27,'61; Deserted Sept. 28, '62.
Eavers, Jobn -• -• Died at ShUoh, April 26, '62.
Tucker, Charles F. -- 30, -- Promoted 1st Lieut. Co. "A."
Tennis, John Oct. 31, •• Recruit; mustered out Nov. 6, '64.
COMPANY "K."
Parker, Geo. W. Sep. 20, '61; Corporal; discharged Feb. 22, '62.-
OFFICEES.
S. 0. Gregory, Aug. 27, -- 2d Lieut."; pro. Capt. Co. '*F.," trans.
to Co. "C," promoted Lieut. Col. and Colonel.
James L. AngeU, Aug. 30, '61; Adjutant, resigned, Aug. 20, '62.
Griffin A. Coffin, May 16, '62; 2d Lieut., pro. 1st Lieut, and Adju.
honorably dicharged January 7, '65.
Samuel A. Bagley, May 5, '65; Adju.; must, out with Regt., pro.
from Sergeant 6th Cavalry.
Asa H. Matthews, Aug. 27, '61; Quartermaster, died April '62.
Lorenzo S. Keene, Oct. 24, -- Asst. Surgeon; promoted Surgeon;
resigned Jan. 7, '63.
Tompkins Higday,  ; Surg.; commissioned Jan. 29, '63.
L. C. Rose,  ; Comis. Apr. 26, '62, ad. Ast.'Surg.
Theophilus Fravel,  ; Commiss'ed April 22, '65, as Asst.
Surgeon, declined May 12, '65.
Thomas Marr, March 27, '65; 2d Lieutenant.
Charles F. Tucker, Jan. 17, -• 1st

B38 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Patrick Hays, April 11, '64; 1st Lieutenant; promoted Captain.
Fred. A. Clark, Aug. 27, '61 ; Capt., resigned April 10, '64.
SUas F. AUen, " " " wo'd Shiloh, res. Feb. 11,'64.
3reorge AV. Maloon, -- -- 2d Lieut, pro. 1st Lieut, and Capt.;
liouorably discharged Nov. 16, '64.
John W. Vanderhoof, Feb. 6, '63; 2d Lieut., resigned 1863.
Christopher L. Davis, May 2, •- •• promoted 1st Eieut.;
resigned Nov. 14, '64.
Frank Stebbins, Aug. 27, '61; 1st Lieut., promoted Capt.; kU!ed
at Murfreesboro, Dec. 31, '62.
John S. Fosdick, Aug. 27, ,61 ; Capt., resigned May 16, '62.
Oscar B. Rockwell, March 27, '66; Captain.
John Cutler, May 17, 1862; 2d Lieut., pro. 1st Lieut, and Capt.;
killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 19, '63.
Edwin Henderson, April 4,'63; 2dLt.,pro. IstLt., res. Nov. 13, '64
Lafayette Keys, -Jan. 17, '65; 1st Lieutenant, promoted Captain.

THIRTIETH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "C."
Joseph S. Murray, Jan. 12, '63; Wagoner; must, out Nov. 25, '65.

THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
OFFICERS.
lacob Langacher, May 1, "04; 2d Lieut.; prom'd Capt.; honorably
discharged June 27, '65.
incon Sherman, Aug. 24, '64; 2d Lieut.; promoted 1st Lieut.
EdAvard Hecker, March " " " "

THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "D."
RECRUITS.
juthrie, David B. Feb. 6, '65; Mustered out July 21, '66.'
facobus, Francis Oct. 13, '64; " " "
5mith, Lewis " 16, " " " "

MILITARY RECORD. 339
COMPANY "K."
EECEUITS.
Alexander, Andrew H. Jan. 4, '66; Must, out July 21, '65; subst.
Newburn, WiUiam March 3, " " " " _
DowdeU, William " 9, " " ~ "
OFFICEES.
James H. Durham, Sept. 6, '61; Adjutant; resigned Oct. 17,82.

THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "E."
Montgomery, Jasper M. Sept. 21, '63; Mustered out Feb. 3, '66.

THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "B."
Sherkey, Jobn Dec. 12, '61; Corporal; mustered out Feb. 16, '65.
PETVATES.
Hays, Andrew Dec. 12, '61 ; Mustered out Nov. 6, '64.
Murphy, James " " Died at Andersonville, Oct. 14, '64.
Murphy, Francis " " " " " 31, "
O'DonneU, Edward- " Mustered out May 29, '65.
Parkinson, Amasa " Killed at Stone River, Jan. 2, '63.
Snyder, Adam " Mustered out Oct. 22, '64.
Sheppard, John " Vet. ; trans'd to U. S. Inf Nov.— '62.
EECEUITS.
Burgess, James April 30, '62; Musterd out March 1, '65.
BeU, Edward " Deserted  '62.
Flinn, -James Feb. 12, '62; " June 63.
Scott, Timothy .Jan 11, 65; " " 21, 65; Substitute.
COMPANY "C."
Smith, Thomas Dec. 11, '61 ; Serg.; Mustered out Oct. 16, '64.
Bartgn, John " , " disc. March 25,'63; disabU'y.
Smith, Edward H. " Corp.; mustered out Oct. 16, '64.
Brown, Thomas M. " " Disc. April 19, '63; disabU'y.
WiUiams, Jacob Dec. 11,'61; Wagoner, disc. March 10, '62; dis'y.

34§

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

PRIVATES.

Alien, William
Bishop, Joseph
Briggs, Luther
Hart, Bartholemew
Mush, Charles
Morrison James L.
McCollum, Frederick
Murphy, Henry
O'Brien, Patrick
Parker, Jesse
PhiUips, Albert
Ryan, Thomas
Rickes, Richard
Riley, Thomas
Steuben, Matthias
Taber, Wm. D.
Wagoner, -John
Whiteman, Charles
Q. M. Sergeant.

Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Mustered out Oct. 16, '64.
Died at LouisviUe Feb. 12, '62.
Dropped from rolls Aug. 18, '62.
Killed at Stone River Jan. '63.
Discharged Feb. 7, 63; disability.
Aug. 18, 62; "
Dishonorably disc. April 8, '63.
Discharged April 21, '64; disability.
Died at Nashville May, '62.
A'^et.; mustered out Sept. 7, '65.
Discharged Sept. 63: disability.
Discharged Feb. 22, '63; disability.
Deserted Nov. 61 .
Discharged Aug. 4, 63; disability.
Died at Louisville, '62.
Discharged May, '62.
Vet.; mustered out Sept. 30, '65 as

COMPANY "I.

Whiteman, William Dec. 20. '61; 1st Serg.; promoted 2nd Lieut.

Taylor, -John W.
Lockard, Samuel
Long, John
Armstrong, Aaron G.

Serg.; discharged; disability.
" A'^et.; promoted 1st Lieut.
Transferred Y. R. C;,— ,'62.
Deserted Julv 6, "62.

CORPORALS.

Pierce, Dennison S. Dec. 20, '61
Scully, Andrew J "
Timm ons, Robert "
Carter, Charles "
Mackey, WiUiam M.
Herrold, Wesley L.
Wolf, Peter
Whalen, James J. "
Lyman, Porter "
Stone River, Jan.2,'63

Discharged Aug. 21, '^; disab'y.
Promoted M Lieutenant.
Died, Louisville, Ky., Dec. 29, '62.
Mustered out Jan. 12, "65.
A?'et.; trs. U. S. Eng's Aug. 27,'64.
Discharged — ,'62; disa.bility.
Vet.; mustered out Sept. 30, '65.
Discharged — ,'62; disability.
Musician; app'd Sergt.; killed at

MILITARY RECORD.

341

PRIVATES.

Anderson, Thomas Dec. 20, '61 ;
Crance, Jacob "
Clark, John "
Davis, Benjamin "
Fitzpatrick, William "
Gurnee, John "
Gauser, Christian "
Graham Henry "
Herrold, Joseph S. "
Havens, Kelsev "
Hamilton, Luther "
Higgins. Joseph McK "
KeUey, AVilliam H.
King, Lyman A. "
Lyman, Henry "
Lawrence, Sidney R. "
Lemm, George "
Lennon, Daniel "
Moore, Levick "
Mecum, Samuel "
Owens, John "
Parker, Lewis "
Reed, Frederick "
Ritenour, David C. "
Ritenour, Solomon "
Riteman, George "
Rose, Christopher "
Romine, Sampson B. "
Rhodes, Jasper "
Shoup, Daniel F.
Seyfong, Andrew "
Timmons, Martin "
Wilbert. Reuben "
Walker, James "
Whiteman, George
Zimmerman, Daniel

1111

Died, MumfordsviUe, Ky., — , '62.
Discharged — ,'62; disabiUty.
Never reported to company.
Discharged — , '61 ; disability.
Veteran ; deserted Feb. 19, '"64.
Died at MumfordsviUe, Ky. — ,'62.
Mustered out Dec. 12, '64.
Deserted Nov. — , '61.
Died at Mumfordsville, Ky. — ,'62.
A^eteran; mustered out Sept. 30,65.
Vet.; dis. May 17, '66; disability.
Deserted from hospital, — , '62.
Vet.; pro. 2d Lieutenant.
Deserted — , '62.
Vet.; mus. out Sep. 30, '65, 1st Srg.
Died at BardstoAvn, Ky., — , '62.
Discharged — , '62; disability.
11 It 11
Killed at Stone River, Jan. 2, '63.
Discharged — , '62 ; disability.

Vet.; mustered out Sept. 30, '65.
Vet.; transferred V. R. C.
Vet.; mustered out Sept. 30, '65.
" must, out Sept. 30, '65, Corp.
Sent to Insane Asylum, Wash. ,'62.
Mustered out Dec. 19, '64.
Discharged — , '62.
A^et.; mus. out Sep. 30,'65 as Serg.
Died Feb. — ,'63, wo'd Stone River.
Deserted July 6, '62.
Discharged — , '62 ; disability.
Never reported.
11 11
Discharged — ,'63; disability.

EECEUITS.

Brown, Otto Jan. 20, '66; Deserted June 16, '65; substitute.
Cus'ter, John P. " 14, " Died at New Orleans July 8,'65; subst.
Daily, James June 17, '63 ; Deserted May 26, '65.

342 HISTORY OF LA PROTE COUNTY.
Schneider, Wm. Jan. 17, '65; Mustered out Sept. 30, '65; substitute.
TyrreU, Gilbert R. "26,'64; Trs. to V. R. C. Oct. 8, '64; wounds.
Wixon, Wm. S. July 16, " Mustered out Sept. 30, '65.
Winsby, Joseph Jan. 28, " " " "
OFFICEBS.
John C. Walker, Dec. 11, '61; Colonel.
John W. Cmnmins, " 1st Lieut.; resig'd March 23, '63.
William Allen, June 17, '63; 2d " pro. 1st Lieut, and Capt.
resigned July 2, '65.
WiUiam Hipwell, Dec. 11, '61; Capt.; resigned Nov. 26, "62.
Sohn Scully,  ; 1st Lieutenant.
Charles E. Galezio, Dec. 11, '61; 2nd Lieut.; resigned July 28, '62.
William Whiteman, April 5, '63; 2d Lieut., pro. 1st Lt. and Capt.
Samuel Lockard, July 19, '64 ; 1st Lieut., must, out with Regiment.
William H. Patton, Dec 11,'61; 2d "
William KeUy, May 1, '66;
Richard W. Cummins, Jan. 2, '62; " resigned April 8, '62.
Thomas Price, Nov. 15, '61; Capt.; dismissed March 18, '63.

THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "C."
Selvage, Wm. H. Oct. 17, '64; Recruit; mus. out June 26, '66, draf.
COMPANY "D."
Huntly, Nehemiah Nov. 10, '64; Dis. June 9, '66; disability; draft.
COMPANY "E."
Kenzie, Isaac Nov. 10, '64; Mustered out July 15, '65; drafted.
Miles, John Oct. 27, " Never reported to company.
Michael, Abraham Nov. 10, '64; Mustered out .July 15,'65; drafted.
Matthews, -John Oct. 27, " " " June 26.
COMPANY "L"
EECEUITS.
Buel, Edwin P. Sept. 28, '64; Mustered out July 15, '65; drafted.
Kile, Ransom Nov. 10, 84 ; " " " •'
RusseU, Thomas Sept. 28, '64;
Trager, Charles Oct. 27, '' Died at Washington, June 8, '65.
Van Loom, Samuel M. Oct. 26, '64; Must. July 15, '65; drafted.

MILITARY RECORD.

343

FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
' COMPANY "B."
Cole, Nelson V. Sept. 19, '63; Mustered oat July 21, '65.
COMPANY "C."
EECEUITS.
Blocher, John H. Sept. 19, '63; Mustered out July 21, 65.
Denny, Milton J. April 8, '64; " ". drafted.
Fletcher, Jesse Oct. 17, " " June 18, '66 "
Husselman, John Sept. 27, -"
Hissong, Jacob
KinnebaU, Jonas Oct. 9,
COMPANY "D."
Burdick, Francis M. Nov. 24, '64; Must out July 16,'65; substit.

Grooms, Benjamin Oct. 18,
Grooms, James " 28,
Mbler, Andrew Nov. 22
Micbler, Joseph Sept. 28,
Newcomer, Edward Nov. 17,
Newer, John W. " 11,
Neel, Samuel " 23,
Peach, Charles Oct. 11,
Reynolds, John B. Nov. 22,
Shaur, John B.
Scroggs, Daniel C. " 23,
Stellman, Solomon Oct. 29,
Shero, Noah W. Sept. 24,
Worthley, Albert H. Nov. 16,
Zimmeth, Jobn Nov. 11,

21

" June 18, '65;

July 13,
June 18,
" 27
July 21,'

" June 18,
" July 21,

drafted. substit.
drafted.

substit.
drafted.

COMPANY "E."

EECEUITS.

Ackley, Jacob Sept. 19, '63; Mustered out July 21, '66.
BunneU, George B. Nov. 24, '64; "
Eberly, Jacob " " " June 18 " substitute.
Wells, Theodore H. Sept. 19, '63; " July 21 "

344

HISTORY OF LA PROTE COUNTY.

June 18,

66.

COMPANY "F."
Jones, AUen A. Nov. 12, '64; Mustered out June 18, '65; drafted.
Knight, Joseph Nov. 20,
Kenneger, Philip Oct. 14,
Krob, Michael Oct. 29,
Kettle, Peleg Nov. 14,
Mingos, Balsar " " " " " substit.
Marion, Orson Nov. 23, " Deserted June 25, '65.
COMPANY "G."
Burgett, PhUip Dec. 25, '63; Recruit, mustered out July 21, '65.
Brown, William Feb. 16, '64 ;
Jones, Aaron T. Aug. 13, '62; "
COMPANY "H."
Big, John Dec. 30, '63; Mustered out July 21,
Bumstead, Wm. F. " "
Brown, Wm. March 12, '64; "
Brown, Daniel L. " 23, " "
Campbell, Benjamin F. Dec. 30, '63;
Clark, Erskine 0. " "
Carpenter, Daniel March 12, '64;
Fessenden, George N. Sep. 19, '63;
Grover, Stephen K. Dec. 30, "
Harvey, Anson " "
MerriU, WaUace Oct. 14, '64;
Mishler, Daniel " 26, "
Martin, WiUiam Sept. 20. "
Nichols, John Oct. 26,
O'Hara, Martin Nov. 26, "
Price, James K. Nov. 16, "
Purley, WiUiam Sep. 20, "
Ricker, George Nov. 11, "
Rayhouser, Messiah " 16, "
Stuntz, John Oct. 14, "
Snyder, PhiUp Nov. 16, "
Sneckenberger, John " "
SheU, Jobn
Turner, Francis April 28, "
Titus, Horace W. Dec. 30, '63;
Teeple, Charles B. "

drafted.substitute.
65 ; drafted.
" substitute.
Never reported to company ; substit.
Mustered out July 21, '65; drafted.
June 18, "
July 21,

MILITRAY RECORD.

345

Tinkham Lorenzo Nov. 16, '64; Mustered out June 18,'65; drafted
Wise, Barnard Dec. 30, '63;
Wilson, Milton H. Mar. 12, '64;
Warden, Charies G. Dec. 30,'63;
Wantzel, Jobn Nov. 23, '64;
Whitmer, Adam Oct. 14, "
Winnegar, George " 27, "
Wolf, Samuel Nov. 16, "
Wilson, Isaac " "
Ward, PhUip J. "

substitute.
drafted. 11

June 25, '66; "

COMPANY "L"
EECEUITS.

Arbite Henry Feb. 19,'64; Mustered out July 21, '65; drafted.
Coleman. Eeni. F. .Jan. 9. " " .Tiinfi18. " a.s Serw'

Coleman, Benj. F. Jan. 9,
Cross, Dallas P. Feb. 18,"
Fradenburg, Spencer Feb. 27, '64: "
Richards, Clark R. Sept. 12 '63; "

June 18, " as Serg't.

July 21, "

as Corporal.

COMPANY "K."

LesUe, John H. Dec. 16,'63. Mustered out July 21, '65.
Pyle, Abraham C. Aug.- 20, '63 ; " " "

FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "A."
Crow, Jobn T. Nov. 22, '61; Vet.; mustered out Sept. 14, '65.
COMPANY "H."
Blya, Orson Nov. 22, '61; Discharged.

THIRD CAVALRY— (FORTT-FIFTH) REGIMENT.
Brusie, Luther Oct. 22, '61; Ass't Surg.; resigned Nov. 29, '62.

FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
Collins, Samuel B. March 16, '64; Recruit; must, out June 14,'65.
Gaddis, John W. Jan. 3, " " •- July 15, "

346

HISTORY OF LA PORTE cbuNTY.

COMPANY "C."
Brand, Nelson S. Dec. 24, '61; 1st Sergeant; promoted 2d Lieut.
Chambers, George N. •- Vet.; must, out July 15,'65; Serg.
Richards, Daniel Oct-. 8, '62 ; Mustered out July 16, '65.
Waxham, Alfred Dec 24, '61; Died atPaducah, Ky., Apr. 27,'62.

Falk, Charles Jan. 1,
Smith, Charies L. "
Austin, Alexander B.

COMPANY
'62

'D."

1st Serg.; promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Serg't; died, St. Louis, Mo., July 15, '68
" promoted 2d Lieutenant.

CORPOEALS.

Squier, Edwin V. Jan. 1, '62; Vet.; mus. out July 15, '65, Sergeant
Warner, Willard

Johnson, Andrew
Winch, Flavins J.
Haradon, Charles W.
Walker, Frank
York, John

Died at EvansviUe, Aug. 8, '62.
KiUed at Corinth, Oct. 4, •-
Musician; deserted Sept. '63.
Wagoner; A^ct. mus. out July 16,'65.

PRIVATES.

Brinkerboff, Herman C. Feb. 1,'62; Died May 17,63 ; wou'd rec
Champion's IIUl.
Brown, Elijah B. Feb. 11, '62; Died, Memphis, Aug. 7,'63, Avoud's.

Clark, Lewis Jan. 1,
Craig, Abel M. -- 30,
Fogus, Abram •- 1,
Francis, Natb'l •• 27,
Frame, Noah Feb. 10,

Hutchinson, Jno. R. Jan. 1,'62; Discharged,

Trans, to V. R. C. Nov. 22, '63.
Died, Padncah, Ky., March 1, '62.
Discharged Feb. 23, '63.
Trans, to V. R. C. Nov. 22, '63.
Vet.; mus. out July 15,'65, as Corp'L

Loomis, Chauncey
McCormick, William
Merrill, Alonzo
Nick, Jacob
Robinson, William
Scott, Zimri
Shead, McDonald

Vet.; dis. Aug. 21, '64; disability.
Discharged March 18, '63-
Trs. to V. R. C, Nov. 22, '63.
KiUed at luka, Sept. 19,'62.
Vet.; must, out July 15, '66.
Died at home Jan. 1, '62.
Vet.; mus. out July 16, '65.

Shead, George W,
Smith, Charles R. Feb. 1, '62; Discharged Aug. 8, '62.
Spang, Joseph Jan. 1, '62; Vet.; must, out July 15, '65.
Stock dale, William
Tappan, Julius C. •• •• disch. May 26, '65 ; disability.

MILITARY RECORD.

347

Taylor, Henry Jan 20, '
Teeter, Renwick Jan. 27,
Teeter, PhUip F. Feb. 17,
Teeter, WiUiam -- 19,
Teeter, Walter Jan. 27,
Warner, Cyprian|G. Jan.,1
Warner, James Harvey --
Welch, Josiah
West, Ebenezer C. Jan. 20,

62; KiUed at luka, Miss., Sept. 19, '62.
•¦ Vet.; must. July 15, '66, as Serg't.
" Killed at luka, Misg., Sept. 19, '62.
" Discharged May — , '63.
•• Died, Memphis, Tenn., July 22,'63.
- Trs. to V. R. C. Sept. —'63.
•• Discharged Jan. 25, '63.
-• Died on hospital boat, June 27, '63.
-• Discharged Jan. 21, '63.
RECRUITS.
Burgland, Olof March 18, '64; Must, out July 15, '65, princ. Musi.
Brewer, John W. Feb. 24, -• •¦ •• •• Corporal.
Hews, AVilliam H. Oct. 6, '62; •-
Johnson, Andrew Mar. 18, '64; OFFICEES.

-; Additional Assistant Surgeon.

Tompkins Higday, —
Daniel Crumpacker, Dec. 24, '61; Captain, resigned July 9, '62.
Orson Wilson, Jan. 1, '62; Captain, resigned Jan. 22, '63.
Derrick Brinkerboff, -• 2d Lieut., pro. 1st Lieut, and Cap.; res.
July 22, '63.
Jasper Packard, -- 1st -• Co. D., prom. Capt. Co. B.,
and Lieutenant Colonel 128th Regiment.
Peter J. Howe, May 20, '65; 1st Lieut.; must, out with Regiment.
Alexander B. Austin, May 1,'64; •• Co. D., pro. Capt. Co. C;
mustered out with Regiment.
Alvah H. Palmer, Dec. 17, '64; •- must'd out with Regiment.
Nelson S. Brand, July 21, '62; 2d Lieut; resigned Dec. 10, 62.
Charles Falk,  ; 2d Lieut.; died wounds, received at Corinth,

FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "D."
EECUEITS.
Albert, Martin G., Oct. 21,'64; Discharged June 25, '65.
Cramer, Jonathan •- Mustered out
Chase, John H.
Coleman, Stephen
Cusick, David
Freese, William

348

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

German, John W. Oct. 21

'64; Discharged July 25,

'65; drafted

H-egg, Eli

June

Helminger, Philip

• July •

Kreighbaum, Andrew
June
Miser, John
•
McDuffie, Henson
July
¦
Meessersmith, Ephraim •
Ryan, Joseph
June
Roning, Abraham
Riley, Absalom
Rice, Francis A.
Strohecker, Adam
..
Taylor, Jerrod
..
Warner, William
.
COMPANY "F."
Hindman, James Oct. 21, '64; Mustered out July 6,
'65.
Steele, EU
- 26,
FIFTY-NINTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "G."
EECEUITS.
Bennett, Samuel Feb. 15, '65; Mustered out July 17, '66; drafted.
Chambers, Elias Dec. 9, '64;
Dawson, George
Gallegan, Joseph H. Jan. 21, --
Rebstock, Samuel
COMPANY "H."
McLaughlin, Andrew April 30, '62; A''et.; must, out July 17, '65.
EECEUITS.
Baker, Warren, March 15, '64; Mustered out July 17, '65.
Davis, Samuel D. AprU 28, '62; Mustered out July 17, '65.
Heldrith, Daniel March 15, '64 ;
Pease, Charles B. -• •• -• •• Serg't.
COMPANY "K."'
EECEUITS.
Blessing, Lewis Jan. 6, '66; Mustered out July 17, '65; substitute.
MILITARY RECORD.

349

Dawson, George Dec. 9,'64; Mustered out July 17, '66; drafted.
Lunday, Frederick
McGee, Elisha --'62;
John E. Simpson, April 27, '62; Cap.; pro. Maj.; mus. out with Rg.

SEVENRY-THIRD REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "A."
Jobann, Peter Aug. 16, '62; Mustered out July 1, '65.
COMPANY "B."
Monday, John AV. Aug. 16, '62; 1st Serg.; pro. 2d Lieutenant.
Penwell, Lewis T. -- Serg't; mustered out July 1, '66.
Boyce, Lourine S. •- -- dis. Nov. 29, '92; disability.
Kierstead, James H. -- -- promoted 2d Lieutenant.
COEPOEALS.
Hoover, George Aug. 16, '62; Mus'erd out July 1, '65, as private.

Powell, Walter
Frazier, Thomas
Bentz, Frank
Graham, Charles E.
Walker, Obadiah
Wells, Americus
Wells, Hannilial
Mix, Elon

Sergeant.
Died, Cincinnati, 0., Jan — , '63.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Des'ted, Columbia, Ky., Oct. 26,'62.
Mus. out July 1, '65, as 1st Sergeant.
Mus'n ; discharged June 9, '63.
- died, LouisviUe, Aug. 26, '62.
Wag.; died. New Albany, Ind., — '62.

PEIVATBS.

Ballou, Ambrose Aug. 16,'62; Died, Nashville, Tenn., Dec 20,'63.

Beuford, WiUiam
Berkstahler, August
Bogardus, AVilliam B.
Bowen, Alexander
Bowen, Benton
Briggs, Francis AV.
Burlet, Joseph A.
Cassaday, WUliam L.
Clark, Horace
Colman, John ,
CoUor, Henry
CoUor, Luther

Feb. 9, '63.
Discharged March 27, '63.
Trans, to V. R. C. Oct. 30, '63.
Must, out July 1, '65, as Corporal.
Discharged March 27, '63.
Discharged Jan. 2, '63.
April 22, '63.
Nov. 4, '62.
Must, out July 1,'65. as Corporal.
Died, NashviUe, Tenn., Dec. 11, '62.

350

HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.

Cooper, William Aug. 16,
Coppock, Nathan W.
Cornelius, Ephriam C- --
Cross, James
Davidson, Giles
Drown, John W.
Dolph, David
Easton, WilUam P.
Fields, Lorenzo
Frazier, MUton E.
Freeze, Christopher
Harris, Levitus
Haynes, Francis D.
Huntley, Henry E.
Jeffreys, John
Jennison, Charles
Josling, Henry
Kamble, Charles F.
Lamb, Orrin C.
Lamb, Jonathan E.
Lky, Sebastian ;-
Lee, William S.
Leanland, Victor W.
Lenhart, Elias
Lucher, Samuel
Manderville, Daniel B. ••
Marble, Miner S.
Moore, Samuel
Mott, Alva
McMeUen, Matthew "
O'Brian, James
Olin, Clifford
Oliver, Albert
Phillips, Christian
Perry, Edward I.
Rodgers, Willard D. S."
Seymore, Mortimer
Shade, AVilliam
Sherman, George
Sherwood, Albert
Sbultz, Henry
Stanton, Judah L.

'62; Discharged Oct. 26, '63.
Discharged Nov. — , '62.
Died, NashviUe, Tenn., Aug. 12,'63.
Discharged July 4, '64.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 14,'62.
Des. at Louisville, Kv., Feb. 10, '63.
Died, Murfreesboro, T., Apr. 15,'63.
Died, Nashville, Tenn., Apr. 14, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Discharged Feb. 28, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '66.

Discharged Dec. 26, '63.
Des. at La Porte, Ind., June 16, '63.
Trans, to V. R. C, June 30, '63.
Must, out July 1,'65, as Com. Serg't.

Mustered out July 1, '65.
Discharged Nov. 19, '62.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Died at GaUatin, Tenn., Dec 24, '62.
Des. at Lexington, Ky., Sep. 1, '62.
Discharged Jan. 13, '63.
Mustered out July 11, '66.
1, -- as Corp'l.
Des. Oct. 25,'62; retur. March 3,'64.i
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Trans, to V. R. C, Dec 3, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '66.
Discharged Jan. 21, '64.
Nov. 29, '62.
Feb. 15, '64.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn., Feb. 24, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Discharged March 3, '63.

MILITARY RECORD.

351

Styles, Hezekiah Aug. 16,'62; 'Died at Triana, Ala., Oct. 17, '64.

Stotts, Mayze
Smith, Alvin H.
Warner, Croyden
WaxAvin, Walter A.
Western, Charles B.
Westbrook, Frederick
White, Benjamin S.
Williams, Isaiah
Winchell, Ralph
Zimmerman, Jacob
ZeU, Frederick J.

Died, Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 16, '63.
Discharged July 22, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Died at NashviUe, Tenn., Dec 7, '62.
Must'd out July 1, '65, as Sergeant.
Mustered out July 1, '66.
- 11, -
Died at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 8, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Discharged.
EECEUITS.
Boyce, Laurin S. Feb- 11, '64; Transf to 29th Regt., July 1, '65.
Dixon, Jacob Oct. 7, •-
Hawley, Price W. Feb. 11, -
York, Robert J. June 20,'63;
Young, PhiUp L. Mar. 18,'64 ; ,
COMPANY "C."
Steele, Austin Aug. 16, '62; Mustered out July 1, '65.
COMPANY "K."
Reynolds, WilUam Aug. 16, '62; 1st Sergt., promoted 1st Lieut.
SERGEANTS.
Fairchild, Ezra Aug. 16, '62; Trans. V. R. C, Oct. 4, '63.
Harding, Benjamin -• Discharged May 20, '63.-
Reynolds, Silas H. - - - 15, '65.
Denny, Joseph -- Mustered out July 1, '65.
, CORPOEALS.
HaUiday, WiUiam Aug- 16,'62; Discharged April 3, '63.
Weston, Carey I. •• Killed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Hammond, John E. -• Trs. Miss. Mar. Brig., Mar. 25,'63.
Beatty, Sidney -- Mustered out July 1, '66.
Kilburn, Henry -- -- •• --as Sergt.
Clark, Jonathan D. -- Died HuntsviUe, Ala., Nov. 26, '64.
Culver, John A. " Died NashviUe, Tenn., Dec. 12,'62.
Linza, Andrew J. •- Mustered out July 1, '66.
Swinney, Charles •• Mus'n; kU'd, PerrysvilleOct. 8,'62
Jernegan, Edward •• "- discharged March 19, '63.
Peck, Miles W. •• Wagoner; killed at Stone River.

352

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Alien, Hiram F. Aug.
Augustine, Christian
Bales, Thomas C.
Barnard, Job
Behan, Robert
Bennett, Hiram M.
Bird, Henry
Boothe, George
Bowen, James
Cope, James
Carr, Shannon
Clement, William H.
Corser, True
Corser, Anthony B.
Deeds, Leroy
Doing, James R.
Donaldson, William
Donnell, William
Donnell, Joseph
Ferris, James J.
Gibson, John W.
Goodwin, Clayton S.
Gordon, Galathia
-Halladay, John G.
Hammond, James R.
Harsfield, James
Hart, Franklin N.
Herrington, Henry B.
Herrold, John
Houston, Rufus
Houston, John
Howard, Thomas
Jacobus, John G.
Kettle, James -J.
Maulsby, Clark F.
McAulife, Michael
McFadden, August
McNeil, Joseph
Myers, Charles
Myers, Frederick
Neville, John

PRIVATES.
16, '62 ; Died at Silver Springs, Nov. 19,'62.
KUled at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Must, out July 1, '65, as 1st Serge't.
Discharged March 2, '63.
Miss'g Day's Gap, Ala. Apr. 30,'63.
Must'd out July 1, '65, as Corporal.
Discharged June 5, '65 ; wounds.
Discharged March 2, '63.
Miss'g Day's Gap, Ala., Apr. 30,'63.
Mustered out July 1, '66.
Died, NashviUe, Tenn., Dec. 14, '62.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn., Jan. 8, '63.
Must, out July 1, '65; as Corporal.
Discharged Oct. 29, '63.
Must, out July 1, '65, as Corporal.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Died at NashviUe, Dec. 6, '62.
Dis. Oct. 19, '63, as Corpr'l; wounds.
Discharged Dec. 29, '62.
Discharged Aug. 11, '63; wounds.
Mustered out July 1, '66.
Discharged Feb. 16, '63.
.. 21, -
Mustered out July 1, '65.

DischargedvDec 20, '62.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Died at DanviUe, Ky., Oct. 24,
Mustered out July 1, '65.

'62.

Discharged Jan. 21, '63.
Discharged Feb. 18, '63.
Died at Nashville, Jan. 12
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Discharged June 10, '65.
Discharged Aug. 25,
Mustered out July 1,
Mustered out July 1.
Mustered out July 1.

'63.

65. •¦ -^
65, as Serg't.
'65.

MILITARY RECORD.

353

Perly, George Aug. 16,
Peti-o, John M.
Petersdorf, Julius
Petersdorf, Franklin
Peterson, WiUiam H. -•
Quinn, Michael
Quirk, Thomas
Reed, James V.
Reynolds, Thomas
Reynolds, John A.
Robinson, Robert L.
Romine, James A.
Root, Hiram S.
Shanly, John
Shreve, Franklin M.
Smith, AndreAV J.
Stephens, Justice F. T. ¦ -
Thornton, Samuel
Tuttle, Frederick H. --
Warren, Charles
Webster, AViUiam W. --
Webster, Amos G.
Welch, James
Williams, Clinton
Williams, John
WiUiams, John M.
Williams?, Harrison H. --
Williams, Leander P. --

65; Mustered out July 1, '65. ^
Deserted June 15, '63.
Nov. 4, '62.
Killed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Discharged Feb. 27, '64.
Mis'g in act'n Lexington, Sept. 1,'62.
Discharged Feb. 18, '63.
Died at NashviUe, Jan. 1, '63.
Must, out July 1, '65, as Corporal.
Discharged March 26, '63.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Died near Glasgow, Ky., Nov. 5, '62.
Deserted Feb. 20, '63.
Died at Nashville, Dec. 9, '62.
Mustered out July 1, '66.
KiUed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Mustered out July 1, '65.
Died near Nashville, Dec. 6, '62.
Died at NashviUe, March 4, '63.
Discharged April 20, '63.
Must'd out July 1, '65, as Corporal.
Transfrd. to V. R. C, April 6, '64.
Mustered out July 1, '66.
Deserted Dec. 1, '62.
Must'd out July 1, '65, as Sergeant.
Must'd out July 1, '65, as Corporal.
•- Q.M. Serg't.
RECRUITS.

