Goodspeed, Weston A, Richard Collins, Thomas R. Marshall, W. L. Matthews; Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana: historical and biographical; Chicago, F. A. Battey & Co., 1882, 937 pgs.
History of Noble County.
Chapter 1., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Topography and Geology -- Noble County Drift -- Physical Description -- Cranberry Marshes -- Meteorology -- Classification of the Mound-Builders' Works -- Prehistoric Occupation and Remains of Noble County -- The Mounds and Their Contents -- The Miamis and Pottawatomies During the Border Wars -- The Indian Reservation -- Personal Incidents -- Customs of the Native American.
PART II.
HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY
Chapter I.
by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Topography and Geology -- Noble County Drift -- Physical Descriptio -- Cranberry Marshes -- Meterology -- Classification of the Mound-Builders' Works -- Prehistoric Occupation and Remains of Noble County -- The Mounds and Their Contents -- The Miamis and Pottawatomies During the Border Wars -- The Indian Reservation -- Personal Incidents -- Customs of the Native American.
THERE is no subject more intimately connected with the interest of mankind than history. It is much more comprehensive, universal and vital than shallow thinkers are led to believe from imperfect stuy. Perhaps its most important featuer is the exposition of its relations of man to his fellows, to the laws under which he lives and enjoys, and to past events. Comparative history is extremely instructive, as the lights and shades of human character are thrown in spectral relief for man's inspection. His hopes and fears, his ambitions and aspirations, his desires and passions, his frailties and accomplishments, and his conduct under an infinite variety of opposing influences are revealed and analysed. Knowing, as the race does, that the greatest study of mankind is man, it has become the universal judgment that he who discovers the means of doing the greatest good has crowned himself with the grandest distinction. Men in pursuit of fame and a name have ransacked the world for knowledge of the human race in a primitive state. Every subject has been scanned by Argus-eyed scholars, and a vast fund of perishing historic lore has been rescued from oblivion, and forced to serve the purposes of an advancing civilization. The secret chambers of nature have been unlocked by the skilled hands of genius and the invariable sequence of immutble law, and the plastic transformatios of dumb matter have been held aloft for human inspection and guidance. No avenue, however solitary, if of value or interest to the fce, has been left untraversed. The sciences have been the natural out growth of the evolution of thought, and have multiplied the sources of happiness and the knowledge of human character.
Since the dawn of intelligence, no field of research has been more fruitful in affording bountiful evidence of the origin of animate and inanimate creations than the testimony of the rocky structure of the earth and a knowledge of the natural laws which control the movements of the universe. Written indelibly on the bright page of nature is the wonderful progress of evolution from the simplest combinations of effects to the sublime mechanism that guides the circling spheres. The phenomena of nature are everywhere found to be under the control of unchangeable laws, many of which have been discovered and utilized by scientific men. The earth and its various surroundings are found to be a vast storehouse of knowledge. The theory is (and no intelligent man at present questions its correctness) that the surface of the earth through long and successive ages has been alternately above and below the waters of the sea, and that during the periods of submergence strata of earth have been deposited from the water. When the land was raised above the water, it became covered with various kinds of vegetation, and afterward again submerged, nd the vegetable remains were traansformed into coal. Many of the plants which grew on the erth ages ago, have been named and classified from the remains found in coal-beds. As the strata were formed under water, various marine animals such as mollusks and fishes, were also thrown down, and casts of these are found at all depths where the space had gone, to show the character of the animals that were living at different epochs or ages on the erth.
While the geological fetures of Noble County are not unusual or striking, yet, in some important particulars, they differ essentially from those in other neighboring counties of Indina. The subject of geology i ordinarily considered of but little practical value or interest, though the reverse of this is the case when it gives rise to sanitary or economic questions, as it often does. No extended nor instructive examination has been made in the county, as, so far, excavations have not reached sufficient depth to pass through the heavy glacial and drift deposit which covers all Northern Indiana, sometimes to so great a depth that even wells bored several hundred feet hae failed to pass through to the underlying rock. It must be understood that Indiana, in common with all this part of the continent, was alternately above and below the sea during the geological ages prior to the glacial epoch, and that during these ages strata of sand, clay, slate and various varieties of rocks were superimposed upon other strata, until a thickness of thousands of feet had been reached. Through these ages, the lot of Indiana was almost identical with that of all the surrounding States, and, consequently, when the earth in this State is penetrated to the propert depth, the same, or nearly the same, strata are found as in neighboring localities. They are not precisely the same, because it is found that while the sea was depositing sand or clay at one place, perhaps but a comparatively few miles distant the conditions were such that limestone, sandstone or other stone could be formed. Yet even in a case of this character, the period was the same, as has been proved by fossiliferous evidences that are above reasonable doubt.
