USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 67
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A few weeks subsequently, a family of emigrants by the name of Fosdiek, stopped for the night with Mr. Hull, and it was aseertained that several of their children were suffering with scarlet fever. During the night, one child died, and, two days later, was followed by another. These children aud the stranger pre- viously alluded to, were buried on the south side of Eel River, in ground which was afterward consecrated for cemetery purposes.
The First. Marriage .- About Christmas season, 1833, Squire Du Bois was called from Fort Wayne to perform the ceremony of uniting two young bearts in the sacred ties of matrimony. The wedding took place at the residence of Adam Hult, his daughter Barbara and Isaac Tibbots being the contraeting parties.
The First School was taught in a cabin ereeted for that purpose in 1837, on the farm now owned by John R. Mayo. It was built almost entirely of hiek- ory logs, and from this fact received the appellation of the " Hickory Sehool- house." Among its surviving scholars are Thomas and William MeKee, John M. Taylor and his sister, Mrs. Altha Hull.
The First Stock of Merchandise was opened in 1838, by Joseph Joncs, al his own house, on the land now known as the Charles Hanna farmn.
The First Blacksmith- Shop was conducted by Henry Bosler, who started the fires of his forge soon after his arrival in the township (1836).
The First Suw. Mill was erected by Smith & Diffenderfer, in 1852. It was situated on the bank of Eel River, from which it received its motive power. The general desire for hetter residences than the log houses ereated a demand for
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THE OLD HOMESTEAD OF JOHN VALENTINE (DECEASED) PRESENT RES. OF JACKSON VALENTINE. EEL RIVER TP. ALLEN COUNTY IND
151
EEL RIVER TOWNSHIP.
sawed lumber, and the mill proved a profitable investment to its proprietors. It was operated successfully for a number of years, but was finally suffered to go to decay. In 1855, Peter Heller erected a steam grist-mill near the saw-tuill of Smith & Diffenderfer. He operated it successfully for several years, when it was destroyed by fire. and never rebuilt.
The First Post Office was established in 1834, and Adam IIull appointed Postmaster. He held the position until his death, which occurred September 1, 1837. Peter Heller was appointed his successor, and removed the office to his own house, when it received the name of Heller's Corner Post Office. In 1862, the office was removed to Wesley Chapel.
The First Election was held in 1836. Adam Hull and Mr. Bond were candidates for the office of Justice of the Peace, and the votes in favor of each candidate were found, when counted, to be equal in numher. To spare the expense consequent upon another election, the candidates mutually agreed that the ballots should be placed in a hat, and the Judge be requested to draw one ticket from the number, the name it bore to indicate the successful competitor. The ticket was drawn accordingly, and the name it bore was that of Adam Hull, who was duly qualified as the first Justice of the Peace in the township.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal .- In the winter of 1837 and 1838, a class was organ- ized at the house of John MeKee, with ten members. John Bennett was appointed Class-Leader, They then had no Pastor, but were visited occasionally hy Rev. James Ross, by whom services were conducted. In 1843, they erected a hewed-log house opposite the present site of Wesley Chapel, and consecrated it as a house of worship; and, from that date, they received the visitation of a Pastor every alternate Sunday. The congregation increased, and, in 1865, they ereeted' a frame chureb at Johnston & McKee's Corners. The building is 40x60 feet, and cost $2,500. It was dedicated by S. N. Campbell, February 18. 1866, The present membership is eighty. Rev. D. P. Hartman is the present Pastor. The Church officers are as follows: A. W. Robinson and S. K. Waterson, Stew- ards; Henry Dice, Israel Hollopeter and S. K. Waterson, Class-Leaders.
Baptist .- The Baptist Church in this township was organized by Elder Wedge, on the 21st day of December, 1844. At the first regular meeting, January 25, 1845, Appleton Rich was chosen Deacon, and John Ross, Clerk. On the 16th day of May, 1846, Rev. A. S. Bingham was chosen Pastor, and stood in that relation until ill health and the infirmities of age compelled his resignation-a period of more than twenty-five years. He died in June. 1876. April 15, 1848, John Ross, Jacob Diffenderfer and Sampson Jackson were elected the first Trustees of the Church, and, three days later, Jacob Diffendarfer, Appleton Rich and John J. Savage were elected as a building committee. In 1850, a frame house of worship was erected near Heller's Corners, and dedicated on the 28th day of September of the same year. The building was 21x30 feet, and cost $600. In 1878, the congregation built a substantial brick edifice, adjacent to the old building. The present church is 38x58 feet, and was built at a cost of $4,400. It was dedicated August 25, 1878, by Rev. Rider. Connected with the Church is a well- organized Sunday school, having more than a hundred scholars enrolled. Charles Lipes is the present Superintendent.
