USA > Indiana > Grant County > Centennial history of Grant County, Indiana, 1812 to 1912 : compiled from records of the Grant county historical society, archives of the county, data of personal interviews, and other authentic sources of local information > Part 15
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IIISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
county agent, the same to be approved by Purdue University, with the county auditor who shall draw his warrant or warrants on the county treasurer for the payment of same."
By the provision of the law it is readily seen that the county agent must have first-hand knowledge of farm practice, a thorough training in the science of agriculture, taet in meeting men, ability to direct movements, and a sense of obligation to the community he serves. Agri- culture needs able leaders, and the county agent must be one. By the ability shown thus far, Grant county has found such a man in the person of Otis Crane, of Boone county. He began his duties as county agent, July 1, 1913, and in less than six months made himself familiar with the agricultural conditions of the county. Farmers today are liv- ing in better homes, driving better rigs and wear better clothes. There is little or no difference between the turnout of the prosperons farmer and the well-to-do eity business man. These and other conditions give the farmer a pride in his farm and home, so much so that many are beginning to select appropriate names for their farms. To protect them in this the sixty-eighth session of the legislature passed an aet so that any owner of a farm in the state of Indiana may have the name of his farm recorded in a register kept for that purpose in the office of the records of the county in which the farm is located. After such name has been recorded, it shall not be recorded as the name of any other farm in the county.
George G. Wharton, of Center township, was the first to take advan- tage of the law in the county. On May 3, 1913, he registered the name of his place as Riverview Farm. Since then there has been quite a num- ber of names registered from different parts of the county.
Great has been the improvement of country life in Grant county. But there is room still for greater improvement. This is still the land of great opportunity, but it is no longer the paradise of the inefficient and the indolent. The farmer must not live alone by the sweat of his brow; he must put his brains into his work if he is to prosper in the future. Agriculture is the oldest occupation in the universe and is not exempt from the requirement of honest labor.
4
XTL. LIVESTOCK AS AN INDEX TO PROGRESS IN CIVILIZATION
By William M. Jones
Of all the recognized industries in Grant county, that of livestock raising has shown as remarkable growth and has meant as much if not more in the way of our material development than any other of the multiplied forms of local industry. In the early days of our history- when Graut county was young,-we had only a very limited amount of livestock. At that time the settler depended largely for his sus- tenance upon the products of the forest.
The forest supplied his need-his fire, his building material and his table with sap-sugar, umts and meats. Such a supply when there was wild game in the Grant county forest. Even the most aristoeratie family cannot duplicate it today in point of excellence or variety. At this early date there was no local demand for domestic animals as a food product -- no commercial side to Grant county history. There were no markets, no communication with the west and the routes of travel to the east were over unimproved roadways. Our only outlet to the world was the Wabash river and later the Erie canal parallel to the Wabash. Therefore there was no incentive for the production
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
of livestock other than the settler's personal need -cattle to work in his clearing, and the few horses that were kept were solely for the pur poses of travel.
All double and team work was done with oxen, and the more thrifty settlers had one horse for marking off and the planting and cultivation of crops just a few cows-dual purpose animals for power as well as dairy products, and utility was the watchword-the cow an essential family animal. She was useful in clearing the country and in plow. ing the ground about the settler's home in the woods of Graut county There was a limited number of sheep for the wool, or our grand-moth-
ers would not have been the manufacturers we hear about when old settlers hold their annual meetings. There were wild hogs in the woods and sonte were domesticated, as the settlers must have lard for cook ing and for the grease lamps known lo the pioneers, Very little allen- tion was given to methods of breeding -. it was not a science in the woods of Grant county The settler's horses were of small. "wires " type. suitable for horseback riding and drawing small loads and his will
COWS AT ELMHURST
est. dream did not inehide the automobile truck used in transporting farm products today.
