USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 39
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"On Tuesday, September 23d, the people of Sugar Creek township will determine, by the use of the ballot, whether the sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage shall be prohibited in that township.
"SACREDNESS OF THE BALLOT.
"The right of suffrage is one of the most sacred rights secured to the citizens of this great and richly blessed land. It is not limited to any class or classes of people, nor is it denied to any person because of his political or religious faith. The ballot is the instrument placed in the people's hands wherewith they may determine the policies that shall be pursued by them. By the use of the ballot they give answer to the questions that are propounded to them for solution. On September 23d, if any man in Sugar Creek town- ship feels that he should cast his vote in favor of the reestablishment of the saloon in that township, no one can deny him that right. If anyone feels that the sale of intoxicating liquors should continue to be prohibited. as it has been for the past four years, the right to cast his ballot that way is secured to him.
"ATTITUDE OF PEOPLE.
"It is said of Lincoln that he sometimes deliberated and pondered long before his mind was made up on a matter of mere policy. but that he never at any time hesitated for a moment to take his stand on the right side of a question, when he considered a moral issue to be involved.
"Whether mistaken or not in their conclusions, the citizens of Sugar Creek township, who favor a continued prohibition of the sale of intoxicants.
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TEMPERANCE.
do so because they believe that their community. upm which a benevolent Creator has showered His choicest blessings, will have a better moral tone. and that it will be a better place for young people, as well as older people to live, if it is without the saloon ; that even though there be some who will go to distant points to squander their earnings, to purchase intoxicints, yet that fewer will be reached by the saloons at a distance, than if the saloon be in their immediate midst.
"NEW PALESTINE'S APPE.M ..
"The citizens of the little town of New Palestine especially remember that at the present there are no saloons between Indianapolis and Conners- ville ; that the elements of society that are attracted, and go long distances solely for the purpose of reaching the saloon to satisfy their craving, are not people who stand for purity and cleanliness in the home, or in the social organization. The citizens of New Palestine send greetings to the citizens of the township at large, and respectfully ask that their beautiful little city be not made the notorious dumping ground between Indianapolis and Connersville.
"A canvass of the business men of New Palestine will show over- whelmingly that they are not in favor of the reestablishment of the saloon.
"The growth of the town of New Palestine has been steady during the past four years. There is not a single vacant house in town. The teachers. men of family, teaching in the New Palestine schools this year, are unable to reside in town with their families because of the lack of houses.
"The books of the New Palestine Bank show that money has not been leaving the town, nor the community, since the saloon has gone. The amount deposited in the bank at the time the saloons were closed was $93.339.77: amount on deposit September 10. 1013. $154.217.07: gain, $50,817.90.
"One concern, it must be admitted, has suffered a loss of business during the time that Sugar Creek township has been without the saloon, and this is the Justice of the Peace Court.
"During the last four years with saloons, this Court has collected fines. $184.50; during the four years last past, athout saloons this Court collected in fines only $80.50: shortage. $104.00.
"But since these fines are almost always paid by men who are least able to squander their earnings, this amount has probably gone to the grocer, butcher. merchant, etc., etc., etc., and the wives and children are likely better off to just that amount. plus the additional amount that was spent in creating a cause for the fines.
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
"In this connection, an interesting investigation is suggested to those who frequented the saloons during the past three or four years of their existence in New Palestine, and who have personal knowledge of the people and families who were represented in the saloons during that time. The township trus- tee's 'Poor Record' is a public record, and may be examined by any one. Examine this record as it was made up during the last three or four years of the saloon's existence. Make a list of the persons and families whom the township had to 'help' during those years. Check those whom you know ire- quented the saloon, and spent their earnings there during those years. Now examine the same record as made up during the three or four years last past. without saloons, and see how many families on your list have been dropped from this record. and are now self-supporting.
"But this is not all that has been done. Observe the following statistics that have been taken from the town record of New Palestine :
"Indebtedness.
"January 1, 1910 .. "September 10, 1913.
$3.002.48 300.00
"Cash on Hands.
