USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 94
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
959
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
preacher in charge. The communicants at the present time num- ber about forty-five, most of whom participate actively in all that pertains to the healthy prosperity and well-being of the church. The present officers are William Long and O. E. Baughman, elders; William DeBeal and Harry Jones, deacons. Sarah Twelves is superintendent of the flourishing Sunday-school, which has been the means of accomplishing much permanent good in the com- munity.
Cemeteries .- There are three places of burial in Washington Township, one of the oldest being the Bruner Graveyard, in the north- west quarter of Section 34. This ground was consecrated to the burial of the dead many years ago, and here, in an early day, was laid to rest the wife of John Small, one of the pioneer mothers of Wash- ington. Another early burial here was a son of W. J. Sagesser, who departed this life a few years after the family moved to the country. Another early cemetery, know as the Smith Graveyard, in Section 28, was laid out by Alexander Smith, and here, in old and unmarked graves, sleep a number of the first comers to the township. The Ramer Cemetery, in Section 22, near the Union Presby- terian Church, was laid out on ground donated by Henry Ramer in 1855, and the first person buried therein was a child of John Woll. Among others buried here in an early day were Mrs. Henry Ramer (a child of Henry Schwalm), "Father" Hildebrandt and Mrs. Schwalm.
Miscellaneous Items .- "Probably the first marriage celebrated in the township was that of Peter Barron to Sarah Chamberlain in 1830." "In the year 1831 there was born to John Tipton and wife a son, George Tipton, who was, perhaps, the first white child born in the township." "Among the early deaths was that of Sarah Ruck- man, who was stabbed by her husband in the fall of 1843. This sad event occurred on the farm now owned by Dr. Justice. The murderer was arrested and lodged in jail at Delphi, from which he afterward escaped."
Herman City is a town plat of sixteen lots, situated on the west line of the southeast quarter of Section 3, Township 26 north, Range 2 east. The survey was made November, 1876, for F. Her- man Smith, proprietor. The place is more familiarly known as Anoka Junction, on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Rail- road. There is one general store at the Junction and a few residences.
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ELIAS BECHDOL. farmer, was born in Adams County, Penn .. January 9, 1915, son of David and Mary Bechdol. also natives of Pennsylvania, who enme with their family and settled in Tipton Township in 1544. und where they lived until their deaths. They were widely known, and among the influential people of their com munity. Elins passed his early life at home, received a common school education in the early schools according to the pioneer methods of teaching. When eighteen years old he began to work at the blacksmith's trade, continuing in this occupation for a few venrs. July 1, 1540, he was married to Mary Stough, who was born June 30. 1\23, in Franklin County. Penn. She was one of those true backwoods housewives who bravely aided her husband in such duties as were common in that enrly day. After coming to Cass County Mr. Bechdol engaged in farming. and has continued in that occupation to the present time, having now a val- nable farm in Section 34, Washington Township, which he cleared and improved, and here expects to pass the remainder of his life. The mother died December 15, 1550. She was a Christian buddy and a member of the Lutheran Church. The following children were born to Mr. Bechdol: William H., born December 29. 1541 (at the age of nineteen he volunteered in Company K. Ninth Indiana Regiment; at the battle of Shiloh was taken sick ; was sent back to Terre Haute. Ind., where he died June 20. 1962 ) : Mary E., born February 14, 1544. now the wife of Daniel Smith: Hannah C., born March 5. 1546: Sarah E., born November 5. Ists, died September 25. 1875: Samuel P., born December 20, 1850, married to Sydney C. Spear: Nancy A., born April 30, 1553, died October 9. 1851: Alice J., born March 3, 155; Sylvester, born October 24, 1597. died October 10, 1559: Orphie C., born November 21. 1559; Letitia F., born January 5. 1562; Amanda A., born Angust 11. 1865: and Ora W .. born July 31. IsBs. Mr. Bechdol is a Demo- erat, und a member of the Lutheran Church.
