History of Cass county, Michigan, Part 63

Author: Waterman, Watkins & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Waterman, Watkins & co.
Number of Pages: 670

USA > Michigan > Cass County > History of Cass county, Michigan > Part 63

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GEORGE NEWTON.

HON. GEORGE NEWTON.

Prominent among those who settled in Volinia in a very early day and endured the hardships of pio- neer life is Hon. George Newton, who is of English extraction, his father. Col. James Newton, who was born in England in 1477, coming to this country while a youth. Col. James Newton resided succes- sively in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio, to which latter State he removed in 1804, and settled on Seven Mile Creek, about forty miles north of Cincinnati. Mr. Newton, who died in Volinia September 20, 1844, acquired the title of Colonel from commanding a regiment of militia in Ohio. During the war of 1812, he served as Orderly Sergeant under Gen. Harrison. He commanded at Fort Black, north of Greenville, for a time, and afterward at Fort Meigs, his term of service expiring a few days before the battle of Mackinac. After coming to Cass County, he became prominently engaged in political affairs, and was a member of the convention that framed the State Constitution, and was also a member of the House of Representatives for this and Van Buren Counties in the winters of 1837-38 and 1838-39. He was commissioned as a Judge by Gov. Mason, but never accepted.

One-half century has passed away, as will be seen by the history of Volinia, since Hon. George Newton, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 10.

MRS. GEORGE NEWTON.

1810, became a resident of this township, and he has made an impress on its physical aspect which does credit to his more than ordinary measure of energy and industry. He is numbered among the prominent and successful agriculturists of the county, and one who has honored the people with whom he has spent the major portion of his life. He has been promi- nently connected with all the matters of public inter- est in his township, and the people, recognizing his integrity and ability, have honored him with the highest offices in their gift, including Supervisor, etc., and in addition, he was selected to represent his dis- triet in the State Legislature in the legislative session of 1858-59, being elected by the Republican party, with which he affiliates, and of whose principles he is a stanch supporter.

Although not a member of any Christian church, he has always contributed liberally to the support of the Gospel, and to assist along all commendable en- terprises.

He was married, December 14, 1837, to Esther Green, daughter of the pioneer, Jesse Green, who was born March 25, 1819, and they have been blessed with two children-John M. and Mary J., both of whom reside at home. Mr. Newton and his estimable wife are now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life, honored and respected by all their acquaintances.

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

Jacob Morelan, of whom mention has been made, came to the county in 1828, and stayed in Pokagon the first winter. He died in 1854. His wife Sarah, born in 1805, deceased December 24, 1881. They were the parents of thirteen children, only two of whom died in childhood.

Jacob Charles was one of the first settlers, coming to the township in 1829, and built his house in some hazel } shes. It was constructed in the most primitive mann of rails and logs, and it was so small that some of h' neighbors, who went to visit him one Sunday, starcied for it in vain. He entered land in Sec- tion 3.

In 1830, Jacob Morelan, D. Morris and Jacob Charles went to Niles for their winter supplies, and on their way back stopped with Col. Joseph Gardner, of Pokagon, and in the morning found the ground covered with snow and the snow still descending. It continued to snow for several days, interspersed with rain, which formed a thick crust, and when it ceased the snow was three feet deep and it was found impos- sible to get along with their loads, and, so fastening to their oxen as much meal as they could, the long, labo- rious undertaking of breaking the crust was under- gone and home at last reached, but not until spring did they obtain their supplies, the winter was so severe, owing to the fall of snow. The family of Mr. Gard were provided thirty pounds of wheat flour, which was carefully saved for sickness, while they pounded corn in a kettle and sifted it by hand for the family use, as did the others who fared no better.

John Curry came from Indiana in 1830, and located land in Section 11, now owned by B. Hathaway. Six years later, he disposed of the same and went to Iowa. This same season, William Tietsort came from Butler County, Ohio, and in 1832 located forty acres in Section 18. He died in 1840, in his eighty-sixth year, and none of the family now remain here.

Josephus Gard was born in Morris County, N. J., August 24, 1774. They then moved to. Ohio and from there he removed to Union County, Ind., and in 1831 to Volinia, and located on the farm now owned by Loomis H. Warner, and in a few years sold out and removed to Berrien County, where he did in 1840. He was the father of Jonathan Gard, and therefore the progenitor of this family, who have ever borne . an important part in the history of this township.

