USA > Indiana > Indiana at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, comprising the work of the Commission, including its report > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
PUBLIC LIBRARY FORT WAYNE & ALLEN OF Her
INDIANA COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02555 2263
Gc 977.2 IN246IN LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION COMMISSION (IND. INDIANA AT THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION
V
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/indianaatlouisia00loui
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION.
ИОІТІГОЧХА ЗГАНОЯИЯ АЛАІЗІЈОЈ АНТ ПО WEI Ya-2'СЯІЯ
INDIANA
AT
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition
COMPRISING THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION, INCLUDING ITS REPORT
PREPARED BY
A. C. ALEXANDER,
ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
Allen County Public Library 900 Wal N Stret PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46S01-2270
INDIANA STATE BUILDING.
. OWCIIUd ATATR ANAIdNI
1
ـر
Foreword
174433
HE Sixty-third General Assembly of the State of Indiana enacted a law providing for the ap- pointment of a "Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission," to consist of fifteen commis- sioners, one from each congressional district and two at large, their appointment being vested in the Governor. The act carried an appropriation of $150,000 to provide for the expense of erecting a building on the Louisiana Purchase Exposition grounds, and for the preparation and installation of an exhibit of natural resources, commercial advantages, mechanical ap- pliances, educational progress, and other interests and industries of the state of Indiana. The act followed a long period of agitation and investigation relative to the proposed exposition at St. Louis and met with general approval throughout the state. It provided that the mem- bers of the Indiana Commission should serve without compensation, and the Governor was left free to select gentle- men who would undertake the work as a patriotic service. The Commission chosen by Governor Durbin was eminently representative in character, comprising in its membership a number of the leading business and pro- fessional men of the State. Nearly every one of the varied occupations, industries and callings within thestate, contributed to the work of this Commission some of its most intelligent and enterprising representatives. From the begin- ning the members of the Commission manifested a disposition to give to the work of providing adequate represen- tation for Indiana at St. Louis the same careful attention, which, applied to their own private affairs had won in- dividual success in their several fields of endeavor. The deliberations of the Commission were characterized from the beginning by thorough harmony in counsel and unity of action.
The result speaks for itself. While the members of the Commission agreed in the opinion that too large a portion of the appropriation should not be expended for the purpose of erecting a state building, yet so carefully and judicious- ly did they plan the expenditures of the sum determined upon, and so faithfully was the work of construction and equipment supervised, that Indiana did not suffer in comparison with commonwealths which devoted much larger appropriations for this purpose. Above all, the building was typical of the state, of the homely hospitality that has always been characteristic of the Hoosier, and, at the same time, of the distinction which in later years has been achieved by the state in the realms of art and literature. The building was essentially democratic in its con- struction and in its atmosphere, and while other states may have surpassed Indiana in lavish scale of formal enter-
3
tainment, no state building opened its doors more hospitably to a larger number of every-day visitors, or seemed to give more quiet enjoyment to those who sought its shelter.
Eleven general exhibits were installed and maintained in the various palaces of the Exposition devoted to this purpose, divided as follows: Building stone; coal; public schools and libraries; colleges; social economy, comprising exhibits of the State Board of Charities, State Board of Health, Department of factory inspection and the Indiana School for Feeble-Minded Youth; needle and lace work; decorated china; horticulture; dairy; agriculture; and a special exhibit of corn Of these exhibits it may briefly be said that all of them ranked with the best, and no state secured more favorable consideration at the hands of the juries of awards. These exhibits demonstrated not only the present proud position of Indiana in every field of achievement among the commonwealths of the Nation, but particularly the unexampled progress of the state during the last decade.
The work of the Commission did not cease with the construction and care of the Indiana building, or with the installation of state exhibits in the various general buildings. For months prior to the opening of the Exposition the work of arousing popular interest in the approaching fair was carried on in an organized way through the news- papers of the state, and by correspondenee with manufacturers and stock raisers, calculated to create sentiment in favor of entering competitive exhibits. The result was noticeable in an attendance from Indiana surpassing that of any state other than Missouri and a long and notable list of prizes won by individuals, firms and corporations. It may well be doubted if any state has secured sueh generous returns for the time and money expended. Millions of visitors to the greatest fair in history, assembled from all parts of the civilized world, there received an im- pression of Indiana, her resources and her achievements, which is of incaleulable value to the fair fame of our state.
