USA > Indiana > Steuben County > Atlas of Steuben Co., Indiana, to which are added various general maps, history, statistics, illustrations > Part 6
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About the year 1840, the Methodists organized u class near the cen- tral part of the township. They met in private houses, and lator in the schoolhouses. They were occasionally cheered and revived by visits from the circuit preachers, . In 1850, a church was fully organized at Hathaway's Cornera, the membership ol' which became quite numerous, and. in 1853, they erceted a meeting-bouse at that point, which is still standing. Very early in the history of the county, the Free-will Bap- tista had an organization, and met for worship at the houses of Adam Dygert, Cowee Barns, and other places. Their ministers were Elder J. H, Miner, Silas Headley uud occasionully others. In 1842, a few Dis- ciples, who hud recently emigrated from Bedford, Ohio, organized a church, of which Burdett B. Goodale was mude Pastor. This formed the nucleus tor the present flourishing church at Metz, which now num- bers about 150 members, and has a pleasant und commodinus house of worship. Through the efforta ol' the Powers fatuily a Free Church building was creeted, a few years since, ou Section 29, on land donated
by Clark Powers for that purposo. This edifice stands a monument of the liberality and progressive spirit of the people by whom it was erected, it being l'ree to all denominations or people who may wish to use it fur religious worship. It was called by its founders the Free Church, but it is now, and will probably always be, better known as the Powers Church.
Stephen A. Powers was the first Justice of the Peace. Peter Klock was the first hluckamich. A grist-quill was built in 1844, on Fish Creek, by Andrew Ferrier. This mill was built of hewn logs, the bolt, for some time, was turned hy hand, the elevator was a tin pail, and all the upplinnees were extremely cheap and rude. It was long known as the Pepper Mill, and it wus lucetiously suid thut it cracked two grains of corn into three pieces, In 1845, Clurk Powers built a saw-mill on Fish Creek, on Section 19, and, in 1846, Georgo Peters built a stentu saw- brill on Seotion 4. Both of these sawmills were hurned many years ago. The first frame house was built by Bela Dillingham, on Section 30. It is still in use as a part of Myron Powers' horse-barn. The first frume barn wus built by Griswold Phelps on Seetion 17.
It does not detruet in the least from the merit of other settlers, to any that the most couspionnus element in the settlement of York Town- ship was the Powers family. They were enterprising aml intelligent, generous und hospituhlo. Sutue of them possessed more means thun the average settler, and this cumbled them to often furnish omployment to those not so fortunately situated. They were always ready to lend a helping hand to their poorer neighbors. They located on the ntuin east and west road through the county, und in early times the Powers settle- meut was known for a hundred miles each way. Their descendants now rank among the substantial and honorable citizens of the townshijL
Those early pioneers, who hewed a pathway in the wilderness for tho mareb of civilization, liave neurly ull passed away. Of the Powers family, once numbering five hrothers and one hall'brother, George Jenks, all are dead but " Uncle Winn." Three Dillinghams, Phelps, Dygort, Barns, Eldredge, Reeves, Richmond, Croy, all are dead. Two men only, in the township, Royal B. Hix and George W. Johnson, livo on laud that they entered in 1836, Besides those nutued above, tho following ure yet living: Mrs. Mury Aun Powers, Mrs. Hannah Powers, Mrs. Nuncy Dillingham, John Larue, Mrs. Mary A. Macartney, A. W. Woodworth, Charles F. Hodges, Duvid K. Jones, Beln and William Dillingham, Asu Gaskill nod possibly u few others. Elmus Barron, of Metz, is living on land entered by his father when he was a boy,
SCOTT TOWNSHIP
was a part of York until March, 1849. In 1850, one mile from the cust side was attached to York, aud, at one time, a strip two miles wide, off the west side, was attached to Pleasant Township.
The first entry of' laud in what is now Scott Township, was mado April 27, 1836, ou Svetions 3, 4, D and 10, by Jobn Van Horn. The second entry was inude ou the 17th of May in the same year, by David Phenicie, it huing the southwest fractional quarter of Seetion 18.
