USA > Indiana > Porter County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Lake County > Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 24
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
Surface Features .- The physical features of Pine vary from high barren sand-hills at the north to fertile fields at the south. The whole region was heavily timbered at one time, but now most of the good timber is cut off. In the north the timber was pine, while in the central and southern parts oak, hickory, maple, cherry and other varieties of hard wood abounded. Much of the timber was sold for building. cars and canal boats. In 1852, this region was a wilderness ; deer, wild turkeys and other game were abundant. In mid-winter, 1854, the Indians killed a cub in the township. The tracks of the old bear were seen, but she eluded the hunters. It is not often that bears leave their dens in the middle of the winter as these did.
Settlement .- This township was very backward in settlement, and
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HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
many of those who early settled here moved away in a short time. A large colony of Polanders has recently came into the southern part of the township. They are industrious, and will subdue and cultivate a country that our own people would pass by for many years. Their small farms and log houses show industry and a determination to build homes.
Industries, etc .- Owing to the tardy growth of the township its history is rather meager. There has never been a church, or its antag- onist, a saloon. The lumber and wood business has been the main dependence of the people. Saw mills have been established at various places, but, after using up the timber in the vicinity, have moved away. Charcoal and cheese are the only articles of importance that are manu- factured. The cheese factory is in the southeastern part. It was estab- lished in 1881 by Younger Frame. Its capacity is 1,200 gallons per day, but it has not yet been run up to its capacity, for the reason that milk can not be readily obtained. Samuel Hackett has three charcoal kilns in the southwestern part. One is about one mile west of the La Porte County line, and the other two are about two miles southwest of this one. The first mentioned holds about sixty-five cords, and the last two about eighty-five cords each. A good quality of charcoal is made.
Schools .- The first schoolhouse used by the citizens of this township stood just across the line in La Porte County, opposite the southeastern part of the township. It was a small log house, and was built about forty-five years ago. This burned down, and a small frame was erected and used for some time. The next house was built on the town line about thirty years ago. It was an eight-square structure, built of narrow, thick boards placed upon each other and lapping alternately at the corners, thus making a wall about as thick as an ordinary brick wall, and of such a substantial nature that after the lapse of thirty years it stands apparently as solid as ever. It has been weather-boarded, and presents an attractive appearance. Isaac Weston sawed the lumber for this house, and John Frame and Elias Dresden were prominent among those who constructed the building and organized the school. In 1855, the number of children of the school age in the township was 135, of which District No. 1 had forty-two, No. 2, sixty-four, and No. 3, twenty-four. At this time, D. S. Steves was clerk. In 1858, there were two schools in which the average attendance was sixty-eight, and the average compensation for female teachers was $2.75 per week. The amount expended for instruction was $102, length of school term, six months, number of books in the library, 146, and the amount paid Trustees for managing schools, $6. In 1859, John Reader was appointed School Director for District No. 1, and Alfred Booth for No. 2. John Reader was re-appointed for No. 2 in 1860 and in 1861. In 1865. S. C. Hackett, Trustee, reports 149 children between
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PINE TOWNSHIP.
the ages of six and twenty-one years. In 1867, John Frame reports 143; in 1868, 191; in 1869, 156; in 1870, 156. In 1871, William Kem- per reports 189; in 1875, John Hackett reports 179; in 1878, John Frame reports 169, and in 1880 he reports 189, while for 1882, accord- ing to William Lewry, Trustee, there are 114 males and 104 females of the school age. There are at present three districts. The third was formed about five years ago. The following is a complete list of the teachers of the township for the years indicated, with the price per day paid them : District No. 1, 1866, E. L. Whetstone, $1.16, Jennie M. Gallezio, $1.66 ; 1867, Annie M. King, $1.25, Lizzie Godwin, $1.50; 1868, A. M. King, $1.50, Lizzie Godwin, $1.50 ; 1869, Israel