Birt, John M. Oct. 27, '62; Mustered out July 1, '65.
Denham, William Mar. 5, '64; Trs. to 29th Regiment, July 1, '65.
Mu.itered out July 1, 'ijij.
Trs. to 29th Regiment, July 1, '65.
'i,'64; 

Finch, Silas Sept. 21,
McCray, James S. March 5,--
Thornburg, Oriistus W. Mar.
Williams, Charles N.

OFFICEES.
Gilbert Hathaway, Aug. 22, '62; Col.; killed in action, near Rome,
Ga., May 2, '63.
Ivin N. Walker, •- 16, -- Capt., pro. Major and Lieut. Col.;
resigned July 4, '64, for disability. 23

354 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Joseph Hagenbuck, Aug. 16, '62; 2nd Lieut., prom'd 1st Lieut, and
Adj.; must, out with Regiment.
John A. Frazier, Feb. 26, '63; Chaplain, resigned April 1, '65.
Wilson Pottinger, March 24,'63; Asst. Surg.; resigned Dec. 24,'63
George C. GladAvyn, Aug. 16, '62; Captain; resigned Feb. 5, '63.
Theodoric F. C. Dodd, -¦ 1st Lieut.; promoted Captain,
resigned Nov. 14, '63.
John W. Munday, March 6, '63; 2d Lieut, pro. 1st Lieut.; resigned
May 26, '65; cause, business affairs.
James H. Kierstead, May 12, '64; 2nd Lieut., promoted 1st Lieut.
mustered out Avith Regiment.
Albert A. Carley, Feb. 7, '63; Captain, wounded at Day's Gap,
A-pril 30, '63; supposed to be dead.
Ithamar D. Phelps, Aug. 16. '62; 1st Lt. pro. Cap.; mus. out w. Rg.
WUUam Reynolds, Feb. 18, 63 ; -¦ res. July 23,'64, disability-
John Butterfield, Aug. 16, '62; 2d - - Jan. 9, '63.
Leander P. Williams, Alarch 1, "63; i-d Lieut, promoted 1st Lieut.;
Brevetted Major: mustered out a. ith Regiment.

SEVENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "G."
Brown, Horace H. Aug. 9, '62; Deserted Sept. 11, '62.

FOURTH CAVALRY (SEVENTY-SEVENTH) REGIMENT.
COMPANY 'E."
Hazelton, Sidney S., Jr. Aug. 8,'62; Co. Q. M. Ser.; died Sep.1,'63.
SERGEANTS.
Hays, Thomas W. Aug. 6, '62; Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Smith, George F. •- 5 -- Discharged Jan. 15, '62.
CpUier, Charles •- 6 -- Mustered out June 29, '66.
Dunham, Edward A.-- 9 -- Diedat Scottsville, Ky., Dec. 3, '62.
Woodley, Mahlon B.-- 8 •- Must, out June 29, '65, as private. '
CORPORALS.
Chamberlain, Sylvester Aug. 7, "62; Discharged Jan. 20, '63.
Keil, Nathan Aug. 6,'62; Mustered out June 29, '65, as Sergeant.
Farley, Henry C.-- 8, -• •- •- •- •• private.

MILITARY RECORD.

355

Ray, James A. --9,
Wilson, John K.- 9,
Clarkson, Julius -- 6,
Rhodda, AVilliam-- 5,
McBride, AVm. B- 6,
Spencer, Baldon G. --
Halpin, AA'^illiam
Lloyd, Henrv T. 7
Piatt, Eli " 4

Austin, Jedediah Aug

6, '62

Allen, Erasmus

9, "

Beekman. Lewis

6, "

Burgwedel, Herman --

6, "

Butterfield, Robert ¦¦

9, -

Bentz, Joseph W.

6, -

Barker, Levi M.

13, "

Belden, Marshall

8, ¦•

Barnard, Uriah W. --

8, ••

Brown, John A.

9, "

Coffey, John

6, •••

Conant, Edwin R. --

9, -

Campbell, Thomas ••

6, --

Downing, David

6, •--

Duninngton, W. H. --

9, -

Delana, Thomas

6, -

Dunn, Francis M.

5, ¦-

Fradenburg, Jas. T. --

7, ¦¦

Freese, Henry

9, -

Grice, James H.

6, -

Harlow, Theodore M.--

7, ••

Hubner, August. C. •-

6, -

Hite, Lewis

8, "

Heriihe, Daniel F. --

9, "

Hagenbuck, William "

7, ••

Hanson, Oloff

6, "

Jenkins, Samuel

7, •¦

.Johnson, William

6, -

KuU, Jacob F.

4, -

Lyon, Dennis

4, "

Lee, Elijah T.

8, ••

Lamphier, Edson H. ••

6, ••

62; Discharged Feb. 8, '65.
-• Died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb. 16,'63.
-- Died at NashviUe, Tenn., March 19,'63.
-- Bugler; discharged March 13, '62.
June 8, '64.
Farrier and blacksmith; dis. Nov. 12, '62.
" May 2, '65.
Saddler; Mustered out June 29, '65.
Wagoner; -- -• -• '
PRIVATES. Discharged Dec. 22, '62.
Mustered out June 29, '65.
Discharged Dec. 9, '62.
Discharged -Jan. 22, '63.
Mustered out June 29, '66.
Died at KnoxvUle, April 25, '64.
Discharged Feb. 10, '63.
Must'd out June 29, '65, as Corp'l.
Died at Chicago, IU., Oct. 31, '64.
Mustered out .June 29, '65.
Killed near Knoville, Aug. 14, '63.
Mustered out June 29, '65.
Deserted Oct. 29, '62.
Mustered out June 29, '65.

-•as Corp'l.
Trans, to V. R. C, Feb. 16, '64.
KiUed, Mt. Wash'n, Ky. Oct. 2,'62.
Died, NashviUe, Tenn., Feb. 27, '65.
Mustered out June 29, '65, as Corp.

blacksmith.

356

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Muck,' Joseph Aug. ^,
Marsden, Wm. H. -- 6,
KcKinney, Henry ¦- 8,
Ott, Jacob •¦ 9,
Peabody, AA'm. F. - 9,
-Reynolds, Elisha B. -- 10,
Riley, Isaac •- 9,
Rice, Augustus A. -¦ 6,
Sawyer, Isaac -- 9,
Sawyer, Horace -- 9,
Sheldon, Joshua W. - 9,
Seekamp, Herman H-- 6,
Shreves, Cyrus D. -- 9,
Tuley, David -• 9,
Taggart, Eugene T. -¦ 9,
Vannote, James L. -¦ 5,
Witt, Isaac -- 9,
Waggoner, Milton ¦- 5,
Walton, Albert J. •• 9,
Wilson, Wesley W. - 9,
Wilbraham, Jo. W. ¦- 1,
Willard, Henry H. - 13,
Walkerton, Chas. G. -• 4,
Wilbraham, AVm. ¦- 1,
Wood, Edgar J. - 9,
Zenor, MehdUe C. " 9,

62; Must out June 29, '65, as Sergeant.
D'ischarged Nov. 28, '63.
Transf 'd to V. R. C. Sept. 20, '63.
Must'd out June 29, '65, as Corp'l.
KiUed at Rutherford Creek, '63.
Discharged Nov. 14, '62.
Discharged Nov. 2X, '63.
Mustered out June 29, '65.
•-as Corp'l.

Discharged Nov. 11, '62.
Mustered out June 29, '(J-").

as Serg-'t.

Died Bowling Green, Ky. Oc 21, '62
Tramsferred, V. R. C. Jan. 15, '64.
Mustered out June 29, '65.
Discharged June — . 65.
KiUed, Mt. Washington, Oct. 1,'62.
Mustered out June 29, '65.
Transf d to A^ R. C, Sept. 21, '6-3.
• May 1, "64.
OFFICEES.
Nathan Earlywine Aug. 12, '62; Capt., pro. Major, res. for good of
service. Mar. 26,'63.
Wm. A. Woodward, -- IstLt., pro. Cap.; res. Apr. 29, '63
Gilbert H. Kneeland, Sept. 6, '62; 2d  mus. out Avith Rg.
Sidney S. Hazelton,  -• -- died Sept. 1,' 63.
Thomas AA^. Hays, May 1, '64; -• -- must'd out Avlth Regiment.

EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "E."
Lynch, Owen Oct 7, '64; Trans. 48th Reg., May 30, '66; drafted.
Ludwig, Charles •-

MILITARY RECO-RD.

35T

COMPANY "F."
McGrah, John Oct. 19, '64; Mustered out Aug. 14,'65; substitute.
COMPANY "K."

RECRUITS.
Compton, GUbert Oct. 20, '64.
Garner, David
Graffis, Abraham Oct. 17,
Harrington, Enos -• 20,

Pixter, Peter
Snyder, William
Shively, Daniel V.
Stiver, Aaron
Stiver, John J.
Silence, James
Vehlen, Peter
Yawky, John
.Y'arin, John

20, 18,
20,
20,20, 18,
20, 20, 20.

Tran.-f. to 48th Regt., June 1, '65.
V. R. C-., May 31, '65.
48th Regt., June 1, '65.

Died, Jeffersonville, Ind. Jan. 14','65
Transf 'd to 48th Regt., June 1, '65.

EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT-THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "A."
Blymer, Wm. S. Sept. 19, '63; Transf d to 42d Regt. June 9, '65.
COMPANY "B."
Cole, Nelson V. Sept. 19,'63; Transf d to 42nd Regt. June 9, '65.
COMPANY "C."
Bloker, John H. Sept. 19, '63; Recruit ; trs. to 42d Rg. June 9, '65
COMPANY "D."
Grooms, Benjamin Oct. 28, '64; Recruit; trs. to42d Rg. June 9,'65.
Grooms, James -- ¦- -- -" -- •- ,
COMPANY "E."
Ackley, Jacob, Sept. 19, '63; Transferred to 42d Reg. June 9, '66.
Wills, Philip H. - " 
COMPANY "F."
VanAnkin, Charies Sept. 19,'63; Transf to 42d Regt. June 9, '(55.

358

HISTORY OF LA PROTE COUNTY.

COMPANY "G."
Harding Solomon E. Aug. 31,'62 ; Ist Seg.; kU'd, Chicm. Sep. 20,'6S
Stockman, Isaac S. •¦ Serg't; discharged Nov. 3, '63.
DoAvd, John H. -- -• must, out June 10, '65,
Harding, Thomas D. -- ¦ discharged Nov. 13, '63.

Dunham, George A. Aug.
Scholts, David
Dudley,- Henry H.
MiUer, Jacob V.
Sales, Thomas A.
Burden, James
Hooten Benjamin F.
Culp, Johnson W.
Closser, Jerome B.
Berget, Charles Aug. 31,'
Billman, William
Baker, Henry
Casgriff, Arthur
CroU, August
Cherry, Joseph
Cole, AndreAV
Cannel, John F.
eloper, Joseph A.
Chronister, Joseph A,
Campbell. Charles
Cruzan, AVilliam
Cornell, Charies
Dunn. Henry
Day, Alden E.
Dauphin, Nicholas
Dudley, Milton
Davis, James H.
Fogle, Jacob R.
Fisher, Thomas
Fessenden, Major
GUfoyle, Michael
Garner, John
Graves, William H.
Jacobus, Andrew J.

CORPORALS.
31,'62

Died, Manchester, Ten. -July 4,'6S
Died at LaPorte, Ind. Dec. 7. '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Discharged March 20, '63.
Discharged April 29, '63.
Died, Tunnel HiU, Ga. Dec. 9,'62.
Music; died, Indi'lis, July 15, '63.
- discharged July 30, '63.
Wagoner; -¦ Jan. 29, '6-3.

'63. '64.'64.

PBrVATBS.
62; Must, out June 10, '65, as Corporal.
Discharged.
Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 19,
Died at NashvUle, Tenn. Feb. 18,
Discharged March 17, '63.
Died, Richmond prison, Va. Jan. —
Died, Chattanooga, Tenn. Sep. 30, '63,
Must, out -June 10, '65, as 1st Serg't.
Trs. to V. R. C; mu.st. out June 30,'65
Died at Nashville, Tenn. ^March 17,'63,
Discharged Feb. 2, '63.
Discharged Feb. 28, '63.
Discharged Jan. 20, '63.
Died at Stevenson, Ala., Jan. 30, '64
Must'd out June 10, '65, as Corporal,
Discharged Dec 6, '(52.
Mustered out June 10, "65.
Discuarged Nov. 24, 62.
Discharged Jan. 17, '63.
KiUed, Chattanooga, Ten., Nov. 25,63,
Discharged Feb. 1, '63.
Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 19, '63
 20, "
Discharged July 27, '63.
Discharged Jan. 17, '63.

MILlTARi; KKCORD.

opt

ones, Adam B. Aug.
ones, Aaron S.
jightfoot, Enoch
jightfoot, Eli H.
iloore, Robert
kIcNeal, Isaac
doore, Thomas
dontgomery, Thomas
doffit, Ephraim
kIcDonald, Ebenezer
Powers, Lewis
Prince, Lyman
Pointer, William
Pointer, Thomas
Jlody, John
ilogers, Amos
iloach, Michael
iice, George
Middles, John A.
5mootzer, Charles
5harp, Benj.imin
5tark. Jobn
Jrquhart, George
/^antassel, Alonzo
/^antassel, Andrew ¦
Varburton, Peter
Variner, Ory
foung, Martin
Lmes, James S.
Jurgett; Philip
filler, Jacob V.

31, '62; Mustered out June 10, ''65.
Mus. out June 10, '65 ; absent, no leave.
Died at Stevenson, Ala., Oct. Hi. '63.
Discharged March 29, 'ii'-y.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Died at NashviUe, Tenn., .Jan. 2, '64-
Discharged Jan. 25, '63.
Mustered out June 10, 65.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn.. Jan. 25, '63.
Discharged Feb. 20, '63.
Died at Chattanooga, Nov. 18, '63.
" - . GaUatin, Tenn. Dec. 10, '62.
Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 20, '63.
Died at Chattanooga, Ten. Dec. 3, '63.
Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 20, '63.
Trans, to Yet. Engineer Corps.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Diedat Danville, Va., Nov. 29, '64.
Died at Chattanooga, Sept. 26, '63. '
Died at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 7, '62.
Deserted Oct. 6, '62.
Discharged July 13, '64. '
Must, out June 10, '65, as Corporal.
Discharged Dec. 17, '62.
Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 29, '63.
Trs. to Marine Brigade, April 22, '64.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Recruit; trs. 42d Reg. June 9,'65; sub.
Died, Lookout Mountain, Aug. 28, '64.
COMPANY "H."

Selleck, John E. Aug. 31'62; 1st Sergeant, pro. 2d Lieutenant.

iOgan, Albert C.
joomis, Henry B.
lartin, Alexander A.
Veed, Chancellor
Jrown, Henry C.
10, '65, as Serg.
Vay, Ira
*oston, John A.

Sergeant, pro. 1st Lieutenant.
discharged Jan. 10, '63.
Corp.; transferred to V. R. C.
-- Arm amputated; mus. out June
Must'd out June 6, '65, as 1st Serg't. ^
-- discharged Dec 29, '62.

360

HISTORY OF LA PROTE COUNTY.

Alien, Silas Aug. 31,
Ash, James G.
Blackman, Homer 0. --
Blodgett, Henry H. ¦-
Bryson, Ephraim M. -¦
Carpenter, Leonard
Carpenter, Emory
Cutling, John B.
Ewing, WiUiam A.
Fierce, Henry
Fierce, AViUiam W. -•
Finch, Eddy S.
Fletcher, Franklin
Gee, Jobn F.
Hall, Charies H. G. -
Hass, William
Harsen, Sylvester D. ¦-
Jones, John M.
Linard, Daniel J.
Lynch, AVebster
Mahanny, Daniel
ManderviUe, Ab. C. --
MiUer, Wm. S.
Neihardt, William
Nelson, Isaac N.
O'Brien, James
Pierson, James W.
Pitcher, Alonzo
Posten, Elias B.
Pratt, Eugene A.
Richards, Orrin M. --
Schermerhorn, J. C. --
Taylor, John S.
Titus, Nelson J.
Weed, Pope C.
Wellman, Wilson R. -¦
Wilson, Jonathan H. --
WiUis, WiUiam C. -
Wooley, Samuel
Young, Andrew

PRIVATES.
'62; Mustered out June 10, '65, as Serg't.
Discharged January 6, '64.
Transf to Eng'r Corps, July 29, '64.
Died, Nashville, Tenn., March 31,'63
Must'd out June 10, '65, as Corporal.
Discharged Feb. 18, '63.
Discharged Jan. 27, '63.
Promoted Captain Company "I."
Dropped as a deserter.
Trans. V. R. C; mus. out June 29, '65.
Discharged.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Discharged Jan. 22, '63.
Discharged Feb. 27, "
Died at LouisviUe, Kv., Oct. 2, '63.
Discharged Feb. 22, '6''3.
Discharged. Mustered out June 13, '65.
 15, ••
-- 10, -- hosp. stew'd
Discharged Feb. 17, '63.
Discharged March 29, '65, wounds.
Died, South Tunnel, Ten. Nov. 19,'62.
Mustered out June 10, '66.
Transf to Eng'r Corps, July 24, '64.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
-- as Corporal.
Died, Chattanooga, Ten. Oct. 11, '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 19, '63.
Discharged Feb. 8, '63.
Dropped as a deserter.
Discharged Feb. 19, '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Trs. to V. R. C; must, out July 7, '65.
Discharged Dec. 28, '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Discharged Feb. 16, '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.

MILITRAY RECORD.

361

EECEUITS.
Big, John Dec. 30, "63; Transf to 42d Regt., June 9, '65.
Brooks, .Jacob •• Died at Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 17, '64.
Bumstead, Wm. T. Dec. 30,'63; Transf to 42d Reg., June 9, '65.
Brown, WiUiam March 12, '64;
Brown, Daniel L. •• 23, --
Campbell, Benjamin F. Dec. 30,'63; •¦
Clark, Erskine C. 
Carpenter, Daniel March 12, '64;
Dennison, George S. Sept. 19, '63;
Fessenden, George M. Dec. 30,'63; ••
Fessenden, Harrison C. Sep. 19, --
Grover, Stephen K. Dec. 30, -- -¦ -- -- 10
Green. Thomas  ; Murtered out Aug. 1, '65.
Harvey, Anson Dec. 30, '63; Transf to 42d Regt. June 9, '65.
McKUven, WiUiam Sept. 24, '62; Mustered out June 10, '65.
Morris, Morton P. Sept. 12, --
Teeple, Charies B. Dec. 30, '63; Transf to 42d Reg., July 9, '65.
Turner, Francis
Titus, Horace W. AprU 8, '64; Trs. to 42dReg. June 9,'65,draft'd
Wise, Bernard Dec. 30,'63'; - 
Worden, Charies G. Dec. 30,'63: Mustered out Aug. 18, '66.
Wilson, Milden H. March 12,'64; Trsf to 42d Reg't, June 9, '66.
COMPANY "L"
Billings, Elihu M. Sept. 12,'62; 1st Serg.; died, Danville, Dc.6,'63
McCollum, Dewitt C. -• Serg.; pro. 1st Lieut. Co. "A."
McCasky, Isaac W. •- -- discharged, wounds.
Fox, George G. P. M. -- -• mus. out June 10, '65, Is Srg.,
Root, Edward -- ¦- discharged Jan. 2, '63.

Robinson, Asa S. Sep.
Lowe, William F.
Sabin, Orlando W.
Learn, William
Johnson, Samuel V.
AUen, WUUam C.
Copelin, James
Bear, Benjamin E.
Wilkinson, Clinton C.
McNaUy, Silas
Christeon, Abram

COEPORALS.
12,'62. Mustered out June 10, '65.
Died at Chattanooga, Ten. Nov. 2, '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Discharged Jan. 20, '63.
Must, out June 10, '65, as Sergeant.
Discharged April 1, '63.
Trs. V. R. C-; mus- out June 10,'65.
Music'n; discharged May 1, '63.
trsf to V. R. C. Aprtl 28, '64.

Wagoner ;

must, out June 10, '65.

36i

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Armstrong, J. W. Sep,
Carr, Sanford
Carr, Smith
Caler, Peter
Craig, Orrin
Crawley, James
Crosby, Lyman B.
Heald, George F.
Homer, Isaac
Irwin, James
Johnson, William
Jones, Calvin
Jones, Erwin M.
Kelly, Thomas
Lanb, Alonzo
Lienen, John
Lowe, Lewis M.
Long, Wright
Lyons, Jerome
Maple, Benjamin
Mason, Asa C.
Matsol, Jacob
Martin, Henry
McClellan, Hiram M.
Mead, WiUiam H.
MiUs, Daniel S.
Morris, Morton P.
Mayer, Charles H.
Pairot, David W.
Penoyer, Joseph
Philip, Henry
Pike, William
Proutsman, George W
Robinson, John H.
Shellevitle, Joseph
Shurte, Andrew J.
Smith, WUson P.
Smith, Samuel P.
Taylor, John H.
Vail, Augustus W.
Vandusen, Enoch

PRIVATES.
12, '62; Must, out June 10, '65, as Sergeani
Died, Bowling Green Ky. Dec. 31,'65
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Died at Nashville, Nov. 5, '63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Promoted 2d Lieut. Co. -'K."
Mustered out June 10; '65, as Cop'l
Discharged Jan. 14, '63.
Discharged March 2, '63.
Trs. V. R. C. April 14, '64.
Deserted Jan. 30, '63.
Discharged March 30, '63.
Trs. Pion. Cops; died Nash. Nov.6,'6
Discharged Jan. 1, '64.
Miss'g, action at Chicma. Sep. 29, '6S
Discharged Dec. 13, '62.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn., Dec 23,'65
Discharged March 14, '63.
Transf to V. R. C, Feb. 15, '64.
Must'd out June 10, '65, as Corporal
Died Oct. 6, '63; wounds.
Discharged Jan. 1, '63.
Mustered out June 21, '66.
Discharged Dec. 2, '62.
Trans, to Co. "H."
Deserted June 12, '63.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn., Feb
Died at Chattanooga, Oct. 24
Deserted Feb. — ,'63.
Mustered out June 10, '65.
Transferred to V. R. C, Feb.
Discharged March 11, '63.
Discharged March 1, '64.
Transferred to V. R. C. Jan. 10, '64
Mustered out June 10, "65.
Discharged Jan. 1, '63.
- 8, "
Died at DanviUe, Ky., Jan. 22, '68
Discharged Jan. 31, '63.

4, '6-5
'63.

17,'64

MILITARY RECORD. 363

Vert, Nicholas Sept. 12, '62; Died at NashviUe, April 1, '63,

Wilson, William H.
Wilson, William
Wilson, Henry M.
Wilkinson, Chauncey C
Wood, George W.
Xander, John
Yost, Peter H.

Deserted Feb. — , '63.
Discharged Dec. 27, '62.
Died at NashviUe, Feb. 24, '63.
Discharged Jan. 8, '63.
Discharged Feb. 3, '63.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn. Jan. 2,'63.
Discharged Jan. 1, '63.
RECRUITS.

Arbeit, Henry Feb. 18,'64; Mustered out May 30, '65.
Bumstead, John A. Aug. 20, '63; Trsf to 42d Regt., June 9, '65.
Coleman, Benjamin F. Jan. 7, '64; Trs. 42d Reg. June 9,'65, Serg't.
Cross, Dallas P. Feb. 11, '64; - - - Corp'l.
Fradenburgh. Spencer Feb. 27, '64;
Powels, LeviW. Sept. 12,'62; Discharged Jan. 29, '63.
Richards, Clark R. Sept. 9, '63; Transf to 42d Regt. June 9, '66. >
Woodburn, Lewis N. Feb. 29, '64; Died at Chattanooga, Sep. 5,'64,
COMPANY "K."
UNASSIGNED EECEUITS.
King, John, Aug. 22, '64.
Lynch, Patrick, --
Salisbury, Alfred B. Sept. 19, '63.
WeUs, Theodore H. - -
OFFICERS.
Newell Gleason, Sept. 2, '62; Lieut. Col., promt'd Col., Brevetted
Brig. Gen.; mustered out with Regiment.
Richard C. Sabin, Aug. 31, '62; Capt., prom. Major, Brevetted Lt.
Col.; mustered out with Regiment.
Henry WeUer, June 4, '63; Chaplain, res. July 21, '64.
Alanson T. BUss, Aug. 31, '62; Capt.; resigned Feb. 15, '64. ^
Theodore Woodward, •- -- 1st Lieut., resigned July 22, '63.
Isaac S. Stockman,  ; 2d Lieut,, pro. 1st Lt., res. Apr. 6,'64.
George Urqubart, July 14, '64 ; 1st Lieut.; mustered Out with Reg.
David W. Pratt, Aug.' 31,'62; 2d -- resigned April 16, '63.
John F. CanneU,  ; 2d Lieut.; mustered out with Regiment.
Wm. B. Biddle, Sept 12, '62; IstLt. Co. "I," pro. Capt. Co. "H"
Brev. Major; mus. out with Reg.
Sloan D. Martin, Aug. 31,'62 ; 1st Lieut.; kiUed, Chicm. Sep. 19,'63.
Albert C. Logan, March 1,'64; -- •- mustered out with Reg't.
John E. Selleck, Dec 20,'62; 2d - pro. Adj., res. Sep. 8, '64.

364 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Ira Way,  — ; 2d Lieut.; mustered out with Regiment.
James A. Crawley, Sept. 12, '62; Capt.; resigned May 10, '64.
DeWitt C. McCoilum, AprU 8,'64; Ist Lieut.; must, out with R(
Abram C. Andrew, Sept. 12, '62; 2d -- kiUed at battle
Chicamauga, Sept. 20, '63.
John AV. Armstrong,  ; -- -- mus. out with Reg

ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST REGIMENT.
COMPANY "F."
"White, Crague Aug. 16, '62; Killed at Chicamauga, Sept. 19, '(

FIFTH CAVALRY— NINETIETH REGIMENT.
COMPANY "K."
Bagley, Samuel A. Aug. 16, '62; Corp.; pro. Adjut. 29th Ind. V

PRIVATES.

Boyd, Isaac Aug. 15, '62 ; Muste'd out June 21, "65, as Corpor
Whorwell, Geo. W. 9, - -• -• 15, - Sergea
Wright, Milton W. -¦ -- Died at Indianapolis, March 22, '65.

NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICl
COMPANY "A."
Sly, Gilbert Aug. 29, '62; Mustered out June 5, '6.'>.
WUHams, Alex. -- 12, - -- May 23, -•
Vandervert, August Aug. 14, '62; Died March 19, '63.
COMPANY "K."
Stone, Henry H.
OFFICERS.
Richard W. Cummins, Nov. 1,'62; Adjutant.
James L. Cathcart, Sept. 16, -- Qu-arterm'r, mus. out with Ri

SEVENTH CAVALRY— 119 REGIMENT.
OFFICERS.
Wm. H. Crane, Nov. 26, '64; 2d Lieutenant

MILITARY RECORD.

365

John W. Shoemaker, Sept. 3, '63; Capt.; discharged June
Thos. S. Coagley, Aug. 26, '64; 2d Lieut.; pro. 1st Lieut, a

30, '64..
nd Cap.

ELEVENTH CAVALRY— 126 REGIMENT.
Vosburg, John, Bugler.

TWELFTH CAVALRY— 127 REGIMENT.
COMPANY "A."

Alyea, AndrcAv Dec. 15, '63;
Aker, Jacob B.
Bradley, Franklin

Brown, William
Blackman, George AV.
Batterson, John
Bennett, Sherman
Black, Isaac
Bickford, Thomas
Culp, AViUiam S.
Coulter, Marcus
Castello, Thomas
Currie, James VV.
Chipman, John D.
Coulter, Asby R.
Dowd, Isaac F.
Dyer, George
Doty, Arthur Jan. 12, '64;
Dyer, Jones
Dyer, John
Edmundson, AVm. M. Dec. 15,
Emigh, Jacob 0.
Fletcher, Franklin
Grey, William
(irey, John
Gie, Frederick
Geist, James S. Ap. 28,'64 ;
Hendricks, A. B.Dec 1.5,'63

PRIVATES. Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.
Died at Columbus, Miss., June 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.
Deserted Dec. 26, '63.
Must, out Nov. 10, '65, as 1st Serg't..
¦¦ Corporal.
Bugler.
Trs. V. R. C; disch. July 1, '85.
Died at Huntsville, Ala., June 26, '64-
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.
KiUed near Murfreesboro, Dec. 7,^64.
Died at La Porte, Ind., April 16, '64.
Discharged July 6, '66.
Mustered out Sept. 2, '65.
Nov. 10, -

Aug. 9, -- Q.M. Sergt.
Nov. 10, -
May 28, -¦ as Corporal.
63-- •- Nov. 10, •- as Bugler.
Nov. 6, -- as Wagoner.
Nov. 10, ¦¦ as Corporal.
Deserted Dec 20, '63.
Discharged June 18, "64.
Died at TuUahoma, Tenn., Nov. 18, '64.
Died at KendallviUe, Ind., May 8, '64.

S66

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Holmes, Phila. Dec. 15, '63; Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.

Sep. 22, '66, Com. Sergt
Nov. 10,

as

as Farrier

Discharged Oct 14, '64.
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65, as Serge'l
Discharged Sept. 15, '64.
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65, as Corp''

Hood, WiUiam M.
Hendricks, Calvin N.
Hensel, John
Hensel, Adam
Harrison, Wm. M. •- Deserted Dec. 19, '63.
Hendricks, James J. " Died, AVillet's Point, N. Y. May 20, '6i
Hobert, -Jas. J- Jan. 12, '64; Mustered out Nov. 10, '65, as Saddler
Johnson, Jno. M. Dec. 15,'63 ;
James, John
Kennedy, Thomas
Kennard, Perry
Larson, Christopher
Lyon, WiUiam Jan. 12, '64;
Morris, William P. Dec. 15, '63;
McDonald, Wm. S. -
McElrath, Lafayette B.
Miller, Elmer
Morgan, George B.
Maze, Alexander
Mills, George B.
Marr, James
Mitchell, Wm. M.
Massev, Lafayette Jan. 12, '64;
Nelson, Benjamin Dec. 15, '63 ;
Nelson, Nels P.
Newlen, Emmet
Price, Franklin E.
Pratt, John S.
Pinney, John H.
Parkinson, J. D.
Rambo, Wm. F.
Reese, Sam'l McR.
Reynolds, John Q. A
Shaw, Joseph H.
Sinclair, Wm. W.
Smith, Charles W.
Tennis, John
TKirkeU, Francis M.
Tubbs, George M.
Turney, Harvey B.
Tuley, Henry

• Aug. 22, ¦
• Sept. 23,

Nov. 2, •-
July 10, "
Nov. 10, -
Promoted 1st Lieutenant.
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.
Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 7, 6t
Discharged Sept. 19, '64.
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.
-• Saddler Serj
Deserted Jan. 2, '64.
Mustered out Nov. 10, '65.
Died at New Albany, Ind., May 26,'6';
Mustered out Nov.' 10, '65, as Serge'
•• July 7, "
" Nov. 10, -

MILITARY RECORD. , S67 ,
Tuley, David Dec. 15,'63; Mustered out Nov. l6, '65.
Valentine, Henry M. Jan. 12,'64; Desert. Feb. 10, --
Webber, Mark A. Dec. 15,'63; Must, out Nov. 10,'65, as Sergeant.
Webber, Frank C. " " - -- Q. M. -
WiUiams, Davis E. -• Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
AVoodard, George Jan. 12, '64; Mustered out Nov. 10, '66.
Zarr, Hiram Dec 15, '63;
Zarr, Charles -- Died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 23,'65.
COMPANY "E."
PRIVATES.
Griffin, Charies Jan. 12,'64; Must, out Nov. 10, '66.
Green, Preston W. •- •- -- --as Wagoner.
Johnson, Jobn L. Dec. 12, '63;-- •- -- Corporal.
Madden, Wm. H. July 12,'64;" - - - Bugler.
COMPANY "F."
Glines, Nelson Dec. 16, .'63; Must'd out Nov. 10, '65, as Corporal.
Lowe, Benjamin F. Jan. 12, '64; Deserted Jan. 12, '64.
COMPANY "M."
Barto, Nathan S. Jan. 12, '64; Mustered out Nov. 10, '66.
Drick, Christian -- •• •- June
Graham, Henry S. •• -¦ -- Nov.
Hartford, Spencer " Transf to V. R. C. April 21, '65.
Myers, Daniel H. -- Mustered out June 21, '65.
Rollins, Charles -- " -- Nov. 10, -•
Rollins, George F. OFFICERS.
Edward Anderson, Feb. 2, '64; Col.; mustered out with Regiment.
Willys G. Peck, Dec. 1,'63; Capt., pro. Maj.; must, out with Reg.
Wm. H. Calkina, March 26, '64; Major; * "
Seth Loomis, Dec. 1, '63; IstLt., pro. Capt., and mus. out with Rg'.
Davis E. WiUiams, Aug. 1,'64; 2d Lieut., pro. 1st Lt., and must.
out with Regiment.
TheopbUus A. Fravel, Dec. 1, '63; 2d Lieut.; resigned Julyl9,'64
•George W. Blackman  ; 2d Lieut.; must, out with Regt.

