USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 76
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 76
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After the completion of the L., N. A. & C. R. R., the mails came reg- nlarly by way of Gosport until the building of the I. & V. R. R. The post office has been in the hands of Joel A. Coffey for the last few years. The office is well fitted up, and as nearly complete as that of any town in the State. With daily mails and the speed with which news is now transmitted, we have little conception of the inconvenience and of the absence of news and information of current events that existed in early times.
SCHOOLS.
The first schools in Spencer were held in the old log court house, and an old log church near the location of the residence of the late Chauncy B. Patrick. The first teachers remembered by the old inhabitants were James Galletly and Isaac Heaton. The former taught a school in Spen- cer about the year 1821, and the latter about the year 1825. The schools were in no way superior to those of the country around, and were conducted on the same plan, and with about the same meager course of study. The methods of teaching were clumsy and old- fashioned, with very little system or classification. The people of that day would have rebelled against the machinery and innovations of our graded schools. The curriculum generally consisted of reading, writing, arithmetic and grammar. In 1835, the building known as the " Old Seminary" was erected. It was used by the people of the town and vicinity as a schoolhouse, any teacher who could secure a school on subscription taking possession of it. It was sold for a debt held against it by some of the builders, and for some time was occupied as a private residence. It finally came into the possession of the town, and was used by it as a schoolhouse till the erection of the present school building in 1872. George G. Wright, afterward United States Senator from Iowa, worked as a brick-mason in the building of the "Old Seminary." It was a two-story, yellow brick building, and stood on Lots 21 and 22, in the east part of Spencer. There was also a schoolhouse on Lot 87, where the residence of W. T. Alverson now stands, and one on Lot 42, known as "Number Twelve." Among the early teachers were Ephraim Ball, James Gray, Orvin H. Gallup, and later on, Adolphus Coffey, Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Myers, Mrs. Joslin, Mr. Telly, Mr. Walker, Mr. Odell, S. D. Richards, I. H. Fowler, Samuel McBride, B. F. Graham, James Wilson and W. B. Wilson. Under the management of Prof. W. B. Wilson, the Spencer Schools were greatly improved. He served as Superintendant for many years, and was highly respected by his pupils and patrons both as a man and as an able and efficient educator. Some of the first teachers were
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men of strong abilities and marked characteristics. One of them, well known to the older citizens, was also County Examiner, and he was a terror to applicants for teachers' license. He was extremely thorough and minute in his examinations, scrupulously and methodically going through with the smallest details, and the tired and battered teacher felt like one who was vainly endeavoring to tell more than he knew. A teacher just arrived from the East once came in to be examined by him. His fame had preceded him, some of his friends giving a mirac- ulous account of the cultured genius from the East. He was repre- sented by the villagers who had heard of his wonderful acquirements as an intellectual prodigy, and without an equal in "jography." The ven- erable examiner was considerably excited over the advent of the learned stranger, who was to test his prowess, and prepared himself for the oc- casion with many hard questions. The genius was required to sit in a corner, and the County Examiner took his seat directly in front of him to shut off retreat. It was to be a war to the knife, for "jography " was also the old hero's pride. The learned educator was asked to locate and describe everything which appeared on the maps of that day. No little island, rivulet, lake or village was neglected, and as the relentless ex- amination proceeded, and the perspiration streamed from the unlucky applicant, he seemed like one who "trod the wine press alone." Vic- tory soon gleamed on the old man's brow, and when the withered man of " jography " escaped from the corner, and the "glittering eye " of the " ancient mariner " of the Spencer schools, his glory was faded and his fame departed forever.
For many years the schools were conducted in the old-fashioned style, with little change from the method of the primitive pedagogue. It was the teacher's business to perform the duties of janitor, and he must be on duty at early morn to keep an eye on the bad boy who rose early and came like a strong man refreshed by slumber to make war on the master, whom he regarded as a tyrant and his natural enemy. It was a part of his daily business to make mysterious and ridiculous noises, to decorate school furniture or gently raise some sleepy brother with the cheerful point of the pin. Many young men, or "big boys," attended school, some of whom generally thirsted for glory in a free encounter with the teacher. The "Old Seminary" and "Number Twelve" have witnessed many a pleasant passage of arms which the quiet and degenerate schcols of the present can only emulate and never equal. The schools-days of "Number Twelve" and the "Old Seminary" will always be green in the memory of the youth of "ye olden time."
