USA > Indiana > Steuben County > Fremont > Program and history : a souvenir of the Fremont area centennial, 1867-1967 > Part 3
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At the moment the inn keeper was full of telling about the Indian trial by old Chief Baw Beese a "tribe from up in Michigan." He would come down to the lake sometimes and camp. The inn keeper told how the man at the mill was involved by selling whiskey to the Indians and after the Indian trial the people from Ver- mont Settlement (Orland) and south of the Point (Jamestown) got together, and came down to the Mill and gave the man at the Mill his choice of getting out or else. He left the area.
The coon skin Preacher arrived at the end of this tale, and was introduced as Thomas Davidson. He told them he would accompany them as far as Mongoquinon (Howe).
The three men ascended the ladder that led to the loft under the roof to the bed chamber for the guests. There the three men found low and crude but comfortable beds. After listening for a time to the wind rattling the clapboards over head, they slept.
Awakening in the morning, an early de- parture, a wave of the hand, and the three men
headed westward thru the forest on the Vistula Road faster than the previous day. They listened to the Preacher tell of the people they had just left and times past. Thereafter they rode into the little village of Vermontville (Orland) and paused a very short time. Resuming their ride, they speculated on the future development of the country thru which they were traveling.
It was nearing the middle of the day when they rode into the settlement of Mongoquinon (Howe). They found a cluster of log houses built in close proximity to a mill. Not far from the mill stood the one store and trading post, also built of logs. The village had been the site of an Indian Town of considerable importance. There was a large clearing to the east, but on the west the forest came up to the cabins. Some large oak trees stood in the open space near the cabins.
Dismounting, the men watered their horses at the stream that ran alongside the clearing, bought hay for their horses, and were directed to one of the cabins for food for themselves. After delaying their departure for an hour longer so that their horses could have ample time to eat, the two men bade good bye to the Preacher. They had barely penetrated the forest again, when the settlement was lost from view -they rode westward on the Vistula Road.
One more night camp in the woods, and the next day they arrived at the tavern in Elkhart. They did not wish to cross the Kankakee marsh- land nor go into the village of Chicago, so there they left the Vistula Road. On to Logansport and LaFayette and then into Springfield, Illi- nois, looking for their land, which had been surveyed by a man named Abraham Lincoln.
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POKAGON STATE PARK
Compiled by Ruby Hershey
Interest in a State Park System in Indiana began some years ago and in 1917 this interest and system began to take form with the pur- chase of McCormicks Creek Canyon State Park. This was followed by Turkey Run State Park, Muscatatuck Park, Clifty Falls State Park.
With the obvious trend of things, it was only a matter of time before the citizens of Steuben County began to see that the beauty of their little part of the world was an asset no longer to be neglected. Why shouldn't the State Park System be represented here?
Desirable sites with the required area for a park were not easily found, though by one of those chances that seem providential, there was then on the market a tract of 580 acres lying along the east shore of Lake James, owned by the heirs of the late Adam Failing.
In the early 1840's, Thomas Failing, born in Ohio in 1796, with his family of 5 children, in- cluding son Adam, came to the vicinity of LaPorte, Ind. looking for land. Finding nothing suitable in way of timber and water, he came eastward to Steuben County. Arriving here with $400.00 and finding plenty of water and great stands of white wood (tulip) trees, began buying land on "The Narrows" a strip of land on Lake James.
As time went on, he and son Adam bought land on all sides, both small and large holdings, such as the Chadwick place, the Wheaton place, et al, and by 1870 they owned approximately 700 acres. Thomas Failing died in 1883 and son Adam became the owner. 160 acres, which was later known as the Eckert Farm, was taken over
by a widowed sister of Adam; this sister was the grandmother of Paul E. Dygert who pres- ently resides west of Fremont. Much of the in- formation concerning the Failing family was supplied by Mr. and Mrs. Dygert.
October 8, 1924 an open meeting of the Steuben County Chamber of Commerce was held and addressed by Richard Lieber, director of Dept. of Conservation. The Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to put on a drive to raise funds to purchase a tract of land as a state park. The Failing farm was chosen as the most desirable, and an option on it was secured at $35,000.00. During the campaign for funds, it was suggested that a better way would be for the County to buy the tract and pay for it from County funds. The aid of the Legislature, Jan. 1925, was invoked to secure such legislation as was necessary to enable a county purchase of land for such purpose.
