USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 81
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840
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
This alarm, by which it was supposed the cruelties of Indian warfare would be visited upon the infant settlements of La Porte county, was caused by the supposition that the Sac Indians would retreat into Canada instead of going beyond the Mississippi, and as their trail passed through the county, the peril appeared to be im- minent.
After the close of the war the township of Scipio settled more rapidly than before, and during the fall of 1832 many settlers moved into the township.
CHAUDONIA.
A man lived in this township at that time, whose real name was Chandonia, but whom the Indians called Shadney. He was of mixed Pottawatomic and French blood, and had come here from Detroit. When the Michigan road was proposed from Madison, on the Ohio river, to Michigan City,-270 miles,-the Indians had agreed to relinquish their title to one section of land for each mile of road built through their country. The State construed the agree- ment to mean one section per mile for the entire length of the road. The Indians, hearing that such would be the interpretation, became very indignant, and were about in the act of preventing the surveyors from running out any more land, when this man Shad- ney's influence was brought to bear upon them. He procured an ox, and a quantity of whisky was furnished; a barbecue and a drunken spree was the consequence, in which a large number of In- dians participated, and the affair passed by without any further .trouble. For his services on this occasion the U. S. Government gave him a patent of section 28. This is the first recorded instance in which our Government has by legislation thus remunerated any person for bringing on a drunken spree among the Indians. Gen. Orr sent for this man Shadney (or Chaudonia), and consulted him, when the fort was built at Door Village, as to the probabilities of the Sac Indians following their old trail. He gave it as his opinion that they would not, and future events justified his conclusion.
This noted half-breed was very useful, and did many heroic deeds for the U. S. Government. We below give a copy of' a letter written concerning him by Gen. Lewis Cass, addressed to Hon. A. S. White, then our Senator in Congress, when it was decided by that body to grant a section of land to Chaudonia's widow and children:
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 8, 1843.
SIR :- In answer to your letter, I beg leave to state that I knew Chaudonia well. He served many years under my orders, both in peace and war, and in trying cir- cumstances to the United States. Some of the events of his life were almost romantic, and at all times he was firm and faithful. Could I give you an exact narration of all he did, there would be a unanimous conviction in Congress that something should be done for his family, which I understand is destitute; but the subject has passed, in a great degree, from my memory, and I must content myself with a few prominent facts.
841
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Chaudonia was a half-breed Pottawatomie. His uncle, Topenebee, was the chief of the tribe, and was an old man of great influence. From the commencement of our difficulties with Great Britain, Chaudonia espoused our cause, notwithstanding the exertions of the British agents to seduce him to their interests, as he was an active, fearless young man, with connection in the tribe; they were exceedingly desirous to gain him, but their efforts were useless. From the first to the last he never swerved in his attachment. He was present at the massacre of the garrison at Chicago, where, I have always understood, he saved the life of Captain Heald, the commanding officer, and the lives of others also. He was apprehended by the British and imprisoned at Malden, whence he escaped. A party was sent in pur- suit of him, headed by his uncle, a Canadian. He killed his uncle and fled into the Indian country. Here he exerted his influence for us, and induced Topenebee and other Pottawatomie chiefs to come to the council of Greenville in 1834, which was held by Gen. Harrison and myself, and where a place was made which de- tached many Indians from the British interest. From Greenville he accompanied me to Detroit, for which place I marched a considerable force of Indians for the relief of that frontier, which was then suffering from the invasion of hostile In- dians. I had no white troops with me, and my position was therefore difficult and dangerous.
Chaudonia conducted himself with great energy and propriety, and rendered me the most essential service. I believe he was in the various engagements on the Northwestern frontier, and I think at the Thames. He attended the treaties for the purchase of lands, and always aided the commissioners in their efforts; and I can say from personal knowledge that Gen. Harrison had the same opinion of him that I have, and I have no doubt, were he alive, he would with pleasure bear wit- ness to the good conduct and fidelity of Chaudonia.
With great respect, I am, sir, Your obedient servant, LEWIS CASS.
HON. A. WHITE, U. S. Senate.
The only town in Scipio township is
DOOR VILLAGE.
It was founded, or surveyed, in 1836, and the subdivision was made under the direction of the County Commissioners. Its loca- tion is on the school section (16), on the beautiful and fertile Door Prairie, and in the midst of a prosperous country ; but the business of the village is less now than it was many years ago, it being too near the county seat to enable it to compete for the business patronage.
