USA > Indiana > Madison County > Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison County, Indiana: A Detailed History of the. > Part 4
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These gentlemen at once entered upon their duties in the premises, and at the following December session of the board (1852) made a final report, showing that they had discharged their duty as directed, the building being completed and fully adapted to the purpose for which it was erected. This build- ing was a two-story brick, situated at the northwest corner of Jackson and Ninth streets. About this time a one-story brick building was erected in the southeast corner of the court house square for the use of the county officers. The auditor, treas- urer and recorder occupied this building until arrangements were made for the erection of the present handsome court house. The clerk and sheriff had their offices in the court house when it burned. Concerning the present court house and jail, it is thought best to make them the subjects for an- other chapter.
THE COUNTY INFIRMARY.
The prictice of " selling" that class of unfortunates who are compelled to depend upon charity for a subsistence, al- though quite common in the early history of the country, never obtained to any great extent, if at all. in this county. The method of " selling paupers " resulted too often in cruel and inhuman treatment of those "sold." and was considered, besides, too expensive. We find, therefore, that as early as
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
1834 the county commissioners determined upon a more humane method of taking care of the poor. The record of the May session of that year shows that "Joseph Shannon reported that he had contracted with Jacob Shaul to build a poorhouse for $20; that the same was completed according to contract, and that Shaul was allowed $20 for the same." This poorhouse was constructed of logs, but just where it was sit- uated is not known. It was probably located near Anderson, but the record is silent upon the subject. In 1840 ten acres of land were purchased by the county commissioners in the addition to Anderson now known as South Park. The tract was situated between Nineteenth and Twenty-third streets, and extended from Main street to Pearl street. A new poor- house was erected on this tract of land by John Jordan, to whom the contract was let by John Renshaw, who was county agent at that time. The record informs us that the building was 20x 30 feet square, two stories high, with a stone chimney, and cost $100. This poorhouse was enlarged and greatly im- proved from time to time, as necessity demanded, and was used up to 1868, when the commissioners disposed of it, together with the land upon which it was situated, and pur- chased a farm in Richland township of John Nelson, to which the paupers were removed. By the terms of the purchase and sale of the new poor farm Nelson became the superintendent, or keeper, of the poor, which position he held until the county Board decided to purchase a more desirable location and erect permanent buildings thereon that would afford better accom- modations for the poor.
The record of a special session of the county Board, held July 5, 1877, shows that the Board purchased of Berryman Shafer a tract of land, containing two hundred and twelve acres, situated about four miles east of Anderson, in Union township. There was a large brick residence on the land and the commissioners very properly determined to use it exclu- sively as a residence for the superintendent of the poor, in- stead of converting it into an infirmary. They accordingly ad- vertised for plans and specifications for an infirmary building and on the 18th of July, among a number of plans that had been submitted, those of the late Edwin May, of Indianapolis, were accepted. Notice for bids on the work were made and on the 3d of September, the contract was awarded to William B. Wright, of Anderson, he being considered the lowest bid- der. The building cost $7,200 and was completed early in
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. INDIANA.
January, 1878. It is made of brick, two stories high and is situated near to and a little southeast of the superintendent's residence. It is considered admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is used, being well ventilated, commodious, and comfortable. As compared with other infirmaries of other counties throughout the State. it is very creditable.
After the building had been completed and the poor trans- ferred to their new home, ex-sheriff A. J. Ross was appointed superintendent and that gentleman, assisted by his estimable wife, as matron, had charge of the friendless poor of the county for a number of years, when he resigned. He was succeeded by W. A. Swindell, who was succeeded by John Kinyoun, who has since had charge of the poor farm and in- firmary, and, like his predecessors, Mr. Kinyoun has given uni- versal satisfaction. His efficiency generally is conceded, as the poor under his charge have not only been well provided for in every respect, but the county's interests have been carefully guarded. Mr. Kinyoun is a practical farmer and a man of sound judgment generally, and his administration of infirmary affairs have thus far been not only creditable to himself, but the county.
