Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 20

Author: F.A. Battey & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 976

USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 20
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 20

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Among the earliest settlers in the township were William S. Prentiss, Ben- jamin Jones, Jesse Huntsman, Joseph Foos, Benjamin Foos, William Seaburn, Erastus Haskins, George Thompson, Elijah Fothergill, Drusus Nichols, Otis Shepardson, George Ray (Peckham), William Bullmer, Samuel Bradford, Nor- man Dyer, Jacob and Isaac Gage, David Michael, Barnabas Thompson and others. At the same time, and prior to 1839, there came Leonard Appleman, Russell Brown, Almon Brine, Isaac Carpenter, Moses Chapin, Conrad Deal, W. B. Dunn, George Donaldson, Edwin Davis, Robert Dayton, William East- lick, the Emersons, Rufus Freeman, Robert and G. W. Greenfield, Elias Gil- bert, Job Gifford, Jacob Greene, J. T. Hobbs, John and William Hall, Luke Hammond, Charles Hull, Sylvanus Hatch, Orsemus Jackway, Jehu Lackey, W. S. Newnam, D. I. and N. B. Newnam, T. H. Nichols, Harvey and Elisha Olmstead, Richard Rice, David Sockrider, Edward Smith, George Smith, Hi- ram Smith, E. G. Shepardson, James Shears, Elisha Talmage, B. B. Water- house, the Wades, Sheldon Williams, Job and James Wilcox, A. T. Wallace, Samuel H. Wright, Samuel Westcott, Ephraim Seeley, Jacob Vandeventer and others. The greatest rush into the township was during the years 1836 and 1837. The terrible sickly season of 1838 swept away many of the settlers, and, on account of the drought, the crops of that year were poor. This state of things, following in the wake of the financial crash of 1837, carried hard times to the verge of desperation. Counterfeiters, thieves and others of their ilk overran the country, and soon honest settlers could not depend upon the integ- rity of their neighbors.

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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

In 1832, George Bullmer erected a saw-mill on Pigeon River, in the eastern part of the township. A dam was built across the river after a great deal of trouble, and a short race or chute carried water to the flutter-wheel, which communicated motion to the saw. The mill was a good one, turning out a considerable quantity of lumber. In 1833, Samuel Bradford erected a saw- mill on Turkey Creek, about a mile from its mouth. The race was about half a mile long, and the owner himself expressed doubt, while it was being dug, whether it would carry the necessary water to the mill. George Thompson worked on the race, and, according to his account, the mill did not begin to run until the spring of 1834. The mill, greatly altered in appearance and capacity, is yet in operation. In 1838, William S. Prentiss erected one on the same creek, on Section 34; this is yet in operation. A saw-mill was early built at Mongo; it is yet running. These were the only early mills. In the fall of 1834 or spring of 1835, Samuel Bradford erected an addition to his saw-mill, and placed therein the necessary machinery for carding wool. In November, 1836, he sold both mills and the eighty acres of land upon which they stand to Joshua T. Hobbs ; Mr. Crane was employed to conduct the card- ing-mill ; wool was taken there by the settlers to be carded, after which it was taken home, spun, woven into cloth, and returned to the mill to be dressed and colored. No cloth was probably manufactured, several old settlers to the con- trary. After many years, the property passed into the control of John and James Tinkler, who, for a short time, infused new life into the enterprise, and probably talked of purchasing weaving machinery and employing a weaver; they did not, however, but within about two years left the place with many debts behind, going to some point in Michigan. While the mill was under the ownership of Hobbs, large quantities of wool were carded, the value of the enterprise being fully appreciated by the settlers over a large scope of country. The carding-mill died with the disappearance of the Tinkler boys.

