USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 14
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PERSONAL SKETCHES
OF SOME OF THE PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS OF CASS COUNTY.
GENERAL JOHN TIPTON. BY T. B. HELM.
Those marked individualisms of character, which strikingly dis- tinguished the career of personages whose nobility is acknowledged by the world of mind, are the features that, now and heretofore, have commanded and fixed the attention of mankind; hence it is, that history only records the pencilings of genius, standing out in bold relief, on the tablets of memory. Eccentricities of talent and character, endowed with a sufficiency of motive power to vitalize those talents and characteristics, never fail to leave behind distinct traces- land-marks-such as will not fail to secure recognition, and be acknowledged by all. A striking illustration in proof of this is afforded in the life of him whose name stands at the head of this article. John Tipton was born in Sevier County, East Tenneseee, on the 14th day of August, 1786. His father, Joshua Tipton, was a native of Maryland, and a man possessing great positiveness of character, with keen perceptions and uncommon executive power. These peculirities induced his carly removal from his native State, and settlement in a more western home, where he was a leader in the defense of their frontier against the hostile Indians. In open war- fare, the Indians feared his superiority in courage and tact. The consequence was, that a band of Cherokees waylaid and murdered him, on the 18th day of April, 1793.
Left thus early in life, in the midst of a frontier settlement, sur- rounded by the perils incident thereto, the son, inheriting the saga- city and self-reliance of his father, soon began to develop that positive energy of character which distinguished his after life.
Though young in years at the time of his father's death, he early became the chief support of the family.
In the Fall of 1807, with his mother, two sisters and a half- brother, he removed to Indiana Territory, then just beginning to acquire notoriety. His place of settlement was near Brinley's Ferry, on the Ohio River. One of his first acts was to purchase a home- stead for his mother, consisting of fifty acres, which he paid out of his scanty earnings, acquired by chopping and splitting rails, at fifty cents a hundred, in addition to the maintenance of the family, of whom he was now the responsible head. These early experiences laid the foundation of his future success in life. As early as June, 1809, upon the formation of a military company in the vicinity of his home-called the " Yellow Jackets," from the color of their uniforms-he enlisted aad became an active member. This company was designed for active service, in case the exigency of the times de- manded, and was placed under the command of Captain Spear Spen-
cer. The occasion soon presented itself, and the company was ordered to the frontier, for the protection of the settlements. On the 10th of September, 1811, the company entered upon the campaign, which terminated in the battle of Tippecanoe. While on the march, he was chosen Ensign, and in that position he entered the battle field. Early in the engagement, all his superior officers were killed, and he was promoted to the Captaincy of the company, by General Harrison, when the conflict raged fiercest. Subsequently, he was promoted by regular gradation, under the military regulations of the State, to the rank of Brigadier General.
At the first election under the State Constitution, he was the choice of the people of Harrison County, for Sheriff, and continued in that position, until near the close of his second term. Meantime, he was elected to represent Harrison County in the State Legislature, at the session of 1819-20.
While a member of that body, he was chosen as one of the Com- mittee to select the site for the location of the State capital. The
result of this committee's action made Indianapolis the capital city of Indiana. The selection was made on the 7th day of June, 1820, and confirmed by legislative enactment, approved January 6, 1821.
In August, 1821, he was re-elected to represent his county, having acquired extensive popularity as a discreet and active legis- lator. At the session following, he was chosen one of the Commis- sioners, on the part of Indiana, to act with like Commissioners on the part of Illinois, in locating the boundary line between the two States. The work was expeditiously and satisfactorily accomplished the succeeding Summer, and ratified by the Legislatures of the two States, at the session of 1822-3.
He was appointed, in March, 1823, by President Monroe, Gen- eral Agent for the Pottawatomie and Miami Indians, on the Upper Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers, and immediately removed to Fort Wayne, the seat of the agency. His success in this field was no less marked than in the execution of other trusts before reposed in him. At his instance, the agency was removed from Ft. Wayne to Logans- port, in the Spring of 1828, where he continued to discharge the functions of his trust, with fidelity and success.
