USA > Indiana > Marshall County > History of Indiana : containing a history of Indiana and biographical sketches of governors and other leading men. Also a statement of the growth and prosperity of Marshall County, together with a personal and family histry of many of its citizens, Vol. II > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
Thomas J. Worthington was born in La Porte county, Ind., October 6, 1842. He is a son of William Worthington, who was born in Fleming county, Ky., January 30, 1820, of Scotch ancestry. William Worthington, with his then widowed mother and others of her children, left Kentucky and removed to Rush county, Ind., in 1838, and later, in 1840, removed to Jackson county, Mo. In 1842 William returned to Rush county and wedded Matilda Heaten (nce Eagan), who was born in Fleming county, Ky. The marriage resulted in the birth of the following chil- dren: Thomas J., George W., Doctor F., Evaline and Sarah A.
276
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
For thirteen years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Worthing- ton resided in La Porte county, where Mr. Worthington followed farming. In 1855 they settled in Marshall county, near Argos, where the father died June 13, 1888. He was a good and worthy citizen, a prosperous and practical farmer, and a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow still survives and resides with her children in the county. Thomas J., the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared and educated on a farm. He worked on the farm with his father till past twenty- one years of age, and then he went westward, and during the years '64 and '65 drove, for a United States government con- tractor, teams across the great plains. His experience on the plains was severe and dangerous, and attended with many hard- ships and perilous risks, such as only a man of courage and bravery could go through. In 1866 he returned to Marshall county, and in 1868, October 18, wedded Susan Jordon, a daughter of Benoni Jordon, a pioneer settler of the county. Unto the above marriage there have been born four sons and one daughter. Mr. Worthington is a practical and successful farmer, owning a good farm of 142 acres, and is one of the leading citizens of Walnut township.
A. N. Yoast, a farmer and stock-raiser of Walnut township, was born in Henry county, Ind., April 19, 1835, and is a son of Isaac and Susannah (Collinsworth) Yoast. The father, a native of Virginia, was born August 29, 1808, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 19, 1850, his death having occurred while he was on his return home to Henry county, Ind., from California. He was a son of Jacob and Esther (Slusher) Yoast, both parents na- tives of Virginia, the father of German parentage, was born Sep- tember 19, 1784, and the mother was born March 20, 1777. These parents were blessed in their marriage by the birth of the fol- lowing offspring: Susannah, Abraham, Isaac, Elizabeth, Jacob, John and Polly. In an early day the parents emigrated to Ohio and settled in Preble county, and there died. In this county, August 8, 1831, Isaac Yoast and Susannah Collinsworth were united in marriage. Susannah was the daughter of John Col- linsworth, and was born of Virginia parentage in Preble county, Ohio, June 1, 1812, and died in Henry county, Ind., April 4, 1851. Unto the above marriage there were born the following offspring: Cassander, Currenah, Anderson, Clementine, Hazzard, Josephine, Malsona A., Climenamus, Morgan and Clarry. The father was a farmer by occupation, and soon after their marriage settled in Henry county, Ind., which continued to be their residence until their respective deaths. Anderson N. Yoast, the immediate sub- ject of this biography, was reared on a farm and received a lim- ited education in the country schools. At an early age he lost
277
MARSHALL COUNTY.
his parents, and when but fifteen years old he was thrown upon his own resources for support. In Henry county, Ind., Decem- ber 17, 1857, his marriage was consummated with Mary Littleton, a native of the above county, born August 28, 1842. In 1859 Mr. and Mrs. Yoast became citizens of Walnut township, Mar- shall county. Here Mr. Yoast from a poor man has grown to be one of the foremost farmers of the county. He has held several positions of trust among his fellow townsmen, and served one term as their township trustee. In politics he is a staunch re- publican. He is a member of the Argos Masonic lodge, No. 399.
278
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
CHAPTER V.
BY A. C. MATCHETTE, M. D.
BOURBON, IND .- EARLY SETTLEMENT-THE PIONEER OWNERS - OR- GANIZATION OF TOWN AND TOWNSHIP - PROGRESS AND GROWTH - CHURCHES AND MINISTERS - RAILROADS, MANUFACTORIES AND BUSI- NESS HOUSES-SECRET SOCIETIES - LAWYERS AND PHYSICIANS - SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS- FAIR AND FIRE DEPARTMENT - NEWS- PAPERS, MILITIA AND MUSICIANS.
