USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 12
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Those of 1835 and '36 were Samuel McPherson, on the farm of Samuel Newman farm ; Archibald Forgy, on the farm belonging to Mr. Myers; Reuben Grimes, on the land owned by his heirs ; James McPherson, on what is now the Hyer farm ; Stephen and Hiram Clemens, on the land still in possession of their heirs, and George and James Rush, on the Walker and Kidd farm.
Between the years 1836 and 1841, a number of worthy men took up their abode in this township; men who shared the hardships of pioneer life, and by their dauntless energy aided greatly in bringing the township into its present improved condition. As the reader may suppose many changes occurred during those years, so that doubt- less many worthy names have been omitted by our informants. Entering the township at that time, we are able to name the following : Henry, Jacob and Andrew Martin, Isaac Parks, William Sweeny, H. M. Eidson, Frank Kelley, Jacob Loser, John Pfoutz, Jacob Miller, Will- iam Murphy, Anthony Hiller and William Pearson.
The township was organized January 3, 1831. Under this organ- ization, the first election was held soon after at the residence of Peter Berry. The first Justice of the Peace was William Conner. Isaac Patton also served in this capacity at an early date. Probably the first Trustees were Messrs. Williams, Berry and Craighead.
The first religious meeting was held in the cabin of Peter Berry, in the year 1833, by the Methodists-William M. Rayburn preach- ing. The next meeting in the township was by the Baptist denomi- nation. Their preacher was Elder William M. Pratt, brother of the late Senator Daniel D. Pratt. Mr. Pratt made his first preaching tour about 1842-43. The following year, 1843, this denomination (the Baptist) built the first church in the township, which stood on the farm of Mr. Berry, The next church was by the Methodists, at Lewisburg, about 1850. At a very early period in the history of the township, the Presbyterians held meetings at the cabins of Messrs. Thomas and Cruinley. The Rev. Martin M. Post was their preacher.
The first school house in the township was built about the year 1833 or '34, on the William Rooker farm. George Kelley was one of the first teachers in the new house. The next school house was on the Reed farm, about 1837. The first school taught in this house was by a gentleman named Sumalt.
As early as the year 1833 or 1834, the first mill in the township was built, on Eel River, by David Miller. This, at first, was simply a corn cracker, but was afterward converted into a grist-mill.
Perhaps the first marriage celebrated in the township was that of Peter C. Berry to Christinia Thomas, about the year 1836.
The first death which occurred was that of Mrs. Vandoren, about the year 1832.
Among casualties, we have to relate the stealing of a son (Joseph) of Thomas Black's, by the Indians, in 1837. The child was out in the yard playing, when it was suddenly kidnapped by a party of passing Indians. All efforts made for his recovery proved fruitless. The Indians, about this time, were moved west by the Government, to which place young Black was taken. In 1866, having grown to man's estate, and being told by the Indians of his native land, he revisited his old homestead. Strange to say, he remained but a short
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time. Having been raised among the Indians, having married an Indian girl, and having assumed the grave responsibility of physician among his tribe, he seemed to have a strong attachment for them, to whom he soon returned, and has ever since remained. Farther mention of him will be made in the general history of Cass County.
In improvements, Miami stands among the foremost townships of the county. The well known fertility and durability of her soil is patent to all. The tiller of productive land, with prudent manage- ment, is usually successful. He, at least, soon acquires sufficient means to enable him to make a pleasant and attractive home. Thus, generally, do we find the farmers of Miami with pleasant, comfortable homes. The name and location of churches is correctly given on the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are six ; enrolled school children, -.
NEW WAVERLY
is the principal village of the township. . It is situated in the south central part, on the line of the T., W. & W. Railroad. It was laid out in 1855, by John A. Forgy. Its business men at present are as follows : C. P. Forgy & Bros., dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, hardware, queensware and notions, also dealers in pork and grain ; Hugh Pencil & Son, grocers; R. M. Floyd, druggist; John Kinsey, saw-mill; P. W. Castle, blacksmith; Joseph Hogentogle, blacksmith; one church, Methodist Episcopal; one graded school, Alvin Porter, Principal; W. C. Rice, railroad agent; Masonic and Odd Fellows' Lodges. Population about 250.
