USA > Indiana > Pulaski County > Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 56
USA > Indiana > White County > Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 56
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).
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
562
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
Section 17; Jacob Ruff, Section 8; George Wallensburg, Section 9 ; William Rogers, Section 4; William Rhonemus, Section 17; John Tilman, Sr., Section 4; Anderson Tilman, Section 5 ; Lawrence Cun- ningham, Section 7; Archibald Hammel, Section 7; Daniel McCaufel, Section 14; Mercer Brown, Section 14; Peter McNutt, Section 17; Jonas Good, Section 9, and Daniel D. Gemberling, Section 5. Quite a number of these persons did not reside in the township, but the greater number did.
The first thing to be done was to get up the rude round-log or hewed- log house, and often while this was being done the families lived in their wagons or in some old cabin that had been vacated by an earlier settler. Often families were taken into the cabins of other settlers, and sometimes dwellings no larger than 16x18 feet were forced to contain twenty or more persons. The settlers always turned out willingly to assist the new- comers in getting comfortably located, as those who had already become established were anxious to have their neighborhoods rapidly improved. After the house was up and occupied, the next thing was to prepare the garden and field for the coming crop. The men went resolutely to work, and were often assisted by the women, and erelong corn and wheat fields were seen where erst the prairie sod or forest tree had flourished. In 1840, not less than forty families lived in the township, and by this time several frame dwellings were standing. The first roads were Indian trails, but by 1845 the township had two or more road districts, with competent Supervisors, and soon bridges took the place of fords and mud-holes. The first road ran along the bank of Tippecanoe River. The State had provided what was known as the Three Per Cent Fund for the construc- tion of roads, and this was used as fast as obtained in laying out and building roads in all parts of the county. Indian Creek did not suffer for the want of roads, as many other townships did, as her soil was roll- ing and sandy. The first settlers were obliged to go to Sheets' mill, south of Monticello, for their flour and meal, and to Logansport for their store supplies. Sheep were brought into the township as early as 1842. Hogs soon ran wild in the woods, and sometimes were almost as dangerous as wolves, as they were known to attack men, and were shot like other wild animals. After 1845, the settlers began to experience easier times.
The First Mill .- In about the year 1842, Peter Hoover built a dam across Indian Creek, about a quarter of a mile from its mouth, and soon after erected thereon a frame saw-mill. An old-fashioned " flutter-wheel" was used, and an up-and-down saw, and from the start the mill had all it could do. There were portions of the year when the mill could not run, owing to the want of water, but at other times it was often conducted day and night. Logs from as far up the river as Monterey were rafted down,
563
INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP.
and then up Indian Creek to the mill, where they were sawed into lum- ber for dwellings and barns. This mill was the best of its kind ever in the township, and made a comfortable fortune for its owner. It was con- ducted by Mr. Hoover until his unfortunate and accidental death during the last war. It then passed to his son, who traded it for land in Beaver Township. It ran down a few years ago on the hands of Mr. Galloway.
First Marriage, Etc .- Probably the first marriage in Indian Creek Township was that of William Fisher and Rebecca Widener, January, 1839. Mr. Reeder took the young couple in his sleigh, down somewhere in Cass County, to the house of some minister, who, metaphorically speaking, tied them together, when they were conveyed back to Indian Creek, to enter the new life in " double harness." John L. Widener died in December, 1838; this was likely the second death. A child was born to William and Rebecca Fisher in December, 1839, which was, so far as remembered, the second birth. Mrs. Sophia Brown, widow of Ira Brown, is authority for the items in this paragraph.