In about the year 1836, or earlier, the mill property at Mongoquinong was purchased by Drusus Nichols, as were also the O'Ferrell store and the dis- tillery. A man named Skeels was employed to conduct the mill. In 1837, George Smith became the distiller. Nichols himself managed affairs at the store. He increased the stock until it was worth about $6,000, and at times had a very large trade. As high as fifty gallons of whisky were manufactured in one day. The distillery ran very successfully until about 1842, when it was destroyed by fire, and was not rebuilt. The old grist-mill was used under a change of owners until 1869, when the present structure was erected by C. L. Hawk, who is yet the owner. Nichols died about 1848, and the property passed to Robert Dykes, and afterward to others. Staley and Payne were coopers, who were in the village very early : they manufactured whisky kegs and barrels, and found a sale for all they could make, if not there, at other distilleries, of which there were several in surrounding townships. In 1835, there were some seven or eight families living in the village. William Hall

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HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY.

was an early hotel keeper, as were also Albert Powell and a man named Davis. John Brisco and the Sheldons were other tavern keepers. The Sheldon brothers were physicians, and were among the earliest of that profession in the township. Erastus Haskins was an early blacksmith; John D. Filkins was another. While Judge Seeley was at Lima, a post office called Mongoquinong* was established there, and he received the appointment as Postmaster. About this time he removed to Greenfield Township, taking the office, which retained the same name, with him. Finally, in about 1833 or 1834, he moved to Spring- field Township, and the office was removed to Union Mills, as it was then called, and O'Ferrell, or as some say Nichols, received the appointment as Postmaster ; the office still retaining its first name. Drusus Nichols was Post- master for many years. Mason Brown was an early mail carrier on the Fort Wayne & Lima road; Bourie of Fort Wayne was another; William Legg, another. During the years 1844, 1845 and 1846, Drusus Nichols shipped over 1,000 barrels of flour annually to Fort Wayne and other points, as to Adrian, Mich. At the same time, large quantities were consumed at home. Nichols built the first saw-mill at the village about the time he bought out Brownell and O'Ferrell. Robert Dykes, the successor of Nichols, carried on a very exten- sive business. Edmund G. Shepardson has been in business in the village for the past seventeen years. Mr. Hawk has been in business there for a long time.

During the Presidential campaign of 1840, several prominent candidates for Congress were announced to speak in Mongoquinong. Eight hundred men gathered to hear them. Bands of martial music came in four-horse wagons, with drums beating and colors flying. Great enthusiasm was manifested for " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." A gayly decorated wagon from Angola appeared, the wagon-box being a large canoe, in which a fine martial band was seated. It was a great Whig day, though many Democrats were present to see the show and hear the speakers. Games were projected, and the sturdy politicians enjoyed themselves. It is said that Satnuel Burnside, at hop, step and jump, on this day, cleared forty-six feet. Losey Young and John Davidson did about as well. Otis Shepardson, Sr., felt unwell while in Nichols' store, whereupon the latter bathed his head with whisky. This started the idea that every Dem- ocrat present should be baptized with whisky into the Whig faith. It is im- possible to describe the scene that ensued. Whigs with mugs of whisky in their hands were seen in all directions chasing down Democrats, running through houses and gardens, jumping fences, clearing ditches in their precipi- tous efforts at political regeneration. Many were baptized on that well-remem-

* The meaning of the Indian word " Mongoquinong " is uncertain. The most trustworthy reports say that it was applied by the Indians to the prairie east of Lima, the open country being known by that name among the Pot- tawattomies when the county was first settled by the whites, or even years before, when the Indian traders were the only white persons. Various meanings have been given the term-that it signifies "Big Squaw," or "Big Chief" or "Big White Sqnaw," or as meaning both man and woman. Those who hold the last view say, that Shi-mo-kah-mong means white man, mong meaning man; also, that Shi-mo-kah-nong means white woman, nong meaning woman. These two terms placed together and united by the proper connective would give mong (oqui) nong meaning man and woman This etymological analysis of the word, though plausible, cannot be maintained on good authority. The burden of evidence is that the term means " Big Squaw."

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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

bered day. Drusus Nichols employed a surveyor, and, in March, 1840, had laid out about one hundred and eighty lots on Sections 5 and 8. This was the first plat of Mongoquinong. That long name has been lately shortened to Mongo. The population of the village has probably at no time exceeded one- hundred and fifty.

In early years, the streams of Springfield afforded an excellent place to fish and hunt. Hunters with flaming torches would float down the streams in canoes, and the deer which had come to drink would stand and stare at the light until shot. E. G. Shepardson and a companion were thus engaged one night, when they approached a deer so closely that they could have reached out their hands and touched it. Shepardson shot it through the heart. The report of the rifle rang in the ears of his companion for many years afterward. The deer fell partly across the boat. An old Indian near there was thus en- gaged one dark night, when he shot a deer that pluuged into his canoe, upset- ting it, and spilling the red man and his accouterments into the river. The old fellow reached shore in safety. Many years ago, the workmen who were excavating under a barn in the township unearthed two human skeletons, proba- bly those of Indians. Some say the skeletons belonged to persons who were murdered by a man named Hubbard, who had lived there very early, and who afterward was convicted of murder in Allen County, and punished. Springfield has within its border a Government signal station.

