USA > Indiana > Pulaski County > Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 46
USA > Indiana > White County > Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 46
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The County Board, at its first meeting, levied the tax mentioned a few pages back, and took measures to have the same collected. Hotel, mercantile and liquor licenses brought in some revenue, but large amounts were paid out annually for many years for wolf scalps. Not- withstanding the heavy tax levied, the county could not meet its neces- sary obligations, and was forced to issue its " orders ". due at some distant day. Though these orders depreciated considerably in value, still they were almost a legal tender in the county, and, in the almost total absence of bank issues or coin, served the excellent means of helping to increase commercial transactions. Men holding the orders would buy store sup- plies with them ; the merchant would hand them to the Auditor in pay- ment for his licenses, and the Auditor would destroy them, and, when necessary, issue others in their place, under the orders of the Commission- ers. Taxes were extensively paid with them. In the exchange of per- sonal property and commodities, they were frequently used to settle bal- ances. But, like all paper serving the purpose of money, there came a time for their redemption. In 1845, taxes to the amount of $882.66 were paid with county orders. In 1849, orders to the amount of $3,000 were scattered over the county. At this time, owing to the fact that the county was making but little effort to pay them, new orders sold at 62} cents on the dollar. Soon after this, however, the debt was ordered to be funded in county bonds drawing six per cent interest, payable in five years. Upon the sale of the bonds, which were taken at about their face, the old orders were redeemed and canceled. The follow- ing is the report of the Three Per Cent Commissioner from 1839 to 1842, inclusive :
460
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
Received from Lewis Dawson.
$900 00
Received from Indianapolis. 215 00
Received from Indianapolis.
302 38
Received from Indianapolis.
259 00
Received from Indianapolis.
282 00
Total receipts.
$1,958 38
Amount paid out as per vouchers
1,501 00
Balance on hand.
$457 38
County Buildings .- As will be seen a few pages back, the proprietors of the county seat donated a small hewed-log building in 1839, to be used four years as a court house, and then to revert to the owners. For some reason, which was probably for want of sufficient room, this building was not used either by the courts or by the County Commissioners. The schoolhouse was the court house; but this structure was not completed until 1843, though begun in 1840, and so nearly finished that it could be occupied. At the March term of the board in 1841, in accordance with the provisions of the contract between the proprietors of the county seat and the county agent, the lots in Winamac were disposed of thus : The agent chose one lot, then the proprietors two, then the agent one, then the proprietors two again, and so on, until all the lots had been selected by either of the parties. Those belonging to the county were immediate- ly offered for sale and disposed of as fast as a satisfactory price could be secured. Quite a revenue was obtained from this source. At this time, also (March, 1841), a suitable building in which to hold court was sought, but could not be found, and thus the schoolhouse came into use for that purpose. If the writer is correctly informed, the log building designed at first for a court house was really and wholly occupied by the county offi- cers and the land officers. If this is true, it is clear why the courts were compelled to use the schoolhouse. It was not the wish to build an insig- nificant court house that would have to be replaced within a few years, and the county felt too poor to build a good one. In this dilemma, the schoolhouse was used. Talk, however, of building a new house was freely and extensively (at the county seat) indulged in, and this, ere- long, discovered and developed the plan by which the old frame court house was built. In April, 1843, there were fifty-six county lots remain- ing unsold. There was also unoccupied and unsold the land for a ceme- tery, for a seminary and for a court house; and there was a note of $1,575, donated by the proprietors in 1839, which would fall due in the autumn of 1843. These facts and the earnest desire to have a new court house led 109 property holders to petition the County Commissioners to give up most of the above donations and to take in lieu thereof from the proprietors of Winamac a money consideration of $3,717. The prayer
461
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
of the petitioners was granted, specifications were prepared and proposals for the new building were called for. Stephen Bruce, Abraham Bruce, John Steiner and Rudolph Hoch engaged to erect the building. About this time the above arrangements were almost wholly changed, and Ru- dolph Hoch undertook to erect the building, receiving his pay largely in town lots. William M. Lemon, Rufus Brown and O. H. P. Grover were appointed building committee. The building was begun, but after the work had reached an important point Mr. Hoch found himself unable to proceed, owing to a lack of money, his consideration for the job being largely town lots. He refused to continue the work, and Carter D. Hathaway, County Attorney, was ordered by the Commissioners to bring suit on his bond. Daniel D. Pratt was afterward employed for the same purpose. A compromise, however, was effected by the appointment of appraisers, who estimated the value of the work done by Mr. Hoch at $948.43, which amount was paid him in money and town lots. He was wholly released from the contract, and the buildings (court house and jail) were completed by others. The first court was held in the new house late in 1849. Thus this insignificant frame court house, which cost something less than $1,000, and the jail, which did not cost half as much, were struggled over for six long years before completed. The fable of the mountain and the molehill comes vividly before the mind.
