Kosciusko County, Indiana - The whole text, 1887 (part 20 of 21)

Education does not conmience in the school. It begins with a mother's look; with a father's nod of approbation, or his sigh of reproof; with a sister's gentle pressure of the hand, nr a brother's noble act of forliearance; with handfuls of flowers in green and daisy meadows; with bird's nests admired, but not touciied; with creeping insects and humming bees; with pleasant walks in shady lanes; and with thoughts directed in sweet and kindly words and tones to nature, to beauty, to acts of benevolence, to deeds of virtue, and to the source of all good - to God himself.

We realize that the life of our nation is made up of the mothers who guard our homes, and the sturdy men who drive the plow, manage our commerce, make our laws, shoulder the muskets and cast the ballots; for all these, our common schools are doing beneficent work. Their primary object is to teach the children how to use their faculties to the greatest advantage to themselves and others - how to live completely.

The vital part of human culture is not that which makes man what he is intellectually, but that which makes him what he is at heart, life and character. Each school in Kosciusko County has its public sentiment, be it good or bad. Every school, by the combined influence of teachers and parents, Axes a standard of morals, as certainly as they have their intellectual attainments.

To the product of the schools do we look for coming society, and what the staiidard of that shall be rests entirely upon the parents and teachers in our public schools.

Pittsburg, Fort Wayne d; Chicago. - With the coming of the Pittsburg, Fort AYayne & Chicago Railroad began the development and growth of the city of AVarsaw. Her central location made this the shipping point of the county, and an immense business was transacted for several years.

The flrst shovelful of dirt was cast for the construction of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & ('hicago Railroad at AVarsaw, Kosciusko County, Indiana, in .lune, 1854, at the east

The first passenger train going east left on the inorning of the first Monday in November, 1856. It started just west of the crossing of Buffalo street. The passenger station was then located on lot No. 19, in a linildiug owned by William Boydston.

The road was then controlled by three companies, as the name above written indicates, and was subsequently consolidated. The road was completed to AVarsaw in November, 185-i, and soon after a station was established where the present building is located; it was a cheap building, and consumed by lire in the fall of 1875. "The wires" were distrilnited as usual, with the train. The first train arrived at Warsaw about the middle of September, 1851.

The road-bed is in fine condition, and the large number of trains each way daily makes it a most convenient line for both passengers and shippers. The general offices of the company are at Pittsburg.

T/ie Cincinnati., Wabash tfc 2fichigan. - A north and south road was for several years under contemplation before this was built. It e.\tends from Anderson, Indiana, on the south, to Benton Harbor, Michigan, on the north. The line was completed to Goshen, Indiana, in 1870, and later to the present northern terminus.

The first train left Warsaw, going north, August 9, 1870. A. T. S. Kist was the first freight and ticket agent; William M. Kist was the first e.xpress agent. The first station was on the east end of lot No. 200, in a building built by Samuel E. Loney. The first freight-house was on lot No. 7, at the east end of Market street, and known as " Kist's Warehouse."

The New York.Chicafjod: St. Louis Railroad was completed through this county in 1882. It passes through Franklin, Seward. Clay and Jackson townships, and Si<lney. Packerton, Burkett and Metitone, all enterprising villages, have been surveyed and built since its completion.

The Old Settlkes' Historical Association

The object of this society' was, indeed, praiseworthy, but the organization has disbanded. Tlie first meeting was held at the court-house in Warsaw, June 17, 1869, which was largely attended. The roster was signed bj' 154 persons, the conditions being that they must have resided in the county for twenty years prior to June 17, 1869.

The officers elect were: David Rippey, President; William C. Graves and AVilliam Felkner, A^'ice-Presidents; (.leorge iloon, treasurer; Reuben AVilliams, Secretary.

Agkicultukal Society

The Kosciusko County Agricultural Society was organized June 2, 1855, and elected the following officers: President, David Rippey; Vice-Presidents, M. A. Bierce, S. Iloppis and John Makemson; Secretary, George Moon; Treasurer, Samuel H. Cliipman; Cimncil, AVilliam Bussing. II. AV. Upson, II. F. Hall, G. R. Thralls, R. AVillard, E. Huffman, H. I. Stevens, J. G. Lord and A. AVilco.x.

This organization was for the purpose of inaugurating county fairs, and, after the full consideration of the subject, it was decided to hold a fair the following year; they met, therefore, June 7, 1856, and reorganized, with the following officers: President, David Rippey; Vice-Presidents, -lames Wooden, M. A. Bierce and C. Hughes; Secretary. J. A. Fnnk ; Treasurer, IT. W. Upson; Council, Gr. li. Thralls, William Bussing, W. C. Bogges, (ieorge Moon, C W. Chapman, PI ITorton, E. lluffinan, P. L. Ilunyan, Sr., and P. Willard.

Tlie first fair was held in the court-house and court-yard in Warsaw, in the fall of 1856, and was not only well attended, but exhibited an unusual degree of skill in many departments of agriculture and housewifery, and was a financial success also.

A committee on purchasing fair grounds, consisting of P. L. Punyan, Sr., C.W. Chapman and G. R. Thralls, was appointed to take ino consideration the propriety of purchasing fair grounds. 'I'he society met pursuant to adjournment and heard the report of the committee, in favor of a tract of land owned by A. T. S. Kist, containing si.x acres, being in the northeast corner of section 7, town 32, range 6 east, and immediately south of the Tippecanoe Piver bridge. These grounds were purchased, fenced, cleared and temporary buildings erected at a cost of about $800, and were occupied as fair grounds until the year 18G1, when it was decided that more room was needed; the society, therefore, proceeded to negotiate for ten acres, in a tract of eighty acres, owned by Abner Baker, which they purchased for $1,000, May 18, 1861, and, on the same day, sold the old ground, without the improvements, for $600. The buildings and fence were removed to the new grounds, which wei'e cleared, and substantial additions made to them and the stock sheds, so that it has a capacity of 120 head; they also erected two temporary buildings, a fineart hall and a room for agricultural products. The society held their first fair on the newgrounds October 2, 3, and 4, 1861, under the management of the following officei's: .lames Wooden, President; W. J. Elliott, S. Davis and 11. I. Stevens. Vice Presidents; M. J. Long, Treasurer; W. B. Funk, Secretary; Councilmen, P. L. Punyan, Sr., A. D. Pittenger, -1. (1. Long. S. Murdock,W. McGrew, T. (t. Berst, J. D. Highway and Adam Simmons.

The society constructed a speeding track of one-third of a mile circuit on the new grounds. This fair was remarkably well at- - tended; the citizens of the county generally took great interest in it. The premium-list amounted to §2,500. It was a financial success. Since that time the premium-lists liave ranged from $2,500 to $3,300.

In 1874 it was felt that the grounds were not large enough to accommodate a time track of sufficient dimensions to attract fine horses from a distance, consequntly the society (upon the assurance of a number of gentlemen who took great interest in training fast horses, that they would take the additional stock) appointed a committee to purchase ground sufficient to give a half-mile track, which was done, the committee purchasing five acres adjoining from the late Dr. Jacob l>oss. An excellent half-mile track was constructed, but the stock to pay for these improvements was never sold, and the indebtedness reported in the secretary's report is thus accounted for.

The financial embarrassments of the society culminated after the exhibit in September, 1885. The grounds were sold and the society has practically disbanded.

The Warsaw Summer Resort Association was organized in 1885. and the board of directors purchased thirty-six acres of land lying between Pipe and Center lakes, and ten acres on the north side of Center Lake. The latter purchase was divided into lots, a part of which are already t^old, and tiie intention is to have summer cottages erected on each. The Park proper consists of the land between the lakes, which will be artistically arranged this year.

The officers consist of H. S. Biggs, President; Abru Baker, Secretary; W.H.Gibson, Treasurer; Directors, W. D. Frazer, W. C. Stephenson, John Grabner, M. Phillipson, J. Glessner, J. AV. Coleman, J. IT. Taylor and L. W. Royce.

Spring Fountain Pai'k, on the eastern shore of Eagle Lake, is a delightfully situated tract of 160 acres. This park is designed for a pleasure resort, and will be an ornament and attraction to the city. The park embraces a natural amphitheater, heavily shaded and suitable for the erection of cottages. In the foreground, extending into the lake, is a strip of level ground named Carnahan Park, very suitable for drill and parade purposes. The grounds are watered by a dozen excellent springs, wiiich burst forth from the hillside and are now being turned into useful and ornamental channels. Along the foot of the hills the landscape gardener is at work, and a collection of flowers worth going miles to see is the result. Three artificial lakes, with islands, bridges and a profusion of flowers, have just been constructed. A restaurant, boat-houses, a steamer wharf and a substantial steamer have been added to the new summer resort, and a large force of men are still pushing numerous improvements.

Spring Fountain Park has been selected as a site for tlie permanent location of a great battle ])anoraraa, " The Siege of Chattanooga." and the building is an ornament to the grounds. It has a diameter of ninety feet and is flfty feet to the dome lights. The great painting will embrace the struggle at

The park is free for all who choose to come, and ofl'ers as an inducement, fine boating and fishing facilities, a creamery and fruit farms adjoining the grounds and a handy market at Warsaw for cottagers and campers, a I'estaurant, groves and pure, cold water in abundance for excursionists, convenience of access by the Vaiidalia and Pittsbui'g Roads or by the Cincin)iati, Wabash & Michigan. Church and Sunday-school excursions will find the place devoid of all objectionable features. Ko liquor is allowed sold on the grounds or in the vicinity, and as the Beyer Brothers own all the land surrounding the park they are in position to enforce this rule.

The officers are, J. F. Beyer, President; C. C. Beyer, Vice-President; J. E. Beyer, Treasurer; Pi'ofessor H. J. Kellogg, General Manager; H. A. Deeds, Superintendent of Grounds; E. W. Parks, Captain "Steamer Daisy"; William Miller, Florist and Landscape (Tardener.

The Cemeteries

A piece of ground, containing two acres, was deeded by Richard L. Britton to the county commissioners, March 9, 1848, "for the purpose of providing a public burying ground near the town of Warsaw, in said county of Kosciusko, for the accommodation of the citizens of said town and county."

The first person buried in this "graveyard " was Mrs. Vica Webb, .Tune 12, 1837. Her husband, Daniel Webb, was interred in the same cemetery, December 29. 1866. This cemetery was used by others from remote parts of the county, as well as the citi- zens of Warsaw, until it became necessary to have additional grounds, and the tract now known as Oakwood Cemetery was purchased May 30, 1874. This land was conveyed by Jacob and Louisa Boss to James McManoy, Hiram S. Biggs and Caleb Hendee, trustees of the town of Warsaw, at the date previously mentioned, for which $2,000 was paid. Jacob Boss was the first person interred in the new cemetery.

these " cities of the dead." The latter cemetery was carefully selected, and for the purpose intended affords many advantages, both in location and character of the grounds, which are landulating, and mostly covered with forest trees. The boundary on the north and west is the beautiful " Pike Lake," whose gentle tide utters a whispering murmur of times that were, and its crystal bosom is emblematical of the fit preparation to be made ere we enter the " great beyond."

