Miami County, Indiana - Chapter 20, 1887

Chapter 20

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP is situated south of Peru, and was named Washington as a tribute of respect to George Washington, the illustrious father of the Republic. It encloses an area of about thirty square miles, or 19,200 acres, the greater part of which lies in Township 26 North, Range 4 East, of the Congressional Surve}-. It is well watered by the Wabash, Little and Big Pipe Creeks, whose branches ramify to ever}' part, thus offering eligible sites for mills and affording an abundance of water for stock and other purposes. Big Pipe Creek flows a northwesterly course through the southern part of the township and affords ample drainage for a large area of territory in Washington and adjoining divisions. Little Pipe Creek flows the same direction through the central part of the township, passing in its course through Sections 24, 13, 14, 15, 10 and 9, and crosses the western boundary, about one mile south of the Wabash. That part of the township bordering on the Wabash, is level for a short distance south of the stream, and very fertile. It merges into large hills in some places, south of which the countrv stretches awav into a level surface, which continues as a general rule until the southern boundary is reached. The soil of the township is of excellent quality, and produces abundantly, all the crops and fruits adapted to the latitude of Northern Indiana. Some of the land, oriijinallv low and wet, has been reclaimed by a successful system of tile drainage. Like other parts of the count}', the township, when first seen bv white man, was densely wooded with the leading varieties of timber growing in this part of the State. In those portions of the county in which the timber has been to any degree saved until late years, the owners are receiving large sums for the forest products, which are manufactured into lumber, staves, etc., and other articles of commerce, and largely exported.

" From the most reliable information at our command we give to Thomas Henton the credit of being the first white man to make a permanent settlement in what is now Washington Township." He moved to the country as early as 1838, and made some improvements upon what is now the Demuth farm. Mr. Henton was a pioneer in all the term implies, and for the first hve years after his settling, did little else than hunt, a sport of which he was passion- ately fond. His first habitation was the conventional round log cabin of that period, in w liich he li\ed a life of liapp\- bachelorhood. He subsequently resigned the life of a bachelor b\- uniting himself in marriage to a lady, who, after his death, became the wife of Mr. Demuth. The year 1839 ^'^^^ signalized b}' the arrival of a number of home seekers; among whom were Patrick O'Brien, who settled where his son is still living; Thomas O'Mera, on the Haver farm; John Bargerhoof, on the Bearss place: Daniel Taggett, near the north end of the township; Mr. McManis, near where the Widow jNIvers lives; John Gindling, on the Smith farm; George Beck, on the Brown farm; Guinton Key, on the Puterbaugh place; Michael Duffv, on the place which still bears his name, and John Cleiker, where his son lives.

Earl}' in the forties came the following pioneers: Malachi Kuhn, at present a resident of Peru, settled on the Miller farm about the year 1840; Alexander Wilson also became a resident about the same time and located on the farm where his son, George WilSon, is still living; Emanuel Charpie came in 1840 or '41, and chose for his home the Whiteside farm. Others who came about the same time or perhaps a year or two later, were W^illiam W^eakler, on the farm which is still known as the Weakler place; James Dabnev, on the Moselv farm: William Lvce, on the Sherman farm; John Miller, on land in the possession of his heirs; Charles Brown, on the George Haver farm; Isaac Miller, on the Shipler place; John Allen, where he still resides; A. Henen, on the Blood farm; James Downev, on the Blood farm: John Hunt, on the Coleman place: Patrick Colgan, where he is still living; Jacob Keller and Amos Ranks, whose e.xact locations were not learned. The following settlers came a little later than the foregoing: James Sharp, where he still lives: William King, near the central part of the township; John Davidson, on land belonging to Joseph Miller, near Big Pipe Creek; Joseph Scott, in the south end of the township; Frederick Harter, near Pipe Creek, on the Strawtown road; Thomas Goudy, in the southeastern part of the township: Arthur Bland, on the Strawtown road; Otis Fish, in Section 35; B. F. '^'ork, in the northeast corner of the township, on Little Pipe Creek; W. H. Misener, in the Richardville Reserve, not far from the Butler Township line; Samuel Jameson, on Little Pipe Creek, where his son-in-law, Ir\in Jones, lives: John Betzner, in the southwestern part of the township; Philip and William Mort, near the western boundary, in Section 16; Stephen Frazer, in Section 33; Frederick Coleman, near the central part of the township: John and Ben York, on Little Pipe Creek: Jerry Shaffer, in the northwest corner of the township: Samuel Shenebarger, where H. Mosely lives; Jacob Strouble, near the poor farm; Martin Flagg, near

