Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 62

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962

USA > Indiana > Whitley County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 62
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 62

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).

147

TOWN OF LIGONIER.

In about 1847, Taylor Vail became owner of the foundry that had been in operation at Rochester, and moved all the apparatus to Ligonier, where he continued the work of the former owners, manufacturing all kinds of plow castings, a few cook stoves, pots, kettles, and various other useful articles and implements. He sold out to Jacob Wolf in about 1848, who continued in the same line for two years, then selling to Mr. Beall, who also disposed of the property to (probably) George Ulmer & Sons, not far from the year 1855. A few years later the property was destroyed by fire, and was not afterward re- built, About two molders were employed, and a few assistants, who, at the most prosperous periods of the enterprise. secured a combined cash and book account of about $1,200 per annum. Some of the old articles manufactured are yet in use. A saw-mill was built in 1852, and James Kennedy, Benjamin Ruple and George Hersey conducted it three years, without profit. The Fish- ers built and operated one about 1856, continuing with success some six or eight years. Dodge & Randolph built one after the war. Fisher Brothers, soon after their saw-mill had been erected, built a grist-mill near it, and fur- nished the village and surrounding country with flour for a few years, when the mill was abandoned, and Albert Banta and A. C. Fisher erected another on the site of the present Randolph Mill. Joseph Fisher, in about 1859, built one where the Empire Mill now stands. The post office was established in Ligonier in 1848, and was a continuation of the Good Hope office, the first one granted in the county. H. M. Goodspeed has been Postmaster since the war. Solomon Mier established a private bank in 1872, and is there yet doing a gen- eral banking business. In 1870, the Straus Brothers established their private bank. They are dealing largely in real estate. The Sons of Temperance or- ganized a lodge in 1849, nearly all the principal citizens joining it. Harvey W. Wood came from a distance, and, in violation of the State law, began re- tailing liquor from his wagon on the streets. The Sons of Temperance seized his liquor (legally) and concealed it, but about this time the Supreme Court de- cided that the law prohibiting the sale of liquor on the street was unconstitu- tional ; but the Sons, refusing to give up the " spirits," suit was begun against them by the owner for damage. The owner was successful, and the Sons, in some way, turned over their hall to satisfy the judgment, but retained the liquor. What was to be done with all the whisky, rum, etc., became the ab- sorbing question. At this time, there belonged to the lodge about one hundred of the most prominent citizens in the village and surrounding country. After considerable discussion, it was decided that the liquor (which in some incom- prehensible manner had greatly decreased in quantity, though several kegs were yet left), should be put up at auction and sold to the highest bidder, none but Sons being permitted to bid. It was a laughable scene, long to be remembered. Here were the very men who had so bitterly denounced the cause of intem- perance but the day before, vying to outbid each other in order to get the liquor, which, by the way, was of the best quality. The "Grand Mogul " of

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

the lodge immediately arose with the spirit of the occasion, and, amid great ex- citement, bid off the best keg of rum, and in dignity departed, lugging it home on his shoulder. On went the sale, and away went the remaining few kegs, to the bitter disappointment of the great majority of Sons. It is needless to add that the lodge immediately became defunct. Ask not the historian for the names of these Sons ; go for information to the " old settlers."

In 1860, a $15,000 fire was indulged in, on Caven street, along where Taylor Vail's store now is. In December, 1870, an $8,000 fire swept over a portion of the same ground. In 1858, $5,000 in property was destroyed, on the second corner south of Mr. Vail's store. In 1873, the fire fiend swept away the Conrad Block ; loss about $6,000. These have been the principal fires. The Odd Fellows, Masons and Good Templars have lodges in the town. In 1864, the village having sufficient population for the purpose, the citizens pro- ceeded to petition the Commissioners to incorporate the town. This was soon accomplished ; but the writer cannot give the details, owing to the loss of the records (which, by the way, were kept in very poor shape), and the treachery of recollections. In August and September, 1860, 31,180 bushels of wheat were shipped from Ligonier. It is a great wheat market at present, as nearly 500,000 bushels are shipped away annually. In January, 1874, an association, known as the Ligonier Building, Loan and Saving Association, was chartered, the object being " the accumulation of funds by the savings of the members thereof, to aid and assist the stockholders to purchase real estate, erect build- ings, and make such other investments as are provided by law." The corpora- tion was chartered for eight years, and its operations were limited to Noble County, the capital stock being $100,000, and shares $500 each. Some fifty citizens of Ligonier and vicinity appended their names to the articles of associ- ation. Nine directors were appointed, and the following first officers were elected : President, John B. Stoll ; Vice President, Isaac E. Knisely ; Treasurer, David S. Scott ; Secretary, Daniel W. Green. This association did not come up to the hopes of the members ; and, in 1877, a new charter was ob- tained, and an entirely new organization effected under the name Perry Build- ing, Loan and Savings Association. The corporation is yet in its infancy.

