The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 July 1987 — Page 28

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., July 1,1987

Happy 150th, Syracuse

By JAMES HUGHES Town Board President Syracuse has become one of the favorite spots for many vacationers and also for permanent residents. Just since many of us moved here in the 50’s we’ve seen many changes take place. The consolidation of our school system has made it as good as any in the state and the town has built a new town hall that is widely used by many in the community. Syracuse is also in the process of upgrading its sewage disposal plant for the benefit of all. We think our police force is second to none for a town our size. The fire department, in conjunction with Turkey Creek Township, is constantly upgrading its personnel and equipment to serve people in our area more effectively. The EMS provides a vital function for the town and township. To make them better equipped to handle more and more calls, a new ambulance has been ordered and should be in service in a few weeks. The civil defense group has become more active in recent

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TOWN BOARD READY TO WORK — These members of the Syracuse Town Board are all dedicated to helping make Syracuse a better place for all residents and visitors. They look forward to an enjoyable Sesquicentennial celebration for all.

months and is giving its support to many activities in and around Syracuse. The park department has done an outstanding job of providing recreational opportunities for all.

Lifeguards are on duty at Lakeside Park Beach and a new pavilion has been built to give an added dimension for people to enjoy our parks. Flowers have been planted and are well-cared for to give added beauty for both residents and visitors. The merchants of the Syracuse community have grown with the town and have contributed much to the support of this beautiful

Crosson and Ward founded Syracuse

By JACK ELAM Two men came to the west, founded a town and died in financial ruin. This is the way one would describe the partnership of Samuel Crosson and Henry Ward. The first of this partnership to arrive in Turkey Creek Township

Happy Birthday Syracuse Wishing You Continued Success V/tJv\9 Ted & Marge Rogers

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The public is encouraged to attend monthly town meetings in the board room in the Syracuse Town Hall on South Huntington Street. Pictured from the left are Carl Myrick, Bill Hess. Joe Morganthaler. President James Hughes and Steve Butt. (Photo by Glen Long)

lakes area. They all seem eager to continue to expand their services as our town keeps on growing in size and popularity. How the boundaries of our town have grown! East to Smoker’s Hill, west to the new industrial park, south to Hillside Addition and north to the Elkhart County line. We wonder what it will be like in another 50 years! But right

was Samuel Crosson. He, with the help of hired hand Ephriam Davis, built a dam across the outlet of Syracuse Lake in 1832. This dam was near the present day location of the Huntington Street bridge. Crosson of Irish descent was born February 12,1795. He built a cabin and a flour mill at the dam site around 1834. It was the first <r -

now, this is a great place in which to live and raise children (and grandchildren). The town board members would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked so hard for the Town of Syracuse in the past and at present and those who will follow in the future. The town is good for all of us, so “Happy 150th, Syracuse! ”

mill erected in Kosciusko County. Samuel and his wife, Nancy, came from Ohio with their family of three daughters and one son. He was described as “a very genial and gentlemanly man” — and Mrs. Crosson, “a most worthy .woman.” The other half of this business partnership was Henry Ward. He was bom May 1, 1799, in New Marlboro and raised in West Stockbridge, Mass. Ward of English descent came from a family background of judges and legislators. Ward earned his living as a surveyor of public lands for many years before coming to Turkey Creek Township. Henry became a partner of Samuel Crosson in the mill business. Soon after in 1837, spring rains weakened the dam to the point it gave way and destroyed the mill. Crosson and Ward owned numerous acres in the vicinity of the mill. On August 11,1837, they platted a portion of this land on the hill west of the lake into a town and named it Syracuse. Crosson and Ward dug a mill race from the old dam site northwest, following present day Dolan Drive and erected a second mill in 1840 near the old power house location. The race diverted the outlet of Syracuse Lake to a better location for the mill site. A mill continued on this site many years after Crosson and Ward died. Due partly to local circumstances and the panic of 1837, history reveals the partnership that founded Syracuse crumbled. Debts mounted, lawsuits ensued and property values went down. This probably attributed to the early death of both partners. Samuel Crosson died April 28, 1844. Henry Ward, who is credited with being the first postmaster of Syracuse and an associate judge of Kosciusko county, died September 6, 1846, survived only by his widow, Sarah.