Huntington County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 13 of those read), 1887

Polk Township - Area and General Features - Early Settlement - Pioneer Life - Religious History - Roads and Other Improvements - Items of Interest - Monument City - Harlansburgh - Biographical Sketches.

POLK TOWNSHIP embraces a superficial area of "twenty-four square miles, or 15,360 acres, with the following boundaries, to wit: Wabash County on the west, Dallas Township on the north and the townships of Lancaster and Wayne on the east and south respectively. Until 1846 its territory was included in that of Lancaster Township, but at the March ter n of the Board of County Commissioners of that year' it was organized as a separate jurisdiction and named in honor of President James K. Polk. Salamonie River, the principal water course, enters near the southeast corner, flows a northwesterly direction through Sections 36, 26, 23, 21, reserve Section No. 31, and receives several tributaries, the largest of which, Majenica Creek, waters and drains the eastern part of the township, emptying into the main stream a short distance southeast of Monument City. Crooked Creek, another small tributary, flows a southerly course through Sections 9, 16 and part of 21, while Logan and Eush Creeks afford water and ample drainage for a considerable area of territory in the southwest corner of the township. The country adjacent to the Salamonie is somewhat broken, but by far the greater part of the township is comparatively level and characterized by a soil which, for depth and fertility, is hot surpassed by that of any other part of the county or the State. When first seen by white men the face of the country was covered with a dense growth of the finest timber, much of which was ruthlessly destroyed in preparing the ground for cultivation and much sacrificed in later years to the demands of trade. Walnut, poplar, oak, sugar tree, beech, elm, ash, were the leading varieties, with a dense undergrowth of spice bush, paw paw, etc., the thickets of which afforded safe retreats for wild animals, both fierce and dangerous. The township is pre-eminently an agricultural region and within its borders are to be seen many of the finest farms in the county, the improved condition of which bespeak the presence of an intelligent and progressive class of citizens. Near the present site of Monument City, in an early day, was a thriving Indian village, presided over by Chief Tuck-a-min-gwa, who, with those under his immediate supervision, was rioted for his great friendship for the white settlers. The Indians remained in the township until about the year 1847, at which time they removed to the far west, although small bands visited the country at intervals for several years after that date.

Settlement. - " Prior to the year 1836 the deep forests of the township had never been broken by the sound of the pioneer's ax, and the struggle for a home within its limits was first inaugurated by one Jacob Fisher, who with his family of nine persons, located on the northwest quarter of Section 24, in September of the above year." He moved here from Wilmington, Ohio, and was a resident of the township for a period of about forty-nine years, dying in 1885. Nathan Fisher, brother of Jacob, came about the same time, or perhaps the following year, and has been a resident ever since, residing where he originally settled, in the eastern part of the township, where descendants of both families now live. Willis Jeffrey, a native of New Jersey, but an early settler of Randolph County, this State, moved to the township a few months after the date of Fisher's settlement, and located the farm now owned by Mrs. Osborne and occupied by Charles Powell. He took an active part in the development of the country, and died in the township March 3, 1886, at the ad- vanced age of seventy-nine years. Leonard Parrott, in 1837, settled in the southwestern part of the township, and, with his father-in-law, Daniel Webb, who came to the same vicinity in an early day, also is remembered as a very honorable and trustworthy citizen. In company with Mr. Jeffrey came John D. Campbell, who settled on Majenica Creek, in the eastern part of the township, making his first improvements on the farm owned at this time by Matthew Taylor. As early, perhaps, as 1836, one Richard Cummings settled near the Campbell place, and, after residing there some years, purchased and improved land near Mt. Etna, in the southeast corner of the township. He was a man of local prominence, and at one time served as Sheriff of Huntington County. Another settler of 1837 was Aaron R Sayres, who located a farm in Section 26, which he sold one year later and moved to Wabash County. The purchaser of this place was Henry Fulhart, who moved to his new home in the fall of 1838. He subsequently disposed of his interests in Polk and became a resident of Lancaster Township. Oliver Jones joined the settlement in 1837, and made the first improvements on the Hiram Satterthwaite farm in the western part of the township. He is remembered as a skillful hunter, and was in every sense of the word an admirable representative of the daring class of pioneers who sought homes in the unbroken wilderness of Northern Indiana nearly half a century ago.