The first cabin built in Door Village was by Welsh and his son, who sold intoxicating liquors to the Indians in 1830. In the spring of 1832 Arba Heald built a cabin in what is now the village. The first store was opened in 1833, by Good & Heming. It was a gen- eral store, but for some cause the proprietor became dissatisfied, and in a few months sold out to Morrison. The concern passed through several other hands, and was discontinued in 1862. The first frame house was built by Mr. Morrison in 1833; Hiram Par- ker erected a tavern the same year, which has since been torn down. Theodore Parker began wagon-making also in 1833. The first blacksmith shop was started in 1834. The first shoe-shop was established in 1836. In 1838 George Tower began the business of tailoring, and continued till 1840. In this year (1840) also Chester Heald carried on a foundry and made iron castings of vari-
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
ous kinds; and also manufactured threshing-machines. In the same year Joseph Austin had a spinning-wheel manufactory, and in it a lathe for turning wood, which he ran by means of two dogs. In 1852 N. P. Huckins erected an establishment and manufactured fanning-mills. In 1864 Mr. Smith began making bed mattresses.
At present there are one blacksmith shop and one shoe-shop in the village, two church edifices (which we shall speak of below), and a neat school building.
The first weaver's loom in the county was made by N. W. Clos- ser, in 1834, a resident of Scipio township; and the first weaving in the county was done by Mrs. Closser, his wife. Mr. Closser was also the second constable elected in the county. In those days men were taken with capias for debt, and if required by plaintiff, were placed in jail until it could be paid or security given.
The plows used by these sturdy honest pioneers consisted of wooden mold-boards, iron shares and home-made stocks and beams. Each pioneer was his own mechanic, and usually made all the wood-work for farming implements, etc. The first and only saw- mill that has ever been erected in Scipio township was built in 1836, by Asaph Webster on Mill creek, in the southwestern part of the township, within five rods of the township line.
LOST IN A STORM.
In those early days, when the prairies were unfenced, it was dif- ficult to travel after dark, save in a well-beaten track. On one oc- casion Mr. Andrew Nickell, in company with his wife, went to La Porte in the evening; and as lie did not finish his business until night they were compelled to return in the dark. They accord- ingly started in the blinding wind and snow, in the direction, as they thought, of home. They drove round and round the village of La Porte during all of that fearful cold night, mid the howling wind and drifting snow. Mr. Nickell lost his mittens, and at four o'clock the following morning, when they drove into La Porte again, his hands were completely frozen, as were also his feet. That night's drive disabled him for the remainder of the winter.
EDUCATIONAL.
While the pioneers were busily engaged in preparing homes for themselves and families, and improving farms, they were not neglectful of the early education of their children. The first school- house was erected in 1833 at the southeast edge of Door Village grove. It was a log-cabin, with slab seats, and a large fire-place in one end, and was situated on the land of Arba Heald, now owned by Daniel Kimball. The first school was taught in this house the same year, by Caroline Holmes.
The average teacher of the pioneer days of Scipio, like those of many other localities, was of the ox-driver "persuasion," and
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
always exercised his authority by wielding a monster gad, to frighten the urchins into obedience. It seemed that " nothing short of a flogging could bring them into submission."
The school-houses for several years were constructed of logs, and as the first one, were seated with slab benches, and the windows consisted of a single sash. These window-sashes were made for several years by John Garwood. As the settlers grew in wealth, and as the township became more densely populated, these rude log-cabins were replaced by more commodious and comfortable frame buildings, with comfortable seats and desks, and with stoves for heating; and at the present writing the school buildings are mostly brick structures. The interest manifested by the citizens of Scipio in their educational affairs speaks well for their future prosperity and happiness.
RELIGIOUS.
