Cass County, Indiana - The whole text, 1878 (part 3 of 6)

As early as the Summer of 1875, the question of organizing an institu¬ tion for the purpose of better providing for the wants of that class of unfor¬ tunates who are left without estate or the means of support by the death or indigence of parents was quite extensively canvassed among the charitably disposed of our citizens. About that time, a few of the warm hearted Chris¬ tian ladies of our city undertook the task of supplying the apparent demand. The movement met with the emphatic approval of the entire community, and its immediate demands seconded by the contributions awarded for that purpose. Central among those who operated with devoted effort to that end was Mrs. Minnie Griffith, of this city. She gave form to the enterprise by taking charge of the temporary organization in person, devoting her time and energies, and providing a suitable building for the practical demonstra¬ tion of the cherished idea.

For two years, the experiment was tested by the measure of experience and its* utility fully assured, notwithstanding there were many discourage¬ ments encountered and overcome with a spirit that ensures certainty in the attainment of any desired end.

With these results in view and the magitude of the work duly weighed, at a meeting of the Board of Managers, held on Wednesday, the 2d day of January, 1878, to consider the propriety of re-organization, a large attend¬ ance of the friends of the Association being present, giving sanction to the proceedings fraught with such momentous interest to the well-being of the Society.

The result of the management, as developed in the second annual report, " showed that during the year it had twenty-nine children under its care, and, as opportunity had afforded good homes had been provided for some, while others were returned to their mothers, who thought they were able to care for them, leaving in the asylum, at present, nineteen inmates, twelve of whom are attending school. Of the whole number enrolled at this date, only three remain who were there when the last annual report was rendered."

On the 1st of February following the re-erganization was perfected, under the corporate name of "The Orphans' Home Association." The range and scope of the organization is fully set forth in the articles of the Association, as follows:

" We, the undersigned, residents of the City of Logansport, in Cass County, in the State of Indiana, do hereby associate ourselves for the pur¬ pose of organizing and maintaining a benevolent or charitable association for the care, support, discipline and education of orphan and poor children within Cass County, Indiana, and to establish and maintain a 'home' for furtherance of the aforesaid object of said Association.

" Any one may become a member of this Association by subscribing to its articles and paying the sum of $8 annually toward its support. Membership is lost by failure to pay Baid sum of $8 annually. There shall be each year, and on the first Wednesday of January of each year, twelve Directors elected, in whom shall be reposed the care and management of the affairs of the Association and of its property and finance. These Directors shall have no authority to borrow money on the credit of the Association or to pledge its property by mortgage or otherwise for the payment of money ; but, in other respects, shall have full power to contract for and transact the business of the Association.

The Board of Directors consists of Mrs. D. D. Dykeman, Mrs. A. H. Barnett, Mrs. William H. Johnson, Mrs. H. A. Bartlett, Mrs. A. w. Ullery, Mrs. E. S. Rice and Mrs. D. W. Tomlinson.

Father Mathew T. A. & B. Society

Among the numerous organizations that have been formed in this com¬ munity, designed to promote the cause of temperance, none have operated in a more extensive field, and none have wrought a mightier change for good in the sphere of its operations, than the Father Mathew Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society. While others have risen and flourished for a time and then died away, for the want of an interest sufficiently vitalizing to keep it alive, this society, after an existence of nearly eight years, still moves forward, conquering and to conquer, as if its mission were but just com¬ menced.

This society was organized on the 9th of November, 1870, under the in¬ spiration of the following motto : " Shield us from the evils of Intemper¬

The purposes set forth in the preamble to the regulations adopted for its government are the following: "To form a more perfect organization to facilitate the transaction of business, to insure concord and harmouy, pro¬ mote the cause of Temperance, encourage benevolence, provide for the com¬ mon wants of the brotherhood, and secure all the blessings this fraternity can afford."

Divine assistance, to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, and prevent as much as possible, by advioe and example, intemperance in others."

Our Military Experiences

Although many of the early settlers of Cass County had participated in warlike conflicts with Indians and with the marshaled hosts of civilized nations they cannot, with propriety, be designated as a people trained in the arts of war. While this is true, it is nevertheless a fact, that always, whenever occa¬ sion demanded and a call was made requiring soldiers for the defense of our firesides, or the protection of our more distant borders, even for the main¬ tenance of the right of the State and in support of the General Government in enforcing obedience to law; for suppressing rebellion against the authority of the nation, the inborn disposition of our people to defend the right and chastise the wrong has always predominated, inciting them to take up arms to support the one and oppose the other.

Aside from individual experiences, no demands upon them to take up arms and march toward prospective battle fields in martial array had been made upon them, until the numerous invasions of our territory by Black Hawk and his followers, in May, 1882. At that period, when the prospects were favorable for a visit from the warlike chief, as by common impulse, the people rose and prepared to dispute his right to come with the fire-brand and scalping knife to deprive us of our homes and sacrifice our " household gods " to the blighting touch of savage cruelty. From this county and the settlements adjacent, there were few who manifested a disposition to enter the ranks and take part in the expedition, owing to the sparseness of the settlements, preferring, rather, to remain and protect the settlements from invasion. The expedition, however, was without other results than a sum¬ mary chastisement of the leading spirits, on the banks of the Mississippi, nearly opposite the upper Iowa, on the 2d of August, 1832.

In 1835, while the construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal was in progress, two parties of the Irish laborers, known as Fardowns and Corkonians, engaged on that work, having brought with them from the " ould counthry " their ancient feuds, came in collision near La Gro, Wabash County, threatening the demolition of each other and general devastation along the line of work. This riot made the interposition of the military power of the State necessary for its suppression. On the Governor's call, Gen. John Tipton was put in chief command, and Capt. Spear S. Tipton, with a company of militia from this county, led for the scene of action and participated in the restoration of quiet and order.

Again, at the time of the Pottawatomie payment, in September, 1836, a difficulty arose in reference to the distribution of the moneys to be paid out to them for lands purchased and for annuities. Owing to the character of the parties engaged and the apparent cause for a serious collision, the Indian Agent, Col. Pepper, as a means of preserving quiet and suppressing disorder, called out the Peru Grays, under the command of Capt. A. M. Higgins, and the Loganpport Dragoons, commanded by Capt. G. N. Fitch. The timely arrival of these warlike auxiliaries had a tendency to still the troubled waters and to induce a spirit of conciliation and compromise which resulted in an amicable adjustment of 'he grievances, without bloodshed.

Mexican War

Upon the declaration of war by the United States in June, 1846, and a call for volunteers by the Governor of the State of Indiana, Cass County was the first to respond with a full company, under the command of Capt. Spear S. Tipton. For a graphic history of this company and its exploits, the reader is referred to the following, slightly condensed, from the pen of Corporal McFadin, to whose painstaking care our people are indebted for the preservation of many interesting incidents connected with the expedi¬ tion - its departure, military service and return home with the trophies of war :

"The 8th of June, 1846, will long be remembered as an eventful day in the history of Cass County in general, and Logansport in particular. On that day, it had been announced, the boys were to leave for the seat of war. The town was full of people from all parts of the county to witness the de¬ parture, many having relatives and friends in the company, which consisted of ninety-two men, not one of whom, except Capt. Spear S. Tipton, was mar¬ ried. The Paptain left us at New Albany, having received a Lieutenant's commission in the Regular Army, thus leaving the company without a mar¬ ried man in it, which could hardly be said of any other company in that war.

"Before the departure of the company, the ladies of Loganport presented it with an elegant flag, prepard by their hands, as a memento of the good opinion entertained and an inducement to deeds of valor on the battle field. With many fond adieus and hopes expressed for our safe return, we took transportation to Indianapolis, over the Michigan road, in thirty wagons, no railroads at that time having been built in this part of the State.

"Arriving at the capital, we were quartered at the Palmer House, the principal hotel of the city, Capt. Cyrus Vigus acting as Quartermaster and Commissary. It was yet thirty miles to the railroad, at Edinburgh, on the Madison & Indianapolis Road, to which place we had the same kind of transportation, but thence to Madison by rail. We passed down the inclined plane of the Madison hill, at an angle of forty-five degrees, in open box cars, with such velocity that some thought the middle of the Ohio River would be our destination. However, we rounded the curve all right, and proceeded thenoe to New Albany, the place of rendezvous of the Indiana troops.

The following is a list of the officers and men as they were mustered into the service of the United States, by Capt. Churchill, U. S. Army, at New Albany, on the 19th day of June, 1846 :

" There were three regiments, the First, Second and Third, formed at New Albany. Our company was placed in the First, Col. James P. Drake ; Lieut.

Col. C. C. Nave ; Maj. Henry S. Lane. We left New Albany in about two weeks, taking transportation on the steamer Cincinnati, for New Orleans. On arriving at that place, we went into camp on the ' Old Battle Ground,' and three days later, shipped on board the schooner Sophia Walker, for passage across the Gulf, landing, after a rough voyage of four days, on the Brazos Santiago, a low, sandy island. Here there was no vegetation of any kind, with nothing better to drink than brackish water.

" We remained here but a short time, and then moved to the mouth of Rio Grande River, where the regiment was stationed for some time. Through the interposition of officers, the regiment was ordered to the front at Mon¬ terey and Saltillo. But, owing to some misunderstanding about the matter, after passing through Camargo, Mier, Ciralvo, and traveling nearly one hun¬ dred miles over a rough, mountainous country, we were met, at a place called the Burnt Ranche, with orders fYom Gen. Taylor, directing us back to Matamoras and the mouth of the Rio Grande, and retraced our steps accordingly, but with heavy hearts.