In 1857, the propriety of building a new court house began to be dis- cussed. Jacob Shoup was sent to Rochester to get specifications of the new court house there. The subject dragged along until June, 1859, when proposals for the contemplated building were advertised for in the Pulaski Democrat, and in August the contract was given to Mathew J. McBird, who immediately began the work. The building was to be fin- ished ! y August 1, 1861, provided the Chicago & Cincinnati Railroad was sufficiently completed by the 1st of May, 1860, to transport the nec- essary materials, but if not then one year was to be added to the time. If the materials could not be brought on the railroad by May 1, 1861, either party was at liberty to retire from the contract. The structure was to cost $12,000, to be paid in monthly installments as the work progressed, and when the cash on hand was exhausted bonds were to be issued for the remainder due. About this time, the old frame court house was aban- doned, and the county offices were removed to the lower story of the new Odd Fellows Hall, situated just south of the court yard. While the new county buildings were being constructed, town lots were ordered sold and other means were pushed to provide the necessary means. During the latter part of 1862, the present brick court house was completed and immediately occupied by the county officers. It was found necessary to
.
462
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
issue several thousand dollars in bonds ; they were afterward paid as they fell due. In 1862, the old court house was sold to Rudolph Hoch, one- half the purchase price to be paid in advance and the remainder in six months.
Jail .- The present brick jail building was commenced in 1870 and completed in 1871, the architect being Edwin May, and the contractors Richard Epperson and Samuel Favorite. The building was to include a Jailer's or Sheriff's residence and a jail proper, and was to cost $7,000. Some alterations were made in the original contract, but the building sub- stantially as above described was completed and occupied.
Library .- An enactment of the Legislature, approved in 1838, pro- vided for the subscription of funds for a county library ; and, immediately after the organization of the county, money for this purpose began to ac- cumulate. Nothing was done with the library fund, except to loan it out at interest until the autumn of 1848, when, on the written request of C. D. Hathaway, John Pearson and some eight or ten others, a county library association was organized, William C. Barnett being appointed Treasurer, and John Pearson, Librarian. The funds (some $300) were deposited with the Treasurer, who was directed to expend a certain por- tion in books. This was repeated from time to time, $120 being thus spent in 1854, until at last, about the time of the last war, the books were distributed to the townships, and the county library, like the hope of youth, became a thing of the past. Before this, however, in 1857, what was known as the " McClure Library Association " was formed for the purpose of procuring a library of useful books " to improve ourselves in reading, discussions and lectures, and to acquire useful and practica knowledge." After continuing a number of years, the association was abandoned. Its books may yet be seen in the county.
Land Offices .- From 1839 until about 1857, Government land offices were established at Winamac. E. A. Hannegan was the first Register and Dr. Jesse Jackson was the first Receiver. Grosvenor S. Adams was Jackson's clerk, and H. P. Rowan was Hannegan's. Among the Regis- ters who succeeded Hannegan were Maj. John Gardner, Col. Sigler and D. A. Farley. Among the Receivers after ;Jackson were Jeremiah Grover, A. L. Wheeler and W. M. Patterson. The presence of these offices at Winamac, especially in early years, added greatly to the inter- ests centered there, and brought many important personages to the town.
County Seminary .- A legislative enactment of February, 1838, made provision for the maintenance of county seminaries throughout the State by the appropriation of certain fines and penalties, such as for breaking the Sabbath, for profane swearing and for assault and battery, etc., etc., and it was made the duty of the Board of Commissioners in each county
463
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
to appoint Trustees, who were to constitute a body politic, with general powers to found, control and maintain such seminary of learning. Funds for this worthy object began to accumulate, even before the county was organized, but their accumulation was slow, the funds in 1854 amounting to only $247.65. The law provided that as soon as $400 had been accu- mulated, the erection of a seminary might be commenced, but this sum was not reached, and no house was built. The organization of free pub- lic schools throughout the State did away with the seminary project, and the funds were turned over to the support of the common schools. The proprietors of Winamac in 1839 donated suitable lots for the county sem- inary, but they were not used, and after remaining the property of the county until about 1864, were sold to several citizens of the county seat.
