USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 11
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The citizens were not only interested in spiritual but also in the intellectual welfare of her citizens. Hence, as early as the year 1836, a school house was built on the Dunham farm. As the population increased and the demand for more school houses became apparent, they were readily constructed by the people.
The first mill in the township, and among the earliest in the county, was a corn cracker, built near the present site of Georgetown, about the 1829, by George Cicott. We did not mention the name of Mr. Cicott among the early settlers, as he was a Frenchman, deal- ing almost exclusively with the Indians. His mill was really built for their accommodation, but was highly prized by the white men, as it afforded them the opportunity of having their corn ground near home.
About the year 1836, George Myres built a saw-mill near the present site of the Scaright Mill. The first regular grist-mill of the township was built by Alexander Searight in 1843.
The township was organized September 6, 1831. Under this organization the first election was held at Georgetown, in the cabin of John Myres. Only six votes were cast. Major Bell acted as In- spector.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
The first Justice of the Peace was Joseph Day. Robert Gray and Beauford Banta were probably first Trustees.
Iu the year 1834, Lucy Hildebrand gave birth to a child, prob- ably the first born of white parents in the township.
The first death which occurred was that of Peter Price, in the year 1833.
Were we to go back half a century and compare the condition of Jefferson then with her present appearance, we would be constrained to say rapid have been the strides in the way of improvements. The name and location of churches will be seen by reference to the town- ship map. Her school houses are 11; enrolled school children, -
CICOTT
is a station on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. A few lots were laid out about the year 1870. Located there as general mer- chant at present is Washington Wirrick.
GEORGETOWN
is among the oldest villages in the county, having been laid out about the year 1835, by Major Bell. It is beautifully located at a bend of the Wabash River. It was designed, and at one time was quite a flourishing little village, but at present it is of small promise. Dr. James Gordon located there as a general merchant, who, judging by his large and well selected stock of goods, was weil patronized by the surrounding country.
CURVETON
is a small village, also on the line of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. It was laid out about the year 1860, by Alexander and William Searight. It has never grown to the expectation of its founders. A post office has been established there, with John Hood as Postmaster, and a warehouse under the proprietorship of John Reed.
NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
Passing through this township, in certain localities, and judging from the many fine farms and substantial dwellings, together with the cheerful, happy faces of its owners, one would suppose the name " Noble" wisely and appropriately given. The facts are, however, the name was given in memory of Noah Noble, then Governor of Indiana.
Owing to the fact that part of her land was situated so near the county seat, it came early into market. Accordingly, as early as the 1828, a man named Henry Garrett entered the wilderness of what is now Noble, and selected for his future home the farm at this time belonging to Mr. Forlow.
For about the period of one year, Mr. Garrett was the sole inhab- itant of the township, excepting, of course, the Indian who still found a home in the deep solitude of her forests. Sometime in the year 1829, George Richardson, who a few months previously had settled in Section 22, Clay Township, thinking to better his condition, joined Mr. Garrett in his laudable enterprise of converting the forests into tillable land. He located on what is now the Billman farm. The same year (1829), William Grant settled on the land belonging to Mr. Douglass.
The following year, 1830, occurred the land sale at Logansport. At that time was sold much of the land now embraced within the borders of Noble, many of the purchasers taking possession imme- diately of the land they had bought. Among those who came in that year (1830), we name Robert McMillen, with his mother and brothers. They settled on the east side of what is at present the Fletcher farm. His brothers were John, William, George, James and Thomas. John had been in the township some time previous to 1830, but had never made entry, of land. Thus it will be seen that the McMillen family formed a little colony within itself. Only one of the family, Robert, is still a citizen of the township. For many years he applied himself successfully to his trade, that of millwright. The greater part of his life, however, has been spent in the ever honorable position of farmer, a position which he has filled quite successfully, judging from his present improvements. Recently, in calling upon him for some historical information, we were surprised to find a man of his age, one who has lived out his three score and ten years, busily engaged in gathering corn. A portrait of this ven- erable pioneer appears on another page of the Atlas.
