North Township

North Township

AN When it was first organized, it comprised, in addition to its present limits, the territory now embraced in Polk and German Townships. German Township was taken off May 11, 1835, and Polk March 4.1845. When Polk was eut off from the west part of North, it was a time when political excitement was the order of the day. Polk Township having been named in honor of the newly-elected president, some of the Democratic voters conceived the idea that it would be just the thing to change the name of North and call it Dallas, in honor of the Vice President. March 1, 1845, the following petition was presented to the Board of Commissioners: "To the Board of Commissioners: We the undersigned petitioners of North Township, ask for the name of said township to be altered from North to Dallas. Signed, S. N. Champlin, James Palmer, Adam Snider, James Sherland, Warren Bureh, John Kilgore, Charles A. Stilson, John Morris, N. Parmer, Hiram Baker, John Trowbridge, John P. Grover, John Irwin, George Nitcher, Alex M. Vinnedge, George Vinnedge, John Snider, Seymour Stilson, John S$. Baker, Abraham Baker, Joseph Trowbridge, Josiah White, A. Burch, Daniel Nitcher, Orrin Palmer, John Wildey, George W. Ferguson, Calvin Bureh, J. E. Emerson, W. 5. Braum, P. P. Robinson, Sol. Stevens, and H. R. Pershing." The Board ordered the change to be made as indicated in the petition.

"We, the undersigned citizens of now Dallas Township, respectfully request your honorable body to change the name of Dallas Township to that of North Township. Signed, Robert Schroeder, Jesse Schroeder, Robert Johnson, Sr., Seymour Stilson, G. W. Ferguson, C. A. Stilson, Warren Burch, Sol. Snyder, James Parmer, D. Cummins, George Murphy, D; Vinnedge, M.

Hard, Daniel Nitcher, James Sherland, Sol. Snyder, Wash. Morris, George Vinnedge, A. M. Vinnedge, D. Conger, John Schroe der, Simon Snyder, M. Robert, B. Gerrard, J. C. Jones, A. Snyder, D. Murphy, Sr.. R. Johnson, Jr., J. Snyder, W. 8. Brown, H. M. Geer, James Murphy, C. Sherland, J. Johnson, Thomas Packard, J. P. Grover, G. Nitcher, J. Wilder, J. Kilgore, D. Murphy, ©. Bureh, J. Lampheer, Pleasant Ferguson." The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the distinguished honor accorded to the Vice President was obliterated by one fell swoop of the magic pen of the Board of Commissioners.

Old Settlers

Among the early settlers of North Township, prior to and including the year 1841), and which also at that time comprised the territory now known as Polk Township, are the following:

Robert Schroeder

He was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, October, 1815. At that time Indiana was still a Territory. but was admitted as a State the year following. Mr. Schroeder came to Marshall County in 1832, when but seventeen years old, and after spending a few months in the wilderness here away, returned home and came back in 1833, sinee which time he has resided in the vicinity where he now lives continuously to the present time. Upon his first arrival in this vicinity, he was employed by the contractors, and assisted in opening the Michigan road (now Michigan street) throngh the town of Plymouth, and~ for some distance north and south, as well as assisting in building the first bridge across Yellow River in Plymouth. A 'year or two later, in company with a Mr. Packard, he erected # saw-imill on Pine Creek, in Polk Township (then North), also a log hut in which he lived during the time The mill, failing to bring remnnerative returns, was abandoned, and Mr, Schroeis the earliest settler of the county now residing here.

der married his present wife before he attained his majority, secured a piece of land and settled down to the realities of a farmer's life. In 1837, he was elected and served as Constable for North Township, and in 154), was elected County Commissioner and served until IS51. A few years ago, he was elected and served one term of four years as Justice of the Peace of North Township. In politics, he was a Whig, and when that party dissolved, naturally gravitated into the Republican party, of which he has been a consistent and conservative member to the present. When the Old Settlers' Society was organized in 157, being the oldest resident in the county, he was unanimously chosen President. He is well preserved for a man who has endured the hardships that have beset his path, and is a pleasant and honored eitizen in all the walks of life.

Mr, Conger is one among the oldest settlers of the county. He arrived in North Township on the 30th day of July, 1836, and has made that place his home ever since. He was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 9, 1810, and is now in his seventieth veur, He served «short time as County Commissioner in county officer. His political affiliations have always been in opposition to the Democracy, which have uniformly had control of the county, and hence, had he been an aspirant for political preferment, he could not have expected to be successful. He is well preserved. His hair is as black as the raven. and his appearance does not indicate an age of over fifty years.

David Cummins

Mr. Cummins, one of the oldest citizens of North Township. was born in New York State, March 26. 1813. When he first came to Indiana, he settled in Clinton County, but soon concluded to go further into the wilderness, and in October, 1834. took up his residence in North Township, this county, and has lived in sight of where he first located ever since. His special boast is that he never held any official position higher than Road Supervisor. He has always been a quiet, unostentatious farmer, hon. est. upright, congenial, and social with his neighbors aud the rest of mankind. and having spent forty-five years of his life in Marshall County. has no notion of ever deserting it.

is the only village in the township of much note. It was laid out by Achilles Hunt npon the completion of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad a few years ago, It is situated in the midst of a fertile section of country and bids fair in the not very distant future of becoming a place of considerable note. It is a regular railroad stopping place, has two mails daily, one from the Fast and one from the West, also one every other day from Plymouth and South Bend. It also has an express and telegraph oftice, a public ball. church and elegant school building.

is a small "country place." whose residents are mostly engaged in the lumber and timber business. It makes no pretensions as a city. having no railroad, post office, telegraph or express office.

Walnut Hill Plank Road

WALNUT HILL, near the residence of Eb. Shirland, on the Michigan road, prior to the completion of the railroad throngh La Paz. was a post office and stopping place for the stage line between Plymouth and South Bend, at which the people of the neighborhood received their mail. But, upon the completion of the railroad, the post office was removed to La Paz, since which time its identity has become entirely lost. PLANK ROAD. Some twenty-five or thirty years ago the South Bend & Plymonth Plank Road Company put down an inferior plank road | mud and sand for some time after it was made, but the boards soon became broken and warped so that it became almost impassable, and after a few years, was entirely abandoned, and the boards

Cranberry And Huckleberry Marshes

Within the borders of this township are several fine cranberry and huckleberry marshes, which, during favorable seasons, yield large quantities of fruit, from which a considerable revenue is derived. With the thorough system of under-draining now being inaugurated throughout the county, these marshes will soon be turned into dry land, when it will eventually become the finest producing part of the township.

Lake Of The Woods

LAKE OF THE WOODS is partly in this township. It is a handsome lake, and affords excellent fishing and hunting for those in that region inclined in that direction.

William Scofield

William Seofield was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, December 4. 1833. His father. William Scofield, Sy., was a native of the State of Maryland, but removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, about the year 1813, and there married Mary A. Marshall. He owned a farm in Green Township, which he cultivated successfully for a number of years, finally removing with his family to Franklin County, Ind.. where he resided until his death.

William, the subject of this biography, passed the days of his boyhood after the usual mannerof farmer lads. In the winter, he was permitted to attend school, and during the remainder of the year his time was occupied with farm work. He rented his father's farm when he was but eighteen years of age, and cultivated it for a share of the products, thus earning his own living. He was thus engaged for two years, and, having started for himself in the world, ever afterward fought his own battle and earned his way.

