USA > Indiana > Miami County > History of Miami County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 55
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Perhaps the first permanent settler in what is now Erie Township, was Henry King, who located a claim near the west- ern border in 1835, choosing for his home what is known as the Dingman farm occupied at the time by a Mr. Sampson. Prior to his arrival however, Samuel McClure, now a resident of Marion, Grant County, established a trading post in the same
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locality and for several years carried on a successful traffic with the Indians. "His business was that'of a trader exclusively and consequently he made no attempts at improvements of any kind." Joseph Fox came as early as 1835 and laid claim to the land where Alfred Miller lives, not far from the old Wabash and Erie Canal. A Mr. Hale and his son, John Hale, arrived the same year and settled in the western part of the Township; the former laying claim to a small tract of land which was subse- quently entered by a Mr. Henton. John Hale's first place of settlement was near the lock, but he afterwards lived in various parts of the township and took an active part in the early development of the country. Daniel Potter settled on the canal opposite the Nichelson farm early in the thirties and was a per- manent resident of Erie until his death. He made substantial improvements on his place including the first orchard in the township and is remembered as a public spirited and honorable citizen. About the year 1836, one James Farnash and son Wil- liam Farnash became residents of Erie, locating a claim on land which William Lynd subsequently purchased. They were both types of a restless class of characters usually found in the early settlement of all new countries and their departure was not sig- nalized by the outburst of any great amount of sorrow on the part of their neighbors. William Farnash spent a goodly portion of his time with the Indians and was frequently seen on the streets of Peru in company with his red friends gorgeously attired in genuine savage style. Two other early comers deserving of special mention were John and James Bailey, who located in the southern part of the Township, sometime prior to the year 1840. They both became noted hunters, and from the sale of deer and. other game, which they killed in great abundance, managed to supply the few wants of their respective families. They made no improvements beyond erecting a couple of rude cabins and with the advance of civilization, took their departure for more congenial quarters in the far west.
Sylvester Henton came to this country sometime in the thirties and early acquired the reputation of a successful Indian trader. He took claims in various parts of the country and for many years was know as "Black Hawk" Henton, a name which afterwards became attached to the township. His brother, Elam Henton, came later and settled where Lewis Baker now lives, pur- chasing the claim of John Hale. He subsequently filled the offices of Recorder and Clerk of the county, and was justly esteemed one of the representative men of Miami. A transient settler by the name of French was living in the southern part of the township as early, perhaps, as 1838 or 1839, and a little later Anson Jewett built a cabin in the same locality, which he occupied for only a limited
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period. Lewis King early settled where his son Riley now lives and about the same time Jeremiah Taylor settled on land adjoining. Mr. Nichelson's farm, taking a claim which was subsequently pur- chased by D. R. Bearss. Other early settlers in the southern part of the township were Morris Baker, on the Jacob Elper place, and Joseph Misner, near the canal. Prominent among the arrivals of 1842 were Salathiel Cole, who moved from Ohio that year and pur- chased the farm where George Nicholson now lives. His death, September of the following year, was one of the earliest events of the kind in the township. John and William Nichelson, brothers of George Nichelson, came early in 1842 and settled in the eastern and southern parts of the townships respectively; the former is living at this time in Missouri, and the latter died at his home in Erie about the year 1854. George Nichelson moved to this township in the spring of 1844 and is still an honored resident of the same. A. Dingman became a resident in 1842, settling in the eastern part of the township; Martin Kennedy and John Carback were early settlers in the western part. In 1843 Samuel Philabaum moved to the township, locating about one mile from the northern boundry, where he has since resided. He and George Nichelson are the oldest resi- dents of Erie now living. Among the many who came from time to time and shared in the hardships incident to pioneer life may be mentioned: Abner Beeson, in the southern part; Levi Wright, in section 5; John Downey, in the same section; Thomas Daily, sec- tion 7; Nicholas Berger, section 8; James Britton, section 