County Poor .- The old way of taking care of the indigent and help- less was to appoint Overseers of the Poor in each township, who were re- quired to provide for the paupers at the expense of such townships. The care of the poor was sold to the lowest bidder. Sometimes great hard- ships were thus wrought upon the helpless, as they often fell into the ten- der mercies of heartless persons, who endeavored to make money out of the bargain, and this generally could only be done by neglecting, half- clothing and half-starving the unfortunates. After many years, the sys- tem was so far changed that the county, instead of the townships, bore the expense and assumed the responsibility, though still the care of the pau- pers was sold to the lowest bidder. Finally a "county physician " was employed at so much by the year to furnish the poor with the necessary medical attendance. The following is taken from an early record :
This is to certify that the undersigned Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Monroe, sold at private sale a certain pauper by the name of -, of said township, to Jesse Klinger, for the sum of $5 per week, this 14th day of Octo- ber, 1839.
Given under my hand, etc.
OLIVER B. HAYDEN.
This pauper was doctored by John M. Cowan and Hugh Carroll. In 1843, a certain Dr. W. Hambel Salter presented a bill of $188.79 to the Commissioners for medical attendance upon one of the county paupers. The bill was duly considered and the amount cut down to $50, which sum was paid the doctor in full for his services. The poor expense for the fiscal year ending May 31, 1851, was $762.56; but for the following year it was only $585.80. At last, in March, 1865, the present poor farm was purchased of James Boyles for $6,000, a portion of which amount went to pay off certain mortgages against the property. The farm at that time consisted of 165 acres, on the southwest quarter and the north part of the southeast quarter of Section 14, Township 30 north, Range 2 west. Joel Whipple became the first Superintendent of the Poor Farm. Here
464
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
the county paupers (some ten or twelve in number) were removed. At this time there was upon the farm only an ordinary farmhouse, but some additions were made until the few inmates were comfortable. Mr. Whip- ple remained Superintendent until the spring of 1869, when he was suc- ceeded by Joseph K. Boyles, who remained until 1875, his successor be- ing Elias Pattison. In 1875, an addition was built to the poor house by Peter J. Eldridge, at a cost of $538. Mr. Boyles again became Su- perintendent in 1877. In 1881, the fine, two-storied brick poor house was built at a cost of $3,300. This building and the farm upon which it rests are a credit to the humanity of Pulaski County. Joseph Shields is the present Superintendent, and has the care of some thirteen inmates.
Townships .- In May, 1839, Tippecanoe Township was created and at that time included the present Tippecanoe, Franklin and Rich Grove Townships. In September, 1854, Rich Grove was created, leaving Franklin and the present Tippecanoe together under the latter name. In June, 1855, Franklin was created, leaving Tippecanoe as it now is. In May, 1839, Monroe Township was created to include the present Monroe, Harrison and Jefferson Townships. In March, 1841, Harrison was created, leaving the present Monroe and Jefferson Townships together under the former name. In March, 1851, Jefferson was created, leaving Monroe as it is at present. In May, 1839, Beaver Township was created, to include the present Beaver, Indian Creek and Van Buren Townships. In March, 1842, Van Buren was created, leaving Indian Creek and Beaver together under the latter name. In December, 1842, Indian Creek was created, leaving Beaver as it now is. In May, 1839, White Post Township was created, and at that time comprised the present White Post, Salem and Cass Townships. In September, 1843, Salem was created, leaving Cass and White Post together under the latter name. In March, 1850, Cass was created, leaving White Post as it now is. This, in brief, has been the alteration in the political divisions of the county.
Medical Society .- In 1876, the "Pulaski County Medical Society" was organized by the following prominent physicians : H. E. Pattison, William Kelsey, G. W. Thompson, H. Kittinger, W. H. Thompson, D. J. Loring, J. H. Mullin and F. B. Thomas. The society was organized as an adjunct of the Indiana State Medical Society. The officers were a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Censors. The specified objects of the society were "the advancement of medical knowledge, the elevation of professional character, the protection of the interests of the members, the extension of the bounds of medical science and the promotion of all measures adapted to the relief of the suffering, and to improve the health and protect the lives of the community." A seal was adopted bearing the words "Pulaski County Medical Society,
465
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
organized June, 1876." A graduate of medicine in good moral standing, by the payment of $2 into the treasury, could become a member. The full anticipations of the founders of this society have not been real- ized.
