USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 11
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The first church was built on the Long farm, by the Presby- terinna, in 1836 and '37. In 1837 and '38, the Metbodists built wbat is known as the " Zion Church." The next house of worship was built by the Universalists about 1845.
The first achool house was built on the Robinson farm in 1834. The first school held in the new house was taught by William Mitchell. The next school house was built soon after, in the Fogle- song neighborhood. Also, at an early date, school houses were built near the " Zion Church," and in Section 16, on the Jamnes Stevens farm.
Tbe townsbip was organized Mareb 7, 1836. Soon after perfeet- ing the organization, the first election of the townsbip was held at Benjamin Powell'a. James Seott was chosen first Justieo of the Peace; James Corbitt, first Constable.
In the year 1845, James Stevens built a saw-mill on his farm. It neither ran by the power of steam or water, as do modern mills, but by the power of a strong yoke of oxen. Thia mill ran success. fully for a time, being highly prized hy the pioneer, when Mr. Stevens had the sad misfortune to he crushed to death between some of the machinery. Tbe next to engage in the milling business was Abrsham Coppie, about the year 1851. Soon after him, J. R. Johnson en- gaged in a similar enterpise.
Probably the first marriage celebrated in the township was that of James Blackburn to Susannah St. Clair.
In the year 1834, there was horn to Peter Michaels n son, Uriab, who was, perhaps, the first white child born in the township.
The first death which occurred was that of Mr. Ross, in 1833. There are townships in Cass County that, in the way of improve- ments, excel Harrison, yet the latter has no reason to be ashamed of the progress she has made. She justly boasts of a large body of fertile land, which her enterprising citizens are rapidly bringing into an excellent state of enltivation.
The name and location of churches will he found correctly given in the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school bouses are -; enrolled sebool ebildren -
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
The above name would convey to the mind of the reader the idea that [at the time of the organization of their township there wero within ber limits some ardent admirers of the statesman and Presi- dent, Thomas Jefferson. Henee the township was so named as a means of perpetuating his memory.
Jefferson is properly classed among the largest townsbips of Cass County. It is situated in the western part, its extreme western border being White County, the southern portion bordering upon tbe Wabasb River. Tho land along this stream, even by the Indian, was bighly prized. Hence, when the white man mado bis appearance he was desirous of choosing for his future home land not far removed from its fertile valleys.
As early as the year 1828, according to tho best authority at our command, William Price settled on the farm now owned by the heirs of Peter Elsroth. For the period of one year, Mr. Price held undis- puted sway of the forest, bis only companions being the Indians and wild beasts.
The year following, however, 1829, he was joined in bis seeming solitary retreat by John Myers, wbo fixed his homo on what is known as tbe Gordon farm.
In the year 1830, four more men eamo who were in no wise daunted by tho dreary prospeets presented by a home in an almost unbroken wilderness, but with stout hearts, whether so from nature or necessity, they came and entered upon the arduous task of bringing the forests into a state of cultivation. They were Peter Elsrotb, who located on the farm belonging to his heirs ; Major Smith, on the Gray farm ; James Williams, on the farm now owned by Mr. Lynas; and Andrew MeMillen, who settled on the farm belonging to Mr. Sander- son.
In the year 1831, emigration from some cause seemed to deelino, and we were unable to learn the names of any who entered the town- ship during that period. In 1832 (possibly somo named bere may have come a year earlier), emigration again revived and a number were added to tho little colony. They were as follows: Robert Gray, who settled on the farm owned by his son Jolin ; Taylor Stur- geon, on the Barr farm, and Jobn Kistler, on the forin owned by Wm. H. Standley.
In the year 1833, Dr. James Gordon, still a citizen of the town- sbip, settled on the Coble farm and Beauford Banta, on the farm wbere he is now living. Others of the same year were Alexander Gray, on the farm owned by his son Harrison ; and Aaron Renbarger, on the farm where his son is living at present.
In 1834, A. B. Hildebrand settled on the farm wbere be is still living. The same year came David Wirriek, father of Washington Wirrick, of Cieott, who settled on the Georgo Walker farm; Josepb Day, on the lot in the little village of Georgetown ; and Absalom Cruse, on tho farm owned by the Rogers heirs.
Among those who came in 1835, we namo Major Daniel Bell, William Neithercut, John Sbaw, Israel Watts, Daniel Small, Jobn Watt and Alexander Scott.
