Clinton Township

Clinton Township

Inasmuch as the facts in this history of Clinton township are gathered only from the most reliable sources, and dates as to organization of township, biographical sketches, etc., carefully looked into, it were strange indeed if the items gathered together and blended and interwoven in this our historj' of a prosperous township and live, wide-awake people were not entirely, if nearly, free from error; and at the outset, for whatever merit these pages may possess, the writer thereof wishes to extend his thanks to the people of this township for the necessary information so kindly furnished, that they may there read, when the iiistory shall have attained massive proportions, a record of their lives as cast amid pioneer associations and worthy their manhood in the trying scenes of Western life. The township of Clinton, but a small spot indeed upon the surface of the globe, is yet fraught with interest to the sons and daughters of that agricultural class, who, through an energy born of the scenes in which they lived, have arisen from the obscurity of poverty to attiuence or to a position of independence in a financial view, at least.

From a careful search of the records and a personal interview in many cases, the township is found to be named by one of the earliest Elkhart county pioneers in 1S36, in honor of his son Clinton, now a practicing physician near Ligonier, Ind. The first election was held on the first Monday in August, 1836, and the following were the names of the voters at the time: Solomon Benner, Wm. Pearman, ^Ym. Carmien, Wilson McConnell, Enoch Bomer, Samuel Thomas, Jacob Baker, Isaac Biby, James Acton, Peter Mont, Martin Biles, Geo. Biles, Peter Biles, Wm. Denney, John Denney, George Zullinger and Col. Denney. The Board of Trustees consisted of Geo. Zullinger, Wilson McConnell, Peter Mont and Jacob Bockenover. The justice of the peace, we are informed, was Wilson McConnell. Elias Simpson, son of Wm. Simpson, was the first child born in the township. To the casual reader it might appear that the history of the townships would be in corresponding ratios to each other. The habits of the people difier but little. There was a social equality and depth of good- (692) will that cemented firmly the bonds of friendship between these people strngglino- for foothold upon the soil of the Hoosier State, and vet in some respects the history of one township would not be the history of another.

Inasmuch as one such history is replete with the soul-stirring incidents of the deer-hunter or the backwoodsman, wliose fields went by default while he knelt in the solitude of the forest upon the banks of some clear, rnnning stream and adjusted the traps that brought a small revenue from the fur catch usually made duiing the spring and autumn seasons, and thus while the broadshouldered yeoman of one township shouldered his gun in merry independence of the land that could have been obtained for a trifie, his neighbor, perhaps, of an adjoining township, with a keen eye to business, raised his lowly cabin, planted his first crop, cleared the mighty oak from his pathway and prepared for an advance in land and an era of prosperity in the future years; and others of like ilk, having no time for idleness or dissipation, emulated his example, and soon the smoke from a score of cabins floated out over the tree-tops, and the grand work of founding a township, a county and a State had fairly begun. Such were the men who settled within the borders of this township, whose lessons of economy in the old-time States of Pennsylvania and Ohio were not lost upon them here; and not many years elapsed before neat frame houses were seen in lieu of tlie cabin with its wide, unseemly rireplace and stick chimney. Yet it is not to be presumed that a community of any township allowed the pressure of business to interfere with all social pleasures. On the contrary, many a prosperous citizen farmer of this townsliip recalls, with fond recollections, the giddy mazes of the dance, the mirth-provoking husking-bees, cabin-raisings, shooting-matches and kindred sports, that made up the sum total of frontier happiness.

It may not be amiss here to relate one or more anecdotes of events at a time when the raili'oad found a resting place only upon Eastern soil, and the steamboat, unquestionably one of the great civilizers of this age, rode in triumph only the billows of the Hudson or Eastern waters.

Samuel Ulery is a true ty]3e of tlie pioneer, fond ot a joke, and a presiding genius on any and all occasions, a practical joker. He frequently called down the vials of wrath upon his youthful head, only to be turned into merriment the nest instant by the ludicrous aspect of the humorous joker and well-timed remarks. One day it was announced in the community that all hands were expected to bear a part in a log-rolling the following day. After a few preliminary remarks some dispersed to their homes, and those who did not were instructed by an excellent leader, Mr. Ulery, to finish the allotted task for the morrow by moonlight, and on its completion to proceed to the smoke-house of the individual, where all eatables were stored, and despoil the receptacle of such substantial articles as hung therein. lu due time this silent, self-appointed committee succeeded admirably in both designs, and the following morning were to all intent, innocent and amazed spectators of an empty larder, and an utterly non-plussed aad bewildered neighbor, whose astonishment knew no bounds at a prospective day's work accomplished.

