History of La Porte County, Indiana, Part 70

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : C.C. Chapman
Number of Pages: 930

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W. B. Stevens was born in the State of New York in 1824; he received a liberal education, and worked on the farm at home until he was about 20 years of age; he then went to work in a machine shop, where he remained seven years; in 1853 he came to this State and located in La Porte county, where he has since resided. He settled in Rolling Prairie in 1866 and engaged in mercantile busi- ness, and has been doing a large business ever since. He carries a heavy stock of dry goods and groceries. In 1847 he was married in the city of Otsego, New York, to Miss Evaline Wilcox, who was born in New York in 1829. They have one child now living- Mary. Politically, Mr. Stevens is a Republican.

Logan Taylor is the son of William C. and Pheba Taylor, natives of New Jersey, who came to this county in 1847; he was born in Ohio in 1832. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in this county, June 1, 1854, to Miss Charlotte Greenwood, who was born in Ohio in 1830. They have 5 children now living. Politically, he is a Republican. He has a fine farm of 115 acres. upon which he has erected a handsome brick residence, at a cost of $5,000.

Chester Towner is the son of John and Julia (Joslin) Towner, natives of New York, who located in La Porte county at an early day; he was born in the State of New York in 1827, and was mar- ried in this county to Sarah A. Bremer, who was born in 1828, and died. in 1877. He was married in 1878 to Elmira Bates, of this

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county, who was born in 1831, and they have one child, Henrietta. Mr. Towner and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is politically a Republican.

M. L. Walt, the son of Daniel and Susan Walt, was born in Ohio Oct. 9, 1849. He received a liberal education, and at the age of 16 began teaching, which has been his business most of the time since. He came in 1856, with his parents, to this county where he has since resided. He was married in Michigan in 1877, to Jennia Shultz. They have 2 children, Ethel F. and Daniel F. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and politically is a Republican.

Samuel B. Webster, the son of James and Martha Webster, was born in Union county, this State, in 1811. He has been principally engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now owns a farm of over 300 acres, on sec. 26. He was married to Mary Woodman in Fayette county, this State, in 1837, and they have 7 children now living. Mr. Webster has held a number of the important tp. and connty offices. He is a member of the Christian Church, and politically is a Democrat.

Daniel S. Wells was born in Vermont in 1808, the son of Pliny and - Wells, natives of New York. Mr. Wells was taken by his parents to Ohio when he was six years of age, where he spent his boyhood days. He was married in Ohio in, 1830, to Susan Craig, who was born in New Hampshire in 1807, and died in this county in 1870. He has by this marriage 3 children now living. He was married again in this county, to Lucinda Mansfield, in 1874. She was born in the State of New York in 1837. They have one child, Daniel E. Mr. Wells has held a number of important offices in the township and county. He is a self-made man, and owes his present prosperity to his own efforts. When he settled on Rolling Prairie he had only $15 and no personal property. He now owns a farm of 400 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. His farm is located on sec. 5, this tp.

Lazarus Whitehead was born in North Carolina in 1803. He was brought to this State by his parents in 1805, who settled in Wayne county; he eamne to this tp. in 1835, and is therefore an old and honored pioneer. He was married in Wayne county, this State, in 1822, to Miss - who was born in New York in 1802. They have 9 children now living. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in political views he is a Republican. His farm of 210 acres is located on sec. 14, and is worth $75 per acre.

William B. Wilson, M. D., was born in New York Aug. 3, 1828. He is the son of James and Elizabeth (Porter) Wilson, na- tives of Pennsylvania, who located in this county at an early day. Dr. Wilson was married in Berrien county, Mich., Oct. 18, 1860, to Helen McHenry, and they have one child, Maude E. In 1849 he began the study of medicine, and gradnated in 1853. In 1855 he moved to Rolling Prairie, this county, and commenced the practice of his profession. The doctor has always had a large and

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

respectable patronage. He was the first physician to locate in the village of Rolling Prairie, and has been identified with every effort and enterprise on the part of the village, and the present prosperity of the place is due in a great measure to his untiring efforts in its behalf. The Doctor is a member of the Christian Church, and politically he is a Republican.

LINCOLN AND JOHNSON TOWNSHIPS.

