Allen Township (part 2 of 2)

Paw Paw is another deserted village. N.G. Miller came trom Fayette county and settled on the present site of the village in 1839. Richard Miller was the first store keeper. J.D. Cox. who afterward became so prominent ia the county was a silent partner.

Dr. Jones was the first physician, and then followed tive or six others from time to time. Paw Paw at one time had a large blacksmith shop, a wagon shop and a cabinet-maker; two doctors, two general stores and twelve residences. N.G. Miller at present owns the plat. and has moved several old decaying houses away and used them for wood. If you were going through the place now your attention might be aroused to ask some one if that was once a town.

Pettysville is the name uf another small town. Ii is not an old, deserted village, but its star is growing brighter. The town was started by Daniel Petty, who built a store-room when the Eel River road, now the Detroit division of the Wabash, was completed in 1872. A. J. Petty was the merchant for a number of years. He built a large store-room in 1887 and filled it with a larze general stock. Three years ago he sold to L. A. Baber, who is the present owner. He is also postmaster, express and freight agent.

A town was platted a short distance east of Denver in 1853 by Benjamin Griffith, Michael Taylor, Eli Treestone and Thomas Jameson. The plat was called Anson and it was laid out for the purpose of securing the I. P. & ©. railroad. The proprietors failed in their proposed plans and the plat was subsequently deserted.

Chapter Xxix

T'HIS township is bounded on the north by the Wabash river, east by Wabash T county, south by Harrison township, and west by Washington township. The Mississinewa river enters the township on the east about three and a balf miles from the northern boundary line, flows a northwesterly course and enters the Wabash about a mile west of the western boundary line of Washington township. The southern part of the township is watered and drained by the tributaries of Big Pipe creek.

The broad valley in the fork of the river is level. On the south bank of the Mississinewa are high and rugged bluffs, back of which the surface is high and rolling and southward recedes into a low and level surface. The entire territory was originally covered with a dense forest of oak, beech, hickory, sugar, walnut and many other deciduous trees. In this vast forest was originally a dense, almost impenetrable underbrush. In the valley and on the lowlands of the south the demands of agriculture have cleared the larger part of this great forest, and the recent demand for building timber has culled from the groves on each farm all the best trees. On the cliffs whieh skirt the river valley, where it is difficult to get the timber, may be zeen some of the giant specimens which were the past glory of this forest.

Some of the most beautiful landscape sceneries of the Wabash valley are within the limits of Butler township. Standing on the high and rugged bluffs, one may look over a broad and fertile valley and see groves of trees, cultivated fields of grain, cattle grazing, orchards and residences. The ''seven pillars" are a ledge of rocks rising twenty to thirty feet perpendicular from the bed of the river. They are situated on the north bank of the Mississinewa about two miles from its mouth. 'Through the ages seven pillars have been carved from the lime rock by the corrosive elements, and between two of these pillars isa cave. Frequently a party of pleasure-seekers are seen upon the green above the cliffs with a well-filled basket and some books.

The First Settlers

Miamis. This was their happy huvting-ground. Here was their fatherland, and here many of their head men and warriors lie buried. Every hilltop, every shady glen, and every brook are the scenes of their legends and traditions. THE FIRST SETTLERS

Were a sturdy class of men and women, the majority of whom emigrated from Pennsylvania and Ohio. In th north end of the township was considerable canal land. and this was offered for sale some seven years before the reserve land. Thus the first settlements were made in the north part of the township. It is often quite uncertain who was the first settler of atownship. The prominence as the first settler of Butler has been conceded to Martin Wilhelm, whose history later was very unfavorable. He emigrated from Pennsylvania and settled, in the spring of 1839, just southeast of the present site of Peoria. After several years' residence he sold out to Isaac Litzenberger and moved a short distance west and settled on what is yet known as the ''Spec" Johnson farm. James and Thomas Clayton, Benjamin Barnes and Hugh Banks arrived later, the same year as Wilhelm. James Clayton diec some six years after he settled. Banks, after a short stay on his claim, moved to Wabash county. A number of years ago Barnes, a brother and two other men were drowned in the Wabash river while rafting logs Thomas Clayton was a resident of the township for a number of years, until his death.

