Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages., Part 24

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 922

USA > Indiana > Jay County > Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages. > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Blackford County > Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages. > Part 24

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).

At the annual conference, held in the fall of 1839, Portland mission was changed to Portland circuit, with Rev. Bradbury as preacher in charge. The estimating com- mittee allowed him $50, that year, for table expenses. Rev. Bradbury was returned the next year, and the first quarterly meeting hield in Portland, was on February 6, 1841. At this time thic circuit embraced twenty-two appointments. In 1845 Portland circuit was changed back to Portland mission, whichi was changed back again to Portland circuit in 1847. In 1849 Portland circuit again became Portland mission, which in 1850 was changed to Portland circuit again. In 1853 R D. Spelman was appointed preacher in charge. In 1856 conference changed its time of meeting from fall to spring. In 1874 Port- land was made a station with forty-nine mem- bers. In this year the present brick churchi, 40 by 70 feet, was built and dedicated August 9. It is located near the northeast corner of Arch and Harrison streets. The year closed with 100 members. In 1878 the membership numbered 185, and has continued to increase till now it numbers 335. In 1880 a substantial, parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church. Rev. E. L. Semans, the present pastor,

is serving his fourth year, with undiminished popularity. His ininistry has been success- ful, and the church is frequently crowded to its utmost capacity. He receives a salary of $1,050. There are four classes and general prayer-meeting, every week. The Sunday- school numbers over 200. W. T. Fulton, Superintendent.

African Methodist Episcopal Church .- This church was organized by Rev. John Myers, October, 1879, with eleven members. A neat frame church about 40 x 50 feet, was built in 1881, at a cost of $600 or $800. It is located on Water street east of Meridian. The present pastor, Rev. James A. Davis, was educated in the public schools in Frank- lin, Indiana, and during the year he was stationed at Bloomington, this State, he availed himself of the advantages of the Uni- versity. This is his second year in Portland, and sixth year in the ministry. As a preacher, he is popular, and a strong rival for the top round of the ladder. The present membership numbers twenty-five. The Sunday-school was organized in 1882, and has an average attend- ance of twenty-five. Superintendent, Miss Mattie Benson. In the pastoral relation Rev. Myers was succeeded by Revs. Harper, Coates, Townsend, Tootle and Davis, the present minister, who is a member of the Indiana Conference, and was born in Kentucky in 1862.

The Presbyterian Church of Portland, was organized in 1873. In 1876 the present church building-aneat and substantial frame, 35 x 60-was erected at the corner of Arch and Ship streets. The inside walls are painted in oil, showing the finest decorations of the kind in the State. There is an active membership of about seventy-five. The av- erage attendance at Sabbath-school is about 100. Superintendent, Sumner W. Haynes. At present, the church is without a pastor,

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Rev. Charles T. White, D. D., the pastor for tlie past five years, having resigned the first of March, 1887. Present elders-M. C. Culver, W. W. Wirt, N. H. Gable; deacons- G. W. Cunningham, Elias Creager, Sumner W. Haynes.

The first organization of the Presbyterian church of Portland occurred November 29, 1845, under the ministry of Rev. Joseph II. Babcock, with the following members: J. H. Babcock, Eliza Babcock, Jacob Bosworth, Nancy Bosworth, Josiah H. Topping, Hector Topping, Amaretta Topping, Joseph C. Haw- kins and Amanda Frazee. The meeting was hield in the court-house. In 1847 Mr. Babcock moved to New Corydon, where he died, March 15, 1848. In 1854 the church was divided, a portion going to Liber and organizing a Congregational church.

The Church of the Evangelical Association was organized June 1, 1885, with a member- ship of fonr. The society now numbers fifty- five. The Sabbathi-school was organized July 12,1885, and now has an average attendance of about 100. Superintendent, Samuel E. Wiest. When Rev. L. S. Fislier, the pastor, came here, in 1885, there were three organizations (all in the country,) with a membership of about eighty. Now, there are five missions, with a membership of 251. Mr. Fisher was an earnest worker, and very successful. They worship in a neat little hall fitted up expressly for them. The present pastor is Rev. I. B. Fisher; class leader, John Rees; steward, Eli Long.

