History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 76

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 76

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The First Brick Kilu was burned in 1837. hy Ephraim H. Dunten, Sr., but it was not a luerative business, and he did not continue it long.

The First Post Office was established in 1836, at the house of Charles Wicks. Mr. Wieks was appointed Postuaster, and held the position two or three years. He then resigned, and was sueceeded by Mr. Jones, who had formerly served as his assistant, and the office continued to be kept at the house of Mr. Wicks until 1840. In that year, William T. Hunter was appointed Postmaster, and the office was removed to his house.

The First School was taught by Eliza Parker, in 1835, a log cabin, on Sec- tion 6. The tuition fund was contributed by residents of the township, whose children attended the school, and it was the place where some of the best farmers of the township received their education. It was greatly in advance of the sub- scription schools of that period ; its teacher was : lady who had acquired a good education in the East, and its scholars were led beyond the ordinary routine of reading, writing and elementary arithmetic. Among its surviving. pupils are Danford, Omri, Suel Parker, Lucinda Duuten and Malinda Hunter. Lucinda Dunten subsequently became a teacher, and 'in this capacity was identified with the schools of the township for a number of years.

In 1837, the second school was taught by Matthew Montgomery, in a cabin on Section 8. Its teacher was a man of great natural ability, and had received a fine education. He won goldeu opinions as a school teacher, and became a prom- inent man in the township. In 1846, he was the Whig candidate for Stute

Representative, but was defcated by Hon. Peter Kiser. He died while yet a young man. An improvement was made in the system of education, with the intro- duction of publie schools, of which there are now nine in the township, having : total enrollment of 446 scholars.

PERRY CENTER SEMINARY.

In 1856, Nathaniel Fitch, Jacob Kell and George Gloyd, incorporated the seminary known by this name. They were moved by a laudable desire to estab. lish iu this township a first-class institution of learning, and, with that end in view. ereeted near thic center of the township a large frame building; and, in the winter of that year, seeured the services of Prof. T. W. Tilden, as teacher. In 1860, it was divided into three departments or grades, and Prof. Tilden retained as Princi- pal, with two able assistants in the other grades. Its pupils cauic from Noble. De Kalb, Allen, La Grange and other counties in this State. The course was academic, ineluding the languages, higher mathematies, philosophy, astronomy, etc., etc.

It was a prosperous institution until 1862 or 1863, Theu a number of its pupils enlisted in the army. and its Principal, Prof. Tilden, resigned his position. It never rallied or regained its reputation, and the building is now a ruin. Many of its pupils now occupy prominent mercantile and professional positions in Allen and other counties. Among this number may be mentioned John Stall, attorney at law (now deceased ) ; Josiah Hillegass, attorney at law, also deceased (hoth oeeupied high positions at the har of this eounty); Jerry Hillegass, Superintendent of Schools of Allen County ; Dr. S. C. Metcalf, a prominent physician of Fort Wayne, and Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Fort Wayne College of Medicine ; Dr. E. G. Wheelock, Jr., now praetieing medicine at Leo, Ind., was elected Pro- fessor of Materia Mediea in the Fort Wayne College, in which capacity he now aets; John Deal, now a resident of Iowa, has served one of the counties of that State in the eapaeity of County Clerk ; Charles Fitch, a resident of the same State, is a Deputy Sheriff ; Jerome D. Gloyd, now Trustee of Perry Township ; William and Albert Gloyd, now merchants at Effingham, Ill ; William McQuiston, merchant at Auburn, Ind. ; Wilson McQuiston, now editor of the Fort Wayne Enterprise ; George W. Hush, Superintendent of Public Schools iu one of the eounties of California ; Dr. Dills, uow a practicing physician in the city of Fort Wayne; Hiram Myers, now Superintendent of Schools in one of the Eastern States ; and Miss Jennie Fitch, Professor of Latin and Greek, at Logansport, Ind.

CHURCHES.

The first religious meeting was held at the house of Horaee F. Dunten in 1834, by Mr. Niekerson, an exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sev- eral weeks later, a meeting was held in a eabin near the present site of Huntertowu, at which time services were conducted by Rev. Rankin, a Presbyterian minister from Fort Wayne. There were no religious organizations in the township at that time. Services were held at irregular intervals by ministers of various denomina- tions, and were attended by all.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first church organized in the town- ship. Its members, six in number, met at the house of James Thompson in 1836, and, under the ministration of Rev. Ball, of Fort Wayne, organized a class, from which grew the Methodist Episcopal Church at Huntertown. Meetings were held at James Thompson's house for two years, after which the Caswell School- house became the place of meeting. The society was always supplied with a min- ister from Fort Wayne.

