USA > Indiana > Madison County > Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison County, Indiana: A Detailed History of the. > Part 22
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And here begins a final feature of the affair altogether unanticipated, and which brought to it a termination much sooner than the general public had been led to suppose. A few friends of Cox were permitted to visit him every few days. They discussed quietly with him the probable results of his trial. It was feared by all of them that the best that he could hope for would by a long term of twelve or fifteen years in the penitentiary. They all feared a verdict, while they consid- ered that he had acted in self defense. After talking the mat- ter over from every point it was determined that he should break jail and leave the county forever. He assented and he readily agreed to make the attempt, and which, as we will subsequently see, was crowned with success. Five true and
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determined men were given the secret, and these five, it was said, brought it about. The strictest secrecy was enjoined upon all and the night was selected when he was to rush forth to freedom. During the occasional visits of his friends an im- press of the lock in beeswax was taken. This was used in patterning an iron key that would fit the lock. After it was finished it was found to work exactly. It unlocked the door to the jail readily. All was well thus far. The next thing was to select the night and make final preparations.
One can fancy how the hearts of these five friends must have beaten as the hour drew nigh for Cox to come forth. The slightest mishap might upset all their plans and they themselves be locked behind the bolts and of the same prison from which they were striving to liberate their friend. Cox was the owner of a fine horse, " Selam," a good roadster, strong of wind and " good bottom." Ile was to be used in carrying his owner away from trouble. "Selam " was brought to town one afternoon and thoroughly shod for the journey at the blacksmith shop in the south part of the town near where the school building on Main street is situated. One of his friends went to the jail and told him to prepare to start that night at about the hour of 11 o'clock. Near that hour the five friends, one of them leading "Selam," approached cautiously and noiselessly to the jail building from the west side of the square.
It was cold on the night in question, a slight snow was falling, the town was in deep slumber and only a faint, dim light could occasionally be seen from some building in the vicinity.
Slowly and with cat-like tread the jail is reached, the door is unlocked and in low tones Cox is told to come forth. He does so at once, and for the first time in weeks, breathes the air of freedom and after a hurried conversation regarding directions he mounts the faithful horse. " Farewell, may God protect you" is heard, and a cordial final shaking of hands all around and he is off bidding farewell forever to Madison county. He moved in a westerly course. The night was ex- tremely dark, and was lighted only by an occasional star from behind the dark passing clouds, but he moves on as fast as old " Selam " could carry him, animated no doubt by the fear that early next morning officers may follow and overtake him, and that he may yet be compelled to undergo imprison- ment behind the gloomy walls of the penitentiary. He rode that night, it was afterwards ascertained, twenty miles before
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stopping, crossing the river at Perkinsville, and proceeding in a northwesterly direction. His first stop was in the northern part of Hamilton county at a farm house, where he remained until the afternoon, to feed and rest his horse.
The next morning after his flight immense excitement was created in Anderson at the discovery that Cox was missing. How it was done and who did it were puzzling questions that every one was asking. Many were glad of it while others condemned the officers for their carelessness. Officers were sent in various directions and posters sent describing the escaped prisoner. This was in the days before telephones, telegraphs, and railroads were known, and it was a much more difficult matter to trace and catch criminals than in this fast age.
The night of the escape a heavy snow fell and it was im- possible for sometime for the officers to ascertain in which direction he had gone, which was all the better for the fleeing man. Finally they got on the right course and traced Cox as far northwest as Logansport where it was found that he had crossed the Wabash river about the third day after leaving Anderson. After this nothing reliable as to his course in leaving the Wabash could be ascertained, and, after a few weeks, pursuit was abandoned altogether. The friends of Cox mingled with the citizens of the town the day after the escape wondering (?) how it was done and condemning in no mild terms the want of vigilance on the part of the officials. One of these five men, who was generally suspected as an ~ aider and abetter " in the liberation of Cox. is yet among the living of Madison county, and as we observe his slow treading steps and bent form as he passes along the streets, we fancy he must, in his mind, recur to his part in the affair of near a half a century ago with mingled feelings of satisfaction to himself. if to none other, and what a thrill of excitement must occa- sionally pervade his thoughts as the stormy night. the quiet anarch to the jail, the appearance of Cox, and his quiet disap- pearance in the darkness all appear before him.
