History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 56

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 56
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 56

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).

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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY.

CHAPTER IV.

THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-ESTABLISHED AT CARLISLE-THE FAIR OF 1856-OTHER FAIRS-THE LOCATION AT' SULLIVAN-THE OLD SETTLERS' MEETINGS-THE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY-POPULATION-THE COUNTY PAUPERS-PURCHASE OF A POOR FARM-MANAGEMENT OF THE ASYLUM-ERECTION OF THE POOR HOUSE-THE COUNTY AND OTHER. LIBRARIES-THE SEMINARY-ORIGIN OF THE SCHOOL FUNDS-THE TEACHERS' INSTITUTE - ACADEMIES - RAILROADS - CATALOGUE OF COUNTY OFFICERS-FINANCES AND TAXES-POLITICS, ETC.

TN the year 1852, the Sullivan County Agricultural Society was organ- ized at Carlisle, and a fair was held there in October, as is shown by the following report to the State Board:

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE INDIANA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE: In compliance with the law for the encouragement of agriculture in this State, the undersigned have the honor to submit the following report: The Sullivan County Agricultural Society was organized in the early part of last spring, 1852, according to the plan recommended by the State Board with William D. Blackburn, President; James H. Reid, Treasurer; J. H. Paxton, Secretary, with a Board of Directors. The first annual fair was held in Carlisle on the 15th day of October, and was numerously attended from all parts of the county and from adjoin- ing counties. W. D. BLACKBURN, President.

J. H. PAXTON, Secretary.

A detailed account of this fair cannot be given. The second fair was held at Carlisle in 1853, of which neither no record was kept in the county nor report sent to the State Board. The third fair was also held at Carlisle in 1854, with a large attendance. The premiums were paid almost wholly in cash, but at subsequent fairs all over $2 were (usually) paid in silverware.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FAIR AT CARLISLE.

At the fair of 1854, the county seat and Merom put in claims to have subsequent fairs held at those places; and here it was decided that the place raising the greatest sum of money to be used in fitting the grounds should have the fair for the succeeding five years. On the 9th of May, 1855, at the semi-annual meeting of the Directors, the offers of the com- peting points were examined, when it was found that Carlisle had bid $326, considerable more than any other place, whereupon it was announced that that town should have the fair for the next five years. Much of the money bid was used in preparing the grounds between the present town

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of Carlisle and the depot. The financial statement of the society for 1855, was as follows: Receipts from members, $128; from the county treasury, $73; from gate fees, $44.20; paid out for printing, silverware, etc .. $99.70; premiums, $162.50; total receipts, $245.20; total expenses, $262.20; liabilities, $17. The officers for 1855 were: W. D. Blackburn, President; John Maxwell, Vice President; Frank Curry, Treasurer; Sam- nel R. Hamill, Secretary; William Alsop, Justus Davis, W. C. Griffith, Major Hawkins, Eli Dix, Willis Benefiel. John H. Wilson, H. R. Wal- lace and J. H. Harvey, Directors.

THE FAIR OF 1856.

