St. Joseph Township

St. Joseph Township

St. Joseph was formed in January, 1828. by the Board of County Commis¬ sioners. with the following boundaries: " Beginning at a point on the line divid¬ ing the States of Ohio and Indiana, forty-five miles northeast of Fort Wayne; thence west to the western extremity of the jurisdiction of Allen County ; thence north to the boundary line between the State of Indiana and Michi¬ gan Territory, and to include all the territory in said, boundaries attached to Allen County for jurisdiction." It will be seen, by reference to a map of the State, that the counties of Do 'Kalb and Steuben were embraced within the territory thus described. In later years, these counties, as well as townships in Allen County, were organized and the boundaries of St. Joseph gradually contracted.

At the session of the Board in September, 1834, it was ordered that all the territory east of Washington Township, from the lino dividing Ranges 12 and 13, ami north of Adams Township, from the line dividing Town¬ ships 3U*fcnd 31.be constituted a township, to be known us St. Joseph. At this session of the Board. Isaac Klinger was appointed Inspector of Election' Six years later (September, 1840), the township was reduced to its present boundaries, by order of the Board, and now embraces Congressional Township 31 north, Range 13 east.

Early Settlement

Jeremiah Hudson, a native of Delaware, settled in the township in the fall of 1828. It is conceded by those familiar with the early history of the township, that he was the fir-t white resident within its present boundary. He was a man of enterprising disposition, and cleared and improved a farm on the land known as the Ogle half-section."

Charles II. De Rome, a native of Canada, came to the township in 1829. At \ iocennes, he married an Indian maiden of the Miami tribe, and lived on the reserve bearing his name, until death. Several of bis descendants still reside in this county. Dc Rome was well educated, and for many years was connected with the business houses of Fort Wayne in a clerical capacity. His knowledge of three languages made him a valuable assistant to his employers.

Later in 1829, Jesse Klinger settled on Richard ville Reserve. He was a native of Pennsylvania, but moved to Ohio when quite young, with his parents. At the time of his arrival in the township, He was a strong man, just iu the prime of life, and bade fairly to link bis name inseparably with the future history o! the township. He at once began the improvement of his land, and cleared a large portion of it, which he cultivated successfully from year to year; bur, in 1835, lie fell ill. and his labors lbund a rest in death. He was a kindhearted man, and contributed bis labor in various portions of the county, wherever hfs neighbors bad a bouse to raise or a log heap to dispose of, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Thomas Griffis came to the township in 1829, and purchased a tract of land on the De Rome Reserve, where he starlet a small tannery. Here his wife fell ill and died, and after having cleared a portion of his land and instituted improve¬ ments upon it, it was found that his title was invalid, from the fact that he bad purchased land of De Rome, who was not authorized to sell any portion of the reserve, as it had been conveyed by the Government to his children. Thus Grif¬ fis was forced to relinquish his title, and received no compensation for the labor expended in the improvement of the land. Discouraged, ho removed to Kos¬ ciusko County, Ind., since which nothing is known of him.

Near the close of 1829, Martin Weeks settled in the southeast part of the township, on land through which the Hicksville, or Ridge road, was afterward located. He was more favorably impressed with the sport of following Che game, then so abundant in the township, than with the labor necessary in preparing bis farm for cultivation ; and thus allowed several valuable years to slip away unim¬ proved He was of a quarrelsome disposition, and more than a match for his neighbors iu a fight. They left him severely alone," and he made few if any friends during the first years of his residence in the township. Later, how¬ ever, he embraced the Christian religion and became a minister of the Baptist Church, as well as one of the best' of neighbors. He removed to Liberty Mills, Ind., in 1840 or 1841. where he died.

William Sturms came from Shelby, Ohio, late in 1829, and like his neighbor Weeks, was fond of the chase, yet he did not give himself wholly to the sport, but passed the greater portion of his time at home, improving Ills land. He remained in ibe township until his deceasfc, keeping pace with the march - of improvement.

