Whitley County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 10 of 28)

Zion Temple, No. 177, of Pythian Sisters was organized October 5. 1898. with twenty-nine charter members under the following- officers : Most excellent chief, Mina Nicky; excellent senior, Carrie Leiter; excellent junior, Mary Devault ; manager of temple, Jennie Rhodes ; mistress of records and correspondence, Nettie Keichler : mistress of finance, Katy Ort ; protector of temple. Allie Wyatt ; guard of outer temple. Nora Smith ; past chief. Rose Grisamer. Present membership, sixty-one, with the following officers : Past chief, Rose Grisamer ; most excellent chief, Etta Ort ; excellent senior, Margerite Coulter; excellent junior. Allie Reed ; manager of temple, Nettie Keichler; mistress of records and correspondence. Annie Geiger: mistress of finance. Maggie Loudy ; protector of special deputy, assisted by the Columbia City Lodge, organized a lodge of Eastern Stars with thirteen charter members, with the following officers: Sarah Morrison, W. M. ; Leopold Isay, W. P. : Katie Geiger, associate matron ; W. A. Geiger, treasurer; Mrs. J. A. Pressler. conductress; Eva Johns, associate conductress; Myrtle Kent, Adah: Maggie Loudy, Ruth; Tilly Isay, Esther; Amanda Hemmick. Martha ; ' Rachael Arthur, Electa; Ellen B. Baker, warden: Charles Erickson. tyler.

Present officers of the Order of the Eastern Star: Worthy matron, Tillie Isay; worthy patron, V. A. Compton ; assistant matron, Emma Pressler; secretary, Hettie Gandy; treasurer, Viola Welsimer: conductress. Edna Cline ; associate conductress, Ocie Hall: chaplain, Jennie Orndorf; marshall. Emma Stites ; organist. Ottie Smith; Adah. Veru Potter; Ruth, Jessie Sordlet ; Esther, Georgie Geiseking; Martha, Mary Devault ; Electa. Julia Krider: warden, Susan Long.

Modern Woodmen

Chapter 8026, Churubusco Camp of Modern Woodmen of America, was organized April 2j, 1900. by Deputy W. W. Renley, with thirteen charter members with the following officers: Consul, E. J. Smith; adviser, S. E. Brig'gs ; banker, J. L. Long: clerk. J. W. Leiter; escort. H. A. Cutter; watchman, Jess Greenwalt; sentry, Elijah Kissinger ; managers - C. I. Bechthol, Ed Miller, F. E. Long. The present membership is fifty-six and the following named officers: Consul, Albert Jackson; adviser. Log-an Killworth; banker, O. B. Clase; clerk, William H. Hawk; escort, Arlo Hawk ; watchman, Harry Scarlet ; sentry, Edward Ramsey ; physician, Jesse Briggs : managers, E. C. Jackson. Charles Harter. E. Bridegan. Through the efforts of William A. Devault the, present postmaster. Rural Free Delivery route No. 1 was established on November 1, 1900. with Alfred Geiger carrier; No. 2 route on February 1. 1904. Walter T. Raypole carrier and Harvey Raypole substitute: No. 3 route. February 1, 1004, Edward T. Vorhees carrier and Lewis D. Strong substitute: No. 4. established October 1, 0104. Chancy Bear carrier and Alfred Bear substitute. The present salary is $720.

By reference to the general chapter on organization in this history our readers will get much detail information, which to give here would only be a repetition. Cleveland township was organized and named in 1836, more than a year before the organization of the count}'. The county was organized in May, 1838. A year before this, or, to be exact. May 1, 1837, Joseph Parrett caused to be surveyed and platted forty-two lots on Eel river, and called the town Springfield.

Before this time, to-wit, on the 25th day of February, 1837, a postoffice was established in the locality. In view of the coming' town which it was understood should be christened Springfield, that name was asked for the postoffice when the application was made, but there being another Springfield in Indiana at the time, the authorities named the office Whitlev, as it was the only place in all the new and unorganized Whitley count)' that made any pretentions to being a village. All other present towns in the count}' were a dense forest. Anything' approaching to the dignitv of a town was considered synonymous with Whitley county. This action of the department did not deter Joseph Parrett, Jr., from naming his town Springfield, and we thus have the origin of the two names that have caused so much confusion. On the establishing of a postoffice at the new county seat a little later it was called Whitley Court House, and Whitley postoffice was changed to South Whitlev on the same date, and this caused still more confusion.

Though Springfield was surveyed and platted May 1, 1837. the plat was not acknowledged and recorded until January 9, 1840, but in the meantime he began selling lots. It might have been recorded in Huntington county, but the proprietor wanted to patronize home institutions and wait to have it recorded in the new count}' when organized, and even when that was done held it from the record nearly two years. In this later day of abstracts and perfect titles people would hardly want to lake deed for a town lot of a town without an existence except a plat on paper the proprietor carried around in his pocket or kept in the family Bible, the only book in his cabin.

However, on July 8. 1837, Parrett sold to Richard C. Meek inlot number two for sixteen dollars, and this was the only conveyance prior to the county organization, but there were three other conveyances before, the plat was recorded. On May 16. 1838. a week after the county organization. lot twenty-six was sold to Daniel Lesley for fourteen dollars, and on April 10, 1839. Samuel Obenchain bought lots four, twentyeight, twenty-nine and thirty for seventyfour dollars and twenty-five cents, and on May 25, [839, Solomon Stiver bought lot twenty-seven for twenty-five dollars and twentv-five cents. Prom this earl}' and small beginning Springfield has grown to be a fine town with two railroads, and has held its place as first in the count}', outside of the county seat. Twenty additions to the original plat have been made from time to

On the 9th day of February, 1846, Smith Rambo procured the services of George Arnold and surveyed and platted the town of Millersburgh, and on the 23d day of March following acknowledged and caused the plat to be recorded.

September 8, 1849, a postoffke was established. The name asked for was Millersburgh, but as there was already a town and postoffice by the name in Elkhart county, the authorities named it Collamer, in honor of Jacob Collamer, then postmaster-general, and it is now known as Collamer. There were ten lots surveyed. Lot one was three by eight poles, lot ten was ten poles on the north line and bent around river. The other lots were four by eight poles. The first lots were sold on February 6, 1847. On that day Rambo sold four lots or parts : To Christian Harter, lot one and a rod off the south side of lot two for sixteen dollars and ninety-six cents, and to John W. Nottingham, lot seven for fourteen dollars, and lot six for eleven dollars and sixty-six cents. The next sale was November 25, 1847, lots four and five to Ellis Miller for twenty-five dollars and fifty cents. Ellis Miller had built the dam across the river in the summer of 1845 anc' sometime in the winter of 1845 anr' 1846 began to grind corn and shortly after wheat and other small grain. The mill and dam remain, the only waterpower left in the whole county, the South Whitley dam having gone out on the dredging of Eel river a few years ago. Millersburgh, nr Collamer, though having the only water-power mill in the county and having the Vandalia Railroad, and being: in as fine country as the world affords, has made no headway and is no better town than a half century ago. The railroad station has been abandoned and it has been hinted that the postoffice will soon yield up the ghost before the march of rural delivery.

The place has two churches, the Christian and Church of God, and a few years ago an attempt was made to erect a Universalist house of worship, but on the theory of being saved anyhow, enough force could not be generated to get even a foundation.

While the first town and postoffice in the county were at South Whitley, and Cleveland township was the first organized, there were two or three, perhaps more, settlers in Smith township prior to the Eel river settlement. It is impossible to ascertain who was the very first settler or to determine the priority of several of the first ones. James Chaplin lived on section 7 in 1835 and blazed a trail or road from his farm to intersect the Squawbuck trail in Richland township. This was the highway to Oswego and Turkey Prairie. It is most likely that the Clevelands, Parretts, Samuel Obenchain and John Collins were all settlers before January 1, 1836. Joseph Creager soon followed. Creager and Joseph Parrett settled on land now covered by South Whitley. The Goshen and Huntington road was the only established road in that part of the county at the time of organization. The only other in the county was the Fort Wayr.e and Goshen road in the northeast part of the county, though there were several applications pending at the time of organization, proceedings began in Huntington county and concluded in Whitley. Soon after the establishment of the countv seat a road was blazed through, practically what is today called the "North, Whitley and Columbia road." It was blazed almost through in 1839 and finished early in 1840. Soon after the river road was opened up to what is now Collamer, Liberty Mills and North Manchester.

There were no Indian habitations or villages about South Whitley when the settlers came, the villages were south and in Huntington county and in Columbia township. They gave some trouble as beggars, but the settlers forgave this propensity so much different from what they had expected of savages.

Henry Parrett's remains were deposited in what is now the South Whitley cemetery in 1845, August 2 1st. It was used as a private family burying place for some time and gave no more prospect of becoming the beautiful city of the dead it now is than several other places now obliterated. Some time in the same year Benjamin Cleveland was buried in section 1 1 , what has since been known as the Cleveland cemetery. We omit reference to the burial of that old settler on John Edwards' lot in South Whitley, as it is fully detailed elsewhere in this book. The old cemetery adjoining the South Whitley cemetery to the west was also started as a family burying place in that same year - 1845. John Collins' body was the first deposited therein.

It is settled that the first death in the township was Roxina Chaplin, September 18, 1836. She was buried on her father's farm on section 7. The first birth was also in this same family - Byron Chaplin - born April 14, 1836.