ARLY in the year 1839 Mr. and Mrs. John Greer, Mr. and Mrs. James O. Parks, Edward and Tolliver Parks, John F. and Grayson, five brothers and their brother-in- law, Mr. Linn, and his wife, removed from Bourbon county, Ky., to what is now Bourbon, Bourbon township, and purchased the first government lands ever sold in this part of Marshall county. Mr. Greer located the quarter section and built him a cabin where now Bourbon high school buildings are located. James O. Parks bought the land, now the farm of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Weaver, son-in-law and daughter of J. O. Parks, one-fourth mile north of Bourbon. The Linn family settled the land now owned by James Sherwood. John F. Parks located the farm two miles east of town, where now John Disher is living and farming. The others located lands convenient to the new settlement, as the entire region was a wilder- ness, populated with the Indians and all the wild animals of this region roaming about very little restricted by white man up to this period. The woods were so dense that whenever one of the settlers attempted to go from one part of the region to another, it was absolutely necessary to carry along an axe to chop out a path, or "blaze" his route on the trees to permit him to pass through the impenetrable thickets or to make sure of his find- ing his way to his cabin home again. The land was as fine as the sun ever shone on, soil deep, black, vegetable loam, to de- light the eye of the would-be farmer; but, oh, how discouraging, when contemplating the clearing of the lands for farming pur- poses, when the hundreds of giant trees to each acre were seen that it would be necessary to dispose of before the sun shine could be allowed to light up the ground destined for the purpose of raising bread for the settler's family. Yet the brave heart was not discouraged, but willing hands commenced the task that has
279
MARSHALL COUNTY.
now given Bourbon township some of the most magnificent of farms, thoroughbred, blooded stock, farm buildings and ma- chinery, the state can boast of possessing. Game in abundance was to be had at any moment almost for the shooting; of-times by the settler standing in his own door he could kill a fine deer or fat turkey, and squirrels ran about everywhere almost by the millions. Wild chickens, ducks and geese, could be had at almost a moment's notice, and fish of the finest possible varieties abounded in every creek, so the settler had no difficulty to pro- cure meats, but the trouble was in procuring " bread stuff." The settlers were compelled for a long time to go to mill long, long distances, even so far as to Goshen, and even then were unable, for a long time, to go in a cart or a wagon, but on horseback, because the roads had not yet been "cut out," and only paths or foot tracks were made sufficient for a man or a horse, and that in single file.
For this reason many did with little or no bread for quite a number of years after the first settlement of Bourbon township. Bear skins and all furs and peltries were full "legal tender" with our pioneers. All mail matter for the settlers had to be had from the Plymouth or Warsaw offices, until after about a year's time, a postoffice was established near the settlement. The office was located at Dr. J. F. Parks' "clearing," and the doctor was appointed first postmaster for what is now Bourbon.
In platting the county in townships, some considerable time after our first settlements, a township was laid out extending from the north part of the county six miles wide, across the county to the southern border, and this township was christened Bourbon township, by J. O. Parks, in honor of his native county in Kentucky. After several years a township was cut off Bour- bon, on the south, and called Tippecanoe township. In a year afterward another township was cut off on the north of Bourbon and named German, thus leaving Bourbon township something like six miles square.
Now roads were laid out and a little work done on some of them toward Plymouth and Warsaw, so that in dry weather it was barely possible for an ox cart to pass over. This gave our settlers an outlet to "God's country," and they began to consider themselves quite independent when they could go a little distance away from the settlement in a cart as proudly as a prince " in his chariot and six." Now other settlers found this land so desir- able for a home seeker who feared not hard work and privations and began to settle about the first comers, who received all with welcoming hands. Aaron Martin, Mr. Kincaid, the Miners, the Hahn family, the Minards, James Barton and family, Samuel Pershing and family, Capt. Hederick's family, Alvah Baylor, Sr., Henry Huffman and others. Now an occasional itinerant
280
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
preacher came through the settlement semi-occasionally and held forth to the settlers from any cabin in service of the Lord.