A plain marble slab, properly sculptured, only a few rods to the northeast from the main entrance to the Anderson Cemetery marks the spot where repose the remains of Tharp. the unfortunate victim of a tragedy of so much excitement in the long ago, and here the winds of near a half century have sung their sad requiems over his grave.
Some twenty-five years after the tragedy an old citizen
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of Madison county, during a journey through the west, in his route had occasion to pass through the west part of Wiscon- sin, in St. Croix county. Here in a small town he came un- expectedly across Cox, who had disappeared so suddenly in the winter of 1847. Both recognized each other at once and their greetings were cordial. Little or no reference was made to the trouble " back in Indiana," a quarter of a century be- fore, and Cox did not seem in the least flustered or nervous at meeting the individual that knew a full history of his former difficulty. He may yet be alive, but if so, is no doubt gray and bent with the weight of seventy or eighty years upon him and as each annual occurring " Thanksgiving Day " appears he would gladly blot from memory that of 1847.
Captain A. I. Makepeace saw Tharp on the morning of the tragedy and tried to dissuade him from attending the shooting match.
A RED HOT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN IN WIIICH MUCH BAD BLOOD WAS DISPLAYED.
The campaign of 1868, the first to take place after the close of the Civil war, was one that will long remain green in the memories of those who lived in this county and took part in it. There never has been one since that has been ac- companied with so much ill feeling, hot blood, or hatred, as that memorable political fight. The campaign started in early, and the battle raged fiercely until the last gun was fired. General Grant was the nominee of the Republican party, and Horatio Seymour the Democratic leader. The Democrats started in by ratifying the nomination of Horatio Seymour for the presidency, in July, by the firing of cannon and speech- making in the Court House yard, on which occasion Jacob Hubbard, while ramming a load in the cannon, had his arm blown off by a premature explosion, an account of which is elsewhere related.
The Republicans had a well organized body of men in uniform, well drilled for political parade, " The Fighting Boys in Blue, " at the head of which was Captain C. T. Doxey, who was then young, energetic and full of life, just fresh from the seat of war. The Democrats had the largest political uniformed club that was ever organized in the coun- ty, numbering one thousand strong. Captain B. B. Camp- bell was the commander. The organization was known as the " White Boys in Blue." This was one of the finest look-
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ing political clubs that ever marched through the city of Anderson ; their uniforms were blue pants, zouave style, white waists and blue caps.
During the campaign Mrs. J. M. Dickson, who was one of Madison county's best Democratic women, presented the boys a flag in a handsome speech from the veranda of her resi- dence at the corner of Fourteenth and Jackson streets, which was received with cheers and music. The boys carried that flag from one end of the State to the other. The two political parties vied with each other in all public demonstrations, trying to outdo each other in splendor and attractions. A great deal of bad feeling existed on both sides, but no serious results came of it until the closing days of the campaign. The Republicans had a grand "rally" at Anderson. It was to be the last struggle of the battle. This was, perhaps, the largest political gathering that ever occurred in this county. Every Republican county within fifty miles of Anderson sent delega- tions to swell the crowd and overawe the Democracy of Madison county. During the day, as is usual, some of the boys drank ficely and became very loud. Neal Daugherty was then a Democrat and was city marshal. He arrested several of the lads and placed them in the "coop." The news spread like wild-fire. The Democratic city officials were arresting and incarcerating in jail the Republican boys. It was no time until the town was all shaken up with excite- ment.
Wesley Dunham was then Mayor and James II. McCon- nell was city prosecutor. A rush was made for the Mayor's office and a demand made for the release of the boys who had been placed in jail. Clubs, pistols and knives were flourished over and around Mayor Dunham and Marshal Daugherty's heads and threats of all kinds of violence were made if the prisoners were not released. Mayor Dunham stood like a stone wall and faced the infuriated crowd, backed by the steady nerve of Neal Daugherty and J. II. McConnell. He flatly refused to issue any order for the discharge of the prisoners, as they were transgressors against the law and were arrested for that and not for any political reasons. Some one in the crowd cried out. " Rescue them! Tear down the jail! " In a moment the excited crowd rushed toward the old jail, at the corner of Ninth and Jackson streets.