Since the above was written, Mr. Kinyoun has been suc- ceeded as superintendent of the infirmary by Augustus Heagy.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PRESENT JAIL AND COURT HOUSE-THEIR COST, ETC.
The jail mentioned in the preceding chapter, like the one that preceded it, in the course of time became insecure and inadequate, and from motives of economy and other considerations it was considered advisable to dispose of it as advantageously as possible and erect a new one. Accord- ingly in 1880, the old building was sold, and the Commission- ers purchased the site of the present jail, at the northeast corner of Eighth street and Central avenue, the consideration being $1,400. A frame dwelling occupied the lot and this was sold and removed. Notice was duly given to architects inviting them to submit plans and specifications for the new building and at a special session of the Commissioners' court held October, 1880, T. J. Tolin & Son, architects, submitted a proposition to the Board, which, after due consideration, was accepted. Notice was subsequently given to contractors and builders of the intention of the Board to build a new jail, and that bids for the work would be received on the 11th of February, 1881. On that day the Board met and opened the bids, which were three in number. It was considered that the bid of W. H. Myers & Son was the lowest and best, and they were awarded the contract. They agreed to erect the build- ing according to the plans and specifications for $17,989'and gave bond for the performance of the contract. The building was completed in 1882, and has been in use ever since. Al- though there have been several escapes from the jail, they were not on account of its faulty construction, but rather the result of negligence on the part of those having the prisoners in charge. The first escape was effected through
THE CUNNING OF A WOMAN,
An account of which will be found, not only interesting to the general reader, but may be of benefit to those who are placed in charge of criminals.
The circumstances of the case are these : Louis Kuhn,
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the son-in-law of Philip Kellar, a saloonkeeper at that time on the south side of the square in Anderson, shot and wounded a negro who had assaulted Kellar. The grounds upon which Kuhn justified the act was that his father-in-law was a crip- ple. one of his arms being paralyzed. Kuhn was arrested on a charge of shooting with intent to kill, and not being able to give bond, was placed in jail. His wife, to whom he had been married but a short time when he became involved in the difficulty, was very attentive to his wants and was a frequent visitor at the jail, often taking him his meals. Randal Biddle, who was sheriff of the county at the time, had known Mrs. Kuhn from her infancy and being naturally great- hearted, sympathized with her and permitted her to visit the cell where her husband was confined whenever she asked per- inission. Kuhn had been in jail probably a month when his wife called at the jail one evening in company with a young negro about the size of her husband. The turnkey was re- quested to let her and the young negro visit her husband in his cell, and as she had been in the habit of enjoying that privi- lege, the request was granted as usual. Mrs. Kuhn and her negro attendant had not been in the cell but a short time until they appeared at the circular cage and asked to be let out, which was promptly done by the accommodating turnkey. After getting out of the cage and into the jail office, Mrs. Kuhn and her companion lost no time in quitting the premises. The turnkey thought everything was all right until about two hours after Mrs. Kuhn's visit, when the negro who had entered the cell with her was heard calling upon the turnkey to be released from confinement. As soon as the turnkey saw the negro he realized the situation and at once communicated the fact to the sheriff that Kuhn had escaped. Mrs. Kuhn had gone to the jail with a box of blacking and after she and the young negro, whom she had bribed of course to act as she directed, entered her husband's cell, at once prepared for his escape by blacking his face and otherwise contributing to a "make up" that resembled her negro companion's appearance as much as possible. Her scheme was successful and the es- cape of Kuhn was the reigning sensation in Anderson for weeks after. Mrs. Kuhn's conduct, while reprehensible per- haps from the standpoint of law, was very generally ap- plauded. She was indicted for conspiring to liberate a pris- oner but her attorney succeeded in having the indictment against her "quashed." The young negro who so materially
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
assisted her in her plans was held in custody for a while and then liberated. Kuhn escaped and was gone a year when he was arrested one night on a train at the Crossing as he was at- tempting to pass through Anderson on his way to Chicago. He was afterwards sentenced to the Michigan City prison for a term of two years on a plea of guilty to the charge against him and served his term.
