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 6
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
In 1848 the first Presbyterian Church was organized
العا
-
INIC N
٠
87
at Albion and Father Crispell was the first Elder, and from the time of his election until near the time of his death, he was never absent from his place at a communion season, and rarely was he absent from the public services. He was the last of the members uniting with the church when it was organized in 1848.
Settling in this new country at that early date, when Noble county was an almost unbroken forest, and being like nearly all of the early settlers, not rich in this world's goods, we may well suppose, that he endured the privations incident to all, but by honest industry, he succeeded in clearing his farm and surrounding himself with the comforts of home. By his integrity he won the respect of his neighbors, and by his faith in Christ, and by a well ordered life, he was enabled to triumph over every foe. Albion New Era, March 24, 1881.
The wife of Zemus Wright, of York township, one of the early settlers of the county, died very suddenly on Monday morning of this week. She has been afflicted with dropsy for some time but has been able to be about most of the time, and on Monday morning after partaking of breakfast and seating herself in a chair, suddenly expired. She was well and favorably known by a large circle of friends. Albion New Era, April 7, 1881.
Gone to Her Home.
Mrs. Frances Swett died at her home in York township, April 14, 1881, aged 63 years and 2 months. She was born in Jackson county, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1818. When she was eleven years of age, her father, whose name was John Oge; removed with his family to Hancock county, Indiana, and settled near the present site of
٠
.
----
88
Greenfield. At that time Indianapolis was in its infancy and the whole country an almost unbroken forest. Hence it is obvious she experienced the privations and hardships incident to a pioneer life. In 1842 she was married to the Rev. Alfred Swett, who survives her. She was the mother of eight children, all but two of whom crossed the dark river before her. Her two children who are left are John C. Swett, of Albion, and a daughter Lizzie C. Swett, who is still at home. She was for many years a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Albion New Era, April 21, 1881.
Capt. G. W. Shears (a brother of Mrs. Chas. Law, ) was visiting his sister last week. His home is in Calumet, Michigan.
From Dutch Street Locals in Albion New Era, April 28, 1881.
Loved and Lost.
Mrs. Julia Alvord died on Sunday morning, May 8, 1991, aged 51 years, 8 months and 8 days. She was the daughter of the Hon. Jerome Sweet and Joanna Sweet, and was born in Camillus, Onandaga county, N. Y., Aug. 31, 1829. In 1834 her parents removed to Huron County, Ohio, where they lived about eight years, and in 1842 they settled in Jefferson township, Noble County, Indiana. Mr. Sweet, her father, died at the homestead, in August, 1869, since which time her mother has continued to live on the same place where they settled in 1842. On the 2nd day of Nov. 1852, she was married to Samuel E. Alvord, Esq. the present Clerk of the Noble Circuit Court, with whom she lived in perfect harmony until she was called "up higher." She was the mother of twelve children, four of whom are living, and eight have passed on before. Elder Blanchard, who performed
.
89
the marriage ceremony for this couple, preached the funeral discourse at the Presbyterian church, after which the remains were deposited in the grave in Sweet's cemetery, east of town on Tuesday. Albion New Era, May 12, 1881.
Another Old Settler Gone.
On Thursday night of last week, after a short illness, William E. Bowen, one of the old and honored citizens of Noble County, died at his residence in Green township, this county at a good old age, leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his departure. His remains were interred in the Albion cemetery. The deceased was the father of Rer. O. W. Bowen, of Albion, pastor of the Lutheran church in this place, and of Mrs. Spencer, wife of our townsman, D. E. A. Spencer. He was highly esteemed by all. Years ago the deceased was elected and served for one or two terms as sheriff of Noble County, and later was honored with an election to the office of treasurer, all of which positions he filled acceptably to the people and with credit to himself.
Albion New Era, May 12, 1881.
From the speech of Nelson Frentiss at Old Setters meeting in June, 1881, at Albion, Ind.
"During the past year the following old settlers have left us: John Barry, Solomon Miller, Samuel P. Smith, David Bidlack, George Swank, Pha. Humphreys, William Inscho, Fidelia W. Barham, David Law, William Crispell, Jackson Sawyer, Tollack Stangland, Mary A. Wright, Frances Swett, Alfred Swett, William E. Bowen, Jacob Baker, Nancy Tumbleson, and James McConnell.