The canal land was offered for sale in 1840, hence a fiood of immigrants poured in along the Wabash river. Prominent among those who arrived in 1840 were Isaac and John Litzenberger, James Beard and Moses Falk. Falk settled on the farm now owned by J. S. Thomas. He established a large trading post, where he sold goods and whisky to the Indians. The old settlers report that they have seen as many as twenty Indians lying dead drunk around the trading post. When the canal land was offered for sale in 1840 there were only six settlers in the township.

The prominent arrivals of 1841 were Joseph Votaw and Joseph Sullivan, both of whom recently passed to their long, long home, and their neighbors - that year were Isaac Deeters, William Parks and Rev. Joseph Davis. Early in 1842 Benjamin Hakn and three brothers settled near Peoria. Soon after their arrival a great number took up claims.

The Industries

THE INDUSTRIES Of the early days consisted principally in saw milling. The first saw mill of the township was built by Isaac and John Litzenberger in the spring of 1843 near the plat of Peoria. Later they attached a corn cracker, which, if ae all day, could grind about fifty bushels. The second saw mill was built at Santa Fe by Matthew Fennimore about the year 1845. In 1847 he built a grist mill a few yasds from the saw mill, where he 'did a lucrative business for some years. About eighteen years ago the grist mill burned down and was rebuilt at once. It has done custom work about all the time since then - run by water and steam power. The third saw mill of the township was built by J. S. oh as ri from - Hope church, about 1854, on land now owned by illiam Null. A short time i i i i an

About 1864 Barnes sold the machinery of his mill and it was moved away: Benjamin Hahn then built a mill about a half mile from the site of Barnes? old mill on Jand now owned by John Lavengood. Dr. John C. Helm, father of Dr. John H. Helm, of Peru, built a large grist mill at Peoria about 1850

About 1863 J. S. Thomas bought a half interest from William Rankins. Thomas was the principal operator of the mill until 1874, when it burned down. He had as partners from time to time Miller, Constant and Beamer. When the mill burned he and Beamer sold the seat to Joseph Stewart, who: rebuilt the mill.

The Religious History

Of the township is quite interesting. At a very early time, even before the pioneers of this county, French missionaries were among the Miamis teaching thm the arts of civilization and pointing them to a Savior. These Catholic missionaries made a lasting impression upon the hearts and minds of the red men. Early in the '40's Methodists and Baptists preached among the people. Pim-y-ot-e-mah, Brouillette and Beter Bondy were early converted to christianity by the Baptists, and each one strove to better their race by preaching and by precept. Some years ago the writer took dinner at the home of Pimy-ot-e-mah, a short time before- his death. The grand old man, before partaking of the food, asked a blessing in the Miami tongue. The softness and beauty of the language and the intonations of his voice were eloquent and impressive, though we could not understand a single word.

Just south of Peoria stands a weather-beaten frame church which tells quite a history. The father of James Hahn had saved about $500 and was going west to invest in Iowa land. But just a short time previous to the anticipated western journey Haha was converted by a denomination which called themselves the Church of God. He then became so enthusiastic that he gave up his western scheme and built a large frame church on the corner of his farm with his $500. This was about 1856. It was the first house of worship built in the north part of the township. For some years Hahn had great camp meetings on his place adjoining Peoria. He built great, long sheds for the horses and at his house fed a vast number of camp meeting people. He even -became so enthusiastic that he took to the pulpit himself. Between the '40's and °60's the Church of God was very prosperous, but then began to wane, and at present it has not a single adherent in the country. A number of years after the church was built, the church, as well as the farm, was sold to E. H. Shirk, who then sold it to H. Crull. The vld church was then about to be sold for the lumber that was in it, when the people of the neighborhood bought it and the land on which it stands. 'The deed to the property designates no particular denomination, but is owned by all who wish to worship there. After the sect which called themselves the Church of God failed to exists, the Methodists organized, but many years ago they, too, failed. Then the Christians held meetings in the old church for some time, and then the Baptists.

