Miami Township

Miami Township

The name " Miami" was probably given this township in memory of the tribe of Indians of that name, to whom at an early day all the lands within her limits belonged. The Wabash River forms the southern boundary, while Eel River forms its boundary on the north. The land along these streams is exceedingly fertile, hence at an early date the land of this township was sought by the speculators, as well as by the pioneer who desired productive land for a future home.

Perhaps the first man to make permanent settlement in this town¬ ship was Peter Berry, father of John H. Berry, the latter still a citizen of the township. He came early in the year 1830, and fixed his home on the farm now owned by Mr. Cart. Mr. B. came for the purpose of bringing some of her fertile acres into a state of cul¬ tivation. Accordingly the sound of his axe was heard early and late in felling her dense forests. Soon, a small "patch" of ground was cleared, which gradually extended its area until the name field could be appropriately applied. Mr. Berry having the first cleared land in the township, to his son John is due the honor of turning, for culti¬ vation, the first furrow in the same.

Peter Berry having opened the way into the forests of Miami, before the close of 1830, he was joined by the following men: John Fidler, who located on the farm yet owned by the heirs; William

The year 1831 is memorable in having brought to the township the following men, the majority of whom proved themselves worthy citizens and aided materially in advancing the best interests of the township. They were Nathaniel Williams, father of John Williams, the latter yet an esteemed citizen of the township, and who selected as a future home the farm yet belonging to his son John ; I saac S . Patton, who settled on the farm owned by heirs ; David Miller, Sr., on the farm where he is still living; and Absalom Reed, on the farm still owned by his heirs.

In 1832, a few more substantial men were added to the little colony. They were Abraham Patton, who settled on the farm now owned by Mr. King ; Jesse Fidler, on the land belonging to his heirs; William P. Vandoren (exact location unknown); and James Henry, on the Levi Bennett farm.

During the years 1833 and 1834, came the following : William Guard, who settled on the farm owned by his heirs; Christian Casebeer, on the farm owned by his heirs and William Pearson ; Lewis Bowyer, on the land belonging to his widow ; Peter Chidester, on the farm owned by the heirs of his brother ; E. G. Chidester, on what is now the Bird farm; David Casebcer, on the land belonging to Cox and Williams ; Thomas Craighead, on the land now in posses¬ sion of the Walker heirs; and David Miller, Jr., on the farm owned by his heirs.

Those of 1835 and '36 were Samuel McPherson, on the farm of Samuel Newman farm; Archibald Forgy, on the farm belonging to Mr. Myers; Reuben Grimes, on the laud owned by his heirs; James McPherson, on what is now the Hyer farm; Stephen and Hiram Clemens, on the land still in possession of their heirs, and George and James Rush, on the Walker and Kidd farm.

Between the years 1836 and 1841, a number of worthy men took up their abode in this township; men who shared the hardships of pioneer life, and by their dauntless energy aided greatly in bringing the township into its present improved condition. As the reader may suppose many changes occurred during those years, so that doubt¬ less many worthy names have been omitted by our informants. Entering the township at that time, we are able to name the following : Henry, Jacob and Andrew Martin, Isaac Parks, William Sweeny, H. M. Eidson, Frank Kelley, Jacob Loser, John Pfoutz, Jacob Miller, Will¬ iam Murphy, Anthony Hiller and William Pearson.

The township was organized January 3, 1831. Under this organ¬ ization, the first election was held soon after at the residence of Peter Berry. The first Justice of the Peace was William Conner. Isaac Patton also served in this capacity at an early date. Probably the first Trustees were Messrs. Williams, Berry and Craighead.

The first religious meeting was held in the cabin of Peter Berry, in the year 1833, by the Methodists - William M. Rayburn preach¬ ing. The next meeting in the township was by the Baptist denomi¬ nation. Their preacher was Elder William M. Pratt, brother of the late Senator Daniel D. Pratt. Mr. Pratt made his first preaching tour about 1842-43. The fullowing year, 1843, this denomination (the Baptist) built the first church in the township, which stood on the farm of Mr. Berry, The next church was by the Methodists, at Lewisburg, about 1850. At a very early period in the history of the township, the Presbyterians held meetings at the cabins of Messrs. Thomas andCruinley. The Rev. Martin M. Post was their preacher.

The first school house in the township was built about the year 1833 or '34, on the William Rooker farm. George Kelley was one of the first teachers in the new house. The next school house was on the Reed farm, about 1837. The first school taught in this house was by a gentleman named Sumalt.

As early as the year 1833 or 1834, the first mill in the township was built, on Eel River, by David Miller. This, at first, was simply a corn cracker, but was afterward converted into a grist-mill.

AmoDg casualties, we have to relate the stealing of a son (Joseph) of Thomas Black's, by the Indians, in 1837. The child was out in the yard playing, when it was suddenly kidnapped by a party of passing Indians. All efforts made for his recovery proved fruitless. The Indians, about this time, were moved west by the Government, to which place young Black was taken. In 1866, having grown to man's estate, and being told by the Indians of his native land, he revisited his old homestead. Strange to say, he remained but a short time. Having been raised among the Indians, having married an Indian girl, and having assumed the gravo responsibility of physician among his tribe, he seemed to have a strong attachment for them, to whom he soon returned, and has ever since remained. Farther mention of him will be made in the general history of Cass County.

In improvements, Miami stands among the foremost townships of the county. The well known fertility and durability of her soil is patent to all. The tiller of productive land, with prudent manage¬ ment, is usually successful. He, at least, soon acquires sufficient means to enable him to make a pleasant and attractive home. Thus, generally, do we find the farmers of Miami with pleasant, comfortable homes. The name and location of churches is correctly given on the township map, found on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are six; enrolled school children, - .

New Waverly

is the principal village of the township. It is situated in the south central part, on the line of the T., W. & W. Railroad. It was laid out in 1855, by John A. Forgy. Its business men at present are as follows: C. P. Forgy & Bros., dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, hardware, queensware and notions, also dealers in pork and grain; Hugh Pencil & Son, grocers; R. M. Floyd, druggist; John Kinsey, saw-mill; P. W. Castle, blacksmith; Joseph Hogentogle, blacksmith; one church, Methodist Episcopal; one graded school, Alvin Porter, Principal; W. C. Rice, railroad agent; Masonic and Odd Fellows' Lodges. Population about 250.

is situated in the western part on Eel River. It was laid out about 1865, by John Hoover. Emanuel Loser is located there as general merchant; Skinner & Bush are successfully managing a large grist¬ mill, on north bank of Eel River ; Hiram Armstrong and a gentleman by the name of Brooks play the part of village blacksmiths.

in the extreme southern part on the Wabash, is the oldest town of the township. It was laid off about 1834 or 1835, by Lewis Bowyer. During the prosperous days of the Wabash & Erie Canal, it was a village of considerable importance. With the going down of the Canal, Lewisburgh began likewise to decline, when, to-day, no busi¬ ness of importance is transacted within her borders.