A school was opened the first year with Edward Parks as teacher of five or six scholars, in a little log cabin with puncheon floor, slabs for benches and desks, and a huge old fire-place, with an outside stick and mud chimney belching forth its black clouds of smoke inside as well as outside this educational temple. After this school finished, Edward and John F. studied medicine, and then the settlers had the benefit of a physician, although the community was an extraordinarily healthy one. Dr. Edward P. died about a score of years ago at the residence of his brother James O. Dr. John F. then commenced and continued the practice of his profession until within a few years since, when he retired from active practice on account of declining health. He is now living independently on his beautiful suburban place, south of Bourbon. James O. Parks was elected to the state legislature and served with honor for several terms. He also served as sur- veyor for several years, and did much to locate the lands in this part of the county. He secured a vast quantity of the very best lands in the township, that by holding until within a short time, has made him very wealthy. He built the first frame house erected in the township in 1848, for a residence, and has resided in it from that time to the present. He has seen the township progress from a howling wilderness to one of the most beautiful, wealthy, farming and residence townships in the Union.
In 1840 the immigrating settlers removed from distant states to the Parks settlement almost constantly: the Cats, Baxters, Wolfs, Mooneys. Sellers, Stockmans, Snyders, Drakes, Carls, Shivelys and others, and in a year or two later we find the John- sons, Kinzies, Klingers, Caldwells, Coons, Biggs, Miners, Ret- tingers, followed a little later by the Minards, Updykes, Davis', Becks, Cless', Beamans, Garrisons, Balts, Hellers, Gallentines, Burkeys, Wymans, Hahns and Smiths. Within four or five years or so longer, came Schraders, Stoughs, Ackers, Sharps, Cases, Roses, Banks, Millers, Helpmans, Snepps, Thayers, Thomas', Reeds, Seers, Bennetts, Sumners, Bowmans, Lemlers, Grants, Connors, Fauts, Stinemans, Campbells, Lints, Hales, Beals, Stockmans, Houghtons, Boultons, Comptons, Nichols and Hess families, and the new settlement had now quite the appearance of a farm region, and prosperity and plenty appeared round about. Later, and up to about 1848, many of the settlers began to have quite a little produce to sell, but as the roads were so bad as to be almost impassable, it was almost worth the price of the crop to market it; it often being necessary to haul to Michigan City or Fort Wayne for a market. The Indians remaining in this region were removed to the west, all but a few who refused to go from their old "hunting grounds." One in particular,
28 1
MARSHALL COUNTY.
"Niago" by name, defied the government officials when sent to re- move him, and remained with his squaws. "Niago" killed an In- dian who pursued a squaw to his wigwam, and was banished to Michigan by a council of Indians, and sentenced to hunt five years for his crime.
From this time forward everything assumed a prosperous condition, and the population of the settlement appeared as happy and contented as any people. Schools were organized in newly constituted districts, although long distances were neces- sary to be traversed to reach some of the schools, educational affairs could not be and were not neglected, and creditable ad- vancement was made in these schools, that perhaps would com- pare favorably with that of our city high schools. Possibly the practical education received in these schools was more advan- tageous to the average student, than the superficials of a modern school course of to-day, for practical business life. The log cabins were now replaced by a different class of buildings, and frame cottages and more pretentious houses were erected here and there all over the township. Good substantial barns were built to store the harvests, and the wonderful "traveling threshers " began to put in an occasional appearance after harvest.
The city of Bourbon was laid out as a village in the southern part of the township, in 1851, by Nideg & Thomas, Martin & Carter, Boley, Dr. J. F. Parks, Bailey, and Rev. George H. Thayer. The first lots sold were by auction, a great auctioneer, Henry Baxter, happening along the day of the sale, stopped over and cried the sale. The first building erected in the town was a log store room on the corner, where Dr. Matchette's drug store building now stands. It was ercted by William E. Thomp- son, and afterward owned by Dr. R. Cornwall, who conducted an extensive drug business in it for over a dozen years. John Cless and D. O. Beaman built a frame store building and occupied it with general stores about that time, where the Central House now stands, and it remained there in connection with Grant & Co.'s stores until Heller & Gallantine removed it and erected what, in 1865, was thought to be a magnificent building. Within a dozen years, however, it had become so antiquated it had to be removed further from the business center and an elegant brick block erected on its old site. Bourbon was incorporated in the fall of 1865, J. H. Porter, president of the town board; Omar Davis, secretary, and Caleb Davis, marshal. This was a year of great prosperity for Bourbon, money being plenty, work for every one, at from $1.75 to $2.25 per day for day laborers, and $4.50 to $5.50 for mechanics, and even at these big prices, it was difficult to secure workmen, as improvements were going forward everywhere and workmen were of consequence perfectly inde- pendent and did not have to almost beg work at any price, how-
282
IIISTORY OF INDIANA.