Another worthy pioneer and still an esteemed citizen of the town- ship, who came in 1830, is Israel Watts, son of John Watts, who
came the same time, fixing his home on the farm where William Watts lives. An ides of the energy displayed by Israel Watts in performing his duties in the way of improvements in the township, may be had by reference to the view of his beautiful home found else- where in the Atlas. In regard to the settlement of William and Leander Dixon, some claim that they came as early as 1828, others that it was in 1829, while there are still others who claim that they were not permanent citizens of the township until the year 1830. With due respect to the opinions of all, we can positively assert that as early as 1830, they had entered the land now owned by Mr. Tharp. Others of 1830 were Robert Gibson, who settled on the Forlow farm ; Benja- min Adair, on the farm owned by Fletcher ; Alexander Scott, on the farm belonging to Mr. Neff ; Joseph Gibson, on the Moss farm ; and John Hiser, on what is now the Manley farm.
Before the close of the year 1831, the following men had become permanent citizens of the township: John Adair, on the Peter Cotner farm ; James Hood also, on what is now the Cotner farm ; Eli Cotner, on the farm belonging to Tilghman; Daniel Dale, on the Booth farm; and Joseph Washburn, on the farm owned by Mr. Moss.
In 1832, Arnet Shields, yet an esteemed citizen of the township, moved from Clay Township, where he had lived for almost three years, and settled on the farm where he is still living. Others of 1832 were John Smith, who settled on the Sanderson farm ; Richard Howard, on the Gibson tract of land; Daniel Harwood, on the farm owned by Adam Stefenheifer; Hiram Barnett, on the Hart Booth farm ; and Dr. James Wilson, on the land belonging to Mr. Brandt.
Among those of 1833 and 1834, we name Elizabeth Denbo, Isaac Louderback, - - Frushour, John Cary, William McKaig, Jesse Hodge, Joseph Oliver, James Hood and Gen. H. Lasselle. The latter came in 1833.
Among those of 1835 and 1836 were Ephraim Dukes, John Smith, James Hensley, William Thornton and Joel C. Elam. The last named is still a citizen of the township.
Among those who were early settlers, but whose exact date of settlement is to us unknown, we name Joseph Corbit, John Thorn- ton, John Sellers, D. H. Booth, Daniel, William and James Corbit, and Henry Wirrick.
As early as the year 1831, the first religious meeting in the township was held at the house of the Widow McMillen and sons. . It was by the Presbyterian denomination, Rev. M. M. Post preach- ing. The following year, 1832, the Christians or Disciples held meeting on what is now the Neff farm, Alexander Scott being the preacher. The first church in the township was built on the McMillen farm by the Presbyterians, in 1838. The next was by the Disciples, in 1855 and 1856, and known as the "Shiloh Church."
No later than the year 1836 did the cause of education begin to claim attention of the inhabitants of Noble. Accordingly, before the close of that year (1836), a school house was built on the McMillen, now Fletcher, farm. The year following 1837, another school house was built on the farm now owned by Israel Graham.
The township was organized March 8, 1836. Soon after this, an election was held at Robert McMillen's. At this election but five or six votes were cast. Among the first Trustees of the township were James Hensley, William Corbet and Robert McMillen.
In 1834, General Lasselle built, on the Israel Watts farm, a saw- mill, which was highly prized by the pioneers. About the year 1837 was built a corn cracker, afterward converted into a grist-mill. Among the earliest marriages celebrated in the township was that of William Neff to Susannah Galbreath, in the year 1832.
In 1834, there was born to James and Elizabeth Hood a daughter, Asenath, who was probably the first white child born in the town- ship. The same year Eli Watts was born to Martha and John Watts.
The first death was that of Jesse Hodge, which occurred in 1834. Of the progress which Noble has made in the way of improve- ments, we have spoken, to some extent, in the beginning. The land adjoining Logansport is in a high state of cultivation. The land in the north and northwestern parts is generally fertile, but will be ren- dered much more valuable by improvements yet to be made.
The name and location of churches will be seen by reference to the township map. Her school houses are six ; enrolled school children, -.
GEBHART
is a station on the P., C. and St. L. Railroad. It was never regu- larly laid off. A post office is established there, and a saw-mill is run by Jacob and William Davidson.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
This township was so named in memory of the distinguished patriot and statesman, Henry Clay, the illustrious son of Kentucky. It is situated a little northeast of the county seat, bordering upon Logansport, a part of that city being taken from her limits, and which at an early date was the center of the early settlement. Her lands accordingly came early into market.
