USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 14
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Early in 1833, John Dalzell, son-in-law of Gen. Crooks, and also, from Washington Ce., Pa., settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son, John A. Dalzell.
A settlement, now actually begun, before the close of 1833, three other fearless men and their families came, willing and anxious to help transform the forest to farms of fertility, viz .: John Eurit, from Lewis County, Va., wbo laid claim to the farm now belonging to the heirs of the late Mr. Abshire; a Mr. Noab Martin, who located on the farm owned, at this time, by Mr. Samuel Williamson, aud a gentle- man by the name of Bailey, who established bimself on tho farm now the property of Mr. S. Conkling.
In 1834, came Josiah Skelton, on the Bookwalter farm; Jerry Skelton, on the Keider farm ; Eli and Peter Demos, on the farms owned by Joseph Penrose and J. M. Buchanan ; Josiah Powell, on the farm now owned by Lemuel Powell and John Conn, seon there- after starting a chair and spinning factory.
In 1835 came Joseph and William Studebaker, Geo. M. Smith, W. Carter and William Steward,
Those of 1836 were Thos. and James McMillen, and William Reed.
Among those appearing soon after 1836, and deserving to be chumcrated among the early settlers, we present the following, viz. : David Williamson, Reuben Perry, Maj. David H. Courad, John Fur- geson, John Yund, James Kenley, Dr. A. B. and James M. Buchanan-the latter heing a son ef James Buchanan, who, in 1839, settled on the farm, now the home and estate of James M. Doubt- less many otber worthy names are omitted, having been overlooked by our informant.
The first religious meeting in this township was probably beld at the cabin of Joel Martin, in 1832, under Methodist auspices, by Rev. Samuel Cooper. The Presbyterians were the next denomination to put in an appearance ; holding their meetings in a log school house, situated upon the Hinton farm. Their early preachers were John Houston, Robert Erwin, Henry Bacon and James Buchanan, Sr. The Methodist society erected the first church in the township This occurred, probably, about 1844, and was located on the Joel Martin farm, occupying the lot where stood the first school house. Its name was " Bethlehem Chapel." Soon following this, the Presby- terians, also, built a church, and next in succession the Baptist denomination.
The first regular school house was built of logs, ahout the Fall ef 1835, on the E. } of the S. W. } of Sec. 24. This was probably the first school house, also, built in Cass County, to the north of Logansport. Nathaniel D. Nichols, an emigrant of very small stature, from the State of Ohio, and now a resident of Miami County, this State, had the honor of teaching the first school in this structure. He was considered in that day a successful teacher, using the rod of reproef as the source of discipline. Scholars from quite a distance attended, even from the town of Rochester. Fiveonly of his pupils are known to survive at this time, viz. : Stephen Eurit, Alfred and James Guy, Robert Dalzell and Mrs. M. A. Irwin. In 1840, this first school house was supersedeil by a better one, huilt on the Hinton farm, and still another soon followed, upon tho McMillen farm.
This township was organized March 7, 1836. The name " Beth- leheni" was suggested for the township, by Mr. Dalzell, in memory of a village or township of that name, in Pennsylvania, his native State. The organization effected, the first election of the township was held at a cabin on the Williamson farm. Mr. John R. Hinton was chosen first Justice of the Peace. The other township officials, by name, have been forgotten. The first person to engage in milling of any kind was John R. Hinton, who, in 1838, built a mill for sawing lumber. The first marriage celebrated in Bethlehem was that of Jacob R. Hall, to Miss Rachael Martin, in 1834 or '35. The first hurial in what is now known as the Presbyterian graveyard was Martha J. Buchanan. In the way of improvements, Bethlehem holds a good rank among the northern townships of the caunty. Much of her land is in a good state of cultivation, showing the in- dustrious bahits of ber citizens. Churches, with name and location, will be found correctly given by the township map, on another page of this Atlas. Her school houses are ten; enrelled school chil. dren,-
NEW HAMILTON,
the only village of the township, was laid out in 1853 or '54, hy George Allen. Its business men at present are as follows: Jephtha Powell, general merchant; Joseph MeCahe, shoe shop; Virgil Powell, blacksmith. Post Office-J. Powell, Postmaster. Physicians are A. M. Buehansn and M. S. Newton.
