Northwest Township

Northwest Township

THIS is not the largest, nor is it the wealthiest and best improved township in the county. But the soil is largely of what was called, in an early day, ''low-lands/' which under the excellent system of under-draining has become unsurpassed in fertility. The higher or hill lands, though good grazing fields and reasonably productive in the growth of grain and fruits, are less fertile than the redeemed swamp or marsh lands. Nettle Labels situated in the northern part, one mile east of the central line, and it has for its inlet and outlet, Nettle Creek, which drains the northern part of the township. Fish Creek waters its western border, while the branches that form Eagle Creek unite in the southeastern corner. The land was originally covered with a large growth of excellent timber, which, instead of adding to its value in the early days, involved a large amount of labor and expense in its removal and the preparation of the soil for cultivation. Much of this was rolled into log heaps and burned on the ground, a prodigal destruction of much wealth, had it existed in later years. The principal varieties of timber were the black walnut, hickory, sugar maple, burr oak, butternut, wild cherry and elm, on the lower lands, with oak, ofcimes of a scrubby variety, on the higher or uplands.

Northwest is the second youngest township in the county, and was organized, December 7, 1S40. Since its organization there has been no change in its size, a slight misunderstanding in regard to the line between it and Bridgewater - causing the Board of County Commissioners to clearly establish it - being the only thing in the records concerning a change in its boundaries. As is well understood, it is the northwestern township in the county and state - hence its name - with Michigan on the north and Indiana on the west. Florence township and a part of a section in Superior bounds it on the south and Bridgewater is its eastern neighbor.

The precise date of the first settlement is not clearly known, but Aaron Burr Goodwin, about, whose life a great deal of romance and mystery lingers, is generally accorded the honor of being the first white resident. He was a man of fine education, an excellent surveyor, and for years before the settlement of the township had been an Indian trader in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He was possessed of a violent temper, which when kindled raged like a conflagration within him. He was brave but cautious, and he was wholly unscrupulous in his dealings, not only with the Indians, but also with the white settlers who were associated with him. He appeared in the township as early as 1837, an(l might have been in a year or two before, as the exact time of his arrival cannot he determined. He had taken two orphan children (a boy and a girl) from Cleveland, Ohio, to rear. The girl, Anna, afterward became the wife of Hiram Russell, who owned the land in the extreme northwest, corner of the township, upon which the cabin cf Goodwin was located. The cabin was situated about forty rods northwest of the residence on the Aldis Johnson farm and was near the state lines of both Indiana and Michigan. Goodwin was an experienced gunsmith and derived no little revenue from the Indians in tinkering their guns. He kept powder and lead, tobacco, calico, whiskey and various trinkets and ornaments for the Indian trade. He kept just such things as the Indians wanted, and when his unscrupulous character and violent disposition are taken into consideration, the result of his constant intercourse with the red men may be easily surmised. His practice was to take constant advantage of their wants by getting them drunk and then fleecing them to the uttermost farthing of their annuities and their valuable furs. He had many severe altercations with them, but managed to shield himself and Ins property from their attacks. It is said that he once shot an Indian, whom he found stealing his potatoes, though this circumstance is purely traditionary. On another occasion a very untractable and savage Indian was cheated out of an unusually large and fine bear skin, whereupon he threatened to kill Goodwin at the first opportunity. The Indian, whose name was Rig Jack, was one of the most desperate and revengeful of his band and was greatly feared by Goodwin, who knew that he would lose no chance of putting his threat into direful execution. This threat and other demonstrations from Indians who had been cheated and abused, rendered the situation of Goodwin precarious, and he became very cautious in all his movements. He scarcely dared to venture from his cabin at night and was constantly on his guard during the day. This led to the report that he was cowardly, but precisely the reverse was true - he was simply prudent, and had reason to be so. Events went on without any serious occurrence until the removal of the Indians westward terminated the siege of Goodwin's cabin. Goodwin had formerly lived, it is said, near Jackson, Michigan, where he had been an Indian trader. He was for a time mail-carrier in that section of the country and* carried the valuables of Uncle Sam in his hat, if tradition is correct. After a residence in Northwest township of some six or eight years, he removed to Iowa or Illinois, and his subsequent movements are unknown.

