USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 58
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In 1856 a flouring mill was built by Mr. James High, on Cobert's creek, in the southwest part of the township. The mill has two run of stone, is now owned by Mr. D. Darr, and is doing a thriv. ing business in that line.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
The first election was held at the residence of T. H. Evans. Mr. Smith and Mr. Dibble were elected as justices of the peace, Mr. Evans was elected treasurer, and one of the trustees, which offices he held for several years.
The soil of this township generally is very fertile, producing handsomely all kinds of farm crops. It is universally of a sandy nature and easy of cultivation. The farms are in the main under good cultivation, and many fine country residences are found. The farmers generally are in good spirits, denoting pros- perity, enterprise, thrift and future happiness.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIIÄ–S.
Following are biographical notices of prominent citizens of Cleveland township, whose nationality, parentage, children, politics, religion, etc., are of interest to the community.
T. H. Evans, an elderly farmer on see. 29, whose P. O. address is Elkhart, was born in Rutland county, Vt., May 21, 1803, the third son of Frederie and Wealthy (Cleveland) Evans, His mother was born in Connecticut, and died at the age of 86 years. His grandfather deserted from the old government of Great Britain, and with the notorions " Till" came to America, and in the war of the Revolution did valiant service in aid of the colonists in their struggle for liberty and independence. The subject of this sketch left his parents at the age of nine years, to make his home with Mr. Samnel Wright, who was a member of the Great American Fur Company. He lived with Mr. Wright, attending school and doing chores for board, until he was 14 years old, when he was placed in control of the saw-mill and oil mill owned by Mr. Wright. He made several expeditions with Mr. Wright to the headwaters of the Sennae, remaining about four months in the spring season, and three months in the fall, trapping for furs and bartering with the Indians. At the age of 19 he made a trip by water from Buffalo to Chicago, visiting the divisional points of trade established by that company. When 21 years of age, he snperintended an extensive briek manufactory at Dansville, New York. Jan. 5, 1826, he was married to Miss Lucinda Hughes, of Washington county, New York, with whom he happily lived for more than half a century. Mrs. Evans died Nov. 6, 1879, at the age of 77 years. After their marriage they moved to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where for the following nine years Mr. Evans was engaged in the wagon and carriage trade. In 1835 they came to Elkhart county, Indiana, and began life here on a new farm, upon which Mr. Evans yet lives. They had + children born to them, 2 of whom are yet living: Ann, who is now the wife of Mr. Asa Clark, a tin merchant in the city of Elkhart; and Horatio,
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
who is married and resides on a farm in this section. They have had 3 children. but 1 of which. Warren. is vet living.
Mr. Evans is the owner of 120 acres of fine land, under a fair state of improvement and enltiration, which is worth $60 per acre. He is also an earnest advocate and supporter of the principles of Republicanism.
A portrait of Mr. Evans is given in this volume.
Jacob G. Frank is a native of Pennsylvania. having been burn in Washington county Ang. ST. 1804. He is the third son of George an ! Margaret Frank. Mrs. Frank is a member of the Hewit family. of Pennsylvania. At the age of seven years his parents moved to Stark county. Ohis. whither he accompanied them, and worked with his father on his farm until his 27th year. when he began farming for himself.
In 1532. in order that life should be more pleasant and success more certain. he united in martispe with Miss Elizabeth Lewis. daughter of Win. and Naner Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania, where Elizabeth was born in the year is11. Ther remained in Olio kr abont 22 years, when they came in !\4 and located on the land where they vet reside, in the full enjoyment .: age, pesce, and plenty. This union of 1532 has been blessed by the Birth of s children. + of which are vet living. and are all married. Creurge married Miss Mary Ruggle, and now res;des in the city of Elklar :. Saloam, who is the wife of the Rev. Michael Crager, is a resident of Elkhart Elizabeth. als. is a resident of this city. P. Quesual married Miss Jessie White, of Michigan. Franklin was a niem- ber (ft .. e 45 :. Ind. Ved. Inf .. and died of fere: in the hospital near Corinth, Miss .. one of the thousands who gave their life for the salvation of the country of their birth. Mr. and Mrs. Frank are worthy members of the Evangelles! Church. They how (WE SO seres of valuable land, well impressed with good buildings, and nuder pod cultivation. worth soy per acre. Thus it is dethe .- strated that a worthy farmer is n : without bon reven ir his own country.
