Huntington County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read), 1887

SALAMONIE TOWNSHIP is situated in the southeast corner of Huntington County, and is bounded as follows: North by Rock Creek Township; east and south by Wells County; west by Jefferson Township. The earliest history of the southern portion of the county is associated with this locality. The township was originally six miles wide, north and south, and sixteen miles long east and west, comprising all the territory now embraced by Jefferson and Wayne Townships; and the reduction of this territory was the first division of Huntington County into townships. Salamonie Township, was organized at the February term of the Board of County Commissioners, in 1835. The Commissioners at their session in March, 1843, reduced the Township to its present limits, a Congressional Township.

Early Settlement. - The first settlement was made in September, 1833, by Samuel Jones and his family, who came from Highland County, Ohio. At that time its forests contained among their denizens a large number of Indians, who, however, were disposed to be friendly. Fleming Mitchell settled in the township about one week after Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones visited this locality in the spring of 1833, at which time he entered a tract of land embracing the present site of Warren; after which, he returned to Ohio, where he remained until September following. His cabin was located near the Fort Wayne and Indianapolis

Eoad. which was then a throughfare extensively traveled by emigrants and speculators en route for the West; and many of their number enjoyed his hospitalities. Fleming Mitchell's cabin was located near the Salamonie River, one mile above the present site of Warren. Later in 1833, they were joined by James Morrison and his family, who settled near Fleming Mitchell, and Noah McGrew and family, who settled on the Salamonie River, three miles below Samuel Jones. Lewis Richards and family came late in the same year, and moved in the house with Flem"- ing Mitchell. This closed the immigration for the year 1833, and there were but few settlements in 1834. Among those who came in that year were L. W. Purviance, Ezekiel Fleming and Peter Wire. Mr. Wire removed to Jefferson Township before the close of that year, and was among the earliest residents of that locality. In 1835-6, the settlement received several additions to its numbers, prominent among whom were Ezekiel Jones, Abel Irwm, William Coolman, Peter Rittenhouse, Simeon Swain, G. 0. Blair and John Baker. In 1837, came George Beard, Aaron Back, Jacob Zent, Simeon Huffman, John Dillon, Enoch Jones and Daniel Stroup. Others who were prominently interested with the early settlement of this township were: Thomas Mcllwain, William Gill, James Lynn, John and George Thompson, Ezra C. Thompson, John Frazier, Michael Reveal, Abner Leonard, Messrs. Priddy, Gephart, Bilbee, Foust, Roberts, Wright, CoflBeld, Ruse, Hamilton, Smith, Ewbanks, Johnson, Becker and Sutton. After these accessions, the log-rollings were greatly facilitated. The maxim of "many hands" making " light work " was then fully verified.

First Events. - Mary Jane McGrew, daughter of John McGrew, was the first white child born in the Township; she was. born April 5, 1834. The first nuptial ceremony celebrated in in the township was the union of Leander Morrison with Matilda Jones, February 36, 1835. Death first visited the settlement on the 20th day of January, 1835, claiming for his victim Michael Reveal, whose remains were interred in the Jones Cemetery. Year by year, his former companions were called from earth, and soon the little cemetery stood thickly dotted with the headstones which proclaimed the last resting place of those whose labors in life were directed toward the development of this region, whose lives ended ere. their early hopes were fully realized. To them is due the honor of initiating a noble work; and though lost to earth, their memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of a grateful posterity, for whose comforts they endured the privations incident to pioneer life, and struggled to secure the many blessings now enjoyed.

The first saw-mill was built by Leander Morrison for Fleming Mitchell, one mile above Warren, and also the first grist-mill, in 1835. John Reid, of Barnstable, Mass., bought the mill and attached bolting in 1837.

Warren, in the old Purviance cabin. David C. Little taught the second school in one of S. Jones' first cabins, donated for school purposes. The first school house was built near the mounds south of Warren. The first district school house was No. 8, on the northeast corner of Section 33. The first brick school house was built in Warren, 1866. Now all the ten school houses in the township are brick.

The first frame dwelling and the first frame barn was built by Samuel Jones and are now owned by Mr. F. M. Huff, in Warren. The first brick dwelling was built by Jonathan Foust, on the southeast quarter of Section 35.