In September, 1837, James Knight, with his sons, Thomas, Philip, Samuel, James and Joshua, established himself in a rude log cabin, about eighty rods north of Nettle Lake. He was a professional hunter, but soon after his arrival became afflicted with white swelling in the hip, which rendered him almost helpless and from which he never fully recovered. Later in life. Mr. Knight was also stricken with blindness, and the writer plainly recalls frequent visits, in childhood, to the little cabin of the decrepit old hunter. The reception was al- ways cordial - the ok! gentleman being* fond of children - and as a part of the ceremony he always required us to stand at his knee, while with his hands he would examine our face and take our physical dimensions. Then with kindness beaming from his sightless eyes, he would talk encouragingly to us and tell 11s how much we had grown since he had ''seen" us last. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his army experiences and his hunting exploits afforded entertainment that was equally pleasant to ''Uncle Jimmy" and his juvenile guest.

After the father became afflicted much of. the care of the family fell upon Thomas Knight, the elder son, who became one of the most expert hunters and trappers ever in the township. At that period an experienced hunter and trapper could make five times as much money as the one that turned his attention to farming. Deer skins sold quite readily at one dollar each ; bear skins at from three to eight dollars, and the furs of the mink, otter or raccoon at from fifty cents to five dollars. These facts caused the Knight boys to spend almost their entire time in the wonderfully exciting sport of hunting, trapping and fishing. They carried flint-lock rifles and always went armed with huge knives. Nettle Lake was a great resort for deer, which came there in the night to drink, and the boys spent many a nocturnal hour in their canoe in quest of their antlered prey. From the boat it was an easy matter to shoot a deer, and in this manner five or six were frequently killed in a single evening by Thomas and Philip Knight; and perhaps others of the first settlers did equally as well. One evening, while thus engaged, Thomas shot and wounded a very large buck, which ran up the bank a few yards and stopped. The canoe was darted to the shore and Thomas sprang out and up the bank after the wounded animal. He came to it almost immediately and instantly seized it by the antlers ; but the animal made a lunge and pinioned the hunter fast against a tree. He shouted for help, but ere his brother could arrive the wounded buck fell upon the ground in the agonies of death. The wound had been mortal. This and many other incidents, Thomas Knight was wont to tell to those of a later generation. He lived until 1896 and hence is well remembered by the people of Northwest township. His best days' work at trapping netted him eleven dollars and fifty cents, the particulars of which were given as follows: He used an ingenious wooden trap, which held the animals securely, and upon the day mentioned went out to inspect his traps, which previously he had set for raccoon. He had set many in the woods near his father's cabin and firmly expected to bring in five or six skins that morning. While he was walking along toward his destination, he suddenly heard a noise near by, and looking in that direction, saw what at first glance appeared to he an Indian pony. Nothing hut the back of the pony was visible above an intervening clump of bushes, and without thinking much about the matter, the hunter continued his walk. A moment later he looked again and was astonished and somewhat frightened to see walking directly toward him a larger hear than he had ever before encountered. The animal was some distance away and had not yet observed the hunter, so Mr. Knight instantly concealed himself, and examining the priming of his rifle, he anxiously awaited the approach of the bear. A moment later it came leisurely along, and when it had approached within easy rifle range shot, the hunter took careful aim and pulled the trigger. His aim was perfect and the bear, one of the largest of its kind, fell dead. It weighed almost five hundred pounds, and when alive, stood at least three feet in height. The skin sold for eight dollars, and when the value of the skin of the raccoons caught during the day was added, the total footed up to eleven dollars and fifty cents. The fore paw of this bear was taken to Columbus, Ohio, and for many years could be seen in a museum in that city.

Mr. Knight contracted to clear ten acres of timber land for a man just across the line in Indiana, for which he was to receive as payment a large fine sow - the prospective mother of a numerous family. While cutting on this tract of timber one day, he suddenly heard the sow, off some distance in the woods, begin to squeai as if in great distress; and surmising the cause, he seized his rifle and started in the direction whence the sounds proceeded. He soon reached the spot, and, behold, a large, savage-looking bear had seized his sow and was literally tearing her to pieces. Without a moment's hesitation, the enraged owner raised his rifle to his eye and fired ; the huge animal released its hold and after a few feeble kicks lay motionless and dead. The unfortunate sow was so mangled, however, that she died soon afterward.