٠
தங்ககை
jan
90
John Barry was the first of our band against whom death leveled his shaft after our last annual meeting. He died at his home in Brimfield, June 9, 1880. He was born in Montgomery county, New York, Feb. 7, 1813, being at the time of his death 67 years 4 months and 2 days old. He came to Lagrange county in 1837. In 1852 he went to California, where he remained six years, and returned to Indiana a cripple and an invalid for the remainder of his life. His disease was rheumatism, and, notwithstanding his suffering, he never by word or deed betrayed impatience, or complained, but bore his suffering with a firmness born only from his unwavering trust in God. He was twice married and leaves a widow and three children.
An additional notice was read among which notes are these: He had been an invalid for twenty three years and for eight years had never stood upon his feet. From early manhood he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and class leader for many years. When almost gone, after the tongue was silent forever, and lips had spoken their last word, his weeping wife laid her hand upon his brow, calling him by name, he turned his dying eyes upon her, while a smile wreathed his lips, as if he would have said "all is well, I am going home"; again after his eyes were closed, his son called him "Father" that smile came in answer. That was his last farewell, a beautiful smile. The deceased was father of seven children four of whom preceded him.
Solomon Miller came to Noble County in 1834, being at the time 18 years of age. He was born in Pendleton County, Va., in 1816. Moved to Ohio in 1826, where he remained until he came to Noble County, where he lived the rest of his life. He died July 8, 1880 at the age of 64 years. In 1839 he was married to Elizabeth Long, with whom he lived many years, but I have not been able to obtain the exact date of her death. By this
T
٠
L T
1
.
91
marriage 12 children were born of whom 9 are now living. After the death of his first wife, he married a Mrs. Green, of Ligonier, by whom he had two children, one died, the other is living. He wes again left a widower and married as his third wife Miss Kingston, by whom he had one child, who is still living, as is also his widow. He was the father of 15 children, 10 of whom are living. Nearly his entire life was spent in Noble County. Coming into this new country at the time he did, it cannot be supposed that he enjoyed the opportunities for mental culture, which are now open to all, but possessing a well-balanced mind and keen discrimination, he formed his opinions, which were generally correct. He left a fine property to his heirs, and well will it be for them if they inherit the industry and economy of their father. He had the confidence and esteem of those who Imew him best. I think he is the last of the family. They were among the first to settle here, and his brother, Henry, (who died two years ago, ) was the first Post Master in Noble County.
Samuel P. Smith, died near Rome City, in Orange township, Dec. 13, 1880, aged 76 years, 10 months, and five days. Ho was born in Butler County, Ohio, Feb. 8, 1804, and came to Noble County in 1840. He was married in Summit County, O., Oct. 9, 1832, and leaves a widow and seven children, all of whom are residents of Noble County. His wife, whose name before her marriage was Catherine Sapp, now resides on the homestead about one mile South east of Rome City. He was a man of a sound and discriminating judgment, slow to form an opinion, but when once formed, he adhered to that which he believed was right, with a fixed determination.
.
92
David Bidlack settled in Orange Township, Feb. 9, 1836, and consequently was one of the first settlers of that township and one of the first five voters in Wayne Tup. He was born in Chemung County, N. Y., Jan. 8, 1809. At the age of 18 he removed with his parents to Portage county, Ohio, where they lived until he came to Indiana. He died at his home Dec. 16, 1880, being at the time but a few days short of 72 years of age. He was married in Portage County, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1831, to Miss Abagail Judson, with whom he traveled life's Journey for almost fifty years. She with four children, survives him, two children having passed on before. In 1852 he made a public profession of religion and united with the M. E. church, of which he remained a faithful member. The life of our friend and his wife in the early times of Noble county, is the life of most who lived here then; one of toil, privation and sacrifice. As a financier he was not successful; his heart was too large; he felt too deeply the wants of others. His life was worthy of imitation; his end was peace.
George Swank was born in London County, Virginia, November 11, 1791, and died in Elkhart township, Feb. 11, 1881, at the age of 89 years and three months. From Virginia he removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, where on the 22nd of May, 1913, he married Jane Larrison, who accompanied him to Noble County, Indiana, in 1835, when they settled on the farm where they both died. She died Nov. 30, 1850. He was the father of nine children, two of whom are dead and the others are living. He was again married Aug. 24, 1857, and his second wife died March 27, 1873. Father Swank was truly a patriarch, having past the age allotted to man by almost a score of years. He came down to us from a former generation. He was born in another century. Day by day the cords that bound him to the earth were sundered, until the tired wheels of nature ceased to move. He was for many years a member of the Lutheran church, and died in that faith.
