USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 12
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In 1833, came Richard Ferguson, yet an esteemed citizen of the township; Henry Daggy, who settled on the Woodhouse farm; John Gillen, on the farm belonging to Mr. Eurit, aud Nathaniel Nichols, on the land owned by Tilghman Woodhouse.
I'rominent amoug those who came soon after 1833, and shared in the hardships incident to pioneer life, we name Joel Black, who is probably the oldest man of the township; 'Thomas Dalzell, Thomas Kinnear, James Reed, Nathan Jones and Isaac Newman.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of Henry L. Thomas, in 1832, hy the Methodists-William M. Ray- hurn preaching.
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The first church was huilt by the denomination known as Chris- tians, or New Lights, on the Reed farm, about the year 1847.
The first school was taught iu a eahin on the Dalzell farm, in the year 1836, by William Davidson. The first school house was huilt on the Joel Black farm the year, following, 1837. The same year, another was huilt on the Thomas farm.
The township was organized May 6, 1835. Soon after this, an election wes held at the bouse of Nathaniel Nichols. John Cox was ebosen first Justice of the Peace. Nathaniel Nichols acted as Inspect- or. He was also one of the early Trustees.
In the year 1835, George Lowman hnilt a saw-mill, the first of the township, on the land owned by Messsrs. Furgeson & Young. To this was attached a corn cracker.
Probably the first marriage which occurred was that of Samuel Kelly to Sirena Cox, on the 5th day of March, 1834.
In the year 1832, there was born to Henry and Mary Thomas a daughter, Nancy, who was probably the first child of white parentage born in the township.
The first death was that of Nancy Thomas, which occurred in 1832. In improvements Adams does not claim to be foremost. Situated in the extreme northeastern part of the county, until recently far from railroads, sbe has not had the stimulus for improvements with those townships bordering upon the county seat. In certian localities the advancement she has made is highly commendahle. The names and location of churches will be found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are 7; enrolled school children, -
At present, a tile factory is in successful operation under the con- trol of Deeatur H. Eurit.
TWELVE MILE
is a small village in the north central part of the township. It perhaps was never regularly laid off. Jacoh Reynolds is located there at present, as general merebant; Mr. Wilson as druggist and Dr. J. M. Morris as physician and surgeon.
HOOVER
is a station on the line of the Detroit & Eel River Railroad. It was laid out ahout 1872, by Riley Hoover. Jobn Clouse is at present located there as general merchant. Mr. Clouse also serves in the capacity of Postmaster. Hamilton & Co. are running a saw-mill.
MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
The name " Miami " was probably given this township in memory of the tribe of Indians of that name, to whom at an early day all the lands witbin her limits belonged. The Wahash River forms the sonthern boundary, while Eel River forms its boundary on the nortb. The land along these streams is exceedingly fertile, hence at an early date the land of this township was sought by the speculators, as well as by the pioneer who desired productive land for a future home.
Perbaps the first man to make permanent settlement in this town- sbip was Peter Berry, father of John H. Berry, the latter still a citizen of the township. He came early in the year 1830, and fixed his bome on the farm now owned hy Mr. Cart. Mr. B. came for the purpose of bringing some of her fertile acres into a state of cul- tivation. Accordingly the sound of his axe was heard early and late in felling ber dense forests. Soon, a small "patch" of ground was cleared, which gradually extended its area until the name field could be appropriately applied. Mr. Berry having the first cleared land in the township, to his son John is due the bonor of turning, for culti- vation, the first furrow in the same.
Peter Berry having opened the way into the forests of Miami, before the close of 1830, he was joined hy the following men: John Fidler, who located on the farm yet owned by the beirs; William Conner, on tbe Gallaban farm; and John Hoover, on the farm at present belonging to Mr. Moore.
The year 1831 is memorable in having brought to the township the following men, the majority of whom proved themselves worthy citizens and aided materially in advancing the hest interests of the township. They were Nathaniel Williams, fatber of John Williams, the latter yet an esteemed citizen of the township, and who selected as a future bome the farm yet belonging to bis son Jobn ; Isaae S. Patton, who settled on the farm owned by heirs ; David Miller, Sr., on the farm where he is still living ; and Absalom Reed, on the farm still owned by his beirs.
In 1832, a few more substantial men were added to the little colony. They were Abraham Patton, who settled on the farm now owned by Mr. King; Jesse Fidler, on the land helonging to his heirs ; William P. Vandoren (exact location unknown); and James Henry, on the Levi Bennett farm.