On the 12th day of December, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Jnlia A. Jackman, in Franklin County, Ind.. and two years later came to Marshall County and purchased the land upon which he has ever since continued to reside. It was then destitute of any improvements, but he began his work in the woods with a light heart, for it was his own home, and he knew that the generous soil would well reward the labor he was to bestow npon it. In half a day, he and a neighbor constructed a rude cabin, and he brought his wife to the home in the forest. Soon success began to crown his labors, but in the midst of it his wife and two children fell ill and died, in June, 1862, all within a few days of each other. One daughter, Chola Louisa, survived, and is now living. For her sake he toiled on, feeling that he had still some one to live for, and, in 1865, he was a second time married, choosing for his companion Miss Lydia Emerson, whose father, Joseph Emerson, was among the earliest of Marshall County's pioneers. As years rolled on, his worldly wealth accumulated, and he enlarged the borders of his estate until it comprised 320 acres of fine land. Fortune seemed to smile upon him, and his industry was rewarded. In 1876, death invaded his honsehold a second time, and the devoted wife was his victim. Two children by this union still survive, viz., Herbert and Mary. In 1879, Mr. Scofield was wedded to Miss Adelia Miller, of Franklin County, Ind., his present companion. : ;

Nicholas Schroeder, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, meetin ic Presa in the your 1745, and came to the United States in 1785. Peter Schroeder, Robert's father, was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., November 11, 1786. Robert Sohroeder was born in Dearborn Co., Ind., October 27, 1815. His father moved to Rush County in 1820, and from Rush to Clinton in 1831. In August, 1832, Robert and his father visited what has since become Marshall County, and remained for about three months. Schroeder was so well pleased with the country that in September, 18388, he settled here, and has had a continuous residence from that date to the present time. In 1835, he built the first saw-mill in Marshall County. February 1, 1836, he was married to Miss ' Catherine Driskill, of Tippecanoe Co., Ind. He then engaged in farming, and in 1849 was elected County Commissioner. In 1852, he went to California, returning in 1855. In 1856, he joined the Wesleyea' Methodist Church, of which he is still a useful member, and was licensed to preach in 1857. In 1858, he was admitted to the bar as an attorney at law. From 1860 to 1868, he engaged in the mill and lumber business. He was a Notary Public from 1858 to 1874, when he was elected Justice of the Peace for four years, at

Public, and is at present acting in that capacity, and is also still a member of the bar. His mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Lyons, was born in Rockingham Co., Va., and her parents were born in London, England. His parents were married in Dearborn Co., Ind. He has had nine children, of whom six are living. He has had twenty-four granchildren, twenty-two of whom are living. In 1880, he was the Republican candidate for Representative of Marshall County. The Democrats had a majority of 500 in the county, and still Mr. Schroeder was beaten by 331 votes only, which fact shows him to be second to no man in the county in a point of popularity. Mr. Schroeder is a strong temperance advocate, having at the age of twelve taken a solemn pledge to never " touch, taste nor handle the unclean thing,'"' which pledge he never has broken. Perhaps no man in the community has with such persistence labored When he settled have passed away, thus leaving him the oldest representative of those early days in the history of his county. He has a well-cultivated farm of 157 acres, three miles north of Plymouth, where 'he is living, surrounded by such comforts as the pioneers of the county were deprived of in their new homes. These good people whose his personal characteristics have gained him many friends. He possesses a stout. robust physique, a cheery countenance, and a smooth, even temper. His has been a busy life, and he has improved well his time. By his industry he has acquired a competency in earthly goods, and with it the good will of his fellow-men. |

Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party, but only as a voter. He never sought office, or permitted his name to be used as a candidate. He is an active member of the Masonic Lodge and Commandery of Plymouth, and, while not identified with any religions organization, his honorable, upright life is worthy of emulation by professors of religion. He is a publicspirited man, and is regarded as a leading citizen of his township.

In 1836, the parents of the subject of this sketch, Charles H. and Sarah Logan, came from Wayne County, Ind., and settled in Center Township, Marshall Co., four and a half miles south of Plymouth, where they still reside. Leonard was born August 25, 1844, on the old farm, and, at the age of eighteen, he began, as a clerk, in the dry goods store of Johnson Brownlee, in Plymouth, where he remained for three years, during which time he did not lose a single day. At the end of the three years, he became a partner in the concern, doing business under the firm name of Brownlee & Logan. Two years later, Mr. Logan sold out to his partner, and retired from the business. During the above-mentioned partnership, he bought an interest in the nursery of Brownlee & Taylor. He now formed an association with William Holland, and started the Pretty Lake Nursery. In the spring of 1870, he again went into the dry goods business, but shortly afterward exchanged his stock for a steam saw-mill, which he still operates with great success. In 1875, he sold his interest in the nursery to Jonathan Wolf. October 1, 1874, he was married, to Miss Annie I. Grover, of this county; three children have been born to this couple, one of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Logan's parents are natives of Ohio, and settled in this county in 1545, where she was born, June 22, 1855. Mr. Logan owns a farm of 295 aeres, in North Township, six miles north of Plymouth, on the Michigan road. By referring to the sketch of his residence and mill, to be found in this history, the reader will see that Mr. Logan is not only a man of wealth, but that he possesses also a degree of taste found only in the minority of instances among farmers. This gentleman is very popular in the community, and, by fair dealing and courteous demeanor toward his patrons, has gained the entire confidence of all. Happy indeed would be the condition of any community if all the young business men thereof, as they come upon the stage of active business life, were to rise, step by step, in all honor and integrity, as this gentleman has done. ;

Chapter Xxxi Polk Townsiiip

ORGANIZED MAncu 4, 1815 - PrTITIONERS - TyNER City - INCORPORATED - INCORPORATION DissoLvepD - A Serious Fracas - ELIZABETIITOWN - BLISSVILLE - TEEGARDEN - DETECTIVE As- SOCIATION - TEEGARDEN MILLING COMPANY - MAGNETIC Sprinas - HvUcCKLEBERRY MARSH - DEATH OF THOMAS TYNER - Boeus MoNEY - PETROLEUM. '

HIS township, organized March 4, 1845, the day James K. Polk was inaugurated President of the United States. It was considered in keeping with the fitness of things that the new town.

ship should take the name of Polk, and it was accordingly su called. Prior to its organization, the territory was the west part of North Township. The petition, which was dated March 1, 1845, is as follows: To tok Honoras.e Comissioners OF THE CouNTY OF MARSHALL :

We, the undersigned citizens of North Township, in said county, would represent that, in our opinion, it would be of public utility to divide said township into two townships un account of the great disadvantage in voting and doing township business. And we would further request Uhat said township be so divided as to hold the elections at or near James Sherland's and Thomas Singleton's, And this, your petitioners would ever pray.

Tyner City

Tyner City, the seat of justice of Polk Township, was laid off and platted June 18, 1855, by Jacob H. Miller, Maynard French and Thomas Tyner, It took its name from the last-named proprietor, It is located in the west half of Section 10, Town 34, Range | east, on the L, P. & C, R, R., about seven miles northwest of Plymouth. It is laid off into twelve blocks, 315 feet square, including alleys, each block containing twelve lots, each fifty by one hundred feet. The streets are named Race, Vine, Main, Walnut, May, Miller, French, Allen, Boyee. The tirst four were named after streets in Cincinnati, where some of the proprietors at one time resided, and the remainder were named in honor of railroad men who flourished in that vicinity about that time.

