USA > Indiana > Howard County > History of Howard County, Indiana, Vol II > Part 3
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
The Haynes-Apperson Company turned out five cars during the first year their factory was in operation, three of which were taken to the Ohio State Fair in 1806, where the proprietors received three hundred and fifty dollars for the exhibit. In 1867 the Haynes-Apperson Auto Company was organize'l with greatly en- larged facilities, the firm thus constituted lasting until the fall of 1901, when Mr. Apperson withdrew and Mr. Haynes became pro- prietor, under whose management the enterprise has since been known as the Haynes Auto Company. By the second year the out- put of the factory had increased to fifty-five machines, which was more than doubled the year following, during which one hundred and ten were made and sold, this number being insufficient to meet the steadily growing demand from many parts of the country. To supply this demand the establishment was enlarged from time to time, new and improved implements and appliances being adopted with a corresponding increase in the working force, quite a number of mechanics being employed. all selected with special reference to their efficiency and skill. Two hundred autos were turned out the fourth year and from which time. until 1907, the annual output averaged two hundred and fifty. but in the latter year the number was increased to three hundred and fifty, which represents the pres- ent capacity of the factory.
As indicated by the above figures the steady growth of the auto- mobile industry made imperative a corresponding increase in the capacity and manufacturing facilities of the establishment. Accord- ingly additional improvements have been made from year to year in the way of buildings and equipment. the plant at this time. ( 1908) consisting of three large and well constructed buildings. each forty by two hundredl and seventy-five feet in size, and two stories high. besides a number of additional structures devoted to various uses, the floor space of the main structure being in excess of
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MORROW'S HISTORY
eighty thousand square feet. The number of men employed by the company will average between four hundred and five hundred per year. the force consisting of experienced and thoroughly capable niechanics, selected with reference to their specific lines of work. also many skilled artisans for the departments in which a high order of technical training is required. The sum of two hundred thou- sand dollars represents the annual payroll of the establishment. and a conservative estimate places the capital invested at three hun- (lred thousand dollars, practically all the stock being held by resi- dents of Indiana, the bulk by citizens of Kokomo and Portland, In- diana. In 1908 a great improvement was made in the engine, its superiority being such as to create a widespread demand, to supply which taxes the plant to its utmost capacity. Indeed for some time past it has been impossible to keep pace with the growing demand for the Haynes car and already the propriety of an additional en- largement of the plant is being seriously considered, the increase of the business rendering imperative such improvement in the near future.
Mr. Haynes does not make racing cars, nevertheless he has won honors and prizes in not a few important contests with the ordi- uary auto, and that, too, in competition with the leading racers throughout the country, all of light weight. but equipped with large and powerful engines. \ reference to the subjoined list of contests in which a series of prizes were won and a record second to that of no other automobile in the world established will afford the reader some idea of the speed, durability and high standing of the Haynes machine, which is not only the oldest, but conceded in every im- portant particular to be one of the best today on the market.
The company of which he is the head is now entering upon the fourteenth year in the manufacture of automodiles, and as al- ready indicated is the oldest establishment of the kind on the Amer-
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
ican continent. These fourteen years have been spent not alone in perfecting the mechanical details of the product, but in diligent and costly search for materials best adapted to each and every point. In the construction of the cars material that has proven satis- factory, regardless of the cost, is used. Finding it impossible in some instances to secure steels of suitable quality in the open mar- ket, the company has been obliged to have some of its steel made after a special formula, devised by Mr. Haynes, who is an expert metalurgist, having devoted much time to experiment in this partic- ular branch of laboratory work.
As indicated in a preceding paragraph, the plant is equipped with special machinery of the most up-to-date patterns, selected and designed to give the most minute accuracy of mechanical detail, while in the construction of the car every effort has been made to combine sturdy endurance with pleasing lines and serviceable luxury in their appointments. Several styles of cars are manufactured, one of the most popular and now in almost general use being the rin- about, which has extensive sale and which is continually growing in favor. The other models have also gained wide repute throughout the country, their increasing popularity being attested by a demand which the company at this juncture finds it impossible to satisfy. The company has branch houses in New York City, Chicago, Buffalo, and other points, where the machines are handled by ca- pable and far-sighted business men who have built up an extensive patronage, which, like the demands on the home plant, is steadily growing in magnitude and importance.