THOMAS BRADFIELD was born and reared in Ireland. his birth occurring September 19, 1519; his parents were Thomas and Constance ( Good ) Bradfield. The father was born in the parish of Bradfield, England, and emigrated to Ireland in 1509. His an- castors were noted for their devotion to the Church of England. many of them being prominent ministers in the Protestant Church. Our subject spent his early life with his parents, who were wealthy freeholders, and was liberally educated. April 14. 1542. he was unitedin marriage with Mary Dean, daughter of Thomas and Mary ( Lauktree ) Dean. both of whom are natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield bogan life together, his occupation being that of a
961
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
farmer. In 1850 they immigrated to America and settled in Lo- gansport, where they remained five years, then removed to Elmwood farm, where he now resides. To their union have been born six children: Thomas D., born January 14, 1847, who is a graduate of Ann Arbor, Mich., was married to Sarah V. Parks, is a prominent physician of Grand Rapids, Mich., and has been twice elected to the Legislature of his State; the second child is Constance, born February 10, 1844, now the wife of John W. Morrison; John W., born September 9, 1845, was a graduate of the law department of the Ann Arbor university, and shortly after completing his course died July 26, 1869; Richard was born December 9, 1847, was united in marriage with Cora Stafford, and at present resides on the old farm; Benjamin D., was born July 9, 1850, also a graduate of Ann Arbor, was married to Mary Carney, and is engaged in the practice of medicine in Carroll County, Ind .; the youngest child, Mary E., was born April 10, 1854, and is now living at home. Mr. Bradfield owns a farm comprising 170 acres of excellent land; he takes a good interest in the public affairs of his community, of which he is a highly respected member. He is a kind and courteous gen- tleman, of the old and genuine kind, a Democrat in politics, and himself and family are communicants of the Episcopal Church.
O. P. BURKIT, a native of the township in which he now re- sides, was born May 26, 1854, a son of David and Susannah Mc- Dowell Burkit, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. He was reared on his father's farm, received a good practical education, and on reaching man's estate, embarked on life's voyage for him- self. Although he began life poor, he has, by hard work and well directed enterprise, become the owner of a fine farm in Section 33, Washington Township, where, besides carrying on farming in its various branches, he deals largely in stock. He always takes an active interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of his community, and served two terms as trustee of his township, giving complete satis- faction. In politics he advocates the principles of the Democratic party, and as a member of this organization is the present candi- date for office of sheriff. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is possessed of energy and determination, and these qualities, coupled with honesty and a desire to please, will undoubtedly make him one of the county's most reliable and successful citizens. Miss Margaret A. Robinson, a native of Cass County, born August 10, 1853, be- came his wife on October 16, 1873. Three children have blessed this union, Zoah A., born July 20, 1874; Dennis L., born Decem- ber 9, 1877; and Pearlie A., born February 24, 1879, all of whom are living. The parents are members of the Christian Church.
WILLIAM CONDON is one of the leading farmers of Wash- ington Township. He was born February 18, 1825, in Baltimore County, Md., and is the second of a family of ten children born to
1×12
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
Robin B. and Cordelia & Dillwarth , Condon, natives of Ireland and Maryland respectively. The father immigrated to America in 1-13 and settled in Maryland, where he married in 1>1s. He was a shoe- maker by occupation, and engaged in this business for eighteen years in the city and viemity of Baltimore In 1536 he removed to Licking County, Ohio, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Here William passed his early life, his schooling being limited to the county schools, and when twenty-one years old he started out for himself and his labors have met with deserved success. In 1567: he came to Cass County and settled on the farm where he now lives, which embraces 362 neres of tine tillable land: besides this he owns valuable property in logansport, also in lowa. Ha was married in 1550 to Mary Paterson, who was born November 1. 1×32, in Licking County, Ohio, n daughter of James nud Margaret ( Castorline ) Paterson. Five children were born to this union. Clarence, born September 24. 1552, died in 1954: Ella, born Febru- nry 24, 1856. now the wife of Dr. J. M. Ward, and residing in Washington Township: Maggie, born July 12, 1559, died in 1962: Libbie, born July 6. 1861, died in 1502: And William D., born Sep- tember 25, 1565. The parents have been connected with the Methi- odist Episcopal Church for over thirty years. Mr. Condon is u Republican, a member of the F. & A. M. and is one of the enter- prising and go-nhead men of Cass County.
JAMES H. CRAIN was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 29, 1809, son of Elihu and Mary ( Clark ) Crain, natives of New Jer sey, and of English extraction. Elihu Crain, the father, was born in 1775, and at the age of six years removed with his father, Elihu Crain, Sr., who was an old Revolutionary soldier, from New Jersey to Kentucky, where they remained seven years; then removed to Ohio, settling near Montgomery, Hamilton County. Here our sub- ject's father engaged in brick-laying, and assisted in constructing the first brick house in Cincinnati. About the year 1500 the father removed to Warren County, Ohio, and purchased a tract of land and began clearing up a home. llere James H. passed his boyhood days, aiding his parents and attending the district school, where he Required a rudimentary knowledge from books, on which he has been enabled to build largely in later years ; and his early training on his father's farm has stood him in good stend through life, he having devoted his energies principally to agriculture. At the age of six- teen his father presented him with $100, with which he purchased eighty neres of land and began improving; also worked at carpen- tering. In 1845 he settled on his present farm -for which he paid $300, and on which there were scarcely any improvements -developed it from forest wildness to cleared and fertile fields, and reared a family to industrious hinbits. October 7. 1511, he married Eliza- beth M. Eusmininger, a native of Pennsylvania, born February 1.
