USA > Indiana > Noble County > Obituaries and news items of early settlers of Noble County, Indiana : as published in the "The Albion new era" and other sources, 1876-1888 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
I have seen erected at Home, Doolittle's store on the Rinehart corner, the Lakeside Hotel, the Turk building where Chapman's drug store is, the old woolen factory, and the new one. Have worked more or less on all of them.
When I first came, I worked on the canal work, never worked on the dam proper.
There used to be many scrimmages among the canal workers and I guess I took part in most of them. When the canal work was called off, I was working on the north, or Rome end of it. There was about only two rods distance between the north and the south ends of the work when work stopped. This had been stumped, but not graded or ditched out and this is where the little hill now is in the canal roadway. The highway used to cross the marsh east of the canal, when the work was called off, the publio highway was made to occupy the old canal, with the short bridge at north side of marsh, doing away with the log cause-way, in the marsh.
In the sink hole near the south high bank was much larger and deeper than now. I know it is reported that there is a man horse and cart in that old sink hole. Now I know there is a horse and cart in there, for I seen it crowded in during the last scrimmage among the
ACEST
.
-
-
DE
٢
234
Irish and other employees, at the closing of the work when every body got drunk on 10% per quart whiskey. It was an awful fight, many heads were broken, and one mon came up missing-maybe his body is in that sink hole. Don't know, never knew what became of him, nor his name. Particulars of those few days are somewhat hazey in my mind, perhaps for good cause.
Yes, we used to have some high old times over at Lave Law's Hotel at Northport. Treats on a new pair of boots cost me in the neighborhood of four dollars there once. One was foolish to put on anything new and visit Northport, and in fact, it was very seldom anyone ever did, as new things were not easily obtained those days."
Mr. Madison was not able to quote dates very definitely but was a host to relate the fights of those troublous times, evidently does his share in keeping excitement at high pitch, though he is a very small dried-up old man with great vitality. He could not have been a bully or much of a success as a fighter, more than to keep excitement up to highest pitch, which evidently was his strong hold.
1845 An Early Dog Trade
Way back in the fortles, James Madison and wife, and James Harvey and wife visited at the home of David B. Herriman who then owned and lived on his 800 acre farm, of which the present Folsinger farm is a part (1915) ., enjoying that gentleman's hospitality as only a few now can testify to. After enjoying the day pleasantly, preparatory to returning home, Dave, as he was commonly called, remarked to the departing guests that he and Madison rarely met without making some kind of a trade.
lie asked Madison if he had anything to trade. Madison
-
.
-
أسلم
.
235
said he had a very fine dog-one of the best looking dogs in the state-that he would trade (knowing it a worthless cur). Dave was anxious for a trade, and offered Madison a dog belonging to his son and one and a half bushels of wheat for the difference. Madison said no, but to make it all right between neighbors, he would take two and a half bushels of wheat and some lead and oil that Madison know Herriman had under the stairs. A bargain was agreed to on Madison's terms.
Next morning, John, Herriman's son came to Madison's home, who was at that time residing on what is now the Tate farm, for Madison'a dog, taking him to his father's home. A few days afterward Madison was in Rome City at "Doolittle's Tavern", later the Lake- side House, meeting Deve there, who said to him that he had taken all his wheat to the mill but would give Madison 40 lbs. of flour to the bushel for his wheat which was agreed to.
While they were engaged in conversation several of the older citizens arrived at the Tavern, making inquiry about a certain dog, who the night before had killed 13 head of sheep belonging to Chas. Law. Giving a description of the dog to the citizens assembled, the light dawned on Herriman that the dog he recently traded for had done the devilment.
Looking Madison square in the face, a smile stole over his countenance, he broke out in a hearty laugh and said, "kill him; kill him." Dave's dog paid the penalty of death for his indiscretion in the sheep fold. "Dang that little devil, Jim Madison, he can't even trade dogs with me without getting the best of it; Come up boys and take something at my expense; this is too good a joke on me to go unrewarded. They all took theirs straight.