Extensive preparations were made for a big fair in 1856. The officers of 1856 were as follows: John A. Garrett, President; Ben- jamin Gray, Vice President; Murray Briggs, Secretary; W. F. Cur- ry, Treasurer; J. R. Fields, William Alsop, Judge McKee, H. R. Wal- lace, Samuel Myers, W. F. Dodds, David Usrey, Willis Benefiel and Jackson Hinkle, Directors. Gov. Wright was the speaker of the fair, a large crowd assembling to hear him .: Much money was spent in adver- tising and in preparation, and the 11th and 12th of October were fixed upon as the time of holding the fair, but at that time, for some reason unknown, the date was postponed to October 24 and 25. The fair was held on the ground near the depot, around which was a high board fence. The first day was cold, raw weather, but the second was bright and beau tiful. There were both a good display of products and a good crowd. There were at this time 120 members of the society. The gate receipts were $50 at 10 cents per person. There was offered in premiums $326; much of this coming from the donation of Carlisle for the fair. Miss Anna Blackburn, Mrs. Strong and Miss Sarah Owen competed in eques- trianism, the former carrying off the red ribbon. Four little Misses- two Blackburns, one Paxton and one Owen, also gave exhibitions on horses, Miss Paxton taking the first (nominal) premium. The following other premiums were awarded: Best cultivated farm, John Calvert, sil- ver cup worth $10; best stallion, John Garrett, silver cup worth $5; alsc on horses, D. Kimberlin, M. Nash, John Maxwell, Charles Dailey, Rich ard Pierce and F. Lemon; on mules and jacks, Dr. Paxton, Amos Glick, William Akin, William McConnell, J. Snyder and James Coulton; on matched, saddle and trotting horses, M. Hinkle, E. Milam, W. D. Black- burn, L. Eaton, J. M. Parvin, J. Vance, A. Curry and P. Workman; on cattle, John Pogue, S. Glick, Richard Pierce, John Sprott, E. Milam, D. Kimberlin, J. Snyder, E. Colton and W. Blackburn; hogs, A. Van Fos- sen, Thomas Davidson and C. B. Shepard; on sheep, E. Milam; on chickens, J. M. Parvin, S. R. Hamill .. M. Bentlin, Hugh Wheeler, B. Sisson and J. Davis; on buggies and wagons, etc., T. McIntosh, Watson & Whitaker, J. L. Henderson and S. Greenfield: on fruits, C. B. Shep-

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ard, J. Hoke, A. Snapp and George Davidson; on vegetables, S. Green- field, Hugh Wheeler, J. Hoke, R. Latshaw, E. Milam, A. Snapp and C. B. Shepard; on household wares, Mrs. H. Curry, Mrs. L. T. Garrett, Mrs. E. Collins, Mrs. Lilly, Mrs. Dooley, Mrs. John Maxwell, Miss Ja- cobs, Mrs. J. H. O'Boyle, Mrs. Dodds, Miss Mary Reed, Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Van Fossen; best acre of corn, W. D. Blackburn; second best, Hugh Wheeler; best barrel of flour, C. Cushman; second best, A. Van Fossen; best acre of buckwheat, Dr. O'Haver; best saddle, M. Kirkham; second best, Overstreet & Miller; best leather, M. Calloway and W. Ledger- wood; best plowing, James Garrett. The following is the financial statement for 1856: Receipts from County Treasury, $100; members' fees, $180; gate fees, $179; expenses, silverware, $82; fair expenses, $135; premium money, $136. Total receipts, $459; total expenses, $353; bal- ance on hand, $106. The officers elected for 1857 were: James K. O'Haver, President; John Maxwell, Vice President; John Hinkle, Sec- rotary; W. F. Curry, Treasurer.

THE FAIR OF 1857.

The fair of 1857 was held at Carlisle, and was a success. Premiums worth $305 were paid. The premium for the best cultivated farm was awarded James Snyder. Miss Cochran, of Turman Township, took first premium in equestrianism, and Miss Anna Briggs, second; also Misses Louisa Webb and Eliza Paxton (young girls) took premiums. Best five acres of corn, average 84 bushels to the acre, Frank Curry; best ten acres of wheat, average 32 bushels to the acre, John Alkire. In October, 1857, at the Indiana State Fair, Mr. Wilder, of Turman Township, took the first premium on five acres of corn growing on prairie soil, receiving a silver goblet worth $20. It was stated in print that the corn averaged 175 bushels to the acre, but this was surely a mistake; it probably aver- aged 75 bushels to the acre.

THE FAIR OF 1858.