Door Village Baptist Church .- This is the only Baptist Church in the township, and was organized Jan 29, 1840, by Rev. Charles Harden, with Rev. Elijah Barnes as Moderator, and M. Catlin, Clerk. The charter, or constituent members were: Aaron Kidder, Alva Mason, Avery Freeman, Giles Brownell, Horace Campbell, Virgil Wilcox, Gideon Brayton, Amanda Kidder, Betsy Mason Elsa Freeman, Polly Black, Mary J. Campbell, Dolly Wilcox' Ruth Brayton, Lydia Wyllys (Willis), Sarah Freeman and Patience Titus. Their first meeting was in progress for about six weeks, held in the houses of the brethren. During this series of meetings Elder Harden baptized over 160 persons. The first regular pastor of the Church was Rev. Alexander Nickerson. They commenced the erection of a house of worship the same year, but the lumber, which was being kiln-dried, took fire and burned. This delayed the work for nearly three years, when, in 1843, it was completed. It is a large structure, and s still used by this Church. There are now but 28 communicants. The society sustains a Sabbath-school, and services are held each Sabbath by the pastor, Rev. F. L. Patter- son.
Door Village M. E. Church was organized in 1833 by Rev. James Armstrong, the first M. E. preacher in this tp. They erected a small frame house of worship, which has since been replaced by a fine large structure. The M. E. cemetery at Door Village is one of the finest in the county, and is noted for the regularity of its wards and aisles. This society also sustains an interesting Sab- bath-school. Services each Sabbath by Rev. Geo. R. Streeter, Pastor.
OTHER SOCIETIES.
Soldiers' Aid Society .- During the Rebellion, Scipio's patriotic ladies formed themselves into an association for the purpose of relieving the wants of destitute soldiers. Mrs. E. M. Wilkinson
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
was the secretary. This society contributed, from May, 1861, to May, 1865, $16,632 toward aiding the soldiers in various ways.
Guards or Militia .- During the war the men who remained in Scipio were not asleep to the interests of their country either; for while the women were busily engaged in forwarding such things to the soldiers as they needed, the men were organizing into a militia company and drilling themselves to be prepared for work, should an invasion of the country by the enemy occur. They were trained by Gen. Orr; O. C. Wilcox, Captain.
There was another company known as the Light Horse Guards, under Capt. Z. Craft.
Door Prairie Live-stock Association .- Many of the enterprising farmers, being desirous of improving their stock, some years ago formed themselves into a joint-stock company for that purpose. There were 34 shares at first, and about 20 stockholders. They purchased first, the celebrated imported horse, Lord Clyde; after- ward Highland Duke, another imported horse; and the last, Tam- erlane, an imported Hamiltonian, a very fine draft horse. The present stockholders are, Andrew Mclellan, President; S. Harvey, Secretary; and W. A. Banks, D. T. Keith, L. T. Harding, D. M. Crane and S. K. Pottenger.
BIOGRAPHIES.
The history of Scipio township is substantially continued in the brief personal sketches which follow, of leading pioneers and resi- dents.
Robert J. Anderson, deceased, was born in Jefferson county, Ind., in 1818; raised on a farm and educated in the common schools of the day. He was married in 1845 to Mary M. Butterfield. To them were born 3 children, viz .: John Butterworth, Judith K. and Wm. T. Mr. A. came to this county in 1837 and died at Mon- mouth, Ill., in 1865. He was loved by all who knew him, and his death was greatly lamented by the community.
Wm. A. Banks was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1836, and is a son of Orren and Olive (Brown) Banks, also natives of New York. His early life was spent on a farm, and in 1845 he accompanied his parents to this county. He engaged in the mer- cantile business in Hobart, Ind., for three years. He has been married three times, the first time in 1856, to Mary Ellis, by whom he had one child, now deceased; second time to Miss Miriam Chandler in 1860; they had one child, Laura; third and last time to Miss Rebecca J. Crane, a native of this county, and they have had 2 children, Edith and Cora. Mr. Banks has been eminently successful as a farmer and stock-raiser, and now owns 400 acres of land. During the late war he speculated extensively in sheep. He is now a breeder of fine cattle and horses; keeps a dairy, selling most of his butter in La Porte. He is also Trustee for Scipio tp.
Andrew M& Lellan
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Wm. Brayton; P. O., La Porte; residence, sec. 5; was born in Huron county, O., July 30, 1812, and is a son of Gideon and Ruth Brayton, deceased, natives of New York. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Ohio. He came to this county with his parents in 1833, and in 1834 married Miss Eliza- beth Irvin, by whom he has had 6 children; of these, 5 are living, viz .: Robert I., Gideon, Luther L., Minerva J. and Mary A. Mr. Brayton removed to Illinois in 1835, and remained there until 1842, when he returned to this county, where he now resides on a farm of 110 acres of valnable land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Brayton are members of the Baptist Church at Door Village.