" When less than four months of our term of enlistment remained, we were once more ordered to Monterey, going by steamboat to Camargo, and thence, by land, to Mier, Ciralvo, Burnt Rancbe (where we were turned back before), thence to Ramas, Marine and Walnut Springs, within five miles of Monterey, where we met Gen. Taylor and his command. We remained here until our time had almost expired, and were then ordered home.

" During our stay at this place, we enjoyed some opportunity for hasty inspection of the surrounding country. The place itself is beautiful, with large springs, and in the immediate vicinity, groves of fine trees, chief among which were the English walnut and live oak. In sight of our camp, also, was the ' Camancbe Saddle,' as it was called, being a mountain nearly two and a half miles high, the space between the two principal spurs of which, in the distance, resembles a saddle.

" Leaving this place, we took up our line of march for Camargo, where we took steamboat to the mouth of the river, marching, thence, overland to Brazos Island, where we took shipping in the Desdemonia for the mouth of the Mississippi and New Orleans, at which latter place we were mustered out of service on the 15th day of Jnne, 1847. From New Orleans we took passage, by singular coincidence, on the steamer Cincinnati - the same that originally brought us here - on our return trip to the Queen City of the West. From Cincinnati we were transported, by canal, to Ixtgansport. Our return home was greeted by the people turning out en masse, a sumptuous dinner served in the Court House and winding up with a grand ball at - night."

The company, as mustered in, contained ninety-two men. When mus¬ tered out, it contained fifty-seven men, thirty-one having been discharged on account of ill health, three died in Mexico - Wm. B. Buchanan, Dyer Barrett and Caleb B. Hopkinson.

Of the number mustered into service, forty-two only are now living, the remaining fifty having passed away. Twenty of them now reside in this county, the largest number in any one county, perhaps, in the State, as they are probably, the only company holding annual re-unions commemorative of their departure to the seat of war on the 8th of June, 1846.

The Late Rebellion

Scarcely had it been announced that Fort Sumter had been fired upon before the spirit of war commanded the thoughts and actions of our people.

of the part taken by eur soldiers in the various encounters that mark the progress of the war, presents a record as creditable, perhaps, as that of any other county in Indiana, if, indeed, it is not equal to that of any other in the nation. As an evidence of the promptness that characterized the move¬ ments of our people upon call for their services, it is officially stated that Cass County furnished a company of the original Ninth regiment of Indiana Vol¬ unteers. the first that left the State for service in West Virginia. On the 15th of April, 1861, the first call for troops was made by the President. The following day, the first commission was issued to Robert H. Milroy, as Captain of Company G. Six days later. Dudley H. Chase was commissioned Captain of Compa- y K, of the same regiment, who reported at once for duty and was mustered into service on the tenth day after the issue of the call for volunteers.

The regiment left for the seat of war, departing from Indianapolis on the 29th of May, and three days later was in active service, participating in an engagement at Philippi, on the 3d of June. These were ninety days men, but during this short period they exhibited fighting qualities worthy the cause that called them forth. Capt. Chase, after serving during the period of his enlistment, immediately re-entered service in the Seventeenth U. S. Infantry, where lie won for himself a most honorable record

Immediately upon the call of May 3, 1861, for three years men. enlist¬ ments began to be made in this county. So rapidly were enrollments made that another company was formed, which afterward became Company F, of the Tweutieth Regiment. When this regiment was organized, William L. Brown, of this county, was elected Colonel, and Benjamin H. Smith, Major, their commissions bearing date July 23, 1861. Company F of this regiment had for its superior officers, John Kistler, of Carroll County, Captain ; Thomas H. Logan, First and Ed. C. Sutherland, Second Lieutenant, both of Cass County. On the 15th of November 1862, T. II. Logan became Captain, when Ed. C Sutherland was promoted to the First Lieutennntcy and Harvey H. Miller, also of this county, to the Second. Jonathan C. Kirk was com¬ missioned as Second Lieutenant on the 1st of 4ugust, 1864, and subsequently promoted to the First Lieutenantcy, on the re-organization of the regiment.

The Twentieth Regiment made a record for itself in the history of the war that will not soon be obliterated, suffering, perhapB more severely in the loss of officers and men killed and disabled, than any other regiment of the State.- Col. Brown was killed on Manasses Plains, August 29, 1862, and history ascribes to him the credit of being a brave man, a judicious officer and a rigid disciplinarian. In this and subsequent battles in which the Twentieth was engaged, many of Cass County's gallant sons yielded up their lives for the country's good, while others, from the effect of wounds received and diseases incurred, came home to die. Among these was Lieut. Suther¬ land, who died on the 26th of May, 1864.

A few weeks later, the Forty-sixth Regiment was formed, the principal offi¬ cers of which were from this county, as were, also, the major part of companies B, D, I and K, and portions of F and II. The regimental officers from this county at the date of organization were Graham N. Fitch, Colonel; Newton G. Scott, Lieutenant Colonel ; Thomas H. Bringhurst, Major; Richard P. DeHart, Adjutant; D. D. Dykeman, Quartermaster; Robert Irwin, Chap¬ lain, and Horace Coleman, Surgeon. Maj. Bringhurst was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel May 25, 1862 ; to Colonel on the 6th of August, 1862. Capt. A. M. Flory was promoted to Major, August 6, 1862; to Lieutenant Colonel, February 10, 1863. Capt. W. M. De Hart was promoted to Major, January 1, 1865. Thomas H. Howes was commissioned Quartermaster, June 16, 1863, and Wm. S. Richardson, May 28, 1866. Dr. Asa Coleman was commissioned Assistant Surgeon, May 14, 1862 ; Dr. I. B. Washburn on the 27th of December, 1862, and promoted to Principal Surgeon, October

The officers of Company B were Aaron M. Flory, from October 4, 1861, to October 16, 1862 ; Frank Swigart, from the latter date to October 12, 1864, and T. B. Forgy until the close of the war. John T. Castle, Matthew K. Graham and T. B. Forgy were successively First Lieutenants. John Arnout, Matthew K. Graham, Frank Swigart, Loren C. Stevens and M. H. Nash, were Second Lieutenants.

Of Company D, John Guthrie was Captain from October 4, 1861, to May 16, 1862; Wm. M. De Hart, ft-om the latter date to January 1, 1866; W. M. De Hart, C. A. Brownlee and A. B. Herman were successively First Lieuten¬ ants; C. A. Brownlee, A. K. Ewing and A. J. Lavenger, Second Lieutenants.

Of Company I, J. W. F. Liston was Captain fYom October 22, 1862, to November 29, 1864, and Frederick Fitch until the close of the war. J. W. F. Liston, First Lieutenant from October 1, 1861, to April 22, 1862 ; N. B. Booth, Second Lieutenant from October 4, 1861, to May 21, 1862.

This county also furnished Companies G and H of the Seventy-third Regiment, mustered into service August 16, 1862. The roster of Company G is as follows :

The Ninety-ninth Regiment was mustered into service October 31, 1862. Of this regiment Richard P. De Hart was Lieutenant Colonel from October

Company K of the Ninety nintth was chiefly composed of Cass County boys. The officers were : Capt. G. W. Julian, from May 1, 1863, to Novem¬ ber 8, 1864, and George C. Walker, from January 1, 1866, to the close of the war.

First Lieut. G. W. Julian from August 22, 1862, to May 1. 1863, when he was promoted to Captain : Geo. C. Walker, from May 1, 1863, to January 1, 1865, when he was promoted to the Captaincy, and Seldon P. Stuart to the end of the war.

In the Winter of 1863-4 the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment was formed, with Richard P. De Hart as Colonel, and Jo9liua Healy as Major, and subsequently Natl.l S. Paul was Adjutant. Of this regiment Cass County supplied most of the members of Companies B, H and K.

Of Company B, Alex. K. Ewing was Captain from December 13, 1863, to September 30, 1864. when John C. Barnitt became Captain. John C. Barnitt was First Lieutenant from December 13,1863, to December 1,1864, and was succeeded by William C. Mills, subsequently by Frank E. West. John T. Powell was Second Lieutenant from December 13,1863, to the 3d of March, 1864, when he was promoted to Captain of Company H. He was succeeded in their order by Wm. C. Mills, Frank E. West and Samuel Tilton.

Of Company K the following were the officers from this county: Frank M. Hinton, Captain ; Geo. W. Smith, First Lieutenant, and Wm. H. Crockett, Second Lieutenant

In the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment. John C. Scantling was Captain of Company C, subsequently promoted to Major, and after being regularly mustered out with the regiment, enlisted in the regular army. J. L. Cornwell, Joseph P. McKee and John G. Penrose were First and Second Lieutenants.

The foregoing embraces nearly a complete list of the officers, with their regimental and company connection, from Cass County, who represent its military history.

Bounty And Relief

What has been done in this department by our people is no less conspicu¬ ous, as is shown by the following, taken from the Adjutant General's report.

Snake Story

The following narrative of an encounter with a rattlesnake is given by Mr. Benjamin Porter, of Clinton Township, whose veracity is unquestioned. He says: " About the 20th of May, 1831, I and my brother were prospect¬ ing for land, with the view of selecting a tract suitable for purchase and occupanoy as a homestead, whenever we should determine to settle. The night previous, we had stopped at Lockport, in Carroll County, at the house of a Mr. Barnes, who subsequently erected a mill on Burnett's Creek, in that vicinity. Having eaten an early breakfast, we left, taking a north¬ easterly course, until we arrived at the boundary line of Section 4, in Town¬ ship 26 north, Range 1 west. Here we halted and began to look around, taking observations.

