USA > Indiana > Steuben County > Atlas of Steuben Co., Indiana, to which are added various general maps, history, statistics, illustrations > Part 5
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
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
The first settlers who came to the present township of Mill Orove were Ocorgo D. Parmenter, wife and child, S. A. Parmenter, Benjamin P. Pierce and wife, John Stocker, wife and four children, Abel Blanch- ard, wife and five children. (Elder Blanchard, now of Wolcottvillo, La Grange County, was one of the children. ) All the above came in 1834. Prior to 1840, the following persons settled in Mill Orove Town- ship, in addition to those already mentioned : Rev. Stephen Thompson, Leland Stocker, J. F. Baldwin, Orlando Wilder, Peter C. Carlton, Charles Carlton, Chester Stocker. Elihu Sahin, S. C. Subiu, George Stocker, Caleb H. Blanchard, Josiah Chapin, Nelson Newton, Francis Scripture, J. C. Cutler, William Wilder, Cleon Elmore, Miles Coe, Henry Depue, Augustus Kimball, Alexander Chapin, Elijah Salisbury, Milo L. Hudson, Samuel Barry, Cyrus Choate, Emory Brown, Sullivan Clark, Walter Luce, Dr. James McConnell, Dr. George W. MoConnell, Cyrus Gray, Abraham Orsy, Polly Choate, Alanson Kidder, Whiting and Charles Squiers, Consider Ames, Stephen Dudley, James MeDuffie, Orin Goodrich, Lewis Barnard, E. Warner, Andrew Luudstrum, Elijah Owen, H. Miller.
The first marriage was solemnized October 12, 1836, Augustus Kimball and Elizo Eaton being the contracting parties, and Elder Hall the officiating clergyman.
The first child born was Sarah L., danghter of Benjamin P. Pieree. She was born November 10, 1834, and is now the wife of Alsinus Townsend.
Polly, wife of Abel Blanchard, was the first person who died, her desth occurring August 2, 1835.
Tho first house was built in 1834, by O. D. Parmentor. It was constructed of logs and was situated on the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 29.
The first frame house was built by S. A. Parmenter, the timber being hewed by L. H Stocker, and the master builder was 8. C. Sabin. The wages were $1 26 per day. It was erected in 1836, just east of where the atone residence of Peter Lindquist now standa.
The first schoolhouse was n frame building, 24x30, built in 1837, in what is now the village of Orlaod. At present, it is occupied as a blacksmith-shop. Male teachers received from 86 to $10 per month. The first school was taught hy Mrs. Elibn Sahin in 1836, io her own house. The wages were 81.25 per week.
The first store was kept by G. D. Parmenter and Dr. James McCon- nell, in the house built by S. A. Parmenter.
The first physician was Dr. James MeConnell.
The first Postmaster was Alexander Chapin, there being a weekly mail at that time.
S. C. Sahin planted the first fruit orchard, in 1837.
A Baptist church was organized October 12, 183G, Elder H. T. Hall being the Pastor. The Baptist church was dedicated in 1848, being built at a cost of about $1,800.
The first Presbyterian church was organized in 1836, and the first Methodist class in 1837.
The Union Church was dedicated in 1850, having been built at a cost of $2,100.
The Orland Mills ground the first grist in 1838, a hand holter heing used for three weeks.
Capt. Barry was among the early settlers, and had the enviable repu- totion of being a very enterprising and exceedingly charitable man, always taking the lead in every good work. In the days of slavery, Orland was a station on the " underground railway," and Capt. Barry WAS an earnest and enthusiastic conductor on the road. He was also one of the stanchest supporters of the schools and churches, and gave far beyond his means toward those institutions.
The village of Orland was named by Alexander Chapin, after a tune in an old note book. Previous to that time, and for years after, the place was generally known by the name of " Vormont Settlement "
In 1848, the people of Orlund, feeling a deep interest in the educa- tion of their children, determined to establish a school that should offer better advantages to the youth of both sexes than the average schools of that time afforded. Capt. Barry donated liberally to the enterprise. Upon completion, it was known as the Northeastern Indiana Literary Institute. The school was opened in 1850, Samuel Harper, a gentleman lately graduated from Ann Arbor University, heing the first principal. The institution continued to prosper until the breaking-out of the rebell- ion, when many of the young men, including three teachers, entered the service of their country. This caused a decline in its prosperity from which it never fully recovered until 1878, when it was merged with the common-school system of the township. It is now known as the Orland Oraded School, of which Prof. Durgin is at present the effi- eient principal.
