USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Bloomington > Historic treasures: true tales of deeds with interesting data in the life of Bloomington, Indiana University and Monroe County--written in simple language and about real people, with other important things and illustrations > Part 27
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Records show that in 1841 the taxes of Randolph Ross was $52.25 more than that of any other man in Mon- roe county. In 1842 his taxes were $100.49 more than any other indi- vidual tax assessment.
Ross owned 156 acres of land, valued at $468, and improvements worth $6,360, and personal property assessed at $1,600, making total of taxables worth $8,428.
Mr. Ross, with his son, Randolph Ross, Jr., under the name of Randolph Ross & Son's Virginia Iron Work,' within a year after starting, had in their employ more than twenty men engaged in mining iron ore from the hill, carting it to the furnace, where the iron was run off and cast into bars and then shipped by wagon to Louisville, Ky., and Vincennes, Ind.
The company was incorporated for
$20,000, and was to continue for a period of ten years, with power to renew the continuance for an addi- tional ten years, at the option of the incorporators.
If any other persons besides the Ross family held stock in the concern
it cannot be learned who they were, but it is now hinted by some persons who remember "of" this en- terprise, that eastern capital was in- terested in the enterprise.
Besides manufacturing pig iron from the crude ore, for shipment, the company began the general manufac- ture of iron castings for the local trade, such as kettles, spiders, and irons, pots and machinery castings and rude hoes, and a few mould-boards for plows. Thus, most of the iron mined was made into articles of domestic use.
After proving successful for about five years, the company became in- volved in some manner, and was forced to suspend operations. It seems that outside losses and not failure of this project was responsible for the failure of the company, as the iron furnace in Indian Creek town- ship had proven highly successful for an industry of its time.
BLOOMINGTON HAD REPRESENTATIVE PRESS SINCE 1826-GREAT FACTOR IN PROGRESS OF CITIZENSHIP
Jesse Brandon Moved Print Shop from Corydon and Established "The Bloom- ington Republican" as First Newspaper in the Town-Later Started "The Far West"-Struggles of Early Day Editors Seen.
It is conceded that Jesse Brandon published the first newspaper in Bloomington, beginning about the year 1826, having come from Cory- don with his material, at which place (then the capital of Indiana) he had been state printer. J. B. Lowe soon became his associate. The paper was called the "Bloomington Republican," and the issue did not continue after 1829.
About January 1, 1830, W. D. Mccullough & Co. began issuing a small sheet called "The Independent Whig." Its motto was "Measures, Not Men." This paper became de- funct in 1831.
On September 15, 1832, Jesse Bran- don and Marcus L. Dean issued the first number of "The Far West," a Whig publication with "Willing to Praise, But Not Afraid To Blame" as its motto. D. R. Eckles was its pub- blisher. This paper survived about two years.
In looking through some of the old papers published in Bloomington in the days of the pioneer settler, we find many little writings that bring forth a feeling of good humor and, not being "hogish," we herewith pass them along.
With much pleasure we quote these little stories, which may bring a smile when we consider that nearly 100 pears has passed since they were printed. Then, too, we get a slight glimpse of the "human interest" side of life in that day.
We Take a Hint.
We find a business suggestion in the following, which the editors of
"The Far West," Brandon and Deal, printed as a reminder to their sub- scribers:
"LOOK! LOOK!
"We would be thankful to those of our subscribers who promised to pay their subscriptions either in FLOUR or CORN MEAL. if they would now PERFORM THEIR PROMISE.
"We can not, or will not, subsist much longer on PROMISES!
"It is much better to pay two dol- lars in such articles as above named now, than to pay three dollars in cash at the expiration of the volume, which they certainly will have to do ac- cording to our terms, if they fail to take this opportunity .- EDITORS."
During the summer of 1832 Mr. Deal began the publication of "The Literary Register," a semi-monthly paper, devoted to the interests of what was then Indiana College (later Indiaan Unviersity); but upon the publication of "The Far West," this project was abandoned.
We think this one in the old paper may be appreciated today:
"AN IMPUDENT QUACK.