The increased population of the town necessitated the building of a larger schoolhouse, and in 1872 the present school building was erected. It is of brick, three stories above the basement, and cost about $2,500. Prof. W. B. Wilson was the first Superintendent of schools in the new building, and the Spencer Graded School soon took rank with the best schools of the State. Prof. Wilson was elected Superintendent of the county schools, and was succeeded in the Spencer Schools by Mrs. C. W. Hunt, who continued as Superintendent for eight years. During the greater part of this time, Miss Nancy White, now Mrs. J. W. Beem, served as Principal of the High School. Under this long reign of the Amazons, the schools were brought to a high degree of efficiency, and the services of Mrs. Hunt and Miss White could not be overestimated. Mrs. Hunt was succeeded by Prof. Samuel E. Harwood, the present Superintend .
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ent, and Robert J. Aley now occupies the position of Principal of the high school. These gentlemen are both well known as educated and ef- ficient teachers, are laboring earnestly and faithfully for the welfare of the schools, and have the respect and confidence of the community. The other teachers for the school year of 1883 and 1884 are Biddie P. Hall, Ella Hart, Warren Beamer, Jennie Allen, Mary F. Gudgeon, Miss - -- Livingston, Miss Whittaker, Mollie Allen, Mrs. A. E. H. Lemon; and Cassius White, teacher of the colored school. The curriculum is equal to that of any of the best of graded schools in the State.
The enrollment for 1883 and 1884 is 660; amount of revenue received for 1882-83, $3,610.91; paid to teachers, $3,434; average wages paid to male teachers, $3 per day; average wages paid to female teachers, $1.85 per day. The school is divided into three departments, designated as primary, grammar and high school. Each department consists of four grades, each grade representing one year of school work. The Trustees are Dr. Jacob Coble, President of the Board, I. H. Fowler and W. S. Meade. The schools are in a flourishing condition, and the citizens of Spencer may well be proud of them.
RELIGIOUS.
Religious services were held at first in the cabins of the early resi- dents, and sometimes in the old log court house until churches were built. The first sermon was preached by Hugh Barnes, in 1824, in a cabin standing near the residence of the late C. B. Patrick. Besides Barnes, the early preachers were Armstrong Strange, James Strange, Daniel Anderson, George Anderson, Stephen Grimes, Samuel Hamilton, Chesterfield Chamberlain, William Brower and Thomas McNary. Some of them were men of strong native abilities. They were all Methodist circuit riders, the other denominations not. having yet made their appear- ance. Their circuits generally extended over four or five counties. They were all revivalists of the old school, and preached of an ardent hereafter as well as of the bliss and beauties of Paradise. The church was exceed- ingly austere in its views. Dancing was regarded as a deadly sin, and a fiddle as the harp of ungodliness. The Methodist preachers generally wore uniforms of " shad-breasted " coat, knee breeches, a broad-brimmed hat, and were regarded with a feeling akin to reverential awe by the sin- ners before whom they painted the terrors of the fiery future and the fadeless splendors of the New Jerusalem. They spoke as men " having authority," believing all they said and expecting everybody else to believe it; they did not stop to argue the truth of Scripture, but regarded it as a foregone conclusion, which no one would be daring enough to question. Revivals were frequent and very successful. Strange enough such preachers with such methods seem to have disappeared from the rural districts, and are re-appearing in the large cities with the same methods and the same success.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- The Methodist Episcopal Church was. the first religious society in Spencer, being organized in the year 1823. Methodist preachers had frequently visited the place before that time, and conducted services at private houses. The first church house was built in 1827, by F. B. Johnson and Elijah Johnson, two brothers. F. B. Johnson is still living in Spencer, and is still a member of the church. The building was a frame, 36x26 feet in size, and the cost of the build- ing was $383. The Trustees were Dr. Amasa Joslin, James M. H. Alli.
