USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95
Organization of the Township .- Clay Township was organized on the 5th of May, 1832. The first election was held at the resi- dence of Samuel Ward, and the first justice of the peace elected was Joseph Sellers. Among the trustees of the township have been Messrs. Julian, Swigart, Cook, Terrell, Black, Gingrich, Barnett and Funk. The present incumbent is John J. Julian. The following
.
679
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
men served as justices of the peace from time to time, viz .: John Ward, W. W. Eldridge, Samuel Swigart, Isaac Aley, John Wilds, George W. Julian and John Simpson. The present justice of the peace is M. J. Morgan.
Mills and other Industries .- The honor of building the first mill in Clay Township belongs to one Jonathan Washington, who, as early as 1833, erected a small log structure near the head of Lick Creek, which he supplied with machinery of the most primitive pat- tern. At first corn only was ground, but subsequently a wheat buhr was attached, and a coarse article of flour manufactured. The flour was bolted by hand, each customer bolting his own grist. The mill, although a very indifferent affair, was highly prized by the early settlers, many of whom traveled long distances to get their grinding done. It ceased operations with the building of other and better mills in the vicinity, and in after years was converted into a carding-machine. The old building fell into ruins many years ago, and but few vestiges remain to mark the spot where it stood. The last owner was a man by name of Schofield.
The next mill was built by Charles and John Demoss on what is known as Flory Creek, north of the county farm. It was a saw- mill, and manufactured much of the lumber used by the early resi- dents of Clay and other townships. It was in operation until about 1859 or 1860. A saw-mill was erected on the Hamilton land as early as 1838 by Andrew Waymire. It stood on Lick Creek, which furnished the motive power, and was operated on quite an extensive scale for a number of years. The building was a large frame struc- ture, and stood several years after the mill fell into disuse.
The Julian Saw-mill, on Lick Creek, Section 16, was built about the year 1837-38, by George Julian, who operated it until 1843, at which time the entire structure was destroyed by fire. It was re- built by Joseph Terrell, who ran it a number of years. A shingle- machine was connected with the mill at one time, as also was a carding-machine, both'of which did a successful local business. The mill is owned at the present time by John Julian, who has re- modeled it and supplied improved machinery.
As early as 1837, Conrad Martin, built a saw-mill on Eel River at Adamsboro, a part of which is still standing. Martin operated it for some time and then disposed of it to George Rush. It was sub- sequently purchased by a Mr. Davidson, and later by John S. Wiu-
680
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
ters. It has been remodeled at different times, and is now owned and operated by C. M. C. Swigart. The second flouring-mill in the township was built on Spring Creek, about the year 1836 or 1837, by Henry Miller. This was greatly superior to the Washington Mill. and supplied a long felt want in the community. The original building was frame, and the machinery received its motive power from the waters of the creek. Both building and machinery were subsequently remodeled by Samuel Gingrich, who did a very suc- cessful business for a number of years. The present owner is Levi Beech. The Sutherland Flouring-mill on Spring Creek, Section 11, . was erected in 1845, by Zera Sutherland, who operated it until 1849. This at one time was one of the best grist-mills in the county, and was extensively patronized by the citizens of Clay and adjoining townships. Since 1849 it has been run by different parties, and is now owned and operated by Joseph Gingrich.
The Spring Creek Woolen-mill was built about the year 1840, by John L. Miller. At the time of its completion this was the largest and most complete manufacturing establishment of its kind in Cass County. Mr. Miller operated it with success until his death, after which Hiram Johnson became owner. John W. Thomas ran it dur- ing the war, and did a very prosperous business. Messrs. Hubbard & Scott were the next proprietors, by whom it was operated until 1876. It failed to be remunerative after 1876, and was allowed to fall into disuse. The building is now owned by Robert Stewart, who has converted it into a barn. The large woolen-mill at Adams- boro was built several years ago by John W. Thomas. It was sup- plied with good machinery but did not prove a fortunate invest- ment, consequently was in operation for only a limited period. Mr. Thomas operated it a short time, and then rented to Messrs. Paden & Wigginton. The last operator was a Mr. Tatem.
One of the leading industries of Clay Township in an early day was a large distillery built on Eel River, near where the woolen- mill now stands, about the year 1840. It was built by Joshua and Reece Morgan, and operated first by Henry Fiddler. It was after- ward rented by Charles Luy, of Logansport, who for several years carried on a very extensive and lucrative business. A woolen-mill, connected with the distillery, was operated in an early day by Reece Morgan. The distillery building was a large two-story frame struct- ure, but all vestiges of it have long since disappeared.
