History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Part 43

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 786

USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > History of Hendricks County, Indiana > Part 43

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).

BANKS.

The First National Bank was organized Sept. 23, 1863, by; Si- mon T. Hadley (President), Samnel P. Foote (Cashier), and twen- ty-five others, with a capital stock of $60,000. This was afterward increased to $165,000, and still later decreased to $82,500, the present amount. Simon T. Hadley was succeeded in the presi- dency by. Allen Hess, Jesse R. Cope and John. V. Hadley. The · last named has been President since June, 1877. The present Cash- ier is Benjamin F. Thomas; Assistant Cashier, L. D. Rawlings; Directors, John V. Hadley, Benjamin F. Thomas, Jesse R. Cope, Samuel Little, James A. Bowen, Cyrus Osborn and Enos Hadley. The stockholders number about fifty.

The banking honse of Hadley, Homan & Co., of Danville, was established in July, 1873, by Nicholas T. Hadley, Jehu Hadley, Joseph B. Homan, Isaac Piersol, Mordecai Hadley, William G. Hadley and Zeno Hadley. Business was at first carried on under the name of the Danville Banking Company, the capital stock be- ing $75,000. T'be business was thus conducted until Jan. 1, 1880, when all the stockholders withdrew, excepting Nicholas T. Had- ley and Joseph B. Homan, who constitute the present firm.

PROFESSIONAL.

The professions are well and ably represented in Danville. Those in the law are: Thad. S. Adams, L. A. Barnett, Richard B. Blake, George W. Brill, Leander M. Campbell, Thomas J. Cofer, James

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A. Downard, Charles Foley, John V. Hadley, George C. Harvey, Enoch G. Hogate, Robert F. Hollowell, Murat W. Hopkins, Jo- seph F. Miller, Christian A. Nave, James O. Parker, Newton M. Taylor and James A. Wilson. The physicians in practice are: Bradley B. Bartholomew, Marshall F. Depew, C. E. Farabee, Will- iam J. Hoadley, Frank H. Huron (Hom.), Thomas W. Johnson (Hom.), Leroy H. Kennedy, W. T. Lawson, Madison G. Parker, and Charles A. White.

' CHURCHES.

Methodist Episcopal .- Christianity is more than a creed, more than a philosophy. It has in it the vital significance which is the

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DANVILLE.

life of all creeds. It has a comprehensiveness which embraces everything that is permanent in all of the philosophies, yet beyond them, beyond feeling and beyond intellect, Christianity means living and being. Words may express something of emotion and thought, but Christian faith can only be exemplified in life itself. Life means development and growth. Christianity is most

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thoroughly alive. The benediction which rested upon the few disciples that gathered around the Master when his farewell words were spoken to their sorrowing hearts, has become the power which to-day gives impulse to the civilization of the earth. The idea of "feeling and knowing " that "God's power was in the human heart," which, from the lips of the Moravian missionary, was dropped as a germ into the consciousness of John Wesley, has budded and blossomed and fruited until now it brings spiritual sustention and strength to 25,000,000 of human beings. What its influence has been unto those whose work is done, and whose re- ward has come, can only be computed by celestial mathematics.

Other churches follow in the wake of progress and civilization. Methodism came here with its potent influence strong upon those pioneers that first chopped down a few trees, and cleared away the underbrush to make room for the little patch of corn that should help out in sustaining life, until the cabin should be finished, and the clearing should be lengthened and broadened into the garden and farm. Its power gave strength and courage to them in their loneliness, when, between cabin and cabin, miles of forest and brush intervened, unmarked by roadway or path. In the dreary months and years of isolation, of sturdy, exhausting toil, of strong, stern endeavor, which is almost beyond our comprehension now, upon which has been founded the culture and refinement of suc- ceeding times, Methodism kept alive by its simple faith, courage to wait, to endure, and to do. Those who represented the Method- ist church in those times have done their work and passed to their reward, and they have left the earth fairer through their en- deavors, and they have added nobility and strength to the human spirit by their faith, their devotion, their constancy and their Christian lives.