February 25, 1837, Henry Parrett had a little store on the west side of State street near the bridge. The street now runs over the exact spot where it stood, in the Huntington and Goshen road. The postoffice was installed here, in the name of David D. Parrett. This rude store contained a few notions and curiosities and some staples. The supplies were mostly brought in from Fort Wayne by wagon, but were sometimes shipped by canal from Fort Wayne to a point near Huntington and hauled in.

In 1838 another small store was started farther north on the same road and did a good business. This was the beginning of the Combs & Edwards general store that was of so much importance to the community for many years.

The first saw mill was erected by William Parrett in 1841, on section 34, just north of South Whitley, called Wetzel's mill for many years. It entirely ceased operations in 1S72. A year later Milton Grimes and David Clapp built a saw mill a mile southeast of South Whitley.

The most important milling enterprise ever in the township was the Arnold waterpower mill. Work on the dam began in 1848, but the mill was not put in operation until about January 1, 1851, and at once the Arnolds came to the front as millers, bankers and general merchants and remained at the front until the disastrous and far-reaching results of their complete failure a few years ag'o, which is well described in the article on Banks and Banking: in this history. For many years this mill drew the milling' business from many miles. The writer remembers when a boy of being sent t" this mill a distance of ten miles, starting in the night and arriving at the mill about the time it opened up in the morning and awaiting his turn, got his grist of eight bushels just after dark and making the return trip the next night, the roads then being entirely different from the present.

John Parrett began the hotel business when the town began taking on airs in [837, furnishing the primitive entertainment for man and beast, and even that early there was considerable travel and his cabin hotel of two rooms below and a loft above was often taxed to its limit, and at no time could a weary traveler get a room to himself with steam heat and bath.

T0Iix F. Moss Max

The most interesting incidents of Indian history before and during the war of iNu center in. what is now Union township; but it is found recorded in detail in other chapters. However, the village of Coesse, in which the first house was erected in 1855, by Ji >seph Root, preserves the name of one of the latter chieftains of the Miamis. In [846 they were removed to Indian Territory, Coesse accompanying them; but he returned and died while visiting near Roanoke Indiana, where he was buried. Tal- COtt Terry was the original settler in Union township; coming .-in did Benjamin Gardner. Dr. Joseph Pierce, Horace Cleveland and ' leorge W. ( >man, in [837.

Terry and Oman selected the name of kvnship at the first election held July 4, 1839, at which Terry was chosen justice oi the peace, an office to which he was again chosen four vcars later. Dr. Tierce.

the first physician, had a Mr. Starkweather associated with him in a general store for some years, most of their trade being with the Indians, it not being an unusual sight to see three hundred of them in and about the store. Upon the death of a little son of Starkweather's, treated by Dr. Pierce, a quarrel arose between the two men. resulting in a dissolution of partnership.

The first saw mill of the township, if not in Whitley count}-, was built by Dr. Tierce 111 [839, and the late James YVorden, who had come from New York to work fur the doctor, claims that he and William Van Meter hauled the first saw logs to that mill. The first steam saw mill was erected in [854 by Nathaniel Allen and John Stagle and James Burton built the first grist mill, on Eel ri\er in the northeast part of the township. A distillery was operated for a time by a Mr. Kepler in the southeast pari of the township where peach brandy was a principal output. In 1852 J!. A. Cleveland sold merchandise for a couple of years. Freeman and Fuller keeping' a general store on the Yellow River road and later one mile east of the present site of Coesse. This village was laid out by Peter Simonson in the winter of 1854, Joseph Root erecting the first building. Christ Rummel had the blacksmith shop. Very little growth occurred for ten years. The first goods sold in the village was by Simon Ilerr & Brother. B. A. Cleveland, Thomas Mc- Cune. F. Smith, J. H. Clark and J. S. Baker were among' those who have sold goods at Coesse. as are Luke Tousley and William Swarts. Kaufman & Levi. I. Kinsev, Allen Bros . F. Smith and W. F. Mossman.

The first postoffice was kept by Horace Cleveland on the Yellow River road, its removal to Coesse being in 1856 with ]. H. Root as postmaster.

Cornelia Bonestel taught the first school in Union in 1839, receiving $1.50 per week. This was in a cabin on Horace Cleveland's land, though the "school house on the hill" standing on the north side of Beaver Run was the first school building". Mrs. Simon Sherod in 1845 taught in her own home in the extreme northwest part of the township. Mary Brown. Amanda Tousley; Eliza Young, Cornelia Travis, George Lawson, E. A. Smith, Riley Merrill, Maxie Foust and Miranda Root, all of whom labored faithfully and left strong impress for good on the minds of their pupils.

Esther Omans was the first white child born in Union township, though it is claimed that David, a son of Talcott Perry, was born in 1836. and Whitlock, son of Benjamin Gardner, was born in 183".

The first death was Robert Starkweather in the fall of 1838. though in March. (839, William Clater was killed in a barn raising but in Lake township, Allen county. James Worden helped to build the first bridge not only in Union township but in Whitley county. This was over Eel river though probably the same year, 1838. some movers made a rude log' bridge over the stream at Akers. G. W. Oman kept tavern on his farm in 1837. The next year Isaac Taylor began to accommodate the travelers though it was four years later that he hung a sign.

Rev. Jacob Wolf was doubtless the first minister, organizing a Presbyterian church October 15, 1841, with eight persons. George Walker and wife, Jacob Vanhouten and wife, Mrs. Vance, William Park, and James Pringle and wife. Rev. Wolf was a graduate of Harvard and naturally a man of finest- impulses. In 1854 he erected "Wartburg College," named in honor of Wartburg Castle near Eisenach Saxe-Weimar. founded in 1067 and renowned as the refuge of Martin Luther after the diet of W onus and where he finished his translation of the Bible. Wolf's ambition was to educate young men for the ministry anil with Rev. A. J. Douglas as an assistant conducted a school for two years. Mr. Wolf's heart was right and to advance the cause he loved so well made provision to have most of his property go to Wittenberg College. Springfield. Ohio.

school houses till 1S57 and didn't secure a church of their own until 1870. Rev. Wells, an educated and accomplished gentleman and an orator of no mean ability, organized a Lutheran church in 1857. A Christian church was started in 1854 by Rev. Van Sickle baptizing several converts in a hole cut through the ice on Mud creek.

The first candidate for congTessional honors to speak in Union township was Samuel Brenton, who had been presiding elder at Fort Wayne, and who walked with a crutch owing to paralysis. The meeting was held at Oman's home, his advent being declared by the hoisting of the stars and stripes on a tree still standing in George Oman's yard.

John Pecker induced J. H. Clark to bring several paw paw bushes from Ohio mi horseback to propagate the fruit. His description of the delicious flavor and temptingness of that delicacy being such that Clark's mouth watered and continued to do so whenever paw paws were mentioned, until in his haste and enthusiasm he tasted the green fruit.

( rei irge Slagle produced the first brick used in the township. Making a circular box five feet high and ninety feet in circumference he shoveled in clay and drove a yoke of cattle over it until it was reduced to stiff mortal-, when it was molded, dried and burned.

Social conditions among our forefathers were such that there ever existed the warmest community of interest. Horseback riding was the usual mode of travel, a young man often having his ladv love seated behind him, though there were none of the ladies but could ride and easily control the wildest steeds.

When Rachel Wagner was fifteen, she rode with her brother Harmon Beeson to Warsaw to attend the wedding of another brother Benjamin. Starting to return Benjamin's wife's father, Mr. Sapp, handed her a willow switch, saying "stick that in the ground, it will make a nice tree." She did so and today it is a landmark at least two feet in diameter, standing close to the walk on the main street as you go to the Pennsylvania depot, making- the site of Lee Bros, blacksmith shop, which is just being demolished as these lines are written, January. 1907.

Hazel Cot Castle

In 1842 Eli Pierce, while a medical student in Philadelphia, married a rich English lad}' who soon purchased a large tract of land in the northeast part of Union township, where they settled in 1844. Dr. Pierce practiced somewhat, but mainly devoted himself to the clearing of the land and in building a castle after the style of an old English lord and which, with its extensive outbuildings, became the wonder ot the entire region. The house had broad porches, sweeping verandas and huge columns, the barn being also pretentious. In 180.2 the ruins of the barn were cleared away and the remains of the house a year later. Mrs. Pierce died in 1868 or 1869 and the doctor fell dead at Areola in 1872 Through Union township it was at an angle or 1873, both being buried at Lake Chapel of about thirty degrees. One hundred and cemetery, it having been a portion of the farm. Their children were five sons and two daughters. Mrs. Pierce retained her old English customs, living in state and ever exhibiting that courteous bearing characteristic of the patrician class. Charles Hughes, then county treasurer, was once invited to dinner by Dr. Pierce, and when asked by Mrs. Pierce if his office was one of much dignity he replied, "None at all." She turned her attention to other guests.

Many years ago. when the people of Ireland were said to be starving to death, T think it was in 1846, Union township people were the only (Mies in the county to respond. Although the}' were poor and had about all they could do to take care of themselves, they responded liberally. My father gave the largest amount, five dollars. George Walker led in the movement, and was assisted by others among whom was the Rev. Jacob Wolf.