In these early days, friction matches were unknown, and if one got out of fire, which was seldom, for the huge fireplaces were the receptacles of immense logs of wood, they usually sent their children to the neigh- bors for some as the most expeditious method of ob- taining it. Reuben F. Gard was sent on such an errand one frosty morning to the house of George

Newton, and when there remarked that he saw an im- mense cat, crouched on a tree that leaned over the path he passed along. A panther at once suggested itself, and a search showed where the monster had killed a colt belonging to D. C. Squires, and sucked its blood. It was a narrow escape.

Reuben Hinshaw can be counted among the old pioneers who endured the privations incident to the settling of a new country, as he moved with his parents from Preble County, Ohio, to Young's Prairie in 1829-30, and in 1841 the land in Section 36 he had purchased of Government five years previous, and where his death occurred in 1877,

In 1836, George Newton was out of health, and in conformity to instructions from his physicians for horseback exercise, made detours over the country, following Indian trails and water-courses wherever his fancy might dictate, and it was on one of these excur- sions that he found the land Mr. Hinshaw located, on which was a clearing of four or five acres made by the Indians. Mr. Hinshaw had by his first wife, Mary (Newton), four children, only two of whom survive- Mrs. Phobe Crego and Emily Hinshaw. After his first wife's death, he married Mrs. Hannah White, who now lives at Wakely.

In September, 1830, Col. James Newton came from Preble County, Ohio, accompanied by his son-in-law, Jacob H. Zimmerman, on a prospecting tour, and were so favorably impressed with the country that the spring following, his son, Hon. George Newton, his sister Ann and J. H. Zimmerman started April 6, 1831, for the Western Elysium, and the difficulties on their journey here are but what nearly all encountered who came in the spring or fall when the water was high. Arriving at the Stillwater River, all perishable goods were placed on top of the load, lashed down, and the three yoke of oxen started across with Mr. Newton as driver, and when beyond his depth, he caught hold of the ox yoke, mounted the nigh steer, and rode across with all the dignity the novel situation would admit of. The third night, they encamped on the battle- ground of Fort Recovery, and inspected the graves of the fallen brave, which were marked by posts that the Indians had severely hacked with their tomahawks. The Wabash River was crossed in a pirogue, while the wagon was taken to pieces, and it and the household goods, etc., taken across in parcels as the size of the pirogue would admit of; other streams were crossed in the same manner, or forded, as the nature of the case admitted. A sucking colt was taken into the pirouge and held down by force while crossing; the dam swimming beside it. Elkhart, Ind., as seen at this time, consisted of one log cabin just completed. Having overcome all obstacles, they reached the

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HISTORY OF -CASS COUNTY. MICHIGAN.

Christiana Creek, which was followed up until the school section was reache l, and here they halted near what is now Jamestown or Penn, when they raised a crop of corn and oats. The first person Mr. Newton met in his new home was J. Rinehart, Sr., who informed him that he would be called upon in a few days to work on the road from J. E. Bonine's to Vandalia. In August, they returned to Ohio to get the remainder of their effects, and came back accompanied by Col. James Newton and wife, and the family of Zimmer- man. They spent the winter in Penn, and in the spring moved on to the farm now owned by Mr. Newton in this township, and to which they cut the first road through the thick wood ; once their wagon became so jammed in between two trees that it could not be extricated, which necessitated cutting one tree down. They occupied the temporarily deserted wig- wam of Chief Weesaw until their house was com- pleted, which was constructed of hewn logs in the shape of the letter L, contained three rooms, and was undoubtedly the best house of the kind erected in the county, and it would doubtless have endured until this time but for its accidental destruction by fire. Newton and Zimmerman started early one morning for La Grange after boards to be used as flooring in the house, leaving Ann Newton the sole occupant of the partially constructed building, which had neither doors, floor or roof. They had not been gone long before a large drove of ferocious wolves, attracted by the savory smell of the morning meal, put in an appearance, howl- ing in a frightful manner. Miss Newton climbed upon the logs. where the ravenous animals endeavored to reach her by jumping up, at the same time showing their teeth and growling most savagely ; none can tell what her fate might have been had it not have been for the faithful watch dog left behind, who seemed possessed with the knowledge that he was the sole protector of the defenseless, for he attacked them with all the ferocity of the canine breed, and fought so val- iantly that they were after a time driven from the house, and slunk away into the woods. Although he was punished severely, one side being literally torn open, exposing his vitals, by most judicious nurs- ing he recovered. This section, now so attractive, was at this time an unbroken wilderness, there being no roads, mills, markets, and but few neighbors ; but in- dustry has accomplished wonders, for this section, in common with those surrounding, has been brought by patient labor to present almost irresistible attrac- tions, for fine farms, buildings and cultivated fields are seen on every side.