HOOVERVILLE
is situated in the western part on Eel River. It was laid out about 1865, by John Hoover. Emanuel Loser is located there as general merchant ; Skinner & Bush are successfully managing a large grist- mill, on north bank of Eel River ; Hiram Armstrong and a gentleman by the name of Brooks play the part of village blacksmiths.
LEWISBURGHI,
in the extreme southern part on the Wabash, is the oldest town of the township. It was laid off about 1834 or 1835, by Lewis Bowyer. During the prosperous days of the Wabash & Erie Canal, it was a village of considerable importance. With the going down of the Canal, Lewisburgh began likewise to decline, when, to-day, no busi- ness of importance is transacted within her borders.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
In this township, which bears the name of De Witt Clinton, settle- ment began at a very early date. While in a majority of the town- ships constituting a part of Cass County, the Indian was roaming at will and the white man had not yet appeared upon the scene, a man was found who was in no wise daunted and feared not to take up his abode in the wildwoods of Clinton. This gentleman was James Birch. He came late in the year 1826, or early in the year 1827, and selected for his future home the land now owned by Benjamin Simons. Mr. Birch came with the firm resolution of clearing away the forests and of causing the land thus covered to yield sustenance for man. Accordingly he went vigorously to work, and in a short time a small patch of ground was cleared, which day by day extended its area into a field of nine or ten acres. Thus, upon what is now the Simons farm was planted and grown the first grain known in Clinton Township. About the same time, William Newman settled next above him under the bluff.
In the year 1828, Christian Simons, father of Peter, Isaac, Leon- ard, John, George and Benjamin Simons, the latter still a worthy citizen of the township, came to what is now Clinton, and purchased the claim of Mr. Birch. The entire tract of land which Mr. Simons bought at that time is now owned by Benjamin Simons and Andrew Young.
In every difficult undertaking, nothing is so essential as bold, resolute leaders. The forests being broken, a beginning being made, others were not slow to follow, and soon quite a little colony was formed in the township.
Those who came in the year 1829 were as follows : Jacob Neff, who settled on the Hamburg farm ; William Neff, who settled on the William Newman farm; Christian Radebaugh, on the farm owned by his son Adam; Andrew Young, on what is now the Shanklin farm ; Joseph, John and Hugh Woods, on the farm now owned by the widow of William Brown; Isaac Martin, on the Isaac Young farm ; Judge Robert Edwards, on the John Brig-
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gaman tract of land ; Hiram Calbert, on the farm owned by the Berryman heirs ; John P. Miller, on the Alfred Wagoner farm ; Thomas Chambers, on the land belonging to Alfred Porter; and William Lewis, on the farm where he is still living. The same year (1829), Jonathan Neff, still an esteemed citizen of the township, came and purchased the land upon which he is now living. He did not move, however until the Fall of 1830.
In the year 1830, Daniel Neff, whose widow is still living, settled on the farm where his son Daniel lives. Others of the same year were Joseph Clymer, who settled on the M. Reed farm ; Jos. Fitzer, who still lives on the farm where he settled ; James Chambers, on what is at present the Saylors farm ; George Shidler, on the land owned by his son Abraham; John Dodds, on the place belonging to his son ; Elias Shidler, who settled on the farm the present property of David H. Clymer; and John Hynes, on the farm where he is living.
After 1830, the township began to be rapidly settled, many changes occurring about that time, which renders it exceedingly diffi- cult to give date and location farther. The following are known to have been in the township at an early date, and by their energy aided materially in bringing Clinton into her present prosperous con- dition : John Myers, Wm. Goble, Daniel Reed, Wm. Reed, John Shuey and sons, Daniel and Michael, Richard Tyner, Joseph Oliver, Henry H. Helm (in 1835), and Hewitt L. Thomas, in 1836.
The subject of schools and the proper training of the young claimed the attention of the citizens before that of religious meetings and churches. Accordingly, at the early date of 1830, a log school house was built on the Simons farm. The first school in this house was taught in the Winter of 1830 and '31, by John - Martin, at a salary of eight dollars per month. The next school was taught by a Mr. Fuller. About the year 1835, the population had increased to such an extent that more school houses were needed. Accordingly two were built, one on the Shidler farm and the other on the land belonging to Mr. Thomas.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at William Neff's, by the Methodists, in 1831. The next demonination was the Presbyterians, who held regular worship in the Shidler school house. The ministers were Messrs. Post and Strong.