I remember well when Wise went over the country in a large balloon before the Civil war. He started at St. Louis and landed in Canada. He passed over Coesse about five o'clock in the afternoon and was so close to the ground that James Worden and Zebulon Park motioned to him and he responded. He crossed the county from the southwest to the northeast. Near South Whitlev an old woman who saw him ran into the house crying, "Jesus is coming."

About the first of January, 1877, a large meteor crossed the county, making a belt of fire clear across the heavens and a thundering noise. It lighted the whole sky and seemed to e-o over the entire county.

On Monday, May 14. 1883, a cyclone seemed to gather and start in the south central part of Columbia township, at about five o'clock in the afternoon. Clouds seemed to come from the northwest and southwest and to meet at that point. The first damage was near Compton church, section 19, Union township. Tt tore down the brick church, on the foundation of which the present one was built, leaving but a few brick in one corner. Shingles and debris were scattered for more than two hundred yards. It moved northeast to the corner of Union township where it seemed to let go its force and drop what it had gathered. Its path was more than a half mile wide and it took everything in its way, stripping forests, moving and tearing down buildings in its path. Simon Akers' barn was moved thirty feet off of its foundation and demolished and part of his house was torn down. The damage was frightful. Only one person was injured, Henrv Schrader. who was hurt by a flying rail striking him on the head. He was reported dead, lint soon recovered and is living vet.

Before closing this article. I want to remark the difference in our schools. New branches are now taught and the course is more thorough, hut they have stopped teaching courtesy and manners as we were taught in the old log schoolhouse. The children of the earlv day were courteous and respectful to older persons but Young America is independent and lacking in refinement and manners.

One of the best, if not the best township in Whitley county, is Washington, which is a regular government township of thirty-six sections and is the middle of the southern tier of three townships and is bounded on the north by Columbia township, on the east by Jefferson township, on the south by Clearcreek township in Huntington county, and on the west by Cleveland township. It was organized September 8, 1840, just in time to participate in the great presidential election of that year. The first election was held at the house of Abraham Leslie, Si"., and Daniel Leslie was inspector. At this election the following electors were present : George Rittenhouse, David Rittenhouse, George D. Rittenhouse, Jr., Frederick Weybright, Adam Creager, John Oliver, Abraham Leslie. Daniel Lesley, William Leslie, Enos Miles, Jacob Ecker, Joseph Ecker, Samuel Braden, Reuben Long. William Kates, Jesse Baugher and Henry Bayler. These men are now all dead except William Leslie, who lives at South Whitley, Indiana, in his ninetieth year. For several years the various elections were held at the house of Abraham Leslie, who was always ready to receive every one in a hospitable manner. In those days there was not much political antagonism at elections but a general good feeling prevailed. At the election held at the house of Daniel Leslie, on the first Monday in April, [845, there were eighteen votes polled and at the presidential election on November 8, 1904, 349 voters exercised the right of franchise in the township.

The township was named in honor of the father of our country, "Washington," but was nicknamed "Swamp township," as at the time of the first settlements and for many years after, a vast portion of the township was covered with almost impenetrable swamps, which to the prospector at that time did not seem possible ever to be worth anything-. But now, after the lapse of nearly three-quarters of a century, these swamps have practically all disappeared and thriving farms and beautiful homes have taken their places, and where once the muskrat and bullfrog held kingly sway, nowr seventy-five bushels of corn per acre are raised.

The first permanent settler of whom any authentic account can be given was Joseph N. Ecker, who settled on section 7. in the northwestern part of the township in the fall of 1836. He was the first man assessed in the township, the amount of his taxes being' twenty-four and one-half cents. The following is a partial list of those who settled in the township prior to 1845: Joseph N. Ecker. Reuben Long, John Oliver. Adam Creager, Samuel Braden, Frederick Weybright, William Sterling. Abraham Leslie, Daniel Leslie, William Leslie, Jonas Baker, Henry Emery, John Arnold, Henry Shank, John Wise, William Kates, Michael Sicka- Eoose, Martin Bechtel, George Rittenhouse, David Rittenhouse. Enos Miles, Henry Baylor, Philip Maring. Calvin Maring. Jacob L. Maring', Ira Jackson and David Jackson.

ried on December 18, 1831), by Henry Swihart, justice of the peace ; the second was that of Levi Creager to Margaret Fulk, December 7, 1842, by Aaron M. Collins, justice of the peace, and the third was that of David Rittenhouse to Margaret Fullerton, April 14, 1843, by John Sickafoose, justice of the peace.

The first birth in Washington township occurred about 1S43 and was that of Jacob Shank, who died in infancy. His was probably the first death of a white person in the township.

Wdien the settlers began making the first improvements within the limits of what is now Washington township their methods of procedure and the tools with which they worked corresponded with the general order of things in that early day. In clearing the land of the timber, the ax was about the only tool worth considering in felling the trees and in getting the logs ready to roll. A good chopper with a sharp ax could cut off a log or fell a tree in a less space of time than would seem possible to the present generation. The only cross-cut saws in use were the old brier-tooth saws, the very remembrance of which is enough to make an old settler have the backache. There were few men who would not rather chop off a log than to help saw it off with a saw of that description. A tree intended for saw logs was chopped down, butted off with the ax and chopped off at the top and the saw was only used to cut the body of the tree into sections. Sawing down trees was not known until many years later.

new ground the one side shovel plow was generally used to scratch up the soil among the roots. Corn was dropped by hand and covered with a hoe and in cultivating the shovel plow was used, but the hoe was more to be depended upon than the plow in keeping the weeds in check among the stumps. All grain was cut with sickles or cradles and bound by hand. Grass was cut with scythes, raked up by hand and the only use for horses in making hay was to haul it to the barn or stack.

Jacob L. Maring relates his experience in taking care of a field of wheat soon after becoming a resident of Washington township in 1844. After the wheat had been cut and shocked he and his father, Philip Maring, cut two poles about ten feet long and laid them on the ground about two feet apart, then put on two shocks of wheat at a time and carried them to the stack. They worked in this way until the wheat was all taken care of.

The first blind ditches were made of poles. After the ditch was dug two straight poles would be placed on each side of the bottom of the ditch and sometimes a third pole would be laid on top of the others and sometimes the bottom poles would be covered with puncheons that were split out of oak timber. Later on planks in the shape of an inverted hog trough were used. These ditches answered the purpose very well for a few years until the timber gave out or the ditches became stopped up by the working of crawfish and other causes and they had to be taken out and reconstructed. The old timber ditches have long since served their time and now the soil of the township is underlaid with miles and miles of tile that have done so much to make the county what it is to-day. Several county ditches have been constructed through the township, among- which are Stony creek. Sugar creek, etc.

At first and for many years after the first settlements, the clearings and fields were fenced with rails that were split from the timber and many rails are still in use that were made fifty and sixty years ago: but the rail fences are rapidly giving way to the modern woven wire fence, many miles of which have been erected in the township during the last few years.

In 1S40. there were no permanent roads in the township but mere trails and wagon tracks that bad been cut out around the swamps, but soon after a number of roads were surveved and located on section lines as far as possible. "Work on the roads" often consisted in cutting brush and laying it across the mud holes, then covering the brush with dirt. Later, plowing and scraping dirt into the roadways with the dump scoop was the mode of grading the roads and often more ingenuity was exhibited in trying to see how the time could be exhausted with the least work than there was in trying to give the roads any real benefit. Undoubtedly, enough time and work have been expended upon the roads of Washington township to put every road in the entire district in first class condition, had it been properly done. Nevertheless, the roads are in good condition generally the greater part Mt" the year and many of the principal ones have been graveled. Once where the only w,i\ to cross a stream was by fording or on a fool 111; now there is an arched bridge of ci ni< 'in and stmie.

The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad was constructed through the ni >rthern part of the township in 1881, and the Indianapolis, Huntington, Columbia City & Northwestern Traction Company have surveyed a line through the central part of the township and have been voted a subsidy of seven thousand dollars and it is to be Imped that the road will speedily be built.

In earl_\' times, the rualarial fever and ague were very prevalent among the settlers and there was scarcely a family in which one or more of the members were not sick. Dr. F. M. McHugh, of Columbia City, was said to be the first physician to practice his profession in Washington township. He was an Irishman of much skill and learning. Doctor Banta located in the eastern part of the territory about 1843 an<^ f°r several years was the principal physician and surgeon in the community. Notwithstanding the sickness, there were few deaths and the settlers braved the discouragements, pushed 1 m ami made a country which their descendants are now enjoying. All honor to those brave and struggling souls who have done so much in the development of this fair land of ours.

Washington is strictly an agricultural township. With the exception of lumber, brick and tile, very little manufacturing has been done in the township. Grain, hay. fruit and vegetables have been produced in large quatities and considerable attention has been given to raising live stock. Some 1 if the finest horses, cattle, hogs and sheep in the country can be found in this township. Xo large towns are located in the township. When the Nickel Plate Railroad was built in 1 881, a station was located in the north- ern part of the township and named "Peabody" in honor of S. J. Peabody. Whitley county's lumber king and soon after a postoffice was established at the place and Amos E. Redman was the first postmaster. Mr. Redman also conducted a general store in connection with the postoffice. Henry J. Ummel is conducting the business at the present time and is the present postmaster. A saw mill did an extensive business here for many years under the management of Lewis Gross, James B. Peabody. Cox & Sons, etc. George W. Irwin. Henry Lucke and Noah E. Hoops have also conducted stores here. Peabody is a good shipping point; large amounts of hay, grain, live stuck and lumber have been shipped from this point.