When John Echenberger came through from Ross County, Ohio, in 1831, his earthly possessions. aside from his wife and two children, consisted of an ancient

mare on which was strapped a feather bed, and on which his wife and children rode; two harnesses and an old shot-gun. He prevailed upon Elijah Goble to give him $65 and his note for $15, for his horse and harnesses, and with this he was enabled to start in the world by taking up some Government land.

Samuel Morris, Jr., on his arrival, made a pre-emp- tion claim in Section 11, but being unable to make the necessary payments, disposed of the same to John Shaw in 1831, for $300, and located some land in Section I, now owned by W. B. Rosewarne. He was an ingenious man, and. being unable to buy boots, went to Niles, purchased some leather, and, having whittled out a last with his jack-knife, set himself up as a gen- uine Crispin, and with remarkably good success-util- ity and durability, rather than beauty, being the chief merits of his handiwork.

Among those who played an important part in the early history of the county was John Shaw, who came from Pickaway County, Ohio, and purchased the land as given above. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace for many years, taking an active interest in the public affairs of his township and county. His decis- ions, as Justice, were sometimes at variance with the law, his motto being-equity first and law technicali- ties afterward ; and many were the neighborhood dis- putes he amicably settled, thereby curtailing his own fees. His methods were sometimes more effective tlian logical. As an illustration, he once consented to try a case for Capt. Harper in Cassopolis, who had issued warrants for the arrest of five or six parties who lived near Whitmanville, who had engaged in a fistic con- troversy over some chickens. When the case came on for trial, the Captain quietly withdrew to the court house, where he made business with the Board of Su- pervisors, of whom he was a member, that body being in session. and when he thought matters had reached an interesting status repaired there just in time to see 'Squire Shaw kicking the last contestant from the office with the remark, more forcible than elegant or relig- ious, "Go to -- with your - chicken case," and" this was the end of the affair. Two attorneys, who were trying a case before him, became very abu- sive in their language toward each other, and one ap- plied to the court for protection, but was quietly in- formed that court adjourned when they commenced maligning each other. His generosity and kindness was proverbial, and was frequently exercised against his own pecuniary interest, and this, coupled with his intemperance in later years, so impoverished him that he was obliged to part with his farm, and eventually his entire worldly possessions, so that he passed his later years in the county infirmary, where he died a sad

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

commentary on what intoxicating liquors will do for men who indulge in their free use.

Daniel C. Squire was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, ! lives, his wife dying in 1845.

and moved to Butler County, Ohio, with his parents, where he married Elizabeth Case, and in 1831 they removed with their two children, John and William, to Cassopolis, and the spring following to this township, where he had purchased a farm in Sections 18 and 19. Their log cabin was constructed when the snow was on the ground, and when it disappeared were sur- prised to find they had erected it on a huge log which projected into the solitary room. Mr. Squire drove the stakes for John Woolman when he surveyd Cass- opolis. He, in common with many others, participated in the Sauk war. He lived to see the county changed from a wilderness to fine farms, his death not occur- ring until 1873, and he was interred in the cemetery he donated to public use and in which his father, William, was buried in, in 1832, his being the first death in the township. His son, John, above referred to, now lives on Section 10, and his wife is a daughter of Jacob Morelan, who, as has been recorded, came into the township in 1829. Joel C. and his brother, Elijah Wright, came through with Mr. Squire, but did not remain long in this township, eventually going West. Richard Shaw, a native Virginian, removed to Picka- way County, Ohio, where J. S. Shaw, the eldest of six children, was born. In 1831, he moved to Penn Township, but while en route was taken sick at Fort Wayne, Ind., and before his recovery had spent the money with which he intended starting in his new home. In 1837, he removed to Volinia ; although a shoe- maker by trade, he engaged in agriculture, and used to manufacture his own plows and drags, the latter having wooden teeth, and found it necessary to prac tise the most rigid economy and industry to commence life again in a new country. His death occurred in 1874, and that of his wife, Julia A. (Saunders), in 1856. Their son, above referred to, now lives in Sec- tion 21, which farm he purchased when but thirteen acres were cleared.