Tyner was incorporated as a town under the State laws for A feud had sprung up between the people of the town and those who resided outside of its limits. It was carried to such an extent that no resident of the village could be elected to a township office, and, as it was desirable to have a Justice of the Peace resident of the town, the only way to accomplish it was to organize under a corporation government, the law providing that, where there was such a form of government, one of the Justices should reside within the limits of the corporation. The organization had the desired effect. A Justice who resided in town was elected, and, in course of time, the warring elements having subsided, and there being no apparent necessity for a town government, an election was called to vota upon the proposition to disband the organization, The result of the election is embodied in the following certificate, filed in the Clerk's office:

I, George E. Leroy, do hereby certify that at an election held in the town of Tyner City on the 29thday of November, 1879, for the purpose of dissolving the incorporation, that the whole number of votes cast were 33, and that the number of voters in the town are 47, and that there were 22 votes cast to dissolve and 11 cast to maintain the incorporation.

The incorporation was accordingly dissolved. The population are generally law-abiding, and really had very little need of a corporation government.

February 25, 1877, a serious fracas oceurred, by which Albert Smith lost his life. Smith and Albert Broderick were in a saloon together, when a dispute arose about throwing dice. Broderick said he had beaten Smith, which was denied by Smith, who called him names. Smith took hold of Broderick and hit him once in the breast. and talked about fighting Broderick, and acensed him of carrying revolvers, knuckles and billies. Smith then sat down to play a game of euchre with others present. Broderick was standing by the bar at the time, and, turning, struck Smith with a club on the head, which knocked him down. Broderick then kicked him in the face and left the building. After being struck, Smith died in about forty minutes. Although diligent search was made, Broderick was never seen afterward.

This was a townon paper, located onthe La Porte road, twelve miles from Plymonth and eighteen miles from La Porte. It was elegantly laid out in the shape of a cross. There were twelve blocks, each containing twelve lots.

Tt was laid out May 23, 1837, by G. A. Cone. At the time, it was considered to be an eligible location for the building of a town, being about half way between Plymouth and La Porte. But some way it failed to attract any settlers within its limits. aud, except the record in the Recorder's office, from which the forego ing information is derived, nothing remains to mark its untimely demise.

Blissville was a place near the west lineof the towuship,on the La Porte road, that attained some celebrity in the early days. It was owned and managed by Justice T. F. Stevens, an old gentleman of commanding presence, who supplied the weary traveler that passed that way with all the necessaries, comforts and econveniences of life. Upon the completion of the L, P. & C. R. R., in 1856, the current of trade centered at Tyner, and Mr. Stevens found his occupation gone. He has since died.

A Mutual Detective Association, for the purpose of capturing horse-thieves, was organized July 24, 1567. The members of the association were Consider Cushman, Bryan McDaniel, C. J. Wright, Van Gilmore, Joseph Ogilwy, C. Watkins, Francis Weisner. Francis Black, Willis Wright, Hiram Mongold, Warren Burch, James W, Faleonbury, Levi C. Myers, Thomas Nichols, Jonathan Wyant, Peter Walsh, J. W. Sherwood, N. A. Lane.

The Teegarden Milling Company was organized January 2, 1577, at Teegarden, for the purpose of grinding grain and milling generally. The incorporators were Zachariah Troyer, John Whetstone and Solomon R. Treyer.

Magnetic Springs

MAGNETIC SPRINGS. There are a number of magnetic springs in the village of Teegarden, The water flows out of the ground in large quantities, and, besides being strongly magnetie and containing other medical properties, is considered the best quality of drinking water,

Huckleberry Marsh

A huckleberry marsh two or three miles west of Tyner has of late years attained considerable notoriety as a frontier village, during the gathering of berries, with all that the name implies. Hundreds of people from far and near locate there, and, during the "season." it has more the appearance of a mining camp than a temporary village for peaceful pursuits. Huckleberries (whortleberries. more properly) are gathered there by the car-load, and the products in favorable seasons are a source of considerable revenue to those who engage in the business. When the "season" is at its height, amnsements of every description and kind known to temporary places of that sort are indulged in by the inhabitants and the hundreds of visitors who go there out of curiosity or for pure. unadulterated cussedness. If one is bibulously inclined, the cravings of his appetite can be satiated at the " Alhambra,." on a convenient corner, and if he wants to indulge in a set-to at "old sledge," or the more interesting game of " poker," the appliances are always at hand; and it is a rule of the inhabi- he will find adancing hall, with the "Arkansaw Traveler" to make the music, where he can " Trip it as he goes, On his light, fantastic toes," to his heart's content, with the blooming lasses that there do congregate for partners. These lasses have a sort of " Mutual Admiration Society," and one of their number has been crowned " Huckleberry Queen," a history of whose life and adventures has been carefully compiled and written by an enthusiastic biographer of South Bend, to which the attention of the prurient searcher after information is directed.

Near this huckleberry ibarsh lives an old man, who was arrested by the United States authorities early in 1SSO, charged with manufacturing and putting into circulation counterfeit silver coins, He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to imprisonment in the State's Prison for a term of years, but, through the clemency of President Hayes, was pardoned ont some months later. The coins found in his possession were mostly Mexican dollars, and were said to be exceedingly well exeented. He had erected a small, high building, in which he had an immense iron weight, which had been cast for the purpose. in which the " die was cast." It was elevated by means of a windlass, and, when the metal out of which the bogus money was to be made had been properly placed on a solid block of wood beneath, the weight was dropped, descending with such force as to coi a single piece at each blow. A large number of these coins were found inand about the premises, and quite a nmmber of them had found their way into cirenlation. Underneath the building was found a cellar with a floor, Underneath this floor was found another apartment, in which was discovered a complete set of tools, metal and other articles necessary to make a complete outtit. These implements were carried away by the officers, andof course that kind of manufacturing enterprise in this part of the county has entirely ceased,

At one time. it was thought petroleum had been discovered in this township, and that it existed in sufficient quantities to pay the expenses of prospecting. Sanmel W. Miller leased a tract of land for that purpose, but nothing ever came of it. It is probably safe to say that no petroleum will ever be found in Marshall County, The earth is entirely made of the drift that came down during the glacial period, and if carbon, the mother of petroleum, exists, it must be below the drift several hundred feet.

Thomas Tyner, the founder of Tyner City, and from whom it took its name, died in that place on the |Sthof October, 1880. He was born in Kentueky in 1800, He was a worthy and highly respected citizen, and, during his long life, filled many important positions of trust and honor, always in a satisfactory manner to all parties concerned. In the earlier portion of his manhood, he as- sisted in moving the archivesof the State from Corydon to Indianapolis, after the capital of this State was established there. He had been an extensive railroad contractor in his time, and also a the service to see his home. The scenes of that war resulted somewhat adversely to the fortunes of the Webb family. as the large flonring-mills on the Delaware River, owned by them, suffered from the devastations incident to that terrible period. George Webb married Hannah Clayton, and moved from Pennsylvania to 'Upper Canada in 1806, and died in that province about the year 1823,

Tsaiah Webb, his son, is the father of Isaac P. in Pennsylvania January 7, 175, and accompanied his father's family to Canada in 1806, There, in May, 1825, he married Miss Deborah Taylor, daughter of David Taylor. who had emigrated to Canada from New Jersey, In the spring of 1887, Mr. Webb removed to Seneca County, Ohio, accompanied by three sons and three daughters - Margaretta, John B., Isaae P., Hannah. Elizabeth and George. Two children, Lydia J. and David T., were born after his settlement in Ohio, and of his family of eight children all now survive except John B., who, it is thought, fell in defense of the Union during the late war, as he enlisted in the service from the State of California.

