Eel River Township

Location And Boundary

Eel River is the northwestern township of Allen County, and comprises Con¬ gressional Township 32 north, of Range 11 east. It is bounded on the north by Noble County, east by Perry Township,- south by Washington and Lake Town¬ ships, west by Whitley County, and has an area of 35.16 square miles.

Natural Features

The soil is clay, intermixed with sand, black loam and peat. It is watered by Eel River, which flows through the Southern part of the township ; Blue ( irass Creek, which has its source in the northwestern part, and flows south, joining Eel River near Heller's Corners ; and Willow Creek, which flows through the northeast corner, joining Cedar Creek in Perry Township.

The township was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, embracing iu its variety, white oak, burr oak, walnut, ash, beech, elm, poplar, hickory, etc.

Early Settlement

Ohio, settled on Section 32 - the present site of the Geeseking farm. Here they erected cabins and cleared small portions of land. They remained but a few years, finally removing farther west.

Adam Hull, Sr., from Shelby County, Ohio, came to the township in Decem¬ ber. 1830, and purchased the land of William Kellison, upon which there was a log cabin. The tract contained forty acres, and it was thought the cabin was within the boundary line of that farm; but when an accurate survey was made. Mr Hull found that he was living " beyond the lines," and accordingly purchased the forty-acre tract adjoining his own.

In June, 1835, John Valentine came from Ohio, and settled on Section 33, where his son, Jackson, now resides. The father resided in the township until his death : his wife survives him, and now lives on the old homestead with her son.

On the 6th of February, ^836, John 1*. Shoaff came from Miami County, Ohio, . and settled on Section 13, where he still resides. A few weeks subsequent to his arrival. F. C. Fiei-man, Samuel Hillegass, Samuel Shryock, Benjamin Mason, Joseph Join s, William F. Moonej, Henry B osier and Samuel Kniss, settled- in the eastern part of the township. In September of the same year, Abram Taylor, from ( uyahoga County, Ohio, settled on Section 29, where he resided until death*

The farm is now owned by his son, John M. Taylor, the present Treasurer of Allen County. Later in the same year (1836), George Greenwell and William Anderson settled in the eastern part of the township.

Early Events

The First Roach - In 1834, Adam Hull, assisted by some neighbors, cut a road from Heller's Corners to the east line of the township. It was never " viewed," and was located at random, and later surveys have caused its course to be so often changed that few traces of it now remain.

The First Death. - Late in the fall of 1832, a stranger, traveling on foot, sought the house of Adam Hull, and asked for lodging and food. He was taken in, and, during the night, he arose from his bed and walked toward the door, where he was seized with convulsions and died the next morning.

A few weeks subsequently, a family of emigrants by the name of Fosdick, stopped for the night with Mr. Hull, and it was ascertained that several of their childreu were suffering with scarlet fever. During the night, one child died, and, two days later, was followed by another. These children and the stranger pre¬ viously alluded to, were buried on the south side of Eel River, in ground which was. afterward consecrated for cemetery purposes.

The First Marriage. - About Christmas season, 1833, Squire Du Bois was called from Fort Wayne to perform the ceremony of uniting two young hearts in the sacred ties of matrimony. The wedding took place at the residence of Adam Hull, his daughter Barbara and Isaac Tibbots being the contractingparties.

The First School was taught in a cabin erected for that purpose in 1837, on the farm now owned by John R. Mayo. It was built almost entirely of hick- 017 l°"s> and fr°m this ^act received the appellatiou of the " Hickory Schoolhouse.'* Among its surviving scljplars are Thomas and William McKee, John M. TayW and his sister, Mrs. Altlra Hull.

The First Bla clcsmith - Shop was conducted by Henry Bosler, who started the fires of his forge soon after his arrival in the township (1836).

