USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 89
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
Another merchant of the village was Alexander Smith, who sold goods in the Hathaway building from 1862 until 1864. He sold out the latter year to a man by name of Harmon, who remained for a short time. David Engler was engaged in merchandising for sev- eral years, and among the other business men of the place from time to time were Cornelius Hurley, Adam Surface and Perry Kessling, all of whom were fairly successful.
The first drug store was started about the year 1865 by Charles Maris, who subsequently sold out to Quincy Keesling, and he in turn to Dr. C. P. Dutchess, one of the leading business men at the present time.
Early Mechanics,-Among the first resident mechanics of Wal- ton were John Bishop, George W. Bishop and Jesse Haas, carpenters. The first blacksmith was Matthias Bechdol, and after him came a man by name of Konse, and Thomas Chappelear, all of whom earned the reputation of good mechanics.
Industries .- As has already been stated, the first industry of Walton was the large steam saw-mill erected by Messrs. Noel and Lewis. It was operated for several years by Noel and Hathaway, and afterward by George Bennett. John T. Bishop became propri- etor in 1866, and in the spring of 1867 it was purchased by Hurd & Bro., who ran it on an extensive scale until 1873. In that year Owen Hurd & Son, purchased the mill, and one year later Mr. Hurd and A. F. Curtis effected a partnership which lasted until some time in the eighties. The mill was burned in 1884, and afterward rebuilt by Mr. Curtis, who is now operating it. This is perhaps the largest mill in Cass County, and in addition to sawing lumber Mr. Curtis does an extensive business in the manufacture of wagon felloes, and planing lumber, employing from twelve to eighteen men during the greater part of the year.
In about the year 1868 or 1870 Isaac Bumgarner brought a steam saw-mill to the village. He subsequently sold to G. W. Campbell, who in turn sold to Messrs. Voucher and Philips.
The latter firm moved the mill to Lake Cicott, Jefferson Township, where it is still in operation.
A large flouring-mill was built in 1872 by Isaac Bumgarner and Dr. Alford. It stood where the excelsior factory now stands, and
914
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
WAS operated by the original proprietors a little over a year. The old machinery was then sold and replaced by new and improved ma- chinery, by D. P. Cromer.
Mr. Cromer operated the mill with good success until Isso. at which time the entire structure was destroyed by fire. entailing a heavy loss upon the proprietors.
The present flouring-mill was erected by D. P. Cromer and is now owned by George W. Bishop. It manufactures a good grade of flour and does a successful local business.
A stave and heading factory was started in 1562 by C. F. Thompson, of Logansport, who did a good business until 1564. at which time the machinery was removed from the village. A mill for the manufacture of staves and broom handles was brought to the place in 1565 by Samuel Stough. It was operated with fair success until about the year 1565 or 1560.
The excelsior factory, owned and operated by George W. Bish- op, is one of the leading manufacturing interests of Walton at the present time. The article manufactured is a material. for packing goods for shipment, made out of bass wood, in the shape of long. thin shavings. The name "excelsior " was given it on account of its superior quality, and the principal demand comes from large wholesale and manufacturing establishments in the cities of Cin- cinnati, St. Louis and other places. The factory was built about the year 1873 or 1874.
The manufacture of drain tile has been an important industry of Walton for several years, and at the present time there is one large kiln operated by John Shafer.
From the year 1870 until about 157> the lumber and timber business was carried ou more extensively, perhaps, at this point than at any other station of the same size between Kokomo and Chicago. Immense quantities of lumber, logs, railroad ties, hoop- poles and cord wood were shipped almost daily, and in consequence of this large business the village improved more rapidly between those dates than at any other similar period in her history.
Physicians. The first man to practice the healing art in Walton was Dr. John Beall, who came to the village in the summer of 1-54. He practiced a few years, and then removed to other parts, but subse- quently returned and remained some time longer. He is one of the resident physicians of Galveston at the present time. Dr. Henry
915
TIPTON TOWNSHIP.
Alford located here in 1855, and practiced his profession continu- ously from that time until November, 1884, when he removed to Peru, Ind., his present place of residence. The other physicians from time to time have been Drs. Woods, John H. Goodell, Singer, P. Prater and George Peters. The resident physicians at the present time are Drs. C. P. Dutchess and J. N. Neff, both of whom have diplomas from first-class colleges.
Hotels .- The first hotel in Walton was kept by the present vet- eran landlord, David Engler, who engaged in the business about the year 1870. He moved to his present location in 1882, and the well-known " Temple of Science," of which he is now proprietor, is a favorite stopping place for the traveling public.
