USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 69
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1853. A steam saw-mill was built in 1852 by John Drummond, A. J. Bowell and J. H. Fail. In the fall of 1855 they sold out to Johnson & Folant. In 1857 it passed into the hands of Jesse H. G. Coplin, who in 1858 added a grist-mill to the saw-mill. In 1860 an explosion took place in this mill, killing Thomas Lewis and cans- ing the loss of an arm to F. Knight. Mr. Coplin received slight injuries. In 1863 the mill was sold to B. F. Huntsman; it was burned down in 1868, and was rebuilt by Mr. Huntsman the same year.
The first frame house in the village of Portland was built by Nathaniel Smith, who soon after sold out to W. J. Walker and was leased by Walker to Ross & Organ, and was converted by them into a store. This was the first store in the village, and was con- ducted for the firm by John H. Kierstead, who afterward bought out the firm and continued the business. The first warehouse was built by W. J. Walker. In 1876 a fine brick school edifice was erected at a cost of over $4,000.
Dr. W. B. Wilson was the first physician to locate in the new town, arriving in 1855. The new brick store was built by G. W. Bolster in 1870. The first Church society in the village was the Christians, who organized in 1854, and in 1859 built a church. They have a large membership and congregation, and are in a pros- perous condition. The Presbyterians have had a Church organization in Kankakee township since 1832, but did not effect an organization in Rolling Prairie until 1857, when they erected a church edifice. The Methodist Episcopal society had an organization in the village in 1856, and in 1865 they erected a house of worship. There is a lodge of Masons in the village. It has a good membership, and is in a flourishing condition.
Rolling Prairie village is pleasantly located on the Northern Indiana railroad, and has many elegant and costly residences. The surrounding country is one of the finest farming sections in the county. It is a fine rolling prairie, the soil a rich loam, with a plenty of timber and water. The village does a large business for a place of its size. There are at the present time eight or ten stores, two blacksmith shops, several boarding-houses, two physicians, etc. The population of the place, according to the census of 1880, is 320.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
We will close the history of this city and township by giving personal sketches of the leading citizens and old settlers:
Samuel J. Anderson was born in New Jersey in 1810, and located in La Porte county in 1837, where he has since resided. He was married in Wayne county, this State, in 1832, to Abigail Lyons, who was born in Butler county, O., in 1815. They have 6 children now living,-Silas W., Jonathan C., Adaline, Henry C., Emma and Mary H. Mr. Anderson owns a fine farm, consisting of
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72 acres of good prairie land. He is a member of the Baptist ChnÃch.
J. P. Austin, the son of Wright and Mary Austin, was born in Vermont in 1803, came to this county with his parents in the year 1834, and is therefore one of the pioneers of the county who helped to clear off the forests and make the county what we see it to-day,- one of the finest in the State. He was married to Hannah Teeter (who was born in the State of New York in 1805), in the year 1824. They have 5 children now living, -- Cornelius, Henry, Jedediah, Mary and Julietta. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
C. L. O. Bell is the son of C. L. O. and Jane (Cartwright) Bell, natives of New York, and was born in the State of New York in 1820, and came to this State with his parents in 1837, who located in this tp., where the subject of this sketch has since resided. He was married in Polk county, this State, to Miss Rosina F. Caswell, in 1845; she was born in New Hampshire in 1827. Mr. Bell owns a farm of 291 acres on sec. 22, this tp., all of which is in a good state of cultivation. He has held a number of the tp. offices, and is one of the prominent men in the community.
George A. Bell was born in this county in 1847, raised on a farm, and has always been engaged in farming. He was married in this county in 1870 to Miss Maria Dewit, who was born in this State in 1847. He has a farm consisting of 60 acres of fine prairie land, which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Bell has always been an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and its nominees.
Jesse Blake was born in the State of New York in 1814, came to this county in 1835, and settled in this tp .; at the age of 18 he began teaching school, which vocation he continued for a number of years. He was married in this county in 1841, to Amanda Griffin, who was born in New York in 1816, and died in 1855. They had 4 children. In 1856 he was married, in Delaware county, N. Y., to Delia C. Waker, who was born in New York in 1814. When Mr. Blake located in this county he had only 55 cents of money, but his limited means did not discourage him, and he went to work with a determination to secure a home and a competence. He now owns a large farm, consisting of over 300 acres of land, all in a fine state of cultivation. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and politically he is a Democrat.