"It was concluded that we should separate, my brother tracing the boundary lines, while I would go through, each taking note of the kind of timber, and' the lay and quality of the land. Expecting to meet snakes in our route, we had taken the precautionary step to cut a stick apiece, for the double purpose of a walking stick and as a weapon of defense against rattlesnakes, which were then numerous in that locality, should occasion require it. Mine was a detached section of a kin-ne-ka-nic bush, the dimensions being about six feet in length and an inch and a half in diam¬ eter. Thus equipped, I had traveled two or two and a half miles, going through and around, when, on beating back the weeds and grass in front, 1 discovered a huge rattlesnake, of the yellow species, preparing to dispute my further passage along that route. He had given the customary signal and measured half his length in darting from his coil toward me, thrusting his ugly head much too near my person to insure perfect steadiness of nerves.

" Recovering from the sudden shook, I dealt his snakeship a heavy blow with my stick, knocking him back, stunning him only for a moment. Im¬ mediately recovering himself, he seized the end of the stick with his teeth, requiring from me a considerable exertion of strength to relieve it from his grasp. The deep prints of hi9 teeth, as they scraped the surface of the stick, told full plainly of the immense power of his jaws. Striking him another heavy blow and wounding him still more, he returned the compli¬ ment, as after the former stroke, leaving again the deep tracings of his teeth upon the stick. Another and heavier blow so stunned him that I was enabled, by a few more well directed strokes, to reduce his head to a pulpy mass. Supposing all danger passed, I approached the reptile's carcass for the purpose of removing his rattles, to be retained as a trophy of my encounter, having taken the precaution to pin his head to the ground with a sharp-pointed stick. Notwithstanding this, when I took hold of the rattles, by his great muscular power yet unexhausted, he tore away from his fasttenings and darted at me with the velocity of lightning, and coiled his almost headless trunk around my legs. I released my hold as rapidly as possible, and disengaged my partially paralyzed limbs. When this was accomplished, and the rattles removed, a mist rose up before me and I was overcome with a most deathly siokness , which continued for nearly half an hour.

"Upon recovering from the effects of the poisonous inhalation, with some effort, I took the dead snake on the end of my stick and hung him up on a buckeye bush about six feet high. This snake was over five feet long and nearly that many inches in diameter, having sixteen rattles.

" When I found my brother, waiting at the section corner, and related the transaction, he took up his stick and started, saying to me: 'Ben, if that is the kind of snakes here, we don't want this land! ' And we lefl."

Eel Township was organized on the 1st day of May, 1829, and stands first on the list of civil townships organized in the county less than a month subsequent to the organization of the county itself. In area, it is, perhaps, the smallest in the county, as it is, also, in population, outside of Logansport.

The first actual settler in this township, as at first organized, was Maj. Daniel Bell, a brother-in-law of Gen. John Tipton, who came remotely from Harrison, but immediately from Putnam County, in this State, and settled in the township on the 27th day of March, 1827. He was soon after fol¬ lowed by the family of Mr. Joseph Barron, who settled half a mile below the " Point," on the north side of the Wabash, about the 1st of July of the wme year. Hugh B. McKeen, afterward a son in-law of Mr. Barron, came soon after, and erTcled a trading house on the " Point," at the southern extremity of McKeen street, in the city of Logansport. From that time forward, settlements increased rapidly and the development of natural resources proceeded in about the same ratio. But, inasmuch as the separate history of this township is, in fact, the separate history of Logansport, the reader is directed to that source for details.

City Of Logansport

The seat of justice of Cass County, as originally laid out, was a small, unpretentious plat, in the shape of a right-angled triangle, its base being of the length of five, and its perpendicu.ar of four squares, embracing one hundred and eleven lots and fractions, ihe standard lots being five by ten rods in size; alleys, parallel with the base (Canal street), being sixteen and a half feet in width, and those at right angles therewith only ten feet in width; streets all sixty-six feet, except Broadway, which was eighty-two and a half feet wide.

The lots contained an area of fifty square rodB, and those occupying a position on the corner of a square were offered and sold for seventy-five dollars; the others, fifty dollars. Many of the lots first offered were sold on the condition that the purchaser should erect thereon, within a prescribed period, a house not less than eighteen by twenty feet and one story high.

This city, in embryo, now known as the " original plat," was laid out by the proprietor, Chauncey Carter, on the 10th day of April, 1828, the plat of which was recorded in Carroll County, to whose jurisdiction this territory then belonged. In connection with the name by which it is now known, the following characteristic incident is related :

The survey had just been completed and it only remained to give to the new plat a name, which would be at once significant and attractive. The employes, the proprietor and others immediaiely or remotely interested, with a few lookers on. who were present, began anxiously to cogitate upon the question, having assembled under one of those big elm trees which in those days bordered the shores of the Wabash, in the vicinity of the " Point," for that purpose. Gen. Tipton, who entertained a reverence for the classic significance of Roman and Greek etymologies, suggested the use of a Latin compound which would be a synonym for "The Mouth of Eel," of historic fame or otherwise, commemorative of the location. Another submitted an In¬ dian name by which the locality had before been known. Meanwhile, numer¬ ous propositions had been made and canvassed. Then, Mr. McKeen, who had formerly resided on the Maumee River, in the vicinity of which ('apt. L"gan a Shawanee chief, lost his life while attesting his fidelity to the whites, in the month of November 1812, proposed that the memory of this Indian hero be perpetuated in the name of the new town. Cpl^Duret agreed with the idea, and thought the addition of port to the chief's name would be appro¬ priate and euphonious. Others thought similarly, except that one pioposed that toum should be so appended, and another that ville was the proper word to follow. Each had its advocates, so there was no agreement.

In this emergency, some one said, " Let's shoot for it - four best out of seven wins." This was unanimously assented to, and a black spot made with moistened powder on a distant tree was the target improvised for the occasion. The shooting commenced, and, in a brief period, when the pre¬ scribed number of shots had been fired, the umpire announced: " Col.

On the 12th of August, 1829, by the action of the Commissioners appointed for the purpose, Logansport was selected as the seat of justice of Cass County, pursuant to the provisions of the act authorizing the organization of the County.

At the time it was laid out and for several years subsequently, its im¬ portance was chiefly recognized in the light of a central " trading post" for a large extent of Indian territory surrounding, and as such it acquired a well-merited fame. The consequence was that, as soon as the course of trade began to be diverted from this point, the producing population outside the town being inadequate to the demands of consumption, the growth of the town was greatly retarded for several years, until, indeed, the products of the country equaled, overbalanced the consumption account of the non-pro¬ ducers in town, and the avenues of trade were opened with other markets.

The increase in population and facilities for business for several years following the season of greatest depression, in 1836-7, when every thing was at a stand-still, was gradual, uniform and certain. Prior to 1860-65. the spirit of improvement and enterprise was scarcely developed. At a later period, however, new life and vigor began to be infused into the elements of progress, and more rapid advances in the prospects of trade were fore¬ shadowed. Activity in every department of industry was the rule rather than the exception; and capital, before withheld from profitable invest¬ ments, as if a dollar out of sight was forever lost, began to seek investment in public and private enterprises which have since yielded liberal profits.

From that time the character of the improvements were no longer uncer¬ tain, continuing to assume a more healthy and permanent character than was ever before known, and the population increasing, in the last decade, nearly three hundred per cent. - a ratio of advancement seldom surpassed. At this time, the railroad facilities of Logansport are equal to those of almost any other Western city, giving it direct communication with the great points of trade East, West, North and South ; while it has a less number of radiat¬ ing lines than some other railroad centers, such as have a landing here, tap the great commercial points of the West in their route.

Ga8 Works

Logansport has at this time a complete system of gas works extending over the greater part of the city, having about twelve miles of pipe laid, furnishing an abundant supply of light.

These works, in the beginning, were of small pretensions, but fully equal to the demands of the times. They owe their establishment here to J. W. Baine & Co., who, having purchased the grounds now coyered by the old works, came here in the Summer of 1862, and commenced the erection of the necessary buildings thereon without much delay in the preliminary arrangements.

By an ordinance passed August 21,1862, the city granted to the Logans¬ port Gas Light & Coke Company, nominally composed of Thomas Harvey and Alfred H. Knowles, under the firm name of Thomas Harvey & Co., of the town of Marion, Marion County, Ohio, and their associates and success¬ ors, heirs and assignees, acting under the company name aforesaid, the ex¬ clusive privilege, for the term of twenty-five years from that date, of using the streets and alleys of the city, as then or thereafter laid out, for the pur¬ pose of laying down in said streets and alleys the necessary pipes for the conveyance of gas for the use of the city and its inhabitants. The company

In consideration of the foregoing and other privileges, the company was required, on or before the 1st of October, 1863, to complete the apparatus for generating gas, and lay down in conned ion therewith, at least one mile of main pipes, and thereafter extend the same as the demands for gas should justify.

The works were accordingly put in operation, and the company, from time to time, extended their mains and increased the capacity for manufac¬ turing gas in quantity and quality as required by the public demand. The original stock of the company having changed hands, the management and control of the works changed also.

A few years since, the capacity of the company for manufacturing both quantity and quality of gas has greatly increased, the avenues of supply being increased in a like ratio. Now, instead of two and a fourth miles of main and branch pipes, the maximum fifteen years ago, the company sup¬ plies gas through more than fourteen miles of pipe, which is hardly equal to the demand, notwithstanding the improved facilities for its manufacture. All the principal streets, public buildings and business bouses, as well as a large proportion of the private residences of the city, are lighted from the supply of these works.

