USA > Indiana > Noble County > Illustrated Historical Atlas of Noble County, Indiana. > Part 3
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The Village of Albion was made the county seat in Angust, 1846, but up to the commencement of work on the Baltimore and Ohio Railway, its growth was slow. Since this road was assured, the place has taken a remark- able start. Steps have been taken to have the place incorporated ; several large additions have been made and grounds and money donated for reli- gious and sehool purposes, and a general disposition manifested to build up a good town.
The railway now building through the place will be one of the three or four great lines between Chicago and the seahoard, and, consequently, permanent facilities are assured ; and if a few who call themselves leading men, would evince the same amount of public spirit and enterprise that those in moderate circumstances do, the future prosperity of Albion is beyond a peradventure.
The " County Seat Question" is probably settled, and a new and com- modious court house will soon take the place of the present inconvenient and altogether unsafe building.
The present growth of Albion exceeds that of any town in the county. There are two churches, with several more in course of erection ; a good school building, and the promise of a high school for several towns adjacent, to be erected soon. There are two hotel», the "Bradley " and the " Worden" houses ; a large number of stores of various descriptions ; a steam flouring and custom mill ; two steam saw mills ; a steam planing mill; a tannery. and the usual variety of shops.
The town is quite picturesquely located, being like ancient Rome, on as many as "seven hills," and has as good a farming region adjacent as any town in the county.
Its chanees for the railway shops are, perhaps, as good as those of any point between Chicago and Ohio, and initial steps are being taken to intro- duce additional manufactures. The work of grading the railway through Noble County is a very expensive one, owing principally to the nnevenness of the country and the numerous marshes and "sink-holes "- one of the latter at Albion being quite extensive, and requiring an immense amount of material to form the road bed. The filling of this " sink " has spread under- neath the peat bog to a distance of fifty yards on either side, and thereby lifted the marsh along the track to a height of twelve to fifteen feet.
WAYNE TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF KENDALLVILLE.
As near as we can ascertain, the Widow Dingman and her family were about the first settlers at Kendallville. Some accounts show that she was keeping a tavern as early as 1834. At all events she was there in 1835. Among the earliesti settlers at and around Kendallville, were Hon. Wm. Mitchell, Geo. T. Ulmer, Henry Iddings and sons, and others. John Sawyer and four sons settled on Section 29. Wayne Township. in March, 1836. Mr. Sawyer died in December following. Jolin Brundage settled on Section 5, in 1836. James Wright and John Longyear were early settlers. Geo. I .. Kimmell settled on government land, where he now lives, in 1838. }. W. Learned settled on section 4 in 1837 ; Alexander Sweet about same time. Wm. Ackerman settled in 1844, and Stutely Whitford and four sons, in section 20, about 1851. Samuel Appleman settled in Springfield, LaGrange County, in 1838. Removed to Noble County in 1873.
Wayne township is greatly diversified. It abounds in lakes, of which the principal are Tamarack, a large sheet of water in the extreme northwest corner of the township. Round and Long Lakes, on sections 27 and 28 ; Wible Lake, on section 17, and Lake Bixler at Kendallville.
There are no large streams, but small streams and springs are numerous. There is considerable marsh and several extensive tamarack swamps. The southeastern portion of the township is perhaps the finest for farming pur- poses, but there are good farms in all parts.
The old " Plank Road," and what was ealled the "Old Fort Wayne Road," passed through the western part of the township. The L. S. & M. S. Rail- way and the G. R. & I. Railway also cross the southern and southwestern portion.
CITY OF KENDALLVILLE
This is the largest town in the county, and a place of good business. Its present population is nearly 3,000. Up to the advent of the Michigan Sonthern and I .ake Shore Kailway, it was nothing more than a small hamlet ; Indeed Lisbon disputed for many years the supremacy in this portion of the county. The first settlers were Widow Dingman, about 1834, and Ilon. Wm. Mitchell and Henry Iddings and sons, in 1836. The first village plat, con- taining twenty lots, was laid ont by Mr. Mitchell, and he and his son John subsequently made extensive additions. The railways built Kendallville. which rapidly became the most important place in the eastern part of the county, and to-day it is as stirring and handsomely built as any town of its size in the state.