The year 1838 was marked by the arrival of a number of settlers and their families, conspicuous among whom were Greenburg Martin and Daniel James, the former locating where John Alpaugh' lives, in the western part of the township, and the latter moving to a tract of land which he had previously entered, in Section 26, near the Salamonie River. Martin, like his neighbor, Mr. James, was skilled in the use of the rifle, and varied the routine of farm work with frequent hunting excursions in thet surrounding forests. He died a number of years ago, leaving descendants, one of whom, a son, William Martin, is still an honored resident of the township. Daniel James was a native of North Carolina, and an early settler of Randolph County, from which, in 1834, he removed to Grant County. The same year he made a tour of Huntington, and being pleased with the country, entered land as above described, to which he moved his family in March, 1838. " He was a man of acknowledged ability, took an active interest in public affairs, and in an early day filled the office of Associate Judge of this county, having previously been elected to a similar position in Grant County. His death occurred on the 14:th day of July, 1866, at the age of eighty-six years. He had a family of five children, four of whom, John, Martin, Helen and Willis, are still residents of the county. During the years 1839 and 1840, the following settlers, additional to those enumerated, secured homes in the township, to-wit: Jacob Branson, west of Mt. Etna, on the Salamonie River; Thomas Webb, in the southern part of the township, where he still lives; John Wat- son, where his widow resides; Samuel H. Jennings, in southwest corner of township; Early Kinsey and Allen Dowell, in same locality; Martin McFarland, near the southern boundary. Others, who came early in the forties, were: Isaac Heffner, John Wagoner, Joseph Wagoner, George Blose, Hamilton Giltner, Matthew Taylor, John D. Fisher. George Fisher, Elias Fisher, Samuel Fisher, Robert Thomas, James Pdrrott, George Smith, Henry Andrews, Alfred Long, Thomas R Large, John Stroup, Alexander Brannon, William Watson, Charles Watson, Benjamin B. Hart, David Ridgeway, Hon. L. P. Milligan, Henry Hildebrand, Sr., Henry Hildebrand, Jr., Jacob Leedy, Jonah Leedy, Joel Satterthwaite and others.

Like all other parts of Huntington County the township when first seen by white men presented but few attractions to the home seeker. On every hand were dense forests to clear away, which required years of unremitting toil and hardships of which we can form but a faint conception. The conventional rough pole cabin with puncheon floor, stick chimney, clapboard roof and uncouth fire-place was the castle in which the sturdy housewife reigned supreme, and in which she imparted those lessons of industry, economy and sound practical sense which make her children the substantial fathers and mothers of to-day. Early and late, year after year, the sturdy pioneers were compelled to wield the ax in order to fell the gigantic forest growth, and fit the ground for cultivation, but hard as was this kind of life, it had its seasons of enjoyment, its log rollings, house raisings, and social gatherings where, untrammelled by the usages of modern society, all would meet on a common level and enjoy the occasion as only those whose daily life was passed amid the hard routine of rugged toil know how to appreciate.

For a number of years game of all kimis was very plentiful, and with corn bread, constituted the greater part of the pioneers' bill of fare. Deer were frequently seen in large herds, and it required no great amount of skill for the expert huntsman to kill from eight to a dozen of these animals in a single day. Turkeys were also quite numerous, while grouse, squirrels, quails and other small game were hardly deemed worth the ammunition required to kill them. The appearance of an occasional bear was hailed with delight by the sportsmen, and to kill one of these animals was considered a feat requiring more than ordinary skill and powers. The following incident is related of an encounter which James Parrott had with an infuriated bear near the western boundary of the township in an early day. Mr. Parrott while hunting suddenly ran upon two cubs that were playing near a thicket, and, before taking time to look for the mother bear, that was concealed near by, shot and killed one of the young ones. No sooner was the gun discharged than the old bear rushed from her hiding place, and before the hunter had time to reload his piece or escape, she was close upon him, and he was compelled to fight for his life with a large club which he found lying near. The bear rendered furious by the death of her young, made desperate efforts to clasp the hunter in her powerful embrace, and he, being a perfect giant in strength, wielded his club so vigorously as to effectually keep her at a safe distance. The struggle continued for some time with doubtful result, but the hunter following up every advantage, finally succeeded in putting the savage beast hors de combat. He was severely wounded in the struggle, and his clothing literally torn to shreds. Richard C ummings killed a bear near his farm many years ago, and several young ones were captured at different times throughout the country. The most annoying wiM animals in the early settlement of the country were the wolves, which proved very destructive to the settlers' stock. Sheep and pigs were penned almost every night, yet despite all precautions a great deal of stock would fall victims to these much dreaded scourges. To rid the country of them the setttlers finally organized general wolf hunts, in which a large area would be surrounded and the animals driven to the centre of the circle of huntsmen and killed. The last hunt of this kind took place about the year 1847, since which time but few, if any wolves have been seen in the township.

Religious History. - So far as known, the first religious meeting in the township was conducted by Rev. Mr. Moss, of the German Baptist Church, at the barn of Jacob Fulhart, in June, 1840. Ministers of this denomination visited the neighborhood at intervals as long as Mr. Fulhart remained in the township, but no attempt at a permanent organization appears to have been inaugurated. The first society organized was a class of the Methodist Episcopal Church which early met for worship at the residence of Nathan Fisher. Among the earliest preachers are remembered Revs. Posey, Hull and Bradshaw, all of whom were earnest in their efforts to spread the Gospel throughout the sparsely settled country of Huntington County. As early perhaps as 1847 or 1848, the Christian (Disciples) organized a society at the Hildebrand School House, which at one time had a large and flourishing membership. The early preachers were Elders Ebenezer Elliot, Guilford Thompson and Henley James, and the first elder of the congregation was Daniel James. The society holds its meetings at Monument City and though not so strong as fornnerly is still in the enjoyment of a fair measure of prosperity Mt. Zion United Brethren Church in the northwest corner of the township was organized in an early day, and in later years a house of worship was erected in Section 4. The society has accomplished a vast amount of good in the community, and at this time has an active membership. ISTear the United Brethren Church is a Methodist organization which dates its history from quite an early day, and which is still a potent factor for good in the community. The building in which the society meets for worship was erected about the year I860, and stands a distance