After the organization of the county, and prior to May, 1834, Springfield Township remained attached to Greenfield ; but, at the latter date, the County Commissioners-in response to a petition presented them by John B. Clark, Jesse Huntsman, Joseph and Benjamin Foos, William Seaburn, Benjamin Jones, William S. Prentiss, and possibly a few others, who had some time before met at a cabin built and abandoned by Samuel Gauthrop, and had drawn up the peti- tion in which it was asked that a new township be created, and that it be named Springfield-ordered the creation of such township, and directed that the first election be held at the residence of Benjamin Jones, on the first Monday in August, 1834. Mr. Prentiss was appointed Inspector of the election. Who were elected to the different township offices is not remembered. George Thomp- son was appointed by the Commissioners in September, 1834, to serve as Con- stable. In May, 1835, they appointed Benjamin Jones and Jesse Huntsman to officiate as Overseers of the Poor ; and David Michael and Edward Smith as Fence Viewers. At this time, the township was divided into two road districts, the division line being Turkey Creek. Joseph Foos was appointed Supervisor for the district west of the creek, and Leonard Appleman for that on the east side. Jane Clark, daughter of John B. Clark, was the first white child born in the township, June 4, 1831. In 1832, Ephraim Seeley, Esq., married Will- iam S. Prentiss and Jane Mary Clark. Some highly interesting works of the Mound-Builders are found in the western part of the township-fortifications, mounds, war implements, etc.

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HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY.

The village of Springfield was laid out by Leonard Appleman in 1842, 133 lots being surveyed and offered for sale. About the same time, he built a store- room and placed on its shelves several thousand dollars' worth of a general as- sortment of goods. At this time, he also built a warehouse and began buying a considerable quantity of grain, and began packing pork. He had at his com- mand a goodly sum of money, and for many years he dealt in these articles, hir- ing teamsters to convey his purchases to market at the most favorable seasons. By shrewd management, experience and a judicious expenditure of capital, he realized handsome profits. Mr. Appleman's besetting sin was his ungovernable appetite for strong drink. After his death, which occurred just before the last war, his son, John Appleman, took charge of the father's business. Frank Hamilton was in the Appleman building with goods for a few years during the lifetime of Leonard Appleman. Zekiel Brown and David Paulus, partners, sold goods in the village about the commencement of the last war. George Por- ter sold goods some nine years ago. Frederick Neutz and Hugh A. Porter were in with groceries for a short time. Then came William Strayer. Dr. House located there at an early day. He was succeeded by Dr. Griffith. Dr. Alpharis M. Spaulding, a physician of the old school, established himself there some twenty-six years ago, where he has since remained enjoying a lucrative practice and the confidence of his patrons. The whisky traffic became so strong in the village for a series of years before the war, and so many young men through its influence were drawn into dissipation, and even crime, that the sober citizens at last determined that it must stop. In 1857, Dr. Spaulding, William S. Pren- tiss, Minot Goodsell, T. C. Dille and others, ten or twelve in all, under proper authority, organized themselves into a lodge of Good Templars. This lodge grew rapidly in power and influence, and soon its members numbered over one hundred. Excellent work in the right direction was done, young and old men were reclaimed to lives of sobriety, and the sale for ten months was wholly stopped. But the excitement of war time came on, and, in about 1861, the lodge surrendered its charter. Afterward, when a keg of whisky was brought to the village, three of the most prominent citizens employed a young man for $3 to bore an auger hole in the bottom, from which all the liquor escaped and was lost. The old " Mayflower Lodge of Good Templars " will be remembered with pleasure for many long years in the future. A Masonic Lodge was organ- ized in Springfield about six years ago, with twelve or fifteen charter members. They were so scattered that, after a short time, the charter was surrendered. The membership did not exceed twenty-five. It was called " Prentiss Lodge, No. 505." George Bassett and Conrad Deal were early tavern-keepers. T. C. Dille was a cabinet-maker, an undertaker, and a carpenter. His work may be seen in all directions. The population of the village has probably at no time exceeded seventy-five. In 1880, the following persons had passed the age of seventy-five : Susan Arnold, seventy-six ; Eunice Fuller, eighty-six ; Harriet Gilbert, seventy-five; Lydia Hugh, eighty-one; Christopher Hawk, ninety ;

