Huntington County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 14 of those read), 1887

Rock Creek Township - Situation and Boundary - Settlement BY THE Whites - Early Events - Markle - Industries - Churches - Pluai Tree - Rock Creek Center - Biographical Sketches.

ROCK CREEK is Congressional Township 27 north, range 10 east, and dates its history as a separate jurisdiction from the year 1842. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, with the following boundaries: Union Township on the north. Wells County on the east, Salamonie Township on the south, Lancaster Township on the west, and derived its name from Rock Creek which traverses the eastern portion, flowing into the Wabash River about one and a half miles southwest of Markle. The Wabash waters and drains the northeast corner of the township, while the central and western portions are drained by Loon Creek, which heads in Section 28, and flowing a northwesterly course, crosses the western boundary on Section 7. The surface of the township is gently undulating, and when first seen by pioneers was covered by a dense forest growth of the finest timber which attested the superiority of the soil for agricultural purposes. These forests generally fell before the settler's ax, and the township now presents as rich and as highly developed farming region as is to be found in any part of Northern Indiana. Settlement by the Whites.-- The first white man to attempt a permanent settlement in the wilderness of Rock Creek appears to have been one Albert Draper, who located a home in Richardville Reserve, near the present site of Markle, as early as the year 1833. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the township and is remembered as a man who passed through life in a truly philosophical manner, taking everything as it came with but little questioning as to the why and wherefore of the same. He succeeded in accumulating a good property but subsequently disposed of the same and emigrated to Illinois. In 1834 Moses Sparks, a native of North Carolina, moved to the township and settled a short distance southwest of Markle, where he located and improved a small farm. His father came to the new country the same time but settled just over the line in Wells County, in the early improvement of which he bore an active part. Isaac Sparks, brother of Moses, early became a resident of Rock Creek and is still residing in the township. The year 1838 was marked by the arrival of several substantial settlers, prominent among whom was John Sheets, who located near the Wells County line, where he lived until a comparatively recent date. He is now a resident of the City of Huntington. A Mr. Adams came the above year, also, and made a home about one and a half miles southwest of Markle. His son-in-law, John Schoolcraft, lived in the house for some time but subsequently moved to Huntington. Mr. Adams moved from the township a number of years ago. Jacob Souers, in 1837, visited the township for the purpose of selecting a location and being pleased with the appearance of the country, located a place in Section 33, to which he moved his family two years later. Mr. Souers moved here from Wayne County, and was an honored resident of the township until 1886, at which time he moved to Huntington, where he now resides. Reason Souers, brother of Jacob, came the same year and settled in Section 32. In 1839 Israel First settled in the western part of the township, moving from Wayne Counly and entering a valuable body of land. Jacob Shively settled in the northern part of the township quite early but soon afterward moved to Wells County where he still resides. George Poff was an early settler in the eastern part of the township moving about the year 1840. He was a brother-in-law of Mr. Sheets and a man of many sterling qualities. Gideon Landis, as early as 1840, or 1841, settled in the northern part of the township and a Mr. Poulson settled where John Smith now lives, not far from Rock Creek Center, about the same time. '

Other early settlers were Samuel Wolf, in northern part, near the Wabash River; John Smith, on the Poulson farm; Nathan and Solomon Smith, in Section 33; John Becker, Section 34; Abraham Beck, in different parts of the township; A. Miner and father, in Section 33; Caleb Ayers, in southeast corner; Samuel Mills, in same locality; Benjamin Sheets, near where John Sheets settled; Burdine Bonham, in Section 35, where he still lives; Joseph G. Rineas, near central part; Edward Roberts, in northeast corner of the township; Sydney Crandle, same part;

Hiram Sale, in northern part; Daniel Cupp, northeast part; Dr. Joseph Scott, en present site of Markle, in which village he still resides; John J. Scotton, on Rock Creek, one and a Half miles southwest of Markle; James Cline, northern part; John Detroe, a short distance north of Rock Creek Center, in Section 15; James Johnston, north of the Wabash, near Markle; Moses Alspach, about one mile south of the Wabash; Jonas Kelsey, in northeastern part of the township; Aaron Rittenhouse, as early as 1838, in Section 31; John Brubaker, Samuel Brubaker, Samuel De Hearn, Peter L. Bonewitz, Mr. Sho'res and others.