.A. C. Bowell was born in Clark county, this State, in 1821; the son of John and Elizabeth Bowell, who were natives of Pennsyl- vania, and came to this State at an early day, and settled in Clark county. The subject of this sketch spent his early life upon a farm. His opportunities of attending school were limited to a few months in the winter time. He was married in this county, in 1851, to Sarah A. Ireland, who was born in Ohio in 1825. They have 3 children now living. He has a large farm of 275 acres, and also
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
owns a saw and cider mill. He is a member of the Christian Church, and politically is a Democrat.
Thomas D. Brown, the son of Daniel and Lucy Brown, who were natives of Virginia, was born in Campbell county, Va., in 1825, and came to this State with his parents in 1834; they located in this county, and engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch was married to Sarah Aldrich in 1851, the daughter of Solomon and Sarah Aldrich, and was born in Illinois in 1826. They have 2 children, Charles A. and Sarah E. He has held a number of the important tp. offices, and is a member of the Odd Fellows order. Mr. Brown and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
J. H. Buck, the oldest son of Alvin and Elmira (Wadsworth) Buck, who settled in this county in 1836, was born in this county in 1844; he spent his boyhood at home on the farm, where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. C., 72d Ill. Inf., and served three years. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted a number of times, and finally commissioned as Captain of Co. C. He was married in 1879 to Celia Oder, and they have 2 children. He owns a fine farm, consisting of 360 acres of land, and is a stock- holder and trustee of the La Porte Savings Bank.
Orville Buck, farmer, was born in Massachusetts in 1805; was brought up on a farm, and has always been engaged in farming. He came to Indiana in 1837 and settled in this county. He was married in Michigan, in 1842, to Sabina Gregg, who was born in Ohio in 1819. They have 2 children now living: Elsie E. and Clemantha A. Mr. B. is one of the leading men of Kankakee tp., and has taken an active part in every movement for its improve- ment and prosperity. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Sarah Ann Bush was born in New Hampshire in 1821, and is of French descent; her parents were Bement and Elizabeth (Walker) Collins; she came to Indiana over 40 years ago, and first located in Galena tp., where she remained for a time, and then came to Kan- kakee tp., where she still is, and has been for 31 years. In 1849 she was married to Isaac Bush, who died 15 years ago; he was a man who held several tp. offices, and was a Republican. Mrs. B. owus here 130 acres of fine farming land, which she values at about $100 per acre. Her education when young was quite limited, but she reads a good deal now.
Benjamin Dewit, one of the pioneers of this tp. who left his home in the Empire State and endured the privations and dangers of frontier life that he might build up a home and fortune for him- self and family. He was born in New York in 1827, and located in this county in 1837, where he has since resided. He was mar- ried in this county in 1844, and he has 6 children. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Dewit has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits; he now owns a farm consisting of 150 acres, all in a good state of cultivation. Politi- cally, he is a Democrat.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Samuel Downing was born near Bucklestown, Berkley county, Va., Aug. 23, 1813; his parents were John and Abigail (White) Downing, natives also of Virginia, and of English and German descent; in 1852 the latter moved to Iowa, in which State they died.
Samuel, the subject of this notice, was on a farm until 21; at 22 he moved to Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade; remained near Springfield, Ohio, two years, and Jan. 9, 1836, in company with two friends, John Cain and David Couchman, started on horse- back, through deep snow, for this State, and reached his journey's end in five days; stopping about two months at Goshen; he then went to New Buffalo and worked two years at the carpenter's trade; in 1840 he came to this county, and Nov. 17 of the same year he married Eliza Wagner, daughter of Jacob Wagner, also a native of Virginia and an early settler of La Porte county. Mr. D. rented land of his father-in-law for about four years, when he bought of him 320 acres of land, on secs. 17 and 20, on which he now resides. Mr. D. has always been engaged in farming, at which he has been very successful. He has now about 493 acres of land. He is a director of the Saving's Bank at La Porte. In politics, Mr. D. is a Republican, and during the last war he was a zealous supporter of the Government. His eldest son, David, enlisted in the 4th Reg. Ind. Cav., and after 18 months' service in the army was shot through the head in a battle near Knoxville, Tenn., and killed instantly. Mr. D. went after his remains, but never succeeded in finding them.