681
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
A tannery, established by John Murphey about the year 1834, was for many years an important industry of the township. It was located on the Simpson farm, and proved reasonably remunerative to the several proprietors. Mr. Murphey did a good business for a number of years, and was followed by other parties, among whom were Messrs. Buskirk and Patch. The tannery was in operation about twenty-six years, having been abandoned in 1860. Mr. Patch was the last operator.
Churches .- The pioneers of Clay Township were a church-going people, and the gospel was introduced at a very early day. Elders John and Alexander Scott, of the Christian (Disciple) Church were the first preachers, and for several years they held religious services from house to house.
Spring Creek Christian Church .- The oldest religious society in the township was organized at the residence of Elder John Scott, about the year 1832 or 1833. The organization was brought about by Elders Scott and Nelson, and among the early members were Samuel Rogers, William Nelson, Henry Rush, Mrs. Henry Rush, Peter Miller, and members of his family, Josiah Butler and wife, Mr. Conrad and wife, John Ward and family, John R. Hinton and wife, William Smith and family, George Conkling and members of his family, Daniel Flynn, and others. Soon after the completion of the organization measures were taken toward the erection of a house of worship, which was built in 1836 on land donated by Peter Mil- ler. The house was a frame structure and was used until 1856. It was replaced in 1857 by the present neat frame chapel, erected on the same ground at a cost of several hundred dollars. The building is of frame, 40x60 feet in size, and a comfortable audience room capable of seating 400 persons. Elder John Scott preached for the church at intervals from its organization till his death in 1866. He watched over the society with a fatherly interest, and exerted a pow- erful influence for good, both by his preaching and the blameless character of his private life. The church rapidly increased in num- bers and influence, and within a few years after its organization the leading citizens of the community were enrolled among its members. The following ministers had pastoral charge of the church at different times, though they are not named in the order of their service, to wit: Elders William Shockey, George Campbell, Green- berry Mullis, William Grigsby, - Edmondson, - Wickard, Will-
682
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
iam Ireland, Simon Rohrer. John Rohrer, John Ellis, Mr. Warren, - Hannager and W. R. Lowe, the last named being present pastor. Among the ministers who have preached irregularly were Elders Milton B. Hopkins, John O. Kane, L. H. Jamieson, Benjamin Franklin. H. B. Brown, W. O. Howe, Watson Clark, J. F. Richards, and others whose names were not given the writer. The church has been a potent factor for good in the community and is still in a healthy condition, though not so strong as formerly. The present officers are John Rohrer and F. Warner, elders; Job Smith and Frank Conrad, deacons. The congregation meet for worship every Lord's day and have preaching once a month by Elder Lowe.
Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church .- Sidney Smith, in derision, called the Methodist religion "the religion of barns." because these people pushed their evangelizing activity with untiring zeal into barns, fields. huts, cabins, everywhere where men, especially where the masses of the laboring population were found. In our land, these same Methodist itinerants. and other religionists like them, sought out every cabin and log schoolhouse, every barn and build- ing where the people could be brought together. But "the relig- ion of barns" has in our land immensely outstripped in its con- quests the religion of stately churches and venerable cathedrals, and the poor whom these pioneer itinerants led to the "Higher life" have, with their children. become the wealthy and influential of the present generation.
The history of Methodism in Clay Township dates from about the year 1833, at which time Rev. Amasa Johnson visited the sparse settlements of the township and began holding religious services in private dwellings. These meetings were held from time to time, and finally culminated in the organization of a small class, among the early members of which were George Julian and wife and Mrs. John Ward. The first meetings were held at Mr. Julian's residence, which was used as a place of worship for several years, and within a short time the following persons identified themselves with the congregation, viz .: John Plummer. Noble Plummer, Mary A. Plum- mer. John Demoss and wife. Charles Demoss and wife, John Close and wife, William Ackright and wife, Mrs. Nathan Julian, and others. The second pastor was Miles Huffaker. after whom came, from time to time, John A. Brouse, Richard Robertson, Joseph White, Jared B. Mershon, - Huffman, Jacob Colelazer, Isaac Staggs, William Wilson, H. B. Beeres, and Jacob Cozad.
