USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 13
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In 1843, the number was largely increased hy the following men: John N. Poundstone, on the farm whero he is still living; A. F. Coin, on the farm owned hy his son, S. R. Coin; Barnett Wilson, on the place where he lives ; George A. Ewing, on the John Roush farm; James W. Smith, on the farm which is still in possession of his heirs ; James Logau, also on the land owned by his heirs ; Geo. W., Jacob and Jackson Harness, the former on the farms where they are living, the latter on that owned by his heirs; Jacoh Eder, on the
Flinn and Beech farmu, with Daniel and Jacob Shelley, wbo were "squatters," not at first making permanent entries of land.
In 1844, Daniel and Lewis Hyman, still citizens of the townsbip, settled on the Escher farm. Among others who came soon after that date and are justly to be mentioned among the early settlers, were David See, James Stanley, William Hall, William Holland, Jacob Sheru, John Davis, John Hampshire, Benjamin Hoover, John Grist, William Smith and Thompson Vaughn.
Doubtless there are many names that should appear here. but they have been forgotten by those from whom we have gained our information; accordingly we must content ourselves with having given the basis of the early settlement.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of Noah Fouts, ahout the year 1840, by the Cumberland Presby- terians. Their preacher was the Rev. John Hay. The next denomi- nation was the Baptist, who held their meetings in a log school house, on the Escber farm. About the year 1845, the Methodists built a chureli on tbe Reeder farm. The same year, a church was built by the Quakers on the Ednos McDonald farm. The next was by the Christiaus or Disciples in Young America.
Tbe first school house in the township was built on the Hyman farm about the year 1840. The first school held in the new bouse was taught by Josiah Brown. Soon after this, Milton Jerrett taught a school in the same place. When the population had increased suf- ficiently to demand it, a second school house was huilt on the Holland farm, and also, at an early date, a third on the Poundstooc farm.
The township was organized July 26, 1842. Soon after the per- feeting of this organization, an election was held at Holland's. Jobn Grist is thought to bave been the firat Justice of the Peace, while John McIlwain and Thompson Vaughn served at an early date in tbe eapacity of Township Trustees.
In March, of the year 1841, there was born to Z. Reagan and wife a daughter, who was probably the first white ehild born in the township. About the same time, a son, Josiah, was born to Jo- seph Neff and wife.
The first deatb which occurred was that of Z. Reagan, in 1840. In the line of casualties, perhaps nothing has occurred in the bis- tory of the township which has so aroused her citizens, as the attempted murder of Abraham Johnson. This is of recent occur- renee, having transpired in 1877, and is accordingly fresh in the minds of all. It is not our province here to give details, but to state facts briefly and concisely as possible.
On a certain day in the latter part of the year named above, Mr. Johnson, having heen on business a short distance from Young America (his home), was returning thither, when he was met, about a mile west of said village, by three men in a spring wagon, who eluimed to have some machinery which they were very desirous that he (Johnson) should examine. While preparations were being made for showing said machinery, Mr. J. suddenly received a heavy blow on the head, which no doubt was intended by the giver to he a fatal one, the effect 'of which was to render him unconscious for many bours. Wheu consciousness returned, Mr. Johnson found himself in a hollow log. From this, after much difficulty, he extricated himself, and finally succeeded in reaching a houso where he was eared for, and soon taken to his home. For some time he lay in a critical condition, but finally recovered. At the time the assault was made, Mr. John- son was supposed to have considerable money in his possession. Sev- eral arrests have been made, hut in each ease the parties arrested have successfully proved their innocence.
In considering the progress Deer Creek has made in the way of improvements, we must take into consideration the late date at wbich her lands came into market; yet, so well has she played her part in this respeet that the stranger passing through Cass County would scarcely believe Deer Creek ten or twelve years younger than many of her sister townships.
Her school bouses are eleven; enrolled school children, -.
YOUNG AMERICA.
