USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 81
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 81
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Banks .- In the year 1857, the Bank of Gosport was established, with W. A. Alexander as President, and L. M. Hays, Cashier. The stock was held by a number of parties, and the enterprise proved a disastrous failure, at the end of one year, through mismanagement.
The Citizens' Bank of Gosport was established in 1857 also, by a stock company composed of many of the best citizens in the community. Alfred Brown was chosen President, and Isaac E. Johnson, Cashier. The history of the bank covers a period of only one year, at the end of which time its doors were closed and the stockholders emerged from the failure wiser if not richer men.
The present bank was established in the month of April, 1867, by A. H. Pettitt and William A. Montgomery, who continued the business as partners until November, 1869, when the former withdrew his interest and moved to Indianapolis. After the retirement of Mr. Pettitt, Joseph E. Goss became a partner, and the firm of Montgomery & Goss continued until December, 1870, at which time Pettitt returned and purchased the latter's interest. Under the name of the old firm the bank was re-organ- ized with a capital of $50,000, and flourished until March 1, 1879, when Pettitt again retired, disposing of his interest to J. R. Henry. The name of the firm at the present time is Montgomery & Henry, and the capital at their command is estimated at $75,000. The bank has been conducted very successfully, and at no time during the history of the enterprise has it been unable to meet all demands made upon it.
The building in which Messrs. Montgomery & Henry transact their business is a large brick structure, by far the finest bank building in the county, and cost the sum of $9,000.
The Press .- Several papers have been published in Gosport at different times, the first of which was the Chronotype, established in 1852 by John R. Kerr, who formerly edited a political paper in Johnson County. The Chronotype was a small sheet, Democratic in politics, and devoted principally to the moral and educational interests of the town. Mr. Kerr edited the paper about seven or eight years, when he sold it to - Kerr, who continued it but a short time.
The Gosport Journal was started a few years later than the foregoing, by Henry C. Painter, present editor of the Republican, published at Effingham, Ill. The Journal was strictly Republican in politics, and gained a wide circulation. It was published for about three years. The Busy World, published by a man by name of White, was established some time prior to 1860, and was issued regularly for about two years. It was a weekly paper, non-political, and failed for want of patronage.
Another paper, the name of which was not learned, was started by
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Montgomery Howard, present editor of the Democrat, at Spencer, and issued for a couple of years. It was tolerably well patronized, and edited with considerable ability.
Medical Men .- The early physicians of Gosport were Drs. -- Roach, Thomas and William Taylor, L. P. Langdon, - Ross, W. A. V. Hester, J. M. Stuckey and J. Wooden-the last two of whom are still in the active practice of their profession. Other M. D.'s who have been here at different times are the following: J. M. Smith, John R. McGinnis, John Young, Dr. Cox, J. W. Deen, Eli D. Whittaker, Dr. Brown, L. Williams, O. L Wilson, Dr. Smith, Robert Steele, Thomas Stuckey and Fred Stuckey.
The present knights of the bottle and scalpel are Drs. J. M. Stuckey, J. Wooden, J. M. Smith, C. L. Ritter, Samuel Smith and H. G. Osgood.
Incorporation of the Town .- On the 9th day of March, 1865, the citi- zens of Gosport decided by ballot to incorporate the town, and the village was divided into three wards and an election held. The following Trust- ees were elected and inducted into office, namely: John M. Carleton, from the First Ward; John W. Smith, from the Second Ward, and Thomas J. Blackstone, from the Third Ward. Jacob Geckler was elected Marshal, and the duties of Assessor, Clerk and Treasurer were all per- formed by Mr. H. Woodsmall.
The officers at the present time are Barnabas Lukinbill, J. L. Dun- negan and W. R. Dagley, Trustees, from the three wards respectively; A. E. Arganbright, Clerk; John Rogers, Sr., Treasurer, and H. E. Crouch, Marshal.
Lodges .- Gosport Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. M., was organized on the 29th day of May, 1850, with the following officers in the chairs, to wit: Garrett Conover, W. M .; Jesse Alexander, S. W .; and B. Lemen, J. W. The first meetings were held in a building occupied at the present time by Stephen Osborne, and later at a brick dwelling about one-quarter of a mile west of town, where Mr. Gallagher lives. This house was used as a meeting place about three years, when the organization was moved to the second story of the old Methodist Church, which was erected par tially for lodge purposes. In 1875, the present neat, commodious hall was built by the lodge, and cost the sum of $3,000. The society is re- ported in excellent condition, and has a membership of fifty-four at the present time. The officers are James Hutchings, W. M .; B. Baker, S. W .; G. W. Wooden, J. W .; J. Wooden, Sec .; N. C. Gray, Treas .; James L. Dunnegan, S. D .; George G. Dunnegan, J. D .; and A. Glover, Tiler.