The sturdy oxen or cattle were used by the settlers to draw their heavier loads, and to break their new ground, but as the clearings in- ercased in size and more Trails were blazed through the wilderness, and communication with the world was established, there were changes in the situation. It was a very common thing in the spring time when our fathers and mothers were children to see the rugged lad or lassie with a yoke of cattle hitched to a plow, breaking their little clearing while the rest of the family were increasing the size of the same. and gradually the time came when "straight up" was not the only dirce- tion to see ont from the little world about the primitive American dwelling. As the size of the clearings increased the commercial facil- ities on the Wabash improved, and the wants of the settlers were in- creased in number and variety. There was less shelter for the wild ani- mals and domestic livestock rapidly became a necessity As blood lines improved in the animal kingdom all branches of civilization advanced accordingly. The ox was too slow for the road and horses became a necessity.
When the settlers felt the need of better schools, better churches.
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
better homes, better roads, better health and better drainage, they real ized the need of more money and a greater commmity of interests. and in order that they might have more of this world's goods mure of material blessings. it of necessity required better crops and markets for them, and the increased population was the solution. As the market was increased more eatde and horses were needed, and because of this "long felt want, " the foundation of a permanent, progressive and most excellent industry was laid the improved livestock of tirant county along with the rest of Indiana and the world. When Grant county farmers began thinking of better livestock their ambition for better homes was awakened, and the present day condition of society is largely due to improved livestock in Grant county. A well bred animal is worth more on the market than a serub, and the progressive farmer nuder stands n and takes advantage of such knowledge. There have been colossal fortunes built up in the livestock industry.
In the early period of Grant county history, cattle were the most important domestic livestock because of their work, milk and butter producing qualities. Many are the stories handed down from father to son of the strength, endurance and faithfulness of a noble yoke of oxen. When improved breeding was first practiced and ever since Jacob cheated Laban through his knowledge of such things, proph have sought to better their breeds as civilization advanced, and it Grant county the demand was for a large, up standing heavy bond type of the short horned species. But as the size of the Plantings in erased, and as the roadways were improved the horse began to In used more as a beast of burden, and the cattle were used more and more for their meat supply- - the roundsteak and parterhouse non so much in demand at the up to date city markets. Therefore the breeding the style changed from strength to beef type the heavier cattle zoll so profitable to the farmer with broad acres of pasture land. These changed conditions-the ox emancipated from the plos. led the farmer to breed a type suited to market, and without thought of the milk and butter production-and hence the beef and dairy types of cattle may grown in Graut county. It was changed ccononne conditions that built up the beef producing industry, and developed the dairy animal and it was early discovered that the best beef types were not the most prof- itable dairy cows.
Men of thrift, industry and foresight such as Joseph Smalley, JJere miah Hartley. Eli Coggeshall, I M. Miller and others were the pioneer breeders who have had their part in giving to Grant county her excel lent cattle of today. From their example and their success the indus try has grown until today it is unsafe to try naming all who are pro dneing thoroughbred, registered stock and stock eligible to registration. Among pedigree stockmen are the Wimmers, Wingers. Studebakers. Walls, Cooper, Goodykoontz. Jones, Shugart, ad infinitum men who serve their day and generation well by improving blood lines of live- stock. The man who brings a well bred animal into the community is a public benefactor, and the cattle in Grant county pastures point 10 several of them. There are excellent dairy herds as well as cattle for the block, and the multiplicity of silos is some index to their mundur ensilage having gained recognition from all stockmen. The sito belt in Grant county has spread to many localities. Early in the century the silo was discussed in institutes, but now all farmers indorse it.