The Pulaski Grist Mill .- The dam across the Tippecanoe River at Pulaski was begun late in the fall of 1853, and completed early the fol- lowing year, and a saw mill was immediately built on the long race that had been dug under the supervision of J. H. Gillespie. The race was about eighty rods long and was of sufficient width to carry a heavy pres- sure of water. While the workmen were digging the race, one of them threw out a long tusk of some extinct animal, probably that of the man- moth. No effort was made to find the remainder of the skeleton which probably yet reposes in the bank of the race. The dam was not properly constructed, as the water, pouring over, tended to undermine it, which after a number of years actually occurred. As soon as the saw mill was up and running, the necessary lumber for a grist mill was sawed, and late in the fall of 1854, the building was contracted for by James Graham, and the work began, though the frame was not raised until the spring of 1855. Mr. Gillespie, the good-looking carpenter above referred to, as- sisted in building the mill. This was the most important industrial en- terprise ever begun and completed in the township, and one of the most important ever in the county, and the expense was borne by Ira Brown, John Decker, Jonas and Samuel Good, Daniel Short and John Stephens, all living in the vicinity except the latter. The total cost of construct- ing the two mills, the race and the dam, was, in round numbers, $14,000. A Parker re-action wheel and three sets of buhrs, one for corn, were placed in the grist mill which, in 1856, began running. The building was 40x60 feet, three and a half stories high, and began its career of usefulness with a satisfactory patronage. The mill was calculated for four runs of stone. While the work of construction was in progress, the
564
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
contractor, Mr. Graham, died, and John Kessler, of Monticello, was as- signed the work of finishing the job. He was permitted to place two sets of stone in the mill, and have the use of the same until the building was completed as a part consideration for his services ; but the termina- tion of the work was delayed longer than satisfied the owners who insti- tuted proceedings and succeeded in enforcing their demands. Several of the owners sold out about the time the mill was completed. The saw mill ran down about the time of the last war. A man named Low be- came connected with the grist mill, and finally became sole owner, but, soon after the war, sold out to Jacob Wood, at whose death it passed to his sons, David and Josephus, who yet own and conduct it. The present owners keep the mill in excellent condition, and are enjoying a lucrative patronage.
Village of Pulaski .- The village of Pulaski owes its existence to the erection of the grist mill. Thirty-six lots were laid out in November, 1855, by David Short, proprietor, and J. O. Parrott, County Surveyor ; but within a short time sixteen more were added. The first dwelling was erected in the fall of 1854, by J. H. Gillespie, who was working on the mill then in course of construction, and who boarded the workmen in the new building. Soon after this, Mr. Gillespie and Samuel Good bought about $200 worth of dry goods and notions of a man named John Sefton, who had just moved into Beaver Township from Ohio, and who brought the goods in boxes with him. The goods were sold at Pulaski, and the profits about covered the cost of the supplies needed by the families of Good and Gillespie. They were sold in the boarding house by Mr. Gil- lespie. These were no doubt the first goods at Pulaski or in the town- ship. In 1855, Samuel and Ephraim Good erected a frame building and placed therein about $2,500 worth of a general assortment of goods, em- ploying a man named Williamson as salesman. After about three years, the owners became involved and the goodls passed to their creditor, Mr. Musselman, of Logansport. James Shoultz opened the second store during the spring of 1856, but soon died, and his goods went to Short & Estridge, who conducted the business only about one year. Moses Frazee opened a store with J. F. Taylor as salesman, but within a year Taylor bought his employer out, and continued until the winter of 1863-64, when the store was destroyed by fire. Taylor & Thompson then started up and continued until 1860, when they dissolved partnership, Thompson con - tinuing the business alone until he was elected County Treasurer. After his official career, he returned to the mercantile business at Pulaski, where he yet remains, with a good trade and with the confidence and respect of the public. Hovey Low conducted a store for a short time during the war. Arthur Hazen was also in for some twelve years, beginning not
565
INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP.
far from the same time. Mathew Hughes obtained the stock at the close of the war, but did not continue long. Jacob Wood began in 1869. His son succeeded him. E. R. Brown and A. A. Butler and Dan also sold goods in town. Crist & March are there at present with a good stock. Huston & Goble, druggists, also hold forth in the village. Dr. St. Clair was the first resident physician. He has been followed by Drs. Eaton, Blue, Osborn, Camp, Moss, Jones, and the present followers of Esculapius, McPherson, Huston, Oyler and Ward. Notwithstanding the fact that there are four practicing physicians at the village, the citizens continue to have reasonably good health. It is now thought that if as many more can be brought in, universal and permanent good health will be assured. J. H. Gillespie was the first Postmaster, receiving his ap- pointment in the fall of 1854, and continuing the most of the time for fourteen years. Elisha Hall had had the same office on his farm a short distance above the village for a number of years before. Mr. Gillespie was succeeded by Mathew Hughes, who in turn gave way to Jacob Wood, and he to A. A. Butler. Jacob Wood again took the office; then Jacob Wood, Jr .; then Sainuel Low; then M. B. Crist, the present agent of Uncle Sam. The population of the village has not exceeded about twenty families, and is usually less than that.