The Christian Church was first organized very many years ago, and has since been twice re-organized, the last time in 1884, with eight members, under the ministry of Dr. T. S. Shephard, the main pillar of this church, and still the pastor. Elder Enos W. Polly, of Camden, preaches once a month. Services in Miller's Hall. Present elders-Dr. T. S.

Shephard, John Long, Amos Berry and David Harker; deacons-William Van Tilburgh, A. C. Vaught and C. A. Markland. Present membership, ninety; average attendance at Sunday-school, eighty-four, superintended by Albert M. Vanght.

Friends' Church .- Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Thornton came to Portland in the interest of the Friends' church, in January, 1880. In 1882, the church was organized with a mem- bership of between thirty-five and forty. A series of meetings were held at that time, and the membership increased to about eighty. Arrangements were then made to build a meeting-house. A lot was secured at an ex- pense of $500, upon which, in the spring of 1883, a neat and substantial brick, 36 x 56, was erected, at a cost of about $2,500. The lot, building and furnishing, makes a total cost of about $3,500. It is located on the north side of East Main street, between Harrison and Wayne. The membership now numbers abont 250; and the average attend- ance at the Sabbath-school is about 120. Gertrude Fulton is superintendent. Miss Celia Smith, of Ohio, is the present minister.

The Catholic Church was established in 1875, with six families, and the same year a neat frame house of worship was erected, on Walnut street, between Munson Avenue and Hays street. About twenty families now belong to the congregation, which is self- sustaining. The church also owns a parson- age lot, and expects to build soon, when they will have a regular pastor and services every Sunday. The priests have been, Revs. Flaslı, of Himmelgarten, Ohio; Alois Malin, of the same place; Otto Missler, of Fort Recovery; Siefert, a professor at Carthagena (Ohio) College; Joseph Heitz, of Fort Recov- ery, now in Newark; and since the spring of 1886, M. D. Dettinger, also of Fort Recovery. This order of priests is controlled by a " su-

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

perior," to whom is delegated authority by the proper bishop.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

This township, including Portland, com- prises thirty-six sections of land. It was originally known as Salamonia Township, Randolph County, when it embraced the en- tire counties of Jay and Blackford and the southern tier of townships of Adams County. It was thus organized in the winter of 1834- '35. The principal streams are the Salamonia and its tributaries.

Among the first settlers were, Philip Brown in 1831, who moved to Randolph Coun- ty a number of years ago and died there; in 1832, Hawkins C. Fouts, who sold out liere during the gold excitement in California, started for that place, and died on the route, at New Orleans; his wife died in this coun- ty; William Brockns; and James Morrison, who had the farm afterward occupied by Obadiah Winters, and died abont seven or eight years ago; in 1833, Henry H. Cuppy, who finally removed to Union County, Indi- ana; Obadiah Winters, one of the first associate judges; Daniel Farber, who settled at what is now College Corner, was the first postmaster in the county, and died many years ago; Sandy, William and James Highlander; in 1836, Joseph Staley, who finally died at Liber; Thomas N. Jones, who died seven or eight years ago; Joshua Pennock, who moved West and died; Daniel W. McNeal, a promi- nent citizen of the county, who died at Port- land; Robert Huey, still living a mile north of Portland (see full sketch elsewhere); Thomas Wheat, who died in Marion, Grant County, Indiana; and Peter Coons, who died in Illinois; George Bickel, who died here; and Anderson Near.

Philip Brown arrived March 8, 1832, and built the first cabin in the township. On

a previous page a case is related of James Wier endeavoring to get his land away from him. Cuppy built in 1833, what was known for many years as the "Conner House, " which is not now standing. This was the first house in which the commissioners and first courts met. In 1836 Cuppy opened the first store in Porland, with goods brought from Richmond.

