USA > Indiana > Porter County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 1
USA > Indiana > Lake County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
1
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01704 6035
Gc 977.2 C8235
COUNTIES OF PORTER AND LAKE, INDIANA
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/countiesofporter00good
COUNTIES
OF
PORTER AND LAKE
INDIANA.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.
ILLUSTRATED.
WESTON A. GOODSPEED,
CHARLES BLANCHARD, Biographical Editor.
Historical Editor.
Sc 977.201 P839
CHICAGO : F. A. BATTEY & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1882.
ulver age Doyne PRINTERS 7 18 &120 MONROE ST
CHICAGO C.
Hoasier -$37.50
1222728
PREFACE.
T THIS volume goes forth to our patrons the result of months of arduous, un- remitting and conscientious labor. None so well know as those who have been associated with us the almost insurmountable difficulties to be met with in the preparation of a work of this character. Since the inauguration of the enterprise, a large force has been employed-both local and others-in gatlı- ering material. During this time, most of the citizens of both counties have been called upon to contribute from their recollections, carefully pre- served letters, scraps of manuscript, printed fragments, memoranda, etc. Public records and semi-official documents have been searched, the news- paper files of the counties have been overhauled, and former citizens, now living out of the counties, have been corresponded with, all for the purpose of making the record as complete as could be, and for the verification of the information by a conference with many. In gathering from these numerous sources, both for the historical and biographical departments, the conflicting statements, the discrepancies and the fallible and incomplete nature of pub- lic documents, were almost appalling to our historians and biographers, who were expected to weave therefrom with any degree of accuracy, in panoramic review, a record of events. Members of the same families disagree as to the spelling of the family name, contradict each other's statements as to dates of birth, of settlement in the counties, nativity and other matters of fact. In this entangled condition, we have given preference to the preponderance of authority, and while we acknowledge the existence of errors and our inability to furnish a perfect history, we claim to have come up to the standard of our promises, and given as complete and accurate a work as the nature of the surroundings would permit. Whatever may be the verdict of those who do not and will not comprehend the difficulties to be met with, we feel assured that all just and thoughtful people will appreciate our efforts, and recognize the importance of the undertaking and the great public benefit that has been accomplished in preserving the valuable historical matter of the counties and biographies of many of their citizens, that perhaps would otherwise have passed into oblivion. To those who have given us their support and encourage- ment, and they are many, we acknowledge our gratitude, and can assure them that as years go by the book will grow in value as a repository not only of pleasing reading matter, but of treasured information of the past that becomes a monument more enduring than marble.
DECEMBER, 1882.
THE PUBLISHERS.
..
CONTENTS.
PART I-HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
CHIAPTER I.
Antiquities.
13
Authors
24
Bailly Town. 20
Birth, The First. 18
Circuit Court, First Session of. 20
Coffee Creek, Origin of Name .. 17
Court House and Jail. 20
Geology. 11
Hoosier's Nest, Song, Descriptive of .. 19
Insurrections and Invasions
14
Jurors, The First. 19
Kankakee Valley Drainage Association .. 23
Mail Route, The First
16
Markets, The Early
21
Memorable Sensation 23
Murder Case .. 23
Murder Trials, Late. 24
Plank Road ..
21
Public Buildings, Early. 22
Public Officers. 25
Railroads, The Early 22-23
Sensational Trial 22
Settler, The First White. 16 Settlers of 1833. 17
Stage Line 17
Statistics.
29
13
CHAPTER II.
Action of First Board of Commissioners. 38
Acts of Commissioners. 49
Agricultural Society 60
Alterations in Boundaries 54
Anti-Horse Thief Societies 57
County Library Association 48
County of Linn
56
County Press ..
67
County Seminary
Creation of County. 31
Elections, The First 31
Election of 1836
36
Roll of Honor
94
Election Statistics
72
Fair, The First
62
War Meetings and Enlistments. 83 Jurors for 1837. 50
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
PAGE.
CHAPTER IV.
VALPARAISO AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP 102 Banks .. 127 Centre Township. 104 Churches .. 139
City Taverns and llotels 130
Collegiate Institute. 128
Early Tradesmen of Valparaiso. 115
107
First Buildings in Valparaiso. 114
First White Settlers The ... 104
Incorporation of Valparaiso. 127 Lakes, Streams, Etc. 102
Marriages and Deaths 108, 139 Mills and Industries, The Early 110 Normal School. 134 Physical Description 102
Professional Men 126
Population. 112
Portersville ..