The early settlers were at great inconveniences for many years in regard to postal matters. Those living in the north part of the township were obliged to go to Columbia City or South Whitley for their mail, while those living in the southern part went to Huntington or Liberty Mills. What a contrast now when most of the residents have their mail delivered daily at their gates. June 2/, 1855, the first postoffice was established in the township and was named "Washington Center," and Martin Bechtel was the postmaster and kept the office at his residence one mile south of the center of the township. He was succeeded by William Chamberlain but the office was discontinued many years ago.

A little town had sprung up in the wester 1 part of the township in the Dunkard settlement and during Cleveland's first term as president a postoffice was established there and was named "Tunker." Tunker is an old town in years, but time has never blessed it with a great population, yet it is proud t" say that it is not on the decline. Frederick Weybright, who located here in 1839, was the first settler near the present site of the village. He was soon followed by John Wise and Phillip Holler, Sr.

The first store in the village was started about thiry-six years ago by Messrs. Prichand Fisher, of South Whitley, in a residence building now owned by Earl Hossler. They were followed by Joseph Holler, Henry Benner, William Ollinger and R. F. Gardner and in 1888 Henry K. Kitch erected a building on the northwest corner of the crossroads, opposite the Dunkard church, in which he placed a stock of general merchandise and did a thriving- business, enlarging his store from time to time until June 18. 1903. at the hour of midnight, the fire fiend left his store in a heap of ashes. Early in 1889, Mr. Kitch had been appointed postmaster and the office thrived until December, i()00. when a rural mail route from South Whitley was established through -the village but the citizens were loth to give up the postoffice and it was not until after the fire in June. 1903, that the office was discontinued.

During this era. other enterprising industries have been carried on in the village. John Benner and Philip Holler conducted saw mills about twenty-four years ago ami Levi Connell operated a tile and saw mill until a few years ago when he moved his mill to Huntington county. At present Lewis Holler is the proprietor of the saw mill. Henry K. Kitch operates a broom factory. Chester Snyder and M. F. Kemmel are the general sti >re-keepersand Firmer Snyder con-

Politically, Washington township has alwavs been strongly Democratic, the "Gibraltar of Democracy" in Whitley county. At presidential elections it has always gone Democratic and since 1861 has invariably elected Democratic township officers. In i Son Joseph Stults, now of Huntington, was elected trustee on the Republican ticket, defeating Martin Bechtel. the Democratic candidate. Mr. Stubs was re-elected in 1 8< i i . defeateing Enos Goble, but at the April election in 1862 Mr. Goble defeated Mr. Stubs for trustee and held the office until the fall of 1874, when he was succeeded by WiHiam Chamberlin.

At the last presidential election, 1904, two hundred and tweny-three votes were cast for Parker and one hundred and five for Roosevelt, making a Democratic majority of one hundred and eighteen.

Since 1859 the following citizens have held the office of township trustee: William E. -Merriman, Joseph Stubs, Enos Gohle. William Chamberlin, Peter Creager, John Gross, John A. Snyder, Francis M. Smith. Joseph Creager, Charles D. Stickler and William A. Hauptmeyer.

Among those filling- the office of township assessor have been Jacob A. Baker, Lewis (iruss, John < in^s, Enos Goble, Peter Regg and Frank L. White.

The pioneers of Washington township were God-fearing men and women and as soon as they were settled in their rude homes, they began to make efforts to establish religious meetings. At first the ministers who occasionally visited the township held services in the settlers' cabins or in the log school houses and sometimes in the shady groves. The first church organization in the township is said to have been of the Roman Catholic faith, about the year 1845. This was in what was called the "Nix Settlement" in the southeastern part of the township. The society soon after built a church which some years later was destroyed by fire. The church was rebuilt and served the congregation until 1899. when it was replaced by the present large brick building which is a credit to the congregation as well as to the community at large. Tt is known as "St. Catharine's Church."

Like Pilgrims of old. the early adherents of the Dunkard faith in Washington township met in the homes of the brethren and worshiped God in accordance with the dictates of their own consciences and in the year 1866 they erected a large brick church, f«irty by eight}', in what is now the village of Tunker, and is known as the "Sugar Creek Church." The house was erected at a cost of two thousand four hundred dollars and the present value of the property is about three thousand five hundred dollars. Rev. David Bear preached the sermon of dedication and David Shoemaker did the carpenter work on the building. About thirty-five years ago Rev. Kripe manufactured the seats with which the church is now furnished. He worked at the seats during the day and preached to the people at night.

At the time of the building of the church the members were : Messrs. and Mesdames Philip Holler, Sr., John Wise, Martin, Frederick, Lewis and Jacob Weybright, Solomon Kitch, Joseph Montz, Reuben Long. David Arnett, Jacob and Osias Metz. The church is now in a flourishing condition, having a membership of nearly one hundred. R. B. and Isaac Bolinger are the ministers and Henry Kitch is the instructor in music. The church has prospered during all these years and has been a power for good in the community.

April 18. 1846, a Baptist church was organized in the Bechtel neighborhood in the southern part of the township under the ministrations of Elder George Sleeper. The church was organized in the old log cabin of Martin Bechtel and in 1869 the society erected a frame church which is still in use. Andrew Clark was the contractor and the building cost about one thousand four hundred dollars. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. David Scott. Among those who have ministered to this congregation have been Revs. Fuller, Dunon. Collins,

Wilder. Price, Worth, Robinson, Gooden, \\ ard and Sanders. One of the charter members of this church was Bazaleel Tracy, who recently passed away at his home in Huntington, Indiana, aged nearly ninety-one years.

The Washington Center United Brethren church was organized at the house of Martin Penn in 1866 by Rev. Fletcher Thomas. The charter members were : Martin Penn and wife, Peter R. Goble and wife, John Smith and wife. Peter Wagner and wife and Milton B. Emerson. In 1873 the society erected a large frame church at a cost of about two thousand dollars, which was dedicated by Rev. Cassel. The building committee was composed of Peter Creager, Milton B. Emerson. Levi Sickafoose, John Smith and S. P. Wagner. The contractors were Samuel Wolf and Samuel Sickafoose. In 1905 this church was replaced by a modern brick church building at a cost of three thousand one hundred and fifty dollars, and was dedicated on Sunday. December 31, 1905, by Rev. H. H. Font, D. D., of Dayton. Ohio. Waterfall & Son, of Columbia City, were the contractors and William H. Waterfall was the architect.

Pastors of this church from 1873 to 1895 were: John B. Bash. William Simmons, E. F. Light. Andrew Wood, Abijah Cummins. John Eby, S. C. Norris, George T. Butler. John A. Farmer. J. T. Keasey. Frank Parker, Charles Parker. C. M. Byerly and S. H. Yeager. Rev. C. A. Spitler is the present pastor. The church is in a flourishing condition and has a large membership.

i. in Washington township, and afterward a church was organized which maintained services for many years and in 1888 the society, assisted by the community at large, erected a frame church building just across the road from the school house. A few years after the building of the church the society disbanded and the property passed into the hands of the United Brethren denomination and a society of that faith was organized. This society remodeled the church and has since held regular services in the building which is known as "Maple Grove Church."

The third United Brethren church in the township is located in the eastern part, about one mile south of the village of Forest, and is known as 'Forest Chapel." This society was organized at the Maring's school house in Jefferson township and its history ma)- be found in the history of that township.

In 1857 a Methodist class was formed in the vicinity of No. 9 school house in Washington township, . some of the early members being: Michael Holmn and wife, John Smith and wife and Levi Creager, At first the meetings were held in the log school house, but in 1869 a frame church was erected at a cost of about $2,000, the building committee being Michael Holmn, Frederick Morrell and John Decker. Samuel Sickafoose was the contractor, and the house was 'lei heated in October, 1869. by Rev. Monson, and was known as "East Bethel Methodist Episcopal church."

The church membership was never large and through deaths, removals and other il gradually dwindled until the church could no longer support regular preaching and the societ) disbanded. The last protracted meeting was held in 1903 and in the fall of 1904 the church was sold to a contractor in Huntington and the building was torn down and moved away. The lot upon which the church stood was sold to Charles Walker, the present owner of the Frederick Morrell farm, and thus the old East Bethel Methodist Episcopal church fades from the portals of action and the history of what it was and what it has done for religion and civilization is written.

Not many public cemeteries have been located in Washington township. In the years that have passed the people living in the eastern and northeastern part of the township went to Evergreen cemetery in Jefferson township to bury their dead, while some in the southeastern part went to the Lutheran cemetery in Huntington county, those in the northern part to the Eberhart cemetery in Columbia township and those in the western part to South Whitley.

In an early day a cemetery was commenced where the Baptist church is located on section 28. The first burial here was a daughter of Walling Miller and the second was Grandma Alexander. This city of the dead has steadily grown and among the pioneers buried here are : Sylvester Alexander. Martin Bechtel, William Kates. James and Thomas Merriman. John Stallsmith. Elias Smith, etc. The place is kept in q'ooil repair and there have been a number of handsome monuments erected to mark the burial place of some of the people sleeping here.