The First Saw- Mill was erected by Smith & Diffenderfer, in 1852. It was situated on the bank of Eel River, from which it received its motive power. The general desire for better residences than the log houses created a demand for sawed lumber, and the mill proved a profitable investment to its proprietors. It was j operated successfully for a number of years, but was finally suffered to go to decay, i

In 1855, Peter Heller erected a steam grist-mill near the saw-mill of Smith | & Diffenderfer. He operated it successfully for several years, when it was destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt.

The First Post. Office was established in 1834, and Adam Hull appointed Postmaster. He held the position until his death, which occurred September 1, 1837. Peter Heller was appointed his successor, and removed the office to his own house, when it received the name of Heller's Corner Post Office. In 1862, the office was removed to Wesley Chapel.

The First Election was held in 1836. Adam Hull and Mr. Bond were candidates for the office of Justice of the Peace, and the votes in favor of each candidate were found, when counted, to be equal in number. To spare the expense consequent upon another election, the candidates mutually agreed that the ballots should be placed in a hat, and the Judge be requested to draw one ticket from the number, the name it bore to indicate the successful competitor. The ticket was drawn accordingly, and the name it bore was that of Adam Hull, who was duly qualified as the first Justice of the Peace in the township.

Methodist Episcopal. - In the winter of 1837 and 1838, a class was organ¬ ized at the house of John McKee, with ten members. John Bennett was appointed Class-Leader. They then had no Pastor, but were visited occasionally by Rev. James Ross, by whom services were conducted. In 1843, they erected a hewed-log house opposite the present site of Wesley Chapel, and consecrated it as a house of worship ; and, from that date, they received the visitation of a Pastor every alternate Sunday. The congregation increased, and, in 1865, they erected' a frame church at Johnston & McKee's Corners. The building is 4(),\00 feet, and cost $2,500. It was dedicated by S. N. Campbell, February 18. 1866. The present membership is eighty. Rev. D. P. Hartman is the present Pastor. The Church officers are as follows: A. W. Robinson and S. K. Waterson, Stew¬ ards; Henry Dice, Israel Hollopeter and S. K. Waterson, Class-Leaders.

Baptist. - The Baptist Church in this township was organized by Elder Wedge, on the 21st day of December, 1844. At the first regular meeting, January 25, 1845, Appleton Rich was chosen Deacon, and John Ross, Clerk. On the 16th day of May, 1846, Rev. A. S. Bingham was chosen Pastor, and stood in that relation until ill health and the infirmities of age compelled his resignation - a period of more than twenty-five years. He died in June, 1876. April 15, 1848, John Ross, Jacob Diffenderfer and Sampson Jackson were elected the first Trustees of the Church, and. three days later, Jacob Diffendarfer, Appleton Rich and John J. Savage were elected as a building committee. In 1850, a frame house of worship was erected near Heller's Corners, and dedicated on the 28th day of September of the same year. The building was 21x30 feet, and cost $600. In 1878, the congregation built a substantial brick edifice, adjacent to the old building. The present church is 38x58 feet, and was built at a cost of $4,400. It was dedicated August 25, 1878, by Rev. Rider. Connected with the Church is a well-organized Sunday school, having more than a hundred scholars enrolled. Charles Lipcs is the present Superintendent.

German Baptist. - In 1874, twenty-eight members of this denomination withdrew from the Cedar Creek Church, for the purpose of organizing in Eel River Township. Jeremiah Gump was chosen Pastor, and still serves in that capacity. In 1875, they built a frame church, 36x50 feet, on Section 9, at a cost of $1,500. The number of members at present is fifty. Cyrus Williams, William Rinehold, George Bosler, and Nathan Johnson, Deacons.

Wesleyan Methodist. - The Wesleyan Methodist Church in this township was constituted by those who were formerly attached to the United Brethren Church. The latter denomination organized in 1853, with a class of ten members, atid moved harmoniously for a number of years. In 1860, they erected a frame church in the west part of the township, at a cost of $700. Here they held reg¬ ular services, and their membership increased until 1874; then a number of their members embraced the doctrine of sanctification, but were unable to secure the sympathy or co-operation of their Pastor. The majority of the congregation embraced the doctrine, and the position taken by the pastor caused a disaffection, i which grew until the members who held those views withdrew, and organized the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Soon after this, meetings at the United Brethren Church were discontinued, and the organization ceased to exist.