Before entering upon a more specific description of the glacial drift in the county, a few points will be considered concerning the underlying rock. Of course, it cannot be known with absolute certainty, without actual experiment, what strata would be met with in going downward in Noble County, after having passed through the drift. The onlyconclusion to be reached is an approximate one, from a knowledge of what rocks are found in neighboring localities. Geologists throughout the State agree in saying that the first rocks found in Northern Indiana, after passing through the drift, are, with few exceptions in localities, those of the Niagara group. The exceptions are perhaps some of Hamilton or Corniferous limestones of the Devonian age. Excavations, such as wells, in various portions of Northern Indiana have established these facts beyond doubt. It will therefore be seen that all the formations above the Niagara group are lacking in this locality, with perhaps the exceptions above noted and probably all or a portion of the formations of the Quaternary period. Passing downward through the Niagara group, which is a member of the Upper Silurian era, the Hudson and Trenton limestones and the Potsdam sandstone, members of the Lower Silurian era, would probably be found. Next would appear metamorphic rock, which was formed by crystallization some time after its deposition from wter, but usually from the cooling of the primitive surface of the earth or before the formation of strata was possible. To account for the absence of rocks above the Upper Silurian is not an easy task, if exact statements are required. All such rocks were formed from soil deposited while the surface was under ater. This view leads to the conclusion that Norther Indian, at least, was above the sea after the Silurian age, but was again submerged, probably in fresh water, during the Cenozoic time. There was then a long interval of ages, during which Northern Indiana, with the Niagara group on the surface, was above the water. The strata below the Niagara group found in Indiana present no unusual features where excavations have penetrated them, and therefore that branch of the subject will be dropped to await future revelations.
We come now to a consideration of the Drift deposit. Geologists suppose that during a period called glacial, all the earth's surface, north of about 40° of north latitude was once, and for a long period, covered with vast fields of ice, and at other periods with heavy vegettioan, even as far north as the 82d degree of north latitude. The southern portions of the ice field melted away under the heat of a tropical sun, and the result was that the ice father north was forced graduallly southward, pushing down the elevations of land, and slowly but surely grinding the rock into powder and gravel, and transporting them to latitudes further south. Glacial markings are found everywhere, and all indicate that the movements of the glaciers were southerly. In their movement south, the glaciers took or scooped up vast quantities of soil in northern localities, which became frozen in until the ice had reached the warmer sections and had thawed, when such soil was dropped upon the earth. This soil is now known as the "Drift" or "Bowlder deposit," and covers all Northern Indiana, including Noble County, to a depth of several hundred feet. Some entertain the idea that this soil in Northern Indiana was deposited directly upon the Niagara group, while others think that, inasmuch as just above the Niagara group are found several strata of clay, shale and sand, the norther part of the State was under the surface ither of salt or fresh water, at stages succeeding the formation of the Niagara rocks. Animal and vegetable casts, found in these strata, will prove the character of the water form which they were deposited. Some geologists maintain that the "Drift" was not deposited by glaciers but by icebergs, which floated south, carrying large quantities of northern soil, and grinding over the rocks at the bottom of the shallow seas, thus forming the striae or "glacial markings." All, however, agree that the "Drift" was brough from northern regions through the ageny of ice. No doubt both glaciers and icebergs were the means fo transporting the soil south. The lowest formation fo the Drift deposit is the "Bowlder clay," which varies in thickness from ten to one hudnred feet. It is usually yellow or brown above, and blue below, and is underlaid by a water-bearing sheet of gravel and sand, cemented into an almost impenetrable hardpan. The pebbles contained in the Bowlder clay are generally small, sub-angular, scratched and planed fragments, either of indigenous or of exotic rocks, the former largely preponderating, either of indigenous or of exotic rocks, the former largely preponderating. Prof. J. S. Newberry, of Ohio, thinks that the blue and the yellow Bowlder clays were originally the same color, and that the latter is the leched and oxidized portion of the former. He also says: "The bowlder clay of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, etc., may be said to be the entire grist ground by the glacier, which, never having been screened or sorted, contains both the bran and the flour, the latter being the clay, and the former the sand, gravel and bowlders." After the deposition of the bowlder clay came a period when the surface was above the water, and when a forest of arborescent and herbaceous plants sprang into life. The piece of sound wood found a short time ago about three miles northeast of Albion, was found in drift soil, about ninety feet deep, which answers the description of the "inter-glacial forest-bed," and was no doubt brought there from some forest farther north. It is supposed that these plants grew during an inter-glacial mild period, and their remains are not usually found as far south, in any quantity, as Noble County. This inter-glacial forest period was the time when the mammoth, mastodon, giant beaver and doubtless many other animals, appeared upon the earth. Above these deposits, come various layers of sand, clay or gravel, intermingled with bowlders of various shapes, sizes and compositions. Geologists differ regarding the causes of the billowy appearance of the urface soil of Northern Indiana. Perhaps the most reasonble conclusion is, that such soil remains in much the ame condition as when it was first deposited by the melting glaciers or icebergs. Such process would heap the soil in some places, while in others great cavities would be left unfilled, which afterward becoming filled with water would form the numerous lakes. The best authorities agree in saying that the grat mass of the drift was deposited principally from indigenous rocks by means of glaciers; but that icebergs also, more especially at the close of the glacial period, transported from the Canadian highlands a coniderable quantity of soil, and large numbers of bowlders, which lie above the laminated clays, deposited previously by glaciers.