G. Haw- kins, $1 and board ; 1870, Israel G. Hawkins, $1 and board, A. M. King, $1.50, C. N. Furness, $1.16, A. M. King, $1.66; 1871, A. M. King, $1.50, Lottie Lucas, $1.50 and $1.66 ; 1872, Estella Van Deuser, $1.66, Lottie Lucas, $1.50 ; 1873, Lydia Beckner, $1.75, Esther Har- bage, $1.50 ; 1874, E. S. Butler, $1.66, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.75; 1875, Esther Harbage, $1.50, L. G. Sovereign, $1.75; 1876, Esther Harbage, $1.65, Lue Furness, $1.50, 1877, Lue Furness, $1.75, Mrs. L. E. Mc- Mellen, $1.50; 1882, Maria Brummitt. In District No. 2, 1866 and 1867, Eliza L. Whetstone, $1.50 ; 1868, Eliza L. Whetstone, $1.50, J. F. Tal- cott, $1.50 ; 1869, J. F. Talcott, $1.50, Louise M. King, $1.45; 1870, Louise M. King, $1.50, D. E. Williams, $1.50 and $1.66; 1871, Lucy Furness, $1.57, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50 and $1.66; Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50; 1872, Clara A. Furness, $1.60, Angie Tyler, $1.00; 1873, Lucy Furness, $1.66, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.32; 1874, Ida Bentler, $1.50, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50; 1875, Cynthia Stubbs, $1.50, L. M. King, $1.75; 1876, L. M. King, $1.75, Mary A. Charleton, $1.50 ; 1877, Mary E. Charleton, $1.75; 1882, Emily Brummitt, $1.60. Dis- trict No. 3 was created in 1876. The first teacher was Caroline Hall, who received $1.68. The second in the same year was Esther Harbage who received $1.50. The third was Esther Barnes, who received $1.75. In 1877, Esther Barnes taught the school at $1.75 and $1.50. The last teacher in 1882 was Atta Hackett, who received $1.60 for her services.
Roads .- May 25, 1858, the township was divided into two road dis- tricts, as follows : Road District No. 1 begins on the county line at the southeast corner of Section 36 and follows the section line to the town line, thence south to the township corner of Pine and Jackson, thence east to the county line, thence north to the place of beginning and contains twelve sections. District No. 2 commences at the southeast corner of Section 24, thence west to the township line, thence north to the lake shore, thence east along the shore to the county line, thence south to the place of beginning. There are now four road districts. The roads of the township are not in good condition.
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HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY.
Fish Lake, in the northeast corner of the township, was a lake of some size at one time. Mr. Chancey Blair has drained it and converted it into a fine cranberry plantation.
Stores, etc .- There is a small store just east of Furnessville kept by William Lowry. This is the first and only store that the township has had, and this has been established but a short time. Mr. Lowry has a blacksmith and wagon shop, and has a reputation for doing excellent work.
The First Settler of this township was perhaps a man by the name of Switzer, who built a log tavern west of Michigan City. This building was about 30x40 feet, and belonged at one time to William P. Ward.
A Mystery .- In the fall of 1877, a severe storm occurred upon the lake. After this storm, a Mr. Crawford was gathering wood along the lake shore, and was startled to see upon the sands a dead body that proved to be that of a young lady of from eighteen to twenty-two years of age. She was fair, with auburn hair and pearly teeth. Her form was fine, but the face was so marred as to destroy its beauty. She was about five feet in height and of medium weight. There was a gash upon the head and an- other upon the neck that seemed to indicate violence. The only articles of clothing upon the body were the shoes, stockings and garters. A Coroner's jury was summoned, an inquest held and a verdict rendered of death by drowning. The fact of the finding of the body was advertised in local and Chicago papers, but no one has ever come to claim the re- mains, which were buried upon the beach near the place where found. The shoes are still in the possession of J. B. Lurdberg, of Chesterton. They are of good material, neat make, and of a style then much worn. The body was found on the Saturday preceding November 10, 1877, and was buried on Sunday. The place of finding is near the line of West- chester and Pine, but the evidence seems to show quite clearly that it was in Pine. In this lonely grave, with this maiden, lies buried a mystery which no one yet has solved.
" One more unfortunate, Weary of breath,
Rashly importunate, Gone to her death. Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care,
Fashioned so slenderly, Young and so fair. * * * * " Make no deep scrutiny Into her mutiny, Rash and undutiful, Past all dishonor Death has left on her Only the beautiful." -Hood.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CITY OF VALPARAISO.
