Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 71

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 71
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 71

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).

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

church is yet occupied by a thriving congregation. It was built about the beginning of the last war. The Methodist Church at Rome City was erected not many years ago, the United Brethren assisting in the cost, with the under- standing that they were to have the use of the building. The last-named soci- ety has slowly scattered, and now but a few of the old members remain. The present town hall, erected first for a schoolhouse, was used as a church by a small society of Baptists. A number of years ago the Methodists began hold- ing meetings in the schoolhouse at Brimfield ; but, although the attendance was quite large, no effort was made to build a church until the spring of 1875, at which time a start was made, but the building was not completed until the following year. The building Trustees were William Bliss, William Huston, James H. Fisher, Charles Beidelman and Joseph Bailey. The house cost about $2,700, the society receiving much outside assistance. The first minister was the Rev. Mr. Hartman. The present one is the Rev. Mr. Johnson.

Early in 1878, Mr. W. B. Cory, of Lima, called on Rev. A. H. Gillet, of Sturgis, Mich., to talk of Sunday school matters. In the course of conversa- tion, the many attractions of the lake and island at Rome City, as a place for Sunday school gatherings, was alluded to, and the conclusion reached to invite a number of Christian men, interested in Sunday school work, to meet them at an early day, and consider the propriety of forming an organization for the holding of annual gatherings in the interests of Sunday school work and Chris- tian culture. The meeting was held early in May, an organization formed entitled the "Rome City International Sunday School Congress," and, in the succeeding month, a congress of four days was held, which was largely attended, and gave great satisfaction to all. Finding the plan of organization not adapted to permanent work and to the laws of the State for incorporation, the association met October 15, 1879, and re-organized on a more substantial basis, and with a wider plan, modeled after the great Chautauqua assembly, of New York. The name was also changed to the "Island Park Assembly."

The incorporate members were at first limited to fifty, but has now been extended to seventy-five. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, owning the island, at once began extensive improvements, building a large tabernacle capable of seating some three thousand people ; put up a building to cover a model of the land of Palestine, constructed by Rev. W. H. Perine, of Albion, Mich., laid out avenues, built bridges, a boarding-house, docks, etc.

In June, 1880, was held the first assembly, distinctly on the Chautauqua plan. It was in session fourteen days, holding from day to day a Pastors' Institute, a Sunday School Normal, a Secular Teachers' Congress, Musical Convention, Oriental exhibitions, lectures on the models of Palestine, and three platform lectures each day. The men in charge of the several depart- ments of instruction were all of distinguished reputation, and on the platform appeared some of the ablest speakers of the land.

The second session of the assembly, was held from June 29 to July 15,

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ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

1881, with improved and still larger programme. Before this session, the Assembly bought some eighteen acres of land of John Kerr, adjoining the lake on the south, and leased a body of woodland of Isaac Barber, cornering on this. These lands have been platted, and a number of lots sold, and it is expected that the year 1882 will witness marked improvements in the way of cottages and suitable arrangements for the accommodation of the people dis- posed to seek rest and recreation, where they may, at the same time, enjoy the most favored opportunities of improvement in all that pertains to the develop- ment of Christian manhood and higher culture. The managers have all worked without fee or compensation for time or labor, and besides have incurred per- sonal liabilities to the extent of thousands of dollars to start this institution- one they fondly believe will eventuate in much public good.