Sart of the township, among the first preachers of which were Elers Samuel Moore and George Abbott. The house of worship, a substantial structure, was erected some time in the sixties, and is still used by the congregation. The churches above mentioned are all in fair condition and have accomplished much moulding the moral and religious character of the township.

Improvements. - " The first road through the township was surveyed and located along the Salamonie River, from La Gro, Wabash County to Warren, in this county." " Formerly blazed trees marked the traveled thoroughfares, but no road existed." " After the completion of the Warren & La Gro Road others were surveyed and legally established, affording easy access to the markets of this and neighboring counties." The township is now traversed by a net- work of improved highways, all of which are kept in superior condition. The presence of abundant water power was early taken advantage of for manufacturing purposes, and about the year 1837, a saw mill was built by John D. Campbell, on the bank's of Majenica Creek, in the western part of the township. "To this mill Mr. Campbell subsequently attached a ' corn cracker,' which like others of its kind was an indifferent affair, incapable of grinding sufficient grain to make it a financial success." The Hildebrands, Henry, Sr., and Henry, erected the first flouring mill in the township on the banks of the Salamonie River, near the village of Mt. Etna, about the year 1853. It was a combination mill, manufactured both flour and lumber, and was operated by the original proprietor until its destruction by fire, sometime in the seventies. It was rebuilt by David Myers, and stood until 18S5, at which time it was again burned, the last fire resulting in its comphjte destruction. " The timbered character of the township early offered an inviting field for the lumber business, and numerous saw mills have been in operation from time to time." The first steam saw mill was brought to the country by Messrs. Leedy & King, since which time there have been a number of others, the lumber business having for years been a leading industry.

Items of Interest. - On the 11th day of December, 1836, occurred the birth of Silas Fisher, son of Nathan Fisher, who was the first white person born within the present limits of the Township. David Fisher, brother of the preceding, was born a few years later, and about the year 1838, Hrs. Hannah Traster, daughter of Willis Jeffrey, was born in the township. The next birth was that of Henley, son of Daniel and Mary James, which occurred in March, 1810. The first marriage, so far as known, was that of Charles Morgan and Elizabeth Fisher, solemnized sometime in the year 1838. A little later occurred the marriage of Simon Fisher and Emmalett Cummings, exact date unknown. "The first death which the little community was called upon to mourn- was that of Susannah Fisher, daughter of Nathan Fisher, a very estimable lady." Another early death was that of Wesley Morgan, and the first person buried in the township is said to have been Jacob Barnett, who was laid to rest many years ago in what is known as the Hildebrand grave-yard. Mrs. Michael Minnich and child were buried at the same place in an early day, as were also a number of others whose names have long since been forgotten.

The first frame building in the township was a barn erected on the farm of Henry Fulhart, about the year 1840. The building is still standing in a good state of preservation. One of the first frame dwellings was built early in the forties by Henry Hildebrand, Sr. Among the early mechanics of the township were Allen Dowell and Alexander Branaman, carpenters, and William Watson, cabinet maker.

Monument City. - "About the year 1868 or '69, the citizens of Polk, conceived and put in execution a plan to erect a monument to the memory of the soldiers in the late war who were residents of the township, and lost their lives in defense of the Nation's honor." "A neat marble shaft, representing a capital of $500, was accordingly erected in Section 33, inpcribed with the names of twenty-seven brave boys in blue, in honor of whom the enterprise was conceived." In the spring of 1874, Jacob Leedy and John Pilcher laid out the town of Monument City on the Salamonie River, Section 33, and named it for the monument which stands in the immediate vicinity. The first business enterprise of the place was a saw mill operated by Weeks & Slyter, who in addition to dealing quite extensively iu lumber, also opened a general store. They" subsequently disposed of their mercantile business, but still operate the mill. G. W. Byram sold goods for some time, as did also Noah Hildebrand, the Hallett Bros., Isaac Hildebrand and Jonas Calvert. The mercantile interests of the place are represented at this time by James Hallett who carries on a general goods house with a fair degree of success. The village blacksmith is William Armstrong, while Friend Swartz makes the boots and shoes for the citizens of the village and community. The village is situated in the midst of a rich agricultural region and is a good local trading point.

Harlanshurgh, a little hamlet in the eastern part of the township, has at this time a good store kept by Oliver N. Snider, who also represents the Government in the capacity of Postmaster. There are also a blacksmith shop and saw mill, the latter operated by D. B. Shell.