USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 71
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The first county road was eut out in 1840, by citizens of Marion Township. viz. : Isaac Herrod, Joseph Hall, William Ward, H. Whitaker, John and Robert Small. It was located on the section line ruuning from Muldoou's mill, through Massilon and East Liberty, to the State line.
The first grist-mill was built by John Depler, on St. Mary's River, in 1840. It was subsequently purchased by Charles Muldoon, by whom it was conducted until 1868 or 1869, when it was destroyed by fire. Mr. Muldoon then erected a first-class mill on the opposite side of the river, which be conducted until his decease. The mill is now owned by M. Cody.
SCHOOLS.
In 1837, Mrs. Parker taught the first school in the township, in a log cabin, on the land now occupied by John Small's brickyard. She bad enjoyed the
advantages of a fine education in her native State, New York, and opened, in the ! wilderness, a sehool far superior to the crude institutions by that name which characterized this eounty in the earlier years of its history. The advanced pupils of hier school enjoyed advantages searcely exeelled by the common schools of to- day, and the beginners received such careful attention from their teacher, that they could not fail to make rapid progress. Mrs. Parker taught the school during the winter of that year, and in the following' summer (1838) she was again engaged, by private subscription, to teach a summer sebool.
In the winter of 1840, Judge Nelson MeLain converted the front room of his house into a schoolroom, and about a dozen scholars caque to him for instruc- tion. His school, too, was of a superior order. aud was the place where some of thie prominent residents of the township to day were first inducted into the mys- teries of the three R's-" Readin', Ritiu' and 'Rithmetic." Like its predecessor. this was a subscription school, and the Judge was dependent upon the liberality of his neighbors for whatever of profit might accrue from his efforts in training the young minds under his care. It might well have heen called a lahor of love, as the emoluments derived from it would not have kept body and soul together. had he been compelled to huy his daily hread. He gained the respect and confi dence of his pupils, who advanced rapidly under bis instruction, and he had the pleasure of seeing the majority of their number grow to honorable and useful maturity during his residence in the township.
The first schoolhouse was erected in the fall of 1841. near the present site of Middletown. Nelson Parker was employed as teacber, and the school was kept up by private subscription, during the winter scasou, and continued four consecu- tive winters.
In 1845, a hewed-log schoolhouse was ereeted on the farm of Judge MeLain, and was the initiatory step in the system of free schools. For its maintenance, the Trustees appropriated the Congressional funds belonging to the township, and the residents contributed a sufficient amount to make up all deficiencies. W. W. Smith was the first teacher employed in the new school, and taught during that winter and the winter succeeding. It was presided over by various teachers from that time until the present State School Law took effect, and schools began to be established under its provisions. The first distriet school was ereeted in 1853, under the supervision of Judge Vaughn, then Trustee of the township; and within a few years thereafter, the township was divided into school districts, in each of which a school huilding was crected. The period of instruction was lengthened, and the salaries of teachers increased, and only those employed who held a eertificate from the County Examiner. There are now nine scboolhouses in the township, having a total of 556 seholars.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal .- In May, 1836, eight members of the M. E. Church met at the house of Jesse Heaton, Sr., and under the ministerial offices of Rev. James Harrison, organized Marion class. For ten years, the class continued to meet at Mr. Heaton's house; then, in view of their increasing membership, the meetings were transferred to the schoolhouse at Middletown. In 1852, they ereeted their present building, at a cost of $800, at the village of Middletown, then recently laid out. It has been repaired at various times, and still serves the congregation as a house of worship. Only a partial list of its Pastors, from the date of organization, can be obtained. Prominent among the number who served in that relation, were the following : Rev. Stephen B. Ball, Rev. James Robe, Rev. James Boyd, Rev. Jacob Colclazer, Rev. James Black, Rev. Jesse Sparks, Rev. Isaac Dean, Rev. Jesse Forbes. Rev. Mr. Wynings, Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Miller, Rev. A. Curry, Rev. L. B. MeKinley, Rev. Mr. Galbraitb, Rev. C. Morrison, Rev. Charles Brown, Rev. Mr. Whorton. The Church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Kistler, and has a quembership of twenty-five. At an earlier date in its history it had a larger quewbership, among whom were many who came from quite a distance; but the subsequent organization of churches more conveniently located, resulted in the withdrawal of the latter. The present membership is composed of people living near the church.
A Sunday school has been maintained in connection with the Chureb, since 1837. It was organized as a union school, hy Jared Wharton, and is still eon- dueted on that basis. Jacob Hess is the present Superintendent.