Lincoln township is 36 north and 1 west, and Johnson 35 north and 1 west,-the latter being that portion of 1 west which lies in La Porte county. The Kankakee river forms part of the eastern and southern boundary of Lincoln, and runs diagonally across the northern end of Johnson, from northeast to southwest. Mud lake, which is but a spreading out of the river, borders both the town- ships, near the boundary line between them; and Fish lake lies wholly in Lincoln township, near the center. Little Kankakee river passes through it, and empties into the Great Kankakee near its southern boundary. The Chicago Grand Trunk railroad crosses Lincoln township east and west, and the Indianapolis, Peru & Chi- cago railroad crosses the northeast corner of Johnson, and the Baltimore & Ohio, east and west crosses the central part. Fish lake, near the center of Lincoln township, is of a peculiar shape. It is d vided into four parts, connected by narrow passages or straits, each of which has received distinctive names, viz .: Upper Mud, Upper Fish, which is the largest, and Lower Mud. The outlet of these lakes is the Little Kankakee. There is, in this township, con- siderable swamp land, caused by the high rising of the river; but a large part of this township is dry and contains some excellent farms.

The first settlement in this township was made in 1832 by Mr. Mutz, Levi Little, Newlove Laybourn, E. Arbogast and a few others, on the bank of the noted Fish lake. In 1838-'40 the im- migration was larger. The first saw-mill in the county was built on Spring run, which is now known as Mill creek, a small stream flowing from the north and emptying into Upper Fish lake. A postoffice was established here by Mr. Wm. H. Collom, and is called Mill Creek. The founder is still the postmaster. He and his brother also keep a grocery store at that place.

The principal farmers of the township are James Waxham, New- love Laybourn7 B. Burget, C. Siddles, James S. Siddles and Wm. H. Coliom. One of the first settlers in Johnson township was Maj. J. M. Lemon. He rebuilt the bridge over the Kankakee about 1846, and kept it as a toll-bridge many years. The first bridge was built over the Kankakee, by John Dunn, as early as 1832. Landon Carlyle came in 1850, and B. F. and Ira F. Place came more re- cently. The first school-house in the township was built on section 16. A church edifice was erected in 1874, on what is known as the " Island." Among the farmers of this township are Wm, Robison, Asa Jackson, and B. F. and Ira F. Place. As in the case of Lin- coln, and all the townships bordering on the Kankakee, much of the land is marsh. The remainder is barren and too sandy to be

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

susceptible of cultivation. The marsh land will in time be the best; when once drained and brought into cultivation it will be superior.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

As a part of the history of Lincoln township we add the following brief personal biographies:

B. Burget was born Jan. 22, 1829, in New York. In 1837, in company with his parents, Kimrod and Elizabeth Burget, he moved to Pike county, Ohio, and in 1835 to Grant county, Ind .; and in 1842 he came to this county. In 1851 he went back to Ohio and followed boating on the Portsmouth and Cleveland canal till 1853, when he returned to this county, where he has since resided, en- gaged in farming. In 1880 he raised 1,300 bushels of wheat, be- sides a large crop of oats and corn. He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth Jennings, by whom he had one child, Mary (now Mrs. Bunton). Mrs. Burget died Sept. 2, 1855. Mr. B. was again married in 1857 to Dartha Bickel, and they have had 6 children, viz .: Ellen (now Mrs. Benton), Harvey, Garland, Win. S., Nettie and Evaline. Mr. B. owns 326 acres on sec. 17 and elsewhere.

Wm. H. Collom was born in this county Sept. 27, 1840. He is a son of Jesse and Louisa Collom, and followed farming till March, 1875, when he and his brother, Geo. W., opened a grocery and pro- vision store at Fish lake. They carry a stock of $1,500; annual sales amount to $10,000. Mr. Cullom established the Mill Creek postoffice in 1875, and was appointed to that position by Mr. Jewell, Postmaster-General. Wmn. H. was married Dec. 31, 1861, to Cath- arine Little, by whom he has had 4 children, viz .: Olive M., Jesse M., Clara E. and Arsena M. Mr. C. owns 100 acres on sec. 9.