David Huff was born in 1811, and raised in Butler County, Ohio. IIis father. Lewis, was killed in the Indian war at Fort Wayne, when he, David, was a babe. In 1828, he came to this State, and cleared five acres of land where Niles now stands, but forfeited this claimn, for he went home and did not return until 1832, when he located land in Wayne Township, which was exchanged for the farm he now owns in Volinia. He recalls the time when buttermilk and potatoes composed his entire menu, but these hard times have long since passed away. He participated in the Black Hawk war, but not until 1881 did he receive his pension of $160 for services

then rendered. His son, Squire Huff, now resides on the old homestead and with whom the old gentleman

Levi Lawrence was a man of genius and a nat- ural mechanic. Like most geniuses, he was a rov- ing star and never appeared quite so happy as when making or contemplating a change of business or location. Novelty was something for which he was ever seeking, and his readiness to adapt. him- self to existing circumstances was almost phenome- nal ; as a blacksmith he excelled, and made the cele- brated " Waters' Seythes, " once so famous with the farmers, which were used previous to the advent of inowing machines. While working in the United States armory at Springfield, Mass., he and his part- ner were the only men who could make swedges and dies with which to swedge out musket loeks. On the 4th of September, 1832, he reached Volinia with his family, where he contemplated farming and where, in reality, he did pursue this avocation for a time, but subsequently went to Missouri, and, returning, died in Charleston, his wife's death occurring in Cincinnati, Ohio. On their first arrival, they purchased wheat of Squire Shaw at 40 cents per bushel, which was then considered a remunerative price, and took it to Niles to get it ground, which shows the inconvenience to which early settlers were subject. The first grist-mill was erected by Harry George in 1851, and the mill- stones for the same were procured in Milwaukee, by Mr. Lawrence, who donated his time. This was such an important adjunct to the settlement that all the neighbors assisted in its erection and charged nothing for their services. L. B. Lawrence, the fifth child, Mr. Lawrence having seven children, is now one of the prominent, successful farmers of this township. Ilis fine residence, surrounded by fertile fields, is very attractive, and indieative of the financial success which has crowned his efforts.

In 1836, Joseph M. Goodspeed drove from Auburn, N. Y., with his family of seven children and house- hold effects stowed away in the huge canvas-covered wagon then so common, bringing with him some fruit trees to be planted in his Western home. After a stay of one month in Niles, he came to Volinia and was hospitably received by Alex. Copley until his log cabin was ready for occupancy. Being a frugal, in- dustrious man, he acquired a competency before his death, which occurred in 1850; his wife, Sarah B., surviving until 1877. E. C. Goodspeed, one of his sons, is a prosperous farmer in this township, while another, J. M., is engaged in merchandising in Nieh- olsville.

Richard J. Huyck came to Volinia in 1837, from Kalamazoo. His father, John, had preceded

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

him one year. He commenced merchandising in the village of Huycksville, then called, with a man named Daniels ; this business was abandoned after five years, and his attention has since been directed to farming. The village of Huycksville was laid out in 1836, and lots sold for $33, but it was not properly located for a metropolis, consequently its business declined in a few years; the stores and shops disappeared, and where the embryo village once stood can be found finely cultivated fields. Richard J. served as Town- ship Clerk for many years. John Huyck disposed of his property and removed to Marcellus, where his son, Abijah, still resides, and to the Marcellus history the reader is referred.

John Mulford moved on the farm he now occupies when in a state of nature, and by the assistance of his wife. who helped " roll many a log heap," cleared the farm on which he now resides.

When Eli W. Dixon moved on his present farm, in 1842, it presented the same appearance as when trav- ersed by the Indians. A log cabin erected by himself was first occupied, then commenced the laborious task of cutting down the monarchs of the forest and clear- ing the land ready for tilling; but this he has accom- plished, and on all sides can now be seen fine farms occupied by industrious farmers.