"January 1. 1910. S
393-74
"September 10. 1913. 1.113.39
"It might also be stated that the reason for the present indebtedness is that bonds not yet matured cannot be paid until due.
"In connection with the reduction of debt and the increase of cash on hands during the past four years, without saloons, attention should also be directed to the tax levies for municipal purposes during the past five years : 1900, 85 cents : 1010, 85 cents ; 1911. 85 cents : 1912, 80 cents : 1913. 75 cents. "Twenty-five cents of the tax levy of 1913 for municipal purposes is for a road fund for the betterment of the streets and alleys.
"This is the first time for a number of years that the town of New Palestine has been in a condition to create a fund for this purpose, and lower taxes at the same time.
"EVERY MAN'S DUTY TO VOTE.
"The matter of casting the ballot should be taken seriously by every citizen. There is no greater menace to a free democratic government than carelessness and negligence in the use of the ballot. Every man should feel
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in duty bound to appear at the polls on election day, and to cast his ballot in support of a policy as his judgment directs, and as his conscience dictates.
"THE QUESTION.
"The question to be propounded to the voters of Sugar Creek township for their determination on September 23d, will be :
"Shall the sale of intoxicating liquors be prohibited in Sugar Creek township ?
"To T'ote Dry-l'ote 'Yes' "
CHAPTER X.
LITERATURE AND ART.
Hancock county has been described as "within the genius belt of Indiana." It has also been said that here. "oratory flourishes, and poetry is indigenous to the soil." However these things may be, to mention the names, Lee O Har- ris, James Whitcomb Riley, the Vawters, Leroy Scott and the Rev. Charles L. O'Donnell, is sufficient to indicate that the county has received recognition in the fields of literature and art. Not all of our writers and artists have spent their lives in the county. Yet they have enjoyed the comforts of home life in our midst, and have memories of friends and experiences that have made life sweeter and better. They have sung their songs, too, and have told their stories and painted their pictures, and we have listened and enjoyed with a sense of pride, because they have been of our number.
LEE O. HARRIS.
Captain Harris was born, January 30. 1839. in the state of Pennsylvania. At the age of thirteen he came to Indiana, and a few years later located in Hancock county. „An event of his youthful days was a trip with a party of United States engineers over the plains and mountains to Puget sound. These men were surveying a route to the Pacific coast. To young Harris, then eighteen years of age, life on the great plains, sleeping under the starry canopy of heaven, and traversing gorges and mountain heights, must have offered a great richness of experience. After his return from this trip. his entire life. with the exception of a very few years, was spent in Hancock county. One year. 1858, he taught in what is now Douglas county, Illinois. During the Civil War he spent several years at the front, and for five years. beginning with 1874. he was principal of the school at Lewisville, Indiana. On March 14. 1861, he was married to Miss America Foster, of Hancock county, daughter of John Foster, the first sheriff of the county.
Before he was fifteen years of age he began writing verses, some of which were published in the local papers. Later his poems appeared over the nom de plume of Larry O'Hannegan, His early poems, as well as his later ones, ex- press a deep love and appreciation of nature. Though we commonly think of him as a lover of nature, his poem "Would Ye Sever the Union?" written on the eve of the Civil War, sounds a patriotic appeal as clear and true in its tones as does his song of "The Bonnie Brown Quail" :
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WILL H. GLASCOCK
LEE O. HARRIS
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LITERATURE AND ART.
"No. Heaven forbid! Let the patriots rise And gird on the armor of war. For the dark clouds of treason now darken the skies And the tempest is muttering afar. If the Union must rest on the sword of the brave
So be it! And God help the right : We will rescue our shrine from oblivion's grave. Or die in the front of the fight."
He was more than a song writer. When his soul was stirred. his emo- tions found expression in verse, but his intrepid will also expressed itself in action. It was because of this quality that he was found at the front with the three-months men on Lincoln's first call for volunteers, and that later he was found there with the veterans. Throughout his life these elements were com- bined in him, and we have on the one hand, his literature: on the other, a record of achievements.