As may readily be inferred from the foregoing brief account of one of Kokomo's most important and far-reaching industries, Mr. Haynes is a man of ability and good judgment, whose mechanical skill has won him world-wide recognition, and whose enterprising spirit few difficulties can discourage. A man of acton, he is rarely
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MORROW'S HISTORY
mistaken in his judgment of men and things, and readily foresees future possibilities relating to his business interests and determines with a high degree of accuracy their probable bearing. In all transactions he has ever manifested scrupulous integrity and gentle- manly demeanor, and by reason of large success, honorable reputa- tion, unblemished character and just and liberal life, he has nobly earned the esteem in which he is held. While giving personal atten- tion to his large and growing business enterprise, he discharges the (luties of citizenship as becomes a broad-minded American of today. and is also interested in all that is calculated to benefit his com- munity and promote the welfare of his fellow men.
EVENTS WON BY HAYNES CARS.
1895-First prize, one hundred and fifty dollars for balanced motor, awarded by Chicago Times-Herald. Speed record, Louisville, Kentucky. 1897-Speed record, Charles River Track, Boston, Massachusetts. 1890-First one thousand mile run in America. This was accom- plished by the Phaeton, which ran from Kokomo to New York City.
1001-Kokomo to New York in seventy-three hours.
First prize, blue ribbon certificate, Long Island endurance run : one hundred miles during heavy rainstorm with- out a single stop.
First prize in the New York-Rochester endurance contest. First prize certificate in the New York-Rochester endur- ance contest.
First prize, silver cup, five-mile speed contest, Fort Erie track. Buffalo. New York.
First prize, silver cup, ten-mile speed contest, Pointe Grosse track, Detroit, Michigan.
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Gold medal award, Pan-American Exposition.
1902-Blue ribbon or highest award at the Long Island non-stop contest.
Blue ribbon or highest award at the Decoration Day run. First-class certificate in New York-Boston-New York reli- ability contest-standard model. First-class certificate in New York-Boston-New York reli- ability contest-surrey model, 1903-First-class certificate in New York-Pittsburg run-touring car.
First-class certificate in New York-Pittsburg run-runabout. 1904-First-class certificate in New York-St. Louis run. Grand prize, World's Fair, St. Louis,
1905-Qualified in the Vanderbilt cup race with stock car. 1906-Qualified in the Vanderbilt cup race with stock car. In the final race, held third place on the American team. 1907-Silver cup, Automobile Dealers' Association of Southern California. Five mile race for complete touring cars. New York Motor Club, New York-Albany endurance con- test, two hundred miles through mud and rain. Silver cup for mechanical excellence and finishing first in its class.
Perfect score in four days, sealed bonnet contest. Automo- bile Club of America, six hundred miles with all work- ing parts under seal-finished without a single adjust- mient.
Perfect score in Chicago Motor Club sealed bonnet contest- one hundred and seventy-six miles with all working parts under seal.
Perfect score in Chicago Motor Club sealed bonnet contest- one hundred and seventy-six miles with all working parts under seal.
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Perfect score in Chicago Motor Club sealed bonnet contest- one hundred and seventy-six miles with all working parts under seal.
Perfect score in run from Los Angeles to Lakeside-most strenuous contest over mountainous roads.
Perfect score in the Glidden tour. The most difficult tour- ing contest held in America.
Made fastest time of any car in its class, irrespective of price. in the Algonquin hill climb, Chicago automobile contest. Perfect score in New Jersey Automobile Motor Club's twen- ty-four-hour endurance contest.
The only perfect score in the Chicago motor score in the Chicago Motor Club's six hundred-mile reliability con- test.