Owing to the very heavy gruwth of timber which covered the town- ship, it was not very rapidly settled, as tho pioneers preferred Iund which could be wade ready for cultivation without so uinch difficulty.
The first settlers in the township were Elder Silas Holly and Daniel Hill, who eume in 1836, the last nawed building the first house in Scott Township.
Soon ufter, enme John Whelaml, Nathan Beekwith, L. Worden, Peter Wolf, Daniel Headley, Peter Magers, David Phenicie, Justin Wait, Orlando Puttee, Chester Wright, Philip B. Lobdell, Oliver Arnold, D. H. Sutton, Francis Ewing, Roswell Sutton, David Sutton and A W. Woodworth.
The firat marriage was Roswell Sutton to Nancy MeMinn, about 1842
A zon of Silas Headley was the first white child born in the towy. ship.
Among the old settlers of Scott, now living, are Silas Hendley, Orlando Pattee, Roswell Sutton, David Sutton, Nelson Hutchins, James A. Segur and Augustus W. Woodwortb, the last named being the oldest settler living in tho township.
The oldest persou in tho county lives in this township, viz, Willard Dewitt, whin was born in New York State March 25, 1776. He is a Well-preserved old man und bears his ago wonderfully.
The oldest practicing physician in the county is Dr. J. H. Moore, who lives on Section 17, Scott Township,
The first unt only mill built in the township was the one ereeted on Pigeon Creok. It was used until about 1810, when it was closed, since which time it has been idle.
The first schoolhobse was built in 1844, in what is now known as District No. 4. The first tencher was Mrs. Mahala Lobdell, who kept school in her own hause. Miss Loranic Pierce taught the first school in the seboolhouse.
Wellington Cook built the first framo house, in 1850,
Peter Wolf was the first blacksmith.
Scott Township is drained by Pigeon Creek, the principal stream of the county, which flows south and west through the township. Pigeon Lake is the principal body of water.
Eust of Pigeon Creek, for some distance, the soil is quite sandy, but, in a large portion of the township, it is clay and black loum.
PLEASANT TOWNSHIP,
John Stealy, a Free-will Buptist minister, made the first entry of land in the township in August, 18 to, it being the southwest quarter of Section 34, Township 37, Range 13 east. On the 17th of Febru- ary, 1836, himself' und fumily arrived in the township, having come from Marion County, Ohio Samuel Pierson and family were the next settlers, they coming in May of the same year, from Ypsilanti, Mich. In April, 1836. Thomas Gale und Cornelius Gilmore came, and entered the land upon which Angola is now built.
In August, 1836, Daniel and Duvid Phenicie arrived, and settled about three miles northeast of Angola. They opened the road Trom a point about one mile south of Fremont to the farm now occupied by Mr. Showalter. There, by a previona arrangement, they were met by Cornelius Gilmore and John Whelan, who hud cut out the roud to that point. Ou the following day, Daniel Pbenicie drove the first team into Angola from the direction of what was then Brockville, now Fre- mont.
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Previous to 1840, tho following- named persons entered land and settled in the township, in addition to those already mentioned : Reuben B. Phelps, Freeman Case, Francis Sowle, Abel Sowle, Andrew Torkey, Joseph Sowle, Amos Carpenter. Alexander Ward, Thomas Mugg, J. Pierce, James Smith, Stephen Cary, William M. Cary, Michael Alcott, Duniel Higbee, Isane Miller, Alonzo Strong, Daniel Gale, James H. Johnson, Willinn B. Sherwood, A S. Sherwood, Mr. Vanwonuer, King Ireland, Peter Bowman, Robert L. Douglass, Dr. M. F. Morse, Joel Weber, William Chuyter, Julius Spencer, Jesse M. Gule, Adol- phus Gale, Lyman G. Covell, Dr. James McConnell, George W. MeCon- nell, John Gale, Willium McConnell, George W. Bulding, G Mugg, George C. Latson, Mr. Elowell, E. Sleer, D. E Palmer, E Cmin, James Lock wood.