"A 'professed bonesetter' adver- tises in a western paper that 'his method of treating patients is plea- sant, and his success so certain, that many persons who have applied to him for relief, have afterward dis- jointed and even broken their limbs purposely, in order that they might enjoy the LUXURY of undergoing another operation at his hands!' Verily, he is the most impudent fellow we ever heard of; but we hope he will gain believers, so far as to in-
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duce some one to break the head of the bonesetter that he may enjoy the 'luxury' attendant upon repairing the same."
The "Medics" of the future might profit by the "voices" from the past, think we prospectus. The following appears in another column:
"REMEDIES.
"For Sea-Sickness-Stay on shore.
"For Drunkeness-Drink cold wa- ter and repeat the prescription until you obtain relief.
!
"For Gout -- Board with the printer.
"To Keep Out of Jail-Get out, and keep out of debt.
"To Please Everybody-Mind your own business.
"To Allay Hunger-Eat a pound of beef steak and a quartern loaf.
"To Preserve Your Appetite-Keep out of the kitchen."
This item sounds more familiar to- day than it could have sounded in 1833: "The brig 'Temperance' has ar- rived at Campobello, from the West Indies, with a cargo of rum."
"The Gazette and Advocate."
A rather creditable newspaper was published in 1835, by Jesse Brandon as editor, and named "The Gazette and Literary Advocate." We were fortunate in finding a copy of this old issue, from which we quote.
The following poem is reprinted from another old paper, the "Indiana Gazette," Vol. 1, No. 27; dated, "Bloomington, Indiana, Saturday, April 25, 1835"-We have always felt as did the fellow who wrote this:
"Once on a time to forests wild, Remote from public view.
An aged sire his favorite child In infancy withdrew ;
That peaceful and secluded there Amid the silent rove,
The youth might shun each female snare, And never learn to love.
"But as soon as years had rolled away, And fancy's power began,
Unconscious of paternal sway, He sought the haunts of man ;
The youth beheld the varied scene, In love and wonder lost ;
But woman's soft attractive mien Beguiled his eye the most.
" 'What beauteous form that is?' he cried, 'That looks so heavenly sweet ?'
'A bird, my son,' the sire replied, 'Unknown in our retreat.'
'Oh would it,' said the youth, 'but flee To our sequestered dell,
And there, in solitude with me, For ever more would dwell ;
Together, through the woods, we'd stray, And build the self-same nest ;
I'd woo it all the live-long day, And clasp it to my breast.'
Marcus L. Deal Old-Timer.
About June 1, 1835 Marcus L. Deal issued the first number of The "Bloom- ington Post," an organ of the Whig .party, which continued for eight or ten years. I. H. Brown and I. N. Mor- ris were associated with Mr. Deal in this enterprise at different times.
In October, 1838, the first number of "The Ben Franklin" made its ap- pearance, with Jesse Brandon at the helm. The politics of this paper was, "First choice, Harison; second choice, Van Buren." (It can not be learned how long this publication continued). Mr. Deal, for a short time published "The Budget of Fun," date unknown.
Late in the forties, C. Davidson put out "The Herald," a Whig paper, for several years, and during a part of this time J. S. Hester conducted another of opposite politics.
About this time Elder James Mathes published a monthly periodical called the "Christian Record" in the interests of the Christian church. In addition to this he issued a weekly newspaper called the "Independent Tribune and Monroe Farmer." C. G. Berry and Jesse Brandon were also connected with this publication.
Good Paper.
The brightest paper up to this time, the "Norhwestern Gazette," was start- ed by James Hughes, in 1852, and con- tinued for about eighteen months. In 1853, G. H. Johnson and W. N. Con- nelly aided in its publication.
In 1853, Eli P. Farmer and Jesse Brandon published the "Religious Times," afterward called the "Western Times." The next year J. F. Walker and L. M. Demotte purchased the Times office and began issuing the "Bloomington Times," which was the first organ of the Republican party in the county. The office was afterward moved by Jesse Brandon to Nashville, Ind.