James Madison was born in 1810 and first came to Rome City in 1836. Jimmie Madison at the time of relating this story (1889) was over 80 years of age, while Hon.
1
-
1
236
David Herriman, who was the first Representative of this County at the Indiana legislature, died in the West many years ago.
How the Pigs were Coaxed Home.
The following Pig Story is given us by Mrs. Walter Needham of near Rome City.
Mrs. Needham's grand-parents, Mr. Daniel Lucas and his wife Susannah, moved to Noble County, Ind. during the Black Leg times, driving through our county with a one horse wagon, wife and two children, to their newly acquired tract in Section twenty eight, experiencing much trouble in traveling the new roads out through the undertrush, which were out for for, and traveled almost altogether by two oxen or two horse vehicles.
They found it almost impossible to keep a single horse vehicle in the underbrushed tracks, as underbrush and stumps still occupied the center of the road.
In these early days there were no meats to be procured except wild game. Very little beef, no pork or hogs.
The couple succeeded in capturing a wild hog which they penned and fed. the animal eating very little during the day, eating mostly at night, in fact it would not at first eat corn at all, and never did get fat. They butchered it-a very lean porker, but in the meantime they bought another pig of a neighbor, and in the course of events were the owners of a fine litter of black and white pigs, which of course ran in the woods, the land being heavily timbered in the southern part of the township. The pigs thrived and grew and in the fall wandered farther and farther from home living on beachnuts, wandered, it appears into the oak openings in the northern part of the township and
-
1
٠
237
thrived on acorns, until they were lost to their ommers. Late in the fall Mr. and Mrs. Lucas with their two children visited at Rome, which they said, at that time contained but one house or store building, Doolittle's Store and Residence. On their return while yet in the confines of-now Rome City-they came upon a drove of well grown black and white pigs feeding among the trees on acorns. Recognizing them as their property they endeavored to drive or coax them home with them. The pigs did seem to recognize Mrs. Lucas's voice, and followed a short distance, became frightened and took to the woods. Mr. Lucas with the children waited near the place while Mrs. Lucas walked to their home and back through the woods, distant some three miles, for some corn. When by coaxing and driving they succeeded in returning the pigs home, later laying in their winter's supply of pork.
11
٠
a
٠
.
F 15
١
238
OBITUARY
"Rome City Clipper" Oct. 21, 1884
Jacob Shroyer after several weeks of severe illness, died in this place Oct. 16, 1884. Born May 15, 1820. Age 64 years 6 months 1 day. Funeral took place at M. E. church and was buried in Ausburn Cemetery.
(Probably editor meant Osborn)
Uncle Jimmy Madison made our office a pleasant call one day last week, and entertained us with a few of his "Injun Stories."
Bome City Clipper, May 5, 1885.
We were engaged one day last week in printing a large number of songs for Rodman Lovett. As the verses are all original, it shows that Mr. Lovett took no little pains in the composing of the hymns.
"Rome City Clipper" June 23, 1885.
---
John Holsinger, an old settler of Noble County, died at Kendallville last Tuesday. His funeral was conducted by the Apollo Commandery of that city on Friday, and his remains taken to Wolcottville for Interment.
"Rome City Clipper#, July 28, 1885.
٠
-
-
239
Amos Black, an old pioneer of this county, but who has lived in Jefferson for some time past, died last Thursday evening. He leaves two sons to mourn his loss. The remains were interred at Mt. Pleasant.
"Rome City Clipper July 28, 1885.
Mrs. Stella Baughman of Atchison, Kans., a daughter of Uncle Jimmie Madison of this place is visiting the latter.
"Rome City Clipper" Aug. 11, 1885.
L. C. Madison, of East Jordan, Mich., son of Jas. Madison of this place, is in town.
"Rome City Clipper", Sept. 1, 1885.
Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of Jas. Madison and wife. Extensive preparations have been made for celebrating their Golden wedding at 10 o'clock this morning. Full particulars given in our next.
"Rome City Clipper" Sept. 1, 1885.
"At the last meeting of the Old Settlers of Noble County, at Albion last June, it was announced that on the 1st of September, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Madison of Rome City would celebrate their fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Doubtless many of those present when the announcement was made had forgotten the time, but many remembered it and were present on the occasion. The day
--
٠
42
T
240
was not propitious, but cold and windy. Early in the morning the guests began to come in, each bearing a basket, well filled with the good things of the world. A table was prepared in front of the "Madison Mansion", capable of seating 70 persons, which was spread with all the necessaries and luxuries that the land offered (affords) and the table was thus spread and cleared a third time before all had been fed, and when "all did eat and were satisfied" there remained more than twelve baskets full. One hundred and fifty-seven sat down at the tables and all who were present felt that it was good to be there.
Rev. C. H. Wilkinson, of Wolcottville was present and officiated as Chaplain. The bride and groom have lived in Noble County for nearly fifty years and this gathering was but a feeble expression of the esteem in which they are held by those who know them best. It is customary when giving an account of such a gathering to describe the dress of the bride and groom, but the writer is not prepared to do so. One thing is certain, both were dressed, but the only article of apparel worn by either, that is now remembered, was a sunflower with which each had been decorated by some of the company. When the first table and been filled and the Divine blessing invoked, Dr. Coxles (a brother of Mrs. M.) of Baraboo, Wisconsin, arose and made a neat address to the old couple, and closed by placing on his sister a magnificent pair of gold mounted spectacles. Another brother from the same place was also present and a daughter with her little boy from Kansas, and a son, wife and child from Michigan. After dinner a photograph of the company was taken, in which the old couple were central figures. The company then returned to the yard and from the porch a few short and appropriate speeches were made by Dr. Cowles, Rev. C. H. Wilkinson and N. Prentiss, after which the company separated with kind wishes for the host and hostess, and with hopes that they may be spared to celebrate their diamond wedding.
The speeches should have been made before dinner, for
ne
D
.
.
I
Int imers mes
1
4
·
.
.
241
after that time all were "too full for utterance." Good music was furnished for the occasion with the organ and a string band. #33.50 in gold coin was presented by the following persons: Mrs. Charlotte Whitney of Jamestown, California, $5.00; Carrie Hodges of Jamestown, California, $5.00; Johnie and Minnie Witney, Jamestown, California, $5.00; Lorin & Leora Madison, Zast Jordan, Mich. $5.00; Henry and Fanny Bloomfield, Fontantle, Iowa, $5.00; Mrs. Ruby Gale, Fairbaurt, Minn. $2.50; Mr. & Mrs. John W. Teal and Mattie, Rome City, $5.00; Mrs. Kern, South Bend, $1.00; $30.00 by the following: J. S. Rinehart and wife, Marilda W. Brothwell, Magdalena Lamp, Mary Dixon, Thos Marshall and wife, Wm. R. Myers and wife, M. F. Owen and wife, Samuel Coosard and wife, I. S. Jones and wife, Jerry Gault and wife, John Squibb and wife, C. Holder and wife, Jacob Waldron and wife, C. Mather and wife, Nelson Hodges and wife, W. J. Houston and wife, Thos. H. Smith, wife and mother, G. T. Brothwell and wife, H. H. Warner and wife, S. W. Gauntt and wife, Wm. K. Milnor and wife, H. G. Cobbs and wife, Wm. Lawson and wife, Dr. A. R. Wyatt and wife, Eden H. Fisher and wife, Geo H. Northam and wife, Josiah Rhodes and wife, Peter St. Mary and wife, Jes. Chapman and wife, Dr. E. K. Stram and wife, M. V. Hall and wife, Milo R. Jones, Isaac Barber, Effie Barber, Alice Milnor, Miss S. A. Jones, Dr. W. T. Green and wife, Albion, Mr. Homer Law, Valley Falls, Kansas. $11.50 was presented by the following persons : Wm. Hitchcock and wife, Wm. H. Moore and wife, Edward Moore and wife, C. W. Bliss and wife, Brimfield. John Schermerhorn and wife, Charles Law and wife, Wm. Patterson and wife, Nathan Cradit and wife, Lorenzo Stancliff and wife, Simon Baughman and family, I. E. Allen and wife, George Swank and wife, John Bidlack and wife, Loton Hitchcock and wife, L. H. Johnson and wife, Kendallville, Peter Boofink and wife, Robert Moore and wife, M. E. Hardendoerff and wife, John Lamp and wife, Mrs. Diggins, Kendallville, Mary Burnett, Elizabeth Duryee, Betsey Watkins, Maud
Northam. Total amount of gold coin, 375.00. By Dr. Charles and Ralph Cowles, two brothers of Mrs. Madison, of Baraboo, Wis., a pair of gold mounted spectables.
