USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 79
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The First Road .- In 1834, Christian Parker presented a petition to the Board of County Commissioners for the construction of a county road along the St. Joseph River, from Fort Wayne to Jacob Notestine's farmn. The petition was granted and the road surveyed. In the following year, he presented a petition to the Legislature praying that the same be made a State road. This, too, met with an affirmative response, and the road was constructed to the north line of Allen County, in a direction nearly parallel with the course of the river.
In 1836, the Hicksville. or Ridge road was surveyed, traversing the county in a northeasterly direction, from Fort Wayne to Hicksville, Ohio.
The First Tavern .- In 1838 of 1839, a Mr. Rossington opened asmall tavern on the Flicksville road. Until that date, there had been no place in the town- ship where travelers could find a welcome, excepting a few private houses, wbose owners were of a hospitable nature. Some of these were remote from the traveled thoroughfares, and their guests were few ; others, living on the highways, posi- tively refused accommodations to the weary and belated traveler. Christian Par- ker's house, on the Fort Wayne and St. Joseph State road, was a favorite stop- ping-place for travelers on that road ; but it was not regarded as a tavern, as the host took no fees from his guests. In later years, other taverns were opened in the township, along the line of' the principal highways, and did a thriving business.
First Election .- In September, 1834, the Board of Commissioners directed the Sheriff to order an election held at the house of Jacob Notestine on the 4th day of October following. The voting-place was in what is now the southern extremity of Cedar Creek Township, that territory then being a part of St. Joseph. Isaae Klinger was Inspector by appointment of the Board, and Christian Parker was elected Justice of the Peace, and Samuel Fletter, Constable. Mr. Parker served as Justice from that date until 1838.
SCHOOLS.
The question of education began to he agitated in the settlement about 1835, and in 1836, a cabin near tho present site of the paper-mill was secured for use as a schoolhouse. A subscription was raised among the neighbors, and James Daily, of Bluffton, Ind., was employed as teacher. In the next year, another eubin was secured for the same purpose, and James A. Royec was employed as teacher. Ile brought into his work a rich fund of knowledge, gained in the schools of New York, as well as by years of practical experience. He proved him- self' a man of superior ability as a teacher, and while he possessed the faculty of winning the affection of his pupils, he was yet inexorable as to discipline. No one came to his school to play, or " kill time." All were expected to study, and those who were behind their classmates were made to feel the sharue so keenly that they were glad to make all possible effort to regain their standing. The course of study pursued was far in advance of the schools of that day, and almost equal to that of the district schools of the present. The next school was taught by Ebenezer Ayers, of New York, at the house of Peter Parker, in 1839. He was a talented man, and conducted one of the finest schools known at that day. The course of study embraced the branches essential to a. practical English education, and after school hours, or during the long winter evenings, the teacher entertained his scholars with addresses on astronomy, geology, philosophy and other scientific subjects, in language which made it to them a lesson instead of a dry, incompry. hensible lecture, and for his pains he had the pleasure of seeing bright minds awakened with a determination to study, and an ambition to investigate the sei- ences which formed the subject of bis discourses. At the close of his engage- ment he weut to Kentucky, where he took charge of a select sehoul.
For twenty years, the residents of the township had only the subscription system te depend upon as a means of public education. Then the district school system was inaugurated, and one by one they were supplied with schools, whose teachers were necessarily persons of ability, and a change for the better was appar- ent. There are eleven schools in the townsbip. having G18 sebolars enrolled.
CHURCHES.
In 1836, Rev. Rankin, of the Presbyterian Church at Fort Wayne, -held service at the house of Christian Parker. This was probably the first religious meeting in the township. Services were conducted at a later date by Rev. Trew Pattee, a resident of the township and a minister of the M. E. Church. Rev. Golthite, of the same denominatiou, was also among the carly preachers of the towuship.
One man among the early ministers ( Rev. Hickland ) succeeded in creating a great excitement among his hearers, and inaugurated what might justly he termed a reign of terror. Ile worked himself into a fury of excitement, which was communicated to his audience ; and if he could not bring them into the fold through love, he did through fear. His sermons were illustrated by the exhi- bition of colored cartoons, showing the fiual separation of the righteous from the wicked; picturing the most delightful scenes on the one hand, and the most revolting ou the other. The 2d day of March, 1838, was announced hy him as being the day of hnal dissolution of the nuiverse, and many of his converts were so far deluded as to stand, on the morning of that day, iu their ascension robes, prepared for translation. The day passed, with nothing unusual to matk its course, and faith in the minister began to wane. Evidently his revelation bad been at fault, and he sought a new locality for the utterance of future predictions.