Rev. A. H. Gillet, of Michigan, has so far been, and is now, the Superin- tendent of Instruction, having charge of the preparation and execution of the programme. Dr. J. H. Rerick, of La Grange, has been and is now the Presi- dent of the association. Rev. C. U. Wade, of Roann, Ind., was Secretary until August, 1881, when, declining renomination, P. N. Stroop, of La Grange, was elected. The present Board of Managers are: Rev. A. E. Mahin, Fort Wayne, Ind .; F. W. Keil, Fort Wayne, Ind .; Rev. C. U. Wade, Roann, Ind .; Rev. R. S. Goodman, Kendallville, Ind .; John Mitchell, Kendallville, Ind .; G. W. Mummert, Wawaka, Ind .; O. B. Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind .; H. L. Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind .; J. H. Rerick, La Grange, Ind .; P. N. Stroup, La Grange, Ind .; Rev. T. E. Hughes, La Grange, Ind .; W. C. Glasgow, La Grange, Ind .; S. D. Moon, La Grange, Ind .; R. S. Hubbard, La Grange, Ind .; W. B. Cory, Lima, Ind. And the officers are as follows : President, Dr. J. H. Rerick, La Grange, Ind. Vice Presidents-Rev. T. E. Hughes, La Grange, Ind .; George W. Mummert, Wawaka, Ind .; Rev. A. E. Mahin, Fort Wayne, Ind. Secretary, P. N. Stroup, La Grange, Ind. Treasurer, John Mitchell, Kendallville, Ind. Executive Committee-W. C. Glasgow, La Grange, Ind .; H. L. Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind .; S. D. Moon, La Grange, Ind. Auditing Committee-W. C. Glasgow, La Grange, Ind .; O. B. Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind .; G. W. Mummert, Wawaka, Ind.

CHAPTER XII. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED.

ALLEN TOWNSHIP-FIRST WHITE SETTLER-CATALOGUE OF PIONEERS-GROWTH AND DECAY OF INDUSTRIES-VILLAGES OF LISBON AND AVILLA-THE UN- DERGROUND RAILROAD-MR. BAKER AND THE INDIAN SQUAW-OUTWIT- TING A BEAR-THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS-TEACHERS AND PREACHERS-THE CATHOLICS.

A LLEN TOWNSHIP has a history essentially similar to that of every other in the county. There was the coming of the first settler, the rearing of log cabins and the clearing of the land, the adventure in pursuit of wild animals, the struggle to make an honest living in the woods, the erection of mills, schoolhouses, churches, etc., and the gradual increase in population. The name of the first settler is always a matter of interest, yet, unfortunately, it cannot in all cases be remembered. This is not true of Allen, for it is certain that George T. Ulmer, who settled in the township in 1834, was the first. Mr. Ulmer, a native of the Pine Tree State, came from Summit County, Ohio, with his family drawn by a large yoke of oxen, and with a few young cattle driven along by a member of the family, and located on eighty acres, which he entered on Section 4. With him came a young man named Alvord, of whom but little is known, as he shortly departed for some other locality. Ulmer had a wife and several children, and it is remembered that to these parents was born the first white child in the township, though nothing further than that can be told for want of information. The second child was Chloe Wadsworth, whose birth occurred on the 6th of November, 1836. The second settler was Samuel Weimer, who appeared in the spring of 1836. He located on what he thought was his farm, but soon learned he was improving gratis some other man's land, whereupon he moved to what he again thought was his claim ; but again was doomed to disappointment, and had to try the third time, which proved to be the charm, as he had at last found his future home. The third settler was Alpheus Baker, who came to the township during the fall of 1836, while about a month later, in the month of October, Elihu Wadsworth, who is yet living on the old farm, appeared with his family, and began to improve his land. He pointed to the writer of this chapter, within a few rods of his house, a white oak stump, from which the tree was cut, during the winter of 1836-37, by himself and a young man named Dorus Swift, who had come with him to the county, the stump being yet in a fair state of preservation. Soon after the arrival of these men, and prior to 1844, there came in, among others, the fol- lowing settlers: Ryland Reed, Asa Brown, Edward Adams, John Geiser, Hiram Iddings, Francis Boerck, Evan Jones (the first one in the southern part), M. P. Rickett, Alfred Rice, Orrin Rice, Alvin Rice, Alonzo D. Whitford, Har-

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ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

rison Whitford, Augustus H. Whitford, Matthias Woodruff (the first black- smith), George Berry, Washington Bidwell, Clark Bidwell, Joel Berry, Andrew Bixler, William Broughton, Joel Carpenter, Daniel Hide, Charles Harding, N. I. Hill (the first settler at Avilla), S. P. Haynes, Hosea Hunter, Jackson Id- dings, Lewis Iddings, Ezra 'T. Isbell, Philander Isbell, A. E. Littlefield, Bar- net Laller, John McBarns, W. H. Potter, L. D. Payne, Reuben Ross, Edwin Randall, Hiram Roberts, Matthias Saylor, John Steele, Moses Tryon, Albert Wilson and James Roth. Others were in before 1844, but their names are not remembered.