The surviving old settlers of Mill Grove are Nelson Newton, Calch H. Blanchard, George Stocker, Leland H. Stocker, Orlando Wilder, Stephen C. Sabin and wife, William Wilder, Augustus Kimball, Mrs. Alexander Chapin, George W. MeConnell, Alanson Kidder, Lewis Bar- nard, J. H. Cutler, and, perhaps, a few others. The descendants of many of the pioneers of Mill Grove still reside in the county and vicinity, and are now enjoying the blessings brought about by the energy of their forefathers.
JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP.
The first settlers in this township were Dennis and John D. Depue, Johu Wilkins and Jared Fox, who arrived September 8, 1835. Six weeks later, the population of the settlement was matorially increased by the arrival of Henry Depue, Sr., Michael, Benjamin, Henry and Levi Depue and Maria Hoxter. Henry and Levi and Maria Hoxter finally settled in Orland, while John D. and Benjamin went into Branch County, Mich .; John Wilkins and Dennis Depue settled in Jamestown Township, north of the present village of Jamestown ; Jared Fox set. tled in Gilead, Branch Co., Mich.
The first entry of land in the township was made by Albert Ansley May 10, 1835, it being the southeast fractional quarter of Section 18, Township 38. Range 13 east. The second entry was made nine days later hy Cleon Elmore. The third entry was made June 27, 1835, by George Harding, now a prominent citizen of Orlund, and Vice President of the Old Settlers' Association of Steuben County. He entered two pieces of land on Lake Pleasant, one on the northeast and the other on the southeast corner of tho lako. Barton Collins entered his land on the
3d of July, 1835, and built the first house between Orland and Bean Creek, fifty-three miles east on the Vistula road.
Among those who came into tho township previous to 1840, may be mentioned the following: Dennis Depue, V. Baker, E. Leland, William Bliss, John Archer, Henry Burdick, S. Chase, John Wilkins, George Harding, Jacob Mallory, Clayton Mallory, E. Mallory, Asa Mullory, Cephas MeCuller, John Brown, L. B. Eaton, Barton Collins, William Martin, John Archer, R. Gaines, J. Burdick, Joseph Towsley, Thomas Knott, Henry Snow, R. Stiles, Thomas Failing, John Oreen, Theron Storrs and Chester D. Salisbury.
Thomas Kuott built the second house in the township, it being located on the southenst quarter of Section 15.
The first school was taught on the place now owned by Ezekial Brown, Fidellin Tillotson being the teacher.
The first minister was Elder Stealy ; meetings being held at private houses. The second minister was Leland H. Stocker, now of the law firm of Oale, Stocker & Best, in Angola.
Dennis Depue made the first garden in the township.
In 1835, Knott & Bell built a tannery. The first store was kept hy John Nichols.
The "eity" of Waynesburg was laid out on Scelions 16 and 21, but the town failed to obtain the requisite number of people to make it the important place its projectors expected.
Martin Tillotson and Minerva Mallory were the first couple married. The first frame house in the township was built by Orin Preston. Cephas MeCuller was one of the first settlers in the township, and at this writing ( February 1, 1880) is still living. at the age of eighty-one years. In 1838, he hauled one of the first loads of goods that was taken to Angola.
James Lake was named by James Riley, & pioneer surveyor.
Jamestown, originally called Eagleville, was laid out by Simeon Oil- bert and Joseph Hutchinson on Section 15, Township 38, Range 13, April 21, 1853, and Joshua Weyburn has since made un addition to the town. Jamestown is an coterprising village of abont one hundred inhabitants, and has a fine flouring-mill, owned and run by William Harding, which produces a first-class grade of flour.
In this township are several nice lakes, viz., James, Pleasant, Ocorge, Jameson and many smaller ones.
