History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 75

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Kingman Brothers
Number of Pages: 366

USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 75

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At the September session in the same year, it was ordered that the following be the boundaries of Milan Township in lieu of those previously established : Commencing at the seetion line between Seetions 31 and 32 where the same crosses Maumee River, on the north side thereof, thenee north with said line to the township line between Townships 31 and 32, thence west along said line one mile, thenee south to the northeast corner of Section 20, thenee south to Mau- mee River, thenee with said river to the place of heginning.

In Septemher. 1840, it was reduced to its present limits hy an order of the Board of Commissioners to the effect that Milan Township should be composed of Congressional Township 31 north, of Range 14 east.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Charles Shriner, a native of New Jersey, came with his family in 1836. He purebased ahout one-half of Section 4, a large portion of which he eleared and improved. He is now an aged man, and lives a retired life.

Nathan Lake settled near Mr. Shriner later in the same year. and purchased and eleared the farm upon which his son, Curtis, now resides.

Wilkes Gillet and John Heath came in the same year, and settled on Seetioo 18, where each eleared and improved a farm. Mr. Gillet subsequently removed to St. Joseph Township, where he now resides. Mr. Heath died at his farm on Seetion 18.

George Foxtater settled at Fairport in 1837. He eleared a small piece of land and converted his cabin into a tavern for passengers on the canal. His trade, however, was limited. He remained in the township until his decease.

John Nettle came from Huron County, Ohio, and settled on Seetion 31, in 1837. He remained in the township until his decease.

Andrew Wakefield eame in 1837, and settled on Section 30, where he cleared a farm. He died at Fort Wayne ahout twenty years ago.

Alvin Hall came to the township and purchased a tract of land on. Seetion 18, returning soon after to his home in Erie County, Ohio. In December, 1840, he came with his family to the new home, and began the work of elearing it for cultivation. He has taken an active part in the development of the township, and still lives ou the farm where he firat settled.

Among the settlers who came after 1840, and prior to 1850, were William Fitzgerald, Sr., Edward Nugent, Daniel B. Strong, Joseph Donner, William Till- bury, William R. Herrick, Richard Behee and Samuel Archer.

EARLY EVENTS.

Charles Shriner erected the first frame house in 1838. It was attached to the log building which he first ereeted, and with it has gone to deeay.

Alvin Hall ereeted the second frame house in 1841. This is well preserved, and is his residence at present. William R. Herrick erected the first frame harn in the spring of 1850. It is still used by the present owner of the premises- Mrs. Benninghoff.

The first road was surveyed in 1840 by Horaee Taylor, assisted by Martin Weeks, Platt Squier and Henry Tillhury, viewers. It was called the Ridge road, and extended from Fort Wayne to Hicksville, Ohio.

The first religious mecting was held at the schoolhouse, on the Ridge road, in 1845. Services were conducted by Rev. Trew Pattee, of the M. E. Church, who held meetings at irregular intervals thereafter, but no organization was formed. The various religious denominations have organized in comparatively recent years, and have, as yet, crected no churches. All religious meetings are now held in the distriet schoolhouses.

The first sehool was taught in the winter of 1845 hy Miss Catharine Shell. In the preceding fall, a log building was erected for that purpose near the farm of Alvin Hall, and the school was sustained hy suhseription. In 1857, the first free school was ereeted on the same lot, and near the site formerly occupied by the log huilding. The new schoolhouse was a frame building, and was ereeted by Alvin Hall, who was the first carpenter in the township. At present, there are twelve schools in the township, with 539 scholars enrolled.

The first election was held at the house of George Foxtater, in April, 1842. Andrew Wakefield was elected Justice of the l'eaee, and John Nettle, Constable. In those days, the officers received no pay for their services, and it was difficult to find men who would eonsent to fill them.

The first post office was established at Fairport in 1843. John Irvin was appointed Postmaster, and kept the office until it was finally abolished. In 1856, Alvin Hall presented a petition praying for the establishment of a post office in the western part of the township, and designating its name as Chamberlain Post Office. The petition met with a favorable response, and Lorenzo D. George was appointed Postmaster. He kept the office about four years, then resigned, and was succeeded by Enoch Bacon. Four years later, he, too, resigued, and Solo- mon Benninghoff was appointed his successor. Ahout 1870, the office was removed to St. Joseph Township.

The first store was kept hy Stephen Heath, at his house on the Ridge road. His stock was sinall, but consisted of the artieles most necessary at that time, and his store was regarded as a great convenience by his neighbors, who were therehy spared the necessity of making tedious trips to Fort Wayne for provisions.

Lorenzo D. George opened a small stoek of merchandise about the same time, and continued in husiness three or four years.

