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 7
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Thomas is the only one of the family left, and of his father's family, one of his brothers (William) who resides in Wisconsin, is the last left. His father William McCorell, died April 15, 1848, at the age of 67 years, and his mother Agnes MoConnell died Aug. 23, 1851, at the age of 66 years. All are buried on the corner of the old McConnell farm, where the subject of this sketch was also buried on the 22nd of May, 1881.
This ends the biographies of Old Settlers deceased in 1880 and 1881 as given by Nelson Prentiss at the Old Settler's Meeting at Albion in June, 1881.
Many fine characteristics of the subjects had to be omitted on account of conserving space. But many give us a clear picture of the carly pioneers and their trials.
D. A. R. Committee
Obituary-William S. Stoops was born in the State of Pennsylvania, 1802. He came to Albion, where he has since resided in 1857. He died on Wednesday, June 8, 1881. He leaves an aged widow and a number of grown children to mourn his departure. The funeral sermon was preached at the M. E. Church, on Thursday, by Bev. J. W. Smith to a large concourse of neighbors and friends.
Albion New Era, June 16, 1881.
"Nearly fifty years ago the first settlers in this country, having no road running to the north, through
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Rochester, Lagrange and the southern part of Michigan, followed an Indian trail considerable of the distance. This trail and early road passed through the farm now owned by N. Prentice. The places worn in the banks by the ponies, where the trail crossed a swale, are plainly visible at the present time. The banks
being too steep to allow vehicles to cross, the road crossed a few rods farther above. A corduroy bridge was made of polls of different kinds of timber. Not long since in cleaning out the swale, it was determined to take the old bridge out. Red oak, linn, beech, and black ash poles were found to be as sound as the day when placed there. For sometime after the field had been plowed, the road could be traced nearly across it. But several plowings have obliterated entirely the location of the road, and the removal of the bridge takes away all traces of the earliest road, probably, in the county."
Signed X. Indian Village Locals in Albion New Era, July 28, 1381.
Obituary-
William Knox died at his home in York township this county, on Saturday, Aug. 6, 1881. Mr. Knox was born in Washington county, Pen., Sept. 25, 1815; came to Richland county, Ohio, with his parents in 1817. In 1838 he married Isabel B. Beattie. She died in 1854 leaving him with a family of eight children. In 1876 he came to Noble county, Indiana, and married Miss Rebecca Spangle, April 28, 1881, whom he leaves, with three children, together with numerous relatives and friends, to mourn his loss. Mr. Knox was a much respected citizen.
Albion New Era, Aug. 11, 1881.
At the reunion of the old Settlers of Smith township
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Whitley county, Isaac Tibbits, of Noble County Wa.S present and his "talk" is reported as follows: Isaao Tibbits, of Noble county, was introduced and spoke of many items of interest connected with the early settlement of this section of Indiana. Mr. Tbbits stated that he lived in Noble county for about 53 years; that when he first came to the country there was no house between Ft. Wayne and the city of Elkhart. He said there was neither a brick nor frame house in Ft. Wayne at that time, nothing but cabins. The first election he attended there were but 25 votes cast at his precinct, which precinct was composed of eight townships. In that day Mr. Tibbits said that he had to go fifty miles to mill and corn bread and venison constituted their every day diet.
From Whitley County locals in New Era, Sept. 8, 1881.
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The Standard says that "Chauncy G. Waterhouse, of Kendallville, was in town Monday. He has a lively memory of the fugitive slave days. It was said that his father's house in Milford township was on the underground railroad." The old gentleman was once arrested and taken to Indianapolis, and tried in an United States Court, for harboring a run-way slave, fined $50 dollars, and sentenced to imprisonment for 24 hours. We are not sure but we think this was the only penal sentence in the State under that infamous law. The old man has long since gone to his reward, where there are no frowns for those who give food and shelter to the poor and oppressed. There are men, though, yet living in the County, who testified against him in that court. They have lived to see more than the good old man did-to see their repugnance to the liberty of one poor negro overcome by the liberation of 4,000,000 alaves, and the fugitive slave lax wiped from the statutes, and become so odious that they would blush to recall their part in enforcing it. The marshal who arrested him, became a filibuster under the noted Walker, and afterwards entered the rebel service, and fought against the flag under which he had before arrested men for feeding slaves."