The first regular church in the township was built at Clymer's station, by the Methodists. About the same time, another church was built on the Atkinson farm.
The township was organized March 4, 1834. The first election was held soon after the organization was completed, at the house of John P. Miller. The first Justice of the Peace was William Goble. The first Constable was Thomas Chambers. Mr. J. P. Miller was early chosen Township Trustee.
The first couple united in the bonds of matrimony was Joseph Oliver to Rachael Neff, about the year 1833.
In the year 1831, there was born to Elias Shidler a son, who was probably one of the first children born of white parents in the town- ship.
In 1829, died Lydia, wife of Wm. Neff. About the same time, died Mary, wife of Isaac Martin. The latter was the first person buried in the Shidler grave yard. The year following, 1830, died Hugh Woods, brother of Joseph Woods.
The Wabash River forms the northern boundary of Clinton Town- ship. We need not, therefore, tell the reader that she possesses some very fertile land. In the way of general improvements, she has made very creditable progress. Her churches, with name and location, can be found by reference to the township map. Her school houses are six ; enrolled school children, - -.
CLYMER'S
is a station on the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad. It was , laid out by George Clymer, about the time of the building of said road. It has never grown to be of any great importance. Its busi- ness men are Dr. Landreg, general store; John R. Rhea, general merchant ; Mrs. Stoddard, groceries and notions, and David Clymer, saw-mill.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Within the borders of this township was made the first settlement in Cass County, outside of Logansport. As early as August, 1826, while almost the entire county of Cass was an unbroken wilderness, a man by the name of Alexander Chamberlain fixed his home just across the river from Logansport, where he kept a hotel or place or entertainment for travelers. The prospects presented to Mr. Cham-
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berlain were gloomy and uninviting. The Indian, with his stealthy tread, the hiss of serpents and the dismal howling of wild beasts added to the dreariness of the deep solitude. Surrounded as we are to-day, it is difficult to imagine the hardships undergone by the early settlers. The motive which prompted him to leave the home of comparative comfort and plenty for one of loneliness and want is, perhaps, illus- trative of the restless spirit of man, the constant longing for " some- . thing new." While at times this spirit of restlessness is to be highly condemned, it is at times highly commendable. Guided by this spirit, the name of Alexander Chamberlain will go down in history as the leader in the march of civilization in Washington Township.
Emigration toward Washington, for some years, was very slow. Accordingly, for some time, Mr. Chamberlain held undisputed sway, having his neighbors just across the line, in Logansport and Eel Town- ship. However, in the Spring of 1828, Gen. John Tipton, Indian Agent, located in Washington on the land first occupied by Mr. Chamberlain, but now forming part of the city of Logansport.
During the year 1829, William Lewis lived a short time on what is now the Biddle farm.
On the 7th day of October, 1830, Andrew Johnson, yet a citi- zen of the township, settled on the farm where he now resides. He has accordingly been longer in the township than any one now living. He is the only one who settled in 1830, or previous, who is left to tell the story of pioneer life.
During the year 1831, doubtless, there were some who entered the township, but, if so, we have failed to secure their names.
In 1832, Cyrus Vigus settled on what is now a part of Logansport.
The year following, 1-33, Francis Murphy settled on the land now laid out in town lots.
In 1834 and '35, came Samuel and Thomas Kinnaman, Jesse Julian and William C. Richardson.
From this time up to 1838, very few made permanent settlement within the borders of the township. In that year (1838), the greater part of Washington Township, which was originally included within the " Miami Reservation," was purchased by the Government from the Indians. It will be remembered that at this time, only a strip seven miles wide, along the western border of the reservation, in what is now Cass, Howard and Clinton Counties, was purchased by the United States. This was at once transferred to the State of Indiana, and immediately offered for sale; the proceeds being used for the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal, from the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, down.