As soon as the law became effective, the County Commissioners purchased the tract, a deed for the land was received from Ernest Waters, and it was given by the County Com- missioners, in the name of the people of Steuben County to the State of Indiana as a Christmas gift during the holiday week of 1925.
On July 17, 1926, the property was formal- ly transferred to the state with appropriate dedi- catory exercises, the presentation made by Hon. Maurice McClew of Angola, to Gov. Ed Jack- son, representing the state. From the governor, Richard Lieber, director Dept. of Conservation, received the custody of the park in the name of that department.
March 17, 1926, the Indiana Department of Conservation purchased from Latta F. Hershey 80 acres of land in Jamestown Town-
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ship, this tract of land holding in its heart a beautiful small lake so hidden in its wild en- vironment it might easily be undiscovered if one was not directed to it. This lake then known as Failing Lake is now Lake Lonidaw, in memory of the Indian bride of Chief Pokagon. Also pur- chased were 28 acres in Pleasant Township of John W. Orndorf, making a total of approxi- mately 707 acres in the park.
The Steuben County Commissioners at this time were Dorsey Reese, Chas. S. Shutts and Hugh L. Gilbert. The state officials were Gov. Ed Jackson, Col. Richard Lieber, Director De- partment Conservation, Capt. Sauers, ass't.
The park was given the official title of Pokagon State Park, in honor of Simon Poka- gon; a lasting memorial to the Red Man and to an educated Indian chief who lived out his life in Allegan County, Michigan.
Announcement was made that hotel service was to be offered and camp sites provided. In April, 1926, Col. Lieber announced the Park hotel would be ready for occupancy in the spring of 1927; would be built in two units each costing $3500.00 - would be constructed of tile from the state penal farm, stucco, and tim- ber cut from the park property. The hotel would be named Potawatomi Inn, to honor the last Indian tribe in possession of our country.
Mr. and Mrs. Werner Janku were the first lessees - the first public dinner was served May 27 and the formal dedication took place June 19, 1927. The Inn stands on a knoll on the north shore of the first basin, commanding a beautiful view.
During the 1930'c a CCC Camp was main- tained on the premises and many of the first shelter houses and camp grounds were built by their efforts. A CCC reunion is held each year, many of the returnees now being fathers or grandfathers.
The first Superintendent was Jacob Bergman in 1930. Mr. Bergman built more than one mile of 8 ft. fence enclosing over 40 acres of land in the north part of the Park for corrals for wild animals.
Supt. Bergman died in 1930 as a result of injuries suffered in an encouter with an infuri- ated buck deer in this corral. Mr. John Diggs, Supt. of the State Park System was very pain- fully injured at the same time.
Pokagon has had several Superintendents, among them Russell Sprague 1934-1945, R. Ridenour 1945-1949, Russell Sprague 1949- 1953, Emory Boyd 1953-60. The present Super- intendent is Mr. Ray Fisher.
Mr. Fisher states "The present animals in- cluded 3 elk, 7 buffalo, a baby buffalo, many deer, and several births anticipated. In 1966, $1 wild turkeys were set free and several nests have been found where hatching is taking place. The eggs are obtained from Kansas and Penn- sylvania.
1967 construction is being done on a com- plete sewer system for the entire park, an addi- tion has been made to the Inn and old rooms are being remodeled.
A canal is planned from Snow Lake to near camp grounds, a boat basin will be maintained; it is hoped this project may be finished in about 2 years.
Recent purchases and additions to the State Park are - 65 acres from Jack Flory (old Eck- ert farm), 38 acres from Lewis B. Hershey, 137.49 acres from Mrs. Russell Sprague making a total acreage of 1173.49 acres in Pokagon State Park." (1967)
Pokagon lies 5 miles north of Angola and about 5 miles West of Fremont. Available at the Park are a public bathing beach, picnic areas, camping sites, trailer areas, miles of hik- ing trails, riding stables, wild animal pens, tennis court and many other activities of interest to the entire family.
