Perry Township

Alvin Hall

Alvin Hall was born in New London. Conn., May 11, 1810. His parents gave him all the opportunities for an education that were afforded by the common schools, and they were well improved up to the time he was sixteen years of age, when he became possessed of the passion that appears to be implanted in every American's bosom - to "go West;" and he went as far as Ontario County in Western New York, where he remained about one year and a half, when he again moved on further West, this time to Huron County, Ohio. Here he settled down and learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. On the 27th of November, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Betsey Miller, of Huron County.

He continued to work at his trade until December, 1840, when he and his wife took their little family and their household goods, and in two wagons started for Allen County, Ind. After a journey such as but few would care to make, through an almost trackless forest a part of the way, he reached Fort Wayne about Christmas. He owned a tract of land in Milan Township, in this county, and wanted to get to it. The water was so high in the Maumee at the ford, that his horses were compelled to swim in crossing the river. His family he had left on the south bank of the river, and he got them across in a canoe. Going a short distance north, he found an old acquaintance, and stayed with him all night. The next day, with the settlers on the north side of the Maumee to help him, he went to his land, and they cut down timber into logs and poles, with which they put up a cabin, and the second day after, he with his family moved into it. Here, with only one or two families within miles of him, without a road to go auywhere. surrounded by a dense forest, he commenced to' carve a home out in the wilderness ; and well he has succeeded. He lives to-day upon the same land he wrested from the forest. He had the misfortune tolose thepartnerof his toils, .who was claimed by death September 14, 1847, leaving her husband and a family of small children to mourn her sad departure. This good couple were'the patents of six children - Francis D., born December 12, 1833; Amherst S., born June 17, 1S35; and Andrew J., born November 28, 1843 (all of whom are now deceased); those surviving are Mary Ann, born September 11, 1838; George, born February 25, 1840; and Melissa M., born December 3, 1841.

Mr. Hall married again on the 7th of January, 1848, this time selecting for his partner Miss Sylvia Heath, of this county. Their union has been blessed with five children - Margaret Roseltha, born August 22, 1850, since deceased; Franklin 11., born November 13, 1851 ; Dora Bell, born March 31, 1858; Orpha, born March 26, 1866 ; and William T., born June 22, 1869.

Mr. Hall owns 100 acres of splendid land, nearly eighty of which is in an excellent state of cultivation. Politically, all his life he has acted with the Dem¬ ocratic party. Although not a politician, he has, nevertheless, filled a number of different offices in his township, and was elected Land Appraiser by the people of this county in 1876. He belongs to no church, but contributes freely to the support of all religious denominations that call upon him. Neither is he back¬ ward in promoting and sustaining beneficial public enterprises, as he sets a high estimate on everything that is truly reliable and surely honorable.

By L. H. Newton

The history of this township begins with the year 1830, prior to which time no one had made any attempt to improve upon the natural condition of its terri¬ tory, or clear away from its surface the veil which hid a vast store of natural wealth. Its forests remained untouched by the pioneer's ax, and the wild animals trod its labyrinths almost unmolested.

The First Settlers

who came to reside within its limits were Charles Weeks and William Caswell, who came in the year above named. Weeks was fond of the chase, and, although he cleared a farm and proved himself a man of great industry, his gun was his most acceptable companion, and his cabin was well supplied with trophies of his successful pursuit of the game then so abundant. William Caswell was a native of Canada, and was of a hardy nature, great strength and endurance, and, although uneducated, was a man of some natural ability. He went to work with energy in his forest home, and, during the first winter of his residence in the county, cleared a tract of land from which he was enabled, during the following season, to raise a crop sufficient for his subsistence during the ensuing winter. Like his associate, Mr. Weeks, he took delight in hunting, and was often absent from home for several consecutive days in pursuit of deer and other game, to supply him with meat for the winter. He remained a number of years in the township, and was a man of some prominence in its early history. He subse¬ quently removed to another locality, and nothing is now known of him. After the advent of Weeks and Caswell in the township, there were no further arrivals until the fall of 1833.