Mr. Arnet Shields, now an honored citizen of Noble Township, informs us that on the 9th day of November, 1829, his father, Joshua Shields, settled in Clay Township, on the farm now belonging to the county. He tells us that at the time of their coming, there were but three families living within the boundaries of what is now Clay Township. They were Samuel Ward, Daniel Fuller and George Richardson. They had all located, and were living upon Section 16. From the improvements they had made, Mr. Shields thinks they had come the year previous, 1828, probably all about the same time.
The four men named above having led the way into the dense forests of Clay, others were soon induced to follow their example. Before the close of the year 1829, the following men were enrolled as citizens of the township: John Alexander and William Scott, both on the farm now owned by John Davis; "Jack " Smith, on what is now the Adam Moorehart farm; Henry Miller, on the Humphrey farm; Reuben Covert, on the farm belonging to Mr. Cooke; and Joseph Sellers, on what is now the John White farm.
In 1830 came a number of worthy men, who were in no wise dismayed by the gloomy prospects presented by a home in the wilder- ness, but who sought with their sinewy arms to aid in the noble work of bringing the forest into a state of cultivation. They were : Joseph Douglass, who settled on the same farm where he is yet living; Will- iam Fallis, now a feeble old man, also on the farm where he lives ; Peter Miller, on the farm belonging to Henry Orwin ; John Hamil- ton, on the Flory farm; James Tucker, on the farm owned by the Carter heirs ; Leonard Sutherland, on the farm the present property of Mr. Aley ; Gen. Walter Wilsen, on the farm now owned by T. J. Wilson's heirs; George Smith, on what is now the Puterbaugh farm ; Solomon Kelley, on the farm belonging to Mr. Thomas ; Zera Suther- land, on the Robinson farm ; John Hill, on the farm now owned by Mr. Wells; Gillis McBean, on the farm now in possession of the Widow Skelton, and Charles Demos, on what is now the Cooke farm.
The list of names as given us, is scarcely so large during the year 1831 as the year previous (1830). At first thought, one would have supposed it much larger, and yet, it is often the case that emigration to a new country without any apparent cause often declines. Then it is possible for our informants to be mistaken slightly in their state- ments. Some credited to 1830 may have come early in 1831. Our readers must ever bear in mind the difficulty under which we labor to arrive at accuracy where memory alone is the authority for events that transpired almost a half a century ago. We are told that in 1831, there entered the township the following men : William Demos, who settled on the Horn farm ; George Julian, on the farm of William Douglass ; Moses Barnett, on the land owned by the Carter heirs ; Wills Buzan, on the Flory farm ; Noah Vandeveer, on the present property of the Skelton heirs; James McClung, on the farm belonging to the heirs of Jesse Julian, and Archibald MeGrue, on what is now the Deleplane farm.
Among those of 1832, were the following: John Sutten, on the farm belonging to Mr. Campbell; Abraham Surber, on the farm which his heirs still own ; William Murphy, on the La Rose farm ; John Murphy on the farm of Mr. Simpson, and John Shields, on what is now a part of the County Farm.
Prominent among those of 1833 were John Plummer, Jacob and Joseph Hall, William Sutherland, John L. Smith, Benjamin Engart and Henry Layton.
In 1834, came William Rogers, Nathan Julian, Philip J. La Rose and Samuel Swaggers.
Soon after 1834, many changes began to occur, so that it would be difficult to continue the list of early settlers farther. However, we may name as coming soon after and consequently sharing in the hardship of pioneer life : Jesse and Jacob Julian, N. Castle and Edward Johnson. The last named gentleman had been a citizen of Logansport several years previous to moving to Clay.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of John Scott, by the Christians or Disciples, in 1830. John Scott himself and his brother Alexander were early preachers of that de- nomination.
The next religious denomination was the Methodist, who held their meetings at the house of Messrs. Demos and Plummer. In
1834, the first camp meeting of the township was held by the Meth- odists, on the George Julian farm. Doubtless there are many who re- gard this spot almost as holy ground, remembering that there they laid aside the old man sin and adorned themselves in the shining robes of righteousness. The camp meetings in those early days were instrumental of great good, being similar to the protracted meet- ings of modern days. The first church built in the township was by the Christians (or Disciples), on the Miller farm, in the year 1832. The next was by the Methodists, on the Nathan Julian farm. Among the pioneer preachers, we name B. Westlake, Perry Buckingham, Wm. Boyden and Ephraim Bates.
