History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions, Part 37

Author: Richman, George J
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc.
Number of Pages: 1272

USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 37

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The crusade against the liquor traffic was now becoming more general. Organizations began to arise in different parts of the county and an effort was made in all quarters to oppose the evil. On Tuesday afternoon, March 3. 1874, a meeting was held at the Methodist Episcopal church, on the corner just southwest of the court house, for the purpose of organizing a "Temper- ance Alliance" among the ladies. A number of men were also present and addresses were made by Captain Paullus, Major Branham, Rev. Logan and Rev. Hagans. The proposed constitution of the Alliance was read, which amounted to a pledge that all persons signing the same would abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage. It was then given to the

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audience for signatures and about fifty people signed it. The following persons were elected as officers of the Alliance: President, Mrs. Captain Paullus ; vice-president, Mrs. A. P. Williams: treasurer, Mrs. H. B. Thayer : secretary, Mrs. Joseph Bartlow.

A mass meeting was also determined upon to be held at the Methodist Episcopal church, on Sunday evening. March 8. 1874. There was a large attendance at this meeting. The Rev. Mr. Logan made an eloquent address, and was followed by a number of the business men of Greenfield, among whom were: W. S. Wood. Captain Ogg. Charles G. Offutt. A. W. Hough, Dr. Hall, Dr. Barnett, Ephraim Marsh.

The constitution of the Alliance was again presented and a number of people affixed their signatures thereto. AAnother pledge had also been pre- pared for attorneys alone, in which they were to agree not to take employ- ment in defense of a man charged with a violation of the liquor law. James A. New and A. W. Hough, it seems, signed this pledge, but the other attor- neys were unwilling to do so. Ephraim Marsh said in the meeting that he would not sign it under any circumstances. Charles G. Offutt also refused to sign the pledge and spoke at length upon the unfairness of presenting such a pledge to attorneys. A few remarks from the address of Mr. Offutt. in which he seemed to voice the sentiments of the attorneys, will indicate their attitude on the matter. He took the position that because a man was charged with a violation of law. it did not necessarily follow that he was guilty, and then proceeded :

"Again, can it be said that because an attorney engages in the defense of a man charged with a violation of the liquor law, that the attorney is in favor of intemperance? I think not. As well might you say that because an attorney defends a man charged with larceny of a horse, that he is, therefore. in favor of horse stealing. Just as well say, sir, that if a man engages in the defense of a murderer that he is in favor of taking human lives. It is not the duty of an attorney to make a defense for a man charged with a crime by suborning witnesses, misleading a court or jury as to the facts or the law of the case: but it is his duty to protect the interests of his client by all fair and honorable means and to the best of his ability." Mr. Offutt spoke at length upon this phase of the question and was heartily applauded when he closed.

On Saturday evening. March 7. 1874. a mass meeting was held at the Christian church, at which George Barnett presided. A number of the busi- ness men spoke, including William R. Hough. James . New. Drs. Thomas. Howard and Barnett. William Mitchell. John H. Binford, Captain Riley and

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others. On Monday, March 9, 1874. the ladies of Greenfield held another meeting at the Methodist Episcopal church for the purpose of appointing committees to visit the liquor dealers to see what they proposed to do. These committees were appointed and on Tuesday afternoon, following. Mrs. Hla- vens, Mrs. Bradley, Mrs. A. P. Williams, Mrs. O. D. Hughes, Mrs. F. H. Crawford, Mrs. Kight, Mrs. Gant, and others visited the saloon of Mr. McCarty. Ile informed them, as reported in the issue of March 12, 1874, of the Hancock Democrat, "that it was his intention to quit the business and that as soon as his government heense expired, he would engage in other pursuits."

The same committee also visited William G. Richie at the "Elephant Saloon." On making their business known, Mr. Richie informed the com- mittee, as reported in the same issue of the Democrat, "that he was not ready to sign any papers; that he would take the matter under advisement. and that when he came to the conclusion to sign their paper and quit his busi- ness he would inform them. In the meantime he proposed to prosecute his business as heretofore, strictly in conformity to the laws of the land, and that he had deliberately made up his mind that those who had signed their pledge must go elsewhere for their liquor, unless it was strictly for medicinal or mechanical purposes. He desired a list of the names that he might aid the cause of temperance at least to this extent. He said that if the ladies would visit the poor of the town and see what the children needed in the way of clothing, etc., to enable them to attend the common schools, the Sabbath school and the church, he was ready and willing to do his full share in this good work." He informed the reporter that he would treat all ladies with the utmost kindness and consideration, and that he would expect similar treatment in return.