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FREMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Christine Moreland
To get the history for this library we must go back to November 12, 1909, and find the Sorosis Club organizing in the home of Mrs. Anna Wells. It was organized as a Literary Club and its specific aims were educational. The following officers were elected at that meet- ing: Mrs. Hulda Kinsey, President; Mrs. Nellie Reed, Vice-president; Mrs. Anna Wells, Secre- tary; Mrs. Pearl Watters, Treasurer; and Miss Irene Hall, Librarian.
The members of this club were not long satisfied to confine their efforts to regular club work but decided that they should have a library established for the benefit of their members and others in the community who might be willing to support it. The ladies gave books of their own, loaned others, asked their friends to give books, gave socials and entertainments to raise money, ever striving to increase the number of books.
On the 5th of March, 1910, the Sorosis Library was opened in some rooms on the second floor in the building now occupied by the First National Bank. This library was open to the members of the Sorosis and others who paid one dollar per year to help support it. It was under- stood at that time that all books donated to the Sorosis Library were to be transferred to the Fremont Public Library whenever that was established, and thus the corner stone of the Fremont Public Library was laid.
The Community Social Service Committee,
on the 16th of August, 1919, with the co- operation of the Sorosis Club, after having studied the Public Library laws, set to work to comply with the laws and secure the legal estab- lishment of the Fremont Public Library and the extension of its advantages into Fremont Township and its adjoining townships.
The members of the Library Board were legally appointed and met on the 11th of Sep- tember, 1919, and after adopting a complete set of by-laws, elected the following officers and committees:
The officers as elected were: Sidney Young, President; Dr. Robert L. Wade, Vice-president; Lynn C. Bisbee, Secretary.
The Sorosis Club continued to work regular- ly, missing no opportunity to further the in- terests of the library, and true to their agree- ment with the public, on September 16, 1919, donated their Sorosis Club Library consisting of over 700 bound volumes besides pamphlets, bulletins and equipment to the Fremont Public Library, appointing their former librarian, Miss Irene Hall, to make the presentation speech which she did in a very acceptable manner, in- cluding in her speech a history of the Sorosis Library. The library was formally accepted by the Library Board.
The members and trustees of the First Con- gregational Church of Fremont, Indiana, at that meeting offered, upon the advice of Rev.
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John Humfreys, of Angola, Indiana, President of the Missionary Society of the Congregational Church for Indiana, to sell their land and church building to the Library Board. The mat- ter was referred to the building committee at that meeting. The building committee reported favorably at the next meeting and at the next regular meeting the Library Board voted in favor of accepting the offer and buying the building. The finance committee immediately set to work to raise a fund to buy and remodel the building, secure a Balopticon, and furnish funds until the tax levies can carry the expenses of buying additional equipment, additional books, periodicals and magazines and establish- ing and maintaining the library in such a way that it will be intellectual and moral uplift in the entire community.
Since its establishment the people of the community have loaned a number of collections of books and magazines, donated days of time to its upkeep, and left no stone unturned to show their appreciation of the library and the donations, loans, and work of the members of the Sorosis and Library Board and friends.
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Railroad Crew Working In Fremont Area
Dr. F. W. Reichelderfer Chief Weatherman
Dr. F. W. Reichelderfer, who recently retir- ed as Chief of the United States Weather Bur- eau, lived in Fremont and attended school dur- ing six years of his early boyhood. His father, the Rev. F. A. Reichelderfer served as minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church 1902-1908.
After graduating from Northwestern Uni- versity in 1917, he did post-graduate work at Harvard University in Meteorology. In 1919, as Ensign in the Navy, he was sent to Lisbon, Portugal, to provide weather information for naval aircraft making the first transatlantic flight.
Dr. Reichelderfer has served the United States for 45 years. He has distinguished him- self as a Naval Officer, attaining the rank of Commander before resigning to become Chief of the Weather Bureau for 24 years. He has been a pioneer in the growth of Meteorology and led the Weather Bureau into the satellite area. Better forecasting and warnings have been pro- vided by the launching of the Tiros satellites in 1960. As a leader in scientific affairs he was active in plans and negotiations that led to the creation of the World Meteorological Organiza- tion. He was chosen as their first president and served from 1951-1955. At the present time he is acting consultant for that organization.