In 1836 came Larken Herman, Jacob Myers, Thomas Rogers, John Scott and Thomas Harless.
Soon after the year 1836, were the following: Alexander Sea- right, David L. Devore, Timothy Calloway and William M. Rogera, with a long list of others equally deserving, which, owing to the many ebanges which oeeurred about that time, must necessarily bo omitted.
The citizens of Jefferson were, at an early date, onlisted in their spiritual welfare ; accordingly, as carly aa tho year 1835, n religious meeting, the first in the township, was held at the cabin of Robert Gray, by the Christians or Disciples. William Hicks and the Scott brothers were pioneer preachers of this denomination. The next denomination to hold worship in the township was the Dunkards or German Baptists, who held their meeting at the enhin of David Wir- rick. The first church in the township was built by the Presbyterians, on the Jobn Wilson farm, about the year 1845.
The citizens were not only interested in apiritual but also in the intellectual welfare of her citizens. Hence, as early aa the year 1836, a school house was built on the Dunham farm. As the population inereased and the demand for more school houses beeamo apparent, they were readily constructed by the people.
The first mill in the townahip, and among the earliest in the county, was a corn eracker, built near the present site of Georgetown, about the 1829, by George Cicott. We did not mention the name of Mr. Cicott among the early settlers, as he was a Frenchman, deal- ing almost exelusively with the Indians. His mill was really huilt for their accommodation, but was highly prized hy the white men, as it afforded them the opportunity of having their corn ground near home.
About the year 1836, George Myres built n saw-mill near the present site of the Searight Mill. The first regulnr grist-mill of the townabip was built by Alexander Searight in 1843.
The township was organize September d6, 1831. Under this organization the first election was held at Georgetown, in the cabin of John Myres. Only six votes were cast. Major Bell aeted as In- spector.
The first Justice of the Peace was Joseph Dny. Robert Gray and Beauford Banta were probably first Trustees.
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In the year 1834, Lucy Hildebrand gave birth to a child, proh- ably the first born of white parents in the township. The first death which occurred was that of Peter Price, in the ycar 1833.
Were we to go back half a century and comparo the condition of Jefferson then with her present appearance, we would bo eoustrained to say rapid have been the strides in the way of improvements. The name and location of churches will be seen by reference to the town- ship map. Her school houses are 11; enrolled school children, - -.
CICOTT
is a station on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. A few lots were laid out about the year 1870. Located there as general mer- chant at present is Washiington Wirrick.
GEORGETOWN
is among the oldest villages in tho county, having been laid out about the year 1835, by Major Bell. It is beautifully located at a hend of the Wabash River. It was designed, and-at one time was quite a flourishing littlo villago, but at present it is of small promise. Dr. James Gordon located there as a general merchant, who, judging by his large and well selected stock of goods, was weil patronized by tho surrounding country.
CURVETON
is a small village, also on the line of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. It was laid out about the year 1860, by Alexander and William Searight. It has never grown to the expectation of its founders. A post office has been established there, with John Hood as Postmaster, and a warehouse undor tho proprietorship of John Reed.
NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
Passing through this townsbip, in certain localities, and judging from the many fine farms and substantial dwellings, together with the cheerful, happy faces of its owners, one would suppose the name " Noble" wisely and appropriately given. The facts are, however, the name was given in memory of Noah Noble, then Governor of Iodiana.
Owing to the fact that part of her land was situated so near the county seat, it came carly into market. Accordingly, as early as the 1828, a man named Henry Garrett entered the wilderness of what is now Noble, and selected for his future home the farm at this time belonging to Mr. Forlow.
For about the period of one year, Mr. Garrett was the sole inhab- itant of the township, excepting, of course, the Indian who still found a home in the deep solitude of her forests. Sometime in the year 1829, George Richardson, who a few months previously had settled in Seetion 22, Clay Township, thinking to better his condition, joined Mr. Garrett in his laudahlo enterprise of converting the forests into tillable land. ' He located on what is now the Bilhuan farm. The same year (1829), William Grant settled on the land belonging to Mr. Douglass.