The first regular store opened in Kendallville was by Samuel Minot, about 1840. It stood where the marble shop of Geo. Aiehele now stands. The second merchant was W. R. Evans. A post-office was first established in 1836. with Wm. Mitchell as post-master.
"The first regular hotel was opened by Luke Diggins, about 1848. It stood on lots 17 and 18, original town, north of where the Central Hotel now stands. As early as 1834 or '35, the Widow Dingman had kept a country tavern for the accommodation of travelers.
The first daguerrean artist was Harvey Smith, who is still a citizen. The first physician was B. G. Cissel, who was also a preacher for the Methodist denomination. Dr. O. J. Vincent was also an early settler.
The hotel kept by L. Diggins was called the "Calico House," on account of the fancy style in which it was painted. It was built by Henry Harris, who was also the first blacksmith in town. The "Calico House " and the one farther south, built by J. W. Kime, and known by the names, "Kime House," "Bowen House" and "Kelly ITonse," were both kept hy M. M. Bowen at different periods.
The first school house was built ahout 1839 or 1840. It stood on the town line between Wayne and Allen, a few tods west of the Fort Wayne road.
The city contains eight churches, some of them very fine structures (sce views) and all respectable and neat ; three are of brick and five of wood. The high school building is the finest and most costly in this part of the state. It is constructedl of red briek, and is about 60 hy 80 feet in size, and three stories in height. It stands in a commanding location, and if the good people of the city would take as much pains fo adorn the commodious grounds surrounding it as they have in fitting up the structure itself, it would hardly be surpassed by any similar institution in the state.
Kendallville has many elegant and beautiful private residences. Among them we may mention those of John Mitchell, Mr. Colgrove and Mr. Moyer ; and there are many more which attest the taste and culture of their occu- pants. There are several fine business blocks, and the leading merchants do a very heavy business in dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, hard- ware and drugs; some of them claiming annual sales of from $40,000 to $100.000 each.
There are two hotels, the " Kelly House " and the "Central Hotel :" a large foundry, a factory for the manufacture of wagon and buggy circles, two steam flouring and custom mills, an extensive grain elevator and ware- house, several sash, door and blind factories and planing mills, and a large number of carriage and wagon factories, blacksmith shops, and the usual variety of mechanics and artisans.
The city is finely located at the crossing of the L. S. & M. S. and the G. R. & I. Railways, which furnish ample facilities for transportation. It has a large number of professional and business men, and carries an air of thrift and enterprise about it second to no place of its size.
A judicious investment in safe manufactures would accelerate its growth, add largely to its trade aud commerce, and make the city one of the import- ant towns of Indiana.
Kendallville and the surrounding country sustains one of the liveliest, most spicy and enterprising provincial newspapers to be found in the north- west-the "STANDARD." It is conducted with marked ability, is always well supplied with local and original inatter, and has a very satisfactory circulation.
Of secret orders and kindred institutions, Kendallville has its full share. In short, she intends to be fully up to the times in every respect, and second to none.
CITY OF LIGONIER.
The first settler on the ground where Ligonier now stands, according to Mr. Pancake's recollection, was a man by the name of Ward Bradford, who built a house on lot No. I of the original plat of the town, recorded at Lima, while Noble County formed a part of LaGrange Connty. This was about 1836. Ward also built the first hralge, where the covered bridge now is.
There were settlers all around the village plat hefore Ward's time. Jacob Wolf settled just west of where Ligonier was subsequently laid ont, in 1831. Among the early settlers were Gideon Schlotterback, Henry Engle, Jolin Hostetter. Adam Engle, and many others in the vicinity.
Abraham Pancake settled in Sept., 1834 Mr. Pancake filled many of the prominent positions in the early days of the county.
Ligonier was originally laid out by Isaac Cavin, about the year 1835. The principal business street was named Cavin Street, in honor of the founder. In early days (as elsewhere stated) the Town of Rochester, about one mile above Ligonier, on the river, was the most important in the county. The death of Gen. Alexander McConnell, in 1854, left matt'ers in such shape that
the railway company located their station at Ligonier instead of Rochester. and the old town has consequently gone down, and the new one risen to importance and prosperity. .
The first merchant who located at Ligonier was Daniel Stukey : the second one, Henry Triar.
James Latta, who was one of the first preachers in the county, came in 1834. Ile belonged to the Methodist persuasion. The first court in the connty was held at the house of Adam Engle, about April, 1837.
