USA > Indiana > Steuben County > History of Steuben County, Indiana, together withbiographies of representative citizens > Part 67
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Christian Shaffstall (deceased) was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Aug. 23, 1807, and was married to Christina Rowe Furney, Nov. 28, 1830. In the spring following his marriage he emigrated to Crawford County, Ohio, settling upon and opening up a new farm, on which he lived until 1845. He then removed to Salem
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Township, this county, and commenced work upon a tract of 160 acres. Mr. Shaffstall died at the family residence Nov. 15, 1880, aged seventy-three years, two months and twenty-three days, and left the companion of his life, as well as eight sons and daughters (all married) to mourn the loss of a kind husband and loving father. He was a constant member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty-six years.
John Slick (deceased), long known as the oldest inhabitant of Salem Township, was born in Prussia, Dec. 18, 1785, and lived in that country with his parents until he arrived at his twentieth year. He was then pressed into the military service of Napoleon Bonaparte, in which he remained under the immediate command of Marshal Ney about four years, during Napoleon's war with Spain. He finally deserted and went to Lisbon, where, finding an English ship bound for Liverpool, he took passage for England. Soon after arriving in the British realın, he was again pressed into the naval service, at the beginning of the war of 1812. He re- mained with the British army three and a half years, during which time he was in the principal engagements between the British and the United States. But English service suited him no better than French, and being one night placed on picket near the American forces, he quietly left his post and crossed the river; finding our sentinel asleep on his post he waked him and expressed a desire to go into camp. This ended his service as a soldier. He soon after settled in the village of Rush, near Rochester, N. Y., where, in the year 1815 he married Mary Hempstead, who remained a faithful companion to him during the remainder of his long life. Early in the history of Steuben County he left Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and settled in Salem Township, this county, where he resided for forty years, half a mile south of Salem Center. During his latter years Mr. Slick's advanced age and eventful life made him an interesting conversationalist. It was really entertaining to hear him narrate his narrow escapes from prison and death, and he took great delight in relating them and exhibiting his scars to verify the truth of his statements. He died at his home in Salem Township, Thursday, July 31, 1879, aged ninety-three years and seven months. He left a wife, aged seventy-eight, two sons, three daughters, thirty-six grandchildren and twenty-three great-grand- children. The wife has since died, at the age of eighty-five years.
Edward Teal (deceased) was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1807. In 1830 he was married to Sarah Stevenson, of 46
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Fairfield County. Sept. 1, 1836, he left the Buckeye State, and emi- grated with his family to Indiana, settling in Steuben County. About 1865 he moved to Lagrange County, in which he resided over fifteen years. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church when twenty years old. Before Steuben County was or- ganized he started a class at Cruson's Corners, Salem Township. In 1854 he lost his first wife, and five months afterward he was married to a Mrs. Myers. He died at home June 29, 1880, being seventy-two years, five months and nine days old.
John Wilson (deceased) was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1800, and when quite young removed with his father's family to the State of New York. At or about the time of his majority he went to Richland County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Dinah Bodley, Jan. 18, 1821. He settled in Salem Town- ship, Oct. 1, 1836, on the land since known as the Loughrey farm, and here he and his most estimable wife commenced a new home in the wilderness. He was the father of nine children, six girls and three boys, seven of whom survived him, and six of whom were present at his funeral, which took place at the Presbyterian church in Salem, Nov. 5, 1880. His death occurred at the resi- dence of Samnel W. Brown, in Salem Township, Nov. 3, 1880, when he was eighty years, eight months and twenty-seven days old. He united with the Presbyterian church at the age of twenty, and when he came to Steuben County brought his religion with him, and after building a cabin invited his neighbors in to hold religious meetings. These consisted of reading of sermons, prayer and conference. He also organized a Sabbath-school, the first one in Salem Township, in connection with the other religious services. In 1839 the Presbyterian church of Salem was organized at his house, with him as Ruling Elder. In 1840 his wife died, and, after about ten years, his children being scattered by marriage, he sold his farm, and soon after went to live with his third daughter, Mrs. S. W. Brown, with whom he continued to reside up to the time of his death. He was an affectionate and tender husband and father, a warm and congenial friend, and a true and consistent Christian. After the death of his wife he appeared to be only waiting for the summons to call him to unite with her in the better land where there will be no parting. There was a good old man who passed away at a mature age, as a candle that has burned out; and he was missed by his relatives, his friends and neighbors, and not least by his church and Sunday-school.