Petroleum Company .- In May, 1865, there was incorporated at Winamac the " Tippecanoe Petroleum Company," the object of which was to mine coal, petroleum, etc., in Pulaski, Cass, Fulton, Marshall, Starke, Jasper and White Counties. The company started in business with the announced modest capital of $200,000, and the term of exist- ence was to be fifty years. The reader will probably recognize the names of some of the following incorporators: Daniel Sigler, Melvin McKee, J. S. Wright, Daniel A. Farley, W. L. Farrow, H. P. Rowan, W. S. Huddleston, M. D. Falvey, W. H. Jacks, F. B. Thomas, W. C. Barnett, G. T. Wickersham and Jacob Nickless. It is stated that when the for- mation of this company became publicly known the price of kerosene at Winamac fell flat, though the statement is probably a character of satire. It was argued that surely a capital of such magnitude ought to fully de- velop the vast resources of petroleum stored up at numerous points in the county, and no one thought of questioning the energy and ability of the incorporators. They were all prominent men in the community where they resided, and their connection with the company was positive assur- ance of its usefulness. The citizens of Winamac raised their heads a degree higher, looked sagely down their noses, and thought unutterable things. The incorporators were in ecstacies. The future sky was radi- ant. For further information on this score, the reader is cited to the in- corporators.
Railroads .- In 1853-54, the New Albany & Salem Railroad was built across the western part of the county. This was an important event, and brought with it renewed growth and prosperity. In 1859, the road became the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad and this is yet the name. In 1860-61, the Chicago & Cincinnati Railroad was built across the central part of the county. This was a great era for Winamac, which, for years, had been anxiously waiting the appearance of the iron horse. Since then it has been no trouble to float the commerce of the county. The Atlantic Railroad was built across the northeastern corner in 1882. These roads were assisted somewhat by the citizens, but to what extent cannot be learned.
Agricultural Society .- At an early period, efforts looking to the for- mation of a society for the promotion of agriculture, horticulture, etc., were made ; but the limited population, the lack of means and the absence of the necessary interest, owing largely to unfavorable surroundings, effect- ually ended all enterprise in the right direction. Even after the lapse of
466
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
years, when the population was much greater, and in comfortable circum- stances, and when proper efforts would have been rewarded with success, no further attempt was made. At last, in 1872, the "Pulaski County Agricult- ural and Mechanical Society " was created and organized by the follow- ing stockholders, each of whom at first took the number of shares set oppo- site his name : Jacob Nickless, 2; George Burson, 2; G. T. Drake, 2; Phillip Walters, 1; Israel Hoch, 1; Jonas Good, 2; F. S. McCay, 1; John A. Wirick, 1; P. J. Falvey, 2; F. B. Thomas, 10; J. P. Barnett, 2; John M. Baker, 1; G. R. Allen, 2; George Parrott, 2; John Mulva- ney, 5 ; J. C. Eisert, 1; James Key, 1; William Overmeyer, 1; Jacob Kei- ser, 1; T. H. Keys, 6 ; J. C. Faris, 1; J. W. Vint, 1; Jacob Shoup, 3 ; William Kelsey, 2; I. B. Washburn, 2; E. P. Washburn, 1; B. F. Zel- lers, 1; J. H. Dick, 1; W. C. Barnett, 5; D. B. Phillips, 2; William March, 1; D. A. Singer, 1; William Enyart, 1; Jacob Megahan, 1; Ja- cob March, 1; Samuel A. Smith, 1; Bennett Brothers, 3; Enos Kissin- ger, 1; Cyrus Nye, 1; Thomas Casey, 1; William Key, 1; John Wil- son, 1; Adam Simmermaker, 1; Samuel Decker, 1; L. W. Estes, 5; D. W. Brown, 1; W. S. Huddleston, 5; Daniel Martz, 1; Samuel Good, 5; Charles N. Raver, 1; S. R. Richey, 1; J. B. Agnew, 10; John Lowery, 1; S. I. Brown, 2; M. D. Falvey, 5; W. R. Ballinger, 4 ; J. R. Dukes, 2; Daniel Bruce, 2; Peter Kroft, 1; Mike Burgle, 2; J. D. Vurpillat, 3; L. Ruff, 3; William Spangler, 2; Jesse Taylor, 4; John W. Clark, 1; Abner Byers, 1; James Gill, 1; G. W. Mull, 1; William Zeider, 1. The articles of association were recorded January 14, 1873. The stock was divided into 150 shares of $10 each. A board of eight Direc- tors was elected as follows: F. B. Thomas, W. S. Huddleston, G. R. Allen, J. B. Agnew, Daniel Bruce, William Overmeyer, Thomas H. Keys and George Burson. Suitable grounds near Winamac were pur- chased for $650, and put in condition, with fences, sheds, floral hall, and a race track one-half mile in length. It was found necessary to levy an additional assessment for $1,000 to cover the necessary expenses. The grounds comprise twenty acres, favorably situated northwest of town. The first officers were : President, Thomas H. Keys; Vice President, G. R. Allen ; Secretary, George Burson ; Treasurer, Jacob Shoup. The first fair was held in 1873; was well attended and encouraging. Fairs have continued to be held annually since, with the exception of the years 1876 and 1877, when none were held, owing to the opposition on the part of some of the stockholders. The present officers are : President, H. Kit- tinger ; Vice President, J. B. Agnew; Secretary, Jesse Taylor ; Treas- urer, J. D. Vurpillat ; Directors : H. Kittinger, Jacob Shoup, J. B. Ag- new, A. D. Perry, F. B. Thomas, Jesse Taylor, W. R. Ballinger, J. D. Vurpillat, W. C. Bennett, J. H. Holsinger, J. Bair, Daniel Bruce and George Douglas.