ever low, as they frequently are compelled to do to-day. Over 150 new houses were erected that year, in Bourbon, and from two to five families were often crowded in the houses, as fast as enclosed. The trustee, J. H. Case, erected the then new school building in the south part of the town, very large then, but very small to-day, accommodating about 450. Davis Brothers, in 1867, erected a fine large brick business block on Main street, where now L. Ballow's block stands, that was recently erected by Col. Sear after the Davis Bros.' block was destroyed by fire. Omar Davis, in 1865-6, erected the large brick block on the southeast corner of Main and Center streets, where stood the first hotel in the town, so long conducted by Henry Baxter. This brick block is now occupied by Babcock & Sons, E. J. Kline and John E. Chamberlain. The old Cunningham & Weaver drug building is now a "tonsorial parlor" of Mr. McCuen. The old Gallantine & Heller store rooms, is the Ringenberger Bros.' livery stable. That old land mark, the old Sheets hotel, still houses the trav- eling public, with Capt. J. E. Page as mine host. Hon. M. M. Gallantine, at this time, 1868, was elected to the legislature and " did old Bourbon proud " as representative, as did Hon J. W. Davis in same place in 1876. To-day the Central house is pre- sided over by Col. S. E. O'Brien, and a more popular landlord never smiled on the jolly traveling man. To-day the popula- tion of old Bourbon township is close on to 4,000, and not a finer or more prosperous township can be found than this, that the mere mention of its name is so suggestive.
Churches .- In churches Bourbon has something that she can point to with great pride, both as to number of societies and the beauty of the church edifices, since all the original log ones are gone. The first church organized in the township was the Bap- tist, and a building was erected for a "free church " one mile west of the present city of Bourbon, on the southeast corner of what is now Matthew Irwin's farm, then belonging to Alvah Baylor, Sr. It was a log structure, but at that early day, 1830, it was consid- ered a most beautiful and imposing edifice. It remained for near forty years and was used thousands of times for church, school, and singing classes. The next church to be organized was the Methodist, which was within a year or so afterward. A church building was erected in the center of what is now the city of Bourbon, and there remained until the past half dozen years, when it was removed and converted into a barn by Mr. George Keller, and a beautiful brick edifice erected on the old site, truly a credit to almost any city in this or any other state.
The United Brethren was the next church organized about the time of that of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has a very large number of communicants. Their first church build- ing was burned in 1864, but has been rebuilt and now this church
283
MARSHALL COUNTY.
has a large and substantial brick building on a prominent corner on Main street. The church rules that were so intolerant of secret societies, having of late been repealed by almost a unan- imous vote of the grand conference, has resulted in a small seces- sion from the church, and the establishment of the seceders so- called Radical church. A Sabbath school of several hundred is the boast of this church, and was established over forty years ago; also prayer-meetings for near fifty years.
The Presbyterians have a large congregation, and a beautiful brick church edifice, free from debt and growing in influence. Their Sabbath school is the pride of the community, although not so old as others, is as influential and prosperous and may be popular, because of the instrumental and vocal music dispensed at this church, that is truly unsurpassed by that of the most fa- vored churches of the largest metropolitan cities of the Union.
The Catholic church was organized at an early day, but until 1879 had no house of worship. Now a tasty church building stands in the southern part of town, near the old public school building. This congregation is not so large as some of the others, but for earnestness, zeal or piety cannot be surpassed by any other church.
The Disciples organized a society about a score of years ago; have a goodly number of communicants, but as yet have no church building of their own, although they have purchased a beautiful lot on Main street for their church.