Among the first settlers yet living are Michael Depue, Oeorge Hard- ing, Theron Storrs, Clayton, Elias and Asa Mallory, Cephas MeCuller, L B Eaton, Thomas Failing and Chester D. Salisbury. Some of those are now living in other townships, hut the time is near when all of Steuben's first settlers will have passed away.
FREMONT TOWNSHIP
is bounded on the north by Branch County, Mich., on the east hy Clear Lake Township, on the south by York and Scott Townships, and on the west by Jamestown Township. It comprises fractional Congressional Township 38, Range 14 enst.
On one of the last days of August, 1835, John MeMahon unhitched his horses about a mile from the present village of Fremont, and to him belongs the honor of being the first white settler in the township. Dem- ary Tillotson passed Mr. MeMabon about two hours after the latter had stopped, and he is thus entitled to the second place on the list of old settlers. Mr. Tillotson entered eighty acres of land, upon which the commodious residence of Erastus Farnham now stands. Mr. McMa- hon settled a mile north of Mr. Tillotson.
'That anme fall, several more settlers came into the township, among them being Jeremiah Tillotson, an unele of Demary's, Jacob Roop, Fred Bowers, and Peter Kluek.
The first entries of land were made June 23, 1834, by George D. Parmenter, Seba A. Parmenter and John MeCluo, who each located eighty acres on Section 28. On the 2d of July, Matthew Coffin located
$ 414,200
607
$ 6,710 82
1862 $1.651,226
1,711
$26,889 68
1845
150,740
7.286 49
1863
1,777,621
1,70
32 825 94
1846
467,9010
10,969 77
1864
2,366,690
1.588
42,0126 28
1847
484,550
11,821 04
1865
2.658,836
1,626
67,701 12
1848
492,101
10,816 39
1866
2,601,180
1.835
61,652 81
1849
602,026
1.050
8,242 24
1867
2.681,090
1.920
67,752 47
1899
431
747
1.478
1850
616,881
1.082
11,385 80
1868
2,537,006
2,011
1860
606
1,390
1,90€
1861
717,816
1,035
14,601 93
1849
8,024.846
2,012
1862
440
1.256
1.696
1852
780.204
1.008
13,871 07
1870
2,933,080
1,988
70,803 62
1858
886.200
1.085
15.081 65
1811
1872
3.022,880
2,273
46 165 44
1866
762
1867
890
1868
823
1870
1872.
959
1.884
2.843
185
1,687,437
1.522
20,$27 45
1877
5,289,225
2.560
74,808 09
1874
790
1.402
304
2.566
York
857
840
17
24
228
34
498
1845.
1846.
2,5
980
30
368
365
835
112
874
1850.
1851.
451
551
509
41
1,046
1864
376
628
479
654
1.088
640
376
1848
458
1,093
1,551
1854
1,014,820
1,202
1,224,368
1,351
24,353 96
1878
6,253,880 6,900,730
2.118
64,002 78
2,815
71,387 18
2.116
62.497 89
1858
1.001,022
1,591
16,224 80
1876
6,837,920
2.367
61,562 68
1804.
551
1.661
2.213
1,819
2,581
183
1856
1,041,846
1,449
20,6X2 61
1874
1875
6,365 893
1857
1,038,822
1.442
17,324 70
2.976,580
2,147
1863.
1,178
1,178
1,011
1,401
1,766
2.589
1.550
2.1217
ABSTRACT OF VOTES POLLED AT EACH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, FROM 1844 TO 1876.
Demo-
Free
Repub-
Demo- Bourbon
back
Totals.
YEAR.
Demcerat
Whlg
Liberty. Free Soll.
Fusion.
Repub-
Green-
Totalı,
Ilcan_
back
STATISTICS.
TABLE SHOWING THE TOTAL VALUE OF PROPERTY LISTED FOR TAXATION IN STEUDEN COUNTY ; ALSO THE NUMBER OF TAX- ABLE POLLS, AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAXES LEVIED FOR EACH YEAR FROM 1844 TO 1879.
Total valus
Total Iety of
J'rar
Total value of taxables.
Polla
Total lovy of
1.005
1862
1,004
1,133
1.679
802
1.178
26
Jackson ...