The first school building erected on the present site of Ligonier, was a small, hewed-log structure, rudely and hastily put together, in about 1837, by some four or five of the early settlers in the vicinity, one of them being Jacob Wolf, from whose premises the logs were taken. Miss Achsa Kent, who after- ward became the wife of one of the Frinks living near Port Mitchell, was em- ployed to teach the first school, which she did, receiving her pay by subscrip- tion, and boarding around. The second teacher in this house was Henry Hos- tetter, and the third, James Miller. The log schoolhouse was used for almost everything until about 1851, when, on account of its dilapidated condition, it was succeeded by a small frame building, which was known far and near as the '. Red Schoolhouse." A few years after this schoolhouse was erected, Mr. Eli

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TOWN OF LIGONIER.

B. Gerber was employed to teach the tow-headed urchins that assembled there. The first morning, he fired up his sinking courage, repaired to the schoolhouse, and began vigorously to ring the bell. Miscalculating either on his strength, or on the toughness of the bell-rope, the cord snapped off just as he began to ring. What in the world was to be done ? A happy thought darted through his bewildered mind. He would ascend into the loft through the small uncov- ered opening in the ceiling, and tie the rope together. No sooner conceived than up the loft he went. By this time, the children began to flock in, anxious for a " good squint " at the new teacher. They saw nothing of that function- ary until the latter, making a misstep above, came thundering down through the plaster, tearing off, on the way, nearly half the lath on the ceiling. The scholars stared in terror at the formidable object, thinking, doubtless, that the old Devil himself was after them, and then, with one accord, ran pell-mell out of the room in the greatest fright. School on that day was a decided failure. Mr. Gerber tells this story with many mental reservations ; but he has another which he tells to particular friends (and historians), and reserves none of the very interesting facts. It is an adventure which he and a select company of companions had with a band of Indians, in about 1835, near Omaha, Neb. He armed himself with an enormous-but Mr. Gerber may tell the story in his own inimitable style. All go and ask him for it-one at a time. Have him tell the story often.

The old red schoolhouse was built in the ordinary way, by means of funds raised by direct taxation. . This was used until 1865, when the present three- storied brick building was constructed at a cost of about $12,000. Money cer- tificates, or orders on the Town Treasurer, for stipulated sums were issued by the Trustees, and purchased by the citizens ; or rather, the money was advanced by the citizens, and the town's obligations, bearing interest at 6 per cent per annum, were given in lieu thereof. The citizens were sadly in want of a more commodious schoolhouse ; and all having money to spare advanced it, and took the above obligations. In this manner no trouble was experienced in getting money to build the house. The building was poorly constructed (according to reports), and was located upon the public square, the third story being fitted up for a town hall to satisfy objections as to the legality of trans- forming the park into a schoolyard. For a number of years prior to the erec- tion of the brick, the old red schoolhouse was so dilapidated and small that select schools sprang into existence in various portions of the town. Vacant rooms here and there were converted to school uses, and the old red house was left to the wind, the owls and the bats. The log and the red frame school- houses were not the only ones in early years; as, in 1857, when the north side (or Brooklyn, as it is sometimes denominated) had become quite well populated, a frame schoolhouse, a little larger than the old red one, and commonly known as the "White Schoolhouse " to distinguish it from the other, was erected there, and used until 1873, when the present two-storied brick took its place at

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

a cost of about $3,300. It may be mentioned here that many select schools have been taught in the past, several of which were well conducted. There have also been denominational schools.

The first movement toward the erection of the High School building, was a petition presented to the Town Trustees in May, 1875, asking that a special ordinance be passed, to issue town bonds to the amount of $10,000 (the Trustee of Perry Township having promised to levy for the same amount, to be placed with that raised in the town, and for the same purpose), the same to be applied toward the erection of such a building. Definite action on the petition was deferred until April, 1876, during which time the subject was thoroughly discussed, and permission was obtained from the County Commissioners by the Township Trustees to create a township debt of $4,000 (there being at the time, in his hands about $2,000), the same to be raised by assessment, and applied toward the erection of the high school building. During the same time, it was decided to put about $18,000 into the schoolhouse, two-thirds of which were to be paid by the town, on account of the greater benefit likely to be received by it. The $2,000 in the hands of the Township Trustee, and the $4,000 (which were raised in two annual assessments) were presented within two years to the building committee. This much for the township. The town, in accordance with a special ordinance, issued its bonds (twelve in number, bearing 9 per cent interest) for $12,000; and soon effected a negotiation for the entire amount. The following is the report of the negotiating committee. ..