David Handsiger was torn N.v. 15. 1.20. in Mentemert county. Ohio, son of Heury and Mary Huntsinger. both natives t North Can Una, and emigrated to St. Joseph county in 1521. In this county our subjeet gained his majority. and was married Nor. 27. 1547. to Miss JJulia A. High, who was born in Miami county. Ohio. They have had ; children. 5 : whom are living: Alice. James J .. John C., David E .. and Sarah M. Mr. H. settled in this tp. in 1960, where he has resided since. He served nearly three years in Co. G. 74th Ind. Vol. Inf., and mais in Sherman.'s fame is march to the sea. Mr. and Mrs. II. are theribers of the First. Baptist Cinreh at Elkhart: P. O .. Eikhart.
Hinmo Kves was born in Union o untr. Pa .. Apr :: 14. 1583. His parents. Cristian ani Anns Mary Kautz, were also natives of Pen sylvania. His father is deceased, ar ! Vis agedi mother now resides i ?. Snyder contry. Pa. The subject of this sketch was
6$9
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
reared as a farmer, which occupation he followed for two years after he was of age; at this time he embarked in the mercantile trade in partnership with William Boyer, at what was afterward known as Kantz. Pa., there being a postoffice established throngh the la- bors of Mr. Kantz. After a few years Mr. K. sold out and went to farming, which occupation he has followed since. He emi- grated to Bristol, this county. in 1872, and here he only made a short stay, when he settled in this tp .. where he has followed the vocation ot farming. Mr. Kantz was married Dec. S. 1859, to Miss Casandren Walter, who was born Jan. 5, 1839. in Union county. Pa. They have had " children: Agnes P .. Calvin A., Sarah J., Nora D .. Annie M .. Charles W. and Ernest. Mr. Kantz is one of the leading citizens of this tp. At present is Township Trustee. He and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Residence, sec. 22: P. O., Elkhart.
Tilman Kuhns. P. O., Elkhart: is a farmer, and a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lehigh county Dec. 6, 1820, the oldest son of Solomon and Rebecca ( Diehl Kuhus, both natives of Pennsylva- nia.
Mr. K. lived and worked on a farm with his parents until 23 years of age, when he was married to Miss Sarah Click, danghter of Samnel Click, of Pennsylvania. They were married in Stark county. O., where he had moved with his parents when 14 years of age. They lived in Ohio and continued farming until 1864, when they moved to Elkhart county. Ind., and located on the farm where he now lives. They have had 3 children, 1 of which, Cornelius, died in Ohio at the age of seven years. The two yet living are Germauns D .. married to Lovina Saunter, and resides in Elk- hart county: and Samnel, married to Mary Noves, and also lives in this county.
Mr. Kuhus is the possessor of SO acres of excellent land, which is nnder a high state of cultivation, and worth, at a low estimate, $60 per acre. They are members of the Evangelical Church, mnch respected in their community, and are living alone at their old home. in the full enjoyment of a retired farmer's life.
Leland Ramsdell. deceased, was born in Vermont, Jan. 22, 1816, and is a son of Gideon and Sarah Ramsdell, natives of the same State. Mr. Ramsdell was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, which were the best that country afforded. In his 20th year he went to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he lived till 1565, when he came to this county. He was married March 31, 1541. to Phebe King, and had ? children : of these, 5 are living, riz .: Henry. Addison ( who married Lizzie Mock). Lyman, Albert and Milton. Mr. Ramsdell was quite a prominent man in this county. He left a farm of 240 acres, which was all acenmnlated by his own industrious efforts. He died Feb. 19. 1876, aged 60 years and 28 days. He had been a member of the Evangelical Church for several years. The respect in which he was held by the Church and community was attested by the large attendance at his funeral,
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
He leaves a wife and 5 children, all of whom except one are mem- bers of some Church.
G. W. Shiphard, until recently a farmer on sec. 15, is a native of Vermont. having been born at Edwardsburg, in sight of the Green mountains, Ang. 30. 1810. He is the youngest son of David and Diadama (Hopkins) Shiphard, natives of Bennington, Vt. His father died when he, George, was 11 years of age. He was married in 1832, at the age of 22 years, to Miss Fannie Cottrel, daughter of Nicholson and Abbie Cottrel, natives of Massachusetts. Mr. Shiphard and Miss Cottrel were in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where they continued nntil 1837, when they came to Indiana, and settled on the farm which he bought in 1835. Mrs. Shiphard died in 1838. They had 4 children, of whom but one is yet living, Fannie. now the wife of Mr. Marks. Leander received a wound at the battle of Chickamauga, and died from the effects of that wound soon after. In the spring of 1839 Mr. Shiphard was married to Achsah Cottrel, sister of his first wife. They have had 4 children. The 3 living are Lucia, now the wife of Mr. Dunamaker, of Minne- sota; Corwin married Miss Mary Luther and is living in Nebraska. Solon, one of the deceased, while serving in the war of the rebell- ion, was taken prisoner, and for nine months was confined in Andersonville prison; was afterward paroled, and wlien on his way home to "God's country" and when near Memphis, the boat on which they were sailing was blown to atoms by an explosion, and Solon's life went out before he reached the home of his father. Ella is married to Mr. Curtis and yet resides with her parents. The second Mrs. Shiphard died in 1871. The farm which Mr. S. has ust sold consisted of 160 acres, under a fine state of cultivation and worth $60 per acre.