THE FIRST PRISONER.
In this connecion it may be mentioned that while it is no part of the purpose of this work to give the names of per- sons who have been imprisoned in the jails of Madison county, it is permissible to state that the first person to enter the new jail as a prisoner was William Hudson, a well-known character in Anderson at the time it was completed. "Bill," as he was commonly called, had been arrested for some slight misdemeanor, intoxication perhaps, and was " boarding out" his fine, when the inmates of the old jail were transferred to the new one. When he was informed that the prisoners were to be taken to the new "cooler," he requested of Captain Coburn, who was at that time deputy city marshal of Ander- son, under Marshal Augustus Heagy, that he be taken to the jail first as he wanted the " honor " of being the first man to enter the institution as a prisoner. The officer gratified Hud- son's ambition, and he therefore enjoys the distinction he so ardently coveted.
THE NEW COURT HOUSE.
As stated in a previous chapter, the burning of the old court house rendered it necessary for the Board of Commis- sioners to adopt measures looking to the erection of a new building. Long before the old building was destroyed, the mat- ter of disposing of it and the erection of a new one better adapted to the times and the needs of the county had been discussed and it seemed to be the general desire of the citizens of the county that a new temple of justice should take the place of the old one. There were therefore, very few, if any, regrets when the old building burned, and had it not been for the destruction of many valuable records and papers in the clerk's office its loss would have been hailed with feelings akin to joy by a majority of the people of the county, rather than sorrow. The old court house had answered the purpose for which it was built fairly well but it had become antiquated
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and while improvements might have added to its conveniences they could have contributed nothing to the beauty of its appear- ance. The progress that had been made in the development of the county and the improvements that had been made in its immediate surroundings emphasized the importance of hav. ing a new place of justice that would be commensurate, in some degree at least, with the greatness of the county and the "new order of things." With the old building out of the way therefore it was evident that the hope which so many had long entertained would now be realized and that a temple of justice would be erected worthy of the county. But to erect a building such as the people demanded required time and money and the Board of Commissioners went about the work deliberately. The Board met in special session the day after the court house burned and took immediate steps to provide offices for the clerk and sheriff and also a suitable room in which the sessions of the Circuit court could be held. Rooms were rented in what was then known as Westerfield's hall, and the clerk's and sheriff's offices were moved to the new quarters. The late Edwin P. Schlater, on account of his famil- iarity with the court records and documents of the clerk's office, was appointed special commissioner to look after the damaged records and papers and see that as many of them could be saved and restored to their proper places and files as possible. This duty was discharged acceptably by Mr. Schlater and it was through his instrumentality that many valuable docu- ments were saved from destruction.
The sessions of the Madison circuit court were held in the hall of the Westerfield block on North Main street for a num- ber of terms, when the Commissioners rented the upper rooms in the Hannah and Boring block on the north side of the pub- lic square, and the Circuit court was held there until the new court house was completed - a period of a little more than four years. The clerk's and sheriff's offices were also removed * to this block. which made it more convenient for litigants, members of the bar and everybody having business in the cir- cuit court.
The Commissioners prepared for the building of the new court house by levying a light tax upon the taxables of the county, and, after duly advertising for plans and specifica. tions, on the 8th day of February, 1882, the plans presented by architect G. W. Bunting were accepted. Notice was given that sealed proposals for the work and materials would
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
be received at the auditor's office on Monday, March 27th, 1882, and on that date the record shows that the contract was awarded to McCormack & Sweeney. Their bid was $152,000, and, although there were other bids, and one for a less amount by several thousand dollars, their proposition was regarded as the best presented. They began immediately, with a large force of laborers, laying the foundation of the building. J. E. Redmond superintended the work for the contractors, and Neal C. Mccullough, since deceased, looked after the county's interests as local superintendent. There was no interruption in the work, and it progressed as rapidly as was possible until the day designated for the laying of the corner stone. This event will be considered in the following chapter.