Incorporation .- In 1873 the citizens of Walton, by a decided majority, determined to take upon themselves the dignity of a town, and shortly after the elections a board of trustees for the incorpora- tion was chosen. The first board cousisted of Isaiah Noel, Owen Hurd and John Shafer.
The present officers are Owen Hurd, president of the board, M. H. Frush, John Staggs, A. P. Flynn and David Philips, trustees; J. H. Tudor, Clerk; A. F. Curtis, Treasurer; and Lewis C. Burrows, Marshal.
Lodges .---- Walton Lodge, No. 423, F. & A. M. was organized August 24, 1869. A charter was granted May 23, 1871, with the following charter members: John M. Battenberg, John T. Bishop, William Booher, Henry Bruner, Henry P. Berry, and Samuel Snell. The lodge has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity ever since its or- ganization and at the present time has an active membership of about twenty-eight or thirty. The following list comprises the offi- cers at the present time: William Booher, W. M .; David Drake, S. W .; William T. Shafer, J. W .; James Drake, Sec .; Isaac Bumgar- ner, Treas .; S. P. Younglove, S. D .; C. M. Britton, J. D .; and Gran- ville Bowyer, Tyler.
Walton Lodge, No. 314, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 14, 1868, by District Deputy John W. Cooper, and the charter contains the names of the following members: William Booher; Samuel Sprinkle, James Baker, William Morgan and Daniel Kelley. At the first meeting eleven persons were initiated into the order, and upon eight of this number were conferred the several degrees. The first elective officers were Daniel Kelley, N. G .; William Booher, V.
918
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
G. ; and William Ashton, Secretary. Meetings were held in Bishop's Hall until 1573, at which time, the present neat hall owned by the lodge was finished and furnished. Present officers: Willis H. Bishop, N. G .: Josiah Beall, V. G .; James Davis, Recording Sie- retary; D. P. Cromer, Per. Secretary: W. H. Bishop, Treasurer. Harvey Shuman, Warden; J. B. Drake, Conductor and Host. Pres- ent membership about thirty-five.
Boone Encampment, No. 47. was instituted in the year Is76, and nt the present time has n membership of fifteen. The officers are as follows: J. B. Drake, C. P. ; Charles Myers. S. W. ; Nathan Bech- doll, J. W. : Perry Kessling. H. P. ; and James Davis, Scribe.
Reserve Lodge, No. 117, K. of H .. was established about the year 1575 with an original membership of seventeen, which has since increased to thirty-six. The officers at this time are as fol- lows: J. A. Vanskiver, Dictator; Wesley Slusher, V. D .; James B. Drake, Financial Reporter; W. H. Bishop, Treasurer; James Davis. R. R. : William Booher. District Deputy.
In addition to the orders enumerated there is also an organizn- tion of the Chosen Friends, instituted about the year 1578-79. The membership at the present time is quite small. but the society is re- ported in good working order.
Churches .- The religious history of Walton dates from about the founding of the village, and among the first to hold meetings in the new town were ministers of the United Brethren Church. Revs. Farbes, Adam Surface, Samuel Surface and others of that denomi- nation visited the village from time to time, and it was not long un- til their meetings culminated in the organization of a society, which maintained an existence until about the year 1554. The organiza- tion was never very strong in numbers, and consequently did not erect any house of worship. The schoolhouse and Lutheran Church building were used by the society until it disbanded. The last preacher was Rev. Mr. Alldaffer.
The early history of the Methodist Church is involved in con- siderable obscurity, and it is difficult even to approximate the date of its organization.
From the most reliable information the class at this place seems to have been established as early, perhaps, as 1555, and the neigh- boring schoolhouses were used as meeting places. After the com- pletion of the Lutheran Church, in 1561, the class met there for a
917
TIPTON TOWNSHIP.
time, but subsequently the place of meeting was changed to the vil- lage schoolhouse, which served as a place of worship until the erec- tion of their present building in the year 1870. This house stands in the northern part of the town, Dollarhide's Addition, and was built on ground donated by Allen Dollarhide. It is 40x48 feet in size, frame, and cost the sum of $1,800. The church is in pros- perous condition at the present time, with an active membership of about seventy-five. The officers are Josiah Beall, class-leader; Daniel Bolin, John Helvie and W. L. Bowyer, stewards; R. A. Graffis and John Tudor, circuit stewards. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. John McElwee.