Jacob Bosworth, who settled in Wayne Township previous to 1840, was the first physician in the county. He died at College Corner, in 1866. His son, Dr. J. M. Bos- worth, is now a practicing physician in Cam- den. Dr. Jacob Bosworth. made the first coffin in the county, taking his wagon-box to pieces for the purpose.

One of the first schools in the county was taught by Miss Sarah Tharp, afterward Mrs. Thomas Ward, of Winchester, at Liber, in 1835.

Wayne Township, as at present constituted, was organized by an election held at the court-house on the third Saturday of Septem - ber, 1837, with Daniel Farber as inspector.

College Corner, two miles south of Port- land, was laid out by Dr. Watson in 1850. At this place the Farmers' Academy was subsequently established, in opposition to that at Liber, with the express understanding that no negroes should ever be educated there. Jacob Bosworth was the leading spirit. James Templer donated the site, and a frame 25 x 56 feet in size, and two stories high, was built at a cost of $900. In 1858 it was sold to the Northern Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, who permitted it finally to run down some time after the war. A postoffice was established here May 30, 1862, and Jonas Votaw was appointed postmaster. Jacob Bosworth succeded him. The office has long since been discontinued.

Liber was a village, about three miles south

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PORTLAND.

of the eastern part of Portland, laid out April 30, 1853, by Jonathan Lowe, I. N. Taylor and George W. Templer. A college was the same year founded here, under a State enactment, by Rev. I. N. Taylor, a zealous Presbyterian missionary. . His coadjutors were Jacob Bosworth, Jonathan Lowe, J. H. Topping, Obadiah Winters, Wilson Milligan, George W. Templer, Joseph C. Hawkins, John G. Spade and others, who organized themselves as a joint stock company, and let a contract, for $1,200, for the erection of the college building, on a six-acre lot donated by Rev. Taylor and Jonathan Lowe. School was opened November 5, 1853, with Rev. Mr, Taylor as principal, but during the very first term a colored student was admitted, which displeased some of the stockholders, who started in opposition the Farmers' Academy at College Corner, as above mentioned. In 1859 Mr. Taylor withdrew from the institution, and Rev. Ebenezer Tucker was chosen presi- dent. The school flourished two or three years longer, and then began to dwindle down, being entirely discontinued in 1878. The building is still standing, occupied by the public school. Many prominent men and accomplished ladies in this part of Indiana were educated at Liber. A college monthly called the Liber Lamp was published for a time.

The Congregational Church of Liber was built in 1856, on a lot donated by Jonathan Lowe. It is a frame building, 26 x 50 feet in

dimensions. The society was organized in 1854, partly by divisions from the Portland Presbyterian church, with twenty-five mem- bers; but the congregation has pretty well dwindled away.

Salamonia Christian Church on section 34 is a frame, 36 x 46 feet, erected in 1876, at a cost of $1,000. It succeeds an older frame building which had been used since 1850. The society was organized in 1841, by Elder Batteral. The present membership is about fifty, which is not so great as formerly. Minister, Samuel Stone, of Greene Township. Deacons-D. M. Miller and E. Allen. Sun- day-school is maintained all the year, with about fifty pupils, and Jesse Smith superin- tendent.

Fairview United Brethren Church, was dedicated in 1875, by R. J. Weaver, D. D. The society was organized with thirty mem- bers.

Providence Chapel, United Brethren Church, on section 14, was built on a lot donated by John Artman, and dedicated April 28, 1886, by Rev. Elias Counseller. .It was a frame building 30 x 38 feet. It was burned down April 18, 1887, when measures were at once taken to rebuild. The society was organized about 1875, with a member- ship of fifteen. The present membership is seventy-three. Class-leader, Jacob Foltz. Sunday-school all the year, with an average attendance of about sixty. Jonas Hartzell, superintendent.