It may be mentioned here that as soon as the stone began to arrive for the new court house the little brick office build- ing in the south-east corner of the square, reference to which was made in a preceding chapter, was vacated by order of the commissioners. This building was erected in the good year 1849 - the year of the American Argonauts who flocked to California for gold like those who sailed with Jason after the golden fleece - under the supervision of George Millspaugh, William Sparks and Robert N. Williams, who were appointed for that purpose by the Board of Commissioners.
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.CHAPTER IX.
LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE OF THE NEW COURT HOUSE -MEMORABLE EVENT-ADDRESSES, ETC.
The laying of the corner stone of Madison county's pres- ent court house took place on the 17th day of August, 1882, and in many respects is the greatest event in the county's his- tory. No civic demonstration before or since has equalled it in the " pomp and circumstance " that render such occasions memorable. Extensive preparations were made for the occa- sion. not only by the Board of Commissioners, but by the city authorities of Anderson, the various fraternal societies and citizens generally. At a session of the Commissioners' court it was ordered that the honor of laying the corner stone be tendered to Mount Moriah Lodge F. and A. M., of Ander- son. Invitations were extended to the different social and benevolent orders throughout the county, and also to the Masonic lodges in adjoining counties to be present and partic- ipate in the exercises. In fine, nothing was left undone that would contribute to the interest of the occasion. Anticipa- tion ran high, the pride of the people was aroused, and when the day came for the imposing ceremonies, the city presented a holiday appearance. The day was propitious for such an event, being delightfully sunny, yet cool for the season of the year. The early morning trains brought a number of Masonic lodges, several commandaries of Knights Templar, and large delegations of citizens, and by the time the procession was formed and ready to move, which was not until two o'clock in the afternoon. the streets around the square were almost impassable on account of the throngs of people. The parade was a grand spectacle and was witnessed by thousands of citi- zens who crowded the sidewalks along the line of march. The music of the bands was inspiring and the courtly Knights and Patriarchs in their handsome uniforms rendered the scene and occasion not only interesting but impressive. Major John T. Wildman was Grand Marshal. His aids were J. P. Barnes, C. K. Mccullough and L. J. Burr on the part of the Masons,
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
C. B. Cooper, Capt. C. T. Doxey and W. S. Diven on the part of the I. O. O. F., C. D. Thompson, Jas. Mohan, Peter Fromlet, J. S. Carr and Thos. Gee for the Red Men.
RECEPTION COMMITTEES.
For F. and A. M . J. P. Barnes, J. M. Dickson, T. J. Stephens, Col. N. Berry, C. K. Mccullough. For I. O. O. F., W. R. Myers, M. II. Chipman, Jos. Fulton, W. W. Wil- liams, Samuel Myers. W. S. Diven. For Red Men, C. D. Thompson, Jas. Mohan, l'eter Fromlet, J. S. Carr and Thos. Gee.
LAYING THE STONE.
It was three o'clock when the ceremony of placing the stone in its proper place began. Messrs. McCormack & Sweeney, the contractors, anticipating the needs of the occa- sion, had erected a large stand over the northeast corner of the court house foundation for the accommodation of the speak- ers, officers of the day. invited guests and band. The stand was crowded and a dense throng of people extended across the streets on the north and east sides, while hundreds of peo- ple occupied the roofs of buildings and every other " coign of vantage " in the vicinity. After music by the band and an invocation by J. K. Prye, G. C. F. and A. M., Grand Mar- shal Wildman introduced Hon. T. B. Orr, who delivered the following address of welcome on behalf of the city.
THE ADDRESS.