On April 5, 1838, Angola was surreyed hy Erastus Farnham and Aaron B. Goodwin, the plat being recorded in June of that year. The year previous, the strife for the location of the county seat took place between Angol and Steubenville, which was situated a few miles south. The former came off victorious, Messrs. Gale and Gilmore agreeing to erect the necessary county buildings, in addition to donating the site for the same and a public square. The Court House was completed in 1841.
The first house was built in Angola in the fall of 1836 by Cornelius Gilmore, hut he had erected a rough shanty a few months before that time. The house was used for the accommodation of travelers for a short time, but, aoon after, Darius Orton ereeted the first frame build- ing in the place, which is still standing on the corner of Maumee and Elizabeth streets, and this was the first bona-fide hotel.
The first session of the Steuben County Circuit Court met at the residenee of Cornelius Gilmore, but adjourned to that of Thomas Gale.
The first meeting held in the township was at the residence of Elder Stealy, in 1837.
The first school was kept in one of the rooms of Mr. Stealy's house in 1838, Hortense Miner being the teacher. A select school was taught in Angola in 1839, in the hotel erected by Darius Orton, and another school was tought further west, on Muumee street. The first school- house was erected in 1840, heing built near where the Methodist Church now is.
Tho Methodist Church, which is still standing, was built in 1854-55. John Paul Jones and Dr Blue were the first ministers of thut denomi- notion in the township. Within the past few years, fine olmurches have been erected by the Christinus and Congregationalists, costing several thousand dollars each.
Elder Stealy performed the first marriage ceremony in the township, William Cummings and Elmira Clark being the parties united
The first white child horn in the township was Lydia Stealy, after- ward the wifo of Chester Adams. Her birth occurred on the 5th of April, 1836.
The post office was established at Angola in 1838, Dr. James McConnell being the first Postmaster.
Thomas Gale kept the first store in Angola, occupying a taurarnek Jog house on the east side of the public square.
The first lawyers in Angola were Robert L. Douglass, Daniel E. Palmer and E R. May. They came in 1838.
Dr. James MeConnell was the first physician, as well as the first County Recorder.
The first bank in the town of Angola, as well as in Steuben County, Was the Steuben County Bank, which was organized in 1854. It con- tinued in operation hut a year or two. The town was without a bank until 1870, when C. F. Kioney and others organized the banking house ol' Kinney & Co. In 1873, Robert Pow started a bank which was, in 1876, reconstructed as the present Angola Bank.
Angola was incorporated as a town October 1. 1866.
In 1870, the Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroad was com- pleted through the county, since wbich time a new ers of prosperity has dawned upon Angola, the place now containing a population of about two thousand five hundred. There are many fine business bouses and private residences, and the people aro onterprisiug and, as a result, are enjoying a high degree of prosperity.
Education has not been neglected, there being a fine high school, in addition to the ordinary grammar aud primary departments, which are under the management of Prof. L. R. Williams, who has had many years' experience as an educuter.
Since Angola was anrveyed, the following persons bave laid out addi- tiona to it: Cornelius Gilmore, James Jackson, Wickwire, Jackson & Moore, Thomas B. Morse, Abel Cary. Justin Darling, A. W. Hendry, Joseph A. Woodhull, Franklin Cury, E. B. Glasgow, O. W. Parish, John J. Metzger, E. L Morse, George W. McConnell, Battersons and Heory F. Leavitt.
Among the first settlers of Pleasant Township who are atill living are: Mrs. Martha Gale, who is the oldest living settler of Angola, being the widow of Thowas Gulc, deceased ; Mrs. Permelia Cano, widow of Freeman Case; A. W. Hendry and wife, Mrs. E.L. Benham, Mrs. Samuel Pierson, Daniel Phenicie, Francis Sowle, Ahel Sowle, William M Cary, Isaac Miller, L. G. Covell, Lanny Van Horn, Daniel Gale, A. S. Sher- wood, Dr. M F. Morse, William Chayter, Jesse M. Gule, Adolphus Gale, George W. McConnell, George W. Balding, G. Mugg, D. E. Pal- tner, James Lockwood and the aons of John Stealy. There may be a few others, whose namea we have been unable to obtain ; but the most of the pioneers of' Angola and vicinity have long since heen laid at rest in their last homes.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
has the honor of being the oldest-settled portion of the county, Gideon Langdon having located ou the southwest quarter of Section 5, in the spring of 1831. On the 16th of May, Jobn and Jacob Stayner, with their families, twelve persona in all, arrived from Ohio, and there is some dispute as to whether they or Gideon Langdon settled first, as they ull came in at about the same time.