Education .- The first school in the township was taught in a deserted cabin on Section 31, during the summer of 1839, by Miss Mary Hall, afterward the wife of William Connel. The second was taught in the same house during the winter of 1840-41, by Isaac Olds, who is yet liv- ing. Probably the third was taught by Mrs. Lucy Grant, in her own dwelling the following winter. She taught several terms here, and kept a good school. A Mr. Budd taught in a deserted cabin on Section 21 in 1844-45. The first schoolhouse proper was the old Washburn house, erected in 1845 or 1846.
The first schools were held in occupied and unoccupied dwellings as early as the winter of 1842-43. Samuel Dickey taught a short term in his own log cabin, some fifteen or twenty scholars attending. School was also held in a log dwelling vacated by James Raver, Samuel Decker be- ing the teacher. He is said to have been an excellent organizer ; at least he made the scholars " stand around." William March, who was then quite a stripling, and was very fond of the girls, attended the school, and, one day, while courting with more violence than necessary, managed to hurt one of the girls, so that her lip swelled up to twice its usual ripe-red size. This caused considerable surprise, as it was not dreamed that Will- iam's kisses were poisonous. The teacher thought so seriously of the affair, that, after mature deliberation, he concluded to " dress " the boy with a well-seasoned hickory gad, which he kept on hand for important
566
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
occasions of that character. This was done amid the vociferous protesta- tions of the youth. Both teacher and pupil are yet living. This school was taught during the winter of 1844-45. School was taught in an old house on Section 31, vacated by Benjamin Grant, as early as the summer of 1842 or. 1843, Mrs. Grant, as already stated, being the teacher. Several terms were taught at the house of Jonas Good, one of the teachers being John Macbeth. One room of the double log cabin was used. School was also taught in Peter Hoover's old house, a man named Brown officiating on one occasion. A log schoolhouse was built north of the river, on the land of Jacob Ruff, about 1847. In about 1853, a hewed-log schoolhouse was erected on Section 17, and the following win- ter, Thirza Washburn taught a three months' term for $42, and boarded herself. She had a large school, between thirty and forty scholars at- tending. In about the year 1855, the first schoolhouse was built in Pu- laski, by Mr. Hazen, and William Pool was employed to teach the first term. Pool was also the first teacher in the old log schoolhouse built on Jacob Ruff's land in about 1847. He taught a subscription school of three months, and was paid $1.50 per scholar. Pool knew how and when to use the " hickory." One of Ira Brown's boys, who went to him, re- ported that he gave each boy regularly "four licks three time a day." Pool had evidently adopted Solomon's specific for bad children. The splendid results in the schools were another proof of the wisdom of this son of David. The present schoolhouse in Pulaski was erected in 1875. Schools were started in all parts of the township during the '50s, and since then poor schools have been the exception.
Churches .- As early as 1839, a Methodist missionary held religious services in the cabin of John Reeder. From this onward, until 1845, services were held regularly in his house. Benjamin Munson preached a great many times. Among the first members of the class organized, there were : Elizabath Reeder, Sophia Brown, William Fisher and Anna Fisher, his wife. . William Washburn and wife became members a little later. After 1845, services were held in neighboring schoolhouses. Various denomi- nations were represented in the class that built a log church on Section 17. Sectarian lines were not as closely drawn then as they were a few years later. Professing Christians were glad to hear the word of God preached if the textual explanations did not agree with their notions. They all met, as they should, upon the broad basis of Christianity, and worshiped the same God. Presbyterians, Lutherans and members of other denominations erected this log church not far from the year 1854 ; but long prior to this the class had been organized in the residence of Jonas Good, where meetings were for many years held. Among the early members were John March, Jonas Good, Frederick Reap, Daniel
567
INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP.
March, John G. Korner, Jacob March, and some of their wives and fam- ilies. Rev. Chappais was a prominent minister about the time the log church was built. Rev. Miller, a Presbyterian, preached for the class. After a number of years, Rev. Jonas Michael, a German Reformer, visit- ed the scattered remnants of the class, and soon succeeded in forming a small society of those who leaned in the direction of his views. The class multiplied, and in 1867 built their present frame church, at a cost of $1,- 200. They are now in a prosperous condition.
