USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 68
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ALFRED B. MYERS is a native of this township. He was born on the farm where he now resides on the 15th of April, 1842. He was the youngest of a family of four children, namely: Isaac N., Henry C., Mary A. and Alfred B., born to John and Ann (Swisher) Myers. They were united in marriage in the fall of 1830, in Preble County, Ohio, and immigrated to this county in 1833, and entered 240 acres of wild land in Section 26. Here, in a cabin, our subject was born, and he spent his boyhood and youth on the farm, aiding in clearing and making a home. His early education was good for that day of log schoolhouses. On August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company K. Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He took an active part in the Vicksburg campaign, Jackson, Miss., Chatta-
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nooga, and participated in all the leading battles around Atlanta, and went with Gen. Sherman through Georgia. Shortly afterward he received an honorable discharge, and returned home to enjoy the Union he had fought so bravely to preserve. He returned without a wound, notwithstanding the fact that he took part in fifteen regu- lar engagements, and some of them were the hottest contested bat- tles of the war. After his return home, or on the 23d of Novem- ber, 1865, he was united in matrimony with Hannah Klepinger, daughter of Henry and Mary Klepinger, old and respected residents of this township. She was born August 15, 1844, in this county. To this union were born three children, namely: Elmer T., born January 20, 1867, died February 27, 1867; Alice M., born May 25, 1869, died September 5, 1877; Grace L., born December 13, 1876. Mr. Myers is a member of the G. A. R., is a Republican, and be- lieves in the principles of his party. He began life on his own re- sponsibility in fair circumstances, and by dint of industry and perse- verance has accumulated considerable property. He owns a fine improved farm of 240 acres, in Section 26. It is the old home- stead, where he was reared and has spent the best part of his life. Being raised on a farm, he has adopted farming as a life pursuit, and is to-day one of Clinton's most successful farmers.
MRS. SALLIE NEFF is the widow of Jonathan Neff, who was born in Franklin County, Va., June 30, 1797. His parents were Jacob and Polly Neff, who immigrated to this county in 1829, and settled on the Wabash, in this township. Here they resided until their deaths. When Jonatlian was twelve years old his father im- migrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, and here Jonathan resided until his marriage, which occurred July 3, 1825. On this date he was united in wedlock with Sallie Kinnaman, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Kinnaman; the former a native of North Carolina, of German descent, the latter a native of South Carolina, of Irish de- scent. Our subject was born on the 16th of June, 1804, in North Carolina. When she was ten years of age her parents immigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio. Here she spent her young life up. to the time of her marriage. They began life together in Ohio, and resided there until 1830, when they removed to this county and settled on the farm where she now resides. Here Mr. Neff purchased 320 acres of wild land, built a cabin, and began to make a home. At this time there were but few settlers south of the Wa- bash, below Logansport, in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Neff had born to them eight children, viz .: Jacob, born July 1, 1826, died March 16, 1856; Washington, born November 1, 1827; Daniel and Polly, born April 16, 1829 (Polly died in 1830) ; William, born June 12, 1832, died in 1872; Sarah, born July 15, 1834, died in 1882; Jonathan, March 11, 1836, died June 25, 1854, and Lucinda, born October 24, 1837, died March 11, 1859. Mr. Neff was also called
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away, after a long and useful life, on February 7, 1880. He was one of the pioneers of the county. Mrs. Neff and two sons, Wash- ington and Daniel, survive him.
WASHINGTON NEFF is one of the pioneers of this county. He was born November 1, 1827, in Preble County, Ohio. His par- ents were Jonathan and Sarah ( Kinnaman ) Neff. Washington was three years old when his parents came to this county, in 1830, and he spent his early days here on a farm, receiving a fair educa- tion for that day. At the age of twenty he began to do for himself by engaging at farm work by the month. On November 3, 1850, he was married to Nancy J. Carter, daughter of Walter and Anne (Damuron ) Carter, old and respected residents of this county. Nancy was born August 1, 1831. They had born to them nine children, Annie, Lucinda, Amanda J., Emma A., Benjamin F., Edward C. Rosetta, Laura, and an infant unnamed. Annie, Benjamin F. and Rosetta are deceased. Mr. Neff is a Democrat, and votes the ticket on national affairs. He began life in fair circumstances, and to- day controls a fine farm in Section 3. He has spent the most of his life on the farm where he now resides and expects to end his days.
