USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 85
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875
NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
George and William McMillen, brothers of Robert, came in 1830 and secured homes in Sections 22 and 21, respectively. Two other brothers, James and Thomas, moved to the county about the same time and became permanent residents of the township. An- other family of McMillens, relatives of the former, were among the earliest settlers, their arrival antedating the year 1832. These were John, Andrew and Linn McMillen, all of whom made substantial improvements and became prominently identified with the growth and development of the country.
Another early comer, worthy of special mention, was Robert Gibson, who came about the year 1830 and settled where Samuel Farlow now lives. He was an esteemed citizen of the township un- til his death, which occurred in 1855. His brother, Joseph Gibson, came about the same time and made an improvement on the farm now owned by Mr. E. H. Moss. As early as 1830 Benjamin and John Adair were living in the township, the former on the south- west quarter of Section 18 and the latter on the northeast quarter of Section 19. Benjamin Adair lived on what is now the Maye farm, and was a resident of Noble until his removal to Kansas in 1859. He was a worthy man, and departed this life in Kansas in the year 1874. One son, J. N. Adair, and one daughter, Mrs. C. A. Brandt, are living in the township at the present time. John Adair was for many years a leading citizen of the township, but subse- quently moved to Carroll County, where his death occurred.
Daniel Dale came in a very early day and settled on what is now the Royal Centre Pike, not far from Logansport. He raised a large family and was a citizen of the township for several years. Will- iam Grant moved to the township as early as 1829 and settled on the William Douglas farm, a short distance north of the city. Before the close of 1831 the following men had become permanent residents of the township: James Hood, in the northeast quarter of Section 20; a man by name of Lamb, on land now owned by Oliver Brandt; Elder Alexander Scott, on the Neff farm, near Shiloh Church, and George Trapp, who located where John Moss now lives, near the McMillen settlement. Prominent among those whose arrivals ante- date 1831, was Judge James Horney, who located about one mile north of Logansport, on the creek that bears his name. He was for several years an associate judge of the county, served as sheriff in an early day, and was a man whose honesty and integrity became pro-
576
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
verbial throughout the entire country. His brother, Solomon Hor- ney, was an early settler also, and a man highly esteemed for his inany sterling qualities.
In the year 1532 came a number of worthy men. who were in no- wise dismayed by the gloomy prospect presented by a home in the backwoods. They were James Harper, father-in-law of Robert McMillen, who settled on the northwest quarter of Section 22; Daniel Harwood on the Stephenhaufer farm; Richard and John Smith, on the Sanderson place; James Wilson, where Lamb origi- nally settled; Arnett Shields, on the farm owned by his heirs; Thomp- son Barnett, where DeHart Booth lives; T. J. Soward, in the west- ern part of the township; Richard Howard, in Section 14; and others whose names can not be recalled. Eli Cotner became a resi- dent in quite an early day, but the exact date of his settlement is not known, though it is supposed to have been prior to 1532. He selected a home on the northwest quarter of Section 17, and was the first justice of the peace elected in the township. He raised a large family-ten sons and two daughters-three of whom, William, " East" and David are prominent citizens of Noble.
Jesse Hodge came to the township in 1533 and located where Jonathan Neff now lives, in Section 17. Other settlers of the same year were Isaac Louderback, on the Thomas Hurd farm; Gen. Hy- acinth Lasselle, on the Israel Watts place; Henry Baum, Elizabeth Denbo, John Cary, Isane Hodges, James Hood and Joseph Oliver. Other early settlers were William McKaig, John Watts, Jr., David Corbett, Joseph Corbett, Ephraim Dukes; William Thornton, father of John and Harvey Thornton; James Hensley, Joel Elam; Daniel, William and James Corbett, sons of Joseph Corbett; James Adair, son of John Adair; Dixon McCoy, the Galbreath family, a man by name of Pinchaise, William Noff, Samuel Rader, Elijah Oliver, Landy Rector, Hugh B. MeCain, Harvey Brown, Henry Weirrick, Peter Barron, Jacob Bookwalter, - Dean, David Hill- house, William Harrison, John Sellers, Thompson Barnett; a man by name of Dunlap, the first school-teacher in the township; William Lewis, D. Elsworth, Dr. Quick, Abraham Wolford, John Hurd and DeHart Booth, the majority of whom purchased land from the Government and became residents prior to the year 1510. Soon after the above year many changes began to occur, and it would be difficult to continue the list of early settlers further.