1908-Two perfect scores in the Glidden tour of 1908: only two cars entered.
LEVI P. RICH.
The family of which the subject of this review is a creditable representative has been known in Howard county since the pioneer period and. without invidious comparison. it can with propriety be said that no other name is better known or more highly esteemed in Howard county. Honored and respected by all, there is today no man in the county who occupies a more enviable position in com- mercial circles than Levi P. Rich, not alone by the success he has achieved but also by reason of the commendable and straight- forward business policy which he has ever pursued and the blame- less life he has lived. The Rich family has been known in the
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
United States since the colonial days, and for many years it was closely identified with the history of Randolph county, North Caro- lina, where the subject's ancestors appear to have settled on their arrival from England at a period antedating by a number of years the struggle for independence. Thomas Il. Rich, the subject's father, a native of the above county and state, migrated to Indiana in 1831 with his parents and settled near Carmel, Hamilton county. where his father, Isaac Rich, purchased land, developed a farm and in due time became one of the leading agriculturists and representa- tive citizens of his community. After residing there until 1848, he disposed of his interests and moved to Howard county, settling in Monroe township, where he bought a quarter section of land which he cleared and otherwise improved and on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1862, at the age of sixty-four years. Thomas H. Rich, son of Isaac and father of Levi P., was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, and in 1831 accompanied his parents to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. During that time he made the acquaintance of Betsy Peacock, of Grant county, to whom he was later united in marriage. Mrs. Rich was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, and in 1820. when thirteen years old, was brought to Indiana by her parents. Asa and Dinah Peacock, who settled near Richmond, where they became prominent members of the Friends church, with which religious body Mr. and Mrs. Rich were also members. Mr. l'ea- cock was a native of Georgia, but in an early day moved to North Carolina and for a number of years was a well-known resident of Guilford county, where he married and became the father of several children. His removal to Indiana in the early times when roads were mere traces through the wilderness was an experience fraught under many difficulties and hardships, not the least of which was the absence of means of conveyance, the older members of the
MORROW'S HISTORY
family being obliged to make the long and tiresome journey on foot, Mrs. Rich, then a maiden of thirteen, being one of the number reduced to this necessity.
After a residence of nine years in Hamilton county following his marriage, Thomas H. Rich and family moved to Howard county, where his father had preceded him by one year, and settling in Monroe township in due time cleared and developed a good farm about one and one-half miles northeast of New London, which at that time was one of the most thriving and progressive towns in the northern part of the state. He became a leading agriculturist and prominent citizen, was an active and influential member of the Friends church and in no small degree became a molder of opinion in the community of his residence. Among the many improve- ments on his farm was a fine dwelling erected in the year 1862, but after occupying it about seven years he rented his farm and changed his place of residence to Kokomo, where he made his home from 1860 until his death in 1872, at the age of fifty-three years. He was ever public-spirited. manifesting a lively interest in the cause of religion and education and all enterprises for the general welfare of the community were sure to enlist his sanction and hearty co-operation. Mrs. Rich survived her husband twenty-nine years, departing this life in Kokomo in her eighty-sixth year. She, too, was a leader among the Friends, a regular attendant at all meet- ings for public worship and an elder of the church, seldom if ever failed to be present at the annual gatherings in which her voice was frequently heard in earnest and eloquent exhortation. The family of this excellent couple consisted of one son and five daughters whose names in order of birth were as follows: Matilda. who married George D. Stalker, a farmer in Iowa, in which state their respective deaths occurred: Minerva, who remained with her mother, ministering to her comfort and otherwise looking after her
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
interests until the latter's death, she dying unmarried in the year 1907; Elmira, wife of David Haisley, lives at Burr Oak in the state of Kansas; Levi P. is the fourth of the family; the next in succession being Deborah, now Mrs. D. R. Barbour, of Westfield. Indiana: Angeline, the youngest of the children, married Robert Harrison and lives in the city of Kokomo.