During the years 1833 and 1834, came the following : William Guard, who settled on the farm owned hy his heirs ; Christian Case- beer, on the farm owned by his heirs and William Pearson ; Lewis Bowyer, on the land belonging to bis widow ; Peter Cbidester, on the farm owned by the beirs of his brother ; E. G. Chidester, on what is now the Bird farm; David Casebeer, on the land helonging to Cox and Williams ; Thomas Craighead, on the land now in posses- sion of the Walker heirs ; and David Miller, Jr., on the farm owned by bis beirs.
Those of 1835 and '36 were Samuel McPherson, on the farm of Samuel Newman farm ; Archibald Forgy, on the farm belonging to Mr. Myers; Reuhen Grimes, on the land owned by his heirs ; James McPherson, on what is now the Hyer farm; Stephen and Hiram Clemens, on the land still in possession of their heirs, and George and Jamea Rush, on the Walker and Kidd farm.
Between the years 1836 and 1841, a number of wortby men took up their abode in this township; men who shared the hardships of pioneer life, and by their dauntless energy aided greatly in bringing the township into its present improved condition. As the reader may suppose many changes occurred during those years, so that douht- less many worthy names have heen omitted hy our informants. Entering tbe township at that time, we are ahlo to name the following : Henry, Jacob and Andrew Martin, Isaac Parks, William Sweeny, H. M. Eidson, Frank Kelley, Jacob Loser, John Pfoutz, Jacob Miller, Will- iam Murphy, Anthony Hiller and William Pearson.
The township was organized January 3, 1831. Under this organ- ization, the first election was held soon after at the residence of Peter Berry. The first Justice of the Peace was William Conner. Isaac
Patton also served in this capacity at an early date. Probably the
first Trustees were Messrs. Williams, Berry and Craighead.
The first religions meeting was held in the enhin of Peter Berry, in the year 1833, by the Methodists-William M. Rayhurn preach- ing. The next meeting in the township was hy the Baptist denomi- nation. Their prencher was Elder William M. Prstt, brother of the late Senator Daniel D. Pratt. Mr. Pratt made his first preaching tour ahout 1842-43. The following year, 1843, this denomination (the Baptist) huilt the first church in the township, which stood on the farm of Mr. Berry, The next church was by the Methodists, at Lewisburg, abont 1850. At a very early period in the history of the township, the Presbyterians held meetings at the cabins of Messrs. Thomas and Cruinley. The Rev. Martin M. Post was their preacher.
The first sohool house in the township was built about the year 1833 or '34, on the William Rooker farm. George Kelley was one of the first teachers in the new house. The next school house was on tho Reed farm, about 1837. The first school tanght in this house was by a gentleman named Sumalt.
As early as the year 1833 or 1834, the first mill in the township was built, on Eel River, hy David Miller. This, at first, was simply a corn cracker, hut was afterward converted into a grist-mill.
Perhaps the first marriage celebrated in the township was that of_ Peter C. Berry to Christinia Thomas, ahout the year 1836.
The first death which occurred was that of Mrs. Vandoren, ahout the year 1832.
Among casualties, we have to relate the stealing of a son (Joseph) of Thomas Black's, by the Indians, in 1837. The child was out in the yard playing, when it was suddenly kidnapped hy a party of passing Indians. All efforts made for his recovery proved fruitless. The Indians, about this time, were moved west by the Government, to which place young Black was taken. In 1866, having grown to man's estate, and heing told by the Indians of his native land, he revisited his old homestead. Strange to say, he remained hut a short time. Having been raised among the Indians, having married an Indian girl, and having assumed the grave responsibility of physician among his trihe, he seemed to bave a strong attachment for them, to whom he soon returned, and has ever since remained. Farther mention of bim will be made in the general history of Cass County.
In improvements, Miami stands among the foremost townships of the county. The well known fertility and durability of her soil is patent to all. The tiller of productive land, with prudent manage- ment, is usually successful. He, at least, soon acquires sufficient means to enable bim to make a pleasant and attractive home. Thus, generally, do we find the farmers of Miami with pleasant, comfortable homes. The name and location of churches is correctly given on the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school bouses are six; enrolled school children, -.