Morgan L. Brink, son of James and Cornelia (Giltner) Brink, the former of New York, and the latter of Pennsylvania, was born in Broome county, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1827. Mr. Brink was raised on a farm and received his education in the common schools. In 1847 he married Huldah Manderville, and in 1850 came to La Porte. Their children are Mary L., John J., Edward L., Olive H., Daniel B., Charles H. and Schuyler C. Mr. B's grandfathers were both soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Mr. B. is a successful farmer, and owns 225 acres, on sec. 20. Mr. and Mrs. Brink are members of the M. E. Church at Door Village. Mr. B. politically is a Republican.
Benjamin Butterworth, deceased, was born near Lynchburg, Va., Oct. 4, 1794; he visited this county in 1834, and the following year came with his family and located here. He was married in January, 1818, to Miss Judith Welch. He owned 800 acres in one farm near La Porte, and other tracts, in all amounting to about 2,000 acres. He was an honest and indnstrions farmer, and as such was eminently successful. He always gave liberally for the support of schools and Churches and other benevolent enterprises. He was a worthy member of the Society of Friends, and was honored and respe ted by all. He died in the full triumph of living faith.
Henry Craft, farmer, sec. 28, was born in Lycoming county, Pa., April 1, 1827, and is a son of Joseph and Ann Craft, deceased, . natives also of Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm; at the age of 20 years he came to this connty. In 1853 he married Miss Elizabeth Garwood, daughter of John Garwood, an early settler of this county. Of their 5 children these 3 are living: Jane, Seth and Thomas. Mr. Craft has been eminently successful as a farmer and stock-raiser, and now owns 240 acres of valnable land. In 1876 he erected a fine house, at a cost of $4,000. His barn is also a very fine and commodious structure.
Alex. Crane, sec. 4, was born in Bedford county, Va., July 15, 1822, and is a son of Shadrach and Polly Crane. His early life was spent on a farm, and he received a limited education in the common schools. He came with his parents to Elkhart county, Ind., in 1832, and to this county in 1834. He was married Feb. 1, 1844, to Miss Hulda J. Closser, daughter of Daniel and Hulda
53
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Closser, early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Crane had 13 children, of whom 9 are living, viz .: Ettie, Lewis C., Nathan W., Rebecca J., Closser A., Eda, K. Ella, Hattie G. and James W. He owns 548 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock- raising. He started in life poor, and has amassed considerable of this world's goods. Mr. Crane, wife and 4 children are members of the Baptist Church at Door Village.
Henry P. Crane was born in the town of Bedford, Va., Jan. 15, .1819, and is a son of Shadrach and Moning (Wood) Crane. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of this county, his parents having come to this county in 1834. They resided in Elkhart county, Ind., from 1832 to 1834. His grand- father came from England to America before the Revolution and served as a soldier in that war under Washington. His great uncle was captured by the Indians when passing through the woods, and was to be burned, when the Indians, finding a bottle of brandy, all became intoxicated. He took advantage of this opportunity, extricated himself, killed the entire party, six in number, and made his way back to the regiment, carrying the head of an Indian with him! Mr. Crane was married in December, 1840, to Miss Mary Closser, by whom he had 4 children; of these, 2 are living, Sarah A. and Daniel C. Mrs. Crane died in March, 1852, and Mr. C. again married, Feb. 3, 1853, Miss Mary Keith, by whom he has 2 children, Nancy M. (now Mrs. McCormick) and Bolsar T. Mr. Crane resides on sec. S, owns 270 acres of land, being engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. C. is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. Church.
James H. Crichton was born in the parish Inverrity, Scotland, March 28, 1804, and is a son of John and Ellen (Patterson) Crich- ton, deceased, also natives of Scotland. He learned the blacksmith's trade of his father when a boy. At the age of 16 he began for himself as a farm laborer, at six pounds a year, which is a little less than $30, and he lived on an allowance of 16 pounds of oatmeal a week, and about three quarts of milk daily. July 16, 1832, he married Miss Isabella Edward, by whom he has had 9 children; S of these are living, viz .: Wm. E., John C., Ellen, Isabella, Fannie, James, Mary and Rosanna. He came to America, and to this county, in 1850. He owns 320 acres of land, and resides on sec. 34. When he began in life he had nothing but energy and health for his capital.