Methodist Episcopal .- The members of this denomination met at the school- houses in the township at irregular intervals, when services were conducted by a circuit preacher, supplied by the Conference. The first class was organized at the schoolhouse ou the St. Joseph road, anal, in 1865, the members erected St. Joseph M. E. Church. It is a frame buikling, 34x45 feet, and was built at a cost of 81,500.' It was dedicated, in the fall of 1865, by Rev. J. V. R. Miller, and Rev. James Grcer hecame Pastor of the congregation. The Church now has no Pastor, and services are held at intervals of three weeks.
Lutheran .- Frior to 1854. the members of this denomination, residing in this township, attended the church at Fort Wayne ; but in that year they erected a log building, within a mile of their present editice. for a house of worship. Rev. Yohn was the first l'astor. In this building they worshipcd for a period of fifteen years, and, in 1869, began the erection of their present church. It is a handsome frame edifice, 36x72 feet, with a graceful spire, and was huifr at a cost
174
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
of $4,000. It was dedicated in June, 1870, by Rev. Edward Bode, who has been the Pastor of the congregation for the past twenty years.
There are two parochial schools in the township, under the control of this denomination, superintended by Jacob Van Roc and Heury Jiirgens, respectively. The total number of scholars in hoth schools is ninety. There is also a Sunday school in connection with the Church, superintended by the Pastor, with 125 scholars in attendance.
St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church .- The first services by this denomi- nation were conducted at the house of John Pierr, in 1869, by Rev. Zumbulty. In 1870, the present Church was erected on the larm of John Pierr, and dedi- ented under the name of St. Michael's Church. Services are held onee a month by Rev. M. P. Fallize, of Leo. The Church has a membership of sixteen fam- ilies.
THOMAS COOK
was a native of Otsego County, N. Y .; was reared a farmer and throughout his life was engaged at that occupation. He married Miss Catharine Chargo, a native of the same county, who bore him eight children, viz., Abner, Melvina, Catharine, Jacob, Thomas, Mary, Lavantia and Harriet.
Mr. Cook remained in his native county until forty-one years of age, when, in October, 1838, he removed with his family to Fort Wayne. Later in the same year, he purebased the farm in St. Joseph Township upon which his son Jacob nuw resides. Ile had seareely put his plans for its improveweut ioto execution when he was called from his labors by death, in July. 1840.
After his decease, the family returned to their former home in New York. In 1851, his son Thomas came to Fort Wayne and accepted a journeyman's position in a printing office, and in 1852, became editor and proprietor of the Laurel Wreath, a literary journal, published at Fort Wayne. On account of his wife's ill health, he returned to Cooperstown, N. Y., in 1856, where he died in July, 1867. He was a young man of great ability, and his untimely death was lamented by a large circle of literary friends. The mother returned to this
county in 1856, in company with her daughter, who is now married and living in Noble County, Ind. All the daughters are now living, and are heads of families.
The mother died in 1865, and was buried in the cemetery at Robinson Chapel, after which the remains of her husband were removed from their place of interment, on his own farm, to the same cemetery, where both now rest, side by side, awaiting tbe coming of that day " when the grave shall give up its dead."
Jacob, the second son, was born December 16, 1827, at Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., and eame with his parents to Allen County, Ind., in 1838. He enjoyed a common-school education, together with a short term in the High School. ITis carly aspirations for a business career tended toward the pursuit of farming, iu which his father was engaged. He adopted it, very naturally, and has made it a pronounced suecess. With the other members of the family, he returned to New York after his father's deccase, and remained there for thirteen years. On the 5th day of October, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Pegg. in Otsego County, N. Y., and, in the same month, came to Allen County, Ind., to occupy the farm purchased by his father in 1838. About thirty acres bad been cleared during his father's life; the remainder has been elcared by his own hand, and he now has 100 aeres under a fine state of eultiva- tion. He is a skillful farmer, and his estate bears many evidences of the care he has bestowed upon its improvement and cultivation.
He has always felt a peculiar interest in the matter of publie education, and has been prominently identified with the schools of his township. Politically, he is a Republican and a hearty supporter of his party, but he has never sought political emolument, and, with the exception of his service as Justice of the Peace, has never acted in an official capacity.
Both himself and wife are consistent iciubers of the M. E. Church, and are eminently Christian people. They are widely knowu and universally beloved.
Their wedded life has been blessed by the following children : Carrie E., Clarence T., Mollie A., James I., Jane A., George J. and Etta L., all of whom are now living, save Carrie E. and James I.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
BY L. H. NEWTON.