Shiloh Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized November, 1860, by Rev. J. N. Barnett, with the following constitutional mem- bers, to wit: Samuel Stough, Maria Stough, William Stough, Hen- ry Stough, Rev. J. M. Smith, Elizabeth A. M. Stough, E. F. Bar- nett and Elizabeth Stough. The society rapidly grew in numbers, and measures were soon taken toward the erection of a house of worship. The building was erected in 1861 and dedicated several years later, the congregation not being sufficiently strong financial- ly to complete it at once. The house is a substantial brick struc- ture, 36x46 feet in size, and represents a capital of $1,200. The following is a list of the pastors of the church since its organiza- tion: Revs. J. N. Barnett, W. H. Ferris, William Tridy, Samuel Kelso, Simon P. Snyder, J. C. Jacoby and the present minister, L. Rice. The present officers are: Elders-Owen Hurd, Eli Bech- col and Henry Stough; deacons-William Stough, D. P. Hurd and C. F. Wendling; trustees-Owen Hurd, J. M. Long and Eli Kapp; Sunday-school superintendent-Owen Hurd. The membership is about 100, and the society is reported in a prosperous condition.
The First Universalist Church of Walton dates its history from about the year 1868, at which time the organization was brought about by Rev. N. S. Sage, of Logansport. The original membership was not very strong, nor has the society increased to any great extent, there being now only eighteen persons belonging. The house of worship, a neat frame building, costing the sum of about $1,600, was erected in 1869. Rev. Sage preached for the church a short time and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Biddlecomb, and he in turn by Rev. James Eldrige. Rev. Mr. Ballard, a young man of distinguished ability, was the last pastor.
42
918
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
Walton Enterprise -A small weekly newspaper was established about the year 1570, by John Pinkerton, who ran it for a period of ten years. The paper was a small single sheet devoted to the local affairs of the village and township, and was fur from being success- ful in a financial point of view.
Present Business. Walton is admirably situated in u cominer- cial point of view nud is the second trading place in the county. The following is a list of its business men at this time, viz. : George W. Bishop, denler in general merchandise; Isaac Nicodemus, gen- eral store: John Staggs, general store and millinery ; Owen Engler. general merchandise and drugs: G. W. Doran, general stock. Samuel Bets, groceries and restaurant : C. P. Dutchess, drug store: William Schwier, drugs; J. B. Drake, stoves and tinware: W. H. Bishop, Ag- ricultural implements and undertaker : Mrs. O. P. Flynn, millinery : Mrs. Sumanthn Stoughand Esther Stough, dress-makers; Owen Hurd, grain dealer: W. Gurney, honse and sign painter; Messrs. Bobn & Green, blacksmiths; Josiah Beal, wagon-maker: - Beall, jeweler: Samuel Ruth, butcher; C. W. Davis shoe-maker; Henry Small. G. W. Bowyer. William Hight, Charles Myers and N. C. Britton, cur- penters; W. H. Bishop, house-mover; Daniel Bowyer/ manufacturer of shingles; W. Richeson, barber.
Ourard. The village of Onward, or Dow Station, was laid out by Ambrose Zerfis May 24. 1969, and consists of seventeen lots on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 16, Town 26 north, Range 3 east. The town is an outgrowth of the Bradford division of the Pan Handle Railroad, and for several years was a prominent shipping point for Iumber, cordwood, timber, etc.
The first merchant in the place was Mahlon Smith, who kept a good stock of general merchandise for a couple of years. Thomas Little sold goods for some time, as did also a Mr. Wait. The present merchant is John Morgan. The manufacturing interests of the village are represented by a large saw-mill. operated by Thomas Little, and a tile-mill run by Daniel Smith.
The Onward United Brethren Church was organized a number of years ago, and the first meetings held on the Blinn farm, a short distance south of the village, where a frame building was erected. The organization was moved to the town in Iss0. The society is small in numbers, and no regular preaching is sustained.
Onward Lodge, No. 155. I. O. O. F., wns instituted about the
919
TIPTON TOWNSHIP.
year 1874, with ten or twelve charter members. The hall was erected in 1876, and is one of the best of the kind in the county. The membership is not nearly so strong as formerly, numbering at this time only seventeen. Officers: Luther Kessling, N. G. ; Charles Rinehart, V. G .; George Puterbaugh, Secretary; and A. Mackey, Treasurer.