The Christian frame temple of worship in the southeast part of the towaship was built about thirty years ago. Previous to this they had an or- ganization which met in school-houses. Among the early preachers were Revs. H. Brown, McPherson, Blount, Clari: and Grissom. The original congregation consisted of Aaron York, William Keiser, Jefferson Adams, Jacob Fanaler, John Guthrie, William Reynolds, Lewis Elsroad, Adam Raymer and David Hartleroad. The church is still alive, but not as prosperous as formerly.

The Presbyterians early met in school-houses in the northwestern part of the township for divine services. In the fall of 1863 they commenced building a church on land donated by George McKinstry. The dedicatory sermon was preached by a Rev. Carnahan, Sept. 25, 1864. Rev. McCabe; @ Presbyterian minister of Peru, was the first one to preach that doctrine in Butler township. He preached for some time in the school-house and was the first principal mover in building the newchurch. Following McCabe was Rev. Milford, a colored student of Crawfordsville, who preached there one year betore the close of his college course. Following him were Revs. Everett, Thompson, Samuel Wykoff and Francis Flynn. After these there were no regular services. For some time Revs. Carnahan and Luce preached occasionally. About the year 1883 Rev. L. P. Marshall, of the Presbyterian church of Peru, was employed, and,through his efforts New Hope church prospered numerically and financially. The original members of the congregation were William P. Way, D. C. White and his father: George McKinstry, Josiah Hann, and Cunningham Cathcart.

About 1869 the Methodists built a house of worship at Santa Fe, but the church was not completed until 1871. The early preachers were Revs. Luellen, Pucket, Ramie, Hoback, Perry and John Albright, Wayman and Loving. The original member were Andy Woolpert, Ross Mowbray, James Dobinspec, James and Thomas Keyes, John and Abel Howes.

The Historical Incidents

Of Butier township have ever been interesting topics of conversation. The Wilhelm murder occurred about 1845. It seems that old Martin Wilhelm had a daughter to whom a young man by the name of Ullery wished to pay his. respects. 'The father forbade the young man ever to enter the house. The lover, however, continued his visits to the object of his affections. One evening the lover and his sweetheart, not permitted to court in the house, were strolling in the yard. This so aroused the father that he went out and shot the young man. 'The son, William Wilhelm, upon hearing the report, ran out. and fired his pistol in the air. They took young Ullery's body and tied it to the bottom of the Mississinewa river, just below the dam at Peoria. About two months after the murder a traveler was crossing the river on the old road near Edward Miller's farm. He was letting his horse drink when a corpse drifted against him. This was the body of Ulery. Both Martin Wilbelm and his son were sent to the penitentiary, but the latter had much the longer time to serve. The old man had served his term and was living on his farm, where «'Spec" Johnson later lived, when he died. While on his deathbed he con4 fessed the murder, and then his son was released from prison. When Johnson, who purchased the Wilhelm farm, was tearing down the old cabin he found a die for making counterfeit money.

In the year 1854 the settlement along the Wabash was aroused by an~ other bloody deed. A young man by the name of Kimball, from the east, was visiting some of his relatives here. As he and his friends were seated by thefire one evening, three drunken Indians went by whooping and yelling. Kimball took the gun and went out, sayiag ''I'll end that yelling." He shot the three Indians, killing two outright and wounding the third, who recovered. Drs. Morehead, White and Keiser held the postmortem examination. Jack Bondy and Monotonah were the two killed; Cotemongo recovered. Kimball was arrested and tried, but, to the surprise of all, was acquitted.

Que day in the spring of 1850 Caleb Faunce, who lived near Peoria, went to the little town. On the way he left his gun at a neighbor's. Ashe was standing along the river an Indian, who was an expert shot with the bow ana arrow, shot arrows about his head to scare him. The Indian followed him home shooting at him. When Faunce arrived where he had left his gun he shot the Indian. Faunce served one year iu the old log jail at Peru, and then was sentenced to two years in the state prison.