Charles L. Smith, farmer; P O., Edwardsburg, Mich .; was born in Chantauqua county, N. Y., Oct. 21, 1826, the first son of Milo and Mary (Lathrop) Smith. His father was a native of Vermont, born Ang. 18, 1796, and his mother a native of Massachusetts, and died in Elkhart county in the 38th year of her age; father died in the 82d year of his age, at Edwardsburg. Charles remained on his father's farm until 13 years old, when they moved to St. Joseph county, where he continued living with his parents until 21, teach- ing school and farming with his father until he was 27 years of age, when he married Miss Amelia Roberson, daughter of Zachariah and Agnes Roberson, natives of New Jersey. He then bought a farm in Elkhart county, on which he moved and where they have resided until the present time. They have had 3 children. all now living: Milo, who married and is living on the old farm; Charles A., who is now attending the college at Valparaiso, Ind .; the youngest, a daughter, is Cora B. Mr. Smith was nurtured ac- cording to strict Democratic principles, but is now an earnest advocate and supporter of Republicanism. His grandfather went into the Revolutionary war as drummer boy and remained until peace was declared. Mr. Smith now owns a finely improved farm of 120 acres, with many extra conveniences of his own arrangement .
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
His land is valued at $60 per acre. They now are prepared to pass down the highway of life with honorable ease.
Geo. A. Smith was born in Stark county, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1832; his father, John S. Smith, was a native of Alsace, France, and came to America in 1828, settling in Stark county, Ohio. He came to this county with his family in 1837 and settled in Cleveland tp. He died Oct. 29, 1879, lamented by all. He was a worthy member of the Evangelical Association; his two brothers, George and Peter, were soldiers in Napoleon's army. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common school. He was married in 1862 to Miss' Snsan Ever, daughter of Isaac Eyer, and they have + children, viz .: Albert HI., Wesley E., Anna B. and Clara E. Mr. Smith owns 280 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He held the office of Township Trustce for two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Evangelical Association.
John Stewart was born in Danphin county, Pa., Jan. 13, 1807, son of John T. and Barbara (Lingle) Stewart, both of Ger- man descent; his father emigrated to Ohio in 1807. John, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania. He was mar- ried to Miss Margaret Rndy March 15, 1832, who was born May 20, 1811, in Dauphin county, Pa. They have 5 children: Margaret Samuel, John, David and Matilda. Mr. Stewart followed weaving in Pennsylvania, and since locating here he has followed farming and stock-raising. Mr. S. and also his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. Residence, sec. 26; P. O. Elkhart.
Jacob Wahl was born in Wirtemburg, Germany, Feb. 7, 1809 His parents were George and Catharine (Kaiffer) Wahl, of whom he is the youngest child. At the age of 22 he came with his par- ents to America and settled in Mahoning county, Ohio, where he continued working at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned and followed in the old country. He was married Ang. 23, 1838, in Mahoning county, where he and his wife continued to live until 1850, when they moved to Elkhart county. Ind., and npon the farm where they now reside. Mrs. Wahl is the daughter of George and Saralı King, natives of Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Wahl was born August 23, 1816. Mr. Wahl was permitted to attend at the common schools of his neighborhood nntil his 14th year, which completed his education. Their children have been 8 in num- ber, 6 of whom are yet living. They are Catharine ( now Mrs. Smith), Sophia (now Mrs. Jacob G. Gatz, of Grand Rapids, Mich.), Jonathan H. (now a merchant in Illinois), Jacob (married and resides in the city of Elkhart), Wm. F. (married and living at Grand Rapids), and David (married and living near the old home in this county). Mr. Wahl is the owner of 200 acres of well-improved land, on which he resides, in the pleasant decline of old age. They are members of the Evangelical Church, in which society they have continned for upward of forty years, and when they shall have " finished their course" it shall certainly be said of them, that they " fought the good fight" and victory is surely theirs.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
Inasmuch as the facts in this history of Clinton township are gathered only from the most reliable sources, and dates as to organ- ization of township, biographical sketches, etc., carefully looked into, it were strange indeed if the items gathered together and blended and interwoven in this our history of a prosperous town- ship and live, wide-awake people were not entirely, if nearly, free from error; and at the outset, for whatever merit these pages may possess, the writer thereof wishes to extend his thanks to the peo- ple of this township for the necessary information so kindly furnished, that they may there read, when the history shall have attained massive proportions, a record of their lives as cast amid pioneer associations and worthy their manhood in the trying scenes of Western life. The township of Clinton, but a small spot indeed upon the surface of the globe, is yet fraught with interest to the sons and danghters of that agricultural class, who, through an energy born of the scenes in which they lived, have arisen from the obscurity of poverty to affluence or to a position of independ- ence in a financial view, at least.
