USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana, and its townships, towns and cities > Part 1
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NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 08181453 9
Gordon Lester Ford Collection Presented by his Son's
Worthington Chauncey March 11/11/ Paul Leicester ford to the New York Public Library.
Ja
LA PORTE CO.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/historyoflaporte00pack
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THE NEW YORK
2
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
PIANOS AN
-
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.
PIANOS AND ORGANS
FOR SALE --- PAYABLE IN INSTALLMENTS.
Second - Hand + Instruments taken in + xchange.
ROBERT SCO
64 MMICHIGAN AVENUE,
LIPORTE, IND.
L
- 4
.
-
3
ADVERTISEMENTS.
S. C. WHITING, M. D.,
HOMEOPATHIC 1
Physician AND
Surgeon,
LA PORTE.
OFFICE AND RESIDENCE:
No. 7 WEST JEFFERSON ST.,
-BETWEEN- -
INDIANA AND MICHIGAN AVENUES.
4
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
LA PORTE
SAVINGS BANK,
Organized August, 1871, under State Authority.
ALL INVESTMENTS MADE AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE LAW. Every Depositor a Stockholder.
Exclusively a Savings Bank for the People. No 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, FRED'K BAUMGARTNER. SAMUEL DOWNING, SHEPHERD CRUMPACKER.
OFFICERS :
JOHN SUTHERLAND, Prest.
DR. T. HIGDAY. Vice Prests. BENAJAH STANTON. S J. II. VINING, Cashier.
Open daily from 9 to 12 A. M., and from 1 to 4 P. M., and from 6 to S P. M., on Saturdays.
Dividends Computed from the 1st of each Month.
Diviiena days fuly ist, ani January ist, of each Year.
"Over $30.000.00 of dividends paid depositors, and always at eight per 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.
5
ADVERTISEMENTS.
CP. KINGS
DEALER IN
DRY GOODS
CANDOS
CARPETING,
Nos. 66 AND 68 MICHIGAN AVE.,
LA PORTE IND.
The largest Dry Goods and Carpeting establishment in La Porte County; The size of the Double-Store being 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 lowest prices.
TERMS CASH.
P. KING.
6
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Business Established 1856.
WASHINGTON WILSON.
S. P. FRASER.
WILSON & FRASER,
SDEALERS IN
HARD AND SOFT&
Wood Lumber,
Shingles, Lath & Square Timber,
PICKETS, POSTS, &C.
CCOFFICE AND YARD, CO
81 W. MAIN COR. CHICAGO ST.,
LA PORTE, IND.
7
ADVERTISEMENTS.
. R. B. ALLEN,
Gardener and Florist,
GARDEN ON THE EAST SIDE OF PINE LAKE,
LA PORTE, - - INDIANA.
Has 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.
All in want of pure, fresh Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers, should give him a call. Bouquets, Wreaths, Crosses and Floral designs of any description, furnished to order on short notice.
8
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
CTHE STATE FIREO
Insurance Company,
LA PORTE, - - INDIANA,
Organized, Oct. 1, 1875.
CAPITAL, -
- $150,000.00.
HON. JASPER PACKARD, Prest. L. A. COLE, Vice Prest. BENF. W. GOODHUE, Secy. HON. MORTIMER NYE, Treas. H. C. SHANNON, Assistant Sec'y.
DIRECTORS:
HON. JASPER PACKARD, HON. MORTIMER NYE. L. A. COLE, H. H. BLODGETT. F. W. MEISSNER. S. E. TAYLOR.
H. ZAHRT,
9
ADVERTISEMENTS.
J. L. BOYD
0
O
Light Wagons, Carriages,
BUGGIES, SLEIGHS, &C. Shop, Near the High School Building, LA PORTE, INDIANA.
A. T. BLISS
Attorney at Law, Rooms 5 and 6 Alexander Block,
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. Send to Him for Circular.
10
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
A. P. ANDREW, JR.
ABRAM P. ANDREW.
A. P. Andrew, Jr. & Son, BANKERS,
Opposite the Court House, La Porte.
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 ACCOUNTS
Of all those who regard perfect security as the first consideration.
WE PAY INTEREST BY SPECIAL AGREEMENT.
11
ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE LA PORTE
OWEEKLYO
CHRONICLE!
PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY BY
JASPER PACKARD, LA PORTE, INDIANA.
It Supports the Principles of the Republican 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 morally 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 18th, 1874.
TERMS: $1.50 Per Year in Advance-
CIRCULATION NOW LARGE AND CONSTANTLY INCREASING.
As an Advertising Medium the Chronicle has not its equal in the County.
12
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
. E. Taylor & 1
Čo.,
STEAM, BOOK AND JOB
Printing
House,
No. 37 Michigan Avenue.
This Establishment is supplied with a number of Fast 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.
WORK DONE WELL AND LESS THAN CHICAGO PRICES.