In the winter of 1882-'3 there was the first Methodist preaching in this region at the house of Robert Wilson, near present Shiloh church, and a class was organized with Robert Wilson as Leader. This was the first class established in the county. Soon after pros- perous classes were organized at North Salem, Danville, Stilesville, Wesley Chapel and at or near Lizton. At the first quarterly meet- ing for White Lick Circuit, held at Robert Wilson's on Oct. 25, 1828, there were present John Strange, P. E .; Joseph Tarkington, A. P .; Peter Monicle, L. P., and Robert Wilson and Wesley Mon- icle, Leaders. At that meeting Aaron Homan, Gideon Wilson and Elisha Kise were appointed a committee to make an estimate of

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the amount necessary to build a meeting-house near Robert Wil- son's. Early the next season the arrangements were perfected and the house built-the first Methodist meeting-house in Hendricks County. At that same meeting the receipts from the different classes were shown to be as follows: Martinsville, $4.312; White Lick, $3.25; Moorsville, $1.50; Wilson's, $3.31}; Claypool's, $2.00; Talbot's, $2.12}; Collen's, $.434; George Monucal, $3.00; John Denny, $1.00; making a total of $19.934, out of which sum John Strange, P. E., received $3.312, and Joseph Tarkington $16.624. These sums may seem small to us, but out of what they possessed they gave more than we do from our abundance, and more than that, it is by the work so well done by those that have passed away that the possibility is given us to enlarge the offer- ings they laid upon the altars of the church.

At the quarterly conference held in Danville, Aug. 4, 1838, it was ordered that P. S. Dicken, Daniel McCreary, Hezekiah Smith, Asa Beck and Elijah M. Crawford be appointed a committee to divide the Danville Circuit into two circuits; also at the same time it was ordered that S. B. Caywood, R. C. Russel and H. Rammel be appointed a committee to form an estimate of the probable cost of building a church in Danville. At a subsequent conference Wm. Henton, R. C. Russel, Wm. C. Cline, James Logan and Samuel Brenton were elected Trustees for the Danville church, which was erected in 1840 on the same lot upon which is situated the present church. This church was occupied for public worship until 1865, when it was converted into a parsonage, and the chapel of the Dan- ville Academy was fitted up and used for church purposes.

Prior to this time the church society in Danville had taken the lead in educational matters by organizing and building up the Danville Academy, which was operated under the auspices of this quarterly conference, furnishing thereby educational advantages of a high grade. This enterprise commenced in 1858 and lasted until 1868. Among the prominent educators who at different times had charge of this school were Profs. Tarr, Lummis, O. H. Smith, J. L. Rippetoe and James Scull. In this enterprise the Methodists of Danville spent abont $18,000. Much good work was done for the development of morals and intellect, and the en- deavor was kept up until there was no longer a necessity for any denomination to lead in school matters, a system of graded schools of high order having been established in the town. To the Meth- odists, more than to any other religious society, is due the credit

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for the educational advantages which have been possessed by Dan- ville in the past, and the high standard which exists now. In the spring of 1878 the society transferred, for a nominal consideration, all of the school property in which they had invested so much to the Central Normal College, and to-day the Methodists see with pleasure that the endeavors which they made thirty years ago are resulting now in this school, a pride to the town, and a blessing to its 800 pupils. The chapel of the Academy was used for church purposes until it was transferred to the Central Normal College in 1878. That year the present church edifice was begun and finished at a cost of $10,000, and on the 26th day of January, 1879, it was dedicated to the service of God. Milton Henton, Moses Keeny, Bloomfield White, B. N. Beale and N. T. Hadley were Trustees during the erection of the present church building, and too much praise cannot be awarded them for the management and care which has resulted in a church home so sightly, pleasant and commo- dious as is the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Danville.

Danville was organized into a station in 1853. Before that, among the preachers who followed each other in the circuit were J. Tarkington, Joseph White, Asa Beck, Israel Lewis, D. F. Streight, Hezekiah Smith, Frank Richmond, J. B. Demotte. After that came the following preachers in charge: C. S. Burgner, N. L. Brakeman, Samuel Godfrey, Allen Gurney, George Warner, Luther Taylor, D. F. Barnes, T. C. Workman, F. Taylor, Nelson Green, Thos. S. Webb, Francis M. Pavey, Samuel P. Colvin, George W. Bower, James H. Claypool, Joseph C. Reed, R. D. Utter, and the present incumbent, Rev. J. H. Hull.

The following is the officiary of the church: Trustees, Milton Henton, Pres. ; E. G. Hogate, Sec .; Geo. W. Wayland, Treas. ; I. N. Estep and Simeon Templin. Stewards, L. D. Rawlings, E. G. Hogate, W. R. McClelland, Dr. F. H. Huron, Dr. T. W. John- son, Dr. C. E. Harlan, Rev. C. W. Stewart, J. M. Graham, Wm. A. Vawter and J. M. Silvey.