The fair of 1858 was also increasingly successful. The fees from members were $210; gate fees, $283.40; from county treasury, $14.25; total receipts, $507.65. Paid for premiums, $325.75; and for other ex- penses, $176.05; total expense, $401.80, leaving on hand $105.85. The fair of 1859 was still more successful. There was on hand $105; re- ceipts of membership fees, $294; gate fees, $216.04; from county treas- ury, $64.25; from stands, etc., $33; total, $712.29. There was paid as premiums, $410.50; other expenses, $126.94; total expense, $537.44; unclaimed premiums, $25; on hand, $199.85. A foot race of colored men was a laughable feature at this fair. The prize was $2.50. The year 1859 closed the term for which Carlisle had secured the fair, and at this time the question of relocation came up, and excited much con- troversy. Sullivan claimed the fair, but could not or did not bring suffi-

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cient influence to bear at the meeting held to decide the question, and Carlisle secured the privilege for another five years.

The ninth annual fair (1860) was better than any held before. A four-year-old trotting nag, owned by W. M. Akin, made a mile in 2:54. which was considered good time for country stock. The fine art. depart- ment was a noticeable feature at this fair. The fair of 1861 was almost a total failure, the receipts being so small that only 50 per centum of the premiums were paid, and that by dint of the utmost economy. The fair of 1862 was no better. The war was the cause That of 1863 was poor, but better than the two former years. In 1864, the effort was no better than a failure.

THE LOCATION AT SULLIVAN.

With the fair of 1864, the five years for which Carlisle was to have the benefit and honor of the location "expired, and in August, 1865, a meeting was held at the court house to decide upon a re-location. Sul- livan, this time, was determined to get what it had coveted so long. Capt. C. B. White was President of the meeting, and F. Basler, Secre- tary. Resolutions were formally adopted that the next fair be held Oc- tober 26 and 27, 1865, at Sullivan. The following committee was ap- pointed to select the grounds: Matt McCammon, John Benefiel, W. H. Bolinger, J. M. Gilkinson, J. T. Gunn, L. Hartley, C. B. White and J. R. Hinkle. At a later meeting, the following officers of the fair were elected: John T. Gunn, President; Benjamin Gray, Vice President; Lafayette Stewart, Treasurer; Daniel Langdon, Secretary; William N. Patten, James T. Spencer, Lewis Fordyce, Alexander Shields, C. B. White, Ed Maxwell, Levi Woodward, C. B. Shepard and William F. Dodds, Directors. Twenty seven new members joined the society at this time. It was decided, owing to the prevailing sickness and the short time to prepare, not to hold a fair in 1865. The first fair at Sullivan was held in 1866, a large crowd being present. A statement of the de- tails will not be attempted.

In December, 1868, John Giles leased to the society for ten years, in consideration of $100 to him paid annually at the beginning of each year, " so much of the north half of the northeast quarter of Section 28, Township 8 north, Range 9 west, as was south and west of the Sullivan and Fairbanks road, and at that time inclosed by a fence." The society at this time seems to have re-organized, and if so no fairs were held in 1866 or 1837. After 1868, fairs were held quite regularly. That of 1871 was attended, it is said, by 15,000 people during the three days. There were 564 entries made, 170 more than any previous year. The art de- partment was very beautiful. Five pacing horses competed for prizes. Excellent fairs were held on most of the succeeding years. In 1877, the year the lease of the land of John Giles expired, the society was in debt, but managed to pay all this, besides about 30 per centum of its premi-

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nms -- $400. Prairie Grange took the premium for the best display of orchard and garden products. Under the ten years' lease of the grounds of Mr. Giles, the society paid but one or two dividends. The people did not take proper interest. For the last few years, the society has been as bad as though it were wholly non est.

THE OLD SETTLERS' MEETINGS.

As near as can be learned, no regular organization of the old settlers of the county has been effected. A large meeting was held in 1859 for the first. Isaac Stewart was President of the Day, and Murray Briggs, Secretary. Sewell Coulson read the Declaration of Independence, and Dr. E. Bowyer delivered the oration. Other speakers called out were Hugh S. Orr, James S. Reed, Shields, Ridge, Chase, and John T. Gunn. Other meetings have since been held, but no association has been formed. In 1871, many assembled, John Maxwell being President of the Day. A dozen or more of old settlers of the county related incidents of early time to a large crowd. No record seems to have been kept of what was told, though of the greatest value to the history of the county.