On March 11 a committee composed of Mrs. Foley, Mrs. Paulus and Mrs. Brown visited the saloon of John Walsh. As reported in the same issue of the Democrat. he informed them "that he was ready and willing to quit so soon as he could rent his room, and until he did so it was his intention to sell intoxicating liquor in accordance with the existing laws of the state, at least until his present stock was exhausted. If he coukl not rent his room he might renew his stock, but in no case wouldl he sell liquor in violation of the law. Mr. Walsh informed the ladies that he was strictly a temperance man, and did not have much faith in liquor for medical pur- poses. He had made up his mind to live as long as he could without the use of liquor for any purpose, and that he was ready to die when he could not live without it. So far as he was concerned he intended to live and die (26)

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without the use of liquor in any form. John paid profound attention to the ladies and treated them with his accustomed kindness. He says that he will continue to do so: that when he tires of their presence he will go away, and that he will in no case offer them any insult."

The ladies continued to visit the different saloons from day to day, and in the issue of the Hancock Democrat of March 19. 1874. further results were reported as follows :

"They visited the saloons several times, which resulted in an agreement with Messrs. McCarty and Walsh. Mr. McCarty is to quit the business of liquor selling on or before the first day of March, and to close the house at nine P. M. until then. Mr. Walsh has rented his room and will give pos- session in three weeks. Mr. Richie has made no definite promise, beyond saying that he would take the matter under advisement until the expiration of his present government license."

It is only natural that so much agitation should cause a great deal of gossip, much of which found its way into public print. In this connection the following letter of W. G. Richie was published in the Democrat on March: 19, 1874:

"TO THE EDITOR OF THE HANCOCK DEMOCRAT :

"A communication in the Indianapolis Sentinel of this date, from Green- field, calls for a few words from me. It says that the prayer test' has not been tried on me, and that the writer thereof is uncertain what effect it would have. The writer further says that if this fails, he thinks 'a small applica- tion of the Baxter law would have the desired effect.' In reply. I desire to say that I have treated the ladies with kindness, and expect to do so as long as they obey the law. I am engaged in selling liquor under the laws of the United States and of the state of Indiana, and as long as I obey the law I shall expect all who visit my house to do the same. As to the Baxter law. I have no fears of any of its provisions, and when I fail to obey this or any other laws of the state. I hope .\. K. B. or any others will wax it to me.

"WV. G. RICIIIE."

Mass meetings were continued. in which Mrs. M. L. Paullus, Mrs. J. P. Foley, Mrs. Inez Lyons and others took an active part. William R. Hough, John II. Binford, R. A. Riley, and other business men mentioned above, were frequently at these meetings and assisted the ladies in their campaign.

The ladies also continued to visit the saloons. In fact. they took their knitting and stayed all day. The following paragraphs taken from the issue of the Democrat of April 16, 1874. will indicate the method pursued :

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"Our crusaders are still on the war path, but they have somewhat changed their tactics. On Tuesday morning they commenced the business of 'sitting' with Mr. Richie, at his Temple of Bacchus. They commence at seven . A. M. and retire at nine P. M., each couple being relieved every two hours. Billy and the ladies appear to get along very well, and there is no visible aspect in the change of affairs. They paid a visit to Dr. Hall the other day, at his drug store, but seemed to decide that it was only necessary to make a 'short sitting.'

"All things considered, we cannot see that the situation is much improved from the beginning, except that a few have been weaned from their cups."

The intensity of the campaign that was waged in the spring of 1874 could not be maintained for a very long time. Activity in the temperance cause. however, did not cease. During the next year or two the columns of the local newspapers published notices of meetings held at churches and school houses in all parts of the county. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was also more or less active in the county. The year 1877 is notable in the history of the temperance movement of the county for ushering in the

ERA OF RIBBON SOCIETIES.