Seventh Day Adventists are not very numerous at present, not having been organized but a few years, but are gradually increas- ing in number and influence. Their services are usually held on Saturday.
The Methodists have a second church at Foster chapel, and have a fine number of communicants with a large and handsome church building. This church's Sabbath school is in a most en- couraging condition as regards numbers and finance. Sand Ridge cemetery adjoins this chapel.
The Second United Brethren church is on sand ridge, and is a handsome building recently erected. A goodly number of communicants are connected with this church with encouraging additions to the membership constantly. The Sabbath school of this church is large and appears to be accomplishing a work that shall be felt for time and eternity.
The Albright Methodist church is a large congregation of ear- nest, faithful Christian workers, and has been in existence about a score of years. Their church building is commodious and stands on a beautiful spot. Sabbath schools here are largely at- tended and the instruction thorough.
Lutheran church, near to the last mentioned, has a member- ship composed of a community largely scattered throughout the
284
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
country, large in numbers, devout and carry their religious teachings into every day life and business to a degree unexcelled by any other denomination. Their Sabbath schools, when regu- larly held, are well attended, and are models of practical relig- ious schools, as are all of the Sabbath schools of the churches of Bourbon.
German Baptists, or Tunkers, is a church that any commun- ity may well feel a pride in having in their midst. This church has existed in this section ever since in the early forties, and has a large number of conscientious communicants who endeavor to live a life that shall exemplify true Christianity in every daily transaction. Their church building, erected in 1868, is large and conveniently arranged for preaching, Sunday-schools and their church feasts, etc. It adjoins the White School cemetery.
The Third United Brethren is the latest organized.
The White School-House church, near to the last named church, is the Baptist denominational, and has a large and grow- ing society, although it has not been organized but comparatively a few years, its members are widely scattered over several town- ships, but are most regular in attendance on all church services despite the distances to travel.
The Salvation army have a very recent organization in Bour- bon, and appear to be mustering in recruits at quite a lively rate, until they have a large company in the awkward squad when out on daily drill.
Societies .- The work of the different temperance associations of Bourbon has been herculean, and the beneficial influences will be sure to be felt for many generations. The ladies' temperance crusade of 1873 was continued for several months, siege of the saloons, day and night, until one saloon capitulated and surren- dered at discretion. The liquor traffic at the present time is con- ducted in quite an orderly and respectable manner, according to law.
Bourbon's Chautauqua Circle is one of the literary associations of the city that is of great interest to its patrons, and is very rapidly adding to its number and influence.
Epworth League is under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is thought to be the grandest of all the church associations. This is a strong organization in Bourbon - the Ciceronians, an old school society.
The Christian Endeavor is under the patronage of the Pres- byterians, and it is certainly an organization that is of vast influ- ence for good to the community of Bourbon and vicinity.
Secret Societies .- The Odd Fellows organized in Bourbon in 1858, and have a membership of over 200, and are in a most flourish- ing condition, financially, having a nice sum in bank and own a most substantial business block on a prominent corner, with a large
28 5
MARSHALL COUNTY.
and well furnished lodge room in the upper story; an encamp- ment also exists.
The order of the Daughters of Rebecca is well represented by a large membership from the very best families of Bourbon and vicinity.
The order of Good Templars had a lodge instituted in Bour- bon soon after the first organization of the town, and did famous work here.
The Masonic lodge was organized in 1865, and for a long time thereafter was conceded to be among the brightest working lodges of the state. The lodge hall was burned in 1877, which badly crippled the organization here for quite a number of years, but it has now entirely recovered from this misfortune.
A chapter of Eastern Star has a most creditable organiza- tion, with a constantly increasing membership. This lodge oc- cupies the Masonic hall, which is a large and most beautiful one.
In 1868 the Improved Order of Red Men organized a Potta- watamie tribe in Bourbon, and now has over 100 active members, and the good it has accomplished in charitable works is only known to its committee, as perfect secrecy is ever a characteristic of its charitable works. Several of the officers of the grand lodge of the state are members of Bourbon lodge.
A Pocahontas tribe is a most creditable order that has been flourishing in Bourbon for the past few years, and is rapidly in- creasing in number of its membership, and doing a world of good -works of charity. This lodge has several members that are officers of the Grand lodge of Indiana.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.