In the fall of 1847, the father, Isaiah Webb, removed from Ohio to Pulaski County, Ind., and, in the spring of 184, came to Marshall County, aceompanied by his family. FE southwest quarter of Seetion 30, in Polk Township, during the fall of 1847, and there, ever since his settlemeot, he has devoted his energies to clearing and improving his farm, until the infirmities of age forced him into involuntary retirement from active labor.

his home. He has passed the age of eighty-six years, yet he is remarkably vigorous for one of his age, and his mental facn|ties are unimpaired. Here, at the home which he had carved from the forest, his faithful and devoted wife died, in February, 1870.

was fond of hunting deer, of which there were then plenty in the surrounding forests; but he never permitted his love of this sport to encroach upon his time for work, and, as a reward for his industry, he was blessed, in later years, with a convenient store of worldly goods. He has always been a man of upright character, and is honored and esteemed by all who know him. , and take part inthe scenes of pioneer life, He rendered his father valuable aid in clearing and improving the home farm. On the 25th of October, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Brown: danghter of William and Jane Brown, residents of Polk Township. Less than five years elapsed ere the happiness of this union was sundered by a hand which no power on earth could stay, and his wife bade adieu to earth and her loved ones here on the 24th of August, 1S62, passing beyond their embraces to the shores of eternity, and leaving one daughter Elnora, who still survives.

On the 15th of October, 1864, Mr. Webb was a second time married, choosing for his companion Miss Martha Blake, daughter of John Blake, also a citizen of Polk Township. Five children were the fruits of this second union, viz., Orville, Elmer, Maggie, Eva and Florence.

Mr. Webb has always been an industrious, hard-working man, and by honest toil has earned the fortune he enjoys. He is a successful and thrifty farmer, and now owns 360) acres of fine land. He feels u commendable pride in his farm, and his substantial fences. clean fields and fine stock all proclaim him a systematic and thorough farmer. In all his dealings with the world, he is honorable and upright, and is in every sense a good citizen.

Chapter Xa Xitwest Townsiitp

RIGINALLY. the territory comprising this township was the west part of Center. In 1853, a township was organized which was christened Pierce Township, but, for some canse which does not appear, the order was canceled and nothing done to perfect the organization. Afterward, however, on the Sth of March, dividing Ranges 1 and 2 East, be constituted into a civil township, and no change has since been made in its boundary lines. A brief mention of the organization of the township appeared inthe Plym-

"The citizens of this new township, which was set off by the County Board at its late meeting, have taken the necessary steps for an efficient organization. At the election on the 3d inst., James A. Corse, Willian Slayter and Hiram A. Lyon were elected Trustees; John Coleman, Clerk; and Maj. Tuttle, Treasurer - all good and prompt men. Daniel Barber was elected one of the Justices of the Peace."

Among the earliest settlers in this township, Charles Cook, who is still a resident, is perhaps the earliest. He settled where he now resides, or near there. in 1534, and stands next to Robert Schroeder in competing for the oldest settler's badge, He had been in this region prior to his settlement here - probably as early as 1832. At that time, he was what was known as a " pack-horse trader." He traded the Indians, who were numerous here then, such things as they needed, for furs and venison, which he carried on pack-horses to market. He lived with the Indians from the time he was eight years old until he arrived at the age of sixteen. He learned to talk their langnage fluently, and remembers much of it even to this day. Pretty Lake, which is situated in this township. around whose beautiful shores cluster many of the scenes and incidents of early Indian life, was called, in the Indian tongue, Qua-uck-eu-bus. He also states that the Indian name for Plymouth was Ans-ka-nuk: Yellow River, Wau-san-ank-a-to-meek. Another name for Yellow River in the Indian language has been given as Wy-thou-gan. Probably the first was Pottawatamie and the last Miami. Representitives of both of these tribes were here at that time. Max-en-knek-eek was the Indian name for onr delightful Maxenkuckee Lake, and signified Moccasin Lake, on account of its shape resembling the shape of an Indian moceasin. Edwin Dwinnell is another early settler here, whose recollections of days long gone are still quite fresh in his memory. He could "talk Indian" as glibly as anoriginal Pottawatamie, but the lapse of time has caused most of it to slip from his mind. Hiram A. Raneck is another old resident of this locality, and has served more years as County Commissioner than any other man in the county. James A.Corseis another. THe served a numberof years as Probate Judge during the continuance of that system in the county, and has taken an active part in the organization and development of the county. James Case, George Dickson, Isaac How, Joseph Waters. Simeon Ells, Lyman H. Andrews, John G. Burch, Ransom Barber, Daniel Barber, Norton 5. Burch, Seoy Belangnee, and a number of others, whose names caunot now be recalled. Up to 184, this township was a part of Center Township, and to that date it had no separate identity.

it will approach the dimensions of a city. The "Old Forge," located at the lower end of Twin Lakes, gave promise, in an early day, of becoming a place of considerable importance. famous Duluth, the sky came down in equal distances all around it, and hence it was considered about as near the center of the universe as it was possible to figure it. Charles Crocker, some thirty years ago, was the presiding genins of this embryo city, but the Phyrixus of fortune failed to bring him the golden fleece, und he sought the golden shores of the Pacitic slope to replenish his depleted exchequer. How well he succeeded is shown in the fact that he is this year (18S) assessed for taxable purposes, in San Francisco, the modest stm of $19,000,000. One of the first grist-mills in the county. if not the very first. was built at this place by Timothy Barber. It was known as Barber's Mill, and the hands that constructed it have long since ceased to act, the water pours into the wheels and the mill grinds on the same as it did _forty-odd years ago. The forge hammer, that could at one time be heard miles and miles away, has long since heen removed, and the mining and forging of the very inferior hog iron ore found in that vicinity has been abandoned, and but little remains to indicate that such an enterprise ever existed,

The old Indian Chapel, the first honse of worship erected in the county, was located near the banks of the Middle Twin Lake, a few miles aboye the Forge, on the farm now owned by John Lowry. whose name is unknown, Many residents of the county now living remember to have attended church there, probably more out of curiosity than from the good they expected to derive in a spiritmal sense. When services were held, the Indians congregated from different parts of the county tm large nnmbers, and it is said they were very devout in their adorations to the Great Spirit. The best of order prevailed, no disturbances of any kind ever having ocewred. The chapel was allowed to remain standing for a long time after the Indians were driven away, but was finally torn down, and now nothing remains to point ont the spot where the first religious serviees were held in the wilderness, almost half a century ago, Occasionally, an arrow-point or a stone implement of one kind or another is yet picked up by the relic hunter in that vicinity, but beyond these the footprints of the "noble red man" are entirely obliterated. Nie transit gloria mundi!

Charles Cook

Mr. Cook is one of the pioneers of this county, and a represen: tative of that elass whose earlier years were a continued struggle with poverty and the hardships of pioneer life. He was born near Lawrenceburg, in Dearborn County, Ind.. on the 2a of October, His parents, Lodwick and Mary (Redding) Cook, settled in that county just prior to the war of 1512, and his father afterward bore an honorable part in that struggle as a soldier in the United States Army.

Charles grew up amid the surroundings incident to life in a sparsely settled region, and at an early age found it necessary to earn a livelihood for himself. He began trading with the Indians, and followed that line of employment for more than nine years. It was in the pursuit of this vocation that he first came to Marshall County, in 1832, and became probably one of the first white settlers in this county, For along time his neighbors in most part were Indians, and good friends they always proved to be. He acquired the language of the Pottawatomie tribe, and still speaks it fluently.