In 1846, they erected their present house of worship at Huntertown. It is a frame building, 30x40 feet, and cost 81,500. After its completion, Rev. Jesse Sparks was chosen and installed as Pastor, and served in that capacity until trans- ferred to another charge by Conferenec. The labors of their Pastors have been attended with successful results, and the Church is now in a prosperous condition. Rev. D. P. Hartman is the present Pastor.

. Robinson Chapel .- In 1851, Andrew Byers donated a tract of land to the Methodist Episcopal denomination to be used as a cemetery, and also as the site for a church of that denomination. The society was organized in the preceding year, and held meetings at the schoolhouse until 1852. In that year, they erected a frame church on the land donated by Mr. Byers. It was dedicated by Prof Robinson for whom it was named. Rev. Ira M. Wolverton is the present Pastor.

The Universalist Church at Huntertown was organized at the house of Dr. D. Vanderhyden in 1850, with seventeen constituent members. William Chaplin, of Kosciusko County, Ind., was the officiating Pastor on this occasion, and visited the congregation at irregular intervals for several years succeeding that date.

In 1851, they erected their present house of worship at Huntertown, at a cost of $1,500. It was dedieated by Mr. Chaplin, who, in 1855, was engaged as Pastor. Ile served as such for a term of one year, and was succeeded by J. Merri- field ; and in the interimu between that time and the present, the following pastors have had charge of the Church : Rev. Rayhouser, Rev. Spooner, Rev. S. F. Gibb, William Stewart and John P. Chaplin. Since the close of Mr. Chaplin's pastor- ate, the Church has heen served by Rev. M. Crosley, of Fort Wayne. It now has a membership of sixty-three.

The Sunday school was organized in 1863, with fully one hundred scholars. Of this number many were the children of parents belonging to other denomina. . tions, and it was eondueted as a union school. Several years later, the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school was organized, and the withdrawal from the union school of the Methodist children lessened its numbers fully fifty per cent. It was con. . tinued under the superintendence of Benjamin Morris, and has since been main- tained as a school of the church. It is now in a prosperous condition, having. sixty scholars enrolled. Jobn Malcolm is the present Superintendent.

*********

RES. OF CHARLES F.BLEKE. PERRY TP. ALLEN CO. IND.

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RES. OF JACOB HILLEGASS PERRY TP ALLEN CO. IND.

ADAM HAMM

MRS. REBECCA HAMM

RES. OF ADAM HAMM . CEDAR CREEK TR ALLEN CO. INDIANA.

W. T. HUNTER.

JANE MUNTER.

RES.OF W"T. HUNTER. HUNTERTOWN, ALLEN CO. IND.

A.J.TAYLOR.

ALL WORK WARRANTED FIRST-CLASS

RESIDENCE & CARRIAGE FA WHOLESALE MANL PREMIUM CARRIAI SHELDON, ALLEN CO. INDIANA. ELEVEN MILES SOUTH OF FORT WAYNE ON T. SELL AT AUCTION ONLY NO ORDERS FO.

MRS.SUSAN, W. TAYLOR.

A. J. TAYLOR'S

CARRIAGE WORKS

OFFICE

CTORY OF A. J. TAYLOR, IFACTURER OF SES & BUGGIES YE BLUFFTON PLANK ROAD & FORT WAYNE, MUNCIE & CINCINNATTI R R PWORK RECEIVED. A. J.TAYLOR, PROR

ลา

RES. OF WM. S. ROBISON PLEASANT TP. ALLEN CO. IND.

Ror. J. Averdy,

CHURCH, PARSONAGE,& SCHOOL HOUSE OF THE S. ALOYSIUS CONG" PLEASANT TP. ALLEN.CO. IND.

169

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

THE VILLAGE OF HUNTERTOWN.

After the completion of the Coldwater road, from Fort Wayne to English Prairie, a number of settlers huilt their houses near what was regarded as the great highway, and William Hunter purchased a traet of land adjacent thereto; and although no town plat existed, and no lots had been sold, it received the name of Huntertown, which it has since borne. The first sale of town lots was effeeted in 1872, after the completion of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.

