USA > Indiana > Madison County > Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison County, Indiana: A Detailed History of the. > Part 20
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In the year 1870 Dr. George F. Chittenden, of Anderson, who first started in his medical career in the early '50s at the village of Chesterfield, was placed in nomination by the Re- publicans of Henry and Madison counties, and was elected as joint representative, serving two years. He was also after- wards prominent as a member of the Board of Trustees for the hospital for the insane.
Among other doctors who represented Madison county in the Legislature were J. F. Mock, Thos. N. Jones and S. W. Edwins.
Among the best-known physicians during his residence here, and one who was prominent in political matters, was Dr. John Hunt, whose practice dates from 1839. In addition to having at one time been a member of the Legislature, he was also elected County Treasurer of Madison county. It was once said of him that he could sit upon the stone steps in front of his office in the public square and dictate the nomina- tion for every office within the gift of the Democratic party. During his reign as a manipulator of politics he ruled with an iron hand, and woe be to the man who crossed his path, or in any way undertook to undo anything he might choose to ac- complish in that direction. A man once having gained his dislike was immediately wiped from his political map.
Dr. Hunt's medical practice was very extensive, and his qualifications were unquestioned. Whenever there was a des- perate case of sickness in any part of the county, and the chances seemed to be against the patient, it was invariably the rule for the parties to send for Dr. Hunt. He died in Fayette- ville, in Arkansas, in the year 1894.
Of other physicians who years ago held political sway in
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Anderson was Dr. Thomas N. Jones, father of Dr. Horace E. Jones, who is still in our midst. He came to Madison county some time in the '50s. He was tall and stately, and a man who was a great mixer among his fellow men. He was popu- lar with the people, and, like Dr. Hunt, drifted into politics. In the year 1876 he was nominated and elected as representa- tive for Madison county in the Legislature.
Dr. Jones was an impulsive man, and it took but little rubbing of the hair the wrong way with him to get up a first- class quarrel. He was not vicious in his disposition, and scarcely ever came to blows with an antagonist, and as long as his foeman would stand at a safe distance and quarrel the Doctor generally managed to hold up his end of the string. He was a very successful practitioner, and a great success at the bedside of a patient, from the fact that he was very kind and gentle in the sick-room and an excellent nurse, and he mever failed to get the confidence of his patients. He died in Anderson in the year 1875. Dr. Jones was the most promi- ment of his profession in Anderson during his many years' resi- Cience here.
Dr. N. L. Wickersham, who yet resides in Anderson, is = = Iso one of the early settlers of the county. He came here Imany years ago from Grant county. He was twice elected za's president of the first medical society of Madison county, which was organized in 1868.
One of the most prominent physicians that ever lived in NIadison county was Dr. William A. Hunt, a brother of Dr. John Hunt, above referred to. He was for many years located on his elegant farm in Richland township. which is now owned by John Tappan. where he had a large practice. Ile removed to Anderson in 1868, and for a while engaged in the drugg trade with the late J. F. Brandon, but upon retiring from the firm he again entered into the practice of his profes- sion , which he kept up until his death. Dr. Hunt was a ready writer and the public prints of the county contain many of his spicy communications. He was undoubtedly the greatest reader that ever belonged to his profession in this community. not only of medical works, but of all the literature of the day.
He was a master of language, and in his writings are many gems, although he invariably wrote over a nom de plume thereby concealing his identity from the world.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE FIRST COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ELECTED IN MADISON COUNTY, AND SOME OF THEIR EARLY RECORDS.
The Legislature of 1828-29 passed a law abolishing the courts of the justices, which was composed of one Justice of the Peace from each township, and provided that the county business should be transacted by three Commissioners elected in each county in the State, and made them courts of limited jurisdiction since which time there has been no change in that respect.
The first election held in Madison county under this law took place on August 11, 1829, at which time Thomas Mc- Cartney, Henry Seybert and John Berry were elected the first Board of County Commissioners.
On the 19th of August, 1829, the old Court of Justices held its last session, being called for the special purpose of receiv- ing the certificates of election of the new members of the Board, and was presided over by William Curtis, the president of the Board. The following members were in attendance : Daniel Hardesty, Daniel Wise, Richard Kinnamon, William Nelson, Jacob Hiday, Moses Whitecotton, Amasa Make- peace and John Busby.