This brings us to the more specific description of the physical fetures of the county. The number of depressed portions covered with water seems fabulous, and the quantity of swamp land is much greater than supposed, though both are being decreased rapidly by natural and artificial means. The effect of so much stagnant water and decaying vegetation is perceptible to those, more especially, who have not become acclimated to the influences of malaria and its kindred ailings, as engendered in the county and vicinity. Extra effort has been made from the earliest time to rain the water from the swamps, to fell the timber, and to let in the healthful and cheerful light and heat of the sun. The proceeding has been met with marked effect, as large numbers of the drier swamps have not only been thoroughly drained, but have been subjected to cultivation, and there is found no better farming land in the county.
From the following statement may be learned, by townships, the number of lakes and large permanent ponds in Noble County: Perry, 4; Elkhart, ; Orange, 13; Wayne 21; Sparta, 15; York, 14; Jefferson, 7; Allen, 3; Albion, 1; Washington, 16; Noble, 22; Green, 20; Swan, 3; total, 145.
It is very difficult to correctly estimate the quantity of swamp land in the county. Some have placed it as high as 15 percent of the county lands, but probably 10 per cent would come nearer the truth. Many of the smaller and shallower lakes are slowly filling by means of mosses, rushes, weeds, lily-stocks, etc., and undoubtedly some, which now are simply low lands, have been subjected to this fate. In several places in the county, some of which have been subjected to this fate. In several places in the county, some of which have been cultivated, there is found quite a dry soil for several feet on top, while underneath the earth is an impure vegetable mold, and, in some cases farther down there is found water, often in a considerable quantity, proving that the spot was once a lake or pond, which had been overgrown with a heavy and springy vegetation, which had likewise become covered with the surface soil by washings through long periods of years. Every lake that has been examined in the county is underlaid with a more or less perfect stratum of bog iron ore, some being so rich in metal as to be of no trifling commercial value. None of these beds, with few exceptions, one being in York Township, has been worked. Iron can be obtained cheaper. Many curious natural formations are found, some of which have been incorrectly referred to the Mound-Builders. There are also many places in the county where beavers have thrown up embankments of surprising extent and appearance. Some lakes in the county are in the first stage after being filled with vegetation, one of these being beautifully situated near the residence of Michael Bouse, Washington Township. It is about six acres in extent, and has no known outlet, and over the surface the marsh moss, Spagnum, has become so heavily matted that persons find no trouble in walking over the marsh to gather the cranberries which usually grow there in profusion. There are many places in the county where these excellent berries are found, but they seem to grow most abundantly in the southern part--in the Tippecanoe swamps. This berry is a member of the Heath Family, and is known to botanists as Oxycoccus macrocorpus. The plant is a creeper, or trailer, with slender, hardy, woody stems and small evergreen leaves, more or less white underneath, with single flowers borne on slender erect pedicles and having a pale rose carolla. The berries, which get ripe in autumn, are red, with some yellow, and are very acid. The stems are from one to three eet long, and the lowers are lateral, rendering easy the gathering of the berries. The conditions or the possible lie of the plant are being slowly destroyed, and the berries are becoming less numerous. The moss, the name of which is given above, has the property of slowly dying at the extremities of the roots, thus making it possible for deep lakes to become filled with it.
It seems proper in this connection to notice a few circumstances regarding the meteorological condition of this part of Indiana.
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Chapter II., by Nelson Prentiss.
Early Organization and Statistics -- General Growth and Development -- Drought of 1838 -- The Internal Improvement Bill and the State Canal -- Creation of the First Court -- Trial and Execution of John Lechner -- The County Seat Question -- Public Buildings and County Officials -- The Bench and Bar -- Anecdotes -- The Medical Profession.
Chapter III, by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Early Roads -- Manner of Viewing, Improving and Sustaining Them -- Mail Routes and Stage Lines -- The Plank Road -- Railroads and County Stock -- Noble County Agricultural Society -- Stock Rearing -- The Seminary Fund -- The County Press --- The Blacklegs and the Regulators.