A Catholic Church society was organized in the southwestern part of the township some thirty years ago, and a small frame church built on Section 31. Among the early members were Peter Hoover, Jacob Ruff, Henry Weaver, Francis A. Eisert, Morris Stagmyer, John Senn, and others. Some fifteen years ago, the church was taken apart and moved to Section 17, where it was put together and enlarged and improved. Among the present members are Mathias Winters, Andrew and Frank Gelsinger, Joseph Wise, John Fitz, Stephen Roloff, Lawrence Hein, John, Frank, Ameal and Peter Rarlersdorff, George, John, Jerome and Ed Weaver, Joseph, Michael and Jacob Nise, Henry Hoover and many others. The church is prosperous, and talks of starting a denominational school.
The old Catholic Church north of the river was built not far from 1852, some of the early members being Jacob Ruff, Henry, John, Jacob and Frederick Weaver, George Row, and Charles, Philip and Conrod Bridegrum. Eight years ago, the present church was built on the same site. The class is large and in excellent condition.
The new Union Church, in the southern part, was erected in 1879, with the understanding that the house was to be subject to the use of any and all orthodox denominations, though the property is deeded to the Christian or Disciple class. Rev. W. J. Rhinehart organized the Chris- tian class, and it was through his efforts, mainly, that the church was built. Considerable assistance was received from outsiders. Among the Christians are W. J. Rhinehart, Alexander Yont, Frederick Yont, Eliz- abeth Gruell, James Pepper and Hiram Sluyter. The Reformers also have a small class there. The Christian class was first organized farther south at a schoolhouse in White County, where it continued to meet for a number of years. James Atwood and William Winegardner have preached for the society.
The Pearl Divers .- In about the year 1857, a citizen of Pulaski, having read of a man, who, on opening a clam shell, had found a pearl of great beauty and value, reasoned why the discovery could not be re- repeated in Indian Creek Township. Filled to the muzzle with this thought, he began sauntering with apparent unconcern along the river's
568
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
bank, though when he was certain that no person was watching him, he cautiously examined every shell that lay in his way. In a short time his heart gave a great bound! he had discovered a beautiful pearl about the size of a small pea. He looked anxiously around, but seeing no person, feasted his eyes on the beauty that lay glittering in his hand. Visions of sudden and amazing wealth swept through his mind, until his senses were reeling with delirious joy. He saw his wife in silks and satins ornamented with magnificent pearls, and his children romping through their palace home arrayed like butterflies. What should be done ! His wife, the sharer of his joys and sorrows, must be informed of the dis- covery. Carefully, so as not to excite her, which was highly dangerous, he whispered the news. The lady manned herself and escaped without hysterics. It was decided to form a stock company to provide means to search for pearls, and accordingly a few old and dear friends were in- formed of their good fortune. A love-feast was held to begin with. All were eager to begin work before others had learned of the wealth that lay in the river within easy reach. They began to act differently. Sunday suits were donned without regard to expense, a fresh and bountiful sup- ply of groceries was ordered, 5-cent cigars were called for, the hand of charity was extended, and the stockholders, with pompous pride, strutted around like turkey cocks before Christmas. The work of exploring the river for pearls was immediately begun with the utmost secresy. About a dozen were soon found, and an agent was dispatched to La Fayette to find their actual value from the jewelers there. He reported their worth at $2 each, and the possibility of finding others so fine and pure as to bring thousands of dollars lured the workers on like a Siren. The zeal was untiring. Pulaski never before saw such industry, energy, exultant hope and joy. Men worked day and night in the river, opening every shell they could find, even forgetting to eat their meals. Inquisitive neighbors were skillfully eluded. The search was abundantly rewarded, there being found within about two weeks 1,500 fine pearls. It was then resolved to dispose of the stock on hand, to obtain means to continue the work on a much grander scale. One of the members (a gentleman of unswerving honesty) was intrusted with the jewels, and directed to go to Cincinnati to negotiate a sale. He stopped at the finest hotel in the city, took in the theaters, ate ice cream in amazing quantities without accident, and finally consulted a noted and trustworthy lapidary. He was in- formed that his pearls were not wanted just at that time, that if he had brought along the shells a ready market would have been found. He walked out of the shop of the lapidary in high dudgeon. He then sent a few of the largest and some of the smallest to an eminent jeweler of Philadelphia and received a reply something like this: "The largest are
569
INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP.