To the Board of Trustees of the Town of Ligonier: The undersigned, who were by the Board of Trustees of Ligonier appointed agents for the sale of certain schoolhouse bonds in the sum of $12,000, authorized to be issued by Ordinance No. 19, would respectfully report, that we have sold the said bonds to Dr. W. P. Hazleton, of New York ; that the interest upon said bonds (being 9 per cent per annum) is payable semi-annually at the National Park Bank of New York, on the first day of May and November of each year, the first installment coming due November 1, 1876; that the charge of said National Park Bank for turning over said bonds to Dr. Hazleton, receiving the money therefor, and issuing certificates of deposition in our favor, amounts to the sum of $15, which sum said bank deducted from certificate of deposit No. 6,044, as per their statement ; that we received as the net proceeds of said sale of bonds four certificates of deposit, issued by said National Park Bank, and calling for $11,985; that upon the filing of a bond by the School Board of Ligonier with the Auditor of Noble County, covering the sum of $15,000, we turned over to the Treasurer of said Board the said four certificates of deposit, taking his receipt therefor, which is hereunto attached. We also herewith file a copy of the bonds issued by authority of Ordinance No. 19, and sold to Dr. W. P. Hazleton as above stated.

J. B. STOLL, J. C. ZIMMERMAN, } Agents.

May 15, 1876.

As the Town Trustees found they could not be in readiness to pay the first installment of bond interest on the 1st of November, 1876, a special ordi- nance was passed providing that an additional bond, sufficient in amount to cover such interest, be issued. This was done, and the bond was purchased by Straus Brothers. At the proper time, a tax was levied upon town property, sufficient in amount to pay off the interest accruing annually on the bonds, and also to

LIGONIER

153:

TOWN OF LIGONIER.

create a sinking fund, with which at least one of the bonds could be taken up . yearly. In August, 1879, the above bonds, to the amount of $11,000, were refunded, pursuant to an act of the State Legislature, approved March 24, 1879, each new bond being for $1,000, and drawing interest at 6 per cent per annum. The entire amount of the new bonds was purchased by Mr. W. P. Hazleton, and, at the present writing, $8,000 and some interest are yet to be paid by the town. A simple arithmetical calculation will show that before this debt is wholly liquidated at the present rate of payment, there will have been paid over $20,000 by the town of Ligonier. The next thing to be done was to secure a competent Superintendent or Principal to put the school in shape, and to unite the discordant elements or factions which had resulted from the limited: authority given by the School Trustees to former Superintendents in the public- schools. What grading had been done was more from the standpoint of physical. proportions than from mental endowments or acquirements ; hence, upon the new Superintendent was thrown a burden with which none but a man of long experience in scholastic discipline, and one with great executive ability, could. have advanced to the present excellent condition of things. Prof. D. D. Luke, .. of Goshen, was the man destined to create order out of chaos. He was : employed to superintend all the town schools, and to conduct certain courses of instruction in the High School. This he has done to the perfect satisfaction of the School Trustees. Prof. Luke, assisted by the County Superintendent, conducts a normal school for six weeks during each autumn, and a praiseworthy interest is created. Three commencement days have dawned upon the High School, and forty-two well-informed young ladies and gentlemen have gone forth to battle with life.

As early as 1831, ministers of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist denominations, began to appear about once a month and preach to the earliest inhabitants in the vicinity of Ligonier. Meetings were held in log cabins, barns, and, finally, in schoolhouses. Beyond a doubt, as early as 1842, the- Methodists began holding rude meetings in Ligonier, but the society, though probably formed in 1844, did not feel able to erect a church until 1846, at. which time, Henry Treer, having donated the lot upon which the present: Methodist Church stands, to be used for purposes of religion, began to agitate the propriety of building a church. This was followed by the immediate con- struction of the first church building in Ligonier. It was a small frame struct- ure, 30x40 feet, but it answered the purpose. Great revivals were held soon afterward, and large accessions were made to the membership. At last, ine 1858, the present house was erected. It has been remodeled several times: since, and will last many years to come. The Methodist society is the strong- est in Ligonier at present. The Presbyterians and the Baptists endeavored to> organize early societies in the town, but without avail. The Universalists; sprang into life about 1854, and within the next two years the following well- known persons organized themselves into the second religious society in town :