In that year, Thomas Dunten and his nephew, Horace F. Dunten, started from Jefferson County, N. Y., to find a Western home. There was little in this locality to prepossess them in its favor. They were confronted by dense forests, and severe labor and trials stared them in the face ; but, beyond this, their acute foresight discerned a rich reward for such labor, and their decision was made. They purchased land, and began at once the erection of a cabin for shelter. Soon they began the work of clearing the land, and, in due time, were enabled to raise sufficient for the satisfaction of their immediate necessities. Thomas Dunten remained in the township until his decease, and, during that time, was largely interested in its growth and development. Horace F. Dunten was, at the time of his arrival, a young man of twenty years, and gave to his work the zest and enthusiasm of early manhood. His subsequent life has been passed in the town¬ ship, and now, at a ripe old age, he enjoys the fruits of his labors and a compe¬ tence well earned. He still resides on Section 17, on the farm cleared by his own hand. Late in the fall of 1833, Ephraim H. Dunten, Sr., joined his son, Horace F., and settled on the same section. He also cleared a farm, and remained in the township until death ended his labors. He was accompanied by his son George, who assisted him to " make" his farm, and is now a prosperous farmer himself. Albert Wood came with Mr. Dunten, in the fall of 1833, and continued to reside upon his farm until his decease, in 1878. Nathaniel Fitch, an unmarried man. came from Pennsylvania in the same year, and, after clearing a farm, married Miss Sarah De Long and reared a large family, several of whom are now living in the township. He was a man of great natural ability, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He was a blacksmith, and conducted that trade in connection with farming. A long life of labor and industry brought him a rich return, and made him the possessor of a fine fortune. He remained in the township until his death, which occurred in January, 1878.

Benjamin and Amasiah Parker came from Jefferson County, N. \ ., in the spring of 1834, and were prominent movers in many of the public improvements subsequently inaugurated in the township. In the same season, Ephraim H. Dunten, Jr., located near the present site of Huntertown, where he erected a building in which he kept the first tavern in the township. Subsequently, he removed to Fort Wayne, where he was engaged in business for a short time. Returning to Perry Township, he made it his home until 1854. when he fell a victim to cholera, and died.

Jason Hatch came from Pennsylvania in 1834, and settled on Cedar Creek, where he erected a saw-mill. He settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Wilkinson, and cleared a large tract of land, besides superintending the mill. He was a man who speedily won his way to the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and was repeatedly called upon to fill local offices. He remained in the township until death.

Philemon Rundels came in 1834, and cleared a farm near the Coldwater road, where he resided until death. His life was marked by industry, and he accumulated a fine estate. He was a man of ability, and served as Justice of the Peace in the township.

George Simon came from Columbiana County, Ohio, in October, 1836, and settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Solomon Simon. He remained in the township until death.

William T. Hunter came in 1837, and purchased the tract of land upon which the^illage of Huntertown is now located. lie has done much toward the improvement of the township, and is universally respected by his neighbors. He now resides at Huntertown.

Rapion Andrews came in 1837, and cleared a farm, which he cultivated until called from his labors by death. Schuyler Wheeler came from the State of New York in the same year. He was well educated, and soon rose to a position of prominence among his neighbors. In 1858, he was elected by the Democrats of the district to represent, them in the State Legislature. He gained many friends, and was always held in high esteem.

Jacob and George Kell came in 1837, and still reside in the township. Their labors have been crowned with success, and they are among the substantial farmers of the township.

George, Samuel, Henry and John Bowser came in 1837. After that date, new arrivals were so frequent that it is impossible to give a complete list of names. Among the number, however, may be mentioned Thomas Tucker, James Thompson, James Van Dolah, Jacob Hillegass, Vachel Metcalf, George Gloyd. L. Gloyd, Jas. Tucker, Dr. E. G. Wheelock, August Martin and Sami. Shryoek'

At the September session of the Board of County Commissioners, in 1835, the township was organized, in response to a petition presented by its residents. Its boundaries comprised "all of Town 32 north, Range 12 east, and the east half of Town 32 north, Range 11 east, together with the territory north of said township, within Allen County." The Sheriff was then ordered to advertise an election for two Justices of the Peace and two Constables.