113
Retrospective.
149
CHAPTER II .- Continued. PAGE.
Land Entries 34
Location of County Seat. 41
Morgan Township, First Election in. 32 Old Settlers' Association 65
Organization of Present County 35
Poor Farm, The First .. 59
Politics of County
71
Railroad and Telegraph 58
Recapitulation of Taxes, 1880 77
Roads
43
Ross Township, First Election in 32 School Commissioners' Report for 1836. 52
Treasurers' Report, The First 41
Waverly Township, First Election in 31
CHAPTER III.
Appeal to the Germans. 87
Battery, The Fourth .. 93
Battery, The Twentieth 93
Cavalry, The Fifth. 93
Cavalry, The Seventh. 93
Cavalry, The Twelfth .. 93
Feeling During the War
97
Gil Pierce's Song ..
86
In the Field.
85
Infantry, The Ninth ..
Infantry, The Fifteenth.
91
Infantry, The Twenty-ninth 91 Infantry, The Thirty-fourth 92 92
Infantry, The Forty-eighth ..
92
Infantry, The Seventy-third.
92
92
Infantry, The Eighty-sixth
Infantry, The Ninety-ninth Infantry, The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 92 92 Infantry, The One Hundred and Thirty-eighth 93
53 Infantry, The One Hundred and Fifty-first .... 93 88
Military Statistics ... Old Soldiers
78
Sundry Corps
94
War of the Rebellion.
79
Valparaiso Mayors. 1.29
CHAPTER V.
WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP 150
Ancient Cemetery .. 155 Bailly Family, The. 150 Birth, The First .. 155
Churches
156
Death, The First 155
Early Elections. 166
Early Events .. 155
Early Settlers. 155
Homicide
161
Industries
165
Marriage, The First 155
PAGE.
CHAPTER IV .- ( Continued). 132
Schools.
Secret Societies. 125
Temperance Crusade. 129
Trails and Roads 109
Valparaiso.
112
.
90 91 Infantry, The Twentieth
Infantry, The Sixty-third.
White Occupants
PAGE.
Elections, The First ...
viii
CONTENTS.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES-(Continued).
PAGE.
CHAPTER IV .- ( Continued).
Schools ... 156
Societies. 156
Stage Line, The Old. 156
Villages 162
CHAPTER VI.
BOONE TOWNSHIP. 166
Birth, The First. 167
Business Pursuits. 169
Churches 173
Death, The First
167
Election, The First ..
166
" Free Press," The
172
Ilebron Village ..
171
Indian Adventures
168
" Local News," The
172 168
Marriage, The First.
Permanent Settlers, The First 167
Schools ..
169
Secret Organization .. 177
CHAPTER VII.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP ..
177
Churches.
184
Early Homes.
178
Election, The First
179
Enterprises, Various 181
Indians .. 179
Industries, Early 180
Organization
179
Prattville Village 181
Schools
183
Taxation
181
CHAPTER VIII.
MORGAN TOWNSHIP. 185
Burial, The First 191
Cemeteries 191
Churches 189
Early Incidents .. 185
Growth of Township
192
Industries 188
List of Early Settlers.
185
Officers, The Early 187
Origin of Township 185
Schools.
190
Tassinong Village
187
CHAPTER IX.
BOONE TOWNSHIP. 192
Accidental, Criminal, Incidental, etc ... 195
Creation of Township. 192
Elections 194
Facts of First Settlement. 193
Hoosier's Nest 197
Milling and Merchandizing. 199
Origin of Name 192
Physical Features. 192
Schools and Secret Societics 199
Wheeler Village
200
CHAPTER X.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 201
Churches and Cemeteries. 204
Early Events 202
Elections. The Early 205
Mills, The Early 202
Origin of Name. 201
Physical Characteristics. 201
Schools and Teachers 202
Settlers, The First 204
Villages
203
CHAPTER XI. PAGE.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP 206
Early Settlements.
207
Elections, Early
211
Forest Productions
207
Indian Incident.