Accidents. - The following accidental deaths have occurred in this township, perhaps not exactly in the order written : First, John Frasier, killed by the falling of a coon tree when alone in the woods and was found by friends next day frozen in the snow. Mary Little, daughter of Isaac Young, was killed by the rolling of a log of wood on Mr. Sonner's wood pile while the children were playing. John Shaffer was killed by the bursting of a small cannon. Floyd, son of Jacob McFerson, was drowned while skating on the river. Hannah A., daughter of Sargent Clarke, was drowned in an old shallow well hole. Tommy Leffler was burned in a kettle of hot lard^ causing death. George G., son of J. H. Gillispie, was crushed and drcwned in the Turbine water wheel of David Finkle's mill while sporting in the f orebay under the mill, the wheel running some time with the dead body in the wheel. Samuel L., son of C. N. Irwin, was killed by the falling of a tree. A little daughter of William Crum died from falling in a bucket of hot water. Henry Williamson was injured by a run-away team and died from the same. John Eeid was drowned while bathing in the river and the body was carried some miles down the stream and was found several days afterward. Charley, son of Wesley Stroup, fell from a sled and died from the injury. James E. Barton W9,s caught in the belt of the Warren Steam-Mill, receiving injuries from which he died. Jacob Zent, Jr., was kicked in the face by a mule, causing death, Dessie, grandchild of A. K. Sutton, Jr., was scalded at the table and died from the effects thereof. George A. Jones was wounded in the neck by a piece of board on the planer and soon died therefrom. John Sharp lost his life under a wagon and saw log at the grade south of the Warren bridge. Mary, wife of John Manning, took a drink from a bottle of strong medicine while visiting at the Methodist Episcopal Parsonage, from which she died before she could be taken home. Alphonzo Miller lost his life from damps in a well. Jack Hiukle was found dead in the river where he had lain all night; marks on his body showed signs of violence. John Laymon committed suicide; whisky was the cause. Frank Beard cut his throat doing a quick and fatal work.

found it at Charles Goff's, on Blue River, in Henry County, and when he returned home with his supply, he added only §.\00 per day for self and team, and found that his corn cost only $2.25 per bushel.

Salt was quite an item to the early settler, as the following statement will show: In the autumn of 1839, Jonathan Foust and Simeon Swaim, agreed to send for a barrel each, and Foust said he would find a wagon and team and Swaim should furnish the driver. Accordingly Swaim's son was sent to Huntington and found Toply Gant had all the salt in the town of Huntington, and just enough to fill the bill of Foust and Swaim (two barrels) at $14.00 each and extra weight added, which made a total of $32.76 for the whole load. The reader can add two laborious days' work for team and driver to find total cost when it was delivered at the pioneer's cabin door. Pioneer mothers said in those days, "Girls, don't waste the salt, it came from Kanawha."

The Mitchell Cemetery. - On the south of the river, opposite the Town of Warren, there is a fine bluff commanding a general view of the surrounding landscape. It is situated in the northeast quarter of Section 30. When white men came to settle in this vicinity in 1833, there was a growth of small timber, two mounds and a line of earth -works that had been thrown up by the Aborigines. The Godfrey trace and the Indian trail also, passed through this noted space, all showing that it had been the site of an Indian town, while the red. man inhabited the great Wabash Valley. A young man by the name of Mitchell Fleming, the son of Ezekiel and Margaret Fleming, died August 8, 1840. He requested before his death, to be buried in one of the " mounds " referred to. His friends fearing the antiquarians might disturb the remains of their friend in a place so noted as an Indian mound, selected a beautiful spot on the bluff near by, and consecrated this place to the burial of the dead. It soon became a popular place of burial, and received the name of " The Mitchell Cemetery," owing to the fact that Eli Mitchell executed the deed to the same.

" The Good Cemetery." - The first person interred in what is known as the " Good Cemetery," was Michael Beard, who died in the early part of 1834. He was a brother-in-law of Samuel Jones, the pioneer of this township, and the first white person to die in the new settlement. He was interred on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 29. Neighbors for miles around buried their dead in this, the first and only burying ground in the settlement. Mr. Jones sold the tract of land to Benjamin Good, and the cemetery was enlarged and named the " Good Cemetery," although George H. Thompson executed the deed by which the public holds the same .