Gideon Langdon made the first entry of land on the 17th of Sep- tember, 1831, locating the east half of the southwest quarter ol Seotion 5. Ten days later, John Stayner entered the west half of the southweat quarter of the same section.
Both John and Jacob Stayner served in the war of 1812, and the former lived upon the land entered by him until his death in 1870. He was a great admirer of the old military chieftain, Andrew Jackson, and, at Mr. Stayner's suggestion, the townsbip was christened " Jackson."
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
The first white child born in the township as well as the county, was Zephaniah Stayner, whase birth occurred on the 27th of April, 1832. Ife is now a resident of Fremont.
'The wife of Gideon Langdon was the first person who died in the township, her death occurring in 1832. She was buried in the ceme- tery on the prairie, on land which has since passed into the possession of D. H. Roberta.
In 1832, Jumes Hnutsman and Hannah Davis were married, being the first couple in Steuben County who took upon themselves the respon- sibilities of that position.
The first schoolhouse was situated on the north sido of Jackson Prairie, being constructed of tamarack poles, the cost being about 850. John Stayner and Adolphus Town were the builders. Hannah Davis, who was the first bride, was also the first teacher. Eliza Enton was the second teacher, and received $2 for each pupil attending the school.
The first Postmaster was Adolphus Town.
The first store was kept hy Jacob S. Van Epps, on tho bank of the Beaver Dam Ruu. It was built in 1833.
The first blacksmith ahop in the county was built near the tamarack schoolhouse. Previous to that time, the people were obliged to go to Lima to get their work done.
The first Justice of the Peace was Israel Stoddard. Hin opponent at the election waa Adolphus Town. John Stayner's dooryard was the polling-place, and David Sats and Jobn Kiles were the Judgea.
The first saw-mill built in the eouuty was at Flint, as was also the first grist-mill, which lutter was huilt in connection with the saw-mill. Both were owned by a man named Gillette. The stones of the grist- mill were home-made, and the bolting cloth was run by hand
Owing to the favorable location of Jackson Township, it was settled very rapidly. Of others who entered land aod settled prior to 1840, may be mentioned Levi Maek, John Merrill, Justus Butler, Alonzo P. Clark, George Hendry, A Town, Israel Stoddard, W. Huntsman, Daniel Bennett, Harvy Brown and wife, J. Van Epps, J. G. Buruside, Will- iam Enoch, David Sams, A. Harkins, Peter Huntsman, Samuel Bowyer, Benjamin Twichell, W. Stoddard, James McDuthe, Robert Jackson, Benjamin Clark, Jonas Twichell, Daniel Roberts, Benjamin Foos, Edward Griswold, William Parinalee, Philo Clark, David and A. Cleve- land, Daniel Phelps, Jonathan Lee, John Checschrough, James Warner, O. Goodrich, Seth Parmalee, Fred Brown, Benjamin Cromwell, J. Caldwell, A. Murphy, Sterling Seeley, Asher Benedict, M Marsh, Lewis E. and William Carver, Joseph Hurdy, James Hardy, Mr. Greenough, Sr., Smunel Greenough, E. M. Haskins, Samuel Alcott, Abner Duvis, Henry Williams, Deacon Swift and many others.
Flint has never been platted as a town, but is one of the oldest villages in the county, has a population of about one hundred, two stores; doing a good business also, a good fleuring-mill. Fliot was formerly called " Thompson's Mills." The lakes in Jackson Township are Hogback, Otter, and a few minor ones.
