USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 73
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Rallya & Robertson erected a stave factory near the establishment of Webster & Weiler in 1865. This building was 40x60 feet, and, in connection with the manufacture of staves and heading. they erected a cooper-shop, 40x250 feet, for the manufacture of oil barrels. T'bey conducted an extensive business, shipping an average of two ear loads of goods daily to Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1874, the firm dissolved and the property was sold.
A. F. Beugnot & Co .- In 1875, A. F. Beugnot and Daniel Monahan erected a building at the east end of the side track and north of the railroad, in which they began the manufacture of slack barrel staves and heading. They conducted a large business for three years, at the end of which time they sold to J. B. Worden & Co. The latter firm continued until 1878, in which year they sold the establishment-to its present proprietors, D. S. Redelsheimer & Co.
The Empire Sture Works .-- In 1867, a joint-stock company was formed at at Monroeville, under the name of the Empire Stave Company. P. S. O'Rourke was elected President, and Alexander Williamson, Sceretary and Treasurer. After the organization of the company, Jacoh Sweeney was appointed Superintendent, and directed and supervised the construction of one of the most complete stave fictories in Indiana. The building is situated in the northwest part of town; it is 35x80 feet, with an engine-room 36 feet square. It is supplied with two boilers, one eighty-horse-power engine, and a full quota of the machinery neces- sary for the manufacture of oil and slack barrel staves, circle-heading, etc. The machinery alone cost $6,000.
Mr. Sweeney continued as Superintendent until his decease in 1877.
In 1875, the building was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of about $5,000. The establishment was then purchased by T. S. Heller & E. D. Dague, by whom it was immediately rebuilt. In twenty-eight days after the conflagration it was again put in operation.
In 1876, Mr. Heller & Dague established at Decatur, Ind., a similar factory, almost as extensive as this. In counection with their business, they established large general merchandise stores at Monroeville and Decatur, in each of which they employed from six to eight clerks; and at Dixon, on the State line, they established a store at which they purchased the supply of timber for their stave factories-shipping from five to six car-loads per day, from that point.
The number of men employed at each factory was from forty-five to fifty.
In July, 1879, the business was purchased by D. S. Redelsheimer & Co., by whom it is now owned and conducted.
Seven thousand cords of timber are used annually, and the staves sold in mar- kets both east and west.
Pump Factory .- T. A. Long began the manufacture of wooden suction pumps at Monroeville in September, 1877. In November of the same year, he associated with him S. M. Williams, who, six months later, retired from the husi- ness, and was succeeded by W. A. Waterman. Since that date, the business has been conducted by Long & Wateriuan. They manufacture an average of 120 pumps annually, and sell them in the home market.
Carriage and Wagon Works .- Scar & Scherer began the manufacture of wagons and carriages in 1878. Christian Scherer sold his interest to Adam Scar, before the close of that year, and Christian Hoffman succeeded him in the firm, since which time the business has been conducted by Sear & Hoffman.
The painting and wood-work is done in the frame building at the corner of Ohio and South streets, and the blacksmith work at the building on Main street. They employ four men, and manufacture an average of fifty wagons and carriages per anuum.
OFFICERS OF THE TOWN OF MONROEVILLE, FROM ITS INCORPORATION IN 1865 TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1879.
DATA.
PRESIDENT.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
1865.
J. W. Rout
John Lenhart
1866
A. A. Baker.
E. C. Coverdale
E. C. Coverdale.
1867
1868
C. H. Schick
J. H. Eggy.
1869
George Webster
O. V Brown.
1870 .....
E. D. Dague
J. T. Pool.
W. T. Wilson.
1871
1872.
W. A. Connolly
1873.
J. M. Steele
J. B. Wordeu.
1874
1875.
=
H. B. Knouse.
1876 ..
W. D. Baker
J. J. Brantner ..
D. A. Row.
1877.
C. A. Leiter.
1878 ..
C. C. Myers
1879 ...
C. A. Leiter
..
DATE
TRUSTEES.
1865 ...
George Webster
E. G Coverdale.
M. E. Argo
J. Cassady.
1866 ...
L. Walker
J. Rice.
T. G. Marriott.
A. Swift.
1867.