I A' June, 1836, wlien Kosciusko County was first divided into townships, Plain Township embraced a territory six miles wide by twenty-one miles long; but the subsequent organization of Tippecanoe and Prairie Townships reduced it to its present limits. It now embraces all of town 33 north, range 6 east of the second principal meridian. A large proportion of its soil is prairie land, constituted by Pone Prairie in the east and a part of Big Turkey Creek Prairie in the west. Tippecanoe Kiver flows through the township in a southwesterly direction, from the lake bearing the same name. With the exception of the prairies, the township was orginally covered by a heavy growth of timber, of which fully 50 per cent has been removed and farms developed from the land which it occupied. As y^hiin was one i.A the first townships settled in tin' cnunty. under the Iiead *- Early

History " will be found the names of her pioneers. Much of historic importance attaches to Leesburgh and vicinity, which will also be read elsewhere.

This is the oldest town in the county and was laid out in August, 1835, by Levi Lee. It is situated on section 8, in Plain Township, and was tlie first recorded town in the county. \X. W. and I. R. Plain were the first merchants of the place, followed in 1835 by Judge James Comstock. The first lot really sold and built upon was disposed of by Lee to Metcalf Beck, who, after clerking a short time for Judge Comstock, purchased the entire stock November 6, 1836, and for many years did a large business.

The first school was taught by William C. Graves, upon the "subscription" plan, in a log-house erected in 1835. W. W. Eskew built the first frame house in that village in that year, and it was jointly uRcd as hotel.

grocery sturu and saloon. Julin McConuell opened a sinitliy in 1834, and fur many years did the blacksniitliing for that settlenjent. In 1S3S the members of the Methodist Episcopal cluirch erected a frame building. This society was organized at the house of Charles Ervin, by Rev. William M. Fraley, in 1836, with six members, Charles Ervin and wife, John Shell}' and wife and Jacob Reynolds and wife.

Leesburgh was incorporated June 26, 1876. The charter ofhcers were - W. J. Crawford, President; J. AY. Armstrong, Clerk; Wm. J). Wood, Treasurer; Ur. J. II. Long, Village Attorney; Alfred Clark, Marshal; Trustees, W.J.Crawford, Wm. D.Wood, Charles Knight, W. H. Brown and J. W. Armstrong.

There is an excellent graded school at Leesburgh. The school building was completed in the autumn of 188G, and is a handsome two-story brick ediiice, which cost, furnished complete. §5,000. Professor Charles (). Merica is principal; AV. A. Beane has cliarge of the intermediate, and Miss Alice Linan, the primary department. One hundred and lifty-two scholars are enrolled in the different departments. Officers of the school board - D. K. Brown, President; (hirtis Zimmerman, Secretary; II. B. Stanley, Treasurer.

T/w Fire Department was organized in the fall of 1879, with fifteen members. A hand engine, hose cart and 350 feet of hose were purchased at a cost of $850. The officers elect were - AV. TI. Brown, Foreman; A. Archibald, First Assistant; V . A. M. Sanderson, Second Assistant. The company is now

Leesburgh Lodge, No. 181, A. F. tfc A. IL, was organized March 6, 1855, and worked under dispensation until May 31, following. The first officers were: William B. Barnett, W. M.; William Parks, S. W.; Elijah S. Blackford, J. W.; William K. Fiddler, S.I).; William C. Mason, J. D.; Edward Moon, Secretary; Eli W. Suuimey, Treasurer; Nelson Watts, Tyler.

The lodge was organized under charter. May 31, 1885, with the following officers: W. B. Burkett, AY. M.; William K. Fiddler, S. W.; Elijah S. Blackford, J. W. ; Robert Geddes, S. I).; Eli W. Summey, J. I).

This order has been highly prosperous and owns a substantial two-story frame building, the second floor being handsomely fitted up for society purposes. The present officers are - Wm. Archibald, W. M.; Richard S. Armington, S. AY.; David H. Lessig, J. W.; David Roudebush, Treasurer; Owen J. Chandler, Secretary; Perry M. Thompson, S. I). ; Jesse W. Thompson, J. D. ; John Catey, Chaplain; E. D. Carpenter, T^der.

The charter members were .L E. Stephenson, B. Burkett, G. D. Vincent, J. J. Wood, William Gunter, Paul Boehm and J. M. Armington. A. Clark was admitted by card, and the following members were initiated on the night of organization: Ross Beatty, T. (t. Berst, William Zimmerman, William Archibald, S. N. Garrett, E. D. French and A. B. French. The following were the first officers: J. E. Stephenson, N. G.; J. J. AYood, V. (t.; G. D. Vincent, Recording Secretary; A. Clark, Permanent Secretary; William Gunter, Treasurer. Present officers: AYilber

The Leeshurg llvrae (Jompanij was the Urst one organized in tlie county for the capture and punishment of stock thieves, other crimes and misdemeannrs. They have afforded protection to a large number of persons owning valuable stock, and since its organization in August, 1853, but two liorses have been stolen from any of the members, and he - Thomas Harper - had allowed his dues to remain unpaid until his suspension was decreed, yet the society succeeded in recovering his property. According to their charter, the association must reorganize every ten years, but it has been ke[)t in thorough working order. Officers of to-day: H. B. Stanlev, President: J. W. Anglin and

It. B. Long, Vice-Presidents; Ed Archibald, Treasurer; William Zimmerman, Secretary; D. II. Lessie, Captain; O. T. Johnson, C. D. liippey and H. M. Anglin, Lieutenants, in the order named.

The Methodist Ejp'iscoixd Church^ cost, when ei-ected, $2,000. The membership is not large, but the church is in a fairly prosperous condition. Kev. A. J. Carey is the minister in charge. The Sunday-school is largely attended, and was organized in an early day.

Leesburgh is a quiet, orderly village, but has a fair local trade. The principal business men are: William D. Wood, William and Ed. Archibald, druggists; AVilliam Zimmerman & Company, dry goods; Joi'dan Becknell and H. B. Stanley, hardware; J. J. Wood and Garrett & Shipley, general merchandise; R. C. Baxter, tinner; David Brown, harness and saddles; Charles Knight and the Armington Brothers, inanutacturers of wagons and carriages; Thompson Brothers and Jacob Noel, dealers in grain.

The Leeshurg Cornet Band has won universal praise for tine music and personal appearance not only in this county, but wherever they have played. During the campaign of 1880, this was considered the " crack " band ot Northern Indiana, and its services were constantly in demand. This orchestra was organized in the winter of 1S77, with Charles L. White as leader. The leader is S. F. Armington; C. L. White and George Curry, e llat claironet; R. S. Armington, S. F. Armington and Charles E. Wood, b flat cornet; W. H. Wood, W. A. Beane and W. Rosebrugh, e flat alto; I. M. Watt and C. E). Beatty, I) flat tenor; II. A White, baritone: ( >. .\ . Chandler and E.

The Leefthurgh (jraDeycinl was the iirst one purchased and devoted to burial purposes. The ori<2;inal ])lat contained one and one-halt' acres of grountl adjacent to the village. This was purchased of James Mason for .S40, April 4, 1849, by \V. 1!. Blain, Levi Perry and Jacob Rannclls, who were appointed by the citizens a committee to select and purchase suitable grounds. Tlie land was contracted for and half the purchase money paid in 1838, from which date it was occupied. The men who paid spot cash were John H. Plain, $5; Peter L. Rnnyan, Sr.. $5; Metcalf Peck, |3; Michael E. lloran, $3; David Rippey. $2; E. P. Davis, !^1; Thomas Rnmbly, Daniel C. Clark and John (ireer, oO cents each.

The Vii.Laoe Of Oswego

In 1837 Messrs. Parbee, AVillard & French purchased of Mr. Waugh a tract of land, upon which they laid out the \illa<>'e of (>swcg(j ill the same year. It enjoyed, at one time, a deujree of commercial prosperity, and gave ]iromise of becoming a town of importance; but in the year 1849 a scoi-e of its best citizens removed to (Jalifornia, withdrawing their capital and patrt)nag(' from the village, and (Viim that time dates iis decline. It now contains a postofKce iuul store kept by .lolin Hour, and one blacksmith-shop.

The Oswego Paptist Church was organized in October. 1837, by Rev. James Martin and Daniel Fi-ench, with the following constituent members: Ezekiel French, Elizabeth French, Nancy A. Lepper, Anderson Ashby, John Powell, Lena Lepper, Sarah Moore, Dorothea Powell, Rebecca Merritt, Elizabeth Nil and IMoses Powell. They have a substantial house of worshiji at the village of Oswego.

Wayne was one of the three original townships, and was organized June 29. 1836, and at that time contained all of what is now towns 32, 31, and the north half of 30. Another divide was made, and March 8, 1S3S, Wayne was increased by the addition of town 32 north, range 5 east. Harrison Townshi]) afterward ceded to Wayne a one and one-half mile strip on the west, thus giving it an area six by seven and one-half miles. Wayne is bounded on the north by Plain, east by Washington, south by Mi n roe and Clay, and west by Harrison townships.

The tirst settlements were made during the summer of 1834, by Peter Warner, William Kelly, John Knowles, Arnold Cain, William C. (iraves, James Robinson and James Comstock, all of whom located west of Warsaw. The following year Metcalf Peck, Daniel Webb, Charles Sleeper, John AV. Morris, Andrew R. Willis and John Pittenger located.

The tirst store was built u])on the northeast quarter of section 29, by Judge James Comstock, and the first item sold over the counter was a half pound of Cavendish tobacco, Penjamin Pennett being the purchaser. C'liarles Sleeper built the tirst mill on Clear Creek where the Liberty Mills road crosses. The mill was built of logs, and John Inks, of Milford, made the burrs from niggerhead stone.

Dr. William Willis was the first resident ])liysiciiiii, and settled near the. south side of Eagle Lake. James Comstock, Sr., with John Pittinger, erected a saw-mill on AValnut Creek, the second one built in the township. David Dawson married Miss Nancj Losure in Februai-y, 1838, the first resident couple married in the township.

Three beautiful lakes are situated in W^ayne, of which greater mention will be made elsewhere. All are navigable for small steamers, and ai'e well stocked with fish.

Warsaw

This enterprising city was surveyed by (^diristopher Lightfoot, and W . H. Knott, "]ir<>prietor of the town, filed his plat before Jacob Rannels, justice of the peace, October 21, 1836.

Richard H. Lansdale and Richard L. Britton soon afterward laid out other additions to the town, and the county seat was located here on condition that half the proceeds from the sale of lots should accrue to the county'.

Warsaw was named by Hon. John B. Chapman, in honor of the capital of Poland. Although this beautiful city did not pass through such fearful ordeals as did its namesake, yet the conflicts that ensued befoi'e the county seat was finally located, at times bade fair to open hostilities between rival villages.

Warsaw was in an early day an uninviting location, laid out as it was so near the lakes, tlie banks of which were skirted by tall tamarack and scrubby oaks.