DANIEL K. NEFF. The subject of this sketch was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 16, 1829. When he was one year old his parents immigrated to this county, which makes our subject a res- ident of fifty-six years, and places him among the pioneers. Here his boyhood was spent on the farm where he now resides, and his early education was fair for that day of log schoolhouses. At the age of twenty-one he began life on his own responsibility, by working for his father by the year. On November 20, 1856, he was united in marriage with Mary Aha. To this union there were born nine children, namely: Napoleon B., Celia, Agnes J., Walter S., Marion F., Warren B., Minnie, Clara and May-two of whom are deceased, Napoleon and Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Neff is a Democrat, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. He began life a poor man, and by industry and perseverance has accumulated considerable of this world's goods.
JAMES E. PATTERSON is a native of Tippecanoe County, this State. He was born in Lafayette, August .18, 1830; he was the third of a family of six children born to James and Sarah ( Whitcomb) Patterson; the former a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, the latter a native of Vermont; the former of Irish and the latter of English descent. They immigrated to this county in 1851, and settled on the farm where our subject now resides, and remained here until their respective deaths. James spent his early life in Tippecanoe County on a farm, receiving a fair education. He was about twenty-two years of age when he came to this county, on De-
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cember 10, 1857. He was united in marriage with Margaret Brown, daughter of James and Salina Brown, old and respected residents of this township. They began life together on the farm where Mr. Patterson now resides. This union was blessed with three children, namely: Minerva I., born September 8, 1858; John R., born De- cember 1, 1859; Lanra A., September 27, 1861-all of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson lived happily together until she was called away, on July 12, 1873. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and loved by all who knew her. Since her death, Mr. Patterson has continued to reside with his chil- dren on the old home farm. He is also a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of his party. The father of Mr. Patterson was born on the 8th of May, 1796, and departed this life on September 18, 1864. The mother of Mr. Patterson was born November 27, 1799, and was called away April 22, 1874.
OLIVER H. PORTER, the subject of this sketch, was born in Fayette County, this State, on December 30, 1835. His parents were William and Nancy (Justice ) Porter, both natives of this State; the former was born on the 4th of March, 1810, and the latter about 1815. They were married in Fayette, on December 20, 1832, and began life together in limited circumstances on a farm. Soon after, in December, 1836, the mother of our subject was called away. In 1844 Mr. Porter was again married to Elizabeth (Callants ) Cooper, and immediately immigrated to Cass County and settled in Section 13, where they resided until their deaths; the former died in 1860, and the latter in 1878. Oliver spent his boyhood and youth on this old homestead, and owing to the amount of work necessary in clear- ing up a home in the woods, and the short school terms, he received a limited education. At the age of twenty-three he began life on his own responsibility by engaging in farming and dealing in stock; this he followed until the 24th of December, 1863, when he was united in marriage with Rosanna Benner, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Hizer ) Benner; the former a native of Maryland and the latter a native of Ohio, of German descent. She was born November 21, 1839, in Carroll County, this State. To this union were born four children, namely: William H., born November 12, 1865; Daniel A., born September 1, 1867; Katie Mc, born March 13, 1870; Quincy A., born Angust 17, 1881-all of whom are now living. Mrs. Porter is a member of the Christian Church. Politically Mr. Porter is a Republican. He has never songht office and prefers to attend to his own private business, which requires the most of his attention. He now owns two fine farms, one in Section 3, this township, and the other in Rock Creek Township, Section 22, Carroll County. He has for some years paid considerable attention to the raising and hand- ling of Percheon-Norman horses, and in 1875 he purchased and
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
brought to this county the first pure blooded horse of this breed ever imported to this county.