The Thompson Cemetery was for years recognized as a family graveyard. Mr. John H. Thompson, in later days, deeded the same to the use of the public. It is situated near the west line of the northwest quarter of section 13. Permelia, wife of Eben-

The Town of Warren. - "The tract of land on which this is situated was entered by Samuel Jones in 1833. The great highway known as the Indinapolis & Fort Wayne Eoad was located "near this tract, and the advantages thereby olTered induced him to divide and sell his property in town lots. The first sale of lots occurred January 1, 1837, and the name proposed for the new town was Jonesboro, but it was subsequently ascertained that a postoffice could not be secured under that name, and Warren was finally accepted as the name by which it should be known. The first store was opened by L. R. Allison, soon after the founding of the town. Dr. S. D. Ayres was appointed Postmaster, and Silas Jones, deputy. Dr. S. D. Ayres was also the first resident physician in the town. Soon after a blacksmith shop was established by Edward McPherson, and a cabinet shop by John Shaffer, and the newly-founded town began to wear an aspect of industry and prosperity. Throughout the intervening years, its history has been one of continued progress, and is now one of the most thrifty and enterprising towns in the county."

The growth of the village was slow until October 11, 1878, when the first train on the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad ran into the town, since that date, growth and activity has prevailed. Now there are three dry goods stores, two hardware stores, three drug stores, six grocery stores, two furniture rooms, one of which is an undertaker's office, two jewelry stores, one planing mill, two saw mills, two flouring mills, one good gradea school, one grain elevator, one hotel and one bank doing a good business. There was paid $92,068 for grain, and $44,496 for stock in 1886, and adding a fair estimate for other farm products, it would give $300,000 as the annual business of the place now containing a population of 1,300. Business is growing constantly and surely, and being remote from county towns will ever control a good and independent business of its own. Healthful and pleasant in location, any person desiring a good home, can find it in Warren without going farther west.

The Warren News is a spicy and interesting local paper, the only one published in Huntington County, outside of the City of Huntington. Its editor and proprietor is J. W. Surran, who established the paper in December, 1878. From the first issue the News has been constantly growing in favor with the public, and is now one of the most successful papers ia the county. In the winter of 1881, the ofiice was entirely destroyed by fire, but Phoenix like, the paper arose from its own ashes, and in a short time was again making its weekly visits to subscribers. The paper is a seven column folio and is devoted to the interests of Warren specially, and the giving of news generally. It has never espoused the cause of any political party, but is thoroughly independent, advocating such measures as the editor deems right and condemning what is thought to be against public interest. The success of the paper is entirely due to the energy and ability of Mr. Surran, its founder and constant editor and manager.

Masonic. - King Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 246, Warren, Indiana, was organized to work under a dispensation, November 2, 1858. The following Masons were present: Brothers Daniel Palmer, Charley Wayne, G. W. Good, S. L. Good, Noah McGrew, John Carll, I. F. Good, John D. Pulse, L. L. Provines, David Witmer, A. D. Frame, and I. McZadden. The organization was completed with the following oflBcers: Daniel Palmer, W. M.; Charles Wayne, S. W.; George W. Good. J. W.; S. L. Good,S. B.,pro tern.; J. D. Pulse, J. D.; L. L. Provires, Treasurer; A. D. Frame, Secretary; D. Witmer, Tyler. They worked under a di&penfation until March 25, 1859, when they received their charter. The following members who aided in organizing the lodge are still members: Daniel Palmer, Charles Maynes, S. L. Good, J. D. Pulse, and David Witmer. The first member initiated after the charter was received was James E. Bennett, on April 5, 1859. The membership of the Lodge is seventy, and at this date, March 1, 1887, the following officers have charge: -S. A. Pulse, W. M.; Albert Cole, S. W.; George E. Thompson, J. W.; G. H. Thompson, Treasurer; Thomas Ruggles, Secretary; Charles H. Good, S. D.; L. S. Jones, J. D.; David Witmer, Tyler. The lodge owns what is known as the Masonic Cemetery, near "Warren."