The first business of the court was to hear and determine a contest of the election of John Berry, one of the newly elected members of the new court. The contestor, his op- ponent, Joseph Nichols, protested against Berry's elec- tion on the ground that the election was not carried out according to law in relation to the closing of the polls at the proper time. Ansel Richmond, who was clerk of the courts of the county, and also acted in the capacity of Auditor and Recorder, made up the minutes of the proceedings.
The Board of Justices, after hearing all the evidence and being well advised in the premises, decided against Mr. Nichols, and Mr. Berry was seated as a member of the Board, and the Justices then gave way to the Commissioners and the Board of Justices became a thing of the past.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The first order made by the Board of Commissioners after being organized was in relation to the Shelbyville State road, as follows :
" Ordered, that Isaac Jones be, and is, hereby appointed Commissioner, on behalf of Madison county, to locate a State road leading from Shelbyville by the way of Marion, in the county of Shelby ; Greenfield, in Hancock county, to Ander- sontown in the county of Madison, in the place of Thomas Bell, appointed by the legislature, January 23d, 1829, he having declined to serve."
At the November session, 1829, the Board made an allowance to the Commissioners who laid out the above road, as follows :
"Ordered, that Isaac Jones, J. C. Sleeth and Henry Watts be allowed the sum of nine dollars each for their services as Commissioners in viewing the State road from Shelbyville in Shelby county, by the Falls of Fall creek to Andersontown, thence to intersect the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne State road, and M. Gosney is allowed the sum of fifteen dollars for nine days' service in surveying said road." Sleeth and Watts were acting on behalf of Shelby and Hancock counties.
The old system of State roads was as much of a convenience to the pioneer as the present railways are to the present in- habitant in this the day of steam locomotion. They were all mail routes of importance, and the mail-boy was of much im- portance, his coming on his bi-weekly trips being anxiously looked forward to by the residents along his route.
At the November session, 1828, the Board made the fol- lo wing allowance :
"Ordered, that F. W. Richmond and James M. Irish be allowed the sum of thirty-seven and a half cents each for mak- ingy return of the presidential election in November last."
CHANGING THE BOUNDARY OF ANDERSON TOWNSHIP.
At the May session, 1830. the Board of Commissioners matcie an order extending the limits of Anderson township, as follows:
" Ordered, that the west line of Anderson township be moved west to the line running north and south between Sec- ticos 16 and 17, thence north to the Indian reservation."
MADISON COUNTY'S FIRST LOAN.
The first loan negotiated by Madison county was pro- cured of Marion county, which, it seems, had a surplus of
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funds, and, being neighborly, was willing to help their more unfortunate neighbors. The order for the contracting of this loan was entered at the January session, 1832, as follows :
"Ordered, that John Berry be, and he is hereby ap- pointed an agent on behalf of Madison county, to apply to the Board of Commissioners of Marion county, for a loan of the funds of said county on hands, for any sum not to exceed one hundred dollars, for any time not to exceed three years, sub- ject to be paid whenever there shall be a sufficiency of money in the treasury of Madison county to pay the same, and that he apply therefor at their March session next, and that the clerk of this court give him a certificate of his appointment under the seal of this Board."
THE FIRST ORDER OF THE COURT DISTRICTING THE COUNTY INTO COMMISSIONER'S DISTRICTS.
At the May session, 1831, the Board of Commissioners ordered that the county be laid out into districts which should be represented by a county commissioner. This was when the county was composed of only six townships. The order was entered of record on the 3rd day of May, 1881, as follows :
" Ordered by the Board that Madison county be divided into three districts, in each of which to elect a county com- missioner at the August election, in the following manner, towit : Union and Adams townships to be known as District No. 1; Anderson and Jackson townships to be known as District No. 2, and Fall Creek and Greene townships to be known as District No. 3."
SCRAPS FROM AN OLD COUNTY RECORD.
A CASE OF LOCAL OPTION IN THE OLDEN TIME.
