Noble County

Washington Township Map, 1893

Hollyhocks and Old Houses

Noble County

Washington Township, settled in 1833, offered fertile land but faced challenges such as malaria, reptiles, and swampy terrain, pushing settlers to higher ground. The Roop family, the first settlers, lived unusually, leading to conflicts with incoming settlers. The Lehman family, Quakers from Ohio, contributed to the community by planting hollyhocks and promoting homeliness. Early education was informal, with the first school built in 1840. The first religious society was organized in 1839, but a permanent church wasn’t built until 1861 by the Lutherans. The township saw the development of essential mills, contributing to its economy, and faced issues with outlaws, leading to the establishment of a courthouse and regulators. Part of the township eventually joined Whitley County in 1860 for better access to roads.

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Allen Township, 1893

History of Lisbon, Indiana

Noble County

Lisbon, Indiana, once a bustling commercial center and trading post, in 1950s was a small village with a lone store and about fifty inhabitants. Historically significant as the highest point of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River, Lisbon was notable for its strategic location where rainwater flows in four directions. Established in 1837 by Asa Brown, the village featured two schools, several stores, including a drugstore, and amenities such as a plank road, board sidewalks, and street lamps. Brown’s Tavern, a prominent establishment, served as a hub for stagecoach travelers. Lisbon’s prominence waned after the Lake Shore Railroad was built two miles north, leading to the rise of nearby Kendallville and reducing Lisbon to a quiet crossroads with a rich historical legacy.

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Swan Township Map, 1893

History of Swan Township, Noble County, Indiana

Noble County

Swan Township, located in Noble County, Indiana, was first settled in 1833 by George Rickard, who established his home and a small tavern known as the “Buck-Horse Tavern.” Following Rickard, other settlers, such as Conrad Cramer and the Shelner brothers, arrived, contributing to the township’s early development. The settlers were hospitable, assisting newcomers with building cabins and establishing farms. The township’s early economy relied on agriculture, with settlers raising crops like potatoes, corn, and wheat, and hunting local wildlife for food. Over time, the community grew, with the establishment of sawmills, stores, and a post office. The village of Swan was laid out in 1870 and saw moderate growth, while LaOtto, another village in the township, developed later but eventually surpassed Swan in population and prosperity. Early elections, community structures, and the advent of infrastructure like roads and mills reflect the gradual but steady development of Swan Township.

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Washington Township Map, 1893

History of Washington Township, Noble County, Indiana

Noble County

Washington Township, Indiana, established in the early 1830s, has a rich and varied history marked by its early settlers, natural landmarks, and community developments. The area, first settled by a man named Roop in 1833, saw its initial growth with the arrival of other settlers by 1836. The township’s landscape, including the notable Roop swamp and the picturesque Tippecanoe River, has long been a hub for wildlife and fishing. Early industries such as sawmills and grist mills contributed to the township’s development, while the first schools and religious institutions laid the groundwork for the community. Significant contributions during the Civil War and World War I, along with the establishment of the Farm Bureau and Home Demonstration units, reflect the township’s spirit of cooperation and resilience.

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