James H. Snell was then sheriff, and a braver man never filled that office. Ile heard the crowd coming with a yell.
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He took his place in the jail yard, and in a gentlemanly way ordered the crowd not to enter the premises, warning them that whoever did so did it at his peril. The crowd halted for consultation. About this time Captain W. R. Myers, who was then a Republican leader in Madison county, appeared upon the scene and took his station in the jail yard, and in a few well-timed remarks shamed the crowd out of any attempt to tear down the jail, telling them that the laws of the land had been transgressed, and there was no disposition on the part of the city officials to do anything but their duty ; that as soon as possible the transgressors should be taken before the Mayor and their cases lawfully disposed of. This speech bad the effect to disperse the crowd, and saved the jail from being torn down, and, perhaps. the shedding of blood.
Matt Tob'n then kept a saloon in the alley between Ninth and Tenth streets, south of Main. His place was raided and cleaned out. Pistols, knives and bludgeons were drawn on him, but he faced his assailants and showed them fight. He was not personally injured, but had a close call.
Henry Bronnenberg. the present County Commissioner, was in town on that day. Some one reported that he had shouted for Jeff. Davis. A rush was made for him, but Henry was too slick for them. He rode a gray mare that could out run the wind. He took toward home, hundreds of fellows on foot and horse back following him, yelling and shouting like Indians on the trail ; but to no purpose. Bron- nenberg sat on his racer, looking back at his pursuers at in- tervals, sending back a shot from a revolver. No one was hit either by him or his pursuers. He crossed the river near Jackson's old mill that used to stand on the river near the crossing of the Pan Handle and Bee Line railroads, becoming lost to sight in the woods that was then along the river. Oliver Myers, a brother of Captain Myers, was coming to town rid- ing a gray horse nearly the same color as Bronnenberg's. The crowd met him, and thinking he was Bronnenberg, coming back towards them, came very near killing him before he could explain who he was. It took some tall talking from Mr. Myers to save his scalp, but at last he succeeded in get- ting them convinced that he was not the man they were after. Bronnenberg returned to the city in a short time, but was not molested.
A. A. Hellwig, who was a leading Democratic politician at that time, was among others who had to keep shady on
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that occasion, but got even by knocking down a fellow from Middletown and taking his badge from him.
The larger portion of those who wanted to take the town came from other counties, whilst there were some in Ander- son who " egged " them on. The best element did not ap- prove of it and denounced it. In that campaign Captain B. B. Campbell, who was at the head of the " White Boys in Blue," took his command to Indianapolis to a State rally. While there they got into an altercation with the Republican authorities, and Captan Campbell, in defense of the rights of his men, drew his sword and struck one of his assailants over the head, giving him a severe wound. No man ever had command of a political club in this county who had the per- fect control over his men and commanded their entire respect as did Captain Campbell. He could have led them into the depths of bloody battle, fire or flame, and not a man would have flinched. Time has changed and mellowed down those who yet live, who took part in that political fight. The many neighbors who then hated each other for political reasons are the best of friends now.
Captain Campbell and Major Doxey, the central figures in that exciting conflict, who used to walk on opposite sides of the street from each other-are now the warmest of cold cronies, often in a crowd together, talking, no doubt think- ing, about their foolishness in those by-gone days.
Politics, as well as other things, have since then changed. Captain Myers is now one of the wheel horses of the Democ- racy. W. A. Kittinger, then a Democrat, is a red hot Repub- lican. Neal Daugherty, then a Democrat, is now a Republican, sind so the world goes on.
BURKETT EADS A ONCE PROMINENT CITIZEN.