Moses Sivotts came to the township in 1829, and settled opposite Dc Romo, on the west side of St. Joseph River. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and received a liberal education in that State. He was a good-natured, kind gentleman and gained many friends. He reujfccd but a few years, and then removed to Cedar Creek Township, where ha^^^Bftcr improving a farm.

John Klinger settled in thH^^^pip late in 1829, and purchased a tract of land in De Rome's Reserve. After making some improvements, he too was forced to relinquish his title on account of De Rome's inability to sell land belong¬ ing to his minor children. This way of having land cleared fur nothing finally became notorious, and settlers thereafter shunned the reserve. Klinger "subse¬ quently settled on the west side of the river, where he improved a farm.

Abraham Dingmftn and William Butt Came to the township in 1S30. They were natives of Ohio, and were remarkable for their industry among a community whose chief stock in trade was their energy. Dingmun and Butt appeared oblivi¬ ous to all that was passing around them, and seemed actuated by a determination to take no rest until their farms wore made, at least their actions warranted such a supposition. They succeeded in their efforts, and after cultivating their respect¬ ive farms fur a number of years, both removed to Miami County, Ind.' where Mr. Butt still resides.

John Tillbury settled in the southeast, part of the township in 1832.; came from Shelby County, Ohio. He was a man of great energy, and cleart^a large

Hon . Christian Parker Hon. Christian Parker

1 307. His ancestors were English. Amariah Parker, his grandfather, fled from Cornwall to escape being pressed into the Euglish Army, landing and locating at Boston, Mass., in 1861. Prior (o the Revolution, also, followed three of his brothers, each, too, settling at or near Boston. Dissensions arising between the feeble, young Colonies which had given them refuge, and the strong, tyran¬ nical Mother Country, it was no hardship for them to determine the part they would take. With true sympathy for those who were wronged and with spirits hungering for persona] and political freedom, they fearlessly and at once espoused the cause of the Colonies. They first helped to constitute that evermemorable company who threw the cargo of tea into the Boston Harbor.

Amariah Parker fought bravely at Bunker Hill, and one of his brothers, a Lieutenant Colonel in a Massachusetts regiment, was killed in that same tierce battle. Subsequently, Amariah removed to Morristown, N. J., where he married Miss Tamer Munson. By occupation, he was both farmer and mechanic ; he was industrious and prosperous. But failing health eventually caused him to sell his farm, and, unfortunately, he received " Continental money" in payment, which, becoming uncurrent, left him in penury, from which he never recovered.

At the death of our Revolutionary hero, his son, Jacob Parker, father to the subject of our sketch, was left an orphan of thirteen years, without a home and without means of support. To be taught a trade he was bound out to a blacksmith in the city of New York. Here, receiving ill usage beyond forbearance, the proper authorities remonstrated and secured his release from the situation, whereupon, fearing he might again be placed in the hands of an aggressive master, he made prompt escape to the far Western frontier. He brought up, finally, at Fort Washington, Ohio, where he enlisted as a soldier under Capt. Kibby. He served under Gen. Anthony Wayne, in his campaign against the Northwestern Indians, and was wounded in the fight near Fort Miami, on the 20th of August, 1794. He continued in the service until 1795, when the treaty of Greenville for a time terminated hostilities. After his discharge, he settled near Middletown (now Butler County), Ohio, where he married Miss Mary Loy, who became mother of the subject of our nar¬ rative. In 1801, they removed to the adjoining county of Preble (since organized as such), where they became among the earliest of pioneers. Mr. Jacob Parker afterward served his country in the war of 1812. Still a resident of Preble County, he died, honored by all who knew him, in the seventy-fint year of his age.

During Christian's early boyhood, situated as they were, remote from schools and churches, his attendance at the same was necessarily limited ;

DUt the mental and moral rudiments thus acquired, proved, in after years, the foundation for a grander development. They magnified into a noble manhood, possessing a rich fund of knowledge, the fruits, indeed of patient years of home-culture . Constant manual labor, too, in the woods of his native county, developed the physical man, fitting him wel! for the hardships of pioneer life in Allen County.