I' Salamonie Lodge, No. 392, 1. O. 0. F., was organized May 24, 1872. The charter members were; B. F. Webb, S. C. Smith, Joseph Bardsley, Hiram Brown, and John W. Alexander. The following officers elected and installed were: A. C. Smith, N. G.; J. W. Alexander, V. G.; T. J. Lafollett, Recording Secretary; A. W. Meyers, Treasurer; Joseph Elder, Bascher; B. F. Webb, Conductor; Joseph Bardsley, Outside Guardian; H. J. Coles, Inside Guardian; Deputy Grand Master, A. J. Miles, was installing officer on the night of March 27, 1872. Joseph Elder, Stephen Coles, J. W. Ware, H. J. Coles, were initiated, they being the first members to "ride the goat." One charter member is yet in the lodge, Joseph Bardsley. The present membership of the lodge is seventy-five. The present value of lodge property is about $3,000. The lodge is prospering, and amount expended during the past year in the way of benefits and relief to widows and orphans, was $327, and total expenses amounted to $429 for the past 5 ear.

Monroe Laymon Post, No. 211, G. A. B., Department of Indiana, was organized August 2, 1883, and was mustered by Maj. S. H. Shearer, Post Commander "James E. Slack Post," No. 137, August 3d, 1883. The charter members were: Adam Foust, Hiram Brown, James M. Foster, Edmon M. Brown, Jacob G. Young, William F. Swaim, Allen Christman, Francis M. Huff, E. A. Collins, John H. Manning, Amos E: Sutton, Cicero Welch. Their first elected officers were: P. C, Hiram Brown; S. V. C, James M. Foster; J. V. C, Allen Christman; Chaplain, John H. Man- ning; 0. D., Jacob G. Young; O. G., Amos E. Sutton; Surgeon, Joseph Hamilton; Q. M., F. M. Huff. Total number mustered to present date, January 28, 1883. is sixty-four.

Sons of Veterans. - Bennett Camp, No. 36, was organized April 7tli, 1886. The charter members were: John H. Goss, Charles S. Smethurst, S. F. Shumaker, J. L. Erwin, E. A. Collins (G. A. R), John W. Wall, A. E. Swaim, E. E. Brown, J. M. Brown, William H. Sutton, Constantine Snider, H. K. Sickafoos. Its oflBcers are: John H. Goss, Captain; E. E. Brown, 1st Lieutenant; J. M. Brown, Second Lieutenant. Number mustered to date, fifteen.

Buckeye, on the railroad, four miles east of Warren. L. B. Mines and Samuel Jones are the proprietors. It has a store and postoffice, tile factory smd warehouse, with a fair grain trade.

Plum Tree is on the north line of the township on the Center road, has a store, postoffice, saw mill, tile factory and two churches. It is a quiet and pleasant home for its moral and rehgious people. It is about equally divided by the township line.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - In September, 1838, Rev. Elza Lank, of Economy, Wayne Co., Ind., preached in James Morrison's barn, and at the close of the services he informed the people that Conference was so near that he could not leave an appointment, but that if any one would open their house to a Methodist missionary, he would take the name, and Conference would send them a preacher. Mrs. Nancy Swaim replied that he might take the name of Simeon Swaim and in due time Rev. G. W. Bowers came, and like Philip, preached Christ unto the people. This was the beginning of regular ministerial services in the township, and resulted in the formation of the first class or rehgious society in the Township. Early in the year 1839, the organization was small, embracing seven members: Nancy Swaim, John Dillon, Hester Jones, Elizabeth Swaim, Hannah Ewart, Jane Ewart, Elizabeth Irwin, Sr., only two of whom survive at this date, Mrs. Jane Ewart, and Mrs. Elizabeth (Swaim) Irwin.

Many souls their race have run, Never more to meet us here; Fixed in an eternal state, They have done with all below, We a little longer wait, But how little - none can know.