"Wm. Pearman (deceased) was a well-remembered citizen of this township, and among the earliest settlers. During the days when the aborigines were still numerous, he frequently made long trips to mill. In the meantime his family awaited patiently his return, but the absentee, as it frequently happened, returned only after the lapse of days, and the family of the energetic pioneer dined upon a rude, but we will suppose invigorating, repast, in lieu of the meal or flour so farfetched. In imagination let us lift the latch-string of the cabin door, a harbinger of welcome alike to friend or stranger, and enter the humble abode where the family had gathered around a plain deal table to partake of their noon-day meal. Dishes or bowls, few in number, rest securely upon a snow-white table-cloth, tlieir contents plain, unadulterated hominy save the extra bowls of sweet fresh milk that formed a most delicious dessert for an otherwise decidedly limited bill of fare.

But as the years fled by and immigration quickly populated this township, the pastimes and hardships became emblems of the past, and handsome and substantial farm houses arose upon the site where formerly nestled an abode of far humbler pretentions. Churches were also erected by a now prosperous people; also school-houses, neatl}' painted and lavishly furnished within.

Twenty-three years ago the religious sect known as Amish worshiped in private dwellings, but shortly thereafter became enabled to build a house of worship. The first ministers were John Smiley, Chris. Plank and J. Troyer. Present pastors, Benjamin Slirock and Eli Miller. This church was rebuilt four years ago. Present membership, about 200.

Twenty years ago the religious community known as Dunkards, or German Baptists, worshiped during the summer season in i^artis. The first pastor was Jacob Berkey. Present membership in the comparatively new Church, about 200; cost of building, about $3,000. Elders, Levi H. Weaver, D. J. Hostettler, Isaac Berkey and Benjamin Stutzman.

The Lutheran Church, presided over by Eev. John B. Blakemore, is a decidedly handsome brick edifice, and the attendance is quite large. The number of inhabitants in the township is probably about 1,000, and there are few townships in the county, if any, where farming is more successfully carried on, or a more liberal spirit pervading its citizens.

There are few individuals now living within the corporate limits of Clinton township, or, indeed, the county of Elkhart, who have contributed more toward its prosperity and progress than Solomon Miller, who settled in this township iu 18i2, one year later locating on the site of what is now the fiuurisiiing city of Millersburg. During the winter of 1S55 he conceived the idea of a town that would answer the ]'>urpose of diverting trade from some of the country towns, as Bristol, Middlebury, Goshen, etc. He was at the time the owner of 1(30 acres, all of which is now comprised within the corporate limits of Millersburg, in the southwest quarter of section Si. Tlie town was platted by Mr. Miller, and surveyed by J. R. McCoi-d, wiio for many years was county surveyor. Streets were laid out and names given to them, as Walnut, Cook, Clinton and Jefferson.

James C. Miller, son of Solomon Miller (from whom this sketch is obtained), erected the first building, a small but neat frame dwelling-house, in what is termed the original town of Millersburg. Additions have been made by others as the town grew in importance. David Eld ridge built the second residence in the place, and the first store. He is described as a soznewhat eccentric genius, who opened out with a limited stock of dry-goods and groceries. On one occasion a customer wishing to purchase twenty yards of muslin was firmly but respectfully declined, on the plea of limited stock and an unwillingness to be the proprietor of an empty store. "Wm. A. Potter was the successor of the above gentleman in the mercantile line, and succeeded, transacting a somewhat lucrative business, and added somewhat to the appearance of their infant village by the erection of what might be termed au eight-square building, to which he afterward transferred his stock. The railway projected in 1S55, known a.- the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Air-Line, aud completed in lSo6, was the means of a large increase in population: and mechanics, business men and farmers became eager purchasers of town lots, some of which were sold by the fortunate owner for almost fabulous sums. Considerable building was carried forward prior to the war; but when armed treason had been trampled into the dnst by the loyal people of the North, when victory wore a garland of peace tliroughout the lengtli and breadth of the land, the now noticeable town had gained some commercial importance that caused a feeling of uneasiness to pervade the inkabitpnts of other inland towns whose birtii dated back a score of years or more previous. A temporary depot for the accommodation of the traveling public was built in 1837 or 185S, which served the purpose of freight and passenger traffic until 1878, when the present depot, constructed after a more modern style, became a source of creditable ]3ride to the worthy people of Millersbnrg.

From 1856 to 1860 the town boasted of but few inhabitants, and for four long, desolate years, from 1861 to 1865, the fruits of the war, as we have stated, cast a sliadow upon it; but from 1866 to 1S79 the people, aroused as it were from the ashes of inactivity, went to woi'k with renewed zeal, and the very air became musical with the ring of the hammer and the rasping sound of the saw in mechanical hands. ISTot only were new houses seen going up in all directions upon every street, but new store buildings began to go up, ultimately presided over Vjy men of force and standing in the community; and among those men we take especial pride in mentioning, besides those we have alluded to, Messrs. Hoffman & Davis, who built the store building now occupied by Mr. Pence, a leading drj'-goods merchant, and successor of Hoffman & Davis; Elhart Ells & Bowers can also be included in the list as dry-goods merciiants, and were gentlemen of unquestioned ability and decided energy. John U. Christener, deceased, opened out with a miscellaneous stock. Pie is described as a man of honor, thrift and uncommon energy, and succeeded well with the people with whom he cast his lot. He died some four years ago, and the business of the store is now successfully carried forward by the estimable widow of tlie deceased. Eli Wilson and Messrs. J. & J.