963
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
1822. Eight children are the fruits of this marriage, namely: Melissa, born October 23, 1842; Joseph E., born June 2, 1844; Horace B., born March 3, 1848, died September 14, 1851; William F., born June 15, 1850; Melton, born July 26, 1852: Lucetta, born January 29, 1855; Harriet A., born November 21, 1856; and John G., born August 10, 1859. Mr. Crain has been an active member of the Baptist Church for over fifty years; his wife is also a member of the same church; both are well respected by all who know them. JOHN CREEKMORE was born in Butler County, Ohio, July 7, 1810. His parents are Horatio and Diana (Townsend) Creek- more, the former born in 1773, near Richmond, Va., and the latter born in 1794, near Union Court House, S. C. They were married in 1809, and settled in Butler County, Ohio. Here our subject passed his boyhood days on his parents' farm, and at the age of seventeen removed with them to Preble County, Ohio, where he re- mained until he attained his majority. At this age he began to do for himself, by engaging in farming, and in 1831 he removed to Warren County, Ohio, remaining until 1833, when he immigrated to Indiana, settling in Carroll County. In 1850 he came to Cass County and purchased a tract of land, upon which he now lives. His occupation through life has principally been farming, but he worked at carpentering for ten or twelve years. November 16, 1834, he was married to Celia Cox, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1813, a daughter of John and Sarah Cox, respected citizens of Carroll County, Ind. One child was born to this union, Mary, who died in infancy. After the death of Mrs. Creekmore Mr. Creek- more chose for his second wife Mrs. Nancy ( Fauts) Radel, to whom he was married February 8, 1849. She is the daughter of David and Sarah (Moss) Fauts, natives of North Carolina. Nancy was born March 22, 1823, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and was united in marriage January 19, 1843, to Christian Radel, by whom she be- came the mother of two children: Lovina (deceased) and Sarah. Mr. Radel departed this life March 6, 1846. To Mr. and Mrs. Creekmore have been born four children: Lovicy, born December 12, 1850, died June 11, 1881; Lavina, born February 9, 1852, died November 3, 1861; Elizabeth, born July 5, 1856 (now wife of Cor- nelius Spohn) ; and John A., born February 24, 1867. Mr. Creek- more began life with little or nothing, and a good farm in Section 33, Washington Township, shows with what success he has man- aged his business. He is now living a retired life on the home farm, and he and family are respected by all who know them.
JOHN S. CROCKETT, a native Hoosier, was born in Carroll County April 19, 1837, son of William P. and Mary A. (Standley) Crockett, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. John S. lived at home with his parents, attending the schools of the neighbor- hood and working on his father's farm till his marriage, March 2.
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
1565, on which day he was weddel to Miss Mary J., daughter of John Circle, a citizen of Washington Township. Mrs. Crockett was born in July. 1-39. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Crockett logan farming on his own responsibility. He now owns an estate comprising 153 acres of prime land, with good improvements, and he is considered a model farmer. His property has all Inen ac- quired by hard labor, economy and good management. Mr. and Mrs. Crockett have eight children, viz : Frank H. born January t. INGI: Clara C., born July 17. 1562; Leroy M., born November 21. 1963; Lnella J., born November 16, 1565; Mattie A., born Decem- ber 11, 1967; Sarah R., born September 9, 1989; John C., born January 11, 1573, and Mary E., born October 25, 1574. all of whom are living. Mr. Crockett is a Republican, has served as township assessor, and is a highly esteemed citizen, having worked his way up from almost nothing to a competency.