Anterior to his removal of the agency, under appointment of President J. Q. Adams, in the Fall of 1826, he was chiefly instru- mental in securing the important provisions of several treaties with those tribes over which he had jurisdiction, whereby valuable land" interests were opened to the public.
At the session of the Legislature in December, 1831, he was elected U. S. Senator from Indiana, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. James Noble. Again, at the session of 1832-3, he was elected for a full term of six years. While there, he was dis- tinguished for his sound judgment and independent action upon all questions involving the interest of his State, or the General Govern- ment. His views in reference to the recharter of a United States Bank were strictly opposed to those of Gen. Jackson ; favoring, in a most exhaustive speech on that question, the continuance of that in- stitution as the best means of securing a standard currency of uniform value everywhere. He recognized no party in determining the line of duty, always acting from motives of public right ; his unbiased judgment controlling the effort.
As a civilian and citizen, he was alike successful in directing and executing, to the extent of his power, whatever purpose his conscience approved or his judgment dictated.
Having determined to make Logansport his home, and moved his family here, he directed his energies toward securing all advantages incident to cultivated society, and the developement of natural re- sources. One of his first steps was to effect the organization of the Eel River Seminary Society ; the erection of a suitable building for school purposes ; the employment and support of teachers. This was accomplished in the Fall and Winter of 1828-9. For this purpose, also, he contributed largely of his means and influence. In after years, his numerous business cares did not detract from his efforts to secure the permanent prosperity of the schools.
Under his direction, the settlement was supplied with grist and saw-mills, simultaneously with the other enterprises inaugurated by him. In short, he was the instigator of and the motive power that gave form and imparted energy to every enterprise calculated to improve society, and induce progress toward the unfoldment and utilization of all the natural advantages with which Cass County has been so bountifully supplied.
He was the proprietor, also, of four separate additions to the town of Logansport, and was interested with Mr. Carter, in the plan and location of the original plat thereof. During the Summer or Fall of
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
1838, he was delegated, with the discretionary powers necessary to the successful removal of the disaffected Indians, who, having dis- posed of their lands, were yet unwilling to remove peacefully to their home beyond the Mississippi. The decisive measures adopted by him permitted no delay. Difficulties, seemingly unsurmountable, were promptly overcome by his superior tact and courage, and the work accomplished with satisfactory dispatch. Mr. Tipton was twice married ; the first time, about the year 1818, to Miss - Shields, who died less than two years after their marriage. The second time was in April, 1825, to Matilda, daughter of Capt. Spear Spencer, who was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. The second Mrs. Tipton died in the Spring of 1839, about the close of her husband's Senator- ial career.
The prestige of his name as a civilian and statesman, added to his fame as a military leader, did not completely fill his measure of honor ; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and occupied a distin- guished position in the order. He received the first degrees in Pisgah Lodge, No. 5, at Corydon, Indiana, in the year 1817. He was soon after elected Master, and, as such, represented that lodge at the first session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, at which he was elected Senior Grand Warden, holding that position until 1820, when he became Grand Master. Having served one term, he was re-elected Grand Master in 1828. In 1822, he received the Chapter degrees at Louis- ville, Kentucky, at the hands of Companion Snow, of Ohio.
He subsequently filled many important positions in the Grand Lodge, and was chiefly instrumental in the institution of Tipton Lodge, No. 33, in 1828, and Logan Chapter, No. 2, in 1837, in both of which he achieved the highest honors.
On the morning of April 5, 1839, after a few hours of uncon- scious suffering, he died, in the meridian of life, and received the last sad honors of his Masonic brethren, on Sunday, April 7, 1839.
MAJOR DANIEL BELL. BY T. B. HELM.
Major Bell, as he was familiarly known, was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 7th day of March, 1788. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and, with a view to bettering his own and the condition of his family, moved thence to Bourbon County, Ky., in the Fall after Daniel's birth.
At the date of his settlement, Kentucky was but sparsely settled, adventurous pioneers only being drawn thither by the prosperous advantages offered. The father, in this instance, was not an excep- tion, and was willing to risk the contingencies of Indian warfare, depending upon his own strong arm and trusty rifle to maintain the equality of right.