On the 10th day of May, 1878, the Wesleyan Methodists purchased the church building from the Trustees of the old organization, paying them $200. The new organization now has ten members. William Kennedy, Pastor ; William McCormick, Class-Leader and Steward.

Church of God. - In February, 1875, a Church of this denomination wa3 organized at Potter's Station, with ten constituent members. Rev. John Parker was the first Pastor; L. Bowman, Elder; Elam Disler, Deacon. In the spring of 1876, they built a house of worship, 40x52 feet, at a cost of $1,360. It was dedicated May 12, 1876, by Rev. Mrs. McCauley, and christened " Ari Chapel." The present number of members is fifteen. Rev. Ober is the present Pastor ; Elam Disler, Elder, and L. Bowman, Deacon. Mr. Bowman is also Superinten¬ dent of the Sunday school, which has an enrollment of fifty scholars. .

Conclusion

This township stands highly as a productive locality, and has a history - civil and military - which will compare favorably with any region of the county, and I of which her citizens may justly be proud. Hon. John P. Shoaff was elected : Justice of the Peace in 1837, Trustee in 1842, and Representative in the State I Legislature in 1862, and was re-elected in 1864 and 1866.

John M. Taylor, a resident of this township, was the successful candidate for Treasurer of Allen County at the last election, and is now serving in that capacity.

During the late war, this township furnished a full quota of soldiers - twice clearing herself from a draft ; and at one time, it is said, scarcely a man of mili¬ tary age remained in the township.

Mrs. Susannah Valentine

This aged lady, who was one among the very earliest settlers in this county, came here when the country that now is dotted over with churches and schoolhouses, that is traversed in all directions with railroads and turnpikes, and whose surface is covered with splendid farms, was a vast wilderness, inhabited mostly by Indians and wild beasts.

When she was quite young, her parents removed to what is now Fairfield County, Ohio, and were among the pioneers that first settled in that part of Ohio.

In 1820, she was united in marriage with John Valentine, and they soon after moved on to a tract of wild land that he had purchased, and went to work to make a home for themselves and their children. They remained there until i in June, 1833, when they sold their farm and, loading their household goods in a wagon, came to Allen County, to start anew in the struggle for fortune.

He purchased a tract of land in Eel Rive r Township, consisting of 227 acres, and, with stout hearts and willing hands, in a' few years had a comfortable home, and were surrounded with the comforts of life.

In 1868, the partner of her youthful days was removed from earth, leaving her to mourn his temporal loss, but in hopes of an eternal re-union hereafter.

She was brought up within the pale of the Lutheran Church ; but owing to the fact that there were no facilities for attending the church of that denomina¬ tion, in 1858, she became affiliated with the Christian or Campbellite Church, of which Church she has since been a consistent member.

Jackson Valentine

son of John and Susannah Valentine, was born October 15, 1824, in Franklin County, Ohio. He was early trained to habits of industry, and he learned his lesson well. His opportunities for acquiring an education when young were limited to the country schools, which at that time had not attained their present standard of excellence, and his education was consequently rudimentary only.

His father was a firmer, owning the farm on which he lived, and which he sold in 1833, and in June of that year took his family and removed to Allen County.

* Soon after his arrival, he purchased the tract of land which his sou Jackson now owns, consi-ting of 227 acres of excellent land in Eel River Township, and commenced to clear it of its heavy growth of timber, in order to make a comfort¬ able home. Jackson remained at home, assisting his father in his labors on the farm, until January 6, 1850, when he was united in marriage with Miss Char¬ lotte Greenawalt, of this county.

Their union was blessed with throe childreen, only one of whom (a son)'is still living. She departed this life May 18, 1876, deeply mourned by all who knew her.

Soon after their marriage, he purchased a tract of land, consisting of 124 acres, in Lake Township, on which he lived until the latter part of 1859, at which time he purchased the old homestead of his father, and moved on to it, and where he now lives.