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Lena Hawk, seventy-five ; Willis Haskins, eighty-two ; Daniel Hart, seventy- seven ; Sarah Notestine, seventy-five ; David L. Poppino, eighty-two ; Henry Talmage, seventy-six : Maria Tole, eighty-four ; Samuel Westcott, eighty-four.

The first schoolhouse in the township was built on Section 20, near the cemetery, as early as 1836, or perhaps 1835, and Otis Shepardson, Jr., was em- ployed to teach the first term of school. It is thought this term was taught dur- ing the winter of 1835-36. A Mr. Melindy was an early teacher in this house. He was a Vermonter, and an eccentric character. After this building had been used but a few years, another was erected about a half a mile south, on Thomp. son's Corners. This was a frame structure, and was used many years. Finally the district was divided a few years before the last war, and two houses were built, one near the Chapman farm, and the other south on the Sears Corners The latter was destroyed by fire but was soon rebuilt. New houses have lately taken the place of both. In about the year of 1840, a log cabin that had been built just north of Appleman Lake, for a dwelling, but abandoned, was fitted up for a schoolhouse, and Miss Harriet Twitchell, from near Orland, was hired to teach, receiving about $1.50 per week, and boarding around. Some ten years later, a frame schoolhouse was built near the same spot, and, in this building, Russell Brown was the first teacher. This house was used until the present one was built some eight or ten years ago. A log schoolhouse was standing at the Talmage Corners at a very early day. The name of the first teacher is not remembered. It is said that this house was either built as a combined church (Baptist) and schoolhouse, or else it was converted to religious uses afterward, as various denominations (Baptist, Methodist, etc.) had small classes there at a very early day. A schoolhouse was built quite early in the Sanderson neighborhood. New houses have succeeded the old. The Schultz Schoolhouse was erected about seven years ago, when the district in the forks was created. For a number of years prior to 1855, the few families in Spring- field village had no church, and were compelled to send their children some dis- tance to one of the country schools. Finally it was resolved to build a com- bined church and schoolhouse. The Township Trustees agreed to give $300 toward the erection of such a house, providing it was used at proper times as a schoolhouse. To this the villagers agreed, they giving $400 that the building might, when not occupied by the school, be used for a church of any Christian denomination. The building is provided with a steeple, a curious appendage for a schoolhouse, but an imposing one for a church. This house was built dur- ing' the summer of 1855, but prior to that several terms of select school had been taught in the village. In about 1838, a log school building was erected on the line between Sections 27 and 28, just north of William Dunbar's. Miss Ellen Wheeler taught the first term here. She boarded around. This house was used for school purposes about four years, and was then superseded by the school of the Phalanx. The schoolroom at the last-named place was in the second story over the dining-room. There were some forty families connected

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HISTORY OF LA GRANGE COUNTY.

with the association (for sketch of which see county chapter), with an enumer- ation of over sixty scholars. School was taught there the year round, save short vacations between the terms. At the time, this was perhaps the best school in the county, or at least one of the best. Judge Prentiss, a noble man, and a graduate of Harvard College, taught several terms. An assistant teacher was employed. Mr. Parker was one of the teachers. None but capable men were given charge of the school, as several of the higher branches were taught, and a thorough system of discipline was required. At the dissolution of the as- sociation the school ended, and then the few children in the district were sent to other schools until about thirteen years ago, when the present house, a frame, was built. Miss Ellen Foos was the first teacher in this house. Miss Ella Ewing is the present teacher, receiving $30 per month. In about 1839, a frame schoolhouse was built about a half a mile northwest of Mongo. It was a good house and was used there until about 1845, when it was moved to Mongo, and used until eight or nine years ago, when the present two-story frame structure was erected, at a cost of about $1,800. Two teachers are em- ployed at present. The enumeration is about eighty scholars. The house was paid for partly by subscription and partly from the township funds. A school- house was built in District No. 1 about thirty-eight years ago, by E. G. Shep- ardson. He also built one farther west about ten years later.