JOHN G. DIETZ, retired farmer, was born in Germany Sep- tember 17. 1506. He immigrated to America in 1531. locating in Philadelphia, Penn., where he began his career in the New World as a lumber dealer. While here he was united in marriage with Chris- tina Granson, and in 153s he moved to Lebanon County, Penn .. thence westward, in 1965, to Cass County, where he has since re- sided. To Mr. Dietz and wife the following children were born: Charles, John, Auna, Henry, Elizabeth and Sarah, all of whom are living. Charles resides in Illinois, Henry in Pennsylvania; the re- maining children living in Cass County. Mrs. Dietz died in Decew- ber, Iss1. Mr. Dietz has, by patient industry and frugality, become the owner of a good farm in Section 36, Washington Township. He is n liberal contributor to anything in the interest of his adopt- ed Stato and county, and is a devout member of the Lutheran Church.
CANADA GARD (deceased ) was one of the most prominent citizens of Cass County, a native of Union County. Ind., and born October 1, 1523, son of Lot and Ann ( Vance ) Gard. When quite young his parents died, after which sad event he made his home with his consin, John Gard. His education was obtained in the common schools, and September 20, 1-19, he was married to Mary Rinehart, a native of Preble County, Ohio, born March 3, 1530, 8 daughter of David and Magdaline ( Fellerd } Rinehart. After mar- riage Mr. Giard resided in Proble County till 1854; then removed to Cass County and settled in Section 31, Washington, where he pur- chase l eighty acres of unimproved land, which he cleared and made a home, und resided upon until his death, which occurred October 6, 1870. He was a self-made man, and his battle against poverty was Au .c wssful. He was industrious, honest and upright and true to all of life's obligations, and his death was universally mourned. his widow surviving until April Is. 1575. They were the parents
965
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
of the following children: Hugh I., born December 29, 1850; Jacob F., born September 16, 1853, died October 16, 1875; David L., born April 11, 1856; Obed C., born March 7, 1859; Lydia M., born October 5, 1862; John W., born April 19, 1865; Sarah R., born September 15, 1867, died November 6, 1884; and Mary E., born January 2, 1870. After the death of the mother the care of the family devolved on the eldest son, Hugh, who, with hereditary resolution, took up the task so sacredly imposed upon him, and con- tinues to reside upon the home farm. Obed C., the fourth child, was united in marriage with Miss Dilla M. Bridge, a daughter of John and Margaret, and now resides in Young America.
MRS. AMELIA GARVER is a native of Union County, Ind., where she was born February 17, 1817, a daughter of William and Rebecca Elder, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The parents were married in Warren County, Ohio, where they resided three years; then immigrated to Union County, Ind. Here our subject passed her young days attending the district schools, receiving a fair education, and at the age of twenty-one was united in marriage with Abraham Garver, a son of Christian and Elizabeth Garver, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Garver was also a native of Pennsylvania, was born July 14, 1813. When he was quite young his parents removed to Preble County, Ohio, where he passed his boyhood days on a farm and assisting his parents until he was twenty-one, at which age he began to do for himself. He and his wife began married life as renters in Union County, Ind., where they resided until 1862, in which year they removed to Cass County and settled on the farm where Mrs. Garver now resides, and which consisted of 320 acres of wild land. They engaged in clearing and farming until Mr. Garver's death, which occurred July 18, 1884, greatly mourned by his family and friends, and highly respected by the whole community for his purity and probity of character. He left in very comfortable circumstances, thanks to his foresight and tender regard for them, his widow, and children, named as follows: Jonathan A., born March 11, 1839; William M., born April 2, 1842, died April 18, 1843; Angeline, born January 1, 1844, died July 18, 1845; Mary E., born May 6, 1845, died February 24, 1859; James L., born January 24, 1847; Lemuel E., born December 19, 1848; Louis F., born February 27, 1851; Louisa V., born February 13, 1853, died April 19, 1885; Emanuel W., born April 2, 1855; and Rebecca E., born March 21, 1857. Louis F., the seventh child, was reared on the farm and chose farming for his occupation. December 9, 1880, he married Margaret J. Shields, a native of Cass County, born June 26, 1864, and by whom he is the father of three children: Edison M., born September, 1881; Anna A., born November 18, 1883; Earl F., born September 18, 1885, all of whom are living. Mrs. Garver now resides on the old home farm. " With
45
HISTORY OF CARS WIENTY
her dwells her daughter Rebecca, now the wife of James MeMath, to whom she was married December 2s. 1579.