It is a splendid farm - 160 acres of the laud is in a fine state of cultivation, and is very productive. On May 19, 1S78, he was married the second time, taking Mrs. Maria Jones, an estimable widow lady, for his partner through the journey of life.

Mr. Valentine has been a member of the Christian, or Campbellite Church, for nearly twenty years. He is a plain, industrious, upright man, and a good citizen.

David H. Lipes

was born in Botetourt County, Va., July 12, 1811. His father was a well-to-do farmer and his children were trained to habit? of industry. Advantages for gain¬ ing an education were not as favorable when he was young as they are to-day, but the opportunities he had were well improved.

He remained at home till he was twenty-two years of age, when he pur¬ chased a farm and moved on to it. He had been united in marriage, on the 25th of October, 1832, with Miss Margaret N. Thrasher, who was also a native of Botetourt County.

They lived and prospered on their farm until the summer of 1850, when they sold their possessions in Virginia, and loaded their househuld goods and little family into wagons and started for Indiana, arriving in Allen County on the 23d of September Shortly thereafter, he purchased a farm in Marion Township, which was partially improved. Remaining there until in August, 1861, he pur¬ chased and moved on to the farm on which he now lives. It originally consisted of 214 acres, to which he has added uutil it now embraces 365 acres of splendid land. He is now the owner of 755 acres of land in this county. He has always been a straightforward, upright, successful business man, and has secured a competence of this world's goods with which to support his declining years.

Politically, Mr. Lipes is a Democrat, and, although never an active politician, is always decided in his views. He was elected Trustee of Marion Township in 1S54. which office he held continuously until 1861, or seven years, and, in 1862, he was elected County Commissioner and re-elected in 1866, serving in that official capacity seven years consecutively, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and with honor to himself.

Mr. Lipes, though well advanced in years, having nearly reached the allotted " three-score and ten," is still hale and vigorous, and, surrounded by friends that esteem him for the kindly qualities he possesses and respected by all that know him, his remaining years will doubtless be passed in comfort and social harmony, as the blessed harvest of seed sown in earlier years by a'diligent, faithful servant, who is now justly reaping liis reward in his venerable old age.

Arthur T. Sturgeon

was born April 7, 1838, in Ross County, Ohio. His parents were respect¬ able. thrifty farmers, and their children were brought up to follow in their foot¬ steps. Arthur T. had all the opportunities that, were afforded by the public schools to acquire an education, and they were well improved.

He remained at home assisting his father in the labor and management of f his farm, when he was not attending school, until he was twenty-one years of age.

In 1859, he visited Allen County, and while here met Miss Mary M* Lipes, only daughter of David H. Lipes, Esq., of Eel River Township, one of the oldest and 1 best-known citizens of the county, and on the 12th of January, 1860, they were united in marriage, shortly after returning to Ohio. About one year after, they returned to this county and commenced the battle of life in earnest, and with such success, that, in 1871, he was able to purchase the .beautiful farm on which h ' now resides, in Eel River Township. An idea of the beauty of the farm and the loveliness of his home can bj gathered from the view of it to be found in this vol¬ ume.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Sturgeon has been blessed with two children, one son who bids fair to vie with his father in industry and thrift, and a dau<*h- i ter who emulates the graces and virtues of her mother, and to her other accom- ! plishments adds that of being a splendid musician.

Mr. Sturgeon is a Democrat in political belief, but has never taken an I aptive part in politics, preferring to see the principles of his party carried out by j others, while he attends to the business of his farm.