Newlove Laybourn .- The oldest settler of Lincoln tp. now living is Newlove Laybourn .. He was born Aug. 20, 1808, in Genesee county, New York. His parents were Joel and Zeruiah Lay- bourn, the former a native of England, and the latter of Connec- tient. He was raised on a farm; was taken by his parents to Clarke county, O., when five years old. They lived there till 1817, then they moved to Cincinnati, which then contained only about 350 inhabitants. There he attended school in a log-house, furnished with slab seats and writing desks, and split logs for a floor. In 1832 he came to Lincoln tp., this county, when there were but four other families in that region, and the Indians were as numerous as the whites are at the present day. They had a dancing ground in the southern part of Wills tp., and their path lay along the western line of Mr. L's farm, and every fandango they had would end with taking a free draught of " whisky," and, on returning home, would, with their hideous yells, arouse the settlers from their sleep. Mr. L. was married July 23, 1829, to Nancy Dudley, by whom he has had 9 children; of these 2 are living: Catharine J. (now Mrs. Arga- brite, now living at New Carlisle), and Mary, now the widow of Mathias Wringer. Mr. L. owns a farm of 220 acres in sec. 4.

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Carson Siddles is a native of Orange county, N. Y., and was born Jan. 24, 1817. His parents were James and Jane Siddles. He was raised to manhood on his native farm; attended school, which consisted of scholars from three States, viz .: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He lived at home, tilling the soil, till 1859, when he came to this county. He was married June 10, 1840, to Miss Catharine Little. To them were born 5 children, viz .: James P., (who married Miss Catharine Arbogast, whose father, Enoch Arbo- gast, was among the first settlers of Lincoln tp.), Ophdia (un- married), Emma C. (now Mrs. Brownlee); one son dead. John A. was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and consigned to the prison at Dan- ville, Va., where he died Nov. 29, 1864.

John H. Taylor was born in this county May 29, 1841. His parents, John W. and Celistia Taylor, were natives of England. He was raised on a farm, and has since chiefly devoted his time to that. At the early age of 20 years he enlisted to fight for " Uncle Sam," and participated in the battle of Cumberland Gap and several noted skirmishes. He was seized with sickness, and discharged April 1, 1862, having served seven months. He was married Feb. 10, 1866, to Miss Laura J. Divine, by whom he has had 5 children, viz .: James P., Fanny, Clara, John H. and Celistia. Mr. Taylor owns a farm of 188 acres, principally on sec. 3.

MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP.

This township borders on Lake Michigan, and lies in the north west corner of La Porte county. The township was organized in 1833, the following order having been made for that purpose by the Commissioners' Court, at a regular term held on the fourth day of September, 1833: "Ordered, That New Durham township be divided by the line dividing townships thirty-six and thirty-seven and thirty eight, constituting a new township to be called Michigan Township." Afterward a division was made of this territory, so that at present the township consists only of the fractional Con. gressional township 38, which is so far reduced by Lake Michigan on the north that it contains but 14 whole and six fractional, sections, leaving it, in extent of territory, next to the smallest township in the county. The soil of the township consists of sand ridges that were at one time covered with a heavy growth of pine timber, which has been cut off and converted into lumber. Owing to the poor quality of the soil in the township, agriculture receives but little attention.

BEGINNINGS.

The beginnings of whatever is great, useful or important are always studied by the thoughtful with a curious interest propor- tioned in degree to the dignity and value of the results. Whether it be the birth of a child, the origin of a race, or the founding of a State, the date of the initial event and its productive causes, and all its important surroundings and concomitants, become subjects of an interest that is more or less vivid as the consequences of the event may, more or less nearly or favorably, affect us. What man or woman does not often turn back in thought to parents, and to the birth mystery in which each begins the greater mystery of life? Who does not carefully cherish the memory and preserve the record of his parentage and the date of his birth, whether the events of his life cause him to bless, to mourn, or even presumptuously to curse the authors and the day of his birth? So, too, the birth of races and of nations and even of communities is full of a glad or a sad interest to those whose lives and fortunes have been shaped or colored by the controlling events.

The earliest settlement in this township outside of Michigan City was at Scott's Mills, where James Scott in 1834 erected a saw and grist mill, being the first flouring mill built in the township. It was located on Trail creek, one and a half miles from Michigan City. It was a very large mill, and its trade extended over a wide expanse of territory, traders and merchants coming from Chicago,

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Rockford, Galena, Joliet and other towns in Illinois. Wheat brought 60 cents per bushel at the mill, and flour sold for ten dollars per barrel. John Walker built and operated the first saw- mill in the township. Among the first settlers of the township were John Cheney, John Ritter, the Schreves, Sanfords and Van Winkles, who reached the township at an early day. This town- ship outside the city is sparsely settled, consequently its history is chiefly the history of

MICHIGAN CITY.

