History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 24

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901

USA > Indiana > Greene County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 24

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

At a very early day in the history of Worthington, a Masonic lodge was organized, which for a number of years was the strongest secret society in the town. Mr. Wilkins, the banker, was a member of this

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lodge. The lodge flourished for many years, but, not long ago, owing it is said to serious financial losses, it surrendered its charter and has not since been revived.

THE PORTER RIFLES AND THE SOLDIERS' RE-UNION.

In June, 1883, a militia company was organized at Worthington with the following officers: A. S. Helms, Captain; C. G. Sanders, First Lien- tenant; M. D. Ellis, Second Lieutenant; J. A. Keith, Orderly Sergeant. In July of the same year, uniforms were obtained, and a short time be- fore a full set of fine breech-loading Springfield rifles was obtained from the State. The company was named " Porter Rifles," in honor of Gov. . Porter. On the 11th, 12th and 13th of September, 1883, a re-union of soldiers was held at Worthington, on which occasion from 2,000 to 4,000 people were present on each day. Four companies, including the Porter Rifles and two companies from Terre Haute, were present, en- camped on the fair ground west of town. Two pieces of cannon were brought from Indianapolis to be used in the sham battle on the third day. The four companies participated in this battle, and covered them- selves with gl-ory. A running race of ponies, a trotting race of horses, a shooting match for beef, were some of the attractions. After the citizens had gone to great expense in preparing for the re-union, had induced companies to be present, and had shipped cannon and other supplies from the capital, the people seemed to expect that entrance to the show should cost nothing, and when it was found that all were required to pay for admittance, many, angered at the fact, left the town in disgust. The re-union, as a whole, was not up to expectations, though a good feel- ing and much enthusiasm prevailed among those who were willing to " pay something for something."

THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.

In 1879, W. B. Harrah and J. D. Myers took up a collection, and with this had constructed the telephone line to Bloomfield. The follow- ing year they sold out to a Chicago company who yet own the line. It has been gradually extended until it now has stations at Switz City, Newberry, Lyons, Marco, Vincennes, etc. " Hello!" is the popular sal- utation. The line is found to be very useful, and for the small sum of 25 cents business 10 minutes long can be transacted. The line is not well enough supported, but pays a small dividend each year.

INCORPORATION OF WORTHINGTON.

In the spring of 1870, a petition was circulated at Worthington and largely signed, addressed to the County Commissioners, and praying that an election might be held to decide whether the town might have the privilege of municipal government, and in response to this petition the

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L. V. Mullinmit M.D.

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County Board ordered the polls open and the citizens to decide in ac- cordance with their petition. This election was duly held, and a majority of votes cast for the incorporation. A total of ninety-three votes was cast. The Commissioners then formally declared the place to be "The Incorporated Town of Worthington." An election of officers was called for the 25th of June, 1870, on which occasion the following resulted Abraham Spainhower, F. D. Conant and Enoch Dean, Trustees; D. W. Soliday, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor; A. Runner, Marshal. The board first met. on the 5th of July, and appointed A. G. Sanders, Fire Warden and Street Commissioner, and D. W. Soliday Prosecuting Attorney.

ORDINANCES.

The first ordinance passed was the useless order fixing the incorpo- rated limits of the town, a matter wholly within the province of the County Board. The limits thus fixed were as follows: Beginning on the section line dividing 20 and 21, Township 8 north, Range 5 west and 68 rods south of the northeast corner of said Section 20, it being the southeast corner of Margaret Topping's land; thence west 25 chains and 90 links; thence south 5 chains and 68 links; thence east 15 chains; thence south 41 chains and 79 links; thence east 41 chains and 96 links; thence north 16 chains and 42 links; thence east 9 chains and 86 links; thence north 20 chains and 38 links; thence east 1 chain and 3 links; thence north 16 chains; thence west 34 chains and 73 links; thence south 6 chains and 22 links to the beginning. Im- mediately after this for several meetings, various and necessary town or- dinances were adopted for the government of the corporation. Sidewalks were ordered constructed, hitching posts planted, the canal filled up, stagnant water drained and nuisances abated. In August, Allen Runner resigned his position as Marshal, and Josiah Corbin was appointed to succeed him. On the 3d of September, a town jail was ordered built, the structure to be 10x16 feet, one storied, eight feet high, and to be very strongly built of heavy timber, and to be finished November 5. Isaac Pugh contracted to put up the building for $150, and complied with his contract.