Owen Lodge, No. 146, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 7, 1854, and worked under dispensation until July 18 of the same year, at which time a charter was granted, on which the following names appear: James C. Lynch, M. J. Cooper, A. S. Morrison, J. W. Smith, J. C. Dunnegan and J. H. Herioch. The organization enjoyed a reasonable degree of pros- perity during the first seven years of its history, but in the year 1862 the charter was surrendered and the society went down. Upon petition of the members, the charter was restored in the year 1868, when a re-organ- ization was effected, since which time the lodge has been in very good circumstances, having at present a membership of sixty. The first place of meeting was the Alexander Building, which was used until about sev- en years ago, when a hall over the bank was purchased, which, for con- venience and comfort, is second to no lodge room in the county. The following are the elective officers at the present time: John M. Wainer,
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N. G .; Grant Goss, V. G .; William A. Montgomery, Secretary; and J. E. Wainer, Treasurer.
Gosport Encampment, No. 101, dates its history from May 18, 1870, at which time it was organized, with the following members, to wit: J. W. Smith, Daniel Archer, M. J. Smith, H. W. Leas, Benjamin Vass, John W. Walker and J. E. Wainer. Officers: P. M. Martin, Chief Pa- triarch; Joseph Mullen, High Priest; Cornelius Crouch, S. W .; D. L. Weir, J. W .; W. A. Montgomery, Jr., Scribe; J. E. Wainer, Treas- urer. It has a small membership, and is enjoying a fair degree of pros- perity.
Railroads. - Gosport enjoys the advantages of two railroads, the oldest of which, the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago, was one of the earliest roads completed through Southern Indiana. Prior to its construction, Gos- port was but a mere rural village, but upon its completion the place took upon itself new business life, and, being the only railroad town in the county, it soon became the leading trading point. It enjoyed this prece- dence until the advent of the Indianapolis & Vincennes road, which, run- ning through Spencer, gave that town new vitality, and served to check, rather than increase, the business interests of Gosport. Since the comple- tion of the latter road, Gosport has been at a standstill, its population having neither increased nor decreased to any appreciable extent during the past six years.
Schools .- The schools of Gosport have ever been noted for their effi- ciency, and, from the first term taught in the village by J. M. Mathes down to the present time, the instructors have been among the ablest the country afforded. The first graded school was organized in the year 1870, under the efficient superintendency of Prof. George Boyce, who, with the assistance of his accomplished wife, conducted one of the most successful schools ever taught in the village.
The present beautiful building was erected in the year 1854, and for its presence the citizens are largely indebted to the untiring efforts of William Alexander, whose influence and material aid pushed the work to completion. It is a brick structure, two and a half stories high, 50x50 feet in size, and stands on a beautiful knoll on the north side of Main street, near the western limits of the village. The original cost was $8,000, but in 1876 an addition of three rooms was built, at a cost of $3,000, and with improvements recently made the property represents a value of about $12,000 at the present time.
There are four school rooms and two recitation rooms in the build- ing, sufficiently large to accommodate the 268 children, which the last enumeration returns for the village.
The schools at the present time are under the able management of Prof. Samuel Lilly. His assistants are Mattie J. Small, Blanche M. Wolfe and Ella Hart. There was paid these teachers for their services in 1882-83 the sum of $1.340.
Churches .- The oldest religious society in Gosport is the Christian Church, organized as early as the year 1821, at which time it was known as the Union Church. The first meeting was held at the residence of Ephraim Goss, where the organization was effected, with the following members, to wit: Philip Hodges and wife, James Dowden and wife, Ephraim Goss and wife, Zachariah Dowden and wife, Jeremiah Sandy and wife and Thomas C. Johnson and wife. A little later, Jeremiah Mathes and wife, David Lukinbill and wife, William Alexander and
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wife, Abraham Littell and wife, Sarah Mathes, Kittie Mathes and J. M. Mathes became members, and the little society thus formed soon became the nucleus around which a flourishing religious community sprang up. The church met for worship at the dwellings of Goss, Sandy and Mathes until about the year 1825, when steps were taken to erect a house more in keeping with the constantly increasing congregations. A hewed-log building was erected on Limestone Creek, about one and a half miles west of town, on land donated by Price Hayes. This building was a comfortable structure, with a large shed at one end, and served its pur- pose until the year 1840, at which time it was decided to move the or- ganization to the village, and the house was abandoned. A lot was se- cured on Main street, where the present editice stands, and a neat frame building was erected some time in 1840 or 1841, and used for a period of ten years, at the end of which time it was completely destroyed by fire. The beautiful temple in which the congregation worships at the present time was erected about the year 1851 or 1852, and is one of the most commodious audience rooms in the county, and will comfortably seat 300 persons. It is a brick building, and represents a value of several thou- sand dollars.
