USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 5
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among the papers of the State. The Journal has a weekly and doily issue, the daily linviug issued its first number on the first Monday in January, 1876. The publication of the Sun under the direction of the " Democratio Printing and Publishing Company," wss commenced on the 4th of January, 1872. It was suspended with the forty-ninth number, hut revived again on the 18th of November, 1878. Some time in the Spring of 1875, the office and paper were sold, and removed to the Stato of Illinois.
Tho first namher of the Loganeport Daily Star was issued on the 27th of February, 1873, hy Ransom & Gordon, as an advertising medium, Suhse- quently it came undor the control of J. H. Hall, who continued its publica- tion in the satno form and on the same hasis, until August 11, 1873, when Smith & Hall became the publishers, and the paper was enlarged. In the course of time, it was twice enlarged. On the 20th of September. 1876, the daily list and good will were transferred to the Logansport Journal. Subse- quently, however, the daily was resumed, but its puhliestion ceased April 9, 1878. About the Ist of January, 1874, the same publishers commenced the issue of the Weekly Star, which continued under the same editorial manage- ment, and had a liberal patronage. It ceased with the daily.
On the 7th of April, 1875, the first number of the Logansport Chronicle was issued in this eity, by H. J. MeSheehy, as editor and proprietor. In its msko-up, it is designed to vibrate with the popular pulse and to he n reflex of the current thought of the sge, sensatioue, vivacious, semi-political and newey. In this the purpose of tho designer has been fully realized, inso- much that it now requires a weekly issue of neorly three thousand copies to meet the demand.
At first, it was published as a Sunday paper, hut, in consequence of its large country circulation, it hecomo necessary to change the publication day to Saturday. It has just now entered upon its fourth year, with the pros- pect of an increased popular demand for the clase of literaturo which it sends forth weekly.
RAILROADS.
In contrast with the historie Michigan road, as an avenue of transpor- totion, we placo the tore modern railroad, aud with it the grester facilities for supplying the demands of tho present nge. True, Csss County was not the first in the Stote of Indiana to embark in the enterprise of building railroads, nor was she the last. It required the stimulue of a few roads in the older counties of the southern part of the State to excite the necessary estimate of puhlio opinion to warrant the preliminary setion in the premises. This was not long wanting, and the year 1848 found our people moving, with no uncertoin purpose, toward the incorporotion of " The Lako Michi- gan, Logansport & Ohio River Railroad Company," with such men as James W. Dunn, Williamson Wright and George B. Walker, of Cass County, smong those composing the Board of Directora. The capitol stock of this Company was fixed at $1,000,000, divided into shares of $25.00 each.
NEW CASTLE & RICHMOND RAILROAD.
The result of this proceeding was first manifested in an agreement with the New Castle & Richmond Railroad Company, dated December 11, 1852, whereby the line of the Intter road was extended from its western terminue to the south side of the Wahash River, opposite Logansport. This extension was immediately surveyed and the work put under contract. Its completion to that point, in 1855, was hailed as the insuguration of a new era in the history of Cass County in general and Logansport in particular.
A further extension of thie line, known as the " Camden Extension," was authorized hy subsequent legislative enactment, hut, when almost completed, was abandoned. Its track and rondway have since heen purchased and utilized hy the Logansport, Crawfordsville & Southwestern Railroad.
LOGANSPORT & CHICAGO RAILWAY.
By a resolution of the Lake Michigan, Logansport & Ohio River Railroad Company, dated March 12, 1863, the name of that Company was changed to the Logansport & Chicago Railway Company. Soon afterward, the pre- liminary line of that road was surveyed, but the location was temporarily deferred until eome necessary modification of the route had been made. It was subsequently put under contract and completed in good time.
TOLEDO, WANASH & WESTERN RAILWAY.
In 1852, the preliminary steps were taken toward the organization of a company to build and operate a line of railroad from Toledo, on the lake, westerly to St. Louis, thus connecting the Mississippi and Lake Line, pass- ing through the rich territory of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The company so formed was first known as the Lake Erie, Wahnsh & St. Louis Railroad Company, but was changed several times, heing more recently known by the name which heads this article. The building of this road progressed rapidly and was completed to this point, so that the first arrival of cora at Logansport was on the 20th of March, 1856. Since its comple- tion along the entire line, it has done on immense freight und passenger business, and is, perhaps, better supplied, in the quantity and quality of its rolling stock, than any other of the Western ronds.
