USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 5
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
up more extensive and lucrative lines of trade, whereby the commercial in- tercourse of our people is greatly enhanced.
As a consequence, therefore, the local and general value of Logansport and of Cass County is scarcely surpassed in the State.
FINANCES.
On the 1st day of May, 1829, Cyrus Taber was appointed Treasurer of the county. As such, on the 7th of November, of the same year, the County Board being in session, he made and submitted to them the following re- port :
TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CARS COUNTY:
The undersigned, Treasurer of said county, begs leave to submit the following report of the financial concerns of the county :
RECEIPTS.
June 10, cash from Mr. Todd, for license.
.$15 00
July 25, cash from C. Taber & Co ..
10 00
August 3, cash from W. G. & G. W. Ewing.
1 94
August 6, cash received from A. Chamberlain.
7 50
September 12, cash received from Walker, Carter & Co.
10 00
September 14, cash received from Israel Johnson
15 00
September 25, cash received from Mr. Conaway.
2 00
Whole amount of receipts.
$61 44
EXPENDITURES.
Cash paid Duret, per order No. 1.
$10 00
Cash paid Duret, per order No. 2.
23 00
My commission on receipts ...
90
My commission on cash paid out.
79
$54 09
Amount remaining on hand.
$6 75
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CYRUS TABER,
Treasurer of Cass County.
NOVEMBER 7, 1829.
The report of Gillis McBean, County Agent, submitted the same dav, will complete the showing of the financial condition of the county at that date :
REPORT OF GILLIS McBEAN, AGENT FOR CASS COUNTY. DR.
To amount of one note on C. Carter. CR.
.. $530 00
By one order, favor of E. Powell.
$39 00
By one order, favor of H. Tyner.
33 00
By one order, favor of H. Ristine
21 00
By one order, favor of M. Clark
8 25
By one order, favor of B. Talbott.
20 00
By one order, favor W. Gordon
22 50
$143 75
Balance due.
.. $386 25
GILLIS McBEAN,
NOVEMBER 7, 1829. Agent Oums County.
It will be remembered that the expenditures exhibited in Mr. McBean's report were incidental to the location of the county seat at Logansport -; the timber for and erection of the county jail, previously ordered-& public building.
The report of the County Treasurer, submitted January 4, 1880, is as follows :
I have received since the November term of the Board of Commissioners, in 1829, the sum of $2.00, from Messrs. Thorpe & Wilson.
(Signed)
CYRUS TABER, Treasurer of Cass County.
Shows the amount in the treasury at that time the total sum of $8.75. The subsequent financial history of the county is well illustrated by the following exhibit of the receipts and disbursements of the County Treas- urer, at the end of each succeeding ten years, commencing with 1830:
YEAR.
RECEIPTS.
DISBURSEMENTS.
BALANCE.
1830
$368 9016
$367 6576
$1 25
1840
4,828 55
4,137 19
690 36
1850
13,182 08
11,007 35
2,174 73
1860
73,252 21
63,932 59
9,319 62
1870
214,636 30
176,433 08
38,203 22
1877
295,020 04
254,371 68
40,648 36
Whence it will be seen that the financial progress of the country has been healthy and rapid, and every way encouraging to the concurrent pop- ulation.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Encouragements looking to the promotion of agricultural interests, as the best means of developing the resources of our State and insuring the greatest permanent good, received early recognition from the Legislative authorities of the commonwealth. So far as it affects the experience of this county, the action taken in 1833-4, recommending the formation of county agricultural societies, seemed first to have awakened the interest of the farming population of the county. Pursuant to the provisions of the law enacted for the purpose, a meeting of the agriculturists of the county assembled at the ". Seminary" on the 30th of May, 1835, and the questions discussed touching the organization of a county society.
The result of this step was little more than to awaken an interest in the prospective advantages to be obtained from organization. It had a tendency, at least, to investigate and compare the experiences of the progressive agri- culturists of the day, but the attempts at organization were, in a measure, abortive. There were many advanced thinkers on the subject of scientific farming, and were ready to lead ; but the rank and file of our farmers were
not possessed of great faith in the idea that the kind and quantity of farming products could be improved beyond the experiences of their fathers.