208
Industries, Early. 607.
Land Sales of 1835 206
Pioneer Experiences. 208
Post Offices. 211
Roads, Early 210
Schools ..
212
Secret Society
213
Stores
211
Water Supply. 207
Worship, Places of.
212
CHAPTER XII.
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP 213
Churches
216
Crisman Village
217
Early Conditions.
215
First Settlers and Elections.
217
Future Prospects
218
General Description .. 214
Mills, etc .. 214
215
Origin of Name ...
213
Schools and Teachers 215
Taverns
214
Wild Animals 214
CHAPTER XIII.
PLEASANT TOWNSHIP 218
Churches
220
Crime ..
221
Early Events
219
Fatal Casuality
221
First Election
218
Industries 221
221
List of Early Settlers.
219
Officers, Present .. 221
Origin of Name 218
Schools. $219
CHAPTER XIV.
PORTER TOWNSHIP 222
Churches
226
Early Election
222
Early Events.
224
Formation 222
Mound, Pre-historic 224
Origin of name 222
Post Offices and Stores
226
Reminiscences 223
Schools 224
Settlers. 223
CHAPTER XV.
PINE TOWNSHIP 227
A Mystery
230
First Settler, The
230
Fish Lake.
230
Formation 227
Industries 228
Origin of Name. 227
229
Schools. 228
Settlement. 227
Stores 230
Surface Features. 227
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Boone Township 314
Centre Township ..
280
Jackson Township 355
Liberty Township .. 363
Morgan Township 347
Pine Township 392
Pleasant Township. 374
Portage Township 369
Porter Township. 378
Union Township .. 339
Valparaiso, City of 231
Washington Township .. 328
Westchester Township 290
Old Stage Line.
Kout's Village ..
Roads
ix
CONTENTS.
PORTRAITS.
PAGE.
Barnard, Nelson
81
O' Reilly, Michael ..
117
Forbes, J. T.
.... 63
VIEWS.
Residence of G. W. Merrill 45 -
Residence of Albert Hankins 135
PART II-HISTORY OF
CHAPTER I.
PAGE.
Boundaries 415
Early Occupants 405
Land Entries, Table of 411
Landmarks 404
Land Sales at La Porte .....
410
Location and Dimensions 401
Mail Routes
416
Physical Features. 401
Settlers. 405
"Squatters' Union " 406
Statistics 417
Streams and Lakes 402
Surface and Soil 403
Swamp Land Speculation 412
Wabash Canal Land Entries 414
CHAPTER II.
Agricultural Society, Organization of 434
Agricultural Society, Fairs of the 435
County Buildings 437
County Offices 428
County Officers (1837 to 1880). 444
426
County Seat, Relocation of.
427
Early Proceedings of Commissioners 420
Erection of Township. 418
Formation of County .. 419
Legislative Acts. 430
Licenses, Early Tavern and Other. 425
Officers before Present Formation .. 419
Old Settlers' Association. 444
Political Features ...
445
Poor Farm.
431
Press, The County.
439
Recapitulation of Taxes, 1881 450
School Fund, Receipts and Expenditures (first five years) 424
Tables of Election Returns 447
CHAPTER III.
Bounty and Relief Fund. 471
Calls for Troops 472
Companies, First Enrolled 457
Death of Lincoln 467
Draft Officers 467
Enrollment Table for 1862 463
Fourth of July, 1862
461
Fourth of July, 1863 463
466
Mexican War, The
452
Muster Roll of Company H, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry.
453
Old Militia System
451
Rebellion, The
456
Recruiting, General
461
Roll of Honor, Lake County's.
473
Roster of Officers of Lake's Four Companies 471
Soldiers' Aid Society 469
Volunteers, Table of .. 458
War Meeting, The First 457
CHAPTER IV.
CROWN POINT AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 475 Acts of Crown Point Trustees 499
Additions to Crown Point 488
Attempts at Settlement, First 476 Bank, The First National 498
LAKE COUNTY.
CHAPTER IV-(Continued). PAGE
Churches 501
Claim Seekers of 1834-35 482
Crown Point. 479
Death, First at Crown Point .. 485
Educational Enterprises, Private. 492
First Election of Crown Point Officers 493
Incorporation of Crown Point. 498
Industries, Etc. 4S6
Land Entries
484
Marriage Licenses, Early
484
Permanent Settlement
479
Pioneer Experiences ..