The Village Of Peoria

Is situated in the northeastern part of Butler township, on the south bank oft the Mississinewa. Isaac Litzenberger laid out the town in 1845. Joseph: Younce built the first house, and immediately after a blacksmith shop. Isaac: Litzenberger built the first store-room. After four years they sold out to William McClain. David Daniels, a Mr. Jamison, Alford Litzenberger, Noah Minnie and a Mr. Hollingsworth were early merchants. Dr. John C. Helm was the first practicing physician. Peoria was at one time quite a trading point, but it is now of very little importance.

Santa Fe, a little village, is situated in the extreme southern part-of the township. It was laid out in 1845 by a Mr. Fennimore. In 1846 it contained a saw mill, school-house and one hewed log-house. Nate Runyan was the second settler on the site of the town. Santa Fe was at one time a flourishing country village, but when the Pan Handle road was completed trade was drawn to villages.along that line and the growth of the place was checked. It now contains about 200 inhabitants.

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Chapter Xxx Early Pioneers

HIS township, named in honor of that illustrious orator and statesmun, Henry Clay, is situated in the south part of the county. It is six miles from north to south boundary lines and four miles from east to west, containing twenty-four square miles, 15,360 acres. The township is bounded 'on the north, east and west by Washington, Harrison and Deer Creek, respectively, and on the south by Howard county. Deer creek, with its numerous little tributaries, ramifying every part of the country, furnishes water for stock and also facilitates tile drainage. The surface is quite level and the soil is adeep, black loam. Until recently the surface was swampy, but by indefatigable toil and unceasing industry since the arrival of the first settlers the swamps have been tiled and now produce heavy crops of corn, oats, wheat and other grains, EARLY PIONEERS.

Clay was one of the last townships to be settled. Little more than fifty years ago it was covered with-a vast furest that knew notthe sound of civilized life. But many of the pioneers, like their busy toil, have ceased; others, gypsy-like. who kept on the westward margin of civilization, built their shelter for only a short while. Civilization was an embarrassment to them. There are very few of the plain, old-fashioned fathers left

Henry Daggy has been given the prominence as the first settler of Clav. He settled in 1844 on what is now known as the John Zody farm. It is said that Otis Fish arrived the same year and located in the northern part of the township. Each year Daggy and Fish received aeighbors until 1847, the year of the land sale, when nearly all the land was taken up and cleared rapidly.

Prominent among those who came prior to the land sale were John Smith, Abel House, Abraham Woolpert, Eli Butler, Benjamin Fisher, Wm. Biggs, Nathaniel Bunn, Caleb Adams, Morgan Williams, Lewis Hoover, Samuel Wiley, and Andrew Kerskadon. Among those who located in the township during

_ the years 1846 and °47 may be mentioned the following: 'Thomas Murden, John Roller, Samuel and Christian Lavengood, Cyrus Marquiss, Joseph Kessler, Samuel Workman, John Hoover, Wm. McClure, John Wilkinson, James Finney, Harrison Dixon, John Tracy, Benjamin Webb, Riley Martin, Morris Littlejohn and Isaac Mooney. Among those who came in 1848 '49 were John Clymer, Lewis Vandevender, Ebenezer Humrickhouse, Samuel Edwards, Jacob Beaver, Asel Griffy and Moses Ward.

On account of the heavy timber saw-milling had been carried on to a great extent until recently. The first saw mill of the township was built near where Waupecong is now by James Highland, who then owned the site of the town. At an early period there was a great many saw mills through the country. About twenty-five years ago an Indianapolis firm built a large saw mill where Frank Water now lives. They did an immense business, often sawing 15;000 feet of lumber per day. After several years they purchased nearly a section of land in the south part of the county and there built a mill, sawed out all the good timber and then sold the land. John Yoder and Absalom Miller started a saw mill at Waupecong about 1848. It had not run long until a corncracker was attached. They ground corn only on Saturdays. About 1858 the proprietors sold to C. Brobst. who run it only about five years when it burned "down, and never was rebuilt.