Thomas F. Whaley, one of the pioneers of Northwest township, was born in Genesee county, New York, January 31, 1818. He moved to Michigan, early in 1839, stopping some time in different portions of that State, and then came to Northwest township in June of the same year. His business here was to look over land owned by his father, but the place suiting him, he erected a cabin, 20x26, - a large one for that day - and went to clearing and farming. There being no mills within reach, they made mortars in which to grind their grain, and this method sufficed in Northwest township during several years. When Mr. Whaley settled there, but four men had a residence near and Indians were very numerous.

Previous to about the year 1843, members of the Pottawatomie tribe habitually encamped temporarily in the vicinity of Nettle Lake, around which, in the swamps, almost every species of wild game could be found. On the old Knight homestead, just north of the lake, was a spot where the Indians had assembled at certain seasons for many years. Wigwams of bark and poles had been constructed, which survived the intervals of non-occupancy, and were soon made tenantable for the Indians by coverings of skins and fresh supplies of bass-wood bark. Fine fish inhabited the lake and afforded an excellent variation in the limited food for the Indian, while along the shores, finding a home in the swamps, minks and otters and an occasional beaver dwelt.

The township was one unbroken forest of heavy timber, except in the southwestern part, where on the sandy soil were a few oak openings. Considerable swampy land was to be seen, but this has largclv disappeared, due to under-draining and the further fact that the ax of the husbandman has leveled scores of acres of magnificent natural forests and the rays of the sun, unchecked by the natural covering, have drank up the superficial waters. Not a road was to be seen, but here and there throughout the tangled wild-wood, old and well traveled Indian trails wound around on the higher lands, centering at the permanent and temporary villages. Hundreds of deer wandered through the township, browsing on the rich verdure of grass and bush. Packs of ravenous wolves infested the woods, chasing down deer or other inoffensive animals, and filling the affrighted air of night with their wild and discordant music. Panthers were sometimes heard uttering their peculiar and terrifying cries, and bears were frequently seen walking as kings of the woods. Nothing human was to be found save the few bands of Indians, who were almost as wild as their daily companions, the beasts. Dangerous and venomous reptiles inhabited every acre of land and all was silence and solitude. This was the Northwest township of less than seventy years ago, when the first settlers who have been named, heralded a change in conditions.

The early political history of Northwest township, or at least the earliest, was not preserved with the records of the township, but it has been stated that the first township officers were as follows : Adolphus

Rogers and William H. Billings, Justices of the Peace; J. C. Whaley, treasurer : Thomas F. Whaley, constable ; William H. Billings, clerk ; Thomas Whaley, William H. Billings and Adolphus Rogers, trustees. It is also stated that at the Presidential election of 1844, only eleven votes were polled in the township, nine of them being Democratic. It is highly probable that while Northwest was attached to Bridgewater seine of the officers of the combined township were chosen from what is now Northwest. The facts in this particular cannot be learned, although in the past it has been quite currently stated that at one time William H. Billings held every office in the township, except that of constable.

The early schools are spoken of in the chapter on "Educational Development," but it is perfectly germane to say here that the educational interests in Northwest township have kept pace with the onward march of civilization in other directions. The log structures of pioneer days soon gave place to the more pretentious buildings of the middle period, and these, in turn, to the modern and finely equipped buildings of the present day. Among the first teachers of the township were Miss Abigail Htllis and Miss Mariah Marquart. Miss Rebecca Thomas and Miss Mariah Kinney were also early teachers.

Families in the vicinity of Columbia and in the northern part of Florence township were the nucleus to a church organization, which is still in existence, and which is given more extended mention in the chapter on Florence township. The Close Communion Baptists organized a small class at Thomas Whaley's at quite an early day, but later met at the school house near there. A Free Will Baptist class was early organized at William Billings', but neither of these classes survived many years.