With the surroundings incident to pioncer life in Kentucky, the early experiences of Major Bell eminently fitted him to become a participant in the progress of settlements in Indiana Territory. With these qualifications, he moved with his father, and settled in Corydon, Ind., in the Spring of 1811.
About this time, there was great excitement growing out of the numerous Indian depredations committed along the line of frontier settlements by the hordes under control of the Shawnee Prophet, whose village was on the north side of the Tippecanoe, a short dis- tance above its mouth. Mutual defense was the order of the hour among the hardy pioneersmen of this locality. Captain Spencer had raised a company of mounted men to go with the expedition against those Indians. Young Bell at once enlisted, and soon after the expedition started, the Prophet's town being the objective point. At the battle of Tippecanoe, on the 7th of November following, their company - the " Yellow Jackets " - acquitted itself with distin- guished honor, more than half the number being killed or wounded. Among the killed was the gallant Captain. Major Bell was unhurt.
After that time, he participated in numerous minor engagements with the Indians, in which he bore himself with the courage charac- teristic of the true backwoods soldier. After the return of the expedition from Tippecanoe, in the month of December of the same year, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Spencer, daughter of the late Captain.
Having resided in the vicinity of Corydon until some time in the year 1824, he removed thence to Putnam. County, Ind., remaining there until the early Spring of 1827, when, with his family, he again moved, settling on the north side of the Wabash, within the present boundary of Logansport, landing here on the 27th of March, 1827. Major Bell's cabin was the first ever erected within the limits of our city.
In 1830, having purchased an interest in the Louison Reserve, north of Eel River, he moved to that point, and made an improve- ment on his land. Five years later, he made a further settlement at Georgetown in this county, being the proprietor of that place. Two years after the death of General Tipton-his brother-in-law-Major Bell returned to Logansport, and took control of the General's dom- icil, at the request of his children. He remained in charge until 1845, when the Miami Reserve-recently purchased from the Indi- ans-began to be settled. The pre-emption law was then in force, and, following the bent of his inclinations to become a pioneer again, he took a claim, and settled on the border of a prairie in Jackson Township, since known as "Bell's Prairie," in the immediate vicinity of Galveston. On this tract he remained the balance of his life.
For twenty years prior to his death, Major Bell had directed his efforts toward the organization of a society composed of the remain- ing "Old Settlers," and their immediate descendants. In the course of time, such an association became a necessity, and, accordingly, on the 26th of March, 1870, such a society was formed, and the Major made President for life.
Naturally possessing a strong physical organization, with a fair intellectual development, at the age of more than four score years, his mind was still active, and the fire of his eye remained undimmed.
From that time, however, his strength began to give way; having endured the frosts and snows of eighty-three winters, his mind, also, became impaired, and he was again a child. Thus he passed to his final rest, on the evening of November 7th, 1874, on the sixty-sixth anniversary of the battle of Tippecanoe.
CYRUS TABER. BY T. B. HELM.
Mr. Taber was born at Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island, on the 19th day of January, 1800. When only 3 years old, his father left Tiverton, and settled temporarily in Western New York, subsequently removing thence to the State of Pennsylvania. Having remained under the paternal roof until he had nearly attained his 24th year, he felt that he should thenceforth enter upon life's duties on his own account, and accordingly came westward, set- tling at Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, then but recently or- ganzed.
Before leaving home, however, he had established a course of policy that seems to have been the rule by which he accomplished the great aims of his business life : "Do one thing at a time, and do that one thing well." An incident in his early life made
this maxim his talisman. When only 17 or 18 years old, he was temporarily employed by an old Pennsylvania Quaker, named William Salter, to make rails and build fence. One day, while thus engaged, the old gentleman was present, intently watching the move- ments of Cyrus, in accomplishing his work. Seeing the young man proceed by first splitting a few rails, then laying about a dozen panels of fence-worm, after which he would split another small number of rails and lay them along as before, in like manner proceeding with his work. Finally, the old Quaker, having satisfied his curiosity, spoke thus earnestly to the young laborer : "Friend Cyrus, thee must learn to do one thing at a time, or be a poor man all thy life." Cyrus saw the point, and profited by the suggestion. Afterward, he made rail-splitting the business of one occasion, and fence-building another ; never again trying to do both at once. It proved a lesson of great value to him in after life.