Shenebarger settled; Ephraim Bearss, on the StrawtOwn road, near Pipe Creek: David Dunn, place of settlement not known: Joseph Scott, in southeast corner of the township: P. Blake, on Big Pipe Creek; William and N. Corey, near Little Pipe Creek; Franklin Fitchhorn, in southern part: Samuel Beall, Sylvester Tumblin, John Hawes, Conrad Hawes, Bernard Hawes, Robert McKinney, James McClary, John Allen, John Flagg and Abraham Billheimer, in the south end of the township. The following were also among the pioneers of Washington, settling in various parts of the township, to-wit: Bradley Witham, Zachariah O'Connell, John Eichelberger, John E. Shively, Martin Flagg, Joseph Bupert, Israel Leer, William Scott, J. T. Miller, J. Marshall. John Hann, Barney Blue, Mr. Farlow, David Dunn, Jacob Sherman, Captain Drouillard, George Rettick, Mark McKane, Peter Crissman, Joseph Hopkins, Air. Strogler, David Kronister, M. Ra}-- burn, A. M. Higgins, John Glass, Charles Trippeer, G. H. Ely, Benjamin Trippeer, John Ballen, Charles Brown, Elijah Baker, Romanus Charpie, Michael W^erhle, Jacob Shawman, Isaac Crane, Michael Case, David Myers, Daniel B. Mark, Patrick O'Brien, Michael Whaling, John Demuth, John Allen, James Striker, John Pines, Samuel and John Glass, Martin Flagg, George H. Ely, Arthur Bland and many others whose names were not given the writer.

The following are the names of the persons who secured lands in Washington Township, b\' entrv, during the years 1S40 and 1841. Bradley^Vithan, Zachariah O'Connell, John T. NliUer. Michael Duffy, Patrick Corbett, Charles Bourke andjoim Eichelberger, in Section I and 2; John E. Shively, Alexander Wilson, James M. Raybourn, and A. M. Higgins, Section 3; Jeremiah Shaffer, Daniel Kronister, Elijah Baker and R. Charpie, Section 5 : Michael Werhle, Malachi Kuhn, John Gindling, Jacob Strouble, Jacob Shawman, Isaac Crane and D. R. Bearss, in Section 10; Samuel Lucas, P. O'Brien, David Myers, D. B. Marks, John Stunt, George Cleiker and Michael Case, in Section 12. The above were the first entries made in the township. " The township was formerly organized June 6, 1843, and named in honor of George Washington." -' Shorth' after the organization was perfected, an election was held at the cabin of Thomas Hinton." " Isaac Miller was chosen first Justice of the Peace and Patrick O'Brien, Constable."

The four great factors of modern civilization are the family, the school, the church and the press, important in the order of their enumeration. Of these we have to do with the church in its various forms, commencing with the earliest preacher in Washington Township - Rev. Mr. Johnson, who held dixine services at the residence of John Allen, as long ago as 1S43. Meetings were held the same year at the cabins of Mr. Henen and Mr.

MciManis, but our informant was nt)t ahli' to slate 1">\' what denomination. Re\s. Simons and Hooxer, ministers of the United Brethern Church, visited the settlements early in the forties, and held meetings in school houses and private residences. These meetings awoke considerable interest, and were the means of leading to the organization of a small societ\' about the \e<\r 1S46. This organization flourished apace, and among its nu'mbers were early enrolled man}- of the first settlers of Washington and Butler Townships. It is now known as the Grider Chapel. The earliest pastors were Revs. Mr. Simons, Eli Hoover, William Auit, and later, Eli Seithman and John Fellerhoff. In 1867 a frame house of worship, 30x40 feet in size, costing the sum of $900, was erected on land donated for the purpose bv John Grider, in Section 24, near the eastern boundar\- of the township. The churcli has been a potent factor for good in the communitv, and, though not so strong in numbers as formerlv, still has an active membership, composed of some of the best citizens of Washington and adjoining townships. The officers of the society at this time are: George Cline, Class Leader: David Crane, Steward: William York, David Crane and John Grider, Trustees. Rev. Mr. Groves is the pastor in charge.