The present condition of the church society is most encouraging, looking to present usefulness and future results. The present pastor, Rev. J. H. Hull, was appointed to this station in August, 1884. Formerly he had been Presiding Elder for this district, and is well acquainted with the kind of work necessary to the prosperity of the church and for the fullest evangelical results. The church parlors are so arranged as to be quickly made a part of the auditorium, and it is pleasant to state that the building is

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thus frequently filled to its utmost capacity, giving accommoda. tions to 700 people. We all feel that the church, with its 260 members, is in good condition, numerically, financially and spirit- ually, with a house of worship which can be a home for a great many years to come, and we are looking forward with hope and confidence to a more perfect work, to a much greater influence for the diffusion of a knowledge of that " perfect love which casteth out fear."

The first Sunday-school organized by the Methodists in Dan- ville was opened in the old brick school-house, located on lot 1, block 23, with Henry Rammel as Leader. Father Rammel was at that time an ordained Elder in the church. He died about four years ago at the ripe age of ninety-five. After this organization had continued one year it disbanded, and then there was a union Sun- day-school, with John Baker as Superintendent. This school met in the old Presbyterian church on lot 1, block 15. This continued one year, when the Methodists withdrew from their support, and, as a society, were interested in no school until 1840, when they organized again into a Sunday-school, with John Green as Super- intendent. This school lasted two years and then disbanded.

At a political meeting in the old court-house on Saturday night, in the latter part of October, 1844, there happened to be in attend- ance Hezekiah S. McCormack, Milton Henton and Win. V. Bishop, who were good sterling Methodists. In a conversation then they three resolved that a Methodist Sunday-school should be started the next day week. During the service the next day notice was accordingly given out by the pastor, Rev. D. F. Streight, and on the day fixed this school started on its career with about fifty pupils in attendance, and it has been increasing ever since, until now it numbers over 400, officers, teachers and pupils. Of the three brethren who, even better than they knew, launched it on its onward and upward course, Brother Milton Henton is still with us, teacher of class No. 1, and we are encouraged with the hope that many years may intervene before we are deprived of his efforts and his presence. Brother H. S. McCormack is still living and doing his Master's work. Wm. V. Bishop worked with us until 1876, when he moved to Lebanon, Ind., where, in January, 1881, he finished his course and passed to his reward. Levi Reynolds and H. S. McCormack had charge of this school the first year. In 1845 Levi Reynolds was chosen Superintendent and so served until April, 1846, when H. S. McCormack was elected .. He continued

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in office until April, 1860, when he was succeeded by Dr. Levi Ritter. He was succeeded June 21, 1868, by Charles F. Hogate, who served until June, 1869, when Dr. Ritter was again elected, who served until June 12, 1870, when he was succeeded by D. M. Cox, who died while in office in September, 1870. The school was then conducted by the Assistant Superintendent, A. Cham- bers, until Oct. 9, 1870, when Win. V. Bishop was chosen Super- intendent at a special election. He continued in office until June, 1873, when he was succeeded by E. G. Hogate, who discharged the duties of the office until June, 1876, when R. B. Blake was elected. He was succeeded by A. Chambers March 4, 1877, who had charge of the school until Sept. 30, 1877, when he resigned, and E. G. Hogate was elected to his place. In June, 1878, W. R. McClelland was made Superintendent, and under his able man- agement the school attained to unexampled prosperity, and school and church can but be under lasting obligations to him for his efforts and his devotion to their interests. In June, 1881, he was succeeded by E. G. Hogate, who, in turn again, in June, 1882, was followed by Brother Mcclellan, who kept charge until June, 1884, when Conrad E. Harlan, present Superintendent, was elected to office.

The Secretaries of the school, as far as can be ascertained from the record, have been as follows: Edward Clark, John G. Harding, Ollie Chambers, J. S. Ogden, E. G. Hogate, Otis Hadly, James McLean, Samuel Pierson, Mary Bishop, J. H. Pearson, Jennie Hancock, Jesse Cummins, Carrie Thornbro, James V. Cook. Laura Beckwith, Harry Waterous, Carrie Emmons, Elsie Stewart, Emma McCurdy and Laura McCurdy.

The Treasurers have been Ollie Chambers, Milton Henton, Charles Wynants and Brother Geo. W. Wayland, who has been Treasurer for many years.

The following is the roster of officers and teachers as the school is now organized: Superintendent, Dr. C. E. Harlan; Assistant Superintendents, Dr. T. W. Johnson and Miss A. Kate Huron; Secretary, Laura McCurdy; Treasurer, G. W. Wayland; Teachers, Milton Henton, S. L. Hawkins, C. W. Stewart, Mrs. J. T. McCurdy, Mrs. Serena Dunbar, Mr. S. W. Judy, Mrs. S. Hogate, Miss Melvie Hall, Enoch G. Hogate, Charles S. Wynants, Mrs. C. A. White, Mrs. Olive Pendegrast, Mrs. Mary Ogden, Mrs. Susie Pierson, Miss Delia Phillips, Dr. F. T. Huron, Mrs. J. T. Keeny, Mrs. Alice Pike, Miss May Pierson, John Trotter, Mrs. Wesley Hart, Mrs. E. G. Hogate and Miss Linia Walden.