128 REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
REGIMENTAL NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
J'razier, Dwight Dec. 15^,'63; Sergt. Major; prom. 1st Lieutenant.

368 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Morey, Ira S. Dec. 15, '63; Com. Sergt.; discharged.
Mead, Frank D. -• Hospital Steward, •• . June 2,'65.
CoUins, -James H. -- Prin. Music'n ; mus. out April 10, '66
COMPANY "A."
Sager, Jacob Dec. 15, '63; Discharged Jan. 22, '65.
COMPANY "C."
OuthAvaite, M. C. Dec. 15, '63; 1st Sergeant, pro. 2d Lieutenant.
Richards, B. F. •• Sergeant; must, out June 16, '66.
Monroe, S.
Phillips, Perry
Church, Charles D. -- -• promoted 2d Lieutenant.
CORPOEALS.
Freeman, ^lilo •- Discharged, wounds. May 8, '65.
McClellan, George AV. ¦• Must'd out Apr. 10, '66, as Sergeant.
Tompkins, Geo. Jan. 12, '64; Mortally Avounded Aug. 16, '64.
Record, George W. -- Discharged April 11, '65.
McClurg, Lewis Dec. 15, '63; Discharged June 12, '65.
Wood, Carson •• Deserted Nov. 12, '64.
Foster, Marcus Jan. 12,'64; Died Aug. 15, '64, at LaPorte.
CoUins, Jas. H. Dec. 15. '64; Musi.; mus. o. Apr. 10,'66, Prin. Mus.
Bennett, Seth S. -- Mustered out May 26, '65.
PRIV.ATES.
i Burns, AndreAv S. Must'd nut Apr. 10, '66, as Corporal.
BroAvn, Charles -• Transferred to V. R. C.
Burtj Abraham -- Mortally Avounded May 28, '64.
Benhart, Fred « -- Mustered out -June 8, '65.
Bishop, John W. Jan. 12,'64; -- - Apr. 10, '66.
Baldwin, James Dec 15, '63; Deserted Feb. 21, "64.
Barcurn Henry Jan. 12, '64; Mustered ont April 10, --
Carlln, Lorenzo D. Dec. 15, '63; ¦- •• Sep. 2. '65.
Chamberlain, -Joseph -¦ •- •- April 10, -- '
Carpenter, Sam'l E. -- Transf to V. R. C. April 1, '6-5.
Crane, James ¦- Died, July 25, '64.
Crouch, John ¦• Mustered out April 10, '66.
CarroU, EU P.
Cissne, Robert

MILITARY RECORD.

369

Cassady, George F. Jan. 12,'64; Must, out April 10,'66, as Corp'l.

Cunningham, Charles
Deforest, William Dec
Eraser, Dwight
Farley, Abraham
Gardner, James
Gardner, Absalom
Griswald, James Jan.
Hager, John Dec.
Haus, John Jan.
Hyde, James W.
Hager, David
Johns, WUliam S. Dec. 15,
Jones, Edward
Kinney, Albert
Lampson, Wilson
Lampson, James
Lawrence, George
Lloyd, Horatio Jan. 12,

-- June 8, '65.
15, '63; Deserted Dec. 27, '63.
Promoted 1st Lieutenant.
Mustered out April 10, '66.
Died Feb. 1, '65.
Mustered out June 5, '66.
12, '64;
15, '63; Mustered out April 10, '66.
12, '64; Died July 4, '64.
Trs. to V. R. C; ms. 0. June 5,'65.
Mustered out April 10, '66.
63; Mustered out with Regiment.
Mustered out April 10, '66.
- Corp'l.
Sept. 20, '65.
AprU 10, '66.
'64; •• -"July 2, '65.

12,

Dec

'65.

64;

Mandeville, John Dec. 15, '63.
Moon, Jobn -- Mustered out June 16,
Morey, Ira S.
McNett, Lyman
Meade, Frank D.
Nichols, John Jan.
Gates, David
Proud, Anthony
Plants, Jacob
Parkinson, Wm. H.
Potter, James H.
Parker, Lewis
Paddock, Solomon
Robinson, Enoch
Robinson, Jobn
Regan, Patrick
Rodgers, James H.
Reprogle, George
Redding, Joseph -- Trans, to V. R. C. AprU 1, '65.
Record, Jasper Jan. 12, '64; Deserted July 30, '64.
Snyder, Delos Dec. 15, '63; Mustered out April 10, '66.
Smith, Anderson
Sprague, Seymour B. " Des'td 12th HI. Cav.; ret. to comm'd.
24

Dis. as Commissary Sergeant.
Died May 10, '65.
Dis. June 2,'66, as Hospital Steward.
Must, out April 10, '66, as Sergeant.
Died, Washington, D. C. June'22,'65.
Died of wounds, Dec. 1, '64.
Must, out April 10, '66, as Sergeant.
15,'63 -
Appointed Sergeant, Oct. 31, '64.
Mustered out Jan. 5, '66.
Discharged March 2, '66.
Mustered out April 10, '66.
Deserted Nov. 9, '64.
Mustered out April 10, '66.

370

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Seymour, Mortimer Dec. 16, '63 Dest. 73d Regim't ret. to command.

Sweet, James R.
Smith, Orrin -Jan. 12, '64
Soper, David
Suitor, Henry
Shaw, Albert
Slater, John H.
Slater, Delos Dec. 16, '63;
Thomas, Emanuel
Vader, Jacob Jan. 12, '64;
Valkenburg, William
Wilson, Isaac
Whitney, David
Weed, Lewis L.
Waters, William
Waters, Samuel M.
Zigler, William

Must, out April 10, '66.

as Sergeant.

Died April 12, '64. .
Mustered out Oct. 20, '65.
•• AprU 10, '66.
Died AprU 2, '64.
" June 12, '64.
- July 4, "
Must, out April 10, '66, as Corporal.

Dec 18, '66.
AprU lO; '66.

RECRUITS AND TE.ANSFEES.

AUen, George W. Aug. 30,'62
Burns, Theodore Dec. 15, '63 ;
Bright, George A. Jan. 11, '64;
Church, Charles D. 
Dodge, Tapley S. Nov. 13,'64;
Garris, John Jan. 8, '63;
Gail, A^rgil Dec. 17, "
Gadbury, William June 6, --
Hack, Thomas Jan. 7, 64;
Harper, James L.
Harvey, Milton Nov. 23, '63 ;
Heistand, Isaac Oct. 26, '62;
Hill, Henry Jan. 16, '63 ;
InglesoU, Joseph Oct. 21, '62;
InglesoU, Richard Dec. 30,'63
Johnson, William Oct. 21, ¦-
Kelly, Migny Oct. 22, '62;
Kinman, Thomas Nov. 11, '63
Kohnsey, John Oct. 21, '62;
King, William May 11, "
Kelly, Joseph AV. Jan. 25,'63;
Luff, Samuel Jan. 9, 63;
Montgomery, Wm. Nov. 25,'62

; Discharged Nov. 10, '62.
Mustered out April 10, '66.
Discharged for promotion.
Discharged Nov. 13, '65.
Mustered out AprU 10, '66.

Discharged Oct. 21, '66.
July 20, -
Mustered out April 10, '66.

Discharged March 12,
Oct. 9, '65.
Mustered out April 10, ••
; Discharged Nov. 29, '65.

MILITARY RECORD.

371

McCall, Wm. B. Jan. 11,'64; Mustered out AprU 10, '66.
McBride, Geo. W. Nov. 5, ••
NaU, WiUiam Sept. 4, '63;
Nicely, Wm. R.
Petty, Madison C. Jan. 11, '64;
Richie, WilUam Dec 28, '63;
Sanders, Thomas Jan. 4, '64;
COMPANY "E."
Thomas, John M. Jan. 12, '64; Serg't; mustered out June 5, '65.
Asher, Noah •• •¦ Cor'l; must, out Apr. 10, '66, Serg.
Himlire, Addis
Lewis, Joseph S.
COMPANY "H."
Sanders, PhUip March 18, '64; Trans, to V. R. C. Jan 16, '65.
Sullivan, John -- 7, -- ^ustered out April 10, '66.
COMPANY "I."
Unruh, WUUam B. March 7,'64; 1st Sergt; discharged Oct. 2,'65,
Commis'ed 2d Lieut.
Eraser, Joshua G. "18, -- Serg't; promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Mecum, Samuel -- 7, •- " must, out June 3, '65.
Weed, Everett D. " 7, " Corporal; disc'd May 24, ••
Hyde, Hiram -- 7, - " -• Apr. 10, '66, Srg
PRIVATES.
Anderson, Wm. T. March 7,'64; Mustered out April 10, '66.
Armstrong, Samuel H. •- Died March 21, '64.
Bachtel, David ' " Died, Chattanooga, Sept. 16, '64.
CampbeU, WilUam " Mustered out May 19, '66.
Davis, James G. March 18, '64; Discharged Oct. 20, '65.
Fisher, Frederick " Mustered out AprU 10, '66.
GaUert, Chas. March 7,
Gardner, James
Gillam, George
Halladay, Charles W.
Helms, David
Ivey, Richard J.
McLane, George R.
Mead* Mendon •• 18,--

Died, KnoxvUle, T., Sept. 11,'64.
Deserted May 30, '64.
Must, out AprU 1^0, '66, as Corp.
Died, Morgantown,N.C. Fb. 17,66
Mustered out AprU 10,'66, Cop'l.

372 HISTORY OF LA POETE COUNTY.
Nichols, Henry March 7, '64; Deserted June 16, '64.
Pottenger, James M. 18 Must, out April 10, '66, Corpoi
Reed, Charles
Record, Decatur
Rule, John B. •- Discharged June 3, '65.
Seymour, Grant -• Must, out April 10,'66, as Corj
Ship, WiUiam - Died, LouisviUe, Ky. May 14,'i
ShaU, Frederick -- Mustered out April 10, '66.
Sigler, Jacob 7
Walsh, Benjamin •- Discharged Aug. 30, '64.
Wilson, Robert -- Clustered out April 10, '66.
Wojahn, Charles ¦- -- -¦ •• *
OFFICEES.
Jasper Packard, March 17, '64; Lieut. Col. promt'd Col.; brevet
Brig. General; mustered out with Regiment.
Levi Ely, Dec. 15, '63; Captain; discharged Aug. 26, '64.
Wm. Van Wert, •- 1st Lieut., prom. Capt., res. Sept. 27, '
Dwight Eraser, Nov. 13, '64; 1st Lieut., pro. Capt.; Brevetted M
Wm. C. Weir, Dec. 16,'63; Lieut.; mus. out with Regiment.
Milton C. Outhwaite, Oct. 21, '66; 2d Lieutenant, 
Charles D. Church, March 18, '64; -• '- prom. 1st luei
mustered out with Regiment.
Wm. B. Unruh,  ; 2d Lieutenant.
Joshua G. Eraser, Oct. 27,'65; 2d Lieut.; mustered out with Re
N. S. Paul, Nov. 18, '64; 1st Lieut, and Adj.; must, out with R

129th REGIMENT— THREE YEARS SERVICE.
COMPANY "B."
Young, John M. March 6, '64; Mustered out Aug. 29, '65.
COMPANY "I."
Wilson, John March 7, '64; Deserted March 28, '65.

138th REGIMENT INFANTRY— 100 DAYS SERVICE.
COMPANY "B."
Arnold, Garrett May 27, '64; Mustered out Sept. 30,'64.
Austin, Colden

MILITARY RECORD.

373

Beal, Edward May 27,
Barnes, .Philander
Bridges, Dexter A.
Burden, Leonard
Burk, Charies E.
Baine, Stephen
Caldwallader, A. A.
Case, Decatur M.
Chase, Henry A.
Conant, Henry C.
CroU, Theodore
Cutler, Austin
Dakin, PhUip R.
Decker. John
Donnell, James
Dunn, Albert
Eliel, Henry
EUel, Louis
Ervin, Charles L.
Fry, Daniel
Gaylord, Henry
Gray, Ensley L.
Hagenbuck, William
Harvey, Henry
Haines. -Jacob R.
Hebard, William
Heller, James E.
Hews, Charles
Hucket, William
Huntsman Horace
Hupp, Frank A.
Keen, John
Leland, Ira S.
Leonard, Charles H.
Lewis, Charles P.
Lonn, Niles T.
Ludlow, Stephen W.
Mackey, James
Mann, Geo. C.
Meade, Carl B.
MUliken, Jared L.
MUlis, WiUiam J._

'64; Mustered out Sept. 30,'64.

as Corp'l.
as Serg't.

as Corp'l.

Musician.

Musician.

Hosp. Ste.
as Corp'l.
as Corp'l.

374

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

as Corp'l.

Never mustered.
Mustered out Sept. 30,'64.

Munday, H. M. May 27,'64; Mustered out Sept. 30,'64.
Nelson, EmU R.
NUes, Wm. B.
Nourse, Henry P.
Oakes, Reginald
Osborn, Clark
Parkell, James E. •- -- -• -• as Corp'l.
Porter, Henry W.
Pottenger, Sam'l K.
Regan, Francis
Register, Robert
Reynolds, Elisha B.
Reighard, Alonzo
Rude, Stephen B. -• -- ¦• " as Corp'l.
Rudd, WiUiam -- -- •- -- as Serg't.
Sanford, Roswell A. -• •• •- ' •• as Serg't.
Scully, Simon
Shaw, WilUam H. •• -• -- -- as 1st Srg.
Sheldon, Arthur H. •- •- •- •- as Corp'l.
Sbultz, Frank A.
Snyder, George
Stephens, Thomas
Taylor, Henry H.
Thomas, Joseph A. -- -- •- -• as Corp'l.
Thomas, Henry B.
Thomason, Andrew
Vail, Isaac N.
VaU, Walter S.
WeUs, Daniel M.
Westervelt, James D. •-
Whitehead, Sumner A.- -
Winchell, Herman
Zenor, Edward
Zimmerman, Joseph
COMPANY "C."
Freeman, Rufus L. May 27, '64; Mustered out Sept. 30, '64.
COMPANY "D."
Andrews, James May 27,'64; Mustered out Sept. 30,'64.
Andrews, Frederick
Ames, William F.

MILITARY RECORD.

375

Akins, Samuel May 27,'64; Mustered out Sept. 30,'64.
Burnham, Joseph W. ••
Boothroyd, Joseph
Bemmis, Charles E. ••
Burbank, Jerome -• -- -• •• Com. Sergt.
Baily, George H.
Bronson, Warren J. --
Best, Martin -- -' -- -¦ as Corporal.
Brewer, Enoch S.
Cowden, WUUam M. -- •- ¦• --as Sergeant.
Cobb, John B. •• 
CrandaU, Clark C.
Cohen, Samuel
Conner, Francis
CoUen, Thomas
Doran, Edward F. -- -- ' •• -- as Corporal.
Dunn, Francis H. •- -• -- •- 
Didate, EmU G.
Deming, Samuel -- -• -- --as Sergeant.
Eari, Alfred
Faulkner, William C. -•
Glazier, Charles H. •-
Hitchcock, George H. -•
Harailton, Robert
Hoffman, Fred
Hulse, Warren -- ¦•
Herrold, William
HoUaday, Frank
Herpolsheimer, W. G. ••

Higgins, Wm. G.
Horner, Cornelius M.
Hickman, Joseph S.
Johnson, Samuel C.
Jacobs, Francis C.
Jernegan, Edward
King, Otis
Klist, Charles
Leeds, Walter 0.
Morley, John B.
McHenry, James
Maynard, Henry
Meachem, David

Never mustered.
Mustered out Sept.

30

as Wagoner.
as Sergeant.
as Musician.
,'64. as Corporal.

376

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Miller, Joseph May 27,'64; Mustered out Sept. 30,'64
Miller, Charles E.
McLain, Andrew W.
Meech, Oliver S.
McCoUey, Thomas H.
Owens, James Y.
O'Neal, Frank
Orr, John
Poisel, Francis M.
Pugh, Zephaniab
Richards, John F.
Reeve, WUliam AV.
Roberts, Henry
Stevens, James T.
Selleck, William H.
Smith, Adolph
Snyder, Jules
Tebottle, Fred
Thompson, George B.
Tansch, Joseph
Vanderwalker, Emmet
Vanlin, Nelson
Whitner, David C.
Woods, Henry H.
Worthley, Albert H.
WUley, Riley C. J.
Willard, George G.
Walker, George
Williams, David L.
Washburn, David E.
Watson, David •¦ Never mustered.
Zimmerman, WiUiam •- Mustered out Sept. 30, '64.

as Corporal.
as Sergeant.

as Musician.

as Corporal.

as 1st Sergt.

OFFICERS.

Jas. H. Shannon, May 27,'64; Colonel; mustered out with Regi't.
Wm. H. Patton, -• 1st Lt., pro. Cap.; mus. out wth Reg.
Wm. W. Whitehead, -- 2d -- --IstLt.
Robert M. Carr, •• 2d --
John D. McKahin •- Captain
Philip -L. Green, •- 1st Lieutenant

MILITARY RECORD. 37T
143d REGIMENT INFANTRY— ONE YEAR SERVICE.
Fargher, John H. Feb. 17, '65: Must'd out Oct. 17, '65, as Serg't.

15l8t REGIMENT INFANTRY— ONE YEAR SERVICE.
COMPANY "A."
SERGEANTS.
La Dour, Louis Feb. 7, '65 ; Must, out Sept. 19, '65, as Ist Serg't.
Sturges, Alonzo -• "¦ •• "
Vesper, John Feb. 10, --
Armstrong, Jno. H. Feb. 28, '66 -•
COEPOEALS.
Feb. 7, '65; Mustered out Sept. 19, '65, Sergeant.
10,
10, 28,
23, •• Died at LouisviUe, Ky., May 26, '65.
Deserted July 10, '66.
Mustered out Sept. 19, '65.
Musician ; mustered out Sept. 19, '65.

Hull, Adam
Travis, Emulus
Mandeville, J. W. -
Mackie, Philander -
Anderson, Joseph •
Williams, George •
Johnson, Laf. L. -
Gaylord, Henry

10,10,

PEIVATBS.

AUen, Sam'l Feb. 7, '65; Mustered out Sept. 19, '65.
Bemis, Chas. E. 13 May 18, '65.

Bunnel, Carey J. 10
Burnham, Jo. U.
Closser, Sylvanus M - ¦
Cram. Horace
Couchman, D. S.
Cox, Joseph H.
Cox, Richard P.
Copeland, Garland --
Croel, Theodore Jan. 23, "66 ;
Cherry, George
Demmihg, Charles 10,
Dawson, Geo. A. 23,
Dawson, Jobn
Darling, Silas R. 26,
Eddy, Joseph Feb. 10,
Emigh, Frederick --

Pro. 2d Lieut.
Mu.stered out Sept. 19, '66.

" Oct. 6,"
Sept. 19, '65.

- July 28, •
" Aug. 28,-
- Oct. 3, •
- Sept. 12,-
" Sept. 19,-

378

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Deserted March 8,
Mustered out Sept.

6.5. 19,

Flack, John Feb. 10,'65; Mustered out Sept. 19,'65
Hagerman, Geo. V. 7,
Hall, Simon
Hiscon, Alvin
Harris, Calvin W. •-
Hicks, Alvah J. •• Discharged July 24, '65.
Hopkins, Joel •• Died at Nashville, Tenn.,
Hartford, T. E. Jan. 28,'65; Mustered out Sept. 19,
Hann on, Matthew •• 24 ••
Hamilton, Robert Feb.lO--
Jackson, Theodore --
Jones, Wm. B.
Lucas, Charles 7
McLean, Robert
McNeal, Amos 10,
Ocker, Henry
Ocker, Wm. H. Jan. 25,
Parker, N. 0. Feb. 10,
Pierce, Daniel
Pepple, George W. -¦
Reed, WiUiam H. "
Reynolds, Steph. G.13
Stewart, John D. 6
Salisbury, Jobn 10
Sheldon, Joseph Jan. 30,
Shunk, F. R. Feb 10
Sparrow, F. H.
Stephens, Francis •¦
Thurber, Alonzo B. --
Travis, Brook
Talton, George
Wilson, WiUiam 9
Wheeler, John Jan. 26,
Weston, Francis Feb. 10,
Webb, David M. -
Wolfe, Christ •• 9,
Zoss, John 10

March 30,
"65.

'66.

'65.

Died at NashvUle, April 1, '65.
Musted. out Sept. 19, '65, as Corporal.
Died at Louisville, Ky., March 10, '65.
Died at Nashville, Tenn., June 30, '65.
Mustered out May 17, '65-
June 22, --
¦¦ Sept. 6,
- Sept. 19,
Discharged May 29,
Mustered out Sept. 19,

May 17,
Sept. 19,

Discharged June 20,
Deserted May 23,
Mustered out Sept. 19,
-• June 19,
•• Sept. 19,

COMPANY "E."
C0EP0E.AL8.
Eggleston, Daniel Feb. 17, '65; Must, out Sept. 19, '66, as Serg't.
Robinson, Jobn T. 18, Died at TuUahoma, May 15, '65.
Osborn, Edward C. 17, Mustered out Oct. 18, '65.

MILITARY RECORD.

379'

PETVATES.
Bowman, Henry Feb. 17, '65 ; Mustered out July 22, '65.

Brewer, Timothy H
Colby, Ira 18,
Hill, Leonard 17,
McClure, Joseph 10,
Petro, George 14,
Smith, Henry 10,
WiUiams, Milliken C. 14,
Wolird, John H. 21,
Wilkinson, Christopher -• ,

Deserted Aug. Il, '65.
Died, LouisviUe,' Ky., April 14,'65.
Mustered out Oct. 4, '65.
Sept. 19, "

Oct. 6,
Sept. 19,
Aug. 25,

COMPANY "H."
Hart, Franklin A. Feb. 28,'65; Mustered out Sept. 19, '65.
Plumley, Amariah,
COMPANY "L"
Harbor, Oliver H- Feb. 14,'65; Mustered out Sept. 19, '65.
COMPANY "K."
Chase, Reuben Feb. 10, '65; 1st Serg., pro. 2d Lieutenant.
Spaulding, John 21, Sergeant; Must, out Sept. 19, '65,
Reynolds, David B. 19, Corporal; deserted Aug. 18,
PRIVATES.
Anderson, Henry C. Feb. 19,'65; Mustered out Sept. 19,

Barker, WiUiam 20,
Brooks, Boon 17,
Brown, David J. 17,
Buck, WUliam 19,
Burger, Michael 17,
Conant, Henry 17,
Campbell, James 10,
Growl, Jobn F. 17,
George, James 19,
Jepson, Christopher 17,
Johnson, John 17,
Lambert, Asa J. 23,
Nichols, Christopher 17,
Ott, Joseph 17,
Reynolds, James I. 19,
Runion, Charles

Deserted July 11,
Mustered out Sept. 19,

Died at Louisville, March 10,
Discharged March 24,
Mustered out Sept. 19,

Oct. 6,

•¦ as Corp'L

380

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Roberts, Hugh Feb. 3, '65;
Simpson, Enos P. 17,
Smith, Harrison i 19,
Vesper, John 10,
Whitnor, David C. 21,
Wynn, Jesse 26,

Must, out Sept. 19,'66.
- 6, -
Transferred to Company
Must, out Sept. 19, '65.

^A.'

John E. Sweet, March 4, '
Michael Eagan, Feb 20,
Sylvanus M. Closser. 24,
Louis La Dour,
John B. Carr,
John Scully, March 6,
Reuben H. Chase, June 1,
John Spaulding, Feb. 21,

OFFICERS.
65; Lieut. Col., must, out with Reg't.
Cap. pro. Maj. ¦-
2d Lt. pro. IstLt. " --
2d Lieutenant
1st Lieut, rejected by Med. Examin'r.
" 2d Lt. pro. 1st Lt., died July 23, '65.
2dLt. pro. 1st Lt., mus out with Rg.
Sergeant; musted. out Sept. 19, '65.

155th REGIMENT INFANTRY— ONE YEAR SERVICE.
COMPANY "B."

PRIVATES.

Ash, William M. Feb.
Alexander, John
Allen, Nathan
Betke, August
Burk, David A.
Behuke, August
Brooks, Solomon
Brandt, William

11, '65; Mustered out Sept. 4, '65, as Serg't.

14,13; 9, 9,
,9,
13,
13,

Bradley, Philander J. 14,
Brown, William 14,
Brown, Andrew P. 14,
.Bander, George W. 11,
Burge, Orrin P. 11,
Carr, George W. 14,
Cramer, Levi 14,
Coppock, Oliver D. 13,
Comstock, James A. 11,
Chandler, John E. 11,
Dougherty, John A. 14,
Dillman, Lemuel G. 13,

Aug. 4,

Deserted Feb. 26,
Mustered out Aug. 4,

June 24,
Sept. 4
Aug. 4,

May 11,
Aug. 4,

as Corporal.

MILITARY RECORD.

381

Deserted July 16,
Mustered out Aug. 4,
¦- June 13,
- Aug. 4,

June 20,

" Aug. 4,

Dennler, John Feb. 13,'65; Mustered out Aug. 4, '65.
Dille, John 19, •• 
Ely, Henry C. 9,
Fink, Peter C. 9,
Finch, John S. 14,
Forrester, William 13,
Forrester, James 13,
Fulmer, Marion 13,
Gommons, Edwin 13,
Green, John H, 14,
Griggs, Benoni G. 14,
Gaa, Coon 9,
Gaa, John 9,
Hersberger, Moses 14,
Huffman, Frederick 11,
Hoover, Henry 13,
Hunt, Andrew B. 13,
HoUenbeck, Horace 15,
Harding, Joseph W. 13,
Hays,' Ezra
Horstock, Jobn
Jacobv, Gideon
Kronkright, Horace
Leroy, John S.
Lambert, Isaiah G.
Leroy, Moses
Leroy, Augustus H.
Libey, John J.
McGoggy, Isaac B.
McGoggy, Daniel H.
MUler, PhUip
MUler, George W.
MUler, John A.
Marsh Horace
McGregor, AViUiam
Meleher, Joseph
Mackey, James H.
Nevins, George 0.
Nash, James H.
Nichols, Thomas J.
Parker, William H.
Parker, John

u

Promoted 2d Lieutenant.

¦ 3

Mustered out June 5,

'65.

21
14

Aug. 4,
ii

19

ii
14
C(
13 ii.
May 11,
Aug. 4,
11
June 21,
"as Sergeant.
u
Aug. 4,
" as 1st Serg,
((
ii
" as Sergeant.
ii
ii
23
¦•
ii ii
" as Corporal,
13
11 9
July 26,
Aug. 4,
ii
i>.
ii
13
(^
u
ii ^
' 9
ii
13
a
"as Sergeant,
9
ii
-382

HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.

Pierce, Watson Feb. 9,'65; Mustered out Aug. 4,'65
Pelton, Andrew J. " "
13 14 "
11 u

Paul, Lewis
Pierce, Francis M.
Rush, George L.
Ramsby, Allen "
ReUly, WUliam
Reeves, Charles H. "
Reekel, James F. "
Reamer, John W. 13
Reeve, William W.
Rush, Jacob S. "
Reprogle, William A. "
Richards, WiUiam E.
.Steele, John W. 14
Smith, WiUiam P.
Stanley, John "
Sager, Martin 11
Shaw, Lemiah "
Stevens, Solomon "
Strawhacker, Samuel 9
Smith, James K. 13
SneU, Jefferson B.
Thompson, Rice C. 9
Thompson, Charles H. "
Teeple, Thomas H. B. 13
Teeple, Wm. H.
Thorp, Amos "
Timm, Michael 21
Underwood, Daniel 19
Vandusen, AVilliam 13
Wilson, Channing "
Wilson, James . 1
Wilson, James H. 21
Woodward, Horace 13
Watson, Cyrus C. 14
Wilson, Orrison "
Wolfenbarger, Philip "
-Zimmerman, Joseph 13

1111(1

iiu

Mustered out May 17,
Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Mustered out Aug 4, '65.
i< (1 11
" May 11,
" Aug. 4,
Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Mustered out Aug. 4, '65.

as Corporal.

COMPANY "C."
Cornwell, Jesse L. March 30, '65; Promoted Captain.

MILITARY RECORD.

383

Fanny, Frederick March 14,'66; Mustered out Aug. 4, '65.

Jennings, Curtis
Roseberry, AA m. II.
Skinner, James
West, Dion B.

30,
11, " "
11, '•
30, " Deserted AprU 2,
COMPANY "G."
PRIVATES.

Battye, Uriah H. March 30,'65; Must, out Aug. 4, '65, Musician.
Didat, Nicholas " 25, " " " "
Durand, Edgar H. " 21, " " "
Haws, George " 18, " " " "
Livings, John AprU 5, " " " "
Porter, John March 18, " Discharged May 18, "
Werner, Ernst March 23, " Deserted AprU 12, "
COMPANY "H."
Compton, George March 2, '65 ; Must, out Aug. 4,'65.
Kiseminski, Casimir " 21, " " "
Lee, Frank " 14, " " " " as Sergeant.
Onger, August Feb. 10, " "
Schaw, Leonard Jan. 26, " " "
Timm, John A. March 16, " "
Tebottle, Fred Jan 26, " " "
WestfaU, Frederick H. " 14 "
COMPANY "L"
Chalfant, Evan A. April 1.1, '65; Mustered out June 5, '65.
OFFICERS.
John D. McRahin, April 18,'65; Cap. pro. Lt. Col.; mus. o. with Rg.
EUas M. Lowe, " 34, " 2d Lt. pro. Q. M.; "
Orrison AVilson, March 23, '| Captain ; " "
Joseph W. Harding, April 3," 1st Lieutenant ; " "
Canning Wilson, March 23, " 2d " "

U. S. COLORED TROOPS.
UNASSIGNED RECRUITS.
Anderson, Ross Sept. 26, '64.
Banks, George Oct. 16, "
Burden, Thompson Sept. "

384 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
Bennett, Jobn Sept. 13, '65;
Caesar, Julius " 26, "
CaldweU, Tillman " 13, "
Evans, John Sept. 3, '64 ; Mustered out May 29, '66.
George, Wm. Oct. 4, "
Johnson, William " 28, "
Kemp, Henry " 13, "
Roberts, WUUam " 22, "
THIRD BATRERY.
RECRUITS ASSIGNED BUT NOT BOENE ON THE MUSTEE OUT EOLL.
James, John Aug. 24, '61; Died of wounds Oct. 7, '62.

FOURTH BATTERY.
Asahel, K. Bush, Sept. 30, '61; Capt.; discharged to enter Invahd
Corps, Sept. 29, '63.
Henry J. AVillits, May 23,'62; 2d Lieut.; pro. 1st Lieut, and mus.
out Oct. 6, '64.
Geo. M. Lamb, Jan. 9, '65; 1st Lieut.; mustered out with Battery.
J. W. McCleary, Sept. 30,'61 ; 1st Serg't, promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Henry H. Woods, " Serg.; discharged July 10, '65.
Thomas G. Ormrod, " " Discharged May 20, '63.
Harvey Turner " " Discharged June 10, '62.
COEPOEALS.
Haddock, Joseph C. "
Lockwood, James "
Ward, AViUiam P.
Macadoo, John "
Richards, Robert "
"Clark, Samuel J. "
Bouchard, John B. " Artificer; discharged Dec. 14, '62.
Pecore, Joseph " " " Nov. 16, '61.
Potter, Benjamin C. " " " July 2, '62.
HoUand, Ernest " "
Dunn, John W. " Bugler; pro. 2d Lieut. 40th Reg't.
Barber, Silas " Wag'r; died, Stevenson, Nov. 2, '63.
PEIVATES.
Albert, Peter " Trs. to V. R. C, Aug. —,'63.
Alexander, John " Discharged Sept. 2, "
Arnold, Edwin V. "

MILITARY RECORD.

386

Ashton, Simon R. Sept. 30,'
Blair, Gorham B. "
Brown, Oscar D. •'
Brockway, Asahel "
Copp, Eliphalet ¦'
Cook, Charies "
Corey, Edmund 0. "
Cross, Norman B. "
Dewolfe, Joseph E. "
Doing, Hiram "
Disard, John "
Fasold, Harmon "
Forbes, George "
Forbes, AVallace W. "
Francis, WiUis T. "
Gillespie, Micajah D. "
Glime, Nelson "
Goodhue, George W. "
Hainer, Robert H. "
Hainer, Daniel W. "
Harrold, -James "
Hill, Edmund C.
HiU, James "
Horn, Albert "
Huff, Mathias
Jacobs, Edwin S. "
Johnston, George W. "
Jones, John "
Jones, Edward "
Kasbaum, Charles "
Lawrence, George "
Long, Gideon P. "
Low, Charles 0.
Logan, Edmond J. "
Madaline, Ames "
Maze, Alexander "
MUler, Henry "
McLain, Andrew W. "
McLeUan, Belding R. "
Nugent, Edmond T. "
Nugent, Thomas
Olvaney, John "

61; Discharged March 21, '63.

Dec. 14, '62, as Corporal.

Died, Camp Wood, Ky., Feb. 8, '62.
Discharged Feb. 17, '62.

Discharged April 4, '64.

Discharged Jan. 27, '63.

Discharged July 2, '62.
Mustered out Jan. 14, '65.
Discharged March 28, '63.
Vet.; mus. out Aug. 1,'66, 1st Sergt.
Discharged AprU 11, '63.
Killed, at Stone River, Dec. 30, '62.