٠
٠
٠
.
٠
M
6
93
Phaortes Humphreys was born in what is now Noble township; in Noble County, before Noble County was born, having first seen the light in 1834. He was one of the first white children born in Noble County. He was the son of Andrew Humphreys and his wife Mary. The father died about one year ago, and his death was reported at our last meeting. He was born on the Humphreys' farm about one mile west of Wolf Lake, and his childhood and youth were spent on the farm. He learned to trade of harness maker, and during a part of his life worked at his trade. On the 27th of May, 1873, he was married to Miss Lamorie King, daughter of Michael King, Esq., of Allen township. She and as well as one child, a son, is left behind. He died suddenly, Feb. 11, 1881. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, he, as well as a younger brother, entered the service and did their duty nobly and well. He was spared to his friends, but the brother gave his life for his country. He sleeps in the quiet grave yard near the place where his life began.
William Inscho died at his home in Jefferson township, Feb. 23, 1881, at the advanced age of nearly 79 years. He was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, Dec. 28, 1802. When quite young his parents removed to Virginia, where they lived a short time, and in 1815 they emigrated to Huron county, Chio. He was twice married, the first time in 1830 in Ohio. In 1837 he came to Noble Co. where his first wife died, Sept. 14, 1838, one of the victims of that fearful scourge that swept over all northern Indiana during that season. By this marriage three children were born, one of whom is dead and the other two, George and Hugh, are living in Jefferson township. In May, 1840, he was again married, and his widow is still living on the homestead. One child was born to this marriage who is the wife of John Guthrie, Esq., one of the substantial farmers of Jefferson township. His two sons are also residents of the same township, and are both farmers, and men of probity, and are respected by the neighbors.
٠
٠
٠ ٠
.
94
Our old friend was truly a pioneer. Settling in Huron County, Ohio, at the age of 13 years, and just at the close of the war of 1812-1815, the early settlers for a time dreaded attack from the savages, who but recently were the allies of the British in the struggle. Living here a pioneer life for about 27 years, he came among the first, and by his industry he has helped to transform the then howling wilderness into fruitful fields. He was a blacksmith, and when the country was new it was his custom to work at his clearing or his crops during the day, and spend a good part of the night at his anvil. He was a good neighbor, honest in all his dealings. He had a kind word for every one.
Mrs. Fidelia W. Parham was the daughter of Luke Diggins, who settled in Noble county in 1832. She was born in Windsor county, Vt., June 20, 1819, and died in Orange township, February 15, 1881, at the age of nearly 62 years. She was married to Thomas Parham, of Lagrange county, with whom she lived until his death, about seven years ago. Since his death she has lived with her sister Mrs. L. A. Johnson, at Wolcottville. In a slip cut from a newspaper giving an account of her death, it is stated that she was born in Windsor county, N. Y. which is evidently a mistake, as there is no Windsor county in N. Y. and from the further fact that Mr. Diggins always claimed to come from Vermont. Her father was the first white man who settled in the northern part of Noble county, on the Indian trail from Mongoquinong to Fort Wayne, his house was the stopping place for all who passed that way. I have slept in his cabin at an early date and well remember Fidelia as a young lady possessed of a kind disposition and attractive ways. She died from the effects of a cancer with which she suffered for seven years. During her sufferings Mrs. Parham maintained unshaken faith in the goodness and mercy of her Heavenly Father, and felt all things would work together for good to those who love God.
2
٠
95
David Law was born in New Haven, Conn., January 15, 1813, and died at Northport, March 20, 1881, being at the time past 68 years of age.
When quite young he moved with his parents to Summit county, Ohio, where he spent five years learning the trade of the carpenter. In 1834 he was married to Sarah Root, by whom he had three children, two of whom are still living. In 1836 he, with his wife, moved to Noble county and settled in Swan town- ship. Not long after, his wife died, adding another name to the list of those who have given their lives to prepare the wilderness for the abode of civilization. In January 1841, he was again married to Miss Lucretia Shears, a daughter of Deacon Shears, who lived west of Northport near the old Herriman farm. By this marriage he had three children, but one of whom is living. She died in 1859. On the 4th of March, 1861, he was married to Miss Melvina Wright, who is still living. He was well known to most of the citizens, having held the office of Justice of the Peace of Orange township for 24 consecutive years. In his official capacity he was respected, and his decisions were generally affirmed on appeal. He was buried with masonic honors by his brethern.