The city is finely situated on the Elkhart Kiver, and close upon the borders of the celebrated " Haw Patch," known as one of the best sections of Indiana, and from which the town derives a very large trade.
The growth of Ligonier dates from the completion of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, which company have ereeted at this point probably the best and most capacious grain warehouse on the line between Chieago and Toledo. A very fine passenger station has also been lately erected. Ligonier handles a very large amount of grain and fruit, lumber, live stock, poultry, butter, eggs, etc.
There are four houses for religious worship ; two commodious school buildings ; a large steam flouring and custom mill : an iron foundry ; several steam saw mills, sash and blind factories, carriage shops, pump factories, and various other minor establishments. An extensive furniture factory las lately been put in operation by Chicago and Ligonier capitalists, and Messrs. E. B. Gerber & Co. have commenced the manufacture of handles of every description, on an extensive seale.
The town is well supplied with professional and business men, and they evidently mean business. Very large amounts of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, harness, hardware, groceries, marble work, ete., are handled annually, and the stranger always notices the peculiarly stirring appearance of the place, especially on Saturdays.
A strong effort-is being made to get the Canada Southern Railway located via Ligonier, which, if successful, will make it one of the best business points in the northern part of the state.
Among many other reasons for the continued growth and prosperity of Ligonier, is the fact that the National Banner, an enterprising, go-ahead newspaper, is located here. It works for the best interests of its city and the surrounding country, and is always on the alert for anything which ean contribute to their advancement.
Ligonier is noted for the large number of Hebrews among its business inen, several of whom are among the wealthiest in the county. In short, it is a living foron, and consequently prosperous.
PERRY.
The first aetwal settler in Perry Township, by all accounts, was Levi Perry, who settled in the early part of 1830, on section 33. The first land entered in the township was by Mr. Perry and Isaiah Dungan, June 11, 1831, on section 33.
Jacob Wolf settled, where he now owns a farm, August 18. 1831. He and Abraham Pancake and Herry Engle each entered 160 aeres of land, on which they or their families (Mr. Pancake and Mr. Engle have died within the past year) now reside. Their titles bear the signature of Andrew Jackson.
Mr. Wolf was the first justice of the peace within the limits of the present County of Noble.
Among the earliest settlers were llenry and Adam Engle, Gideon Schlot- terback, Henry Miller, John Davis, Jolin James, Henry Hostetter, and Abraham Pancake.
Mr. Pancake served on the first board of county cominissioners elected after the organization of the county. in 1836. He also served as one of the first grand jurors, and was one of the judges at the first election held in the county, at Richard Jones' tavern, three miles south of Ligonier. Mr. Pancake died. nuiversally respected, in April, 1874. Henry Engle died a few months previously.
For many years this township was the leading one in the county, and its history is intimately connected with that of the whole county. It contains some of the best farming lands in the county. The "Haw Patch " is known over the whole state as a most beautiful region, highly cultivated and finely improved.
Within the limits of this township, about one mile southeast of Ligonier, on the Elkhart River, once st_od the busiest town in the county-Rochester. It was originally laid out by Simpson Cummings, in 1836. The property was purchasedl by what was called " The Green Mountain Land Company," from Vermont, in 1837. James McConnell was agent for the company. The first settler at Rochester, and one of the first in the county, was Hugh Alison, who subsequently sold to Cummings. Alison probably erected a saw-mill. The first store in the county was said to have been located here also.
In 1844 Ballwiu & French commenced the erection of a forge, for the manufacture of iron from ore found on sections 16 and 17. in York Township. Baldwin and John French soon after died, and the business failed for the want of capital. Henry Freneb, the surviving partner, sold the lease of the water- power to Warren F. Lee & Co., of Fawn River, Michigan, who started the works and operated them several years, making a superior quality of iron. But the ore failed, and the business was of necessity abandoned. In those days this was the most fonrishing village in the county, doing more business than all other places. When the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Rail- way was put in operation, the business of Rochester was gradually transferred to the rising town of Ligonier, until only a tithe of the business of former years remained. The canal projected to run from Michigan City to Fort Wayne, was intended,to pass through Rochester.