At the May session, 1833, of the County Commissioners' Court, appears the following :
"Comes now Jessie Wise and files his petition for a license to keep a grocery and to vend liquor at his stand in Andersontown, whereupon comes William Craycraft and others, and file their remonstrance against the Board granting any license to any grocery in the said town.
" And it appearing to the Board that a majority of the citizens and free-holders of said town do remonstrate against the granting of any such grocery license, it is considered by the Board that said license be not granted."
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
LICENSE GRANTED AT CHESTERFIELD.
At the same session of the Commissioners' Court above alluded to, the following entry appears :
"On application and petition filed, subscribed by at least twenty-five free-holders of the proper township, it is ordered that George Swan and John Roswell be allowed a license to keep a grocery, and vend liquors at their stand in West Union (now Chesterfield), for the term of one year."
FARMING OUT THE POOR.
In the early times the county did not own a magnificent farm and a palatial home for the unfortunate poor ; they were kept by persons who would take them for the labor they could perform in addition to whatever compensation the county might pay them, bidding them off at public lettings. One of these auctions is referred to in the records of the Jan- uary session, 1834.
" Now comes John Berry, one of the overseers of the poor of Anderson township, and reports that after due notice, he did, on the 11th day of December, 1833, farm out to Nathaniel Chapman, Lydia Passons, a pauper, for the term of one year for $11.75, he being the lowest bidder."
BUILDING OF A POOR HOUSE, 1834.
At the May session, 1834, of the County Commissioners Court. appears the record of the building of a poor house for Madison county, costing the princely sum of $20.00.
" Now comes Joseph Shannon, and makes the following report, towit : To the honorable Board of Commissioners of -Madison county, building of a house advertised on the 26th Of February and sold on the 7th day of April 1834, to the I owest bidder, to-wit : Jacob Shaul, for $20.00, he giving Loond and approved security to have the poor house finished on Or before the 5th day of May, on section 15, N. E. quarter Town 19, N. R. 7 E. By order of the Board."
JOSEPH SHANNON, Agent.
"Ordered that Jacob Shaul be allowed $20.00 for build- ing a poor house ."
CHAPTER XXIX.
AN EVENTFU'L DAY.
On the 28th of July. 1896, many local happenings took place to make it memorable in Madison county history. At Anderson, on that morning about 9. o'clock, Benton Rose and Andrew Hayworth, two visitors to the city in the search of employment, were run over by a Panhandle train near the Tenth street station and so badly mangled that Hayworth died on the same day, after being taken to St. Mary's Hospital. Rose was badly hurt and died at the hospital on July the 30th. Hayworth was a married man and had a family at Liberty, Indiana, where his relatives all resided. His family were notified and his remains were removed thither for burial after an inquest held by Coroner S. C. Sells. The two men were on their way to the station to board a train for Elwood, and were walking on the railroad track in a beating rain storm, with an umbrella carried down over their faces in such man- ner as to obstruct their view of an approaching train that was backing toward them. James Foland, a brakeman, was on guard at the rear end of the moving train and saw the men, and realized their perilous situation, and called to them at the top of his voice and did all he could to arrest the attention of the engineer but to no purpose, as the severity of the storm prevented the victims, as well as the engineer, from hearing his cries of warning, and before his eyes he was compelled to witness the horrible sight of two fellow creatures being ter- ribly mutilated by the merciless wheels. Dr. Edward B. Chittenden was called and administered such medical assist- ance as was necessary, and assisted in their removal to the hospital.
On the same day John Meckle, an architect, in the employ of I. I). Bosworth's planing mill, had his hand horri- bly mutilated by a saw, nearly causing the loss of two of his fingers.
About the same hour, Benjamin Gannaway, of North Anderson, while working at the Indiana Box Factory, was struck by lightning, but was not fatally hurt. The bolt
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
struck him on the head and ran down the left side. burning the side of his face and breast. He was rendered unconscious, and was taken to his residence near by, where he was attended by Dr. HI. E. Jones.
A barn on the farm of Barney Reddington. in North Anderson, was on the same day struck by lightning and con- sumed by fire.
At Frankton the rains caused the streets to be flooded, and many of the cellars of the residences were filled with water.