RICHARD TYNER is one of the pioneers of this county; he was born in South Carolina on October 3, 1806. His parents were James and Margaret (Givens) Tyner, natives of South Carolina, of Irish descent, they both being born in 1776. The parents of our subject immigrated to Franklin County, this State, in September. 1807. Here they resided until 1813, when they removed to Fayette County. Here Mr. Tyner, Sr., resided until his accidental death, which occurred in 1823. Mrs. Tyner continued to reside on the old home farm until her death in 1838. Richard remained at home and took care of his mother and brothers and sisters, they being John, Samuel G., James, William, Daniel, Lucinda, Malinda and Matilda, until he was twenty-seven years of age. On December 20. 1832, he was united in marriage with Emily Ross, daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Dale) Ross, natives of Kentucky, of Scotch descent. Emily was born in March, 1811. Prior to this, in 1831, Mr. Tyner visited this county on an inspection tour. The next year he returned and bought the farm on which he now resides for 81.373 an acre. In the fall of 1835 he brought his young wife and one child and settled on his land. He had $70 in money and the personal property he could haul in an ox wagon. Mr. Tyner is one among the few who came here and opened up settlements in this county. He has lived to see a wonderful change take place. The married life of Mr. and Mrs. Tyner was blessed with nine chil- dren: Letitia, Jordan R., James, William, Elizabeth, Caroline, Daniel, John and Merideth-four of whom are deceased: James, Letitia, Daniel and Caroline. Mrs. Tyner was called away June 5, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Tyner were members of the Baptist Church. Politically Mr. Tyner is a stanch Republican, and has always taken an active part in politics. He voted for Andrew Jackson in 1828, but walked 130 miles in three days, in 1832, to vote against him, and has fought Democracy ever since. He has never missed an election, and never expects to. In 1839 he was elected county com- missioner, and served six years, during which time the court house was paid for. and let the contract for building the Bridge Street bridge across Eel River, purchased the poor farm and the site where the high school building now stands. He was elected land appraiser, and appraised all the land in Cass County. He has also held the office of trustee of his township two terms. During all of his official life he has acquitted himself with credit. He now resides on the old home farm, consisting of 200 acres of the finest land in Section 5.
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DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XIII.
DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP-BOUNDARY AND SURFACE FEATURES-EARLY HISTORY-ORGANIZATION-EARLY INDUSTRIES-ROADS-ITEMS OF IN- TEREST-RELIGIOUS HISTORY-YOUNG AMERICA, ETC .- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
D EER CREEK TOWNSHIP lies in the southwest corner of Cass County, and embraces an area of thirty-six square miles, bounded as follows: Washington and Tipton Townships on the north, Jackson Township on the east, and the counties of Howard and Carroll on the south and west, respectively. The principal water-course is Deer Creek, which flows a westerly direction through the central part of the township, and receives in its course a number of small tributaries, but few of which are designated by any partic- ular names. The land adjacent to this creek is somewhat undulat- ing, and abounds in a black loam soil, which for fertility can not be surpassed by any other part of the county. The general surface of the country, however, is quite diversified, and the soil varies in dif- ferent localities. The country was originally heavy timbered, the leading varieties being black walnut, ash, maple, beech, elm and the different kinds of oak.
As is well known, Deer Creek is pre-eminently an agricultural township, and, compared in size and population, there are among its inhabitants a greater number of comfortably situated owners of the soil they till than in any other section of the county. In short, it is doubtful, notwithstanding the absence of manufactures, and the en- tire want of such public works as generally go hand in hand with a community's wealth, whether a section can be pointed to within the entire State, where an area containing an equal population, or a population contained within an equal area can be found, possessing in a greater degree the elements of material prosperity than can here be seen. To sum up its advantages in a few words, it can be truthfully said that, as to general improvements, good highways, interesting natural and historical landmarks, and in an intelligent, refined and hospitable people, Deer Creek can claim a foremost po- sition; while in every thing which tends to make a country pros-
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
perous, its people contented with their lot, and others contented with them, it occupies no second place.
Early History .- The greater portion of Deer Creek Township was formerly included within the great Miami Reservation, in con- sequence of which but few settlers came to the country prior to the purchase of the lands from the Indians. The earliest comers, of which there is any definite knowledge, were Noah Fouts and Joseph Neff, both of whom made settlements some time in 1839. The former moved from Carroll County, and located where his grandson now lives, in Section 19. Mr. Neff came from Wayne County, and selected a home where William Snyder lives, in Section 20.