1
.
.
.
0
.
242
By Mrs. Stella Baughman of Atchison, Kan., a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Madison, Dress, Bonnet, and set of knives and forks. By Mrs. Ruby Gale of Fairbanet, Minn, a silk Banner 1835-1885. Also a beautiful poem composed by her for the occasion. By Stanfield Corbin and wife, Rome City, Glass and silver butter dish. By Mrs. L. Stancliff of Rome City, pair of linen towels. By Mrs. H. J. Hamlin of Wolcottville, a gold ornament and flower for bonnet. By Mrs. J. P. Chapman, Rome City, a gold thimble holder. By Miss Martha Shourds, Mary and George Clock, ladies gold mounted breast pin. By Milo Jones, Sr. and wife, Rome City, china cup and saucer and mug. By Maudie Smith, Rome City, Motto of affection made by her. By Miss Susan Griggs, Wolcottville, a spectacle case embroidered with gold beads.
Mr. & Mrs. Madison desire to return their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the excellent music furnished for the occasion. The valuable presents presented and for the entire presence of the 160 friends, old settlers and kind neighbors gathered in love and sympathy in celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.
"Rome City Clipper" Sept. 8, 1885.
----
Many thanks to Unole Jimmy Madison and wife for samples of their Golden Wedding cakes and a beautiful Bouquet. They have one heartiest congratulations and best wishes. May they live long and enjoy many more pleasant anniversaries is the wish of the Clipper.
Edward McQueen and family of Southern Kansas are visiting Uncle Jimmie Mcqueen on West Dutch Street.
Rome City Clipper, Sept. 29, 1885.
7
ه
.
٠
243
OBITUARY 1885
Sunday Nov. 1st at 19:30 F. M. W. W. Skillen quietly passed away, after a long continued illness.
He was born Jan. 31st 1825, in Shelby County, Chio, and resided on a farm in that county until of age. When 3 years of age his mother died on Sept. 3rd 1828. He married Susannah Method, March 2nd 1884, had seven children all girls and all living at this date. He was elected Judge of the Probate Court for Shelby County, Chio, in 1854 and again elected in 1857. After the close of his last term of Judge, he moved his family to Ligonier, Ind. While residing there he held offices from the gifts of the people, proving faithful in those trusts. In 1862 moved to Chicago, connecting himself in the interest of the Chicago Republican, as traveling solicitor. After severing his commection with the Repbulican, he engaged in keeping boarding house, passing through the great Chicago fire of 1871, losing all his earthly effects. He returned to Ligonier and shortly moved to Rome City, Ind., connecting himself with the firm of Clapp, Fisher, and Zimmerman as salesman of woolen goods and continued in their employ until March 1st, 1878.
During the winter of 1878 he accepted a position as engrossing clerk in the House of Representatives, making many warm friends during his short stay in the State Capitor, etc. etc. Last illness 15 months. Funeral services by Rev. Wilkison. Masonlo Fraternity in charge. Burial in Ligonier cemetery.