In 1838, he accepted employment as a farm laborer at small wages, and was thus employed for several years. Fortune seemed to be against him, and it appeared impossible for him to reach the position of a free-holder. He acquired his first title to land after he was married, and, through a complication of adverse circumstances, he lost even this. He afterward purchased land in Polk Township, and later in West Township, buying and selling in other parts of the county. until he finally located upon his present farm,

After he had attained bis majority, and was a man in stature, he attended school in this county, paying $3 a term for tuition. He was a diligent student, and wasted no time while at*school. The money that paid for his education was saved from his hard earnings, and he knew its value. By close application, he gained a store of knowledge which qualified him for an active life, and enabled him to aet intelligently in all his business affairs. He was engaged for a while in mereantile life, and, in 1849 or 1850, purchased the farm upon which he now resides. At various times subsequently, he purchased adjoining lands, until his farm tinally comprised 2-4 acres, of which 134 aeres are now in a fine state of cultivation. He was married in December. 1841, to Miss Jane Bailey, danghter of Seth and Cordelia Bailey, who came to this county from Seneca County, N. Y., in 1835. Of this union were born eight children, tive of whom are now deceused, viz. : Cordelia, Olive, Juliet, Charles Henry and Sarah A. William G., Mary E. and Walter L. still survive. William G. was a student at the college at Valparaiso, Ind., when the late rebellion broke out, and, although he had cherished plans, and was almost ready to gradnate, he abandoned all and enlisted in the defense of his country as a member of Company D, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. A. D. Streight. He was one of the number who joined Col. Streight in his celebrated attempt to escape from Libby Prison. During his service in the army, he was shot through the neck, and a permanent injury was inflicted; yet he would never

He was transferred from one prison to another until he had been an inmate of every rebel prison in the South. Both sons lived to return to their parents and witness the triumph of the cause for which they fought.

Mr. Cook has long been recognized as one of the leading farmers of his township. He is enterprising and public-spirited, and the firm friend of public improvements. He is a good neighbor, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Adam Rhinehart

Mr. Rhinehart is a prominent farmer and early settler of West Township. He was born December 1, 1515, in Shenandoah County, Va., and grew to manhood on his father's farm in that connty. He attended the common school and aequired a fair English edueation, to which he has added by careful study in later life.

In 1835, his elder brother left home and settled at La Porte, Ind., where he was engaged as clerk for Mr. Froebel, a former neighbor. This circumstance. together with favorable reports of the country sent home by the son, induced the father to seek a home in the West. Early in 1836, the family left home, with La

Plymouth, at that time, contamed only a log cabin and a frame house, and gave but little promise of becoming the beautiful city it is to-day. They remained but one season in La Porte County, and in the spring of 1837 came to Marshall County to oceupy the land they had previously entered in West Township. The tract purchased by the subject of this biography was 160 acres, and, in the prime of manhood, he devoted his time to clear ing and improving it, boarding, meanwhile, with his father, who owned and occupied the adjoining farm. He has 100 acres in a fine state of cultivation, and his is one of the few farms which have suffered no change of ownership. He has cultivated this farm for a period of forty-four years, and during that time, by close attention and hard work. has amassed a comfortable fortune.

At the age of fifty-two years. in September, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Covert, daughter of Daniel Covert, who settled in West Township abont 1861. They have five children, viz.: Annie, Charles A., Theodore, Amanda and John Arthur.

While not identified with any religious denomination, Mr. Rhinehart bas always been a manof exemplary habits and a high order of morality. He is also a man of public spirit, and contributes liberally to all enterprises inaugurated in the interest of his township or the county at large. He has lived the plain life of a farmer, and his name has never been before the public as a candidate for office; yet he is widely known and universally esteemed.

Chapter Xxxiil Graphical Sketch

FP HIS township was organized June 4, 1859. The territory now composing the township was, at the date of its organization, a part of Green Township. A meeting of those interested was held at the schoolhouse near M. L. Smith's tavern. then im Green 'Nownship, May 21, 185%. for the purpose of selecting a name for the new township and recommending a suitable person to be appointed Trustee. Merrill Williams was President of the meeting, and Samuel B. Corbaley, Seeretary. The names of Argos, Richland and Noble were proposed for the new township. Noble was withdrawn, and the vote resulted: Argos, thirteen; Richland, eight. For some reason not stated, the Board of Commissioners ordered the township to be called Walnut. The names of John A. Rhodes and Charles Brown were proposed for Trustee. The vote resulted: Rhodes, eighteen; Brown, fom. Merrill Williams, John A. Rhodes and Dr. N. E. Manville were appointed a committee to attend to the necessary business before the Board of Commissioners. Immediately following the organization of the township, the following petition was presented to the board:

Witernas, We, the undersigned citizens and petitioners, believing that so many tuumes are, and will continue to be, against the interest of citizens of said places, we, therefore, petition your Honorable Bourd to change the name of the above-named towns, and consolidate them into one name, namely, Argos, and thus, in duty bound, we will ever pray. John A, Rhodes, John Whitacre, M. E. Richards, J. G. Bryant, N. Siple. Thomas King, Joseph Rhodes, J. W. Harris, William Worthington, G, W. Gordon, Martin Bucher, John Tribby, N. E. Manville, J, A. Haig, Joseph Litsinger, Joseph Finney, W. Nichols and J. J. Hough,

The petition was granted, and the consolidated towns were ordered to be thereafter known us Argos. Argos was the name of a city in Greece, made famous inthe Iliadof Homer. This ancient city, according to history, is long since in ruins. " Her thirty tenples, her costly sepulchers, her gymnasiums, and her numerous and magnificent monuments and statues have disappeared, and the only traces of her former greatness are some remaims of her Cy. clopean walls, and a rnined theater ent in the rock and of magnifi cent proportions. The modern Argos, built on the ruins of the ancient city, is nothing more than a straggling village. The plain of the ancient Argos is said to be one of the most beautiful to be found. On every side except toward the sea, it is bounded by mountains, and the contrast between these mountains and the : The Argus spelled with a "u" was the name of a fabulous being of antiquity, said to have had a hundred eyes, and placed by Juno to guard To, and hence originated the term " argus-eyed,"

The town of Sidney, of which Argos is the successor, was laid out by John Pleak and M. L. Smith, Jannary 8, 1851. It was named in honor of Sidney Williams, who settled there probably as early as 1835. Sidney was surveyed and platted by Amasa W. Reed, County Surveyor, and contained sixty lots.

Fredericksburg, four miles south, in Walnut Township, was laid out April 16, 1866, by Frederick Stair, proprietor, and con- Calhoun and Tucker made' an addition of The L,P. & C. BR. R,, which passes through the town, for convenience. have changed the name to Walnut Station, and this is the name the Post Office Department recognizes.

Mastodon Relics

* In Inne, 1574, My. Osear L, Bland, while bathing in a pool in Deep Creek on the farm of his father, Alexander Bland, in the northeast corner of Walnut Township, Marshall Co., Ind., found a very large tooth, whose weight at that time, including the debris connected with it, was about eight pounds. Further search-was made, and within a few feet another tooth, about the same size, was found. Further examination of the banks of the stream was made, and, some two hundred feet farther up, several very fine specimens of the remains of what must have been a very large animal, were found. 'The "tind" naturally created qnite an excitement inthe neighborhood, which extended all over the country, and many exaggerated descriptions of the relics and the supposed size of the animal were made by newspaper correspondents and others. In December, 1874, a correspondent of the Warsaw Northern Dutianien had the following in relation to it:

"Mr. Alexander Bland has discovered on his farm near Bourbon a great number of large bones of an unknown animal. that, according to careful measurement, was certainly a huge old monster, the largest ever. known. Severalof the teeth are in a partial state of preservation, and weigh over eight pounds each, and seyeral of the ribs are almost like the ribs of a mammoth man-of-war ship in size, the other bones being proportionately large. One of the officers of the Aeademy of Seiences of Chicago came here to investigate the remains. and pronounced the animal to have been over sixty feet tall and of proportionate leneth! The bones are to be carefully collected and sent to the Academy Museum in the city, as of rare value to antiquarians."