Isaac Elston, of Crawfordsville, Ind., in 1831 purchased of the Government the land on which Michigan City is now located, and in October, 1832, he laid out the town. The town site was an unin- viting one, a large portion of it being low and marshy, and was covered with a heavy growth of pine timber, among which were a few sugar maples. Trail creek made its way over the sands to the lake, winding round the foot of Hoosier Slide, a still sluggish stream which was almost cut off from the lake by a bar at its mouth, where so little passed over that a person could cross it without difficulty on foot. At this point it was believed a good harbor could be made. Hence the purchase made by Major Elston, and all the subsequent operations toward building up a flourishing city, and a harbor on the Great Lakes, for the State of Indiana. Formerly the line between Indiana and the Territory of Michigan was south of where it is now located, shutting Indiana off entirely from all harbor facilities and lake commerce, thus depriving her of all the benefits to be derived from the immense commerce of the Great Lakes. The boundary line was for some time a matter of sharp dispute, but was finally adjusted by giving to Indiana a position on the coast of Lake Michigan. La Porte, Porter and Lake counties are now bounded on the north by its waters.

FIRST SETTLERS

In 1833 the first settlers arrived in Michigan City. The low, swampy lands covered with timber, and the high sand hills, pre- sented but few attractions to welcome them. There were presented to their view only sand ridges and marshes. Hoosier Slide loomed up many feet, while below and all around it there was only the white, glistening sand, and further back, across the creek that passes through the woods, that were at that time the abode of wild beasts, only a low, wet tract of country. It was indeed a discouraging out- look for a city. But the hope that one day a city would arise there despite the many adverse circumstances, and that a harbor would be made which should be to Indiana what Chicago is now to Illinois, filled these first comers with the spirit of enterprise, and the work of improvement began.

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

In August, 1833, Jacob Furman and B. F. Bryant put up a log cabin on the present site of Peck's corner, which was probably the first house erected in the city Mrs. W. F. Miller, who is older in date of arrival than any other person now living in Michigan City, came here with her father, Samuel Flint, in October, 1833, she being then five years of age. The Flint family was the third to arrive. At this time there was but one frame building in the city. It was built by Samuel Webster. The second frame dwelling was erected by Mr. Flint. These dwellings were all located in the woods, and the settlers made sugar from the maples surrounding them. The Indians were present in considerable numbers, but were always friendly. There were then no streets cr roads yet opened : only foot paths led from house to house. Thompson W. Francis arrived in June, 1833, but did not remain long at that time; he went to LaPorte, remaining until November, when he went to St. Joseph, Mich., and . worked at his trade until the spring of 1834, when he returned to Michigan City and made a permanent settlement. He was the pioneer architect and carpenter of Michigan City. Joseph C. Orr built a tannery here in 1834, and lived in a log house which stood on the corner where Crane's drug store now stands, which he opened to the public as a sort of hotel, and where many a weary traveler at that early day found rest and refreshments. Samuel Miller was in business here in 1834, as a grain dealer and forwarder. He occupied a log building that stood on the site of the old brick pack- ing house. George W. Selkerk came in 1833 and engaged in farming; he now resides in Cool Spring township.

In 1834 there was only an Indian trail between Michigan City. and La Porte, no road having yet been made. The Michigan road had been surveyed and laid out, and work begun upon it. Until this was completed the only communication the city had with the outside world was over the waters of Lake Michigan, by means of the occasional arrival or departure of a boat. Only the smallest craft could reach the wharf. Vessels of ordinary size were obliged to anchor out some distance in the lake, and received and discharged their cargoes by means of lighters. This continued up to the time the Government began the improvement of the harbor.

In 1834 George Ames, Leonard Woods and others arrived, and in 1835 Robert Stewart, M. Romel, Simon Ritter, Deacon W. Peck, W. W. Higgins, Judge Woodward, Captain Ashton Benjamin, James W. Moody and many others reached the city. Sprague and Teall were here in 1834. Teall was engaged in merchandising, and afterward Sprague and Teall became stage proprietors, having pur- chased the line from Michigan City to Chicago. During the years 1835-'36 settlers came in rapidly, and the new town began to exhibit the hum and stir of business activity. Miller, Teall, Clark and Forrester began business here in 1833.