Williamsport M. E. Church .- The Williamsport class was organized in 1842, by several former members of the Marion class. The meeting for organi- zation was held at the house of John Snyder, and presided over by Rev. Jesse Sparks. As the number of members began to increase, the meeting-place was transferred from Mr. Snyder's to a neighboring schoolhouse. Several years later, the schoolhouse was destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Snyder's house was again adopted as the place for holding meetings, and continued as such until 1864. In that year, they erected their present church at the village of Williamsport. It is a neat frame edifice, 36x40. fect, and cost 81,200. It was dedicated in the fall of 1864, by Rev. Dr. Robinson. Deaths and removals, and the organization of other churches, have resulted in a reduction of its membership, and the twenty-four who now constitute its congregation are all residents of Williamsport and vicinity.
The Sunday school is in a prosperous condition, having an average attend- ance of forty scholars. John Fonner is the present Superintendent.
Bethel Church ( Baptist ) .- On the 6th day of February, 1838, six mem- hors of the Baptist Church formed an organization, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Tisdel, and held meetings at the house of Christopber Lipes until 1849. In that year, they erected a small church near the site of their present edifice, at a cost of $400. It was dedicated by Rev. J. B. Allen. This structure served as a house of worship for twenty-one years, during which time new members were added to its list, and death claimed many who had been instrumental in its organization and building-up. In 1870, the funds on hand were appropriated for the erection of the present neat house of worship at the village of Williams- port. This church, which is 30x40 feet, was built at a cost of $1,200, and
MARY M.LIPES. (DAUGHTER.)
CHARLES J.LIPES. (SON.)
MR.JOHN W.LIPES.
MRS.LUCINDA LIPES.
RES. OF JOHN W. LIPES. MARION TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
RES. OF FREDERICK ZOLLINGER MARION TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
RES. OF GEORGE W. SPANGLER MARION TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
MR.H.K. TURNER.
MRS. H.K.TURNER.
OLD HOMESTEAD OF WM. W. TURNER. & PRESENT RES. OF HARVEY K. TURNER. MARION TP ALLEN CO.IND.
159
MARION TOWNSHIP.
dedicated near the close of the year. As a Church, it is prosperous, having now a membership of eighty-one. Rev. J. H. Winans is the present Pastor.
St. Joseph's Church ( Catholic) .- In 1841, the members of the Catholic Church living near Hessen-Cassel formed an organization to which they gave the name of St. Joseph's Congregation, and immediately erected a frame church on the Piqua road. Rev. Joseph Hamion and Rev. Julius Benoit were the first who conducted services in the church. Later, it was served in a pastoral office by Revs. Rudolf and Munschina. Rev. Joseph Mayer, the first resident priest, took charge of the Church in 1858, aud remained 'until 1863. During his pas- toral relation with the Church (in 1860), the present handsome edifiee was crected, aud the old building removed to the rear of the premises.
Rev. Mayer was succeeded, in 1863, by Rev. Martin Kink, who remained in charge until 1866, and was then sueceeded by Rev. Woeste. In 1872, Father Woeste severed his connection with the congregation, and was succeeded hy Rev. Joseph Nussbaum, who continued as Pastor until 1877, and was then succeeded by Rev. J. H. Hueser, the present Pastor.
The congregation organized with a membership of twenty-pine families, a number of whom subsequently withdrew to organize St. Aloysius' congregation, on the Bluffton road. The present membership is sixty families.
A parochial school has been conducted in connection with the Church since 1859, and now has a daily attendance of fifty scholars.
St. Paul's Church ( Evangelical Lutheran) .- In 1845, the members of the Lutheran Church organized and erected a small house of worship on Section 3. It was a hewed-log structure, and was occupied until 1864, at which time it was replaced by the handsome frame edifiee in which the congregation now conduct religious services. Rev. Hussman was the first Pastor, and remained in charge from 1845 to 1864. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Fleischmann, who remained uutil 1871. In that year, the Church was placed under the pastoral charge of Rev. Bundentahl, who served three years, and was succeeded, in 1874, hy Rev. Charles Zchacke, the present Pastor.
The Church now has a membership of ninety-six. Connected with the Church is a parish school, having a daily attendance of 125 scholars.