The First Election

Pursuant to the order, the qualified voters of the township met at the house of William Caswell, on the second Saturday in October, 1835. William Caswell was appointed Inspector by the Board of County Commissioners. The election resulted in the choice of Jason Hatch and William Caswell, Justices of the Peace, and Lewis Hammon, Constable.

The First Houses

All the earlier settlers of the township lived in cabins, hastily constructed from the round timber, aS it was felled from the forest, and only used as temporary abodes until logs could be hewed to make more comfortable dwellings. The first hewed-lpg house was erected by Horace F. Dunteo in 1834, and was speedily followed by others of a similar character. Shortly after its erection (per¬ haps in the same year), Ephraim H. Dunten, Jr., erected a frame storeroom on the lot now owned by N. V. Hatch, at Huntertown, in which he kept the -first store in the township. In this building, lie continued to sell goods during his life, and, after his decease, the store was conducted by his sons, until quite recently. His goods were purchased at Toledo, Ohio, and brought to Fort Wayne, via the W. & E. Canal. From this point they were conveyed to their destination in wagons.

The First Tavern was kept by Ephraim H. Dunten, in a building at the north end of Huntertown, on the Lima road. It was on the great highway between Fort Wayne and English Prairie, and was well patronized by emigrants en route for that region, as well as by numerous teamsters engaged in conveying goods from Fort Wayne to the prairies. He was a genial host, and made his house popular with the traveling community, and was rarely without as many quests as he could accommodate. Several years later, he ejected a more com¬ modious building at the south end of Huntertown.

The First Mill. - In 1834, Blair & Wines built- a saw-mill on Cedar Creek, to which they subsequently added a " corn- cracker." The stones used for this purpose were about eighteen inches in diameter, and worked in an upright position. It ground very coarsely, merely cracking the kernels. It was a very primitive affair, and of little good to its proprietors or the settlement. The saw¬ mill, however, was a good investment, and yielded its proprietors a fair revenue. Samuel Shryock purchased the mill in 1836, and sent to Dayton, Ohio, for a run of buhrs. He made it a merchant mill, and established a good trade. In 1851 or 1852, Mr. Shryock sold it to John Stoner, by whom it was operated a number of years, and was then sold to George Kell, its' present proprietor.

The First Blacksmiths. - In 1837, Nathaniel Fitch started the fires of his forge, and, later in the same year, James Vandergrift opened a shop in another part of the township. Both were engaged in the manufacture of plow-poiuts and steel traps.

The First Physician. - Dr. E. G. Wheelock came from New York in 1837, and for many years was a practicing physician in the township. He now resides at Leo, in this county.

The First Orchards. - In 1834, Thomas Dunttn set out the first orchard in the township, and in the following season, Horace F. Dunten set out the second, on the farm now owned by N. V. Hatch, at Huntertown. Both orchards-are now in fine condition and bear fruit.

The First Road was surveyed through the township in 1835, from Fort Wayne to Union Mill on English Prairie. In 1848 or 1849, it was made a plank road, add a large amount of toll was collected annually by its projectors. A line of stage-coaches was established and traversed its length at regular inter- - vals, and through this road a large timber trade found access to the markets. After the construction of railroads through the county it was no longer a thor¬ oughfare of importance, and the planks were suffered to go to decay, and finally removed. Other roads were constructed later in various portions of the town¬ ship, which is now well supplied with all the necessary channels of transportation for its products.

The First White Child. - Mary J. Wood was the first white child born in the towoship. After reaching maturity, she married James 0. Beardsley, Esq., now deceased, and at present resides at Huntertown.

