USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 4
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16 provisions of the treaty of Getober 16, 1826, hy which the greatsr part of Cass County wag nequired. On Thursday, November 19, 1829, the second term commenced, the ssme Judge being present, William W. Wick appearing as Prosecuting Attorney. The attorneys present were Thomas J. Evnns, Calvin Fletcher. Aaron Fineh, Bavid Patton und Benjamin Hurst, in addition to Albert S. White, who was present at the May Term.
The first cause in which proceedinga wers hnd was an aotion for partition commenced by Jenn Baptists Cicott against Sophia und Emily Cieott, in which Thomes J. Evnos represented ths petitioner, and the caso proceeded no farther than the appointment of commissioners to examine and make partition "according to law." In this case, notice was given by publiea- tion in the Pottawattamie and Miami Times, which was tho first legal notice sver published in the county, proof being made of its due publication.
Since the organization of this court, numerous attorneys have heen admitted to practico at its har. Among those may be mentioned a few who have acquired some celebrity in the profession and otherwise placed high their mark in the esteem and confidenco of their fellow citizens, without in any wise detrneting from the merits of the many whose uames are omitted : Hon Alhert S. White, the senior member of this har, was then, and since, a citizen of Lafayette. Though never a resident of Cass County, profession- ally, politienlly, and in the civil walky of life, his name and fume have heen proclaimed here in a measure that entitles him to registry here.
Calvin Fletcher, of Indianapolis, also among the first practioners in the courts of this county, ranked high in his profession here and in his own county.
James Rariden, of Wayne County ; Edward A. Hannognn, of Montgom- ery County ; Bavid Wollnce, of Marion County ; Charles W. Ewing, of Allen County ; Samuel C. Simple and John B. Niles, of St. Joseph County, were among the most noted of the enrly attorneys, not residents here, whe prao- ticed iu our courts. Of these, Charles W. Ewing and Somuch C. Sample were among the early Judges of this Cireuit. Gf our home attorneys, Thomas J. Evans, Benjamin Hurst, George Lyon, Henry Chnse and Peter J Vandevier were the first to he admitted to practice, from the organization of the court up to 1832, with John W. Wright, in 1833. After these came Jnmes W. Dunn. Spear S. Tipton, Williamson Wright, George W. Blakemore, John S. Patterson, Boniel D. Pratt, William Z. Stuart, John F. Bedds and William S. Palmer, prior to the year 1840.
Next succeeding these were Horace P. Biddle and John B. Billon, in Mny. 1840. Charles B. Lasselle, August, 1841 ; Jacques M. Lassello, Sep- temher, 1841 ; Benjamin W. Peters, in August, 1846; Lewis Chamberlin, in February, 1851; Samuel L. MeFadin, in May, 1852; Stephen C. Taher and Edwin Walker, in November, 1802. These constituted the roll of Cnss County attorneys admitted under the old judicial system of Indiana.
Under the present system admissions have heen moro numerous. Aside
from those named above, the attorneys practicing in our County Courts, at this date, aro the following: Budley H. Chase, B. P. Baldwin, M. Win- field, Nathan G. Ross, Stewart T, McConnell, Byer B. McConnell, Bavid D. Bykoman, B. C. Justice, John C. Nelson, Rufus Magee, Aaron M. Flory, H. C. Thornton, Frank Swigart, Asa H. Dame, J. M. Howard, James M. Jus- tico, Thomas J. Tuley, John A. Chappelow, B. B. Graham, J. C. McGregor, T. C. Annahal, F. S. Crockett, Quincy A. Myers, William T. Wilson, W. W. Thorntou, B. H. Palmer, R. B. Stimson, John W. McGreevy, Frank Herald, Robert Ray, W. H. Jacks, A. S. Guthrie, Michael B. Fansler, Will- iam Guthrie, John G. Meck.
PROBATE CGURT.
