USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 23
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 23
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Unfortunately for the well being of the church, a serious difficulty, the nature of which was not ascertained, sprang up a few years ago, re- sulting in a complete dismemberment of the organization, and at the present time no services are held, the beautiful house of worship stand- ing idle. "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
The Methodists have a flourishing organization at the village of Car- bon, and a good frame house of worship. The society is increasing in membership, and their congregations and Sunday school rank with the first in the township.
At the same place, the Missionary Baptists sustain a good society, the history of which was not learned. They have also a neat temple of worship, capable of seating 200 persons, and representing a capital of several thousand dollars.
Knightsville Methodist Episcopal Church. - The origin of this society dates back to the year 1876, at which time a meeting was held in the village, conducted by Rev. James W. Harris, for the purpose of effecting an organization. A goodly number responded, and among the members received during that year were the following, viz .: R. M. Holingsworth, Elias Arthur, Martha Arthur, Caroline Creed, W. K. Duerson, M. F. Duerson, Susan Dickson, William H. Fitch, Elizabeth Fitch, Abbie Good- ale, Adam Gold, Elizabeth Harrington, Amanda Holingsworth, Alexan- der Haggart, William Haggart, J. L. Hudson, Laura Hunt, Jennie Hunt, Elizabeth Hews, Mark Hews, Mary Hudson, Anna Hendrickson, William Lawell, Mary Lloyd, W. D. Mcclintock, K. M. Mcclintock, Mary and
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George Markle, Emma Plumb, Leonard Raridan, Nancy E. Skinner, G. W. Starr and D. N. Slater. The first pastor who ministered to the church was Rev. F. M. Pavy; since then the following pastors have had charge of the church: J. W. Harris, J. G. Morrell, John E. Steele, T. M. Guild and T. F. Drake. The present incumbent is Rev. N. Green, who divides his time between this and Harmony church. The present mem- bership numbers about sixty. The house of worship in which the con- gregation meets is a beautiful frame building, located near the central part of the village. It was erected in the year 1883, and cost about $1,000. Sunday School is maintained the entire year, with an average attendance of 175 scholars. At the present time it is under the efficient management of Albert Watts, Superintendent.
The church officers at the present time are Albert Watts and William Richards, Class Leaders; J. N. Dilley, Albert Watts and William Rich - ards, Stewards; F. M. Sigler, J. N. Dilley, Albert Watts, William Rich- ards and E. L. Winklepleck, Trustees.
About the year 1868, a small Presbyterian society was organized at Knightsville by Rev. Matthews, assisted by Thomas Watson, Sr. The organization was effected in the village schoolhouse, and sustained about eighteen months, when by mutual consent the society disbanded. The last pastor was Rev. - Griffith.
Harmony United Brethren Church was organized in the year 1876, with a small membership. The schoolhouse was used as a meeting place until 1881, at which time the society purchased the Methodist Church property, and refitted the old building at a cost of a couple of hundred dollars. The first pastor was Rev. Cowgill, who preached one year. He was succeeded by Rev. George Watson, who remained the same length of time, and in turn was followed by Rev. - Tagul, who also preached one year. Then came Rev. - Johns for one year. His successor was Rev. - Miller, after whom came the present incumbent, Rev. Thomas Buck. At the present time there are forty members belonging to the society.
Roman Catholic Church of Carbon was organized in the year 1875, with a membership of about thirty-five families, a larger number than belongs at the present time. The organization was brought about by the labors of Father Miner, who was instrumental in having the neat house of worship erected. This is a frame edifice, and originally cost about $1,000. The second pastor was Father Benedict, after whom came Father Mosette. The priest in charge at the present time is Father Pearrard, of Brazil.
Cardonia Congregational Church was organized a few years ago by a missionary from one of the Eastern States. A small but comfortable house of worship was erected, and the organization has been accomplish- ing a good work in the village and neighboring country. The congre-
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gation at the present time is rather small, but strong in faith and good works. They are looking forward to a prosperous future.
HARMONY VILLAGE.
This village was an outgrowth of the old National road on which it is situated, and dates its origin from the completion of that highway, al- though no plat was made until the year 1864. It occupies a beautiful location on the Vandalia Railroad, about three and a half miles north- east of Brazil, and is a town of about 800 inhabitants, many of whom are engaged in coal mining. Adjacent to the village are several large shafts, and the town is noted as an important shipping point for coal. The first survey of the lots was made November 30, 1864, by George Gorham for Isaac Marks, proprietor.