OFFICERS.

The officers of 1871 were C. C. Howe, Philander Burr and James A. Minick, School Trustees; A. Spainhower, F. D. Conant and Enoch Dean, Town Trustees; John A. Bays, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor; and Obed Mercer, Marshal. The latter resigned in December, and was succeeded by Jacob Schrank. Trustee Spainhower resigned in March, 1872, his successor being A. G. Sanders. In 1872, the officers elected were A. G. Sanders, Leonard Ferris and Samuel Folsom, Trustees; B. S. Hender- son, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor; Samuel Holmes, Marshal; B. S. Henderson, Prosecuting Attorney. In June, 1872, $5,000 worth of cor-

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poration bonds were ordered issued, to be used in erecting a new school- house, but before action could be taken on the order, it was rescinded. Dr. W. C. Smydth was appointed School Trustee, vice C. C. Howe, de- ceased. Henderson moved from the town, and J. S. Bays became Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor. In 1873, the School Trustees were W. C. Smydth, Willis Watson and William Wilkin's; Town Trustees, George Elliott, Daniel Riggs and I. M. Darnell; Clerk and Assessor, F. O. Wadsworth; Treasurer, John Myers; Marshal, A. B. Alexander. In October, 1873, William Wilkins, School Trustee, resigned, and S. S. Haviland took his place. Jacob Geckler succeeded Alexander as Marsbal in January, 1874. S. G. Chapman took Elliott's place as Trustee, and and J. S. Bays took Wadsworth's place as Clerk and Assessor. The elected officers of 1874 were I. M. Darnell, S. J. Heston and L. G. Chap- man, Trustees; John Myers. Treasurer; D. W. Soliday, Prosecuting At -. torney; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; G. W. Cox, Clerk and Assessor. In October, W. C. Andrews became Clerk. Some time before this the Town Board had by ordinance ordered that within certain limits no frame buildings should be erected. Efforts were made at this time to secure the abrogation of this ordinance, but without avail. In February, 1875, C. C. Howe's First and Second and Avondale Additions were admitted to the corporate limits; or, more correctly speaking, the limits were ex- tended to include them. Willis Watson became his own successor as School Trustee.

THE SCHOOLHOUSE BONDS.

On the 3d of April, 1875, a special ordinance was passed by the Town Board, authorizing the issue of $16,000 worth of nine per cent corporate bonds in denominations of $500 each, $4,000 payable in seven years, $5,000 in fourteen years and $7,000 in twenty years, all payable at the bank of Winslow, Lanier & Co., New York. A short time before this, the board had decided to erect a large school building, and when the bonds were ordered issued, the work on the structure had already been commenced. The bonds were printed and put on the market for sale, rating at a few cents' discount, and were finally bought by Eastern capital- ists. If the periods of the bonds were changed from the statement above, such fact could not be learned. For several years, the interest continued to be paid regularly on the bonds when due until 1881, when the town ran behind, and the following year suit was brought in the United States District Court, at Indianapolis, by J. E. Norton, bond holder, to recover the overdue interest. The matter was finally com- promised upon the following terms: 1. The sum of $1,000 to liquidate all overdue coupons; 2. All bonds to bear five per cent interest instead of nine per cent; 3. Bonds No. 1 to 8 inclusive, now matured, to be paid on or before the 3d of October, 1886; 4. After the payment of the first eight bonds, any others may be paid on the 3d of April or the

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3d of October of any year prior to maturity; 5. Principal and interest to be paid at the office of J. E. Norton, in Portland, Me .; 6. The failure to pay interest within ten days after maturity will be punished by increasing the interest on the remaining bonds to nine per cent; 7. The costs of the present suit to be paid by the town. Since this, the interest has been promptly paid, and a sinking fund should be steadily created to be used in paying the principal.

