The Huggart Settlement Historical Marker was dedicated on October 1, 1998 near the intersection of Mulberry Rd and State Rd 4 (aka Pierce Rd) in Union Township, St Joseph County, Indiana. This marker serves as a memorial to the first African American families and their white neighbors who lived, worked and worshiped side-by-side.
That doesn't really tell you much about the Huggart's.
Who were the Huggart's?
In 1834 Samuel Huggart, a free African American man moved to Union Township from Virginia. He purchased 80 acres of property which, at the time, was the smallest parcel of land permitted for purchase. Samuel's property was section #29 which was a remote and wooded area that was located in northwest Union Township.
Samuel Huggart and his family were the first African Americans to settle in St. Joseph County. Other families soon joined them. This was still during the time of the Civil War and at a time in history when slavery was still in existence in this country. Indiana was a free state, however, by 1851 a state law prohibited new African American settlement. The community that was growing around Mulberry and Osborne Road's was quietly defying Indiana's settlement law.
By the 1860's the Huggart farm doubled in size to 160 acres.
The Huggart's and the families that joined them worked side-by-side with their white neighbors. They built a one room school house, socialized and worshiped together. In the 1870's, a United Bretheren preacher named the neighborhood "Olive Branch".
Samuel Huggart's brother, Andrew, arrived in the 1840's and became the most prominent African American in the settlement. Andrew was appointed the superintendent of the Union Sunday School. He was the first black man to serve on a jury in St. Joseph County. Andrew was also the first black man to run for public office though it is unknown what that office was.
It is thought, but not documented in historical records that prove that, the Huggart's and other African American families were part of the Underground Railroad. It is documented that there were at least two active stations nearby that were operated by white men. One station being very close to the Huggart Settlement. Perhaps a story for another cache?
It is difficult to stop and view the Huggart Settlement Historical Marker on State Rd 4 but you can safely view the sign and the area where the old settlement was from across the street on Mulberry Rd. This is where the cache is hidden.
The First to Find wins two shiney quarters and a sticker!
BYOP