NEW WAVERLY
is the principal village of the township. It is situated in the soutb central part, on the line of the T., W. & W. Railroad. It was laid out in 1855, hy John A. Forgy. Its business men at present are as follows : C. P. Forgy & Bros., dealers in dry goods, groceries, hoots, shoes, bats, caps, hardware, queensware and notions, also dealers in pork and grain ; Hugh Pencil & Son, grocers; R. M. Floyd, druggist; John Kinsey, saw-mill; P. W. Castle, blacksmith; Joseph Hogentogle, blacksmith; one church, Methodist Episcopal; one graded school, Alvin Porter, Principal; W. C. Rice, railroad agent; Masonic and Odd Fellows' Lodges. Population about 250.
HOOVERVILLE
is situated in the western part on Eel River. It was laid out ahout 1865, by John Hoover. Emanuel Loser is located there as genersl merchant ; Skinner & Bush are successfully managing a large grist- mill, on north bank of Eel River ; Hiram Armstrong and a gentleman hy the name of Brooks play the part of village blacksmiths.
LEWISBURGH,
in the extreme southern part on the Wabash, is the oldest town of the township. It was laid off ahout 1834 or 1835, by Lewis Bowyer. During the prosperous days of the Wabash & Erie Canal, it was a village of considerable importance. With the going down of the Canal, Lewishurgb began likewise to decline, when, to-day, no husi- ness of importance is transacted within her borders.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
In this township, which bears the name of De Witt Clinton, settle. ment began at a very early date. While in a majority of the town- ships constituting a part of Cass County, the Indian was roaming at will and the white man bad not yet appeared upon the scene, a man was found who was in no wise daunted and fcared not to take up his ahode in the wildwoods of Clinton. This gentleman was James Birch. He came late in the year 1826, or early in the year 1827, and selected for his future home the land now owned by Benjamin Simons. Mr. Birch came with the firm resolution of clearing away the forests and of causing the land thus covered to yield sustenance for man. Accordingly he went vigorously to work, and in a short time a small patch of ground was cleared, which day hy day extended its area into a field of nine or ten acres. Thus, upon what is now the Simons farm was planted and grown the first grain known in Clinton Township. Ahout the same time, William Newman settled next ahove bim under the hluff.
In the year 1828, Christian Simons, father of Peter, Isaac, Leon- ard, John, George and Benjamin Simons, the latter still a worthy citizen of the township, came to what is now Clinton, and purchased the claim of Mr. Birch. The entire trset of land which Mr. Simons bought at that time is now owned hy Benjamin Simons and Andrew Young.
In every difficult undertaking, nothing is so essential as bold, resolute leaders. The forests heing broken, a heginning being made, others were not slow to follow, and soon quite a little colony was formed in the township.
Those who came in the year 1829 were as follows : Jacob Neff, who settled on the Hamburg farm; William Neff, who settled on the William Newman farm ; Christian Radehaugh, on the farm owned by his son Adam; Andrew Young, on what is now the Shanklin farm; Joseph, John and Hugh Woods, on the
farm now owned by the widow of William Brown; Isaac Martin, on the Isaac Young: farm ; Judge Robert Edwards, on the John Brig- gaman tract of land; Hiram Calbert, on the farm owned hy the Berryman heirs ; John P. Miller, on the Alfred Wagoner farm ; Thomas Chambers, on the land belonging to Alfred Porter; and William Lewis, on the farm where he is still living. The same year (1829), Jonathan Neff, still an esteemed citizen of the township, came and purchased the land upon which he is now living. He did not move, however until the Fall of 1830.
In the year 1830, Daniel Neff, whose widow is still living, settled on the farm where his son Daniel lives. Otbers of the same year were Joseph Clymer, who settled on the M. Reed farm; Jos. Fitzer, who still lives on the farm where he settled ; James Chambers, on what is at present the Saylors farm ; George Shidler, on the land owned by his son Abraham; Jobn Dodds, on the place belonging to his son ; Elias Shidler, who settled on the farm the present property of David HI. Clymer; and John Hynes, on the farm where he is living.
After 1830, the township hegan to be rapidly settled, many changes occurring ahout that time, which renders it exceedingly diffi- cult to give date and location farther. The following are known to have been in the township at an early date, and by their energy aided materially in bringing Clinton into her present prosperous con- dition : John Myers, Win. Gohle, Daniel Reed, Wm. Reed, John Shuey and sons, Daniel and Michael, Richard Tyner, Joseph Oliver, Henry H. Helm (in 1835), and Hewitt L. Thomas, in 1836.