About the time the first Catholic church was built in the Nix Settlement a few graves were made near where the said church stood, which was some distance southwest of where the present church stands. When the sec-

Cornering the farms of Daniel Baker, Charles Baker and Joseph Stults. on section jo. is an old abandoned cemetery which was started about the year 1845. Jonas Baker owned the land at that time and the lot originally contained about one-half acre of ground but at the present time the space given to this city of the dead is a lot of about seventy-five by one hundred feet. A recent visit to this place revealed what time and neglect have done for man}' similar places in Whitley count}- : it is overgrown with vines and shrubs and not one of the monuments or tombstones that had been placed at the graves by loving hands is now standing', but all are leveled with the earth, and the inscriptions, man}" of which were quite artistic at the time, are now deciphered with difficult}". This cemeterv was nicelv located on a high piece of ground, at the foot of which winds a little brook and had it been continued as a cemetery, could have been made a beautiful place. As near as could be ascertained from the inscriptions on the timeworn grave stones, the first person buried here was Jacob Shank, a young son of Henry Shank, who died in February, 1845, and as before stated was the first birth and the first death in the township, and the following' April, Susanna, wife of Hem-}- Shank, was buried here. The last person buried here was John Shank, who died April 16, 1865, aged fourteen years and six months. The oldest person interred in this place was Jacob Ollinger, who was born May 4. 1777, and died in 1855.

the remains of some of the persons buried here were removed to other burial places by relatives and friends and the place was abandoned as a cemeterv. Fourteen graves were found but it is likely that there .are several more which were never marked and are now grown over with grass and weeds and cannot be found.

The grave of an Indian child was found near the center of section 24 in 1844. A cavity had been chopped in a large pi iplar log, the remains of the child placed therein and a slab of wood neatly fitted over the place. It was not disturbed further than to discover what it really was and the log laid there until time reduced it to mother earth again.

In earl}- times wild game was plentiful in Washington township and many of the earlv pioneers were successful hunters. Deer and wild turkevs were quite numerous and occasionally a bear was seen. Wolves made night hideous with their howling and sometimes,the scream of a panther was heard at night in the woods.

Jacob L. Glaring, who lived on section 24 from 1844 to 1S64. has the record of killing fifty-seven deer and it said that he killed the first ;wd the last deer at which he shot ; they were both bucks, and the last one was shot in Ja>w*rs Broxon's cornfield in Jefferson township, but it led the hunter a lively chase and it was in the vicinity of "Devil's Holler," in Allen county, that the game was finally killed. Anthony Poinsett and Robert S. Bell, of whom mention is made in the history of Jefferson township, often hunted in Washington township. The former had a double-barreled shot gun and when two reports in quick succession were heard

Robert S. Bell related that in 1844 he went hunting" one day when there was quite a snow on the ground and at about 1 o'clock he killed a deer and dressed it, then hung the carcass on a bent sapling and started on his back track for home. 'It was getting lark when he reached home and the next morning he got one of his neighbors to help him and it took them nearly all day to get the game home, for they had to follow the tracks of the day before. Afterward, when Mr. Bell was better acquainted with the country, he found that he had killed the deer within a quarter of a mile of his own cabin. Mr. Bell also related that about two years later he was hunting one day when the snow was quite deep and having gone about two miles from home he saw a man with his sleeves rolled up above the elbows, raking and digging in the snow with both hands. When he came closer he saw that it was Jacob YanDorsen. and on inquiring the trouble, Mr. YanDorsen said that as he was about to shoot at a deer, the hammer had fallen off his gun in the snow and he was trying to find it but before the hammer was found the deer was gone.

Bazaleel Tracy once killed a wild turkey gobbler with a rifle and although he fired only one shot, the ball passed through the turkey's head and broke both legs and both wings. There was only one way in which this could be explained. The turkey was strutting and at the moment the fatal shot was fired it was about to pick up something between its feet.

evening Mr. Johnson had gone to a neighbor's, and on his return and just after he had entered his cabin, a panther screamed near the door, having followed him home. A gun was fired to scare the animal away. Soon after this a panther killed a two-yearold heifer for Mr. Saunders.

An old resident of the township says that the last successful and genuine old-fashioned fox hunt in Whitley county was in Washington township on Saturday. January 4. 1873. Captain F. M. McDonald was manager and Enos Goble secretary. Several hundred men and boys formed lines entirely around the township and pressed to the center. The lines started under the lead of captains at nine o'clock and at eleven o'clock they had a number of foxes surrounded in Peter Creager's field. Six foxes were killed and the carcasses sold at auction. The}' brought from one dollar and five cents to one dollar and thirty cents each exclusive of the scalp. At that time the count}- paid a bounty of two dollars and fifty cents for fox scalps. This law remained in force until March, 1883, when it was repealed.

About 1867 David Ummel was killed by falling from a wagon while going to Columbia City and on February 8. 1877, Luther Jones was killed by a falling tree near what is now Maple Grove church. January 29, 1889, Lewis Cupp was killed by a log rolling upon him while hauling logs near the village of Peabody and John P. Rittenhouse was drowned at the gravel pit near the northwestern part of the township on June 17. 1888. and on May 5, 1885. John Wolford was killed by lightning- at Peabodv station.

In January, 1S80, Mathew Tracy, a resident of Washington township and a sonin-law of Martin Bechtel. mysteriously disappeared. He had gone to South Whitley on horseback and late in the evening, after taking supper at Rev. P. J. Ward's, the Baptist minister's, had started for home and as he did not reach home search was instituted the next morning, which resulted in finding' the horse in a corn field with the saddle still on but no rider; further search was made and on the bank of Eel river a package of coffee and a first reader that Mr. Tracy was known to have purchased for his little boy was found, also indications of a struggle and marks in the snow that appeared as if something might have been dragged into the river. It was believed by many that Mr. Tracy had been murdered and his body thrown into the river, but no further evidence to prove this theory was discovered and the mystery has never been explained. It lias been rumored that Mr Tracy has been seen in the west and there are many who believe that he voluntarily absconded for reasons of his own and endeavored to leave evidence that would convey the impression that he had been murdered.

In educational matters Washingti in township has had about the same experience as her neighboring townships. The first schoolhouses were built of logs with puncheon floors, slab benches and writing desks along the wall. At first the schools were sustained by subscription and usually continued for eight or nine weeks during the winter. John E. Kates, who became a resident of Washington township on October 2, 1840, says that his first experience in going to school, he went with a sister and two brothers nearly three miles from home to a log schoolhouse in Huntington count}', following a blazed trail through the woods. In winter they started about daylight and did not get home until after dark. Once it rained all day and in the evening everything was afloat and before they got home they had to wade water up to their armpits and their clothing was frozen stiff.

Josiah Kates, Joseph Stults. William Stults, Enos Goble, William E. Merriman, Milton B. Emerson and John Alexander were among the first teachers in the township. The first order to pay school funds to teachers was dated April 11, 1853, was for $26.50 and was issued to John Alexander. In 1858 the township was divided into nine school districts and each district had a log schoolhouse. The division remains the same today, but each district is now provided with a modern brick school building, which is up to date in every way. The schoolhouses are located just two miles apart over the township.

Under the old law all children between the ages of five and twenty-one years were enumerated and in March. 1858. the enumeration of children amounted to one hundred and fifty-one males and one hundred and fifty-seven females, making a total of three hundred and eight pupils. Under the present law all children between the ages oi six and twenty-one years are enumerated and the number enumerated in 1906 were: Males, two hundred and twenty-nine: females, two hundred and nineteen, making a total of four hundred and forty-eight.

is said to have been the first institution of learning to be planted in Washington township and was erected about sixty years ago, the exact date cannot be given. It was not a building of extraordinary facilities, but the way in which it was built and the material with which it was constructed made it famous. In dimensions it was sixteen by eighteen, with ceiling about seven feet high, and was constructed entirely of peeled hickory logs or nearly eighteen inches in diameter. The floor was made of hickory puncheons; the writing desks were made by driving pins into auger holes in the wall, on which a wide board was laid, and the seats were hickory puncheons with pegs driven in for legs. A horizontal window, eight feet long", containing one sash, admitted the light. The door was closed with a latch string and _ the roof was clapboards held in place by weight poles.

The first teacher was Josiah Kates and he was followed by William Stults, Abner Hines, Enos Goble, Zephaniah Johnson, William E. Merriman and others. Some of the pupils were: George W. Stults, Melissa, Anna and Mary Ellen Bechtel. Mathew Tracy, George, Henry, John E. and Elizabeth Kates, David, George, Benjamin, Jacob and Mary Hennemeyer, John and Thomas Sickafoose, Thomas, Sabina and Mary Emery, Fanny, Elizabeth and Henry Huffman, Henry Decker, Martin, Lewis and George Weybright. Catharine and Elizabeth Shank, Elizabeth, Daniel, Margaret and Jane Baker, Elizabeth and Mary stults ami perhaps others.

In winter one of the sports of the children was to take nne of the puncheon benches and slide down the large hill just south of the schoolhouse, which was located

About forty-five years ago this primitive schoolhouse was vacated for school purposes and a frame schoolhouse was built on the northwest comer of the farm owned by the late Frederick Morrell. This house was quite modern at that time and in dimensions was about eighteen by twenty-two feet. Harmon Holmn commenced teaching the first term of school in the building, but after continuing about two months, in some mysterious way the building took fire and burned to the ground. The patrons were determined that education should not be abandoned and in two weeks' time they had erected a hewed log house and school was progressing at the same place as if nothing had happened. The teachers in this house were: Joseph Stults, Seneca Heath, Elizabeth Kates, John Miller, Miss Henry and Sabina (Emery) Wince.