worth about ten cents each, and the others about ten cents a bushel." As there were not more than about a dozen of the "largest" in the whole 1,500, the agent was prostrated by the blow. He immediately re- turned to Pulaski, and communicated the news to his fellow-sufferers. The dismay was complete. The poor members of the Pulaski Pearl Diving Association moved about like snails, with hollow eyes, calloused hands, sun-burned shoulders and sepulchral voices. All the bright clouds of the future were scattered in the sky. The stockholders, without ex- ception, were ready to sell all their jewels, Esau like, for a mess of pottage. To cap the climax, the Treasurer of the Association absconded with the jewels. As if the burden was not yet sufficient, the neighbors began to utter caustic remarks, which stung like the "rudder of a red-hot bumble- bee." A member of the association informed the writer of the facts nar- rated above, "provided you will mention no names."
Bridges .- The first bridge across the river at Pulaski was built under the supervision of Ira Brown, not far from the time the village was laid out. It did not last long, and another took its place after a few years. Neither bridge was strong enough to resist the floods that periodically came flow- ing down the basin of the Tippecanoe, and the second was soon unservice- able. At last, in September, 1875, the County Commissioners contracted with D. H. & C. C. Morrison, bridge manufacturers and contractors of Dayton, Ohio, to build at Pulaski a " Morrison's Patent Wrought Iron Double Quadrilateral Truss " bridge, in two spans, at the rate of $20.50 per linear foot. William Flynn was given the contract for the stone work. The bridge, a fine one, was soon built at a total cost, in round numbers, including everything, of $6,500. It is considered a very safe bridge.
Miscellaneous .- The following items were contributed by E. R. Brown, of Winamac :
" One of the first schools was taught by William Wall-' Old Billy Wall,' as he was familiarly called-at the house of Jonas Good, Sr., as early as 1842, and possibly 1841; he was paid entirely by subscription, but how much is not known. His pupils were the older children of Jonas Good, Sr., John March, and a few of the children of persons living farther away, whose names cannot be ascertained.
" The first death was that of Amanda Long, wife of Thomas Long, and daughter of Elisha Hall. She died in the summer of 1838, in a cabin on the north side of Hall's Branch, near where the bridge now is. She died in childbirth. The child lived a few weeks and also died, and both mother and child were buried at Winamac, among the first there, if not the first.
" The first cooking stove in the township was brought by Elisha Hall
570
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
early in the '40s. He paid $50 for it. It was a small stove of the old- fashioned raised oven, or 'step ' pattern. A man could easily carry it. He bought it on credit, giving his note: When the note fell due, he traded four nice large milch cows for it.
" The German Reformed Church was organized out of material that was mostly, if not all, Old-School Lutheran, though in very early times both Lutheran and German Reformed ministers visited the neighborhood, and labored temporarily among the Protestant Germans. The first is thought to have been Rev. Reuben Good, D. D., now connected with the German Reformed College at Tiffin, Ohio. After him, probably came a Mr. Bossler, a Lutheran. His ministry extended over a considerable period, and it was probably under him that a Lutheran class was organized. It was about this time, also, that the log church was built. After Mr. Bossler, came a Mr. Chappais, generally known in the community as 'Cabus. ' He came with the design of remaining permanently. He settled on a new piece of land on the east side of the river, in the lower side of Monroe Township, south of the Shelhart or Neff place. But his ministrations were not acceptable to the members of the church, they claiming that he rebuked them too sharply for their manner of living. He consequently had to give up his preaching. He was a highly educated man ; had gone to school twenty-five consecutive years in Germany, and knew nothing about making a living. He first tried peddling books. [Poor fellow .- ED. ] And 'Mr. Cabus,' or the 'Dutch Preacher,' with a leather trunk filled with books on his back (load enough for a pack mule) was a frequent visitor at the houses of the neighborhood. But the people in gen- eral were too poor to buy books, and that failed to yield him a living. He came down to absolute want, and but for the hand of charity, his family must have suffered greatly. No one came to take his place as minister to the church until Rev. Jonas Michael, a German Reformed minister, came and organized a church of that denomination.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.