877
NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
Others deserving of special mention came in from time to time, but their names were not given to the writer.
Township Organization .- The township was organized on the 8th of March, 1836, and named in honor of Noah Noble, then gov- ernor of Indiana. Soon after the organization an election was held at the residence of Robert McMillen. At this election but five or six votes were cast.
The first board of trustees was composed of James Hensley, James Horney and Joel Elam. Robert McMillen was elected treasu- rer of the township and William Lewis secretary. The first trustee elected under the new law was Robert McMillen.
Industries .- The first saw-mill in Noble Township was built in 1833, by Gen. Hyacinth Lasselle, and stood at the mouth of Cotton- wood Creek, on the farm now owned by Israel Watts. It was highly prized by the early citizens of Noble and other townships, and for some time was the only lumber-mill in the county outside of Logans- port. In 1835 or 1836, Hugh B. McCain built a saw-mill on the Fitch farm, which was in successful operation several years. It dis- appeared long ago, and no vestige of the old building remains to mark the spot where it stood. The first mill for grinding corn in the township was constructed by Henry Garrett, and stood on what is now the Kuns farm. It was a primitive affair, supplied with in- different machinery, but manufactured a fair article of meal. The first steam saw-mill- was built in 1846 by William McKaig, and stood about one-half mile south of Gebhart Station, on the farm now owned by L. H. McKaig. It was operated one year by McKaig & Tuttle, and at the end of that time Uhl & Thompson became owners. They ran it until 1848, at which time the entire structure, together with a large amount of lumber, were destroyed by fire, entailing a heavy loss upon the proprietors. William and Richard Watts built a saw-mill near the present site of Cottonwood Mill in 1847, and op- erated it for a period of about ten years. It did a good business, and was well patronized by the people of the neighborhood. In 1849 or 1850, John Brandt built a saw-mill on the farm where he now lives, and operated it very successfully for a number of years. It stood on Cottonwood Creek, from which it received its motive power, and was considered one of the best mills in the country during the time of its operation. The Cottonwood Flouring-mill, on Cottonwood Creek, was erected in the year 1857 by C. A. Brandt & Brother, who
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
ofw.Interi it with good success until 15.1. This is the only fouring- mill ever erected in the township, and is still standing, though not in operation ut the present time.
In 1960, A steam circular saw-mull was built at Gebhart Station by the Ferguson Bros. It was sulmequently remodeled by Joseph Richards, and is now owned and operated by Jacob & William Da- vidson, who are doing a very successful business.
An early and important industry of the township was a large stone quarry, operated on quite an extensive scale during the days of the canul. From fifty to sixty men were employed the greater part of the time in order to supply the demand for building stone, and the proprietor, a Mr. Benard. of Lafayette, did a thriving busi- ness for u number of years. The enterprise was abandoned when the canul went down. A warehouse was built on the Fitch farm in au early day by William L. Brown, who used it first for storing his own grain. He afterward bought and shipped grain, and did a fair busi- uess. The building is still standing, in a good state of preser- vation.
Items of Interest .- Among the earliest marriages celebrated in Noble Township, was that of William Neff to Susannnh Galbreath. in 1-32. Another early marriage was that of Robert McMillen and Rosannah Harper, solemnized July 10. 1-34.
The first frame house in the township was built by John Adair. about the year 1533. Robert MeMillen erected a frume dwelling in 1-36, and the same year two others were built by Joseph and David Corbett. Mr. McMillen doing the carpenter work. The first brick residences were built by Robert Gibson and William Kern.
In the year I>33, James Hood and Eli Cotuer, set out orchards. the first in the township. Thomas Barnett and Robert McMillen planted orchards in an early day, also, A number of the trees of which are still standing, bearing fruit.
The first physician in the township was Dr. James Wilson, who practiced his profession for some time during the early days of the country. He subsequently moved to Logansport, where he achieved considerable reputation as a practitioner.
" In 1534 there was born to James and Elizabeth Hood a daugh- ter. Asenath, who was probably the first white child born in the township. The same year Eli Watts was born to Martha and John Watts."
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NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
In June, 1844, the packet " Kentucky " ran out of the canal at the mouth of Cottonwood Creek, which accident resulted in the death of three persons. The casualty happened in the night, and part of the crew saved themselves by clinging to a log in the water until morning.
