USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Past and present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 17
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In May, 1840, there was "raised" in one day a log cabin, fifty feet square and very high. It stood just outside the firing lines of the old Tippecanoe battle. As soon as the ridge-pole of this cabin was up. a large flag-the
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genuine "Old Glory"-was unturled by the "Log Cabin Boys" club. The Whig ticket at that time, in this county, was William Henry Harrison, presi- dent: John Tyler, vice-president ; Martin L. Pierce, sheriff; Cyrus Ball, associate judge. The entire ticket of the Whigs was elected by good major- ities. Governor John B. Clark carried the county by seventy-two votes against Thomas Reynolds, the Locofoco candidate.
In 1856 the Democrats and Free-Soil parties held their great rallies at the Battle Ground. The Democrats were when assembled there addressed by James B. Clay and John C. Breckenridge. Among the speakers for the Free- Soil party were men high in the authority of that political party. The New Albany & Salem railroad had been completed to the battle ground in 1853. thus making the spot available for such political gatherings.
Coming down to the first great campaign of the Republican party, that of 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was chosen presidential standard-bearer with Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, as vice-president, it may be stated that Henry S. Lane was candidate for governor of Indiana, while Hon. Schuyler Colfax was running for lieutenant-governor on the Republican tick- et and Benjamin Harrison ( later president ) for the office of Supreme Court reporter.
In that campaign the emblems were the flat-boat, log cabin and rail fences. "Wide Awake" clubs were in evidence throughout the land. Such clubs were formed in Lafayette, Stockwell and Dayton, in this county. October 5. 1860, occurred a grand rally of all "Wide Awakes" in the sixth congressional district. It was in Lafayette. Torch light processions were to be seen in this city and surrounding towns almost each week during that never-to-be-forgotten political campaign. Hon. Tom Corwin, Caleb Smith, Oliver P. Morton and other noted men, spoke here to immense audiences, in the open air. A splendid silk banner was offered to the largest delegation present and another one to the township in Tippecanoe county that should have the largest "Wide Awake" Club on horseback and in wagons. Dayton, Battle Ground and other points all had large clubs. Owen Lovejoy, the noble abolitionist, spoke in Lafayette in September, 1860. Hon. Stephen .1. Douglas, "The Little Giant," who ran against Lincoln, arrived in Lafayette by train and was received by a committee, October 1, 1860, and was known as the "Squatter Chieftain." He was conducted to a carriage by John L. Reynolds, Hon. Daniel Mace, L. B. Stockton, Judge Blake and others. Ile spoke on the south side of the public square to about four thousand people- two-thirds of whom were Lincoln men. Hon. Daniel Mace introduced the distinguished personage in these few plain words: "Fellow citizens, I have the pleasure of introducing to you Senator Douglas, of Illinois."
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Douglas, en route to this city, at an eating house refused to eat because he was told that the place was conducted by a "black Republican," and went across the street to a three-cent lunch room, a groggery.
The Lafayette paper files display the following notice :
"October 5, 1860-Great day for Lafayette and Republicans. Twelve Thousand Mud-sills in Council." The eighth congressional district was largely represented here and all took freely of hard cider, lager beer, etc., but "tangle-foot" was not used by any, worthy of mention. Twice as many people assembled as there had been to listen to Douglas. Still Lincoln was at home, on that day, as he was throughout the campaign, attending strictly to his law business, at Springfield, leaving the result with the public opinion of a great nation.
This vast assemblage was in charge of William H. Levering, as the mar- shal of the day. "Wide Awakes" were here from each township in the county, save one only. The merchants, mechanics and business men of Lafayette marched and were carried on fourteen immense "floats"-wagons -carrying the business they represented and worked at it while the proces- sion passed along the streets. The two newspapers-the Courier and Jour- nal-had miniature printing offices aboard and had the printers and printing presses going, printing papers (three thousand five hundred) and tens of thousands of "Rail-splitters," Republican party platforms, which were strewn broadcast to the eager throng. At the speaker's stand the Courier press broke through the platform and was so badly broken that a new one had to be ordered the following day from Chicago. The parade was thirty-seven minutes passing by a given point. In the evening an immense parade and accompanying torchlight procession went from place to place, followed by the intensely interested multitude. Lincoln was on the end of almost every one's tongue. Hon. Godlove S. Orth presented the Randolph township "Wide Awake" club with the banner promised the largest club in Tippecanoe county.