The Presbyterians organized a church in this township a number of years ago, and erected a house of worship on what is known as the White farm. The organization was kept alive for some years, and at one time enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperit\ . Owing to deaths, removals and other causes, it was finally disbanded. The German Baptists or Dunkards have a large and flourishing congregation in the extreme southern part of the township, the historv of which dates from about the year 1S66. It is the principal point on the Santa Fe Church district, which was formed b\- the division of the Pipe Creek district, in the above year. The early meetings were held at the residences and barns of the different members, by John E. Shively, Samuel Murrav, Godlove Keller and Abraham Shepler. When the division was made John E. Shi\elv was chosen Biship of the new district and preached with great acceptance until his death. John P. Wolf succeeded him as Bishop, and about the same time N. R. Bowman was elected preacher. The other preachers who ministered to the church from time to time, were P. T. Jenkins, Joseph Shepler and J. J. Fox, the last named being the oldest preacher in the district at this time. Shortl}' after the division took place the church decided to erect a house of worship; accordingly a plat of ground, near Pipe Creek, in Section 34, was donated by William Biggs, and before the close of 1866, a large and substantial frame building, 45x70 feet, was readv for occupancv. This is one of the largest church edifices in Miami County, and will comfortably accommodate an audience of a thousand persons. The original membership of the congregation numbered about ii8. It is not so strong at this time, the present membership being about 76. Tlie following is the official status of the society at this, viz: First degree preachers, John S. Bohn and Morris Dillman; second degree, Jacob J. Fox and D. B. Wolf. Deacons, Jacob Ray, William Austine, Henry Austine, George Cunningham and William Hostetler; Treasurer and Clerk, Henry Austine; Directors, Morris Dillman, Henry Austine and William Hostetler. The church has a meeting place at the viDage of Waupecong, Clay Township, where services are held at retrular intervals.

There have been few manufacturing enterprises of any kind in Washington Township, owing to its close proximit}- to Peru and other manufacturing centers. Sometime in the latter part of the forties, a Mr. Blood built a saw-mill on Little Pipe Creek, near the central part of the township, which was in operation a number of years. It received its motive power from the waters of the creek, and was extensively patronized. The last owner was George Davis. A saw-mill was built on Big Pipe Creek, in Section 33, as early as 1848 or '49, byJohnFlagg. It passed through the hands of various parties, and ceased operations a number of \ears ago. Sylvester Kirk patrick was the last proprietor. There have been at different times, steam saw-mills in operation in the township, and the lumber business was formerly an important industry'. Several parties in the last few years have been engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, an enterprise which has proved quite remunerative. At this time there is a factorv for the manufacture of an improved picket wire fence, in successful operation on the Strawtown Pike, near the central part of the township, and a large jelly factory and h^-draulic cider press, operated on an extensive scale bv Mr. Moselv. The Cole Brewery in South Peru is one of the largest and most successful establishments of the kind in the State. The buildings are substantially constructed and supplied with the modern appliances for the manufacture of beer, and the capacity is excelled by that of few brewing establishments in the West.