The Probate Court of Cngs County commenced its first session at the "Seminary " on Monday, the 2d day of November, 1829, beforo Hon. John Scott, Judge, who, at the eloction in August, of that yesr, was chosen to that position, having besn, previous to his settlement here, Prohate Judge in Wayne County, Indiana.
After the entry of preliminary proccedings, the record shows the follow- ing as the first business presented for the consideration of the Court :
" Gn motion and suggestion of Francis Godfroy, Administrator on the estate of Frnnois Lafontaine, decensed, by Thomas J. Evans, his attorney, Chauncey Carter and Hiram Todd were appointed appraisers to appraise the real property of said Lafoutnine ; and, on further motion, it was ordered that a summons issue commanding the heirs of the said Lafontaine to appear at the next term of this Court to show cause why the real estate of seid Lafontaine, or so much thereof as will supply the deficiency of the personal estate to pay the dehts of said estate, shall not he sold."
The first letters of administration issued in the county wers granted on the snid 2d day of November, 1829, to Jemas Nixon, "of the goods and chattels, rights end credits, moneys and effects, which were of Asa Bavis, Inte of the County of Cass, who died intestate."
On the same day, other letters were granted by the Judge, to Jacoh R. Hall, on the estato of Jolin Hall, who also died intestate. These proceedings thus briefly referred to comprised all the recorded transactions of the term, which occupied but one day. The second term was in session one day, and the third no longer time. As the population inoreosed, the amount of husi- ness coming under the jurisdiction of this court increased also, making it necessary that the duration of the session he extended.
All the probate husjuess of tho oouuty was disposed of by this court, ex- cept in cases where the Judgs thereof was under dischility, from interest or otherwise ; then such causes were transferred to the Circuit Court for ed- judicntion.
By the revision of the laws under the new Constitution of 1852, the Pro- hate system wos chonged and the business assigned to the Court of Common Pleas, which et that time come into existence. This letter court continued to have jurisdiction of Probete matters, until 1873, when, hy thenct discon- linuing thet court, the business was transferred to the Circuit Court, where the Probate authority is at present vested, in this county, the business he- ing chiefly in the hands of a Master Commissioner.
EARLY MERCHANTS.
The first mercantile firm doing business nt the county seet was Walker, Carter & Co., composed of Georgs B. Walker, our venerable follow towns- man, Chauncey Carter, the surveyor and proprietor of " the town of Logans- port, at the mouth of Eel," Joseph Holmen, father-in-law of Mr. Carter, and Anthony L. Bavis.
This firm commenced husiness in the early Summer of 1828, in Logans- port, and so prospered that in the Full of the same year, they openedl hranch houses at Attien, in Fountain County, under the mannging control of George B. Walker; ol Fort Wayne, under the direction of Messrs. Holman & Davis, the principel branch heing at Lognusport, under the personal suporvision of Mr. Carter. A crisis coming on, their trado was crippled, and they wound up their general firm in 1832, Mr. Carter continuing to operate his hranch el Logansport, in his own name, with good success, for several years suhse- quently. The site of this ancient business house is now occupied hy the residence of Joseph Culbertson, Esq.
About the snino time, llamilion & Taher commenced a general trailing ond mercantile business near the northeast corner of Market and Walnut streets, in Logansport, working up en immense trade. The firm thus con- tinued in existence uniit 1835, when, being changed, the business was con- ducted for many years hy Mr. Tober, und succeeding partners Merrinm, Rice & Co. are the successors, in direct line, of that first firm of Hamilton & Taber, Tuher & Pollard and Taber & Chase.
Hiram Todd commenced business not fur from the same period, in a small frame building adjacent to his residence, on Market space, on the site now occupied by E. W. Anderson's livery stable. Afterward, nhout the year 1830, Jordan Vigns become a partuer, and the firm name was changed to Todd & Vigus and their place of business was the brick building at the northeast corner of Broadway nad Bridge streets, et present occupied as n boording house. Subsequently, Dr. Toitil retireil, when John Tipton succeedled to an interest, and the firm was then known by the name of Tip- ton & Vigus, and, after the death of Gen. Tipton, Jordan Vigus conducted the business alone.