The first of these was known as the Red Ribbon Society. It did not gather as much strength in the county as did the Blue Ribbon societies two years later. Its center of greatest strength .was in and about McCordsville and Fortville. A Red Ribbon Society was organized at MeCordsville on June 7. 1877, with a membership of sixty or more. Professor Motsinger. principal of the McCordsville schools, was at the head of the society. The organization was very active among the young people and in a few months secured a large number of members. On June 10. 1877, three wagon- loads of members of the society went to Fortville to assist in the organization of a Red Ribbon Society there. Over a hundred members signed the pledge at Fortville on that evening. These societies were known as the Red Ribbon societies because of the small red ribbons that were worn by persons who had signed the pledges. AAnti-profanity and anti-tobacco pledges were also signed by many members of the society.

lu 1879 one D. B. Ross, a temperance lecturer, came into the county and led a series of meetings at different points, Great interest was man- ifested by the people in temperance reform, and now Blue Ribbon societies were organized in every quarter. Below are a few clippings from the Hancock Democrat from different points :

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"Brandywine, March 15. 1879.

"We are glad to hear the wave has struck these parts. Last Saturday evening they held their first meeting without any regular speakers and twenty-six signed the pledge. On Sunday evening George W. Duncan and John Binford addressed a large audience and about thirty-four called for the blue ribbon. As some of them have been lingering too long at the cup. it is to be hoped that they will keep their promises and will lead a sober and useful life."

On March 25. 1879. the Fortville correspondent included the following itemi:

"Fisher, our saloon man, started a counter movement by tying ribbons on all dogs he could catch-but it only makes friends to the temperance cause. It was a dirty piece of business, intended as a slur on the Blue Rib- bon, but was only a fair sample of the character of the men who deal in the vile stuff." etc .. etc .. etc.

Ross began a series of meetings at the Christian church at Fortville in March. 1879. and met with great success. On April 2. 1879. five hundred and fifty-six names were on the roll of the Blue Ribbon societies in that locality. Everywhere in the county societies were organized, pledges were signed, and blue ribbons were worn. \ "Blue Ribbon Column" was also edited by the societies in the Hancock Democrat during the spring of 1879.

In March, 1879. the temperances forces at Greenfield organized the Greenfield Temperance Association, an incorporation under the laws of the state of Indiana. Its articles of incorporation may be found in Miscellaneous Record. No. 2. page 496, in the office of the county recorder of Hancock county. The objects, as stated in the articles of incorporation, were :

"First. the promotion of the cause of temperance wherever such work can be done.

"Second, the reformation of inebriates and of all persons addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and for the union and association of all persons interested in the cause of temperance for mutual labor and counsel.

"Third. to render aid and assistance to reform inebriates under such rules and regulations and in such manner as the board of directors may determine and from time to time establish.

"Fourth, to establish headquarters and reading rooms and to provide. in the discretion of the board of directors, for lunch rooms for its members and such proper persons as may see fit to resort to them."

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Provision was made for the issuance of twenty thousand shares of stock at one dollar per share. Following are a few "articles" that show the nature and the spirit of the work of the organization :

"Article 17 .- The work of the association shall be based on the leading idea of the 'Universal Fatherhood of God and the Universal Brotherhood of Man' and shall be carried on humanely with malice toward none and charity for all, persuasion being the leading feature of the work to be done.

"Article 18 .- The seal of the corporation shall have engraved upon it the name of the corporation and the motto, 'Malice toward none and charity for all.'

"Article 21 .- Ladies may take stock in said corporation and shall be eligible to all offices, providing that not more than one-half of the board of directors shall consist of ladies."

The original incorporators were: Nelson Bradley. G. T. Randall. H. B. Thayer. R. M. LaRue, F. E. Glidden, Samuel E. Duncan, Mrs. F. E. Glidden. John F. Mitchell, Samuel S. Boots, F. M. Walker, Walter C. Roberts, Isaac C. Davis, John W. Jones, Mrs. W. D. Hughes, Mrs. A. C. Heaton, Mrs. W. H. Sims. Mrs. F. M. Walker, Mrs. L. 1 .. Lorinor, Mrs. 11. F. Williams.

Pursuant to the purpose of that organization, as stated above, a room was rented in the Guymon House for a reading room, and was supplied with papers, magazines, books, etc. Everything was done to make it attractive for young men and boys. This room was maintained for several months during the summer and fall of 1879.