He lives with wife, the former Beatrice Hoyle of Bristol, R. I. in Washington, D.C. They have one son, Bruce Allen, of Bethesda, Maryland.
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JAMESTOWN -- LAND OF LAKES
While Fremont was experimenting with a name for its community 8 miles to the west on the Vistula Road, another group of hardy people were establishing Jamestown-more affection- ately known as Jimtown. Its township contains 24 square miles or 15,500 acres of land. Two thousand of these acres are covered by water. Several lakes beautify this area, the largest being Lake James. The top of this township borders the state of Michigan.
As Jeremiah Tillotson and John McMahon had started to settle Fremont, so did John D. and Dennis Depue settle in Jamestown in August 1835. They were soon followed by John Wilkins and Jared Fox in September, 1835.
The first land entry was made by Albert Ansley May 1835 and Barton Collins entered his land July 1835. Barton built the first log house between Orland and Bear Creek.
There were only three white families living in Jamestown in 1836 - the John Knott's, the Thomas Knott's and the John Bells. This was the winter in which John Knotts built the first saw-mill on the outlet of Lake George. Evident- ly this enterprise was successful because he soon built a grist-mill at the same location.
School was one of the first institutions to be devised and the classes were held in Ezekial Brown's house. Fidellia Tillotson was the first teacher. She received 1.25 per week for her
CAMPO TOWNSCHOOL
The Old Jamestown School
efforts. The pay was raised by subscription and a tuition fee was charged each child who attended the school.
Religion, which played so great a part in the pioneer's life, was conducted in the settlers homes until suitable buildings could be erected. (see photo) Elder Staley has the honor of being the first to minister to these people. Martin Tillotson and Minerva Mallory were the first couple to be married in the township.
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Lake George Taken from the Dam
Dennis Depue must have been an expert gardener as someone remembered to mention in the records that he put out the first garden.
Catherine Depue was the first white child born in Jamestown Township.
By 1853, other settlers had arrived, so Simeon Gilbert and Joseph Hutchinson laid out the plat for the village of Jamestown. Like Fre- mont, Jamestown changed its name, from Eagleville to Jamestown . The post office was named Crooked Creek because there was another Jamestown in Indiana.
William Bliss must have been an extra ordinary man among the first inhabitants. He was the first postmaster and in addition to this he was the contractor for the first mail route. He supervised the mail delivery for many years. The mail was carried on horse back once a week, each way, east and west. The route was along the Vistula between Van Buren in La- Grange County and Toledo, Ohio and also in- cluded Lima (Howe) and Brockville (Fre- mont).
For a number of years the community thrived and in 1853 a bank was established with John Rutton as its first cashier. Soon a store, run by a Mr. Carpenter, and a hotel run by George Hershey appeared. The settlers were fortunate to have a doctor, Dr. Waterhouse to help them. A root and herb doctor, John Wil- kinson, had preceded him.
A stage line, operating from Coldwater, Michigan to Auburn, Indiana, started in the same year, so they were no longer isolated from the north and south. Sealy and Fox were the contractors for this transporation which later extended to Fort Wayne.
Records show that the familiar cemetery must have been platted before 1841 as William Simons was buried there that year. (the first grave)
Land, at this time, could be purchased for $1.25 per acre. Wheat was 50 cents per bu. and was usually sold at Adrian, Michigan.
From this band of 100 inhabitants the pop- ulation grew until in 1870 there were 779
JAMES-TOWN 1909
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The Mill at Jamestown
people. A decline started in 1880 with a loss of 67 persons.
In 1880 the assessed land value was $101,225. The value of improvements was $36,660. Per- sonal property was valued at $37,835, making a total assessed value of $175,720.
Today, as you walk and drive around James- town territory, see beautiful lakes George and James won't you pause a moment to recall how it was 100 years ago?
Lt. Lee Stanley Cassel
Dr. Lee Stanley Cassel, was born in Fremont Oct. 23, 1889; he was instantly killed on No- vember 4, 1918, a week before the Armistice was signed. Dr. Cassel was tending the wounded in an Aid Tent in Englefontaine, France when he was killed. The American Legion Post in Fremont was named in his memory.