Of course the above statement was exaggerated beyond all reason, as neither sacred nor profane history gives any account of any living thing one-fifth the height or length indicated. But it had the effect of calling the attention of the people to it, and hundreds have visited the residence of Mi. Bland and made an examination of the relies and locality where they were found, and numerous letters have heen received making inquiry in regard to them.

off. Its weight is about two pounds. 'here are four sections of the vertebre, all in a perfect state of preservation. Their measurement is about thirteen inches across at bottom part, eight inches at upper part, two and a half inches thick, twelve inches from top to bottom, and weighs four and three-fourths pounds each. The section of the sknll measures twenty-one inches in length by thirteen inches in width, is about one inch thick and has sbont one pearance of the first coat of plaster on a building. One tusk was found in a splendid state of preservation. Since it came in contact with the air, portions of it have dissulved and fallen off. It was about nine feet long and about twenty inches in circumference where it joined the head. A section of the shoulder-blade was also found. It measures eight inches in thickness and fourteen inches in width, and weighs thirty-six pounds. The outer extramity has been broken off, so that it is impossible to say what its length originally was. 'Two ribs were also found, one of which measures two and three-fourths feet in length; the other, somewhat smaller. About one hundred pieces of various sizes were found, a description of which is impossible. The place where they were found is low, marshy ground, on the east bank of Deep Creek. Allthespecimens, except two of the teeth, were found in a wet place, where a branch had run into the ereek, and about four feet under ground, near and under the roots of a beech tree four and a half feet in circumference. The earth under and surrounding the tree is made entirely of drift, and has undoubtedly accumulated and the tree has grown since the animal mired down and died, There is no doubt but the remains are those of a mastodon, probably about eleven feet high, seventeen feet long and about sixteen feet in cirewmference. They inhabited this country so long ago that the memory of man runneth not to the contrary certainly long prior to the Christian era. In his explorations, the writer is under obligations to Mr. Arthur Bland, Sr., who now owns the land on which the relics were found.

The Mastodon

The mastodon is deseribed as anextinet probiseidian mammal, coming near the elephant, found either in the tertiary or more recent deposits in all quarters of the globe except Africa, This animal has the yaulted and cellular skull of the elephant, with large tusks in the upper jaw, and heavy form; from the character of the nasal bones, and the shortness of the head and neck, it has been concluded that it has a trunk; the crowns of the molars are divided by transverse rows of mammilary conical prominences, whence the name; besides the upper incisors or tusks, the cheek teeth are $ - *, sueceeding each other from behind forward, as in the elephant, only two or three being in use at the same time; during youth, there were two short and straight tusks at the end of the lower jaw in the males, which were retained sometimes to adult life. A few remains of the mastodon had been discovered in North America'as early as 1705, but not until 1801 was anything like a complete skeleton obtained, when a tolerably complete one was procured from the morass of Orange County, N.Y. It was imperfect, wanting a considerable part of the head, some vertebrie, ribs, and bones of the limbs. Another skeleton, less perfect than the last, obtained at about the same time, was exhibited in Baltimore for years. About 1840, My. Koch procured a rich collection of mastodou bones from the banks of the Missouri, and put together a nondeseript animal, the so-called Missonrium, which drew crowds of visitors in New York and London, until, from the mass of bones of several individuais, a tolerably complete skeleton was made np by Prof. Owen, which is now in the British Museum. The finest skeleton of this species is the one described by Dr. John C, Warren, in a work written by him entitled " The Mastodon Giganteus of North America." It was discovered at Newberg, N. ¥.. in S45, in a swamp usnally covered with water, but left dry during that snmmer, The Bland specimens under con- sideration, from the weights, measurements, etc., are probably from an animal very nearly the size of the one described by Dr. Warren in his work above referred to. Taking Dr. Warren's specimen as a type of the one found by Mr. Bland, his description will give a very clear conception of what the animal originally was:

"The cranium is flatter than in the elephant, narrow between the temporal fosse, the face becoming twice as wide below the nasal opening; the length of the superior surface, from the vertex to the edge of the premaxillary bones, is forty-eight inches, and the width between the superior orbitar processes twenty-eight inches; the posterior or occipital surface is nearly vertical, ronghened for-vertical attachments; the temperal fosss are of great size, indicating the power of the muscles which filled them; the zygomatic processes, thick and strong; lower jaw, V-shaped, the anterior pointed extremity having on the internal surface a long, wide groove for the tongue. The cervical vertebra have short spinous processes, except the last, which is six and a half inches long; the dorsals are twenty, and, with the three lumbar, form a considerable arch, the first seven having very long spinous processes (that of the third the longest, being twenty-three anda half inches), and thence gradually diminishing to the last, which is only four inches; the transverse processes are also very thick in the first seven; the first lumbar measures across the transverse processes seventeen inches, of which the body is only five inches; the sacrum consists of five bones, and is twenty inches long on the lower at the commencement of the tail, which reached to the knees. The pelvis is very strong and massive - six feet two inches wide across the anterior superior spinous processes; thorax, rounded, its anterior opening two feet from above downward and one foot transversely; sternum, keeled below, with a stout pointed protuberance in front. The ribs are twenty - thirteen true and seven false, the first nearly vertical and resembling a clavieal, and twenty-eight inches long; from this, the ribs increase to the ninth, which is fifty-four and three-fourths inches, and thence decrease to the last, which is twenty-one inches; the fifth, flat, anteriorly, is four inches wide; after the seventh, they become rounded; they are not unfrequently found united, as after fracture. The seapula is the elephant, and, like some of the other bones, might, in rude ages, be easily mistaken for the remains of giant men; its spine is nearly vertical, bifureating below, the infra-spinous fossa more than three times as ample as the supra-spinous, the former having generally a depression near the spine; the glenoid cavity is eleven by five inches. The massive humerous is thirty-nine inches long, and the same in its greatest circumference, with a remarkable projection extending two-thirds down the limb for the deltoid muscle; the circumference of the elbow joint is forty-four inches radius, twenty-nine inches long and six and a half inches wide below; the ulna, much the stoutest, and thirty-four inches long. The fore-foot measures nearly two feet across; the wrist has eight bones, in two rows of four each; the metacarpals five, the first, or inches, the third (the largest), six and a half, and the fifth about four and a half; phalanges in the thumb, two, and in the others three each, supposing an ungual phalanx to be present in all, though wanting in the skeleton. The thigh-bone is massive, and about as long as the humerous, seventeen inches in circumference at the middle, and thirty at the lower portion; the knee-pan, nearly globular; tibia, human-like, twenty-eight inches long, thirty inches in circumference above and thirteen and a half in the middle; fibula, tweny-six inches, ascending less high than the tibia, but descending lower to form the external malleolus; feet more depressed and the toes more radiating, otherwise much as in the elephant. This skeleton is eleven feet high, seventeen feet from end of face to beginning of tail, the latter being six and twothirds feet; circumference around the ribs, sixteen feet five inches; tusks, about eleven feet, of which eight and two-thirds project beyond the sockets The teeth consist chiefly of dentine, invested by enamel, though a layer of cement, thinner than in the elephant, invests the fangs and is spread over the crown. The whole number of teeth is twenty-four, of which rarely more than eight were in use at one time; they are develeped from behind forward in order to relieve the jaws from the excessive wieght of the whole at one time; the outer edge of the upper teeth projects beyond that of the lower. Besides the upper tusks, there are in the mastodon, thongh not in the elephant, inferior mandibular tusks. The food of the mastodon was entirely vegetable, and the animal doubtless resorted to marshy and boggy places, like other proboscidians, in search of succulent plants, where it was often mired in the very places whence its remains have been extracted during the nineteenth century.