The subject of schools and the proper training of the young claimed the attention of the citizens before that of religious meetings and churches. Accordingly, at the early date of 1830, a log school bouse was huilt on the Simons farm. The first school in this house was taught in the Winter of 1830 and '31, by John Martin, at & salary of eight dollars per month. The next school was taught by a Mr. Fuller. Ahout the year 1835, the population had increased to such an extent that more school houses were needed. Accordingly two were huilt, one on the Shidler farm and the other on the land belonging to Mr. Thomas.
The first religious meeting in the townsbip was held at William Neff's, by the Methodists, in 1831. The next demonination was the Presbyterians, who beld regular worship in the Shidler sebool house. The ministers were Messrs. Post and Strong.
The first regular church in the township was built at Clymer's station, by the Methodists. About the same time, another church was built on the Atkinson farm.
Tbe township was organized Marcb 4, 1834. The first election was held soon after the organization was completed, at the house of John P. Miller. The first Justice of the Peace was William Gohle. The first Constable was Thomas Chambers. Mr. J. P. Miller was early chosen Township Trustee.
The first couple united in the honds of matrimony was Joseph Oliver to Rachael Neff, ahout the year 1833.
In the year 1831, there was horn to Elias Shidler a son, who was probably one of the first children born of white parents in the town- ship.
In 1829, died Lydia, wife of Wm. Neff. About the same time, died Mary, wife of Isaac Martin. The latter was the first person buried in the Shidler grave yard. The year following, 1830, died Hugh Woods, brother of Joseph Woods.
The Wabash River forms the northern houndary of Clinton Town- ship. We need not, therefore, tell the reader that she possesses some very fertile land. In the way of general improvements, she has made very creditable progress. Her churches, with name and location, can he found by reference to the township map. Her school houses are six ; enrolled school children, -.
CLYMER'S
is a ststion on the Toledo, Wahash & Western Railroad. It was aid out by George Clymer, about the time of the building of said road. It has never grown to be of any great importance. Its busi- ness men are Dr. Landreg, general store; John R. Rbea, general merchant ; Mrs. Stoddard, groceries and notions, and David Clymer, saw-mill.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Witbin the borders of this township was made the first settlement in Cass County, outside of Logansport. As early as August, 1826, while almost the entire county of Cass was an unhroken wilderness, a man by the name of Alexander Chamberlain fixed his home just across the river from Logansport, where he 'kept a hotel or place of entertainment for travelers. The prospects presented to Mr. Cham- herlain were gloomy and uninviting. The Indian, with his stealthy tread, the hiss of serpents and the dismal howling of wild heasts added to the dreariness of the deep solitude. Surrounded as we are to-day, it is difficult to imagine the hardships undergone hy the early settlers. The motive which prompted him to leave the home of comparative comfort and plenty for one of loneliness and want is, perhaps, illus- trative of the restless spirit of man, the constant longing for " some- thing new." While at times this spirit of restlessness is to be higbly condemned, it is at times highly commendable. Gnided hy this spirit, the name of Alexander Chamberlain will go down in history as the leader in the march of civilization in Washington Township.
Emigration toward Washington, for some years, was very slow. Accordingly, for some time, Mr. Chamberlain held undisputed sway, having his neighhors just across the line, in Logansport and Ecl 'Town- ship. However, in the Spring of 1828, Gen. John Tipton, Indian Agent, located in Washington on the land first occupied hy Mr. Chamberlain, but now forming part of the city of Logansport.
During the year 1829, William Lewis lived a short time on what is now the Biddle farm.
On the 7th day of Octoher, 1830, Andrew Jobnson, yet a citi- zen of the township, settled on the farm where he now resides. He bas accordingly heen longer in the townsbip than any one now living. He is the only one who settled in 1830, or previous, who is left to tell the story of pioneer life.
During the year 1831, doubtless, there were some who entered the township, but, if so, we have failed to secure their names.
In 1832, Cyrus Vigus settled on what is now a part of Logansport. The year following, 1833, Francis Murphy settled on the land now laid not in town lots.
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In 1834 and '35, came Samuel and Thomas Kinnaman, Jesse Julian and William C. Richardson.
From this time up to 1838, very few made permanent settlement witbin the borders of the township. In that year (1838), the greater part of Washington Townsbip, which was originally included within tho " Miami Reservation," was purchased by the Government from the Indians. It will be remembered that at this time, only a strip seven miles wido, along the western border of the reservation, in what is now Cass, Howard and Clinton Counties, was purchased by the United States. This was at once transferred to the State of Indiana, and immediately offered for sale; the proceeds being used for the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal, from the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, down.