The first cabin was built of tamarack poles, by Matthew D. Springer, and was located on lot 6, in Stinson's addition. The house was 20 X 24. with a puncheon floor which covered only a part of the enclosure, six feet of the floor being occupied l)y a huge fireplace, the back wall built witii the niggerheads so abundant at that date. Stakes were di-iven each side of the fii-eplace, with forks at the to]) through which a pole rested that supported the pots and kettles while meals were prepared. The puncheon floor was elevated several inches in front of the fireplace, and served for a seat. Springer was not only the first comer, but his house was also an inn where the hungry and tired traveler could rest and refresh himself. The range for beds was made by placing posts in the ground, to which were attached stringers of wood, with strips of hickory bark stretched across for beds to rest on. Matthews and his wife were host, hostess, chambermaids, hostlers and cooks, and with their guests slei)t in one room and made the best of life in a primitive way.

Jacob Losure erected a hewed-log house in 1836, at the corner of Lake and Center streets. This house was 20 x 30, and was also nsed as a hotel. In it the second term of court was held.

Philip Lash erected a smithy, and John Geiselman a chair shop, in 1836. H. Higbee embarked in the manufacture of furniture the next year, and William A. Chandler began the manufacture of wagons.

Jacob Baker was appointed postmaster, and a postofHce was established in Warsaw February 11, 1837. It was made a Presidential office April 25, 1865, and Peter L. Runyan, the incumbent at the time, was reappointed. His son, John N. Runyan, was appointed March 19, 1867, and held the position continuously until August, 1886, when he resigned and AV. H. Bowser took charge of the ottice.

Where the Masonic Temple stands, a onestory building 18 x 36 feet was built. The west room was occupied as a store-room, the east room was occuiiied by R. II. Lansdale as count}' clerk's office. The stick chimney caught tire and it was burned in 1838. On the lot now occupied by B. Q. Morris as a book-store was a frame house occupied by Mahlon F. Davis, the county treasurer, as a residence and treasurer's office.

The iirst resident attorney was Clement B. Simonson, whose office and residence was a log building that occupied the west end of the lot, upon which the Lake City Bank stands. The grocery store, a small log cabin, stood upon the site of the ]ialatial residence of Dr. Bash, and was owned by "William J. Pope vS: Co. Andrew Nye dispensed liquid refreshments, candies, etc., in a small frame building surrounded by brush, that occupied the site of the furniture rooms of Ale & Moore. Jacob Baker, who was afterward probate judge, lived in state in a log cabin that marked the site of the Hon. George Moon's residence. Arnold Fairbruther, county recorder, had his office and residence in a log house situated close to the outlet of Eagle Lake, near the residence owned by Colonel Chapman.

Ludlow Nye, afterward sheriff, had a log residence situated on the high ground south of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago depot, and had about one acre cleared and planted. These comprise the first fan:ilies to make a home on the present site of Warsaw. South of Eagle Creek, on the Dr. C. W. Burkett farm, lived Phillip Lash and family. Provisions could scarcely be obtained during the spring and summer of 1837, although money was plenty enough, and many really sufi'ered for food. Lash cleared a small piece of land, planted corn, but the ground squirrels ate it. lie then planted a portion of the ground in potatoes, but a short time afterward was obliged to dig them up and use them for food to keep his family from starving. Henry L. Farmer was forced to do likewise, and it is well known that for weeks some of the people living iu the township subsisted on game and basswood buds. The historian is under obligations to I.. I. Morris for the above information, and as he has resided in Warsaw since that date, he was cognizant of all herein stated. For a number of years the growth of Warsaw was slow. The north part of the county having been first opened to market, very luiturally Leesburgli exceeded it in size and importance for a number of years. The tirsl substantial stimulus that Warsaw received, aside from being the county seat, was when the building of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad became an assured fact. The prospect of railroad communication with the outer world infused into the people new life and enterprise. Naturally attractive in location, when that great thoroughfai'e was pushed from Fort Wayne westward, Warsaw took a forward bound that was surprising even to tliose who had alwaj's predicted its future greatness. Real estate rapidly rose in value, and in the autumn of 1856, when the railroad was completed, it was the largest town between Fort Wayne and Chicago.

Warsaw became the shipping point for all the produce raised, not only within the limits of this, but every adjoining county. Then followed the war with its attending excitement, and like all other towns throughout the country, Warsaw felt the depressing effects upon its conclusion, and which has been generally shared by every village, town and city in the United States. Since that time, wliile its growth has not been rapid, it lias been steady and extremely substantial, and few towns in any State can show better business buildings, or more beautiful private residences.

Warsaw has a population of al)out 4,000 inliabitants, and is noted for having been the home of many men distinguished in both official and military positions.

There were 752 inhabitants when the census was taken February -t, 1854, and agreeable to a petition signed by a majority of the residents, the Board of Commissioners being fully satisfied that all the requirements of the law had been complied with, declared that this should be an incorporated town by the name of Warsaw. The territory embraced in the survey made by S. R. Gordon was as follows: Commencing at the southwest corner of section 8, in township 32, north of range 6 east; thence north 88° 12', east 194 poles 12 links; thence north 3°, west 12 poles 10 links; thence south 3° 12', west 23 poles; thence north 3°, west 68 poles 20 links; thence north 82°, east 65 poles 14 links; tlience north 4° 30', west 80 }ioles 7 links; thence south 83°, 150 poles; thence north 3° 30', 11 poles; thence north 51°, west 53 poles 11 links; thence north 56°, west 62 poles 15 links; thence south 4° 30', cast 250 poles 15 links; containing 236 acres 26.-j-4j- poles.

Its Incorporation As A City

The city of Warsaw was organized under an act of tlie Legislature, entitled " an act to repeal all general laws now in force for the incorporation of cities, and to provide for the incorporation of cities, prescribing their powers and rights, and the manner in which they shall receive the same, and to regulate

The election to decide whether to incorporate under city charter was held April 19, 1875, resulting in 278 votes for incorporation, and 200 votes against incorporation.

The first election for city officei's was held May 4, 1875, resulting in the election of Hiram S. Biggs, Mayor; C. PI. Ketchum, Clerk; S. B. Clark, Treasurer; J.A.Wright, Marshal; E.J. Greene, City Attorney; James Wynant, Assessor; J. A. Funk, Chief Engineer Fire Department; Caleb Hughes, Civil Engineer.

The city of AVarsaw has many eleg;mt residences, and her ])eople have cultui-ed tastes, as evidenced by the imposing churches, fine and commodious school buildings and her Grand 0])era House. This was erected by a joint stock company in 1877. The officers of the company were A. J. Bair, President; John N. Runyan, Secretary; Thomas Woods, Treasurer. The company perfected theirplans, and erected a building 130x60, having six store rooms on the ground and basement under the whole. The stage is large, and elaborately supplied with scenes. One thousand persons can be seated in the audience room and the gallery will accommodate six hundred more. The opera house is built in modern style, from moilitied plans furnished by B. G. Mosgrove. The structure complete cost $45,000, and to J. N. Rniiyan much credit is due for bis untiring zeal in the work. The company expended more money than at first contemplated, but their aim to give the citizens of Warsaw a iirst-class opera house was a burdeti hard to carry, and the way in which it was completed was indeed praiseworthy.

Thk Schools

From the best information obtainable. Judge Rodgers was among the first teachers in Warsaw. As early as 1841 he liad a select sch(jol in the old court-house, which occupied the lot where the Baptist church teaching. J. A. Funk was employed by Mr. Rodgers, at Sl7 per month, and taught durino- the winter of lS44:-'4:5, in a school-room on lot 218, fronting Fort Wayne street. Mrs. Jane Cowen began a private school May 12, 1851. Her rooms were situated on the lot, the site now of Daniel Bitner's residence. The teaching of Mrs. Cowen proved a great success and her school was known as " Mrs. Oowen's Seminary." As her pupils increased ill iiuiiibLM', she was assisted by her daughter Martha, who also taught vocal music. Other rooms were ailded to the seminary and other teachers engaged, among whom were Miss Martha Hill, from Vermont, and the Rev. Walter Scott, now an Episcopal minister of La Porte. Her daughter Semeramis, now the widow of Moses Long, assisted her motlier from the time she was fifteen years of age, and taught mathematics and instrumental mu.'-ic in 1858. Mrs. Cowen, with but a short intermission, tanght continuously from 1851 until 1876. Almost all the prominent business men of Warsaw to-day were inembers of her school, including such people as Reuben

Williams and his children, Joseph Baker and his children, W. B. and Austin C. Funk, and many others of equal celebrity. At Iter death, the seminary was closed and has not since been reopened. The lirst public school was opened in 1858. Professor D. T. Johnson was teacher and sul)sequently had charge of tlie graded school.

The lirst report which is at all reliable, is dated 1870. Superintendent, D. W. Thomas; High Scliool, Miss V. A. Rundles; Gramnuir School, Mrs. A. C. AVaite; Intermediate, Miss E.M.Huffman; Senior Secondary, Miss L. A. Baldwin; Junior. Miss Ella Dresser; Primary, Mrs. S. A. Holbrook and Miss Florence Frasier.

The school buildings were erected in 1872-'73. The ground for the East AVard cost $400; that for the AVest AVard, $675; the two buildings ready for seating cost $15,650; furnaces, seats, blackboards, etc., $1,848.75; total, $18,573.75.

The old building used for a high school w'as sold for $1,000 and the new buildingwas erected upon the same ground, at a cost, ready for seating, of $15,824.23; the furnaces, seats, blackboards, fencing, etc., cost $2,700; total, $18,524.23.

The report of the schools for 1875-'76,and the first in due form,gives the Board of Education: N. N. Boydston, President; Henry Upson, Secretary; J. D. Thayer, Treasurer; (). AV. Millei-, Superintendent. Teachers of Center School, Mrs. C. A. Haas, High School; Mrs. S. O. Long, Grammar A; Miss Emma Hayward, Grammar B; Miss Nellie Neff, Grainmar C; Miss Sarah L. Hodge, Intermediate; Miss S. A. Holbrook, Primary.

The first graduates of the city schools were Miss Belle Weiner, Miss Alice Carpenter and Mary Shafler. The commencement exercises were held at the Opera House in May, 1S78.

The high school has a library containing 334 volumes, which has been purchased since 1881 with their own earnings. The sum of $350 has been expended for books, which was realized by proceeds from school entertainments, lecture courses, etc.

The study of ornithology is quite different in this from other schools, and the plan pursued is original with Professor Mather. The books and course of study were designed by him.

The request of the Japanese Commissioner to secure the exhibit of the Warsaw schools, sent to the New Orleans Exposition, speaks more loudly in praise of the work of the teachers than anything we could say, and is embraced in the letter of Mr. Buckley, which is as follows:

Gentlemen: - The Commissioner of Education from Japan, Mr. Ichizo Hattori, who is also one of the Committee of Examination and Awards at the AVorld's Exposition, makes a request of the United States Bureau of Edm ucation, and they to me, for "The Analysis of Plants" and ''The Analysis of Birds" from the Warsaw city schools. This is no mean compliment to you, and to the State ot Indiana. If you will part with this work of your schools (and I trust yo\i will), please take action in the matter, and I will deliver this school work to the Commissioner to take back with him to the Government Educational Bureau of Japan.