In 1831, John G. Skelton nnil Ashford Carter commenced business on ths south sido of Broadway, immediately east of the alley hetween Bridge and Fourth streets-the sits now occupied by the Murdock House-under the firm name of Skelton & Cartsr. The firm occupied these premises about ons year, when, having huilt a house on the west side of Bridge street, south of the alley, between Markst street and Broadway, they moved to that point, where the firm did business for several years.
Probably n little earlier than the firm of Skelton & Carter, Messrs. G. W. & W. G. Ewing, commeneed a general trading snd mercantils business, at the northeast corner of Market and Bridge streets-now occupied hy M. Frank & Bro., elothiers-where they carried on very extensive commercial transactions, until sbout the year 1838, most of the time under the nams of Ewings & Walker, and Ewings, Walker & Co.
In 1834, the firm of Comparet & Coteau opened a store on the south sids of Market street, between First and Walnut streets-the site of J. B. El- dridge's residence. This firm was afterward changed to Seott & Comparet (Moses Scott and Francis Comparet). The loention was subsequently changed to the northwest corner of Market and Bridge streets, in 1836, where the successors of the firin continued for two or three years succeed- ing, wheu the husiness was transferred to other parties.
Gen. H. Lasselle, father of Charles B. Lasselle, Eaq., commenced mer- oantile life in Logansport, nhout the year 1836, in one of the huildings on the south side of Market space, long known as "Commereinl Row," the premises afterward occupied by the Barnett House. Gen. L. continued business in the same locality until the year before his death, which occurred in 1848.
At a later date, Eldridge & Cummings commenced and enrried on n mer- cantile trade in tho western extremity of Commercial Row, and continued there several years.
Still Inter, James Williams, succeedeil hy Hanna, MeCleery & Bart, com- menced an extensive dry goods business in the building now occupied by W. H. Bringhurst, druggist, on Market street.
These emhrace all, or nearly nll, of the carly merchants in Cass County, all of them, during that peried, heing in Logansport.
COURT HGUSE.
For some time anterior to the Winter of 1838-9, considerahle ngitation had heen going on in the community in reference to the erection of a Court House, canvassing, also, the plan suited to the wants of the county. From the organization of the county, up to and including the February terni, 1838, the " Old Seminary" building was used for holding court. Then, the " Presbyterian Church" was used for the smmne purpose until the close of tho November term, 1840, und, subsequently, the " Gld Methodist Church," on Sixth street, was used until the new Court House was ready for occupancy, at the August term, 1842.
Pending the agitation, plans and specifientions were submitted. At & special session of the County Board, on the 14th of Mny, 1839, the Clerk was ordered to give notice for " senled proposals" for the erection of a Court House in Logansport ; and a further order, accepting the plan suh- mitted by Joseph Willis.
Accordingly, on the 15th day of June, 1839, notice having heen given, the proposels were opened hy the Board, and, upon mature consideration, the contract was nwarded to Joseph Willis at $13, 190, to he completed for that sum, the contractor furnishing all the materials, by the 30th day of Becemher, 1841.
Subsequently, by an article of agreement hetween the Board and Joseph Willis, nn addition was made to the estimated cost of the building, making the contract price $14,666.80, instead of the former sum. This subse- quent agreement was made in vacation, on the 8th day of January, 1840.
