Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 15

Author: Blanchard, Charles, 1830-1903, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : F.A. Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 982

USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 15
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 15

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

BONDED DEBT.

Brazil has a bonded indebtedness of $62,000, as follows: Water-works bonds, at nine per cent interest, $28,500; schoolhouse bonds, at eight per cent, $17,500; same, at six per cent, $7,000; same, at eight per cent, $8,000; floating debt, $1,700. This indebtedness was incurred in the

148

HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

erection of necessary schoolhouses and in the construction of water works. Few cities in the State have incurred so little expense in setting up a municipal government, considering the character and worth of the investment.

MUNICIPAL EXPENDITURES.

The cost of administering her government is as follows: Mayor, $300; Treasurer, $500; Clerk, $400; Marshal, per month, $40; City Attorney, $150; water works engineer, $900; six Councilmen, each $50; police, per month, $40; making a grand total of all expense, including some items not enumerated, of $4,000. The bond of the Treasurer is fixed at $40,000. In 1873, the Mayor's salary was $500, the Clerk's $400, the Treasurer's $200. The bond of the latter was then $30,000. At the in- corporation of the town in 1866, the Marshal and Treasurer were placed under bond of $500 each, and the Clerk of $100. The Clerk was al- lowed a fee of $1 a meeting. The Marshal was paid in all cases as a Constable for arrest and service of process, five per cent for collections, and $1.50 for making his report.

TAXABLE PROPERTY.

The taxable property of the city, according to the last report of the Assessor, is as follows: Lands, $22,215; improvements, $47,623; addi- tional improvement, $5,140; lands and improvements, $74,000; lots, $147,433; improvements, $263,542; additional, $22,000; lots and im- provements, $434,615; personal, $328,764; grand total, $838,357. The number of polls is 672. This showing indicates that Brazil is able to provide for her wants.

MERCANTILE AND PROFESSIONAL.

The following mercantile branches are represented in Brazil:

Dry goods-The Trade Palace, J. M. Hoskins & Co .; the New York Store, J. A. Carpenter & Co .; the Bee Hive, Turner & Kieth; W. P. Richardson & Co .; Kruzan Bros .; Dave Hawkins, Jackson Andrews & Co.

Groceries-S. E. Gonter & Co., C. A. Fisher, A. S. Decker, T. Welker, Kruzan Bros., Daniel Hunt, Smith & Jones, Hussey & Kelley, N. D. Ellis, J. P. Hauck & Son, Bevis & Krider, A. M. Oswalt, F. M. - Wright, L. C. Turner, Grinslade Bros., G. R. Shultz.

Clothing-S. Siegle, S. Isaacs, W. D. Mccullough, Falkner & Lang.

Hardware-J. G. Bryson, R. A. Kerfoot, Moore & Montgomery, Kel- logg & Triplett.

Drugs-J. P. Hysung, H. & F. Nussel, S. Herr, Campbell & ' Smith, J. D. Sourwine.

Boots and shoes-W. F. Schrowmeyre, F. J. Wehrle.

Bakeries-Kruzan Bros., Shannon & Co., William Plumb.

151

BRAZIL CITY AND TOWNSHIP.

Saddlers-D. C. Cooper, B. C. Pittenger, O. A. Adams.

Furniture-J. E. Sherfey, J. W. Ecret.

Banking-The Commercial Bank, the Brazil Bank.

Planing mill-McDowell & Co., Wilder & Halstead, C. W. Reed.

Foundry-Crawford & McCrimmon.

Hotels-The Rigby House, Hendrix Hotel, Clay House.

Livery stables-Nance & Weaver, J. F. Lankford, E. Rigby.

Flouring mills-The Brazil Mills, H. R. Irwin, : manager; the City Mills, Maj. Collins, manager.

Tailors-J. Dickson, F. W. Thimm.

Lawyers-W. W. Carter, Holliday & Byrd, J. A. McNutt, W. P. Blair, Matson & Luther, Knight & Knight, G. W. Curtis, McGregor & Compton.

Ministers-H. M. Middleton, Methodist Episcopal Church; T. Cal- vin Stewart, Presbyterian Church; Father Preirard, Catholic.