From a careful search of the records and a personal interview in many cases, the township is found to be named by one of the earliest Elkhart county pioneers in 1836, in honor of his son Clinton, now a practicing physician near Ligonier, Ind. The first election was held on the first Monday in August, 1836, and the following were the names of the voters at the time: Solomon Ben- ner, Wm. Pearman, Win. Carmien, Wilson McConnell, Enoch Bomer, Samuel Thomas, Jacob Baker, Isaac Biby, James Acton, Peter Mont, Martin Biles, Geo. Biles, Peter Biles, Wm. Denney, John Denney, George Zullinger and Col. Denney. The Board of Trustees consisted of Geo. Zullinger, Wilson McConnell, Peter Mont and Jacob Bockenover. The justice of the peace, we are in- formed, was Wilson McConnell. Elias Simpson, son of Wmn. Simpson, was the first child born in the township. To the casual reader it might appear that the history of the townships would be in corresponding ratios to each other. The habits of the people differ but little. There was a social equality and depth of good-
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will that cemented firmly the bonds of friendship between these people struggling for foothold upon the soil of the Hoosier State, and yet in some respects the history of one township would not be the history of another.
Inasmuch as one such history is replete with the soul-stirring incidents of the deer hunter or the backwoodsman, whose fields went by default while he knelt in the solitude of the forest upon the banks of some clear, running stream and adjusted the traps that brought a small revenue from the fur catch usually made dur- ing the spring and autumn seasons, and thus while the broad- shouldered yeoman of one township shouldered his gun in merry independence of the land that could have been obtained for a trifle, his neighbor, perhaps, of an adjoining township, with a keen eye to business, raised his lowly cabin, planted his first crop, cleared the mighty oak from his pathway and prepared for an advance in land and an era of prosperity in the future years; and others of like ilk, having no time for idleness or dissipation, emulated his example, and soon the smoke from a score of cabins floated out over the tree-tops, and the grand work of founding a township, a county and a State had fairly begun. Such were the men who set- tled within the borders of this township, whose lessons of economy in the old-time States of Pennsylvania and Ohio were not lost upon them here; and not many years elapsed before neat frame houses were seen in lieu of the cabin with its wide, unseemly fire- place and stick chimney. Yet it is not to be presumed that a community of any township allowed the pressure of business to interfere with all social pleasures. On the contrary, many a prosper- ous citizen farmer of this township recalls, with fond recollections, the giddy mazes of the dance, the mirth-provoking husking-bees, cabin-raisings, shooting-matches and kindred sports, that made up the sum total of frontier happiness.
It may not be amiss here to relate one or more anecdotes of events at a time when the railroad found a resting place only upon Eastern soil, and the steamboat, unquestionably one of the great civilizers of this age, rode in triumph only the billows of the Hud- son or Eastern waters.
Samuel Ulery is a true type of the pioneer, fond of a joke, and a presiding genius on any and all occasions, a practical joker. He frequently called down the vials of wrath upon his youthful head, only to be turned into merriment the next instant by the ludicrous aspect of the humorous joker and well-timed remarks. One day it
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
was announced in the community that all hands were expected to bear a part in a log-rolling the following day. After a few pre- liminary remarks some dispersed to their homes, and those who did not were instructed by an excellent leader. Mr. Ulery, to finish the allotted task for the morrow by moonlight, and on its comple- tion to proceed to the smoke-house of the individual, where all eatables were stored, and despoil the receptacle of such substantial articles as hung therein. In due time this silent, self-appointed committee succeeded admirably in both designs, and the following morning were to all intent, innocent and amazed spectators of an empty larder, and an utterly non-plussed and bewildered neighbor, whose astonishment knew no bounds at a prospective day's work accomplished.