Wm. Magner
J. Cassady
J. Sweeney.
1868.
A. Schaffer
1869.
M. E. Argo.
E. D. Dague ..
1870 ..... J. L. Dunham
J. Elder.
S. Pool
J. B. Niezer.
1871.
D. A. Row.
Geo. Webster
1872.
J. B. Worden
A. Young.
O. V. Brown
W. D. Baker.
1873 .....
J. B. Engle.
J. Dague.
D. O. Thorp.
1875 ...
A. Steinman
44
1876
E. Finan
C. W. Rollins.
1877 ....
W. A. Waterman .
4
1879 .....
W. T. Wilson.
A. Scar ..
14
ANDREW J. CLEM.
Andrew J. Clem was born July 18, 1827, in Shenandoah County, Va. This was also the native eounty of his father, Samuel Clem, of whom a few words may here be said.
Samuel Clem was one of those sturdy farmers who, in a region not remarka- ble for fertility, yet managed to earn from the soil a fair support for a large family, until the reports from the North induced him to change his base, and' seek a more profitable location, where the exercise of his labor would returo a reward more commensurate with his energy. In 1826, he married Miss Susanna Ridenour, which union was blessed with eight ehildren, viz., Andrew J., Sarah A., William, David, Henry, Malinda, Samuel and Adam, all of whom now survive.
In 1834, he removed with his family to Champaign County, Ohio, and there condueted a farmi until 1841, when he entered a tract of land in Monroe Town- ship, Allen Co., Ind., to which he brought his family in the same year. He was among the first white invaders of the forests of that township, and his name is associated forever with its carliest history. He was an upright man, and ever enjoyed the esteem of his neighbors. He was also a inan of enterprise, and did muel for the advancement of his township.
His sou, Andrew J., was associated, during his boyhood, with scenes of pioneer life, and like many in the same position, had but meager opportunities
J. B. Davis.
1878 ...
1874 ..... James Miner.
M. L. Baker.
T. Sweeney
L. S. Nail.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
CORNER MONROE & ELM STS. MONROEVILLE IND.
THE history of public education in Monroeville is similar to that of other towns in the county. In the earlier years of its existence it had its share of wander- ing pedagogues, with the customary fluctuating standard of ability. During tne supremacy of the eubsoription-school system the importaat question was not " Is the man able to conduct a good school?" but " Can the town raise the necessary funds to maintain a school during the winter ?" This class of schools, however, was not long in vogue after the founding of the town. The provisions for free schools, made by the Constitution of 1851, were adopted, as soon as practicable, hy the Truetees of this township, and more uniformity was apparent in their educational standard. Monroeville, which was not yet an incorporated town, had no graded school. It had its town-school building, but this was conducted like all the schools throughout the township-all the classes reciting in one room. In 1865, after the incorporation of the town, grades were established, but the building was inadequate for the demand, and the various departments of the school were taught in as many different localities of the town, wherever a suitable room could be procured.
In the fall of 1871, A. Engle, James Weiler and T. S. Heller, School Trustees, purohased a lot at the corner of Monroe and Elm streets, 120 hy 260 feet, upon which they erected the present handeome echool building. This edifice is 21 by 71 feet, two etories, containing four schoolrooms, one waiting-room, one room for the Trustees and an office for the Principal.
In 1875, the Township Trustees, in connection with the School Truetess of the town, erected an addition to the building, 25 by 36 feet, to be used as a joint high school-its privileges to be enjoyed by scholars throughout the township, as well as those in the town.
The following is an exhibit of the cost of the building and its appurtenancee: Building and grounds.
.84,500 00
Somting and appliances ......
1,000 00
Addition to building (High School) ..
1,200 00
Seats, otc., for High School ...
475 00
Total ....
$7,175 00
The first term in the new building hegan January 8, 1872, and olosed March 29, of the same year. The following were the teachers for that term: W. A. Dickey, Principal; M. S. Lahew, A Grammar; O. C. Wolf, B Grammar ; Miss Mollie E. Knouse, Intermediate; Miss Hattie M. Simpson, Primary.