The proprietors of this enterprising towu were Laban Thomas, John Roush, Lewis Hyman and Robert Hinton. It was laid out abont 1856. Its business men at present are as follows: M. B. Marris, dry goods, etc .; J. G. Jobnson, groeery; L. W. Coin, drug- gist ; H. N. Turley, grocery ; Philip Wykle, wagon maker; Theodore Kreseen, blacksmith; B. F. Rhodes, grist-mill; Abraham Johnson, saw-mill; Abner Rateliff, planing-mill; William Hunter, shoemaker ; Edward Montgomery, shoemaker ; J. T. Snodgrass, tinner ; Robert Hunter, undertaker; A. C. Walter, harness maker; Robert Cum- mins, hotel ; physicians are D. C. Barnett ; I. A. Cooper and A. B. Strode. One church, Christian or Disciple ; one school house. Pop- ulation, about 225.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
The above name was given this township by its citizens, thus helping to perpetuate the name of the illustrious President, Andrew Jackson.
The township being situated in the extreme southeastern part of the county and being wholly in the " Great" or " Miami Reserva- tion," did not come into market until other parts of Cass County (especially in the vicinity of Logansport) were being rapidly brought into a state of cultivation.
In November, 1841, Richard R. Howard (who had been a citi- zen of Harrison Township since 1833, and still, the year previous, a citizen of Noble Township) moved into what is now Jacksou Town- ship. Howard was a great hunter and fisher, and as the deep forests were advantageous to his colling, he hesitated not to sell his claims in the older townships and settle in the new. Despite the hardships undergone in those early years, Mr. H., by reason of strength, is yet spared and is making his home; at present, with his son, Nelson, wbo is living upon the farm where Mr. Howard first settled.
Mr. H. informs us that at the time he moved, there was hut one family living witbin the borders of what is now Jackson. That was the family of James Dixon, who lived upon the farm now owned hy Samuel B. Sprinkle. Mr. Dixon had moved the April previous (1841), and hence has the honor of being the first white man in the township.
A settlement now being commenced, the following year, 1842, s number of well-to-do men were added to the little colony. They
were Israel Biekell, wbo came carly in the year and settled on the the land owned, at present, hy Robert Williams and I. V. Caniue ; Daniel Flinn, who eame a little later the same year, and fixed his home on the Ramsey farm ; Hezekiah Frush, on the land belonging to Canine; Jacob Myers, on the Fickle farm ; David Kemp, on the farm owned by his widow ; John Flinn. on the George Staffer farm ; Thomas Morgan, on the I. V. Canine traet of land ; Freeman Dag- gett, on the Fickle farm ; David Bickell. on the farin belonging to Thomas Morgan ; Henry Bickell, on what is now the Williamson Wright farm, and William Frush on the Joseph Graves land.
In 1843, came the following: David McCalley, who settled on the present site of Gulveston ; Elisha Garrett, on the Joshua Garrett farm ; William Stanley, on the Bickell farm; Isaac Windom, on what is now the Lewis Wample farm ; David Bell, on the farm belonging to Mr. Adams; a gentleman by the name of Thomas, on the Emriek farm ; James Bell, on the farm owned by his son William ; William Dale, on the Joseph Graves farm ; Daniel Fickle, on the Daggett farm ; Christian Howdyshell, ou the farm belonging to Mr. Stauffer ; William Murphy, on the Joseph Gray farm, and James Wind, on what is now the Absalom Boring furm.
Prominent among those of 1844 were the following: Absalom Boring, Daniel Bell, Jobn Kemp, Abraham Widner and Charles Townsend.
After 1844, the township began to he rapidly settled. Among those who eame soon after that time with others, whose exact date and place of settlement are to us unknown, we name James Haywortb (probably came as early as 1842); the Grays, Samuel B. Sprinkle, Joseph Parks, William Traey, Robert Williams, James Graves, N. Jump, I. V. Canine, Joseph Graves, Dr. J. C. Loop, Dr. T. Bald- win, R. S. MeWilliams and Joshua Baruett. The latter is one of the oldest mon of the county.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at Richard Howard's in 1842 by the Disciples, or Christians, a Mr. George Smith preaching. The next denomination was the United Brethren, who held meeting the year following (1843) in private families, Mr. Doolittle heing their preacher. The next denomination was the Methodists.