The settlement of the township, when well begun, was very rapid. Im- provements of all kinds were swiftly pushed to completion, and very soon the old log cabin was replaced with one of better appearance and pattern. The first marriage was contracted between William Hill and Mary Keeler. It is said that Mary had some property of her own, which was used in making their home comfortable after marriage. William probably thought as did Robert Burns :

" Awa wi' your witchcraft o' beauty's alarms The slender bit beauty you grasp in your arms ; O, gie me the lass that has acres o' charms, O, gie me the lass wi' the weel stock it farms. Then hey for a lass wi' a tocher, then hey for a lass wi' a tocher, Then hey for a lass wi' a tocher-the nice yellow guineas for me."

The marriage was celebrated in 1837, but the Justice of the Peace who performed the ceremony lived at Wolf Lake, whither William went for him. He made the two " one flesh " (very difficult of execution if considered literally), and then left them to enjoy the wedding supper, which consisted of Johnny cake, baked beans, pork, etc. At the third marriage that took place in the township, music and dancing ruled the hour. A few pioneer boys in homespun and girls in ditto assembled to enjoy the event, and perhaps to institute new marriage contracts for-

" I've often heard my father say, and so I have my mother, That going to a wedding will bring on another."

The " French four " and the "Scotch reel " and other varieties of reel were indulged in, and the boys with their heavy " brogans " came down on the " double shuffle," and cut the " pigeon's wing " like masters of the art. Going home with the girls ! Ah, that's what captivated the boys, and on that ques- tion all degrees of courage were exhibited. Of course, the girls must look demure and modest, and wait the approaches of the sterner sex. And then came the walk or drive home through the dark woods. It is the old, old story -ancient and antiquated-yet, withal, it is new, because the characters are new. The stage is the same, the scenery the same, the shifters the same, but the troupe of actors are not the same.

On the 6th of March, 1838, David Wadsworth died and was buried in Elihu Wadsworth's orchard ; this was one of the first deaths. In the month of August, 1837, the first township election was held at the residence of Mr.

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

Ulmer, on which occasion, although there were nine persons present, but two- Ulmer and Hill- were entitled to vote, they alone having been in the town- ship and State the requisite time. This election, therefore, was not an elec- tion. The second election was held during the following year, and was more of a success. It was held at Asa Brown's cabin, and at its conclusion the returns were sent to Sparta, then the county seat; but as they had to go via Fort Wayne, it was three weeks before the Spartans received them. At that period there were two mail routes through the county, one extending from Fort Wayne along the Goshen road, and the other from the same place, toward Lima, along what afterward became the plank road.