Permission was granted by the pupils whose work was exhibited for the transfer, and Professor Mather holds the receipt of the Commissioner in Japanese for the material.

The compliment is especially gratifying, as the Japanese Commissioner referred to in Mr. Buckley's letter has had an opportunity to compare the exhibits from Warsaw with others from all parts of the United States - in fact, from all ])arts of the educational world, represented at the New Orleans Exposition.

The Board of Education for 1886-'87 are: Jackson Glessner, President; John H. Brubaker. Secretary; William B. Funk, Treasurer; John P. Mather, Superintendent.

The teachers for 1886-'87 are: Central Building, Miss Victoria A. Adams, High School ; Miss Josephine A. Fielding, High School Assistant and A Grammar; Miss Lizzie M. Reid, B Grammar; Miss Josie Brown, B and C Grammar; Miss Fannie M. Davis, D Grammar; Miss Hattie Long, A Primary; Miss Rose McCauley, B and C Primary; Miss Mary Cosgrove, C and D Primary. West Ward, Miss Viola Strain, Principal, C and D Primary; Miss Margaret Williams, B and C Primary; Miss Mattie Richardson, A Primary and D Grammar. East Ward, Miss Altha Bowser, Principal, A and B Primary; Miss Minnie Stuart, C and D Priiii'irv.

Baptist Church. - Rov. Edward Desborutigli organized a society consisting of S. B. and Hester Clark, L. P. and Elizabeth Howe, Isaac Brady, Sarah Bates, Daniel AVeiss, Mrs. Jane Knowles and Mrs. Ruhanna Losure. January 11, 1851, Messrs. Huod and IJritton donated a lot in their addition to the \illage of Warsaw, and the congregation erected a house of worship in 1852. Rev. Daniel Thomas was their iirst pastor. The society disposed of their old church in 1864, and purchased the lot upon which the Baptist church building stands. A handsome brick church was completed in 1866, costing §8,000, which was destroyed by lire August 20, 1871. It was rebuilt the same year at a cost of $2,500. The present pastor, Rev. ,1. H. Winans, is a talented divine, and the church enjoys a high degree of prosperity. The Baptist Sunday-school is largely attended and numbei's about 135. The deacons are: I. J. Morris, M. W. Mumaw, O. C. Holbrook and Birch. Trustees: Al Hayward, Lewis Rippee, B. Q. Morris. Organist, Miss Maggie Bates; Clerk, I. J. Morris; Treasurer, C. J. Hoyt.

The, First Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. J. Wolf, November 7, 1840, l)y the authority of the Logansport Presbytery, with the following members: William Williams, Mary Williams, Peter Hover, Isaac Lucas, Catharine Lucas, Priscilla Davis, Mary McFadden, Eliza Nye, Eliza Vancnren. William Williams and Peter Hover were elected elders.

May 16, 1843, Samuel L. Andrews, Isaac Lucas and Thomas Logan were chosen elders, and Rev. J. Ogden, pastor. In December, 1843, Rev. L. G. AVeeks took charge of the church, and served as pastor until 1848. In May, 1849, Rev. Thomas Bascoin became ]iastor, and served two years. The first church building- was erected in 1849; for several years the church prospered and legular services were maintained. One of their most active workers was Rev. G. W. Wilson, who served as pastor from 1872 until April, 1877, leaving it with a membei-ship of 125, a Sunday-school with 120 in attendance. The old church building was sold to the United Brethren congregation in 1881, and the modern church edifice which now graces lot 121 was erected in 1882. This seats comfortably 600 persons, and was completed at a cost of $13,280. It was dedicated July 1, 1883. Regular services are lield, but the congregation have no resident pastor. Trustees: S. W. Chipman, Dr. I. D. Webber, G. B. Lesh, W. D. Frazer, Q. A. Hossler.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - This was the first religious denomination to organize a class in Warsaw, and the first services were held in the pole cabin built by Matthew D. Springer. The sermon was preached by Rev. Richard Hargrave, who was a Methodist missionary. Warsaw was included in what was known as the " Mission Circuit," which embraced the entire county. The annual conference in 1839 named it Warsaw Circuit, and attached it to South Bend District, with Rev. Elza Yan Schoick, pastor. Theiirst quarterly conference was held at Warsaw January 26, 1839, at which time Rev. Thomas P. Owen rode the circuit. At that early day there must have been forty members, for Peter Warner, J. Ockerman, Alex McElwane and Edward Cone were local preachers, and twenty-live others were exhorters and class-leaders. It might be reasonably expected that the wives of some belonged to the church.

The minister had fifteen appointments in the county, all at ])i-ivate houses, and was allowed the modest sum of §70 per annum. Ten dollars of this he paid to Joseph Ockerman to assist him, Rev. Owen being in feeble health. The society contrilnited $31, the remainder of the !?70 heiug made up from the missionary fund. The first camp-meeting was held at " Grove's camp-ground in June, 1839. This year the AVarsaw congregation paid as their share of the minister's salary 84r.25. In 1843 the circuit was divided, and Rev. Elihu Anthony was placed in charge. A Sunday-school was organized in 1844 with forty scholars, six teachers, and Joel Fish, superintendent. Meetings were held in the old court-house, which stood upon the site occupied by the Baptist church, until the erection of a church building upon tlie lot donated by James Stinson, the same lot now occupied by the handsome two-story brick edifice. This was com[)leted in 1868 at a cost of $22,919.75. The membership numbers about 340, presided over by liev. J. K. Walts. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of 350, and for thirty-seven years Joseph A. Funk lias been superintendent. The trustees are: Joseph A. Funk, J. D. Kutz, James Wyant, S. W. Oldfather, John Shoup, Joseph S. Baker, H. P. Comstock. Local elders, D. S. Wynant, M. C. Furlong, John S. Hetfield. Local preachers, O. P. Downs, A. C. McCartei', David James. Exhorters, Samuel AVamsley and David James. Stewards, J. A. Funk, J. B. Roberds, N. W. Ptichhart, G. C. Bratt, H. T. Beazel, James B. lioth and J. B. Kutz. Organist, Dr. T. J. Shackleford.

The Catholic Chm-ch. - Occasional services were held at the houses of members of this church, but Warsaw was in 1852 made a permanent mission. Rev. John Ryan was the first pastor, succeeded by Rev. Father Francis Lawler and others until 1876, when Rev. Father F. Wiechman took charge of the parish. To his enterprise the Catholic people owe much. He purchased two lots, and the erection of the present brick church was commenced soon afterward. Right-Rev. Josepli Dwenger, D. D., Bishop of Fort Wayne, officiated at the laying of the corner-stone July 4, 1876, and on June 10, 1877, the church was dedicated. This handsome structure seats 400, and cost with the lots $8,000. Rev. Father Anthony Ellinger holds services on alternate Sundays, but the membership remains about the same as when the church was organized. The ladies have recently partially completed the organization of the " Rose Society," which will aid largely in furnishing funds to meet current expenses. The society at present have twenty-five members, but officers are not yet chosen. Tlie church is known as "The Church of the Sacred Heart.''

The United Brethren. Church. - A church was organized in 1881 with eleven members, Daniel Deeds and wife, J. P. Ebersole and wife, J. A. Weimer and wife, William Brant and father, Mrs. Reisch, Mrs. Catherine Bell and Miss Charlotte Lee. Meetings were held in Hendee's Hall until the church building could be made ready. Rev. J. Cummitigs, pastor.

The Presbyterian Church was purchased and removed, and with the lot cost the society $1,839. The church was dedicated anew to the service of God, by Rev. Dewitt Delany, August 5, 1883. The church records show seventy-three members, with a roster of eighty Sunday-school scholars. Rev. J. Simons is pastor and superintendent of tlie Sabbath-school.

Union Mission Church. - By a praiseworthy efi'ort upon the part of James McKrill, a handsome frame building has been erected upon lot 234 (Williams' addition), which has recently been completed at a cost of $500.

The lot M-as donated by Mr. McKrill, for church purposes, and the church is intended for the use of all relii>'ious denominations, and the pulpit will be by them supplied. A Sunday-school was organized in April, 1885, with sixty scholars, and has been under the superintendency of Lemuel Powers. James McKrill and Jehu Barnes. The church was dedicated by Ilev. M. D. Gage, November 28, 1886. Rev. Gage was formerly Chaplain of the Twelfth Indiana Regiment. Through the influence of James McKrill, a class was formed in January, 1885, of nineteen members who are earnest in church work, and are composed of different denominations. We ai'e pleased to give their names: James and Rebecca McKrill, Jacob and Jane Scott, Richard and Martha Ireland, 'Squire McCarthy, Andrew Stoner, Mary Stoner, Lou Brumbaugh, Sarah Anderson, Jane Howe, Mary Cress, William Richhart, Jehu Barnes, Mary Felter, Hetty Evans and Jacob Goodall.

The Chriistiaii, Churoh was organized in Warsaw in 1851. Foremost in this work was elder John Gordon and family, and until 1865 meetings were regularly held at his house. This year, the church was re-organized by elders John Gordon, M. N. Lord, William McElvane and Noah A\^atts. H. B. Stanley' and Jacob Nye were chosen deacons, and Rev. J. B. Marshall was called to preach. Many were added to the church during his ministry, and in 1865 the society purchased lot 305 of John Gordon, and also purchased a church formerly used by the Presbyterians, which was moved upon the lot at an expense of $250. The church has a large membership, a flourishing Sunday-school with an average attendance of sixty. Rev. Paph Julian is resident pastor and services are regularly held. The Christian ]>eople expect to erect a handsome brick church this year upon the site of the old building. The present

The Episcopal Church. - Monday evening, April 22, 1861, the Rev. Edward P. Wright, Rector of Trinity Church, Michigan City, visited Warsaw and held services in the Methodist Episcopal church. This was the first Episcopal service held in the county. The Right- Rev. George Upfold, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese, held service May 17, 1861, and on the 18th of that month, baptized Lnella, infant daughter of Walter and Susan R. Scott. May 25, 1861, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a parish. Dr. J. W. Quayle was chairman, and Edward Murphy, secretary. Articles of association were adopted and signed b}- Walter Scott, James W. Quayle, Oliver Musselman, H. W. Upson, Samuel A. Wright, E. Y. Long, Ebenezer Hazzard, William B. Funk, Moses J. Long, Henry Mortimer and Henry Gilbert. A meeting was then held for the election of wardens and vestrymen ; the following were chosen: Dr. Henry Gilliert, William C. Graves, Dr. James W. Quayle, Walter Scott and Edward Murphy. At the lirst meeting of the vestry, held May 28, same year, Walter Scott was elected senior warden, and James AV. Quayle, junior warden.