Jewelers -- D. W. Brattin, S. S. Pullen & Son.

Dentists-S. H. Lybyer, W. J. Wolfe.

Book stores-T. M. Robertson & Co., W. A. Lambert.

Photographists-E. A. Elsam, J. T. Davies.

Pottery- Torbert & Baker.

Coal operators-The Brazil & Chicago Coal Co., the Brazil Block Coal Co., Watson Bros., Crawford & West, Teter & Brighton.

Carriage-maker-R. M. Stunkard.

Abstracters, real estate agents, etc .- Jarboe & Holliday & Byrd, Matson & Luther.

Insurance-I. Jarboe, Pruner & Brighton.

Physicians-W. B. Hawkins, Gifford & Black, J. F. Smith, R. H. Culbertson, J. M. Price, W. B. Morgan, T. A. Glasco.

Publishers-S. B. Riley, the Brazil Miner; Luther Wolfe, the Clay County Enterprise; Lansing & Lusk, the Democrat; A. F. Bridges, the Brazil Register.

EDUCATIONAL.

The educational interests of Brazil have kept pace with her material progress. The philanthropic forethought of her founder led to the erec- tion of a schoolhouse for the convenience of her citizens before there was any town except in name, and in advance of any house of worship. Later, two substantial houses served as seats of learning-the Webster School- house and the Old School Presbyterian Church building. The latter was occupied usually by select schools taught by such successful instruct- ors as Mrs. Mary B. Hussey and Rev. Edwin Post. Soon after the organization of Brazil into a corporate town, in May, 1868, the School Trustees, Messrs. H. Wheeler, F. M. Kruzan and Rev. A. Wright, editor of the Independent Home Weekly, waited upon the Town Trustees with an important measure. They had been made the recipients of a

152

HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

liberal donation by Mr. John Hendrix, Sr., of an acre of ground on what. is now North Meridian street, for school purposes. Realizing the neces- sity of the step they were about to take-and time has but revealed their wisdom -- they announced their intention of building a schoolhouse-not a little affair, but one such as the growing young city demanded, a graded school building in keeping with similar structures in other cities. They asked the town to issue $10,000 in bonds in accordance with the act of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana of March 11, 1867. Messrs. George A. Knight, I. M. Compton and D. W. Bridges were appointed a committee to draft an ordinance and report at the next meeting. The ordinance, No. 23, reported at the next meeting, May 19, provided for the issuing of $10,000 in bonds of $100 denomination. One-fifth of the amount was to be paid two years from the date of issuing, and one- fifth at the end of each year thereafter till paid. The bonds were made payable to bearer, were interest bearing and exempt from taxation for town purposes, and were redeemable by the Town Treasurer when due. The bonds seem to have gone off slowly, only $3,500 worth having been sold by August 11. This was not regarded as sufficient to begin work with. At the request of the School Trustees, I. M. Compton, Jacob Thomas, Samuel Strain, E. Montgomery and D. C. Stunkard were constituted & committee to act in conjunction with the School Trustees in urging the

citizens to invest. Mr. D. W. Bridges was appointed Commissioner to sell bonds in September. His bond was placed at $6,000. In 1869, steps looking toward the redemption of the bonds were taken in a tax of 50 cents levied on every $100 worth of real and personal property, and $1 on each poll. The sales progressed slowly. However, sufficient money was realized to enable the Trustees to proceed with the erection of the building. In May, 1870, the town itself purchased $500 worth of the bonds. The original $10,000 was found inadequate, and in July, 1870, Ordinance No. 34 was passed, providing for $8,000 more, in bonds of $100 denomination, payable one-fourth August 1, 1874, and one-fourth yearly till all are paid. The building was completed in 1870. It is a substantial structure, having six commodious apartments, with a capacity of 380 sittings. This is the story of the Meridian Street Schoolhouse- a monument to the foresight and wisdom of the founders.