The following are business men of the village: J. C. Hunter, dry goods, groceries and general merchandise; J. E. Billou, grocery and saloon; F. B. Baeon, drugs; J. D. Sechler, grocery ; R. S. Ferrand, Postmaster. Physicians : Dr. Charles Orvis and Dr. Frank Greenwell.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Henry King Lodge, No. 382, A., F. & A. M .- On the 29th day of Feb- ruary, 1868, a petition was signed by T. M. Andrews, S. A. Thornton, J. O. Beardsley, Ira A. Wert, F. C. Wert, H. F. Boynton. Thomas Vandolah, Henry King, James W. Fleming, Corwin Phelps, David MeQuiston, F. C. Bacon, John Anderson, William Ross, and William Anderson. The petition was sent to Harvey G. Hardrig. G. M., of Indiana, and on the 28th day of March following, the petitioners received a dispensation to organize a lodge, to be kuown as Henry King Lodge, 382, naming T. M. Andrews, W. M .; S. A. Thornton, S. W., and J. O. Beardley, J. W. The remaining officers were appointed by the W. M., and were as follows: Henry King, Treasurer; F. C. Bacon, Secretary; F. C. Wert, S. D .; C. Phelps, J. D. ; D. McQuiston, Tiler.

June 18, 1869, the Lodge received a charter (dated May 25, 1869), and- was duly constituted by Solomon D. Bayless, P. G. M., and proxy for M. II. Rice, G. M. June 14, 1869, the Lodge held its first election, which resulted in the choice of the following officers: T. M. Andrews, W. M .; G. W. Hand, S. W. ; W. W. Shoaff, J. W. ; J. O. Beardsley, Treasurer ; F. C. Bacon, Secretary; J. Shryoek, S. D. ; B. Morris, J. D. ; William S. Fleming and N. Fitsimmon, Stewards; M. N. Dunton, Tiler. These officers were publicly installed June 24, 1869, by P. G. M. Solomon D. Bayless, and an address delivered by J. Stoner.

The lodge meetings were held in the upper story of F. C. Bacon's dwelling, at Huntertown, until November 13, 1869, when they were removed to a new and commodious hall ou the opposite side of the street, which was dedicated to Masonry on the evening of that day, by P. G. M. Solomon D. Bayless, assisted by members of neighboring Lodges. On that occasion the wives and sisters of the members presented the Lodge with a beautiful chandelier, and a very fine Bible was presented by P. G. M. Solomon D. Bayless, in behalf of the brethren at Fort Wayne. The Lodge and its visitors then adjourned to the banquet pre- pared for them at the hotel.

It is now in good working order, and financially prosperous. The officers fur 1879 are as follows: S. A. Thornton, W. M .; J. Sickler, S. W .; W. W. Shoaff, Treasurer ; J. Shryock, Secretary ; E. Sickler, S. D .; W. I. Work, J. D .; A. Watters and D. Baird, Stewards; W. Carey, Tiler. (Data furnished by T. M. Andrews. )

WILLIAM T. HUNTER, ESQ ..

is of English parentage. England, too, is his own native land. He was born April 9, 1802, in the shire of Cumberland, Emigrating to America in 1828, he landed in the eity of Boston on August 12. Not yet content, the following summer he passed on to the city of New York, where, after remaining until the autunin of 1832, he returned to England.

A few pleasant months rolled quickly by, and he was ready to re-embark for American shores. He reached New York during the spring of 1833, accompanied, this time, by a number of his fellow-countrymen. After a sojourn of about one inore year, he removed to Ann Arbor, Mich, then quite a tiny village. Here residing about two years, he married Mrs. Jane Buckingham, and then removed to St. Joseph County, of the same State; this was in 1836. He here purchased land and began to clear and improve; but his stay, in a nicasure, was only tem- porary, for iu 1837, he removed to Allen County, Ind., settling in Perry Town- ship, near the present village of Huntertown. Another purchase of wild land was made, and again, for a short time, he began the task of subduing the forest.

A little time, however, and he changed his vocation to that of hotel-keeping. At this, too, he was successful, and yet his attention and interests were not exclu- sively given to private affairs. Being a resolute man, and one depreeating villainy und wrong, he hecame an active member of the association termed the " Regu- lators "-during the days of that organization-whose purpose it was to rid Allen and adjoining counties of a troublesome band of horse-thieves and counter- feiters. In this work he was very earnest, and did his full share in helping to brioy to punishment these cucties of law and good society.

During the gold excitement of 1852, he went to California, where, l'or three years, he was engaged at tuining and other pursuits. On his return, he renewed the pursuit of agriculture, with which, up to the present, he has been more or less connected. He has, likewise, been identified with many enterprises con- ducive to building up and improving the village of which he is a resident.

Mrs. Hunter was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Ranney, of Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., and was born November 24, 1815. She emigrated with her parents to Monroe County, N. Y., in 1830. She was here married in 1833, to John Buckinghamu, by whom she had one child; being left a widow by his death, in 1835. Since becoming the consort of Mr. Hunter, they have been blessed with seven children, six of them still survive, and are engaged at various pursuits. Mrs. Hunter, ever a sympathizing neighbor, is always ready to nssist those in trouble or distress, even to the extent of much inconvenience and injustice to herself. She has ever proven a most exemplary wife and affectionate mother, whose eeaseless devotion and care seems never to weigh as a burthen.