The Second Presbyterian Church was rented, and June 23, 1861, the fourth Sunday after Trinity, the Rev. Louis P. Tsehiffely visited the ):)arish and preached. An election was tendered to him, which he accepted, taking effect October 1, 1861, when he took charge of the parish. October 20 a Sundayschool was organized, with eight scholars.

April 27, 1862, the Bishop made his first official visitation; he preached and administei'ed communion. This was the first time the Holy Eucharist was administered in the parish. Four persons were confirmed.

In the spring of 1866 Hon. William Williams dnnated to the parish a lot, on condition that a church be erected upon it; and arrangements were made for the erection of a wooden building 25x50 feet, with recess chancel 15x10, and vestry-room 10x10. The building had been erected and was being lathed when - June 21, 1866 - a tornado swept over the town and laid the church in ruins; loss S1,000. In November, 1866, through the kindness of Auditor W. B. Funk, the use of the court-room was obtained for church purposes.

The society in September, 1866, began the erection of their present church, which was completed in 1869, the ladies aiding largely in paying the indebtedness. Ilev. Walter Scott was the first rector serving in the new church. Only occasional services are now held, but arrangements will soon be completed for holding regular services. The clei'gymen who minister at this date are the Revs. T. B. Kemp and S. Rosevelt. Officers, Senior Warden, S. S. Baker; Junior Warden, A. G. Wood; Vestrymen, F. S. Clark, Ed. E. Smith, C. M. Alvord, C. C. Stoner, George R. Taylor.

Secret Societies

Warsaw Lodge, No. 73, A. F. & A. M., was the first lodge organized in the county, and was instituted in 1848 and received a charter February 1, 1849. The charter members were - William Parks, F. A. Harris, William B. Barnett, Jonathan Moon, Robert Graves, J. W. Stapleford, Clark Yager, John W. Morris, Jeremiah Stephenson, C. M. A. Burse, George Moon, John Knowles, S. D. Bowlsley, Nelson Milice and Solomon Ayers. The officers were - William Parks, Worshipful Master; F. A. Harris, Senior Warden;

William B. Barnett, Junior Warden; Jonathan Moon, Secretary; Robert Graves, Treasurer; J. AV. Stapleford, Senior Deacon ; Clark Yager, Junior Deacon. It is a prosperous body and has initiated more members than any lodge in the county. The following gentlemen were selected to till the various offices for the ensuing year: James H. Cisney, Worshipful Master; E. A. Sheffield, Senior Warden; M. Phillipson, Junior Warden; George Moon, Treasurer; C M. Alward, Secretary.

Lake City Lodge, No. 371, A. F. & A. M., was chartered May 27, 1868, and has a large membership. The officers for 1886 are: LB. Webber, Worshipful Master; A. B. Raner, Senior Warden; F. A. Place, Junior Warden; Metcalf Beck, Treasurer; T. J. Shackleford, Secretary; H. D. Rose, Senior Deacon; F. M. Hetrich, Junior Deacon; William Thompson, W. C. Stephenson, Stewards; Dr. Shackleford, Organist; George Brown, Tyler.

Warsaio Chapter, No. Ji.S, li. A. M., was granted a dispensation, and the chapter instituted October 25, 1862. Officers: T. Davenport, High Priest; J. T. Donahoo, King; George Moon, Scribe. The charter members were the officers named, and Companions C. W. Chapman, B. Becker, J. M. Leamon, Jeremiah Stephenson, I. R. Walton and J. W. Pottenger. The charter was granted May 21, 1863. Officers elect for 1886: Alfred Ale, High Priest; J. H. Davidson, King; J. H. Cisney, Scribe; A. B. Raner, C. H. ; I. B. Webber, P. S.; J. D. Widaman, R. A. C; George Moon, Sr., Treasurer; William Conrad, Secretary; J. H. Lones, M. Phillipson, D. S. Bitner, Masters of the Veils; George Brown, Guard; Al. F. Ruch, Organist.

Warsaw Commandery, No. 10, was chartered April 7, 1868. The dispensation was granted April 2, 1867, with officers installed as follows: Abraham Reeves, Eminent Commander; J. T. Langenbaugh, Generalissimo;

The Masonic fraternity own their own I'ooms, the Masonic Temple being completed in 1883. The building was erected at the corner of Center and Buffalo streets, the first and second stories belonging to the Daniel Shoup estate. The Blue Lodge, Chapter and Connnandery ai'e joint owners of the third storj', whicli was especially constructed for society purposes and is royally furnished.

Koseivsko Lodge, No. 62, I. 0. 0. F. - A charter was granted for this lodge, on the petiti(ni of A. B. Crihtield, George Moon, James Prazer, Joseph A. Funk, John N. Cosgrove and Lyman L. Lattimer, at the semiannual communication of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Indiana, January 9, 1849. On the 7th of February, 1849, Deputy Department Grand Master J. E. Hollister instituted tlie same, the charter members all being present. The officers for the first term were ; George Moon, Noble Grand; Joiin N. Cosgrove, Vice Grand; J. A. Funk, Secretary, and Dr. A. F. Crihfield, Treasurer. The membership rapidly increased, and in 1858 the order erected, in company with others, a handsome buildingknown as "Empire Block," at the corner of Buffalo and Market streets. The building with its contents was destroyed oy tire .iannary 81, 1871, in which all the lodge records were lost. The society erected a new building, and their hall was dedicated October ;30, 1S7;J. Kosciusko Lodge has been instrumental in the formation and organization of eight new lodges, located in this county, to wit: Pierceton, No. 257; Jubilee, No. 268; Sevastopol, No. 403; Lake City, No. 430; Leesburgh, No.432; Milford, n'o.478; Atwood, No. 493, and Claypool, No. 515: and, as the fond parent follows each child leaving the parental roof, with solicitude for its future good, so Kosciusko Lodge, with outstretched arms of sympathy, longs for their prosperity and rejoices to know that so manj' of them have risen to such degrees of excellence. Officers for this tei-m: Edson Spangle, Noble Grand; V. L. Alms, Vice Grand; L. F. Coleman, Recording Secretary; William Conrad, Permanent Secretary; J. N. Runyan, Treasurer; J. L. Trish, R. S. to N. G.; Jacob Reber, L. S. to N. G.; Lewis Ripple, R. S. to V. G.; F. S. Clark, L. S. to V. G.; Ehud Webb, Conductor; A. S. Milice, Warden; W^illiam C. ]\Iilice, I. G; Jasper Frush, O. G. and Host.

Lake C'iti/ Lodge, JVo. ^-SO, I. 0. 0. F. - This lodge was instituted on the 3d day of January, 1874, under the special direction of D. D. G. M. Charles H. Ketcham, who was assisted by P. G. M. Joseph A. Funk, William Cosgrove, John S. Wynant, Hiram S. Biggs, Richard Loney, A. S. Milice, A. T. S. Kist, H. C. Milice and John Fogle. The dispensation was of the same date, and granted by Grand Master Richard Owen. The charter members were: James H. Carpenter, H. W. Upson, Ancil B. Ball, W. G. Piper, I). R. Pershing, Joseph S. Baker, Charles Wall, Hudson Beck, W. B. Funk, Edward Moon, Samuel Seachrist, Levi Zumbrum and E. A. Sheffield - thirteen in all. Off-leers: II. W. Upson. N. G.; Joseph S. Baker, V. G.; G. W. Piper, Recording Sec-

Ilackleintni. £^/icainj)i)ieiit, No. 37, was instituted January 16, 1854, by C. W. Frederick, Grand Senior Warden; S. Colfax, Junior WardeTi; P>ert Shepherd, Sentinel; S. lluinphrey, Scribe; B. F. Prune, Treasurer; ]>ert Hoover, Hi^k Priest; Bert Gordon and j nieaibers were: George Moon, S. K. Gordon, James S. Frazer, H. P. Stepliens, George R. Thralls and Ben Richliart. The order numl)ers ninety members.

Canton Wan^en,jVo o, Patriarch Militant, was mustered in January, 1886; forty-two charter members. A. S. Milice, Captain; F. II. Foster, Lieutenant; L. Ripple, Ensign. Headquarters of this regiment is at Warsaw. A. S. Milice, Colonel; J. S. Weaver, Adjutant. The regiment comprises the cantons of Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, La Porte, Mishawaka, Kendallvillo, Lagrange, Fort Wayne, Huntington, Marion, North Manchester and AVarsaw. Officers: First Battalion, Charles K. Green, Major, Albion, Indiana; Second Battalion, C. H. Butlenbender, Major, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Third Battalion, D. C. McCuUum, Major, La Porte, Indiana.

The first meeting was held in H. C. <k. W. C. Milice's art gallery January 18, 1874, and was called by H. C. Milice and J. Silbers, the only members of the order in Warsaw, for the purpose of ascertaining who would come into the order and enable them to organize a lodge. They were met by the following gentlemen: P. L. Runyan, Jr., J. W. Curtis, 11. D. Hetlield, C. W. (iraves and

May 22, 1874, the lodge was instituted, and the charter granted July 29, 1874. The first officers were: H. C. Milice, Past Chancellor; Renb Williauis, Chancellor Commander; P. L. Runyan, Jr., Vice Chancellor; N. W. Mumaw, Keejier of Records and Seals; J. W. Curtis, Master of Finance; C. W. Graves, Master of Exchequer; AY. D. Frazer, Prelate; H. D. Hetlield, Master of Arms; J. B. Thompson, Inner Guard ; AV. H. AA/"right, Outer Guard.

The lodge room is handsomely fitted up, and a commodious, large drill room serves not only for that purpose, but makes a superb banquet hall. The social features of this order make it deservedly popular, and among its members are found many of the leading citizens of AVarsaw.

Uniform liaiik, Kosciusko Division, No. 8, was organized July 21, 1882, by General James R. Carnahan, P. G. C. of Indiana, with twenty-seven charter members. Officers installed: P. L. Runyan, C. ; Frank Nutt, L. C; M. W. Mumaw, H.: C. L. Bartol, Recorder; J. F. Scott, Treasurer; B. Q. Morris, G.; AY. S. Smith, Secretary. The division won great admiration and favorable mention for proficiency in drill on the occasion of the meeting ofthe Grand Com mandery of the United States, Knights of Pythias, held at Toronto, Canada, in 1886. Officers:

Home Lofirie., ZTnited Orrler of Honor, No. 69. was organized Marcli 6, 1884, with twenty cliarter members. Tliis is a beneticiar}' order, and is in a fairly prosperous condition. The first officers were: A. S. Milice, President; F. A. Place, Past President; A. G. Wood, Recording Secretary; W. H. Eggleston, Financial Secretary; George B. Lesh, Treasurer. Tlie first death loss paid by this society was that of Samuel Sechrist in the autumn of 1886; the amount, $3,000. Officers for 1886: J. G. Kutz, President; A. S. Milice, Past President; A. F. Euch, Secretary; J. "W. Comstock, Treasurer. Meetings are held in the hall of Kosciusko Lodge, I. O. O. F.

Koseiusln Post, No. lllj,, G. A. R., was mustered September 22, 1882, by Deputy Department Commander R. S. Robinson, present Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. Twenty-four veterans signed the roll, and from the organization tliis post has prospered.