From Lagrange County locals in Albion New Era, November 3, 1881.
Died.
On Friday of last week, November 25, 1881, at the home of his son-in-law, James McFarland, near Wawaka, Uriah Franks, Sen., at an advanced ago. The deceased had lived in the county for a long number of years, many of which were spent in Albion. He left Albion some years ago, and since that time has resided, we believe with his son-in-law, at whose house he died. He leaves an aged widow and several grown-up children to mourn his departure, among whom are Harry
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and Joseph Franks, of Albion. The deceased was highly respected by all who knew him. He was upward of eighty years of age, and had been a member of the Methodist church for many years. funeral was preached at the M. E. church in Albion, on Sunday, by Rev. J. W. Smith, after which the body was deposited in the grave in the cemetery in Albion.
The
Albion New Era, Dec. 1, 1881.
Died.
On Monday night of this week, Mrs. Thomas Singrey, of Jefferson township, died after a brief illness and her remains were buried in the Sweet cemetery on Wednesday.
She had lived a long and useful life, and died at an advanced age, respected and beloved by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. She was the mother of John A. Singrey, County Commissioner, J. H. Singrey, superintendent of the County infirmary, Jacob. Singrey of Jefferson and A. J. Singrey of Albion. She came to this country with her husband, years ago, from Chio, and has been among the best, and most respected of our citizens. Her husband survives her.
Albion New Era-December 8, 1881.
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Obituary
Mrs. Jane Barnum died at her home in Albion, Feb. 14, 1882, aged 52 yr. 5 mo. 14 da., after a lingering illness of about eight years. She was born in Onondaga County, New York, Aug. 31, 1829, came with her parents to Noble County in the fall of 1842, and has since lived in this County. On the 30th day of April, 1848, she was married to Abel Barnum, Esq., who with two children, a son and daughter, are left to mourn their loss. Upon her marriage she settled with her husband upon the farm where she died. She was the daughter of Hon. Jerome Sweet, who died in Jefferson township several years ago,
Albion New Era, Feb. 1882
"Chloe Ellenor Parker was born Nov. 6, 1836, in Allen township, Noble county and died Feb. 15th, 1882 aged 45 years 3 months and 9 days. Her parents, Elthu and Phebe Wadsworth, came to this country a short time before her birth, and settled for a few months just south of this city, where the deceased was born, soon after which they moved to their farm near Lisbon, where the surviving parent, her father, now resides. At the age of 23, she married Dr. A. S. Parker, of Kendallville, and the union has been a happy one. She was the mother of five children, the oldest one preceding her to the happy hereafter, by nearly fifteen years."
Reproduced in Albion New Era, March 2, 1882 extracts from a biographical sketch of Mrs. Parker wife of Dr. A. S. Parker, cf the Kendallville News, read upon the occasion of her funeral.
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An old settler Gone.
Ephraim Skinner died at his residence in Noble township, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1882, aged about 82 years.
The deceased was one of that rapidly thinning band of old pioneers who came to Noble County prior to 1840, and although we are without definite infor- mation as to the exact time of his immigration to this Country, we think, perhaps, it was some years prior to 1836. He had been married twice, his first wife being a Miss Ott, who died soon after their settle- ment in this Country. He subsequently married Mary Black, of Benton township, Elkhart County, with whom he lived happily until his death, and who survives him. One by one the old pioneers are passing away, and soon none of these will be left who came to Noble County previous to 1840.
Albion New-Era 1882
Gone to his Best
Jacob H. Hays, of Sparta township, died at his home, March 1st, 1882, at the age of nearly 70 years. Deceased was born at Boonsboro, Maryland, July 18th, 1812, where his early life was spent. When still a young man he left the place of his birth, crossed the mountains, and settled in Green County, Ohio. In November, 1834, he was married to Martha Woodward, (who is still living) , by whom he had six children, three of whom are now living, the others having died before reaching manhood. In 1851, he removed to Piqua, Ohio, where he lived until 1865, when he settled in Noble County, where he has since lived upon the farm where he died.
Albion New-Era March 16, 1882.