In 1840-1, discussion had developed an interest that culminated in the organization of a society about the beginning of 1842. Of this organiza. tion, Hewit L. Thomas was President; Dr. John Lytle, Secretary, and James Horney, Treasurer, aided by a competent Board of Directors. In the Fall of that year, an agricultural fair, the first, perhaps, ever attempted in the county, was held on the grounds immediately west of the old hotel at the northwest corner of Walnut and Market streets, in the city of Logansport. There was indeed a fine display of stock and farm products. which tended greatly to encourage the lukewarm and confirm the arguments of the progressives, inciting them to greater effort.
Again, in the course of time, the interest subsided, and little was heard of the society ; but the discussion went on, and the main objects were not lost sight of nor forgotten. The society was re-organized in 1854 or 1855. Subsequently numerous fairs were held, at first, for a few years, in the eastern part of the city, on grounds leased of George T. Tipton for the pur- pose ; afterward, on the North Side, immediately south of S. A. Custer's residence. For a few years, success attended the efforts of the society ; but dissatisfaction and jealousies were engendered, and the society became defunct, either from mismanagement or inefficient organization.
Other efforts having failed, thus far. to secure the objects desired to be attained, on the 26th day of April, 1873, " The Cass County Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Association " was formed, with a capital stock of $20,000, to be divided into shares of $25 each. The purpose for which said corporation was organized " is to promote and improve agricul- ture, horticulture, the mechanic, manufacturing and household arts through- out Cass County ; and to this end to buy and sell, and deal generally in such real and personal estate as may be necessary to the successful prosecu- tion of said business."
The organization being perfected, a tract of land in the northeast quar- ter of Section 29, Township 27 north, Range 2 east, was purchased by the Association as a fair ground, of sufficient dimensions to subserve all the purposes for which it was intended. The needed buildings and con- veniences were soon after built, and the first fair was held on those grounds, from September 9 to 13, inclusive, in the year 1873. Since that time, an increased interest has been manifested, justifying the expenditure of large sums of money in the erection of suitable and substantial buildings, with all the improvements appertaining to such grounds that experience has found necessary to completely adapt them to the wants of the public. Annually, since the first, fairs have been held and largely attended, prov- ing the efficiency of the Association in accomplishing the purposes fore- shadowed in its organization.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
This order first acquired a footing on the soil of Indiana by the organi- zation of three Granges or Lodges, two in Vigo County and one at Indian- apolis, in 1869. The chief purpose of the organization is to secure to the farmers and manufacturers-by combined action, making common cause in their own behalf -- the complete results of their own labor, themselves the producing element of society. In short, it is thus proposed to save the percentage consequent upon the intermediate transfers from the producer to to the consumer, of the necessary articles of traffic ; the consumer having to pay, not only the price received by the producer, and in addition thereto, the tariffs on intermediate transfers, the producer, of right, being entitled to receive all that it costs the consumer, less the net cost of the interchange. To accomplish these and other legitimate objects, co-operative stores have been organized and conducted on the principle of commanding the highest market prices for the products of the members and procuring necessary supplies at the lowest possible rates
On the 28th of February, 1873, Clay Grange, No. 60, of the Patrons of Husbandry, of the State of Indiana, was organized, being the first in Cass County. At that time, George D. Custer and George W. Julian were ap- pointed Deputies with power to effect other like organizations in the county. As a result of the labors of these two Deputies, coupled with the general popularity of the scheme, at the end of the succeeding twelve months, there were thirty-one organizations in the county.
The experiences of the succeeding twelve months following demon- strated the fact that too many had been organized. The lessons of that period induced a change of policy, modifying the former practice. Some of the weaker ones consolidated with the stronger, while others surrendered their charters, the membership of such uniting with those of adjacent or- ganizations. At this date, February, 1878, there are sixteen strong, working Granges in the county, in active operation. While the membership is not rapidly increasing, the unity of purpose in developing the resources at command, has secured to this order a degree of strength, perhaps, never before possessed, the moral effect of which is plainly discernible by the signs of the times.
On the 14th of December, 1875, Articles of Association were filed in the office of the Recorder of Cass County, for the organization of a stock asso- ciation and the establishment of a supply store, a necessary agent in fur- thering the objects of the organization. It has now been ir operation a little over two years and has given, generally, good satisfaction, making, also, its influence felt in the department occupied by its operations.