In this little book we have sought to outline briefly the personnel and the work of the Commission, in the belief that the people of Indiana will be interested in knowing something of the details of an undertaking which for years to come will continue to confer inestimable benefit upon the three millions of intelligent and enterprising people who live within the limits of the Hoosier commonwealth.
4
Biographical
Winfield T. Durbin
Colonel Winfield T. Durbin is a native Indianian, born in Lawrenceburg, May 4, 1847, the son of William S. Durbin, a tanner. The common schools of Washington county gave him his education until the outbreak of the civil war, when he enlisted in the 16th Volunteer Infantry. The military authorities refused to muster him on account of an injury to his arm sustained shortly after entering service, but after the injury had healed, he re-en- listed in the 139th Indiana and served throughout the war as a member of Company A of that regiment.
He taught for a time in the schools of Washington and Johnson counties, then took a course in a commercial college at St Louis, after which he accepted a position in the wholesale dry goods house of Murphy, Johnson & Co., of Indianapolis. He entered the employ of this concern as a bookkeeper and became confidential credit man. He removed to Anderson in 1879 and has ever since been engaged in banking and manufacturing.
He has been known as an ardent and active Republican since his youth. In 1892 he went to the National Republican convention as a delegate, having prior to that time served as a member of the Republican State Com- mittee. In 1896 he was made a member of the national committee from Indiana and served on the executive com- mittee, having charge of the western headquarters of his party at Chicago, and since that time has taken a prominent part in the national affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic.
When it was known that Indiana could furnish an additional regiment in the Spanish-American war, Mr. Durbin was appointed Colonel of the 161st Regiment by Governor Mount, and won an enviable reputation as an able commander of troops. He and his regiment went to Cuba for garrison duty.
Governor Durbin was married in 1875 to Miss Bertha Mccullough and has one son, Fletcher M. Durbin, who was a Lieutenant of Volunteers in Col. Durbin's regiment during the Spanish-American war.
Mr. Durbin was elected Governor in 1900, his term expiring January 9, 1905.
6
GOVERNOR WINFIELD T. DURBIN.
ШАЯНА ТАЈНАЧИНИ ЯОЛЯНТОВ
noizaimmoO sift to insbiasiq ТЯЖЕЛО . W HOTWIN
NEWTON W. GILBERT, President of the Commission, Commissioner at Large.
Newton W. Gilbert
Newton W. Gilbert was born in Worthington, Ohio, May 24, 1862. He received his education in the public schools and in the Ohio State University. In 1876 his parents located at Angola, Steuben County, Indiana. Ten years later he was elected Surveyor of his county, serving in that capacity for a number of years. In 1898 he was elected President of the state organization of the Lincoln League, and was reelected in 1899. In 1896 he was elected to the State Senate and represented Steuben and Lagrange counties in the Sixtieth and Sixty-first General Assemblies.
Mr. Gilbert volunteered his serviees at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, and was appointed Captain of Company H, 157th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving until the regiment was mustered out. In 1900 he was elected Lieutenant Governor, presiding over the Senate during the Sixty-second and Sixty-third General Assem- blies. He has been prominently identified with state polities since he reached his majority, and was elected to Con- gress from the twelfth district in 1904. As presiding officer of the Senate, Governor Gilbert has given evidence of un- usual qualifications for the duties of a presiding officer. He was a member at large of the Commission, and was also its President. He presided over the meetings of the Commission, always keeping in elose touch with all detail work of the Committees which he appointed. His judgment and suggestions were highly regarded. At the dedication of the Indiana Building he responded to an address of Governor Durbin, and presided at the exercises on Indiana Day, September 1.
Mr. Gilbert at the present time resides at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is engaged in the practice of law.