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Orson Woodford (deceased), son of James and Urania Woodford, was born in Seipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and died at Salem Center, this county, July 14, 1882, aged seventy-seven years, six months and eight days. He was married to Jane L. North, in Cayuga County, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1832, and moved to Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1839 or 1840. His wife died Sept. 30, 1849, having been the mother of five children. Mr. Woodford was a second time married, April 29, 1850, at Plymouth, Ohio, to Martha C. Bodley, and three years later he and family removed to this State and county, settling in Salem Township.
Salem Township now contains many highly cultivated farms, which indicate the tireless energy of the early settlers, who eleared away the mighty forests, and they and their descendants have made the waste places "bud and blossom as the rose." There are three postoffices in the township-Hudson, Salem Center and Turkey Creek. The first named is in the southeast corner, on the line between Salem and Steuben townships. Salem Center is a mile north of the center of the township, while Turkey Creek is situated on the creek of the same name in the southwestern part of the township.
SALEM CENTER.
Salem Center was never platted as a village, but has for many years supported two mercantile establishments doing a very re- spectable business, beside considerable other trade. The history of the village began in 1843, when W. H. Austin and Edward Wright opened the first store, a block structure ereeted by Mr. Austin on the present site of Hammond, Dole & Co.'s store. Two years later Wright bought the interest of his partner, and after a time was succeeded by Adolphus Gale, who, in turn, sold to W. W. Braden. Dr. Joseph C. Kimsey bought this building and converted the timbers into fuel, the lot having been purchased by James Richards, who erected thereon a frame building, the first story of which he used for a time as a work shop, and the upper story was used as a lodge-room by the Masonie fraternity. About 1862 E. T. Hammond and Casper Conger bought this building a· d fitted it up for a store, into which they put a stock of goods in 1864. The following year Mr. Hammond became sole proprietor, and after a time he sold to John Carey, who carried on the busi- ness for several years, and was burned out in the autumn of 1871. He soon after rebuilt on the same lot, and sold to T. J. Warner.
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
In the spring of 1883 the property was purchased by Arthur Ham- mond, and the present mercantile firm of Hammond, Dole & Co. was formed.
Among the well-remembered business inen of Salem Center was Elder Ball, who opened a store about 1858, and sold to Dr. Kimsey in 1866. Hogan & Van Pelt engaged in business on the sonth- west corner a number of years ago, but this store had a short ex- . istence, and was succeeded by a harness shop, which was also short lived. A wagon shop was built by Amos Kirkwood, who ran the same for a number of years. The Masonic fraternity bought this building, and used the upper floor as a lodge-room. The Masons sold the building to Richardson & Teal, who opened therein a hardware store, the first in the village. In February. 1882, the property was bought by David Haskins, the present hardware merchant.
The first school at the Center was taught by Eliza Smith in the winter of 1841-'42. The school-house was built the previous autumn, and was the second in the township.
Jesse Miller was the first blacksmith. The first physician was Dr. Bevier, now of Waterloo, De Kalb County. He was of the Eclectic school and came here in 1848, from Defiance County, Ohio. Dr. Aaron G. Parsell, now of Hudson, was the second physician. He had studied with Dr. Bevier. The third physician was Dr. J. C. Kimsey, who came in 1855. Among later physicians were Dr. Mc Henry, who removed to Pleasant Lake, and there died; and Dr. L. C. Crossman. who married here, removed to Turkey Creek, and thence to parts unknown. Dr. M. T. Clay came to the Center in 1880, and now practices here.
. One of the early business enterprises of Salem Center was an ashery, built by the first merchants above mentioned, Austin & Wright. A pottery also flourished for a time here.
In the winter of 1848-'9 a mail-route was established between Auburn and Orland, and Salem Center became a postoffice on this · route. David Wisel was the first Postmaster, and served till 1853, when he removed to Fillmore County, Minn., and the office passed into the hands of Walter Braden, who was succeeded three years later by Orson Woodford. In 1856 Silas Conger was appointed, and after Buchanan's administration Orson Woodford came in again, though during his second term the office was generally in charge of W. E. Kimsey, his assistant. Then came John Carey,
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Sr., who was succeeded by the present Postmaster, WilliamE. Kin- sev, Jan. 1, 1880.
The business of Salem Center is represented in 1885 by the fol- lowing firms: William E. Kimsey, general merchant; Hammond, Dole & Co., general merchants; David Haskins, hardware and gro- ceries; M. T. Clay, druggist; J. C. Kimsey, druggist; M. T. Clay, physician; M. Barnes, blacksmith; Haskins & Green, blacksmiths.