The old settlers yet living are, Jonas Twichell, Adolphus Town, Beojamin Clark, Philo Clark, Lewis E. and William Carver, George Hendry, Mrs. David Sams, Harvy Brown and wife, Mrs. Justus Butler, James M. Rodgers
Among the deceased pioneers of the township whose descendants are yet prominent citizens of the county, we might mention John Stay- ner, David Sams, Benjamin S. Twicbell, Daniel Roberts and Daniel Bennett.
SALEM TOWNSHIP
is situated in the southwest corner of the county, and the land was originally covered with a heavy forest of hard-wood timber. The township is drained hy Turkey and Mud Creeks, and contains three medium-sized lakes-Turkey, Lime Kiln and Little Turkey. first named is partly in La Grange Couoty. The
The first entry of land in Salem Township was made August 26, 1835, by Calel: Hopkins, who entered the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 3. A few montha after. Richard Knott entered land and settled, heing the first settler in the township. During the next three years, a number of settlers came in, among whom were Edward T. Hammond, John Wilson, John Bodley, Benjamin Murphy, C. Lobdell, George Brown, Peter and Angus Mckinlay, E Griswold, B. Sherwin, G. Griswold, Ed. Griswold, E. Teal, Isnac and P. Murphy, D. Wisel, A. Hollister, P. Buudy, C. C. Bodley, David Butler, Elias Hughes, E. Crusan, Daniel, Jesse and Loren Butler, Avery Emnersoo, M. Henry, J. and G. Stone, Israel Free, Mr. Vanelere, George Brown, Mr. Parsell, Sr.
Eli Teal entered lund on the 3d of May, 1836, and brought his family into the wilderness on the last day of September in the same year. He drove the team that brought through the first load of goods from Fort Wayne, and he also, in the fall of 1837, built the first frame house in the township. Edward Teal came in at the same time as Eli.
The first church was built in 1841, where the North Church is now situated. The building was hegun on Monday morning, and the work Was not stopped until the house was ready for dedication, which was the following Saturday. This building was known as the Block Church.
The first minister was Elder Stealy, though Elder Locke preached quite frequently.
The first schoolhouse was built in 1837, which was of a very primi- tive design. The firat teacher was Laura Dryer.
Salem Township now contains many highly cultivated farma, which indicate the tireless energy of the early settlers, who cleared away the mighty forests, and they and their descendants bave made the waste places " bud and blossom as the rose."
There are three post offices in the township-Hudson, Solemn Center and Turkey Creek. The first uated is in the southeast corner, on the line between Salem and Steuben Townships. Salem Center, aa its name implies, is in the center of the township, while Turkey Creek is situated on the creek of the samo name in the southwestern part of the town- ship.
Salem Center was never platted as a village, but has for many yeara supported two mercantile establishments doing a very respectable busi- ness, hesides considersble other trade. Hudson (formerly Benton) was first platted in August, 1869, hy Elizabeth Clark and others ; Furguaon Fullerton and Rapp made additiona to the original platte. These were all on Section 31, Township 36, Range 13. Leander Brugh and Joseph Zungkers have each made additions on Section 36, Township 36, Range 12. Hudaon was intended for a large town, being situated on the line of the prospective Canada Southern Railroad. But this village did not feel the collapse of the railroad scheme as did some of the neighboring
towns. It is surrounded by a very fertile country and is doing a thriv- ing business. It has a saw-mill, flouring-mill, several stores, a botel, two churches, a fine schoolhouse, besides mechanics' sbops, etc. Its popu- Iation is about 250. Turkey Creek was platted by Porter Jobnson, in March, 1857, ou Section 29. It has never attained much importance as a village, but its convement country store has saved the people ol' the surrounding country many miles of travel in obtaining necessary snp- plies.
Perhaps a grenter proportion of pioneer settlers of Salem are living than of any other township in the county. We have been unable to determine in some cases, but the following are muong the living : John Wilson, Peter Mckinlay, Eli Teal, Mrs. Frances Hammond, Mrs. Mcl- lita Butler, Angus McKinlny, George Brown, Jr., Charles C. Bodley, Samuel Greene, Edwurd Teal. The descendants of the first settlers constitute a large portion of the present population The families of Emersou, Locke, Van Pelt, Butler, Bodley, Wisel, Klink and Wright, are woll known throughout this and neighboring counties.