JACOB AXE (deceased), one of the pioneers of Porter County, was a native of Virginia, and in 1828, his mother, Christina (Kesecker) Axe. widow of William Axe, moved with her family to Wayne Co., Ohio, where she died in March, 1836. Jacob Axe there married Miss Agnes C. Cor- nell, and in 1836 they, in company with William Dye and family, and Elias Axe, a younger brother, started into Indiana with teams and wagons, and after a trip of eighteen days through swamps, with no road and an almost incessant rain-falling, arrived in Porter County. The first home of Jacob Axe was on College Hill, in Valparaiso, where he remained about three months, afterward moving one and one-half miles east of the village (which then comprised about six houses), into a log cabin erected by some squatter. The spring of 1836, he returned to the village and engaged in work at his trade-carpenter and joiner. He then bought the Sager mill property, but sold it at the end of about a year, and engaged in farming east of town some six or seven years, succeeding which he moved to the farm now owned by his son, Cyrus. He was then engaged in a number of different movements, prin- cipally farming, working at his trade and merchandising in Valparaiso. He was an active and energetic citizen, and a man who commanded uni- versal respect. He was a Democrat, and he and wife were members of the Christian Church. He died August 5, 1853, and his widow married James Bundy, who died some few months after their marriage. Mrs. Bundy then moved to Delaware County, Iowa, where she married William Cates, and where both are still living. To the marriage of Jacob Axe there were born eight children, of whom six are still living. Cyrus, a son of Jacob and Agnes Axe, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 4, 1834, and was reared to manhood in Porter County. His occupation has been stock dealing, and for the past few years he has been operating a meat market in conjunction with his other business. He spent the sum- mer of 1861 in Colorado, where he went in pursuit of health and on a mining expedition. In 1864, he was in Montana, where he and others were engaged in freighting goods across the plains. The summers of 1865 and 1866, he fitted out wagons and sent them loaded across the plains in charge of his younger brother, Nathaniel. In 1870, he went to Salt Lake Valley, where he engaged in shipping stock. He was married in 1865, to Miss Harriet L. Finney, whose parents were old settlers of Por- ter County. To them have been born four children-Addison C., Hattie B., Lida M. and Pearl. Mrs. Axe is a member of the Baptist Church,
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and Mr. Axe is a Democrat and an Odd Fellow. He owns 155 acres of good land in Centre Township, besides valuable town property. The spring of 1880, a part of his land lying between the college grounds and the N. Y., C & St. L. R. R. depot was annexed to the corporate city limits, and is known as Axe's Sub-Division.
G. W. BABCOCK, dealer in agricultural implements, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, September 1, 1829. He is a son of Clark and Anna (Lee) Babcock, who were natives of Ontario County, N. Y., and Northumberland County, Penn., and the parents of seven children, three of whom are yet living, viz., George W., Margaret J. and Anna. Clark Babcock was a farmer, and emigrated to Indiana in 1832, locating first in La Porte County, but that same fall moved to what is now Porter County (then La Porte County), and settled in Washington Township. What is now Porter County had less than twenty inhabitants, and was in a state of nature. He built a log house and engaged in farming, and made that his home till his death, in September, 1854, followed by his widow about ten years later. Both are buried in Luther Cemetery, in Washington Township. G. W. Babcock was reared in Porter County to manhood, and has always made it his home. He received a common school education, and was married February 22, 1855, to Elmira Lewis, and by her has four children-Agnes, now Mrs. Kellogg ; Lizzie, Law- rence R. and Luella. The mother was born in June, 1830, in Union County, Ind. Mr. Babcock is a Republican ; has held township offices, and is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. Besides good town property, he owns a small farm in Washington Township-a part of the old homestead. He was over the ground where the city of Val- paraiso now stands long before it was laid out, and has seen it grow from one to hundreds of houses.
DR. SENECA BALL (deceased) was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 18, 1798. His father, Calvin Ball, was born in Morris County, New Jersey, and was the son of Deacon John Ball, who died at the age of ninety-five. Dr. Ball's mother was Christina, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Eulass, of Rockingham County, Virginia. Dr. Ball was edu- cated, first, in the old log schoolhouse of his day, then attended a graded school at Waynesville, Ohio, then studied Latin under Judge Wick, at Lebanon, and then became his own preceptor. He read medicine under Dr. William Bunnell, at Washington, Ind., and then, with his brother Cyrus, engaged in merchandising in Lafayette, Ind., February, 1828. In August, he returned to Ohio and married Miss Eliza Blackford, came back to Lafayette, continued his business, and practiced until November, 1831; removed to La Porte, Ind., remained there four years merchandis- ing, and on Christmas Day, 1836, came to Valparaiso, being thus one of its earliest settlers. He continued in trade a few years longer, sold his stock and resumed practice, which he followed until, in his judgment, the infirmities of age disqualified him. He went to Kansas in 1868, and re- turned in 1874, making his home with his son Erasmus until his death, October 4, 1875. He was the father of three children-Mrs. Angeline Gregg, of Garnett, Kans .; Erasmus, and Cornelia, who died the wife of Judge Henry W. Talcott, of Kansas. The Doctor had served his fellow- citizens as Probate Judge, State Representative for Porter and Lake Counties, and as Justice of the Peace.