Chapter IV, by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Soldiers of the Revolution, of 1812 and of the Mexican War -- Loyalty and Disloyalty Shown When Sumter Fell -- Mass Meetings of Indignant Citizens -- The First Call for Troops -- The Progress of Enlistment -- County Bounty and Relief Fund -- The Enrollment and the Draft -- Interesting Incidents -- Celebrations -- Sketches of the Regiments -- Aid Societies -- Noble County's "Roll of Honor" -- Statistical Tables.
Chapter V., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
City of Kendallville -- Its Appearance Forty-Five Years Ago -- Subseuent Improvements -- Merchants, Mechanics and Other Business Men -- The Original Plat -- Incorporation -- City Railroad Bonds -- Council Proceedings -- Education and Religion -- Secret Societies.
Chapter VI., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Wayne Township -- Reflections of an Old Settler -- Long List of Pioneers -- Life in the Forest -- Wolves Versus Domestic Animals -- Mr. Graden's Adventure -- The Old Sawyer Saw-Mill - Early Taverns and Drinking Custos -- Rollings and Raisings -- The First Schoolhouse and Teacher -- The First Religious Society and the First Church Erected.
Chapter VII., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Town of Ligonier -- Early Development -- Subsequent Improvement -- Appearance of Industries -- The Son of Temperance -- Fires -- Incorporation of the Village -- Secret Societies -- The Jews -- The Shipment of Wheat -- Mr. Gerber's Experience -- Education and Religion -- The High School - Statistics.
Chapter VIII., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Perry Township -- Roll of Early Settlers -- General Growth -- Deer Hunting by Night -- Rochester, Washington and Hawville -- Mills and Foundries -- A Distinguished Frenchman -- The Indians -- Education and Religion.
Chapter IX., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Town of Albion -- Catalogue of Patentees -- First Cabin in the Township -- Platting of the Village -- Early History and Subsequent Growth -- Incorporation -- Industrial Statistics -- Education and Religion -- Schoolhouse Bonds -- Sketches of the Religious Societies -- The Fire Fiend.
Chapter X., by James M. Denny.
Jefferson Township -- First Families -- Journey to the West -- Indians -- Pioneer Industries -- Organization -- Churches -- Schools -- Incidents -- Agriculture -- Antiquities -- Manners and Customs -- Cemeteries -- Stock-Raising.
Chapter XI., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Orange Township -- Interesting Facts of the Early Settlement -- Early Pioneers -- Incidents in the Backwoods -- Saw-Mills, Grist-Mills, Tanneries, Woolen Factories, Etc. -- Rome City and the Reservoir -- Brimfield and Northport -- The Teacher and Preacher -- Island Park Assembly.
Chapter XII., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Allen Township -- First White Settler -- Catalogue of Pioneers -- Growth and Decay of Industries -- Villages of Lisbon and Avilla -- The underground Railroad -- Mr. Baker and the Indian Squaw -- Outwitting a Bear - The District Schools -- Teachers and Preachers -- The Catholics.
Chapter XIII., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Elkhart Township -- Life in the Backwoods -- Mr. Bourie and the Indians -- Anecdotes of the Chase -- The Early Residents -- Tibbot and The Wounded Buck -- Pittsburg, Springfield and Wawaka -- Education and Religion -- Pioneer Preachers and Teachers -- Incidents.
Chapter XIV., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Sparta Township -- Reminiscences of an Old Settler -- First Officers and Election -- Milling and Other Industrial Interests -- The First County Seat -- Village of Cromwell -- Experiences of an Early Pedagogue -- Education and Religion.
Chapter XV., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Noble Township -- Narrative of Isaac Tibbot -- Names of Early Zsettlers -- A Bear Story -- John G. Hall's "Corn Cracker" and Sawa-Mill -- Other Industries -- The Leading Town of the County -- Bristol and Nobleville -- Schools and Churches.
Chapter XVI., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
York Township -- First Settlers -- Life in the Wilderness -- Early Saw-Mills, Grist-Mills, Factories and Other Industries -- Villages of Augusta, Van Buren and Port Mitchell -- Pioneer Schools and Religious Organizations.
Chapter XVII., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Green Township -- Early Events -- Settlement and Subsequent Growth -- Customs of the Pioneers -- Development of Industries -- Stores and Mills -- Interesting Incidents Connected with Early Schools and Churches.
Chapter XVIII., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Swan Township -- Incidents of Pioneer Life -- Mr. Timmerman and the Bear -- Early Hunting Exploits -- The First Saw-Mill -- Swan and La Otto -- The First Schoolhouse -- The Early Circuit Riders -- Relgious Societies.
Chapter XIX., by Weston A. Goodspeed.
Washington Township -- Roop the First Settler -- A Pioneer Pot-Pie -- Catalogue of Early Settlers -- First Township Election -- Mr. Eagles and the Bear -- Saw-Mills, Grist-Mills, Tanneries, Etc. -- Pioneer Schools and Religious Societies -- A Fish Story.
Chapter V., .
Chapter V