In the year 1852 George Leach died suddenly at the residence of Israel Watts. He was sitting in a chair singing, and had no premonition of death's sudden approach.
Daniel Elsworth, an early settler of the township, met with a violent death many years ago, under very mysterious circumstances. He was found dead in the woods, near the site of McKaig's saw- mill, but no clue to his mysterious "taking off" was ever ob- tained.
An odd character worthy of mention in connection with the his- tory of the township was one Jacob Summy, an old crippled man, who kept a canal grocery in an early day near the stone quarry, or "Cork Town," as the place was more familiarly known. His stock in trade consisted of boat stores and bad whisky, and his leisure hours were devoted to the study of the Scriptures, which he could quote more fluently than any minister in the country. He had a strange fancy for old axes, of which he accumulated a pile in bulk as large as a wagon bed.
In the fall of 1872 one Timothy O'Driscoll fell out of the door of a whisky shop near the old canal and broke his neck, causing al- most instant death. The verdict of the coroner's jury was that he was accidentally killed by falling from the door while in a state of intoxication. Strong suspicions were entertained, however, that he was knocked or kicked out of the building.
An accidental death occurred in an early day at the lock of the canal, a few miles southwest of Logansport. The lock was being repaired, when one of the workmen-name forgotten-was caught and crushed beneath a pile of falling timber.
Cemeteries .- The Shiloh Grave-yard, in Section 17, was set aside for burial purposes in 1833, the ground being donated by John Watts. The first person laid to rest in this cemetery was James, the son of Jesse and Margaret Hodges, whose death occurred Au- gust 20 of the above year. Lucinda McMillen, daughter of John McMillen was buried here in 1833, as was also Susannah, wife of J. Neff, their deaths occurring in October and November, respective-
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
ly. Other early burials were James McKaig. April, 1535; Mrs. Martha Watts, July, 1536, and a Mrs. James, October, 1536.
The Harper Grave-yard was consecrated to the burial of the dead many years ago, and the first person Inid to rest beneath its somber shades was Martha, wife of Joseph Gibson, whose death oc- curred in an early day. A child of Mrs. Gibson was the second buried, and the third was a child of Andrew MeMillen.
A third burying-ground was afterward laid near the East Sand- ridge Schoolhouse, but the names of the first persons buried therein were not learned.
Religious .- Among the early settlers of Noble were some who never faltered in the discharge of their religious duties, althoughi no organizations were effected or houses of worship built for several years after the appearance of the first pioneers. The first religious services of which there is any knowledge were conducted by Rev. M. M. Post ( Presbyterian ), at the residence of Jane McMillen, as early as the year 1531. Mr. Post continued his visits at regular intervals, and as a result of his labors a Presbyterian Church was organized in 1532, with a membership of about eighty persons. Meetings were held at Mrs. MeMillen's residence until 1536, at which time a hewed-log house of worship was erected, Mrs. MeMil- len donating land for the purpose. Mr. Post looked after the inter- ests of the little flock for several years and did much toward plac- it upon a substantial basis. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert Ran- kin, whose pastorate extended over a period of four or five years. and at the expiration of his term of service no other preacher was employed. The members continued to meet, from time to time, but the organization was finally abandoned, the majority of the com- municants identifying themselves with the Logansport congregations.
The first Sunday-school in the township was organized in the spring of 1531, at the residence of Mrs. Jane MeMillen, with John Adair as superintendent. It was kept up for several years and was the means of accomplishing much good in the community.
Shiloh Christian Church was organized in the year 1556, by El- der Nicholas Myers, and the following persons constituted the orig. inal membership, viz. : William P. Watts and wife, John W. Oliver and wife, Mrs. Sarah Watts, Lavina Rector and John R. Watts. The first deacons were Win. P. Watts and Peter Cotner, who have been continued in the same position ever since. The first house of
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NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
worship was erected some time previous to the organization, and served as a meeting place for all orthodox denominations, the peo- ple of the neighborhood building it for that purpose. It was a frame structure, and stood on ground donated by John Watts, in Section 17. It was used until 1885, at which time the present com- modious temple of worship was built on the same ground, at a cost of $1,500. The following preachers have had pastoral charge of the church since its organization: John S. Winters, Elijah Tillman, Bayless L. Dixon, George Buzard, James Atwood, William Y. Wine- gardner, B. D. Hayes, James Roberts, Kendall E. West, Isaac Crago, Samuel McNeely, John L. Puckett and George Abbott. The present preacher is Mrs. Strickland. The church is in a prosperous condition, with an active membership.