The first church was huilt hy the Methodists in 1849 or '50, and known as the "Sprinkle Chapel." The next church was by the United Brethren, in Galveston, soon after.
The first school house was huilt on the William Stanley farm, where Bickell now lives, about the year 1843. Mr. John M. Jackson taught the first school held in the new house.
The next sehivol houso was built near Galveston about 1845. Other early teachers were Samuel Lambert and Daniel Kemp.
The township was organized June 6, 1847. Tho Grst election was held soon after at the cabin of William Frush, now the Canine farm. At this election, Thomas, who is still a citizen of the township, acted as Inspector. The first Justice of the Peaco was Danjel Kemp. Thomas Patterson also held this office at an early date. Richard Howard was one of the first Township Trustees ; the names of the other township officers have been forgotten.
The first person to engage in the milling business was John Sprinkle, who built a saw-mill on the south prong of Deer Creek, about 1846 or '47. A man by the name of Hiatt also built a saw-mill on the same stream at an early date.
The first death was that of William Dale, caused from cutting his foot, which occurred in the year 1843 or '44. The first marriages and births are not remembered by our informants.
In the way of improvements, considering the late date at which the white man began to fell her forests, Jackson has indecd made rapid progress. Her farms are generally well improved, with a goodly number of substantial dwellings. Her churches, with name and location, may be seen by reference to the township map found on another page of the Atlas. Her schoolhouses are -; enrolled school children, -.
LINCOLN
is situated in the north-central part, and was laid out hy Theodore Lincoln, about the year 1855. It contains at present the following business houses : Howard Shanks, general merchant ; Bell & Son, saw- mill ; William Traey, cooper shop ; J. H. Doyle, miller ; Dr. Lester, physician and surgeon; Albert Rhea, blacksmith ; on church- Methodist; one school house and a post office, H. Shanks, Postmaster. The town is a station on the line of the P., C. & St. L. Railroad.
GALVESTON,
a thriving village and a town of much enterprise, is situated in the southeastern part of the township, on the line of the P., C. & St L. Railroad. It was laid out in 1854 by James Carter. Its first mer- chants were B. O. Spencer and Mr. Hay. The business men at present are as follows: M. H. 'Thomas & Sons, dry goods, etc. ; John Turley, dry goods, etc .; Z. W. Loop, druggist; G. W. William, druggist ; A. J. Shirley, stoves and tinware; Thomas McGovern, groceries; M. H. Thomas & Sons, grist-mill; B. L. King, saw-mill and pump factory; J. H. Eisenhrey, harness and sboe shop ; Thomas Flinn, shoe shop ; William Russ, carpenter and joiner; A. B. Rule, blacksmith ; George Page, blacksmith; John Crisler, meat market; Noah Ault, cooper shop; John Keever, broom factory; William Koup, cabinet maker.
The ministers are J. C. Loop, T. Baldwin, S. F. Landry, J. S. Beall and H. C. Gemmill.
Ministers are R. T. Lung and J. B. Cook, of the Methodist Church, and Rev. Deholt, of the Baptist.
Churches are two-Methodist and Baptist. One graded school, R. T. Lung, Principal.
Mollie Lytle, millinery ; G. M. Shaffer, hotel; Jacob Collins, wagon maker; B. M. Arnell, sign painter; Croft & Smith, gallery ; Geo, Davis, railroad agent.
TIPTON TOWNSHIP.
Under the above name we have to record a brief history of one of the largest, and, we may say, in some respects the best township in Cass Connty.
The name Tipton was given the township in memory of General John Tipton. Its dense, hut fertile forests, covered with an abundant growth of sugar, poplar and walnut, all indicative of a deep, rich soil, were nnhroken hy the white man nntil the year 1838. In that
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year came John D. Forgy and James Cook. They pre-empted the land and built cabins, the first in the township, npon the farm now owned by Joseph Shaft. In a short time, however, becoming dissat- isfied with their location, they remeved to Logansport.