A. B., and J. C. Carlton started the Bloomington "News Letter," a Demo- cratic paper, in January, 1854. A. B. Carlton was editor, and the following, taken from the paper and appearing as an advertisement for a bov to learn the printer's rade, shows the po- litical asperity of the publication:
Forceful Language.
"WANTED-Immediately, a boy of sober and industrious habits, be- tween thirteen and fifteen years of age, can have a first-rate opportun- ity to learn the Printing business by applying at this office. He must be a pretty good reader and spell- er, and able to read manuscript. He will not be permitted, while under our charge, to use in any quantity, as a beverage, any intoxicating liquor. He must be apprenticed for at least three years-we would pre- fer five. Any one wishing to learn the business will be taken on a trial of three months. No Know- nothing boy, nor one who has Know-nothing parents, need apply, as we want no one about us who is trained or sworn to lie, or who is taught that falsehood is a venial offense .- J. C. CARLTON, Publish- er News Letter. Sept. 20."
About the last of June, 1856, the "News Letter" was sold to Howard Coe, who commenced the issue of the Bloomington "Republican," which con- tinued until February 25, 1858, when the office was sold to Clement Walker and W. S. Bush. In January, 1859 Mr. Bush severed his connection with the paper, and in 1863 J. F. Walker purchased a half interest in the con- cern. (It is said that during the Civil War and up to 1884, this paper at- tained the largest circulation of any paper ever issued in Bloomington ).
While the "Republican" was being printed three attempts were made to
found successful Democratic papers in the county seat: In 1857-58, C. T. Nixon issued thirteen numbers of the Bloomington "Advocate," and in the summer of 1858, John B. Borland started the Bloomington "Presage," continuing it for three months; an- other was started on October 3, 1863, by C. H. Patterson, and was continued about six months. In May, 1867, Wil- liam A. Gabe became editor and pro- prietor of this paper and changed its name to that of Bloomington "Pro- gress." In about 1874 the office was destroyed by fire, but later was re- placed.
Fire Destroys Plant.
The Bloomington "Democrat" was started by Thomas C. Pursel, about 1868, and continued until August 1875 (the office was destroyed by fire in 1872, but was rebuilt) when it was sold to O. G. Hunt and J. V. Cook. These men started the Bloomington "Times," a Republican paper.
Mr. Pursel, about this period, pub- lished the "Indiana Student" for a short time.
The "Indiana Student' 'has lived since its foundation, and is published at present in connection with the Journalism Department of Indiana University, where it gives practical newspaper work in fact and theory to students who care for the profession of journalism.
In October, 1874, or thereabouts, H. J. Feltus began issuing the Bloom- ington "Courier," a Democratic news- paper, which he continued to publish until 1894, when he sold the paper to Cravens brothers. The two brothers continued the Courier as a weekly and in 1897 started the "Bloomington Ev- ening World," also. These papers are published at present by O. H. Cra- vens, one of the brothers.
In April, 1877, Walter S. Bradfute and a young man named Arnett be- gan issuing a small paper the size of a letter sheet, designed to chronicle local news and pleasantry. Mr. Ar- nett left in 1877 and from that time to the present Mr. Bradfute has con- tinued his issue. "The Telephone," as Mr. Bradfute re-named the publi- cation, has hereafter been published as a weekly until about 1882, when it was enlarged and in later years pub- lished as a daily and weekly, until within the last couple of years the weekly publication was discon- tinued and the "Telephone" is now is- sued as a daily newspaper by Mr. Bradfute and his son, Blaine as editor.
In 1882 the "Daily Herald" was started as a Bloomington publica- tion, by P. S. Smith, but was discon- tinued in a short time.
"Greenback" Paper.
James Marlin conducted a "Green- back" paper called the "True Plan" in the campaign of 1878.
In 1880, the Bloomington "Hawk- eye" was published for a few months as a Democratic paper, and in the same year John East conducted a small campaign paper.
The Bloomington "Star" was first published in 1895, by Harry Feltus. one of its present owners, and in 1921 a· partnership known as Feltus Print- ing Company was formed. This con-
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
cern is now publishing The Blooming- , ton Star.
