From the Files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society

Editor’s note: This is a retrospective article that runs a few times a month on InkFreeNews.

Information for this retrospective series is courtesy of the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

March 1838 — Franklin Township forms the southwest corner of the county and was organized in March 1838, at which time only eight white families were residents of the territory.

Without doubt, Benjamin Blue was the first man to effect a settlement, and his location was made inside the corporate limits of Mentone on section two.

March 8, 1838 — The organization of Tippecanoe Township occurred March 8, 1838. Originally, it was part of Plain Township.

The first cabin was erected in 1834 by Ephraim Muirhead.

March 8, 1838 — Jackson Township was organized March 8, 1838.

James Abbott planted an orchard and the first crop of corn in Jackson Township in spring 1835. Abner, son of Samuel and Elma Abbott, was born June 11 of that year, the first white child born in the township.

March 8, 1838 — Prairie Township was organized March 8, 1838, and the large portion of prairie land caused the early settlers to locate.

The first to locate was John Powell, March 31, 1833, and his cabin, built on section 21, was the first in the township.

March 8, 1838 — The territory comprising Harrison Township was originally a part of Wayne.

It was organized March 8, 1838.

The first two settlers were James Wooden and Andrew Sell, who came in spring 1834. The first located on section 18, Sell on section 19, and their log cabins were the first erected in the township.

March 1838 — Washington Township was organized in March 1838.

The first settlers were John Makemson and his brother Vincent. They built the first house in the township on section 3 in spring 1835 and the same autumn, Vincent Makemson erected the second house in the township.

The first election was held at the house of Martin Braysted in April 1838, and Lewis Keith was elected justice of the peace.

The first death was that of a daughter of John and Mrs. Bratt in 1838. Abner McQuigg died the next year and was the first interred in the Ryerson Cemetery, which was donated for such purposes by George W. Ryerson in 1839.

– Compiled by InkFreeNews reporter Lasca Randels