Joseph H. Donly was born in Lycoming county, Pa., Oct. 31, 1835. He came to this county with his parents, Hugh and Eliza- beth Donly, in 1847; he was reared on a farm and educated in common schools. He served three years and two months as Sergeant of the 15th Ind. Battery in the late war, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Moun- tain and Resaca. His cannon killed Gen. Polk at the battle of Lost Mountain, which was fired by his gunner, Frank McCollum, at his command. Mr. Donly was married Oct. 20, 1869, to Martha
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
A. Smith, by whom he has had 3 children, viz .: Hugh, Rose and Arletta. Mr. D. owns one-quarter interest in a farm of 300 acres.
Frederick R. Earl was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1826, and is a son of Aaron and Charlotte (Smith) Earl, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. The former was a shoemaker by trade, and resided in Ithaca. In 1837 Frederick R. came to this county with his parents, but he returned and obtained his education in Cazenovia seminary, Madison county, N. Y. He then engaged in teaching in that State for five years, when he returned to this county and taught for 15 years, during the winter seasons, and farmed during the summer. He was married in 1844 to Miss Martha, daughter of Thomas Lawrence. They have 2 adopted children, Freddie and Isabella. When he started in life Mr. Earl had nothing. He now owns 215 acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Earl are worthy members of the M. E. Church at Door Village.
Isaac N. Evans was born in Scipio tp., Nov. 30, 1837, and has resided here all his life thus far on a farm. His parents were Isaac S. and Catharine Evans, natives of Kentucky. His grandfather Bateman lost his arm in the battle of Tippecanoe. The subject of this sketch married Miss Eunice M. Phillips; Dec. 25, 1860. They have had 3 children of whom 2 are living, Ada and Frankie. Mr. Evans is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 16, and owns 160 acres of valuable land. He filled the office of Trustee for this tp. for five years. In 1872 he took a tour through Illinois, Mis- souri, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.
Hon. James Forrester was born in county Roscommon, Ireland"; emigrated to America in 1818, landing in New York in August; there accumulated about $400, when in Jannary, 1826, he pur- chased some dry goods and began peddling; in 1830 he visited Ireland; in 1831 he bought goods in New York, shipped them to Detroit, bought a wagon and traveled as far as Ottawa, Ill .; in 1833 he went to Buffalo, chartered a vessel, and took the first cargo of salt, coffee, sugar, glass, iron, etc., to Michigan City. He bought land there at Government prices, and sold it at $100 per acre. As a real-estate dealer he has been eminently successful, and his chil- dren are owning at present over 3,000 acres in La Porte county. In 1837 he located on sec. 6, Scipio tp., where he has successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. Like many of his country- men, he brought nothing to this country but his youth and health, but " the Lord favored him with a good constitution, and common sense to take care of it." He is now married to his second wife, and has had 7 children, 4 living: Peter, Margaret, Lovina and Edward. In 1838 he swore allegiance to our Government, voted the Democratic ticket until 1861, and then thought it his duty and interest to help crush the Rebellion. No act of his life is he any prouder of. For this the people of his county thought proper to elect him a member of the State Legislature, which position he occupied for two terms. He considers this the best poor man's
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Government on earth. It is a matter of surprise to him, that so many Americans never get an interest in the soil, when it is so easy to be obtained.
Charles Garwood was born in this tp. May 1, 1836, and is a son of John and Jane Garwood, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Ohio. John Garwood came to this county and entered land in 1832. Charles was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He was married Jan. 31, 1867, to Miss Catharine Wooley, by whom he has 2 children, Jennie and Gracie. Mr. G. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 6, Scipio tp., and owns 283 acres of land. He is proprietor of a Rumely steam thresher, which has proven upon test trial to be better, both in threshing and saving grain, than the world-renowned " Vibrator." On one occasion the waste was only 11 ounces to 10 bushels.
Wm. Garwood, deceased, was born in Ohio Jan. 20, 1824, and was a son of John and Jane Garwood. He was reared on a farm, and educated in a common school. He came with his parents to this county about 1832 or '33. He was married in 1856 to Miss Mary Zener, daughter of Edward and Sarah Zener. They had S children, of whom 5 are living, viz .: Calvin H., Chas. E., John F., Maggie E. and Edward Z. He was a successful farmer and stock- raiser. He was a benevolent Christian man, loved by all. He died June 18, 1872. Mrs. G. resides on the home place, and owns 267 acres of land.
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