He cut his way into the wilds of St. Joseph Township, in the month of October, 1833, and there fixed his abode, selecting and purchasing a piece of land on Section 20, during the ensuing winter, and, before the month of February, he had hewn the logs and completed a comfortable cabin, ready for its occupants. Like others of his time, he came, hoping that among its cheap lands he might find a home whereon patient toil would yield greater results than in the older settlements. And this motive was well founded. Each year witnessed new improvements and new purchases. Thus he bought and sold, while increase in value was fast gaining him wealth ; and thus he provided for the declining years of life, and for his children who might survive him.

Time passed on ; he reared a family. That dreadful war of 1861 came, when three of his sons, with valor which had characterized their fore¬ fathers, volunteered their services in the army for the Union ; and they were immediately followed by his two sons-in-law and six nephews. One son, one son-in-law and the six nephews, fell in their devotion to the flag of their country, the honor of which they sought to maintain. Mi4. Parker, although disqualified by age for the duties of a soldier, yet was an active friend to the Union cause, using his time, influence and money to encourage enlistment. The successful termination of the war was joyously hailed, and yet it left a void at his hearthstone and an aching in his heart, which even the healing influences of time have been unable to assuage.

He has always been a prominent member of the community in which he cast his lot. In 1834, he was chosen to fill the office of Justice of the Peace for his township, continuing in the same four years. In 1844, he was elected to serve as County Commissioner, and, in the same year, as the Whig candidate, was elected Representative to the State Legislature, being re-elected to the same four successive terms, up to 1849.

Prior to his removal to Allen County, on June 18, 1829, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Cassell, daughter of Henry Cassell, Esq., a pioneer farmer, also of Preble County, Ohio. She was born August 1, 1807, in Wythe County, Va., her parents having emigrated to Preble County when she was a girl of about seven years. Her religious faith, from childhood, was in a world's salvation. Throughout her husband's pioneer life, and, during his painful sacrifices from the war, she, the wife of his youth, ever com¬ forted and sustained him. But, alas ! to earth she is no more. The tie that bound two loving hearts was severed on the 14th day of February, 1879, when faithful companion and loving mother crossed to those brighter shores , Ever social and amiable; deeply mourned by all who knew her; a loss irre¬ parable to husband and family, and wanting but a few short months of her golden marriage anniversary, her lamp of life went peacefully out.

Mr. Parker has reached the age of seventy-two years ; his life has been marked by the strictest integrity, both in public and private affairs, and no one enjoys more fully the esteem and confidence of his fellow-men.

farm, which ho cultivated successfully during his life. He died in the township, and the farm which he cleared is still own'ed by his heirs. |

James A. Royce, a native of New Yoik, settled in the township in load, i He was an industrious man and a universal favorite. Having acquired a good education in his native State, he was engaged ns a teacher after Ins arrival in this ! township, and was prominently associated with the early schools. He remained J in the township until his decease. His daughter still resides in this county, and . is the wife of Uriah Notestine. His son died in the Union army during the late ;

WJF James Porter came in 1833 and settled near the line dividing St. Joseph and Washington Townships. He leased a farm in St. Joseph, which he ch ared and improved, cultivating it until 1838. In that year, he purchased a farm in Washington Township, where he now resides. He was accompanied by a fornici neighbor, Isaac Null, who remained in the township but a short time, returning to his home in Ohio. . _ ,

Christian Parker came from Ohio, and settled on Section 20, in October. 1833. He hewed logs for a cabin, which he completed during the winter ol that year, and brought his wife and family to the new home on the 8th day oi January, 1834. He cleared and improved a tract of 160 acres, upon which lie still resides. His name is prominently associated with the history of his town¬ ship and he has always been one of the leaders in measures inaugurated tor its improvement. He served as Justice of the Peace and County Commissioner tor a number of years, and represented this district in the State Legislature for four consecutive terms.