Burkett Eads was one of Madison county's old-timers. He died in Anderson about the year 1866, while filling the office of county Recorder. He was born in Virginia, where he married ; he removed to Kentucky, where he lived for a short time, moving to Henry county, and from thence to this county, where he spent the remainder of his days. In 1856 he was elected Sheriff, and in 1864 became Recorder, which place he filled during the war. He was a sterling Democrat. There was no compromise in his make-up. Democracy was his only religion. During his term of office congress passed a law re- quiring all deeds and mortgages to be stamped with a one-
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dollar revenue stamp; it also required a certificate of the officer taking the acknowledgement, that it was duly stamped according to law. It also gave the Recorder a twenty-five-cent fee for recording the certificate.
When a person brought in a deed to have it recorded, Burkett would ask him his politics.
" I am a Republican, sir ."
" Well, the fee is one dollar and a half. If you were a Democrat, it would only be one dollar and a quarter ."
" How is that?"
" The government has passed a law requiring me to re- cord this certificate, that your deed is properly stamped. You have voted for this law, now you can pay for it."
He had a nickname for every one. He immediately named every stranger who came to town. He called Arm- strong Taylor " Snakeroot :" Richard Lake, he called " The Arabian Dick :" Michael Doll, he called " Snake-head :" Ephraim Doll, he called " Blacksnake."
During the war, when excitement ran high, a company of soldiers was passing through the town and undertook to take the place. They raided all the county officers, and put them all to flight except Burkett Eads, who entrenched him- self in his office, and showed fight ; defying them, they passed on and let him alone.
When he lived in Henry county it was at an early day - when people cut their grain with a hand sickle. Burkett Eads had the distinction of being the fastest reaper in the county. His oldest son, Edward Eads, committed suicide beneath a large beech tree in Liberty township, Henry county, by shooting his brains out with a rifle, while out hunting, caused by melancholy from being jilted by his lady love.
Burkett Eads died in a house opposite where John Barnes now lives, on Central avenue, in 1866, from a stroke of paralysis.
The widow Eads lived there for many years after her husband's death, and died but a short time since. John Eads, his son, is yet living south of the city ; he is a pros- perous farmer and brick manufacturer. Burkett Eads was, during his lifetime, one of the most popular and successful politicians who ever lived in Madison county : as honest as the day was long, generous to a fault, universally loved and esteemed by all, and leaving a host of friends to mourn his loss when he died.
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you are foolin' away your time running. over the country? We are all for you.' And I saw a great many and they were all for me. So, by gara, I comes home and goes to work on the bench, sure that I was there. What d'ye think? When the namination came off I was not heard of, by gara. Ye could put my vote through the eye of a nadle. Well, thinks says I, they'll not fool me the next time. So when I went for the namination the last time I went to get it. Whin a man told me he was for me I didn't believe a d-n word of it, but rather counted him "ferninst" me. But you bet your life I didn't let them send me home with my ears full of taffy. I staid out in the country. and argayed with them and plead my cause to every Democrat in Madison county, until the last day, and you see, man, what I done. I tell you politics is a desavin thing. A man whose word would be taken without swearing in court on any other subject, won't do to trust on oath in politics."
George was very nearly right about it. The man who wins in a political race, must be wide awake and trust no one with his secrets, and use all kinds of schemes and devices to pull the wool over the eyes of the people.
SUICIDE OF EDWARD LEMON.
On the 5th of August in 1881. news reached Anderson from Neillsville, Wisconsin, that Edward Lemon, a former resident of this city, had committed suicide. This was his third attempt, and it is said the third time is the charm, and the saying was verified in this case. When the news reached this city that he had committed suicide. but few people who were acquainted with the waggish ways of the deceased, gave the story any credence, as they supposed that it was another one of his efforts to " sell" the people, for which he always man- ifested a desire, but telegrams and letters received in a few days thereafter, confirmed the report of the fact that he had finally terminated his life by taking laudanum.
When he took the poison he went to the office of the Neillsville Press and extracted from the editor a promise of secrecy. Ile told his story of how he was about to end his life as the fatal draught had already been taken. The editor lost no time in sending for medical aid, which greatly incensed Mr. Lemon, for he said he was bound to go. He told the editor to write him up in fine style, and to say, " I died in the blessed hope of a glorious immortality." He also wanted
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something put in about climbing the golden stairs, saying, "you know how to do it."