A little later in the same year, 1838, Lewis Conner and Allen Wilson, sturdy, energetic men, such as would in nowise be discour- aged by the beginning Forgy and Cook had made, concluded to try their fortunes in the woods of what was afterward Tipton Town- ship. Conner fixed his home on what is now the Gish farm, while Wilson settled on the farm belonging to Mr. Shaft.
The same year, 1838, " Bill " Vandevcer, as he was familiarly called, settled on the Henry Puterbaugh farm. He was fond of hunt. ing, to which he gave most of bis time, making little attempt at im- provements of any kind.
In the Fall of 1839, Col. William Scott settled on what is known as the Leggett farm. The same Fall, Andrew Wilson, who had been n citizen of Miami Township since the year 1833, living upon the Henry M. Edson farin, sold his claim there, and moved into Tipton, locating on the farm where he is still living. He is the only survivor of those who had made a settlement up to that time. A little later in the same year, 1839, William Wilson settled on the Blion farm ; Ja- eob Richardson, on the farm wbich still bears the same name; Curtis Fidler, on the farm belonging to Henry Ullery ; Archibald MeGrue, on the Jacoh Humbert farm ; and Moses Barnett, on the land owned by the heirs of John Fry. In 1840, came 'Thompson McGrue, who settled on what is now the Louthain farm ; William and Wesley De- mos, on the J. W. Miller farm ; James Tucker, on the land belong- ing to Levi Snider ; Joseph Snell, on the farm of Samuel Snell ; David Ripley, on the E. Roderick farm ; Noah Vandeveer, on what is now the Sharts farm ; William Rowan, en what is known at present as the Philips farm; William P. Louthain, on the Leggett tract of land ; Lewis Whittaker, on the Garmer farm; John Hahan, on the farm owned by his widow; and John Larimer, en the farm owned by the widow Hahan.
Those of 1841 were as follows : Samuel and David Puterhangh, who settled in July ef that year, in the eastern part of the township, on the beautiful and well improved farms in the fertile valley of Pipe Creek, where they are still living; Peter C. Berry, on the Finley Reed farm; Vincent and Joseph Louthain, on the farm owned by Mr. Leggett ; John Merritt, on the land helonging to William Stauf- fer ; David Whitsell, on the widow Hahan farm ; John Ladd, on the farm the present property of Georgo Kesling; I. Harris, on the Peter Kesling farm; and Christian C. Army, on what is now the Marion Young farm.
In 1842, James Mays settled upon the farin where he is now liv. ing. Others of the same year were D. K. Smith, who settled on the farm belonging to his hoirs; Joseph Kulh, on the farm where he lives ; and N. B. Knight, on the George Kesling farm.
Among those who came in 1843, we name Joseph Bennett, the Olivers, Jesse Carr, Moses Bennett, William D. Fields, David Baker and Lane Anderson.
Prominent among those of 1844 and '45, were the following : Charles Flanagan, Honry Wilkinson, Mathias Becbdol, Gilbert Wall, Conrad Minick, Hugh Morgan, Henry P. Berry and William Nelson.
In 1846, William P. Thomas, a man who has manifested much interest in the affairs of the township, settled on the farm which he still owns. Others of the same year were Anthony Hiller, James Lewis, James Louthain, John C. Leffel and John Ullery.
In 1847, camo Joseph Howard, Thomas Plummer, and bis brother, Elihu Plummer.
. After 1847, the population of the township began to increase Bo rapidly that wo sball he content with naming a few who camo soon after that time, with somo who were in the township, perhaps, at an earlier date; Dudley Madden, who had heen a citizen of Clay Township for thirteen years previous; Harrison Wilson, Jesse Hass, Samuel Lowman, Oliver Waite and William Nieholes.
The first religious meeting in the township was in a little cabin on the Andrew Wilson farm, by the Methodists, in 1842. The preacher was Allen Skillman. The following year, 1843, the first church organization was perfeeted hy this denomination at the heuse of David Baker-Rev. R. Calbert preaching. William Ricketts and John Leach were also early preachers of the same denomination.