He has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church for about six years, ' and is always, not only willing, but ready and anxious to assist in everything that has a tendency to improve, either morally or intellectually, those around him.

battle of Chickamauga. At this time, they were in Gen. Baird's division, Four¬ teenth Army Corps, under Maj. Gen. Thomas.- Up to and including the second day ill this famous battle - September 20, 1863 - whether in camp, on the march, or lacing the deadly missiles of the enemy, young Johnston could ever be found present with his company and command, faithful and true to his trust. But. unfortunately, on that Sabbath evening, even after the contest had virtually ceased, he was captured. And now, an unwilling prisoner of war, with a myriad of others, he was hastened off to Richmond, Ya., to be there lodged in the Pem¬ berton Building. Here, eonfiped for about six weeks, he was removed to Dan ydle, of the same State. Thinly clad, deprived even of clothing sent them fur issue by the United States Government; sparingly fed, on miserable food, and allowed no fire through th^fc long winter; snow, at one time, for three days, bein'* many inches deep on level, and including the extreme cold of that memorable New Years - here he was kept to suffer, from November, 1863, till May, 1864. With his fellow-sufferers, he was then removed again, this time to Andersonville that, prison so famous for his horrors. Here, in common with the general rule, a victim of the most painful privation and exposure, he was detained until Sep¬ tember, 1864. To Charleston, S. C., they were next removed, and, after a stay there of about six weeks, were still again transferred to Florence, also of South Carolina. While here, about the middle of December, 1864, they received the joyful news of relief. Wesley, with a large number of his prison comrades, had been " exchanged."

Reaching the sea coast, then, in the hands of the "boys in blue," they hailed the " old flag" once more, with shouts of gladness and with hearts of joy ! At Annapolis, Md., a new outfit of clothing and other necessaries were provided, and, from here, Wesley received a furlough to come home.

His furlough twice extended, he finally returned to Annapolis, and on the 31st of March, 1865, was discharged. But he was now a mere walkin'* skele¬ ton ; his weight was reduced to about one hundred pounds. Followin'* his final return home, he had a long sickness, necessarily caused by his hardships, expos¬ ures and privations, during about fifteen months of prison life. For a longtime, his restoration was almost dispaired of. H pwever, Providence decreid it ot bit¬ wise. In a measure, he was finally restored'to health, and is still alive to narrate the scenes of cruelty and suffering, to which prison life had' made him a victim On the 5th day of October, 1865, he wedded Miss Martha McKee, daughter of John and Mary McKee, of Eel River Township - her mother was a "widow, however, at the time. -

Their union has been blessed with four children - Luther H., Charles L., James and Clara May. In the accumulation of property, they have prospered liberally. They now have a farm of 1U3 acres, having occupied it siuce 1 872, and possess with it a comfortable, happy home. Botli Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1859.

He is an enterprising farmer; has already taken steps toward breeding an tmpioved grade of cattle, sheep and hogs, and intends a continuance of improve ment as fast as circumstances will permit. He is a friend to education, a sup¬ porter and advocate of good schools, and, as far as able, ever stands ready to aid in advancing general improvements for his county. Peaceable, temperate, 'kind to Ins family and industrious ; better, by far, would our communities be, could we have a greater number of citizens like Wesley Johnston.

Wesley Johnston

son of Joseph and Martha Johnston, was born in Eel River Township, Aller County, March 23, 1842. His father was born February 15, 1802, in the Stat( of New Jersey, while his mother (formerly Miss Martha Opdyke) was bort December 18, 1811. Joseph Johnston (father to Wesley), in 1822, removec to Greene Co., Ohio, where he married Martha Opdyke February 14, 1825. Ir 1835. they emigrated to what was then the wilds of Allen County, Ind., settling or the land still owned and occupied by Mrs. Johnston, in Eel River Township Braving the hardships and perils that overshadow the pioneer s pathway, with Strong hands and fearless hearts, they made headway rapidly toward fitting up a home for themselves. Enduring toil and privation fur many years, they finally acquired 360 acres of excellent land, a home, surrounded with comforts and with plenty. Respected by all who knew him, this noble pioneer departed this life June 29, 1869, leaving the venerable partner of his toils and hardships, his toys and sorrows, to mourn his loss. Mrs. Johnston, now nearly " three-score and ten," looks back to a long life well spent.