W. H. Kiblinger &Co. is a firm that commands the confidence of the people whose trade center is at Millersburg, and we accordingly speak of it. The firm is composed of father and son, though the junior member is senior in point of age. The origin of the business dates back to nine years ago, the firm style then being P. F. Kiblinger. "W. H. Kiblinger afterward became sole proprietor, and subsequently a In-other, J. W. Kiblinger, became a partner. Last fall he retired from the firm, and P. F. Kiblinger again became connected with the business, really in name alone, however, for he is interested in the introduction of a patent eaves-trough, and the management of the business naturally rests with his son, who is a business man by training and experience; was for three years bookkeeper in a large book and publishing house of Chicago, and since locating here he finds his time well occupied. The firm is the only one in the village which does a hardware, stove, tinware and agricultiiral implement trade. They have a well-stocked establishment, too. Mr. Kiblinger, Sr., is a native of Virginia, and 28 years ago located in Lagrange county, this State, from there removing here. "While not among the oldest residents of this immediate iocalit}', both father and son are to be spoken of as progressive business men, and so we make this mention.

W. T. Barnard is the only representative of the drug trade in Millersburg. Mr. Barnard has been a resident of the county for the past nine years; he is a native of jSTew York State and once before lived here, and seven years ago engaged in the grocery trade in this village. Continuing it as a specialty until three years ago he then added drugs to his other stock, and since then drugs and groceries have comprised his trade. Mr. Barnard has a good business, a business built up by fair dealing. He is well known to all who make Millersburg a purchasing point and our report upon the trade of the county naturally enough embraces him. Mr. Barnard is a middle-aged gentleman - a reporter's guess would place him at about "40." Pie is wide awake to his business interests, and it is to be hoped he will be comprised in our business circle these many years yet.

D. & H. Hockert constitute, we believe, the most recently organized firm in the village, they having established their present house last July. Neither of the gentlemen are strangers to this community, however, for they are, although young men, among the oldest residents of the county, iu fact they are natives. For the past ten years thev have been in. the mercantile business in Pleasantville, Iowa. The Messrs. Hockert are making a specialty of the drygoods and general merchandise trade.

The first physicians of the place were Wm. Chamberlain and Bartlett Larimer, who located about 185S. The minister was Wm. Bowmer, who settled about 1S50, and preached in the school-house, built in 1855. The first church was of Lutheran denomination, was commenced Aug 7, 1867, and dedicated one year later, Aug 18. Pastor, G. J. Biddle. A second church of the Presbyterians was built about this time, and of the two was the first organized. The German Reformed Church, or perhaps now more widely known as the "' American " Reformed Church, was brought to completion in 1S68. Pastor, Henry Bayr. Iu 1878 the present commodious school-house, superseding the frame, and rather classed as a " pioneer " school-house, was erected. In 1879 the first school-honse situated in town was destroyed by fire.

Miller's north addition to the town was made in about 1860, the eastern addition during tiie war. The town coiniirises about 80 acres, numbers about 500 ]3opulation, is very pleasantly situated at the extreme southern portion of Clinton township, and is a shipping town of considerable importance. Its leading professional and business men, not omitting the ministerial profession, are: Drs. Bartlett Larimer, S. B. Junkins, J. W. .Jennings and Dr. Witmer; Rev. Mr. Work, uastor of the Methodist Episcopal; of the Lutheran, Jabez Shaifer; Rev. Mr. Ziegler, of the Reformed; Presbyterian, no regular pastor; Roman Catholic, built during the present year and dedicated; no regular pastor to date. There are two grocerystores, three dry-goods stores, two drug stores, two hardware stores, one grist-mill, one saw-mill and planing-mill (the proprietor, Mr. L. W. Witmer, also attends to scroll work in connection with his other business enterprises); and two cooper shops.

The first postmaster was Wm. Brown, appointed by Buchanan; there have been several since then. In 1877 Mr. Miller became the postmaster, receiving his recognition as such from President Hayes. The first hotel was built by J. and J. Singler, occupied at first by Singler, then David Gross and Samuel Weyborn; the present occupant is .J. S. Vanhauten. Lawrence Konant built a hotel, now known as the " Union House."

Each one has lifted a hand that the tide of aliiaence might tend steadily upward and onward, and great honor rests upon them for their eiforts in the founding of a town, their extension and diffusion of knowledge, and liberal patronage of literary productions of merit. The town is quiet and orderly; few disorderly characters stain the records of its existence. The Constable is Ernest Long; Justice of the Peace, Wm. B. Paish.