Discharged April 22, '63.
Discharged Oct. 8, '62.
Discharged Dec. 8, '63.
Discharged Aug. 26, '63.
Discharged March 4, '64.
Discharged April 4, '62.
Discharged Oct. 8, '62.
KiUed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '62.
Killed at Perry ville, Ky. Oct. 8, '62.

386

HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTV.

Peabody, Samuel Sept. 30, '61.
PerdoU, William
Reynolds, Osc-ar "
Reynolds, Isaac "
Richie, Dyer "
Riley, Edward
Roberts, Henry R. "
Seizor, Mathias "
Shreve, Thomas "
Sisson, John B. "
Smith, Edmond "
Small, James F. "
Sperry, David V. "
Sonenberg, Augustus "
Tremain, Russell "
Vanauken, John "
Wells, Orrin W.
Youngs, Henry A. "

Discharged Dec. 13, "62.

Discharged Feb. 17, '62.
Discharged; date unknown.

Died 'dt Murfreesboro, Jan. 9, '63.

Discharged Feb. 1, '63.
Veteran.

" Transferred to V. R. C.
RECRUITS.
Barringer, Jobn R. May 20, '63; Mustered out July 20, '65.
Blessing, Michael Oct. 19, '64 ; " " Aug. 1, "
Chipman, Frederick A. Nov. 14,'64;" " Nov. 14, '65.

FIFTH BATTERY.
EUison, Jacob F. Nov. 22,'61; 1st Serg., pro. 2d Lieut, and Is Lt.;
mus. out term exp.
Allen Munday, Nov. 22, '61 ; 2d Lieut.; res. AprU 20, '63.

AUen, Joseph M.
Donley, David R. P.
June 25, '62.
MUes, Richard P.
Kendall, Henry M. "
McCollum, Benjamin F."
MiUer, Claud 0. " PRIVATES.
Akely, L. W. No"v. 22,'61; Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
Baumgartner, Albert " '- " "
Beckner, Joel " " " "
Blenk, Joseph " '• " "
Beckler, Henry " Discharged Nov. 12, '62.

Serg.; discharged Nov. 10, '64.
" accid't killed, HuntsviUe, Ala.,
Corp.; discharged Jan. 19, '63.
" - ., 5^ ..
" must. out. Nov. 26, '64.
Bugler; discharged.

MILITARY RECORD.

387

Backbaus. Cas. Nov. 22
Crance, McAdoo
Crance, Michael
Donly, Joseph H.
Darlington, AVils. M.
Everhart, John
Evans, Thomas
Ebrich, Frederick
Egner, John
Forry, Abraham
Hupp, Ormond
Hornebeck, Peter L.
Plenry, William
Johnson, Benj. F.
Kelley, Stephen
Klocksiem, Charles
MUler, Charies W.
Petit, Andrew
Weckerlin, Henry J.
Donly, Wm. H.Jan. 11,
Hugbey, Joseph Nov. 23

'61 ; Died at Murfreesboro, Tn. July 12, '63.
Vet.; trans, to 7th Battery.
Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
" " "as Sergeant.
Discharged ; date unknown.
Died at LaPorte, Ind., June 1, '62.
Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
KiUed at PerryviUe, Ky., Oct. 8, '62.
Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
Disch'd Jan. 29, '63, wounded, lost arm.
Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
4( ii 4(
Transf to V. R. C. March 15, '64.
Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
Veteran; transf. to 7th Battery.
Mustered out Nov. 26, '64.
Must, out Nov. 26, '64, as Corporal.
1. « " '¦
Vet.; transferred to 7th Battery.
62; Recruit; trans, to 7th Battery.
,'61 " Mus. out Nov. 26, '64, as Q.M. Serg.

THIRTEENTH BATTERY.
Culp, Lewis F. April 1,'62; Veteran; mustered out July 10, '66.
Sherman, Aaron " 14, '64; Recruit " " "
Slain, Jacob A. "
Selkirk, John Sept. 1, '64; 2d Lieut.; promo. 1st Lieut.; mustered
out with Battery.

FOURTEENTH BATTERY.
Cox, Samuel T. Feb. 11, '64; Mustered out Sept. 1, '66.
Lozer, Albert " 19, "

TWENTY-FIRST BATTERY.
Fravel, Theophilus A. Sept. 9,'62; 1st Serg.; disch. March 22,'63.
Ridgeway, OrviUe M. " Sergt.; must, out June 26, '66.
Gordon, Charles M. " Artificer; disch. March 10, '64.

388 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
PRIVATES.
Aldrich, Isaac M. Sep.9,'62; Discharged Feb. 10, '64.
Chapman, Henry C. " " March 3, '63.
Chapman, Francis M. " " Jan. 1, -'
Cunningham, Thos. W. " Mustered out June 26, '66.
Davis, Reuben ^ " Discharged March 23, '63.
Elias, Charies F. " Mustered out June 26, '65.
Fredzon, Charies
France, Christian " " " "
France, George B. " Discharged Oct. 27, '63.
Hohner, Jacob " Died, Chicamauga, Sep. 20, '63, wods.
Hulburt, John W. " . Must, out June 26, '65, as Corporal.
KUnefeldt, Cari
WiUiams, Benj. F.
Williams, George W. "
Wescott, Charles L. t " Died at Murfreesboro, Aug. 5, '63.
R:pCEUITS.
Gates, Columbus Nov. 23, '64; Mustered out June 26, 65.
Reed, Peter R. March 4, " " May 11,
Rodefer, Chas. E. Nov. 23," " -June 26,
OFFICERS.
Wm. W. Andrew, Sept. 9,'62; Capt.; dis. Sept. 16, '64, disabiUty.
Abram P. AndrcAV, " 2d Lieut.; promoted 1st Lieut, and
Captain ; mustered out with Battery.

TWENTY-THIRD BATTERY.
McComber, Thomas Nov. 8, '62; Deserted Jan. 12, '63.

ADDITIONAL NAMES
OMITTED PEOM FOREGOING LISTS, OR UNACCOUNTED FOR.
Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, 9th Reg.; mustered out Sept. 28, '66.
Charles W. White, " "
Lemuel Cox, 15th Regiment.
J. R. WiUiams, "
Edward S. Abbey, 20th Reg; died in Libbey Prison, July 20, '62.
Charles Aldrich, " disch. Dec. 18, '62, Avounds.
Henry M. GoodseU, " " Nov. 2.3,'61
David Hackett, "

MILITARY RECORD. 389
Henry Holmouth, 20th Reg.; dlch'd May 2,'63, disability.
Alonzo H. Lamb, " died July 21, '63, wounds.
Laurin S. Boyce, 29th Reg.; mus. out July 18,'66, as Hosp Stew'd.
Wm. Dunham, " " " Dec 20, '65.
Wm. Z. Masten, 155 Reg.; mustered out May 22, '65.
James Six, '- " " " "
Homer 0. Blackman. 1st U. S. Vet. Vol. Engineers, Artificer.
Simon Ames, ' " " " " mus. o. Sep. 26,65
Wm. Mackey, " " " " Artificer.
Isaas N. Nelson, " " " "
The foregoing pages exhibit more forcibly than any words of the
writer, the vast service which La Porte county rendered in the war
for the maintenance of the Union. Rightfully can the boast be
made that few counties in the State manifested a greater devotion
to the country. These long lists of names avUI stand in all coming
time, speaking witnesses for the loyalty which dominated the hearts
of the people. To complete thj noble record, there is here given a
brief outline of the service of each regiment that contained any very
large number of the men of this county.
The Ninth regiment was organized and mustered for the three
months service, at Indianapolis, on the 25th of April, 1861. Fore
most of all, it left Indianapolis for Western Virginia, on the 29th
day of May, and bore a part in all the first campaign in that region,
participating in tbe engagements at Philippi, Laurel Hill, and Car-
rick's Ford. It returned home in the latter part of July, was re
organized at La Porte, and was mustered in for the three years
service on the 5th day of September. Sent again to Western Vir
ginia, it took part in the battles of Green Brier, and Allegheny.
In July 1862, it was transferred to Buell's arn.y in Tennessee, was
assigned to Nelson's division, and arrived on the battle-field of
Shiloh, in time to participate in the second day's combat. Here
Adjutant Patton was killed. The Ninth was active in all the work
which followed in Tennessee and Kentucky, In the long marches
after Bragg, in the engagements at PerryvUle, Danville and Wild
Cat mountain, in the three days' battle of Stone river, in the bloody
two days at Chicamauga, where Lieut. Nickston Avas killed, and the
battles that freed Chattanooga from the grasp of Bragg's army, on
the 24th and 25th of November, 1863. On the 12th of December

390 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
1863, it re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and the men received
a short veteran furlough. When this Avas over the regiment re
turned to Tennessee, and Avas ready to enter on the campaign
against Atlanta In the Spring and Summer of 1864. It bore its
full share of the Avork in aU that hundred days of fighting, fought
again and again at Columbia, Franklin and NashviUe, and assisted in
the pursuit of Hood's shattered army, foUowing to HuntsviUe,
Alabama. Here it remained from the 6th day of -January to the
13th of March, 1865, Avhen it marched into East Tennessee and
back to Nashville. It av.is soon afterAvards moved to the Ancinity of
NeAV Orleans, La., and the;.ce to Texas, Avhere it remained until
Sept. 1865, Avhen it was mustered out of service, and the men
returned to their homes in Indiana.
The Fifteenth regiment was mustered into the service of the
United States for three years at LaFayette, on the 14th day of
June, 1861, and its first campaign was in AA^est Virginia, taking
part in the operations at Rich Mountain, the repulse of Lee and the
battle of Green Brier. On the 19th of November it was sent to
Louisville, joined Buell's army, and marched for Shiloh with that
command, arriving during the progress of the battle, in which It
engaged and rendered excellent service. It participated in the ad
vance on Corinth, Avas engaged in the pursuit ot Bragg towards
Cumberland Gap, was at the battle of PerryvUle and in many skir
mishes and engagements. In November, IS'32, it Avas joined to
the reorganized Army of the Cumberland under Rosecrans. It
participated in the great battle of Stone river in which it lost li°avily.
Here, Capt. -Joel AA^. Foster was killed. It Avas at TuUahoma, in
the advance to Chattanooga, being in AVagner's division Avhich was
the first to enter the city after its evacuation hj the rebel army.
Here it remained on post duty, until the latter part of Novem-
eer, 1863, when It bore a noble part in tbe fight at Mission Ridge,
losing 202 out of 334 men engaged. It then marched to East Ten
nessee to the relief of Gen. Burnside at KnoxvUle. It remained in
this vicinity until February, 1864, when it Avent to Chattanooga,
and did garrison duty until the 16th of June, when it left for Indi-
anapolis.^to be mustered out of the service, its term of three years

MILITARY RECORD. 391
having expired. A portion of the regiment having re-enlisted as
veterans, these Avere transferred to the Seventeenth regiment.
The TAventieth regiment Avas organized at LaFayette in July,
1861, and was mustered in for three years, at Indianapolis, on the
22nd of that month. On the 2nd day of August it started for the
field, and its first duty Avas in Maryland, guarding the Northern
Central railroad. In September, it was sent to Hatteras Inlet,
North Carolina. Ordered to Hatteras Bank, forty miles from the
fortifications, it was attacked by an overAvhelming force of the
enemy ; and being destitute of artillery, it Avas forced to fall back to
the fortifications. On the 9th of November, it Avent to Fortress
Monroe, Avhere it remained until March, 1862, Avhen it Avas sent to
Newport News, where it participated, from the shore, in the engage
ment between the rebel iron-clad, Merrimac, and the United States
ships, Cumberland and Congress. On the 10th of May it moved
to Norfolk, assisted in its capture, and then joined the Army of the
Potomac on the Peninsula. In all the battles on the Peninsula,.
this regiment bore a gallant part, and its losses were heavy. Lieut.
John AV. Andrew of La Porte, was one of those Avho fell. It
was engaged also in the second battle of Bull Run, Avhere its Col
onel was killed, and in the battle of Chantilly. The losses in the
division to Avhich it belonged bad been so heavy, especiaUy in
officers that it did not participate in the Maryland campaign Avhich
followed. But it Avas engaged at Fredericksburg, ChancellorsvlUe,
and the second day at Gettysburg, where it lost another Colonel,.
and manv other officers and men. In all the pursuit of Lee it bore
a prominent part, taking part in. several sharp engagements, and
was afterwards sent to New York to assist in the suppression of the
threatened riots in that city ; but it was back again with the Army
of the Potomac in time to participate in the engagements at Locust
Grove and Mine river in November, 1863. On the 1st of January,
1864, at Culpepper, Virginia, a portion of the regiment le-enlisted
as Veterans. In all the arduous service, and tremendous battles of
the Army of the Potomac, after Grant became Commander-in-Chief,
the Twentieth participated, from the time of the crossing of the
Rapidan to the faU of Richmond, and the surren^ler of Lee, its
last engagement being at Clover HiU, on the 9th of April, 18(-i5-

392 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Then it marched to Washington, was moved thence to LouisviUe,
and was mustered out on the 12th day of July, 1865.
The Twenty-ninth regiment was organized at La Porte, and mus
tered for the three years service on the 27th day of August, 1861.
It moved for the field, and joined Gen. Rousseau at Camp Nevin,
Kentucky, on the 9th of October. It participated iu the movement
on Bowling Green and Nashville, and moved from the latter place
to the Tennessee river, and waS hotly engaged in the battle of
Shiloh, being under fire more than five hours. In this battle it
suffered severely. In the movement against Corinth, it sustained
an active part,  I upon the evacuation of that place by the rebels,
it moved with Uuell's army, into Kentucky, participated in the
long p^tr-tilt of Bragg, returning to Nashville in December, 1862.
Marching out with Rosecrans' army toward Murfreesboro, it was
engaged in the long three days battle of Stone river, losing heavily
in officers and men. Among the slain on the first day, Dec. 31st,
1862, was Capt. Frank Stebbins, of La Porte. It was engaged in
the campaign which followed against Chattanooga, participating in
the skirmishes at Lavergne, Triune and Liberty Gap. It Avas
engaged both days in the great battle of Chicamauga, sustaining
heavy losses. It was then stationed for a time at Bridgeport, Ala
bama, where on the 1st day of January, 1864, it re-enlisted as
a veteran organization, and was sent home on veteran furlough.
Returning to the field, it was stationed for a time at Chattanooga,
and in December, 1864, went to Decatur, Alabama, where on the
27th, it had a brisk skirmish Avith the enemy. Returning to Chat
tanooga, it remained there untU May, 1865, Avhen it moved to
Dalton, Georgia, thence to Marietta, in October, and was soon
after mustered out of service.
The Thirty-fifth regiment was organized at Indianapolis and
mustered on the 11th of December, 1861. Ou the 13th it left for
Kentucky, going to Bardstown where it remained six weeks in a
camp of instruction, and then moved with Buell's a.rmy to Bo-.vling
Green and NiishvUle. From Nashville thc regiment moved to Mc-
MinnviUe, and thence in Septombei^. lMi2, with iuiell's armv to
Loui.sville, and afterAvards in pursuit 'if r5r;i,':-j;, [larticipatlnc in the
skirmishes of the march, and the battle of PerryviUe. On the 0th

MILITARY RECORD. 393
of December, 1862, it had a severe skirmish Avith the enemy at
Dobbin's Ford, near Lavergne, while on a foraging expedition. It
was in the battle of Stone river in each of the three days, sustaining
a loss of one-third of its number. It participated in the march
upon Chattanooga, and fought again at Chicamauga, sustaining
heavy losses. On the 16th of December, 1863, it re-enlisted as a
veteran organization, and received the usual furlough. It returned
to Tennessee in February, 1864, and took part in all the operations
of the historical Atlanta campaign, exhibiting on several occasions
determined bravery and gallantry. It returned from Georgia into
Tennessee to participate in the operations against Hood, fought at
Franklin and Nashville, and followed in the pursuit of Hood as far
as Duck river, when it was assigned to the charge of the pontoon
train. It was now for a time at Huntsville, then at KnoxvUle, and
returned to Nashville in the Spring of 1866. In June it Avas
transferred with the 4th corps, to Texas, and in September was
mustered out of service and returned home.
¦ The Forty-eighth regiment was organized at Goshen. It left
for Paducah, Kentucky, in February, 1862, and remained there
until May, when it moved up the Tennessee, and joining the left
wing of the army under Pope, engaged in the siege of Corinth.
After the evacuation of that strong-hold it followed in pursuit of
the retreating rebel army as far as Boonville, Miss. On the 19th
of September, after various marches and counter marches during tbe
summer, it participated in the battle of luka, where it lost one-
fourth of the number engaged, its Colonel, Norman Eddy, being
among the number bf the seveiely wounded. It fought again at
Corinth on the 3d and 4th of October, and then took part in the
pursuit of Price. It afterwards moved with Grant's army of West
Tennessee, along the Mississippi Central R. R. as far as Oxford,
and then marched to Memphis. Remaining here about two months,
it was moved down tbe Mississippi, and took part in the operations
which were designed to reach the rear of Vicksburg, engaging in
tbe long, circuitous, and toilsome movement through the Moon lake
passes, the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers, to Fort Pemberton
on tbe Yazoo. Returning thence it passed with the main army
below Vicksburg, crossed the river, and participated in all the

394 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
movements for the reduction of that place, fighting at Raymond,
-Jackson and Champion Hills, on the 13th, 14th, and 16th of May.
It took part in the assault on the rebel works at Vicksburg on the
22d of May, und Avas engaged in the trenches during the long siege
of that place, Avhich ended in its surrender on the 4th day of July,
1863. The regiment was afterAvards moved up the river to Mem
phis, and then marched across the country to Chattanooga, reaching
there in time to participate in the battle of Mission Ridge. It as
sisted in the pursuit of Bragg's army; and in Januai-3% 1864, it
re-enlisted, and returned home on veteran furlough, upon the expira
tion of Avhich it returned to the field, and was at HuntsviUe. Alabama,
until June, Avhen it was moved to Cartei-,^sville, Georgia, and kept
on duty there for the protection of Sherman's railroad communica
tions during the campaign against Atlanta. Upon the beginning of
Hood's invasion of Tennessee, it moved Avith Sherman's grand army
through Georgia to Savanah, It Avent thence to Beaufort, S. C,
and then engaged in the campaign through the Carolinas to Raleigh.
After the surrender of Johnson's array, it moved to Petersbug,
Virginia, and thence to AVashington, Avhere after the grand revicAv,
it was transferred to Louisville, and mustered out of service on the
1.5th of -July, 1865.
The Seventy-third regiment Avas organized at South Bend, and
mustered into service on the 16th day of August, 1862, with Gil
bert Hathaway, of LaPorte, as Colonel. It Avas immediately or
dered to Lexington, Kentucky, from Avhence it marched to Louis
ville, Avas united- to Buell's army, and engaged in the pursuit of
Bragg, Avas at the fight at Chaplin HlUs, and on the 7th of NoA^em-
ber, surprised and drove the enemy out of Gallatin, Tenn. It then
moved to Nashville, where it joined Rosecrans' army, and bore a
distinguished part in the battle of Stone river, Avhere it lost one-
third of its number, and immediately after the battle was compli
mented by Gen. Rosecrans in person. On the 10th of April, 1863,
it Avas assigned to Col. Streight's " Independent Provisional Brig
ade." It moved dowh the Cumberland and up the Tennessee to
Eastport, Miss. Here it was mounted by impressments from the
country, and moved to Tuscnmbia, Alabama, and left that place on
the 28th of April on its hazardous expedition. The brigade Avas

MILITARY RECORD. 395
only 1,500 strong, and on the 30th of April, it was attacked at
Day's Gap, by 4,000 rebel cavalry. under Forest and Roddy, who,
by a spirited charge, were driven from the field, losing their artil
lery. The rebels again attacked at Crooked Creek, on the same
day, and Avere again repulsed. The provisional brigade Avas again
attacked at Blount's Farm, Alabama, on the 2d of May, and here
Col. HathaAvay was killed while at the head of his men, cheering
them on. Surrounded by superior forces, and nearly out of ammu
nition , Col. Streight was compelled to surrender. The men were
.soon forwarded north and exchanged, but the officers were kept in
close confinement by the rebels nearly two years. For several
months the men were in camp, and were then sent to Tennessee,
where on the 28th of March, 1864, Major, afterwards Col. AVade,
being released from rebel prison, assumed command of the regiment.
During the Summer it was engaged in guarding the Nashville and
Chattanooga railroad, and picketing the Tennessee river, rendering
extremely important service. It defended Prospect, Tenn., during
Wheeler's raid, and in the latter part of September was ordered to
Decatur, Alabama, and from there to Athens. This place Col.
AVade Avas ordered to hold, and at once he put it in a condition for
defense. The rebels attacked on the l.st of October, 4,000 strong,
Avhile the garrison numbered 500. A demand for surrender was
refused, and the next day the rebels retired. The regiment was
then sent to Decatur, to assist in the defense of that place. It bore
an honorable ^lart in the repulse of Hood. In January, 1865, it
was moved to UuntrviUe, Ala., and placed on duty along tbe Une
of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, having frequent skirmishes
with the enemy. It remained on this duty until the Summer of
1865. when on the 1st day of July, at NashviUe, it was mustered
out of service.
The Eighty-seventh regiment Avas organized at South Bend on
the 28th of August, 1862. It Avas mustered in at Indianapolis, and
on the same day proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, and immedi
ately entered on the campaign Avith Buell's army, against Bragg,
engaging in the battle of PerryviUe. After the close of this cam
paign, it was engaged in various marches and .skirmishes, and
on the 23<1 of June, 1863, moved with the army of the Cumberland

306 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
and engaged in the Summer campaign against TuUahoma, Avhich
place it assisted in capturing, and them moved to AA''inchester, Tenn.,
and soon after, over the mountains to Battle Creek on the Tennessee
river. It participated in the Fall campaign against Chattanooga,
and bore an honorable and conspicuous part in the bloody battle of
Chicamauga, on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, Avhere
among its numerous losses, Lieut. Abram C. Andrew, of La Porte,
was killed. Col. Newell Gleason Avas now in command of the regi
ment. Col. Shryock, its first Colonel, having resigned on the 28th
of the preceding March. On the 26th of November it Avas in the
front line of the brigade in the storming of Mission Ridge, and
afterwards engaged in the pursuit of the enemy to Rlngold. Ga.
It Avas engaged in the expedition against Dalton in February. 1S64.
and in the laborious campaign against Atlanta, it bore its full share
of arduous duty, of march, skirmish and battle. It assisted in the
pursuit of Hood after the fall of Atlanta, as far northward as Gayles-
ville, Alabama. It then returned to Atlanta, and marched with
Sherman to the sea, and back through the Catrolinas to Goldsboro,
N. C. Thence it Avent to Raleigh, remained there until after the
surrender of Johnson's army, when it marched to Richmond, A'^ir-
ginia, and thence to Washington, participated in the genc-al review,
and was mustered out of service on the 10th day of June, 1865.
The One Hundred and TAventy-seventh regiment (Twelfth Caval
ry,) Avas organized at KendallviUe, on the 1st of March, 1864, with
Rev. Edward Anderson as Colonel. Early in May, the regiment
proceeiled to Indianapolis, and thence to Louisville and Nashville.
It remained at the latter place three Aveeks, Avhen it Avas ordered to
HuntsviUe, Ala., and was assigned to guard railroad defenses, and
watch the country between the river and the raUroad, which Avas
infested by guerillas and bush Avhackers. In pursuance of this duty,
the regiment became engaged in many skirmishes, losing considera
ble in kUled and wounded. On the 15th of September, 1864, it
was ordered to TuUahoma, to garrison that post. Here it Avas con
stantly employed in watching the rebel General Forest, Avho was
threatening TuUahoma Avith a large force, and Avith his forces it
had several sharp skirmishes. Three companies, "C," -'D," and
^'11," were at Huntsville. and assisted in the defense (.if that place

MILITARY RECORD. 397
against an attack of a portion of Forest's command on the 1st of
October. It had other engagements with Forest's command at
Murfreesboro and elscAvhere, and proceeding to Nashville late in the
Fall, it Avent into winter quarters. On Feby. 11, 1865, it embarked
on board transport steamers, and Avent to Vicksburg, Miss., thence
to Ncav Orleans, arriving on the 12th of March, 1865. It next was
sent to Mobile bay and participated in the operations against the
defenses of Mobile. After the fall of Mobile, the regiment partici
pated in an extensive cavalry raid into Georgia, thence across
Alabama, and to Columbus, Miss., Avhere it arrived on the 20th
day of May, 1865. From this plaee a portion of the regiment was
sent to Grenada, Miss., and a part to Austin, on the Mississippi
riA^er, while the remaining companies remained at Columbus. AU
were engaged chiefly in protecting government cotton and other
property until they were ordered to Vicksburg, where the regiment
Avas. mustered out on the 10th day of November, 1865.
The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth regiment was mustered
into service on the 18th day of March, 1864, at Michigan City.
On the 23d it left Michigan City by rail, and proceeded to Nashville,
where it Avas assigned to Gen. Hovey's divisisn, and at once started
on the march to Charleston, East Tennessee, where it joined the
23d corps under command of Gen. Schofield, and on the 4th of May
it left Charleston to enter on the one hundred days campaign
against Atlanta. It participated in the movements about Dalton,
Buzzard's Roost, and Rocky Face, and having moved with Sher
man's army through Snake Creek Jjap, it shared in the battle of
Resaca; and in all the subsequent campaign, in marching, flanking
and fighting, it bore a distinguished part. On the 6th day ot -June,
1865, the Colonel, Richard P. De Hart, Avas wounded, and the
command devolved on the Lieutenant Colonel during all the subse
quent service of the regiment. After the fall of Atlanta, the 'regi
ment went to Decatur, Georgia, and on the 4th of October, it
moved with its corps in pursuit of Hood, who was reported march
ing northward. Then Sherman's Avhole army moved after him,
past Alatoona, Resaca, Rome, and as far as Gaylesville, Alabama.
From this place the regiment marched Avith its corps to Chattanoo
ga, and thence to NashviUe, Avhence it was pushed out hurriedly

39m HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
toward Hood's new front, as far as Pulaski, Tenn. So soon as it
was ascertained that Hood was crossing the Tennessee river, a new
position was taken at Columbia. Three days heavy skirmishing
ensued, when the army under Schofield fell back to Franklin, where
the regiment w^s engaged so hotly as to leave thirty-seven rebels
dead in its front, though its own losses were few in number. On
the 15th and 16th of December, it participated in the battle of
Nashville, and assisted in the pursuit of Hood, driving his shattered
and demoralized army beyond the Tennessee river. It moved next
to Clifton on the river, where it embarked on steamers, and moved
to Cincinnati, and thence by rail to Washington, and soon after to
Alexandria, from whence on the 20th of February it embarked on
an ocean steamer, and landed at Morehead City, North Carolina,
moving thence by rail to Newbern. It then moved up the railroad
toAvards Raleigh, was engaged in the battle of Wise's Forks below
Kinston, on the 10th of March, where it lost heavily, and after
wards marched to Goldsboro. It was then sent to LeNoir Insti
tute, where it remained until the 9th of April, when it moved to
Raleigh, with the entire army, Sherman having come from the sea.
It Avas on duty in the city of Raleigh when the news came ot the
assassination, and it AA'as only by extra vigilance that the city was
saved from destruction. It was sent from Raleigh after the surren
der of Johnston's army, to Charlotte, and two months afterwards to
Salisbury ; where it remained in charge of the forty-three counties
of Western North C^arolina, until the 10th day of April, 1866,
when it proceeded to Indlanapplls, and was mustered out on the
18th of that month, being the last in service, of the Indiana troops.
The One Hundred and Fifty-first regiment was organized at
Indianapolis, March 3, 1865, for one year's service, and did post
and garrison duty at TuUahoma and Nashville, Tenn., untU the
19th of September, when it was mustered out of service.
The One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment was organized at In
dianapolis, AprU 18, 1865, and moved thence to AVashington, and
Alexandria, and Avas soon afterAvards assigned to garrison and post
duty, in Maryland ani Delaware, remaining in service until August
4th, IS').", when it was mustered out at Dover, DehiAvare.
The Fourth battery of light artillery, Avas mustered into service at

MILITARY RECORD. 399
Indianapolis on thc 30th day of September, 1861. It bore an
eminent part in the campaigns of Buell against Bragg, Rosen-
crans', including the bloody battles of Stone river and Chicamauga,
and Grant's iu the relief of Chattanooga, always rendering most
efficient and valuable service. It was reorganized on the 14th day
of October, 1864, and participated in the fight Avith Hood at Nash
ville. On the 1st day of August, 1865, it was mustered out of
service at Indianapolis.
The Fifth battery of light artillery was mustered in November
22, 1861. It went to the front AA'ithout dela'y, and in the month
of March, 1862, it assisted in the capture i.'f Huntsville, Ala. It
bore an active and gallant part, in all the campaigns and operations
of the armies of Buell, Rosecrans, Grant and Sherman, in the years
1862, '63, and '64, in Tennessee and Georgia, participated in all
the important battles, and innumerable smaller engagements and
skirmishes. At Pine mountain Capt. Simonson was killed, and
here a gun from this artillery killed the rebel General Bishop Polk.
It was mustered out on the 26th of November, '64, at Indianapolis.
The Twenty-first battery was mustered in on the 9tb of Septem
ber, 1862, and immediately left for Covington, Ky. It engaged in
a varied round of duty, in marches and skirmishes, in Kentucky
and Tennessee. It was engaged at Hoover's Gap, Chicamauga and
Mission Ridge in 1863. It was also in the fight at Nashville, on
the loth and 16th of December, 1864. On the 17th of September,
1864, Capt. AA''m. AV. Andrew was discharged by reason of disabili
ty, caused by wounds, and Abram P. AndrcAv became Captain.
On tbe 21st day of June, 1866, it was mustered out at Indianapolis.

