Harris Township

Harris Township

Tliis township lies in the extreme northeastern part of the county. It is bounded upon the north b^' Cass county, llich., on the east by Elkhart county, Ind., on the south by Penn township, and on the west by Clay. There is much marsh land in the township, being in the middle and southeastern part, and running a southwest course into and through the northwest corner of Penn township.

This land is unfit for agricultural purposes, except for grazing and haying. The State cut a ditch commencing at the south edge of J. Balwin's farm on section 17, and running a south course about 160 rods, then turning southwest, which course it pursues through sections 20, 19, 30, 25, 26 and along the south line of the last named section, and also about 50 rods on the south line of section 27, where it takes a southwest course into and through Penn township. Great good has been accomplished, as this marsh was entirely covered with one continuous sheet of water, that lay upon the ground until late in the summer months, even after the abatement of the water, great portions of which was so boggy that it was inaccessible by man or beast; but this ditch has so drained this vast area that it has become solid footing, and hundreds of acres are mowed. Notre Dame University owns the largest farm in this township, most of which is marsh land, where they raise their beef and their milk supply for the University, of which further mention is made elsewhere.

This township took its name from Jacob Harris, of Ohio,who came in 1S30 and settled on Harris Prairie, where he raised the first wheat that was cut in the township, it being iiarvested in 1831. His neighbor, Jacob Meyer, who came the spring of 1831 and still resides in this township, on section 15, helped cut Mr. Harris' crop. Samuel Bell, a son-in-law of Mr. Harris, came with him in 1830. Adam Miller, a Baptist preacher, came in 1830 or '31, also Adam Kingle, and settled on section 15. Mr. Ringle died several years ago, and Miller either died or moved away. The first settlers erected cabins on tliis prairie.

David and Josephus Baldwin and family were probably the first settlers in this township, though other historians speak of Mr. Harris being the first. Mr. Baldwin stated that he was here when Mr. Harris came, and said he and his brother David came in 1S28 or '29. Joseph Buel came in 1831 and settled on section 15. Arbogast Zaehnle came in 1834r, and settled on section 22, where he still resides. Henry Augustine put in his appearance on section 15 in 1831; also Hartzel, the same 3'ear, on the same section. Robert Kennedy arrived in 1833 and Iniilt his cabin on section 14. David (713>

The first scliool-liouse was a log structure built on section 10, on the north edge of Harris Prairie. Tiiough struggling through the pressure of poverty and privations, the settlers planted among them the school-house at the earliest practical period. An object so important as the education of their children they did not defer until they could build more comely and convenient houses; they were for a time content with such as corresponded with their rude dwellings; but soon better buildings were erected. As may readily be sup])osed, the accommodations of the earliest schools were not good. Stoves and the latest improved heating apparatuses were unknown. Tiie house was built of round logs, 14x16 feet; cracks chinked and daubed with mud; door in the south end and a mud and stick chimney in the other; with eartlien earth and fire-place wide enough to take in a log nearly as long as the width of the house, and smaller wood was used to ignite the larger; logs better known by the old pioneers as "backlogs." This rudely constructed chimney and fire-place served for warming purposes in winter and a kind of conservatory in summer. For windows part of a log was cut out in either side and a few lights of eight by ten glass set in. Their writing benches were made of wide split pieces of timber puncheons, resting on pins or arms driven into two-inch-auger holes bored into the logs beneath the windows. The seats were made out of the same material; also the floor. The ceiling was of round poles or logs, and covered or plastered with mud on top. Everything was rude and plain, but many of America's greatest men have gone out from just such school-houses to grapple with the world, and make names for themselves, and have come to be an honor to their country.

Robert Kennedy taught the first school in the township, that being in such a house as just described. The first church built was the Presbyterian, which stands in the woods near Mr. Kennedy's residence. There is but one other church, and that is owned by the Evangelical people. It is situated on the east side of section 21. The Christian Church was organized Jan. 7, 1S63, by Elder Green, consisting of 31 members. The Church has been prosperous. Many of its members have moved to the West, and in consequence its membership is but a few more than when it was first organized. Its present minister is Charles Hendershot, who holds service once in two weeks. Present deacons are Robert Savage and James Lowry. They occupy the Presbyterian building. They contemplate erecting a house of worship as soon as the}' can secure a suitable site. This portion is not affected by the marsh, is in fair state of cultivation, and at no distant day the marsh will become tillable and settled by an enterprising people, at which time it will compare favorably with other townships that are settled with more wealthy citizens to-day.

History Of St. Joseph County

The Grand Trunk railroad passes through this township, running a northeast course. Tliere is no town upon this line in this township, - nothing but a station, wiiere there are a depot and postoffice, called Granger; no business of any kind is done.

The Indian crail leading from La Porte, or rather from Chicago to Detroit, passes through the southeast corner. Mr. W. and E. M. Irvin and Jas. Lowry, extensive farmers, settled liere in an early day.

Following is a brief mention of several prominent residents and pioneers of Harris township. It will be of equal interest with the foregoing items, especially to the citizens .of that community.

Geo. Hassig, a native of Strasburg, France, born Nov. 17, 1808; was a son of John and Barbara Hassig; he was reared on the farm, and came to America in 1832; stayed three days in New York city; then came to Stark county, C>., and in 1837, to this county. He returned to Ohio in 1839, and came back the same year. He married Mary Keiffer in 1840; .5 of their' 7 children are living, to wit: Napoleon, Franklin, Emanuel, Israel and Mary. Mr. H. owns 212 acres of land; is a farmer and stock-raiser inPIarris tp., sec. 16. P. O., Edwards.