As already stated, the township was organized September, 1842, and the following year an election, for the purpose of choosing the necessary officials, was held, resulting as follows: John Sheets, Jacob Souers and N. Poulson, Trustees; Albert Draper, Justice of the Peace, and William Clarke, Township Clerk. Dr. Joseph Scott and Mr. Huff were among the early Trustees, and the first person who held the office after the law providing for a single trustee went into effect, was Samuel Mills.

The first mill in the township was built in Rock Creek by Robert Draper, by order of the government, for the use of the Miami Indians. It was erected as early as 1834, stood in the northeast corner of the township, and manufactured lumber and meal for several years, having been patronized quite extensively by the settlers in the vicinity. John J. Scotton built a saw mill on Rock Creek, northeast part of the township, in an early day, which was first operated by water, and later by steam power. A large flouring mill was subsequently erected near the same place, which is still standing. There have been a number of steam saw mills in operation at different times throughout the township, besides several tile factories and lime kilns, all of which have proved fairly remunerative to the proprietors.

The first birth in the township is said to have been that of Riley Draper, son of Albert and Rachel Draper, which occurred as long ago as the year 1836. One of the earliest deaths was that of Mrs. Adams, who departed this life in 1838. Mrs. Eliza First, wife of Israel First, died the same year, and a little later William Paulson was summoned away by death.

Catherine Long, daughter of Israel and Eliza First, was born August, 1839, being one of the earliest births in the Township. Among the first frame houses in the township were those erected by Jacob and Reason Souers, and the first orchard was set out by the latter soon after he came to the County. George Souers built the first brick house, and v/as also one of the first mechanics in the township, having early worked at his trade of wagon making.

Among the early settlers of Rock Creek, were some who never faltered in the discharge of their religious duties although no organizations were effected, or houses of worship erected for several years after the appearance of the first pioneers. Itinerant ministers of the Methodist Church visited the eastern part of the Township in an early day and preached to the sparse settlers in private dwellings and school houses. They were pious, patient, laborious men who collected the people into regular congregations and did for them all that their circumstances would allow. Their progress was at first slow but their zeal and perseverance at length overcame every obstacle. It was no disparagement that their first churches were groves and their first pulpits a kind of rude platform constructed of rough slabs and clapboards. Preaching then was somewhat different from what it is now, beihg generally of the noisy order. Society too was of a different cast and the preacher in order to rivet attention and be effective had to correspond with the times, for unless a speaker can gain the attention of his audience and hold it, his efforts will be unavailing. The singing partook of the same character, and when services were conducted out-doors in the grove, the preaching and singing might easily be heard for a mile. Though the religious exercises partook to a great extent of this noisy character and the preachers were probably less polished in their phraseology then at this time, the people were as sincere in their professions of Christianity as they are now. In proportion to their number there were doubtless fewer hypocrites and fully as much piety as at the present day.

The pioneer preachers were not all of the above type, but some of them possessed talent and learning, used good language and were graceful and dignified in their preaching. These early ministers contributed largely in their day to the morals of the community, and were mainly instrumental in laying the foundations for the various religious denominations in the township at the present day. They were as a rule, God fearing men, and were not ashamed to be seen traveling on foot or on horseback many miles to their appointments, often encountering hunger and thirst and exposing themselves to the inclemency of the weather. The Baptist denomination was early represented in the township by Eev. Robert Tisdale, who preached in the Souers' School House, where an organization was effected many years ago. There is at this time a Baptist Church south of the river which has an active membership. The Methodists organized a small class in the northeast corner of the township in an early day, out of which subsequently grew the Methodist Church of Markle. Elder George Abbott, of the Christian Church, preached in the timbers in an early day, as did also George Hubbard, but no organization of that order seems to have been formed until a number of years later. The Methodists have several congregations at this time, and near Brown's Corners is a Presbyterian Church, which dates its history from an early day. The churches of the township are all well attended, and have substantial houses of worship, facts which speak well for the moral worth of the citizens.