400 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXI.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
The history of the churches of LaPorte county, must for a portion
of our people, if not all of them, possess a deep interest. The author
has therefore been at great pains to make this record as complete as
possible, In the search for facts on this subject, he was fortunate
enough to enlist the interest of Rev. G. M. Boyd, Presiding Elder
of the La Porte district, who kindly furnished him the following
paper, Avhich gives a very full history of the Methodist Episcopal
church in this county.
We write partly from personal observation, having been on the
ground as early as the fall of 1836, but mainly from official docu
ments, such as the minutes of the annual conferences, and the
journals of the quarterly conferences. In some cases we have not
been able to get access to such quarterly conference minutes, as was
necessary to a full knowledge of the facts we desired to bring out in
our historical sketch.
In speaking of the year, the reader will bear in mind that we
refer to the conference year, wliich in our conference has always
commenced in the Fall Avhen the annual session Avas held.
Another fact to be mentioned here, is, that for the first fcAv years,
the county Avas ecclesiastically connected Avith territory in other
counties, the circuits being large. This will account for the fre
quent mention of other places not in the county.
In the Fall of 1832 the first session of the Indiana conference
Avas held, and the State Avas divided into five Presiding Elder's
districts, the most northern of Avhich was called Missionary District.
To this. Rev. James Armstrong Avas appointed as Presiding El
der, or as he is called that year in the minutes. Superintendent. It
is due to the memory of that eminent minister to say that his dis
trict was a laborious one, extending from near Lafayette on tbe
Wabash to Kalamazoo in the State of Michigan ; and from the Ohio

CHURCH RECORD. 401
line on the east to Illinois on the west. This same Fall La Porte
Mission was organized, and be received also the appointment of
missonary thereto. By his arrangement as Presiding Elder, Boyd
Phelps, Avho Avas stationed at Fort AA'ayne, and R. S. Robinson aud
G. M. Bostwick of St. Joseph Mission, supplied also LaPorte Mis
sion, as Mr. Armstrong's extensive work gave him but little time
to attend to the duties of the miissionary. The number of members
returned at the close of tbe year for the mission was one hundred
and forty. Mr. Armstrong found when he came to the work, that
a small class had been formed at a Mr. Aehart's near where West-
Adlle noAV stands, by Jeremiah Sherwood, a local preacher who had
preceded him in the county. This was the first class of Metho
dists formed in the county, if not the first Protestant organization
of any kind. In the Fall of that year, Mr. Armstrong formed a
class at Door Village, or on a log in the grove where the A'illage now
stands. This place like the land of Moriali, became consecrated
ground. Here, during the next Summer, the infant church built a
small chapel in Avhich they Avorshiped for several years. It was
erected on the site Avhere the present church stands, and was the
first housCjOf worship, built north of the AVabash River. Of the
men who united Avith that class, but few are alive. LeAvis Keith and
Thomas W. Sale still like veterans, linger among us. In 1833 the
district was called North Western District, and Mr. Armstrong was
Presiding Elder, and the mission was included in the South Bend
circuit; Boyd Phelps being sent as the preacher, Avith Thos. P. Mc
Cool as his assistant. This year several ncAV societies or classes
were organized in the county. La Porte I think was one, and an
other at Silas Hale's on StUwell Prairie, and another at the house of
Thomas Robinson in the south-west part of the county. The circuit
was large, extending from South Bend to Michigan City, and from
Niles, Michigan, to the west end of Door Prairie. The numbers
returned at the conference were five hundred and eleven, but how
many were in the county, Ave cannot say. At the close of this
year. Rev. James Armstrong was called from labor to rcAvard. He
died in great peace at his home near Door Village, lamented by all
Avho knew him, and his remains repose in the cemetery at that
26

402 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COL'NTV.
place. Perhaps no man has ever died in the county Avhose loss
Avas so univei^sally felt.
In the Fall of 1834, the district was called LaPorte District,—
R. Hargrave, Presiding Elder, and S. R. BaU and T. P. McCool,
preachoi^s. In 1835, the Avork was called La Porte Circuit, and R.
C. Meek was sent as preacher, Avith Elijah B-arns as asupplv. This
year a camp-meeting for the second time was held near SpringviUe.
It Ava,s an interesting meeting. In 1836, G. M. Boyd Avas appointed
to the circuit with Stephen R. Jones as an assistant. This year I
formed the class in the Galena woods at the house of Whitman Goit.
Our preaching places were La Porte, Door A''iUage, Robinson's,
Warnock's, H. Clyburn's, near where AA'^estville now stamls; A'an-
Meter's, on the road from LaPorte to Micliiga.n City; Michigan
City, SpringviUe, Goit's, AA'^right'is, near Rolling Prairie Station;
Griffin's School House, SUas Hale'.s, Klng.sbury, Admiral Burch's.
and five other places outside of the county.
This year a Sabbath School Avas organized in La Porte, in Avhich
A. and J. B. Fravel took a deep interest. The latter gentleman
in the absence ot a barber, cut the hair of the gentlemen, charging
them a dime each, and appropriated the finds to purchase a library
for the use of the school.
The reader avIU pardon a little episode here. This year Daniel
Webster, the eminent statesman, Avas making a tour through the
West. It was on the fourth of July Avhen he visited La Porte, and
the little school Avas out in patriotic procession. Mr. Webster Avas
standing in his carriage addressing the citizens, Avhenthe procession
filed around the corner of the public square. His eye caught the
scene, and turning to the crowd he exclaimed, " There, fellow citizens.
is the hope of our country." The lips that uttered these Avords are
sealed in death, but the truth of the utterance is manifest to all who
observe the moral influence of the Sunday School on society.
This year our friends erected a sm-dU neat ' brick church on the
corner lot now occupied in connection with tbe residence of Dr.
Teegarden. Here they worshiped for several years. In 1837,
Boyd Phelps and H. Van Order, Avere sent as circuit preachers.
In 1838, Aaron Wood vvaa appointed Presiding Elder, and R. Har
grave and J. B. Jenkins, preachers. This year Union Chapel, in

CHURCH RECORD. 403
the Robinson neighborhood Avas erected, and the Robinson and
Warnock classes united there. This house was a prominent point
for Methodists for several years until Westville and New Durham
became central points, and by removal, death, and other reasons
this place ceased to be a place of Avorship. The first Methodist
Church at Michigan City was erected, I think, this year. In 1839
the district was called South Bend District, — A. AVood. Presiding
Elder, and Rev. Zachariah Games and G. W. Baker were appointed
to the circuit. In 1840 the preachers were Z. Games and W. F.
Wheeler. This year the circuit was confined to the limits of the
county. In 1841 Wade Posey and G. AV. Ames, brother of Bishop
Ames, were the preachers. This year a small chapel was built in
Goit's neighborhood, and was called in honor of the senior preach
er, Posey Chapel. This Avas, in a few years, superceded by a better
house, called by the same name. It still is a "preaching place with
a small society of good men and women. It stands upon an eleva
tion commanding an extensive view of the country, and surrounded
by the graves of some of the best and purest citizens, who have
departed this life.
In the FaU of 1842, W. H. Goode was appointed Presiding El
der, and A. Wood and L. W. Munson, were the preachers. Mr.
Goode went one round on his district and was transferred by the
Bishop to Arkansas, to take charge of missionary work, and A.
Wood was re-placed on the district, and W. Griffith was employed
in charge of the circuit.
In the Fall of 1843, C. M. Holliday was appointed Presiding
Elder, and AV. L. Hufi'man the preacher. At this conference. Union
circuit was formed, including the west end or half of the county,
and 0. V. Lemon and B. Winans were the preachers. Mr. Huff
man was left in charge of tbe rest of the territory in the county
except Mount Pleasant and Posey Chapels. I am not able to give
tbe time when Mount Pleasant Chapel was buUt, neither that of
Lamb's Chapel.
As the church increased, the interest in the Sunday School cause in
creased. Tbe returns show an aggregate of three hundred and five
scholars in the county. From the Fall of 1843 to 1866, aU the
preaching places in the county east of La Porte, except Byron and

404 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
McCasky's, were included in Terre Coupeo and other circuits, and
served by the preachers appointed thereto.
In 1844, J. B. DeMott was appointed to La Porte circuit, J. W
Parrett to Michigan City, and S. Lamb to Union. This year the
erection of Dormain church was commenced, but finished subsequently.
In 1846, G. AA'^. Bowers was sent to La Porte, -Jacob Cazad to
Michigan City, and J. W. Parrett to Union.
In 1846, J. Daniel was appointed Presiding Elder, T. H. Senix
to La Porte, -J. J. Cooper to Union, with Michigan City attached
thereto. In 1847 La Porte was made a station, with H. i\ Benson, pastor.
Union circuit included Michigan City; ami F. Taylor and -J. G. D.
Pettijohn Avere sent as preachers: and Ncav Durham meeting house
erected. In 184.S Mr. Benson was returned to LaPorte. This A\a,s the
first instance of a preacher returning the second year consecutively
to any charge in the county — such Avas the practical Avorkings ot
the itineracy. F. Taylor was also returned to Union circuit, Avith
E. J. Kirk as junior preacher.
In 1849 the appointments for the county Avere, LaPorte. AA''. Gra
ham; Union, Thos. C. Hackney, R. S. Latta. This year the
present church edifice was built at .Door ViUage.
In 1850 J. L. Smith Avas appointed Presiding Elder, and AA'.
Graham to La Porte station. This year the church now occupied
in the city was erected, partly by the efforts of Pastor and Presiding
Elder as ministers, but mainly by the contributions of the people,
for the people had a mind to work.
Union circuit Avas served this year by D. F. Strite and E- Hor
ner; Kingsbury mission by L. Mooie; Michigan Citv by  .
In 1(S51, J. Daniel Avas Pastoi^ at LaPorte; Union aud Kings
bury, J; G. Osborn. He remained but two {juarte;',^ and resigned
his place, and T. P. Mathews Avas appointed preacher, Mr. Osborn
was a physician by profession, but turned his attention to the law,
and died some tAvo years since, an honored member of the bar at
Plymouth. In 1852, J. R. Tan.sc\y was stationed in LaPorto, but being
transferred at the end of the first quarter to . California, J. S. Don-

CHURCH RECORD. 405
alson Avas appointed in his place. W. P. Watkins Avas preacher on
Kingsbury circuit. This year the church on the Plymouth road,
knoAvn as Salem chapel, was buUt. For the next three years this
work was filled by Presiding Elders and preachers from Rochester
and South Bend districts. In 1853 S. Taylor was sent to
La Porte. In the close of this year the North-AA"^est Indiana
Conference, held its session in the city. Bishop Simpson pre
siding. This Avas a memorable time for our people and our
friends, as they mingled with the ministers from the different
parts of the conference, and enjoyed the religious services of the
occasion, especiallj^ the sermons of Bishop Simpson, and Dr. Peck,
now one of our Bishops. It Avas the second time the conference
held its session in this city: Bishop Morris having held one in 1846.
In 1853, Union circuit was served by -J. L. Donalson and Aaron
Gurney : 1854, AV. Hamilton and R. Bury ; 1855, H. B. Ball and A.
FeUows; 1^S56, F. Taylor, H. 0. Huffman.
In the remainder of this paper we will notice the different charges
in the county under their respective heads.
In 1S54. AV. Graham was appointed Presiding Elder, and G. AA^
Crawford stationed preacher in La Porte. ]Mr. Crawford was a
young man of promi.se, but fell a victim to consumption in early
Ufe. "
In 1855, S. T. Cooper was ap'pointed preacher, and served the
church tAVO years. Under his labors a good revival of religion
occurred, and many were added to the church, and a new parsonage
was built. He was succeeded in the pastor^'te in 1857, by -J. M. Stal-
lard; l.^oS. B. AA'^inaiis was sent as Presiding Elder, and P Wiley,
noAv professor in Asbury University, as preacher.
In 1850, A. A. Gee was stationed in the city; 1860, David
Holmes, D. D.: 1861, Nelson Green: 1862, G. Skinner. The
church and parsonage having by mismanagement become deeply
involved in debt, Mr. Skinner had a bard, but to a good extent, a
successful year. The church paid off several hundred doUars of their
indebtedness. In 1863, R. T. Cooper, Presiding Elder; G. M. Boyd, Pastor.
For three years Ave labored together with pleasure and profit. They
were year- of toll and anxiety, but of success. Over a hundred

406 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
souls were converted and added to the church, and the balance of
the debt on the church and par.sonage, which Avas several hundred
dollars, Avas paid off; and the audience room Avas thoroughly and
beautifully refitted, and the annual conference held a pleasant session
therein. Bishop Ames presiding.
In 1866. J. Thrush carae as pastor, but stayed only one year.
He served the church in South Bend one and a half years, and
then removed to Pennsylvania and died. He Avas a fine preacher.
In l'S67 J. Johnson Avas Presiding Elder, and remained on the
district four years, during which time, L. C. Buckles served as
pastor two years; T. S. AVebb one, and L. Nebeker, one.
In 1S71, L. Nebeker Avas Presiding Elder, and remained two
yea,rs; the first of Avhich J. Johnson Avas pastor. 1872, AA'. M.
Darwood was appointed pastor. 1873. G. M. Boyd, Presiding
Elder — same pastor. In 1874, same Presiding Elder and pastor.
Mr. DarAvood's three years were characterized with some good revi
vals and additions, apd Avith fine .ind tasteful church and parsonage
improvements. In 1875, the present pastor, J. H. Cissel, was
appointed, Avith the same Presiding Elder.
EOLLING PRAIRIE CIRCUIT.
This circuit lay in the north and east parts of the county, and
when organized in 1856, embraced Posey Chapel, Mount Pleasant,
near where Rolling Prairie Station now is ; Lamb"s chapel. Summit
scliool house, Haleni, Bald HiU, Byron, and some other points. It
was at the time included in South Bend district, Avith T. S. AA'ebb,
Presiding Elder, and AV. Reedcr and L. Moore, preachers. In
1857, same Presiding Elder, AV. Reeder and C. L. Smith, preach-
er.s. In li<:y<. T. S. AVebb, Presiding Elder, T. C. Hackney and
I. AA'. Joyce, preachers. At the fourth quarterly conference for
this year, mea.-vai-es Avere taken to divide the circuit. Avhich [•esulted
in the formation of La Porte circuit, of Avhieh we will speak here
after. In 185;' the circuit Avas called Portland, and D, F. Barnes Avas
appointed preacher. He served two years. 31r. Barnes is now a
leading minister in Michigan conference. In 1861 H. C. Fraley
was sent as preacher. In 186:2, J. Leach, who remained two years.
In 1864 the circuit Avas a.gahi called Rolling Prairie, and J.E. Now-

CHURCH RECORD. 407
house was appointed pastor. He remained tAvo years, during Avhich
time the church at Rolling Prairie Avas built. About or before this
time, the neat little chapel was built at Maple Grove, by the efforts
of AA'. Thomas and others. It is one of the most beautiful churches in
the country. In 1867, J. H. Claypool was sent as pastor. In
li^6s, (.'. B. Mock. He filled the, circuit tAvo years, and Avas suc
ceeded in LsTd by J. L. Boyd. In 1871, E. AV. Lawhon was the
pastor, and Avas succeeded the next tAvo years by B. II. Bradbury.
In 1874, F. Cox became pastor, and Avas foUowed in 1875 by the
present pastor, G. R. Streeter.
LAPORTE CIRC'UIT THE SE( (,1ND,
This circuit embraces Salem, Buld HIU, Summit and Coolspring
churches; the latter hoAvever belo;igs to our Congregational brethren
though occupied by us as a place of worship.
This circuit avus organized in the Fall of 1X6^1, John Leach as
pastor. A good revival of religion attended the labors of ilr.
Leach, and the society Avas so strengthened at Bald Hill, that they
erected the chapel at that point. It Is one of our best country
churches, though the membership has been very much reduced by
deaths and removals. ^Ir. Leach Avas succeeded in 1860, by B. H.
Bradbury, Avho remained two years. He Avas succeeded in 1862-3
by N. -Green; 1864, J. H. HoUoAvay; ls65, E. Holdstock ;
1866-7 and 8, by M. StoJz. During his pastorate which Avas
very successful, the church at Summit was built. It is a neat little
brick house tastefully finished. In 1869, '70 and '71, J. H. Cissel
was pastor. He was followed in 1872-3 by T. C. Hackney; 1874-5,
A. B. Bruner, the present pastor.
DOOR VILLAGE CIRCUIT.
In the absence of offici'al documents, we Avill assume that Union
circuit was divided in 1856, and the east end was called Dormain
.circuit; AV. Graham, presiding elder; J. AV. Green, preacher. It
contained StUwell, Roselle, Marshall Grove, Dormain, and South
America classes. I cannot inform the reader where the latter class
Avas located, but I presume it Avas on the north end of this conti
nent, and somewhere in LaPorte county. In 1^557, this territory
was called Door Village circuit, and AV. S. Flarker Avas sent as the
preacher, who was returned the next year Avith B. ^Vinans, presi-

408 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
ding elder. In 1869, the circuit Avas placed in Plymouth district,
J. Johnson, presiding elder; F. Cox, preacher. In 1860, same
preachers. In 1861, B. Winans Avas again presiding elder ; J. C.
Mahin, preacher. In 1862, same presiding elder; B. H. Brad
bury, preacher. In 1863, S. T. Cooper, presiding elder; B. H.
Bradbury, preacher. Mr. Cooper remained on the district four
years. In 1864, S- J. Kahler, preacher. In 1865, W. HamUton,
preacher. In 1866, J. -Johnson, presiding elder; J. H.. Cissel,
pastor. In 1867, D. A. Grimes was appointed to the circuit. In
1868, Thos. E. Webb- In 1S69-70, T. C. Hackney was pastor.
In 1871-2, L. Nebeker, presiding elder; R. H. Sanders, preacher,
who remained on the circuit three years. Tn 1873, G. AI. Boyd,
presiding elder. In 1874, same presiding elder and preacher. In
1875, same elder, with F. Mikels, pastor. During the adminis
tration of Rev. T. C. Hackney the church was refitted and beauti
fied in a very tasteful manner. During the second year of R. H.
Sanders' term of service, the church at New Durham Avas also very
nicely improved and refitted. MICHIGAN CITY\
From the commencement of this city, the Methodist Ejiiscopal
church held service there. In the sale of lots, Major I. C. Elston,
of Crawfordsville, the proprietor, reserved and donated two" lots for
the use of the church.
In, or about the year 183S, the friends under the lead of Mr.
Porterfield Harrison and others, erected a small frame church on
the site donated. This served the society for .several years, but the
encroachment of the sand which threatened to bury the house, ren
dered it an unpropitious place for a, church, and tho members aided
by their friends, purchased the lot and built the present house of
worship, and secured a par,sonage also, I am not sure as to the
year this was done, but I believe Rev. \V. Copp, or Capt. Copp,
"the fighting parson," as be Avas called during the rebeUion, Avas
the preacher at the time.
For the Avant of nece,ssary means of information, I cannot trace
the appointments at Michigan City from the time it wa,s last
disconnected from the circuit; but in 185:-'. ri.s per conference min
utes, B. Winans Avas pastor. In 1851-5, J. G. Osborn; 1S56. N.

CHURCH RECORD. 409
L. Brakeman; 1857, J. W. Green; 1858, H. Smith; 1859-60, W.
Copp; 1861-2, L. C. Buckles; 1863, A. C. Cunningham; 1864-5,
J. L. Boyd; 1866-7, A. Wood; 186S-9-70, Thos. Meredith;
1871-2, N. L. Brakeman; 1873, R. D. Utter; 1874-5, J. H.
Claypool. UNION MILLS CIRCUIT.
This circuit as such Avas formed in 1873, and G. R. Streeter
was sent as preacher. It embraced the vicinity of Union Mills,
Hanna Station and Clinton chapel ; but at the end of the year Union
Mills Avas re-cont\ected Avith Door Village circuit and Clinton chapel,
to Westville. In 1875, the brethren having erected a very neat little
church at Union Mills, a new circuit was formed and the present
pastor, J. B. Smith, was sent. The year opened very pleasantly
by the dedication of the Church, by Rev. J. H. Hall of Battle
Ground. This circuit now embraces Union MiUs, Hanna Station,
Morgan Station and Wanatah. WESTVILLE CIRCUIT.
In 1843, the first house of worship was built in this place by our
people. It was served for several years by the preachers from Union
circuit, but in 1857 it Avas organized as a circuit — F. Taylor, pas
tor. ls5S. J. .Johnson; 185'.i-60, Thos. Bartlett. This last year
Clinton chapel was built. 1861, S. T. Cooper; 1862, J. E. New-
house; 1863-4-5, M. L. Green; 1866-7, C. B. Mock; 1868, it was
made a station, and J. H. Claypool served as pastor for three suc
cessive years. 1871, R. H. Sanders; 1S72-3, J. Johnson; 1874-5,
W. P. McKinsey.
In isiid. by the munitic.-ut wUl of Mr. West, siirae five thousand
dollars were bequeathed to the church in AVestvlUe for the erection
of a neAV church, and by the subscription of the friends in addition
to this, the present comfortable church was erected, and a good
congregation and sabbath school meet there every Sunday.
From the commencement of the operation of the church in the
county, the question of Sunday schools and Sunday school inter
ests have been prominent in her operations. It has been the advice
in our discipline, and to a great extent our practice, wherever we
could collect ten chUdren together in a neighborhood thereto organ
ize them into a school. In many places we have not been able to

410 HISTORY OF LA PORTE A^OUXTV.
do this, but have acted in conjunction Avith other churches, and
members of no church.
There are now in the county fifteen Methodist schools, with two
hundred and fourteen officers and teachers, and one thousand four
hundred and elghty-tAvo scholars. The expenses for these schools
for '74, was $497. "74.
We have 1,018 members in the county ; thirteen churches with
probable value, $56,700; six parsonages, valued at $9,750.
The local preachers in the county are, Levi Moore, -J. G. Mc-
Caskjr, James Waxham and A. Cowgill.
In connection with the Methodist church in La Porte county,
there should'be mentioned also, the German Methodist Episcopal
church at La Porte, Avhose commodious church edifice stands on the
corner of Clay and Harrison streets. The church is a plain and
neat frame structure. Over the entrance door are the Avords in
German, "Tho Lord is in his holy Temple." The congregation is
German, and the services are conducted in that language. Ever
since the organization they have receiA-ed the faithful ministrations
of devoted pastors, changing frequently in accordance Avith the
Methodist practice. Rev. Wm. Keller is noAv the pastor.
THE BAPTIST CHUECH.
Tbe first Baptist church in La Porte county Avas organized in the
year 1834, an,;i was the fruit of the labors of Rev. Phineas Colver,
of Washington county, New York. It was located on Still weU
prairie. Elder Colver had come to this county to visit relatives in
the year 1833, and Avhile here commenced preaching in the neigh
borhood, and gathered together a considerable congregation. He
left the same year, intending to return, but died before he reached
his eastern home. This was known at the time and for a few years
afterAvards as the L^ Porte Baptist church, and is so called in the
minutes of the Northern Indiana Baptist Association. After the
organization of the church at the village of La Porte, the former
became known as Kingsbury Baptist church; Rev. T. Spaulding
was the first pastor. The church at La Porte Avas the fourth in the
order of organization, being preceded by the church at Kingsbury, one
at Rolling Prairie, organized in 1836 ; and one at Michigan City
organized in 1837. the last of Avhich soon ceased to exist.

CHURCH RECORD. 411
It seems i;hat the early church records of the La Porte organiza
tion Avere destroyed and there is consequently some uncertainty
attending the date of its organization, but it occurred probably in
1838. At any rate it Avas prior to the meeting of the Association
in 1830. The organization took place in the bridk church edifice,
then OAvned by the Methodists, which Avas situated on the lot now
occupied by the residence of Dr. Teegarden. The arrival of Elder
Benjamin Sawin In LaPorte in 1838, is an event worthy of note in
the history of this church. Soon after the arrival of himself and
family, he opened his house for prayer meetings. It was the sickly
year, and very many Avere inclined to seek the consolations of the
Christian faith. ¦¦ Good Father Sawin," as he was afterAvards for
many years afi'ectionately called began to pre^ach in La Porte and
the surrounding country ; and just previous to the org.anization of
the church at La Porte, he was called to preside over the mother
church at Kingsbury. The new organization was composed largely
of those Avho were dismissed from the Kingsbury society for the
purpose; ai.d for a- time it had no regular pastor. Rev. Mr. Bowles
of Connecticut, preached for a time, but did not become the pastor
in consequence of his Avife's desire to return to the East. Preaching
was, however, secured with considerable regularity, though not
always by preachers of the Baptist denomination. Among others
who preached occasionally for this new society was the Reverend,
or better known now, as Judge, AA''m. Andrew.
The Northern Iud:,-ina Association met at Rolling Prairie in
June, 1830. iinJ Elder ;vaAvin Avas chosen moderator. AVhen the
invitistion Avas given for the reception of churches, several were
presented, among them being that at La Porte. The delegates were
I. H. Evans. G. Sawin, 0. Mix, Samuel Gregory, and Elnatb
an Gregory. The membership of the church was thirty. At the
close of this associational meeting, two ef the preachers iu attend
ance, Rev. Chas. Harding, formerly of Goshen, and Rev. i*Ir. Ford,
of Middlebui-y began preaching in La Porte and the country around.
Their meetings were largely attended, and resulted in a general
spiritual revival. In a supplemental note to the minutes of the
association for the year are the following words: " A glorious revi
val has commenced at LaPorte, since the sitting of the Association,.

412 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
which is spreading into all the country around. Over a hundred
have been hopefully converted to God. The revival has extended
eastAvard to Rolling Prairie." The reports at the next meeting of
the association showed the most favorable results from these meet
ings. The membership of Rolling Prairie church was increased
from twenty-one to fifty -five; Kingsbury from forty to seventy;
La Porte from thirty to ninety-one, and a new church just organized
at Door Village was reported, with a membership of one hundred
and ten. In the same ye.ar Elder Chas. Harding was selected as
the pastor of the LaPorte church, the first Avho occupied that position.
For the purpose of laboring as home missionary, he resigned in the
.second year of his pastorate. He died in 1843 and the association
placed on record the foUowing resolution: "That Ave have heard
with deep regret of the death of our much-esteemed brother. Elder
Chas. Harding, once a missionary of this association. The cause
of truth has in him lost an earnest advocate, and the church a faith
ful minister.'
Rev. Silas Tucker became the next pastor of this church in 1840,
and entered upon his duties in the month of December. He had
sisters living in the county, and Avhile visiting them, had preached
here Avith so much acceptance that it resulted in his settlement as
the second stated minister of the church. Soon after his arrival, a
smaU building which stood on the north-Avest corner of Jackson and
North Main streets, belonging to the Disciple society, Avas pur
chased by the Baptists, enlarged to double its former size, and was
used for many years a,s the house of worship of the Baptist denom
ination. , The ministry of Elder Tucker extended over a period of
about four and a half years, during which time over one hundred
Avere received into the church by immersion, and the whole nuniher
of members Avas increased to one hundred and ninety-five. The
resignation of Elder Tucker being attributed to the action of some
of the members, considerable dissati.sfaetion Avas produced, and
thirty-tAvo asked for letters of dismission in consequence.
For a time, the church Avas destitute of .i, pastor; but the one
man to Avhom this society never looked in vain. Father SaAvin,
preached two Sa,l)baths in each month. Elder Tucker became pas
tor of the church •it Racine, \Visconsin, and at his reouest. Rev.

CHURCH RECORD. 413
E. W. Hamlin, of Chicago, visited La Porte, and was soon after
wards, in 1846, settled as pastor of the church. He continued his
labors here through the year 1847, and then resigned, as is said
for the same reasons Avhich induced the resignation of Elder Tucker.
Good Father SaAvin again supplied the pulpit temporarily.
In the year 1849, Rev. Morgan EdAvards, who was known as
'- the sailor preacher," united by letter with this church. The church
was not at this time prosperous. By exclusions and dismissions, the
number of the membership had been reduced from two hundred and
seven to one hundred and twenty-four. Elder EdAvards became pastor
in June, and his labors as such ceased in Oct. of the same year. His
religious labors, hoAvever, continued in different parts of the country,
in Ohio, ^Michigan, &c., his home and family remaining in LaPorte.
Not being engaged the entire year in holding "protracted meet
ings," he was desirous of becoming pastor during the months in
AA'hich he was not so engaged. Rev. R. H. Cook had been called
as pastor, had accepted, and begun his work, which was contrary to
the private wishes of Elder Edwards, and he brought to bear such
influences that Elder Cook Avas induced to resign the pastorate, and
did so July 12th, 1861. It Avould seem that in the matter of his
course in the church here, he Avas blameless. He died very sudden
ly in the Sin-ing of lb74. From the time of Elder Cook's resigna
tion until February, 1852. the church was temporarily supplied by
different preachers, chiefly by Father Sawin, Elder Alexander
Hastings, and Elder John Benny. At this time Elder Morgan
Edwards Avas again called to the pastorate. His ministry was
very irregular; and on the eighth day of May, 1862, the church
book contains the foUowing entry:
" Resolved that we invite Elder Chandler to visit us with a view
of becoming pastor after the labors of EldiT EdAvards shall cease."
Mr. Chandler's connection with this church proved to be an event
of much prominence; and from a s,tatement written by Rev. John
Benny, we take the following: "The rail road Avas finished from
the East only to La Porte at that time, and passengers halted for
the night on their way east, Avhile those journying west stopped at
Michigan City, being conveyed there from La Porte ; and by the
return of the same carriages, the eastward bound passengers were

414 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
brought here, so as to prosecute their further journey by rail. Our
hotel accommodations were at times unequal to the demands made
upon them. Mr. Chandler arrived from the west at this time, and
not liking the croAvded condition of the La Porte House, inquired
for accommodations at a private house for thc night, and was di
rected to Mr. Griffin Treadway's Avho had kept the largest hotel in
the place on the corner where the Merrill House now stands. Mr.
Chandler dressed Avith white cravat, and had the appearance of an
eastern clergyman. He was welcomed by Mr. Treadway, and
asked if he were not a preacher, and further if he belonged to the
Baptists. The answer was in the affirmative. Mr. Treadway then
.asked if he could stay and preach a few weeks for the church, while
Elder Edwards went off" to hold some meetings. Mr. Chandler
replied that he could do so, if agreeable to Bro. Edwards and the
church. And thus, without knowing anything of the man, of his
ministerial standing or previous history, he took the place of the
pastor, which he occupied for three weeks. This was in the early
Fall of 1851. Bro. Treadway, himself a Kentuckian, took much
interest in tbe man whom he called "the Yankee preacher," going
to the stores, and inviting people to hear the 'smart Yankee.' The
result was that the little meeting house was well filled during the
three weeks in which Mr. C. filled the pulpit."
There was a strong disposition manifested to caU Mr. Chandler
to the pastorate, but there was one member who opposed it on the
ground that the doctrinal views of the ncAv preacher were not those
of the Baptist denomination. He was overruled, and Rev. S. C.
Chandler became the pastor in 1852. He began his regular preach
ing in November, and displayed a great deal of ability ; but it
became generally evident that his vioAvs of Christian doctrine did
not accord with the orthodox faith as held by the Baptist denomin
ation. He pushed his own vIcavs by degrees, which appeared to be
those of the Adventists. He held to the belief in the sleep of aU
the dead until the resurrection, including the Avhole man whose
spirit is incapable of existence .apart from the body. He denied
the existence of a personal Holy Spirit, and of a personal Satan
and there were other points of his doctrines that to the orthodox
were extremely heterodox. As was to be expected, his course

CHURCH RECORD. 415
aroused strong opposition to his being allowed to preftch any longer
as the pastor of the Baptist church, and on the 12th day of Feby.,
18;.i3, it Avas resolved that he should not occupy the Baptist pulpit,
after the foUoAving day, for Avhich his appointments had been pub
lished. But his vicAvs v/ere assented to by several members of the
church, and they rented for him a hall in Allen's block, Avhere he
continued preaching for a time, when on the last Sabbath in the
year 1853, he announced in the ball in the morning that he Avould
preach in the church that afternoon. A boy was let in through a
window; be unbolted the doors; the bell was rung, and Mr. Chand
ler preached, advocating the doctrines Avhich he and his followers
had espoused. The next regular church raeeting Avas lield Janu-
ary 7, 1854. The venerable Elder Alexander Hastings Avas invited
to occupy the chair, and by resolution unanimously adopted, six of
the most prominent of those Avho had embraced Chandler's vIcavs,
Avere excluded from the fellowship of the church. Among those
thus excluded was Elder Leland, Avho had been pastor of the Bap
tist church at Door Village.
In May, 1854, Rev. Gibbon WiUiams visited the church at La
Porte, .and accepted a call tendered him to become pastor. He was
a man of large experience, had been many years pastor of churches
in the States of Maine and Ncav York, but had lately been in the
book trade at Indianapolis. He established a book store here,
ostensibly for his son, but it took so much of his own time and
attention, that Inasmuch as the church needed a pastor as Avell as a
preacher, he retired at the expiration of six months. The associa
tion met in 1865 at Valparaiso, and this church was reported with
out a pastor and that the total membership had declined to fifty-five.
It was supplied for a few weeks by Elders Snyder and Hastings.
In the Fall a member of the church, W. D. Wright, Avho had joined
by letter from New York, was invited to occupy the pulpit, although
not ordained as a preacher. A council was called for bis ordina
tion, which was effected, and soon afterwards he received and ac
cepted a call from tbe church at RoUing Prairie. During this
year thirty-four were added to the church, and the prospects of
future prosperity and usefulness became brighter.

416 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
On the 12th of April, 1857, Rev. J. L. McCloud commenced a
successful pastorate; and the following year the report made to the
association shoAved that fifty-four had been added to the member
ship. At this time the late venerable Oliver Wescott was tbe clerk
of the church. During 1858, the church w.is occupied in building
the edifice in which they now worship, and which was dedicated in
the Fall of that year. Elder McCloud preaching the dedication dis
course. He resigned the charge of the church in October, 1860,
after three years and a half of devoted and able service.
In the year 1869, on the 6th day of April, good Father SaAvin,
Avho had been so intimately identified with the interests of the La
Porte church in all its history, was called from his labor on earth to ,
his rest in Heaven. BetAveen him and his felloAV-laborer, Rev.
Father Hasting.s, there had been an agreement that the latest survi
vor of the tAVO should preach tbe funeral discourse of the one who
Avas first to go. Accordingly, his aged brother preached the sermon
at his funeral from the words selected by the departed; "God forbid
that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Elder Hastings lived after this something more than three years,
Avhen he too passed aAvay.
Early in 1861 , Rev. Henry Smith, Avho had been pastor of the
Baptist church at Valparaiso, and then at Greensburg, took charge
of this church as its pastor, and the next report to the association
showed a still further increase of membership, which then numbered
one hundred and seventy-seven. Elder Smith resigned in August,
1863, having been invited by Col. I. C. B. Suman to become
Chaplain of the Ninth regiment of Indiana Volunteers, which posi
tion he accepted, and departed at once for his neAv field of labor.
The last pastor of the church, and the present one, is Rev. J. P.
Ash. He entered upon his work here in the month of April, 1864,
having noAv nearly completed twelve years in his pastorate. His
has been a ministry of eminent success and usefulness. Elder Ash
is a raan of great industry, laboring untiringly in the Master's
cause. Besides preaching in his OAvn church, morning and evening
on Sunday, and superintending his Sabbath school, which is always
in a flourishing condition, he preaches every Sabbath to the church
at Door Village.