An organization in which the people of the village and township feel a just pride is the Salem Center Cornet Band, which was or- ganized in the spring of 1874. The first members were Ira E. Woodford, William E. Kimsey, Frank Dewitt, Fred Sanxter, S. W . Mc Henry, E. C. Herrick, A. K. Hammond, George Mc Henry and Irvin Longhrey. Their first instructor was Joseph McCabe; their second, P. V. P. Smith, a superior teacher and composer, un- der whose instruction the band attained to great proficiency. They won the first prize at a band tournament of Steuben County bands, held at Angola, July 4, 1883, and has always sustained a high repu- tation for excellence. The members in 1885 are: Prof. Guy C. Bodley and Frank R. Tubbs, E flat cornet; A. D. Stephenson, 1st B flat; A. K. Hammond, 2d B flat; Charles Brown, 3d B flat; George Packer, solo alto; Guy Conklin, 1st alto; William E. Gil- lespie, 2d alto; F. Dole, 1st tenor; G. Elliott, 2d tenor; W. E. Kimsey, baritone; G. F. Amerman, B flat base; Frank Woodford, tuba; P. H. Gunsaullus, drummer. The officers are: Prof. G. C. Bodley, Director; Frank R. Tubbs, Leader; G. F. Amerman, Mili- tary Commander; W. E. Kimsey, Secretary and Treasurer.
McLane Post, No. 342, G. A. R., was mustercd May 3, 1884, with the following sixteen charter members: Samnel Parker, D. R. Wiscl, Peter Ritter, John D. Dewitt, Samnel Van Pelt, J. C. Kimsey, Thomas Havens, M. B. Butler, Andrew Wolf, Hugh Men- agh, L. N. McLain, G. W. Stranser, William Dewitt, John Haines, D. S. Gillespie and A. Sams. The post was organized with Samnel Parker as Com .; M. B. Butler, Adj .; and Thomas Haines, Q. M. There are at present twenty members. D. R. Wisel is Com .; C. Brown, Adj .; E. D. Gunsaullus, Q. M.
Hudson was first platted in August, 1869, by Elizabeth Clark and others. Ferguson, Fullerton and Rapp made additions to the original plat. These were all on secti on 31, township 36, range 13. Leander Brugh and Joseph Zongkers have each made additions on section 36, township 36, range 12. IIudson was intended for a large town, being situated on the line of the prospective Canada
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Southern Railroad. But this village did not feel the collapse of that railroad scheme as did some of the neighboring towns. It is surrounded by a very fertile country, and is doing a thriving busi- ness. Its population is about 400.
In 1855 Joseph and John Miller erected the saw-mill, now (1885) owned by John Ritter. This mill was not on the village plat, but just south of Brugh's addition. In about 1865 a small store was opened near the mill, by Michael Miller; Miller sold out to Ira Allerton, who increased the stock of goods, and in 1867 sold to Keller & Son. These were the first business enterprises of what is now known as Hudson. In 1867 Mrs. Elizabeth Clark caused to be laid out nine half-acre lots on the southwest quarter of section 31, in Steuben Township. These lots were platted and placed on record and called the village of North Benton, which is still the proper name for the town, though it is generally known as Hud- son, the name of the postoffice.
Ira Allerton erected the first house on the plat, which he sold to a man named Davis, who opened a small store in a part of the house; at about the same time Mr. Keller, before referred to, opened a store on the plat, he having purchased a lot of Mrs. Clark, and erected thereon a store building.
The most important part of the village of Hudson, and the part on which are all business houses of the town, is Brugh's addition the history of which is as follows:
In the spring of 1873, when work was in progress on the pro- posed Chicago & Canada Railroad, Leander Brugh engaged E. N. Woodford, of Metz, then Surveyor of Steuben County, to survey into village lots twenty-two acres of the southeast quarter of seetion 36, extending on the east to the township line, between Salem and Steuben Townships. This plat was on the farmn of Mr. Brugh, who was the proprietor of the plat. The only buildings on the plat at the time of the survey were the dwelling and barn of Mr. Brugh. The prospect of an early completion of the railroad, was then quite favorable, and lots were at once in great demand.
The first business lot was sold by Mr. Brugh to Ira Allerton, who immediately began the erection thereon of a two-story store building; and Mr. Allerton opened the first store in the early fall of 1873. The second lot was sold immediately after, to J. S. Moore, of Auburn, who immediately began the erection of a hotel, which was completed and occupied in 1874.