SITUATION, SURFACE, ETC.
Springfield is situatedio the northeastern part of Allen County, and is bounded as follows: North by De Kalb County, east hy Scipio Township, south by Maumee and Milan Townships, west by Cedar Creek Township. It has an area of 35.26 square miles. It was organized at the September term of the Board of County Commissioners, 1837, and comprised Township 32 north, of Range 14 cast ; and Township, 32 north, of Range 15 east, was attached thereto. In 1843, the latter township was organized as Scipio, thus reducing the boundaries of Springfield to their present limits.
The soil is watered by Mary Delarme Creek, which flows through the north- castern portion of the township ; Black Creek, which has its source on Seerion 16, and flows southeast, joining the Maunice River ; Twelve Mile Creek has its source in Section 17, and flows south, joining the Maumee in Milan Township. The surface is of an undulating nature, and the natural drainage is fine. The soil is a black loum, with a substratum of saud, and is very productive.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
William Sweet, Isaac Hall and Ezra May settled in Springfield Township in 1836. Williaui Sweet was a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and, at the time of his settlement in this town hip, was a married nun, and had a family to pro- vide for in the wilderness. He went to work with all the energy characteristic of tbe pioneers of that day, and in due time eleared a farm, which be sold several years later. He then took up his abode with his son-in-law, near Bull Rapids, with whom he continued to reside until his decease.
Isaac Hall was born in Beaver County, Penn., in 1804. and at the age of two years removed with his parents to Ohio, and settled in Portage ( now Sumiuit) County. Here he was educated in the details of farming, and his course of expe- rience developed tbe physical wan; and when, at the age of thirty two years, he sought a home in the forests of Allen County, he came prepared for the hardships which he knew must follow his undertaking. On the 1st day of May, 1836, he placed his family and household goods in a wagon, and started for the West. The roads were good until he reached the valley of the Maumee. Here the traveled roud terminated, and from that point to his destination he was compelled to " rough it"-driving up and down ravines whose sides were almost perpendicular. and enduring all the annoyances and discomforts incident to a journey of that nature. Ile reached the " Maumee Settlement," where he remained during the summer of 1836. He could not then buy land, as the Government office was closed for that scason ; but in the following fall be purchased the farm upon which lie now resides; and, taking his family to the new home, began at once the labor of improvement. He was a prominent man in the settlement, and was chosen to fill various loeal offices-notably thuse of Justice of the Peace and County Com- missioner. IIe bas witnessed all the changes for the better which have taken place in the townsbip, and has ever been a cordial supporter of public enterprises.
Henry Grubar came in February, 1827, and joined hands with those who had preceded him in felling the forest and developing agriculture. He settled on the farm now owned by Peter Repp, where he resided twenty three years. IIe then removed to Ilicksville, Ohio, where he now lives.
In the same year James King came from New York, and rented a tract of land south of the present site of Maysville. He remained about two years, then purchased land on the Maumee, upon which he lived during the remainder of his life.
In January, 1837, Richard Glaze settled on the farm now owned by Isaac Dresback. He was accompanied by his wife and son Absalomu. The latter died about three years later. The parents then returned to Obio, their native State.
Estes Howe, with his wife and child, came from near Oswego, N. Y., in July, 1837. ile was employed by Ezra May, with whom he remained two years, then removed to the farm pow owned by Jacob Sappington, in St. Joseph Township. Ip the fall of 1842, he purchased the farm on which he now resides.
Jeremiah Whaley, a native of New York, visited the towuship in 1836, and entered a traet of land to whi hi he removed in the sueeccding year. He remained in the township until 1855, when he sold his farm, and went to reside in the State of Iowa. About a year later, he decided to return to his former home, but died during the journey.
Williamu Ringwalt came from Ohio io 1837, and cleared and improved afarm on which he resided until death.
Richard Anderson came in 1839. He is a native of Washington County, Penn. He was married at the age of twenty-six years, and, three years later, came to bear his part in the settlement of the township in which he now resides. He purchased forty acres of woodland on Section 33, and reduced it to a fine farın. This was his home for twenty-eight years. At the end of that time, he sold it and purchased property in Tennessee, to which he removed with his family in the spring of 1870. In the fall of 1871, be traded bis farm in that State for property in Maysville, where he now resides.
He is an industrious eitizen and an upright man ; and, as such, has endeared himself to all who knew him.
John D. Reichelderfer settled in the township in September, 1840. He purchased a traet of land, and cleared and improved the same. His industry has been rewarded, and, in the later years of his life, he enjoys a well-earned competence in worldly goods, and the esteem of his neighbors. He now resides in the town of Maysville.