The geological position of the remains of the mastodon has long been and still is a subject of dispute among geologists; in a few instances, they are said to have been found below the drift in the pliocene, and even in the miocene; but they have generally been obtained, from the post-pliocene or alluvial formations, at a depth of from five to ten feet in lacrustrine deposits, bogs and beds of infusorial earth. Some have thought that the mastodons became extinct since the advent of man upon the earth, like the dinornis and the dodo; according to Lyell, the period of their destruction, though geologically modern, must have been many thousand years ago. The same causes probably acted in theit extinetion as in the case of the fossil elephant - perhaps partly climatic changes, but more probably some great convulsion on the surface of the globe at an epoch anterior to man. According to Owen, the mastodons were elephants with molars less complex in structure and adapted for coarser vegetable food, ranging in time from the miocene to the upper pliocene, and in space, throughout the tropical and temperate latitudes. The transition from the mastodon to the elephant type of dentition is very gradual.

The Elk

Several specimensof the elk have been found by Arthur Bland, Sr., and Zachariah Senour, in the southeast part of the county, which indicates that this species of animal was formerly an inhabitant of this region.

The Argos Manufacturing Company

The Argos Manufacturing Company was organized February 1, 1872, with a eapital stock of $10,000, divided into shares of $50 each, It was incorporated for the purpose of manufacturing sash, doors, blinds, doing and performing all kinds of buzz and scroll sawing, tuning, wooden lathe-work, ete. The Directors for the first year were Merrill Williams, Jonathan Pickerel, Solomon Huff, Leonard, Bock, Amasa J. Lewis, Alfred B. Lewis. James A. Miller. The stockholders, in addition to these, were Henry Krouse, M. R. Tribby, P. D. Low, Jacob Beam, Leslie & Miller, Harvey Stafford, J. R. Beck, J. C. Huff, L. H. Fielding, Martin Bucher, R. B. Eaton, A. J. Wickizer, William McClure, J. W. P. Coplin, Joseph F, Norton, Hugh Piekerel, Gustav Wolf, D. & L Gold.

History

smith, G. W. Gordon, Elias Vance and R. M. Williams. The company purchased several acres of land, on which a large and commodious building was erected, and the work has since progressed equal to the anticipations of its founders.

Public School Building

The corner-stone of the publieschool building erected in the town of Argos was laid under the auspices of the fraternities of Masons, Odd Fellows and Red Men, on the L6th day of August, 1873. After the ceremonies of laying the stone, addresses were delivered by Rev. J. L. Boyd, Methodist minister of Plymouth; Hon. M, A.

M. B. Hopkins, Superintendent of Public Instruction. After the close of the services, an excellent dinner was served by the ladies of the place, and the occasion was one in every way enjoyable. The building is of brick, 40x60 feet and two stories high, well finished, and furnished with the latest improved furniture.

The Marshall County Medical Society was organized at Argos May 13, 1578, with the following charter members: Drs. Samuel W. Gould, Reason B. Eaton, J. H. Wilson, J. 8. Leland, F'. Stevens and J. T. Doke. The objects of the society were stated to be for the purpose of advancing medical knowledge and to elevate professional character.

Argos Business Directory Argos Incorporated

The town of Argos was incorporated under the State law, in December, 1869. The first election was held December 4, 1869, and resulted in the election of the following officers: Trustees, Joseph F. Norton, Jonathan Pickerel, J.S. Leland; Marshal, James Pickerel; Clerk, George W. Krouse; Treasurer, A. Sealy; Assessor, W. BR. Cook.

Abel C, Hickman

Mr. Hickman was one of the earliest settlers of Marshall County. In fact, at the time of his death, which oceurred on the 11th of June, 1877, he disputed the elaim of being the oldest inhabitant of the county then living, with Robert Schroeder, of North Touwnship. A statement had been made by Mr. Schroeder in the Re- publican of April 5, 1877, claiming that he was: the oldest inhabitant of the county. Mr. Hickman replied as follows: Kditor of the Republican: Ancos, Inp., April 12, 1877. Ido not claim to be the oldest inhabitant of Marshall County, but I do cliim that I came in 1832, and, in October of that year, built a cabin south of Argos two and a half miles; and Michael Shone built a cabin six miles south of Argos, and Judge Polk also built a cabin on the northeast branch of the Tippecanoe River, and George Bozarth, where Rochester now is. So you see there were several houses between Plymouth and Cass County, If Robert Schroeder came in August, 1832; he was before me, in the fall of 1853, asmy memory serves me; but itmight have been in 1834. I presume Mr. Schroeder might have been correct in that, for I was here in 1882, 1883 and 1884. Mr. Schroeder speaks of the Michigan road not being passable in 1883. That isso, The main travel from the Tippecanoe River was on the old Indian trail from Tippecanoe to Yellow River west of the Michigan Road, through the barren country by way of Wolf Creek Mills. The two Frenchmen spoken off by Mr, Schroeder, I have recollection of. Yours, respectfully, A. C. Hickman.

"My. Hickman died at his home in Argos, June 1], 1877, and on the 12th his remains were taken to Rochester, where he was buried by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the honors of the order, in their beautiful cemetery. He was born in Harrison County, Va., September 1, 1805. He chose the profession of a farmer, and emigrated to Indiana in 1832, and settled on the Michigan road, two miles south of Argos, as the lands belonging to the road were the only lands in market. This was four years prior te the organization of the county. As soon as the Government lands were surveyed, in 1835, he moved off west of the road and settled onthe farm now owned by Adam Bixel. Thus he was the first actual settler on State lands, after the survey, in the neighborhood. Three years after, in 1838, the first society for religious worship was organized at Mr. Hickman's house, by the Rev. Mr. Owens, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thus Methodism was introduced into Marshall County. His house continued a regular place of worship for several years. In 1844, the first house of worship erected in the county was built on his farm. In 1853, he moved to Fulton County, and in 1864 to Rochester, where he engaged in the mercantile business until 1870, when he again resumed the business of farming. In 1875, he took up his residence in Argos and engaged in the drug business. As a man, he was positive to a fault, and was a good neighbor. He had energy and push, so that it may be well said that in seventy-two years he realized that life was not a failure. and assisted his children.

contributing largely of his means for the support of religious enterprise. He had been watching the developments of Marshall County for forty-five years, and with great satisfaction he saw the forest give place to the beautiful fields, and the solitude of the wilderness broken by the bustle of busy homes. He saw the population of the county increase one hundred and sixty times. In the midst of prosperity, surrounded by friends, like a ripe sheaf, he was gathered by the harvesters of eternity." vember, 1866, a charter was granted to the following charter members: Hugh Bowman, Henry Krause, Gideon Wolf. James M. Wickizer, Thompson Cannon, W. H. Tuttle and Finley Stevens. Since that time to the close of 1880, the following members have been elected and served as Noble Grand in the order named:

Argos Lodge, No. 399, F. & A, M - This lodge was organized in October, 1869, with ten charter members. The writer has been unable to obtain the information necessary to compile a history of its workings since its organization. Among those who have served as Masters, the following are remembered:

Shawanee Tribe, No. 19, I. O. R. M - Pitched its wigwam in the hunting-grounds here about 1871. a number of white men, and, for the period of a few years, flourished like a green bay tree. But the council fires began to languish for want of fuel, and finally the tribe disbanded, and its

James Abrams

James Abrams was born August 31, 1817, in Clermont County, Ohio, but came to the State of Indiana when only three years of age. His father, Joseph Abrams, removed from Pennsylvania to Clermont County, Ohio, when a boy, and, growing to manhood there, married Rebecea Cuppy. In 1820, he removed with his family to Wayne County, Ind., and subsequently to Fayette County, in this State. He was a farmer, and was a highly respected citizen Of the several counties in which he resided.