There are several burial places in Washington Township, one of the oldest of which is the Wickler graveyard, in Section 15. One of the first persons buried in this place was a child of Robert Love, which was carried to the grave on horseback, by Mr. Miller. Mr. Love, himself, was also buried here in an early day. The Rankin gra\evard, in Section 34, on the Bearss land, was consecrated to the burial of the dead many years ago, and among the first persons laid to rest therein were Mrs. Harter and Caleb Adams. The Haws graveyard, near Pipe Creek, is an old burying ground. The following were among the early interments: A

Biograimikal Skictciiks

Mr. Haws, Mr. Larimer and the children of David Ilockman. " The first marriage in the township was that of Patrick Colgan to Bridget Kennedy in 1841." To this couple was born a son, Lawrence, the following \ear, who was probabl\- the first white child born in the township. '- The first death is supposed to have been that of John Hunt, which occurred Februar\-, 1842." Abraham Bilheimer, who came to the country in an early day, was one of the first mechanics of the township. He settled on the Strawtown road, in Section 7, and worked at the cabinetmaker's trade during the early settlement of the coiuity. John Allen, who located near the southern boundar)- of the township, early, worked at the trade of wagon-making. A sad occurrence in the township was the death, many years ago, of Conrad Haws, killed by lightning. The onl}- town in Washington Township is South Peru, a suburb of the city of Peru lying just across the river from the latter. It has a population of a couple of hundred, the majority of whom find employment in the main city. Here is located the mammoth brewing establishment of Omer Cole, one of the largest and most successful enterprises of the kind in the State. There are, besides, several shops, a couple of saloons and a saw-mill in South Peru, but the history of the place is closelv identified with that of the city.

CHARLES L. ARMSTRONG was born December 14, 1833, in Highland County, Virginia, the only son of James and Mariah (Hiner) Armstrong, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectivel}'. They emigrated to Miami County and settled at Peru in 1846. Charles L. jjvas reared on a farm, receiving a common school education. In 1858 he was married to Mary C. Leas, born in Preble County, C3hio, who died in 1870 or 1871. Three children were born to this union: Laura, Jesse and Claude. He was again united in marriage in April, 1874, to Mrs. R. A. Remine Vance, a native of Washington County, Virginia. He now owns land adjoining Peru, and his princijial business is dairy farming. His politics are Republican, and he affiliates with the Masonic Order.

JOHN CLIFTON, Sr., a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, was born February 2, 1826. He is the fourth son of Henry and Rhoda (Nichols) Clifton, natives of Virginia, and of English and Dutch origin. They emigrated to "Ohio in 1808 or 1809. John Clifton was reared in Dayton, receiving an education at the common schools. When eighteen years of age he learned brick-making, and December 24, 1844. was united in marriage with Miss Martha Addis, a native of Mississippi, but who was reared in Kentuck}'. To them these children were born: George, John and Amos. The}' located in Peru, Miami County, April, 1855. In 1862 he entered his country's service in the 29th Indiana Volunteers, and was mustered out in 1863. He now holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is a Republican.

ISAAC CRANE, a native of Warren County, Ohio, was born near Lebanon, January 26, 181 1, the eldest son of Abner and Huldah (Robertson) Crane, natives of New York and Ohio. The subject was reared on a farm in his native County; came to Miami County in 1843, and located in Washington Township, having bought eighty acres of land in 1840, at five dollars per acre. He was married in 1862, to Miss Margaret J. (Logan) James, of Ohio. He owns eighty acres of land in Washington, and 120 in Claj- Township. He is an anti-mason and is opposed to absolute prohibition. When young he received a common school education, and in later years has been grasping for a knowledge of chemistry and natural philosophy.

JOSEPH S. GORDON was born in Frederick County, Maryland, July 3, 1834, and is a son of John and Margaret (McClainj Gordon, natives of Maryland. Our subject received his early training on a farm in Maryland, and received a common school education. Came to Miami County in 1861, and located in Washington Township. In 1862 he entered the army in the Eighty-seventh Regiment of Indiana Infantr}-, and was mustered in, in 1865. He participated in the battles of Chickamaugua, Mission Ridge and Atlanta. Was married on January 22, 1867, to Miss Anna M. Snider, of Burks County, Pennsylvania, a union blessed with the birth of two children - Charles Albert, born January 26, 1870, and Howard O., born December 6, 1878. Mr. Gordon owns eighty acres of land located five miles from Peru, which is well improved. He votes the Republican ticket.