The horse industry knows no limits, and it has grown from the mea- ger supply as mentioned-from the Indian pony without pedigre to splendid draft animals and road horses-and today Grant county stands in Front rank in horse production. The late Robert Bogue of Fair mount, the Druckemillers in Franklin, were pioneers in improving the
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
horse blood in Grant county. Dr. W. B. Wallace, Dr. G. L. Simons. Couch Brothers, J. A. Bowman, Eri Rich, Thomas Hasty, Henry Tin- kle. P. R. Edgerton-again it is unsafe to enumerate them. are doing much to improve the blood of the noblest animal domesticated by man- the horse. Some of the best sires in the United States are to be found in Grant county. In fact the horse has added thousands of dollars to the wealth of Grant county, and has been one of the most profitable sources of revenue, although some have kept their animals so long they have outlived their usefulness, and there is a sentiment in favor of selling horses before they are so old the family is indebted to them. There is more sentiment and regret in connection with the horse than any other domestic animal -- the other contributing to the food supply, and always going on the market when their usefulness is at an end. while a horse is apt to fall into bad hands-unfortunate usage for him if he has once been cared for tenderly. "Trading stock" would have a sad history to relate. While the horse is emancipated from service in some lines. it will always be profitable to the farmer.
While sheep have not been bred within our county borders as ex- tensively as some other livestock, we nevertheless have our shepherds-
DUROC HoGS
our sheep specialists. The name of John L. Thompson is always asso- viated with the sheep industry because he was the original importer. and he is recognized throughout. Indiana as an authority. He is su- perintendent frequently of the sheep department at the State fair. and in the show ring he used to be winner while giving his attention to the sheep breeding industry. 1 M. Miller is the most extensive sheep raiser in Grant county today. It was the Heeee that was im- portant in the carly history, and from the strictly wool herds have been developed the mutton types, and the grandmothers who used to spin have been freed from the process in Grant county. There is no animal maintained at less expense to the farmer, and the margin of profit renders the sheep a profitable investment even though a seaven- ger of weeds its chief purpose, and the sheep does clean up the farm as well as return revenue to the farmer. The Shropshire, Cotswold and Merino all have their fanciers, and while E. F. Ballinger lived there were always sheep shown at the local fairs.
The swing industry claims everybody's attention, and it has grown
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
from a few long nosed chupeeler, acorn-gathering ancestors of a ren- tury ago when there were no white men in the woods of Grant county, to the sleek, blocky Poland China, Duroe Jersey, Chester White, Hamp- shire and Berkshire breeds of the present day. Foremost among men who have improved blood lines in hogs have been E. B. Marshall, T. W. Johnson, S. G. Kem, L. E. Kem, B. F. Buller, R. A. Owings and others who realize the importance of the best blood in the most econom- ical swine production. While hogs used to have long noses-could reach through the fence to the third row of corn-the twentieth con- tury farmer has no such difficulties with his improved herd and such stories seem an impossibility. There is no branch of the livestock busi- ness that has added more to the exchequer of Grant county citizens. and the swine industry admits of profit whether on a large or small scale, and "mortgage lifter" has always described the hog industry. The hog is the Farmer's friend when it comes to revenue for the family. Since all our industries depend upon consumers of their products, and many of the best consumers are among the rural population, and the income of the ruralist is from livestock, then why not accord it its proper place in the past and present economic development why not say that livestock has regulated progress, and that advancement in civili- zation is due to the improved herds and flocks in Grant county. The patriarchs depended upon livestock to tide them along, and the twell- tieth century farmer is a patriarch. The man who has improved blood lines in his flocks and herds will meet his obligations, livestock the source of revenue always when given proper consideration-food and shelter. The average family is indebted to the brood sow, and the milk cow, and livestock is the commercial hope of the country.
XIII. HORTICULTURE IN GRANT COUNTY
The Encyclopedia Brittanica says: "Horticulture is the art and science of the cultivation of garden plants, whether for utilitarian or decorative purposes." and travelers relate that in England much more attention is given the decorative features of gardening than in Amer- iva, and in Grant county perhaps utilitarian is the rule. While horti- culture is one branch of farming. its details have too often been left to the women and children to accomplish wonders along special lines. The ordinary productions of horticulture are generally classed under three heads-fruits, flowers and vegetables, and the "hog and corn" farmer has little inclination toward them. Amateurs have given atten- tion to hortienlture, while some professionals have taken up the more utilitarian, practical features.