There are 319 members; twenty-five dollars death benefits are paid, and only one post in the State pays more relief benefits. Cash on hand and equipage foot up a total of $2,000.

charter members. Officers, C. W. Chapman, Commander; John Lathrope, Senior Vice Commander; Levi Zimmerman, Junit)r Vice Commander; J.G.Wood, Adjutant; T.J. Nye, Quartermaster; AmosKehler, Quartermaster Sergeant; Dr. F. Moro, Chaplain. The post will rapidly recruit new members, and every soldier who was enlisted under the stars and stripes in this county should be a member of this national order. There is room in Henry Chipman Post for those who reside in the immediate vicinity that are not already members of some organization. The present officers are, E. M. Chaplin, Commander; N. N. Boydston, Senior Vice Commander; Geo. Smith, Junior Vice Commander; Amos Kehler, Quartermaster; A. G. Wood, Adjutant; Dr. F. Moro, Chaplain.

Warsaw Council, No. 526, Royal Arcamini was instituted September 23, 1880. From the first it has been a very prosperous organization, and has at present sixty members. Only one death loss has been paid by the society to any member of the council, but the promptness in wliich the claim of $3,000 was liquidated prove it emphatically to be all that is represented. The legatees of the late Dr. E. Z. Hoover, received witliin twentyeight days from tiie date of his death, the sum above mentioned.

Warsa^v Light Guards. - The " crack company " of this city or county in military parlance was mustered September 29, 1886, and the following officers received their commissions from the Governor. Captain, Chas. A. Funk; First Lieutenant, G. B. Baker; Second Lieutenant, J. A. Dye. The pany liave forty-nine men and officers enrolled, and are equipped with fine nnifonns, of regulation pattern which cost them §475, of which amount $125 was donated by the citizens of Warsaw. Captain Funk is commander of a company composed of the leading young men of the city, and their proficiency in drill has already won them much praise. Most of the drilling has been done by Lieutenant George B. Baker, who has taken in connection with a classical course, four years instruction in military tactics at De Pauw University.

Warsaw Fike Department

The fire department of this city is well equipped for service, and for a volunteer corps, perhaps none in the State excel them. The first permanent organization was made February 16, 1859, and the following officers were elected. Foreman, Peter Marvin; First xissistant, AVilliam B. Boydston; Second Assistant, A. T. S. Kist; Secretary, AVilliam S. Hemphill; Treasurer, Dr. Joseph P. Leslie: Company Engineer, Bradford G. Cosgrove; Chief of Fire Department, Joseph A. Funk. Thirty-eight members were enrolled and the company received the name of " Independent Protection Engine Company, No. 1." A second-hand engine was purchased at Adrian, Michigan, and the company erected a frame building for an engine house. In 1861 the corporation trustees purchased the stock of the company since which time the company has been known as " Protection Company, No. 1," and " Hose Company, No. 1," the latter being part of the former organization.

Th(' Lake City Hook and Ladder Cu)iij)any, No. 1, was organized in June, 1866, with C. W. Card, Foreman; P. L. Runj'an, Secretary. All the records of this company were destroveil liv tire in 1^71. and names of all the officers cannot be given. The com])any have a full complement of apparatus, a fine hook and ladder truck and eighteen members. The officers are, B. Q. Morris, Foreman ; James Oram, Assistant Foreman; G. B. Eichhart. Secretary. Several disastrous fires induced the village board to fully equip the fire department, and they contracted for a steam fire engine in the spring of 1868. The Silsby manufacturing company furnished the engine which is first class in every respect. A new hose cart and a good supply of new^ hose was also purchased at the same time.

A substantial brick engine house was erected in 1867, and " Protection Companj', No. 1 " took charge of the engine. In 1868 a company was organized under the name of " Young America No. 2," but disbanded about one year later. Never Fails, No. ^," was organized February 13, 1871, by some of the former members of " Protection Company, No. 1," with James Milice, Foreman; George Pratt, First Assistant; Joseph A. Wright, Second Assistant; William B. Funk, Secretary; John S. AVynant, Treasurer. They are fully equipped with hose cart and 600 feet of hose. In February, 1873, the village board purchased a fine hand-engine, which was placed in charge of "The Never Fails, No. 2."

Since the city water works have been completed the boys have discarded the engine and are now known as a company. Thirtysix members are officered by the following named gentlemen:

A disastrous conflagration November 25, 1883, destroyed property for G. B. Lesh & Co., involving a loss of $55,000. After the company reorganized and rebuilt their ex- tensive works, tliey, for tlieir own protection, organized, August 11, 1886, wliat is known as the " G. B. Lesh Hone ComjMuy, No. 3." Amos Keillor, Foreman; Frank Kehler, First Assistant; Henry Walters, Second Assistant; G. W. Peddycord, Secretary; Alex Lendrum, Treasurer. Tiie city donated a hose cart and 500 feet of hose and the company is at all times under the direction of tlie fire marshal. It numbers thirty members, all but two being in the employ of the G. B. Lesh Manufacturing Company. The officers of " Protection No. 1" are: AVilliani Conrad, Foreman; 0. Holbrook, First Assistant; J. W. Coleman, Second Assistant; L. F. Coleman, Secretary; E. A. Siieffield, Treasurer. The trustees are: I. J. Morris, T. A. Goodwin and N. B. Mc- Connell. Forty members belong to this company.

The lire department apparatus consists of the Silsby steamer, a hand engine, one hook and ladder truck, four hose carts, and 2,000 feet of hose. Perry Brown is cliief of tlie department. William Conrad, Foreman of " Protection No. 1," has spent money liberally, and is deserving of credit for liis efforts in putting not only his comjiany, but the lire department upon a firm footing.

Luke City Bank. - This institution commenced business May 14, 1872, as a private bank. The firm consisted of James McMnrray, John H. Lewis and J. B. McMurray. James McMurray, President; J. B. McMurray, Cashier. The capital stock was $60,000. The president was a man of wealth, and had long been a prominent business man of Hendricks County, Indiana, and his integrity, aflability and fair dealing made this a favorite bank by thus securing the confidence of the people.

1875, and incorporated as a " State Baidc " under an act approved February 7, 1S73, with the title above given, the following persons being the chartered stockholders: James McMurray, John H. Lewis, Hudson Beck, Edward Moon, Richard Loney, Metcalf Beck, J. B. Licli ten waiter, II. B. Stanley, Albert Tucker, John Grabner, Moses Wallace, Benjamin Yohn, Henry Bernst, Washington Bybee, Hiram Hall, Christian Sarber, Jackson Glessner, Milton Hire, William Zimmerman, Jacob Weirick, John R. Black, William Benford, C. C. Reynolds, Levi Hetrick, Rachel AVallaco and Samuel C. Gray. Board of Directors: Moses Wallace, H. B. Stanley. John Grabner, Metcalf Beck, Christian Sarber, J. B. Lichtenwalter, Hiram Hall, Albert Tucker and Hudson Beck. Hudson Beck was chosen president, and John II. Lewis, cashier.

Upon the resignation of John H. Lewis as cashier November 1, 1880, Albion Beck was elected to that position, and served until September 7, 1885, when by reason of the onerous duties incumbent upon him as executor of his fathei-'s estate his resignation was reluctantly accepted, and Samuel Bitner, for years the faithful and competent bookkeeper of the bank, was chosen as Mr. Beck's successor. Hudson Beck, for many long years the faithful and able head of the concern as president, early in 1885 went South with hopes of regaining his failing health, but his death occurred at Citronell, Alabama, May 5, 1885.

William B. Funk was unanimously elected president of the bank by the Board of Directors May 13, 1885, and his popularity as a business man is unexcelled in Kosciusko County. With reluctance he Rccepted the position, but liis extensive acquaintance thronghoiit tiie county luis been tlie means of increasing tlie already well deserved popularity of the institution, whose stockholders comprise more than a score of tlie wealthiest farmers and Inisiness men of the county. The Lake City Bank is one of the "solid" enterprises of the city, with a capital stock of S60,000, and a reserve of §15,000.

The State Bank. - This bank w-as the eighty-eighth bank in the United States, organized under the National Banking Act of 1863. Its articles of association bear date August 14, 1863. It was authorized to commence the busines.^ of banking by a certificate of autlnirity fi'om the Comptroller of the Currency at Washington, under date of September 22, 1863. It commenced business on a capital of .$50,000 on the .30th day of September, 18f)3.

Its tirst directors were: Samuel H. Chipman, William C. Craves, Thomas S. Stanlield, Siujon liartman, William G. Chapman, John Makenison, Andrew J. Stephenson, Silas W. Chipnian, Stedman A. Chaplin. Its first ofticers were: Samuel H. Chipman, President, and William C. Graves, Cashier.

By several of those accidents which cannot be avoided by the most prurient bankers, it has sustained losses to the amount of nearly $30,000 during its career. All this loss was occasioned by the failure of correspondent banks in Xew York and Chicago. Yet it long since paid up those losses out of its profits.

In anticipation of the expiration of its charter, the officers and stockholders reorganized December 14, 1881, under the State law, and the name changed from the First National Bank of Warsaw to the State Bank.

Stockholders: Those above named, with S. W. CHiipman, S. W. Oldfather, E. Haymond, G. W. Lawrence. Prom its organization as a National Bank until this date, it has been practically under the same management. Officers: S. W. Chipman, President; P. L. Runyaii, Cashier; W. F. Mack, Bookkeeper. Directors: S. W. and S. H. Chipman, P. L. Kunyan, S. W. Oldfather, E. Haymond, (). C. Mills and A. O. Catlin.

Mandfactuking Intekksts

The most extensive manufactory in the city is owned by G. B. Lesh & Co., who manufacture everything of wood to complete plows. They have recently added a band saw, and manufacture all kinds of hardwood lumber, employing 100 men and twenty teams.

Mr. G. B. Lesh is the moving spirit in this enterprise, and came from Pierceton to this city in 187G. At that time he, in company with Matthews, purchased several lots, erected a building 70 x 100, four stories high, and equipped it with the most approved machinery. In 1881 John H. Lesh and Milo S. Ilascall jiurchased Matthews interest, and in 1883 Owen Switzer purchased the interest of Hascall. The building and contents were destroyed by fire in November, 1883, causing a loss of .$50,000. G. 15. Lesh then purchased the interests of his partners, ortranized a stock company with $75,000 capital, $50,000 of which was paid up. Large additions were made to former buildings, and the number of men and teams employed give some idea of the extent of business done.

William Conrad began the mainifacture of wagons, buggies, etc., in May, 1860. on a limited scale. His business has grown until he now employs from twelve to twentythree men, most of w-hom are skilled work- men. He nianufactures annually 300 wagons, 100 buggies, a nninber of sleighs, and does a large general repair business. His brick business rooms fronting on Center Street, 44 X 100, were erected in 1875. Tlie manufacturing department on Main street covers, with lumber sheds, one acre of ground. The machinery is moved b}' an engine of twenty horse power. Eighty per cent, of his work is new, twenty per cent, repair.