German Buptist .- In 1874, twenty-eight members of this denomination withdrew from the Cedar Creek Church, for the purpose of organizing in Eel River Township. Jeremiah Gump was chosen Pastor, and still serves in that capacity. In 1875, they built a frame church, 36x50 feet, on Seetion 9, at a cost of $1,500. The number of mueinbers at present is fifty. Cyrus Williams, William Rinehold, George Bosler, and Nathan Johoson, Deacons.
Wesleyan Methodist .- The Wesleyan Methodist Church io this township was constituted by those who were formerly attached to the United Brethren Church. The latter denomination organized iu 1853, with a elass of ten members, and moved harmoniously for a number of years. In 1860, they ereeted a frame church in the west part of the township, at a cost of $700. Here they held reg- ular services, and their membership increased until 1874; then a number of their members embraced the doctrine of sanctification, but were unable to seeure the sympathy or co-operation of their Pastor. The majority of the congregation embraced the doctrine, and the position taken by the pastor caused a disaffection, which grew until the members who held those views withdrew, and organized the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Soon after this, meetings at the United Brethren Church were discontinued, and the organization ceased to exist.
On the 10th day of May, 1878, the Wesleyan Methodists purchased the church building from the Trustees of the old organization, paying themu $200. The new organization now has ten members. William Kennedy, Pastor; William MeCormick, Class-Leader and Steward.
Church of God .- In February, 1875, a Church of this denomination was organized at Potter's Station, with ten constituent members. Rev. John Parker was the first Pastor; L. Bowman, Elder ; Elam Disler, Deacon. In the spring of 1876, they built a house of worship, 40x52 feet, at a cost of $1,360. It was dedicated May 12, 1876, by Rev. Mrs. MeC'auley, and christened " Ari Chapel." The present number of members is fifteen. Rev. Oher is the present Pastor ; Elam Dister, Elder, and L. Bowman, Deacon. Mr. Bowman is also Superinten- dent of the Sunday school, which has an enrollment of fifty scholars.
CONCLUSION.
This township stands highly as a productive locality, and has a history-eivil and military-which will compare favorably with any region of the county, and of which her citizens may justly be proud. Hon. John P. Shouff was elected Justice of the Peace in 1837, Trustee iu 1842, and Representative in the State Legislature in 1862, and was re-elected in 1864 and 1866.
John M. Taylor, a resident of this township, was the successful candidate for Treasurer of Allen County at the last election, and is now serving in that eapaeity.
During the late war, this township furnished a full quota of soldiers-twice clearing herself from a draft; and at one time, it is said, scarcely a man of mili- tary age remained in the township.
MRS. SUSANNAH VALENTINE.
This aged lady, who was one among the very earliest settlers in this county. came here when the country that now is dotted over with churches and school- houses, that is traversed in all directions with railroads and turnpikes, and whose surface is covered with splendid farms, was a vast wilderness, inhabited mostly by Indians and wild beasts.
She is a native of the State of Maryland, where she was horn on the 4th day of January, 1799. Her maiden uame was Susannah Peters.
When she was quite young, her parents removed to what is now Fairfield County, Ohio, and were among the pioneers that first settled in that part of Ohio.
In 1820, she was united in marriage with John Valentine, and they soon after moved on to a tract of wild land that he had purchased, and went to work to make a home for themselves and their children. They remained there until in June, 1833, when they sold their farm and, loading their household goods in a wagon, came to Allen County. to start anew in the struggle for fortune.
He purchased a tract of land in Kel River Towyship, consisting of 227 acres. and, with stont hearts and willing hands, in a few years had a comfortable home, and were surrounded with the comforts of life.
In 1868, the partner of her youthful days was removed from earth, leaving her to mourn his temporal loss, hnt in hopes of an eternal re-union hereafter.
Mrs. Valentine is the mother of eleven children; three enns and three daughters are left to comfort her declining years.
She was brought up within the pale of the Lutheran Church; but owing to the faet that there were no facilities for attending the church of that denomina- tion, in 1858, she became affiliated with the Christian or Campbellite Church, of which Church she has since been a consisteut memher.
Mrs. Valentine is now over eighty years old, hnt is still hearty and remark- ably vigorous for a person of her advanced age.
JACKSON VALENTINE,
son of John and Susannah Valentine, was horn October 15, 1824, in Franklin County, Ohio. He was early trained to habits of industry, and he learned his lesson well. His opportunities for acquiring an education wben young were limited to the country schools, which at that time had not attained their present standard of excellence, and his education was consequently rudimentary only.