The following year, 1830, occurred the land sale at Logansport. At that time was sold much of the land now embraced within the borders of Noble, many of the purchasers taking possession imme- diately of tbo land they had hought. Among those who came in that year (1830), we name Robert McMillen, with his mother and brothers. They settled on the east side of what is at present the Fletcher farm. His brothers were John, William, George, James and Thomas. John had been in the township some time previous to 1830, but had never made entry of land. Thus it will be seen that the MeMillen family formed a little colony within itself. Only one of the family, Robert, is still a citizen of the township. For many years'he applied bimself successfully to his trade, that of millwright. The greater part of his life, however, has heen spent in the ever bonorablo position of farmer, a position wbieb he has filled quite successfully, judging from his present improvements. Recently, in calling upon him for some historical information, we were surprised to find a man of his age, one who has lived out his three score and ten years, busily engaged in gathering eorn. A portrait of this ven- erahle pioneer appears on another page of the Atlas.
Another wortby pioneer and still an esteemed citizen of the town- ship, wbo came in 1830, is Israel Watts, son of John Watts, wbo enme the same time, fixing his home on tho farm where William Watts lives. An idea of the energy displayed by Israel Watts in performing his duties in tho way of improvements in the township, may be had by reference to the view of his beautiful home found else- where in tho Atlas. In regard to the settlement of William and Leander Dixon, some claim that they came as early as 1828, others that it was in 1829, while there are still others who elaim that they were not permanent citizens of the township until the year 1830. With due respect to the opinions of all, we ean positively assert that as early as 1830, they had entered the land now owned by Mr. Tharp. Others of 1830 were Robert Gibson, who settled on the Forlow farm ; Beuja- quin Adair, on the farm owned by Fleteber ; Alexander Scott, on the farm belonging to Mr. Neff ; Joseph Gibson, on the Moss farm ; and John Hiser, on what is now the Manley farw.
Before the close of the year 1831, the following men had become permanent citizens of the township: John Adair, on the Peter Cotner larm ; James Hood also, ou what is now the Cotner farm ; Eli Cotner, on the farm belonging to Tilghman ; Daniel Dale, on tho Booth farm; aud Joseph Washburn, on tbo farm owned by Mr. Moss.
In 1832, Arnet Shields, yet an esteemed citizen of the township, moved from Clay Township, where he had lived for almost three years, and settled on the farm where he is still living. Others of 1832 were John Smith, who settled on the Sanderson farm ; Richard Howard, on the Gibson tract of land ; Daniel Harwood, nn the farm owned hy Adam Stufenheifer; Hiram Barnett, on the Hart Booth farm; and Dr. James Wilson, on the land belonging to Mr. Brandt. Amoog those of 1833 and 1834, we name Elizabeth Denbo, Isaac Louderhack, - Frushour, Jobn Cary, William MeKaig, Jesse Hodge, Joseph Oliver, James Hood and Gen. H. Lasselle. The latter camo iu 1833.
Among those of 1835 and 1836 were Ephraim Dukes, John Smith, James Hensley, William Thornton and Joel C. Elam. The last named is still a citizen of the township.
Among those who were early settlers, but whose exact date of settlement is to us unknown, we name Joseph Corbit, John Thorn- ton, John Sellers, D. H. Booth, Daniel, William and James Corhit, and Henry Wirrick.
As early as the year 1831, the first religious meeting in the township was held at the house of the Widow McMillen and sons. It was by the Presbyterian denomination, Rev. M. M. Post preach- ing. The following year, 1832, the Christians or Disciples beld meeting on what is now the Neff farm, Alexander Scott being the preacher. The first church in the township was built on the McMillen farm hy the Presbyterians, in 1838. The next was by the Disciples, in 1855 and 1856, and known as the "Shiloh Church."
No later than the year 1836 did the cause of education begin to elaim attention of the inhabitants of Noble. Accordingly, before the close of that year (1836), a school house was built on the McMillen, now Fletcher, farm. The year following 1837, another school house was built on the farm now owned by Israel Graham.
The township was organized March 8, 1836. Soon after this, an election was held at Robert MeMillen's. At this election but five or six votes were cast. Among the first Trustees of' the township wero James Hensley, William Corbet and Robert MeMillen.
In 1834, General Lasselle built, on the Israel Watts farm, a saw- mill, which was highly prized by the pioneers. About the year 1837 was built a corn cracker, afterward converted into a grist-mill.
Among the earliest marriages celebrated in the township was that of William Neff to Susannah Galbreath, in the year 1832.
In 1834, there was born to James and Elizaboth Hood a daughter, Asenath, who was probably the first white obild born in the town- ship. The same year Eli Watts was born to Martha and John Watts.