OFFICERS CONTINUED.

'Early in 1875, the addition of Willis Watson was attached to the corporation. The officers of 1875 were: I. M. Darnell, L. G. Chapman and S. J. Heston, Trustees; Benjamin Stalcup, Clerk; John Myers, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; J. S. Bays, Attorney; Leonard Ferris, Fire Warden; Willis Watson was continued School Trustee. ohn Myers was Assessor; 50 cents on each $100, and $1 on each poll, were levied to pay school bonds and interest. Willis Watson negotiated the sale of the bonds. S. S. Haviland was School Trustee in 1875. A license of $100 was levied upon liquor dealers. In April, 1876, the town bought $58 worth of street scrapers, etc. The officers of 1876 were: W. C. Andrews, S. J. Heston and W. B. Squire, Trustees; Benjamin Staloup, Clerk (he received all votes polled, 154); Levi Fellows, Treas- urer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; J. S. Bays, Attorney; Leonard Ferris, Fire Warden. E. L. Webber, School Trustee of 1876, resigned in De- cember, his successor being J. E. Throop. The officers of 1877 were: W. C. Andrews, S. J. Heston and W. N. Dean, Trustees; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; Levi Fellows, Treasurer; J. D. Myers, Assessor and Clerk. The report of the Treasurer for the fiscal year 1876-77, was as follows: On hand at the beginning of the year, $390.49; receipts of special school tax, $1,637.49; total receipts, $3,336.22; interest paid on bonds, $1,447.22; on hand in cash and paper, $1,085.05. A tax on dogs was levied in 1877. In May, 1877, J. E. Throop was appointed School Trustee for three years. John Laverty was School Trustee in 1877.

OFFICERS CONCLUDED.

The officers of 1878 were: W. C. Andrews, S. J. Hestor and S. H. Carnahan, Trustees; J. D. Myers, Clerk and Assessor; Levi Fellows, Treasurer; J. H. Greves, School Trustee; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; J. S. Bays, Attorney. A town hall (the old schoolhouse) had been secured some time before this, and in March, 1879, a bell was placed thereon, obtained of G. F. Allison for $15. The officers of 1879 were: J. M. Foster, W. A. Hays and S. H. Carnahan, Trustees; J. D. Myers, Clerk; James E. Miller, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal. Mr. Howe became his own successor as School Trustee. The Marshal's salary for the year was fixed at $180. D. N. McKee had been School Trustee before this. In October, W. C. Andrews succeeded J. M. Foster as Town Trustee.

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Howe, School Trustee, resigned in April, 1880. The officers of 1880 were: J. D. Myers, William Hays and Henry Gastineau, Trustees; W. H. H. Welch, Clerk; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal. In June, 1880, S. J. Heston succeeded McKee as School Trustee. The Treasurer's Report for the fiscal year 1880-81 was as follows: On hand, $1,256.41; from saloons, $600; special school tax, $779.22; total receipts, $2,977.58; interest paid on school bonds, $600.75; on hand, $1,575.52. The officers of 1881 were: George P. Stone, Carpus Shaw and P. Burr, Trustees; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; Jacob Geckler, Marshal; M. Stark, Clerk; J. D. Welker, School Trustee. J. J. Hochstetler soon succeeded Stark as Clerk. The officers of 1882 were: G. P. Stone, William Hays and D. P. Fort, Trustees; D. N. McKee, Clerk; T. J. Fires, Marshal; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; T. H. Hollis, T. D. Welker and S. J. Heston, School Trustees. The officers of 1883 were: C. G. Sanders, George Reath and William Hays, Trustees; J. M. Beach, Clerk; J. E. Miller, Treasurer; J. L. Harris, Marshal; Dr. L. P. Mullinniz, School Trustee. S. J. Heston soon succeeded Welker as School Trustee. This brings the list of officers and their important acts up to the present.