Easton, a paper town situated in Section 17, was laid off March, 1854, by Jacob Comings. The object of the survey was to secure a station, but failing in this the village plat was subsequently vacated, no improvements having been made on the same.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL T. BEBEE, one of the influential citizens of Tipton Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, November 5, 1824. He was the son of Lovel and Catharine (Thompson ) Bebee, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. As soon as he was old enough he began working upon a brick-yard, where lie was employed until he reached his eighteenth year, when he began to learn the trade of a plasterer. This was finished in due time and was his sole occupation for a number of years. He immigrated to this county and located, where he now resides, in Section 31, Tipton Township, in March, 1866, since which time he has chiefly been engaged in agricultural pursuits, though a part of +his attention is still given to his trade. September 18, 1843, he was married to Elizabeth Snyder, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born January 16, 1825. She was the daughter of Simon and Eliza (Murphey) Snyder, natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively. To this union twelve children have been born. Their names are Harriet A., born November 7, 1843; Lovel, born June 3, 1845; William H., born March 22, 1847; Mary E., born March 2, 1849; George L., born April 28, 1851, died February 6, 1880; Philemon, born January 11, 1853; Sarah C., born January 19, 1855; Samuel; born April 11, 1857; Rachael, born November 30, 1858; Ida M., born August 17, 1861; Jerome G., born August 12, 1864; and Eugene, born April 2, 1867, died August 2, 1880. Politically Mr. Bebee is a Republican. He owns a farm of 100 acres of excellent land, about 80 of which is in a high state of cultivation. He is an industrious and successful farmer, and a well respected citizen. He began life without a dollar, but by industry and economy he has placed himself in comfortable circumstances.
JOHN BECHDOL, one of the old pioneers of this county, is a native of Adams County, Penn., and was born August 2, 1813. He
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
was the second son born to Daniel and Mary | Oyler ) Bechdol. both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1 > 14 he came with his parents to this county and located with them upon a truet of Wennland in Tipton Township. At that time what is now consid- ered the garden spot of C'nss County was a vast wilderness, almind. ing in Indians, deer and will turkeys. It fell to the lot of our sub. jeet to do a great deal of hard work. He chopped, grubleed. ditched, rolled and burned logs, and, in fact, did all kinds of work which the development of a new country necessitates. In the fall of 115 he removed to u forty-nere truet of land in Section 20, Tipton Township. This Innd he entered from the Government, and it has been his home ever since January 11, 1536, he was married to Sarah Sackman, n native of Franklin County, Penn., born, of German descent, April 15, 1517. She was the daughter of John and Mary ( Conkle ) Sackmoun, both natives of Pennsylvanin. Mr. aud Mrs. Bechdol have had eleven children, as follows: Mary A., born January 1. 1537; Susan, boru November 26. 1-34; Mathias, born September 21. 1-10, die in the service of the Union Army February 27. 1962: John, born September 7, 1542; Jacob, horn December 17, 1941. died February 21, 1949; Elizabeth, born November 27. 1946; Margaret, born April 16. 1551; Sarah, born September 20, 1553; Catharine, born March 7, 1556, died March S. 1856, and Heury, born January 6, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Bechdol belong to the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Bechdol is a Democrat.
JOSHUA BECHDOL. one of the oldest settlers of Tipton Township, is a native of Franklin County. Penn., and was born Oc- tober 30, 1522. He was the ninth child in a family of eleven born to Daniel and Mary ( Ovler ) Bechdol, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His boyhood and youth were spent in his na- tive county. At an early age he began working out on a farm. which he continued to do until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began to learn the trade of blacksmith. This he had com- pleted at the end of two years. In 1944 he enme to this county with his parents, and located with them upon a tract of lund in Tip- ton Township. Arriving here he abandoned his trade and took up agricultural pursuits, in which he has ever since been engaged. He located upon the farm where he now resides in 1945. Catharine Minich, a native of Germany, born, of German descent, July 24. 1532, became his wife November 30, 1848. She was the daughter of Justice and Elizabeth ( Ramer ) Minich, both natives of Germany. Eight children were born to this marriage. Their names are Mary E., born February 7, 1549; Nathaniel, born December 15. 1550; Henry, born February 16. 1552; Martha A., born June 15, 1555, Harvey, born July 17. 1957; Eliza E. and Jane A. ( twins ), born May 31, 1859 ( Eliza E. died in infancy), and Barbara I., born
921
TIPTON TOWNSHIP.
December 21, 1861, died December 25, 1882. Mr. Bechdol' owns a' good farm one mile west of Walton. He is a Democrat in politics .. He is a good citizen and is well respected.