Measurements and estimates were mule, from time to time, for work and lahor done and materials furnished by Mr. Willis, as provided by the contract, until the 3d of March, 1841, when it hecame npparent that he would ho unable to complete the building in the manner und by the time specified in the contract. He was, necordingly, released on that day hy the Bonrd, Mr. Willis, likewise, " executing a release to the County Commis- sioners," " for and in consideratien of an allowanco of three hundred and fifty dollars," "all claim to the ten per centum on the amount of werk dono upon the Court House in Logansport," the said sum so allowed heing in full of the final estimate, that day made to him, on his said contract therefor. The aggregate of estimates so made to him amounted to the sum of $4,063.75. This sum had been paid him, in cash, $876, and $3,187.75 in county honds, drawing ten per cent. interest, payable in ten years from the datas thereof, ng follows : $387.50, from November 7, 1839; $1,896.85, from May 7, 1840; $562, from July 7, 1840; $647.40, from September 10, 1840; and $250, from Maroh 3, 1841.
A further contract for the completion of the building wos entsred into on the 23d of Mareh, 1841, with Job B. Eldridge, Thomes J. Cummings and Isanc Clary, at the sum of $11,598, on terms of payment and conditions similar to those with Mr. Willis. By this contract, it was stipulated that the building should he fully completed on or before the 1st day of Becem- her, 1842. Under this contract, which ivag confirmed and regularly exe- cuted on the 10th of June, 1841, Messrs. Eldridge, Cummings & Clnry progressed with the work ns rapidly as tho circumstances of the case would permit, receiving estimates quarterly, until the final completion of the building, in December, 1844. In the meantime, extras had been allowed for changes made, to the amount of $731.11, the contractors thus receiving the aggregate sum of $12,329.11, including an allowence of $85 for putting up the spire and lightning-rod. This sum, with the $4,063.75 allowed and paid to Mr. Willis, makes the cost of our Court House foot up the gross sum of $16,392.86, exclusive of the interest paid on the honds issueil for the liquidation of the debt created by reason of the erection of this cdifice, Bo long recognized os one of the finest and hest buildings of its kind in the State. It has answered well the purpose contemplated, until within the past few years, when the immenso occumuletion of business has demon- etreted the fhet of its growing insufficiency to meet the demands of the period.
THE FIRST JAIL.
At a session of the Board, convened on the 14th of Getober, 1829, the preliminary order was made directing the County Agent, Gillis McBean. Esq., to " couse a jail to he erccted on 1.ot No. - , in tho town of Logans- port, of the following dimensions, to wit : Twelve feet square, of hewn logs one foot squerc, one story high ; also, a Jeiler's house, of round logs, six- teen, feet square, and one story high." When the building was completed, and the hills for lahor and materials received, audited and paid. the aggre- gate cost, on tho plan proposed, was found to ho $60.50.
The insufficiency of this first building was soon clearly manifast, and the necassity of a more substantiul one, with an enlarged cnpncity, well estab- lished. Gn tho 5th of July, 1832, the Board " orilered thet a jail for the county of Cnss, in the town of Logansport, he huilt, of the following sizc, dimensions and manner: Twenty by thirty-eight feet square, two stories high, end ceoh story eight feet in the clenr. First story of good hewn rack, front walls two feet thiok, the hnlonce cquelly strong. Three apart- ments : criminal, 14 feet square ; middle, 8 hy 14 fect; for female crim- inals, 8 by 14 feet."
Proposals were to he received July 21 following, hut none appear to hnvo heen received. On the 14th of Jonunry, 1833, another effort was mude, nnd a plan submitted : " Hewn timber ono foot thick, and so long as to make the house 14 by 27 feet in the clenr ; partition in center of hewn timber ; under ond upper floors to be Inid with hewn timber, one foot thick, edges straightened nnd corners completely dovetailed." The criminal room wng to he additionally strong, os per specifications. Notice of the letting was given for the first Monday in February, when the time was extended to March 5, at which time the contract was awarded to Thomas Richardson, for $394.50. It was completed substantially as prescribed, and the work accepted. This building continued to he used for several years, until super- seded by the prison rooms in the basement of the new Court House.