683
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
In 1845 a frame house of worship was built on land donated by Nathan Julian in Section 16. The building was a frame, 28x36 feet, and stood until 1871. It was replaced that year by the present commodious temple of worship, which represents a capital of $1,300.
The following is a complete list of pastors since 1849, namely: John Leach, Henry Bodly, J. S. Hetfield, B. Webster, P. Stevens, -Calvert, J. C. White, H. J. Lacey, L. Roberts, W. J. Vigus, J. C. Metsker, Samuel Lamb, - Lakin, William Comstock, V. M. Beamer, J. B. Birt, P. Carland, James Leonard, C. E. Disbro, R. J. Parrot, W. R. Jordan, F. A. Robinson, J. Johnston, J. H. Ford, G. H. Hill and J. J. Smith. The present pastor is L. J. Naftsgar. The present officers are John J. Julian, class-leader; H. B. Shilling and William Delaplane, stewards.
The church is in a prosperous condition and has an active mem- bership of seventy-six. The Sunday-school, under the efficient superintendency of Alexander Wilson, is well attended.
A society of the United Brethren Church was organized in the township about the year 1855, and a frame house of worship erected on the land of William Douglass. William Terrell and Rev. Mr. Peters were early preachers of the church, which at one time was in a very flourishing condition. The organization was finally dis- banded and the building sold to the Baptists. The latter denomi- nation kept up a small organization for several years, and among the preachers was Rev. Ludwell E. Lane. The society was aban- doned a number of years ago and the house sold.
Cemeteries .- The oldest cemetery in the township is the Spring Creek Grave-yard, which was consecrated to the burial of the dead as early as 1836. The first person buried therein was Daniel Flynn, who departed this life some time in the above year. Others laid to rest here in an early day were Mrs. Sabrie Butler (wife of Josiah Butler), David Scott and Elizabeth Nichols.
The Bethel Cemetery was laid out in 1844 by Nathan Julian, and the first burial therein was Julia A., daughter of Peter Miller, who died in the fall of that year. Margaret Melinger was buried here in an early day, as was also Sarah, daughter of Jacob Julian. This is the principal place of interment of a large area of terri- tory, and is one of the most tastefully arranged cemeteries in the county.
Old Town .- The village of Ke-ne-pa-com-a-qua, or Old Town,
684
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
was the name of a populous Indian settlement on Eel River, "covered by the reservation to Mauchinequa in the treaty of Octo- ber 16, 1826, with the Potawattomies." "A century or more ago it was known as a point of considerable importance, being a kind of branch headquarters for the Indians of the upper Wabash, where the plans for numerous depredatory expeditions against the white settlers along the Virginia and Kentucky frontiers were concocted." An expedition against this and other Indian towns of the Wa- bash was fitted out in 1791. It was commanded by Gen. Wilkinson, who marched against the village with a well equipped force of 525 men. "The attack upon the town was decisive and of short dura- tion." Many curious and interesting relics have been found on the site of the ancient village, such as pipes, beads, tomahawks, gun- locks, swords and silver ornaments of various kinds. The place was for years known as the "plum orchard," on account of the great number of wild plum trees that once grew in the locality.
Tillage of Adamsboro, an outgrowth of the Eel River Rail- road, was laid out by George E. Adams in the fall of 1872. The town plat is situated on the southeast quarter of the northwest quar- ter and the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 14, and embraces sixty-three lots and one park, traversed by five streets, three of which, Jefferson, Monroe and Quincy, run north and south, and two, Adams and Madison, east and west. The plat- ting of the town was merely a matter of speculation on the part of the proprietor, who was disappointed in the town not coming up to his expectations. But few of the lots were sold, and, with the ex- ception of a depot and schoolhouse, no improvements have been made in the town site.