At this period in its history, there is a favorable outlook, and the institu- tion has reason to congratulate itself upon the vantage ground obtained as a result of its efficient work in the line of self-protection. It has begotten, also, a disposition among its members to utilize the advantages obtainable from a more accurate knowledge of the principles of chemistry and the laws of germination, development and growth of plants, as they apply to agricul- tural pursuits.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
In the Winter of 1873, Lindol Smith, of Dow Grange, No. 161, was chosen a member of the State Executive Committee, which position he con- tinued to hold during the succeeding three years.
SPINNING FLAX.
This exercise, formerly so well understood, appreciated and practiced by the domestic mothers and daughters of pioneer times, is now scarcely recognized by their descendants of the present. Indeed, so far as the prac- tice is concerned, it may safely be considered as one of the " lost arts." Spinning wheels were regarded as ornaments of the household, and happy was the wife or maiden whose superior skill in the use of these instruments entitled them to the appellation of "provident housewives." The wheel for spinning flax was known as the " little wheel," to distinguish it from the " big wheel," used for spinning wool. These " stringed instruments" furnished the principal music of the family, and were operated by our sisters, mothers and grandmothers, with a devotion to their calling .not now equaled by the practitioners upon the more " modern and fashionable instru- ments that now decorate the parlors of the better class."
The operation of spinning flax was but one step in the process of manu- facturing " home summer wear," modernized somewhat by the name of "domestic linen." The different grades of these home made articles were appropriated to the purposes of " every day wear " and the "Sunday suit," the finer for the girls and the coarser for the father and the boys.
POOR FARM-COUNTY ASYLUM.
The experience of older counties having demonstrated the fact that the poor and unfortunate, who are necessarily supported at public expense, can be better and more economically provided for on a farm, with sufficient buildings and other appliances to utilize their labor, managed by a com- petent overseer, than, perhaps, by any other method. In the course of time, the County Board, also, having taken cognizance of these facts, steps were taken to make that system an element of the county economy.
Accordingly, on the 5th of March, 1845, the County Board having closed a contract with Henry II. Helm, for ninety acres off the south part of the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township 27 north, Range 2 east, for a consideration of $1,300; a deed was executed to the county for those grounds, thenceforward to be appropriated to the purposes of a " Poor Farm.'
The buildings necessary to meet the demand of the times were soon after erected and the utility of a public enterprise of this character became daily more apparent, as the improved economy of the county in providing for its poor and infirm, compared with its former experiences, was fully demon- strated by later developments.
From that time forward, such additions to the working appliances of the institution as were required by the increased demands for admission re- ceived the ready attention of the Board controlling its operations.
Within the past few years, the provision made for utilizing pauper labor has added greatly to the revenues derived from that source, while it has in a like ratio reduced the per capita expenses of its management and mainten- ance.
As early as 1871 the board had in contemplation improvements upon the county farin, in the way of an Infirmary, or County Asylum, which it was expected would not only be a matter of economy in taking care of the poor and infirm, but would add greatly to their facilities for rendering the inmates more comfortable. It was the purpose, then, to go on with the work at once The improvement was deferred, however, for further consideration.
Finally, on the 3d of March, 1874, bids having been received in pur- suance of a notice for sealed proposals for the purpose, and the several propositions fully considered, the contract was awarded to R. D. Stevens & Bro., on their bid of $12,548, for the completion of the work. The work was completed in compliance with the contract, with a small additional ad- vance on the contract price, for extras, changes of detail, etc. The main structure is of brick and heated by steam, the dimensons, at present, being fully equal to the demands made upon it. In detail, the plan of the build- ing is such as to blend economy, comfort and safety with satisfactory har- mony ; the separate departments for different classes of inmates being arranged and furnished with especial reference to the condition and require- ments of the occup ints. Altogether, the plan of the building, with its appli- ances, its structure and management, reflects credit upon the projectors and managers.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
On the 26th day of December, 1829, John Smith. Charles Polke, David Patrick, Rhoda Shields, Nancy Ross, James Smith and Nancy Smith met for consultation concerning the question of a church organization in Cass County, and the preliminary steps necessary to its satisfactory accomplishment. " Being persuaded of the propriety and utility of a combination of members of Christ being united in faith and Gospel order, and, in order to maintain unanimity in faith, perpetuate union, communion, a more perfect knowledge of each other, to promote the welfare of Zion, secure the blessings of relig- ion to ourselves and others, do, therefore, in the fear of God, mutually agree to maintain and keep the order of a Baptist Church, when fully organized according to the constitution and articles of faith."