The Bloomington "Daily Journal" was started by a stock company in 1914, with Arthur Tracy as editor. This paper was published for about eighteen months.
The following is contained in the editorial column of "The Bloomington (Ind.) Gazette and Advocate," of the issue of Saturday, April 25, 1835, which we trust will give a slight glimpse of conditions as the Editor saw them, at that time:
"Geo. L. Kinnaed is a candidate to represent the Sixth District in Con- gress.
"Milton McPhetridge is a candidate for School Commissioner.
"Mr. Hester, until recently the edi- tor of this paper, has withdrawn from the concern; he was an agreeable partner. The difficulty of procuring suitable workmen, his absence much of the time on professional business and other causes, have dicouraged and prevented him from bestowing upon the paper and the public as much of the labors of his pen as he otherwise would, and we regret that he has not found sufficient induce- ment to continue.
"The paper will hereafter be pub- lished by the undersigned. Thankful for the patronage heretofore receiv- ed, I will spare no efforts to de- serve a continuance of public favor.
"We have had several partners, mainly for the purpose of receiving their assistance in the Editorial de- partment. They have, in almost every instance, continued but a short time, and being such men as we would have supposed most suitable, if any, we are now determined to rely upon our unaided exertions.
"Our failures and discouragements heretofore have only tended to arouse our energy-until recently, having to work myself, in the office, I had not the opportunity to prepare myself for the duties of the Edi- tor. We neither had the leisure to improve our style of writing, nor to investigate the various political and other subjects upon which an editor is expected to comment.
"Anticipating a time when it night not be in our power to have the as- sistance of our friends, or a partner who is capable of writing for the pa- per, we have for some time past endeavored to prepare ourselves to edit with the hope that we should succeed in a manner acceptible to our patrons, and respectable to ourselves.
"Having been so fortunate as to receive pecuniary means from other sources than those of the paper, we are determined to draw upon them to improve and sustain it. We do not make these remarks to encourage ad- ditional subscriptions now, all we ask is, that after we have presented as good or a better paper than is pub- lished in most of other places, they
then give us such patronage as similar papers receive.
"The people of this and adjoining counties have as much taste for read- ing and are as able to pay for their subscriptions as those of any other portion of the state, and they will, we flatter ourselves, be willing to pat- ronize us if we deserve it. "J. BRANDON."
"We were the first, or among the first printers in the State, and early in this part of it; and however far short we have fallen of our aim, it has not been for the want of industry, and our honest and best wishes for those whom it was our duty to serve and our interest to please."
INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM IS PIONEER IN DEVELOPMENT OF NEWSPAPER MEN
Graduates Have "Made Good" on Some of Most Important Literary Magazines and Newspapers of United States-Growth from Three Students to Im- portant Factor in State Educational Institution-Partial List of Graduates and What They Are Doing.
Indiana University as one of the pioneer journalism schools in the United States has every reason to be proud of its graduates who have made good in the newspaper and magazine field. The journalism department started with only an en- rollment of three students and has steadily grown until last semester 200 students were enrolled in the department which occupies a building to itself. A partial list of the scribes who are graduates of the Journalism school is as follows:
Aley, Max, '11, Managing Editor, Century Magazine.
Aydelotte, Frank, '00, Editor, The American Oxonian.
Barnhart, Dean L., '11, Publisher, Goshen Democrat. Barnhart, Eearl, '90, Magazine Writer.
Bartley, Ross, ex'16, Newspaper Correspondent, Washington, D. C.
Blair, James R., '20, Reporter, Peru Union.
Booth, Alice B., '08, Assistant Edi- tor, Good Housekeeping.
Boyd, Samuel, ex-'16, Editor, Washington Democrat.
Bradfute, Blaine, ex-'01, Editor, Bloomington Telephone.
Brehm, George, ex-'06, Illustrator, Norwalk, Conn.
Brodhecker, Rolland, '21, Associate Editor, Brownstown Banner.
Brubaker, Howard, '92, Magazine Contributor.