Mr. and Mrs. D. have a family of 6 children now living, named as follows: William, who is married and lives in Kankakee tp .; Sarah Jane, now the wife of Edward Hickman, and lives in this tp; Adeline, at home; Harriet A., now the wife of Jacob Hickman, in this tp .; John and Luther, at home.
Mr. Downing has been Township Trustee for several years under the old law, and was recently elected Justice of the Peace, but declined. In religious matters he was brought up a Friend, and is still a believer in the principles of his people.
On page 735 will be found a portrait of Mr. Downing, from a photograph taken at the age of about 55 or 56 years. Mr. D. is one of the oldest settlers now living in the county, as well as one of its most worthy and substantial citizens.
William Downing is one of the leading farmers of this tp., and was born in this county in 1852. He received a liberal education, and has always been engaged in agriculture. He was married March 12, 1880, to Miss Anna Hicks, of this county, who was born in Michigan in 1860. His farm is located on sec. 3, this tp., and is all improved, and under a high state of cultivation.
B. S. Fail, the eldest son of Philip and Sarah (Nuzzen) Fail, is one of the oldest settlers now living in this tp., and was the first white child born in La Porte county. He was born in this tp. in 1830; was married in this county, to Miss Isabel Galbreath, in
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
1854, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1828. They have 3 chil- dren now living: Jennie P., William O. and Thomas D. He has held a number of the important township offices, and is one of the leading men of the community. He is a member of the Christian Church. He has a fine farm of 150 acres, under a high state of cultivation.
John N. Fail, farmer and stock dealer, one of the early settlers of this county, was born in 1834, and his early education was confined to a few months in the winter, in the district school. He was married in this county Dec. 22, 1858, to Miss Roxy J. Morse. They have 4 children now living: Nellie, Alytus, Roxy B. and Berlock. In political matters Mr. Fail is independent, voting for the men he believes best qualified for the office.
Joseph H. Francis was born in Connecticut in 1821, and is the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Hascall) Francis, natives also of that State. He located in this county in 1834, where he has been a resident ever since. He was married in this county, in 1848, to Miss Catherine A. and they have 2 children: George and Mary (wife of Ralph M. Marshall, of Jasper county, this State). Mr. Francis began life a poor boy, and, by honest in- dustry, has secured a competence. His farm is located on sec. 19, and contains 520 acres.
Luke Francis was born in Connecticut in 1823, and came to this county in 1834. He is the son of Charles and Elizabeth Francis, natives also of Connecticut. He was married in this county, in 1847, to Betsey A. Marshall, daughter of Noah and Nancy Mar- shall, of Connecticut. He owns a farm on sec. 14, consisting of 125 acres, all in a good state of cultivation. Politically, he is a Republican. His postoffice address is Rolling Prairie.
Ransom P. Goit, farmer, was born in this county in 1844, and is the son of Weightman and Lydia (Jones) Goit, natives of Vermont, who came to this county in 1834. Mr. Goit was engaged for six years in the mercantile business in Michigan, but has since been principally employed in farming. He was married in Michigan, in 1872, to Miss Della Franklin, who was born in Michigan in 1844 and died in 1873. He was married again in this county, in 1875, to Alice M. Jessup, and they have one child, Mary M. Mr. Goit has a farm of 100 acres on sec. 15, this tp., and has recently erected a large briek house, at a cost of over $6,000, on the place. Mr. Goit is a firm believer in the doctrines and principles of the Democratic party, and gives its nominees his hearty support.
Caleb Harvey, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Wayne county, this State, in 1827; was married in 1874 to Maggie Slate, of this county; has been engaged in farming during the greater portion of his life, and now owns and manages a large farm of about 300 acres, and raises large quantities of wheat, oats and corn. In political creed he is a Republican.
Eli H. Harvey was born in Wayne county, Ind., in 1834, in which year his parents moved to this county, where they resided until their death. He lived with his parents, and worked on the
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
farm in summer, and attended the district school during the winter months, until he became of age, when he began life for himself, since which time he has been engaged in agriculture. He was married in Ohio in 1866 to Miss Addie Kirk, who was born in Ohio in 1842. They have 2 children. Politically, he is a Repub- lican.