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CITY OF VALPARAISO.
ERASMUS BALL was born in Warren County, Indiana, February 16, 1832; he married Mary Ann Doty, who died January 11, 1865, leaving two children-Ina E., now Mrs. Andrews, and Alice C. February 12, 1866, he married Henrietta B. Clark, who has borne him three children -Charles S., Lily T. and Mary. Mr. Ball was among the early drug merchants of Valparaiso, and afterward station agent on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., for over nineteen years. In January, 1881, he was elected Cashier of the First National Bank of Valparaiso, of which he was a stockholder, and yet fills that position. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
JOHN C. BALL was born in Warren County, Ohio, July 2, 1815, the son of Luther and Elizabeth (Frye) Ball, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Maryland, and the parents of four children, of whom only our subject and one sister are living. John C., like his father, was reared a farmer, but through the solicitation of a cousin, Dr. Ball, came to La Porte County, Indiana, in 1835, to act as clerk. On the laying out of Valparaiso, in 1836, Dr. Ball moved his stock of goods to the place, then containing about one hundred inhabitants, John C. coming with him. Dr. Ball erected a frame building on the lot where Wood's grocery store now stands, and here John C. clerked until about 1841. In August, 1842, John C. Ball was elected Clerk of the Courts of Porter County, took his office in the March following, served seven years, and was then elected County Treasurer for three years, and the following fifteen years engaged in improving lands near the village, and since then has been employed in various pursuits. He is now living retired, and owns valuable property in and near the village. He was married in Valparaiso, in 1852, to Susan M. Marshall, who has borne him seven children, viz .: Wade D., who married Lizzie Eason, in 1878, and is the railroad agent at Colum- bia City ; Ivan M .; Grace H .; Mary D., now Mrs. G. E. Stanton ; Caryl C., Lizzie and Harry R. The mother was born July 8, 1832, in Dutchess County, New York, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ball is now independent in his political views and does not confine him- self to any creed or dogma, but votes in all cases for the competent man, and not for the party.
MICHAEL BARRY, blacksmith and carriage and wagon manu- facturer, is a native of County Cary, Ireland, his birth occurring Decem- ber 12, 1843. He is one of eleven children, eight yet living, born to James and Mary (Fitzgerald) Barry, the father of whom is dead, but the mother is yet living in the old country. Michael Barry received only a fair education in the old country, and at the age of twenty, in October, 1863, came to New York City and was there fourteen months, working at his trade, which he learned of his father in Ireland. Having friends in Indiana, he came to Valparaiso, in December, 1864, and began with his brother, and has remained a citizen of Valparaiso ever since. In 1875, he and brother dissolved partnership, and Michael then opened a black- smith and a wagon and carriage shop on his own responsibility. He has three buildings where he carries on his business -- two brick rooms 22x60. He gives employment to eleven men, and by hard work and economy he has made a comfortable fortune and an excellent business. In June, 1882, he received a patent on a spring wagon of entirely new
.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
design in reference to springs and reach, which for neatnesss and durability is unsurpassed, and is rapidly taking a front rank among vehicles of its kind. Mr. Barry was married in New York City, in 1863, to Miss Mary Griffin, a native of Ireland, and by her had one son, since deceased. Mr. Barry has taken an interest in the public affairs of Valparaiso, and for six years represented the 3d Ward in its Council. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
A. V. BARTHOLOMEW, merchant, was born in Licking County, Ohio, November 26, 1818; one of six children of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Skinner) Bartholomew, natives of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Jeremiah Bartholomew was reared a farmer, and came with his parents to Licking County in time to enlist in the war of 1812 .- He participated in a number of engagements, notably those of Fort Meigs and of the cam- paign along the lake shore. On his return he married, in 1817, and in August, 1828, came to La Fayette, Ind., entered into mercantile pursuits, kept hotel, and laid off the northern and better part of the city. In Sep- tember, 1833, he moved to Michigan City, then a hamlet of seven fami- lies, and kept public house until December, 1834, when he purchased 400 or 500 acres in Washington Township, and there settled and began farm- ing. About a year after, he moved to Centre Township, which was his home till his death in 1841, his widow following in 1863. A. V. Bar- tholomew, who was reared to the stern realities of farm life, was married April 7, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Stephens, and continued a farmer's life. Mrs. Bartholomew died in 1862, leaving a family of eight children- William M. (deceased), Mary A., Finette A., Rebecca R., Martha E .. George F., Walter S. (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). In 1862, Mr. B. moved to Valparaiso and engaged in merchandising in the build- ing he yet occupies, being to-day one of the leading merchants, carrying a stock of dry goods, hats, caps, ready-made clothing, etc., valued at $22,000, manufacturing clothing to order, and doing an annual trade of $60,000 to $70,000. Mr. B. married Mrs. Emma (Benney) Marshall in April, 1864, both being members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. B. helped to organize the Republican party of Porter in 1854, was elected to the Legislature, and served in the session of 1855; in 1857, he was elected County Commissioner to fill an unexpired term ; subsequently, he filled the office for twelve consecutive years. Besides valuable town prop- erty, he owns 640 acres in the county, the greater part of which he has earned by his industry.