Professionally, he was a teacher, and for almost forty years he taught the children and youth of the county. Chill life was an open book to him. Of this truth many will bear witness, but nowhere is it better illustrated than in his relationship with his pupil, Riley. Nor can any one express it quite so well as Mr. Riley himself :
"Lee O. Harris came to understand me with a thorough sympathy, took compassion on my weaknesses and encouraged me to read the best literature. He understood that I couldn't get numbers into my head. You coukhi't tamp them in. History, I also disliked as a dry thing without juice, and dates melted out of my memory as speedily as tinfoil on a red hot stove. But I always was ready to declaim and took natively to anything dramatic or theatrical. Captain Harris encouraged me in recitation and reading and had ever the sweet spirit of a companion rather than the manner of an instructor."
To Mr. Riley he was indeed more than just an instructor. After his school days were over the younger poet frequently came to his former teacher with his literary efforts, and together they discussed and criticised, and theor- ized concerning the bent, tendencies and subjects of the former pupil. The sympathetic and cordial relationship existing between the two men is beauti- fully expressed in Riley's tribute :
"LEE O. HARRIS.
"Schoolmaster and Songmaster! Memory Enshrines thee with an equal love for thy Duality of gift -- thy pure and high
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
Endowments-Learning rare, and Poesy
These were as mutual handmaids serving thee, Throughout all seasons of the years gone by. With all enduring joys twixt earth and sky- In turn shared nobly with thy friends and me. Thus is it that thy clear song, ringing on. Is endless inspiration, fresh and free As the old Mays at verge of June sunshine : And musical as then, at dewy dawn. The robin hailed us, and all twinklingly Our one path wandered under wood and vine."
As a poet, his love and emotions were genuine and true. His vision was clear. Nature spoke to him and he understood her language. The joys, the sorrows, the affections of life-he experienced them, and their messages are written in his verses. In a volume of "Interludes," published in 1893, we have them under the following heads : "Songs of Nature," "Home and Affec- tions," "Retrospective," "Sorrow and Bereavement." "Flights of Fancy." "Echoes of War Time," and "Miscellaneous." Who, in the county, has not felt the touching pathos of "The Rose Tree?" Who does not know that he has sung the song of the "Bonnie Brown Quail" without sounding a false note ?
The literary efforts of Mr. Harris, however, were not confined to poetry alone. In January, 1861. he launched The Constitution and Union, a news- paper devoted to the cause of preserving the national Union. Its publication was suspended, however, after about two months. In January, 1880, with Aaron Pope, county superintendent of schools, he began the publication of The Home and School Visitor, and contributed to its columns until the time of his death. He also took editorial charge of The Greenfield Republican for several months in 1881. He is the author of one prose volume. "The Man Who Tramps." published in 1878.
In connection with his school work, and also with his literary efforts. he was fond of recitals, theatricals and entertainments. As his good wife now looks back over their younger days, it seems to her that she was kept busy a goodly portion of the time preparing costumes and other paraphernalia. Our okler people remember particularly, "The Child of Waterloo." which was one of the plays written by Mr. Harris himself, and which was presented at the old Masonic Hall. Mr. Riley was one of the actors in the play, and took the part that Captain Harris had designed specially for his personality.
Mr. Harris departed this life, December 23. 1900. He left to the county
James Whitemit Ruby
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LITERATURE AND ART.
a legacy both as teacher and writer that will always be one of its priceless possessions. Nor have our people been unappreciative. Harris Hall, in the Carnegie library at Greenfield, has been named in his honor. On Saturday afternoon, January 30, 1915, the County Federation, embracing all the liter- ary clubs of Hancock county, gave a memorial program in his honor at the Presbyterian church at Greenfield. The County Federation also presented to the Greenfield library a large portrait of Mr. Harris. All of these things, however, are but the outward manifestations of the affection and deference for him that dwells within the hearts of the people.
JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY.
James Whitcomb Riley, the most illustrious of Indiana poets, was born at Greenfield on October 7, 1849. "His mother," as his biographer states, "was a woman of rare strength of character, combined with deep sympathy and a clear understanding." His father, Reuben A. Riley, was one of our prominent attorneys a half century ago. He also took an interest in public affairs and, during a long and useful life, wrote his name in large letters on the pages of the country's history.