THE BANKS OF WORTHINGTON.

In 1872, the Worthington Bank was founded by P. McKissick, Henry Grim, Aden G. Cavins, E. Dean, Philander Burr, A. J. Newsom and J. N. Newsom, who were the stockholders of $20,000 of capital. Putnam McKissick was President, and E. Dean, Cashier. Under this management, a fair private banking business was done until 1875, when a re-organiza- tion occurred, with the following stockholders: P. McKissick, W. C. Andrews, Henry Grim, F. M. Dugger, D. S. Whitaker, C. N. Shaw, C. Start, A. G. Cavins, A. J. Newsom, J. N. Newsom, William Wilkins, W. B. Squire, McKee Brothers, Lucian Shaw, A. M. Cunning, Charles Roth and J. F. Ballard. The officers were: W. C. Andrews, President; C. N. Shaw, Cashier. The capital under this organization was $50,000. A good business was done. In 1878, a second re-organization occurred, at which time many of the stockholders retired, and the name was changed to the Worthington Exchange Bank. No new stockholders came in. The officers were: William Wilkins, President; C. N. Shaw, Cashier. The present stockholders are W. C. Andrews, William Wilkins, C. N. Shaw and Charles Roth. Mr. Wilkins is President, and Mr. Shaw Cash- ier. The bank has a capital of $50,000, and a surplus of $20,000, and enjoys a paying patronage and the unlimited confidence of the public. It has been since the founding a private bank. Dr. E. Dean is said to have done the first banking business in town.

THE PRESS OF WORTHINGTON.

The first newspaper established in Greene County was at Worthing- ton in 1853. Marcus L. Deal and Isaac N. Morrison, who had been pub-

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lishing a paper at Salem, Ind., came to Worthington at the solicitation of the citizens, and, with a full office outfit brought with them, issued the first number of the Worthington Advertiser about the 1st of No. vember, 1853. Thesheet was a six-column folio, subscription price $1.50 per annum, and was strongly Whig in politics. The canal had a short time before been established through the county, and Worthington had sprung into active and vigorous life, and the citizens felt the need of a newspaper, and felt that they could support one, and accordingly gave the publishers a flattering list to begin with. The prevailing sentiment · was for a Whig paper. The paper was issued under the name Advertiser just one year, and was then sold to a stock company which had been formed to prevent the loss of the paper to the town, which event seemed probable, as the subscription had fallen to the bottom and the advertising and job work patronage was reduced to a minimum. The leading mem- bers of this stock company were as follows: Dr. J. H. Axton, S. B. Har- rah, L. M. Baird, Langworthy & Blount, W. C. Andrews, R. E. Andrews, Dayton Topping, K. B. Osborn and others to the number, all told, of about twenty. Before the purchase of the office by the stock company, the entire concern had been owned by Mr. Deal, with whom Mr. Morri- son was associated in the capacity of a compositor.

THE "HOOSIER BLADE."

The Worthington Press Company immediately after the purchase of the paper from Mr. Deal leased the office to " Lord Byron " Conway, who commenced issuing an independent sheet under the name, the Hoosier Blade for one year with indifferent success, when the office was sold to Isaac N. Morrison for $350, just one-half the amount paid by the com- pany to Mr. Deal. Mr. Morrison, with years of experience as a news- paper man, with an energy that knew no such thing as defeat, the most rapid compositor ever in the county, an ardent and uncompromising Whig, and a citizen of more than average enlightenment, honor and en- terprise, commenced issuing the paper on his own responsibility in the autumn of 1855. Under his judicious management, the White River Val- ley Times ai once became popular. Mr. Morrison was his own editor, publisher and compositor, and composed both sides of his paper, often at the case. His rapidity enabled him to dispense with the services of a compositor, which fact largely contributed to his success, as at that time the subscription list was small, and other patronage largely lacking. He continued to issue the paper until the political campaign of 1856, when the citizens of the town asked that he advocate the election of John C Fremont to the Presidency, but this he refused to do, though a Whig on the American ticket, but consented to permit the Republicans to use the paper during the campaign. This he did, stepping down and out, where- upon John Mentzer took editorial management and issued a spirited cam-