"Rome City Clipper" Nov. 3, 1885.
٠
e
244
Death has been reaping a rich harvest in Noble County in the last three days.
Mrs. Shroyer, widow of Simeon Shroyer, died at her home near Home City on Wednesday of this week and buried at the Osborn cemetery on Friday the 28th. Funeral services being held in the M. E. Church and conducted by Elder Weaver at 11 A. M. the numerous relatives followed by a large number of sympathising friends to the grave to see placed in the silent chambers of the tomb, all that remained of a once living type of noble womanhood, a true Christian and a faithful mother, and ere the gates had been fairly closed and the crowd didpersed, there came from the village of Brimfield a long procession, consisting of nearly fifty carriages filled with sad hearts over the loss of one of Noble County's oldest and best known citizens and to lay in the bosom of Mother earth, Edward B. Parkman, who was called from all things earthly, on Wednesday the 26th inst leaving surviving him one daughter, one son, and a lonely widow to mourn their loss.
The latest reports from Albion confirm the report of the death of Fielding Prickett at three o'clock P. M. Friday May 28th.
"Rome City Clipper" May 29, 1886.
--
245
OBITUARY
Mrs. Christiana Teal, wife of John W. Teal and mother of the editor of the Clipper was born in Cincinatti, Ohio, April 5th 1840. Died June 7th at 8:35 P. M. aged 46 years, 2 months, and 2 days.
Married to John W. Teal in Indianapolis, Ind., June 14, 1855. Hoved to Rome City in the fall of 1863 where she has lived continuously up to the time of her death. Mrs. Teal had been an invalid for years but always bearing up with Christian fortitude, and looking forward to the time that she might be freed from sickness and pain, and once more be restored to health, yet human hopes and efforts are of no avail, when the final summons comes from Him, who doeth all things well, and while the last eight weeks of her life was constant suffering and intense pain, and not being able to take nourishment of any kind whatever, yet all this time there was not one murmur or word of discontent passed from her lips, only one thought, that she would, if it were the Lord's will, like to stay a little while longer with husband and children, and this thought reminded us all of the sublime truth, that God can give us but one mother and this one thought was fully realized by her, yet when the time had come that human hands and the loving husband and fond wishes of loving children could do nothing she quietly fell into the sleep that knows no waking, and surrendered up to mother earth, that, which was of the earth.
The funeral was held at the house, conducted by Bev. Blanchard, of Wolcottville. The deceased was followed to her last resting place by a large number of relatives and friends, who sympathize with the lonely husband in the death of a dear wife, and with the three children who are left behind to mourn the loss of a sainted mother.
C. H.
Rome City Clipper June 19, 1886.
٠
-----
246
Mrs. O. W. Geisendorff and Mrs. Wm. Smurr of Indianapolis, near relatives of Mrs. John Teal, deceased, attended the funeral of the latter last week. They returned home Monday.
Rome City Clipper June 19, 1996
With our next issue we close our career with the Clipper, and we must have an immediate settlement with our patrons.
"Rome City Clipper" August 14, 1886. John E. Teal, Editor.
ANOTHER RAILROAD ON PAPER.
An old railroad project which has recently been revived is the construction of a line east and west between the Lake Shore roads extending from Toledo.
The old Canada Southern charter will soon expire, it is said, and something will have to be done. The country lying between the Air Line and the old line through northern Indiana wants an east and west outlet and it is only a question of time when they will have it.
The proposition now is to extend the switch from the gravel pit near Brimfield on to Rome City, and then push on to the northeast, touch within one mile of Wolcottville, pass Wright's Corners, Mongo, then Orland, Fremont and on to Toledo. Such a line would shut out any competing line and by connecting with the Air Line at Brimfield would avoid the heavy grading which would be necessary, and which has always been a great obstacle to any road crossing the Han Patch and connecting at
٦
247
Goshen or further West.