The first death was that of Jesse Hodge, which occurred in 1834. Of the progress which Noble bas made in the way of improve- ments, we have spoken, to some extent, in the beginning. The land adjoining Logansport is in a high state of cultivation. The land in the north and northwestern parts is generally fertile, but will he ren- dered much more valuable hy improvements yet to be made.
The name and location of eburches will be seen by reference to tbe township map. Her school houses are six ; enrolled school children, -.
GEBHART
is a station on the P., C. and St. L. Railroad. It was never regu- larly laid off. A post office is estoblished there, and a saw-mill is run by Jacob and William Davidson.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
This township was so named in memory of the distinguished patriot and statesman, Henry Clay, the illustrious son of Kentucky. It is situated a little northeast of the county seat, bordering upon Logansport, a part of that city being taken from her limits, and which at an early date was the center of the early settlement. Her lands accordingly came early into market.
Mr. Arnet Shields, now an honored citizen of Noble Township, informs us that on the 9th day of November, 1829, his father, Joshua Shields, settled in Clay Township, on the farm now belonging to the county. He tells us that at the time of their coming, there were but three families living within the boundaries of what is now Clay Township. They were Samuel Ward, Daniel Fuller and George Richardson. They had all located, and were living upon Section 16. From the improvements they bad made, Mr. Shields thinks they had come the year previons, 1828, probably all about the same time.
The four men named above having led the way into the dense forests of Clay, others were soon induced to follow their example. Beforo tho close of the year 1829, the following men were enrolled as citizens of the township: John Alexander and William Scott, both on the farm now owned by John Davis; "Jack" Smith, on what is now the Adam Moorehart farm; Henry Miller, on the Humphrey farm; Reuben Covert, on the farm belonging to Mr. Cooke; and Joseph Sellers, on what is now the John White farm.
In 1830 eame a number of worthy men, who wero in no wise dismayed by the gloomy prospects presented by a home in the wilder- ness, hut who sought with their sinewy arms to aid in the noble work of bringing the forest into a state of cultivation. They were : Joseph Douglass, who settled on the same farm where ho is yet living; Will- iam Fallis, now a feeble old man, also on the farm where he lives; Peter Miller, on the farm belonging to Henry Orwin ; John Hamil- ton, on the Flory farm; Jumes Tueker, on the farm owned by the Carter heirs ; Leonard Sutherland, on the farm the present property of Mr. Aley; Gen. Walter Wilsen, on the farm now owned hy T. J. Wilson's heirs ; George Smith, on what is now the Puterbaugh farm ; Solomon Kelley, on the farm belonging to Mr .. Thomas; Zera Suther- land, on the Robinson farm ; John Hill, on the farm now owned hy Mr. Wells; Gillis MeBenn, on the farm now in possession of the Widow Skelton, and Charles Demos, on what is now the Cooke farm.
The list of names as given us, is scarecly so large during the year 1831 as the year previous (1830). At first thought, one would bave supposed it mueb larger, and yet, it is often the ease that emigration to a new country without any apparent cause often deelines. Then it is possible for our informants to he mistaken slightly in their state- ments. Some eredited to 1830 may have come early in 1831. Our readers must ever bear in mind the difficulty under which we labor to arrive at accuracy where memory alone is the authority for events that transpired almost a half a century ago. We are told that in 1831, there entered the townsbip the following men : William Demos, who settled on the Horn farm ; George Julian, on the farm of William Douglass ; Moses Barnett, on the land owned by the Carter heirs ; Wills Buzan, on the Flory farm ; Noah Vandeveer, on the present property of the Skelton heirs ; James McClung, on the farm belonging to the heirs of Jesse Julian, and Archibald MeGrue, on what is now the Deleplane farm.
Among those of 1832, were the following: John Sutten, on the farm belonging to Mr. Camphell; Ahraham Surber, on the farm which bis heirs still own ; William Murphy, on the La Rose farm ; Jobn Murphy on the farm of Mr. Simpson, and John Shlelds, on what is uow a part of the County Farm.
Prominent among those of 1833 were John Plummer, Jacoh aud Joseph Hall, William Sutherland, John L. Smith, Benjamin Engart and Henry Layton.
In 1834, eame William Rogers, Nathan Julian, Philip J. La Rose and Samuel Swaggers.