Frazier's Addition was made in June, 1866. Mark's Second Addition was platted in July, 1866. In May, 1867, Isaac and John Marks made an addition. Frazier's Second Addition to the plat was made in the year 1867; Eckert's Addition in 1868; Mark's Fourth Addition in 1868. The area embraced within the present limits is sufficient for a city of 6,000 inhabitants, and the growth of the town has never come up to the expectations of the proprietors.
The first settler upon the present site of Harmony appears to have been one Owen Tharpe, who erected a small board house. as early as 1832, which he stocked with goods for the accommodation of the work- men on the National road. He remained here about three years, when he closed out his stock and moved from the place. Green Mckinley was a contractor on the National road, and for some months kept a small stock of goods at his residence, where Richard Pell now lives. He afterward moved his stock to the present site of the town, and pur- chased a small house which had been built and occupied for a residence by John Graves. He started a saw mill which he ran in connection with his store, and was in business until about the year 1852. The saw mill was purchased by Isaac Marks who afterward sold it to H. Halstead. The village remained a mere hamlet of a few cabins until the comple- tion of the T. H. & I. R. R., when a new impetus was given the place and several parties purchased and improved lots. Among these was James Robinson, who bought a small house near the railroad, which he stocked with a general assortment of merchandise, and for a number of years did a flourishing business. Halstead was a carpenter, and built several houses which he disposed of to new-comers at reasonable prices, for the purpose of inducing settlers to locate in the village.
Among the first to purchase lots were Samuel Cox, John M. Killion, William Evans, David Cox, Fred Boyer, John Zeller and John Wilson, the latter of whom was the first blacksmith. The village grew but slowly until the discovery of coal in the neighborhood, and the build-
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ing of the rolling mill and blast furnaces by the Indianapolis Coal & Iron Company in the year 1867. These establishments stood about one mile northeast of the town, and were in operation five years. About fifty men were employed, the majority of whom lived in the vil- lage. The company finally closed their mill owing to the excessive rates charged for shipping the raw material, and high taxation which the county refused to lessen. 'Tis said that the venture of starting the mill and furnace here resulted in a loss of several thousand dollars to the proprietors. The loss of the furnace and mill was severely felt by the village, but the development of the rich coal mines compensated in a great degree by inducing miners to locate here.
Early merchants, additional to those enumerated, were David Cox, who kept in the Robinson building; Jackson Poff, his successor, and Robert Wingate. Zeller & Riddle bought Wingate's store prior to 1867, and are in business at the present time, with one of the largest and best se- lected stocks of goods in the county. C. G. Ferguson came to the village in 1867, and engaged in the mercantile business, renting a room of Sam- uel Cox. In 1881, he erected a substantial two-story house on the principal street, where he keeps a fine assortment of general merchan- dise. Another early merchant is John L. Stephens, who came some time prior to 1860, and is still doing business with good success.
In addition to the three merchants named, the following persons, do- ing business in the village, are George Adamson, groceries and provis- ions; Sydney Marks, groceries; Thomas Thomas, hardware; Smith & Terry, druggists; James Crooks, drugs; James Boyd, drug store; Mrs. Marks, milliner; John Adamson and Quincy Anderson, blacksmiths; F. W. Moury, shoe shop. There are two hotels kept respectively by William Evans and Mrs. Preston. The disciples of the healing art in the village since its origin have been Drs. Potts, Siddons, Thompson, Brown, Chap- man, J. Brown, A. F. Tully and G. W. Finley.
The Harmony Mill was built in 1873. It is a frame building three- stories high, manufactures the patent process flour and is operated by steam. The present proprietors are Messrs. Smith and Terry and the Brown brothers.
Several years ago, there were two pottery shops in successful operation, but of late they have not been worked.
The first schoolhouse in the village stood near the southern limit. It was built in an early day and used until 1869, when a new one took its place. The present handsome building was erected in 1875, and cost $2,300. It is two stories in height, contains four large-sized school rooms, and is an ornament to the town.
LODGES.
Clay Lodge, No. 368, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 9, 1871, by D. D. G. M. Thomas E. Hays, of Brazil. On the charter appear the
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following names: J. B. Harris, E. Davis, William Griffith, John N. Killion, W. McPheeters, E. John, John Steed, J. F. Weaver, James R. Killman, Samuel D. Williams, John W. Jones and Columbus Baughman. Held meetings in Adamson's Hall for two years, when the organization was moved to a building south of the railroad, where they still meet. The lodge purchased this building for $1,400. The financial resources of the organization is as good as any in the county, being $5,000.