480
Population of Crown Point
501
Postmaster, First.
483
Prosent Business of Crown Point .. 500 Professions, Etc 436
Schools
489
Secret Societies
494
Trades, Etc
486
White Persons, The First 475
CHAPTER V.
CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP .. 505
Business of Lowell in 1882. 516
Churches. 519
Creston Village 518
Early Events. 508
Formation and Name 505
Industries, Etc. 509
Lowell Village
512
Outlet Post Office.
517
Pioneer Life, Incidents of.
506
Press of Lowell 517
Railroad 518
510
Secret Orders, 521
Settlers, Early 506
Stores, Etc.
509
CHAPTER VI.
HOBART TOWNSHIP.
522
Baxter's Addition to Chicago. 531
Churches
528
Early Settlers
532
General Description
523
Growth of Township.
530
Hobart Village
525
Industries
527
Lake Station
528
Liverpool Village
523
Railroads 526
530
Secret Orders. 529
Settlement 523
Shaw's Subdivision 531
CHAPTER VII.
NORTH TOWNSHIP 532
Boundaries
532
Churches
537
Lakes and Streams
535
List of Taxpayers in 1839 533
Physical Features 534
Progress of Education. 536
Tavern and Other Licenses 533
Tolleston Club 542
Towns and their Industries 533
PAGE.
Campbell, T. A. E .. 27
Green, H
99
Jubilation.
Name and Boundaries. 522
Schools and Teachers.
Schools and Teachers.
County Seat, First Location of
X
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER VIII.
Ross TOWNSHIP 542
Civil Officers. 549
Early Events 544
Merrillville. 546
Early Items ..
580
Formation of Township. 576
Game, Indians, Etc.
577
Industries .. 580
Kankakee Marsh, Draining of
579
Marriage, The First. 580
Post Office, Early 580
Schools ..
580
Settlers, First and Early 576
Timber Thieves.
578
CHAPTER XII.
WEST CREEK TOWNSHIP 582
Anecdotes and Incidents, Early 583
Churches.
585
First Events ..
584
Formation and Name
582
Industries
584
Schools .. 586
Settlers, Early
582
CHAPTER XIII.
WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 589
Cemeteries 596
Churches 595
Creation of Township ... 590
Death, First 592
592
Indian Relics ..
59I
Leading Products.
589
Mounds 596
593
Pioneer Hardships
591
Pottawatomie Indians.
591
Roads
596
Sanitary Condition
595
Schools.
594
Settlement
590
Schererville, Town of 572
Schools and Churches 572
Settlers, Early 575
St. John's, Town of .. 571
Villages
593
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Cedar Creak Township. 637
Crown Point and Centre Township. 599
Eagle Creek Township 738
St. John's Township. 725
Hanover Township. 719
Hobart Township 666
Winfield Township
761
PORTRAITS.
Griffin, Elihu ..
477
Miller, H. F. C ..
513
Wood, T. J.
195
Pettibone, Harvey ..
531
CHAPTER XI.
EAGLE CREEK TOWNSHIP 576
Birth, The First 580
Churches. 580
Miscellaneous 550
Organization 543
Redsdale
548
Schools
548
Settlements and Villages
545
Settlers, Early
544
Soil, Productions, Etc
543
Ross Village.
547
Water Supply. 543
Wood's Mill
547
CHAPTER IX.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 552
Brunswick Village ... 562
Erection of Township ... 557
Hanover Centre. 56I
Klaasville Village .. 563
Pioneers, The Earliest.
552
Pottawatomie Indians. 556
Privations of Pioneers 553
Religious Growth 564
Residents of 1837 554
Schools
558
Statistics of Township Fund in 1858
567
Taxed Settlers of 1839. 554
Villages 561
CHAPTER X.
ST. JOHN'S TOWNSHIP. 568
Dyer, Industries of. 569
Dyer, Town of 568
Incidents .. 575
Industries of Township. 574
Large Farm 575
Organization 568
Origin of Name. 568
Surface and Soil 589
Town Officers. 591
Valuation 597
North Township 687
Ross Township 704
West Creek Township 752
Wood, Jolin, Sr. ..... 459
PAGE 1
Incidents of Early Days ..