Mr. Hunter, ever conscientious und upright, is always willing to grant to others what he claims for himself-honesty of motive, in disagreements or differ- ences of opinion.

An obliging neighbor, a fond parent, and doting husband ; with his vener- able companion, they are greatly esteemed am ing their extended circle of friends and acquaintances.

HILLEGASS FAMILY.

Among the noble families-that are noble in the sense of industry, integrity and intelligence, and also as one of the pioneer families of the county-the Hille- gasses rank high. Michael Hillegass, the ancestor, was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania. IIe married Miss Anna Yeakel, of the same State, and the result of this union was thirteen children, eight of whom are now living. Jacob, the youngest of the five brothers, married Miss Lucy A. Powell. Her father, John Powell, married Miss Birbarı Shaffer, both natives of Pennsylvania, and to them were born eight children, seven of whom are now living; Lucy A. being the see- ond member of the family.

Jacob Hillegass was horn on the 7th day of February, 1818, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and his wife, Lucy A., was born on the 28th day of July, 1822, in Schuylkill County, Penn. They were married on the 26th day of May, 1941, in Butler County, Ohio, and the result of the alliance was seven children, four sons and three daughters. We give the names in the order of their birthis as follows, viz., Josiah D., Jerry, IIezekiah, Isaiah J., Sarah J., Mary M. and Iney I.

Jacob Hillegass, the head of, this family, enme to this eounty April 14, 1843, und located at Huntertown, where he has ever since resided. For several years, he was engaged in the tanning business, which he finally abandoned so as to devote his time fully to the quiet pursuit of farming. He owns a very large and beautiful farin of the most productive soil, which, in fact, is one of the finest that. ean be found. It lies between the stations on the Grand Rapids and Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroads, and the homestead is situated mid-way on an eminence, from which can be seen the trains passing to and fro. On this farm the children have grown up, and, having in early years cultivated the spirit of industry, and ambition in an intellectual view, they have, with one exception, naturally abandoned the farm.

Jacob Hillegass has held several positions of importance, the last 'was the office of County Commissioner, to which plaec he was first elected in October, 1869, and re-elected thr e years later, serving in that capwity for six years.

It was during this time that he became very noted among his constituents, as a man of energy, much de ision of chiraeter and of the most unflinching integrity. He is a Democrat, and the whole family have imbibod his political principles. Ile and his wife have been for many years members of the Presbyterian Church.

J. D. Hillegass, the oldest. sun, was a graduate of the law class of 1870 of the University of Michigan. After having received his diploma, he entered the law office of Judge Morris. In his professional life, he was associated with John Stahl, his brother-in-law, under the firm name of Stahl & Hilleg.iss. Hc died on April 2, 1875, and his death was the first. that entered this happy family circle. As a man, his sterling integrity and blameless life won for him the love and adquiration of his friends, while he commanded the respect of all. As a lawyer, his thorough knowledge of the law and his unquestionable business capacity drew to him many clients.

Jerry Hillegass graduated in the Literary Department of the University of Michigan, and has had conferred on him by that institution both the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts. He has been Superintendent of the County For the last six years, and is universally known and achuired. A more extended sketch of him can be found elsewhere in this work.

Hezekiah Hillegass was married, December 25, 1871. to Miss Ella Work, aud the fruits of that union are two children. Ile is actively engaged in agricult- ural pursuits, and is regarded as an honorable citizen.

Miss Sarah J. Hillegass was married. May 30, 1872, to John Stahl, and by their marriage had three children. She acquired her education in. Fort Wayne, heing a graduate of the high school of the same place. Her husband, John Stalil, was a graduate of the law class of the Univerity of Michigan of 1869. Ile was a partner of her brother, and died August IG, 1878. He was an able ad vocate and his character was unimpeachable.

The Misses Mary and Lucy Hillegass are amiable and highly esteemed ladies. Isaiah J. Ilillegass, a member of the law Department of the University of Mich- igan, is an intelligent and promising young man.

The school days of their parents were somewhat limited, as was the custom in carlier times, but they have been true promoters of education and general progress, and have acted their part nobly in life's great drama.

VACHIEL METCALF.

Edward Metcalf was one of the pioneers of Ashland County, Ohio, his family having figured conspicuously in the early history of that county.

His son Vachel, for whom this sketch was prepared, was born in said county September 20, 1816. In the year 1842, he wedded Miss Amanda Otto, and in 1849, emigrated to Allen County, Ind., settling upon an uncleared farm, in Perry Township, the same he still occupies.