Cadou, Jepson, '17, American Legion Weekly. Carr, Charles C., '09; Editor, St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Chambers, Frank E., ex-'12, Pub- lisher, Palmyra News, Palmyra, New York.
Chamnes, Ivy L., '06, Editor of In- diana University Publications, and of Alumni Quarterly.
Cooper, Kent, ex-'84, Assistant General Manager, Associated Press. Cravens, Oscar, ex-'92, Editor and
SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM BUILDING OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY (1922).
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
Publisher, Bloomington Evening
World.
Clark, Thomas Curtis, '99, General Manager, Christian Century.
Cook, Guy T., '18, Telegraph Editor Milwaukee Journal.
Crittenberger, Dale Jackson, '78, Editor of Newspaper, Anderson, Ind. Dalyrumple, Allen, '20, Copyreader, Indianapolis News.
Dreiser, Theodore, ex-'93, Novelist. Elliott, George A., ex-'98, Editor, New Castle Courier.
Ewing, Fred R., ex-'99, Editor, Princeton Clarion News.
Fox, Fontaine, ex-'08, Cartoonist, Chicago Tribune.
French, J. Wymond, '18, Instructor in Journalism, Indiana University.
Gifford, Lester C., '10, Editor, Ko- komo Dispatch.
Harper, Ida Husted, ex-'71, Maga- zine Contributor.
Hawkins, Bret H., ex-'13, Assis- tant Telegraph Editor, Indianapolis Star.
Haworth, Paul L., '99, Magazine Writer, Head of History Department in the Indianapolis City Normal.
Helm, Mark P., '94, Managing Editor of Educator-Journal, Indiana- polis.
Herold, Don, '13, Cartoonist, New York City.
Hershey, Lillian Wilcox, ex-'19, Magazine Contributor. Florence, '16, Indianapolis Star.
Hunter, Paul, ex-'98, City Editor, The Press, Cheboyan, Wis.
James, George, '10, Editor, Brazil Times.
Kahn, Howard, '08, Editor, St. Paul Daily News.
King, Fred I., '97, Publisher, Wa- bash Plain Dealer.
Levell, Frank, '20, Editor, Indiana Alumnus, Indiana University.
Louiso, Byron, ex-'13, Feature Writer, Anderson Daily Bulletin.
Lyon, Clarence C., ex-'04, Corres- pondent for Scripps-McRae Syndicate.
McGriff, Floyd, '13, European Cor- respondent for International News Service, 69 Fleet Street, London, E.C. Mellett, Don, ex-'13, Editor, Col- umbus Ledger.
Mellett, John C., Contributor to Collier's.
Miller, D. C., ex-'00, Managing Editor, Bloomington Evening World.
Mourer, Albert A., ex-'09, Manag- ing Editor, Pharos Tribune, Logans- port, Ind.
Naugle, E. E., ex-'07, Editor, Daily Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Ogg, Frederick A., '00, Magazine Writer, Professor of Political Science in the University of Wisconsin.
Preston, Keith, '07, Contributor to Chicago News.
Purcell, George, '09, Editor, Vin- cennes Sun.
Rabb, Kate Milner, '88, Feature Writer, Indianapolis Star.
Raschig, F. Elmer, '10, Editorial Writer, Indianapolis Star.
Reeder, Earl, '16, Editor, South Bend News-Times.
Reeves, Earle, '11, Manager, Lon- don Bureau, International News
Service.
Scheifly, William H., '01, Magazine Writer, Associate Professor of Ro-
mance Languages, Indiana Univer- sity.
Schleppy, Bloor, '12, Feature Writ- er, Indianapolis Star.
Scott, Leroy, '97, Novelist and Magazine Writer.
Sembower, Alta Brunt, '01, Short Story Writer.
Shields, Gertrude M., '14, Author and Short Story Writer.
Stephenson, Joe M., ex-'15, Pub- lisher, South Bend News-Times.
Stockton, Jeanette, '20, Assistant Society Editor, Indianapolis Star.
