STORIES BEHIND THE NAMES

Elwood Haynes was a pioneering inventor whose work helped shape the future of the automobile and modern industry. In 1891, Haynes conceived the idea of a “horseless carriage” and moved to Kokomo, where he worked with Elmer and Edgar Apperson to build what became one of America’s first automobiles in 1893.

He later commercially produced automobiles under the Haynes-Apperson name. Haynes also developed important metal alloys, including durable materials used in spark plugs and the cobalt-based alloys he named Stellite. His innovations eventually found applications ranging from machine tools and prosthetics to jet engines and the Space Shuttle.

Today, his legacy is celebrated at the Elwood Haynes Museum, located at 1915 S. Webster St. in Kokomo, which preserves his life, inventions and accomplishments.

Aliff Henley’s life is a remarkable story of perseverance, independence and community building. Born enslaved in Virginia around 1761, Henley was later freed and eventually migrated with her family to Indiana.

On November 11, 1844, she became the first Black American documented to purchase land in Howard County, paying $280 in cash for 80 acres in Ervin Township.

Henley later deeded part of her land to establish a place of worship that became the first African Methodist Episcopal church in the county and a precursor to today’s Wayman Chapel A.M.E. She died in 1861 and is buried at Rush Cemetery.

Her journey from slavery to landownership and her role in establishing a lasting community make Henley an important figure in Howard County’s history.

David Foster was a pioneering settler, entrepreneur and community builder whose influence helped shape early Howard County.

Born into a Virginia Quaker family, Foster trained as a cabinetmaker before finding his calling as a trader. In 1844, he became the county’s first merchant and largest landowner. He played a key role in establishing Kokomo as the county seat, donating 40 acres of land for its development.

Foster also donated land for Grace Methodist Church and the Normal School, helped bring the railroad to the community and was a founding member of the county’s first bank.

As Kokomo and Howard County grew from a small pioneer settlement into a thriving community, Foster helped lay the foundation for the institutions, infrastructure and civic life that would shape its future.

Chief Koh-Koh-Mah, a Miami village leader whose name became associated with the city of Kokomo, is an important part of the community’s Native American history.

A Miami and Potawatomi man, he was among the Miami who signed an 1834 treaty with the United States. Historical research suggests he lived in the area and was connected by marriage to prominent Miami families, including the Meshingomesia and Richardville families.

While many details of his life remain unknown, including the exact spelling and meaning of his name, historical records identify him as a “head man,” or village leader, rather than a war chief.

Kokomo’s name was recorded as “Kocomo” in 1844, though no surviving record confirms exactly how the name was chosen. His story remains intertwined with the Native heritage of the land on which Kokomo was established.

Peshewa was the Miami-Illinois name of Jean Baptiste Richardville, a prominent Miami akima, or civil chief, whose name is closely connected to the history of north central Indiana.

Peshewa means “wildcat,” and for many years, historians believed Wildcat Creek was named for Richardville.

Today, the Wildcat Creek remains an important part of the landscape and identity of Kokomo. Wildcat Creek flows alongside the Kokomo Conference Center and continues through Greentown, Kokomo and Burlington before joining the Wabash River near Lafayette. Just west of Greentown, the creek becomes the Kokomo Reservoir.

For generations, Wildcat Creek has been a defining feature of the community, connecting Kokomo to the waterways and natural landscape that have shaped its history.

Elizabeth Foster was a pioneering settler and an important part of the family that helped establish early Kokomo. Born in New York, Elizabeth married David Foster in southern Indiana before the couple moved north with their growing family.

In 1840, they established a trading post and home near Wildcat Creek, eventually moving into the Miami Reserve at the site that would become Kokomo.

Elizabeth opened their home to the community, where the first Methodist church services were held in 1843, helping lay the foundation for what became Grace Methodist Church.

Together, Elizabeth and David watched Kokomo grow from a small pioneer settlement into a thriving community. Remembered for her intelligence, compassion and goodness, Elizabeth helped shape the community alongside her husband and raised 11 children in early Kokomo.