Water Works

Perhaps no city in the West is better provided with the means of protec¬ tion against fire than Logansport, notwithstanding her experience with dis¬ astrous fires have not been such as to induce extraordinary efforts to secure n perfect system.

However this may have been, after very extensive agitation of the sub¬ ject of water works, the City Council, in December. 1876, having determined upon a system of water works adapted to the wants of the city, awarded the contract therefor to Messrs. H. R. Smith & Co., of Columbus, Ohio, to furnish the pipes and special castings, placing them in position, testing, etc., and Cope & Maxwell, Hamilton, Ohio, furnishing the pumping house, machinery and fixtures, the entire works to be completed and placed in per¬ fect working order for $175,000. This sum including the purchase of the Forest Mill property. The mains extend through nine miles of streets, passing under the bed of Eel River to the West Division, at Broadway, thus furnishing that part of the city, as well as the business section, with an abundant supply of good water. The works were fully completed and in working order, in September, 1876.

Until the year 1834, no permanent settlement was made within the borders of this township which bears the above name. In that year, several worthy men, as if guided by some unseen hand, deter¬ mined to try their fortunes in her deep forests. Ft remost among these was Andrew Kline, father of Henry Kline, now a citizen of Royal Center. Mr. K. select d for his future home what is now known as the Amos Fultz farm. From the most reliable authority at our command, before the close of the year 1834, the following men had become citizens of the township: John Henry, who settled .on the Shaffer farm; James Denton on the farm belonging to Mr. Brown ; Vincent Calvin, on the Mrs. David Foutz farm, and George D. Washburn, on the farm owned by Thomas Beekley and Joshua Kistler.

In 1835, an opening being made in the woods, the following men were induced to join the little colony: John Beekley, Sr., who located on the Randolph Funk and H. M. Bliss farm; Joseph Belew, on the farm owned by Daniel Martindale; Thomas Martindale, also upon the Daniel Martindale farm; John Reeder, on the farm owned by Shaflerj^ David Beekley, oo the Funk farm (afterward owned by Huffman and Po «ell); Robert Bernctha, on the farm owned by David Becklep; Henry Long, on the farm belonging to Henry Dot, and J. Beede, on what is known as the Antrum farm.

In 1836, John Beekley Jr., yet a resident of the township, settled on the Goodrich farm ; Daniel Weyand, also still a citizen of the town¬ ship, on the farm owned by Huffman. Others of the same year were Jonas Kistler, Samuel Black, Jacob Kistler, Jr., James McCawlcy and Henry Powell.

Among those of 1837, with others who came soon after that date, we name Solomon Berkshire, David McCombs, Jacob Kistler, Sr., George Caldwell, Elias B. Waterhouse, Morris T. Harvey, William Guthrie, Marlin Key, Philip Shaffer, William and Jonas Kistler,

Doubtless to this list justly belong many other names - names which we would have recorded gladly had they been furnished us by our informants.

At an early date in the history of the township, the citizens of Boone began to feel an interest in their spiritual welfare, which re¬ sulted in the holding of religious meetings at the residence of Martin Key, by the denomination known as Baptists. Soon after came the Methodists, and still later the United Brethren. The first church iu the township was built by the United Brethren in Royal Center, in 1862. The next was by the German Lutheran, known as the " Albright Chapel."

The first school in the township was taught in the Winter of 1835-36, by Thomas Harvey. In the Winter of 1838-39, another school was taught in Royal Center, by Mary Washburn.

The township was organized May 8, 1838. Soon after this, an election was held in the cabin of David Beekley, which is at present the Charles Huffman farm. At this election, eleven votes were cast. John Beekley acted as Inspector. George Caldwell was chosen first Justice of the Peace. The first Trustees wore Jacob Kistler, Jr., Daniel Weyand and John Beekley.

Boone is situated in the extreme northwest corner of the county. Of course she does not claim to have made the same progress in the way of improvements as have those townships situated near the county seat. In certain localities her lands are in a good state of cultivation, while in others the hand of the husbandman is needed to render it more attractive and productive.

Royal Center

is a village of much life and enterprise, situated near the central part of the township, on the line of the P., C. & St. L. Railroad. It was laid out about 1845, by Elisses Andrus. Its first merchant was Mr. G. B. Moore, still a citizen of the town, who established his store soon after the village was laid off. Its business men at present are as follows: Sweet & Bro., general merchants; Hamilton & Bro., dry goods and notions; Robert Mahaffie, general store; Christian Close, shoe shop; Valentine Fox, shoe shop; William Hansclman, planing and saw mill; Robert Mahaffie, cooper shop and manufac¬ turer of furniture; Henry Grant, blacksmith and wagon shop; Joshua Cramer, blacksmith shop; Dr. D. Ray, druggist; Sweet & Bro., warehouse; physicians are N. C. Gowgle, - Hoover, James Thomas and D. N. Foutz; Painter Thompson, restaurant; G. W. Cummins, dealer in pumps and agricultural implemeuta; Hiser & Cummins, restaurant; Charles Wolley, hotel; Henry Kline, hotel; S. Minthorn, boarding house; Mrs. Julian, boarding house; one church, Methodist.

At present (November, 1877), a large two story brick school house, with four rooms, is being built. The taste and comfort displayed in the arrangement of the building show that the citizens are interested in the cause of education.

This township was so-called, thus assisting to commemorate the name of the illustrious warrior, statesman and President, William II. Harrison.

Its first white inhabitant was John Fletcher, who came in the » Winter of 1832 and entered the land now known as the Skinner farm. The Government Land Office fur this district at that time was at La Porte, Ind. Thither Mr. Fletcher was compelled to go in order to enter his land. While on this trip, being obliged to camp out at night, he had the sad misfortune to freeze his feet and legs, from the effects of which both his feet were amputated.

Probably the first man to join Mr. Fletcher in his forest home was Robert Barnett, father of Asbury Barnett, now an honored and influ¬ ential citizen of Clay Township. Mr. Barnett chose for his future home the land now owned by Mr. Shidler.

In 1833, however, being stimulated by the example of deter¬ mined leaders, a number of men were induced to take up their abode in the dense woods of what soon became Harrison Township. They were James Blackburn, who settled on the Warfield farm ; a Mr. Ross, on the farm now owned by James Reams; Harrison Barnett, on what Is now the Skinner farm; Lewis Crane, on the land belong¬ ing to Mr. Reams and Freshour; Joseph Dunham, on the Freshour farm ; John Carnell, on the farm where he is living; Richard How¬ ard, on the farm owned by Jameson; and Joshua Garrett, on the farm owned by the heirs of Senator Pratt.

In 1834, came the following: William and Peter Michaels, who settled on the Umphenhour farm; James Piercy, on the farm belong¬ ing to Mr. Maroney; James Corbit, on the Bell farm; James Gates, on the farm where he is still living ; John Calvin, on the farm belonging to his heirs; William Grant, who is the oldest man in the township, being in his 89th year, on the farm where he still lives ; and John Calvin, on the land owned by his widow.

In 1835, Samuel Sharp and James Rogers settled on the form where they are living at present. Others of the same year were James and Elder'Sharp, Charles Riley, Michael Burk, James Mont¬ gomery, Noah and Tobias Castle, John Overlesse, George Foglesong, Daniel Foglesong, Abraham Skinner, Mercer Brown, Benjamin Powell, George Biown, James Denning, Leauder Dixon, Stibbens Powell, Isaac Smith, A. A. Mahaffie, J. R. Johnson, James Scott, Ester Brooks and John Callahan.

Among those who came soon alter 1836, and shared in the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, and are, therefore, worthy of honorable mention, we name Edward Whalen, Jacob and Daniel Ramley, William Whalen, Newton Clary, Morris Landrigens and Reuben Bachelder.

The first religious meeting in the township was held at the res¬ idence of Robert Barnett in 1833 or '34, by the Methodists, Rev. Burroughs Westlake preaching. Mr. Burns was also an early preacher /or this denomintion.

The first church was built "On the Long form, by the Presby¬ terians, in 1836 and '37. In 1837 and '38, the Methodists built w'hat is known as the " Zion Church." The next house of worship was built by the Univerealists about 1845.

The first school house was built on the Robinson farm in 1834. The first school held in the new house was taught by William Mitchell. The next school house was built soon after, in the Fogle¬ song neighborhood. Also, at an early date, school houses were built near the "Zion Church," and in Section 16, on the James Stevens form.

The township was organized March 7, 1836. Soon after perfect¬ ing the organization, the first election of the township was held at Benjamin Powell's. James Scott was chosen first Justice of the Peace; James Corbitt, first Constable.

In the year 1845, James Stevens built a saw'-mill on his form. It neither ran by the power of steam or water, as do modern mills, but by the power of a strong yoke of oxen. This mill ran success¬ fully for a time, being highly prized by the pioneer, when Mr. Stevens had the sad misfortune to be crushed to death between some of the machinery. The next to engage in the milling business was Abraham Coppie, about the year 1851. Soon after him, J. R. Johnson en¬ gaged in a similar enterpise.

There are townships in Cass County that, in the way of improve¬ ments, excel Harrison, yet the latter has no reason to be ashamed of the progress she has made. She justly boasts of a large body of fertile land, which her enterprising citizens are rapidly bringing into an excellent state of cultivation.

The name and location of churches will be found correctly given in the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her - school houses are-; enrolled school children-.

The above name would convey to the mind of the reader the idea that at the time of the organization of their township there were within her limits some ardent admirers of the statesman and Presi¬ dent, Thomas Jefferson. Hence the township was so named as a means of perpetuating his memory.

border being White County, the southern portion bordering upon the Wabash River. The land along this stream, even by the Indian, was highly prized. Hence, when the white man made his appearance he was desirous of choosing for his future home land not far removed from its fertile valleys.