THE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

In pursuance of a previous notice, the physicians of the county seat met at the court house May 19, 1858, for the purpose of organizing a County Med- ical Society. Dr. Eli Bowyer was called to the chair, and John J. Thompson was appointed Secretary. The Chairman appointed the follow- ing committee to draft a constitution and by-laws: W. R. Miller, S. R. Youngman and J. M. Hinkle. Arrangement seems to have been made beforehand, for the laws were almost immediately reported, and were adopted by articles. It was to be called the "Sullivan County Medical Society," and meetings were to be held semi-annually. The object of the society, as stated in the constitution, was an "association of the profession for the purpose of mutual recognition and fellowship; the maintenance of union and good government among its members; the promotion of the interest, honor and usefulness of the profession; and the cultivation and advancement of medical science and literature, and the elevation of the standard of medical education. The membership consisted of regular practitioners of medicine and surgery, and any phy- sician exhibiting these qualitications, and who was of good moral char. acter, could, by paying $1 to the Treasurer, and signing the constitution, become a member. The officers consisted of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Censors, all of whom were elected annu- ally by ballot. The first permanent officers were: H. N. Helms, President; S. R. Youngman, Vice President; John J. Thompson, Secretary; and John M. Hinkle, Treasurer. The code of ethics of the National Medi- cal Society was adopted as the guide of the society. Eli Bowyer, W. R. Miller and J. M. Hinkle were elected Censors. On motion, each mem-

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ber was required to report a case for discussion at the next meeting. Eli Bowyer was appointed to deliver the first semi-annual address. The members thus far were H. N. Helms, S. R. Youngman, Eli Bowyer, John J. Thompson, W. R. Miller and J. M. Hinkle.

THE SECOND SESSION.

The second meeting seems to have been held June 15, 1859, on which occasion Dr. Youngman, Vice President, presided. There were present J. M. Hinkle, W. R. Miller, Eli Bowyer, A. J. Miller, Z. Foote, A. N. Wier, J. K. O'Haver, Harvey Brown and W. G. Stout. After prelim- inary action, the society adjourned to re-assemble again in the evening, to listen to the address of Dr. Bowyer. He spoke for an hour and a half, and his address was considered of unusual power and learning. Drs. J. S. Dupate and E. D. Denison became members the following day, the session continuing. The permanent officers elected were: James K. O'Haver, President; A. J. Miller, Vice President; J. J. Thompson, Sec- rotary; J. M. Hinkle, Treasurer; E. Bowyer, J. M. Hinkle and Ziba Foote, Censors. The reports of the committees on a bill of prices and on by-laws were received and adopted. The following appointments for lectures were then made: Eli Bowyer, on Menorrhagia; J. J. Thompson, on Typhoid Fever; Ziba Foote, on Diabetes Militis; J. M. Hinkle, on the best Prophylactic Treatment for Chronic Intermittents; W. R. Miller, on Therapeutical Effects of Chlorate of Potassa; A. J. Miller, on the Thera- peatical Effects of Hyd. chlorate of Ammonia; S. R. Youngman, on the Use of Ergot as a Hemostatic Agent; Henry Brown, on the Pathology of Erysipelas; A. N. Wier, on the Treatment of Scarlatina; J. Harper, on Chronic Splenitis; H. N. Helms, on the Therapeutical Effects of Veratrum Viride; E. D. Davidson, on the Treatment of Erysipelas; W. G. Stout, on the Safest and Best Substitute for Sulphate of Quinine in the Treatment of Intermittents. A vote of thanks was extended to Murray Briggs for publishing notices of the meeting. A meeting of the society was held in November, but no record was kept. The society kept up its sessions quite regularly until about the beginning of the war, when all attempts to continue it were abandoned. On the 30th of June, 1864, Drs. S. S. Coffman, J. J. Thompson, J. M. Hinkle, A. M. Murphy and Ziba Foote, all of Sullivan, sent and adopted a schedule of prices for all diseases flesh is heir to in this climate, but no attempt was made to re-organize the society. A few years later, however, the physicians of the county re-organized at Sullivan, and became a branch of the State Medical Soci- ety. Many interesting meetings were held, but the details cannot be given, owing to the non-preservation of the records. History cannot be written without fact-not even county history. Meetings were aban- doned some time ago.