The First Marriage. - In 1 836, Nathaniel Fitch and Miss Sarah De Long were married at the residence of the bride's parents. This was the first mar¬ riage solemuized in the township. In the same year, Horace F. Dunten was united in marriage with Miss Almena Timmerman, in Swan Township, Noble County, Ind., and at the same time, Hiram L. Parker, a resident of Perry Town¬ ship, married Miss Sarah Rickard, in the same township and county. Robert Blair and Miss Lucy Dunten, residents of Perry Township, were married in the same year.

The First Cemetery was purchased from a Mr. Blair by residents of the township, in 1834, and is still used as a place of interment. Its first occupant was a Mr. Valentine, who was drowned in Cedar Creek in 1834. In the same year, E. R. Burk died, and his remains were consigned to rest in the same place. The cemetery is located one mile east of Huntertown on Section 16.

The First Post Office was established in 1836, at the house of Charles Wicks. Mr. Wicks was appointed Postmaster, and held the position two or three years. He then resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. Jones, who had formerly served as his assistant, and the office continued to be kept at the house of Mr. Wicks until 1840. In that year, William T. Hunter was appointed Postmaster, and the office was removed to his house.

The First School was taught by Eliza Parker, in 1835, a log cabin, on Sec¬ tion 6. The tuition fund was contributed by residents of the township, whose children attended the school, and it was the place where some of the best farmers of the township received their education. It was greatly in advance of the sub¬ scription schools of that period ; its teacher was a lady who had acquired a good education in the East, and its scholars were led beyond the ordinary routine of reading, writing and elementary arithmetic. Among its surviving, pilpils are Danford, Omri, Suel Parker, Lucinda Dunten and Maliuda Hunter. Lucinda Duuten subsequently became a teacher, and 'in this capacity was identified with the schools of the township for a number of years.

In 1837, the second school was taught by Matthew Montgomery, in a cabin on Section 8. Its teacher was a man of great natural ability, and had received a fine education. He won golden opinions as a school teacher, and became a prom¬ inent man in the township. In 1846, he was the Whig candidate for State

Representative, but was defeated by Hon. Peter Kiser. He died while yet a young man. An improvement was made in the system of education, with the intro¬ duction of public schools, of which there are now nine in the township, having a total enrollment of' 446 scholars,

Perry Center Seminary

In 1856, Nathaniel Fitch, Jacob Kell and George Gloyd, incorporated the seminary known by this name. They were moved by a laudable desire to estab¬ lish in this township a first-class institution of learning, and, with that end in view, erected near the center of the township a large frame building; and, in the winter of that year, secured the services of Prof. T. W. Tilden, as teacher. In 186U, it was divided into three departments or grades, and Prof. Tilden retained as Princi¬ pal, with two able assistants in the other grades. Its pupils came from Noble, De Kalb, Allen, La Grange and other counties in this State. The course was academic, including the languages, higher mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, etc., etc.

It was a prosperous institution until 1862 or 1863. Theu a number of its pupils enlisted in the army, and its Principal, Prof. Tilden, resigned his position. It never rallied or regained its reputation, and the building is now a ruin. Many of its pupils now occupy prominent mercantile and professional positions in Allen and other counties. Among this number may be mentioned John Stahl, attorney at law (now deceased); Josiah Hillegass, attorney at law, also deceased (both occupied high positions at the bar of this county) ; Jerry Hillegass, Superintendent of Schools of Allen County ; Dr. S. C. Metcalf, a prominent physician of Fort Wayne, and Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Fort Wayne College of Medicine ; Dr. E. G. Wheelock, Jr., uow practicing medicine at Leo, Ind., was elected Pro¬ fessor of Materia Medica in the Fort Wayne College, in which capacity he now acts ; John Deal, now a resident of Iowa, has served one of the counties of that State in the capacity of County Clerk ; Chaxdes Fitch, a resident of the same State, is a Deputy Sheriff ; Jerome D. Gloyd, now Trustee of Perry Township ; William and Albert Gloyd, now merchants at Effingham, Ill ; William McQuiston, merchant at Auburn, Ind. ; Wilson McQuiston, now editor of the Fort Wayne Enterprise ; George W. Hush, Superintendent of Public Schools iu oue of the counties of California; Dr. Dills, uow a practicing physician in the city of Fort Wayne; Hiram Myers, now Superintendent of Schools in one of the Eastern States ; and Miss Jennie Fitch, Professor of Latin and Greek, at Logansport, Ind.