Job Lee settled on Section 1 in 183b. He came from Wayne County, Ohio bribgfdg his family with him. He was a man of quiet habits and or pious nature, and gained many warm friends. He was a soldier in the war of 1813. and was stationed at Norfolk, Va. He had passed the prime of life when lie came to the township, but worked with an energy creditable to a young own. He cleared and improved a farm, upon which he resided until death ended Ins

Trew Pattec came to the township in 1836, locating on beotion -4. Lie was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and held religious meetings at various points on the St. Joseph River. He was also a skillful farmer, and cleared and cultivated a farm, upon which lie resided until his death.

James Mayhew came to the township in 1836, and settled near Mr. Puttee. He died within a few years after his arrival, but, during his life, was a man ot great energy, and left a fine farm to his heirs.

Anions the early settlers may be mentioned Uriah J. Rock, - - L aster, Jeremiah Whitesides, Jcdcdiah Halladay, William Matthews, Benjamih Coleman and Peter Parker.

Early Events

The First White Child - Samuel, sou of Jesse Klinger, was born and was the first white child born in the township. He died in Ohio, to which State his mother removed after the decease of her husband.

The First Marriage. - Isaac Bush and Sarah Madden were married at the house of Christian Parker, Esq., in 1835. This was the first marriage solemnized in the township. , _ , . , . .

The First Death. - In 1830, William Matthews died and was buried in the cemetery near the Maumee settlement. There was then no cemetery in St. Joseph Township, and for four years thereafter the remains of deceased residents ol this township were taken to some of the neighboring burying grounds.

In 1834, Jesse Klinger donated a small tract of land on the St. Joseph River, to bo used as a -township' cemetery. It fell into disuse in later years, but its graves have never been disturbed. Peter Parker donated two acres ol ground in 1846. The latter is now used as a burial place for the township. It is tastefully laid out and well cared for. ....

The First Mills. - In 1835, Kliuser & Comparct built the first saw-mill m the township, 'it was built on Beckett's Run, and received its motive power from that stream. In 1841, Henry Rudisill erected a steam saw-mill on St Joseph cardmg-mill. At his death, the mill became the property of his son-in-law, IN. B. Freeman, by whom it was conducted ou the old plan until 186b. when Mr. Freeman formed other business relations, as will be seen by the following :

The p,t per- Mill, - In 1866, Messrs. Dobilmski, Freeman & Bard erected a mill on St. Joseph River, at a point about four miles northeast of Fort Wayne. The buildin" was a frame, and the mill huda capacity of 1,800 pounds of news paper per day. In June. 1867, Mr. DobfEWci retired from the firm, and Mesas. Freeman & Bard continued the business, Ihbsequently associating Mi Barnett with them. In October, 1871, the mill was destroyed by fare, entailing a heavy loss, but y suspending operations a short time. It was at once it ui t am enlarged. The present building is 36x60 feet, two stones and basement, with an " L "'25x80 feet. The machinery consists of one sixty-two-inch cylinder rnachim;, three rag-engines with a capacity of 500 pounds each, and all other appliances required by the business. A sixty- horse-power engine is in pace, an t ie nn can be operated either by steam or water power, as desired. I he goods find ft ready sale throughout this State, as well as at St. Louis, Chicago and other markets.

The First Road. - In 1834, Christian Parker presented a petition to the Board of County Commissioners for the construction of a county road along the St. Joseph River, from Fort Wayne to Jacob Notcstine's farm. The petition was granted and the road surveyed. In the following year, he presented a petition to the Legislature praying that the same be made a State road. This, too, met With au affirmative response, and the road was constiuetcd to the north line of Allen County, in a direction nearly parallel with the course of the river.

In 1836, the Hicksville, ur Ridge road was surveyed, traversing the county in u northeasterly direction, from Fort Wayne to Hicksville, Ohio.

The-First Tavtru. - In 1838 oV 1839. a Mr. Rossington opened asmall tavern on the Hicksville road. Until that date, there had been no place in-thc town¬ ship where travelers could find a welcome, excepting a few private houses, whose owners were of a hospitable nature. Some of these were remote from the traveled thoroughfares, and their guests were few ; others, living on the highways, posi¬ tively refused accommodations to the weary and belated traveler. Christian Par¬ ker's house, on the Fort Wayne and St. Joseph State road, was a favqrite stopping-place fur travelers on that road , but it was not regarded as a tavern, as the host took no fees from his guests. In later years, other taverns were opened in the township, along the line of the principal highways, and did a thriving business.