In the course of time, this latter proving uucqual to the public expecta- tion, tho plan of the present one was projected, and, in the Fall of 1870,
was completed, after numsrous modifications, ths ultimats cost reaching the sum of $40,011.17. Sines its completion and occupancy, numerous imprave- ments have been made on ths original plan and construction. Ths con- tractor for this huilding was Bavid D. Bykeman.
THE FIRST TAVERNS.
Alexander Chamberlain, the first permanent gettler in Cass County, was, also, the first " tavern-keeper." As soon after his settlement, in the Sur- mer of 1826, ng thero wers travelers passing that way, he converted his cabin into n tavern, or plaes of " entortainment." So snecessful was he in this field, finding his quarters too small for the secommodation of his guests, the succeeding Summer ho huilt a two-story double-hewed log cabin near ths site of the other. In the Fall of 1828, having sold out to Gen. Tiptou his property opposito the mouth of Eel River, he built another, the exset coun- terport of the last one, a hulf mile lower down tho river.
In the Summer of 1828, Gillis McBean, then recently from the Miami (Indian) Mills, huilt a cabin-hotel on the corner afterward oocupied hy the " Washington Hull," nud latterly by the " Barnett House," at the southwest corner of Bridge and Market streets, in Logansport, and occupied it for three or four years.
The next one, a two-story framo, on the northwest corner of Market and Walnut streets, was built by Alexander Wilson and Moses Thorpe, his father- in-law. This house was known ns tho " Wilson & Thorpe Hotel." It was subsequently displaced hy the " Cullen House." After the Wilson & Thorpe Hotel. the Mansion House, nt the southwest corner of Market and Fourth streets, was erected and occupied as a hotel, acquiring a good reputation in its line. It was used for hotel purposes many years afterwaril, since which time it has been variously used Bul occupied.
Following, or, perhaps, a littlo preceding, the time when the Mansion House hegan to he used for the purposes of a hotel, the " Lemy House," Philip Leamy, proprietor, at the northwest corner of Chunl and Fourth streets, was opened, with a goed share of patronage, which was held by the proprietor during his lifetime, and, after his death, hy his widow. Subsequently, it came into possession of the Logansport, Peorin & Burlington Railrond Com- pany, and has been used for the double purpose of a hotel and railroad depot.
The next in order was, prohahly, the " Borsey House," J. Borsey, pro- prietor, on the south side of Market street, n few doors east of Fourth. It was used us a hotel only a few years, heing afterward occupied as u hoording house. Since that time the house has heen devoted to mercantilo purposes. At the present date, the " Murdoch " is the principal hotel.
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER
in Cass County was the Pottawatomie and Miami Times, hy John Scott, then recently from Centerville, Wayne County, Inilinua, the size of which was ahout 18x24 inches. The paper was printed ou an old " Ramage press," and the first number was issued on Saturiluy, August 15, 1820. The print- ing office wns situnteil on the south sile ot Market street, immeiljatoly ivest of the alley between Fourth and Fifth streets, in Logansport.
Mr. Scott was one of the pioneer printers of Indiann, having commenced the publication of the Inquirer, the first paper printed in Brookville, Indiana, in the year 1815. He continued the publication until the beginning of the year 1820, when, having sold out, he remored to Richmond and commenced the publication of the Weekly Intelligencer. After four years' experience, he left Richmond and settled in Centorville, also in Wayne County, where he published the Western Emporium, until his removal to Logansport in June, 1829. The paper published hore was the first one printed in Northern Indi- ana. James B. Scott, now the veteran editor of the Bolphi Journal, received the first " copy " and set the first type for this paper.
At the elose of its first volume, the name of the paper was changed to the Cass County Times, the new volume commencing on the 16th of Novem- ber, 1831, the first volume requiring twenty-six months to completo ils fifty- two issues. The paper was published under the enme control, Mr. Scott, Sr., continuing his connection with it, until Muy 30, 1833. From that date, James B. Scott, his son, and William J. Burns, his son-in law, continued the publication, again changing the title to the Logansport Republican and Indiana Herald, until Gotoher 17, 1833, when James B. retired, It was fur- ther continued hy Mr. Burns alone, until Becomber 19, 1833, whon the publication was finally discontinued.