George Foxtater and John Irvin were the first tavern keepers. They opened their houses for puhlie accommodation at Fairport, and enjoyed a limited patronage from travelers on the eanal. The houses of Alvin Hall and Wilkes Gillet were favorite resting-plaees for travelers on the Ridge road.

THE VILLAGE OF FAIRPORT

was one of the numerous towns which came into existence during eanal times. The land upon which it was situated was purchased by Eastern capitalists, during the construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal. It never prospered, in spite of the efforts of its founders to make it a town. It suffered by the introduction of railroads, and the few merchants who had located within its horders, sought more favorable localities. Finally, the land reverted to the State, and farms are now eul- tivated on a part of the original town plat.

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REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF

GEORGE GREENWELL. (DECEASED.)

a. b. Griffin

CEORCE B.CLOYD. ( DECEASED.)

OLD SETTLERS

PERRY, TP.

T. M. ANDREWS.

VACHEL C.METCALF.

167

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

ALVIN HALL.

Alvin Hall was horn in New London. Conn., May 11, 1810. His parents gave himu all the opportunities for an education that were afforded by the common schools, and they were well improved up to the time he was sixteen years of age, when he hecame possessed of the passion that appears to be implanted in every American's hosom-to " go West; " and he went as far as Ontario County in Western New York, where he remained about one year and a half, when he again moved on further West, this time to Huron County, Ohio. Here he settled down and learned the trade of a carpenter and joincr. On the 27th of November, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Betsey Miller, of Huron County.

He continued to work at his trade until December, 1840, when he and his wife took their little family and their household goods, and in two wagons started for Allen County, Ind. After a journey such as hut few would eare to make, through an almost trackless forest a part of the way, he reached Fort Wayne ahout Christmas. He owned a traet of land in Milan Township, in this county, and wanted to get to it. The water was so high in the Maumee at the ford, that his horses were compelled to swim in erossing the river. His family he had left on the south hank of the river, and he got them across in a eanoc. Going a short distance north, he found an old acquaintance, and stayed with him all night. The next day, with the settlers on the north side of the Maumee to help him, he went to his land, and they cut down timber into logs and poles, with which they put up a cabin, and the second day after, he with his family

moved into it. Here, with only one or two families within miles of him, without a road to go anywhere. surrounded by a dense forest, he commenced to carve a home out in the wilderness ; and well he has succeeded. He lives to-day upon the same land he wrested from the forest. He had the misfortune to lose the partner of his tuils, .who was claimed hy death September 14, 1847. leaving her husband and a family of small children to mourn her sad departure. This good couple were the parents of six children-Fraueis D., born December 12, 1833; Amherst S., horn June 17, 1835 ; and Andrew J., horn November 28, 1843 (all of whom are now deceased); those surviving are Mary Ann, horn September 11, 1838; George. horn February 25, 1840 ; and Melissa M . boru December 3, 1841.

Mr. Hall married again on the 7th of January, 1848, this time selecting l'or his partner Miss Sylvia Heath, of this county. Their union has been blessed with five children-Margaret Roseltha, born August 22, 1850, since deceased ; Franklin R., horn November 13, 1854; Dora Bell, born March 31, 1858; Orpha, horn March 26, 1866; and William 'T., born June 22, 1869.

Mr. Hall owns 100 acres of splendid land, nearly eighty of which is in an excellent state of eultivation. Politically, all his life he has acted with the Dem- ocratie party. Although not a politieiau, he has, nevertheless, filled a number of different offiees in his township, and was elected Land Appraiser by the people of this county in 1876. He belongs to no church, but contributes freely to the support of' all religions denominations that call upon him. Neither is he back- ward in promoting and sustaining beneficial publie enterprises, as he sets a high estimate on everything that is truly reliable and surely honorable.

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

BY L. H. NEWTON.

The history of this township begins with the year 1830, prin to which time no one had made any attempt to improve upon the natural condition of its terri- tory, or clear away from its surface the veil which hid a vast store of natural wealth. Its forests remained untouched by the pioneer's ax, and the wild animals trod its labyrinths almost unmolested.

THE FIRST SETTLERS

who came to reside within its limits were Charles Weeks and William Caswell, who came in the year above named. Weeks was fond of the chase, and. although he cleared a farm and proved himself a man of great industry, his gun was his most aeeeptable companion, and his cahin was well supplied with trophies of his successful pursuit of the game then so abundant. William Caswell was a native of Canada, and was of a hardy nature, great strength and endurance, aud, although uneducated, was a man of some natural ability. He went to work with energy in his forest home, and, during the first winter of his residence in the county, eleared a tract of land from which he was enabled, during the following season, to raise a erop suthicient for his subsistence during the ensuing winter. Like his associate, Mr. Weeks, he took delight in hunting, and was often absent from home for several consecutive days in pursuit of decr and other game, to supply him with meat for the winter. He remained a number of years in the township, and was a man of some prominence in its early history. He suhse- quently removed to another locality, and nothing is now known of him. After the advent of Weeks and Caswell in the township, there were no further arrivals until the fall of 1833.