7
Henry W. Marshall
HENRY W. MARSHALL, one of the members-at-large of the Indiana Commission, resides at Lafayette, Indiana, and is one of the successful business men of the city. He was born near Springfield, Ohio, January 29, 1865. His parents moved when he was six years old to Montmorenci, Indiana. He represented Tippecanoe County in the Sixty-first, Sixty-second and Sixty-third General Assemblies, and during the Sixty-third session was speaker of the House. His services as a representative were such as reflected credit upon himself and his constituents, and as a presiding officer he won the confidence and esteem of all. He is President and general manager of the Western Con- struction Company. The success of this concern is largely due to his management He is also President and manager of the Diamond Flint Company. He is a member of the Columbia and University Clubs of Indianapolis, and the Lin- coln and Lafayette Clubs of Lafayette. Mr. Marshall was Vice-President of the Indiana Commission and presided over the Commission at business meetings in the absence of the President. He was also a member of several im- portant committees on arrangements and entertainments, being Chairman of the Committee on Dedication, and the great success of this event was largely due to his efforts. He took great interest in the work of the Commission and his judgment and suggestions were of much value.
Mrs. Marshall served as hostess of the Indiana Building from October 1 to 10, assisted by Mrs. Samuel T. Mur- dock, of Lafayette.
8
HENRY W. MARSHALL, Vice-President of Commission, Commissioner at Large.
noizzimmo) to inobizerq-soiV JIAH2qAM . W YЯИАН
U
me
noizaimmot to vist91392 MUSHOOD . W ZAMAL .Jointaid taiil ods moil Tonoiazimmod
JAMES W. COCKRUM, Secretary of Commission, Commissioner from the First District.
James W. Cockrum
JAMES W. COCKRUM was born on August 22, 1871, in Oakland City, Indiana, where he still resides. He received his education in the schools of his home town, and entered upon his business career as a commercial traveler, selling school furniture and supplies from 1887 to 1890, at which time he embarked in business for himself. He organized the Indiana School Furnishing Company, which he operated in connection with a large job printing office. In 1893 he established the Oakland City Journal, now one of the best semi-weekly newspapers in Southern Indiana, which he still owns and operates. In addition to his newspaper property he is interested in manufacturing and other enterprises. He was married to Miss Agnes Pritchett, at Carmi, Ill., September 24, 1891. They have one child, a daughter. He is active in newspaper work and in May, 1904, was elected Recording Secretary of the National Editorial Association of the United States at the annual meeting at St. Louis.
Mr. Cockrum was elected Secretary of the Indiana Commission as a recognition of ability and thoroughness, and has since proven his fitness both as a member and as Secretary. He represented the First Congressional District on the Commission, was one of the active members and was never recorded absent from a business meeting of the Commission. He was a member of several important committees, viz: Committee in charge of Press Parliament Week, May 15 to 22; Indiana Press Day, June 10; Dedication of Indiana Day, June 3; and Indiana Day, September 1, and other committees of less importance, contributing largely to their success. He gave the affairs of the Commis- sion a great deal of time and was interested in the work, both as Secretary and as a member of the Commission.
Mrs. Cockrum was hostess of the Indiana Building from July 1 to 10, and was assisted by Mrs. Ella C. Wheatley, of Oakland City.
9
W. W. Wicks
W. W. WICKS is a native Hoosier, born in New Albany. He served during the civil war in the 20th Indiana Battery. At the close of the war he moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he entered the mercantile ' busi- ness, first starting a small dry goods store. Through enterprise and energy his business prospered and developed, and at the present time Mr. Wicks is operating one of the largest department stores in the Southern part of the State. He is also largely interested in the stone business, in which he has been very successful. He is the principal owner of several valuable stone quarries, and at the present time is President of four stone companies, viz: Hunter Valley Stone Co., Star Stone Co., Mather Stone Co., and Perry Bros. Stone Co. He is interested in other successful enterprises in his community.
Mr. Wicks was Chairman of the Committee on Building Stone, and through his knowledge and energy, Indiana's building stone exhibit was in a class by itself. A detailed report of this exhibit, which reflects credit upon the committee having it in charge, will be found elsewhere in this publication. Mr. Wicks was also a member of the Ex- ecutive Committee, and the Committee on Woman's Work and Literature and Fine Arts.
Mrs. W. W. Wicks served as hostess of the Indiana Building from September 1 to 10, and was assisted by her daughter, Mrs. G. W. Cunningham.
