Noble Township

Noble Township

Passing through this township, in certain localities, and judging from the many fine farms and substantial dwellings, together with the cheerful, happy faces of its owners, one would suppose the name " Noble" wisely and appropriately given. The facts are, however, the name was given in memory of Noah Noble, then Governor of Indiana.

1828, a man named Henry Garrett entered the wilderness of what is now Noble, and selected for his future home the farm at this time belonging to Mr. Forlow.

For about the period of one year, Mr. Garrett was the sole inhab¬ itant of the township, excepting, of course, the Indian who still found a home in the deep solitude of her forests. Sometime in the year

1829, George Richardson, who a few months previously had settled in Section 22, Clay Township, thinking to better his condition, joined Mr. Garrett in his laudable enterprise of converting the forests into tillable land. He located on what is now the Biliman farm. The same year (1829), William Grant settled on the land belonging to Mr. Douglass.

The following year, 1830, occurred the land sale at Logausj ort. At that time was sold much of the land now embraced within the borders of Noble, many of the purchasers taking possession imme¬ diately of the land they had bought. Among those who came in that year (1830), we name Robert McMillen, with his mother and brothers. They settled on the east side of what is. at present the Fletcher farm. His brothers were John, William, George, James and Thomas. John had been in the township some time previous to

1830, but had never made entry,of land. Thus it will be seen that the McMillen family formed a little colony within itself. Only one of the family, Robert, is still a citizen of the township. For many years he applied himself successfully to his trade, that of millwright. The greater part of his life, however, has been spent in the ever honorable position of farmer, a position which he has filled quite successfully, judging from his present improvements. Recently, in calling upon him for some historical information, we were surprised to find a man of his age, one who has lived out his three score and ten years, busily engaged in gathering corn. A portrait of this ven¬ erable pioneer appears on another page of the Atlas.

came the same time, fixing his home on the farm where William Watts lives. An idei of the energy displayed by Israel Watts in performing his duties in the way of improvements in the township, may be had by reference to the view of his beautiful home found else¬ where in the Atlas. In regard to the settlement of William and Leander Dixon, some claim that they came as early as 1828, others that it was in 1829, while there are still others who claim that they were not permanent citizens of the township until the year 1830. With due respect to the opinions of all, we can positively assert that as early as 1830, they had entered the land now owned by Mr. Tharp. Others of 1830 were Robert Gibson, who settled on the Forlow farm ; Benja¬ min Adair, on the farm owned by Fletcher; Alexander Scott, on the farm belonging to Mr. Neff; Joseph Gibson, on the Moss farm; and John Hiser, on what is now the Manley farm.

Before the close of the year 1831, the following men had become permanent citizens of the township: John Adair, on the Peter Cotncr farm ; James Hood also, on what is now the Cotner farm ; Eli Cotner, on the farm belonging to Tilghman; Daniel Dale, on the Booth farm; and Joseph Washburn, on the farm owned by Mr. Moss.

In 1832, Arnet Shields, yet an esteemed citizen of the township, moved from Clay Township, where he had lived for almost three years, and settled on the farm where he is still living. Others of 1832 were John Smith, who settled on the Sanderson farm ; Richard Howard, on the Gibson tract of land; Daniel Harwood, on the farm owned by Adam Stefenheifer; Hiram Barnett, on the Hart Booth farm; and Dr. James Wilson, on the land belonging to Mr. Brandt.

Among those of 1835 and 1830 were Ephraim Dukes, John Smith, James Hensley, William Thornton and Joel C. Elam. The last named is still a citizen of the township.

Among those who were early settlers, but whose exact date of settlement is to us unknown, we name Joseph Corbit, John Thorn¬ ton, John Sellers, D. H. Booth, Daniel, William and James Corbit, and Henry Wirrick.

As early as the year 1831, the first religious meeting in the township was held at the house of the Widow McMillen and sons, i It was by the Presbyterian denomination, Rev. M. M. Post preach¬ ing. The following year, 1832, the Christians or Disciples held meeting on what is now the Neff farm, Alexander Scott being the preacher. The first church in the township was built on the McMillen farm by the Presbyterians, in 1838. The next was by the Disciples, in 1855 and 1850, and known as the "Shiloh Church."

No later than the year 1830 did the cause of education begin to claim attention of the inhabitants of Noble. Accordingly, before the close of that year (1830), a school house was built on the McMillen, now Fletcher, farm. The year following 1837, another school house was built on the farm now owned by Israel Graham.

The township was organized March 8, 1830. Soon after this, an election was held at Robert MeMillen's. At this election but five or six votes were cast. Among the first Trustees of the township were James Hensley, William Corbet and Robert McMillen.

In 1834, General Lasselle built, on the Israel Watts farm, a saw¬ mill, which was highly prized by the pioneers. About the year 1837 was built a corn cracker, afterward converted into a grist-mill.

In 1834, there was bom to James and Elizabeth Hood a daughter, Ascnath, who was probably the first white child bom in the town¬ ship. The same year Eli Watts was bora to Martha and John Watts.

Of the progress which Noble has made in the way of improve¬ ments, wo have spoken, to some extent, in the beginning. The land adjoining Logansport is in a high state of cultivation. The land in the north and northwestern parts is generally fertile, but will be ren¬ dered much more valuable by improvements yet to be made.

is a station on the P., C. and St. L. Railroad. It was never regu¬ larly laid off. A post office is established there, and a saw-mill is run by Jacob and William Davidson.