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POPULATION OF SULLIVAN COUNTY.

In 1820

3,498

In 1830 4,630

In 1840 8,315

In 1850

10,141

In 1860

15,064

In 1870

18,453

In 1880

20,336

THE PAUPERS OF THE COUNTY.

The county poor were first cared for wholly by the townships, under the supervision of the Overseers of the Poor, three of whom were ap- pointed in each precinct. After a few years, however, the county began to foot these bills, and has continued so to do until the present day. The helpless were " farmed out " to some one for so much per week by the year, and from time to time bills signed by the Overseers of the Poor were presented to the County Board, and audited and paid as any other county expense. This mode of procedure has prevailed until the present, and is principally applied toward the care of "temporary paupers." It was found necessary, however; to make provision for some more perma- nent place than shifting yearly locations for those whose care fell wholly upon the county, and in many cases whose remaining life was to be pre- served at the county's expense.

THE FIRST POOR RECORDS.

No records exist prior to 1850. The first that appears upon the ex- isting county records regarding the care of the poor was made in June, 1850, whereby the care of all permanent paupers was let to Jacob B. Miller, at $45.50 each person per year, Mr. Miller to provide them with suitable clothing, food, washing, lodging, and care generally, except medical attendance, which was to be borne by the county. Mr. Miller had been preceded as Poor Superintendent by Thomas Dudley, who at this time was directed to turn over all paupers to him. In 1851, John Draper succeeded Miller, having bid the paupers off at $34.95 each per annum. The permanent and temporary paupers in 1851 cost $305.94. In 1852, William P. Plew succeeded Draper, receiving $35 for the care of each pauper. In the spring of 1853. there were but four paupers in his care. The county poor, for the fiscal year 1852-53, cost $481.75. George Malone became Superintendent in 1853. The pauper expense in 1854-55 was $754.04.

THE POOR FARM BOUGHT

In June, 1855, the County Board determined to buy a poor farm, and accordingly advertised for such, stating about what was wanted, and re- questing that all bids be handed in by the 16th of July, at which time they would be considered and acted upon. A farm was called for within three or four miles of Sullivan. On the day specified, after considering

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several farms offered, the board purchased of Henry K, Wilson the north- east quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 35, and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 26, in Township 8 north, Range 9 west, a total of eighty acres more or less, for $1.825, of which $1,000 was to be paid in county orders in September, 1855, and the re- mainder in county orders in September, 1856. Upon this farm was a small dwelling, which was formerly declared to be the poor asylum of Sullivan County. Some improvement was immediately made to the dwelling and outhouses, and by autumn the asylum was ready for the re- ception of the paupers. William Chase bid off the care of the poor, but, as he failed to get bond, he was replaced with Thomas Hale, who con- tracted to care for all paupers, in all things except medical atttendance, for $20 each per annum, and the use of the farm and the benefit of all pauper labor that he could utilize. This was the first poor farm.

MANAGEMENT OF THE ASYLUM.