Webb Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church .- The early Method- ist families living in the neighborhood of Webb Chapel, were mem- bers of the Logansport congregation, and it was not until about 1856 that the organization of a class so near the city was attempted. In that year Rev. Mr. Webb, presiding elder of the circuit, organized a class of about twenty or twenty-five members, and within a short time thereafter a frame house of worship was erected on land do- nated by a Mr. Saxton. Among the early preachers were Revs. Reeder, White, Hayes and others. The society was kept [up until 1881, at which time, owing to the small membership, it was thought best to disband the organization. The building was remodeled, and is now used at intervals by local preachers and ministers of various denominations. A flourishing Sunday-school is maintained the greater part of the year.
Ford's Crossing Memorial Church, Evangelical Association, dates its history from the year 1880, at which time the organization was brought about by the labors of Revs. J. M. Dustman and J. E. Smith. The original membership consisted of twelve persons, whose names are as follows, to wit: F. B. Lutman and wife, Amos Swei- gard and wife, Samuel M. Cogley and wife, Jane Cogley, Ellen Cog- ley, Lizzie Cogley and Charles F. Sheets and wife. The West Sandridge Schoolhouse was used for a meeting place until 1881, when the present beautiful temple of worship at Ford's Crossing was erected at a cost of $1,000. The building is frame, 30x40 feet, and will comfortably seat 200 people. The following pastors have had charge of the church since its organization: J. M. Dustman,
HISTORY OF CASA COUNTY.
William Ackerman, Rev. Mr. Schuh. Henry Arlen and Rev. Mr. Overmeyer. The present membership is about sixteen. F. B. Lut- man is class-leader.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
CHARLES A. BRANDT, one of the pioneers and a substantial citizen and farmer of Noble Township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 14, 152s. He was the oldest san born to John and Hannah (Coulson ) Brandt. His father immigrated to this State in 1537, consequently at this time he was but nine years old. At sev. entren years of age he became an apprentice to E. B. Williams, of Logansport, with whom he remained one year and learned the tra le of a wagon-maker. He worked at his trade in Logansport and in Lafayette until in 1850. During this time he muude his home at his father's, in Noble Township. In the spring of 1550 he started to Oregon, but after reaching St. Louis, on account of sickness. he returned home. In the following spring he made another start, aud this time completed the entire trip, reaching Oregon in September. 1551. Shortly afterward he journeyed southward into California. where he engaged in mining; some months later he returned to Oregon. He then engaged in the packing business, or conveying provisions from Oregon to the mines of California. This received his attention until June. 1554, when he returned to this county. where he has ever since resided. In 1855 he located upon a farm in Section 20, Noble Township. In 1964 he removed to his present home, in Section 21, same township. In the spring of 1560 he made a trip to Pike's Peak, returning in the following September. In the fall of 1566 he went to Kansas, but returned a year later. These trips westward were more of a prospective nature than with a view of locating permanently. Rosana Adair, a native of Noble Township, this county, horn August 5, 1531, became his wife. March 30, 1855. Mrs. Brandt was the daughter of Benjamin and Anna ( McMillen) Adair, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respect- ively. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have had two children: James M., horn October 25, 1557, lived but one day, and Albert O., born June 21. 1559. Mr. Brandt formerly affiliated with the Whig party, but has been a Republican since 1556. He owns 1754 acres of good land, more than 50 acres of which are in the farm he lives upon. Ahont 50 acres of this farm are under cultivation.