467
HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
Statistics .- In 1840, the population of the county was 561 ; in 1850, 2,595 ; in 1860, 5,711; in 1870, 7,801 ; in 1880, 9,851. In 1840, there were 62 males under five years of age ; 37 from five to ten years ; 37 from ten to fifteen ; 23 from fifteen to twenty; 73 from twenty to thirty ; 41 from thirty to forty ; 14 from forty to fifty ; 16 from fifty to sixty ; 3 from sixty to seventy. Of females, there were 51 under five years ; 53 from five to ten; 30 from ten to fifteen ; 20 from fifteen to twenty ; 48 from twenty to thirty ; 28 from thirty to forty : 15 from forty to fifty ; 7 from fifty to sixty ; 2 from sixty to seventy ; 1 from seventy to eighty. In 1840, there was not an established school in the county. In 1880, there were 3,636 school children. In 1870, there were 578 taxable polls, and in 1880, 1,276. In 1880, there were 2,221 voters. In 1840, there were 122 engaged in agriculture ; 2 in commerce ; 5 in manufacturing or trading ; 4 learned professors or engineers. In 1855, there were 765 polls. In 1856, there were 1,910 school children, but in 1860 only 1,897.
In 1880, there were acres of wheat, 15,416 ; bushels of wheat, 173,- 021; acres of corn, 17,765; bushels of corn, 366,875; acres of oats, 6,776; bushels of oats, 83,036; acres of barley, 31; bushels of barley, 84; acres of rye, 853; bushels of rye, 6,187; acres of potatoes, 2,171 ; bushels of potatoes, 34,201; acres of sweet potatoes, 18; bushels of sweet potatoes, 468; acres of tobacco, 1; pounds of tobacco, 1,510; acres of buckwheat, 207 ; bushels of buckwheat, 2,031; acres of timothy meadow, 14,286 ; tons of hay, 22,318 ; bushels of seed, 181; acres of clover, 3,817 ; bushels of seed, 1,349; bushels of blue grass seed, 705; acres of flax, 124; bushels of seed, 505 ; tons of hemp straw, 8 ; thresh- ing machines, 25; bushels of plums, 2; bushels of cranberries, 768; bushels of quinces, 1; pounds of grapes, 15,855 ; gallons of strawber- ries, 1,551; gallons 'of cherries, 2,369; acres of melons, 18; acres of cabbage, 14; acres of beans, 46; acres of onions, 8; acres of cranber- ries, 18; acres of strawberries, 55; stands of bees, 1,202; cattle in 1880, 10,834 ; cattle in 1881, 17,158 ; horses in 1880, 2,719; horses in 1881, 4,216 ; mules in 1880, 617; mules in 1881, 256; hogs, 15,513; sheep, 12,054 ; pounds of wool in 1880, 39,061 ; gallons of cider, 31,- 091; gallons of vinegar, 4,391; gallons of wine, 333; gallons of sor- ghum, 8,850 ; gallons of maple molasses, 40 ; pounds of maple sugar, 600 ; gallons of milk, 730,838; pounds of butter, 178,926; dozens of eggs, 102,473 ; pounds of feathers, 1,321 ; population of county in 1880, 9,851; marriages for eleven years, ending 1880, 923 ; number of pianos, 19 ; organs and melodions, 61 ; sewing machines, 937 ; number of teach - ers, 94; schoolhouses, 86. The following table explains itself :
.
ABSTRACT OF PROPERTY AND TAXES OF PULASKI COUNTY-FOR THE YEAR 1881.
TOWNSHIPS.
VALUE OF LAND.
VALUE OF IMPROVE- MENTS.
VALUE OF LAND AND IMPROVE- MENTS.
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