Although archaeologists report that the earliest residents of northeast Indiana were the ancient mound builders, it is the Miami and Potawatomi Indians who would have been encountered by the first settlers to the Kendallville area. From all accounts, early pioneers enjoyed a relatively harmonious relationship with these indigenous people.

The year was 1832 when a man described as "tall & awkward" built a modest log cabin in this area. The man, David Bundle, did not tarry long, for unknown reasons, and the following year he sold his cabin to Mrs. Frances Dingman, a widow from Fort Wayne. Upon the death of her husband, Mrs. Dingman set out with her eight children to carve a new life for herself and her family in the wilderness. By 1836, Mrs. Dingman built the first frame house in Kendallville, at 118 Gold Street.

During that same year, a prosperous businessman, William Mitchell, emigrated from New York and purchased 200 acres of timberland. He too settled here, and became a foundational pillar of what would become our city. In 1840, with a population of 40 residents, the town was granted a post office and was officially named "Kendallville" in honor of Amos Kendall, the Postmaster General at that time. By 1850, Samuel Minot ran the general store, Ezra Isbell was the shoemaker, John Gipe served as the village blacksmith, and John Finch crafted fine carriages and wagons.

Williams & McComskey Foundry opened in 1856, and 10 years later became Flint & Walling, producers of fine windmills and pumps. Still in operation today, it is the oldest continuing manufacturer in the community. In 1858, Mitchell and general storeowner Sam Minot were successful in bringing the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad through town, and the town flourished. The town was legally incorporated into a "city" in June 1863. That year also saw the founding of Kendallville Publishing Company, which has operated at its current location at 102 N. Main Street since 1911.

During the Civil War, Kendallville was the home of the Camp Mitchell, a Union Army training encampment. By 1870, this progressive city's population had skyrocketed to 1,000, and there were 15 streetlights along Main Street. 1883 brought the establishment of the Noble County Fairgrounds, on the same location where it remains an integral part of community life today.

The 20th century saw steady growth and the development of business and industry throughout Kendallville. Today, the downtown historic district retains much of the original architectural details of the late 1800's, where streets with names such as "William," "Mitchell," and "Iddings" honor our forefathers. With pride in our heritage and an eye on the future, Kendallville successfully maintains the necessary balance between the honoring of our pioneer roots and forward-thinking momentum for a bright future.

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