The sacred writer tells of the fig tree that was unproductive, but the Grant county horticulturist has been more tolerant and has allowed many unproductive trees to eumber the ground. Some of the best orchardists have dug about the trees and have mulched for winter pro- tection, but the fruit crop has hardly come under the prophecy about seed time and harvest in this locality. There is a proverb: As the garden, so the gardener." and there is something in the couplet :
"Go make thy garden fair as thon canst-thon toilest never alone,
For he whose plot lies next to thine, may see it and tend to his own." "AB Grant County a Park." is a slogan that means more attention to door yards and crehards. Some Grant county families Seat where they seratch," while others buy fruits and vegetables in the market, al- though they have facilities for producing them. In the Garden of
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
Eden there was one tree of forbidden fruit, and too many farmers have denied themselves all fruit privileges -- a hardship to themselves.
Mother Eve's influence is counteracted in some instances, and there are many real benefactors --- husbandmen who canse two blades of grass to grow where hitherto there had been only one, and the "Vocational Educational Bill" which passed the 1913 legislature providing Tor super- vising county agents to cooperate with farmers and gardeners seems like a forward movement in the county. While there are no local wizards -- no Burbanks in local horticultural circles, there are gardens in towns that are beauty spots, and there are country places that are as well kept as town lots, and fruit specialists are coming to the front in Grant county. Snead Thomas, in his day and generation, was fore- most among local horticulturists and was long affiliated with the Indi- ana Horticultural Society. Largely through his instrumentality a local horticultural society was organized almost contemporary with the Grant county farmers' institute -- ten days later. March 17, 1886, has been recognized as the date of the first farmers' institute, while the records of the Grant County Horticultural Society which flournished for several years show that it was organized March 27, the same year.
The Horticultural Society record says: "In response to a pre- vions announcement in The Marion Chronicle, a mumber of the horti- culturists of Grant county met at the courthouse at 2 o'clock p. m .. Saturday, March 27, 1886. After the meeting was called to order by Snead Thomas, temporary chairman, on motion Asa T. Baldwin was chosen secretary pro tem. Brief remarks were made by nearly all present on the object of the meeting, and the benefits to be derived from a horticultural association, and a committee then presented a con- stitution which was adopted and the last meeting recorded was held with Snead Thomas, July 15, 1899, showing that the society was in active existence more than fifteen years. Those who constituted its membership were: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel MeCann, William Pegden. Sarah Pegden, Snead Thomas, Sue Thomas, Asa T. Baldwin, Mary E. Baldwin, Enos L. Bond ( Rural), Mary Ann Bond, Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Bish, Mr. and Mrs. O. HI. P. Morehead, William Baldwin, Lide Bald- win, Elijah Burrows, Kate Burrows, Mr. and Mrs. William Neal, Mr. and Mrs. J. II. Fishell, Mr. and Mrs. George Carper, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Y. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Bond, Mr. and Mrs. J. Q. Thomas. Elwood Thomas, Ann Thomas, J. J. Small, Myra Small, Robert L. Smith, Rena P. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cox, S. C. Thomas, Mary Thomas. James M. Bell, F. M. Grant, L. C. Pence, J. A Hallett, Alfred Lomax, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Dunn, and when the foregoing names were copied from the record only about half of them would have an- swered roll call today.
There was a wave of influence set in motion by the Grant County Horticultural Society that did not die when it ceased holding its meet- ings, and examination of the records shows that many advance subjects were under consideration while it was an active organization. "Rural" was the pen name for years of one of its members, and Mrs. Mary Ann Bond, now a member of the Emily E. Flinn Home, has serap books filled with newspaper clippings, the product of her husband, and when they left their farm in Mill, the shrubbery and small fruit told of the real horticulturist. The same is true of several whose names are in the list-a decided atmosphere of culture about their homes that is only possible where horticulture is a special study, and after the lapse of a few years another horticultural society was organized at Fair- mount. There were occasional all day meetings of the Grant County Iforticultural Society at the different homes, and the premises were
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
always carefully inspected and suggestions offered on such occasions. It was a forecast of the work of the proposed county agent.