WE KEEP ON HAND A COMPLETE STOCK OF
Card Boards, Ruled Letter and Bill Head Paper. Fine White and Colored Jobbing Papers, Black and Colored Inks, &c.
Being Practical Printers of long Experience,
We feel Justified in Warranting Perfect Satisfaction. REMEMBER THE PLACE,
CNO. 37 MICHIGAN AVENUE,
LA PORTE.
13
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Established 1868.
DR. S. B. COLLINS' CPAINLESS CURES FOR THE
OPIUM HABIT!
Reccommended by the Medical Faculty.
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 YEAR 1868.
The only Painless Cure ever Discovered.
DR. COLLINS' REFERENCES IN LA PORTE, IND.
S. E. Taylor, Steam Printer and Publisher.
T. A. Holland, Publisher Holland's Directories. Fred'k West, Druggist.
Ed. Rathbun, Livery. Edward Vail, Jeweler. V. W. Axtell, Prop'r Teegarden House. Judge Niles, Dr. L. C. Rose, Wm. M. Scott, Photographer. Major Fraser, Gen 'l Packard, R. S. Morrison, Cash'r 1st Nat. Bnk.
C THERIAKI:
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.
Address,
DR. SAMUEL B. COLLINS, La Porte, Ind.
SEE OPPOSITE PAGE.
14
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
DAVIDSON BROS., -DEALERS IN- CLOTHING DRY GOODS
Hats and Caps, and Furnishing Goods,
DOUBLE STORE, 11 & 13 E. MAIN STREET.
An uninterrupted business experience of upwards of twenty years, besides other advantages, enables us to offer 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, Caps, Furnishing Goods and Trunks, we keep a most complete assortment.
Our DRY GOODS DEPARTMENT is amply stocked with everything desirable. Dry Goods have not been so cheap before in fifteen years. We are guided by the pollcy of
" Quick Sales and Small Profits."
AT We respectfully solicit a share of your patronage.
DAVIDSON BROS.
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTIC.
Mrs. Dr. M. A. Stevens
ELECTROPATHIC AND HYGIENIC INSTITUTE.
MRS. DR. STEVENS takes pleasure in announcing to the public that she has established the above-named Institute at La Porte, Ind., and is prepared to treat all kinds of Acute, Chronic, Uterine and Nervous Diseases on scientific principles by Electro-Thermal, Vapor and Sulphur Baths.
INSTITUTE LOCATED ON
Corner of Indiana Avenue and Harrison Street.
Consultation free, charges moderate.
Patients received in the Institute.
15
ADVERTISEMENTS.
GEO. C. DORLAND,
CONVEYANCER,
2
REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE AGENT,
Abrtracts of Title to all Lands in LaPorte County.
Reliable Insurance at Reasonable Rates.
OFFICE: ROOM NO. 1 STATE BANK BUILDING, LA PORTE, INDIANA.
THE LA PORTE WHEEL COMPANY, (ESTABLISHED 1870,)
MANUFACTURERS OF
Agricultural Wheels,
HUBS, SPOKES, PLOW HANDLES,
NECK-YOKES, AX HANDLES, &C. ALSO GRAIN CRADLES OF THE GRAPE-VINE AND TURKEY-WING PATTERNS. ALSO THE "LA PORTE CLIPPER" Corn Plow and Cultivator.
16
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
SCOTT
- IS THE -
PHOTOGRAPHER OF NORTHERN INDIANA,
Opposite the Court House, LA PORTE, INDIANA.
CC. C. DOWLING,O MERCHANT TAILOR, And Dealer in Gents' Furnishing Goods, 22 W. Main Street, Opp. Court House, La Porte.
Several years experience in the Merchant Tailoring business enables me to offer special induce- ments to those requiring first-class Clothing. Satisfaction guaranteed, and competition defied, as to 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.
>Give me a trial and I will prove it.
C. C. DOWLING.
L. D. BRAND,CO - DEALER IN - DRY GOODS AND GROCERIES,
Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps,
Clothing, and Gents' Furnishing Goods, Crockery, Queensware, Hardware, &c. KINGSBURY, IND.
J. W. BRYANT, PHOTO-ARTIST,
No. 17 East Main Street, La Porte.
Constantly grows in popularity with the people.
His work gives the best of satisfaction.
17
ADVERTISEMENTS.
TEEGARDEN HOUSE, La Porte, Ind. V. W. AXTELL, Prop.
CORNER MAIN & MONROE STS.
"THE OLD RELIABLE."
Situated in the Centre of the Business part of the City.
C. A. BARD,
BOOK BINDER
In Basement under S. E. Taylor & Co.'s Printing Ofice,
La Porte, Ind.
The Rest of Vork Mane C AND ON REASONABLE TERMS. CO
2
18
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
CLOSSER & NELSON,
Manufacturers of and Dealers in
BOOTS AND SHOES !
AN EXTENSIVE LINE OF
SLIPPERS. GAITERS
pte RUBBER GOODS.