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This school has done much for the church. The whole church is manned to-day with those who are or have been constant and devoted workers in the school. Trustees, class-leaders, stewards, the whole officiary of the church are in the Sunday-school in some capacity. The church singing is done by the scholars of the school, and with the membership of the church to-day almost with- out exception, from the child who can hardly lisp God's name to those whose hairs are white, and with their work almost done, are awaiting the summons home, the first vital spark of religious en- thusiasm was lighted up in Sunday-school work. As the church of the present is the Sunday-school of the past, so the Sunday- school of the present will be the future church. This school is now on the rising tide, and we are glad to see constant proofs that it is advancing in interest, increasing in numbers and growing in general efficiency, and may it long be "as a city that is set upon a hill, whose light cannot be hid."

Church of Christ .- This congregation of disciples was organized in the fall of 1844 by Elder L. H. Jameson, of Indianapolis. The charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Asa S. White, Mr. and Mrs. James Odell, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley B. Sears, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Bell, Mrs. Margaret McPhetridge, Mrs. Celia Cake, and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Verbrike. Asa S. White, Indianapolis; James Odell, Plainfield; Mrs. Wesley Sears, Danville, are all who are living at this time.

The first officers were: Allen Hess, Asa S. White, Elders; Wes- ley Bell, James Odell, Deacons. The organization was effected at the residence of Asa S. White. For years they met to worship in private houses and in the old court-house. In the year of 1852 the congregation was large enough to build a good frame structure, in which it worshiped for more than twenty years.

They had no settled ministry for many years, but had the teach-, ing of able, godly men, such as L. H. Jameson, Thomas Lock- hart, N. Waters, Wm. Jarrett, John O'Kane, O. P. Badger, A. I. Hobbs, and others.

After the war of the Rebellion Wm. R. Jewell settled with them as their first pastor. He was an able minister, and his work and influence is still felt in this community.

He was followed by U. C. Brewer, who has preached here more or less for thirty years, having been its pastor two different terms of several years each. No man can stand higher in all this com- munity.

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Following ministers have served the church: W. H. Blanks, W. S. Tingley, George G. Peale and Ira J. Chase, who is its present pastor.

Revival meetings have been held by Jewell, Hobbs, Lockhart, J. H. Mccullough, P. T. Russell, Brewer, Jarrett, A. N. Gilbert, John C. Miller, D. R. Van Buskirk, and the present pastor.

The present beautiful and commodious house of worship, the largest in the city, is of brick with a brick chapel annex. Its

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CHRISTIAN CHURCH, DANVILLE.

foundation was laid in 1874-the auditorium 60 x 42, the chapel 56 x 32. The cost was between $15,000 and $20,000.

The Sunday-school was organized in 1852, Moses Cavitt being its first Superintendent. The church numbered at this time (1853) about thirty substantial members. Its present membership is some 260, as shown by the record. Its increase from its organiza- tion may be reckoned at more than 1,000. The present Sunday- school is well attended, and has for its Superintendent Mrs. Mary Hadly, who spares no pains to bring the school to the highest degree of efficiency and power. The school is missionary first and

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last, and has an enrollment of 240, with an average attendance of 154. The attendance on the Lord's day meetings of the church is above the average.

An auxiliary society of the Christian Women's Board of Mis- sions meets monthly, with Mrs. Mary Hadly, Pres .; Mrs. U. C. Brewer, Treas .; Miss Jennie Davis, Sec.

A Ladies' Aid Society is also sustained, looking toward keeping up the necessary repairs, caring for the poor, etc., which holds monthly meetings.

The present church officers are: Pastor, Ira J. Chase; Elders, Dr. W. J. Hoadley and A. J. Bowen; Deacons, James Nichols, Thomas Reynolds, George Acton, William McPhetridge and Albert McLain; Trustees, Hon. John V. Hadly, Hon. James Morgan and Adam Downard; Treasurer, J. J. Bell; Clerk, Ellsworth Acton.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DANVILLE.