As early as the year 1828, according to the best authority at our command, William Price settled on the farm now owned by the heirs of Peter Elsroth. For the period of one year, Mr. Price held undis¬ puted sway of the forest, his only companions being the Indians and wild beasts.

The year following, however, 1829, he was joined in his seeming solitary retreat by John Myers, who fixed his home on what is known as the Gordon farm.

In the year 1830, four more men came who were in no wise daunted by the dreary prospects presented by a home in an almost unbroken wilderness, but with stout hearts, whether so from nature or necessity, they came and entered upon the arduous task of bringing the forests into a state of cultivation. They were Peter Elsroth, who located on the form belonging to his heirs ; Major Smith, on the Gray farm; James Williams, on the farm now owned by Mr. Lynas; and Andrew McMillen, who settled on the form belonging to Mr. Sander¬ son.

In the year 1831, emigration from some cause seemed to decline, and we were unable to learn the names of any who entered the town¬ ship during that period. In 1832 (possibly some named here may have come a year earlier), emigration again revived and a number were added to the little colony. They were as follows: Robert Gray, w'ho settled on the farm owned by his son John ; Taylor Stur¬ geon, on the Barr farm, and John KLsiler, on the farm owned by Wm. H. Standley.

In the year 1833, Dr. James Gordon, still a citizen of the town¬ ship, settled on the Coble farm and Beauford Banta, on the form where he is now living. Others of the same year were Alexander Gray, on the form owned by his son Harrison ; and Aaron Renbargcr, on the farm where his son is living at present.

In 1834, A. B. Hildebrand settled on the farm where he is still living. The same year came David Wirrick, father of Washington Wirrick, of Cicott, who settled on the George Walker form ; Joseph Day, on the lot in the little village of Georgetown ; and Absalom Cruse, on the farm owned by the Rogers heirs.

Among those who came in 1835, we name Major Daniel Bell, William Neithercut, John Shaw, Israel Watts, Daniel Small, John Watt and Alexander Scott.

Soon after the year 1836, were the following : Alexander Searight, David L. Devore, Timothy Calloway and William M. Rogers, with a long Int of others equally deserving, which, owing to the m iny changes which occurred about that time, must necessarily be omitted.

The citizens of Jefferson were, at an early date, enlisted in their spiritual welfare ; accordingly, as early us the year 1835, a religious meeting, the first in the township, was held at the cabin of Robert Gray, by the Christians or Disciples. William Hicks and the Scott brothers were pioneer preachers of this denomination. The next denomination to hold worship in the towuship was the Dunkards or German Baptists, who held their mee'ing at the cabin of David Wir¬ rick. The first church in the township was built by the Presbyterians, on the John Wilson farm, about the year 1845.

The citizens were not only interested in spiritual but also in the intellectual welfare of her citizens. Hence, as early as the year 1836, a school house was built on the Dunham form. As the population increased and the demand for more school houses became apparent, they were readily constructed by the people.

The first mill in the township, and among the earliest in the county, was a corn cracker, built near the present site of Georgetown, about the 1829, by George Cicott. We did not mention the name of Mr. Cicott among the early settlers, as he was a Frenchman, deal¬ ing almost exclusively with the Indians. His mill was really built for their accommodation, but was highly prized by the white men, as it afforded them the opportunity of having their corn ground near home.

About the year 1836, George Myres built a saw-mill near the present site of the Searight Mill. The first regular grist-mill of the township was built by Alexander Searight in 1843.

The township was organized September 6, 1831. Under this organization the first election was held at Georgetown, in the cabin of John Myres. Only six votes were cast. Major Bell acted as In¬ spector.

Were we to go back half a century and compare the condition of Jefferson then with her present appearance, we would be constrained to say rapid have been the strides in the way of improvements. The name and location of churches will be seen by reference to the town¬ ship map. Her school houses are 11; enrolled school children,-.

is a station on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. A few lots were laid out about the year 1870. Located there as general mer¬ chant at present is Washington Wirrick.

is among the oldest villages in the county, having been laid out about the year 1835, by Major Bell. It is beautifully located at a bend of the Wabash River. It was designed, and at one time was quite a flourishing little village, but at present it is of small promise. Dr. James Gordon located there as a general merchant, who, judging by his large and well selected stock of goods, was well patronized by the surrounding country.

is a small village, also on the line of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. It wbs laid out about the year I860, by Alexander and William Searight. It has never grown to the expectation of its founders. A post office has been established there, with John Hood as Postmaster, and a warehouse under the proprietorship of John Reed.

Passing through this township, in certain localities, and judging from the many fine farms and substantial dwellings, together with the cheerful, happy faces of its owners, one would suppose the name " Noble" wisely and appropriately given. The facts are, however, the name was given in memory of Noah Noble, then Governor of Indiana.

1828, a man named Henry Garrett entered the wilderness of what is now Noble, and selected for his future home the farm at this time belonging to Mr. Forlow.

For about the period of one year, Mr. Garrett was the sole inhab¬ itant of the township, excepting, of course, the Indian who still found a home in the deep solitude of her forests. Sometime in the year

1829, George Richardson, who a few months previously had settled in Section 22, Clay Township, thinking to better his condition, joined Mr. Garrett in his laudable enterprise of converting the forests into tillable land. He located on what is now the Biliman farm. The same year (1829), William Grant settled on the land belonging to Mr. Douglass.

The following year, 1830, occurred the land sale at Logausj ort. At that time was sold much of the land now embraced within the borders of Noble, many of the purchasers taking possession imme¬ diately of the land they had bought. Among those who came in that year (1830), we name Robert McMillen, with his mother and brothers. They settled on the east side of what is. at present the Fletcher farm. His brothers were John, William, George, James and Thomas. John had been in the township some time previous to

1830, but had never made entry,of land. Thus it will be seen that the McMillen family formed a little colony within itself. Only one of the family, Robert, is still a citizen of the township. For many years he applied himself successfully to his trade, that of millwright. The greater part of his life, however, has been spent in the ever honorable position of farmer, a position which he has filled quite successfully, judging from his present improvements. Recently, in calling upon him for some historical information, we were surprised to find a man of his age, one who has lived out his three score and ten years, busily engaged in gathering corn. A portrait of this ven¬ erable pioneer appears on another page of the Atlas.

came the same time, fixing his home on the farm where William Watts lives. An idei of the energy displayed by Israel Watts in performing his duties in the way of improvements in the township, may be had by reference to the view of his beautiful home found else¬ where in the Atlas. In regard to the settlement of William and Leander Dixon, some claim that they came as early as 1828, others that it was in 1829, while there are still others who claim that they were not permanent citizens of the township until the year 1830. With due respect to the opinions of all, we can positively assert that as early as 1830, they had entered the land now owned by Mr. Tharp. Others of 1830 were Robert Gibson, who settled on the Forlow farm ; Benja¬ min Adair, on the farm owned by Fletcher; Alexander Scott, on the farm belonging to Mr. Neff; Joseph Gibson, on the Moss farm; and John Hiser, on what is now the Manley farm.

Before the close of the year 1831, the following men had become permanent citizens of the township: John Adair, on the Peter Cotncr farm ; James Hood also, on what is now the Cotner farm ; Eli Cotner, on the farm belonging to Tilghman; Daniel Dale, on the Booth farm; and Joseph Washburn, on the farm owned by Mr. Moss.

In 1832, Arnet Shields, yet an esteemed citizen of the township, moved from Clay Township, where he had lived for almost three years, and settled on the farm where he is still living. Others of 1832 were John Smith, who settled on the Sanderson farm ; Richard Howard, on the Gibson tract of land; Daniel Harwood, on the farm owned by Adam Stefenheifer; Hiram Barnett, on the Hart Booth farm; and Dr. James Wilson, on the land belonging to Mr. Brandt.

Among those of 1835 and 1830 were Ephraim Dukes, John Smith, James Hensley, William Thornton and Joel C. Elam. The last named is still a citizen of the township.

Among those who were early settlers, but whose exact date of settlement is to us unknown, we name Joseph Corbit, John Thorn¬ ton, John Sellers, D. H. Booth, Daniel, William and James Corbit, and Henry Wirrick.

As early as the year 1831, the first religious meeting in the township was held at the house of the Widow McMillen and sons, i It was by the Presbyterian denomination, Rev. M. M. Post preach¬ ing. The following year, 1832, the Christians or Disciples held meeting on what is now the Neff farm, Alexander Scott being the preacher. The first church in the township was built on the McMillen farm by the Presbyterians, in 1838. The next was by the Disciples, in 1855 and 1850, and known as the "Shiloh Church."

No later than the year 1830 did the cause of education begin to claim attention of the inhabitants of Noble. Accordingly, before the close of that year (1830), a school house was built on the McMillen, now Fletcher, farm. The year following 1837, another school house was built on the farm now owned by Israel Graham.

The township was organized March 8, 1830. Soon after this, an election was held at Robert MeMillen's. At this election but five or six votes were cast. Among the first Trustees of the township were James Hensley, William Corbet and Robert McMillen.

In 1834, General Lasselle built, on the Israel Watts farm, a saw¬ mill, which was highly prized by the pioneers. About the year 1837 was built a corn cracker, afterward converted into a grist-mill.

In 1834, there was bom to James and Elizabeth Hood a daughter, Ascnath, who was probably the first white child bom in the town¬ ship. The same year Eli Watts was bora to Martha and John Watts.