This society formed in the house of Simeon and Nancy Swaim increased in numbers, and some years later several members organized a class in the Town of Warren, under the leadership of Jason Brown, and eventually the Widow Swaim, who had entertained more ministers of Christ at her humble dwelling than any other lady in the community removed her ,membership with the entire class to Warren. The following named ministers have served the church as regular pastors: Elza Lank, G. W. Bowser, Seth Smith, Joseph Ockerman, Henry H. Badlev, George Guild, James Sparr, Ancil Beach, Jehu 0. Medsker, John W. Bradshaw, Shadrack Elliott, Samuel K. Young, Moses Marks, Madison E. Hansley, Michael Cooper, Benjamin F. Bowman, Henry Howe, John Foster, David J. Starr (the boy preacher), Benjamin S. Macham, James Eedkey, William H. Metcalf, Charles W. Timmons, Richard A. Newton, William T. Smith, Orville P. Boyden, S. H. Swaira, George Newton, Alpheus J. Leneliyn, Thomas Sells, Silas T. Stout, John H. Payton, John V. Gilbert, Harry C. Galbraith, Joseph Morrows, John M. Brown, John H. McMahon, John W. Miller, John T. Fetro, John B. Allman, Benneville Sawyer. These forty-one ministers have served a total pastoral term of forty-eight years^ with only one vacancy of six months. Several of them labored two years, and one served acceptably three years. Rev. Allman. For the same term of nearly half a century the following presiding elders have served on this circuit, and administered the sacraments of the church. Robert Burns, Burris Westlake, Philip May, William. H. Good, George M. Beswick, Charles Holliday, G. W. Bowers, 0. V. Lemon, J. B. Birt, H. N. Barns, Williamm S. Birch, N. H. Philips, J. W. Welsh, W. J. Viguo, J. Greer, sixteen in all, many of whom have passed away. A few remain to labor in the Master's viny ard, and others passed labor are awaiting their reward above.

In the year 1856, the church bought property in the town of Warren, of Mr. L. C. Ewart, embracing two lots, and the present church was erected on them, Jason Brown beings the prime manager and principal spirit in the erecting and finishing the house in 1860, at a cost of $1,200. In 1814, a class was formed at the house of Adam Foust, near the southeast corner of the township. The following persons were enrolled in that society: Adam Foust, Sarah Foust, John Foust Mary Foust, Jonathan Foust, Nancy Foust, William Richards and Rachel Richards; two of the oldest people in the community at this date, 1887, are Jonathan and Nancy Foust, who, are still devout members of the church. In 1872, they succeeded in erecting a house of worship known as the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church at a cost of $1,400.

First Christian Church of Warren. - This church was organized October 23d, 1871, by Elders D. W. Fowler and George Abbott. First Deacons: John Shaw and Daniel Mossburg; Franklin Shaffer, Church Clerk, and D. W. Fowler, Pastor. First Trustees were appointed January 5th, 1874, were Silas Jones, S. L. Good and Robert Sprowl. On the 24th of March, 1877, the church selected grounds to build a church 38x62 feet, at an estimated cost of $3,000. The church was dedicated June, 1879, by Bros. B. H. Christman and Elder David Hida. The church is under the control of the Trustees and Committee on

Finance, whose business it is to employ the pastor and settle all accounts against the church. The first Committee on Finance -were S. L. Good, Elisha Christman and Silas Jones. The church organized a Sunday School in 1873, and has continued to the present time. Ministers who have labored here since its organization, are D. W. Fowler, David Hida, J ames Atchison, Elder Ryker, T. C. Diltz, John L. Puckett and William Perdue. It has been said that George Abbott organized a church at the old school house near the river in 1858, and preached at Warren at times during the war.