9; Jacob Pier, section 17; William W. Lane, section 17; Dorastus Chandler, where his son lives; William Butt and sons, Daniel, William, Elias, James, Erastus, Lawrence, and Frank Butt, not far from the canal; Alfred Miller, where he still lives; George Nichelson, Sr., father of John, William, and George Nichelson already mentioned; Henry Niman, on the line between Miami and Wabash Counties; Thomas Mann, near what is now the Paw-Paw Turnpike; William Beeson, in the southern part of the township; Nicholas Dice, where he still resides; David Simmerman, who is still a resident; William Robin- son, in the northern part; Jacob Hostetler, Charles and Daniel Hen- derson, near the western boundary; Charles Rector, near the river; William Lynd, in the southern part, where his son still lives; Alfred Baker, not far from the canal; Pleasant Bell, Mr. Robertson, and a Mr. Stitts, the exact places of whose settlements were not learned. The following is a list of persons who obtained land in the township by entry prior to the year 1840: Israel T. Canby, frac- tional part of section 20, township 27, north, range 5, east, August II, 1830; John Tipton, northeast quarter of section 22, October II, 1830; William Marshall, southeast quarter of section 21, in 1833; James Britton, northeast quarter section 3, in 1835 ; Joseph W. Moore, northwest quarter of section 3, in 1835. Other entries of 1835 were
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as follows: William N. Hood and Richard Britton, section 3; made James M. Ray, section 8; M. T. Williams, James Britton and J. M. Ray, in section 10; Enoch McCarty, James R. Mendenhall and James M. Curry, section 15; Solomon Vermilyea and Alexander Worth, section 17. From the year 1836 to 1839 the following men purchased goverment land, to-wit: Richard and Robert Miller in section 4; Lewis Adkison and John Miller, junior, section 16; William O. Ross and William Hood in section 21.
The township was organized August 27, 1839, and took its name from the Wabash and Erie canal, which run through the southern part. The first election was held the same year on the Anson Jewett farm, at which but nine votes were cast. "Jeremiah Taylor was elected Justice of the Peace, Henry King, Daniel Henderson and Samuel Philabaum, were elected Trustees."
The first mechanic in the township was Thomas Kennedy, who operated a blacksmith shop, on the old canal for several years, during the early settlement of the county. A man by the name of Umstadt was also an early blacksmith, and William Lynd was one of the first carpenters of the township. Among the earliest marriages was that of John Passon to Priscilla, daughter of James Fasnash, solemnized sometime in the year 1838. The early deaths were those of Joseph Hale in 1838, Salathiel Cole in 1843, and John Hale, Jeremiah Taylor, Joseph Fox and Daniel Potter, the dates of whose deaths were not learned. Perhaps the first birth in the township was that of John Hale, Jr., son of John and Hannah Hale, born in the year 1837.
The first saw mill in the township was built near the north- ern border, many years ago, by a Mr. Williams, who operated it quite successfully until taking a large contract for furnishing railroad timber which crippled him financially. The mill was subsequently purchased by a Mr. Cowger, who moved the boiler to Peru. The next enterprise of the character was started by Miller and Ullman, who erected a large steam mill in the west- ern part of the township. It was operated by the above firm until destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Ullman rebuilt it. He · is the present proprietor and is doing a prosperous business.
Daniel Reicher engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in 1882, and still operates a large mill near the central part of the township. He also operates an extensive cider and jelly factory with which he does a very remunerative business.
"The first religious meeting in the township was held at cabin of Salathiel Cole by the Baptists early in the forties, Rev. John Davis preaching." This denomination, although having no organized society, maintained regular services for a number of years, using what was afterwards known as the California school
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house for a meeting-place. Among their preachers in after years were Revs. Cole and Witham.
The Christian or New Light Church was early represented in Erie, although no society was ever organized. Meetings were held at the cabins of different settlers from time to time by Elders Nicholas. Myers, John S. Winters and William Deal.
Calvary M. E. Church .- The oldest religious society in the township dates its history from the summer of 1846, at which time a small class was organized, consisting of the following persons, viz .: Daniel Mendenhall and wife, Frederick White and wife and Alfred Miller and wife. Revs. Donaldson and Webster were perhaps the earliest preachers, and the residence of Daniel Mendenhall in the northeast corner of the township was used for a place of worship until about 1847 or '48.