LOGANSPORT, PEORIA & BURLINGTON.
Almost simultaneously with the conetruction of the Wabash Road, this additional line wag projected and puebed to completion without unreason- ahle delay. It is daily hecoming of more importance to the ehipping inter- ests of the people of this county, as it passes through the hest grain region of Northern Indiana.
More recently, the Logunsport & Marion, hetter known as the Logans- port & Columbus; the Detroit, Eel River & Illinois and the Logansport, Crawfordsville & Southwestern Railronde have come into existence, opening up more extensive and luorative lines of trade, whereby the commercial in- tercourse of our people is greatly enhanced.
As a consequence, thereforo, the local nud general value of Logansport and of Cass County is scarcely surpassed in the State.
FINANCES.
On the Ist day of May, 1829, Cyrus Taher was appointed Treasurer of the county. As such, on the 7th of November, of the same year, the County Board heing in session, he made and submitted to them the following re- port :
TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CARS COUNTY:
The undersigned, Treasurer of sald county, hogy leave to submit the following report of tho Ananeint concerns of the county:
RECEIPTS.
Jule 10, cash from Mr. Todd, for license ..
.$15 00
July 25, cash from O. Taber & Co ...
10 00
August 3, cush from W. G. & G. W. Ewing. 1 94
August 6, cash received from A. Chamberlain ...
7 50
September 12, cash received from Walker, Carter & Co .. 10 00
September 14, cash received from Israel Johnson.
15 00
September 25, cash received from Mr. Conaway.
2 00
Whole amount of receipts.
.$61 44
EXPENDITURES.
$10 00
Cash pald Duret, per order No. 2.
23 00
My commission on recetpby ....
90
My commission oa cash paid out ...
$54 69
Amount retaluing on laad
$B 75
All of which Is respectfully submitted.
CYRUS TABER,
NOVEMBER 7, 1829.
The report of Oillis McBean, County Agent, submitted the same day, will complete the showing of the finsucial condition of the county at that date :
REPORT OF GILLIS MOBEAN, AGENT FOR CASS COUNTY. Dz. To amount of one note on C. Cartor ..
.$530 00
Cz.
By one order, favor of E. Powell
$39 00
By one order, favor of H. Tyner.
33 00
By ono order, favor of HI. Ristine
21 00
By one order, favor of M. Clark ...
8 25
By one order, favor of D. Tatbolt
20 00
By ono order, favor W. Gordon
22 50
$143 75
Balance dne ..
.$386 25
NOVEMBER 7, 1829. Agent Cums County.
It will he remembered that the expenditures exhibited in Mr. McBean's report wero incidental to the location of the county eeat at Logansport; the timber for and ercetion of the county jail, previously ordered-a public building.
The report of the County Treasurer, submitted January 4, 1830, is as follows :
I have received etnce the November teng of the Board of Commissioners, In 1829, the Tuin of $2.00, from Messrs. Thorpe & Wilson. (Signed)
CYRUS TABER Treasurer of Car County.
Shows the amount in the treasury at that time the total sum of $8.75. The subsequent financisl history of the county is well illustrated by the following exhibit of the receipts and disbursements of tho County Trens- uror, at the end of each succeeding ten years, commencing with 1830:
YRAS.
RECEIPTS.
DISHURSEMENTS.
BALAKOE.
1834
$308 9015
$367 6636
St 25
1810
4,828 55
4,137 19
690 38
1850
13,182 09
11,007 35
2,174 73
1860
73,252 21
63,932 59
9,319 62
1870
214,630 30
176,433 09
38,203 22
1877
205,020 ot
254,371 68
10,048 30
Whence it will he seen that tho financial progress of the country has heen healthy and rapid, and every way encoureging to the concurrent pop- ulation.
AORICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Encouragements looking to the promotion of agricultural interests, ag the best meons of developing tho resources of our State and insuring the grestest perinsnent good, received carly recognition from the Legislative outhorities of the commonwealth. So far as it affects the experience of thie county, the action taken in 1833-4, recommending the formation of county agricultural societies, seemed first to have awakened the interest of the farming population of the county. Pursuant to the provisions of the law enacted for the purpose,, a meeting of the agriculturists of the county assembled at the " Seminary" on the 30th of May, 1835, and the questions discussed touching the organization of a county society.