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son, Samuel Howe and David Johnson. The original subscription list is still in a good state of preservation. There were forty-three names subscribed and only two of the persons whose names appear on the list, Samuel W .. Dunn and Jesse Walker, are yet living. Peter Witham, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, was among the subscribers. Daniel Anderson was the first circuit rider who preached for the congregation in Spencer. His circuit extended over the counties of Owen, Monroe, Greene and Clay, and he visited Spencer once in each month. The first church building was afterward replaced by the present building, the old church house being used as a parsonage till the year 1883. It is now the residence of Samuel H. Dunn, on Morgan street. Bishops Hamlin, Ames, Simpson and Bowman preached in this old church. For many years the Jewish custom of blowing the trumpet was the only method used to summon the people to religious services. The long tin trumpet hung by the door on the inside, and was used by James Westfall, then a boy, who is still living. The Sunday school was organized as soon as the first church house was completed, and has been in operation ever since. Among those who have served the church in the ministry are the following: Daniel Anderson, William Daily, Philip May, William Mc- Finnis, Alexander Miller, J. M. Stallard, Lealdes Forbes, Ebenezer Patrick, William Brown, William Sutten, William Sears, William Ste- phenson, John B. Demotte, Nathan Shoemake, Eli P. Farmer, Elam Jennug, William Long, Eli C. Jones, Henry S. Talbert, William Zaring, Bellamy, John Laverty, George Chapman, John L. Ketchum, W. W. Rundell, Byram Carter, George F. Culmer, W. R. Hal- stead, John W. Culmer, - Martin, Joseph'Asbury. Rev. John Spear is the present minister. The church has never been without a pastor and reg- ular services. Some of her ministers have achieved considerable distinc- tion in their calling. The number of members is now about 175. The Trustees are D. E. Beem, William Rumple, J. F. Lawson, Robert Mc- Naught and John A. Mull.
Christian Church .- The Christian Church was organized by Thomas C. Johnson in the year 1833. An old church house purchased of the Baptists was first used by the congregation. The present building was built about the year 1852. During a greater portion of the time, the church has depended upon exhortation and teaching from its lay mem- bership, with occasional preaching and protracted meetings, conducted by ministers from other points. It had, however, located at Spencer some able and efficient preachers, among whom were Thomas C. Johnson, James Blankenship, B. M. Blount, W. K. Azbill, William Holt, Harrison Hight. In addition to these ministers, J. M. Mathes, W. B. F. Treat, O. A. Burgess, A. J. Frank and others have at intervals preached for the church. Rev. Harrison Hight occupied the pulpit for many years, and still serves as pastor in the absence of any regular minister. The number of members at present is about 150. The officers of the church are: Elders, Emanuel Fulk and Harrison Hight; Deacons, John M. Stewart and John J. Cooper. The church has a strong, earnest and solid membership, and has had a successful career.
Presbyterian Church .- The Presbyterian Church of Spencer origi- nated in this way: In the summer of 1869, Rev. T. S. Milligan, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Henry Little, Home Mission- ary Agent of the Presbyterian Church for the State of Indiana, invited Rev. L. R. Booth to move to Spencer with his family, for the purpose of
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organizing the Presbyterian element in and about Spencer into a church. In compliance with this request, Rev. Booth located in Spencer, and be- gan his ministerial labors December 11, 1869. At that time there was no house in Spencer over which the Presbyterians had control suitable for religious worship, in consequence of which an unfinished room over R. G. Overstreet's store was rented at a cost of $100 per year. On the 1st of February, 1870, the room having been suitably finished and furnished, was occupied by Rev. Booth and his congregation for religious worship, and on the 27th day of the same month a church of twenty-four commu- nicants was organized by Rev. Booth and Rev. Henry Little. Of the twenty-four, twenty-one presented letters from other churches, and three united on the profession of their faith. Those presenting letters were: James Blair, his wife and daughter; David Edwards and his wife; A. M. Huff and his wife; Moses Taylor and wife; B. F. Graham and wife; Mrs. Mary Joslin; Mrs. M. E. Booth, wife of Rev. L. R. Booth; Mrs. Eliza- beth Smith; Lawrence Adams and wife; George B. Kinsell and wife; Mrs. Cyrus Davis; Mrs. Emeline Daniel; Calvin Fletcher. Those unit- ing on profession of faith, were Dr. W. V. Wiles and wife and Mrs. Carry Daggy. These persons, at their own request, were organized into a Presbyterian Church. On the same day, the Lord's Supper was cele- brated. At the same time, one Elder, B. F. Graham, and two Deacons, Dr. W. V. Wiles and Moses Taylor, all having been previously elected by the unanimous vote of the church, were ordained in accordance with the Presbyterian rule.