The first religious meeting was held at the house of Horace F. Dunten in 1834, by Mr. Nickerson, an exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sev¬ eral weeks later, a meeting was held in a cabin near the presentsite of Huntertown, at which time services were conducted by Rev. Rankin, a Presbyterian minister from Fort Wayne. There were no religious organizations in the township at that time. Services were held at irregular intervals by ministers of various denomina¬ tions, and were attended by all.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first church organized in the town¬ ship. Its members, six in number, met at the house of James Thompson in 1836, and, under the ministration of Rev. Ball, of Fort Wayne, organized a class, from which grew the Methodist Episcopal Church at Huntertown. Meetings were held at James Thompson's house for two years, after which the Caswell Schoolhouse became the place of meeting. The society was always supplied with a min¬ ister from Fort Wayne.

In 1846, they erected their present house of worship at Huntertown. It is a frame building, 30x40 feet, and cost 81,500. After its completion, Rev. Jesse Sparks was chosen and installed as Pastor, and served in that capacity until trans¬ ferred to another charge by Conference. The labors of their Pastors have been attended with successful results, and the Church is now in a prosperous condition. Rev. D. P. Hartman is the present Pastor.

- Robinson Chapel. - In 1851, Andrew Byers donated a tract of land to the Methodist Episcopal denomination to-be used as a cemetery, and also as the site for a church of that denomination. The society was organized in the preceding year, and held meetings at the schoolhouse until 1852. In that year, they erected a frame church on the land donated by Mr. Byers. It was dedicated by Prof Robinson for whom it was named. Rev. Ira M. Wolverton is the present Pastor.

The Universalist Church at Huntertown was organized at the house of Dr. D. Vanderhyden in 1850, with seventeen constituent members. William Chaplin, of Kosciusko County, Ind., was the officiating Pastor on this occasion, and visited the congregation at irregular intervals for several years succeeding that date.

In 1851, they erected their present house of worship at Huntertown, at a cost of 81,500. It was dedicated by Mr. Chaplin, who, in 1855, was engaged as Pastor. He served as such for a term of one year, and was succeeded by J. Merrifield ; and in the interim between that time and the present, the following pastors have had charge of the Church : Rev. Rayhouser, Rev. Spooner, Rev. S. F. Gibb, William Stewart and John P. Chaplin. Since the close of Mr. Chaplin's pastor¬ ate, the Church has been served by Rev. M. Crosley, of Fort Wayne. It now has a membership of sixty-three.

The Sunday school was organized in 1863, with fully one hundred scholars. Of this number many were the children of parents belonging to other denomina¬ tions, and it was conducted as a union school. Several years later, the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school was organized, and the withdrawal from the union school of the Methodist children lessened its numbers fully fifty per cent. It was con¬ tinued under the superintendence of Benjamin Morris, and has since been main¬ tained as a school of the church. It is now in a prosperous condition, having sixty scholars enrolled. John Malcolm is the present Superintendent.

Cedar Creek Tp Allen Co Indiana The Village Of Iiuntertowx

After the completion of the Coldwater road, from Fort Wayne to English Prairie, a number of settlers Vjuilt their houses near what was regarded as the great highway, and William Hunter purchased a tract of land adjacent thereto; and although no town plat existed, and no lots had been sold, it received the name of Huntertown, which it has since borne. The first sale of town lots was effected in 1872, after the completion of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.