By that time a house, more in keeping with the wants of the congregation, became necessary. Accordingly a log building, 24x30 feet in size, was erected on land donated for the purpose by Mr. Mendenhall. After this the society made fair progress, and it was not long until the majority of the early settlers in the vicinity were enrolled among its members. The old house was abandoned in the year 1865, and a new frame building, 35x50 feet in size, erected on the same ground at a cost of $1,600. At that time the membership numbered nearly forty, and it has since increased until at present there are the names of about seventy communicants on the records.
When organized, the society was attached to what is known 'as the Paw Paw Circuit. It is now a point in the Wabash Circuit, having been attached to the latter about the year 1883. Among the pastors are remembered the following, viz .: Revs. Bradshaw, Rhodes, Black, Roberts, Munson, Shackleford, Reed, Wade, Markley, McElwee and others. The society has made commendable progress, and is in prosperous condition at this time.
Erie Church-United Brethren in Christ, was organized in 1849, at the residence of Samuel Philabaum. Among the early members were Samuel Philabaum and wife, Michael Dice and wife, David Rep and wife, David Zimmerman and wife and Mrs. Barnett. The early ministers were Revs. Mr. Peters, Hiram Freeman and Samuel Simons. Later came Rev's. John Surrand, John Lamb, Jesse Bright, Mr. Iliff, Mr. Martin, John Farmer, Mr. Turflinger, Mr. Gallaher and the present incumbent, James Grove. In 1850 a hewed log building was erected on the land of Samuel Philabaum. It was 26x30 feet in size and answered well the purpose for which it was intended until 1872. In that year the present substantial frame temple of worship on the Philabaum land was erected at a cost of about $1,700. This so- ciety has been the outgrowth of faith and from an insignificant
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beginning, has increased to such an extent that there are at this time fully two hundred members belonging. It has accomplished a vast amount of good in the community and is in better condi- tion than at any other time since the organization. The Sunday School, under the superintendency of William Petty is well at- tended .:
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LEWIS BAKER was born in Lima, Ohio, on the second day of October, 1835, and is the second son of Alfred and Mary (Osborn) Baker, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, and came to Miami County in 1843 and located on the farm on which Lewis now resides. He has always re- mained at home, and received his education in the common schools. Since reaching his majority he has continuously engaged in farming and stock-raising, at which he has been suc- cessful to a satisfactory degree. He was married to Miss Mag- gie E. Wibel, April 2, 1863, a daughter of Solomon and Rose Wibel, who were natives ; of Pennsylvania. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born five children, two of which are now living-Charles E. and Conrad L .- and the deceased were Ora M. and two infants unnamed. Mr. Baker is the owner of 400 acres of fine farming land, situated in Peru and Erie Townships, which is substantially improved and in a highly cultivated state. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Christian Church. In political matters he is a Republican, and is one of the most reliable and substantial farmers of Erie Township.
WILLIAM H. BELL, a native of Peru Township, was born February 13, 1842, and is a son of Pleasant L. and Laurinda E. (Duffield) Bell, natives of Indiana, the former of whom was born April 4, 1814, and the latter April 15, 1819. Wm. H. is the eldest member of his father's family of ten children, of whom there still eight living. Our subject received a good education, having attended Bryant's Business College, at Chicago, for one summer, and the schools of Peru, which enabled him to teach school for several years. In 1864, after returning from Chicago, he entered the service of his country at the age of 22, in the 138th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. A, and continued about five months. After returning from the war, he engaged in farm- ing and teaching, and was married March 19, 1868, to Nancy I. Wolfe, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, to whom have been born eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz: Cora, Horace E., Alice,, Wm. A., Clarence T., Nellie, Lulu and
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Richard, who died at the age of five months. Mr. Bell and family are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, which policy he has ever since pursued. He is the possessor of 80 acres of land in Erie township, which is under a fair state of cultivation. He is a gentleman that is held in high esteem of those with whom he is acquainted.