STEUBEN TOWNSHIP
was first settled in 1835, Seth W. Murray, Isono Glover, Alexander Britton, Reuben Warnick, Jaures Forbes, Daniel Cummins, and porhaps one or two others, being the pioneers. In the following year, there came Abner Winsor, Jonas Carter, James Perfect, Lewis, John W. and Samuel Carter. To the last-named gentleman we are indebted for most of the information relative to the early history of the township. Sam- uel entered his land on the 1st of August in the same year. Gideon Ball entered his land in 1835, and moved into the township the follow- ing yenr, but, in-a few months, settled in Otsego Township. Wooster McMillan also entered land in 1835 and settled in 1836. During the next three years, a number of settlers came in, nuong whom may be mentioned S. B. George, Eher Thayer, Chauncey Clark, Orsemus V. Barnard, O. Smith, M. Bowen, O. Clark, A. Beach, C. Chard, A. and J. Miller, James Long, G. B. Mason, Alanson Abhey, H. Frink, Justin Darling, R. Loomis, Thomas Lacey, J. Allison, F Forbes, Lucius Crane.
The first log house was built in 1835, on Section 15.
The first frame dwelling waa erected by Abner Winsor in 1836. The first schoolhouse was built iu 1836, on Section 10, in the then village of Steubenville. Lucy Avery was the first teacher.
Abner Winsor nud Seth Murray put out the brat orchards in the spring of 1836.
Steubenville, which was platted in November, 1835, was the com- petitor of Angola for the location of the county seat, early in 1837 ; Glover, Winsor and others endeavoring to have the county buildings in their town, but they were unsuccessful. Steubenville was situated not far from the present village of Pleasant Lake. When the county seat was located at Angola, Steubenville comtuencod deelining, and was never destined to fill the expectations of its pioneer proprietors.
Within the past few years, Pleasant Lake has achieved celebrity as a auminer resort, on account of the beautiful sheet of water from which the village derived its name. The inhabitants of the village and town- ship are execedingly enterprising, and constantly doing all they can toward developing the resources of the country, which many of them knew when it was a wilderness. Here, in their youthful days, they made their homes, and do not propose to move away, now that old age is creeping on apace. But few of the very early pioneers are left, many having died, and the restless ones long since followed the stor of empire in her westward course, and their children are among the citizens who inbahit the prairies of Nebraska and Kansas.
The people of Steuben Township have not neglected the cause of education, but have always taken an active interest in the schools. At Pleassot Lake, there is a very fine graded school in charge of Prof R. V. Carlin, and the district schools are also iu a bighly prosperous con- dition.
Pleasant Lake was laid out by William Thompson and Sheldon X. Ball in 1870, on Section 15, Township 36, Range 13. and additions since made by David S. Gilbert. This town is four and one-half miles south of Angola, on the Fort Wayne and Jackson Railmad, has a pop- ulation of about four hundred, bas grown rapidly, has several good stores, two hotels und a first-class flouring. mill, which is the property of Jacob Van Orden, who is one of the leading citizens of the village. Mr. Van Orden operates this till, which turns out a bne grade of flour. Pleasant Lake is on the banks of the beautiful piece of water of that name, after which it was called. Close to the town is Long Lake, and, in the northwest corner of the township, Golden Lake.
Steubenville was laid out March 10, 1873, on Section 34, Townsbip 36, Range 13, by Daniel Till and Samuel Teters. It started when the Canada Southern road was surveyed, aud was located at the crossing of that road and the Fort Wayne and Jackson Railroad; but, since the former road failed to be huilt, it has rapidly deelincd. The old settlers now living are Seth W. Murray. Reuben Warnick, Abner Winsor, Samuel Carter, Wooster McMillan, S. B. George, Eber Thayer, Omer Clark, and, it may be, there are others, although most of them are dead or left the county.
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