The first school in the township was taught on the Charles Demos farm, in the Winter of 1831 and '32. Shortly after this, a school house was built on the Wells farm. The next was in the Sutherland neighborhood, about the year 1833. Among the pioneer teachers we name Messrs. Cozat, Sumwalt, Mclaughlin and Moore.
The township was organized May 5, 1832. A short time after the organization was perfected, the first election was held at the cabin of Samuel Ward. The first Justice of the Peace was Joseph Sellers. The next was John Ward, the son of Samuel Ward. Among those who served at an early date as Trustees we name Messrs. Julian (Nathan) Cooke, Swigart, Terrell and Black. After the law changed, requiring but one, Asberry Barnett, whose name is recorded among the early settlers of Harrison Township, was chosen to fill this office. So well and honorably has he discharged its duties, that he has been steadily continued in that position.
The first mill in the township was built by Jonathan Washington, in 1832, on the farm owned by the heirs of Mr. Carr. This, although simply a corn cracker, was highly prized by the pioneers. The next to engage in this enterprise was Charles Demos and his son John, who built a saw-mill on the present site of the County Poor Farm.
Being situated near the county seat, and being settled at an early date, Clay Township has indeed made praiseworthy progress. The traveler through this part of Cass County is pleased with the well improved farms and the neat, substantial dwellings which greet his vision. The name and location of churches may be had by reference to the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are six ; enrolled children, -
Being so near Logansport, no villages have ever been laid off within her borders. That part of the town of Logansport found within her limits will be described in another place.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
All great men in dying leave behind them ardent admirers, those who desire to perpetuate the memory of their ideal men. Hence, frequently do we find our civil townships bearing the names of our nation's honored men. The above-named township was so called in memory of the illustrious statesman and President, John Quincy Adams.
Previous to the year 1828, the land embraced now within the borders of Adams knew not the tread of the white man. The Indian held undisputed sway. In that year, however (1828), a white man by the name of Jackson Conner established an Indian trading-post on the farm now owned by the heirs of John Hoover. The occupation of Mr. Conner was that of trader exclusively. Accordingly, he made little attempt at improvements of any kind.
Not until the year 1830 did a white man enter her borders with the fixed purpose of bringing at least a portion of her lands into a state of cultivation. This gentleman was Samuel Lowman. He chose for his future home the farm now owned by the heirs of Daniel Dillman.
The next man who had sufficient nerve and energy to cast his for- tunes in an unbroken wilderness, trusting alone to his strong right arm to clear away the forests and prepare the ground whercon should grow the necessaries of life, was Henry L. Thomas. He came in the year 1831, and fixed his home on what is now the widow Furgeson farm. Despite the hardships borne as a pioneer, by reason of strength, Mr. Thomas' life is yet spared. He is now 72 years of age, and is the only one who settled previous to 1831 left to tell the story of life in the woods.
Before the close of the year 1831, two other men took up their abode in the township. They were James McPherson, who settled on the Tilghman Woodhouse farm, and John Kelley, who located on what is now the Thomas Dalzell farm.
In 1832, came Minor Alley, who settled on the Gransinger farm, Philip Woodhouse on the farm belonging to his heirs, and Isaac
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
Young also on the farm owned by his heirs. The last named gentle- man has two sons who are yet worthy citizens of the township.
In 1833, came Richard Ferguson, yet an esteemed citizen of the township; Henry Daggy, who settled on the Woodhouse farm; John Gillen, on the farm belonging to Mr. Eurit, and Nathaniel Nichols, on the land owned by Tilghman Woodhouse.
Prominent among those who came soon after 1833, and shared in the hardships incident to pioneer life, we name Joel .Black, who is probably the oldest man of the township; Thomas Dalzell, Thomas Kinnear, James Reed, Nathan Jones and Isaac Newman.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of Henry L. Thomas, in 1832, by the Methodists-William M. Ray- burn preaching.