Jackson Sawyer was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 10, 1835 and when one year old was brought by his parents to Noble county, where he has since resided. His father was one of the earliest settlers of Noble County, and at one time owned a part of the land in the city of Kendallville. The father died in 1838, that ever-to-be-remembered season when disease invaded every house, and Death claimed his victims all over the land. The mother died about two years ago, and her death is recorded in the archives of this society. The subject of this sketch was married in 1858 to Margaret Lauring, whom he leaves as his widow. He also leaves four children. Two brothers and one sister are left, the last of the original Sawyer family.
-----
..
2
D
م
-
96
In 1867 he united with the Baptist church, of which he remained a consistent member until his death. He died March 21, 1881, aged 46 years. His example is worthy of imitation, and it would be well for soolety if we had more such as he.
Tollock Stangland died at his home in Noble township, April 10, 1881, after a lingering illness of several months. His disease was rheumatism. He was born in Orleans county, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1832 and was over 49 years of age at the time of his death. He came with his parents to Indians in 1839, where they continued to live for several years, when first the father and afterwards the mother were taken away, leaving a large family of young and helpless children. Several of the children, and among them Tollock, were taken by relatives to the State of New York, where he remained until he was a young man, when he returned to the old farm. He followed teaching during the winters and lebored on his land the rest of the time. On the 18th of April, 1861, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Abeams, daughter of James Abeams, one of the early pioneers of Noble County. She is still living on the farm. He was the father of ten children, eight of whom are now living with the widow, the two oldest having died. His father was a Norwegian by birth, and his mother was a native of New York, and he possessed the energy of his father, and the prudence and economy of his mother. He was a member of the Christian church, and he adorned his profession by a consistent life and a chaste conversation. He was deeply interested in the cause of education, and took a lively interest in everything that had a tendency to improve and elevate the standards of morals in society.
Mrs. Mary A. Wright was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Arnold, and was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1821, and died in York township, April, 1881, being 60
5 ATTOSZ
٠
1
٠٠
97
years of age. In 1837 she came with her father's family to Noble county, where she has since resided. On the 13th of January, 1841, she was married to Zenas Judson Wright, with whom she lived on the farm until her death. She was the mother of 9 children all of whom are living. Her father died in 1858, and her mother in 1860, and father, mother and daughter sleep side by side in the Oak Grove cemetery. She was for years an exemplary member of the Baptist church.
Mrs. Frances Swett, and Rev. Alfred Swett, were married in 1842, and for almost forty years traveled the rugged path together, laboring zealously for the good of others with a truly unselfish devotion. Mrs. Swett was the first to whom the summons came, on the 14th of April 1881. She went but she left him, oh so sad and lonely! The light of his home had gone out! The wife of his youth and the mother of his children had left him. Sixteen days after the death of his wife, the same messenger knocked and was gladly admitted and with joy he followed where she had led the way. Mrs. Swett was born in Jackson county, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1818. Came to Indiana in 1827 and from that time until her death was a resident of northern Indiana. Mr. Swett was born in Butler county, Ohio, Feb. 17, 1816; came to Indiana when a child, and for fifty years has lived in northern Indiana. They were for many years members of the M. E. Church, but severed their conne with that church in 1844, and formed the Wesleyans. The reason of the change in church membership grew out of their convictions of the subject of slavery. Mr. Swett having witnessed the mobbing of Fred. Douglas, in which some of the members of his church participated, left the church as above stated. Mrs. Swett was stricken with paralysis, and became helpless and suffered untold misery. But she bore it with courage and christian fortitude. After her death Mr. Swett could not be said to be afflicted with any disease but he seemed lost, and moved about mechanically, growing more and more feeble until April 20, he too, slept. He
1
٠
م
1
F
98
entered the ministry in 1855. Eight children were born to them, and two only survive. John C. Swett of Albion and a daughter who was with to the end. "They rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
William Bowen was well known to all the early settlers of Noble county, having settled here in 1837, and during a considerable portion of his life was engaged in public duties that brought him prominently before the people of the county. He was called to serve the public as justice of his township, was twice elected to the office of sheriff and once to the responsible position of Treasurer of Noble county. His whole life, both public and private, was marked by the most strict integrity and honesty and no charge of official corruption was ever breathed against him. He was born in Berks county, Penn. , Feb. 7, 1810. Was married to Elizabeth Whitesell in 1831 and settled in Noble county in 1837, and resided on the farm in Green township, where he died, for more than forty years. He died May 5, 1881, aged a little over 71 years. His aged widow survives him. He was the father of 9 children, four of whom are dead and five living. Among them Rev. O. W. Bowen of Albion. He was brought up in the doctrines of the O. S. Lutheran church, and at the time of his death was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.