The M. E. Church society at Talmage Corners started up in 1838 with a membership of fourteen under the ministration of Rev. G. M. Boyd. Among the early members were Jehu Lackey and wife, Mrs. Nichols, W. S. Newnam, Susan Newnam, William Seaburn and wife, Conrad Deal and wife, William Herbert and wife, N. B. Newnam and wife, Frank Hamilton and wife, and others. The Talmages have been prominent and excellent citizens since a very early day. They have been closely identified with religious work. This Meth- odist society has had its years of depression, and its periods of financial embar- rassment; yet there is not another in the county that has clung to its constant exercises so well. The members are justly proud of their church, which was built many years ago. The Brushy Prairie M. E. Society was organized in 1836 by Rev. T. B. Conley. Eleven persons joined at the time of organiza- tion. The church was built in 1842, largely at the expense of B. B. Water- house, the Greenfields, Mr. Carpenter, the Austins and others. Rev. Conley was a faithful, consistent, true-hearted Christian. His temporal welfare had at one time been somewhat neglected, as the members of the church gave donation parties to other servants. He said nothing. One evening, a few of the more thoughtful ones, accompanied by a retinue of outsiders, surprised him with a large quantity of valuables. The kind-hearted old man was so touched by the act, that, in his reply to the presentation speech, he completely broke down with sobs and blessings. His God had not forsaken him. The writer was unable to get at the facts regarding the Baptist society of early years at Talmage Cor- ners. A United Brethren society was organized at Mongo in 1879. Rev. T.

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A. Childs, of Lima, was instrumental in effecting the organization. The first members were Dr. A. W. Jones and wife, George W. Hall and wife, Benjamin Tanner and wife, James Downs and wife and Abraham Shafer. Samuel Mc- Kenzie was the class leader. The society has increased but little in num- bers. A neat frame church was built in 1880 at a cost of about $1,500, one- half being given by outsiders. There is a debt on the church at present of about $500; but this will soon be paid off, suitable provision having been made with that result in view. Sunday school has been conducted for some two years, Dr. C. M. Whitzel being the first superintendent. T. A. Childs was the first pastor. Rev. Melvin Bell at present preaches every two weeks for the so- ciety, and is paid $50 per year for such service. The lot upon which the church stands cost $100, and was included in the figures above. There are many Free Thinkers in Mongo, and, indeed, throughout Springfield Township. They are outspoken, argumentative, thoughtful, uncertain, peculiar and icon- oclastic. Some thirty-four years ago, the Spiritualists hold " seances " or "cir- cles," in various portions of the township, and large crowds gathered to hear them. Mediums of great repute were secured from abroad, to visit the town- ship for the purpose of giving public exhibition of the fact that the spirits of departed friends could be conversed with. The result was that scores were con- verted to the new faith ; and the other religious societies languished under the influence of the new. At last, great opposition was manifested by the ortho- dox, who often denied them the use of schoolhouses or other buildings in which to assemble. In June, 1858, at a public meeting of the following men-W. S. Prentiss, Jesse Huntsman, Benjamin Jones, Harvey Olmstead, Ed. Dyer, George Thompson and others-it was resolved to build a free hall, and names and subscribed amounts were appended to the following instrument :

We, the subscribers, a voluntary association, for religious, scientific and benevolent pur- poses, hereby agree to pay the sums affixed to our names to aid in building a hall, which shall be open for lectures, discourses and discussions on various subjects, with no favor to any one sect or class of persons, and which shall never be closed to any one who may, within the bounds of good behavior, wish to advocate, explain or discuss his or her opinions on the above-named subjects ; and, for the purpose of proceeding legally, we hereby avail ourselves of the act of the Legislature of Indiana, approved June 17, 1852, entitled : " An act to enable trustees to receive lands and donations of money, the same for the use of schools, churches, religious societies, etc., and for constructing houses of worship and other buildings named."

The building was immediately erected at a cost of about $800, and was named " Union Hall." It has been used for the purpose stated since its erec- tion, but the orthodox denominations avoid using it. Free Sunday schools have been held there. An excellent lyceum is conducted there almost every winter, and exhibitions are given to secure sufficient funds to keep the building in repair.

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Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 20

Author: F.A. Battey & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co. Number of Pages: 976

Author: F.A. Battey & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 976