A. D. BARTHOLOMEW, attorney at law, was born in Morgan Township, Porter County, Ind., May 20, 1843; one of a family of ten children, six of whom are yet living, born to Joseph and Mary Ann (Spencer) Bartholomew, natives of Greene and Somerset Counties, Penn. The parents were born April 3, 1801, and June 1, 1805. When six years old, Joseph came with his parents to Ohio, Perry County, and there, on the 22d of February, 1827, was married. He came to Porter County in 1834; settled in Pleasant Township, but, being dissatisfied, moved to Morgan Township, where he entered 160 acres of land, erected a log cabin, and began breaking up the prairie. Indians were in abundance at that time, and, when crazed by liquor, would often become very troublesome. and sometimes dangerous ; in addition to this, wild animals would carry
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CITY OF VALPARAISO.
away young stock, although housed. Their marketing was done at La Fayette, afterward Michigan City. Milling and marketing were gener- ally accomplished by three or four families getting together and making up an ox-team. Many other trials of a pioneer life fell to the lot of Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew, but they gradually prospered, and to such people Porter County can attribute her present prosperity. Mr. B. died April 19, 1881 ; his widow is yet living, and resides with her son in Morgan Town- ship on a part of the old homestead. A. D. Bartholomew was reared and educated in Porter County. He attended law school at Chicago Univer- sity, and began practicing in Valparaiso in 1866. His first partner was Col. Pierce in 1867, and his present partner is E. D. Crumpacker. He was married, November 18, 1869, to Miss Mary Eason, who was born May 22, 1848. To their union were born three children-Maggie, Joseph and John. Mr. Bartholomew is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. His success as a lawyer has been notable and lucrative.
EZRA S. BEACH, son of Truman and Catherine (Burke) Beach, was born April 18, 1837. Truman Beach was born in Con- necticut in 1805; was reared a farmer, and was married in Canada in 1832. In 1836, the Beach family, consisting of Ezra and Polly (Stoddard) Beach (grandparents of our subject), and six children, came to this county, where the children still reside. They all settled on adjoining farms in Washington Township. Truman Beach and wife there resided until 1856, when they came to Valparaiso, remained one year, and then purchased a farm in a state of nature, but now one of the best improved farms near Valparaiso. For many years Truman con- ducted a nursery, but of late has retired from active life, and the farm is managed now by Ezra S. The old place consists of fifty-six acres, but Ezra S. owns the old homestead of 160 acres on which he was born in Washington Township, and 180 acres additional in the same township. Ezra S. was educated in the common schools, but finished his education in the old Male and Female College of Valparaiso. He was married, September 12, 1860, to Miss Jennie E. Fifield, who has borne him six children-Truman A., who died when seventeen years old ; Kittie, George, Minnie, Mark and Ray. Mr. Beach is independent in his politi- cal views.
H. M. BEER, M. D., son of the Rev. Thomas Beer, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, March 20, 1838, and was reared in his native county. He received a good academical education, and at twenty-one years of age began the study of medicine under Dr. P. H. Clark, with whom he remained two and a half years; then for a year he attended Cleveland Medical College, then enlisted as Assistant Surgeon in the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining as such until the close of the war. He then located in Cumberland, Md., practicing, and at intervals attending the college at Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1868. In that year he came to Valparaiso, and has here been actively engaged in practice ever since, having been uncommonly successful, his patients being among the best and most prominent families of Porter County. Dr. Beer is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church.
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