Several residences were built in 1873, and completed at about
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
the same time. Dwellings were erected in that summer by Dr. E. Baker, David Ferrier, Ira Allerton, Daniel Dole and a few others. The first wagon-maker was Nelson H. Way, who in 1874 erected a shop on lot No. 2. The first blacksmith was Jacob Slaybaugh, The first cabinet shop was opened by J. Pensinger. Not long after another cabinet shop was opened by John Shaffstall, who is still in the business. The first drug store was opened by Dr. Mil- ler in 1874, who continued in the drug and grocery business for several years, and then removed to Farmer's Center, Ohio. Will- iam Hibbards was the first harness-maker. The first hardware store was opened in 1880 by Henry Sanders, who continued for sev- eral years, and sold out to Harry Diffinbaugh, the present hardware dealer. The first practicing physician was Dr. T. G. Matheny.
A school-house was erected in 1876. Frank Ritter taught the first term of school in this building.
The only church on the village plat is a Methodist Episcopal church, built in 1874. This is a frame, costing about $3,700. The building is 34 x 56 feet, with a seating capacity of about 400. A Methodist class was formed in 1854 by Joseph Miller, a local min- ister of the church, who still resides here. The first members of the class were Joseph Miller and wife, Samuel Greenamyer and wife, David Frederick and wife, John Ritter and wife, James Geper and wife, Jesse Rutan and wife and a few others. The first meet- ings were held at private residences. A class had previously been organized but was for various reasons discontinued. The present society has had regular preaching since its organization in 1854. It has a membership of about sixty with about the same number of pupils in the Sunday-school.
The Hudson Roller Mills are owned and operated by Alexander Fullerton and his son-in-law, Samuel Ferguson. The mill is oper- ated by steam-power, and was started in December, 1866. In the summer of that year Mr. Fullerton came here from Seneca County, Ohio, town of Fostoria, and brought with him the entire machinery for a grist-mill, including engines, boiler, burrs, etc. The entire machinery had been owned by Messrs. Fullerton and Ferguson in Ohio. Mr. Ferguson sold his interest before the mill was removed here, to Ananias Rapp and Ira Allerton, each of the gentlemen, Fullerton, Rapp and Allerton, possessing a third interest in the mill. The machinery was put up in the present mill building, and grinding began as stated in December following. The mill then contained three run of burrs. About the time the mill started
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Messrs. Fullerton and Rapp bought the interest of Mr. Allerton. Mr. Ferguson bought a third interest in 1868. Mr. Rapp sold his interest to the other owners in 1870. Mr. Ferguson has owned a half interest in the mill since he bought it in 1868. Mr. Fullerton's interest has changed hands a few times, but the present firm of Ferguson & Fullerton has existed since August, 1884. In the fall of 1884 very important additions were made to the mill. Three full sets of Nordyke & Marmon rollers were substituted for the burrs, and all other machinery necessary for a first-class flouring mill, including purifiers and centrifugal reel; also a corn- sheller, with a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day. This mill does first-class work. The mill has a flouring capacity of sixty barrels per day. It does a large and increasing business, and is not excelled in the quality of its work by any mill in Northern In- diana. The mill is in charge of Mr. Ferguson, who is a practical miller of more than twenty years experience.
David Ferrier was the first Postmaster of Hudson, and was suc- ceeded by H. K. Leas. Then came Frank Zimmerman, who was succeeded by John Wagner, the present incumbent, in October, 1883.
By authority of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, Hia- watha Lodge, No. 528, F. & A. M., was organized May 23, 1876, by the officers of Corinthian Lodge, at Flint, Steuben County. The first officers elected were: Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; Eli D. Cox, S. W .; John C. Heny, J. W .; Charles Schimpff, Treas .; John II. Gray, Sec .; William Wilsey, S. D .; Martin V. Leas, J. D .; Peter Miller, Tyler. This lodge has been quite successful. It has a pleasant lodge room, which was purchased in 1882. The lodge numbers about thirty members. The officers of 1885 are: John C. Whysong, W. M .; Samuel Bonebreak, S. W .; George Simon, J. W .; John Frederick, S. D .; Martin V. Leas, J. D .; T. Ray Morrison, Sec .; S. Ferguson, Treas .; John Shaffstall, Tyler; Eli D. Cox, Chaplain.
S. D. Aldrich Post, No. 138, G. A. R., was organized at Hud- son, March 3, 1883. The first officers were: Wm. A. Greenamyer, Commander; J. C. Whysong, Sr. Vice-Com .; Charles Brown, Jr. Vice-Com .; T. Ray Morrison, Adjutant; Ananias Rapp, Quartermaster; Thomas Kannouse, Surgeon; J. C. Mead, Chaplain; Thomas Green, Officer of the Day; D. B. Chilcoat, Officer of the Guard; A. B. Mathews, Sergt. Major. The charter members be- sides those already mentioned as first officers were: Orin Camp-
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
bell, David S. Irish, Henry Harbaugh, Charles Clink, Simon Dahuff and John Will. The post is in a prosperous condition and is now composed of about thirty wide-awake working members. The officers for 1885 are: Wm. A. Greenamyer, Commander; Henry Heckathorn, Sr. Vice-Com .; Jerry Miller, Jr. Vice-Com ; Peter Snowbarger, Officer of the Day; J. Anderson. Officer of the Guard; T. Ray Morrison, Adj; John C. Whysong, Quartermaster; A. Diffinbaagh, Surgeon; David Frederick, Chaplain; Oscar Thrasher Sergt .- Major; Orin Campbell, Quartermaster-Sergeant.