In 1874 the log schoolhouse was vacated and a frame house thirty by forty was erected on the southwest corner of the Henry Emery farm. Enos Goble was the township trustee and Edward Burch and Jacob Swartz contractors. This school district has been known as No. () and the frame building served the district until 1905, when the patrons of the school voted that they should have a new school building, similar to the one in District No. 4, and accordingly William A. Hauptmeyer, trustee, awarded the contract to R. F Gardner, of Huntington, for $3,570, and a brick structure with all the modern improvements was erected. Miss Florence Essig- taught the first term of school in the new building and Miss Chella Kaufman is the present teacher.

chased by Thomas Emery and lias been converted into a corn crib and wagon house. Some of the teachers who held forth in this building" were : Julius A. Vergon, Louisa Goble, Addie Foster, Alonzo B. and James Joe Goble, Rufus C. Saylor, Martin Wagner, Frank Douglas, Lemon A. Conuell, H. M. Carson, Robert J. Emerson, Lesta Emerson, Carl Souder, H. E. Emery, Lincoln L. Lee, Charles E. Weybright, Bessie Kepler and J. Lee Emery.

The first term of, school in what is now district No. 1, in Washington township, was taught by Jacob Hurler about 1853 in a log house that belonged to Elijah Johnson and stood about eighty rods west of where the present schoolhouse in the district stands. It was a subscription school of two months and among the pupils were two young ladies who were taller than the teacher and at the beginning of the term they did not know their "letters," but they learned very rapidly and at the close of the term they could read and spell quite well.

Abouttwo years after this a log school house was erected on the southeast corner of section 2, where the Maple Grove church now stands, which was used for school purposes for about six years and among the teachers who taught in this house are remembered : John W. Crowell, John Best. Simeon Huffman, Philander Ginger, etc. About 1862 the log schoolhouse was vacated and a frame schoolhouse was erected for the district by Enos Goble, trustee, a few rods south of the crossroads, on the east side of the road. It is said that after the building was completed it was necessary to put in a center post to keep the house plumb, but Mr. Goble declares that the center post was not in the contract. Among the teachers here were: Miss Adaline Foster. Miss Mary Ellen Bechtel, D. V. White and others. In the early 'seventies this house was destroyed by fire. Miss Irene Haney being the teacher there at the time. A frame schoolhouse was then built on the corner where the present school building stands. which served the district until the brick schoolhouse was built, the old house beingsold to John Gross and moved to his farm near by. Jacob A. Montavon taught the school at this place during the winter of 1 S77-78, but was taken sick and died before the term was finished.

In early times this school was known as the "Poor Hook" school, but while the name might have been appropriate at that time, it certainly is a misnomer now and is justly resented by the people of the district and the school is now known as the "Maple Grove" school. Charles R. Stoner is the present teacher.

The writer has been unable to collect any data of the early history of the school in District No. 2 in Washington township, this school is known as the "Shafer" school and in 189Q was provided with a modern brick schoolhouse with all the up-to-date conveniences of this progressive age. Joseph Creager was the township trustee at that time and John Bennet was the contractor. Miss Dora Goble is the teacher of this school at the present writing.

More than fifty years ago a log schoolhouse was built near the center of section 8. in Washington township, the location beingthen in the midst of a virgin forest and not near any public road. It seems strange that a schoolhouse should be so located, but the

Reuben Long was one of the board of trustees at that time and Jacob dinger was the first teacher. Some of the pupils attending this school were: Mrs. Lewis Weybright. Washington. Elijah. Jacob and Lewis Long, Mrs. Catharine Obenchain. John and Albert Montz, etc.

This building was finally vacated for school purposes and a 'frame schoolhouse was erected about eighty rods west of the location of the present schoolhouse in district No. 3, on the north side of the Illinois roa'd. Joseph Stults says : "I was township trustee at that time. One night there was a meeting of the patrons of the school and by the light of blazing logs a decision was reached that resulted in the building of the little 'red schoolhouse.7 "

This house served the district until i88t, when the present brick schoolhouse was built by William Chamberlin, trustee, and is the only one now standing of which the history of Washington township of 1882 says: "There are at present four neat brick schoolhouses, costing about $3,600." D. V. White taught the first term of school in the brick schoolhouse and some of the teachers who have served the district in the past were : John W. Stoner. Noah W. Krider, Amos E. Redman. Charles E. Weybright. Edward Metz, H. E. Emery, Mrs. Mac- Carter. Wilbur Miller. J. Lee Emery. B. Frank Stickler and others.

In 1862 Joseph Stults. trustee, agisted by the citizens of the community, erected a hewed loo- schoolhouse where the old brick schoolhouse that was afterward built For district No. 4. in Washington township, is still standing. Elizabeth Stults was the first teacher and she was followed by Frank Harber, John Bash, Mary (Emery) Huffman. Fanny (Huffman) Emery and others. The log house was vacated for school purposes about 1872 and a brick house thirty by fort}" was erected in its stead by Enos Coble, trustee, David Shoemaker being the contractor. Martin Wagner was the first teacher and he was followed by Leroy Thoman, Frank Harber. Rufus C. Savior. Joseph Wagner, Hattie Shank. Frank Emerson. Lemon A. Connell. Sherman Weybright, John Lung, George W. Laird. Charles Lawrence. Horace S. Kaufman, Charles E. Weybright. Marion Grable. H. E. Emery, Earl Henderson. Asher McCune. Rose Coverstone and Maud Obenchain.

After serving its purpose about thirty years, a more suitable building was needed and the patrons of the district voted for an up-to-date building with all the modern conveniences. Charles D. Stickler was the trustee and the contract was awarded to Waterfall & Son. of Columbia City. The building, which was erected in the fall of 1903. is of brick and is heated by hot air. Miss Florence Essig was the first teacher and was followed by Mrs. Bessie Reiser. The school is in a prosperous condition and has an enrollment of about forty pupils.

In 1878 Peter Creager, trustee, erected a substantial brick schoolhouse at the center of the township, which was provided with an ante-room for election purposes; but man proposes and time disposes, and in ['882 the county commissioners divided the township into two voting precincts, known as north and south Washington, and ordered that elections be held in the north precinct at No. 2 schoolhouse and in the south precinct at No. 8 schoolhouse, so the election room at the center was no longer used for election purposes. This brick building- replaced an old frame schoolhouse that had served the district for many years. Among the early teachers here are remembered Oliver P. Koontz, afterwards county sheriff; Rev. J. D. Coverstone, Miss Mollie Glazier, H. H. Wagner and others.

The brick schoolhouse served the district until 1 90 1, when it was replaced with the present high school building by Charles D. Strickler. trustee. Erdman & Wyankoop, contractors.

"I taught school in the old Red Front schoolhouse in district No. 6, about one and one-fourth miles west of the Maring's settlement. The house was made of planks, with the front end weatherboarded and painted red. Some of the schoolhouses in the township at that time were log houses. I had fifty-one scholars enrolled and an average attendance of forty-seven. One cold morning, soon after commencing the dav's w irk, James Merriman opened the door and told ns that the house was on fire. Everybody was excited. We boosted Adam Metzler up through the scuttle hole in the ceiling, handed him a bucket of water and a tin cup and told him to be careful to get the water on the fire. The fire was soon put out and Thomas Merriman and Philip Wince brought an iron kettle, made a fire and heated some water, then dug up the frozen ground and made mortar, with which they built a flue around the stovepipe. We went

"A few days later the school was again thrown into a state of excitement. A flock of wild turkeys crossed a fence a few feet from one of the windows of the schoolhouse. Roscoe Kaufman ran across the lli m ir and asked me to let him go home and tell his father about the turkeys. I let him go of course. Mr. Kaufman went after them, but did not get any, as some one had gone through the woods and turned the course of the birds."

In the early 'seventies the old "Red I ront" schoolhouse was replaced with a substantial frame building by Enos Goble, trustee, and S. G. and D. C. Robbins, contractors. This building- served the district until 1891, when it was vacated and a brick schoolhouse was built for the district and located one-fourth of a mile east and one mile north of the former location. This school is known as district No. 6, and Earl Mover is the teacher at the present time.

The school in district No. 7, in Washington township, is known as the "Catholic" school, as the schoolhouse is located across the road from the Catholic church and the greater portion of the patrons are of the Catholic faith. It is supplied with a substantial brick schoolhouse and Miss Maggie Ness is the teacher there at the present time.

The school in district No. X. in Washington township, had about the same experience in its earlv strug-gles as those in the other districts in the township. Some time in the 'sixties a frame schoolhouse was erected for the district, but the architect evidently did not lay his plans as well as did the one who designed the great Mormon temple at

Salt Lake City, as the building had not been that name called it "Tracy" schoolhouse. completed very long until it became badly The old "Sway-back" schoolhouse has

Jefferson township, located in the southeast corner of Whitley count}', is the youngest township in the county in regard to both organization and settlement. It is a regular government township of thirty-six sections and is bounded on the north by Union township, on the east by Aboite township in Allen county, on the south by Jackson township in Huntington county and on the west by \\ ashington township.