Mr. Metcalf, in politics, has always been strongly hiased in favor of Deioc- racy. Has always been earnest in promulgating the doctrines of his party, and vigilant in helping to promote its success.

Two sons, Martin V. Ind Samnel C., yet survive. The former is farming near his father's in Perry. Township, and the latter is a practicing physiciau at Fort Wayne. Both are now married.

In the group of old settlers from Perry Township, represented upon a page in this work, may be found the subject of this sketch, the samme having been con- , tributed by his son, Dr. Samuel C.

170

HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP.

BY L. H. NEWTON.

LOCATION AND BOUNDARY.

Pleasant is one of the tier of townships forming the southern houndary of Allen County. It is hounded on the north by Wayne Township, east by Marion Township, south by Wells County, west hy La Fayette Township, and contains 33.62 square miles.

NATURAL FEATURES.

The surface is level, and the soil very fertile, and well adapted to raising all the varieties of farm produce common to this latitude. St. Mary's River flows through the northeast corner, and Little River flows from south to north through the entire length of the township. Lost Creek flows in a northerly direction through the western part. .

This was organized as a separate township hy the Board of County Commis- sioners in June, 1842, and was described as Congressional Township 29 north, of Range 12 east.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

About the year 1832, the first white family came to reside in this township. This was the family of a Mr. Cooper, who settled near the Bluffton road, at a place called "Green Camp." This spot, being in the vicinity of a fresh, cool spring. was frequently selected as a camping-ground hy the Indians and emi- grants, and from this fact received its name.

Horney Robinson, a native of Greene County, Ohio, came to the township in March, 1834. He came to Allen County with his parents in 1826, and settled first in Wayne Township, where his father, Thomas Robinson, died in the follow- ing spring. A return to Ohio was resolved upon by the l'amily after this event, but, through the solicitations of a neighbor, the eldest son, Horney, finally decided to purchase an eighty-acre tract of land in Wayne Township. This he sold a few years later, and with the money purchased the farm in Pleasant Township, on which he now resides. Ile cleared and improved his new purchase. and, in the years which followed, took a prominent part in the development of the township.

Later in the spring of 1834, Edward Kenark settled near the center of the township, on the l'arm now owned and occupied by his widow. In the same sea- son, William Watson settled in the northwestern portion of the township, near Horney Robinson, who subsequently purchased a portion of his land. He cleared about ten acres, and, after a short time, removed north of Fort Wayne, where he remained until death.

Jolin Whetton came in the same season ( 1834), and cleared and improved a farm. upon which he resided during the remainder of his life. Thomas Bradbury came Juter in the year 1834, and settled near the site of Ferguson's Mill. He was identified with the history of the township uutil death ended his labors. Mr. Fogarty settled near Mr. Bradbury in the same year, hut died before his land was cleared. After 1834, a number of settlers came to join those whose names have heen given. The most prominent among these were as follows: Christian Miller, Nicholas Harher. - Moyer, Jacob Smith, George Woods, Andrew Orrin, John Orrin, Ethalhert Sutton, Alexander Stonebrook, Cornelius Ferrell, Henry Castile, Asa Linseott. Noah Linscott, William Henry, George Mereer, Henry Mereer, Nicholas Rice, Thomas Swank, J. Clark, Nathan Parker, Washington Parker, Wellington Parker, Thomas Parker, Henry Hall, Carroll Taylor.

EARLY EVENTS.

The first hewed-log houses were ereeted hy Edward Kemark and Thomas Bradhury, respectively, in 1849. This innovation upon the prevailing style' ol ruund-log structures excited a spirit of emulation amoug their neighbors, who »von replaced their eahins with hewed-log honses.

The first road was surveyed several years prior to the settlement of the town- ship, and was known as the Indianapolis road. The Bluffton road, formerly known as the " Godfrey trace," was the second road surveyed through the town- ship.

The first white child was Warren, son of Horney Robinson, who was born in November, 1834. The second was John Kenark, born in 1837.

The first inarriage was solemnized at the residence of James Campbell, in the winter of 1840, Rev. Jacob Colclazer. of the M. E. Church, officiating. The principal parties in the ceremony were Dennis Dunn and Miss Rachel, daughter of James Campbell. This was an isolated event, und twelve years «lapsed hefore a similar ceremony again took place in the township. This odeurred in 1852, in the southwest part of the township, when Andrew Ang and Miss Sarah Parker were united in marriage. Later in the same year, Edwin Bart and Miss Amanda Orrin were married in the saine neighborhood.

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History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 76

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

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