Until 1830, the church was known as the old Christian, or New Light, but in that year, through the preaching of Elder J. M. Mathes, it was re organized upon the basis of the current reformation, with a loss of but three members out of 200 belonging.
Among the pastors of the church prior to 1830 were Elder John Hen- derson, the principal mover in the organization, Joseph Berry, Perseus E. Harris, Conrad Kern and Thomas E. Johnson, who afterward served as County Clerk. J. M. Mathes began preaching in 1831, and served the church regularly thereafter for seven years. Elder James Blanken- ship was probably the next pastor, and preached at intervals for about two years. Jackson Mathes preached for the church in an early day, and later came O. P. Badger, A. C. Layman, W. B. F. Treat, J. H. Henry, A. J. Frank and C. W. Martz. The present incumbent is Elder O. P. Badger, of Greencastle, a man of fine abilities and well liked by his con- gregation. The church has an active membership of eighty persons at the present time, and is one of the aggressive religious societies of Owen County. A good Sunday school is maintained throughout the year, with an average attendance of seventy-five scholars. J. H. Henry is the pres- ent efficient Superintendent.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Gosport .*- As there is no record of the origin of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Gosport, it is impossi- ble to obtain correct data and therefore impossible to give a perfectly reliable account of the very early history of the church at this point. The first sermon ever preached in the village, from a Methodist stand- point, was in the year 1838, by Rev. William McGinnis, then a young man doing his first work in the Spencer Circuit. When at Spencer one day, he met Daniel Anderson, an exhorter living in the neighborhood of the county, known as " Bethany," who requested him to go to Gosport and preach. McGinnis consented, and wishing to know with whom to stop, was informed that there was no Methodist family living in the town. James M. Allison, an active layman, then living in Spencer, hearing the conversation, proffered to pay the hotel bill, and McGinnis then sent an appointment, met Anderson there, and in an old log schoolhouse
*Contributed by E. W. Arganbright.
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preached the first Methodist sermon ever heard in Gosport. There was no attempt then made to organize a society, class or church, and on account of the community being overwhelmingly Disciples, Baptists and New Lights, all insisting on immerson being the only Scriptural baptism, the allowing of a choice of three modes, by the Methodists, was animadverted upon to such an extent that bias became strong and prevalent, and several years elapsed after the preaching of the first sermon before even a feeble organization was effected. The probabilities are that the church proper should date its origin not earlier than 1845, and that the original members were John Buskirk, Catherine Buskirk, Lorenzo D. Cravens, Lovey Cravens and the wife of Dr. E. C. Moberly.
Catherine Buskirk, the only resident survivor who has had an undis- turbed and honorable membership during all the years from then till now, and who, though aged, still retains largely her strong physical and intellectual powers, bears testimony to what has been given, but does not remember the name of the officiating minister. During the year 1848, a Sunday school was held in the old schoolhouse, Lorenzo D. Cra- vens acting as Superintendent. the writer of this article having attended it.
