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STORY INDEX Population of Indiana's
northeast counties Tracking railroads: Longtime area auto dealers have 'seen it all' Amish continue long-held
traditions Cars accelerate lives of Noble County residents The price of cars: How much did it cost to drive one off the lot? Electric Interurban connected area to Fort Wayne, beyond LaGrange residents rally to save historic brick streets U.S. 6, Ind. 3: Kendallville's routes to growth Agriculture ever-changing, advancing in Noble County Comparisons: How far did the dollar stretch? Growing onions, peppermint made 'scents' in early 1900s The Gaby farm: A changing culture impacts 4-H County fair continues to be a big social event Thriving through the times: Downtown Kendallville adapts to a century of changes Dekko's philanthropy remains a 'valuable resource' Rinkel family still at the wheel of Greenfield Hills Commerce nothing new to Shipshewana: Town thrives as one of fastest-growing tourist areas in state Making do during the Great Depression: Retired hatchery owner recalls tough times, bright moments Mill a 'Star' business in Ligonier: Firm has been grinding wheat into flour for 113 years Elmer E. McCray had a major impact on Kendallville Richard R. Cole has long legacy Female executive has seen many changes in workforce Working women: From assisting war effort to competing in global markets Wolcottville a center of commerce, industry in 1800s Mongoquinong area was early LaGrange County commercial center 'The cheapest hired hand we ever had.' Electricity made life brighter, easier down on the farm Monument company's history set in stone Historic Corn School dates back to 1906
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Mongoquinong area was early LaGrange County commercial center By TARA KITCHEN The News-Sun
LAGRANGE - LaGrange County has a unique and rich commercial history, which dates back to its first settlement, Mongoquinong. Also known at the time as Big Squaw Village, Mongoquinong was located one-half mile west of Lima, now Howe, and was settled on the banks of Crooked Creek. The area was mostly forests and prairies at the time. The 1882 history of the county asserts that the village once had several thousand inhabitants. However, there is no official record of the number residing in the area at that time. According to Sandy Yoder, president of the LaGrange County Historical Society, it was the Potawatomi Indians who lived in Mongoquinong and near the cemetery in Howe. Yoder said the Indians probably lived there for centuries, until they were forcibly moved to reservations in the West by the government sometime near or shortly before 1840. However, Mongoquinong became a busy industrial community even before the Indians were removed. In 1829, Ica and Moses Rice built a trading house in Lima, paving the way for others to move into the area. What eventually became Springfield Township was first settled by a white man, namely John B. Clark, in the fall of 1830. Shortly after, L.K. Brownell entered a claim on land in the township and built a dam across the Pigeon River. Brownell also started construction on a grist mill. Both projects were completed in the summer of 1831. The first store in the area was opened by John O'Ferrell, a native Irishman, and the first postmaster was Arthurs Burrows who also started a hotel in 1833.
Between 1836 and 1837, the area population increased rapidly. 1838 saw a poor crop year and many deaths from an epidemic. The township soon rebounded and its growth continued. Sawmills were built by George Bullmer, Samuel Bradford and William S. Prentiss. Bradford adding machinery to his for carding wool. In 1836, O'Ferrell's store was purchased by Drusus Nichols who added a distillery. Two village residents, Staley and Payne, were coopers and made whiskey barrels and kegs for the distillery. The distillery was destroyed by fire in 1842. The village of Springfield was laid out in 1842 by Leonard Appleman. The first area church was a Methodist Episcopal society organized in 1838 by the Rev. G.M. Boyd. Appleman opened the first storeroom and warehouse in the village. Today, in the area once known as Mongoquinong, sits Mongo. Today, Mongo has only a small shopping area with a general store, a handful of craft shops and a bed and breakfast. Anyone interested in learning more about the early history of Mongo or LaGrange County may enjoy reading "My Town, Your Town" just one of many informational books on the subject which can be found in the LaGrange County Library. |
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