William Lucas, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, removed to Fort Wayne in 1831, and was engaged as a laborer on the Wabash & Erie Canal. IIe lived at Fort Wayne until 1842, in which year he . settled in Springfield Township, having previously purchased a traet of land. This he partially cleared, and, in 1846, removed to Milton Township, but, a few years later, returned to Spriogfield, where he now resides.
OMAP OF
SPRINGFIELD
TOWNSHI
T.32 N., R. 14 E.
Chaney
I.W. GT777
Sam ? Gri77
80
ML. Boger 160
S.S.Shutt
65
Geo Shutt
80
Benninghoor Koch
81
79.85
150
Baker
160
100
10
160
6 River
p
J.Y.Davis 74 47
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80
80
80
424.50
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20
60
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Jos. Murray
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40
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17
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71.40 H. HOTIL
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120
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M. E.
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T. Hood
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Mitchell
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1
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S.Kenyon
J . W. Hood
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J. D.Reicheldorfer 6.66
6.66
C. S.
Kellinger 6.66
2
3
37
+
HOOD'S
5
J.W.Hood
Comer
Swazianeris
TENSION
OF. K.
R. Hood 4.50
I.B.
Daniela
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F. Stayder
A
153
WEST'S
L. D. George
62
41
6
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ORIGINA
10,9 8
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Vedthinget
Endifiger
H. G. Hood
10.31
2
M.Ashton
10
L. Reicheldorfer
L.Reicheldorfer
WATER
41WENN YOU REICHELDORFER'S ADD. nota
J.D.Stropher
I. Skinner
SCHOOL
1.25
A
5
14
6
11
SQUIRES
3.52
Ketlinge
ST
12 13
11
MR. 3ROST.
393837
Rob!Hood
SPENCERVILLE
REICHELDORFER'S 45 4443 A +1 40
Honprac.
25/25/27 28 25 30
'.PLAT
-
oudois
Hotel HICKSVILLE -
MAYSVILLE HARLAN P.O.
J.A.
Timbrook &
Henderson
2.50
ST.
S.Ritchie,
146147/48
6
Bilderbeek
359
RES. OF FRANKLIN COSGROVE M.D. MAYSVILLE. ALLEN CO, IND.
RES. OF C.H. VIBERG, CEDAR CREEK TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
RES. OF PETER NOTESTINE CEDAR CREEK TP., ALLEN CO. IND.
175
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
EARLY EVENTS.
Ezra May erceted the first grist-mill in 1837-38. IIe also owned the first black smith-shop in the township and employed a man to do the work. The shop was first opened in the winter of 1839-40.
The Hicksville, or Ridge road was surveyed through the township in the fall of 1839, and, about eighteen months later, a road was surveyed from Spencerville, De Kalb County, Ind., to the Maumee River.
The former is situated on a natural- ridge running from Fort Wayne to Detroit, and from this fact derives its name.
The first orchards were set out in 1837 by William Sweet. Ezra May and Richard Glaze, on their respective faruns. They are all now in healthy condition and bear fruit.
The first white child born in the township was Henry, son of Henry and Leah Grubar. Ile was born in November, 1838.
Mary E., daughter of Ezra May, died September 2, 1838, and was buried in the tract previously donated by her father l'or a cemetery. Hers was the first death in the township.
Washington Corpse and Miss Runbells were the first persons married in the township. The ceremony was performed in the spring of 1837.
William Letcher and Miss Matilda May were married in the spring of' 1840. The first religious meeting was held at the house of Ezra May in 1838, by Rev. Trew Patee, who visited the settlement, onec a month.
The first clection was held at the house of Isaae Hall on the first Saturday of October, 1837. Isaac Hall was Inspector by appointment, and Ezra May was elected Justice of the l'eare.
The first school was taught in 1840 or 1841, in a log cabin on the site now occupied by the Odd Fellows' Hall. Sarah Braccy was the teacher.
In the following summer. a subscription was made up by residents of the township for the purpose of building another schoolhouse. It was a hewed-log structure, and was erected on the form of William Sweet. In this school, as in its predecessor, a tuition fee was collected from those having children to be edu- cated.
The first district seh-ol was erected in 1854-55. Of this class, there are now twelve in the township, having a total enrollment of 735 scholars.
The first taverns were kept by William Leteber and Ira Johnson, respect- ively, soon after the opening of the Ridge road. John N. Alderman kept a tavern about the same time, near the present site of Maysville.
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