Occupations
PART I. HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
BY HUBERT S. SKINNER.
GEOLOGY-EVIDENCES OF GLACIATION-THE DRIFT-TOPOGRAPHY-WATER- COURSES-PRE-HISTORIC REMAINS-THE FRENCH AND INDIANS-THE BAILLY FAMILY-SUMMARY VIEW OF COUNTY SETTLEMENT-THE FIRST COURT-PUBLIC BUILDINGS-CAPITAL AND OTHER CRIMES-THE PLANK ROAD-RAILWAYS-COUNTY AUTHORSHIP-STATISTICAL TABLES-PUB- LIC OFFICERS.
T HE geologist who delights to enrich his cabinet with fossils gathered from the paleozoic rocks, will find nothing in Porter County to reward his search ; but to one who is interested in the study of glaciation and its effects, this region presents a most interesting field for investigation. The floor of Porter County was laid in the Devonian age, and below us lie myriads of fossilized organisms of this " age of fishes." But these are hidden by the vast deposits of glacial drift, and could be reached only by excavations of great depth. The strata of drift are at least 170 feet in thickness, and there are no outcroppings of the original rock-bed. Upon the surface we find occasional fragments of limestone, crinoids and other traces of the Silurian age; but they were brought hither from regions far to the north. Upon the surface, and sometimes beneath it, we find granitoid bowlders of various size scattered through the county ; and in the beds of all our streams are innumerable pebbles, worn smooth by the constant action of the water. These, likewise, are not native, but were transported to our borders from the distant northland.
So complete are the evidences which support the glacial theory, that it is unnecessary here to present any arguments in its favor. It is sufficient to give the conclusions at which scientists have arrived, upon the most careful study and investigation of the subject.
Formerly the lake, which beats upon our northern shore, was a part of the great ocean ; and, even now, fragments of marine crustacea are
A
12
HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
found by dredging deep into its bed. At the close of the Mammalian age, was ushered in the glacial epoch. There was then an elevation of the crust in the northern latitudes, which was followed by a period of intense cold. Immense masses of ice were formed, and the procession of glaciers moved southward from their mountain home. Over Porter County passed a sheet of ice which extended hundreds of miles in width, which reared its head 400 feet above the surface, and which extended in an unbroken mass a thousand miles in length. Firmly clasped in its icy embrace were immense bowlders and masses of sand, clay and gravel. Huge masses of rock were ground to powder by its action. The water, which flowed beneath this river of ice, deposited its sediment in its course. Far to the southward, the glacier wasted away, and, melting, formed the Ohio River. As the glacial epoch waned, lesser glaciers passed down to the rock barriers of the Wabash region, and, dying, gave birth to the stream. In the glacial drift, we find the remains of animal and vegetable life. Some of the bones of the mastodon were found a few years since upon our eastern border, near Wanatah. Fossilized fragments of trees and of fruits have been discovered. Geologists rarely estimate in years the duration of the geological periods. However, it may be of interest to know that the lowest calculation places the duration of the ice age at 50,000 years, and the time of its termination is thought to have been 175,000 years ago. After the glacial epoch, came the lacustrine period. The northern regions, which had been raised to such an elevation, subsided, or were deeply eroded, and the lakes were formed. This subsidence or erosion, extended to about the center of Porter County, where the water-shed now extends in an irregular line. The water no longer flowed in from the ocean, and the inland sea became changed into fresh water lakes.
The line of sand hills upon our northern shore has no counterpart in the known world. Other lakes have ranges of sand hills, but none a range like ours. The combined action of the winds and waves through Intold ages, has reared these beautiful ridges to a height of one hundred and fifty-sometimes two hundred-feet. In color, they are a bluish white, and from afar they glisten in the sun with an unearthly beauty, contrasting with the deep blue of the lake that dashes upon the beach. On our southern border, the sluggish Kankakee pursues its sinuous course, little changed in its appearance and natural surroundings through a long lapse of ages. Porter County contains about a dozen small lakes. The most considerable of these are Flint and Long Lakes, north of Valparaiso, and Longinus, Mud and Fish Lakes, near the northern shore. The Calumet River flows in a westerly direction through the northern part, its principal affluents being Salt and Coffee Creeks. Sandy Hook and
13
HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
Crooked Creeks flow southward through the southern part of the county ; the former discharges into the Kankakee, while the latter is lost in the extensive and low marsh adjoining the river.