Meridian Street Schoolhouse was not destined to long meet the re- quirements of Brazil. In April, 1875, Messrs. E. Hendrix, W. R. Tor- bert and S. Gunrere, School Trustees, urged upon the City Council a necessity which had long been apparent-another school building. For three years the board had been compelled to rent churches, halls and private residences, in order to secure accommodations for the increasing number of school children. They had bought an acre of ground in Lam- bert's Addition, thus securing favorable location and had adopted plans for a four-room house. They therefore asked for an appropriation on

153

BRAZIL CITY AND TOWNSHIP.

the following basis: Ground, $1,600; building, $10,000; furniture $100; miscellaneous, $700. The enumeration for school purposes in 1874 showed a school population of 841. The report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Indiana showed that in towns and cities the size .of Brazil, where convenient buildings and other accommodations favored, 65 per cent of the school population attend school. This would give Brazil an attendance of 546. Hon. M. B. Hopkins urged accommoda- tions for every child of school age; but the board felt that provision should be made for at least three-fourths. Their petition was granted. On the 13th of May, provision was made in bonds of $500 donomination, at 8 per cent interest, interest payable semi-annually, both principal and interest payable at the First National Bank of New York. The first series or class was made due in six years, the remaining divisions annu- ally till all are paid.

The school population had increased to 1,117 in 1882, with an aver- age attendance of 583, the enrollment being 713. Hence suitable prepara- tion had to be made to meet the increase. This was done by the pur- chase of the Congregational Church on Washington street, and fitting it up into at least temporary quarters at a cost of about $2,000. The util- ity of the building is in the outlet to the other buildings, of more advanced scholars, which it affords.

The following parties have served the city in the capacity of School Superintendent: Alpheus Odell, E. R. Smith, W. P. Eppert, M. S. Wilkinson, J. C. Gregg, A. D. Hurst.

CITY LIBRARY.

The City Library is deserving of mention in connection with the edu- cational history of Brazil. The Library Association was organized Feb- ruary 24, 1879, with forty stockholders, and a capital of $52.50. The Directors were A. O. Baldwin, Maj. Collins, Allen Walker, E. S. Holi- day, Q. A. McCracken, R. H. Irwin and William Spears. E. S. Holiday was elected President, and R. H. Irwin Secretary. The funds of the association were raised by membership fee, private donation and festi- vals, the latter through the co-operation of the Ladies' Literary Society, an organization worthy of notice, which was organized in 1878, and which has flourished ever since. The first purchase of books was made the following June. The amount invested was $107. The purchase consisted of forty seven works, in eighty-one volumes, and embraced master pieces of history, fiction and poetry, both ancient and modern. Other additions were made from time to time by private donation as well as otherwise. In December, 1880, the library was augmented by the addition of the McClure Library, consisting of 199 volumes, and in March following by the library of Mr. Pliney F. Sharp, of 200 volumes. The library now numbers over 1,100 volumes, and is worth something

154

HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

more than $1,000. This entitles it to a tax of one cent on every $100 of taxable property in the township. (See Revised Statutes, 1881.) This revenue amounts to $100 annually, which sum is to be used for the purchase of books. The officers of the association are: President, O. A. Baldwin; Secretary, J. Croasdale; Treasurer, R. H. Irwin; Librarian, L. O. Schultz; Directors, J. Croasdale, L. I. Brighton, Mrs. J. W. Rich- ardson, Mrs. Dr. W. B. Hawkins, Mrs. L. O. Schultz, Mrs. J. A. Decker.

THE PRESS.

Newspapers are educators, and the press is worthy of mention here. The pioneer was the Weekly News established in 1855 by J. M. Oliver. The News was purchased by A. T. Lansing, and moved to Bowling Green in 1857. The Intelligencer was next (1858). It was published by William Hollingsworth, but was short-lived. The Brazil Independent, T. H. Serrin and J. M. Oliver, publishers, followed in 1862. After a career of eighteen months, it was sold to Rev. A. Wright, and merged into the Independent Home Weekly, which in turn was succeeded by the Manufacturer and Miner (T. J. Gray, publisher), in 1867, which became the property of its present owner, S. B. Riley, in 1876. The Brazil Weekly Echo was established in 1872, by Herr, Gray & Earle, which in 1876 passed into the hands of P. T. Luther. The Western Mirror was established in 1876, by G. W. Deighan, and became the property of A. F. Bridges in 1881, who established thereof the Brazil Register. The Clay County Enterprise, Luther Wolfe, publisher, was established in Knightsville in 1871, and removed to Brazil a short time afterward. The Democrat, Lansing & Lusk, publishers, was the outgrowth of the Argus Magnate, which was established in 1880.