The next denomination was the Christians, or Disciples, who held their meetings at William Nelson's about 1845. Mr. Nelson himself did their preaching.
The first church was a hewed log structure built by the United Brethren, in 1852, on the Henry Snell farm. The next house of worship was by the same ilenomination, soon after, on the Tucker farm, and known as the "Seven-Mile Church." The next church was in Walton, by the Lutherans; the next was by the Methodists, in 1870, and another by the Universalists, a bttle later. In 1872, the Christians, er Disciples, huilt, near Lewisburg, a neat, substantial brick church.
The first school in the township was taught by a Mr. Heathener, in the Winter of 1842 and '43, in a cabin on the Allen Wilson farm. The Winter following, 1843 and '44, another school was taught on the Andrew Wilson farm, by L. F. Bowyer. In 1844, the first school house in the township was built on the Allen Wilson farm, Soon after this date, others were built in various parts of the township.
The township was organized May 3, 1840. The first election was held at the cabin of Andrew Wilson soon after the perfecting ef said organization. At this election, Thomas MeGrue, an esteemed citizen, acted as Inspector, a position he held for many years. The first Justice of the Peace was William Wilson. The first School Trustees were Oliver Waite, William P. Thomas, and William Nicholes.
The first mill in the township was built hy Samuel and David Puterhaugh, in the Fall of 1841. This was a saw-mill, with corn- cracker attached. It commenced running in the Winter of 18-41 and 1842. We need hardly say it was highly prized by the pioneer whe,
previous to this, was compelled to go to Logansport for his lumber and grinding.
In 1850, another saw-mill was built on the Costenhorder farm, by George Sharts. The year following, 1851, a third saw-mill was built by Elihn Plummer. The first grist-mill was built by Thomas K. Hansberry. The next was by John Costenhorder. In 1872, a steam grist-mill was started in Walton hy D. P. Cromer. At present there are in the township seven saw, and three grist-mills.
Pipe Creck is the principal water course of the township. Along its entire course are found immense beds of limestone; some having the appearance of marble. Fossils of considerable value aro also found near this stream.
In an early day, at whatis known as "Pipe Creek Falls," were found extensive dens ef rattlesnakes. These, in the Spring of the year, as they came out to sun, were shet by the pioneers, who thought it fine sport.
In 1852, the first Post Office in the township was established, Mr. William P. Thomas acting as Postmaster.
Among casualties we have to note the killing of three Miami squaws hy Pi-ash-wa, a Pottawatomie.
At an early date in the history of the township, a few hears were found occasionally within her borders. In the Winter of 1842, one of these animals was killed by William Scatt and William Wilson. It is said the former gentleman was so proud of his achievement he carried a paw of the hear in his pocket for some time, in order that douhting parties might be convinced.
The first marriage which occurred way that of Calvin Conner to Mary J. Wilson, in 1843.
In the year 1840, a son John was born to Allen and Mary Wilson. This was probably the first birth of a white child in the townsbip.
The first death was Winfield, a son of William Scott, which occurred in 1844. Soon after this the father, William Scott, died. They were both buried in the " Little Deer Creek Cemetery."
Tipton Township, beyond a doubt, possesses a larger acreage of fertile land than any township in Cass County. As is known to all, it is from the soil we draw our wealth. Hence, many of her citizens have heen prospered financially and are able to make such improve- ments as their tastes may dictate. The townsbip in nearly every respect is well-improved. Her churches number, at present, seven, viz .: two Methodist, two United Brethren, one Christian, one Univer- salist and one Lutheran. Her school houses are -; eurolled school children, -; population, 2,200.
WALLTON.
This flourishing village is situated in the southwestern part of the township, on the line of the P., C. & St. L. R. R. Outside of Logans- port, this is one of the largest and most enterprising towns in the county. It was laid out in 1852, by Gilbert W. Wall. Hatahway & Noel laid out an addition soon after. Three additions have since been made at different times by Messrs. Farris, Dollarhille and Davis.