10
W. W. WICKS, Commissioner from the Second District.
.2HDIW .W .W
vun
ВИЗУАТа . w ЯЗаRAw .tointaid bridT odt mort 19noizeimmo?
WARDER W. STEVENS, Commissioner from the Third District.
Warder W. Stevens
WARDER W. STEVENS, who represented the Third Congressional District on the Indiana Commission, was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, September 30, 1845. Accompanying his parents when a small boy, they located near Corydon, Indiana. Having had the great advantage of a farm life and a country school, Mr. Stevens completed his education at the State University at Bloomington. He graduated in the law department in 1867 and then located at Salem, where he was for twelve years engaged in the newspaper business, and served one term as county auditor for his county. For the last twenty years Mr. Stevens has been engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits with the greatest success, having one pear orchard of 90 acres, containing 12,000 trees and an apple orchard of over 1 500 trees. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for several years, and in 1899 served as its President He has also been President of the State Board of Horticulture for three years, and was the nominee of the Demo- cratic party for Lieutenant-Governor in 1904. It was because of the experience and success of Mr. Stevens in agricul- ture and horticulture that the Commission saw fit to place him at the head of the committee representing these interests. The organization and installation of these exhibits and the development of the livestock exhibit was under the direction of this committee. Mr. Stevens' experience and knowledge in these departments was of value to the Commission as is shown in the detailed report of the exhibits in charge of this committee, and no man ever gave harder thought or closer attention to any undertaking than M1. Stevens gave to his work. He was also a mem- ber of the Committees on Mines and Mineral Products, and Electrical Appliances.
Mrs. Stevens was hostess of the Indiana Building from August 20 to September 1, and was assisted by her daughter, Miss Warda.
11
William H. O'Brien
WILLIAM H. O'BRIEN, of Lawrenceburg, is one of the best known and most successful business men in the State. He was born in the city where he now resides August 22, 1855, and after receiving a common school education at his home, he attended DePauw University during the sophomore year. He was elected mayor of his home city in 1885, and was re-elected in 1887, 1889, 1891, 1898. In 1902 he was elected to the State Senate, and representing Franklin, Dearborn and Ohio counties in the Sixty-third and Sixty-fourth General Assemblies, he served with distinction and credit to his party and district. He is at the head of his party in the state and is at the present time the chairman of the Democratic State Committee. He is engaged in the banking business and is interested in other financial under- takings in his community.
Mr. O'Brien was the member of the Indiana Commission from the Fourth Congressional District and was chair- man of the Committee on Mines and Mineral Products. He organized, collected and installed the coal exhibit, which was the best coal exhibit in the Mines and Metallurgy Building, which is further described in this publication.
Mr. O'Brien was also a member of the Auditing Committee and the Committee on Agriculture, Horticulture and Live Stock, and State Building, taking especial interest in the work of these committees as well as his own, and adding to their success. Mrs. O'Brien was hostess of the Indiana Building from September 1 to 10, and was assisted by Mrs. J. M. Bauer.
12
WILLIAM H. O'BRIEN, Commissioner from the Fourth District.
MIrTIVA Н O.BKIEN' tor su I diquo adt mort 19001221:10 )
„ЕННАЯЯШАЯ СЯОТШАЯЈ jointail dilit edit moil ienoizzimmo
CRAWFORD FAIRBANKS, Commissioner from the Fifth District.
Crawford Fairbanks
CRAWFORD FAIRBANKS, the well known Terre Haute manufacturer and capitalist, who represented the Fifth Con- gressional District on the Commission, was born April 25, 1843, in the city of Terre Haute, and was raised on his father's farm, where he received a common school education. He entered the army of the war of the Rebellion before reaching his majority, and was commissioned First Lieutenant by Governor Morton in the 129th Indiana Volunteers. His regiment was with General Sherman in the famous march to the sea, taking part in many hard fought battles. On retiring from the army he returned to Terre Haute and engaged in the grain business, later organizing the firm of Hulman & Fairbanks Distilling Co. A few years later Mr. Fairbanks purchased the entire plant and organized the Terre Haute Distilling Co., the largest concern of the kind at the time of its organization in the world. It is still in existence, and its wonderful success is due to the efforts and management of Mr. Fairbanks, who has been its President since its start.