Jacob Baker was indeed a pioneer of Noble county, having settled here in 1833, three years before this county was organized. He was one of the few men who voted at the first election held in the county in June, 1836. At that election, Isaac Spencer was elected Clerk and Recorder, and he also discharged the duties now performed by the Auditors. James Hostetter was elected sheriff, Henry Engle, coroner, Joel Bristol,
·
.
F
.
99
Henry Hostetter, Sen., and Abraham Pancake, Commissioners. Two of the commissioners were from the same township. About the first act of the Clerk after receiving his commission was the issuing a marriage license for the subject of this sketch, which was the first issued in Noble County. Mr. Baker was one of the petit jurors at the first court held in the county, which was held on the farm now owned by Esq. Schlotterbeck, on Perry's Prairie and which was presided over by Hon. Samuel C. Sample, with James Latta and Elisha Blackman as his associates. At the next term of court held the following spring at the house of Richard Stone, there occurred a bloody fight into which Mr. Baker was drawn, and in which about a dozen persons participated. Of those engaged, Mr. Baker was the last living. He was born in. 1891, and died May 8, 1881, being nearly 80 years of age. He was married five times, and left surviving him three children. In person, he was tall, and in his younger days was a fine specimen of physical manhood. He was a warm friend, and no sacrifice was too great for him when it would enhance the happiness of others.
Nancy Tumbleson died at her residence in the Haw Patch on the 11th of May, 1881. She was the daughter of William Hilmeth, and was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1818. She came to Noble county in the fall of 1835, and continued to live here and in Lagrange until her death. She was married to William Hamilton, in this county at an early date, but the exact time has not been furnished. Hamilton died in 1849. By this marriage she was the mother of seven children, three of whom are dead, the other four are sons and are living. In 1853 she was again married to James Tumbleson, who is still living at an advanced age. It was my good fortune to make the acquantance of Frs. Tumbleson and the rest of her father's family at my
٠
4
F
.
5
,
100
first advent into Noble county, as they lived near Rochester where I resided. The family was large, but today I think only she is left. The father was a man of religious feeling, a devoted member of the M. E. church. Mrs. Tumbleson was from childhood a member of the church in the doctrines of which she was brought up, and all who knew her will be as witness to her sincerity and zeal in the cause she loved.
James McConnel, one of the earliest settlers of Northern Indians, died at the residence of Hiram Bradley, in Albion, May 20, 1881, aged 73. years and 4 months. He was born Jan. 20, 1808, in Muskingum Co., Ohio, and early in the spring of 1832 came with his father and family to the Haw Patch and settled on the farm where, 49 years after, he was buried. They were the second family that settled on the Haw Patch. From the time of his settlement in Indians until his death, he was actively engaged in business, and his name is familiar to every old settler in Lagrange and Noble counties. He was one of the Commissioners of Lagrange county at a very early day. About 1837 he came to Rochester, in Noble County, and engaged in business as & partner of Albert Powell, of Lima, and your biographer spent two years as clerk in their store, at Rochester. The store was not such as we see in these days, but was built of logs, and all its adornments were in keeping with the outside. One of the staple articles in trade was Indian blankets, and another indispensible article was whiskey, as well as various compounds manufactured from the same by Powell, who was an adept at the business and from whom Harvey Wood learned the art of making pure liquors of all kinds from poor whiskey and poisonous drugs. In January or February, 1838, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Shoup, who died Sept. 24, 1874, leaving two sons, Thomas, who now resides at Ligonier, and William who died Sept. 28, 1874. He was twice married after the death of his first wife, and his last wife died about two years ago.
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.