First Flection. - In September, 1834, the Board of Commissioners directed the Sheriff to order nn election held at the house of Jacob Notestine on the 4th day of October following. The voting-place was in what is now the southern extremity of Cedar Creek Township, that territory then being a part of St. Joseph. Isaac Klinger was Inspector, by appointment of the Board, and Christian Parker was elected° Justice of the Peace, and Samuel Fletter, Constable. Mr. Parker served a"S Justice from that date until 1838.

The question of education began to be agitated in the settlement about 1835, and in 1836, a cabin near the present site of the paper-mill was secured for use as a schoolhouso. A subscription was raised among the neighbors, and James i Daily, of Bluffton, Ind., was employed as teacher. In the next year, another i cabin was secured for the same purpose, and James A. Royce was employed as teacher. He brought into his work a rich fund of knowledge, gained in the I schools of New York, as well as by years of practical experience. He proved himi self a man of superior ability as a teacher, and while he possessed the faculty ol winning the affection of his pupils, he was yet inexorable as to discipline. No one came to his school to play, or " kill time." All were expected to study, and those who were behind their classmates were made to feel the shame so keenly that they were glad to make all possible effort to regain their standing. The course ot study pursued was far in advance of the schools of that day, and almost equal to that of the district schools of the present. The next school was taught by Ebenezer Ayers, of New York, at the house of Peter Parker, in 1839. He was a talented man, and eonductcd one of the finest schools known at that day. The curse of study embraced the branches essential to a. practical English education, and after school hours, or during the long winter evenings, the teacher entertained his scholars with addresses on astronomy, geology, philosophy and other scientific subjects, in language which made it to them a lesson instead of a dry, incompre¬ hensible lecture, and for his pains lie had the pleasure of seeing bright minds awakened with a determination to study, and an ambition to investigate the sci¬ ences which formed the subject of his discourses. At the close ol his engage¬ ment he went to Kentucky, where lie took charge of a select school.

For twenty years, the residents of the township had only the subscription system to depend upon as a means of public education. Then the district school system was inaugurated, and one by one they were supplied with schools, whose teachers were necessarily persons of ability, and a change lbr the better was appar¬ ent. There arc eleven schools in the township, having 618 scholars enrolled.

In 1836, Rev. Rank iu, of the Presbyterian Church at Fort Wayne, -held service at the' house of Christian Parker. This was probably the first religious nice tin" Ju the township. Services were conducted at a later date by Rev. Trew Puttee,"*! resident of the township and a minister of the M. E. Church. Rev. Golthite, of the same denomination, was also among the early preachers ot the township. ^ the njnfete, (Rev. HieMaml) succeeded in creating a "teat excitement among his hearers, and inaugurated what might justly be termed a rein) of terror. He worked himself into a fury of excitement which . was communicated to his audience ; and if he could nut bring them into the told throm-h love, he did through fear. His sermons were illustrated by the exhi¬ bition^ colored cartoons, showing the final separation ot the righteous from the wicked; picturing the most delightful scenes ou the one hand, and the most revolting on the other. The 2d day of March, 1838, was announced by him as bein /the day of final dissolution of the universe, and many of his converts were so° far deluded as to stand, on the morning of that day. tn their ascension robes, prepared for translation. The day passed, with nothing unusual to mark its course, and faith in the minister began to wane. Evidently h.s revelation had been at fault, and lie sought a new locality for the utterance ot future predictions.

Methodist Episcopal. - The members of this denomination met at the schoplhousos in the township at irregular intervals, when services were conducted by a circuit preacher, supplied hy the Conference. The first class was organized at the schoolhouse on the St. Joseph road, and, in 18b», the members erected Sir Joseph M. E. Church. It is a frame building, 34s4o ieet, and was built at a cost of 81 500.' It was dedicated, in the lull of I860, by Rev. J. V R. Miller, and Rev. James Greer became Pastor of the congregation The Church now has no Pastor and services are held at intervals ot three weeks.