He served his people as Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, with ability.

Henry A. Crego, the youngest of ten children, was but two years of age when his father, R. D. Crego, moved into Newberg, in 1841. At that time, this township possessed but nineteen voters, and was, con- sequently, very new, and he grew up with the country, becoming a man whom the people chose to hold vari- ous township offices, including that of Justice of the Peace for ten years. About three years since. lie re- moved to the farm originally possessed by R. Hinshaw in Volinia, and was immediately elected Justice, which office he now holds.

Among those who came in at a later period, when roads had been to a certain extent laid out and neigh- bors become more plentiful, was Joseph Goodenough, who died in 1871, on the farm now occupied by his widow and conducted by his son, N. B. Goodenough ; also P. W. Southworth, who, when he commenced on his farm in 1854, but twenty acres had been cleared. and he dependent upon his own exertions, but success has crowned his efforts. This same year, Mr. B. G. Buell and his brother, Emmons, purchased the John Shaw farm, which farm has ever been noted for its beauty and fertility, and contains the largest orchard in the township.

A willow tree planted by Mr. Buell in 1863 has grown over two inches in diameter every year, and its

branches encircle a space of four rods in diameter, a growth that seems almost incredible.

Traces of garden beds and mounds can still be seen on this farm, and it also contains the ancient burial places of the Pottowattomies, and for many years after Mr. Shaw commenced cultivating the soil would bands of Indians make annual excursions and perform their incantations, strange religious ceremonies, dances and wierd performances, over a certain spot of ground which contained the remains of a noted chief, all the time uttering deep guttural and still plaintive sounds, as if their grief was so great as to be unbearable. Mr. Buell, who purchased his brother's interest in the farm, has ever taken an active part in everything to further the best interests of his township.

Dreams have, in all ages and countries, been be- lieved as indications of the future ; and of all forms of superstition, this is perhaps the most excusable. Whatever is mysterious as to cause, and beyond the power of will, appears as supernatural, and what more so than dreams ? Grave philosophers have written treatises on the interpretation of dreams as they did on astrology. In modern times, and among European nations, dreams are seldom heeded; still their repeti- tion and ultimate fulfillment are sometimes remark- able, as was the case with Oliver Hight, who, while a resident of Ohio, dreamed three times of com- ing West and finding a peice of land that exactly suited him. It made such a vivid impression on his mind that he disposed of his property and started West and had almost despaired of finding the coveted spot, after an extensive journey through Indiana and this State, but on seeing his present farm, in Section 4, which corresponded exactly in description to the farm as seen in his visions, he immediately purchased it and has been prosperous ever since.

Even as late as 1853, when W. J. Eaton purchased his present farm, it was a solid forest. Three years later, A. Brown came from Steuben County, N. Y., and four years later purchased the farm where he now resides.

Wm. V. Rosewarn, who was born in England, al- though coming to this township in 1853, did not clear up his farm as did many at this period, for he pur- chased in an old settled part of the same, and mar- ried Martha, daughter of Samuel Morris, the old pioneer.

Thomas Stennett left England when twenty-seven years of age, and came to Constantine, St. Joseph County, and in 1863 to this township. When reach- ing this State, he was almost penniless, but has by in- dustry acquired a competency. Mr. Stennett is a quiet man, and is deeply impressed with his religious duties, which he practices daily. Having no children,

MILTON J. GARD.

The Gard family have been identified with Volinia ever since, and even before, it had an existence as a township of Cass County, as will be seen by reference to the history of Volinia. Jonathan Gard was among the first to decide upon it as a place of habitation ; the year being 1828, when no white man claimed it as his home. Jonathan Gard, the father of the sub- jeet of this sketch, was born in New Jersey, April 6, 1799. He removed to Ohio in 1801, with his father, Josephus Gard, and settled within eight miles of Cin- cinnati, and six years later removed to Union County, Ind., when he married Elizabeth Bishop, and where Milton J. Gard was born, March 11, 1824.

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History of Cass county, Michigan, Part 63

Author: Waterman, Watkins & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Waterman, Watkins & co. Number of Pages: 670

Author: Waterman, Watkins & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Waterman, Watkins & co.
Number of Pages: 670