Of the progress which Noble has made in the way of improve¬ ments, wo have spoken, to some extent, in the beginning. The land adjoining Logansport is in a high state of cultivation. The land in the north and northwestern parts is generally fertile, but will be ren¬ dered much more valuable by improvements yet to be made.

is a station on the P., C. and St. L. Railroad. It was never regu¬ larly laid off. A post office is established there, and a saw-mill is run by Jacob and William Davidson.

This township was so named in memory of the distinguished patriot and statesman, Henry Clay, the illustrious son of Kentucky. It is situated a little northeast of the county seat, bordering upon Logansport, a part of that city being taken from her limits, and which at an early date was the center of the early settlement. Her lands accordingly came early into market.

Mr. Arnet Shields, now an honored citizen of Noble Township, informs us that on the 9th day of November, 1829, his father, Joshua Shields, settled in Clay Township, on the farm now belonging to the county. He tells us that at the time of their coming, there were but three families living within the boundaries of what is now Clay Township. They were Samuel Ward, Daniel Fuller and George Richardson. They had all located, and were living upon Seciion 16. From the improvements they had made, Mr. Shields thinks they had come the year previous, 1828, probably all about the same time.

The four men named above having led the way into the dense forests of Clay, others were soon induced to follow their example. Before the close of the year 1829, the following men were enrolled as citizens of the township: John Alexander and William Scott, both on the farm now owned by John Davis; "Jack" Smith, on what is now the Adam Moorehart farm; Henry Miller, on the Humphrey farm; Reuben Covert, on the farm belonging to Mr. Cooke; and Joseph Sellers, on what is now the John White farm.

In 1830 came a number of worthy men, who were in no wise dismayed by the gloomy prospects presented by a home in the wilder¬ ness, but who sought with their sinewy arms to aid in the noble work of bringing the forest into a state of cultivation. They were: Joseph Douglass, who settled on the same farm where he is yet living; Will¬ iam Fallis, now a feeble old man, also on the farm where he lives ; Peter Miller, on the farm belonging to He-iry Orwin ; John Hamil¬ ton, on the Flory farm; James Tucker, on the farm owned by the Carter heirs ; Leonard Sutherland, on the farm the present property of Mr. Aley ; Gen. Walter Wilsen, on the farm now owned by T. J. Wilson's heirs; George Smith, on what is now the Puterbaugh farm ; Solomon Kelley, on the farm belonging to Mr. Thomas; Zera Suther¬ land, on the Robinson farm; John Hill, on the farm now owned by Mr. Wells; Gillis McBean, on the farm now in possession of the Widow Skelton, and Charles Demos, on what is now the Cooke farm.

The list of names as given us, is scarcely so large during the year 1831 as the year previous (1830). At first thought, one would have supposed it much larger, and yet, it is often the case that emigration to a new country without any apparent cause often declines. Then it is possible for our informants to be mistaken slightly in their state¬ ments. Some credited to 1830 may have come early in 1831. Our readers must ever bear in mind the difficulty under which we labor to arrive at accuracy where memory alone is the authority for events that transpired almost a half a century ago. We are told that in 1831, there entered the township the following men : William Demos, who settled on the Horn farm; George Julian, on the farm of William Douglass ; Moses Barnett, on the land owned by the Carter heirs ; Wills Buzan, on the Flory farm ; Noah Vandeveer, on the present property of the Skelton heirs; James McClung, on the farm belonging to the heirs of Jesse Julian, and Archibald MeGrue, on what is now the Deleplane farm.

Among those of 1832, were the following: John Sutton, on the farm belonging to Mr. Campbell; Abraham Surber, on the farm which his heirs still own ; William Murphy, on the La Rose farm; John Murphy on the farm of Mr. Simpson, and John Shields, on what is now a part of the County Farm.

Prominent among those of 1833 were John Plummer, Jacob and Joseph Hall, William Sutherland, John L. Smith, Benjamin Engart and Henry Layton.

Soon after 1834, many changes began to occur, so that it would be difficult to continue the list of early settlers farther. However, we may name as coming soon after and consequently sharing in the hardship of pioneer life: Jesse and Jacob Julian, N. Castle and Edward Johnson. The last named gentleman had been a citizen of Logansport several years previous to moving to Clay.

The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of John Scott, by the Christians or Disciples, in 1830. John Scott himself and his brother Alexander were early preachers of that de¬ nomination.

1834, the first camp meeting of the township was held by the Meth¬ odists, on the George Julian farm. Doubtless there are many who re¬ gard this spot almost as holy ground, remembering that there they laid aside the old man sin and adorned themselves in the shining robes of righteousness. The camp meetings in those early days were instrumental of great good, being similar to the protracted meet¬ ings of modern days. The first church built in the township was by the Christians (or Disciples), on the Miller farm, in the year 183^. The next was by the Methodists, on the Nathan Julian farm. Among the pioneer preachers, we name B. Westlake, Perry Buckingham, Wm. Boyden and Ephraim Bates. '

The first school in the township was taught on the Charles Demos farm, in the Winter of 1831 and '32. Shortly after this, a school house; was built on the Wells farm. The next was in the Sutherland neighborhood, about the year 1833. Among the pioneer teachers we name Messrs. Cozat, Sumwalt, McLaughlin and Moore.

The township was organized May 5, 1832. A short time after the organization was perfected, the first election was held at the cabin of Samuel Ward. The first Justice of the Peace was Joseph Sellers. The next was John Ward, the son of Samuel Ward. Among those who served at an early date as Trustees we name Messrs. Julian (Nathan) Cooke, Swigart, Terrell and Black. After the law changed, requiring but one, Asberry Barnett, whose name is recorded among the early settlers of Harrison Township, was chosen to fill this office. So well and honorably has he discharged its duties, that he has been steadily continued in that position.

The first mill in the township was built by Jonathan Washington, in 1832, on the farm owned by the heirs of Mr. Carr. This, although simply a corn cracker, was highly prized by the pioneers. The next to engage in this enterprise was Charles Demos and his son John, who built a saw-mill on the present site of the County Poor Farm.

Being situated near the county seat, and being settled at an early date, Clay Township has indeed made praiseworthy progress. The traveler through this part of Cass County is pleased with the well improved farms and the neat, substantial dwellings which greet his vision. The name and location of churches may be had by reference to the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are six ; enrolled children,-.

Being so near Logansport, no villages have ever been laid off within her borders. That part of the town of Logansport found within her limits will be described in another place.

All great men in dying leave behind them ardent admirers, those who desire to perpetuate the memory of their ideal men. Hence, frequently do we find our civil townships bearing the names of our nation's honored men. The above-named township was so called in memory of the illustrious statesman and President, John Quincy Adams.

Previous to the year 1828, the land embraced now within the borders of Adams knew not the tread of the white man. The Indian held undisputed sway. In that year, however (1828), a white man by the name of Jackson Conner established an Indian trading-post on the farm now owned by the heirs of John Hoover. The occupation of Mr. Conner was that of trader exclusively. Accordingly, he made little attempt at improvements of any kind.

Not until the year 1830 did a white man enter her borders with the fixed purpose of bringing at least a portion of her lands into a state of cultivation. This gentleman was Samuel Lowman. He chose for his future home the farm now owned by the heirs of Daniel Dillman.

The next man who had sufficient nerve and energy to cast his for¬ tunes in an unbroken wilderness, trusting alone to his strong right arm to clear away the forests and prepare the ground whereon should grow the necessaries of life, was Henry L. Thomas. He came in the year 1831, and fixed his home on what is now the widow Fjirgeson farm. Despite the hardships borne as a pioneer, by reason of strength, Mr. Thomas' life is yet spared. He is now 72 years of age, and is the only one who settled previous to 1831 left to tell the story of life in the woods.

Before the close of the year 1831, two other men took up their abode in the township. They were James McPherson, who settled on the Tilghman Woodhouse farm, and John Kelley, who located on what is now the Thomas Dalzell farm.

In 1833, came Richard Ferguson, ye* an esteemed citizen of the township; Henry Daggy, who settled on the Woodhouse farm; John Gillen, on the farm belonging to Mr. Eurit, and Nathaniel Nichols, - on the land owned by Tilghman Woodhouse.

Prominent among those who came soon after 1833, and shared in the hardships incident to pioneer life, we name Joel 'Black, who is probably the oldest man of the township; Thomas Dalzcll, Thomas Kinnear, James Reed, Nathan Jones and Isaac Newman.

The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of Henry L. Thomas, in 1832, by the Methodists - William M. Ray¬ burn preaching.

The first school was taught in a cabin on the Dalzell farm, in the year 1836, by William Davidson. The first school house was built on the Joel Black farm the year, following, 1837. The same year, another was built on the Thomas farm.

The township was organized May 6, 1835. Soon after this, an election was held at the house of Nathaniel Nichols. John Cox was chosen first Justice of the Peace. Nathaniel Nichols acted as Inspect¬ or. He was also one of the early Trustees.

In the year 1835, George Lowman built a saw-mill, the first ot the township, on the land owned by Messsrs. Furgeson & Young. To this was attached- a corn cnicker.

In the year 1832, there was born to Henry and Mary Thomas a daughter, Nancy, who was probably the first child of white parentage born in the township.

In improvements Adams does not claim to be foremost. Situated in the extreme northeastern part of the county, until recently far from railroads, she has not had the stimulus for improvements with those townships bordering upon the county seat. In certian localities the advancement she has made is highly commendable. The names and location of churches will be found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are 7 ; enrolled school children,-.