During the pastorate of Rev. Booth, from February, 1870, to July, 1874, the church increased from twenty-four to seventy-eight communi- cants. Rev. L. R. Booth died in Spencer June 5, 1880, at the age of seventy-one years, leaving a widow and two children. His health had been gradually declining for several years, rendering him less active as a preacher, but in spiritual things he grew in strength and power until the end came. His life had been eminently successful in the Master's work, and his death was a calamity to the church and community. His successors in the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of Spencer were Rev. J. P. Fox, Rev. James Omelvena, Rev. J. H. K. Sammis, Rev. William J. Frazer, and Rev. H. A. Stinson, the present pastor. The church since its organization has not been exempt from calamities and discouragements. In 1870, the Presbyterians purchased ground and erected a very handsome and commodious frame church, at a cost of $4,500, which was destroyed by fire in 1877. Being then without any place of worship, a room over Dr. Wiles' drug store was fitted up for temporary use. The Presbyterians immediately commenced to raise funds to build a new church, which was soon accomplished. The church was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1879, and now on the site of the old church stands one of the most substantial and beautiful churches in Southern Indiana. It is built of unhewn stone, Gothic structure, with paneled ceiling, and walls frescoed in ornamental colors. It will comfortably seat 400 people. The cost was about $5,000. Dr. W. V. Wiles, T. S. Scott and C. E. Ellis constitute the present session of the church. A parsonage is now being constructed of rubble stone, which will be completed in the spring of 1884, and will cost about $2,000. The construction of the parsonage is under the supervision of Calvin Fletcher, which insures comfort, convenience and architectural beauty.
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HISTORY OF OWEN COUNTY.
Baptist Church .- In the early settlement of Owen County, the Bethel Baptist Church was organized about three miles northeast of Spencer, and soon afterward the congregation built a plain, frame church in the southeast part of Spencer. Here they worshiped a short time, but as the majority of the members lived in the country south of Spencer, the church was located six miles southeast of the town, where there is still a flourishing Baptist Church. After this the Baptists held only occasional services in Spencer until the year 1866, when the court house was used as a meeting place, and here D. H. Babcock, G. W. Terry, William McNutt, Robert Moore and others preached for the congregation. On
April 12, 1871, the Spencer Baptist Church was organized with fifteen members, adopting the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, containing an epitome of the New Testament doctrines. On Wednesday before the third Sabbath in June of the same year, a Presbyter, consisting of the pastors and representatives of all the adjacent Baptist Churches, met in the M. E. Church in Spencer, and formally recognized the Baptist Church of Spencer in accordance with "Baptist usages" as worthy of Christian fellowship. In October, 1871, the church sought and obtained member- ship in the Friendship Association, where it still belongs. A. B Mills, I. S. Lucas and Wesley Coffey were elected Trustees, and still act in that capacity. The church soon secured Overstreet's Hall, and continued to conduct its services there till the fifth Sabbath of August, 1873, when the new brick church was completed and dedicated. It stands on Lot No. - , in Spencer. The cost was about $3,000, and the house was built by great sacrifice and self-denial on the part of the membership, which at that time was small and comparatively poor. In 1883, the church was remodeled, and is now one of the neatest and most attractive places of worship in Owen County.
For about six years after the organization of the church, Elder Robert Moore occupied the pulpit, and was succeeded by Rev. T. J. Con- ner, who served as pastor for one year. In the summer of 1878, Rev. N. C. Smith, a student of Franklin College, preached for the church and aided it in the adjustment of old debts. In the summer of the following year, J. R. Edwards, also a student of Franklin College, was the pastor. Both of these young men won the hearts of their church members and the esteem of the citizens of Spencer. They were followed by Rev. J. F. Beamon, Rev. S. H. Thompson and Rev. H. B. Charpie. In Novem- ber, 1882, the church extended a call to Rev. C. N. Garton, of Washing- ton. Ind., to become her pastor for all time service. He accepted, moved to Spencer January 1, 1883, and is the present pastor. The Baptists now have services regularly every Sunday. During the pastorate of Rev. Robert Moor, eighty-three new members united with the church, and the church owes much of its prosperity to him. The accessions to the mem- bership have been as follows: Under the pastorate of T. J. Conner, seven- teen; under that of A. B. Charpie, eight; eleven under the various other pastors, and forty-one under the present minister. These, with the fif- teen original numbers, make the total number of members who have joined the church, 175. Of these, fifteen were constituent members, for- ty-four were received by baptism, seventy-six by letter, thirty-eight by relation. The names of sixty have been stricken from the roll, the great- er number on account of removals and letters. The present membership is 115. From the first, a Sunday school has been conducted in connec- tion with the church, and during a greater portion of the time has been
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HISTORY OF OWEN COUNTY.
under the superintendency of Bro. S. O. Pickens. The church has given liberally for benevolent purposes. During the first four years of its ex- istence, the Indiana Baptist Convention contributed $100 per year to the support of the church. I. S. Lucas, A. B. Mills, Samuel Stillinger, S. O. Pickens, N. D. Cox, John Walls and others have been chosen as Deacons, and many of them have served the church in other capacities. The church is now enjoying an era of prosperity, and considering the comparatively short time since its organization, it is justly proud of its present condition and the position it has taken among the sister churches.