FIRES AT HUDSON.
In December, 1882, the general store of Ira Allerton was burned, involving a loss to Mr. Allerton of about $2,000 on goods. This fire was accidental: The building was owned by William Getz, and was insured for $1,000, of which $800 was paid. By far the most destructive fire that has visited Hudson occurred in Decem- ber, 1884. Dr. Hamilton, in whose house the fire originated, sus- tained the heaviest loss. The Doctor occupied the second story of the building as a dwelling and office. The lower story was used by William Ferrier as a drug store. The Doctor lost all his house- hold goods, surgical instruments, etc .; in fact, saved nothing but an organ. A portion of the goods of Mr. Ferrier were burned. Dr. A. G. Parsell & Son, general merchants, lost their store build- ing, worth $1,000, and sustained a loss on goods of about the same amount. David Heckathorn lost a store building of the same size as Dr. Parsell's, occupied by William Day as a saloon. Fred Harris had three billiard tables in this building, which were burned, involving quite a heavy loss to Mr. Howard.
PRESENT BUSINESS FIRMS.
Those now in business at North Benton, or Hudson, are: Parsell & Son, general merchants; Wm. H. Marble, general mer- chant; Abraham Diffenbaugh, general merchant; Harry D. Diffen- baugh, hardware; John H. Wagner, druggist; Joseph Ketchum, druggist; Scott Lotzenheiser, tin-shop; John Shaffstall, furniture and undertaking; John S. Moore, Benton House; Mrs. Daniel Dole, millinery and dress-making; - Kistler, wagon and repair shop; A. McDowell, blacksmith; Peter Miller, blacksmith; Isaac Keller, shoe and harness maker; Henry Meese, harness-maker; Day & Kistler, house, carriage and sign painters; Ferguson & Fullerton, flouring-mill; Frederick Ritter, saw-mill; Miller Bros.,
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
chair factory; Francis A. Johnson, cane-mill; George Simons, meat-market; J. H. Hathaway, barber; T. Ray Morrison, physi- cian; F. C. Hamilton, physician; Alonzo Teeters, Justice of the Peace; Joseph Ketchum, Justice of the Peace (for Steuben Town- ship); J. S. Moore, Constable; Ira Allerton, Notary Public; Lean- der Brugh, School Director; T. Ray Morrison, School Director; Aunanias Rapp, carpenter and machinist; Alonzo Teeters, carpen- ter; Daniel Dole; carpenter; John Dole, carpenter; Allen Brugh, plasterer and stone mason; Joseph Greenough, mason and plas- terer; Michael Frederick and Adam Weeks, auctioncers.
TURKEY CREEK.
Turkey Creek was platted by Porter Johnson, in March, 1857, on section 29. It has never attained much importance as a village, but its convenient country store has saved the people of the sur- rounding country many miles of travel in obtaining necessary supplies.
CHURCHES.
There are five religious organizations in Salem Township. A Presbyterian society, whose church building is on section 4; two organizations of the M. E. church, one at Hudson and the other at Salem Center; a "Reformed church" organization, with church building on section 11; and a "Church of God," or Winebrennerian church, on section 32. The first to organize in Salem Township were the Presbyterians and the Methodists.
Salem First Presbyterian Church is located on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 4. It is a frame struct- ure, 40 x 60 feet, and was built in 186S at a cost of about $3,000, by the Presbyterian and United Brethren societies, and was used for a number of years by both these denominations, and was known as the Union Church of Salem Township. It is now owned entirely by the Presbyterian society. Presbyterian services were held in the spring of 1838 at the house of John Wilson, on sec- tion 3. A minister by the name of Parmelee conducted the servi- ces. The society was organized at the log cabin of Mr. Wilson in the fall of the same year, services being conducted on the occa- sion by Rev. Royal Littlefield. The members who composed the society as organized at that time were: John Wilson and wife, George Brown and wife and son, George Brown, Jr., Mrs. Fanny Butler, Mrs. Meleta Butler, Sarah and Catherine Mckinlay and Moses S. Parsell and wife, with perhaps a few others whose names
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