dates its history proper from April, 1853. A number of years prior to that time, however, a Mr. Tracy, the original owner of the land, built a small store building and subsequently laid out a few lots, upon which he conferred his own name. This project did not prove successful, and the land was afterward purchased by Oliver A. Morse of New York, who in the year above named, had the village regularly surveyed and recorded. The original plat of the town embraces 135 lots, traversed by nine streets, four of which, Wabash, Sparks, Wilt and Cherry run east and west, and the other four, Clark, Miller, Draper and Sayler, north and south. Among the first residents of the place was Dr. Joseph Scott, who moved to the locality several years before the survey of the town and engaged in the practice of the medical profession, which he still continues. Robert Allen was an early resident and probably the first mechanic of the village. Among the earliest business men was a man by the name of Haswell, who erected the large frame building now occupied by D. R. Buffiagton and Obadiah Casper, who built a residence and store building near the public square. Other merchants from time to time were the following: Amos Curry, Smith & Lesh, Jacob Roush, Edward Roush, Jonas Kelsey, Allen Ridding, James Johnson, Martin Miller, H. C. Dilley, Brown & Lesh, Shively & Sparks, Mygrants & Smith, T. J. Smith, William Smith, Carnes & Son, Sloan & Brother, D. R. Buffington, H. C. Sparks, Reuben Haflich, Samuel Earhart, Latimer & Beal, Sales & Brickley, Ditzler & Davenport, and perhaps others whose names were not given the writer.

The early mechanics were: Robert Allen, Samuel Wolf and William Paulson, blacksmiths; John ISTave, wagon maker; J. A. Michaels, shoemaker, and John Zimro, carpenter.

Industries. - One of the early industries of Markle, was the large flouring mill, erected some time in the fifties, by William Chapman. It was a three story frame structure, operated by water power, and for a number of years was one of the most successful mills in the eastern part of Huntington County. It has passed through the hands of different parties, and is now owned by M. King, who is remodeling it throughout and supplying machinery for the manufacture of flour by the roller process. Amos Curry, about the year 1855 or 1856, started a tannery in Markle, which was operated with good success, for several years. The last owner was John Brickley. There have been saw-mills in operation at the village at different times, the largest of which were brought to the place soon after the completion of the C. & A. Railroad. James Redding built a mill in the northeast part of the village, early in the eighties, which he subsequently sold to jJohn Stults, the present proprietor. Mr. Stults, in addition to sawing immense quantities of lumber, operates a large planing mill, and is one of the most successful lumbermen in the county. A saw-mill in the northwest part of the town was built a few years ago, by Aaron Zeigler. It is now operated by S. Hinkle, whose business is in a very prosperous condition. Messrs. Justice and Patterson, about the year 1884, engaged in the business of bailing hay, which is still carried on, the machinery at this time bt4ng operated by other parties. A feed mill and crusher was erected on the west side of town in the fall of 1886, by Henry Mygrants, who manufactures corn meal and chop feed. It is operated by steam power and has already proved a remunerative investment. The manufacture of lime has been carried on in Markle and vicinity for several years there being several large kilns in successful operation at this time. A fine quality of building stone is found near the town, much of which has been quarried .and shipped to the larger cities of the country. The largest quarry is the one owned by the Brickley family, from which have been taken some of the finest stone ever found in Indiana.

The growth of Markle during the first fifteen or twenty years of its history was not very rapid, but its location in the midst of a rich farming country, early earned for the town the reputation of a good local trading point. The completion of the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad, in 1883, gave new life to the place, and since that time additions have been made^ and the population greatly increased. It is still growing, the present population being estimated at from 600 to 700, and in a commercial point of view, it ranks among the best country towns of the county. Its present commercial and industrial interests are represented by the following business men and firms: General stores - William Bender, Henry Rarick, Smuck & Bro., arid John Leeper; clothing store, D. R. Buffington; hardware stores, Neff & Fox, and Mr. Culver; drugs, Joshua Dilley and Charles King; millinery, Henry Mygrants; boots and shoes, William Michaels; restaurant and

Sowers; livery stables, Eli Maddux and Mr. Ditzler; blacksmiths, Allen & Denman, and Henry Alshouse; wagon maker, William Patterson; furniture and undertaker, Mr. Cupp; hotel, Markle House, John Selvy; photographer, S. Mygrants; barber, Jesse Harvey; saloon, Thomas Jacol; meat market, Duick & Miller.