Then, the Articles of Faith, as recognized by the regular Baptist Church, were declared and signed by those present, as the proper step preliminary to organization.
On the 20th of February, 1830, pursuant to the request of those above named, and the desire of others of like faith in Cass County, John Knight, William Hance and John Lennon from Deer Creek Church, and Elder Samuel Arthur, from Wea Church, met for the purpose of organizing them into a Gospel Church. Elder Arthur acting as Moderator and John Lennon, Clerk. A council being thus organized, those seven brothers and sisters first named, presented their letters, which being read, the council
made the following proclamation : " We, the above presbytery, do hereby certify that we have, pursuant to their request, constituted them into a Gospel Church. JOHN LENNON, Clerk."
After organization, the church appointed Charles Polke Clerk, and adopted the name of Eel River, as that by which the new church should be known. James Smith was chosen Moderator at the succeeding meeting, held on the 20th of March.
From that time forward, church meetings were held monthly, and on the 19th of March, 1831, when fixed "Rules of Decorum " were adopted, the better to expedite business. During this period, Elder James Smith usually administered to the spiritual wants of the church. Afterward, Elder William Reese " took care of the church." and continued in that relation, at intervals, until June, 1838, when "Elder William Corbin was regularly invited to spend half his labors in the Gospel at this place."
Meanwhile, some difference of opinion havingarisen in matters appertain- ing to the unity of faith and practice, on the 2d of March, 1839, revision of the Articles of Faith was ordered, and Elder Corbin, Aaron Yantis, William Aldrich and George Weirick were appointed a committee for that purpose. On the 6th of April following, the revised Articles were presented, read and adopted, together with the church covenant. Notwithstanding the strong covenants entered into, a feeling of dissatisfaction, because of the seeming departure by a majority of the membership from the accepted land- marks of the fathers, continued to manifest itself, developing into a purpose on the one part to reconstruct the old polity and inaugurate a system in advance of the former, and on the part of the other, to allow a spirit of apathy to control their actions, disinclining them to participate in the church work with becoming interest.
In the Spring of 1842, a spirit of revival prevailed, which, for the time being, had a tendency to calm the troubled waters, and many new members were added. About this time, Elder William M. Pratt, brother of Ex-Sena- tor Daniel D. Pratt, visited this county, and participating in gave new life to the revival effort before commenced. Elder Pratt remained here, labor- ing with earnest zenl and marked effect for more than a year, the member. ship having increased by more than two hundred additions during the period of his ministr .tions. Mr. Pratt's term of service with this church closed on the 30th of September, 1843.
Rev. Demas Robinson succeeded Mr. Pratt, commencing to labor in the relation of Pastor on the 2d of December, 1843, and sustained that relation acceptably until the Spring of 1815 Subsequently, at the April meeting of that year, a committee was appointed to call Rev, Silas Tucker, then of La Porte. Failing to secure his services, Elder Robinson was called as a sup- ply until the services of a stated Pastor could be secured, assuming the duties of that relation on the 6th of September following, and continuing to act as such until a successor was chosen, December 6, 1845.
At that date, Elder E. T. Manning was called to labor with the church, and continued to do so for several months. In the meantime, a feeling of disquietude prevailed among the members, manifesting itself in frequent delinquencies, on the part of many, in their attendance upon church services. These manifestations continued throug out the year.