Mr. Fairbanks' business efforts have not been confined to this particular channel, but he is constantly branching out in new fields of investment, and is today actively connected with more than twenty manufacturing and business enterprises located in the different states of the Union, many of them with a capitalization of millions. Mr. Fair- banks' career is an example of what may be accomplished and achieved by industry and energy. He embarked in the business world when a boy, his capital being a strong will and business qualifications. While yet in the prime of life he is one of the best known, most successful, and wealthiest men in the state. His success has not been attended by any degree of selfishness. His liberal public spirit is recognized and appreciated by all. Mr. Fairbanks has long been active in the state organization of the Democratic party. In 1888 he was offered the nomi- nation on the Democratic ticket for Congress in his district, but declined the tender. He was the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Indiana Commission. His business experience and good judgment were of great benefit to the successful work of the Commission. He was also a member of the Committee on Electrical Appliances.
13
David W. Kinsey
DAVID W. KINSEY, the chairman of the Commission's Committee on Publicity and Promotion, was born near Millville, Henry County, Indiana, February 1, 1846. He received his education in the New Castle schools and taught for several years; served in the civil war, enlisting as a private in Company G, 139th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers; studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1869, but was soon afterwards appointed Clerk of Henry County, serving in the capacity of County Clerk and Deputy for over four years. When the Citizens' State Bank of New Castle was organized, Mr. Kinsey was appointed to the position of cashier, in which position he has served for thirty years, and which he still holds. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the bank, and has served as a member of the Board of Education in his city for fifteen years, and is also connected with many business enter- prises of New Castle and vicinity.
He represented the Sixth Congressional District on the Commission and was chairman on one of the important committees. Mr. Kinsey and his committee maintained a press and publicity bureau at headquarters at Indian- apolis from June 1, 1903, until March 15, 1904. A weekly bulletin was issued and every weekly and daily news- paper of the state was supplied with information concerning the work of the Commission.
Mr. Kinsey was also a member of three other important committees, viz: Education, Building Stone and State Building, on all of which he rendered very efficient service.
Mrs. Kinsey was hostess of the Indiana Building from June 10 to 20, and was assisted by her daughter, Mrs. Harry E. Jennings.
14
DAVID W. KINSEY, Commissioner from the Sixth District.
.fortard dixie odt moil 19noizeimmo
ИЕГГОИ V CrVDDIC' toitaid rainsvsZ edi moil ismorammnot
NELSON A. GLADDING, Commissioner from the Seventh District.
Nelson A. Gladding
NELSON A. GLADDING, the Indianapolis member of the Commission, is one of the capital city's best known busi- ness men. He was born in Providence, R. I., July 8, 1863, and moved to Champaign, Ill., in 1874, where he com- pleted his school education. He began his business career in Paxton, Ill., but soon removed to Indianapolis, where he accepted a position as bookkeeper with a large mercantile institution. From 1883 to 1884 he was traveling auditor for a large telephone company, with headquarters at Kansas City, and from 1884 to 1885 he was chief clerk of one of the chief mercantile concerns of Providence, R. I. In January, 1886, he became traveling representative for E. C. Atkins & Co., of Indianapolis, Saw Manufacturers, and was soon made manager of a branch house in Memphis, Tenn. This position he held for twelve years. January 1, 1898, he was elected Secretary and Sales Manager of the company, with headquarters at Indianapolis, and in 1901 was elected Vice-President and Secretary of the company, which position he now holds.
Mr. Gladding was the chairman of the Committee on Manufactures, and was in close communication with the manufacturers of the state, being successful in encouraging this important department of industry with the result that it was well and creditably represented at the Exposition He was also chairman of the Committee on For- estry, and a member of the Executive and Auditing Committees.
Mrs. Gladding was hostess of the Indiana Building from July 10 to 20, and was assisted by her sister, Mrs. Gates of Indianapolis.
15
Frank C. Ball
FRANK C. BALL, Chairman of the Committee on State Building, resides at Muncie, Indiana, and represented the Eighth Congressional District on the Commission. He was born in Greensburg, Ohio, November 24, 1858. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Canandaigua, N. Y., at which place he attended the public schools and the Canandaigua Academy.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.