The furniture manufactory of Thomas & Manley was erected in 1882. The building is a three-story brick 60 x 100, fitted with the latest machinery, operated by an engine of seventy horse power. This firm manufactures tables, cupboards, bed.steads and bureaus, and employs forty skilled workmen.

The City Mills were erected by Samuel W. Oldfather and John Shoup in 1884. The building is ;i substantial three-sti.ry and basement brick, 44 x 66. They employ the new rollei- process, with a capacity of 140 barrels per day. The mills run day and night, and are under the care of G. L. Hilt, an experienced miller.

Warsaw P^oundry, Christian Smith, proprietor, is a well established business industry. The main building in ;JOx()0. with a moulding room 40x60, in which twelve men find employment. A fifteen horse-power engine opei-ates the machinery, and plows and evei-ything made from iron is manufactured here.

The most important industry of the city that can not be classed among the manufacturing interests, is the wholesale house of the Beyer Bros., who handle butter, eggs and poultry. The firm is composed of John F., C. C. and John E. Beyer. The business was begun by John F. Beyer, in 1878, in the basement of the Opera-House block. The other brothers were taken into partnership in 1880, and two years later the business had grown until, to meet the needs, the large two-story brick, 80 x 132 feet, was erected, with a basement under the entire apartment. Every modern device for the preservation of butter, eggs and poultry has been called into requisition, and this house alone, which in its second year did a business of $40,000, has so rapidh^ increased the trade that the receipts for 1885 reached the grand total of $480,000. The firm operate three branch houses: one at Rochester, one at North Manchester and one at Monticello. They have an interest in others at Columbia City and Goshen, but the receipts in either of the five last are included in the first statement. Beyer Bros, erected a creiiinery 24 x 70 in 1883. and purchase cream from the farmers. The manufacturing capacity of the creamery is 2,500 pounds of butter daily, and in gathering the cream and poultry fifteen teams are employed. Their shipments of produce average more than one car load per day, and from twenty-five to one hundred hands are employed.

The Warsaw Water- Works Company was organized and incorporated in August, 1885, the company consisting of James S. Frazer, E. B. Martindale and W. D. Frazer. Sixty thousand dollars in stock was issued. $10,000 of which was taken by parties in this city.

erected at the foot of BufJ'alo street. Six and one-half miles of water mains were laid; the the building was lifted with two immense boilers, and two double Worthington pumps of sixty horse-power placed in position. A stand pipe 125 feet in height, with a capacity of 19,375 gallons was erected. July 10, 1886, tire was placed in the boilers and the final test was made on the 20th. The tire engine came out and threw water 125 feet, but in the attempt broke down. The force from the stand pipe threw water 140 feet, twenty feet higher than the court-house spire. The city had contracted for fifty hydrants at $2,50U per annum, the contract to run twenty years, providing the test was satisfactory. After thorough trial the terms were accepted, and Warsaw has a system of water works unexcelled by any city in the State. Since the completion of the system the engine has not been called into requisition at a fire.

In connection with the water works the company also received a franchise for the electric light plant, which was put into successful operation October 28, 1886. The engine will operate an eighty-light dynamo; at present twenty-three lights are used, the dynamo being a twenty-eigiit light Thomson Houston, costing $8,000.

Arrangements are being rapidly completed to furnish business houses and private residences with incandescent lights. The whole is under the management of J. E. Jetfries, a practical electrician and an engineer of renown, he having for several years been in charge of the water supply of the Lake Erie & Western and the Bee Line Railway. Officers, James S. Frazer, President; Lyman B. Martindale, Secretary; William D. Frazer, Treasurer; Frank F. Porter, Superintendent; J. E. Jeffries, Engineer.

Oliver P. Jaques is the veteran ice dealer of the city. In 1875 he purchased the greater portion of Center Lake and erected an ice house at the foot of Bufi'alo street. The next year he, in company with S. W. Oldfather, erected the first wholesale house on the east side of the lake. Eight large ice houses, 30 X 95 and thirty-five feet high, were constructed and provided with steam power for storing ice. During the season 125 men are employed, and aside from the retail trade much ice is shipped to other cities. Mr. Oldfather retired from the firm in 1883. since which time Mr. Jaques has conducted liotli wholesale and retail trade.

C. W. Chapman erected in 1880 fourteen ice houses, 30 x 114, thirty feet high, with a capacity of 28,000 tons, on the west bank of Eagle Lake, costing $14,000. Side tracks were built reaching both railroads at a cost of $4,000, and the ice finds a sale at St. Louis, Pittsburg, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. During the packing season 125 men find employment at these houses.

This is one of the best townships in the county and contains 23,040 acres. Tingle Lake, with an area of two squares miles, is a romantic and picturesque retreat and extends over Tnost of section 25. Wawa's Lake, formerly a part of the Indian Chief Waw-waesse's reservation, is largely on section 21. Both abound with fish and wild fowl. Van Buren was organized June 29, 1836, and was named by William Felkner, the first commissioner from that township to serve on the county board. Elkhart County bounds Van Buren Township on the north, Turkey Creek on the east, Plain on the south and Jefi'erson on the west. Early in March, 1833, Olivar Wright and his son Moses settled on section

28, and the 20th of ]\Iarch came William Felkiier and wife, and settled on section 21. Later in the same year Elijah Miller and Kichard Gawthrop settled on section 32, A. C. Cory on section 1, Samuel Street on section 29 and Mrs. Sarah DeBault and live children on section 32. The earlj* settlement was made on Little Turkey Creek Prairie. The new-comers planted a crop of corn in 1833, and surrounded the prairie with a rail fence to keep out loose stock the same year.

Kachel, daughtei- of William and Mary Ann Felkner, was born May 15, 1833, the first white child in the township. Her father erected the first log school-house in the autumn of 1835, on section 29. John G. Woods was the first teacher.

William Felkner was one of the most enterprising men of early times. He erected the first brick house in the county on section 21, in 1846, which is now owned by John Bartholemew.

He built the first frame barn in the county in 1836; it is standing at this date. The first cook stove in the township was purchased hj Mr. Felkner and was transported from Michigan City by Metcalf I'eck, the pioneer merchant of Leesburgii. People came for miles to see the wonder, and many for the first time in their lives beheld the great curiosity.

Concord Church was erected in 1847, on the northwest quarter of section 24, and was the common property of all the religious denominations in the township. It now belongs to the United Brethren. Van Bureii

Two railroads traverse the township, the Cincinnati, Wabash A: Michigan, and the Baltimore & Ohio. The first passes through Milford, and the second forms a junction one mile north. There are only a few houses at Milford Junction; no stores nor other business buildings. The Baltimore & Ohio Eailroad passes from southeast to northwest aci'oss sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Both roads give excellent shipping facilities, but the location of the Baltimore & Ohio so far from Milford has retarded in a great measure its growth and business prospects.

chain carriers. Judge A. M. Ferine settled on the town site in 1834, and his family may properly be termed the first residents of Millord, also Judge Ferine as the first hotelkeeper, although his house was not formally opened to the public until after the town was surveyed.

Dr. Nathan ('lian)berlain located in IMilford in 1839, and practiced for many years. Chipman and Doolittle were the first merchants of the town. The first frame building was erected by Henry Doolittle in 1840, and is now used as an office by J. C. McLaughlin. Dr. Abram Shaver and his brother Benjamin were the first to open a stock of drugs. A postofiice was established in 1839, Dr. Nathan Chamberlain, postmaster. The present incumbent, Mr. Levi Keehn, was appointed October 19. 1885.

Milford is to-day one of the prettiest towns ill the connty, with a popuhition of 600. The modern appearance of its residences, and substantial business buildinirs gives it an air of freshness, and a large retail trade is done here.

The Milford Times, devoted to the Prohibition interest, is conducted by J. A. Wertz, and the community is noted for morality and intelligence.

The substantial brick school building was erected in 1878, and a graded school established, with C. P. Hodge, principal; Miss Louisa Felkner, teacher of the intermediate, and Miss Jennie iLcDonald, teaelier of the primary' de])artment. There are 200 scholars enrolled at this date, with Messrs. John W. Caspar, principal; Marion Self, teacher of the intermediate, and Miss Annie AYatson, teacher of the primary department. Mr. Caspar is now serving his second term as principal of the Milford schools, and has given universal satisfaction.

The Methodist Episcopal church was erected in 180.3, the Christian church in 1867. Both are frame buildings in which services are regularly held. The " Progressive Brethren " organized their society in December, 1885, and in 1886 erected a handsome brick church, finished in modern style, which cost complete §4,500. Eev. R. F. Mallott is present pastor.

William Felkner erected the first brick business house in Milford in 1875. It is now occupied by Martin and Neil Felkner, who carry a large stock of general merchandise.

P. N. Allies and George Kleder each erected a two-story brick business house in 1881, and the ensuing year George Snow, Ed Smith and Charles A. Sparkland further improved the business center by the erection of substantial two-storv brick stores. F. P.Groves, a druggist, built his brick business block in 1885. C. C. Reytiolds, also a druggist, has been engaged in business for mcn'e tlian tliirty years in Milford, and in partnership with Martin and JVeil Felkner erected, in 1876, a hub and spoke factory and planing-mill that employed fifteen hands. This, the first and only manufactory of any kind ever attempted in Milford, was destroyed with its contents by fire in 1880, involving a direct loss to the three proprietors of !?i5,0U0 each.

There are two grain elevators, tlie fir.-^t belonging to the Cincinnati, Wabash ct Michigan Railroad, operated by Whetten & Higbee. Martin and Neil Felkner erected the second in 1886, and are the largest dealers in grain. Their elevator has a capacity of 5,000 bushels, and the firms handle annually 75,000 bushels of wheat, 50,000 bushels of oats, and 2,000 bushels of clover seed.

Kosciusko Lodge, No. JflS, A. F. da A. 31., was instituted January 2, 1869, and the charter was granted May 24, 1870. The charter members and officers elect for the first year were: Worshipful Master, Elislia Miller; Senior Warden, Charles I). Feltoii: Junior Warden, Edwin Barlow; Secretary, John A. Smith; Treasurer, W. C. Brown; Senior Deacon, T. B. Felkner; Junior Deacon, F. H. Stephenson; Tyler, Robert McCoy; Stewards, T. L. Smith and E. S. Higbee. Tlie order now has a membership of thirty-one, own their own building, and among the members are some of the most sub-taiitial men of the county.

MUford Lodge, No. ^78, I. 0. 0. F., was organized March 4, 1875. Simon Miller, Levi Keehn, Milton B. Groves, Preston F. Miles, Davis Gibson and Frank McAlpine were charter members. The first officei's were: Noble Grand, Simon Miller; Vice Grand, Levi Keehn; Secretary', Frank Mc- Alpine; Treasurer, Davis Gibson. For several years the society vi-as in a prosperous condition, but no meetings Ijave been held for several months.

Milford was incorporated in 1880. The first trustees were: Simon Miller, Isaac D. Hall and James H. Kinley. Isaac D. Hall was first President; John J. Hoopingarner, Clerk; David W. Becknell, Treasurer; James H. Hoftman, Marshal.