A grist mill was built at Waupecong early in the sixties by a stock company. In the latter part of the sixties the machinery was sold and moved away, and the frame was torn down. J. C Smucker, moved with same business enterprise, built a large grist mill in Waupecong about twenty years ago, and it too, failed. Henry Sams and the Kling Bros. have done a large saw mill business in the township in recent years. William L. Rhein built a large tile factory in 1878 in the north end of the township, where he did a large business

Early Religious History

The first church of the township was built by the Methodists in Waupecong. Bu: it failed about fourty years ago and the old frame has long sivce decayed and been torn down. About fifteen years ago Rev. John Evans revived the Methodists and they met in store rooms and at the homes of Joseph Mygrants and Mr. Maughmer until they were able to build a brick church at a cost. of $1,800. Their early ministers were Revs. Rice, Young, Field, Boise, Myers, and Zartman. The first members were Joseph Mygrants, G, C. Maughmer, Catharine Troyer and William Kling.

The Evangelical church was organized in 1858. They built a frame, but after six or seven years built just across the line in.Howard county and sold twenty-two years ago. The church was organized about 1854. They at first met at the residences of members, and afterwards at a school house. Rev. Eli Hoover and John Condo organized the congregation, and it has been in a very prosperous condition since. Rev. Hoover remained two years, then followed Revs. Fletcher, Thomas, Simons, Smith. Evans and his brother, Oler, Cox, Boise and Zartman. 'The United Brethren also have an organization at Waupecong.

The Progressive Dunkards have a large frame house of worship 1m the northern pari of the township. The church contains a large membership, many of whom are some of the most substantial farmers in the county.

The first marriage in the township was that of Lewis Reese to Catharive Love, solemnized in the fall of 1846. The same year William Love was married to Jemima Smith. Probably the first death in the township was that of Henry Daggy in the year 1845. In 1845 Naomi, wife of Andrew Woolpert, gave birth to a daughter - Martha Woolpert - who was the first white child born in the township. Bissel Phelps, father of A. J. Phelps, born in New York state in 1805, is the oldest man in the township, if not in the county.

Political History

Clay township was organized early in 1846 and the first election was held in April of that year at the residence of John Wilkinson. John Lucas was inspector and John Clymer, John Hicks and Simeon Farlow were elected trustees; William Biggs, justice of the peace, and Samuel Wiley, constable.

The records of Clay township show no meeting of the board of trustees for official business until April 29. 1853. The board consisted then of Abel Howes, president; James Tracy, librarian; John Simons, clerk. That seemed to be a meeting for the purpose of organization.

The second meeting was June 18, 1853, and was for the purpose of votirg a tax to continue the schools after the public money was exhausted. Twentynine votes were cast, twenty-seven against the tax and two for it. The third meeting was August 27, 1853 for the purpose of passing on petitions to open new roads; fourth meeting, September 10, 1853, for same purpose; fifth meeting, October 11, 1853 for same purpose; sixth meeting February 24, 1854. This meeting seemed to be for the purpose of settling all claims against the township. Here is all of the claims allowed: $9.00 for books, $9.00 for books to use in schools, $13.60 for stove for what is now known as the Bowland school house. This was the total expenditures. The seventh meeting was held April 3, 1854, for the purpose of settling with the school teachers. 'The following teachers was paid: G. F. Brown $20.00, A. J. Phelps $20.00, Able Howes $20.00, Isaac Harter $17.44. The eighth meeting held April 8, 1854, was to allow claims. A few small claims were allowed and the board voted $27.50 as payment in full for services as trustees for 1853. That included payment for the three. The nineth meeting was held September 23, 1854. They voted to buy a stove for school house No. 6, and passed on some road petitions. At the tenth meeting, October 26, 1854, they passed on road viewers work and at the eleventh meeting, February 28, 1855, settled with road supervisors.

The twelfth meeting, March 31, 1855, was held for the purpose of paying schoul' teachers the balance of ttheir-wages. The next session of the board was held. April 7, 1855, and a road tax was levied, fifteen cents on the one hundred dol. lars. They met again May 24, 1855, to arrange for opening new roads and settling small claims. The fifteenth meeting was held September 18, 1855, to a 'prove the report of road viewers and the next session was held February 28, 1856. This was the first meeting that the records speak of being held in Waupecong. The only business was to settle some claims and the next session March 15, 1856, was for the same purpose. The eighteenth meeting was April 7, 1856, at which was the first record of any election. The following officers were elected: Trustees, Harrison Dickson, A. Caple, Levi Clymer; justices of the peace, William Biggs and John Clymer; constables, John Roller and John Justice. John Roller is still living in Washington township.