West Union Baptist Church. - Early in 1838, Rev. Jacob Laymon, a Baptist minister of Clinton County, Ohio, visited his son, John Laymon, two miles below Warren, on the Salamonie River, and while on that visit preached five sermons, one at his son's house, two at the dwelling of Samuel Jones, a funeral sermon at Ezekiel Jones', and one sermon at the residence of Noah McGrew. The religious services held by Uncle Jacob Laymon were the first ever held in the township. There was no organization at that time. In August, 1841, Rev. Neal labored to affect- an organization, but without success. The organization of " The West Union Regular Baptist Church," took place May 3, 1845. Revs. Robert Tisdale and J. B . Allen were the officiating ministers. Aaron Rittenhouse, Jacob Sowers, Peter Bonewits, David G. Smith, John Sowers, Isaac Goodin, Simon Rittenhouse, Thomas Crakes, Sarah Rittenhouse, Ruth Sowers, Nancy Bonewits, Mary Smith, Percis Sowers, Sarah A. Goodin, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, fifteen persons in all, constituted the first and only Baptist church in the township. This house of worship lies on the north line of the township, in Section 6, and was built in 1855 at a cost of $600. The site was deeded to the church by John Morgan, Sr., and constitutes what is known as the " West Union Cemetery," The -wife and infant son of Rev. Thomas Hubbartt were the first interred, in July, 1849. The following ministers have served as regular pastors: Abel Johnson, J. H. Dunlap, S. Goodin, C. B. Kendall. W. H. T. Pardue, C. A. Clark, R. C. Childs, V. O. Frits, Washington Walters and A. M. Parmenter.

The Christian Church at " Plum Tree." - Rev. Hallett Barber visited this township and organized a society of six members on July 23, 1840. Their names were: Peter Rittenhouse, Sr., Margaret Rittenhouse, Lavina Marshal, Margaret Christman, Andrew Y. Rittenhouse and Nathaniel Rittenhouse. Their number was increased to eleven during the next year by the accession of Mary Rittenhouse, Thomas J. Marshal, Catharine Marshal, Robert Wooster and Mrs. Wooster.

The following ministers have officiated in the church smce its organization by Rev. H. Barber: Isaac Johnson, James Greer, George Hubbartt, Thomas Hubbartt, Ephraim Hammond, Phineas Roberts, Samuel Milner, A. W. Sanford, A. Tabler, M. McDonald,

C. V. Strickland. This society maintained its organization and increased in numbers until it built a house of worship at Plum Tree in 1871, costing $1,000. And there has been a Sunday School kept up at the same most of the time since the church was built.

Presbyterian Church of Warren. - As early as 1848 Revs. Wright and Barnet, of the Presbyterian Church, preached in Warren, and were followed by Rev. Callahan, who organized a church, consisting of seven members, as follows: David Little, Sr., Wm. Coolman, Mary Ann Coolman, George Giphart, Elizabeth Giphart, James McKee, Lavina McKee. These determined people were the first to build a house of worship in the township, Mr. Jones donating an eligible lot in Warren for the purpose in 1850. The house cost them 1600. After Rev. Callahan's service came Revs. Glenn, David Morrow, Maine, Gray and Rev. James McCrea. Their society was increased by the Shadles, Roberts, Felters and McCrums. Nearly all the members live quite a distance from town, but bad roads or inclement weather seldom kept Presbyterians from church.

St. Paul Lutheran Church of '- Warren." - The present church property was purchased April 28, 1880, of John Morgan. The church had been built some years before by the Universalists but that organization was disbanded. The first preacher we have any account of was Rev. J. D. Nunemacher, who came to Warren to preach in June, 1866. Those ministers who have labored here since were Rev. Schillinger, Rev. O. S. Oglesby, Rev. George S. Cooperrider, who lives in Huntington and still officiates.

United Brethren Church. - The Annual Conference of the United Brethren in Christ, at Dublin, Ind.,' August, 1848, sent Rev. J. T. Vardeman and B. R. B. Holcome, on the Salamonie Mission, and they established a preaching place at Salamonie Center, and in 1851, there was organized a society of eight members, as follows: Joseph and Rosanna Ewbank, Henry and Anna Ewbank, William and Betsy Williamson, and Craven and Mary Thrailfeill. They have kept up their church organization and religious services until the present time. The following is believed to be a correct list of the names of their ministers: Rev. Jesse Bright, William Hall, Daniel Storer, John R. Brown, R. B. Beaty, A. B. Thorp, W. W. Hanway, William C. Ketnes, Milton Wright, John E. Rutherford, A. E. Evans, Thomas Evans, A. Carroll, C. R. Paddock, H. Floyd, A. Rust, J. M. Cook, M. L. Baily, J. McNew, S. B. Ervin, S. Bias, J. W. Kabrich,C. Smith, F. M. Moore, J. Y. Demunbrun, W. C. Day and I. M. Thorp.