A further movement was undertaken in April, 1879. for the organiz ?- tion of the Greenfield Christian Temperance Union. Its work was not to be limited to the city of Greenfield, but was to extend over the entire county. and an effort was made to interest the people of the county in the move- ment. For this purpose the following call was issued through the columns of the Hancock Democrat :

"BLUE RIBBON COUNTY CONVENTION.

"We. the undersigned friends of the Cause of Temperance, residing in Hancock county, in the spirit of the following pledge : "With malice toward none and charity for all, 1. the undersigned, do pledge my word and honor. God Helping Me, to abstain from all intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and that I will by all honorable means, encourage others to abstain.' do hereby issue this call for a Christian Temperance Union County Convention to meet in this city on Monday the 5th day of May, 1879. at 2 P. M., in the Court

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDELV.A.

House. The object of this Convention shall be to organize a County Christian Temperance Union for the purpose of carrying on the good work already begun in our county. All persons favorable to this movement, and who will subscribe to the above pledge, will be received as delegates. (Signed ) : G. T. Randall. F. E. Glidden, H. J. Williams, Sam E. Duncan, Rev. L. L. Lorinor, H. L. Moore, Mrs. L. C. Heaton. Charles Gi. Offutt. O. M. Edwards, Walter C. Roberts, Mrs. O. W. Shick, Mrs. S. C. Gilchrist, Mary E. Swope. H. B. Thayer, Sidney LaRue, L. A. Vawter, Mrs. Kate Applegate. Mrs. G. T. Randall. Mrs. Dr. Boots, G. W. Duncan. Charles E. Barrett, John W. Jones. H. B. Wilson, Mrs. J. H. Bragg, Lizzie Gilchrist. O. P. Martin, Nelson Bradley. C. W. Gant. J. W. Walker. John H. Binford, Mrs. E. Bradley, Mrs. Fl. J. Williams, S. C. Shumway. John P. Wright, Mrs. Lorinor. Mrs. II. C. Burdett, Mrs. F. H. Crawford, Mrs. M. W. Hamilton, Mrs. Q. D. Hughes."

A convention was held at the court house, pursuant to the above call, and was attended by a large number of people from all parts of the county. G. T. Randall was elected president of the meeting and Charles E. Barrett. secretary. A committee appointed to nominate suitable officers for the county organization made the following report : President. George W. Dun- can; vice-presidents. Blue River, B. H. Binford; Brown, Alex McDaniel : Brandywine, Ephraim Bentley: Center. J. H. Binford; Buck Creek, G. W. Hendricks : Green, Milo Walker : Jackson. Jackson Gause : Sugar Creek. Adam P. Hogle : Vernon. J. W. Ferrell : corresponding secretary, James J. Walsh : recording secretary. J. W. Jones : treasurer. Nelson Bradley: managers. G. T. Randall, Mrs. Ann Fulgum. O. P. Martin. Thomas West. Elihu Coffin.

The general sentiment of the convention was expressed in the following resolutions :

"Whereas, the evils of intempcrance are of such a character as to give rise to the necessity of immediate and thorough organization throughout our county for the purpose of counteracting and checking as far as possible the aforesaid evils : therefore.

"Resolved, that we. the members of this convention. in view of the terrible evils of intemperance with the best interest of society and Christianity. 'With malice toward none and charity for all.' do hereby pledge ourselves to use our best endeavors to counteract the aforesaid well-known evils."

With the numerous organizations now established in the county it was desirable to have a closer relationship existing among them and a better acquaintance among their members. For this purpose a grand temperance picnic was planned to be held at Pierson's grove at Greenfiekl, on July 4. 1870. Invitations were extended through the local papers to all persons

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interested in the promotion of the temperance cause, and all were invited to wear blue ribbons on this occasion. From twelve to fifteen hundred peopk. were reported present at the picnic. Choirs sang, and Col. John M. Wray and D. B. Rosser, of Indianapolis, and Charles G. Offutt. of Greenfick. madle eloquent temperance addresses. W. S. Sparks, Jr., read the Declara- tion of Independence. George W. Duncan was master of ceremonies during the day. \ Fortville wagon containing forty girls dressed in red, white and blue was an interesting feature of the occasion. The receipts of the day amounted to forty dollars and thirty-six cents, of which the surplus was applied toward the maintenance of the reading room that had been estab- lished in the Guymon House.