In the village of Greenfield-for it was not incorporated as a town un- til 1850-Mr. Riley spent his boyhood days pretty much as the other boys spent theirs. At school he enjoyed reading and literature. He disliked history and found arithmetic an impossibility. His teacher, Lee O. Harris, directed him in his reading, for which the pupil has always been grateful.
At about sixteen years of age he quit school and undertook to follow pursuits more nearly in line with his own inclinations. He showed some skill with a brush, which his father directed along more practical lines probably than the son had intended. Before his experience ended he became quite proficient as a house, sign and ornamental painter. At least one of his signs, painted for A. J. Banks, is still in existence at Greenfield. Another was long treasured by his friend, E. H. Faut, at New Palestine. For about a year he traveled with a medicine man. Riley's duties consisted in drawing illustra- tions on a black board, of the wholesome effects of the medicines, and to hold the crowds with his humorous sayings.
His musical propensities found expression on the banjo, guitar and violin. He probably never rendered the classics on these instruments, but his enjoy- ment of music with other proclivities that are so vividly reflected in his poetry, always produced merriment for those about him. Like many other boys or young men, he aspired to a place in the brass band, and was given the drum by the AAdelphians. He is said to have been a skillful snare drummer, but that his personality counted for as much in the band as the drum.
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
As he reached manhood his father had a desire to see him take up his own profession, the law. The son did read law for a while and assures us that he made a good-faith effort to learn to love Blackstone and the others. But it was impossible. There was something incompatible between legal prop- ositions and the poetic rhythm with which his soul was vibrating. Before he reached manhood he began writing verses, some of which are preserved in the "biographical edition" of his complete works.
He next began editing a local newspaper at Greenfield, but in his own language, he "strangled the little thing into a change of ownership" in a few months. After contributing poems to the local papers for a time, some of his verses were accepted by the Indianapolis Mirror. the Danbury Notes, and Hearth and Home. The Danbury News (Conn. ) was at that time one of the leading humorous papers in the country, and the acceptance of verses by this sheet must have been very encouraging to the young poet.
Shortly after this he took a position as reporter for the Anderson Demo- crat. He also contributed poems, and continued his efforts to merit the recog- nition of the leading journals and magazines of the country. In these efforts he met many discouragements. Sometimes editors advised him to try prose : then poetry. He felt that his lines merited greater recognition than they were receiving. In fact, he came to the conclusion that critics were influenced by the reputation of a writer-probably more than by the merit of his productions. To prove the latter, he concocted a plan with a friend, the editor of the Kokomo Dispatch, to publish a poem entitled "Leonainie" upon the representation that it was a newly discovered manuscript of Edgar Allen Poe. It was written in Poe's style and published in the Kokomo Dispatch on August 12. 1877. Mr. Riley tells the story of the hoax :
"I studied Poe's method. He seemed to have a theory, rather misty to be sure, about the use of m's and n's and mellifluous vowels and sonorous words. I remember that I was a long time in evolving the name of 'Leonaine." but at length the verses were finished and ready for trial.
"A friend, the editor of the Kokomo Dispatch, undertook the launching of the hoax in his paper: he did this with great editorial gusto, while, at the same time, H attacked the authenticity of the poem in the Democrat. That diverted all possible suspicion from me. The hoax succeeded far too well, for what had started as a boyish prank, became a literary discussion nation-wide. and the necessary expose had to be made. 1 was appalled by the result. The press assailed me furiously, and even my own paper dismissed me because 1 had given the 'discovery' to a rival."
Not long after this episode, Mr. Riley was offered a place on the Indian-
LITERATURE AND ART. 1 429
apolis Journal by Judge E. B. Martindale. Then came the poems by "Benj. 1. Johnson of Boone," published in the Journal. Benjamin F. Johnson was supposed to be an old farmer of Boone county, but his identity was soon (lisclosed and Riley's star was in the ascendent. In 1883. the first edition of the "Old Swimmin' Hole and 'Leven Other Poems" was published. From this time a new volume followed every year or two until 1913. when his complete works were published in .I Biographical Edition of six volumes.