The result of thie step was little more than to awaken an interest in the prospective advantages to be ohtoined from organization. It had a tendency, at least, to investigate and compare the experiences of the progressive agri- culturists of the day, but the attempts at organization were, in a measure, abortive. Thore were many advanced thinkers on the euhject of scientifio farming, and were ready to lead ; but the rank and file of our farmers were not possessed of great faith in the idea that the kind and quantity of farming products could he improved heyond tho experiences of their fathers.
In 1840-1, discussion had developed an interest that culminated in the organization of a society about the beginning of 1842. Of this organiza- tion, Hewit L. Thomas was Prasident; Dr. John Lytle, Secretory, and James Horney, Treasurer, aided hy o competent Board of Directors. In the Fall of that year, an agricultural foir, the first, perhaps, ever ottempted in the county, was held on the grounds immediately west of the old hotel at the northwest corner of Waluut and Market streets, in the city of Logansport. There was indeed a fine display of stook and farm products, which tended grestly to encourage the lukewarm and confirm the arguments of the progressives, inciting them to greater effort.
Again, in the course of time, the interest subsided, and little was heard of the society ; hut the discussion went on, and the main objects were not lost sight of nor forgotten. The society was re-organized in 1854 or 1855. Subsequently numerous fairs were held, at firat, for a few years, in the eastern part of the city, on grounds leased of Oeorge T. Tipton for the pur- pose; afterward, on the North Side, immediately south of S. A. Custer's residence. For a few years, success attended the efforts of the society ; but dissatisfaction and jealousies were engendered, and the society hecame defunct, either from mismonagement or inefficient organization.
Other efforts having failed, thus far, to secure the objects desired to be attained, on the 26th day of April, 1873, " The Cass County Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Association" was formed, with a capital stock of $20,000, to be divided into eharcs of $25 each. The purpose for which said corporotion was organized " is to promote and improve agricul- ture, horticulture, the mechanic, manufacturing and household arts through- out Cass County ; and to thie end to buy and sell, and denl generally in euch real and personal estate as may be necessary to the successful prosecu- tion of eaid business."
The organization being perfected, a tract of land in the northeast quar- ter of Section 29, Township 27 north, Range 2 east, was purchased hy the Association as a fair ground, of sufficient dimensions to eubserve all tho purposes for which it was intended. The needed buildings and con- veniences were soon after built, and the first fair was held on those grounds, from September 9 to 13, inclusive, in the year 1873. Since that time, an increased interest las heen manifested, justifying the expenditure of large sums of money in the erection of suitable and suhetantial buildings, with all the improvements appertaining to such grounds that experience has found necessary to completely adapt them to the wants of the publio. Annually, since the first, fairs have heen held and largely attended, prov- ing the officiency of the Association in accomplishing the purposes fore- shadowed in its organization.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
This order first acquired a footing on the eoil of Indiana hy the organi- zation of three Granges or Lodges, two in Vigo County and one at Indian- apolis, in 1869. The chief purpose of the organization is to secure to the farmers and manufacturers- by combined action, making common causo in their own behalf -- the complete results of their own lahor, themselves the producing element of society. In short, it is thus proposed to save the percentage consequent upon the intermediate transfera from the producer to to the consumer, of the necessary articles of traffic ; the consumer having to pay, not ouly tho prico received by the producer, and in addition thereto, the tariffs ou intermediate transfers, the producer, of right, heing entitled to receive all that it costs the consumer, less the net cost of the interchange. To accomplish these and other legitimate objects, co-operative stores have heen organized and conducted on tho principle of commanding the highest market prices for the products of the members and procuring necessary supplies at the lowest possible rates
On tho 28th of February, 1873, Clay Grange, No. 60, of the Patrons of Husbandry, of the State of Indiana, was organized, heing the first in Cass County. At that time, Oeorge D. Custer and Georgo W. Julian were ap- pointed Deputies with power to effect other like organizations in the couuty. As a result of the labors of these two Deputies, coupled with the general popularity of the schemo, at the end of the succeeding twelve months, there were thirty-ono organizations in the county.
The experiences of the succeeding twelve months foBowing demon- atrated the fact that too many had been organized. The lessons of that
period induced a change of policy, modifying the former practice. Somo of the weaker ones consolidated with the stronger, while others surrendered their chartera, tho membership of such uniting with those of adjacent or- ganizations. At this date, February, 1878, there areeixteen strong, working Granges in the county, in active operation. While the membership is not rapidly increasing, the unity of purpose in developing the resources st command, has secured to this order a degree of strength, perhaps, never hefore possessed, the moral effect of which is plainly discernible hy the signs of the times.