One week later came Hon. Carl Schurz and spoke to a large audience. The election was held and the returns showed that the vote in Tippecanoe county was as follows, the numbers representing the Republican majorities :
Fairfield township 136 Randolph township 4
Wea township
64 Perry township 57
Sheffield township
104 Lauramie township 115
Wayne township 55
Washington township 44
Tippecanoe township
154 Shelby township
75
Wabash township
85
Jackson township 105
Total in county
1.007
TIPPECANCE COUNTY, IND.
This was a net gain of five hundred and fifty-eight over the election four years before, when James Buchanan was elected President.
Upon the final election returns (which were slower in coming in then than they are today), Lafayette had a grand jubilee and ratification meeting and evening illumination and excitement ran high. One old man, who had for years been working in the interest of the abolition party, stood on the northeast corner of the public square and after having prayed and shouted and voted for long years, finally as he witnessed the fire-works, heard the music of the conquerer, he could not refrain and shouted at the top of his voice, "Glory to God in the highest."
On this occasion the Lafayette Courier had a wigwam brilliantly lighted, fire-works design of three locomotive head-lights and a Douglas cow-catcher, and this emblem finally was marched through the streets. Governor Lane had arrived in the city, and was soon heard speaking from the north side of the public square, thanking the voters of Tippecanoe county for the votes they had piled up for Lincoln and himself. Hon. Albert S. White, congressman, was seen and called out for a speech, which he delivered on the evening air with much effect. Midnight finally came and thus ended the greatest political event in the history of Tippecanoe county.
One poor fellow, who had voted the Democratic ticket and lost, had filled up on something strong, and was heard trying to make a speech on the head of a beer keg, but got the given names and surnames badly trans- posed, for it is recorded that he shouted all sorts of mean words at "Old Abe Breckenridge, Godlove O. White, Carl Beard and all the balance of the d-d abolition crew."
Lafayette's artillery was first in the state to announce the general elec- tion returns by the loud firing of one hundred cannon, beginning at three o'clock in the morning-the 7th of November, 1860. They also sent word to Lincoln that if he brought on a war they would be first to respond to his call for an artillery company. And strange to record, some of the same men in that local artillery company within six months were really called upon to face the rebel foe on a southern field.
In October, 1888, occurred the great political rally of the Republican party at the Tippecanoe battle ground. It was the Gen. Benjamin Harrison campaign, and was a big demonstration of the party. Hon. Richard W. Thompson delivered an address to the veterans of 1836 and 1840, and then introduced Hon. James G. Blaine, who spoke eloquently and was followed by Gen. Russell Alger, of Michigan. Corporal Tanner also spoke on that occasion. At the grounds a "squatter's cabin" was built and everything that
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bespoke of the old days of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," were in evidence, and even far back of that, for its sides bore a banner "Indiana in 1812." There might have been seen the blind horse with chain harness, the elm- peeler sow, the spinning wheel, hand reel, tow, dried pumpkins, seed corn, beds made from straw, the old fire-place, the rifle hung on the wall, the pack-hounds and all that completed a genuine early-day squatter's scene. This rally took place just forty-eight years after the candidate Benjamin Harrison's grandfather ran for President, at which time the great demon- stration before mentioned occurred in 1840.
F
CHAPTER VIII.
TOWNSHIP HISTORY.
WASHINGTON TOWNSIIIP.
This subdivision of the county is situated in the extreme northeastern portion. On its east is Carroll county : on the south is Perry and Fairfield townships, the Wabash river forming the boundary line from the northeast to the southwest. The surface of this township is principally low and level along the banks of the river, the soil being of the richest formation and pro- duces corn and wheat in great abundance. From north to southwest the surface is characterized by hills that slope gently toward the center of the township, forming beautiful farm lands.
Concerning the pioneer settlement of this part of Tippecanoe it may be stated that the first white man to reside there was Jesse Jackson, who came in 1826, and settled on the farm later owned by John Stair. Later in that year came John Martin. John Burgett and Barney De Will.
In 1827 came John Fisher, James Anderson. John Blackburn and Thomas Hoyt.