For the conference year of 1849 and 1850, James R. Williams, with Othniel Bruner, associate, was appointed to the Spencer Circuit, Gosport forming a part of the work, and to their untiring and well directed efforts, in connection with the Masonic fraternity and the Sons of Tem- perance, a building was erected to be jointly used by the three organiza- tions, the church to own the first and the two societies the second story. The building, a frame, costing about $1,000, was completed and dedicated, Rev. Giles Smith preaching the dedicatory discourse some time during the summer of 1850. The annual conference of that year detached Gos- port from the Spencer Circuit, and formed a new work, called the Gosport Circuit, and appointed J. Y. McKee preacher in charge, with Joseph Tarkington, Presiding Elder, Putnamville being the name of his district. The membership of the church in 1850 numbered about forty-five per- sons, all of whom have, by removal by death or by change of residence, severed their connection with the church except two, Catherine Bus- kirk and Eliza Chrisman. The church has been served successively and successfully during the last thirty years by the following-named ministers: William Butt, one year; Henry S. Talbott, one year; J. H. Belamy, one year; John Laverty, one year; L. Forbes, one year; A. D. Cunningham, one year; H. O. Chapman, two years; Silas Rawson, one year; Calvin Lee, one year; W. S. Carter, deceased during his second year, and Gideon Heavenridge was appointed to the vacancy and served the re- maining part of the year; Elder Elias Gaskins, one year; J. R. Will. iams, two years; G. W. Rower, one year; W. E. Davis, one year; W. H. Cornelius, one year; J. Wharton, one year; John Tansey, one year; Simon Herr, part of one year; S. T. Cooper, finished Herr's time; John B. Knott, two years; G. W. Tolle, two years; J. W. Culmer, three years; F. A. Eller, two years, 1879 and 1880; W. T. Davis, two years, and J. D. Crane, the present pastor in charge (September, 1883).
The church gained much by a discussion of some of the points of difference between the Methodists and Christians, engaged in as the representatives of the one by William Butt and the other by P. M. Blankenship, and the community was the gainer by being greatly en- lightened on the subjects under discussion. This was in the year 1851, since which time the church has had years of prosperity and years of re-
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verses, but, in the main, steadily increasing in strength and usefulness. Among those who have united since, and have proven valuable acquisi- tions to the church, in the order of joining, are Casper Lingle, Dr. J. M. Stuckey and wife, Hamilton Hays and wife, Allen Modrell and family, Dr. H. G. Osgood and family, Arch. A. Brown and wife, J. L. Rumbarger and family, J. N. Steele and wife, J. M. Alexander and wife, Rev. Hayden Hays and family, Barnabas Lukinbill and family. The writer of this, with his wife, united by letter in the year 1852.
In the year 1880 was erected and dedicated to God's service the beautiful, well arranged and substantial brick building now in use, cost- ing about $5,000. To the untiring zeal and great prudence of Rev. T. A. Eller, the church is greatly indebted for its present house of worship, but more especially to the persistent and well directed efforts of Mrs. Dr. John M. Stuckey, Mrs. Hamilton Hays, Mrs. Dr. H. G. Osgood and Mrs. J. M. Alexander.
The present membership of the church is about one hundred and twenty persons. Under the fostering care of the congregation, a model Sunday school is conducted, and with the continuance of the blessings of the Almighty, the future of the church can only be bright and pros- perous.
Baptist Church of Gosport .- This organization is an offshoot of the Little Mount Church, and was organized in the month of February, 1855, and the same year was formally recognized by an ecclesiastical council of several sister churches, which convened at Gosport for the purpose. The names of the constitutional members appear on the old church record as follows: George Goss, Mary Goss, Josiah Buchanan, James Buchanan, Allen Asher, Sarah Asher, John Rogers, James H. Buchanan, John Bra- sier and William H. Buchanan.
Among those who united with the church a little later were Samuel Hubbard, Elizabeth Hubbard, Jane Condiff, Caroline Mosier, P. H. Evans, Lucy Rogers, Jane Evans, Sarah Buchanan, Noah Spainhour, Sarah Boyd, John L. Crouch, Cornelius Crouch, Lavina Crouch, E. M. Minning, Re- becca Smith, Allen Ducker, George Spainhour, Matilda Burt, Priscilla Stout, Parmelia Spainbour, Dorinda Spainhour, Mary Spainhour and Thomas P. Burt. Efforts were made to erect a house of worship early in the year 1853, before the organization was thoroughly effected, and in the fall of 1854 the present neat brick structure was completed at a cost of $3,500.
The first pastor was Rev. P. H. Evans, after whom came G. D. Crabb, Terry, L. M. Parks, William McNutt, Bashiel, Beaman, Clark and Moore. No preaching is sustained at the present time, and the organization is in a very weak condition. A flourishing Sunday school is conducted, under the superintendency of Prof. Samuel Lilly.
Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Gosport .- This society was or- ganized in the month of March, 1872, by Rev. F. G. Rogers, with an original membership of persons whose names are as follows: John W. Smith, R. D. Washburn, Eliza A. Smith, Mary E. Smith, Nancy E. Holmes, A. J. Cunningham, Rebecca Cunningham, and A. J. Mod- rell. The organization was the result of a meeting held by Rev. Mr. Rogers, and in April following a series of meetings was conducted in the Presbyterian Church by Rev. C. C. Mayhew, during the progress of which the number of members was increased to fifteen. About this time, Rev. F. G. Brodie was appointed pastor, and under his labors the
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church increased in members very rapidly, and became a strong organiza- tion.