His father was a farmer, owning the farm on which he lived, and which he sold in 1833, and in June of that year took his family and removed to Allen County.
. Soon after his arrival, he purchased the tract of land wbieh his son Jackson bow owns, consisting of 227 acres of excellent land in Eel River Township, and commenced to clear it of its heavy growth of timber, in order to make a comfort- able home. Jackson remained at home, assisting his father in his labors on the farm, until January 6, 1850, when he was united in marriage with Miss Char- lotte Greenawalt, of this county.
Their union was blessed with three ehildreen, only one of whom (a son) is still living. She departed this life May 18, 1876, deeply mourned by all who knew her.
Soon after their marriage, he purchased a tract of land, consisting of 124 acres, in Lake Township, on which he lived until the latter part of 1859, at which tique he purchased the old homestead of his father, and moved on to it, and where he now lives.
It is a splendid farm-160 acres of the land is in a fine state of cultivation, and is very produetive. On May 19, 1878, he was married the second time, taking Mrs. Maria Jones, an estimable widow lady, for his partner through the journey of life.
Mr. Valentine has been a member of the Christian, or Campbellite Church, for nearly twenty years. He is a plain, industrious, upright man, and a good citizen.
DAVID H. LIPES
was born in Botetourt County, Va., July 12, 1811. His father was a well-to-do farmer and his children were trained to habits of industry. Advantages for gnin- ing an education were not as favorable when he was young as they are to-day, hut the opportunities he had were well improved.
He remained at home till he was twenty-two years of age, when he pur- chased a farm and moved on to it. He had been united iu marriage, on the 25th of October, 1832, with Miss Margaret N. Thrasher, who was also a native of Botetourt County.
Their wedded life has been blessed with seven children, five of whom (four sons and one daughter) are still living,
They lived and prospered on their farmu until the summer of 1850, when ¿ hey sold their possessions in Virginia, and loaded their household goods and little family into wagons and started for Indiana, arriving in Allen County on the 23d
152
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
of September. Shortly thereafter, he purchased a fariu in Marion Township. which was partially improved. Remaining there until in August, 1861, he pur- ehased and moved on to the farm on which he now lives. It originally consisted of 214 acres, to which he has added until it now embraces 365 acres of splendid land. He is now the owner of 755 acres of land in this eounty. He has always been a straightforward, upright, successful business man, and has secured a competenee of this world's goods with which to support his deelining years.
Politieally, Mr. Lipes is a Demoerat, and, although never an active politician, is always deeided in his views. He was elected Trustee of Marion Township in 1854, which office he held continuously until 1861, or seven years, and, in 1862, he was elected County Commissioner and re-elected in 1866, serving in that official capneity seven years consecutively, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and with honor to himself.
He has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church for nearly forty years.
Mr. Lipes, though well advanced in years, having nearly reached the allotted " three-seore and ten," is still hale and vigorous, and, surrounded by friends that esteem him for the kindly qualities he possesses and respected by all that know him, his remaining years will doubtless be passed in comfort and social harmony, as the blessed harvest of seed sown in earlier years by a diligent, faithful servant, who is now justly reaping his reward in his venerable old age.
ARTHUR T. STURGEON
was born April 7, 1838, in Ross County, Ohio. His parents were respect- able, thrifty farmers, and their children were brought up to follow in their foot- steps. Arthur T. had all the opportunities that were afforded by the public schools to acquire an education, and they were well improved.
He remained at home assisting his father in the labor and management of his farm, when he was not attending school, until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1859, he visited Allen County, and while here muet Miss Mary M. Lipcs, only daughter of David H. Lipes, Esq., of Eel River Township, one of the oldest and best-known citizens of the county, and on the 12th of January, 1860, they were united in marriage, shortly after returning to Ohio. About one year after, they returned to this county and commeneed the battle of life in earnest, and with such success, that, in 1871, he was able to purchase the.beautiful farm on which he now resides, in Eel River Township. An idea of the beauty of the farm and the loveliness of his home ean b . gathered from the view of it to be found in this vol- umę.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Sturgeon bas been blessed with two children, one son wbo bids fair to vie with his fatber in industry and thrift, and a daugh- ter who emulates the graees and virtues of her mother, and to her other accom- plishments adds that of being a splendid musician.
Mr. Sturgeon is a Democrat in political belief, hut bas never taken an active part in politics, preferring to see the principles of' bis party carried out hy others, while he attends to the business of his farm.
He bas been a consistent member of the Baptist Church for about six years, and is always, not only willing, but ready and anxious to assist in everything that has a tendeney to improve, either morally or intellectually, those around him.