John Koker, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 22; was born in Switzerland January, 1802, and is the son of Benedict and Mary Koker; he came to America in 1824, and located in Ohio, where he resided until ISiG, then came to this county, settling in Clay tp., thence to this tp. in 1847. He married in 1825, Mary Beclier, a native of Switzerland; 3 of their 5 children are living. He has had good success, having 80 acres of land that he has been offered $5,200 for. Mrs. Koker died Dec. 31, 1879. Mr. K. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. P. O., South Bend.

Joseph L. Krupp was born in Germany Jan. 1, 1S17, and is a son of Charles and Catharine Krupp, who removed to Seneca county, O., in 1833. He came to this county in 1839, and worked for several years at the blacksmith trade here and in Michigan. He was married in 1842 to Miss Sophia Smith; they have had 4 children: Eliza A., John, Mary and Louisa. Mrs. K. died October, 1851, and in 1853 Mr. K. married Miss Susan Long, by whom he had 5 children; 4 are living: "William^ Perry, Clayton and Philo. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 9, Harris tp., and owns 440 acres of land.

Jacob Meyer was born in France July 17, 1807; son of Jacob and Mary Meyer, also natives of France, who came to America in 1828, and to this county soon after. Jacob came to this county in 1831, and settled on tlie present farm. He married Miss Catharine Bueb in 1829, who was born in September, 1807; they have had 11 children, 9 of whom are living, to-wit: Francis,. Mary, Gracie, Jacob, Caroline, Joseph, Josephine, Clara and Sophia. Mr. Meyer commenced in life by working on the canal ; his first purchase of land was 160 acres, and at present owns 460 acres of beautiful land. He has held the office of Trustee and is a member of tlie Masonic order. Ills son Joseph was born July 26, 1S43, in this county; he married Miss Minei-va Smith January, 1870, and they have 3 children, to-wit: Pliny E., Thomas A. and Henry E. Mrs. M. died April 26, 1873. He' married Miss Helen Smith Sept. 1.5, 1874, who was born Sept. 30, 1853; their 2 children are Harry and Arthur. Mr. M. owns 21 acres of land, and is superintending his father's farm of 460 acres in Harris tp., sec. 15. P. O., South Bend.

Christ. Schnech was born July 10, 1825, in Germany, and is the son of Adam and Margaret Schneck, now deceased. He left his native land in 1853; took passage in one of the New York steamships, and had a pleasant trip to New York, where he remained a short time, and then took up his march westward, stopping at Toledo; he located in Berrien county, Mich., in 1854, where he resided six years, then came to tiiis tp., where he hag been engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1856 he married Miss Dora Streveal, a native of Germany, born in 1833, and came to America in 1851. Their 9 children are Caroline, Christine, Mary, Lydia, David. Emma. Mattie, Elizabeth and Ida. Mr. S. has been successful thus far tlyough life, now owning 93 acres of good farming land on sec. 9; he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. P. O., Edwards.

John M. Skimp was born Jan. 18, 1848, in this county, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah Sliimp, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Ohio, who came to this county in an early day. John was reared on the farm, and received a good education, attending college two terms. He married Miss Sarah J. Longley ilarch 16, 1870; she was born in Elkhart county, this State, April 15, 1849; 2 of their 3 children are living, to-wit: Delbert and Andrew. Mr. S. owns 60 acres of land, worth $65 an acre, in Harris tp., sec. 11. P. O., South Bend.

J/i'cAae^ xS'OTjV/i., a native of Germany, born Aug. 24, 1824, is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth Smith, who came to New York in 1826, staid there six months, then went to Buffalo and remained one A'ear, thence to Canada, near Black Rock, where he i-esided three years, thence to Stark county, O., where he died. Michael was reared on the farm, received a common-school education and came to this county in 1842. He married, July, 1853, Mary E. Anderson, daughter of Samuel Anderson, who came to this county in 1836, and died in 1852. She was born Nov. 20, 1827, in Columbia county, Pa. Mr. S. owns 380 acres of valuable land in sec. 17; he also raises stock. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. P. O., Granger.

JohiiA.Zttehnlew&& born in this county Jan. 7, 1843; his parents were Abogast and Rosa (Binder) Zaehnle, natives of Germany; his father came to this country in 1830, locating in Ohio, and his mother in 1S32, also locating in Ohio. They were married in 1S34, moved to this county' the same year, and have since had 8 children, 3 of whom are living: Eosa, Saimiel and John A. Mr. Z. first entered 80 acres ofland, and has since added 120 acres; April 29, 1874:, John A. married Tlieresa Schirk, who was born in Germany Sept. 18, 164:9; their -4 children are Emma, Clara, Edward L. and Otto A. Mr, Z. has been Assessor ten j'ears, and is now holding the office of Trustee the second term ; he was Paymaster's Clerk in the army, and has been clerk in a wholesale house in Louisville, Ky.; he is now working on his farm of 40 acres in Harris tp., sec. 22; also works his father's farm. In 1874 he went to Germany, and when he returned, brought an aunt and the young lad}' whom he afterward married. After leaving the district school he entered the University of Notre Dame, where he continued three years, graduating in the commercial course. He then went to Louisville, Ky., and was Paymaster's Clerk under Major Camp, who was stationed there. Afterward he went to Bowling Green and Nashville, acting in the same capacity, under Major Fell. He then was clerk in the sutler store of C. Henry Fink, where he remained until near the close of the war, then returned to his home in this county. P. O. , South Bend.