Soon after 1840, Samuel Haynes built a water saw-mill on Sycamore Creek, securing water-power by means of a dam. This is said to have been the first mill in the township. Not long afterward, Gilbert Sherman also built one on the same stream, and his was also operated by water-power. A few years later, Asa Brown, who had located where Lisbon now is, and had built the first frame house in the township there, erected a steam saw-mill, which, for many years, did good good work. Mr. Brown was an enterprising man, but he was grasping in financial matters, so much so that he finally ruined Lisbon by his refusal to sell corner and other valuable lots' in the village, and by steadfastly denying that he was under any obligations to use his influence in securing the location of a railroad through his town. Further than that, he said he did not believe in railroads, and his infidelity on this question wrought his ruin, as Kendallville succeeded in getting the road, which, properly managed and influenced, would, beyond doubt, have passed through Lisbon. Mr. Brown had money. He came into the wilderness well supplied in this particular ; but his knowledge was greater than his wisdom. His house had been erected in Lisbon in 1837, from lumber obtained, if reports are true, at Stephen Sawyer's mill, then operating near the present site of Kendallville, but in Wayne Township. Some say that Asa Brown's saw-mill was the first in the township, and that it was built within a year or two after the erection of his frame house. In 1840, he built an ashery, and began, on an extensive scale, to manufacture black and white salts, and a fine article of pearl-ash, con- tinuing the pursuit for several years, until the quantity of ashes failed, manu- facturing in the meantime, per annum, some twenty tons of the ash, which was shipped by wagon to the market at Fort Wayne. He continued some ten years, and during a portion of this time, Hiram Roberts, an experienced ash-burner, was in his employ. ' About the time the ashery was started, Mr. Brown built an addition to his house, designing it for a store-room, into which he placed a large and handsome stock of goods, too large and costly to be prof- itable in the backwoods. Goods were given in exchange for ashes, and sold on credit, which proved to be long and troublesome. Brown also opened his house for the entertainment of the public, and his hotel became widely known on account of the hospitality of the landlord. The ill success of the mercantile

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ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

enterprise compelled Mr. Brown, after many years of ups and downs, to sell his farm to pay his debts and remove the incumbrances. In about the year 1845, a traveling circus and menagerie came through and " showed " at Lisbon. The advertisements were flaming, rivaling in hideous exaggeration those of to-day, while the real merits were generally inferior, though in some particulars supe- rior. There was a herd of five performing elephants. Mr. Brown had his town, Lisbon, surveyed and platted in October, 1847, at which time, twenty- four lots were laid out along the Lima and Fort Wayne road. From the fact that he had an abundance of ready money, he was enabled to command a wide influence, which had the effect of bringing to the village mechanics and arti- sans of all descriptions. But these men were too poor to pay several hundred dollars for a small lot upon which to live, and so they were compelled to go to some other locality. At first, Mr. Brown did not observe the injury he was doing his town, as he thought that the village must grow, and that sooner or later the prices demanded for the lots must be paid. But he suffered for his want of foresight, and when it was too late his prices for lots were lowered. But then other towns had sprung into existence all around him, and the death song of Lisbon had been sung.

Ryland Reed built the second house in Lisbon soon after the town was laid out. Samuel Minor was the first Postmaster. Other men who sold goods were Lorenzo Tyler and Abraham Warner. These men were partners, and began soon after 1852, or about the time that Brown went out of business. James Walker conducted a good store there for many years, beginning not far from 1853. T. P. Bicknell opened with a drug store soon afterward. Robert Hay sold goods there for a few years. Mr. Baughman also had a good store there. In about 1852, the village was visited by a conflagration, which, in a short time, destroyed seven buildings, and a considerable amount of furniture and other property. There has been no store there since the last war. The epitaph of Carthage may be appropriately written on the monument of Lisbon.

A man named Taber owned and operated a saw-mill between Jefferson and Allen at quite an early day. Mr. Littlefield conducted an ashery near Avilla moderately early, and after him Jefferson Smith followed the same pursuit for a short time. At a very early period, as Mr. Wadsworth was one day walking through the woods near his house, he saw a large log which had been so split. that the upper portion was a slab, and was pinned down by means of horizontal cross-pieces held in place by posts on either side of the log; thinking it was a bear-trap he struck his ax into the slab and split off a portion, and then saw that. the log had been hollowed out by human agency, after which the slab had been fastened to its place as stated. Mr. Wadsworth peered into the opening, and saw lying within the well-preserved corpse of an Indian woman. Death had occurred but a few days before, as decay had but just set in. The slab was re-adjusted and the dead was left at rest. Not long afterward, the log and its occupant were burned by Mr. Baker, who covered both with a heap of brush-

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wood, after which the fire was kindled, and the first cremation in the township took place.