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paign paper in the interests of the Fremont ticket. At the conclusion of the campaign, Mr. Morrison resumed the issue of the sheet, which was yet known as the White River Valley Times. For a time, John T. Smith was his assistant. This was issued with satisfactory success, with a con- stantly increasing patronage in all departments, until March, 1860, when the office was sold to E. E. Rose, who moved the material to Bloomfield, and began issuing the first Democratic paper of the county called the Greene County Times, a full account of which will be found in the chapter on Bloomfield accompanying this volume.

THE PAPER DURING THE WAR.

In May, 1860, Mr. Morrison bought a new outfit and commenced is- suing the Worthington Gazette, a Republican paper, advocating the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Fresidency. It was a six-column folio, and soon had a comfortable list of subscribers. During the war, this paper. under the management of Mr. Morrison, was so ably edited and so resolutely loyal that more than one attempt was made to mob the office, cast the material in the canal and do personal injury to the outspoken editor. It was found necessary to guard the office with something more effective in defense than fists or clubs, and in this way the dark years of internecine war were passed The paper contributed more than any other element in the county to the encouragement of volunteering and to dispel or allay the prevailing disloyal sentiments. Its efforts in this respect cannot be too highly commended in view of the results accomplished, and Mr. Mor- rison can have no prouder epitaph than his accomplishment through the columns of his paper during those bloody years of sorrow and war.

THE PAPER AFTER THE WAR.

In about June, 1865, Mr. Morrison sold the paper to Benjamin F. Cavins, a very promising young man of Bloomfield, son of Samuel R. Cavins, who removed the office to the county seat. An account of this enterprise may be read in the Bloomfield chapter. In 1867, Mr. Morrison bought the office, and after issuing the Greene County Times at the county seat until 1868, moved the material back to Worthington, in con- sequence of the arrival there of the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad, and the strong demand for a newspaper. Here the paper became the Worthington Times. In the spring of 1870, W. J. Ward became asso- ciated with Mr. Morrison in the ownership and management of the paper, and under this partnership the issue was continued until February, 1873, when the entire outfit was sold to Fred M. Miller, of Worthington, who conducted the paper nearly two years under the same name. In 1875, the office passed to the ownership of a stock company, consisting of I. N. Morrison, Dr. W. B. Squire, C. N. Shaw, A. L. Blue, E. L. Webber and J. E. Miller. The paper was continued as the Worthington Times, under

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the editorship and management of Morrison & Blue, who were paid, or rather they received what they could make. Thus the sheet was con- tinued until about April, 1879, when the stock company sold out to A. S. Helms, who conducted it with associates, one of whom was W. J. Ward, until December, 1882, when the Morrison Brothers, sons of the veteran editor, Isaac N. Morrison, bought the office, and have since issued the paper. The brothers are Charles E. Morrison and Frank Morrison, who have a circulation of a little less than 1,000, and an excellent job and ad- vertising patronage. The paper is, of course, Republican. Strange as it may seem, yet it is a fact, that no money has been made out of news- paper enterprises at Worthington except by the Morrisons-father and sons-and the latter would no doubt experience serious difficulty were it not for the practical advice of the former. It is said that while Mr. Mor- rison was Postmaster of the town he set up both sides of his paper him- self, besides managing the affairs of Uncle Sam. Industry and skill, like blood, will always tell.

OTHER NEWSPAPER VENTURES.