Visitors and Citizens:
It is a pleasing thought to know that the people, irre- spective of party, caste or creed, have met together for a com- Inon purpose. And it is a source of great congratulation that you are the actors under the benign influences of this day. The clamoring voice of political passion and prejudice is hushed ; the venomous tongue of hatred and malice is stilled ; and the withering breath of sectarian bigotry and intolerance is calmed. To-day friend greets friend and stranger welcomes stranger, as worthy members of a great community, each for himself assuming the responsibilities and performing the duties of intelligent, useful and honored citizenship. Your mission here is a noble one ; as visitors, as taxpayers, you come to celebrate with us the beginning of a work that. in time, shall stand an enduring monument of the prosperity, lib- erality and progress of our county. None are more welcome
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
here to-day than the pioneer citizens of this county, who have battled and overcome poverty and adversity and are now, with their children, enjoying the possessions and comforts of home acquired by the requited toil of busy and useful lives.
We salute you who have come with music and banners and stately bearing. The patriotic spirit and splendid disci- pline of this day give assurance that, in the midst of industrial pursuits and prosperity, with all of the arts of peace crowned triumphant, our noble state will not be without protectors in the hour of peril. May your mission ever be to serve your state best by encouraging obedience to law : by promoting industry, sob: iety, morality, sociability, intelligence, and all the virtues that combine in true and noble manhood. Words of welcome shall be the city's message to the ladies, you who have Lindly graced this occasion with your presence and influence. You shall be numbered among the joint owners of the noble edifice that we are now building. And you are this day, by your presence, demanding that within its com- pleted halls the rights of the people shall be respected and asserted, the wrongs redressed and violations of law made odious by an enlightened public sentiment and merited pun. ishment ; that the administration of justice shall be such at all times as to command the reverence and respect of officer and citizen, lawyer and client, judge and juror.
Many of our sister cities and counties of Indiana have honored us and honored themselves by their representatives here to-day. It has long been a custom for the people to as- semble and celebrate with appropriate ceremony and solemnity the erection of buildings designed for the public use. But it is not alone the force of an established custom that has prompted the city of Anderson to invite your presence here upon this occasion. Above and beyond mere custom, she rec- ognizes that the commingling of sects, orders, societies and peoples gives a new life to commercial intercourse and pro- motes a broader and higher development of the social and political relation. The period of non-intercourse among en- lightened people has passed away and forever. The freedom of an American city has always meant more than the tri- umphal entrance of a conqueror with his captives and his loot. With us the masses come and go, inspired with the hope of material, social, or intellectual advancement. It is the mod- ern freedom of the city that has stimulated the inventive genius of the age ; it has set the white sails of commerce upon
.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
every sea and founded her masts in every land ; it has un- folded new principles of business : it has swept away narrow bigotry and given broad liberality ; it has broken down the barriers of seclusion and selfishness and opened the pathways of progress, prosperity and philanthropy. Before the grand and steady march of the modern freedom the doubted opin- ions of yesterday become the fixed principles of to-day : and to-morrow, as it were, we behold them ingrafted into the laws of the State by which we shall all be governed.
.
In the name of the city of Anderson I extend to you all a cordial welcome to our city to commemorate with us the founding of Madison county's stateliest temple.
At the conclusion of Mr. Orr's address, Hon. Bruce Carr, grand master of the Masonic fraternity of the State, took charge of the exercises. The corner-stone, which weighs five tons, was lifted to its place in the foundation wall by means of an immense derrick amid the profoundest silence of the multitude. A copper box containing a variety of things, data, records, etc., was placed in the receptacle which had been cut in the center of the stone. The Grand Master then proceeded with the further ceremonies, at the conclusion of which he de- livered an appropriate address. He was followed by Miss Ola Cooper, who read a very beautiful and interesting address which had been prepared by Miss Violette Swearinger in be- half of the women tax-payers of the county. Miss Swear- ringer was unable to be present on account of severe illness. and it was but a short time after this event that she was called hence. This young lady was a member of the graduating class of 1879 of the Anderson high school, and was greatly esteemed by all who knew her.
The address of Miss Swearinger was followed by one pre- pared by the late Colonel Ninevah Berry and read by Hon. John W. Lovett. The venerable Colonel occupied a seat on the speaker's stand, but was too infirm to speak for any length of time. The following is
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