The second term began on the Iet day of April, 1872, and closed on the 4th day of July following. The teachere for that term were as follows: W. A. Diokey, Prin- cipal; M. S. Morrison, A Grammar ; G. C. Wolf, B Grammar ; Miss Mollie E. Knouee, Intermediate ; Miss Hattie M. Simpson, Primary.
At that time a change was made in the Board of Sohool Trustees, when the Board stood : A. Engle, President ; 'George Wehster, Secretary; Jacob Cassady, Treasurer. The next term began in Gotober, 1872, and closed in January, 1873, during which term the various departments of the school were conducted by the following teachers: W. A. Diokey, Principal; M. S. Lahew, A Grammar ; O. C. Wolf, B Grammar ; Miss Mollie A. Knouse, Intermediate ; Miss Hattie M. Simpeon, Primary.
At the olose of this term the above-named teachera were again engaged to teach
until February 28, 1878. The School Trustees for that year were: M. E. Argo, President; A. Engle, Secretary ; A. Williamson, Treasurer.
The next term hegan in September, 1873, and olosed in February, 1874, with the following teachers: M. E. Crawford, Principal and Teucher of A Grammar grada; S. . R. Robinson, B Grammar; Mrs. E. A. Rohineon, Intermediate; Miss Hattie M. Simpson, Primary.
The school year began in the following October and closed in June, 1874-con- tinuing for a period of nine months. This was permanently adopted as the length of the term, and the following are the teachers and Trustees who have been identified with the school from that timo to the present :
1874-School Trustees-M. E. Argo, President ; J. L. Dunham, Secretary ; T. S. Heller, Treasurer. Teachers-L. M. Dillman, Principal; Mise Mattie C. Whitestine, A Grammar ; Miss Lou D. MoLain, B Grammar ; Miss M. Ida Mahurin, Intermediste ; Miss Retta L. Sheeley, Primary.
1875-School Trustees-M. E. Argo, President ; J. L. Dunham, Secretary ; J. B. Niezer, Treasurer. Teachers-L. M. Dillman, Principal ; Miss Mattie C. Whitestine, A Grammar; Miss Millie E. Whitestine, B Grammar; Miss Anna M. Corson, First Inter- mediate ; Miss Aline Barnett, Second Intermediate ; Mise Retta L. Sheeley, Primary.
1876-School Trustees-M. E. Argo, President ; J. L. Dunham, Secretary ; J. B. Niezer, Treasurer. Teachers-L. M. Dillman, Principal ; Miss Victoria A. Harper, A Grammar; Miss Harriet M. Wheeler, la termediate; Mise Anna M. Carson, Primary. Miss Harper resigned after teaching two months, and wassucceeded by Miss Eva Thompeon. 1877-School Trustees-J. L. Dunham, President; W. A. Connolly, Secretary ; J. B. Niezer, Treasurer. Teachera-I. O. Jones, Principal; Miss E. Murphy, A Gram- mar; Miss Anna M. Carson, B Grammar; Miss H. L. Lovelace, Intermediate ; Miss Addie E. Wright, Primary.
1878-School Trustees-Levi Brantner, President; W. A. Connolly, Secretary ; J. B. Niezer, Treasurer. Teachers-I. O. Jones, Principal; Miss E. Murphy, A Grammar ; Miss Maggie Connolly. B Grammar ; Miss H. L. Lovelace, Intermediate ; Miss Addie E. Wright, Primary.
1879-School Trustees- Levi Brantner, President; W. A. Connolly, Secretary; J. B. Niezer, Treasurer. Teachers-O. Z. Huhhell, Principal and Teacher of A Gram- mar; Miss Maggie Connolly, B Grammar; Mrs. Julia Holler, Intermediate; Miss Addie E. Wright, Primary.
Great oredit ie due to the Trustees for their aseiduous attention to the interests of the school, and the care exercieed in the employment of good teachers. By thus means the Monroeville School has reached a standard inferior to no similar institution in the county. It is well appreciated by the publio, and its good effects upon the community are marked. All the school furniture is of the latest and most approved stylee, and, instead of a prison, echolars here find the cheerfulness of a home. The course of instruotion is as followe: Primary Department-Alphabet, Firat Reader, Langusge, Primary Geography, Mental Arithmetio, etc. Intermediate Department-Second and Third Reader, Grthography, Arithmetio, Geography, Penmanship, Grammar, eto. Grammar Department-Fifth Reader, Higher Arithmetio, Physiology, History, Physi- cal Geography, Philosophy, Latin, eto. The number of echo ars now enrolled is 862.