PERSONAL SKETCHES
OF SOME OF THE PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS OF CASS COUNTY.
GENERAL JOHN TIPTON. BY T. B. HELM.
Those marked individualisms of character, which strikingly dis- tinguished the career of personages whose nobility is acknowledged hy the world of mind, are the features that, now and heretofore, have commanded and fixed the attention of mankind; hence it is, that history only records the pencilings of genius, standing out in bold relief, on the tahlets of memory. Eccentricities of tolent and character, endowed with a sufficiency of motive power to vitalize those talents and characteristics, never fail to leave behind distinet traces- land-marks-such as will not fail to secure recognition, and he acknowledged hy all. A striking illustration in proof of this is afforded in the life of him whose name stands at the head of this artiele. John Tipton was born in Sevier County, East Tenneseee, on the 14th day of August, 1786. His father, Joshua Tipton, was a native of Maryland, and a man possessing great positiveness of eharactar, with keen perecptions and uncommon executive power. These peculirities induced his early removal from his native State, and settlement in a more western home, where he was a leader in the defense of their frontier against the hostile Indians. In open war- fare, the Indians feared his superiority in courage and tact. The consequence was, that a band of Cherokees waylaid and murdered him, on the 18th day of April, 1793.
Left thus early in life, in the midst of a frontier settlement, sur- rounded by the perils incident thereto, the son, inheriting the saga- city and self-reliance of his father, soon began to develop that positive energy of character which distinguished his after life.
Though young in years at the time of his father's death, he esrly becane the chief support of the family.
In the Fall of 1807, with his mother, two sisters and a half- brother, he removed to Indiana Territory, then just beginning to acquire notoriety. His place of settlement was near Brinley's Ferry, on the Ohio River. One of his first aots wae to purchase a home- stend for his mother, consisting of fifty acres, which he paid out of his scanty carnings, acquired by chopping and splitting rsils, at fifty eents a hundred, in addition to the maintenance of the family, of whom he was now the responsible head. These early experiences laid the foundation of his future success in life. As early as June, 1809, upon the formation of a military company in the vicinity of his home-called the " Yellow Jackets," from the color of their uniforms-he enlisted aad became an active member. This company was designed for active service, in esse the exigency of the times de. manded, and was placed under the command of Captain Spear Spen- cer. The occasion soon presented itself, and the company was ordered to the frontier, for the protection of the settlements. On the 10th of September, 1811, the company entered upon the campaign, which terminated in the hattle of Tippecanoe. While on the march, he was chosen Ensign, and in that position he entered the battle field. Early in the engagement, all his superior officers were killed, and he was promoted to the Captaincy of the company, by General Harrison, when the conflict raged fiercest. Subsequently, he was promoted by regular gradation, under the military regulations of the State, to the rank of Brigadier General.
At the first election under the State Constitution, he was the choice of the people of Harrison County, for Sheriff, and continued in that position, until near the close of his second term. Meantime, he was elected to represent Harrison County in the State Legislature, at the session of 1819-20.
While a member of that body, he was chosen as one of the Com- mittec to select the site for the location of the State capital. The result of thie committee's action made Indianapolis the capital city of Indiana. The selection was made on the 7th day of June, 1820, and confirmed by legislative enactment, approved January 6, 1821.
In August, 1821, he was re-elected to represent hie county, having acquired extensive popularity as a discreet and active legis- lator. At the session following, he was chosen one of the Commis- sioners, on the part of Indiana, to act with like Commissioners on the part of Illinois, in locating the boundary line between the two States. The work was expeditiously and satisfactorily accomplished the succeeding Summer, and ratified by the Legislatures of the two States, at the session of 1822-3.
He was Appointed, in March, 1823, by President Monroe, Gen- eral Agent for the Pottawatomie and Miami Indians, on the Upper Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers, and immediately removed to Fort Wayne, the seat of the agency. His success in this field was no less marked than in the execution of other trusts hefore reposed in him. At his instonce, the agency was removed fromn Ft. Wayne to Logans- port, in the Spring of 1828, where he continued to discharge the functions of his trust, with fidelity and success.