When he came to Fort Wayne he had with him about $400 in money, and before he had any opportunity to secure employment, he was taken sick with the ague, with which he suffered for a whole year. Thus all his money was spent, and he was about thirty dollars in debt. As soon as he was able, he struck out, and went to work, building fences and log cabins for the Indians. Reuben Covert was his companion. The latter drove the oxen and hauled the rails, while Mr. Taber did the cutting and splitting. At the end of one year, he had saved one hundred dollars, and with it, purchased the first eighty acres of land ever owned by him. He was richer then, he said, than ever afterward. He was independent, and willing to work. Afterward he cleared his land, raised corn, and, with the pro- ceeds, purchased an adjoining lot.
In this manner, the first three years of his residence in Allen Co. were devoted to the development of his farming interests, by which experienec, also, he demonstrated the fact that he had qualifications for a more profitable investment of his talents. This was not so
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
much his own discovery as that of his friends. Allen Hamilton, who, seeing that Mr. Taber was well adapted to the branch of trade in which he was himself engaged, invited him to take a share in his business. Thenceforward, he devoted his time and energies to the enlargement of this business interest. In this way, the well-known firm of Hamilton & Taber was permanently established, in the year 1827.
In the following year this firm commenced business in Logansport -then but recently laid out-Mr. Taber taking the immediate charge of this branch. This firm continued thus until 1835, when Philip Pollard was taken into partnership, the firm then taking the name of A. Hamilton & Co. In 1838, this partnership was dis- solved, when the firm resumed its original name.
As a firm, Hamilton & Taber ceased business, in 1840, at Logans- port. Mr. Taber, however, continued a separate business in Logans- port until 1843, when, in June of that year, Wm. Chase took an interest, and the firm was known by the name of Taber & Chase. This firm continued in business until 1848, when Mr. Taber retired from mercantile life forever.
In May, 1829, Mr. Taber was married to Miss Deborah Ann Coles, daughter of Col. Stephen Coles, of Fort Wayne, by whom he had several children; of these, but three are now living-Stephen C., Paul, and Phebe Ann, now the wife of Andrew H. Hamilton, Esq., of Fort Wayne.
After the organization of Cass County, in the Spring of 1829, Mr. Taber, when the County Board met in its first session, was appointed County Treasurer. His term of office expired in January, 1830, when Jordan Vigus was appointed his successor.
Mr. Taber was not an aspirant for office, yet, at the earnest solici- tation of his friends, he was induced to become a candidate for the State Legislature in 1845, was elected, and made an efficient member. The next year, he was elected to the State Senate, and served as such during the years 1846, '7 and '8, when he was succeeded by George B. Walker.
Politically, Mr. Taber was ranked with the old Whig party, and advocated the claims of Henry Clay for the presidency, and maintained, generally, the principles and measures of that party until 1835, after- ward affiiliating with the Democratic party.
When the railroad interest began first to be developed, Mr. Taber was one of its most zealous advocates, and to him, perhaps, more than to any other man, are the people of Cass County indebted for the first railroads that passed over her territory. In short, he was in favor of whatever measure was best calculated to develop the true interests of the community. He was a friend to the poor man, and did much to assist those who showed a disposition to help themselves. As such he will be long remembered. Finally, after a lingering illness, on the 13th day of April, 1855, he passed cheerfully and peacefully to the life beyond.
GEORGE W. EWING. BY T. B. HELM.
Geo. W. Ewing, a son of Alexander and Charlotte (Griffith) Ewing, was born in Monroe, Michigan Territory, about the year 1803, moving thence with his parents to Washington, a frontier town of Western Ohio, since known as Piqua. Here, and at Troy, an adjacent village, the family resided until the Spring of 1822, when they moved to the ancient Miami town of Ke-ki-onga (Fort Wayne, Ind.), at that time the seat of the Indian Agency for the North- western tribes.
The inducements thus presented for entering upon a lucrative trade, caused George to take the preliminary steps necessary to qualify himself for that business. This he did, and as early as 1826, we find him engaged in active business at Wa-pe-kon-net-ta, a little farther east, in the State of Ohio, his trade being chiefly with the Shawnees.