Secret Societies

The lodge meetings were held in the upper story of F. C. Bacon's dwelling, at Huntertown, until November 13, 1869, when they were removed to a new and commodious hall on the opposite side of the street, which was dedicated to Masonry on the evening of that day, by P. G. M. Solomon D. Bayless, assisted by members of neighboring Lodges. On that occasion the wives and sisters of the members presented the Lodge with a beautiful chandelier, and a very fine Bible was presented by P. G. M. Solomon D. Bayless, in behalf of the brethren at Fort Wayne. The* Lodge and its visitors then adjourned to the banquet pre¬ pared for them at the hotel.

It is now in good working order, and financially prosperous: The officers for 1879 are as follows: S. A. Thornton, W. M. ; J. Sickler, S. W.; W. W. Shoaff, Treasurer ; J. Shryoek, Secretary; E. Sickler, S. D. ; W. I. Work, J. L). ; A. Watters and D. Baird, Stewards; W. Carey, Tiler. (Data furnished by T. M. Andrews.)

is of English parentage. England, too, is his own native land. He was born April 9, lS02^in the shire of Cumberland. Emigrating to America in 1828, he landed in the city of Boston on August 12. Not yet content, the following summer lie passed on to the city of New York, where, after remaining until the autumn of 1832, he returned to England.

A few pleasant months rolled quickly by, and he was ready to re-embark for American shores. He reached New York during the spring of 1833, accompanied, this time, by a number of his fellow-countrymen. After a sojourn of about one more year, he removed to Ann Arbor, Mich, then quite a tiny village. Here residing about two years, he married Mi's. Jane Buckingham, and then removed to St. Joseph County, of the same State; this was in 1836. He here purchased land and began to clear and improve; but his stay, in a measure, was only tem¬ porary, for in 1837, he removed to Allen County, Ind., settling in Perry Town¬ ship, near the present village of Huntertown. Another purchase of wildland was made, and again, for a short jime, he began the task of subduing the forest,

A little time, however, and he changed his vocation to that of hotel-keeping. At this, too, he was successful, and yet his attention and interests were not exclu¬ sively given to private affairs. Being a resolute man, and one deprecating villainy and wron«-, he became an active member of the association termed the " Regu¬ lators ' - during the days of that organization - whose purpose it was to rid Allen and adjoining counties of a troublesome band of horse-thieves and counter¬ feiters. In this work he was very earnest, and did his full share in helping to briog to punishment these enemies of law and good society. _

During the gold excitement of 1852, he went to California, where, lor three years, he was engaged at mining and other pursuits. On his return, he renewed the pursuit of agriculture, with which, up to the present, he has been more or less connected. He has, likewise, been identified with many enterprises con¬ ducive to building up and improving the village of which he ifc a resident.

Mrs. Hunter was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Ranncy, of Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., and was born November 24, 1815. She emigrated with her parents to Monroe County, N. Y., in 1830. She was here married in 183o, to John Buckingham, by whom she had one child; being left a widow by his death, in 1835. Since becoming the consort of Mr. Hunter, they have been blessed with seven children, six of them still survive, and are engaged at various pursuits Mrs. Hunter, ever a sympathizing neighbor, is always ready to assist those m trouble or distress, even to the extejit of much inconvenience and injustice to herself. She has ever proven a most exemplary wife and affectionate mother, wlmsc ceaseless devotion and care seems never to weigh as a burthen.

Vlr. Hunter, ever conscientious and upright, is always willing to grant to others what he claims for himself - honesty of motive, in disagreements or differ¬ ences of opinion.

An obliging neighbor, a fond parent, and doting husband ; with his vener¬ able companion, they arc greatly esteemed am ing their extended circle of friends and acquaintances.

Hillegass Family

Among the noble families - that are noble in the sense of industry, integrity and intelligence, and also as one of the pioneer families of the county - the Hillcs rank high. Michael Hillcgass, the ancestor, was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania. He married Miss Anna Yealoel, of the same State, and the result of this union "was thirteen children, eight of whom are now living. Jacob, the youngest of the five brothers, married Miss Lucy A. Powell. Her father, John Powell, married Miss Barbari Shatter, both natives of Pennsylvania, and to them born eight children, seven of whom are now living; Lucy A. being the sec¬ ond member of the family.