It is related that one of the Whitfords was one day in the woods with his gun, when, in walking along, he suddenly saw on the opposite side of a large log a dark animal that appeared to be a hog rooting in the leaves, and making quite a noise. A closer inspection revealed the fact that the animal was a bear. It suddenly raised its head, and, seeing the hunter, reared up on its hind feet, the position always taken by a bear in close quarters. Mr. Whitford quickly fired, and the bear dropped, but immediately arose and started in fury toward the hunter, who took to his heels down a long hill, closely pursued by the in- furiated animal ; the hollow was soon reached and the ascent on the opposite side began ; the hill began to tell on Mr. Whitford, who recollected, as he strained and panted along, that it was said that a bear could run up hill as fast as down. As he could make better speed down hill than up, he took a circle and went down again at a furious rate, closely followed by the bear. In order to run down hill, it was necessary to also run up on the other side, and this was done, although the wind of the settler was almost gone. Upon looking around at the summit, the exhausted man saw the bear below in the hollow whirling round and round like a drunken man. At the same instant some of his folks put in appearance, and the bear was quickly dispatched. It had been mortally wounded, but had possessed strength enough to give Mr. Whitford the longest and best race he probably ever made. Had the bear's strength held out, there would probably have been a funeral in the Whitford family.

At quite an early day Noah I. Hill built the first house in Avilla, con- verting it into a tavern, and opening in one room a small stock of goods, which was offered for sale. In the bar-room of his tavern, liquor, old and young, was kept for the thirsty travelers, who stopped for refreshments while on the Lima road. The goods which were unceremoniously offered for sale did not exceed $300 in value, and were soon closed out, or, rather, driven out, by the appear- ance in the village of experienced and capable merchants, with fair stocks of a general assortment of goods. Mr. Hill not only sold liquor, but, enjoyed the glass himself, and drank a great deal in social conversation with travelers and customers. The bar-room of his tavern became well known to all the teamsters along the road, and is yet remembered by old settlers in the neighborhood as a noted resort for those who loved the flowing bowl. In winter evenings, while storm and darkness were intense without, and the angry wind dashed the rain or snow into every crack or crevice, the old bar-room was lighted by the ruddy glow of the blazing logs, and the travelers and host beguiled the lagging hours with drinks, jokes, stories and songs. Bumpers were filled, and the ruby liquor was drained to the dregs, while over all arose the merry voice-

" No churchman am I for to rail and to write, No statesman nor soldier to plot or to fight,

No sly man of business contriving a snare- For a big-bellied bottle's the whole of my care.

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ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

" The peer I don't envy, I give him his bow; I scorn not the peasant tho' ever so low ; But a club of good fellows, like those that are here, And a bottle like this, are my glory and care.

" I once was persuaded a venture to make, A letter informed me that all was to wreck ; But the pursy old landlord just waddled up stairs With a glorious bottle that ended my cares."

The old hotel, though subsequent improvements have greatly altered its appearance, is yet standing in the village, and is known to all the citizens. Hill was a good man, and an enterprising citizen of excellent judgment ; and was accordingly honored with the then prominent official porition of Justice of the Peace, and was continued thus for a long period of years. Among the early business men of Avilla were Jefferson Smith, Baum & Walters, Mr. Stewart, Henry Vogading, H. H. Haynes and others. Later have been Mr. Ran- dall, Henry Fryer, Mr. Hartman, Lewis Scutt, Mr. Johnson and others. The Yeiser brothers built a steam saw-mill a number of years ago, which has been operated since. A planing-mill connected with it dresses a considerable quan- tity of lumber, much of which is used at home, and the balance shipped to oth- er localities by rail. Wood & Haynes built a hoop factory some two years ago, but, although it was pushed in the work, it was not as profitable as expected. They are now manufacturing a large number of pumps, and have several wag- ons on the road selling all the time. They also manufacture cider, cane sugar, jelly, etc. The large grist-mill erected by John D. Shafer a number of years ago, is one of the best in the county, for quality of flour. The mill is a large frame structure, and is a credit to the place. Considerable flour is shipped by rail. Twenty years ago, Maternus Blust began burning brick a short distance north of Avilla. During the first year, 280,000 were made, and 112 cords of wood were consumed in the process. The business was steadily increased under a splendid sale, both at home and abroad, until, at the end of twelve years, it was found that an average during that period of 500,000 brick had been burned, each year's burning requiring on an average 150 cords of wood. Mr. Blust then moved his factory to Avilla, where he has since continued-some seven or eight years-to manufacture on even a greater scale than he did north of town. Seven years ago, he began burning tile, from two and a half to eight inches opening, and since the first year has manufactured a yearly average of 25,000. The great bulk of this vast business is shipped away, though the number of brick buildings of all kinds in the town and vicinity show that the citizens appreciate the importance of the industry. Many assistants are em- ployed to carry on the business.