From his readiness in acquiring a knowledge of the language of this tribe, he was named by them, "She-wah-no" (speaking Shawnee and Miami). To Wm. G. Ewing, also, they gave the name of "She- wah-no-za" (Shewahno's brother).
In 1827, the firm of W. G. & G. W. Ewing commenced business in Fort Wayne, gradually extending it South and West, until it assumed the most gigantic proportions. The branch established at Logansport commenced in 1828, and continued until 1839, their headquarters being at the northeast corner of Market and Bridge streets.
Mr. Ewing was married on the 10th day of December, 1828, to Miss Harriet Bourie. In 1830, he moved with his family, to Logans-
port, remaining there until 1839, when he settled in Peru, Miami County, Indiana.
After a residence of seven years in that place, he again moved, this time settling in the City of St. Louis, Mo .- his general business headquarters. Here, in January following, Mrs. Ewing died. He, however, remained there until the death of his brother, William G., on the 11th of July, 1854, when, his business interest requiring his presence at Fort Wayne, he made the latter place his home.
During his residence in Cass County, he was elected to represent this district in the State Senate, serving in that position, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, from 1836 to 1839, when he removed, as previously stated, to Miami County.
Mr. Ewing was a fine business man, having, by his skillful man- agement, accumulated an immense fortune, estimated, in round num- bers, at $1,225,000.
Upon his return to Fort Wayne, his multifarious business cares wore heavily upon his nervous system, which eventually gave way, and he died of bilious pneumonia, on the 29th of May, 1866.
WILLIAM G. EWING. BY T. B. HELM.
William G. Ewing, also a son of Alexander and Charlotte (Griffith) Ewing; the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York.
William G. was born in Monroe, (then) Michigan Territory, about the year 1805. In 1807, the family moved to Piqua, then known as Washington, a frontier town in Western Ohio. At this place, and at Troy-a small village near by-the family remained until the year 1822, and then moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana-the old Miami town of Ke-ki-onga-on the borders of the unpurchased territory south and west. At Fort Wayne, in the course of time, he was gradually inducted into the Indian trade, that point being then the seat of the Indian Agency. It was not, however, until the year 1827, that he and his brother, George W., commenced an independent business on their own account.
In this trade, they accumulated large profits, and eventually established branch houses at Logansport, La Gro and other places in Indiana.
When the Indians had been moved Westward, trading houses were established by this enterprising firm in Iowa, Missouri, Wis- consin and other Western States and Territories, thus realizing an immense fortune. It is said their business extended from Europe to the Rocky Mountains.
Mr. Ewing died on the 11th day of October, 1854 ; his estate being valued at $750,000, of which his widow received $200,000.
GEORGE B. WALKER. BY T. B. HELM.
. George B. Walker was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, about one and one-half miles north of the city, on the 1st day of May, 1803. He was the son of Christopher and Patience (Foster) Wal- ker. With his parents, he emigrated to and settled in Ohio, landing at Cincinnati in October, 1809.
George B., after residing in Cincinnati until the year 1818 or '19, left there and went to Piqua, thence to Troy, Ohio, where, with Mr. John McCorkle (brother of the late Mary Hars), he commenced mercantile life. With Mr. McCorkle, he continued in business at that point until 1824, when they transferred their stock in trade to Fort Wayne, moving thither, made that place their home. Subse- quently, he and Anthony L. Davis, purchased the entire interest of Mr. McCorkle in the store, and commenced business under the firm name of Walker & Davis. At a still later period, a branch store was sent to Attica, Indiana, and another to Logansport, the firm taking the name of Walker, Carter & Co .- Davis at Fort Wayne, Walker at Attica and Chauncy Carter at Logrnsport. This firm suspended
business in 1832, when Mr. Walker became a member of the firm of Ewing, Walker & Co. Mr. Walker was first married to Miss Lavina Ewing, daughter of Alexander Ewing, of Fort Wayne, and sister of W. G. and G. W. Ewing, on the 14th of December, 1826, and they commenced keeping house, January 1, 1827. By this lady he had one child-Charlotte, the wife of Stephen C. Taber, Esq. Mrs. Wal- ker died in 1835.
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