December 5, 1846, Elder C. M. Richmond was employed, his term of service commencing October 10 preceding. Notwithstanding the frequent change of pastors, there was little abatement in the spirit of disunity, aris- ing. perhaps, more from a dissatisfaction with the nature of the old church polity than with the pastor in charge. To remedy this element of discord, it was proposed to modify the articles so as to conform essentially to the advanced opinions. Failing to secure a purpose so essential to the healthy growth and prosperity of the church and the faithful observance of Christian duties, withdrawals of membership became more and more frequent, until the necessity for a new organization, taking more advanced grounds in mat- ters of faith and discipline, was fully manifested. Occasional meetings and services continued to be held, however, until April 3, 1852, when the First . or " Regular " Baptist Church in Logansport ceased to exist as such, the Second Church, in the meantime, having taken its place.
THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized on the 4th day of April, A. D. 1847, in accordance with pre- vious notice of the purpose contemplated. This purpose is fully set forth in the preamble to the new organization :
" Believing the time has come when we can best secure our advancement in piety and religious enjoyment, and extend aid to the cause of Truth, by withdrawing from the First Baptist Church, of this place, on account of dis- sensions and long continued neglect of Gospel discipline, and consequent inability of said Church to pursue an efficient course of action ; and seeing no prospect of riddance from these and other obstacles to the prosperity of said Church, we, therefore, agree to organize into a new Church, adopting the following Constitution, By-laws, Covenants and Articles of Faith."
This meeting was presided over by Rev. C. M. Richmond; Samuel A. Hall acting as Clerk. The following persons constituted the original member- ship, having adopted the proposed new regulations and attached their names thereto :
J. A. Taylor, S. A. Hall, William Aldrich, Daniel Ivins, J. H. Crain, C. M. Richn ond, W. H. Aldrich, Mary A. Aldrich, Virginia Loomis, Mary P. Richmond, Lucinda Weirick, Elizabeth Richardson and Harriet Neff.
Among the first efforts put forth by this new Church toward insuring a prosperous future were to secure the services of an efficient Pastor, the organization of a Sunday School, and the erection of a suitable building in which to worship. E!der C. M. Richmond was chosen Pastor, and he entered upon the discharge of his duties at once.
The first Board of Trustees consisted of Adkins Nash, S. A. Hall and James A. Taylor, and were elected January 15, 1848.
At a meeting of the Council of Churches within Association limits, on the 26th of May, 1847. it was " Resolved, unanimously, that this Council
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
does hereby recognize the Second Baptist Church, of Logansport, as a regular Baptist Church, established in accordance with Gospel principles." Elder Deweese, then, on behalf of the Council, through Elder Richmond, extended the hand of fellowship to the Church thus recognized.
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On the 15th of January, 1848, Adkins Nash and Timothy C. Merritt were elected the first Deacons.
On the same date, a donation of $114.00, to be appropriated toward the purchase of a lot for the church, was made by the " Baptist Female Benevo- lent Society." of Logansport, and gratefully accepted.
Early steps were taken, by appointing appropriate Committees of con- ference, to devise a plan of union of the First and Second Churches. These efforts, after numerous interchanges of opinion, were finally successful, and on the 1st of February, 1849, the plan of such union was perfected.
After the close of Elder Richmond's term of service, the Church was with- out the services of a regular Pastor until July 13, 1849, when Elder Demas Robinson was chosen. He sustained this relation until Otober 5, 1850, and was succeeded by Elder John P. Barnett, on the 17th of November follow- ing. On the 1st of February, 1852, Elder Barnett resigned his charge as Pastor. The vacancy continued until August 29, 1852, at which time it was supplied by Elder H. C. Skinner. At the meeting on the 1st of October, 1853, Elder Skinner resigned his pastoral charge and was succeeded, tem-, porarily, by Elder Robinson, whose relationship with the Church was sum- marily disposed of by voting a withdrawal of its fellowship, on the 4th of March, 1854. Afterward, Elder W. F. Parker was temporarily called, but he closed that relation in June, 1855. Services were irregular thereafter, until the employment of Rev. J. R. Ash, on the 31st of July, 1856, who continued to labor for the church until March 25, 1858, when he resigned his charge.
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Early in the year 1854, the wants of the church began to foreshadow the building of a house of worship of greater capacity for the accommoda- tion of the increased membership. In February of that year, the necessary preliminary action was had in the matter, and not long afterward the building was put under contract. The result was the erection of the pres- ent commodious brick church, at the northeast corner of Broadway and Seventh streets, in the city of Logansport. It was dedicated on the 9th of March, 1862.
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