In 1828 the settlers who entered this portion of the county were David Lyon, Jesse Large and Jonathan Tullis, who, in 1829, were followed in their settlement by John Stair, John Stanfield. Sr., William Cox and James Schoolcraft.
During 1830-31 the settlement was increased by the coming of perma- nent settlers in the persons of Henry Stair, George Snodgrass, John Burley, Emanuel Thouse, Robert Williams and David Randle. The greatest number of these settlers were located between Sugar creek and Buck creek. To the east and farther up Buck creek another settlement was effected by the fol- lowing families : John Isley, William Hilt. Emery Harris, John Richardson, Joseph Miller and James Bulger.
In the year 1831 others settled at various points, and they included the following persons: John Cunningham, James Willison, John Elliott, Alex- ander Johnson, George Walton and Henry Swank. Besides this list of pio- neers within this township were also Lewis Rogers, Philip Stair, David Gish, Silas Burgett. David Kuhns. John Bowman, John Leonard and Martin May.
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Contrary to the general rule of settlement in Tippecanoe county, the first settlers here made their improvements on heavily timbered lands which they cut the forest kings off of and then subdued the lands by the hardest manner of work.
Among the early improvements in Washington township may be men- tioned the building of a saw mill by Philip Stair in 1831, near the Sugar creek culvert. A blacksmith's shop was added in that year by John Gray, the same being located on what was subsequently known as the Albert Stair farm.
A tannery was built in 1832, near the grist mill later owned by Bates but operated by John D. Miller.
FIRST EVENTS.
In addition to some of the important events additional to those already mentioned may be named these: The first physician in the township to practice medicine was Dr. Anthony Garrett, who established himself in practice in 1833.
The earliest marriage union recorded is that of Abraham Bush and Miss Polly Tullis, in 1830. The next was that of Daniel Fisher and Miss Mary A. Chapman, which was soon followed by the union of Daniel Kessler and Miss Rachel Fisher, in 1831.
The first death in the township was in the month of August, 1828- it being Henry Anderson, who was buried in Union cemetery. His son died a month later and his wife the year following. David Lyon died in Sep- tember. 1830, and Barney De Witt and Eliza Schoolcraft at about the same date.
The first election in this part of Tippecanoe county was held at Philip Stair's mill, in April, 1832. John Cunningham was elected justice of the peace and James Fisher constable.
The first religious services were held at the home of John Fisher, the preachers usually being of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. At the village of Americus the first church of the township was erected about 1843. The next place of worship was built in 1854 by the Methodist and United Brethren denominations on Union Hill, near Jewettsport.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
Americns was platted in 1832 by William Digby, who was the founder also of the city of Lafayette. At this time Americus was the terminus of the
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Erie canal and had bright prospects of becoming the largest place within Tippecanoe county. The plan was to make it the county seat ; real estate took on fabulous prices and mercantile pursuits were lively at that point, but as the canal was extended on by way of Lafayette the trade was diverted and Americus lapsed into a mere hamlet with hopes forever blighted per force of circumstances. At present the population is placed at about forty people.
Colburn, originally Chapmanville, is situated on the line of the Wabash railway, on sections 13 and 24. It was laid out by Jacob Chapman in 1858, and incorporated under the name of Chapmanville, later changed to Colburn. In 1886 there were a number of mills and small factories in Colburn, and at present the business interests consist of general stores, postoffice, a few minor shops and has a population of about three hundred souls. A Masonic lodge was instituted there by John M. Kerpen, July 1, 1874, with twelve members, the officers being George Z. Ychacoll, master; Joseph H. Anderson, senior warden, and Henry Kneale, junior warden.
Transitville was laid out on section 33, in 1856, by Samuel Miller. For a few years it was the center of a fair trading territory. A Masonic lodge was instituted there-No. 425, Free and Accepted Masons, in 1870. As a town it never materialized to any considerable extent. Its name was changed to Buck Creek and now has a population of about two hundred and fifty.
TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP.
The author is indebted for many of the facts herein narrated to the pen of Wesley Mahin, who compiled an accurate account of this township and much concerning its early-day settlement and later development. His nar- rative was written in 1878, and is probably as near correct as one could expect to obtain by any later means of compiling, hence it will be employed in this history, with such matters as have been secured relating to its present history.