Anterior to his removal of the agency, nnder appointment of President J. Q. Adams, in the Fall of 1826, he was chiefly instru- mental in securing the important provisions of several treaties with those tribes over which he had jurisdiction, whereby valuable land interests were opened to the publie.
At the session of the Legislature in December, 1831, he was elected U. S. Senator from lndiana, to fill the vacaney occasioned hy the death of Hon. James Noble. Again, at the session of 1832-3, he was elected for a full term of six years. While there, he was dis- tinguished for his sound judgment and independent action upon all questions involving the intereat of his State, or the General Govern- ment. His views in reference to the recharter of a United States Bank were strictly opposed to those of Gen. Jackson ; favoring, in a most exhaustive speech on that question, the continuance of that in-
stitution as the best means of securing a standard eurrenoy of uniform value everywhere. He recognized no party in determining the line of duty, always neting from motives of publio right ; his unbiased judgment controlling the effort.
As a civilian and citizen, he was alike successful in directing and executing, to the extent of his power, whatever purpose his conscience approved or his judgment dictated.
Having determined to make Logansport liis home, and moved his family here, he directed his energies toward securing all advantages incident to cultivated society, and the developement of natural re- sources. One of his first steps was to effeet the organization of the Eel River Seminary Society ; the erection of a suitable building for school purposes ; the employment and support of teachers. This was accomplished in the Fall and Winter of 1828-9. For this purpose, also, he contributed largely of his means and influence. In after years, his numerous businese cares did not detract from his efforts to secure the permanent prosperity of the schools.
Under his direction, the settlement was supplied with grist and saw-mills, simultaneously with the other enterprises inaugurated by him. In short, he was the instigator of and the motive power that gave form and imparted energy to every enterprise calculated to improve society, and induce progress toward the unfoldment and utilization of all the natural advantages with which Cass County has been so bountifully supplied.
He was the proprietor, also, of four separate additions to the town of Logansport, and was interested with Mr. Carter, in the plan and location of the original plat thereof. During the Summer or Fall of 1838, he was delegated, with the discretionary powers necessary to the successful removal of the disaffected Indians, who, having dis- posed of their lands, were yet unwilling to remove pescefully to their home beyond the Mississippi. The decisive measures adopted by him permitted no delay. Difficulties, seemingly unsurmountoble, were promptly overcome by his superior tact and courage, and the work accomplished with satisfactory dispatch. Mr. Tipton was twice married ; the first time, about the year 1818, to Miss - Shields, who died less than two years after their marriage. The second time wss in April, 1825, to Matilda, daughter of Capt. Spear Spencer, who was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. The second Mrs. Tipton died in the Spring of 1839, about the close of her husband's Senator- ial career.
The prestige of his name as a civilian and statesman, added to his fame as a military leader, did not completely fill his measure of honor ; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and occupied a distin- guished position in the order. He received the first degrees in Pisgah Lodge, No. 5, at Corydon, Indiana, in the year 1817. He was soon after eleoted Master, and, as such, represented that lodge at the first session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, at which he was elected Senior Grand Warden, holding that position until 1820, when he became Grand Master. Having served one term, he was re-elected Grand Master in 1828. In 1822, he received the Chapter degrees at Louis- ville, Kentucky, at the hands of Companion Snow, of Ohio.
He subsequently filled many important positions in the Grand Lodge, and was chiefly instrumental in the institution of Tipton Lodge, No. 33, in 1828, and Logan Chapter, No. 2, in 1837, in both of which he achieved the highest honors.
On the morning of April 5, 1839, after a few hours of uncon- scious euffering, he died, in the meridian of life, and received the last sad honors of his Masonie brethren, on Sunday, April 7, 1839.
MAJOR DANIEL BELL. BY T. B. HELM.
Major Bell, as he was familiarly known, was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 7th day of March, 1788. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and, with a view to hettering his own and the condition of his family, moved thence to Bourbon County, Ky., in the Fall after Daniel's birth.
At the date of his settlement, Kentucky was hut sparsely settled, adventurous pioneers only being drawn thither by the prosperous advantages offered. The father, in this instonce, was not an excep- tion, and was willing to risk the contingencies of Indian warfare, depending upon his own strong arm and trusty riffe to maintain the equality of right.