The Lake Shore company have iron enough which they have taken from the main line the past few months to complete the road to Rome City, and the right of way has been secured to that point. In extending the line from the terminus of the switch from Brimfield to the old gravel pit but little grading would be necessary after crossing the swamp, as the old Wabash and Erie Canal would then be reached which the road would follow to Rome. It is estimated that the cost of extending the line to Rome City would be less than $10,000, which would not be too great to warrant the company in extending it for the benefit it would receive from the excursions it conducts to that popular summer resort. With the lime completed the Lake Shore road would control all of the excursions to Rome City over the Wabash and B. & 0. and its own lines which would be a saving of from $150 to $200 on each excursion, an item alone of no small concern to the road.
Our informant says it is not unlikely that this line will be completed by another year and in operation for the excursion season, and then pushed to Toledo as rapidly as circumstances will admit .-
Ligonier Banner from "Rome City Clipper" August 14, 1886.
1
tietiles
.
248
1888
After an illness of about three weeks duration, Andrew Kesler quietly passed over the river on Saturday night at 9:30, at the age of three score and ten. The funeral was preached at the M. E. Church at Brimfield, by Rev. Bicknell.
1888
Kessler-At his home near Brimfield, February
Andrew Kessler aged about 72 years.
Mr. Kessler was a well known prominent citizen of Noble County, and for several years a minister in the M. E. Church, in which capacity he frequently preached in Albion. T. P. Kessler, of Brimfield is a son, and we think several other children, survive him.
Feb. 4th 1888
OBITUARY
Kesler-Died at his home near Rome City, Ind. with lung fever, after a sickness of three weeks. Rev. Andrew Kesler, aged 71 years, 3 months, 18 days.
Rev. Andrew Kesler was born in Lyconning County, Penn., October 15, 1816. He emigrated to Morrow County, Ohio, in 1835, there he became acquainted with Miss Mariah Bowyer, to whom he was united in marriage in 1837, of this union was given thirteen children; of whom four daughters and three sons survive to mourn their loss. The mother, and six children having preceded him.
He came to Indiana, Noble County, and after a years residence in Rome City, moved to his farm upon which he resided for thirty four years.
---
-
م
STAN
249
At the age of nineteen he joined the Methodist Episcopal church, gave his heart to God, and consecrated himself to his service, and to his faithfulness will everyone testify, that enjoyed the pleasure of his society, for he lived the christianity he professed. At the quarterly meeting held at Springfield, Ind., Sept. 26, 1857, Elder L. W. Munson presiding, he was licensed to preach the gospel, and many an audience and soul has been thrilled with his earnest and eloquent appeals for consecration of life to God's service. A man of great natural ability, as an orator, backed by the spirit's power, he was a host for God and the people heard him gladly, and were well pleased when the regular minister could not come, and sent "Uncle Andy" as he was familiarly called. And often has he responded to Special invitations to preach the "unsearchable riches of Christ." etc. etc.
L
2
I
.
.
٠
250
DIED
Dunn-At Brimfield, Ind., Feb. 4, 1888, William B. Dunn, aged 74 years, 3 months and 12 days-after an illness of two weeks.
William Baldwin Dunn was born in Newton, Tioga (?) County, N. Y. (now Elmira, Chemung Co.) on the 22đ day of October, 1813. He came to Lagrange County, Indiana, in 1837, where he settled on a farm. In 1856 he moved to Kendallville, Indiana, where he resided until about 1865, being engaged for several years in the practice of law. From Kendallville he removed to Brimfield, where for several years he was station agent for the L.S.& M.S. R.R. Co .; and afterwards engaged in mercantile business. He also held the position of postmaster at Brimfield under several administrations, and up to within a few months of his death. A widow, four sons and a daughter survive him; also, one brother-C. W. Dunn, of Wawaka, Ind., and a sister Mrs. F. B. Macy of Detroit, Mich.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.