African Methodist Episcopal Church .- The African Methodist Epis- copal Church of Spencer was organized about fifteen years ago. The building used as a church at present was erected in 1874. The Trustees were John Wilson, Pleasant Evans and Benjamin Bass. There were only five or six members when the church was organized. There are now about twenty-five. The pastorate has been filled by Morris Lewis, Madi- son Patterson, Rev. Knight, G. W. Benson, A. A. Burley, C. H. Thomas, H. Harper. The Trustees at present are Martin Scott, John Smith and John M. Wilson. Rev. H. Harper, the pastor, preaches also at several other points. The church has regular services every Sunday. Consider- ing the great difficulties under which they labored, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church deserve great credit for what they have accomplished, and the support and encouragement of the community in the future.
SECRET ORDERS.
Spencer Lodge, No. 95, F. & A. M .- The dispensation for Spencer Lodge, No. 95, F. & A. M., was granted by Grand Master E. Deming February 26, 1849. The first officers were: John W. Allison, W. M .; Joshua Isaacs, S. W .; John M. Coleman, J. W .; John R. Freeland, Sec. The present officers (1883) are as follows: Willis Hickam, W. M .; Will- iam W. Moffet, S. W .; J. Coble, J. W .; S. L. Wallace, Sec .; W. L. Daggy, Treas .; W. S. Meade, S. D .; James King, J. D .; L. Drescher, Tiler. Their place of meeting is in their hall in the third story of the Stutz Block, west side of the public square in Spencer. Regular meet- ings on Thursday evening on or before every full moon. At no time since its organization has the lodge been in a more prosperous condition. Entirely out of debt, the lodge is the owner of the hall in which it meets (which has been recently refitted and put in good condition at con- siderable expense), has its finances in good condition, and has an active membership of seventy-two, who take commendable pride in their ability to do the neatest and most accurate work done during the history of the lodge.
Spencer Chapter, No. 77, R. A. M., received its dispensation Sep- tember 17, 1869, from Grand High Priest H. G. Hazlerig. The present officers (1883) are as follows: W. V. Wiles, High Priest; W. S. Meade, King; N. W. Williams, Scribe; S. L. Wallace, C. H .; D. E. Beem, P. S .; J. Coble, R. A. C .; F. H. Freeland, G. M. 3d V .; I. S. Lucas, G. M. 2d V .; James King, G. M. 1st V .; E. R. Bladen, Treas .; L. Drescher, Treas .; Stephen White, Guard. The Chapter now has a mem- bership of thirty-six, and its place of meeting is in the hall of the Blue Lodge.
Hobah Lodge, No. 323, I. O. O. F .- The charter of Hobah Lodge, No. 323, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was issued by Samuel L. Adams,
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HISTORY OF OWEN COUNTY.
G. M., attested by E. H. Barry, G. S., March 25, 1869, and the Lodge instituted April 9, 1869, by Dr. J. W. Smith, Special Deputy. The charter members were John F. Harner, Cyrus Davis, Tigblman H. Gen- try, W. C. Gentry, V. E. Williams and John Wainer. It was organized in the hall now owned by John L. Stutz, in the third story of the brick building on the west side of the public square in Spencer, and continued to hold its sessions there until the latter part of December, 1882, when it occupied the new hall, owned by the Odd Fellows. The new hall is in the second story of Bladen's new block in Spencer, and is one of the most comfortable and complete in Southern Indiana. Since the organi- zation, there have been 115 members initiated, thirty-seven admitted on card, and four as ancient Odd Fellows; twenty-four members have passed the chairs, and all except one are members of the Grand Lodge of the State; $6,700 have been received by the lodge on account of initia- tions, degrees and incidental receipts, of which $4,200 have been ex- pended for current expenses, relief of brothers and other charitable purposes. The lodge owns a fine lot in the Riverside Cemetery, where three members, B. M. Graham, Kennedy and Cassada, are buried.
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