The next settlers were probably Johnson Reagan, who located in Section 19; Samuel Etter, brother-in-law of Fouts, who made an improvement where Mr. Flynn now lives, in Section 13; Joshua Coshow, who located land on the southwest corner of Section 36, and William Buchanan, who settled in the southern part of the township, on land owned at the present time by the heirs of Samuel Sence; all of whom became residents of the township as early as 1840 or 1841. William Dunkin came in 1941, and settled a short distance west of Young America, where he still lives. He laid claim to his land before it came into market, entered it subsequent- ly, and for a period of forty-five years has been an honored resident of the township. Daniel and Jacob Shelly came to the county as early as 1841, and made a few improvements north of Deer Creek, in Section 14. They were hunters, rather than tillers of the soil, and spent the greater part of their time in pursuit of the game with which the forests at that time abounded.
An early settler in the eastern part of the township was John MeIlwain, who located the farm upon which William Holland lives, in Section 23, about the year 1841 or 1842. A brother, Oliver Mc- Ilwain, came the same time, and settled in the same section.
In 1843, a number of settlers made homes in the township, among whom were John N. Poundstone, on the farm he still owns. Robert Coat, son-in-law of Johnson Reagan, on the Green farm, north of Young America; James Roach, in Section 32; Alexander Murphy, in Section 34; A. F. Coin, in Section 31, where his son, Randolph Coin, now lives; Daniel and Lewis Hymen, near Deer Creek in the southern part of the township; David Lee, in Section 17; George W. and Jackson Harness, the former where he still lives,
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DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
and the latter on the farm owned by his heirs; Barrett Wilson, near Young America, and a man by the name of Burrows, near the cen- tral part of the township, in Section 15. Other early comers were John Payton, who settled where Joseph McCloskey lives, in Section 25; James Logan, in Section 22; James Smith, near the Logan set- tlement; William Hall and William Holland, in the northern part of the township; Benjamin Hoover, in Section 21; Thomas Vaughn, near the northern boundary; John Grist, near the Burrows settle- ment, and David and Isaac Pemberton, in Section 29-the majority of whom became citizens between the years 1843 and 1845.
Among others who came from time to time, and who can be ap- propriately mentioned as early settlers, were James Stanly, Benja- min Dunkin, Henry Jones, Samuel Wallace, Lewis Isley, John Davis, William Smith, George Wilson, John Jones, Benj. Jones, Joseph Cornell, - Simmons, S. B. Morrow, Simeon Wilsee, Henry Doran, Robert Campbell, Jacob Elder, George Campbell, Elijah Burnett, Geo. Mowdy, John Hampshire, John E. Miller, George Ewing, Peter Sence and Robert Miller.
Township Organization .- The township was organized July 26, 1842, and derived its name from Deer Creek, which flows through its confines. The first election was held at the residence of William Holland, and John Grist is thought to have been the first justice of the peace. The second person to fill that office was Jeremiah El- more, who was elected in 1846. John McIlwain and Thompson Vaughn were early trustees.
Industries .- The first mill in the township was built in 1844 or 1845, by David Fisher, and stood on Deer Creek, from which it received its motive power. It was a saw-mill, and manufactured much of the lumber used by the early settlers. A grist-mill was afterward built adjoining the original structure, and is still stand- ing. This mill is a large frame building, three and a half stories high, and is owned and operated at the present time by a Mr. Bow- man. An early industry of the township was a small distillery, oper- ated by James Roach about the year 1843 or 1844. The building was a round-log cabin, and the apparatus consisted of one small cop- per "still," which produced an average article of whisky, all of which was consumed in the immediate neighborhood. It was oper- ated a short time, and finally fell into ruins.
A tannery was started near the present site of Young America,
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
in an early day by Johnson Reagan, who, for some time, did a fair business. This enterprise, like the distillery, was of short duration, and all vestiges of the same have long since disappeared.
A number of steam saw-mills have been in operation at different times throughout the township, and the lumber business early be- came an important industry. The largest of these mills is in Sec- tion 2, built several years ago by John Sprinkle, who has operated quite extensively ever since.
The first tile factory in the township was built by Lewis Turner a number of years ago. He did a prosperous business for some time, but finally abandoned the enterprise.
Robert Burkett was engaged in the manufacture of tile for sev- eral years, as was also James Umbarger, both of whom did well in the undertaking.
Roads .- The first regularly established highway through Deer Creek Township is the Delphi and Marion State road, which was surveyed a couple of years before the land came into market. It passes through the central part of the township from east to west, and is still extensively traveled. Several other roads were estab- lished in an early day, and the township is now well supplied with highways, which intersect each other at proper intervals, the major- ity of them running parallel with the section lines.