The present village board is composed of the following gentlemen: President, Enoch Pohrer; Trustees, William V. McDonald, Enoch Poll rer, Madison B.Jones; Ti-easurei-, David W. Becknell; Marshal. George Whorton.

The organization of Tippecanoe Township occurred March 8, 1838. Originally it was a part of Plain Township. Numerous lakes and marshes occupy considerable of the territory and Tippecanoe Lake is the source of the river bearing that name. The township is bounded on the north by Turkey Creek Township, east by Noble County, south by Washington and west by Plain Township. The first cabin was erected in 1834 by Epliraim Muirhead, who returned to Virginia the following spring for his family. When they arrived, they were delighted to find the cabin of a relative, Benjamin Johnson, who had selected lands in the same neighborhood. The first settlements were made upon section 9, near the outlet of the lake, and Ephraim Muirhead erected a savv-niill in 1886, which was of great convenience to the new-comers. A grist-mill was added the next year by the proprietor of the first, and the colony was reinforced by numerous arrivals during 1837.

As the settlements were rapidly made schools were thought of, and in the winter of 1838 and '39 Thomas K. Warner taught a subscription school in a cabin that had been abandoned by Warren AVarner. A few years later free schools were established, and ihere are 517 scholars enrolled in the ten school districts. A road was surveyed through the township in 1835 which ran from White Pigeon, Michigan, through Goshen, to Huntington, Indiana.

The first recorded marriage in the township was that of Pev. Samuel K. Young and Miss Amelia A. Warner, which was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in 1840; Rev. Aaron Wood, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church performing the ceremony. Pev. Young was the minister in charge of Leesburgh circuit, including Niseley's, Warsaw, Leesburgh, Galveston, Mt. Vernon, Milford, James McCloud's in Elkhart County, Syracuse, North Webstei-, John McNeal's and at Daniel Grove's. His first sermon in North Webster was preached in a slab shanty, in 1840.

North Webster

John Ridinger was the original proprietor of the town site, which was surve^'ed and platted May 2, 1837, by P. P. Shoemaker. Christopher Lightfoot surveyed the plat, making forty-eight lots containing one-fourth acre each. The village was named in honor of Daniel Webster by Mr. Shoemaker, and is pleasantly located near the beautiful Lake Boydston. It has a population of 150, good schools and churches.

Shoemaker sold liis interests in the village to James and George Warner, for $800, and later Thomas K.Warner purchased the village site. Thomas and Henderson Warner erected a store bnildinor and put in a stock of goods in 1839. The goods were conveyed from Cincinnati with teams at that early day. The store building now owned by Jolin Kline occupies the site. In 1851 Henderson Warner returned to Cincinnati, and the mercantile business in Webster was abandoned.

Later, Henry Kline opened a $60 stock of goods in a dwelling-house, and e.xchanged goods for roots, barks and herbs, carrying the latter to Fort Wayne, where they wei-e exchanged for more goods.

By this method of exchange, Henry in a few years found himself the owner of a large stock of general merchandise, and at his death left an estate valued at $50,000.

John Kline and John F. Bookman both engaged in the mercantile business in 1879. John A. Ketring in 1880 opened a general store, and later added to his business the sale of agricultural implements, for which he has erected a substantial warehouse.

The first postottice was located at Webster in 1861, Eli Beghtel, postmaster. There had been a postottice at Boydston's mill since 1848, with Thomas G. Boydston, postmaster. An empty flour barrel was used for many years, and patrons had no box rent to pay.

This ottice was removed to Webster in 1861. The office is called North Webster, to designate it from another village in the State bearing the same name.

William Kirkley was the tirst man who made any pretensions of accommodating the traveling public, and his residence was always ready for their entertainment. He removed to Warsaw in 1S66, and Thomas K. Warner and Henry Strombeck both opened their residences and were for several years popular landlords.

The Methodist church was erected in 1862, and was dedicated the next year. The church is in a prosperous condition, and has a large membership. The Methodist people erected a nice parsonage in 1874, at which time Rev. A. C. Pattes was their minister, and to his energy and the labor of his own hands was that work accomplished. Rev. T. C. Neal completes his third year on this circuit in 1887.

The Evangelical church was erected in the autumn of 1864. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. George Fischer, May 19, 1865. The church has been improved and remodeled during the past year, at a cost of $600. The present pastor is Rev. George Halderman.

Hacker Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M., meet monthly, with officers as follows: Isaac Johnson, Worshipful Master; S. W. Garber, Senior Warden; J. J. Ogle, Junior Warden; D. H. Carpenter, Treasurer; J. Kline, Secretary; J. A. Ketring, Senior Deacon; A. Ritter, Junior Deacon; S. B. Judkin, Chaplain; William McMellin and H. Hess, Stewards; E. Phelps, Tyler.

The towiislii]) abounds with lakes, some of wliich are more tliaii 100 feet deep. Syracuse Lake, one mile long and three-fourths of a mile wide, lies directly east of the village, and Nine-Mile Lake, about five miles long and one mile wide, is a beautiful body of water.

Turkey Creek was organized as a township June 29, 1836, and prior to 1838 comprised the tei'i'itory which afterward formed the townships of Yaii Buren, Jefferson and Scott.

The first settlers were Henry Ward and Samuel Crawson, who, in 1832, constructed a dam across Turke}- Creek, intending to erect a mill as soon as the lands were open for SI ttlemeiit. The mill was cumpleted in 1833, and in 1S3() the same ]iarties ei-ected a saw-mill. The township is bounded on the north by Elkhart County, cast by Koble County, south by Tippecanoe, and west by Vail r.ui-en Township. Before its organization in 1S36, a number of families had settled inside its boundaries, among whom were the fainiiies of John C. and Patrick Jolinson, William Cassidy, Andrew Guy, Robert War- Tier and others, all of whom came in 1834. Settlements from this date were made rapidly, and Samuel Crawson erected a log house and opened a stock of general merchandise in 1836. This store occupied the site of the Lake House, in Syracuse, which was erected by Jacob Renfro in 1853. Mr. Crawson being one of the first settlers and a man possessing both means and enterprise, was a prominent factor in the community. He donated one acre of ground west of Syracuse in 1836 for a cemetery, and the remains of a son of Harvey Veniinan were intei'red the same year.

during the winter. Settlers living in the more remote part of the township transformed an old log barn into a fairly comfortable school-room in 1837. It was built upon the land first occupied by Timothy Mote, and so far as learned not one jierson is living in the county who attended either of the schools.

The first religious organization to build a church were IJaptists. In 1843 liev. James Martin organized a class, and a few years later a church was erected at Syracuse. The church, after a few years of prosperity, was disorganized and the building sold to the German Reformed congregation. In 1851 a German Baptist church was organized in the south part of the township, and in 1860 the society erected a church on section 14. Geoi'ge P. Rothenbarger and Conrad Brumbaugh were the first pastors. A Church of God was organized east of Nine-Mile Lake in 1858, by Rev. George Thomas. A union church was erected on the farm of N. Crow, on section 14, in 1860, and various denominations used it for religious worship. The United Brethren and Evangelical Association also have organized churches in the township, with regular services.

Syracuse is one of the oldest towns in the county and was laid out by Samuel Crawson and Henry Ward, August 11, 1837. Christo])her Lightfoot, one of the first surveyors of the county, surveyed and platted it.

William Kirkpatrick, the pioneer merchant, opened a stock of goods in a small frame building erected by Mr. Crawson in 1836 for this purpose, and was the first business house in the new town. Crawson A: Ward later purchased the goods and conducted the store for several years. William Cassid}- erected another frame store the same year, also a frame residence.

George Kirkpatrick was the first man in the township to open a public house, and from 1836 until the present, good hotel accommodation has been provided. James Hall purchased the residence of Samuel Crawson in 1848, and converted it into a hotel. It was known as the " Rough and Ready House," and was located at the corner of Carroll and Harrison streets.

Jacob Renfro erected the " Lake House " in 1853, at the corner of Main and Huntington streets, upon the site of the first store building in the village. Preston & Miles were first proprietors of the hostelry.

The first election in Turkey Creek Township was held in tliis village at the utfice of Henry Ward, in April, 1838. Syracuse was incorporated October 19, 1876, with officers and trustees as follows: Evan Miles, President; Ed F. Holloway, Clerk; Joseph Bushong, Treasurer; Wm. A. Mann, Assessor; Trustees, Addison Green and Amos King; Geo. M. Ray, Marshal. This election was the most warmly contested ever held in the township; 113 votes were polled inside the corporate limits. The officials of the village at present are: Alfred Roberts, President; Isaiah Ketring and Alva Yonnce, Trustees; George M. Ray, Clerk; A. F. Knight, Treasurer; J^rank Sloan, Marshal.

Syracuse Lodge, No. 454, A. F. & A. M., was chartered May 27, 1873, with officers as follows: John AVayer, Worshipful Master; Silas Ketring, Senior Warden; Preston Niles, Junior AVarden; Adam Ketring, Secretary; David Fry, Treasurer; Ed Miles, Senior Deacon; Sam Akers, Junior Deacon;

Levi Akers, Tyler. This growth of the order in Syracuse has been steady, and the lodge has a firm financial footing and a membership of twenty-three. The present officers are: J. W. Stetler, AVorshipful Master; T. Snaveley, Senior AVarden; Michael Nicholai, Junior AA'arden; Joseph Rippey, Secretary; David Fry, Treasurer; Geo. M. Ray, Senior Deacon; Oliver Cromwell, Junior Deacon; Geo. AV. Elliott and Sam Akers, Stewards; A. M. Younce, Tyler. Josepli Rippey was the first man raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason by this lodge, and was at once appointed secretary and has served in this position to this date. The lodge is out of debt, and has a nice surplus in the treasury.

Lake A^iew Post, No. 246, G. A. R., was mustered October 9, 1883, with twenty charter members. Officers the first term: Henry M. Stoner, Commander; John AA''. Stetler, Senior A'ice Commander; Alfred Roberts, Junior A^ice Conimander; Oliver Cromwell, Adjutant; Amos King, Quartermaster; Sam'l Akers, Surgeon; AYm. AYallace, Chaplain; Jacob Renfro, Officer of the Day: Frederick Butt, Officer of the Gnard.

The post has upon its roster the names of fifty-six members in good standing, officered as follows: H. M. Stoner, Commander; AYilliam Wallace, Senior Vice-Commander; John Hurd, Junior Vice-Coiatnander; OliverCronjwell, Adjutant; J. AV. Stetler, Quartermaster; Theo. Sheflield, Surgeon; C. V. Smith, Chaplain; Jacob Renfro, Officer of the Day; Z. Hendrickson, Sergeant-Major.

The graded school at Syracuse is the only township high school in the county. It is attended by about 150 scholars. The school building was erected by the township in 1868, at a cost of $10,000, and is a handsome two-story brick, whicli has a site unequaled for beauty in the county. Prof. J. P. Dolan is principal; Miss Rosa Brown has