The trustees prior to this election in 1856 were Able Hows, John Simons, James Tracy. Michael Kern, Benjamin Ballinger, A. Allis, Levi Clymer ani Levi Wibel. The three elected then were Harrison Dixson, A. Caple, Levi Clymer. The above list are the men that held the office of trustee from April, 1853, until April 4, 1859. The law thenchanged to electonly one. Cincinnatus Brandon was the first to be elected under that law. A. J. Phelps was first elected April 2, 1860, and served until April 6, 1863, when Wm. McConnol was elected and served until April 4, 1864, when John Cunningham was elected and served until his death. William Biggs as administrator attended to the business until A. J. Phelps was appointed, December 24, 1864. Mr. Phelps served until April, 1878. Jacob Schrock was then elected and served until 1882; Dr. A, F. Smith was then elected and served until April 15, 1886; Jown W. Jenkins was then elected and served until the first Monday in August, 1890, when Noah King took the office and served until the first Monday in August, 1895. John W. Jenkins was elected in the fall election of 1894 and took the office the first Monday in August, 1895.

Waupecong And Loree

Waupecong isa small village situated in the southern part of the township. It was founded about 1847 by Andrew Petty and was for some years known by the name of White Hall. Petty established a trading post and dealt considerably in lumber. Otto P. Webb, of Peru, operated the first trading house of the town of any importance. Dr. Morehead is said to have been the first practicing physician. The village contains thirty dwellings, about 150 inhabitants, one general store, one confectionery and notion store, one boot and shoe store, one saloon, one large saw mill and a large grist mill. The village is without a railroad and like all towns in a similar condition, it will, at no distant day, be deserted, its dwellings decayed and its site lost except to history.

'The little station of Loree is situated in the northern part of the township on the Panhandle. The switch was built in 1888 and the next year E. B. Bottorff opened the first store. The town at present contains a switch, postoffice, a saw mill run by Thomas & Smith, five or six dewelling houses and one ee C. > TegeEe - Bribes aitata ls (o's oil Bea ....October, 1876 Jacob Shrock ety hese aE i shiek, Berens . coe-April, - -1878 "6 £ ae enst eRe Mane eosbité Apri, 1880 Abraham: F. Smith "s Rett the MAY. DOME pas tid.deork. .oaApril, 1882 os Es Styw Bo'. Tape PUR Baga yO Rae Sc April, 1884 John W. Jenkins Oe 2). tdi lnm Asidhtiels, a Teugle ialceRls « . April, 1886 ce ss 66 ie ie opted ss AUER Pao. 0,' Wikio b's Sale wi oa) ¢ April, 1888 Noah W. King eprint) Sadat, rast oabinat as sas 2 April, 1890

Chapter Xxxl

ARRISON township is situated in the south part of the county. It is the H same size of the other three southern tier of townships. It is bounded on the west, north and east by Clay, Butler and Jackson townships respectively and on the south by Howard county. It was named as a tribute of honor to Wm. Henry Harrison. The surface is low and level and is drained and watered by Big Pipe and Deer creeks. The soil is mostly a deep black loam.

The township was organized in 1846. Later in the same year, the first election was held at the cabin of William Smith. Eighteen votes were cast. The officers elected were: Trustees, John Moorman and David Roe; justice of the peace, Soloman Hauk; constable, Able Hauk.