Antioch Church .- The English Lutherans organized at Middletown in 1855, under the ministration of Rev. Spiker. In the following year, they erected a was born October 6, 1822, in Stark County, Ohio. His father. Jacob Lich- tenwalter, was a native of Adnus County. Penn., and moved to Stark County, Ohio, with his parents when a boy. Ilis life in that county began at a time when its inhabitants were few in number, and the majority of its territory covered with timber. There were no schools, and the meager edueation he obtained was hewed log church, on Sec. 25, where they continued to hold meetings until 1873. In that year, they replaced the old building with a handsome frame edifice, at a cost of $1,950. Rev. Wells officiated at the consecration of the log church in 1856, and, seventeen years later, preached the dedicatory sermon in the new huilding. The Church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Kane, and is ' acquired in the German tongue. He grew to manhood and married Mary Min- in a prosperous condition.
SOCIETIES.
Olive Branch Lodge, No. 248, A., F. d. A. M., was organized under dis- pensation, in the fall of 1858, with thirteen charter members, viz., Dr. L. N. Coverdale, E. G. Coverdale, Henry Ehy, Elder Woods, Ezra Maloney, John Her- rod, M. N. Granstaff, Judge Vaughn, Joel Vaughn, Dr. James Clark, William Long, James Clark and Jesse Heaton, Jr .; of whom Jesse Heaton is the only one who still belongs to the Lodge-the remainder, with two or three exceptions, having since died.
The following were the first officers of the Lodge: Noah Granstaff, W. M .; Judge Vaughn, S. W .; William Long, J. W .; E. G. Coverdale, S. D .; Jessc Heaton, Jr., J. D .; Henry Kby, Tiler ; Ezra Maloney, Treasurer ; Dr. James Clark, Secretary. In May, 1859, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, by virtue of which the Lodge now works.
The lodge meetings were first held in the office of Dr. James Clark ; but, about six months after organization, they ereeted a building at Middletown, for Lodre purposes, in which their meetings are now held. It is a frame building, 20x32 feet, two stories, and cost $500.
More than a hundred candidates bave, at various times, heen Masons within this lodge-room. Many of them lived in surrounding villages, and, in later years, withdrew from the parent Lodge, to organize Lodges nearer bome. Some have died ; and the combined circumstances have resulted in the diminutiou of the member- ship of this Lodge, to thirty-two. It is in a prosperous condition, free from debt, and thoroughly Masonic. The following are the present officers: Jesse Heaton, Jr., W. M .; William Van Horn, S. W .; A. J. Emerick, J. W .; Jacob Fisher, Treasurer ; John Scott, Secretary; Uriah Todd, S. D .; Horace Carl. J. D .; Jacob Hess, Tiler ; Dr. A. Devilhiss, William Scott, Stewards.
MIDDLETOWN.
The village of Middletown is one of the monuments of the past, which dot the onee great thoroughfares throughout the State of Indiana, one of the remind- ers of the days when a line of stage-coaches was the genius at whose magic touel towns sprang into existence, through whose instrumentality those towns were to grow metropolitan, and, in the minds of their residents, become the very ceuters of the universe. What hopes a projected railway inspires to day, were inspired by a stage line at the period when that cumbrous vehiele was the popular method of overland travel, and scarcely any prediction was thought too extravagant when uttered in the interest of au embryo city, which was so fortunate as to be a point on one of these great highways. How the construction of a railway dispelled these proud hopes, and drained the once prosperous towns of their very lives, is a fact attested by a host of ruined hamlets, uot only in this county, but elsewhere. Middletown is an example: In 1850, it was decided to make the Piqua road a plank road, and put in operation a line of stages. In that year, a saw-mill was erected at this point for the purpose of sawing the necessary lumber. Louis Lopshire, the proprietor of the land upon which the village was laid out, was not slow to improve the opportunity of founding a town. He found a rendy sale for
all the lots offered to purchasers, and in April, 1851, the little city was duly płatted and placed upon the records of Allen County, under the title of Middle- town. Iu due time, the plauk road was completed, and the stages brought in their loads of passengers ; merchants located here, and their trade was extensive and flattering. William Moody opened a grocery, and Benoui McLain a dry. goods store. In 1850, blaeksmiths, wagon-makers and other tradesmen- plied their vocations successfully ; and, as the place assumed the appearance of a town, the hopes of its citizens rose, and the price of town-lots rose in proportion. About 1857, a dark cloud threw its shadow over the rising hopes of the citizens- the Fort Wayne, Richmond & Cincinnati Railway was to be constructed, and Middletown was not to be a point on the route. Iis death-knell seemed to ring in that mystic word, "railroad ;" its merchants took the alarm, aud removed their goods to other localities ; the stage line lost its customary quota of passen- gers, in view of the better facilities offered by the railroad. and, in a brief spaee, Middletown was only the ghost of its former self. It is now a quiet hamlet, with- out eveu a hotel or store.