In the Fall of 1843, the entire reservation included in Washing- ton Township was relinquisbed by the Indians to the United States. The Indians at the same trenty, agreed to move within a short time to the West. By tho transaction above recorded, nearly all the land in Washington, at once eame iuto market. It so readily found pur- chasers, that it would be a difficult undertaking to name and locate all who eame about that time and seon thereafter. The following are the principal : Josiah Butler, Frederick Ozenbaek, Barton R. Keep, Charles and Almond Lyons, James Carney, Benjamin Sprader, Artemus B. Knowlton, William Sturgeon, William De Ford, Don R. Clark, Josiah Jones, Michael Ward, Paynter West, Jacob Myres, George Brown, John Neff, Alexander Smith, - Doyle, Leonard Simons, David Burkit, James Burkit, - Nelson, P. Vernon, Oliver, Sampson Berryman, A. J. Richardson, Willard White, Will- iam Clymer, Robert K. Rhea. John D. Bell, Hiram Guy, James Guy, Daniel Small, Major Long, Peter Martin, Henry Ramer, Mathew Jackson and Christian Foglesong.
About the year 1838, the subject of schools began to receive attention from those who had settled witbin the narrow strip not in- eluded in the reservation. In that year, the first school in the town- ship was taught, in a eabin on the Andrew Johnson farm. The teacher was John Lehigh. About the year 1841, the first regular school house was built on the Johnson farm.
The township being situated so near Logansport, the citizens had the opportunity of attending church at that place. No regular relig- ious meeting was held in the township until after the building of the school bouse on the Johnson farm. This was used as a place of worship by both the Baptists and Methodists. Mr. Mason was the Baptist minister. The first church in the township was built on the Martin farm by the aid of several denominations, and, hence a Union Church.
The township was organized September 7, 1842. The first election after the perfecting of the organization, was held at Barton R. Keep's. Jesse Julian was chosen first Justice of the Peace,
Probably the first marriage celebrated in the township was that of Peter Barron to Sarah Chamberlain, in 1830.
In tbo year 1831, there was born to John Tipton and wife a son, George T., who was, perhaps, the first white child horn in the township.
Among early deaths, we have to relate that of Sarah Ruckman, who was stabbed by her husband in the Fall of 1843. This sad event oceurred on the farm now owned by Dr. Justice. The murderer was arrested and lodged in jail at Delphi, from which he afterward escaped.
Washington Township possesses a large body of fertile land. This, as we have said before, always enables the owner to make such improvements as be may desire. Hence, Washington, in this respeet, has kept pace with her sister townships. The names and location of' churches are correctly given in the township map. Her school- houses are cight; enrolled school children, -.
DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
This township derived its name from a stream which flows through its eonGnes. The stream, it is said, was so ealled because of the great number of deer which, at an early day, were found along its banks.
The township is situated in the extreme southern part of the county. A portion of its territory was formerly included within the " Great Miami Reservation." Accordingly, settlement did not eom- menee there at so early a date as in those townships removed some dis- tanee from the Reservation and situated nearer the county seat.
In the year 1838, there were found two men willing to try a home in the unbroken wilderness of what was soon to bceome Deer Creek Township. They wero Noah Fouts, who settled on the farm now be- longing to his son, Henry, and Joseph Neff, who selected for his future home the land owued at present by William Snider. There was but little difference in the arrival of the two gentlemen named above, both eoming about the same time. Several sons of the last named are now living in the village of Walton, Tipton Township.
The next man who possessed the necessary hardihood to hrave the exposures and dangers of the woods was J. Reagan, who came in 1839, and settled on the Danial Hyman farm. His widow, having survived the hardships of an eventful life, is still living in the town- ship.
During the year 1840, according to the hest authority at our command, only one man was added to the little colony. This was Mr. Joshua Coshow, who settted on the farm belonging to Isane Sence.
The year 1841 brought four. They were Win. Duncan, who located on the land where he is still living ; John McIlwain, on the William Ilolland farm ; Alexander Murphy, also on what is now the Holland farm, and Robert Coat, on the land owned by the widow Green.
In 1842, came William Buchanan, who settled on the widow Senco farm; John Payton, on the farm owned by John McClosky, and Henry James, on the George Huhler farm.
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