POSTMASTERS.

The following have served as Postmasters in Brazil, in the order named: Owen Thorpe, Joseph Hall, Eli Hendrix, D. C. Stunkard, E. S. Hussey, T. M. Robertson, present incumbent.

RAILROAD FACILITIES.

At present Brazil is reached by the Vandalia Railroad only. The Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad has a branch extending from Clin- ton to Brazil; but it has no passenger traffic. Several roads are projected, which, if built, will make Brazil a railroad center; among these are the North & South and the Brazil, Washington & Evansville Railroads. The first named, traversing the State along its coal belt, will do much to open to Northwestern markets the coal trade, and can but be important.

THE CHURCHES.

Methodist Episcopal Church .- The Methodist Episcopal Church in Brazil was organized at the residence of Mr. James Hall, near the corner

155

BRAZIL CITY AND TOWNSHIP.

of Main and Franklin streets, in 1839, with Mr. James Raridan as Class Leader, and with Revs. Cornelius Swank and Ezra L. Kemp as preachers in charge. Rev. Allen Wiley, D. D., was then Presiding Elder. Among the original members were Mr. James Raridin and wife; Mr. James Hull, wife and daughter; Mr. Joel Thorpe and wife; Mr. Benjamin Hedges and Mr. Samuel Butts. The new appointment was added to the Terre Haute Circuit, Vincennes District. There had been Methodist preaching in the neighborhood previous to this. Indeed, other organiza- tions had been effected, but this was the organization out of which the present society is the outgrowth. As early as 1826, the Methodist itiner- ant had penetrated western Clay County in Honey Creek Circuit. In 1835, Rev. Aaron Wood, D. D., was Presiding Elder of the Vincennes District at which time it included Otter Creek Mission, with Rev. Isaac Owen as preacher in charge. One of the preaching appointments was Hedge's Tavern, opposite the Stough homestead, one-half mile west of the city. In 1843, the society met at the residence of Mr. Owen Thorpe, at the southeast corner of Main and Meridian streets, from which it moved a year later to the log school and church house as well as town hall, at the corner of Church and Walnut streets. In 1856, the frame church building, which was succeeded by the present brick edifice, was begun. It was not finished, however, till 1858. It was formally dedicated August 28, 1858, the Rev. William M. Daily, D. D., LL. D., the President of the Indiana University, at Blooming- ton, delivering the discourse. Rev. Samuel Hollingsworth was then pastor pro tem., and Rev. John Kiger, Presiding Elder. The building cost about $1,500. The society at that time numbered about eighty, and did not rank above the nine other appointments with which it was associated. These appointments were Croy's Creek, Pleasant Garden, New Salem, Wesley Chapel, Shiloh, Newburg, Lowdermilk's, Moss' and Simonson's Schoolhouses. Of the $400 ministerial claim allowed in that year, Brazil was assessed $82.80.

At a Quarterly Conference held January 29, 1877, a committee, with authority to solicit subscriptions for the new building, was appointed. The committee consisted of Messrs. B. F. Kruzan, D. W. Bridges, C. E. Wilder, Daniel Smith and Eli Hendrix, and Rev. Thomas Meredith. The success of the enterprise was secured at the beginning by a sub- scription taken during the session of that Quarterly Conference, and by its members, with a single exception, of $3, 700. This was about a third of the sum needed.

The plan of the new building was devised by Mr. Charles Epping- houser, of Terre Haute, Ind. The contract was let at once to the lowest responsible bidder, Messrs. Ackelmire and Slocum. £ The corner-stone was laid July 29, just six months from the date of the first subscription. Rev. J. W. Green, Presiding Elder, delivered the sermon on the oc-

156

HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

casion to a large audience. He was assisted in the conduct of the usual ceremonies by Revs. Thomas Meredith and F. M. Pavey. The Brazil Silver Cornet Band was present, and rendered appropriate sacred music.