Levi P. Rich was born September 27. 1848, on the family homestead in Hamilton county, Indiana, and when about one year old was brought by his parents to Howard county, within the geographical limits of which his subsequent life has been passed. He was reared under wholesome moral influences and early was taught lessons of industry and frugality and grew to the full stature of manhood with the proper conception of the dignity of honest toil and a full appreciation of the duties devolving upon him as a mem- ber of society and citizen of the government, in which merit and not class privilege affords the true test of success. At the proper age he entered the schools of New London, which at that time enjoyed much more than local repute for excellence, and in due time earned an honorable record as a diligent and exemplary student. Under the auspices of the Friends church, which manifested great interest in matters educational, the schools of the town were extensively patron- ized by the leading families of the large area of territory, the princi- pal being a college graduate and an excellent instructor and his as- sistants men and women of wide experience in their respective lines of work. Under these fortituous circumstances young Rich made the most of his opportunities and not only kept pace with his classes but in some studies went far in advance of his fellow pupils, earn- ing as already stated an honorable standing in the school as well as the reputation of a boy of steady habits with the object in view of eventually becoming a good and useful citizen. During the spring and summer seasons he assisted his father in the cultivation of the
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MORROW'S HISTORY
crops, not the least of which were the fifty or sixty acres of broom corn raised each year, this requiring much attention while growing and no little hard labor to cut and prepare for the factory. In this work Levi bore his part, also helped to cut logs which were sawed into lumber and taken to New London to be made into broom handles. It was while working in a planing mill in June, 1869. at that line of industry that young Rich met with a painful accident which maimed him permanently, namely, the loss of an arm, which unfortunate occurrence changed his future life.
Shortly after this accident Mr. Rich decided to rent his farm and move to Kokomo the better to afford his son the advantages of an advanced education, for he readily foresaw that a man with but a single arm could not successfully make his way through the world at mere physical labor. In due time, therefore, the family removed to the county seat and as soon as it could be conveniently arranged Levi was sent to Earlham College, at Richmond, where by reason of business depression and sickness he was permitted to pursue his studies only one year. Returning home in the spring of 1872. he purchased his father's broom shop in Kokomo and notwithstand- ing his maimed condition soon became an expert broom maker, turning out a larger number of brooms with his one arm than some of his workmen could make with two. He continued this enter- prise with encouraging success for a period of eight years, during which time he employed from two to six assistants and built up a large and lucrative business, manufacturing for both the local and general trade. In the spring of 1878 he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of county recorder, and his election following as a foregone conclusion, the Democracy being in a minority, he took charge of the office in November of the year fol- lowing and discharged the duties of the position in an able and eminently satisfactory manner until the expiration of his term in 1883.
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Mr. Rich possesses clerical ability of a superior order which. united with his uniform courtesy and kindly manner, made him not only an exceedingly capable but also one of the most accomplished and popular public servants that the people of Howard county have ever honored with such an important trust. During the six years following his retirement from office he devoted his attention to real estate and insurance. but in 1893 abandoned those lines of business and began dealing in furniture, purchasing the stock belonging to the M. C. Kitchen estate, which for a number of years was the largest and most successful establishment of the kind in Kokomo. Since becoming proprietor of this establishment Mr. Rich has added greatly to his stock, which now comprises full lines of all kinds of furniture demanded by the general trade, and by his uniformly courteous relations with the public, as well as by his superior busi- ness methods, has built up an extensive patronage and forged to the front as one of the most enterprising and successful of the city's business men. He changed his location in 1900 from No. 21 South Main street to the southwest corner of the public square, where he now has much larger and more convenient quarters, occupying two floors of a large brick building in which is to be found everything in the furniture line to suit the ordinary or most fastidious taste. In connection with the furniture business a thoroughly equippe.I undertaking establishment was maintained for several years, but is now conducted by his son, Kenneth H. Rich, and our subject's former partner. R. W. Dimmitt, who command a patronage second to no other undertaker in the city.