On the 14th of December, 1875, Articles of Association were filed in the office of the Recorder of Cass County, for the organization of a stock asso- ciation and the establishment of a supply store, a necessary sgent in fur- thering the objects of the organization. It has now been in operation a little over two years und has given, generally, good satisfaction, making, also, its influence felt in the department occupied by its operations.
At this period in its history, there is s favorable outlook, ond the institu- tion has reason to congratulate itself upon the vantage ground obtained as a result of its efficient work in the line of self-protection. It has hegotten, also, a disposition among its members to utilizo the advantages obtainable from n more seeurste knowledge of the principles of chemistry sud tho laws of germination, development und growth of plants, as they apply to agricul- tural pursuits.
In the Winter of 1878, Lindol Smith, of Dow Grange, No. 161, was chosen n member of the Stote Executive Committee, which position he con- tinued to hold during the succeeding three years.
SPINNINO FLAX.
This exercise, formerly so well understood, appreciated and practiced hy tho domestie mothers and daughters of pioneer tiuies, is now scarcely recognized hy their descendants of the present. Indeed, so far as tho prac- tico is concerned, it may safely he considered as one of the " lost srts." Spinning wheels were regarded as ornaments of the household, and happy was the wifo or maiden whoso superior ekill iu the use of thase instruments entitled them to the appollstion of " provident housewives." The wheel for spinning finx was known as the " little wheel," to distinguish it from the " hig wheel," used for spinning wool. Theso " stringed instruments" furnished the principal musio of the family, and were operated by our sisters, mothera sud grandmothera, with a devotion to their calling not now equaled hy the practitioners upon the more " modern and fashionablo instru- ments that now decorsto the parlors of the better class."
The operation of spisning finx was but one step in the process of manu- facturing " home summer wear," modernized somewhat by the name of "domestic linen." The different grades of these home mado articles were sppropriated to the purposes of " every day wear " sud the " Sunday suit," the finer for the girle and the eosrser for the father and the hoys.
POOR FARM-COUNTY ASYLUM.
The experience of older counties having demonstrated the fact that tho poor and unfortunate, who are necessarily supported st publio expense, can ho better and moro economically provided for on a farm, with sufficient buildings and other appliances to utilize their lahor, managed hy a com- petent overseer, than, perhaps, by any other method. In the course of timo, the County Board, also, having token cognizance of theso facts, steps wero taken to make that system an element of the county economy.
Accordingly, on the 5th of March, 1845, the County Board having closed a contract with Henry H. Helm, for ninety acres off the south part of the southeust quarter of Section 17, Township 27 north, Range 2 east, for a consideration of $1,300; a deed was executed to the county for those grouuds, thenceforward to he appropriated to the purposes of a " Poor Farm."
The buildings necessary to meet the demand of the times were soon after erected, and tho utility of a publio enterprise of this character became daily more apparent, as the improved economy of the county in providing for its poor and infirm, compared with its former experiences, was fully demon- strated hy later developments.
From that time forward, such additione to the working appliances of the institution as were required by the increased demands for admission re- ceived the ready atteution of the Board controlling its operations.
Within the past few years, the provision mode for utilizing pauper lahor hna added greatly to the revenues derived from that source, while it hns in s like ratio reduced the per capita expenses of its management and mainten- ance.
As early as 1871, the board hsd in contemplation improvements upon the county farm, in the way of an Infirmsry, or County Asylum, which it wae expected would not only be a matter of economy in taking care of the poor and infirm, but would add greatly to their facilities for rendering the inmates more comfortable. It was the purpose, then, to go on with the work at once. The improvement was deferred, however, for further consideration.