WILLIAMSPORT
was laid out in 1874, on the southwest quarter of Section 29. William Essig was the proprietor of the land upon which it is located, and gave the town its name. It is picturesquely situated, on the bank of St. Mary's River. and is au enterprising little village. The following is a list of its principal business men :
General merchandise, H. T. True, John Brown ; drugs, H. T. True & Son ; physicians, Dr. T. H. McCormick, Dr. G. N. Worley; boot and shoe maker, Harry Nill; wagon-maker, William Lopshire; blacksmiths, Deel & Miller ; painter, W. C. Compton; Postmaster, Il. T. True; grist-mill, William Hilde- hrand ; saw-mill, Samuel Kriegh.
SOLOMON M. LICHTENWALTER
nich, also a native of Pennsylvania, then residing with her parents in Stark County, Ohio. The fruits of this union was five sons and seven daughters, all of whom now survive, save the eldest sou and the eldest daughter. Growing up with the county, and seconding all measures for its improvement, he was looked upon as a public-spirited man and a worthy citizen. He cleared and cultivated a large farm, and at his death bequeathed to his children a comfortable estate.
His son, the subject of this memoir, was engaged, during carly life, in the routine of duties incident to farming. During the winter, he attended the district school near his home and acquired a good, practical education. From early childhood he had been instrueted in all the details necessary to the pursuit of farming, and realizing his proficiency in that art, he felt a desire to learn one of the mechanical arts, and apprenticed himself to a carpenter with whom he remained two years. He then worked as a journeyman at the trade until 1848. In that year, he decided to locate in Indiana, and in April, 1848, arrived in Allen County. On the 7th day of September following, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of William and Ann M. Essig. She was born September 22, 1832, in Stark County, Ohio, and removed to Allen County, Ind., with her parents, in March, 1848. In the year succeeding the date of his marriage, Mr. Lichtenwalter purchased seventy-two acres of timber-land in Marion Township, and employed men to elcar and prepare it for cultivation, he working at his trade in the mean time. He finally located upon his farm and devoted his attention-to the pursuit of the occupation in which he had received his early training. It proved more remunerative than the work of the mechanic; his farm increased in value, and as he began to realize a profit from his labors he extended the hound- aries of his farin-purchasing two eighty-acre traets adjoining. In the cultiva- tion of this farmu, his time has since been employed, and his assiduous industry has returned him a rich reward. In addition to his farm in this county, he is the possessor of a fine tract of land in the State of Kansas.
While he has been successful in the accumulation of worldly goods, his hand has ever been open to the encouragement and support of public enterprises, and his numerous private charities are best known and appreciated by those upon whom they have been bestowed.
Both himself and wife are meuibers of the United Brethreu Church, and are regarded by all who know them as worthy Christians, zealous in the cause, and exemplifying their religion in their daily lives.
To crown the happiness of their wedded life there were eight children, viz .: Mary Catharine, Sarah E., Orren J., Alice M., Curtis C .. William M., Wallace A. and Albert L., of whom all are now living save the eldest, Mary C.
HARVEY K. TURNER
was born April 14, 1835, in Willoughby Township, Lake Co., Ohio. His parents, William W. Turner and Wealthy Turner, were natives of Madison County. N. Y., and had emigrated to the place of Harvey's birth at an early day. In April, 1852, he with his father (his mother having died some time previously) came to Allen County and purchased 200 acres of the laud he now owns and on which he (Harvey) now lives. He had such opportunities for acquiring an education in his boy hood days as the commuon schools afforded, and they were well improved.
160
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
His time was occupied in the lahors of the farm, and on the 29th of January, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Essig, of this county. Five children blessed their union, four of whom-one son and three daughters- are still living. On the 12th of May, 1867, she departed this life, leaving her husband and children and a large cirele of nequaintanees to niourn her loss. . On the 15th of September, 1869, Mr. Turner inarried a second time, being united to Miss Jane Harris, of Putnam County, Ohio.
He has held the offices of Township Assessor and Justice of the Peace for a number of years; and having, as he always has, the entire confidence of all that know him, he was nominated and elected County Commissioner for the Southern District in 1874, and was re-elected, in 1876, to the same position, which be still holds.