The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1832, prominent among the early members being Daniel McAuley and wife, Will- iam McLeod and wife, Jacob K. Moore and wife, Alexander Morris

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and family, and Henry G. Todd. Among the pastors who have served this congregation are Rev. Samuel G. Lowry, Hill, Moody, Chase, Theophilus Lowry, Henry Hammer, Samuel Wishard, Henry L. Dickerson, G. D. Parker and N. S. Dickey. The last named is the present pastor, and resides here. Services are held every Sunday. The first house of worship used by the Presbyterians was a frame structure in the northwest part of town, erected at a cost of $1,000. This was used about ten years, and then the present church was built, at an expenditure of $5,000. It is a frame struct- ure on Main street north-east of the public square. The society is entirely free from debt. The present Elders are Albert Downard, Isaac Lawson and Henry G. Todd ; Deacon, James Christie; Trustees, Jacob K. Moore, William Smith and Henry G. Todd. The mem- bership of the church is now but forty having been reduced by departures, etc. The Sunday-school has an average weekly attend- ance of perhaps ninety, and its Superintendent is Mrs. Spillman.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized by W. T. Ferguson July 30, 1882, and is therefore the youngest church in Danville. The first members were John O. and Elizabeth H. Wish- ard, C. R. Rose, Isaac and Elizabeth Piersol, Emma Barnett, Asa and Margaret Black, W. T. and Anna M. Lawson, S. A. and E. B. Hall, Lawrence, David M. and Mary E. Vannice, Elizabeth Scearce, Mollie E. Warner, Mary E. Cooper, J. B. Harlan, Clem- ence and Nancy Williamson, Mary C. McCord, James and Susan Reed, Ruth A. Cash, Asa and Martha Martin, Charles and Jane Hadley and Ella M. Nave. The society first used the regular Pres- byterian church, then that of the Missionary Baptists. At the first meeting C. R. Rose, S. A. Hall and W. T. Lawson were selected as Ruling Elders; and Asa Black and Isaac Piersol were ordained Deacons. Rev. L. J. Hawkins, of Franklin, was pastor for the first half year, and then Rev. F. P. Witherspoon came to this pul- pit from Lebanon, Tenn. He remained two years, until June, 1885, when he left, and was followed in this charge by Rev. A. H. Whate- ley, also of Lebanon. In December, 1883, the first steps were taken toward erecting a house of worship. January following, J. B. Harlan, W. T. Lawson and Charles Hadley were elected Trustees. At the same meeting B. T. Buford, Isaac Piersol, S. A. Hall, John O. Wishard and W. T. Lawson were chosen as a building committee. Work on the church was begun in the spring of 1884, and completed in November of the same year, and ded- icated Nov. 30, by W. T. Ferguson and the pastor. It cost $6,200

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and will seat 250 persons. B. T. Buford has become Deacon in place of Asa Black. The membership is forty. Mrs. Anna Law- son is Superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of sixty to eighty.

The Regular Baptist Church was organized early in the " thir- ties." Early members were William Faught and wife, Thomas Flathers and wife, Joel Jelf and L. T. Pounds. Elder J. W. Thomas preached for some time previous to 1836. Elders William Har- din and Thomas Hooten each served for a number of years. The latter's back was broken by a falling shed and he died a year after the distressing accident. Elder Erasmus D. Thomas commenced his labors here before the war. Services are held monthly. The brick church used by this society was erected in 1854 and 1855, at a cost of $1,500. It will seat 500. The members, many of whom live in the country, number 100. The church has no debt. There is no Sunday-school.

The Missionary Baptist Church was organized Nov. 9, 1850, by members from the Belleville church. Prominent in this move- ment were Moses Cavett and wife, Rufus Tharpe, Richard Christie and David Downs. They soon built them a house of worship, which cost perbaps $1,200. The money for this was raised chiefly through the efforts of the wife of the first pastor. The present minister is Rev. Mr. Chaffee, a professor in Franklin College, who comes here the second and fourth Sunday in each month. He com- menced his labors here in the spring of 1885. Previous to that date there was an interim of two years without services. This period came after the pastorates of Harper, Sherrill and Beman. The present membership of the church is forty. The Sunday-school, under the superintendency of H. H. Crawford, has an average attendance of fifty.

The Friends' Church (of Mill Creek Monthly Meeting) was organ- ized in 1875. The first members were Henry and B. F. Howell, Wyatt Osborn, William F. Hamrick, William Cox, John War- nock, John McPheters and their wives, Mrs. J. W. Estep, and E. L. Smith. Within a year steps were taken toward building a church, which was completed in 1876 at a cost of $4,000, and is entirely paid for; situated on the corner of Cross and South streets. Services are held the first and fifth days of each week. The membership is about 100, and the Sabbath-school has an attendant membership of sixty, and meets at 9:15 a. m. of each first day. Abraham Trueblood is Superintendent.

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History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Part 43

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co. Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Number of Pages: 786

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 786