Mr. Sturgeon is now just in the prime of life, with a good prospeet of long years of usefulness before him.
WESLEY JOHNSTON,
son of Joseph and Martha Johnston, was born in Eel River Townsbip, Allen County, March 23, 1842. His father was horn February 15, 1802, in the State of New Jersey, while his mother (formerly Miss Martha Opdyke) was horn December 18, 1811. Joseph Johnston (father to Wesley), in 1822, removed to Greene Co., Ohio, where he married Martha Opdyke February 14, 1825. In 1835. they emigrated to what was then the wilds of Allen County, Ind., settling on the land still owned und occupied by Mrs. Johnston, in Eel River Township. Braving the hardships and perils that overshadow the pioneer's pathway, with strong hands and fearless hearts, they made beadway rapidly toward fitting up a home for themselves. Enduring toil and privation for many years, they finally acquired 360 acres of excellent land, a home, surrounded with comforts and with plenty. Respected by all who knew him, this noble pioneer departed this life June 29, 1869, leaving the venerable partner of his toils and bardships, his joys and sorrows, to mourn his loss. Mrs. Johnston, now nearly "three-score and ten," looks back to a long life well spent.
The career of young Wesley ran along about in the channel of other young men of his rude opportunities, up to the period of the late rebellion. He was attending the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne. The spring term of that institution closing in June, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier on the 27th day of July following, at Fort Wayne, to join the Nineteenth Regiment, U. S. Infantry, then being rceruited in this city, by Lieut. Stanherry. Two days after enlisting, he was sent to Indianapolis and assigned to Capt. Gillman's company (A). At that particular time. there were no volunteers heing recruited in Allen County, the cause of his having enlisted in the regular army. Wesley was impatient of delay, fearing the war might terminate cre he could take a part In September, 1861, his company, heing full and ready for field service, reported for duty to Maj. Gen. Anderson, commanding in Kentucky, with headquarters at Louisville. They continued with this command, participating in the terrible battle of Pittsburg Landing; in the long retreat hack through Tennessee and Kentucky ; in the botly contested fight at Perryville ; thence on, after the name was changed to the Army of the Cumberland, under Maj. Gen. Rosecrans ; in the battle of Stone River, the skirmish at Tullahoma, and finally in the great
battle of ('hickamauga. At this time, they were in Gen. Baird's division, Four- teenth Army Corps, under Maj. Gen. Thomas .- Up to and ineluding the second day of this famous battle-September 20, 1863-whether in camp, on the march. or facing the deadly missiles of the enemy, young Johnston could ever he found present with his company and command, faithful and true to his trust. But. unfortunately, on that Sabbath evening, even after the contest had virtually eeased, he was captured. And now, an unwilling prisoner of war, with a myriad of others, he was hastened off to Richmond, Va., to be there lodged in the Pent- berton Building. Here, confiped for about six weeks, he was removed to Dall- ville, of the same State. Thinly elad, deprived even of elothing sent them for issue hy the United States Government; sparingly fed, on miserable food. and allowed no fire through that long winter; snow, at one time, for three days, heing many inches deep on level, and including the extreme eold of that memorable New Year's-here he was kept to suffer, from November, 1863, till May, 1864. With his fellow-sufferers, he was then removed again, this time to Andersonville, that prison so famous for his horrors. Here, in common with the general rule, a victim of the most painful privation and exposure, he was detained until Sep- tember, 1864. To Charleston, S. C., they were next removed, and, after a stay there of about six weeks, were still again transferred to Florence, also of South Carolina. While here, about the middle of December, 1864, they received the joyful news of relief. Wesley, with a large number of his prison comrades, had been " exchanged."
Reaching the sea coast, then, in the hands of the " boys in hlue," they hailed the " old flag" once more, with shouts of gladness and with hearts of joy ! At Annapolis, Md., a new outfit of clothing and other necessaries were provided, and, from here, Wesley received a furlough to come home.
His furlough twice extended, he finally returned to Annapolis, and on the 31st of March, 1865, was discharged. But he was now a mere walking skele- ton; his weight was reduced to about one hundred pounds. Following his final return home, he had a long sickness, necessarily caused by his hardships, ex pos- ures and privations, during about fifteen months of prison life. For a long time, his restoration was alinost dispaired of. However, Providence decreed it otiner- wise. In a measure, he was finally restored' to health, and is still alive to narrate the seenes of cruelty and suffering, to which prison life had. made him a vietim. On the 5th day of October, 1865, he wedded Miss Martha MeKee, daughter of Johu and Mary McKee, of Eel River Township-her mother was a widow, however, at the time. -
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