ROMAN GREMELSPACHER is a native of Germany, where he was born February 27, 1536, son of Andrew and Rose (Eckman ) Giromelspacher, natives of Germany. He received only a common school education, und at the age of twenty left the land of his birth. crossed the Atlantic, and became a resident of the United States. He located near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at carjeentering and continued to reside one year, and then removed to Union Coun- ty, Ind .. where he remained until 1865, in which year he came to L'ass County and purchased the farm where he now resides. After coming to U'nss County he followed carpentering for a short time, after which he devoted his entire attention to farming. Mr. Grem- elspacher began for himself a poor boy, and the characteristic traits of German people, consisting of industry and frugality, have been a marked feature in his life, and by hard labor he has meured a well- improved farm located in Section 32. Washington Township. On August 15, 1867, he was married to Matilda Martin, who was born February 19. 154s, in Somerset County, Penn., a daughter of Peter and Rebecca ( Long ) Martin. Five children were the fruits of this union: Marvin L. born April 4, 1568; William A., born October 18, 1570: John F., born March 11. 1573: Charles A., born June I. 1577, died June 15, 1575; Rosa R., born August 27, 1550. The parents are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Gremelspacher is a Republican, and one of the enterprising and progressive men of his township.
JOSEPH GURTHIE, farmer, was born February 2, 1511, in Switzerland County. Ind., son of William and Margaret (Jaap) Gurthie, natives of Scotland. The father was born in 1795 and immigrated to the United States in 1920, settling in Switzerland County. Ind. The mother was born August 7, 1$12. came to America in 1-19, also settled in Switzerland County, Ind. They were mar- ried in 1>12, and in 1546 removed to Cass County, where they re- sided until their respective deaths, which occurred as follows: The father died September 9, 1855, and the mother JJuly 2, 1s>1. They were farmers by occupation, honest citizens, and obliging neighbors: were the parents of twelve children: John. William. Agnes. Thomas, Jane, Alexander, Anna, Isaac, Joseph, Juines, Eliza- beth and Robert, all of whom are living, except Isaac and Agnes. Joseph came with his parents from Switzerland County, was reared upon a farm, secured a good English education, and for a number of years was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Whitley. Carroll and Cass Counties. December 20, 1562, he enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Indiana Battery, with which he remained until he received an honorable discharge on August 3, 1565. He was an Active participant in numerous hotly contested engagements, among
967
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
which was the siege of Knoxville, the Atlanta campaign, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. He was married at the age of twenty- eight to Angenette, daughter of William and Martha Plank, re- spected citizens of Carroll County, Ind. The wife and mother died November 28, 1870, after bearing one child-Elburton, born No- vember 16, 1870, died February 13, 1871. July 4, 1872, Mr. Gur- thie married for his second and present wife, Caroline M. Bradley, adopted daughter of Charles and Sarah Bradley. She was born July 5, 1847, in Medina County, Ohio, where she received a good education, thus enabling her to teach in the public schools of her native State. The greater portion of Mr. Gurthie's life has been passed in farming; he began life a poor boy, and although not a man of great wealth, yet he has, by hard labor and frugality, secured a valuable farm, located on Section 6, Washington Township. He is one of the prominent aud progressive men of his township, takes an active interest in educational matters, and is always identified with the progress of his community. Politically he is a Democrat, and at one time held the office of justice of the peace.
JAMES GUY, one of the oldest residents of Washington Town- ship, was the youngest son of a family of seven children born to John and Mary ( Richardson) Guy. The former was a native of North Carolina and the latter a native of Ireland, both being of Irislı descent. About 1800 they were united in marriage and began life together in North Carolina. About 1808 they immigrated to Wayne County, this State, and settled on a farm and resided there until 1828, when they removed to this county and settled on the land where Logansport now stands; then in 1831 they moved north of Logansport into Bethlehem Township, where they resided until 1848, when they came to Tipton Township, where they resided until the death of Mrs. Guy, which occurred in January, 1852. Mr. Guy made his home with his children until his death, which occurred in January, 1856. Mrs. Guy was a member of the Christian Church; they are interred in what is known as the Tabor Prairie Cemetery. James, our subject, was born in Wayne County, this State, May 23, 1817. He spent his boyhood and youth principally in this county, receiving a fair education for that day of log schoolhouses. At the age of twenty-four he began to do for himself by engaging in farm- ing. He had purchased a farm, in Section 34, of wild land, and he began to clear up a home. At twenty-five years of age, or on Aug- ust 12, 1841, he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Wasson, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Fleming) Wasson, a native of North Carolina, of Irish extraction. Sarah A. was born Janu- ary 18, 1821, in Wayne County, this State, where she spent her young life, receiving a fair education. Mr. and Mrs. Guy were blessed with ten children, namely: John F., born July 17, 1842; Louisa, April 3, 1844; Jefferson, February 5, 1846; Priscilla, born
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.