The first church was built by the denomination known as Chris tians, or New Lights, on the Reed farm, about the year 1847.
The first school was taught in a cabin on the Dalzell farm, in the year 1836, by William Davidson. The first school house was built on the Joel Black farm the year, following, 1837. The same year, another was built on the Thomas farm.
The township was organized May 6, 1835. Soon after this, an election wes held at the house of Nathaniel Nichols. John Cox was chosen first Justice of the Peace. Nathaniel Nichols acted as Inspect- or. He was also one of the early Trustees.
In the year 1835, George Lowman built a saw-mill, the first of the township, on the land owned by Messsrs. Furgeson & Young. To this was attached a corn cracker.
Probably the first marriage which occurred was that of Samuel Kelly to Sirena Cox, on the 5th day of March, 1834.
In the year 1832, there was born to Henry and Mary Thomas a daughter, Nancy, who was probably the first child of white parentage born in the township.
The first death was that of Nancy Thomas, which occurred in 1832. In improvements Adams does not claim to be foremost. Situated in the extreme northeastern part of the county, until recently far from railroads, she has not had the stimulus for improvements with those townships bordering upon the county seat. In certian localities the advancement she has made is highly commendable. The names and location of churches will be found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are 7 ; enrolled school children, -
At present, a tile factory is in successful operation under the con- trol of Decatur H. Eurit.
TWELVE MILE
is a small village in the north central part of the township. It perhaps was never regularly laid off. Jacob Reynolds is located there at present, as general merchant ; Mr. Wilson as druggist and Dr. J. M. Morris as physician and surgeon.
HOOVER
is a station on the line of the Detroit & Eel River Railroad. It was laid out about 1872, by Riley Hoover. John Clouse is at present located there as general merchant. Mr. Clouse also serves in the capacity of Postmaster. Hamilton & Co. are running a saw-mill.
MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
The name " Miami " was probably given this township in memory of the tribe of Indians of that name, to whom at an early day all the lands within her limits belonged. The Wabash River forms the southern boundary, while Eel River forms its boundary on the north. The land along these streams is exceedingly fertile, hence at an early date the land of this township was sought by the speculators, as well as by the pioneer who desired productive land for a future home.
Perhaps the first man to make permanent settlement in this town- ship was Peter Berry, father of John H. Berry, the latter still a citizen of the township. He came early in the year 1830, and fixed his home on the farm now owned by Mr. Cart. Mr. B. came for the purpose of bringing some of her fertile acres into a state of cul- tivation. Accordingly the sound of his axe was heard early and late in felling her dense forests. Soon, a small "patch" of ground was cleared, which gradually extended its area until the name field could be appropriately applied. Mr. Berry having the first cleared land in the township, to his son John is due the honor of turning, for culti- vation, the first furrow in the same.
Peter Berry having opened the way into the forests of Miami, before the close of 1830, he was joined by the following men: John Fidler, who located on the farm yet owned by the heirs; William
Conner, on the Gallahan farm; and John Hoover, on the farm at present belonging to Mr. Moore.
The year 1831 is memorable in having brought to the township the following men, the majority of whom proved themselves worthy citizens and aided materially in advancing the best interests of the township. They were Nathaniel Williams, father of John Williams, the latter yet an esteemed citizen of the township, and who selected as a future home the farm yet belonging to his son John ; Isaac S. Patton, who settled on the farm owned by heirs ; David Miller, Sr., on the farm where he is still living; and Absalom Reed, on the farm still owned by his heirs.
In 1832, a few more substantial men were added to the little colony. They were Abraham Patton, who settled on the farm now owned by Mr. King ; Jesse Fidler, on the land belonging to his heirs ; William P. Vandoren (exact location unknown) ; and James Henry, on the Levi Bennett farm.
During the years 1833 and 1834, came the following : William Guard, who settled on the farm owned by his heirs ; Christian Case- beer, on the farm owned by his heirs and William Pearson ; Lewis Bowyer, on the land belonging to his widow ; Peter Chidester, on the farm owned by the heirs of his brother ; E. G. Chidester, on what is now the Bird farm; David Casebeer, on the land belonging to Cox and Williams ; Thomas Craighead, on the land now in posses- sion of the Walker heirs; and David Miller, Jr., on the farm owned by his heirs.
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