These men built large . warehouses in that year, and others speed- ily followed. The warehouses were all built down near the present harbor, the business part of the city being in the vicinity of where

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the Michigan Central depot now stands. This town was the great grain market for a large portion of Indiana, grain coming from as far south as Marion county. Steamers began to make regular trips, and the commission and forwarding business became active and heavy, assuming immense proportions. Besides the large nuni- ber of warehouses and forwarding houses here in 1836, there were 12 large dry-goods stores. Among others engaged in mercantile pursuits were John Barker, J. G. Sleight, Shedd & Turner, George Ames and others. There is but one person now living in Michigan City who has been there longer than Mr. George Ames, and that is Mrs. W. F. Miller, who arrived here in 1833. The men who settled here and founded Michigan City were enterprising, ener- getic, public-spirited men. They were nearly all from the Eastern States and were noted for their intelligence, culture and keen busi- ness qualifications. Many of them became the heaviest business · men in the State.

During the years 1834-'36 the growth of the city was rapid, far beyond the wildest expectations. It was estimated that in 1836 the city numbered over 3,000 inhabitants.

EDUCATIONAL.

There are many important and interesting details respecting the early development of the educational interests of Michigan City. As soon as the settler had made for himself and family a shelter from the rain and cold and the wild beasts, and had blazed a path to his nearest neighbor, his next great care was to provide schools for his children. Thus they laid the foundations of their future social and political structure deep on the solid basis of intelligence and morality. Material and mental improvement went hand in hand; farms, shops, stores, and mills were flanked by the school- house. They had many difficulties to meet and overcome before much progress could be made toward the establishment of institu- tions of learning. In 1833 the first school-house was erected. It was a small frame building and was planned and built by Thomp- son W. Francis, one of the pioneers of Michigan City. Mr. McCoy was the first teacher. This building was also used for several years for Church services.

From this small beginning the schools of Michigan City have grown up, and now they will compare favorably with any in the State. They now have two fine large school edifices, one of them but recently built, at a cost of over $50,000, and there are but few better school buildings in the State. The average daily attendance of pupils is now over 600, and is constantly increasing. The grounds about the new building have been beautifully decorated and artis- tically arranged by Mr. George Ames, of this city. At his own expense he has put the grounds in their present condition, and set out thereon over 1,000 trees and shrubs. He has placed this com- munity under additional and lasting obligations for his annual

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contributions of trees and shrubs since then to further beantify the grounds. The people of the city appreciate his generosity, and will hold in grateful remembrance the efforts he has made to minister to the comfort and happiness of their children.

RELIGIOUS.

Religion was not neglected by the early settlers of this city, but has kept apace with the schools and other secular enterprises. Many, who counted the value of their crops or of their growing stock, or their profits of trade during the days and hours of labor, sweetened their rest with the consolation of divine truth; so that at a very early day we find them building churches as well as school- houses, and shops, and stores.

Episcopalians .- The first edifice erected in Michigan City for religious services exclusively was built by the Episcopal society in 1836, and was located on Pine street, between Fourth and Market streets. This was the first Church organization in the county, and was known then, as now, as Trinity Church. The first Rector was the Rev. D. V. M. Johnson. The society has now 127 communi- cants, and a congregation of over 300. The property of this Church consists of a quarter block, at the corner of Franklin and Sixth streets, upon which stands the church edifice and rectory. The Rev. C. J. Wood is the present Rector.

Methodist Episcopal .- This society, rightly denominated the " Pioneer Church," was formed at Michigan City with its first set- tlers, and from the commencement held services here. Major Elston, the proprietor, in his sale of city lots, reserved and donated to the Methodist society two lots upon which to build a house of worship. Under the leadership of Porterfield Harrison and a few others, the friends of the society in 1838 erected a small church on the site donated. This met the demands of the society for a num- ber of years, but the encroachments of sand which then threate led to bury the house, rendered a change necessary, and the meinbers and friends purchased the lot and built the house of worship now used by the society. They also built a parsonage. The preacher in charge at that time was the Rev. W. Copp. The society now has in course of construction a new church edifice, on the corner of Franklin and Seventh streets, 46 by SO feet, and two stories high; seating capacity, 600. It will cost not less than $1,000. The Rev. G. M. Boyd is the pastor in charge of the society. There is also a German Methodist church on the corner of Eighth and Buffalo streets.

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History of La Porte County, Indiana, Part 70

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : C.C. Chapman Number of Pages: 930

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : C.C. Chapman
Number of Pages: 930