Churches. - Methodist Episcopal Church of Markle was organized in the spring of 1848, at the residence of Jonas Kelsey, Rev. Anson Beach ofiiciating. Among the early members of the class were many of the first settlers of the country, and for a period of two years meetings continued to be held at regular intervals in Mr. Kelsey's dwelling. Worship was subsequently conducted at the residences of James Johnston and Israel Black, and in 1853 the place of meeting was changed to the Markle School House, which served the wants of the congregation until about 1860. In the latter year the newly erected Baptist Church was tendered to the society, which, with the Baptist denomination used it alternately until the erection of a new house of worship in 1874. This building is a beautiful frame structure, well finished and furnished, and cost the sum of $2,700. A reorganization of the so- ciety was effected in 1874 by Kev. Chester Church, at which time the membership numbered about sixty. Since that year the following pastors have had charge of the church, to wit: Revs. Mr. Ramsey, Mr. McCarter, James Woolpert, George Clark, Mr. Murray, Mr. Whitford and the present incumbent, I. W. Singer. The society, although not so strong in numbers as formerly, is still in prosperous condition, with an active membership of sixtyfive. The present officers are: Addison Conklin, Class Leader; Franklin Brickl^y, James Johnston andHugH Fate, Stewarts; Henry Alshouse, James Johnston, Emanuel Werts, Haman Allen and Harrison M. Sale, Trustees. The Sunday School is large and well attended.

Baptist Church. - This denomination was early represented in Markle, but there was no regular organization in the village prior to 1860. In that year Albert Draper donated a large proportion of the sum necessary to erect a house of worship, and with the generous assistance of members of different denominations, a large frame building on the south side of the river was completed and ready for use in due time. The Baptist Society was organized in 1861, under the ministry of Rev. Abel Johnson, who formally dedicated the house the preceding year. The society, at the time of organization, consisted of only four members, and numbering no more at a later date, is now practically abandoned, there being no regular pastor, services being held at irregular intervals by such traveling ministers as see fit to visit the place. The building, while erected nominally as a Baptist church, has been used by different denominations, among which the Christians, Disciples and Dunkards have regular preaching at the present time.

Lodges. - KarMe Lodge, No. 4 53, A. F. & A. M,, was organized under dispensation, by W. B. Lyons, Special Deputy, in May, 1872. In June, 1873, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, and on the 4th of July following, the lodge was organized wittuthe following members: Joseph Scott, Solimon Sparks, H. 0. Sparks, Brazilla Messier, L X. Walker, George Bailey, and Franklin A. Bratton. The first officers were: Dr. Joseph A. Scott, W. M.; George Bailey, S. W.; F. A. Bratton, J. W., and S. Sparks, Tiler. The organization is in good condition, and at this time has an active membership of twenty nine. The officers are as follows: Thornton Brubaker, W. M.; J. B. Cooper, S. W.; T. H. Zehring, J. W.; Emanuel West, Secretary; John Sparks, Treasurer; William Allen, S. D.; George Brubaker, J. D.; Charles Shaffer, Tyler; Joseph Dehaven and C. W. Sparks, Stewards; James Lyons, C. W. Sparks and J. J. Scatton, Trustees.

Markle Lodge, No. 363, 1. O. 0. F., was instituted April 14, 1871, with seven charter members. The first officers were: Joseph Scott, N. G.; A. A. Bo wen, V. G.; W. J. Kilander, Secretary; Rufus Bowen, Treasurer. The membership at this time numbers about seventeen. The hall in which meetings are held was erected in 1881, and the same year a beautiful cemetery was laid out near the village. The elective oflBcers at this time are: Jefferson Dustman, N". G.; William Eaver, V. G.; James A. Miller, Secretary, and M. H. King, Treasurer.

Plum Tree, or Yankee Town, is a small village situated in the extreme southern part of the township^ is the site of a very early settlement in Rock Creek and Salamonie, and at this time has a store, postoflBce and two churches, viz. : Methodist and Christian. It is surrounded by a rich agricultural district, and although but a mere hamlet has the reputation of being a fair local trading point.

Eock Creek Center, situated in Sections 15 and 32, near the geographical centre of the township, has a couple of general stores, blacksmith shop and postoflSce. The country immediately surrounding is a rich farming region and the village being the chief source of supplies for a large neighborhood, has become a place of considerable local importance. Near the northwest corner of the township in Sections 4, 5 and 9, is a small village known as Brown's Corners, which supports a couple of business houses. Like the hamlets already named, it was the immediate outgrowth of the neighborhood's demands for a trading point, and with no prospects of future growth, will probably remain as it has been in the past, one of the flourishing villages of the township.