The Cumberland Presbyterian meeting house was purchased and re- modeled, and with the different improvements made represents a value at the present time of about $2,000. It was dedicated by Rev. Mr. Marvin, of St. Louis, since deceased. The church has been ministered to by the following pastors in the order named: F. G. Brodie, Wolls, William C. Hays, E. M. Davis, V. P. Thomas, Davis, H. C. Dowell, E. C. Morrison, J. L. Branstetter and J. V. Guthrie. The Presiding Elders have been F. G. Rogers, Rev. Mr. Sehorn, D. D., Rev. Mr. Lawson, J. L. Branstetter, Jacob Ditzler, D. D., and Rev. Mr. Ames. The present membership is 125.
At one time there was a flourishing Presbyterian Church in Gosport, but its existence terminated a number of years ago, and no facts concern- ing its history were learned.
Present Industries. --- The Gosport Flouring Mill was built as early as the year 1854, and stands near the L., N. A. & C. R. R., in the north- eastern part of town. It has been remodeled since, and an addition built, and at the present time is operated by D. Johnson, who does a good cus- tom and merchant business.
J. L. Rumbarger operates a large saw mill, and is proprietor of one of the most extensive lumber yards in the State, his sales aggregating over $200,000 annually. He ships lumber and timber to all parts of the United States, the principal points being Boston, Baltimore and Denver. He runs a planing mill also, and has a number of saw mills in different States.
A hub and spoke factory was established in the year 1883 by Luken- bill & Kite. They employ five or six men, and are doing a fair business.
This brings us to the end of our sketch of Gosport. Fifty-five years, laden with sorrows and joys, bright anticipations and vanished hopes, have added both age and dignity to the little city. Many of the old citi- zens who were wont to indulge in what the town would some day be are quietly sleeping in their last resting places, and the children of those early days are children no longer, but have taken their places in the ranks of men and women, and are doing the work assigned them. During all these years, over a half century, the village has sustained its business importance and financial strength, and at the present time is the second town in the county. Its business houses are as follows: Trade palace, kept by Martin & Smith, who handle a general stock of dry goods, boots, shoes and notions.
H. Hayes handles dry goods, boots, shoes, notions, etc., and has one of the largest and best conducted stores in the county.
J. M. Alexander handles a general stock, but makes a specialty of dry goods.
E. C. Mooney keens a general store, and does a fine business. D. L. Weir handles general merchandise.
H. Hays keeps a large assortment of ready-made clothing, which is offered for sale by two gentlemanly clerks, Messrs. Fletcher and Gwin.
J. P. Gentry has lately embarked in the clothing business, and his genial smile and affable manners are sure to bring him plenty of paying customers.
Soth & Hart make a specialty of groceries, and keep the largest stock in the city. P. W. Hall, Alexander Williams and George Spicer handle groceries also.
Hezekiah Wampler
Jane Aamfler
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J. M. Carleton is the genial Postmaster, and also keeps one of the neatest little drug stores in the county.
Dr. J. Wooden is proprietor of the "Boss Drug Store," and reports his business good. A. G. Cunningham, general stock.
There are two good hardware stores, kept by the Buskirk Brothers and J. N. Steele respectively.
S. D. Osborn keeps a restaurant and bakery, as does also George Shirley. S. E. Lenning, dry goods, notions, boots and shoes.
J. W. Alexander, boots and shoes. The milliners of the town are Mrs. J. W. Alexander, Mrs. Myers, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Lewman and Mrs. Stull.
The blacksmiths are O. B. Dunnagan & Bros., T. J. Dunnagan and William E. Stine.
George W. Wooden, harness-maker and saddler.
William Hollick, cabinet shop and undertaking.
W. A. Brasier & Brother, barbers.
Two hotels furnish entertainment for the traveling public. The Rog- ers House, Mrs. A. A. Rogers, proprietress, is situated in the northern part of town, and is a large, roomy frame structure, substantially fur- nished. Mrs. Rogers has been in the hotel business a number of years, and understands it thoroughly.
The National House is under the management of James Chenowith. It is a large two-story frame building, and has been a feature of the town for a score of years.
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