John Hatfield was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1823; came to this State in 1843, remained a short time and returned to Ohio, where he lived until 1847, then came and settled in this tp. He was married in 1847 to Charlotta Sweet, who was born in this State in 1822. They have 6 children. Mr. Hatfield was one of the first to locate in Rolling Prairie after it was platted by Major Walker. He is in political matters a staunch Democrat.
Fred Helman was born in Germany in 1830, came to this country in 1855 and settled in La Porte county, where he has since resided. He was married in this county in 1856 to Miss Vance, who was born in Germany in 1830. They have 3 children. Mr. H. and family are members of the German Lutheran Church of La Porte.
John Hillman, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., La Porte; was born in Germany in 1836, and came to this country in 1870. He was married in Germany to Miss Sholtz in 1870, and they have 2 chil- dren, Edward and Matilda. He has a fine farm, consisting of 80 acres.
Nicholas? Hoover, farmer, was born in 1832 and came to this country in 1854, locating in this county, where he has since resided. He was married in 1854 to Mary Ransom, who was born in 1853, and they have one child, Herman. Mr. Hoover and wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, and politically, he is a Democrat. P. O., Rolling Prairie.
William Lown was born in New York in 1803. His whole life has been spent on the farm. In 1825 he was married in the city of New York to Olida Clark, who was born in New York in 1803. He migrated to Illinois in 1856, and located in this county in 1869. He is a member of the M. E. Church at Rolling Prairie village. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Jacob S. Martin, M. D., was born in New Jersey in 1832, and is a son of Jacob C. and Mary (Stewart) Martin, of New Jersey. He settled in this county in 1847, and in 1860 he began the study of medicine and surgery. In 1864, having completed his course of study, he located in the village of Rolling Prairie and commenced the practice of medicine. He was married to Susan J. Martin, of this county, in December, 1852; she was born in Ohio in 1834. They have 8 children now living: Frank, William, George W., Anna E., Jessie, Henry H., John and Florence M. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic order in Rolling Prairie, and has held a number of important village and tp. offices. Dr. Martin has always had a large practice, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintences in La Porte county.
Samuel Downing
737
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
John Martin, the son of John and Sarah (Burgett) Martin, was born in Ohio in 1806. He was raised on a farm, and received his education at a log school-house, which he attended during the win- ter months. He was married in 1834 to Clara Nolen, of Ohio; she died in 1844, leaving her husband and 2 children to mourn her loss. In the year 1850 he was married to Sarah Burton, of this county, and they have 8 children. . Mr. Martin is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.
John Miller, deceased, was one of the pioneers of La Porte county. He was born in Tennessee in 1820; his early life was sperit at home on the farm, and coming to this county at an early day he soon gained the confidence of the people and was entrusted with some of the most important offices in the county, one of which he held at the time of his death. He was married in this county to Cinderilla Bowell, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bowell, and they had 2 children, who are now living. Mr. Miller was a prom- inent member of the Christian Church.
Miner Nesbitt was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and is the son of Alanson and Bertha (Wheeler) Nesbitt, natives of the same State. He located in this tp. in 1852. He was married in Penn- sylvania to Mary Shupp in 1844. They have 7 children now living: Elizabeth, James P., Mary L., Emma J., Charles, Kate and Estella. He has held many of the tp. offices, and is a member of the Chris- tian Church. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Nesbitt began life a poor farmer's boy, and by an industrious course has acquired a large property, and is one of the leading men of Kankakee tp.
Asa C. Peese was born in Vermont in 1809, and came to this tp. in 1833. He was married in 1837 to Miss Martha Smith, who was born in Massachusetts in 1807. They have 3 children now living. His wife died in 1876. He owns a fine tract of land on sec. 9, where he now resides. In political affairs he votes with the Repub- lican party. As will be noticed by the date of his arrival here, Mr. Peese must be considered one of the oldest pioneers in this section of the country.
John Provolt is the eldest son of Ezekiel and Ella A. Provolt, who were among the first settlers of this tp .; they came to the county in 1830, and in the spring of 1831 Mr. Provolt built the first house on the present site of the village of Rolling Prairie. The subject of this sketch came to this State in 1830, locating in this tp. He was married in 1843 to Mary J. Lyons, who was born in Ohio in 1830. They have 4 children: Ezekiel, Isabella, Mary and Margaret. Mr. Provolt has held most of the tp. offices, and is one of the leading men of the community. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and politically, he is a Republican.