The career of young Wesley ran along about in the channel of other youn«* men of his rude opportunities, up to the period of the late rebellion. He was attending the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne. The sprint term of that institution closing in June, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier on the 27th day of July following, at Fort Wayne, to join the Nineteenth Regiment, U S Infantry, then being recruited in this city, by Lieut. Stanberry. Two days after enlisting, he was sent to Indianapolis and assigned to Capt. Gillman's company (A). At that particular time, there were no volunteers being recruited in Allen County, the cause of his having enlisted in the regular army. Wesley was impatient of delay, fearing the war might terminate ere he could take a part In September 1861, his company, being full and ready for field service, reported for duty to Maj. Gen. Anderson, commanding in Kentucky, with headquarters at Louisville, ihey continued with this command, participating in the terrible battle of Pittsburg Landing; in the long retreat back through Tennessee and Kentucky ; in the hotly contested fight at Perry ville; thence on, after the name was changed to the Army of the Cumberland, under Maj. Gen. Rosecrans ; in .the battle of Stone River, the skirmish at Tullahoma, and finally in the great was born August 15, 1832, in Cumberland County, Penn. His father, Capt. John Heffel finger, and his mother - before marriage, Miss Elizabeth George - were also natives of that county. The public schools of the Keystone State, at that period, were the means of education in youth for young Jerry, and it is said that he improved his opportunities.

Reaching his sixteenth year, or in the spring of 1848, he, with his parents, came to Allen County. They settled on the farm owned at this time by William J. Mayo, Esq., of Eel River Township, which they proceeded at once to improve. The five succeeding years, nearly, he employed alternately at labor on the farm for his father, and in attending school. Passing the age of twenty, he went forth from the home circle, to institute his own career in life. Thenceforward, seven successive years afforded a school of varied experience in a number of dif¬ ferent States. Finding no place, to him, possessing more charms than Eel River Township, at the age of twenty-seven, he returned to the old homestead, and again engaged in farming.

Thus pursuing about one year, on September 13, I860, he married Miss Margaret Slagel, oldest daughter of George W. Slagel, Esq., a pioneer of the mer. he purchased a tract of fifty acres of timber-land, taking possession to the fall of 1861. This he proceeded to clear and convert into a farm. Durin«* the winter following, he deadened and prepared six acres for corn; underbrushin<* twelve acres beside. But emotions of patriotism responded to the voice of his country, in calling to aid in the war against rebellion. He left his little crop of corn still verdant in the field, bade adieu to his young wife, aud on August 5 1862, enlisted as a soldier in Company E, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war, the same being organized at Camp Allen, near Fort Wayne. At its organization', he was appointed one of the Ser¬ geants of Ins company. August 29, his regiment was ordered to Louisville, to the front. Sergeant Heffelfinger Was with his company and regiment at the battles of l erryville and Stone River; in the skirmish at Duck River and at the terrible conflict at Chickamauga. At Stone River, he narrowly escaped a severe

Source changes here: from Valley of the Upper Maumee River, with Historical Account of Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, published 1889; 1,895 words in this source stream.