At the present time there are seventy members belonging. The of- ficers last elected were Samuel Defenbaugh, N. G .; William Chesterfield, V. G .; J. M. Vickery, Secretary, and W. D. Griffith, Treasurer.
Count Robin Hood Lodge, No. 8, Independent Order of Foresters, was organized December 28, 1877. The organization was changed in 1881 to the United Order of Foresters, No. 57. The original member- ship consisted of twenty-seven, which has since increased to sixty-two.
The officers at the present time are John C. Hughs, C. R .; Philip Boyer, V. C. R .; George Patterson, Treasurer; James B. Dally, Finan- cial Secretary; Owen Quigley, Recording Secretary; Peter Reynolds, S. W .; Joseph Came, J. W .; Thomas Short, S. B .; David Thomas, J. B .; Sidney Monk, Edward Matthews and Thomas Thomas, Trustees.
The Masons at one time sustained a good lodge in the village, which was well attended for several years. For some reason unknown it was disbanded a few months ago.
The Knights of Labor have a strong organization at the present time, which is a recognized power in the place. It is well sustained, and num- bers among its members some of the best citizens of the village and sur- rounding country.
The A. O. U. W. also have an organization which is not reported in good condition at the present time, and no meetings are now held.
The Independent Order of Good Templars have a good lodge here, which is doing a very commendable work in the cause of temperance. Several members attribute their reformation to its influence and the so- ciety promises to do good work for humanity in the future.
Kilpatrick Post, No. 58, G. A. R., was organized in the fall of 1881, with fifteen members. Meetings are held in Smith & Terry's Hall, and the organization is reported in good condition.
VILLAGE OF KNIGHTSVILLE.
The history of Knightsville proper dates from July, 1867, at which time the original plat was surveyed by T. C. Bailey, for Austin W. Knight, proprietor, although a small village sprang into existence a few years previous. The events which led to the birth of the town were the building of the iron furnaces and rolling-mill by the Western Iron Com- pany in 1866. These establishments stood in the eastern part of the village, and for eight or nine years did an extensive business, manufact-
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uring pig iron from, ore brought from Missouri. The rolling-mill occu- pied a large building, and the entire business required from 250 to 300 men night and day to operate it. The expense of freighting iron ore such long distances was necessarily very great, which, with the high taxes the company was obliged to pay, induced the proprietors to remove their machinery from the place, which they did in 1875, taking it to Cleve- land, Ohio.
In the meantime, a coal shaft was sunk near the central part of the village, by the Indiana Coal & Iron Company, which did a large busi- ness, and served to make the place a good trading and shipping point. A second shaft was sunk some months later in the southwest part of the village, and named the Town Shaft. Business men were soon attracted to the place, and in 1867 Messrs. Barnett & Witty opened the first store, on the corner of Chism and Crawford streets, where P. H. Davis keeps at the present time. The firm handled a general stock, and did business as partners for about two years. William C. Hudson started the second store on Crawford street a few months later, and sold goods for five years, at the end of which time he closed out his stock and left the place. Messrs. Mccullough & McGregor engaged in business about the same time as the foregoing, and erected for the purpose a good store building on Crawford street.
Davis & Collins kept a store where John Cook's saloon stands, and a man by name of Woodruff sold goods in a building which stood opposite the rolling mill. Other early business men were Alexander Parks, D. O. Elliott, Winklepleck & Nicoson, Amos Hutchinson and R. M. Holings- worth.
The business at the present time is represented by D. H. Davis, deal- er in general merchandise; E. L. Winklepleck, general store; F. M. Sigler, dry goods; Porter & Co., general stock; Alex Parks, groceries; William T. Davis, grocery store; C. A. Withers, druggist; James N. Dilley, drug store; Andrew Oswalt, groceries and provisions; Alexander Haggart, stoves and tin ware; John Lyons, groceries; Morgan & Co., general stock; D. H. Morgan, grocer and confectioner; William McDon- ald, groceries, and Mrs. Peck, millinery store. J. J. Nicoson, black- smith; Daniel Osborne, wagon-maker; Felix Mercer, harness shop; and John Schrepperman, shoe shop. The first physician in the place was Dr. W. J. Dickson, who is still practicing here. Other medical men who have been located in the village at different times were Drs. C. C. Stokes, Thomas, Lynch, Hollingsworth, McClintock, Dunn, Starr, Sams, Thorn- ton, Witty and Palmer; present physicians are W. J. Dickson, F. G. Thornton, D. O. Thomas and B. F. Spellbring.