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

Harrison Wood, John C. Johnson, James Smalley, John Morrow, James Mc- Mann, George Hersey, Jacob Kiser, Niah Wood, Lewis Cavil, H. C. Fisher, C. L. Welman, A. D. Hostetter, Andrew Engle, and a few others. The church, which cost about $1,000, was erected in 1856, and is yet occupied, but not by the Universalists. Rev. William J. Chaplin was employed to minister to the spiritual welfare of the flock, receiving for his services $150 per year for one-fourth of the time, and remaining about two years. The society bor- rowed money of Harrison Wood; but, neglecting to return the loan, was prose- cuted, and a judgment of about $350 was obtained by Mr. Wood. Soon after- ward, or in about 1861, the church was sold at auction, and purchased by Mr. Wood for about the amount of the judgment; but, within a short time, a three- fourths' interest in the house was sold to members of the Disciple society for $350. This is the condition of things at present, Mr. Wood reserving the right to have Universalist or other ministers preach there occasionally. The Universalist society has not since been revived. About five years ago, there was held in a tent on the public streets of Ligonier a number of religious meetings, conducted by Rev. Charles Woodworth, a Wesleyan Methodist, as- sisted by Rev. Mr. Woodruff ; and a little society was soon formed. Mr. Will- iam Leuty, a resident of Ligonier, and a man of broad charity, philanthropy, and a very earnest Christian, immediately went to the head of the society. Many of the members came from the region of the Fair View Schoolhouse, where a society of the same denomination had been formed about the same period. Mr. Leuty furnished $1,500, with which a small, neat brick church was built on the north side. A membership of about sixteen was se- cured. Afterward, Mr. Leuty purchased a parsonage with $800, and turned it over as a gift to the membership. Revs. Worth, Dempsey and North have been the pastors. Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. Leuty. He does not care to have his charitable actions heralded to the world, yet they are im- portant matters of history. When the writer interviewed him for matters of interest connected with his life and labor, he politely and firmly said, " I have nothing to say," and the historian had to seek other sources. Mr. Leuty has given toward the M. E. Church here about $1,600. He built a church at Ada, Ohio, which cost $2,150. There is scarcely a church in Ligonier that has not been assisted from the "slough of despond " by this venerable and benevolent old man. These have apparently forgotten the donor of the gifts, and the cruel lesson of ingratitude has been publicly taught. It is stated, on good authority, that Mr. Leuty has given away to various religious organizations about $15,000. Besides this, he has donated large sums to educational purposes and to elee- mosynary institutions. He gave $13,000 toward the "Carpenter Building," in Chicago, a structure designed to be used to antagonize Masonry. He has given several thousand dollars to " Wheaton College," Illinois. At least, $30,- 000 has been given away in this manner. Too bad the world has so few such men as William Leuty.

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TOWN OF LIGONIER.

A United Brethren society was organized many years ago, but did not survive long. In 1872, it was revived by Rev. F. Thomas, who became the pastor in charge. He has been succeeded by Revs. L. P. Dunnick, J. A. Cummins, J. F. Bartness and the present incumbent, J. Simons, an eloquent young divine. This society owns the finest church edifice in the town, the structure being a fine brick, erected on the north side in 1874, at a cost of $5,500. The present membership is about sixty-five. The Sunday school was first organized in 1874. The present attendance is 125, T. Hudson officiating as Superintendent. The Seventh-Day Advents, under the direction of Elders S. A. Lane and H. M. Kenyon, erected a tent in the town in May, 1875, and began expounding their peculiar tenets to large audiences. The following per- sons organized themselves into a society during the following autumn : A. E. Stutzman, Mary A. Graham, William Culveyhouse, Ellen Squires, J. H. Gra- ham, Hattie Cline, Eva Kegg, Catharine Clark, Viola Graham, Isaac Mc- Kinney, Maria Walsh, Emma Green and Elizabeth Skeels. The present membership is about sixty-three. Their church was built during the winter of 1876-77; but was not dedicated until December 23, 1877. It is a brick structure and cost about $1,700. A Sunday school was organized in October, 1875. The society has been served by Elders Lane, Sharp and Rogers. A Jewish synagogue was established in the Hostetter building, in 1867, by the election of the following officers : Mathias Straus, President ; Isaac Ackerman, Vice President; Jonas Decker, Treasurer; H. B. Faulk, Secretary ; Solomon Mier, Leopold Schloss and F. M. Straus, Trustees. A small building was erected in September of the same year. Mr. Jacob Straus presented the so- ciety with a Jewish Bible valued at $200.