James Powell was born in the State of New York in 1833; came to La Porte county in 1856, locating in Rolling Prairie village, and engaged in mercantile business. He was married in this county in 1860, to Delilah Provolt, who was born in this county in 1840. They have 4 children: Effie, Anna, George and Grace. In 1875 he
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
was appointed Postmaster at Rolling Prairie, and has held the office ever since. He is a member of the Christian Church.
Calita T. Preston was born in Virginia in 1824, and came to this county with his parents, Zenas and Elizabeth Preston, who settled in this tp. in 1833. Mr. Preston's early life was spent at home on the farm; his schooling consisted of a few months' attendance at the district school. He was married in this county in 1848 to Cynthia E. Terwilliger, who was born in the State of New York in 1828, and died in 1866. They had 3 children. He was married in 1867 to Mary Martin, of this county, where she was born in 1840. They have 2 children. In 1876 he began his studies for the ministry, and was licensed the same year by the Methodist Episco- pal Quarterly Conference to exhort. Mr. Preston has a farm of about 200 acres, on sec. 6, this tp., and gives a good deal of atten- tion to the raising of stock. Politically, he is a Republican.
Enoch L. Preston is one of the pioneers of Kankakee tp; is the son of Zenas and Elizabeth Preston, who settled in this tp. in 1833; he was born in Union county, this State, in 1827. He spent his early life at home, working on the farm during the summer and fall, and in the winter attending the district school. He was mar- ried in 1846, in this county, to Martha Cooley, who was born in this State Jan. 9, 1827. They have 4 children: Amelia A., Emma M., Ella and Adelia. Mr. Preston has held a number of the tp. offices, and is a leading farmer. His farm is one of the best in the tp., and contains over 400 acres. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in political views he is a Republican.
William W. Proud is the son of William and Abigail (White) Proud, who came to La Porte county at an early day and located in Kankakee tp. The subject of this sketch was born in 1835, in St. Joseph county, this State; he received a fair education, and has been engaged all his life in agricultural pursuits. He has a farm of 150 acres, all in a high state of cultivation, on sec. 9. Politically, he is a Republican.
D. W. Rynearson, farmer, is the son of Joseph and Mary (Web- ster) Rynearson, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1848. The subject of this notice was born in Pennsylvania in 1837, and was married in this county in 1864 to Jemima Burhans, who was born in New York in 1837. Mr. R. has been a great hunter and trapper, and has killed 260 foxes since he came to this State, and a large number of deer. He is a member of the Chris- tian Church and is a Democrat.
Philip D. Sharples, M. D., was born in Ohio in 1845, the son of David and Priscilla ( Demmins) Sharples, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Indiana in 1867. Mr. Sharples located in the village of Rolling Prairie and began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Bowell, and when he had completed his studies he engaged in the practice of medicine, which he continued for five years. He was married in 1877 to Rowie E. Bowell, who died in 1879; she
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
was a daughter of Dr. Bowell. Mr. Sharples is now engaged in the drug trade at Rolling Prairie, and is doing a large business.
Jacob M. Shultz was born in New York in 1818. He is the son of John J. and Betsy (Ackhart) Shultz, natives of New York. He came to this State in 1838 and settled in Centre tp. He was married in this county in 1841, to Catherine Beryer, who was born in New York in 1823. They have 5 children. Mr. Shultz has been engaged in agriculture most of the time since he lias been in this county, and it is his present occupation.
Peter Shupp, the son of Henry and Leah (Shultz) Shupp, natives of the State of New York, and of German descent, was born in the State of New York in 1814, and migrated to this State in 1837, locating in this county. He was married in 1837 to Annie E. Boyce, of New York. They have 4 children now living: Catherine A., Harriet W., Emma and John. He has held the office of County Surveyor and a number of tp. offices. He is in political matters a Democrat, and is a member of the Christian Church.
Joseph Stanton is one of the pioneers of La Porte county. He was born Feb. 8, 1808, and came to this State in 1833, settling in Kankakee tp. He was raised upon a farm and has always been engaged in agriculture. He was married in this county in 1836 to Elmira who was born in the State of New York in 1814. They have 7 children now living. Mr. S. owns a farm of over 300 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, on sec. 8.
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