CHURCH RECORD. 417
Concerning the Baptist church at Kingsbury, whose organization
has been noticed, it may be added that after the death in 1837 of
Elder T. Spaulding, who was its first pastor. Elder Benj. Sawin
became pastor, dividing his labors between this and some other
churches. Among the ministers who have at different times preach
ed to this church have been Elders Barns, Whitehead, Maxwell and
Mills. In 1837, it had a membership of seventy. Of this number
some Avere dismissed to aid in the formation of the La Porte and
Door Village churches ; some withdrew under the Second Advent
influence, and at the last report the membership mustered but
twenty-eight. In 1874 Rev. R. P. Stephenson was pastor who
has been succeeded by Rev. I. W. Read.
The Rolling Prairie Baptist church was o"rganizedin 1836. Elder
Alexander Hastings was the first pastor, and labored for the church
at different times during many years. Their first report to the
association showed a membership of twenty-three. In 1862 they
had one hundred and eighty-nine, which number is now somewhat
diminished. Some of the ministers who have preached to this
church have been Elders Sawin, Edwards, Whitehead, P. H. Evans,
and a son of the first pastor. Rev. AV. S. Hastings, who is now
preaching there.
The church at Door Village united with the association in 1840,
reporting a membership of 110, the number being now much less
than that. Among others who have preached here, are Elders
Sawin, Hastings, Maxwell, Brayton, Post, Fletcher and Ash.
The Baptist church at Westville was gathered and (organized
chiefly by the exertions of Elder J. M. AA^hitehead, who afterwards
was appointed Chaplain of the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers, and
resigned tbe pastorate. Since that time the church has not been
prosperous. In 1857, the number of the membership was sixty-one,
which was rapidly increased, reaching one hundred and sixty-six in
1861, yet although a good house of worship was erected, the mem
bership in 1874 numbered but nine. Since then Rev. J. C. Read
has preached there, regular services are held, the number of tbe
members has increased, and the prospect is more encouraging than
it has been for several years past.
Tbe African Baptist church of La Porte joined the association in
27

418 HISTORY OF .LA PORTE COUNTV.
1871. They have a membership of about twenty, and own and
occupy, holding regular Sabbath services, a neat frame chapel,
situated in the west end of the city. The pastor is Rev. Henry
Gregory. The Baptist (I'.'.nominatlon has had several other preaching places
in the county, in some of which there have been temporary church
organizations, but without houses of worship. The Avork of the
denomination is noAV confined to the six places named.
PKESBYTEEIAN.
Presbyterian history in La Porte county dates back to the year
1831. In the late autumn of that year, Mr. iMvron Ives removed
hither from Paris, 111., and settled upon Rolling Pra.irie in a log
cabin, just cast of the 'Little Kankakee, about one mile and a half
west of the present railroad station pf iiolling Prairie. He Avas the
first Presbyterian in the count}'. In the IMay following, ilrs.
Rebecca Ives, mother of Myron Ives, and his sister Mrs. Sarah
Aldrich, came with their families and settled in the same neighbor
hood. About this time Alexander Blackburn, from the Carlisle
church settled on a farm a Tittle west of Rolling Prairie station. In
the autumn of this year, Mr. Ives and Mr. Blackburn, went to
Niles, Mich., each with a load of wheat. In the night, Avhile Avail
ing for the grinding of their grain, under the shadoAv of the forest,
these two christian-men held the first prayer meeting in the interest
of the Presbyterian church in La Porte county. Soon after this,
they instituted n Sabbath prayer meeting, which met alternately at
the cabin of each. There was yet no stated preaching, but in No
vember, 1S32, Rev. James CraAvford Avho Avas at that time pastor of
a church in CraAvfordsville, and gave half his time to missionary
work, visited the county. He heard of the prayer meeting, sought
it out, and was made welcome b}' the little company. In the cabin
of Alexander Blackburn, Mr. Crawford preached the first sermon
that was ever deUvered by a Presbyterian minister in this county.
In the folloAving week, on the 28th day of November, 1832, a
meeting Avas held in Mr. Blackburn's house to take steps for the
organization of a Presbyteri^an church; and seven persons, Charles
MoAvlan, Myron Ives, Sarah Ives, Rebecca Ives, Sarah Aldrich,
Alexander Blackburn and James S. Hening, associated themselves

CHURCH RECORD. 419
together as the Presbyterian Church of La Porte. On the 13th day
of July, 1S33, tbe Church met in the house of Wm. P. Ross in La
Porte, at which time Mr. Ross and his Avife EUzabeth, David and
Mary DinAviddie, and James, Elizabeth, Catharine and Isabella
Blair, Avere received into the organization, raising the membership
to fifteen. Of this number there remain at this time, connected
with the church, Mr. Ives and Mrs. Dinwiddle Wilson, the latter
of Avhom has been a member continuously from that day to this.
On the 20th of the same month, July, 1833, a meeting was held
at the Kankakee school house for the purpose of choosing elders,
and further organizing the church. James Blair, Myron Ives, and
David Dinwiddle were chosen to the office. Alexander Blackburn
was appointed clerk of the session, and continued to fill that office
many years. The next d.ay, Sunday, July 21st, the first Commun
ion service was observed, and the ordinance of baptism was admin
istered by Rev. James CraAvford, Sarah Ives being the first infant
baptized in tbe church. The name of tbe Presbyterian Church of
LaPorte was adopted as tbe title of the new organization,
and it was received into the Crawfordsville Presbytery. The first
delegate appointed to attend the Presbytery and the Synod of Indiana
was Wm. P. Ross, who was instructed "to invite some minister to visit
us, with a view of preaching to this congregation." This secured the
services of Rev. John Morrill, who on the first of January, 1834, began
a year's labor as the first regular supply of the church. He was paid
three hundred doUars for his year's labors. The first recorded death
occurred this year. It was that of Mrs. Sophia Fletcher. In
1835, the church numbered a membership of fifty-six, and on the
10th of May, in that year, it Avas visited by Rev. Wm. K. Talbot,
who remained about six months. On the 20th of March, 1836,
Alexander Blackburn Avas ordained an elder, and in May of that
year. Rev. A. Carnaban visited the church by^ appointment of
Presbytery, and held a five days service. His labors were so
acceptable that a call Avas extended to him to become pastor, but
which he declined.
Up to this period, the church had no house of worship, which
had subjected them to much inconvenience; but on the 26tb day of
May, 1836, "a vote was taken to build a meeting house, and

420 HISTORY OP LA PORTE COUNTY.
Messrs. Niles, Howell, Skinner, Strong and Blackburn, were
appointed a comraittee to collect funds, choose a situation and u,an-
age the whole affair." This led to the building on the corner of
Prairie and Monroe streets, now occupied by the Christian church;
but it was not untU late in 1837 that any progress was made towards
the building. On the 27th of May, 1837, Rev. Wm. K. Marshall
received a call to become pastor of the church, Avhich he accepted
and was duly installed. He pushed the building project. A meet
ing was held at the Court house, and after discussion of the size
and kind of building to be erected, a method of raising the funds
proposed by E. Morrison was adopted. This was, to create ajoint
stock company, the subscribers to receive the amount of their stock
in pews. The estimated cost of the building was .?6,000. A com
mittee was appointed, consisting of E. Morrison, Amzi Clark, A.
Blackburn and^one or two others, to secure subscriptions to the
stock, and^S.*Van Pelt was made the first Treasurer. These were
the days of "Wild Cat" money, and it was found very difficult to
collect the^^subscriptions. Before the building was enclosed Morri
son, Clark and HoAvell had been obliged to make large advances
from their private funds. This was in the Fall of 1840, and in
1841 the church was sold to satisfy a builder's lien. It Avas pur
chased by Amzi Clark, Avho held it in his own name, until it was
finished. It was dedicated in 1842 or '43, and was deeded to A.
Blackburn for the Old School Presbyterian church, Avith a condition
in the deed, that if ever sold, the New School Presbyterians might
purchase it in preference to a,ll other parties. There Avas a debt of
.^2,000 on the building, and this became so burdensome, that in
the Spring of 1846, the trustees decided to sell i:he property. The
Methodists made a proposition for purchase, but the terms of the
deed stood in the way; and a New School church having been
organized in 1844, by great efforts this organization raised the
required sum and secured the church edifice, retaining it until 1868,
when it VA'as sold to the Reformed Lutherans in anticipation of the
building of the present commodious edifice on Michigan avenue.
The Methodists had been occupying a small brick buildino- ori
the corner of Jeff'erson and Monroe streets, now no longer standing;
and having about the time of the sale of the Presbyterian edifice to

CHURCH RECORD. 421
the NeAV School church, or a little later erected their present church
building, they sold their former structure to the Old School or
First Presbyterian church. It was occupied by that church for a
period of about ten years. In 1862, they erected the building on
the corner of Indiana avenue and Harrison street. It was partially
burned in May, 1869, but was immediately repaired and reopened
for worship on the last Sabbath of the following August, and con
tinued to be the place of worship of the first church until the reunion
of the First and Second churches, Oct. 31, 18 ('1.
The pastorate of Rev. Wm. K. Marshall over the Old School
or First church, began about the first of June, 1.837, and contin
ued until the first Sabbath in October, 1844, Avhich was the longest
pastorate ever enjoyed by the First church. It was attended by a
good measure of success. During the time, the membership of the
church increased from ninety -six to one hundred and fifty. The
first Deacons of this church Avere ordained September 12th, 1840.
They, were Andrew Nickell, Jacob Drum and Elijah Mount. After
the cessation of the pastorate of Mr. Marshall, Rev. James Greer,
became the stated supply ot the congregation, continuing in that
relation nearly two years, Avhen he Avas succeeded by Rev. John
Steele. In October, 1849, the latter received a call to become
pastor ; but it was not accepted until the following April. He was
installed on the 22d of September of the same year. In October,
1851, Mr. Steele asked a dissolution of the pastoral relation, in
order that he might remove to Rolling Prairie, to organize a church
there. On the second Sabbath of the same month. Rev. F. P.
Cummins, at the request of the church, began to preach for them.
His services proved so acceptable that he soon received a call to
become pastor, and was installed on the 14th day of June, 1858,
when it was dissolved at Mr. Cummins' request.
In tbe latter part of tbe year 1858, Rev. J. W. Hanna became
acting pastor of tbe church and continued in this relation until the
autumn of 1860. Late in the same year. Rev. R. S. Goodman
began preaching for this church, and continued his labors about five
years, during which time the new church was built. Mr. Good
man's labors closed in October, 1865, and in October, 1866, the
pastorate of Rev. L. C- Spofford began- He was instaUed on the

4i:2 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
24th of that month. He died on the 12th of April, 1869, deeply
lamented by his people, and by the entire community. x\bout a
month later, the church building Avas burned, yet notAvithstanding
these sad events, on the first Sabbath in September foUoAving, the
rebuilt church Avas dedicated, and Rev. L. M. Stevens began a
pastorate Avhich proved to be the last for that church as a separate
organization. He Avas installed on the 22(1 day of November, and
continued with the church until the union of the two churches Avas
effected on the 31st day of October, 1871.
It is now necessary to return to the year 1844, to review the
history of the Second or New School cliurch. This church was,
organized on the 3d day of November, in that year, in a school
house belonging to Rev. F. P. C'ummins. Thirty members came
into the new organization, tAventy-six of Avhom Avere from the First
church. Rev. S. N. Steele organized the church, and acted as
stated supply for one year. The organization of the church was
completed by the election and ordination as elders of Jame» M.
Clark and EllsAvorth B. Strong. Eleven months after the organi-
zation the membership mustered fifty-one.
In the Spring of 1846, Rev. John AV. Cunningham began a long
and useful course of labor with the church. On the 30th day of
May, 1848, the Presbytery of St. Joseph received Mr. Cunningham
from the union Presbytery of Tennessee, and also placed the Secoml
church of La Porte upon its roll. The next day, the ncAv pastor
was installed. In the first year thereafter, eighty-eight Avere added
to the church, sixty-four of whom Avere received on profession of
faith.. The two years following also showed large additions, and
in the last year of Mr. Cunningham's jiastorate thirty-nine Avere
added to the church on profession of faith. His pastoral relation
was dissolved in June, 185S, his labors liaving extended over a
period of more than tAvelve years.
In .January, 185II. Rev. George C. Noyes Avas invited to the
vacant field, and his labors began on the l-!th of the foUoAving
March. He was installed ^lay 15, 1860. In April of the next
year, the church reported a membership of 236. In ls66 an addi
tion of fifty Avas made on profession of faith, and the membership of
the Second church was then at the higliest point it ever attained.

CHURCH RECORD. 423
It was near the close r-f Mr. Noyes' pastorate that the old church
building was sold, and the initial steps taken for the erection of the
ncAv one. The pastorate of ilr. Noyes was a long and successful
one, continuing until tho 2d of November, 1868, when it was
diss.Jved at the pastor's request, and on the 15th of the same
month, his labors closed.
On the 9th of May. 1860, the congregation extended a call to
Rev. AAm. C. Scofield, which was accepted; but he Avas never
instaUed. On ihe 9th of June, 1871, .Air. Scofield signified to thc
sessiou his determination to retire from his labors at an c:[v]j day,
alleging the ill health of his wife as the cause, and he preached his
last sermon on the S:>,bbath foUoAving the dedior.tion of th • ncAV
ohurcli edifice, -July 23rd, 1871. Rev. John F. Kendall preached
to the cnigregation on the foUoAving Sabbath, and on the 21.^t
of .\iignst. a call Avas extended to him to become pastor ot the
church. Af'ter a brief delay this call Avas accepted, and his labors
Avith the church began on the second Sa.hbath in October. Negc:-
tiations were in progress at the time for the union of the tAvo
churches, Avhich Avere happily terminated on the Slst day of October
by the consummation of the union under the name of "The Presby-'
terian church of LaPorte." This vacated the former call to Dr.
Kendall, and on the 12th of Nciveuibei^, a meeting of the con
gregation Avas hehl, and he , was unanimously invited to become
pastor of the united church. The call Ava,s immediately accepted,
and the installation took place -June 4th, 1872. At that time the
sermon av.is preached by Rev. Henry Kendall, D. D., of New York,
brother of the pastor, charge to the pastor by Rev. R. Beer, of
Valparaiso, and charge to the people by Rev. -J. Q. HaU, of Michi
gan City. A new Board of Elders Avere elected for the uniteil
church, on tbe 23d day of November, 1871. The four foJoAving
were the first chosen, and they Avere requested to perfi>rni such
duties only as might eonsist Avith their advanced :ige, Anson
Grecrg, A. P. AndreAv, Sr., Amzi Clark, and Myron Ives. Five
era ' - ¦'
others Avere then elected for the active duties of the ehleivliip, con
sisting of Wm. 11. Boyd, Samuel Harvey. -Julius Barnes, L. N.
Frary, and E. D. BarroAVs. Only a few days afterwards Ani/,!
Clark was called to his rest and reAvanl. Father AndreAv foUoAved

424 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
in a few months, and Anson Gregg shortly thereafter. They were
all sincerely mourned by the church which held so^large a place in
their sympathies, their love and their prayers.
The pastorate of Rev. John F. Kendall, D. D., still fcontinues,
and the relations between pastor and people are of the most cordial,
harmonious, and affectionate character. The union of the two
churches has been most happy. The elegant church building is
paid for, there is a large and flourishing Sabbath school, and noth
ing seems to stand in the yf&j of a higher degree of usefulness than
at any former period. The eldership has remained unchanged since
the death of the three venerable fiithers named.
An incident Avorthy of note in this record of the Presbyterian
church of La Porte Avill conclude the story of its history. In the
year l'-^73, on June 22d, a special effort Avas made to bring together
at the communion service of the church all the oldest members.
When the appointed hour came those upwards of seventy years of
age Avere requested to occupy the front seats. Thirteen responded to
the request, and two others would have done so, but were detained
at home by ill health. Five of this number, Mrs. King, Mrs.
Lemon, Mrs. Forsman, Mrs. Forrester, and ?dr. Harmon, were
over eighty years of age, and one of them, Mrs. King, the venera
ble mother of Polaski King, over ninety. The scene, especially for
this new, western country, was a rare and impressive one.
Bethel Presbyterian church of Union Mills is the second in age
in the county. It was organized June 22, 1860, by Rev. F. P.
Cummins, in the school house about two miles east of Union Mills.
Mr. Cummins preached there until 1866. The original members
numbered ten, of whom Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McPherson, and Mr. and
Mrs. Bird McLane yet remain. It may here be stated that a New
School Presbyterian church had been organized near Union Mills
in 1845, but at the time when the present church Avas organized, it
bad ceased to exist. At the first meeting John Billington and
Jobn Moon, Jr., were elected elders, but Mr. Moon declined to
serve. In 1854, David Finley was elected to the office. In 1857,
Mr. Billington died, Mr. Finley removed to Illinois, and Wm. Way
was chosen and ordained to the office. He discharged its duties
alone until 1870, when the session was enlarged by the election of
Job H. Northam, Seth Loom is and Amos Brown.

CHURCH RECORD. 425
The church edifice Avas erected at Union MiUs in 1851, Rev. F.
P- Cummins himself hauUng from Michigan City much of the lum
ber used in its construction.
Early in 1856 Rev. John Fisher became the minister of the con
gregation. He was succeeded the next year by Rev. J. M. McRae,
who supplied also at the same time, the church at Rolling Prairie.
Upon the cessation of Mr. Mc Rae's labors, tbe pulpit was vacant seve
ral years, when in July, '61, Rev. R. C. McKinney began to supply
the~church. He Avas succeeded in 1863 by Rev. C. E. Evans, and
he in 1867 by Rev. F. M. Elliott. He was installed in May, 1868,
being the first regular pastor of the church. His labors closed in
1871 ;^and in the summer of 1872, Rev. S. E. Smith began to sup-
.ply the vacant pulpit, and still remains there, although not an in
stalled pastor. Considerable additions were made to this church in
1869 and 1870. Again in March, 1876, there was a decided
awakening, when Mr. Smith was assisted in his labors by Rev. Dr.
Kendall of La Porte. The church has been useful and infiuei'itial,
and its prospects for future usefulness are very encouraging.
The Rolling Prairie church stands next in order of time. The
first organization of a Presbyterian church in La Porte county took
place, as has been stated, at the house of Alexander Blackburn, half
a mile west of Rolling Prairie, but this organization became the
First Presbyterian church of La Porte, and must not be confounded
with that now existing at Rolling Prairie, which was organized in
February, 1852, Rev. John Steele who bad left the La Porte church
for the purpose, heading the enterprise. Twenty-eight members
were enrolled, many of them going from th.e church at LaPorte.
Alexander Blackburn and B. F. Piper, who had been elders in the
La Porte church, and John S. Hawkins were appointed elders, and
James Catteriin and AVm. Wetherbold deacons. Mr. Steele re
mained with the church a little over three years. During this time
sixteen of the original members had withdraAvn, because of removals,
among them Blackburn, and one of the other elders. James Cat
teriin was ordained elder, June 24, 1865, anastiU occupies tbe
office. At the close of Mr. Steele's ministration the membership
had increased to fifty, though it had lost some of the best and most
zealous among them. June 27, 1856, Dr. T. D. Brown and Cor-

426 HISTORY OF LA I'Ol^TE COUNTY.
nelius Hermans were ordained eiders; and foUoAving Mr. Steele,
Rev. F. P. Cummins preached to the congregation d, year or more,
when Rev. J. M. McRae commenced in April, 1867, a period of
Labor with this church, extending over nearly two years. His labors
were successful, a revival Avas enjoyed and twenty-nine Avere added
to tbe church. During parts of the years 1860-1, Rev. F. P.
Curarains again acted as supply for the church, and Avas afterAvards
succeeded in this duty by pastors at LaPorte, Rev. R. S. Good
man, and Rev. L. C. Spofford, Rev. AV alter Forsythe, of South
Bend, and Rev. J. Lowry. In the year 1869-70, Rev. J. H.
Nevius, of South Bend, supplied tbe chu.rch regularly, and Avith
much acceptance and usefulness. During the past year Rev. tienry
-Johnson a theological student of the^ seminary at Chicago, hasr
preached once in four weeks.
The church edifice Avas erected in 18-">7, and tbe membership now
numbers about forty.
The next Pr.^sby terian church organized in the county was that
at AVanatah. In 1870, Rev. F. M. Elliott, of Union Mills, found
a few Presbyterians .at Vv'anatah and formed them into a church.
He preached to them Avhile he remained at Union Mills, and has
been foUoAved in his labors there by Rev. S. E. Smith. 'Sir. Frank
ilcCurdy and Mr. Orville Adams are the elders. They have no
church edifice, and the number of the membership is less than
twenty. Tl,'' youngest Presbyteria,n church in the county is tb.at at Mich-
gaii <Jity. Many years ago, the Congregational church at ]\Iichi-
gan City was Presbyterian about one year, and there has ahvays
been in the church an element Avhich preferred the Presbyterian
polity and system of church government, and in the earh' part of
1871, a portion of the members took steps for the formation of a
Presbyterian church. A meeting Avas held in March for general
consultation, the result of which Avas that tAventy-nine person, at a
subsecpient meeting, held M:ireh 27t.h, asked for letters of dismis
sion. These adjourned to the house of C. H. HaU, and there re
solved to organize a Presbyterian church in Michigan City. On
the Sunday following, April 2d, services were held for the first
time. Rev. C. VanSantvoord of Chicago, preaidied. On the foi-

CHURCH RECORD. 427
loAving Sabbath, Rev. J. Q. Hall, of Minnesota, preached to the
neAV organization, and Avas called to the pastorate on the 13th. Au
thority having been obtained from the Presbytery of Logansport,-
the church was duly organized on the 9th day of May, Avith a mem
bership of thirty-nine ; and J. S. Ford, John Orr, J. A. Thornton, and
Henry AV. Johnson were elected elders. Jobn Orr died on the 16th'
day ot May 1873, .and B. F. Sammons Avas elected to the vacant
eldership. Thus this church began its existence. There Avere^
great zeal and earnestness araong the members, a revival came in
the winter foUoAving the oraianization. and the number of the mem-
bership was increased to seventy -seven. There was an early deter-
niination to erect a house of Avorship, steps Avere taken to this end
in the suramer of LS72. and on December 10th, the present church
edifice was dedicated, a sermon being preached on the occasion by
Rev. Arthur Mitchell, of Chicago. A large and fiourishing Sab
bath school is connected with this church. Mr. Hall accepted the
call which he had received, and ¦ was regularly installed pastor on
the 5th day of June, li's72. His pastorate still continues, and has
been attended Avith a high degree of .success and usefulness.
LUTHERAN.
The Evangelical Lutheran church at La Porte, was establi^ihed in
the year 1857. Several families of this faith Avere living in La
Porte, and they invited Rev. H. Wunder, of Chicago, to preach for
them. This he did for a time, when .they effected a church organi
zation, and oiled as their first pastor. Rev. T. Tram. He Avas a
laborious and useful minister, and under his charge, the congrega
tion gre\N' and flouri-.hed. They had no house of worship, and for
some months, their services were held in a school hsuse. They
then built a small frame church on C. street. But the congrega
tion still grew, larger accommodations were necessary, and in 1863,
they built the brick edifice Avhieh they noAv own and occupy, a
handsome and substantial budding. It is neatly finished, and sup
plied Avith all conveniences to make it attractive and comfortable.
Rev. G. Kuechle was pastor for several years, after 1863. The
present pastor is I. 'T. Neithemmer. There are one hundred and
ninety families represented in the congregation. The society sup-

428 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
ports its own schools, which number nearly three hundred pupUs.
This church is known as St. John's Evangelical Lutheran.
There has been for many years a Lutheran church organization
at Michigan City, having a good house of worship, and a large
congregation. Owing to some disagreement between the pastor and
a portion of the church, which occurred in 1876, a division Avas
recently effected, and a part of the membership retired. These
will, without delay, proceed to the erection of a new house of wor
ship. There are many Lutherans also in other parts of the county.
Attached to the LaPorte charge, a number reside in the vicinity of
Kingsbury, and have preaching three miles south of that village as
often as once a month. At Westville there are also quite a num
ber. They are VA'ithout a house of worship, and are attached to
the Lutheran charge at Valparaiso. In addition to these there is a
church edifice not far from Wanatah, which is occupied by a branch
of the Lutheran church. The membership of the churches in this
-county is attached to the Synod of Missouri.
The St. Paul's Evangelical Reformed Lutherans also have a
church organization in LaPorte, and a church edifice on Main
street, which Avas formerly occupied by the Disciple or Christian
•congregfition. Rev. Jacob Linder is the pastor.
Tbe membership of the foregoing are all composed of persons of
German nationality, and there is, in addition to them, in La Porte,
a Lutheran church organization composed of persons of Swedish
nationality. They own a church edifice on D street in Andrew's
addition, where regular services are held every Sabbath, by Rev. G.
Lundahl, the pastor. CATHOLIC.
There are two CathoUc church organizations and buildings in the
.city of LaPorte, St. Joseph's Catholic church, (German,) and St.
Peter's, (Irish). The latter is the older organization, its existence
being almost coeval with that of the city. Rev. Father Kilroy,
who was a man of great force of character, and influence with bis
people, was many years the officiating priest. Rev. Father T. 0.
Sullivan now ministers to this congregation, which is one of the
largest in the city. Their house of worship is a neat frame struct-

CHURCH RECORD. 429
ure Avhich has been much enlarged since its foundation. It is situ
ated on Monroe street, and a school house is attached to the church.
St. Joseph's church was organized into a Catholic congregation
in 1858 by Rev. M. Soberer. Tbe fine, substantial brick edifice
which they occupy Avas built in 1859-60, and a school house Avas
added soon afterwards. In 1865, Father Soberer Avent to another
field of labor, and was succeeded as priest by Rev. S. Bartoz,
of Polish descent. His health faiUng, he resigned in 1870, when
Rev. John Oechtering, the present pastor, succeeded. Connected
Avith this church are one hundred and twenty-five German and seve
ral Polish families. , The church building is one of the best in the
city. It is croAvned with a steeple one hundred and thirty-five feet
high, with tAVO chime bells, Aveighing each one thousand pounds.
The Sabbath school is a flourishing one, and numbers about tAvo
hundred children.
At Michigan City there is a large Catholic church and congrega
tion, which was organized many years ago. Their house of worship
is one of the best in the city, and the congregation probably the
largest. At Otis, also, there is a Catholic church, Avith a small but neat
church building. Most of the members are Polanders.
DISCIPLE OR CHRISTIAN CHUECH.
Of this denomination there are five congregations in La Porte
county. Tbe church at La Porte was established in 1837 by means
of the efforts of Judge Wm. AndrcAv and Dr. Jacob P. Andrew.
Their labors Avere earnest, unremitting and successful. The elders
who have ministered to the church as pastors since that time have
been John Thompson, Wm. Lane, M. N. Lord, Dr. C. G. Bartholo
mew, Ira J. Chase, James Hadsell, A. M. Collins, and Oscar F.
Lane. The last named recently resigned the pastoral charge, and
at this writing, (March, 1876,) the congregation is without a pastor.
For many years this society occupied the buUding on Main street,
Avhich is now occupied by the Reformed Evangelical Lutherans.
Tbe Lutherans having, in 1867, purchased the Second Presbyterian
church building, they soon after exchanged with the Christian
society, the latter desiring a larger edifice ; and since that time the
congregation of the Christian church has occupied tbe commodious

430 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
house of worship on the corner of Prairie and Monroe streets. The
congregation numbers about one hundred and fifty, and the deacons
and deaconesses at present are T. J. Foster, A. P. Ireland, J. L.
Boyd, Mrs. AV. H. Calkins, Mrs. Angeline C. Wagner, and Mrs.
T. J. Foster. S. K. Pottenger and Isaac N. Whitehead are the
elders. r The society next in order of organization after that at LaPorte,
is the one at Westville, which was established in 1848 by John
Martindale. The congregation numbers about one hundred.
Among the elders whose labors they have enjoyed are Dr. C. G.
Bartholomew, and Elder Edmundson.
About the year 1850, a society of this church was established in
Galena township. It was reorganized in 1872 by Elder Joseph
Wick-ard. It has had the benefit of the labors besides others, of
elders John M.artindale, David Miller, Wm. Roe, Wm. C. Cum
mins, and Caleb B. Davis, who is the present pastor. The congre
gation numbers fifty.
In 1854, a church society of this denomination was established at
Rolling Prairie by John Martindale, which has been one of the
,most flourishing in thc county. In 1874, it numbered one hundred
and sixty. Since its organization, it has received the pastoral
labors of Elders Komer, Sargent, Sharpless, Clendennin, AVm. Roe,
Jesse Roe, and Joseph Wickard. Among the prominent members
of this church are Isaac N. Whitehead, Miner Nesbitt, and Absa
lom Bowell.
Be^des those already mentioned, there is a small congregation of
Christians at Wanatah, which has generally received tbe ministra
tions of the pastors of the church at Westville. The aggregate
membership of the Christians in the county is probably not far
from five hundred. ZION'S CHUECH.
The congregation of this church is composed of our Jewish citi
zens, the services being the Hebrew ritual, and their rule of faith
the Scriptures of the Old Testament. They occupv a very neat
synagogue or church on the corner of Indiana ave. and First street,
where services are held Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

CHURCH RECORD. 431
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.
. Some of the pioneers of La Porte county were members of this
•denomination, among Avhom are the well-knoAvn families of the Stan-
tons and Vails, who settled here as early as 1833. Some of them
came from Ohio, and others from New Jersey, some also from
AVayae county, Ind., and the State of North Carolina. They soon
established a meeting in the " Quaker neighborhood," north of the
citj' of La Porte. Here for many years their services Avere held,
ceasing about 1860, owing to the deaths that had occurred, and the
removal of others. Not long afterAvards, about 1869, a neat brick
church was erected in La Porte by the Friends. In this year,
Jacob H. Vining came to La Porte from the State, of Maine, when
the scattered families of Friends, some of whom belonged to the
Orthodox branch of the society, and others to the "Hicksite"
branch, joined together and established a meeting at La Porte in
the new churcb.^ Jacob H. Vining became the preacher, and servi
ces have been held regularly ever since. This is known as an
Orthodox meeting, though in fact, it is about equally divided between
the two branches of Friends. SWEDENBORGIAN .
This is called "The New Church," or the Society of "The New
Jerusalem." It was organized in LaPorte on the 14th day of
June, 1869. Nine years before, the doctrines inculcated by Eman
uel Swedenborg bad been introduced to La Porte, chiefly through
the instrumentality of Judge Chamberlain of Goshen. He had
made the acquaintance of Mr. and Mrs. James Andrew, Mrs. An
drew and her sister who was visiting her at the time, being believers
in this faith. Mr. Chamberlain determined to secure some one to
give lectures on this belief, and not long after this decision, in the
year 1850, coming from Goshen, he brought with him Rev. Henry
Weller. He was a man of far more than ordinary ability, and his
lectures produced a profound and lasting impression. He continued
preaching here, though not with regularity and when the society
was organized, Mr. Weller was chosen pastor. He preached regu
larly to the society after this, except during the time when he was
Chaplain of tbe 87th Indiana Volunteers, up to the date of his
departure to the world of spirits, which occurred on the 9th day of

432 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
June, 1868. His death was greatly mourned by his congregation^
who had for him a sincere and heartfelt esteem and affection. ReV.
Woodbury M. Fernald was pastor from June 1, 1869 to May 1,
1870, Avhen his labors ceased, and in 1874, he too passed away
from earth. On the 1st day of October, 1871, Rev. Cyrus Scam-
mon Avas appointed pastor, a position which he still holds. The
society occupies a plain but very neat temple, situated in the cen
tral part of the city. It has a membership of perhaps fifty; and
its Sabbath school shows a still larger number. The following are
stated as essential doctrines of the New Church : The Divinity of
the Lord; the Holiness of the Word, and the Life of CharitA".
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
There are two Episcopal churches in La Porte county, one at
La Porte and one at Michigan City, the latter being one of the
oldest church organizations in the county. They are known re
spectively as St. Paul's church, of La Porte, and Trinity church of
Michigan City. St. Paul's was organized on the 25th day of July,
1839. At the meeting for the organization. Rev. D. V. M. John
son, Rector of Trinity church at Michigan City, presided, and
Franklin Thwing acted as Secretary. The officers elected were,
for Wardens, John Hobson and Franklin Thwing; for Vestrymen,
James Whittem, J. R. Traver, Samuel StcAvart, Thos. H. Phillips,
Hiram AVheeler, T. B. BeU, Jacob Eariy and H. T. Holbrook.
For some months after the organization, the Rector of Trinity
church at Michigan City preached for the new church each alternate
Sabbath. Early in 1840, Rev. Solon AA^. Manney was settled as
Rector, and his successors have been a,? foUoAvs: Rev. H. W.
Roberts, 18-51; Rev. F. R. Half 1,S.52; Rev. W. E. Franklin,
1864; Rev. A. Gregory, 1856 ; Rev. A. E. Bishop, 1862: Rev.
J. H. Lee, 1864; Rev. F. M. Gregg, 1866: Rev. G. J. Magill,
1870; Rev. Chas. T. Coer, 1875. After a feAv months of very
acceptable labor, Mr. Coer resigned; and the church is noA\-, early
in 1876, destitute of a Rector. A sorroAvful event in the history
of this church, was the death of Rev. W. E. Franklin, who in life
was beloved, and in death was lamented by his parishioners. For
several years, this church had no house of worship; but in 1845,
the present edifioe on the corner of Michigan avenue and Harrison

CHURCH RECORD. 433
street, was erected. It has since been enlarged and much improved.
The communicants number about one hundred and fifty; and the
value of the church property is estimated at $10,500.
Trinity church at Michigan City Avas established in 1836, and
its first Rector was Rev. D. V. M. Johnson. Some of those Avbo
have succeeded him are. Rev. G. B. Engle, now of Indianapolis;
Rev. Henry Safford, now of Cold Water, Mich.; Rev. C. A. Bruce,
Helena. Ark.; Rev. Wm. H. Stoy, Logan, Utah; Rev. E. P.
AVright, Sussex, Wis.; Rev. R. L. Ganter, Akron, Ohio; Rev. T.
L. Bellam, Golden, Col.; Rev. J. F. Winkley, Westfield, Mass.;-
Rev. Dr. Reeves, now of Mich.; Rev. R. Brass, Pontiac, Mich.
Rev. S. S. French, is the present rector. The number of communi
cants is about sixty. The church property consists of a quarter
block at the corner of Franklin and Sixth streets, upon which
stands the church edifice. The corner stone of the present building
vvas laid in 1858. It is a neat, wooden structure, on a brick and
stone foundation, Its style is "Rustic Gothic." The rectory
stands on the same lot. The total value of the property is about
115,000. The AVaidens are at the present time, U. C. FoUet, and W. R.
Godfrey; and the Vestrymen are Charles Tryon, L. B. Ashton,
Elijah Behan, A. E. Martin, John Dixey, W. R. Bowes, and AVal-
ter Vail. UNITARIAN.
On the 22nd day of June, 1875, Rev. Dr. Robert CoUyer, of
Chicago, upon invitation of some of the citizens, and with a vieAV to
the formation of a church of that denomination, preached in La
Porte, and steps were at once taken for a proper organization, which
has been successfully accomplished. Rev. Enoch Powell Avas in
stalled pastor on the 7th day of March, 1876, and the following
Board of Trustees have been elected: Dr. George M. Dakin, Presi
dent; Charles G. PoweU, Secretary; Mrs. N. S. Darling, Treas
urer; and L. Crane, Dr. T. Higday, Mrs. Kate Owen and Mrs.
Sarah Fox. Regular services are now held at the Court House,
and a flourishing Sabbath school has been organized. The foUow
ing is the Bond of Union, which forms the basis of the church
28

434 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTV.
'' AVe, Avhose names are hereto subscrihed, associate ourselves to
gether as a Christian church, for the purpose of moral and spiritual
improveraent, and of promoting truth and righteousness in the
world, through the study, practice and diffusion of pure religion, as
taught and lived by Jesus of Nazareth, — "Love to God and Love to
Man." Recognizing the right of private judgment, and the sacredness of
individual conviction, we require no assent to any other doctrinal
stateraent as a basis of Christian fellowship, but we welcome all who
desire to co-operate with us in advancing the Kingdom of God."
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH— 3nCHIGAN CITY.
In the year 1835, Rev. John Morrill, of Massachusetts, AA'ho had
been a short tirae at La Porte, came to Michigan City ; and through
his efforts a Congregational church Avas organized. Among others
who were present at the organization, there were Rev. John Mor
rill and his wife, Mrs. Benjamin James, -Jacob and Mrs. Bigelow,
Mrs. Susan Sprague, Robert StcAvart, and Joel Ferris. After the
departure of Mr. Morrill, Reverends South, Chase and Townsend,
preached for the infant society. The records of the church are
very imperfect, but it seems that in February, 1840, a majority of
the members preferred a Presbyterian form of government. A
change was accordingly made from Congregational to Presbyterian,
and the denomination Avas attached to the Logansport Presbytery.
But the Congregational sentiment was stUl strong, and in October,
1841, the former action was reversed. On the 23rd of September,
at their own request, the Presbyterian church of Michigan City
was dropped from the rolls of the presbytery. On the 5th of Octo
ber, a meeting was held at Avhich AViUys Peck was caUed to the
chair and S. H. Turner appointed Secret.ary; and a resolution was
adopted changing the form of government to the Congregational,
and re-adopting the name by Avhich the organization Avas first
kiiOAvn, that of "First Congregational Church of Michigan City."
It is probable that Rev. James Towner Avas at this time the pastor,
but ceased to be, either at the change of name or shortly after; and
Rev. Elmathan Davis supplied the pulpit. Mr. ToAvner died on
the 2d day of March, 1844, at Michigan City.
In 1842, Rev. John M. AVilliams preached to the congregation

CHURCH RECORD. 435
as "stated supply," and continued his labors with them until some
time in the year 1844. A call was then extended to Rev. Erastus
Colton, of Peoria, 111., which he accepted, and was installed Novem
ber 20th. At this time Willys Peck, John Bond and Joshua R.
Shedd, were deacons.
During the pastorate of Mr. Colton, in September, 1847, an in
cident occurred which is worthy of mention, as illustrating the
cautious watchfulness of the church in the matter of domestic mor
als. A widow lady, Tabitha Stone was a member of the church,
and in course of time married a Mr. Swenck. From some cause
the marriage was not a happy one. She procured a divorce, and
not long afterwards ¦was married to a Mr. Hughes. A charge was
promptly brought against her in the church, that she had violated
Christian duty. It was brought in clue form before the proper
authority, and a bearing was bad, when it was decided that " though
she (Mrs. Hughes,) pleads civil custom and tbe practice of church
members in self-justification,- and asserts her ignorance of the bind
ing force of the divorce law given by our Savior in the Gospel as
reC'^rded by Matthew, and deems her act right, after reflection and
prayer, yet in the opinion of this church, she erred in not delaying
her acts of divorce and remarriage until she could inquire and come
to a correct judgement. Her fault, however, not bearing evidence
of wilfulness, but, it would seem, being a sin of ignorance, she is
hereby admonished to sin no more, in a like act." It is plain that
the church did not wish the uxorious sister to fall into a habit of
divorce and remarriage, or that the example she bad given, should
be followed by others.
It ¦will be seen that the Congregational church is one of the old
est in the county, and it is the only one of that denomination. It
-has enjoyed a fair degree of successful work, and has been presided
over by some able pastors. Among others whose ministrations it
has shared in later years, are Rev. Edward Anderson, who became
Colonel of the Twelfth cavalry in 1864 ; Rev. Mr. Taylor, and the
present pastor Rev. Mr. Kent.
Some other church organizations have existed in the county;
but, destitute of church edifices, their church services have not been
regular, and some of them at least have now no existence. Among

436 HISTORY OF LA PORTS COUNTY.
These Avas a AA'^esleyan Methodist society, Avhich maintained regular
services for a time, and also the United Presbyterian organization,
which, under the pastoral charge of an excellent man. Rev. Mr.
Clark, enjoyed a period of prosperity. The organization has long
ceased to have regular services.