Gen. Alexander McConnell was for many years proprietor of the water- power, and with his son erected a flour mill, and about the same time James McConnell erected a saw mill. The general died in 1854. and this event left matters in such shape that the railway company could not get satisfac- tory title, and the depot (which had heen located), was removed to Ligonier. This was the death- blow to Rochester, and from that day its glory departed. The water-power and mills are at present owned by McConnell & Lape
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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY-CONTINUED.
ORANGE.
We have not been able to ascertain who was the first actual settler of this township, but among the very earliest were David S. Field, fronr Springfield, Windsor County, Vermont, and Luke Diggins, who both settled as early as 1835. David and Charles Law, Timothy Gaby, T. M. Watkins, Joseph Doolittle, William Imcs, and others.
This township, like others in Noble County, shows much variety of surface. The largest body of water in the county, the " Reservoir " is in this town, and the Chain Lakes and Tamarack Lake are wholly or partly within its limits.
The northeastern and northwestern portions contain some of the best farms. Among them we may mention those of H. F. Dyer, John Holsinger, and II. Il. Warner. Mr. T. Gaby and others have also very fine farms in the southern part of the township.
Maggie Field, sccond daughter of David S. Field, was the first white child born in the township. Mr. Prentiss says his daughter Helen was the first, but she was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, before her father emigra- ted to Indiana. David S. Field died in November, 1872, at the age of 72 years, at Wolcottville, where his family still reside.
There are three villages in Orange township : Rome City, on the " Res- ervoir," Brimfield, on the L. S. & M. S. Railway, and a part of the village of Wolcottville, on the G. R. & I. Railway. The latter lies principally in Johnson Township, LaGrange County.
Brimfield is a small town containing 300 or 400 people, and having considerable trade and business. It is the point for passengers and traffie for Albion, and is quite a thriving place.
Rome City is beautifully located at the outlet of the " Reservoir," on the G. R. & I. Railway. It contains some 400 people, and has a fine hotel, tbe "Lakeside," a number of stores, a good school building, two churches, a woolen factory, flour mill, saw mill, and a clothes-rack manufactory. Its location is the finest in the connty. The " Reservoir" was constructed by the state, about 1837-8, for a feeder to a projected canal from Michigan City to Fort Wayne. Its waters cover an area of about eight hundred acres, around which is some of the finest scenery in Indiana. The water-power is quite extensive, having a fall of 27 feet. A large woolen factory, owned by J. C. Geisendorff, was destroyed by fire the forepart of May. 1874. involving a loss of $60.000. It is reported that it will be rebuilt, either as a woolen or paper mill. It was originally built by Aaron and William Bliss, and John Weston, about 1855. The grist mill was built by William Mitchell and John Weston, in 1852. The Magnet Mills were built about 1870.
In the vicinity of Rome City are a great number of mineral springs, said to have curative properties fully equal to those of the famous Waukesha Springs in Wisconsin.
The " Reservoir" abounds in fine fish and wild fowl in their season, and no better pleasure grounds are to be found anywhere than it affords. A ju- dicious outlay of money in improvements and advertising would speedily convert this locality into as famous a watering place as any in the country. A beautiful view of the city, the lake and its surroundings, with steamer, pleasure boats, etc , will be found in the atlas.
.
The facilities for procuring, storing, and shipping ice from Rome, are very superior, and material for the business is inexhaustible. Large quantities are annually shipped to Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and other points, and the traffic is only in its infancy. With liberal management, the prospects of Rome City are extremely favorable.
YORK.
The first settler in this township was John Knight, who, according to Mr. Prentiss, came into the town in 1829, making him the next settler in the county after Joel Bristol and the Tibbot family. This conflicts with Isaac Tibbott's recollection, who thinks Levi Perry was the second settler.
Knight located on section 29. The next settler appears to have been Washington Henshaw, and following soon were the Grays, Joseph Bell and John Bowman.
G. M. Applegate entered the first land in the township, the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 31, 40 acres, October 17, 1831. Among the earliest settlers were James L. Henshaw, J. and D. Pradford, David Anderson, John Williams, James Gray, Joseph Beall, H. Lewis and others.
Judge Elisha Blackman was subsequently a citizen of this township.
The county seat was at various times located in three different places in this township. On section 15, on land now owned by John Holy, at Augusta and at Port Mitchell.