In the year 1872, the village was incorporated, and the following board of officers elected: William C. Hudson, F. Sullivan and William Watson, Trustees; D. H. Davis, Treasurer; Amos Hutchison, Clerk, and
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S. C. Nickerson, Marshal. The present officials are the following to, wit: Hugh Clemens, George Myrick and Alexander McCallum, Trustees; Alexander Haggart, Clerk; Joseph Daily, Treasurer, and Hugh Aikin, Marshal.
The first schoolhouse stood on Main street, and was erected by the Western Coal & Iron Company. The first teacher was a Mr. Mack, hired by the company. The house was used for school purposes about five years, at the end of which time it was changed into a meeting-house, and a new building erected. The last house stands in the southwestern part of town. It is two stories high, contains four commodious rooms, and cost the sum of $2,500. The Masonic fraternity and Odd Fellows have good lodges in the town, as have also the Knights of Labor.
The following additions have been made to the town: Nicon's Addi- tion in 1868; Witty's Addition in 1869, and Watson's Addition the same year. The village has a population of about 1,200, and is the shipping point for several of the largest coal mines in the State.
VILLAGE OF CARBON.
This live little town is situated in the northeastern part of the town- ship, on the I. & St. L. R. R., of which it is an outgrowth. It is es- sentially a mining town, the majority of the population working in the different shafts adjacent to the village. Among the first settlers in the place were James Throop, Stewart Shirkey, V. Trousell and P. Hay- ward.
A. L. Witty kept the first store in a building which he erected on First street near the railroad. He sold goods for about eight years, when the stock was purchased by John Webster, who closed out one year later on account of financial embarrassment. Dr. B. F. Witty came about the same time as his brother, and erected a business house a few months later on the same lot. He sold goods at intervals for six or eight years, and was the first physician in the place. An early store was kept by Tuttle & Jones, of Indianapolis, who erected a business house opposite the depot, where they kept for three years, at the end of which time the stock was purchased by Huff & Darnall, who in turn sold out a few months later, Huff going into the bakery business and Darnall moving to Terre Haute. The house was afterward used by H. D. McCormick. In addition to the merchants mentioned, the following persons and firms did business in the village at different times: J. D. Bence, of Greencas- tle, Hamilton & Sons, John Craig, John Hart, L. B. Pruner, J. W. Sys- ter, A. Tyler, A. S. Maxwell, Morton & Easter, - Durand, E. Adamson, E. H. Adamson and Charles Stryker. The growth of the village for sev- eral years after its origin was rather slow, but the development of the mining interests gave the place new impetus, and it became in time quite a prominent trading point. By 1875, the population had increased to
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such an extent that the village was incorporated. The first Board of Trustees was composed of the following gentlemen: George Wilson, - Tiley, and John Hathaway. John Walker was elected first Clerk. J. A. Kerr, James Brooks and William Morton comprise the present board. The present Clerk is John Beeson.
The medical profession has been represented in the village by the following disciples of Esculapius: Drs. Slocum, Witty, Hamrick, Bence, Matson, Ferguson, Burch, Johnson and Ellis. The present M. D.'s are W. H. Van Sandt, G. M. Pell and L. G. Brock.
LODGES.
Carbon Lodge, No. 506, A. F. & A. M., was organized August 3, 1874, with the following charter members: G. W. Bence, E. S. Halliday, John T. Craig, F. H. Gardner, R. B. Bailey, Duncan McCallum, Daniel Clark, A. L. Witty, B. F. Witty and L. T. Farabee. First officers were: J. H. Throop, W. M .; B. F. Witty, S. W .; John T. Craig, J. W .; E. S. Halliday, Secretary. Last officers elected were: J. H. Throop, W. M .; G. M. Pell, S. W .; J. C. Leachman, J. W .; R. G. Owens, Secretary, and Samuel Elwell, Treasurer. The lodge is in good condition, with a mem- bership of twenty-two. Meetings are held in Throop's Hall.
Vivesco Lodge, No. 1945, K. of H., was organized in December, 1879, with eighteen original members. The society has been in prosperous condition ever since, and numbers fifty members at the present time. The present officers of the lodge are John Hutchison, P. D .; William Scores, D .; Edward M. Inglert, F. R .; J. T. Hutchison, S. R .; Griffith Owens, V. D .; Jacob Egloff, Treasurer; Joseph Blower, Asst. V. D .; J. G. Jones, Guardian, and David Wadkins, O. S.
George Crust Post, No. 149, G. A. R., organized in the spring of 1883 with twenty members. The following are the officers: E. A. Ras- ser, Commander; Charles Weheres, Sr. V. C .; Neal McDonald, Jr. V. C.