JOHN BOOHER. one of the pioneers of Cass County, and the oldest living person in Tipton Township, was born in Alleghany County, Penn., August 15, 1800. He was the son of John and Nancy (Ryan) Booher, the former a native of Germany, and the latter a native of Ireland, of German and Irish descent, respectively. When he was four years old his parents immigrated to Steubenville, Ohio, and when he was ten years old they removed to Licking County, Ohio. In 1833 our subject came to this county, and lo- cated in Walton about 1851. His chief occupation during his early life was that of a stone-mason, though he worked at railroading some. February 28, 1828, he was married to Polly Cramer, a na- tive of Licking County, Ohio, born March 30, 1813. She was the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Johnson) Cramer, natives of Maryland and New Jersey, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Booher have had eight children, as follows: William, born November 15, 1828; Nancy A., born November 15, 1830, died in infancy; John, born May 26, 1833; Thomas, born August 17, 1834; Rebecca, born October 26, 1841; Sindisa, born March 18, 1844, died September 5, 1883; Charles T., born December 11, 1846, and Mary A., born September 21, 1849. Mr. Booher is now eighty-six years of age and in full possession of his mental faculties. Mrs. Booher is now past seventy-three. They have now lived together nearly fifty-nine years, and their recollections of pioneer life are many and varied.
JAMES BROCKMAN, one of the first settlers of Tipton Town- ship, was born in Kentucky March 14, 1823. He was the second son born to Tanday and Martha (Ship) Brockman, natives of Vir- ginia and Kentucky respectively. His father emigrated from Ken- tucky to Shelby County, this State, when our subject was but one year old. Here the boyhood and youth of the latter were spent work- ing upon his father's farm. All the school training he ever received was obtained by attending a subscription school, which lasted about three months in the year. In the fall of 1849 he came to this county and located upon an 80-acre tract of land, which he had en- tered from the Government, in Section 36, Tipton Township. This was the first land entered in that section. At this time he was in the prime of life-stout, robust and with excellent health. He im- mediately set about clearing his land, and in the course of a few years he had a good farm. His occupation has always been that of a farmer. November 10, 1842, he was married to Mary Doron, a native of Wayne County, this State, born March 6, 1825. She was the daughter of Samuel and Margaret ( Brochmyer) Doron, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, the former of Irish, and the latter of Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Brockman have had six
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
children, as follows. John, born May 5, 1944. died September 1. 1-72. Marthn J. born March 6, 1516. Austin, born September 7. 1552: Sarah M .. born September 21. 1555, Tandav, born October 10. 155%, and Harriet E., born March 15. 1562. Mrs. Brockman is a member of the Lutheran Church. In polities Mr. Brockman is a Demokrat. He began pour, but with hard work and economy he placed himself in possession of a comfortable home, which he now occupies.
WILLIAM R. BUFFINGTON isn native of Highland County. Ohne, barn August 19, 1511, and the second son born to Mifflin M. and Sarah ( Carey ) Buffington, untives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The boyhood and early youth of our subject were spent working upon n farm in his native county. He attended the district selands, and received a good common school education. September 11. 150, he entered the service of the Union Army in Company K. Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, from which he was hon- orbis discharged June !. 1965. His first active service was in the Atlanta campaign. He afterward participated in the march to the ses. then necompanied the army northward . through the Carolinas to Washington. At the close of the war he returned to his native emuty in Ohio, but shortly afterward he took a trip to Missouri. He returned to Ohio about six months later, nud in the spring of 1566 he came to this county, aud heated in Tipton Township. Here he has ever since resided with the exception of about eighteen months spent in Ohio. He located where he now resides in the Int- ter part of 1969. His life occupation has been that of a farmer. Mrs. Phobe JJ. Slonaker, a native of Highlund County, Ohio, born December 5. ISH. beenmo his wife December 30. 1969. She was the daughter of Samuel and Grace ( Pickering ) Brown, both natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Buffington have had seven children. Their names are Lillian, born September 20, 1570: Walter B., born August 25. 1572; Sarah E., born March 21. 1571: Grace, born March 6. 1-7, died May 21. 1550; the next was an infant daughter. born August 10. 1981. died in inf mey : Mary E., born April 21. 1943. und Ethel C., born July 17. 1555. Mr. and Mrs. Buffington belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Buffington is a member of the (. A. R., and a Republican in politics. He began life poor, but by clint of industry and perseverance he made for himself a comfort- alle home. He owns til neres of good land, most of which is in cul- tivation. He is an industrious and successful farmer, and a good citizen.
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.