Among divers mementos deposited in the corner-stone were a Bible, a copy of the contract for the construction of the building, copies of the Brazil papers, and of the Western Christian Advocate, a brief summary of the history of Methodism in Brazil, information concerning the pres- ent condition of the society, the name of the preacher in charge, and Presiding Elder, specimens of paper currency and of gold and silver coin, with many things besides, both known and unknown.

The new building was dedicated January 13, 1878, Rev. Thomas Bowman, D. D., LL. D., one of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. Among those present were representatives of former pastors and Presiding Elders, Revs. J. W. Green and F. M. Pavey, and Rev. J. W. T. McMullen, D. D., Presiding Elder, Rev. W. W. Hibben, of Indianapolis, Professors J. C. Ridpath and L. L. Rogers, of the In- diana Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind., with citizens of adjoin- ing towns and cities. At the close of the sermon, $2, 700 were secured in cash and subscriptions. The building, thus freed from all incumbrance, was presented by Mr. D. W. Bridges, on behalf of the trustees, for dedication. The impressive disciplinary service created a profound im- pression upon the minds of the large audience-the largest perhaps that had ever assembled in religious worship in Brazil.

The new building is constructed after the modern Gothic style of ar- chitecture. It represents, in its transept and circular dome, as in its graceful main tower, together with its small tower at the junction of its transverse roof, the elements of a cathedral. It is cruciform in design. Internally, it is a marvel of convenience as well as a thing of beauty. The basement affords a large lecture-room, suitable as well for Sunday school and other purposes, together with a suite of two rooms adapted to various usage. The audience room is on the second floor. Here are a semicircle for the choir and pulpit, a gallery, beneath which and con- necting with the audience room by folding doors, is a handsome parlor, at either end of which is a small room opening into a vestibule, and suitable for class and other meetings. The seating capacity of this floor, including the gallery, is about 800. The audience room itself, with its pointed high ceiling, and its ample windows of stained glass, ornamented with delicate tracery, in harmony with its scientific open-timber roof, is indeed a gem. It is constructed on the best principles of acoustics. In fact it is a hugh bell, so complete in arrangement that, when the air registers are open, the minister's voice, undisturbed by the slightest echo, can be distinctly heard not only in the gallery and throughout the spacious audience room with the apartments connected with it, but also in all the rooms of the basement below. Added to this is assurance of

157

BRAZIL CITY AND TOWNSHIP.

perpetuity contained in strong brick walls upheld by prominent massive buttresses.

The entire cost of the building, including incidental expenses, was less than $12,000. Of this amount, only two-thirds were expended on the building itself. The bell was originally a gift from Mr. Eli Hendrix and others, and is not included in this expense. It entered upon its mission in 1860. Considering its beauty and convenience, the new build- ing cost a remarkably small sum. Altogether, it is a credit to Brazil and an honor to those who built it.

The new building is called Hendrix Chapel, in honor of Mr. Eli Hendrix, partly because of his munificence in its erection, and partly be- cause of his long and intimate connection with the society. From early manhood he has been one of its members. He assisted in building the log church in 1844. He aided materially in the erection of the frame church in 1856-58. But he will be remembered for his social worth. As a Sunday School Superintendent, and as a Class Leader, kind-hearted, with a pleasant word and a smile for every one, he has de- voted to the up-building of the society the flower of his manhood. It is fitting that he should have this local monument to perpetuate his name. But Hendrix Chapel is not one man's monument alone. It commemo- rates all who gave so cheerfully of their means, either much or little, toward its erection. It is likewise a monument to the fathers in the min- istry and in the laity who laid the foundations on which the society stands. In dark days, without hope of reward, but with sublime faith in God, they toiled on in the face of unpromising beginning. But the wilderness and the solitary place were glad for them, and the desert re- joiced and blossomed as the rose. Most of them have passed away by death and otherwise, but their work remains. In the beautiful church edifice in which their successors now worship they have equal honor. It is at once a monument for both.