The Winebrinerian class in the northeast part of the township was organized at an early day. Adam Beaver, Wesley Houtz and Aaron Culbertson were among the first members and were leaders in the movement that resulted in the building of the church, about 1874. Other denominations assisted in its construction and in return used the building for their services for several years. Trouble finally arose over the matter, however, and in 1881, the United Brethren built a house of their own about one mile east and south of the old church. Among the leaders in the latter movement were Ira McLain, Ambrose Hoverstock, John and William Heiserman, Alfred McCloe, George Kint, I hares Kintigh and William F. Kintigh. In 1889, the trouble in the United Brethren Church arose over the question of secret societies and a division occurred in the ranks here. It culminated a few years ago in the erection of another building, one mile and a half north of the Winebrinerian church, in Michigan, thus well supplying, so far as houses of worship can do so, the spiritual needs of that community. There have been a few Dunkards and Methodists in that neighborhood and the German Reformers once had a small class there.

A Methodist class once met in the school house at Northwest Centre, but its members have either affiliated with other denominations or sought other places of worship. In 1890, a Christian Union Church building was erected one-half mile north of the Centre, under the supervision of Rev. George W. Long, and the class he established has continued numerically strong. The United Brethren organized a class many years ago in the southern part of the township, and finally built a frame church at what is known as Malcolm's Corners. Two miles east of there, the Presbyterians have a fine church building, which was also built about twenty-five years ago.

The first burial places in the township were usually private grounds, established on the farms as necessity required; but finally public cemeteries were laid out and these "cities of the dead," of which there are several in Northwest township, receive the care and attention that is due them.

No grist mill, not even a ''corn-cracker," so far as known, was ever erected and operated in Northwest township. Almost all the early families obtained their flour at Martin & Depew's mill in southern Florence, and those who did not were compelled to go twice as far before finding another. Probably the first saw-mill constructed and operated in the township was built between 1840 and 1845. by Richard and Jacob Parish, and it was located on Nettle Creek, above the lake, on the farm now owned bv R. O. Beach. It was a small rude affair with an up-and-down saw, set in motion by water that moved so sluggishly that, as was jokingly stated, the sawyer could set the mill in operation on a large log and take a nap before his the wet months for a few years and was then abandoned, being long since forgotten, excepting bv the oldest settlers. Although this mill sawed but little, yet it supplied the demand for four or five miles around, which is not saying very much. The second saw-mill, a much better one, was erected on Nettle Creek, below the lake, in about 1845, by Daniel Smith and Alpheus Petty. Mr. Smith had removed there from Bridgewater township, where he had had the distinction of being the first settler. Pie had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and during was located at the outlet of a large natural pond, and an easy and excellent water power was secured by means of a dam. The mill under different forms, managements and structures, was in existence until a comparatively recent date, when the appearance of rapid portable mills secured the patronage away from the older and slower. During the early history of the township this saw-mill was one of the most, if not the most, important industrial features within its limits. Settlers after the earliest ones preferred to locate near mills, stores, etc., that many of the privations of life in the backwoods plight be avoided, and therefore this mill was one inducement for immigrants in search of homes to locate near it. During its more active career it sawed enormous quantities of lumber. Two of the earlier owners were Adam Clum and Robert Russell. George Kint purchased it in 1850, and continued to operate it until 1885, when he removed to Kansas, the mill became silent and finally ceased to exist. Steam was never used as a motive power in this mill.

A steam saw-mill was built during the early 6o's by Alfred Gamber, and was located at Columbia. It passed to a Mr. Ford and several others, and after being operated about ten years was removed. Another mill was built in the western part of the township, about 1870. and was in operation a number of years. The Spielman steam mill did a flourishing business for a considerable time in the same part of the township. A steam saw-mill was erected in the northeastern part, near the Winebrinerian church, by Ezra Welch, about 1872. Pie continued to operate it until his death, when it passed into the hands of Plenry Esterline, and at the demise of the latter it ceased to do business and was finally converted into a barn.

There is but one small town in Northwest township - Columbia - the post-office name being Nettle Lake. In the early days of its existence this town did quite a flourishing business and it is still a popular trading point, being sustained by an excellent farming country. But the aggressions of nearby railroad towns have shorn Columbia of much of its former prominence in the business world. In writing of churches, schools and other public enterprises, this village has been frcquentlv mentioned. The various industries incident to towns of this size, together with the social, religious, educational and political

Rural post-offices for the accommodation of the people were early established, some of which were kept in the farm houses. They have been discontinued on the adoption of the admirable system of "rural free delivery", which brings almost every farmer in daily contact with the outside world, and his mail is left at his door. Add to this the convenience of the modern telephone, and the isolation of country life is reduced to the minimum.