At Elwood the heavy rains caused Duck creek to be swollen to such an extent that many houses were flooded, and some moved from their foundations, and many of the newly made brick streets were washed out and much damage done to property.
White river was higher than at any period since 1884, and caused much anxiety to the residents in "Park Place " as to the safety of their homes.
At Elwood a man of the name of Abraham Groover, in company with some friends who were swimming in the swol- len waters of Duck creek, jumped into the stream, and struck some hard substance, causing injuries from which he came near losing his life.
On the same day a young man by the name of John Wood, of LaFayette township, was drowned in Indian creek. He was the son of William Wood, a well-known farmer of that locality, and was about fifteen years old. He was in company with some neighbor boys, and when they Came to the stream which had become quite high from the heavy rains, he jumped in to enjoy a swim, and sank to the bottom and never came to the surface again. His body was recovered the next day, about thirty rods from where he plunged in.
Seth Wise, a bachelor, the son of Susan Wise, living about eight miles west of Anderson, on the Perkinsville road, Was found dead in a field on the farm of his mother. He was Subject to epilepsy, and it is supposed he died in one of his 1 it. This occurrence took place on the farm made famous in Inhistory by the residence thereon having been twice destroyed boy cyclones, a full account of which is elsewhere given.
CHAPTER XXX.
A NUMBER OF PLEASANT REMINISCENCES.
SAVED FROM PRISON BY " TURNING JACK. "
One of the funny occurrences in the old Court House was a case in which a man was on trial for a criminal offense and his case had gone to the jury for the finding of a verdict.
The case was one of some importance, and the counsel on either side had done their best in the trial and argu- ment in the case. There was much speculation after the jury had retired as to the result. The jury hung for a day and a night without coming to an agreement, and this added to the anxiety of the situation.
Joseph Jarrell, an old citizen, and one whom all old- timers will remember, who lived in Pipe Creek township, and who was a familiar figure around the Court House during the sittings of the court, was on the jury.
John C. Jones, ex-mayor of Anderson, who then lived in Boone township, was also a member of the jury. These two gentlemen were renowned " seven up " players, and after the jury had exhausted all means to agree upon a verdict, it was determined that the case should be decided by Jarrell and Jones playing a game of three best out of five of "old sledge."
Jarrell was known by the " nick name " of " Booty."
The game began and was evenly contested until it stood two to two, with even points, when " Booty " turned Jack in the last deal, and won for the prisoner his liberty.
Mr. Jarrell was a hearty laugher, and was so overjoyed that he fell backward from a stool on which he was sitting, and laughed so hard that he could be heard several squares from the court house.
The verdict was immediately made up and returned in open court, but it was kept a secret from the judge and mem- bers of the bar for many months, as to how the decision was arrived at.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
CAPTAIN W. R. MYERS CALLED DOWN.
In course of life at the bar of justice there are as many episodes that are full of mirth as in any other vocation.
Captain W. R. Myers, who was for many years an hon- orable member of the Madison county bar, had his ups and downs, ins and outs, experiencing about the same routine that other lawyers have who have gained prominence in their profession.
The genial Captain rather liked the funny side of a law- suit, and often engaged in many scenes during his practice that were laughable.
At one time he was called to the country to try a case before a Justice of the Peace in Lafayette township, in which nearly half of the citizens of that locality were engaged on one side or the other.
The "'Squire " was a sedate old gentleman with lots of goodness of heart, but a limited knowledge of the law.
The case was a very important one and a jury was de- manded. The Constable was sent out over the township. and a jury of twelve men " good and true" were procured who were duly empaneled and sworn, and the trial began, last. ing until late in the night.
The Captain made one of his finest efforts and felt sure from his standpoint that he had won an easy victory over his opposing counsel. The jury, after receiving a charge from the Justice, who delivered it in a most dignified manner. retired for deliberation.
It was no time until they returned with a verdict against Captain Myers' client. This entirely unnerved the Captain, and he immediately made a motion to " poll " the jury. To this the opposing counsel objected : Myers insisted, when the court broke in : "Captain Myers, take your seat, I know these men and this jury ; they are my neighbors : they are honest men, they don't need any polling, and they're not going to be polled either, do you understand?"