The Catholics first began to assemble in about the year 1858, at which time Father Henry Force, an itinerant priest, began pilgrimages from Fort Wayne. But few Catholic families lived in Ligonier and vicinity at that time; but finally sufficient finance was accumulated to build a small frame church, which was done in about the year 1860. This building, with some little im- provement, was used until a few years ago, when it was entirely remodeled at a cost of $1,500. Perhaps the society has never exceeded twenty families. Father Holtz was the first priest. He has been succeeded by Fathers Deumick, Cuenlin, Eichtern, Moisner, Beckleman and Krager.

For the following excellent sketch of the Disciple Church, the historian is indebted to Rev. J. M. Monroe. The society was organized April 26, 1863, with the following charter members : Edmund Richmond and wife, S. N. Pence and wife, Jonathan Simmons and wife, C. R. Stone and wife, J. M. Knepper and wife, Nancy Shidler, Lucy Engles, Sophia King, Elizabeth Engle and Jacob L. Simmons. On the same day Edmund Richmond and S. N. Pence were elected Elders, and J. M. Knepper and Jonathan Simmons, Sr., Deacons. On the 8th of June, 1863, it was decided by the society to purchase the Uni- versalist Church, which had been sold to Judge Wood at Sheriff's sale. Three-

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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY.

fourths interest in the building was purchased for $350. This house is yet occupied by the society. Rev. Charles Richmond served as pastor one year, portions of 1863 and 1864. George W. Chapman served one year, term end- ing in 1865. W. B. Hendry served from fall of 1865 to fall of 1867. N. J. Aylsworth from October, 1867, to January, 1870. James Hadsel served in 1870. J. M. Monroe was pastor from June, 1871, to November, 1872. J. E. Harris from December, 1872, to May, 1874; F. Grant, half of the year 1874 ; R. S. Groves, a year and a half, 1875 and 1876 ; Elder Heard, a year and a half, 1876 and 1877 ; O. Ebert, a year and a half, 1878 and until June 1879; J. M. Monroe, from September, 1879, until the present, having entered upon a permanent pastorate. Mr. Monroe is a very capable and energetic man, and is greatly beloved by his congregation. The first revival was held by Benjamin Lockhart, of Ohio, in May, 1863, two weeks after the organiza- tion, at which time J. M. Fry, wife and daughter, Misses Mary Simmons and Addie Shipman joined the society. The first important revival was held by W. B. Hendry, in February, 1866. It grew out of a debate between Elder John W. Sweeny, of the Disciple society, and Rev. Cooper, of the Methodist. After the debate the meeting was continued, and among the conversions were L. J. Dunning and wife, W. A. Brown and wife, Peter Sisterhen and wife, Joseph Braden and wife, Charles Stites and wife, Riffle Hathaway and wife, Jessie and Lucinda Dunning, Nancy Stansbury, Jonathan Simmons, Jr., and Rebecca Huber. About this time there joined the church Dr. Adam Gants and wife, H. R. Cornell and wife, David Miller and wife, Mrs. A. C. Jones, Dr. Landon, Sarah Himes, Abraham King and wife, Mary Vincent, Margaret Parks, Josephine and Bell Chapman, Mrs. Finley Beazel, David Simmons and George Kuhn and wife. The second important revival was held by W. B. Hendry, during the pastorate of James Hadsel, or in March and April, 1870. This meeting was also preceded by a debate between Elder Sweeny and Rev. Chaplain, of the Universalist Church. Thirty-nine persons joined the society : John S. Ohlwine and wife, Matthias Marker, J. B. Stutsman and wife, Mrs. Fayette Peck, Mrs. Daniel Scott, Dickinson Miller and wife, Emmaret Stans- bury, Jennie Hathaway, Lena and Rosa Sisterhen, Emma Dunning, Helen Mayfield, Tillie Wolfe, Mrs. Jacob Huffman, E. A. Keasey, Dolphus Teal being among the number. The third revival was held in January and February, 1872, by Rev. J. M. Monroe, Pastor. The number of conversions was eighty- two, being the largest in the history of the church. Among the additions were Albert Banta, Luzon Gilbert, John Speckun and wife, Mrs. Judge Wood, Mrs. N. R. Treash, Mrs. James Silburn, Orrie Sweetland, Pineo Pancake, Miss Madison, Mrs. Drumbeller and daughter, Isaac Todd, William Herbst, wife and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Campbell, Hattie Parks, Mrs. Jonathan Simmons, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Sisterhen, Thomas and Oliver Simmons, Moses Goshern, Allie Folk, Mrs. Niles, William Hays and wife and Sarah Meyer. Many others have since joined, until the society at present numbers

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 62

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ; Number of Pages: 962

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962