CHRISTOPHER C. HAUKS, a native of Germany, was born on the 20th day of April, 1848, and is the sixth son of Christopher and Margaret Hauks, natives of Germany. The parents came to Miami County in 1846, and located on a farm in Washington Township. The father was born in 1801, and died in 1875. The mother died in 1846. Our subject was reared on a farm and now owns 113 acres of well improved land and is a practical farmer. In August, 1862, he volunteered his services to his country, and entered the service in the 87th Indiana Infantry, and with which he served until mustered out June 10, 1865. He was wounded at Chickamaugua, and returned to his farm in 1865. He was first married, September 4, 1866, to Miss Rhoda Jameson, of Jefferson Township. Her death occurred February 4, 1880. To this union were born six children, four of wliom are liviiiLj: Charles N., Maltie, Frank A. and Elmer E.; and John P. and an infant, deceased. He was again married, June 2, 1881, to Miss Ella Bell, a native of Jefferson Count\% Indiana. Mr. Ilauks is a Democrat.

ALFRED!. JONES is a native of North Carolina, born June I, 1830. He is the eldest son of William M. and Elizabeth (Wood) Jones, natives of South Carolina. They left North Carolina in the early part of 1833 and located in Rush County, where thev remained until 1852, and then came to Miami County. They now reside in Wabash Count}-. The subject was reared on the farm, and secured a fair education. He is the owner of 113 acres of land. He was married in the spring of 1853 to Miss Mar\- Jameson, a native of Kentucky, whose father came to Miami County in an earl}- day. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are parents of seven children, five of whom are living. Their names are : Martha, William H., Frances, Emma and Mary, living, and Amanda and an infant, deceased.

WILLIAM McGREW, a native of Washmgton County, Maryland, was born the loth of April, 1813, and is the son of Henry and Sarah (Huckwell) McGrew, both natives of Maryland. They emigrated to Montgomery County in 1819. The mother died in 1820, and the father in 1852. William McGrew received his early training on a farm in Montgomer}' County, Ohio. On the 4th of April, 1838, he was married to Miss Sophia Cramer, who was born in Huntington County, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. McGrew were born eight children, four of whom are living, viz: Francis, Henry, William II. and Uraniah. Mr. McCirew has nineteen grandchildren and two great-grand-children. Mr. McGrew possesses eight}- acres of land in Washington Township, where he located in 1852. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Peru, a Royal Arch Mason, and a Democrat.

JOHN A. MELCHER was born in Germany, May i, 1845, and is a son of John A. Melcher, who emigrated to Cleveland in 1846. The subject was reared and educated there in the common schools, and afterwards entered a college at that place, and in 1865, came to Peru, where he engaged in cigar-making. He ran a factory at Michigan City for about two years. In 1880, he started a saloon and billiard hall. In November, 1867, he was married to Miss Liddie J. Holman, daughter of Solomon Holman, an old settler of Miami Count}-. This union was blessed with the birth of six children, whose names are, Sol. A., Author E., Willie, Emma, Lottie and Jessie. Mr. M. is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a staunch Republican.

and Mariah ( Bush ) Moseley, natives respectively of Connecticut and New York. Eben Moseley. the father, came to Miami Countv about 1844, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He was born in 1799 and died in 1876. The mother is still living. Our subject was reared on the farm, and no\\' owns 160 acres of wellimproved land in Washington l\)wnship. Was married April 7. 1872, to Miss Sarah Bohn, daughter of John Bohn (deceased), of Washington Township. Mr. and Mrs. Moselev are the parents of two children - John and Ida. Mr. Moseley is engaged in the manufacture of the " Excelsior " fencing machine, the patent for which is applied for. Mr. Moseley is a Republican, and is identified with the Masonic fraternitv .

FREDERICK RADEL, a native of Germany, was born May 15, 1815. He came direct from the place of his birth to Peru, Indiana, in 1846. where he located and worked % a warehouse for about eight vears. He is a shoemaker h\ trade. In the year 1862 he located on a farm of eighty acres, in Washington Township. In October, 1837, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Beck, of Germany, to which union six children have been born, viz: Elizabeth Tracy (deceased), Frank, Adam, Fred, Frances and Peter. His wife died in No\ember, 1877. He and family are members of the Catholic Church, and are strong believers of that faith. In political affairs he adheres to the teachings of the Democratic part^-.