Finally, on the 3d of March, 1874, hids having been received in pur- suance of a notice for seoled proposals for the purpose, and the several propositions fully considered, the contract was awarded to R. D. Stevens & Bro., on their hid of $12,548, for the completion of the work. The work was completed in compliance with the contract, with a small additional ad- vance on the contract pricc, for extras, changes of detail, etc. The main structure is of brick and heated hy steam, the dimensons, at present, being fully cqusl to the demands made upon it. In detail, the plan of tho build- ing is such as to blend economy, comfort and safety with satisfactory har- mony ; the soparste departments for different claysee of inmates being srranged and furnished with especial reference to the condition and require- ments of the occupants. Altogether, the plan of the building, with its appli- ances, its structuro and management, reflects credit upon tho projectors asd managers.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
On the 26th day of December, 1829, John Smith, Charles Polke, David Patrick, Rhoda Shields, Nancy Ross, James Smith and Nancy Smith met for consultation concerning the question of n church organization in Cass Couuly, and the preliminary steps necessary to its satisfactory accomplishmeut. " Being persuaded of the propriety and utility of a combination of members of Christ heing united in faith and Oospel order, and, in order to maintain unanimity in faith, perpetuate union, communion, a moro perfect knowledge of each other, to promote the welfare of Zion, secure the blessings of relig- ion to ourselves and others, do, therefore, in the fear of God, mutually agree to maintain and keep the order of a Baptist Church, when fully organized according to tho constitution and articles of faith."
Then, the Articles of Faith, as recognized hy tho regular Baptist Church, were declared and signed hy those present, as the proper step preliminary to organization.
On the 20th of Fehrunry, 1830, pursuant to the request of those ahovo named, and the desire of others of like faith in Cass County, John Knight, William Hance and John Lennon, from Deer Creek Church, and Elder Samuel Arthur, from Wea Church, met for the purpose of organizing them into a Gospel Church, Elder Arthur acting as Moderator and Jobin Leunon, Clerk. A council heing thus organized, those seven hrothera and sisters first named, presented their letters, which heing read, the council ruade the following proclamation : " We, the shove presbytery, do hereby certify that we have, pursuant to their request, constituted them into a Gospel Church.
JOHN LENNON, Clerk."
After organization, the church appointed Charles Polke Clerk, and adopted the name of Eel River, as that by which the new church should be known. James Smith was chosen Moderator at the succeeding meeting, held on the 20th of March.
From that time forward, church meetings were held monthly, and on the 19th of March, 1831, when fixed " Rules of Dcoorum " were adopted, the hetter to expedite business. During this period, Eldor James Smith usually administered to the spiritual wants of the church. Afterward, Elder William Reese " took care of the church," and continued in that relation, at intervals, until June, 1838, whon " Elder William Corbin was regularly invited to spend half his luhors in the Oospel at this place."
Cash paid Durel, per order No. 1 ..
Treasurer of Cass County.
GILLIS MOBEAN,
18
Mennwhile, some difference of opinion havingnrisen in matters appertain- ing to the unity of frith and practice, on the 2d of March, 1839, revision of the Articles of Faith was ordered, and Elder Corbin, Agroo Ynntis, William Aldrich aad George Weirick were appointed a committee for that purpose. On the 6th of April following, the revised Articles were presented, rend and ndopted, together with the church covenant. Notwithstanding the strong covenants entered into, a feeling of dissntisfnetion, hecanse of the seeming departuro by a majority of the membership from the accepted land- marks of the fathera, continued to manifest itself, developing into a purpose on the one part to reconstruct tho old polity and inaugurate a system in advanceo of the former, nnd on the part of the other, to allow a spirit of apathy to control their netions, disiuclining them to partici pato in the church work with becoming interest.
In the Spring of 1842, a spirit of revival prevailed, which, for the time being, lind n tendeney to calm tbe troubled waters, and many new membera were ndded. About this time, Elder William MI. Pratt, brother of Ex-Sena- tor Daniel D. P'ratt, visited this county, and participating in gave now lifo to the revival effort beforo commenced. Elder Pratt remained here, Inbor- ing with carnest zeal aod marked effeet for more than a yenr, the member- ship having inorensed by more than two hundred additions during the period of his ministrotions. Mr. Pratt's term of service with this church closed on the 80th of Septomher, 18-13.
Rev. Demas Robinson succeeded Mr. Pratt, commoncing to lahor in the relation of Pastor on tho 2d of December, 1843, and sustained thnt rolation neceptably until tho Spring of 1845. Subsequently, at the April meeting of that year, a committee was appointed to eall Rev, Silas Tucker, then of La Porto. Failing to seenro his services, Elder Robinson was ealled ns a sup- ply until tho services of a stated Pastor could be secured, assuming tho duties of that rolation on the 6th of September following, nnd eoutinuing to net as such uotil a successor was chosen, December 6, 1845.
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