Twelve Mile

is a small village in the north central part of the township. It perhaps was never regularly laid off. Jacob Reynolds is located there at present, as general merchant; Mr. Wilson as druggist and Dr. J. M. Morris as physician and surgeon.

is a station on the line of the Detroit & Eel River Railroad. It was laid out about 1872, by Riley Hoover. John Clouse is at present located there as general merchant. Mr. Clouse also serves in the capacity of Postmaster. Hamilton & Co. are running a saw-mill.

The name " Miami" was probably given this township in memory of the tribe of Indians of that name, to whom at an early day all the lands within her limits belonged. The Wabash River forms the southern boundary, while Eel River forms its boundary on the north. The land along these streams is exceedingly fertile, hence at an early date the land of this township was sought by the speculators, as well as by the pioneer who desired productive land for a future home.

Perhaps the first man to make permanent settlement in this town¬ ship was Peter Berry, father of John H. Berry, the latter still a citizen of the township. He came early in the year 1830, and fixed his home on the farm now owned by Mr. Cart. Mr. B. came for the purpose of bringing some of her fertile acres into a state of cul¬ tivation. Accordingly the sound of his axe was heard early and late in felling her dense forests. Soon, a small "patch" of ground was cleared, which gradually extended its area until the name field could be appropriately applied. Mr. Berry having the first cleared land in the township, to his son John is due the honor of turning, for culti¬ vation, the first furrow in the same.

Peter Berry having opened the way into the forests of Miami, before the close of 1830, he was joined by the following men: John Fidler, who located on the farm yet owned by the heirs; William

The year 1831 is memorable in having brought to the township the following men, the majority of whom proved themselves worthy citizens and aided materially in advancing the best interests of the township. They were Nathaniel Williams, father of John Williams, the latter yet an esteemed citizen of the township, and who selected as a future home the farm yet belonging to his son John ; I saac S . Patton, who settled on the farm owned by heirs ; David Miller, Sr., on the farm where he is still living; and Absalom Reed, on the farm still owned by his heirs.

In 1832, a few more substantial men were added to the little colony. They were Abraham Patton, who settled on the farm now owned by Mr. King ; Jesse Fidler, on the land belonging to his heirs; William P. Vandoren (exact location unknown); and James Henry, on the Levi Bennett farm.

During the years 1833 and 1834, came the following : William Guard, who settled on the farm owned by his heirs; Christian Casebeer, on the farm owned by his heirs and William Pearson ; Lewis Bowyer, on the land belonging to his widow ; Peter Chidester, on the farm owned by the heirs of his brother ; E. G. Chidester, on what is now the Bird farm; David Casebcer, on the land belonging to Cox and Williams ; Thomas Craighead, on the land now in posses¬ sion of the Walker heirs; and David Miller, Jr., on the farm owned by his heirs.

Those of 1835 and '36 were Samuel McPherson, on the farm of Samuel Newman farm; Archibald Forgy, on the farm belonging to Mr. Myers; Reuben Grimes, on the laud owned by his heirs; James McPherson, on what is now the Hyer farm; Stephen and Hiram Clemens, on the land still in possession of their heirs, and George and James Rush, on the Walker and Kidd farm.

Between the years 1836 and 1841, a number of worthy men took up their abode in this township; men who shared the hardships of pioneer life, and by their dauntless energy aided greatly in bringing the township into its present improved condition. As the reader may suppose many changes occurred during those years, so that doubt¬ less many worthy names have been omitted by our informants. Entering the township at that time, we are able to name the following : Henry, Jacob and Andrew Martin, Isaac Parks, William Sweeny, H. M. Eidson, Frank Kelley, Jacob Loser, John Pfoutz, Jacob Miller, Will¬ iam Murphy, Anthony Hiller and William Pearson.

The township was organized January 3, 1831. Under this organ¬ ization, the first election was held soon after at the residence of Peter Berry. The first Justice of the Peace was William Conner. Isaac Patton also served in this capacity at an early date. Probably the first Trustees were Messrs. Williams, Berry and Craighead.

The first religious meeting was held in the cabin of Peter Berry, in the year 1833, by the Methodists - William M. Rayburn preach¬ ing. The next meeting in the township was by the Baptist denomi¬ nation. Their preacher was Elder William M. Pratt, brother of the late Senator Daniel D. Pratt. Mr. Pratt made his first preaching tour about 1842-43. The fullowing year, 1843, this denomination (the Baptist) built the first church in the township, which stood on the farm of Mr. Berry, The next church was by the Methodists, at Lewisburg, about 1850. At a very early period in the history of the township, the Presbyterians held meetings at the cabins of Messrs. Thomas andCruinley. The Rev. Martin M. Post was their preacher.

The first school house in the township was built about the year 1833 or '34, on the William Rooker farm. George Kelley was one of the first teachers in the new house. The next school house was on the Reed farm, about 1837. The first school taught in this house was by a gentleman named Sumalt.

As early as the year 1833 or 1834, the first mill in the township was built, on Eel River, by David Miller. This, at first, was simply a corn cracker, but was afterward converted into a grist-mill.

AmoDg casualties, we have to relate the stealing of a son (Joseph) of Thomas Black's, by the Indians, in 1837. The child was out in the yard playing, when it was suddenly kidnapped by a party of passing Indians. All efforts made for his recovery proved fruitless. The Indians, about this time, were moved west by the Government, to which place young Black was taken. In 1866, having grown to man's estate, and being told by the Indians of his native land, he revisited his old homestead. Strange to say, he remained but a short time. Having been raised among the Indians, having married an Indian girl, and having assumed the gravo responsibility of physician among his tribe, he seemed to have a strong attachment for them, to whom he soon returned, and has ever since remained. Farther mention of him will be made in the general history of Cass County.

In improvements, Miami stands among the foremost townships of the county. The well known fertility and durability of her soil is patent to all. The tiller of productive land, with prudent manage¬ ment, is usually successful. He, at least, soon acquires sufficient means to enable him to make a pleasant and attractive home. Thus, generally, do we find the farmers of Miami with pleasant, comfortable homes. The name and location of churches is correctly given on the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are six; enrolled school children, - .

New Waverly

is the principal village of the township. It is situated in the south central part, on the line of the T., W. & W. Railroad. It was laid out in 1855, by John A. Forgy. Its business men at present are as follows: C. P. Forgy & Bros., dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, hardware, queensware and notions, also dealers in pork and grain; Hugh Pencil & Son, grocers; R. M. Floyd, druggist; John Kinsey, saw-mill; P. W. Castle, blacksmith; Joseph Hogentogle, blacksmith; one church, Methodist Episcopal; one graded school, Alvin Porter, Principal; W. C. Rice, railroad agent; Masonic and Odd Fellows' Lodges. Population about 250.

is situated in the western part on Eel River. It was laid out about 1865, by John Hoover. Emanuel Loser is located there as general merchant; Skinner & Bush are successfully managing a large grist¬ mill, on north bank of Eel River ; Hiram Armstrong and a gentleman by the name of Brooks play the part of village blacksmiths.

in the extreme southern part on the Wabash, is the oldest town of the township. It was laid off about 1834 or 1835, by Lewis Bowyer. During the prosperous days of the Wabash & Erie Canal, it was a village of considerable importance. With the going down of the Canal, Lewisburgh began likewise to decline, when, to-day, no busi¬ ness of importance is transacted within her borders.

In this township, which bears the name of DeWitt Clinton, settle¬ ment began at a very early date. While in a majority of the town¬ ships constituting a part of Cass County, the Indian was roaming at will and the white maq had not yet appeared upon the scene, a man was found who was in no wise daunted and feared not to take up his abode in the wildwoods of Clinton. This gentleman was James Birch. He came late in the year 1826, or early in the year 1827, and selected for his future home the land now owned by Benjamin Simons. Mr. Birch came with the firm resolution of clearing away the forests and of causing the land thus covered to yield sustenance for man. Acccordingly he went vigorously to work, and in a short time a small patch of ground was cleared, which day by day extended its area into a field of nine or ten acres. Thus, upon what is now the Simons farm was planted and grown the first grain known in Clinton Township. About the same time, William Newman settled next above him under the bluff.

In the year 1828, Christian Simons, father of Peter, Isaac, Leon¬ ard, John, George and Benjamin Simons, the latter still a worthy citizen of the township, came to what is now Clinton, and purchased the claim of Mr. Birch. The entire tract of land which Mr. Simons bought at that time is now owned by Benjamin Simons and Andrew Young.

In every difficult undertaking, nothing is so essential as bold, resolute leaders. The forests being broken, a beginning being made, others were not slow to follow, and soon quite a little colony was formed in the township.

Those who came in the year 1829 were as follows : Jacob Neff, who settled on the Hamburg farm; William Neff, who settled on the William Newman farm; Christian Radebaugh, on the farm owned. by his son Adam; Andrew Young, on what is now the Shanklin farm; Joseph, John and Hugh Woods, on the farm now owned by the widow of William Brown ; Isaac Martin, on the Isaac Young farm ; Judge Robert Edwards, on the John Briggaman tract of land ; Hiram Calberfc, bn the farm owned by the Berryman heirs; John P. Miller, on the Alfred Wagoner farm; Thomas Chambers, on the land belonging to Alfred Porter; and William Lewis, on the farm where he is still living. The same year * (1829), Jonathan Neff, still an esteemed citizen of the township, came and purchased the land upon which he is now living. He did not move, however until the Fall of 1830.