The expense of the paupers in 1855-56 was $469.32, and in 1856-57 was $428.92, and in 1857-58 was $409.28. In 1858, Hale was super- seded as Superintendent by John Headley, who was paid $50 for each pauper, and received the use of the farm in addition. The expense this year was $561.85. In 1859, Richard C. Riggs succeeded Headley, receiving $47.50 for each pauper, and the use and benefits of the farm. He continued to serve as such until 1862. The pauper expense in 1859- 60 was $1,046.25. The next Superintendent was Stephen A. Dooley, who was paid $70 for each pauper, and received additional the benefits of the farm, he to furnish everything except medical attendance. A physician was hired by the year to doctor the county poor. For some reason, Doo- ley was succeeded within about a month by Richard C. Riggs, upon the same terms. In June, 1862, the first Board of Inspectors to the poor farm was appointed. The members were Thomas Mahan, W. A. Flood, David Crawley, Stephen Carrithers, James L. Griffin, Elias Newkirk, William Alsop and Jesse Bicknell. Their report of September stated that there were but one woman and one child in the asylum. They advised that the buildings be repaired, and that a new house be built for the Superin- tendent. The pauper expense of 1862-63 was $806.35. It must not be understood that this sum was spent upon the one woman and the one child. The greatest portion of the expense was incurred in the townships in temporary assistance. Sometimes families were unfortunate in having an unusual amount of sickness, and required assistance, or would suffer for the necessaries of life. Such persons were helped through, and this was called "temporary relief."

THE BUILDING OF THE POOR HOUSE.

In March, 1864, sealed proposals were called for to build a poor house, and specifications of the plan proposed were placed on exhibition

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and July 27 was fixed as the date when all bids must be in for examin- ation. The building was to be a frame structure, and was to consist of two distinct parts-a two-storied front, 18x45 feet, and a one-storied rear, 25x48 feet. On the day fixed, the sealed proposals were opened and read, and the contract was awarded to Greenlee & Kimble, $4,480, the build- ing to be ready by September 1, 1865. On that day, the house was re- ported finished, and four days later was formally accepted by the County Board, and the balance due the contractors was paid. The county was forced to sell its bonds for $2,000 to meet this expense. About this time, there were seven inmates of the asylum.

THE NEW MANAGEMENT.

At the close of the war, a change was made in the superintendency of the poor farm and asylum. Lafayette Stewart was appointed Super- intendent, and a man was employed to cultivate the farm, and the county sold to him the care of the paupers at so much per day. Matthew Mc- Cammon first took the farm, but was soon succeeded by Selburn Kirkham, who was paid 32} cents per day for each pauper. There were eight in- mates in 1866, and four in 1867. Mr. Riggs took care of paupers at his own house; he had three there in 1868. The poor expense of 1867-68 was $3,245.84. Peter Secrest also kept one or more. Both he and Mr. Riggs were paid at the rate of $100 a year for each pauper. In 1868, there were ten inmates of the asylum, each costing the county 32} cents per day; by December of the same year, the number had increased to eighteen, and all but two were at the poor farm. In 1869, James Dixon took charge of the farm. He was to keep, at his own expense, two pau- pers for the entire year, and was to receive 342 cents per day for all others, and was to have what he could make on the farm. In June, 1869" five paupers were with Kirkham, one with Black, two with Riggs, and seven in the asylum. Lafayette Stewart continued to be Superintendent of the farm. The expense of 1860-70 was $5,245.15. In December, 1870, there were eighteen paupers. Jesse G. Moore took the farm in 1871. He was to care for three paupers, free of charge, and was to receive pay for the others and the use of the farm. J. B. Gambill took the farm in 1872, at about the same terms. In 1873, John J. Houck took the place for two years. He contracted to maintain eight paupers the entire year for $962.50; was to be paid extra for others, but in case there were less than eight paupers no reduction could be made in the $962.50. The paupers of 1872-73 cost $5,164.14. There were twelve inmates in 1873. Thomas C. Simons succeeded Houck in 1875, and was paid $699 upon the same terms as the last. J. B. Gambill succeeded Simons in 1876 for $349, and the same terms as the last. Mr. Stewart yet continued to be Superintendent.

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History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 56

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

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