From 1891 to 1894 Mr. Rich served in the city council and proved a valuable member, being chairman of the building com- mittee during his incumbency, and for two years during the regime of Mayor Thorne served as presiding officer of that body during the absence of the mayor. As chairman of the building committee
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MORROW'S HISTORY
he was largely instrumental in bringing about the erection of the present beautiful and imposing city hall, taking an active part in preparing plans and specifications, in the adoption of which his ideas and influence finally prevailed. This edifice, which cost the sum of forty thousand dollars, is an ornament to the city, a credit to the promoters and everything considered is one of the finest structures that could possibly be erected for the amount expended in its construction. Mr. Rich was also instrumental in promoting other valuable municipal legislation and while councilman never let an opportunity for benefiting the city pass unimproved, and to him as much perhaps as to any other member is due the credit of encouraging industries that tend to the material advancement of the community, besides taking an active interest in all enterprises and measures having for their object the intellectual, social and moral welfare of his fellow citizens.
On December 30th, of the year 1873. occurred the marriage of Mr. Rich and S. Josie Heston, a native of Wabash and for a num- ber of years one of the accomplished and popular teachers of that county, a union blessed with the birth of three sons, of whom Kenneth Heston, one of the rising young business men of Kokomo, is at the present time a member of the firm of Rich & Dimmitt, undertakers: he is a married man, his wife having formerly been Grace Morgan, of Kokomo, a lady well known and greatly esteemed in the best social circles of the city. Cecil A., the third in order of birth, who is operator and bookkeeper of the Indiana Natural Gas and Oil Company of Kokomo, is a young man of excellent social and business standing, enjoying the confidence of his employers and the high regard of all with whom he mingles. The first born, Eddie, died at the age of four and a half years.
Mr. Rich has been an enthusiastic Odd Fellow for thirty years. having been honored with the important official positions in the
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
local lodge to which he belongs, besides representing it from time to time in the Grand Lodge of the state. He is also identified with the Ben-Hur lodge, and besides serving as the first chief of the organization in Kokomo has been untiring in his efforts to promote the growth and make it meet the purposes for which designed. . \ birthright member of the Friends church, he has long been an influential factor in the cause of religion and morality in Howard county, being a leader in the Kokomo congregation, an active mem- ber and worker in the Sunday school and for many years super- intendent of the same, also a teacher of much more than ordinary ability and experience. A firm believer in the truths of revealed religion he has devoted years of close and critical study to the Holy Scriptures, and is regarded as one of the most scholarly and erudite Bible students as well as one of the ablest and most thorough expositors of the Sacred Word in this part of the country. His deep and abiding interest in matters religious has led him to attend many of the yearly meetings of his church, besides representing as a delegate his own and the Sunday schools of the city in the county and state Sunday school associations, in the deliberations of which bodies his opinions always carry weight and command respect. As a Sunday school superintendent he long ago set a commendable example by always being on time, and during his protracted period of service in this important office he has yet the first time to be tardy. His life has been a strenuous one, replete with duty ably and faithfully performed, and having ever labored for the best interests of the public and for his fellow men, it is a source of satis- faction to realize that the future awaits him with abundant rewards.
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WILLIAM WILSON BARNES.
A correct biography of this venerable citizen will show perhaps as much variety of character and event as generally falls to the lot of one man. In early life a merchant's apprentice, then successively a farmer, teacher, mechanic, merchant, politician, public official. real estate dealer, grain buyer, timber and lumber dealer, journalist. in all of which his success was marked, while his influence as an energetic, progressive man of affairs made him a leader among the people of the various communities in which he resided.
William Wilson Barnes is a native of Connecticut, born in the old historic county of Fairfield on the 12th day of November. 1819. His family has been represented in America since the colonial period, his grandfather, Stephen Barnes, an Englishman by birth, emigrating to this country prior to the war of the Revolution, and settling in Connecticut, where he secured a large and valuable estate and became one of the leading men of the community in which he lived.
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