Wm. Pearman (deceased) was a well-remembered citizen of this township, and among the earliest settlers. During the days when the aborigines were still numerous. he frequently made long trips to mill. In the meantime his family awaited patiently his return, but the absentee, as it frequently happened. returned only after the lapse of days. and the family of the energetic pioneer dined upon a rude, but we will suppose invigorating. repast, in lien of the meal or flour so far fetched. In imagination let us lift the latch-string of the cabin door. a harbinger of welcome alike to friend or stranger, and enter the humble abode where the family had gathered around a plain deal table to partake of their noon-day meal. Dishes or bowls. few in number, rest securely upon a snow-white table-cloth, their contents plain. unadulterated hominy save the extra bowls of sweet fresh milk that formed a most delicious dessert for an otherwise de- cidedly limited bill of fare.
But as the years fled by and immigration quickly populated this township. the pastimes and hardships became emblems of the past, and handsome and substantial farm houses arose upon the site where formerly nestled an abode of far humbler pretentions. Churches were also erected by a now prosperous people; also school-houses, neatly painted and lavishly furnished within.
Twenty-three years ago the religions sect known as Amish wor- shiped in private dwellings, but shortly thereafter became enabled to build a house of worship. The first ministers were John Smiley, Chris. Plank and J. Troyer. Present pastors, Benjamin Shrock and Eli Miller. This church was rebuilt four years ago. Present membership, about 200.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
Twenty years ago the religious community known as Dunkards, or German Baptists, worshiped during the summer season in barns. The first pastor was Jacob Berkey. Present membership in the comparatively new Church, about 200; cost of building, about $3,000. Elders, Levi H. Weaver, D. J. Hostettler, Isaac Berkey and Benjamin Stutzman.
The Lutheran Church, presided over by Rev. John B. Blakemore, is a decidedly handsome brick edifice, and the attendance is quite large. The number of inhabitants in the township is probably about 1,000, and there are few townships in the county, if any, where farming is more successfully carried on, or a more liberal spirit pervading its citizens.
MILLERSBURG.
There are few individuals now living within the corporate limits of Clinton township, or, indeed, the county of Elkhart, who have contributed more toward its prosperity and progress than Solomon Miller, who settled in this township in 1842, one year later locat- ing on the site of what is now the flourishing city of Millersburg. During the winter of 1855 he conceived the idea of a town that would answer the purpose of diverting trade from some of the country towns, as Bristol, Middlebury, Goshen, etc. He was at the time the owner of 160 acres, all of which is now com- prised within the corporate limits of Millersburg, in the south- west quarter of section 34. The town was platted by Mr. Miller, and surveyed by J. R. McCord, who for many years was county surveyor. Streets were laid out and names given to them, as Wal- nut, Cook, Clinton and Jefferson.
James C. Miller, son of Solomon Miller (from whom this sketch is obtained), erected the first building, a small but neat frame dwell- ing-house, in what is termed the original town of Millersburg. Additions have been made by others as the town grew in import- ance. David Eldridge built the second residence in the place, and the first store. He is described as a somewhat eccentric genius, who opened out with a limited stock of dry-goods and groceries. On one occasion a customer wishing to purchase twenty yards of muslin was firmly but respectfully declined, on the plea of limited stock and an unwillingness to be the proprietor of an empty store. Wm. A. Potter was the successor of the above gentleman in the mercantile line, and succeeded, transacting a somewhat lucrative
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.
business, and added somewhat to the appearance of their infant vil- lage by the erection of what might be termed an eight-square build- ing. to which he afterward transferred his stock. The railway projected in 1855, known as the Lake Shore & Michigan Sonth- ern Air-Line, and completed in 1856. was the means of a large increase in population; and mechanics, business men and farmers became eager purchasers of town lots, some of which were sold by the fortunate owner for almost fabulous sums. Considerable build- ing was carried forward prior to the war; but when armed treason had been trampled into the dust by the loyal people of the North, when victory wore a garland of peace throughout the length and breadth of the land, the now noticeable town had gained some com- mercial importance that caused a feeling of uneasiness to pervade the inhabitants of other inland towns whose birth dated back a score of years or more previous. A temporary depot for the accom- modation of the traveling public was built in 1857 or 1858, which served the purpose of freight and passenger traffic until 1878. when the present depot, constructed after a more modern style, became a source of creditable pride to the worthy people of Millersburg.
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