Springdale .- A plat of sixteen lots adjoining Adamsboro, on Section 14, was laid out September, 1873, by Samuel Swigart. No improvements of any consequence were made in Springdale, and the plat was subsequently abandoned.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ASBERY BARNETT, one of the old pioneers of Cass County, is a native of Kentucky, born, of Irish and English descent, August 5, 1818. He was the youngest son born to Robert and Nancy (Davis) Barnett, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Connecticut. His father came to this county in 1831, and in 1833
685
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
located upon a farm in Harrison Township. Here his death oc- curred in June, 1852. The death of his mother occurred in Clay Township in September, 1854. Our subject was about thirteen years old when his father came to this county. He spent his early life upon the farm, attending school a portion of the time; he did not leave home during the lifetime of his father. In 1853 he re- moved with his mother to a farm in Section 7, Clay Township. He has never changed his place of residence since, except to a different portion of the farm. In about 1849, with the help of Judge John W. Wright, he built the old plank road leading from Logansport to Rochester, which was operated by them about three years. In 1872 he began the construction of the Northern turnpike. In 1875 the work was finished, and for the six years succeeding it was under his management. He has also been engaged quite extensively in saw-milling, and has bought and sold live stock to a consider- able extent. Lovina Enyeart, a native of Ohio, born, of Dutch and English descent, June 16, 1826, became his wife May 2, 1844. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah ( Miller) Enyeart, both natives of Pennsylvania. Three children were the result of this marriage, named Sallie, Elbert (died in 1864, from the result of a sunstroke received at Nashville, Tenn., while in the service of the Union Army), and Benjamin F. Mr. Barnett lost his first wife June 15, 1850. On May 20, 1852, he was married to Ellen Julian, a native of Rush County, this State, born, of Irish and French de- scent, December 15, 1823. She was the daughter of Jesse and Jane (Reed) Julian. To this latter union four children have been born: Marion (deceased), Eugene, Willard N. and Asbery L. In politics Mr. Barnett is a Republican. He has held the office of trustee in Clay Township eight years.
THOMAS L. BARR, one of the substantial and influential citi- zens of Clay Township, was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., April 4, 1827. His father, Samuel Barr, was a native of Lancas- ter County, Penn., born, of Dutch and Scotch-Irish descent, August 1, 1795; moved to Huntingdon County, Penn., when a young man, and later to Mifflin County, same State, where his death occurred September 8, 1862. He had become a school-teacher at the age of fifteen, and kept it up steadily until fifty-five years of age. He was twice elected to the office of recorder of Mifflin County, and held that position at the time of his death. His mother's maiden name was Bell. She was born December 12, 1797. Her marriage to Samuel Barr occurred in Mifflin County, Penn., December 28, 1820, and she died in her native county, within two miles of her birthplace, December 19, 1845. When his parents moved to Mifflin County our subject was only a boy of perhaps eight years. At the age of twenty-four he immigrated to Auglaize County, Ohio. Some months later he removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he
.686
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
became a farm-hand. In December, 1852, he came to this county, and worked on a farm, chiefly in Adams Township, until the following August. On the 18th of this month he was married to Rebecca K. Krider, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born, of English and German descent, August 17, 1834. She was the third daughter born to Henry and Susan (Custer) Krider, the former a native of Lancaster County and the latter of Washington County, Penn. On the 28th of the month in which he was married he took his wife and started back to Mifflin County, Penn. Here he was employed in a merchant's mill for about two years. In September, 1855, he returned to this county, and has ever since followed farming in Beth- lehem, Adams and Clay Townships. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have had eleven children, only four of whom are living. Their names are: Susanna S., born May 18, 1854, died July 4, 1854: Mary J., born August 9, 1855; Sarah M., born February 10, 1858; Dulcena M., born July 11, 1860, died December 5, 1860; Zeruah A., born Octo- ber 22, 1861, died March 3, 1881: George W., born May 7, 1864, died August 29, 1865; Isaiah E., born July 24, 1865, died August 17. 1865; Binnie B., born January 21, 1867, died August 30, 1868; Tamar V., born November 11, 1870: Ada H. R., born May 26, 1875, and Thomas C., born April 20, 1879, died August 15, 1879. In politics Mr. Barr is a stanch Democrat. While a resident of Adams Township he held the office of township trustee one term and the office of assessor one term. The date of his election to the former was the spring of 1872, and his election to the latter office occurred in the spring of 1875. Mr. Barr, his wife and three chil- dren belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns 195 acres of land, about 115 acres of which is under cultivation.
JOHN H. BURNETT, of Clay Township, was born in Highland County, Ohio, February 8, 1848. He was the oldest son born to Andrew and Mary J. ( Horn) Burnett, the former a native of High- land County, Ohio, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. He had one brother and one sister, their names being George and Hannah, both of whom are living. In March, 1849, his parents immigrated to this State and located upon a farm in Fulton County. March 6, 1864, they came to Cass County and located upon a farm in Noble Township. In 1881 they removed to a farm in Section 19, Clay Township, where they at present reside. In April, 1873, our sub- ject began farming for himself, in Noble Township, and has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In March, 1876, he removed to a farm in Section 7, Clay Township. In March, 1882, he came to his present home, in Section 19, same township. Liz- zie Thornton, a native of Noble Township, this county, born May 12, 1851, became his wife April 3, 1873. She was the daughter of Harvey J. and Catharine (Murray) Thornton, of Noble Township. To this union one child has been born, Nellie May, born December
687
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
28, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Burnett belong to the First Presbyterian Church, of Logansport. Politically he is a Republican. He has a nice little farm, one mile north of Logansport, fitted up with good fences and buildings and in a high state of cultivation. He is an enterprising farmer and an influential citizen.
