Harrison Township

Harrison Township

This township was so-called, thus assisting to commemorate the name of the illustrious warrior, statesman and President, William II. Harrison.

Its first white inhabitant was John Fletcher, who came in the » Winter of 1832 and entered the land now known as the Skinner farm. The Government Land Office fur this district at that time was at La Porte, Ind. Thither Mr. Fletcher was compelled to go in order to enter his land. While on this trip, being obliged to camp out at night, he had the sad misfortune to freeze his feet and legs, from the effects of which both his feet were amputated.

Probably the first man to join Mr. Fletcher in his forest home was Robert Barnett, father of Asbury Barnett, now an honored and influ¬ ential citizen of Clay Township. Mr. Barnett chose for his future home the land now owned by Mr. Shidler.

In 1833, however, being stimulated by the example of deter¬ mined leaders, a number of men were induced to take up their abode in the dense woods of what soon became Harrison Township. They were James Blackburn, who settled on the Warfield farm ; a Mr. Ross, on the farm now owned by James Reams; Harrison Barnett, on what Is now the Skinner farm; Lewis Crane, on the land belong¬ ing to Mr. Reams and Freshour; Joseph Dunham, on the Freshour farm ; John Carnell, on the farm where he is living; Richard How¬ ard, on the farm owned by Jameson; and Joshua Garrett, on the farm owned by the heirs of Senator Pratt.

In 1834, came the following: William and Peter Michaels, who settled on the Umphenhour farm; James Piercy, on the farm belong¬ ing to Mr. Maroney; James Corbit, on the Bell farm; James Gates, on the farm where he is still living ; John Calvin, on the farm belonging to his heirs; William Grant, who is the oldest man in the township, being in his 89th year, on the farm where he still lives ; and John Calvin, on the land owned by his widow.

In 1835, Samuel Sharp and James Rogers settled on the form where they are living at present. Others of the same year were James and Elder'Sharp, Charles Riley, Michael Burk, James Mont¬ gomery, Noah and Tobias Castle, John Overlesse, George Foglesong, Daniel Foglesong, Abraham Skinner, Mercer Brown, Benjamin Powell, George Biown, James Denning, Leauder Dixon, Stibbens Powell, Isaac Smith, A. A. Mahaffie, J. R. Johnson, James Scott, Ester Brooks and John Callahan.

Among those who came soon alter 1836, and shared in the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, and are, therefore, worthy of honorable mention, we name Edward Whalen, Jacob and Daniel Ramley, William Whalen, Newton Clary, Morris Landrigens and Reuben Bachelder.

The first religious meeting in the township was held at the res¬ idence of Robert Barnett in 1833 or '34, by the Methodists, Rev. Burroughs Westlake preaching. Mr. Burns was also an early preacher /or this denomintion.

The first church was built "On the Long form, by the Presby¬ terians, in 1836 and '37. In 1837 and '38, the Methodists built w'hat is known as the " Zion Church." The next house of worship was built by the Univerealists about 1845.

The first school house was built on the Robinson farm in 1834. The first school held in the new house was taught by William Mitchell. The next school house was built soon after, in the Fogle¬ song neighborhood. Also, at an early date, school houses were built near the "Zion Church," and in Section 16, on the James Stevens form.

The township was organized March 7, 1836. Soon after perfect¬ ing the organization, the first election of the township was held at Benjamin Powell's. James Scott was chosen first Justice of the Peace; James Corbitt, first Constable.

In the year 1845, James Stevens built a saw'-mill on his form. It neither ran by the power of steam or water, as do modern mills, but by the power of a strong yoke of oxen. This mill ran success¬ fully for a time, being highly prized by the pioneer, when Mr. Stevens had the sad misfortune to be crushed to death between some of the machinery. The next to engage in the milling business was Abraham Coppie, about the year 1851. Soon after him, J. R. Johnson en¬ gaged in a similar enterpise.

There are townships in Cass County that, in the way of improve¬ ments, excel Harrison, yet the latter has no reason to be ashamed of the progress she has made. She justly boasts of a large body of fertile land, which her enterprising citizens are rapidly bringing into an excellent state of cultivation.

The name and location of churches will be found correctly given in the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her - school houses are-; enrolled school children-.