It may seem strange to the present generation that the first settlements in the county were made among the hills of the northern part, while the beautiful level land in Washington and Jefferson townships were left; but this is accounted for from the fact that at the time of the first settlements this part of the county presented a very forbidding appearance, a great part of it being covered by swamps and swales and the balance or higher portions were covered with a heavy growth of timber. Also at that time a great deal of the best land was held by speculators. Lot S. Eayless, of Allen count}-, Samuel Hanna, of Fort Wayne, .and Charles Lewi'-. "I Huntington, were among the large land owners of the township. Another reason why settlers avoided this part of the count} was that the "ague." the terrible disease of that period, was not so severe in its ravages among the hills as it was around the swamps of Washington and Jefferson townships.

The first permanent settler was Moses Fairchild. who was born in Fairfield count}'. Ohio. July 19, 1811. When a young man. he worked by the month until he had accumulated one hundred dollars, and in 1837 he joined the tide of western emigration and in his travels visited this part of Indiana and, being pleased with the appearance of the country, entered the west half of the southeast quarter of section 18, in what was afterward Jefferson township. He immediately returned to Ohio, where he remained one year, making money with which to begin life in the wilderness of Indiana. T11 September. 1838. he came west with his Family, which consisted of his wife and one child, which he left at Lot Bavless's, who was living in Allen county, near the line, until he could build a cabin for their reception. In order to reach his land he follow ed a road cut by William Plummer, who was located in the southern part of Union township, and from Mr. 1'lummer's he cut his vvav south to his land. Here, with the help of three men, he erected a rude cabin, sixteen by eighteen feet, into which light was admitted through one small window made by cutting a section from one of the logs. Into this shelter, with no floor or fire-place, he moved his family, and shortly after added a puncheon flour, a fire-place with a stick chimney, and a table made of split boards and fastened to the side of the building". At this time, two dim Indian trails were the nearest approach to a road in the township, and soon after his settlement he cut a road about seven miles eastdirection and say, "That is the way to go," strike right out and soon it would be proven that he was right. Only two of his children are living at this writing and both are residents of Jefferson township. They are Mrs. Mary Jane Brock, wife of Samuel Brock, and Solomon Fairchild, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest permanent resident of the township, having been a continuous resident since September, 1838.

Mr. Fairchild's wife. Eve, died August 13, 1850, leaving a family of six children, an infant dying soon after the mother's death and a daughter, Ann, dying some years later. The husband and father survived until June 3, 1879, when he died at the age of sixty-eight years ancfhis remains lie buried in Oak Grove cemetery, three miles southeast of Columbia City. Moses Fairchild was an eccentric character, with no book education, but was a shrewd business man. a successful farmer and acquired considerable property. He owned the first combined reaper and mowing machine in the vicinity. The writer well remembers seeing him on horseback, sowing oats broadcast, with a covering over his horse's head to keep the grain out of its ears. It was said that he could not be lost in the woods in the day time. When others became lost while in his company, he would point in a county line in section 24. on the farm now owned by Michael Oser. He erected a small cabin and cleared a few acres. If the meager accounts concerning him can be relied upon, he remained in the township only about one year. During his residence here, he lost a small child which was buried in Allen county and was perhaps the first death of a white person in the township.

Nathaniel Decker became a resident of Jefferson township abovrt the vear 1S40, and occupied the cabin vacated by Dunlap. He was a remarkable hunter and trapper and was known as "Hunter Decker," or "Blood}' Decker." When he killed a deer, he would throw it across his shoulder and carry it home; thus his clothes would nearly always be bloody, hence his name. "Bloody Decker." His rifle was an old-fashioned Hint lock, the barrel alone weighing" eighteen pounds, and one pound of lead made only twenty bullets for his gun. He was an expert bee hunter ami could look squarely at the sun and not wink an eye. He was a very tall man, and the stumps of the trees that he cut down were from twelve to sixteen inches higher than those cut by an ordinary man. He could stand erect and touch his knee-pans with the tips of his fingers. Air. Decker was a man of family and it is said that if a stranger approached his cabin in the summer time, the children would scatter to the woods like so many pheasants. Among the children were two girls named Alabama and Louisiana. Air. Decker and his family left Indiana in 1851. going to Illinois and afterward drifting to Missouri. It is said that during the war of the rebellion he and one son wore the gray, while two of his sons fought under the stars and stripes. Mr. Decker was an expert oarsman, and during the war he was hired to row some men across the Mississippi river. When he reached the opposite shore the wind was blowing so hard that he was afraid to undertake the return trip. He laid down in his boat to await the falling of the wind and being" very warm from rowing', took cold while asleep, which developed pneumonia from which he died.

While living in Jefferson township he and a brother, Levi Decker, who was staying with him at that time, cut down a large oak tree for bees. The tree in falling bent low n a hickory-elm tree until the top nearly touched the ground but it did not break it, and, becoming loose in swinging back, threw a large limb which struck Levi Decker" and killed him instantly. This happened in the winter time, when a big snow was on the ground, and Octavius Phelps hauled the body to the house on an ox sled. He was buried on a knoll somewhere on section 24, near the reserve line, but the place is now plowed over and no one knows the exact Spot where sleeps the unfortunate bee hunter.

The next on the list of Jefferson township pioneers is Patrick Clark, of Irish nativity, who settled on what was afterwards the Illinois road, in the spring of 1839. It is well known that since St. Patrick's Day frogs and snakes have been unknown in Ireland, and a little incident which this fact explains is related of Mr. Clark. When moving west after his arrival in this country, he passed a pond where a chorus of frogs were "singing," and he stopped to get "some of those young ducks," 'as he supposed them to be. He continued his efforts until a man came along and gave him a short lesson in natural history. A number of Mr. Clark's descendants still live in the vicinity where their ancestor first settled nearly seventy years ago.

It is to be regretted that the names and experiences of all of the old settlers cannot be given with greater accuracy and detail, but the following list contains the names, so far as obtainable, of those who settled in the township previous to its organization in the spring of 1845 : Moses Fairchild, Patrick Clark. Nathaniel Decker, Jonathan Chadeayne, Israel Poinsett, Anthony Poinsett, William Phelps, James Blee, Thomas Blee, William Blee, Latham Blee, Absalom Bayless, Thomas McGlaughlin, Robert Gage, Michael C. Crowel, Leonard S. Maring. Clement Deering, Henry C. Crowel. Chancy I Pulley, Benjamin F. Davis, John Chandler, John McTaggart. James Mc- Dorman, James Kincaid, Daniel Barcus, Hiram H. Clark and Robert S. Bell. As near as can be learned, the above named pioneers are now all dead, Henry C. Crowel being the la§t to pass over. Pie died in Fort Wayne, Indiana, January 14, 1906, in his ninetieth vear.

Jonathan Chadeayne was a blacksmith and erected the first forge in the township, which was located on section 34. Mr. Chadeayne afterward sold his property in the township and invested his all in a canal boat and a cargo of corn, but while on his way to Toledo with his load, the boat was sunk near that city and the corn lost. Soon after this, Mr. Chadeayne died in Toledo.

Anthony Poinsett was a noted hunter. He owned the northwest quarter of section 29, a portion of which he named the "Buck Patch." He had married in New Jersey, before coming to Indiana, but his wife had died and left a little daughter in the east. Mr. Poinsett made his home in Whitley county until the spring of 1884, when a niece came from the east and took him home with her.

William Phelps settled on the northeast quarter of section 25, in November, 1841. He emigrated from Franklin county, Ohio, ten miles north of Columbus, making the trip in a wagon in which he hauled his family and household goods and drove a number of cattle, hogs and sheep. Mr. Phelps afterward moved to Allen c ity, near Fort Wayne, where he diec He was the first road supervisor in Jeffe.son township and his district included the whole township. His son, Octavius Phelps, still resides in Jefferson township, on section 25, where he has lived continuously since 1841, except a short time that he resided in Allen county. He was born June 8, 1825, has taught school and been an honored and useful citizen.

1833. The brothers, James, John and William, lived for many years in a large brick house on their farm in section 2$. They never married and lived to be very old.