He has been connected with the Northern Indiana Agricultural Association since its organization ; was one of the Trustees und Vice President until 1876, when he was elected President of the Association, a position he still holds; and it is owing largely to his untiring efforts that it ranks as high as it does among organizations of like nature. He has added 120 acres to the old housestead, a large portion of which is under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Turner is a. pro- gressive, active, wide awake farmer, alive to everything that will advance uot only his own interests, hut those of the community at large.
JOHN W. LIPES
was born in Botetourt County, Va., May 23. 1834. His father, David H. Lipes. emigrated with his family from Virginia to Allen County, Ind., in the month of October, 1850, first settling in Marion Township, and afterward removing to Eel River Township.
Receiving the advantages of the common school only, John W. continued farming with his parents until the summer of 1856, when he paid a visit of one year to his native State. Returning in October, 1857, to Allen County, he gave his hand in wedlock to Miss Lucinda Essig, also of Allen County. Still pursu- ing the vocation of his youth, he farmed the old homestead of his father in Marion Township until A. D. 1877. Ile then purchased the farin on which he now lives, consisting of 155 acres of choice land, under good tillage. Reared a Demoerat, he still adheres to that party, although conservative in his politieal sentiments. In exercising the right of franchise, he seeks to bestow his prefer- ence upon the candidate whom he thinks most deserving. Is a man of good morals, an upright, honorable citizen, though not a member of any religions seet. They are the parents of two children-Charles J. and Mary M., and their home is both genial within and pleasant without.
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
BY L. H. NEWTON.
LOCATION AND BOUNDARY.
Monroe Township is situated in the southeast corner of Allen County, and is bounded as follows : North, by Jackson Township ; cast, hy the State of Ohio; south, by Adams County ; west, by Madison Township. It has an area of 24.62 square miles.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The land is of an undulating surface, composed of a rich sandy loam. It is watered by the east branch of Flat Rock Creek, which has its source in the south- ern part of the township, flowing north.
The township is noted for its wealth of choice timber, the sale of which is an item in its commercial prosperity. It was organized as a separate township by the County Commissioners, in March, 1841.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
William and James Black and Joseph Rabbit, were the first white wien wbo entered this township with the view of making a permanent settlement within its limits. They came from Carroll County, Ohio, in the fall of 1839, and settled on Seetion 32. They eaque endowed with the courage and fortitude characteristic of our first settlers, to endure the bitter trials incident to the settle- ment of a new country. the absence of social privileges, remoteness from markets, and the severe physical exertions which were necessary to make their home in the wilderness habitable or productive of the means of subsistence. Their axes were the only instruments which could be effectually used, and the necessities of their loved ones added a zest to the energy with which they waged their warfare against the giants of the forests-the future to crown their labors with reward. The Messrs. Black and Mr. Rabbit succeeded in developing farms, upon which they resided for several years, after which they sold out and moved to Adams County, Ind.
A Mr. Kimsey settled in the northwest part of the township in the fall of 1839, where he " staked " a claim. He cleared a small portion of his land, hut died within a few years after his arrival. His elaim was not regularly entered, and after his decease the stakes were removed and the land appropriated by others.
Lawrence Urubaugh and his son-in-law, Jaeoh Drake, also settled in the year 1839. They located on Seetion 32, where both cleared and improved the land which they entered. Mr. Drake remained in the township until his decease. Mr. Umhaugh died in one of the Western States, whither he had removed after selling his farm in this township.
Peter Selemmer, with his family. settled on Seetion 21, near the close of the year 1839. There he cleared and improved a farm. which he cultivated until his decease.
Noah Clem, a native of Virginia, came to the township in the spring of 1840, and settled on his present farm on Section 33. He is now on the " shady side" of life, and an independent farmer; hut, to secure this independence, he endured trials under which some men would have despaired. He was married in Shenandoah County, Va , and moved to Champaign County, Ohio, where he worked as a farm lahorer for several years, in the mean time saving his earnings with a view of purchasing. amid the cheap lands of the West, a spot which his industry could transforni into a home, and which, in the course of years, would well repay the labor expended in its cultivation. In the fall of 1839, he visited Allen County, when he selected and purchased the site of his present home. Two neighbors assisted him to ereet his cabin, which in the following spring received its tenants-his wife and four children. The Indian- were the nearest neighbors and his most frequent visitors, and always drove his cattle home for him when they went astray. They were kind and peaceahle, and mutual good feeling existed , between the invader and the original owners of the soil. His rifle supplied him
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