The immediate successor of the Herald was the Canal Telegraph, tho publication of which was commenced hy Stanislaus Lasselle, on tho 2d of January, 1834. On the 16th of August following, Jolin B. Billon hecame associate editor end publisher. The name of the Canal Telegraph was changed on the 22d of November, of the same year, to the Logansport Canal Telegraph. Mr. Stanislaus Lagselle sold his interest in the paper, on the 9th of July, 1836, to his brother, Hyacinth Lnsselle, Jr., who, with Mr. Billon, ngain changed the name to the Logansport Telegraph. Mr. Billon severcd his connection with the paper on tho 22d of January, 1842, Mr. Lasgelle succeeding to the exclusive manngoment. Under his control, the Telegraph continued to ho published until March 24, 18-19, when tho pulication ceased nltogether.
The Logansport Herald was commenced on the 1st day of August, 1837, hy Jesse C. end Bnvid Bouglass, the publication of which was eontinned under the same control until ,July 20, 1841.
Following the Herald, Moscs H. Scott commenced the publication of the Wabash Gazette, on the 10th of November, 1842, with Horace P. Biddlo as editor in chief. The publication was continued until the 27th of April, 1844.
Next in order was the Democratic Pharos, which made its first issue under the entire manegement of Samucl A. Hall, os editor and praprietor, on the 24th of July, 1844. The Pharos continned to make its appearance regularly, under the some monagement, until Jenuery 6, 1869, when Rufus Magee hecame the proprietor. Under the control of Mr. Magee as puhl is be and proprietor, the Pharos was issued weekly, until August 10, 1872, when the issue of a daily paper was commenced in connection with the weekly, and continued with tho eame regularity.
Gn the 1st of July, 1876, Mr. Magee transferred his interest and control in the paper to " The Pharos Company," under which management it con- tinued, except for a short intsrim under the charge of Mr. Collins, of Crow- fordsville, until the 28th of November, 1877, when M. Y. Todisman nnd B. F. Louthnin hecame the proprietors. These latter gentlemen are still in charge.
Next after the Phoros, on the 20th of February, 1845, Messrs. Murphy & Keeler, with N. L. Stout, ss editor, commenced the publication of the Logan Chief. It continued to he published until October 11, 1845.
When the publication of the Telegraph was suspended, on the 24th of March, 1849, the office and interest were sold and transferred to Thomas H. Bringhurst and T. Bouglass, who issued the first number of the Logansport Journal, on the 20th of April following. The management of the Journal continued in the hands of Mr. Bringhurst, as editor and proprietor, from that time forward until 1861, when, going into tho ermy, the manngement was for the time heing in other linnda.
Mr. Bringhurst held the exclusive proprietorship of the Journal until January 1, 1863, when he sold u helf interest to Mr. Joseph Bugue, and the firm was known as Bringhurst & Bagus, who continued the publication of the paper under that management until the 1st of January, 1870. Mr. James T. Bryer heing the chief editorial writer during the absence of Col. Bringhurst, the Intter resuming his position upon his return from the nrmy. In the menntime, however, Mr. Bryer was general contributor to its columns. In January, 1870, Messrs. Z. & W. C. Hunt purchased ths entire office, and managed the publication of the paper for the two years succeeding, when Mr. Dague re-purchased n lanlf interest in the establish- ment, and assumed in part the business control. A year afterward, D. P. Baldwin purchased a one-third interest, in 1874 another third, and on the first of April. 1875, he purchased the remaining interest and took entire control, the businass being under the firm name of Pratt & Co. Since the Journal has been in the honds of Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Bryer has had almost the exclusive editorial control of the paper, which now takes high rank
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