The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 22, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 May 1986 — Page 28

THE MAILJOURNAL—Wed., May 28, UN

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WOLTERMAN’S MARKET — Many Milford residents remember shopping at Wolferman’s Market on Main Street. The building was vacated almost two years ago when Campbell’s build a new store on SR 15. From left the men are Eldon Gunderman, Floyd (“Sandy”) Fuller and Earl Wolferman.

T MILFORD’S 1 SESQUICENTENNIAL _ 1J To I x» f S " | Congratulations b I On Your 150th Year | x! I ~ x *y Seville Elegante !x 1 We’ve Come A | | Long Way I j) VsgAjg/\£g/Vsg/\sis/\35/K3S/\SS/V35/VJ£A3S/\£g/\SS/ BRUCE PETRO OLDS - BUCK - PONTIAC - CADILLAC & GMC Hwy. 15 North WMUW 267-7180L#

Van Buren Township named after president

The history of Van Buren Township dates back to 1833 when the area was settled. A treay - was signed on October 27, 1832, near Rochester, with the Pcttowattomi and Miami Indians. That treaty was ratified by Congress on January 21, 1833. However, news did not reach tlie settlers who were waiting for tlie new country to be opened unil late February. Since William Felkner was at the signing of the treaty and lie was the first to settle in what was to become Van Buren Township, one can’t help but wonder if Felkner wasn’t the one wio delivered the news to those people waiting to cross into the area. That is, however, a fact kst through the passing of time. About 30 families of white settlers homesteaded in this area at that time. More would follow. The land at that time is said to have been marshy and almost valueless. Ditching and draining changed that. By the early 1900 s Van Buren Township was one of the most productive in the tyFelkner settled on a half section of land, section 21, which at that time was wiki prairie la id. He improved the land, plan ed corn and lived on it until 1365 when he moved to Milford. Oliver Wright and son, Moses, are said to have settled on section 28 in March of 1833. That same year Elijah Miller and Richard Gawthrop from Sandusky, Oido, settled on section 32, as did Sarah DeVault and her family. A. C. Cory and Samuel Street flso came in 1833. Records show that Van Buren Township was surveyed in J me of 1834 by Reuben J. Dawson R. Clarke and S. Sibley. It is township 34 north, range 6 east and contains 22,678 acres. The boundaries of Kosciusko County were established on February 7, 1835, and the county was organized in April of 1836. First Birth, First Wedding The first white child born in the township was a girl, Rachel, ban to William and Mary Ann Felkner on May 15,1833. The first marriage in the township was that of Adeline Trimble and Fred Summy It took place in October of 1834 and was an occasion for the ertire community to celebrate. The wedding was a grand affair with all settlers within 20 miles being invited. William and Mary Xnn Felkner were among the guests The ladies of the neighborhood prepared a feast for the 100 persons in attendance. They feasted all afternoon and all evening and danced the night away. The township has two lakes. Old records show Waubee listed as Wauwa’s, Wawa’s and Waree and Dewart listed as Tingle, Lingle and Dewar. As noted in previous articles in this publication, the first mills were built in 1837 by John Egbert. Both were on Turkey Creek. One was a sawmill about a mile west of Milford. The other was a

■—tat—t a ■ -tat— TOES gga I At Miller's Orchard M ILLtK V W. Randolph St. Market tsss ! IH 7712280 I tt O All Os The Millers Wish Milford H “Bushels Os Good Luck & Fun” ... During Their Sesquicentennial IssaoESJOi

gristmill in the village itself. Named By Felkner Some records note the township was organized on June 29, 1836. Others list the year as 1838. It was named by William Felkner, the first commissioner of the Northern District, after President Martin Van Buren. Since Van Buren was president from 1837 to 1841, one would think the latter year would be the correct one. Van Buren was from New York and became a law clerk at the age of 14. He served as Secretary of State under Andrew Jackson and then as Jackson’s vice president. Jackson referred to him as “a true man with no guile.” Logic makes us think that had the township been named in 1836 when Andrew Jackson was president Felkner would have chosen the name of Jackson and not Van Buren for his home township. However, records note that Felkner, a Democrat, was elected commissioner in 1835. Why would they wait 3 years to form and name the townships when Kosciusko County came into being in 1836? Early records are confusing at best. One record show Felkner served as commissioner for eight years. Another says he served with David Rippey and William Kelly and was commissioner from 1836 to 1839.

Cloggers to take to the streets

Milford will take a heavy step into the past when the Grassy Creek Cloggers perform at the Main Street stage Friday, June 6, from 7-9 p.m. Wearing thick soled shoes, the professional dancers will be heard throughout town, hammering out a lively rhythm to celebrate the town’s 150th birthday. The group will also square dance during its performance. Milford resident Richard Miller and Rocky Stone will sing during the dogger’s intermission, while refreshments will be available from booths lining the west side of the street.

Cutie contest

The Cutie King and Queen Contest will be held on Wednesday evening, June 4, at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage. The contest is open to all children between the ages of two and five that reside in Milford or Jefferson Township. Contestants for king and queen will parade around in costumes of the 1800 s era. Juding will be be done by Chuck Bird, Richard Roose, Bessie Sunthimer, and Annabelle Anglin. The king and queen will each receive a savings bond and the runners-up, the prince and princess, will receive smaller cash awards.