HON. BENJAMIN F. CAMPBELL, a prominent citizen of Clay Township, is a native of Stark County, Ohio. He was born March 4, 1835, being the third son born to Dugal and Maria ( Carr) Campbell, both natives of Washington County, Penn .; the former of Scotch, and the latter of German and Irish descent. His father was born June 10, 1803; immigrated with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, in an early day: thence to this county, in May, 1848. He located upon a farm in Section 3, Clay Township, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring July 29, 1852. He was a carpenter by occupation, and was a faithful member of the Quaker Church. While a resident of Stark County, Ohio, he held the office of justice of the peace twenty years. The mother of our subject was born November 4, 1807. She, too, came with her par- ents to Stark County, Ohio, where, some time later, she was married to Dugal Campbell. Her death occurred at the old homestead, in Clay Township, August 20, 1867. She was a kind and devoted mother and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was one in a family of ten children -four sons and six daughters. Their names, in the order of their ages, were William C., John T., Eve, Margaret A., Benjamin F., Harriet and Amanda (twins), Mary J., Rachel and Robert C., of whom only Margaret A .. Rachel and Benjamin F., are now living. The only school training he ever received was in the district school of his neighborhood; but realizing the importance of a good educa- tion, he did not stop at this, but immediately set about storing his mind with good and useful information. He had a natural taste for reading, and not unfrequently did the midnight hour find him with book in hand, gathering that which would be of practical benefit to him in later years. This pursuit has since been faithfully prosecu- ted, until now he is a well-informed and intelligent gentleman. He has resided upon the old home-place, in Clay Township, ever since locating there with his father, in 1848, and his attention has chiefly been given to agricultural pursuits. On the 7th of January, 1861, he was married to Margaret South, who, also, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born May 2, 1837. She is the daughter of William and ( Mosier) South, and is a great-niece of Maj. Mosier, of the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have had eight children -four boys and four girls-two of whom, Robert A. and Blanche, are now living. Our subject and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Campbell is an ardent Republican. He takes an active part in political campaigns, and uses all honor-
688
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
able means to promote the interests of his party. In the fall of 1878 he was elected a member of the Indiana State Legislature, and was the candidate of his party for that office in 1882, but failed to overcome an opposing majority. He owns 168 acres of land, near- ly all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He is a successful farmer and an enterprising citizen.
CHARLES N. COOK, of Clay Township, is a native of Berk- shire County, Mass., and was born September 15, 1830. He was the son of Noah and Lydia B. (Bardwell) Cook, the former a native of West Hampton, and the latter a native of Belchertown, both in Massachusetts. His parents were both of English extraction. His father was a shoe-maker by trade. A part of his early life was spent assisting his father at his trade and a part of the time he worked on a farm. When he had attained his majority he went on a prospect- ing tour to California, where for eighteen months he gave his atten- tion to mining and gardening. In the fall of 1854 he returned to Massachusetts, and remained with his father one year. In the spring of 1856 he immigrated to this county and located in Logans- port. In the fall of 1856 he located a short distance west of the city, where he was engaged in gardening until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteers, from which he was honorably discharged July 8, 1865, at David's Island, N. Y. He was in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Moun- tain and the siege of Atlanta. At the close of the war he returned to this county, and has been engaged in farming most of the time since then. February 27, 1866, he was married to Margaret Ball, a native of Washington County, Penn., born May 6, 1841. She was the daughter of David and Maria ( Baker) Ball, of Clay Town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have three children, all living. Their names are William D., born April 7, 1867; Anna Belle, born May 26, 1871, and Lydia E., born March 26, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Cook belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cook has held the office of assessor in Clay Township for two terms. In pol- ities he is an ardent Republican. He has a comfortable home five miles northeast of Logansport. He is a straightforward man, a re- spected citizen and temperate in every particular.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.