CHAPTER XXVr.
INVEXTIONS AND DISCOA'ERIES.
The progress of tihought as directed toward discovery and iuA'en-
tion has had its full share of developement 'in La PoHe county.
Some of its most important achievements will be noted in this
chapter. In 1848, -Jacob J. Mann, Avho was carrying on a country Avagon
and blacksmith shop and his son, Henry F. Mann, Avho had learned
the wagou maker's trade with his father, — invented a harves,ting
machine Avhich cut the grain with a scolloped edge sickle, and by a
double series of toothed bands ; one series running on a level with
the cutting apparatus and the other series running up an inclined
plane, carried the cut grain up the inclined pl.ane and deposited it
into a rotating receptacle Avhere the sheaf was ciAllected. ami thrown
upon the ground in suitable condition for binding. Machines Avere
made in 1.S48, and an application made for a patent Avhich was
issued to Jacob J. Mann and Henry F. lAlann. June 10, 1840. In
1840, ten of the machines were made and put into operation in the
harvest of that year, but on account of some defects it Avas found
necessary to make further improvements in order to msike a practi
cally successful harvester. This occupied the minds of tbe invent
ors until 1853, when they made another machine embracing such
improvements by filing a caveat in iM.");!. followed by an application
for a patent in 1865, and the issue of the second patent to J. .J. &
H. F. Mann, -June 3, 1K,">6. The improved machine Avas exhibited
at the Indiana State Fair held at LaFavelfo in 1S5:5, and was
looked upon Avith so much favor by ihefiirmers and examining com
mittee that it Avas awarded the first premium in competition with
the popular machines of that day.

IXVE.VTIOX.S ,A\D lAISCOA'ERIEs. 437
As is usually the case with invent(.irs of valuable improvements
there w-ere many difficulties encountered by the Planus, inventors
and patentees, but notwithstanding, they succeeded in building a
considerable number of their machines for each harvest, and also in
having some built by other parties, John D. Stewart, of La Porte,
having built some, so that there have been made and used in the
harvest field from 1,500 to 2,000 of the "J. -L Mann & Sons"
reapers. This machine Avas put in competition with others at Fairs
on many a hotly contested field trial,- and almost universally
came off Avith the highest honors. In many instances farmers have
cut from sixteen to twenty ^icres of wheat in a day with one of
them. Jacob J. ¦^iann died in the early part of 1868 at Westville, Ind.
H. F. ilann now resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., and as he has not
abandoned his idea of improving agricultural machinery, is now
engaged in developing a combined tAvo Avheeled moAver and harvester,
upon Avhich the binders ride and bind.
In 1861. H. F. Mann, then living in LaPorte, Ind., invented
and obtained a patent for improvement in breech loading cannon.
He then proceeded to AA^ashington to secure the adoption of bis
invention by the government, and in 1S62, presented to the consider
ation of the goverment officers a 3 in. cast steel breech loading rifled
field piece, which was tested under the direction of the late Admiral
Dahlgren to the extent of five hundred rounds, upon the result of
which he obtained an order for an ei<i;ht inch rifle gun which
was completed at Trenton, N. -J., in September, 1863, and was fired
ten proof rounds in October of that year. It was then removed to
Washington and thence to Fortress Monroe, avIjcu it Avas fired
twenty rounds in 1864, and in 1867 Avas again successfully tested
under the direction of the late Gen. Rodman, chief ordnance con
structor of the government. In the early part of 1874 at the ear
nest solicitation of Mr. Mann, the gun was removed from Fortress
Monroe to the West Point foundry where it was bored up to eight and
four-tenths inches and rifled, after which it Avas taken to the govern
ment proving grounds at Sandy Hook, N. Y. Harbor, Avhere it has
been tested under direction of a board of Ordnance officers Avith very
satisfactory results, using tAventy-five to thirty-five pounds of pow-

438 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
der and one hundred and seventy pound conical projectiles. The
results obtained at this last firing compare very favorably with
results obtained in this country and in Europe with government
guns of the best standards. Mr. Mann is confident, and he has
reason to be, that this gun will yet stand in tbe front rank in the
armament of the fortifications of this country.
Brooks' Turbine water wheel was invented in 1854. Improve
ments were from time to time made in it by E. B. Brooks and his
brothers, and in 1871, M. A. Brooks took out a patent for an im
proved water wheel. The first one was made in La Porte by Brooks
and Husselman. These wheels are now manufactured at the ma
chine works of J. N. Brooks, and they have been very extensively
used in the West.
In the year 1859, George W. Miles, of Michigan City, invented
a Felloe Bending machine, which is now in use in the La Porte
wheel factory, has been improved by that company, and proves to
be a machine of great utility. The Wheel Company are also using
a machine which is very ingeniously arranged for the shaving of
spokes. It is the invention of W. "W. Smith, of La Porte, and was
produced by him in the year 187.2.
In the line of discoveries rather than inventions, there is to be
noted especially the discovery of a remedy for what is called the
opium habit, or the practice of eating opium, a habit which entails
untold suffering on its victims. Until the year 1868, there seemed
to be absolutely no remedy for this dreadful disease, if disease it
may be called, and Avhen the habit was once fixed, there was no
relief but in the grave, which in most cases was soon reached. In
the year 1868, a mechanic in La Porte, working at his trade, which
was that of a brick-layer, discovered a remedy by which those who
had fallen victims to this fearful habit might be able to save them
selves from a fate more terrible than that of the bound Prometheus.
It had been frequently declared that the disease of opium eating
was incurable. High medical authority had said so. Dr. Oppen-
beim pronounced it "a fatal fascination never to be broken by any
wUy stratagem or open force whatsoever". Dr. Pidduck bad said
that the opium eater " can no more break away from the habit than
the paralytic imbecUe can throw off" his lethargy," Dr. EUiotson

INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES. 439^
"could not find the first instance of voluntary renunciation," and
Dr. Palmer, of Ontario, had never even heard "of the first instance-
of permanent reformation after the habit had been confirmed.""
There seemed absolutely nothing to open the labyrinth of woes in
which these poor victims wandered, not one ray of hope to cheer
the desponding sufferer.
But tbe time had come Avhen this, like all other evils to which
human fiesb is heir, Avas to yield to a remedial agent of nature; and
it fell upon Dr. Samuel B. Collins to pioneer the Avay to freedom
and happiness for this wretched portion of humanity. Another
hidden secret of nature was given up, this time to a humble mechan
ic ; and his voice was like a star in Egyptian darkness to those who-
had so long Avaited without hope.
Dr. CoUins has been practicing medicine since about 1860, and
AA'hen he first made known his great remedy, it was received as most
important discoveries have ever been, with incredulity and even
ridicule. But there Avas a man in La Porte, in whom all had confi
dence, one of the first settlers of the place, a large property bolder,
and an eminently respectable and upright citizen. For years he
had been afflicted with the opium habit, and was rapidly going down
to the grave. He tried the Collins discovery, and Avas cured; and
when be declared on oath that he took the remedy between the 18th
day of July, and 13th day of December, 1868, when he found him
self absolutely and totally cured, there was no room to doubt the
efficacy of the discovery. Prejudice, ridicule and incredulity all
gave way before it, and the fortunes of Dr. Collins were made.
Since then his course has been one of continued triumph. The
fame of bis remedy has gone all abroad, and is known at this time
almost throughout the civilized world. As at the beginning, so
still it continues to perform its work. From every quarter testimo
nials have come as to its efficacy, until a book larger than this
volume might be filled with them. Almost from the home of Dr.
Collins comes this : Union Mills, Ind., September 30th, 1872.
Dr. S. B. Collins, La Porte, Ind.,
Hear Sir: — After taking a nostrum prepared by a * * *
* * for the opium habit, and being made very sick there-

440 hlsTory of la porte county.
by at each dose, I concluded to try your remedy, having learned
that you are the sole discoverer of a painless and permanent cure
for the dreadful habit of opium eating.
I am rejoiced that I did so, for after taking your remedy for
about twelve months, I found myself, as I truly believe, entirely
cured, and I am now comfortable without any medicine whatever.
Like nearly all opium eaters, I first believed your remedy resem
bled the * * * * a sort of humbug, — but to my surprise and
great joy I fou.id it to be a perfect cure for the accursed habit.
If any person desires to know more of this wonderful remedy by
corresponding Avith me on the subject of my cure, I will cheerfully
answer every question, and give all information in my power con
cerning tbe action of the remedy in mv own case.
I have lived in La Porte county for thirty-nine years, and had
used Kijrphine for about eiglit, at the time I commenced taking
your remedy, consuming one bottle of it in from eight to nine days;
but since taking the first dose of your raedicine I h^ave had no desire
for any preparation of Opium Avhatever, and I now pronounce my
self entirely cured, lam confident that if any opium eater will
write to Dr. Collins, giving him the exact amount of the drug used
for a certain length of time, Avhether morphine, gum opium or laud
anum, and will follow the directions given upon the label of the
bottles, he, like myself, will be delivered from the opium hell that
no man can describe.
I have a njar neighbor Avho, after taking a few bottles of your
remedy was entirely freed from his terrible bondage, but like manv
others who have been cured by you, will not allow his name to be
made public
Thanking you for the many favors you have conferred upon me
and the great good you have done, and wishing you and your inval
uable remedy unbounded success, I remain very respectfully. John McLai.\.
Araount of Opium used per month, 1020 grains: cured since
July, 1872.
A few other brief testimonials are selected and piesented here:
April 23, 1874.
When I first went to you for consultation and conference with
reference to my case, and after a full statement of facts, you did
not promise to cure me under twelve months, and with tinit infor
mation I Avent under your treatment, and I g.ave you an 'wact and
truthful statement of my case; and commenced to take A'our medi
cine as directed. The result was, you completed a [term uwnt cure

I-WKNTIONS -A.\I> i)I,sOOVERIl':S. 441
in a little over eight months time. Almost five nKUiths have now
passed since I left oft' taking your medicine, and I i.(m a Avell, happy
and prosperous man once again. Joy and gladness have come once
more to our family circle, and driven forever away that sadness and
grief and deep sorroAv that had settled there because of my illness
and bondage to that great task and slave-master, morphine. For
eight long, Aveary. sorrowing years, it led me day by day for all that
time, to satisfy the demands of liahit entailed upon me by the
doctors who attended me during ray long iUness in the summer and
faU of 1864.
Since the first Tuesday in October last, I have been in court
every day here, and there, with but one or two exceptions, and I
have had full strength of mind and body to enable me to conduct
the matters and business there demanded of me. But for your aid,
your skill, and your medicine, I ncvei- could have done such work.
I tell you doctor, I am well again, I (vni what I have Avritten 3'ou /
•rrn. You haA'e done for me all and more than I have ever Avritten
vou. That aAvfully heavy weight or load of profound grief and
apprehensiA'e sorroAv that had for so long a time settled upon the
hearts of dearly loved ones in my own loved home, because tltey
saw through morphine the surely and sAviftly coming of the sleep
of death during the long night of the grave, has been completely
removed, and uoav with light hearts and joyous, happy spirits, they
move on and on through the hours of this life, never forgetting my
great emancipation from the long and terrible bondage of that cruel
but seductive poison — morphine.
Marcus P. Norton."
P. S. — When your treatment commented, I weighed 184 pounds,
now I weigh 22(1 pounds, in all 36 pounds of square and healthy
gain. M. P. N. "
Amount of opium used per month, 120t) grains: cured since
January, 1874. Napoleon, Ohio, December 10, 1874.
Dr. S. B. Collins, LaPorte, Ind.:
Bear Sir : — It is noAV more than a year since I ceased to use
either your antidote or opium in any form. My general health is
greatly improved and improving.
At a former tiipae you published a statement of my case under the
title of "Water Cure versus Home." I was certain then that your
antidote would accomplish all that you promised. I have only now
to say that this has been done in my case; also that it will do this

442 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
in every case when it is taken according to directions. Sympathy
and duty require me to make, and authorize you to use this state
ment. Yours Truly, Wm. Sheffield, Banker.
Amount of opium used per month, 7200 grains ; has been cured
since November, 1873. Franklin, Ga., January 24, 1875.
Dr. S. B. Collins, LaPorte, Ind.:
Bear Sir :— It affords me great pleasure to say to you that you
have cured me of eating opium. I had been eating it about three
years. I used your Antidote about three months. I have used
neither the Antidote nor any morphine in about three months, and
now have no desire for either. Very Respectfully,
Mollie E. Duke.
P. S. — You can use the above in any way you please.
Amount of opium used per month, 1200 grains; cured since
October, 1874.
Hundreds of such testimonials could be presented, but these must
suffice. They abundantly show that Dr. Collins' discovery for the
cure of the opium habit is no quack nostrum, but a veritable reme
dial agent, which does the work it professes to do, and which has
already brought sweet relief to many a one Avho had fallen into the
lowest depths of horrid despair.
The pecuniary returns of Dr. Collins have been commensurate
with the importance of bis discovery, and he spends bis means
freely among the people where he toiled as a laborer. He erected
a few years ago, an elegant marble front building in La Porte, the
third story of which he generously donated for five years to tbe
Library association. He has advertised freely, and has met and
still continues to receive his just reward.

professions and business. 443

CHAPTER XXVII.

professions and business.

In the preceding chapters, the beginning, growth and devel
opement of La Porte county have been stated. This chapter will
present a general view of the business of tbe county, as it now
exists. The number of those engaged in the various trades and
professions in the villages throughout the county, has already been
shown in connection Avith the history of the townships in which
they are severally located. It has been found impracticable to
obtain even an approximate estimate of the amount of the business
transacted throughout tbe county, and it is impossible to do much
more than state the number of business houses of the various branches
of trade, and of those who are engaged in professional employments.
The agricultural products of tbe county may be stated in round
numbers at about the following : The number of acres of land in
eultivation is 87,000; head of cattle, 19,000 ; horses, 8,000; mules,
500; sheep, 10,500; tiogs, 18,000; bushels of wheat raised, 485,-
000 ; bushels of corn, 920,000 ; bushels of rye, 3,000 ; bushels of
oats, 185,000; tons of hay cured, 6,000; bushels of barley raised,
27,000; bushels of potatoes, 64,000. These amounts must be
taken as an average for several years pagt, excluding the year 1876,
as to wheat; for in that year there was perhaps less than one-third
of a fair crop, the severity of the preceding winter having utterly
destroyed many thousands of acres.
THE business OF LAPORTE.
In tbe city of La Porte, there are three firms dealing in agricul
tural implements, two of whom sell most kinds of farm machinery,
and do a large business in this line. The other firm manufactures
and sells separators which are extensively used, and continue to
have a large sale. Besides these several other parties manufacture
various articles of farm machinery, such as gang plows, cultivators,
rollers, &c.

444 HL-iTORV OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
LaPorte contains two book and stationery stores, and book-, are
kept also in connection Avith two of the drag stores. Of the latter
there are five. '
Fred'k AVest keeps the drug store in the xVlexander block on
Indiana avenue, also a large assoi^tment of books, stationery and
many fancy articles, besides wall paper and curtains. Mr. AVe.5t
came to La Porte county in 1861, and en-:>:aged in teaching in Gale
na and Hudson toAvnships. In 1852 he came to LaPorte and
entered the store of P. King, then on Main street. In lS-)3 he
conducted Mr. King's branch store at Kingsbury, and remained
with him until 1S,')T. Avhen he became one of the partners in the
firm of L. C. Kose c^ Co., druggists, Avhose store was on the corner
now occupied by Vail's jewelry store, Avherc he continued until the
destruction of the building bv fire in the year l>-i70. Mr. AVest is
now the oldest druggist in the county. (See advertisement.)
John H. Bu(h;ie & Co,aipa:\y, established the business of drug
gists in December, 1875, and have met Avith very encouraging suc
cess. Their place of business is on AVest Main street in Allen's
block, the interior of Avhich has been fitted up and furnished so as
to present a very neat and tasteful appearance. Mr. Buggie came
to La Porte in 1873, but did not go at once into a business of his
OAvn. His experience in his business dates back ten years, covering
nearly the .whole of his active life; and his experience has been a
thorough and valuable one. It is his earnest desire to build up an hon
orable reputation, and already his personal attention, which is unre
mitting, and his fair dealing, have borne fruit in a trade that has
gone quite beyond his expectations, reaching as high as from SI. 000
to $1,200 a month. (Seeadvt.)
In the Une of dry goods there are no less than eight large and
successful establishments, some of which have been in existence
many years.
Julius Barnes. "Bee Hive." This \^'ell known house was
established in 1855, by James Lewis, who Avas succeeded in 1.S57
by James Lewis & Company, and by the present proprietor in 1865,
He has kept the "Bee Hive" ever since, always having a large
stock of dry goods and fancy goods at the loAvest prices.
DeAVitt C. Di',e«ER. The firm of J. F. Decker i Sois c-nn-

1 KOEESsloNS A\U l:CSJ.\ESs. 445
menced business in LaPorte in the Fall of 1861. The Senior
partner Avas connected Avith the iirni nearly ten years, when he
withdrew, leaving the business Avholly in the hands of his son. From
the beginning the business has been attended with marked prosper
ity. Mr. Decker has fully earned the reputation Avhich he enjoys
of being one of La Porte s most reliable a,nd successful business men.
This reputation has been earned by personal industry, and by hon
est anil straight-forAvard dealing. His stock of dry goods is large,
and in addition to this be keeps an extensive stock of crockery and
glassware, Avhich is fully up lo the times in all its requirements,
from that which is cheap to that \Ahich is most elegant in style and
foremost in quality. In each department of his extensive business
he is always able to accommodate every class of his customers,
Avhatever their tastes or the ipnrlity of the goods they Avish to pur
chase. (See advertisement.)
The Pioneer Store of V. Kixu. This is one of the oldest
business houses in LaPorte, having had its origin in 1845, through
a branch at .LaPorte, of tbe Micliigan City firm of Holbrook and
King. The La Porte branch Avas under the supervision of Mr. A.
D. Porter. The firm dealt in dry goods, groceries, hats and caps,
millinery, itc, and they had a branch also at Ncav Buff'alo. In the
Spring of 1841' this was sold, and Mr. Kinji' caiue to LaPorte and
took chai^ge of the store here. Avhile Mr. Holbrook retained the one
at Michigan City. A year later, Holbrook sold to King, and re
tired from tbe mercantile business. Thus Mr. King's career as a
merchant in La Porte county dates from 1845, making him the
oldes'" merchant uoav in the county. Me came to Michigan City in
the 3'ea,r 1S35, Avhcn but twelve ye.ars of a;ie, Avith J. S. Castle,
and Avorked in the office of the ilichigan City (Jazcttc, the first
paper published in LaPorte county. From 1836 to 1838 Ire at
tended school and clerked in the store of Mr. Chittenden and Mr.
Field, Avhere be received a thorough mercantile education, fitting
him for his life Avork. He was employed in the house of C. B. &
L. Blair during parts of the years 183S-39, and from 1841 to 1845,
Avhen he formed the partnership Avith IL P. Holbrook.
Mr. King built the store room now occupied by D. C. Decker,
and occupied it tAvelve years, Avhen having built the large double

446 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
store on the post office corner, he moved his place of business to
that locality, where he still remains, and is one of tbe most prosper
ous and succeesful merchants in the State, a prosperity which has
been attained by steady industry, honest dealing, and wise manage
ment. He has noAV associated with him in the business, his two
efficient clerks, S. N. Haines and C. W. Kaber. (See advt.)
Four stores keep crockery and glass-ware.
Wm. Crawford, whose store is on Main street in Allen's block,
commenced business in April, 1858, in a small building near the
Chronicle office. He keeps a large stock of every variety of
¦crockery and glassware, and lamps and lamp fixtures.
DeWitt C. Decker. This gentleman is the successor of J. F.
Decker and Son, he having been the junior partner of that firm.
He deals in crockery and glassware, and dry goods, doing a large
business in each. His business is noticed elsewhere at greater length
and more in detail. (See advt.)
Grocery stores abound in La Porte, there being altogether twenty-
five, many of them having a large trade.
Wm. H. Seavard, who was engaged in this trade many years, in
Allen's block, on Main street, closed out his stock and retired from
the business in April, 1876.
I. M. Miller, occupies the corner store room in Allen's block,
where he commenced the grocery business in February, 1870,
having purchased in connection with Willard P. Allen the stock of
Henry & Orr, Avho preceded him. He afterAvards bought out
Allen and is noAV sole proprietor. He receives a large share of
custom. In the boot and shoe trade there are seven firms, each doing
quite an extensive business.
Closser & Nelson. The firm of Heston & Closser commenced
business at the present locality of Closser & Nelson, the 28th day of
October, 1868. Heston went out in August, 1872, and Wm. C.
Nelson became a partner Avith Mr. Closser, the latter having exclu
sive control of the business. He has had a large share of success
ill the trade, and the establishment has become well known, for
reliable, fair and honorable dealing. (See advt.)

PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS. 447
There are four clothing merchants, several merchant tailors,
and six Avho deal largely in gents' furnishing goods. These three
branches of trade are combined in the large store of J. Hamburger
& Co., a firm Avhich was established in April, 1876. The senior
member of the firm began business in La Porte twenty -two years
ago. He continued about thirteen years, and was then put of
business untU bis formation of a partnership with Mr. Henoch, and
tbe opening of their present store. It has been their intention
from the beginning to be able to supply this city and county Avith
every article nejded for gentlemen's wear, either ready-made, or
made to order. The merchant tailoring department is in charge of
a cutter who has no superior in his line. The firm have been emi
nently successful in their first year of business, and the prospect for
a greater amount of business in the future is very encouraging. (See
advt.) There are ten stores dealing in millinery and fancy goods. One
of the most successful is that of H. W. Joseph & Co., who com
menced business in January, 1874, and directly afterwards moved
into their present store on Main street, opposite the court house.
The principal branch of their business is that of millinery. Even
during the hard times of the last year, their sales have been large.
They have lately added to their business tbe sale of the Victor
sewing machine, and have already had a good run of trade. Doing
a strictly cash business .and thus being enabled to sell at the lowest
possible prices, they are fast receiving from the public the favor
which they merit. (See advt.)
There are six flour and feed stores, though most of these are
connected with groceries, only one being devoted exclusively to
this trade ; two or three coal dealers ; six furniture dealers, some of
whom manufacture largely for this and other markets ; four bake
ries; ten butcher shops and meat markets; four hardware merchants
and dealers in stoves ; three ice dealers ; five dealers in clocks,
watches and jewelry; twenty-six dealers in tobacco and cigars,
either alone or in connection with some other trade, two of
whom are extensive manufacturers of cigars; four dealers in pic
tures and picture frames, two large dealers in leather and findings ;
two dealers in lime; four sewing machine dealers; nine milliners

448 history of la porte county.
and dress makers; seven restaurants; one eating house at the
depot; nine boarding houses; twenty -four saloons; three under
takers; one firm of whisky rectifiers; one brcAvery ; six billiard
rooms; six barbers; two telegraph offices; two ladies' hairdressers;
seven liA^ery and feed stables; one express office; one gas and steam
fitter; four harness makers; tAvo coopers; tAvo tanneries; four
planing mills; one marble cutter and dealer in tomb stones; one
portrait painter; tAvo photographic establishments; three sign
painters ; three manufacturers of a cure for the opium habit. There
are four dealers in lumber. The oldest establishment is that of
Wilson & Eraser. The business Avas commenced by AA'. Wilson
k L. Eliel in the year 1850. This partnership continued until the
Fall of '71, when Mr. Eliel withdreAv having some time previously gone
into business in Chicago. Upon the dissolution of the partnership,,
Mr. AVilson continued the business alone, until February, 1873,
when having become associated Avith the La Porte chair company,
he Avas elected its president; and this position requiring a consider
able portion of his time, Jlr. S. P. Fraser became associated with
him in the lumber business, and is now its manager. The trade of
the old firm was always successful, and under the present arrange
ment it has assumed still larger proportions. It is a fair example
of what industry and Avise business methods, such as constant vigi
lance and attention and fair dealing, will accomplish. In the
Spring of 1874, Mr. AA^ilson formed a copartnership with R. S.
Morrison in the coal trade, thus assuming additional responsibili
ties, all of which are fully met and mastered. Every different
enterprise in Avliich he has engaged has become prosperous, the
three different interests in which he noAv has a share all beine in a
fiourishing condition; and each of them is Avorthy of high commen
dation for the efficiency, industry ami integrity of all Avho are con
nected Avith them. (Seeadvt.)
There are four hotels, the oldest and best known of Avhich is
The Teegarden House, kept by V. AV. Axtell. This house was
built by Dr. A. Teegarden. It Avas completed, and opened in the
year 1852 by Capt. Levi Ely, who remained in the house two years.
-He AVi^s followed by James Lougee, and he in turn by Lawson &
Phelps. They Avere in it a short time, Avhen they were succeeded.

PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS. 449 -
in 1856 by the present proprietor, who, Avith an exception of a single
year, has kept it ever since. Under his administration the Teegar-
en has reached and maintained a fine reputation as a first-class
hotel, not second to any in the country in cities the size of LaPorte.
(See advertisement.)
Three newspapers are published in LaPorte, a further account of
which is given in another place. Of these The Chronicle is the
latest established, but has already secured a large circulation.
There are three book and job printing establishments. Of these
the latest established and that which does the largest business is the
house of
S. E. Taylor & Co., which was established in February, 1874.
This firm does a large amount of book printing in addition to the
usual job printing. They keep constantly on hand a full line of
card board, ruled letter and bill head papers, and colored jobbing
papers. This house is one of the most complete in the State, and
their facilities for doing all sorts of work in their line are unsur
passed. The work done by them is always first-class in every res
pect. (See advt.)
La Porte contains two establishments which deal in musical in
struments, pianos, organs, &c.
Robert Scott has been engaged in this business since the year
1872, and has succeeded, by his energy and activity in building up
a large trade. He is able to furnish pianos and organs of all styles
and prices, and of any manufacture, to order. His facilities for
purchasing are such that he is able to sell on the most reasonable
terms. Persons accustomed to the catalogue prices of the various
houses throughout the country that manufacture musical instru
ments, will, if they consult Mr. Scott, be surprised at the figures he
will show them, and the exceedingly liberal terms on which he deals.
They will learn that these instruments can be purchased right here
at home at a discount from catalogue prices that is simply aston
ishing. (See advt.)
The manufactures of LaPorte are considerable, though there is
room for more. There are several cabinet makers; eight or ten
wagon and carriage makers, some of whom turn out a great deal of
work ; an establishment for the manufacture of sash, doors and
29

450 history of la porte county.
blinds; one pump manuficturer; tAvo makers of farm rollers; one
saw mill ; three flouring mills ; one broom factory ; the La Porte Avheel
company, fur the manufacture of agricultural implement wheels,
and other work ; an extensive bedstead factory ; the La Porte chair
company, for the manufacture of cane seat chairs ; one car manu
facturing company ; an extensive manufactory of separators, steam
engines and other machinery ; an establishment for the manufacture
of castings and all sorts of mill machinery ; tAvo large woolen facto
ries ; a fanning mill factory ; a maker of wire fences ; gas company
and works, and the Holly water works. All the different mechan
ical employments are well represented.
By the cemsus of 1870, LaPorte county employed in her manu
factures 883 hands; the capital invested was $653,340; wages
paid $260,655; the value of materials used $699,841, and the value
of productions $1,234,366. These have considerably increased
since that time, but to Avhat extent it has been impracticable to
ascertain. E. Michael & Co., manufacture tbe Michael Fanning Mill.
Mr. Michael commenced the manufacture of these mills in March,
1859, and in 1869 Mr. G. P. Winn became associated with him
under the firm name of E. Michael & Co.
In the year 18 ('4, they made eight hundred of their mills, in
1876, one thousand, and will probably make eleven hundred during
the year 1876. Their sales for the year 1875 amounted to $33,-
000, and the present year will no doubt exceed that figure.
The enterprise of Mr. Michael and his partner is a most com
mendable one, and has deservedly been very successful. A large
part ot their sales -are made out side of La Porte county, hence it is
one of those means so much needed for bringing money from abroad
into this county. Every work of this kind adds largely and con
stantly to the material wealth of the county. It is only the simple
truth to say that this fanning mUl has no superior, and wherever
known it finds ready sale. The firm have not tried to extend their
sales much outside of the State, but they could easily do so, for the
merits of the mill are such that a A'astly increased number might be
placed on tbe market. It will be a source of gratification to all
who knoAV them, if their increase of products in the future shall
exceed that of the past.

professions and business. 461
J. L. Boyd commenced the business of making light wagons,
carriages and buggies in 1864, and has continued the work ever
since. Always turning out work of the best quality, his orders
have been equal to his ability to fill them. No one is ever disap
pointed in his Avork, as he uses none but the best material, and
gives every piece his own constant care. It is much to say, that a
man's customers are always honestly served, but it is perfectly true
of Mr. Boyd. (See advt.)
The LaPorte AVhebl Company. This company was organized
in 1870, by Gregory, TurnbuU & Griffin, and occupied the building
where it is now located, the same Avhich Avas built for a paper mill
nine years ago. In 1872, Mr. Wm. Niles, having taken a large
interest in the company, Avas elected president, and has given the
enterprise a degree of prosperity that is very satisfactory. The
products of the factory are about $75,000 annually, and they con
sist of agricultural and buggy wheels, wagon and buggy spokes,
woods for agricultural implements ; hammer, sledge, ax and plow
handles; neck-yokes; single and double trees; Grape Vine and
Turkey Wing cradles; "Clipper" combined corn plow, Avalking
corn plow, cultivator and double shovel plow; files, and machine
and blacksmith work, &c. The factory employs about seventy-five
bands. (See advt.)
In tbe immediate vicinity of La Porte there are several nursery
men, market gardeners and florists, whose industry has met with a
fair reward.
R. B. Allen, whose gardens and green-houses are handsomely
located on the bank of Pine lake, commenced the business of gar
dening ten years ago; and four years ago, he established the green
houses. With every year of his labors, he has added to his grounds
and methods of cultivation, until now, he has in great abundance
all kinds of small fruits, many apples and pears, a large and pro
lific vineyard, and every kind of early and late vegetables in their
season. His green houses are crowded with plants and flowers, in
almost endless variety, and be is able at the proper seasons to sup
ply almost any product that anyone is likely to desire, in the line of
vegetables, fruits or flowers, whether bedding plants, or cut flowers,
in bouquets, wreaths, crosses or any sort of floral design. (See adv.)