Their Goods are First-Class, and their Prices are Reasonable.
All are Invited to Call and Examine their Goods.
Stock is always full and in great variety.
OPPOSITE COURT HOUSE,
La Porte, India
HISTORY
LA PORTE COUNTY,
INDIANA,
AND ITS
TOWNSHIPS. TOWNS AND CITIES.
BY
JASPER PACKARD.
LA PORTE - S. E. TAYLOR & COMPANY, STEAM PRINTERS. 1876.
20
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
THENEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRAR 165553 ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOU , TIM'S 19000
La Forte Water Works Building
Erected in the Year 1870.
.
DEDICATION :
TO THE PIONEERS OF. LA PORTE COUNTY who yet remain among us, 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 progress, and learning and religion, this volume is respectfully inscribed by 4
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 La Porte 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 facts 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 interest, 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
23
PREFACE.
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 center, to, and including, the Kankakee marshes on the south, which will yet prove the richest and most productive soil of our county. The avenues of an extensive commerce are at our doors. Besides the eight railroads which cross the county in various 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 commerce 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 rail, 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 country shall feel the spur of enterprise and rise into a new life, for which there is abundant motive and oppor- tunity.
The county, largely agricultural, has by no means developed its 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 corn, 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 occasioned
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- duction, and the future will teach lessons which men seem slow to learn. Double the productive 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 to 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, accuracy has been diligently sought for: yet it can scarcely be expected that it will be wholly free from errors. Men differ in the statement of 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 agree: and sometimes the
25
PREFACE.
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 difficulty 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 has 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 Amnes, 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 various 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 OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
office; Dr. E. J. Church, auditor, and Joseph Jackson, deputy auditor, for like attentions in the anditor's office; 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.
27
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Established in 1860.
D. C. DECKER,
Importer and Jobber of
CROCKERY AND GLASSWARE
In Original Packages
AND OPEN STOCK.
Will duplicate any bill pur. chased in Chicago.
Send for Price List.
28
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
D. C. DECKER,
-DEALER IN -
English Earthen Ware
OF THE BEST MAKES.
ffrench China, Banded and plain, Table Glassware of all kinds.
AND THE LARGEST AND FINEST STOCK OF
LAMPS AND CHANDELIERS IN THE CITY.
ALSO COMPLETE STOCK OF
French Glass Shades, Silver Ware, Cutlery, Fine Bohemian Goods, &c., &c.
Give me a call and I know I will please you.
CONTENTS:
Preface
22
CHAPTER I.
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
Pleasant Township
118
CHAPTER VIII.
Wills Township
121
CHAPTER IX.
Springfield Township
127
CHAPTER X.
Galena Township. 132
CHAPTER XI.
.138
Clinton Township
CHAPTER XII.
Noble Township
146
CHAPTER XIII.
Coolspring Township
153
CHAPTER VII.
30
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIV.
Hudson Township 15S
CHAPTER XV.
Union Township
168
Cass Township.
.176
CHAPTER XVII.
Dewey Township.
182
CHAPTER XVIII.
Hanna Township 185
CHAPTER XIX.
Lincoln and Johnson Townships
189
CHAPTER XX.
County Officers
CHAPTER XXI.
Politics.
200
CHAPTER XXII.
Politics, continued
235
CHAPTER XXIII, (ERROR XVIII).
271
CHAPTER XXIV, (ERROR XIX).
Politics of the City of La Porte.
279
CHAPTER XXV, (ERROR XX).
Military Record.
289
Church Record.
CHAPTER XXVII, (ERROR XXVI).
Inventions and Discoveries .436
CHAPTER XXVIII, (ERROR XXVII).
Professions and Business.
444
CIIAPTER XXIX, (ERROR XXVIII).
Newspapers .459
CHIAPTER XXX, (ERROR XXIX).
One Hundred years ago and now 465
.195
First Elections
CHAPTER XXVI, (ERROR XXI). .400
CHAPFER XVI.
31
ERRATA.
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 OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
H. W. JOSEPH & CO., DEALERS IN
Millinery and Fancy Goods,
AND VICTOR SEWING MACHINE, Main Street, opp. Court House, - LAPORTE, INDIANA. Terms Strictly Cash, and Prices Low.
ADELBERT L. BROWN, Notary Public and Conveyancer Real Estate and Insurance Agent.
ABSTRACTS OF TITLE To all Real Estate in La Porte County furnished at reasonable rates, Notes and Accounts promptly collected, Titles examined, Deeds and Mortgages prepared and acknowledgments taken.
Old and Reliable Insurance Companies Represented.
$50,000 to loan on 5 yrs. time at 9 per cent. interest secured by mortgage. Rooms 1 & 2 over New York Hat Store. LA PORTE, INDIANA.
FRED'K WEST,
Pioneer Druggist and Bookseller,
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 La Porte 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 from 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.
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