In that year, Thomas Dunten and his nephew, Horace F. Dunten, started froin Jefferson County, N. Y., to find a Western home. There was little in this locality to prepossess them in its favor. They were confronted by dense forests. and severe labor and trials stared them in the face ; but, beyond this. their acute foresight discerned a rich reward for such labor, and their decision was made. They purchased land, and hegan at once the erection of a eahin for shelter. Soon they hegan the work of elearing the land, and, in due time, were enabled to raise sufficient for the satisfaction of their immediate necessities. Thomas Dunten remained in the township until his decease, and, during that time, was largely interested in its growth and development. Horace F. Dunten was, at the time of his arrival, a young man of twenty years, and gave to his work the zest and enthusiasm of early manhood. His subsequent life has been passed in the town- ship, and now, at a ripe old age, he enjoys the fruits of his lahors and a compe- tence well earned. He still resides on Section 17, on the farm elcared hy his own hand. Late in the fall of 1833, Ephraim H. Dunten, Sr., joined his son, Horace F., and settled on the same seetion. He also cleared a farm, and remained in the township until death ended his labors. He was accompanied by his son George, who assisted him to " make " his farm, and is now a prosperous farmer himself. Albert Wood came with Mr. Dunten, in the fall of 1833, aud continued to reside upon his farm until his deecase, in 1878. Nathaniel Fiteh, an unmarried man. came from Pennsylvania in the same year, and, after clearing a farm, married Miss Sarah De Long and reared a large family, several of whom are now living in the township. He was a man of great natural ability, and was highly csteemed hy his neighbors. He was a blacksmith, and conducted that trade in connection with farming. A long life of labor and industry brought him a riel return, and inade him the possessor of a fine fortune. He remained in the township until his death, which occurred in January, 1878.

Benjamin and Amasiah Parker came from Jefferson County, N. Y., in the spring of 1834, and were prominent movers in many of the public improvements

subsequently inaugurated in the township. In the same season, Ephraim H. Dunten, Jr., located near the present site of Huntertown, where he ereeted a building in which he kept the first tavern in the township. Subsequently, he removed to Fort Wayne, where he was engaged in business for a short time. Returning to Perry Township, he made it his home until 1854. when he fell a victim to eholera, and died.

Jason Hatch came from Pennsylvania in 1834, and settled on Cedar Creek, where he erected a saw-mill. Ile settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Wilkinson, and cleared a large tract of land, besides superintending the mill. He was a man who specdily won his way to the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and was repeatedly called upon to fill loeal offices. He remained in the township until death.

Philemon Rundels came in 1834, and elcared a farm near the Coldwater road, where he resided until death. His life was marked hy industry, and he accumulated a fine estate. He was a man of ability, and served as Justice of the Peace in the township.

George Simon came from Columbiana County, Ohio, in October, 1836, and settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Solomon Simon. He remained in the township until death.

William T. Hunter came in 1837, and purchased the tract of land upon which the village of Huntertown is now located. lle has done much toward the improvement of the township. and is universally respected by his neighbors. He now resides at Huntertown.

Rapion Andrews eame in 1837. and cleared a farm, which he cultivated until called from his lahors by death. Sehuyler Wheeler came from the State of New York in the same year. He was well educated, and soon rose to a position of prominence among his neighbors. In 1858, he was elected by the Democrats of the district to represent them in the State Legislature. He gained many friends, and was always held in high esteem.

Jacob and George Kell came in 1837, and still reside in the township. Their labors have been crowned with success, and they are among the substantial farmers of the township.

George, Samuel, Henry and Joli Bowser came in 1837. After that date, new arrivals were so frequent that it is impossible to give a complete list of names. Among the number, however. may he mentioned Thomas Tueker, James Thompson, James Van Dolah, Jacob Hillegass, Vachel Metcalf, George Gloyd. L. Gloyd, Jas. Tucker, Dr. E. G. Wheelock, August Martin and Saml. Shryock'

At the September session of the Board of County Commissioners, in 1835. the township was organized, in response to a petition presented by its residents. Its boundaries comprised " all of Town 32 north, Range 12 east, and the east half of Town 32 north, Range 11 east, together with the territory uorth of said township, within Allen County." The Sheriff was then ordered to advertise an election for two Justices of the Peace and two Constables.