While not remarkably rich in antiquities, Porter County contains many objects of interest to the archaeologist. It was once occupied by that strange and problematic people-the Mound-Builders-who have left numerous traces of their occupation. The Mound-Builders are com- monly supposed to have been a great people, who occupied the Mississippi Valley, and who migrated to the southward. The Spanish accounts of the Aztecs, Toltecs and Chichemecs, the ruined cities of Mexico and Central America, and the inscriptions found in these have been carefully studied for a solution of the mystery in which this race is involved. But the mystery is yet unsolved. Numerous earth mounds are found in Porter County ; but there are no fortifications or other works of any great mag- nitude. In the mounds have been found human bones, arrow heads and fragments of pottery. Scores of stone ax-heads, and thousands of arrow- flints have been collected from the prairies and from the banks of streams. There is a most interesting earthwork to be found near Deep River, at the western border. Here is a mound of earth, reared by human hands, and rising to the height of twenty feet. It is shaped like a flat-iron, and regularly built, the principal sides measuring each twenty feet in length from the apex. Near the latter, there is a well, which was formerly of enormous depth. The excavation is circular, and has a diameter of eight or nine feet. Into this well, the early settlers threw the debris of their clearings, with the intention of filling it up; but the capacity has been so great that it remains yet unfilled. Numerous small excavations in the adjacent soil and rocks have led to the conclusion that this was once a " water-cure" establishment, and resorted to in ancient times for its baths.
The First White Occupants .- It is not known when Porter County was first visited by white men. The supposition is that French explorers and traders occasionally passed through this region from about the middle of the seventeenth century. The first Europeans whose visits were recorded were fathers Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon. These famous missiona- ries landed upon the lake shore, and traversed the country to the Kankakee River, inspecting the natural features of the land, and becoming acquainted with the natives. In the summer of the following year, 1673, Father Jacques Marquette returned from his Mississippi expedition, and with his six followers paddled up the Kankakee to its source. Here the party crossed the marsh, carrying their boats to the St. Joseph, and continued their journey down the river and up the lake to Green Bay. In 1679, a celebrated company passed down our winding river. The leader of the
1
14
HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
expedition was Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle ; the lieutenant was the Chevalier De Tonti. Father Hennepin and the Sieur de la Motte were among the number. This band of about thirty men paddled in light canoes down the Kankakee and Illinois. The next year, in the spring, La Salle passed through our territory on foot, with three compan- ions, on his march to Frontenac (now Kingston). In the last days of 1681, he returned and passed westward over our lake border with a con- siderable company of followers. In 1711, many of the natives of this region came under the influence of the missionary Chardon, who was stationed at a post upon the St. Joseph, and many were baptized in the Chris- tian faith. The next year, 1712, many of these natives repaired to De- troit to assist the French against the Fox Indians. A friendly feeling between the French and the natives was the result. Traders resorted to the post and carried on an extensive traffic in furs and corn. A conse- quence of this traffic was a demoralizing indulgence in " fire water," the baneful effects of which were noted by the missionary Charlevoix. In 1759, our territory, together with that of all Northern Indiana, passed into the hands of the British. English and French traders, between whom existed a deadly hatred, now traversed the lake shore. The French had the advantage of their rivals since they enjoyed the confidence of the natives, and understood their language. The Pottawatomies of this re- gion assisted in the capture of the post on the St. Joseph in 1763. This was a part of the general insurrection planned by Pontiac; and the suc- cess of this expedition was rendered valueless by the failure of the at- tempts elsewhere. The overthrow of Pontiac led to a long peace.
In 1781, our territory was invaded from an unexpected quarter. The Spanish commander, Don Eugenio Pierre, came from St. Louis to seize the lake shore in the name of the King of Spain. A force of sixty In- dians from the West accompanied the Spanish troops. The march was made very early in the year, amid the storms of winter. Don Pierre probably followed the old Sac trail which led from Twenty-mile Prairie through the site of Valparaiso to the eastward.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.