There was nothing left for the wily Captain to do but to quietly sink back in his seat and take his " medicine." The counsel on the other side enjoyed the fun at Myers' expense, and lost no time in telling it to his friends on their return to Anderson.
Another time when Myers was prosecuting attorney, he had a fellow before a jury for petit larceny. He was a most
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
villainous looking man, with a countenance most repulsive, and general make-up that would make an ordinary man shudder.
In the trial the Captain doubted very seriously whether he had made a case. When the evidence was all heard, Cap- tain Myers arose in a very dignified manner and said :
" Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard the indictment read, all the evidence in this case has been adduced.
" Now here is the defendant, look at him and draw your own conclusions."
This was all the speech necessary. The defendant's coun- sel made a final effort in his behalf, but to no avail.
A look at the criminal settled the question, and a convic- tion was found.
HOW A COURT OFFICIAL STOOD UPON HIS RIGHTS.
People talk about the dignity of court officials of to-day. They seem to think there is too much red tape and useless formality about our courts of justice. They think the good, old fellows who held the reins away back were not so formal ; that their manners were simplicity personified ; that no such thing as leaning on the dignity-of official position prevailed in the days of our fathers. This is a mistaken idea. One of those sedate old fellows, when he got into a position, took all the pains in the world to show it. It was his delight to let the world know that he was one of the great men of the coun- try, and it wouldn't do to " monkey " with the court in those days. If you did, you would get your foot in it. There was no delicacy with those old chaps about exercising their " pre- rogatives." " Ten, ninety," would not settle the bill ; they would send you to the bastile.
As an instance, by referring to the old court records of September, 1832, it will be seen that one Daniel Harpold was one of the Commissioners of Madison county. It was then, as now, the duty of the sheriff to attend the sessions of the Com- missioners' Court. The court was not supposed to be in legal session without the sheriff's presence.
.. Good old Daniel," it seems, was one of the stiff-backed, old fellows who wanted every thing done up according to law. He presided in court like a king on his throne, and displayed all the dignity of a present-day judge of the Supreme Court. When the session was about to be convened, Daniel discovered that the sheriff was absent. Then Daniel " kicked." He
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
would not set as a Commissioner in the absence of the sheriff. The plain letter of the law was that the sheriff must be there. and nothing else would do, so the court had to adjourn until the sheriff could be brought in. The following order of ad- journment was made :
" Daniel Ilarpold, one of the Commissioners of Madison county, now refuses to set as a Commissioner at this term. because the regular sheriff of the county, or a regular deputy from the hands of the sheriff is not present to attend to this Board. Ilenry P. Davis is, therefore, ordered by this Board to open this court and adjourn the same for the present, where- fore the said Daniel Harpold then took his seat as a Commis- sioner."
If a County Commissioner of the present day was to rear back on his dignity on such a whimsical cause as the above, he would be " dumped" at the next election. No, sir ! the old patriarchs hal as many whims and oddities as people of to-day.
The more you look back into the olden times, the more . you will see that human nature has always been the same. " Man," as Josh Billings has said, " has had one eye on the main chance and the other on the collaterals." Early customs differ somewhat from those of the present time, but the same principles and selfish motives lived in the breasts of those old fellows that do in those living now. The present generation is not wholly to blame for its short-comings, for they are hereditary and were handed down from the early settlers of the country.
CONDEMNED TO BE SHOT.
The last Madison county Agricultural Society dates from 1868. The first fair was held on the grounds in September of that year. James M. Dickson, James II. Snell, John F. Wild- man, Col. Wm. C. Fleming, William Crim, Dr. Joseph l'ugh and A. B. Kline were among the most important stockholders. A. B. Kline was secretary, James HI. Snell, general superin - tendent and John P. Barnes, treasurer, which officers were also members of the directory. At the first fair a great crowd was in attendance, and the whole snap was a howling success. The stock was away above par, and scarce in the market. During the progress of the fair a good, old. Pennsylvania- Dutch farmer concluded that he would save a quarter, and climbed over the fence. Some one saw him and reported him to the marshal, who immediately placed him under arrest and
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