THE FIRST ELECTION.

Pursuant to the order, the qualified voters of the township met at the house of Williau Caswell, on the second Saturday in October, 1835. William Caswell was appointed Inspector hy the Board of County Commissioners. The election resulted in the choice of Jason Hatch and William Caswell, Justices of the Peace, and Lewis Hammon, Constable.

THE FIRST HOUSES.

All the earlier settlers of the township lived in cabins, hastily constructed from the round timber, as it was felled from the forest, and ouly used as

HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.

temporary abudes until logs could he hewed to make more comfortable dwellings. The first hewed-log house was erected by Horaec F. Dunten in 1834, and was speedily followed by others of a similar character. Shortly after its creetion (per- haps in the same year ), Ephraim H. Dunten, Jr., erected a frame storeroom ou the lot now owned hy N. V. Hatch, at Huntertown, in which he kept the . first store in the township. In this building, lic continued to sell goods during his life, and, after his decease, the store was conducted by his sons, until quite recently. His goods were purchased at Toledo, Ohio, and brought to Fort Wayne, via the W. & E. Canal. From this point they were conveyed to their destination in wagons.

The First Turern was kept by Ephraim 1I. Dunten, in a building at the north end of Huntertown, on the Lima road. It was on the great highway between Fort Wayne and English Prairie, and was well patronized by emigrants en route for that region, as well as by numerous teamsters engaged in conveying goods from Fort Wayne to the prairies. He was a genial host, and made his house popular with the traveling community, and was rarely without as many guests as he could accommodate. Several years later, he erected a more eom- modious building at the south end of Huntertown.

The First Mill .- In 1834, Blair & Wines huilt a saw-mill on Cedar Creek, to which they subsequently added a "eorn-eraeker." The stones used for this purpose were about eighteen ineles in diameter, and worked in an upright position. It ground very eoarsely, merely eraeking the kernels. It was a very primitive affair, and of little good to its proprietors or the settlement. The saw- mill, however, was a good investment, and yielded its proprietors a fair revenue. Samuel Sbryoek purchased the mill in 1836, and sent to Dayton, Ohio, for a run of buhrs. He made it a merchant mill, and established a good trade. In 1851 or 1852, Mr. Shryoek sold it to John Stoner, by whom it was operated a number of years, and was then sold to George Kell, its prescot proprietor.

The First Blacksmiths .- In 1837, Nathaniel Fiteh started the fires of his forge, and, later in the same year, James Vandergrift opened a shop in another part of the township. Both were engaged in the manufacture of plow-points and steel traps.

The First Physician .- Dr. E. G. Wheelock came from New York in 1837, and for many years was a practicing physician in the township. He now resides at Leo, in this eounty.

The First Orchards .- In 1834, Thomas Dunten set out the first orchard in the township, and in the following season, Horace F. Dunten set out the second, on the farm now owned by N. V. Hatch, at Huntertown. Both orchards ure now in fine condition and bear fruit.

The First Road was surveyed through the township in 1835, from Fort Wayne to Union Mill on English Prairie. In 1848 or 1849, it was made a plank road, and a large amount of toll was collected annually by its projectors. A line of stage-coaches was established and traversed its length at regular inter- · vals, and through this road a large timber trade found access to the markets. After the construction of railroads through the county it was no longer a thor- oughfare of importance, and the planks were suffered to go to decay, and finally removed. Other roads were constructed later in various portions of the town- ship, which is now well supplied with all the necessary channels of transportation for its products.

The First White Child .- Mary J. Wood was the first white ehild born in the towaship. After reaching maturity, she married James O. Beardsley, Esq., now deceased, and at present resides at Huntertown.

The First Marriage .- Iu 1836, Nathaniel Fitch and Miss Sarah De Long were married at the residence of the bride's parents. This was the first mar- riage solemnized in the township. In the same year, Horace F. Dunten was uuited in marriage with Miss Almena Timmerman, in Swan Towuship, Noble County, Ind., and at the same time, Hiram L. Parker, a resident of Perry Town- ship, married Miss Sarah Rickard, in the same township and county. Robert Blair and Miss Lucy Dunten, residents of Perry Township, were married in the same year.

The First Cemetery was purchased from a Mr. Blair hy residents of the township, in 1834, and is still used as a place of interment. Its first occupant was a Mr. Valentine, who was drowned in Cedar Creek in 1834. In the same year, E. R. Burk died, and his remains were consigned to rest in the same place. The cemetery is located one mile east of Huntertown, on Section 16.

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History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 75

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Kingman Brothers Number of Pages: 366

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Kingman Brothers
Number of Pages: 366