1 vtheran - Prior to 1854 the members of this denomination, residing in this township, attended the church at Fort Wayne : but in that year they erected a log building, within a mile of their present edifice, tor a house ot worship Re/ Yohn was the first Pastor. In this building they worshiped lor a period ot fifteen years, and. in 1889, began the erection of their present church. It is a handsome frame edifice, 36x72 feet, 'with a graceful spire, and was bum at a cost

There are two parochial schools in the township, under the control of this denomination, superintended by Jacob Van Roe and Henry Jiirgens, respectively. The total number of scholars in both schools is ninety. There is also a Sunday school in connection with the Church, superintended by the Pastor, with 125 scholars in attendance.

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. - The first services by this denomi¬ nation were conducted at the house of John Pierr, in 1S69, by Rev. Ziimbulty. In 1S70, the present Church was erected on the farm of John Pierr, and dedi¬ cated under the name of St. Michael's Church. Services are held once a month by Rev. M. P. Fidlizc, of Leo. The Church has a membership of sixteen fam¬ ilies.

Thomas Cook

was a native of Otsego County, N. Y.; was reared a farmer and throughout bis life was engaged at that occupation. He married Miss Catharine Chargo, a native of the same county, who bore him eight children, viz., Abner, Mclvina, Catharine, Jacob, Thomas, Mary, Lavantia and Harriet.

Mr. Cook remained in his native county until forty'-one years of age, when, in October, 1838, he removed with his family to Fort Wayne. Later in the same year, he purchased the farm in St, Joseph Township upon which his son Jacob n..w resides. He had scarcely put his plans for its improvement into execution when he was called from his labors by death, in July, 1840.

After his decease, the family returned to their former home in New York. In 1851, his son Thomas came to Fort Wayne and accepted a journeyman's position in a printing ofiice, and in 1852, became editor and proprietor of the Lmn< l Wreath, a literary journal, published at Fort Wayne. On account of his wife's ill health, he returned to Gooperstown, N. Y., in 185G, where he died in July, 1S67. He was a joung man of great ability, and his untimely death was lamented by a large circle of literary friends. The mother returned to this

I county in 185G, in company with her daughter, who is now married and living in Noble County, Ind. All the daughters are now living, and are heads of families.

The mother died in 1 865, and was buried in the cemetery at Robinson Chapel, after which the remains of her husband were removed from their place of interment, on his own firm, to the same cemetery, where both now rest, side by side, awaiting the coming of that day " when the grave shall give up its dead."

Jacob, the second son, was born December 16, 1827, at Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., and came with his parents' to Allen County, Ind., in 1838. He enjoyed a common-school education, together with a short term in the High School. His early aspirations for a business career tended toward the pursuit of farming, in which his father was engaged. He adopted it, very naturally, and has made it a pronounced success. With the other members of the family, lie returned to New York after his father's decease, and remained there for thirteen years. On the 5th day of October, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Pegg, in Otsego County, N. Y., and, in the same month, came to Allen County, Ind., to occupy the farm purchased by his father in 1838. About thirty acres had been cleared during his father's life ; the remainder has been cleared by his own hand, and he now has 100 acres under a flue state of cultiva¬ tion. He is a skillful farmer, and his estate bears many evidences of the care he has bestowed upon its improvement and cultivation.

He has always frit a peculiar interest in the matter of public education, and has been prominently identified with the schools of his township. Politically, he is a Republican and a hearty supporter of his party, but he has never sought political emolument, and, with the exception of his service as Justice of the Peace, has never acted in an official capacity.

Both himself and wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church, and are eminently Christian people. They are widely known and universally beloved.

Their wi dded life has been blessed by the following children : Carrie E., Clarence T., Mollic A., James I, Jane A., George J. and Etta L., all of whom are now living, save Carrie E. and James I.