17a

254

HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

** PENNVILLE .**

AUGUST 27, 1836, this village, now comprising 660 inhabitants, was laid out by Samuel Grisell, who changed the name from New Lisbon to Camden, in August, 1837. Subsequently it was as- certained that there was a post- office named Camden in Carroll County, this State, and the post- office here was named Penn; but as this, in ordinary writing, was often taken for Peru, the depart- ment was persuaded to change the namne again, this time and finally, to Pennville. Tlie village is still generally known by the name of Camden, but it is desirable that it should lave the same name as the postoffice. It is lo- cated on the Salamonie, on the northeast quar- ter of section 34, Penn Township, the north- westernmost township in the county.

The first house in the village was com- menced by William Samuels, but Jolın D. Jones, completed his first, in 1836; and in

1837 Henry Z. Jenkins opened the first store, where his wife, Abigail B., was. the polite and efficient clerk. Subsequently a man named Mullen was a pioneer store-keeper here. Mr. Jones, January 19, 1839, was appointed the first postmaster, and, after he had enjoyed the honor only six days liis house was burned down. In that time he had the privilege of opening the mail but once, finding but one letter for Camden.

The addition made to the town plat by Josepli Wilson in November, 1837, comprises all that portion lying east of Union street, the present main thoroughfare. Formerly Meridian street, next west, was the main business street.

Seth Armitage, still a resident in the vicinity, made the first wagon at Camden, probably the first made in the county.

INCORPORATION.

Camden was first incorporated as a town in 1854, when the first board of trustees elected were David Bowman, William G. Hopkins and John P. Moore, and the clerk, Hezekialı

runnera

PENNVILLE.

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Hopkins; but the small amount of business re- quired permitted entire neglect in the course of a few years, and the corporate capacity of the town was thus suffered to cease altogether. The various acts of the trustees " holding over " their office informally from year to year, were legalized by a special act of the Leg- islature of 1867-'68; and in 1870 the town was re-incorporated, when Samuel A. Shoaff was elected president of the board of trustees, and Dr. J. M. Bosworth, clerk.

In 1872 the trustees ordered thic ercction of a school-house, at a cost of about $7,000, which was ultimately completed the next year, at a total cost of $8,100. It is a fine two story brick structure. The school here is graded, having four teachers, in as many rooms. Professor L. C. Chamberlain was principal during the past year, and is now professor of natural science in the Eastern Indiana Normal School at Portland.

The corporate capacity of the town of Camden was suffered again to collapse in 1878, the trustees, Dr. Samuel Mason and J. D. Smith, being held by the Supreme Court to act as such until the debt for the school building is paid. The third trustee has just moved away. The board levies a tax annually to the extent of the law, but this being in- sufficient, it is hoped that a " boom " will soon come to the place, so that permission from the Legislature will be sought to levy a sufficient tax to redeem the outstanding bonds, and thereby the credit of the municipality. The school since 1878, has becu in the charge of the township trustees.

BUSINESS.

Besides the usual stores and shops for a place of its size, Camden has the follow- ing business establishments and professional mien.

G. F. Geminill's Pennville Flouring Mills,

with two run of burrs for wheat and one for corn, steam power, is busy nearly every day in the year with a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per twenty-four hours. Does both custom and merchant work. The first grist- mill in Camden was run by water-power, and was built by Samnel Grisell, in 1844, who had previously erected the first saw-mill, also water-power. The first steam grist and saw-mills was erected by Grisell and Lukins Griffith, in 1850. Subsequent proprietors have been Samuel A. Shoaff and -- Griffith, who built a large addition, and P. B. Barnes, who ran it about four years, and under mort- gage, in March, 1887, sold it to the present proprietor.

I. N. Ault, south of town, owns both a saw-mill and tile factory,-the former built in 1868, by John Moore, and the latter in 1885. Mr. Ault purchased the inill of Mr. Woods, in the winter of 1884.