Noah Hill was the first Postmaster at Avilla, and was succeeded by Mrs. Eliz- abeth Swarthouse, Postmistress. S. P. Stewart, a genial gentleman, is the pres- ent agent of Uncle Sam. Dr. Fryer, whose death occurred but a short time ago, appeared in the village in 1857, and practiced his profession until his death.

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

After he had been in town a few years, Dr. Weisen appeared. Since then have come Drs. Wright, Maloney. Scutt and Cessna, the last three being yet at the village. Eight or ten years ago, a Masonic lodge was organized in the village, and about two years ago, the Good Templars sprang to arms to resist the fol- lowers of King Alcohol. The latter has too many vassals in the town and vi- cinity. Tavern has been kept since Hill first threw open his doors to the pub- lic. There are three at present, the last-St. James House-having an excel- lent reputation among experienced commercial men. Within the last few years, Avilla has developed wonderfully as a grain market. It is asserted that, owing to freightage and a competition of markets, a higher price can be paid for grain at Avilla than at Kendallville. At any rate, farmers often find that they can get more for wheat at the former place than at the latter ; and hence, many of those living near and north of the latter convey their grain to the former mar- ket. Vogading & Son have been buying grain extensively since the comple- tion of the railroads. S. K. Randall has undertaken the same pursuit within the last few years. In 1876, a petition signed by a large majority of the legal voters of Avilla was presented to the Commissioners of the County, praying for the incorporation of the town, and, as no special objection was presented, the prayer was granted, and an election of town officers ordered. This was done with the following result : Trustees, S. P. Stewart, Maternus Blust and Henry Yeiser ; Clerk and Treasurer, E. D. Haynes ; Marshal, Samuel Hoke. In 1878, these officers were re-elected. In 1879, Mr. Hoke took Mr. Blust's place, L. A. Lobdell took Hoke's place, and W. D. Carver sup- planted Mr. Yeiser. In 1880, Thomas Story took Stewart's place, and Jonas Strouse took Hoke's. In 1881, Matthew Stewart supplanted Car- ver, Enoch Johnson Lobdell, and Saul Baum E. D. Haynes. It is re- lated that for many years before the last war, a well-traveled line of under- ground railroad extended across Allen Township. Many a load of fugitive slaves has been seen conveyed along this line, stopping here and there for re- freshments. Augustus H. Whitford is said to have been in the employ of this celebrated road, serving in the capacities of station-master, engineer, conduct- or, and train dispatcher. Mr. Waterhouse, residing in La Grange County, was a sort of a Tom Scott or William H. Vanderbilt on this road, and at all hours would order out special trains. Mr. Wadsworth one day saw a load moving rapidly along, when, upon turning a corner swiftly and suddenly, the wagon very nearly overturned, causing several woolly heads to appear in alarm from the covering. Mr. Wadsworth called out to the driver, " Ah, here's your Un- derground Railroad !" "Yes," answered the driver, " they're going it almost every night." Many an unfortunate colored man or woman, aiming by the north star for the dominion of the British Queen, has received much-needed assistance from the John Browns and Owen Lovejoys of Allen Township.

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Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 71

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