1560
82
2189
1847
1848.
24
60
1876
1051
2293
National Amot-
Green-
2711
80
1844
427
309
620
1642
2262
26228
of tazables.
1844
1865
1836
1857
68,816 16
60,016 16
16,874 63
644
673
329
42
1844
In 1873. the office of County Superintendent was orcatod. The office was held by John W. Cowen until 1875, when the office was abolished by law and the office of Examiner restored, The latter posi- tion was held by Lyman R. Williams until 1876, when the Supremo Court ruled against the last change in the law, leaving the law of 1873 in force. Under this law, Cyrus Cline was elected County Superin- tendent in 1876, aod, under a re-election, still holds the position.
68,288 18
I ]
forty acres on Seetion 21. All of these lands are on or near Willow Prairie.
The following-named persons settled in the towuship prior to 1840 ; Erastos Farnham, Troman Burrows, Daniel Caswell, Thomas M. Brown, Peter Wolf, Johu Duguid, Jacob Wolf, Samuel Stewart, Aaron Goodwin, A. Crawford, James Lockwood, Henry Wilcox, James Duguid, Martin Tillotson, Henry Snow, John McCine, N. Ford, Charles Campbell, A. Campbell, Fred Bower, Horace Wnite, William Campbell, Josiah Sabine, Dr. D. B. Grithin, Jomes Winter, Dr. Reynolds, Alex- under MeNanghton, John Havens, S. Goodfellow, Samuel Goodfellow, E. Masters, M. Terry, R. A. Gaines, Rufus Bell, Michael Kregger, Samuel Tillotson, Enos Buall, S. A. Støwurt, Peter Rowe, John Stewart, C. Van Horn, M. Mende, Avery Furnham, M. Carpenter, L. Van Horn, Joseph Terry, R. A. Guines, Elias True, Silas Doty, James Critchfield. Nearly all of the old settlers have passed away, but among the living are yet numbered Dethary Tillotson, Matthew Coffin, Alexander Mr. Naughton, John McClue, Cornelius Van Horn, Thomas Kuott, D. B. Griffin, and a few others.
The first frame building was creeted in 1836-37, by a man named Goodwin, and is yet standing, being nearly in the center of the village of Fremont. About the same time a mun named Purker, from Fort Wayne, built a log store where Michael's Bluck now stunds. His stock of goods was not very extensive, consisting principally of articles of merchandise which be eould sell at a large profit to the Indians. Eu about three years, he sold out, after which a frame addition was built to the store, and it was converted into a hotel, Trumau Gilbert being the first land- lord.
In those days, Toledo was the nearest market. Wheat was hauled there and sold for 50 cents per bushel, and the farmers thought they were doing well at that, On the return trip, they would bring dried apples, salt and other merchandise to the settlement.
In 1837, the village of Broekville was pintteil. Prior to that time the settlement bad been known as Willow Prairie. In 1851, the name of the post office was changed to Fremont.
Peter Rowe and Enos Beall built the first saw-mill in 1837.
The first mail route was established in 1838, running from Lima to Toledo. The mail was carried on horseback, and the route doubled once eneb week ; William A. Bliss was the first contractor. After the com- pletion ol' the Michigan Sonthern Rulroad to Coldwater, a mail route was established between that point und Fort Wayne, over which a tri- weekly mail was carried for several years.
A. B. Goodwin was the first Postmaster at what was then known as Brock ville.
Dr. Stewart was the first physician in the township, and Dr. Griffin, now a resident of Angola, was the second. Dr, Hendricks came next, and is spoken of by the old settlers as a well-eduented gentleman.
In 1844, the frame of the first church was raised, being created by the Methodists, but it was not completed until 1851, The Methodists retained possession of the building until 1872, when they sold it to the Evangelical Association, having determined to ereet a fine briek edifice to worship in. Soon after the panie came on, and they have been unable to completo the building. It is now owned by the German Methodists.