In addition to the above societies, the Good Templars and Knights of Labor have well sustained organizations in the village, the latter of which is constantly increasing in numbers and influence.
Business Register .- The present business of the town is represented by the following: W. E. D. Barnett, general store; C. M. Stetson & Co., general store; L. Black, general stock; J. H. Throop, drugs and gro- ceries; Grace Morgan, confectioner; Lydia McDonald, millinery and gro- ceries; Joseph Blower, restaurant; I. P. Walker, restaurant and gro- ceries; Carl Geisberg, bakery; R. Hayward, general merchandise. There are in the village two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, one barber shop, one livery stable, one butcher shop, two good hotels and four or five (too many) " sample rooms."
The population of the town is about 900, and its future outlook is as encouraging as its most ardent friends could desire.
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF CARDONIA.
This little mining town is situated on the southeast quarter of the south east quarter of Section 18. It was laid out by the Clay Coal Company, in Sep- tember, 1871, and at the present time boasts of a population about 500 souls, the majority of whom are engaged in the different mines of the surrounding country. The first, business house was built by the mining company, and occupied by C. Sharp. It stands near the central part of the village, and is used at the present time by W. D. Black, who keeps the largest stock of goods in the place. The second store building stood opposite the one named, and was occupied by a man by the name of Berger. It was burned about the year 1877. After Berger came Isaac Barnett, who sold goods for about ten years, when he closed out and moved to Brazil.
At the present time, there are two large general stores, kept respect- ively by W. D. Black and A. P. Hand; two grocery and provision stores by Crosser & Harry and John L. Morgan; two drug stores by B. F. Witty and Dr. Morton.
The post office was established shortly after the town was laid out, and named Alexander. W. D. Black was the first Postmaster, a position he has held continuously to the present time.
Cardonia Lodge, No. 589, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 29, 1881. Charter members names are as follows : J. J. Nicoson, David Suttie, H. C. Crawford, Edward Wilton, John Bray, Andrew Graham, F. Whit- marsh, Henry Newman, Edward Crosser, J. J. Coakley, Elisha Marks, Samuel Camps, James Hays and William Spiers. First officers: Henry Newman, N. G .; Jesse J. Nicoson, V. G .; E. Crosser, Secretary; F. Whitmarsh, Recording Secretary. Present officers : F. Whitmarsh, N. G .; Samuel Camps, V. G .; H. C. Crawford, Per. Secretary ; Andrew Graham, Recording Secretary, and T. H. Nicholson, Treasurer. Present membership, 55.
Cardonia Lodge; No. 1448, K. of H., was organized March 3, 1873, with twenty-five members. At the present time there are forty-five members belonging. The officers are : C. J. Jenkins, D .; Henry New- man, V. D. ; William Smith, Assistant V. D .; Jacob Porter, Rep .; James Hays, Financial Rep .; Robert Peel, Secretary.
Cardonia Lodge, No. 901, I. O. G. T., dates its history from December, 1881, at which time it was organized with twenty-six members.
Officers at present time are : John Calderwood, W. C. T .; Mrs. John Childs, W. V. T .; Lindley Martin, W. Chap .; James Suttie, W. Sec .; Mrs. L. Morton, W. A. S. ; J. L. Suttie, W. F. S. ; John McCrea, W. Treas., and John Brown, W. M.
A lodge of the Chosen Friends was organized October 11, 1882, with forty-four members, and is in a flourishing condition at the present time. The Knights of Labor Lodge, No. 299, was organized in January, 1882, with an original membership of 22. Their membership has increased very
Robert Smith
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rapidly during the last year, and at the present time the society is the most flourishing organization in the village.
VILLAGE OF BENWOOD.
This is a mining village of about 300 inhabitants, situated in the northern part of the township.
The first citizens of the place were M. Navin, John Bailey, John Moran and B. Hand, all of whom purchased lots and erected residences thereon shortly after the plat was made. John McClaren kept the first store and sold goods for four years, when he closed out his stock. The second merchant was A. P. Hand, now of Cardonia, who kept in the Cas- teel building about eight years. After him came F. M. Sigler, who oc. cupied the same building one year. His successor was Henry Hice, the present gentlemanly merchant, who has been doing business for three years. John Murphy started a small store in the year 1882, and is in business at the present time also. The village has one of the best school buildings in the township. It is a two-story frame structure, with four rooms, and cost the sum of $2,600. It was erected in the year 1880, and stands in the southeast part of the village.
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