In the Fall of 1843, the entire reservation included in Washing- ton Township was relinquished by the Indians to the United States. The Indians at the same treaty, agreed to move within a short time to the West. By the transaction above recorded, nearly all the land in Washington, at once came into market. It so readily found pur- chasers, that it would be a difficult undertaking to name and locate all who came about that time and soon thereafter. The following are the principal : Josiah Butler, Frederick Ozenback, Barton R. Keep, Charles and Almond Lyons, James Carney, Benjamin Sprader, Artemus B. Knowlton, William Sturgeon, William De Ford, Don R. Clark, Josiah Jones, Michael Ward, Paynter West, Jacob Myres, George Brown, John Neff, Alexander Smith, - Doyle, Leonard Simens, David Burkit, James Burkit, - Nelson, P. Vernon, Oliver, Sampson Berryman, A. J. Richardson, Willard White, Will. iam Clymer, Robert K. Rhea. John D. Bell, Hiram Guy, James Guy, Daniel Small, Major Long, Peter Martin, Henry Ramer, Mathew Jackson and Christian Foglesong.
About the year 1838, the subject of schools began to receive attention from those who had settled within the narrow strip not in- cluded in the reservation. In that year, the first school in the town- ship was taught, in a cabin on the Andrew Johnson farm. The teacher was John Lehigh. About the year 1841, the first regular school house was built on the Johnson farm.
The township being situated so near Logansport, the citizens had the opportunity of attending church at that place. No regular relig- ious meeting was held in the township until after the building of the school house on the Johnson farm. This was used as a place of worship by both the Baptists and Methodists. Mr. Mason was the Baptist minister. The first church in the township was built on the Martin farm by the aid of several denominations, and, hence a Union Church.
The township was organized September 7, 1842. The first election after the perfecting of the organization, was held at Barton R. Keep's. Jesse Julian was chosen first Justice of the Peace,
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 T., who was, perhaps, the first white child born in the township.
Among early deaths, we have to relate that of Sarah Ruckman, 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.
Washington Township possesses a large body of fertile land. This, as we have said before, always enables the owner to make such improvements as he may desire. Hence, Washington, in this respect, has kept pace with her sister townships. The names and location of churches are correctly given in the township map. Her school- houses are eight; enrolled school children, -.
DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
This township derived its name from a stream which flows through its confines. The stream, it is said, was so called because of the great number of deer which, at an early day, were found along its banks.
The township is situated in the extreme southern part of the county. A portion of its territory was formerly included within the "Great Miami Reservation." Accordingly, settlement did not. com- mence there at so early a date as in those townships removed some dis- tance from the Reservation and situated nearer the county seat.
In the year 1838, there were found two men willing to try a home in the unbroken wilderness of what was soon to become Deer Creek Township. They were Noah Fouts, who settled on the farm now be- longing to his son, Henry, and Joseph Neff, who selected for his future home the land owned at present by William Snider. There was but little difference in the arrival of the two gentlemen named above, both coming about the same time. Several sons of the last named are now living in the village of Walton, Tipton Township.
The next man who possessed the necessary hardihood to brave the exposures and dangers of the woods was J. Reagan, who came in 1839, and settled on the Danial Hyman farm. His widow, having survived the hardships of an eventful life, is still living in the town- ship.
During the year 1840, according to the best authority at our command, only one man was added to the little colony. This was Mr. Joshua Coshow, who settled on the farm belonging to Isaac Sence.
The year 1841 brought four. They were Wmn. Duncan, who located on the land where he is still living ; John McIlwain, on the William Holland farm ; Alexander Murphy, also on what is now the Holland farm, and Robert Coat, on the land owned by the widow Green.
In 1842, came William Buchanan, who settled on the widow Sence farm; John Payton, on the farm owned by John McClosky, and Henry James, on the George Hubler farm.
In 1843, the number was largely increased by the following men : John N. Poundstone, on the farm where he is still living; A. F. Coin, on the farm owned by his son, S. R Coin ; Barnett Wilson, on the place where he lives ; George A. Ewing, on the John Roush farm ; James W. Smith, on the farm which is still in possession of his heirs ; James Logan, also on the land owned by his heirs ; Geo. W., Jacob and Jackson Harness, the former on the farms where they are living, the latter on that owned by his heirs; Jacob Eder, on the Flinn and Beech farm, with Daniel and Jacob Shelley, who were "squatters," not at first making permanent entries of land.