The first frame schoollionse in Fremont Township was built in 1845. The building is nuw occupied as a grocery store und meat market. In 1856, a new schoolhouse was built which cost 81,400. It was destroyed hy fire in August, 1877, after which the present building Was erected, which cost over $6,000. The school is now in a highly prosperous con- dition, being under the charge of' Prof. E. B Smith, who is considered que of the best educators al' Steuben County. A view of the Fremont school buildings will be louud in the atlus. Fremont ranks next to Angola in size, containing a population of about seven hundred. It is situated nu the Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad, eight miles northe ist of Angola, has a live set of business inen, and a progressive, enterpris- ing elass of' citizens. It is growing rapidly, hus good markets, fine busi- ness blocks and stores, and nice private residences. At this point, elose to the Fort Wayne depot, is also located the finest finnring-mill, in the county, owned and operated by Erastus Farnham, to whom the citizens of Fremont owe a debt of' gratitude for his enterprise and liberality, which ought never be forgotten. The town was surveyed by Erastus Farnham Jununry 8, 1837, for the proprietors, Rowlund Moseley, Jere- miah Tillotson, Matthew Coffin and William Tolfurd, Since which time additions have been nunexed by Philip Michael, Sr., Joel D. Lius- day, Jeremiah Tillotson, Philip Michnel, Jr., Mary Purker, Howell and Hall, J. W. Noyes, George Sierer, Steplieus und Michuel.
Ray was laid out by Alexander MeNaughton, and surveyed by E. N. Woudford, May 26, 1873, It is on part of' Section 13, Township 38, Range 14, of Steuben County, Ind., and Section 22, Township 8, Range 5, Branch County, Mich .; is loented on the Fort Wayne & Jacksou Rail- rond, three and a half miles northeast of' Fremont, and hus a population of abont one hundred ; is n start village und surrounded hy a good country.
CLEAR LAKE TOWNSHIP.
This is the smallest township in the county, as well as the north- eastern township in the State, and is numbered ns Congressional Town- ship 38 north, Range' 16 eust, and derives its name from the beautiful Inke that is situated in about the center of' the township, ou the north banks of which are built two hotels, the " Clour Luke House und the "Island House," which are frequented through the summer months as a pleasure resort. Besides the muuin Inke, there are several smaller vues which ure either inlets or outlets of Cleur Lake.
The soil is of a sundy nature, except in the south part of the town- ship, which is a rich sundy loam, Most of the township is considered fertile. The surface is rolling, and interspersed with small rivulets which empty into the lake.
The first settler of Clear Lake Township was John Russell, who entered land in Section 21, in March, 1836. He used his covered wagon for shelter when he first came, and the following summer or Tull built a log cabin in the woods, on the farm wow owned by William Gowthrop. With Mr. Russell, came his sons Isaac, Anthony, Wayne, Hirmin, Jolin, George, Silas, and two daughters, mostly grown.
Levi Douglas and Thomas Copo entered lund, the former in Section 28, and the latter in Section 33, in Apri', 1836, and settled the same year. Lewis Wells settled December 15, 1836; Churles Throop entered, land in Section 33; George and Clack Throop, in Section 29, in 1836, und settled on the same in the full of 1837. George Hotelkiss settled on Section 28, in the winter of 1838. Hiram Throop and Erastus Brown settled in 1840, The Lo' ,s and Burroughs esme soon alter, at
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
about which time the township began sottling up rapidly, and continued so until the land was all taken.
The first white child born in Clear Lake was Noah Douglass, son of Levi and Abigal Douglass, in the winter of 1837, and the second was Lovies C., daughter of Charles and Sally Thiroop, in January, 1838.
The first marriage took place in 1839, Rodney Beach and Churlotto Douglass being the contracting parties
The first person who died was Levi Douglass, whose death occurred in 1839, and he was shortly followed by Lovica and Mirian Throop, hoth nf whom died in the same year.
The first schoolhouse was built at Harris' Corners, on Seetion 33, in 1843, and the school was taught by Ariuh Beach.
The first religions services wore hield at the house of Levi Douglass in 1838, hy a Mr. Swiger, un exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the first preaching was hy an itinerant Methodist preacher, at the fonerul of Levi Douglass and the children of Charles Throop.