Lt. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey
Lt. General Lewis Blaine Hershey, younger son of Latta F. and Rosetta Richardson Hershey was born in Steuben Co. in 1893. He enlisted in the Indiana National Guard in 1911 as a private and entered the Regular Army as a Captain in 1920.
Gen. Hershey became associated with the Selective Service in 1936 and served as Secretary and Executive Officer of the joint Army and Navy Selective Service Committee. In 1941 he was appointed by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt as Director of the system. He received his present rank in 1956.
Gen. Hershey is a trustee of Tri-State col- lege and holds the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the following colleges: Tri-State College, Ohio State University, Oglethorpe Uni- versity, Albright College, LaFayette College, Columbia University, Norwich University and Indiana University.
He has received many decorations and awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal (Army), Distinguished Service Medal (Navy), top honors from the American Legion, National Guard Association, Regular Veterans Association of the United States, a special award from the Freedoms Foundation, and many other honors. He has been very active in civic affairs, including Boy Scouts and Red Cross.
He is married to the former Ellen Dygert, of Angola and is the father of four children- Gilbert, George, Kathryn, and Ellen Margaret. He has twelve grandchildren.
Gen. and Mrs. Hershey reside in Bethesda, Maryland.
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HISTORY OF THE FREMONT
EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH
The year was 1858. National interest was focused on the Lincoln-Douglas debate and the laying of the first Atlantic cable. Population was shifting westward bringing to this com- munity from Dauphin County, Pa., a family whose interests included religion and Christian fellowship.
In 1856 the Frederick Straw family came to this area from Pennsylvania where they were members of the Evangelical Association. During the same year Rev. M. Alspach and F. Shively who were serving the DeKalb Mission, and through their efforts established a class known as East Fremont. For fifteen years or more the services were held in the home of Frederick Straw who with the members of his family were the charter members of the organization at Fremont.
The first church building was one purchased from the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1874. Later a new church was built in 1899. It was located just south of the old building.
At General Conference in 1922, the merger between the Evangelical Association and the United Evangelical Church took place and the name The Evangelical Church was adopted. 1946 brought the merging of The Evangelical Church with the Church of the United Breth- ren in Christ. Thus our Church became a part of the denomination known as The Evangelical United Brethren.
The old church was sold for $97.00 in 1900, and construction was started on a new church. And on January 14, it was officially dedicated. It was reported that the other churches in town held no services that day in order to attend the dedication services at the Evangelical Church. During this year also, the parsonage was pur- chased and the Church given an exterior coat of paint.
Since then many improvements have been made. Enlargement of the church basement, new kitchen and rest rooms and enlargement of the dining room, chapel and foyer redecorated are among the many improvements.
The membership at Fremont has fluctuated over the years, as church memberships do, the present membership approaching the all time high in the year 1900. We have a progressive Church School, W.S.M.S., and Youth Fellow- ship.
Rev. and Mrs. Jason Hollopeter are now sta- tioned at Fremont, Rev. Jason Hollopeter serv- ing the Fremont and Stokes Chapel churches and Mrs. Hollopeter the East Gilead and Bethel churches.
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AREA CHURCHES
Clear Lake Baptist Church
CLEAR LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
The original Baptist Church of Clear Lake, Ind., was first organized Aug. 13, 1864 when a group of people met at a brick schoolhouse which was located where the church parsonage now stands. At that time it was known as the Regular Baptist Church.
The articles of faith were very strict and it was required of the members that they adhere very closely to these promises of pledges.
In the fall of 1871 the members decided to build a church and a parcel of land 10x20 rods
was purchased for $20.00. The church was erected by Strunk Bros., of Montgomery, Mich. for the price of $1800.00.
By 1930 many of the members had passed away, some had moved away and others had become disinterested so it seemed wise to dis- band. For five years the doors were closed and then four interested men of the community reorganized the church. These men were Geo- Straw, Chas. Waltz, John Huffman and E. C. Hobart. In 1948, F. C. Lowery of Chicago, Ill. made a substantial contribution in memory of his wife, Eva Phillips Lowery who had attended services at this church in her younger years. The money was used to erect a parsonage on the spot where the brick schoolhouse had stood, this land having been donated by Dr. and Mrs. O. T. Laird.
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