In 1874, William H. Osborn began issuing an independent paper, called the Worthington Sun. The sheet met with reasonable success, and became the organ of the Greenbackers, by whom its appearance was welcomed with anthems of praise. In about 1876, it was sold to John S. Bays, who took up the editorial quill and held it for about a year, when the paper became non est. The Democratic Press, Our Little Folks, School Journal, Localizer, National Banner, and Greene County Regis- ter have been short-lived papers at Worthington.

JOHNSTOWN AND WATSON'S STATION.

When the canal was built, a small town was begun at what is now Johnstown. Hubbel built a mill there as early as 1830, which became well known. The first flat-boat sent down Eel River was built at Old Bruns- wick, above Johnstown, early in the thirties, by Dr. Jonathan Ray, who loaded it with pork and grain belonging to scores of settlers. He took it to New Orleans, sold all, and deposited the proceeds in Brandon's bank of that city. The following night he was roused by loud cries on the street, and listening, he heard the words uttered again and again: " Brandon's bank has failed; Brandon's bank has failed." Thus was all swept away as surely as by fire or flood-all the year's crops of the early settlers. Much trouble was had over the dam at Point Commerce, which backed water up to Johnstown Litigation was indulged in, and at last the trouble ended. Howe started a store there in 1849-50, and later Joseph Now succeeded him. Watson's Station came into existence with the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad. It is a small place, where con- considerable shipping is done.

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THE POINT COMMERCE SCHOOLS AND LYCEUM.

It is not certainly known who taught the first school in Point Com- merce. A small brick building was built in about 1838, for a combined church and schoolhouse, and was used continuously for ten or twelve years or more. This was built almost or wholly by the Allisons. Mrs. Harrah taught in this house in 1846. Her school, like all over which she presided, was a model of excellence. In about 1840, a lyceum was established in town, with which all the leading men connected themselves. It soon became a great resort, large crowds packing the schoolhouse to listen to the proceedings. When the bill was before the Legislature to change the practice in regard to the legal right of women to inherit, that question was announced for discussion before the Lyceum. Mrs. Harrah, then in charge of the school of young men and women, with a few of the leading citizens, led the debate in favor of the bill: but the feeling against a change of that kind was so strong that an opposite decision was forced upon the house. In 1850, the big brick church and schoolhouse was constructed, the Allisons alone giving $3,000. Rev. John Laverty was induced to come on and found an academy of the Methodist persua- sion in this building, which he did with a flattering beginning. His as- sistant was a gentleman named Henry. But the school was destined to die slowly, and within two years after it was founded ceased to exist.

THE SCHOOLS OF WORTHINGTON.

Miss Julia M. Taylor probably taught the first school in Worthing- ton, in a building that had been built for and used for a time as a dwell- ing, not far from the year 1851-52. Prior to this the children had gone to the school at Point Commerce, and to the log schoolhouse on the Worthington site. The first schoolhouse erected in town was a one- storied frame building, 24x50 feet, built about the year 1854. It is yet standing, and is now a dwelling. After a short time, it was found neces- sary to erect another, and at a later date still another, one of them being a brick structure, and all of them one-storied buildings, located best to accommodate the patrons. Among the early teachers of Worthington were Miss Whiting; P. Burr; Romeo Andrews; Carlin Hamlin, who conducted an academy in his own residence; Miss Whiting taught the classics; Miss Emma Topping; Miss Kittie Andrews; Miss Josephine Dorfeuille; Miss Julia Taylor, wife of Col. A. G. Cavins, of Bloomfield, Miss Ola Wadsworth and others. In 1871-72, Prof. Henry conducted a " Conference Academy " at Point Commerce, and was assisted by Miss Wadsworth. This school was not denominational. In 1875, the present fine brick school building was erected at a total cost of about $18,000. This building is a credit to the town, but-it has not been paid for. The Scott brothers were the contractors. In 1874, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized. A crusade was commenced and con-

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History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 24

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Number of Pages: 901

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901