At a pienie held at Clear Lake, July 4, 1858, a terrible accident occurred in which eleven persons were drowned. This east a gloom over the resort, which is yet spokeu of by those who were eye-witnesses of this sad ocenrience, which was the result of carelessness on the part of the minn in charge of the bout, who was under the influence of whisky
This township contains four schools, all in a flourishing condition
There are two churches, a Buptist Cburoli in the southwest corner of Section 16, and the " Saints' Church" on Section 30,
Of the first settlers of Clear Lake Township, Mra. Sally Harris, wife of David Harris, is the only que left, the rest being alead or out of the towuship. She was the wife of Charles Throop, and lives on the farm her first linsbund entered in 1836. She hus lost her hearing very much, but her tuemury is yet fresh, and the events of those early days are still vividly before her eye. She bears her age wonderfully and enjoys good health; has been a woman of intelligence and refinement. which in her old age lius not forsaken her. She came fiour New York State, as most of the first settlers of the township did, and to her we ure indebted for the curly history of Clear Lake Township, For which we return our sincere thanks.
YORK TOWNSHIP.
The civil township of York was established hy order of the Board of County Commissioners at their November session, 1837, and embraced Congressional Tuwnsbip 37 north, Ranges 14 aud 15 east The follow- ing year, two tiera of scotions were taken liont the west side and attached to I'leasant Township. In Mareb, 1849, the township was divided, fractional Township 37, Range 15, retaining the original name. In March, 1850, a strip, one mile in width. was taken from Scott Town- ship and added to York, making the township six miles in length by nearly three and three-fourths miles in width. The boundaries have remained unchanged since that time.
The surtuce of the land is rolling, the soil generally u rich eluy loam, specially adapted to grazing purposes. The lund was originally covered by a dense growth of' timber, among which shouuded bluek wulont, ouk, whitewood, cherry and other valuable timber. This forest weultb has been almost destroyed by the necessary ravages of improvemrut, and the reckless waste of people who thought the supply exhaustless. The towuslaip is dmined chivfly by Fish Creek and branches, all flowing in a southerly direction. The northern portion is on the divido between waters flowing iuto Lake Michigan aud Lake Erie, a small portion of the township being drained by Pigeon Creek. There are no lukes in the township, ntui a small portion of water lund.
The first entry of lund was made by Richard Peters May 12, 1836, being all of fractional Section 4. During the same mouth, Royal B. Ilix, George W. Johnson, Martin Eldredge and several other persons located lands in the townsbip. The first white settler was Fayetto Rarron, who built his cabin on the site of the present village of Metz, in the summer of 1836. In 1837, Clark and Calvin Powers, who had visited the county the previous year and located land, arrived, also Stephen A. and Winn Puwers, Augustus Woudworth, Charles F. Hodges and Jackson Cory. From that time to 1840, there came Jeremiah Dillingham and his sons, Juhn Larne, Adam Dygert, Cowee Barns, Griswold and Alvah Phelps, George Jenks, who was u half brother of the Powers, Royal B. Hix, George W. Johnson, David K. Jones, John Croy and others. Theso pioneors, aud a large portion of those who followed iu after years, were from the State of New York.
Volnoy Powers, son of Stephen A. and Mary Ann Powers, was the Grat white child horu in the township. Mowry Powers, son of Winn anıl Betsy Powers, died in 1838, which was the first death in the town- ship. He was buried in what is now the Powers Cometery. The first marringe occurred in 1841, the contracting purtics being Augustus W. Woodworth and Mary Johnson, Stephen A. Powers, Esq., officiating. The first school was taught in the winter of 1838, by. Winn Powers, in a log cabin located near where the present Powers Schoolhouse stands. This esbin was borned down a year or two after, whon a sub- stantial and somewhat stylish log schoolhouse was erected, which served the distriot well for about twenty years, when the present schoolhouse wus hnilt, This wus the only school in the township until 1844, when a frame house was erected on the land of Stephen A. Powers, near the center of the township. This bouse was long known as the York Schoolhouse, Stephen A. Powers taught the first school here. The sume year a rough log schoolhouse was erected nenr Huthaway's Corners, in which Martin Eldredge commenced teaching, hut after two weeks the school was discontinued, not through any fault of the teacher, but for want of sobolars, the entire euumeration of' the district not exceeding ten children.
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.