OLIVER P. BRANDT, one of the old settlers and substantial citizens of Cass County, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Decem- ber 27, 1832. He was the second son born to John and Hannah (Coulson ) Brandt, both natives of Pennsylvania. When his par- ents immigrated to this State and located in Logansport, he was but
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NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
four years old. After his father moved to a farm in Section 20, Noble Township, in 1847, he worked upon the farm until 1859. In this year he located upon a farm of his own, in the same section, which has ever since been his home. Farming and stock-raising has always been his chief occupation, though, for several years a part of his attention was given to milling. Eliza A. Gotshall, a native of Vigo County, this State, born September 27, 1839, became his wife February 24, 1859. She was the daughter of Peter and Ann ( Woodling) Gotshall, both natives of Pennsylvania. She came with her parents to this county in 1844, where she has ever since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have had eight children: Nelson S., born January 16, 1860; William E., born June 18, 1863, died Sep- tember 27, 1865; Franklin P., born September 27, 1865; Carrie M., born November 22, 1868; Nettie A., born August 30, 1871; Charlie C., born June 18, 1873; Arthur B., born July 5, 1877, and an infant girl, a twin with William E., who was still-born. Politically, Mr. Brandt is an ardent Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont, and he has been a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party ever since. In the spring of 1882 he was elected to the office of assessor, and was re-elected in the spring of 1886. He owns a farm of eighty acres, most of which is in a state of cultivation. He is an enterprising farmer and a good
MARTIN V. CARNEY, an old citizen of Noble Township, was born in Shawangunk, N. Y., October 24, 1811. He was the fifth son born to Stephen and Leah (Towillager) Carney, both na- tives of New York, the former of Irish and the latter of Dutch de- scent. Ten other children were born to the same parents, their names being Solomon, Sarah, Matthew, Mary, Moses, Thomas, Eliza, James, Robert and Nancy, all of whom are dead except Eliza and Nancy. His boyhood and youth were spent upon his father's farm, during which time he attended the common school about three months in the year. But the advantages were poor, consequently his education is quite limited. When he was six years old, his par- ents moved to Greene County, Penn., where they remained until he was nineteen when they immigrated to this State and located upon a farm in Shelby County. They landed here in October, 1830, and in the following August he (subject) returned to Green County, Penn. Here he remained until April, 1834, when he again came to Shelby County, this State, arriving May 11. One year from the following October, he returned to Greene County, Penn. In Octo- ber, 1844, he removed to Oxford, Butler Co., Ohio. . In the spring of 1846 he came again to this State and located upon a farm of forty acres, in Marion County. This was the first land he ever owned. Six years later he removed to another farm in the same county where he remained three years. While a resident of Marion
citizen.
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
County, he was engaged a good share of the time, in building pub- lie works, such as the building of aqueducts, railroad bridges, cat- tle guards, etc. In October, 1957, he came to this county and lo- ented ujuen a farm near Lake Cicott, in Jefferson Township. Three years later he bought the John Watts farm in the same township, to which he moved, and lived upon until the fall of 1865. In this year he moved to a farm in White County, remaining two years. In the spring of 1567 he took a trip to southwestern Missouri, with a view to locate, providing the country suited him. Six weeks later he re- turned, living coneluded to remain in the Hoosier State. In Sep- tember, 1567. he purchased his present home, whence he moved in the October following. In the fall of 1571 he exchanged the farm for one in White County, Ind., to which he moved in December of the same year. In the full of 1575, the owners or these two farms again exchanged, bringing him in possession of the old home again, in Noble Township, where he has ever since resided. Sarah Cloviss, n nntive of Fayette County, Penn., born June 6, 1511. became his wife June 10, 1532. She was the daughter of Matthias and Nnucy ( Baer) Cloviss, the former, of Dutch descent, born near Harrisburg, Penn .. and the latter a native of Bedford County, Md., of Dutch descent. She had four brothers and six sis- ters, whose names were Cutharine, Mary, Lydia, Ann. Jacob, Susan, Martin, Phebe, William. Samuel H. and Solomon, of whom Lydia and Martin are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have had ten children, as follows: James R., boru April 25, 1-33; Nancy, born July 20, 1835, died November 23. 1535; Solomon, born October 22, 1540; Catharine, born May 4, 1542; William N., born February 12. 1×11; Leah J., born January 4, 1846; Samuel J., horn October 30, 1817; Mary A., born February 6,1550; Harriet L., born November 20, 1551, and Phebe M., born Angust 12, 1555. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over forty years. Mr. Carney formerly affiliated with the Democratic party, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but since 1856 has firmly supported the principles of the Republican party. He can say, what few of his age can, that he has never been sned in his life, and has never been upon the witness-stand but once in his life. He and his wife are enjoying excellent health, though their fiftieth wedding anniversary was passed over four years ago, upon which occasion their relatives and friends came in, to the number of 100, and made them the recipients of many handsome and valuable presents, which, it is hoped. they will live many years to appreciate.
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