The first settler of the township was Wm. Smith who located in the spring of 1844. Among others who came prior to the organization were Imri Murden, Joshua Dixon, Joshua Tharp, Richard Crane, Jacob Stitt, Samuel. Spurgeon, William Burnett, James and Samuel Dryer and Eli Stitt, 'The sturdy pioneers of 1846 were Jesse Lee (still living where he settled), John Wilson, Levi Willis, Z..C. Smith, Solomon Hauk, Tilman Hall, Steven Reeves, William Wineburn, Jacob Miller,-Geo. C. Smith, Ensley Overman, Geo. Cooper and William Love. The sarrivals of 1847 and °48 were James Graham, Marshall Greathouse, Daniel Myers, Joshua Sullivan, G. W. Grosline, Joseph and Eli Overman and Charles Cox. Among those who came soon after 1848 may be mentioned :, Benjamin Shrock, Michael Gearhart, Abraham Hostetler, Abraham and Moses Hersberger. Christian Lavengood, Charles Springer, 'Edmon Lamb, Abraham Garver and Peter Reger.

The First Events

The first settlers were William Smith and Imri Murden, who settled in 1844. Two-years later the-first,election was-held-at Smith's cabin. The first school was taught in an old cabin' which William Smith hastily put up on his arrival. Perhaps the first regular preacher was W. L. Huffman, who afterwards became so favorably known throughout the county. The first death in the township was the wife of an old negro, whom the settlers called ''Black Bill." The first birth was a daughter of Imri and Rebecca Murden. Imri Murden was the first teacher of the township. The first marriage was that of William Love with a daughter of William Smith.

The Early Industries

of the township, with the exception of farming, have been almost exclusively limited to saw milling. The first saw mill was built on Pipe Creek, on the northern boundary line, by Matthew Fennimore. He soon after built a erist mill near. Av account of these mills are given in the history of Butler township. The second saw mill was built at Snow Hill by Jacob Miller. He soon sold to the Niccum brothers and built the third mill of the township at North Grove.

Henly Thomas at an early day started a tannery near the eastern boundary of the township and for some years did a lucrative businss. He sold to other parties who did not make it pay and soon abandoned the enterprise.

THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY dates from the arrival of the first few settlers. Some of the first religious services were held at the home of James Graham, who had built one of the largest log houses in the county. Divine services were early held at the cabin of Charles Cox. Revs. Richardson and John Leach were among the earliest pioneer preachers. The Methodists, United Brethren and Quakers each are well represented in the township.

A religious denomination known as the Omish Mennonite is very strong in this township. A full history of the church will be found under the general religious history, chapter 17, page 155.

. NORTH GROVE is a village of about 400 inhabitants, situated on the Pan Handle rail road, twelve miles south-east of Peru. John Parks about 1854 laid out the original plat of the viilage and called it Morefield. Some time after this William North made an addition to the town and changed the name to North Grove. Subsequently Abraham Color laid out an addition. Ephraim Clark, John Hartleroad and Abraham Color soon after the town was laid out, kept store in their dwellings. The latter however built the first store room. Abe See, Dr. Pence, now of Peru, and Dr. Hattery practiced medicine in the village before the war. Solomon Younce was the first blacksmith of the village. McGRAWSVILLE 'is a small village located a little north and east of North Grove on the Pan Handle. The town is on the Clay and Harrison township line. It was foundby Nelson McGraw, who built an 8x10 store room and offered goods for sat a couple of years before the completion of the Pan Handle. The town omen a posteffice and a switch. There is no elevator, but a great deal of grain is loaded directly on to the cars. D. F. Deisch is the proprietor of the only a deserted village formally located in the northeastern part of the township, was founded about 1850 by Jacob Miller and Elijah Lieurance. The first building on the site of the town was a saw mill, then was put up a blacksmith shop. Soon after a man by the name of Lawson opened a store and offered goods for sale. Subsequently Lawson met his death while on his way from Peru with a load of goods. While passing through the woods a falling limb from a tree struck him, killing him almost instantly. Parker Hollingsworth was the second merchant of the village. Dr. Sherewood was at one time @ resident physician. About 1860 Snow Hill was quite a trading peint. It then contained a saw mill, a blacksmith and cabinet shop, two good stores and one physician. When the Pan Handle road was completed which ran but a couple of miles from the village, and the upstart of Amboy and North Grove on this rail road was the death blow to Snow Hill. There now remains not the least evidence of a village. Its former site may be pointed out by some of the oldest residents.