Johnson & Place have been running their saw-mill in the northeast part of Camden since 1881. It was built by Lewis Bros.

J. W. Thomas, since 1882, has owned and run the saw-mill lie bought of Samuel A. Shoaff, who built it several years previously. Employs much of the time as many as uine hands, manufacturing both hard and soft wood lumber, both for the local trade and the general market.

Williams & Wilson, on East Bridge Street, built in the fall of 1885 the handle factory which they have since run. They are working steadily, employing five or six hands.

Briggs & Meudenhall owu and run the woolen factory, whicre they manufacture yarns, jeans, flannels, blankets, ctc., mostly for the Indianapolis, Dayton and other mar- kets. They have one set of cards, four looms and 240 spindles. The factory was built in 1865 or -'66 by John Hiatt, who afterward admitted Mr. Thurstou as a partner; then

256

HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

Sharpe & Cook were the proprietors, and since 1881 the present firm.

In March, 1887, Rudolph Snyder succeeded his deceased fatlier, F. X. Snyder, in the tannery.

Samnel Coover, since 1880, has set the best table at the Riverside House that can be found anywhere, city or country. At present this is the only hotel in Camden. The Union House and the Indiana Honse, and others, are institutions of the past.

The physicians of Camden at present are Samuel Mason, J. M. Bosworth, and R. R. Sherwood, regular; and L. N. Blackledge, Mrs. Amanda Blackledge, C. B. Saunders and W. C. Horn, eclectic, or independent. Dr. S. A. Thomas, a prominent physician here for a period, moved to Koscinsko County about two years ago. Dr. C. S. Arthur, for many years past a resident of Portland, and the most prominent physician in the county, practiced medicine at Camden for a number of years. Mrs. Emma B. Lewis, formerly a physician of this place, was at Dayton, Ohio, at last accounts.

The attorneys at Camden are Alfred Rus- sell, Z. B. Lea and B. F. Graves.

The Tri-County People, a sprightly seven- column folio newspaper, was started during the last week of April, 1887, by Murtha & Russell.

SOCIETIES.

Pennville Lodge, No. 212, F. & A. M., was chartered May 27, 1857, with Heston Paxton as worshipful master. Those suc- ceeding him in that office have been C. A. Horn, C. S. Arthur, J. Decatur Barr, Sam- uel I. Gray, and Jolin S. Emmons, the present incumbent. The other present officers are, John S. Emmons, Worshipful Master; Heston Paxton, Senior Warden; William Allen, Jun- for Warden; Isaac Underwood, Secretary;

John Branstetter, Treasurer; Melvin Ncar, Senior Deacon; Willianı Engle, Junior Dea- con ; Charles Schrader, Tyler. The total nnin- ber initiations since organization liave been eiglity. Regular meeting of the lodge monthly.

Relief Lodge, No. 145, I. O. O. F., was or- ganized in July, 1854, with about ten mem- bers. Charles Hughes, the first noble grand, is the only charter member now living in this vicinity. Henry Z. Jenkins was the first to introduce Odd Fellowship at Pennville, as well as at Cincinnati, the first west of the Alle- ghanies. He died at Pennville, December 9, 1881, at the age of cighty-six years, a ven- erable and useful citizen. The lodge at Pennville has initiated, since organization, 141; the present membership is about thirty- five, and the society is in a sound financial condition. The present officers are, Sanınel Kirkwood, Noble Grand; John S. Emmons, Vice-Grand; James A. Russell, Secretary; Fred Bollmann, Treasurer; Davis Riley, Warden; Albert Russell, Conductor; A. P. Hughes, Past Grand; Josialı Ward, Guardian.