Jacob Hillegass was born on the 7th day of February, 1818, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and his wife, Lucy A., was born on the 28th day of July, 1822,

' Schuylkill County, Penn. They were married on the 26th day of May, 1841, Butler County, Ohio, and the result of the alliauce was seven children, four is and three daughters. We give the names in the order of their births as follows, :.. Josiah D , Jerry, Hezekiah, Isaiah J.. Sarah J., Mary M. and Lucy I.

Jacob Hillegass, the head of. this family, came to this county April 14, 1843, and located at Huntertown, where he has ever since resided. For several years, Fas engaged in the tanning business, which he finally abandoned so as to devote his time fully to the quiet pursuit of farming. He owns a very large and beautiful farm of the most productive soil, which, in fact, is one of the finest that can be found. It lies between the stations on the Grand Rapids and Fort Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroads, and the homestead is situated' mid-way on an eminence, from which can be seen the trains passing to and fro. On this faj;m the children have grown up, and, having in early yeirs cultivated the spirit of industry, and ambition in an intellectual view, they have, with one exception, naturally abandoned the farm.

Jacob Hillcgass has held several positions of importance, the last was the office of County Commissioner, to which place he was first elected in October, 1869, and re-elected thr.ie years later, serving in that capacity for six years.

It was during this time that he became very noted among his constituents, as a man of energy, much decision «.f character and of the most unflinching integrity.

He is a Democrat, and the whole family have imbibed his political principles. He and his wife have been for many years members of the Presbyterian Church.

J. D. Hillegass, the oldest son, was a graduate of the law class of 1870 of the University of Michigan. After having received his diploma, he entered the law office of Judge Morris. In his professional life, he was associated with John Stahl, his brother-in-law. under the firm name of Stahl & Hillegass. . He died on April 2, 1875, and his death was the first that entered this happy family circle. Asa man. his sterling integrity and blameless life won for him the love and admiration of his friends, wh'de he commanded the respect of all. As a lawyer, his thorough knowledge of the law and his unquestionable business capacity drew to him many clients. .

Jerry Hillegass graduated in the Literary Department of the l mversity of Michigan, amfhas had conferred on him by that institution both the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts. He has been Superintendent, of the County fur the last six years, and is universally known and admired. A more extended sketch of him can be found elsewhere in this work.

Hezekiah Hillegass was married, December 25, 1871. to Miss Ella Work, and the fruits of that union are two children, l ie is actively engaged in agricult¬ ural pursuits, and is regarded as an honorable citizen.

MisS Sarah J. Hillegass was married. May 30, 1872, to John Stahl, nod by their marriage had three children. She acquired her education in. Fort Wayne, being a graduate of the high school of the same place. Her husband John Stahl, was a graduate of the law class of the Univenty ot Michigan of lbb.». He was a partner of her brother, and died August 16, 1878. He was an able advocate and his character was unimpeachable.

The Misses Mary and Lucv Hillcgass are amiable and highly esteemed ladies. Isaiah J. Hillegass, a member of the Law Department of the University of Mich¬ igan. is an intelligent and promising young man.

° The school days of their parents were somewhat limited, as was the custom in earlier times, but they have been true promoters of education and general progress, and have acted their part nobly in life's great drama.

Vachel Metcalf

Edward Metcalf was one of the pioneers of Ashland County, Ohio, his family having figured conspicuously in the early history of that county. _

His son Vachel, for whom this sketch was prepared, was born m said county September 20, 1816. In the year 1842, he wedded Miss Amanda Otto, and in 1849, emigrated to Allen County, Ind., settling upon an uncleared farm, in Perry Township, °the same he still occupies. n

Mr. Metcalf, in politics, has always been strongly biased in favor ot L>« mocrucy. Has always been earnest in promulgating the doctrines of his party, and vigilant in helping to promote its success.