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The following obituaries were read at 01d Settlers meeting, June 1882 by Nelson Prentiss
William McMeans was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 19, 1835. Came with his father, John McMeans, to Noble county in 1336. Came to Albion in 1847, and lived here until his death. On the 20th of May, 1856, he was married to Miss Amelia Taylor who still lives in Albion. By his marriage he was the father of six children, four of whom are living. Albion New Era, June 15, 1882
Noah Myers, first saw the light April 13, 1779. and closed his earthly career at his home in Washington township, July 28, 1881. He was born in Bracken County, Kentucky, whence he removed to Greene County, Ohio in 1807. In 1820, on the 10th day of February he was married to Miss Issabelle Galloway, a sister of Joseph Galloway, one of the pioneers of Noble County, and who was well known to all the early settlers. In 1836 he settled in Noble County, on the farm on which he died. On the 6th day of November, 1850, his wife died leaving him with a family of five children, 2 boys and 3 girls. on the 11th of August 1853 he married as his second wife Mrs. Catharine Weigle, who survives him, and is now living on the homestead. At the time of his death he was 82 years 3 months and 15 days old. Mr. Myers was a true type of the early pioneer-kind, social, and hospitable.
Another, and one who was always with us long as he was able, but who for the past three years has been laid
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upon a bed of affliction, has at last found eternal rest. At our annual meeting in 1878, I called your attention to the condition of Conrad Cramer and Hiram F. Bessett, (both of whom were at that time prostrated upon beds of sickness) and that their death might be expected at any time. Mr. Cramer died about a month after, and was duly reported to you at the meeting in 1879. Mr. Bassett remained with us until August 25, 1881, when the tired wheels of nature ceased to revolve. He was stricken with' paralysis in May, 1878, and from that time until his death, was helpless. His mind also was impaired, and at times he failed to recognize his intimate friends. This continued for over three years, and during all that time his devoted wife ministered to his wants with an affection at once touching and tender. Day and night she sat by his bedside with his hand resting upon her, and under no other condition would he be satisfied.
Though his mind was obscured, yet he never forgot her, and the love he had for her in former days burned brightly in his heart, until the last. He was born in Delaware County, New York, April 2, 1807. In 1831 he was married to Miss Lucia Barnum, who is now his widox. Two children were born to them, one of whom, Platt B. Bassett is now living; the other, a daughter, married Joseph Vermilyea, and died several years ago. Her two daughters now reside with their grandmother Mrs. Bassett in Albion. He came to Noble County in 1836 and settled in York township, on the farm owned by him at the time of his death. He made the world better by his example as well as by precept, and having accomplished his mission on earth, he had been called up higher.
Mrs. Henrietta Billman, was the daughter of James Bailey, who was known to all the early settlers upon the Haw Patch. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, on the
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25th day of June, 1813, and was married to John Billman. Shortly after her marriage they removed to Noble county, as I am informed in 1835, where she until her death, which occurred October 8, 1881. She was the mother of seven children, of whom but four are living. Her husband died about ten years ago. She was one of the Mothers of Noble County, settling here at a time when all was in a state of nature, and she endured all the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of a new country. She was for many years a member of the M. E. Church.
Rachel Bailey, wife of Edward Bailey, went home on the 16th day of October, 1881. It has been said that it is a solemn thing to die, but it is a far more important thing to live-to live so that it is easy to die. She was a worthy member of the M. E. Church, and in her death the church has lost a shining light. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1813, being about the same age of Mrs. Billman of whom I last spoke. They were associates in youth, came to Indiana about the same time, were near neighbors during all the time they lived in Noble County, sisters-in-law, and they died within eight days of each other. Companions in life they were not long separated in death. Mrs. Bailey was the daughter of James L. Wooddell, who lived about one and a half miles north of Ligonier. He was killed by a falling tree as he was sitting in his wagon driving along the public road.
She was married to Edward Bailey, in Chio, came to Noble County in 1835, and passed through about the same experiences as the rest of us, fulfilled her mission, and when the master had no further work for her here he said "It is enough; come up higher," and gladly she obeyed the call, and her aged and stricken husband is only waiting till the shadows, be a little longer grown."
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This biography by whom written I do not know, but doubtless by one who has done justice to tho memory of our friend much better than I could have done .
"Death who is no respector of age, sex, or persons, has again gathered his harvest by striking almost lightening like, a majestic and sturdy oak, one that was honored and respected by young and old, rich and poor; An old pioneer who shouldered his ax and came to this country when the howling of the wolves could be heard and the Indian war whoop was yet echoing through the forest of what is now called Noble County.