With the surroundings incident to pioneer life in Kentucky, the early experiences of Major Bell eminently fitted him to become a participant in the progress of settlements in Indiana Territory. With these qualifications, he moved with his father, and settled in Corydon, Ind., in the Spring of 1811.
About this time, there was great excitement growing out of the numerous Indian depredations committed along the line of frontier settlements by the hordes under control of the Shawnee Prophet, whose village was on the north side of the Tippecanoe, a short dis- tance above its mouth. Mutual defense was the order of the hour among the hardy pioneersmen of this locality. Captain Spencer had roised a company of mounted men to go with the expedition against those Indians. Young Bell at once enlisted, and soon after the expedition started, the Prophet's town heing the objective point. At the battle of Tippecanoe, on the 7th of November following, their company-the " Yellow Jackets "- acquitted itself with distin- guished honor, more than half the number being killed or wounded. Among the killed was the gallant Captain. Major Bell was nnhurt.
After that time, he participated in numerous minor engagements with the Indians, in which he hore himself with the courage charac- teristic of the true hackwoods soldier. After the return of the
expedition from Tippecanoe, in the month of December of the same year, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Spencer, daughtar of tho lata Captain.
Having resided in tho vicinity of Corydon until some time in the year 1824, he removed thenee to Putnam County, Ind., remaining there until the early Spring of 1827, when, with his family, he again moved, settling on the north side of the Wabash, within the present boundary of Logansport, landing here on tho 27th of March, 1827. Major Bell's cahin was the first ever erected within the limits of our city
In 1830, having purchased an interest in the Louison Reserve, north of Eel River, he moved to that point, and made an improve- ment on his land. Five years later, he made a further settlement at Georgetown in this county, being the proprietor of that place. Two years after the death of General Tipton-his brother-in-law --- Major Bell returned to Logansport, and took control of the General's don- icil, at the request of his eliildren. He remained in charge until 1845, when the Miami Reserve-recently purchased from the Iudi- ans-began to be settled. The pre-emption law was then in force, and, following the bent of his inclinations to become a pioneer again, he took a claim, and settled on the border of a prairie in Jackson Township, since known as "Bell's Prairie," in the immediate vicinity of Galveston. On this tract he remained the balance of his life.
For twenty years prior to his death, Major Bell had directed his efforts toward the organization of a society composed of the remain- ing " Old Settlers," and their immediate descendants. In the course of time, such an association became a necessity, and, accordingly, on the 26th of March, 1870, such a society was formed, and the Major made President for life.
Naturally possessing a strong physical organization, with a fair intellectual development, at the age of more than four score years, his mind was still active, and the fire of his eye remained undimmed.
From that time, however, his strength began to give way; having endured the frosts and snows of eighty-three winters, his mind, also, became impaired, and he was again a child. Thus he passed to luis final rest, on the evening of November 7th, 1874, on the sixty-sixth anniversary of the battle of Tippecanoe.
CYRUS TABER. BY T. B. HELM.
Mr. Taber was horn at Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island, on the 19th day of January, 1800. When only 3 years old, his father left 'Tiverton, and settled temporarily in Western New York, subsequently removing thence to the State of Pennsylvania. Having remained under the paternal roof until he had nearly attained his 24th year, he felt that he should thenceforth enter upon life's duties on his own account, and accordingly came westward, set- tling at Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, then but recently or- ganized.
Before leaving home, however, he had established a courso of policy that seems to have been the rule by which he accomplished the great aims of his business life: "Do one thing at a time, and do that one thing well." An incident in his early life made this maxim his talisman. When only 17 or 18 years old, he was temporarily employed by an old Pennsylvania Quaker, named William Salter, to make rails and build fence. One day, while thus engaged, the old gentleman was present, intantly watching the move- ments of Cyrus, in accomplishing his work. Seeing tho young man proceed by first splitting a few rails, then laying about a dozen panels of fence-worm, after which he would split another small number of rails and lay them along as before, in like manner proceeding with his work. Finally, the old Quaker, having satisfied his curiosity, spoke thus earnestly to the young laborer : "Friend Cyrus, thee must learn to do one thing at a time, or be a poor man all thy life." Cyrus saw the point, and profited by the suggestion. Afterward, he made roil-splitting the business of one occasion, and fence-building another ; never again trying to do hoth at once. It proved a lesson of great value to him in after life.