The intensity of the campaign that had been waged for several years naturally developed a great deal of feeling between the temperance people and those representing the liquor interests. In the midst of this bitterness the saloon at New Palestine was dynamited on the night of October 16, 1881. The building belonged to Indianapolis parties, the stock to Walker & Haf- ner. On the night of May 12, 1882, a billiard room at New Palestine. operated by John Walker, was likewise blown up. Both of these building's were completely wrecked and there were left on the spot piles of wreckage. Windows were broken in the surrounding houses and the entire town was shaken by the explosions. It was never judicially determined who committed these acts. There was unity in the condemnation of the acts, however, from all sources. It was expressed not only on the street corners, but in the local papers and by correspondents from all parts of the county. .

During the years that followed. temperance agitation was kept up. but very largely by ladies' societies and through the agency of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

On September 20, 1893, the ladies of Greenfield appeared before the city council and asked for an ordinance compelling saloon keepers to remove screens from before their windows and doors. Such an ordinance was presented, but was lost. On October 4, 1893, the ordinance was again pre- sented for action. The council at that time was composed of John \. Barr. John Eagan. John B. Huston, Taylor Morford, Jasper Mouldlen and William Vaughn. Of these, Morford, Barr and Mouklen voted in favor of the ordinance. Eagan, Huston and Vaughn voted against it, and the ordinance was lost.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union remained more or less active in the county during the years that followed, and on April 1 and 2. 1.800. held a normal institute at the Christian church in Greenfield. Representatives

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and speakers were present from different parts of the state. Three sessions of the institute were held daily. One was a "mothers' meeting." Consecra- tion meetings were also held. Reviews of literature on temperance were given, and such subjects as the following were discussed : "Indiana Methods." "Enfranchisement of Women." "How to Use the Press." "How to do Chris- tian Work Successfully," "Ilow to Advertise and Conduct Public Meetings Successfully." "To What Extent Are Women Responsible for the Saloons?" "To What Extent Are Men Responsible for the Saloons?" and "Scientific Temperance Instruction in the Public Schools." These meetings were largely attended by the people of the county interested in temperance work, and much inspiration was drawn from them.

During the year that followed liquor licenses were granted in greater numbers, however, by the board of county commissioners. From January. 1901. to June. 1902. licenses were granted at the rate of almost two per month. Then began a period of greater temperance activity again in the use of remonstrances.

In the spring of 1903 a Citizens' Reform League was organized at Greenfield. The league used a "power of attorney." in form like the follow- ing, upon which the signatures of all the citizens possible, resident within the city of Greenfield, were secured :

"1. , the undersigned resident and voter of the first ward in the City of Greenfield, Hancock County. State of Indiana, do hereby respectfully authorize, empower and request and or either of them. to sign my name to any and all remonstrances against persons who may give notice of intention to apply for license to sell intox- icating liquors in said ward, and also to properly file and present such remon- strances to the Board of Commissioners of said County.

"Signed "Address- "Witness "Where signed-

Practically all of the persons who executed the above "powers of attor- ney" constituted Robert Williamson and W. C. Welborn as their attorneys in fact to sign such remonstrances for them.

At the March session of the board of commissioners, in 1903. the appli- cations of Robert Fair and Richard Todd were pending.

Great numbers of the above cards had been signed. but the liquor inter- ests had also procured a large number of withdrawals. When the applica-

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tions came up for hearing the commissioners court room was crowded to overflowing and both applications were withdrawn.

During the spring of 1903, however, the same methods were used and remonstrances were successfully filed against William G. Manifold, of Fort- ville, William Chappel, of Maxwell. Charles Fair, of Greenfield, and Lewis r. Gordon, of Wilkinson.

For more than a decade the farmers of the county had been organized in their farmers' institutes. When these temperance fights came to the front. the rural people left no question unanswered as to where they stood on the liquor traffic, as shown by resolutions adopted from time to time in their meetings. At the institute held in January, 1903. they placed themselves on record as follows :

"Resolved, that we commend the General Assembly of the state of Indiana for its action in supporting the preliminary steps in the great move- ment of temperance by passing the Nicholson law, the Moore law and the Search and Seizure laws, and as farmers of this section of Indiana, we stand ever ready to advance morality, common decency and the protection of our homes and families from the arch enemy, Alcohol. Be it

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History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions, Part 37

Author: Richman, George J Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc. Number of Pages: 1272

Author: Richman, George J
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc.
Number of Pages: 1272