JONAH SULLIVAN is a native of Mason County Kentucky, born June 30, 1817, the third son of Lewis and Elizabeth (^Bennett) Sullivan, also natives of Kentucky, and whose, ancestors were Irish and German, respectively. At the age of seventeen our subject left his native State for Fayette County, Ohio, in companv with his mother, his father having died in 1820. They located on a farm, he receiving a fair common school education. They remained in Ohio until 1841, and then came to Peru, having purchased land in Miami Couniy in 1840. He now owns 340 acres in Miami and Wabash Counties. He was married in July. 1841, to Miss Louisa Smith, of Ohio, to which union six children were born: W^illiam. Sarah E., James L., George and Lyman B. This wife died in 1862, and in 1863. he was again married to Lizzie A. Co.x, a native of Ohio, to whom one child was born, named John M. Mr. Sullivan and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and politically he is a Republican.

WILLIAM A. SUTTON, a native of Champaign County, Ohio, was born on the 14th day of February, 1843, the second son of John D. and Mary (Long) Sutton, of Westmoreland County, Virginia, who went to Pennsylvania in 1847, and came to Miami County, Indiana, in 1848, and established themselves on a farm where the subject grew to manhood. In 1861 he answered to the country's lirsl call for voluntours and t-ntereci the 13th Indiana Reijiment. He was mustered out in four years and six months - in the fall of 1865. Was wounded in the lejjj at the battle of Bull Run. In 1867 he and Miss Rebecca Kesler, daughter of Joseph and Nancv Kesler. were married, which marriatre has been blessed by the birth of six children, viz: Minnie M., Charles II., David, Ursula, Edith and John. Was elected to the oflice of County Coroner in 1876 on the Republican ticket, but did not make out a bond. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Masonic fraternitv, and in politics votes the Republican ticket.

ALEXANDER B. WICKLER was born in Washington Township, January 7, 185 1, and is the youngest son of Peter and Barbara (Keller) Wickler, of Germany, who came from Ohio to this township about 1838, and \\ ere among the early settlers. Our subject received his primary instructions in life while living on a farm, and received a common school education. He is now the possessor of 320 acres of fine farming land which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. In September, 1875, he married Miss Rebecca A. Ford, of Ohio, and to them have been born three children, viz: Ora, Georgia and Mary. In political matters he advocates the Republican doctrine, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

AZRO WILKINSON is a native of Allen Township, Miami County, Indiana, and was born January 20, 1856, the youngest son of Anderson and Martha (Bond) Wilkinson, natixes of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. The father located in Miami Countv, in 1836, and is now living in Allen Township. Our subject received a common school education, and until he reached the age of twentxone worked on the farm. He then engaged in the mercantile business with 0\is Case, at Macv, in 1879, and continued until 1884. Two years previous to 1879 he was railroad agent at Macy. In 1883, while in business, he came to Peru, and was Deputy County Treasurer under E. Humrickhouse, deceased, and also occupied the same position under J. C. Clvmer. United with Miss Ella Lambert in marriage, November 20, 1S79, to whom were born three children : Josephine, Glenn A. and Constance. Belongs to the Masonic and I. O. O. F. Fraternities, having represented the local Odd Fellows' Lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State on two occasions. In matters ]iolitical he is Democratic.

GEORGE W. WILSON came to Miami County in 1834 from Cass County, where he was born August 16, 1832. He was the second son born to Alexander and Matilda (Thorp) Wilson, respective nati\es of Indiana and Maine, and who were of Scottish descendancv. The father located in Pennsylvania in 1834, '1"*^ "'"^^ engaged in the mercantile business. Had represented his county in the Legislature several years ago. He was a sutler in the Mexican war, having gone out in 1846, and was killed three days after peace was declared. Our subject wa.s reared in Peru, where he received a common school education. His vocation has been farmin<r and dairying, and owns 115 acres in Washington Township. In November, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Rettig, and si.x children have been born to them, whose names are Alexander R., Frank, Louis, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth. Was once elected Justice of the Peace of Washington Township, and was once Township Trustee bv appointment, and in the spring of 1886 was elected to the office on the Republican ticket.