This talk on the part of Lemon led the physicians to believe that he was playing a joke, and nothing was done for him until he fell back in his chair, limp and helpless.
Every one present did all he could to save his life, but he died at 2 :30 o'clock on the following morning.
Only the winter previous Lemon had attempted suicide in Anderson and barely escaped death, and about three months before this occurrence he had made a similar attempt at Min- neapolis. From Garrett W. Brown, who was an uncle of the deceased, and who lived in Anderson previous to this time, it was learned that there was no particular clue to the cause of Lemon's desire to end his life. He had on one occasion informed Mr. Brown that the reason that he had attempted to end his life was that he was constantly harrassed by an irre- sistible desire for strong drink, and that rather than be a com- mon drunkard he would end his existence. IIe knew of sev- eral drunkards in Anderson and rather than become so loath- some as they were to the public, he would end his life.
Lemon was well known to the population of Anderson as well as to a large number of people throughout the country. He was bright and a natural wag ; he was always getting off some practical joke.
At the time he attempted suicide in Anderson, he was taken to the Doxey Hotel where he was attended by Dr. Will- jam Suman, who inserted a stomach pump for the purpose of pumping out the poison. While his friends were standing around filled with the seriousness of the hour, and trying to do all they could to save the unfortunate man's life. Lemon cried Out, ". Doc, wouldn't they be in a hell of a fix if a fire would break out now while you have got this engine down my throat ?" This caused the persons assembled to indulge in a hearty laugh, even though the occasion was a very serious one.
Dr. Suman succeeded in extricating him from his peril- ous condition, and on the next day Lemon was on the streets practicing his usual line of jokes as though nothing had oc- curred. His wit knew no bounds; he was a great mimic, and could imitate to perfection the voice of any public speaker he had ever heard, also of birds and animals. He was a ready writer and his forte was really that of a funny man.
Ile once wrote a " take off " on a swell reception given in Anderson, in which he laid the scene at his country home,
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called " The Damside Farm," in which he ridiculed some of the old-timers of Anderson in elegant style. He gave the description of the costumes of all those who were present, and the full details of this affair in such language and such terse words that nothing else could have been done to make it more ridiculous. The reason for writing this article was that a gentleman well known in Anderson had given a swell reception, after which the affair was liberally written up for the Anderson Democrat, and among the guests were a great many people for whom Lemon did not have the best of feel- ing, and therefore he had written this article as a " take off."
Mr. Lemon is pleasantly remembered elsewhere in these pages. He, like all of us, had his faults, but had many virtues, which, to a large extent, overbalanced all his shortcomings.
A DESTRUCTIVE STORM.
One of the most destructive cyclones that ever visited Madison county occurred on Wednesday, May 12, 1886. The tract over which it passed was made almost a waste, being about a mile and a half wide and four or five miles long. ex- tending east and west. Great damage was done to the wheat fields, and other crops were laid waste. Houses, barns and stables were moved from their foundations, shattered and unroofed, and some blown down. Large forest trees in great numbers were broken off and thrown together. Many fine orchards were ruined, and rail fences were blown to the four winds. A terrible flood of rain accompanied the storm, covering the surface of the ground to a depth of several feet.
.Among the buildings damaged was the Waggy school house, south of Anderson, which had its roof and gable blown off. On the farm of Samuel Cridge a large amount of timber and fences was blown down and destroyed. Dr. Robinson, who lived two miles south on the Columbus pike, had a fine orchard entirely obliterated. J. D. Wilson, in the same neighborhood, had five hogs drowned. and the roof taken off his house. Peter Miller, living about two miles south. of Anderson, had his stable blown down and all his fencing completely scattered. The residence of William Harmeson was considerably damaged.
James Shinkle, of Anderson, who lived on West Tenth street, had been to Noblesville and was driving home. When near the residence of William P. Davis, west of Anderson, he
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