Although the Fairmount Horticultural Society, organized at the home of Perry W. Seale. September 20, 1910, never adopted a consti tution, it immediately became effective and has since held frequent meetings. It was largely an outgrowth of Purdue University in send- ing an expert through Indiana, conducting orchard demonstrations. T. A. Ferrand of Michigan being at Fruitland, the home of M. T. Cox near Fairmount, November 20, 1909, where he met about seventy five persons who thoroughly enjoyed his demonstration, both in pruning and spraying. In order to raise funds for a second demonstration the Fairmount society was organized, the membership dues taking care of the incumbent expense. The work of Mr. Ferrand, who was a Michi- gan orchardist, was so much appreciated by Indiana farmers, that Pur- due University placed M. W. Richards in the field, and it was through his effort that the local organization was effected. The second orchard demonstration occurred October 11. 1910. with about three hundred persons in attendance. Both Fairmount academy and high school pu- pils were there, all interested in tree surgery, and the demonstration was far reaching, orchard owners from all over Grant county watch- ing the process, and since that time many are critical when they see bad work in pruning Grant county orchards.
Grant conuty farmers are more inclined to send to Purdue for bulle- tins, and to take advantage of the discoveries in the experiment sta- tion there. Since those orchard demonstrations more people have pruned and sprayed their trees, and 191] was a record breaking year for fruit. Those who sprayed in 1910 had apples, and there were some well filled trees in the neighborhood of the orchard demonstration. There was an effort to induce Purdue University to establish an experiment orchard in Grant county, but without results. With the native timber removed. there are more orchard pests to overcome than formerly, but it has been fully demonstrated that fruit production is possible in this locality where the same attention is given the trees that is given to other products. The 1912 organization of the Fairmount society was : IT. W. Morrish, president : Edward "Overman, secretary and Victor Selby. treasurer. Mr. Morrish has long given special attention to fruit production aud Horieulture. Scientific methods are practiced now by many and the results are apparent. The home grown article is always preferred, and the horticulturist abreast with the requirements is as- sured of patronage in local markets. While he was pecuniarily inter- ested-the more enthusiasm and interest aroused, the more frees was it possible for him to sell, David G. Lewis, played an important part in those orchard demonstrations. and the fact that he has continued selling nursery stock to the same people for twenty years indicates the appreciation in which he is held in the community.
XIV. THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
By T. W. Shugart
To the average layman conservation of natural resources is a far- away, indefinite something having to do with the preservation of the coal fields of Pennsylvania, the waterfalls of Niagara. the pinerics of Maine and the southland, the gold fields of Alaska or a number of other equally intangible propositions of seeming remote importance.
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
For this cause then, conservation in its generally accepted interpreta- tion meets with but meagre response from the average citizen. Be cause of this fact this discussion is confined to the consideration of natural resources at hand, the practicability of whose preservation is readily apparent.
Let it be said, however, that Providence is unselfish and far-sighted and that, notwithstanding the gross negleet and irreparable damage perpetrated npon our natural resources by individuals of elastic con- science, for which an individual responsibility obtains, as long as this mundane institute is inhabited by mankind the time will never be when at its hand there will not be found material blessings of needful pro- portions.
Historically speaking, the development of gas and oil has been largely responsible for a spasmodie growth of our cities and towns -- almost phenomenal. The investment of foreign capital, influx of pop- ulation, sudden expansion, cheapened fuel and consequent added in- dustries were the resultants of the discovery of these natural resources. Years have passed. Legitimate use and wanton waste have spelled the end, and what were once proclaimed as everlasting, indestructible, have passed away and are no more. For their conservation we cannot plead. They are gone. But the forest-History again! The mighty oak, walnut. ash, chm. brech, hickory, sugar and poplar that once in pomp, majesty and splendor lifted high their proud heads-where are they ? They are fallen-to rise no more. In sentimental moods we are wont to weep for them -- but no! Without their death there would not rise in their stead and from their bodies beautiful farm homes, capacions grauaries, bursting barns, schools and churches, town and city. Their work is done, their labor ended. To the Maker and Giver of these primaeval forests are we not today indebted ?
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