In the fall of 1843. a company of emigrants left Richmond county, Ohio, with ox teams, with the intention of making homes in the western wilderness. Their first stopping place in Indiana was at Anderson, in Madison county, and a part of the company spent the following winter at Marion, Grant county. Leonard S. Maring and his brother, Calvin, and two brothers-inlaw. Ira Jackson and Robert S. Bell, pushed northward to Huntington, where they were induced by Charles Lewis to visit some land that he had for sale in the southern part of Whitley county. Mr. Lewis accompanied them on their prospecting tour, and after looking at several tracts of land, they returned to Huntington, not very well pleased with the looks of Whitley county. However, after some further prospecting, they returned to Whitley county and each purchased land in what is now Washington and Jefferson townships. Mrs. Leonard S. Maring drove the oxen and wagon, while her husband and companions cut the road through the woods to their land. Mr. Maring erected a log cabin on the piece of land purchased by him, being a part of the southeast quarter of section 24, in Washington township, and moved into the same, January 1, 1844, in the meantime, camping out. sleeping in the covered wagon and cooking by a log heap. The vicinity was known for mam" years after as the "Maring's settlement," and is located about one mile south of the village of Forest. Several other families soon located here and in 1847 ^e set- tlement had increased to quite a colony. Mr. Maring soon disposed of his land to his brother Jacob, and purchased the west half of the northeast quarter of section 18, in Jefferson township, which was ever after his home and where he died February 22, 1892. Up to this time the township had not been organized for the transaction of business and at the presidential election of 1844 a number of the residents went to Washington township to cast their votes. In the spring of 1845 a number of the residents of the territory petitioned the board of county commissioners to organize the township for civil purposes, and when the petition was being circulated several names were suggested. Some proposed "Raccoon," in honor of Raccoon Village in the southeast corner of the township on the Wabash & Erie Canal ; others favored "Polk." as James K. Polk was then the newly elected President of the United States; Moses Fairchild, the first permanent settler of the township and who was a native of Fairfield countv, Ohio, wanted the township named "Fairfield." Chancy Hadley was the last to sign the petition and after writing his name, he wrote the words "Jefferson Township" on the outside of the paper. He and his family had recently moved from Jefferson township, Richland county, Ohio, and in remembrance of his old home he desired that the new township be called "Jefferson." When the petition was presented to the board of commissioners the name "Jefferson" was adopted, and it was ordered that "the citizens of said township meet at the dwellinghouse of Michael C. Crowel, in said township, 'in the first Monday in April, 1845, then and there to open and close an election according to law, and elect a justice of the peace and all township officers that the law requires; that Michael C. Crowel be inspector of said election and that they do their civil business under the name and style of Jefferson township."

Pursuant to the above order, ten voters met at Mr. Crowd's on Monday, April 7. 1845, and set running the political machinery of the township. Mr. Crowd's residence was on the northwest quarter of section 8, on the Illinois road. The ten voters, as nearly as can be learned, were : Michael C. Crowel, Henry C. Crowel, Moses Fairchild, Patrick Clark, Jonathan Chadeayne. Leonard S. Maring, Latham Blee, James Blee, Chancy Hadley and Robert S. Bell. For justice of the peace, Leonard S. Maring received nine votes and Jonathan Chadeayne one vote. Latham Blee was elected one of the board of trustees, but the names of the other officers elected could not be learned. Mr. Maring soon after filed his bond with Michael C. Crowel and Moses Fairchild as sureties thereon, and qualified as the first justice of the peace of Jefferson township and held the office three years : he was also a member of the township board of trustees from 1848 to 1851.

In 1844 Benjamin F. Davis and his brother-in-law, John Chandler, settled on the farm now known as the Samuel Braden farm, which is the southeast quarter of section 23. They erected a double log cabin, Davis occupying one room and Chandler the other. Mr. Davis and his wife were well educated, and here in the spring of 1845. in the room occupied by the family, Mrs. 1 >avis taught the first school in Jefferson township. She was paid by subscrip- tion and had a school of about seventeen small scholars. Mr. Davis came from Camden, Jay county, Indiana, where he had an interest in a nursery and it is said that he propagated the celebrated "Ben Davis" apple. Mr. Davis soon left Indiana and it is said he went to Arkansas, where he died.

Robert S. Bell was a successful hunter and during the early days of the settlement killed many deer and it is said that he killed the last one seen in the vicinity. This was killed during the winter of 1865-66, in Moses Stewart's corn field on the farm now owned by Dr. S. R. White in Washington township. Once the people of Maring's settlement were out of meat and Mr. Bell undertook to supply their wants. In the evening he and a companion made their way to a pond nearly a mile away where the deer often gathered and soon the report of a rifle told of his success. Soon it became quite dark and there was danger of the hunters getting lost unless they had some guidance. This was given by Mrs. Philip Maring. who blew a conch shell until the men came, one carrying a deer and the other the gun. Mr. Bell is the hero of a wolf story that is worth relating here. He was roaming through the woods one day with his gun when he found a hollow log in which he discovered some young wolves. At the risk of an attack from the old wolves. Mr. Bell crawled into the log and secured the young ones. The county offering a reward for wolf scalps at that time, he took them to Columbia City but was told that he must kill them before he could collect the bounty. This he did, but they were such innocent looking little creatures that to kill them Mr. Bell declared was about the hardest work he ever did. Mr. Bell claimed to have killed four hundred and eighty- four deer ; some of them, however, were killed in Ohio before he came to Indiana. He raised a family of eight children and the game killed by his trusty rifle was a great help in supplying their wants. Mr. Bell's home was the southwest quarter of section 30. which was his home until his death. January 18. 1878.

Absalom Bayless, who died in August, 1843. was among the very first of the pioneers to pass away. His remains were buried in a lot on the southeast corner of section 24, which was made a family burial ground and some tall evergreen trees mark the spot to-day.

Y\ hen the township was first settled, Indians were quite numerous and were frequent callers at the settlers' cabins. One of their trails passed near the cabin of Mr. Fairchild, where they frequently called to beg a little meal or salt, or to borrow a kettle to do their cooking. He always treated them kindly and in return they would sometimes bring him a piece of venison or some fish, and they sometimes stored their hides at his house until they were sold. Leonard S. Maring' related that at one time he had killed a deer which he had hung up near his cabin. He had a large dog which he left to watch the deer. Soon an Indian approached and Mr. Maring" had hard work to keep the dog from attacking the Indian, who stood his ground and kept saying: "Good dog. good dog." He evidently admired a dog that was so faithful to his trust.

Patrick Clark was not so friendly with the Indians, and regarded them as a worthless, good-for-nothing set for whom he had no use. Tliev would roam over his land with their dogs, cut down trees for bees and coon, which became very annoying to Mr. Clark. At cue time a band of Indians had camped in a deserted cabin on Clark's land and he concluded that the best way to get clear of them would be to tear down the cabin. Accordingly, he took his axe and commenced to demolish the building when forty Indians came out and slunk away in the woods. Mr. Clark's son, Thomas, afterward, in relating the incident, declared that he would not have done what his father did for all of Jefferson township.

The Indians that were here when the first settlers came, generally were harmless and were rarely known to steal, although their begging proclivities were equal to those of our modern gypsies.

In the earl}- days of the settlement the roads or trails were so obscure that they were easily lost and many a belated traveler has been obliged to camp out and build a fire to keep the wolves away. Moses Fairchild and Patrick Clark once attended a convention at Columbia City, where the excitement and enthusiasm were so great that it was near sun-down when tbev started for home and darkness was on them before they had gone many miles. When they separated to take different trails, it was not long before the;\- both became lost. Mr. Fairchild finally tied ln's horse to a tree, built a fire and lay down to wait for coming day, with the wolves bowling all around him. When daylight arrived and revealed his situation, he found himself near the edge of his own clearing.

turkeys, squirrels and other game that was brought down with the trusty rifle. Wild honey was in abundance and added a luxury to the homely fare, while maple syrup and sugar were depended upon not only to sup-- ply the sweets, but to exchange for clothing and other supplies for the family.

Going to market and to mill was no pleasant task in those early days, as the roads were but wagon tracks through the dense woods and the streams all had to be forded. The women and children were often left alone for days while the husbands and fathers were gone. Most of the settlers went to Fort Wayne for their milling and other supplies, and would often have to wait a day or two for their turn at the mill, and in coming home would sometimes be obliged to camp out two or three days until the subsidence of the swollen streams would allow them to cross. Sometimes they would plunge through with cattle partly swimming and wagon and grist completely under water.

F.xcepting the ague, the settlers generally had good health, but sometimes the children sickened and the anxious parents worried in the rude cabins until relieved by returning health or by death. If the latter, a father would sometimes be compelled to dig a grave in the woods for the body of his own child. Who can describe the burial scene when the parents are the only mourners? But these scenes were not numerous: for although the neighbors were few and widely scattered, in time of sickness or death there were willing hands to assist.

Sometimes, perhaps, a sturdy pioneer would be laid low by the falling of a giant oak. or by the accidental discharge of a gun. and some spot must be selected in which to bury the dead. A number of such places were marked in Jefferson township in early days which, sad to say, are unknown to-day, and where once a mound of fresh earth designated the sacred spot, now grass and grain are growing unmolested.

Three permanent cemeteries are in use in Jefferson township at the present time, an account of the beginning of which will perhaps be of interest here.

About 1850, Samuel Braden, who lived at that time on the southeast quarter of section 23, lost a small child which was buried near the southeast corner of said section, and soon after Air. Braden deeded to the public for a burying-ground about one acre of ground. A child of William M. Gillespie was the next to be buried there, and Airs. David Aker was the first adult person to be interred in the new cemetery. There are perhaps between two or three hundred graves in the place to-day and it is known as the "Broxon Cemetery." A large monument marks the grave of Samuel Braden, the donator of the ground, and there is also a nice monument at the grave of Andrew Scott, who was accidentally killed at z wolf hunt on February 1, 1854, an account of which will be found at another place in this history.

The body of Mrs. Albert Hatfield, mother of James M. Hatfield, of Huntington, has lain in this old cemetery for more than forty years, and a few feet from her grave is the grave of her mother, Jane Dyer, who was born in Virginia in 1784, and a few feet further away lies Sarah Jeffries, a half sister of Mrs. Hatfield, who was born on the first day of the nineteenth century. Jane Dver had a brother, Robert Buckles, who was a soldier in the arm}' of General Anthony Wayne in his campaign in 1793-4 against the forces of Little Turtle, when that great Indian chieftain was defeated and routed, but the life of Robert Buckles, given up on the banks of the Maumee, was a part of the price paid for that victory.