Historically, this township is the "banner" township of Tippecanoe county. It presents a greater variety of soil and natural scenery, together with more points replete with interest to the traveler, possibly. than any other within the county. "The Grand Prairie," lapping its borders on the north and west: the "Pretty Prairie" and the rich bottom lands of the Tippe- canoe and Wabash rivers in the east and southeast skirting the river on the south, all covered with orchards and vineyards, overlooking the charming valley southward, with the Star City in the distance, and the oak uplands
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in the center of the township-all conspire to form a landscape equaled by few and not surpassed by any within the entire commonwealth of Indiana.
The historical period, proper, will be found as connected with the fa- mous battle of Tippecanoe, elsewhere narrated in this volume. The break- ing up of the Prophet's band of Indians after this battle fought by Gen. William Henry Harrison, left the adjoining country in possession of frag- ments of various tribes, among whom were the Kickapoos, Miamis and Pottawattomies. They offered no hostilities to the white settlers, and only remained in this section a few years more, then faded away into the far-off western country beyond the "Big Water"-Mississippi river-or in other cases re-located in Wisconsin and other parts of the West.
WHITE SETTLEMENT.
The first white man to enter this fair and fertile domain was a French- man named Burnett, who married a half-breed and established a trading post at Stringtown, on Burnett's Reserve, a tract of land skirting the Wabash river just below the month of the Tippecanoe, and extending to Burnett's creek, including the south side of Prophet's town.
John Davis married Mr. Burnett's daughter Nancy, and established him- self at what is known as "Davis Ferry," near the mouth of Burnett's creek. The first house in this township was probably erected at this place; it was a log structure and fragments of it were still to be seen in the early nineties. This house was built about the year 1824. A few "squatters" arrived soon after this date, some of whom remained for a time near the old Indian trad- ing post. The majority, however, removed to other localities, leaving no relics by which to trace their history.
Prominent among the pioneer settlers of Tippecanoe township were Charles and John Moots and John Lung, but the date of their arrival is not known as a matter of record.
In 1827 came William Kendall and Paschal Watson, who settled on Pretty Prairie, where the following year they were joined by John Beeker and a few others. In 1887 Mr. Kendall was still living and was the oldest settler then living within the township.
In 1828 came Daniel Corwin and located near the mouth of Moot's creek, while John S. Forgey located on section 29 of township 24. The same year came William Thomas and settled eventually on section 16.
The first practicing physician of the township was William Sims, who claimed a part of section 19, township 24, range 5. He died in 1845. John
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TIPPECANOE COUNTY, IND.
and Adam Shigley, John Shigley, Jr., John Mahin and Michael Hare, with their families, settled on sections 5 and 8 of township 24, range 4. These were the first settlers in the northwest part of the township. They were soon followed by Lismond Basey, Nathan Renfrow, John G. Smith, Basil Clevinger, Benjamin Lucas and perhaps a few others whose names have not been kept in the real early annals of the county. About this time Jacob Dewey settled on the "point" between the Wabash river and the Tippecanoe. From that date on the township was rapidly settled, and among the number may be named John Shaw, Joseph Cooper, Joseph Allen, Elijah Forbes, near Battle Ground : Samuel MeCormick, John Stewart, P. O. Brown and John Goodman. in the northern part of the township, while J. H. Downing located in the southwest part.
Among the exciting and still interesting incidents of the early history of Tippecanoe township was one that occurred in 1832-the year of the Black Hawk war in the western country. Report had it that old Black Hawk and his warriors were in the vicinity and would attack and burn the settlement on a certain night named. A panie naturally came upon the settlement in the north and west part of the township. The settlers from that part left their homes and fled to Davis Mill on Burnett's creek. A few of the frightened families congregated in a thicket near the site of the present Soldiers' Home, and prepared to defend themselves to the extent of their ability. The report, however, was false, and soon the settlers returned to their homes.
The first school taught in the township was by David McConnaughey, on the farm of William Kendall. The second school was taught in a log cabin in the southwest part of section 9. township 24, range 4, by John McNara. in 1831. Another very early teacher was Jolin S. Forgey, who taught school in a cabin between the battle ground and Seott & Smelser's grist mill. What was styled the Pleasant Grove school house was the first building erected exclusively for school purposes in the southeast corner of section 12. township 24, range 5. This building still stood in the early nine- ties. The next school house was just across the stream a hundred yards east of Liberty Chapel. The number of pupils entered on the enrollment list in 1908 was four hundred and thirty-seven. The population of the township in 1900 was two thousand and seventeen.