The subject of this memoir, Thomas B. Weston, was born in Pompey, Onondago County, N. Y., Oct. 13, 1799, and moved with his father, Nathan N., while yet a schoolboy, to Trenton, Monroe county, New York, where he worked on his father's farm until his parent's death, which occurred August 26, 1823, leaving him at 24 years of age to care for a mother, two brothers, and two sisters, two of them only a few years of age.
In 1836 he came to this country, and the writer of this has heard him narrate over and over again, how he with others slept in what is now Dekalb county, seven nights in the woods, the wolves howling all around them. Returning to the state of New York, he married on Sept. 7, 1837, a Miss Paulina Maxfield, of Copake, Columbia County, New York, moving the next spring to Plymouth, Wayne County, Mich. His wife dying June 20, 1841, left his household desolate. The next year he came to make a permanent settlement in Noble County, and was married to Catharine Anderson, Dec. 7, 1843. Her father was the first settler on Pretty Prairie, Lagrange County. On July 16th 1844, he, with his wife and only daughter by his first wife, then almost 6 years of age, moved into a log cabin built by him, on the farm that he owned at his death. Five settlers constituted the population of Wayne township at that time.
Mr. Weston could easily trace his ancestors back
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in the 7th degree to where one Thos. Weston landed from the Mayflower in 1620, at Plymouth, and another named John Weston, who came from Buckinghamshire, in the north of England to Salem in 1644, just 200 years before he himself came to Indiana, and there is, perhaps no family in the country possessing as a whole, persons of more moral integrity than the Westons can boast of. The late John Weston Weston, of this city, whose demise occurred on Feb. last was a cousin of his.
He was elected again and again to the office of Justice of the peace, which he held for 24 years, and well does the poet say, "an honest man is the noblest work of God." His funeral had the largest attendance of any that ever occurred in this part of the country, and he was worthy of all respect shown his remains.
There is something remarkable in the fact that three pioneers and neighbors (for they lived only three miles apart when on their farms, ) dying within six days of each other. James Wright dying on Friday, was buried on Sunday, the day that Thos. B. Weston was taken siok, he dying on Tuesday morning, Joseph Grury dying on Thursday, the day of Weston's funeral. Of these Weston was the first settler, also being the oldest by a little over six months. Signed J. S.
Neither Mr. Wright or Mr. Gruey came to Indians before 1840, hence they are not of our number. Both were good men and will long be respected and honored for their many virtues.
Dr. John Gross died at Ligonier, January 25, 1882 aged 47 years 3 months and 21 days, having been born in
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Galla county, Ohio, Oct. 4, 1834. His father, with his family, settled in Leesburg, Kosciusko County, in 1837, and after living there two years, removed to Benton, in Elkhart county in 1839. In the winter of 1841 the writer taught school in Benton and boarded with the Gross family, and hence had an opportunity to become well acquainted with all the family. John at that time past seven years of age, was one of my pupils. It was his first school and I think I never saw a child who made such rapid improvement. His memory was surprising, his desire to learn a passion. He was kind and affectionate to his parents, his brothers and sisters and his teacher.
In 1855 he married Miss Hoops, of New Paris Elkhart county, a young lady of kind heart and gentle manners. By this marriage he was the father of five children.
The above obituaries were given by Mr. Nelson Prentiss at the Old Settler's Meeting at Albion in June 1882. On account of space, these obituaries are reduced to the more important facts.
Obituary
Mrs. Eleanor Cook was born in Beaver Co., Penn., April 18, 1803; died June 8, 1882; aged 79 years, 2 months and 7 days.
When a child, she removed to Apple Creek, near Wooster, Ohio, where she was married to Sylvanus Cook, Nov. 20, 1823. They lived together a happy, useful life until his death 41 years after their union. They raised a family of 7 sons and 1 daughter of whom 2 sons, Dr. S. L. Cook of Albion, Mr. W's. Cook of
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Springfield, Chio, and the daughter, Mrs. Robert Chambers, are the only survivors. In 1851 Mr. and Mrs. Cook removed to Noble Co., and located on the farm now owned by Mr. J. C. Johnson. After residing there nearly 13 years, they removed to Albion, where Mrs. Cook resided until her death. Having lived in the vicinity for over 30 years, and mingled her voice and influence with those of her neighbors, many can testify as to her worth. She united with the Presbyterian Church at the age of 16 years. For 66 years she bore her Master's name and endeavored to do his will.