James, his son, and the subject of this sketch, passed the days of his boyhood in hard work, helping his father to clear and eultivate land, and having few opportunities for acquiring an education. While he was denied this privilege, however, he employed his leisure hours in study, and thus gained an education quite practical, although not scholastic. Aeccustomed from youth to hard work, he became inured to it, and it may be properly regarded as the element of success in his life. He adopted the pursuit of farming - a calling which he was well qualified to prosecute successfully, by his energy and industry, as well as his thorough knowledge of the details of that pursuit. In 1839, he wedded Miss Catherine Sheets, in Boone County, Ind., where he resided until 1848. In that year, he removed to the State of Wisconsin, and in 185() returned to Indiana, and located in Marshall County, where he has ever since continued to reside. His fine farm in Walnut Township was a wilderness when he bought it, and in its well-cultivated fields, neat buildings and systematic management, the observer sees an eloquent tribute to the spirit of its proprietor, by whom it has been redeemed from the forest, His life has been marked by long-continued toil, and its reward is a rich competence in worldly goods, coupled with a universal feeling of respect and in 1874, to beeome the Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, and has been re-elected at the expiration of each term since that time, his friends refusing to dispense with his valuable services. He is a careful guardian of the county's interests, and has always been an active worker for its publie good. He is esteemed in private life as a kind friend, a good neighbor, and, best of all, an honest man.

Mr. Abrams and his estimable wife are the parents of thirteen children. Of this number, Oliver P., Mary, Sarah, Martha J., Jacob, Joseph, John, Henry, James C. and Rebecca, are now living, while Maria, George W. and Catherine are deceased.

Mr. Barnhill was born March 29, 1809, in Butler County, Ohio, and in 1820, at the age of eleven years, came to Marion County, Ind., with the family of His father. In 1846, the family came to Marshall County, Ind., with whose interests the subjoct of this biography has ever since been identified.

His second wife was Miss Sarah Knapp. She has been his companion and helpmate since their happy union, and still lives to share and enjoy the prosperity that has crowned hér husband's later years. They are the parents of eleven children, viz., Robert, Bertha, Sarah, Othniel, Ezra Knapp, Mary, Phoebe, Frances, Jane, Nancy and Hugh.

Mr. Barnhill is identified with the religious denomination known as the Church of God, and, for a period of forty-three years, has devoted his life to the church as a minister of the Gospel. For thirty-five years, he has had pastoral charge of Antioch Church, in Walnut Township, and has discharged the duties of his station with a conscientious earnestness and concern for the spiritual welfare of his flock. For the support of his loved ones, he has carried on farming in addition to his pastoral labors. He has a fine farm, consisting of 117 acres, and in the pursuit of agriculture he has been very successful. As a citizen and neighbor, he is universally esteemed, and all who know him unite in pronouncing him a good man.

Charles Huff

Mr. Huff was born in Germany April 3, 1829, and came to the United States when a small boy, with his parents, Philip and Catherine (Lame) Huff. They settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and removed from there to Marshall County, Ind., in 1845, loeating in German Township. There were fourteen children in his father's family, and seven of these are now living, viz., Louisa, wife of - - Freese; Margaret, wife of - - Tigart; Caroline, William, Jacob, Solomon and Charles.

Charles, the subject of this sketch, labored under the disadvantage of having no edneational opportunities in his younger days, but, being of a naturally shrewd and observing nature, he acquired, by experience, a knowledge of the world and of business that has served him well in lieu of an education. On the 25th of September, 1850, he was married, in St. Joseph County, Ind., to Miss Carolina Fuird, and soon afterward settled in Walnut Township, Marshall County. He began life as a poor boy, but he had an ambition to sueceed, and, by dint of hard work, realized his desires. Ho is now one of the foremost farmers in his township, owning 370 acres of land, which he has in a fine state of eultiva- tion. In public enterprises, he is looked upon as a leader, and has always taken an active part in helping along such measures as seemed to him to be for the welfare of his township or the county at large. He has taken an active part in the construction of the new railroad, and has been one of its firmest friends from the time it was first projected, devoting his time to securing the right of way for the road through Waluut Township, and assisting by every means in bis power to encourage the enterprise. He is esteemed by all who know him, and is recognized as a worthy and influential citizen. He has a pleasantrural home, surrounded by the comforts of life, and oceupied by an interesting family. Of the eight children who came to bless his wedded life, four are now living, viz., Sarah E., Ida C., Alfred A. and Zua Alice.

William Railsback

Mr. Railsback is a farmer in Walnut Township. He was born December 3, 1830, in Marion County, Ind. His father, Caleb Railsback, was a native of North Carolina, but came to Wayne County, Ind., with his parents, in 1807, and grew to maturity in this State.

({j William, the subject of this sketch, passed the days of ths boyhood and youth on his father's farm, assisting him during the summer and occasionally attending the common school during the winter. In 1846, he came to Marshall County, Ind., with his parents, and settled upon a tract of wild Jand within a mile and a half of the present town of Argos. Much of his time was occupied in the labor of clearing and preparing the ground for cultivation, and hard work was one of the lessons of his early life. To this he became thoroughly accustomed, and it became second nature to him. He has always been an industrious man and a tireless worker, In February, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Brown, who has proved a loving and devoted wife, and a helpmate in his struggle for fortune. Six children crowned the happiness of this union, and all are now living. Their names are Simon B., Diantha, Melissa J., Nancy M., John W. and Lucy E.

Mr. Railsback began life like many of the substantial farmers of the present day; at first, on-a smal] farm, the boundaries of which he gradually enlarged by subsequent purchases, his possessions in real estate now aggregating 317 acres. For his success he is indebted alone to his industry and good management. He has been unremitting in his efforts to secure a competence for his family, and, while this is true, it can be as truthfully said that he has always been liberal with his contributions to the public improvements of the county. His life has been always honorable and upright, and he enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him. He is a member of the religious denomination known as the Churek of God, and as such has led a consistent life. His political preferences are with the Republican party, of which he is a useful member. He has never beon ambitious for political notoriety, and, with the exception of serving as Trustee of his township, has held no public offices. His reputation as a good citizen is his only public record, and it is one of which he, as well as his posterity, may feel justly proud. ;

Business Directories City Of Plymouth

Deniston,Dr. J, M. 28 1864/Ohio........./La Paz...... Physician and Surgeon, and Dealer in , Drugs and Notions, and Justice of j_ the 'Peace.

Davis, J. Weesisccces New York...,Bourbon....|Farmer and Attorney. || Short, R, R.... w+} eof L851 Indiana.....{Bourbon....|Physician and Surgeon,