RES. OF J. B. NIEZER. COR.OF SOUTH & MONROE STS. MONROEVILLE, IND.
RES. OF CHRISTIAN DRACE. MARION TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
RES. OF CHARLES WHITTERN MONROE TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
RES. OF SAMUEL W. BOLYARD. JACKSON TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
14
RES. OF THE LATE THOMAS JONES MONROE TP ALLEN CO IND.
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163
MONROE TOWNSHIP
for acquiring that for which he longed-an education. No publie school then opened its doors to him to gratify a desire so laudable, and only at rare intervals a schoolmaster came to the settlement to teach. When such was the case, how- ever, young Clem was a devoted pupil, and having acquired the rudiments of an education, he eagerly devoured the contents of the few hooks which he was able to obtain. What he read was instructive, and added little hy little to his store of knowledge. In the mean time, he was acquiring a knowledge of the occupation which, subsequently, he chose for his field of action if life, namely, that of farm- ing. He saw that for an education he would he compelled to rely upon a course of self-instruction, and all leisure time was employed to that end. - Scientific studies were disregarded, and only those branches hest calculated to benefit him in every-day life taken up. Thus he gained a good general and practical fund of information.
Boyhood's years rolled into eternity, and he merged into man's estate. He was confident thien of his ability to take up the burden of life and battle the world for himself; yet, for nearly two years after attaining his majority, he continued to give his assistance in the economy and management of the home farm. In June, 1850, he gave his hand in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Bower, a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio, the first love of his life ultimating in a happy union, which death has forhorne to sever.
A small piece of land, presented by his father, constituted the home where he entered upon an independent life. But he was not content with a farm of such narrow dimensions, and the industry with which he tilled his little fields, together with the frugal care of his good wife, soon resulted in an accumulation of cash in their treasury. This he invested in other land, and year by year his estate grew, until it reached a total of 240 acres. From the produets of this estate came the means to provide for and educate the children, who in the mean time had come to bless his home, namely-Lueinda, Jeremiah, Mary E., Almira, Jackson A. and Samuel.
The instructions received in youthi now came to his assistance in the manage- ment of so large a farm; and its general appearance testifies as to how well he has profited hy those lessons-the well-tilled fields and systematic arrangement of his house and harn, all hespeak the thorough farmer.
Successful in the accumulation of wealth, he has been liberal in bestowing it where it would relieve distress, or advance any project inaugurated for the inter- est of the township or county at large. He has never figured in politics, and has never permitted his name to he used as a candidate for a public office. He has few enemies, and many friends ; and his manly qualities and honest dealing have gained for him the respect and confidence of all who know him.
LEWIS RIDENOUR
is a native Virginian. He was born in Shenandoah County July 22, 1822. His parents were Adam and Magdalene ( Munch ) Rideuour.
His father had been a soldier in the war of 1812, yet, cultured in tilling the soil, he finally located himself upon a farm in " Powell's Fort," --- a tributary valley to the Shenandoah. Here he reared his own family, training them as he had heen trained-to habits of industry and to earnest toil.
* When Lewis was a lad of about six years, his father fell from a horse, erushing his left shoulder. This caused permanent disability in the use of his left arm. Situated, too, quite unfavorably, as regarded fertility of soil, convenience to market, etc., lahor was expended to a disadvantage. These circumstances, certainly, were not calculated to promote other than a moderate prosperity.
As regards school privileges, but few were afforded the subject of our sketch during hoyhood. His attainments and his successes have been secured through self-application, and the severe, hut practical school of experience. These, too, have been coupled with native genius, and an indomitable purpose.
Remaining at home, assisting about the labors of the farm, until twenty-one years of age, he then stepped forth to fight for himself the battle of life. Em- harking thus, his capital consisted in two suits of clothes and $9.25, cash Securing employment with a farmer, he continued his service with the same little more than four years. Following his retirement, on October 10, 1848, he wedded Miss Esther Braunaman, daughter of Christian Brannaman, Esq., a wealthy farmer of Rockingham County, his native State. Refusing assistance from her parents on terms proffered. he renewed lahoring for others up to the spring of 1851.