In the year 1830, Daniel Neff, whose widow is still living, settled on the farm where his son Daniel lives. Others of the same year were Joseph Clymer, who settled on the M. Reed farm; Jos. Fitzer, who still lives on the farm where he settled ; James Chambers, on what is at present the Saylors farm ; George Shidler, on the land owned by his son Abraham ; John Dodds, on the place belonging to his son ; Elias Shidler, who settled on the farm the present property of David H. Clymer; and John Hynes, on the farm where he is living.

After 1830, the township began to be rapidly settled, many changes occurring about that time, which renders it exceedingly diffi¬ cult to give date and location farther. The following are known to have been in the township at an early date, and by their energy aided materially in bringing Clinton into her present prosj>erou8 con¬ dition : John Myers, Wm. Goble, Daniel Reed, Wm. Reed, John Shuey and sons, Daniel and Michael, Richard Tyner, Joseph Oliver, Henry H. Helm (in 1835), and Hewiit L. Thomas, in 1836.

The subject of schools and the proper training of the young claimed the attention of the citizens before that of religious meetings and churches. Accordingly, at the early date of 1830, a log school house was built on the Simons farm. The first school in this house was taught in the Winter of 1830 and '31, by John Martin, at a salary of eight dollars per month. The next school was taught by a Mr. Fuller. About the year 1835, the population had increased to such an extent that more school houses were needed. Accordingly two were built, one on the Shidler farm and the other on the land belonging to Mr. Thomas.

The first religious meeting in the township was held at William Neff's, by the Methodists, in 1831. The next demonination was the Presbyterians, who held regular worship in the Shidler school house. The ministers were Messrs. Post and Strong.

The first regular church in the township was built at Clymer's station, by the Methodists. About the same time, another church was built on the Atkinson farm.

The township was organized March 4, 1834. The first election was held soon after the organization was completed, at the house of John P. Miller. The first Justice of the Peace was William Goble. The first Constable was Thomas Chambers. Mr. J. P. Miller was early chasen Township Trustee.

In the year 1831, there was born to Elias Shidler a son, who was probably one of the first children born of white parents in the town¬ ship.

In 1829, died Lydia, wife of Wm. Neff. About the same time, died Mary, wife of Isaac Martin. The latter was the first person buried in the Shidler grave yard. The year following, 1830, died Hugh Woods, brother of Joseph Woods.

The Wabash River forms the northern boundary of Clinton Town¬ ship. We need not, therefore, tell the reader that she possesses some very fertile land. In the way of general improvements, she has made very creditable progress. Her churches, with name and location, can be found by reference to the township map. Her school houses are six ; enrolled school children,-.

is a station on the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad. It was , laid out by George Clymer, about the time of the building of said read. It has never grown to be of any great imj>ortance. Its busi¬ ness men are Dr. Landreg, general store; John R. Rhea, general merchant; Mrs. Stoddard, groceries and notions, and David Clymer, saw-mill.

Within the borders of this township was made the first settlement in Cass County, outside of Logansport. As early as August, 1826, while almost the entire county of Cass was an unbroken wilderness, a man by the name of Alexander Chamberlain fixed his home just across the river from Logansport, where he kept a hotel or place oi entertainment for travelers. The prospects presented to Mr. Cham- berlain were gloomy and uninviting. The Indian, with his stealthy tread,'the hiss of serpents and the dismal howling of wild beasts added to the dreariness of the deep solitude. Surrounded as we are to-day, it is difficult to imagine the hardships undergone by the early settlers. The motive which prompted him to leave the home of comparative comfort and plenty for one of loneliness and want is, perhaps, illus¬ trative of the restless spirit of man, the constant longing for " some- - thing new." While at times this spirit of restlessness is to be highly condemned, it is at times highly commendable. Guided by this spirit, the name of Alexander Chamberlain will go down in history as the leader in the march of civilization in Washington Township.

Emigration toward Washington, for some years, was very slow. Accordingly, for some time, Mr. Chamberlain held undisputed sway, having his neighbors just across the line, in Logansport and Eel Town¬ ship. However, in the Spring of 1828, Gen. John Tipton, Indian Agent, located in Washington on the land first occupied by Mr. Chamberlain, but now forming part of the city of Logansport.

On the 7th day of October, 1830, Andrew Johnson, yet a citi¬ zen of the township, settled on the farm where he now resides. He has accordingly been longer in the township than any one now living.

From this time up to 1838, very few made permanent settlement within the borders of the township. In that year (1838), the greater part of Washington Township, which was originally included within the " Miami Reservation," was purchased by the Government from the Indians. It will be remembered that at this time, only a strip seven miles wide, along the western border of the reservation, in what is now Cass, Howard and Clinton Counties, was purchased by the United States. This was at once transferred to the State of Indiana, and immediately offered for sale; the proceeds being used for the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal, from the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, down.

In the Fall of 1843, the entire reservation included in Washing¬ ton Township was relinquished by the Indians to the United States. The Indians at the same treaty, agreed to move within a short time to the West. By the transaction above recorded, nearly all the land in Washington, at once came into market. It so readily found pur¬ chasers, that it would be a difficult undertaking to name and locate all who came about that time and soon thereafter. The following are the principal: Josiah Butler, Frederick Ozenback, Barton R. Keep, . Charles and Almond Lyons, James Carney, Benjamin Spradcr, Artemus B. Knowlton, William Sturgeon, William De Ford, Don R. Clark, Josiah Jones, Michael Ward, Paynter West, Jacob Myres,

About the year 1838, the subject of schools began to receive attention from those who had settled within the narrow strip not in¬ cluded in the reservation. In that year, the first school in the town¬ ship was taught, in a cabin on the Andrew Johnson farm. The teacher was John Lehigh. About the year 1841, the first regular school house was built on the Johnson farm.

The township being situated so near Logansport, the citizens had the opportunity of attending church at that place. No regular relig¬ ious meeting was held in the township until after the building of the school house on the Johnson farm. This was used as a place of worship by both the Baptists and Methodists. Mr. Mason was the Baptist minister. The first church in the township was built on the Martin farm by the aid of several denominations, and, hence a Union Church.

The township was organized September 7,1842. The first election after the perfecting of the organization, was held at Barton R. Keep's. Jesse Julian was chosen first Justice of the Peace,

Among early deaths, we have to relate that of Sarah Ruck man, who was stabbed by her husband in the Fall of 1843. This sad event occurred on the farm now owned by Dr. Justice. The murderer was arrested and lodged in jail at Delphi, from which he afterward escaped.

Washington Township possesses a large body of fertile land. This, as we have said before, always enables the owner to make such improvements as he may desire. Hence, Washington, in this respect, has kept pace with her sister townships. The names and location of churches are correctly given in the township map. Her schoolhouses are eight; enrolled school children,-.

This township derived its name from a stream which flows through its confines. The stream, it is said, was so called because of the great number of deer which, at an early day, were found along its banks.

The township is situated in the extreme southern part, of the county. A portion of its territory was formerly included within the "Great Miami Reservation." Accordingly, settlement did not com¬ mence there at so early a date as in those townships removed some dis¬ tance from the Reservation and situated nearer the county seat.

In the year 1838, there were found two men willing to try a home in the unbroken wilderness of what was soon to become Deer Creek Township. They were Noah Fouts, who settled on the farm now be¬ longing to his son, Henry, and Joseph Neff, who selected for his future home the land owned at present by William Snider. There was but little difference in the arrival of the two gentlemen named above, both coming about the same time. Several sons of the last named are now living in the village of Walton, Tipton Township.

The next man who possessed the necessary hardihood to brave the exposures and dangers of the woods was J. Reagan, who came in 1839, and settled on the Danial Hyman farm. His widow, having survived the hardships of an eventful life, is still living in the town¬ ship.

During the year 1840, according to the best authority at our command, only one man was added to the little colony. This was Mr. Joshua Coshow, who settled on the farm belonging to Isaac Sence.

The year 1841 brought four. They were Win. Duncan, who located on the land where he is still living; John Mcllwain, on the William Holland farm ; Alexander Murphy, also on what is now the Holland farm, and Robert Coat, on the land owned by the widow Green.

In 1842, came William Buchanan, who settled on the widow Sence farm; John Payton, on the farm owned by John McClosky, and Henry James, on the George Hubler farm.

In 1843, the number was largely increased by the following men: John N. Poundstone, on the farm where he is still living; A. F. Coin, on the farm owned by his son, S. R Coin ; Barnett Wilson, on the place where he lives ; George A. Ewing, on the John Roush farm; James W. Smith, on the farm which is still in possession of his heirs ; James Logan, also on the land owned by his heirs ; Geo. W., Jacob and Jackson Harness, the former on the farms where they are living, the latter on that owned by his heirs; Jacob Eder, on the Flinn and Beech farm, with Daniel and Jacob Shelley, who were "squatters," not at first making permanent entries of land.

In 1844, Daniel and Lewis Hyman, still citizens of the township, settled on the Escher farm Among others who came soon after that date and are justly to be mentioned among the early settlers, were David See, James Stanley, William Hall, William Holland, Jacob Shern, John Davis, John Hampshire, Benjamin Hoover, John Grist, William Smith and Thompson Vaughn.

Doubtless there are many names that should appear here, but they have been forgotten by those from whom we have gained our information; accordingly we must content ourselves with having given the basis of the early settlement.

The first religious meeting in the township was held at the cabin of Noah Fouts, about the year 1840, by the Cumberland Presby¬ terians. Their preacher was the Rev. John Hay. The next denomi¬ nation was the Baptist, who held their meetings in a log school house, on the Escher farm. About the year 1845, the Methodists built a church on the Reeder farm. The same year, a church was built by the Quakers on the Enos McDonald farm. The next was by the Christians or Disciples in Young America.