Source changes here: from Valley of the Upper Maumee River, with Historical Account of Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, published 1889; 727 words in this source stream.

Perry Township

Charles Weeks and William Caswell, who removed to this part of the county of Allen in 1830, were the first settlers and for three j-ears had undisputed sway in its forests. The}^ were famous hunters, and spent much time in the pursuit of deer and smaller game, by which their larders were supplied. Both were also men of industry and cleared farms, but Caswell, a hardy Canadian, of great strength and endurance, was the more energetic and enterprising, and became prominent in the earl}' historj-. At his house the first election was held in October, 1835, and he was elected one of the justices. At his friend Weeks' house, in 1836, the postoffice was first established, and for two or three j'ears Mr. Weeks was the postmaster. The next comers were Thomas Dunten and his nephew, Horace F. Dunten, who came from Jefferson county, N. Y., and were joined in the fall of the same year, 1833, b}' Ephraim H., father of Horace. This family was quite prominent; Horace erected the tirst hevvn-log house in 1S34, and soon afterward Ephraim H., jr., who settled in 1834, put up a frame store room on what is now a lot of Huntertown. He purchased his goods in Toledo, and had them shipped b}- way of the canal, and from Fort Wayne by wagons. The store prospered and was continued man}- years by "his sons. In 1835 the Lima road was opened to the rich prairie region of LaGrange county, and it became a great highway for travelers and freight. Upon this highway' in the vicinit}' of Huntertown, Ephraim H. Dunten, jr., opened a tavern, and being a genial host, had as many guests as he could accommodate. Several 3'ears later he built a more commodious house. He also, about the same time, opened a brick kiln, which, however, was not profitable. At a later period he was in business at Fort Wayne, but returned to Perr}' township and died of cholera in 1854. Other settlers in 1833, were Albert Wood, whose daughter Mary was the first white native, and Nathaniel Fitch, who married Miss Sarah De Long in 1836, that being the first wedding of the township. Fitch was the first blacksmith, opening his shop in 1837, in which same year James Vandergrift, in another part of the township, also engaged' in the manufacture of plow points and steel traps. Benjamin and Amaziah Parker came from Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1834, '^"'^ became leading citizens. In the same year came Jason Hatch from Penns3'lvania, and settled on Cedar Creek, and erected a saw-mill. He became quite popular and prominent; with him came his wife, Joanna, and their son, Newman V., born in 1S15, who married Abigail Parker in 1839, I'aised a family of seven children, and is still a resident of the township. Philemon Rundels, a settler of the same year, was also a man of ability. In 1836, George Simon came to the farm which was his home thereafter, and James Vandolah and famil}' began their residence; Schuj^ler Wheeler, a well-educated man, who was elected to the legislature in 1858, also came in 1836. In 1837 there were several notable aj-rivals. William T. Hunter came and purchased the tract of land including the site of Huntertown ; he did much for the advancement of the township. George, Samuel, Henry and John Bowser were others. Some of those who settled after 1837 are Thomas Tucker, James Thompson, Isaac Benward, Rapin Andrews, Jacob Hillegass, Vachel Metcalf, George Gloyd, L. Gloyd, James Tucker, Dr. E. G. Wheelock, August Martin and Samuel Shryock, but the settlers became so numerous that it is impossible to detail their names. The pioneer mill was that of Blair & Hines on Cedar creek, three miles from Huntertown. It was a saw-mill with a corn-cracker attachment, by which corn was hardly ground, but simply cracked, and was of. little value. The establishment was sold to Samuel Shryock in 1836, and he put in a run of buhrs, and founded a grist-mill. x\bout 1S52 John Stoner became the proprietor, and the mill is now generally known as the Stoner mill. It is still operated, at present by Price West. In 1848 or 1849 the Lima road was made a plank road, and a considerable amount of toll annually came to its projectors. A line of stage coaches