Items of Interest .- The first mechanic in the township was Rob- ert Coat, who engaged in the blacksmithing business shortly after coming to the country. He was a skillful workman, and for a num- ber of years did a prosperous business manufacturing reaping sickles.
Another early blacksmith was John Jones, who, in addition to his general trade, acquired considerable reputation as an auger maker.
The first death in the township was that of Z. Reagan, which occurred about the year 1841.
" The first schoolhouse was built on the Hymen farm about the year 1840. The first school in the new house was taught by Josiah Brown."
At the time of the settlement of the country there was quite an Indian village on the MeIlwain farm, near the eastern part of the township. There was also a camping-ground on the present site of Young America. The Indians lived on terms of friendship with the
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DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
early settlers, but would watch for a favorable opportunity and oc- casionally raid a hen-roost or pig-pen.
Religious .- " The first religious meetings in the township were held at the cabin of Noah Fouts, about the year 1840, by the Cum- berland Presbyterians. Their preacher was Rev. John Hay." The Baptists came next, and for some years conducted religious ex- ercises in the various settlements, but organized no society for a number of years later.
Salem Methodist Church, the oldest religious society in the township, was organized at the residence of John Elmore, about the year 1846. Among the early members were Dr. John Reeder and wife, Henry Doran and wife, John Elmore and wife, Elijah Bunnell and wife, George Campbell and wife, David Reeder and wife and Jonathan Reeder and wife. Sisters Phebe A. Reeder and Ann El- more were largely instrumental in bringing about the organization. They organized a prayer-meeting in an early day, into which were gathered the few settlers in the vicinity of their homes, and by thus working they soon awakened an interest which culminated in the organization of the class. Meetings were held at private resi- dences for a period of six to eight years, when a log building was erected on land donated for the purpose by George Campbell. It was used for church purposes a number of years, but was finally abandoned on account of its inconvenient location. The next meet- ing place was the Babb Schoolhouse on Section 11, which served as a place of worship until 1876. In that year the present handsome frame building in Section 3 was erected at a cost of $1,600.
Among the early pastors of the church were Revs. Skillman, Crothan, Newton, Hill, Fennimore, Reed, Black and Waymire. Later came T. J. Elkin, A. J. Cary, William Peck, O. D. Watkins, A. M. Patterson and the present incumbent, J. S. McElwee. The church is in a prosperous condition at the present time, with an active membership of about sixty. The officers are James Martin, class-leader; Thomas Elkins and John R. Babb, stewards.
Upper Deer Creek Christian Church was organized Novem- ber, 1848, by Elder Shoemaker, and among the early members were James Roach and wife, Mr. Simmons and wife, Mrs. Sarah Turley, S. B. Morrow and wife, Mr. Bowman and wife, Mrs. Sarah Harness and A. J. Forgy and wife. The organization was effected at Mr. Turley's residence in Howard County, and meetings were held in.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
private dwellings and schoolhouses until 1853. In that year a hewed-log building was erected in Section 34, Deer Creek Township, on land donated by Alexander Murphey. It was used until about 1860 or 1861, at which time the present frame temple of worship, situated in Section 35, was built. The following preachers have sustained the pastoral relation to the church at different times, to wit: Elders Shoemaker, Isaac Johnson, Mr. Cook, George Hub- bard, Thomas Hubbard, Jonathan Dipboye, S. Vanness, John R. Kob, Jolın L. Puckett and B. Anderson, the last named being the preacher in charge at the present time. The present membership of the church numbers about 100. The large and flourishing Sun- day-school is superintended by George Hindmiller.
As early as the year 1848 or 1849 a Society of Friends was organ- ized near Young America, and a few years later a log house of wor- ship was built on what is now the Green farm, a short distance north of the village. One of the earliest preachers of this society was John Jones, and among the first members were Robert Coat and family, Henry Jones and family, John Jones and family, David Pemberton and family and Isaac Pemberton and family. The or- ganization was kept up a number of years, but finally disbanded, owing to deaths and removals. The place of meeting was changed to Popular Grove in Howard County, where a society was main- tained for a number of years.
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