The first church in the township was "Old Salem." It was located near the southeast corner of section 5, township 24, range 4, on the site where afterward stood the house of Jacob Mahin. It was built of hewed logs, and for a number of years was the central point for holding meetings by the Methodist Episcopal people living in both White and Tippe- canoe counties. It served as a meeting house until 1851.
( 12)
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The second church building was erected by members of the Methodist Protestant denomination, and that was also of the log cabin type. It stood a half mile east of Salem church, and was occupied as a house of worship until 1867. This building was erected in 1840 while the first named was erected four years earlier.
In 1853 members of the Christian church erected a house of worship in the center of section 19, township 25, range 4. This structure was a sub- stantial building made of brick and was the third church built in the township. Geneseo Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1854; Pretty Prairie Metho- dist church was erected in 1858; Battle Ground Methodist Episcopal church was completed about 1860 and Liberty Chapel Union church in 1873. This was later the property of the United Brethren and Methodist church societies.
FAMOUS MASS MEETING OF 1840.
May 29th, 30th and 31st of 1840 the first great political meeting or convention ever held on the battle ground was appointed by and held for the Whig political party, its real object being the nomination of and if possible to elect at the fall election of that year Gen. William Henry Harrison for President of the United States. On this occasion an immense audience as- sembled, consisting of about forty thousand people from many states of this Union. A general contribution of oxen, hogs, sheep, poultry, etc., was ten- dered by the residents for meeting and satisfying the wants of the great multitude.
In 1844-the next presidential campaign-another great convention was held at the same place by the Whigs. Many eminent statesmen were present to expound the political issues of the times, and great enthusiasm prevailed.
In 1853 the New Albany & Salem railroad was completed and thereafter the battle ground was the chosen place for holding political meetings and other assemblies.
In the campaign of 1856 both the Free-soil and Democratic parties held a grand rally at this place.
It was the next year-1857-when Bishop Ames and Elder Benjamin Winans, of the Methodist Episcopal church, and others, conceived the idea of founding a town and an institution of learning near the old battle ground. A small village called Harrisonville already existed, but though beautifully situated, and though its population comprised a number of excellent and truly worthy people, it did not enjoy a reputation above reproach touching its morality and sobriety. Accordingly the land on which Battle Ground
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TIPPECANOE COUNTY, IND.
City now stands was secured; a survey was made, and funds collected for the erection of an institute. Town lots were rapidly disposed of and a thiriv- ing village soon came into existence. Benjamin Winans, Hiram Shaw, Mark Jones. Chauncey Jones and Abijah Johnson were elected as a board of trustees. A frame building which had been erected near the battle ground as a refreshment room, was purchased and remodeled, and a graded school inaugurated under the management of Professor G. W. Rice and Miss Carrie Bowles. The following spring Professor E. H. Staley was added to the faculty, and was chosen as principal of the institute, in which capacity he served until 1862, when he was succeeded by Rev. David Holmes. Professor Rice was connected with the school from its inception until its work had ended there. In 1867 difficulty arose and the influence and patronage of the Methodist church were withdrawn, and a new building was erected at the crossing of College avenue and Tipton streets, and a school organized more thoroughly under the control of that denomination, and Professor Rice was chosen as its principal.
The parent school was reorganized and continued its sessions for a time, but its strength was impaired by the action of the church and soon it was numbered among the defunct institutions of the county.
The old building stood for a number of years in a neglected condition, until in 1875 an association was organized known as the Methodist Camp Meeting Association, by whom the grounds and buildings were purchased. the former renovated and repaired for the purpose in view. The school building was used as a hotel, and a large frame tabernacle erected that held several thousand people. A goodly number of tasty cottages were also built on adjoining lots by individuals. Several camp meetings were held on the grounds. In 1874 the legislature of Indiana appropriated a sum of money for the enclosing of this historic field with a solid, neat iron fence. The con- tract was awarded to Thomas Harding, of Lafayette.
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