WILLIAM BUTT was born in Ohio on the 10th day of May, 1829, he being the second son of William and Effie (McIn- tyre) Butt, natives of Virginia and New York, whose union was solemnized in the State of Ohio in 1826. In 1832 they emi- grated to Indiana and settled in Allen County, near Fort Wayne. Here they remained about thirteen years, and from thence moved to Miami County, settling on the Richardville Reserve, and resided there until their deaths, which occurred in 1869 and 1856. Our subject was reared on a farm and has always followed the vocation of a farmer, in which he has been very successful, now being the owner of 570 acres of fine river bottom land in Erie Township, which is noted for its productive qualities. His home consists of an elegant and imposing two-story brick residence, and he has a large and commodious bank-barn, the surroundings of which are pleasant in the extreme. He and Miss Elizabeth Lesher were united in marriage November 7, 1858, to whom four children were born, viz: James F., Mary E. (deceased). Ida A. and Dora E. His wife died February 23, 1869, and on the 2d day of December, of the same year, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scovel, a native of New York. Their union has' been blessed with two children, Eva L. and Rosa C. Politically . Mr. Butt is a Democrat, and he has held the offices of Town- ship Trustee and Assessor.
VALENTINE DURKES, a native of Bavaria, Germany, was born April 7, 1838, a son of Daniel and Susannah (Stalheber) Durkes, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1854, and located in Miami County. Our subject remained home until he reached his majority, and he then learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed more or less for 20 years. He received a good education in the German language, but has never, since living in America, had the advantage of school. June 4, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Barn- hard, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, of German descent. To this union there were six children born, named Mary E. (deceased), Bena, George, Frank, Willie O. and Emma. In 1861, Mr. Durkes entered the service of his country in the 49th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and remained in Grant's division until the battle of Pittsburg Landing, when he became ill and was sent to his home. In February, 1871, Mr. Durkes and family located on his
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farm in Erie Township, which consists of 126 acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He is the owner of a one- sixth interest in 72 acres of undivided land in Harrison Township. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church, and he has always been a Democrat.
BENTON HARRISON, born June 22, 1845, is a son of Reuben C. and Judith A. (Keever) Harrison, natives of Ken- tucky and Ohio respectively. In 1836 the father and family came from Ohio and settled in Wayne County, where they resided two years, and in September, 1838, came to Miami County and located in Richland Township, where they resided until their death. Reuben C. was born February 2, 1805, and died March 15, 1881. The mother was born April 12, 1814, and died July 30, 1886, at the age of 72. Our subject left the paternal roof and started in business for himself. He has always followed farming. On the first day of February, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa A. Nichelson, a native of Miami County, who was born October 1, 1849. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison seven children have been born-Will- iam L., Jessie (deceased), Reuben C., Emma M., George W., Julia A. and Leona M. Mr. Harrison has filled the position of Assessor of Erie Township, and was in 1883 Township Trustee, appointed by the County Commissioners to fill the vacancy of Jacob Hockstetler, resigned, and was re-elected to the same posi- tion in 1884, which he filled with credit to himself and his con- stituents. His politics are Democratic. He was a resident con- tinuously of Richland Township until 1873, when after his mar- riage he came to Erie Township and has here resided since that time. He is the possessor of 146 acres of fine farming land, which is nicely located on the Peru and Paw Paw pike, under a high state of cultivation, and is substantially improved. His education was obtained at the common schools.
FRANK HOSTETLER, a native of Miami County and of Erie township, was born March 22, 1859. He is the third living son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shetler) Hostetler, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to Indiana in 1845 and located on the farm now operated by Frank, our subject, but are now residents of Peru Township. He received a common school education and at one time attended college at Terre Haute, Indiana. At the age of 21 he commenced teaching school, and taught five terms in his immedi- ate neighborhood, and on April 24, 1883, his marriage with Miss Sarah A. Dise was solemnized, and to them one child has been born -Ray E., born November 2, 1885. Our subject was reared on the farm, and after his marriage resumed farming on the old home- stead first occupied by his parents, a half of which he is the proprie- tor-the other portion being owned by his Elder brother, Gideon,
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which consists of 100 acres. At the township election held in April, 1886, he was chosen by the residents of Erie township to act as its trustee for the ensuing two years. The subject is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the U. B. Church.