Albion New Era. June 15, 1882
Alexis Edwards died at the residence of George Inscho in Jefferson township, on Wednesday last, after a sickness of about two months. Mr. Edwards was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1804, and was seventy-eight years of age at the time of his death. He became a citizen of Noble County in 1848, and was one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state. He was a man of whom no one could say an unkind word, and his sorrowing friends, and relatives have the sympathy of all in their affliction. Albion New-Era. August 24, 1882
Obituary
Died, at the residence of her son-in-law in Albion, Aug. 26, 1882, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowen aged 68 years, 6 months, 11 days.
Mother Bowen was the wodow of the late William E. Bowen, and mother of Rev. O. W. Bowen. The family consisted of nine children-five sons and four daughters-
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four of whom preceded her to the spirit world. Truly it may be said of Mother Bowen that another mother in Irael has fallen. For over eighteen years she was a faithful, consistent Christian member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Albion New-Ere, August 1882
An Old Pioneer Gone.
Eliher Wadsworth, an old resident of Allen town- ship, died on Sunday evening last, at nine o'clock, of lung fever, after an illness of about one week.
There are perhaps, few men in the county more generally known than Mr. Wadsworth. He came to this country in 1836, and settled on the farm (then in the wilderness) on which he had lived continuously ever since. He was thoroughly identified with the early history of this county, and had held many positions of trust in the community, yet in his latter years he preferred to let others assume the care and responsibility of such duties. Mr. Wadsworth was eighty years of age last June. He wife preceeded him to the spirit land by several years. He was the father of five children-four sons and one daughter. Two sons, Edwin and William died a few years ago, of consumption, and Mrs. Chloe E. Parker, his daughter, died last February, of the same dread disease. There
remains now of the family only Joseph T. Wadsworth, of Allen Township, and H. E. Wadsworth, of Laporte, the oldest and youngest sons. The funeral services, attended by a large concourse of friends and neighbors, were conducted by Rev. William Waltman, and his remains were laid beside those gone before in Lake View Cemetery. Truly may we say that another of the old pioneers has disappeared.
Albion New-Era November 23, 1882
Copied from Kendallville Standard
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March 26, 1885 Albion New Era
Died-Van Wormer. Near Sparta Chapel, March 20, 1885, Hirs. Maria Van Wormer, the mother of Mrs. Orlando Kimmel.
She was born in Martinsburg, Virginia. Her maiden name was Baker. While yet a child she moved to Fayette Co., Ohio, afterward to Marion Co., Ohio, and in 1844 to Noble Co., Ind., where she lived until her death. She was married twice. The name of her first husband was John White. They raised six children- three sons and three daughters-all of whom still live in Noble County. Her second marriage was to William Van Wormer. She had lived a consistent member of the Methodist church for sixty years. She had the use of her mind until the last, and died rejoicing in a present Savior.
Obituary
Lorette Worden, nee Wild, was born in Franklin County, Mass., Feb. 20, 1800, and closed her long and useful life at Albion, April 5, 1885, being 85 years, 1 month and 15 days old. At an early date she went with her parents to New Hampshire where they lived a short time, when the family moved to Livingston county, New York, where on the 17th day of March, 1819, she was married to Leonard G. Worden, with whom she lived until 1856, when he died in La Grange County, Indiana, to which place he came in 1852, They lived in Erie Co., N. Y., for a few years before coming to Indiana. In the spring of 1856, soon after the death of her husband, she removed to Albion and purchased the hotel since known as the "Worden House." From that time until her death she has lived here, and her life is a living epistle known and read of all. She was the mother of 11 children, eight of whom passed over before her
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to meet mother on the shining shore. Her only surviving children, three daughters, Mrs. Stone, Mrs. McElfatrick and Mrs. Boardman, were with her in her last hours. One of the daughters resides in Kentucky, and the other two in Kansas. For several past she has lived with her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Maria Worden, the widow of L. G. Worden, who died in Albion in 1879. She was born and reared a Presbyterian, but for many years she has been a firm believer in the final happiness of the whole human family, and she died a firm believer in the doctrine of universal Salvation through the merits of the atonement of her Savior.
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