462 history of la porte county.
There are five banks in La Porte, each one of which is a sound
institution. The La Porte Savings Bank. This institution Avas organized
in the month of August, 1871, under and by State authority. It,
is regularly inspected by the auditor of State as required by law;
and all investments are made strictly according to the law of the
State for the regulation of Savings banks. Every depositor becomes
a stock holder to the extent of his deposit; and all net earnings are
divided' among the depositors. In framing the law on the subject,
every precaution seems to have been t.aken by the Legislature, to
render the Savings bank as near perfection in security for the
deposit of money as [it is possible for any institution to be made.
The names of the officers and trustees of this bank .are a guarantee
that the proAdsions of the l.aAv will be strictly observed. These
consist of the foUoAving Avell-knoAvn citizens: Trustees, John Suth
erland, Dr. T. Higday, Benajah Stanton, T. W. Butterworth, F.
Baurag.artner, Samuel DoAvning, and Shepherd Crumpacker. Offi
cers — Preside-.it, John Sutherland; Vice Presidents, Dr. T. Hig
day and Benajah Stanton; Cashier, J. H. Vining. It is not easy
to compute the benefits to individuals and the community of a well-
conducted Savings bank; affording as it does a convenient deposito
ry for money; and a method for safely .and profitably investing it,
and yet retaining it in a taxable and available condition. It is not
fl.attery, but the simple truth to say that this bank under its Avise
management, has fulfilled all the conditions for the convenient and
safe investment of surplus income. (See advt.)
The banking house of A. P. Axdreav, Jr. & Son Avas organized
in the month of December, 1S60, and in November, 1875, the
banking office Avas established in its present location on ^lain street,
opposite the court house. A. P. AndreAv, Jr., or Capt. AndreAV, as
he is generally knciAvn, is one of the first settlers of LaPorte, being
one of the original 'proprietors of the site of the city. He was
editor of the LaPorte County Whig in 1S30 and '40, and Avas
afterAvards engaged in the banking business at Michigan City. He
has nlw.ays been successful in business, his ventures being marked
by wisdom and prudence. Capt. AndrcAv, the younger, is the man
ager of the banking business, and he seems to have inherited the

PROFESSIOX.S AND BUSINESS. 453
prudent carefulness of his father. Together, they have made the
bank an eminently safe and sound financial institution. They
transact all parts of a general b^mking business, and have the confi
dence of aU Avho do business Avith and ^ through them. (See advt.)
The professions are ably represented in La'Porte, in theology,
law and medicine. The number of those in the clerical profession
and the success of their labors wiU be learned from the chapter on
the history of the churches of the county. Those engaged in the
practice of the law number not less than twenty. Four of these,
Andrew L. Osborn, John B. Niles, James Bradley and Mulford K.
Farrand Avere among the earliest, as well as the ablest practitioners
at the bar of La Porte.
Wm. E. Higgins, Attorney at Laav, Avas admitted to the bar
at La Porte, May 5, 1860. He practices in all the courts of the
State, and gives prompt and special attention to collections and
probate business, also deals in real estate.
Samuel E. Williams, Attorney at Law. He Avas admitted
to the bar in La Porte, March 14, 1843. He transacts business in
all the State courts, gives prompt attention ?to collections in this
and adjoining counties and States, and settles estates and guardian
ships. "¦"¦"::
Dan. Broavn, Attorney at Laav. Was admitted to the bar of
LaPorte in 1874. He was sheriff of La Porte county from 1870 to
1874, having been twice elected to that office. He makes the col
lection of doubtful claims a specialty. Money to loan and all busi
ness of the profession attended to with promptness.
A. T. Bliss, Att'y at Law. He Avas admitted to the bar in
April, 1859, and has made a fine reputation for industry and the
honest care which he bestows on all business and cases entrusted to
him. He noAv has a fine practice, Avhich he has secured by his OAvn
personal merits, and steady devotion to his profession. Since his
admission to the bar he has been steadily engaged in his profession,
except during several years of the war, when he Avas in the service
of his country, where he held the rank of Captain. (See advt.)
Irvin Van Wis, Att'y at Law. He was admitted to the bar
of La Porte in April, 1872, and is rapidly buUding up a fine prac
tice. He is earnestly devoted to his profession, Avhich he pursues
with an assiduity that is" sure to win success. All persons who

454 history of la porte county.
entrust business to him will have it attended to with industry and
faithfulness, and with careful attention to the interests of the client.
For a lawyer Avho has so lately begun the practice, and where there
is so much competition, JMr. Van AVie has had far more than ordi
nary success. (See advt.) *>.
Mortimer Nye, Att'y at Law. Mr. Nye was raised in La
Porte county, of which he is a native. He Avas admitted to the bar
in the year 1862, and has acquitted himself in such a manner .as to
build up a good practice. He was elected Mayor of the city on
the Democratic ticket in 1873, and again in 1875, holding that
office at the present time. Besides his laAV practice, he is engaged
in the real estate trade and deals extensively in lands, having always
on his books a large amount of city and country real estate for sale.
Those Avho become his clients in the law, or have land trans.actions
with bim will be certain to secure an honest and faithful attention
to their business. (See advt.)
There has recently been established here a
Book Bindery by iNIr. Chas. Bard, a needed enterprise, and one
that is worthy of encouragement and liberal patronage. Mr. Bard
has done the Avork of binding this history, and avUI no doubt give
full satisfaction to those who give hira Avork of this kind to do. He
is an industrious young raan and hopes to build up here an institu
tion that shall be permanent. This will be a benefit and conve
nience to the city, and it would be well for those Avho have binding to
do, to consult their best interests and have it done at home rather
than to send it aAvay. (See advt.)
There are ten or twelve insurance agents in La Porte, represent
ing more than forty fire and life insurance companies, and half a
dozen or more Avho furnish abstracts of title to real estate. Some
of these agencies are held by attorneys at laAv, others foUoAV exclu
sively the business of insurance.
The State Fire Insurance Company. This Company is lo
cated at LaPorte, it Avas organized in October 1875, and its charter
bears date, January 26, 1S76. It is a LaPorte enterprise, and its
officers hope to build up here a company that sha'.l take rank Avith
the foremost of the great insurance organiz.ations of the country.
Their success thus far has been all that could reasonablv be exnect,-

PR0FES.^^I0NS AND BUSINESS. 465
ed. The business has been increasing rapidly, the most rigid econ-
moy prevails in the management, and the prospect for future
vigorous growth is clear and encouraging.
George C. Dorland, real estate and insurance agent, and con
veyancer. Mr. Dorland commenced his present business in the
the Spring of 1874. His previous training had been such as to
qualify him for it, in raore than an ordinary degree, he having
been deputy recorder from 1866, until near the time Avhen he went
into business for himself Thus he has been educated by years of
training to the work in which he is noAv engaged, Avhich in
cludes the making of deeds and mortgages, and furnishing abstracts
of titles. He avUI soon have completed a set of abstract books for
all the lands in La Porte county. He Avas appointed a notary
public, February 23, 1874. Those Avho entrust business to him
will find it in safe hands.
The medical profession is represented in LaPorte by some accom
plished practitioners. One Avho Avas eminent especially as a surgeon,
and Avho had been longer in La Porte than any other. Dr. Daniel
Meeker, has recently died. There are noAv here about tAventy phy
sicians, five of whom are Homoeopathic, one Eclectic, and the others
Regular. There is also one lady physician. Three dentists should
be added to the number.
George ^I. Dakin, M. D. Dr. Dakin received his medical
education at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, completing
the prescribed course of study in the year 1852. For several years
he practiced medicine at Princeton, 111., and in 1862 came to La
Porte, Avhere he has been since that time, enjoying a large, labo
rious and successful practice. (See advt.)
Mrs. M. a. Stevens, M. D. Mrs. Stevens, so avcU known to
the people of LaPorte, and indeed Northern Indiana, is an Eclectic
physician of exceUent standing and large and increasing practice.
She commenced the practice of medicine tAventy years ago, in Elgin,
lUinois, from which place she went to Chicago, and in April, 1866,
came to La Porte. She remained here a comparatively brief period,
when she went to Goshen, but in 1868 returned to LaPorte and
has practiced her profession here ever since. In her treatment, she
makes use of Electro-thermal, Turkish, Vapor and Sulphur baths,
and has been remarkably successful in the treatment of persons

466 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
suffering from acute, chronic or nervous diseases. She is a gradu
ate of the celebrated Dr. Trail's Hygeio-therapeutic college. New
York City.- (See advt.)
S. C. Whiting, M. D., Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon.
Dr. Whiting located in LaPorte, April 22, 1876, coming from
Vincennes, Indiana, where he had for many years enjoyed an
extensive practice. He came at tbe solicitation of Dr. S. A. Rob
inson, who proposing to make a journey to Europe, chose Dr.
Whiting to take charge of his extensive practice, Avith a view also
to a future partnership. The foUowing note from Dr. Robinson
Avill more fully explain the arrangement, and the merits of Dr.
AVhiting. I take pleasure in introducing Dr. Whiting to my patrons, as the
man 1 have chosen from among a large number of applicants as
best fitted for the place, and the one I would prefer to have treat
my friends and family during my absence. In the prime of life, a
man of great energy and vigor, thoroughly qualified in, and AvhoUy
devoted to, his profession, he comes intending to make La Porte
his permanent home, and willing to work for you as I have done,
day jind night. He graduated at the Western Homeopathic Col
lege, Cleveland, 0., in 1855, after Avhich he entered the LTniversity
of New York and took a thorough Allopathic and Hospital course.
He is a meraber of the American Institute of Homeopathy, and the
Indiana State Homeopathic Society. For the last sixteen years he
has been in very successful and active practice at Vincennes, Ind.,
where his reputation is excellent, both as a physician and citizen.
Dr. AVhiting wdl have entire charge of the business from this time
until my return from Europe, Avhen our contract provides for an
equal partnership. S. A. Robinson.
La Porte, April, 1876.
The firm of Davidson Brothers was organized in January,
1867, and occupy the large marble front double store on Main
street. The members of the firm, Ralph and August Davidson,
have been in business in LaPorte nearly, or quite twenty years,
and are well and favorably known to the people of the county.
Ralph Davidson was a member many years ago of the old firm of
Hamburger & Davidson, which Avill be remembered as a heavy cloth
ing establishment. The present firm has. from its organization,
done a heavy business in its various lines of trade, and tbe brothers
have shown themselves remark'>'-^'" o„no.i....fi,i n„.,;„„„„  „i,-:-.

professions ano business. 457
them among the foremost of Northern Indiana, in enterprise and in
prudent and honorable dealing. For further information see advt.
C. G. DoAVLiNG has been in LaPorte thirteen years. In Sep
tember, 1863, he Avas engaged as cutter in the "Bee Hive," where
he continued six years and a half when he formed a partnership in
the merchant tailoring business with Jjseph Hagenbuck, under the
firm name of Dowling and Hagenbuck. 'The partnership continued
about three years when it was dissolved by mutual consent, and the
business passed into the hands of Mr. Dowling who has continued
it ever since, with success. He is well known as a superior cutter;
and his work is so satisfactory that he has constantly grown in
popular favor. He is courteous to customers, honorable in bis
dealings, and is consequently prosperous in business. (See advt.)
The photographic artists of La Porte, turn out as good Avork as
•can be obtained anywhere.
Wm. M. Scott, is the LaPorte pionoer in this business. His
gallery was established in 1853, at the precise location opposite the
•court house, where it is now, commencing with the old style daguer
reotype. Mr. Scott has kept pace with all improvements in trie art
of taking sun pictures; and his enterprise has brought him corres
ponding success.
J. W. Bryant opened in the business of taking ferrotypes in
LaPorte, Sept. 16, 1868, in rooms in the balcony block, buying out
the establishment of Charles B. Teeple. About two years and a
half thereafter, he moved to his present location, on the south side
of E. Main street, and has pursued successfully the business of a
photographic artist in its various branches, keeping fully abreast
with every improvement made in the art.
Tbe business of Michigan City hdS increased remarkably during
tbe last five years, owing in large part to the irapetus given to
trade by the harbor improvements. Within that time a very ex
tensive lumber trade has been built up, and at the present time
there are not more than two or three larger entrepots for lumber on
the lakes than Michigan City. Six or eight heavy firms are en
gaged in this trade. Among them
George Marsh is a heavy dealer, and has been in the trade three
or four years, and bis business has been on the increase from the

458 history of la porte county.
beginning. He deals in pine lumber, and ships southward on both
lines of railroad.
AV. G. Peck is also one of the heaviest dealers in lumber at
Michigan City.
The business and commercial houses of Michigan City number
more than fifty, and they are generaUy prosperous. A number of
large manufacturing establishments give employment to numerous
workmen. All the different mechanical, commercial and manufac
turing employments are successfully pursued by enterprising busi-
. ness men.
Schoenemann & Ashton. This is one of the leading grocery
houses of Northern Indiana. They comraenced business in 1867,
and now occupy tAVO large store rooras on Franklin street, one at
the corner of Second street, the other at the corner of Sixth.
The professions are Avell represented in Michigan City. The
churches are supplied Avith able pastors, there are six attorneys at
law, and nine physicians. There is also a sound banking bouse,
three neAvspapers, the Enterprise, News, and Prison Reformer,
and hotels sufficient to supply thfi wants of the travelling public.
The Jeavell House now kept by a very popular landlord, Har
vey R. Harris, was erected in l.So3. by the elder Mr. Leeds, now
deceased. It Avas opened by Mr. Pike, of NUes, Mich. At differ
ent times since it has had for landlords, Patterson. Chikls, Layton,
Crary, Murtagh and Harris, the latter of whom took it Avhen his
term of office closed as auditor of the county. He is an excellent
hotel keeper, and has added largely to the popularity of the house.
The folloAving notice closes the business revicAv.
P EN Brand of Kingsbury, opened his store in that viUage, Jan.
1, 1871, and his business house may be said to be the lineal successor
of several other stores that from time to time existed in Kingsbury.
He is well knoAvn throughout the county, and his business is proba
bly greater than that of any other merchant outside of L.aPorte and
Michigan City. The coming of the railroad to Kingsbury, has
given new impetus to the viUage, and the business of Mr. Brand has
increased accordingly. (See Advt.)
It should have been stated in the chapter on inventions and dis
coveries, that Mr. Henry Mills, of Noble toAvnship, in the year 1857,
invented the binding car attachment to ,the Mann reaper, for ridino-
and binding, a contrivance which is now in almost universal use on
reaping machines.

NEWSPAPERS. 459'

CHAPTER XXVIIL
NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper issued in La Porte county was the Michigan
City Gazette, .James S. Castle, editor and proprietor. The first
number was issued in June, 1835. At a little later period James
M. Stuart become connected with this paper, and for a time Sam
uel MiUer owned it. Polaski King of La Porte, was the youngest
boy in the office and Avas consequently the first printer's "Devil"
in tbe county. The Gazette, after a somewhat checkered career,
ceased to exist, probably in 1841.
Following the newspapers at Michigan City, the Herald comes
next into view. It was established by Richard Burley, during the
existence of the Gazette, but its life was brief It lived but little
more than a year. In politics it was Democratic, while the Gazette
was Whig, and as at that time the city Avas strongly of the latter faith
in politics, the Gazette had the fairest opportunity for existence.
For a time Michigan City was Avithout a ncAvspaper, Avhen in
April, 1846, Thomas Jernegan established the Michigan City News,
and continued its pubUcation until the office Avas burned in Sep
tember, 1853. Mr. Jernegan Avas post-master at the time, and did
not resume the publication. In politics the News was Democratic.
FoUoAving the Netvs, came the Transcript, a AA'^hig ncAvspaper
which was established in the Summer of 1854 by Richard AV. Col
fax. He disposed of his interest in the Spring of 1855 to Hickock
and OBrien, and died in the Spring of 1856. The new proprietors
changed the name of the paper to the Enterprise but did not con^
tinue its proprietors longer than the close of that year.^ They were
succeeded by L. B. Wright, who published it until April, 1859,
when be sold to Thomas Jernegan, the present editor and proprietor.
He has published it continuously since that time, except during a
part of the war of tbe rebellion, when it Avas suspended from May,
1863, to November, 1866. the editor having been appointed to
the position of assistiint paymaster in the navy. The Enterprise
has for many years been Republican in politics.

460 history of la porte county.
In 1863, during the suspension of the Enterprise, M. & J. Cul-
laton established the Michigan City Review, which they published
one year.
The Michigan City News was established in March, 1875 by J.
F. Rowins. Soon afterwards, Mr. N. Conover became a partner,
and then buying out Rowins, became the sole proprietor. In poli
tics the News is Democratic.
The latest venture at Michigan City is the Prison Reformer, the
first number of which Avas issued in March, 1876. It is edited and
published by Rev. M. S. Ragsdale, moral instructor in the prison,
and is devoted to prison reform and the reformation of prisoners.
The first paper ever published in La Porte was " The La Porte
County Whig, and Porter, Lake and Marshall Coun'ies Adver
tiser." It was established near the beginning of June, 1838, by J.
M. Stuart ai d S. C. Clisbe, the first named being the conductor of
the new journal. It was of the size of six columns to the page,
which seems to have been the usual size of western papers at that
day. Stuart continued the publication of tbe paper about a year,
when it p.assed into the hands of Capt. A. P. Andrew, Jr., Avho became
proprietor and editor, continuing as such until his removal to
Michigan City.
July 29th, 1840 the Whig published the foUoAving notice:
"Press FOR Sale. — The LaPorte County Whig Press, with
all the furniture and fixtures, is for sale. Time will be given, by
being well secured. A great bargain will be given. It is the best
furnished press in Northern Indiana, and cost $1500 in New York,
about three years ago. A. P. Andreav, Jr.
N. B. — It would be an object for a practical printer to continue it
at this place. The subscription list is about five hundred — and
might be easily increased to double that number. The only cause
of the present proprietor wishing to sell is his h.aving removed to
Michigan City. Letters addressed to James AVhittem, Esq., La
Porte, or the subscriber, will be carefully attended to. '
Not long afterwards, the paper passed into the hands of T. A.
Stewart, who conducted it several years, part of the time editing it
himself and at other times employing assistance to do this Avork.
Among others, there appears as editor in 1842, the name of M. H.
Orton. Stewart still controlled the paper in the latter part of

NEAVSPAPERS. 461
1843. Johnson and Stewart appear as proprietors in 1844. The
next change worthy of note occurred in 1845, when John Millikan
became the proprietor. From that time on he controlled the paper
until his sale to M. & J. CuUaton in 1865 having associated
Avith him a part of the time, his brother Wm. Millikan, Avho now
pubUshes the AVashington (Ohio) Herald, and Richard Holmes, who
is at present publishing the Ca,ss County (Mich.) Republican. Mr.
John Milliksin himself is now the business manager and local editor
of the Marshall County Republican. In the year 1855 Mr. Milli
kan changed the name of his paper, the AVhig party having ceased to
exist as a political organization, and it Avas henceforth the LaPorte
Union, until purchased from the CuUatons by Chas. G. Powell,
when it was merged in the Herald, then published by him in La
Porte, and ce:ise(l to exist. This paper during its long and check
ered career, participated earnestly in all the AVhig, and subsequently
Republican contests of the times through Avhich it passed. It fought
gallantly in behalf of Harrison, Clay, Taylor, Scott, Fremont,
Lincoln in two campaigns, and Grant. The first exciting carapaign
in which it engaged was that of 1840, Avhen it Avas conducted by
Capt. Andrew, who showed persistent pluck, spirit and ability. It
had then for its ncAvspaper and political antagonists in La Porte, the
LaPorte .ZTeraM, a paper Avhich Avas established about the same
time Avith the Whig. It Avas published by -Joseph Lomax, and
edited by bim and W. F. Storey, uoav of the Chicago Times, who
was then engaged in the drug business in LaPorte, and Avas the
heaviest advertiser among the business men of the place. The Her
ald continued to exist, but by a rather uncertain tenure at times,
until  . In its conduct it frequently shoAAcd croppings
out of the characteristics Avbich now distinguish the Chicago Times,
but its proprietor evidently found it difficult to make his enterprise
a paying one. In 1840 the Herald contained a ".Lo.afer's Depart
ment," of which the foUo-iving is a mild specimen.
"On the 8th of September the postmaster at Greensboro inform
ed us that Abxer Dickering refused to take the Herald from that
office. He OAves us $4.18- We have not heard from the dishonest
rascal since." For Aveeks each issue contained two or three similar
notices. The two LaPorte papers, the Whig &nd the Herald, in
1840 and previously, engaged in a great deal of personal controver-

462 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
sy. They seem to have been accustomed to fire at each other
constantly, and the small shot flew thick and fast. In a single
issue of the Whig, that of June 17th, 1840, there appear the foUow
ing hits: "The editor of the Herald says 'he is not afraid of us.'
Guess he has not seen us for two or three weeks." Capt. Andrew
had just then recovered from a three Aveeks prostration with bihous
fever, during which time John H. Bradley conducted the paper.
" Do the patrons of the Herald approve the high-minded, honor
able course pursued by its editor towards political opponents ?— or
would they prefer he should descend to low, scurrilous abuse as
some do? "
"Our neighbor of the Herald is informed that we cannot consent
to sink the gentleman — any illustrious examples or precedents
to the contrary notwithstanding."
And the following from a correspondent Avho signs himself " Quiz."
"The editor of the Herald thinks he could not gain anything by
fighting with a skunk ! query, would be lose anything? "
" The readers of the Herald lose nothing by the half-sheet opera
tion — they have the essence, and therefore less will do for a dose !
Would not a quarter sheet ignite?"
"The editor of the Herald complains that out of 720 subscribers
only 56 have paid up. Does the editor not know that under a
statute of our State, debtors can avail themselves of tbe defense of
want of consideration.
The next issue of the Herald contained the following: "Our
neighbor of the Whig is informed that we are somewhat puzzled to
conceive of the possibility of his sinking the gentleman any lower
than he has already done."
To which on the 24th of June the Whig responded: "Well, a
very natural conclusion for Mr. .Low-max to come to, none having
.sounded bottom in those low latitudes more frequently than he has
done, and not being able to drag us down with him, his conclusions
are very rational that it cannot be done. It is belieA'ed that but
for his crew, he would have foundered and gone doivn long ago,
and even the crew are dissatisfied, and threaten mutiny. We are
told that one of the most prominent of his mates at the city said on
seeing the first half-sheet Herald, 'he, (tbe editor,) ought to be run
through a smut mill.' "
The replies of the Herald were often more emphatic than polite
and in many cases Avere such that they could not be quoted here
with propriety. Such a course made a political campaign spirited
and exciting, and was perhaps a necessity of the times. It may be

NEWSPAPERS. 463
doubted whether there has since been much improven-jcnt, if we
take into consideration the treatment too generally accorded to can
didates for office.
At the beginning of the year 1852, E. A. Graves established the
La Porte Commercial Times, afterwards called the Republican
Times and then the Times, simply. This paper passed through
many changes of management, and was owned probably longer by
John C. AValker than by any other owner of the establishment.
Before the year 1852 closed, John C. Walker and Jobn W. Hol
combe were announced as the editors, and a year later, the paper
was published by Walker, Holcombe & Everts. Dr. Orpheus
Everts continued as principal editor during several years, and in
1867, George H. Sweet was associated with him. After the con
gressional campaign of 1858, in which Col. Walker was a candidate
for congress against Schuyler Colfax, he took personal control of
his paper for a time. A little later it was edited by Flavins J.
Clark,- then by a young man named Palmer, and afterwards by
Henry Higgins, who was its last editor. John S. Weller also was
at two different times connected with it, once in 1862 or 53 as
publisher, and for a time in 1860, as local editor. In the issue
for November 10, 1860, John C. Walker offered the paper and
office for sale, and announced that with that number the paper
would be "temporarily suspended." The editor printed the follow
ing as his "valedictory. "
"By notice above it will be seen that the publication of the Times
will be suspended until the proprietor. Col. Walker, can dispose of
the office. This, of course, does away with the services of its editor.
For one year and a half we have held converse Avith the readers of
this paper — and it is with some regrets that we leave them now.
We bave endeavored to do something fo'r the cause of Democracy.
What little we have done has been done with earnestness, and with
a strict adherence to principle. Short Good Bye's are the best, so
we will shake hands and retire, assuring our friends that Ave will
always be found on the side with the Democracy, battUng for Dem
ocratic principles. To our brethren of tbe Press we say "farewell."
AVe part in peace and friendship. Henry Higgins."
The Times Avas a straight Democratic paper during all its exist
ence, and in tbe campaign of 1860 supported Stephen A. Douglas
for President against John C. Breckenridge, the southern Demo
cratic candidate.

464 HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Not long after the suspension of the Times Piatt McDonald, now
of the Plymouth Bemocrat established the La Porte Bemocrat,
which Avas published during the Avar, and down to about 1867,
when it ceased to exist.
In the year 1856 C. G. and Alfred Townsend established the
Westville Herald, a Republican paper, publishing it until August,
when they sold to a company, Avho afterwards sold out to Chas. G.
Powell. He removed the paper to La Porte. Afterwards, in 1867,
he purchased the LaPorte Union of M. & J. CuUaton, and consoli
dated the two papers under the name of the former. It is now
OAvned by Charles G. PoAvell and Sims Major, and published under
the name of the Herald Company.
The LaPorte ^J'^tts Avas established AprU 15, 1869, by -John
B. StoU and Henry E. AVadsAvorth. It is Democratic in politics,
and is noAv owned by Wadsworth and Kessler.
The ChroivICLE, oAvned and edited by Jasper Packard issued its
first number on the 18th day of -July, 1874. It was issued twice a
Aveek until November 8th, 1875, Avhen OAving to the pecuniary
stringency of the times, it became a weekly paper. It is earnestly
Republican in its political views, and unalterably at enmity Avith
the common custom of defaming and slandering men Avho havj been
unfortunate enough to be entrusted with official position by their
felloAv-citizens or the government.
There have been several attempts to establish dailv papers in
La Porte. On January 3rd, 1850, B. B. Root and -Jasper Packard
issued the first number of the Daily Union. Three months after
wards, Mr. Packard retired from it. By hard Avork, Mr. Root kept
it alive perhaps tAvo months longer. Avhen it ceased to exist. The
CuUatons made a similar attempt in 1866, but it lasted only a
week. On tbe eighth day of October, 1S75, the present propri
etor of the (Jhron.icle determined to make another experiment of
the same kind, and accordingly issued the Bnilj/ Evening Chronicle.
At the end of two Aveeks, it became evident that the receipts could
not be made to equal the expenditures, and the new venture expired
with the twelfth number.
Besides those named, there Avas at one time a' German paper
pubUshed in La Porte ; and John S. Weller published the Crisis, a
Swedenborgian paper, Avliich Avas a long tirae ably edited by Rev.
Henry Weller.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO AND NOAV. 465

CHAPTER XXIX.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO AND NOW.
When first the foot of man pressed the soil of La Porte county,
we know not, but it was more than one hundred years ago that the
"pale face" fir.st st®od on these prairies and gazed on .the beautiful
groves, and lakes sparkling in the sunshine. It lacks but three
years of two full centuries, since the first white man touched the
limits of La Porte county. It is possible, even probable that it was
still earlier than that Avhen such an event occurred. In the year
1671, the Governor of New France officially sent Nicholas Parrot
to explore the lakes. He came up Lake Michigan along the eastern
shore, establishing posts, and took possession of the North-west, in
the name of the "Grand Monarque," the King of the French. It
is not improbable that he came to the very apex of the lake, which
would bring bim to AA'here Michigan City now stands, and entering
the mouth of Trail creek, landed, and rested on the sands at the
foot of Hoosier Slide, perhaps .ascen-aed to its surarait. and planted
there the standard of the cross, by which he took possession of the
Avliole North-west for France. But there is no evidence to support
the claim, and therefore the writer does not make it. It is certain,
however that this territory, included noAV within the limits of La
Porte county, became then a part of the kingdom of France. It is
appropriate that the name of our county should be French, since to
that nation it first belonged, after the red man, Avhose title was
older than that of any European nation. But if the supposition in
regard to Parrot is not correct, it is certain that La Salle touched
La Porte county in 1679. Coming from Niagara around the lakes
in canoes. La Salle and his companions passed up the St. -Joseph
river, to the portage near where now stands the city of South Bend,
and taking up their canoes on their shoulders, they inarched two
miles to the head of the Kankakee river. Committing their canoes
to the waters of that stream, they rowed doAvn it as far as Cham
bers' landing, Avbere they tied up and encamped for the night. No

466 tttstokt o'p LA Poin co'omi::
doubt this was tbe first time a white man had ever slept on our soil.
La Salle's explorations extended far to the southward, and on his
return, he reached the lake somewhere between Trail creek and'
Chicago river. The suppUes which be had expected did not
meet him, and it was necessary to go after them. He chose the
lake shore for a part of his journey, but diverged from it, and pass
ed across the county, following the old Indian trail through the
centre of the locality of the present city of La Porte. To make
sure of all this great western country for bis august master, La-
Salle also, as Parrot bad done, took formal possession of it in the
name of the King of the French, "from the mouth of the great
river St. Louis, on the eastern side, otherwise called the Ohio, * *
as also along tbe river Colbert or Mississippi, and rivers which
discharge themselves therein, from its source. * * ." Thus La
Porte county belonged to France until, by the treaty of 1763 the
territory of which it was a part was ceded to Great Britain ; and
thus it occurred that one hundred years ago La Porte county was
a part of the possessions of the English nation, and the French mili
tary posts in tbe Northwestern territory, were occupied by British
soldiers. But soon afterwards. General George Rogers Clarke,
under authority of the State of Virginia, captured their posts, and
this whole North-western territory was transferred to the proprie
torship of Virginia until by the ordinance of 1787, it became a part
of the possessions of the United States. But in these changes of
ownership, from Indian to French, from French to British, from
British to Virginian, and from Virginian to Yankee, there was no
change here. The summer's heat and winter's cold followed each
other in unvarying succession, and there was nothing to break the
solemn stillness of nature, save tbe growl of the Avild beaSt, the
fierce shout of the savage, or the rush and roar of winds and storms
as they passed over the prairie and woodland. Two hundred years
ago, one hundred, even fifty years ago, the soil was unvexed by tbe
plow, and tbe woodman's axe bad never been heard. To have
arisen over the county, would have been to look down on no settler's
cabin or faintest trace of civilization ; but instead, boundless emerald
seas, and luxuriant groves-

W'E H^JNDRiJD YillAiRS AGO AND NOW. 46?
** These the gardens of the desert — these
The unshorn fields, boundless and beautiful,
And fresh as the young earth ere man had sinned.
Lo ! they stretch
In airy, undulations far away.
As if the ocean in the gentlest swell.
Stood still, with all his rounded billows fixed,
And motionless forever.^'
Thus it all appeared to those who made here the first homes that
were founded in these green gardens. Thus it appeared to James
Andrew when he traversed the pathway from South Bend to La
Porte. Thus it looked to Wm. H. WincheU, when guided by a
point in the distance, he drove his oxen from La Porte to the vicinity
of Kingsbury. Thus Thompson Francis saw it, when he came to
La Porte, found it a town of two or three houses, assisted in build
ing some more, then went to Michigan City to see only water and
sand, went on to Michigan, and returned to Michigan City in the
spring of the next year, 1834. So appeared this blooming country to
all the pioneers, while yet they were so scattered as to make only
here and there a rift in the loveliness of nature around them.
But now ! Here is an industrious population numbering many
thousands. The wild grass and flowers that painted the prairies
in richest hues have given place to fields of golden grain. The log
cabins have been exchanged for stately mansions. The sickle and
scythe and cradle and single shovel plow have been laid aside, and
the reaper and mower and cultivator now reign in our fields. All
tbe evidences of an enlightened civilization are everywhere visible.
The school bouse stands in every neighborhood, and churches
abound in every town and village. Two cities and eleven villages,
and innumerable farm houses give evidence of the growth of popu
lation. Eight railroads, numerous vessels laden with iron and
lumber entering our lake harbor, large commercial bouses, great
manufacturing establishments, many thousands of acres of improved
farms, all bear witness that there has been vigorous growth in the
past, and indicate yet greater rewards in the future for the various
industries of the county. The early settlers who yet remain must
look back upon the work wliich they begun so well with feelings of
pride ; and the men of to-day can look forward with confident hope
ot yet greater results, in material growth and in intellectual and
moral developement. THE END.

YALE UNIVERSITY

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