Stormont, Gil, ex-'71, Feature Writer, Indianapolis Star.
Stuart, James A., '01, Managing Editor, Rocky Mountain News, Den- ver.
Stuart, John L., '08, State Manager of the Associated Press, Indianapolis. Sullivan, Hassal T., '13, Assistant Managing Editor, The Milwaukee Journal.
Summers, A., '09, Editor, Martins-
ville Democrat.
Thomas, Charles S., '94, Editor, Educational Department, Atlanta Press.
Toner, Edward C., '95, Editor, Arı- derson Herald.
Walters, Basil, ex-'18, News Editor, Indianapolis Star. Warner Clifford T., '17, Editor, Fenestra, Detroit Michigan.
Weems, Chester F., ex-'10, Editor, Worthington Times.
Welch, Neal, ex-'17, Editor, South Bend News-Times.
Wheeler, Lawrence, '21, Sunday Editor, Indianapolis Star. Wilson, Mindwell Crampton, '05, Associate Editor, Delphi Citizen- Times.
Wilson, Henry B., '05, Editor, Delphi Citizen-Times.
Winslow, Ralph, ex'19, City Editor, Richmond Palladium.
Winter, I ester, ex'02, Correspon- dent, Indianapolis News.
"FAR WEST" PRINTED IN 1833 AND OTHER OLD BLOOMINGTON NEWSPAPERS PRE- SERVED-ITEMS RECALLED
Hugh Hinkle Makes Collection of Ancient Periodicals-Many Incidents of Past
Decades Brought to Memory by Re-print of News from the Columns of Publications.
We were fortunate, indeed, in com- ing into possession of an old copy of one of the pioneer papers of Bloom- ington-a copy of the "Indiana Ga- zette; and Literature's Advocate," Vol. 1, No. 27; dated, "Bloomington, (Indiana) Saturday, April 25, 1835."
"The Far West" Printed in 1833.
In this collection we also found a copy of "The Far West-devoted to News, Politics, Literature and Agri- culture," Vol. 1, No. 35 .; dated, "Bloomington, Indiana, Thursday, July 11, 1863."
This is the oldest copy of any Bloomington publication it has been our pleasure to look upon.
We also found in this collection copies of "The Republican Progress, October 27, 1899, and a copy of the Bloomington Courier, Vol. 2; dated June 7, 1895, from which we herewith reprint a number of items. Also, among old magazines, we located a copy of "The Saturday Evening Post" on June 27, 1857, and a copy of "The Independent," dated N. Y., August 28, 1873, which proved quite interesting.
Preserved Old Newspapers.
These papers, along with several other old publications of later date, including a copy of "The Northwest- ern Gazette-A Working Farmer's Journal," Vol. 2, No. 13, dated, "Bloomington, Indiana, May 21, 1853" and a copy of "The New York Her- ald," Whole No. 10459; dated, "New York, Saturday, April 15, 1865," (The day after President Lincoln was as-
sassinated) which gives a complete account in dispatches of the death of President Lincoln, wore carefully pre- served by Hugh "Chub" Hinkl >.
Mr. Hinkle has been a silent and observant collector of relics all his life and has assembled together a col- lection of old Indian paraphernalia and memontoes of past decades, such as coins, letters, old pistols and guns, and weapons of all descriptions, which might be cherished by any student of past history.
Another collection of old papers was preserved and furnished by Rob- ert Strong of East First Street.
Treading in the Past.
In reading over these old papers it gives one that feeling of awe and triumph, much as one feels upon awakening from a dream.
We feel a certain sense of familiar- ness with the things talked of in these old papers, still we feel that we are talking with those who have departed this life long, long ago. We find these old "news items" very interesting, in- deed; and consider the privilege to read them a decided threat.
Items of interest which appeared in The Courier, Vol. 2, dated, Blooming- ton, Ind., Friday morning, July 7, 1895, may be of interest to readers of today.
"Goings and Comings."
"Dr. Homer E. Strain has rented rooms in the McGee block at Bloom- ington and will move there soon. Dr. Strain is a graduate in dentistry and
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