Eel River Township

This township, so-called from the stream which drains it, received its first settlers in 1828, when William Kellison and his brother, from Darke county, Ohio, settled on section 32. They erected small cabins and made a deadening, and then in 1830, sold out to Adam Hull, sr., and went on westward. Mr. Hull was well-known throughout the county, and in the many rough and tumble encounters which gave zest to days in town, generally held his own. He built the first bridge over Eel river, at his own expense, and estabhshed a private toll to which travelers sometimes unreasonably demurred. For several years his was the only cabin in the neighborhood, and was the stopping place of many immigrants going through. In the fall of 1832, one stranger, who was traveling on foot, shared the cabin over night, but being taken sick died the next morning. A few weeks afterward a family stopped, and the children being sick with scarlet fever, two of them died here, and their bodies, with that of the stranger, were the first to be laid in the old grave3'-ard south of Eel river. Such instances as these, though very briefly narrated, reveal much of the hardships of the lives of those who were making new homes in the wilderness. In 1834, Mr. Hull was appointed postmaster, there being a considerable settlement by that time on the Goshen road, to the south. He held the place until his death, September i, 4838. About 1833, Peter Heller settled, and his name is perpetuated as the title of the neighborhood and postoffice. Heller's Corners. In 1834 ^^''- Hull, aided by his neighbors, cut a road from that neighborhood to the east line of the township, which was the first highway. In this year, Joseph and John R. Johnston settled on sections 21 and 28, and on June 11, John Valentine, from Ohio, as were all these early settlers, made his home on section 33. In the spring of 1836 there was a considerable settlement made in the east, in the direction of the Lima road, including John P. Shoaff, from Miami county, Ohio, who settled on section 13, and became justice, trustee, and from 1862 to t868, representative in the general assembly. Others who came at that date were F. C. Freeman, Samuel Hillegass, Benjamin Mason, Joseph Jones, Henry Bossier who established the pioneer smith}^ and Samuel Kniss. In April of this year the first election was held, and the result was as to justice, for which Messrs. Hull and Bond were candidates, a tie. The judge decided the matter by drawing one of the ballots from the hat, and Mr. Hull so won the election. Later, in 1836, Abram Ta3"lor came from Cu3-ahoga county, Ohio, to the Hull neighborhood, and William Anderson settled in the east. In 1837 William F. Mooney and Uriah Chase settled, and between 1837 and 1840, came R. D. Baird, Solomon Bennett, John Bennett, Caleb Bennett, John McKee, John Hathaway, Mr. Schilling, John R. Mayo, on whose land the first " Hickory school-house " was built and used in 1837, and WiUiam Madden. In 1838, Joseph Jones opened a store at his house, on what was afterward known as the Charles Hanna farm. In 1852, Smith & Diffenderfer established a saw-mill on Eel river, and for a number of years supplied lumber for the houses built about that time to replace the log cabins, but it finally went to decay. Near it a steam grist-mill was built by Peter Heller, in 1855, and he operated it successfully until it was destroyed by fire. Mr. Heller had in 1837, succeeded to the postmastership, and the .oflice was afterward called Heller's Corners. In October, 1835, Asa Miller laid out on his land in the southwest corner of section 32, and an adjoining portion of Lake township, the village of " Kraco," the main street of which was 132 feet wide. A circular tract in the center was reserved as " Miller's Park." The town did not materialize.

The first school was taught in a cabin erected for that purpose in 1837, which as it wjis built almost entirely of hickory logs, was called the " Hickory " school-house. Among its pupils were Thomas and William McKee, John M. Taylor and ''his sister, Mrs. Altha Hull.

Adam Hull, son of the Adam Hull above mentioned as the first permanent settler of Eel River township, is now the oldest settler of that township living. He was born May 8, 181 2, in Pendleton county, Va., and thence emigrated at the age of twelve years to Ohio with his parents,

Adam and Elizabeth Hull. They made their home in Shelby county, Ohio, until 1832, when the family removed to Indiana. After reaching Fort Waj'ne they remained there nearl}' one year, and settled on the land which the father had bought in Eel River township. The senior Hull purchased 240 acres and began the work of clearing, in which he was assisted by his son. On this account and the absence of schools he did not receive much education in his youth, but is nevertheless well informed. His recollection of the past is vivid and he recalls many interesting incidents. In his possession are all his tax receipts since he first settled on his farm, and he also takes much pride in a rifle which his father made in Virginia, and which has served to bring much venison to their tables in Ohio and Indiana. Mr. Hull attended the first election held in the township, and was elected constable; his jurisdiction extended over what are now Noble, Whitley and Allen counties. He held this office two 3-ears and then resigned. Mr. Hull is now, though in his seventy- seventh year, quite hearty and active, and recalls with pleasure the progress of his life from the time when he began with a capital consisting of a five franc piece, a fiddle and a gun. B3' nature a pioneer, he has enjoyed the struggle with nature through which he has passed. Mr. Hull was married in 1S36 to Elizabeth Crow, by whom he had three children, of whom one, Adam, is living. Immediately after this marriage he entered 125 acres of land from the government, and settled on the same and built a log cabin in 1838. In 1845 he was married a second time to Hester Ann Strean, and they have had seven children, of whom the following survive: Maria, George W., Henry, Jane, Peter and Judson. Mr. Hull is now well-to-do, and is one of the esteemed and respected citizens of the township. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist church for thirty-six years.