When he came to Fort Wayne he had with him about $400 in money, and before he had any opportunity to secure employment, he was taken siek with the ague, with which he suffered for a whole year. Thus all his money was spent, and he was about thirty dollars in debt. As soon as he was able, he struck out, and went to work, building fences and log cabins for the Indians. Reuben Covert was his companion. The latter drove the oxen and hanled the rails, while Mr. Taber did the cutting and splitting. At the end of one yesr, he had saved one hundred dollars, and with it, purchased the first eighty aeres of land ever owned by him. He was richer then, he said, than ever afterward. He was independent, and willing to work. Afterward he eleared his land, raised corn, and, with the pro- ceeds, purchased an adjoining lot.
In this manner, the first three years of his residence in Allen Co. were devoted to the development of his farming interests, by which experience, also, he demonstrated the fact that he had qualifications for a more profitable investment of his talents. This was not eo much his own discovery as that of his friends. Allen Hamilton, who, seeing that Mr. Taher was well adapted to the branch of trade in which he was himself engaged, invited him to take a share in his business. Thenceforward, he devoted his time and energies to the enlargement of this business interest. In this way, the well-known firm of Hamilton & Taber was permanently established, in the year 1827.
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In the following ycor. this firm commenced business in Logansport -then but recently laid out- Mr. Taber taking the immediate charge of this hranch. This firm continued tbus until 1835, when Philip Pollard was taken into partnership, tbe firm then taking the name of A. Hamilton & Co. In 1838, this partnership was dis- solved, when the firm resumed its original name.
As a firm, Hamilton & Taber ceased business, in 1840, at Logans- port. Mr. Taber, however, continued a separste business in Logsns- port until 1843, when, in June of thst year, Wm. Chase took an interest, aud the firm was known by the name of Taber & Chase. This firm continued in business until 1848, when Mr. Taber retired from mercantile life forever.
In May, 1829, Mr. Taher was married to Miss Deborah Ann Coles, daughter of Col. Stephen Coles, of Fort Wayne, by whom he had several children; of these, but three are now living-Stephen C., Paul, and Phebe Ann, now the wife of Andrew H. Hamilton, Esq., of Fort Wayne.
After the organization of Cass County, in the Spring of 1829, Mr. Taber, when the County Board met in its first session, was appointed County Treasurer. His term of office expired in January, 1830, when Jordan Vigus was appointed his successor.
Mr. Taber was not an aspirant for office, yet, at the carnest solici- tation of his friends, he was induced to become a candidate for the State Legislature in 1845, was elected, and made an efficient member. The next year, he was elected to the State Senate, and served as such during the years 1846, '7 and '8, when be was succeeded by George B. Walker.
Politically, Mr. Taber was ranked with the old Whig party, and advocated the elaims of Henry Clay for the presideney, and maintained, generally, the principles and measures of that party until 1835, after- ward affiiliating with the Democratie party.
Wben the railroad interest began first to be developed, Mr. Taber was one of its most zealous advocates, and to him, perhaps, more than to any other man, are the people of Cass County indebted for the first railroads that passed over her territory. In short, he was in favor of whatever measure was best calculated to develop the true interests of the community. He was a friend to the poor man, and did much to assist those wbo sbowed a disposition to help themselves. As such he will be long remembered. Finally, after a lingering illness, on the 13th day of April, 1855, he passed cheerfully and peacefully to the life beyond.
GEORGE W. EWING. BY T. B. HELM.
Geo. W. Ewing, a son of Alexander and Charlotte (Griffith) Ewing, was born in Monroe, Michigan Territory, about the year 1803, moving thence with bis parents to Washington, a frontier town of Western Ohio, since known as Piqua. Here, and at Troy, an adjacent village, the family resided until the Spring of 1822, when they moved to the ancient Miami town of. Ke-ki-onga (Fort Wayne, Ind.), at that time the seat of the Indian Agency for the North- western tribes.
The inducements thus presented for entering upon a lucrative trade, caused George to take the preliminary steps necessary to qualify himself for that business. This he did, and as early as 1826, we find lini engaged in activo business at Wa-pe-kon-net-ta, a little farther east, in the State of Ohio, his trade being chiefly with the Shawnees.
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