In 1844, Daniel and Lewis Hyman, still citizens of the township, settled on the Escher farm. Among others who came soon after that date and are justly to be mentioned among the early settlers, were David See, James Stanley, William Hall, William Holland, Jacob Shern, John Davis, John Hampshire, Benjamin Hoover, John Grist, William Smith and Thompson Vaughn.
Doubtless there are many names that should appear here, but they have been forgotten by those from whom we have gained our information ; accordingly we must content ourselves with having given the basis of the early settlement.
The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of Noah Fouts, about the year 1840, by the Cumberland Presby- terians. Their preacher was the Rev. John Hay. The next denomi- nation was the Baptist, who held their meetings in a log school house, on the Escher farm. About the year 1845, the Methodists built a
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church on the Reeder farm. The same year, a church was built by the Quakers on the Enos McDonald farm. The next was by the Christians or Disciples in Young America.
The first school house in the township was built on the Hyman farm about the year 1840. The first school held in the new house was taught by Josiah Brown. Soon after this, Milton Jerrett taught a school in the same place. When the population had increased suf- ficiently to demand it, a second school house was built on the Holland farm, and also, at an early date, a third on the Poundstone farm.
The township was organized July 26, 1842. Soon after the per- fecting of this organization, an election was held at Holland's. John Grist is thought to have been the first Justice of the Peace, while John McIlwain and Thompson Vaughn served at an early date in the capacity of Township Trustees.
In March, of the year 1841, there was born to Z. Reagan and wife a daughter, who was probably the first white child born in the township. About the same time, a son, Josiah, was born to Jo- seph Neff and wife.
The first death which occurred was that of Z. Reagan, in 1840. In the line of casualties, perhaps nothing has occurred in the his- tory of the township which has so aroused her citizens, as the attempted murder of Abraham Johnson. This is of recent occur- rence, having transpired in 1877, and is accordingly fresh in the minds of all. It is not our province here to give details, but to state facts briefly and concisely as possible.
On a certain day in the latter part of the year named above, Mr. Johnson, having been on business a short distance from Young America (his home), was returning thither, when he was met, about a mile west of said village, by three men in a spring wagon, who claimed to have some machinery which they were very desirous that he (Johnson) should examine. While preparations were being made for showing said machinery, Mr. J. suddenly received a heavy blow on the head, which no doubt was intended by the giver to be a fatal one, the effect of which was to render him unconscious for many hours. When consciousness returned, Mr. Johnson found himself in a hollow log. From this, after much difficulty, he extricated himself, and finally succeeded in reaching a house where he was cared for, and soun taken to his home. For some time he lay in a critical condition, but finally recovered. At the time the assault was made, Mr. John- son was supposed to have considerable money in his possession. Sev- eral arrests have been made, but in each case the parties arrested have successfully proved their innocence.
In considering the progress Deer Creek has made in the way of improvements, we must take into consideration the late date at which her lands came into market; yet, so well has she played her part in this respect that the stranger passing through Cass County would scarcely believe Deer Creek ten or twelve years younger than many of her sister townships. -
Her school houses are eleven; enrolled school children, -.
YOUNG AMERICA.
The proprietors of this enterprising town were Laban Thomas, John Roush, Lewis Hyman and Robert Hinton. It was laid out about 1856. Its business men at present are as follows: M. B. Marris, dry goods, etc .; J. G. Johnson, grocery; L. W. Coin, drug- gist; H. N. Turley, grocery; Philip Wykle, wagon maker; Theodore Kreseen, blacksmith; B. F. Rhodes, grist-mill; Abraham Johnson, saw-mill; Abner Ratcliff, planing mill; William Hunter, shoemaker ; Edward Montgomery, shoemaker ; J. T. Snodgrass, tinner; Robert Hunter, undertaker; A. C. Walter, harness maker; Robert Cum- mins, hotel ; physicians are D. C. Barnett ; I. A. Cooper and A. B. Strode. One church, Christian or Disciple ; one school house. Pop- ulation, about 225.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
The above name was given this township by its citizens, thus helping to perpetuate the name of the illustrious President, Andrew Jackson.
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