Soon after 1834, many changes began to occur, so that it would be difficult to continue the list of early settlers farther. However we may name as coming soon after and consequently sharing in the hardship of pioneer life : Jesse and Jacob Julian, N. Castle and Edward Johnson. The last named gentleman had been a citizen of Logansport several years previous to moving to Clay.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at tho cabin of John Scott, by the Christians or Diseiples, in 1830. John Scott himself and his brother Alexander were early preachers of that de- nomination.
The next religious denomination was the Methodist, who beld their meetings at the house of Messrs. Demos and Plainnuer. In 1834, the first eamp meeting of the township was held by the Meth- odists, on the George Julian farm. Doubtless there are many who re- gard this spot almost as holy ground, remembering that there they laid aside the old man sin and adorned themselves in the shining robes of righteousness. Tho camup meetings in those early days were instrumental of great good, being similar to the protracted meet- ings of modern days. The first church built in the township was hy the Christians (or Disciples), on the Miller farm, in the yeur 1832. The next was by the Methodists, on tho Nathan Julian farmi. Among the pioneer preachers, we name B. Westlake, Perry Buckingham, Wm. Boyden and Ephraim Bates.
The first school in the township was taught ou the Charles Demos farm, in the Winter of 1831 and '32. Shortly after this, a solool house was built on the Wells farm. The next was in the Sutherland neighborhood, about the year 1833. Among tho pioneor teachers we name Messrs. Cozat, Sumwalt, MeLaughlin and Moore.
The township was organized May 5, 1832. A short time after the organization was perfected, the first election was held at the eabin of Samuel Ward. The first Justice of the Peace was Joseph Sellers. The next was John Ward, the son of Samuel Ward. Among those who served at an early date as Trustees we namo Messrs. Julian (Nathan) Cooke, Swigart, Terrell and Black. After the law changed, requiring hut one, Asherry Barnett, whose name is recorded among the early settlers of Harrison Township, was chosen to fill this office. So well and honorably has he discharged its duties, that he has heen steadily continued in that position.
The first mill in the township was huilt by Jonathan Washington, .. in 1832, on the farm owned by the heirs of Mr. Carr. This, although simply a corn cracker, was bighly prized by tbo pioneers. The next to engage in this enterprise was Charles Demos and his son John, who built a saw-mill on the present site of the County Poor Farm.
Being situated near the county seat, and being settled at an early date, Clay Townsbip has indeed mado praiseworthy pro y progress. The traveler through this part of Cass County is pleased with the well improved farms and the neat, substantial dwellings which greet his vision. The name and location of churches may be had by referenco to the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses aro six ; enrolled ebildren, -.
Being so near Logansport, no villages have ever been laid off witbin her borders. That part of the town of Logansport found within ber limits will be described in anothor place.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
All great men in dying leave behind them ardent admirers, those who desire to perpetuate the memory of their ideal men. Hence, frequently do we find our civil townships hearing tho names of our nation's honored men. The above-named township was so called in memory of the illustrious statesman and President, John Quincy Adams.
Previous to the year 1828, the land embraced now within the borders of Adams knew not the tread of the white man. 'Tho Indian held undisputed sway. In that year, howover (1828), a white man by the name of Jackson Conner established an Indian trading-post on the farm now owned by the heirs of John Hoover. The occupation of Mr. Conner was that of trader exclusively. Accordingly, ho mado little attempt at improvements of any kind.
Not until the year 1830 did a white man enter her borders with the fixed purposo of bringing at least a portion of her lands into a state of cultivation. This gentleman was Samuel Lowman. He chose for his future home the farm now owned hy the heirs of Daniel Dillman.
The next man who bad sufficient nerve and energy to east his for- tunes in an unbroken wilderness, trustiog alone to his strong right arm to clear away the forests and prepare the ground whereon should grow the necessaries of life, was Henry L. Thomas. He came in tho year 1831, and fixed his home on what is now the widow Furgeson farm. Despite the hardships borne as a pioneer, by reason of strength, Mr. Thomas' lifo is yet spared. He is now 72 years of age, and is the only one who settled previous to 1831 Iel't to tell the story of life in the woods.
Before the close of the year 183], two other men took up their abode in the township. They were James MePherson, who settled on the 'Tilghman Woodhouse farm, and John Kelley, who loested on what is now the Thomas Dalzell farm.
In 1832, came Minor Alley, who settled on the Gransinger farm, Philip Woodhouse on the farm belonging to his heirs, and Isaac Young also on the farm owned by his heirs. The last natued gentle- man has two sons who are yet worthy citizens of the township.
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