The Methodist Church has been an important influence for good in the community. Hundreds have been converted from lives of wickedness through its instrumentality, and have become good citizens and zealous workers in the exaltation of the race. The most remarkable revivals of religion of late years were under the ministry of Rev. J. E. Brant (1865- 68), during which period the society was advanced from a circuit to a station; and Rev. F. M. Pavey (1874-76). The Methodist Episcopal Sunday School was organized in July, 1858. It has flourished ever since. The society now has a strong membership. Besides a church edifice, it owns a neat parsonage property. Rev. H. M. Middleton is pastor.

First Presbyterian Church .- The First Presbyterian Church of Brazil was organized in 1858, at which time a society of New School Presby- terians was constituted by Revs. J. G. Willson and Ransom Hawley, who were appointed by the Greencastle Presbytery for that purpose. The so-

158

HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

ciety was composed of R. N. Westfall and wife, John Wallace and wife, Abraham Chambers, John Hendrix, Jr., Hannah D. Morrow and Joanna Hendrix. The same year, Lot No. 6, Brackney's Addition, was pur- chased, and a plain but substantial house of worship erected. The Trust- ees were Dr. A. W. Knight, John Hendrix, Jr., and R. N. Westfall. Meanwhile a society of Old School Presbyterians was organized at about this time, and the brick edifice on the corner of Jackson and Franklin streets was erected. Rev. N. S. Palmer was the first pastor, and under his ministry the church was built. The two societies were united in 1865, Revs. J. B. Crow, of Crawfordsville, and H. L. Dickerson, of Green- castle Presbyteries, being the Commissioners. S. Strachan and Thomas Desart were constituted Elders of the newly organized society. The present church edifice was erected in 1875-77, at a cost of $7,000. It was dedicated by Rev. Joseph Tuttle, D. D. Rev. J. H. Meteer was then pastor. The Trustees were James G. Niblock, J. G. Bryson, W. H. Zim- merman, James Lodge. The chapel was built in 1882, at a cost of over $1,000. The society now has considerable numerical and financial strength. The pastor is Rev. T. Calvin Stewart. The Trustees are W. H. Zimmerman, J. G. Bryson. The Deacons are W. P. Blair, C. H. Russe, Dr. S. H. Lybyer, William McDonald and S. Holden. The Elders are E. S. Hussey, S. Strachan, J. Hendrix, Dr. A. W. Hawkins. The following ministers have served the church: Ransom Hawley, N. S. Palmer, -- Sims, M. A. Jewett, Henry S. Little, J. Hawks, S. B. Tag- gart, George E. Lamb, J. H. Meteer, J. D. Jones, E. W. Fisk, D. D., T. C. Stewart. At no extended period has the society been without a regularly installed pastor, although for some time without a house of. worship. When the brick house was burned in 1871, Hendrix's Hall was rented, and was occupied till the completion of the new building in 1877. The church has always maintained a Sunday school, and has been a force in the moral education of the community.

Christian Church .- The Christian Church in Brazil has had a some- what checkered existence, so far as its early history is concerned. Its first organization dates back to about 1858, but its progress during the first fifteen years that followed was slow, the expenses of its organization falling almost wholly upon Mr. John L. Webster and Mr. B. F. Shattuck. During this period, the church was ministered to by Elders O. P. Badger, A. C. Layman, F. A. Grant, Z. T. Sweeney, George Sweeney, Tibbetts and A. J. Frank. The congregation then held its meetings from house to house. or in hired halls. The death of Mr. Shattuck, and the removal of Mr. Webster caused the church to go down. In 1875. Elder William Holt, and W. W. Curry, Universalist, held a discussion in Brazil, on future punishment. In April, 1877, eleven persons met in Wheeler's Hall and formed the nucleus of the present organization, and employed Elder G. L. Harney to preach for them. He was soon suc-

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.

Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 15

Author: Blanchard, Charles, 1830-1903, ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : F.A. Battey & Co. Number of Pages: 982

Author: Blanchard, Charles, 1830-1903, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : F.A. Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 982