This township has an immense amount of marsh land, more than any other township in the county, with the exception of Noble. The splendid County Asylum, a fine view of which is given, is located in this township.
This township had the honor (?) of having the only criminal ever executed in Noble County, hung at Angusta, in November, 1840. His name was John Lechner.
Joseph Bradford was the first justice of the peace for York township. He belonged in Sparta Township, but performed the duties of his office in both.
John Bowman was the first resident justice, elected in 1839.
The first school building stood on section 29. When first organized, York Township contained fifteen married couples and one bachelor. The first school teacher was James McMullen. Joseph Bradford taught a school on section 32 in the winter of 1836-7.
The original town of Port Mitchell was laid out May 17, 1838, by Samnel Hannah and W. F. Engle. It was located on the south fork of the Elkhart River, in section 35.
For some years it improved quite rapidly and was a prominent town, having been at one period the county seat.
Considerable portions of the town have been vacated since the decline in its business, and now constitute parts of adjacent farms.
A grist mill and woolen mill are in operation and doing quite an amount of business.
The Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Chicago Railroad passes through this town- ship.
SPARTA.
This township is a very good farming region. though there is consider- able marsh land. The old Fort Wayne and Goshen Road passed through it and the new Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Chicago Railway will soon be completed, giving the town good market facilities.
The old wagon road was said to have been originally cut through under the direction of Gen. Anthony Wayne, which, if true, gives it a very early date, as Gen, Wayne died at Presque Isle, now Erie, Penn., in 1795.
John L. Powers seems to have been the first settler. He came into the township in the fall of 1831.
Sparta claims the honor of having the first brick building in the coun- try. the house built by the United States for the chief " Flat Belly," whose reservation took in a large share of the towuship. This building was erected as early as 1820, and perhaps sooner. Further mention is made of it in the sketch of the county.
Among the early settlers were Richard Bray, Richard Jeffreys ; James Machl, M. MeClintock, John Johns, Jacob Baker, Charles Murray, Hartwell Coleman, Daniel Ohlwine, Andrew C. Douglas and Henry Weade.
The first school was taught by Achsah Kent in 1837.
The first store was opened in a log cabin, by M. M. Merriman.
The first sermon was delivered by Rev. James Latta, in a nine-cornered cabin, built by J. L. Powers.
Within the limits of Sparta was also located the first seat of justice for Noble County.
The building occupied by the county offices and also by Isaac Spencer and his family, stood a short distance north of the present residence of Thomas Kershner on section --. No courts were held there, and the county seat was soon after removed to Augusta, in York Township. In this township, according to Mr. Prentiss' sketches, lived the two neighbors who traded wives, to the entire satisfaction of all the parties, one giving the other a pair of steers as boot money for the difference in the value of the women.
The village of Cromwell, on the Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Chicago Railway is improving quite rapidly, and will no doubt become a point of considerable business. The people show a disposition to make the most of their advantages. The place has two churches, several stores, a hotel and quite a variety of shops.
ELKHART.
This township was settled early. Among the early ones were Samuel and Isaac Tibbot, who came into the township in the Fall of 1834. George Swank, the Gibsons and Caldwells, and Ralph Hardenbrook, were early settlers. Samuel Tibbot was married before he settled. Sarah Jane, the oldest daughter of Samuel Tibbot, was the first white child born in the town- ship. Isaac Tibbot was married to a daughter of Adam IIull of Allen County, soon after settling in Elkhart.
The settlers of this township were obliged to go to Fort Wayne, a dis- tance of 42 miles, to get milling done.
The first school building was built about 1832-3, on section 27.
The first preacher was Rev. Richard Robinson, Methodist, who came from Ohio.
The first sermon was given in a small log cabin, belonging to John Knight.
Joseph Morrow was the first person buried in the township.
Thomas Pierson taught a select school, at the house of John Knight, at an carly day.
The Village of Springfield, on the Elkhart River, in section 22, was set- tled quite early, and did considerable business for several years. A grist and saw mill were erected, and continued in operation until destroyed by fire, after which, the land owners in the vicinity purchased the overflowed lands, tore out the dam, and virtually destroyed the town. - A slight obstruction of this branch of the Elkhart River, caused a great amount of overflow and consequent sickness, besides occupying a large amount of otherwise good land, and the settlers determined that no dam should be permitted at Springfield.
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