James B. Cartwright Post, No. 358, was instituted June 14, 1884, by Deputy L. L. Gilpin, with the following officers: T. J. Cartwright, Commander; Z. B. Lea, Senior Vice-Commander; C. B. Saunders, Junior Vice-Commander; John J. Branstetter, Chaplain; J. M. Boswortlı, Surgeon; Charles Hughes, Quartermaster; James Starbuck, Officer of the Day. Present officers: J. M. Bosworth, Commander; Simon P. Morrow, Senior Vice-Commander; Charles Free, Jun- ior Vice-Commander; Z. B. Lea, Surgeon; Aaron Allman, Chaplain; William Stone- burner, Officer of the Day; Lewis Addington, Outer Guard; L. J. Gibble, Adjutant. The membership has increased from thirty-three to fifty, in good standing. Altogether, about eighty names have been enrolled.

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PENNVILLE.

Mr. Cartwright, the patriot in honor of whom the post is named, was a volunteer from Camden, in Company H, One-Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and died at Memphis, Tennessee, November 19, 1862, from the effects of eating a poisoned pie. Others were seriously affected by eating from the same lot. His death was the second among the soldiers from Jay County.

The Good Templars have maintained an organization here since 1855. Isaac Under- wood is the present chief.

CHURCHES,

Methodist Episcopal .- The first Method- ist meeting held at Camden was at the house of James Coulson, in 1838 or '39, when Henry Z. Jenkins joined the church. The first members were, beside Mr. Jenkins, James Coulson and wife Eliza, Mary Delong and Sarah Gove. Their first house of worship was a log building, in the southeast part of town. This point, in the ecclesiastical polity of the Methodist church, has been at times a mission and at times self-supporting, and has also been attached to various circuits. Among the early preachers were, Rev. Lank, who organized the first class; George W. Bowers, who is still living in this part of Indiana; Barden Bradbury, etc. The present house of worship is a frame 32 x 50 feet, dedicated February 23, 1858, by Rev. C. W. Miller, when the society numbered nearly 200, eighty joining at that time, and enjoyed its highest tide of prosperity. At present this society, with a membership of about 150, assisted by the Oak Grove class, five miles south, support a pastor. These two " appoint- ments " constituted what is called a " circuit." They also have a good parsonage at Camden. The class-leaders here are A. T. Place and George Haines; local preacher, Mr. Wright; Sunday-school, with an average of about 150,

is superintended by Mr. Place, and is kept up the year round.

Friends, or Quakers .- The Hicksite (Uni- tarian or Universalist) branch of this church held their first meetings here in a log school- house on the site of the present cemetery east of town. Their present meeting-house, about 20 x 40 feet in dimensions, was built in 1864, in the place of an older frame building, in the eastern part of the village. The present membership, of about 120, is min- istered to by Friend Joel Birdsall, living three miles north of Balbec. They meet every Sunday and Thursday. Present elders- James Meredith, Albert and Rachel A. Gri- sell and Mary A. Underwood.

The " orthodox," or older branch, organized in 1882, and have now about seventy names on their book as members, who meet every First-Day (Sunday) when they have a place to meet. They have generally been supplied by non-resident ministers. Present overseers -Maria G. Meredith, Sarah Jenkins, Will- iam Roberts and Joseph Paxson. The society owns a lot, and will endeavor to build a house of worship this year.

Christian Church .- The " New Lights " held their very first meetings in very early day, in a log house erected by William Samn- uels, one of their prominent ministers being Rev. Beal Babb. The present member- ship (March, 1887) is about seventy-five, but a great revival is in progress, under the preaching of Rev. J. H. O. Smith, of Indian- apolis, State Evangelist, which is rapidly in- creasing the membership. Rev. Enos Polly, of Union City, was the minister in 1878-'80, when the society numbered eighty or over, and was enjoying its greatest period of pros- perity. There is no stated pastor at present. The church edifice is a neat frame building, 32 x 45 feet in size, dedicated about 1873, by Elder Smith, of Huntington. The society

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Author: Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 922

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 922