RILEY G. KING, was born December 24, 1836, in Port- age County, Ohio, and is the son of Timothy L. and Mary M. (Wright) King, natives of Massachusetts and New York respec- tively, who were married in Portage County in 1835, and came to this county in 1839, bringing their family of two children, our sub- ject and Isabel. Riley remained at home with his parents until he · was 24 years old, and received a limited education. He has always followed the occupation of farming, and was employed as a farm hand until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in Co. B of the 13th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and remained in the service about three years and three months, mustered out July 10, 1864. After he returned from the army he resumed his former occupation, farming, and his marriage with Miss Mary A. Burke, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, born September 9, 1837, was solemnized on March 12, 1868, at Paw Paw, this county. To this union three children were born, an infant (deceased) unnamed, Clar- ence Bruce and William Oscar aged 13 and 10 respectively. Mr. King and family are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a Republican and always votes the straight ticket. He is the possessor of 188 acres of land in Erie and Richland Town- ships which is all, with an exception of 27 acres of timber, under a high state of cultivation. He has acquired all by hard labor. He is perhaps the oldest citizen of Erie Township now living in its bor- ders.
JAMES E. MANIS, a native of Tennessee, was born Octo- ber 24, 1834, a son of Jesse and Alcy (Lawson) Manis, natives of Tennessee. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a lim- ited schooling, but has, since reaching his majority, acquired suffi- cient education to transact the ordinary business of the times. He is the owner of 160 acres of land in Erie Township which is in a fair state of cultivation and comfortably improved. He was mar- ried to Miss Euphemia Wright, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, July 16, 1864, to whom nine children have been born, their names being as follows: Schuyler C. (deceased), Charles W., Dona (deceased), an infant daughter unnamed (deceased), Jesse, Benny F., James, another infant daughter unnamed (deceased), and Albert. He is a Republican. Mr. Manis emigrated from Tennessee to Indiana in 1852, and located in Henry County, where he resided for about nine years, after which time he followed the busi- ness of an auctioneer for about three years, and then came to Miami County where he became engaged in working by the day as a farm laborer, after which time by dint of the
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strictest economy and hard labor he had raised sufficient money to enable him to commence business for himself as a farm renter, which course he pursued about four years, and then purchased the farm on which he now resides. His land is situated in Sections 3 and 4, Erie Township. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and those with whom he is acquainted.
GEORGE W. NICHELSON, one of the pioneers of Erie Township, is a native of the eastern portion of Maryland, and was born October 6, 1816. His parents' names were George and Leah (Dorman) Nichelson, natives of Maryland, who emigrated to Picka- way County, Ohio, in April, 1817, where our subject was reared and remained until 1844, when he then came to Indiana and located in Miami County, where he has since continuously resided. He has always followed the occupation of farming and is now the pos- sessor of 300 acres of land in Erie Township which is well improved. His marriage to Mrs. Emily (Beers) Cole was solemnized Septem- ber 1, 1848, to whom three children have been born-Melissa, Paul B. and George R. (deceased). His wife was the mother of one daughter- Mary-by her first husband. She died at the age of nineteen. Mr. Nichelson is a life-long Democrat politically, and sin- cerely believes in the principles of that organization. Coming to Miami County when he did Mr. N. will long be remembered as one of the successful pioneers, and one whose memory will ever be held in high esteem.
PAUL B. NICHELSON, a native of Miami County, was born May 21, 1852, and is a son of George W. and Emily Nichel- son, whose sketch appears above. Paul B. received a common school education, and was reared on the farm on which he now re- sides. December 8, 1875, he was married to Miss Ellen Jackson, daughter of James Jackson, of Wabash County, to whom one boy was born; Harry B., May 13, 1881. He is at present, Assessor of Erie Township. Has taught school several terms and now owns 55 acres of land in Erie. He follows farming and stock raising. Politically he is a Democrat.
DANIEL A. RICHER, a native of Miami County, was born April 26, 1850, a son of John and Magdalena (Naftzger) Richer, natives of Switzerland and France, who emigrated to Ohio. in 1840, and from thence to Indiana in 1848, and located in this county and are still residents of the same. He was edu- cated in the common schools, and remained on the farm with his father until about twenty-two years old, and was then mar- ried to Miss Mary J. Miller, December 21, 1871. Mrs. Richer is a native of Virginia, and was born December II, 1850 a daughter of Daniel and Catharine Miller, who came to Indiana when she was about eight years of age. Our subject was bereft of his beloved companion on the 29th of November, 1885. To
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