The following is a list of its business men at present: C. T. Hur- ley, general merchant; Geo. W. Bishop, general merchant; J. Q. Kesling, druggist; John Shaffer, restaurant ; W. P. Bell, Postmaster; David Engler, hotel; Surface & Morgan, grocery; D. P. Cromer, grist-mill; Bennett & Shaffer, tile factory; Adamn A. Smith, tile factory; Hon. Isaac Baumgarner, planing-mill; Penrose & Reed, blacksmiths; Lce Green, blacksmith; Joseph Beall, wagon maker; D. Studer, carriage maker; Hurd & Curtis, saw-mill; G. W. Camp- bell, saw-inill; Penrose & Bro., pump factory; William Bishop, under- taker; D. W. Sumption, railroad agent; J. W. Benifee, shoemaker; Layton, stoves, tinware anıl hardware; Physicians are J. N. Neff, - Alford and C. P. Dutchess; J. N. Farqueson, attorney at law; Ministers, P. S. Snider, William Peck and Adam Surface; Churches are three, viz .: Methodist, Universalist and Lutheran ; School houses two-in one of which is taught a graded school. The town is incorporated, and the following are its officers: O. P. Darl. ing, President; James Davis, Clerk; C. T. Hurley, - Layton, Owen Hurd and Thomas Chappelear, Trustees; William Booher, Justice of the Peace; J. D. Farqueran, Marsbal.
Population, between 600 und 800.
THE CASS COUNTY NORMAL SCHOOL.
This institution has been recently organized at Walton, Indiana, with the following
BOARD OF EDUCATION:
Harry G. Wilson, County Superintendent, in special charge of the primary department and penmanship.
The teachers' Scientific and Classical Departments are under the control and personal attention of Supt. H. G. Wilson and Professors J. H. Hays and J. H. Neff.
Mrs. Phosa Wells Layton, instructor in instrumental music. The branches constituting tbo teachers' course are those required by the State for the common schools.
The Scientific and Classical Departments are ably conducted by competent instructors.
This school was opened for a course of ten weeks, on the 9th day of April, 1878, with a large number of pupils. With such a fair he- ginning, its future success appears flattering, and, under its present competent management, it cannet fail to become one of the leading educational institutions in Cass County.
BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
Previous to the Spring of 1830, the Indian was the sole inbab- itant ef this township, the deep solitude of which was broken only by the plaintive ery of the deer or some other wild animal, suffering from mortal wounds, inflicted hy the deadly arrow of the savage. But a change came. The white man makes his appearance upon the scene. Mr. Shore, acting as scout and Indian trader, but taking no step toward improvements, led the advance at the date ahove given, 1830.
To apply the axe, however, to begin felling the forest, and to be guiding stars in the march of civilization in Bethlehem Township, was reserved for other and nobler spirits.
Naming them, as near as can he learned, in the order of thoir coming, we have first Mr. John R. Hinton, from Putnam Connty. of this State, who fixed his abode upon the sontheast quarter ef Sec. 23, during the Summer of 1830. He was not able to make an entry of his land until October, 1833, the surveys not being run until about that time. The next year, 1831, followed that distinguished citizen, Gen. Richard Crooks, who settled, in part, the farms now owned by Bookwalter and Leffel. Gen. C. had emigrated from Washington County, Pa. He was an energetic, bravo man, and a man of more than ordinary intellect. Serving under William Henry Harrison, during the war of 1812, he won the rank of Brigadier General. His abilities and experience, coupled with the privations and hardships while a soldier, combined to create him a fit leader, as he virtually was, in the settlement, organization and development of such a township. For another entire year, perhaps, Gen. Crooks and family and Mr. Hinton and family constituted the aggregate white population of their congressional township. Before the close of 1832. however, they were joined by William Foy and Joel Mar- tin ; the former choosing the present site of Mr. Samuel Metzker, and the latter that of Mr. Arthur Leffel.
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