Though success and recognition came slowly, they were of the highest order when they did come. In 1902, Yale conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts. Wabash College at Crawfordsville conferred the same degree in 1903. In 1904 the University of Pennsylvania honored him with the degree of Doctor of Letters, and in 1907, Indiana University confer- red upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. In addition to these honorary degrees, the Academy of Arts and Letters elected him a member, and in 1912 awarded him a gold medal for poetry. On October 7. 1911, Riley Day was observed by the schools of Indiana and New York City. But on September 8. 1915, came the greatest honor of all, when the governor of Indiana issued a proclamation designating and proclaiming October 7, 1915. the anniversary of the birth of Mr. Riley as Riley Day, and urged all the people of the state "to arrange in their respective communities, appropriate exercises in their schools and at other public meeting places; that they display the American flag at their homes and places of business on that day in honor of James Whitcomb Riley, Indiana's most beloved citizen."
For a number of years Riley was also one of the most noted readers on the American platform. Even as a boy in school he was always "ready to declaim, and took natively to anything dramatic or theatrical." At Green- field he was always in demand in local entertainments, and in the early sev- enties he frequently appeared in different parts of the county as a reader. Items may be found in the local papers of "last days" at school that were en- livened by his presence, and of his appearance at other entertainments. He read his own poems. Ilis reputation grew, his sphere widened, and announce- ments were made of his appearance in the county seats and at other points of the state. In 1887 he made his first appearance before a New York aud- ience, and then for a number of years read from the best platforms from Maine to California.
For almost forty years he has been living at Indianapolis. He always remembers his boyhood friends at Greenfield, however, and always is warmly received when he visits his native city. Greenfieldl has always been proud of him as her most illustrious son-probably more so than he himself for
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
many years understood. The teachers and pupils of the Greenfield schools invited him to visit Greenfield on October 7. 1911. the anniversary of his birthday. Children and citizens were cut en masse to greet him. The court yard and street north of the court house were crowded. and from every window and balcony along the street people witnessed the reception. A number of his former friends spoke words of appreciation to Mr. Riley, and to the vast throng that had gathered. Mr. Riley himself spoke a few words and later sent the following letter to the pupils at Greenfield :
"Indianapolis, Indiana, Oct. 9, 1911.
"To the Pupils of the Greenfield Schools, Greenfield, Ind.
"Dear Friends of Mr. Riley :
"Being unable to write to you himself, my uncle has asked ine to express his gratitude for the appreciative birthday greetings you sent to him on behalf of the teachers and pupils of the Greenfield schools. Your greetings were es- pecially welcome, more dear than any of the many others, because they recall the happy days of his youth in Greenfield, many memories of the old home. and the loyalty of the people of Greenfield.
"He asks me to return to his friends, one and all, his gratitude. apprecia- tion and love.
Very truly yours. "EDMUND EITEL."
The Riley home, on West Main street, still stands and is a place of inter- est both to the citizens and to visitors of Greenfield.
WILL H. GLASCOCK.
Will H. Glascock was born in Hancock county. February 10. 1857. He began teaching in the fall of 1877. at Woodbine school house in Center town- ship. His first college training was received at the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana. On August 29, 1880, he was married to Miss Alice Crevis- ton, of Greenfield, Indiana. In 1885, he was elected county superintendent of schools of Hancock county, and served four years. He then served two years as superintendent of the Greenfield city schools, when he was appointed deputy state superintendent of public instruction. After four years of service in the state superintendent's office, he was appointed superintendent of the Blind Institute at Indianapolis. 1895. In 1898, he resigned this position in order to do more university work, and during the next two years he attended Indiana and Chicago universities. In 1900 he was elected superintendent of the schools at Bloomington, Indiana.
In addition to these duties he devoted some time to literary work. Be- sides articles published in the educational journals of the state, he is the
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LITERATURE AND ART.
author of two books, "The Stories of Columbia," published in 1894, and "Young Folk's Indiana," published in 1898. These books were selected for the Young People's Reading Circle library. They may be found now in all the schools of the state that have kept up their Reading Circle libraries.
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