A worthy and popular man in the early days, and one of the first settlers in Eel River township, was John R.Johnston, a native of Newjerse}', who died in 1876. When he was seventeen years old, he emigrated to Greene county, Ohio. In 1834, he was married to Belinda Davis, who was born August 13, 181 2, and survives her husband. In the same }-ear they removed to Eel River township, and settled on 120 acres of land, which Mr. Johnston had entered. This they never removed from. Here they went through the toilsome, yet ofttimes happy life of the pioneers of civilization. The}' were deeply religious, and became charter members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Wesley chapel, of which she has been a member for over half a centur}', and is the only survivor of the first members. These respected people had twelve children, of whom six are now living: David, Mary, Catherine, Susan, Emma and William H. David Johnston, the eldest, grew to manhood on the old homestead, and never lived elsewhere until 1S70, when he bought forty acres adjoining, and built himself a neat dwelling and good barn. He received his education in the pioneer schools. Among his first teachers were Elijah Robmson, Mar}' T. Smith, George W. Done, G. W. Hutchell and Nancy Griswold. He began teaching when about nineteen years of age and taught five terms. In 1S57, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Otho and Mary Gaudy, born in 1836, by whom he had eight children, of whom Clara Almeda, Inez I., William M., Serena and John O., are living. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been class leader and steward, about three years. Mr. Johnston owns a good farm of eighty-seven acres, and is ranked as a prominent citizen. William H. Johnston, the youngest son of John R., was born September 2, 1852. He now lives on and owns the old homestead where he grew to manhood. He received a good common school education and attended one term at the Methodist Episcopal college at Fort Wayne. November 9, 1S73, he was united in marriage with Sarah N. Scarlett, by whom he had two children: Florence A., born September 10, 1874, ^^'^^ December 18, 1876; Emma G., born October i, 1876, died March 16, 1888. Their mother, now deceased, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Maj' 28, 1877, he was married to LiUian J. Scarlett, born January 9, 1861, and they have had two children: Clarence C, born September 10, 1880, and Grace E., born March 21, 1S84, died' Februar}' 15, 1888. Mr. Johnston and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are highly respected.

Another old settler of much prominence, Joseph Johnston, arrived in 1834 with his wife Martha and children, and settled on the farm where his son now resides. He had entered 160 acres here in the previous 3'ear, 1833. Mr. Johnston was born in New Jersey, February 15, 1802, and emigrated to Greene county, Ohio, in 1822, where he was married Februarj^ 14, 1825, to Martha Opdyke, who was born December iS, 181 1. He was a distiller by trade. When he came to Allen county his worldly possessions consisted of two yoke of o.xen, one bureau, one chest and some old chairs. But in spite of this meagre be - ginning his industry made him triumphant over disadvantages, and he came to own 400 acres of land, and amassed considerable property. He was a good and valued citizen, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and hightly esteemed by all. He served his township as treasurer and clerk of the township board for several years. This worthy pioneer departed this life June 29, 1869, and his wife survived him manj' years. Perr}' Johnston, son of the above, was born in Ohio, June 8, 1834. Nearl}' all his life has been spent in Indiana, and he grew to manhood on the old homestead, which is still his home. In 1855 Mr. Johnston was married to Sarah A. Wells, who was born in 1838, and departed this life in 1880. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he also belongs. He is a member of the Masonic order and is a representative faftner and a worthy- citizen.

Jackson Valentine, of Eel River township, is a son of John Valentine, one of the pioneers of the township. John Valentine, a native of Ohio, was married in 1820, to Susannah Peters, who was born in Maryland, January 4, 1799. Her parents were among the pioneers of Fairfield