Having in the mean time carefully husbanded his earnings, he then sought. to emigrate, with his little family, to the State of Indiana.
Ile arrived in Allen County during the month of May, 1851. Soon there- ofrer. ho purchased (of the laud on which he yet lives in Monroe Township) 240 acres, paying for the same $3.25 per acre. Adding to this he now owns in one body (100 aeres exeepted), 580 acres.
Procrastinate he could not. After his arrival and purchase of land, the next consideration was to erect a dwelling. For one day, a man with team of oxen to haul logs was hired for $1.12}. £ For the same length of time, another man with an ax to chop was hired for 50 cents. This day sufficed to seeure the necessary timber for the dwelling. By the help of neigh- bors, within a cireuit of two miles, a second day sufficed to raise and inclose the same, while the third day he and family occupied. Fast time, indeed, making a home in the woods!
But no sooner was he sheltered within his eahin, than other improvements were begun. Ou the 8th day of June, 1851, he commenced to clear some ground and prepare it for erops. He succeeded that season in growing a full supply of corn for his own use, and eighteen hushels of potatoes. And, continuously, from
that modest beginning, as a man of agriculture he has been successful. His pros- perity has been marked ; his advancement rapid. In fact, to behold his home and present estate is to admire. .. His hroad, fertile fields; well-kept fences, splendid herd of cattle, beautiful horses and complete equipage, are all indieative of industry, taste and strength of character, and eminently distinguish him as a model farmer.
Mr. Ridenour's wedded life has been blessed with six children (four of them still living-two sons and two daughters), viz., Anna E. (deceased), Adam P. (married), Margaret (deceased), Ephraim B., Catherine and Sarah. As an index of his reflective mind, religiously, we give the following incident : Being in quest of Sheriff Munson one day in the month of February, 1879, he was invited, for the first time, through the Allen County Jail. Onee within, and observing the security of the prison, lie conceived this impressive contrast-that while the transgressors in this world were locked in, those of the next world would he locked out. He is yet hearty and vigorous, hidding fair to see many future years in which to enjoy the rewards of a toilsome, well-directed life.
OBITUARY.
Since the above was prepared-and, lo! how adverse to the hope of its elos- ing sentence-this once hardy pioneer has heen suddenly called from the theater of time.
On the morning of November 5, 1879. while sitting as a juror on the Swayne murder trial, in the Criminal Court at Fort Wayne, and after but slight complaint of illness, he was seized by a stroke of apoplexy. Soon as admissible, he was removed to his home near Monroeville, this county. Continuing in a deranged state of mind when consciousness returned, on November 12 an exam- ination was held, which resulted in his being pronounced non compos mentis. Thereupon he was taken to the State Lunatic Asylum at Indianapolis, where, on November 20, 1879, the thread of life was severed. Brought back to bereaved family and friends, in sadness they laid him away to rest.
WILLIAM D. BAKER
was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 10, 1836. His father was a carpenter, and worked at his trade until 1840, when he retuoved to Allen County, and pur- chased a tract of land in Monroe Township, which he went to work to improve and convert into a farm.
William remained at home, working on the farm in the summer, and attend- ing school in the winter, during his boyhood. He continued to work on the farm until 1869, when he went to Monroeville, and commeneed the grocery and provision business, in partnership with his brother and a Mr. Schell, under the firiu name of Schell, Baker & Co.
On the 10th of April, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate M. Engle. Their union has been blessed with two children, hoth sons.
In 1871, Mr. Baker purchased the interest of Mr. Schell in their business, and he and his brother continued in partnership until 1874, when he purehased the interest of his brother, and has sinee continued it, with success, by himself.
Mr. Baker was elected one of the Board of Trustees of the village of Monroeville in 1873. and has held that position to the present time. For the last four years, he has been President of the Board.
He is an active, energetie, pleasant business man, and the position given him by his fellow-citizens and neighbors for so long a period is sufficient. proof of the high esteem in which he is held, as a man and citizen, by those who kuow him hest.
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